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Love is Blind
“Why don’t you date a blind guy?”
Ever since a childhood accident left her with severe facial deformities, Sophie Pasternak has been hearing that incredibly insulting suggestion from friends and busybodies. After all, who else but a blind man could love someone who looks like she does? But as the lonely years go by working in the library, living vicariously through the romances in her favorite books, Sophie wonders if there’s any truth in this hurtful piece of advice.
Then she meets Colin Kelly, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who lost his vision in combat. Colin is the sexiest man Sophie has ever met, from his taut muscles covered in tattoos to his alluring grin. He’s also the only man who has shared her deep passion for reading, which is why he enlists Sophie’s help to learn braille. Sophie finds herself falling hard for Colin Kelly… and she suspects he feels the same way.
The only problem?
Colin Kelly has no idea what Sophie Pasternak really looks like.
And she’s terrified for him to find out the truth.
Ever since a childhood accident left her with severe facial deformities, Sophie Pasternak has been hearing that incredibly insulting suggestion from friends and busybodies. After all, who else but a blind man could love someone who looks like she does? But as the lonely years go by working in the library, living vicariously through the romances in her favorite books, Sophie wonders if there’s any truth in this hurtful piece of advice.
Then she meets Colin Kelly, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who lost his vision in combat. Colin is the sexiest man Sophie has ever met, from his taut muscles covered in tattoos to his alluring grin. He’s also the only man who has shared her deep passion for reading, which is why he enlists Sophie’s help to learn braille. Sophie finds herself falling hard for Colin Kelly… and she suspects he feels the same way.
The only problem?
Colin Kelly has no idea what Sophie Pasternak really looks like.
And she’s terrified for him to find out the truth.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
165 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 3, 2019
Blatant slut-shaming and cheap thrills
As the main character You.Do.Not:
> Insult a girl, that you're in no way involved with, for expressing her sexuality as she pleases.
> Disrespect her even as you're about to sleep with her!
> Complain about her having condoms even though you admitted to frequent ONSs in your own past.
As the author You.Do.Not:
> Dehumanize a woman that you introduced as a plot device just so your main character can feel like a man. Little pro tip: If you want the MC to sleep with another woman before falling for his intended love interest, DO NOT BLAME THAT OTHER WOMAN, stand by your own story!
For more than a century, women have fought for the right of self-expression (sexually and otherwise) and this is what we get spoon-fed today…… I can't even.
Other than that, it's what you'd expect based on the blurb, not horribly written but nothing to write home about, either.
“I’ve got condoms,” Ashlynn whispers to me. Good thing because I definitely don’t have one, and if I’m hooking up with a girl who keeps a stack of condoms in her room, I’m guessing there are some transmittable diseases I should be worried about.
As the main character You.Do.Not:
> Insult a girl, that you're in no way involved with, for expressing her sexuality as she pleases.
> Disrespect her even as you're about to sleep with her!
> Complain about her having condoms even though you admitted to frequent ONSs in your own past.
As the author You.Do.Not:
> Dehumanize a woman that you introduced as a plot device just so your main character can feel like a man. Little pro tip: If you want the MC to sleep with another woman before falling for his intended love interest, DO NOT BLAME THAT OTHER WOMAN, stand by your own story!
For more than a century, women have fought for the right of self-expression (sexually and otherwise) and this is what we get spoon-fed today…… I can't even.
Other than that, it's what you'd expect based on the blurb, not horribly written but nothing to write home about, either.
April 2, 2019
I decided to read this story.. the blurb was so heartbreaking and different.. the story so far had me in tears and i was so excited!!
Then chapter 20ish?? It went down hill for me that i stopped and skimmed the rest of the book since i couldn't finish it.. Colin i enjoyed Colin he was broody growly and tried to learn how to adapted to being blind.. then at one point thanks to his pushy friend he goes to a womans house and fakes (he didn't want to at first but that changed) that he's not blind, he already met sophie and likes her and he thought about her before sleeping with ow cuz hes horny... :/ and figured he could be normal with a random woman then with sophie who knew he was blind.. i couldn't after that.. it tainted this wonderful growing friendship/relationship i was reading even if they werent together.. also sophie not really telling Colin about her condition and when it comes out.. . 😭 the way he acted was bad.. like i understand he was lied to..also coworker is a bitch for that.. she wanted to fill normal so i understand why she kept it hush hush..and also hearing him say that stuff towards his friend about he would never date a deformed person broke my heart..
i would have loved this book if it weren't for that scene with the ow..
Only reason it got a star was the story and plot was interesting..
Agnst, ow he sleeps with one due to his pushy friend and lied he was blind, drama, 1 sex scene that was meh, no virgins..
Reccomend- maybe if your cool with sleeping with ow
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowburn
Disabilities
Then chapter 20ish?? It went down hill for me that i stopped and skimmed the rest of the book since i couldn't finish it.. Colin i enjoyed Colin he was broody growly and tried to learn how to adapted to being blind.. then at one point thanks to his pushy friend he goes to a womans house and fakes (he didn't want to at first but that changed) that he's not blind, he already met sophie and likes her and he thought about her before sleeping with ow cuz hes horny... :/ and figured he could be normal with a random woman then with sophie who knew he was blind.. i couldn't after that.. it tainted this wonderful growing friendship/relationship i was reading even if they werent together.. also sophie not really telling Colin about her condition and when it comes out.. . 😭 the way he acted was bad.. like i understand he was lied to..also coworker is a bitch for that.. she wanted to fill normal so i understand why she kept it hush hush..and also hearing him say that stuff towards his friend about he would never date a deformed person broke my heart..
i would have loved this book if it weren't for that scene with the ow..
Only reason it got a star was the story and plot was interesting..
Agnst, ow he sleeps with one due to his pushy friend and lied he was blind, drama, 1 sex scene that was meh, no virgins..
Reccomend- maybe if your cool with sleeping with ow
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Slowburn
Disabilities
April 2, 2019
I had this book marked on my Preordered Books calendar, as Mrs Annabelle Costa is one of the very few “contemporary romance” author I do read, she has a talented to make me travel with her so unusual characters. They are nor billionaire or princess, nor gorgeous or hero (well here Colin is one), they are real and struggle with life but they are all beautiful in the inside for what they lack in the outside.
I do not know if it was the author’s purpose but I do loved this kind of revisited story of the beauty and the beast.
Sophie and Colin have their flaws, but they have reasons for them.
Their journey to get to know another is pretty cute even if I knew at one time it will become bumpy.
It was obvious literally speaking that hiding her physical aspect to Colin will get to blow on her face but hell, how could she just tell it to a guy who can’t see her : “hello, before you get to nice with me, you should know I was so severely burned that I have an alien face!”, not really easy to break it in a casual discussion.
So yes she took advantage of his disability but not to mock him, to just for once feel like a normal girl and go on a date.
Oh I do understand Colin’s anger, he felt played and betrayed but he also reacted as Sophie expected, not running away from Sophie as he can’t but overwhelmed by her face damage.
Then Colin endorsed his battle hero suit and decided to win his lady back.
I just loved their story, it was such a feel good one with ordinary persons who manage grand little things for those they care for.
I do not know if it was the author’s purpose but I do loved this kind of revisited story of the beauty and the beast.
Sophie and Colin have their flaws, but they have reasons for them.
Their journey to get to know another is pretty cute even if I knew at one time it will become bumpy.
It was obvious literally speaking that hiding her physical aspect to Colin will get to blow on her face but hell, how could she just tell it to a guy who can’t see her : “hello, before you get to nice with me, you should know I was so severely burned that I have an alien face!”, not really easy to break it in a casual discussion.
So yes she took advantage of his disability but not to mock him, to just for once feel like a normal girl and go on a date.
Oh I do understand Colin’s anger, he felt played and betrayed but he also reacted as Sophie expected, not running away from Sophie as he can’t but overwhelmed by her face damage.
Then Colin endorsed his battle hero suit and decided to win his lady back.
I just loved their story, it was such a feel good one with ordinary persons who manage grand little things for those they care for.
September 18, 2025
The hero ruined the whole book for me DNF at chapter 21 41%
pass
April 1, 2019I like that this author writes book about the characters who have disabilities.
I love her books.
But this book..... I just can’t read.
The h has facial deformities and so she dates a blind guy.
This is too sad for my taste.
Sorry I don’t have guts to read this.
I love her books.
But this book..... I just can’t read.
The h has facial deformities and so she dates a blind guy.
This is too sad for my taste.
Sorry I don’t have guts to read this.
April 2, 2019
When I first started reading this story, I was anxious to see how it would unfold. Mostly because when you read an Annabelle Costa book, you know it's going to be good and suck you in. This book did not disappoint. I quickly fell in love with Colin and Sophie, both separately and together. Both characters are facing huge obstacles in their lives and this made for some very sweet, entertaining and engaging reading. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I had to know how their story ended. This one is an absolute must read for me!
April 2, 2019
I think Annabelle Costa did a really good job of making these characters real. I loved the way Colin and Sophie's relationship developed. Yes there is a one night stand with ow, but I think this was written very realistically and Costa successfully got across that Colin wanted to feel 'normal' in the same way that Sophie wanted to be 'normal' and have a relationship/boyfriend. I think this has to be one of my favourite a from this author. Love her writing. Her characters are so real you can't help but love them.
April 1, 2019
Cute Colin and Bookish (Scholarly for that alliteration) Sophie
Costa's novels are always a fun romance involving a main character with a disability of some sort, and Love is Blind is no different. Colin was blinded in Iraq, and Sophie was deformed as a toddler after an incident with a pot of boiling water (and a negligent mom).
Throughout the story, Sophie deals with library drama: a crabby coworker and a judgmental childhood acquaintance. To be perfectly honest, I didn't care for these scenes. Sophie takes their abuse so meekly, and at points, I wanted to scream when she still didn't fight back.
The better parts of the novel focused on Colin coming to terms with his blindness, and how he navigates the Brave New World™. Just kidding. It was cute how worried his parents are constantly worried over him, and how he eventually learns to ride the bus (which, even I'm apprehensive about).
All in all, it was a cute romance, and since Sophie didn't give me nearly the anxiety Crazy Anna does, I'm counting it as a win.
Costa's novels are always a fun romance involving a main character with a disability of some sort, and Love is Blind is no different. Colin was blinded in Iraq, and Sophie was deformed as a toddler after an incident with a pot of boiling water (and a negligent mom).
Throughout the story, Sophie deals with library drama: a crabby coworker and a judgmental childhood acquaintance. To be perfectly honest, I didn't care for these scenes. Sophie takes their abuse so meekly, and at points, I wanted to scream when she still didn't fight back.
The better parts of the novel focused on Colin coming to terms with his blindness, and how he navigates the Brave New World™. Just kidding. It was cute how worried his parents are constantly worried over him, and how he eventually learns to ride the bus (which, even I'm apprehensive about).
All in all, it was a cute romance, and since Sophie didn't give me nearly the anxiety Crazy Anna does, I'm counting it as a win.
April 4, 2019
One of my all time favorite authors is back again with her latest novel. And besides making me cry she also surprises again in finding a new approach on her "trademark" genre. Also I feel the need to go a little deeper into some things along the storyline therefore this review contains spoiler and is hidden (which is unusual for me but necessary I feel)
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April 9, 2019
Šis ir stāsts par Sophie Pasternak, bērnu nodaļas bibliotekāres, un Colin Kelly, Irākas kara veterāna, satikšanos, draudzību un romantiskajām attiecībām. Sophie bērnības traumas rezultātā ir smagas sejas deformācijas, bet Colin kara traumas rezultātā kļuvis praktiski akls. Viņus saved kopā grāmatu mīlestība.
Ir muļķīgi no romantiskajām grāmatām par daudz gaidīt.
Iesākums bija tik cerīgs, bet tad notikumi izvērtās par otrdienas vācu romantiskā kino vakara filmas cienīgiem un visu sabojāja.
Grāmatā ir abu galveno varoņu skatupunkti, kas ļauj ieskatīties viņu ikdienas dzīvē un grūtībās, kas jāpārvar saskarsmē ar cilvēkiem, Sophie gadījumā, un jaunu prasmju apgūšanā, lai izdarītu ikdienišķas darbības, un iegūtu patstāvību, Colin gadījumā. Kas arī bija grāmatas stiprā puse. Un par to tad arī visas 3 zvaigznīte tiek! Bet tad parādās drāma, ar indīgajiem kolēģiem, skolas biedreni – sociālās antikropļu kampaņas uzsācēju, pārpratumiem, cilvēkiem, kas vēl labu, bet ir nespēcīgi stāties pretī sabiedrības spiedienam, un, protams, labestīgais varonis Colin saves the day! Ah… #vilšanās
Aklu cilvēku ikdienas tēma mani uzrunāja, pateicoties YouTube personībai Molly Burke un viņas kanālam. Viņa ir akla, bet aizraujas ar modi, kosmētiku, video filmēšanu, lec ar izpletni un izmēģina vēl visādas lietas, kuras parasti akliem cilvēkiem “nepiedien” darīt.
Un priecājamies, ka Liepājas pilsēta rūpējas par saviem neredzīgajiem iedzīvotājiem un viesiem, un izvietojusi pilsētas kartes dažādās vietās:
Ir muļķīgi no romantiskajām grāmatām par daudz gaidīt.
Iesākums bija tik cerīgs, bet tad notikumi izvērtās par otrdienas vācu romantiskā kino vakara filmas cienīgiem un visu sabojāja.
Grāmatā ir abu galveno varoņu skatupunkti, kas ļauj ieskatīties viņu ikdienas dzīvē un grūtībās, kas jāpārvar saskarsmē ar cilvēkiem, Sophie gadījumā, un jaunu prasmju apgūšanā, lai izdarītu ikdienišķas darbības, un iegūtu patstāvību, Colin gadījumā. Kas arī bija grāmatas stiprā puse. Un par to tad arī visas 3 zvaigznīte tiek! Bet tad parādās drāma, ar indīgajiem kolēģiem, skolas biedreni – sociālās antikropļu kampaņas uzsācēju, pārpratumiem, cilvēkiem, kas vēl labu, bet ir nespēcīgi stāties pretī sabiedrības spiedienam, un, protams, labestīgais varonis Colin saves the day! Ah… #vilšanās
Aklu cilvēku ikdienas tēma mani uzrunāja, pateicoties YouTube personībai Molly Burke un viņas kanālam. Viņa ir akla, bet aizraujas ar modi, kosmētiku, video filmēšanu, lec ar izpletni un izmēģina vēl visādas lietas, kuras parasti akliem cilvēkiem “nepiedien” darīt.
Un priecājamies, ka Liepājas pilsēta rūpējas par saviem neredzīgajiem iedzīvotājiem un viesiem, un izvietojusi pilsētas kartes dažādās vietās:
May 23, 2023
3.5 stars, this was cute, but i felt really bad for the h. The H pulled a real jerk move.
April 4, 2019
Love is Blind is the story of Sophie Pasternak, who is a sweet librarian with a subtle sense of humor and an independent spirit. She also loves working with kids and reading to them in the library’s Storytime. Conflict arises when a woman complains that Sophie will scare the kids and give them nightmares. Why? Because Sophie is horribly disfigured from a tragic burn accident as a small child.
Colin Kelly is a handsome Iraqi war hero who is still trying to adjust to losing his sight. When the story begins, he is bitter and has basically given up—until his mother drags him to the local library where he meets Sophie.
I know the setup seems cliche—blind guy falls in love with girl who is unattractive on the outside but lovely on the inside—but with her usual wry, witty style, Costa keeps this story from becoming a cliche.
In her depiction of Sophie’s injury and what her life is like, Costa doesn’t pull any punches. Sophie’s injury isn’t just a bit of scarring, like on half her face or something, to make her a tragic figure. Her scarring is devastating and unavoidable. It’s the kind of scarring that makes people turn away, not in disgust so much as it causes a gut-wrenching horror of how badly things can go wrong for a person. It’s the kind of injury that makes people afraid, the kind of injury that could give a person nightmares if they thought about it too deeply.
And then, as if the childhood trauma itself isn’t tragic enough, Sophie has had to live with being ostracized and avoided her whole life. While she is smart, funny, and kind, her prospects are not good for ever finding romantic love.
Sophie is okay with this. She is happy in her life and has adjusted as well as anyone could to living with her scars. She truly does not need a man. Until she meets Colin.
For the first time in her life, she has met a guy who can look beyond the scarring because he can’t see it in the first place. As she gets to know Colin, she starts to think that maybe it could work between them. They are perfect for each other in every way. The catch? She just has to make sure he falls for her before anyone tells him what she looks like.
Costa shows the heartbreaking pain Sophie experiences every day from others’ reactions to her face, and it was at times hard to read. At the same time, though, I was pulling for this heroine more than any other because her story was so poignant. Her obstacle was so huge that I wanted her to have a huge payout.
Costa also does a great job of getting into Colin’s head and showing what it’s like to be blind. Her depiction is realistic and makes the reader aware of things that he or she normally wouldn’t think about—like the fact that, although Colin’s hearing is just fine, people often address his mother or best friend to ask what Colin’s preferences would be rather than asking Colin himself. In a way, he experiences the same kind of avoidance Sophie does.
Overall, Love is Blind is a well-written story about two strong people who just want to live their lives like everyone else, but they keep having to fight the labels and misconceptions of society to do so. It is one of Costa’s best novels to date.
Colin Kelly is a handsome Iraqi war hero who is still trying to adjust to losing his sight. When the story begins, he is bitter and has basically given up—until his mother drags him to the local library where he meets Sophie.
I know the setup seems cliche—blind guy falls in love with girl who is unattractive on the outside but lovely on the inside—but with her usual wry, witty style, Costa keeps this story from becoming a cliche.
In her depiction of Sophie’s injury and what her life is like, Costa doesn’t pull any punches. Sophie’s injury isn’t just a bit of scarring, like on half her face or something, to make her a tragic figure. Her scarring is devastating and unavoidable. It’s the kind of scarring that makes people turn away, not in disgust so much as it causes a gut-wrenching horror of how badly things can go wrong for a person. It’s the kind of injury that makes people afraid, the kind of injury that could give a person nightmares if they thought about it too deeply.
And then, as if the childhood trauma itself isn’t tragic enough, Sophie has had to live with being ostracized and avoided her whole life. While she is smart, funny, and kind, her prospects are not good for ever finding romantic love.
Sophie is okay with this. She is happy in her life and has adjusted as well as anyone could to living with her scars. She truly does not need a man. Until she meets Colin.
For the first time in her life, she has met a guy who can look beyond the scarring because he can’t see it in the first place. As she gets to know Colin, she starts to think that maybe it could work between them. They are perfect for each other in every way. The catch? She just has to make sure he falls for her before anyone tells him what she looks like.
Costa shows the heartbreaking pain Sophie experiences every day from others’ reactions to her face, and it was at times hard to read. At the same time, though, I was pulling for this heroine more than any other because her story was so poignant. Her obstacle was so huge that I wanted her to have a huge payout.
Costa also does a great job of getting into Colin’s head and showing what it’s like to be blind. Her depiction is realistic and makes the reader aware of things that he or she normally wouldn’t think about—like the fact that, although Colin’s hearing is just fine, people often address his mother or best friend to ask what Colin’s preferences would be rather than asking Colin himself. In a way, he experiences the same kind of avoidance Sophie does.
Overall, Love is Blind is a well-written story about two strong people who just want to live their lives like everyone else, but they keep having to fight the labels and misconceptions of society to do so. It is one of Costa’s best novels to date.
May 27, 2020
4.5🌟
This book is thoroughly engrossing and a very emotional read. Colin is severely injured in Iraq, and is blinded as a result. He is angry, frustrated, depressed. He is having a difficult time adjusting to life as a blind man. He is a tormented soul, but no one is able to help him. As I read the book though, Colin sounded much younger than his 31 years. I was saddened by the way he was treated. It just illustrates that while people talk about acceptance, they can never seem to treat or talk to a disabled person, well, like a person.Sophie is a librarian and the children love her, especially her twice-weekly story time with them. When Sophie was two years old, a pot of boiling water was left on the stove, and Sophie accidentally pulled the pot down on top of her head. As a result of the fourth degree burns, she suffered horrendously. She lost her ears, her nose and mouth, and her chest was scarred as well. She underwent over 30 surgeries during her younger years. She has made peace with herself and she immerses herself in the world of books. Almost everyone treats her differently, and not in a good way. Sophie has resigned herself to a life without a man.
One day, however, Colin, walks into the library to get books in braille, which he finds extremely difficult at the second level. Sophie cannot take her eyes off of the gorgeous hunk. What happens when these two people who are grappling with some pretty hefty issues meet?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Colin’s and Sophie’s characters were well fleshed out. There were a couple of petty people who did mean and malicious things to further torment and harangue Sophie and rounded out the story nicely. I enjoyed this book immensely and it was a worthwhile use of my time.
May 7, 2019
Loved this book!!
Some books really touch your heart and this book definitely touched mine! I read it the first time a week ago in one day...then I started reading it again slower so I could really savor it. I generally read inspirational and sweet/clean romances. Annabelle has a gift of taking characters with disabilities, and making them not only the most unique heroes and heroines, but also the most authentic. She shows their vulnerability as well as their courage. Their imperfections and their strengths. I absolutely feel in love with Colin, the blind war hero and Sophie, who had a facial deformity but was one of the most beautiful in spirit heroines I have ever read. Their story deeply touched my heart. As I mentioned earlier I usually read sweet and inspirational fiction so this story differs from that genre with strong language at times and sexual references. But the plot is worth overlooking those things. Sophie and Colin will long live in my heart as one of my favorite H/h. Highly recommend!!
Some books really touch your heart and this book definitely touched mine! I read it the first time a week ago in one day...then I started reading it again slower so I could really savor it. I generally read inspirational and sweet/clean romances. Annabelle has a gift of taking characters with disabilities, and making them not only the most unique heroes and heroines, but also the most authentic. She shows their vulnerability as well as their courage. Their imperfections and their strengths. I absolutely feel in love with Colin, the blind war hero and Sophie, who had a facial deformity but was one of the most beautiful in spirit heroines I have ever read. Their story deeply touched my heart. As I mentioned earlier I usually read sweet and inspirational fiction so this story differs from that genre with strong language at times and sexual references. But the plot is worth overlooking those things. Sophie and Colin will long live in my heart as one of my favorite H/h. Highly recommend!!
April 4, 2019
An Incredibly Compelling Story Interweaving Romance, Drama, and Wit! WHAT a good book! I immediately cared so much about Sophie I kept reading this book at demon-speed to find out what happens to her - not just with Colin, but with the hateful forces in her life that despise her because of both her injuries and her strength to succeed despite all the haters. Costa builds an epically wonderful relationship between Colin and Sophie, who just plain like each other so much that it quickly sizzles into something more. And the climax, the dark moment, the How-will-this-ever-work-out ending ARE JUST SO BRILLIANTLY DONE- with expert plotting that takes you through emotional highs and lows that will have you re-reading again and again just to feel all those feels one more time. I highly recommend this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 10, 2021
2.75 stars ⭐️.
A heartwarming story that is not safe☹️.
An injured war hero and a burn survivor, sweet heroine, I loved them both. Their day to day struggles just reminds us how fortunate and blessed we are. Loved the secondary characters too.
As hero had a one night stand after meeting and being somewhat attracted to the heroine, this is not a safe book. Moreover I think that scene wasn’t relevant to the story.
A heartwarming story that is not safe☹️.
An injured war hero and a burn survivor, sweet heroine, I loved them both. Their day to day struggles just reminds us how fortunate and blessed we are. Loved the secondary characters too.
As hero had a one night stand after meeting and being somewhat attracted to the heroine, this is not a safe book. Moreover I think that scene wasn’t relevant to the story.
April 9, 2019
Love is Blind is a sweet, often heartbreaking story of the challenges Colin and Sophie face on their road to find love. It's wonderfully written with relatable characters as well as a few horribly despicable one! Annabelle Costa can certainly create ignorance and evil as well as the goodness of others. Great read!
March 25, 2023
4.5*
This is a new author for me and I went into this book knowing very little in advance. I found it from a fb group and Ive got to say im so glad I did. This book actually made me cry. I loved Sophie (and not because my daughter has the same name lol) I can' count on one hand hiw many books I have read with a Main Character who has severe injuries like Sophie does but it is never as moving as this one
I really liked Colin, yes ok he didn't handle finding out about Sophie in the best way partly because she hid it from him and the way he found out.and what he did say about her (not knowing she could hear and wasn't actually directed at her since her didn't know) But he did redeem himself in the end and I'm so glad he stood up for her.
I loved that Sophie wasn't anything but accepting of Colin due to him being blind (due to injury from been in the Army) and how she helped him over come his issue with learn to read braille and get his love of reading back.
The only thing letting it down for 5* is I wanted more of their relationship after getting together and and epilogue of more into the future for them than a yesr later (but that is just my opinion).
Honestly this book was excellent and so glad I found it would recommend that anyone who wants an emotional heartwarming read to try this book.
This is a new author for me and I went into this book knowing very little in advance. I found it from a fb group and Ive got to say im so glad I did. This book actually made me cry. I loved Sophie (and not because my daughter has the same name lol) I can' count on one hand hiw many books I have read with a Main Character who has severe injuries like Sophie does but it is never as moving as this one
I really liked Colin, yes ok he didn't handle finding out about Sophie in the best way partly because she hid it from him and the way he found out.and what he did say about her (not knowing she could hear and wasn't actually directed at her since her didn't know) But he did redeem himself in the end and I'm so glad he stood up for her.
I loved that Sophie wasn't anything but accepting of Colin due to him being blind (due to injury from been in the Army) and how she helped him over come his issue with learn to read braille and get his love of reading back.
The only thing letting it down for 5* is I wanted more of their relationship after getting together and and epilogue of more into the future for them than a yesr later (but that is just my opinion).
Honestly this book was excellent and so glad I found it would recommend that anyone who wants an emotional heartwarming read to try this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
This is my second book by Annabelle Costa and I really liked it. The message about body shaming and the prejudice about disabilities are serious topics and I felt like she nailed it. I like both Sophie and Colin and I could understand why she was hesitating to tell him about her face and it wasn't like she intended to keep this to her self forever. She was starved for affection and when he showed her some, I couldn't blame her for keeping the secret a bit longer, seeing how people react to her appearance. Colin was angry with the world about his accident which ended his career in the army or so he thought. Coming to terms with his new life was really hard for him. Meeting Sophie was a turning point and I was really glad how he made up after messing everything up.
I enjoyed the story. 4 stars
NOTE: I saw some bad reviews here and everybody is entitled to have his own opinion. However, I'm always stunned when I read comments on those reviews from people who say: "Oh, it sounded nice but if you say it's bad then I won't read it!" Guys, I almost missed some really great books just because reviews said it was awful. Give it a try and if you don't like it then you can quit and no harm done. I was lucky to read it with Kindle Unlimited for free.
I enjoyed the story. 4 stars
NOTE: I saw some bad reviews here and everybody is entitled to have his own opinion. However, I'm always stunned when I read comments on those reviews from people who say: "Oh, it sounded nice but if you say it's bad then I won't read it!" Guys, I almost missed some really great books just because reviews said it was awful. Give it a try and if you don't like it then you can quit and no harm done. I was lucky to read it with Kindle Unlimited for free.
June 29, 2020
This was a very engaging and sometimes humorous read, told from the dual perspective of the H/h.
The H - Colin - starts off as sullen, argumentative, and just plain 'ol pissed off. Returning home after being injured in Iraq, he's now blind and living at home with his parents. He used to be an avid reader and with that, knows that he really needs to learn braille. Colin's hating life.
The h - Sophie - is a sweetheart. She has a calm, patient demeanor, and the kids at the library where she works love her. Considering her facial disfigurement from being burned as a toddler, this woman has been through a lot- painful surgeries over the years, as well as mistreatment, revulsion, and just plain ol' nastiness. Yet, she maintains her kindness and dignity. One could see how/why Colin fell for her.
I loved watching the growing attachment between these two semi-awkward bookish friends. And I loved when the main meanies in the book got their comeuppance.
With the exception of the scene where Colin and his friend Dan pick up two girls at a bar (which was funny) and near the end, there really wasn't any sex in this book, but that's okay. It was a great, well-written story.
The H - Colin - starts off as sullen, argumentative, and just plain 'ol pissed off. Returning home after being injured in Iraq, he's now blind and living at home with his parents. He used to be an avid reader and with that, knows that he really needs to learn braille. Colin's hating life.
The h - Sophie - is a sweetheart. She has a calm, patient demeanor, and the kids at the library where she works love her. Considering her facial disfigurement from being burned as a toddler, this woman has been through a lot- painful surgeries over the years, as well as mistreatment, revulsion, and just plain ol' nastiness. Yet, she maintains her kindness and dignity. One could see how/why Colin fell for her.
I loved watching the growing attachment between these two semi-awkward bookish friends. And I loved when the main meanies in the book got their comeuppance.
With the exception of the scene where Colin and his friend Dan pick up two girls at a bar (which was funny) and near the end, there really wasn't any sex in this book, but that's okay. It was a great, well-written story.
June 2, 2023
This book had such potential. I loved the angsty setup. My heart broke for the FMC!
I was sort of disgusted by how dehumanized the other woman the MMC slept with before hooking up with the FMC. That scene was more explicit than any with the FMC and it put a damper on the story for me, as did the slut shaming.
Also the poor FMC was constantly described as disgusting and treated as such because she suffered horrific burns as a child. I know some people are disgusting pigs, but surely the majority of people aren’t so awful!
Anyway, the resolution was pretty anticlimactic and I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the MC’s.
I was sort of disgusted by how dehumanized the other woman the MMC slept with before hooking up with the FMC. That scene was more explicit than any with the FMC and it put a damper on the story for me, as did the slut shaming.
Also the poor FMC was constantly described as disgusting and treated as such because she suffered horrific burns as a child. I know some people are disgusting pigs, but surely the majority of people aren’t so awful!
Anyway, the resolution was pretty anticlimactic and I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the MC’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
BEAUTIFUL & CAPTIVATING BOOK!
I must say, in all honesty, that this is one of the best books I've read in a very, very long time.
I love and always appreciate stories that deal with disabilities and this one is a double bill that is, in equal parts, beautiful and tragic.
The character development is spot on and I loved to see how both characters grew in positivity and confidence in this story.
It is very clear that the author has done her homework here. I've never read a book that gives such a detailed account of what it must surely be like to be visually impaired. The struggle and the frustration both physically and emotionally. And especially since Colin is not well established in his disability; he is still learning to come to terms with this new way if life.
I hesitate to say more about the story, as the blurb gives a pretty decent idea of the plot, but it is a wonderful, wonderful book.
I speak for myself when I say that that this book will have a lasting impact for me...and very likely for anyone fortunate enough to experience the journey to happiness for these two special people.
Highly, highly recommended.
Truthfully, the subject matter here is, at times difficult to swallow, and this book might not be for everyone, but it is so worth the read. I think this is the first book I've ever read that that has really made me cry 😢.
Very well written with very few typos.
Good work, Annabelle!
*Standalone story.
*Dual POV ; first person ; present tense.
*Heat level about 1.5 flames.
*Limited Profanity.
*Steamy scenes (just one) not explicit.
*However, I'd say this is an adult read for subject matter.
I must say, in all honesty, that this is one of the best books I've read in a very, very long time.
I love and always appreciate stories that deal with disabilities and this one is a double bill that is, in equal parts, beautiful and tragic.
The character development is spot on and I loved to see how both characters grew in positivity and confidence in this story.
It is very clear that the author has done her homework here. I've never read a book that gives such a detailed account of what it must surely be like to be visually impaired. The struggle and the frustration both physically and emotionally. And especially since Colin is not well established in his disability; he is still learning to come to terms with this new way if life.
I hesitate to say more about the story, as the blurb gives a pretty decent idea of the plot, but it is a wonderful, wonderful book.
I speak for myself when I say that that this book will have a lasting impact for me...and very likely for anyone fortunate enough to experience the journey to happiness for these two special people.
Highly, highly recommended.
Truthfully, the subject matter here is, at times difficult to swallow, and this book might not be for everyone, but it is so worth the read. I think this is the first book I've ever read that that has really made me cry 😢.
Very well written with very few typos.
Good work, Annabelle!
*Standalone story.
*Dual POV ; first person ; present tense.
*Heat level about 1.5 flames.
*Limited Profanity.
*Steamy scenes (just one) not explicit.
*However, I'd say this is an adult read for subject matter.
April 9, 2019
5 Stars!
I was expecting this book to be a cheesy read that would give me a break from the emotionally pulling novels I’ve been reading. I really didn’t expect to love it this much!
Sophie was injured as a child and some might say she looks like a monster. She tends to keep to herself because of the stares and murmurs. She immerses herself in books and works at the local library. This is where she meets Colin, who lost his vision serving our country.
The characters were well developed and the plot was sincere. I was rooting for Colin and Sophie the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
I was expecting this book to be a cheesy read that would give me a break from the emotionally pulling novels I’ve been reading. I really didn’t expect to love it this much!
Sophie was injured as a child and some might say she looks like a monster. She tends to keep to herself because of the stares and murmurs. She immerses herself in books and works at the local library. This is where she meets Colin, who lost his vision serving our country.
The characters were well developed and the plot was sincere. I was rooting for Colin and Sophie the entire time and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
April 3, 2019
Love
Sometimes love is blind. Literally. This beautiful story is heartwarming and I just cried for the characters.
Sophia is beautiful and Colin sees every bit of it.
Loved it
Sometimes love is blind. Literally. This beautiful story is heartwarming and I just cried for the characters.
Sophia is beautiful and Colin sees every bit of it.
Loved it
April 6, 2019
Annabelle is a one click author for me. I know that every time I read one of her books it’s gonna suck me in. I love her quick wit, unique storylines and her engaging characters.
This is Annabelle’s first story with a blind character (who also was a veteran) and I couldn’t wait to read it.
We meet Sophie, a sweet librarian who loves to read to children and enjoys her job. Sophie is also badly disfigured from an accident as a child.
Colin former veteran and a hottie, blinded in the line of duty. He goes to the library in search of some braille books for practice after his parents urge him to get out of the house.
They meet, sparks fly and it has all of the great chemistry between a couple that you’d expect from one of Annabelle’s novels.
Yes, at first I feared the setup would be a bit cliche, and you KNOW the inevitable fall-out is coming about Sophie not revealing her disfigurement to Colin. But Annabelle never disappoints. As usual, the author tackles a difficult subject with dignity and humor and keeps the pages turning with her compelling storyline not only with the main conflict of the couple, but the individual conflicts the characters are going through.
Because of her disfigurement, Sophie has been shunned her entire life and had to endure judgment. But in spite of all this she’s happy, and loves the person she is on the inside. Still, her looks cause issue when having to work in a position with facing the public on a daily basis. She deals with rude bosses, mean girls and work drama.
At the same time Colin is fighting for his independence from overbearing parents, trying to come to grips with his blindness.
I love how all this internal conflict adds to the richness and depth of her character development. We really get to know these characters and the struggles that each of them face on a daily basis, and understand WHY they make the choices they do. THAT is what is so great about all Annabelle’s books. Her characters aren’t perfect. They make mistakes. They’re REAL people. That is how you know her books will NEVER be boring.
Such a beautiful, heartwarming story, with the wit and humor you’d expect sprinkled in from one of Annabelle’s books.
This is Annabelle’s first story with a blind character (who also was a veteran) and I couldn’t wait to read it.
We meet Sophie, a sweet librarian who loves to read to children and enjoys her job. Sophie is also badly disfigured from an accident as a child.
Colin former veteran and a hottie, blinded in the line of duty. He goes to the library in search of some braille books for practice after his parents urge him to get out of the house.
They meet, sparks fly and it has all of the great chemistry between a couple that you’d expect from one of Annabelle’s novels.
Yes, at first I feared the setup would be a bit cliche, and you KNOW the inevitable fall-out is coming about Sophie not revealing her disfigurement to Colin. But Annabelle never disappoints. As usual, the author tackles a difficult subject with dignity and humor and keeps the pages turning with her compelling storyline not only with the main conflict of the couple, but the individual conflicts the characters are going through.
Because of her disfigurement, Sophie has been shunned her entire life and had to endure judgment. But in spite of all this she’s happy, and loves the person she is on the inside. Still, her looks cause issue when having to work in a position with facing the public on a daily basis. She deals with rude bosses, mean girls and work drama.
At the same time Colin is fighting for his independence from overbearing parents, trying to come to grips with his blindness.
I love how all this internal conflict adds to the richness and depth of her character development. We really get to know these characters and the struggles that each of them face on a daily basis, and understand WHY they make the choices they do. THAT is what is so great about all Annabelle’s books. Her characters aren’t perfect. They make mistakes. They’re REAL people. That is how you know her books will NEVER be boring.
Such a beautiful, heartwarming story, with the wit and humor you’d expect sprinkled in from one of Annabelle’s books.
Read
April 3, 2019How I wish real life reflected books that we read. Liked this story about love being blind. Author wrote likeable characters.
April 3, 2019
☺☺☺☺
A clever romance, with quirky interesting characters, a good plot and nice pacing. Sophie and Colins story is a good read, but be aware it's not really "clean".
A clever romance, with quirky interesting characters, a good plot and nice pacing. Sophie and Colins story is a good read, but be aware it's not really "clean".
April 8, 2019
I really appreciated the book with its imperfect heroine and damaged hero. There was no magical fixing of either issue, and the book deals with it realistically.
February 28, 2025
I read this in one sitting and ngl I even cried but there were a lot of things that icked me about this story, so I had to bring the score down :(
August 31, 2025
tough read… burn victim with deformed face meets hot blind man… YOINKS! blind people can be judgmental too ya know ;-;
im just upset that the in-depth sex scenes we got werent even with the two main characters
im just upset that the in-depth sex scenes we got werent even with the two main characters
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