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Sulfur Heights #1
Scarred Love
"I am certain, without any doubt, she was meant to be in my life. We belong to each other. I spent too much of my time consumed with what everyone else thinks of my feelings for Darcie, but the truth is, it was always supposed to be this way." ~Reggie Evans
Darcie Claiborne spent several years of her young life living with a monster, always fearing what he would do next. Clasping onto her last ounce of hope, Darcie releases a scream. It’s her final attempt to live; to survive the villain of her reality. Sweeping her up in his arms, Darcie’s knight in shining armor rescues her from the hell she’s been living; from the stepfather she's feared for all those years.
Reggie Evans has been forced to grow up before he’s ready when his mother dies of an overdose, leaving him responsible to raise his younger brothers. One fateful night, Reggie jogs by an old, run down house and discovers a young girl clinging to life as she screams for help.
Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she's fighting with something she isn't prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**
Darcie Claiborne spent several years of her young life living with a monster, always fearing what he would do next. Clasping onto her last ounce of hope, Darcie releases a scream. It’s her final attempt to live; to survive the villain of her reality. Sweeping her up in his arms, Darcie’s knight in shining armor rescues her from the hell she’s been living; from the stepfather she's feared for all those years.
Reggie Evans has been forced to grow up before he’s ready when his mother dies of an overdose, leaving him responsible to raise his younger brothers. One fateful night, Reggie jogs by an old, run down house and discovers a young girl clinging to life as she screams for help.
Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she's fighting with something she isn't prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.
**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**
386 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2013
53 people are currently reading
1968 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Brannon
20 books366 followersM.S. Brannon was born and raised in the Midwest. She still resides there today with her wonderful husband and son. When she is not writing or reading, M.S. Brannon spends time with her family, watching movies, and discovering new music. She writes romance because she believes love and heartache is the rawest emotion one can experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
June 12, 2013
Hmmmmm. My thoughts? A little disturbing. (And not in a suspenseful, thrilling kind of way) A little WTH did I just read? A little This-Girl-Has-About-Three-Brain-Cells-And-That's-Being-Generous. And finally, this Hero ain't winning no "parent" of the year award. This book did not work for me. "Why?" you ask?
*knuckles crack*
*head rolls*
*deep breath*
Darcie comes from an extremely effed up childhood that includes severe physical abuse, mental abuse, neglect, drug addicted mother, and nearly sexual abuse. One pain filled night, she clings to her life after being beaten by her affluent, evil stepfather and she has one chance to escape before he returns and completely takes away her innocence. Her cries for help are answered by Reggie her "knight in shining armor". He takes her home and she becomes a part of his family, living with him and his three brothers. He is the oldest brother but has taken on the role of father-figure after their mother died.
Ok, so, to my issues...
Darcie is not high on my list of intelligent heroines because:
1)She's concerned over her brother wanting to start drag racing again because he crashed in his last race and he could've lost his life. She thinks it's reckless. So what does she do? She gets in the car of the loser who has been challenging her brother to a race and rides in the passenger seat while he races someone else.
2)She is 17, never kissed anyone, never had a boyfriend and she suddenly has an epiphany that she is in love with Reggie and gets mad when he tries to keep his distance. Because....that is extremely normal for them to have a relationship. Seeing as he has essentially been raising her since she was 14 and is her guardian who is 10 years older than her.
3) She gets mad when Reggie brings home a woman to sleep with when he is a grown man, she is underage, and they are not in a relationship. She throws a tantrum by going out with Grady (the douchebag who badmouths her brother to try to get him to race, has skanks hanging off of him all the time, and is rude and disrespectful) This guy is clearly dangerous and she ignores everyone's warnings and starts dating him. Smart move?
4)She gets a text from her stepfather that he has her friend and will harm her if she doesn't come. So what does she do? Yup, she heads over to his house. All alone. Without telling anyone.
I think I already explained that I'm not a fan of Reggie.
I know it’s wrong to let them come to my bar and drink, but I feel better knowing I can keep an eye on them. Also, for the most part, they stay out of trouble.
(Yeah....no. Let's not allow your 3 underage brothers and Darcie AND her friend into a rough, dangerous bar where they get drunk and into a brawl almost every time they are in there)
I want nothing more than to taste her lips and feel her body pressed against mine. Is it wrong to have these developing feelings? She’s nine and a half years younger than me. She’s seventeen for fuck’s sake!
The man kills TWO men by beating them to death.
“I killed someone! Is that what you want to hear? Right out there on the living room carpet while the boys watched. I beat the shit out of a guy until I was covered in blood and he was dead. The sick part, angel, is that I don’t regret it, either. I will never have any kind of remorse for ending his life.”
Yeah, the men he killed were horrible people, but...doesn't anyone else find this a little disturbing? That's a pretty violent way to kill someone.
This book had promise but there were too many things that didn't work for me unfortunately.
June 28, 2013
Solid 2 Stars
Yeah, this is me right now
This book was so frustrating for me. The last 2 chapters it seemed to try to make sense of the jumbled mess you have experienced before that. But sadly it still was not enough to redeem it.
The prologue I have to say is the best semi-chapter written in this entire story. It sets you up nicely while keeping you completely intrigued, eager to know what will come of this young woman and her journey.
Then what immediately follows is a Tsunami of dysfunction that sadly is probably the norm for so many of our troubled youth. Fights nonstop. Physical & verbal, sometimes for most of the chapters. You never felt like you got a decent break from the drama to balance it all. Not to mention so many key points were complete with eye rolling induced contrivetivity(No this is not a word but you get my meaning)
Tons of underage drinking in plain sight of their Guardian who does not object. He even allows them to come into the bar he owns with fake ID's to drink. And this drinking is even highlighted amongst the adults but more so with the kids, as a good and proper way of dealing with their negative emotions at every turn. It's one thing to speak of the reality that comes with this unfortunate truth sometimes, but quite another to glamorize it. And that's what this felt like to me, Glamorized/glorified drinking your sorrows away. Never really got the impression that this behavior was changed for the better. Except with one secondary character but his journey to this realization wasn't really shown. Just something you are told about in passing early on in the story.
Attempted rape that is never addressed legally or in any real way for that matter. This bothered me only cos it served to be a key point in moving the plot along yet it was not rectified nor really touched upon in a realistic manner.
And how could I forget the drama filled love fest between our 17 year old heroine and her 27 year old Guardian, our Hero.
A 27 year old male who has no choice but to take on the responsibility of caring for his 3 younger siblings at the age of 18 due to horrific circumstances stemming from his mother's actions and then taking on the care of a young girl in need. This leads to the tangled web of how & why such a thing came about. Which brings us to our villain. While sadistic and completely off the reservation, he still did not come off as a real threat throughout this story. His presence/threats were a complete joke. I found it hard to believe that anyone could be frightened by or cowed to him in any way. Unless they are a child.
And while I had issues of the age gap between the H/h, I still found myself to be quite disappointed with how their story came to a close. All this anticipation (which wasn't that intense to begin with) finally is embraced with a...Yawn. Very disappointing.
Reggie could have been a solid, flawed yet beautiful lead hero in this story except for one thing... His voice. Sometimes, a lot of the time actually, he and Darcie could have been the same person when it came to their inner monologue.
So as you can see I didn't like this one. It had potential. It has the great recipe for a great story but sadly the author just did not know where to take it or how to execute it. And with the constant spelling mistakes/misplaced words, this kindle edition is not worth $5.99
So I personally would not recommend this read. If you still would like to read it I would suggest borrowing not buying.
Yeah, this is me right now
This book was so frustrating for me. The last 2 chapters it seemed to try to make sense of the jumbled mess you have experienced before that. But sadly it still was not enough to redeem it.
The prologue I have to say is the best semi-chapter written in this entire story. It sets you up nicely while keeping you completely intrigued, eager to know what will come of this young woman and her journey.
Then what immediately follows is a Tsunami of dysfunction that sadly is probably the norm for so many of our troubled youth. Fights nonstop. Physical & verbal, sometimes for most of the chapters. You never felt like you got a decent break from the drama to balance it all. Not to mention so many key points were complete with eye rolling induced contrivetivity(No this is not a word but you get my meaning)
Tons of underage drinking in plain sight of their Guardian who does not object. He even allows them to come into the bar he owns with fake ID's to drink. And this drinking is even highlighted amongst the adults but more so with the kids, as a good and proper way of dealing with their negative emotions at every turn. It's one thing to speak of the reality that comes with this unfortunate truth sometimes, but quite another to glamorize it. And that's what this felt like to me, Glamorized/glorified drinking your sorrows away. Never really got the impression that this behavior was changed for the better. Except with one secondary character but his journey to this realization wasn't really shown. Just something you are told about in passing early on in the story.
Attempted rape that is never addressed legally or in any real way for that matter. This bothered me only cos it served to be a key point in moving the plot along yet it was not rectified nor really touched upon in a realistic manner.
And how could I forget the drama filled love fest between our 17 year old heroine and her 27 year old Guardian, our Hero.
A 27 year old male who has no choice but to take on the responsibility of caring for his 3 younger siblings at the age of 18 due to horrific circumstances stemming from his mother's actions and then taking on the care of a young girl in need. This leads to the tangled web of how & why such a thing came about. Which brings us to our villain. While sadistic and completely off the reservation, he still did not come off as a real threat throughout this story. His presence/threats were a complete joke. I found it hard to believe that anyone could be frightened by or cowed to him in any way. Unless they are a child.
And while I had issues of the age gap between the H/h, I still found myself to be quite disappointed with how their story came to a close. All this anticipation (which wasn't that intense to begin with) finally is embraced with a...Yawn. Very disappointing.
Reggie could have been a solid, flawed yet beautiful lead hero in this story except for one thing... His voice. Sometimes, a lot of the time actually, he and Darcie could have been the same person when it came to their inner monologue.
So as you can see I didn't like this one. It had potential. It has the great recipe for a great story but sadly the author just did not know where to take it or how to execute it. And with the constant spelling mistakes/misplaced words, this kindle edition is not worth $5.99
So I personally would not recommend this read. If you still would like to read it I would suggest borrowing not buying.
Read
June 18, 2013Okey dokes! DNF!
Next time I'll get the sample first! I don't normally do this, but if you were gonna read this, save yourself the trouble and don't! Felt like I was reading about a bunch of juvenile deliquents! On to the next great read!
Next time I'll get the sample first! I don't normally do this, but if you were gonna read this, save yourself the trouble and don't! Felt like I was reading about a bunch of juvenile deliquents! On to the next great read!
May 29, 2013
If the beautiful cover doesn't suck you in, the twisted prologue will. This story was fantastic! I recommend it to everyone. Seriously. It was so well written, so emotional, dark, hopeful...
I was really surprised to find this was this author's first book; it's just so good!
Like I said the prologue itself will drag you in; it's dark, sad and just sucks you in.
The characters aren't your typical characters. The main character is a fighter, literally. She's a tough girl with an attitude and will kick anyones a** that crosses her. However, under that rough exterior is a broken girl that can't wipe the demons from her past out of her mind, her memories. Her past is really, really twisted.
The character of the second POV is equally bada**. And again, another fight. Literally. The ex-MMA type. He is another amazing character with a bad past. Nowhere near as bad as hers, but there are things that he would like to forget about and move on from.
I can't say anymore. It was just a fantastic story that made me cry and sob like a baby and I loved it!
I was really surprised to find this was this author's first book; it's just so good!
Like I said the prologue itself will drag you in; it's dark, sad and just sucks you in.
The characters aren't your typical characters. The main character is a fighter, literally. She's a tough girl with an attitude and will kick anyones a** that crosses her. However, under that rough exterior is a broken girl that can't wipe the demons from her past out of her mind, her memories. Her past is really, really twisted.
The character of the second POV is equally bada**. And again, another fight. Literally. The ex-MMA type. He is another amazing character with a bad past. Nowhere near as bad as hers, but there are things that he would like to forget about and move on from.
I can't say anymore. It was just a fantastic story that made me cry and sob like a baby and I loved it!
July 6, 2013
Let me start off by saying I was extremely intrigued by the premise of this book. Call me anti-feminist but I like the idea of a knight in shining armor that comes to a girls rescue. I'm especially interested in abuse stories for some twisted reason. After reading the first couple chapters, I was hooked. Darcie grows up to be a tough girl with a smart mouth, which I like (I guess that's the feminist part of me speaking). She is surrounded by guys who love her and take care of her and who have become her family. She also begins to develop feelings for her rescuer, Reggie, which is understandable. And he ends up having feelings for her too! (gasp! shocker). I thought this book was going to be great, turns out, because of a few reasons, I found it to be just okay.
*light spoilers*
My main problem with this book that ultimately ruined it for me is that it is extremely unrealistic. The main thing that I couldn't swallow is that all her abuses go unreported. I assumed that a good and believable reason would be unveiled later on in the book but there is no reason! Plus, she suffers even more abuse in the future and nobody takes her to the hospital! And these are substantial injuries (Some kind of love these guys have for her). Throughout the entire book there is not one call to the police or one trip to the hospital (except for her brother when he gets one punch to the head). Many crimes were done against her and absolutely NONE of it was reported, including attempted rape and murder. What kind of justice is this? And nobody takes any responsibility for their actions.
Speaking of brothers, I find it kind of hard to believe that this family of pubescent boys (not including Reggie) would just accept this teenage girl into their home and consider her their sister. She's only known them for 3 years, not enough time to develop family relations quite yet. The 3 younger brothers who are all around her age, don't seem to have any romantic feelings towards her whatsoever. I found that kind of unrealistic.
Another thing is that she keeps referring to her relationship with Reggie as a friendship, and that he is her friend. I would think that the guy who rescued you, took you in, and provided for you would be more than just a friend. I can see how she would be friends with the other brothers because they are more her level. Reggie, on the other hand, is the provider, a sort of father figure. Not that they couldn't develop romantic feelings, but I just thought the way she referred to their current relationship was odd and not quite right. The way they interacted was also off considering the relationship they're supposed to have. All in all, it was just not expressed well by the author
Overall, I enjoyed most of the book, but as it became more and more unrealistic, I found myself skimming the rest just to finish it. If you're someone who doesn't care if its realistic or not, pick it up because it has a good story. But if you're someone who would pull your hair out over these things then don't bother.
*light spoilers*
My main problem with this book that ultimately ruined it for me is that it is extremely unrealistic. The main thing that I couldn't swallow is that all her abuses go unreported. I assumed that a good and believable reason would be unveiled later on in the book but there is no reason! Plus, she suffers even more abuse in the future and nobody takes her to the hospital! And these are substantial injuries (Some kind of love these guys have for her). Throughout the entire book there is not one call to the police or one trip to the hospital (except for her brother when he gets one punch to the head). Many crimes were done against her and absolutely NONE of it was reported, including attempted rape and murder. What kind of justice is this? And nobody takes any responsibility for their actions.
Speaking of brothers, I find it kind of hard to believe that this family of pubescent boys (not including Reggie) would just accept this teenage girl into their home and consider her their sister. She's only known them for 3 years, not enough time to develop family relations quite yet. The 3 younger brothers who are all around her age, don't seem to have any romantic feelings towards her whatsoever. I found that kind of unrealistic.
Another thing is that she keeps referring to her relationship with Reggie as a friendship, and that he is her friend. I would think that the guy who rescued you, took you in, and provided for you would be more than just a friend. I can see how she would be friends with the other brothers because they are more her level. Reggie, on the other hand, is the provider, a sort of father figure. Not that they couldn't develop romantic feelings, but I just thought the way she referred to their current relationship was odd and not quite right. The way they interacted was also off considering the relationship they're supposed to have. All in all, it was just not expressed well by the author
Overall, I enjoyed most of the book, but as it became more and more unrealistic, I found myself skimming the rest just to finish it. If you're someone who doesn't care if its realistic or not, pick it up because it has a good story. But if you're someone who would pull your hair out over these things then don't bother.
June 22, 2013
Oh my gosh this book was so emotional for me. The main character Darcie is one of the strongest female characters I have ever read. The abuse she suffered was unimaginable and so hard to read about. Her savior Reggie is truly her knight in shining armor. He takes care of his three younger siblings at such a young age and was their only legal guardian when their mom dies. One of the siblings by the name of Drake was abandoned by his parents and left alone in the world, and they took him in. This was at a time when their mom was a meth addict. Reggie's other brothers Jake and Jeremy are twins. Reggie raises all of them and they are all around the same age. I love all the brothers so much. They each have good qualities and are very different with unique personalities. One night Reggie is taking a jog and ends up saving Darcie from one night of terror where she would have more than likely died. She was 14 years old and he was 24. Reggie takes Darcie in and takes care of her and helps her heal. He doesn't hesitate to take her in and make her part of the family. The bond between Reggie, Darcie, Drake, Jake and Jeremy is so deep. The story starts where Reggie rescues Darcie and then forwards 4 years later. The abuse that Darcie suffered was horrible, but she was a fighter. She became as normal as she could when she became part of their family. You will love Darcie, and become with her will to live, when she could so easily give up. Her spirit of survival is so impressive even though from the age of 4 she endured the worse type of abuse. You will see the relationship between Darcie and Reggie evolve into something more, which is so beautiful. I cried for both Reggie and Darcie, as I watched them struggle through all the hurdles thrown their way to keep Darcie safe from her past. You will love the ending and fall in love with each character. I would definitely suggest this as a must read.
June 8, 2013
WOW,WOW,WOW.What an amazing story.This is the Story of Darcie and Reggie.Darcie has a childhood of Horrors and Reggie rescue's her from those horrors and takes her in.As she grows she finds loving Reggie is something that she cannot deny.Reggie is literally her Knight in shining armor.
I am amazed By M.S. Brannon,Scarred Love is her Debut Novel and she writes like a season writer.It's a wonderful,gritty story.Darcie isn't the sweet girl most characters nowadays are but she is a in your face,Don't Mess with me kinda girl.Reggie is a yum yum eat em up kinda guy.I loved the secondary characters and what a twist with Presley.Did not see that one coming and it was very well written.The age difference in character may not appeal to all but in my opinion it worked very well.I had absolutely no issue with it.In fact I had to remind myself there was an age issue. Darcie due to her violent childhood grew up faster and harder then regular kids.So age is just a number.This is definitely a book I will read again and recommend to my readers.I have to say give yourself a pat on the back M.S.Brannon.You have Talent..I utterly cannot wait to read your next book and I would still like to have more of Darcie and Reggie one day in the future.This is a MUST read and will be going on my TOP 2013 Reading list at the end of the year.
I am amazed By M.S. Brannon,Scarred Love is her Debut Novel and she writes like a season writer.It's a wonderful,gritty story.Darcie isn't the sweet girl most characters nowadays are but she is a in your face,Don't Mess with me kinda girl.Reggie is a yum yum eat em up kinda guy.I loved the secondary characters and what a twist with Presley.Did not see that one coming and it was very well written.The age difference in character may not appeal to all but in my opinion it worked very well.I had absolutely no issue with it.In fact I had to remind myself there was an age issue. Darcie due to her violent childhood grew up faster and harder then regular kids.So age is just a number.This is definitely a book I will read again and recommend to my readers.I have to say give yourself a pat on the back M.S.Brannon.You have Talent..I utterly cannot wait to read your next book and I would still like to have more of Darcie and Reggie one day in the future.This is a MUST read and will be going on my TOP 2013 Reading list at the end of the year.
September 2, 2013
I'm not usually speechless at the end of a book. I will have a ton of things to say about what I liked, what I didn't like and everything in between. However, I was in awe as I finished that last page...it took me a while to be able to wrap my head around just how to review this story.
The characters are beautifully broken survivors, and the story gives you a look at not only how they are surviving, but it also gives glimpses into what broke them in the first place. While some of that past is twisted and horrific, the author shows fantastically how it has painted the characters' present. Don't get me wrong, there were lots of places that had me laughing, too...the story was incredibly dynamic.
I honestly loved this book no matter how hard parts of it were to read because it is written unbelievably well...how on earth was this really the author's first book?!
The characters are beautifully broken survivors, and the story gives you a look at not only how they are surviving, but it also gives glimpses into what broke them in the first place. While some of that past is twisted and horrific, the author shows fantastically how it has painted the characters' present. Don't get me wrong, there were lots of places that had me laughing, too...the story was incredibly dynamic.
I honestly loved this book no matter how hard parts of it were to read because it is written unbelievably well...how on earth was this really the author's first book?!
May 25, 2013
Yay, my first "real" book cover!!
You guys will love Darcie's story :)
You guys will love Darcie's story :)
June 9, 2013
Genre: New Adult
Tropes: Child abuse, older hero (he's 27, she's 17)
Debut novel. Amateurish writing.
As expected from self-pub, misspellings and bad grammar abound.
Tropes: Child abuse, older hero (he's 27, she's 17)
Debut novel. Amateurish writing.
As expected from self-pub, misspellings and bad grammar abound.
August 12, 2013
Blog Tour on my blog August 12th
Review + Except
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
I hear the key unlock the handcuffs and my arms and feet are finally free, but I keep my focus on his blue irises. The small pang of relief subsides as I look at this stranger and I know in this moment he’s my protector. The one person who would keep me safe from the hell that exists in this world. Weakly, I pull myself to my elbows and whisper, “Are you…my knight in shining armor?”
“Scarred Love” è capitato come al solito per caso, mentre visionavo le mie solite mail. È strano come possa sempre trovare occasioni interessanti e collaborare con Reading Addiction Blog Tours si è rivelato di fondamentale importanza per scovare libri bellissimi. E anche questo è il caso, e ne sono molto felice perché io adoro i libri in cui i protagonisti vivono vicende disperate ma nonostante tutto riescono ad uscirne vincenti. Un libro di cui innamorarsi a prima pagina.
Darcie Claiborne ha trascorso alcuni anni della sua giovane vita vivendo con un mostro, sempre temendo quello che avrebbe fatto dopo. Afferrando a due mani la sua ultima goccia di speranza, Darcie lancia un grido. È il suo atto finale per vivere, per sopravvivere alla crudeltà che è la sua esistenza. Raccogliendola tra le sue braccia, il cavaliere dall’armatura scintillante di Darcie la salva dall’inferno in cui stava vivendo, dal patrigno che ha temuto per tutti questi anni.
Raggie Evans è stato forzato a crescere prima di essere pronto quanto sua madre è morta per un’overdose, lasciandogli la responsabilità di crescere i suoi fratelli più piccoli. Una sera segnata dal destino, aggi stava correndo vicino una vecchia casa diroccata quando ha scoperto una giovane ragazza aggrappata alla vita che gridava aiuto.
Tre anni dopo, Darcie sta guarendo e viene sempre protetta dall’uomo che l’ha salvata, ma ora sta combattendo qualcosa che non è preparata ad affrontare. L’amore crescente per l’uomo che le ha salvato la vita tre anni prima, lo stesso uomo che ha nove anni più di lei. Nel frattempo, Reggie lotta per proteggere Darcie dai demoni del suo passato e dai nuovi del suo presente.
La storia è molto intensa, piena di elementi oscuri e tragici, che va approcciata con cautela. Se non avete lo stomaco forte e il cuore protetto da un muro alto tre metri è meglio che non vi avviciniate a questo libro. Io stessa mi sono dovuta fermare più volte, riposare la mente da questa vicenda altamente emozionale. Non c’è tregua dagli avvenimenti che hanno caratterizzato le vite dei protagonisti, continuamente il passato torna a stringere la sua morsa e a minacciare l’incolumità di tutti. Ed è atroce assistere ai tentativi di Reggie di tenere la sua famiglia al sicuro o assistere al crollo di Darcie.
La storia ci viene raccontata da entrambi i protagonisti ed è intervallata da ricordi del passato di Darcie posti strategicamente per ricordare che niente è stato sepolto. Darcie è una ragazza che è stata spezzata più volte, che porta sul corpo le cicatrici di quello che è successo fisicamente e psicologicamente. Ma non si è arresa, ha deciso di ribellarsi ad un destino avverso, di prendere in mano le sue reazioni e scagliare la sua rabbia contro chi le fa un torto, contro chi minaccia di mettere in discussione la sua incolumità. Non è una damiselle in distress, ma una donna con le palle, capace di tirare i pugni e comportarsi come il peggiore dei maschiacci. Ma allo stesso tempo conserva la sua fragilità e la sua femminilità, capace di desiderare di essere bella per l’uomo che ama e tormentandosi per non essere abbastanza. Con un cameratismo che nasce dalla condivisione di spazi ed esperienze, Darcie diviene a tutti gli effetti un membro della famiglia disfunzionale di Raggie, di cui fanno parte anche i gemelli Jake e Jeremy e Drake. Ognuno di loro ha una caratteristica che lo distingue, ma la cosa che hanno in comune è il desiderio di proteggere e tenere al sicuro la ragazza. Darcie si nasconde dietro la sua aria da dura e il suo spirito combattivo per superare gli incubi del suo passato, ma effettivamente solo Raggie riesce a far breccia nel suo cuore, con i suoi meravigliosi occhi celesti. Die pozze luminose che la scrutano e conoscono tutto di lei, tanto da anticipare qualsiasi sua mossa.
Da quando l’ha trovata e salvata, Raggie è incapace di dire di no a Darcie o rimanere arrabbiato con lei per più di un minuto. Nonostante le sue lotte e le sue continue bravate, Raggie la ama con tutto sé stesso ed è pronto a fare qualsiasi cosa pur di vederla serene e al sicuro, pure scendere a patti con il diavolo in persona. La vita di Raggie non è facile, stare sempre all’erta e sull’orlo del chi vive, ma riesce a tenere tutto insieme e a gestire il suo bar “The Slab” con la mano ferma di chi intende affari. Nonostante i suoi dubbi e i suoi vacillamenti, ha dei sentimenti autentici per Darcie. Con un passato da pugile professionista, i capelli biondi lunghi fino alle spalle, quel filo di barba che accentua la sua mascella scolpita, il fisico del lottatore, con la giusta quantità di muscoli, Reggie è irresistibile, e ti viene davvero voglia di saltagli addosso, non si può certo biasimare Darcie, la scena nel magazzino del bar è qualcosa di sconvolgente. Ma Raggie è protettivo, implorante e assolutamente pericoloso quando si arrabbia.
Tra gli altri personaggi che voglio citare c’è Presley, una ragazza che si unisce alla gang e che avrà un ruolo fondamentale fino alla conclusione e che ho adorato fin dal primo momento in cui è comparsa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una cartella di pelle nera….
Tra lotte, gare automobilistiche clandestine, ubriacature epocali, questa è una storia d’amore ad ampio raggio, una storia di redenzione e lotta che non s riduce a gettare un po’ di pugni in giro, ma anche e soprattutto a lottare psicologicamente per superate tutte le brutture di un mondo che vuole spezzare i suoi protagonisti, ma che alla fine li vede vincenti. Primo volume della serie “Sulfur Heights” non vedo l’ora di leggere il resto.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Reading Addiction Blog Tours per avermi concesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima e di partecipare a questo Blog Tour in cambio della mia onesta opinione.
Review + Except
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
I hear the key unlock the handcuffs and my arms and feet are finally free, but I keep my focus on his blue irises. The small pang of relief subsides as I look at this stranger and I know in this moment he’s my protector. The one person who would keep me safe from the hell that exists in this world. Weakly, I pull myself to my elbows and whisper, “Are you…my knight in shining armor?”
“Scarred Love” è capitato come al solito per caso, mentre visionavo le mie solite mail. È strano come possa sempre trovare occasioni interessanti e collaborare con Reading Addiction Blog Tours si è rivelato di fondamentale importanza per scovare libri bellissimi. E anche questo è il caso, e ne sono molto felice perché io adoro i libri in cui i protagonisti vivono vicende disperate ma nonostante tutto riescono ad uscirne vincenti. Un libro di cui innamorarsi a prima pagina.
Darcie Claiborne ha trascorso alcuni anni della sua giovane vita vivendo con un mostro, sempre temendo quello che avrebbe fatto dopo. Afferrando a due mani la sua ultima goccia di speranza, Darcie lancia un grido. È il suo atto finale per vivere, per sopravvivere alla crudeltà che è la sua esistenza. Raccogliendola tra le sue braccia, il cavaliere dall’armatura scintillante di Darcie la salva dall’inferno in cui stava vivendo, dal patrigno che ha temuto per tutti questi anni.
Raggie Evans è stato forzato a crescere prima di essere pronto quanto sua madre è morta per un’overdose, lasciandogli la responsabilità di crescere i suoi fratelli più piccoli. Una sera segnata dal destino, aggi stava correndo vicino una vecchia casa diroccata quando ha scoperto una giovane ragazza aggrappata alla vita che gridava aiuto.
Tre anni dopo, Darcie sta guarendo e viene sempre protetta dall’uomo che l’ha salvata, ma ora sta combattendo qualcosa che non è preparata ad affrontare. L’amore crescente per l’uomo che le ha salvato la vita tre anni prima, lo stesso uomo che ha nove anni più di lei. Nel frattempo, Reggie lotta per proteggere Darcie dai demoni del suo passato e dai nuovi del suo presente.
La storia è molto intensa, piena di elementi oscuri e tragici, che va approcciata con cautela. Se non avete lo stomaco forte e il cuore protetto da un muro alto tre metri è meglio che non vi avviciniate a questo libro. Io stessa mi sono dovuta fermare più volte, riposare la mente da questa vicenda altamente emozionale. Non c’è tregua dagli avvenimenti che hanno caratterizzato le vite dei protagonisti, continuamente il passato torna a stringere la sua morsa e a minacciare l’incolumità di tutti. Ed è atroce assistere ai tentativi di Reggie di tenere la sua famiglia al sicuro o assistere al crollo di Darcie.
La storia ci viene raccontata da entrambi i protagonisti ed è intervallata da ricordi del passato di Darcie posti strategicamente per ricordare che niente è stato sepolto. Darcie è una ragazza che è stata spezzata più volte, che porta sul corpo le cicatrici di quello che è successo fisicamente e psicologicamente. Ma non si è arresa, ha deciso di ribellarsi ad un destino avverso, di prendere in mano le sue reazioni e scagliare la sua rabbia contro chi le fa un torto, contro chi minaccia di mettere in discussione la sua incolumità. Non è una damiselle in distress, ma una donna con le palle, capace di tirare i pugni e comportarsi come il peggiore dei maschiacci. Ma allo stesso tempo conserva la sua fragilità e la sua femminilità, capace di desiderare di essere bella per l’uomo che ama e tormentandosi per non essere abbastanza. Con un cameratismo che nasce dalla condivisione di spazi ed esperienze, Darcie diviene a tutti gli effetti un membro della famiglia disfunzionale di Raggie, di cui fanno parte anche i gemelli Jake e Jeremy e Drake. Ognuno di loro ha una caratteristica che lo distingue, ma la cosa che hanno in comune è il desiderio di proteggere e tenere al sicuro la ragazza. Darcie si nasconde dietro la sua aria da dura e il suo spirito combattivo per superare gli incubi del suo passato, ma effettivamente solo Raggie riesce a far breccia nel suo cuore, con i suoi meravigliosi occhi celesti. Die pozze luminose che la scrutano e conoscono tutto di lei, tanto da anticipare qualsiasi sua mossa.
Da quando l’ha trovata e salvata, Raggie è incapace di dire di no a Darcie o rimanere arrabbiato con lei per più di un minuto. Nonostante le sue lotte e le sue continue bravate, Raggie la ama con tutto sé stesso ed è pronto a fare qualsiasi cosa pur di vederla serene e al sicuro, pure scendere a patti con il diavolo in persona. La vita di Raggie non è facile, stare sempre all’erta e sull’orlo del chi vive, ma riesce a tenere tutto insieme e a gestire il suo bar “The Slab” con la mano ferma di chi intende affari. Nonostante i suoi dubbi e i suoi vacillamenti, ha dei sentimenti autentici per Darcie. Con un passato da pugile professionista, i capelli biondi lunghi fino alle spalle, quel filo di barba che accentua la sua mascella scolpita, il fisico del lottatore, con la giusta quantità di muscoli, Reggie è irresistibile, e ti viene davvero voglia di saltagli addosso, non si può certo biasimare Darcie, la scena nel magazzino del bar è qualcosa di sconvolgente. Ma Raggie è protettivo, implorante e assolutamente pericoloso quando si arrabbia.
Tra gli altri personaggi che voglio citare c’è Presley, una ragazza che si unisce alla gang e che avrà un ruolo fondamentale fino alla conclusione e che ho adorato fin dal primo momento in cui è comparsa.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una cartella di pelle nera….
Tra lotte, gare automobilistiche clandestine, ubriacature epocali, questa è una storia d’amore ad ampio raggio, una storia di redenzione e lotta che non s riduce a gettare un po’ di pugni in giro, ma anche e soprattutto a lottare psicologicamente per superate tutte le brutture di un mondo che vuole spezzare i suoi protagonisti, ma che alla fine li vede vincenti. Primo volume della serie “Sulfur Heights” non vedo l’ora di leggere il resto.
Buona lettura guys!
Ringrazio immensamente Reading Addiction Blog Tours per avermi concesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima e di partecipare a questo Blog Tour in cambio della mia onesta opinione.
January 9, 2014
Monsters tend to harbor the same cold look in their eyes. Located just behind the colored irises, lies a creature of pure evil and hate. They lurk in the shadows of their intentions, waiting for the right time to strike and then, they take the soul of their prey.
Darcie Claiborne has had a life filled with so many horrible events that it's any wonder she is able to move past it and have any sort of normal life. Terror and darkness were a part of her everyday life. But one day she is rescued by Reggie Evans. Her knight in shining armour. And she vows she will never be a victim again. She will never let anyone get the better of her. She will be a fighter.
Scarred Love is a book that has me torn. I had so many things floating around in my head as I was reading it. I was instantly drawn in by the books synopsis. I love dark, gritty books and this one seemed to tick all those boxes. Let me start by saying that the writing was great. I have no issues with that whatsoever. But I do have a few concerns with the characters. They are a group of very angry people. Yes I understand that they have all had really crappy lives, and have witnessed and experienced some horrific things. But they seemed to go from calm to crazy in a matter of seconds and everything was sorted with their fists. The amount of fighting and violence in this book was crazy and I felt that the characters didn't grow a whole lot beyond that throughout the story.
Normally, age difference between characters doesn't really bother me and for the most part it didn't this time around. I tended to forget that the age difference between Darcie and Reggie was almost ten years. Occasionally I would ask myself why a grown man would be interested in a seventeen year old girl, but these two have been through a lot together and I suppose that all of those emotions and events could lead to love. And I didn't question their love for each other. That all felt very real to me. Reggie was so caring and loving. I adored how he would do anything to protect Darcie and keep her safe. In fact he did whatever it took to keep his whole family feel safe and protected.
One of the characters that really stood out to me was Drake. I think he came across, to me at least, as a much more level person than anyone else, and I'm so glad that book two in this series is his story. I'm really interested to read what's to come for him.
Something that I love to read about is the bond between families. And whilst everyone in this family may not be related by blood, that makes no difference to them. Their deep connection and love for each other was such a great thing to read. Despite their bickering and fighting, they would do anything for each other.
Scarred love definitely turned out to be deeply gritty and at times disturbing and hard to read because of the intense subject matter. But as I said, I like my books like that. Despite my issues with the characters anger, I really enjoyed this book and I think that was due to the authors writing.
3.5/5 Dark Stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eCopy to read and review.
Darcie Claiborne has had a life filled with so many horrible events that it's any wonder she is able to move past it and have any sort of normal life. Terror and darkness were a part of her everyday life. But one day she is rescued by Reggie Evans. Her knight in shining armour. And she vows she will never be a victim again. She will never let anyone get the better of her. She will be a fighter.
Scarred Love is a book that has me torn. I had so many things floating around in my head as I was reading it. I was instantly drawn in by the books synopsis. I love dark, gritty books and this one seemed to tick all those boxes. Let me start by saying that the writing was great. I have no issues with that whatsoever. But I do have a few concerns with the characters. They are a group of very angry people. Yes I understand that they have all had really crappy lives, and have witnessed and experienced some horrific things. But they seemed to go from calm to crazy in a matter of seconds and everything was sorted with their fists. The amount of fighting and violence in this book was crazy and I felt that the characters didn't grow a whole lot beyond that throughout the story.
Normally, age difference between characters doesn't really bother me and for the most part it didn't this time around. I tended to forget that the age difference between Darcie and Reggie was almost ten years. Occasionally I would ask myself why a grown man would be interested in a seventeen year old girl, but these two have been through a lot together and I suppose that all of those emotions and events could lead to love. And I didn't question their love for each other. That all felt very real to me. Reggie was so caring and loving. I adored how he would do anything to protect Darcie and keep her safe. In fact he did whatever it took to keep his whole family feel safe and protected.
One of the characters that really stood out to me was Drake. I think he came across, to me at least, as a much more level person than anyone else, and I'm so glad that book two in this series is his story. I'm really interested to read what's to come for him.
Something that I love to read about is the bond between families. And whilst everyone in this family may not be related by blood, that makes no difference to them. Their deep connection and love for each other was such a great thing to read. Despite their bickering and fighting, they would do anything for each other.
Scarred love definitely turned out to be deeply gritty and at times disturbing and hard to read because of the intense subject matter. But as I said, I like my books like that. Despite my issues with the characters anger, I really enjoyed this book and I think that was due to the authors writing.
3.5/5 Dark Stars
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eCopy to read and review.
December 31, 2013
For 8 long months, Darcie Claiborne was left in an abandoned house owned by her step-father, Robert Stein, tortured, beatened and handcuffed to a filthy bed and laying half-naked in her own urine.
One night while out for a run, Reggie hears screams from an abandoned house, runs in and what he finds he never expected.
3 years later, Darcie lives with 4 men who became a part of her life, one of them being the man who saved her from her step-father, Reggie, her Knight and Shining Armor.
At 17, she finds her life a bit out of control, getting into fights at school, unable to keep her anger under control. Reggie there, always to save her from her mess, new light is shed on their relationship and they find themselves breaking all the rules.
I loved this story so much! I can't stress how much I enjoyed it! I give it 5 stars! You will fall in love with Darcie and Reggie! I did! Reggie, stepping up and taking over the household when he was just starting his adulthood and taking on more responsibilities than any young man should. Darcie being raised on the other side of town but saved from her own misery, moves in with the Evans and finds her true family there.
This is a wonderful story of hurt, pain, loss and love. It proves that no matter where life takes you or how much pain you have to endure, love is just around the corner waiting to be conquered.
One night while out for a run, Reggie hears screams from an abandoned house, runs in and what he finds he never expected.
3 years later, Darcie lives with 4 men who became a part of her life, one of them being the man who saved her from her step-father, Reggie, her Knight and Shining Armor.
At 17, she finds her life a bit out of control, getting into fights at school, unable to keep her anger under control. Reggie there, always to save her from her mess, new light is shed on their relationship and they find themselves breaking all the rules.
I loved this story so much! I can't stress how much I enjoyed it! I give it 5 stars! You will fall in love with Darcie and Reggie! I did! Reggie, stepping up and taking over the household when he was just starting his adulthood and taking on more responsibilities than any young man should. Darcie being raised on the other side of town but saved from her own misery, moves in with the Evans and finds her true family there.
This is a wonderful story of hurt, pain, loss and love. It proves that no matter where life takes you or how much pain you have to endure, love is just around the corner waiting to be conquered.
October 3, 2013
I’m. A. Fighter!
This is the main reason I loved this book I have read a lot of books where the heroine was abuse in her past and would hide in her corner pushing everyone away but this was so different Darcie was such a fierce tough character after everything she went through at such a young age she overcame so much and came out tough as hell not letting nobody push her around!
I love the Evans brothers how much love they had for each other and how much they loved Darcie I love their family cant wait to read each of their stories!!!
5 Stars for a great Debut Novel and great characters!
This is the main reason I loved this book I have read a lot of books where the heroine was abuse in her past and would hide in her corner pushing everyone away but this was so different Darcie was such a fierce tough character after everything she went through at such a young age she overcame so much and came out tough as hell not letting nobody push her around!
I love the Evans brothers how much love they had for each other and how much they loved Darcie I love their family cant wait to read each of their stories!!!
5 Stars for a great Debut Novel and great characters!
June 19, 2013
This book was the exact opposite of boring. I love loved it. I was always wanting to know what happens next... I can not wait for next one. I am 100% loving the weighting and the conflict and the bad a**ness of the man character Darcie.
June 9, 2013
This was just okay for me. There as just something that prevented me from totally liking the novel. I'm not too sure what it was exactly.
June 17, 2013
Review originally published at Love, Literature, Art, and Reason book review blog.
Scarred Love was a surprisingly gritty and haunting NA/Upper YA contemporary romance. The love story was atypical and therefore less predictable. I enjoyed the book quite a bit and flew through it in a matter of hours.
The narration bounced back and forth between Darcie and Reggie, though Darcie narrated most of the novel. Her tragic situation at the beginning of the novel ended at the age of 14 and then the narration leaped to her life 3 years later. She was a surprising character because I expected a lot more weakness from her. She ended up being tough as nails and let her tragic past become fuel for rage instead of weakness. While she flew off the handle quite a bit, I respected her anyway.
The love story was odd because Reggie ended up being the man who saved her, her guardian who was almost a decade older than her, but he became the love interest as Darcie matured. I can see how this situation might rub some people the wrong way, not just because of the age gap but because of the shift from authority figure to love interest. I actually liked it because it was something I haven’t seen before and it wasn’t an instant shift but a slow awareness that sort of lead to more.
Darcie and her makeshift family were full of personality, rage, and were all around boisterous people. I felt like the author did a wonderful job portraying the Evans family and what it might be like for a girl among rambunctious boys. They were all relatively macho and full of rage and always getting into fights, but I still felt like they were kind of believable, especially given they were all from the “wrong side of the tracks.”
Everything about the plot in Scarred Love was over the top, but I still enjoyed reading it. Some areas defied logic and were too unbelievable and the character’s reactions to those things didn’t match. I felt like there should have been much more psychological damage based on the amount of psychotic behavior exhibited by Darcie’s stepfather. And while I know a lot of evil gets by in certain areas of life, I had a small issue with the fact that people like her stepfather and another psychotic character in the book just walking around without consequences. And what are the odds that someone runs across the same type of psychotic rage various times in their life? I don’t know. There were some crazy parts with insane events and yet, despite the bit of rage she had, Darcie was relatively normal. Some parts of the conflict just didn’t add up for me. I felt like this area made it seem unbelievable.
With that being said, I enjoyed the train wreck sort of ride, which is why I ultimately rated it 4 stars instead of 3. The story was really emotional and each scene was intense. I liked the intensity of the characters and I could really feel the love everyone had for one another and their fierce protectiveness of each other. I loved watching Darcie and Reggie fall in love but fight against it and the kind of emotional chaos that resulted. I loved how Darcie and Reggie were anchors for each other and could calm each other down.
I would definitely recommend Scarred Love to fans of NA/Upper YA contemporary romance who are looking for something gritty and somewhat dark with a lot of great romantic tension and intensity.
Scarred Love was a surprisingly gritty and haunting NA/Upper YA contemporary romance. The love story was atypical and therefore less predictable. I enjoyed the book quite a bit and flew through it in a matter of hours.
The narration bounced back and forth between Darcie and Reggie, though Darcie narrated most of the novel. Her tragic situation at the beginning of the novel ended at the age of 14 and then the narration leaped to her life 3 years later. She was a surprising character because I expected a lot more weakness from her. She ended up being tough as nails and let her tragic past become fuel for rage instead of weakness. While she flew off the handle quite a bit, I respected her anyway.
The love story was odd because Reggie ended up being the man who saved her, her guardian who was almost a decade older than her, but he became the love interest as Darcie matured. I can see how this situation might rub some people the wrong way, not just because of the age gap but because of the shift from authority figure to love interest. I actually liked it because it was something I haven’t seen before and it wasn’t an instant shift but a slow awareness that sort of lead to more.
Darcie and her makeshift family were full of personality, rage, and were all around boisterous people. I felt like the author did a wonderful job portraying the Evans family and what it might be like for a girl among rambunctious boys. They were all relatively macho and full of rage and always getting into fights, but I still felt like they were kind of believable, especially given they were all from the “wrong side of the tracks.”
Everything about the plot in Scarred Love was over the top, but I still enjoyed reading it. Some areas defied logic and were too unbelievable and the character’s reactions to those things didn’t match. I felt like there should have been much more psychological damage based on the amount of psychotic behavior exhibited by Darcie’s stepfather. And while I know a lot of evil gets by in certain areas of life, I had a small issue with the fact that people like her stepfather and another psychotic character in the book just walking around without consequences. And what are the odds that someone runs across the same type of psychotic rage various times in their life? I don’t know. There were some crazy parts with insane events and yet, despite the bit of rage she had, Darcie was relatively normal. Some parts of the conflict just didn’t add up for me. I felt like this area made it seem unbelievable.
With that being said, I enjoyed the train wreck sort of ride, which is why I ultimately rated it 4 stars instead of 3. The story was really emotional and each scene was intense. I liked the intensity of the characters and I could really feel the love everyone had for one another and their fierce protectiveness of each other. I loved watching Darcie and Reggie fall in love but fight against it and the kind of emotional chaos that resulted. I loved how Darcie and Reggie were anchors for each other and could calm each other down.
I would definitely recommend Scarred Love to fans of NA/Upper YA contemporary romance who are looking for something gritty and somewhat dark with a lot of great romantic tension and intensity.
August 8, 2013
Scarred Love (Sulfur Heights #1) by M.S. Brannon
M.S. Brannon debut novel is riveting, emotional, brought tears to my eyes kind of novel. Her writing is fantastic, her characters are well developed this is one of those books you can’t put down. Well I did put down to control the emotional turmoil I was going through. I absolutely love M.S. Brannon’s writing and this series; I cannot wait to read more. Reading the prologue had me hooked.
This is a story of a young woman named Darcie who has suffered from all kinds of abuse growing up. From being raised by a drug addicted mother to being left with her abusive step father. Her life was a living hell!
We meet Reggie who has just rescued Darcie from that hell, and from this point he will make sure she is protected and safe no matter what he has to do. Reggie brings her home to his make shift family and Darcie for the first time feels safe. This story shares with us some of the tragic life Darcie survived and how she moves forward. We meet the Evan’s family and fall in love with all of them.
The love, romance and tragic way Darcie has lived and reading how she has coped and gained strength to go forward is fantastic. We get to meet her brothers and how they all develop their protective side towards Darcie. You absolutely can’t help fall in love with the entire family. I am hoping each brother will have his own story.
The plot is fast paced, everything is written brilliantly. I have rated Scarred Love a 5 star rating. This is the first book in the Sulfur Heights series and I cannot wait to read more.
Fantastic, emotional, riveting, dark, and the romance makes this a top rated novel and the ending was perfect. I definitely recommend Scarred Love to anyone who enjoys the New Adult Contemporary Romance genre.
M.S. Brannon debut novel is riveting, emotional, brought tears to my eyes kind of novel. Her writing is fantastic, her characters are well developed this is one of those books you can’t put down. Well I did put down to control the emotional turmoil I was going through. I absolutely love M.S. Brannon’s writing and this series; I cannot wait to read more. Reading the prologue had me hooked.
This is a story of a young woman named Darcie who has suffered from all kinds of abuse growing up. From being raised by a drug addicted mother to being left with her abusive step father. Her life was a living hell!
We meet Reggie who has just rescued Darcie from that hell, and from this point he will make sure she is protected and safe no matter what he has to do. Reggie brings her home to his make shift family and Darcie for the first time feels safe. This story shares with us some of the tragic life Darcie survived and how she moves forward. We meet the Evan’s family and fall in love with all of them.
The love, romance and tragic way Darcie has lived and reading how she has coped and gained strength to go forward is fantastic. We get to meet her brothers and how they all develop their protective side towards Darcie. You absolutely can’t help fall in love with the entire family. I am hoping each brother will have his own story.
The plot is fast paced, everything is written brilliantly. I have rated Scarred Love a 5 star rating. This is the first book in the Sulfur Heights series and I cannot wait to read more.
Fantastic, emotional, riveting, dark, and the romance makes this a top rated novel and the ending was perfect. I definitely recommend Scarred Love to anyone who enjoys the New Adult Contemporary Romance genre.
January 15, 2014
SCARRED LOVE is a beautiful, tragic love story with a hard-won happily ever after.
Darcie and Reggie had so many obstacles but the one constant was their trust in each other. Darcie had a horrifying past and owes her present to Reggie, her knight in shining armor.
Reggie wants Darcie to have the best future, even if it means he doesn’t get to be a part of it. Out of concern for Darcie’s best interests, he pushes her away.
SCARRED LOVE started off with a bang with a horrifying glimpse into Darcie’s childhood and Reggie’s amazing rescue. The reader could see, hear, and feel what Darcie was going through and it was dark and scary and wonderfully written.
I loved that despite all of the terrible, horrifying, petrifying obstacles, I could always feel Darcie and Reggie’s love for each other. No unnecessary angst due to miscommunications—this couple’s only obvious was how meant for each other they were. And given how they met and the age difference, that is a given that M.S. Brannon earned with her strong character building because in a lot of other books I would have struggled with their differences and Reggie’s role in Darcie’s life.
I was scared for them, happy for them, in love with them. I’m absolutely ecstatic to see what Ms. Brannon has in store for TRAGIC LOVE.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
Darcie and Reggie had so many obstacles but the one constant was their trust in each other. Darcie had a horrifying past and owes her present to Reggie, her knight in shining armor.
Reggie wants Darcie to have the best future, even if it means he doesn’t get to be a part of it. Out of concern for Darcie’s best interests, he pushes her away.
SCARRED LOVE started off with a bang with a horrifying glimpse into Darcie’s childhood and Reggie’s amazing rescue. The reader could see, hear, and feel what Darcie was going through and it was dark and scary and wonderfully written.
I loved that despite all of the terrible, horrifying, petrifying obstacles, I could always feel Darcie and Reggie’s love for each other. No unnecessary angst due to miscommunications—this couple’s only obvious was how meant for each other they were. And given how they met and the age difference, that is a given that M.S. Brannon earned with her strong character building because in a lot of other books I would have struggled with their differences and Reggie’s role in Darcie’s life.
I was scared for them, happy for them, in love with them. I’m absolutely ecstatic to see what Ms. Brannon has in store for TRAGIC LOVE.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
December 24, 2013
Darcie Caliborne has lived in hell all her life. Constantly looking over her shoulder looking for the monster behind her, afraid of making a move. But things go from bad to worse when Darcie's mom dies. Blamed for her mothers death, the monster she's feared roars its ugly head again. But one last attempt at fighting saves Darcie's life.
Reggie Evans grew up too fast when his mom overdosed, taking on the responsibility of raising his brothers. Then he saves Darcie. And everything else doesn't seem to matter anymore. He'll do anything to keep Darcie safe and away from her step father. But what happens when his feelings for Darcie deepen?
This book was amazing. I loved it. I really don't know what to say. I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything.
I really liked Darcie. She's tough and determined. She's a fighter.
Reggie. Swoon worthy. Ex MMA fighter. Protective. Just. Damn!
I really loved Jake. That guy had me laughing with his smartass remarks. Jeremy was cool too. Even though he doesn't say a lot, he's pretty funny if he says anything.
I liked Drake as well and I just found him and Presley adorable and I can't wait to read their story.
I think what got me the most about this was how ruthless Robert was. It was so dark and twisted and I couldn't imagine going through something like that. This book was so intriguing, it had me from the first sentence. I didn't want to put this down. So, if you're looking for a good read and don't mind a dark story, pick this up. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy! :)
Reggie Evans grew up too fast when his mom overdosed, taking on the responsibility of raising his brothers. Then he saves Darcie. And everything else doesn't seem to matter anymore. He'll do anything to keep Darcie safe and away from her step father. But what happens when his feelings for Darcie deepen?
This book was amazing. I loved it. I really don't know what to say. I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything.
I really liked Darcie. She's tough and determined. She's a fighter.
Reggie. Swoon worthy. Ex MMA fighter. Protective. Just. Damn!
I really loved Jake. That guy had me laughing with his smartass remarks. Jeremy was cool too. Even though he doesn't say a lot, he's pretty funny if he says anything.
I liked Drake as well and I just found him and Presley adorable and I can't wait to read their story.
I think what got me the most about this was how ruthless Robert was. It was so dark and twisted and I couldn't imagine going through something like that. This book was so intriguing, it had me from the first sentence. I didn't want to put this down. So, if you're looking for a good read and don't mind a dark story, pick this up. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy! :)
September 10, 2016
This book grabbed my attention right from the first page!! It is a very emotional story and deals with abusive situations. It was easy to be pulled into the character's lives. To say that Darcie had a tough life would be an understatement. Left to live with her abusive step-father after her mother died of an overdose, she suffered severely at his hands. Reggie Evans saves her one night from her personal hell. She ends up living with him and his three brothers at their house...I love the Evans family. They are a loud, rowdy, tough bunch of guys, but they always have each other's backs.
Darcie and Reggie struggle with their growing feelings for each other...he is nine years older than her and she is in his care. He seems to be the only one who is able to pull Darcie out of the dark when her memories plague her.
Sulfur Heights is not the kind of place that I would want to live....but I can't wait to go back!
Read more of my review: http://www.2bookloversreviews.com/sca...
Darcie and Reggie struggle with their growing feelings for each other...he is nine years older than her and she is in his care. He seems to be the only one who is able to pull Darcie out of the dark when her memories plague her.
Sulfur Heights is not the kind of place that I would want to live....but I can't wait to go back!
Read more of my review: http://www.2bookloversreviews.com/sca...
January 18, 2014
What a story! From the first sentence, this story drew me in and didn't let go til the end.
We meet Darcie, she is a broken girl that has been through a lot. She is a tough girl and a fighter. I don't want to give any of the book away, but what she went through and the strength that she had after it says a lot about her.
Reggie is her knight and shining armour. He help Darcie when she needed it the most and has been in her life every since. They struggle with the feeling that they start to have for each.The age gap should be something of a concern but it just isn't.
I loved this story. If anyone has every been through something and they survived, then read this book. Or if you are going through something and think about giving up read this. Great book!
We meet Darcie, she is a broken girl that has been through a lot. She is a tough girl and a fighter. I don't want to give any of the book away, but what she went through and the strength that she had after it says a lot about her.
Reggie is her knight and shining armour. He help Darcie when she needed it the most and has been in her life every since. They struggle with the feeling that they start to have for each.The age gap should be something of a concern but it just isn't.
I loved this story. If anyone has every been through something and they survived, then read this book. Or if you are going through something and think about giving up read this. Great book!
July 29, 2013
Scarred Love by M.S. Brannon was a interesting read for me. Had I not been sent this book to review it isn't something that I would have picked up on my own but that being said I really did enjoy the book and it made me think. While I was reading it I had to wonder how often in America does something like this really happen. I haven't really talked about my childhood on this blog but I understood all to well how Darcie felt at times and at other times I was annoyed by her. I think the author did a great job of understanding how teenagers think and how they act so even when I was annoyed I knew how she was acting was pretty much how some teens act.
January 31, 2014
I could not put this down once I started it. Loved the characters and the back story. Great development through out entire book. It kept me hooked from the very beginning. Did I mention that I loved Reggie! and Darcie, and the twins Jake and Jeremy.And the heart stopper Drake. Can. Not. Wait. for what's next in the Sulfur Heights Series.
October 3, 2013
Another situation where I act against my better judgement and fall for the blurb of the book. This one was an alright read. Not great, not bad just good. A bit predictable at times unfortunately. I saw the ending coming a mile away.
February 11, 2014
This is an extremely intense emotional story about a subject that many people don't know. Darcie is fearless, loyal and feisty. I am absolutely in love with the characters and the story is just intense.
June 30, 2013
I just don't know, I can't figure out if I Ike this are not,,,,
October 9, 2013
I give it a solid 4.5 Amazing teary stars!!!!
January 7, 2018
O.M.G!!! What a dark, but rewarding story this was. Reggie and Darcie were two strangers brought together by fate. He was her "knight in shining armor", saving her from certain death. I couldn't stop reading once I started. This story definitely captivated my attention. I would absolutely recommend this book and author to everyone ❤❤
July 20, 2013
Dark, emotional, and full of intense romance, this book was a heavy read. And I really enjoyed it. Scarred Love is the kind of book that makes you feel for the characters and get drawn into their world. It was a wonderful read.
This book isn't for the faint of heart. The themes of abuse, mental and physical, and rape play huge roles in this book. I thought it was treated with respect and was incorporated smoothly into the story, instead of seeming like the elephant in the room. So, I appreciate that.
Darcie was an okay heroine. On one hand, she was incredibly strong. She was a survivor and determined to thrive, no matter the odds. On the other, she had a tendency to make really stupid decisions and it was kind of irritating. For example, after seeing Reggie was a woman (because it's totally strange for a 27 year old man to hook up with women), she throws a fit and decides to go out with a guy who gives her the creeps just to spite him. This is totally wrong for several reasons. Reason 1: Does she really think that a relationship between her, a minor, and Reggie, can happen easily, considering he's almost a decade older and her guardian? There are laws against that. Reason 2: Her reaction was possibly the most childish thing I've ever seen. Reason 3: What in god's name made you thing going out with a guy that you have a bad feeling about was a good idea. A guy who continually harasses your adopted brother and who everyone is warning you away from? It had bad idea written all over it, inside it, and stamped into it. And Darcie seemed to make these kinds of decisions a lot. After a while, it got on my nerves.
I still liked Darcie's character because I think she had a lot of depth and a lot of strength. But, I did get annoyed with her frequently.
Reggie, on the other hand, was great. He's had to take care of his brothers, giving up his promising career, for almost a decade. And, after he rescues Darcie, he adds even more to his plate. But, considering his age and the tendency of the people in his care to be difficult, he deals with it all remarkably well. He never shirks the responsibility and does his best to care for everyone. He was so sweet, intensely protective of his loved ones, and determined to do what was best for them. I thought he was wonderful.
The romance was intense. There was a lot of built up longing between Darcie and Reggie and, when it finally exploded, it was hot. Both in regards to the deep emotion between them and the sparks that were constantly flying when they were together. To anyone who is squeamish at the thought of a 17 year old and a 27 year old in a relationship, you have to remember that age is just a number, particularly in this case. After everything that they've been through, these two are more mature than their age gives them credit for. If you measure age by life experience, then they're the same age. So, it didn't bother me at all. And I though the romance was brilliantly done.
I liked that all the brothers were treated as individual characters, and not just side notes. Each of them had depth and personality and I was actually interested in them as their own people.
I have to say that I had one other complaint about this book. It was a little unrealistic, in several ways. For one, the way high school portrayed was almost like a twisted parody. I don't know what high school actually includes behavior like this. All the girls dressed like sluts, all the guys acting like total pervs about said girls, and everyone getting in fights on a daily basis. I don't know if there are actually high school like that, but mine definitely wasn't. Also, the way Darcie and the boys acted was out of the ordinary for teenagers. At least, from what I've seen. Yeah, teenagers party and drink. But, getting drunk at a bar every night is what I would consider odd behavior for high schoolers. And last, I didn't think it made sense why none of any of the abuse that Darcie suffered was ever reported. Not just after Reggie found her, but before. Didn't ANYONE notice something? Just something small enough to warrant a call to the police? It just didn't sit well with me.
The plot was fast paced. The prologue was brilliant. It started the book off with a bang and got me totally hooked. And I was kept interested the entire way through. The thrill of danger was constantly there and had me on the edge of my seat. Despite any issues I had with the book, I really enjoyed the story. And the ending was perfect.
Though I had my problems with this book, in the end, I really liked Scarred Love. That I still liked it despite my complaints shows how much I truly enjoyed this book. It was absolutely wonderful. If you want a darker read with intense emotions and hot romance, then you definitely have to read this book.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
This book isn't for the faint of heart. The themes of abuse, mental and physical, and rape play huge roles in this book. I thought it was treated with respect and was incorporated smoothly into the story, instead of seeming like the elephant in the room. So, I appreciate that.
Darcie was an okay heroine. On one hand, she was incredibly strong. She was a survivor and determined to thrive, no matter the odds. On the other, she had a tendency to make really stupid decisions and it was kind of irritating. For example, after seeing Reggie was a woman (because it's totally strange for a 27 year old man to hook up with women), she throws a fit and decides to go out with a guy who gives her the creeps just to spite him. This is totally wrong for several reasons. Reason 1: Does she really think that a relationship between her, a minor, and Reggie, can happen easily, considering he's almost a decade older and her guardian? There are laws against that. Reason 2: Her reaction was possibly the most childish thing I've ever seen. Reason 3: What in god's name made you thing going out with a guy that you have a bad feeling about was a good idea. A guy who continually harasses your adopted brother and who everyone is warning you away from? It had bad idea written all over it, inside it, and stamped into it. And Darcie seemed to make these kinds of decisions a lot. After a while, it got on my nerves.
I still liked Darcie's character because I think she had a lot of depth and a lot of strength. But, I did get annoyed with her frequently.
Reggie, on the other hand, was great. He's had to take care of his brothers, giving up his promising career, for almost a decade. And, after he rescues Darcie, he adds even more to his plate. But, considering his age and the tendency of the people in his care to be difficult, he deals with it all remarkably well. He never shirks the responsibility and does his best to care for everyone. He was so sweet, intensely protective of his loved ones, and determined to do what was best for them. I thought he was wonderful.
The romance was intense. There was a lot of built up longing between Darcie and Reggie and, when it finally exploded, it was hot. Both in regards to the deep emotion between them and the sparks that were constantly flying when they were together. To anyone who is squeamish at the thought of a 17 year old and a 27 year old in a relationship, you have to remember that age is just a number, particularly in this case. After everything that they've been through, these two are more mature than their age gives them credit for. If you measure age by life experience, then they're the same age. So, it didn't bother me at all. And I though the romance was brilliantly done.
I liked that all the brothers were treated as individual characters, and not just side notes. Each of them had depth and personality and I was actually interested in them as their own people.
I have to say that I had one other complaint about this book. It was a little unrealistic, in several ways. For one, the way high school portrayed was almost like a twisted parody. I don't know what high school actually includes behavior like this. All the girls dressed like sluts, all the guys acting like total pervs about said girls, and everyone getting in fights on a daily basis. I don't know if there are actually high school like that, but mine definitely wasn't. Also, the way Darcie and the boys acted was out of the ordinary for teenagers. At least, from what I've seen. Yeah, teenagers party and drink. But, getting drunk at a bar every night is what I would consider odd behavior for high schoolers. And last, I didn't think it made sense why none of any of the abuse that Darcie suffered was ever reported. Not just after Reggie found her, but before. Didn't ANYONE notice something? Just something small enough to warrant a call to the police? It just didn't sit well with me.
The plot was fast paced. The prologue was brilliant. It started the book off with a bang and got me totally hooked. And I was kept interested the entire way through. The thrill of danger was constantly there and had me on the edge of my seat. Despite any issues I had with the book, I really enjoyed the story. And the ending was perfect.
Though I had my problems with this book, in the end, I really liked Scarred Love. That I still liked it despite my complaints shows how much I truly enjoyed this book. It was absolutely wonderful. If you want a darker read with intense emotions and hot romance, then you definitely have to read this book.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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