Read this review on my blog and enter for a chance to win ARC of this book! --> Tempest by Julie Cross

When I began reading, I didn’t realize just how much time traveling, or jumping, Jackson would be doing. I was worried that I would be confused or get lost by him going back and forth so often, but it was not the case at all. The book flows brilliantly with no hiccups in its pacing.

As you may have noticed, this book is narrated by a boy. That’s right! We don’t have nearly enough YA books narrated by boys. Jackson Meyer starts off as your typical nineteen-year-old guy, special abilities aside. Impulsive, fun, charming, afraid of commitment despite his strong feelings for his girlfriend...normal teen guy stuff. What makes him special--again, special abilities aside--is that he’s also loving, tender, and loyal. I loved that he loves music. There were some pretty awesome song mentions in this book that included some of my personal favorites! All these things made him such a real character. But as things begin to unravel in his life, he realizes that he has to be better, become more, if he wants to keep Holly safe, because his fears might just be the death of her. Ok, I must confess...I fell completely head-over-heels in love with Jackson. He had me laughing and swooning, which really is the best combo. Every girl wants a guy that is funny but can also sweep you off your feet. Well, at least this girl does. :) He also had some really heartbreaking moments in the book. I found myself with tears in my eyes at some of those.

We got to know Holly, Jackson’s girlfriend, in a unique way. We meet her as present day, 009 Holly, but we get to know her better as a seventeen-year-old, 007 Holly, when Jackson jumps back two years. She is sweet, fun, and impulsive. Her future self is also sweet and fun, but a little more reserved. I loved that while Jackson was in the past, he treated younger Holly with more care because of her age. Despite having already been with her in the future, he doesn’t want to take advantage of her now, no matter how much he wants her. I found that very admirable! I thought sex was treated very responsibly in this book, and at the same time, it also showed us all the love and emotions that can go along with it. Overall, their relationship was very romantic and I really loved their chemistry.

Jackson’s friend and partner in crime, Adam, was also a great source of laughter. Yes, he’s a science geek, but his dead-pan humor and rational personality give him a cool edge. Jackson’s dad, Kevin, was someone who always tugged at my heart. He’s fierce but has this huge heart, and I always believed in him. Remember those heartbreaking moments I mentioned before? A few involved Kevin and also Jackson’s twin sister, Courtney. I don’t want to get into Courtney too much in this review, because I feel that so much of that shapes Jackson after he gets stuck two years in the past. As far as the bad guys in the story go, it was very intriguing. I found myself on the fence pretty much until the end of the book.

The end of the book. *sigh* Oh, it was so sad! I know Jackson is doing the right thing, and I agree with it, but it is still heartbreaking! It's really good, though, don't get me wrong! Just sad...

Like Jackson says in this book, “Erase everything you’ve ever heard about time travel, because it will just confuse you.” This was a completely new take on time-traveling. Not only is Tempest incredibly unique, it is so smart and beyond heartfelt. There’s also nail-biting action and intrigue page after page! I just couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I can’t wait to see what else Julie Cross has in store for us in the rest of this series. I do know that it will be amazing, just like Tempest. I have zero doubts about that.