Cover Image: Blind Faith

Blind Faith

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

alexa aston books always have me hooked. this one was a good one. I like the stories and have me wanting to read more.

Was this review helpful?

This book was interesting, the characters were great, the plot was unique, the setting was beautifully described, and the storyline was written wonderfully.

I really enjoy reading Alexa Aston. Her books have a way of drawing a reader in a hooking their attention until the last page. Blind Faith was no different. We, the readers, are pulled into the story and we desperately crave our hero and heroine to find their happily ever after. We are emersed in the story and when it ends, you find it's a double edge sword: we want the happy ending but we don't want the actual book to be over. Blind Faith leaves the reader with very satisfying ending but the hope that maybe, just maybe, the book will grow so your don't have to leave the characters you've come to care so much for.

I just reviewed Blind Faith by Alexa Aston. #BlindFaith #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

I've read several Alexa Aston books, but this one was my first of her western romances. While I more or less like her regencies, if Blind Faith is an example, western romance is her niche.

Alena lives in a cabin in California, mostly on her own; her guardian Jeb is gone more often then not, leaving her to care for her animals and paint pictures while he travels around selling her artwork and quilts. Jeb is away when Marshal John Harper shows up at the cabin, injured and unconscious, slouched over an also injured horse (who might just be my favorite character, by the way).

Alena nurses John and Cicero (the horse) back to good health, though John's takes longer to return; a significant blow to the head has temporarily robbed him of his memories and vision. When both return, he realizes that he was in the middle of a mission to save a kidnapped man and his son (coincidentally, the husband and child of John's former sweetheart Annabelle).

In the meantime, Alena and John grow close, first emotionally and later physically. A few secrets and twists throw up some roadblocks, but eventually it all comes to a head, and ultimately, we get our mostly satisfying but a little lackluster HEA.

I liked this story quite a bit. Historical western romances don't pop up nearly as much as they used to. It was a nice break for me to leave regency England for a bit. Additionally, the characters in this book (especially the secondary ones) are surprisingly complex and not one dimensional, as romance characters typically are.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great one by Alexa Aston! I loved and felt for all the characters in this book, It had a very unexpected turn I wasn't expecting but that made it even harder to put down. I hope to see some of these characters in future books!

Was this review helpful?

John Harper U. S. Marshall is looking for a gang of robbers and kidnappers. Senator Braden Reynolds and his son Johnny were taken for ransom. John's foumd their hideout, but ends up shot in the shoulder and a blow to his head. Alena McClaine lives away from San Francisco in the country. Saved by Jeb Foster when she was an orphan, she lives her life painting. When a horse that's shot with a wounded John Harper shows up at her cabin door her life will never be the same. A traditional western romance where the heroine is as strong as the hero. Contains mild sex with some violence. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

California 1858
Historical westerns are one of my very favorite, and with talented author Alexa Aston writing the story, magic happens! Her characters become real as the pages turn and it is so easy to become invested in their lives.

He was determined to find the kidnapped senator and his son. Unfortunately the kidnappers found him and he ended up shot, and only with his amazing horse was he able to get out.

She heard a horse snickering outside and found the man shot as well as his horse. Bringing the man in she took care of him and then his horse. But he didn't remember what had happened.

Such a great story with secrets, danger, villains and an unexpected love developing slowly. Just loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Blind Faith by Alexa Aston is a historical cowboy novel highlighting just how complicated people can be and how complicated life is. Alena has lived most of her life with Jeb Foster, out in the middle of nowhere northern California. He had been her mother's friend. When her father killed her mother and then disappeared, Jeb stepped in and cared for her. She was alone at the moment as he was off selling her quilts and her paintings. He'd be back soon. The one night, a horse carrying a slumped over rider appeared at her door. Hurt and wounded animals always seemed to fin her. She took them both in hand, and soon both were healthy, except the man had some memory problems and was blind. Eventually, Jeb came home and was not happy to see the man in his house. Shortly after, John remembered his name and began to see shadows. Soon after, he could see fully, and saw Alena for the first time as well as the painting she was working on. It was the place...the place where there were holding the kidnapped senator and his son.

Alena had little experience with people but she was not stupid, and her instincts were good. She knew John was a good person, not only because of the US Marshal's badge she had found. Their time together was interesting, partly because his memories were spare, and partly just getting to know one another. This was a good story, with a plot, which made some sense. Aston took her time unwinding the story, which made it even better. It was a pretty simple story, although a little more explanation about Jeb's choices would have been good. People are rarely all good or all bad, which was the situation for Jeb. He had done his best for her and now she was to function on her own. I loved it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Blind Faith by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #blindfaith

Was this review helpful?

This story had a good plot with strong main characters. We also get to see what is going on in another secondary part of the story and that does effect John Harper too.
Alena was such a great beautiful, talented, wild child and John turns out to be quite the compelling person too in his own way.
The writing in this story was well done .I gave it 3.5 Stars on Amazon. The ending is a good one with a couple of surprises but I just wish that it had pulled me in more. Maybe it's just my own personal taste and others will really like it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Nice play on words for the title. If there is a disability in a book, I am there. What is it that draws us to those types of books? Rooting for the underdog? Seeing people overcome and thrive? For the first few chapters I thought this story would be a four star because it was nice but then the emotions starting coming out in me and I could not put the book down. Alexa’s writing is terrific and she can make you feel. John and Alena are a perfect romantic couple. The support and caring are overwhelming. There are twists that I did not see coming. There are also old loves that show up but are not the horrible beings we usually see in books. I liked that Alexa did not make Annabelle out to be a b*tch. I am loving these historical westerns.

Was this review helpful?

This story wasn’t just about Alena and John, but was also about Annabelle, Jeb, and Dingus, which made it longer than it needed to be. I would rather have had it focus mainly on the romance between Alena and John, especially since I didn’t feel that there was enough of John’s thoughts/feelings about Alena described before he was all of a sudden in love with her (his thoughts came later in the story). The main story line itself was very good, but with the additional story lines being front and center, it got a little bogged down and I felt myself wanting to skip parts, although I didn't in case I missed something.

Was this review helpful?

Will his first heartbreak lead him to let pass a new chance at happiness…

I was barely crawling from under a huge pile of arcs to read when the previous book was set to be released, so I missed it, and while it awaits on my ebooks shelves, I made room to read the next.
I do not very often read HR sets in the Wild West, but I am always a sucker when one of the characters suffer from some disabilities, it always adds depth and intrigue to the plot.
So while it was a temporary impediment, it sure makes a character rethink its view of the world.
John has lived the last decade with a bitter feeling of betrayal over his sweetheart letting him down for fame and wealth. And today, his mission is to bring back his first love’s kidnapped son and husband.
Until his world is even more turned upside down when he is left for dead with no memories of who he is. So while he heals, he must refamiliarise with who he is, what he wants all the while dealing with his wounds and awakening new feelings for his rescuer.
Alina has been raised quite isolated, after her mother’s death under the fists of her father, a friend of her family took her under his wing and became her friend, godfather, confident. Why she is more at ease with furry beings than the two legged specimens walking this earth.
Yet, now she had no real other choice than bring one in her enclave as he is more dead than alive and she does not feel right to leave him to his fate if she can help.
John is her true real interaction with the outside world for many years, he rises emotions she did know, making her rethink her isolation and if loneliness is real what she is seeking.

This is an entertaining read with shotgun actions, betrayals, steam and changing-life decisions.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Oliver Herber Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This was my second book from the Lawman of the West series and my fourth book by Alexa Aston.

This was a really interesting read. A lot different from the first book. John Harper was such a book crush. And I loved seeing him fall for Alena, without even seeing her.

It reminded me of Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton. Just the aspect of falling in love without seeing someone.

Alena was also such a strong character too. She stood up for herself and let John know how she felt and what she would put up with.

They were an amazing couple. And also Anabelle kind of sucked. I did not feel sorry for her at all. You don't get to just change your mind.

If you like historical romances but want something a little different, this is the book for you.

4/5

Was this review helpful?

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

She’s an orphan from a destructive marriage, who’s been brought up by a family friend.
He’s an ex soldier, hero, after loosing the woman he loves, he joins the law and ends up searching for her husband and son after they are kidnapped.

This is full of action and is entertaining and enjoyable to read.
It’s so nice to see Alexa’s series of American Westerns doing well.
Looking forward to reading more.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars for this Wild West Gunslinger Romance where author Alexa Aston combines a U.S. Marshal with a history of a broken heart with a crack-shot, determined damsel who not only heals the Marshal on the outside but helps to repair a broken heart as well. These two have a lot of hurdles to pass if they are to get their HEA. There is romance, action, mystery, plot twists, and sexy times packed in this story, it kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could - loved every word!

Lost a half star on the rating because of my number one pet peeve, no epilogue. 🙁

I would also be remiss in my overview if I didn’t mention a very special lady, Cicero….the horse who seems to be much smarter than some of the characters😉

Full RTC ~ 4.5 Stars!!

Was this review helpful?

I Loved It! Suspenseful and Gripping right from the start. Not your typical Western but Alexa Aston has her own unique writing style were she weaves this trip to the old West with guns blazing on this rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns that swirls down into a vortex of terror, kidnapping, and an enemy closer than you think as a depraved, malicious gang of outlaws terrorizes their victims that they are holding for ransom. Blind Faith is a wonderful story filled with characters that come off the pages and pulls you into their tale, sizzling passion, well-paced, with a superb plott, and a heartstopping drama. It will hook you from the start and keep you turning the pages to the very end. Looking forward to reading Love and the Lawman!

Was this review helpful?

This is the type of story that once you start reading it, you don't want to put it down! Proof of that....I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. to finish it!!! I adore Alexa Aston's writing style, no matter if it's medieval, regency, contemporary or western, she just has that ability to weave stories that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

"Blind Faith" has quickly become one of my favourite stories, there's so much heart and honour in it. When John ends up at Alena's home, he's half dead on his horse so she quickly brings him in and does her best to save him. When he wakes up blind with no memory, he has to learn to trust her, even if she's keeping a few secrets! Alena is such an innocent but can take care of herself, even when her life turns upside down. As John regains his memory and sight, he feels honour bound to finish the job he had been doing before he was wounded, even if it means losing his life....or Alena.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I loved the Hollywood series by Alexa Aston so I read the first one (loved it) and this one sounded good so I asked NetGalley for an advanced copy and I loved it more than the first one! This book is awesome. I loved John and Alena from the moment I we were introduced to them. They make a great couple and the story that accompanies them is really well thought out and different (well, I don't read many historical romances, so I'm not an expert here!). Still, it is very well written and I totally enjoyed it. 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

There is a lot going on in the beginning. Took me a minute to figure out who was who and who was doing what. It did help set up the story though. Blind Faith, was a great historic western romance novel.

Was this review helpful?

Hellloooo Western Historical Romance!! I recently started reading historical romances and I can affirm that they are some of the most passionate, sensual books I've ever read. I loved this tale of Alena and John's growing love story. I was fascinated by the blurb originally - a lawman who loses his memory and is blinded, is nursed back to health by a beautiful, innocent painter/animal lover. Alena is everything you could want in a leading lady. She is smart, talented, and passionate about the things she loves. She has an uncanny ability for taking care and nursing wounded animals back to health. When an injured horse brings a dying man to her doorstep, she takes both under her wing.

The story line between John and Alena was exceptional. Alena is innocent. She's never touched a man and now she has to care for one who is ill. She cleans his body, she nurses him back to health. The chemistry between these two was scorching. The best part was that John couldn't see her, so he was falling for Alena for exactly who she was - it had nothing to do with how beautiful she was.

Now we get to the part of the story that I wasn't a huge fan of. The love triangle. Even though some people might say that there wasn't a true love triangle in this book, there were chapters written from Annabelle's perspective. This woman was pining after John (her old childhood sweetheart) while her husband and boy were being held for ransom. John is a Marshall and his loss of memory and sight are a consequence of trying to rescue Annabelle's husband and son. We read through the entire novel, watching John fall for Alena, but still unsure of whether or not he will take Annabelle back if it came down to choosing between the two. Love triangles are my least favorite trope, so my heart hurt during parts of this story as I felt the pain Alena went through.

Alena's talent with a paint brush is one of the small parts of the novel that stuck out to me. She is such a special character, almost perfect. We cannot forget another very important character, Jeb, Alena's guardian and father figure. All of the small details and nuances throughout this book truly made it stand out. There's murder and mischief, passionate and sensual scenes, and so much depth that many scenes brought tears to me eyes. I loved it!

All in all I would highly recommend this novel for any historical romance or western romance lover. It's a bit slow at the beginning as we get some of Alena's back story, but it quickly picks up. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I am absolutely loving this Lawmen of the West series by Alexa Aston. Although these books are about crime and injustice in the wild west, they are like a warm hug that embraces you on a cold day. Blind Faith is no different. It is the story of Marshal John Harper who is on the trail of vicious bank robbers who have kidnapped a senator and his son. John is shot in the rescue attempt but manages to escape and finds his way to a cottage. Alena McClaine finds him and patches him up along with his horse. When he awakens he is blind and has no memory. This book will take you on a roller-coaster of emotions. It is not your typical western but it is a very good western. I couldn't wait to finish the book but I was so sad to see it end. I can't wait for the next book in the series! If I could give it ten stars I would.

I would like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?