Review: Nothing Like Paris by Amy Jo Cousins (Bend or Break #2)
Nearly three years ago, Jack Tarkington swore he would never return to the small town he grew up in. He left behind his parents and the only boy he's ever loved. After several altercations with a fellow student in Carlisle College, one who Jack blames after the student's father is convicted of a Ponzi scheme that counts Jack's parents as one of his victims, he's kicked out and is forced to return to Colchester Falls with his proverbial tail between his legs. His return is bound to be a surprise to everyone, but most especially to the one person who was completely blindsided when Jack abruptly left years ago--his ex, Miguel Vargas.
They made plans together, plans that were all for naught after Mike's father suffered a heart attack, leaving him to decide to stay in Colchester Falls and take care of the family-owned farm and business. It was a decision that probably cost him his relationship with Jack Tarkington, but it was Jack that upped and left for Carlisle, vowing never to return. Mike's not sure why Jack's suddenly back in town, but his return is stirring up feelings, some of which Mike though he had long buried. He may be willing to offer Jack a job, but he's not willing to give the guy his heart and trust only to end up getting both broken all over again.
Nothing Like Paris is the second novel in author Amy Jo Cousin's Bend or Break series and features Jack Tarkington, an antagonist of sorts from the first novel, Off Campus. This is a second chance romance between Jack and his first love, Miguel Vargas--known as Mike to everyone else, including his family, but is called Miguel by Jack. There are a lot of unresolved feelings--both negative and positive--between Jack and Miguel and the sudden reunion between the two comes off as rather unwelcome. It's been three years since Miguel decided to stay in their hometown and Jack left for Carlisle, three years of hurt and anger.
I read this sequel right after finishing its predecessor, which I absolutely loved, so my expectations where set high and I certainly wasn't disappointed. While Tom Worthington and Reese Anders are a hard couple to beat, I liked the dynamic between Jack and Miguel. There was the expected awkwardness but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Miguel didn't necessarily hold back in making it clear to Jack that while he may have been left behind, his life went on. But even with the animosity, the connection still existed, merely requiring both of them to want to make that re-establish it and deal with all their past hang-ups.
For those who have read the first book, it's no secret how much of a jerk Jack was to Tom, even though his motivation was something I could empathize with, so I loved being able to see a different side of him here and learn his story. Two things that earned Jack bonus points as far as I was concerned: 1. His act of redemption (and I'll leave it at that, so you'll have to read the book to figure out what exactly I'm talking about), and 2. Getting rid of the not-too-hip hipster 'stache (just saying...). Jack's shared story with Miguel shows that true love, sometimes, simply has to wait for the right time. Five stars for Nothing Like Paris. ♥
Date Read: 21 November 2015
Learn more about Amy Jo Cousins.
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