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Bobby and Paolo’s Holiday Stories #1
A Home for the Holidays
Bobby McGrath’s Christmas trip to the beautiful Italian island of Capri to meet his eccentric extended family offers stunning views—none more stunning than his third cousin, Paolo Mascobello, a real stocking stuffer. As the two young men embark on a relationship, Bobby, a driven law student, learns to relax and bask under the old Italian moon, and Paolo realizes there’s more to life than a frolic on the beach. For the two to find everlasting amore, Paolo must overcome his fear of commitment and learn to follow his dreams, and Bobby must get his wish for happily ever after.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2015
1 person is currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Joe Cosentino
45 books192 followersJOE COSENTINO was voted Favorite MM Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author of the Year by the readers of Divine Magazine for Drama Queen, the first Nicky and Noah mystery novel. He is also the author of the remaining Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, Drama Fraternity, Drama Castle, Drama Dance, Drama Faerie, Drama Runway, Drama Christmas, Drama Pan, Drama TV, Drama Oz, Drama Prince, Drama Merry, Drama Daddy, Drama King; the Player Piano Mysteries: The Player and The Player’s Encore; the Jana Lane Mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, Rag Doll; the Cozzi Cove series: Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Moving Forward, Stepping Out, New Beginnings, Happy Endings; the In My Heart Anthology: An Infatuation & A Shooting Star; the Tales from Fairyland Anthology: The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland and Holiday Tales from Fairyland; the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Anthology: A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, The First Noel; and the Found At Last Anthology: Finding Giorgio and Finding Armando. His books have won numerous Book of the Month awards and Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions. As an actor, Joe appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Jason Robards, and Holland Taylor. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Goddard College, Master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, and is currently a happily married emeritus college theatre professor residing in New York State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 20, 2015
"A Home for the Holidays" is a short story about a boy from Philly whose mother arranges a Christmas break visit with his distant relatives on the island of Capri, Italy.
In the book's 40 pages, there's enough background info provided to get an idea of the two main characters, Bobby, an uptight law student and his Italian third cousin, Paolo, a floundering playboy with a hidden talent for men's fashion design sketches.
The story is very vivid in its description of the island and its food, as Paulo acts as tour guide for his American cousin. As the boys spend more time together, their attraction grows, then is acted on.
The romantic scenes mostly ended with Paulo running away, but not for the reasons that one would usually expect when the MC's were distant cousins.
As far as the sexy scenes go, those were very abbreviated, so those looking for a sexy read may be left wishing for expanded scenes.
I definitely learned a few things about some Italian mothers and the lengths to which they will go to get what they want, which I found both entertaining and fun to read.
Overall, the book read much more like an international vacation tale than a holiday one, so if the Christmas aspect is important to you, please keep that in mind.
The boys do get their HFN/HEA in the end and it was a cute story, so I'd rate it at around 3.5 stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
December 4, 2015
This short is about an American law student, Bobby, visiting his distant Italian relatives and falling in love with his cousin, Paolo. No worries, there’s no incest! They are really really really distant cousins who stumble their way to a HEA. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t enjoy the journey there.
It feels really shitty to be so negative about a 52 page story and a Christmas story at that. I hate when this happens but I cannot find a single positive thing to say about it. There were so many things that bothered me that I don’t know where to start.
The story was full of ignorant stereotypes that made me dislike the characters. Case in point:
“I expected Lucia’s boss to be an overweight, scowling woman wearing a long black dress with rosary beads dangling from her weather-beaten hands.”
I am not even Italian, but I am offended on behalf of older Italian women everywhere. There’s not even an explanation as to why dear Bobby is making such intelligent assumptions.
This is a good one as well:
“What? Oh, your father says not to talk to anybody outside of the family so you don’t get kidnapped.”
Clearly, American parents think everyone gets kidnapped in Europe. I say watch a little less Liam Neeson and get that sorted out.
The decsriptions. Oh my god. Seriously. I understand that the story is placed in a country famous for its food but every time Bobby and Paolo went out for a meal, we got a description of every single dish and sometimes the ingredients as well. Was Bobby doubling as a chef or something?
“Paolo ordered for us: white wine, marinated salmon and anchovies appetizer, green salad with goat cheese, linguini with prawns, pezzogna fish with tomatoes and herbs, and torta caprese (a moist flour-free dessert made with butter, chocolate, and almonds).”
And that kind of descriptive writing applies to everything. The landscape. The furniture in every room. The clothes. Bobby is a law student/internal designer/food &wine connoisseur, and a living thesaurus, because the amount of adjectives coming out of his mouth was so OTT I can’t even.
The sex was uninspiring and totally unsexy.
”As our bodies connected, Paolo’s firm, mountainous chest pressed against mine, and his raging erection brushed against my thigh. My pulsing erection rubbed against his eight-pack abdominal muscles.
Sooooooo. I am sorry to say that I didn’t like the book. Yes it was a short story but everything happened way too fast, too insta-lovey, and the HEA was too harlequin.
I am afraid I cannot recommend.
It feels really shitty to be so negative about a 52 page story and a Christmas story at that. I hate when this happens but I cannot find a single positive thing to say about it. There were so many things that bothered me that I don’t know where to start.
The story was full of ignorant stereotypes that made me dislike the characters. Case in point:
“I expected Lucia’s boss to be an overweight, scowling woman wearing a long black dress with rosary beads dangling from her weather-beaten hands.”
I am not even Italian, but I am offended on behalf of older Italian women everywhere. There’s not even an explanation as to why dear Bobby is making such intelligent assumptions.
This is a good one as well:
“What? Oh, your father says not to talk to anybody outside of the family so you don’t get kidnapped.”
Clearly, American parents think everyone gets kidnapped in Europe. I say watch a little less Liam Neeson and get that sorted out.
The decsriptions. Oh my god. Seriously. I understand that the story is placed in a country famous for its food but every time Bobby and Paolo went out for a meal, we got a description of every single dish and sometimes the ingredients as well. Was Bobby doubling as a chef or something?
“Paolo ordered for us: white wine, marinated salmon and anchovies appetizer, green salad with goat cheese, linguini with prawns, pezzogna fish with tomatoes and herbs, and torta caprese (a moist flour-free dessert made with butter, chocolate, and almonds).”
And that kind of descriptive writing applies to everything. The landscape. The furniture in every room. The clothes. Bobby is a law student/internal designer/food &wine connoisseur, and a living thesaurus, because the amount of adjectives coming out of his mouth was so OTT I can’t even.
The sex was uninspiring and totally unsexy.
”As our bodies connected, Paolo’s firm, mountainous chest pressed against mine, and his raging erection brushed against my thigh. My pulsing erection rubbed against his eight-pack abdominal muscles.
Sooooooo. I am sorry to say that I didn’t like the book. Yes it was a short story but everything happened way too fast, too insta-lovey, and the HEA was too harlequin.
I am afraid I cannot recommend.
December 13, 2017
A trip to see relatives in Italy for Christmas is a big change for dedicated law student Bobby, but one he looks forward to. Not having to face his somewhat overbearing mother, being grouped with the kids because he isn’t married, and getting away from all the pressure around his degree has got to be a good thing. Once he meets his third cousin Paolo, Bobby decides it could even be a great thing. ‘A Home for the Holidays’ is as much a coming of age story (for both main characters but in different ways), as it is a romance. The setting on Capri is magnificent, and all the lovely food mentioned had me wishing I were there as well. Whether or not it is Christmas is almost irrelevant, the focus is much more on Bobby and Paolo’s relationship than it is on Christmas. The story is also peppered with stereotypes and prejudice in such an exaggerated way that it sounded funny to me. All in all, I think this is a very entertaining book.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 7, 2015
Nice, but.. I wonder.. why do almost all Italian males in American books look like Michelangelo's David?
This fact is giving me a complex..
This fact is giving me a complex..
September 9, 2017
If you like Josh Lanyon, you'll love this book.
Sexy male characters, quirky families, a bit of mystery, a bit of love, all spun together with a talented pen.
A Home for the Holiday's is a fantastically crafted story that I will read, and listen to time and time again!
Sexy male characters, quirky families, a bit of mystery, a bit of love, all spun together with a talented pen.
A Home for the Holiday's is a fantastically crafted story that I will read, and listen to time and time again!
November 20, 2019
Um, okay this one didn't work for me and unfortunately the narration didn't help at all.
These guys were total opposites and I didn't buy their attraction at all. Plus the cousin factor was a bit *icky* for me.
Dull story and no big surprises, oh well.
These guys were total opposites and I didn't buy their attraction at all. Plus the cousin factor was a bit *icky* for me.
Dull story and no big surprises, oh well.
November 13, 2015
Review soon at bmbr.
December 2, 2015
This is a cute holiday-themed novella about two young men finding love on Capri.
Bobby is an out-gay, law student who is second-gen Italian-American with a doting mother and a family who loves him. They are a bit outrageous, as a family, but this Christmas will be different. Uncle Bobby won't have to sit at the kids table because he lacks a partner. Nope, Mama has arranged to send Bobby to meet his distant relatives on the island of Capri for Christmas.
Bobby has been a student of Italian for years, so he is able to communicate with his cousins, aunt, uncle and greataunt and greatuncle. This family is no less eccentric as his own, and they are able to urge Bobby away from his law books to experience the island sights, with Paulo, his cousin as a guide. It soon becomes clear that Paulo is gay, and while there is a mutual attraction, Paulo makes it clear that he is not boyfriend material. To be sure, Paulo and Bobby are close in age and attraction, but not blood. They are--at best--third cousins. (Their grandfathers were cousins. In my genealogy we would consider the grandchildren of cousins to be sixth cousins...so there should be no qualms of incest.)
Bobby sees the deprecating way Paulo is treated by his father and sister--he is just a lowly factory worker in their company. They don't accept his homosexuality, and gay marriage is illegal in Italy (in this story), so Paulo has no aspirations of having a husband one day. Bobby's experiences are so very different from Paulo's, and he's able to share his own dreams with his cousin, to some degree. Expect a melancholy phase, and a HFN/HEA-hope ending. There are a little bit of sexytimes, but they are on the down-low with the barest hint of steam.
On the whole, I liked the story. It's a quick read with great descriptions of Capri, and enough characterization of the many characters to give a flavor of all of them. Poor Nonna, living for her funeral! It's a fun holiday story, that's not too heavy on the Christmas--probably because it's set in a country that believes Christmas to be a religious event, not a present extravaganza...which was refreshing.
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Bobby is an out-gay, law student who is second-gen Italian-American with a doting mother and a family who loves him. They are a bit outrageous, as a family, but this Christmas will be different. Uncle Bobby won't have to sit at the kids table because he lacks a partner. Nope, Mama has arranged to send Bobby to meet his distant relatives on the island of Capri for Christmas.
Bobby has been a student of Italian for years, so he is able to communicate with his cousins, aunt, uncle and greataunt and greatuncle. This family is no less eccentric as his own, and they are able to urge Bobby away from his law books to experience the island sights, with Paulo, his cousin as a guide. It soon becomes clear that Paulo is gay, and while there is a mutual attraction, Paulo makes it clear that he is not boyfriend material. To be sure, Paulo and Bobby are close in age and attraction, but not blood. They are--at best--third cousins. (Their grandfathers were cousins. In my genealogy we would consider the grandchildren of cousins to be sixth cousins...so there should be no qualms of incest.)
Bobby sees the deprecating way Paulo is treated by his father and sister--he is just a lowly factory worker in their company. They don't accept his homosexuality, and gay marriage is illegal in Italy (in this story), so Paulo has no aspirations of having a husband one day. Bobby's experiences are so very different from Paulo's, and he's able to share his own dreams with his cousin, to some degree. Expect a melancholy phase, and a HFN/HEA-hope ending. There are a little bit of sexytimes, but they are on the down-low with the barest hint of steam.
On the whole, I liked the story. It's a quick read with great descriptions of Capri, and enough characterization of the many characters to give a flavor of all of them. Poor Nonna, living for her funeral! It's a fun holiday story, that's not too heavy on the Christmas--probably because it's set in a country that believes Christmas to be a religious event, not a present extravaganza...which was refreshing.
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2016
A different kind of Christmas story that was very well put together. I enjoyed the extended Italian family and their traditions. I would have enjoyed the story even more if it didn't read like a travel guide in places though I understand the reasoning. Well worth the time to read.
January 5, 2016
This was such a sweet romance. The book begins when Bobby goes to visit his family in Italy for Christmas. He ends up spending a lot of time with his cousin, Paolo, who happens to be gay. While he picks his cousin’s mind about Italy, Bobby realizes that he is falling for him. Though the idea weirds him out at first, it doesn’t bother him too much since they are so far removed. They come together for a brief time, but the road ahead of them is not as clear as Bobby had hoped. When Bobby’s vacation comes to an end, he’s faced with the painful prospect of saying goodbye.
Home for the Holidays is an emotional and sweet holiday book. I loved how the author takes us to Italy, and I felt like I was actually there in Capri. The vivid descriptions ignited my wanderlust, making me want to travel to Italy. As for the characters, they are both very likable. Paolo is a muscular, attractive young Italian man. He’s confident sexually, but when it comes to relationships, he doesn’t imagine he can have that. He’s grown up in a place where it’s okay to express his sexuality behind closed doors, but he doesn’t expect to have more. However, Bobby knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to reach for the stars when it comes to love.
Since the first book I read from Joe Cosentino ended in a tragedy, I was surprised and overjoyed with the ending of this book. I recommend A Home for the Holidays to anyone who loves travel adventures, Christmas themes, and m/m romance.
June 6, 2017
3.5/5 - pretty decent little commute audiobook, but I felt like there was something missing.
There was something about this book that just irked me, and I can't place my finger on any one particular thing. It was very stereotypical and surface level, which isn't something I'm used to with Cosentino's books. And I mean, I get it a little bit, and I can be somewhat forgiving. It is only 52 pages, so there has to be some pruning somewhere. I understand that this couldn't be the full-length novel that I really wanted it to be, but there were some choices that just didn't translate well. And I can tell by the review average that my opinion is not in the majority.
Don't get me wrong, this was a good book. I liked listening to it and I liked the characters, or at least, I liked what I got to see. The problem came in that it felt rushed and cut off. I could feel that this book was surface level and I felt like something was missing in those 52 pages. It got really frustrating when the meal descriptions were a paragraph long and I still had a feeling like the MC's were strangers to me.
Since I listened to the audiobook, I'll make a little note and say that the narration was good, but not great. I found the narrator's voice to be a little bit annoying, which is entirely personal preference, but it made the book a little hard to concentrate on. I'm not sure I'll be listening to any other books by this narrator, particularly anything longer than two hours because I know it will negatively impact my opinion of the book and I'd really rather just read it in that case.
Overall the book was pretty good, I just really wish I got some more detail about our MC's and I had the chance to get to know them better. Cosentino's Cozzi Cove series was amazing and the characters were so personable in those books, so I know the kind of writing Joe's capable of. I expected the same in this short story and it just fell flat this time.
There was something about this book that just irked me, and I can't place my finger on any one particular thing. It was very stereotypical and surface level, which isn't something I'm used to with Cosentino's books. And I mean, I get it a little bit, and I can be somewhat forgiving. It is only 52 pages, so there has to be some pruning somewhere. I understand that this couldn't be the full-length novel that I really wanted it to be, but there were some choices that just didn't translate well. And I can tell by the review average that my opinion is not in the majority.
Don't get me wrong, this was a good book. I liked listening to it and I liked the characters, or at least, I liked what I got to see. The problem came in that it felt rushed and cut off. I could feel that this book was surface level and I felt like something was missing in those 52 pages. It got really frustrating when the meal descriptions were a paragraph long and I still had a feeling like the MC's were strangers to me.
Since I listened to the audiobook, I'll make a little note and say that the narration was good, but not great. I found the narrator's voice to be a little bit annoying, which is entirely personal preference, but it made the book a little hard to concentrate on. I'm not sure I'll be listening to any other books by this narrator, particularly anything longer than two hours because I know it will negatively impact my opinion of the book and I'd really rather just read it in that case.
Overall the book was pretty good, I just really wish I got some more detail about our MC's and I had the chance to get to know them better. Cosentino's Cozzi Cove series was amazing and the characters were so personable in those books, so I know the kind of writing Joe's capable of. I expected the same in this short story and it just fell flat this time.
December 5, 2015
Original Blog Post: eARC Review: A Home For the Holidays by Joe Cosentino
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
(Based on Short&Light Read Category)
A Home for the Holidays is a Christmas story set in Capri. Bobby is too focused on his studies and his family fears his burn out. Their solution? Send him off to Capri and in the process, get to know his Italian relatives and forget, for once, that he is studying for the Boards. He goes and meets a family whose arms open wide and dump on him a fantastic choice of Italian cuisine and cousin Paulo.
Paulo comes out as a happy-go-lucky guy who flits from one lover to the next. He is assigned to bring Bobby around Capri, see the sights and experience the night life. Well he does, but then...
Yes, they are cousins but the nearest I could figure it out, they are third cousins—no idea how many times removed. The two young men fall in love amidst the beauty of a foreign country. As the story unfolds, a bit too fast at times, I got glimpses of movies like Three Coins In The Fountain and Roman Holiday. All set in Rome, yes. Their stories of romance fast unfolding, yes. The overall feel? Very romantic.
This is a short holiday read and it leaves one with smiles of how two men find their love in such a short time in a beautiful setting.
Note: eARC provided for by author for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 4 Stars
(Based on Short&Light Read Category)
A Home for the Holidays is a Christmas story set in Capri. Bobby is too focused on his studies and his family fears his burn out. Their solution? Send him off to Capri and in the process, get to know his Italian relatives and forget, for once, that he is studying for the Boards. He goes and meets a family whose arms open wide and dump on him a fantastic choice of Italian cuisine and cousin Paulo.
Paulo comes out as a happy-go-lucky guy who flits from one lover to the next. He is assigned to bring Bobby around Capri, see the sights and experience the night life. Well he does, but then...
Yes, they are cousins but the nearest I could figure it out, they are third cousins—no idea how many times removed. The two young men fall in love amidst the beauty of a foreign country. As the story unfolds, a bit too fast at times, I got glimpses of movies like Three Coins In The Fountain and Roman Holiday. All set in Rome, yes. Their stories of romance fast unfolding, yes. The overall feel? Very romantic.
This is a short holiday read and it leaves one with smiles of how two men find their love in such a short time in a beautiful setting.
Note: eARC provided for by author for an honest review.
November 16, 2015
If you love gay romance and want something short and sweet this will satisfy that sweet tooth craving. Once again Joe has written a lovely story of two young men exploring love and a beautiful island. I felt like I was on tour with Paolo and Bobby. I could see the lovely sites as Joe described them with such beauty and prose. I could feel the growing desire between the two young men and the heat building as well.
Another thing I like about Joe Cosentino's stories is that they are sexy though most of the sex is off the page. It leaves a beautiful dynamic to the romance.
Why should you buy tis book? It's a beautiful short story that could fill an hour or two's time. There is beauty, passion, and heat with a touch of humor. There was a time or two I was afraid this may be a bittersweet romance, but it had a happy ending.
If you like beautiful sites, want a virtual tour of Capri, Like law students, sexy Italian studs, a sweet romance with little on page sex but is still sensual and hot. This is for you!
Another thing I like about Joe Cosentino's stories is that they are sexy though most of the sex is off the page. It leaves a beautiful dynamic to the romance.
Why should you buy tis book? It's a beautiful short story that could fill an hour or two's time. There is beauty, passion, and heat with a touch of humor. There was a time or two I was afraid this may be a bittersweet romance, but it had a happy ending.
If you like beautiful sites, want a virtual tour of Capri, Like law students, sexy Italian studs, a sweet romance with little on page sex but is still sensual and hot. This is for you!
December 15, 2015
*** ARC provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Bobby travels to beautiful Capri to visit his extended family and learns to relax and finds love in his third cousin Paolo, who in turn will learn there's more to life than partying.
This story was sweet and short, perhaps a bit too short, as I would've loved to see a bit more of Bobby and Paolo's life in the future, but perhaps in another story? *hint hint nudge nudge* The boys were as opposite as they could be, Bobby all responsible and studious, while Paolo concentrated more on having fun with his friends, but they met in the middle and supported each other as they fell for one another and that was sweet to see. The setting was marvelous as well, who wouldn't fall in love in a place like Joe Cosentino described? And the boys' interaction with the rest of the family was quite as well. A really enjoyable, fast read!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Bobby travels to beautiful Capri to visit his extended family and learns to relax and finds love in his third cousin Paolo, who in turn will learn there's more to life than partying.
This story was sweet and short, perhaps a bit too short, as I would've loved to see a bit more of Bobby and Paolo's life in the future, but perhaps in another story? *hint hint nudge nudge* The boys were as opposite as they could be, Bobby all responsible and studious, while Paolo concentrated more on having fun with his friends, but they met in the middle and supported each other as they fell for one another and that was sweet to see. The setting was marvelous as well, who wouldn't fall in love in a place like Joe Cosentino described? And the boys' interaction with the rest of the family was quite as well. A really enjoyable, fast read!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
November 21, 2015
Joe Cosentino once again combines consummate wit, fascinating characters, and heartfelt passion in this fast-moving, captivating short novella. We meet Bobby, and his over-the-top Italian-American family, who sends him to visit his cousins in Capri, Italy during his winter break from college. There, he meets a just-as-colorful Italian family and is smitten by his third cousin, Paolo. As we tour the beautiful Island of Capri, we also follow their blossoming relationship. Though the two are polar opposites, they each find something in the other that fills a void in themselves. This is a charming and beautifully written holiday story, that will warm your heart any time of the year.
December 3, 2015
A Home for the Holidays is a short novella about family and falling in love.
Bobby goes to Italy during the Christmas Holidays to meet his mother's family.
There he meets Paolo a young man and distant relative.
The both of them get to know each other and share their respective dreams and desires.
Becoming close and personal.... until they have to decide if they want to be together.
I have to say the book description of the Capri area is beautiful....
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Bobby goes to Italy during the Christmas Holidays to meet his mother's family.
There he meets Paolo a young man and distant relative.
The both of them get to know each other and share their respective dreams and desires.
Becoming close and personal.... until they have to decide if they want to be together.
I have to say the book description of the Capri area is beautiful....
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
December 6, 2015
Christmas Italian style means lots of animated discussions, loads of great Mediterranean food, a beautiful island and the weather to go with it. Bobby experiences all of this and more when he goes to spend Christmas with his distant relatives in Capri. The one thing he didn’t bargain for was Paolo.
It never ceases to amaze me about how extended Italian families seem to be or more importantly how they ever manage to keep tabs on who is related to whom. Bobby goes to Capri to spend his time with his extended family, his grandmother being a second cousin three times removed from Paolo’s grandfather or something like that. Don’t ask me as to be honest I can’t now remember but it was heart warming to see no matter how distant the relation Bobby was accepted into the family as warmly as if it was his own direct family.
I liked the typical animated conversations around the family dining table, I could just imagine the whole noisy scenario. Typical Italian? I guess but I’m not an expert on this culture by a long shot. But it came across pretty authentic to me. Paolo is given the task to show Bobby around Capri while he is there. A job that he takes on with some reluctance but in this family the hierarchy is clear so once you have been tasked to do something there’s no getting out of it. At first I got the feeling that Paolo kind of resented Bobby being there but gradually something builds between them. Bobby finds Paolo irresistible and when they both find out they’re gay then Bobby starts to fall for Paolo all the more. My first reaction was a little cringe worthy however to think that they are related and now falling in love with each other. But then I had to remember that they are so distant as relatives it really doesn’t matter anymore.
Bobby’s advances are always shunned by Paolo. Why? Well, we learn that Paolo until now has been a bit of a player, one night stands and nothing more. He is afraid of getting involved as he doesn’t want to get hurt and he feels that he might be feeling more than he should for Bobby. I guess like all good sons he has a dream but it always has to take second place against the expectations of the his family and the company. Here I felt sorry for Paolo that someone can be so oppressed into giving up a dream for the sake of having to fulfil one’s duty and what the family wants. Quite selfish from the family if you ask me even if it isn’t intended that way. Bobby eventually gets through to Paolo with the help of his father on the other side of the pond making him realise that life has a lot more to offer than doing the family’s bidding.
The whole story idea in itself was a nice one however upon reflection there were just a few things that stopped it being more than three stars for me. I would have liked a little more substance or plot to the story. Paolo and Bobby are flying around the island on Paolo’s Vespa showing him the island but there isn’t a lot more to the plot really than this. I’m afraid I just didn’t feel the heat or attraction between the MCs like I should have. There was just something a little flat with the character dynamics between the pair of them which didn’t make them lift off the page for me and
I also felt there is constant repetition of a couple of things. First the dialogues between Paolo and Bobby; Paolo ended almost every sentence with the word “cousin” when addressing Bobby. Maybe it’s a cultural thing and I’m not really qualified to comment, but I felt it started to interrupt the flow of their dialogues for me personally to the extent that it didn’t sound natural anymore. This was a shame as at a certain point it was difficult for me to take Paolo seriously anymore and therefore the dialogues lost some of their sparkle. It wasn’t necessary for me to be reminded all the time that they are cousins.
The same I’m afraid went for the food. There is a lot of eating going on in this book, natural enough maybe for an Italian family, but I felt every time they sat down to eat we always get a complete culinary rundown of what’s on the table albeit either at home or in one of the many restaurants Paolo took Bobby to. This again distracted me a little from the real point or focus of why they are there and that is the conversation. These two things were a little overdone for my tastes I’m afraid.
However after all is said and done this is a charming, compact Christmas novella with an Italian flare. It’s about learning to love and trust, even if there is the risk of getting hurt, about following your dreams, even if this risks upsetting some people and about the importance of families.
It never ceases to amaze me about how extended Italian families seem to be or more importantly how they ever manage to keep tabs on who is related to whom. Bobby goes to Capri to spend his time with his extended family, his grandmother being a second cousin three times removed from Paolo’s grandfather or something like that. Don’t ask me as to be honest I can’t now remember but it was heart warming to see no matter how distant the relation Bobby was accepted into the family as warmly as if it was his own direct family.
I liked the typical animated conversations around the family dining table, I could just imagine the whole noisy scenario. Typical Italian? I guess but I’m not an expert on this culture by a long shot. But it came across pretty authentic to me. Paolo is given the task to show Bobby around Capri while he is there. A job that he takes on with some reluctance but in this family the hierarchy is clear so once you have been tasked to do something there’s no getting out of it. At first I got the feeling that Paolo kind of resented Bobby being there but gradually something builds between them. Bobby finds Paolo irresistible and when they both find out they’re gay then Bobby starts to fall for Paolo all the more. My first reaction was a little cringe worthy however to think that they are related and now falling in love with each other. But then I had to remember that they are so distant as relatives it really doesn’t matter anymore.
Bobby’s advances are always shunned by Paolo. Why? Well, we learn that Paolo until now has been a bit of a player, one night stands and nothing more. He is afraid of getting involved as he doesn’t want to get hurt and he feels that he might be feeling more than he should for Bobby. I guess like all good sons he has a dream but it always has to take second place against the expectations of the his family and the company. Here I felt sorry for Paolo that someone can be so oppressed into giving up a dream for the sake of having to fulfil one’s duty and what the family wants. Quite selfish from the family if you ask me even if it isn’t intended that way. Bobby eventually gets through to Paolo with the help of his father on the other side of the pond making him realise that life has a lot more to offer than doing the family’s bidding.
The whole story idea in itself was a nice one however upon reflection there were just a few things that stopped it being more than three stars for me. I would have liked a little more substance or plot to the story. Paolo and Bobby are flying around the island on Paolo’s Vespa showing him the island but there isn’t a lot more to the plot really than this. I’m afraid I just didn’t feel the heat or attraction between the MCs like I should have. There was just something a little flat with the character dynamics between the pair of them which didn’t make them lift off the page for me and
I also felt there is constant repetition of a couple of things. First the dialogues between Paolo and Bobby; Paolo ended almost every sentence with the word “cousin” when addressing Bobby. Maybe it’s a cultural thing and I’m not really qualified to comment, but I felt it started to interrupt the flow of their dialogues for me personally to the extent that it didn’t sound natural anymore. This was a shame as at a certain point it was difficult for me to take Paolo seriously anymore and therefore the dialogues lost some of their sparkle. It wasn’t necessary for me to be reminded all the time that they are cousins.
The same I’m afraid went for the food. There is a lot of eating going on in this book, natural enough maybe for an Italian family, but I felt every time they sat down to eat we always get a complete culinary rundown of what’s on the table albeit either at home or in one of the many restaurants Paolo took Bobby to. This again distracted me a little from the real point or focus of why they are there and that is the conversation. These two things were a little overdone for my tastes I’m afraid.
However after all is said and done this is a charming, compact Christmas novella with an Italian flare. It’s about learning to love and trust, even if there is the risk of getting hurt, about following your dreams, even if this risks upsetting some people and about the importance of families.
December 17, 2016
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
As the son of an Italian mama, Bobby knows what it is to bow from pressure from said mama, so when she suggests he spend Christmas with his Italian cousins on the isle of Capri and goes so far as to buy his ticket, he has no choice but to capitulate. Once there, he meets his extended family, which includes his gorgeous, friendly third cousin, Paolo. Over the course of the holiday, the sparks ignite and then flare between these two men, despite the fact that Paolo’s family, and his family obligations, keep his sexuality under wraps and allow him no choice but to remain behind when Bobby flies home.
I don’t know what I enjoyed more in this story: the author’s sense of humor or Joel Leslie’s delivery of it. Maybe it’s a tie? But in any event, this short holiday story is packed full of goodness. Joel’s voice for Bobby’s mama was hysterical. Perfect, in both accent and tone, the words and the way they were spoken had me laughing out loud within a few minutes of starting this story. So buyer beware: don’t listen to this in any “quiet” space, such as a library. You’ll be kicked out, for sure!
Looking back on how long (or short) this audiobook was (less than two hours) I find it hard to believe that so much occurred. The characters, including a host of secondary characters, were well-developed by the author and given unique and interesting voices by the narrator. The romance progressed quickly, but then it would have to in a short story so no points off for that, for sure. And I was tearful at the ending but suddenly surprised at the last minute by the author’s gift: a highly possible HEA.
Definitely recommended for a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
As the son of an Italian mama, Bobby knows what it is to bow from pressure from said mama, so when she suggests he spend Christmas with his Italian cousins on the isle of Capri and goes so far as to buy his ticket, he has no choice but to capitulate. Once there, he meets his extended family, which includes his gorgeous, friendly third cousin, Paolo. Over the course of the holiday, the sparks ignite and then flare between these two men, despite the fact that Paolo’s family, and his family obligations, keep his sexuality under wraps and allow him no choice but to remain behind when Bobby flies home.
I don’t know what I enjoyed more in this story: the author’s sense of humor or Joel Leslie’s delivery of it. Maybe it’s a tie? But in any event, this short holiday story is packed full of goodness. Joel’s voice for Bobby’s mama was hysterical. Perfect, in both accent and tone, the words and the way they were spoken had me laughing out loud within a few minutes of starting this story. So buyer beware: don’t listen to this in any “quiet” space, such as a library. You’ll be kicked out, for sure!
Looking back on how long (or short) this audiobook was (less than two hours) I find it hard to believe that so much occurred. The characters, including a host of secondary characters, were well-developed by the author and given unique and interesting voices by the narrator. The romance progressed quickly, but then it would have to in a short story so no points off for that, for sure. And I was tearful at the ending but suddenly surprised at the last minute by the author’s gift: a highly possible HEA.
Definitely recommended for a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
January 15, 2017
Review by Shee Reader for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Rating 4 Hearts
Our story opens with Bobby McGrath having a hilarious conversation with his mother on the telephone. Bobby, a law student, is about to embark on a trip to meet his Italian relatives for Christmas.
He arrives after a long trip on the island of Capri, to see the amazing villa and the extended family surrounded by amazing views, none more gorgeous than Bobby’s cousin Paolo Mascobello. Paolo is charged with acting the tour guide to the visiting American and a relationship develops quickly.
Paolo is a man with hidden depths and Bobby is soon entranced, and gifts Paolo with his virginity.
The characterisation is nicely done, the descriptions of the beautiful island had me feeling like I was there with the two lovely men. The dialogue is well written, engaging and is frequently funny. I liked Bobby from the outset, and Paolo quickly grew on me. Their chemistry is hot and the friendship that develops is lovely. Bobby sees something in Paolo that his family sneers at - his talent, and it’s just the thing Bobby needs to try to persuade Paolo to come home with him.
The Narration is very good, great characterisation and a beautiful italian accent I really enjoyed listening to. That said, it was a little scary that Joel Lesley’s “Bobby’s mom” voice sounded scarily like my jewish auntie from Philly!
The ending is sweet, and a little surprising. My favourite bit being Bobby suspecting the mothers cooked up the whole thing to get the two men to meet!
I’d highly recommend this sweet little Christmas tale of love and beauty.
A free copy of the audio book was provided in return for an honest review.
Rating 4 Hearts
Our story opens with Bobby McGrath having a hilarious conversation with his mother on the telephone. Bobby, a law student, is about to embark on a trip to meet his Italian relatives for Christmas.
He arrives after a long trip on the island of Capri, to see the amazing villa and the extended family surrounded by amazing views, none more gorgeous than Bobby’s cousin Paolo Mascobello. Paolo is charged with acting the tour guide to the visiting American and a relationship develops quickly.
Paolo is a man with hidden depths and Bobby is soon entranced, and gifts Paolo with his virginity.
The characterisation is nicely done, the descriptions of the beautiful island had me feeling like I was there with the two lovely men. The dialogue is well written, engaging and is frequently funny. I liked Bobby from the outset, and Paolo quickly grew on me. Their chemistry is hot and the friendship that develops is lovely. Bobby sees something in Paolo that his family sneers at - his talent, and it’s just the thing Bobby needs to try to persuade Paolo to come home with him.
The Narration is very good, great characterisation and a beautiful italian accent I really enjoyed listening to. That said, it was a little scary that Joel Lesley’s “Bobby’s mom” voice sounded scarily like my jewish auntie from Philly!
The ending is sweet, and a little surprising. My favourite bit being Bobby suspecting the mothers cooked up the whole thing to get the two men to meet!
I’d highly recommend this sweet little Christmas tale of love and beauty.
A free copy of the audio book was provided in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2020
3.5 stars. Bobby McGrath receives a wonderful Christmas present - a trip to Capri to visit extended family. It's a welcome relief from the coldness of Philly - warm days in the sun sightseeing, wonderful meals and gorgeous company - Bobby's cousin Paolo (not to worry - Paolo is a very distant cousin). The story moves along quickly as Bobby and Paolo fall in insta-love with only a few lightly-described sex scenes. Both in Capri and Philly, there are lots of family members (along with some humorous family dinners and dramas) who attempt to control their children's lives but in the end love prevails and Bobby and Paolo are on their way to a HEA. On the whole, I liked this light holiday story although the plot was a bit predictable and due to the length of the story, there wasn't a lot of in-depth communication or relationship building between Bobby and Paolo.
Joel Leslie's narration was very solid and I really liked his voices for Bobby's parents as well as the Italian family members. My only niggle was that I didn't care for Paolo's voice, but overall the narration was very good.
I received the audiobook from Dreamspinner Press, via audible.com, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Joel Leslie's narration was very solid and I really liked his voices for Bobby's parents as well as the Italian family members. My only niggle was that I didn't care for Paolo's voice, but overall the narration was very good.
I received the audiobook from Dreamspinner Press, via audible.com, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 22, 2016
Bobby goes to a small village in Italy to spend the holidays with his Italian relatives. While there he meets Paolo, his third cousin, and is introduced to all sorts of Italian customs. Bobby falls for Paolo, but Paolo does not return his affections. What will Bobby do? Can he convince Paolo that they are meant to be together?
The thing I love about Joe Cosentino's gay fiction is that he doesn't feel the need to include graphic sex in his stories. I truly do love his writing style, and I recommend this book as a wonderful short story set during the holidays. The narrator does wonderful voices and accents for Cosentino's characters.
The thing I love about Joe Cosentino's gay fiction is that he doesn't feel the need to include graphic sex in his stories. I truly do love his writing style, and I recommend this book as a wonderful short story set during the holidays. The narrator does wonderful voices and accents for Cosentino's characters.
December 4, 2018
Home For The Holidays is the first book in the Bobby and Paolo's Holiday Stories series by Joe Cosentino.
Bobby and Paolo meet on a beautiful island, when Bobby goes to spend Christmas with his Italian relatives.
Bobby is able to help Paolo, but he also needs to help himself. He's been playing it safe instead of reaching for his dreams.
This is a wonderful and charming story of taking chances, facing your fears and finding love. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Bobby and Paolo meet on a beautiful island, when Bobby goes to spend Christmas with his Italian relatives.
Bobby is able to help Paolo, but he also needs to help himself. He's been playing it safe instead of reaching for his dreams.
This is a wonderful and charming story of taking chances, facing your fears and finding love. I enjoyed every moment of it.
November 20, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
If you are looking for a sweet tale of love during the holidays, look no futher than A Home for the Holidays by Joe Cosentino.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
January 1, 2019
Sweet and a bit nerve racking. I love how well they fit together. Bobby does such a great job of encouraging Paola to go for his dreams.
May 4, 2016
Bobby’s family is not exactly all up with the love and caring. Even at Christmas. So it is with a bit of relief that Bobby will be spending this Christmas in Capri with some relatives he has never met before. Complete strangers are a vast improvement to his family’s constant barrage of criticism and derision. That Capri also is the home of his entirely too sexy cousin is something not to sneer at either. But some things about family are universal. Paolo and Bobby will have to decide what is more important, their families criticism or their belief in each other.
I struggled with this story, quite a bit. The way it was written did not lend itself to a easy narrative. It at times felt like one must feel when forced to sit down and look thru every one of the 300+ photos from a friend’s vacation. There might be interesting stories in those pictures, but by photo number 107 you are trying to come up with some fictional aunt you have to go visit in the hospital.
The best way I can think to describe this book is descriptive. Probably overly descriptive…or at least not descriptive in the right areas. I love me some food porn and I enjoy foreign locals, but I need the story to devote some time to the actual relationship. Hardly more than 24 hours goes before they are pulling out the I-love-yous, and there is almost no emotional build-up before it. It just kinda happens. Bobby sees a hot guy, Bobby fucks a hot guy, Bobby falls in love with a hot guy because…he bought him a nice meal???
There is no narrative build up in this story. Too much of it felt like a list of activities. And while things could have been happening below the surface in those scenes, we sure as hell are not shown them.
Also, just a hint, if you want me to sympathize with a character it is best not to have him show his absolute disgust at having to come into contact with someone who is plus size. I had pretty much stopped caring what this dude did after the third time this happened. I get it, we all want our MCs to be hot and buff (actually I really don’t), but this was just insulting. The author may not have meant it to be, but that didn’t stop Bobby from coming across like a shallow dickwad.
I don’t know if this book is suffering the bad luck of coming after one of my favorite books of the year, or it was just never going to be to my liking. Either way, it didn’t work for me. I wish that the author had spent more time on the people and less time on Italy, because the characters are what usually draw me to a story…the rest is just set dressing.
2.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I struggled with this story, quite a bit. The way it was written did not lend itself to a easy narrative. It at times felt like one must feel when forced to sit down and look thru every one of the 300+ photos from a friend’s vacation. There might be interesting stories in those pictures, but by photo number 107 you are trying to come up with some fictional aunt you have to go visit in the hospital.
The best way I can think to describe this book is descriptive. Probably overly descriptive…or at least not descriptive in the right areas. I love me some food porn and I enjoy foreign locals, but I need the story to devote some time to the actual relationship. Hardly more than 24 hours goes before they are pulling out the I-love-yous, and there is almost no emotional build-up before it. It just kinda happens. Bobby sees a hot guy, Bobby fucks a hot guy, Bobby falls in love with a hot guy because…he bought him a nice meal???
There is no narrative build up in this story. Too much of it felt like a list of activities. And while things could have been happening below the surface in those scenes, we sure as hell are not shown them.
Also, just a hint, if you want me to sympathize with a character it is best not to have him show his absolute disgust at having to come into contact with someone who is plus size. I had pretty much stopped caring what this dude did after the third time this happened. I get it, we all want our MCs to be hot and buff (actually I really don’t), but this was just insulting. The author may not have meant it to be, but that didn’t stop Bobby from coming across like a shallow dickwad.
I don’t know if this book is suffering the bad luck of coming after one of my favorite books of the year, or it was just never going to be to my liking. Either way, it didn’t work for me. I wish that the author had spent more time on the people and less time on Italy, because the characters are what usually draw me to a story…the rest is just set dressing.
2.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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December 3, 2015I can't rate this book, because it hit too near home for me, and because I felt slightly offended.
You see, I'm italian, and I happen to know Capri island very well, because my family has a holiday home there.
So, what's the matter? Same old story: the wrong representation of italian people, that I found in almost every non italian book that I’ve read.
The only book that didn't fall in stereotypes about italians? It was the beautiful Call Me by Your Name.
First of all, it's true that Catholicism is the most diffused religion in Italy, but it isn't true that we are all catholic. There's a large part of us italians that is atheist (like me). Or agnostic. Or muslim. Or of Jewish faith. Or buddhist. Or whatever.
But no, in almost every book that I've read, there's a woman dressed in black clutching her rosario and praying God for everything. Please. We're not in the fifties anymore.
Without mentioning Bobby envisioning his Italian aunt like a fat woman dressed in black. I laughed hard at that. Hello, it’s widely known that Italy is one of the most fashionable country in the world. And I’m not talking about great stylists only, but about street style too.
And the mobster? Obviously, when in Italy, there must be a character that's involved with the mob.
I can't even begin to say how much offensive this is. And wrong. You can figure it by yourself.
And the fear of being kidnapped? The fear of being robbed? Maybe Bobby was Alice coming from Wonderland to the land of the notorious criminals? Offensive, again.
What would you say if I wrote a book about american guys, using every offensive stereotype, describing them like fat and ignorant morons with an hamburger in one hand, and a gun in the other?
Changing topic, I think that Mr Cosentino described quite well the natural beauty of Capri, but failed to capture the glam of that isle. Capri is a well known destination for the international jet set, since early ‘900.
And being openly gay in Capri is not a new thing, since the days of Emperor Tiberius and his young favorites.
One last thing: Caesar salad it’s not an italian meal. But I can let it go. Last week I was watching Masterchef New Zeland and I heard: spaghetti with meatballs is a notorious Italian meal. WTF? This is what I call a serious insult to one of the better culinary tradition in the world.
Well, this book was a sweet holiday story, but as you can see, I’m biased here.
I’m too personally involved, so I choose to not rate this story.
You see, I'm italian, and I happen to know Capri island very well, because my family has a holiday home there.
So, what's the matter? Same old story: the wrong representation of italian people, that I found in almost every non italian book that I’ve read.
The only book that didn't fall in stereotypes about italians? It was the beautiful Call Me by Your Name.
First of all, it's true that Catholicism is the most diffused religion in Italy, but it isn't true that we are all catholic. There's a large part of us italians that is atheist (like me). Or agnostic. Or muslim. Or of Jewish faith. Or buddhist. Or whatever.
But no, in almost every book that I've read, there's a woman dressed in black clutching her rosario and praying God for everything. Please. We're not in the fifties anymore.
Without mentioning Bobby envisioning his Italian aunt like a fat woman dressed in black. I laughed hard at that. Hello, it’s widely known that Italy is one of the most fashionable country in the world. And I’m not talking about great stylists only, but about street style too.
And the mobster? Obviously, when in Italy, there must be a character that's involved with the mob.
I can't even begin to say how much offensive this is. And wrong. You can figure it by yourself.
And the fear of being kidnapped? The fear of being robbed? Maybe Bobby was Alice coming from Wonderland to the land of the notorious criminals? Offensive, again.
What would you say if I wrote a book about american guys, using every offensive stereotype, describing them like fat and ignorant morons with an hamburger in one hand, and a gun in the other?
Changing topic, I think that Mr Cosentino described quite well the natural beauty of Capri, but failed to capture the glam of that isle. Capri is a well known destination for the international jet set, since early ‘900.
And being openly gay in Capri is not a new thing, since the days of Emperor Tiberius and his young favorites.
One last thing: Caesar salad it’s not an italian meal. But I can let it go. Last week I was watching Masterchef New Zeland and I heard: spaghetti with meatballs is a notorious Italian meal. WTF? This is what I call a serious insult to one of the better culinary tradition in the world.
Well, this book was a sweet holiday story, but as you can see, I’m biased here.
I’m too personally involved, so I choose to not rate this story.
December 15, 2016
If you are in the mood for a very sweet, sometimes very silly and highly “stereotypical” Italian vacation romance – over Christmas! – this is for you!
Bobby is a very dutiful law student and a good son. He goes to visit the distant family where he finds and eventually falls for Paolo a third cousin (or something like that) who acts as his guide around the island of Capri.
Paolo’s family is hysterical – the grandmother perpetually on her death bed, the mobster, the doting mother, the gregarious father, the self-centered cousins, and on and on.
Besides letting his family down for not marrying a good Italian girl, Paolo designs clothes. With the help from Bobby, he may be able to turn his life around and stay with the love of his life in America!
**
The romance here is pretty unbelievable. It’s pretty much a case of insta-love with not much relationship building. (It’s slightly disconcerting that Paolo calls Bobby “cousin” all the time, as well.) However – the narration that Joel Leslie provides makes this rather tepid romance really shine. He’s funny and gives each character so much pizzazz that it’s quite entertaining. Bobby’s mother (“I only labored intensively for 18 hours for you”), Nona (“I hope I’m still alive when you come back”), and the Mafioso (“I have a package for you to deliver”) are all hysterical and Joel’s delivery absolutely makes this.
If I’d been reading this I think I’d have been rolling my eyes a lot and wouldn’t have found it nearly as charming as I did listening to it.
It’s a short, funny, sweet story that is just a hoot!
Recommended for a couple of hours of sweet laughter on a snowy day.
Bobby is a very dutiful law student and a good son. He goes to visit the distant family where he finds and eventually falls for Paolo a third cousin (or something like that) who acts as his guide around the island of Capri.
Paolo’s family is hysterical – the grandmother perpetually on her death bed, the mobster, the doting mother, the gregarious father, the self-centered cousins, and on and on.
Besides letting his family down for not marrying a good Italian girl, Paolo designs clothes. With the help from Bobby, he may be able to turn his life around and stay with the love of his life in America!
**
The romance here is pretty unbelievable. It’s pretty much a case of insta-love with not much relationship building. (It’s slightly disconcerting that Paolo calls Bobby “cousin” all the time, as well.) However – the narration that Joel Leslie provides makes this rather tepid romance really shine. He’s funny and gives each character so much pizzazz that it’s quite entertaining. Bobby’s mother (“I only labored intensively for 18 hours for you”), Nona (“I hope I’m still alive when you come back”), and the Mafioso (“I have a package for you to deliver”) are all hysterical and Joel’s delivery absolutely makes this.
If I’d been reading this I think I’d have been rolling my eyes a lot and wouldn’t have found it nearly as charming as I did listening to it.
It’s a short, funny, sweet story that is just a hoot!
Recommended for a couple of hours of sweet laughter on a snowy day.
December 22, 2017
One Review Covers All
This review will cover both books about Bobby and Paolo.
The plots are decent and believable, the insta-lust and love not, but why worry? This is a delightful three novella series (the second book has two novellas a year apart). You will come to love Bobby, the ginger on the left, and totally respect Paolo, his third cousin.
The thing about these two books is that they feature members of two very well described, if somewhat stereotypical, families of Italian origin. Bobby and his extended family live in Philadelphia and he is the son of an Irish-American father and Italian-American mother. Paolo and his extended family live on Capri in Italy.
Author Cosentino knows his people. The extraordinary thing that he does is totally capture the differences in the social attitudes of both kinds of Italian families. Paolo is brilliantly portrayed and his comments to Bobby from time to time about how Italians relate to family, sex, and especially the Church, are so on target I could not stop laughing. Bobby, on the other hand, is just as oblivious to these things as any young Italian-American would have been over the past 50 years.
Fun books, full of love and laughs and in the end good cheer.
This review will cover both books about Bobby and Paolo.
The plots are decent and believable, the insta-lust and love not, but why worry? This is a delightful three novella series (the second book has two novellas a year apart). You will come to love Bobby, the ginger on the left, and totally respect Paolo, his third cousin.
The thing about these two books is that they feature members of two very well described, if somewhat stereotypical, families of Italian origin. Bobby and his extended family live in Philadelphia and he is the son of an Irish-American father and Italian-American mother. Paolo and his extended family live on Capri in Italy.
Author Cosentino knows his people. The extraordinary thing that he does is totally capture the differences in the social attitudes of both kinds of Italian families. Paolo is brilliantly portrayed and his comments to Bobby from time to time about how Italians relate to family, sex, and especially the Church, are so on target I could not stop laughing. Bobby, on the other hand, is just as oblivious to these things as any young Italian-American would have been over the past 50 years.
Fun books, full of love and laughs and in the end good cheer.
February 5, 2016
A Home for the Holidays is a short Christmas novella with the added Joe Cosentino magic.
The story of Bobby's adventure to Capri, and his relationship with Paolo is sweet, without being saccharine, and I really enjoyed the balance Joe Cosentino maintains between the romance of the Italian island and the increasing passion between the two young men.
I particularly love the fact that Joe Cosentino captures the importance of family (and food!) to the Italian people, yet much of the harmless humor comes in the form of Nonna and her comments about religion and death.
For a holiday story, I would have liked to have seen the magic of Christmas captured a little more though I am certain that if Santa brought me a copy of A Home for the Holidays in his sack, I wouldn't be disappointed!
I received this as a complimentary copy, in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Bobby's adventure to Capri, and his relationship with Paolo is sweet, without being saccharine, and I really enjoyed the balance Joe Cosentino maintains between the romance of the Italian island and the increasing passion between the two young men.
I particularly love the fact that Joe Cosentino captures the importance of family (and food!) to the Italian people, yet much of the harmless humor comes in the form of Nonna and her comments about religion and death.
For a holiday story, I would have liked to have seen the magic of Christmas captured a little more though I am certain that if Santa brought me a copy of A Home for the Holidays in his sack, I wouldn't be disappointed!
I received this as a complimentary copy, in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2018
❤ A beautiful story that I absolutely Loved. Bobby and Paolo are fantastic together to learn to love and to dream. Dreams do come true but will Paolo's be set free in the next book, I'm absolutely grabbing it.
One weeks vacation for Bobby does wonders for him and turns into a gorgeous story. Beautifully written and described.
Bobby was turning 24 soon he was studying law as a student. This Christmas he was planning to be in Italy visiting his cousins.
Paolo is Bobby's 3rd cousin and have things in common. Paolo loves to draw when he not working in the werehouse.
Bobby and Paolo where definitely not kissing cousins or maybe they are..❤
One weeks vacation for Bobby does wonders for him and turns into a gorgeous story. Beautifully written and described.
Bobby was turning 24 soon he was studying law as a student. This Christmas he was planning to be in Italy visiting his cousins.
Paolo is Bobby's 3rd cousin and have things in common. Paolo loves to draw when he not working in the werehouse.
Bobby and Paolo where definitely not kissing cousins or maybe they are..❤
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