Elaine White's Life in Books

Book – Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (Cozzi Cove #2)
Author – Joe Cosentino
Star rating - ★★★★★

Movie Potential – ★★★★★
Ease of reading – very easy to read
Would I read it again – In a heartbeat!


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine



Themes that may be triggers – suicidal thoughts, cheating, Parkinson's disease

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*SIGH* Cozzi Cove is my first foray into Joe Cosentino's writing and you can now call me a firm fan.

As I've just come straight from reading book 1, visiting Cozzi Cove is like coming home or revisiting a beloved holiday destination. I know everyone, by now, who is a permanent fixture and I sincerely hope that Cosentino continues this series forever. You could never run out of ideas for it.

As before, the characters are a hoot. They're a mixture of funny, quirky, sad, lonely individuals who come together to make a riotously brilliant cast.

Potential couples are:

Cal and Michael – As the owner of Cozzi Cove, Cal has all the same responsibility of the previous book. Only, this time, with a one-year romance blossoming between him and Michael, things begin to fall apart. Cal feels a connection with guest George, which causes jealousy from Michael. Who, in turn, feels a pull towards his Photography partner Carlo, thus building another bridge of jealousy and insecurity from Cal.

Gil and Bruce – Gil is the only guest of these two, at Cozzi Cove. There because of an illness and having lost a lot in his life, Gil is prepared to end it all at the beautiful location of Cozzi Cove. Until he spots a vision from the past – a 'vision' of his college love, Bruce. When he finally meets the man he saw at the cove, everything begins to change.

Bruce Jr and Colby – Bruce Jr is the son of Gil's college love and knows nothing of Gil's past relationship with his father. Thankfully, Gil is rejuvenated by Bruce Jr's presence and helps him face the two families who don't accept his relationship with Colby.

Dennis and Zeus – Dennis is the high-profile Broadway producer, recently split from an eighteen year relationship with Rodney, his biggest star. To try to patch things up – and make Rodney jealous – he brings escort Zeus with him to Cozzi Cove, with only a week to mend fences.

Rodney and Jarek – Rodney is much more highly strung than any other character, as well as being very melodramatic. Bringing along his personal trainer and new partner, Jarek, he's there to rest up after two years in a Broadway show that he'd lost interest in.

Sam and Chase – Sam and Chase are the best of friends and have been their whole lives. With Sam infatuated with their friend Raul, Chase is there playing the 'lover', to make him jealous.

Raul – As the best friend of two gay guys, with a gay brother, no one believes that Raul is straight. Especially when he works out at a gay gym, is surrounded by gay men and agrees to go on holiday to a gay resort, with his two gay best friends. Yet, Sam's instincts are that Raul will fall in love at Cozzi Cove. And Sam has never been wrong before.

Hunter – As a straight woman, in love with gay romance novels, Hunter stays at Cozzi Cove to finally meet gay men 'off page'. Sparking an unlikely friendship with the ever wonderful and flirty Connor, she finally builds her confidence enough to go out and find herself a Will to her Grace.

George – Another singleton, George is one of the few Cozzi Cove guest not interested in falling in love. Despite feeling a spark with Cal, which proves confusing and sparks jealousy for all involved, George is actually at Cozzi Cove for one reason – to reveal a secret that will have far reaching consequences.

Overall, the story and world building was as fantastic as the previous story. I can't wait for what comes next and to see how Cal changes and improves the facilities of Cozzi Cove. Without revealing anything that will spoil the story for you, I'll say this:
The whole thing with Michael and Cal had my emotions in turmoil, screaming at the book and praying that things would work out properly.
I was worried Gil's fate would be so similar to Mark's that I was on edge for most of the book.

Again, the story deals with some serious issues, in a way that isn't preachy or pushy – suicidal thoughts, illness, homophobia, threesomes, cheating, escorts and inter-racial romances. Each theme is explored in a light, accepting way that never makes the reader feel uncomfortable or like we're being lectured to.

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Favourite Quote:

“He kissed Cal's wide nose.
“Hey, your lips are covered in honey.”
“So they tell me.” Michael continued eating.
“Does your study buddy tell you that?”
Michael raised his eyes to the mermaid-shaped lighting fixture as if gathering patience. “Carlo is my partner.”
“Really?”
“In my advanced photography class.”
“Is that what they call it at State?”
“Maybe in your day.” Michael's eyes gleamed devilishly. “Hey, did they have college back then?”
“I'll put you over my knee, young man.”
“Promises, promises.””

““You must have studied dramatics at the college this year.”
Connor batted the long lashes over his sky-blue eyes. “How else could I have dated all the gay dudes?”
Cal laughed. “I'm sure you dated them.”
“I did.” Connor revealed his pearly-white teeth. “It was the football team last year who went straight, pardon the pun, for the touchdown.”
Cal put his arm around the boy's wide shoulders and walked him to the front porch. “Please get straight to work so everything is ready when the guests arrive.”
Connor said with the eagerness of a child at Christmas, “I can't wait to see our pick of the litter.”
“Look, don't touch.””