COLOR BLIND by Andrew Grey

Fiction, M/M, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, 127 pages

4****

Blurb: Setting out on your own is tough, but for Mason Fullerton, who was born blind, it’s even more of a challenge. Mase decides that the key to independence and a life of his own is getting a job. His mother, who has always been there for support, isn’t so sure, but Mase is determined. He manages to secure an interview, and one of the men conducting it has a voice that wraps around him like a blanket. Tyrone Phillips feels he’s a disappointment to his accomplished academic parents. They don’t understand that Ty would rather spend time with his computers and programs than people. Until he meets Mason at an interview and finds a kindred spirit. Too bad his parents aren’t going to see past the fact that Mason’s white. When Mason is hired, Ty is assigned to help him get oriented. The two of them dance around each other, but mutual attraction tugs at both of them. A work friendship builds to more, with Ty and Mase trying to find their way… and if they have courage and allow their hearts to guide them, they could be going the same direction.

Thoughts: I will admit that I didn’t care for this book as much as I did some of Andrew’s other ones, but, that being said, there are two strong topics touched upon in this book that need to be addressed in more books – and he does them very well.

The first is prejudices – racial, educational, social, and disabilities. The second is parental love and how it can become overpowering. In this book, Mason is a white man who was born blind. He struggles with independence constantly. His love interest, Ty, has no problems with Mase’s lack of sight. His parents though… Ty is black and his parents are highly educated university professors who don’t want him dating a white man who is also blind. Plus they want him to continue his education. Mase’s mother is overly protective and doesn’t want Mase out on his own.

The two men have to figure out their own issues with their parents, where to live, and working together. Mr. Grey handles these problems with a deft hand, but the book seemed rushed. It ended on a “happy-for-now” ending that was okay, but I believe a little more development would have benefited the book.

Recommendation: If you are an Andrew Grey fan, pick this one up. It’s a short, quick read with two good main characters who face multiple problems with each other. There’s a HFN ending that let’s you know there more in the future for these two.

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”