Review: Healing by Grace R. Duncan

In a world that's gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?

When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan's protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.

Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.

Duncan is rummaging through a pharmacy, looking for something for his injured leg, when he meets Mark. Both men have been surviving on their own since a virus hit and it was every man for himself.

They were wary of each other, as they should be, since people had been proven to be untrustworthy in this post-apocalyptic world. Despite the initial wariness, they find that they have the desire to trust each other.

This was an enjoyable novella, I only wish it were longer. I especially enjoyed the world created. There wasn't much detail on the pandemic and there wasn't interactions with other survivors, but I could still feel the devastation and loss from the virus.

I would have liked more from Mark and Duncan. The story was mostly focused on them. I was totally digging them together and their slow-burn relationship, but a more solid ending would have been perfect. It just kind of stopped, with only the hope of an HEA.

This was a surprisingly light and easy read, considering the setting. Although this is the second book in a series, I didn't feel lost having not read the first book. Even if post-apocalyptic isn't your thing, this novella is worth the read.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

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