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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
165 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 6, 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?
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.
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 15, 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. 🙌🏻
June 13, 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
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.”
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 17, 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.
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 10, 2025
3.5/5
June 15, 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 29, 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.
September 24, 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.♥️🫶
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.
June 13, 2025
Gray has been living and surviving on the streets for four years now. His daily life is all about watching, staying alert, and making it through another day. He’s lost hope of ever getting out of this hole, why would he even try if it feels pointless? It’s not like anyone would want to reach out a helping hand to someone like him. So why is this stranger, with kind hazel eyes and dressed like someone who’s never had to face a single hardship, offering him help?
Seeing Grayscale is the very definition of angst and hurt/comfort. The story is heartbreaking, and as you go deeper into it, the pain just keeps building. The characters are perfectly imperfect, and that’s exactly why I loved them. You connect with them, you get angry at them, you suffer with them, you cry with them, they show such raw and real humanity.
Gray and Hunter come from completely different worlds. One has always had everything, lives in luxury, and is successful. The other has nothing and has lost it all. But they have more in common than it seems, because both are searching for something that will make them feel like they still have control over their own lives. These two had me hooked from the very beginning, the way Hunter wanted to help Gray, and how Gray refused that help because in Gray’s world, “nothing is free.” But little by little, he started to trust Hunter, and the attraction and feelings between them grew stronger.
I absolutely loved Axel (he definitely deserves a raise), as well as Candy, Abel, and Marie. They all played such an important role in the story, and I found myself growing attached to them too.
What I loved most about this story is how it gives us a small glimpse into what so many homeless people have to endure day after day. You feel powerless reading about the circumstances they’re in, knowing that the help they need has stopped coming or no longer seems to matter. But through Gray, you also see that there’s still light at the end of that dark tunnel, that sometimes, all it takes is one small chance or one helping hand to bring a little color back into someone’s life.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 3 /5 🔥🔥🔥
If you like to read:
✈️Strangers To Lovers
🎨 Obsessive/Possessive
✈️Slow Burn
🎨Social Economic Divide
✈️Kindred Spirits
🎨Hurt/Comfort
Seeing Grayscale is the very definition of angst and hurt/comfort. The story is heartbreaking, and as you go deeper into it, the pain just keeps building. The characters are perfectly imperfect, and that’s exactly why I loved them. You connect with them, you get angry at them, you suffer with them, you cry with them, they show such raw and real humanity.
Gray and Hunter come from completely different worlds. One has always had everything, lives in luxury, and is successful. The other has nothing and has lost it all. But they have more in common than it seems, because both are searching for something that will make them feel like they still have control over their own lives. These two had me hooked from the very beginning, the way Hunter wanted to help Gray, and how Gray refused that help because in Gray’s world, “nothing is free.” But little by little, he started to trust Hunter, and the attraction and feelings between them grew stronger.
I absolutely loved Axel (he definitely deserves a raise), as well as Candy, Abel, and Marie. They all played such an important role in the story, and I found myself growing attached to them too.
What I loved most about this story is how it gives us a small glimpse into what so many homeless people have to endure day after day. You feel powerless reading about the circumstances they’re in, knowing that the help they need has stopped coming or no longer seems to matter. But through Gray, you also see that there’s still light at the end of that dark tunnel, that sometimes, all it takes is one small chance or one helping hand to bring a little color back into someone’s life.
Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 3 /5 🔥🔥🔥
If you like to read:
✈️Strangers To Lovers
🎨 Obsessive/Possessive
✈️Slow Burn
🎨Social Economic Divide
✈️Kindred Spirits
🎨Hurt/Comfort
June 11, 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.
May 21, 2025
ARC Review | 4.5⭐️
⚠️ Mild spoilers
I didn’t expect Seeing Grayscale to hit me this hard—but wow, it did. This wasn’t just a romance. It was about healing, holding space for yourself, and learning how to let someone love the parts you’ve been taught to hide. Gray and Hunter’s story cracked me open.
From the beginning, Gray had my full attention. He’s gentle in a world that hasn’t always been kind to him, and the strength it took for him to just keep going? It made me ache. His growth throughout this book—quiet, honest, and deeply personal—was everything.
Hunter, on the other hand, made me want to scream at the page one second and hug him the next. His journey wasn’t clean or easy, and Myka Loren doesn’t sugarcoat the mess. She lets it be messy. She lets these men be flawed and afraid and uncertain—and it’s what made the payoff feel so real.
There’s a hurt/comfort vibe, wrapped in slow burn tension, and layered with raw, emotional weight. This isn’t a swoony fluff read—it’s heavy, at times painful, but also full of hard-earned warmth and intimacy. When Hunter bought the house—I was sobbing. It was the most thoughtful, gut-wrenchingly sweet gesture. And Hunter’s confrontation with his dad? My blood was boiling. Those moments hit like gut punches.
And when they finally find peace with themselves and with each other? My entire heart. It was soft, it was right, and it felt earned.
I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. The mental health rep, the family dynamics, the quiet acts of love—Myka Loren captured it all with a kind of unflinching tenderness. Definitely an author I want more from.
✨ For readers who love: emotional depth, vulnerable queer men navigating love and trauma, slow burn that hurts so good, and romance that doesn’t skip the hard parts but makes sure the ending is worth it.
⭐️ 4.5/5 — this story hit deep and left me holding my chest like, “Oh… we felt all of that.”
⚠️ Mild spoilers
I didn’t expect Seeing Grayscale to hit me this hard—but wow, it did. This wasn’t just a romance. It was about healing, holding space for yourself, and learning how to let someone love the parts you’ve been taught to hide. Gray and Hunter’s story cracked me open.
From the beginning, Gray had my full attention. He’s gentle in a world that hasn’t always been kind to him, and the strength it took for him to just keep going? It made me ache. His growth throughout this book—quiet, honest, and deeply personal—was everything.
Hunter, on the other hand, made me want to scream at the page one second and hug him the next. His journey wasn’t clean or easy, and Myka Loren doesn’t sugarcoat the mess. She lets it be messy. She lets these men be flawed and afraid and uncertain—and it’s what made the payoff feel so real.
There’s a hurt/comfort vibe, wrapped in slow burn tension, and layered with raw, emotional weight. This isn’t a swoony fluff read—it’s heavy, at times painful, but also full of hard-earned warmth and intimacy. When Hunter bought the house—I was sobbing. It was the most thoughtful, gut-wrenchingly sweet gesture. And Hunter’s confrontation with his dad? My blood was boiling. Those moments hit like gut punches.
And when they finally find peace with themselves and with each other? My entire heart. It was soft, it was right, and it felt earned.
I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. The mental health rep, the family dynamics, the quiet acts of love—Myka Loren captured it all with a kind of unflinching tenderness. Definitely an author I want more from.
✨ For readers who love: emotional depth, vulnerable queer men navigating love and trauma, slow burn that hurts so good, and romance that doesn’t skip the hard parts but makes sure the ending is worth it.
⭐️ 4.5/5 — this story hit deep and left me holding my chest like, “Oh… we felt all of that.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
ARC Review | 4.5⭐️
⚠️ Mild spoilers
I didn’t expect Seeing Grayscale to hit me this hard—but wow, it did. This wasn’t just a romance. It was about healing, holding space for yourself, and learning how to let someone love the parts you’ve been taught to hide. Gray and Hunter’s story cracked me open.
From the beginning, Gray had my full attention. He’s gentle in a world that hasn’t always been kind to him, and the strength it took for him to just keep going? It made me ache. His growth throughout this book—quiet, honest, and deeply personal—was everything.
Hunter, on the other hand, made me want to scream at the page one second and hug him the next. His journey wasn’t clean or easy, and Myka Loren doesn’t sugarcoat the mess. She lets it be messy. She lets these men be flawed and afraid and uncertain—and it’s what made the payoff feel so real.
There’s a hurt/comfort vibe, wrapped in slow burn tension, and layered with raw, emotional weight. This isn’t a swoony fluff read—it’s heavy, at times painful, but also full of hard-earned warmth and intimacy. When Hunter bought the house—I was sobbing. It was the most thoughtful, gut-wrenchingly sweet gesture. And Hunter’s confrontation with his dad? My blood was boiling. Those moments hit like gut punches.
And when they finally find peace with themselves and with each other? My entire heart. It was soft, it was right, and it felt earned.
I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. The mental health rep, the family dynamics, the quiet acts of love—Myka Loren captured it all with a kind of unflinching tenderness. Definitely an author I want more from.
✨ For readers who love: emotional depth, vulnerable queer men navigating love and trauma, slow burn that hurts so good, and romance that doesn’t skip the hard parts but makes sure the ending is worth it.
⭐️ 4.5/5 — this story hit deep and left me holding my chest like, “Oh… we felt all of that.”
⚠️ Mild spoilers
I didn’t expect Seeing Grayscale to hit me this hard—but wow, it did. This wasn’t just a romance. It was about healing, holding space for yourself, and learning how to let someone love the parts you’ve been taught to hide. Gray and Hunter’s story cracked me open.
From the beginning, Gray had my full attention. He’s gentle in a world that hasn’t always been kind to him, and the strength it took for him to just keep going? It made me ache. His growth throughout this book—quiet, honest, and deeply personal—was everything.
Hunter, on the other hand, made me want to scream at the page one second and hug him the next. His journey wasn’t clean or easy, and Myka Loren doesn’t sugarcoat the mess. She lets it be messy. She lets these men be flawed and afraid and uncertain—and it’s what made the payoff feel so real.
There’s a hurt/comfort vibe, wrapped in slow burn tension, and layered with raw, emotional weight. This isn’t a swoony fluff read—it’s heavy, at times painful, but also full of hard-earned warmth and intimacy. When Hunter bought the house—I was sobbing. It was the most thoughtful, gut-wrenchingly sweet gesture. And Hunter’s confrontation with his dad? My blood was boiling. Those moments hit like gut punches.
And when they finally find peace with themselves and with each other? My entire heart. It was soft, it was right, and it felt earned.
I’ll be thinking about this book for a while. The mental health rep, the family dynamics, the quiet acts of love—Myka Loren captured it all with a kind of unflinching tenderness. Definitely an author I want more from.
✨ For readers who love: emotional depth, vulnerable queer men navigating love and trauma, slow burn that hurts so good, and romance that doesn’t skip the hard parts but makes sure the ending is worth it.
⭐️ 4.5/5 — this story hit deep and left me holding my chest like, “Oh… we felt all of that.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
🩶
💙
🩶
This was my 1st ARC ever 😄
I am a serial 4 star reviewer. There has to be something that pisses me off to rate a book lower than 4 stars and there has to be something that changes my brain chemistry, gives me the chills, or leaves me in a daze when I'm done in order for me to rate a book 5 stars.
So why am I telling everyone that!? Because I want everyone to know that this book is legitimately 5 freaking stars!!! (And not 5 stars just because its my first ARC.) This book left me in a daze when I was done. The story felt so damn real and aside from the relationship, I know it is sadly the reality for a lot of people like Gray and Hunter.
I have sooooo much to say about this book, but as River Song would say *spoilers* (if you get that reference than we can be best friends). But I will say this...
I absolutely loved Gray and Hunter! The way their relationship developed throughout the story, the push and pull, Hunter's obsession, Gray's reluctance. The slow burn was perfect!! You get to know who Gray and Hunter are as people, their fears, hopes, dreams, passions, their past and what put them in their current situation. They are both hesitant but when their relationship eventually develops into intimacy it feels so right and natural, not rushed or based on lust (And these two are hot 🥵 in the bedroom).
One of my favorite parts was when Gray and Hunter would talk about their passions. The joy they had for their love of planes and art would radiate off the page and it was truly heartwarming.
I laughed, I got pissed off (at side characters, mostly), I swooned, I cried the sad tears, then I cried the happy tears. My heart broke for these two but their HEA made it all better.
Add this book to your TBR and set a reminder on your calendar for June 13th you do not want to miss this book!!!
Started: May 14th 2025
Finished: May 16th 2025
Format: Kindle
💙
🩶
This was my 1st ARC ever 😄
I am a serial 4 star reviewer. There has to be something that pisses me off to rate a book lower than 4 stars and there has to be something that changes my brain chemistry, gives me the chills, or leaves me in a daze when I'm done in order for me to rate a book 5 stars.
So why am I telling everyone that!? Because I want everyone to know that this book is legitimately 5 freaking stars!!! (And not 5 stars just because its my first ARC.) This book left me in a daze when I was done. The story felt so damn real and aside from the relationship, I know it is sadly the reality for a lot of people like Gray and Hunter.
I have sooooo much to say about this book, but as River Song would say *spoilers* (if you get that reference than we can be best friends). But I will say this...
I absolutely loved Gray and Hunter! The way their relationship developed throughout the story, the push and pull, Hunter's obsession, Gray's reluctance. The slow burn was perfect!! You get to know who Gray and Hunter are as people, their fears, hopes, dreams, passions, their past and what put them in their current situation. They are both hesitant but when their relationship eventually develops into intimacy it feels so right and natural, not rushed or based on lust (And these two are hot 🥵 in the bedroom).
One of my favorite parts was when Gray and Hunter would talk about their passions. The joy they had for their love of planes and art would radiate off the page and it was truly heartwarming.
I laughed, I got pissed off (at side characters, mostly), I swooned, I cried the sad tears, then I cried the happy tears. My heart broke for these two but their HEA made it all better.
Add this book to your TBR and set a reminder on your calendar for June 13th you do not want to miss this book!!!
Started: May 14th 2025
Finished: May 16th 2025
Format: Kindle
June 15, 2025
⭐️ 4,25
I knew I would love this, so had to pre-order it and I wasn’t mistaken -so good.
“I’ll be here.”
’ I’ll be here. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard those words and even longer since I dared to believe them.’
🥹 ahhh I absolutely loved Gray. I think he became one of my favourite characters. Even though he’s been through hell, he is still so strong, resilient, innocent, loving and forgiving person. Hunter made some mistakes and my heart broke for Gray because of his actions but the way he cared for Gray and came through was everything.
This book didnt have a lot of 🌶️ and I actually liked it, the anticipation was great and the scenes what were there, were amazing and I could feel the butterflies.
“Gray,”
“Fuck, sweetheart, slow down for me, yeah?”
“Why? I never get to have what I want. Let me have it.”
Writing was great, very easy to follow and even though it was on a longer side, I wasn’t bored once. The reason why rating stays under five stars is because even though this was good, it didnt give me the emotion stirring/provoking feel I want from 5 star books. But definitely will continue reading more of Myka’s books!👏🏼
”He makes me want to set aside my body’s needs so I can learn what he needs. It’s as foreign to me as a new language—something I can’t even begin to comprehend, but I want to with everything in me. Gray gives me a glimpse into the shadowy hollow I pretend doesn’t desperately wish to be set alight and full. He gives me connection, recognition, and a profound sense of companionship while teasing me with intimacy. I crave him. I want him. I fucking need Gray. “You are everything,” I whisper. ❤️🩹
I knew I would love this, so had to pre-order it and I wasn’t mistaken -so good.
“I’ll be here.”
’ I’ll be here. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard those words and even longer since I dared to believe them.’
🥹 ahhh I absolutely loved Gray. I think he became one of my favourite characters. Even though he’s been through hell, he is still so strong, resilient, innocent, loving and forgiving person. Hunter made some mistakes and my heart broke for Gray because of his actions but the way he cared for Gray and came through was everything.
This book didnt have a lot of 🌶️ and I actually liked it, the anticipation was great and the scenes what were there, were amazing and I could feel the butterflies.
“Gray,”
“Fuck, sweetheart, slow down for me, yeah?”
“Why? I never get to have what I want. Let me have it.”
Writing was great, very easy to follow and even though it was on a longer side, I wasn’t bored once. The reason why rating stays under five stars is because even though this was good, it didnt give me the emotion stirring/provoking feel I want from 5 star books. But definitely will continue reading more of Myka’s books!👏🏼
”He makes me want to set aside my body’s needs so I can learn what he needs. It’s as foreign to me as a new language—something I can’t even begin to comprehend, but I want to with everything in me. Gray gives me a glimpse into the shadowy hollow I pretend doesn’t desperately wish to be set alight and full. He gives me connection, recognition, and a profound sense of companionship while teasing me with intimacy. I crave him. I want him. I fucking need Gray. “You are everything,” I whisper. ❤️🩹
October 21, 2025
3.5* 3.75*
I really enjoyed this.
First things first lets address the things i didn't love.
Some of the language used was slightly annoying - things like badass and slang that just took me out of the moment for no reason whatsoever - i get that Gray was young but it felt a little immature considering how is was the rest of the time and his overall life.
Hunter was a coward, through and through, this almost 30 year old craving his fathers love sooo much that he was literally willing to give up his life...i just cant relate which made some of the choices seem a little frustrating.
Thirdly i dont know what it is about this book but i was very much aware of the power dynamic between these two, i think in part because Gray longed for love and acceptance and a smidgen of care and was perfectly happy to be his secret and live a half fulfilled relationship whereas Hunter was pretty selfish, happy to take what was offered until it was inconvenient for him (even with Brent really).
Also, I get why Gray didn't deal with any of the shit that happened to him but i really wanted the raw emotions from the horrors that occurred. i wanted the pain and the tears, the depression and the slog of a clime out of it and we didnt get that.
All; that being said i enjoyed this. it was dual POV and 1st person and we got a fairly good sense of both characters. Im not sure how much their love was specific to the other person but i could definitely feel he attraction between these two. There was spice but not too much - i dont think they went all he way until about 95% which was nice, it made way for more plot that was all character based.
I really enjoyed this.
First things first lets address the things i didn't love.
Some of the language used was slightly annoying - things like badass and slang that just took me out of the moment for no reason whatsoever - i get that Gray was young but it felt a little immature considering how is was the rest of the time and his overall life.
Hunter was a coward, through and through, this almost 30 year old craving his fathers love sooo much that he was literally willing to give up his life...i just cant relate which made some of the choices seem a little frustrating.
Thirdly i dont know what it is about this book but i was very much aware of the power dynamic between these two, i think in part because Gray longed for love and acceptance and a smidgen of care and was perfectly happy to be his secret and live a half fulfilled relationship whereas Hunter was pretty selfish, happy to take what was offered until it was inconvenient for him (even with Brent really).
Also, I get why Gray didn't deal with any of the shit that happened to him but i really wanted the raw emotions from the horrors that occurred. i wanted the pain and the tears, the depression and the slog of a clime out of it and we didnt get that.
All; that being said i enjoyed this. it was dual POV and 1st person and we got a fairly good sense of both characters. Im not sure how much their love was specific to the other person but i could definitely feel he attraction between these two. There was spice but not too much - i dont think they went all he way until about 95% which was nice, it made way for more plot that was all character based.
June 14, 2025
“Life is one giant greyscale, and we’re all living in it, hoping to glimpse a little color.”
I absolutely loved this book. It was raw and heartwrenching, and I truly appreciated the very real depiction of homelessness and what a person experiencing it faces. My heart breaks (and gets so angry) for everything Gray goes through, and how the system completely failed him every single step of the way. Gray is amazing. He’s incredibly resilient and strong. I just loved his character so much. I loved Hunter, too. He grew up in a much different world than Gray, but he is hurting and broken in so many ways, too. And strong in his ways, also.
I loved the slow burn. It definitely fit given the nature of the book. And the spicy scenes were steeeamy. Ooof. Love these two together.
I also want to highlight and thank author Myka Loren for the heartfelt afterword and the vulnerability it had to have taken to share this. I could feel how much pain, heartbreak, and love you poured into these characters, especially Gray. Thank you for sharing this with us.
This was such a great book and I am looking forward to reading more from Myka Loren. A huge thank you for the ARC opportunity!
*Side note* Too often, folks who are experiencing homelessness are looked at as less than dirt or as if they are invisible. They aren’t those things. They are our fellow humans, our neighbors, and our loved ones. They are us. And they deserve to be seen. They deserve kindness and respect and love and care, just like anyone else. 🩶
I absolutely loved this book. It was raw and heartwrenching, and I truly appreciated the very real depiction of homelessness and what a person experiencing it faces. My heart breaks (and gets so angry) for everything Gray goes through, and how the system completely failed him every single step of the way. Gray is amazing. He’s incredibly resilient and strong. I just loved his character so much. I loved Hunter, too. He grew up in a much different world than Gray, but he is hurting and broken in so many ways, too. And strong in his ways, also.
I loved the slow burn. It definitely fit given the nature of the book. And the spicy scenes were steeeamy. Ooof. Love these two together.
I also want to highlight and thank author Myka Loren for the heartfelt afterword and the vulnerability it had to have taken to share this. I could feel how much pain, heartbreak, and love you poured into these characters, especially Gray. Thank you for sharing this with us.
This was such a great book and I am looking forward to reading more from Myka Loren. A huge thank you for the ARC opportunity!
*Side note* Too often, folks who are experiencing homelessness are looked at as less than dirt or as if they are invisible. They aren’t those things. They are our fellow humans, our neighbors, and our loved ones. They are us. And they deserve to be seen. They deserve kindness and respect and love and care, just like anyone else. 🩶
May 19, 2025
“Would you do it?” he asks softly, flicking those pretty hazel eyes back to mine. “Do what?” “Be brave enough to go for it?”
🩵 This is taking a leap of faith. This is refusing to give up when life beats you down. This is finding your person, building your foundation. This is overcoming your obstacles together. This is standing strong in the face of hatred, ignorance, and bigotry. 🩵
🖌️Grey loses everything he’s known in an instant, failed by society || through no fault of his own || and left to fend for himself. But somehow manages to hold onto his hopes & dreams. He proves that looks can be deceiving and sometimes, all it takes, is for one random act of kindness to turn life around.
✈️Hunter has been manipulated and groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps — the prodigal son. Constantly striving for love and acceptance from the people who should have given it freely & unconditionally. Fear and self loathing mixed with the desire to be better - to be more - leave him desperate for someone to {truly} see him.
Seeing Greyscale is chocked full of emotional turmoil and reflective of a lot of issues people in this country are currently facing, especially during this political climate.
• BUT •
There are still some cute romcom moments featuring:
🖌️Banana bread because it’s the best 🍌🍞
✈️Battle bandanas & giant connect four👳♂️🔴🟡
🖌️Classic movies with epic lines🍿🎞️
✈️Laying on tarmacs to feel the rush 🛫👬
The most endearing slow burn. This is for the plot. For growth. This is romance.💓
🩵 This is taking a leap of faith. This is refusing to give up when life beats you down. This is finding your person, building your foundation. This is overcoming your obstacles together. This is standing strong in the face of hatred, ignorance, and bigotry. 🩵
🖌️Grey loses everything he’s known in an instant, failed by society || through no fault of his own || and left to fend for himself. But somehow manages to hold onto his hopes & dreams. He proves that looks can be deceiving and sometimes, all it takes, is for one random act of kindness to turn life around.
✈️Hunter has been manipulated and groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps — the prodigal son. Constantly striving for love and acceptance from the people who should have given it freely & unconditionally. Fear and self loathing mixed with the desire to be better - to be more - leave him desperate for someone to {truly} see him.
Seeing Greyscale is chocked full of emotional turmoil and reflective of a lot of issues people in this country are currently facing, especially during this political climate.
• BUT •
There are still some cute romcom moments featuring:
🖌️Banana bread because it’s the best 🍌🍞
✈️Battle bandanas & giant connect four👳♂️🔴🟡
🖌️Classic movies with epic lines🍿🎞️
✈️Laying on tarmacs to feel the rush 🛫👬
The most endearing slow burn. This is for the plot. For growth. This is romance.💓
May 20, 2025
Where do I even begin with this one?! It was a beautiful and emotional read that had me gasping, sobbing, laughing, and raging. I can’t even fully describe the range of emotions I went through.
Gray, the artistic, down-on-his-luck man just trying to survive. He’s seen and experienced the cruelty and the ugliness of the world first hand. His struggle completely broke my heart as every obstacle and hit that got him to the point he was in was revealed. But I both loved and admired his strength in spite of it. What a beautifully rounded character.
And then there’s Hunter, the broken man who doesn’t even realize he’s broken. Hiding behind a facade and spinning a web of lies so complex he doesn’t know how to get out of it. He’ s stuck in a well with a rope just inches from his reach. He resonated with me so much, and his flaws made him not just relatable but real. Hunter was complex and his sense of self was intricately intertwined with what he thought he should be instead of what he was. Yes, he was frustrating, but I completely understood the reasoning behind his thoughts and choices.
These two were perfect for each other in every way. They had what the other needed and wanted. Their meeting was fate, and their journey was a rise from grayscale to full color.
Myka Loren has a way with words, drawing you in and forcing you to feel. I know to expect a roller coaster of a read with her, and I’m always ready for a ride. Go into this with tissues and a heart prepped for pain and healing.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
Gray, the artistic, down-on-his-luck man just trying to survive. He’s seen and experienced the cruelty and the ugliness of the world first hand. His struggle completely broke my heart as every obstacle and hit that got him to the point he was in was revealed. But I both loved and admired his strength in spite of it. What a beautifully rounded character.
And then there’s Hunter, the broken man who doesn’t even realize he’s broken. Hiding behind a facade and spinning a web of lies so complex he doesn’t know how to get out of it. He’ s stuck in a well with a rope just inches from his reach. He resonated with me so much, and his flaws made him not just relatable but real. Hunter was complex and his sense of self was intricately intertwined with what he thought he should be instead of what he was. Yes, he was frustrating, but I completely understood the reasoning behind his thoughts and choices.
These two were perfect for each other in every way. They had what the other needed and wanted. Their meeting was fate, and their journey was a rise from grayscale to full color.
Myka Loren has a way with words, drawing you in and forcing you to feel. I know to expect a roller coaster of a read with her, and I’m always ready for a ride. Go into this with tissues and a heart prepped for pain and healing.
I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
June 6, 2025
Myka Loren knows how to write a hurt/comfort romance and characters that bring out all the emotions. She is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors.
This story is a slow burn about Hunter and Gray. Because of their differences of their lives, their relationship didn’t start off easy. Both are broken in their own ways but by some miracle they found each other. Gray had my heart the whole time. He was broken and beaten down so many times before he found Hunter who despite putting up a confident face and living a lie, behind all the masks was a man who just wanted love and approval from somebody who was supposed to love him unconditionally.
The fact that their lives was so different really made me want to see how they can move past all the hardships so they could be together. Their journey wasn’t easy and it was hard to read at times. I felt so bad for Hunter even though he frustrated me with the choices he made but all his intentions was in a good place for Gray.
They learned each other’s weakness and hidden desires. They both made mistakes but that’s what made their relationship real. They fought for their love and for their own happiness.
Overall, I really enjoyed this emotional story that had a powerful message about love, independence and fighting for yourself. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
This story is a slow burn about Hunter and Gray. Because of their differences of their lives, their relationship didn’t start off easy. Both are broken in their own ways but by some miracle they found each other. Gray had my heart the whole time. He was broken and beaten down so many times before he found Hunter who despite putting up a confident face and living a lie, behind all the masks was a man who just wanted love and approval from somebody who was supposed to love him unconditionally.
The fact that their lives was so different really made me want to see how they can move past all the hardships so they could be together. Their journey wasn’t easy and it was hard to read at times. I felt so bad for Hunter even though he frustrated me with the choices he made but all his intentions was in a good place for Gray.
They learned each other’s weakness and hidden desires. They both made mistakes but that’s what made their relationship real. They fought for their love and for their own happiness.
Overall, I really enjoyed this emotional story that had a powerful message about love, independence and fighting for yourself. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.
June 10, 2025
🛫MM
🩶Hurt/Comfort
🛫found family
🩶slooooow burn
🛫1.5🌶️
🩶submissive sweet top
🛫dominant bossy power bottom
This book this book is heartwarming, realistic and absolutely captivating. We are introduced to Gray and he is not our conventional MMC. He’s down on his luck beaten down and Myka makes us hurt for him. Grays struggles were utterly realistic and everything that he went through and obstacles he faced happen everyday and nobody notices, nobody takes the time to care. Hunter comes in and we think he’s our typical rich male lead however, we get to see the darker side to that “haves and haves not” Hunter might have money connections and seemingly endless opportunities but his father has beaten him down so much and smothered him in so much expectation that he’s scared of his own shadow, he’s scared of himself, and he’s scared to be free. When these two collide it’s magical, it’s real, it’s fight for this love or lose it and boy do our men fight. They lose, the fight again, and they come back battered and bruised but it was the small battles they won for themselves that mattered. The little steps they took and the resilience to push each other forward even when they couldn’t see past the“greyscales” in themselves to the beautiful blue beyond . I’m so happy I got to read this wonderful book and everyone should take the time to read it as well.
🩶Hurt/Comfort
🛫found family
🩶slooooow burn
🛫1.5🌶️
🩶submissive sweet top
🛫dominant bossy power bottom
This book this book is heartwarming, realistic and absolutely captivating. We are introduced to Gray and he is not our conventional MMC. He’s down on his luck beaten down and Myka makes us hurt for him. Grays struggles were utterly realistic and everything that he went through and obstacles he faced happen everyday and nobody notices, nobody takes the time to care. Hunter comes in and we think he’s our typical rich male lead however, we get to see the darker side to that “haves and haves not” Hunter might have money connections and seemingly endless opportunities but his father has beaten him down so much and smothered him in so much expectation that he’s scared of his own shadow, he’s scared of himself, and he’s scared to be free. When these two collide it’s magical, it’s real, it’s fight for this love or lose it and boy do our men fight. They lose, the fight again, and they come back battered and bruised but it was the small battles they won for themselves that mattered. The little steps they took and the resilience to push each other forward even when they couldn’t see past the“greyscales” in themselves to the beautiful blue beyond . I’m so happy I got to read this wonderful book and everyone should take the time to read it as well.
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