NEW REVIEW: TOUCH THE SKY by CHRISTINA LEE AND NYRAE DAWN

Lucas Barnett and Gabriel Stewart didn’t have it easy as kids. They were only trying to deal with bad situations at home when they became lifelines for each other. Their pipe dream was to someday meet in LA, where Lucas would design skyscrapers, and Gabriel would learn to fly. But then Gabriel disappeared without so much as a goodbye, and Lucas got himself in trouble with the law. Five years later, both men are at a loss when they run into each other at a Hollywood bar. Lucas is still angry, but it’s not as if Gabriel could control how his mind and body had betrayed him. Being found on the ledge of that bridge had changed everything. The attraction is immediate, but it’s more than their inability to keep their hands off each other. Neither man expects the fierce connection pulling them together. Unfortunately, ignoring their problems doesn’t make them disappear. Gabriel’s internal struggles are serious…dangerous. And no matter how much Lucas wants it to be true, saving Gabriel won’t make up for not being able to save his mom. If they don’t find the strength to face their own demons before the darkness takes hold, they risk more than just losing each other forever.

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MELISSA'S REVIEW: 4.5 STARS

A seemingly effortless and fluid collaboration between two established romance writers, Christina Lee and Nyrae Dawn come together to bring readers an unforgettable story that is touching, heartfelt and hopeful.

I fell in love with both Gabriel and Lucas. I thought each male lead was well written and had a distinctive voice. Their story of second chances was delivered in a way that felt authentic and relatable. Their chemistry was powerful and sexy and balanced with a quiet tenderness that was given and received by both Gabriel and Lucas.

I applaud the author's gentle and sensitive approach to mental illness. I thought Gabriel's character was written exceptionally well and brought out a curiosity and awareness in me regarding his diagnosis that I would not have otherwise felt had I not read this story. I felt that Lucas' character was a beautiful portrayal of the emotional tether Gabriel needed to put him back on track to a positive and healthy mental state. While Gabriel's conflict seemed to capture more of my attention, Lucas too battled his own internal struggles. I loved watching his feelings of hurt and betrayal towards Gabriel evolve to physical curiosity and attraction and his tough-guy façade become more receptive to friendship and love. While maybe not as initially obvious as Gabriel's, Lucas' contribution to the story was equally heartfelt and fueled the emotionally provoking storyline.

Despite it's serious and heavy nature, Touch the Sky was also full of light and humor and the strong secondary characters provided a feeling of completeness to the story. I felt that Conner and Ezra's characters were purposeful and provided relationships with each male lead that were positive and worthy.

A definite must read for all readers of the m/m genre and I absolutely recommend this to readers that love emotional stories with themes of healing, self-discovery and love. I can't wait to reread this story (something I rarely do) and am eagerly waiting for future books in this series.