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A review by jerzgirl
Just Jack by Christina Lee
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I love a small town romance. I really loved that this small town is a fictional enclave on the California coast. I spent 10 years living in Northern California and through my travels have seen similar little towns.
Aaron and Jack are the main characters in the book, but I hazard to say the town of Aqua Vista is a character as well. Artsy, quirky, families that go back generations and residents who are fiercely loyal to their town and keeping it the way it is.
Of course Aaron stumbles on the town when his car needs service and being a real estate developer, can't help but see dollar signs. Jack, who owns the service station, shuts him down quickly.
And while Jack and Aaron play a bit of cat and mouse with each other, Aaron's business partner wants him to tighten the screws and get Jack to sell. But after spending time in the town, and with Jack, Aaron knows it'll never happen.
There's heartache in the town as well. Jack's parents and brother in law were lost at sea and presumed dead a few years ago. They were a huge presence in the town and their loss is felt by many.
I really enjoyed having a story with more mature, grown men as the focus. The older I get, the older I want the leading men to get. They are only in their 30's, if I recall correctly, but there is wisdom in years. With that maturity and wisdom comes no silly fights, no ultimatums, no generated drama for drama's sake.
There were obstacles to overcome, but the author didn't take the easy way out. Instead, well thought out decisions by the characters were made.
And since this is book 1, I cannot wait to revisit Aqua Vista for book 2.
Aaron and Jack are the main characters in the book, but I hazard to say the town of Aqua Vista is a character as well. Artsy, quirky, families that go back generations and residents who are fiercely loyal to their town and keeping it the way it is.
Of course Aaron stumbles on the town when his car needs service and being a real estate developer, can't help but see dollar signs. Jack, who owns the service station, shuts him down quickly.
And while Jack and Aaron play a bit of cat and mouse with each other, Aaron's business partner wants him to tighten the screws and get Jack to sell. But after spending time in the town, and with Jack, Aaron knows it'll never happen.
There's heartache in the town as well. Jack's parents and brother in law were lost at sea and presumed dead a few years ago. They were a huge presence in the town and their loss is felt by many.
I really enjoyed having a story with more mature, grown men as the focus. The older I get, the older I want the leading men to get. They are only in their 30's, if I recall correctly, but there is wisdom in years. With that maturity and wisdom comes no silly fights, no ultimatums, no generated drama for drama's sake.
There were obstacles to overcome, but the author didn't take the easy way out. Instead, well thought out decisions by the characters were made.
And since this is book 1, I cannot wait to revisit Aqua Vista for book 2.