AN INTERVIEW WITH JOE COSENTINO, AUTHOR OF THE FIRST NOEL and
THE BOBBY AND PAOLO HOLIDAY STORIES ANTHOLOGY
PUBLISHED BY DREAMSPINNER PRESS
- We are talking today with Joe Cosentino author of the Bobby and Paolo holiday stories. Dreamspinner Press just released your latest story, The First Noel, as an e-book, and a paperback of all four Bobby and Paolo Holiday stories! Tell us about the series, story, and setting, and how you came up with them.
After writing two Bittersweet Dreams novellas: In My Heart/An Infatuation and A Shooting Star (Rainbow Award Honorable Mention) and my humorous gay take on my favorite fairytales: The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Open Skye Book Reviews Favorite Audiobook of the Month) published by Dreamspinner Press, I wrote a holiday short novella loosely based on my trip to the magical and gorgeous island of Capri: A Home for the Holidays. If you’ve never been there, go! Or read the story, which is a lot less expensive. In the story, Bobby, a young, Italian American law student from Philadelphia travels to Capri, during the winter holidays to meet his eccentric Italian relatives, and falls in love with his handsome, muscular, sexy Italian distant cousin, Paolo.
Since A Home for the Holidays left open the future of Bobby’s and Paolo’s relationship; Joel Leslie (the incredibly talented voice over artist), readers, reviewers, and Dreamspinner Press staff suggested I write more Bobby and Paolo holiday stories. So I wrote The Perfect Gift, a two-part story that takes place over the next two Christmases, where Bobby and Paolo move to Philadelphia, and overcome numerous obstacles for the perfect wedding (December Grooms), and to adopt a seven-year-old son (An Unexpected Present).
Again, everyone asked for more. So I wrote The First Noel, the next installment for young lawyer Bobby and his young fashion designer husband Paolo. Bobby’s hysterically funny parents and quirky best friend Jared are back. In the story, December has rolled around again. Jared and Jared’s lover, (the second) Noel, have spotted young fashion designer Paolo in a cozy restaurant with a young man named (the first) Noel. Who is the muscular, gorgeous, and charismatic first Noel? Also, due to doctor’s orders, Bobby’s Dad has turned in his Santa suit at his department store. Finally, Geoffrey’s birth mother, funded by an anti-gay organization, has arrived on a mission to take back Bobby and Paolo’s eight-year-old son Geoffrey. Just when everything seems to be going up in flames like a dry wreath too close to the fireplace, Santa appears and rings in a happily ever after ending you won’t want to miss.
As was the case with The Perfect Gift, this story is packed with cozy holiday settings including Victorian carolers singing under candy cane-adorned city street lamps, productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, the Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad, and the adorned Christmas tree, market booths, and snowmen at Dilworth Park. The story ends in an exciting and romantic finale at the Delaware River Waterfront fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Humor, romance, adventure, drama, mystery, and a huge touch of holiday magic make these stories the perfect gift for the holiday.
- Tell us about your main characters.
Bobby is twenty-six with long auburn hair, emerald eyes, and a swimmer’s build. He has my sensibility and sense of humor. Like Harold in my An Infatuation and Jonathan in my A Shooting Star, Bobby is sweet, sensitive, and smart. He works as a young lawyer on discrimination cases and therefore is passionate about LGBT equality. He is also passionately in love with his husband Paolo.
Paolo is also twenty-six. He is loosely based on my cousin’s cousin who lives in Italy. Like Mario in An Infatuation and David in A Shooting Star, Paolo is handsome, muscular, and sexy with wavy chestnut hair and sapphire eyes. He is also a gifted fashion designer who is very much in love with Bobby.
Bobby’s parents are loosely based on mine. They are hysterically funny and dramatic Italian Americans, and love their son dearly.
Geoffrey, Bobby and Paolo’s eight-year-old adopted son, is adorable, sweet, and incredibly bright. He is also quite devoted to his dads.
Jared, Bobby’s best friend and colleague, is a total riot. In this story Jared finally finds love.
Noel, an ex-professional football player, is tall, muscular, gorgeous, charismatic, and quite the man of mystery.
- What about The First Noel makes it different from other MM holiday short novellas?
Readers love Bobby, Paolo, and Geoffrey and really root for them as a family. The wonderful winter holiday locations, humor, mystery, and the happily ever after ending make the short story a terrific read. Also, I think everyone can relate to feeling bowled over by holiday-time stress, and yearning for a perfect, romantic holiday.
- Bobby and Paolo are distant cousins. Might that ruffle some feathers?
Actually, this was the case with my great uncle and great aunt who were married for sixty years until their deaths. Distant cousins marrying is not unusual in Italy.
- What other books have you written?
My Nicky and Noah comedy mystery series features Drama Queen (Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite LGBT Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary novel of 2015), Drama Muscle (Rainbow Award Honorable Mention), Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, Drama Fraternity, and Drama Castle. In each novel, dead bodies drop like hammy actors at a curtain call as college theatre professors and lovers Nicky and Noah use their theatre skills, including impersonating others, in hysterically funny antics to figure out whodunit and why.
My Jana Lane mystery series (The Wild Rose Press) includes Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, and Rag Doll. Set in the 1980’s, ex-child star and current comeback actress Jana Lane solves mysteries on her movie, television, and stage sets with the help of her gay best friend and gay agent while fundraising for her AIDS foundation.
Finally, my Cozzi Cove beach series (NineStar Press) is set in a gay resort on the New Jersey shore owned by ex-football player, handsome Cal Cozzi. Each novel provides an entryway into Cal’s life and the lives of the various residents staying in Cal’s bungalows each summer. They include Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back (Rainbow Award Honorable Mention/TBR Pile Favorite Book of the Month), Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out, and Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings. Nothing is what it seems in Cozzi Cove, and romance is always in the sea air.
- As a college professor/department head, where do you find the time to write so many books?
I write nights and summers. As my mother would say, I’ve always had a strong imagination. So it’s not difficult for me to connect to my inner muse and let the characters out. It isn’t unusual for me to laugh, cry, feel romantic, and be surprised as I write these stories.
- Do you think the Bobby and Paolo holiday stories would make a good movie or television series?
Do I ever! I hear Dave Franco and Zac Efron are looking to work together. I even wrote a little role for myself: Judge Stoll. Come on, producers, make me an offer!
Like Bobby and Paolo in my stories, I hope everyone reading this gets a happy ending this holiday season. Enjoy my special holiday gift to you. Please know that it comes wrapped in a huge ribbon of love. And I love hearing from readers. You can contact me at: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com.
THE FIRST NOEL, Bobby & Paolo’s holiday stories book 3
a short e-book novella by JOE COSENTINO
published by Dreamspinner Press
$3.99
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-first-noel-joe-cosentino/1129904003?ean=9781640807723
Each Christmas has marked a milestone in Bobby and Paolo’s love story. But will this year be their last noel? It’s no surprise Bobby isn’t feeling much holiday spirit—not when he suspects his husband, Paolo, might be interested in his new business associate, the incredibly handsome Noel. On top of that, Bobby’s father is hanging up his Santa suit at the department store due to health issues; and worst of all, Geoffrey’s birth mother, funded by antigay extremists, is threatening their family. She’s trying to take away Bobby and Paolo’s adopted son, but she’ll have to face their supportive friends, family, and pastor before she can tear Geoffrey from the only real home he’s ever known.
With so many challenges in their path, the December grooms will need an extra helping of holiday magic this year. Rumor has it Santa’s on his way to spread some holiday cheer.
And
THE BOBBY AND PAOLO HOLIDAY STORIES
(A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, and The First Noel)
a paperback anthology by JOE COSENTINO
published by Dreamspinner Press
$14.99
https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-bobby-and-paolo-holiday-stories-by-joe-cosentino-10026-b
The holidays are a magical time for everyone, but they hold special meaning for young lawyer Bobby McGrath and fashion designer Paolo Mascobello. Their whirlwind romance begins one December on the Isle of Capri, where they meet and fall in love, and each holiday season adds a new building block to their life together. Celebrate with Bobby, Paolo, and their colorful friends and family as they marry and start a family. Happily ever after doesn’t always come easy, but with love and the spirit of the season, miracles can happen and Christmas wishes can come true.
Praise for the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories:
“I adore the character of Bobby…the heartwarming family moments…The vivid and almost lyrical descriptions that Joe Cosentino uses when Bobby is arriving on Capri or sightseeing all over the island with Paolo…the love the author has for Capri and the people there flows off the page in every word he has written…when you finish reading this story, you will want to book your own flight to Italy and boat to Capri.” Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
“I was there with Bobby and Paolo, feeling the sun on my face and the warm swell of the sea as I walked barefoot on the sea’s edge, the author’s brilliantly descriptive words took me to that beautiful place where Bobby and Paolo fell in love.” Three Books Over the Rainbow
“Joe Cosentino’s holiday novella, A Home for the Holidays, delivers in every way that a romantic, feel-good story should. Every book I read by this author continuously pulls me in and wraps me up like a warm blanket.” Kathy Mac Reviews
“I’m going to go on record saying that Joe Cosentino pretty much has me at hello. His writing style is incredibly smooth with beautiful details that never feel like too much or too little. Even in this very short story, I felt like I was right there in Capri with Bobby. Both the scenery and Bobby’s emotions are painted with lush, vivid detail…exceptional writing and beautifully gift-wrapped love story.” AM Leibowitz
“I got glimpses of movies like Three Coins in the Fountain and Roman Holiday…Very romantic.” Multitasking Momma Reviews
“A Home for the Holidays a delightful, heartwarming journey of discovering one’s roots and the traditions that bring meaning to family. At the same time, it explores how breaking with tradition and becoming the person you were meant to be is also part of that grounding process, that finding home and making it your own is exactly what this holiday season is about. Filled with gentle humor and the lush backdrop of the isle of Capri, the story takes you on a wonderful guided tour of this landscape of the heart and the mind. The descriptions are a feast for the mind’s eye, the supporting characters quintessentially Italian, and the main characters—Bobby and Paolo—are the kind of yin and yang match that captures the imagination and the heart. For a charming seasonal read, A Home for the Holidays will leave you sighing with happiness.” GGR-Reviews
“In The Perfect Gift, Joe Cosentino has, once again, written a story filled with love, laugh out loud humour and a HEA that will leave a smile on your face and seasonal joy in your heart. I loved this delightful novella and highly recommend you add it to your holiday reading list...Joe Cosentino has a way with words that I find enchanting and delightful. His descriptions of characters and settings are colorful and often highly amusing. There’s a magic to the worlds he creates that few other authors can achieve.” Divine Magazine
“Joe Cosentino has a way with his stories with a touch of humor, great descriptions, and he grabs your attention, making you turn the page. If you like sweet romance, holiday stories, Christmas magic and cute kids, you will love this one!” TTC Books and More
“hilarious, contains some excellent observations about human nature, and had me eagerly turning the pages to find out what’s next…if you’re looking for a two-part read that is fun, emotional, suspenseful, and all about finding (and keeping) a family of your own, then you will probably like this novella. I definitely loved it!” Rainbow Book Reviews
“This is a feel good heartwarming holiday story you need to add on your holiday reading list. Or anytime of the year, because I know this will warm your heart. Recommended!” Lelyana’s Book Blog
“The Perfect Gift was funny, sweet, and entertaining…The emotional journey felt so real…For fans of LGBT fiction and romance, this is a must have book. It contains all of these elements shaping it into the wonderful journey that Joe Cosentino made it.” Urban Book Reviews
Joe Cosentino has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. As a bestselling author, Joe was voted 1st Place Favorite LGBT Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author, and 2nd Place Favorite LGBT Romance Author by the readers of Divine Magazine. He has also won many Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions. For Dreamspinner Press, Joe wrote the heralded In My Heart series: An Infatuation & A Shooting Star; the popular Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories: A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, and The First Noel; and the raucous The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland. That was followed by Holiday Tales from Fairyland, Tales from Fairyland Book 2. His famous Nicky and Noah mystery series includes Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, and Drama Fraternity. The scorching Cozzi Cove series (NineStar Press) are Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out, Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings, which were followed by Cozzi Cove: Happy Endings. Finally, Joe’s mainstream Jana Lane mysteries (The Wild Rose Press) are Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, and Rag Doll. Releasing next year are more Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Castle, Drama Dance, Drama Faerie, and Drama Runway. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. He loves to hear from readers at:
Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino
Excerpt of The First Noel, Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Book 3, by Joe Cosentino:
“MOM, I’M worried about the planet we’re leaving behind for your grandchildren too. It’s horrible how our air, water, soil, and food are polluted because of lobbyists from wealthy corporations who control conservative politicians.”
“You’re wrong, Bobby. The environment is polluted because nobody cleans as good as I do.”
I sighed.
Mom said, “I’m also concerned about the economy your son and nieces and nephews will inherit. It’s sluggish and getting worse because people go out to eat and travel too much. They should stay home and cook, like me.”
“It’s sluggish because average people don’t get any ‘trickle-down,’ unless we pee on ourselves by accident.”
“No, people who work too hard, like you, are the reason there’s a bad economy.”
“Little did I know that defending clients being evicted from their apartments, losing their medical insurance, and getting fired from their jobs was destroying the country’s economy.”
“Well, now you know, Bobby. That’s what mothers are for. To educate their children.”
I needed a break from Mom. Hi, I’m Bobby McGrath. Since you can’t see me, I’ll tell you I’m twenty-six, tall with frizzy red hair, green eyes, and a swimmer’s build. That is whenever I get to the gym for a swim while my husband of two years, Paolo, hits the weight room. I’m also a lawyer, specializing in civil rights cases. My husband and I live with our adopted son in the city with the greatest cheesesteak in the US. Philly is also the city with the most lactose intolerant people. That dichotomy perfectly sums up my mother’s reasoning.
I sat on the turreted window seat overlooking the department store my father manages. Gazing out the window, I enjoyed the late-night shoppers illuminated by the candy cane–decorated street lamps. As they trudged through the snowy street, some people disappeared into Dad’s store with hopes of finding the perfect holiday gift.
“How does me working too hard hurt the economy, Mom?”
“Because you’re too tired to go out and buy anything,” Mom replied.
“I just bought Paolo’s Christmas gift: a gold watch with sapphire stones that match his eyes.”
“And what did Paolo get you?”
“Nothing… yet.”
“How do you know?”
“I know his hiding places. They’re all empty.”
“See! That’s why the economy is in a slump.”
The marigold, violet, and burgundy flames danced in our fireplace, surrounded by the white marble mantel and gold lions on each side. I wished Paolo was next to me. “Paolo’s been incredibly busy. He’s designing a new line of men’s sportswear that his boss Edgar is calling, ‘The Edgar Line.’”
“Why not ‘The Paolo Line’?”
“Good question.”
Giveaway: Post a comment about why you love the winter holidays. The one that lights our tree will win a gift audiobook of A Home for the Holidays, Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Book 1, by Joe Cosentino, published by Dreamspinner Press, performed by Joel Leslie. http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/A-Home-for-the-Holidays-Audiobook/B01MQJ2OZY/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1479506188&sr=1-1
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I love decorating for Christmas with my children....
ReplyDeletejmarinich33 at aol dot com
I love winter holidays because you get a chance to get together with family and enjoy the sharing of past memories while making new ones.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I love the winter holidays because it signifies it's almost the end of the year. It feels like time is also going by faster and family we don't usually see come back to spend time, eat some great food only cooked once/twice a year and hangout. Also we get time off from work so a lot of reading can be done =)
ReplyDeletewinter holidays means we're halfway through the year...nothing special is happening at that time in Australia though
ReplyDelete