lashea677's review

5.0

If recent events have taught us nothing, then we weren't paying attention. The only thing that can rescue us from the hate that seems intent on suffocating the world is love. Love is the most powerful ally that we have and therein lies the beauty of Color Theory. McKinney has gotten together with some of the most prolific voices in romance to tell a story. A story that consists of many voices united in one inspiring song. Love is raw, real, light hearted, uplifting, sweet, but above all it is powerful. Color Theory is the sound of LOVE.

I loved the idea of this anthology. Almost all of these short stories took a real look at some of the dynamics of interracial dating between black and white people. I also enjoyed the diversity of the stories themselves. The personality types and situations were different. Some are in a contemporary setting; others are set in the past. One is even a fantasy style story.

I will say that some of them were just okay though. I feel like eliminating those would have made the book shorter and crisper. Most short story collections tend to flow where I felt like this one tended to stall. I kind of had force my through sometimes. And I agree with another reviewer that they said it was interracial love stories but it was just black and white. I was hoping there were some with other ethnicities included.

Overall though, this is a great collection and I'm glad I read and purchased it.

This is a collection of stories about couples who defy convention in order to find their HEA and the proceeds will benefit a worthy cause.
I’m not familiar with all the authors, but I’ve already read a few stories and I’m looking forward to finding some new favorites in the group.

I received an ARC from Piper Rayne and of course, I read their story first. Tropical Hat Trick was one of those shorts their fans are used to get when a new series is coming and it doesn’t disappoint. Ande and Cory have great chemistry from the beginning and their vacation fling seems designed to make the reader’s mouth water. The ending is unexpected and, in my particular case, left me ready for the stories to come.
5 sweet stars to my favorite ladies

I read Danielle Pearl's short story and will hopefully get to the other stories soon. Danielle is finally back with this short story in this anthology which I fully intend to read. I enjoyed this story about a young woman Remy Goodman, whose reputation has been shredded by popular mean girls. She was assaulted by one of them over a rumor that was started earlier in the summer. Remy is a lifeguard at a private swim club on the island (Long Island) before she starts college at NYU. She admires Jacob, a swimmer and her boss at the club. A situation happens in which one of the members is a 'Karen' and embarrassingly racist. Of course Jacob saw this coming while Remy was shocked and reminded of her privilege. Remy still has to face the mean girls and finds the courage to deal with them and salvage her reputation.

Quite frankly I am not surprised at racism in Long Island. I understand Remy might have been sheltered and naive but as someone who lives in the tri state area I have learned that there's quite a conservative, racist hold in several towns. This book takes the issues without minimizing them but is just a quick light story.

If recent events have taught us nothing, then we weren't paying attention. The only thing that can rescue us from the hate that seems intent on suffocating the world is love. Love is the most powerful ally that we have and therein lies the beauty of Color Theory. McKinney has gotten together with some of the most prolific voices in romance to tell a story. A story that consists of many voices united in one inspiring song. Love is raw, real, light hearted, uplifting, sweet, but above all it is powerful. Color Theory is the sound of LOVE.

aliza38's review

5.0

Loved this book! A beautiful compilation of amazing stories by great writers. All different but all equally captivating. I flew through this book and can’t wait to check out some of the other books written by these authors that I haven’t read before! Best part of this book though is the worthy cause it supports. Love love loved it!

trudyd's review

4.0

I love anthologies. This one is wonderful. Lots of great stories that helped pass the days. With all the stories being new it was a thrilling read.
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bellebookblog's review


A.M.Kusi’s story called Fight with Me is about Cory and Brittany. Cory is black while Brittany is white. The story talks about an incident in which Brittany’s friends make disparaging remarks about black people in general while Cory looks on. Brittany does nothing about it and they break up. Months later, Cory is hired as the diversity expert for August Healthcare, Brittany’s employer. I absolutely loved this story. It was well thought out and I loved reading from both their perspectives.

Anne Welch’s story of Owen & Deja was so riveting and interesting I loved reading from their perspectives as well as the possibility of forgiveness between his dad, Owen & Deja. I loved the epilogue.

Danielle Pearl’s story about Jacob & Remy wasRemy was absolutely amazing and heartbreaking. The fact that it still happens today is appalling. I definitely want more of Jacob & Remy

Piper Rayne’s story about Sophie, Ande & Bri is absolutely adorable. Loving the girls trip aspect. Ande’s quick tryst with Cory

I absolutely loved all the stories in the anthology especially Piper Rayne’s & Sierra Hill’s. This is an amazing book about race from amazing authors. Highly recommend








quinnreads2's review

4.0

I was drawn to the idea that the collection embraced mixed race couples. Really it is about black and white couples. Yes, they're mixed races and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that but I had hoped that there'd be a bit more diversity. Just a personal preference.

Let's get to the stories themselves. There is plenty of variety to be found. Athletes, writers, lawyers, older, younger, HEA, HFN, geeks, protectors, other worlds, and more. There's sappy, happy, heartbreak, second chances, and redemption. There are even a couple that step back in time. Most, but not all, are BMWW.

I had planned to read a couple of stories from authors I'm familiar with and come back to the others as time allowed. Instead, I read it from cover to cover. Some of them were really good. A couple were FANTASTIC! There were also some that were good or just OK. All-in-all, I'm glad I took the time to read each one.

The most important thing to take away from this collection is that at the end of the day, you love who you love and the color of your skin should not be what stops you from following your heart. I'm glad I read these and will visit some of the authors to enjoy more of their writing. I left individual reviews on GR in my reading history, if you're interested.

onebookmore's review

5.0

A lovely second-chance romance, Coming to Sapphire Creek focuses on Deanna and Bas, a couple that first met ten years ago. Neither forgot the night of passion they shared, and when Bas returns to Sapphire Creek, to stay this time, he is determined to convince Deanna they are meant to be. As a single mother with no family support, Deanna struggled for many years. She’s hardworking, kind, and beloved by the town, but she’s never had time for romance or love. When Bas returns, old feelings reignite, and Deanna has to decide if she’s willing to let Bas in.

The chemistry between Deanna and Bas is instantaneous and strong. Both have held onto their feelings, and it’s lovely to see them find each other again. I also like Bas’s growing relationship with Deanna’s son. He’s in his late teens, and he gets a job at Bas’s new auto shop before he knows about Bas’s connection to his mom. They seem to develop a mutual respect for each other, and they have the potential for a great relationship, which is important to Deanna.

I also love the witty banter between Deanna and her son. He reminds me a bit of my own teenage son, who loves to joke and tease but also says some really sweet and endearing things from time-to-time. All of the characters int his series are realistic, interesting, and relatable!

Though this is a short story, I’m hoping that we learn more about Bas and Deanna’s growing relationships in future books in the Sapphire Creek series, as I can see them fitting right in with the other couples. Thanks so much to Carmen Cook for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.