My Story of Us: Grayson

By: Smartypants Romance, Chris Brinkley

Narrated by: Chris Brinkley

Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Love can appear at the most unexpected times. Grayson is hiding from the world when she finds him. Now, he can't imagine his world without her. Is her love and support enough to help him rediscover his true self, or will he remain trapped in a life of unfulfillment?

My Story of Us: Grayson is the third narrative in the Story of Us collection, modern love stories written as intimate correspondence from a man to the woman he is in love with. Written and performed by Chris Brinkley, these stories are best experienced via audio.

©2023 Smartypants Romance (P)2023 Chris Brinkley

All the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Purchase this whole series and read them in order!!!

Grayson, my heart. Infinite Childhood is life, something I’d love to replicate with my friends. I really like how the fmc is never physically described, it leaves room for your imagination.

I love the immersive listening experience of these books. It adds a dimension I never knew I needed. Do I want a little heat? Yes, yes I do, but the lack of it doesn’t distract me from the fantastic story. Rare that I give 5 stars to a book without it, these books get a free pass!

How refreshing to listen to a man writing about a man. How interesting to realize the perfect men in romance aren’t perfect at all. I’m a big Chris fan, he just feels like friends I know because we speak the same. I can’t encourage him enough to keep going! I loved the ending. ❤️

Realistic Depiction of Anxiety

Grayson has been struggling with his mental health for some time and it finally catches up with him the weekend of his friend’s wedding. He begins to journal the feelings and experiences surrounding his anxiety along with the events of meeting the woman that would ultimately lead him to find the help he needs.

My Story of Us: Grayson is the third book in the My Story of Us series. It can be read as a stand-alone but as the series does cover a group of friends, there is some overlap. This novella is just shy of 100 pages. (The audio runs just over 2 hours.) Content/Trigger Warning - There is discussion of anxiety throughout the book including an “on page” anxiety attack.

This book has one of the most genuine depictions of an anxiety attack that I have come across in a romance book. The MCs journey from “what is happening to me?” to an actual diagnosis is both raw and realistic. There is a lot of emotional labor thrown onto the unnamed FMC, especially in the beginning when Grayson is still processing everything.

I highly recommend the audio as the whole series is best suited to be listened to. I do suggest listening to it at standard/1x speed though. There are sound effects and background noises added throughout that don’t sound quite right if the audio is sped up.

Although there is a romantic element to this story, the majority of the book is focused on Grayson’s personal growth and health journey. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I appreciate the thoughtful way in which the MCs struggles are shown.

Overall, Grayson’s book is a nice addition to the My Story of Us series. I look forward to seeing which friend’s story we get next.

Enjoyable

First, Chris Brinkley! I would listen to Chris read the stock report and swoon. I’m loving his series about the individuals in this close band of bros who’ve known each other forever. Each has a personal journey which is fraught with self-doubt, discovery and personal growth. All expressed through journal entries written as letters to their significant other. It’s wonderful to get a glimpse inside the minds and hearts of these men as they each take a deep dive into areas of their hearts which have previously escaped much scrutiny. Grayson falls hard and fast. Along the way he learns to cope with and overcome issues with anxiety, while being drawn to a life he’d never fully imagined, filled with the things he loves. MORE, please!💕

Love this story!!

My Story of Us: Grayson is amazing. I love the realness of Grayson, his struggles and striving to overcome them with the help of his lady love. It was so full of emotion, and personal turmoil that makes it very relatable as someone who struggles with panic attacks. Definitely recommend this book!! Chris Brinkley has a way with words, and performing his own work gives it an added layer making you feel as if you’re playing a part in the storyline.

So good

Chris can tell a story that I always want to listen to. Wonderful as usual.

Enjoyed

I love this series. It has a unique format. Fun to learn mote about all of the friends. Chris is so super talented!

full production

The first person journal- style writing in this series creates a very intimate look into each MCs life. It's a full production that goes beyond the vocal performance and makes for a richer experience. The flow is gentle and easy like a lazy river. Grayson's story includes battles with mental health issues and family working relationships as his romatic relationship develops. I'm a huge fan of Chris Brinkleys performances and his foray into authorship is delightful.

Love at first sight, but it’s not what you’re thinking.

These men…so much love. Thank you for telling Grayson’s story. I can’t wait to hear the stories of the other three friends in this group

So good I can picture it like a movie

Chris has a way with words AND the way he performs his words!! So much feeling as I listen to this journey!! Very entertaining, fun and poignant!! Love, especially, the sweet relationship Grayson has with Sadie and how they “teach” each other to overcome worry, doubt and fear!!!!🎉🎉🎉