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Soul Solace #2
Scars of the Soul
Scars of the Soul is a standalone story set in the same world as Shadows of the Soul. While you might meet old friends, reading the earlier book is unnecessary to enjoy this story. Neo grapples with his psychic abilities and has been drifting in a sea of chaos for as long as he can remember. Studying toward his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, he’s tried to move on with his life. However, he still finds part of himself stuck on an unsolved case from a decade ago, lost in memories and hounded by the ghosts of his past. When a young woman appears in his vision, he can’t shake the feeling that she’s important. But can he find someone who believes him? Jackson, a lynx shifter and detective on the Paranormal squad, is begrudgingly still on leave from work after his accident a few months ago. To pass the time, he throws himself into a case that has plagued him for a decade, the one that got away. When an unwelcome blast from the past might hold the key to moving the case forward, Jackson is forced to take the gamble of his life to see if this ‘psychic’ is the real deal. Jackson’s firm bet is on NOT! When they meet for the first time, Jackson and Neo are more surprised than anyone to find out the Fates have deemed them a match. This must be a joke, surely. Can these two scarred souls find peace? Come along for the ride as they hunt for the elusive Desert Rose Killer and see if they can get their HEA despite how much they think they hate each other. Trigger warnings: This story contains an on-page depiction of a suicide and descriptions of murder scenes. Aside from that, this is a love story intended for adults. Coarse language, some violence, and intimate situations between two consenting adults will be found between these pages. Enjoy!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
33 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2023
I read this as a standalone story. I love reading psychic mystery romances.
The book got me glued straight away with a mystery after Neo sees from 10 years earlier in a flashback.
Neo, 31 years old, hid his sorrows in a drink at a bar after a bad day. He was studying for a PhD, and he had a backup of Jamie's offer of an internship job. But his remarkable abilities were constantly reminding him the visions were always there.
Scars Of The Souls can be read as a standalone as it gives a brief back story of the first book in the story of a serial killer still on the loose killing women.
Detective Randell and Det Jackson (a Lynx) had believed in Neo's abilities and tried to help with the hunt in the first book.
I loved the fire between the two characters even before they met up. Jackson didn't like psychics and didn't hold back in voicing it.
A huge instant connection as the Fates connection gets triggered with being mates, which scares Jax.
Dramatics are included, and it's not all smooth sailing as dangers get close to them. A sad ending with a secondary character's death.
Hot sexy scenes as Jax and Neo bond with each other. Told with both povs, I loved the theme of this book.
The book got me glued straight away with a mystery after Neo sees from 10 years earlier in a flashback.
Neo, 31 years old, hid his sorrows in a drink at a bar after a bad day. He was studying for a PhD, and he had a backup of Jamie's offer of an internship job. But his remarkable abilities were constantly reminding him the visions were always there.
Scars Of The Souls can be read as a standalone as it gives a brief back story of the first book in the story of a serial killer still on the loose killing women.
Detective Randell and Det Jackson (a Lynx) had believed in Neo's abilities and tried to help with the hunt in the first book.
I loved the fire between the two characters even before they met up. Jackson didn't like psychics and didn't hold back in voicing it.
A huge instant connection as the Fates connection gets triggered with being mates, which scares Jax.
Dramatics are included, and it's not all smooth sailing as dangers get close to them. A sad ending with a secondary character's death.
Hot sexy scenes as Jax and Neo bond with each other. Told with both povs, I loved the theme of this book.
April 23, 2023
This is the second book in this series that can be read as a standalone. In my opinion though you'd benefit from reading the first book Shadows of the Soul so you have an understanding of the characters and their world. But that is personnal preference.
Jackson is a police detective in the Paranormal Division, he's a lynx shifter and Max' partner whom we met in the first book. While he's recovering from injuries and has to stay home until he's cleared again for duty, he's terribly bored. He dives back into a cold case that has been his nemesis for more than a decade, he's never been able to solve it and it hurts him that he can't bring closure to the families. The team reponsible for the case was disolved after the murders suddenly stopped. Jackson and his old partner Randall were working together with a phychic, Neo, much to the annoyance of Jackson who had a bad experience with a psychic in the past and doesn't believe them anymore. He wants nothing to do with them and has always avoided meeting Neo. When suddenly Neo gets a new vision that shows him a new murder in the same case, he reluctantly contacts Jackson who at first doesn't believe him and doesn't want anything to do with him. But when he calmes down and finally meets Neo, he finds out he's not only exactly what he says he is but also his fated mate.
From then on the story quickly evolves, they form a new team together with Darius and Max and go on the hunt for the killer.
I loved this book even more than the first one, the vision Neo got were very detailed but still vague enough so you had to fill in the blanks yourself and it kept you guessing as to who the murderer was.
I'm already looking forward to this authors next book.
Jackson is a police detective in the Paranormal Division, he's a lynx shifter and Max' partner whom we met in the first book. While he's recovering from injuries and has to stay home until he's cleared again for duty, he's terribly bored. He dives back into a cold case that has been his nemesis for more than a decade, he's never been able to solve it and it hurts him that he can't bring closure to the families. The team reponsible for the case was disolved after the murders suddenly stopped. Jackson and his old partner Randall were working together with a phychic, Neo, much to the annoyance of Jackson who had a bad experience with a psychic in the past and doesn't believe them anymore. He wants nothing to do with them and has always avoided meeting Neo. When suddenly Neo gets a new vision that shows him a new murder in the same case, he reluctantly contacts Jackson who at first doesn't believe him and doesn't want anything to do with him. But when he calmes down and finally meets Neo, he finds out he's not only exactly what he says he is but also his fated mate.
From then on the story quickly evolves, they form a new team together with Darius and Max and go on the hunt for the killer.
I loved this book even more than the first one, the vision Neo got were very detailed but still vague enough so you had to fill in the blanks yourself and it kept you guessing as to who the murderer was.
I'm already looking forward to this authors next book.
March 29, 2023
I'm very fond of this book, along with the characters. As soon as I was finished reading Shadows Of The Soul I knew I had to read Jackson's story. His character and personality really captured my attention in the first book so I'm really glad he got his own book. I never expected him to be such a grumpy kitty though, meow!
Neo's character really surprised me, I haven't read too many books that has a psychic as a main character, and this one was done so well! The visions he got were really descriptive, yet vague at the same time to keep making Neo guess at what the killer would do next. I thought the visions he had really brought a great perspective into his character, and what he goes through from day to day. I'm really glad he was able to not only catch the killer that's been plauging his thoughts, but he also found his people. His family.
The plot in this book was fantastic, just like it was in the last one. The mystery kept you guessing, made you think, and ponder on who it could be. You were trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters, that was so well done. The characters in this one were really well written, although, now I really hope that Kane gets his own book at some point. Cause now his character interests me.
And Holly! How could you? The last chapter before the epilogue made me tear up, why did you do this??
Overall a really fantastic read, I hope there is more to come that takes place in this world with these characters. And while you can read this as a standalone I highly recommend reading Shadows Of The Soul first for maximum enjoyment.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
Neo's character really surprised me, I haven't read too many books that has a psychic as a main character, and this one was done so well! The visions he got were really descriptive, yet vague at the same time to keep making Neo guess at what the killer would do next. I thought the visions he had really brought a great perspective into his character, and what he goes through from day to day. I'm really glad he was able to not only catch the killer that's been plauging his thoughts, but he also found his people. His family.
The plot in this book was fantastic, just like it was in the last one. The mystery kept you guessing, made you think, and ponder on who it could be. You were trying to solve the mystery alongside the characters, that was so well done. The characters in this one were really well written, although, now I really hope that Kane gets his own book at some point. Cause now his character interests me.
And Holly! How could you? The last chapter before the epilogue made me tear up, why did you do this??
Overall a really fantastic read, I hope there is more to come that takes place in this world with these characters. And while you can read this as a standalone I highly recommend reading Shadows Of The Soul first for maximum enjoyment.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
April 19, 2023
Fabulous!! Will there be another?!
Scars of the Soul is an amazing follow up to Shadows of the Soul!! I was hoping we would see more of Jackson and this book is full of Jackson, his Lynx, and his MATE!!
Did you ever wonder how Jackson met Max and they ended up working together? Well, it all started with the Desert Rose Killer, but when Randall, Jackson, and Neo couldn’t catch him the higher ups shut down their investigation. All three eventually moved on and Neo and Jackson ended up in Solace, Montana, without ever having met each other in person. Jackson met and started working with Max and Neo started trying to build a life. It all worked until one day Neo’s visions returned. When he calls Randall for help, he finds out his friend is in Japan and only Jackson is available to help. Will these two be able to work through their differences? How will Jackson handle his mate?
Oh baby! Wow! I am so thankful for book recommendations. I might never have found Holly Oliver on my own. Her mystery inside the romance or rather the romance wrapped inside the mystery is so fabulous. The mystery story keeps me on my toes and the romance keeps my heart pounding and hopeful. I don’t know if there will be another book from here. I would love it if there was one. I will say I’m intrigued enough by Ms. Oliver’s writing to go look up her other books. I hope they’re in kindle unlimited!
Scars of the Soul is an amazing follow up to Shadows of the Soul!! I was hoping we would see more of Jackson and this book is full of Jackson, his Lynx, and his MATE!!
Did you ever wonder how Jackson met Max and they ended up working together? Well, it all started with the Desert Rose Killer, but when Randall, Jackson, and Neo couldn’t catch him the higher ups shut down their investigation. All three eventually moved on and Neo and Jackson ended up in Solace, Montana, without ever having met each other in person. Jackson met and started working with Max and Neo started trying to build a life. It all worked until one day Neo’s visions returned. When he calls Randall for help, he finds out his friend is in Japan and only Jackson is available to help. Will these two be able to work through their differences? How will Jackson handle his mate?
Oh baby! Wow! I am so thankful for book recommendations. I might never have found Holly Oliver on my own. Her mystery inside the romance or rather the romance wrapped inside the mystery is so fabulous. The mystery story keeps me on my toes and the romance keeps my heart pounding and hopeful. I don’t know if there will be another book from here. I would love it if there was one. I will say I’m intrigued enough by Ms. Oliver’s writing to go look up her other books. I hope they’re in kindle unlimited!
September 25, 2023
I got this book for free in one the stuff your kindles day. I did not realize it was a second in a series as it is not tagged on Goodreads or Amazon as such.
2 for the romance, 3 for the mystery.
It is a duel POV with the two MCs, but also has two chapters were you are reading from the serial killer. The beginning jumped in timeline.
This one is hard to write a review for. It jumped all over the place both in timeline and plot. The two MCs didn’t even meet in person till 45% of the book and then didn’t talk face to face really till 50%. It was kinda set up as an enemies to lovers meets fated mates. Although enemy would be too strong a word here.
It also wasn’t quite grumpy meets sunshine more grumpy meets anxiety ridden, but it jumped right from that too fated mates so quick.
I felt like the second half of the book almost didn’t line up with the first half. The first half was slow, almost dragging in to much detail, but like the second I thought that it switched tons and speed up plot and relationship wise, both literally and metaphorically overnight.
That being said I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it. The mystery and hurt comfort meets fated mated enemies to lovers. I also felt a lot of the side characters had too much time. I didn’t read Max’s story first and just jumped in with this book. I think parts about ‘Ma’ weren’t needed and dragged the plot line.
2 for the romance, 3 for the mystery.
It is a duel POV with the two MCs, but also has two chapters were you are reading from the serial killer. The beginning jumped in timeline.
This one is hard to write a review for. It jumped all over the place both in timeline and plot. The two MCs didn’t even meet in person till 45% of the book and then didn’t talk face to face really till 50%. It was kinda set up as an enemies to lovers meets fated mates. Although enemy would be too strong a word here.
It also wasn’t quite grumpy meets sunshine more grumpy meets anxiety ridden, but it jumped right from that too fated mates so quick.
I felt like the second half of the book almost didn’t line up with the first half. The first half was slow, almost dragging in to much detail, but like the second I thought that it switched tons and speed up plot and relationship wise, both literally and metaphorically overnight.
That being said I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it. The mystery and hurt comfort meets fated mated enemies to lovers. I also felt a lot of the side characters had too much time. I didn’t read Max’s story first and just jumped in with this book. I think parts about ‘Ma’ weren’t needed and dragged the plot line.
March 25, 2023
😳 Uhm oh my God oh my god oh my god! I loved the first book in this series and am thrilled we get Jackson’s story now. I wasn’t prepared for the insight into this killer though. I love how Holly Oliver gives us chapters from the murderer’s point of view. It’s creepy and makes me feel like I need a shower but it adds so much to the story. Jackson is deep into an obsession over a cold case and Neo is the poor psychic still seeing his visions in his head about it. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and dragged me along until the end. I could not stop reading it! I also liked the way the story was laid out and the shifts from present to past and back again were well done. Needless to say, I loved this book. I don’t mind getting the insight into who the killer is because the actual identity was still a mystery. The suspense kept me growing right on through and I couldn’t help but root for Neo and Jackson.
April 6, 2023
A detective novel where a psychic meets his match in a lynx shifter. Should have been right up my alley. It was not. The writing just felt so lacklustre. The constant flashbacks at the start were annoying, constantly interrupting the present day probably because it had no flow or plot to speak of, it just showed us both main characters were living in the past and sinking deeper into despair, prompting all the flashbacks in a very annoying circle that got interrupted by things picking up as in, 10 years serial killer? That eluded us and haunted us both? Let's solve that shirt in two days. Yeah, seems reasonable and logical. The whole "mate!" business didn't help especially since it meant they basically "wasted" 10 years where they could have been together. Second-chance romance is bad enough but to know they didn't even get that first chance? Anyway, I have to stop reading books I am just going to complain about later on. Like, seriously. It's not healthy.
December 11, 2023
This is book 2 in the series, and even though can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read Max and Darius book. Jackson is still recovering from the explosion that happened a few months ago and is itching to go back to work. He is being told that he needs to pass more test and psych evaluation, to pass the time, he starts looking over the cold case file that they were not able to solve. Neo is a psychic who has been having visions his whole life. When he cannot handle them, he calls his friend Randall who told him to get in touch with Jackson. When they saw each other for the first time, they realized they were mates. The story started from there with Jackson overcoming his aversion to psychics, working on communication with Neo, and working together to find the one who got away. Great world building, high heat and steam. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
September 2, 2023
Neo is a psychic who needs constant noise in order to drown out his abilities. Jackson is a lynx shifter recovering from an explosion from his last case. Ten years prior, they worked a serial killer case that went cold. The killer is back again and the two need to work together, except Jackson hates psychics.
Since the buildup and worldbuilding take almost 44% of the book, when the two finally meet, things move quickly. There's rejection and acceptance which leads to sexy times. Some sweet ones as well.
The case moves along like a steam engine, fast and steady. The last part of the book is Neo finding family and a job that accepts him for who he is.
Good sequel to the first book. Can't wait for book number three.
Since the buildup and worldbuilding take almost 44% of the book, when the two finally meet, things move quickly. There's rejection and acceptance which leads to sexy times. Some sweet ones as well.
The case moves along like a steam engine, fast and steady. The last part of the book is Neo finding family and a job that accepts him for who he is.
Good sequel to the first book. Can't wait for book number three.
September 24, 2023
Scars of the Soul is part of the Shadows of the Soul world. You don't have to have read Shadows of the Soul first but I think you would get more out of Scars of the Soul if you do. This is Jackson, a lynx shifter and police detective and Neo a psychic's story. This book had me captured from the beginning. Jackson and Neo have to figure out the scars that hurt their souls to find their happy ending. They have to do this while trying to bring a 10 year old cold case serial killer to justice. This book had me in tears several times. I love the characters and plot. I truly hope Holly Oliver will write another book in this world. I would definitely recommend this book. It is a definite 5 star read.
March 29, 2023
SO SO SO AMAZING!!!!
This is a wonderful AMAZING Book!! This is the kind of book I could NOT put down. Neo is a reluctant physic whose visions haunt him. Jackson is a lynx shifter homicide detective, on a serial killers trail. To me this is gripping. Strong resilient characters, strong emotion. Good friends Max, Darius, Randall, Kane and found family. This is just a MAGNIFICENT Book. HOLLY OLIVER, Thank You for creating such a captivating story. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND ANY BOOK WRITTEN BY HOLLY OLIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a wonderful AMAZING Book!! This is the kind of book I could NOT put down. Neo is a reluctant physic whose visions haunt him. Jackson is a lynx shifter homicide detective, on a serial killers trail. To me this is gripping. Strong resilient characters, strong emotion. Good friends Max, Darius, Randall, Kane and found family. This is just a MAGNIFICENT Book. HOLLY OLIVER, Thank You for creating such a captivating story. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND ANY BOOK WRITTEN BY HOLLY OLIVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 6, 2023
Hard to believe it's possible, but I think I loved this book even more than Shadows Of The Soul, the first book set in this world. I loved Jackson as Max's partner in that book, and now he gets his own fated mate (oh their fated mate discovery is anything but smooth!), and his own serial killer to chase. This is one intense ride, and with Neo the psychic's help, Jackson races against time to find a killer, and finds his HEA at the same time.
April 3, 2023
Suspenseful crime/romance!
I had to go back and re-read bits as the story was so dramatic and eventful! Our heroes took a while to get together but eventually work out their issues and the plot was great! If you like psychic working with a grumpy detective this is the book for you. I hope they become a series.
I had to go back and re-read bits as the story was so dramatic and eventful! Our heroes took a while to get together but eventually work out their issues and the plot was great! If you like psychic working with a grumpy detective this is the book for you. I hope they become a series.
March 29, 2023
Wow!
This was a wonderful book! I really like this second one just as much as the first. I was sad, one question didn't get answered for me, but overall, it was wonderful. I lived Jackson and Neo.
This was a wonderful book! I really like this second one just as much as the first. I was sad, one question didn't get answered for me, but overall, it was wonderful. I lived Jackson and Neo.
March 30, 2023
Wonderful
What an amazing story! Neo and Jackson are such an awesome couple. All the feels are in there along with murder. There could be triggers for some. Overall a must read book! Congratulations Holly! Well done!
What an amazing story! Neo and Jackson are such an awesome couple. All the feels are in there along with murder. There could be triggers for some. Overall a must read book! Congratulations Holly! Well done!
September 11, 2023
*2,5 stars*
October 2, 2023
Soooo good
Shifters + Mates + serial killer. Do I need to say more? This book was really good, no break up, with enough spice, dread and love!
Shifters + Mates + serial killer. Do I need to say more? This book was really good, no break up, with enough spice, dread and love!
October 16, 2023
Good murder mystery
This book is interesting and exciting. I couldn't put it down, neglecting my chores to watch the characters catch a serial killer.
This book is interesting and exciting. I couldn't put it down, neglecting my chores to watch the characters catch a serial killer.
November 2, 2023
Loved it!
Loved this book. I am so glad I picked up this book to read. It was great seeing Jackson overcome his past so he could embrace his relationship with Neo.
Loved this book. I am so glad I picked up this book to read. It was great seeing Jackson overcome his past so he could embrace his relationship with Neo.
March 25, 2025
I liked the beginning, but then it all became really rushed. The intimacy in the second half didn’t feel earned and the conclusion to the plot just seemed rote. Boring.
March 14, 2024
(Before getting into this review, I read this book as a standalone). It took forever to finish this book because life got kinda busy lol, but overall I enjoyed it! There were some parts of the dialogue and even some plot that reminded me of a fanfiction, but it wasn’t enough for me to cringe really heavily. The characters are easily likable and I enjoyed the murder-mystery plot! The plot twist at the end though too… I might’ve been slow but I didn’t catch on until they also started to catch on lol.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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