Release Review: Just John: Christina Lee
Dear John
Aqua Vista #2
Christina Lee
Goodreads
Amazon
May 1, 2025
Goodreads
Amazon
May 1, 2025
Micah
When I wrote the Dear John letter, I never imagined six years would pass before I laid eyes on my husband again. It takes my grandfather’s death to bring me back to Aqua Vista. And to John McCoy, the only man I’ve ever loved. We parted ways on mutual terms to chase our dreams. John’s plan was to open his bar, and mine was to make it in Hollywood. I’m still waiting for my big break, but John’s business is a success, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Seeing him brings it all back—our love, attraction, and fondness for each other—and we can’t stay away, even if we try.
John
As soon as Micah walks into my bar, the memories come flooding back, and I have the urge to hold him close if only to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’ll be here for him during this difficult time because that’s what we do, what we’ve always done for each other. Soon enough, we fall back into a routine that feels as natural as breathing. Reminiscing, providing support, making love. I’ve ached for his mouth and body for so long. There’s no way I can refuse either of us.
When Micah rediscovers his favorite childhood interests, I try to tamp down my hopes. He’ll return to LA once his grandfather’s property is sold, and we’ll move on with our separate lives. Loving each other has never been our issue, but we finally do the responsible thing regarding our divorce. Guess that saying is true—when you love something, set it free. The only problem? This time, it’s for good, and I’m still not sure I can let him go.
John has deep roots in Aqua Vista with his family and business. Then his one-that-got-away, Micah Malone, walks back into his bar. It’s been years, but he’s back to settle his grandfather‘s estate.
Micah always loved John, which was why they got married when they were twenty-one. But unfortunately, they’ve been separated for most of their marriage because Micah was chasing his dreams of being an actor in LA. John understood he had to go and didn’t want to tie him down. And they just kind of drifted apart and lived separate lives.
But now that they’re together again, their connection and chemistry are as strong as ever, and these two truly feel like soulmates, but with different callings for their careers and lives. I really liked them together. I felt bad for both of them, but especially for John, because he’s just so worried about the time when Micah is going to leave again and how badly his heart’s going to get broken.
They have both had past family dynamics that caused them pain, and their separation broke their hearts as well. Micah felt he had to go before to follow his dreams, and John was never going to beg him to stay and stand in his way. But it is a double-edged sword because Micah also felt he let him go without a fight.
So will they do the responsible thing this time and actually sign the divorce papers, or will they find some way that they can both find a way to be fulfilled and be together?
This brings back a couple from the first book, John’s brother, Jack, and his significant other, Aaron, and their family and small town friends. It’s a one that got away, second chance, small town versus big city, soulmates romance. It sets up the couple in the next book as well.
Micah always loved John, which was why they got married when they were twenty-one. But unfortunately, they’ve been separated for most of their marriage because Micah was chasing his dreams of being an actor in LA. John understood he had to go and didn’t want to tie him down. And they just kind of drifted apart and lived separate lives.
But now that they’re together again, their connection and chemistry are as strong as ever, and these two truly feel like soulmates, but with different callings for their careers and lives. I really liked them together. I felt bad for both of them, but especially for John, because he’s just so worried about the time when Micah is going to leave again and how badly his heart’s going to get broken.
They have both had past family dynamics that caused them pain, and their separation broke their hearts as well. Micah felt he had to go before to follow his dreams, and John was never going to beg him to stay and stand in his way. But it is a double-edged sword because Micah also felt he let him go without a fight.
So will they do the responsible thing this time and actually sign the divorce papers, or will they find some way that they can both find a way to be fulfilled and be together?
This brings back a couple from the first book, John’s brother, Jack, and his significant other, Aaron, and their family and small town friends. It’s a one that got away, second chance, small town versus big city, soulmates romance. It sets up the couple in the next book as well.
Just Jack
Aqua Vista #1
Kim's 4 star review
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.
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Once upon a time, Christina Lee was a wardrobe stylist in New York City. She spent her days schlepping clothes, hailing cabs, and on the hunt for the perfect lip gloss, which became a bit of an addiction—along with books and coffee. You could always find her perched in a corner booth of a favorite diner sipping a dark roast and reading.
She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and kiddo—her two favorite people in the world. She’s been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher and while very rewarding, they still didn’t feel like an exact fit. It wasn’t until she began writing a weekly column for the local newspaper that the bells went off in her head. She could finally draw from her real-life experiences and vivid imagination to write fiction—and she’s never looked back.
Christina writes romance in different sub-genres, but mostly with LGBTQ characters because representation matters and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
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