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Everett Brown has secrets. Secrets that Lyla has been waiting for him to tell her for months. He has successfully evaded them, but Lyla is becoming impatient.

With the vicious attack of his beloved still fresh in his mind along with the painful loss he feels, his emotions play a battle against one another, testing his strength and ability to hold himself together.

Will the secrets that he keeps jeopardize his relationship to the woman who has his heart? Or will he learn to cope with memories that resurface with a vengeance and move on to the next phase of his life… marriage?

With Michael Thomas and Davis Moore still free, justice has yet to be served. In this whirlwind contemporary erotic romance novel, this young couple’s relationship will be tried with numerous wicked curveballs and twists that even they aren’t prepared for.

**Graphic content including underage drinking, drug use, non-consensual sex, and self-mutilation. Not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.**

208 pages

First published February 25, 2014

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Mary E. Palmerin

19 books425 followers

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5 stars
30 (52%)
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17 (29%)
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7 (12%)
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1 (1%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Ashleigh Giannoccaro.
Author 52 books515 followers
May 2, 2015
I loved that we got Everett's point of view in this part of the story it was just perfect.

I was drawn in an read it in one sitting loving every single moment of their journey.

I won't say more because spoilers drive me crazy.

I will say, if you like gritty raw reads that will rip the feels from you this series is fast become my a favorite of mine. I'm diving right into Armored now.
Profile Image for Edward Stanbridge.
15 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2014
The second novel in the Sorrow series takes place a few months after Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow. Lyla and Everett are trying to piece things back together, start their life in their new house and plan their wedding, but will the demons of their past allow them to have their happily ever-after?

This book is mainly written from Everett Brown's point of view and we get to know him better as the story develops. As perfect as he looked when the story was told by Lyla, the reader quickly realizes that he struggles to keep a strong facade in front of his beloved, but has a hard time adjusting to the whole situation. The author was successful at making him sensitive without being pansy. We see him adjust to what happened to Lyla, the loss of their unborn baby, his new life in a small rural town a whole universe away from what he knows, but he manages to do it, sometimes comically so.

The most pleasant surprise in that novel was the few chapters written in third person featuring Michael Thomas. I particularly liked the snarky way those chapters were narrated and I absolutely loved to hate Michael Thomas who is, by far, one of the best villain I've read in a book lately. The author takes us on a journey far beyond the dramatic events orchestrated by Davis Moore and Michael Thomas. The Sorrow series is a family saga that offers an intimate glimpse into the soul of each Harper siblings as well as Everett, Lyla’s soon to be husband, and as the reader gets to know them, they become part of his family too. The author knows how to keep the reader on the edge of his seat. There are some unexpected surprises and the story ends on a major cliffhanger. Knowing the author, we can’t assume that everything will be fine just because there are other books coming up in the series, we’ll have to wait and read. I enjoyed the way this book takes the reader deeper into the story, making him crave for more. Ms Palmerin writes beautifully, but never shies away from sensitive topics. Oh, and did I mention that the sexy scenes are beyond hot? I highly recommend this series if you want raw emotions, some twisted characters and a true to life story of survivors in quest for happiness.
Profile Image for Taryn Lee.
164 reviews17 followers
February 28, 2014
Find this Review at Taryn Lee's Book Blog

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just a note, this is the third book in The Sorrow Series. This is not a standalone so don't even think about reading this without reading the other two.

This book is mostly Everett Brown's point of view. We see a few scenes that are in the third person, but it's mostly Everett. Everett is so in love with Lyla Harper. And he deserves to be. But he's got to overcome some deep troubling issues he has. This novel shows us more about Everett's step father and his cruelty.

Like the first book, we see a lot of physical and mental pain. But we see our hero and heroine not letting the past get them down, trying to live every day like it's the last, and just loving each other. This story does end on another major cliffy, which I was super bummed about because I NEED to know what's going to happen!

Overall, I'm giving this story 4 STARS out of 5 STARS. I think it's a compelling story, and this book really shows us how many different pieces there are to this puzzle. Everyone plays a part in this game and when that buzzer starts all hell is about to break loose. Truly a story worth sharing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on February 27, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on February 27, 2014
Taryn Lee's Book Blog on Facebook
Profile Image for Karen - Kazza's Books Blog .
647 reviews38 followers
May 18, 2024
3 1/2 Stars
It pains me to write this review but just keep in mind that it is only MY opinion. I have Loved all of Mary's other books and yes I have read them all.
Perhaps after I have finished the whole series I might come back and re edit this review.

Shadows is the third instalment in the Scars and Sorrows Saga. This book is mainly from Everett's point of view, I found him to be a bit weak. I would have thought him to be a strong alpha male but I thought he was a bit of a pussy. While there were plenty of "I love you", I believe that actions speak louder than words.
Everett has plenty of his own demonds to deal with while trying to help Lyla get through her tortorus past.While I absolutely loved the first two books, I unfortunatly found my self skimming through the sex scenes as it seemed that it was the only way that Everett and Lyla stayed connected.
Profile Image for Christine.
537 reviews37 followers
March 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this one told from Everett's POV. Lots of angst and mystery.
This would of been another five star read but I got a bit fed up with the sex. Its great to read a steamy sexy scene but they were too often in this one especially after what Lyla went through.
Still on to the next one Armored.
Profile Image for buzy_reading.
2,669 reviews57 followers
September 2, 2020
In Succumbing we met Everett a guy Lyla starting dating. Shadows is the continuation of Everett and Lyla’s relationship. His acceptance of her physical scars gave Lyla hope. Together they continue to build a solid of love, acceptance, hope, and protection for one another.
Shadows is Everett’s point of view.

Overall:
You are in for a sex driven story. The hardships come fast and hard for this couple. Mary wastes no time diving right into painful scenes. At times I needed a breather from all the pain. I think about the circumstances surrounding her pain and wonder how one individual can tolerate so much pain? Not to mention the way she gives her body to Everett without fear or anxiety.

Music is used and referenced several times in this book to show Lyla’s mood. If you want to experience the feelings Lyla’s character is having then play the songs listed.

Let me just say there is a lot of sex. It’s graphic and explicit. At times too much. The point was driven home that this couple has no issues about sex. Every disagreement is resolved with sex. They need something else to bond over. I need something from them other than sex.

Let’s talk about God or Catholicism. Mary states that both characters are Catholics. Not necessarily practicing Catholics. They don’t attend church on a regular basis, yet they have faith. However, their relationship doesn’t follow religious guidelines. Nevertheless they are religious. Her belief is addressed in the way she believes in a higher power and those that have committed sin will have to answer to God.

Which leads me to Lyla’s recovery. Everett has been the primary factor in her ability to be physically intimate with a man. Everett has aided in her confidence level and protected her when she wants to be vulnerable. Mary’s unconventional approach towards Lyla’s recovery is not typical behavior for a woman of sexual abuse, but it’s the one Mary chose to write about. Which leaves the door open for much debate and judgement. Mary’s approach was unique and not one that is easy to accept. However, Mary’s willingness to take huge risks and think outside the box is much appreciated.

One things for sure there is no disputing the love they have for each other. If you are looking for a character wallowing in pain you won’t find that. She’s a survivor. While sexual abuse and rape play an intricate part in this book just know that her relationship with Everett is healthy. This won’t be their battle or their obstacle.


Profile Image for Rebecca Sherwin.
Author 20 books236 followers
May 15, 2014
I was first introduced to Mary’s debut back in September and I lapped up the story of Lyla and Everett because it was a story that gave me everything I wanted in a series: love, romance, steamy sex, angst, twists and turns, and the unexpected.
Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow got a solid 5-stars from me with the criticism that I wanted more Everett Brown. I’m rather impatient when it comes to a man in a suit who is a closet romantic and possesses certain, ahem, skills.
Everett Brown has secrets. Secrets that Lyla has been waiting for him to tell her for months. He has successfully evaded them, but Lyla is becoming impatient.

With the vicious attack of his beloved still fresh in his mind along with the painful loss he feels, his emotions play a battle against one another, testing his strength and his ability to hold himself together.

Will the secrets that he keeps jeopardize his relationship to the woman who has his heart? Or will he learn to cope with memories that resurface with a vengeance and move on to the next phase of his life… marriage.

In this second novel of this beautifully tragic series, Everett Brown will face the family he thought he knew, a past he tries so desperately to disassociate himself from, and the potential for his life to be turned upside down again. But is he strong enough to make it through another nightmare?

With Michael Thomas and Davis Moore still free, justice has yet to be served. In this whirlwind contemporary erotic romance novel, this young couple’s relationship will be tested with several wicked curveballs and twists that even they aren’t prepared for.

Shadows of Scars and Sorrow did not disappoint and certainly satisfied my craving for Everett and a cracking good read. Mary does a great job delving into the mind of a ‘real’ man and in turn gives us yet another powerfully beautiful tale to add to the rapidly growing collection of her work.
I’m not one who falls for the tough exterior men try to trick us with and it was refreshing and insightful to be in Everett’s mind. He mourns the loss of their baby in book one, he deals with Lyla’s past and the effect is has on her and their relationship and he opens up his own investigation to try to find the people who almost took her from him, while trying to stay strong and build a life for the woman he loves.
I loved seeing what he saw and feeling what he felt and physically swooned at the part I will give away as ‘my heart beats only for you’. Men feel pain, regret, fear and love as strongly as women and Mary portrayed that realistically and with honest, relateable conviction.
She has a way with words that will leave you with tears in your eyes and a lump in the back of your throat.








We see the strength of Lyla and the pain of what she has had to face through the eyes of the man who loves her more than anything. This is not a mushy ‘we love each other and we’re going to run away to Happily Ever After Land’ kind of book. Their relationship teeters on the edge of collapse more than once and has you wondering if they’re going to make it. it is real, it is graphic, it is raw and it is smoking hot, and is the perfect display of love being able to conquer the past.









As in the first instalment, Shadows of Scars and Sorrow is about more than just the love between Lyla and Everett. Old demons rear their heads and new troubles arise, interwoven with a frightening sub-plot, hope and fear of what’s to come and the ending will have you an emotional wreck, gripping your armrests.

It is a psychological thriller, it is an erotic romance and it is a five star must-read.
The story of Lyla and Everett is not over and as always I’m eager for more of them and the other characters in The Sorrow Series.







Profile Image for Tara Dawn (Colourful WordWench).
175 reviews28 followers
May 29, 2014
***Received in exchange for an honest review......3.5 stars***

I was excited to finally get my hands on this book after reading the prequel and book one. I have absolutely fallen in love with Mary's writing style, which has a poetic literary prose that is beautiful. Just the way she flows her words over the page makes me reread certain passages out of appreciation for her talent. She definitely didn't disappoint with Shadows.

Shadows of Scars and Sorrow is book 2 in the Sorrow Series. This book focuses on Everett Brown, Lyla Harper's fiance. It is told from both of their perspectives and a couple of others (but I'm not gonna share who lol read it and find out)with the focus on Everett and the secrets he is withholding from Lyla. I was hoping for something deeper on the secrets front while reading this book, but for the most part his secrets were anyone's basic fears and also learning how to open up emotionally. You learn a lot...A LOT...about Michael and what he's really capable of. Everett eventually learns to open up to Lyla and shares almost all of it with her. Lyla being the strong, caring woman that she is, takes it in stride accepting Everett and all of his angst. In the process Everett finds out some crazy shit from a PI he has secretly watching Michael (all of which he never shares with Lyla) and they find out some truly exciting news that makes them come together stronger. Everett also works on reconnecting with his brother with Lyla's help. When it's all said and done you are left with a cliffhanger out of this world. Holy shit can she write a cliffhanger!

I felt like this was a bridge book and that there was room for a lot more drama. Everett is such a sweet and caring man, but man he's emotional. He reminds me of what I'm like when I'm pregnant. This story contained a lot of info that we will need for book 3 and baby I'm ready for it! I can't wait to find out what happens with Lyla, Everett, and Michael. I have a feeling book 3 is gonna knock us flat on our ass and we are gonna love it!
Profile Image for L. Duarte.
Author 7 books230 followers
March 4, 2014
Shadows of Scars and Sorrow is the sequel of Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow.
Oh my, where should I start? Well, this book is steamy. Oh yeah! In this story we get to see the daily life of Everett and Lyla. Oh boy! Everett knows how to make a girl happy. But more than that is the deep-rooted love he has for Lyla. It made me wonder how far a guy will go, how much he can endure for the sake of the woman he loves. The way Everett cares for Lyla was my favorite part of this story. He became her solace, her safe haven, her lover, and best friend. **Swooning** In Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow we get to see how hard Lyla’s life had been. What a breath of fresh air was to see Lyla rewarded with a man willing to go to hell and back in order to keep her happy.
The story is mainly from Everett's POV, though we get a passage with Lila's POV and the third POV relating to other characters relevant to the plot.
Ms.Palmerin created a sequel with the same deep writing that is raw and deep.
Lyla and Everett's journey takes the reader into a twisted road of passion, love and the joy of sharing life with a soul mate. But also, it takes the reader deep into the thoughts of a psychopath. It exposes a human soul at an uttermost state of cruelty and evilness.
But most importantly, it display one of my favorite principle: Love conquers all.
“Il mio cuore batte solo per te”
“My heart beats only for you”
I give this book Five Succumbing Stars!


Profile Image for Deniz.
85 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2014
Book three of the Scars and Sorrow series is mainly written in Everett's point of view.

After meeting Lyla and being together in book 2 (won't say much because I don't want to spoil anything), Everett is having trouble with coming clean to her about his family. He knows a lot about Lyla, but it isn't quite the same vice versa. Because of this, things between Lyla and Everett aren't always the best.

What I love about this book and the previous books in the series is that everything within the story is on the road to a good ending, but it seems like this almost halfway through the story. So here I am thinking, "Oh God, what does Mary have up her sleeve now..."
And she seriously does not disappoint.
From different problems that Lyla, Everett, and the others that are on their journey have to the mind-blowing tie-ins from one character and situation to another, this book Read More
Profile Image for Kristin.
350 reviews19 followers
September 8, 2014
All I can say is the Sorrow Series is a must read! This is not a stand alone and should for sure be read in order or you'll be lost. I was way overdue to leave a review.....

Lyla is just a awesome lead female character. She's has a lot trauma in her physical and emotional which might cause some triggers for some readers. This is a very angst series so make sure your able to handle that type of genre ;)

Lyla and Everett are the most beautiful couple ever. Been through so much together. They both have secrets and need to overcome quite a bit for each other to make it.

This is a good length book and I went right through it. I highly recommend it for those who love a great angst series.

Recommended for 18+ due to scenes.
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,048 reviews5 followers
February 12, 2014
I have to start off my saying that the acknowledgments made me cry!!!

Everett Brown where have you been all my life. I am pretty freaking jealous of Lyla right about now.

This story is crazy good. I mean what the fuck just happened. That is how i am feeling at this very moment. I didn't see any of it coming.
Everett and Lyla gave me a heart attack a couple times, then they had me wanting to leave work and go jump my man too. Not gonna lie!

Mary you did one hell of a job with this book. I am sad that I finished it. I can read your work all day long.

You fucking rock girl!!!!!! Keep them coming
Profile Image for Caroline.
17 reviews
October 10, 2014
I absolutely love that this book is in Everett's point of view. Poor Everett has been struggling with the secrets he's been avoiding telling because he's so afraid of losing Lyla.

He loves her so much and strives to make her happy. His love for her will leave you swooning & their steamy love scenes in this book will leave you breathless & wanting a cold shower afterwards!
Everett & Lyla continue to be the couple I love & root for as the series continues. They show how true love is worth fighting for.
Mary is an incredible writer who doesn't disappoint her readers & leaves them wanting more for the next book. Outstanding job as always Mary!!! You rock!!
Profile Image for Michelle Taylor.
235 reviews23 followers
August 25, 2015
Shadows is the continuation of Lyla and Everett, told primarily through Everett's POV.

We begin to uncover information regarding Lyla's past 'situations' and how they are being handled. We are given a handful of paragraphs from the villain's POV, which Mary has wrote phenomenally. He realize how much of a sick sociopath he really is and learn there is no level he won't stoop to.

The final chapter of this book has me SCREAMING for more. I have never been SO sucked into a series where I read the books one right after another. I've been at this series for a week now (with one book inbetween) and I cannot get enough.
Profile Image for Drue DePompei-Hoffman.
259 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2014
HOLY FRIGGING MOLY - The title of this series says it all, "The Sorrow Series" Lyla Harper is one of the most amazing characters I have read in recent years. All of the Sorrow she has endured over her lifetime hasn't broken her, she is still a wonderfully loving person. And Everett Brown ahhhhhhh Everett Brown we definitely need more men like him in the world. The way he loves Lyla is just dreamy.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW
Profile Image for Jenna.
125 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2014
Lyla and Everetts story isnt all rainbows and unicorns but its their story. Its unique, real, raw ,happy and sad. This is the continuing story of Lyla and Everett but in Everetts point of view.i loved getting to know Everett was wonderful...having insight to his thoughts, worries, desires, and most importantly how much he loves Lyla. I couldnt put this book down and with an unbelievable cliff hanger at the end im counting down for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Amy N.
34 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2016
Again this story is excellent it continues on from her other stories. Lyla has had a tough life and things get crazier for her. She is very strong for all she's been thru. Everett is a great guy sticks by her for everything. This story is worth the read. But you have to read all the books to understand this one.

It's a must read very well written. Highly recommend all her books.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,020 reviews432 followers
October 17, 2014
This is the third in this fantastic series. This is Everetts story told mainly from his point of view. We read about Everetts secrets and get to know him better. The love he has for Lyla shines through. The steamy scenes is hot. Be warned there is a cliffhanger.

Note to author: thank you for writing another fantastic, raw and emotional story. I'm loving the journey your taking me on with Lyla.
Profile Image for April Roudabush.
24 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2014
Finally we get a look at how Everett feels about everything that Lyla went through. I feel like he is still holding back but have two more books to read so am hoping for closure. The end of this one left me on the edge of my seat! Great book with lots of hot scenes. Again if you have triggers to violence prepare yourself before reading.
Profile Image for Debbie.
61 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2015
5 amazing stars! If you havent read this series or this author, get on it!! Gut wrenching and twisted and just incredible!!
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