Isabeau has lived with darkness since she was fifteen. She has tempted fate just as long. But when danger ensnares her friend, she decides to stand and fight.

In Isabeau's Eyes by Lora Leigh is first Kentucky Nights series. A spinoff which allows us to return to the Mackay world.

I love returning to this world. I love seeing Angel's brother find someone other than her to look after. I loved getting to know Tracker. He didn't claim many but once he claimed you you were his. And inspite of himself he is claiming Isabeau. I love seeing him protect her even as he tried to protect his heart. And finding out who has had Isabeau in their sights doesn't give him the distance necessary to protect himself especially as he doesn't realize he needs it until far too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed the heat Ms. Leigh brought to this story. I loved seeing Tracker find out he could care for more than family. I loved seeing Isabeau find someone who saw her and not her disability and bad luck. I look forward to where Ms. Leigh will take us next in this world.

In Insabeau’s Eyes is the kick off to a new romantic suspense series by Lora Leigh. But, if you haven’t read earlier books in her Mackays series, you might be a little lost.

2.5/5 stars

Isabeau’s parents died and she was blinded by bullet to the head when she was 15 years old. Ten years later, someone is still trying to kill her. She thinks it’s just bad luck—really?—and isn’t completely convinced someone wants to hurt her. When the tire of the truck she’s riding in with her friend Angel is shot out, Angel’s brother Tracker takes one look at her and makes it his mission to protect her no matter what. Their growing attraction is just one more obstacle they face while Isabeau’s life continues to be at risk as her vision slowly returns.

This was my first book by Lora Leigh. While it’s listed as the start of a new series, I felt I like was missing a ton by not knowing the recurring characters from earlier books. I was confused about who was related to who and what their motivations were supposed to be. It wasn’t even clear if Tracker and Isabeau’s relationship was super quick insta love, or if they’d met in a previous book.

I am a fan of romantic suspense, but this book didn’t work for me. Isabeau is a passive character, and rarely sticks up for herself. If her brother and his friends aren’t walking all over her, Tracker is. I understand that at the beginning of the story she’s supposed to be limited in her choices because of her blindness but it shouldn’t mean that she lets everyone in her life treat her like a child. And aside from physical attraction and some steamy scenes, it’s hard to figure out why Tracker and Isabeau are together. The suspense part of the story kept my interest, though, and made me want to keep reading to see what happened.

I am a fan of steamy romantic suspense, and stories with strong characters who fight for themselves. In Isabeau’s Eyes delivers on some of the mystery elements, but it didn’t feel like the beginning of a new series. If you haven’t read and liked previous Lora Leigh books, I’d skip this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In Isabeau's Eyes by Lora Leigh is the first book in her new series, Kentucky Nights. This spicy, emotional story took me on a roller coaster of emotions.

Story Recap:
Isabeau Boudreaux lost her parents in a violent attack ten years ago that also left her blind. Now, after a series of accidents her friends, the Mackays of Somerset, Kentucky, believe Isabeau is in danger. Her best friend, Angel, and Angel’s brother, Tracker Calloway, know she’s in danger and they work to keep her safe.

Mercenary Tracker Calloway is reluctant to get involved until he realizes his sister is also in danger. He’s immediately attracted to the very beautiful Isabeau, but he’s done with relationships and doesn’t want to lead Isabeau on. But, as Tracker helps Isabeau escape danger, they begin to fall in love.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this steamy, sexy, emotional story. It was a bit steamier than I’m used to, but the story was good, and I grew to love both Isabeau and Tracker. I appreciated the way the author handled Isabeau’s blindness, and I thought she handled it with empathy. It’s always nice to see issues like this highlighted in books.

I thought there were a lot of characters in this story that made it a bit confusing at the start. But eventually, I figured everyone out and was able to enjoy the story. Although this is the first book in the series, it’s a continuation of another popular series the author wrote, so if you’ve been reading the author's other series, you’ll fit right into this one more easily than I did.

Recommendation:
I recommend In Isabeau’s Eyes to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
In Isabeau’s Eyes is the first book in the Kentucky Nights series by Lora Leigh. Being a long-time fan of Lora Leigh, and a Kentuckian, I was eagerly awaiting this new series! This romance did not disappoint; it is full of intrigue, family, and fiery passion.

Tracker Calloway is a mercenary back home in Kentucky on break. When Tracker’s sister almost gets killed, he vows to protect Isabeau, the target of the attack. Isabeau Boudreaux has been blind since a family tragedy. Alarming accidents have occurred around Isabeau for years, and Tracker knows these incidents are more than they seem. Tracker wants to eliminate this villain and is uncomfortably attracted to Isabeau. Isabeau knows Tracker will never stay, that he’ll be gone when the danger is eliminated. However, she cannot resist the sensual pull Tracker has over her.

Tracker was a great character; he was lethal, yet his handling of Isabeau was protective. Tracker had no heart, yet Isabeau opened him to feelings he thought impossible. I loved everything about Isabeau! Isabeau commanded the page with her quiet strength and haunting beauty.

The only drawback with some of Lora Leigh’s books is they can get formulaic at times; however, I didn’t feel that in this story. There are a lot of secondary characters in this book, and having read the previous series, it was so lovely to see Rowdy, Dawg, and Natches again at a different time in their lives. I can see where a new reader may get a little lost in all the family. The plot commanded my attention, and the sensuality burned the page. This was a fast-moving plot with hardly time to breathe. Lora Leigh has created a superb, outstanding romance that takes us to a small town full of reluctant heroes and strong-willed women that capture their hearts. Tracker and Isabeau’s romance is not to be missed!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am sorry but I have never dnf’d a book so fast. Only one chapter in and I am so confused. How does one person have so many “accidents” and yet still be ok?? There are too many characters to follow who means what to who and I am just utterly confused. Sorry but this one is not for me.

Too tempting to not take the risk of being burned …

One more new-to-me author I have to add to my never ending list of favorites.
I was immediately sucked into the pages, eager to see how those two would work together and unravel what none other had before.
As a romantic suspense, I thought it would at first focus on the investigation then the growing relationship.
How I was wrong, Isabeau and Tracker are central and center pieces in this story. A longing that only awaits the spark to ignite the kindling to become a giant bonfire. It is the development of their affair that takes the main stage, enhancing the inertia of the crowd around Isabeau, one that never really bothered to seek the right answers.
Tracker lies to himself and everyone else, what he instantly felt for Isabeau is not mere lust, it is something deeper, stronger and maddening, a caring he does not want to feel. It is rough and raw and so unexpected, he pushes her away with his words but holds her close with his arms.
Isabeau has finally enough to be the wounded fledgling. So when she escapes once again unharmed from another “accident”, this time, it could have injured someone else than her. So for once, instead of running away to kick her wounds, she stands her ground and agree to investigate.

With this tale, Leigh gifts us a wild sensuous dance between a protective predator and his willing prey, turning the villain in a pale shadow.
A fast paced over the chart sultry tale.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot hot hot

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was a sexy romance, as are most by this author. The writing is wonderful and completely appreciated, living up to par for this author. Lora Leigh is a master at bedroom antics. Unfortunately, the characters in this story were difficult for me to gain depth of understanding, which meant it took a long for me to like them. I liked the idea of a blind character and how the author handled this. That was novel and truly creative. There was so much going on in the story, and so many characters I didn't know since I haven't read others in this series. I feel as if you needed to read the previous installments in the series to fully understand why characters were there and their relationships to the main characters. There was a sense of, well you know how he or she is, and that's why that character did that. It happened more than I anticipated. What was left is that there were parts I feel as if I didn't fully appreciate.
The main hero is hot, intense and super sexy. However, it didn't work well with the heroine who was stubborn and didn't quite jive for some reason with the hero. I'm fully on board for a tough heroine and intense hero, Perhaps, the issue was the instant lust/love in this book was so slam you in the face that there was little character development to explain why other than instant lust. Here again, something happened in the past that was not explained in this book (how the main characters met and what happened back then) which left their actual love story a bit flatter than I would have liked. It was hard to follow the characters into falling for each other with how sudden it started.
I did love the mystery aspect to this book and how that worked out.
If you're looking for a sexy romp with some action adventure but you're not too worried about what happened before to the characters or understanding all the ins-and-outs, then this is a great read for you.

Thank you for an advanced copy of this book!

Generally, I enjoyed this book. The scenario was a bit ridiculous, and I had to tolerate an alpha male/insta-love situation for much of the story...but this was a decent romance. I read this book pretty quickly, and it was my first book by this author. But, I would probably read more!

I think my issue is this book is marketed as a stand-alone/start to a new series, and I felt like I was missing something by not having read other books with these characters. I felt like I was just dropped into all these characters, and that it might have been easier to enjoy this book if I was already familiar with them. I also wasn't a fan of all the random military men with random skills, but that's just a personal preference.

Overall, this book was fun, a little wild, and a little crazy...but it's nothing to write home about. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I do think the writing struck a nice balance between spicy, suspenseful, and romance...and that is probably what made the book the most fun to read!

No rating as I DNF.

Could not for the life of me get into this book. The story line was, very light (not much depth) muddled and difficult to follow. All the characters and differing relationships made this somewhat convoluted and confusing. Previous books about these couple if I remember correctly, so would probably beneficial to read those before???

And forgot (it's been a while since reading her books) that Lora Leigh's books are very sex focused.

And sadly the MC depth just was lacking.

After about the half way point I just quickly skimmed to the end, hence no rating and DNF.

I did put a 1 star rating as that is the only way I could review this book, but did not on Goodreads rate it.

this just didn't work for me. I don't know if it was his grumpiness that tended to lean toward jerk or if it was her letting him. It just didn't land. I was so in the mood for a steamy suspense, but these two characters weren't for me. Thank you so much for letting me try.

New spin-off series of the Nauti Boy! I am beyond thrilled to pick up this book and read it. I have been a fan of this Nauti world since the first book came out. Isabeau's Eyes continues with the next generation of the MacKays and their Nauti kids. This can be read as a standalone. Many of the characters from the previous series make cameos in this book. Reading the previous series would help make all the family and friend connections.

First of all, I love the name, Isabeau. She is a spunky woman with an inexpiable disability. She lost her eye sight during a traumatic childhood incident. Her brothers gather around her protectively and they tend to treat her like she's completely incapable of being on her own. This is standard protocol for any men in this series. Isabeau may not be a MacKay but the men in her family are all similar.

Second, this story is like coming back home to a familiar scent, feel, and taste. I say this because the story line is the same as the rest of the books in this world. The men are military backgrounds with secret clearances. The women are spunky and ready to go toe to toe with these alpha domineering men. There is nothing unexpected from a character development or a plot.

Third, the sexy times and erotic trademark Ms. Leigh. Smooth and easy, the sex is uncomplicated and a fun time. This book is a guilty pleasure with a straightforward plot, sexy obstinate men, fiery women, and backstabbing.

This is a relaxing read to unwind and enjoy the ride. Recommended to erotic romance readers who love alpha males with mysteriously vague military backgrounds.

This started out with a great premise, but fell a little flat. I had a difficult time connecting with the two main characters and finding their relationship believable.
I think some of the plot inconsistencies could have been addressed if the author had requested a sensitivity read from a sight challenged individual.
The relationship felt too forced and too much like Insta-love, and the MMC’s character arc seemed stunted and wholly dependent on his growling, grunting and lethal abilities that were never fully explained.

3.5 stars. Hot as hell. Love the plot and while the blurb says first in a series, you really need to read other books before this one.
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It has been a while since I read a book by Leigh and I really missed her beautiful stories. She has a gift that draws you in and wraps you in sensual heat while ramping up a bit of suspense to keep you on your toes too. This story is a wonderful example of that.

I fell hard for the characters. Leigh was so descriptive especially when it came to Isabeau and her sights, sounds, and feelings. I loved Tracker, but I have to admit, his name bugs me. It is hard to imagine screaming that in the throes of passion! LOL

As much as I loved parts of this book, there were issues that had me lost many times. The blurb says that this is the first book in a new series, yet there were so many characters that were apparently known prior, I felt like I was coming into a series behind and missing key links to others. Leigh needs to give the reader more backstory to tie the characters to the series.

I love the plot, but you really need to read other books before this one. I can’t tell you which one (but the ones with the Mackays would help) but the backstory is not clearly laid out in this one to keep track of anything.

In Isabeau’s Eyes is hot as hell! I definitely loved so many parts. A clear connection to others would have made this a 5 star for me!

There are stories that are inst-love and others that are insta-lust, and some that successfully navigate both. And then there’s whatever the hell this is, something like the author-has-explained-and-introduced-everything-so-poorly-that-the-insta-is-beyond-psychotic-and-makes-absolutely-no-fucking-sense. Truly, no sense. What’s beyond poorly designed insta-lust? That’s what this is.

What am I reading? The family and friend dynamics are convoluted and make a telenovela look rational and boring. These alpha characters have gone off the deep end into douche territory and beyond even that into creepy predator. And the heroine is the human equivalent of black licorice dipped in yogurt. Her every thought made my face scrunch in distaste.

Everything starts as if you’ve missed 10 chapters and weeks to months of interactions already. And this is not due to this being a spin-off, I’m talking solely about the two main leads. It’s as if the author is trying to make it mysterious and suspenseful, but when it’s basic and necessary backstory and motivations about the MC, it just comes across as bad storytelling. Just tell me what the fuck I’m dealing with here, already. We don’t even get to know if she’s blind, legally blind, or partially blind. What is the point of keeping the reader in the dark? And yes, I chose that wording with intent.

Every 3rd page a man claims he’s going to kill someone for any number of slights. Friend, foe, doesn’t matter, a man twitched in the wrong direction and “he’d kill the bastard”. Not sexy. Just dull.

Each character has only 2-3 brain cells and the same number of thoughts between them, which are regurgitated on repeat.

Also! I thought the gathering was some big family/clan annual reunion. Something that’s close-knit and outsiders not welcome. So what’s with all the women she keeps overhearing lusting after this guy? Aren’t they relations? Nothing about the writing or storytelling is clearly explained or laid out well. It’s just one big mess.

And that takes me to 50% in. I’m gonna skim to the end now. I’m actually curious if it can get worse, or if there’s some truly good kinky sex that makes it worth it.

The answer is yes, it got worse. Weirdly convoluted. And no, not worth it. Not sexy, it got coercive and predatory and creepy. The woman is almost murdered and this dick’s response is to carry her home, feel she’s shaking in fear, so he lays her down and mauls her, thinking all the while if he bites and marks her there’d be no doubt who she belongs to. They’re not dating. They’ve known each other two days. They’ve spoken, maybe, 10 sentences to each other. Fuck this noise.

𝗜𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂’𝘀 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀⁣
𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 #𝟭⁣
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿⁣
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯⁣
⁣
Lora Leigh, to me, is the godmother of romance. She’s always been an auto buy author for me and all these years later I still love her stories!⁣
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This book has all the ingredients that I love about a Lora Leigh book. The suspense is intriguing and kept me interested, the small town with the close knit family/friends group is wonderful, and the romance is blistering. ⁣
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I really liked being able to revisit OG characters from the Nauti Boys series. For years those were my favourite! ⁣
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Isabeau and Tracker have chemistry that is freaking palpable. There’s some angst which this reader loves, and the suspense part of the plot doesn’t take away from the romance. ⁣
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I am really looking forward to the next instalment of this new spinoff series!

<b>2.5 Stars, rounded up out of nostalgia</b>

I've read 41 Lora Leigh books over the years...probably more than that and I just don't remember and/or haven't inventoried them all properly. I started reading her when I was FAR too young to be reading smutty romance. Which was a lot harder to accomplish pre-kindle with some of those 1990's covers, let me tell you.

But I digress.

My point is that I am <i>very</i> familiar with Lora Leigh's brand and style of writing and this one was very much par for the course. Meaning we had a ridiculous scenario, a super possessive alpha male, some insta-love, and a slew of characters with very mysterious military backgrounds. And, despite all these militaristic/super secret spy skills, they all still manage to oscillate between complete ineptitude and over the top badassery. And, of course, the "heroine" acts like an idiot toward the end; but how else would we achieve the requisite "I must save you" ending scene, right?

Now, this may sound like all negatives and that I'm complaining, but that is not the case. I requested this book knowing Lora Leigh, and like I said, this book met my expectations...it just didn't surpass them is all.

In short, this was a decently entertaining read, but definitely doesn't reach <i>Coyote's Mate</i> level of perfection, in my opinion.

***ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for honest review***

Lora Leigh's "In Isabeau's Eyes" is the first in her latest series. Isabeau survived - but was blinded by - a horrific attack that killed her parents years ago. Over the years never misses have had those around her wonder if she is clumsy or if someone has come back to finish the job they started all those years ago. Once Isabeau meets the Mackay family - and Tracker - they vow to keep her safe. With a killer watching, will Isabeau's secret be discovered? This was classic Leigh. It hit all her usual beats, and I couldn't have enjoyed the comfort read more. The unravelling of the mystery is a little thin, but the chemistry between Isabeau and Tracker easily carried the narrative. I look forward to revisiting her Kentucky Nights series in the future.

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This was the first in a new series, Kentucky Nights, for Leigh. I really liked the suspense and romance in this story especially the attraction between Tracker and Isabeau. Danger has always seemed to stalk Isabeau since her parents were killed. Isabeau was struck blind the night of a violent attack that also killed her mother. During the last ten years Isabeau has had unfortunate accidents that could have killed her. Her brother is sure that someone wants her dead but it can’t be proven by the police or him. Now Isabeau is starting to regain her sight and someone is very afraid that she will remember what happened ten years ago. When Tracker’s sister, Angel is almost killed because of Isabeau, he decides it is time to trap the culprit and allow Isabeau to have a normal life. A Great beginning to a new series and I can’t wait to read the others that will follow.

It has been a while since I’ve read a story by Lora Leigh and this was a nice change in writing style. Previous stories were starting to feel like they were all following the same formula. This was a bit different, although the Alpha, macho man is way overdone by now. I still thought it was a good read.