Why
I Wrote the Cozzi Cove beach series—
COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK and COZZI COVE: MOVING
FORWARD
published
by NineStar Press
by
Joe Cosentino
When I was a kid, every year my family and I threw
off the fall/winter/spring blues and joyously spent our summers with my aunt
and uncle in their bungalow on the New Jersey Shore. We swam and made
sandcastles at the beach, waded in the bay, played miniature golf, ate salt
water taffy and jumped up and down on trampolines until we (literally) saw
green, and dined at our favorite seafood restaurant with a colorful player
piano. All those places and experiences are in the novels set in a fictitious
place I call Cozzi Cove, a gay resort of eight bungalows in a private cove on
the Jersey Shore. Each bungalow is based on my aunt and uncle’s, and is furnished
with hand-carved nautical furnishings, and has a stunning view of the bay and
lighthouse in the distance. The main beach and boardwalk are only a mile away.
It’s a place I love to visit, and I know you will too.
The bungalows on Cozzi Cove
are set on a stretch of cove formed when softer rocks were worn away by the sun
and salty water faster than the harder rocks surrounding them. This created a
gorgeous bay of turquoise water shielded by large rocks in the distance and
smaller rocks near the water’s edge.
My leading character is Cal
Cozzi. Cal, short for Calvin, is thirty
years old, tall, and muscular. His Italian and Scottish heritage left him with
striking auburn hair, golden skin, and a strong nose. He dabbled as a
professional football player then restaurant owner, but neither was a good fit.
After Cal’s parents died in an automobile accident, he found his calling:
managing Cozzi Cove in the New Jersey shore town named after his
great-grandfather. Sensing Cal’s sexual orientation as a boy, Cal’s father had
turned Cozzi Cove into a gay resort. Cal is honored to follow in his father’s
footsteps.
Cal’s husband Lance is
twenty-four, short, stocky, African American with dark hair and dark eyes and
amazing dimples. He grew up poor, and worked hard getting scholarships and
maintaining good grades throughout school. As a second grade teacher, Lance is
off during the summers, his favorite time of year. This leaves him more time to
do what he loves most: being with Cal.
Connor, the college student
assisting Cal, is packed with muscles and hormones. He revels in Cozzi Cove,
and in checking out each resident for a possible fling on the cove—which he
enjoys.
Tommy, the bald, muscular,
tattooed resident of Cozzi Cove who owns the local bar has held a torch for Cal
since high school. Carla Mangione who runs Carla’s Seafood Restaurant holds a
similar torch for Cal’s sister.
Cal’s sister, Taylor, drops
in from Rome, Paris, Wall Street, or Palm Springs. As a tough as nails top one-percenter,
the world revolves around her, which makes her hysterically funny. I also
admire her devotion to her brother.
After my two Bittersweet Dreams novellas, An Infatuation and A Shooting Star (In My Heart Series) published by Dreamspinner
Press, were released, countless readers begged me for more time with one of the
characters from An Infatuation (Divine
Magazine Readers’ Choice Award 2nd Place for Best MM Romance). So
that character and his brother are the first guests in Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back. They are two brothers/college students
who look alike, but couldn’t be more different. Mario is searching for love,
and Harold is searching for lust.
The other vacations in book one are a wealthy older
couple, Josh and Greg, who play matchmakers for their gorgeous son Christopher.
Opposites attract as multifaceted Tim meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck
Caliber connects with Sean, a virgin romance novelist. Finally computer game
designer Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman. Even Cal faces an
emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected for
him. Everyone has a secret at Cozzi Cove, and nothing is what it seems at the
magical place called Cozzi Cove.
After Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back released, many readers and reviewers
praised its romantic, humorous, dramatic, mysterious style, and interwoven
captivating stories. Having received countless requests for another visit to
Cozzi Cove, I wrote Cozzi Cove: Moving
Froward. As with the first book, nothing is what it seems in book two, and
romance is everywhere.
Also after my novella A Shooting Star was released, many
readers wanted more time with two of the leading characters, college theatre
majors Jonathan and Barry. So two of the guests at Cozzi Cove in book two are loosely
based on how Jonathan and Barry might be as middle-aged men. I call them Rodney
Maxwell and Dennis O’Halloran, a Tony Award winning actor and his estranged
producer/husband at Cozzi Cove with their two hired bodybuilder studs, Jarek
and Zeus. Computer analyst, Sam, enlists his best friend Chase in a scheme to
attract Sam’s hunky, unsuspecting best friend, Raul. Hunter, a female gay
romance novel enthusiast, is hoping to experience gay life off the page. Middle
aged Gil Van Truren wants to end it all—until he sees a vision of his first
love from college. Cal’s new young lover, Michael Rodgers, is an African
American college student with exotic eyes and a toned body. After going through
tough times, Michael landed at Cal’s doorstep and the two have never looked
back. Cal has his hands full, however, with Michael’s study buddy the gorgeous
and muscular Carlo, and resident man of mystery George Valis who seems to know
a great deal about Cal’s past.
So grab your Speedos,
suntan lotion, and shades and head to Cozzi Cove. I hope to see you there twice!
COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK
by JOE COSENTINO from
NineStar Press
purchase link:
On Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey
shore, handsome Cal Cozzi’s seven bungalows are open for summer and love.
Mario and Harold are brothers and college students who happen to look alike,
but couldn’t be more different: Mario is searching for love, and Harold is
searching for lust. Josh and Greg, a wealthy older couple, are matchmakers for
their son, Christopher. When it comes to Connor, the maid, packed with muscles
and a roving sponge, anything can happen. Opposites attract as wild Tim with
the secret past meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck Caliber connects with Sean,
a virgin romance novelist. And what will happen when computer-game designer
Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman? Even married Cal faces an
emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected.
What secrets and passions lie in magical Cozzi Cove?
Praise
for COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK:
“I
loved this story. It carries you through the full range of emotions, from joy
to sadness, from happiness to anger. The characters are beautifully
written.” “I look forward to a return visit to the Cove.” TBR Pile
“Heartbreaking
and heartwarming, sweet beginnings for some, sour endings for others, emotions
jumping off the page as you turn eagerly to read more, welcome to Cozzi Cove.
The author measured his scales to perfection in delivering the perfect balance
of love, laughter and tears in this sexy, fun filled holiday romance entwined
with some sadness. Summer magic waved it's wand at all who visited and stayed
at Cozzi Cove and I was one of those who wanted to stay.” Three Books Over the
Rainbow
COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD
by JOE COSENTINO from
NineStar Press
purchase link:
On Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey Shore, handsome Cal
Cozzi’s seven bungalows are once again open for summer and love. The vacationers include Rodney Maxwell and Dennis O’Halloran,
a Tony Award winning actor and his estranged producer/husband with their two
hired studs, Jarek and Zeus. Computer analyst Sam enlists his best friend Chase
in a scheme to attract hunky Raul. Middle aged Gil Van Truren wants to end it
all—until he sees a vision of his first love. Cal also has his hands full with
college student Michael—his new young lover—Michael’s study buddy Carlo, man of
mystery George Valis, and Connor, the houseboy packed with muscles and a
wondering sponge. All the while Hunter, a female gay romance novel enthusiast,
experiences gay life off the page. What secrets, humor, tragedy, mysteries, and
passions lie in the magical place called Cozzi Cove?
Author’s
Bio:
Bestselling
author Joe Cosentino wrote Cozzi Cove:
Bouncing Back & Cozzi Cove:
Moving Forward (NineStar Press), Drama
Queen and Drama Muscle Nicky and
Noah mysteries (Lethe Press), In My
Heart/An Infatuation & A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, The
Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll & Porcelain Doll & Satin
Doll (Wild Rose Press) Jana Lane mysteries, and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He
has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre,
opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland
Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at
a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Drama
Cruise Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press) and China Doll Jana Lane mystery (Wild Rose Press). Joe was voted 2nd
Place for Best MM Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice
Awards for 2015!
Author’s
Contact Links:
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
Excerpt of COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK by Joe Cosentino
published by NineStar Press
As Lance rested in bed and Cal was putting on jeans,
sandals, and a canary polo shirt, they heard Connor enter the living room and
call out to Cal. After giving Lance a kiss on the cheek, Cal begrudgingly left
his lover, shut the front bedroom door after himself, and then met up with
Connor, who was standing next to the living room sofa.
Connor said, “It’s good to be back at work.”
“How were your grades at college this year?”
Connor shrugged his muscular shoulders. “Pretty average.”
Cal thought, If
average is getting Cs and Ds. “I’m guessing you were quite involved with extracurricular activities.”
“One or two.” He giggled. “Maybe, three.”
Cal had a soft spot for the kid. “You did a nice job
preparing the bungalows yesterday.”
“I aim to please.”
Cal thought the nineteen-year-old looked like an American
flag in cutoff blue jeans that matched his eyes, a T-shirt and sneakers that
matched his red hair, and pale skin with freckles.
“How can I be of service to you today, boss?”
Cal ignored Connor’s obvious double meaning.
“Just the usual routine.” Cal wasn’t immune to Connor’s
charm, but Connor was a kid, and Cal was a one-man man. “Carry their luggage
into the bungalows when the guests arrive. Turn down beds at four p.m.” He
attempted to look sternly at the boy. “… Without you in them.”
“Me come on to a
guest?” Connor feigned surprise.
“Yes, you, Connor.
This is a vacation resort, not the baths.” Cal moved behind his desk. “After
today, make up the rooms late mornings and early afternoons. Leave the sheets
and towels in front of the garage for the laundry pickup. And don’t forget to
sweep out the parking area.”
Connor saluted. “Aye,
aye, Capitán .”
They heard a knock at the front door. Cal shouted, “It’s
open.”
“Is this the office?”
“We’re informal here,” Cal explained. He typed into his
computer, and then motioned for the young man to join him.
“I’m Mario Ginnetti.” He placed a piece of luggage at his
feet. “Is it okay to park in the lot?”
Connor seemed to nearly salivate at Mario’s arms in his violet
short-sleeved shirt. “You can park anywhere
you like.”
Ignoring Connor, Cal said, “Yes, that’s the lot for the
bungalows.” Cal handed Mario a key. “You’re in Bungalow One. I’ve got your
credit card, so you’re all set.” He took a map from the topmost desk drawer.
“The ocean beach is open to the public and is only minutes away. You can swim,
surf, snorkel, or go on a glass-bottom boat there.” He pointed to various black
dots on the map. “You’ll want to get some groceries here. Tommy Malone’s is a
good bar, and Carla’s is my favorite seafood restaurant. This place has killer
ice cream, which you can work off here at the gym.”
Connor interjected with, “If you need help finding anything, just ask me. I’m a native.”
“Or you can come into the office and ask me.” Cal handed
Mario the map and then pointed outside. “The cove is private property. You can
sit out there all you like. The bay water is calm and warm. As you can see, the
view is amazing.”
Connor added with a grin, “Nude sunbathing is permitted.”
Mario was visibly trying to take it all in.
“Any questions?” asked Cal.
Mario’s dimples appeared. “Will the weather always be this
nice?”
“From your lips to the sea gods’ ears.” Cal smiled. “The
weather report calls for rain, so that means it’s going to be sunny all week.
Connor will take you to your bungalow.”
Connor looked like the wolf meeting Little Red Riding Hood
as he took Mario’s luggage. “Follow me, Mario.”
Excerpt
of Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward by Joe
Cosentino published by NineStar Press
Cal Cozzi
sat on the white sandy beach like a king on his throne. The thirty-one-year-old
thought about his great-grandfather, Calvin Cozzi III, who had built the eight
bungalows, seven of which Cal’s father, Calvin Cozzi II, had rented to guys
like Cal when Cal was a boy. With both men long gone, Cozzi Cove was Cal’s
heritage, lifeblood, and oasis. As he gazed out at the ancient lighthouse near
the horizon, Cal filled his lungs with salty sea air. He was happy to be home.
A familiar
yawn and warm breath on his neck caused Cal to turn around and throw his arms
around the stocky young man who plopped down next to him. Over a decade younger
than Cal, Michael Rodgers rubbed his fingers over dark eyes. Resting his head
with its chestnut-colored locks on Cal’s chest, Michael said, “I missed waking
up in your arms.”
They
shared a long kiss and then rose and stood at the water’s edge, watching the
seagulls fly across shades of amber, violet, and flame that were fading to
reveal a bright-blue sky. With Cal’s Italian and Scottish heritage and
Michael’s Swedish and African lineage, Cal thought their skin glistened in the
sun like jewels.
Shorter
than Cal, Michael licked Cal’s neck.
“Hey, stop
licking. I don’t have any pets.”
“You do
now.”
Cal took
the boy in his arms and smothered his youthful face with kisses. Though Cal
would never forget Lance, the soul mate he’d lost to cancer two years prior, he
couldn’t escape the fact that he was growing more and more in love with Michael
every day they lived together. Michael’s high-energy zest for life and brutal
honesty in speaking his mind both infuriated and delighted Cal. And Cal was
well aware that his straightforward, hardworking masculinity still made Michael
weak at the knees after living together in the main bungalow for nearly a year.
“Let’s get
some breakfast.” Cal ran his fingers through Michael’s curly hair.
Michael
kneaded the muscles in Cal’s back. “What are we having?”
“I’m
having the honey buckwheat pancakes I made. What are you having?” Cal slapped
Michael’s firm buttocks playfully, and then ran away as Michael chased him,
laughing.
As they
headed for the main bungalow, Cal scanned the row of seven guest bungalows on
the cove. Cozzi Cove itself was a quiet stretch of beach with waves tickling
jagged rocks perched on white sand only a mile away from the open ocean. Though
he was excited about the start of the summer rental season, Cal knew he’d miss
the tranquility of having the cove to himself—with Michael.
Michael
followed Cal into the kitchen. As Cal gazed at the lantern-shaped kitchen clock
on the wall, he admired his grandfather’s taste in decorating all of the
bungalows with wood-carved, nautical-themed furnishings.
Sitting at
the table, Michael said, “When do the guests arrive?”
“Check-in
starts at eleven a.m.”
Michael
giggled. “Do I have to check in?”
Cal kissed
the top of his head. “Yeah, into my bedroom.” He served the pancakes and orange
juice before sitting next to Michael. “What time do you have to leave for
school?”
Michael
answered with his mouth full. “College! I’m taking a summer class at State, not
going to morning kindergarten. I’m a junior.”
“Okay,
Junior.”
“Very
funny. In the fall I’ll be a senior, like you.” 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.” Michael swallowed his last piece of pancake and then gulped down the
rest of his orange juice. “Carlo is coming here before our class. We’re taking
some shots of the cove.”
Cal felt
his expression harden. “I thought you were going to mow the lawn, rake the
pebbles, and hose down the sidewalk around the bungalows.”
“Done.”
Michael put his plate, glass, and fork in the sink.
“When?”
“Last
night, when you were in the shower.”
“That’s
why you didn’t come in with me.”
Michael
wrapped his arms around Cal. “Can I take a rain check for tonight?”
“Maybe you
should ask Carlo.”
“Carlo
doesn’t shower. He takes baths.”
Cal did a
double take. “And you know this how?”
“He told
me.” Michael ran into the back bedroom, the home of his computer and
photography equipment.
Cal felt
his blood boil. Taking in some deep breaths, he told himself to calm down.
Michael
came back holding a number of prints and placed them on the kitchen table.
“What do you think?”
Cal looked
down at photographs. “Nice composition, proportions, and shading.”
“Thanks!”
He pointed
at the dark-haired, dark-eyed, olive-skinned, very muscular young man with a
stoic Roman nose, dimples like craters, and a cleft chin like the San Andreas
Fault. “Your professor brought in an Italian porn star?”
“Watch
many Italian porn films, do you, Cal?”
“Obviously
you don’t have to.”
“That’s Carlo. I took them in class.”
Cal
offered a weak smile, trying hard not to let the anger and jealously he was
feeling show on his face.
Michael
ran his finger over the photographs. “Our professor complimented me on the line
and shape.”
“I can see
why.”
“And the
contour and shading.”
“Yup.”
“I’m really
proud of them. Tommy loved them too.”
Cal rose
and put his breakfast things in the sink. “When did you show these to Tommy?”
“Yesterday
afternoon when I was working at Tommy’s bar. The pictures of Cozzi Cove are for
our next assignment.”
“‘Hot
Italian guy on the beach’?”
“‘Summer
magic.’ ” He hugged Cal’s neck. “And there’s no place more magical or more
romantic than Cozzi Cove in the summer.”
After
Michael headed into the bathroom, Cal heard Connor’s jeep pull up into the
parking lot.
A minute
later, Connor’s voice rang out. “Hi, boss. Private Connor O’Riley reporting for
duty.”
Cal met
Connor in the living room. “Hi, Connor. Good job cleaning the bungalows
yesterday. I aired them out last night. Do me a favor. Get some fresh towels
from the bin outside and put them in the bungalows.”
In his
usual skintight white T-shirt and short-shorts, the freckled twenty-year-old
saluted. “Aye, aye, Capitán.” Connor licked his red lips, which matched his
frizzy hair. “Where’s Michael?”
“In the
shower.”
“Does he
need more towels?” Connor headed toward the bathroom.
Cal
grabbed his muscular arm. “Down, boy. And keep it in your pants when the guests
get here.”
Connor
feigned shock. “Me? Make a play for a guest? Never! Cal, you wound me to the
heart.”
“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.”
Connor
opened the front door and bumped into Carlo, whose crimson dress shirt had
enough buttons open to reveal impressive pectoral muscles. “Welcome to Cozzi
Cove!”
As he
entered the front porch, his dark eyes glistened in the morning sun. “I’m
Carlo. I’m looking for Michael Rodgers.”
Cal shut
the door behind him and shook Carlo’s hand, noticing the bulge in Carlo’s black
slacks. “Please come in.”
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