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Business of Love
At First Sight
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
After her grandmother’s death, Fanny Clarke will soon be left destitute. With the scars left on Fanny’s face from a house fire, her grandmother has chosen the most suitable sort of man to be her husband: A blind man. With little choice in the matter, Fanny agrees to her grandmother’s scheme. But when her new husband proves to be more vexing than she bargained for, she wonders if destitution would have been a better fate.
With nearly all of his staff gone, Percy Wellington is in need of a caregiver of sorts. After losing his sight, he can no longer live properly without one, or so his cousin Harry insists. When Harry presents Percy with the idea of a marriage of convenience to a shy, agreeable woman, Percy reluctantly agrees. But it isn’t until after their wedding that Percy discovers she is anything but shy, and far from agreeable.
What begins as a war of sorts, slowly transforms to reluctant understanding. Can Percy and Fanny find common ground, or even love? Or will the scars of their past prevent both their hearts from seeing clearly what is right in front of them?
At First Sight was previously published in the Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology. Small changes have been made, but the story remains the same. It is a sweet regency romance novella.
Books in the series can be read in any order:
1. At First Sight by Ashtyn Newbold
2. Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
3. First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
After her grandmother’s death, Fanny Clarke will soon be left destitute. With the scars left on Fanny’s face from a house fire, her grandmother has chosen the most suitable sort of man to be her husband: A blind man. With little choice in the matter, Fanny agrees to her grandmother’s scheme. But when her new husband proves to be more vexing than she bargained for, she wonders if destitution would have been a better fate.
With nearly all of his staff gone, Percy Wellington is in need of a caregiver of sorts. After losing his sight, he can no longer live properly without one, or so his cousin Harry insists. When Harry presents Percy with the idea of a marriage of convenience to a shy, agreeable woman, Percy reluctantly agrees. But it isn’t until after their wedding that Percy discovers she is anything but shy, and far from agreeable.
What begins as a war of sorts, slowly transforms to reluctant understanding. Can Percy and Fanny find common ground, or even love? Or will the scars of their past prevent both their hearts from seeing clearly what is right in front of them?
At First Sight was previously published in the Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology. Small changes have been made, but the story remains the same. It is a sweet regency romance novella.
Books in the series can be read in any order:
1. At First Sight by Ashtyn Newbold
2. Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
3. First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2022
155 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 16, 2024
Resembles a dachshund: Short. Harmless. Tries hard to please. Adorably illogical.
March 26, 2023
Such a sweet story! I just wish it was longer! I needed more from Fanny and Percy!!! The ending felt rushed. 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
June 20, 2023
This is a RE-release Novella, Probably you had read this before in another collection called Unexpected Love.
Short-Sweet -and a little bit of mystery. Marriage of Convenience, grumpy/sunshine. The romance that develops is sweet and I loved how Percy accepts his mistake, clean and romantic, jerking the heartstrings, making one feel deeply for Fanny and Percy and their situation. Everything a Regency Romance ought to be. the story is told from Fanny and Percy's perspectives. Highly Recommended it.
"Despite everything—despite every reason not to—she feared the worst. She feared she was falling in love with her husband".
“My grandmother arranged this marriage to you because she knew that only a man who couldn’t see my face would ever marry me.” She broke her own heart by saying those words aloud.
"Life is never dull with you, and I cannot tell you how much you mean to me, how…how terrible I would be without you."
"Because if I were to be granted my sight again, at this very moment, I know I would already love you the instant I saw you, because of who you are. I have fallen in love with your soul, Fanny. My heart is yours.”
Short-Sweet -and a little bit of mystery. Marriage of Convenience, grumpy/sunshine. The romance that develops is sweet and I loved how Percy accepts his mistake, clean and romantic, jerking the heartstrings, making one feel deeply for Fanny and Percy and their situation. Everything a Regency Romance ought to be. the story is told from Fanny and Percy's perspectives. Highly Recommended it.
"Despite everything—despite every reason not to—she feared the worst. She feared she was falling in love with her husband".
“My grandmother arranged this marriage to you because she knew that only a man who couldn’t see my face would ever marry me.” She broke her own heart by saying those words aloud.
"Life is never dull with you, and I cannot tell you how much you mean to me, how…how terrible I would be without you."
"Because if I were to be granted my sight again, at this very moment, I know I would already love you the instant I saw you, because of who you are. I have fallen in love with your soul, Fanny. My heart is yours.”
March 11, 2023
This started out so promising. I think if it had been a full book it might have been better. They did not like each other at all and said some pretty rude things to each other. Then the author choose to tell us they spend time together and suddenly they are friends. This is upsetting. I never get to see all the little things that caused them to have a friendship then fall in love. The end was a silly mess.
September 23, 2022
This was a sweet story. Marriage of convenience. The hero is blind, and the heroine has burns scars on half her face. It's a grump/sunshine story of novella length. I wish it were longer because I don't feel like the length did the story development justice.
September 11, 2022
This wasn't too bad, but it wasn't great...lemme explain.
I think the novella format does something, as massively nuanced as this, a greater disservice.
My draw into the book was Blind Hero meets ( marries ) Scarred Heroine, then there is an "arrangement" between the two, except...not. The so-called arrangement is designed by "others" connected to the Hero and the heroine.
The bigger issue becomes...REASONS. And I mean "reasons for" these two needing to be fixed up for marriage and...whoo!, seriously? So flimsy. At best. At worst? Damn shady.
Heroine's grandma's dying, so she shoves out her own kin to a utter complete stranger, who lives in the neighborhood? Or close by? Becauuuuuse...?!?
I was pissed and wildly gobsmacked because while I am down ( so down) for the tropey-goodness of arranging strangers to marry...uh, I need solid reasons. Or at least palpable, tangible reasons. I saw none that called out a dire need for the heroine to be done-dirty like that. Especially since she had lost EVERYBODY in her own family to a tragic fire.
I never got a sense the grandma had good, nor cruel intentions to do this, but...okay. she literally dies at the front of the book so she's literally never there to suss out WHY?
Plus, from the POV of the heroine, she seems quite docile and resigned to behave as her dying grandma wishes. Like she is biddable, especially as good "wife" material-quiet and unobtrusive. And there is no clear idea if there was affection or true emotion present, just "doing what she's told" with no complaints.
The Hero's predicament is a bit more distrusting and, kind of...ludicrous- for my pea brain. Maybe because I never once trusted the cousin who arranged this marriage for the Hero. And it turned out to be exactly for reasons I suspected the cousin at the start.
The Hero was fine, if a bit wisjy-washy. I understood his mean grumpiness so much more than the 180 the heroine performed. Suddenly, the woman I deemed docile had a bit of a "bite" to her, yet...near the end, the Hero does his own switch-flip where it feels like a different guy. I felt as if a scene ( or possibly a few ) were missing to fill in some stressful confusions.
This is why I have such a problem with this novella and its length. I feel we skip over some genuine character explanation, and maybe some growing developments that help explain what feels like INSTA-everything. Even when the emotions aren't so good.
With Newbold, there is such great writing and backstory--great "bones" to work off of...this story should have room to breathe and flourish. Unfold and unwind within a slow burn atmosphere.
I wanted, so badly, to love this but as I was reading along, it merely became a solid "like" because I can detect a ghostly image of a much better book.
I think the novella format does something, as massively nuanced as this, a greater disservice.
My draw into the book was Blind Hero meets ( marries ) Scarred Heroine, then there is an "arrangement" between the two, except...not. The so-called arrangement is designed by "others" connected to the Hero and the heroine.
The bigger issue becomes...REASONS. And I mean "reasons for" these two needing to be fixed up for marriage and...whoo!, seriously? So flimsy. At best. At worst? Damn shady.
Heroine's grandma's dying, so she shoves out her own kin to a utter complete stranger, who lives in the neighborhood? Or close by? Becauuuuuse...?!?
I was pissed and wildly gobsmacked because while I am down ( so down) for the tropey-goodness of arranging strangers to marry...uh, I need solid reasons. Or at least palpable, tangible reasons. I saw none that called out a dire need for the heroine to be done-dirty like that. Especially since she had lost EVERYBODY in her own family to a tragic fire.
I never got a sense the grandma had good, nor cruel intentions to do this, but...okay. she literally dies at the front of the book so she's literally never there to suss out WHY?
Plus, from the POV of the heroine, she seems quite docile and resigned to behave as her dying grandma wishes. Like she is biddable, especially as good "wife" material-quiet and unobtrusive. And there is no clear idea if there was affection or true emotion present, just "doing what she's told" with no complaints.
The Hero's predicament is a bit more distrusting and, kind of...ludicrous- for my pea brain. Maybe because I never once trusted the cousin who arranged this marriage for the Hero. And it turned out to be exactly for reasons I suspected the cousin at the start.
The Hero was fine, if a bit wisjy-washy. I understood his mean grumpiness so much more than the 180 the heroine performed. Suddenly, the woman I deemed docile had a bit of a "bite" to her, yet...near the end, the Hero does his own switch-flip where it feels like a different guy. I felt as if a scene ( or possibly a few ) were missing to fill in some stressful confusions.
This is why I have such a problem with this novella and its length. I feel we skip over some genuine character explanation, and maybe some growing developments that help explain what feels like INSTA-everything. Even when the emotions aren't so good.
With Newbold, there is such great writing and backstory--great "bones" to work off of...this story should have room to breathe and flourish. Unfold and unwind within a slow burn atmosphere.
I wanted, so badly, to love this but as I was reading along, it merely became a solid "like" because I can detect a ghostly image of a much better book.
October 18, 2022
too short- needed about 50 more pages to flesh out Fanny and Percy's relationship and make me connect to them. A little more angst wouldn't have gone astray either
June 25, 2023
Cute, clean, but confusing
The romance was sweet and even made me tear up once, but I had a lot of logistics questions that were never answered. Where did Fanny stay in the two weeks before she wed? Why wasn't she taking on any of the duties of the lady of the house aside from getting her own breakfast tray, which her maid should have retrieved? The end scene especially came out of nowhere and I'm not sure I believe all the motivations and final actions. Again, I loved the two characters and their romance, but the story was full of holes and I didn't feel grounded in that world. But I know the author has other books I like, so I'll read those instead.
The romance was sweet and even made me tear up once, but I had a lot of logistics questions that were never answered. Where did Fanny stay in the two weeks before she wed? Why wasn't she taking on any of the duties of the lady of the house aside from getting her own breakfast tray, which her maid should have retrieved? The end scene especially came out of nowhere and I'm not sure I believe all the motivations and final actions. Again, I loved the two characters and their romance, but the story was full of holes and I didn't feel grounded in that world. But I know the author has other books I like, so I'll read those instead.
September 2, 2022
Cute and sweet novella.
February 23, 2023
This was a short and sweet romance. I enjoyed the grumpy blind male character. I wish it was longer with more depth.
Rating: 3.8 stars
Series: Business of Love book 1, standalone
#kindleunlimited
October 2, 2022
2.7/5 Me gustó la premisa del libro, esperaba muchisimo más. Sin embargo no me agrado la forma tan apresurada de desarrollar la trama, senti q le faltaban paginas. Es como si no desarrolla la historia, los petsonajes se caen super mal una página y a la siguiente se enamoraron, y yo qué ??? Cómo??? Cuándo??? Dónde???.
Me gustan los escritores capaces de contar las cosas en pocas páginas, pero aqui todo queda a la imaginación. Xq se saltan toda la historia. La sensacion es de q leí el resumen del libro en lugar del libro completo . Y aclaro habia mucho potencial. Y hasta la pluma de la autora me resultaba agradable y ligera. Pero se siente un libro imcompleto.
Me gustan los escritores capaces de contar las cosas en pocas páginas, pero aqui todo queda a la imaginación. Xq se saltan toda la historia. La sensacion es de q leí el resumen del libro en lugar del libro completo . Y aclaro habia mucho potencial. Y hasta la pluma de la autora me resultaba agradable y ligera. Pero se siente un libro imcompleto.
November 13, 2022
Vision and the Senses
Fanny’s grandmother’s dying wish was to prevent Fanny from being destitute. Due to the scar on her face from the fire that killed her parents, Fanny has already been jilted. Cleverly she arranged a marriage with a blind man who was handsome and wealthy. Although shocked, Fanny promised she would marry him so her grandmother could die in peace. Percy was also reluctant for such a marriage. He wants to live alone so he won’t have to endure pity and compassion. However, his cousin convinces him he needs a companion because Harry will no longer be available. Also he is told Fanny loves to read and will be quite content to spend most of her time in the library. Neither Percy nor Fanny finds what they expected. However, Fanny defiantly makes it clear that she is willing to help him but refuses to take orders like a servant. Percy maintains a rude, frustrated, irritated, unkind demeanor at first. When they find each other together in a dark room, Percy patiently guides her in using her senses when vision is lacking. Her empathy for his situation increases. Fanny decides to bring light into the darkness of Percy’s life. There is witty dialogue artfully used by the author to prevent this from being a sad story. Gradually mutual admiration grows between them. The mystery of a harp and the attentions of a handsome, friendly gardener adds a climax to the plot. This book is a pleasure to read.
Fanny’s grandmother’s dying wish was to prevent Fanny from being destitute. Due to the scar on her face from the fire that killed her parents, Fanny has already been jilted. Cleverly she arranged a marriage with a blind man who was handsome and wealthy. Although shocked, Fanny promised she would marry him so her grandmother could die in peace. Percy was also reluctant for such a marriage. He wants to live alone so he won’t have to endure pity and compassion. However, his cousin convinces him he needs a companion because Harry will no longer be available. Also he is told Fanny loves to read and will be quite content to spend most of her time in the library. Neither Percy nor Fanny finds what they expected. However, Fanny defiantly makes it clear that she is willing to help him but refuses to take orders like a servant. Percy maintains a rude, frustrated, irritated, unkind demeanor at first. When they find each other together in a dark room, Percy patiently guides her in using her senses when vision is lacking. Her empathy for his situation increases. Fanny decides to bring light into the darkness of Percy’s life. There is witty dialogue artfully used by the author to prevent this from being a sad story. Gradually mutual admiration grows between them. The mystery of a harp and the attentions of a handsome, friendly gardener adds a climax to the plot. This book is a pleasure to read.
August 31, 2025
At First Sight
is a part of the Business of Love series; a 3-novellas set with the basis of marriages of convenience as the premise. This one is about a blind gentleman that needs a companion and part-caretaker, whereas the heroine needs a roof over her head and security.
Fanny’s grandmother, upon her deathbed, sets up this match because Fanny cannot attract suitors on her own due to her disfigured face, and a blind man is in need of a wife. The grandmother’s only desire is that Fanny is cared for and will not be left destitute.
Percy’s cousin convinces him to take a wife since he can no longer care for him and doesn’t want to leave him without a companion and part-caretaker. Percy reluctantly agrees to this marriage, and he does not meet his bride until the wedding ceremony.
Percy’s and Fanny’s relationship is a matter of jabs and hurts at one another in the beginning, and slowly they learn that in helping one another, they help themselves. The relationship forms an attachment until a misunderstanding surrounded by a minor mystery creates a falling out between the couple.
This was an okay read for what it is supposed to be, a quick, sweet and clean romance that can be read in one sitting. It was entertaining in that regard. If you’re interested in these types of novellas, it is a nice escape. 3***½*
Fanny’s grandmother, upon her deathbed, sets up this match because Fanny cannot attract suitors on her own due to her disfigured face, and a blind man is in need of a wife. The grandmother’s only desire is that Fanny is cared for and will not be left destitute.
Percy’s cousin convinces him to take a wife since he can no longer care for him and doesn’t want to leave him without a companion and part-caretaker. Percy reluctantly agrees to this marriage, and he does not meet his bride until the wedding ceremony.
Percy’s and Fanny’s relationship is a matter of jabs and hurts at one another in the beginning, and slowly they learn that in helping one another, they help themselves. The relationship forms an attachment until a misunderstanding surrounded by a minor mystery creates a falling out between the couple.
This was an okay read for what it is supposed to be, a quick, sweet and clean romance that can be read in one sitting. It was entertaining in that regard. If you’re interested in these types of novellas, it is a nice escape. 3***½*
May 16, 2023
Eh. I liked it ok at the beginning but then I got a bit bored and the "bad guy"s plot was completely ridiculous. I didn't feel like the characters were fleshed out either or behaved very realistically.
June 19, 2024
Very Enjoyable
Another imaginative and innovative story by Ms Newbold. Unfortunately I was disappointed in the dialogue at the beginning of the book. I found it flippant and unnatural. It simply does not reflect the deeply distressful situation in which Fanny (the main female character) finds herself, not to mention Percy, the main male character, who became blind following a childhood disease. Both characters are struggling with tremendous emotional and physical scars. I would expect the dialogue to reflect this but she communicates in a way which seems nonchalant. Fortunately as the story unfolds, the reader begins to sense the pain and heartbreak suffered by both characters, as they attempt to establish an amicable relationship. There were very few typos and only an occasional expression not compatible with this era. And of course, the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » rather than « so-and-so and I ». I thought the suspense of the missing harp to be an enjoyable addition. I highly recommend.
Another imaginative and innovative story by Ms Newbold. Unfortunately I was disappointed in the dialogue at the beginning of the book. I found it flippant and unnatural. It simply does not reflect the deeply distressful situation in which Fanny (the main female character) finds herself, not to mention Percy, the main male character, who became blind following a childhood disease. Both characters are struggling with tremendous emotional and physical scars. I would expect the dialogue to reflect this but she communicates in a way which seems nonchalant. Fortunately as the story unfolds, the reader begins to sense the pain and heartbreak suffered by both characters, as they attempt to establish an amicable relationship. There were very few typos and only an occasional expression not compatible with this era. And of course, the ubiquitous « so-and-so and me » rather than « so-and-so and I ». I thought the suspense of the missing harp to be an enjoyable addition. I highly recommend.
March 27, 2026
“What had been angry, bitter verbal sparrings in the beginning had now transformed into light-hearted battles.”
The hero was blind (following a fever a few years before). He was very bitter and depressed with his new lot in life and just wanted to be left alone.
The heroine had facial burns on half of her face (following a house fire a few years before). She was very self-conscious of her scars and just wanted to be alone and avoid any possible rejections.
This sweet story was a quick one, only 100-something pages long. But I felt that the hero’s transition from bitterly snapping to reluctant, fun teasing to falling in love was paced perfectly. The heroine had a spine and sassily stood up for herself when he was rude, was able to effortlessly tease him back, and was very relatable.
This was a clean story with only one heartfelt kiss and an unexpected little mystery drama at the end that took me by surprise. A sweet love story that’s perfect between the heavier reads.
The hero was blind (following a fever a few years before). He was very bitter and depressed with his new lot in life and just wanted to be left alone.
The heroine had facial burns on half of her face (following a house fire a few years before). She was very self-conscious of her scars and just wanted to be alone and avoid any possible rejections.
This sweet story was a quick one, only 100-something pages long. But I felt that the hero’s transition from bitterly snapping to reluctant, fun teasing to falling in love was paced perfectly. The heroine had a spine and sassily stood up for herself when he was rude, was able to effortlessly tease him back, and was very relatable.
This was a clean story with only one heartfelt kiss and an unexpected little mystery drama at the end that took me by surprise. A sweet love story that’s perfect between the heavier reads.
December 21, 2022
Great plot idea, not so great execution
You would imagine that a plot featuring an arranged marriage between a sullen and depressed young man who is blind and a outspoken, irrepressible young woman whose face is scarred from a fire would produce a truly delightful and creative novel. Unfortunately the author just doesn't take advantage of her plot or her characters. Their interactions seem patently contrived and stiff. And their relationship develops in fits and starts that are hard to comprehend.
Then there are some continuity issues: why does the blind man's cousin go to the trouble of arranging the marriage.? How does grandfather's harp, which apparently weighs at least a hundred pounds, get from the 4th floor to the first floor without anyone noticing? Why does the cousin confess so easily? If the harp was to be stolen, why did they do it during the daylight when they could be easily heard dragging it?
You would imagine that a plot featuring an arranged marriage between a sullen and depressed young man who is blind and a outspoken, irrepressible young woman whose face is scarred from a fire would produce a truly delightful and creative novel. Unfortunately the author just doesn't take advantage of her plot or her characters. Their interactions seem patently contrived and stiff. And their relationship develops in fits and starts that are hard to comprehend.
Then there are some continuity issues: why does the blind man's cousin go to the trouble of arranging the marriage.? How does grandfather's harp, which apparently weighs at least a hundred pounds, get from the 4th floor to the first floor without anyone noticing? Why does the cousin confess so easily? If the harp was to be stolen, why did they do it during the daylight when they could be easily heard dragging it?
February 22, 2023
At First Sight was previously published in the Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology. I didn't realize this until I picked it up and it seemed oddly familiar (aka- I've read this before). But with that said, I am still reading it because I really enjoyed it the first time.
I usually read Regency Romance as a soft and fluffy happy part of my day. I read them quickly and if I am reading them on my Kindle I usually don't see/remember the title. They are the Hallmark of my literary world and they make me so happy. I don't often remember them specifically (until I read the description) however this is one of those stories that stayed with me and I think back on. I am excited to read it again.
I usually read Regency Romance as a soft and fluffy happy part of my day. I read them quickly and if I am reading them on my Kindle I usually don't see/remember the title. They are the Hallmark of my literary world and they make me so happy. I don't often remember them specifically (until I read the description) however this is one of those stories that stayed with me and I think back on. I am excited to read it again.
April 19, 2026
3.5 Nooooooooooooooo! I wrote a through review and accidentally deleted it. I’ll try again. The concept was great: blind guy and scarred woman. The book rolled along nicely until the end. Such a rushed ending… it wasn’t even realistic that Percy changed his feelings so quickly…it needed a slow build-up. The side plot revealed near the end wasn’t even necessary with the creepy groundskeeper and the crappy plotting cousin. Plus, they were not punished enough! Far too lenient with the cousin, and then the traitorous twosome just leave together…just walk away after being threatened by Percy. Ugh! The last page was trite and cheesy with bland and cliche phrases. This should have and could have been a 5 ⭐️ book if only….. 😡
September 26, 2022
Good, short Sunday read with a sweet story.
There isn't really anything wrong with the story, it's just short, so it doesn't give the time for better character development. It also doesn't really go into much of the thoughts of what Percy went through becoming suddenly blind. I understand why he would be angry at the entire world but the fear of blindness when he'd grown up with sight is brushed over. It does go into a little of Fanny's terror of fire, but again, because the story is so short, there's not much meat.
It was an enjoyable Sunday read when I wasn't in the mood for a super lengthy book.
There isn't really anything wrong with the story, it's just short, so it doesn't give the time for better character development. It also doesn't really go into much of the thoughts of what Percy went through becoming suddenly blind. I understand why he would be angry at the entire world but the fear of blindness when he'd grown up with sight is brushed over. It does go into a little of Fanny's terror of fire, but again, because the story is so short, there's not much meat.
It was an enjoyable Sunday read when I wasn't in the mood for a super lengthy book.
September 29, 2022
This was a marriage of convenience story with a grumpy/sunshine pairing.
A blind man has an arranged marriage with a woman whose face is scarred. He’s depressed and mad at he world. She’s afraid no one will love her because of her scars.
The main characters both underwent great personal growth in understanding and learning to trust. I wish it had been a little longer to delve more deeply and show more of how the personal changes came about. It was still very enjoyable and sweet.
I liked the mystery and the twist at the end. The relationship was beautiful and tender. Ashtyn Newbold is a very talented storyteller. I always know I’m in for a good read with any of her books.
A blind man has an arranged marriage with a woman whose face is scarred. He’s depressed and mad at he world. She’s afraid no one will love her because of her scars.
The main characters both underwent great personal growth in understanding and learning to trust. I wish it had been a little longer to delve more deeply and show more of how the personal changes came about. It was still very enjoyable and sweet.
I liked the mystery and the twist at the end. The relationship was beautiful and tender. Ashtyn Newbold is a very talented storyteller. I always know I’m in for a good read with any of her books.
November 1, 2022
Fanny is unable to deny her Grandmother's dying wish which, unfortunately, means she is on her way to be married to a complete stranger. But it seems her Grandmother found the perfect man - a blind one that can't see the scars a tragic fire left her with. But what if his demeanor is not all she hoped for? Can Fanny still find happiness in her husband's home?
This is a sweet, clean read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one sitting! I thought the author made some very interesting points regarding his loss of sight and beauty being more than visual.
This is definitely a Regency tale worth reading.
This is a sweet, clean read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one sitting! I thought the author made some very interesting points regarding his loss of sight and beauty being more than visual.
This is definitely a Regency tale worth reading.
January 24, 2023
I liked the premise of this book (novella). The things that bothered me is how things were explained/sorted at the end. Fanny, the female MC, had a trauma involving fire three years earlier. This finally comes up at the near-end of the book. Okay, I understand repressed trauma. But did this young woman NEVER have a fire in any fireplace in her home for the past three years?? She lives in England!
I liked the descriptions of Percy’s dark world. I liked that she didn’t miraculously cure him. Who helped with Percy’s finances? How did he pay his employees?
Even a novella can give satisfactory answers.
I liked the descriptions of Percy’s dark world. I liked that she didn’t miraculously cure him. Who helped with Percy’s finances? How did he pay his employees?
Even a novella can give satisfactory answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience novella. Both MCs are scarred and lonely, the MC blind and the FMC scarred from a fire that killed her parents. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and would nearly have given it 5 stars… if it weren’t for the clumsy ending. The final conflict and confrontation were a bit too forced, unrealistic, and cheesy, though it’s otherwise a great story.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
September 4, 2022
Such a beautiful story, wholesome characters and heart tugging scenes.
Mini plot : Percy Wellington , a man who lost his sight and just wants to live by. Fanny Clarke a headstrong woman scarred in a fire. Bonded in a reluctant marriage of mutual benefits . We all know what happens next. Mistakes, Misunderstandings, heartbreak, I experienced all these emotions in this single story. And to believe it's only 12 chapters. I need more 😭
Mini plot : Percy Wellington , a man who lost his sight and just wants to live by. Fanny Clarke a headstrong woman scarred in a fire. Bonded in a reluctant marriage of mutual benefits . We all know what happens next. Mistakes, Misunderstandings, heartbreak, I experienced all these emotions in this single story. And to believe it's only 12 chapters. I need more 😭
September 20, 2022
Cute story but had a really rushed ending, even for a novella. I felt like I was watching the ending of a really cheesy high school play. I really enjoyed the book up until that point. Also, did it ever say how he lost his sight? She tells her whole story of her scars, but I either somehow missed his story or it was left out. 🤷♀️ I don’t know why that bothers me so much, but it feels like a missing piece to the puzzle that is Percy and a major whole in the story.
October 17, 2022
This was a sweet story with an arranged marriage and grumpy/sunshine. Both Percy and Fanny have disabilities/disfigurements and misfortunes they’d rather not speak of. Being in an unwanted marriage never helps and they have to learn to live with each other.
It’s a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put down. I love Ashtyn’s books and I’m intrigued to read the rest of the books in this multi-author series.
Content: past trauma and death of parent
It’s a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put down. I love Ashtyn’s books and I’m intrigued to read the rest of the books in this multi-author series.
Content: past trauma and death of parent
November 12, 2022
I needed this sweet story…
So sweet! So good! Wonderful story! I recommend this book. Looking forward to the next one. Such a great storyteller! I felt so bad for both of the main characters. They both went through so much, especially Fanny. With losing her parents, her fiancé, her home and being burnt and rejected. So much lose, but such a great spirit! Percy and him losing his sight and being alone. ❤️📖📖❤️
So sweet! So good! Wonderful story! I recommend this book. Looking forward to the next one. Such a great storyteller! I felt so bad for both of the main characters. They both went through so much, especially Fanny. With losing her parents, her fiancé, her home and being burnt and rejected. So much lose, but such a great spirit! Percy and him losing his sight and being alone. ❤️📖📖❤️
February 2, 2023
It's not bad but it's definitely too short for what it is. Like another reviewer said here, it feels like you're reading something of a shadow of a bigger book that could've been but never was.
The pacing is a bit off considering they go from mocking each other to basically loving one another within a single chapter. Things just bounce along in their relationship with us not really getting a full view of how it happened so it doesn't feel as organic or interesting.
The pacing is a bit off considering they go from mocking each other to basically loving one another within a single chapter. Things just bounce along in their relationship with us not really getting a full view of how it happened so it doesn't feel as organic or interesting.
April 23, 2023
2.75 stars. Re-release from Love Unexpected: a Marriage of Convenience Anthology. The story has a good premise and some scenes are engaging. Other parts of the story are disjointed, emotions jumping from hate to friendship in a few paragraphs. I realize that being a novella, it has to move at a faster pace but this did not feel right. Also, the ending did not sit right with me. Why have Percy marry at all if Harry intended to do what he did? Confusing.
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