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Running Blind
Kyle Green is on top of the world. He and Matt have been together for ten years, and—as the voice of Ecos, the wildly popular anime character—Kyle is treated like a rock star in anime circles. But in an instant, a stroke leaves him blind. When photographer Matt gets the opportunity of a lifetime, Kyle reexamines their relationship, discovers it has been a safety net rather than a true romance, and sets Matt free to pursue his dream. Kyle’s life and career as he knew them are gone, and he must now find the courage and creativity to draft a new plan.
After being away for fifteen years, Seth Caplan comes home to Chicago to care for his mother and to partner with a small start-up tech company. He and Kyle meet after Kyle’s collision with a child’s sidewalk toy, and they hit it off. Kyle wants to get back into running, and Seth becomes his guide. As they get to know each other, they start seeing each other beyond their three-times-a-week runs. But Seth’s revelation of the dark reason why he left his career in California sends the relationship into a tailspin and leaves both men running blind.
After being away for fifteen years, Seth Caplan comes home to Chicago to care for his mother and to partner with a small start-up tech company. He and Kyle meet after Kyle’s collision with a child’s sidewalk toy, and they hit it off. Kyle wants to get back into running, and Seth becomes his guide. As they get to know each other, they start seeing each other beyond their three-times-a-week runs. But Seth’s revelation of the dark reason why he left his career in California sends the relationship into a tailspin and leaves both men running blind.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2016
14 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
174 books1,301 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 13, 2016
*4.25 stars*
Kyle Green had it all: the amazing boyfriend, the successful job, the four-bedroom house, the supportive family. And in an instant, everything changes. A stroke (or, in his words, "...just a random fucking by fate") leaves him blind. To be more precise, it leaves him with Riddoch syndrome, which, in a few words, is the ability to distinguish objects only while moving. Like using a rocking chair, or like running.
Enter Seth Caplan. Seth came to town to take care of his mother, but has his own demons to deal with. After a chance encounter and some luck, Seth becomes Kyle's running guide.
I loved this story for everything that it wasn't. You know how in this type of stories the disabled person becomes the asshole that refuses to get help, all while being rude and disrespective to his helpers? This story is not that cliché , and Kyle is not that man. He hurts and struggles and reaches his breaking point. But he's also kind and funny and accepts all the help he can get, until he's back on his feet.
Matt becomes an ex-boyfriend in this book, but he's not the evil ex who dumped his partner after he became blind. Also, this book is not an angstfest. It's not a light story, but not the heaviest either, considering the subject matter.
The steam level is pretty low in this one, but I didn't really mind (surprisingly!). Kyle and Seth are honest with each other, and agree that they want to take things slow. They actually court each other first! So yes, it takes a while to get to the one existing sex scene, which isn't overly descriptive.
My few niggles: I did feel that some parts were slow. Kyle is an audio book narrator and there are a lot of details about his job and the way he adapts after the stroke. BUT audiobooks are not my thing. If it's yours, you might love this part of the story. Also, Seth's behavior at some point seemed a little OTT, and I needed to have his POV.
Thumbs up for the most wonderful and adorable scene at 95%. It put a huge smile on my face. The writing is stellar and the HEA is pretty strong. Recommended!
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
"He turned too quickly and, disoriented, felt the floor tilt beneath his feet. He sank down onto his ass.
“Don’t let me fall off the world,” he prayed to nobody in particular."
Kyle Green had it all: the amazing boyfriend, the successful job, the four-bedroom house, the supportive family. And in an instant, everything changes. A stroke (or, in his words, "...just a random fucking by fate") leaves him blind. To be more precise, it leaves him with Riddoch syndrome, which, in a few words, is the ability to distinguish objects only while moving. Like using a rocking chair, or like running.
Enter Seth Caplan. Seth came to town to take care of his mother, but has his own demons to deal with. After a chance encounter and some luck, Seth becomes Kyle's running guide.
I loved this story for everything that it wasn't. You know how in this type of stories the disabled person becomes the asshole that refuses to get help, all while being rude and disrespective to his helpers? This story is not that cliché , and Kyle is not that man. He hurts and struggles and reaches his breaking point. But he's also kind and funny and accepts all the help he can get, until he's back on his feet.
Matt becomes an ex-boyfriend in this book, but he's not the evil ex who dumped his partner after he became blind. Also, this book is not an angstfest. It's not a light story, but not the heaviest either, considering the subject matter.
The steam level is pretty low in this one, but I didn't really mind (surprisingly!). Kyle and Seth are honest with each other, and agree that they want to take things slow. They actually court each other first! So yes, it takes a while to get to the one existing sex scene, which isn't overly descriptive.
My few niggles: I did feel that some parts were slow. Kyle is an audio book narrator and there are a lot of details about his job and the way he adapts after the stroke. BUT audiobooks are not my thing. If it's yours, you might love this part of the story. Also, Seth's behavior at some point seemed a little OTT, and I needed to have his POV.
Thumbs up for the most wonderful and adorable scene at 95%. It put a huge smile on my face. The writing is stellar and the HEA is pretty strong. Recommended!
"No longer running blind."
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
December 1, 2016
This was a ROUGH read for me, which is almost unheard of for a Kim Fielding book. I found the story to be slow, slow, slow, and I thought there was a distinct lack of chemistry between the MCs.
I'm always interested in a book with a MC with a disability. A blind runner who does audiobook narrations? Count me in! By the way, I loved the shout-out to real M/M audiobook narrators. I caught ALL of those references.
However, I thought that the beginning of the book was written very awkwardly. I couldn't get into the style at all, and it only got marginally better for me over time. Something about the wording seemed clumsy, and I thought that passage of time happened too quickly for my tastes. It just felt off, and I immediately knew that this book wouldn't be a hit for me.
The majority of the book was okay. Very low steam, very low-interest plotline. I slogged my way through it, but it wasn't great.
However, the most annoying part of the story was the dreaded "meddling female" side character, played by the sister of one of the MCs. I couldn't STAND her, and I wanted to skip each scene that she was a part of.
This book was a trip to blahs-ville. Not horrible, but utterly forgettable, which can sometimes be worse.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I'm always interested in a book with a MC with a disability. A blind runner who does audiobook narrations? Count me in! By the way, I loved the shout-out to real M/M audiobook narrators. I caught ALL of those references.
However, I thought that the beginning of the book was written very awkwardly. I couldn't get into the style at all, and it only got marginally better for me over time. Something about the wording seemed clumsy, and I thought that passage of time happened too quickly for my tastes. It just felt off, and I immediately knew that this book wouldn't be a hit for me.
The majority of the book was okay. Very low steam, very low-interest plotline. I slogged my way through it, but it wasn't great.
However, the most annoying part of the story was the dreaded "meddling female" side character, played by the sister of one of the MCs. I couldn't STAND her, and I wanted to skip each scene that she was a part of.
This book was a trip to blahs-ville. Not horrible, but utterly forgettable, which can sometimes be worse.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 13, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars, because even though it was not what I expected, I couldn’t put in down.
Kyle is in his early forties when a stroke leaves him blind. From there, we go with him through his breaking-up with his partner, more a good friend than a lover, his learning to live without sight, being independent, but still accepting the help of others, not sacrificing his love for voice acting or running with Seth, his running guide.
If you’re looking for sexy scenes or sexual chemistry, stay away. If you’re looking for a dazzling romance, stay away too (that was my biggest niggle : I felt that it was almost entirely focus on Kyle and not enough on Kyle and Seth and the development of their relationship).
However, it’s a beautifully written story about Kyle’s life, with the last 2 chapters that draw me to happy tears. Ele’s review explains it all.
Thank you, Jewel , for this gift !!
Kyle is in his early forties when a stroke leaves him blind. From there, we go with him through his breaking-up with his partner, more a good friend than a lover, his learning to live without sight, being independent, but still accepting the help of others, not sacrificing his love for voice acting or running with Seth, his running guide.
If you’re looking for sexy scenes or sexual chemistry, stay away. If you’re looking for a dazzling romance, stay away too (that was my biggest niggle : I felt that it was almost entirely focus on Kyle and not enough on Kyle and Seth and the development of their relationship).
However, it’s a beautifully written story about Kyle’s life, with the last 2 chapters that draw me to happy tears. Ele’s review explains it all.
Thank you, Jewel , for this gift !!
Read
October 11, 2016I was listening to NPR one day and heard a story about a vision-impaired marathon runner who runs with a guide. That gave me a plot idea, which I shared with my friend Venona Keyes. She's a distance runner (I most decidedly am not) and I knew she'd do great things with that idea. One thing led to another, and we ended up writing the book together. I had great fun with it. I hope readers love Kyle and Seth as much as I do.
November 29, 2016
4 stars
I really appreciated that this was a slowly developing romance which I wish we'd see more of in m/m! I also loved that this was completely free of unnecessary drama and silly plot machinations. My one quibble is that I didn't feel enough passion or spark between Kyle and Seth. Considering Kyle and his previous boyfriend broke up because of lack of passion, I kinda felt like we had to see more oomph between Kyle and Seth as a contrast to Kyle's previous relationship.
I really appreciated that this was a slowly developing romance which I wish we'd see more of in m/m! I also loved that this was completely free of unnecessary drama and silly plot machinations. My one quibble is that I didn't feel enough passion or spark between Kyle and Seth. Considering Kyle and his previous boyfriend broke up because of lack of passion, I kinda felt like we had to see more oomph between Kyle and Seth as a contrast to Kyle's previous relationship.
November 7, 2016
Release day review posted at Sinfully.
3.5 stars
While the blurb indicates the potential for a lot of angst and drama, this book is surprisingly low on that scale. There was a lot of good in this book, including the writing and the characters. I was intrigued by Kyle’s medical condition as Riddoch syndrome was something I had never heard of and I enjoyed Kyle’s journey adapting to his new life, unfortunately the romance aspect of the story didn’t work all that well for me.
The authors waste no time getting into the story. We meet Kyle and his longtime boyfriend Matt as they are starting their day and heading out to work as usual, but later that day Kyle lays down for a nap to get rid of his headache and then wakes up in the hospital. The details of his weeks in the hospital and then even more time in rehab are not the focus of the story and most of that passes with little mention. The focus is on Kyle not only starting over his life as a blind man, but starting it over as a single man after breaking it off with his best friend and lover Matt.
I liked the way the authors handled things between Kyle and Matt. Everything is very adult, no evil ex or horrible breakup storyline. Matt and Kyle have known each other half their lives and spent a good part of it as a couple and their friendship is something that is a big part of both of their lives and not something easily thrown away.
When Seth enters the picture, Kyle has made great strides in adapting to his visual impairment, but is still struggling with the impact on his career and his day-to-day life. He is not wallowing in pity, but has his moments where it all seems too much. For the most part though, I found him to be an optimistic character who is willing to push himself and make the best of the hand he has been dealt, but just needs an occasional pep talk or a push to remind him of who he really is deep down inside away from the blindness.
Seth has recently returned to Chicago after having been in California working as an attorney. He comes upon Kyle as they are both out running and Kyle literally runs into a problem. The two chat briefly and it’s not until a few weeks later that they meet again when Seth shows up as a prospective running guide for Kyle. They start off just meeting for runs, but soon start up a real friendship. It’s not until Kyle’s meddling sister Lily gets involved though that they start to explore a possible relationship.
Speaking of Kyle’s sister Lily, she has as big a part as Seth in this story, if not bigger. She is Kyle’s caretaker when he gets out of the hospital and spends most of her time with him. Even when she moves out, she still works out of his house and assists him with his work. Generally I despise meddling family members, but Lily fell just short of annoying for me. She was supportive and caring for the most part, but was way too pushy when it came to Kyle’s love life.
There is a super slow build up to the two men getting together. Seth doesn’t first appear on page until about 25% into the story and then the two agree to take things slowly, which makes absolute sense. Kyle isn’t ready to jump into anything and Seth has his own worries and secrets to deal with as well. The problem I had is that although there are plenty of sweet scenes between Seth and Kyle and plenty of fun banter, I didn’t feel the sexual chemistry between them. For me they made great friends, but I didn’t feel the passion and UST that they talked about having. I felt the relationship showed a lot of what we heard Kyle’s life with Matt was like, friends who love each other without that spark.
While the romance aspect of the story didn’t work that well for me, the rest of the book did. The friendship Kyle and Seth build was lovely and the way Seth deals with Kyle adapting to his disability did have me rooting for them to get their act together. Seeing Kyle find ways to dive back into a job that had him relying on his eyesight was inspiring even as he realizes more and more that his true love of voice over work for animation was likely to be over for good. Seeing him navigate the Cons he once loved and hearing the clamoring of the fans that still adore him was bittersweet, but there is a fantastic HEA in this story that had me smiling.
Although I wasn’t knocked off my feet with the romance, I think others will be. Despite that, I did find the story to be enjoyable and uplifting (and in my case educational) and was glad to have read it.
3.5 stars
While the blurb indicates the potential for a lot of angst and drama, this book is surprisingly low on that scale. There was a lot of good in this book, including the writing and the characters. I was intrigued by Kyle’s medical condition as Riddoch syndrome was something I had never heard of and I enjoyed Kyle’s journey adapting to his new life, unfortunately the romance aspect of the story didn’t work all that well for me.
The authors waste no time getting into the story. We meet Kyle and his longtime boyfriend Matt as they are starting their day and heading out to work as usual, but later that day Kyle lays down for a nap to get rid of his headache and then wakes up in the hospital. The details of his weeks in the hospital and then even more time in rehab are not the focus of the story and most of that passes with little mention. The focus is on Kyle not only starting over his life as a blind man, but starting it over as a single man after breaking it off with his best friend and lover Matt.
I liked the way the authors handled things between Kyle and Matt. Everything is very adult, no evil ex or horrible breakup storyline. Matt and Kyle have known each other half their lives and spent a good part of it as a couple and their friendship is something that is a big part of both of their lives and not something easily thrown away.
When Seth enters the picture, Kyle has made great strides in adapting to his visual impairment, but is still struggling with the impact on his career and his day-to-day life. He is not wallowing in pity, but has his moments where it all seems too much. For the most part though, I found him to be an optimistic character who is willing to push himself and make the best of the hand he has been dealt, but just needs an occasional pep talk or a push to remind him of who he really is deep down inside away from the blindness.
Seth has recently returned to Chicago after having been in California working as an attorney. He comes upon Kyle as they are both out running and Kyle literally runs into a problem. The two chat briefly and it’s not until a few weeks later that they meet again when Seth shows up as a prospective running guide for Kyle. They start off just meeting for runs, but soon start up a real friendship. It’s not until Kyle’s meddling sister Lily gets involved though that they start to explore a possible relationship.
Speaking of Kyle’s sister Lily, she has as big a part as Seth in this story, if not bigger. She is Kyle’s caretaker when he gets out of the hospital and spends most of her time with him. Even when she moves out, she still works out of his house and assists him with his work. Generally I despise meddling family members, but Lily fell just short of annoying for me. She was supportive and caring for the most part, but was way too pushy when it came to Kyle’s love life.
There is a super slow build up to the two men getting together. Seth doesn’t first appear on page until about 25% into the story and then the two agree to take things slowly, which makes absolute sense. Kyle isn’t ready to jump into anything and Seth has his own worries and secrets to deal with as well. The problem I had is that although there are plenty of sweet scenes between Seth and Kyle and plenty of fun banter, I didn’t feel the sexual chemistry between them. For me they made great friends, but I didn’t feel the passion and UST that they talked about having. I felt the relationship showed a lot of what we heard Kyle’s life with Matt was like, friends who love each other without that spark.
While the romance aspect of the story didn’t work that well for me, the rest of the book did. The friendship Kyle and Seth build was lovely and the way Seth deals with Kyle adapting to his disability did have me rooting for them to get their act together. Seeing Kyle find ways to dive back into a job that had him relying on his eyesight was inspiring even as he realizes more and more that his true love of voice over work for animation was likely to be over for good. Seeing him navigate the Cons he once loved and hearing the clamoring of the fans that still adore him was bittersweet, but there is a fantastic HEA in this story that had me smiling.
Although I wasn’t knocked off my feet with the romance, I think others will be. Despite that, I did find the story to be enjoyable and uplifting (and in my case educational) and was glad to have read it.
November 9, 2016
A tag team review with Sara!
Right off the bat, I really liked that this book explored voice acting, particularly audiobook narration in the world of gay romance. Kyle’s first love is anime voice acting, but after his stroke he turns his career towards MM. I’m a big fan of audiobooks, so that angle got bonus points from me.
The first half of ‘Running Blind’ focuses on Kyle learning to live without sight. I have to give kudos to the authors for depicting Kyle’s journey realistically, with the different trainings and therapies he gets after his stroke. Plus, I liked that Kyle didn’t fight against what he needed in order to be functional, which is way too common in books depicting disabilities.
Kyle was immediately likeable. He refuses to let the stroke break him. He was genuine and didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Although he was also lonely, even before he breaks up with Matt. He wanted to love and be loved in return. It wasn’t at all hard to connect with Kyle.
Seth’s story is revealed in stages, so it took me a bit longer to warm up to him. His relationship with his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. He’s also very attuned to Kyle’s needs, without becoming overbearing or coddling.
The romance in ‘Running Blind’ is takes a while to get going. Once it kicks off in the second half, Kyle and Seth agree to a slow courtship, instead of a quick and dirty romp. Slow romances are a hit-or-miss with me, but I thought that the courtship was very sweet. Seth sets his mind to wooing Kyle, taking him out on dates and romantic dinners.
What I liked most about Kyle and Seth’s relationship is that they were equals. Kyle wasn’t relegated to being a chore, and Seth didn’t see himself as Kyle’s protector. They built each other up, working out how to make their relationship a permanent one.
The ending was all sunshine and roses. Kyle and Seth get the perfect happy ever after!
While it was a bit too slow at times for me, overall I enjoyed ‘Running Blind.’ If you’re looking for a slow and sweet romance that’s low on steam and has a brilliant HEA, I’d recommend this book.
Right off the bat, I really liked that this book explored voice acting, particularly audiobook narration in the world of gay romance. Kyle’s first love is anime voice acting, but after his stroke he turns his career towards MM. I’m a big fan of audiobooks, so that angle got bonus points from me.
The first half of ‘Running Blind’ focuses on Kyle learning to live without sight. I have to give kudos to the authors for depicting Kyle’s journey realistically, with the different trainings and therapies he gets after his stroke. Plus, I liked that Kyle didn’t fight against what he needed in order to be functional, which is way too common in books depicting disabilities.
Kyle was immediately likeable. He refuses to let the stroke break him. He was genuine and didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Although he was also lonely, even before he breaks up with Matt. He wanted to love and be loved in return. It wasn’t at all hard to connect with Kyle.
Seth’s story is revealed in stages, so it took me a bit longer to warm up to him. His relationship with his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. He’s also very attuned to Kyle’s needs, without becoming overbearing or coddling.
The romance in ‘Running Blind’ is takes a while to get going. Once it kicks off in the second half, Kyle and Seth agree to a slow courtship, instead of a quick and dirty romp. Slow romances are a hit-or-miss with me, but I thought that the courtship was very sweet. Seth sets his mind to wooing Kyle, taking him out on dates and romantic dinners.
What I liked most about Kyle and Seth’s relationship is that they were equals. Kyle wasn’t relegated to being a chore, and Seth didn’t see himself as Kyle’s protector. They built each other up, working out how to make their relationship a permanent one.
The ending was all sunshine and roses. Kyle and Seth get the perfect happy ever after!
While it was a bit too slow at times for me, overall I enjoyed ‘Running Blind.’ If you’re looking for a slow and sweet romance that’s low on steam and has a brilliant HEA, I’d recommend this book.
Read
November 16, 20164.5 Hearts
Well this book snuck up on me and that is a good thing. This was my first read from both authors and it was a pleasurable introduction to their work.
I admit that the running part of the story was what drew me to it. I am a runner, I love running and running in half marathons. The pure joy and active meditation running gives me is kinda hard to understand unless you are a runner. We are an odd breed so the fact that this is a book about a man who suddenly loses his sight yet still runs? Yeah it was calling my name.
I was anxious throughout the first quarter of the story. I liked how we get introduced to Kyle, learn about his current life and career as a Voice Over Actor for a popular anime character names Ecos and that he lives with his partner and best friend Matt. But once Kyle loses his eyesight from a stroke and he begins to build this new life, I was uneasy. I can’t explain it other than I was waiting for something really bad to happen and I didn’t want that. I want everyone to be happy and healthy and once I finally got over the anxiety, this book just took off and I flew through it.
I first heard about running guides when a favorite Ultra Marathoner of mine, Scott Jurek was a guide to Thomas Panek in the 2015 Boston Marathon. Running Boston is tough and it’s a huge marathon in the running community with having to actually qualify for the race and not just sign up, so the fact that a man who was visually impaired would be able to run this with a guide, I was intrigued. Running can be hard when you have sight not to fall, trip etc. so to be confident to guide and trusting to be guided… yeah, again I needed this book.
The information we get about Kyle’s loss of sight was so interesting. I am quite naïve to the ins and outs of vision impairment so learning about Riddoch syndrome or phenomenon was to but it simply, really freaking cool. I can’t imagine losing my sight suddenly and having to accept the fact that you can’t see any more to actually begin to see images when in motion. I mean… it was crazy to read about but also this level of hope for Kyle. Not that he would get his sight back 100% but that he would be able to do what he loves.
I know I have gone on about running and Kyle losing his sight but it’s all of those details that lead him falling for Seth... literally. Their meet cute was pretty adorable even though it included a bit of blood but I fell right along with Kyle after the Disney Princess run.
Kyle and Seth have a bit of slow burn to their relationship that I loved. When a slow burn is done well, you get the time to feel it and though both men are sworn to their newly inducted celibacy and are just going to be running buddies, I was impatiently waiting for them to be more. These two are so perfect for one another. They really show that it’s the person and not the ability that makes them attractive. The first meeting with Seth lets us know how capable he is to lead Kyle anywhere and after the blind date Kyle’s sister sets him up with, you really get to see how compatible Kyle and Seth are. Seth just makes it easy for Kyle and understand his vision impairment and how it works in every way.
Seth though, he breaks my heart with his secrets and what made him come back home to Chicago. I know it’s tough to deal with an ailing parent as my mother has dementia and the things she remembers and doesn’t can make things hard but Ruth and he response to something Kyle has done over 100 just hit me in the feels. It’s a guessing game to know what will come out of someone’s mouth when they have Alzheimer’s or Dementia and the fact that Ruth has the exact same response every single time was a tender moment. I know I am being vague but if you read the book, I’d like you to experience that moment first hand.
Kyle and Seth have a beautiful and patient romance that makes me swoon thinking about dark basements and impending storms. I adored the way they worked together as running partners and how Seth understood the loss Kyle felt with the possibility of not being able to be the voice of Ecos anymore and his plan to help was pulled off with humor, respect and oh so much love.
I have to give a quick high five to the authors at having Kyle work as a narrator for gay romance while he worked out his issues with being a VOA! It was great to get everyone’s reaction to it and they were all awesome moments.
At the end, Running Blind was a sweet and sexy slow burn romance that proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder, regardless of your actual vision. It’s a book about trust and instinct and about taking chances on life and love. It’s a book I’d recommend and now I need to check out both authors back lists.
Tagged reviewed with Adam - on the blog.
Well this book snuck up on me and that is a good thing. This was my first read from both authors and it was a pleasurable introduction to their work.
I admit that the running part of the story was what drew me to it. I am a runner, I love running and running in half marathons. The pure joy and active meditation running gives me is kinda hard to understand unless you are a runner. We are an odd breed so the fact that this is a book about a man who suddenly loses his sight yet still runs? Yeah it was calling my name.
Our lives take sideways turns sometimes. But just because things are different from what you expected, different from what you’re used to, that doesn’t mean they’re worse.
I was anxious throughout the first quarter of the story. I liked how we get introduced to Kyle, learn about his current life and career as a Voice Over Actor for a popular anime character names Ecos and that he lives with his partner and best friend Matt. But once Kyle loses his eyesight from a stroke and he begins to build this new life, I was uneasy. I can’t explain it other than I was waiting for something really bad to happen and I didn’t want that. I want everyone to be happy and healthy and once I finally got over the anxiety, this book just took off and I flew through it.
I first heard about running guides when a favorite Ultra Marathoner of mine, Scott Jurek was a guide to Thomas Panek in the 2015 Boston Marathon. Running Boston is tough and it’s a huge marathon in the running community with having to actually qualify for the race and not just sign up, so the fact that a man who was visually impaired would be able to run this with a guide, I was intrigued. Running can be hard when you have sight not to fall, trip etc. so to be confident to guide and trusting to be guided… yeah, again I needed this book.
The information we get about Kyle’s loss of sight was so interesting. I am quite naïve to the ins and outs of vision impairment so learning about Riddoch syndrome or phenomenon was to but it simply, really freaking cool. I can’t imagine losing my sight suddenly and having to accept the fact that you can’t see any more to actually begin to see images when in motion. I mean… it was crazy to read about but also this level of hope for Kyle. Not that he would get his sight back 100% but that he would be able to do what he loves.
You were fearless at one time, Kye. And you can be again. Just think of this as an adventure.
I know I have gone on about running and Kyle losing his sight but it’s all of those details that lead him falling for Seth... literally. Their meet cute was pretty adorable even though it included a bit of blood but I fell right along with Kyle after the Disney Princess run.
Kyle and Seth have a bit of slow burn to their relationship that I loved. When a slow burn is done well, you get the time to feel it and though both men are sworn to their newly inducted celibacy and are just going to be running buddies, I was impatiently waiting for them to be more. These two are so perfect for one another. They really show that it’s the person and not the ability that makes them attractive. The first meeting with Seth lets us know how capable he is to lead Kyle anywhere and after the blind date Kyle’s sister sets him up with, you really get to see how compatible Kyle and Seth are. Seth just makes it easy for Kyle and understand his vision impairment and how it works in every way.
Seth though, he breaks my heart with his secrets and what made him come back home to Chicago. I know it’s tough to deal with an ailing parent as my mother has dementia and the things she remembers and doesn’t can make things hard but Ruth and he response to something Kyle has done over 100 just hit me in the feels. It’s a guessing game to know what will come out of someone’s mouth when they have Alzheimer’s or Dementia and the fact that Ruth has the exact same response every single time was a tender moment. I know I am being vague but if you read the book, I’d like you to experience that moment first hand.
Kyle thought about how two very different paths could lead to the same place. Maybe not the place either traveler was expecting, but that didn’t mean it was a bad place. One thing he’d learned - sometimes the surprise experiences were the best ones.
Kyle and Seth have a beautiful and patient romance that makes me swoon thinking about dark basements and impending storms. I adored the way they worked together as running partners and how Seth understood the loss Kyle felt with the possibility of not being able to be the voice of Ecos anymore and his plan to help was pulled off with humor, respect and oh so much love.
I have to give a quick high five to the authors at having Kyle work as a narrator for gay romance while he worked out his issues with being a VOA! It was great to get everyone’s reaction to it and they were all awesome moments.
At the end, Running Blind was a sweet and sexy slow burn romance that proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder, regardless of your actual vision. It’s a book about trust and instinct and about taking chances on life and love. It’s a book I’d recommend and now I need to check out both authors back lists.
Tagged reviewed with Adam - on the blog.
November 18, 2016
After I finish a book I always feel as though I’ve gained something. This is why I continue to ride the tidal wave of reading. Sometimes it’s a thrilling ride; other times it’s gentle and calm but equally rewarding, and then occasionally I have a bout of seasickness and can’t wait for it to end. Running Blind is a satisfying story that left me with a new sense of awareness regarding the visually impaired in addition to the sweet story encapsulating the unpredictability of love. This isn’t the first book I’ve read involving a blind man; but it was different because Kyle suffers a tragic incident that takes his vision from him while we are with him. He is fully aware of what he has lost and grieves his sight as he recovers from his close brush with death. We witness the acclimation to his new life and it is not painless. I greatly respected the manner in which he does it all, and I found myself in awe of him.
I’ll be honest when I tell you I was hesitant going in knowing Kyle is with his long-term partner as this story begins and yet falls in love with another before the final pages. I find it a difficult and delicate process to allow enough page time with the couple ‘meant to be together’ when precious time is spent with them apart and or tied to another. However, my fears were unfounded here, for our fantastic duo managed to choreograph this feat with ease.
Seth is patient, kind and has a huge heart. He has recently returned to his hometown to care for his ailing mother. I quickly fell for Seth and yearned for his happiness. A secret from his past binds him like chains around his wrists. He’s a prisoner to his own guilt. A relationship is the last thing he’s looking for but as we are all fully aware, love doesn’t wait until it’s convenient. Love simply happens and if we don’t grab it and hold on, it may be lost forever. Forgiveness is the key, but will Seth permit it?
What's to like: This had the potential to be super angsty and it really…wasn’t. If you like a thoroughly developed plotline with highs and lows but not heart-wrenching throbbing grief, this is the perfect story for you. I may have preferred a bit more cutting emotion but not everyone craves the gut punches as I do. Tragedy strikes and then we are kicked when we are down but it’s not much more than a lingering sting. It wasn’t too little or too much, but just the right amount of emotional blows. I very much enjoyed all of the characters. That’s not always the case and delights me when it happens. I thought the inclusion of familiar narrators was delightful. It was so fun recognizing the names dropped! And though I am not a fan of manga, I found this aspect of the story quite entertaining.
What's to love: Kyle’s stroke results in his loss of vision and the aftermath is rather unique. I had no idea such a condition existed. I was captivated during his recovery and adored his eagerness to bend as necessary to his new life. Running was an important outlet for Kyle. He tried to maintain his self independence and was crushed to discover he couldn’t safely run outside alone. He did not want to be led and struggled with the aspect of depending on someone else. His collision with Seth left him shaken, emotionally. He realized that some parts of his life had to be altered and having a running partner was his first acceptance in modifying his new life. As they began to run together he found this new form of dependency wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Seth made him feel safe, protected and cared for. His time with Matt was comfortable but never completely fulfilling. Seth sets him on fire and despite all the reasons the timing isn’t right, he wants to feel the burn.
Beware of: A break up. Kyle is committed to his best friend rather than the love of his life. Feelings ignite quickly but the courtship is rather slow.
This book is for: If you enjoy a little something different and don’t mind tackling hurdles before reaching the finish line, I believe this tender story will be a winner.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
I’ll be honest when I tell you I was hesitant going in knowing Kyle is with his long-term partner as this story begins and yet falls in love with another before the final pages. I find it a difficult and delicate process to allow enough page time with the couple ‘meant to be together’ when precious time is spent with them apart and or tied to another. However, my fears were unfounded here, for our fantastic duo managed to choreograph this feat with ease.
Seth is patient, kind and has a huge heart. He has recently returned to his hometown to care for his ailing mother. I quickly fell for Seth and yearned for his happiness. A secret from his past binds him like chains around his wrists. He’s a prisoner to his own guilt. A relationship is the last thing he’s looking for but as we are all fully aware, love doesn’t wait until it’s convenient. Love simply happens and if we don’t grab it and hold on, it may be lost forever. Forgiveness is the key, but will Seth permit it?
What's to like: This had the potential to be super angsty and it really…wasn’t. If you like a thoroughly developed plotline with highs and lows but not heart-wrenching throbbing grief, this is the perfect story for you. I may have preferred a bit more cutting emotion but not everyone craves the gut punches as I do. Tragedy strikes and then we are kicked when we are down but it’s not much more than a lingering sting. It wasn’t too little or too much, but just the right amount of emotional blows. I very much enjoyed all of the characters. That’s not always the case and delights me when it happens. I thought the inclusion of familiar narrators was delightful. It was so fun recognizing the names dropped! And though I am not a fan of manga, I found this aspect of the story quite entertaining.
What's to love: Kyle’s stroke results in his loss of vision and the aftermath is rather unique. I had no idea such a condition existed. I was captivated during his recovery and adored his eagerness to bend as necessary to his new life. Running was an important outlet for Kyle. He tried to maintain his self independence and was crushed to discover he couldn’t safely run outside alone. He did not want to be led and struggled with the aspect of depending on someone else. His collision with Seth left him shaken, emotionally. He realized that some parts of his life had to be altered and having a running partner was his first acceptance in modifying his new life. As they began to run together he found this new form of dependency wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Seth made him feel safe, protected and cared for. His time with Matt was comfortable but never completely fulfilling. Seth sets him on fire and despite all the reasons the timing isn’t right, he wants to feel the burn.
Beware of: A break up. Kyle is committed to his best friend rather than the love of his life. Feelings ignite quickly but the courtship is rather slow.
This book is for: If you enjoy a little something different and don’t mind tackling hurdles before reaching the finish line, I believe this tender story will be a winner.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
March 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I think Running Blind is a good "getting back to the saddle" again kind of story. Once I got into the tune of this book, the romance between Kyle and Seth took a backseat in priority for me. ALTHOUGH... I highly appreciated the slow burn and the low steam. I would've hated it if this kind of theme being overwhelmed with lust of the flesh or numerous sex scenes #justsayin'. I thought it was the right amount of time building the relationship, and I LOVED the courting moments. M/M romance needs more courting, IMHO.
Anyway, I was more interested with how Kyle deal with his blindness, the way he coped with the possibility of losing his main job as movie character voice-over, as well as taking up running again to familiarize himself with the shapes/colors as result of his neurological problem. I thought Kyle was quite level-headed throughout ... I mean, he wasn't raging on the unfairness of it, or being totally in despair.
His sister might entered the meddling territory once or twice, especially when she pushes Kyle to get back dating, but I also thought she was significant to Kyle having a support system when the rest of his family wasn't living close. So I could deal with her meddling, since I don't think Kyle could do this alone.
One thing I didn't understand was the whole thing with Kyle was with Matt for a decade before the story started. I didn't see the necessity of this. Because despite that Kyle and Matt weren't really in love, but the whole situation could be seen as Kyle being a martyr or Matt being, well, easily leaving his partner when Kyle was in need. Even if Kyle was the one dumping Matt.
All in all, a good read :)
I think Running Blind is a good "getting back to the saddle" again kind of story. Once I got into the tune of this book, the romance between Kyle and Seth took a backseat in priority for me. ALTHOUGH... I highly appreciated the slow burn and the low steam. I would've hated it if this kind of theme being overwhelmed with lust of the flesh or numerous sex scenes #justsayin'. I thought it was the right amount of time building the relationship, and I LOVED the courting moments. M/M romance needs more courting, IMHO.
Anyway, I was more interested with how Kyle deal with his blindness, the way he coped with the possibility of losing his main job as movie character voice-over, as well as taking up running again to familiarize himself with the shapes/colors as result of his neurological problem. I thought Kyle was quite level-headed throughout ... I mean, he wasn't raging on the unfairness of it, or being totally in despair.
His sister might entered the meddling territory once or twice, especially when she pushes Kyle to get back dating, but I also thought she was significant to Kyle having a support system when the rest of his family wasn't living close. So I could deal with her meddling, since I don't think Kyle could do this alone.
One thing I didn't understand was the whole thing with Kyle was with Matt for a decade before the story started. I didn't see the necessity of this. Because despite that Kyle and Matt weren't really in love, but the whole situation could be seen as Kyle being a martyr or Matt being, well, easily leaving his partner when Kyle was in need. Even if Kyle was the one dumping Matt.
All in all, a good read :)
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars
4 stars for the first half, 3 stars for the second half.
I was really enjoying this book and didn't even mind that the romance didn't kick in until near the halfway point. I liked Kyle and liked seeing how he adapted to his blindness and how he didn't let it slow him down for too long. He had moments of anger and self-pity, but they were just moments. This is very much a story of recovery. I do wish we'd been shown more of his time in rehab, but I liked what we did get.
Then Seth shows up and it was just too late in the book to really develop the romance in a satisfying way. There was no doubt that the two clicked right away, and that they both had their reasons for not wanting to jump into a relationship. But I didn't really feel like the "I love you"s were earned when they showed up. Maybe if the authors hadn't felt the need to give Seth some baggage (in the form of a previous relationship, not his aging mom, who is delightful) that took up time that could have been used to better establish Kyle and Seth as a couple, that might be different. Instead, time is spent on this side story that really could take up a whole book on its own but barely gets the attention it deserves. It felt like it was thrown in there to give the relationship some unneeded angst, or make Seth a little less perfect. Then milestones are jumped right over or referred to in passing.
What saved the second half was again Kyle's continued recovery and learning to not just live with being blind but also rediscovering his sense of adventure that he'd had when he was younger. And I like that the struggles he encounters with other, well-meaning people weren't over the top - except Derek. What a tool that guy was. Kyle had to figure out what he could still do in his job as a narrator and voice actor, and how to navigate the world and convention circuits on his own. (Edit: I keep coming back to a huge plot hole in this book. This isn't how animation works. The way the plot falls out, it would make sense if he were just doing the English dubbing for a foreign show, but it's pretty clear that this is an American-backed production. The voice acting is one of the first thing that gets completed, well before the animation, even for your most basic cartoon, and that pretty much destroys the whole issue about his not being able to see faces to know how to voice his character. And where's the director, anyway?)
Oh, yeah, and the pushy, meddling sister is in full force in this book. *sigh* Can we please stop including this character in romance books? Don't get me wrong, I love how supportive Lily was for her baby bro and how much they clearly love each other. But there's a way to be supportive without being obnoxious.
4 stars for the first half, 3 stars for the second half.
I was really enjoying this book and didn't even mind that the romance didn't kick in until near the halfway point. I liked Kyle and liked seeing how he adapted to his blindness and how he didn't let it slow him down for too long. He had moments of anger and self-pity, but they were just moments. This is very much a story of recovery. I do wish we'd been shown more of his time in rehab, but I liked what we did get.
Then Seth shows up and it was just too late in the book to really develop the romance in a satisfying way. There was no doubt that the two clicked right away, and that they both had their reasons for not wanting to jump into a relationship. But I didn't really feel like the "I love you"s were earned when they showed up. Maybe if the authors hadn't felt the need to give Seth some baggage (in the form of a previous relationship, not his aging mom, who is delightful) that took up time that could have been used to better establish Kyle and Seth as a couple, that might be different. Instead, time is spent on this side story that really could take up a whole book on its own but barely gets the attention it deserves. It felt like it was thrown in there to give the relationship some unneeded angst, or make Seth a little less perfect. Then milestones are jumped right over or referred to in passing.
What saved the second half was again Kyle's continued recovery and learning to not just live with being blind but also rediscovering his sense of adventure that he'd had when he was younger. And I like that the struggles he encounters with other, well-meaning people weren't over the top - except Derek. What a tool that guy was. Kyle had to figure out what he could still do in his job as a narrator and voice actor, and how to navigate the world and convention circuits on his own. (Edit: I keep coming back to a huge plot hole in this book. This isn't how animation works. The way the plot falls out, it would make sense if he were just doing the English dubbing for a foreign show, but it's pretty clear that this is an American-backed production. The voice acting is one of the first thing that gets completed, well before the animation, even for your most basic cartoon, and that pretty much destroys the whole issue about his not being able to see faces to know how to voice his character. And where's the director, anyway?)
Oh, yeah, and the pushy, meddling sister is in full force in this book. *sigh* Can we please stop including this character in romance books? Don't get me wrong, I love how supportive Lily was for her baby bro and how much they clearly love each other. But there's a way to be supportive without being obnoxious.
October 21, 2016
I debated with myself about this book. I liked the cover, I liked the blurb. Is that enough?
Apparently not. Sorry.
I didn't really feel good about the story, mainly the main character, Kyle. As a forty year old guy, Kyle acted and sounded like in his mid twenties or something. I know he's a manga geek and all, but still. Too childish for his age.
After losing his sight, Kyle let go his forever boyfriend and best friend, Matt to follow his dream. And Matt obeyed him. It was kinda sad when Matt felt guilty about it, especially when he's already found someone else after the breakup.
But lacking of romance between Matt and Kyle made it easier for them, I think. My problem is, Lily. Kyle's sister. IMO, she's dominated Kyle's life in all aspect. Annoying sister, you know, always around when you don't want her to be around. I was annoyed all the time by her. She ruined the whole story by her appearance alone. Damn.
And as for Seth, nothing really happened after 60 percent mark of the story. See? Did I mentioned Lily? Yeah, her. She dominated the story. Not good.
Speaking of slow burn, damn, this one is kinda frustrating slow burn. Even Seth felt the UST is killing him. Kyle giving 'taking it slow' a new meaning!
Slow...I mean slooooooooooooowwww ..... grrr!
And all the talk about all manga stuff (I love manga, don't get me wrong), to much technical details, bored me to tears.
I keep coming back asking myself, where's the romance?
Oh yeah...after 85%, phew! Romance, finally! (Still pulling my hair was kind of revelation of my frustration).
At least, Kyle and Seth are finally got their HEA.
Besides, I'm not really familiar with the author's writing style. I think too much telling, less showing is not my thing. In this case, it's me, not you, book.
I'm glad I can finished this book. Onward!
*I was given the ARC by publisher in exchange of an honest and fair review, no high rating required.*
June 25, 2019
Kim Fielding does some great hurt/comfort reads and this was no exception. This was probably some of the best representation of a character suddenly going blind that I’ve read. Kyle is depicted as a fairly ordinary guy dealing with an extraordinary life event without resorting to clichés . He’s a little bitter and depressed, not wallowing but stomping his feet once in a while in frustration. Kyle and Seth have something of a meet-cute, setting up a slow burn, low-angst storyline. There’s a touch of too good to be true making the serendipity just a bit much; meeting a gay guy who’s also experienced with visually challenged people, who also runs...you get the idea. The author makes it work with not everything going smoothly but creating a very positive storyline ending in happiness all around. This is 100% a feel-good story that doesn’t get too syrupy or sweet, just a little bit sappy. Very enjoyable and a great mood cleanser after a recent book slump.
October 25, 2016
I've never heard of Venona Keyes before, but I'm a big fan of Kim Fielding and I'll read anything she writes. I was surprised it took me a while to get into this book, because usually Kim Fielding's writing sucks me right in, so I blame it on the collaboration. But once I got into it, it managed to keep my attention.
Kyle's world is turned upside down after a freak of nature: a stroke that leaves him with Riddoch syndrome, which only allows him to see objects in movement. I haven't heard much about this syndrome, but it made sense to me and I liked how it was presented to us without making me feel like I'm taking lessons in medical school. Kyle is no longer able to do his job as the voice of Ecos, a very popular anime character, breaks up the relationship with his long time boyfriend Matt, and finds ways to accept his new situation and move forward.
I loved how despite the shitty situation, Kyle avoided turning into a bitter asshole. He accepted help and worked hard to improve the quality of his new life, so when given the chance to resume running with a running guide, he takes it. Seth Caplan moved back to Chicago to take care of his mother who suffers of dementia and to partner with a small tech company. Seth and Kyle hit it right off and they become good friends, but neither of them is looking for a relationship. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore the attraction between them.
Let me tell you this isn't exactly a steamy book, and it takes forever to get to the lonely little sex scene. But somehow this kind of worked, because the focus of this story is Kyle taking charge of his life again. There are dates and romance, but there's no explosive chemistry anywhere to be seen.
I also loved how Kyle's relationship with Matt didn't become bitter and hateful. They both realized they've always been more friends than lovers, and remained good friends even after they ended their relationship. We even get to see Kyle and Seth together with Matt and his new boyfriend, which made me stupidly happy.
The HEA is sweet and strong and beautiful and full of hope. Overall this was a pretty great book!
Kyle's world is turned upside down after a freak of nature: a stroke that leaves him with Riddoch syndrome, which only allows him to see objects in movement. I haven't heard much about this syndrome, but it made sense to me and I liked how it was presented to us without making me feel like I'm taking lessons in medical school. Kyle is no longer able to do his job as the voice of Ecos, a very popular anime character, breaks up the relationship with his long time boyfriend Matt, and finds ways to accept his new situation and move forward.
I loved how despite the shitty situation, Kyle avoided turning into a bitter asshole. He accepted help and worked hard to improve the quality of his new life, so when given the chance to resume running with a running guide, he takes it. Seth Caplan moved back to Chicago to take care of his mother who suffers of dementia and to partner with a small tech company. Seth and Kyle hit it right off and they become good friends, but neither of them is looking for a relationship. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to ignore the attraction between them.
Let me tell you this isn't exactly a steamy book, and it takes forever to get to the lonely little sex scene. But somehow this kind of worked, because the focus of this story is Kyle taking charge of his life again. There are dates and romance, but there's no explosive chemistry anywhere to be seen.
I also loved how Kyle's relationship with Matt didn't become bitter and hateful. They both realized they've always been more friends than lovers, and remained good friends even after they ended their relationship. We even get to see Kyle and Seth together with Matt and his new boyfriend, which made me stupidly happy.
The HEA is sweet and strong and beautiful and full of hope. Overall this was a pretty great book!
September 14, 2020
When Kyle finds himself blind after a stroke, he does the noble thing and sends his more-or-less platonic boyfriend off in search of his dreams and a lover with whom he has chemistry. Meanwhile, Kyle has to learn to adapt to life being blind. Only he soon discovers that he has Riddoch syndrome, which means he can see objects that are in motion, which at least allows him some freedom and the potential to continue in his career as a voice-over-actor...or at least a narrator. It also means he can continue his running, but with the help of a running guide, Seth, who he falls in love with. Seth is dealing with his own problems, but doesn't see Kyle as an additional burden, so they fall into a nice easy relationship.
I don't know that I'd read this for the romance. This is an excellent story about a guy who adapts to life after becoming vision impaired and it's really interesting to read about. Learning about Riddoch syndrome and how his skill set needs to change in order to live independently was pretty darn fascinating to me. And of course the angst and worry over what aspects of his life, like his career, Kyle can keep the same. And that's kinda where Seth comes in. Their romance is sweet, but there is very little angst or even tension (or dare I say chemistry) between them. They sort of naturally fall into the relationship and it's good and Seth helps Kyle (while he returns the favor). Their interactions and romance aren't terribly exciting and for me, paled in comparison to the intriguing experience of Kyle learning to live with a vision impairment. I also really enjoyed seeing the cliche, but oh so very real, ignorances and prejudices against people with vision impairments...I mean, the things people ask or assume about you. Yikes. But this book also subtly educated about how to actually treat these people.
I don't know that I'd read this for the romance. This is an excellent story about a guy who adapts to life after becoming vision impaired and it's really interesting to read about. Learning about Riddoch syndrome and how his skill set needs to change in order to live independently was pretty darn fascinating to me. And of course the angst and worry over what aspects of his life, like his career, Kyle can keep the same. And that's kinda where Seth comes in. Their romance is sweet, but there is very little angst or even tension (or dare I say chemistry) between them. They sort of naturally fall into the relationship and it's good and Seth helps Kyle (while he returns the favor). Their interactions and romance aren't terribly exciting and for me, paled in comparison to the intriguing experience of Kyle learning to live with a vision impairment. I also really enjoyed seeing the cliche, but oh so very real, ignorances and prejudices against people with vision impairments...I mean, the things people ask or assume about you. Yikes. But this book also subtly educated about how to actually treat these people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2016
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
I should probably start with the disclaimer that Kim Fielding is rapidly becoming one of my top favorite authors and though I haven’t read Venona Keyes’s work previously, I’m impressed with this story. Always interesting, frequently fun, Ms. Fielding’s stories generally provide a little extra—usually by imparting knowledge about a subject of interest that I really didn’t understand in depth. In this case, it was the world of voice actors, narrators, and those who do voice-over animation.
Kyle is one such person, a professional who is responsible for the voice of several popular characters, including Eco, a yaoi anime character. But the young man, only around forty years old, has a stroke that leaves him visually impaired. Partnered with his best friend, Matt, for over ten years, he realizes while recuperating that he doesn’t love Matt in a head-over-heels way, and never has. But he does love him enough to release him to achieve his dream job, photographing an archeological dig of his family’s Native American tribe. The grant for the dig is something Matt has worked on for years, and Kyle won’t have him stuck as his caretaker when he can seize the chance to do what he loves and perhaps even meet someone new—someone who will give him head-over-heels love.
While adjusting to life after vision loss, Kyle discovers that he may have Riddoch’s Syndrome, something which allows him to see shadows, outlines, and colors of things that are moving. And while learning more about this, he decides to improve his chances of running outdoors by taking on a volunteer who will guide him by tether line so that he can be free to pursue this favorite outdoor activity. That’s how he meets Seth, an attorney who has come home from San Francisco care for his mother whose memory loss from Alzheimer’s is increasing rapidly.
The two men have great chemistry together, rapidly becoming friends, and eventually lovers. This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it’s also the start of a deep and abiding forever love that is happening all while Seth is caring for his mother and Kyle is moving forward on a different career path—one that keeps him close to voice acting, yet not his dream job of being the voice of Eco and other characters. While Kyle allows the new changes in his life to be positive, rather than negative, Seth learns that there’s forgiveness for a guilt he’s been carrying over a former lost love. The men also learn that one doesn’t have to see to believe and fall in love, one only has to have the capacity to allow the heart to heal.
I loved the dedication the authors included to voice actors, specifically naming some fan favorites. And I really appreciated the insight into the world of voice acting. It added to the story by making it even more interesting than it would have been just with such sweet and endearing characters.
I recommend this to all lovers of MM romance, but especially to those who enjoy friends to lovers, slow burn, hurt:comfort, and older MCs. Don’t miss a chance to read this heartwarming story.
I should probably start with the disclaimer that Kim Fielding is rapidly becoming one of my top favorite authors and though I haven’t read Venona Keyes’s work previously, I’m impressed with this story. Always interesting, frequently fun, Ms. Fielding’s stories generally provide a little extra—usually by imparting knowledge about a subject of interest that I really didn’t understand in depth. In this case, it was the world of voice actors, narrators, and those who do voice-over animation.
Kyle is one such person, a professional who is responsible for the voice of several popular characters, including Eco, a yaoi anime character. But the young man, only around forty years old, has a stroke that leaves him visually impaired. Partnered with his best friend, Matt, for over ten years, he realizes while recuperating that he doesn’t love Matt in a head-over-heels way, and never has. But he does love him enough to release him to achieve his dream job, photographing an archeological dig of his family’s Native American tribe. The grant for the dig is something Matt has worked on for years, and Kyle won’t have him stuck as his caretaker when he can seize the chance to do what he loves and perhaps even meet someone new—someone who will give him head-over-heels love.
While adjusting to life after vision loss, Kyle discovers that he may have Riddoch’s Syndrome, something which allows him to see shadows, outlines, and colors of things that are moving. And while learning more about this, he decides to improve his chances of running outdoors by taking on a volunteer who will guide him by tether line so that he can be free to pursue this favorite outdoor activity. That’s how he meets Seth, an attorney who has come home from San Francisco care for his mother whose memory loss from Alzheimer’s is increasing rapidly.
The two men have great chemistry together, rapidly becoming friends, and eventually lovers. This is definitely a slow burn romance, but it’s also the start of a deep and abiding forever love that is happening all while Seth is caring for his mother and Kyle is moving forward on a different career path—one that keeps him close to voice acting, yet not his dream job of being the voice of Eco and other characters. While Kyle allows the new changes in his life to be positive, rather than negative, Seth learns that there’s forgiveness for a guilt he’s been carrying over a former lost love. The men also learn that one doesn’t have to see to believe and fall in love, one only has to have the capacity to allow the heart to heal.
I loved the dedication the authors included to voice actors, specifically naming some fan favorites. And I really appreciated the insight into the world of voice acting. It added to the story by making it even more interesting than it would have been just with such sweet and endearing characters.
I recommend this to all lovers of MM romance, but especially to those who enjoy friends to lovers, slow burn, hurt:comfort, and older MCs. Don’t miss a chance to read this heartwarming story.
February 17, 2017
2,5 STARS
The main topic of this book is the way Kyle adjusts to his disability, the way he learns how to have a complete life, even with his new difficulty. However, for such a sensitive topic, the book was remarkably simple. A bit too simple for my taste.
I appreciate the fact that Matt was not an as*hole who abandoned Kyle at his worst. He was really nice and I liked him.
Seth was also nice, and I enjoyed the scenes with his mother. But, to me, he and Kyle worked better as friends, I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry between them.
Lily really infuriated me. I hate meddlesome characters, and I particularly dislike it when they come in the form of a sister or a mother. Why, just why do they feel the need to push the MC to do things they clearly don’t want to do, things they are not ready to do? It really bothered me, and the fact that Lily gets considerable page time didn’t help.
So, to be honest, while I can’t say I dislike this book, it just didn’t stand out to me.
The main topic of this book is the way Kyle adjusts to his disability, the way he learns how to have a complete life, even with his new difficulty. However, for such a sensitive topic, the book was remarkably simple. A bit too simple for my taste.
I appreciate the fact that Matt was not an as*hole who abandoned Kyle at his worst. He was really nice and I liked him.
Seth was also nice, and I enjoyed the scenes with his mother. But, to me, he and Kyle worked better as friends, I didn’t feel any romantic chemistry between them.
Lily really infuriated me. I hate meddlesome characters, and I particularly dislike it when they come in the form of a sister or a mother. Why, just why do they feel the need to push the MC to do things they clearly don’t want to do, things they are not ready to do? It really bothered me, and the fact that Lily gets considerable page time didn’t help.
So, to be honest, while I can’t say I dislike this book, it just didn’t stand out to me.
October 30, 2016
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
I really liked the plot of this story. I thought the characters were well written and everything was really good, except I didn’t feel the chemistry between them, I didn’t feel the passion, I felt nothing, which is sad because it was a good story and they were good characters. I just needed a little UMPH or sizzle or something.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
I really liked the plot of this story. I thought the characters were well written and everything was really good, except I didn’t feel the chemistry between them, I didn’t feel the passion, I felt nothing, which is sad because it was a good story and they were good characters. I just needed a little UMPH or sizzle or something.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: not sure
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
November 15, 2016
I really enjoyed it. It could have went the depressing route but thank goodness it didn't. A freak medical issue made Kyle blind, this book was about him dealing with it and also falling in love with Seth when they met. I loved them! They were so perfect and so sweet together.
October 2, 2018
Didn't have the magic and great characters of a typical Kim Fielding book -an effect of it being co-authored, I assume. I wasn't looking for great tragedy or the exploitation of disabilities for a good story line, but it felt like I was hand-waved through Kyle's experiences in an unsatisfying way. The book seemed to want to focus on the romance AND Kyle becoming blind, but the length and depth of the book didn't allow for both to be addressed in a satisfying way. I was left feeling unconnected and disappointed that we time-skipped through Kyle's entire world being upended with a side of boyfriend acquisition. I remember thinking the romance between Kyle and Seth was fine. Seth was a nice supportive guy. Eh.
February 26, 2017
3.75 stars
October 24, 2016
I had read a YA novel where the main character was blind, but also a really good runner, and she eventually got a running guide so she could run for her school team. When I read the summary for this book, I immediately knew I had to read it so I could read another story that featured running guides for blind runners. The basics of the story is that Kyle has a stroke and ends up blind from the result. He breaks up with his current boyfriend, Matt, so that Matt can go on and fulfill his dreams - besides the two were more brothers than lovers by that point.
It takes Kyle a bit to get used to his new life. His job is voice narration and he is famous for voicing an anime character. Without his sight, Kyle can't watch the video to sync up his voice with the animation. It's a rough blow and Kyle isn't sure what he'll do from there. Kyle eventually tries running, realizing that if he's moving, he can start to see the outline of shapes and he thinks this will be enough for him to run on his own. Unfortunately, he crashes on the sidewalk and is helped by a man named Seth.
Fast forward and Seth becomes Kyle's new running guide. The two are a good match. Seth is back in town to take care of his mom, who has Alzheimer's, so he knows how to treat Kyle with dignity and respect. As for Kyle, he does the same for Seth's mom, even if she's calling him the wrong name or getting lost in time. The two of them eventually get closer and go from friendship to relationship.
To keep from spoiling everything that happens in the book, I'll just say that this was a really good novel. I loved both guys and I think they complimented each other well, like I said above. I love reading books with disabled characters, as it's something that people should read about more. It creates empathy, and to me, it seems like the authors did a great job with their characters and their various diversities in Running Blind.
It takes Kyle a bit to get used to his new life. His job is voice narration and he is famous for voicing an anime character. Without his sight, Kyle can't watch the video to sync up his voice with the animation. It's a rough blow and Kyle isn't sure what he'll do from there. Kyle eventually tries running, realizing that if he's moving, he can start to see the outline of shapes and he thinks this will be enough for him to run on his own. Unfortunately, he crashes on the sidewalk and is helped by a man named Seth.
Fast forward and Seth becomes Kyle's new running guide. The two are a good match. Seth is back in town to take care of his mom, who has Alzheimer's, so he knows how to treat Kyle with dignity and respect. As for Kyle, he does the same for Seth's mom, even if she's calling him the wrong name or getting lost in time. The two of them eventually get closer and go from friendship to relationship.
To keep from spoiling everything that happens in the book, I'll just say that this was a really good novel. I loved both guys and I think they complimented each other well, like I said above. I love reading books with disabled characters, as it's something that people should read about more. It creates empathy, and to me, it seems like the authors did a great job with their characters and their various diversities in Running Blind.
November 27, 2016
I liked everything about this story, especially the plot, however, the slow burn and lack of heat made this an average read for me. I also had a bit of an issue with Kyle and Matt's relationship ( Matt was Kyle's love for 10 years before they broke up after Kyle's accident). While I'm happy the overused angle of abandoning someone after a life changing accident was avoided, I didn't like the characterization of their 10-year relationship as one of being a "safety net".
It's very well written but the pace was a bit slower than I like. Despite these setbacks, I still think it's worth the read and it's better than most books published this year. If there was a smidge of heat to compliment the sweet wooing and romance this story would have been a homerun despite the setbacks mentioned above
It's very well written but the pace was a bit slower than I like. Despite these setbacks, I still think it's worth the read and it's better than most books published this year. If there was a smidge of heat to compliment the sweet wooing and romance this story would have been a homerun despite the setbacks mentioned above
April 1, 2018
I had to read this novel, because I've loved many stories by this author, and because I am visually impaired, so characters with vision problems interest me. I learned things. *I* learned things. And not only about vision problems different from mine. I didn't know about tethered running or the ability Kyle discovers, and I knew little about voice acting. The strengths and weaknesses of the characters all played into the plot, and man. That last chapter.
The story's all from Kyle's point of view (so to speak), so the glimpses we get of how others perceive him are telling, and sometimes poignant.
I found zero slip-ups (having the blind man do something as if he could see - you'd be surprised how often a writer messes up disabilities - and very few typos. This is a beautiful work, and I highly recommend it. You'll have to accept that Kyle is very smart, and adaptable.
This story is full of reasonable people. Since I was raised around reasonable people, and live with more reasonable people, I felt right at home. :)
The story's all from Kyle's point of view (so to speak), so the glimpses we get of how others perceive him are telling, and sometimes poignant.
I found zero slip-ups (having the blind man do something as if he could see - you'd be surprised how often a writer messes up disabilities - and very few typos. This is a beautiful work, and I highly recommend it. You'll have to accept that Kyle is very smart, and adaptable.
This story is full of reasonable people. Since I was raised around reasonable people, and live with more reasonable people, I felt right at home. :)
December 28, 2016
2.5 (2.0) Stars
Eeep! I know, right? Two stars for a Kim Fielding book? Run and check if pigs are flying. I generally luuuuurve Kim Fielding's work and she is one of my absolute auto-buys but sadly this story just didn't do it for me. I was ecstatic to read about an MC with a disability but this book was as slow as molasses at times and I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs. I just didn't get it. The book mostly read as Kyle's journey to overcoming a disability as a result of a sudden and unexpected medical event. To that end, it was interesting but overall, the book missed it's mark as an m/m romance IMHO.
Bottom line: Fell short.
Eeep! I know, right? Two stars for a Kim Fielding book? Run and check if pigs are flying. I generally luuuuurve Kim Fielding's work and she is one of my absolute auto-buys but sadly this story just didn't do it for me. I was ecstatic to read about an MC with a disability but this book was as slow as molasses at times and I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs. I just didn't get it. The book mostly read as Kyle's journey to overcoming a disability as a result of a sudden and unexpected medical event. To that end, it was interesting but overall, the book missed it's mark as an m/m romance IMHO.
Bottom line: Fell short.
January 14, 2017
Sweet and touching Story with some great characters. Really liked it.
December 23, 2018
this is such a sweet story!!!
I absolutely loved It
😍
I absolutely loved It
😍
November 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
After a stroke causes Kyle to lose his sight, he has to relearn to do everything. How to read, cook, even finding his way around his own home and these are just the beginning. Kyle has been with Matt for a long time. They are great friends, but there is no spark in their relationship. They love one another, but they aren't in love with each other. At Kyle's urging when Matt gets his dream job opportunity, they agree to go their separate ways.
I loved the premise of the story, and it was a good story, but it was so slooooow in the beginning that it was hard to stay focused. Kyle and Seth don't meet until 25% into the book, then they don't have another interaction until 40%. If the story had been told in alternating POVs, that might have been okay, but because it's told completely from Kyle's POV, it felt very much like his story, not their story. Seth is kept in the background and at times feels almost like an afterthought. Both of these men are damaged to a degree. They both had a story to tell, I just wish we had gotten more page time with Seth.
Enough about what I didn't like, now on to what I did. They story was heartwarming and sweet. Two men, neither looking for love, but they trip into it, literally. Kyle and Seth were both likable characters and they had a good chemistry. I loved that Kyle's disability didn't phase Seth. He took it in stride and really saw Kyle, not his limitations. He was loving and encouraging and they seemed to fit together quite well. The supporting characters of Seth's mom and Kyle's sister weren't just in the background. They added to the story nicely, although to be honest Lily, Seth's sister, dominated the story at times. If the authors had cut some of her scenes and added Seth scenes, I think the book would have been much more balanced.
The authors' collaboration was outstanding. Really, until I looked the book up on my schedule, I totally forgot I was even reading a collaboration. It was a seamless process. The subject of Kyle's blindness seemed very well researched and I learned a lot from the story. Once Kyle and Seth finally meet, the pace of the story seemed to pick up and it was a really enjoyable read. I'd recommend it!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
After a stroke causes Kyle to lose his sight, he has to relearn to do everything. How to read, cook, even finding his way around his own home and these are just the beginning. Kyle has been with Matt for a long time. They are great friends, but there is no spark in their relationship. They love one another, but they aren't in love with each other. At Kyle's urging when Matt gets his dream job opportunity, they agree to go their separate ways.
I loved the premise of the story, and it was a good story, but it was so slooooow in the beginning that it was hard to stay focused. Kyle and Seth don't meet until 25% into the book, then they don't have another interaction until 40%. If the story had been told in alternating POVs, that might have been okay, but because it's told completely from Kyle's POV, it felt very much like his story, not their story. Seth is kept in the background and at times feels almost like an afterthought. Both of these men are damaged to a degree. They both had a story to tell, I just wish we had gotten more page time with Seth.
Enough about what I didn't like, now on to what I did. They story was heartwarming and sweet. Two men, neither looking for love, but they trip into it, literally. Kyle and Seth were both likable characters and they had a good chemistry. I loved that Kyle's disability didn't phase Seth. He took it in stride and really saw Kyle, not his limitations. He was loving and encouraging and they seemed to fit together quite well. The supporting characters of Seth's mom and Kyle's sister weren't just in the background. They added to the story nicely, although to be honest Lily, Seth's sister, dominated the story at times. If the authors had cut some of her scenes and added Seth scenes, I think the book would have been much more balanced.
The authors' collaboration was outstanding. Really, until I looked the book up on my schedule, I totally forgot I was even reading a collaboration. It was a seamless process. The subject of Kyle's blindness seemed very well researched and I learned a lot from the story. Once Kyle and Seth finally meet, the pace of the story seemed to pick up and it was a really enjoyable read. I'd recommend it!
November 4, 2016
This is a story that could go either way as being sad or happy. The fact that one of the main characters has a stroke that leaves him blind is what could have made or broke the book. But in this case and the way that this story was written, it definitely made this book.
Kyle thinks that he has everything out of life that he can ever want. He has a career that he enjoys by being a voice over actor for an anime character that he enjoys playing, he has a long term boyfriend Matt that he is comfortable in their relationship with, and he has his future travels and jobs planned out and ready to go with. He has everything in his opinion, or at least he does until he has nothing at all out of the blue.
Because of he stroke and becoming blind, Kyle has a lot of time on his hands to really evaluate his life with Matt and he knows that they are more like brothers then they are as lovers. When Matt receives a grant that he has always wanted, Kyle decides to set him free.
Kyle in my option is so much stronger then he ever realized he was. The reason I say this is because, yes he was depressed and even angry about losing his eyesight but at the same time he did not just lay down and give up even though sometimes he probably felt that way. He learned everything he could in order to be able to live his life independently as he always had. When sometime seemed impossible he tried it anyway and did not give up. When there seemed to be an obstacle to high to climb, he climbed harder and faster. He was determined and he had hope. That is what lead him to the person who would continue to change his life for the better, Seth.
Seth had his own baggage he brought to the relationship but these two men were both determined individuals and the things that they could not do on their own, they learned to rely on the other.
This story is such an inspirational story about overcoming a disability and learning to live and love again. Kim Fielding did such an awesome job on this book and wrote it in a way that you could feel Kim's upmost respect for her characters. That is what made this book truly amazing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Kyle thinks that he has everything out of life that he can ever want. He has a career that he enjoys by being a voice over actor for an anime character that he enjoys playing, he has a long term boyfriend Matt that he is comfortable in their relationship with, and he has his future travels and jobs planned out and ready to go with. He has everything in his opinion, or at least he does until he has nothing at all out of the blue.
Because of he stroke and becoming blind, Kyle has a lot of time on his hands to really evaluate his life with Matt and he knows that they are more like brothers then they are as lovers. When Matt receives a grant that he has always wanted, Kyle decides to set him free.
Kyle in my option is so much stronger then he ever realized he was. The reason I say this is because, yes he was depressed and even angry about losing his eyesight but at the same time he did not just lay down and give up even though sometimes he probably felt that way. He learned everything he could in order to be able to live his life independently as he always had. When sometime seemed impossible he tried it anyway and did not give up. When there seemed to be an obstacle to high to climb, he climbed harder and faster. He was determined and he had hope. That is what lead him to the person who would continue to change his life for the better, Seth.
Seth had his own baggage he brought to the relationship but these two men were both determined individuals and the things that they could not do on their own, they learned to rely on the other.
This story is such an inspirational story about overcoming a disability and learning to live and love again. Kim Fielding did such an awesome job on this book and wrote it in a way that you could feel Kim's upmost respect for her characters. That is what made this book truly amazing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
April 1, 2018
4.5 stars
Because it was a lovely story but with room for touching up.
This is now my 2nd novel by Kim Fielding and I am loving her style. Her stories are nice and she works with struggles and hardships woven into the plot, rather than angst. This makes her stories lean towards realistic rather than dramatic. Which is a difference I highly appreciate.
I mentioned that I thought the story left some room for improvement.
It started out nice and slow, but I felt some parts could have used more pages or at least a few more paragraphs. Here and there, things were just mentioned or pointed out without being fleshed out, or just left out to take place in the background. I missed those segments and their absence made the novel shorter, closer to a summary of a story than a full story. This novel read like the light version of itself. I would have preferred the all-inclusive version.
I like how this author places sex on the back-burner and instead gives the spotlight fully to get plot and character development. This trade off results in beautifully detailed characters with joys and worries, hopes, frustrations and limitations, but with an organic evolution towards their HEA.
And the HEA here felt a little bit too much. Everything was wrapped up too nicely. After a major event like loss off eyesight, I would not expect the blind person to preserve everything from his sighted days and accumulate more to his life. If not processing huge changes, then at least I would expect some signification compromises. This aspect was dropped from the ending, and it moved my impressions from the "somewhat realistic" realm towards "fluffy".
I like fluff too, but there's a time and novel for everything, or as they say, sometimes less is more.
Because it was a lovely story but with room for touching up.
This is now my 2nd novel by Kim Fielding and I am loving her style. Her stories are nice and she works with struggles and hardships woven into the plot, rather than angst. This makes her stories lean towards realistic rather than dramatic. Which is a difference I highly appreciate.
I mentioned that I thought the story left some room for improvement.
It started out nice and slow, but I felt some parts could have used more pages or at least a few more paragraphs. Here and there, things were just mentioned or pointed out without being fleshed out, or just left out to take place in the background. I missed those segments and their absence made the novel shorter, closer to a summary of a story than a full story. This novel read like the light version of itself. I would have preferred the all-inclusive version.
I like how this author places sex on the back-burner and instead gives the spotlight fully to get plot and character development. This trade off results in beautifully detailed characters with joys and worries, hopes, frustrations and limitations, but with an organic evolution towards their HEA.
And the HEA here felt a little bit too much. Everything was wrapped up too nicely. After a major event like loss off eyesight, I would not expect the blind person to preserve everything from his sighted days and accumulate more to his life. If not processing huge changes, then at least I would expect some signification compromises. This aspect was dropped from the ending, and it moved my impressions from the "somewhat realistic" realm towards "fluffy".
I like fluff too, but there's a time and novel for everything, or as they say, sometimes less is more.
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