I don't often read books with an MC who is physically challenged, in this instance the MC h was blinded by an accident with a drunk driver. It seemed to be dealt with well, but I admit, I don't know much about the challenges in the life of someone who is blind, so I don't know how on-point it is. It didn't seem too OTT, Leah wanted to be on her own and independent, was trying to find her way in the world re: school and career, which someone of her age would be doing naturally and she was still interested in having a relationship, she wasn't less than human because of her physical challenge, she was still 100% human with the needs, thoughts and fears of anyone else. I feel that was gotten across very well.

I was upset with her parents, but could understand why they felt so over-protective of their only child after almost losing her to a car accident. It doesn't excuse what they did, nor does the need for a job excuse JD for what he did, but it does make sense. I can't IMAGINE how I would feel if I was a parent and that happened to my only child. I think I would have been worse then them honestly.

There were somethings in this book that were a tad OTT, like the Fight Club and then the fire, but the human-ness of the characters felt real, so that worked for me.

I guess I don't read enough romances, because I felt the romance worked, but I am not a romance book expert, so YMMV.

I am interested to read about Gina's romance in the next book. I was already sold on this book, when I got to the excerpt of the second and immediately called up my Boss to see if we could get the next one in. The only negative to the next book is the H, he is a bit of a criminal and it seems that the "love of a good woman" is going to help him want to change to be a better him. Not really keen on the idea that love and another person can make someone want to change and do so.

That was a theme in this book too, where the h had dropped the H because he lied, big-time, and he just spiraled out of control, but her coming back to him had him getting back to better. That's dangerous thinking and wish-fulfillment. No one can change another person and no one should be the sole thing keeping someone else's head above water. That's incredibly not healthy and a huge burden to place on someone else. It's not fair to the "fixer" and it's not fair to the person being fixed either. They need to want to change on their own and while they can get help from someone else and lean on them, that shouldn't be the only thing keeping them afloat the entire time.

Not a bad book, I did enjoy it and look into the other books in the series, but after reading the synopsis of the other two books, I won't be picking them up myself. Recommended for my store, as we have romance readers who I think will enjoy this, just not for me. If you like morally gray H and for an MC who is physically challenged, dealt with in a realistic way, try this one out.

3 solid stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and CrushStar Multimedia LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Smart and exciting read. A blind heroine is unique and made for an interesting storyline. JD is a veteran, strong headed and a fighter. Together they make a great pair, after making it through their struggles. Received a copy from Netgalley.