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Bellandi Crime Syndicate #5
Scarred Regrets
Broken men don’t fall in love.
We linger in the darkness, consumed by the sins that define us.
Irina is the sole reason my heart beats. She’s everything that matters in a world filled with evil that a woman so good and pure should never have to see.
She’ll add another scar to my collection — this one engraved on my heart.
When she’s taken by our enemy to use for his vengeance. Even knowing she can never be mine, I’ll stop at nothing to see her safe.
The Irina I rescue isn’t the same feisty woman they stole.
Her soul is broken. Her heart is hollow like mine, because of the things she’s seen. She needs me in a way I’ve never known.
And I will destroy the man who shattered what’s mine.
Scarred Regrets is a full-length standalone romance, but the series presents a better reading experience when following the suggested order.
This series contains dark elements, including over-the-top antiheroes who do as they please. Read at your own discretion.
433 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2021
About the author
Adelaide Forrest
26 books3,175 followersAdelaide fell in love with books at a young age and quickly discovered her love for writing soon after. Since then, she’s become a self-professed plot hoarder of over 300 book concepts.
After receiving her degree in Psychology, Adelaide went on to work in a therapeutic riding facility. When her daughter was born, Adelaide traded out her boots to be a stay-at-home mom. In 2019, she added author to those job duties after a lifetime of dreaming about it.
She lives in New York with her husband, two children, and their dog and cat who all make up the center of her world.
For updates, please visit www.adelaideforrest.com or follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideForr...
or instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidefor...
After receiving her degree in Psychology, Adelaide went on to work in a therapeutic riding facility. When her daughter was born, Adelaide traded out her boots to be a stay-at-home mom. In 2019, she added author to those job duties after a lifetime of dreaming about it.
She lives in New York with her husband, two children, and their dog and cat who all make up the center of her world.
For updates, please visit www.adelaideforrest.com or follow her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideForr...
or instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidefor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
December 20, 2021
*Thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR for an eARC of this book.*
Scarred Regrets has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 since I first dived into the Bellandi Crime Syndicate earlier this year. I was so intrigued by Scar, the stoic, removed bodyguard to Matteo's precious wife and child. A man willing to do anything for his found family. When he meets Irina Ryan, a seemingly spoiled daughter of a judge, doing good and not having a care in the world… he is going to find out what it means to live again for the first time in a long time.
The journey we go on with this couple.. May be the most painful and the most beautiful in the series thus far. I went through so many emotions. I was ready to give up at one point. I was so frustrated with their miscommunication and the hurt from the past getting between them. But sometimes it all has to burn down, for you to be built up again.
Scar and Irina perfectly fit together with their interlocking jagged edges. They both, at different times, need to be patient with the other. Some times gentle and some times pushing hard past their boundaries. There was something harsher but also sweeter about this couple.. They had me rooting for them and aching for their love the whole way through.
This was also very steamy and their intimate moments are full of pain and healing in equal measure. A kind of physical bond that is so hard to form for Scar but so necessary for them both once they can achieve it. It is almost holy, the way they are a ying and yang to each other that way. Truly a transformational love.
Please do check the authors warnings for triggers. This is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle it… this story is truly rewarding.
5/5 stars
Scarred Regrets has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 since I first dived into the Bellandi Crime Syndicate earlier this year. I was so intrigued by Scar, the stoic, removed bodyguard to Matteo's precious wife and child. A man willing to do anything for his found family. When he meets Irina Ryan, a seemingly spoiled daughter of a judge, doing good and not having a care in the world… he is going to find out what it means to live again for the first time in a long time.
The journey we go on with this couple.. May be the most painful and the most beautiful in the series thus far. I went through so many emotions. I was ready to give up at one point. I was so frustrated with their miscommunication and the hurt from the past getting between them. But sometimes it all has to burn down, for you to be built up again.
Scar and Irina perfectly fit together with their interlocking jagged edges. They both, at different times, need to be patient with the other. Some times gentle and some times pushing hard past their boundaries. There was something harsher but also sweeter about this couple.. They had me rooting for them and aching for their love the whole way through.
This was also very steamy and their intimate moments are full of pain and healing in equal measure. A kind of physical bond that is so hard to form for Scar but so necessary for them both once they can achieve it. It is almost holy, the way they are a ying and yang to each other that way. Truly a transformational love.
Please do check the authors warnings for triggers. This is not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle it… this story is truly rewarding.
5/5 stars
February 8, 2024
This was the first book in the series with actual trigger warnings, and with good reason. It was such a tragic and heartbreaking story - very intense, traumatic, and dark.
Scar and Irina navigate their scarred pasts, fighting both each other and together for a chance at redemption and love. 🖤🔥
He is a broken man haunted by his sins, having had a rough start in life and bearing the scars both physically and mentally.
She is kind, caring, and incredibly generous, despite not coming from a loving home. Her father was more focused on work than family, and her mother was forced into the marriage. Irina has made it her life's mission to help kids from the streets or lost in the system.
When Irina is taken by an enemy, Scar’s determination to keep her safe knows no bounds; he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her.
She has gone through the worst, most unthinkable things, and when he gets her back, her soul is shattered, and her heart hollow - much like his own.
It’s a tale of broken souls, intense passion, and the lengths one man will go to protect the woman who has become his everything.
Irina becomes the reason Scar’s heart still beats.
His butterfly 🦋
4.75⭐️’s
Scar and Irina navigate their scarred pasts, fighting both each other and together for a chance at redemption and love. 🖤🔥
He is a broken man haunted by his sins, having had a rough start in life and bearing the scars both physically and mentally.
She is kind, caring, and incredibly generous, despite not coming from a loving home. Her father was more focused on work than family, and her mother was forced into the marriage. Irina has made it her life's mission to help kids from the streets or lost in the system.
When Irina is taken by an enemy, Scar’s determination to keep her safe knows no bounds; he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her.
She has gone through the worst, most unthinkable things, and when he gets her back, her soul is shattered, and her heart hollow - much like his own.
It’s a tale of broken souls, intense passion, and the lengths one man will go to protect the woman who has become his everything.
Irina becomes the reason Scar’s heart still beats.
His butterfly 🦋
4.75⭐️’s
December 21, 2021
Heart-wrenching and haunting, restorative and redemptive, Scarred Regrets is a powerfully emotive and tenderly told story of surviving trauma and pain. From the first page to the last, these two broken souls captured my heart. Though set in a mafia world, Scarred Regrets is incredibly intimate and emotional, it will tug at your heartstrings, break your heart over and over before Adelaide heals it, and it’s certainly the most impactful book of this series!
Set in the Bellandi mafia world, Adelaide gives us the much anticipated story of Scar and Irina. Scar is a broken man, literally and emotionally scarred, haunted by the trauma and unimaginable adversity he had to fast just to survive. He’s built a life and a family for himself in the Bellandi crew, but his heart is hardened. Until he meets the beautiful and vivacious Irina, a beautiful butterfly that causes his heart to beat. She’s not the elite princess she seems, which intrigues Scar further, and the spark between them ignites. Irina can’t help but be drawn toward the tortured and captivating man who suddenly stakes a possessive claim in her life- but he’s clearly haunted, and won’t claim her. They dance around their feelings, until a cataclysmic turn of events changes Irina forever, and Scar has to do more than save her from danger, he has to figure out if he can confront his own demons in order to save her spirit.
WOW, this book is hard to read in places, because these two characters are just so tragically broken. We experience their pain, live their trauma, and we see two loving, compassionate, altruistic, and courageous people experience the devastation of the depravity of the darkest of humanity. They suffer- greatly, both at the hands of others, and in their attempt to cope, at times at the hands of each other. There are many triggers- witnessed on page and referenced.
Their chemistry is quite beautiful- emotionally rich and deeply soulful. Of course, the physical attraction is there (and the steam, when we get to it, is delicious), but this is more about two people with deeply broken spirits recognizing a likeness in each other. A solitude, a desperate desire to feel worthy, a need to be loved, the conflict they have as they waiver between hopelessness and the fortitude to find the will to survive what they’ve endured. Their connection helps them find healing and peace, they find the safety and power in each other to confront their pain. Two broken souls find themselves whole in each other. “You showed me all your broken edges… You made me realize how seamlessly they fit with mine.”
Irina captured my heart and also broke it. I admired her sense of purpose and her pure heart, and it shattered me to walk in her shoes. For those that balk at the “make me forget” type of healing we often see from heroines who’ve experienced immense trauma, that is not the story Adelaide gives us. Irina suffers greatly, but the real pain is in watching the aftermath of her experiences. Adelaide completely IMMERSES us in both the physical and emotional healing. And, she’s a heroine who has always had mental health struggles, struggles further complicated by her trauma. It’s not easy, it’s not quick, and it’s hard. But it connected me even more with Irina, to see her as the phoenix rising as she refinds her strength, as she confronts her pain. She’s a true survivor. And Scar is what I love about a broken anti-hero alpha. He’s unapologetically possessive and protective, but he’s guarded and stubborn. But his love for Irina opens his heart, shows him he can love and helps him find his worth. He’s sweet and swoony, dominating and deadly, and his dirty talking alpha bedroom behavior was FIRE.
We’ve got much mafia business, most of which centers around these two having opportunities to seek revenge on those that have harmed them- some of it more satisfying than the rest. But the heart of this is really about their healing, about two people finding the strength to face their own pain and recognizing that their fragility, their brokenness doesn’t make them unworthy or weak, it makes them strong and admirable. It makes them survivors. That journey is where this story really triumphs, where it really touches. Scar and Irina’s story is both heartbreaking and heart healing, beautiful from start to finish.
Set in the Bellandi mafia world, Adelaide gives us the much anticipated story of Scar and Irina. Scar is a broken man, literally and emotionally scarred, haunted by the trauma and unimaginable adversity he had to fast just to survive. He’s built a life and a family for himself in the Bellandi crew, but his heart is hardened. Until he meets the beautiful and vivacious Irina, a beautiful butterfly that causes his heart to beat. She’s not the elite princess she seems, which intrigues Scar further, and the spark between them ignites. Irina can’t help but be drawn toward the tortured and captivating man who suddenly stakes a possessive claim in her life- but he’s clearly haunted, and won’t claim her. They dance around their feelings, until a cataclysmic turn of events changes Irina forever, and Scar has to do more than save her from danger, he has to figure out if he can confront his own demons in order to save her spirit.
WOW, this book is hard to read in places, because these two characters are just so tragically broken. We experience their pain, live their trauma, and we see two loving, compassionate, altruistic, and courageous people experience the devastation of the depravity of the darkest of humanity. They suffer- greatly, both at the hands of others, and in their attempt to cope, at times at the hands of each other. There are many triggers- witnessed on page and referenced.
Their chemistry is quite beautiful- emotionally rich and deeply soulful. Of course, the physical attraction is there (and the steam, when we get to it, is delicious), but this is more about two people with deeply broken spirits recognizing a likeness in each other. A solitude, a desperate desire to feel worthy, a need to be loved, the conflict they have as they waiver between hopelessness and the fortitude to find the will to survive what they’ve endured. Their connection helps them find healing and peace, they find the safety and power in each other to confront their pain. Two broken souls find themselves whole in each other. “You showed me all your broken edges… You made me realize how seamlessly they fit with mine.”
Irina captured my heart and also broke it. I admired her sense of purpose and her pure heart, and it shattered me to walk in her shoes. For those that balk at the “make me forget” type of healing we often see from heroines who’ve experienced immense trauma, that is not the story Adelaide gives us. Irina suffers greatly, but the real pain is in watching the aftermath of her experiences. Adelaide completely IMMERSES us in both the physical and emotional healing. And, she’s a heroine who has always had mental health struggles, struggles further complicated by her trauma. It’s not easy, it’s not quick, and it’s hard. But it connected me even more with Irina, to see her as the phoenix rising as she refinds her strength, as she confronts her pain. She’s a true survivor. And Scar is what I love about a broken anti-hero alpha. He’s unapologetically possessive and protective, but he’s guarded and stubborn. But his love for Irina opens his heart, shows him he can love and helps him find his worth. He’s sweet and swoony, dominating and deadly, and his dirty talking alpha bedroom behavior was FIRE.
We’ve got much mafia business, most of which centers around these two having opportunities to seek revenge on those that have harmed them- some of it more satisfying than the rest. But the heart of this is really about their healing, about two people finding the strength to face their own pain and recognizing that their fragility, their brokenness doesn’t make them unworthy or weak, it makes them strong and admirable. It makes them survivors. That journey is where this story really triumphs, where it really touches. Scar and Irina’s story is both heartbreaking and heart healing, beautiful from start to finish.
January 22, 2023
DNF at 70%
I tried so hard with this one. Super dark and very heavy themes had me thinking YES! This one will make me cry!
😐😑
Yeah not so much.
In the end, I didn’t even care to see the resolution and that’s how I knew it was time to cut my losses.
I tried so hard with this one. Super dark and very heavy themes had me thinking YES! This one will make me cry!
😐😑
Yeah not so much.
In the end, I didn’t even care to see the resolution and that’s how I knew it was time to cut my losses.
January 15, 2022
4.5 stars!
I loved Scar’s possessiveness, but I still feel like he needed to grovel a lot more.
I loved Scar’s possessiveness, but I still feel like he needed to grovel a lot more.
December 21, 2021
Heart-wrenching and haunting, restorative and redemptive, Scarred Regrets is a powerfully emotive and tenderly told story of surviving trauma and pain. From the first page to the last, these two broken souls captured my heart. Though set in a mafia world, Scarred Regrets is incredibly intimate and emotional, it will tug at your heartstrings, break your heart over and over before Adelaide repairs it, and it’s certainly the most impactful book of this series!
Set in the Bellandi mafia world, Adelaide gives us the much anticipated story of Scar and Irina. Scar is a broken man, literally and emotionally scarred, haunted by the trauma and unimaginable adversity he had to fast just to survive. He’s built a life and a family for himself in the Bellandi crew, but his heart is hardened. Until he meets the beautiful and vivacious Irina, a beautiful butterfly that causes his heart to beat. She’s not the elite princess she seems, which intrigues Scar further, and the spark between them ignites. Irina can’t help but be drawn toward the tortured and captivating man who suddenly stakes a possessive claim in her life- but he’s clearly haunted, and won’t claim her. They dance around their feelings, until a cataclysmic turn of events changes Irina forever, and Scar has to do more than save her from danger, he has to figure out if he can confront his own demons in order to save her spirit.
WOW, this book is hard to read in places, because these two characters are just so tragically broken. We experience their pain, live their trauma, and we see two loving, compassionate, altruistic, and courageous people experience the devastation of the depravity of the darkest of humanity. They suffer- greatly, both at the hands of others, and in their attempt to cope, at times at the hands of each other. There are many triggers- witnessed on page and referenced.
Their chemistry is quite beautiful- emotionally rich and deeply soulful. Of course, the physical attraction is there (and the steam, when we get to it, is delicious), but this is more about two people with deeply broken spirits recognizing a likeness in each other. A solitude, a desperate desire to feel worthy, a need to be loved, the conflict they have as they waiver between hopelessness and the fortitude to find the will to survive what they’ve endured. Their connection helps them find healing and peace, they find the safety and power in each other to confront their pain. Two broken souls find themselves whole in each other. “You showed me all your broken edges… You made me realize how seamlessly they fit with mine.”
Irina captured my heart and also broke it. I admired her sense of purpose and her pure heart, and it shattered me to walk in her shoes. For those that balk at the “make me forget” type of healing we often see from heroines who’ve experienced immense trauma, that is not the story Adelaide gives us. Irina suffers greatly, but the real pain is in watching the aftermath of her experiences. Adelaide completely IMMERSES us in both the physical and emotional healing. And, she’s a heroine who has always had mental health struggles, struggles further complicated by her trauma. It’s not easy, it’s not quick, and it’s hard. But it connected me even more with Irina, to see her as the phoenix rising as she refinds her strength, as she confronts her pain. She’s a true survivor. And Scar is what I love about a broken anti-hero alpha. He’s unapologetically possessive and protective, but he’s guarded and stubborn. But his love for Irina opens his heart, shows him he can love and helps him find his worth. He’s sweet and swoony, dominating and deadly, and his dirty talking alpha bedroom behavior was FIRE.
We’ve got much mafia business, most of which centers around these two having opportunities to seek revenge on those that have harmed them- some of it more satisfying than the rest. But the heart of this is really about their healing, about two people finding the strength to face their own pain and recognizing that their fragility, their brokenness doesn’t make them unworthy or weak, it makes them strong and admirable. It makes them survivors. That journey is where this story really triumphs, where it really touches. Scar and Irina’s story is both heartbreaking and heart healing, beautiful from start to finish.
Set in the Bellandi mafia world, Adelaide gives us the much anticipated story of Scar and Irina. Scar is a broken man, literally and emotionally scarred, haunted by the trauma and unimaginable adversity he had to fast just to survive. He’s built a life and a family for himself in the Bellandi crew, but his heart is hardened. Until he meets the beautiful and vivacious Irina, a beautiful butterfly that causes his heart to beat. She’s not the elite princess she seems, which intrigues Scar further, and the spark between them ignites. Irina can’t help but be drawn toward the tortured and captivating man who suddenly stakes a possessive claim in her life- but he’s clearly haunted, and won’t claim her. They dance around their feelings, until a cataclysmic turn of events changes Irina forever, and Scar has to do more than save her from danger, he has to figure out if he can confront his own demons in order to save her spirit.
WOW, this book is hard to read in places, because these two characters are just so tragically broken. We experience their pain, live their trauma, and we see two loving, compassionate, altruistic, and courageous people experience the devastation of the depravity of the darkest of humanity. They suffer- greatly, both at the hands of others, and in their attempt to cope, at times at the hands of each other. There are many triggers- witnessed on page and referenced.
Their chemistry is quite beautiful- emotionally rich and deeply soulful. Of course, the physical attraction is there (and the steam, when we get to it, is delicious), but this is more about two people with deeply broken spirits recognizing a likeness in each other. A solitude, a desperate desire to feel worthy, a need to be loved, the conflict they have as they waiver between hopelessness and the fortitude to find the will to survive what they’ve endured. Their connection helps them find healing and peace, they find the safety and power in each other to confront their pain. Two broken souls find themselves whole in each other. “You showed me all your broken edges… You made me realize how seamlessly they fit with mine.”
Irina captured my heart and also broke it. I admired her sense of purpose and her pure heart, and it shattered me to walk in her shoes. For those that balk at the “make me forget” type of healing we often see from heroines who’ve experienced immense trauma, that is not the story Adelaide gives us. Irina suffers greatly, but the real pain is in watching the aftermath of her experiences. Adelaide completely IMMERSES us in both the physical and emotional healing. And, she’s a heroine who has always had mental health struggles, struggles further complicated by her trauma. It’s not easy, it’s not quick, and it’s hard. But it connected me even more with Irina, to see her as the phoenix rising as she refinds her strength, as she confronts her pain. She’s a true survivor. And Scar is what I love about a broken anti-hero alpha. He’s unapologetically possessive and protective, but he’s guarded and stubborn. But his love for Irina opens his heart, shows him he can love and helps him find his worth. He’s sweet and swoony, dominating and deadly, and his dirty talking alpha bedroom behavior was FIRE.
We’ve got much mafia business, most of which centers around these two having opportunities to seek revenge on those that have harmed them- some of it more satisfying than the rest. But the heart of this is really about their healing, about two people finding the strength to face their own pain and recognizing that their fragility, their brokenness doesn’t make them unworthy or weak, it makes them strong and admirable. It makes them survivors. That journey is where this story really triumphs, where it really touches. Scar and Irina’s story is both heartbreaking and heart healing, beautiful from start to finish.
July 20, 2022
"Scarred Regrets" is the story of Irina and Scar.
T R A U M A.
This book discusses trauma.
I have to warn others, this was a painful read. There is detailed descriptions of horrific abuse to both the hero and heroine. He pushes her away, she tries to get through to him but ends up hurting herself. Then an incident changes their life. It shatters her thoroughly. How to recovers and finds him, healing herself and him forms the story.
The book discusses mental health, s.abuse, trauma, PTSD and various other triggers.
I cried so much but I rooted for them. The hopelessness was haunting, but in the end, the butterfly was free. I hope they got therapy.
Unsafe
4.75/5
T R A U M A.
This book discusses trauma.
I have to warn others, this was a painful read. There is detailed descriptions of horrific abuse to both the hero and heroine. He pushes her away, she tries to get through to him but ends up hurting herself. Then an incident changes their life. It shatters her thoroughly. How to recovers and finds him, healing herself and him forms the story.
The book discusses mental health, s.abuse, trauma, PTSD and various other triggers.
I cried so much but I rooted for them. The hopelessness was haunting, but in the end, the butterfly was free. I hope they got therapy.
Unsafe
4.75/5
December 17, 2021
This book!!! I cried through most of it. I couldn’t get my emotions in check at all. You truly felt the pain, agony and torment that Scar and Irina felt. I was so deep in this book I was standing there with everything that happened. There is so many emotions you truly don’t smile until the final chapters.
This book is heavy I mean you been sit under a house heavy. Please read the triggers. I feel like the story of healing and redemption is what these characters deserved but also I feel like it may be more than some can handle because it is very dark.
This book will have you loving the work of Adelaide Forrest even more than you did before. There is no way around it.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review. Review isn’t even the right word to describe this. This a testament to an author who deserves nothing but praise for her writing skills.
This book is heavy I mean you been sit under a house heavy. Please read the triggers. I feel like the story of healing and redemption is what these characters deserved but also I feel like it may be more than some can handle because it is very dark.
This book will have you loving the work of Adelaide Forrest even more than you did before. There is no way around it.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review. Review isn’t even the right word to describe this. This a testament to an author who deserves nothing but praise for her writing skills.
August 12, 2022
If you are hoping for a book like Bloodied Hands and Grieved Losses drop this book and run, don’t walk. This isn’t that book. Bloodied Hands was in my top 10 reads for 2021. It’s honestly among my top reads ever. This is a whole other animal. It’s bizarre to me that a book that ranked so high in my personal favorites is part of the same series as this book. I more than a little wish I’d skipped this one. Definitely not how I wanted to end 2021 reads.
The first 55% is straight misery. It’s hard to even articulate how thoroughly miserable and depressing it is. I almost didn’t finish the book. I’m glad I did and all but this almost got 1 star and a DNF. There’s absolutely nothing good or redeeming about the first 55% of this book.
I get it. It’s Scar’s story and it was always going to be ugly. It’s the authors prerogative to write his story in this manor but it was 55% of misery porn. If you like that sort of thing you’re about to be in hog heaven. It wasn’t enough that there was nothing good in his formative years but that he *continuously* hurt the heroine even after she was beaten, tortured, mutilated and raped (not the H) in captivity.
Things start to turn around and it gets better. A lot better. Not enough to redeem to this book for me but it earned the 3 stars instead of 1. That’s quite a comeback.
Do I feel like Scar earned his redemption? No. Not even a little bit. Not even close. It’s almost unbelievable how much the mark got missed here. I’m traumatized by the torture heaped upon Irina in this book. Maybe the author was exorcising some personal demons, Phoenix rising from the ashes and all that. I’m glad she’s not a real person, no one deserved the abuse heaped on this heroine and that very much includes Scar’s treatment of her. I feel Ike the author tried to use his *tragic backstory* as a pitiful excuse for his shitty behavior. It was far from adequate and his continuous inner monologue about not deserving her *blah, blah, blah*. I hate heroes like that. It weakens them so much. Mr. Tough Guy, hunting and killing everyone who ever wronged him but he’s scared of emotional intimacy. Yeah, real tough there, buddy.
Story 3/5, Heat 3/5, Angst 5/5
Slow burn, they do have sex once earlier in the book but it’s in the midst of the H being a whiny manchild, so he immediately goes back to being a whiny manchild.
No virgins, manwhore who doesn’t like to be touched (because that makes total sense but don’t worry we get reminded about all the faceless women he’s fucked with his condom covered cock), push away from H, no OW drama, OM drama, no separation once together but it takes him until 55% to get over his mantrum. No technical cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - h kisses and strongly considers getting with lifelong dude friend. She cozies up to lots of dudes while H is being a manchild - he never intercedes because she never tries to follow through when she sees he’s a being a man child.
This book is a giant trigger, if you’re sensitive at all, don’t hurt yourself. The only thing you’ll regret is reading this book.
The first 55% is straight misery. It’s hard to even articulate how thoroughly miserable and depressing it is. I almost didn’t finish the book. I’m glad I did and all but this almost got 1 star and a DNF. There’s absolutely nothing good or redeeming about the first 55% of this book.
I get it. It’s Scar’s story and it was always going to be ugly. It’s the authors prerogative to write his story in this manor but it was 55% of misery porn. If you like that sort of thing you’re about to be in hog heaven. It wasn’t enough that there was nothing good in his formative years but that he *continuously* hurt the heroine even after she was beaten, tortured, mutilated and raped (not the H) in captivity.
Things start to turn around and it gets better. A lot better. Not enough to redeem to this book for me but it earned the 3 stars instead of 1. That’s quite a comeback.
Do I feel like Scar earned his redemption? No. Not even a little bit. Not even close. It’s almost unbelievable how much the mark got missed here. I’m traumatized by the torture heaped upon Irina in this book. Maybe the author was exorcising some personal demons, Phoenix rising from the ashes and all that. I’m glad she’s not a real person, no one deserved the abuse heaped on this heroine and that very much includes Scar’s treatment of her. I feel Ike the author tried to use his *tragic backstory* as a pitiful excuse for his shitty behavior. It was far from adequate and his continuous inner monologue about not deserving her *blah, blah, blah*. I hate heroes like that. It weakens them so much. Mr. Tough Guy, hunting and killing everyone who ever wronged him but he’s scared of emotional intimacy. Yeah, real tough there, buddy.
Story 3/5, Heat 3/5, Angst 5/5
Slow burn, they do have sex once earlier in the book but it’s in the midst of the H being a whiny manchild, so he immediately goes back to being a whiny manchild.
No virgins, manwhore who doesn’t like to be touched (because that makes total sense but don’t worry we get reminded about all the faceless women he’s fucked with his condom covered cock), push away from H, no OW drama, OM drama, no separation once together but it takes him until 55% to get over his mantrum. No technical cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
Safety - h kisses and strongly considers getting with lifelong dude friend. She cozies up to lots of dudes while H is being a manchild - he never intercedes because she never tries to follow through when she sees he’s a being a man child.
This book is a giant trigger, if you’re sensitive at all, don’t hurt yourself. The only thing you’ll regret is reading this book.
avoid
June 22, 2022Self note avoid.
Note a fan of the H fucking ow while pining for the h.
Heard he pushes her away most of the book. Than she gets raped by the om, and that’s how the MCs get together.
Not a fan.
Note a fan of the H fucking ow while pining for the h.
Heard he pushes her away most of the book. Than she gets raped by the om, and that’s how the MCs get together.
Not a fan.
December 23, 2021
5 emotional stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Since starting the bellandi crime syndicate series. I’ve always been eagerly waiting for scars story. For the moment a woman would steal his heart and he would have his happy ending.
I came into his book with an open mind. Only reading the teaser from shielded wrongs and warnings from Adelaide herself.
Scars story did not go how I expected it to. The book was not happy and jolly all the way through. It was a deep, complex book which focused on real life topics.
Irina was a very strong character. Having been through a hell of a lot more than the average person. Yet she was able to move on from it and live a life where it was tolerable.
Scar was everything and more. From having a rough start to life, he overcame his past and made a living for himself with the bellandi men.
It was really nice to get an insight into scars life. Seeing as we would always see his character from the sidelines in all the other books. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for his book. I’m so glad I got to finally read it!!
I’m now really looking forward to Yavin and Aofie’s book from the small snippets read about them. I can already tell that they are going to be a very spicy couple!
*ARC given in exchange for honest review*
Since starting the bellandi crime syndicate series. I’ve always been eagerly waiting for scars story. For the moment a woman would steal his heart and he would have his happy ending.
I came into his book with an open mind. Only reading the teaser from shielded wrongs and warnings from Adelaide herself.
Scars story did not go how I expected it to. The book was not happy and jolly all the way through. It was a deep, complex book which focused on real life topics.
Irina was a very strong character. Having been through a hell of a lot more than the average person. Yet she was able to move on from it and live a life where it was tolerable.
Scar was everything and more. From having a rough start to life, he overcame his past and made a living for himself with the bellandi men.
It was really nice to get an insight into scars life. Seeing as we would always see his character from the sidelines in all the other books. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for his book. I’m so glad I got to finally read it!!
I’m now really looking forward to Yavin and Aofie’s book from the small snippets read about them. I can already tell that they are going to be a very spicy couple!
*ARC given in exchange for honest review*
December 25, 2021
To be honest, I kinda forgot about scar because he takes a backseat to my ryker (grieved loss), matteo (bloodied hands) and rafey (beauty in lies series) 😂😂
But wow. This started off with some crazy crazy and made me cry!!!!! 😭 jaysus. I wanted to bash scar over his head because there is quite a time lapse before he goes after his woman, and it felt much different from her other books where the Hs just bulldozes them into their life 😂 but he does! Eventually 😉😏😏
Irina is a little sassy thing and I loved her. That scene towards the end of the book.....oh my. I won't spoil it but....oh MYYYY. She gets her revenge 😂😂😂
Loved this book but please be aware of the triggers. Its there for a reason 😳
But wow. This started off with some crazy crazy and made me cry!!!!! 😭 jaysus. I wanted to bash scar over his head because there is quite a time lapse before he goes after his woman, and it felt much different from her other books where the Hs just bulldozes them into their life 😂 but he does! Eventually 😉😏😏
Irina is a little sassy thing and I loved her. That scene towards the end of the book.....oh my. I won't spoil it but....oh MYYYY. She gets her revenge 😂😂😂
Loved this book but please be aware of the triggers. Its there for a reason 😳
December 31, 2021
Just wow!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: protector, opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, torture
Just wow! Scarred Regrets is beautifully angsty story of two shattered people realizing all their jagged pieces fit together to make each other whole. The story is wonderfully written, fast paced, and super smexy. Tons of action and twists right to the end. I laughed, I cried (more than a couple times), and had my heart ripped out and put all back together again. The tension and chemistry between Scar and Irina crackled til explosion over and over again. Completely fell in love ❤. An amazing book in an amazing series!
Scarred Regrets is the 5th book in the Bellandi Crime Syndicate by Adelaide Forrest. It could be read as a stand-alone since the couple gets their HEA, but the series story arc does end on a cliffhanger, so it would be best enjoyed read in series order. It is written in first person, from multiple perspectives.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: protector, opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, torture
Just wow! Scarred Regrets is beautifully angsty story of two shattered people realizing all their jagged pieces fit together to make each other whole. The story is wonderfully written, fast paced, and super smexy. Tons of action and twists right to the end. I laughed, I cried (more than a couple times), and had my heart ripped out and put all back together again. The tension and chemistry between Scar and Irina crackled til explosion over and over again. Completely fell in love ❤. An amazing book in an amazing series!
Scarred Regrets is the 5th book in the Bellandi Crime Syndicate by Adelaide Forrest. It could be read as a stand-alone since the couple gets their HEA, but the series story arc does end on a cliffhanger, so it would be best enjoyed read in series order. It is written in first person, from multiple perspectives.
January 7, 2022
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars
Review :
Omgggg , this book blew away my mind! I beta read this book at first and then recieved an arc as well and both times it was so freaking amazing.
I have read all the work by this author and she never fails to stun me with her amazing words. Scar and Irina are magic and I am glad I got to meet them! Scar always intrigued me in this story and I was so excited to read about him. When I got to know that he was getting a book and that too with Irina , I was just glad! Irina has this spine that makes you like her at first glance. She was a queen and I love her so much for that!
Their book was filled with so much trauma. I think this has to be the most traumatic book by this author for sure. What happened with Irina will be a trigger for many and It made me just so angry. But the way she recovered and the way Scar helped her , it was just mesmerizing! Both of them are perfect fpr each other and their story will definitely break you heart before mending it. It has all the elements of a 5/5 stars book.
Definitely recommending this to all the Dark Romance lovers out there. Just make sure to keep in mind about the triggers this book has like non con (not by the hero) , kidnapping and torture. It's one of the best books I have read!
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January 2, 2022
To say I was sitting on the edge of my butt the entire time while readng this book is an understatment. Why am I lovin dark romance? I don't know...but, I do. Anyways, Scar had trouble childhood, wanting to protect his little sister from the harm of the bad people. He shut himself off from the world because of this. Yet, after meeting Irina Ryan he sees something in her that lights something in him. But, there is an evil out there that wants Irina and takes her from him. He will do whatever it takes to protect her and get her back. I did get frustrated with their lack of communication with one another. That as a married couple they should be a team a partnership. Anyways, if you love dark romance with the subjects of human trafficking, child abuse, mental abuse. I believe the author did put a warning in the beginning of this book. If not, here's your trigger warning.
January 15, 2022
SPOILERS , SPOILERS!! IF I COULD GIVE THIS NEGATIVE STARS I WOULD! How can a woman write this book? Now I'm not a prude, I read my share of dark romances. Like Buttons and Lace by Pentalope Sky but this is more twisted than that book. What drives a woman to write something like this and what makes women read something like this book. I didn't read the reviews so that's on me. I'm hoping I can get a refund. Shame on us as women to allow women to write books like this this is not romance by any stretch of imagination. The controlling aspect of this book where he controls every and I mean every aspect of her life from what she wears, to what she eats, to what she does at work is one thing. Any normal woman will be telling him to hit the road. I wouldn't let my own husband treat me like that. But the fact that she was okay with him killing her mother, regardless of how bad of a woman she was to her own daughter, she still her mother and he killed her. And she was all, like "You killed my mother, but I love you!"Don't get me started on the sex scenes. They were awful very rapey and just plain sick. After the first time they had sex and he hurt her by forcing himself into her it would have been over for me if he did it to me. She should have kicked him to the curb then but got all week in the knees and told him that it was ok. I don't recommend this book to anybody and shame on the author for writing this crap and shame for us the readers for buying this crap. Just imagine if we stopped buying their crap, maybe the authors who want to write this stuff would get the hint and change the way they write and put up better stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2022
A few words to describe this book: cheesy, over-the-top, toxic
A few words from the book itself, to show what kind of Male MC we have:
“The position put my face level with the engravings on her stomach that were hidden by my shirt, where another man had marked her as his when he’d had no right. It filled me with the desire to see my name on her skin. To erase his memory and replace it with mine, but given what had been taken from Irina, I could never do it by force. She had to want it.”
You’re telling me your girl just got kidnapped and violently assaulted and you’re thinking of doing the same thing so that it’s your name there instead? I know he says he wouldn’t force her, but it’s still so fucked up to even think about when Irina is so traumatized from what she just lived through, like wtf?
A few words from the book itself, to show what kind of Male MC we have:
“The position put my face level with the engravings on her stomach that were hidden by my shirt, where another man had marked her as his when he’d had no right. It filled me with the desire to see my name on her skin. To erase his memory and replace it with mine, but given what had been taken from Irina, I could never do it by force. She had to want it.”
You’re telling me your girl just got kidnapped and violently assaulted and you’re thinking of doing the same thing so that it’s your name there instead? I know he says he wouldn’t force her, but it’s still so fucked up to even think about when Irina is so traumatized from what she just lived through, like wtf?
September 4, 2022
I’m shocked at how many good reviews this book has. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the other books in the series but there was very little build up in the romance between h and H. The book includes a brutal rape of h by an antagonist, but even the sex scenes between h and H feel very creepy to me.
She’s traumatized after being raped anally and H sort of forces her to have anal with him? I know this is partially my fault as I knew this would be dark but I hated this book.
She’s traumatized after being raped anally and H sort of forces her to have anal with him? I know this is partially my fault as I knew this would be dark but I hated this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2021
Intense.
I had to mull this review over for a couple of days after finishing this story because it was, for lack of a better word, intense. It left me with a maelstrom of emotions. Since I first discovered this author, I have fallen in love with the characters and world that she has created. Every character has had a story to tell. Yet, I am not sure that any single character had as much of a story to tell as Scar did, and ultimately, Irina.
This story started out rough. Holy hell, did it start out rough. Finally, having the backstory of what had shaped this beautiful man almost broke me. I am so glad that he found his way into the Bellandi family. He deserved that.
This book, told in dual POV, shared insights into both of these characters. This made the story flow in a way that made sense of the spark or connection that Scar and Irina had and why it was a constant push-pull. Initially, it was Scar's baggage that doomed them because he was resigned to living life a certain way because he felt unworthy for a plethora of reasons. After Irina's trauma, it became apparent that no one was going to help her heal except for him because they mirrored each other in trauma and the guilt that was associated with that particular trauma. Sad, as that was, I don't think Scar would have ever come around until he actually saw that his broken pieces fit nicely around hers.
This book was a little different because it didn't have the main hero being all caveman and forcing a wedding or pregnancy on the heroine and that was okay because the author deviated from that in a way that was necessary for these two characters. Did I miss it in a way? Yes, because that is what I have come to expect from this author. However, after mulling this over for the past few days, these characters have stayed with me because of how they healed each other. It wouldn't have worked had Scar behaved like Mateo, Ryker, or most especially, Rafe. The love that Scar and Irinia had for each other was a reminder that from darkness comes light and that even beauty can shine in the darkest of places. There is power in that kind of love and these two characters sure deserved it.
I was pleased to see that the author took her time and carefully navigated the healing process for Irina instead of just glossing it over or moving at warp speed and she was miraculously healed. I think that this was, especially, important because this moment was pivotal for a plethora of reasons, and not just for Scar to have to come face to face to his demons. This moment, in particular, was a catalyst in forging Irina into becoming a force to be reckoned with. She was born from those ashes and it was a joy to watch her take ownership over her identity. Many women would have been crippled by what she endured but seeing her rise was everything.
I was SHOCKED by the twist at the end. It made my heart hurt for Irinia and her pure heart. It did leave me with a few questions that weren't answered but I have let those go because they weren't worth me stressing over. The pivotal moments towards the end of the book had me clutching my chest fearful of a certain outcome. I am not sure that I will forgive the author for that heart attack for a while.
It was great seeing cameos of some of my favorite characters of the past. They are all so different but I sure love their kind of crazy. I did have a few areas of the story that I struggled with, more so because I didn't feel like they added to the story itself, but they were not enough to not make this a great addition to this incredible world that this author has created.
I highly recommend this book, but please be advised; There are triggers. This wasn't an easy story to read. However, the bumpy ride was worth it to see how these two survived the unimaginable and not only persevered but took names. It was, again for lack of a better word, intense.
I had to mull this review over for a couple of days after finishing this story because it was, for lack of a better word, intense. It left me with a maelstrom of emotions. Since I first discovered this author, I have fallen in love with the characters and world that she has created. Every character has had a story to tell. Yet, I am not sure that any single character had as much of a story to tell as Scar did, and ultimately, Irina.
This story started out rough. Holy hell, did it start out rough. Finally, having the backstory of what had shaped this beautiful man almost broke me. I am so glad that he found his way into the Bellandi family. He deserved that.
This book, told in dual POV, shared insights into both of these characters. This made the story flow in a way that made sense of the spark or connection that Scar and Irina had and why it was a constant push-pull. Initially, it was Scar's baggage that doomed them because he was resigned to living life a certain way because he felt unworthy for a plethora of reasons. After Irina's trauma, it became apparent that no one was going to help her heal except for him because they mirrored each other in trauma and the guilt that was associated with that particular trauma. Sad, as that was, I don't think Scar would have ever come around until he actually saw that his broken pieces fit nicely around hers.
This book was a little different because it didn't have the main hero being all caveman and forcing a wedding or pregnancy on the heroine and that was okay because the author deviated from that in a way that was necessary for these two characters. Did I miss it in a way? Yes, because that is what I have come to expect from this author. However, after mulling this over for the past few days, these characters have stayed with me because of how they healed each other. It wouldn't have worked had Scar behaved like Mateo, Ryker, or most especially, Rafe. The love that Scar and Irinia had for each other was a reminder that from darkness comes light and that even beauty can shine in the darkest of places. There is power in that kind of love and these two characters sure deserved it.
I was pleased to see that the author took her time and carefully navigated the healing process for Irina instead of just glossing it over or moving at warp speed and she was miraculously healed. I think that this was, especially, important because this moment was pivotal for a plethora of reasons, and not just for Scar to have to come face to face to his demons. This moment, in particular, was a catalyst in forging Irina into becoming a force to be reckoned with. She was born from those ashes and it was a joy to watch her take ownership over her identity. Many women would have been crippled by what she endured but seeing her rise was everything.
I was SHOCKED by the twist at the end. It made my heart hurt for Irinia and her pure heart. It did leave me with a few questions that weren't answered but I have let those go because they weren't worth me stressing over. The pivotal moments towards the end of the book had me clutching my chest fearful of a certain outcome. I am not sure that I will forgive the author for that heart attack for a while.
It was great seeing cameos of some of my favorite characters of the past. They are all so different but I sure love their kind of crazy. I did have a few areas of the story that I struggled with, more so because I didn't feel like they added to the story itself, but they were not enough to not make this a great addition to this incredible world that this author has created.
I highly recommend this book, but please be advised; There are triggers. This wasn't an easy story to read. However, the bumpy ride was worth it to see how these two survived the unimaginable and not only persevered but took names. It was, again for lack of a better word, intense.
December 30, 2021
Oh man...! It broke me and put me back together!
Scarred Regrets is the fifth installment in the Bellandi Crime Syndicate Series, reads as a standalone, but I would suggest for the reader to start from book #1 for a better understanding of the plot and background.
Beware of the triggers if you're a sensisitive reader.
Paolo DeLuca aka Scar is one of the most mysterious characters in the Bellandi world with his very unapproachable demeanor and a personal space he's very protective of. Irina Ryan was serendipity, unexpected, surpriseful and, oddly enough, a great impact. From different worlds and upbringings, but closely enough, Scar and Irina were not meant to be, each one carrying demons and their own agenda, it only took one place, a few words, an action and reaction and they would be tangled up forever, if it weren't by proximity leastwise by thought, want and what-ifs.
I can't express how much I loved this book and how much I felt it in my bones. It's an emotional rollercoaster, the tragedy that shaped their young lives (dissimilar for both of them, but tragedy nonetheless), raw beginings, abuse, fight and survival with a great deal of protectiveness for Scar, neglect and oblivion for Irina, an adult life in a precarious balance of power and control for both. The present brings the utmost event and with it a war that was already brewing, a vengeance and blood thirst previously ignited and now fueled and the imperious will to destroy, maim and vanquish the most direct threat to the Syndicate and the deadliest enemy to Scar and his butterfly.
On an inner level is about altruism, fear and control, feelings and denial, impotence and learning....to fight, overcome, to put together, live again, make the heart soar, even just with a tiny little beat that started shy but will pump his weight in love and wholeness. It was so beautiful to watch 🔥🔥🔥 that you can't help to root for them!
Ingeniously intertwining remnants of the past with the present state of affairs as well as the Bellandi's feuds, Adelaide Forrest creates a very enticing narrative daring the reader to live vicariously through our MC's infatuation and ensnarement, atrocity and dread, struggles and loss of self, reconnection and rebirth. And a renovated strength to slay the devil and his orchestrating hand once and for all! To complete, all the crew makes its apprearence as secondary characters, as adjuvants and fighters for a cause. A very dynamic line to give body and reason to the plot, some bits of the future and a tone down to all the chaos, gore and mayhem going around.
This tale grabbs you by the throat, it's gritty, unrefined and painfully realistic, it appeals to your empathy, comprehension and sense of justice. There is no good people in this story, but ones are worse than others.
Absolutely loved this book and extremely exited for Yavin and Aoife!
Adelaide Forrest, I ❤ you one book more!
Scarred Regrets is the fifth installment in the Bellandi Crime Syndicate Series, reads as a standalone, but I would suggest for the reader to start from book #1 for a better understanding of the plot and background.
Beware of the triggers if you're a sensisitive reader.
Paolo DeLuca aka Scar is one of the most mysterious characters in the Bellandi world with his very unapproachable demeanor and a personal space he's very protective of. Irina Ryan was serendipity, unexpected, surpriseful and, oddly enough, a great impact. From different worlds and upbringings, but closely enough, Scar and Irina were not meant to be, each one carrying demons and their own agenda, it only took one place, a few words, an action and reaction and they would be tangled up forever, if it weren't by proximity leastwise by thought, want and what-ifs.
I can't express how much I loved this book and how much I felt it in my bones. It's an emotional rollercoaster, the tragedy that shaped their young lives (dissimilar for both of them, but tragedy nonetheless), raw beginings, abuse, fight and survival with a great deal of protectiveness for Scar, neglect and oblivion for Irina, an adult life in a precarious balance of power and control for both. The present brings the utmost event and with it a war that was already brewing, a vengeance and blood thirst previously ignited and now fueled and the imperious will to destroy, maim and vanquish the most direct threat to the Syndicate and the deadliest enemy to Scar and his butterfly.
On an inner level is about altruism, fear and control, feelings and denial, impotence and learning....to fight, overcome, to put together, live again, make the heart soar, even just with a tiny little beat that started shy but will pump his weight in love and wholeness. It was so beautiful to watch 🔥🔥🔥 that you can't help to root for them!
Ingeniously intertwining remnants of the past with the present state of affairs as well as the Bellandi's feuds, Adelaide Forrest creates a very enticing narrative daring the reader to live vicariously through our MC's infatuation and ensnarement, atrocity and dread, struggles and loss of self, reconnection and rebirth. And a renovated strength to slay the devil and his orchestrating hand once and for all! To complete, all the crew makes its apprearence as secondary characters, as adjuvants and fighters for a cause. A very dynamic line to give body and reason to the plot, some bits of the future and a tone down to all the chaos, gore and mayhem going around.
This tale grabbs you by the throat, it's gritty, unrefined and painfully realistic, it appeals to your empathy, comprehension and sense of justice. There is no good people in this story, but ones are worse than others.
Absolutely loved this book and extremely exited for Yavin and Aoife!
Adelaide Forrest, I ❤ you one book more!
December 28, 2021
I have read every single book in this series and this one is my FAVORITE!! We get all the feels written between these pages. My heart hurt and ached for both Scar and his Butterfly. They both had shit hands handed to them for childhoods. Yes Irina may have had the riches that Scar did not have, but they both had shit parents. These two are as explosive as they come and that is saying something since Ryker and Calla are part of their family.....
Scar sets out to right the wrongs that were committed against him as a child. I will just say he definitely gives Ryker a run for his money where revenge is concerned. When he first lays eyes on his butterfly something sparks within him and he does not know how to deal with it. So what does he do? He lashes out just like the typical broody alpha male does.
Irina is a strong, sassy woman who does not need a man to make her happy. She just happens to fall in love with the one man who could break her. As war rages on the unthinkable happens where she is concerned. I love her strength and I love the way she evolves from a beautiful butterfly to a gorgeous phoenix.
Want to now what I am talking about... Grab yourself a copy, grab a box of tissues, curl up with your favorite blankie, and enjoy the emotional roller coaster ride that is Scarred Regrets!
Scar sets out to right the wrongs that were committed against him as a child. I will just say he definitely gives Ryker a run for his money where revenge is concerned. When he first lays eyes on his butterfly something sparks within him and he does not know how to deal with it. So what does he do? He lashes out just like the typical broody alpha male does.
Irina is a strong, sassy woman who does not need a man to make her happy. She just happens to fall in love with the one man who could break her. As war rages on the unthinkable happens where she is concerned. I love her strength and I love the way she evolves from a beautiful butterfly to a gorgeous phoenix.
Want to now what I am talking about... Grab yourself a copy, grab a box of tissues, curl up with your favorite blankie, and enjoy the emotional roller coaster ride that is Scarred Regrets!
December 29, 2021
Scarred Regrets is the 5th book in the Bellandi Crime Syndicate, by Adelaide Forrest.
It's truly hard to find the words to describe how amazing this dark love story is. Two broken people, Scar and Irina, who have to overcome traumatic events from the past and the present to try and create a new life together.
Prepare for an emotional journey when you open this book. You will be shocked at some of the horrific events of Scar's earlier years, and heartbroken over atrocities that occur to Irina in the present. But you will root for them as they discover their inner strength to eventually overcome and rebuild their lives, while confronting and taking care of enemies, past and present. There are some unexpected twists and turns along the way, as well as some incredibly hot scenes. My favorite parts of the story are when they realize and embrace that they are much better together as a unit, a force to be reckoned with, rather than apart.
"Then came you, fitting all your jagged edges against mine and reminding me what it was to be whole."
An added bonus to this fabulous book are the appearances from previous characters in the series, as well as Rafe from the Beauty in Lies series.
It's truly hard to find the words to describe how amazing this dark love story is. Two broken people, Scar and Irina, who have to overcome traumatic events from the past and the present to try and create a new life together.
Prepare for an emotional journey when you open this book. You will be shocked at some of the horrific events of Scar's earlier years, and heartbroken over atrocities that occur to Irina in the present. But you will root for them as they discover their inner strength to eventually overcome and rebuild their lives, while confronting and taking care of enemies, past and present. There are some unexpected twists and turns along the way, as well as some incredibly hot scenes. My favorite parts of the story are when they realize and embrace that they are much better together as a unit, a force to be reckoned with, rather than apart.
"Then came you, fitting all your jagged edges against mine and reminding me what it was to be whole."
An added bonus to this fabulous book are the appearances from previous characters in the series, as well as Rafe from the Beauty in Lies series.
December 31, 2021
Outstanding!
This book is possibly my favourite in the series. It's definitely on par with book 3 and Rafael and Isa's story!
Throughout the book, my heart was pounding!! I could not put it down and I devoured it!
This book has many DARK moments, but god is it worth it.
Scar we have already established a relationship with as he's been with us for such a long time, and we knew he had scars. But how deep they really were, and his past?
Blew. my. Mind.
Irina is possibly my new favourite female heroine in history.
I loved her, and to see her overcome everything after being so broken, to become my kind of heroine, she reminded me a little of Isa and what I loved about Isa I love about Irina.
They are both willing to swing the axe and bathe in the blood of vengeance. Just... Pure chef's kiss that!
I really can't wait to read Calix book, I feel we've been teased for ages haha. And it was nice to see Ifa again (yes I'm just gonna write it how it's pronounced haha) and their book I can imagine will be when hopefully the war with the Irish in Chicago comes to an end.
You could FEEL it coming in this book, and it's pure adrenaline.
I can't recommend this book enough.
This whole series has kept me reading and on my toes full out.
This book is possibly my favourite in the series. It's definitely on par with book 3 and Rafael and Isa's story!
Throughout the book, my heart was pounding!! I could not put it down and I devoured it!
This book has many DARK moments, but god is it worth it.
Scar we have already established a relationship with as he's been with us for such a long time, and we knew he had scars. But how deep they really were, and his past?
Blew. my. Mind.
Irina is possibly my new favourite female heroine in history.
I loved her, and to see her overcome everything after being so broken, to become my kind of heroine, she reminded me a little of Isa and what I loved about Isa I love about Irina.
They are both willing to swing the axe and bathe in the blood of vengeance. Just... Pure chef's kiss that!
I really can't wait to read Calix book, I feel we've been teased for ages haha. And it was nice to see Ifa again (yes I'm just gonna write it how it's pronounced haha) and their book I can imagine will be when hopefully the war with the Irish in Chicago comes to an end.
You could FEEL it coming in this book, and it's pure adrenaline.
I can't recommend this book enough.
This whole series has kept me reading and on my toes full out.
December 31, 2021
This book brought the art of Kintsugi to mind
Please heed the trigger warnings for this book. This is a dark and emotional read.
The story of Scar and Irina is both painful and poignantly beautiful. Childhood trauma has ensured that Scar will be a stoic adult, eschewing physical touch, affection and ultimately love. Irina may appear to be a pampered princess, but her mask to the world hides a profound disconnect with the people around her, vacillating between feeling too much and being numb. The meeting between the two starts an obsession that Scar fights against. He refuses to claim Irina, in the process hurting her immensely.
A turn of events changes Irina forever, and even as she struggles, Scar is bent on revenge in her name yet still refuses to give her the safe haven of his claim. That Irina needs to reach the lowest of lows for Scar to accept his truth:
Together, they both take an arduous journey of healing, one that may not be conventional but works with the chemistry between them. It is in their journey to healing becoming a forged couple, but still broken individuals, that Kintsugi comes to mind. Their pieces fit together, and they embrace the jagged edges of each other and, in fitting them together, form a beautiful piece of art.
ARC received from Grey's Promotions and the author.
Please heed the trigger warnings for this book. This is a dark and emotional read.
The story of Scar and Irina is both painful and poignantly beautiful. Childhood trauma has ensured that Scar will be a stoic adult, eschewing physical touch, affection and ultimately love. Irina may appear to be a pampered princess, but her mask to the world hides a profound disconnect with the people around her, vacillating between feeling too much and being numb. The meeting between the two starts an obsession that Scar fights against. He refuses to claim Irina, in the process hurting her immensely.
A turn of events changes Irina forever, and even as she struggles, Scar is bent on revenge in her name yet still refuses to give her the safe haven of his claim. That Irina needs to reach the lowest of lows for Scar to accept his truth:
"I would die for you-but you?...You're going to live for me."
Together, they both take an arduous journey of healing, one that may not be conventional but works with the chemistry between them. It is in their journey to healing becoming a forged couple, but still broken individuals, that Kintsugi comes to mind. Their pieces fit together, and they embrace the jagged edges of each other and, in fitting them together, form a beautiful piece of art.
ARC received from Grey's Promotions and the author.
December 26, 2021
Wow...just wow...
I knew going into this that this would be a dark and emotional read, and it was...but it was also so much more. It was tragic and heartbreaking but also had so many unexpected layers. It was truly a beautiful story and one that will stick with me for a long time.
Scar and Irina were such amazing characters. They have been through so much and have the scars to prove it. While some of those scars are physical, the true scars are deeper, going beyond the surface of the skin... the true scars are the ones marring their souls, the ones convincing them they can never be worthy of the love we know they deserve.
Scar and Irina's story is truly an amazing read. An emotional rollercoaster that took me on some dark lows and even more beautiful highs. It gave me everything I love and want in a dark romance and so much more.
Definitely a must read!
(but definitely heed the trigger warnings)
I knew going into this that this would be a dark and emotional read, and it was...but it was also so much more. It was tragic and heartbreaking but also had so many unexpected layers. It was truly a beautiful story and one that will stick with me for a long time.
Scar and Irina were such amazing characters. They have been through so much and have the scars to prove it. While some of those scars are physical, the true scars are deeper, going beyond the surface of the skin... the true scars are the ones marring their souls, the ones convincing them they can never be worthy of the love we know they deserve.
Scar and Irina's story is truly an amazing read. An emotional rollercoaster that took me on some dark lows and even more beautiful highs. It gave me everything I love and want in a dark romance and so much more.
Definitely a must read!
(but definitely heed the trigger warnings)
December 20, 2021
Scarred Regrets is, without a doubt, Adelaide Forrest's best book yet!
I didn't think anyone could top Lino for me but dang if Scar didn't steal my heart!
First and foremost, heed the trigger warnings. Scarred Regrets is not a warm and fuzzy read. It's dark, it's bloody, it's soul-destroying, and yet it's also inspiring and beautiful.
Ms. Forrest's attention to detail, the care with which she handles sensitive subjects, and the passion she puts into every chapter making sure the story is just right are what make this story so great. I love that she doesn't cut corners but takes time to flesh out the characters and the plot.
Scar and Irina's story was one of heartbreak, sacrifice, and transformation. Too many times I felt the tears flowing while reading. It's a journey that will break you, bring tears to your eyes, and then have you celebrating as they rise from the ashes.
This book had a slightly different feel yet stayed true to the Bellandi brand. I loved how possessive and devoted Scar was throughout the book. I loved his dominant nature and beastly side when he allowed it full reign.
I loved Irinia's character most of all. Her indomitable spirit and growth were inspiring and beautiful to witness.
It was great to see familiar characters and get to know future ones a little better.
I both look forward to the next book, yet I hate to see this fantastic series come to an end.
I didn't think anyone could top Lino for me but dang if Scar didn't steal my heart!
First and foremost, heed the trigger warnings. Scarred Regrets is not a warm and fuzzy read. It's dark, it's bloody, it's soul-destroying, and yet it's also inspiring and beautiful.
Ms. Forrest's attention to detail, the care with which she handles sensitive subjects, and the passion she puts into every chapter making sure the story is just right are what make this story so great. I love that she doesn't cut corners but takes time to flesh out the characters and the plot.
Scar and Irina's story was one of heartbreak, sacrifice, and transformation. Too many times I felt the tears flowing while reading. It's a journey that will break you, bring tears to your eyes, and then have you celebrating as they rise from the ashes.
This book had a slightly different feel yet stayed true to the Bellandi brand. I loved how possessive and devoted Scar was throughout the book. I loved his dominant nature and beastly side when he allowed it full reign.
I loved Irinia's character most of all. Her indomitable spirit and growth were inspiring and beautiful to witness.
It was great to see familiar characters and get to know future ones a little better.
I both look forward to the next book, yet I hate to see this fantastic series come to an end.
December 29, 2021
Okay so Ryker is still my favorite of these men because I face a thing for the psychos, but I think Irina and Scar have become my favorite couple of the series. The growth they both go through, both individually and as a couple, is enormous. What’s best is they don’t use each other to hide from their traumes but rather lean on each other to face them head on. It’s so well done.
Please check your triggers because there are a lot in this one, more so than the others in the series.
Please check your triggers because there are a lot in this one, more so than the others in the series.
December 21, 2021
This book was quite the emotional rollercoaster!
The book starts off with an in-depth backstory of Scar. We learn about his traumatic experiences growing up. Fast forward to the future where he meets Irina, who also has emotional baggage. There is tension and some spicy scenes. That stops when Scar can’t commit to Irina because he thinks he’s not good enough. Something terrible happens to Irina that thrusts them back together and they learn more about each other, eventually falling in love.
First off, I absolutely LOVED the FMC, Irina. She is strong, sassy and confident. (HER REVENGE IS EPIC!) Scar, our MC, is cold and unfeeling due to his horrendous past.
The spice in this was good, I loved the tension throughout the book!
The story kept me enthralled for the most part especially with the way Scar and Irina’s trauma is written. I felt so many emotions!!
My one critique is that I do believe it was a little long. There was A LOT of plot to work in which kind of seemed heavy at times but overall interesting.
This book was pretty graphic (gore) at times, which I physically cannot vibe with. Just FYI for others who might be squeamish!
I’m definitely interested in reading more from this series.
**Was given an arc in exchange for an honest review**
The book starts off with an in-depth backstory of Scar. We learn about his traumatic experiences growing up. Fast forward to the future where he meets Irina, who also has emotional baggage. There is tension and some spicy scenes. That stops when Scar can’t commit to Irina because he thinks he’s not good enough. Something terrible happens to Irina that thrusts them back together and they learn more about each other, eventually falling in love.
First off, I absolutely LOVED the FMC, Irina. She is strong, sassy and confident. (HER REVENGE IS EPIC!) Scar, our MC, is cold and unfeeling due to his horrendous past.
The spice in this was good, I loved the tension throughout the book!
The story kept me enthralled for the most part especially with the way Scar and Irina’s trauma is written. I felt so many emotions!!
My one critique is that I do believe it was a little long. There was A LOT of plot to work in which kind of seemed heavy at times but overall interesting.
This book was pretty graphic (gore) at times, which I physically cannot vibe with. Just FYI for others who might be squeamish!
I’m definitely interested in reading more from this series.
**Was given an arc in exchange for an honest review**
December 22, 2021
4.5 stars
Oh my heart! Scar and Irina’s story just gutted me to the core! We first get Scar’s heart-wrenching history of what he had endured growing up and what he had to do to just survive and to protect. We get a snippet of how he got his name and why he has become the man he is today. He sees himself as a broken man, a man not good enough for someone like Irina Ryan, the daughter of a prominent judge. But from the first glance, he is addicted and can not stay away from her. Irina does not live the life as a princess, she lived a lonely life, but she loves with her whole heart. When she first meets Scar, she sees this tortured and scarred man, but is drawn to him. But Scar refuses to sully her with his hands but is determined to keep her safe from the world. Even with all the protection Scar provided, Irina is taken and endures the worst kind of pain and torture. If anyone has any triggers, please be aware of the warnings that are provided by the author. After she is rescued her torment does not end, she is a changed woman. Reading through what happened to her physically was excruciating but then to see her suffering mentally was almost too much. This was also the catalyst for Scar to step up and to fight for her and to fight for them together.
As painful as it was to read what both Scar and Irina endured, I was also in awe of the strength and that protective instinct they both had. They were brought down as low as you can be and forever changed but rose up so much stronger. And the two just fit together perfectly, they each in their own way helped the other heal and it was so beautiful to see.
Oh my heart! Scar and Irina’s story just gutted me to the core! We first get Scar’s heart-wrenching history of what he had endured growing up and what he had to do to just survive and to protect. We get a snippet of how he got his name and why he has become the man he is today. He sees himself as a broken man, a man not good enough for someone like Irina Ryan, the daughter of a prominent judge. But from the first glance, he is addicted and can not stay away from her. Irina does not live the life as a princess, she lived a lonely life, but she loves with her whole heart. When she first meets Scar, she sees this tortured and scarred man, but is drawn to him. But Scar refuses to sully her with his hands but is determined to keep her safe from the world. Even with all the protection Scar provided, Irina is taken and endures the worst kind of pain and torture. If anyone has any triggers, please be aware of the warnings that are provided by the author. After she is rescued her torment does not end, she is a changed woman. Reading through what happened to her physically was excruciating but then to see her suffering mentally was almost too much. This was also the catalyst for Scar to step up and to fight for her and to fight for them together.
As painful as it was to read what both Scar and Irina endured, I was also in awe of the strength and that protective instinct they both had. They were brought down as low as you can be and forever changed but rose up so much stronger. And the two just fit together perfectly, they each in their own way helped the other heal and it was so beautiful to see.
December 24, 2021
Scar and Irina.
Wow.
These characters are..... wow.
I have a huge girl crush on Irina. Massively. What she went through breaks my heart, and what she overcame....she is the definition of strong.
Scar? He overcame his issue for her, with her. What he went through at a young age...breaks my heart too.
It's hard to write into words how I feel about their story, their journey.
Adelaide made me feel EVERYTHING.
Happiness
Eagerness
Joy
Anxiety
Sadness
Heartbreak
Anger
Laughter
Love
And let's not forget the hotness..my god Scar deliciously surprised me and Irina was here for it.
Scar and Iri... there is no one else for them... they are eachothers jagged pieces that when together, fit perfectly to create something whole. Something just...them.
Truly, and honestly, one of my top reads of 2021. It's well deserved, and these characters and their story will stay with me.
Wow.
These characters are..... wow.
I have a huge girl crush on Irina. Massively. What she went through breaks my heart, and what she overcame....she is the definition of strong.
Scar? He overcame his issue for her, with her. What he went through at a young age...breaks my heart too.
It's hard to write into words how I feel about their story, their journey.
Adelaide made me feel EVERYTHING.
Happiness
Eagerness
Joy
Anxiety
Sadness
Heartbreak
Anger
Laughter
Love
And let's not forget the hotness..my god Scar deliciously surprised me and Irina was here for it.
Scar and Iri... there is no one else for them... they are eachothers jagged pieces that when together, fit perfectly to create something whole. Something just...them.
Truly, and honestly, one of my top reads of 2021. It's well deserved, and these characters and their story will stay with me.
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