Audiobook Review: Color of You by CS Poe Narrated by Greg Boudreaux

Color of You

By: C.S. Poe

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-26-18

Language: English

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC

Audible US | Dreamspinner Press

Bowen Merlin - yes, that’s his real name - accepts a position in the quaint town of Lancaster, New Hampshire, as the high school band director. He leaves New York City for the snowy countryside of New England just in time for the holidays. With class, homework, after-school activities, and a surprise Christmas concert to plan and rehearse, Bowen is plenty busy. And since he’s never had much luck with romance, factoring in time to find Mr. Right isn’t a priority...

Until he meets the proprietor of Snowy Ridge Apple Orchard, Felix Hansen. Suddenly, true love seems like a possibility for the first time in Bowen’s life. The two are a perfect match and fill the skipped beats of each other’s hearts. But as wonderful as Felix seems, he’s harboring scars that could end their budding relationship when someone in town goes to great lengths to sabotage their careers.

If Bowen is to survive the holidays, he’ll need to lean on old friends and new, convince Felix he’s worth any hardship, and prove they can come out of the catastrophe stronger if they do so together.

Though Color of You can be read as a stand-alone, there are characters from C.S's novella Joy included in the story and this story takes place in the same town. Reading the novella isn't necessary to enjoy this story. The first time I read this, I had not read Joy but before listening to this audio I took an hour and read it. I enjoyed seeing the carryover of characters and the information on the town that is gotten from the novella.

I am a fan of this author. I love her writing style, characters and stories she tells and this one is no different! I loved Bowen! Bowen has just moved to the small town of Lancaster to take a job as the band teacher. He has red hair and wears bow ties that make him stand out in the school, but in a positive way. The students love the new teacher and even the jocks start emulating his bow tie wearing. And though Bowen doesn't move to a new area thinking he's going to end up in a relationship, he meets Felix when he dumps hot cider on him. Felix is shy and though he's attracted to Bowen, he turns him down for a date. Though Bowen is down, he doesn't let that hold him back and gives it another chance. Felix is shy and standoffish, and though you can tell he's also interested in Bowen, he's very reserved. But, Felix has a history to share that explains his actions. And though Felix's history could have been used to weigh this story down, it really doesn't. Felix isn't reliving his past, refusing to move on.

The relationship between the two men was perfect! Though Bowen is the smaller, slight guy, he's always been dominating, but men typically see him as the bottom. Felix is a strong, big man but is interested in being a bottom, and more submissive. Bowen and Felix are perfect together in this aspect and the further their relationship goes, the more they become comfortable sharing what they want. Bowen and Felix are more than what happens in the bedroom though. You get to watch them building a relationship together, talking, and spending time with Felix's son. They get to know each other, and you can watch the love grow between them. But not everything is easy for Bowen and Felix and not everyone in the small town is happy about having another gay man live in their town and teach their children. However, Felix and Bowen won't have to fight this alone.

The narrator is Greg Boudreaux and he always does a terrific job with his narrations. He brings the stories to life, gives each character an individual voice, expresses emotion well through his storytelling, and has a great pace and voice that’s easy to listen to.

This story is book perfect and hit every note right for me from the first page to the last. I loved Bowen and Felix and how they were more than a stereotype. I thought Alan, Felix's son, added another terrific dynamic to the story. I loved Bowen's best friend Scarlet and their interactions together, and I was rooting for her to move to town so we could see more of her. Bowen's new friend Stephen was a great character and I really hope the author has a story lined up giving him someone to love. This is a must-read for everyone who loves a romance story with a HEA ending. It's definitely one that I'll reread/listen to often.

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

Performance: 5 stars

Story: 5 stars