The Vincent Boys [Kindle Edition]

You know how sometimes when you're reading a book, you get all wrapped up in the emotions and that fluttery feeling starts in your chest? That's how I felt reading The Vincent Boys. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Abbi Glines kept me up way past my bedtime, and not for the first time! (Not that she'll feel any guilt over this whatsoever.)

Beau, Sawyer, and Ashton were inseparable growing up, and Ashton and Beau were best friends. That is, until the boys started to notice that Ashton was changing in ways they didn't really expect. Pretty soon, it wasn't Ashton, her best friend Beau, and his cousin Sawyer; it was Ashton, her boyfriend Sawyer, and his cousin Beau. And Beau just sat back and watched for years, because Sawyer had moved first. But that didn't mean he liked what he saw. He saw Ashton changing again. She was trading in her fun-loving side for a girl who visited the nursing home on a regular basis, who never smarted off at anyone, and who never really spoke her mind. Then, when Sawyer goes on vacation, Ashton seems to remember what it was like to cut loose and begins to miss that part of her life. So she turns to the one person she knows will remember: Beau.

The chemistry between Ashton and Beau was A-ma-zing. Talk about sizzle! I loved their interactions and banter. In hindsight, perhaps Beau was a leeeetle possessive of Ashton, but when I was reading it wasn't something that bothered me. I think that's because Ashton is most definitely the kind of girl who can stick up for herself and isn't afraid to speak her mind to Beau, or anyone else later on. When Ashton lets herself be walked all over, I wanted to shake and her, and yell that I knew she was made of stiffer stuff than the way she was acting. It's always frustrating to see a strong character acting weak. Ashton realizes that's exactly what she's been doing, and Beau helps her break through her "good girl" patterns. She saw it as an internal struggle between being the good girl or the bad girl, but really it was about being the person everyone expected her to be or following her heart and being her true self.

I liked Sawyer, but not nearly as much as Beau. Probably because we get to know a lot more about Beau, being that the story alternates between his point of view and Ashton's. Some of my favorite parts were when we were inside Beau's head. *fans self* I'll just go ahead and point out here that this is definitely a book for older teens and young adults. There are some racier scenes, so keep that in mind if you're looking to recommend to a teen. Another issue that I've considered when I look back at the book is that if Ashton and Beau give in to their hearts, she'll be cheating on Sawyer. Again, oddly, this didn't bother me because she was so clearly with the wrong cousin! The way their relationship evolves is so natural and sweet. And more often than not, things aren't always black and white, just like in their situation.

If you're looking for a good read with fantastic characters, a good plot, and swoon-worthy scenes, The Vincent Boys is right up your ally! Did I mention there are boys with trucks? I really don't know what it is with me and boys who drive trucks. I'm a sucker for them, though. Is this a Southern thing? Sometimes, there's just something sexy 'bout a truck.

Also, love the cover!

I read this story in a day and really have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand it was sweet to see Ash and Beau finally find each other, but on the other hand there were a lot of painful situations and heartache caused by cheating and not accepting responsibility.
Ash, Beau and his cousin Sawyer have been lifetime friends until Sawyer and Ash begin dating in high school. Beau has always loved Ash and takes out his frustration of not having her by being the town bad boy. One summer, Sawyer is away and Ash and Beau rekindle their friendship, only it turns into something more.

This book is also a great commentary on how easy it is for children to commit the same errors as their parents. Honey Vincent sleeps around without regard to whose husband it is and her son, beau sleeps around and with his cousin's girl. Sawyer's Dad dated the "wh%re" Honey in high school and Sawyer went out with the "wh%re" Nicole as his first girlfriend. Ash's mom marries the perfect man - a preacher, eventually getting through life hooked on anxiety pills. Ash dates the perfect boy - Sawyer. And then the great irony of Ash calling Lana's cheating father a "douchebag" when she is doing the SAME EXACT THING to Sawyer.

Over all, this story was somewhat depressing. No one really did the right thing, and many people were hurt, so if you are looking for a fantasy love story that will take you away and make you sigh in contentment, this is not the story for you. But if you want to read about something that actually could have happened and about forgiveness and real life, than this painful story is a more accurate portrayal.

Would I/Did I buy it? Yes (2.99)
Would I read it again? No
Would I recommend it to friends? Yes

Love love LOVE this story. The chemistry between Beau and Ashton is amazing, and their relationship has been a long time coming. Although this story is technically about Beau and Ashton turning their backs on the one person they both love, Sawyer, the attraction between the two is undeniable and you can't help but want them to be together anyway. Ashton has a constant struggle in herself and the person she's tried so hard to become to be "worthy" of being Sawyer's girlfriend, and you can really see her trying to break free and find that old spirit of hers whenever she's with Beau.

The character development in this story is great, and I think is what makes the story so strong. I love the Southern charm to all of Glines' stories. It makes me wish I could live there and experience it all too. I love that Ashton is able to find her true self with Beau, I love the love-that-will-cross-oceans kind of love described in this story and it takes my breath away.

I'm completely obsessed with Gline's stories and I can't wait for her newest one to come out. This one is a must read! I went off to read Gline's first story after reading this one, but I still like this one better. The attraction is raw and you can't help but find yourself wanting the kind of love that Ash is so desperately seeking in the beginning of the story too.