Review: Great Sequel Dealing With Very Emotional Issues
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 15, 2013
Just as his cousin Ryan seems to be getting control of his life, everything seems to be falling apart for Alex. For so long his entire being was focused on keeping Ryan alive but now he feels like a third-wheel with Ryan's marriage on the horizon. He has no purpose now and is terrified he'll become a loser like his vile father if he can't get his feelings of hatred under control. But with his mother and father both begging to talk to him he gets closer to getting lost in the darkness of grief, hatred, and guilt. For so long he's hidden behind a facade of a happy playboy but that lifestyle is losing its luster. One night he decides to heed the words in a fortune cookie which reunites him with a woman from his past who can now change his future for the better if only he'll stand up to the past and be honest with himself and let her help him out of the darkness.Though the emotional damage of what his father did isn't as traumatic for him as it is for Ryan doesn't mean he's not having difficulties moving on. The fallout of this continuing secret still haunts him and I ached for what he was going through. He knew he was having problems coping but all the therapy in the world hasn't yet changed his self-destructive ways. Being with the exotic and fun-loving Zoe does bring him moments of happiness and the desire to change but it's a rocky journey towards a HEA. From the vividly depicted therapy sessions to the actual talking and admitting of feelings, this is a story that definitely doesn't gloss over dealing with emotions. Once Alex decides he wants Zoe and wants to be a better man he commits to doing what needs to be done to become whole again and it's an inspirational journey he takes.Zoe has been hurt by a cheating man in the past but sees past Alex's womanizing ways and stays with him through good and bad. She's used to disappointing her parents with her exotic life choices but at the end of the day they still support her which makes her more inclined to stay by Alex's side as he heals. She's an immensely likable and colorful character who lights up every scene she's in.While mostly focusing on their emotional journey towards a HEA, we get return visits from Ryan and Lili as this entire group gets to finally address the past head-on and put it completely behind them in a very emotional albeit quickly resolved denouement. There's happiness and hope for the future once the last word is written but I definitely hope to revisit this world after being introduced to Zoe's friend Jamie and her co-workers. They're a colorful bunch with emotions just bubbling below the service who deserve to have their stories told. Ms. Hall has once again impressed me with her talent and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.