I loved this book very much! It was different from every other romance novels I have read in that it portrayed romantic love between two people as a simple, joyous, and beautiful thing that goes beyond wealth and face value.

Most other historical romance novels I have read, (e.g. books by Nora Roberts, Johanna Lindsey, Elizabeth Hoyt, Kinley MacGregor, Eloisa James, etc.) portray romantic love as a complicated thing. For instance, the hero and/or heroine almost always have a hard time ADMITTING their feeling to both themselves and one another. As a result, one or both of them would be miserable. Also, in many other historic (and contemporary) romance novels, the male sort of views himself superior to the heroine, uses his temper and strength against her, cares more about their own needs and wishes that hers, treats her roughly, and wants everything to go their way. I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE THOSE CHARACTERS although some of the heroes might mellow a bit with their treatment after they get married

This novel was truly a unique and beautiful piece of writing. It was mostly about the love story between Clarissa and Adrian.

Clarissa is one of the most beautiful character I have ever come across. She has a big heart, the biggest, most selfless, forgiving, compassionate, generous, and kindest heart ever. Even after her stepmother mistreated her and her maid tried to murder her, she shows them the error of their ways and gives them 2nd chance. I loved her so much for that. She treats all of her employees with good manners. She is also super honest. Also, she is super nearsighted. Without her glasses, she cannot see much more than blobs of color.

Adrian is a pretty great guy as well. He and Clarissa meet at a ball. Her beauty and stories of her clumsiness intrigues him. He was super sweet to her. She mentioned how her nearsightedness prevents her from reading a book. That is what she misses above all. So, on their next meeting, he brings a book to read to her. Also, she once mentioned that due to her clumsiness, her stepmother forbade her to eat or drink at a social gathering, no matter how hungry or parched she is. Then, on one of their meetings, he whisks her from a party to share a picnic with him. He was super sweet and considerate towards her.


During the course of their relationship, they were both worried about the other finding them unattractive due to their imperfection
1) Clarissa was terribly near-sighted but she did not wear glasses because her stepmother forced her not to by breaking her glasses. Of course, before the wedding, she orders a new one but she is afraid that if Adrian sees her with glasses, he would find her unattractive.
2) Adrian has a deep scar on his face from serving in the military. He is afraid that if she wears glasses, she would see his face clearly and be disgusted by him.

It was both sad and sweet how they both wanted her to wear glasses later on in their relationship. She wanted to wear glasses later because she thought that in time, if he loved her and cared for her enough, he would not find her unattractive while she wears those glasses. He wanted her to wear glasses later, because he wished that in time, if she loved and cared for him enough, seeing his scarred face would not bother her. The author showed their devotion and hope towards each other so beautifully!!

I would definitely read this book again

3.5

This is a very silly book. At least it doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously. The romance between Adrian and Clarissa was a little boring and I thought both of their reasons to prevent her from getting her spectacles back was a little dumb. Halfway through the book somehow becomes a mystery but it’s pretty half hearted and felt disjointed from the rest of the story. A fun read but nothing spectacular.

Pros: Fun, easy to read. Both main characters were decent humans, women that get along (in the end)

Cons: “piffle”, “velvet over steel”, random side plots that don’t matter, lukewarm romance

"You can see me?"
"I have always been able to see you, my lord. I can simply see you better now."

4 stars!

This is my first novel by Lynsay Sands, and I'm glad that I finally picked this one up! It reminded me of a romantic comedy in a historical romance setting as some of the scenes depicted were truly hilarious--my favorite one being Adrian and Clarissa getting it on while her house burned haha. I did get annoyed with both of them towards the end as Adrian came off as selfish with his wanting to keep Clarissa blind while Clarissa came off as a coward in continually sneaking around. Overall however, I enjoyed their sweet natures and cinnamon roll courtship, and I definitely want to read more by this author! ♡

This one is pretty unique

Lynsay Sands books can be a bit on the silly side, but I thought this one was a perfect balance of humor and serious. Really fun and diverting.

What a wonderful historical romance! I loved the H and h.