Love Is Blind (Leisure Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Lynsay Sands (Author)

Book Description

Series: Leisure Historical Romance | Publication Date: August 2006

Notoriously klutzy and completely blind without her glasses, lovely Lady Clarissa Crambray catches the eye of scarred Napoleonic war veteran Adrian Montfort, Earl of Mowbray, who views her as a delightful challenge--and the perfect candidate for becoming his wife.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Poor Clarissa Crambray. An "unfortunate incident" plunged her into scandal when she was only 12, and now that she is grown, her ill-natured stepmother parades her around town in search of a husband, forbidding her to wear her glasses and thus ensuring an unending succession of embarrassing moments when she steps on toes, uses gentlemen's laps for a tea table, and sets wigs on fire. Clarissa's only pleasure comes from clandestine meetings with Adrian Montfort, the Earl of Mowbray, who has shunned society since his return from the Napoleonic Wars disfigured by scars. When the two marry and Clarissa acquires another pair of spectacles, however, new problems crop up related to Adrian's self-consciousness about his appearance. Sands' sexy historical romances always give good value, dealing with social issues as well as detailing lusty encounters, and her latest will be received eagerly by her loyal fans and will undoubtedly win her new readers who enjoy Regency settings. Lynne Welch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Books (August 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843955007
• ISBN-13: 978-0843955002
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #597,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Southern Ontario, Lynsay Sands is the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau Vampire series. She has written more than 34 books and anthologies since her first novel was published in 1997. Her romantic comedies span three genres--historical, contemporary, and paranormal--and have made the Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. Lynsay's books are read in more than twelve countries and have been translated into at least six languages. She's been a nominee for both the Romantic Times Best Historical Romance Award and the Romantic Times Best Paranormal Romance Award, was nominated and placed three times in the RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Awards of Excellence, and has several books on All About Romance's Favorite Funnies list.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly Different, January 22, 2007

By 

Cherise Everhard (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Love Is Blind (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the first book I have read by Lynsay Sands; it will not be the last. This was a wonderful and very unique historical romance.

I find in most romance novels that one or both of the characters are either horribly flawed or practically perfect. In this book Clarissa and Adrian aren't either. They are two very real, normal people, with strengths and weaknesses. They both have flaws, but they also have wonderful qualities.

Clarissa isn't stunning, but she's a pretty girl who happens to be as blind as a bat. She has some past issues that are hindering her progress in finding a husband. Her stepmother has taken away her spectacles so the suitors that do come calling are subjected to her clumsy fumbles.

Adrian, an Earl, was once considered quite the catch in the ton. Then in a war he was injured and a scar was left down the side of his face. After returning from war he was subjected to women who fainted at the sight of his face. He left the ton for several years, he returns to appease his mother and start looking for a wife.

Adrian first approaches Clarissa at a ball when he learns she has horrible vision. He figures she will make the perfect wife for someone with a scarred face. Even though his reasons for approaching Clarissa at first seem selfish, what I liked best about this story was that Clarissa and Adrian genuinely liked each other from the start. They became friends and then they fall in love. Neither the story nor the romance was rushed; it seemed like a very natural progression.

There are some pretty funny moments in this book as well. The thoughts that run through Clarissa's head as she is having her first sexual experience had me laughing out loud. Then there is also an incident involving 'smashed pie', that was hilarious.

The mystery portion of the story was a little weak, but not enough to deduct stars from my rating. I would say this is one of the best historical romances I have ever read. It was very hard to put down. Enjoy!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars, August 1, 2006

By 

AK "Bro" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Is Blind (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Every girl who has ever worn glasses knows how Lady Clarissa feels as this story opens; as if no man will ever look twice at you again because you are four-eyed. Clarissa could cope with that, however. She can barely cope with not seeing and the inherent clutziness that comes with her dim view on the world, but her stepmother has forbidden her to wear her spectacles. This works out well for Adrian Montfort, Earl of Mowbray as the war has left a scar on his face that repels all women who see him clearly. He seeks Clarissa out, and soon begins to court her and to fall in love. He even wins her hand, but their happiness might be short-lived as someone wants to kill Clarissa.

***** This is a pure delight of a story. Clarissa and Adrian's misunderstanding is poignantly realistic, and her kindness in forgiving those who wrong her is lovely. Love is Blind is the epitomy of a feel good romance. The mystery is an added bonus. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY A GEM! YOU WILL WANT TO KEEP THIS ONE!!!, October 8, 2006

By 

M. Hebdige "Nanette Hebdige" (California - Las Vegas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Love Is Blind (Leisure Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was so charming - from the very beginning to the very last page. You will smile at Clarissa's blind funny exploits as she is literally as blind as a bat and can't see without her spectacles - all but blurs and colors. Enter Adrian Montfort, the Earl of Mowbray, who has been a recluse from society as the reaction he's received from the women of the ton because of his scared face has led him to retreat from society as his disfigurement repulsed many a woman who knew him as the most handsome of men. He meets Clarissa and is enchanted by the fact that because she cant see his face - she is very open, witty, a pleasure to be with and truly enjoys his company - not to mention that he is very attracted to her physically becuase she is beautiful and guileless. Clarissa's stepmother is a rather unhappy and mean spirited woman - to the point were she has destroyed her spectacles because she believes that Clarissa will not receive any offers of marriage if she wears them - little does she know that all the incidents that have occurred by her lack sigh by not wearing her glasses have the men of the Ton avoiding her like the plague.

Both get caught in a compromising situation and they marry - and Adrian is worried that when Clarissa gets her spectacles and sees his disfigured face the perfection of their relationship will be shattered. Little does he know that Clarissa has already bought a pair and has clandestinely hidden them and has already seen his face and thinks nothing of it - as she has already fallen in love with Adrian.

Lynsay Sands latest installment is perfection all the way. This book is like a bonbon - reading it is savoring it. Funny, witty, tender and sensual. The development of both characters is sheer perfection and seeing them come together was a delight - the book is nothing short of brilliant - enough tenderness to almost bring out a hanky and sensuality a plenty. I can't wait for Sand's next novel. Her books are keepers to be savored!