The Color of Summer

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.**

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**

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***