An Infatuation by Joe Cosentino

*Warning ~ Possible Spoilers*

Title: An Infatuation
Author: Joe Cosentino
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (106 pages)
ISBN: 9781632164834
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 4, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Zane
Blurb: With his ten-year high school reunion approaching, Harold wonders whether Mario will be as muscular, sexy, and tantalizing as he remembers. As a teenager, it was love at first sight for Harold while tutoring football star Mario, until homophobia and bullying drove Mario deep into the closet.

Now they’re both married men. Mario, a model, is miserable with his producer wife, while Harold, a teacher, is perfectly content with his businessman husband, Stuart. When the two meet again, will the old flame reignite, setting Harold’s comfortable life ablaze? How can Harold be happy with Stuart when he is still infatuated with his Adonis, his first love, Mario?

Harold faces this seemingly impossible situation with inimitable wit, tenderness, and humor as he attempts to reconcile the past and the future.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6009

Review: I enjoyed this novella, even though it seemed to put my head into a bit of a tailspin – Who doesn’t have “the one that got away”? What would we do if we had a chance to correct that? Would we risk all that is good in life? Is Harold truly satisfied? Can his previous infatuation with Mario become something real? Will he choose tried and true Stuart (who is so detailed that he has probably pencilled in his every move for the next 19 years)? All the questions! So many questions!

Can the today’s reality measure up to the memories and history of yesteryear? Is 19 years of true (although quite predictable) love strong enough to combat the yearnings of long ago? High School reunions are a chance to revisit youth, and in this case, for Harold to face down some demons, be it in the form of tormentors and bullies past, or an infatuation that once ruled his teen years.

A journey via words from past to present, this read is a walk in Harold’s shoes. Easy to empathize with, Harold was always painfully honest with his husband Stuey and with himself. This put me in the surprising position of rooting for all three men! I wanted Harold find his happiness, Mario to not be so screwed up, and, well, Stuey didn’t deserve to be kicked to the curb just for being faithful and boring, did he?.

Though Harold did find his happy ending, it was not tied up in a neat little bow, nor was it without a bittersweet moment or two. I easily recommend this story to anyone in search of a light(ish) read complete with misty eyes and some “aww” moments. Author Joe Cosentino brought just the right amount of humor, angst and honesty to make this short but sweet coming of age story a success. Four hearts for romance, sentimentality, love and for the grass sometimes being greener on your own side.

. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **