BOOK REVIEW- Not by Sight (Stone River Book 2) by Kay Lyons Stockham

 CAN YOU LOVE SOMEONE AND STILL BE FREE?

Emma Wyatt agrees to tutor a recently blinded, embittered soldier because of the $50,000 paycheck his brother offers. The job is an answer to many prayers. Blind herself, Emma dreams of independence and freedom away from her overprotective family. Tutoring Ian in all things “blind” isn’t easy, especially when the biggest challenge is not falling in love with a student who could hinder her dreams.

PROTECT SOMEONE YOU CANNOT SEE?

Good soldiers show no weakness. Ian MacGregor holds his battle with claustrophobia close to his chest, unsuccessfully trying to cope on his own. Ian knows duty, honor, serving his country. So why is he being punished with this very personalized hell?

As Ian struggles to strong-arm his phobia, his growing feelings for Emma are overshadowed by the danger lurking around them. Emma would be better off with someone else. Someone sighted.

Someone able to protect her from the person determined to keep them apart...AMAZON LINK 
                                      5 STARS

This book surprised me.  It was even better than I expected.  The emotions I expected and yes they were definitely there.  The challenges for being blind is so well portrayed and even presented some coping skills that haven't been mentioned before. 
Both Ian and Emma have depth as the main characters facing some hard challenges.  I liked that Emma has worked through so many challenges after being blind for so long.  And she has multiple things that she is actively doing.  Can you imagine how tough being a waitress is as a blind person?  I also enjoyed her work with and caring for the dogs.
Ian is ANGRY, scared, confused and having no hope for his future.   He went from a topnotch, highly skilled warrior who was a protector and a rescuer to  feeling totally helpless.  And he acts that way (helpless) for quite a while.  Until Emma arrives on scene and puts an end to others waiting on him. 
The secondary people were excellent.  That included family and friends on both sides of the main characters.  Emma's best friends were a tight group of women affectionately called The Besties. 
This book has surprises especially as it comes to the later chapters.  Surprises, I like surprises.  Well, in books anyway.  
And that threat that was mentioned in the book blurb?  I kept yelling, " Check out_____.  That person is dangerous"  "Why can't you see it?"  No one heard me though being book characters and all.  But Ta Da, I was right and it all comes out in a dramatic way.  Perfect.
The ending was good with a H.E.A. for the M.C.'s that is unique to them.   
I wouldn't mind one bit reading more stories about Emma's Besties and their romances.