Customer Reviews

Love Is Blind (Leisure Historical Romance)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

Everyone knows how dangerous Lady Clarissa Crambray can be as the clumsy beauty has a tendency to accidentally harm her suitors and herself; just ask Lord Prudhomme about his roasted wig. However, as she trips, falls, and bruises herself and others, Clarissa knows the problem can be simply fixed if her wicked stepmother would allow her to wear her spectacles in public. Apparently pratfalls and the nickname "Clumsy Clarissa" are more acceptable than glasses for lasses.

Earl Adrian Montfort has avoided the Ton since his war earned scars leave him imperfect. He figures that Clarissa is ideal for him as her vision is poor and thus she would not see his marks. As he falls in love with the intelligent, forthright and witty Clarissa, Adrian is shocked that she cannot only see deep into the disfigurements of his heart, she is the cure.

This is a fun Regency starring a delightful pairing of two matched individuals with both having physical "scars". Still together Clarissa and Adrian overcome their demons, the wicked stepmother, and a killer (unnecessary well written subplot that does add suspense) as he proves to her guys do makes passes at girls who wear glasses and she teaches him love can heal any wound. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this fine historical.

Harriet Klausner

Lynsay Sands is back with another wonderfully, charming historical, with a less than perfect heroine and hero. And I so enjoyed this one. Lady Clarissa Cambray has problems. Take her glasses away from her and all sort of accident occurs. As one condemned to wear reading glasses myself, and panics when I take them off and cannot find my glasses because I need my glasses to find them, I totally understand. I also fall, trip and crash, so this heroine is dear to my heart. Her trouble comes because she has a wicked wicked stepmother who refuses to let her wear her glass in public. Without the glasses mishaps occur. So the hope of Clarissa ever finding a suitor dims with each bumbling accident.

But ah, there is a lad for every lass in Romance, so enters Adrian Montfort, Earl Mowbray. He has shunned the ton since the war left his handsome face scarred. He sees Clarissa's vision problems as a blessing to him. If she cannot see well, just hide her glasses and she won't see the outer man but come to love the inner one. Through Clarissa's love, Adrian learns that his real scars are on his heart, and this lovely, gentle lady holds the magical ability to heal them.

Both learn through love each are beautiful. Highly recommended.

Lady Clarissa Crambray is a perfect sweet girl, but she has several things going against her during her Season and her search for a husband. The first is that she is extremely near-sighted and has been setting suitors on fire by moving candles a bit too close and spilling hot cups of tea on the laps of gentlemen thinking that they are tables. She also has a mean step-mother who refuses to let her wear her glasses because she'll never attract a man with them on--not only in public, but at all--and has actually broken them, leaving Clarissa to have to be led about by servants and unable to even read books easily. She has also had a scandal in her past: as a young girl she was lured away by a kidnapping brother and sister in order to gain the money that would be hers if she married. Although the marriage was never consummated and annulled, she was in the kidnapper's hands for days and society believes that something must have happened.

Fortunately, there is a man who seems to see beyond these impediments. Lord Adrian is kind to her when others just laugh at her or avoid her. Unfortunately, he has an interest in keeping her blind: he fears that she will be repulsed by a scar he gained at war.

Clarissa really is a sweet heroine, and takes her tribulations in stride and with a sense of humor. Adrian, too, seems like a fine, sensible, loving hero. However, the stumbling about due to her lack of sight is NOT all that funny, I think. It's written in a light-hearted manner, but at heart, it's cruel, and her step-mother is nasty. And when it's found that the accidents may not all be accidents--that's nasty, too! Falls down staircases and getting walloped on the head and thrown into a fountain to drown is not amusing at all. The hero takes it seriously, but the strange mix of light and dark tones of this tale can be a bit jarring.

There is also the matter that Adrian is in no hurry to get Clarissa back to the seeing world, even when he can... He is THAT worried about his scarred face. And does he try to clear that all up before the wedding? No.

These few elements make me a bit uncomfortable with this story and these characters. If you can overlook things like that, then it's a perfectly sweet romance.

One of the best romantic novels ever. I loved the characters and plot. Several parts had me squealing out loud with delight. Very fun read.

Sexual content: not evaluated. I read this book before I began counting sex scenes and describing the language. As I recall it was probably moderate. Setting: 1818 London. Copyright: 2006. Genre: regency romance.

To date I've read the following Lynsay Sands books.
3 stars. The Switch. Copyrt 1999. Review Date 8/11/08.
2 stars. Sweet Revenge. Copyrt 2000. Review Date 5/29/08.
2 stars. Always. Copyrt 2000. Review Date 8/11/08.
1 star. Love Bites. Copyrt 2004. Review Date 5/29/08.
2 stars. The Perfect Wife. Copyrt 2005. Review Date 6/14/08.
5 stars. Love is Blind. Copyrt 2006. Review Date 1/22/07.

If anyone knows of any other of her books that were as great as "Love is Blind", please let me know through the comment section. Thank you.

Lady Clarissa Crambary is blind as bat without her glasses. Adrian Montford,the Earl Of Mowbary is scared man. While others avoid the fair lady company, the Earl see as a chance to find love. But Clarissa many be in danger,some of her accidents may not be just accidents.
"Love is Blind" was the first book by Lysany Sands that I have read and just blew me away! It was so nice to read a story were the characters were not perfect! Ms. Sands gave her characters such great emotions. That I just want to keep reading more. I this negative thing that I could say about the book is I sorry that it ended. Any fan of romance need to make sure that "Love is Blind" is on thier reading list.

Reputed to be a menace to polite society, Lady Clarissa Crambray was
indeed a danger to herself and others. In just one season, she has
stepped on toes, set wigs afire and had even gone so far as to burn a
gentleman's piffle. Most everyone avoids the accident-prone Lady
Clarissa. Adrian Montfort, Earl of Mowbray and veteran of the
Napoleonic Wars, finds himself drawn to Lady Clarissa. Despite her
`unfortunate past' and her alarming tendency to burn piffles, Adrian
desires to learn more of the lovely Lady Clarissa.

Lady Clarissa's stepmother is determined to see her wed. While Lady
Clarissa would like to marry, she would also like to see. According
to her stepmother, men aren't attracted to girls in spectacles so her
stepmother destroys Lady Clarissa's. Instead of attracting more
suitors without her spectacles, gentlemen flee in fear whenever the
clumsy Lady Clarissa is about. One man, Adrian Montfort, Earl of
Mowbray, is not daunted by Lady Clarissa's reputation for mishaps and
asks her to dance. Although Lady Clarissa cannot clearly see the Earl
of Mowbray, she knows he is handsome and an amazing dancer.


When a book ends and it leaves me with a happy sigh and a grin on my
face, I know I have read a really good book. Lynsay Sands' Love is
Blind is a really good book! Truly, how could you not adore a book
that successfully combines burning piffles and romance? Not only did
Love is Blind tickle my funny bone, it satisfied my romantic soul.
Love is Blind is charmingly romantic and a wonderfully engaging read!


Annmarie
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This was my first book by Lyndsay Sands and it was great! Just from reading the first couple of pages I could tell that this book was going to be a hit. It's filled with lots of romance (and I mean lots!), attempted murder plots, comedy, snappy dialoge, and interesting characters. There is never a dull moment in the storyline and it keeps you guessing unitl the end. Also, it has one of the best endings I've ever read. I'm not that great at writing these reviews but take my word, Love Is Blind is definetly worth reading, it's a well deserved 4 1/2 stars overall!