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Blind Love
She doesn’t need a hero. But a sexy Marine…that’ll work.
Though Lauren Baxter’s world is a blurry mess of colors, she has no tolerance for pity. With the help of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow, she’s built a good life for herself. She has everything she her PhD, a thriving counseling practice and her independence.
When she meets her new neighbor, the man’s warm Texas accent and clean male scent weaken her knees. Her attraction to the former Marine is mutual and, unfortunately, a complication she doesn’t need.
Gabriel Briggs carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has his reasons for indulging only in short-term flings, but the feisty, green-eyed Lauren makes him want to forget every one.
In a rare moment of fragility, Lauren winds up in Gabe’s arms. One night together can’t break their self-imposed rules, right? But when a woman from Gabe’s past is murdered, the reasons he should have stayed away become painfully clear, threatening innocent lives he may not be able to save—especially Lauren’s.
Contains a blind therapist who doesn’t consider herself impaired; a meddling, erotic-novel-writing best friend; a hot ex-Marine with a shady past; and a loyal guide dog that howls “I love you” and is probably the sanest one of the bunch.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
15 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Kishan Paul
10 books230 followersAward winning author of suspense/thrillers and romantic suspense, Kishan Paul's brain is always in the 'on' position.
Mother of two beautiful children and fur baby, she has been married to her best friend for over 22 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.
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Mother of two beautiful children and fur baby, she has been married to her best friend for over 22 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.
She can be found at:
www.kishanpaul.com
https://www.facebook.com/KishanPaulAu...
https://twitter.com/@kishan_paul
https://www.instagram.com/kishanpaula...
http://www.pinterest.com/kishanpaul
Sign up for her newsletter at:http://www.subscribepage.com/kishanpaul
If you'd like to join her street team, Kish's Collective, here's the sign up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kishs...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 31, 2015
Love Opens Their Eyes
This is a refreshing, well-written romance!
Lauren is a blind psychologist whose divorce makes her wary of all men. Too bad sexy Texan Gabe moves in next door.
Gabe is an ex-marine whose family struggles make him unavailable for romantic entanglements. Too bad he can't stop thinking about Lauren.
I really admire Lauren. She has some self-deprecating moments...
She unzipped her oversized flannel onesie, created especially for women not interested in finding a man, and tossed it on the bed.
But is also full of strength:
"There's no question how strong you are." Gabe rested his fingers on her shoulders and pressed into the tight muscles. She didn't push him away. "But being strong doesn't mean you have to be alone."
The cast of characters surrounding Lauren is well-drawn. Not only is there Gabe, but Lauren also has a loyal, smutty friend Sunny who writes erotica novels and works as an assistant for her counseling practice. She has an ex-husband Ben, a cop who cheated on her but now wants her back. Finally, Jack the German Shepherd is her faithful sidekick and service dog. Jack comes to life on the page.
Her ex-husband Ben can be annoying and overprotective, but he's come a long way from the man who hurt her. Here's a sweet memory Lauren has:
Ben's voice cracked. It reminded her of a younger Ben. The one from high school who kept missing her mouth whenever he tried to kiss her.
When Ben suspects Gabe of wrongdoing, Lauren puts him in his place. "Just because a man has an affair doesn't make him capable of murder. If it does, you're as much a suspect."
Dang, girl! I also laughed when Sunny calls Lauren a "stupid, blind, arrogant freak." Ah, best friends.
All the levity comes to a halt when Lauren's life is in danger. I did not see the suspense element coming, and it was my favorite part of the story. The danger makes Lauren and Gabe see things in a new light, and luckily Gabe's mother talks some sense into him when he really needs it.
I highly recommend this story!
This is a refreshing, well-written romance!
Lauren is a blind psychologist whose divorce makes her wary of all men. Too bad sexy Texan Gabe moves in next door.
Gabe is an ex-marine whose family struggles make him unavailable for romantic entanglements. Too bad he can't stop thinking about Lauren.
I really admire Lauren. She has some self-deprecating moments...
She unzipped her oversized flannel onesie, created especially for women not interested in finding a man, and tossed it on the bed.
But is also full of strength:
"There's no question how strong you are." Gabe rested his fingers on her shoulders and pressed into the tight muscles. She didn't push him away. "But being strong doesn't mean you have to be alone."
The cast of characters surrounding Lauren is well-drawn. Not only is there Gabe, but Lauren also has a loyal, smutty friend Sunny who writes erotica novels and works as an assistant for her counseling practice. She has an ex-husband Ben, a cop who cheated on her but now wants her back. Finally, Jack the German Shepherd is her faithful sidekick and service dog. Jack comes to life on the page.
Her ex-husband Ben can be annoying and overprotective, but he's come a long way from the man who hurt her. Here's a sweet memory Lauren has:
Ben's voice cracked. It reminded her of a younger Ben. The one from high school who kept missing her mouth whenever he tried to kiss her.
When Ben suspects Gabe of wrongdoing, Lauren puts him in his place. "Just because a man has an affair doesn't make him capable of murder. If it does, you're as much a suspect."
Dang, girl! I also laughed when Sunny calls Lauren a "stupid, blind, arrogant freak." Ah, best friends.
All the levity comes to a halt when Lauren's life is in danger. I did not see the suspense element coming, and it was my favorite part of the story. The danger makes Lauren and Gabe see things in a new light, and luckily Gabe's mother talks some sense into him when he really needs it.
I highly recommend this story!
May 11, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with this story and quite honestly didn't want to put it down or for it to end. There's so much passion and a little bit of heartache as well as some frustration going on in this story. I couldn't imagine going blind slowly not knowing when it would be complete. Lauren is so strong and keeps her disability pushed back in her mind except when it comes to men. Her dog Jack has been her only companion since her divorce to her high school sweetheart. Then she meets Gabe and everything changes for her. Gabe doesn't want a permanent relationship but when he meets the next door neighbor Lauren and her dog things start getting complicated for him. Tragedy strikes and love blooms but the two keep fighting it not sure what the other wants. Kishan Paul really kept me enveloped in this story. Her message about children with panic attacks after a traumatic event and people with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) really makes you stop and think.
I received this book for an honest review.
I received this book for an honest review.
June 1, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
I'll admit I picked this book to read because I'd never read a romance with a blind heroine and I was curious to see how the relationship would pan out. Kishan Paul is a new to me author this story pulled at my heartstrings for multiple reasons, I will be check out her work in the future. A heroine whose life changed forever as a teenager, a hero whose life has never been normal, and a guide dog whose almost human like behavior added so much to a book including a few tear inducing moments made this one amazing romance.
Living life for the most part on her own Lauren Baxter is a successful therapist who after a devastating divorce prefers the company of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow but when the noise her new neighbor keeps making threatens her livelihood, Lauren confronts him only to find that being near him wakes up her very dormant hormones. I'm going to admit some of the fantasies Lauren had after meeting him were quite humorous as were the thoughts roaming through her head.
Gabriel Briggs has spent his life running and taking care of those he loves. Weeks after seeing his new neighbor he eventually figured out she was blind which only made him more intrigued. He knows he is not what she needs; he's a short term kind of guy because his responsibilities to his family will always come first but he even he admits there is something about her he just can't get over.
From the first scene with these two together the sexual tension was apparent and as a reader you knew no matter how hard they fought it at some point they were going to have some time together. This was a sweeter romance which was fine for this story. There was no doubting the heat between them and believe me my imagination did them proud.
A murdered investigation drives them apart and then brings them back together again. The suspense angle of this book surprised me but it added so much to this story and forced both Gabe and Lauren into admitting everything they were feeling for one another.
An outstanding plot, interesting characters and a love story that grew over time made Blind Love an exceptional book and I look forward to reading many more from author Kishan Paul.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
I'll admit I picked this book to read because I'd never read a romance with a blind heroine and I was curious to see how the relationship would pan out. Kishan Paul is a new to me author this story pulled at my heartstrings for multiple reasons, I will be check out her work in the future. A heroine whose life changed forever as a teenager, a hero whose life has never been normal, and a guide dog whose almost human like behavior added so much to a book including a few tear inducing moments made this one amazing romance.
Living life for the most part on her own Lauren Baxter is a successful therapist who after a devastating divorce prefers the company of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow but when the noise her new neighbor keeps making threatens her livelihood, Lauren confronts him only to find that being near him wakes up her very dormant hormones. I'm going to admit some of the fantasies Lauren had after meeting him were quite humorous as were the thoughts roaming through her head.
Gabriel Briggs has spent his life running and taking care of those he loves. Weeks after seeing his new neighbor he eventually figured out she was blind which only made him more intrigued. He knows he is not what she needs; he's a short term kind of guy because his responsibilities to his family will always come first but he even he admits there is something about her he just can't get over.
From the first scene with these two together the sexual tension was apparent and as a reader you knew no matter how hard they fought it at some point they were going to have some time together. This was a sweeter romance which was fine for this story. There was no doubting the heat between them and believe me my imagination did them proud.
A murdered investigation drives them apart and then brings them back together again. The suspense angle of this book surprised me but it added so much to this story and forced both Gabe and Lauren into admitting everything they were feeling for one another.
An outstanding plot, interesting characters and a love story that grew over time made Blind Love an exceptional book and I look forward to reading many more from author Kishan Paul.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 22, 2015
5 Stars!
Lauren has a thriving counseling practice, a great townhouse, a BFF who is the world's best personal assistant, parents who annoy her, an ex-husband who cheated on her, a sexy neighbor who has her imagination sparking, and a dog that loves her. And oh yeah she is blind. The blind heroine intrigued me and made me request this book for review.
Lauren is a well rounded character and I adored her determination to live a "normal" life. Some may think she was way too sensitive about her disability, but as someone who has a niece with a similar disability I think this characterization was spot on. Gabe, he was a rather mystery guy at the first, he was hiding a lot; his pain and all his perceived mistakes. One small detail that I think is brilliant was that except for the few things Lauren's best friend tells her about Gabe every detail about him we learn is from Lauren's perspective. No glowing details about eyes the color of the sea, no big comments about his six pack - I loved that - we saw Gabe how Lauren does - and honestly I fell in love with him too!
The plot is different and has a twist in Gabe's life I wasn't expecting. Most intimate scenes were behind closed doors, but you definitely got the feeling of a spark of attraction. This is an extremely easy read and I didn't want to put it down.
Given the opportunity I would read another book by this new author! I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
Lauren has a thriving counseling practice, a great townhouse, a BFF who is the world's best personal assistant, parents who annoy her, an ex-husband who cheated on her, a sexy neighbor who has her imagination sparking, and a dog that loves her. And oh yeah she is blind. The blind heroine intrigued me and made me request this book for review.
Lauren is a well rounded character and I adored her determination to live a "normal" life. Some may think she was way too sensitive about her disability, but as someone who has a niece with a similar disability I think this characterization was spot on. Gabe, he was a rather mystery guy at the first, he was hiding a lot; his pain and all his perceived mistakes. One small detail that I think is brilliant was that except for the few things Lauren's best friend tells her about Gabe every detail about him we learn is from Lauren's perspective. No glowing details about eyes the color of the sea, no big comments about his six pack - I loved that - we saw Gabe how Lauren does - and honestly I fell in love with him too!
The plot is different and has a twist in Gabe's life I wasn't expecting. Most intimate scenes were behind closed doors, but you definitely got the feeling of a spark of attraction. This is an extremely easy read and I didn't want to put it down.
Given the opportunity I would read another book by this new author! I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2015
To be perfectly honest I picked this book to read and review because it looked like a simple, sweet romance. A good, clean read if you will. Although I don’t love simple or sweet or clean for that matter, sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered. The heroine of this book was a bit different as well – she’s blind.
Blind Love is so much more than I expected. Paul handles the matter of the heroine being blind in a believable manner, especially Lauren’s unwillingness to accept help from anyone. Lauren was also witty and just plain fun. No wonder her ex couldn’t get over her. The character development of all the characters was well done. I even liked the ex-husband and briefly started to root for his happiness! Of course, the best friend who writes erotic romances but likes sex entirely too much is a hoot as well.
The story is more than boy meets girl, boy does something wrong, girl forgives boy and they live happily ever after. A tried and true formula that needs to be put to rest – permanently. Because Blind Love is labeled a contemporary romance I wasn’t expecting the suspense aspect. The suspense slowly builds. Something doesn’t feel right, but the characters aren’t really sure what that is. Then, all hell breaks loose and it’s a fun ride until the conclusion.
I recommend this novel to lovers of sweet romances looking for something different – a bit of a thrill.
Blind Love is so much more than I expected. Paul handles the matter of the heroine being blind in a believable manner, especially Lauren’s unwillingness to accept help from anyone. Lauren was also witty and just plain fun. No wonder her ex couldn’t get over her. The character development of all the characters was well done. I even liked the ex-husband and briefly started to root for his happiness! Of course, the best friend who writes erotic romances but likes sex entirely too much is a hoot as well.
The story is more than boy meets girl, boy does something wrong, girl forgives boy and they live happily ever after. A tried and true formula that needs to be put to rest – permanently. Because Blind Love is labeled a contemporary romance I wasn’t expecting the suspense aspect. The suspense slowly builds. Something doesn’t feel right, but the characters aren’t really sure what that is. Then, all hell breaks loose and it’s a fun ride until the conclusion.
I recommend this novel to lovers of sweet romances looking for something different – a bit of a thrill.
June 17, 2015
Blind Love is one of those books that sucked me in and kept giving me more the further I got in.
Lauren is a relatable and complex character who absolutely deserved an amazing HEA, and watching her fight against and then reach for that goal was satisfying and dare I say, sigh-worthy. She had me laughing-out-loud with lines like: "Hence the reason she preferred to keep people with dangling parts at a distance," or "Stomping upstairs to her bedroom, she unzipped her oversized flannel onesie, created especially for women not interested in finding a man..."
Gabe's was also a great character. His development and growth unfolds in a natural way that speaks to Kishan Paul's skill in writing. Once Gabe realized his one-night-stand approach wasn't really what he wanted, he became a guy with genuine intentions that you had no choice but to root for (insert another sigh!).
The novel is written and paced very well -- it had me turning pages well into the night! It's also romantic, poignant, and the steamy scenes weren't the typical ones where everything is spelled out in the same old way, leaving nothing to the imagination (it's not a 'clean' romance though in case you're wondering). The intimate scenes were just arranged in a fresh way. Every emotion was well-balanced and not melodramatic at all. There wasn't any insta-love either, which is always a turn-off in books, and whatever instant attraction they had, progressed into something more in a realistic manner.
I loved how these two characters developed and grew, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Oh, and Lauren's best friend Sunny? Loved her!!
Terrific debut!
Lauren is a relatable and complex character who absolutely deserved an amazing HEA, and watching her fight against and then reach for that goal was satisfying and dare I say, sigh-worthy. She had me laughing-out-loud with lines like: "Hence the reason she preferred to keep people with dangling parts at a distance," or "Stomping upstairs to her bedroom, she unzipped her oversized flannel onesie, created especially for women not interested in finding a man..."
Gabe's was also a great character. His development and growth unfolds in a natural way that speaks to Kishan Paul's skill in writing. Once Gabe realized his one-night-stand approach wasn't really what he wanted, he became a guy with genuine intentions that you had no choice but to root for (insert another sigh!).
The novel is written and paced very well -- it had me turning pages well into the night! It's also romantic, poignant, and the steamy scenes weren't the typical ones where everything is spelled out in the same old way, leaving nothing to the imagination (it's not a 'clean' romance though in case you're wondering). The intimate scenes were just arranged in a fresh way. Every emotion was well-balanced and not melodramatic at all. There wasn't any insta-love either, which is always a turn-off in books, and whatever instant attraction they had, progressed into something more in a realistic manner.
I loved how these two characters developed and grew, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Oh, and Lauren's best friend Sunny? Loved her!!
Terrific debut!
May 31, 2015
There is so much to like about this book, and not just because the heroine is blind. Lauren is a great character – she’s smart, funny, gutsy and so determined to be independent, not just because of her impaired vision but from men too. She has a hilariously sex-obsessed best friend and the best guide dog ever, not to mention a thriving therapy practise. She has neither the need nor the room for anything else in her life. Sure, she’s had a few knocks and it’s made her a little defensive and wary, but always in an understandable way. I really liked her.
However, regardless of what Lauren thinks she wants or needs, her new neighbour has other ideas. Gabe is sexy and rugged and strong and has even more issues and problems than Lauren. I loved how none of those things really mattered, though, when he and Lauren got to know each other. His looks, for obvious reasons, play no part in their attraction and although Gabe loves the way Lauren looks, he soon learns everything else about her is just as sexy, if not more so, than her body. And despite the way Lauren treats him, he’s so sweet in coming back for more. Yes, at first he’s a bit pushy, but soon he’s just adorable in the way he reveals all of himself to her.
Well, most of himself, because just when this story seems to be settling into a nice rhythm about the bad boy next door falling for the cool, independent woman who just wants him for his body, things take a sudden and unexpected swerve. Although I quickly connected the dots, it still came out of nowhere and changed the whole tone of the book. Suddenly there was a crime plot and a bit of a dark mystery and even though it was good and I enjoyed reading it, I might have liked a little more forewarning that the book was going to head that way. I also felt that Gabe’s Marine background was an empty prop put in place purely to give him the tools to play the hero. It doesn’t seem to have impacted on his life at all; he doesn’t talk about it, he doesn’t think about it – it’s as if it never even happened.
But to be honest the plot itself is secondary to the characters in this book. Not just Lauren and Gabe, but Sunny the erotic author best friend, and a scattering of other people from both Lauren and Gabe’s pasts. There’s also Jack Sparrow, Lauren’s wonderful dog. I loved how vital he was to her life, especially at first. However, I also had a few issues with him, mostly concerning Ben, the ex-husband.
Yes, the man helped to train him so there would have been a bond, but also Jack was trained to respond to Lauren’s emotional cues. You’d think that since being around Ben made her tense and nervous that Jack would have responded to that rather than jumping on the man. I also didn’t like the way the dog effectively abandons her towards the end of the book. Sure, it’s cute that Jack senses someone else needs him, but German Shepherds are loyal; I would have expected him to stick with Lauren more.
In all this is a good read with some great characters. The romance is lovely and absorbing, the plot has unexpected moments with a crime flavour, and Lauren is a nice, positive representation of a woman excelling at life regardless of the challenges she faces. One or two things aside, I really enjoyed this and will definitely look out for more from this author – especially if Sunny is involved.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
However, regardless of what Lauren thinks she wants or needs, her new neighbour has other ideas. Gabe is sexy and rugged and strong and has even more issues and problems than Lauren. I loved how none of those things really mattered, though, when he and Lauren got to know each other. His looks, for obvious reasons, play no part in their attraction and although Gabe loves the way Lauren looks, he soon learns everything else about her is just as sexy, if not more so, than her body. And despite the way Lauren treats him, he’s so sweet in coming back for more. Yes, at first he’s a bit pushy, but soon he’s just adorable in the way he reveals all of himself to her.
Well, most of himself, because just when this story seems to be settling into a nice rhythm about the bad boy next door falling for the cool, independent woman who just wants him for his body, things take a sudden and unexpected swerve. Although I quickly connected the dots, it still came out of nowhere and changed the whole tone of the book. Suddenly there was a crime plot and a bit of a dark mystery and even though it was good and I enjoyed reading it, I might have liked a little more forewarning that the book was going to head that way. I also felt that Gabe’s Marine background was an empty prop put in place purely to give him the tools to play the hero. It doesn’t seem to have impacted on his life at all; he doesn’t talk about it, he doesn’t think about it – it’s as if it never even happened.
But to be honest the plot itself is secondary to the characters in this book. Not just Lauren and Gabe, but Sunny the erotic author best friend, and a scattering of other people from both Lauren and Gabe’s pasts. There’s also Jack Sparrow, Lauren’s wonderful dog. I loved how vital he was to her life, especially at first. However, I also had a few issues with him, mostly concerning Ben, the ex-husband.
Yes, the man helped to train him so there would have been a bond, but also Jack was trained to respond to Lauren’s emotional cues. You’d think that since being around Ben made her tense and nervous that Jack would have responded to that rather than jumping on the man. I also didn’t like the way the dog effectively abandons her towards the end of the book. Sure, it’s cute that Jack senses someone else needs him, but German Shepherds are loyal; I would have expected him to stick with Lauren more.
In all this is a good read with some great characters. The romance is lovely and absorbing, the plot has unexpected moments with a crime flavour, and Lauren is a nice, positive representation of a woman excelling at life regardless of the challenges she faces. One or two things aside, I really enjoyed this and will definitely look out for more from this author – especially if Sunny is involved.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
May 17, 2015
Overall a solid entertaining read by a new author. I think what grabbed me most about this story was not the plot, but the characters and their interactions. There is a very human element to it. Lauren is both strong and vulnerable, and much the same could be said for Gabe. You have two people battling their own personal demons, lots of emotional baggage and an undeniable (and strong) mutual attraction that keeps pulling them together.
On the surface it follows a typical romance storyline, but the construction is anything but typical. Humorous banter, believable chemistry and a strong cast of supporting characters are just some of the things that make this book difficult to put down. Lauren's blindness puts a unique spin on the romance heroine, and I thought the author handled it well. In fact, throughout the story I think she demonstrated a strong grasp of the complexity of human emotions and behavior, which reflects in her characters. It made them rich and multi-layered and real.
Loved the erotic novel writing best friend, especially the humor etched into all her scenes. And there is one scene in particular that left me teary eyed and thinking NOOOO...but that just goes to show how invested in the story I became. Definitely recommend to romance fans!
*I received an advance copy from the publisher for review
On the surface it follows a typical romance storyline, but the construction is anything but typical. Humorous banter, believable chemistry and a strong cast of supporting characters are just some of the things that make this book difficult to put down. Lauren's blindness puts a unique spin on the romance heroine, and I thought the author handled it well. In fact, throughout the story I think she demonstrated a strong grasp of the complexity of human emotions and behavior, which reflects in her characters. It made them rich and multi-layered and real.
Loved the erotic novel writing best friend, especially the humor etched into all her scenes. And there is one scene in particular that left me teary eyed and thinking NOOOO...but that just goes to show how invested in the story I became. Definitely recommend to romance fans!
*I received an advance copy from the publisher for review
May 30, 2015
4.5 stars
Blind Love was a very heartfelt and emotional read, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were both likable and very relatable.
The chemistry between Lauren and Gabe was believable and well written, loved their banter and humor, it really added to my enjoyment of the story.
Thank you Samhain Publishing via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blind Love was a very heartfelt and emotional read, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were both likable and very relatable.
The chemistry between Lauren and Gabe was believable and well written, loved their banter and humor, it really added to my enjoyment of the story.
Thank you Samhain Publishing via Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
September 20, 2020
Great read!
In the beginning, I assumed this was another well-written, steamy love story. How wrong I was! The plot twisted in fantastical ways, and the author pulled me deeper. Once the story took a turn, it became impossible to put down. Well done. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.
In the beginning, I assumed this was another well-written, steamy love story. How wrong I was! The plot twisted in fantastical ways, and the author pulled me deeper. Once the story took a turn, it became impossible to put down. Well done. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great read.
June 22, 2015
Wow, where to begin? Well, I guess that would be with a couple who met in high school their senior year and fell in love. Right after high school they elope against her parents’ wishes. You see Lauren Baxter who the married Ben Dawson was treated like an incapable child due to her blindness.
Once she married Ben she was happy just being his wife. Finding what new things she could boundaries she could cross. Thanks to his encouragement and support as well as her BFF, Sunny, she went to college.
Oh I don’t know after five years maybe her husband was so very faithful and supportive. He was on Denver PD and all was good so she thought. Yeah, that’s right he blew. Her fairytale he blew it right out of the water. Along with her self-esteem and her trust in him forever. Some things you can never get back. Even with him getting on his hands and knees ask for forgiveness and professing that he was still truly madly in love with her. She said no that their marriage was over. She said no and he just said okay, that he should do the right thing since, Hailey the mistress also a cop, was pregnant with his daughter. The thing is she may have taken him back had he fought for her but he just didn’t. That day at court she signed the paperwork and never looked back.
Now five years later she moved from where they used to live and he moved to Colorado since the P.D. had an opening. There in Denver though Lauren found a nice condo that just shared a backyard. Well, the elderly lady that lived there when she moved in moved. Then a man bought it so he could flip it. Gabe Briggs an ex-Marine has been there working on the house and planned on having it ready to rent by the end of the week so the renters could move in by the beginning of the semester. It hadn’t been so bad but on a work day while she was on with a client she couldn’t hear because he was demolishing something within the house that went on all during one of her calls to a patient. She needed to talk to him she had a full day of calls since she work from her home.
When she finally gets there his voice is sexy as hell. Being that she has blindness didn’t start until she was 15. She had references to people, places, and things. She was like “Wow 6’1” cowboy shirt, no shirt.” Then when he starts talking and flirting it was almost a lost cause when she finally squeaked out why she was there. He asked for her number to be able to call each day to check out her schedule because he had one to meet to which means working late in the evening. Then she couldn’t tell if she got played.
He asked her to dinner says she can’t because her boyfriend Jack is away on business and would not like that. So, she wouldn’t want to do that to him. He comes to find out later that her Seeing Eye dog is named Jack Sparrow. But she goes out to the park for a jog and he tags along and the dog goes crazy in a good way. She asked who is around he says Officer B. Dawson and he tells her where and the dog leads her. This is the first meeting since the divorce. She is shook up. So Gabe invites himself over that night so they could have Chinese food and talk. No sooner do they have their first sleep over when he gets a call saying he has to leave to go back to Houston, Texas for an emergency.
Then her ex-husband with two detectives come over to ask if Gabe had stayed the night on Chinese night? She says yes, why? They say because she is his alibi since they found his wife murdered on the side of the rode. Now the ex-husband wants to be all protective, husbandly, and wants her back. Not!
From this point on it starts really moving I didn’t even tell you all that happens to this point that all relates to this couple Lauren and Gabe. This is one book that keeps you on your toes and totally intrigued. The characters are intense at times but fun and real. Totally enjoyed this book. I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provided by Netgalley.
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Once she married Ben she was happy just being his wife. Finding what new things she could boundaries she could cross. Thanks to his encouragement and support as well as her BFF, Sunny, she went to college.
Oh I don’t know after five years maybe her husband was so very faithful and supportive. He was on Denver PD and all was good so she thought. Yeah, that’s right he blew. Her fairytale he blew it right out of the water. Along with her self-esteem and her trust in him forever. Some things you can never get back. Even with him getting on his hands and knees ask for forgiveness and professing that he was still truly madly in love with her. She said no that their marriage was over. She said no and he just said okay, that he should do the right thing since, Hailey the mistress also a cop, was pregnant with his daughter. The thing is she may have taken him back had he fought for her but he just didn’t. That day at court she signed the paperwork and never looked back.
Now five years later she moved from where they used to live and he moved to Colorado since the P.D. had an opening. There in Denver though Lauren found a nice condo that just shared a backyard. Well, the elderly lady that lived there when she moved in moved. Then a man bought it so he could flip it. Gabe Briggs an ex-Marine has been there working on the house and planned on having it ready to rent by the end of the week so the renters could move in by the beginning of the semester. It hadn’t been so bad but on a work day while she was on with a client she couldn’t hear because he was demolishing something within the house that went on all during one of her calls to a patient. She needed to talk to him she had a full day of calls since she work from her home.
When she finally gets there his voice is sexy as hell. Being that she has blindness didn’t start until she was 15. She had references to people, places, and things. She was like “Wow 6’1” cowboy shirt, no shirt.” Then when he starts talking and flirting it was almost a lost cause when she finally squeaked out why she was there. He asked for her number to be able to call each day to check out her schedule because he had one to meet to which means working late in the evening. Then she couldn’t tell if she got played.
He asked her to dinner says she can’t because her boyfriend Jack is away on business and would not like that. So, she wouldn’t want to do that to him. He comes to find out later that her Seeing Eye dog is named Jack Sparrow. But she goes out to the park for a jog and he tags along and the dog goes crazy in a good way. She asked who is around he says Officer B. Dawson and he tells her where and the dog leads her. This is the first meeting since the divorce. She is shook up. So Gabe invites himself over that night so they could have Chinese food and talk. No sooner do they have their first sleep over when he gets a call saying he has to leave to go back to Houston, Texas for an emergency.
Then her ex-husband with two detectives come over to ask if Gabe had stayed the night on Chinese night? She says yes, why? They say because she is his alibi since they found his wife murdered on the side of the rode. Now the ex-husband wants to be all protective, husbandly, and wants her back. Not!
From this point on it starts really moving I didn’t even tell you all that happens to this point that all relates to this couple Lauren and Gabe. This is one book that keeps you on your toes and totally intrigued. The characters are intense at times but fun and real. Totally enjoyed this book. I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provided by Netgalley.
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May 30, 2015
If you are looking for a great binge read, look no further. Seriously. I'm kinda glad a pinched nerve kept me from doing something more productive because I don't think I could have put this one down for even a second.
First off, the book was filled with amazing characters. I am a sucker for the strong heroine--the woman who knows she can make it on her own, who doesn't need a man to save her--and Lauren is one of the strongest I've seen. She is determined not to let her disability define her. Yeah, she needs a guide dog to get around and an assistant to transcribe her notes but she manages the rest of her life just fine and God help anyone who tries to tell her otherwise. I'm also a sucker for the strong, sexy, secretive guy who want to claim and protect the headstrong heroine, even if it means getting his ass handed to him on a regular basis. Gabe believes Lauren when she says she doesn't need him but that isn't going to stop him from making her want him. The relationship between the two kinda reminds me of Beatrice and Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing. Both are too damn stubborn to admit their feelings so they irritate the other in hopes their feelings won't be discovered. Yet, everyone around them can see what is going on. The secondary characters are wonderful and make the story even more compelling. Lauren's BFF, Sunny, provides some comic relief and inappropriate commentary (she is my spirit animal). Jack Sparrow is so much more than just a guide dog (hey pets are people too). Little Evan opens a new world for both Gabe and Lauren. Then there's Ben, Kayla and the Baxters; they provide some tension and prove to be more than what they seem.
The story itself was simply amazing. It was well written and the author shifted the perspectives back and forth so you get a great feel for what both Gabe and Lauren are feeling and how their story impacts them on an individual level. The heat between the two burns hot and while there are some steamy encounters, the author manages to keep a the main event off stage until later in the book. I really liked the way the author handled these scenes; as the more of the story unfolded and the characters became more emotionally vested, the more detailed and intense the sex scenes became. It kept things interesting. The author also wove a great deal of mystery around Gabe. While Lauren is pretty up front with her past, he keeps part of his hidden which made me wonder how bad his secrets were and how it would effect them in the long run. Throw in the ex-husband, the parents, a murder and investigation... it creates a great deal of drama, intrigue, and endless possible outcomes.
There is a lot going on in this book but the story flowed smoothly; the author managed to juggle all of the elements and create a seamless tale that kept me enthralled all day. I can't wait to see what Kishan Paul comes up with next. She has set the bar pretty high but I expect we'll be seeing more amazing books from this author.
First off, the book was filled with amazing characters. I am a sucker for the strong heroine--the woman who knows she can make it on her own, who doesn't need a man to save her--and Lauren is one of the strongest I've seen. She is determined not to let her disability define her. Yeah, she needs a guide dog to get around and an assistant to transcribe her notes but she manages the rest of her life just fine and God help anyone who tries to tell her otherwise. I'm also a sucker for the strong, sexy, secretive guy who want to claim and protect the headstrong heroine, even if it means getting his ass handed to him on a regular basis. Gabe believes Lauren when she says she doesn't need him but that isn't going to stop him from making her want him. The relationship between the two kinda reminds me of Beatrice and Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing. Both are too damn stubborn to admit their feelings so they irritate the other in hopes their feelings won't be discovered. Yet, everyone around them can see what is going on. The secondary characters are wonderful and make the story even more compelling. Lauren's BFF, Sunny, provides some comic relief and inappropriate commentary (she is my spirit animal). Jack Sparrow is so much more than just a guide dog (hey pets are people too). Little Evan opens a new world for both Gabe and Lauren. Then there's Ben, Kayla and the Baxters; they provide some tension and prove to be more than what they seem.
The story itself was simply amazing. It was well written and the author shifted the perspectives back and forth so you get a great feel for what both Gabe and Lauren are feeling and how their story impacts them on an individual level. The heat between the two burns hot and while there are some steamy encounters, the author manages to keep a the main event off stage until later in the book. I really liked the way the author handled these scenes; as the more of the story unfolded and the characters became more emotionally vested, the more detailed and intense the sex scenes became. It kept things interesting. The author also wove a great deal of mystery around Gabe. While Lauren is pretty up front with her past, he keeps part of his hidden which made me wonder how bad his secrets were and how it would effect them in the long run. Throw in the ex-husband, the parents, a murder and investigation... it creates a great deal of drama, intrigue, and endless possible outcomes.
There is a lot going on in this book but the story flowed smoothly; the author managed to juggle all of the elements and create a seamless tale that kept me enthralled all day. I can't wait to see what Kishan Paul comes up with next. She has set the bar pretty high but I expect we'll be seeing more amazing books from this author.
June 8, 2015
Blind Love was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. I really loved these characters-they are really what made the story so engaging, and I found it very easy to become invested in their story.
Lauren is amazingly strong, pushing forward to finish college and open up her own therapy practice, and living on her own even though she is losing her sight. She is fiercely independent, and doesn't like to rely on anyone. Gabe. Yes, he is sigh-worthy with his Southern accent, hot body, protective streak...and once you find out his secret, you'll be swooning over him again.
There's some great supporting characters here too. Sunny, Lauren's best friend, is funny and the perfect complement to the serious Lauren. And Lauren's ex, Ben, provides just the right amount of conflict, and I even kind of felt sorry for him. Then there's Jack, Lauren's guide dog. He steals the show, and there's one scene with him that will turn out to be one of the most emotional ones in the story (yes, there were some tears).
Even though Lauren fights against having any kind of relationship with Gabe, it's hard to argue against your heart. And once things turn dramatic and the suspense climbs toward the end, true feelings will always win out.
With captivating writing and a story that holds your attention from start to end, I give 4 solid stars to Blind Love! I can't wait to read more by this talented new author!
Lauren is amazingly strong, pushing forward to finish college and open up her own therapy practice, and living on her own even though she is losing her sight. She is fiercely independent, and doesn't like to rely on anyone. Gabe. Yes, he is sigh-worthy with his Southern accent, hot body, protective streak...and once you find out his secret, you'll be swooning over him again.
There's some great supporting characters here too. Sunny, Lauren's best friend, is funny and the perfect complement to the serious Lauren. And Lauren's ex, Ben, provides just the right amount of conflict, and I even kind of felt sorry for him. Then there's Jack, Lauren's guide dog. He steals the show, and there's one scene with him that will turn out to be one of the most emotional ones in the story (yes, there were some tears).
Even though Lauren fights against having any kind of relationship with Gabe, it's hard to argue against your heart. And once things turn dramatic and the suspense climbs toward the end, true feelings will always win out.
With captivating writing and a story that holds your attention from start to end, I give 4 solid stars to Blind Love! I can't wait to read more by this talented new author!
June 4, 2015
I loved this book and was sucked into it immediately from the first chapter. This was my first time reading a book with a blind lead character, and it was very unique and a refreshing change to see the world from Lauren’s view.
I liked Gabe from the beginning, and was drawn into him even more when I found out how complicated his life was. I thought he was a perfect leading male, I loved that he let her be strong and just wanted to be there for her, even when he was having his own issues.
The supporting characters are also very likable. I loved the relationship between Lauren and Sunny, and of course I loved Jack! Lauren’s ex-husband, Ben, is also in the story, and even though I wanted to hate him, he was so well developed that I couldn’t.
This is a great pick if you’re looking for a sweet love story told from different point of view with some action and drama.
I liked Gabe from the beginning, and was drawn into him even more when I found out how complicated his life was. I thought he was a perfect leading male, I loved that he let her be strong and just wanted to be there for her, even when he was having his own issues.
The supporting characters are also very likable. I loved the relationship between Lauren and Sunny, and of course I loved Jack! Lauren’s ex-husband, Ben, is also in the story, and even though I wanted to hate him, he was so well developed that I couldn’t.
This is a great pick if you’re looking for a sweet love story told from different point of view with some action and drama.
February 17, 2016
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of The Romance Review in exchange for an honest review.
They say love is blind but when that phrase was coined, it was not referring to blindness in the literal sense. However, for Lauren Baxter, being blind and in love was as real as it would get.
BLIND LOVE by Kishan Paul tells the story of Lauren Baxter and Gabriel Briggs. Lauren has Retinitis Pigmentosa. This is an inherited disease where the retinas degenerate over time, eventually leading to complete blindness. Lauren had lost 90% of her sight by the time she was nineteen years old. However, she did not allow it to define her as a person. She took charge of her life and for her efforts, she gained her independence, got married and became a successful psychologist.
However, her marriage did not go the way she expected. She believed that her husband's infidelity was due to her shortcomings. As a result, she buried herself in her work and spent her time pushing away any man who tries to get close. She was not willing to allow anyone to break down the barriers she had built for self-protection. However, that would change when Gabriel Briggs moved next door.
Gabriel is an ex-marine turned house flipper. He had his share of family struggles which has made him emotionally unavailable for any kind of relationship. However, meeting Lauren had him re-thinking that maybe he did have the capacity to share his heart. He is a man with secrets. Those secrets would ultimately turn his life inside out. He kept running from his past, but it would eventually catch up with him.
This is my first time reading Kishan Paul's work. I was intrigued by the blurb, hence my decision to read and review. The story was well written and the pacing was just right. The story grabbed my attention and it completely sucked me in.
The characters were complex and dynamic. I enjoyed every moment spent reading about them. I particularly enjoyed Lauren's role; I thought she was brave, strong, compassionate and sassy. She proved that she could hold her own even in the midst of a dangerous situation. Her disability did not make her weak. If anything, it made her stronger.
The blurb hinted that a murder took place, as such I was expecting an element of mystery. However, what I did not expect was the manner in which it was introduced. This aspect had something to do with Gabe's past. No indication was provided as to this aspect of his past until the murder took place and he was considered a prime suspect. This took place at about fifty percent into the book. It took me by surprise. Nevertheless, I was able to overlook this minor flaw after everything began to unfold. From this point the story became intense and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
The romance between Lauren and Gabriel was hot. Now if you are a reader who enjoy explicit love scenes, then you will be disappointed. This is one of those stories where you will have to imagine what is taking place in the bedroom. This is not an insta-love story. The romance happened gradually and their love for each other grew over time.
BLIND LOVE is the type of story that will evoke a variety of emotions. It's a heartfelt story of trust, forgiveness, healing and love. It also touches on the serious issue of suicide and the impact it has on those left behind. This was a beautiful story and I highly recommend it. I would definitely read more of this author's work. -
Review originally posted at
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
They say love is blind but when that phrase was coined, it was not referring to blindness in the literal sense. However, for Lauren Baxter, being blind and in love was as real as it would get.
BLIND LOVE by Kishan Paul tells the story of Lauren Baxter and Gabriel Briggs. Lauren has Retinitis Pigmentosa. This is an inherited disease where the retinas degenerate over time, eventually leading to complete blindness. Lauren had lost 90% of her sight by the time she was nineteen years old. However, she did not allow it to define her as a person. She took charge of her life and for her efforts, she gained her independence, got married and became a successful psychologist.
However, her marriage did not go the way she expected. She believed that her husband's infidelity was due to her shortcomings. As a result, she buried herself in her work and spent her time pushing away any man who tries to get close. She was not willing to allow anyone to break down the barriers she had built for self-protection. However, that would change when Gabriel Briggs moved next door.
Gabriel is an ex-marine turned house flipper. He had his share of family struggles which has made him emotionally unavailable for any kind of relationship. However, meeting Lauren had him re-thinking that maybe he did have the capacity to share his heart. He is a man with secrets. Those secrets would ultimately turn his life inside out. He kept running from his past, but it would eventually catch up with him.
This is my first time reading Kishan Paul's work. I was intrigued by the blurb, hence my decision to read and review. The story was well written and the pacing was just right. The story grabbed my attention and it completely sucked me in.
The characters were complex and dynamic. I enjoyed every moment spent reading about them. I particularly enjoyed Lauren's role; I thought she was brave, strong, compassionate and sassy. She proved that she could hold her own even in the midst of a dangerous situation. Her disability did not make her weak. If anything, it made her stronger.
The blurb hinted that a murder took place, as such I was expecting an element of mystery. However, what I did not expect was the manner in which it was introduced. This aspect had something to do with Gabe's past. No indication was provided as to this aspect of his past until the murder took place and he was considered a prime suspect. This took place at about fifty percent into the book. It took me by surprise. Nevertheless, I was able to overlook this minor flaw after everything began to unfold. From this point the story became intense and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
The romance between Lauren and Gabriel was hot. Now if you are a reader who enjoy explicit love scenes, then you will be disappointed. This is one of those stories where you will have to imagine what is taking place in the bedroom. This is not an insta-love story. The romance happened gradually and their love for each other grew over time.
BLIND LOVE is the type of story that will evoke a variety of emotions. It's a heartfelt story of trust, forgiveness, healing and love. It also touches on the serious issue of suicide and the impact it has on those left behind. This was a beautiful story and I highly recommend it. I would definitely read more of this author's work. -
Review originally posted at
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
May 23, 2015
Kishan Paul's debut novel reminded me of why I love romance and a strong heroine. Lauren has a sight disability. She is not totally blind but can see shapes and swirls of color. Since she was not born with the disease, Lauren struggled with losing not only her sight but her independence. Her parents, always hovering and concerned, made her even more determined to have her own life without being dependent on others. And with the help of her crazy best friend and dog Jack, she manages just that: a degree, a growing therapy practice, her own home and her own life. Everything she wanted, or so she thought until the hunky ex-Marine 'bangs' into her life.
Gabe had a much different upbringing from Lauren. He battles his own demons and hides some dangerous secrets. I fell for him as fast as Lauren did. He is a compassionate but tough hero, and you can see Lauren cracking his carefully constructed walls. Their growing attraction pulls in the reader and makes us hope against hope for a chance between the two.
But enter: her interfering parents AND the ex-husband. But this ex is a likable guy who realizes what he's lost. He is a cop who must deal with all the stress and cynicism that job entails. You feel for him and find yourself hoping he may find some happiness along the way. The cast of secondary characters were interesting and made you wonder more about their story. The best friend, Sunny, MUST have her own story.
But I have to say my favorite secondary character was Jack. This dog, in his own subtle way, was as much a therapist as Lauren. He helped mend relationships and eased tense situations as well protect and love his master.
Ms. Paul has done a beautiful job creating layered characters and a love story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. The romance and relationships are key, though. The disability is explored with empathy and tact. I never felt sorry for Lauren but admired and cheered for her every step of the way. This story made me laugh and cry. Yes, that sounds cliche but I haven't enjoyed a contemporary romance this much in years. I can't wait to read her next one.
Gabe had a much different upbringing from Lauren. He battles his own demons and hides some dangerous secrets. I fell for him as fast as Lauren did. He is a compassionate but tough hero, and you can see Lauren cracking his carefully constructed walls. Their growing attraction pulls in the reader and makes us hope against hope for a chance between the two.
But enter: her interfering parents AND the ex-husband. But this ex is a likable guy who realizes what he's lost. He is a cop who must deal with all the stress and cynicism that job entails. You feel for him and find yourself hoping he may find some happiness along the way. The cast of secondary characters were interesting and made you wonder more about their story. The best friend, Sunny, MUST have her own story.
But I have to say my favorite secondary character was Jack. This dog, in his own subtle way, was as much a therapist as Lauren. He helped mend relationships and eased tense situations as well protect and love his master.
Ms. Paul has done a beautiful job creating layered characters and a love story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. The romance and relationships are key, though. The disability is explored with empathy and tact. I never felt sorry for Lauren but admired and cheered for her every step of the way. This story made me laugh and cry. Yes, that sounds cliche but I haven't enjoyed a contemporary romance this much in years. I can't wait to read her next one.
June 16, 2015
I love, love, loved this story. I am a huge fan of contemporary romance, and this was perfect. One minute I was crying, the next laughing. Lauren is a blind psychologist who is trying to prove her parents wrong by surviving on her own. She shies away from relationships because her ex husband cheated on her and then left her to be with the other woman. She has tried dating the "safe" guys who wouldn't do that to her, but she never felt that spark. She is a woman you can admire and want to be her best friend. Her smart, sassy sarcasm keeps everyone on their toes. Her best friend, Sunshine Daye, is the ideal best friend who has been by her side since they could walk. Sometimes you want to smack her, as with any best friend, but she's there when it matters and loves Lauren. The guy who moves next door, Gabe (I almost typed Babe, and WOW, is he) is an ex-Marine sniper who plans on flipping the house and leaving, but finds himself drawn in to the beauty next door and her strength and independence. He is the kind of guy that always does the right thing and you have to love him for it, even if he tries to keep some secrets that come back and bite him in the butt. The ex-husband shows up and tries to complicate things, and when Gabe becomes a murder suspect, you kind of hate Ben (the ex) a little less. Hate is a strong word. Dislike, get annoyed by... those might be more appropriate. The story is very well written, the characters are well developed, and you can tell this was a very well cared for story. I say this is a must read for any romance lover. There is a little suspense, and you'll want to keep some tissues near-by. I will definitely pick up any other story written by this author. Fans of Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr, Jennifer Bernard, and Jill Shalvis will love this novel.
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
May 31, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Kishan Paul's book, Blind Love, published by Samhain Publishing. Who doesn't love a challenged heroine and a hot sexy ex-Marine hero who have to overcome several obstacles in order to be together. Blindness-or near blindness in Lauren's case- can sometimes hinder what that person can do, but not Lauren. Despite a failed marriage with an ex that can't seem to get over her, Lauren became a psychologist and has made quite the career with the help of her best friend, Sunshine. But Lauren's love life is not only lacking, it's basically non-existent. Enter Gabe.
Gabe is remodeling the townhouse next door to Lauren's and makes his presence known with all the banging and drilling. Sparks fly when these two meet, but Lauren's resistant of letting a man too close. Her ex-husband, Ben, destroyed any faith she had in relationships. But Lauren enjoys Gabe's company and as they say - one thing leads to another.
This book is filled with all things a romance should be filled with--cute banter between the eventual couple, a strong heroine, a hunky hero, a supportive and funny best friend, a lovable dog, a few laughs, a couple tears, and a bit of suspense. Though this is not a steamy hot romance novel, Kishan did a terrific job tying these two lives together to a very satisfying end. I look forward to her next book - perhaps a story about Sunshine Daye! :)
5 stars *****
Gabe is remodeling the townhouse next door to Lauren's and makes his presence known with all the banging and drilling. Sparks fly when these two meet, but Lauren's resistant of letting a man too close. Her ex-husband, Ben, destroyed any faith she had in relationships. But Lauren enjoys Gabe's company and as they say - one thing leads to another.
This book is filled with all things a romance should be filled with--cute banter between the eventual couple, a strong heroine, a hunky hero, a supportive and funny best friend, a lovable dog, a few laughs, a couple tears, and a bit of suspense. Though this is not a steamy hot romance novel, Kishan did a terrific job tying these two lives together to a very satisfying end. I look forward to her next book - perhaps a story about Sunshine Daye! :)
5 stars *****
April 7, 2020
4.5 stars
This was a great read. It was about overcoming fears and accepting yourself as who you were. I loved both of these characters, but Lauren was such a strong heroine. She had a great relationship with Gabe and I wished there was more of them together to show more of their relationship together. The relationship I loved the most though was definitely Lauren and Jack. This was a great ready with some suspense/mystery thrown in which was fantastic.
This was a great read. It was about overcoming fears and accepting yourself as who you were. I loved both of these characters, but Lauren was such a strong heroine. She had a great relationship with Gabe and I wished there was more of them together to show more of their relationship together. The relationship I loved the most though was definitely Lauren and Jack. This was a great ready with some suspense/mystery thrown in which was fantastic.
June 29, 2015
Wow, where to begin? Well, I guess that would be with a couple who met in high school their senior year and fell in love. Right after high school they elope against her parents’ wishes. You see Lauren Baxter who the married Ben Dawson was treated like an incapable child due to her blindness.
Once she married Ben she was happy just being his wife. Finding what new things she could boundaries she could cross. Thanks to his encouragement and support as well as her BFF, Sunny, she went to college.
Oh I don’t know after five years maybe her husband was so very faithful and supportive. He was on Denver PD and all was good so she thought. Yeah, that’s right he blew. Her fairytale he blew it right out of the water. Along with her self-esteem and her trust in him forever. Some things you can never get back. Even with him getting on his hands and knees ask for forgiveness and professing that he was still truly madly in love with her. She said no that their marriage was over. She said no and he just said okay, that he should do the right thing since, Hailey the mistress also a cop, was pregnant with his daughter. The thing is she may have taken him back had he fought for her but he just didn’t. That day at court she signed the paperwork and never looked back.
Now five years later she moved from where they used to live and he moved to Colorado since the P.D. had an opening. There in Denver though Lauren found a nice condo that just shared a backyard. Well, the elderly lady that lived there when she moved in moved. Then a man bought it so he could flip it. Gabe Briggs an ex-Marine has been there working on the house and planned on having it ready to rent by the end of the week so the renters could move in by the beginning of the semester. It hadn’t been so bad but on a work day while she was on with a client she couldn’t hear because he was demolishing something within the house that went on all during one of her calls to a patient. She needed to talk to him she had a full day of calls since she work from her home.
When she finally gets there his voice is sexy as hell. Being that she has blindness didn’t start until she was 15. She had references to people, places, and things. She was like “Wow 6’1” cowboy shirt, no shirt.” Then when he starts talking and flirting it was almost a lost cause when she finally squealed out why she was there. He asked for her number to be able to call each day to check out her schedule because he had one to meet to which means working late in the evening. Then she couldn’t tell if she got played.
He asked her to dinner says she can’t because her boyfriend Jack is away on business and would not like that. So, she wouldn’t want to do that to him. He comes to find out later that her Seeing Eye dog is named Jack Sparrow. But she goes out to the park for a jog and he tags along and the dog goes crazy in a good way. She asked who is around he says Officer B. Dawson and he tells her where and the dog leads her. This is the first meeting since the divorce. She is shook up. So Gabe invites himself over that night so they could have Chinese food and talk. No sooner do they have their first sleep over when he gets a call saying he has to leave to go back to Houston, Texas for an emergency.
Then her ex-husband with two detectives come over to ask if Gabe had stayed the night on Chinese night? She says yes, why? They say because she is his alibi since they found his wife murdered on the side of the road. Now the ex-husband wants to be all protective, husbandly, and wants her back. Not!
From this point on it starts really moving I didn’t even tell you all that happens to this point that all relates to this couple Lauren and Gabe. This is one book that keeps you on your toes and totally intrigued. The characters are intense at times but fun and real. Totally enjoyed this book. I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Once she married Ben she was happy just being his wife. Finding what new things she could boundaries she could cross. Thanks to his encouragement and support as well as her BFF, Sunny, she went to college.
Oh I don’t know after five years maybe her husband was so very faithful and supportive. He was on Denver PD and all was good so she thought. Yeah, that’s right he blew. Her fairytale he blew it right out of the water. Along with her self-esteem and her trust in him forever. Some things you can never get back. Even with him getting on his hands and knees ask for forgiveness and professing that he was still truly madly in love with her. She said no that their marriage was over. She said no and he just said okay, that he should do the right thing since, Hailey the mistress also a cop, was pregnant with his daughter. The thing is she may have taken him back had he fought for her but he just didn’t. That day at court she signed the paperwork and never looked back.
Now five years later she moved from where they used to live and he moved to Colorado since the P.D. had an opening. There in Denver though Lauren found a nice condo that just shared a backyard. Well, the elderly lady that lived there when she moved in moved. Then a man bought it so he could flip it. Gabe Briggs an ex-Marine has been there working on the house and planned on having it ready to rent by the end of the week so the renters could move in by the beginning of the semester. It hadn’t been so bad but on a work day while she was on with a client she couldn’t hear because he was demolishing something within the house that went on all during one of her calls to a patient. She needed to talk to him she had a full day of calls since she work from her home.
When she finally gets there his voice is sexy as hell. Being that she has blindness didn’t start until she was 15. She had references to people, places, and things. She was like “Wow 6’1” cowboy shirt, no shirt.” Then when he starts talking and flirting it was almost a lost cause when she finally squealed out why she was there. He asked for her number to be able to call each day to check out her schedule because he had one to meet to which means working late in the evening. Then she couldn’t tell if she got played.
He asked her to dinner says she can’t because her boyfriend Jack is away on business and would not like that. So, she wouldn’t want to do that to him. He comes to find out later that her Seeing Eye dog is named Jack Sparrow. But she goes out to the park for a jog and he tags along and the dog goes crazy in a good way. She asked who is around he says Officer B. Dawson and he tells her where and the dog leads her. This is the first meeting since the divorce. She is shook up. So Gabe invites himself over that night so they could have Chinese food and talk. No sooner do they have their first sleep over when he gets a call saying he has to leave to go back to Houston, Texas for an emergency.
Then her ex-husband with two detectives come over to ask if Gabe had stayed the night on Chinese night? She says yes, why? They say because she is his alibi since they found his wife murdered on the side of the road. Now the ex-husband wants to be all protective, husbandly, and wants her back. Not!
From this point on it starts really moving I didn’t even tell you all that happens to this point that all relates to this couple Lauren and Gabe. This is one book that keeps you on your toes and totally intrigued. The characters are intense at times but fun and real. Totally enjoyed this book. I give this 5 ++++ stars. Provided by Net Galley.
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May 27, 2015
Heather's review from Smut Matters
Lauren Baxter has a lot going for her. She has a therapy practice that seems to be doing very well, a wonderful assistant who has been her best friend since high school, a wonderful guide dog named Jack Sparrow, and now, a new neighbor who is smoking hot. She also has an ex-husband who cheated on her, and parents who don't trust her to live on her own. And she's blind. Mostly. She can see some swirls of color, and some very generic shapes, but that's about it. And she knows that she's going to lose those colors at some point, too.
I really liked Lauren and her determination to live her life on her own terms. Right now she can still see colors, and she's able to use them to live her life fairly independently. That may or may not change by the time she loses her sight all together, but for now, she's doing really well. Enter Gabe Briggs, the new neighbor. They officially meet when she goes to ask him not to do his hammer during office hours, as she's on the phone with her patients and needs the quiet. He agrees without argument, which I thought was a nice change, then tries to finagle dinner with her. Lauren, however, wants no part of this, and turns him down, lying and telling him she has a boyfriend.
I didn't feel like I got to know Gabe as well as I did Lauren, and that's a shame. There was a lot going on in this guy's past, and it just sprang up out of nowhere. There wasn't even a hint of it earlier in the book. I think that was the biggest problem I had with this story. I felt like Lauren and Gabe's relationship was one of convenience. Lauren goes to Gabe when her ex-husband shows back up and wants her back, and I felt like she would have gone to whoever lived next door. She obviously finds him attractive and knows it's mutual, but I got the sense that if Gabe lived across town, she still would have gone next door.
There wasn't a ton of heat to this one; most of the sex scenes faded to black. I thought it was an easy read, good for sitting outside on my deck in the spring, which is exactly where I read it. I will say however, I took a full star off of my rating for one specific plot point. That's a completely personal issue, some people won't care, but just, no.
Lauren Baxter has a lot going for her. She has a therapy practice that seems to be doing very well, a wonderful assistant who has been her best friend since high school, a wonderful guide dog named Jack Sparrow, and now, a new neighbor who is smoking hot. She also has an ex-husband who cheated on her, and parents who don't trust her to live on her own. And she's blind. Mostly. She can see some swirls of color, and some very generic shapes, but that's about it. And she knows that she's going to lose those colors at some point, too.
I really liked Lauren and her determination to live her life on her own terms. Right now she can still see colors, and she's able to use them to live her life fairly independently. That may or may not change by the time she loses her sight all together, but for now, she's doing really well. Enter Gabe Briggs, the new neighbor. They officially meet when she goes to ask him not to do his hammer during office hours, as she's on the phone with her patients and needs the quiet. He agrees without argument, which I thought was a nice change, then tries to finagle dinner with her. Lauren, however, wants no part of this, and turns him down, lying and telling him she has a boyfriend.
I didn't feel like I got to know Gabe as well as I did Lauren, and that's a shame. There was a lot going on in this guy's past, and it just sprang up out of nowhere. There wasn't even a hint of it earlier in the book. I think that was the biggest problem I had with this story. I felt like Lauren and Gabe's relationship was one of convenience. Lauren goes to Gabe when her ex-husband shows back up and wants her back, and I felt like she would have gone to whoever lived next door. She obviously finds him attractive and knows it's mutual, but I got the sense that if Gabe lived across town, she still would have gone next door.
There wasn't a ton of heat to this one; most of the sex scenes faded to black. I thought it was an easy read, good for sitting outside on my deck in the spring, which is exactly where I read it. I will say however, I took a full star off of my rating for one specific plot point. That's a completely personal issue, some people won't care, but just, no.
October 14, 2015
This is the first book i read by Kishan Paul and I enjoyed it a lot.
I liked the book. I liked the story. It's emotional, sweet, sometimes complicated and funny. The characters? You will fall in love with them immediately.
I liked the book. I liked the story. It's emotional, sweet, sometimes complicated and funny. The characters? You will fall in love with them immediately.
May 31, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Kishan Paul and I have to say it was definitely not your typical romance novel. The heroine, Lauren, is almost completely blind and has not fully recovered from her husband's affair and divorce 5 years previously. So when her new neighbor Gabe shows an interest, Lauren turns him down, repeatedly. Gabe is a former Marine and definitely has no plans to give up on Lauren. However, when his past comes back to haunt him, it gives Lauren's husband a chance to get back into her life. This novel was full of great characters including a guide dog that had enough personality to be another character. It took on several serious issues and included elements of suspense. I would definitely look for more from this author!
December 28, 2015
Lets just say hidden pasts and unknown futures lead to a lot of ups and down throughout this amazing book. I will admit I have a weakness for cowboys and military men. Put those two together and let me tell you Kishan Paul does not disappoint when it comes to Gabriel Briggs. Wonderful job in writing a blind person. The use of other senses and the struggles they face were portrayed wonderfully in this book by the authors. I think my favorite part of the book is when Lauren takes Jack over to the house for the first time to confront Gabriel. The picture she paints in her head of what he looks like and the daydreams she had were cracking me up. Wonderful job on this book. If you are looking for a quick, fun read I recommending checking this book out!
December 19, 2015
DNF at ch 6. I love stories with physically challenged characters. Lauren is legally blind but has made her way in life. She has a PHD and a therapy career. She does have a failed marriage behind her but who doesn't these days. Gabe is the owner of the other side of her duplex and he comes on to her like a ton of bricks. He's stalkery and an asshole. He forces his way in her life, doesn't care what she thinks and calls her rude when she doesn't let him into her life with open arms. Her best friend Sunny is just as bad. A believer that Lauren won't be happy with out a man she does everything to push Lauren into having sex with him despite not knowing a blessed thing about him. Lauren does call them both on it, she's the only good thing about this book, but I can't take anymore.
August 6, 2015
This was a sweet love story, with a murder mystery, a kidnapping, a sexy neighbor, and some steamy sex. The main character is a sassy, smart-mouthed PhD, and her best friend is a hoot! At it's heart , Blind Love is a romance, but it crosses into several other genres as well, and should be appealing to a broad audience. Loved it!
June 3, 2015
You don't want to miss Blind Love. Ms Paul did a fantastic job in portraying realistic, loveable characters in a poignant and at times suspenseful story, all with her characteristic humor, smart dialogues, and talent for the unexpected. I loved it!
July 11, 2015
Eh.... I liked Lauren but didn't really got a grip on Gabe... I would have liked to know of more about him...
July 30, 2016
Amazing book! Wish it were a series so I can read more of these characters!
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