Reviews

What Eyes Can't See by Paulette Stout

palomafe's review

medium-paced

3.0

 

Barbara is a force of nature in her work, and as a lawyer she has to work twice as hard for her skin color demands for it. And when a blessing in disguise let her break up an engagement with her cheating fiance, life will show her a new side of her psyche.

Sebastian is an underdog that proves to himself and his world that he could do better, after a lacking past, his present is all he could ever dream. Oh but when you think you have all the answers, destiny comes and changes all the questions.

This strangers to lovers to co workers romance is full of life, challenges and soul seeking things. 

 

bilberrysweet's review

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't normally read any type of romance novels. Through the first chapter the characters and back story had me hooked on the story. The way the author took the time to research on how the characters would interact, shows in her writing.  I enjoyed the novel and would definitely read more from this author.

julesherb's review

4.0

 When writing a review I find myself often saying if characters draw me into their stories and lives because for me if while I am reading I can be made to truly see what's going on in the characters lives in my minds eye and can feel what they are going through then to me that's a damn amazing book and an extremely talented author. This book and author had me doing that and more right from the very start. I was connected with and cared about both Barbara and Sebastian right away. They've had such very different lives but their inner core of striving for Justice is very much the same. There is so much emotion, pain, drama, steamy moments and even laughter that will have you turning page after page as that need to know what's going to happen takes you over. Get reading now you won't be disappointed!!! 

jlraffauf's review

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This was a phenomenal book! I loved it from the very first few pages. From the hard times Barbara faced to set the stage for the story, to the heavy layers of injustice at the workplace, and then add in the romance…just wow! The roles that Barbara and Sebastian played in the book and how they each faced various struggles, sometimes having those struggles overlap was fantastic. I just couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed it. So many components came together to really make this a wonderful reading experience for me. Well done Paulette Stout!

tytanmom23's review

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout. This is a great contemporary women's fiction book with some romance and political justice. Barbara is a young black woman who has already had great successes being an attorney. She has had to work twice as hard because not only is it a man's world its a mainly white man's world. Barbara grew up very well off due to her dad having his own successful law firm. When she finds her fiance in bed with another woman right before their wedding she is heartbroken. It was a non refundable destination wedding so she gives it to one of her friend and becomes a bridesmaid at what should have been her wedding. While there she meets Sebastian who is the exact opposite of Barbara, white,poor, single mom, and a general hard life but they are attracted instantly. He's become a successful lawyer and when they get back home and Sebastian gets the promotion she has been working so hard for.  Will they be able to work thru this horrible situation? Barbara isn't going to back down but to what end will that be? Read this great contemporary romance to find out!

rosemccaskey's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Barbara devastated by finding her fiance cheating has given her wedding venue to one of her best friends. While at the destination wedding she meets Sebastian, former bad boy turned lawyer. Barbara's parents always told her she had to work harder than her white counterparts to get places in life. Sebastian is a white man, not Barbara's usual interest. 

This isnt the usual genre I read but I figured I would give it a shot. I like Romance but typically read romantacy. This book was more real. It had real scenarios, real feelings, real loss, hurt and pain but also growth, love, and potential happiness. It's a nice read if you are looking for a romance that is believable, and relatable.

deb_j's review

3.5

 The third book in the Bold Journey series. Can be read as a stand-alone.

Multi POV- clearly labeled

Barbara- A very strong woman who was taught from a very young age to always strive for the best and be the best at everything. When her engagement ended she felt like a failure but wanted to focus on her career until that took a nose dive as well. While her life was coming apart she had to learn how to be her real self, not what she thought was expected of her, and fight for what was right.

Sebastian- Tall, handsome, and tats! Sign me up! He has had to work hard for everything he wants since he wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. 

The MCs meet at a destination wedding and she has no problems telling him how good-looking he is. She is still recovering from finding her fiance in bed with another but hits it off with the MMC and they decide to try to start a relationship. When she returns home she finds out that the promotion she had been working hard to get, and should be hers, was given to the MMC who was an outsider. She was then fired, as well as other employees of color, and sues the law firm to get justice for everyone. This makes it hard for the MCs to be with each other since they are on opposite sides of the lawsuit, taboo/ breaking the rules.

As someone who is in an interracial relationship, it was refreshing to read a story where the MCs were too. Not only that but also touched on subjects most will shy away from, which is very brave of the author. This was the first book I have read from Paulette Stout, but won't be the last. 3.5 stars

 

emilyhei's review

4.0

Barbara thought she was in the begging of the next stage of her life only to have it fail fully in heartbreak.   At thirty-one she envisioned a different path and she is beginning to question the carefully fabricated life she has lead with her father's push towards excellence in everything she does.  Meeting Sebastian is a breath of fresh air, he is completely different than any man she has met.   Barbara begins to open her eyes as a successful black woman she thought she had gained everything on merit, but she couldn't be more wrong.   Everything changes for Barbara and she starts to forge the life she wants for herself which includes Sebastian.


One of the terrific things about this book is the growth in Barbara, reading her transformation was inspiring and thought provoking.  The chemistry between Barbara and Sebastian was wonderful.  I loved Sebastian's story as well but Barbara was the stand out for me.  Fantastic story.

ashleydvs505's review

5.0

I’ve never read a book by this author before, but now I’m proud to say I’m an instant fan! This beautifully written story captured my attention from the very first page and refused to let it go. It’s a story of passion and embracing your authentic self and life. It’s a powerful must read! 

ireadloudnmynook's review

challenging emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book was REALLY well written. I loved reading the story of Barbara, and the note from the author in the beginning. The note was very thoughtful, as the author used the counsel of friends who would understand the life of a black woman in business from their perspective, and the author was very careful to share this from the start. Barbara is going through so many different changes in her life, and the author takes time to walk the reader through every trial! From a cheating fiance, to a canceled wedding, work woes, and all of this while being a black woman in a Caucasian male dominated industry. Not to mention the trials of meeting a new romantic partner while on vacation and returning to her own additional struggles with him. It's so much to deal with for her, or for anyone for that matter, that is almost hard to see how she can get out of it! Barbara will soon find out that the trials run deeper as the story continues. This book made me fall in love with the characters, and learn about their ability to face each challenge, and their failures. It was such a fun book to read! You won't be disappointed! I will definitely be reading more of the authors novels!