Love Comes In Darkness (Senses #2)

Title: Love Comes in Darkness (Senses #2)
Author: Andrey Grey
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: August 9th 2013
Genre(s): M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: A Guest Review by Sammy
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Review Summary: A sensitive and charming story about overcoming fear and learning to trust the love you are offered.

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?

Let’s review how much I hate blurbs that give away too much of the story. A lot. Enough said. That, however, does not diminish how much I enjoyed this story nor does it negate the remarkably careful and respectful way author Andrew Grey wrote about the life of the disabled yet far from unable Howard Justinian. It was apparent from the start that Mr. Grey did his homework on just what it takes to be an independent blind person living on their own. Remarkably, the carefully constructed life of Howard Justinian never bogged down the fictional romance aspect of the novel. Instead the day to day struggles that Howard faces, and Mr. Grey so painstakingly recreates for us, are the basis for the real drama that unfolds in his novel, Love Comes in Darkness.

Howard has more to overcome than his blindness. As the story begins he is literally left abandoned by the side of the road, ditched by his current cheating boyfriend who is, for want of a better word, a slime-ball. Thankfully, Howard refrains from full blown panic and calls for help. Before his friends can arrive, a giant of man pulls over and offers assistance. Gordy Jarrett may be physically larger than life, but inside he has a tender heart–one that has had more than its fair share of pain and abandonment. When he sees Howard, he doesn’t hesitate to offer his aid, and thus begins the tentative steps toward what each man fears and dreams of most–a lasting relationship. But, more importantly, both Gordy and Howard are desperately hoping that they will finally be enough for somebody, after being found lacking for so long.

On top of the feelings that he is inadequate or just too much work for anyone to love and remain in love with forever, Howard has so fiercely clung to his independence that it is really difficult for him to lean on anyone for help. So, when he is faced with the decision as to whether to raise his niece or give her up, he almost blows his chances with Gordy by refusing to see how much the man wants to be with him. Gordy doesn’t want to “take control” of Howard’s life, he wants to be a part of it and poor Howard finds it almost impossible to see the difference.

I was so impressed by the way this author chose to portray Howard’s life. In stunning detail, I found myself mesmerized by the daily activities that I take for granted but that were so intricate for Howard to accomplish. From something as simple as choosing his clothing and matching his socks to taking a walk, we are drawn into Howard’s world and realize what strength and courage it takes to be a unsighted person living in a seeing man’s world. This aspect of the novel had real potential to become not only boring but overwritten. Andrew Grey skirted a fine edge when it came to giving us just enough insight into Howard’s life without making it seem maudlin or a cry for pity. That is a sure sign of really fine writing!

Beyond the mechanics, Gordy and Howard were just really sweet together. A bit of heat in the bedroom, the ability to laugh at and with each other and a genuine respect for how much both of them had been scarred by their pasts made for believably rich characters. At times, Gordy’s deference to Howard wanting to live without any assistance came close to making him seem weak. But when the chips were down, Gordy proved to be a man with a backbone of steel and deeply determined to be with Howard to the end. I was so glad that Howard grappled mightily with accepting help. With each revelation of his past and his need to pull away from his controlling mother, it was more and more apparent that this man was no stranger to striking out on his own. For author Andrew Grey to make him weak at any point in the story would have meant being less than true to the character he had determined Howard would be at the beginning of this novel.

The only moment I felt the story became too neat–a bit unbelievable was near the end when Howard had a final meeting with the former boyfriend who had not only abandoned him by the roadside but also rearranged his furniture to prove to him that Howard needed him–again–a slime-ball. I have to tell you that the way in which the author chose to close that chapter was too far a stretch for me–hence the lost .5 in the rating.

However, overall, Love Comes In Darkness by Andrew Grey was a beautifully sensitive and moving story. I urge you to take a look at this wonderful novel.

Senses Series

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