What do you think?
Seeing Grayscale
What would you do for a glimpse of color?I’ve been on the streets for four years, but my soul’s been homeless for longer. And I’ve accepted this is my reality.
Still, I’m tired and dream of something better than this grim existence.
My life revolves around handouts and the obscurity of a gas station dumpster. Safety is an illusion, and I’ve learned not to fall for it.
Until Hunter Kade.
As the Governor’s son, Hunter oozes wealth and privilege and is insistent on helping me. In my current state, I’m in no position to refuse.
Our worlds don’t mix, and we should’ve never crossed paths. But we did, and I can’t help but wonder when he and his generosity will disappear.
I refuse to get attached because, as I know all too well, kindnesses don’t last, and people break their promises.
Hunter comes from color, and I’m just Gray.
Seeing Grayscale is an MM contemporary romance unsuitable for anyone under 18. As always, trigger warnings are in the front matter of the book.
Still, I’m tired and dream of something better than this grim existence.
My life revolves around handouts and the obscurity of a gas station dumpster. Safety is an illusion, and I’ve learned not to fall for it.
Until Hunter Kade.
As the Governor’s son, Hunter oozes wealth and privilege and is insistent on helping me. In my current state, I’m in no position to refuse.
Our worlds don’t mix, and we should’ve never crossed paths. But we did, and I can’t help but wonder when he and his generosity will disappear.
I refuse to get attached because, as I know all too well, kindnesses don’t last, and people break their promises.
Hunter comes from color, and I’m just Gray.
Seeing Grayscale is an MM contemporary romance unsuitable for anyone under 18. As always, trigger warnings are in the front matter of the book.
597 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 11, 2026
Unhoused MMC, sex work, trauma, grief, and a criminal record. Pile it all on and you've got my favorite character type.
There's something about a broken boy who gets beaten down again and again and finally gets to feel peace. That moment he belongs somewhere, after a life of belonging nowhere, gets me every single time.
Gray's struggle with homelessness and trauma is felt from page one. It hurt. Hunter's struggles come slower, and quieter, but they still carry weight. His internal battle, wanting to show up for Gray, and give him everything, but hesitating because of his family's status added depth to his character as well.
Grays healing arc was well done as well. I loved that he was hell bent on time apart to become independent, instead of taking the easy way out and completely relying on Hunter.
The strangers to lovers shift felt a little choppy, but It works itself out. Some things felt a little unrealistic like with Gray's criminal history reveal. I can’t imagine there would be no cameras here.
Overall, it was a solid read. Finished it fast considering the length, because the writing really kept my attention even thought there were some lulls.
There's something about a broken boy who gets beaten down again and again and finally gets to feel peace. That moment he belongs somewhere, after a life of belonging nowhere, gets me every single time.
Gray's struggle with homelessness and trauma is felt from page one. It hurt. Hunter's struggles come slower, and quieter, but they still carry weight. His internal battle, wanting to show up for Gray, and give him everything, but hesitating because of his family's status added depth to his character as well.
Grays healing arc was well done as well. I loved that he was hell bent on time apart to become independent, instead of taking the easy way out and completely relying on Hunter.
The strangers to lovers shift felt a little choppy, but It works itself out. Some things felt a little unrealistic like with Gray's criminal history reveal. I can’t imagine there would be no cameras here.
Overall, it was a solid read. Finished it fast considering the length, because the writing really kept my attention even thought there were some lulls.
July 20, 2025
2.25⭐️
“Gray, I can confidently say that you have my complete and undivided attention. And I don’t want to look away.”
This book made me angry, GRAY made me angry, to be specific.
“An unmarked envelope, tucked away out of sight, and you didn’t have the decency to think, maybe I shouldn’t invade his goddamn privacy!”
“At least you have privacy to violate! You have everything! Fucking everything! The last time I had any semblance of privacy, I was twelve years old!”
What does your trauma and your life have to do with the fact that you violated his privacy? Every time Hunter tried to talk about something, Gray turned it around and made it about him. Since Hunter acted like a pathetic coward with money who was living a miserable life and Gray knew it, he felt confident enough to threaten and manipulate him by saying things like this:
“We can end this now, I can go, and you can stay just like you’ve always been. Scared, alone and weak. Or you can apologize and tell me what is so important about those papers.”
YOU crossed the line, he had every right to be mad at you. And he made Hunter apologize when he was the one in the wrong. Every chance he got, Gray would throw Hunter’s job, money, and his past in his face like it was somehow his fault. He gave off that energy of: "Oh, you’ve had it bad? Well, I’ve had it worse, so suck it up."
“You might not realize it, but what happened to you does affect how you act around me.”
Hunter was a puppet throughout this entire book, he had no thoughts of his own, and if he did, they were quickly overshadowed by the thoughts and actions of everyone else. This man needed real parents, a friend, and THERAPY. I’ll never understand how they have all this money and not once does it cross their minds to go to therapy and unpack their fractured psyche.
“You’re just like them,” I say to no one.
Because it’s true, I am just like my parents.
Selfish. I prefer the mask over my real face because it’s easier and makes everyone happy.
And I also don’t understand how it never clicked to Gray that he wasn’t the only one who needed to get his shit together. HUNTER DID TOO. They didn’t have the same problems, but Hunter’s issues were just as valid as his. But for Gray, he was the only one who had problems. He weaponized his pain and expected Hunter to carry the emotional weight for both of them, when Hunter was barely holding himself together.
You knew this would happen. It was always too good to be true. You are so desperate for someone to love you, and no one does.
That man went to his father house just to be emotionally, verbally, and physically abused, and then went back to his own house to be physically and verbally abused again by Gray. Spitting on someone you were just considering calling your boyfriend... SPITTING! Yeah, he lost me after that.
“What the hell? You aren’t letting me talk! No one lets me fucking talk!”
Since he was always going to the airport when he was feeling like shit, he might as well have told them to fuck off and taken a flight to nowhere, leave them and that shitty life behind.
“Xavier Malone is a made-up name. He doesn’t exist. Xavier Ramirez is my fiancé and is part of a task force infiltrating the local drug rings, under the guise of being a top supplier.”
So...when are we getting XavierGrant?
“Gray, I can confidently say that you have my complete and undivided attention. And I don’t want to look away.”
This book made me angry, GRAY made me angry, to be specific.
“An unmarked envelope, tucked away out of sight, and you didn’t have the decency to think, maybe I shouldn’t invade his goddamn privacy!”
“At least you have privacy to violate! You have everything! Fucking everything! The last time I had any semblance of privacy, I was twelve years old!”
What does your trauma and your life have to do with the fact that you violated his privacy? Every time Hunter tried to talk about something, Gray turned it around and made it about him. Since Hunter acted like a pathetic coward with money who was living a miserable life and Gray knew it, he felt confident enough to threaten and manipulate him by saying things like this:
“We can end this now, I can go, and you can stay just like you’ve always been. Scared, alone and weak. Or you can apologize and tell me what is so important about those papers.”
YOU crossed the line, he had every right to be mad at you. And he made Hunter apologize when he was the one in the wrong. Every chance he got, Gray would throw Hunter’s job, money, and his past in his face like it was somehow his fault. He gave off that energy of: "Oh, you’ve had it bad? Well, I’ve had it worse, so suck it up."
“You might not realize it, but what happened to you does affect how you act around me.”
Hunter was a puppet throughout this entire book, he had no thoughts of his own, and if he did, they were quickly overshadowed by the thoughts and actions of everyone else. This man needed real parents, a friend, and THERAPY. I’ll never understand how they have all this money and not once does it cross their minds to go to therapy and unpack their fractured psyche.
“You’re just like them,” I say to no one.
Because it’s true, I am just like my parents.
Selfish. I prefer the mask over my real face because it’s easier and makes everyone happy.
And I also don’t understand how it never clicked to Gray that he wasn’t the only one who needed to get his shit together. HUNTER DID TOO. They didn’t have the same problems, but Hunter’s issues were just as valid as his. But for Gray, he was the only one who had problems. He weaponized his pain and expected Hunter to carry the emotional weight for both of them, when Hunter was barely holding himself together.
You knew this would happen. It was always too good to be true. You are so desperate for someone to love you, and no one does.
That man went to his father house just to be emotionally, verbally, and physically abused, and then went back to his own house to be physically and verbally abused again by Gray. Spitting on someone you were just considering calling your boyfriend... SPITTING! Yeah, he lost me after that.
“What the hell? You aren’t letting me talk! No one lets me fucking talk!”
Since he was always going to the airport when he was feeling like shit, he might as well have told them to fuck off and taken a flight to nowhere, leave them and that shitty life behind.
“Xavier Malone is a made-up name. He doesn’t exist. Xavier Ramirez is my fiancé and is part of a task force infiltrating the local drug rings, under the guise of being a top supplier.”
So...when are we getting XavierGrant?
own-haven-t-read
August 23, 2026 🚨 Kindle Freebie: 08/23/26 🚨
June 19, 2025
3 (reluctant) stars.
This book went on for way too long, like 150 pages too long. Also, I did NOT like Hunter, OMG! He was so irritating please. Gray deserved so much better.
This book went on for way too long, like 150 pages too long. Also, I did NOT like Hunter, OMG! He was so irritating please. Gray deserved so much better.
February 24, 2026
I think I need a moment to process my thoughts and feelings after this book. Because my God, did I love this couple - both together and separately - but they were a lot! 😂
We have Gray, a 22-year-old who’s homeless and going through so much on the streets. Then enter Hunter: rich, closeted, preparing to become a governor, yet wanting something more - something real - from life. Two worlds colliding in a unique love story. Two men equally broken and alone in their own ways, both fighting for their chance at happiness.
This book was raw, and both MCs were deeply flawed because of their circumstances. There were moments when I connected so deeply with Hunter, and others when I wanted to shake some sense into him, but that never stopped me from loving him.
And Gray? My beautiful, courageous, brave Gray. I felt so proud of everything he achieved. 🖤
Tropes :
* Slow Burn
* Strangers to Lovers
* Closeted MC
* Hurt / Comfort
* Obsessive/ Possessive
We have Gray, a 22-year-old who’s homeless and going through so much on the streets. Then enter Hunter: rich, closeted, preparing to become a governor, yet wanting something more - something real - from life. Two worlds colliding in a unique love story. Two men equally broken and alone in their own ways, both fighting for their chance at happiness.
This book was raw, and both MCs were deeply flawed because of their circumstances. There were moments when I connected so deeply with Hunter, and others when I wanted to shake some sense into him, but that never stopped me from loving him.
And Gray? My beautiful, courageous, brave Gray. I felt so proud of everything he achieved. 🖤
Tropes :
* Slow Burn
* Strangers to Lovers
* Closeted MC
* Hurt / Comfort
* Obsessive/ Possessive
May 23, 2025
Rating 5⭐️
Emotion 3🥹
Spice 3🌶️
I absolutely loved this story. Myka’s portrayal of Grays life on the streets, homeless and alone was raw, emotional and utterly heartbreaking.
The story was a slow burn, it took a long time for Gray to open himself up completely to Hunter, to trust that Hunters intentions were in his best interests and accept the help being offered.
Hunter had his own demons he was fighting and I loved that both characters were flawed. There wasn’t an easy fix and both men fought hard for their HEA.
I would recommend this book
Emotion 3🥹
Spice 3🌶️
I absolutely loved this story. Myka’s portrayal of Grays life on the streets, homeless and alone was raw, emotional and utterly heartbreaking.
The story was a slow burn, it took a long time for Gray to open himself up completely to Hunter, to trust that Hunters intentions were in his best interests and accept the help being offered.
Hunter had his own demons he was fighting and I loved that both characters were flawed. There wasn’t an easy fix and both men fought hard for their HEA.
I would recommend this book
June 13, 2025
4.5/5 stars 2.5/5 spice
Boy was this an emotional roller coaster, one I would get on again and again. This story was beautiful. Two broken boys who see the world colourless, finding blue with each other.
Gray was a character I instantly adored. With life knocking him down so much he never truly gave up. He only started fighting harder with Hunter in the picture. He wanted to better himself for himself, Hunter, and their future together.
Hunter on the other hand didn’t do much to better anything until things fell apart. I could empathise with his fear and need to be loved by his dad, but trying to placate both sides wasn’t doing anyone any favours, especially Gray who was giving him his all and only receiving parts from Hunter in return.
I loved how they didn’t start a sexual relationship right away, they built towards it with earning trust, being comfortable with each other, and falling in love first.
- Slowish burn
- Social economic divide
- Homeless, artist MMC
- COO, governor’s son MMC
- Hurt/comfort
- Secret relationship
Boy was this an emotional roller coaster, one I would get on again and again. This story was beautiful. Two broken boys who see the world colourless, finding blue with each other.
Gray was a character I instantly adored. With life knocking him down so much he never truly gave up. He only started fighting harder with Hunter in the picture. He wanted to better himself for himself, Hunter, and their future together.
Hunter on the other hand didn’t do much to better anything until things fell apart. I could empathise with his fear and need to be loved by his dad, but trying to placate both sides wasn’t doing anyone any favours, especially Gray who was giving him his all and only receiving parts from Hunter in return.
I loved how they didn’t start a sexual relationship right away, they built towards it with earning trust, being comfortable with each other, and falling in love first.
- Slowish burn
- Social economic divide
- Homeless, artist MMC
- COO, governor’s son MMC
- Hurt/comfort
- Secret relationship
May 21, 2026
This was my first time reading a book with a homeless main character trope, and honestly? It pulled me in way more than I expected 😏
Sometimes it hurt, sometimes it was genuinely funny, and every now and then it got very hot ❤️🔥
(And honestly… I did NOT expect their dynamic in bed 👀😏)
Gray was such an incredibly strong character. Emotionally mature far beyond his age, smart, gentle, and just… an absolute sweetheart 🥹🤗
The way he kept going despite everything happening around him really got to me.
And Hunter?? Another cinnamon roll. The way he cared, the way he loved, the patience and devotion he showed — ugh 😭❤️
But he also surprised me a few times in ways I definitely wasn’t expecting 😏🔥
Yes, there was a breakup.
Yes, the reason was a little dumb in my opinion 🤣
BUT — it was written well enough that I could understand it emotionally. And most importantly? It didn’t drag on forever. They actually TALKED things through pretty quickly, thank the gods 🆒
Overall, the book felt light despite some painful moments, easy to read, emotional in the right places, and genuinely enjoyable.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 4.5/5
(the last chapter definitely boosted that spice rating 😏)
Sometimes it hurt, sometimes it was genuinely funny, and every now and then it got very hot ❤️🔥
(And honestly… I did NOT expect their dynamic in bed 👀😏)
Gray was such an incredibly strong character. Emotionally mature far beyond his age, smart, gentle, and just… an absolute sweetheart 🥹🤗
The way he kept going despite everything happening around him really got to me.
And Hunter?? Another cinnamon roll. The way he cared, the way he loved, the patience and devotion he showed — ugh 😭❤️
But he also surprised me a few times in ways I definitely wasn’t expecting 😏🔥
Yes, there was a breakup.
Yes, the reason was a little dumb in my opinion 🤣
BUT — it was written well enough that I could understand it emotionally. And most importantly? It didn’t drag on forever. They actually TALKED things through pretty quickly, thank the gods 🆒
Overall, the book felt light despite some painful moments, easy to read, emotional in the right places, and genuinely enjoyable.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 4.5/5
(the last chapter definitely boosted that spice rating 😏)
May 7, 2025
Beta read ❤️
This is the book where the definition of Hurt / comfort takes all its sense.
So so sooo much hurt 😩 but damn it was worth it.
This is not the typical book romance book with the perfect love story and the shiny prince on his horse, no, no, no.
This IS a love story, on the reality spectrum. THIS could happen and that’s why I love that story so much. THIS is a story where romance and feelings go beyond the typical smut of a fictional love story, this is about meeting your other half, your support, your home, your safety net and the person who will sees you to your most ugly and still sees you at your best with stars in their eyes. ❤️
Gray and Hunter are humans and imperfect and I’m here for it. I love how the balance between the two evolves through the story. How that story made me feel and made me think. ❤️
The author did an amazing job because my cold heart was on fiiiiire the whole time. I felt so many emotion reading it, it has been a long time I had such an amazing book in hands. 🙌🏻
This is the book where the definition of Hurt / comfort takes all its sense.
So so sooo much hurt 😩 but damn it was worth it.
This is not the typical book romance book with the perfect love story and the shiny prince on his horse, no, no, no.
This IS a love story, on the reality spectrum. THIS could happen and that’s why I love that story so much. THIS is a story where romance and feelings go beyond the typical smut of a fictional love story, this is about meeting your other half, your support, your home, your safety net and the person who will sees you to your most ugly and still sees you at your best with stars in their eyes. ❤️
Gray and Hunter are humans and imperfect and I’m here for it. I love how the balance between the two evolves through the story. How that story made me feel and made me think. ❤️
The author did an amazing job because my cold heart was on fiiiiire the whole time. I felt so many emotion reading it, it has been a long time I had such an amazing book in hands. 🙌🏻
September 12, 2025
Absolutely lovedddd this book
Our MMC Gray is homeless and has been at a disadvantage ever since his parents passed away. The system failed him in more ways than one and everybody he’s ever known has always let him down the last people to truly love him were his parents everyone else always leaves or takes and takes even tho he has nothing left. He lives in the Grey where there’s no color. But one day, his path crosses with the unlikeliest of men our other MMC Hunter. Hunter is the governors son and he consistently feels like his life is out of his control and feels the need to constantly make his dad happy, but when he sees Gray, he has the undeniable urge to help him and so he does. he’s insistent and Gray does not trust him at all to begin with.
They both slowly start to whittle away at each other‘s walls and a beautiful love story starts to bloom. I loved getting to see Gray finally come out the other side and achieve all the things he never thought he could and Hunter finally manning up and facing his fears and taking control of his life and finally fight for the life he wants was amazing.
There are a lot of heavy topics covered in this book so make sure to check your trigger warnings but just know it’s also a very beautiful healing story as well.
Our MMC Gray is homeless and has been at a disadvantage ever since his parents passed away. The system failed him in more ways than one and everybody he’s ever known has always let him down the last people to truly love him were his parents everyone else always leaves or takes and takes even tho he has nothing left. He lives in the Grey where there’s no color. But one day, his path crosses with the unlikeliest of men our other MMC Hunter. Hunter is the governors son and he consistently feels like his life is out of his control and feels the need to constantly make his dad happy, but when he sees Gray, he has the undeniable urge to help him and so he does. he’s insistent and Gray does not trust him at all to begin with.
They both slowly start to whittle away at each other‘s walls and a beautiful love story starts to bloom. I loved getting to see Gray finally come out the other side and achieve all the things he never thought he could and Hunter finally manning up and facing his fears and taking control of his life and finally fight for the life he wants was amazing.
There are a lot of heavy topics covered in this book so make sure to check your trigger warnings but just know it’s also a very beautiful healing story as well.
July 10, 2025
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬. “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭?" “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲."
This book is important, the pain and choices made for you, choices 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 from you and puts you at the absolute ‘bottom of society’ and being homeless is important to be read
Gray is so strong yet sensitive despite all the shit thrown at him, you just be proud and want to hug him, and this is not enough credit to his character, but, no spoilers here!
Hunter is the “what you think you see is not what you actually get”, his flaws run deep, deeeppp.
Seeing them being so different, and that it flips and breaks everything up side down for them for the better eventually, the journey was so gripping!
Need to note quote:
“𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞, 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”
September 18, 2026
Gray + Hunter
-mm romance
-strangers to lovers
-obsessive/possessive
-social economic divide
-secret relationship
-hurt/comfort
this was hard for these two man! from the very start they both just had so many self imposed hurdles they couldn’t get past for a long while & it just hurt everyone involved!! allll the interwoven plot twists tho behind the scene were so baller! i loved it!!
-mm romance
-strangers to lovers
-obsessive/possessive
-social economic divide
-secret relationship
-hurt/comfort
this was hard for these two man! from the very start they both just had so many self imposed hurdles they couldn’t get past for a long while & it just hurt everyone involved!! allll the interwoven plot twists tho behind the scene were so baller! i loved it!!
May 18, 2025
when i tell you i couldn’t put this down for a second!
this book was so good, the characters and the overall story line just HIT 😭 i’ll never recover.
this will definitely be one of the best books of 2025 - please do yourself a favor and read this. myka loren never misses, there isn’t a book of her that i don’t foam at the mouth over.
this book was so good, the characters and the overall story line just HIT 😭 i’ll never recover.
this will definitely be one of the best books of 2025 - please do yourself a favor and read this. myka loren never misses, there isn’t a book of her that i don’t foam at the mouth over.
June 9, 2025
The author has done an exceptional job of tearing my heart out, shredding it and then piecing it back together.. a tad tender but oh so grateful for the story of Gray and Hunter.
The book is heavy, unflinching in it’s telling yet with immense sensitivity deals with some tragic issues so I would say go in prepared . While it’s a story that starts with hopelessness, it’s also a story about hope, about lending hands and changing fates.
Gray’s life is truly heartbreaking, his circumstances were extremely difficult to read, he is unbelievably resilient. Hunter is dogged in his efforts to help, it’s what Gray needs and Hunter for his own reasons is compelled to do so. I liked that even when it would have been easier or served him better, Hunter was honest with Gray. But honesty doesn’t make up for a lifetime of being abandoned, being made to question and reject intrinsic parts of yourself and that’s Hunter’s battle, one that Gray standing besides him allows him to face, to finally reckon with. I think some of the hardest parts to read were related to their parents, heartbreaking memories from Gray of a better time, held on to despite everything, carrying him through and then the jagged broken apathetic connection, a beating heaviness that was Hunter’s relationship with his parents - not allowing him to move, keeping him frozen. The juxtaposition was so articulate.
The ending and how it blooms is savage in its perfection - it’s brave and sublime!
I absolutely love this book!
expect:
- hurt comfort
- Economic divide
- Political and social issues
- Healing and breakthroughs
- Artist
- Two lost souls trying to survive
- Secret relationship
- Slow burn
- Obsessive love with a dash of codependency
- First times
- “I want another one”
The book is heavy, unflinching in it’s telling yet with immense sensitivity deals with some tragic issues so I would say go in prepared . While it’s a story that starts with hopelessness, it’s also a story about hope, about lending hands and changing fates.
Gray’s life is truly heartbreaking, his circumstances were extremely difficult to read, he is unbelievably resilient. Hunter is dogged in his efforts to help, it’s what Gray needs and Hunter for his own reasons is compelled to do so. I liked that even when it would have been easier or served him better, Hunter was honest with Gray. But honesty doesn’t make up for a lifetime of being abandoned, being made to question and reject intrinsic parts of yourself and that’s Hunter’s battle, one that Gray standing besides him allows him to face, to finally reckon with. I think some of the hardest parts to read were related to their parents, heartbreaking memories from Gray of a better time, held on to despite everything, carrying him through and then the jagged broken apathetic connection, a beating heaviness that was Hunter’s relationship with his parents - not allowing him to move, keeping him frozen. The juxtaposition was so articulate.
The ending and how it blooms is savage in its perfection - it’s brave and sublime!
I absolutely love this book!
expect:
- hurt comfort
- Economic divide
- Political and social issues
- Healing and breakthroughs
- Artist
- Two lost souls trying to survive
- Secret relationship
- Slow burn
- Obsessive love with a dash of codependency
- First times
- “I want another one”
June 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There was something deeply personal about this story that caught me off guard. It’s not just about love it’s about the quiet ache of not being accepted by the people who are supposed to know you best. Hunter’s need for his family’s love, even when he knows they won’t give it, really struck a chord. That kind of hurt sits deep, and the way it’s written here feels painfully real.
Gray, on the other hand, carries a different kind of weight. His past isn’t something he talks about easily, but it shapes so much of who he is. Watching him slowly open up not just to Hunter, but to the idea that he deserves more was powerful in its own way.
Their relationship isn’t simple or smooth. There’s conflict, misunderstanding, and plenty of emotional tension. But there’s also resilience. They don’t walk away when it gets hard. They stay, they try, they stumble through it together. That made their bond feel honest imperfect, but grounded in something real.
The emotional depth is balanced by moments of connection, desire, and tenderness that never feel overdone. Myka Loren captures the intensity of love without making it dramatic for the sake of drama. It’s raw and vulnerable in all the right places.
This wasn’t just a romance it was a reminder of how hard and brave it is to choose love when you’ve been told you’re not worthy of it.
There was something deeply personal about this story that caught me off guard. It’s not just about love it’s about the quiet ache of not being accepted by the people who are supposed to know you best. Hunter’s need for his family’s love, even when he knows they won’t give it, really struck a chord. That kind of hurt sits deep, and the way it’s written here feels painfully real.
Gray, on the other hand, carries a different kind of weight. His past isn’t something he talks about easily, but it shapes so much of who he is. Watching him slowly open up not just to Hunter, but to the idea that he deserves more was powerful in its own way.
Their relationship isn’t simple or smooth. There’s conflict, misunderstanding, and plenty of emotional tension. But there’s also resilience. They don’t walk away when it gets hard. They stay, they try, they stumble through it together. That made their bond feel honest imperfect, but grounded in something real.
The emotional depth is balanced by moments of connection, desire, and tenderness that never feel overdone. Myka Loren captures the intensity of love without making it dramatic for the sake of drama. It’s raw and vulnerable in all the right places.
This wasn’t just a romance it was a reminder of how hard and brave it is to choose love when you’ve been told you’re not worthy of it.
June 1, 2025
This story went straight to my heart ❤️! Apart from the fact that Gray's story and his difficult past touched me deeply, I was also affected by Huntrer's background. The strong longing to be loved and accepted by your own family - just as you are. And at the same time you know that you are not what they want you to be. This inner struggle to free yourself from your parents' ideas and stand up for yourself really moved me. The relationship between the two is anything but easy, but they don't give up on each other or on hope. They learn to see each other's weaknesses and to make each other strong. That made the whole thing all the more real for me - loving each other even though not everything is perfect, fighting together for a happy ending. But the story is not only emotional - it is also full of wonderful moments, passion, tenderness and hot spice 🌶️! I am really very impressed and once again Myka Loren has won me over with one of her stories.
April 11, 2026
This book made me feel completely different emotions than I expected. I went in thinking it would break my heart — and while it definitely had emotional moments, by the end I honestly just wanted to grab some of the characters by the throat.
It also feels very fitting in today’s political climate in the US, reflecting certain dynamics in a way that hits a bit too close to home.
Overall, the book is really beautifully written, with relatable characters — especially Gray and his motivations. I would honestly adopt him as my brother in a heartbeat.
Hunter… puh. I have a serious love-hate relationship with him. It took me a long time to warm up to him. He has his reasons, just like Gray, but I often found him quite unfair towards Gray, which made it hard for me to fully like him.
It also feels very fitting in today’s political climate in the US, reflecting certain dynamics in a way that hits a bit too close to home.
Overall, the book is really beautifully written, with relatable characters — especially Gray and his motivations. I would honestly adopt him as my brother in a heartbeat.
Hunter… puh. I have a serious love-hate relationship with him. It took me a long time to warm up to him. He has his reasons, just like Gray, but I often found him quite unfair towards Gray, which made it hard for me to fully like him.
December 3, 2025
Myka Loren is an instant-read author for me at this point. There’s no denying their ability to create such real, meaningful characters and stories—ones that show us different walks of life, the bad and the ugly hardships right alongside the victories. Their imperfect characters tell relatable stories so beautifully.
I loved this story, and I loved Gray so much. For someone living in the grayscale, even while fighting against it, he still found color—and he showed color even when others couldn’t see it.
I loved this story, and I loved Gray so much. For someone living in the grayscale, even while fighting against it, he still found color—and he showed color even when others couldn’t see it.
July 15, 2026
This book depicted trauma beautifully. It was tragic but not in a way that destroyed me. I just felt so deeply for these two broken boys. My heart aaaaaached for them. While also swooning over them. It’s a slow burn, but it needed to be. So The pace was perfect, the story was perfect. Once I started I couldn’t stop. And honestly, The epilogues definitely could have been longer and I would have been thrilled. ❤️
July 10, 2025
3.5/5
January 15, 2026
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
format: ebook
this was a super cute and swoony slowburn between a very unlikely pair.
i really loved the premise of this. the son of a politician wanting to help a homeless man he felt an inexplicable draw towards, and then feelings happen. the hurt/comfort was top tier and i just really loved both main characters.
this was also my first myka loren book and i’m immediately a huge fan.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
format: ebook
this was a super cute and swoony slowburn between a very unlikely pair.
i really loved the premise of this. the son of a politician wanting to help a homeless man he felt an inexplicable draw towards, and then feelings happen. the hurt/comfort was top tier and i just really loved both main characters.
this was also my first myka loren book and i’m immediately a huge fan.
May 17, 2025
Heavy and poignant
It's interesting how my initial feelings about both Gray and Hunter changed/evolved throughout the story. Gray was at the bottom of the bottom and seemed close to giving up. Hunter swooped in, and at first, I thought it was heroic, if a bit rash. But as it progressed, Gray showed how strong he truly was, and Hunter turned out to be running from himself.
I loved that Gray wanted to be independent. He worked to better his situation. Hunter supported that and helped in big ways. But their relationship stalled because Hunter was unwilling to be his authentic self outside of his hiding places.
Hunter had potential to be a great partner. He anticipated Gray's physical needs and respected boundaries, but his shame overshadowed that potential. His perceived indebtedness to his father ruled his life, and it strangled the possibility of a chance at love with Gray.
I do think he finally broke those chains and was working toward deserving a place by Gray's side. I just needed a bit more to the ending to see it.
As with everything I've read from this author, the emotion this evoked and the character development were top notch.
It's interesting how my initial feelings about both Gray and Hunter changed/evolved throughout the story. Gray was at the bottom of the bottom and seemed close to giving up. Hunter swooped in, and at first, I thought it was heroic, if a bit rash. But as it progressed, Gray showed how strong he truly was, and Hunter turned out to be running from himself.
I loved that Gray wanted to be independent. He worked to better his situation. Hunter supported that and helped in big ways. But their relationship stalled because Hunter was unwilling to be his authentic self outside of his hiding places.
Hunter had potential to be a great partner. He anticipated Gray's physical needs and respected boundaries, but his shame overshadowed that potential. His perceived indebtedness to his father ruled his life, and it strangled the possibility of a chance at love with Gray.
I do think he finally broke those chains and was working toward deserving a place by Gray's side. I just needed a bit more to the ending to see it.
As with everything I've read from this author, the emotion this evoked and the character development were top notch.
July 22, 2025
I honestly can’t remember the last time I speed-read a nearly 500-page book like this. I was hooked from start to finish and there were a couple of moments that got me dangerously close to ugly-crying. Myka Loren really knows how to deliver an emotional gut-punch and handled some difficult issues very sensitively.
Both Gray and Hunter as well as their relationship are rather messy, and Hunter in particular made a couple of bad calls and handled situations in a less than ideal way, but that only made the story feel more real and emotionally grounded. Neither Gray nor Hunter are perfect, but they never pretend otherwise Gotta love flawed MCs.
The writing style is super engaging, and I found myself truly rooting for these two to make it through all the obstactles thrown in their way (even though, let’s be honest, with all the smoking, they’re probably both doomed to die young of lung cancer 🤮). There was a bit too much drama towards the end for my taste, but I still enjoyed every minute of it. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Myka Loren’s work and might even revisit this book at some stage.
Both Gray and Hunter as well as their relationship are rather messy, and Hunter in particular made a couple of bad calls and handled situations in a less than ideal way, but that only made the story feel more real and emotionally grounded. Neither Gray nor Hunter are perfect, but they never pretend otherwise Gotta love flawed MCs.
The writing style is super engaging, and I found myself truly rooting for these two to make it through all the obstactles thrown in their way (even though, let’s be honest, with all the smoking, they’re probably both doomed to die young of lung cancer 🤮). There was a bit too much drama towards the end for my taste, but I still enjoyed every minute of it. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Myka Loren’s work and might even revisit this book at some stage.
May 15, 2025
She’s done it again! At this point, I honestly think I would read this authors shopping list. Myka Loren is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I devoured it in a damn day!
Another beautifully written story about a couple of gorgeous boys, both broken in their own way who needed each other to heal.
Gray is our beautiful broken, beaten down boy who just needed someone to stay. Forced into a life no one deserves he just needs to be saved..
Hunter is the seemingly confident, high profiled politicians son who is living a big fat lie! Silently screaming to the world to just accept him and let him speak!
The way this author writes her characters has you laughing and crying in equal measures! You are guaranteed a happy ending but good god, does she make you work for it! I’m 4 for 4 now with this authors books. She just doesn’t miss and this one is no exception.
Also, special shout out to an Alex, we love Alex! When you read this book, you’ll understand 🤣
5⭐️
***ARC***
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I devoured it in a damn day!
Another beautifully written story about a couple of gorgeous boys, both broken in their own way who needed each other to heal.
Gray is our beautiful broken, beaten down boy who just needed someone to stay. Forced into a life no one deserves he just needs to be saved..
Hunter is the seemingly confident, high profiled politicians son who is living a big fat lie! Silently screaming to the world to just accept him and let him speak!
The way this author writes her characters has you laughing and crying in equal measures! You are guaranteed a happy ending but good god, does she make you work for it! I’m 4 for 4 now with this authors books. She just doesn’t miss and this one is no exception.
Also, special shout out to an Alex, we love Alex! When you read this book, you’ll understand 🤣
5⭐️
***ARC***
June 22, 2025
4.5⭐
2.5🌶️
I truly adored this book. The way Myka Loren captured Gray’s reality_living without a home, isolated and hurting was raw, intense, and deeply moving. There were so many moments that broke me.I cried more than once while reading.🥹😥
The romance unfolds at a slow and thoughtful pace. Gray doesn’t trust easily, and watching him gradually let Hunter in,believing that someone genuinely cared was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It was never rushed, which made the connection feel real.
Hunter, on the other hand, isn’t just the polished son of a powerful man. He’s carrying emotional baggage of his own. I loved that both characters were complex and imperfect. Their journey wasn’t smooth or simple_they both had to grow and fight for their happy ending❤️🩹🥹
It’s an emotionally heavy read, but worth every page.
Definitely a book I’d recommend to readers who enjoy depth, healing, and emotionally rich MM romance.♥️🫶
2.5🌶️
I truly adored this book. The way Myka Loren captured Gray’s reality_living without a home, isolated and hurting was raw, intense, and deeply moving. There were so many moments that broke me.I cried more than once while reading.🥹😥
The romance unfolds at a slow and thoughtful pace. Gray doesn’t trust easily, and watching him gradually let Hunter in,believing that someone genuinely cared was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It was never rushed, which made the connection feel real.
Hunter, on the other hand, isn’t just the polished son of a powerful man. He’s carrying emotional baggage of his own. I loved that both characters were complex and imperfect. Their journey wasn’t smooth or simple_they both had to grow and fight for their happy ending❤️🩹🥹
It’s an emotionally heavy read, but worth every page.
Definitely a book I’d recommend to readers who enjoy depth, healing, and emotionally rich MM romance.♥️🫶
November 20, 2025
DNF 40%
it was too long and i don’t why i keep trying with the hurt/comfort since i hate them every time but that’s a me problem
it was too long and i don’t why i keep trying with the hurt/comfort since i hate them every time but that’s a me problem
July 14, 2025
Contains spoilers for the book btw.
Was not a fan of this story at all. Started off fine, but it went on for too long. The angst was not justified (Hunter's desire for his dad's approval being the main driving force in the conflict) and the character development wasn't very good (Hunter doesn't change until the very end of the book and Gray somehow learns the wrong lessons for what life throws at him)
Despite the author emphasizing that this was a slow burn, I feel like the attraction between Gray and Hunter came on a bit too strong, too quickly. Page number isn't the what determines whether a book is slow burn or not, pacing does. And despite Gray and Hunter's first kiss coming in at around page 190 (38%), the lack of meaningful back and forth in their relationship dynamic made it feel like it happened too quickly. I needed more than just Hunter questioning himself over and over again as to why he was drawn to Gray in the first place and I needed Gray to not have given in so quickly to Hunter's offers of help. There should've been multiple scenes of clear sexual attraction between them + explicit rejections of that attraction from each POV before the first date and kiss. As it is, the story felt like it used a lot of pages to establish a lot of angst but one that was done and the romance started, it was rather quick.
Hunter was uber annoying and completely inflexible in character (only finally changing in the last 10% of the book). I also hated how spineless he was with regards to his (particularly his dad). I get trying to hide his sexuality, that's perfectly understandable, but fucking say you don't like meatloaf. Fucking put your foot down on getting involved in politics. His dad taking care of him for the short amount of time his mom left did not give me enough justification to believe that he felt like he owed his asshole of a father his loyalty. He hit rock bottom with his mom, then he needed to hit rock bottom with his dad, then he needed to hit rock bottom with Gray all because he still wanted his shit stain of a dad's love. I needed a hell of a lot more justification than "he took care of me for five years" to justify:
- hiding his sexuality + suffering the consequences of the homophobia
- being forced to a job he didn't want
- being forced to give up a life he did want
- being told to get rid of Gray
Then when Gray finally gets fed up and leaves, Hunter doesn't even do him the courtesy of looking for Gray himself. He just sends out his assistant, Alex (who was a bit too "is always right" imo, but someone needed to be considering how utterly hopeless Hunter was)
I hated how he just forgave his selfish mother after her stupid apology as if his trauma hadn't directly been linked to her leaving. If those five years were strong and significant enough for Hunter to form an unhealthy desire for his dad's approval, then they should've formed an equally strong resentment toward his mother for leaving. He even indicated as much during their first talk, so her slapping his dad and apologizing should not have been nearly enough to undo the supposed trauma she inflicted on him.
Gray was annoyingly also a doormat, but at least he had an excuse of not wanting o end back up on the streets. Him continually saying he needed to distance himself from the comfort but not actually trying to do anything close to that was super annoying since it was ultimately just lip service to the readers. Him falling on his feet by having some deus ex machina in the form of Dr. Perry and his wife giving him shelter and magically being his parents' close friends was super dumb. He literally experienced his worst nightmare of trusting someone (again) then being screwed by the person he trusted (again). Why the hell did he even trust others after that? Why ask for help when the last two times he'd been offered left him destitute and with a broken heart?
And Xavier ending up as some sort of double agent for the government was also incredibly dumb.
I basically skimmed the rest of the end after that because I couldn't take the resolution knowing that Gray would take back Hunter for some godforsaken reason despite Hunter literally making his worst fears come to life.
TL;DR: Book was angsty which would've been fine if the romance was actually worth it or of the ending didn't try to wrap everything up with a weird bow. People get redeemed even though they didn't deserve it (Hunter, his mom, Xavier) and Gray randomly trusts people despite every experience he had telling him otherwise.
Was not a fan of this story at all. Started off fine, but it went on for too long. The angst was not justified (Hunter's desire for his dad's approval being the main driving force in the conflict) and the character development wasn't very good (Hunter doesn't change until the very end of the book and Gray somehow learns the wrong lessons for what life throws at him)
Despite the author emphasizing that this was a slow burn, I feel like the attraction between Gray and Hunter came on a bit too strong, too quickly. Page number isn't the what determines whether a book is slow burn or not, pacing does. And despite Gray and Hunter's first kiss coming in at around page 190 (38%), the lack of meaningful back and forth in their relationship dynamic made it feel like it happened too quickly. I needed more than just Hunter questioning himself over and over again as to why he was drawn to Gray in the first place and I needed Gray to not have given in so quickly to Hunter's offers of help. There should've been multiple scenes of clear sexual attraction between them + explicit rejections of that attraction from each POV before the first date and kiss. As it is, the story felt like it used a lot of pages to establish a lot of angst but one that was done and the romance started, it was rather quick.
Hunter was uber annoying and completely inflexible in character (only finally changing in the last 10% of the book). I also hated how spineless he was with regards to his (particularly his dad). I get trying to hide his sexuality, that's perfectly understandable, but fucking say you don't like meatloaf. Fucking put your foot down on getting involved in politics. His dad taking care of him for the short amount of time his mom left did not give me enough justification to believe that he felt like he owed his asshole of a father his loyalty. He hit rock bottom with his mom, then he needed to hit rock bottom with his dad, then he needed to hit rock bottom with Gray all because he still wanted his shit stain of a dad's love. I needed a hell of a lot more justification than "he took care of me for five years" to justify:
- hiding his sexuality + suffering the consequences of the homophobia
- being forced to a job he didn't want
- being forced to give up a life he did want
- being told to get rid of Gray
Then when Gray finally gets fed up and leaves, Hunter doesn't even do him the courtesy of looking for Gray himself. He just sends out his assistant, Alex (who was a bit too "is always right" imo, but someone needed to be considering how utterly hopeless Hunter was)
I hated how he just forgave his selfish mother after her stupid apology as if his trauma hadn't directly been linked to her leaving. If those five years were strong and significant enough for Hunter to form an unhealthy desire for his dad's approval, then they should've formed an equally strong resentment toward his mother for leaving. He even indicated as much during their first talk, so her slapping his dad and apologizing should not have been nearly enough to undo the supposed trauma she inflicted on him.
Gray was annoyingly also a doormat, but at least he had an excuse of not wanting o end back up on the streets. Him continually saying he needed to distance himself from the comfort but not actually trying to do anything close to that was super annoying since it was ultimately just lip service to the readers. Him falling on his feet by having some deus ex machina in the form of Dr. Perry and his wife giving him shelter and magically being his parents' close friends was super dumb. He literally experienced his worst nightmare of trusting someone (again) then being screwed by the person he trusted (again). Why the hell did he even trust others after that? Why ask for help when the last two times he'd been offered left him destitute and with a broken heart?
And Xavier ending up as some sort of double agent for the government was also incredibly dumb.
I basically skimmed the rest of the end after that because I couldn't take the resolution knowing that Gray would take back Hunter for some godforsaken reason despite Hunter literally making his worst fears come to life.
TL;DR: Book was angsty which would've been fine if the romance was actually worth it or of the ending didn't try to wrap everything up with a weird bow. People get redeemed even though they didn't deserve it (Hunter, his mom, Xavier) and Gray randomly trusts people despite every experience he had telling him otherwise.
August 17, 2026
3.5
Seeing Greyscale was a great book, it really was. But throughout it I always had the feeling that something was missing, something was just not quite right.
The first 40% or so was top notch. I loved the writing and the depth in which Loren developed her characters. I loved that it was gritty and the “dark” in dark romance was not actually the MMCs relationship, but their circumstances and the world they were living in. I loved Grey and Hunter equally, understood both, their motivations, their actions, and felt their pain.
What I also found incredibly refreshing was how realistic Hunter and Grey were. They sweat, they puked, they got dirty, they had normal bodies and average size penises (the horror!), they were awkward, embarrassing and even cringey at times, but they were real. Glossed over, glamourised muscular mountain men are cool and all, but sometimes you just want to read about actual people.
That said, things started to take a turn when I realised that this is not an actual slow burn romance. Admittedly, there was less smut compared to other books, and Grey and Hunter actually have sex towards the end of the book. But that doesn’t mean the development of the romantic relationship was slow. The infatuation and sexual tension were there from early on and that gave me pause.
Adding to that, Hunter’s absence of a spine started to annoy me after a while. Don't get me wrong, I felt really bad for him. He was repressed his whole life and throughout the years he lost the ability to react, instead he let people tell him what to do and dictate how he lived his life. He was unbelievably lonely and depressed, and it sucked, I am not saying it didn’t.
However, I thought hiding his sexuality so fiercely in the year 2025 (!) was a bit much, even for political reasons. Also, his obsession to get his dad’s approval even when his dad constantly verbally abused him and degraded him was completely unwarranted. Hunter made it look like his dad raising him was a gift that he should be eternally grateful for, and not his duty as a father and a human being. But what I disliked most was that Hunter let Grey treat him the same, in a sense. Grey made Hunter think that because he was rich, he shouldn’t complain about anything, like he wasn’t allowed to have problems. While I understand that from a homeless person’s perspective (rich people’s problems), from a romantic partner's perspective I couldn't excuse it. I could not accept that Grey couldn’t be a bit more understanding and empathetic towards Hunter. Grey had the tendency to make it all about him and threw the most extravagant tantrums. Hunter’s life was turned upside down because of Grey (it was Hunter’s choice, I agree), but Grey didn’t seem to appreciate it as much as I would have liked him to.
Even though my annoyance with Grey and Hunter never reached a point where it made me dislike the book, it sure started rubbing me the wrong way after a while, and after 600 pages I kinda lost interest in the romance of it all. Although, the sex scene at the end was great; I love a power bottom!
I would say give Seeing Grayscale a chance for its sharp and evocative writing.
Also, what’s better than a broken boy? Two broken boys!
Seeing Greyscale was a great book, it really was. But throughout it I always had the feeling that something was missing, something was just not quite right.
The first 40% or so was top notch. I loved the writing and the depth in which Loren developed her characters. I loved that it was gritty and the “dark” in dark romance was not actually the MMCs relationship, but their circumstances and the world they were living in. I loved Grey and Hunter equally, understood both, their motivations, their actions, and felt their pain.
What I also found incredibly refreshing was how realistic Hunter and Grey were. They sweat, they puked, they got dirty, they had normal bodies and average size penises (the horror!), they were awkward, embarrassing and even cringey at times, but they were real. Glossed over, glamourised muscular mountain men are cool and all, but sometimes you just want to read about actual people.
That said, things started to take a turn when I realised that this is not an actual slow burn romance. Admittedly, there was less smut compared to other books, and Grey and Hunter actually have sex towards the end of the book. But that doesn’t mean the development of the romantic relationship was slow. The infatuation and sexual tension were there from early on and that gave me pause.
Adding to that, Hunter’s absence of a spine started to annoy me after a while. Don't get me wrong, I felt really bad for him. He was repressed his whole life and throughout the years he lost the ability to react, instead he let people tell him what to do and dictate how he lived his life. He was unbelievably lonely and depressed, and it sucked, I am not saying it didn’t.
However, I thought hiding his sexuality so fiercely in the year 2025 (!) was a bit much, even for political reasons. Also, his obsession to get his dad’s approval even when his dad constantly verbally abused him and degraded him was completely unwarranted. Hunter made it look like his dad raising him was a gift that he should be eternally grateful for, and not his duty as a father and a human being. But what I disliked most was that Hunter let Grey treat him the same, in a sense. Grey made Hunter think that because he was rich, he shouldn’t complain about anything, like he wasn’t allowed to have problems. While I understand that from a homeless person’s perspective (rich people’s problems), from a romantic partner's perspective I couldn't excuse it. I could not accept that Grey couldn’t be a bit more understanding and empathetic towards Hunter. Grey had the tendency to make it all about him and threw the most extravagant tantrums. Hunter’s life was turned upside down because of Grey (it was Hunter’s choice, I agree), but Grey didn’t seem to appreciate it as much as I would have liked him to.
Even though my annoyance with Grey and Hunter never reached a point where it made me dislike the book, it sure started rubbing me the wrong way after a while, and after 600 pages I kinda lost interest in the romance of it all. Although, the sex scene at the end was great; I love a power bottom!
I would say give Seeing Grayscale a chance for its sharp and evocative writing.
Also, what’s better than a broken boy? Two broken boys!
August 2, 2026
4.8 ⭐️
Myka Loren absolutely cracked my heart wide open! Seeing Grayscale is an unflinching, breathtakingly poignant, and deeply emotional read that will make your heart ache and stay with you for a long time. If you live for raw hurt/comfort, high-stakes socioeconomic divides, and two horribly broken young men who slowly learn how to breathe again together, this book is going to feed your soul!
The story follows Gray, a gentle, fiercely resilient young man who was failed by the foster care system and has spent four years surviving on the streets, trapped in a grim world devoid of color. Enter Hunter Kade: the Governor’s son, dripping in wealth, privilege, and political pressure, who stumbles upon a malnourished, injured Gray behind a gas station. Driven by an intense, obsessive urge to help, Hunter steps in, bringing Gray into a hidden world of safety and warmth. But as their worlds collide and an undeniable, slow-burn love blooms, both men have to confront their deepest fears: Gray’s terror of abandonment, and Hunter’s crippling shame of disappointing his abusive, homophobic father!
Oh, Gray stole my heart! The sheer strength it took for him to keep going despite being let down by everyone in his life made me ache. And Hunter! Watching his unrelenting obsessive urge to give Gray the world, from quiet acts of care to literally buying a house for him, was the most gut-wrenchingly sweet thing ever! Myka Loren does not sugarcoat the mess. Hunter’s confrontation with his father had my blood boiling, and watching both men embrace their trauma without letting it define them made their eventual peace feel so earned. It’s heavy, painful, and painfully real. Gray growing to the point of being able to say out loud (and believe it) that he deserved better was absolutely everything!
Because I was so utterly invested in Hunter breaking free from his family's suffocating expectations, my tiny wish was for the book to give us just a little bit more time in the epilogue/ending to soak in his newfound independence and love. While they do go through a temporary breakup, they actually sit down and talk things through pretty quickly without dragging it out forever, which I appreciated so much! Gray deserved so much to be chosen without hesitation, and Hunter deserved so much fierce unconditional love. Watching them carve out their own sanctuary made every painful step of the journey worth it! definitely recommend you pick this up or add to your TBR if you haven’t already!
Instagram: @goodgirlsbookshelf_
June 6, 2025
Seeing Graysccale is a standalone book by Myka Loren. This book is an emotional roller coaster with strangers to lovers, obsessive/possessive MMCs, hurt/comfort that does end with a hard fought HEA. It’s also a very slow burn but so very worth the wait.
Gray has never had it easy in life. The cards dealt to him meant loss, hardship and abuse. At 12 years old, Gray was placed into the foster care system after the loss of his parents. With no other family to take him in, it was the only option. Growing up just wishing to fit in and be loved, he found himself with the wrong type of people and got himself into trouble. Due to that trouble, several days before his 18th bday, he was kicked out of his group home and left to fend for himself. With a felony charge and very little life experience, he had nowhere to go, no meaningful way of finding gainful employment and no one he could turn to for help. That is, until Hunter found him behind a gas station.
Hunter has been raised to serve a purpose, to be whatever his father deems necessary to further his own political aspirations. He comes from power and wealth. There’s also significant pressure placed on him to never do anything that could be considered embarrassing to his family, including keeping his sexuality a secret. But when he finds a malnourished and injured man just trying to buy a hot dog at a gas station, something changes in him. He desperately wants to help this man and he has no idea why. The optics won’t look good and his father will disown him if he finds out but what’s one more kept secret?
Seeing Grayscale was such an emotional read, delving into the life of someone living on the streets. It really highlighted just how easy it is for someone to get stuck and have no way out and how society tends to use stereotypes and overlook this population of people. I absolutely loved Hunter’s character. He was completely and utterly flawed with so much fear driving nearly every decision he makes in his life. When Gray comes along, Hunter is so desperate for his companionship yet feels torn between his natural feelings and those his father has instilled in him. Gray’s character was the perfect protagonist to Hunter. He too is flawed and just like Hunter, fear drives him. But his fear is due to abandonment, to being left, to being forced to stay in a world where no one wants or even sees him. Their dynamic was painfully sweet and also sometimes frustrating. While they come from two very different worlds and both are very broken, Hunter, while more privileged seemed almost more lost and wandering than Gray. He really broke my heart. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
Gray has never had it easy in life. The cards dealt to him meant loss, hardship and abuse. At 12 years old, Gray was placed into the foster care system after the loss of his parents. With no other family to take him in, it was the only option. Growing up just wishing to fit in and be loved, he found himself with the wrong type of people and got himself into trouble. Due to that trouble, several days before his 18th bday, he was kicked out of his group home and left to fend for himself. With a felony charge and very little life experience, he had nowhere to go, no meaningful way of finding gainful employment and no one he could turn to for help. That is, until Hunter found him behind a gas station.
Hunter has been raised to serve a purpose, to be whatever his father deems necessary to further his own political aspirations. He comes from power and wealth. There’s also significant pressure placed on him to never do anything that could be considered embarrassing to his family, including keeping his sexuality a secret. But when he finds a malnourished and injured man just trying to buy a hot dog at a gas station, something changes in him. He desperately wants to help this man and he has no idea why. The optics won’t look good and his father will disown him if he finds out but what’s one more kept secret?
Seeing Grayscale was such an emotional read, delving into the life of someone living on the streets. It really highlighted just how easy it is for someone to get stuck and have no way out and how society tends to use stereotypes and overlook this population of people. I absolutely loved Hunter’s character. He was completely and utterly flawed with so much fear driving nearly every decision he makes in his life. When Gray comes along, Hunter is so desperate for his companionship yet feels torn between his natural feelings and those his father has instilled in him. Gray’s character was the perfect protagonist to Hunter. He too is flawed and just like Hunter, fear drives him. But his fear is due to abandonment, to being left, to being forced to stay in a world where no one wants or even sees him. Their dynamic was painfully sweet and also sometimes frustrating. While they come from two very different worlds and both are very broken, Hunter, while more privileged seemed almost more lost and wandering than Gray. He really broke my heart. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
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