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kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
This book returns to the couple that began the series - Reese and Tom are several years into their relationship, and still working on it. I loved the fact that their problems hadn't gone away, and their natures remained the same. Reese still has issues, despite his progress. Tom still hoards his pain and guilt away to not burden his friends. This was warm, a little painful, then very sweet. A pleasure to see all these characters again.
ajcousins's review against another edition
When I finished writing OFF CAMPUS, I already knew I wanted to work REAL WORLD into the Bend or Break series somewhere down the line. We left Tom & Reese while they were still in college at the end of OC, and while I know several real life couples who met in college and are happily married, it still felt more like a HFN ending to me than HEA.
And, man, I really needed these two to get their forever HEA.
I also wanted to write about how the work on a relationship doesn't end just because you hit the "I love you" stage. And how the challenges you face five or six years in are different from those early days, although the root of the problems often remain the same, because we're human and we never really learn our lesson the first time around. :)
Also, there's rigatoni. Life-changing, friend-bonding, connection-reaffirming rigatoni. Those are some powerful noodles, I swear. I put the recipe in the back, and so far all of my early readers have headed to the kitchen after finishing the book, so I'm anticipating a run on pasta, parmeggiano, and canned tomatoes in November. Yum!
Subscribe here to get notified when REAL WORLD is out.
And, man, I really needed these two to get their forever HEA.
I also wanted to write about how the work on a relationship doesn't end just because you hit the "I love you" stage. And how the challenges you face five or six years in are different from those early days, although the root of the problems often remain the same, because we're human and we never really learn our lesson the first time around. :)
Also, there's rigatoni. Life-changing, friend-bonding, connection-reaffirming rigatoni. Those are some powerful noodles, I swear. I put the recipe in the back, and so far all of my early readers have headed to the kitchen after finishing the book, so I'm anticipating a run on pasta, parmeggiano, and canned tomatoes in November. Yum!
Subscribe here to get notified when REAL WORLD is out.
myownbookshelves's review
5.0
"Time to break out the big guns."
As in any relationship, there are times where the tensions and problems you have get bottled up. Your significant other doesn't have the time or you don't have the words. For Tom and Reese, they clearly are committed to each other. However, words not spoken are creating a huge crevasse in their relationship. Will they make it or will temptation be too much?
"God, please let it be an almost."
If you read my review for Off Campus, you know I love these boys. It's clearly a toss up between Off Campus and The Girl Next Door as my favorite. But, Amy Jo Cousins offers us a four year glimpse at their relationship showing how far they have come or not. One of the things that I sometimes dislike with follow up novels is that they are a little too neat or tie everything is bow. Ms. Cousins gives us a real relationship struggle, ability to communicate, that keeps you engaged in the story. And when they let their bodies do the talking - Whoa HOT!!
Although Real World clearly could be a standalone, I don't recommend it. Because I think you really need to understand the start of their relationship to get the full appreciation of their continued commitment. Do you need to read the other books in the series? No. Bonus you get more Cash and Steph in this book. But WHY NOT? I recommend you BUY ALL THE BOOKS. 5 HEA stars out of 5.
As in any relationship, there are times where the tensions and problems you have get bottled up. Your significant other doesn't have the time or you don't have the words. For Tom and Reese, they clearly are committed to each other. However, words not spoken are creating a huge crevasse in their relationship. Will they make it or will temptation be too much?
"God, please let it be an almost."
If you read my review for Off Campus, you know I love these boys. It's clearly a toss up between Off Campus and The Girl Next Door as my favorite. But, Amy Jo Cousins offers us a four year glimpse at their relationship showing how far they have come or not. One of the things that I sometimes dislike with follow up novels is that they are a little too neat or tie everything is bow. Ms. Cousins gives us a real relationship struggle, ability to communicate, that keeps you engaged in the story. And when they let their bodies do the talking - Whoa HOT!!
Although Real World clearly could be a standalone, I don't recommend it. Because I think you really need to understand the start of their relationship to get the full appreciation of their continued commitment. Do you need to read the other books in the series? No. Bonus you get more Cash and Steph in this book. But WHY NOT? I recommend you BUY ALL THE BOOKS. 5 HEA stars out of 5.
rhodered's review
3.0
A novella that you probably have to read the first book in the series to enjoy. Frankly I didn't quite get the HEA because I don't feel like the problem the couple had to overcome was truly overcome. Tom needs professional therapy. Not forever or hospital stuff, but he needs it bad, he never even considers it for an instant and it's unfair to Reese.
terriaminute's review
4.0
I love most of this story. There is a part that goes on too long for me. It was either skim or stop reading. I skimmed of course, because come on, I knew I wanted the resolution! Resolutions, really. I'm glad I have the next one already. :)
calila's review
5.0
I was so scared going into this after reading the blurb. I didn't want anyone or anything screwing with Tom and Reese, and while I'm not thrilled with what happened (which wasn't as major as I was imagining) I LOVE how it was handled. Poor poor Tom. I hate that he takes the world on his shoulders but it's also part of why I love him. His dad is such a waste of space, I hope he gets over his illplaced guilt and self loathing soon. I think he made great strides in this book, after "relapsing", but it's so understandable. I love Reese, and I loved getting to see him shine and find a place for himself in life. I really enjoy how solid he is. I just said this in another review, but I really do enjoy seeing a couple, years down the line, navigating a relationship. It's never to be taken for granted, there's always work to be done to maintain it. Loved seeing Cash & Steph again, along with Danny and Rafi. This book for sure smacked me in the face with emotions a few times. I got teary a could times. Particularly once with Reese's dad and Tom. Hoping there will be more books in the future, especially one for a certain heartbroken guy. Maybe would even like reading about Niall finding his HEA.
krystolla's review
4.0
Love is a verb
The cast of the Bend or Break series is colorful, funny, and essentially good people. Seeing them move through the world is a joy itself. Tom and Reese finding a way to make their relationship work feels like a gift. It's inspiring, not the least for the grittiness of adulting which no one is ever really prepared to do.
The cast of the Bend or Break series is colorful, funny, and essentially good people. Seeing them move through the world is a joy itself. Tom and Reese finding a way to make their relationship work feels like a gift. It's inspiring, not the least for the grittiness of adulting which no one is ever really prepared to do.
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