Review: Second Chance Romance For An Unlikely Character
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2013
I really wasn't sure how I felt about a book that featured the snarky and bitter Paul from 'Frat Boy & Toppy' as the next book's hero, but there was something about his total hatred of jocks and frat boys that made me curious to know where all that vitriol came from.  And so, I got the TAG sequel and gave it a try.The story begins inside Paul's head as he conducts an internal monologue.  Its summer time, he's now living in the dorms (fate worse than death) because he was hateful to his old roommate's boyfriend Brad and he absolutely has to earn enough money to get his own place.  Summer tutoring is the worst because its usually those who screwed around all school year and now they have to get their academics back under control before the fall.  And ooh, lucky him, he gets a message to report to the new coach of the girl's softball team because most of those girl are in academic trouble.  But it just gets better and better (not) when he discovers who the new coach is.  Its been nine years and seeing Trevor Gardiner, his first love who tossed him over royally to pursue his dreams, is like a stab in the heart.Paul soon learns that Trevor intentionally looked him up and begs Paul's forgiveness and wants to reconcile.  Too bad Paul's not on the same page.  He isn't, right?  Trevor puts things in motion to win Paul back and Paul goes along with it to a degree, but he's flustered and panics.  He says things that he can't take back and now wonders if- this time- he's the one who tossed his chance at love away.Its not a long story, but its very impactive.  Paul's snarkiness and bitter hatred of all things jock now make a little sense after getting his back history.  He's a very intense person and has carried unresolved issues around for nine years that he projects onto all aspects of his life.  At first, he was still the guy that was all prickles like a porcupine making me wonder if I could ever sympathize with him let alone like him.  But then, after his interactions with Trevor and his friends I saw glimmers of the guy hiding under the hard outer shell.  After that, I sat back and just enjoyed watching Paul's character growth commence.  He has sass and he has snark and without the bitterness, he's definitely worth knowing.  I enjoyed seeing him get his second chance with Trevor and groaned each time he self-destructed because he is one that needs a lot of convincing to trust.  My only quibble is that with this told in a first person perspective I missed not having Trevor's perspective and getting to know him better.  I liked what I saw and there is no trouble following Trevor's actions or intent, but I guess I wanted to know him as well as Paul.  I would have loved seeing them together after they got things settled just to see what they were like without all the tension and angst.  Then again, is there a less intense version of Paul?  LOL.  Maybe we'll get a peek of them together in future books.  Speaking of the series, I loved seeing Toby, Sebastian and Brad in a few scenes.All in all, it was a surprising book because the author was able to not only satisfy my curiosity, but make the unlikeable Paul into a loveable character who I could root for to find his happiness.  Those who enjoy m/m contemporary romance in a college setting should give this series a try.