Narrated by Greg Tremblay
It’s no secret around here that my reading/listening preferences generally tend towards the plotty and angsty, with complex, edgy characters. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed stories that veer towards the low-drama end of the scale, and Andrew Grey’s Heart Unseen turned out to be one of those quieter, more character-driven tales that unexpectedly charmed me. Published in 2017, it’s part of a series featuring characters with disabilities; in this story, one of the leads is blind, and although I can’t say if the representation of what it’s like to live without being able to see is accurate, the author does seem to have taken care to address the issue respectfully.
Trevor Michaelson has a great life. He’s a successful businessman, he has a good relationship with his dad, good friends he likes spending time with and enjoys playing the field, his handsome face and toned body meaning he has the pick of guys at the clubs he and his friends frequent. When the book opens, Trevor and his two besties, Brent and Dean, are out at one of their favourite haunts to celebrate the end of Dean’s relationship with his manipulative ex, and be there as moral support as he gets back out there. While sitting with Brent, Trevor’s attention is caught by a stunningly beautiful man a few tables over – and he can’t take his eyes off him.
Trevor walks over and introduces himself, exuding charm and flashing the killer smile he knows always gets him what he wants – and is a bit surprised when the man – James – although perfectly polite, doesn’t respond to his overtures and turns down his offer of a drink. Genuinely bemused, Trevor returns to Dean and Brant at their table; after some friendly ribbing, they tell him to just find someone else to take home… but Trevor can’t help his gaze from returning to James. He has no idea why he’s so preoccupied with this one guy – it just doesn’t happen to him – but he does find out why his usual approach didn’t work. James is blind. Things click into place, the way James had held onto his glass as if he’d lose it if he wasn’t touching it, how he’d looked in Trevor’s direction while he was speaking, but had never actually looked AT him… Trevor feels suddenly insecure; his looks are his big guns and guys aren’t usually interested in him for his conversation, yet here he is, interested in someone on whom all his tried and tested methods of seduction won’t work. Still, he decides to go over to talk to him again, and this time, it goes much better. After learning that James came with a friend – who has pretty much abandoned him for the dance floor – Trevor invites him to sit with him and his friends, and then drives James home at the end of the evening. He takes up James’ offer of coffee and they spend a pleasant hour talking before Trevor leaves. He doesn’t expect he’ll see James again – and is surprised to find that the thought is oddly … discomfiting.
James began to lose his sight when he was ten years old, and was completely blind by the age of twelve. He has – of necessity – lived a fairly sheltered life, but a few years earlier, decided he wanted to become more independent and now lives comfortably by himself, with a little bit of help from a kindly neighbour. But he’s realised that independence isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; he’s glad he moved out of his parental home, and he enjoys his work at a school for the blind, helping people who have recently lost their sight (or are going to) to learn new skills and strategies to navigate the world – but he’s lonely. It’s been a long time since he had a boyfriend – he’s only had one serious relationship, which ended badly and really damaged James’ self-esteem – and while he misses having someone to spend time with and talk with, he’s also wary of being hurt again.
Trevor and James meet again a few days later when they’re at the same restaurant having lunch. James’ rather snooty, overprotective mother doesn’t like the look of Trevor at all, but James is far too happy at encountering him again to be concerned. Trevor offers to take James home again – but this time, he doesn’t have his car. He’s on his Harley. James gleefully accepts the loan of Trevor’s leather jacket and helmet and the ride home is the most fun he’s had in a very long time.
If, like me, you’re a sucker for the player-falls-hard trope, then Heart Unseen is likely to be right up your alley. Trevor is completely smitten with James from the beginning, but is in total denial about it, telling himself instead that he simply likes his company and finding ways to make him smile by offering him the chance to experience new things – like riding pillion on the bike, going go-carting and even playing mini-golf! James is strongly attracted to Trevor, but doesn’t think a guy who can have anyone he wants could really be interested in him – and when an unusually hesitant Trevor tells James he’d like them to be more than friends, James almost can’t believe his ears.
Trevor has no idea what he’s doing. He’s avoided emotional entanglements ever since his first relationship ended in tragedy, and although he’s not vain, he knows he’s good-looking and never has trouble getting laid when he wants to. But meeting James is a turning point; for the first time in years, Trevor wants something more than a one-night-stand, but it’s scary. Most guys only want him for his looks, and he’s been fine with that – but James can’t see him, and Trevor worries he doesn’t have much else to offer. But James ‘sees’ beyond the surface, falling for Trevor’s kindness and generosity, and the big heart he doesn’t give himself enough credit for.
There’s a secondary plotline that provides a bit of drama near the end, and the family dynamics are nicely done. James’ mother comes across as interfering and overbearing – which she is to an extent – but it’s also clear that she loves James and wants the best for him, and I really liked his relationship with his sister and his six-year-old nephew.
It will surprise no-one when I say that Greg Tremblay’s name as the narrator of this book was what first put it on my radar, or when I say that his skilfully characterised and expressive performance elevates this story to another level. His vocal acting is top-notch, as always, his pacing is spot on, and he portrays and differentiates effectively between all the characters in the story, utilising a wide range of pitch and timbre to render the various cast members. Special mention goes to his performance of James’ nephew (who sounds ridiculously cute!) and I loved his interpretation of the two leads; there’s an endearing innocence to James, and the deep, warm tones he uses for Trevor work well to convey the character’s confidence and charm. As is always the case, Mr. Tremblay does a terrific job when it comes to hitting the emotional notes in the story, especially in the scene where Trevor finally opens up to James about the tragedy in his past – it’s this insight into the emotional lives of the characters that always make his performances stand out for me.
Heart Unseen does have its weaknesses – the drama near the end seems a bit over the top, James and Trevor are perhaps a little bit too good to be true, and there’s a bit too much cheese in some of the dialogue – but the story worked for me and the narration is superb. I can see this one becoming a regular comfort-listen.
Caz
Buy Heart Unseen by Andrew Grey on Amazon
Perfect timing! I finished this just before bed last night. I agree with everything, including the last paragraph. It got a little dramatic and sappy at times. But the overall story was like a good hug. And the narration was excellent! I did love Greg’s interpretation of James’ nephew, which is saying something since kids are hard to get right. I also gave it a B. I liked it enough to consider trying another book in the series.
Yay! Audio twinnies :) I listened to the second book a few weeks ago, and honestly didn’t enjoy it as much. Greg is fab, of course, but the story didn’t work for me quite as well as this one did.
Good to know. I’ll keep an eye out for a good sale if I decide to read another one.