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Elkridge #1
Blinded
A small town murder. A second chance at love.
Somebody killed Joey Gaccione’s brother. After a ten-year absence, the big city detective returns home to Colorado for the funeral knowing he will be pressured to find Sheriff Sam’s killer. Joey’s instincts say whoever murdered his brother is part of something more sinister than the Elkridge deputies can handle.
Mara Dijocomo's dreams died the night a drunk driver killed her parents and sister, and left her permanently wounded. After months of therapy, she’s finally adjusting to her new reality while working to save her mother’s floral business. When the first boy she ever loved walks back into her life, she wonders if she and Joey are getting a second chance to find love.
As Joey and Mara’s love blooms, the evidence becomes clear the local deputies are either ill-equipped to comprehend what’s happening, or someone’s covering up a crime. Joey and Mara fight to balance between their careers, family, and their renewed love until the FBI contacts Joey ultimately tipping the scales.
If you like a steamy romance, deep emotional topics, a thread of mystery, and a cozy happy ending then BLINDED is for you. The first book in the ELKRIDGE SERIES debuts a quirky cast of characters and begins introducing evidence to solve Sheriff Sam's murder.
Somebody killed Joey Gaccione’s brother. After a ten-year absence, the big city detective returns home to Colorado for the funeral knowing he will be pressured to find Sheriff Sam’s killer. Joey’s instincts say whoever murdered his brother is part of something more sinister than the Elkridge deputies can handle.
Mara Dijocomo's dreams died the night a drunk driver killed her parents and sister, and left her permanently wounded. After months of therapy, she’s finally adjusting to her new reality while working to save her mother’s floral business. When the first boy she ever loved walks back into her life, she wonders if she and Joey are getting a second chance to find love.
As Joey and Mara’s love blooms, the evidence becomes clear the local deputies are either ill-equipped to comprehend what’s happening, or someone’s covering up a crime. Joey and Mara fight to balance between their careers, family, and their renewed love until the FBI contacts Joey ultimately tipping the scales.
If you like a steamy romance, deep emotional topics, a thread of mystery, and a cozy happy ending then BLINDED is for you. The first book in the ELKRIDGE SERIES debuts a quirky cast of characters and begins introducing evidence to solve Sheriff Sam's murder.
344 pages, Audiobook
First published December 27, 2016
467 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Lyz Kelley
26 books121 followersAward-winning author Lyz Kelley mixes a little bit of heart, healing, humanity, happiness, honor, hope, and honor in all her books that are written especially for you.
She’s is a total disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, a tea snob, and adores writing about and falling in love with everyday heroes. Please also consider leaving a review on Amazon Goodreads and/or BookBub. Reviews help readers find new books to read, and authors find their footing.
You can also find Lyz on Facebook and Instagram for news, contests, giveaways, and more exciting stuff!
She’s is a total disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, a tea snob, and adores writing about and falling in love with everyday heroes. Please also consider leaving a review on Amazon Goodreads and/or BookBub. Reviews help readers find new books to read, and authors find their footing.
You can also find Lyz on Facebook and Instagram for news, contests, giveaways, and more exciting stuff!
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Want to read
January 25, 2023💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/25/2018)! 💝
July 15, 2017
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
My mom didn’t care what my grades were as long as I kept my knees locked together.
Kym attracted men who were betta fish, those colorful little creatures that look gorgeous, but lived alone because they tended to be territorial, aggressive, and pick fights with anything walking by their fish bowl.
Burritos, beer, beans…I’ll be smelling something all right.
“A catch?” Typical ma. “She makes me sound like a piece of salmon.”
“She better be thinking about losing weight,” Kym chimed in. “Look at all those headstones. I don’t think her fat butt is gonna fit… If it were me, I think I’d prefer to be cremated. I wouldn’t want to deal with a mother who weighed as much as a cow lying on my chest for eternity.”
At least she hadn’t married him before discovering his inability to handle sickness. Which, she realized later, also meant it was highly unlikely that he’d be able to stick around through health, either.
My Review:
I enjoyed this sweet and sexy story and was surprised to see it was the author’s debut work. The plot was intriguing and the writing was relevant, insightful, observant, and well-paced. I adored both main characters and found them adorable, admirable, and highly relatable, although their families were rather toxic and obnoxious. Blinded was a genre hybrid of women’s fiction, suspense, small town family drama, and adult second-chance romance. I relished the wry humor and steamy bits tucked in between and sometimes right inside the more serious scenes. I plan to peruse my way through this entire series.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
My mom didn’t care what my grades were as long as I kept my knees locked together.
Kym attracted men who were betta fish, those colorful little creatures that look gorgeous, but lived alone because they tended to be territorial, aggressive, and pick fights with anything walking by their fish bowl.
Burritos, beer, beans…I’ll be smelling something all right.
“A catch?” Typical ma. “She makes me sound like a piece of salmon.”
“She better be thinking about losing weight,” Kym chimed in. “Look at all those headstones. I don’t think her fat butt is gonna fit… If it were me, I think I’d prefer to be cremated. I wouldn’t want to deal with a mother who weighed as much as a cow lying on my chest for eternity.”
At least she hadn’t married him before discovering his inability to handle sickness. Which, she realized later, also meant it was highly unlikely that he’d be able to stick around through health, either.
My Review:
I enjoyed this sweet and sexy story and was surprised to see it was the author’s debut work. The plot was intriguing and the writing was relevant, insightful, observant, and well-paced. I adored both main characters and found them adorable, admirable, and highly relatable, although their families were rather toxic and obnoxious. Blinded was a genre hybrid of women’s fiction, suspense, small town family drama, and adult second-chance romance. I relished the wry humor and steamy bits tucked in between and sometimes right inside the more serious scenes. I plan to peruse my way through this entire series.
October 11, 2018
Maybe I am wrong, but I can’t believe in a woman who is totally blind working as a florist. It doesn’t make any sense to me. And therefore I can’t get invested in the story. It also irks me that she was in a horrific car crash, loses her sight and has no other injuries. Nah.
Dnf at 8%
Dnf at 8%
February 9, 2017
Mara Dyocomo's life was never the same after a drunk driver killed her parents, and sister, while leaving her permanently disabled, and alone. She's finally moving forward in her new reality, when her first love walks back into her life. Big city Detective, Joey Gaccione has returned home to Colorado, to attend his murdered brother's funeral, and he already knows that he'll be talked into helping to find the killer. His gut is screaming that his brother's murder is part of a bigger plot, so he knows that the Elkridge Deputies won't be able to handle alone. The one bright spot is a second chance at his first love, Mara. But will Joey be able to balance catching a murderer, and renewing their love, without anyone else getting hurt?
WOW! What an exciting story that has all the feels! I couldn't believe it when I saw that Blinded is Lyz Kelley's debut book, as her very talented writing style came off like she's been putting out best sellers for years. I was instantly captivated from the very beginning, and my heart raced cover to cover. Her diabolical twists and turns kept me on my toes, while screaming f-bombs throughout. Mara and Joey simmering chemistry boiled over into serious steamy sexy scene goodness that I couldn't get enough of, while the emotional topics had all of my dramatic girly girl emotions flying everywhere. I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to read the next book, so I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this amazing start to a new series!
WOW! What an exciting story that has all the feels! I couldn't believe it when I saw that Blinded is Lyz Kelley's debut book, as her very talented writing style came off like she's been putting out best sellers for years. I was instantly captivated from the very beginning, and my heart raced cover to cover. Her diabolical twists and turns kept me on my toes, while screaming f-bombs throughout. Mara and Joey simmering chemistry boiled over into serious steamy sexy scene goodness that I couldn't get enough of, while the emotional topics had all of my dramatic girly girl emotions flying everywhere. I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to read the next book, so I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this amazing start to a new series!
May 31, 2017
Strength
Joey has to come home because his brother who was Sheriff was murdered. When he stops in the flower shop to get flowers for his mom he runs into a friends little sister and someone he helped tutor, and had a bit of a crush on. It's been 10 years since he was home. She lost her parents, sister and sight in a car accident. Can the find love while figuring out who killed his brother.
Joey has to come home because his brother who was Sheriff was murdered. When he stops in the flower shop to get flowers for his mom he runs into a friends little sister and someone he helped tutor, and had a bit of a crush on. It's been 10 years since he was home. She lost her parents, sister and sight in a car accident. Can the find love while figuring out who killed his brother.
February 15, 2017
4.5 Awesome-Sauce Stars!
Okay, so truthfully, I went into this book blind. The ONLY thing I knew about it was that there was a detective in the story. (I have a bit of a soft spot for police officers!) The prologue pulled me in deep! I found myself not wanting to put this book down.
At first we meet Joey Gaccione, a detective from Seattle. He is in town because his brother, the Sheriff his hometown of Elkridge, has been murdered. He is in town for the funeral, but can't stay away from the investigation. Between his Dad and half of the town begging him to look into the investigation, and his own curiosity, he has to get involved.
Mara Dijocomo is part-owner of the local florist. She has always had a crush on Joey but she never acted on it. Since her accident left her broken and blind, she thinks no one could ever fall in love with her.
When these two get back together, you swoon with how romantic Joey is. I really enjoyed reading the story of Joey and Mara. I LOVE the second chance they have been given of love and life. Add in the dog aspect and the crazy friends/family and it just makes this story perfect!
I can't wait for the next book in the Elkridge Series!
Thanks for such a great book Lyz!!!
Review by Michelle S
Okay, so truthfully, I went into this book blind. The ONLY thing I knew about it was that there was a detective in the story. (I have a bit of a soft spot for police officers!) The prologue pulled me in deep! I found myself not wanting to put this book down.
At first we meet Joey Gaccione, a detective from Seattle. He is in town because his brother, the Sheriff his hometown of Elkridge, has been murdered. He is in town for the funeral, but can't stay away from the investigation. Between his Dad and half of the town begging him to look into the investigation, and his own curiosity, he has to get involved.
Mara Dijocomo is part-owner of the local florist. She has always had a crush on Joey but she never acted on it. Since her accident left her broken and blind, she thinks no one could ever fall in love with her.
When these two get back together, you swoon with how romantic Joey is. I really enjoyed reading the story of Joey and Mara. I LOVE the second chance they have been given of love and life. Add in the dog aspect and the crazy friends/family and it just makes this story perfect!
I can't wait for the next book in the Elkridge Series!
Thanks for such a great book Lyz!!!
Review by Michelle S
February 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. The author writes well, but each chapter left me wanting more so it was almost impossible to put down, I love that in a book.
The story centres on Joey and Mara. From a far, they have both been each other's admirers since high school; with neither of them acting on it. When Joey comes home for the first time in 10 years, he meets with Mara and falls in love all over again. Is he man enough to be able to tell her this time?
Mara is blind, having been involved in a horrific car accident that killed her parents and younger sister; she is lucky to be alive. When Joey returns, all her feelings surface but would he really want to be burdened with a blind woman, when he can have whoever he wants? Mara soon discovers that Joey wants every part of her.
This was an enjoyable story with romance, love and crime involved. Both characters were lovely but each has obstacles they need to overcome before they can move on with life.
The author writes well, but each chapter left me wanting more so it was almost impossible to put down, I love that in a book.
Read on behalf of a Book Lovers Emporium.
April 6, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The author does a great job of bringing us an intriguing mystery with a sweet small town second chance romance. The mystery aspects of the story made it feel very suspenseful while keeping me on my toes. Simultaneously the romantic elements had me cheering and hoping these two amazing, strong and inspirational characters would find a happy ending. The author does an amazing job of addressing Mara's blindness throughout the book and giving us a very original story.
The narrator gave a great performance that brought out the strengths of the characters and an appropriate amount of emotion throughout.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
The author does a great job of bringing us an intriguing mystery with a sweet small town second chance romance. The mystery aspects of the story made it feel very suspenseful while keeping me on my toes. Simultaneously the romantic elements had me cheering and hoping these two amazing, strong and inspirational characters would find a happy ending. The author does an amazing job of addressing Mara's blindness throughout the book and giving us a very original story.
The narrator gave a great performance that brought out the strengths of the characters and an appropriate amount of emotion throughout.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
March 2, 2019
Audiobook Review: Blinded: A Second Chance Love Story (Elkridge #1) by: Lyz Kelley (Author),
Meghan Kelly (Narrator)
Sometimes a person has to wander through the dark in order to find a ray of light. Blinded feels like that. I felt caught in a maze with no clue how to find my way out. For Joey and Mara pain breathes deep within their hearts. Tragedy has brought them to a crossroads that is littered with danger, destined for heartache and perhaps pointing toward a second chance. The twists are endless, the danger is near, but love casts a shadow that encompasses it all.
Meghan Kelly (Narrator)
Sometimes a person has to wander through the dark in order to find a ray of light. Blinded feels like that. I felt caught in a maze with no clue how to find my way out. For Joey and Mara pain breathes deep within their hearts. Tragedy has brought them to a crossroads that is littered with danger, destined for heartache and perhaps pointing toward a second chance. The twists are endless, the danger is near, but love casts a shadow that encompasses it all.
June 17, 2017
A book that will draw you in, right off the bat.
I love how this book just pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very end. It was deeply emotional and yet sizzling and funny too. It also deals with some tough issues. It is not a light read but it is so well written you have to finish it to see what all happens.
I love how this book just pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very end. It was deeply emotional and yet sizzling and funny too. It also deals with some tough issues. It is not a light read but it is so well written you have to finish it to see what all happens.
Want to read
January 25, 2018**Free today 1/25/2018 on Amazon**
June 1, 2017
I received this free e-book from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing an honest review. This is the first I have read of this author and I was mesmerized by her amazing talent and ability to tell a story that draws the reader in and holds them captive.
May 22, 2017
This was my first book by this author it was so good! It is action packed, engaging storyline. I love the complex characters. While this couple gets their HEA the story continues, and I can't wait!
January 15, 2024
"...money doesn't separate people, it's how you face your challenges that defines you."
~Mrs. Gaccione
Such a profound statement that struck home and hit the theme of this book dead on.
Mara Dijocomo was in an accident that killed her parents and one of her siblings, and left her blind and sometimes in pain. I. Loved. This. Character. She was fiercely independent, ran a flower shop with her surviving brother, Tony, and loved banana cream pie for breakfast. She doesn't really have a self-esteem problem, but thinks she's not a forever kind of girl because of her lack of sight.
Joey Gaccione grew up with Mara. He knew her before the accident. He remembered her being a cheerleader while he was on the high school soccer team. He'd had a crush on her. He'd heard back in high school that she'd had a crush on him, too. Things happen and they don't get it together for over ten years.
Joey is now a police detective in Seattle. His brother, Sam, the sheriff in Elkridge, is shot and killed by an unknown assailant. When Joey comes home for the funeral, he does a little investigating on his own and discovers that either the sheriff's department really is inept or that they're trying to cover something up.
When Joey arrives in town, his first stop is at the flower shop to buy his mom some flowers. He was amazed to see Mara working there and realizes that he still has feelings for her.
This is a high-charged romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages. The plot is steady with a few "oh no" moments. The characters are well-developed and easy to care about. I found myself cheering for them and even getting mad at them. I was drawn into the story and drawn into their lives. I love it when a book does that.
Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end of the book. When I read books, I read every single page, especially the Author's Note page. At this time, I wish to extend my condolences to the author. Writing this book was a beautiful tribute.
I'm most excited to read the next book in the series.
~~~
I first read this book in 2019 and loved it. I stand by initial review.
I'd forgotten a lot of it, such as crying at certain parts, the contentious relationship all of the Gaccione children had with their father who was an abusive drunk, and just the feels and the no-regrets attitude both Joey and Mara had that led up to a beautiful ending.
Still a stellar read for me.
I'm glad I found the Elkridge Box Set (1-4) on my Kindle. I'd forgotten all about it. Now, it's a "must read".
~Mrs. Gaccione
Such a profound statement that struck home and hit the theme of this book dead on.
Mara Dijocomo was in an accident that killed her parents and one of her siblings, and left her blind and sometimes in pain. I. Loved. This. Character. She was fiercely independent, ran a flower shop with her surviving brother, Tony, and loved banana cream pie for breakfast. She doesn't really have a self-esteem problem, but thinks she's not a forever kind of girl because of her lack of sight.
Joey Gaccione grew up with Mara. He knew her before the accident. He remembered her being a cheerleader while he was on the high school soccer team. He'd had a crush on her. He'd heard back in high school that she'd had a crush on him, too. Things happen and they don't get it together for over ten years.
Joey is now a police detective in Seattle. His brother, Sam, the sheriff in Elkridge, is shot and killed by an unknown assailant. When Joey comes home for the funeral, he does a little investigating on his own and discovers that either the sheriff's department really is inept or that they're trying to cover something up.
When Joey arrives in town, his first stop is at the flower shop to buy his mom some flowers. He was amazed to see Mara working there and realizes that he still has feelings for her.
This is a high-charged romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages. The plot is steady with a few "oh no" moments. The characters are well-developed and easy to care about. I found myself cheering for them and even getting mad at them. I was drawn into the story and drawn into their lives. I love it when a book does that.
Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end of the book. When I read books, I read every single page, especially the Author's Note page. At this time, I wish to extend my condolences to the author. Writing this book was a beautiful tribute.
I'm most excited to read the next book in the series.
~~~
I first read this book in 2019 and loved it. I stand by initial review.
I'd forgotten a lot of it, such as crying at certain parts, the contentious relationship all of the Gaccione children had with their father who was an abusive drunk, and just the feels and the no-regrets attitude both Joey and Mara had that led up to a beautiful ending.
Still a stellar read for me.
I'm glad I found the Elkridge Box Set (1-4) on my Kindle. I'd forgotten all about it. Now, it's a "must read".
July 25, 2017
A 4 bubble series = Great stories! Looking forward to the next one in September.
The Elkridge Series has strong like-able characters set in small town Colorado. The series starts off with a murder of the town’s sheriff. Each book focuses on a couple and has some clues into solving the crime. The pattern seems to be the female character has some emotional issue that keeps her from committing to her soulmate. (From Book 3, Abandoned, ” How do you communicate such things without the other person wondering if maybe the dysfunction had rubbed off somehow?”) For me, the self doubt sort of slows down the plot. During the first 2/3 of the story, I wanted to push the characters. Thankfully, the the friends/more like family step up and tell some truths to help lead to the happy ever after (VERY important for this reviewer!).
In the majority of the series, there is at least 1 descriptive sex scene but it is not obnoxious (no repeat of words or descriptions) or lewd. If the series was an ice cream flavor, I would say vanilla with chocolate chips.
While I know romance and HEA are key, I just do not feel the male characters’ patience was quite believable. I understand stubborn and focused but it seems a little unbelievable in my mind.
https://bubblesunlimited.wordpress.co...
The Elkridge Series has strong like-able characters set in small town Colorado. The series starts off with a murder of the town’s sheriff. Each book focuses on a couple and has some clues into solving the crime. The pattern seems to be the female character has some emotional issue that keeps her from committing to her soulmate. (From Book 3, Abandoned, ” How do you communicate such things without the other person wondering if maybe the dysfunction had rubbed off somehow?”) For me, the self doubt sort of slows down the plot. During the first 2/3 of the story, I wanted to push the characters. Thankfully, the the friends/more like family step up and tell some truths to help lead to the happy ever after (VERY important for this reviewer!).
In the majority of the series, there is at least 1 descriptive sex scene but it is not obnoxious (no repeat of words or descriptions) or lewd. If the series was an ice cream flavor, I would say vanilla with chocolate chips.
While I know romance and HEA are key, I just do not feel the male characters’ patience was quite believable. I understand stubborn and focused but it seems a little unbelievable in my mind.
https://bubblesunlimited.wordpress.co...
February 6, 2017
*** Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books ***
I really enjoyed reading this book! Lyz Kelley was a new author to me so I wasn't sure just what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Blinded is a second chance book - not just the romance but also life, family and friendship. It's also a mystery as the entire story revolves around a murder.
Even though the romance and the mystery vie for your attention in this book I thought it was well written and held my attention. We meet a whole cast of supporting characters who I really am interested to read about in possible future books...
I found it to be deeply emotional as I really could feel Mara's plight - being blind, feeling like a burden but trying to be strong and stand on her own and attempting to start a romance with the boy she adored from afar as a teen?? I'll just say I don't know if I would have had her courage!
A well written journey of love, sacrifice, learning to compromise and family.
Anticipating the following stories!
I really enjoyed reading this book! Lyz Kelley was a new author to me so I wasn't sure just what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Blinded is a second chance book - not just the romance but also life, family and friendship. It's also a mystery as the entire story revolves around a murder.
Even though the romance and the mystery vie for your attention in this book I thought it was well written and held my attention. We meet a whole cast of supporting characters who I really am interested to read about in possible future books...
I found it to be deeply emotional as I really could feel Mara's plight - being blind, feeling like a burden but trying to be strong and stand on her own and attempting to start a romance with the boy she adored from afar as a teen?? I'll just say I don't know if I would have had her courage!
A well written journey of love, sacrifice, learning to compromise and family.
Anticipating the following stories!
February 7, 2017
4.5 STARS
I enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. The author writes well, but each chapter left me wanting more so it was almost impossible to put down, I love that in a book.
The story centres on Joey and Mara. From a far, they have both been each other's admirers since high school; with neither of them acting on it. When Joey comes home for the first time in 10 years, he meets with Mara and falls in love all over again. Is he man enough to be able to tell her this time?
Mara is blind, having been involved in a horrific car accident that killed her parents and younger sister; she is lucky to be alive. When Joey returns, all her feelings surface but would he really want to be burdened with a blind woman, when he can have whoever he wants? Mara soon discovers that Joey wants every part of her.
This was an enjoyable story with romance, love and crime involved. Both characters were lovely but each has obstacles they need to overcome before they can move on with life.
I enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. The author writes well, but each chapter left me wanting more so it was almost impossible to put down, I love that in a book.
The story centres on Joey and Mara. From a far, they have both been each other's admirers since high school; with neither of them acting on it. When Joey comes home for the first time in 10 years, he meets with Mara and falls in love all over again. Is he man enough to be able to tell her this time?
Mara is blind, having been involved in a horrific car accident that killed her parents and younger sister; she is lucky to be alive. When Joey returns, all her feelings surface but would he really want to be burdened with a blind woman, when he can have whoever he wants? Mara soon discovers that Joey wants every part of her.
This was an enjoyable story with romance, love and crime involved. Both characters were lovely but each has obstacles they need to overcome before they can move on with life.
April 19, 2017
This book was a fantastic read with a couple of twist in the story at the end that I never saw coming. Joey returns home for his brother's, Sam, funeral. Sam was the sheriff and although everyone wants Joey who works as a detective elsewhere to become the sheriff he declines. During his stay he looks into the death of his brother and realizes that he was indeed murdered. He also gets involved with Mara, a girl he once wanted to date. Mara is a very strong woman who deals with both physical and emotional damage from an accident that robber her of her sight. She adds different insight to things for Joey using her other senses. The secondary characters were great and had wonderful interaction and the chemistry between Joey and Mara was fantastic. This series is keeping me hooked. I started this series with Abandoned and am glad to say that was a good book to so now I am starting with book 1. Can't wait to start the next book! Have to find out who killed Sam
March 12, 2017
Oh my what isn't to love about this story. This is a story of second chances, romance,family and mystery. When Joey a detective in Seattle is called home for his brothers funeral he isn't prepared for what faces him. All is not what is seems. What seems to be an open and shut case is far from it. Mara is the love he never had and seeing her he realises he still wants. With the help of Mara he finally starts to find out what happened to his brother. Will their finally find out what has been happening, will they give in to their feelings, will he stay or go back to Seattle.
I loved this book and Joey and Mara. Their journey had me smiling most of the way through it. It was really well written and I couldn't put it down as I desperately needed to see what was going to happen. I also enjoyed the secondary characters too.
I loved this book and Joey and Mara. Their journey had me smiling most of the way through it. It was really well written and I couldn't put it down as I desperately needed to see what was going to happen. I also enjoyed the secondary characters too.
February 8, 2017
It starts with a bang, but it quietly reels you in through the rest of the story. There will be laughter, there will be tears, there will be "squee"s and there will be "awe"s. Just be prepared for the full emotional roller-coaster because you're about to be taken for a ride. The more I learned about Joey and Mara, and their families and friends, the harder I was rooting for Joey to protect the community and wanted to see the killer brought to justice. I'm fully invested in Elkridge and now I'm anxiously waiting for the next book because this is definitely part of a series: there are several questions that get asked that aren't answered in this volume. My curiosity badly wants to know those answers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book
I received a complimentary copy of this book
February 9, 2017
Every page, every chapter of this book will leave you wanting more and more. This is one I could not put down and had read in a very short amount of time with being so engrossed in the story. Joey and Mara have admired one another from afar since high school. Joey is back in his Colorado hometown after 10 years.
After being in a serious accident that killed her parents and little sister shes left permanently disabled. When Joey comes back all her feelings for him return full force. But will Joey want to be with Mara knowing what a burden she can be now that shes blind.
This book has it all, second chance romance, love, mystery, suspense. Can both of these character finally admit to their feelings that they have had 10+ years or will they again let time pass without uttering a word?
After being in a serious accident that killed her parents and little sister shes left permanently disabled. When Joey comes back all her feelings for him return full force. But will Joey want to be with Mara knowing what a burden she can be now that shes blind.
This book has it all, second chance romance, love, mystery, suspense. Can both of these character finally admit to their feelings that they have had 10+ years or will they again let time pass without uttering a word?
January 27, 2018
Joey went to home to Elkridge for his brother's funeral and he ends out staying to investigate his brother's murder. While in Elkridge he runs into his first love Mara. Mara's life was changed forever when her family was in a car accident. A drunk driver hit them, leaving her parents and her sister dead and Mara permanently disabled. I loved this second chance romance story about Joey and Mara. It is a well written book. I liked that it had both a romance and mystery story lines. This author takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride and you'll love every twist and turn along the way. The supporting characters were wonderful and I look forward to reading more about them in future books.
March 2, 2017
Joey is back home for a funeral. Joeys brother the sheriff was killed and since they live in a small town everyone is shocked and worried. Joeys old friend Mara is blind beautiful woman who is offering her help to Joey to find clues to who killed his brother. But what happens when Joey falls in love with Mara and has to leave to go back to another case? I loved both these characters. Joey so sweet and strong and just wants love by his parents. Then there is Mara she's been thru hell and back again but continues to be a strong woman who never lets anyone tare her down. But we still don't know the question to the whole story so that I'm kinda confused about. 4/5 stars ****Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Read provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****
February 9, 2017
Lyz Kelley is a new author for me. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed reading Blinded. I love Joey and Mara as well as all the supporting characters. Blinded is a mystery/ romance. The story was well written, and though a little slow in some places, very enjoyable and engaging. I had a large range of emotions while reading this book. It was a good and sweet read but left me with a few unanswered questions. I'm excited to read more of the series to get those questions answered and visit with my favorite characters from this book once again!
**received an advanced copy for an honest review**
**received an advanced copy for an honest review**
August 25, 2019
Blinded by Lyz Kelley is a second chance romance story that I listened to on audio narrated by Meghan Kelly. This is the first book in the Elkridge Series. This is the first book of Lyz's that I have read and look forward to reading more from her in the future. Meghan did an amazing job narrating with the different voices she used for the characters. I liked that the book switched between Mara and Joey's points of views so you could really get into both characters heads. I would highly recommend this book to any one who loves Second Chance Romances.
#audiobookobsession #audiobookobsessionreviewer
#audiobookobsession #audiobookobsessionreviewer
February 12, 2017
Amazing Sweet!! I've reviewed this book for United Indie Book Blog. This author is new to me. I'm so head over heels in love with Joey and Mara. I love reading about second chances. This story still warm your heart. I love the characters in the story. Strong values of family and trust. Tragic to overcome but with family and friends you come out on top. Perfectly paced and dreams to follow. Mara is a strong, caring woman. Joey had to come home for his brother funeral. A well written journey of love, sacrifice and family. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
February 23, 2017
Book one in the Elkridge Series and I know I will be buying the next one . What a beautiful story Joey Gaccione a detective comes back to his home town after his brother Sam a sheriff in Elkridge is murdered he meets up with Mara Dijocomo again but she has her own grief to deal with. Will Joey find out what happened to Sam? Will Joey and Mara get a happy ending? I guess I was wrong I bought the next two books if they are as good as this one I will not be doing very much until they are finished.
February 6, 2017
I'm so head over heels in love with Joey and Mara. I love reading about second chances. This story still warm your heart. I love the characters in the story. Strong values of family and trust. Tragic to overcome but with family and friends you come out on top. Perfectly paced and dreams to follow. Mara is a strong, caring woman. Joey had to come home for his brother funeral. A well written journey of love, sacrifice and family. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
Review by Chanetelle
Review by Chanetelle
March 6, 2017
good read, good mix of suspense and romance; the story takes place in a small Colorado town, Joey, a detective, comes back to town, for his brothers funeral, Mara was seriously injured in a car accident several years earlier, Joey and Mara have always had feelings for the other but didn't act on it, is now the right time for them to be happy together and can they find his brothers killer;
****Mara and Joey have a HEA but there is a cliffhanger
****Mara and Joey have a HEA but there is a cliffhanger
September 10, 2018
This is the first book by this author I have read, it is also the first book of the Elkridge series in which I think I have found my new home for a while. I just loved the characters, the town, and most of all the story we were taken on during this wonderful book. Blinded is a very heartwarming tale with a suspenseful and life-affirming story that will have you sucked right in from the first chapter. This book was almost impossible to put down when I got to the end of one chapter I just had to keep reading it was that good. I was given an ARC copy and this is my voluntarily writing an honest review. This is a second chance story with a small town mystery that will have you falling in love with the characters in this small town of Elkridge.
Joey Gaccione has returned home after 10 years away but it is not a return he would have wanted as he is returning for his brother’s funeral. Sam Gaccione has died in the line of duty as the local Sherriff but his death has no leads. Joey is a detective in Seattle and he already feels the pressure to find his brothers killer before he steps into town.
Mara Dijocomo's life has taken a major turn over the last 6 years with the death of her parents and sister in a car accident that also left her in permanently damaged and wounded. After therapy and the adjusting to her new reality, she started to help say her mother's florist shop. Life is plodding along until the boy of her dreams and her past walks into the shop one day, she knew he was returning for his brother funeral but it is still a shock to see him after all this time.
As the lack of evidence into his brother's murder is revealing itself Joey knows he is the only one to find the answers to what happened to Sam. Joey and Mara’s friendship is rekindled which will lead to more as Mara’s new life skills and a hand to Joey’s search for justice.
Joey’s needs to go back to Seattle as he is working on a serial killers case, so his stay back home is only short.
Will her learn more than just his brother’s killer?
Can he keep everyone he loves safe?
This is a great start to a new series for me and I hope you might enjoy it as well. If you love small town romance with some twist and turns than this is the book for you.
Joey Gaccione has returned home after 10 years away but it is not a return he would have wanted as he is returning for his brother’s funeral. Sam Gaccione has died in the line of duty as the local Sherriff but his death has no leads. Joey is a detective in Seattle and he already feels the pressure to find his brothers killer before he steps into town.
Mara Dijocomo's life has taken a major turn over the last 6 years with the death of her parents and sister in a car accident that also left her in permanently damaged and wounded. After therapy and the adjusting to her new reality, she started to help say her mother's florist shop. Life is plodding along until the boy of her dreams and her past walks into the shop one day, she knew he was returning for his brother funeral but it is still a shock to see him after all this time.
As the lack of evidence into his brother's murder is revealing itself Joey knows he is the only one to find the answers to what happened to Sam. Joey and Mara’s friendship is rekindled which will lead to more as Mara’s new life skills and a hand to Joey’s search for justice.
Joey’s needs to go back to Seattle as he is working on a serial killers case, so his stay back home is only short.
Will her learn more than just his brother’s killer?
Can he keep everyone he loves safe?
This is a great start to a new series for me and I hope you might enjoy it as well. If you love small town romance with some twist and turns than this is the book for you.
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