Romance Rewind Archives - Romance Confidential

Romance Rewind | Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands – Laugh Out Loud Historical Romance Review

Thoughts on the book: Not to quote a reality TV show, but “Is love truly blind?” (Okay, I couldn’t resist!) If you’re like me and have been watching the latest season of Love is Blind, you know it can be a messy train wreck. But long before the TV drama, there was the historical romance novel, Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands. This book remains one of my all-time favorites, making me laugh out loud with every reread. Our heroine, Lady Clarissa, is being paraded around town by her stepmother, who definitely plays the evil villain in this story, as she searches for a suitable husband. Unfortunately, Clarissa’s stepmother believes her glasses are the reason she can’t attract a suitor, so she forbids her from wearing them. As a result, Clarissa experiences a series of mishaps, earning a reputation for being clumsy and vain. As someone who wears glasses myself, I completely sympathize with Clarissa—navigating the world without them is no picnic! Enter Adrian, the Earl of Mowbray, our knight in somewhat tarnished armor. He’s self-conscious about a scar he received during the war, but he thinks he’s found an ideal match in Clarissa—especially since she can’t see his scar clearly. Her clumsiness doesn’t faze him, and he quickly becomes her steadfast supporter. This book is packed with embarrassing yet hilarious moments! From mistaking someone’s lap for a table to accidentally setting a wig on fire, there’s no shortage of laugh-out-loud scenes before these two finally tie the knot. It’s one of those stories that always brings a smile to my face, and it firmly holds its place as one of my favorite funny historical romances. But even after the wedding, the challenges don’t end. Adrian’s insecurities about his scar mean that he doesn’t encourage Clarissa to wear her glasses. And with a few careless comments from her stepmother, Clarissa starts to worry that Adrian might find her unattractive if she wears them. However, as their relationship deepens, the two slowly begin to truly ‘see’ each other, and their love story blossoms. While historical accuracy takes a backseat in Love is Blind, the charm and humor of Clarissa and Adrian’s story make up for it. This book is simply a delightful romp that’s guaranteed to make you laugh. It’s a must-read for fans of lighthearted, feel-good romances! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:

Romance Rewind | Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands – Laugh Out Loud Historical Romance Review Read More »

Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister – Highland Adventure and Laugh-Out-Loud Romance

Reviews, Romance Rewind / Leslie

Thoughts on the book: This week’s Romance Rewind is one of my all-time favorite books. I’ve read and re-read it multiple times over the years, and it never fails to make me laugh out loud or smile as I revisit these beloved characters. Katie MacAlister will always have a spot on my bookshelf for her genuinely funny books that have brought me joy for years now! This book is a classic romantic comedy, complete with an embarrassing meet-cute that kicks off the story. Kathie, a mystery writer attending a conference overseas, is battling jet lag (who doesn’t know the feeling?) and ends up passing out in the lobby of her hotel. After a much-needed but drool-inducing nap (yes, really!), she startles awake, realizing she slept far longer than she intended. Scanning the conference attendees, her eyes land on one hunky guy propping up a wall—enter our charming Scotsman, Iain, who just so happened to witness her gloriously embarrassing nap! Kathie and Iain hit it off quickly in a case of insta-lust—and really, who can blame her? We all know a Scottish accent can work wonders! Thankfully, Iain feels the same, and he asks Kathie out for a date that leads to plenty of sparks flying. As the conference wraps up, their relationship takes off, and Kathie decides to extend her stay in Scotland to spend more time with Iain. Once in Scotland, the relationship progresses quickly, and hilarity ensues with these two. The narrative focuses heavily on Kathie—her thoughts, emotions, and perspective—though it’s written in an omniscient style. Iain, unfortunately, doesn’t get as much emotional depth, which makes him feel a bit flat, even though he’s the hunky Scot we’re all rooting for. While I loved how their relationship developed, I did miss getting more of Iain’s perspective. The supporting characters in this book will also either win your heart or make you want to throttle them—there are definitely a couple who land in the “I hate this character” category. Overall, this is a cute, feel-good story that will absolutely make you laugh, and it’s an easy, breezy read. If you’re in need of a mood boost, crack this one open and enjoy! Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:

Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister – Highland Adventure and Laugh-Out-Loud Romance Read More »

Romance Rewind: The Science of Attraction by Verity Jacobs

Reviews, Romance Rewind / Leslie

Thoughts on the book: While this book was published over a decade ago, it remains one of my absolute favorite reads today. I love a good nerdy twist in a romance, and this one definitely hits the mark with its witty banter and geeky charm! There’s something undeniably delightful about watching two scientists fall head over heels, especially when the chemistry—pun intended—is sizzling from the start. Who knew science could be so damn sexy? I mean, for most of us, science class was the kind of subject that made you want to snooze through lectures or count the minutes until lunch. But if my science teacher had been anything like Tom Baker, I’m pretty sure I would have aced every test! Tom and Kate, our two brilliant scientists, both have the hots for each other right from the get-go, but they’re determined to keep things professional. Spoiler alert: that determination lasts about 2.5 seconds before they can’t resist the undeniable pull between them. Their instant chemistry had me wanting to drag Tom into a secluded lab for some ahem experiments of my own! Once they give in to their attraction, it’s not just a physical connection that unfolds. The affection between Tom and Kate grows naturally, and their budding romance turns into one of those ooey-gooey love stories that melts your heart. But of course, nothing is that simple. Just when you think they’re about to live happily ever after, we get hit with a big, nasty curveball—enter Rob, the true villain of the piece. Rob, who just so happens to be Kate’s boss and the head of the science institute where she and Tom work, is one of those characters you love to hate. And here’s the kicker: when the story starts, Kate’s in a relationship with Rob. DON’T WORRY—THIS ISN’T A LOVE TRIANGLE! Rob is basically the definition of a Grade A Jerkface, and the author does a fantastic job of writing him in a way that makes his eventual downfall all the more satisfying. Watching his smug facade crumble is one of the highlights of the book. But this story is really about Tom and Kate, and I loved how their relationship evolved beyond just chemistry in the lab. They complement each other in such a sweet and nerdy way. Even though their journey isn’t all rainbows and roses, in the end, they get their version of a perfect happily-ever-after—one that involves labs, cells, and a lot of love. Overall, this book is a true gem for romance lovers who appreciate a nerdy twist. The witty banter, palpable chemistry, and relatable struggles make it a standout even years after its release. If you want another nerdy book from Verity Jacobs be sure to check out her follow-up novel: The Music of Attraction (Expats #2) Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:

Romance Rewind: The Science of Attraction by Verity Jacobs Read More »