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The Color of Love #1
Into the Gray
Life after college is not what Aaron expected. Isn’t he supposed to have what he wants to do figured out by now? David never expected his marriage to be rocky, let alone about to end. How is he supposed to move on from this? December in Detroit is normally unforgiving, but an unexpected blizzard puts David and Aaron on a course toward each other. Despite the frozen ground and battleship gray sky, these men find heat together. It’s intimate and illicit, stretching what was supposed to be a one night stand into something more. Sometimes the touch of a stranger, however forbidden, is just what we need when we enter the gray.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2019
14 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
F.E. Feeley Jr.
19 books256 followersNoted author, poet, producer, and all-around badass, F.E. Feeley Jr. is one of the most important queer voices writing today. He lives in the Deep South with his fur babies, campaigning for social justice, and occasionally howling at the moon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 22, 2019
OMG! 😱 OMG! 😱 I should have listened to Trio and listened this sooner because boy, that was stellar! ❤️ Seriously, truth be told, when I started listening this audio, I thought it might take a day or two to finish. What I didn’t think was that this audio would be unputdownable. 😅 Seriously guys, I listened this in one sitting. I was simply blown away. 😳
David is going through a brutal divorce. He found out that his wife has been sexting with his best friend and it wasn’t even the root of his marital problems. Over the years, they’ve been drifting apart. And there’s the issue of his sexuality. He’s always been faithful to his wife but he’s always been attracted to other guys. So he’s either gay or at least bi. And he just reluctantly accepted it himself. And he has decided to finally serve his wife with the divorce papers and planned to spend the first night alone in his office. Nobody needed to know his sorrows. Suddenly, he heard the most beautiful voice singing around his office. And when he finally saw the man the song is coming from, the young man is as beautiful as the song he’s been singing. Aaron has been lost, drifting .. not knowing what to do or where to go. He’s been running from his past and now, he’s back in his hometown Detroit, working as a janitor just to pay the most basic necessities. In order to move forward, he has to let his past go and he doesn’t know how to. When he met the gray haired silver fox in the firm he’s been cleaning for the past couple weeks, he knew they were attracted to each other. The older man seems so lonely and sad and he just wanted to console his sorrows for a night. And of course, get some pleasure for himself. But David is a lot more than just a sexy silver fox. There’s a kind, caring, loving but lonely man beneath his cooperate facade. And when they are snowed in for days from a sudden snowstorm, both men realized that they don’t need to go through this alone since they have each other.
Beautiful, poignant, mesmerizing and simply breathtaking. 💜 I simply couldn’t put this audio down for a minute. Two lonely, sad men from very different worlds (or are they? 😉) found the happiness, love and acceptance in each other arms. 😍 It was just a gorgeous love story to witness. I also loved the fact that despite Aaron being the younger guy, he’s actually the mentor in this relationship since our David was a “virgin”. 😂 And boy, was that cherry popping smoking hot or what?!?!?!?! 🔥🔥🔥 Damn, I swear I could listen Vance Bastian saying “baby” all day long. This is my very first book from F.E. Feeley Jr. and I’m soooooooooo sooooooooooooo impressed! 😱👏 The romance and all the feels! 😳🥰 It really isn’t easy to write a simple contemporary love story that beautiful, that poignant, that breathtaking and that emotional. ❤️ Really, kudos to F.E. Feeley Jr. for writing such an extraordinary story. 👏 I AM hooked! 😁 I will be starting book 2 immediately because I need me more Aaron and David in my life. 😉💜😘
5 You really colored my heart and my happiness stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
David is going through a brutal divorce. He found out that his wife has been sexting with his best friend and it wasn’t even the root of his marital problems. Over the years, they’ve been drifting apart. And there’s the issue of his sexuality. He’s always been faithful to his wife but he’s always been attracted to other guys. So he’s either gay or at least bi. And he just reluctantly accepted it himself. And he has decided to finally serve his wife with the divorce papers and planned to spend the first night alone in his office. Nobody needed to know his sorrows. Suddenly, he heard the most beautiful voice singing around his office. And when he finally saw the man the song is coming from, the young man is as beautiful as the song he’s been singing. Aaron has been lost, drifting .. not knowing what to do or where to go. He’s been running from his past and now, he’s back in his hometown Detroit, working as a janitor just to pay the most basic necessities. In order to move forward, he has to let his past go and he doesn’t know how to. When he met the gray haired silver fox in the firm he’s been cleaning for the past couple weeks, he knew they were attracted to each other. The older man seems so lonely and sad and he just wanted to console his sorrows for a night. And of course, get some pleasure for himself. But David is a lot more than just a sexy silver fox. There’s a kind, caring, loving but lonely man beneath his cooperate facade. And when they are snowed in for days from a sudden snowstorm, both men realized that they don’t need to go through this alone since they have each other.
Beautiful, poignant, mesmerizing and simply breathtaking. 💜 I simply couldn’t put this audio down for a minute. Two lonely, sad men from very different worlds (or are they? 😉) found the happiness, love and acceptance in each other arms. 😍 It was just a gorgeous love story to witness. I also loved the fact that despite Aaron being the younger guy, he’s actually the mentor in this relationship since our David was a “virgin”. 😂 And boy, was that cherry popping smoking hot or what?!?!?!?! 🔥🔥🔥 Damn, I swear I could listen Vance Bastian saying “baby” all day long. This is my very first book from F.E. Feeley Jr. and I’m soooooooooo sooooooooooooo impressed! 😱👏 The romance and all the feels! 😳🥰 It really isn’t easy to write a simple contemporary love story that beautiful, that poignant, that breathtaking and that emotional. ❤️ Really, kudos to F.E. Feeley Jr. for writing such an extraordinary story. 👏 I AM hooked! 😁 I will be starting book 2 immediately because I need me more Aaron and David in my life. 😉💜😘
5 You really colored my heart and my happiness stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
June 6, 2019
What starts as a chance meeting changes two men’s lives for the better in F.E. Feeley Jr.’s latest novel, Into the Gray. Beautifully written, parallels between both characters’ state of mind and the wintry weather are woven throughout. The imagery is subtle, and Mr. Feeley artfully crafts the overall feeling of making it through the storm (both literally and in the journey of life) into the story.
While age and circumstances place them at very different points in their lives, both of the main characters are stalled at a crossroads. The connection they make by opening up to each other and sharing what’s in their hearts, gets them to a point where they can figure out how to take the next step.
Into the Gray begins with Aaron whose story is revealed gradually. At first all we see is a recent college grad who is floundering with the shock of being in the real world. Moving back to his hometown, surrounding himself with loving, supportive friends, and finding a stress-free job is a good place to pause while he figures out where to go next.
David has known he’s gay for a long time but had resigned himself to an unhappy marriage. Finding out his wife of twenty years has been sexting with his best friend is the wake-up call David needs. His fear of moving on is stalling them both: Keeping her from finding a fulfilling romantic relationship, while he’s wasting the opportunity to truly experience everything life has to offer.
The gritty realness of Into the Gray is very effective. This is not an “insta-love” romance novel where love conquers all. These guys are facing real issues, doing the work, and fixing their own lives. While the connection they make is definitely the catalyst for them to get a move-on, they’re doing it for themselves.
I’m glad to hear Feeley say another installment of Aaron and David’s story is in the works. The last scene in Into the Gray shows them on the precipice of something truly amazing, and I’m looking forward to watching where they go from here.
While age and circumstances place them at very different points in their lives, both of the main characters are stalled at a crossroads. The connection they make by opening up to each other and sharing what’s in their hearts, gets them to a point where they can figure out how to take the next step.
Into the Gray begins with Aaron whose story is revealed gradually. At first all we see is a recent college grad who is floundering with the shock of being in the real world. Moving back to his hometown, surrounding himself with loving, supportive friends, and finding a stress-free job is a good place to pause while he figures out where to go next.
David has known he’s gay for a long time but had resigned himself to an unhappy marriage. Finding out his wife of twenty years has been sexting with his best friend is the wake-up call David needs. His fear of moving on is stalling them both: Keeping her from finding a fulfilling romantic relationship, while he’s wasting the opportunity to truly experience everything life has to offer.
The gritty realness of Into the Gray is very effective. This is not an “insta-love” romance novel where love conquers all. These guys are facing real issues, doing the work, and fixing their own lives. While the connection they make is definitely the catalyst for them to get a move-on, they’re doing it for themselves.
I’m glad to hear Feeley say another installment of Aaron and David’s story is in the works. The last scene in Into the Gray shows them on the precipice of something truly amazing, and I’m looking forward to watching where they go from here.
June 28, 2019
Not a bad little read from F.E....two lonely guys; one just out of his marriage and the closet, and one who was hiding himself away from his past. Not very keen on the cheesy sex scene language, which was seemingly straight out of a porn shoot...but it didn't put me off reading. Surprisingly, there were quite a few typos although again I glossed over them. A Lighter Shade of Blue is up next.
June 5, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
You guys. I. Love. This. Book! I’m a sucker for a snowed in story and Into the Gray delivers. I mean…really delivers! The author paints a vivid picture of two men who are lost in the world and are lucky enough to cross paths at exactly the right time. The book has an almost film noir feel to it. It’s moody and atmospheric, and oh so hot. The image of the smoky bar is perfectly detailed, as is Aaron’s apartment, and even the office building. The sex, while not over the top, is exquisitely written.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
Aaron and David are super characters. They’re both lost and at a crossroads. Aaron doesn’t exactly know what he wants to do. He’s got a prestigious law degree, but he doesn’t think he wants to live the life of a pressured, overworked lawyer. Meanwhile, David is one of those pressured, overworked lawyers. He’s been hiding his sexuality, going through the motions of a marriage with a woman. Aaron is his first experience with a man, and it confirms what he’s always known. I feel as if I’m able to actually get into their heads, and I love that they’re not picture perfect, chiseled from stone, romantic heroes. They’re just good men ambling through life, just waiting for their destiny.
5 stars
You guys. I. Love. This. Book! I’m a sucker for a snowed in story and Into the Gray delivers. I mean…really delivers! The author paints a vivid picture of two men who are lost in the world and are lucky enough to cross paths at exactly the right time. The book has an almost film noir feel to it. It’s moody and atmospheric, and oh so hot. The image of the smoky bar is perfectly detailed, as is Aaron’s apartment, and even the office building. The sex, while not over the top, is exquisitely written.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
Aaron and David are super characters. They’re both lost and at a crossroads. Aaron doesn’t exactly know what he wants to do. He’s got a prestigious law degree, but he doesn’t think he wants to live the life of a pressured, overworked lawyer. Meanwhile, David is one of those pressured, overworked lawyers. He’s been hiding his sexuality, going through the motions of a marriage with a woman. Aaron is his first experience with a man, and it confirms what he’s always known. I feel as if I’m able to actually get into their heads, and I love that they’re not picture perfect, chiseled from stone, romantic heroes. They’re just good men ambling through life, just waiting for their destiny.
September 25, 2019
~There's always going to be the circumstances you can't plan for. There's always the unexpected relevance and the serendipity~ J.S.
Into the Gray by F.E. Feeley Jr. is an eloquent , well-crafted , contemporary , age gap , MM Romance . A poignant and candid love story that feels personal and intimate.
Two men, living in stasis . A self imposed emotional, mental and physical limbo. Afraid to move forward, backwards , in or out , of it. Meet one night and their lives , forever change.
Aaron
Was it serendipity or maybe it was fate? Time and courage will tell . Because, for David and Aaron, find happiness together, they first have to confront their own past. And, new beginning means something needs to end.
David
I enjoyed listening to this emotionally charged , intense and hot AF story.
Vance Bastian narration was phenomenal. He perfectly convey and made me feel the angst, anticipation, confusion, horniness and passion, happiness, sadness and hope of the characters.
This is my first audiobook by this author and narrator. I think they make a great team.
Overall: 5
Performance: 5
Story: 5 stars
Reviewed: 09-22-19
I reviewed🎧📚 #IntoTheGray #AudioCodesFromTheAuthor
#I💙Audiobooks
Into the Gray by F.E. Feeley Jr. is an eloquent , well-crafted , contemporary , age gap , MM Romance . A poignant and candid love story that feels personal and intimate.
Two men, living in stasis . A self imposed emotional, mental and physical limbo. Afraid to move forward, backwards , in or out , of it. Meet one night and their lives , forever change.
Aaron
Was it serendipity or maybe it was fate? Time and courage will tell . Because, for David and Aaron, find happiness together, they first have to confront their own past. And, new beginning means something needs to end.
David
I enjoyed listening to this emotionally charged , intense and hot AF story.
Vance Bastian narration was phenomenal. He perfectly convey and made me feel the angst, anticipation, confusion, horniness and passion, happiness, sadness and hope of the characters.
This is my first audiobook by this author and narrator. I think they make a great team.
Overall: 5
Performance: 5
Story: 5 stars
Reviewed: 09-22-19
I reviewed🎧📚 #IntoTheGray #AudioCodesFromTheAuthor
#I💙Audiobooks
June 25, 2019
Now Available on Audible.com with Vance Bastian
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July 13, 2019
Charmed!
This was a lovely story of two men meeting by chance at just the right time. It had great flow, a wonderfully gradually revealed plot, and both protagonists were easy to like and relate to.
Slogging through lives that have come to feel shapelessly grey, both men are ready for change. I love stories like this, starting out sombre and working their way towards light. Or colour in this case. The story is packed full of emotions and had a strong ending which delivered me to a happy place. On to the sequel!
This was a lovely story of two men meeting by chance at just the right time. It had great flow, a wonderfully gradually revealed plot, and both protagonists were easy to like and relate to.
Slogging through lives that have come to feel shapelessly grey, both men are ready for change. I love stories like this, starting out sombre and working their way towards light. Or colour in this case. The story is packed full of emotions and had a strong ending which delivered me to a happy place. On to the sequel!
January 10, 2020
This was just as good the second time around. I just bought the rest of the series on audible. I need Vance Bastien to read me all F.E. Feeley's words.
April 6, 2019
Into the Gray
By F.E. Feeley Jr
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
This tender, hopeful short novel is something of a departure for F.E. Feeley Jr. It follows the lines of a classic gay romance, exploring characters and offering a loving study of a new relationship born of misfortune and unhappiness. Feeley writes from his heart, from his understanding of the world as it is. That matters.
Aaron Roberts and David Collins are both lost, adrift in lives that no longer fully make sense. Aaron, a veteran and college student, has come back to the Midwest to escape ugliness and confusion as he faces an uncertain future. He takes a job as a janitor in a grand old office tower in Detroit. David is the founding partner of his own law firm, holed up in his office late one night, having left a marriage that, after ten years, he realized was a sham. David catches Aaron singing as he works, and they end up in a karaoke bar.
As each of these men faces the gray uncertainty of an unseen future, Feeley brings on a snowstorm as a physical and metaphorical backdrop that forces these two strangers to look at each other and think about who they are and what they want out of life. Physical intimacy is inevitable in this romantic genre, but Feeley gives his broken heroes an innocence, a hesitation, that belies the urgency they both feel. Is David simply a hook-up designed to sooth a hurting heart? Is Aaron just an adventure intended to welcome a new beginning?
“Into the Gray” is a book written to conform to expectations, but it is written from a place of personal understanding and awareness that makes it thrum with a vivid truth. The ending is hopeful but inconclusive, which is appropriate and realistic.
I hear that Feeley is planning a sequel. I’ll be there.
By F.E. Feeley Jr
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
This tender, hopeful short novel is something of a departure for F.E. Feeley Jr. It follows the lines of a classic gay romance, exploring characters and offering a loving study of a new relationship born of misfortune and unhappiness. Feeley writes from his heart, from his understanding of the world as it is. That matters.
Aaron Roberts and David Collins are both lost, adrift in lives that no longer fully make sense. Aaron, a veteran and college student, has come back to the Midwest to escape ugliness and confusion as he faces an uncertain future. He takes a job as a janitor in a grand old office tower in Detroit. David is the founding partner of his own law firm, holed up in his office late one night, having left a marriage that, after ten years, he realized was a sham. David catches Aaron singing as he works, and they end up in a karaoke bar.
As each of these men faces the gray uncertainty of an unseen future, Feeley brings on a snowstorm as a physical and metaphorical backdrop that forces these two strangers to look at each other and think about who they are and what they want out of life. Physical intimacy is inevitable in this romantic genre, but Feeley gives his broken heroes an innocence, a hesitation, that belies the urgency they both feel. Is David simply a hook-up designed to sooth a hurting heart? Is Aaron just an adventure intended to welcome a new beginning?
“Into the Gray” is a book written to conform to expectations, but it is written from a place of personal understanding and awareness that makes it thrum with a vivid truth. The ending is hopeful but inconclusive, which is appropriate and realistic.
I hear that Feeley is planning a sequel. I’ll be there.
April 2, 2019
David's in his 40s & Aaron's in his 20s & both are going through stuff when they meet. Sexy ebook about 2 guys with things that connect them. Doesn't take a lotta time to read while getting to know both guys.
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September 6, 2019
This was sweet and I liked both characters but I just don’t feel the need to read the next book.
April 25, 2019
“I can recall the day that I felt like I lost everything in the world... Now I can barely breathe... This is who I am now, picking up the pieces slowly... I didn't know I could feel like this. This is where it left me, into the black, into the gray.” ~ Thousand Below (Into the Gray)
After years of lying to himself about being gay, David of ‘Into the Gray’ by F.E. Feely, Jr., simply cannot ignore it any longer. Using the excuse of discovering that his wife is cheating on him, he has his lawyer serve her with divorce papers. As he is resolving himself to sleeping on his office sofa for a while, he encounters an intriguing young janitor.
After a disastrous breakup with his drug addicted ex-boyfriend, Aaron is floating through life, trying to find his way back to sanity. He’s a Harvard graduate who can have virtually any job he applies for, but he is hesitating because he doesn’t know what he wants to do. Because Aaron needs to eat and pay his rent, he takes a job as a janitor in a huge office building. The work is honest and doesn’t take a lot of thought. In a way, the position is comforting to Aaron’s burned-out brain. Not realizing anyone is there, he begins to sing. When David comes out of his office, Aaron apologizes. The men strike up a casual conversation then Aaron goes back to working, but not without leaving the address of the bar he will be heading for after work.
David is surprised by the note, but hesitates. For ten years he’s been faithful to his soon-to-be ex-wife, but Aaron stirs a long-neglected need in him that he can’t resist following up on. David meets Aaron at the bar, where he learns that Aaron’s nickname is ‘Harvard’, because he recently graduated from Harvard University, which begs the question: Why is a Harvard graduate working as a janitor? Aaron’s friends are outrageous, original, and completely welcoming, lifting David’s spirits, and giving him some relief from the uncertainty of his future that threatens to crush him. When the bar closes, there’s a bad snow storm looming on the horizon. Going home is not a viable option. His only choice is going back to his office and sleeping on the couch. When Aaron invites him to come home with him, it’s a decision that changes both of their lives forever.
I’m used to reading Fred’s horror stories and have enjoyed his storytelling abilities. However, this love story feels as if he dipped deep into the poetic side of his soul and pulled out a romantic part of himself that translated into a beautiful romance. Aaron and David are different, yet understand each other on a basic level that gives them hope for the future... into the gray and beyond. Thank you, Fred. Please write more romance!
After years of lying to himself about being gay, David of ‘Into the Gray’ by F.E. Feely, Jr., simply cannot ignore it any longer. Using the excuse of discovering that his wife is cheating on him, he has his lawyer serve her with divorce papers. As he is resolving himself to sleeping on his office sofa for a while, he encounters an intriguing young janitor.
After a disastrous breakup with his drug addicted ex-boyfriend, Aaron is floating through life, trying to find his way back to sanity. He’s a Harvard graduate who can have virtually any job he applies for, but he is hesitating because he doesn’t know what he wants to do. Because Aaron needs to eat and pay his rent, he takes a job as a janitor in a huge office building. The work is honest and doesn’t take a lot of thought. In a way, the position is comforting to Aaron’s burned-out brain. Not realizing anyone is there, he begins to sing. When David comes out of his office, Aaron apologizes. The men strike up a casual conversation then Aaron goes back to working, but not without leaving the address of the bar he will be heading for after work.
David is surprised by the note, but hesitates. For ten years he’s been faithful to his soon-to-be ex-wife, but Aaron stirs a long-neglected need in him that he can’t resist following up on. David meets Aaron at the bar, where he learns that Aaron’s nickname is ‘Harvard’, because he recently graduated from Harvard University, which begs the question: Why is a Harvard graduate working as a janitor? Aaron’s friends are outrageous, original, and completely welcoming, lifting David’s spirits, and giving him some relief from the uncertainty of his future that threatens to crush him. When the bar closes, there’s a bad snow storm looming on the horizon. Going home is not a viable option. His only choice is going back to his office and sleeping on the couch. When Aaron invites him to come home with him, it’s a decision that changes both of their lives forever.
I’m used to reading Fred’s horror stories and have enjoyed his storytelling abilities. However, this love story feels as if he dipped deep into the poetic side of his soul and pulled out a romantic part of himself that translated into a beautiful romance. Aaron and David are different, yet understand each other on a basic level that gives them hope for the future... into the gray and beyond. Thank you, Fred. Please write more romance!
June 22, 2019
3.5 Stars!
The writing in this novella is on point: lush and atmospheric in this snowbound Detroit set romance between recent Harvard grad working as a janitor and an older lawyer who is divorcing his wife and coming out.
This book is an ache and very character driven. I wish there was more joy between Aaron and David but the moments they together and how Aaron brings him into his circle of friends. David does begin to lighten as the book progresses.
We know a lot more about Aaron in some ways and not in others but I believe in the connection to David and the HFN.
However, I was sad that this going to be a series where we get David and Aaron again in the next book. Even thought this is a bit of blizzard intense book over a week or so, I was content and really felt if the author wanted more with this couple it should have expanded this book.
I really wanted the world to grow larger and get a new couple.
But I will be looking for other contemporary romance by this writer.
The writing in this novella is on point: lush and atmospheric in this snowbound Detroit set romance between recent Harvard grad working as a janitor and an older lawyer who is divorcing his wife and coming out.
This book is an ache and very character driven. I wish there was more joy between Aaron and David but the moments they together and how Aaron brings him into his circle of friends. David does begin to lighten as the book progresses.
We know a lot more about Aaron in some ways and not in others but I believe in the connection to David and the HFN.
However, I was sad that this going to be a series where we get David and Aaron again in the next book. Even thought this is a bit of blizzard intense book over a week or so, I was content and really felt if the author wanted more with this couple it should have expanded this book.
I really wanted the world to grow larger and get a new couple.
But I will be looking for other contemporary romance by this writer.
July 6, 2019
Age-gap, May/December, Silver Fox, whatever you want to call it, it's one of my favorite romance tropes, and Into the Gray fits the bill. We also get a coming out story with David, so the roles are a bit reversed here. For a snowed in, sexy time, the younger Aaron gets to walk David through his first encounters with a man. The story verges on instalove without quite crossing over, but these guys are just so lovable that you can't help but want them together. This one is erotic, but there's so much more to it than just the steamy goodness. In addition to an oh so sexy romance, we also get some hilarious secondary characters and a solid finding your path story for Aaron. All in all, there's a lot of story packed into this quick, steamy read.
July 13, 2019
Meh. This did nothing for me.
The tone of the writing made it seem like the author is in his sixties. He definitely has no sense of what life is like since 2005. So both MCs seemed much older than their age on the page.
The tone of the writing made it seem like the author is in his sixties. He definitely has no sense of what life is like since 2005. So both MCs seemed much older than their age on the page.
January 1, 2020
Beautiful
This romance was the manifestation of the storm that kept these men together for the weekend. Thunderous passion coupled with beauty and gentle moments of sharing and just being.
I'm moving right into book 2.....I'm so invested in this couple. I need the HEA.
This romance was the manifestation of the storm that kept these men together for the weekend. Thunderous passion coupled with beauty and gentle moments of sharing and just being.
I'm moving right into book 2.....I'm so invested in this couple. I need the HEA.
April 15, 2019
Take a walk with me to a place where second chances happen, hope springs eternal and true love exists. If you do, you will find yourself in a mystical place F.E. Feeley calls “The Gray”
In this story you follow two men, each trying to move beyond his past into a life where he can once again feel whole and full of personal purpose.
Aaron has graduated college and instead of moving into a future full of promise he is rudderless, mopping floors and emptying trashcans after hours in the kind of office building where he should be productively engaged in pursuits more in keeping with his background and education. Instead he is hoping the routine of the mindless tasks will help him once again find himself. Instead he finds David, a successful and productive lawyer fresh on the threshold of divorce from his childhood sweetheart. A chance meeting becomes a one-night stand that becomes so much more because to quote the author: Sometimes the touch of a stranger, however forbidden, is just what we need when we enter the gray.”
Freddie Feeley has always been a favorite of mine since I first read When Heaven Strikes. He packs so much life into this short story you will find yourself reading sections over and over again. This is a powerful work that gripped me by the heart in the beginning and didn’t let me go till I lay breathless at the end. He paints a clear picture of these men as he methodically, with the skill of an engineer, melds their lives together in a way that will make even the greatest skeptic believe in the power of chance to make a difference. Don’t believe me? Take the walk then. Venture into the Gray. I dare you.
In this story you follow two men, each trying to move beyond his past into a life where he can once again feel whole and full of personal purpose.
Aaron has graduated college and instead of moving into a future full of promise he is rudderless, mopping floors and emptying trashcans after hours in the kind of office building where he should be productively engaged in pursuits more in keeping with his background and education. Instead he is hoping the routine of the mindless tasks will help him once again find himself. Instead he finds David, a successful and productive lawyer fresh on the threshold of divorce from his childhood sweetheart. A chance meeting becomes a one-night stand that becomes so much more because to quote the author: Sometimes the touch of a stranger, however forbidden, is just what we need when we enter the gray.”
Freddie Feeley has always been a favorite of mine since I first read When Heaven Strikes. He packs so much life into this short story you will find yourself reading sections over and over again. This is a powerful work that gripped me by the heart in the beginning and didn’t let me go till I lay breathless at the end. He paints a clear picture of these men as he methodically, with the skill of an engineer, melds their lives together in a way that will make even the greatest skeptic believe in the power of chance to make a difference. Don’t believe me? Take the walk then. Venture into the Gray. I dare you.
September 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. I love forced proximity stories and this was perfection.
Both MC's were in very different places in their lives, but their communication was their strength. They went for the tough conversations first, talked through them and laid everything out.
It was easy to differentiate the speaker because of Vance Bastian's excellent narration. It was emotional and deep and I loved the back and forth dialogue that I could totally keep up with.
Totally recommended.
Both MC's were in very different places in their lives, but their communication was their strength. They went for the tough conversations first, talked through them and laid everything out.
It was easy to differentiate the speaker because of Vance Bastian's excellent narration. It was emotional and deep and I loved the back and forth dialogue that I could totally keep up with.
Totally recommended.
September 17, 2019
I liked this story, but I didn’t love it and I can’t quite figure out why. The writing was beautiful and the story flowed along effortlessly. However, something just didn’t click for me.
July 14, 2019
This review covers both books in this series. I am giving this book a 3.5 star rating (rounding up to 4) and the 2nd book a full 4 star rating.
Just a simple story really. A 40ish lawyer working late at night hears a beautiful male voice singing an Elton John song in the hallway. The lawyer goes out to see who it is and finds a young janitor cleaning the halls not knowing anyone is still at work. During the course of their conversation the lawyer finds out the janitor is a Harvard graduate trying to put a daunting past behind him (service in Iraq and drug addicted ex-boyfriend). The lawyer himself is in turmoil with a collapsing M/F marriage and the realization that he might be gay and all that might entail in his life and career.
Finding happiness, experiencing extreme sadness, PTSD, and the treasure of having really good friends all play a part in the story. A really good read.
Just a simple story really. A 40ish lawyer working late at night hears a beautiful male voice singing an Elton John song in the hallway. The lawyer goes out to see who it is and finds a young janitor cleaning the halls not knowing anyone is still at work. During the course of their conversation the lawyer finds out the janitor is a Harvard graduate trying to put a daunting past behind him (service in Iraq and drug addicted ex-boyfriend). The lawyer himself is in turmoil with a collapsing M/F marriage and the realization that he might be gay and all that might entail in his life and career.
Finding happiness, experiencing extreme sadness, PTSD, and the treasure of having really good friends all play a part in the story. A really good read.
July 2, 2019
Audio book review:
Story – 5
Performance – 5
Hot, haunting and wonderful.
This is the first book I've read by F.E. Feeley, Jr. and I really liked it a lot. Vance Bastian's voice was well suited to the book and I enjoyed this one a little better than another I'd listened to.
The story is really hot and is a great age-gap story coupled with a coming out story for the older MC. There's also a forced proximity trope going on as David and Aaron end up stuck together during a blizzard. There's a lot of emotional stuff going on for both MCs and Vance Bastian was able to convey that with his narration. The story has a satisfying HFN (happy for now).
I didn't find out that there's a sequel to this until after I'd already listened to Into the Gray and formed my opinion of it. I am really happy to learn that I can read more about David and Aaron.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Story – 5
Performance – 5
Hot, haunting and wonderful.
This is the first book I've read by F.E. Feeley, Jr. and I really liked it a lot. Vance Bastian's voice was well suited to the book and I enjoyed this one a little better than another I'd listened to.
The story is really hot and is a great age-gap story coupled with a coming out story for the older MC. There's also a forced proximity trope going on as David and Aaron end up stuck together during a blizzard. There's a lot of emotional stuff going on for both MCs and Vance Bastian was able to convey that with his narration. The story has a satisfying HFN (happy for now).
I didn't find out that there's a sequel to this until after I'd already listened to Into the Gray and formed my opinion of it. I am really happy to learn that I can read more about David and Aaron.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
July 3, 2019
A great start to what looks to be a promising new series. David and Aaron are each a little broken in their own way and unsure about their future. David is divorcing his wife of many years and just starting to com to terms with his sexuality, and Aaron is coming out of a relationship, recently graduated and not sure what he's going to do with his future. When they meet they have an instant attraction but with so much baggage can they really make it work. The narrator did a great performance on this one and truly enhanced the story, I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.
April 3, 2019
5*****Stars
Novella: Into the Gray
Author: FE Feeley Jr
Publisher:Amazon Digital
Release Date: March 27, 2019
Pages: 136
Genre: Romance
Rated: Adult M/M
I began following this author when I read his first book Haunting of Timber Manor almost six yrs ago. The Wraiths Series continued with Objects in the Rear View Mirror The promise he showed in that first writing, told me to keep up with him……and I was not wrong!!! This talented young man writes horror like King, writes poetry that slays you and now has written an awesome Novella in Contemporary Romance that leaves you saying….’He writes any genre and does it well!
I quite get the meeting of Aaron and David and it did not seem pushed into sex and then love in what was their story. Fate seemed to shine on them to meet at that time and place…….I love stories like that….It did happen to me….It could happen to anyone.
Aaron was working in a building as a janitor…..cleaning offices……hiding. David the attorney in the office he was cleaning had just served his wife divorce papers to free himself from the closet he was living in….in a 10 yr marriage….
In Detroit, lots of snow storms closing the city….all aligned to give these two men a chance….
Fred I am proud of you…….I loved this….and will follow you to the moon and back….Keep up the good work
Novella: Into the Gray
Author: FE Feeley Jr
Publisher:Amazon Digital
Release Date: March 27, 2019
Pages: 136
Genre: Romance
Rated: Adult M/M
I began following this author when I read his first book Haunting of Timber Manor almost six yrs ago. The Wraiths Series continued with Objects in the Rear View Mirror The promise he showed in that first writing, told me to keep up with him……and I was not wrong!!! This talented young man writes horror like King, writes poetry that slays you and now has written an awesome Novella in Contemporary Romance that leaves you saying….’He writes any genre and does it well!
I quite get the meeting of Aaron and David and it did not seem pushed into sex and then love in what was their story. Fate seemed to shine on them to meet at that time and place…….I love stories like that….It did happen to me….It could happen to anyone.
Aaron was working in a building as a janitor…..cleaning offices……hiding. David the attorney in the office he was cleaning had just served his wife divorce papers to free himself from the closet he was living in….in a 10 yr marriage….
In Detroit, lots of snow storms closing the city….all aligned to give these two men a chance….
Fred I am proud of you…….I loved this….and will follow you to the moon and back….Keep up the good work
April 2, 2019
*I received an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*
This book was funny, deep and extremely sexy. We have Aaron, a janitor who is completely letting his ivy league grad qualifications gather dust... and then we have David, a man grappling with a huge life decision: ending his marriage and dealing with the fact that he is gay. When the two meet, there is an instant attraction, but it goes so much deeper and so quick. It is done in a very organic way, too. There is just an intense pull towards each other, that goes way past them meeting and hanging out. The two are able to help each other begin the process of working through some major issues weighing down both in the own individual lives. For such an erotic book, it was full of emotion and meaning. The secondary characters were great, and very funny. There was a lot of humor in this book between the characters and it was a nice contrast to the heavier subject matter in other parts.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
This book was funny, deep and extremely sexy. We have Aaron, a janitor who is completely letting his ivy league grad qualifications gather dust... and then we have David, a man grappling with a huge life decision: ending his marriage and dealing with the fact that he is gay. When the two meet, there is an instant attraction, but it goes so much deeper and so quick. It is done in a very organic way, too. There is just an intense pull towards each other, that goes way past them meeting and hanging out. The two are able to help each other begin the process of working through some major issues weighing down both in the own individual lives. For such an erotic book, it was full of emotion and meaning. The secondary characters were great, and very funny. There was a lot of humor in this book between the characters and it was a nice contrast to the heavier subject matter in other parts.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
April 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this story.
It had none of the usual saccharin sweet hearts and flowers romance which sometimes that’s all some books are about with a little storyline thrown in.
Just two people who meet and decide to do something about it.
Don’t get me wrong it is a romance wrote in a beautiful way.
It had none of the usual saccharin sweet hearts and flowers romance which sometimes that’s all some books are about with a little storyline thrown in.
Just two people who meet and decide to do something about it.
Don’t get me wrong it is a romance wrote in a beautiful way.
April 1, 2019
Into the Gray by F.E. Feeley Jr. This is David and Aaron’s story.
Entertaining, emotional, and hot read. But this story is so much more. David and Aaron each have some really tough issues that they are trying to work through. Their characters are wonderful and loved that I could feel their emotions.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. Kindle Unlimited Subscription
Entertaining, emotional, and hot read. But this story is so much more. David and Aaron each have some really tough issues that they are trying to work through. Their characters are wonderful and loved that I could feel their emotions.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. Kindle Unlimited Subscription
September 24, 2019
Audio Review
Unfortunately I did not like this, the narration didn’t work for me. I thought there was barely at inflection in the narrators voice. The story itself was likable enough but I think I will need to read it in order to fully enjoy it.
Unfortunately I did not like this, the narration didn’t work for me. I thought there was barely at inflection in the narrators voice. The story itself was likable enough but I think I will need to read it in order to fully enjoy it.
July 25, 2019
I liked the characters more than I thought I would when I first started the book. They both have big things happening in their lives and it really wasn't the optimal time to start a relationship, or the hook up that they thought their initial encounter was going to be. What they couldn't stop was the instant and explosive chemistry that they had for each other. Initially the attraction between them started out as selfish lust. A means to an end with a pretty face but that quickly became more. They didn't fight becoming more to each other very hard but it seemed a very natural progression and I didn't have any trouble at all believing their story.
Aaron struggles with some very heavy emotional issues and I found myself cheering him on as he navigated his way to figuring out what he wanted out of life and how much of himself he was able to give of himself to David. He is such a charismatic character, bright and handsome. He seems to have no trouble pulling people into his world.
Even though Aaron had some really big things to deal with, I found myself feeling more for David and his issues. Sometimes it takes the perfect storm to bring about the changes that need to happen and that's kind of where David finds himself... he is standing in the aftermath of how his life was and can move forward towards the way his life should be. I find myself wondering if he wouldn't have stayed in his stagnant life, unhappy and unfulfilled if not for that storm and the opportunity it provided. Change is scary and hard and I'm glad that David had the chance to be the person he was meant to be all along.
The only real issue that I had with the story was that during their sexy times they talked like a cheesy porn rather than two men in a new relationship one of which was having his first same sex experience.
Sometimes when I read a book I get the feeling that the author has poured part of their heart and soul into the story. That is this book! It has lots of emotion and it felt like it came from a very personal place. There's fun times and little inside jokes, there's tenderness and even some regret and sorrow. It's one of those books that I know will stay with me for a long time just because the story was so touching. I promptly one clicked book 2 the second I finished this one and I can't wait to continue the journey with these two very engaging characters.
Aaron struggles with some very heavy emotional issues and I found myself cheering him on as he navigated his way to figuring out what he wanted out of life and how much of himself he was able to give of himself to David. He is such a charismatic character, bright and handsome. He seems to have no trouble pulling people into his world.
Even though Aaron had some really big things to deal with, I found myself feeling more for David and his issues. Sometimes it takes the perfect storm to bring about the changes that need to happen and that's kind of where David finds himself... he is standing in the aftermath of how his life was and can move forward towards the way his life should be. I find myself wondering if he wouldn't have stayed in his stagnant life, unhappy and unfulfilled if not for that storm and the opportunity it provided. Change is scary and hard and I'm glad that David had the chance to be the person he was meant to be all along.
The only real issue that I had with the story was that during their sexy times they talked like a cheesy porn rather than two men in a new relationship one of which was having his first same sex experience.
Sometimes when I read a book I get the feeling that the author has poured part of their heart and soul into the story. That is this book! It has lots of emotion and it felt like it came from a very personal place. There's fun times and little inside jokes, there's tenderness and even some regret and sorrow. It's one of those books that I know will stay with me for a long time just because the story was so touching. I promptly one clicked book 2 the second I finished this one and I can't wait to continue the journey with these two very engaging characters.
July 26, 2019
Not black and white (an audio review)
This is a new author to me and I’m glad I took the plunge to snag this audio. I could relate to Aaron who is well-educated but lost. He knows he’s not up for some challenges and instead of taking any big risks at this point in his life, he opts for something safe. I have respect for someone who can recognize his need to re-evaluate his life and make changes. He’s crammed a lot of living into the first twenty-six years, for sure. Being ex-military is tough. Having a clingy ex is a challenge. Taking on student debt? Well, many of us know what that feels like.
David is also an interesting character. He’s in the process of ending a twenty-year marriage and there’s a lot of pain there. Also there is uncertainty as to where his life is heading now. He’s successful, but is that enough to carry him? He isn’t sure. Then he meets a dynamic young man who shows him there’s another way to live.
The people in Aaron’s life are amazing. Through his personality, people feel protective of him and are therefore leery of whether this new guy is good enough. David doesn’t shirk the responsibility of proving he’s worthy. He embraces it, showing he cares about Aaron. He wasn’t sure he was gay, but after a weekend with Aaron, he’s ready to embrace that part of himself.
Into the Gray takes place over just a couple of days so there is an element of insta-love, but it works. These two men are each at a crossroad in their lives and when the right person arrives, they’re willing to seize the opportunity to fall in love. It doesn’t solve all their problems, but it does go a long way to bringing them a sense of peace and happiness. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Vance Bastian is a narrator I’ve listened to before and I’ve always enjoyed his performances. He doesn’t have a very deep voice but that works with these two characters. He also handles all the women as well as the older men with aplomb. This was a great listen.
This is a new author to me and I’m glad I took the plunge to snag this audio. I could relate to Aaron who is well-educated but lost. He knows he’s not up for some challenges and instead of taking any big risks at this point in his life, he opts for something safe. I have respect for someone who can recognize his need to re-evaluate his life and make changes. He’s crammed a lot of living into the first twenty-six years, for sure. Being ex-military is tough. Having a clingy ex is a challenge. Taking on student debt? Well, many of us know what that feels like.
David is also an interesting character. He’s in the process of ending a twenty-year marriage and there’s a lot of pain there. Also there is uncertainty as to where his life is heading now. He’s successful, but is that enough to carry him? He isn’t sure. Then he meets a dynamic young man who shows him there’s another way to live.
The people in Aaron’s life are amazing. Through his personality, people feel protective of him and are therefore leery of whether this new guy is good enough. David doesn’t shirk the responsibility of proving he’s worthy. He embraces it, showing he cares about Aaron. He wasn’t sure he was gay, but after a weekend with Aaron, he’s ready to embrace that part of himself.
Into the Gray takes place over just a couple of days so there is an element of insta-love, but it works. These two men are each at a crossroad in their lives and when the right person arrives, they’re willing to seize the opportunity to fall in love. It doesn’t solve all their problems, but it does go a long way to bringing them a sense of peace and happiness. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Vance Bastian is a narrator I’ve listened to before and I’ve always enjoyed his performances. He doesn’t have a very deep voice but that works with these two characters. He also handles all the women as well as the older men with aplomb. This was a great listen.
April 29, 2019
3.5 stars- An erotic romance with substance
Into the Gray is quite different from this author’s other works in that it’s more sensual and romance focused. One of my favorite things about this author’s style is his descriptions that bring the scene and emotion to life. That was certainly present in Into the Gray, and though it didn’t wow me quite as much as his other books, I got a clear sense of the characters and felt connected to them. That said, this is not an erotic novella lacking a story or distinct characters, so I think it will have appeal to many readers.
I quite liked the idea of this romance featuring two lost men looking to start over and truly embrace themselves after major life changes. I also thought it was interesting to have a May-December romance that featured the older man coming out. The premise was decidedly different and the characters surprisingly well-flushed out considering the shorter length. Although David and Aaron’s relationship did move along quickly, the pacing and writing was executed well, making Into the Gray a good weekend read. If you like your erotic romance with a good plot and interesting characters, I’d definitely recommend giving this novella a try.
Into the Gray is quite different from this author’s other works in that it’s more sensual and romance focused. One of my favorite things about this author’s style is his descriptions that bring the scene and emotion to life. That was certainly present in Into the Gray, and though it didn’t wow me quite as much as his other books, I got a clear sense of the characters and felt connected to them. That said, this is not an erotic novella lacking a story or distinct characters, so I think it will have appeal to many readers.
I quite liked the idea of this romance featuring two lost men looking to start over and truly embrace themselves after major life changes. I also thought it was interesting to have a May-December romance that featured the older man coming out. The premise was decidedly different and the characters surprisingly well-flushed out considering the shorter length. Although David and Aaron’s relationship did move along quickly, the pacing and writing was executed well, making Into the Gray a good weekend read. If you like your erotic romance with a good plot and interesting characters, I’d definitely recommend giving this novella a try.
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