When I saw and then read a blurb for Blinded I knew I just had to get my hands on a copy. Since I read and review for a blog, I went out on a limb and contacted Maya. She was so great to chat with. After explaining that I help run a blog, one that would love the chance to read and review her book, she put me in touch with the blog/company that was hosting the tour for Blinded. I may have only had a few days to read it since I got signed up so late in the game, but I am so glad I took the chance on a new author. I really enjoyed Maya's writing style and for her second release she did a great job. Her characters were well developed and I felt connected to them as well. Now I need to go back and read her very first book, Passion on the Pitch.

Alex spends her days working in a diner and studying. She has not had the easiest life. Living with her mother who could have cared less about her made life miserable for Alex. Burying herself in schoolwork she manages to graduate high school early and with the help of her best friend and her father, she manages to be emancipated. Alex is not afraid of hard work and has made plans for what she wants out of life. That is until Gave Stevens walks into the diner one night. No man has ever captivated her like he does and the feeling seems to be mutual. Little does she know Gabe is a rising star in the film/entertainment industry. What starts as a friendship quickly turns into something more, but will the bright lights and fast paced life be to much for Alex to deal with? When push comes to shove and misunderstandings are not resolved, Alex flees and with her one of the biggest secrets of her young life.

Gabe Stevens is a college student getting his feet wet in the world of movies. On a dare he tries out for the lead part in a movie and is cast. Now he finds himself in a little New Jersey town by the shore, getting ready to shoot scenes for his first film. There isn't much to this small, dreary town, until he meets Alex. From the moment he saw her through the windows of the diner, he knew he had to get to know her. There was just something about her that made him feel good. And knowing her could only make his life better or so he thought. I really liked Gabe's character, he was down to earth and caring. He knew how to have fun and showed Alex what she was missing out on by always having her nose in a book. Taking her back to LA with him seems to be the next logical step.

Together Alex and Gabe are awesome. I loved the connection that they had with one another. The way their story comes together and falls apart will have your heart aching at times. There are twists and turns and new beginnings turn into second chances. And the biggest surprise of all is eventually revealed. I have a soft spot for book s like this and I think Maya did a wonderful job with the way she portrayed her characters and the trials that they had to deal with to find happiness in the end. After all, where would a lot of us be without second chances of our own?

4.5 Stars

Maya Hughes is an author of hot romance novels with humor and heart. Her debut novel Passion on the Pitch is about an American girl finding love with an Irish footballer (soccer player).

Maya is a longtime fan of romance novels, sci-fi books and films, and burning up massive amounts of time procrastinating on the internet.

When she's not writing, reading or procrastinating, Maya loves to spend time with her awesome kids and amazing husband, who has supported her every step of the way.

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