Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Howard Justinian has always had to fight for his freedom. Because he was born blind, everyone is always trying to shelter him, but he’s determined to live his life on his own terms.

When an argument with his boyfriend over that hard-won self-reliance leaves Howard stranded by the side of the road, assistance arrives in the form of Gordy Jarrett. Gordy is a missionary’s son, so helping others is second nature—and he does it in such an unassuming manner that Howard can’t say no.

Life is barely back on track when Howard receives shocking news: his sister died, leaving him her daughter to care for. Howard now faces his greatest challenge yet: for Sophia’s safety, he’ll need to accept help, but will he learn to accept it from Gordy, the one man who will not curb his independence?

 

Book Review

In the second book of this wonderful series about physically challenged men and their worlds, one of the main characters is blind. He has been blind from birth, so many of the visual cues sighted people use (like color) don’t mean anything to him. The detail and accuracy of the way he experiences life is amazing, and I was quickly fascinated with Howard’s observations and way of dealing with everyday situations. Once I thought about it from his perspective, it all made perfect sense, and Andrew Grey did a great job in bringing that to life. Ken and Patrick from book one are friends of Howard’s, and I was really happy to see them return for a supporting role in this volume. It is as stunning as the first!

Howard is a vey tough cookie, He has had to battle his mother and sister’s overprotectiveness (all meant well but somewhat stifling), has managed to carve out an independent life for himself, and has even moved to a new town to be far enough away from their direct influence. Only to find that his a888hole of a controlling boyfriend wants to take it all away again. And what does the jerk do to prove that Howard is helpless? He kicks him out of the car next to a busy freeway. I was so angry! That is lower than low. Thank God Howard doesn’t panic and is able to call Ken for help. Before Ken can get to him, a man stops and asks if Howard needs help. This could have gotten even scarier, but Howard quickly establishes the man is a good guy and starts a conversation. A few days later they run into each other again and they begin to become friends with Howard wanting more, having ended things with the now-ex, but not daring to hope it will ever happen.

Gordy is a missionary’s son, so helping others comes natural. His father kicked him out when Gordy told his parents he is gay, so Gordy is on his own. The friendship with Howard is great, and he tries hard to figure out when to help and when to let Howard deal with things himself. Gordy is very good a this. And when Howard’s sister dies, he is there for Howard all the way. There is only one problem: Gordy wants more and is not sure Howard wants the same.

These two men very clearly love each other deeply, but they have a ways to go to figure out how to make it work. Howard doesn’t think anyone will ever love him just for him, and let him be. Gordy has a few self-esteem issues himself, and doesn’t want to make Howard feel like less of a man but he does want to help, especially once Sophia enters their lives. In the end, the love they share is more powerful than all the obstacles, and I loved watching them get their well-deserved happy ending.

If you like stories about men who are challenged by life, be it living without sight, or living with the knowledge they were rejected by their parents on a very fundamental level, if you want to read an emotional story about love conquering all, and if you’re looking for a gentle, touching love story, then you will probably like this novel. I totally adored it and look forward to the next one.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook, print and audio
Length	Novel, 204 pages/63256 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	09-August-2013
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle, $19.95 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/love-comes-in-darkness-by-andrew-grey-5770-b