What Eyes Can't See

Bold Journeys #3

by Paulette Stout

11x award-winning author Paulette Stout returns with a deliciously bold and spicy story of love, social justice, and belonging.

Reeling from her broken engagement, Barbara arrives at an island getaway and is immediately swept away by Sebastian. The hazel-eyed Adonis with the snake tattoo gets her in a way her cheating ex never did.

Yes, he's white and she's Black. She's rich and he's poor, but none of that matters. Until Sebastian gets the job meant for her.

Jobless and cut-off from her family's wealth for first time in her life, Barbara is forced to make her own way. She digs deep, discovering she's far stronger than she could have imagined. When she decides to challenge her old employer in court, it lands her squarely on opposite sides from Sebastian--the one person she yearns to be close to.

As Barbara and Sebastian wrangle with a chaotic world desperate to keep them apart, one crucial question remains. Can Barbara find the respect and justice she deserves without losing Sebastian forever?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

449 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Paulette Stout is the fearless author of fast paced contemporary fiction about women finding their voices, being heard, and embracing love. With Paulette’s books, readers get bingeable prose, relatable characters and compelling stories that keep pages turning.

Her 17 book award recognitions span her titles—Love, Only Better, What We Never Say, and What Eyes Can't See—adding to her three media industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star.

You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts at her home in Acton, Massachusetts.

Connect with Paulette on her website at paulettestout.com, on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok @paulettestoutauthor or on Twitter @StoutContent.
BookBub: @paulettestoutauthor.

And don't forget to leave a review after you finish the book!

Reviews

[Ginger Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give more than five stars I would! I signed up to be an ARC reader for this book, and this is the first book I've read by this author (it won't be the last!)

This book is a perfect blend of romance and social justice. Barbara is in her early 30's and has already achieved great success as a corporate lawyer. While she recognizes that being a young black woman in an industry made of old white men has meant she's had to work twice as hard to accomplish her goals and be taken seriously, she feels like she has overcome these barriers and everyone sees her for the intelligent and capable lawyer that she is. After all, she was raised in this world. Her father started a very successful law firm early in his career, which allowed Barbara to grow up living a very privileged life. She knows how to play her part in this very white world.

When Barbara catches her fiancé in bed with another woman just weeks before their non-refundable destination wedding, her heart is crushed. But, being the resilient woman she is, she gifts her best friend the venue and becomes a bridesmaid in what should have been her wedding. As she's gathering her thoughts on the beach, she meets hazel-eyed hottie Sebastian.

Sebastian is different in almost every way: he's white and was raised by a poor single mother in the projects. He has a shady past, dangerous acquaintances, and a giant snake tattoo. But he does share something in common with Barbara- he's also a successful corporate lawyer, and he understands her better than any man ever has. They have a whirlwind adventure together on the island and make promises to meet up after they get back home.

And then the unthinkable happens - on the morning that Barbara's promotion was to be announced, they say someone else's name, and they realize Sebastian was hired in Barbara's place. This sets off a chain of events that make Barbara realize she hadn't been able to overcome the barriers of her race, age, and gender like she believed. When she and the rest of the BIPOC employees are let go from the company, she sets off on a mission to get justice for herself and the other employees. People that she hadn't given the time of day until now.

As Barbara works to fight this injustice, she also starts to discover herself and her place among black culture that she's never been allowed to experience until now. Barbara's evolution with her hair and how she sees herself as a black woman was my favorite part of her character arc.

The romantic tension between Barbara and Sebastian as they remained on opposite sides of this conflict was so agonizing in the best way. I love a slow burn build up! Sebastian is a sweet cinnamon roll who wants nothing more than to take care of his mom and love Barbara forever.

I spent the last 30 minutes or so reading with tears streaming down my face. The ending is a doozy!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to lovers of romance with a slow burn, lovers on opposite sides of a conflict, social justice, and self discovery. I'm looking forward to reading more of this authors books!

[Shail Rajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved What Eyes Can't See by Paulette Stout! It was - hands down - one of the best books I read this year. The characters (all of them, even the nasty ones!) drew me in from the very beginning. The complexity of their relationships, the subtleties (and not so subtle subtleties) of race in the workplace, on the street, and in the home, kept me coming back for more. And the constant wondering (hoping!) that things would turn out well had me hooked until the very end. This beautifully written story is a must read! My only complaint is that I almost burned dinner one night and forgot to pick up the kids one afternoon because I was so lost in the story....

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Eyes Can't See is a women’s fiction story in Paulette’s Bold Journeys series. Paulette is known for writing stories that are often outside people’s comfort zones. This contemporary fiction story is fast paced and filled with lots of emotions, betrayal, pain, angst, disgust, drama, steam and laughter and lots more.
This is a thought-provoking story is that of two people both Lawyers who grew up on different sides of the track. One with money and one without. One white and one black. One a woman and one a man. But two people who fight for justice.
Barbara’s journey takes us along as she tackles issues of infidelity, being a black woman in a high demanding role and family issues, multi-cultural relationships, courtroom drama, and racial discrimination. It’s a wonder she’s still standing but along this journey she grows in strength and self-worth.
Sebastian’s journey is just as hard as he has had to fight for everything including for his life. Now he finds himself in a position that no man in love should find themselves and has to once again fight for what he wants.
I like Paulette’s writing style and it is an interesting story that kept the pages keep turning.

[Karen Remaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

What Eyes Can't See is such a pleasant read. It combines a steamy romance and the discovery of one's authentic self alongside the pursuit of justice. Stout handles the serious topic of racial discrimination in an appropriate and culturally competent manner while also providing readers with a titillating romance!

[Joanne Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paulette Stout’s latest novel, What Eyes Can’t See, explores the issue of racism in the workplace.

Barbara Washington, an attorney from a wealthy family, attends the destination wedding meant for her, but which she has generously gifted to a friend after she catches her fiancé cheating. She meets Sebastian, also an attorney, and sparks fly. On her return to New York, Barbara learns she hasn’t received the promotion she expected, and worse, Sebastian has been given the job.

Barbara begins a journey of self-discovery as she fights for social justice. The main characters couldn’t be from more disparate backgrounds, yet they become lovers, then adversaries, and eventually allies.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read! WHAT EYES CAN’T SEE is a delightful and inspiring story of self-discovery, social justice, and a star-crossed romance between an ambitious pair of attorneys from different worlds. There are aspects of it that almost reminded me of a modern day Romeo and Juliet story—but with a much happier ending for all!

Paulette Stout’s compulsively readable prose has so much heart and honesty. There were several nights where I was blinking away sleep, craving just one more chapter, because I wanted to see both Barbara and Sebastian win their respective battles. This novel is a brilliant intersection of high stakes contemporary women’s fiction and steamy romance with a powerful message! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in Stout’s Bold Journeys series.

[Via · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. **Bab 1 - Holding On**
Buku ini dimulai dengan penekanan pada **ketidakmampuan untuk menghapus masa lalu** dan bagaimana kita sering kali terjebak dalam kenangan atau hubungan yang sudah tidak relevan lagi dalam hidup kita. Penulis mengajak pembaca untuk **melepaskan hal-hal yang sudah tidak lagi memberi kita kebahagiaan**, meskipun itu sulit.

2. **Bab 2 - Ouroboros**
Menggunakan simbol **ouroboros**, penulis menggambarkan bagaimana kita sering kali terperangkap dalam **siklus perasaan dan kebiasaan yang tidak sehat**, tetapi kita bisa memilih untuk memutuskan siklus tersebut dan tumbuh melalui **kesadaran diri** dan **perubahan**.

3. **Bab 3 - Letting Go**
Proses **melepaskan** adalah tema utama di bab ini, di mana penulis mengajarkan bahwa **melepaskan bukan berarti menyerah**, tetapi memberi ruang untuk hal-hal baru yang lebih baik dan lebih selaras dengan tujuan hidup kita.

4. **Bab 4 - Ouroboros**
Di sini, penulis menekankan bahwa **trauma tidak dapat diprediksi** dan bisa datang dalam berbagai bentuk yang tak terduga. Kita tidak bisa menghindari trauma, tetapi kita bisa **menghadapinya dengan lebih siap** dan mempelajari bagaimana **trauma membentuk siapa kita**.

5. **Bab 5 - Comparison Is a Losing Game**
Menghindari **perbandingan diri** adalah poin utama dari bab ini, di mana penulis mendorong pembaca untuk berhenti **membandingkan diri dengan orang lain** dan **merayakan perjalanan unik** yang kita jalani tanpa merasa tertekan oleh standar yang ditetapkan orang lain.

6. **Bab 6 - You Are Enough**
Dalam bab ini, penulis mengajak pembaca untuk **menerima diri sebagai “cukup”**. Kita tidak perlu menjadi lebih baik atau lebih sempurna untuk merasa **berharga**. Keberanian untuk **menerima diri** adalah langkah pertama menuju **kesejahteraan emosional**.

7. **Bab 7 - Isolation Isn’t the Answer**
Penulis menekankan bahwa **penyembuhan terjadi dalam hubungan**, bukan dalam isolasi. Kita perlu mencari **dukungan dari orang lain** dan berbagi perasaan kita dengan orang yang kita percayai, karena **tidak ada penyembuhan tanpa koneksi dengan orang lain**.

8. **Bab 8 - Healing Is an Act of Love**
Penyembuhan bukanlah tentang **memperbaiki diri** dengan cara yang keras atau menghakimi diri sendiri, tetapi lebih kepada **memberi diri kita cinta dan kasih sayang** yang kita butuhkan untuk benar-benar sembuh. **Penyembuhan adalah tindakan penuh kasih terhadap diri kita sendiri**.

9. **Bab 9 - Hold Space for the Goodness**
Fokus pada **hal-hal baik dalam hidup kita**, meskipun kita sering kali lebih fokus pada kesulitan, adalah tema utama di bab ini. Dengan **memberi ruang untuk kebaikan**, kita mulai menghargai **keberhasilan dan kebahagiaan** yang ada, sekecil apapun itu.

10. **Bab 10 - Don’t Downplay Your Gains**
Jangan **meremehkan pencapaian kita**, sekecil apapun itu. **Pencapaian kecil** adalah bukti dari **pertumbuhan dan usaha kita**, dan kita harus belajar untuk **merayakan setiap langkah maju** tanpa merasa harus memenuhi ekspektasi yang lebih besar.

11. **Bab 11 - A Setback Isn’t a Reset**
**Kemunduran** bukanlah tanda bahwa kita harus mulai dari awal lagi, tetapi bagian dari perjalanan kita. Kemunduran adalah kesempatan untuk **belajar, refleksi, dan kembali bangkit** dengan lebih kuat.

12. **Bab 12 - Your Story Isn’t Over**
**Cerita hidup kita tidak pernah selesai**. Setiap tantangan yang kita hadapi hanya menjadi **bagian dari perjalanan panjang** menuju pemulihan dan pertumbuhan pribadi. Proses ini **terus berlanjut**, dan kita memiliki **kontrol penuh** untuk menulis bab berikutnya.

13. **Bab 13 - Staying Silent Benefits No One**
**Diam tidak menguntungkan siapa pun**, terutama ketika kita merasa tertekan atau merasa terisolasi. **Berbicara tentang perasaan kita**, baik itu dengan orang terdekat atau seorang profesional, adalah **langkah penting dalam proses penyembuhan**.

14. **Bab 14 - Embrace the Ongoing Process**
Penyembuhan adalah **proses yang berkelanjutan**. Proses ini tidak harus selesai dalam waktu singkat, dan kita harus **menerima setiap langkah kecil** sebagai bagian dari perjalanan kita menuju **pertumbuhan dan kesembuhan**.

### **Insight Utama dari Buku ini:**

- **Penyembuhan adalah perjalanan yang tidak linier**: Terkadang, kita merasa mundur, tetapi setiap langkah kecil, bahkan kemunduran, adalah bagian dari perjalanan kita untuk **menjadi lebih kuat dan lebih bijaksana**.
- **Melepaskan bukan berarti menyerah**: Proses melepaskan adalah tentang **memberikan ruang untuk hal-hal yang lebih baik** dan **menerima diri kita dengan segala kekurangan dan kelebihan**.
- **Koneksi dengan orang lain adalah kunci**: **Penyembuhan tidak terjadi dalam isolasi**. Kita perlu berbagi perasaan kita dan menerima dukungan dari orang yang kita percayai.

### **Perspektif Unik dari Penulis:**

Paulette S. membawa perspektif yang sangat mendalam dan humanis terhadap **perjalanan penyembuhan emosional**. Salah satu hal yang membedakan buku ini adalah bagaimana penulis **mengajak pembaca untuk tidak terburu-buru dalam proses penyembuhan** dan untuk **menerima setiap langkah kecil yang diambil**. Pendekatan Popelka lebih berfokus pada **cinta diri** dan **keterbukaan terhadap perasaan kita**, yang sering kali diabaikan dalam budaya yang sangat fokus pada **hasil dan kesuksesan cepat**.

---

Buku ini mengajarkan kita untuk **menyembuhkan dengan penuh kasih** dan bahwa **perjalanan penyembuhan membutuhkan waktu**, serta **dukungan dari orang lain**. Proses tersebut tidak perlu dilalui sendirian, dan kita bisa merayakan **setiap pencapaian kecil** yang membawa kita lebih dekat ke kesejahteraan emosional yang lebih baik.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a 3.5 for me. I really liked the storyline and the characters a lot! However, there was just something about it (and I can’t pinpoint it) that didn’t have me hooked on it from start to finish. It could’ve been a mood thing for me as a reader as I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the book or anything in particular I didn’t look about it. Overall, I did enjoy the book and it’s realistic storyline.

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Washington is a successful black woman and the best friend we all wish we had. When she catches her fiancé cheating, she doesn’t hesitate to break off their engagement, and she gifts her island destination wedding to a friend.

On the island get-away, she hides her heartbreak. But that doesn’t stop her from ending up on the beach at dawn before the ceremony, second guessing where she went wrong. A perfect opportunity for a meet-cute with Sebastian, a fellow lawyer also on vacation, leading to a few steamy days of island romance.

Barbara is excited to return to New York, hoping they can keep dating and see where the relationship takes them. She knows she'll need to juggle the new relationship with her upcoming promotion to general counsel at her law firm.

What she doesn't imagine is losing the promotion. Stolen out from under her red-soled stilettos, the firm gives the job to an outsider and worse, a white man — Sebastian, the same man she met at the beach.

Despite the light-hearted beginning, What Eyes Can't See is anything but a typical enemies to lovers romcom. Paulette Stout, the author, is known for taking on difficult topics. The way Barbara chooses to face racism head-on is a perfect fit with that focus.

When Barbara and several other employees of color are fired, she takes her future and the question of equal treatment into her own hands and sues the law firm.

Her hopes of a relationship with Sebastian are crushed, once they find themselves on opposite sides of a legal battle. But now she has a bigger cause than her own needs. Barbara craves justice for her fellow employees, even if means she can’t be with the potential love of her life.

I loved how Barbara Washington has real agency. She’s fierce, a lawyer in stilettos who’s been deceived and discriminated against. She’s ready to fight, but her confidence has been shaken, and she starts to question the rest of her life decisions.

Sebastian is the best romantic lead I’ve read in a while, and officially my new favorite book boyfriend. He’s complex and comes from an under-privileged background. Far from a stereotype, he’s an empathetic lawyer who cares for others. Being with the woman he loves would mean breaking all the rules.

The author crafts an engaging love story, intertwining workplace and real-life drama, as Barbara and Sebastian strive to make their relationship work.

A story of belonging, of facing the impact of our cultural and racial background and understanding the stories we’ve learned to tell ourselves. Stories about the life we are destined to live, how hard we must try compared to others, and ultimately what type of happiness we deserve.

Barbara has always deserved better, even when she couldn’t see it. What Eyes Can’t See is an inspiring and thought-provoking read, as Barbara faces the stories she’s let become embedded in her soul and navigates a path to real love and real fulfillment.

I love a book that engrosses me in multi-faceted characters, keeps me rooting for love to win, but also teaches me something, and provokes thought about the lives of others. Brava to the author — she’s written an all-around great read!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Bold Journeys series. I have loved all the books in the series so far and this one was just as good. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone and fully enjoyed.
This author does an amazing job of researching her characters and story before actually creating the book this makes her story and characters realistic, authentic and explores the struggles that people face in their lives no matter their age, gender or race. As a reader it gives you a deep insight and a better understanding of other people's lives.
This story contains lots of emotion, drama, betrayal and angst as well as a romance which in some people's eyes should exist. But you can't help who you fall for.
In this story we follow Barbara. She is a strong black woman who has always fought hard for her position in life. As a successful lawyer she believes the promotion in the company is hers. Her life seems perfect until she catches her partner cheating on her.
Fast forward and she finds herself at the her wedding but it's not her getting married. She gifted the wedding to her best friend.
As Barbara deals with all the emotions around this situation she meets Sebastian the connection between them is instant and they can't deny the chemistry so they plan to reconnect when they return home. Could Sebastian be the man for Barbara all along?

Sebastian's life hasn't been easy either. Growing up in a rough part of town he has had his fair share of trouble and struggles, however as a successful lawyer his life seems to be changed for the better and when he meets Barbara he can't believe his luck
When he returns he has a promotion to look forward to and a re connecting with Barbara however things don't go to plan.

When the promotion that Barbara was certain was hers was given to someone else, it was a punch in the gut but what makes it worse is the person who it was given to was Sebastian and shortly after Barbara is fired.

Can the couple work through this? Will Barbara see it as a betrayal if Sebastian takes the promotion? Why was Sebastian given the promotion over all the work Barbara has done, could it be due to the colour of her skin?
As Barbara tries to fight for social justice against a world and a system that is trying to keep her down will Sebastian stand and fight beside her?

This is a real eye opening story about how there are still times when the colour of someone's skin has an effect on their life and the way people view them. It shows the struggle people go through just to be seen as equals. It is a beautiful written and thought provoking read.

[Annie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Eyes Can’t See starts with a bang and moves fast. Barbara Washington, the gorgeous, brilliant, successful attorney is attending her best friend’s destination wedding…. except the wedding as planned was supposed to be Barbara’s, until her fiancé cheated. The fact that Barbara would give her wedding to her friend, and even attend it, is a testament to her character. Although she is trying to share in her friends' joy, she can't shake the awareness of her own hardship. The only positive aspect she can look forward to is an expected promotion. Oh, and the gorgeous fellow she practically trips over while at the wedding. He says his name is Sebastian. Both feel the heat, but it’s just a weekend at a resort. Right?

Back to reality. She didn’t get the promotion, and worse, the person who beat her out is Sebastian, who is clearly more than just a hunky beach bum. For the first time, Barbara starts to wonder whether she’s been discriminated against for being a Black woman, and she starts noticing things in her workplace that were not obvious before. The story moves fast, and incorporates the struggle to connect romantically, Barbara’s inescapable discovery of her own privilege, and Sebastian’s efforts to leave the “hood” where he grew up.

Stout writes strong and flawed women. Barbara is both, and her struggle to sort out her relationships and the way she wants to inhabit a world fraught with racism, sexism and classism make this a book of substance, yet without excessive weight. Stout’s villains are unidimensional, in contrast to her very well fleshed out other characters, but they are easy to spot and easy to hate, which also helps move the plot along.

I've read all of the Bold Journeys books. The author outdid herself with this one, pacing, characterization, and plot are all right there. Five stars!

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
What Eyes Can’t See
A Novel Written By Paulette Stout
Fiction
Published February 2024
378 Pages

This is a novel about love, justice, and belonging. It deals with serious issues centering on racial and gender discrimination. In the midst of this is a sweet romance.

Barbara Washington has followed her father’s footsteps and is a lawyer. She is engaged with a wedding planned at an island resort. She is pretty confident her hard work and dedication at work will be rewarded with a big promotion. Then her world comes tumbling down. She finds her fiancé with another woman. The promotion she thought was hers is given to someone else.

Sebastian Kingsbury is also a lawyer. Barbara and Sebastian meet while both are on vacation. They both hope to pursue a relationship with each other when they both return home to New York City.

To Barbara’s shock, Sebastian is given the job at Barbara’s firm instead of her. Instead of giving the job to the black woman, the position was given to the white man from outside the firm. Now Sebastian is Barbara’s boss.

The broken engagement and being passed over for the job she deserved cause Barbara to examine her life, her actions, her ambitions, as well as the words and actions of her employer.

There are many lessons in this book. The character traits that are within us must be earned - integrity, commitment, and passion. They are the truly important facets of our personalities. Both main characters gain much insight into their lives as the story progresses.

“It was impossible to guess someone’s history and background by looking at them. Know the obstacles they’d overcome. The sacrifices they’d made. The character that shone bright when all was dark. It’s what the eyes can’t see.”

[Lara Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been really debating how I wanted to rate this. I decided on 3.5/5.
Barbara is a motivated black female lawyer who happens to run into and has a fling with a very attractive white male lawyer when on vacation at her best friend's wedding (which should have been hers!) She's heartbroken from finding her fiance cheating on her, but is looking forward to her impending promotion. Back home, she finds that not only did she not get the promotion, it was given to Sebastian, the man from her sexy beach getaway. The book follows their growth as they attempt to navigate this knew scenario and all the speed bumps it entails. Once Barbara is fired (for being a black female), things get even more complicated as she forced to figure out what she wants and who she really is.
So, the good: The characters are well developed. I was very attached to Barbara. Her overachieving/ never feeling quite good enough really hit the mark. The side characters were also so endearing. You can't help but smile. The book itself is very sweet and it is a fun read for sure!
The bad: Some of the text is written like a high schooler. Constantly talking about Sebastian's juvy record (who the heck cares?) and his life on the streets feels a bit absurd. It gives him the rags to riches story and Barbara the riches to rags and back to riches story? It is just a bit bland in this. It reminded me of a bad after school special. But only for "King's" story. Otherwise, it felt well written. So, that just was odd.
Overall, I'd recommend it to romance lovers who are down for a slow burn.

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Eyes Can't See by Paulette Stout is a tastefully nuanced story involving two career lawyers from very different backgrounds. Ms. Stout has crafted two very likable characters and placed them in a complicated and fragile relationship. When Barbara meets Sebastian at a destination wedding, she is still reeling from the implosion of her relationship with her oh so suitable fiancé…he is a handsome, African American with the right connections and is a savvy well respected businessman. He is also a serial cheater. Sebastian on the other hand is taking a well-needed vacation in this tropical paradise before he starts a new job. He meets Barbara at her lowest ebb, but his steady company and sincere charm do much to boost her wounded heart. So much so, that they plan to see if the connection they made in paradise will hold up in the real world. Nothing can prepare them for the shock of their next encounter: Sebastian has been given the job that Barbara has worked and sacrificed to earn. This unforeseen obstacle is made more repugnant as both Sebastian and Barbara come to realize that the problem is an insidious and persistent attack on equity and equality. How will Barbara and Sebastian be able to navigate such a quagmire of conflicting interests, especially when Barbara is laid off from the firm notwithstanding her stellar record and achievements? Ms. Stout has penned a thought provoking and topical book featuring characters with emotional fortitude and engaging personalities. I absolutely enjoyed this story and loved the sweet epilogue.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Bold Journey series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Multi POV- clearly labeled

Barbara- A very strong woman who was taught from a very young age to always strive for the best and be the best at everything. When her engagement ended she felt like a failure but wanted to focus on her career until that took a nose dive as well. While her life was coming apart she had to learn how to be her real self, not what she thought was expected of her, and fight for what was right.

Sebastian- Tall, handsome, and tats! Sign me up! He has had to work hard for everything he wants since he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

The MCs meet at a destination wedding and she has no problems telling him how good-looking he is. She is still recovering from finding her fiance in bed with another but hits it off with the MMC and they decide to try to start a relationship. When she returns home she finds out that the promotion she had been working hard to get, and should be hers, was given to the MMC who was an outsider. She was then fired, as well as other employees of color, and sues the law firm to get justice for everyone. This makes it hard for the MCs to be with each other since they are on opposite sides of the lawsuit, taboo/ breaking the rules.

As someone who is in an interracial relationship, it was refreshing to read a story where the MCs were too. Not only that but also touched on subjects most will shy away from, which is very brave of the author. This was the first book I have read from Paulette Stout, but won't be the last. 3.5 stars

[Maria Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was about a black girl (Lawyer) fighting against the injustice and racism she and her colleagues faced in their company. Throughout the story it talked about two individuals trying to live off as a good person in this world full of trap.

Barbara came to accept her cultural and life only when her fairytale life was gone. Till then she never looked outside the picture or other's life. It was always all about her trying to become an american in appearance.
Living off with her dad's money and working like slave for company that never wanted her.

The story teaches us many things and encourage us to think out of the picture and love ourselves. No one else matters and nobody's opinion matters, it should always be us and our opinion that matters to us. And to stand up against the injustice we face and don't ignore it like a coward.

The story was medium paced with lots of bad and good characters which made me feel so realistic. The author has tried her best to make everything realistic and relatable to everyone. The character development of each characters should be praised individually because of its perfection.

And the main thing, the MC's..... Ugh, they were just amazing. Barbara and Sebastian was such a power couples who were always there for eachother. I can still imagine their first meeting to their proposal scene very vividly. They were such a match made in heaven and fills each other.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

What Eyes Can’t See is the third book in the Bold Journeys series by Paulette Stout. It is a women’s fiction story with a contemporary spicy romance, drama, angst, social issues/commentary, opposites attract, slow burn, fling to enemies-to-lovers(ish) storyline, BWWM (interracial romance), discrimination & racism, a quest for justice, emotion, finding where you belong, and a journey of self-discovery.
While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are ‘missing’ anything, as this book focuses on a different ‘couple’.
Barbara Washington is a hardworking and ambitious attorney whose plans for the future went up in spoke the moment she caught her fiancé cheating. With her own plans upended, she gifts her destination wedding to a friend, and attends even though her heart is heavy. There, she meets Sebastian, who is also an attorney- and they have an immediate connection- soon the sparks fly. Barabara returns to New York, expecting to get a promotion that was all but promised to her- only to find the position has been given to someone else---- a newcomer to the firm – and to make matters worse the ‘new-hire’ just happens to be Sebastian – awkward much. When she is then fired, discriminatorily, Barbara embarks on a quest for justice.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Paulette Stout!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages. Barbara, a confident Black lawyer balances her career within the NYC corporate world with family expectations. Sadly whilst her career is going well her engagement ends leaving her heartbroken. Barbara decides to go alone to the island paradise where the wedding was going to be, as the destination wedding is non-refundable. Here she meets Sebastian, also a lawyer and they have an instant connection. Although they come from different worlds, Barbara from a moneyed background and Sebastian from a poor family the couple see past their differences.
Sebastian is then given the job meant for Barbara and she suspects it’s due to racial discrimination. When Barbara challenges her boss in court the couple find themselves on opposite sides of the battle. However, although Sebastian is supportive of Barbara their love is tested as they decide what they will risk for justice. I was hooked throughout by this fast paced contemporary romance, which along with a spicy love story also deals with social justice. I love that Barbara is a strong, independent heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The chemistry between her and Sebastian really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.

[Sharon Dukett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Paulette Stout’s books in the Bold Journeys series. Each is unique in its theme, but the characters carry over between books. In this book, she delves deeper into Barbara, a friend we have met in prior books, who is a corporate attorney interested in climbing the ladder. However, she has experienced a nasty breakup at the beginning of the book, so is determined to throw herself into her work with her new promotion to be announced on Monday. She also meets a fascinating new man over the weekend, so she has much to look forward to on her return to New York from a tropical island get-away.
That’s when it all gets complicated.
Stout takes us through a complex series of events that have Barbara questioning everything she believed. As a Black woman from a successful legal family living in a prestigious neighborhood, she worked hard to achieve the dream instilled in her by her father.
Faced with overt misogyny and racism, Barbara must decide what she stands for and what she will risk as she faces challenges what are new to her. She must learn what her own dreams are, what community means to her, and what is important in a relationship, while the rest of her life is collapsing around her.
I enjoyed this well-written, thought-provoking novel with insights into the character’s lives.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! This book, this story was amazing! It was such a well-rounded book that had so much in it. Barbara was engaged and set to marry Joe, until she found him doing something that he shouldn’t be. She couldn’t get her money back from her wedding, which was in a tropical location, so she gifted it to one of her best friends who was scheduled to get married.

While there she was on the beach, and saw Sebastian and had some small talk. The next day after the wedding, they saw each other again and he asked if she would like to spend the remainder of the trip with him and she agreed. They had a convo about their jobs and they discovered that they were both lawyers, Barbara was going to receive a promotion to General Counsel when she returned from back home and Sebastian got a new job that he starts when he returned. Little did they both know that they were talking about the same job and Sebastian got the job, not Barbara.

This started Barbara’s journey in realizing her worth, dealing with sexism and racism and how she would maneuver going forward. She learned more about herself during this time and grew as a person and woman.

Sebastian also learned about himself and how to not stigmatize himself for past mistakes, and to see what he went through brought him to where he is today.

Would these circumstances allow them to be together in the end? Read their story to find out. I definitely, definitely recommend this book! I learned so much and you will too!

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was REALLY well written. I loved reading the story of Barbara, and the note from the author in the beginning. The note was very thoughtful, as the author used the counsel of friends who would understand the life of a black woman in business from their perspective, and the author was very careful to share this from the start. Barbara is going through so many different changes in her life, and the author takes time to walk the reader through every trial! From a cheating fiance, to a canceled wedding, work woes, and all of this while being a black woman in a Caucasian male dominated industry. Not to mention the trials of meeting a new romantic partner while on vacation and returning to her own additional struggles with him. It's so much to deal with for her, or for anyone for that matter, that is almost hard to see how she can get out of it! Barbara will soon find out that the trials run deeper as the story continues. This book made me fall in love with the characters, and learn about their ability to face each challenge, and their failures. It was such a fun book to read! You won't be disappointed! I will definitely be reading more of the authors novels!

[LaliLovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an author who gracefully weaves stories that haven't been thought of yet , & a premise that refreshes senses caught up in trendy themes , What Eyes Can't See glows in the dark . The whole book encourages belief in the light at the end of the tunnel , through the power of self discovery & the conviction of true values . Each of the characters in this entire collection possess a quiet courage unique to them , the kind that sparks it in the reader as well . The ability to create so many very different inner worlds is astounding , & I am endlessly impressed by this author's talent . Every last one of their books is a gem . Their beautiful way of not only touching on sensitive subjects , but exploring the depths of them , is an art form that only exists in gifted minds .
This book , along with the rest of its family , leaves a trail of thoughtfulness that guides the reader into subtle , needed change . This is exactly what books are meant to do , & Paulette Stout does it beautifully .

This is a frustratingly wonderful love story that steams like hot fudge on a sundae , & highlighting the importance of self love & inner growth is the cherry on top .

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout. This is a great contemporary women's fiction book with some romance and political justice. Barbara is a young black woman who has already had great successes being an attorney. She has had to work twice as hard because not only is it a man's world its a mainly white man's world. Barbara grew up very well off due to her dad having his own successful law firm. When she finds her fiance in bed with another woman right before their wedding she is heartbroken. It was a non refundable destination wedding so she gives it to one of her friend and becomes a bridesmaid at what should have been her wedding. While there she meets Sebastian who is the exact opposite of Barbara, white,poor, single mom, and a general hard life but they are attracted instantly. He's become a successful lawyer and when they get back home and Sebastian gets the promotion she has been working so hard for. Will they be able to work thru this horrible situation? Barbara isn't going to back down but to what end will that be? Read this great contemporary romance to find out!

[Jacqueline Boulden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Racism and sexism continue to create injustices in work and personal lives. Author Paulette Stout doesn’t hesitate to shine a bright light on both in What Eyes Can’t See. The conversations between characters are blunt and the realizations about how these issues have affected their lives are honest and humbling.

Barbara and Sebastian are strongly attracted to each other, then he shows up in the company where she works and their professionalism is tested in ways neither of them probably imagined. They struggle—not always successfully—to keep their undeniable sexual attraction separate from the racist actions in their workplace. Until Barbara leaves the company and the dynamics change . . .

This powerful book—of important issues wrapped up in a love story between Barbara and Sebastian—lingers in your head and challenges you to think about inequality long after you’ve read the final pages. I highly recommend it.

[Candida Furbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I'm glad I took a chance on it. I enjoyed the author's writing style and ability to draw me into the story. I became invested in the outcome of the characters as I read this book. This book covers a sensitive subject and the author brought it to life in a very thought provoking way. Barbara is a strong, independent, lawyer whose life changes dramatically. It all starts when she catches her fiancé cheating. She gifts her destination wedding to her best friend, this is where she meets sebastian. Sebastian is a fellow lawyer and the chemistry between these two is off the charts. They are both looking forward to their new jobs, hers is a promotion and his is a new company. When they get back to New York they find out that he got the job she thought she was getting. It makes things very difficult for them. The story gets better from this point. I don't want to give anything else away so I'm going to say grab this book and start reading to find out what happens. This was a good read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Eyes Can't See is book 3 of the Bold Journeys series by Paulette Stout. I've read the previous 2 books, but this can be read as a standalone. In this book we meet Barbara, a black lawyer who is working hard for a well-deserved promotion. Barbara discovers that her fiancé is cheating on her, and quickly breaks off the engagement. She ends up gifting her destination wedding to a friend, and at the island she meets the gorgeous bad boy turned lawyer, Sebastian. After a fun-filled romance on the island, Barbara hopes to carry on the relationship upon arriving back home. That is until Sebastian is given the promotion that Barbara deserved! When Barbara and her coworkers of color are fired, Barbara decides to sue the firm for racial injustice. Can a newly blossoming romance handle so many situations meant to rip them apart? Paulette Stout touches upon tough topics in her books, and she does so with grace and beautifully written stories. She's an amazing author, and I would highly recommend any of her books.

[Heidi McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Paulette Stout delivered another page-turner with her third book in the Bold Journeys series. The story grabbed my attention and pulled me in from the first page to the very end. While on an island vacation, Barbara Washington, a successful lawyer from a wealthy family, meets Sebastian, the hot guy from the other side of the tracks, who is also an attorney. The attraction is mutual, but little does she know how their lives would intersect.

Upon returning home, Barbara is devastated that she hasn’t gotten a well-deserved promotion, only to find out that Sebastian is now her boss. Ultimately, this is a story of empowerment and redemption as Barbara must dig deep to challenge the racist culture in her company established by the president. She learns to find her voice, claim her power and create her own identity while opening her heart to love. I really enjoyed this fast-paced read and highly recommend What Eyes Can’t See.

[Trinnia Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome read! This book is a romance and the telling of one woman and one man's journey to finding themselves. Barbara, the (h) is a woman of color who was raised to always try fit in. Sebastian, the (H) is running from his past and hoping he belongs. The two of them meet on vacation at a wedding resort. Sparks fly between them and they have hopes of something real between them. They are both looking forward to starting new jobs, not knowing it's the same job. From there each of them starts on their own course to figuring out who they are and how they can be together.

"What Eyes Can't See is a incredible story! Every one should read it. This is my first time reading this author. Her characters are well-written and her way of telling a story captivating. I look forward to reading more from her. Well done! I highly recommend this book.

TG

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Paulette Stout, she never disappoints and always writes a winner!!! She writes about strong topics that others may not. Barbara is a black professional lawyer. As she is at a beach wedding of her best friend (Rebecca), she meets Sebastian. He is also a lawyer on vacation, and they have a few steamy nights. Back in New York, Barbara is expecting a promotion, but is passed over for a white male (a new hire), Sebastian (her Sebastian). Barbara and seven other black employees are layed off (not Sebastian's fault). Barbara works a discrimination law suit against their former boss Marshall Barr, a racist and bigot. Can Barbara and Sebastian find the love they had on the island? Can Barbara and her coworkers get the justice they deserve against their former boss? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait to see what Paulette Stout writes next!!!

[novelsnerd]

The story follows Barbara, a strong woman who is sad after her relationship ends. She goes on a trip to an island where she meets Sebastian. Even though they come from different backgrounds, they form a deep connection.

The author Paulette Stout writes about serious topics like racism and social justice in a way that's engaging. She shows how characters struggle with social issues in a graceful and realistic way. This helps readers understand the challenges people face when trying to be equal.

Barbara changes a lot on her journey of self-discovery. Learning about her culture and standing up for herself are compelling parts of her story. Sebastian adds layers too as a complex character who cares about empathy.

The plot mixes romance, commentary on society, and personal growth smoothly. It keeps readers interested from start to finish while tackling important topics. The story also provides satisfaction through its development of characters and resolution of challenges.