Wow! So much more than I expected!! An engaging romance that also tackles social justice, not really something you expect from a ‘romance’ book. The characters are compelling and believable. It is impossible not to root for Barbara. This is the 3rd book in Stout’s bold journey series. This is my first read by this author, I will definitely be keeping her on my radar. Beware you may not be able to put this book down.
I have read a few books from this author and her stories always blow my mind. This is the third book from the very addictive series of bold journeys. You can read this as a standalone because it is the story of a different couple. You can’t help falling in love with these characters right from the start. I love that the book is written from both characters’ points of view. It makes me feel more connected to them. I could not put this book down until the very end. It only took me a few hours to devour this epic love story.
Barbara is a very successful African American lawyer and she loves her job. She is so excited with her life until her engagement falls apart. Barbara makes up her mind and heads to the island that she was supposed to get married on. She meets a very handsome lawyer named Sebastian. Barbara can’t help herself and she gets swept away by this handsome stranger. When Barbara decides to fight for the right thing will he be in her corner or will they become enemies?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Joneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Jones2024-05-15 22:31:312024-05-16 07:56:48What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Laura Jones
This agonizing slow-burn romance was enough to keep me hooked and turning the pages. I really enjoyed the themes the author addressed in a very open way so you could really think about what she was addressing. Overall a highly recommended read.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2024-05-14 19:38:562024-05-16 07:45:01What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Paloma Fierro 5/14/24
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.
OMG… this book does not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning to the very end. The author does a great job with bringing out issues people don’t like to discuss, and having a good outcome. Highly recommend this series!
I have read the previous two books from this series and the stories are so realistic and grab your attention from the get-go. This story has the same effect! This story focuses on Barbara, with a successful career as a lawyer and a family legacy to live up to. I absolutely enjoy reading stories on strong women of color making a name for themselves! Gives me a boost of confidence as I read along. Unfortunately, things don’t always pan out as they seem and she experiences her own instability and heartache. After flying to a non-refundable destination wedding, she has a chance meeting with Sebastian, an attorney as well with a mysterious background. Even though they have been brought up on opposite ends of the spectrum, something just clicks for them both. Their passion for one another grows as well as fighting for what they truly believe in. Another great read by Stout and cannot wait to read the next one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2024-05-13 17:32:592024-05-16 07:37:08What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Ramos
What Eyes Can’t See is the Third Book in the Bold Journeys Series. It is a contemporary romance with drama, slow burn romance, angst, racism, discrimination, interracial romance, and self-discovery. Th story centers around the main character of an attorney named Barbara whose life has just blown up when she discovers her fiancé has been cheating on her. When she meets Sebastian, who is also an attorney, the two feel an instant connection. Barbara and Sebastian are complete opposites and that becomes abundantly clear when he gets the promotion that she was expecting to receive even though he is a newcomer to the firm that she is employed with. When she is fired from the firm for no reason Barbara must fight for justice and equality in a world full of white privilege and discrimination. Barbara and Sebastian must also fight to be together in a world that seems determined to keep them apart.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2024-05-13 16:56:452024-05-16 07:33:34What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2024-05-13 16:07:152024-05-16 07:32:58What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jules Herbert
What Eyes Can’t See was a beautifully written romance book. The author pulls you in from the very first page. I never lost interest while reading this book. The world building and character building was well thought of. The story was very engaging.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m glad I took a chance on it. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and ability to draw me into the story. I became invested in the outcome of the characters as I read this book. This book covers a sensitive subject and the author brought it to life in a very thought provoking way. Barbara is a strong, independent, lawyer whose life changes dramatically. It all starts when she catches her fiancé cheating. She gifts her destination wedding to her best friend, this is where she meets sebastian. Sebastian is a fellow lawyer and the chemistry between these two is off the charts. They are both looking forward to their new jobs, hers is a promotion and his is a new company. When they get back to New York they find out that he got the job she thought she was getting. It makes things very difficult for them. The story gets better from this point. I don’t want to give anything else away so I’m going to say grab this book and start reading to find out what happens. This was a good read.
This is the 3rd book in the Bold Journeys series. I have loved all the books in the series so far and this one was just as good. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone and fully enjoyed. This author does an amazing job of researching her characters and story before actually creating the book this makes her story and characters realistic, authentic and explores the struggles that people face in their lives no matter their age, gender or race. As a reader it gives you a deep insight and a better understanding of other people’s lives. This story contains lots of emotion, drama, betrayal and angst as well as a romance which in some people’s eyes should exist. But you can’t help who you fall for. In this story we follow Barbara. She is a strong black woman who has always fought hard for her position in life. As a successful lawyer she believes the promotion in the company is hers. Her life seems perfect until she catches her partner cheating on her. Fast forward and she finds herself at the her wedding but it’s not her getting married. She gifted the wedding to her best friend. As Barbara deals with all the emotions around this situation she meets Sebastian the connection between them is instant and they can’t deny the chemistry so they plan to reconnect when they return home. Could Sebastian be the man for Barbara all along?
Sebastian’s life hasn’t been easy either. Growing up in a rough part of town he has had his fair share of trouble and struggles, however as a successful lawyer his life seems to be changed for the better and when he meets Barbara he can’t believe his luck When he returns he has a promotion to look forward to and a re connecting with Barbara however things don’t go to plan.
When the promotion that Barbara was certain was hers was given to someone else, it was a punch in the gut but what makes it worse is the person who it was given to was Sebastian and shortly after Barbara is fired.
Can the couple work through this? Will Barbara see it as a betrayal if Sebastian takes the promotion? Why was Sebastian given the promotion over all the work Barbara has done, could it be due to the colour of her skin? As Barbara tries to fight for social justice against a world and a system that is trying to keep her down will Sebastian stand and fight beside her?
This is a real eye opening story about how there are still times when the colour of someone’s skin has an effect on their life and the way people view them. It shows the struggle people go through just to be seen as equals. It is a beautiful written and thought provoking read.
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!
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!
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2024-05-07 10:52:072024-05-16 06:59:02What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Emily H
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-05-07 09:02:272024-05-16 06:57:23What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Rose McCaskey
An enjoyable and engaging read which kept me happily turning the pages. Barbara, a confident Black lawyer balances her career within the NYC corporate world with family expectations. Sadly whilst her career is going well her engagement ends leaving her heartbroken. Barbara decides to go alone to the island paradise where the wedding was going to be, as the destination wedding is non-refundable. Here she meets Sebastian, also a lawyer and they have an instant connection. Although they come from different worlds, Barbara from a moneyed background and Sebastian from a poor family the couple see past their differences. Sebastian is then given the job meant for Barbara and she suspects it’s due to racial discrimination. When Barbara challenges her boss in court the couple find themselves on opposite sides of the battle. However, although Sebastian is supportive of Barbara their love is tested as they decide what they will risk for justice. I was hooked throughout by this fast paced contemporary romance, which along with a spicy love story also deals with social justice. I love that Barbara is a strong, independent heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The chemistry between her and Sebastian really came across in the narrative, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-05-06 17:34:222024-05-16 07:02:17What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jennifer Gordon
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
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebs2024-05-06 12:02:392024-05-16 07:01:44What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Deborah Joseph
This was a quick read. The story was ok for me. I had a hard time being invested in the characters. I wasn’t able to connect with this. I could see how others would be able to. I think that influences my review.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2024-05-05 13:10:192024-05-16 06:54:53What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Trish Ann
By far one of the best books I have ever read! The writing style, the story, her character development. It was all so phenomenal!! I highly recommend this to everyone! Seeing her self realization and her growth, alone this made an amazing story. Adding in the love story and happily ever after was gravy! It was also a huge reminder how racism and other forms of discrimination are still so alive and present in America and Canada at least. Just read ! I don’t think anyone would be disappointed !!
I really enjoyed this book. As a black woman, I can relate to so much to the struggles of Barbara. Being looked over for promotions that I definitely earned and trying to present myself a certain way to fit in. I know a lot of people pretend that they don’t see the systematic racism in today’s society but it’s there. I also loved that the black character was from a wealthy family, and the love interest had a past. Often things are super stereotypical as if there is a specific blueprint for all black people. I think Sebastian is such a wonderful guy. Even with his wrap sheet. He turned his life around and wanted to make the world a different place.
I also enjoyed the writing style of the author. The imagery was spot on. Reactions and emotions to situations was authentic. This novel was also easy to read and get lost in. Definitely a great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2024-05-01 05:53:272024-05-16 06:33:24What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Amber Howard
This is the first book I have read by this author and I cannot wait to read more, I absolutely could not put this book down! The characters are so well developed and have such complex relationships. This book had everything I needed, from romance to heartbreak, internal and external struggles, self-discovery, etc. Barbara is a very successful black lawyer who deals with multiple problems throughout the story, like the death of her mother, a cheating fiance, a man she cannot have, the loss of her job, and the struggle of race in the workplace. We get to see her slowly find herself and fall in love with a man that is the complete opposite of her, he is white, he is from a lower socio-economic background, and he stole her job! Yet these opposites attract in this awesome storyline.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Chelsea Pletcherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChelsea Pletcher2024-04-30 19:41:422024-05-14 15:10:48What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Chelsea Pletcher
With an author who gracefully weaves stories that haven’t been thought of yet , & a premise that refreshes senses caught up in trendy themes , What Eyes Can’t See glows in the dark . The whole book encourages belief in the light at the end of the tunnel , through the power of self discovery & the conviction of true values . Each of the characters in this entire collection possess a quiet courage unique to them , the kind that sparks it in the reader as well . The ability to create so many very different inner worlds is astounding , & I am endlessly impressed by this author’s talent . Every last one of their books is a gem . Their beautiful way of not only touching on sensitive subjects , but exploring the depths of them , is an art form that only exists in gifted minds . This book , along with the rest of its family , leaves a trail of thoughtfulness that guides the reader into subtle , needed change . This is exactly what books are meant to do , & Paulette Stout does it beautifully .
This is a frustratingly wonderful love story that steams like hot fudge on a sundae , & highlighting the importance of self love & inner growth is the cherry on top .
This is the second book that I have read by this author and it is just as good as the previous one. I loved how this story was told ad the characters and everything about it. I connected with them from the moment I started reading and became so invested in them so quickly. The author created meaningful and impactful characters that I wanted to know more about. The storyline was just as good as the characters. I was drawn in from the start and could not wait to see how things would play out. It isn’t very often I feel the need to comment on a book cover but each book I have read by this author has the most gorgeous and captivating covers. These alone would have driven me to pick up the books. This book is fantastic, well written and one I would highly recommend.
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!
What Eyes Can’t See is a story full of passion, embracing life, and finding your authentic self. Barbara’s fiancé cheated on her thus she gave her friend her destination wedding. This is where she is swept off her feet by Sebastian and her whole world changes with this one destined meeting. After returning from their vacation, it turns out that Sebastian has received her guaranteed promotion instead. Can their whirlwind romance survive off the island as well?
I love the romance between Barbara and Sebastian, they bring the best out of each other like true love deserves to do. I enjoyed this book because even this Barbara’s multiple life changes, she still stays positive and moves forward thus defining and shaping the women she is meant to become. It is a story about how love can bring the best out of us. This was the first of the Bold Journeys that I have read but it will not be the last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2024-04-25 17:46:412024-05-14 14:53:31What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Callie Luna
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2024-04-24 02:33:362024-05-14 14:36:36What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by M Policicchio
This is a pretty good read. I found Barbara to be a very strong and determined woman despite the events that life was throwing at her. She was determined to get justice and not let it bring her and the others down. She had met the man of her “dreams.” It was a shame that he was a problem of the system. I did like the way it became a slow burn through the story. This had to go that way in order to fit the story. I am a fan of this series and the author because of her writing and the way she tells her stories. They are done in a way that leaves you feeling the emotion in many ways. Another well done story that I recommend.
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