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In the Gray
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
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In the Gray
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Summary
Foster
I moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit. I want to know more about him, and Oscar seeking him out on our daily walks provides me with that opportunity.
Lachlan
One split-second decision leads to losing everything and living on the streets. Still, I’d choose my current conditions over being harmed by someone I loved. The only bright spot in my struggle to survive is the handsome stranger and his dog. Despite how compassionate Foster seems, I don’t want any handouts. I need to stay safe and stand on my own two feet after what I’ve been through. But when I find myself in a bind, I allow Foster to rescue me, if only for a night.
Our circumstances couldn’t be more different, and yet I’m drawn to Foster in ways I hadn’t expected. When our attraction skyrockets, Foster assures me that finding comfort in each other doesn’t hurt anyone. But when it becomes something deeper—meaningful conversations and mind-blowing intimacy—it occurs to me that I might’ve met the right man at the wrong time. Story of my life.
*CW: Discussions and depictions of domestic violence, mental health struggles, and experiencing homelessness.
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What listeners say about In the Gray
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lesetiger
- 27-03-24
Emotional and Heartfelt
This was my first story by Christina Lee and I loved the way she writes and brings the characters authentically to life. The author's writing style is wonderful and easy to read and once I started listening to the audiobook I could hardly put it down.
It's about Foster and Lachlan, who meet by chance because Foster's dog Oscar finds a friend in Lachlan. Foster has recently moved to the city, has a job, but has been struggling with depression for years. After Lachlan's last relationship broke up and he lost his job, he eventually found himself on the streets. He lives in his yellow tent and is a very proud man who won't accept charity.
I really liked the fact that the two protagonists are already in the middle of their lives, because I also like to read about "older" protagonists. The author has portrayed life on the street openly and unsparingly, as well as Foster's struggle with depression, which I found very good. In general, Foster and Lachlan are deeply characterized and it was a pleasure to see how they both support and do good for each other and slowly build a relationship.
A highlight for me was Oscar, a dog you have to cuddle and love. And Oscar also realized very quickly that Lachlan is a very likeable man who didn't have it easy last year.
I found the story very captivating and it was great to see how the relationship between the two men developed. The author also created suspense and then it almost seemed that Lachlan's past was threatening to catch up with him. The author has written an interesting and unusual, but very good story with lots of emotion, some drama and romance, which was very entertaining to listen to.
Nick J. Russo has done an outstanding job. He brought the story to life and as a listener you could really feel the emotions of the two protagonists. It was a pleasure to listen to him portray Lachlan and Foster.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Caz
- 14-02-24
Another excellent performance from Nick J. Russo
In the Gray is a heartfelt and emotional story about finding love in unexpected places and slowly regaining control of one’s own life. The book deals with some difficult issues – homelessness, domestic abuse, depression and mental illness – but with a fairly light touch; nothing is swept under the carpet, though, and the author’s descriptions of what it’s like to live on the streets – from the violence faced by the unhoused to the difficulties of maintaining good hygene or getting a job – are excellent. But it’s also a book of two parts, one of which – the first – is much more interesting than the other, and there’s a secondary plotline – houseless people being attacked – that is just dropped and not resolved.
I liked the characters (who are a bit older than many romance protagonists at thirty-nine and forty-one) – they’re both kind, decent people who have been dealt a tough hand in life. Lachlan became houseless when he left his abusive partner; Foster lives with depression and although he manages it well most of the time, sometimes, it overwhelms him and he has days he can’t even get out of bed. I appreciated that while Foster would love to just swoop in to ‘rescue’ Lachlan, he doesn’t do that and stops to think or to ask before he acts, and gives Lachlan the tools to rescue himself. And when Foster’s depression begins to darken his days again, Lachlan gives him the support and the understanding he needs to get through it. They’re wonderfully accepting and supportive of each other and the hurt/comfort aspect of the story is very well done.
Nick J. Russo is a narrator I always enjoy listening to. I know I can rely on him to deliver an engaging and well thought-out performance with strong vocal characterisations and clear character differentiation throughout. I liked his portrayals of Foster and Lachlan and he absolutely nails their growing emotional connection, clearly conveying their strengths and vulnerabilities as they learn to trust and open up to one another.
Mr. Russo’s terrific performance certainly enhanced my enjoyment of In the Gray, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys low-angst hurt/comfort romances.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- HelenMK69
- 14-03-24
MM Heartfelt romance
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
A homeless man befriends Oscar, the dog, and his owner, Forster.
This is a great story about mental health and trusting people. It is beautifully written and delicately handles the darkness of mental health.
Nick J Russo did an outstanding job of narrating this book. As usual, I sped up the audio on audible to 1.20.
I recommend this book.
In the Gray
By: Christina Lee
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.20 speed on Audible
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Trio
- 20-03-24
A Heartfelt and Emotional Story
I enjoyed Christina Lee's In the Gray. A heartfelt story about second chances, one of the characters has had quite a run of bad luck and is now homeless (or houseless). Lee deeply explores this man's backstory, and shows how just one person reaching out and offering assistance can change everything.
Both men are coping with challenges, and I was impressed over the course of the story by how Lee was able to draw me in. Really lovely!
The audio version of In the Gray is performed by Nick J. Russo who does a lovely job. His voice is expressive, and he infuses a nice warmth and sincerity into these emotional characters.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ButtonsMom2003
- 18-03-24
Animals can really make a difference.
It's been a while since I've read or listened to anything by Christina Lee so I was excited for the opportunity to listen to this one. Nick J. Russo is one of my favorite audiobook performers and he certainly didn't disappoint with this one.
Lachlan is without a home after leaving an abusive relationship. Foster struggles with depression. I loved how respectfully the author treated both subjects. Lachlan wants to be independent and resists the help that Foster offers – at first.
These two eventually help each other and they form a loving and committed relationship. I loved Oscar, the dog! Animals can really make a difference in a person's life.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Angelsbookvibes
- 02-09-24
so good
this book broke my heart & mended it. I loved it. the way it shows mental health issues was the most authentic way & I saw myself in Foster. Nick was wonderful as both too.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- KR Phoenix @ Books, Tattoos and Tea
- 15-03-24
So heartwarming!
I really enjoyed this story.
The writing is raw, honest and real and I fell, along with Foster and Lachlan as they faced all the challenges in their lives.
Ms Lee doesn't shy away from the harsh realities Lachlan faces while suffering from homelessness. She also raw and real with her approach to writing about a character with depression like Foster. Foster's depression is unique to him and I enjoyed her approach to his condition and management.
These two men were facing hard times in their lives but found each other, maybe not at "the perfect time" but at a time within their grey and brought a little more colour into each other's lives!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Bette
- 12-03-24
Emotional & Heartfelt! Great Story & Narration🎧
Christina Lee delivers a powerful story, one that is moving and tugs at your heartstrings like no other. It is realistic and relatable and deals with serious topics that are we see and hear about all the time, struggling with mental health and those who are houseless. Foster has dealt with depression his whole life and it has been a struggle for him, but he is doing ok, moved to a new city to start a librarian job at the University and has his four legged best friend, Oscar. Walking Oscar and going for his morning coffee, Oscar pulls him over to a tent, and to meet its occupant, Lachlan. Oscar makes a new friend, Lachlan, who is houseless is not trusting of strangers but he and Oscar hit it off. Foster wants to help Lachlan, but does not want handouts or his pity. The two hit it off and while it was a journey for them to get to know each other and trust one another enough, it was an incident that brought them even closer together. It was great to watch their relationship blossom and turn into something more, and I loved watching Lachlan come into his own again and thought they were wonderful together and for each other. I loved the originality of his story, all its layers and the complexity of the characters. There is never a dull moment and the writing, plot and world building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Christina Lee, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Nick J. Russo was the perfect narrator to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who he was portraying, humanizing them and giving each a voice that was fitting to that character’s personality. I loved how he took each role and made it his own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. Russo is an entertaining storyteller and his performance elevates the story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AL
- 15-03-24
A touching story full of strong emotions
Story: A touching story of two characters in desperate need of healing. I admire the author for taking on difficult subjects and handling them with care and maturity. The MCs were very likable and I enjoyed the story a lot.
Narration: Very well narrated, but since it's Nick J. Russo, it's not a surprise in the least.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- audiobook-chaos
- 21-03-24
Great Story
I’ve only read a few of Christina’s books this is my first audiobook and it was everything . I loved that the characters were older around 40ish and the plot was excellent I’m looking forward to listening to more of her books .
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