Reviews

Real World by Amy Jo Cousins

jackiehorne's review against another edition

4.0

In this sequel to [b:Off Campus|22857416|Off Campus (Bend or Break, #1)|Amy Jo Cousins|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1407159048s/22857416.jpg|42423793], we catch up with couple Tom and Reese a few years after college graduation. Tom is studying for an MBA and working in finance, not very joyfully, while Reese is working as a receptionist for a marketing company. Reticent Tom grows increasingly upset when he hears that his father, jailed for ripping off millions in a ponzi scheme, is soon to be released from jail, but he can't seem to bring himself to talk to Reese about his fears. And his anxiety only worsens when some money goes missing at the office where he works; do his boss and his colleagues suspect him? Reese tries his best to draw Tom out, first by talking, then with great sex, but nothing he does seems to work. Meanwhile, Reese is dealing with his own issues, taking on extra work at the office in hopes of getting promoted, and flirting with his boss. Will Tom and Reese's problems pull them apart? Or can they find a way to communicate amidst their own worries and fears?

Cousins does great work showing how even in a committed relationship, personalities and outside pressures can make communication difficult. She also shows how forcing oneself to be honest with one's partner, despite one's own vulnerabilities and fears, is part of the hard work that goes into maintaining a relationship.

lifeand100books's review against another edition

3.0

I'm happy that I continued reading Tom and Reese's story. Reese has made so much progress, it was wonderful to see how much he's healed. As for Tom....I feel like he hasn't grown much. He's still completely stuck in his head and won't reach out. After the way he finally accepted help in OFF CAMPUS I thought we'd be on the road to realizing it was ok to ask for help. And that it was ok to let Reese in. Relationships are hard work and the work never stops, this book illustrates that wonderfully, but I just wish there had been a bit more growth from Tom.

runningonbooks's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

sonni89's review against another edition

4.0

I liked this a lot. I loved checking in with Reese and Tom, and the ending of this story was the stuff of dreams. I loved that Steph and Cash also heavily featured in this and was glad to get glimpses of Rafi and Denny who seem truly solid. But yeah, I love Reese and Tom a lot and am glad they are figuring stuff out as a couple, and that this was pretty low on the drama and just focused on them becoming stronger as a pair.

kiki124's review

4.0

After HEA,
the real work begins. These are
my favorite boys.

araleith's review against another edition

4.0

I'm not always a fan of romances that return to an already established couple, but in this case, I am super glad that we got to see more of Reese and Tom. This was such a sweet book, with people being human about things in a way you don't always see in romances.

emilyrpf's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

stenaros's review against another edition

3.0

Cousins has stated that Tom and Reese are her two favorite characters and she wrote this book to give them their happily ever after. I'm also a fan of Tom and Reese and was happy to read their happily ever after. But I think Cousins's love of Tom and Reese got in the way of dramatic tension in the book. It's a pleasant ride, especially if you aren't looking for any drama.

cherryblossomreads's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

t_hendrix's review against another edition

5.0

I won't lie, I was worried to read this book. I didn't love level hands like I did all the other bend or break novels and I was worried Amy Jo was losing me. However, I couldn't not read about Reese and Tom. It was beautiful. An awesome reflection of how time changes us in some ways, but in others leaves us in the same old ruts. Perfect ending for 2 of my favorite boys and a little Steph and Cash too!