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The Love Vixen #10

Blinded by Love

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Dear Love Vixen,

I don’t know what to do and I need your help! My best friend died one year ago. Since then I’ve been helping her husband with their five-year-old daughter. I didn’t mean for it to happen but… I’ve fallen in love with my best friend’s husband. I’m so torn. Do women have a ‘Sister Code’ that says we can’t date an ex? Because if there is, I think I’m about to break that rule in a huge way. I’d love nothing more than to climb him like a spider-monkey, but I’m worried that I’m betraying my friend’s memory.

Please help me, Love Vixen. My feelings for him seem so wrong, but I can’t just turn them off. Do I keep my feelings to myself and just deal with my own heartbreak? Should I let him know how I feel? Should I just suck it up and find someone else?

Sincerely,

Confused in Virginia


Dear Virginia,

Oh sweetie, you are in a pickle.

Grief has no timeline and he’s still mourning. You need to take a step back and focus on his child while he heals. You are a remarkable woman to rearrange your life in order to be there for the little girl. With patience and caring he may one day realize what has been right in front of him.

You asked me what you should do? There isn’t an easy answer. Is life ever easy? Listen to your heart. It seems like you already know what to do.

Good luck, hon!

The ♥️ Vixen

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

88 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Reana Malori

89 books389 followers
The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All of the hero's will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroine's will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.

I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 14 and know what appeals to me as reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.

I’m a former Marine and served for 8 years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes’ front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha-males and strong women who love with everything they have.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,680 reviews32 followers
October 4, 2021
Good read if you can get past the premise of the heroine falling in love with her dead best friend's husband. Luckily, the author uses a plot device that makes it a bit more palatable. There was a reveal that had me giving the side eye to the dead best friend. There was lots of angst, guilt and soul searching before they took the next step, which I appreciated.

Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for J.M. Madden.
Author 70 books929 followers
September 30, 2021
This book left me breathless. What a pickle to be in! I could feel her angst and need, and her love for the little girl.
Well done, Reana!
Profile Image for Melanie Shawn.
Author 136 books1,854 followers
September 28, 2021
Who has two thumbs and LOVES a single dad romance? THIS GIRL! Blinded by Love takes the reader on an emotional ride! Grab your tissues and prepare to swoon!
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,177 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
Rebecca was still being bossy from the grave

She wanted to make sure her husband and daughter were well taken care of and her best friend since childhood and godmother of her daughter was the only one she could trust with the job. She knew how that one night went down when she and Norah first met Cade. She knew there were underlying feelings that were never allowed to express themselves. Now was her chance to make sure they were righted.

Norah had feelings for Cade but had more respect for her best friend and herself to act on them. That was why she ran away to Baltimore. She could not trust herself to be around Cade. Now that she was forced to help Lily adjust to her mother's passing, she could no longer run.

Cade too, was getting those feelings. Rebecca had been gone for a while and women were coming out of the woodwork to get his attention. None of those women could get a rise out of him. The only woman who did was right in front of him living in his house. Now he had to persuade her. Rebecca's letter was the tipping force. Norah had to stop running and be all in. Either she would commit fully to Cade and stop letting what other people would think or risk losing him to another woman and watch her raise Lily besides him. That she could not risk, it was time for her to be all in and claim both Cade and Lily for herself and also claim their HEA.

I loved this story. It reflects on how grief of a loved one is different for everyone. It also showed that there is a life worth living after losing the one you love. People are lucky to find love for the second time around.

My Favorite Book Quote is from the bible, I Corinthian 13: 4-7, is also my favorite verse.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 42 books370 followers
September 29, 2021
Another hit out of the park for the Love Vixen.
Blinded By Love is the newest book in the Love Vixen Series. While each book is part of the series, they can be read as standalone novels. This installment features Cade and Norah, and it hits on every emotion. Cade is a single dad who lost his wife about a year ago. Norah is his deceased wife's best friend and his daughter's godmother. Although they've known each other for years, they've always butted heads, but they decide to put aside their difference for the sake of Cade's daughter, Lilly. In the process, sparks fly. But will they get a happy ending? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,601 reviews29 followers
October 14, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Blinded by Love by Reana Malori is book 10 in the Love Vixen series by various authors. Each book is a standalone with the common theme of writing a letter to the Love Vixen for help, for all kinds of reasons.

A single dad, his deceased wife’s best friend, a letter and history tell the story of how it all began and where it will all end…sparks fly, tensions abound, hidden feelings and so much more…keep reading!!
Profile Image for SassyMama.
1,016 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2021
I REALLY wanted to like this book! First, I could not get past the dead best friend stealing an opportunity from her BFF after she realized Cade was interested in Norah. Second, after the marriage a child and building a life together, it was weird that Norah still had the HOTS for her BFF’s hubby. It all seemed bit unrealistic IMHO…I guess it could happen🤨…I love a romance with children but this one was loaded with far-fetched drama and complications.
Profile Image for Nene.
1,789 reviews26 followers
October 10, 2021
Wow!

I enjoyed this story very much. I love Cade and Norah together but she did work on my nerves sometimes by going back and forth on her decision. I would recommend.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,524 reviews12 followers
October 1, 2021
Excellent story! This is by far the best of the Love Vixen stories, and I have read them all. Norah and Cade are placed in an untenable situation and overcome the odds (or resign themselves, depending upon how you look at it) to create a life for Lilly.
Profile Image for Luv 2 Read.
372 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2021
If you love alpha males and strong willed women then this story is for you,.

Cade and Norah’s story started years ago.
The only problem is that he married her best friend.
Now that Rachel has passed away, she made it known that she knew the first night Cade and she met, he was actually seeking out Norah.
Now she wants them both to be happy and raise Lilly, their daughter, together.
As Lilly's godmother Norah agreed to take on that responsibility, but she doesn't want to ever replace her best friend.
Cade is grieving the loss of his first wife and fighting his attraction to her best friend.
When Lilly won't stop crying for her auntie Norah, Cade gives her an ultimatum move in with them permanently or stay away for good, because it is to hard on his little five year old to understand why she keeps leaving.
As they both navigate through their grief and raise Lilly together they find their way to each other.
This is a very passionate love story, with a strong protective alpha male and a very challenging, self willed heroine who must learn to fight for her own happiness.

Profile Image for Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈.
2,067 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2024
What’s hilarious about the presumed “conflict” with someone falling in love with their dead friend’s husband is that the book shied away from any actual conflict surrounding that? The most it does is have a random woman that’s in the story for 5 seconds make an alleged snide comment (that wasn’t even snide) and that’s it. No one actually cared and several people were weirdly supportive of it.

Theres only like 3 characters in the book. 4 if you count the flashbacks with Rebecca. So, it really doesn’t put a ton of context to Norah’s failed love life. It doesn’t seem like she ever really tried to date anyone else.

The letter and Rebecca’s mom pushing for this relationship was strange. Cade’s constant comparisons were also strange. I’ve read a few romance novels about widows moving on and they did that with more respect towards the woman that passed. This book seems to have everyone and literally her mom say Norah was what Cade needed and that made me very sad for Rebecca.

To top this off, I didn’t get the sense Cade was in love with her as much as he just really wanted to bone her. Seemed odd that, even before Norah read the letter and they decided to give it a try, he was thinking about how sex with Rebecca was sweet but not what he really wanted. I got the sense he wanted her to have sex with him and be a replacement mother and broodmare more than someone to love for the rest of his life.

On top of that even, I found him creepy and controlling. The scene where he pressures her into changing to go to the park was a huge red flag. It wasn’t sexy and dominating, it was just terrible.

Not a recommend from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
948 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2021
Second chance at love.

How do you move forward when the love of your life is married to your dying best friend? For years Norah has tried to distance herself from her bff Rebecca, Case and their daughter Lily. But tragedy forces Norah to back face to face with Cade. As I read how Rebecca and Cade wound up together I was a little taken aback. But things happen for a reason. Losing Rebecca forced Cade & Norah together for the sake of Lily Cade & Rebecca's daughter. But fate also had other ideas for these two. Case and Norah are forced to confront their true feelings for each other. I believed while Cade loved this wife, he CRAVED Norah. The chemistry between these two characters made my glasses fog up! Cade was not playing around. Once Cade accepted his feelings for Norah there was no going back. But the tug of war of emotions that Norah felt and even voiced made me want to scream at times. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I love the flashes of conversations the characters had with Rebecca. It gave a little more insight to her character and hoe she shaped the events in the book. I have to say I loved how Reana Malori allowed these characters to rediscover each other and acknowledge their feelings for one another despite a few hiccups. After all Cade, Norah, and Lily ladybug had been through it was so wonderful to see them finally get their HEA. They truly deserved it and more. Great story!!
294 reviews
October 11, 2021
Book about best friends living same man

This is a series featuring "the vixen" who is some kind of advice guru. The given featured very little in the story but set the story up. I loved both Cade and Norah. I especially loved the friendship between Norah and Rebecca. For all Rebecca did to bring Care and Norah together after she passed I was disappointed to learn that she knew Cade and Norah were attracted to each other months after the initial meeting but she still went ahead and pursued the relationship which led to marriage and a child. For 8 years and had she lived many years she deprived her best friend of her soulmate - that is the height of selfishness and her actions after her death did little to make up for it in my book. I found that to be very selfish and not something that I would expect from a best friend. Nevertheless it was a good read though it too long to be released. Lillian was adorable and Rebecca's and Norah's parents accepting of the situation making one big happy family seemed to me to be somewhat unrealistic. The book tried to paint Rebecca as this good and unselfish friend who even in death wanted the best for her best friend and husband but I disagree with that scenario.
3,592 reviews41 followers
September 29, 2021
Sometime you pick up a book having no idea what to expect by an author new to you. That was the case with this book and I have to say, I am so glad I took a chance on it.
Cade lost his wife Rebecca a year ago and is now raising his sweet 5 year old daughter on his own. The one person that comes to visit the little girl on weekends is Norah, Rebecca’s best friend and the little girl’s godmother.
Though they appear to dislike each other, the opposite is true. Their history, how they met, their time with Rebecca, and now dealing with her death and the care of sweet child, will send them and you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
This is a story about life, death, new beginnings, struggling through the loss of a loved one, as well as one of second chances in life and love. A story that thought at times is heartbreaking , will also lift your spirits and touch your hearts.
A story worth your time and an author I will now be following.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
83 reviews
October 1, 2021

When I read the synopsis of this story I knew I was going to like it but when I actually got the chance to meet these characters and read their story, I absolutely loved it! This story was everything! Cade and Norah were a two people that you couldn't help but root for. Each dealing with tragedy in their own way they are brought together to finally get their chance at love. I loved how Reana took us through the thoughts of both characters and gave us a realistic look at how love can find you in the unlikeliest of places and circumstances. And in true Reana fashion she brought the heat, the humor, and a story that I definitely would want to read again. This story was sooooo good and I would definitely recommend it to anyone that's looking for a great read!
582 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2021
This book is about loss, grieving, healing, moving on & finding love again. Cade, Norah & Lilly are dealing with the loss of Rebecca (Cade’s wife, Norah’s best friend & Lilly’s mom). Norah made a promise to Rebecca to always be there for Lilly & Cade after she’s gone. Cade & Norah are trying to fight their attraction to each other while dealing with their loss. The book has all the feels and this couple/family deserves their happiness. While I did like the characters, I found Cade to be a little too controlling at times (i.e. making her change clothes) & Norah let him get his way which I didn’t care for. Overall I enjoyed the book & received an arc from author for an honest review.
24 reviews
January 6, 2025
The book started off really strong, by the last 30% of book, I found myself annoyed, uninterested and felt like things got repetitive. After Norah and Cade got the letter from Rebecca giving her the blessing, I wish they went a bit slow in the relationship department. Start to actually date and plan things together. It went from sex straight to we need to build a life together. To me, the shadow of Rebecca was still lingering, and it got annoying. Also I wish Cade had a bit more patience with Norah’s struggle to fully embrace their relationship. Sometimes it felt like she would just give in to him so quickly and that got annoying.
510 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2021
Second chances

Reana you outdid yourself with this one. Tackling a semi taboo romance and making the characters completely relatable and their love story well told.

Cade came off as a bit of a jerk in the beginning but when I understood what he was struggling with, the feelings he had for his late wife’s best friend, I could sympathize with him.

Norah was going through the same struggle, wanting a man that belonged to someone else.

This couple had passion and a great connection. Great read. Glad they got their second chance.
504 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2021
Gurl, you did it again!!

I can't articulate just how good this book was to me. I really could understand Norah's feelings even though she saw Cade first. I am so glad she came to her senses. Rebecca was awesome. I felt bad that as much as Cade loved her, he felt as if something was missing in his life. I am glad the main important people were okay with their relationship. I love this book. I love how you write these big, powerful, hard core men are brought to their knees by these curvy, no nonsense women. It's funny. Thank you for a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,481 reviews49 followers
November 12, 2021
Quit fighting the feeling

Let me be honest and say this is my third best book in this series. I was drawn in my the letter and was wondering how the storyline would flow, Reyna ROCKED it.

This genre may not be for everyone but I was invested. Cade and Norah journey was one that many would frown upon but when you know, you know. I felt Norah's doubt and understood her struggles but the heart is a powerful organ that grief can not even over power. Cade determination and strength had my toes curling.

This was it.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,663 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2021
Righting a second chance

Despite the circumstances that cause them to be under the same roof, even from the grave, Rebecca was bent on righting a second chance. Norah and Cade are drawn to each other but life steps, setting a different course. Now they're navigating between what's real and what's convenient. But deep down, they both know that there's nothing convenient about their attraction and feeling for each other. Now they have to decide to go for it all or let it all go.
734 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2023
What If

🤔 Hmm…this premise has me up in the middle of the night. I totally get Norah’s insecurities about being the second choice. As readers, we can see reason/fate/destiny at play, especially since Rebecca would die seven short years later. As a woman with a BFF, I can empathize with this whole situation. Reana Malori, as always, adeptly deals with any trope/scenario with thoughtfulness, passion, and heart. I really wanted her to press the point about who Cade chose the night they all met but appreciate the sensitivity with which our author handled this.
Profile Image for Erin N.
99 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2021
OMG...this book was everything plus a bag of chips and a glass of wine! I couldn't put this book down and I finished a bottle of wine reading too. There were several topics that the author touched on and the finesse she used to cover them was brilliant. Norah and Cade helped one another heal from past issues that they were facing. Of course, loved the steamy situations aw well. Definitely would recommend this book to read. Job well done Reana Malori.
Profile Image for Cre.
20 reviews
October 1, 2021
Usually I'm not a fan of getting involved with anyone your friend has been with because of the Girl Code but this story has proven there's exceptions to every rule. Nora and Cade were definitely a match made with a heavenly touch. The loyalty they both had to Rebecca was strong but the love they had for each other proved to be even stronger. Ms. Malori perfectly balanced their story of friendship, loyalty, family, and love.
7 reviews
October 5, 2021
soooo gooodddd!!!!

I dang near cried the first half of the book. Reana Malori sure knows how to pull on your heart strings. The book was even edited properly. I have a big issue reading books and I always say the same, fire the editor. Minor grammatical issues but nothing worth firing the editor over.

Such a lovely story. Well worth the read. You’ll go through so many emotions reading Blinded by Love. Amazing story!
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,645 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2021
Is sweet and tender romance

Sometimes we need to wait for a real love to come by. That's what I got from this book. The characters first chance that love was passed by by accident But because they're friendship with 1 woman Her dar friend that chance for love came after her death. You could tell the author to great time and making sure the characters were well rounded and believable.
Profile Image for Alicia.
65 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2021
My Fav

This my favorite Reana Malori book. She did everyone in it such justice. She handled a touch subject with grace. She did not rush into the carnal portion of the book. She took time to explore the emotions and develop the characters and their background. Once the carnal portion hit, WOW! I enjoyed every moment of this book including the hard parts. It’s truly worth your time.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
874 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2021
Faith and love

Norah and Cade share a deep bond, loving the same women, her best friend and his wife, struggling to find peace and happiness together and coparent his little girl after the death of their love, reservations, fear, hidden lust and love, family dynamics, precious child, absolutely beautiful story of second chances with the help from the grave her best friend and his wife encouragement, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Peace.
725 reviews9 followers
October 31, 2021
Beautiful heartwarming story.

While dying of terminal cancer, Rebecca played matchmaker for her best friend Norah and husband Cade. While it was morbid, it was also compassionate.

Everyone believed that Rebecca was being bossy from the grave. I think that she was trying to right a wrong committed years ago. She unknowingly came between two individuals who were probably destined for each other.
685 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2021
Squeamish

How can you make a reader feel squeamish over a relationship between the hero and heroine when the first wife is dead? Basically, that is how good Ms Malori is at putting you in the seat of the heroine. Despite wanting them to be together, I also was unnecessarily concerned about how other people would view their relationship. But then the mom came through and I was like, moms know best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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