Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Dear John

SERIES:  Aqua Vista

AUTHOR:  Christina Lee

PUBLISHER:   Self-published

LENGTH:    251 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 1. 2025

BLURB:

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.

REVIEW:

John McCoy and Micah Malone were best friends, lovers and then husbands because of a spur of the moment decision to wed on a trip to Las Vegas.  They were young and impulsive in some ways, but they were each other’s first and one true love.   They had very different backgrounds and Micah was troubled as a kid.   He’s had an abusive father who he was eventually taken away from and sent to his grandfather who was a bit aloof.  There was a bad incident when Micah was a teenager that widened the gulf between them.

Micah and John lived with the McCoys but John know Micah would never be happy in Aqua Vista if he didn’t give his dream of acting a hot.  Theater at their high school had been a lifeline for Micah and he was slowing disappearing in Aqua Vista.  So despite their love, Micah took off for California.  They are legally separated by never divorced.

When Micah returns after his grandfather’s death and more than 6 years between seeing each other, the feelings between John and Micah resurface.  They have always loved each other and supported each other’s dreams.  They just haven’t been in the same place.

While dealing with the detritus of a cleaning up an estate, etc., John and Micah reconnect.  And when Micah is offered an opportunity, will they finally get divorced and move on with their lives?  You’ll have to read it to find out 😉

I really enjoyed this story.  As with the last Aqua Vista tale there are difficulties for the McCoys and certainly for Micah who had to overcome a lot.  At times I grew frustrated with the two of them trying to sort things out.  Their communication and honesty with each other was the thing that saves them in the end.  They end up not just cleaning up Micah’s grandfather’s estate, but also their own lives and loves and dreams.  There are some painful moments, but they are there for each other.  It’s bittersweet at times, but clearly these two really love each other.  This series is really lovely and I can’t want for Rocco and Frank’s story 😉  Recommended.

RATING: 

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