Review: Incandescent by Christina Lee

Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

Ah, this book did my heart good! Incandescent is the new standalone from Christina Lee, and it's the story of two widowers in their early forties who are trying to learn to live again after the loss of the women they loved. Delaney Roberts is forty-four and a single father to his sixteen-year-old son, Grant, after losing his wife, Rebecca, two years ago. Marcus Worthy-Davis is forty-one and lost his wife, Carmen, over two-and-a-half years ago. Lane and Marc met in a grief group and forged a close friendship soon after. They've been a great source of support for each other, both during milestone occasions and more simple moments. When Marc announces during one group meeting that he thinks he's set up a date with someone, Lane is surprised, but what shocks Lane more is when Marc says it's a date with a guy. The knowledge that the man he considers his best friend is actually bisexual reawakens thoughts and feelings that Lane believed were long buried decades ago. If Lane and Marc allow themselves to see each other in a new light, can passion and friendship co-exist?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the subject matter of widowhood isn't necessarily an easy one, Christina Lee strikes a fine balance between the grief and bereavement and how deep that feeling of loss can be alongside more lighthearted moments between the main characters as well as their interactions with family members and those within their grief group. Lane has the added responsibility of being a solo parent to Grant, and the feelings of insecurity he has with regards to his parenting skills as compared to those of his late wife had my heart squeezing in my chest. As for Marc, I swear, the guy is someone everyone should have in their corner, whether it be as a friend, partner, son, or brother. He is the sweetest! He was patient and understanding and loved beyond measure. I appreciated that these two took their time navigating the newer nuances of their relationship and that they tried their to remain open and communicative. Special mention to Grant, who was wise beyond his years, and to Ruby, who made me tear up. Incandescent receives five stars.

Release Date: 04 April 2022

Date Read: 02 March 2022

Learn more about Christina Lee.

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