It’s time for another summer of sun, sand, suntan lotion, sandals, and Speedos on Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey Shore. Cal Cozzi’s seven bungalows are once again open for love.
This summer, sexy Cal welcomes back his brother and sister, who are confronted with people from their pasts. Connor, the maid packed with muscle and mayhem, becomes the subject of a handsome young psychologist’s study on human sexuality. Tommy, the strapping, bald and tattooed local bartender, is captivated with guest Cory Magnum, a police officer with a secret. Another guest, Bill, a disbelieving pastor, is inspired by a vision of two sexy male angels on the cove. And Cal and Michael reach a plateau in their relationship.
What secrets, humor, tragedies, mysteries, and passions lie waiting to unfold in this magical place called Cozzi Cove?
JOE 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. JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Cozzi Cove; Stepping Out is book three in a series. You do need to read them all to understand what all is going on here, or at least the second book.
Stepping Out is more about the main characters where the others were more about the guests. Cal and Michael are still together, and Michael is pushing for marriage. Cal loves Michael but can't get over Lance, and it's putting distance between him and Michael. George has finished helping with the remodel of Cozzi Cove but staying a little longer on Taylor's Request.
Taylor, Cal's sister, and George's half-sister show up with a doctor that is George's ex. Connor usually is busy trying to hit on the single guests, finds himself as an interviewee with one of the guests that is writing a paper. One of the guests is a female that looks familiar to Cal and also Tommy, the local bartender. Another guest is a leader of a group called Angels that appear to help a minister that has lost his faith and will to live.
The Cozzi Cove stories have a great mix of drama, angst, romance, and sex. There is something for everyone. I think this one was my favorite so far. I loved how we got deeper inside each main character, and the guests were secondary this go round. I also like how there is a smooth flow of each chapter, so we know who is talking or the focus. I loved how Taylor added a touch of humor to lighten the angst.
I was afraid that this was the end of the series, but I loved the peek at the next book! If you like angst, ministers, May/December romance, older men finding love again, second chances, F/F, a touch of humor and some hot man-sex you will like this book and series!
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third in the series - but I have to admit the first that I have read. I have a strong suspicion that the eclectic style would have been more familiar to me had I started from the first one, but I still found it enjoyable. I think I would best describe it as a soap opera on the page!
We meet a wide range of characters and follow their week at Cozzi Cove. Between snippets of their pasts, and what brings them to the cove, there are some big issues addressed. It is takes a serious view of what happened in the past, and one visitor reveals how different reality and perception can be. It is not all serious though, and there is some good humour too. I did feel like I was getting whiplash at times as we hurried from one situation to the next, but the Cal/Michael relationship kept it mostly grounded.
Really different style of book for me and though unexpected, it dealt carefully with issues of gender identity, bullying and rape. Its commentary on organised religion are also interesting.
Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out by Joe Cosentino is an emotional journey that stays with readers forever. The characters inside have a way of luring me deeper into their lives. I felt their emotions as if I were experiencing it first-hand. The details were wonderfully woven. Once more, Joe Cosentino has captured real life inside his fictional world, Cozzi Cove. It seems here at Cozzi Cove, a resort for gay men is the place to be. Tons of action, drama, love, and secrets to keep readers hooked. Many relationships are brought to life. From the varying ages to various backgrounds, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out offers a lot. It's hard not to get lost within the pages. Cal will experience more relationship issues as well as family stuff and somehow find a way to overcome all obstacles. Cal and his lover, Michael, are easy to follow as the plot unfolds. One of the things I love most about Joe Cosentino's books, is that he break so many barriers within his stories. From same sex relationships to racial diversity, Joe Cosentino covers it all. His writing is beautifully written and highly engaging. There's a ton of stuff for all readers to love. Humor, mystery, and romance...Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out is indeed a must read for all.
Cozzi Cove is full of romance again. Stepping Out works through so many past issues for the main characters and help them move forward with their lives.
Cal is there of course along with Michael. Cal's brother George and sister Taylor are both at the Cove. I enjoy Taylor's sassy mouth and the sibling interaction is a hoot.
Connor's still working for Cal and is still a horny dog. But life is about to change for Connor. He is an entertaining character and makes me giggle with his sauciness.
Lots of new visitors to Cozzi and I don't want to give away all the fun. Stepping Out is funny and clever but also very emotional as the characters deal with their respective issues. Cosentino has a great series here. It is well written, sexy and entertaining.
Thanks for letting me visit for another week in Cozzi Cove.
Alright, I'm not gonna even try to review this!! I love the characters created for this series. The story arches and the journey they take from novel to novel makes me want to keep coming back. Love Cozzi Cove and I appreciate that the author rewarded this fan with a character named after him. Impatiently waiting for Book 4!
Book – Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out (Cozzi Cove #3) Author – Joe Costentino Star rating - ★★★★★ No. of Pages – 130 Cover – Gorgeous POV – 3rd person, multi-character POV Would I read it again – Yes! Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Romance
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE ** Reviewed for Divine Magazine
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Warnings: This story deals with some heavy issues: historical rape of two characters, historical homicide, ill health, loss of faith, and the difficult transition of a transgender MTF.
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The story begins with a quick summary of the history of Cozzi Cove and a lovely scene between Cal and Michael. It's a great way to start the novel and the brilliance of Cosentino's writing style means that anyone can pick up this book without having read the previous two in three series, without any difficulties.
Our cast is diverse, as always, but a little more close to home than before. As promised in the previous book, we have Cal, Michael and George as the resident family. Dr Aaron Weiss is the cardiologist who arrives with Taylor, only for them both to end up shaking up the comfortable, happy atmosphere the Cozzi boys have found together. Blue Magnum is a blast from the past with a big secret to share. Connor finally gets his story when Professor Nastas Flowingstream takes up Bungalow Three and takes an interest in the psychology of Connor's nymphomaniac lifestyle. We have sixty-year-old Pastor Bill Gayton, who is having a crisis of faith, until he meets the resident of Bungalow Six, Kamael. Kamael is the head of 'the Angels', a group of like minded gay men, who gather together to do good deeds for others. What was a really nice and unexpected surprise was that we also get the story of Carla, Tommy and Connor, which I've been looking forward to all this time.
I've loved Connor since the start of this series. When he enters the story here, with one of his usual crazy stories of spontaneous sex with a stranger, it's a hoot from the get go. But what I loved even more was his initial hesitance over Professor Nastas because he reminded him of the Professors who made him feel dumb before. Despite that, he was willing to listen to his theory about his study of nymphomania and Connor had the strength to agree to be his Subject Y, opening up about personal things, even when it was difficult. The huge maturity and revelations that he came upon in this story were beautiful to see.
Cal and Michael, as ever, were my favourite. Though their story was smaller this time around, it still had the same impact. They were loving, hot and sweet together, but they still had their problems. Exploring those problems while they tried to help their friends and family meant that they came upon their own answers and revelations, more by accident than design. It was a very clever way of allowing them to work out their issues.
Carla's story was exactly as I'd imagined it would be, though Taylor certainly didn't make it easy. Tommy, on the other hand, had perhaps the most profound storyline of them all. Reuniting with a lost love, going back to those feelings he'd had in high school and finding that they hadn't changed, was a big step forward from his life-long crush on Cal. Blue's story, on top of that, meant that the entire book was emotionally charged and full of shocking secrets.
Because of that, I can't tell you much more other than that I loved it. As expected. With love, romance and the big reveal of so many secrets, Stepping Out is perhaps the most important novel in the series so far. With so many of the recurring characters getting a huge chunk of the storytelling time, I couldn't have asked for a better exploration of the Cozzi family and their chaotic summers at Cozzi Cove. Thanks to the perfect ending, I really hadn't expected there to be more...but, YES! There is an excerpt at the end for the next book. And I couldn't be more thrilled!
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Favourite Quote
“Resting his pad on his knees, Nastas asked, “Connor, exactly how many men have you had sexual relations with?” Connor used the memory skills he'd learned in effective listening class and the additional techniques he'd absorbed in calculus. “Three hundred thirty-eight and a half.” “A half?” “We didn't finish because he had to milk a cow.””
Cozzi Cove works its romantic magic again, in this, the third book in the series. The summer season is kicking off at the gay-friendly resort of Cozzi Cove. There’s the same awesome balance of humour and emotion in this book that I found so engaging in the first two.
Owner Cal Cozzi is 'happily' settled with his younger boyfriend, Michael, but Michael wants more. Cal's half brother George is again staying in bungalow seven while their sister, Taylor, is recovering from a mild heart attack and staying in the main bungalow with Cal. Can Taylor’s oldest and dearest friend Carla persuade her to admit her feelings and come back to Cozzi Cove for good?
Taylor's cardiologist, Aaron, is in bungalow one and he just happens to be George's ex. Did Taylor hatch a plan to get them in the same place at the same time? There's pain and hurt to be worked out between them but can George forgive and forget? Connor the 'maid' is still working at the Cove and a new guest, in bungalow three, Dr. Nastas Flowingstream, a psychology professor, has rubbed him up the wrong way right from the start. Connor grudgingly agrees to analysis sessions to help Nastas write a paper on nymphomania, but things take an unexpected twist!
There's a strange 'woman', Blue Magnum, in bungalow four who seems to know all the locals but no one can quite place her. She even makes gay bar owner, Tommy, question his sexuality. Her harrowing story involves all of the local residents in some way. Pastor Bill is having a crisis of faith in bungalow two following a string of bad events in his life, that is, until he meets three 'angels' staying in bungalows five and six, Gabriel, Raphael and their leader, Kamael. Kamael opens Bill's eyes to a new way of showing his faith, but will Bill give up being a minister?
Will siblings Cal, George and Taylor get over their fears of commitment? The stories of Cal and Michael, George and Aaron, and Taylor and Carla are brilliant and are cleverly described alongside those of the guests.
I loved this book, and the wonderful feel good factor it evoked. For me, it’s the best of the series so far. The characters are, again, perfect for the stories that unwind slowly and are then wound up again into ideal conclusions. The ending ties up all the residents and guests stories but leaves enough open for more. Cozzi Cove, where dreams really do come true.
****I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book**** www.optimummblog.wordpress.com
Another great book in the Cozzi Cove series by joe Cosentino. These books all capture your attention with their uniqueness and style. The characters are over-the-top, yet believable. There is hysterical humor, yet deep pathos. Each book has new characters and storylines with the guests at the Cozzi Cove bungalows, plus continuing characters with their new problems to solve, so there is the nice balance of familiarity and novelty. This book follows the stories of the core characters more than the previous ones, drawing you deeper into their lives. I won't go into the details of the stories, so as not to spoil anything, but I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance, quirky characters, and clever plots. Read the books in order for the fullest effect (this is book 3), but each book can be enjoyed independently if you prefer.
I first got into this series when the second book came out last April and I was just starting to get back into reading and I was swept away by Cosentino's brand of romance. This was the first book, though, that I felt something more than romance. It was a little bittersweet reading through some of the hard times these MC's have been through and getting to know them more in-depth as the series continues on.
It's been such a long time since I've read Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, and there are so many characters with so many details that I almost thought I was going to have to do a re-read of the first two books before I could read this one, but alas, I did not. Cosentino never fails me. Picking up this book, even though it's been nearly a year since I've read them last, was like coming home for Christmas. Everything just clicked.
I was right back on the New Jersey shore with the boys. Connor, as always, was my favorite of the bunch. Oh, how I've missed his bedroom tales (that didn't always take place in the bedroom) and seeing him get all flustered and unsure around the Professor was great. Despite being cautious, Connor took a leap of faith and really grew up. I can't wait to see where the series goes with these two. Cal and Michael had a bit of a short segment in this book, but it was short and sweet. They both have big hearts and open ears, which is extremely important in their relationship.
This review is extremely hard to write because it's hard to talk about the book and give praise without revealing the parts of the book that shocked me or made me laugh, smile, or cringe the most. This entire series is a big rollercoaster and Stepping Out in particular unveiled a lot of secrets. If you're a fan of the series and liked the other two books, I would highly recommend this one. In my opinion, it's probably the best of the series so far.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
4.5 Stars.. A gorgeous story of the past, second chances and future. Magical Cozzi Cove does it again. The Cozzi Family seams to be growing. This had me cheering at the end as my favorite character gets her dream at the ending. Loved it.. Cal is managing the cove's resort with his boyfriend Micheal (a collage student) with the help of his half brother George. Revations finished and ready for new set of quests. They get news their sister, Taylor's coming to stay which puts Cal into a tail panic. Lol.. Who was Blue, she knew a lot about Cal. A collage professor named Nastas, A clergyman called Bill, A Doctor to treat Taylor who happens to be George's ex, Ooh I wondered who else was in the rest of the bungalows.. surprise surprise lol .. Another beautifully written story for Cozzi Cove with new beginnings to come with the new book.
I have read all the books in this series thus far and I have to say this one was definitely my favorite. All of the books have had those that have found love and started their lives again but this one was one of those books that the happily ever. You felt it when the book ended that the people in this book was truly happy and at peace with the decisions and the people they chose to be in their lives.
Honestly I am not sure if there will be other books in this series or not but I will say that if this was the last book in the series then it definitely ended on a happy note and I could definitely tell that all the main characters were settled in their lives.
I love that in this book Connor finally got his story too. In all the other books Connor was nothing but a care free playboy but in this book, Connor definitely met his match and found his other part of his soul. You could feel the connection between Connor and Nastas from the moment that they met but to be honest I was not certain that Connor would get his story. So when he did I was mildly shocked and very happy about it.
George also got to resolve his heartache with Aaron. And I do believe that the heartache and loneliness these two men felt when Aaron left George in the past could have been avoided but I do believe that Aaron and his reasoning for ending things at the time, that Aaron truly beloved that it was for the best at the time. I am just glad that they finally got all the secrets out in the open and was able to rebuild what they had between each other.
Michael and Cal was a no brained as far as couples goes because they have been together in all of he books so far but even still Cal was having problems with moving on from his past with Lance and completely committing to his relationship with Michael. So there is definitely some issues that needed to be resolved there.
Taylor and Carla has been fighting their feelings for each other through this whole series so it was nice to see that they finally got their crap together enough to at least admit how they feel for each other. Now the ball is totally in Taylor's court on how they proceed in their relationship.
The surprise of the whole book though is Tommy finally finds who he has been looking for and the story behind the love found and lost and then found again definitely blew me away.
As I already stated this was a great read and if it is the end of the series I am glad it ended the way that it did and if not then I look forward to the next book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out is the biggest potato chip in the bag.
When I first started reading Joe's books, I would drop all other projects so I could devour the new release. I'd stay up much too late and zoom through the book laughing and crying.
Then I realized, these books were meant to be savored. Kind of like the biggest chip in the bag, which I always wait until last to eat.
I just finished CC3, even though I purchased the book the day it was released. I forced myself to savor the book over a week's time. And the enjoyment kept me happy and smiling for the whole week.