"Cotton Coated Chocolate Kisses" is a contemporary poetry book that celebrates the romantic and sensual expressions of Black same-gender-loving men. Using vivid imagery from everyday life that speaks to his audience culturally, the poet, Malcolm O. Varner, paints vignettes that most Black gay men can relate to - whether it be through a story, character, mood, desire, memory, etc. Boldly and unapologetically, "Cotton Candy Coated Chocolate Kisses" validates the diverse love expressions of Black same-gender-loving men. And with there being only a few books of this type, it's a call to further this normalization at the communal, interpersonal, and individual levels, to build a rich foundation for those who follow. To Black gay men everywhere, it's truly a gift.