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 … 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.
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This is my first Anna Martin book so I had no expectations going in. Maybe that has something to do with why I enjoyed it so much while a lot of the Goodreads reviews are less than stellar. I actually appreciated the low angst that she brings and how it’s a lot about finding your footing & finding love.
Max is back in his small hometown because his mom recently had a stroke and he realized he wanted to be closer to her. Opening his own tattoo parlor is a big bonus and connecting with Tyler again (and maybe more) is just the icing on the cake. Max is the fun-loving character who enjoys life and is comfortable with his sexuality. He’s been out since school and has had a few romantic bumps along the way but overall he’s confident and assured. (Although maybe not quite ready for a life-time commitment just yet.)
Tyler hasn’t ever really felt that sexual, even though he’s been married and had a kid, but with Max’s return he’s starting to figure out there may be a reason why. Looking a bit deeper at himself and his desires, Tyler soon changes his mind about wanting just friendship between them.
Since his older brother is comfortable in a long-term, same-sex relationship, I think that helped Tyler with his decision. There are a few complaints in reviews about how easy and quickly his mind was changed, but it actually worked for me. The conversation he had with his brother & brother-in-law was awesome and I love how they described sexuality & helped him come to terms with things.
I think my only concern was how Tyler was worried about his standing in the community but that wasn’t really ever addressed. I mean, we know from the epilogue that everything works out fine for them but I think a little bit of the reaction of the townsfolk accepting him as he is would have been nice. Otherwise, I enjoyed pretty much everything else about this story.
The Color of Summer is a relaxed, easy read and the low drama factor makes it a fabulous summer read in my opinion. Low key doesn’t have to mean boring and Martin’s latest is a perfect example. With a cast of awesome characters and plenty of feels, there’s a lot to keep you reading.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
I was sold instantly on this book because 1) it takes place in a small town 2) it’s a single dad romance and 3) it’s a best friend’s brother romance. Plus it’s a real good M/M romance as well. If you’re a fan of thew genre I highly recommend this one! I loved Tyler’s daughter Juniper. She is quite the character. I loved the scenes between her and Max as well. Very cute they are together and share a special bond. In this one Tyler is exploring his attraction to men and watching him navigate his attraction and feelings for Max in enlightening and also heartwarming. It’s not going to be easy living in a small town, but what they have is worth it. This is a book that is a make you feel good story that instantly captures you. The characters just pulled me right in. Anna Martin did a great job creating engaging likable characters.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Max returns home to open his tattoo studio and to be closer to his mum. On the way he gets stopped speeding, by his best friend’s older brother, Tyler. While Max has immediate attraction to Tyler, Tyler is straight and tells him so. But there is . .something . . between them, and as the summer begins, the relationship grows. Can Tyler be a cop in a small town, who is gay?
I might gush about this book, just a heads up! Cos I bloody LOVED it!
Max returns to his home town after his mum has a stroke. He wants to be closer while she recovers. And he wants his own tattoo studio so combines the two plans into one. Meeting Tyler throws Max for a loop, cos he never really noticed Tyler before, you know? He was just Shane’s big brother, is all. But now, the man did grow up good and proper and he pushes all of Max’ buttons.
Tyler is just plodding along, bringing up his daughter with the help of his family. Catching up with Max was fun, and Tyler really needs a friend. But his long suppressed attraction to men, and to Max in particular begins to resurface, Tyler doesn’t want Max as a friend, he WANTS Max. He has his daughter the think about, though, and his job as deputy, and his brother’s reaction to finding out.
I really LOVED this, it fell on my kindle just when I needed it to and I devoured it. That’s the only word I can find: devoured.
I went to bed to read a few chapters and the next thing I know, it was 1am and I had finished. It’s not a short book, 230 odd pages, but it felt a lot less. A sign of a good, nay, GREAT book, that; that it doesn’t seem as long as it really is!
Both Max and Tyler have a say, in the third. Both voices are clear and different and they tell their story incredibly well.
It has a good deal of angst/drama but they aren’t really the right words for it. It’s more soul searching, maybe? I dunno, hate not finding the right words. It has a LOT of emotion, both for Max and Tyler, from very different points of view. There is a huge family network too, who see, you know, they SEE what Max feels for Tyler, even if they haven’t figured that out themselves yet!
It’s not overly explicit, but I don’t think it needs to be. It’s hot and sexy though! The relationship between Max and Tyler moves along at a steady pace, both the emotional connection adn the physical one. I liked being made to wait a while!
I’ve only read one other book by Ms Martin, and that book didn’t quite work for me but THIS one? I freaking loved it and it just goes to show, you can’t love every book and just because one book by an author doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean they ALL won’t.
So, because I loved it, because I read it in one sitting, just because its my review and I CAN . . .
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
*this review may contain spoilers
The Color of Summer by Anna Martin has two of my favorite tropes,GFY and best friend’s brother. Oh,and hot main characters:Max, a tattooed hunk and sexy deputy Tyler. Add to that the fact that Tyler is a single father, and I was hooked.
The two men start off as friends until one evening Max kisses Tyler. A short kiss, mind you, but enough to make Tyler question his preferences. They begin dating and thankfully they work well together as a couple. The pieces of their lives click better in place after Tyler gets shot and Max has to move in, so he can help. Some say that it’s too soon ,but why not ,if it’s the right time for the two of them and Tyler’s daughter?
I also appreciated the sense of family and community in the book,the angst free, funny plot and all the characters are sweet and endearing. The Colors of Summer is definitely a must read.
What a sweet story and what a great relationship.
I was so happy after finishing this book. It was full of funny banter, great personalities and a lot of great friends and family that love you no matter what.
I found Max’s easy going personality to Tyler’s serious one was a great match. I loved the little girl who just seemed to complete the group. But what I loved the most was how they talk about anything that was on their minds without coming to conclusions that usually lead to unnecessary drama.
For a first time read by Anna Martin this book was everything I could hope to be and with that she made sure I’m an instant fan.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
After years away Max moves back home with the goal of opening a tattoo shop. The first person he runs into is Tyler Reed, his best friends older brother, who pulls him over as soon as he speeds into the city limits. After not getting a ticket, the two decide to meet up later and catch up. For Max he is wanting something a little more than Tyler, for Tyler it’s just friends. Tyler’s life as a single father and a deputy means he doesn’t have a lot of time for adult socializing and catching up with Max is just what the doctor ordered. But when Max kisses Tyler and everything gets awkward, can the two fix the friendship and get it back on track? What happens when Tyler realizes that maybe he doesn’t have to fight the attraction towards another man?
I really enjoyed this story by Anna Martin. This gives us drama, some nice naughty bits, cuteness and even some danger. Tyler and Max’s journey really kept me entertained, I give this 4 stars.