Review: "I wouldn't suggest readers start here if they're not familiar with the series..."
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 10, 2011
Zach Mitchell, Angelo Green, Matt Richards, and Jared Thomas are headed to Paris, France to witness the wedding of Jared's friend Cole and Zach's ex, Jon. It's an all-expenses paid trip to one of the most romantic cities in the world, yet they're not all happy about it. Zach's worried about Angelo keeping his temper, and about seeing his ex again. Once he actually lays eyes on Jon, he realizes he was right to worry. Memories of the past--and the horrible way he ended things with Jon--keep haunting him. Matt's got problems of his own with the trip. He can't seem to shake off his jealousy about Jared's past with Cole. Can Zach find a way to let go of the past? Can Matt figure out how to stop being so jealous?And will all the couples return home still together?Paris A to Z is the sort of novella that wraps up loose ends while providing more on favorite characters. I love all three couples featured in this book (although the emphasis is on Zach / Angelo and Matt / Jared rather than Cole / Jon), and was looking forward to spending more time with them. Paris A to Z features chapters narrated by Zach and Matt, which although it may seem odd, is a device Marie Sexton has used before--in The Letter Z, which was narrated by Matt and Angelo. As a storytelling device, the dual narration is both effective and frustrating at the same time. It's interesting to see two different perspectives on the events of the story, but it leaves out a lot of information since the reader never gets to see what Jared, Angelo, Cole, and Jon think about anything.The plot involves a lot of emotional drama. Both Zach and Matt are happy with their men, but they both have to deal with confusing and upsetting reactions to the happy husbands-to-be. I admit I found Matt's constant jealousy toward Cole a little annoying. He knows Jared loves him, but he can't stop thinking about Jared's past with Cole. Matt's attempts to deal with his jealousy were amusing, but after a while I wanted him to get over it already. I found Zach's conflict to be a lot more compelling. Zach adores Angelo, so he feels incredibly guilty about his confused reaction to being around Jon again. Zach and Angelo's relationship is complex, often difficult, and maybe different than a lot of romance readers expect. For that reason, the conflict rang a lot more true to me than it might have if another character were experiencing the same conflict. Paris A to Z isn't my favorite of the Coda books, but I still enjoyed it. The relationship between Zach and Angelo always pushed the limits of my romance comfort zone, which I think is a good thing. Any book featuring them always makes me think and, even better, makes me feel. For that reason alone I'm always happy to revisit them. I wouldn't suggest readers start here if they're not familiar with the series, though. Anybody new to the Coda boys should start with Jared and Matt's book, Promises. It's a series well worth reading!CassieReviewed for Joyfully Reviewed