‘A Lighter Shade of Blue (The Color of Love Book 2)’ by F.E. Feeley Jr #LGBT #Audiobook #Review #Contemporary

Erryn reviews ‘A Lighter Shade of Blue (The Color of Love Book 2)’ by F.E. Feeley Jr. The book was self published on June 2, 2019 and is 138 pages.  The audiobook was published Self published  August 31, 2019 and is 3 hours and 33 minutes. The book is narrated by Vance Bastian. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The winter storm has passed, and David and Aaron emerge from their weekend of passionate humanity to take stock and face the rest of their lives with hope. Their bond continues to grow, but they both carry heavy burdens from pasts that return to haunt them. 

Each faces the specter of former lovers who bring devastation in their wake. Will Aaron and David’s fledgling love withstand the barrage, or will the force of separate maelstroms tear them apart?

Where to buy: Audible| Amazon | Add to Goodreads

 See Erryn’s review of Audiobook 1 here

See Wendy’s review of Book 2 here

My Review: 

The first book in the Color of Love series, Into the Gray, was a story of instalove.  David and Aaron met and within the span of a snowstorm had their happy for now.  I’m not always a fan of the meet and fall in love within a day – although I know people who’ve done it.  Sometimes the stories feel rushed, especially when the novels are shorter.  I didn’t feel that way about this couple.  Yes, it was fast, but they were just so right together.  The characters were well-constructed, so it worked.

This book is what happens after.  David and Aaron are settling into a routine.  Aaron has a new job helping vets and is getting back on his feet.  David is sorting out his ex-wife and their complicated relationship.  The men are happy and are preparing for their first Christmas together.  Just when things look good, Aaron’s PTSD rears its ugly head.  One of their women friends says to David, “Aaron was always a big-hearted kid.  That place changed him somewhat.  Oh, the fire is still there, but the color has changed.  Instead of bright blue, there’s this lighter shade now.” His time in the Middle East is the basis of most of his trauma, but an incident with his ex has also left him with lingering suffering.

After one particularly bad incident, Aaron realizes he’s going to have to address some of the issues head-on, including dealing with his ex-boyfriend once and for all.  And wow, wasn’t that scene a gut-punch.  But Aaron has David there to help him pick up the pieces.  They are proof that instant attraction can lead to something deeper.  Something more substantial.  Something permanent.

I wasn’t expecting to cry in this book and I did.  A good cathartic cry.  Things hit a little too close to home, but that was okay.  As always, I really enjoyed the story.  There is a third book in the series and I’m hoping it comes to audio soon as well.

Vance Bastian narrates these stories and I just adore him.  He differentiates voices well and his female characters are always well done.  He is a nice touch to this great story.

My Rating:

10/10 pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars

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F.E.Feeley Jr is a poet and the author of six published works – four full length novels, two short stories featured in anthologies, and a good deal of poetry.

Married to the love of his life, John, he came to the writing world about four years ago where he fell in love, again, with the written word.