Reviewed by Cindy
TITLE: The Color of Summer
AUTHOR: Anna Martin
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 240 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2019
BLURB:
Tattoo artist Max Marshall rushes into his hometown of Sweetwater, West Virginia—and is promptly pulled over for speeding. Max’s luck isn’t all bad, though, because he recognizes the deputy, Tyler Reed, Max’s childhood best friend’s older brother.
Reconnecting with Tyler helps Max settle back in, and it also leads to attraction. But when he tries to explore that connection at the grand opening of his tattoo studio—by kissing Tyler—awkwardness ensues. Max wants more, but has he misread Tyler’s signals?
As a single father raising a six-year-old daughter, Tyler doesn’t have much time to date. He’s ignored his attraction to men for years, but he can’t stop thinking about the kiss he shared with Max. If he can handle the complications of dating in a small town and the possible consequences to his career, this romance could blossom with all the colors of summer.
REVIEW:
Max comes home to be with his family and finds something he didn’t know he was missing. And him being back in town finally gives Tyler a reason to confront something he’s been denying about himself.
I have to say I really enjoyed this story. There’s something sweet and funny and definitely cute about it. I also like the fact that the angst in this story isn’t brought in by the two men themselves, but by life and how it just happens sometimes.
The attraction between Max and Tyler happens fast but I don’t really mind because they’ve known each other for a long time, what with Max being Tyler’s brother’s best friend. It was a pleasure to watch as Tyler realizes some things about himself that he maybe always knew but chose to ignore until Max comes along.
Tyler’s daughter Juniper is truly one of the highlights of this story. She’s so adorable and the author does a good job of matching her age and her actions. Far too often in kid fics, I’ve seen the author give a 5 year old wisdom that would be impossible for them to have. As someone who’s worked with children her whole life, I appreciate the reality that Anna Martin gives Tyler’s Junebug.
I also enjoyed the Tyler and Max’s interactions with their families and friends. It’s nice for character’s to have love and support for once instead of always being surrounded by strife.
The story isn’t perfect, as it dragged in a few spots, but all in all it was really quite good. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down and I had no problems becoming very attached to Tyler and especially Max. There is something about him that spoke to me and I could relate to him a lot.
One of the many things I like about this book is how sex isn’t the fix all for every issue that they have, although when they do have sex, it’s hot and sweet and very well written.
Max and Tyler’s story is really about how you never stop learning things about yourself if you give yourself the chance. I have no problem recommending this story to everyone who likes sweet stories that leave you smiling.
I have been a fan of Anna Martin ever since I read Tattoo’s and Teacups and I love that unusual tattoo’d men inspire her. While doing some research for this review, I found several of her books I haven’t read yet and my bank account is now a little lighter.
RATING: 
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