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The Jewelry Box #3
Sapphire Scars
“I thought I was strong enough to survive this awful nightmare. I did my best to take back my power and refused to let my heart fall. Only problem is…my heart is an idiot.”
It only took one droplet of blood to forever change me.
Her blood.
The taste of it. The heat of it.
I swallowed her down and devoured her.
For a while, it was enough.
My monster was content. I believed I’d found where I belonged.
But now…that droplet is no longer enough.
I want rivers of it. Oceans of it.
I want the world dripping in red, and I honestly don’t know who I’m hunting anymore.
Her?
Me?
Them?
One thing’s for certain, someone is going to die today.
I just hope it won’t be me.
It only took one droplet of blood to forever change me.
Her blood.
The taste of it. The heat of it.
I swallowed her down and devoured her.
For a while, it was enough.
My monster was content. I believed I’d found where I belonged.
But now…that droplet is no longer enough.
I want rivers of it. Oceans of it.
I want the world dripping in red, and I honestly don’t know who I’m hunting anymore.
Her?
Me?
Them?
One thing’s for certain, someone is going to die today.
I just hope it won’t be me.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2024
214 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Winters
101 books17.1k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
June 20, 2024
'𝐒A𝐏P𝐇I𝐑E S𝐂A𝐑S' Is the third full length dark romance book within the (Jewelry box) series. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' Henry & Ily.
When this arc lands on your iPad you turn off adulting, and start straight away!! This picked up right where the previous book (cliffy) left off. A deadly game when all the jewels were hunted, many slaves were lost, many were missing bodies parts, and all needed many weeks of healing before the new slaves were recruited.
This was like a train wreck on my heart, it wrecked me to smithereens not even a band aide could cover the gaping wound left behind on my heart. A roller coaster of emotions spun havoc on my heart strings similar to someone coming off a high only to reach a soul crushing low as I got hit by a cliffy I never wanted to face.
The push and pull, the highs and lows, the dark and the gritty, a journey of two soul mates colliding.
Henry was part Jekyll and Mr Hyde where good and bad went to war within himself, when many childhood memories resurfaced and we saw his childhood unfold as it did in his own mind, the world he was thrust into back when he was a child was no different to the world he's in now. But now he's got more to lose than ever before and I'm hoping he's strong enough to let his demons free to save Ily.
March 14, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
THAT CLIFFHANGER!!
I’m so scared for the next book 😭
-I have mixed feelings about the first 60%. It felt a little repetitive but quickly picked up
A few parts felt rushed
-Ilyana’s name thing was weird
-The whole ‘twin flame’ /astrology aspect felt forced and random, but it worked out with how the story was told
Overall, this was a great addition to Henri + Ilyana’s story!!
I can’t wait for Diamond Kiss
rtc!
—————
⁀➷𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀‿︵
I just got an arc of this and I'm SO excited to get back into this world 😭
Thank you for the ARC, pepper winters!!
_________________________________
The Mercer Curse | Review
Ruby Tears | Review
Emerald Bruises | Review
Sapphire Scars | Review
Diamond Kisses | Review
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
THAT CLIFFHANGER!!
I’m so scared for the next book 😭
-I have mixed feelings about the first 60%. It felt a little repetitive but quickly picked up
A few parts felt rushed
-Ilyana’s name thing was weird
-The whole ‘twin flame’ /astrology aspect felt forced and random, but it worked out with how the story was told
Overall, this was a great addition to Henri + Ilyana’s story!!
I can’t wait for Diamond Kiss
rtc!
—————
⁀➷𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀‿︵
I just got an arc of this and I'm SO excited to get back into this world 😭
Thank you for the ARC, pepper winters!!
_________________________________
The Mercer Curse | Review
Ruby Tears | Review
Emerald Bruises | Review
Sapphire Scars | Review
Diamond Kisses | Review
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
July 6, 2024
Sapphire Scars by Pepper Winters
5/5 stars!
My lord, Pepper Winters proved again why she is my favorite author of all time. Everything she writes has my entire heart and soul. And Henri and Ily instantly grabbed my soul and kept me glued to the pages the entire time. I just couldn't stop reading and read it in one day. It is that good!
Sapphire Scars picks up right after Emerald Bruises. Peter, Ily, Rachel, Mollie and the rest of the slaves are running for their lives. Trying not to get caught and become part of Diamond Kisses. It is hectic and things go awry soon. The group splits up and they are fighting for their lives and survival.
Henri is going after Ily. But he also sees how vile the other masters are. And he loses control. And I supported him all the way through his rage.
He ate people. Sick. Vile. Dead.
Slamming his well-padded spine against the wet rock, I wrapped both hands around his throat.
The slaves see how Henri protects them. And Rachel and Mollie lie to Victor to cover for him. And slowly but surely a bond is being made between Henri, Ily and the rest of the slaves. And how they plan to escape this godforsaken hell.
But we also see how insanely, fully, irrevocably and passionately Henri and Ily fall for one another.
I wanted Ily. I wanted her on her back. I wanted her heat, her fight, her kiss. Fuck, that goddamn kiss.
♥♥♥
I couldn't take my eyes off him. So tortured. So beautiful. So wrong. "Come closer and kiss me," I murmured. Ily, stop it! I didn't care. I wanted his lips on mine. I needed his body filling, stretching ---
"Please kiss me."
And Henri and Ily try to survive Victor and his vicious band of rapists and cruel men.
That hug.
That damn fucking hug.
My first. My only.
And goddammit, I hadn't been aware how much I'd been starving.
And they fight, unite and try to come out on top.
With all my strength, I hurled the cufflinks over the wall.
But if there was a chance. A miniscule, microscopic chance. I need to try. Because... I'm done.
Come finds us brother.
Save her. Kill me. Find us both...
Their love is so strong. So fierce. My heart pounded the entire time while reading this book. Here are a few of my favorite book quotes.
You..." My words slurred. "Autographed me."
♥♥♥
Get some sleep... wife." My eyes flew open, my heart skiped. "Eh, Henri?"
"Hmm."
"I agreed to be your girlfriend, not your wife."
"Same thing."
"Eh, not quite."
♥♥♥
The longer we played these twisted games, the sicker we became. We were lost. Well and truly corrupted. And I had no idea what would become of us if we kept doing this."
But this book is also about the pain, trauma and horrific memories and urges that plague Henri. He is suffering so incredibly much. And his pain tore right through me. And I love Ily so much for her fighting will. For loving a man as broken as him. And seeing who he truly is inside.
A surge of protectiveness rose. I wanted to slay every nightmare he'd endured. I wanted to go back in time and slaughter his father.
But can they escape? Is their plan solid enough? And are they able to fool Victor? Read and find out!
This book is so good. I absolutely cannot wait to read the last book. I am so invested in this story and they deserve a happy ending. I am also dying to see Q and Tess again. Q is still a character that embedded himself in my soul. And even though Henri is right up there. Q just.. he saved me in so many ways. I know he is a fictional character. But he truly saved me. And that is why he's always a part of me.
Pepper, thank you so much for writing this painful but beautiful world. These mesmerizing and all consuming characters.
5 million stars for this gorgeous book!
5/5 stars!
My lord, Pepper Winters proved again why she is my favorite author of all time. Everything she writes has my entire heart and soul. And Henri and Ily instantly grabbed my soul and kept me glued to the pages the entire time. I just couldn't stop reading and read it in one day. It is that good!
Sapphire Scars picks up right after Emerald Bruises. Peter, Ily, Rachel, Mollie and the rest of the slaves are running for their lives. Trying not to get caught and become part of Diamond Kisses. It is hectic and things go awry soon. The group splits up and they are fighting for their lives and survival.
Henri is going after Ily. But he also sees how vile the other masters are. And he loses control. And I supported him all the way through his rage.
He ate people. Sick. Vile. Dead.
Slamming his well-padded spine against the wet rock, I wrapped both hands around his throat.
The slaves see how Henri protects them. And Rachel and Mollie lie to Victor to cover for him. And slowly but surely a bond is being made between Henri, Ily and the rest of the slaves. And how they plan to escape this godforsaken hell.
But we also see how insanely, fully, irrevocably and passionately Henri and Ily fall for one another.
I wanted Ily. I wanted her on her back. I wanted her heat, her fight, her kiss. Fuck, that goddamn kiss.
♥♥♥
I couldn't take my eyes off him. So tortured. So beautiful. So wrong. "Come closer and kiss me," I murmured. Ily, stop it! I didn't care. I wanted his lips on mine. I needed his body filling, stretching ---
"Please kiss me."
And Henri and Ily try to survive Victor and his vicious band of rapists and cruel men.
That hug.
That damn fucking hug.
My first. My only.
And goddammit, I hadn't been aware how much I'd been starving.
And they fight, unite and try to come out on top.
With all my strength, I hurled the cufflinks over the wall.
But if there was a chance. A miniscule, microscopic chance. I need to try. Because... I'm done.
Come finds us brother.
Save her. Kill me. Find us both...
Their love is so strong. So fierce. My heart pounded the entire time while reading this book. Here are a few of my favorite book quotes.
You..." My words slurred. "Autographed me."
♥♥♥
Get some sleep... wife." My eyes flew open, my heart skiped. "Eh, Henri?"
"Hmm."
"I agreed to be your girlfriend, not your wife."
"Same thing."
"Eh, not quite."
♥♥♥
The longer we played these twisted games, the sicker we became. We were lost. Well and truly corrupted. And I had no idea what would become of us if we kept doing this."
But this book is also about the pain, trauma and horrific memories and urges that plague Henri. He is suffering so incredibly much. And his pain tore right through me. And I love Ily so much for her fighting will. For loving a man as broken as him. And seeing who he truly is inside.
A surge of protectiveness rose. I wanted to slay every nightmare he'd endured. I wanted to go back in time and slaughter his father.
But can they escape? Is their plan solid enough? And are they able to fool Victor? Read and find out!
This book is so good. I absolutely cannot wait to read the last book. I am so invested in this story and they deserve a happy ending. I am also dying to see Q and Tess again. Q is still a character that embedded himself in my soul. And even though Henri is right up there. Q just.. he saved me in so many ways. I know he is a fictional character. But he truly saved me. And that is why he's always a part of me.
Pepper, thank you so much for writing this painful but beautiful world. These mesmerizing and all consuming characters.
5 million stars for this gorgeous book!
June 11, 2024
My thoughts are all over the place. The amount of mindf*ck Pepper put me through is truly remarkable. I could not relax even when things seemed calm.
I have always loved Peppers books. I have always been impressed by her skills and they are growing which is impressive. This book is original, creative and the story is so well crafted it is riveting.
So much happened in this book and I have never felt so angry and anxious reading a book before.
If you think Emerald Bruises was dark, this one took a step further all while we witnessed the reckoning of our favorite characters.
This book picks up exactly where Emerald Bruises left off and what unfolded made my stomach roll and many times I've had to take a break to just digest everything that was being revealed.
Pepper's ability to write the most despicable scenes and not gloss over them is truly amazing. The way she portrayed the M/s dynamics in such unsettling settings and made me feel everything our characters felt is truly a show of her talent.
I loved the way they broke, the way they coped. I loved the way the games played and I specially loved how genuine their feelings felt.
We got a front row seat watching Henri spiral into the hidden memories of his past and we finally get a better understanding of what makes him thick.
He fought and at times it felt like he wished he could store all of those memories back so that he could pretend they never happened. His self hatred made my heart clench for this poor and tortured soul.
In this instalment Ily and Henri finally confront what they feel and the undeniable connection they have for each other. They fought against this truth. Oh how beautifully they fought but one thing I learned from Pepper's books is that everything happens for a reason and how everything played out set the ground for the next and final book in this series.
I had so many theories reading this book and many of them, much to my chagrin, came to be. I am absolutely slayed by the way this book ended. I am thoroughly intrigued by the possibilities of what this ending entails for everyone involved and I trust Pepper to deliver an absolutely mind blowing conclusion to this story.
While in the first two books the dedicated game from their title made me slightly uncomfortable and worried, Sapphire Scars is by far my favorite one for entirely different reason as to what many might think, but I will refrain from telling why to avoid spoilers.
This book is what I classify as the Calm before the Storm.
The pace was perfect to the events that unraveled.
The character development progressed as the story flowed. Ily and Henri are forced to face their demons and their truths.
Victor finally stepped into his role and there's no doubt that he is one of the vilest characters I had the pleasure to read about, hiding behind a civilized mask but with zero redeeming qualities. While in some rare occasions he made me laugh, often time I found myself bugging my eyes out and screaming "surely not" and he sure did.
As the pieces started falling into place, a rather dark and twisted atmosphere also started following suit. I have probably said it before, but this is by far the darkest book in the series and I reckon things will only get darker in the next book. So buckle up. It is about to get tremendously uneven and very bumpy until our characters finally find some peace and happiness that isn't stolen moments.
Thank you Pepper for trusting me to read this book earlier. I hate and love you in equal measure after the stunt you pulled and the window you left open for what, I am sure, will be your darkest book to date.
I have always loved Peppers books. I have always been impressed by her skills and they are growing which is impressive. This book is original, creative and the story is so well crafted it is riveting.
I was unforgivable. Unredeemable. I was nothing but blackness and death.
So much happened in this book and I have never felt so angry and anxious reading a book before.
If you think Emerald Bruises was dark, this one took a step further all while we witnessed the reckoning of our favorite characters.
This book picks up exactly where Emerald Bruises left off and what unfolded made my stomach roll and many times I've had to take a break to just digest everything that was being revealed.
Pepper's ability to write the most despicable scenes and not gloss over them is truly amazing. The way she portrayed the M/s dynamics in such unsettling settings and made me feel everything our characters felt is truly a show of her talent.
I loved the way they broke, the way they coped. I loved the way the games played and I specially loved how genuine their feelings felt.
The more the darkness claimed me, the faster my past came back.
We got a front row seat watching Henri spiral into the hidden memories of his past and we finally get a better understanding of what makes him thick.
Until finally, with a gasp and a grunt, he fell to his knees... and broke.
He fought and at times it felt like he wished he could store all of those memories back so that he could pretend they never happened. His self hatred made my heart clench for this poor and tortured soul.
My life was about to come full circle, and... the chances of me snapping were sky-fucking-high.
In this instalment Ily and Henri finally confront what they feel and the undeniable connection they have for each other. They fought against this truth. Oh how beautifully they fought but one thing I learned from Pepper's books is that everything happens for a reason and how everything played out set the ground for the next and final book in this series.
I had so many theories reading this book and many of them, much to my chagrin, came to be. I am absolutely slayed by the way this book ended. I am thoroughly intrigued by the possibilities of what this ending entails for everyone involved and I trust Pepper to deliver an absolutely mind blowing conclusion to this story.
While in the first two books the dedicated game from their title made me slightly uncomfortable and worried, Sapphire Scars is by far my favorite one for entirely different reason as to what many might think, but I will refrain from telling why to avoid spoilers.
This book is what I classify as the Calm before the Storm.
The pace was perfect to the events that unraveled.
The character development progressed as the story flowed. Ily and Henri are forced to face their demons and their truths.
Victor finally stepped into his role and there's no doubt that he is one of the vilest characters I had the pleasure to read about, hiding behind a civilized mask but with zero redeeming qualities. While in some rare occasions he made me laugh, often time I found myself bugging my eyes out and screaming "surely not" and he sure did.
As the pieces started falling into place, a rather dark and twisted atmosphere also started following suit. I have probably said it before, but this is by far the darkest book in the series and I reckon things will only get darker in the next book. So buckle up. It is about to get tremendously uneven and very bumpy until our characters finally find some peace and happiness that isn't stolen moments.
Thank you Pepper for trusting me to read this book earlier. I hate and love you in equal measure after the stunt you pulled and the window you left open for what, I am sure, will be your darkest book to date.
June 19, 2024
Ily + Henry
-book 3
-dark romance
-enemies to lovers
-captive romance
-lowkey bdsm elements
ahhhh & this is when pepper starts to lureeee us in with this false sense of safety that our couple might ACTUALLY be falling in love & being together forever & that they'll make it all thru anything til the end just to SLAM THAT ALL BACK IN OUR FACES WITH THE MOST UTMOSTS OF BETRAYALLLLSSS!!! but...its fine. im fine. they'll be fine. everything's fine. right pepper? 🙂
-book 3
-dark romance
-enemies to lovers
-captive romance
-lowkey bdsm elements
ahhhh & this is when pepper starts to lureeee us in with this false sense of safety that our couple might ACTUALLY be falling in love & being together forever & that they'll make it all thru anything til the end just to SLAM THAT ALL BACK IN OUR FACES WITH THE MOST UTMOSTS OF BETRAYALLLLSSS!!! but...its fine. im fine. they'll be fine. everything's fine. right pepper? 🙂
June 28, 2024
Sapphire Scars is the third installment in the Jewelry Box series by Pepper Winters, and it was everything I had been hoping to see in the previous installment, Emerald Bruises. While Emerald Bruises was made up of a lot of tumultuous inner monologue from the main characters, Sapphire Scars was the complete opposite of that. It was fast-paced and action packed!
If you're wondering whether Sapphire Scars is darker than the previous books in the series, I'll tell you now that it is. There's a few new sick twists that are added into the world at Joyero, and I probably need therapy for saying that they went to a level that I was hoping for the story to go. Up until this book, Victor has talked a lot of talk, but hasn't shown me how he's been able to keep my man Q away from Joyero all of these years. Not to say that Victor hasn't done things in the series up to this point, because he has, but this book showed just how twisted and intelligent he really is.
Another element of the story that I really loved was reading about Henri's childhood through a series of small flashbacks. They added a layer of depth to show why he is the way that he is, and made his inner turmoil understandable. I didn't feel like I understood Henri in Emerald Bruises, but I feel like I'm understanding him much better in Sapphire Scars.
Even though Ily is slowly learning to be careful, she's still quite loose-lipped and says a lot of stuff that made me wonder if she really understands the severity of her situation. However, I felt like this finally came to a head in this book, and I was glad to see that change a bit. I love her fire, but I've also been silently screaming at her until now to be smarter about it! I do feel like her character and Henri's character are well-matched, as Henri really needs someone with a lot of passion and an intensity that rivals his own. I love Ily's caring heart about the other jewels around her. Also Ily - I'm speaking directly do you. I'm sure you love the nickname that you gave Henri, and I'm happy for you, but it's killing me a little bit every time I read it! LOL.
TL;DR - I was very happy with this book, and loved the pacing, Henri's backstory, the darkness, and the uniqueness of the story as a whole. If anyone knows how to write an original dark romance that centers around themes of human trafficking, it's Pepper Winters! I'm very happy that I read it, and cannot wait for Diamond Kisses!
If you're wondering whether Sapphire Scars is darker than the previous books in the series, I'll tell you now that it is. There's a few new sick twists that are added into the world at Joyero, and I probably need therapy for saying that they went to a level that I was hoping for the story to go. Up until this book, Victor has talked a lot of talk, but hasn't shown me how he's been able to keep my man Q away from Joyero all of these years. Not to say that Victor hasn't done things in the series up to this point, because he has, but this book showed just how twisted and intelligent he really is.
Another element of the story that I really loved was reading about Henri's childhood through a series of small flashbacks. They added a layer of depth to show why he is the way that he is, and made his inner turmoil understandable. I didn't feel like I understood Henri in Emerald Bruises, but I feel like I'm understanding him much better in Sapphire Scars.
Even though Ily is slowly learning to be careful, she's still quite loose-lipped and says a lot of stuff that made me wonder if she really understands the severity of her situation. However, I felt like this finally came to a head in this book, and I was glad to see that change a bit. I love her fire, but I've also been silently screaming at her until now to be smarter about it! I do feel like her character and Henri's character are well-matched, as Henri really needs someone with a lot of passion and an intensity that rivals his own. I love Ily's caring heart about the other jewels around her. Also Ily - I'm speaking directly do you. I'm sure you love the nickname that you gave Henri, and I'm happy for you, but it's killing me a little bit every time I read it! LOL.
TL;DR - I was very happy with this book, and loved the pacing, Henri's backstory, the darkness, and the uniqueness of the story as a whole. If anyone knows how to write an original dark romance that centers around themes of human trafficking, it's Pepper Winters! I'm very happy that I read it, and cannot wait for Diamond Kisses!
June 21, 2024
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I will truly never tire of Pepper Winters writing. It's so flawless and clever. Her characters are always amazing and don't even get me started on the plot.
I truly felt claustrophobic reading the part in the caves, then my heart broke for Henri before finally feeling excited for the jewels at the thought of escaping.
I find that often in books when a character changes their mind on something it can seems kinda rushed and you're not really understanding what brought on the change. Pepper Winters books are never like that. You feel every emotion her characters go through. In her books I might not always agree with a characters decision but I always feel where they're coming from.
One thing I'm loving about this series is the title of the books. I sometimes don't really get a title, like it has nothing to do with the actual book. But in this series the titles make sense and I think it's a really clever move on the authors part.
That last 10 procent of this book was nerve wracking. I was at the edge of my seat. And that cliffhanger was just cruel lol. Cannot wait for the next book. I need it asap.
I will truly never tire of Pepper Winters writing. It's so flawless and clever. Her characters are always amazing and don't even get me started on the plot.
I truly felt claustrophobic reading the part in the caves, then my heart broke for Henri before finally feeling excited for the jewels at the thought of escaping.
I find that often in books when a character changes their mind on something it can seems kinda rushed and you're not really understanding what brought on the change. Pepper Winters books are never like that. You feel every emotion her characters go through. In her books I might not always agree with a characters decision but I always feel where they're coming from.
One thing I'm loving about this series is the title of the books. I sometimes don't really get a title, like it has nothing to do with the actual book. But in this series the titles make sense and I think it's a really clever move on the authors part.
That last 10 procent of this book was nerve wracking. I was at the edge of my seat. And that cliffhanger was just cruel lol. Cannot wait for the next book. I need it asap.
July 13, 2024
★♾️ stars★
Darkness in its finest glory
When Pepper said this next instalment would be a darker shade than the previous, she wasn’t saying it lightly. However, to label this story as simply dark, would be a disservice. What happens here is so much deeper than dark, it’s an avalanche of feelings, a chokehold of emotions seeping into your soul.
Henri and Ily descend into a deeper void, trapped into an harrowing reality they can’t control the leashing of pain and suffering.
Henri’s mind awakens the most painful and terrifying moments of his past life, the more he discovers the harder it becomes to harness his new role. The breaking point is so close he can’t predict when his mind will snap to for ever be trapped into oblivion.
Ily’s strength albeit steady isn’t enough to stop the horrors from coming, she’s losing control over herself and can’t adjust to her new surroundings. She needs to find a beacon to guide her away from an impending fall.
This story is told from dual POV and each page delivered so much pain and suffering, as always the ability of this author to bring life to writing never fails. I suffered with Ily, I broke with Henri and by the end of this journey I was a total mess. The cliffhanger at the end of this journey is brutal and hard to handle. I can’t imagine how to survive until the end.
Besides an amazing arrays of emotions, the pages brims with decadent details, the sinful and delectable moments are perfectly penned, delivering a pleasure as dark as lush, rich sensations mark this tale eliciting forbidden pleasures, glowing intensity, a deep love ready to defy the most powerful monsters.
Darkness in its finest glory
When Pepper said this next instalment would be a darker shade than the previous, she wasn’t saying it lightly. However, to label this story as simply dark, would be a disservice. What happens here is so much deeper than dark, it’s an avalanche of feelings, a chokehold of emotions seeping into your soul.
Henri and Ily descend into a deeper void, trapped into an harrowing reality they can’t control the leashing of pain and suffering.
Henri’s mind awakens the most painful and terrifying moments of his past life, the more he discovers the harder it becomes to harness his new role. The breaking point is so close he can’t predict when his mind will snap to for ever be trapped into oblivion.
Ily’s strength albeit steady isn’t enough to stop the horrors from coming, she’s losing control over herself and can’t adjust to her new surroundings. She needs to find a beacon to guide her away from an impending fall.
This story is told from dual POV and each page delivered so much pain and suffering, as always the ability of this author to bring life to writing never fails. I suffered with Ily, I broke with Henri and by the end of this journey I was a total mess. The cliffhanger at the end of this journey is brutal and hard to handle. I can’t imagine how to survive until the end.
Besides an amazing arrays of emotions, the pages brims with decadent details, the sinful and delectable moments are perfectly penned, delivering a pleasure as dark as lush, rich sensations mark this tale eliciting forbidden pleasures, glowing intensity, a deep love ready to defy the most powerful monsters.
June 20, 2024
Victor continues to offer Masters a playground of debauchery to explore jewels. These Masters have dark urges that are dangerous and Victor gives them a safe place to explore these dark urges as long as they follow the rules. This playground is a breeding ground for men to unleash the demons that reside within them making it a dangerous place for jewels.
…
Henri is a man torn in half. This place has unleashed his monster giving it permission to play. Henri is unprepared for all that Victor has in store for him.
…
Ily has had to dig deep to stay sane and draw from strength she didn’t know she had. Ily has been taken and jewelled by a ruthless man. She’s endured so much pain, yet remains hopeful that she will find light in the darkness.
…
Reading Sapphire Scars has been a unique experience. When people say, “I read to be transported into another life” Pepper Winters transports readers into spectacular worlds crafted with vivid details. Pepper Winters fills these pages with emotional turmoil that resonates with each new situation. Henri’s battle to conquer the monster that resides within him is eloquently illustrated by carefully crafted words. I’ve said this before but it needs repeating Pepper takes everyday words and turns them into words of inspiration and wonderment.
…
Pepper Winters had me on pins and needles for what came next. This is Peppers world and I’m only a guest looming inside her mind. A mind she shares with her readers to explore all her vivid wild imaginations. Winters captures the attention of readers with her vivid imagination for dark desires. The tortured souls of her characters are drawn from her own mind and shared with others who might relate or might learn how to heal from their painful experiences.
…
Wait for it. Just when you think you got the book title all figured out. Bam! Winters hits you with a left hook. I didn’t see that one coming. Winters has gone very dark. Back to the dark days of The Indebted series. It’s crazy how wicked and sultry Winters mind can go.
…
Henri is a man torn in half. This place has unleashed his monster giving it permission to play. Henri is unprepared for all that Victor has in store for him.
…
Ily has had to dig deep to stay sane and draw from strength she didn’t know she had. Ily has been taken and jewelled by a ruthless man. She’s endured so much pain, yet remains hopeful that she will find light in the darkness.
…
Reading Sapphire Scars has been a unique experience. When people say, “I read to be transported into another life” Pepper Winters transports readers into spectacular worlds crafted with vivid details. Pepper Winters fills these pages with emotional turmoil that resonates with each new situation. Henri’s battle to conquer the monster that resides within him is eloquently illustrated by carefully crafted words. I’ve said this before but it needs repeating Pepper takes everyday words and turns them into words of inspiration and wonderment.
…
Pepper Winters had me on pins and needles for what came next. This is Peppers world and I’m only a guest looming inside her mind. A mind she shares with her readers to explore all her vivid wild imaginations. Winters captures the attention of readers with her vivid imagination for dark desires. The tortured souls of her characters are drawn from her own mind and shared with others who might relate or might learn how to heal from their painful experiences.
…
Wait for it. Just when you think you got the book title all figured out. Bam! Winters hits you with a left hook. I didn’t see that one coming. Winters has gone very dark. Back to the dark days of The Indebted series. It’s crazy how wicked and sultry Winters mind can go.
Read
June 26, 2024Sapphire Scars by Pepper Winters is a beautiful story that surges into the depths of this genre, carefully penned with intense emotion and palpable off the charts chemistry between these characters. Pepper has given her readers a third book that will be remain in this readers mind for a very long time.
Henri is a complex character, as he talks and relives his haunted and brutal past with Mercer Senior he shows us how he came to be who and what he is today. Ily’s journey is both scary and uplifting while still being true to herself no matter what happens around her. She balances her meditation with careful breathwork to endure these atrocities. All these jewels are struggling with their captivity. Peter especially is fighting to keep his jewels healthy and unharmed, while dealing with his own abuse. My heart breaks for him every time a cruel Master chooses him, he has had enough of their depravity.
The plot has many unexpected twists and turns as well as revealing some hints and glimpses into both Henry and Ily’s past. I love the mention and realization of the Twin Flame. This author’s writing style is both shocking and raw, capturing the essence of pain, love, and the scars that shape us. The dark and atmospheric setting of Victor’s Island of cruel Masters perfectly complements the intense storyline, drawing the reader further into the world she has created.
There are sensitive and dark themes that Peppers reveals with such care and tone. She takes on the subjects of trauma and healing, creating a story that is both devastating and uplifting. The romantic and smexy scenes are intense and powerful, yet it is well-adjusted with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Henri, Ily and the other jewels are feeling doomed, finding no escape from the terror of their days in captivity, some wishing for death instead of enduring another moment of these Master’s violence and brutality. Victor is deadly ring leader in this haven he has created for men to pay a lot of money to let go of their sadistic and harsh urges.
Sapphire Scars is a very well written and memorable story in the dark romance genre. This book is both brutal and beautiful, one that will forever remain in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned. For fans of dark romance, this book is an absolute must-read. I cannot wait for Diamond Kisses 💎💎
Henri is a complex character, as he talks and relives his haunted and brutal past with Mercer Senior he shows us how he came to be who and what he is today. Ily’s journey is both scary and uplifting while still being true to herself no matter what happens around her. She balances her meditation with careful breathwork to endure these atrocities. All these jewels are struggling with their captivity. Peter especially is fighting to keep his jewels healthy and unharmed, while dealing with his own abuse. My heart breaks for him every time a cruel Master chooses him, he has had enough of their depravity.
The plot has many unexpected twists and turns as well as revealing some hints and glimpses into both Henry and Ily’s past. I love the mention and realization of the Twin Flame. This author’s writing style is both shocking and raw, capturing the essence of pain, love, and the scars that shape us. The dark and atmospheric setting of Victor’s Island of cruel Masters perfectly complements the intense storyline, drawing the reader further into the world she has created.
There are sensitive and dark themes that Peppers reveals with such care and tone. She takes on the subjects of trauma and healing, creating a story that is both devastating and uplifting. The romantic and smexy scenes are intense and powerful, yet it is well-adjusted with moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Henri, Ily and the other jewels are feeling doomed, finding no escape from the terror of their days in captivity, some wishing for death instead of enduring another moment of these Master’s violence and brutality. Victor is deadly ring leader in this haven he has created for men to pay a lot of money to let go of their sadistic and harsh urges.
Sapphire Scars is a very well written and memorable story in the dark romance genre. This book is both brutal and beautiful, one that will forever remain in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned. For fans of dark romance, this book is an absolute must-read. I cannot wait for Diamond Kisses 💎💎
June 25, 2024
So many words infiltrating my mind so many emotions permeating my psyche.
That, is what Pepper Winters’ tapestry of words invoke as she masterfully crafts each scene with starkly vivid imagery and thought provoking depth. Only a mind like hers can conjure such euphemistic narrative.
Yes, the story is dark but also profoundly riveting and powerfully beautiful in a heart wrenching way.
It took me awhile to gather myself to write this review because it impacted my heart and soul so much.
The characters are captivating and every encounter between Henri and Ily palpably engrossing, some beyond gritty others mystically enigmatic.
Henri is a complex and compelling protagonist. Ily is fierce and intelligent.
She is the light to Henri’s dark with shades of gray between them given the situation they’re enduring.
This installment is dark but given the ending I anticipate what’s to come in the next book will be emotionally consuming.
I can’t wait to read how the series will conclude.
That, is what Pepper Winters’ tapestry of words invoke as she masterfully crafts each scene with starkly vivid imagery and thought provoking depth. Only a mind like hers can conjure such euphemistic narrative.
Yes, the story is dark but also profoundly riveting and powerfully beautiful in a heart wrenching way.
It took me awhile to gather myself to write this review because it impacted my heart and soul so much.
The characters are captivating and every encounter between Henri and Ily palpably engrossing, some beyond gritty others mystically enigmatic.
Henri is a complex and compelling protagonist. Ily is fierce and intelligent.
She is the light to Henri’s dark with shades of gray between them given the situation they’re enduring.
This installment is dark but given the ending I anticipate what’s to come in the next book will be emotionally consuming.
I can’t wait to read how the series will conclude.
June 27, 2024
I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book and Pepper Winters made that whole uncomfortable wait worth it.
Sapphire Scars picks up right where Emerald Bruises left off. Due to Pepper’s masterful writing, we are taken on an emotional filled ride, albeit uncomfortable, due to this world that she has created. The reader is front row and center for a more convoluted experience. PW has truly mastered the art of writing dark/BDSM worlds centered around human trafficking that make you feel and believe that you are a part of every single collaring experience.
We are yet again following Henri and Ily in their evolutionary tale amongst the Masters and their jewels. They are both fighting what nature has created, but we also see the nurturing side playing a more prominent role in their character development.
The pacing of Sapphire Scars kept the reader fully engaged from beginning to cliffy. I am truly on the edge of my seat waiting for Diamond’s Kisses to release.
Sapphire Scars picks up right where Emerald Bruises left off. Due to Pepper’s masterful writing, we are taken on an emotional filled ride, albeit uncomfortable, due to this world that she has created. The reader is front row and center for a more convoluted experience. PW has truly mastered the art of writing dark/BDSM worlds centered around human trafficking that make you feel and believe that you are a part of every single collaring experience.
We are yet again following Henri and Ily in their evolutionary tale amongst the Masters and their jewels. They are both fighting what nature has created, but we also see the nurturing side playing a more prominent role in their character development.
The pacing of Sapphire Scars kept the reader fully engaged from beginning to cliffy. I am truly on the edge of my seat waiting for Diamond’s Kisses to release.
June 18, 2024
Book 3 in The Jewelry Box series is finally here and hold on to your morals! The deeper we dive into this hidden island of debauchery, we find more secrets exposed and unsafe “games” to unleash Mercer’s true self. Hopefully Ily can come through not completely ruined. We also learn more of what the final diamond kiss is. Can Mercer unleash his monster to save Ily…or destroy them both? This is an extremely dark book so please see the TW’s however, I could not stop turning the pages in anticipation of what’s to come. The connection these two have burns off the pages. Can these “kept jewels” find a way to finally be free? A twisted world that unlocks the evil within some and the strength others need to endure it. Ending in a huge cliffhanger will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for the final book. Told in first person and dual POV.
June 26, 2024
This author has me spellbound with this series. 2 days later I can’t seem to stop thinking of this series. Henri and Ilyana keep dragging me further into the darkness. I wonder if Ilyana will drag him into the light. This series has me holding my breath. I thought I knew how dark this one would be, but I was wrong. It is darker. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
June 28, 2024
This was a hard one to give stars to
I enjoyed the start and the finish but felt the middle
Was just to wordy lots of words not really saying anything
I’m still looking forward to reading Diamond kiss
And have really enjoyed this series but I didn’t feel this was any darker than the first 2 books and still an amazing read . It’s only 3stars as I gave the other 2 books 4stars
I enjoyed the start and the finish but felt the middle
Was just to wordy lots of words not really saying anything
I’m still looking forward to reading Diamond kiss
And have really enjoyed this series but I didn’t feel this was any darker than the first 2 books and still an amazing read . It’s only 3stars as I gave the other 2 books 4stars
July 29, 2024
OMGGGGGGG PEPPER!!!!! So this starts off right where the last left off. Ohh the plans that are in place sounds so freaking amazing Henri growing and growing. Ily.. she is so strong... there are so many twist and turns in this series and this book. You will be holding your breath and that ending you will be gasping , crying , praying... so many feelings. I can not wait for the next book ! Pepper I absolutely love getting into your brain through your stories.
July 27, 2024
OH MY! This series is just so consuming. I'm mesmerized, aghast, heart shredded and captivated by this whole dark and depraved world. This series just keeps escalating in the most breath-taking way, and this one really put me through the ringer. My heart is in my throat, and the last big of the book? Gasping. Prepare for more gut-wrenching tensions, emotional turbulence, and another gripping stoyline. Screaming for that HEA.
July 26, 2024
🛑Warning!!! This book has pitch-black themes with very descriptive scenes which will be triggering/disturbing to some, it is one of the darkest books I've read so far ( and I've read a lot of dark books) - Please check TW/CW!!!🛑
⚠️ Please Note: Although the story is about Henri & Ily and their relationship, it is not the kind of book you read if you're looking for romance in its usual form (even the Walking Red Flag dark romance book kind). Even when they do fall for each other they aren't able to show and explore it as they have to pretend it's still a master/slave exchange, that he doesn't care for her (even in private there are cameras and mics so they are being watched 24/7). It is well-written but go in expecting to read about a horrendous traff.icking world with detailed descriptions of what the characters endure. What they go through is beyond traumatic at the hands of vile people who do atrocious unspeakable things to them. But the book is also about the human ability to overcome extreme adversity, psychological damage, & hardship by building a mental and emotional barrier within themselves & creating unbreakable bonds, doing the best they can for each other, with the common goal of just surviving (not all survive ).
Sorry, this is going to be a long one!
Omg this series....😳 It's taken a while to write this review as I had to sort through all my thoughts, I feel like I'll need book 4 to really do that though lol. I was super nervous going into this book knowing it's her darkest yet & if you know Pepper Winters then you know she writes really dark already. You do need to start with books 1 & 2 if you have not read them yet.
This book put me through the wringer with all the emotions & psychological craziness, just like the last two books. It's not just the main characters that I felt for but for all the characters in the book, I was with them through all the horrors and torture they were subject to and it absolutely tore me to shreds. The story is extremely intense, to say the least, but I had to read it once I found out it was Q's brother from the Tears of Tess series.
This book begins where the last book ends, the hunt is about to start and Henri is determined to find Ily and protect her at all costs. The victims agree at the start that they will stick together as there is power in numbers but as they get further away from the house some of them have doubts and decide to go their own way.
The hunters soon follow and the chase is on. Henri is trying to locate and protect Ily but runs into a few issues and has to deal with them before he can continue finding her. In the meantime, she is trying to help out her friend who is severely injured (at the hands of Victor before the hunt) while staying safe.
The relationship between Henri and Ily is a crazy whirlwind, just when you think things are okay between the two Pepper Winters pulls the rug out from under you. I had to keep in mind that Henri was also a victim in his own way, trying to watch out for Ily but not giving himself away.
I have a love/hate connection with Henri, he's very hot and cold and all over the place with his treatment of Ily. He has such conflicting feelings in regards to what he wants to do to her sexually, trying to fight his need to inflict pain and draw blood. It's a kink he does not want to act on as he doesn't want to actually hurt her, believing he would be like the other vile people (and like his father - the very thing Q said to prove he is not). Over time Henri realizes that Ily has the same kinks, needing to be on the receiving end, so they actually complement each other in that way.
Ily is such a strong FMC, not in the alpha-dominant kind of strength but in how her character refuses to give up, not just for herself but fighting for the others held there against their will. She did have Henri on her side as he is very possessive and protective of her so he won't let others use or touch her (to the extent he can) which I was so glad to read & I think this helped keep her spirit from breaking.
There were also a few side characters I fell in love with. The main one is Peter who has been there for a long time and tried to carry some of the burdens and punishments of others so they didn't have to go through them. He was Victor's favourite but still was able to stay strong for others - he was a born leader & I absolutely can't get enough of him (he is def the kind of friend you would want). He was caring, and selfless & my heart broke for him many times over.
The ending sets you up for the next book, explaining what diamond kisses are and leaves you needing the next book right away!
(If you haven't already, be sure to grab the prequel book to this series where Henri is introduced and meets his brother Q for the first time!)
Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat: I am unsure how to rate this one due to the nature of the story
Main Characters: Henri & Ilyana
Nickname: Ily
Darkness: 10 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Books need to be read in order, there are 4 in total and this is the third book (there is also a prequel)
Title: The Jewelry Box Series- Sapphire Scars: Book 3
Audiobook: 5 out of 5 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 (Will be out shortly but audiobook 1 & 2 were amazing)
Ending Type: Cliffhanger
*Possessive, dominant, and protective H
*Eyes only for her
*Human Traff.icking - Descriptive
*Pain kink
*🩸 Kink
*Master/slave
*Strong FMC
*I received an early copy of this book & I've reviewed this book voluntarily.
⚠️ Please Note: Although the story is about Henri & Ily and their relationship, it is not the kind of book you read if you're looking for romance in its usual form (even the Walking Red Flag dark romance book kind). Even when they do fall for each other they aren't able to show and explore it as they have to pretend it's still a master/slave exchange, that he doesn't care for her (even in private there are cameras and mics so they are being watched 24/7). It is well-written but go in expecting to read about a horrendous traff.icking world with detailed descriptions of what the characters endure. What they go through is beyond traumatic at the hands of vile people who do atrocious unspeakable things to them. But the book is also about the human ability to overcome extreme adversity, psychological damage, & hardship by building a mental and emotional barrier within themselves & creating unbreakable bonds, doing the best they can for each other, with the common goal of just surviving (not all survive ).
Sorry, this is going to be a long one!
Omg this series....😳 It's taken a while to write this review as I had to sort through all my thoughts, I feel like I'll need book 4 to really do that though lol. I was super nervous going into this book knowing it's her darkest yet & if you know Pepper Winters then you know she writes really dark already. You do need to start with books 1 & 2 if you have not read them yet.
This book put me through the wringer with all the emotions & psychological craziness, just like the last two books. It's not just the main characters that I felt for but for all the characters in the book, I was with them through all the horrors and torture they were subject to and it absolutely tore me to shreds. The story is extremely intense, to say the least, but I had to read it once I found out it was Q's brother from the Tears of Tess series.
This book begins where the last book ends, the hunt is about to start and Henri is determined to find Ily and protect her at all costs. The victims agree at the start that they will stick together as there is power in numbers but as they get further away from the house some of them have doubts and decide to go their own way.
The hunters soon follow and the chase is on. Henri is trying to locate and protect Ily but runs into a few issues and has to deal with them before he can continue finding her. In the meantime, she is trying to help out her friend who is severely injured (at the hands of Victor before the hunt) while staying safe.
The relationship between Henri and Ily is a crazy whirlwind, just when you think things are okay between the two Pepper Winters pulls the rug out from under you. I had to keep in mind that Henri was also a victim in his own way, trying to watch out for Ily but not giving himself away.
I have a love/hate connection with Henri, he's very hot and cold and all over the place with his treatment of Ily. He has such conflicting feelings in regards to what he wants to do to her sexually, trying to fight his need to inflict pain and draw blood. It's a kink he does not want to act on as he doesn't want to actually hurt her, believing he would be like the other vile people (and like his father - the very thing Q said to prove he is not). Over time Henri realizes that Ily has the same kinks, needing to be on the receiving end, so they actually complement each other in that way.
Ily is such a strong FMC, not in the alpha-dominant kind of strength but in how her character refuses to give up, not just for herself but fighting for the others held there against their will. She did have Henri on her side as he is very possessive and protective of her so he won't let others use or touch her (to the extent he can) which I was so glad to read & I think this helped keep her spirit from breaking.
There were also a few side characters I fell in love with. The main one is Peter who has been there for a long time and tried to carry some of the burdens and punishments of others so they didn't have to go through them. He was Victor's favourite but still was able to stay strong for others - he was a born leader & I absolutely can't get enough of him (he is def the kind of friend you would want). He was caring, and selfless & my heart broke for him many times over.
The ending sets you up for the next book, explaining what diamond kisses are and leaves you needing the next book right away!
(If you haven't already, be sure to grab the prequel book to this series where Henri is introduced and meets his brother Q for the first time!)
Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat: I am unsure how to rate this one due to the nature of the story
Main Characters: Henri & Ilyana
Nickname: Ily
Darkness: 10 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Books need to be read in order, there are 4 in total and this is the third book (there is also a prequel)
Title: The Jewelry Box Series- Sapphire Scars: Book 3
Audiobook: 5 out of 5 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 (Will be out shortly but audiobook 1 & 2 were amazing)
Ending Type: Cliffhanger
*Possessive, dominant, and protective H
*Eyes only for her
*Human Traff.icking - Descriptive
*Pain kink
*🩸 Kink
*Master/slave
*Strong FMC
*I received an early copy of this book & I've reviewed this book voluntarily.
June 19, 2024
4.5 stars
Sapphire Scars by Pepper Winters begins right where Emerald Bruises left off – in a moment of high tension to put it mildly. This very much meant that I was immediately sucked into this world because I have been eagerly anticipating the third book to find out what would happen.
The beginning of Sapphire Scars is action packed as the Jewels are being chased down by the Masters who have been promised the prize of being able to do whatever they want to the first one to catch and mark a Jewel. This makes for a lot of anxiety and an unputdownable read as Ily and the other Jewels run and try to remain hidden from the Masters, so they don’t have to endure unspeakable torture. Meanwhile, Henri is desperate to get to Ily first so that no one else can use and harm her, which gives the reader a enthralling look into his torn and volatile mind as he continues to fight between his true, twisted desires, and his feelings for Ily.
Sapphire Scars continues a series that has quickly become one that I absolutely need every page of. It honestly somehow gets better with each book as the plot continues to expand and become even more interesting. Part of this is the growing inner struggles of the characters which makes for such enthralling reading and makes it difficult not to feel for said characters. There is growth, there are setbacks, all of which is true to life, and despite the dark matter that this book revolves around and the darkness of Henri especially, it is difficult not to feel for and root for him.
As always, the characters are the most important part of this book and are what truly grab a hold of the readers emotions and make the entire journey worth every moment of struggle and darkness. Ily and Henri make this book, between their growth and the bond between them, they are everything. Henri struggles with his inner fight between loathing himself and his desires and embracing the darkness within. His possessiveness for Ily and the very real feelings he has for her that he refuses to acknowledge because of the weakness he feels it to be. He is a study in contrasts, and the difficulty he has in overcoming his own nature makes him so human and relatable in his own way. The fact that it is so difficult to dislike Henri despite the dark and awful things he is guilty of goes to show just how expertly his character is written.
Ily on the other hand continues to be such a beacon of bravery and I love what she has become. She has managed to become this warrior that refuses to sit back and accept her fate as a Jewel, and the way she has moved passed her anguish over being kidnapped and put into such a deplorable situation makes her a character impossible not to love and admire. She continues to grow into a character it’s impossible not to admire, and her tenacity in a situation most would give up in is everything I love about her. Though it might get dampened, she never truly loses that fiery spirit she started this series with, and that is the most beautiful thing about Ily.
The plot itself also continues to get even more intriguing somehow. In Sapphire Scars it has grown beyond the initial, important setup, and has now become one of expanding the world of the Jewels and the Masters. Getting more in depth into the way this world runs, and now more into the idea of rebelling on the Jewels’ part had me reading this book in every moment I could. I was hooked quite literally from page one, and the action didn’t stop straight up to the end.
And don’t let me forget the emotionally scarring cliffhanger of an ending that this series has become notorious for (at least for me). With it being the penultimate book in the series, Pepper Winters certainly couldn’t go easy on us readers with a tame ending. Frankly, it wouldn’t be the series I have grown to love so much if it didn’t end with an earth-shattering cliffhanger. Suffice it to say, I am once again eagerly (read desperately) awaiting the sequel, and the fate of the characters that I have come to love so deeply. Fingers crossed it won’t be a long wait.
Sapphire Scars by Pepper Winters begins right where Emerald Bruises left off – in a moment of high tension to put it mildly. This very much meant that I was immediately sucked into this world because I have been eagerly anticipating the third book to find out what would happen.
The beginning of Sapphire Scars is action packed as the Jewels are being chased down by the Masters who have been promised the prize of being able to do whatever they want to the first one to catch and mark a Jewel. This makes for a lot of anxiety and an unputdownable read as Ily and the other Jewels run and try to remain hidden from the Masters, so they don’t have to endure unspeakable torture. Meanwhile, Henri is desperate to get to Ily first so that no one else can use and harm her, which gives the reader a enthralling look into his torn and volatile mind as he continues to fight between his true, twisted desires, and his feelings for Ily.
Sapphire Scars continues a series that has quickly become one that I absolutely need every page of. It honestly somehow gets better with each book as the plot continues to expand and become even more interesting. Part of this is the growing inner struggles of the characters which makes for such enthralling reading and makes it difficult not to feel for said characters. There is growth, there are setbacks, all of which is true to life, and despite the dark matter that this book revolves around and the darkness of Henri especially, it is difficult not to feel for and root for him.
As always, the characters are the most important part of this book and are what truly grab a hold of the readers emotions and make the entire journey worth every moment of struggle and darkness. Ily and Henri make this book, between their growth and the bond between them, they are everything. Henri struggles with his inner fight between loathing himself and his desires and embracing the darkness within. His possessiveness for Ily and the very real feelings he has for her that he refuses to acknowledge because of the weakness he feels it to be. He is a study in contrasts, and the difficulty he has in overcoming his own nature makes him so human and relatable in his own way. The fact that it is so difficult to dislike Henri despite the dark and awful things he is guilty of goes to show just how expertly his character is written.
Ily on the other hand continues to be such a beacon of bravery and I love what she has become. She has managed to become this warrior that refuses to sit back and accept her fate as a Jewel, and the way she has moved passed her anguish over being kidnapped and put into such a deplorable situation makes her a character impossible not to love and admire. She continues to grow into a character it’s impossible not to admire, and her tenacity in a situation most would give up in is everything I love about her. Though it might get dampened, she never truly loses that fiery spirit she started this series with, and that is the most beautiful thing about Ily.
The plot itself also continues to get even more intriguing somehow. In Sapphire Scars it has grown beyond the initial, important setup, and has now become one of expanding the world of the Jewels and the Masters. Getting more in depth into the way this world runs, and now more into the idea of rebelling on the Jewels’ part had me reading this book in every moment I could. I was hooked quite literally from page one, and the action didn’t stop straight up to the end.
And don’t let me forget the emotionally scarring cliffhanger of an ending that this series has become notorious for (at least for me). With it being the penultimate book in the series, Pepper Winters certainly couldn’t go easy on us readers with a tame ending. Frankly, it wouldn’t be the series I have grown to love so much if it didn’t end with an earth-shattering cliffhanger. Suffice it to say, I am once again eagerly (read desperately) awaiting the sequel, and the fate of the characters that I have come to love so deeply. Fingers crossed it won’t be a long wait.
June 18, 2024
5 Heart wrenching stars.
I’m utterly speechless. One thing’s for sure, though.
I’m a Mercerchist. 🙇🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️
The 3rd installment in the Jewelry Box series comes loaded with adrenaline, ANGST, seduction, suspense and… heartbreak. So buckle up and get ready to fucking cry and question a lot of things, like your mental sanity, for one.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
Remember when I said that Ruby Tears was darker than the Indebted Series? Yeah, well… I’m sitting here asking myself how is this story getting more gruesome?! but who am I kidding, It’s Pepper, of course she’s going to go even darker.
“𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
As the story progresses you get to see the demons Henri has to deal with… it’s obvious why he’s the way he is and why his heart and mind aren’t “normal”. Then we have Ily… oh my sweet and strong Ily. I love her so much, her strength and determination are to be envied, that’s for sure. Don’t get me started again on Henri, because the way he broke and how he’s trying to redeem himself had me in a chokehold. I mourned his savagely stolen innocence and wanted justice for his broken heart. I was desperate to mend his mind, trying so hard to forgive him but not being able to forget what he’s done… or more precisely, what he hasn’t done.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙤𝙤𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙪𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
The way my heart was in my throat from the very first page. I was dreading the cliffhanger Pepper was going to grace us with this time around…. And damn it if it didn’t destroy me.
I cannot wait for the epic conclusion to this series!!!!!!!! My heart won’t stand a chance! 🥲
Pepper, your writing never ceases to amaze me. There hasn’t been a single book from you where you do not teleport me to every fictional word and make me live through every emotion. Reading any of your books is an out of this world experience and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Thank you for an early copy of this book, it’s always appreciated and never taken for granted. 🩷
⚠️Please be mindful of the TWs. ⚠️
I’m utterly speechless. One thing’s for sure, though.
I’m a Mercerchist. 🙇🏻♀️🧎🏻♀️
The 3rd installment in the Jewelry Box series comes loaded with adrenaline, ANGST, seduction, suspense and… heartbreak. So buckle up and get ready to fucking cry and question a lot of things, like your mental sanity, for one.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
Remember when I said that Ruby Tears was darker than the Indebted Series? Yeah, well… I’m sitting here asking myself how is this story getting more gruesome?! but who am I kidding, It’s Pepper, of course she’s going to go even darker.
“𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙙. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
As the story progresses you get to see the demons Henri has to deal with… it’s obvious why he’s the way he is and why his heart and mind aren’t “normal”. Then we have Ily… oh my sweet and strong Ily. I love her so much, her strength and determination are to be envied, that’s for sure. Don’t get me started again on Henri, because the way he broke and how he’s trying to redeem himself had me in a chokehold. I mourned his savagely stolen innocence and wanted justice for his broken heart. I was desperate to mend his mind, trying so hard to forgive him but not being able to forget what he’s done… or more precisely, what he hasn’t done.
“𝙃𝙚 𝙤𝙤𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙪𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩.”
The way my heart was in my throat from the very first page. I was dreading the cliffhanger Pepper was going to grace us with this time around…. And damn it if it didn’t destroy me.
I cannot wait for the epic conclusion to this series!!!!!!!! My heart won’t stand a chance! 🥲
Pepper, your writing never ceases to amaze me. There hasn’t been a single book from you where you do not teleport me to every fictional word and make me live through every emotion. Reading any of your books is an out of this world experience and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Thank you for an early copy of this book, it’s always appreciated and never taken for granted. 🩷
⚠️Please be mindful of the TWs. ⚠️
June 27, 2024
✨𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 + 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 + 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 ✨
“𝘐𝘭𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢…𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘶𝘯, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰…𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶…𝘣𝘦𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦.”
💎 The Jewelry box series , #3
💎 All the TW known to human kind
💎 Pain, darkness, love .. FINALLY
💎 Cliffhanger (because of course)
💎 Broken man (x1000)
💎 Tears, hope, found family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fine , FINE ! You win Pepper . I love Henry . I. LOVE. HENRI ! I’m in love with him . I surrender and I bow .. no need to throw all these emotions and pain at me face !
I’m officially a mercerchist , I want a shirt ! You owe me a shirt ! Because seriously ?
This book swallowed me , chewed me up and spit me out..
I want to hug him , fix him ..I almost wanted to become a jewel.. just to be with him .. almost.. I’m not THAT far gone .. but I considered it !!
You did it on purpose right ? I started the series with a man I could barely stand and end up now with a wishing for « Henri + Julie 4ever » tattoo ..
It’s my favorite in the series so far .
I’m a goner .. I got anxiety reading this book .. my poor heart , my soul .. and this cliffhanger ?? This is unacceptable..
The therapist bill is going to be salty .. of course I’m going to send it to you.
“𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦…𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘐𝘭𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢…𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘶𝘯, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰…𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶…𝘣𝘦𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦.”
💎 The Jewelry box series , #3
💎 All the TW known to human kind
💎 Pain, darkness, love .. FINALLY
💎 Cliffhanger (because of course)
💎 Broken man (x1000)
💎 Tears, hope, found family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fine , FINE ! You win Pepper . I love Henry . I. LOVE. HENRI ! I’m in love with him . I surrender and I bow .. no need to throw all these emotions and pain at me face !
I’m officially a mercerchist , I want a shirt ! You owe me a shirt ! Because seriously ?
This book swallowed me , chewed me up and spit me out..
I want to hug him , fix him ..I almost wanted to become a jewel.. just to be with him .. almost.. I’m not THAT far gone .. but I considered it !!
You did it on purpose right ? I started the series with a man I could barely stand and end up now with a wishing for « Henri + Julie 4ever » tattoo ..
It’s my favorite in the series so far .
I’m a goner .. I got anxiety reading this book .. my poor heart , my soul .. and this cliffhanger ?? This is unacceptable..
The therapist bill is going to be salty .. of course I’m going to send it to you.
“𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦…𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
June 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Sapphire Scars is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Every person who has ever run a marathon knows that it is a test of will and emotion. There will be times of stress and pain, but there will also be times that you feel happy, privileged to be a runner, and moments of joy for the place in which you find yourself. Those are all of the same experiences I had reading Sapphire Scars.
This third installment of the Jewelry Box Series is filled with the sordid shenanigans of the Master Jeweler, Victor, and his psychotic guests. It highlights just how much darker and more depraved he can become in his games and the direction he takes his human-trafficking business. More than this, though, it brings light to the relationship between Henri and Ily.
Henri and Ily have moments where they finally agree on what they are to each other. They covet both the obsidian pieces of their personalities, as well as the crystal shards that compse them. Together, they learn and work to survive the hedonistic world of Joyero and its gut-churning activity.
This novel is crafted with the finest detail and excruciatingly precise pacing. Pepper Winters knows exactly how to keep readers interested and turning pages. As the book progresses, the suspense builds, and just as we see the characters at the end of their patience with being in this depraved place, we, as readers, are there with then hoping and praying that they will be freed.
However, as is typical with Pepper Winters, we must wait for the final installment of this series to get the happy ending that she always provides. It is this with faith I have in Ms. Winters that wait to see the light that I know lies beyond the darkness of Sapphire Scars.
Sapphire Scars is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Every person who has ever run a marathon knows that it is a test of will and emotion. There will be times of stress and pain, but there will also be times that you feel happy, privileged to be a runner, and moments of joy for the place in which you find yourself. Those are all of the same experiences I had reading Sapphire Scars.
This third installment of the Jewelry Box Series is filled with the sordid shenanigans of the Master Jeweler, Victor, and his psychotic guests. It highlights just how much darker and more depraved he can become in his games and the direction he takes his human-trafficking business. More than this, though, it brings light to the relationship between Henri and Ily.
Henri and Ily have moments where they finally agree on what they are to each other. They covet both the obsidian pieces of their personalities, as well as the crystal shards that compse them. Together, they learn and work to survive the hedonistic world of Joyero and its gut-churning activity.
This novel is crafted with the finest detail and excruciatingly precise pacing. Pepper Winters knows exactly how to keep readers interested and turning pages. As the book progresses, the suspense builds, and just as we see the characters at the end of their patience with being in this depraved place, we, as readers, are there with then hoping and praying that they will be freed.
However, as is typical with Pepper Winters, we must wait for the final installment of this series to get the happy ending that she always provides. It is this with faith I have in Ms. Winters that wait to see the light that I know lies beyond the darkness of Sapphire Scars.
June 30, 2024
I didn't enjoy Sapphire Scars as much as the first two books in the series. That doesn't mean that this third installment was bad, it just wasn't as strong as the previous ones in my opinion. The start of the book was strong but for me it dwindled down once it reached the middle part and through the ending. I'm still very much looking forward to the next and final book, Diamond Kisses, but I hope I'll be more into it than I was with this one.
My main issue with this book was that it felt a bit the same as the first two books. The same things being rehashed over again. Not to say that there wasn't some developement in the story but not enough for me to say that I liked it more. Ily and Henri both did admit that their feelings are more than just lust but other than that I just didn't feel a lot of change in any characters or the plot.
I do have some positive things I want to say about Sapphire Scars. My favorite from the book was the author's writing. As always it was beautifully lyrical and almost liked poetry. Pepper Winters has a stunning way of writing and she also has a knack for writing very steamy scenes, which was no different in this installment of the Jewelry Box series.
So Sapphire Scars might've not been my favorite of the series so far but I found things that I did enjoy about it. My guess for the next book is that Henri's brother Q is going to show up at some point and I'm already looking forward to that on its own. And of course I hope the series bad guy Victor will be killed in the most violent way. And I hope my girl Ily is going to do it. Those are my theories and guesses for the final book. I'm hoping for a more kickass ending and Henri finding having a family that loves him because he deserves it after everything he had to go through with his father.
My main issue with this book was that it felt a bit the same as the first two books. The same things being rehashed over again. Not to say that there wasn't some developement in the story but not enough for me to say that I liked it more. Ily and Henri both did admit that their feelings are more than just lust but other than that I just didn't feel a lot of change in any characters or the plot.
I do have some positive things I want to say about Sapphire Scars. My favorite from the book was the author's writing. As always it was beautifully lyrical and almost liked poetry. Pepper Winters has a stunning way of writing and she also has a knack for writing very steamy scenes, which was no different in this installment of the Jewelry Box series.
So Sapphire Scars might've not been my favorite of the series so far but I found things that I did enjoy about it. My guess for the next book is that Henri's brother Q is going to show up at some point and I'm already looking forward to that on its own. And of course I hope the series bad guy Victor will be killed in the most violent way. And I hope my girl Ily is going to do it. Those are my theories and guesses for the final book. I'm hoping for a more kickass ending and Henri finding having a family that loves him because he deserves it after everything he had to go through with his father.
July 1, 2024
“We can't destroy each other. Twin flames or not. Real or fantasy. Neither of us could die. Because if one died, the other would suffer...for eternity.”
Love or lust? Could this love be real or is it something both Henri and Ily are hanging onto for survival?
This was really a filler book in the series and not a lot of good happened.
We see the absolute worse of this island and it’s very very dark.
Henri and Ily make a pact to get out once and for all but how?! I’m pretty invested to see an HEA for these victims. This book leaves off on a crazy cliffhanger that’s going to mess you up!
Emotions are at an all time high
Lives are fragile and hanging on. Barely.
What a crazy series this has been.
Looking forward to the next book and seeing some revenge already!
3.5⭐️
Love or lust? Could this love be real or is it something both Henri and Ily are hanging onto for survival?
This was really a filler book in the series and not a lot of good happened.
We see the absolute worse of this island and it’s very very dark.
Henri and Ily make a pact to get out once and for all but how?! I’m pretty invested to see an HEA for these victims. This book leaves off on a crazy cliffhanger that’s going to mess you up!
Emotions are at an all time high
Lives are fragile and hanging on. Barely.
What a crazy series this has been.
Looking forward to the next book and seeing some revenge already!
3.5⭐️
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot - 4/5
Characters - 5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gosh, the tension and adrenaline pumping through me during this book! Our MC’s have finally admitted their connection and are making smarter choices to play Vic’s game. You can feel Henry’s devotion to Ily in every page of this book and his conflict regarding the actions he is forced into.
Gaining a greater understanding of Henri’s past trauma’s deepens your love of him as a character. He would do anything for Ily and continues to have a lot of internal conflict regarding his desires. Ily truly makes him a better person and accepts him for all his quirks and flaws.
TW: Rape
Plot - 4/5
Characters - 5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Gosh, the tension and adrenaline pumping through me during this book! Our MC’s have finally admitted their connection and are making smarter choices to play Vic’s game. You can feel Henry’s devotion to Ily in every page of this book and his conflict regarding the actions he is forced into.
Gaining a greater understanding of Henri’s past trauma’s deepens your love of him as a character. He would do anything for Ily and continues to have a lot of internal conflict regarding his desires. Ily truly makes him a better person and accepts him for all his quirks and flaws.
TW: Rape
September 18, 2024
Someone help me
Some authors can pen a wonderful group of words to make you feel the sweet & sticky of love, but some create deep, dark holes that are narrow and twist with the possibility of snapping your own mind with kind of love.
I believe empathic people can feel everything; even words. I am one of those people. And when I say I felt the words, I felt them. I am thankful to have the final book in this series, but there is a strong possibility it may be the last book I read if I continue to hold my breath for pages at a time.
Off to book four. ✌🏼😳
Some authors can pen a wonderful group of words to make you feel the sweet & sticky of love, but some create deep, dark holes that are narrow and twist with the possibility of snapping your own mind with kind of love.
I believe empathic people can feel everything; even words. I am one of those people. And when I say I felt the words, I felt them. I am thankful to have the final book in this series, but there is a strong possibility it may be the last book I read if I continue to hold my breath for pages at a time.
Off to book four. ✌🏼😳
June 26, 2024
Prepare yourself readers, you may have thought you had seen the darkest depths Pepper could go to.Well she just said hold my drink because this is the darkest of the dark and Henri well he leaves all her previous leading men in the dust.
We pick up the story where book two finished so there is no weird time jump and the reader thankfully isn't left guessing or trying to catch up. As I have said this is very dark, you will be left asking what did I just read, you will question the morals and the sanity of the characters. There is no doubt that Henri is a tortured man, his mind, his memories are complicated to say the least. We get to see Ily and Henri confront how they feel about each other and that's all I am going to day about them. This is a twisty read that lulls you into a false sense of security then slams your head into a wall for being so foolish to think it would be that easy.
So now I wait for the next time Pepper is going to torture me with her words and I cannot wait.
We pick up the story where book two finished so there is no weird time jump and the reader thankfully isn't left guessing or trying to catch up. As I have said this is very dark, you will be left asking what did I just read, you will question the morals and the sanity of the characters. There is no doubt that Henri is a tortured man, his mind, his memories are complicated to say the least. We get to see Ily and Henri confront how they feel about each other and that's all I am going to day about them. This is a twisty read that lulls you into a false sense of security then slams your head into a wall for being so foolish to think it would be that easy.
So now I wait for the next time Pepper is going to torture me with her words and I cannot wait.
July 1, 2024
I absolutely adore how Henri & Ily’s relationship is developing deeper in book three.
💙dark romance
����forced proximity
💙enemies to lovers
🖤feisty FMC
💙multi-cultural
🖤found family
I highly recommend this series. It is suspenseful and gripping.
Please please please check your trigger warnings- they are vast 😅
✨read as an ARC
💙dark romance
����forced proximity
💙enemies to lovers
🖤feisty FMC
💙multi-cultural
🖤found family
I highly recommend this series. It is suspenseful and gripping.
Please please please check your trigger warnings- they are vast 😅
✨read as an ARC
July 22, 2024
It was actually my favorite book of the series so far. Up and down we went, and I really enjoyed that the characters finally seem to decide what they want and if they'll want to go there. But embracing your needs and following your heart only gets you so far in their world. I loved the sensation of dread, of being trapped that never seemed to leave me.
June 19, 2024
My eyes read this book like it was a fat delicious piece of chocolate cake. I am so desperate for more. It had me on the edge of my seat. Gripping the edge of sanity and going over. Ugh! The long wait for the end. Pepper you are a master story teller. I can’t wait for the next slice!!
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