A perfect pairing of the words of Christina Lee with the narration of Nick J Russo. IN THE GRAY shows two men thrown into one another's lives exactly at the right moment to change both lives forever.
From the blurb:
Foster
I moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does
little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit. I want to know more about him, and Oscar seeking him out on our daily walks provides me with that opportunity.
Lachlan
One split-second decision leads to losing everything and living on the streets. Still, I’d choose my current conditions over being harmed by someone I loved. The only bright spot in my struggle to survive is the handsome stranger and his dog. Despite how compassionate Foster seems, I don’t want any handouts. I need to stay safe and stand on my own two feet after what I’ve been through. But when I find myself in a bind, I allow Foster to rescue me, if only for a night.
Our circumstances couldn’t be more different, and yet I’m drawn to Foster in ways I hadn’t expected. When our attraction skyrockets, Foster assures me that finding comfort in each other doesn’t hurt anyone. But when it becomes something deeper—meaningful conversations and mind-blowing intimacy—it occurs to me that I might’ve met the right man at the wrong time. Story of my life.
*CW: Discussions and depictions of domestic violence, mental health struggles, and experiencing homelessness.
Molly Otto's Review:
Audio
Nick J Russo proves yet again how powerful of a narrator he truly is. Foster & Lachlan are two souls made to meet at this point in their lives to make the other stronger and more beautiful. Nick makes these emotions more palpable, a perfect pairing with Christina Lee's words.
Book Review
I don't really know what to say other than you need to read In the Gray. The build-up of trust and friendship between Lachlan and Foster is that of dreams where two pieces meld so beautifully you can feel them click into place. Both men have their issues. Foster has chronic depression and Lachlan, to get away from an abusive past, chooses to start over on the streets to be safer than with his ex.
The support these two men provide for one another is truly magical, helping the other move on to a brighter future. Christina doesn't shy away from showing depression isn't just a "you move past it" but needs to work on it every day, and guess what? Some days are harder than others. Whereas Lachlan had his issues accepting help and accepting, he can move on and accept the security and comfort of being with Foster.
It is truly a magical book of two souls getting together at that right time to be something so much more in the end. I can't stress enough how much I hope you give this book a try. For those who fear the angst, it's actually not there, yes there are obstacles, but they flow so beautifully that you just hop on and enjoy the journey to the end.
Rating: 5 Stars
Lesetiger's review:
This was my first story by Christina Lee and I loved the way she writes and brings the characters authentically to life. The author's writing style is wonderful and easy to read and once I started listening to the audiobook I could hardly put it down.
It's about Foster and Lachlan, who meet by chance because Foster's dog Oscar finds a friend in Lachlan. Foster has recently moved to the city, has a job, but has been struggling with depression for years. After Lachlan's last relationship broke up and he lost his job, he eventually found himself on the streets. He lives in his yellow tent and is a very proud man who won't accept charity.
I really liked the fact that the two protagonists are already in the middle of their lives, because I also like to read about "older" protagonists. The author has portrayed life on the street openly and unsparingly, as well as Foster's struggle with depression, which I found very good. In general, Foster and Lachlan are deeply characterized and it was a pleasure to see how they both support and do good for each other and slowly build a relationship.
A highlight for me was Oscar, a dog you have to cuddle and love. And Oscar also realized very quickly that Lachlan is a very likeable man who didn't have it easy last year.
I found the story very captivating and it was great to see how the relationship between the two men developed. The author also created suspense and then it almost seemed that Lachlan's past was threatening to catch up with him. The author has written an interesting and unusual, but very good story with lots of emotion, some drama and romance, which was very entertaining to listen to.
Nick J. Russo has done an outstanding job. He brought the story to life and as a listener you could really feel the emotions of the two protagonists. It was a pleasure to listen to him portray Lachlan and Foster.
This was my first story by Christina Lee and I loved the way she writes and brings the characters authentically to life. The author's writing style is wonderful and easy to read and once I started listening to the audiobook I could hardly put it down.
It's about Foster and Lachlan, who meet by chance because Foster's dog Oscar finds a friend in Lachlan. Foster has recently moved to the city, has a job, but has been struggling with depression for years. After Lachlan's last relationship broke up and he lost his job, he eventually found himself on the streets. He lives in his yellow tent and is a very proud man who won't accept charity.
I really liked the fact that the two protagonists are already in the middle of their lives, because I also like to read about "older" protagonists. The author has portrayed life on the street openly and unsparingly, as well as Foster's struggle with depression, which I found very good. In general, Foster and Lachlan are deeply characterized and it was a pleasure to see how they both support and do good for each other and slowly build a relationship.
A highlight for me was Oscar, a dog you have to cuddle and love. And Oscar also realized very quickly that Lachlan is a very likeable man who didn't have it easy last year.
I found the story very captivating and it was great to see how the relationship between the two men developed. The author also created suspense and then it almost seemed that Lachlan's past was threatening to catch up with him. The author has written an interesting and unusual, but very good story with lots of emotion, some drama and romance, which was very entertaining to listen to.
Nick J. Russo has done an outstanding job. He brought the story to life and as a listener you could really feel the emotions of the two protagonists. It was a pleasure to listen to him portray Lachlan and Foster.
In the Gray is available to buy from Audible and is Whispersynced.
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