Real World by Amy Jo Cousins

Posted November 17, 2015 by shooting in Uncategorized / 5 Comments



Real World by Amy Jo Cousins


Review by Lauren


Source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: Five years ago, Tom Worthington busted his ass to overcome the fear and
paranoia that led him to withdraw from the world and nearly lose his
boyfriend. He never thought he’d find himself right back there, shutting
Reese out, keeping secrets again.Reese Anders is ready to try anything
to get Tom to talk: if he can’t seduce his boyfriend with food, he’ll
get Tom to open up in bed. But even Tom’s confession that his dad is
getting out of prison soon doesn’t clear the air between them. And as
the holidays approach, intensive mentoring from a new British boss
creates more distractions, until Reese is keeping secrets of his own.At a
company Christmas party, it only takes Tom one look at Reese’s new boss
to figure out how much danger their relationship is in. But he’s not
about to let the connection that started all those years ago at Carlisle
come to an end. It’s time to deal with their problems like adults. Face
to face. Or back to front. Starting in the bedroom.

Review: This is the fifth book in the Bend or Break series. I have not read all of them, but I do think it would be nice to read them in order. This lets you get to know all the various characters and how they met. At the same time, you can always read certain ones and still get the overall story, like I did. Tom and Reese’s story begins in Bend or Break 1: Off Campus. I did not read this, but I got an idea of their story in Bend or Break 2: Nothing Like Paris. Regardless of not reading Off Campus, I still really enjoyed Real World.

Tom finds it difficult being open and vulnerable about his feelings and fears, even with his long time boyfriend, Reese. This is something that Reese understands about him but he finds it difficult not to get upset when he knows Tom is shutting him out. Tom’s dad is in jail for a ponzi scheme and he might be getting out soon and he expects Tom to be there for him. This is the root of Tom’s worries and when Reese finds out, he does what he can to be there for Tom.

Real World does have a lot of mature moments as sex is something that Reese uses to connect with Tom when he won’t talk to him. Sometimes it even gets them talking. It works for them, but they both worry that their relationship might not survive. They can feel themselves floating away from each other. Tom gets lost in school and work and the worries about his father. Reese gets a great opportunity at his job and soon finds himself obsessed with the job, and a little attracted to his new boss.

I did enjoy this one a lot. I loved that Tom and Reese had a great group of friends around them. It’s nice to see books that depict well-done friendships. Despite not reading all the Bend or Break novels, I have really enjoyed the ones I have had the chance to check out. This is definitely an author I will keep reading. She does relationships well- the good, the bad, the romantic. It’s all there.

5 responses to “Real World by Amy Jo Cousins

  1. The friendship aspect sounds intriguing; not so keen on the relationship part. Lately I've just not been feeling romance-centered books. I'm sure that will change soon enough. 😛

    xx

  2. I always think it so refreshing to have characters that aren't the stereotypical 'norm' as well as plots that explore different kinds of friendships other than the obvious and that is why this book really appeals to me.

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