Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Just Jack

SERIES:  Aqua Vista

AUTHOR:  Christina Lee

PUBLISHER:   Self-published

LENGTH:    250 pages

RELEASE DATE:  January 9. 2025

BLURB:

Aaron

When I’m running on fumes while driving on what feels like the loneliest stretch of road in California, I worry I’m in trouble. Luckily, I happen upon Aqua Vista, a sleepy coastal town with the only pump for miles, and the grumpy owner who is more gorgeous than he has any right to be. When I’m told I’ll need more than fuel to disable the check engine light on my dash, I figure there are worse places to be stuck while my car gets needed repairs.

Jack

After driving the handsome city dweller to a local motel, the last thing I expect is the hot hookup that happens afterward. As soon as his car is ready, he’s on his way home, so imagine my surprise when he shows up a couple of months later with an offer to buy my business. No way I want an out-of-towner to own part of what my family has built here. Even if I’m not always fulfilled by it. Besides, it belonged to my parents, and it’s all I have left of them.

When Aaron decides to spend several days in town, I figure it’s to soften me up to his proposal. I shouldn’t hook up with him again. Or spend time showing him around…but I do. Before I know it, the charming, attractive visitor starts to feel familiar, almost like he belongs here. Like he’s woven himself into the very fabric of Aqua Vista. I’m fooling myself, of course, and it’ll certainly sting when he hits the road. Outsiders never stay, and though I secretly wish he would, I’m no stranger to heartache.

REVIEW:

Aaron is on his way back to San Jose from a wedding when he needs gas and his check engine light is on.  Thankfully he comes upon the only gas station for miles on the California coast – in Aqua Vista.  The owner of the gas station/auto shop, Jack,  doesn’t seem overly friendly.  But when his mechanic finds more wrong and needs to work on the car, he concedes and stays in town.  Jack offers a ride to the accommodations in town.  But when Aaron intimates he’d like more than a ride, well Jack accommodates him.

Aaron goes back to San Jose, but he keeps thinking about Jack. He’s seems a bit burnt out so he heads back to Aqua Vista.  Rocco, his business partner suggests that they offer to buy Jack’s business.  Jack is more than a little offended, so Aaron drops is and just enjoys his time in the quirky town.  He finds a gift for his mother, enjoys the food and drinks at the local diner and bar owned by Jack’s siblings.  He and Jack hang out and hike the hills and even visit the beach – which is not Jack’s favorite given his family’s history.  His parents and BIL were lost in a boating accident and it’s been rough on everyone.

Jack is still suspicious of Aaron’s motives even after he drops the sales pitch.  But that doesn’t stop him from wanting to spend time with him.  He even shares his photography with him.  He even gives him a present of a picture that he took on one of their hikes when he leaves.  And it seems that Aaron has wound his way into the town.  All of Jack’s family like Aaron and they keep encouraging Jack to pursue him.  Frank, his best friend and the mechanic at his shop is also encouraging especially after he make friends with Rocco, Aaron’s business partner.

Can they do a distance thing?  Can Jack really let someone in?  Does he really trust Aaron not to break his heart?  Only time will tell

I really enjoyed this story of Jack and Aaron.  Jack has been through tragedy and he’s let that control his life in a lot of ways.  He’s not been successful in relationships – but he does take responsibility for his part in that.  He’s just not eager to let someone else in.  Aaron has been focused on his business and taking care of his mom, but he find something more with Jack during his vacation to Aqua Vista.  They both are reluctant to name what is between them   Jack is very prickly but eventually he’s able to share more with Aaron. It takes a while for him to open up to Aaron and also to figure out that maybe he’s holding on to the wrong things from his past.  His meddling family and friends try to get him to see the light sooner rather than later, but he’s not ready to just go all in.  It takes a bit of time and some recognition on Jack’s part that he’s chosen his life but that doesn’t mean it has to stay the same forever.  Maybe he can finally admit that he wants more – for himself   It’s a good thing that they end up on the same page.  And I’m looking forward to more stories in this word.  Recommended!

RATING: 

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