Action, adventure and love in this one that mashes up two of my favorite genres.
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Isabeau lost her vision ten years ago after a violent attack. This isn’t the only bad luck she’s had. As each incident piles up it’s beginning to look like this isn’t simply bad luck. This is romantic suspense at its finest.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lora Leigh never disappoints and this title has made me long for others in the series. I love to read a good Alpha male with a good Alpha female and watch the sparks fly. This was perfect!

I DNF’d at 15%. The first chapter is an unpleasant combination of in media res action and an infodump on the relationships of the Mackay family and friends. For readers who haven’t finished the early Mackay series before this spin-off, too many character names are introduced too rapidly to be meaningful.

After slogging through the first chapter, it didn’t take long to realize that the main male characters we’re controlling alphaholes who would tediously confront each other throughout the book. While Tracker (lol) didn’t infantilize Isabeau to the extent of her male relatives and friends, he was just as guilty of boundary stomping. No, thanks.

I tried so hard to get into this one but I just couldn't. I've never read a Lora Leigh book, and I know there are fans, but I just couldn't vibe with the writing style. Can definitely see people liking this, it just wasn't for me.

I tried multiple times but could not for the life of me figure out what was going on in the story. It felt like I needed a book 1when in fact this was book 1.

I was so excited to see a new book from Lora Leigh since I loved her Breeds series and the Nauti boys. In Isabeau's Eyes is set in the Nauti boys universe as well. Unfortunately even after trying for about a month I couldn't get past 25% so I am giving up.

I fell like we were just dropped into the story and I needed more explanation on how Tracker was in Isabeau's life, why he felt so protective. Then I couldn't get past the six attempts at her life that she lived through but chalked up to bad luck, that's unbelievable even for a Lora Leigh book.

I am bummed since I really wanted to enjoy this new series from her but it didn't work for me.

Veena’s review of In Isabeau’s Eyes (Kentucky Nights, Book 1) by Lora Leigh
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 21 Mar 23

A book by Lora Leigh after a long hiatus, and I couldn’t wait to read it. But, alas!

Isabeau Boudreaux was blinded in an attack that left her parents dead. Since then, she has lived on her parents’ ranch with her remaining family. Now ten years later, she has moved away from home and gained some measure of independence, when a roadside accident brings her friend Angel’s family into her orbit, particularly Angel’s mercenary brother Tracker. Has Isabeau been a target all along and not accident prone as she thought?

Tracker is determined to love and protect Isabeau, even if she does not want any part of his protection. She wants to bring her enemies out of the woodwork and face them, particularly since it seems that her eyesight might be coming back.

While I have read some of Ms. Leigh before, I was totally lost when this story opened and all the characters from Ms. Leigh’s previous books popped up and readers were expected to catch up and run. If you want to enjoy this story, you should definitely read the Nauti Boys and Nauti Girls series. Of course, like all the author’s stories, this book has its share of steam, but the domination might leave some readers cold like it did me.

All in all, the story left me with more questions and answers and not really sure what I truly felt or if I want to continue with this series when the next book comes out.

Grade: C

Isabeaus's Eyes is the first book in the Kentucky Nights series. This is a hot, sexy, emotional story. I loved the characters and storyline and can't wait until the next book in this series.

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
In Isabeau's Eyes is the first book in the Kentucky Nights series. I really had such a fun time with this one. I had been hearing the best of things for it, and I did get this one in a ARC form and I was so happy that I was able to. I will admit that I was a bit nervous in picking this one up here. It has been a little while since we have received anything from this author so I was intrigued to see what this one would be like and I have to say that this one just kicked booty! I absolutely had so much fun with this one even if it had some tropes that aren't my favorite to read, but Lora Leigh really kicked this one out of the pick. It definitely has the sass and spice that you have come to expect from her and it delivered in so many ways for me.

Summary
Isabeau Boudreaux is being hunted. When her parents were murdered, she was shot and became blind because of it. But she survived, but now she is being stalked and people she cares about are being put in danger, but she doesn't want to reach out to her brother who will just place her in a different spot in the country starting fresh again and she wants to stay with the place she calls home and those she considers family. Then enters the picture...Tracker Calloway, who is determined to protect her and find the killer before anyone else gets harmed. There is an instant connection between them, but Tracker only does casual sex and nothing permanent. As Isabeau and Tracker work together both in and outside of the bedroom, they will discover a fierce love to fight for.

My Outlook
In Isabeau's Eyes we have a story where the author implements the "Fling" trope and yeah I wasn't sure how that one would fly in this one, but honestly, she really worked her magic for it because I ended up loving it so dearly. It was so endearing the way that these two connect with each other. You can tell that there is some great chemistry but also wonderful attention and care for each other. I really was charmed by the way that they are with each other and the ways in which the hero courts his girl without courting her haha. Tracker only does casual and its for a certain reason, but seeing the way that Isabeau tears down his walls was so delightful. She has a sweet nature but can be sassy when she needs to be. I really loved her character as she was so well balanced. I am on the fence in how the author implemented "the disability" aspect to the story. I think if I am being honest, if she had stayed blind. I wasn't a big fan of the disability being reversed. But I can also see why it worked for this story due to the certain developments of the plot. The villain in the story was a surprise though, I actually thought it was someone else like her brother (I know I know but his dialogue with his friend felt kinda sinister at times haha, and yeah I was off the mark and I need his book). I have to say that I am intrigued to see where the author is planning on taking this one. But curious to see how she plans on developing this series, I have a feeling we have just tipped the spear on what she will build in this series.

Overall View
In Isabeau's Eyes is a brilliantly penned romantic suspense that kept me on the edge with thrilling plot building, sexy sensuality and just enough humor to balance it out and deliver a stunning return from a epic author!

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 4
Cover: 5
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.25

This one was intense. Isabeau has to be protected constantly since there is a threat on her life due to a murder she witnessed years ago when she was as teen. "Accidents" have been happening ever since, and the gunshot resulted in her losing her eyesight and memory of that night.
As she starts to see shadows someone knows she might be getting her sights and memories back.
Tracker is trying to protect her and he's the only one that hasn't treated her like she was disabled and treated her like a woman. He feels too many feels which he wasn't intending. He's been hurt a lot on his life and keeps his distance.
There's a larger plot and so many puzzle pieces. I need to read the Mackay's books which I think I may have missed the background to their relationships but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of it.
Thank you berkley for the gifted copy of the e-ARC for the honest and voluntary review.

Oh holy heck! This book drew me in from the very first chapter. I was hooked and did not put it down.
Isabeau has had strange accidents occur ever since her parents died and she lost her sight and her memory of what happened. Her friends now believe that someone, possibly her parents killer, is after her. Tracker is determined to find out who has painted a bullseye on Isabeau. The tension is high between these two, however Tracker is determined that nothing long term comes of it. Oh how the mighty fall! There is an HEA but the journey... oh .. the journey is amazing! Twists and turns and never a slow part. I did not want this book to end.

IN ISABEAU’S EYES is the first instalment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary adult KENTUCKY NIGHTS erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s NAUTI series. This is Tracker Calloway, and twenty-five year old high school teacher Isabeau Boudreaux’ story line. You do not have to head read the original NAUTI series but for cohesion and backstory, I recommend reading the aforementioned series.

Told from third person perspective IN ISABEAU’S EYES follows in the wake of another attempt on Isabeau’s life. Ten years earlier someone murdered Isabeau’s parents, but not before shooting our heroine in the head. Blinded by a bullet to the brain, Isabeau would be protected by her half-brother Burke and his extended family in Texas, while befriending the tight knit Mackay family of Kentucky. Fast forward to present day, wherein another attempt on Isabeau’s life, the sixth attempt in a decade, will also threaten the life of Angel Calloway, a young woman with close connections to Natches Mackay.Over protective to a fault, the Mackay family rallies around our story line heroine but Tracker Calloway will lay claim to the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the search for a killer, as Isabeau’s sight slowly returns.

Tracker Calloway doesn’t do relationships and has warned Isabeau Boudreaux that he will never fall in love but Isabeau wants a chance at a normal life having been babied by her brother and extended family for as long as she can remember . Isabeau is tired of the attempts on her life, often wondering if bad luck is the only luck she will ever know, but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and the Mackay family and friends have a large, extended reach.

The relationship between Tracker and Isabeau begins as a best friend’s, older brother relationship in which Isabeau is friends with Tracker’s foster sister Angel. Tracker’s attraction to Isabeau is immediate and strong but Tracker refuses to get involved with a woman he might not be around to protect. Isabeau wants to feel normal but everyone in her life treats her like glass including her half brother Burke, and US Navy SEALs Saul and Seth August. Isabeau has fallen in love with Tracker Calloway but Tracker has warned Isabeau he’s gone once the killer is found. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the NAUTI series couples, and the second generation relations. We are introduced to Isabeau’s half brother Burke,and US Navy SEALs Saul and Seth August, and several members of the Reapers MC.

IN ISABEAU’S EYES is a story of obsession and betrayal, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and energetic.



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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series, although there are links to earlier ones which fans will enjoy. There are definitely places where you are aware that there is a backstory which come from those links, but I didn't feel it would have any impact on a newbie, just a reminder for a fan.

The concept behind this book was really interesting to me to think about – and I always like a twist which makes me really try and get into the head of a protagonist. In this case, Isabeau's loss of sight due to a violent attack which killed her parents, and which is now slowly returning. It should be something to celebrate, yet she is uncertain as to whether it would be a permanent return, and given the danger which surrounds her, it could be dangerous to reveal it. Most of all, how must it feel inside to think that one's previously normal life could be restored, should indeed that sight return. All this added so much to the story.

It has to be said the ineptitude of the perpetrator to finish off the deed was almost laughable, but not in a good way. I think that their identity was clear quite early on, yet there are some strange redirects which had me questioning my assumptions – always a good thing in a mystery.

As to Tracker and his charms... well, it is fun watching him and Isabeau navigate the danger and the intense attraction they have for each other. It is fast and chemistry laden, but in her shoes, with someone clearly wanting her dead, I would have jumped in with both feet too!

I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this perfect escapism series.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series by Lora Leigh. It takes me back to Somerset Kentucky where I first met the Nauti Boys, Rowdy, Dawg, and Natches. ~sigh~

In this series, we are meeting the second generation of the Mackays. Tracker has grown up working with his parents, doing covert missions since he was old enough to know better, and he will do anything to protect his sister, Angel.

Isabeau Boudreaux is back in town trying to make a life for herself. Fifteen years ago, she survived a gunshot wound to the head. Instead of killing her, it left her blind with no memories of the night her parents died. Since that time, she's had a number of near misses which can no longer be called coincidental. Tracker has decided that in order to keep his sister and family safe, it's up to him to find out who's behind these accidents.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It's predictable in the way insta-love/insta-lust stories often are. There are a lot of moving parts (secondary characters) and not all of them work in this story. Isabeau's need for independence is hampered by her brother's and his friends’ overprotectiveness yet she doesn't seem to mind it until it comes between her potential hook-up with Tracker.

I wish we would have more of the backstory of how Tracker met Isabeau and how their relationship evolved over that time rather than being dropped into the middle after Isabeau's accident.

I probably will read the next book in the series as I am curious about the other characters we were introduced to.

Isabeau's Eyes is a captivating novel that is brimming with passion and drama. This book is sure to enthrall and excite readers from the very first page until the very end. With its well-crafted plot and vivid characters, Isabeau's Eyes is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance novel.

Isabeau Boudreaux lost her sight at fifteen when her parents were killed in an apparent murder suicide and she was shot in the process. However, her eyesight and memories have slowly been coming back, and she’s beginning to think the story she was told may not be the truth. Especially since there’s been several “accidents” where she narrowly escaped with her life over the years.

In the latest attempt on her life, her friend Angel is almost killed as well, and Angel’s brother Tracker is furious. He’s sure all the past “accidents” are attempts on Isabeau’s life and he’s determined to find the person behind it all.

In Isabeau’s Eyes is a quick action-packed read, full of danger and passion! I really liked Isabeau, she was level headed, thought of others, and had some backbone. Tracker was fun too. Total alpha male sort of caveman. I did like that he did consider Isabeau’s feelings and choices even though he came off as bossy. There were a lot of sizzling encounters! Lots of hot stuff.

Even though this is the first in the Kentucky Nights series, there are a lot of characters I wasn’t familiar with that probably had their stories in previous books. I still enjoyed Isabeau and Tracker’s story, which wraps up. I’m thinking Tracker’s brother Chance will get his own story in the next book and I look forward to it.

I alternated between and e-copy and the audio version and recommend either version. Manxie Hardy is a new-to-me narrator. I really enjoyed her performance of all voices! She had a sultry, smooth voice and gave just a hint of a Southern accent that felt spot on for the characters. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

This was a wonderful read for many reasons. One being the fact that I got to visit with one of my favorite families. I see a reread in my future. If you haven't yet read the Nauti series I would go back and read them. Yes you don't need to read them to read this one but you are really missing out.

I've been looking forward to this one for a long time. Or at least it seems like a long time. I miss with Lora Leigh isn't writing. I really enjoy her stories and find them to be well written and sexy as hell. Her heroes are strong alpha men would do anything to protect those that they love. Her heroines are just as kick ass and strong. They don't sit on the sideline and wait to be taken care of.

In Isabeau's Eyes is the first in a new series buy her but is in the same world as her Nauti books. You'll love both Isabeau and Tracker. These two go through a ton of crap before they come out on the other side.

Isabeau is friends with the Mackay's and has been since she was a young kid. Sadly, her life hasn't been an easy one since the death of her parents and her almost dying when shot in the head. Because of all she has gone through she really hasn't lived her life. She has a bunch of crap that has happened as she's grown and a older brother who has done his best to keep her protected. Being blind only adds up to the long list of things she has had to work through.

Tracker is probably one of scariest heroes I've read. Most of that is due to the fact that he doesn't really care about himself anymore. He just does his job (one he does well) and moves on to the next. He doesn't really live. I'm very sad for him. He does love his sister and would do anything for her. That's includes protecting a woman who almost got his sister killed.

In Isabeau's Eyes is an action-packed story that keeps moving from page one. Not only will you enjoy the whole mystery of what happened to Isabeau's parents you'll also be part of Tracker and Isabeau falling in love.

I really enjoyed this story and felt it was well worth the wait. I think though I enjoyed it so much because I know who all the players are or most of them. I think if you go into this book without that knowledge then it might not be as good of a story for you as it was for me. I would think it would go one of two ways. You'll feel totally lost like you are missing something or you'll rush to read the Nauti Boys and Nauti Girls series. Either way you are in for a treat.

Review: IN ISABEAU’S EYES (Kentucky Nights Book 1) by Lora Leigh http://bit.ly/3LIDOZS
Publication Date: March 21, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas: Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I liked Isabeau. She was strong and resilient, able to stand up for herself without being a harpy. Yes, she made some silly mistakes in judgement, but that is also part of the story. Tracker was Ms. Leigh’s typical alpha male (with all the good and bad thrown in). He appreciated her strengths and helped her along. As happens, there was no real build up to their romance and instead combusted rather quickly. I enjoyed their chemistry and didn’t mind their insta-lust. The story itself was exciting and yet a bit confusing. I wanted to rate this book a 5, but it all got rather convoluted with so many characters that were just there – like we were supposed to know who they were. The Mackays from the Nauti series were included in the book and it has been quite a while since I’ve read them. I should have gone back to refresh my memory as to the relationship. Then so many other characters that were treated as if I should know who they were and why they were there. Like I said – confusing. It brought me out of the story at times. Now that I have a feel for this series, I can’t wait for the next book.

*Review copy provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle https://amzn.to/42sjpOq

Isabeau has faced tragedies in her life. She lost her parents and her sight in a violent attack. She now wants to try to live in peace, but her past may still have her in harm’s way. She is surrounded by a good group of people but still, trouble has found her. Isabeau’s best friend’s brother stepped in to help, and the attraction is undeniable between them.

I must first warn that while this advertised as the first book in the series, it is not a true standalone. There are many characters from a previous series that are heavily involved in the storyline, which complicates things. At times, I felt a little lost or that I should know information that was not privy to me in the detailing of the story. Fans who have read the other books may feel differently.

The steam factor is there. This is Lora Leigh, so there is no question about the level of sexiness in her books. However, the character development is off. The main characters fall in love too fast. I’m basically saying that it was on sight, which leaves little to no room for a substantial connection. In my eyes, this is just purely lust. However, the author calls it love.

Tracker is this take-charge Alpha male who does over-the-top things throughout the story. The other men in the book are just as outrageous, which almost makes it comical at times. Instead of feeling turned off, I rolled my eyes a few times.

Now with all that I just said, I still really enjoyed this story. I have read a dozen or so books by this author. I know what to expect. This may not have been the best for me by her, but I’m still a long-time fan of hers and look forward to the other books in the series.

~ Samantha

IN ISABEAU'S EYES is one of those books that you fall into... It isn't just words you read but a world that comes alive.

Reviewed for Fresh Fiction by Annetta Sweetko


https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=81642

A book by the author after a long hiatus, I couldn't wait to read it but alas! 
Isabeau Boudreaux was blinded in an attack that left her parents dead. Since then, she has lived on her parent's ranch with her remaining family. Now ten years later she has moved away from home and gained some measure of independence when a roadside accident brings her friend's Angel's family into her orbit particularly Angel's mercenary brother Tracker.  Has Isabeau been a target all along and not accident prone as she thought? 
Tracker is determined to love and protect Isabeau even if she does not want any part of his protection. She wants to bring her enemies out of the woodwork and face them particularly since it seems that her eyesight might be coming back.  
While I have read some Ms. Leigh before I was totally lost when the story opened and all the characters from Ms. Leigh's previous books popped up and readers were expected to catch up and run.  If you want to enjoy this story you should have definitely read the Nauti Boys and Nauti Girls series. Of course, like all the authors stories, this book has its share of steam, but the domination might leave some readers cold like it did me. 
All in all, the story left me with more questions and answers and not really sure what I truly felt or if I want to continue with this series when the next book comes out.