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She clutches at control to cover her flaws.

He wants to strip her bare because she's beautiful.

Selina Moss hides a secret beneath her controlled happy exterior. Her body is covered in scars and she's never revealed them to anyone. She's not beautiful and she doesn't want pity.

However, it's her wedding night and husband, Benjamin Moss, is determined to strip down her barriers.

Benjamin is not playing fair, not when he's deploying breath-stealing seduction as well as mind-melting sex toys. But will he still want her when she bares all?

Be sex toys, spanking, bondage

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2013

3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Kiru Taye

63 books340 followers
As a lover of romance novels, Kiru wanted to read stories about Africans falling in love. When she couldn’t find those books, she decided to write the stories she wanted to read.

Kiru writes sensual stories featuring African characters whether on the continent or in the Diaspora. When she's not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.

Kiru is a founding member of Romance Writers of West Africa. In 2011, her debut romance novella, His Treasure, won the Book of the Year at the Love Romances Café Awards. She is the 2015 Romance Writer of the Year at the Nigerian Writers Awards and 2017 Author of the Year at the Ufere Awards.

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5 stars
13 (29%)
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15 (34%)
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7 (15%)
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8 (18%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Crazy for Books (Stephanie).
1,919 reviews234 followers
September 17, 2014
ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review.

It was okay. I don't know if it's because I'm tired or if I just didn't connect to the material, but it just seemed to fall a little flat for me. Maybe not enough information for me to really understand who these characters are.

Does Benjamin really love Selina? Is he doing all this in hopes that she will fall for him fully and never want to no longer be his wife? I get that she's dong it in hopes it will help her brother, but the rest is very vague to me.

I would read the next installment if it was available on NetGalley. Otherwise, I won't be reading it.
Profile Image for Katie.
634 reviews168 followers
April 18, 2014
ARC received via NetGalley

I didn't enjoy this book very much. I felt like I was left with questions to be answered, and even though there is another book where I am assuming things would be explained, I wouldn't read it. This book just didn't interest me enough.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
November 27, 2013
Reviewed by Victoria
Book provided by Evernight Publishing
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Scars is the first book in the Passion Shields series by Kiru Taye. I chose this book because after reading the summary I wanted to know what happens next.

Selina has a secret she has not shared with anyone. Her new husband has not even seen it yet. She wears a corset to hide what she does not want anyone to see. Selina cannot see beyond the scars to see the beauty that others see when they see her.

Benjamin is a strong and sweet man wrapped up in one. He wants to see behind the walls Selina has constructed.

The chemistry between Benjamin and Selina is blistering hot. The sex scene was hot and spicy. I loved that Benjamin was not bothered by Selina scars and more by her attitude about them.

My first grumble is that the story was so short. I would have found the story more realistic if it was longer. It takes a while to get over the scars. In addition, there seems to be a back-story that I was missing as to how Selina and Benjamin together. Overall, this was an enjoyable quick read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
Profile Image for Karinosa.
682 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2014
I have not ever heard of this author. So, when I put it in the search box on Goodreads a lot came up.....I was surprised! This was a fast, good, intense, and HoTT read!! I was very pleasantly surprised to say the least. Hot alpha male...the description reminded me of a movie star and read extremely competent! The characters were strong and Selena has a huge obstacle in her past to come. I like how he knows before she even does about what she needs. A good Dom always tries to anticipate his subs needs!! This is a good start to this series an am very interested in following this through till the end

I received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank You, Net Galley!
Profile Image for Jennifer Lynne.
Author 18 books196 followers
September 6, 2013
I always love Kiru Taye's writing and this little gem was no exception. A short read which is great for someone like me who doesn't have a lot of time right now for reading, but still chock full of hot sex and with a romantic storyline that looks set to continue in future instalments. Lust coupled with love is my favourite reading combination, and Scars delivered on both fronts. Kiru writes with such controlled sensuality that I was drawn in to Selina and Benjamin's story from the first page and held transfixed to the end. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Omolara.
31 reviews
August 4, 2013
Taye Kiru has done well with the start of a series of story(stories) which triggers questions from the reader. Selina has a past which has left her with scars emotionally and physically. Benjamin is determined to help her out. In all cant wait to see how Benjamin and Selina make their marriage work. Lovely series and waiting to read more.
52 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2013
I thought Scars was a fantastic book. It's more than just erotica; it's about loving and trusting someone enough to want to help them overcome their past and also putting your total trust in the hands of the another and knowing they won't betray that trust. Thumbs up Kiru.
9 reviews
August 21, 2013
This was a very fast read for me and I just had to know what happened next. Selina came with her past and all these baggage that is yet to be revealed and Benjamin also seems very domineering to me.
I will certainly love to know how their story unfold.
Profile Image for Vicki Ballante.
Author 15 books1 follower
January 18, 2014
This was an intensely passionate, sexy short read. I loved that the heroine was scarred and held back from her love. The relationship was deeply complex and left me wondering what would happen next.
Profile Image for Love Africa Book Club.
450 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2014
Maya's Review

Okay. I confess, I've been holding out on reading this book since it came out back last year because I had found out that it was part of a 3 book trilogy following the same characters Benjamin and Selina Moss.

If you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm not a big fan of cliff-hangers especially if I have to wait a very long time before I can read the next book in the series. So what I do is collect the books until I have the complete set before I read them practically back to back.

Well, I needn't have worried with this one. Kiru Taye has written a perfect serving that will satisfy readers like me who like bite-size novellas and still make you hunger for more at the same time, if you catch my drift.

As I said this story is about Selina and Benjamin. It's their wedding night and as newlyweds they should be looking forward to the intimacies to follow. Not so for Selina especially after this statement from Benjamin right at the beginning of this story.

"I look forward to having you naked in bed tonight."

These words set her quaking with worry, so much so, she almost has a panic attack. Why would a woman be afraid of getting naked in front of her husband? After all in her own words, Selina was hardly the 'blushing bride' and she was looking forward for getting laid 'the hot, fast and sweaty kind.'

This is the crux of the story. Really getting intimate with someone involves baring not just our physical bodies but our hearts and souls. And if you can't do that then, the relationship will never progress.

I totally understood Selina's fears. In a world where being 'body beautiful' seems so important, we can get hung up on how we should look. But Selina's scars are not just physical, they are emotional as well. And as this series progresses I look forward to delving in and finding out more about her.

I'm in love with Benjamin. He has this intense, quiet and confident way about him that is just so compelling. I really can't wait to read more about him.

Dare I say that the author has upped her game with the sex scenes. Usually her stories are more sensual in nature than explicit. She doesn't fail here. The love scenes were hot and tastefully done. I had myself wishing I was Selina in places.

If you love your romance with spice, then you've got to pick this up. I will be reading Secrets, the next book in the series soon, but in the meantime, I'm off to find my fiancé.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Monica Cullip.
314 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2014
Scars
Kiru Taye
Passion Shields
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first installment in this new series. It is a short read at just 42 pages. It is really just an introduction of these characters. And boy what an intro it was. This new husband and wife team seem to so far have alot of depth to them. I am going to be interested in learning more about them as the series progresses.
Benjamin has just married his bride Selina and they are at the wedding reception when she is becoming a little anxious. His solution to help her calm down is to have her wear an egg vibrator for the rest of the night. I love it. What dominition and imagination!
Selina has pledged her submission and trust to Benjamin. She has been hiding some scars on her body and tonight is the night that all will be bared and shared. Ben is just the man to help her deal with her past. But first she must be honest and share all with him.
Will she be able to do this? Only time will tell. In the meantime I bet we will see many more scenes where his trusty paddle will be used again.
I would rate this story a 4/5 and thought it was a great introduction to this series.
Profile Image for Felicia.
Author 5 books104 followers
June 17, 2014
If you don't know the principles of BDSM (like me), it seems as if Selina has made a deal with the devil in the very beginning. Despite the pain, terror and betrayal in her past that still haunts her daily, she agrees to marriage of convenience - her submission in return for her new husband's protection, and getting her brother safely out of Sierra Leone and to the UK.

In the beginning...Selina seems weak and whiny. But as her story unfolds, you realize how strong she really is. Too strong for her own good. She's an educated woman who wears a mask everyday in her job as a pharmacist. No one knows the pain she hides or the cruelties she's suffered. She allows no one to get close.

No one at least, until Ben. His dominance, quiet strength, and compassion quickly get her attention. He knows she's suffering and is determined to peel away her layers and "free" her. His methods may not be conventional, but they have their own attraction...and positive effect.

The couple needs to build trust. Selina wants to trust him, but can she? The last time she trusted a man, it cost her dearly.

I highly recommend "Scars".
Profile Image for Krista Jenks.
151 reviews
May 21, 2014
Benjamin and Selina are a recently married couple who in a marriage that has very special conditions with it. Benjamin is very much a protector of Selina he will do whatever it takes to keep Selina safe. Even if that includes protecting her from herself. Her fears and memories are what scares her and makes her not want to trust anyone. Benjamin is slowly working to breakdown those barrier and he use multiple forms to get her compliance including sex persuasion and his skills as a dominant.

This was a short erotic novella. It was very quick read it caught my interest and kept me reading and turning the pages. It was very easy to finish this novella in one sitting. I am very eager to read the next portion of this series.

I read this as ARC from NETGALLEY.
Profile Image for Tamra LeValley.
950 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2016
NetGalley Free Book

Selina is dressed to impressed at her wedding to Benjamin. She still hasn't told him or showed him her secret scars. What will happen on their honeymoon when she has to undress and explain?

This book was hot from the get go. The sex scenes were so wonderful and loving. The explaination and the love that is showed to Selina is what all woman would hope for in a husband. Benjamin keeps nothing back when he realizes what has happened to her and loves her more for it.

Although this is a short book it is powerfully written.
Profile Image for Stefani Robinson.
428 reviews106 followers
September 6, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, thank you Evernight Publishing!

Warning: This short story is an erotica and features sexual content including light BDSM.



This little story was delightful. I have never heard of the author previously but I will seek out more of her work now. It was sexy and fun and well put together.

Read the rest of this review at Written Among the Stars
Profile Image for Kelly.
156 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2014
This is the first story by Kiru Taye that I have read. I really enjoyed the story, it was well written. While I am not into the bondage/submission scene, I can understand how some people could be. Kiru helps the reader understand the healing properties behind these actions. This was a short story, but it managed to grab my attention so that I want to learn more about Benjamin and Seline. I would suggest this to anyone that is looking for a short erotic story that is well written.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
April 29, 2014
Scars is the first book in the new Passion Shields series. I must tell you it is a quick read. Selina has a secret that she has not shared with anyone, including her fiancé. Her body is covered in scars that she hides with a corset, however on her wedding night Benjamin seduces her and finds her secret. Wonderful read the chemistry between these two is so sexy. Just wanted more!
Profile Image for Lauryn King.
Author 6 books28 followers
May 9, 2014
ARC received via NetGalley

thatgurlreads.blogspot.com

Scars was a very quick read, but it was well written and enjoyable. I enjoyed the sexual chemistry between Lina and Benjamin. There were a lot of unanswered question, but the answers are probably revealed continuing the series.
Profile Image for Monica **can't read fast enough**.
1,033 reviews375 followers
August 9, 2016

Scars is a perfect example of why I do not generally enjoy short works, especially ones that are under 100 pages, and this one is under 50 pages. There simply is not space for the author to give sufficient background and character development to properly engage the reader with the main characters. All we know from this installment is that Selina and Benjamin are in London, have married under some sort of pre-arranged agreement and have a strong sexual attraction to one another. Although they have some sort of relationship, it is very definitely not a traditional one. That would be perfectly acceptable if I knew what kind of relationship it is and why. That kind of information simply can't be accomplished in a novelette.

I really wish authors wouldn't do this to their readers. By parceling out the story in choppy bits this way it just causes frustration for readers like myself. I will not be reading this in pieces. Once all of the installments are released and combined into one acceptable book I may actually go back and read this one because there are hints dropped that if developed well will make this story a worthwhile read. For example, Selina is apparently from Sierra Leone and is dealing with some sort of traumatic experience; while Benjamin has "South Africa heritage". That's interesting and I haven't read anything where one of the main characters is originally from Sierra Leone and pairing her with someone from South Africa is an interesting combination that would definitely get my attention. I would love to get more of Selina's history since it is her background that is troubled. Scars is definitely erotic, but has no anchor for the reader to tether the sexual encounters to which kept this from being an enjoyable read for me.

**I received a copy of Scars via Netgalley/Evernight Publishers in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monaltable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Profile Image for Bethany-Kris.
Author 108 books4,257 followers
January 15, 2015
Selina Moss keeps a firm grip on the things she can control, including what the people around her can see of her. That's about to change and in a big way, considering her husband Ben is all about dominating when it comes to control, and more than anything, wants his wife to bare all. With the scars Selina hides revealed, will he still find her as beautiful as before?

I think it's important to note before anything else, this is a short story that begins a series. There are questions the reader has about these two people that remain unanswered until the reader gets further along into the second and third book. Don't open up this shortie with the idea you're going to come out with all the t's crossed and i's dotted, because that isn't the case.

I also went into the series knowing this, so it was okay for me.

Scars opens up to Ben and Selina's wedding celebration--or after, at the dinner and dance. It revolves entirely around that one night and Ben seducing his wife into baring her entire body to him, scars and all, which is something she's never done. Selina fully believes her flaws can't make her truly desirable to her husband, which I think, frankly, many women can relate to. I appreciate that. We get a hint of a back story about Selina's brother Kaya and the reason why she's marrying Ben, which isn't entirely for love. These are some of the things followed in the second book.

For Scars, we get a great deal of heat and chemistry between the couple. It's more BDSM than it is vanilla. It's a good building block for what's to come. It showed they had potential to grow into something more than just the face value of what we were given, and I trusted Ms. Taye to follow through on that.

*Copy provided for honest review*
Profile Image for Tania Godwin-evans.
178 reviews11 followers
April 12, 2015
Not sure of the point of this book. That said I did read this book in its entirety.

This was a very short novella (at under 50 pages) surely a novella should be more than just 50 pages. It would have been far better if the author had released all the books as just the one. However, releasing these novellas as three pieces is a ploy by the publishers to ensure readers purchase all three novellas at a rather inflated price.

There are so many questions left unanswered. The characters were ill defined and lacked further development. The back story was fleeting making it difficult to feel any empathy for either character and frankly the female was annoying beyond belief.

The relationship of the two characters is not quite the normal, traditional relationship and whatever relationship they have was not the subject of this novella. In short there is not really enough to keep the reader’s interest or to really tether the sexual encounters to.

I am not against books with BDSM themes but this book did not really hold my interest enough and I will certainly NOT be reading any more of this series. In fact I was annoyed that I had wasted precious time reading this one.

Full Disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marinda.
379 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2014
This is a short steamy story about a woman named Selina who is from South Africa and went through the war and is scared in more ways than physically. Benjamin is the man she marries who wants to take care of her and get her brother out of Africa. Selina feels their marriage is an arrangement to benefit them both. Benjamin wants more, he's into BSDM and wants her to submit totally to him. The sex part of this is elegantly written and very steamy. Will she be able to let her past go to make a future with him? Will he still want her once he knows what she's hiding from him? The dedication says" This story is dedicated to all the beautiful women with body issues and the fabulous men who love us, scars and all." Beautiful dedication to a great book.
Profile Image for Mstcat.
155 reviews58 followers
January 16, 2015
This will be a quick review: Too short, too little character development, and I couldn't seem to make myself care. What the bride asks during the wedding? Umm... No...Totally killed any chance of me ever caring. This is what happens when you throw a reader into a story without any background about what the heck (except what the character tells you). Not my cuppa.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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