Love Scars

Love Scars

by Lark Lane (pen name)

They can heal each other’s love scars, if only they can see past them.

Traumatized by the violent loss of her family, Nora Deven has tried to keep everything "normal" for her niece Stacey, but now she's amassed so much student loan debt they might lose their home. When she's offered the chance to pay off her loans and pay for Stacey's college too, she jumps at it. Then Nora meets J.D. Reider, and she can't believe how safe he makes her feel. At last, a guy she can trust.

Tech genius J.D. Reider's wealth hasn't shielded him from being scarred by love. These days he prefers friends with benefits instead of girlfriends. But when a fragile graduate student is used as a pawn to sabotage his company, she gets under his skin. Nora Deven may destroy the fortress around J.D.'s heart, but he's afraid he'll lose her when she discovers everything he's told her is a lie.

A New Adult contemporary romance.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Lark Lane was named for a street in Liverpool, England. Lark Lane stories are about damaged heroines who rise above their challenges to claim the love and happiness they deserve and heroes who break through their hardened outer shells for the women they love.



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Reviews

[Karina Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 3 Stars

This book was kinda hard for me to read in all honesty. I think i could've really loved the book, but it was way to rushed and just over the top for my liking. Like way over the top.

I think the storyline was interesting and it could've been a really great story, and I really think it could be with a few tweaks.

The way they met was so sudden like oh hey whats up, I'm gonna start screaming now and having a full blown anxiety attack and then have you kiss me and lets almost sleep together too? Like I don't know I like gradual romance where I can really relate to the characters and this book I really didn't connect with them at all which was disappointing.

If I was Brad I wouldve dropped Lisa so fast, like no. Just no. Then to kill Frank off the book? Random so that him and Lisa could be together? Wait what, and the poor TA Jane, like why'd she have to die? I'm still a little confused about that whole thing, it was a little to much for me to handle.

I think the book could've been maybe 50 pages longer with a gradual romance and maybe one story line instead of cramming so many into one.

*ARC provided for honest review

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3.5. stars

Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Nora is not your typical heroine , traumatized after witnessing the brutal massacre of her family she suffered from panic attacks. JD is a rich guy, wonder boy CEO of Bluemagick. When they met Nora can't believe how safe JD made her feel. She trusted him. When I started reading the book I thought this book has potential . But I was proven wrong about 20% into the book I felt that everything seemed rushed & unrealistic. It lacks character development. Everything fell flat and I can't connect with the main character's relationship. I don't get their deep feelings for each other. There's simply no romance at all. For the ending , are you kidding me ? Enough of the shooting. 

Overall this is a nice & easy read. Although if the characters were developed more & had chemistry it could have been better. Looking forward to Brad & Lisa's story.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review from the author.

Overall I liked the book. I however did have a few issues. Characters could have better development. I liked the story line. A lot of people have a problem with love at first sight situations. But because I'm a hopeless romantic. That doesn't bother me at all I believe you can see a person across a room and be immediately drawn to them and in that moment of course it's lust!!! But I've lusted a few people in my life and then been let down. But there a few times that lust did become love.

My issue is I needed to feel more. More of everything. I love to be so wrapped up in the characters that I breathe them and feel connected to them. That didn't happen here but I kept reading cause the storyline was pretty good. The writing was good. I JUST NEEDED MORE.

I would read another LK book because hopefully we can get a little more in Brad and Lisa's story. Hopefully.

[Britt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was provided for an honest review:

I really didn't not like this book. I think the characters were very under developed, Nora is a creepy weirdo, and J.D. was just a jaded soul. The thing that initially threw me off with the book was how in the beginning of the book Nora was #TeamFrank, then in the very next 2-3 paragraphs she's #TeamBrad. Initially Frank was made to look like a great guy that wasn't intimidated Brad, then as soon as he speaks he seems to hate Brad. I dreaded finishing the book. There is so much that I can say that redid not agree with me from this book, but I'm just going to choose to believe that the book wasn't meant to call to me. I think it's an "acquired taste" kind of book. I didn't relate to it at all...

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and what a pleasure it has been to read this.

Nora isn't your typical college student. Oh no, she lives in the home of her now deceased grandmother, with her best friend and her niece Stacey, of whom she is the only surviving relative. After having witnessed the massacre of her whole family, including her brother, Stacey's father, Nora assumes all responsibility, emotional and financial for her niece, and wanting to provide her with as stable a life as possible refuses to work nights, instead using student loans to support them. But life as Nora knows is all about to change. Her best friend Lisa is getting married, Stacey is about to turn 18 and leave for college, and suddenly Nora is going to be left in her own, with a degree that is only useful for a PHD, meaning even more student debt! But then Stacey is offered the chance of a lifetime. All she has to do is test the soil at a dig with a pre provided device and not only will her student loans be cleared but she will be paid well for her time, little does she know she is about to be used as a pawn in a much bigger game than she could have imagined. Enter JD! He knows that Nora has been approached, but she doesn't know that it is his company that could suffer as a result of her actions, how could she when she doesn't even know what her actions are. All he needed to do was attend a party, find out what info she had and use that to his advantage. JD certainly never expected to feel how he felt upon just seeing her, he never meant to continue the lie, he never meant to fall in love with her, he never meant to become her saviour.

Nora has never recovered form the murders she witnessed, she still suffers from flashbacks that literally knock her off her feet, she still can't cope with crowds or loud noise, and she certainly can't cope with the feelings that JD instils in her! How can this man make her not only feel safe, but make her want to face her demons and fears head on? To fall so fast can only make the inevitable heartbreak harder - right?

I can't finish this review without mentioning Lisa and Brad - surely there is a whole other book there...just saying, if there is I can't wait to read it, if there isn't, why not?

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

****I was given a copy of this book for a honest review****

I must say that I really liked this book. All the elements of a good story were present. I felt plenty of character development, sometimes I think authors go into too much depth and it becomes boring.

Nora is a young woman that lives with so much emotional trauma and feels the need to always put herself second. Through a life altering event, she is left as the sole guardian for her niece, Stacey, and her grandmothers home. She has sacrificed her own life taking on student loans year after year so that she could finish school and provide for Stacey. She is so in debt that she has to sell the house in order to send Stacey to college.

J.D. is a young entrepreneur, CEO of BlueMagick, but wants to find someone that wants to be with him for him and not for his wealth.

By a chance meeting Nora and J.D. meet and are attracted to one another, "love at first sight"....sigh! Nora is almost immediately able to open up to him after having an anxiety attack. The only flaw with this relationship is that J.D. hides his identity from her.

Nora is offered a temporary job she can't refuse in order to prevent having to sell her home. Through a series of events this job is entwined with J.D.'s company and a competing company. The events escalate and tragedy strikes.

There is also an underlying story between Nora's best friend Lisa and J.D.'s best friend Brad. Both characters are developed well and I can't wait for their story.

Overall, I think this book was well written, not overly angst ridden, everything was clearly explained and there was nothing that was left hidden by the end of the story. I never got to the point where I wanted to throw my kindle through the wall, as I do with some stories. I would totally recommend this book!!!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided this book by the author to give an honest review and I must say I was pleasantly surprise and really enjoyed reading it!


The story is based on college student Nora but she isn't your typical college student, taking on huge amounts of debt to support her niece Stacey who is about to embark on her own college adventure! She is her guardian and only living relative following the massacre of their whole family and until she turns 18 Nora refuses to work nights so that child protection services don't remove her from her care! Crippled with student debt Nora is given an offer that she can't refuse and would mean the end of her financial crisis!


J.D tech wonderboy thinks he has everything, the money, meaningless sex with no emotional involvement what could possibly interrupt his seemingly perfect life, that is until he discovers that a rival tech company has permeated his plans for natural minerals at a college dig site which he has been involved in for nearly a year! All he has to do is attend a party with his friend and business partner Brad who is head over heels in love again, that is until her sees her.... The dark brown eyes... Long dark hair... And everything he thought he knew takes a dramatic shift and all he can focus on is her.


I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it!

[Catherine Arnaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to thanks the author for the ARC in an exchange for a review.

The plot of the story is good. Nora, a young woman, who lost her family tragically, and had to take care of her niece. She struggles to pay the bills and has a lot of debt, she is finishing her studies, but she sees no perspective. Until the day an opportunity to earn easy money appear, but she is incertain, because this opportunity means she has to face demons of the past.
Behind this task, a serious conspiracy against a tech enterprise is happening and Nora has no idea she is participating in all of this.
Than she meet J.D, a hot man, and almost instantly they fell in love( for me it was too fast!!) .but what she didn't know is that J.D. is the CEO of the enterprise that is being undermined.
So , after everything is revealed, they are gonna stay together, or all these lies are gonna end all?
I think the story could be more explored, because for me everything went too fast I would love to know more about each other personalities and the development of their relationship was slower.
The epilogue could have more details too.
But I think the next story between Brad and Lisa will be interesting . I really like Brad!

[Kimberly Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I wasn't really sure how I wanted to rate this book. I finally settled on a 3* because although I didn't care for the book it was still written well enough, well edited and all that. The tragedy at the end after the wedding was a little " ARE YOU KIDDING ME". I felt it was way to....how do I put it......coincidental?....I'm not sure if thats the word I'm looking for or not. It just felt to unlikely to happen after what she had already been through so there for it felt very FICTION to me and I prefer books that I can submerge my self in as if I were that character and I didn't feel that way through out most of this book. I didnt like the way the story played out for Brad at all. Lisa's attitude, after the wedding, towards Nora was very "WTF" for me. Most close friends WANT to seek comfort from one another after something like this not tell them they need time away from them like it was her fault or something.
I didn't feel a real connection between the characters in this story and the romance was lacking big time for me. Over all I wasnt happy with the way the story played out but the writing want bad.

[Katelyn Broad · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.*
Nora is a self-proclaimed student-loanaholic, but not because she loves shopping. She's in major debt trying to take care of her niece Stacey after a tragedy that hit her family. So when she's offered a job that will pay off her student loans in just a few short weeks, she's hesitant but jumps on the chance to help give Stacey a better start in life. Then she meets J.D., a man with a secret that she just can't get out of her head.
This book was highly entertaining and a fast read. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.
What I liked:
I liked both J.D. and Nora, they were great characters and great for each other.
The secrets and even a few big twists-they kept me interested and waiting to know what was going to happen next.

What I didn't like so much:
They fell for each other fast without really talking to each other-that's just something that bugs me personally.
The whole conclusion with Brad and Lisa (and her fiance) was just strange.

I really did enjoy this book and would suggest it to anyone who enjoys new adult romance novels.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is little hard to review, the synopsis pretty much says it all.
Nora was witness to a something that no one should ever have to witness. Because of this she has custody of her niece and is scared to ever find love of her own.
J.D. has love scars that he has had a hard time getting over. Because of this he himself is scared to ever find love of his own.
But together they could heal. They are attracted to each other right from the start, as if they are soul mates, but they each fight the feeling and push each other away.

This book runs slow, to me anyway, for about the first 50% of it. Then it speeds up and really runs at full steam until the end. Because of this, for me, it was hard to get into it. The story just kind of chugs along, then suddenly its like we are going down hill with out brakes. Everything happens pretty fast and wraps up nicely.
It a good read and I am looking forward to the next story about Brad and Lisa.

*a copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When asked for reviewers I read the blurb about this book and thought "This sounds like a good read." I was pleasantly surprised. Parts of the story seemed a bit rushed but overall it was a good story of overcoming your inner demons and honoring what is right. I loved the dynamics of the characters in this story. From the young Aunt Nora, our leading lady, to her best friends, her niece, and her love interest, JD. I wished that there had been more to the development of JD and Nora's story. It seems like they met, within seconds they were in lust and then *bam* in love. Once they both internally declared their love it evened out and became a sweet love story. There were a few surprises I was not ready for towards the end. If you have read it then you know what I mean. I don't want to spoil it. (So read it for yourself and see) I love the sense of family and the importance of what those relationships look like. Love and sacrifice are dominant themes and it made this story so much better. Can't wait to read more about Lisa's story and Brad too!

[JMV · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC**. I took a couple of days to write my review because I had to think about what to say. I gave 3 stars at the end but the beginning was closer to 3 1/2 stars. Nora was the usual heron with a sad past. She has been raising her niece and borrowing money to keep them a float. The perfect paying internship comes up, almost to perfect. In steps Brad- In love with Nora's best friend and roommate Lisa- and JD - the young billionaire. Everything is in place with chance meetings and a feeling of attraction. This story was moving along a good pace and then all of a sudden it's done. Once JD finds Nora dealing with her past, things happened to fast. The wedding was a surprise and the next thing you know we are at the end. I did like the Nora & JD chemistry. Lisa's reaction was strange but can see where the next book is going. The writer write well and would like to read more from her.

[Delpha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off let me say I received a copy of this book for Free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful she allowed me the opportunity.

Nora witnessed a massacre of her entire family six years ago. She's a fighter but she is very damaged as she should be, who could live through that and not be. She is trying to take care of everyone else as we'll as herself. She has a lot of baggage she is toting around.

J.D. Is a hot billionaire with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. I personally thought he should have grown up and acted like a man not a whiny by about Holly. Nora connects with something in him that he never even knew was possible and he messes it up. At times I a little confused about his thinking.

I liked the dual POV. I love happy ever afters and this was a good story.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about two damaged people, Nora, who watched her family get shot at the age of seventeen and has struggled since to raise her niece Stacey, putting her own life and dreams on hold to keep what little family she has left together and J.D who's love was betrayed and has since built a wall around his heart. Their first meeting is built on lies and subsequent ones just build on this, will they manage to get out from beneath the betrayal, can they actually have a relationship or are they too damaged to survive the lies that brought them together in the first place.

I enjoyed this book it had some great characters and a little corporate espionage thrown in for good measure, the supporting characters were good and we had a little confusion over Lisa's love life, just who will she choose. Well worth a read and it's free I'd give 31/2 stars if I could.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

* 2 - 2.5 Stars *

This book felt so rushed to me. I didn't understand the main characters deep feelings for each other. They met, Nora has a major panic attack, JD calms her down and then decides that is the perfect opportunity to kiss her. I just didn't get it. I felt like I was waiting for something to happen and nothing ever did. At one point there is a shooting and a couple of supporting characters die. It was so bizarre and out of the blue it almost felt like it was just added for drama. I actually had to read it twice to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It just felt like a bunch of different books put together into one not so great book. I think if the characters were developed more and the story paced a little differently it could have been better.

[Cassie Hess-dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora has had one heck of a life. Her entire family was killed except for her and her niece Stacy. Nora gives up everything in her life to keep Stacy out of foster care. Lisa, Nora's best friend lives with them.
Brad is totally in love with Lisa but won't tell her because she has a boyfriend, Frank. JD, Brads best friend is in love with Nora. They have this connection but he is fighting it. JD helps Nora to deal with loosing her family & not blaming herself. JD has been keeping who he really is from Nora. Will this cause a problem when she finds out? Can the two have a future together? Does Nora go through with giving something to JD's enemy that will ruin him? Read it to find out...

[Alwaysreadingbooks - Reading Drinking and Relaxing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for my honest review

This book was about giving love a second chance and not being afraid of what can happen in the process. Two people that gave up on love see each other and it is love at first sight. Nora suffered a terrible loss by losing everyone in her family at one time. J.D Reider was a young guy so struck it rich at a young age by saying his tech company. Nora was in debt over her head and she had a way out but it was a way that she did not agree with. Nora had friends in her life that made sure that she stilled lived it. This was a really great book and I look forward to the next installment in this series so I can see what the other characters are up to.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Goes to show you even two people who are awkward at love and relationships can work it out. JD is almost a hermit, Nora is so focused on finishing her degree and protecting her niece, nothing else matters. Having survived the horrible murders of her entire family, Nora is dead set on protecting Stacey her niece. She has been providing support for Stacey for so long that she has forgotten to live life. When JD and Nora get together, the story becomes super hot. Their attraction is instant and life changing. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters and most of all the plot line. Most definitely recommended!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description really pulled me in to this book, and it was a nice read.
However the story felt very fast, which made it loose it's believability a bit. No sooner had Nora and J.D. met, they were in love. It was a sweet romance, but extremely quick and therefore it didn't feel very real.
I really like the story of Nora's past and how she came to be the guardian to her niece. It was heartbreaking but interesting story and I loved the dynamic it created between Nora and Stacey.
The ending was definitely a shock but was written well.
Overall a nice book, but was a bit too fast paced for me and lacked 'wow'.

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Received a copy in exchange for an honest review"

3.5 stars
I like the story though I didn't feel it that much. The writing was good though I have a problem with the Ack and Gah expressions of Nora and J.D. It's funny but annoying. And what happened to Frank was dramatic and overused in a lot of television or film. Though it was ok for me because I like Brad :D

What made me decide to give 3.5 stars was because the characters were interesting and funny. And did I mention that I liked Brad :D

Light and it's easy to read :)

[Radhika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. The story started off good but then got a little boring in the middle. I feel as if there were too many subplots and they were rushed towards the end of the book. I feel as if the characters were not developed all the way. I couldn't connect with them. The story had a lot of potential. And what happened at the end if the book just didn't sit well with me. I mean that's horrific for that to happen twice in one persons life, like seriously? The authors probably just did that to get rid of one character so they have a story for the second book. So overall I would give it a 3.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I loved this book, I liked the fact J.D kept his wealth quiet, i liked what happened to Nora's family even if a bit brutal, I kinda guessed what was going to happen but never guessed the 'extra' wedding guest, the book was a little short and was hoping for a sequel but the author ended it nicely, there is a second book " Breaking Brad" I will be getting and hope J.D and Nora feature in it,

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

* A copy was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*

While I enjoyed the synopsis, I guess it was over-selling the story. Everything is so fast, doesn't make sense at times and ridiculous to a point where I just skimmed the book. I guess some people like it, some people (like me) found it tacky and just plain weird.

[Hanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book followed too much of a time line. While reading it I couldn't help but think I was reading GPS directions. It had very little depth but a lot of opportunity for it. I enjoyed the overall plot of the book but it lacked the originality to make it memorable.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Nora has a lot to work thru and with friends and a man have makes it work and faces her demons.

[Jeanette Book-Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lesley Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series but glad I got it all at once as I'm not a fan of short novellas. Lots of demons being fought and conquered with a love story thrown in

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot; well-educated, intelligent and appealing characters.