Blinding Lights

Lights of Scotland #2

by Jessica Florence

She dances with a passion I'll never know
Seeing her again tears me at the seams
She was never mine
My soul is stained with the darkness of death
I have killed
I have tortured
I have lost
Her soul is too bright for the shadows within.
and her determination to be the flame in my heart could kill us both
Still, I want her, I crave her
But not even her blinding lights can fight away the darkness threatening us both.
Eventually, everything gets snuffed out.

Genres: Romance

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2016

About the author

Jessica Florence writes the stories that her fellow nerds yearn for.

From Superheroes to Sexy Truckers, Jessica is known to give readers unique tales of hope where love conquers all. Stories that melt away reality and take you on a journey with the characters. If escapism is what you are looking for, then look no further. Jessica is the Queen of weaving the tales you may not normally pick up but find yourself not being able to put down.

Jessica’s always had a love of reading, and her love of books lead her to start writing in the 9th grade. She quickly learned that storytelling was her passion. Inspired by movies, music, and her personal life she writes like it’s the very air she breathes. Through her writing it’s evident that she lives for the stories she creates.

Jessica resides in North Carolina with her daughter, husband, and various animals. She loves to be outside, write in her hammock, and collect tea mugs.

CONNECT WITH J-FLO:

➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jessicaflorenceauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorjessicaflorence

➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/florencejess
➜ WEBSITE: www.Jessicaflorenceauthor.com

Reviews

[Beneath The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has been in love with Lachlan since they were kids. But she kept all those feelings to herself thinking, Lachlan thought of her as a sister. Then he up and leaves one day and she couldn't do anything about it. Now, after so many years, he is back and Lily is pretty sure Lachlan reciprocates her feelings but for some reason has decided never to act on them. This knowledge solidifies her resolves to get Lachlan and make him see that they belong together.

Lachlan knows he is as bad as they come. For years he has stayed away from Lily, the only person who brings light and purity to his life. But he believes his darkness is too consuming for Lily's goodness so he denies what his heart and body has always wanted. But someone is hell bent on destroying Lily's life and he is the only one who can protect her. Can he stay away and save her? Or will he give in to what he has always wanted?

This story was a roller-coaster of emotions. You have a man who is completely and utterly in love with a girl he has been denying himself for years. Then there is a woman who is hell-bent on getting the love of her life to see that they are perfect together. I loved the characters and their spirit. Lily was such a strong woman. She saw so much and knew the darkness that haunted Lachlan but she never held any of those things against him and kept her love pure.

I just want to hug Lachlan and never let go. No one deserves to be in so much pain for so long. Also, God he was so hot. His dirty talk was to die for. I CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series because really who can resist hot Scottish men? ~Sonal

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read and I liked the fact that the author had Nera and Wolfe in this book which helped tie the character's relationships together. The story grabbed me from the beginning and was a nice easy read and I'm always a sucker for a story that's based around kid/teen crushes that turn into something as adults. Lachlan and Lilly have had a thing for each other since they were kids but never acted on it and as adults Lachlan feels that he's not good enough for her because of what he does for a living. I have to give it to Lilly, she definitely goes after what she wants. Classic romance story with a hot mercenary, a beautiful ballet dancer, crazy psycho stalker, perfect amount of drama and a few hot sexy scenes.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Loved it! It was so great watching Lachlan give in to his love for Lily. And I loved that the suspense kept you going until the end.
Jessica definitely brought some tears to my eyes with this one! “Without love, there is no life.” Man, she definitely has a way with words.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so very happy to have had the chance to review a book that I was anticipating to read. I've received the awesome ARC of Blinding Lights by Jessica Florence in exchange for an honest and spoiler free review. This action packed romance deserves an amazing 5 star.

It's a romantic action packed, fast paced with an adrenaline ride all the way. It started with an intriguing prologue that got me hooked right away. The readers have no other choice but feel and love these amazing characters.

This is about Lachlan and Lily whom have been friends forever. That friendship developed into love. Lachlan thinks he lives with darkness inside of him and that he is not a good person so he has spaced himself from Lily Bug for 6 years. An horrifying experience puts Lily right in Lachlan path. He saves her from a life that would have been horrible. Lily is the light to his darkness. She will try very hard to make him realize he's a good man and that they belong together. She's is his Starlight.

Jessica has put her creative mind and plotting onto paper to keep us entertained for hours. Blinding Lights was very well thought out with a well executed plot that contains fascinating characters. The author will take you on a full adrenaline roller coaster ride. She has such a wonderful way of writing that her story just captured my undivided attention and has the perfect amount of steamy romance. She has the ability to give wonderful descriptions and great depth to her characters. The action started fairly early in the book and didn't let up until the very end. After reading a couple pages out of the epilogue, I thought that I wasn't getting my HEA but she surprised me with a wonderful one. Kept my undivided attention until the very last page was read. Even then I wanted more. Hint: ( I want Findley's story.) LOL

This standalone is told in a dual POV and with an HEA. Blinding Lights is the second book in Lights of Scotland series. The characters from Guiding Lights play a certain role in this story. Although, I personally prefer to read series in order for better enjoyment but I think the author was able to give just enough insight on the previous story to get the readers up to date without missing any information. I highly recommend reading this story. All of Jessica's previous books are well worth the readers precious time and money.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guiding Lights was my first ever Jessica Florence book and I fell in LOVE with it. I had no idea what to expect and it floored me. So naturally when I saw that there was a second book in the Lights of Scotland series, I was more than ready to read it. Blinding Lights focuses on Lachlan, a man we meet in the first book, a friend of Wolfe’s. He is a man of danger and mystery. Being able to finally get in his head and understand him better was both intriguing and slightly terrifying. To say that he is a man you do not want to be at odds with is putting it mildly. Lachlan is a man who saves the innocent and enacts vengeance for those who cannot avenge themselves.

This book is a story of lifelong friends who fall deep into the love, lust, and connection that has been brewing for the majority of their lives. Lily and Lachaln could not be more opposite. Lily is a tiny dancer and Lachlan is a brute of a man. These two shouldn’t work but they do. As the story unfolds, you learn that they have loved each other from a distance for years, never admitting their true feelings. But when Lachlan is horrified to find Lily in a dangerous situation, one he ends up rescuing her from, their paths begin to intertwine. Lily is a fierce woman. She is determined to make Lachlan see what they could be and will stop at nothing to make it happen. These two are meant to be together. They work so well, even when it seems like they should not. I loved how Lily softened Lachlan’s edges and how he gave her an extra boost of confidence and resilience. Their love story is not easy, especially when someone is determined to take Lily for their own.

Blinding Lights is a roller coaster of passion, danger, friendship, and determination. This story had sweet moments followed by hot and heavy ones. We see a lot of Wolfe and Nera from Guiding Lights, and that was the icing on the cake! I love this side of Jessica’s writing and I am hoping for so much more!

[Lexi Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outsanding! One of the most difficult and rewarding stories I’ve ever read. It’s a must read. The story telling is dynamic and realistic. Each character portraits a genuine essence that you can actually “ feel“ them. Not as far away character, but as a friend, family, even lovers. You feel part of their life, their struggles, inner conflict and blinding lights. Yes, Blinding Lights. And let me tell you, I pondered the tittle and meaning. First, I see it as a beacon of hope trying to live, where shadows and demons lurks. Where life choices are being constantly evaluated, past, memories, and our present makes who we are. Also, I see as an untamable force that want’s to push someone unto a never ending flare, filled with second chances and the opportunity to love and be loved. (Told ya, I pondered, deeply. LOL) This is what I saw in Lachlan, that wildfire, the reason to build something away from shadows, but of hope and love. To let himself be who he wanted to be, to the only woman who lighted his shadows, Lily. And I have to tell you, I loved that Lily, did the pursue. Portraying that strength and the desire to heal and show someone that they can be imperfect, but perfect for each other was truly refreshing. Being from different “worlds” her’s being one filled with “art” and his “violence” they found a neutral ground, being their hidden love for each other. And it was a beautiful thing to see as that suppressed love bloomed and became their salvation. On another note, the author excelled making such a beautiful story, real and unique. It was such a pleasure to read it; this is one of my favorites reads!

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to learn more about Lachlan! He had a role in Guiding Lights and after that brief encounter; I needed to learn more about him. Blinding Lights did just that – we got to see the world of Lachlan and see first hand how his character came to be.

There was also appearances from Wolfe and Nera throughout the book which kept this tightly linked to Guiding Lights (Another book by this author that I love).

This story does not pick up where Guiding Lights left off, it is a separate book but it is a good idea to read GL first as it will give you a little insight into Lachlan as well as the other characters that make show up here.

Blinding Lights brought out a bunch of emotions while I was reading it: joy, fear, sadness, shock, relief, and a few others. It kept me guessing throughout as to who was behind the bad things that were happening. I would be sure that I knew who was behind the danger but always ended up wrong. I like that the author lead my thoughts down the wrong path because I liked being surprised.

As I hoped, I ended up liking Lachlan even more than I thought I would after reading this. The other main character, Lily, was a great addition to the characters. She was strong and went for what she wanted without throwing off an overbearing vibe. She was likable and stong-willed.
This is a great story that fits nicely with Guiding Lights and has a great mix of action, mystery, and romance. Jessica Florence did it again! I can’t get enough of her work!

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness me another amazing book from Jessica Florence, i wasn’t going to read this one so quickly after i finished Blinding Lights but i hate to i missed Scotland and the boys.

Now Lachlan was someone we met in the first book and he was so intriguing and i loved how he was best friends with Wolfe but i loved how he also had a connection with Nera (not romantic) after what she went through.

Lachlan seemed so dark and mysterious and i am so glad we got his story because it deserved to be told especially with what happens do in his past.

Lily was also a great character who just wanted to have a relationship with a guy who was her best friend whilst growing but it was hard to convince him as he believed he didn’t deserve love so i loved her fight and her determination.

It was also awesome to see where Wolfe and Nera needed up from the first book and it was kind of like their epilogue aswell as they were in the book so much and that made me love it more.

Loved this story there was action, romance, and suspense when you think you know how this story will go boom something happens and you may not see it coming .

I swear Jessica Florence could write anything and i would read it, i love an author who flirts with every genre and can write and fantastic story loved loved loved this book.

[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

️⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC received for an honest review

This is the 2nd installment in this series and can be read as a stand-alone but you will want to read Wolfe and Nera's back story as it involves Lachlan and they feature in this one too which is great.

Lachlan and Lily have been in love with each other since they were kids. Tragedy struck and Lachlan left, coincidentally after Lily kissed him for the first time. They haven't seen each other for 8 years. Lachlan does not believe he is good enough for Lily, that he is surrounded in darkness as he's a hired hand, hired by wealthy people and governments doing the jobs no-one else can and wants to do. Lily is a famous ballet dancer and she's way to pure to be around his darkness.

Unfortunately their worlds collide when Lachlan is sent in to rescue 2 girls from a sex traffic ring and finds Lily there unconscious. Now he can't walk away from her, not that she would let him anyway as she's fed up of him deciding things for her.

This book was a great read and kept me intrigued from start to finish and i loved reading the relationships between all the characters, Lachlan and Lily was hot, but also with Wolfe and Nera in too it completed the book.

[Helen Hennessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to explain how much I loved this book. It brought back two of my favorite characters from Guiding Lights in Nera and Wolfe and introduced me to the new characters of Lachlan and Lily. Lachlan had an appearance in Guiding Lights but, we got to learn more about him and exactly what made him tick! I love how her writing delves into the characters past and present and meldes it all together so the reader can see where they came from and where they are going. While Lachlan and Lily's love story was not picture perfect, for them it was as perfect as it needed to be. There was just the right amount of drama, suspense, and of course my favorite happily ever after! I cannot wait to see what Jessica Florence's wonderful mind brings next! She is definitley a one-click for me automatically now!!

[Crystal Yawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this! Teenage love denied because Lachlan does not believe he is good enough for Lily. Years later the two are reunited and through multiple story plots, the love between them will not be denied.
Lachlan is a dark character, a mercenary. He saves lives but also takes lives. he's mysterious and intriguing.
Lily is a dancer, she's light at the end of the tunnel. even after her experiences she stays light.
they bring balance to each other and make for an interesting read. it's full of reuniting love, steam, scary situations, hero's and stalkers.
Lots of references to Nera and Wolfe's story which left me a bit in the dark as I've not read it, but not enough to ruin this story, just peak my interest in reading book one.

[Pop Fizz Clink Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily & Lachlan were the best of friends growing up. She is a dancer & he is a beast of a man. Lachlan believes he’s no good for Lily because of his profession so he disappears from her life. Years later on a mission he saves her & she’s determined to fight her way back to his life. Wolfe & Nera make lots of appearances in this 2nd book since Wolf grew up with Lily & Lachlan & have stayed in touch with Lily throughout the years. This book has more action & twists compared to the 1st one & is a faster read. Read & reviewed for an honest opionion by RazzReader with Pop Fizz Clink Read

[Imani Blake (Enamored Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Beautifully Blinding Stars!
Ok I thought Guiding Lights went by too fast but I was highly mistaken because I started this book just a few hours ago and I'm already finished!! I want more!! It was like a friends to lovers romance with a dangerous twist! Lachlan was too hot for his own lethal good!! And I absolutely loved how Lily stayed by her man because if I were in her situation I can't promise I wouldn't high tail it out of there!! I absolutely loved this one Jessica!!

[Sonal · Rating 4 out of 5]

For full review see here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

If you read Guiding Lights, you were probably anxious (like me) to hear more about Lachlan. There were just too many unanswered questions surrounding him.

I will say that Guiding Lights held my attention right up until the very end. Lily and Lachlan are very different, but they compliment each other. They've known each other since they were kids, so they have a bond that's hard to break. Lachlan's 'job' brings him face to face with Lily after he walked away from her years prior, and that spark is still there. He's afraid that he isn't good enough for Lily, but the heart wants what it wants.

I liked the flow of the story, but I wish there was more. It all felt a little rushed to me. So many parts are skimmed over, where I wish there were more details. I wish there was more background into Lachlan and Lily. I wish the rescue scenes weren't gone through so quickly. The build up was there, but I love details that help give a scene more dimension.

I do really enjoy Jessica's writing. I thought that the Scottish accents would bother me, but I find that I don't even notice them anymore. I love that Nera and Wolfe appear in this book. It really helped to tie it all together.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the second installment of Lights of Scotland. I received an ARC for an honest review. Lachlan and Lily are amazing. If you don't love Lachlan shame on you. The book was full of action and was very faced paced so it never leaves to hanging. No dragging of the story. Lots of great stuff happening in this book but don't want to spoil it. MUST read. Really!