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Scratch
The most painful scars are the ones you never see.
In her DJ booth at a Cleveland dance club, Casey feels a sense of connection that's the closest she ever gets to normal. On her college campus, she's reserved, practical-all too aware of the disaster that can result when you trust the wrong person. But inexplicably, Daniel refuses to pay attention to the walls she's put up. Like Casey, he's a senior. In every other way, he's her opposite.
Sexy, open, effortlessly charming, Daniel is willing to take chances and show his feelings. For some reason Casey can't fathom, he's intent on drawing her out of her bubble and back into a world that's messy and unpredictable. He doesn't know about the deep scars that pucker her stomach - or the deeper secret behind them. Since the violent night when everything changed, Casey has never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. Now, she might be tempted to try.
In her DJ booth at a Cleveland dance club, Casey feels a sense of connection that's the closest she ever gets to normal. On her college campus, she's reserved, practical-all too aware of the disaster that can result when you trust the wrong person. But inexplicably, Daniel refuses to pay attention to the walls she's put up. Like Casey, he's a senior. In every other way, he's her opposite.
Sexy, open, effortlessly charming, Daniel is willing to take chances and show his feelings. For some reason Casey can't fathom, he's intent on drawing her out of her bubble and back into a world that's messy and unpredictable. He doesn't know about the deep scars that pucker her stomach - or the deeper secret behind them. Since the violent night when everything changed, Casey has never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. Now, she might be tempted to try.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
14 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Helms
16 books103 followersRhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and freelance edits.
When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.
Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.
When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.
Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
September 10, 2014
This book is sweet and easy to read ^^ nothing too complicated :) so why have I given this book only 4*? well it missed some essential push factor in it *Nodding the head*
Lets start with Daniel:
He is your usual charming BF who does not have any vices *yes women he does not sleep around... very serious with whom he wants to spend time with* so there is a breather *phew*
He has a perfect family, a good life but the thing is the author does not elaborate much on his personal life.
So there you go... he is a perfect guy :D who meets Casey in the club where she works as a DJ!!! *Yes LADIES you read it right a DJ!!!*
He helps her out during her time of need and in the end ... what happens :)(well Read it)
Casey:
She is a DJ!!! *WooHoo*
She is sweet girl who prefers to stay withing herself. She is a girl with a very trouble past and is in need for someone to save her (here is where thing gets common)*Rolls Eyes*
Anyhoo!!! loved they way they meet :D apparently Daniel is also in Casey's Philosophy class :D
I found their time in classroom and the time they study together to be quite swoony :D
Now their taste in music is same... so they bond on music too ^^
" I snuck and listened to it the whole time I took the quiz," he admitted with a crooked grin on this face. "Professor Wilkins would have loved that," I said drolly, but on the inside my heart flipped with glee. I removed my earbud and tucked it in his hand. "That's all yours,". He brushed a sweet kiss across my brow." I'm all yours."
This is in all a sweet, beautiful read... where there is a mix of angst and sweetness ^^
I just wish there had been more of an Epilogue and Casey had more chance with her music. I also loved the secondary characters :)
For Me 4* Njoy!!!
August 27, 2014
Quick review for a fairly quick read. I think the only thing I can say that was good about "Scratch" was that it was a mercifully quick read. Oddly enough, that was also the major problem with it. This first read I've perused by Rhonda Helms has an ironic name attached to it, because reading this felt like the narrative only barely skimmed the surface of all the themes it chose to touch upon for the story. The idea for the premise actually isn't bad at all - a girl passionate about music DJing at a club has to grapple with events of her past while finding love at the same time. It's formulaic, but I thought I'd be in for a better read than what was handed to me. And that cover, man. It's a good cover, I love the colors and the thematic/promise of a music theme.
But that's all it was: an empty promise.
The writing in this was terrible. I kid you not. Besides the paint by numbers adaptation of New Adult thematics, I think the writing was the thing that ruined this narrative for me the most. It was far too shallow with its presentation of everything - from the heroine's problems, to the instalust between Casey and Daniel, to just...everything. It's not the plot itself that's the problem, because a better writer could've made that formula work. Here? Dude, no. I've never read a heroine whose nipples pebbled so much at the mere touch or just for standing in the vicinity of the hero. Or the way she kept saying over and over again that she "never felt anything like *insert experience here* before". It beats you over the head and the emotion feels forced and false.
And I still can't get over how one can "fluff" their boobs.
Yeah, I can't recommend this one, sadly. There are much better narratives that actually take the time and energy to develop their characters, scenarios, and tragic circumstances with much more maturity and value than this did, and it was to its own disservice that the presentation did not work for it.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
But that's all it was: an empty promise.
The writing in this was terrible. I kid you not. Besides the paint by numbers adaptation of New Adult thematics, I think the writing was the thing that ruined this narrative for me the most. It was far too shallow with its presentation of everything - from the heroine's problems, to the instalust between Casey and Daniel, to just...everything. It's not the plot itself that's the problem, because a better writer could've made that formula work. Here? Dude, no. I've never read a heroine whose nipples pebbled so much at the mere touch or just for standing in the vicinity of the hero. Or the way she kept saying over and over again that she "never felt anything like *insert experience here* before". It beats you over the head and the emotion feels forced and false.
And I still can't get over how one can "fluff" their boobs.
Yeah, I can't recommend this one, sadly. There are much better narratives that actually take the time and energy to develop their characters, scenarios, and tragic circumstances with much more maturity and value than this did, and it was to its own disservice that the presentation did not work for it.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
October 14, 2014
ARC via NetGalley
4 Stars
This book starts out with our Heroine, Casey. She's a DJ at a local dance club and she's also a recluse. She enjoys watching people and seeing everybody enjoy her music. Just as long as she's by herself behind her booth. She doesn't have many friends, and that's only because she doesn't make herself available, nor approachable, to other people. There's this saying: Leave your past in your past. And Casey is making sure she is doing just that.
One night while Casey is DJ'ing, Daniel buys her a beer at the club and has the server deliver it to her. She doesn't like beer, but out of courtesy, she takes a sip and then retreats back into her hole of a DJ booth. Daniel is immediately taken aback by her. There's just something about her that tells him to hang on and keep chipping at her walls. He knows she has some secrets, and possibly some demons, so he patiently waits. And while he waits, he get to know Casey a little better. I enjoyed their relationship, as Daniel was a patient guy, even though he did eventually cave and drag some answers out of her.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I felt that there could've been a bit more elaboration in the story. Some parts felt unbalanced. I get that the title,Scratch, was in correlation to her being a DJ, but I got the whole DJ vibe maybe only 15% of the book.
4 Stars
This book starts out with our Heroine, Casey. She's a DJ at a local dance club and she's also a recluse. She enjoys watching people and seeing everybody enjoy her music. Just as long as she's by herself behind her booth. She doesn't have many friends, and that's only because she doesn't make herself available, nor approachable, to other people. There's this saying: Leave your past in your past. And Casey is making sure she is doing just that.
One night while Casey is DJ'ing, Daniel buys her a beer at the club and has the server deliver it to her. She doesn't like beer, but out of courtesy, she takes a sip and then retreats back into her hole of a DJ booth. Daniel is immediately taken aback by her. There's just something about her that tells him to hang on and keep chipping at her walls. He knows she has some secrets, and possibly some demons, so he patiently waits. And while he waits, he get to know Casey a little better. I enjoyed their relationship, as Daniel was a patient guy, even though he did eventually cave and drag some answers out of her.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I felt that there could've been a bit more elaboration in the story. Some parts felt unbalanced. I get that the title,Scratch, was in correlation to her being a DJ, but I got the whole DJ vibe maybe only 15% of the book.
October 30, 2014
~~4 HEARTS~~
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't what I expected. When I started it I was a bit hesitant because I wasn't that all into it but I think it was just me and not the book. I think I was just in a funk so I put it on hold and started another book and then got back to this and after that I didn't have any problems getting pulled into the story.
I love Daniel. He's not your typical college guy. He was sweet and caring and wasn't a jerk.
Casey had a lot of issues. She bare scars on the inside and outside. She didn't let people in and had everybody at arms length except her grandparents. Casey had an ugly past that she was trying to keep buried. When Casey met Daniel, everything changed for her. She opened up and slowly begin to trust and let people in , but that didn't last long. She struggles to let go of her past. Will Daniel stay by her side to pull her out of the darkness she's created for herself? I guess you'll just have to read it to find out.
September 26, 2015
J'ai adoré cette lecture (VO pour ma part, maintenant publié chez Milady Romance). L'auteure sait ménager son suspense et on trépigne de savoir ce qui est arrivé de si traumatisant à l'héroïne. L'histoire est également très touchante. Un coup de coeur.
Chronique : http://unjour-unlivre.fr/2015/09/rhon...
Chronique : http://unjour-unlivre.fr/2015/09/rhon...
October 19, 2014
Review: 2 out of 5 stars
The premise is what originally intrigued me about Scratch, a young girl with a traumatic past who puts her efforts into DJing and her studies whilst also finding an unlikely friend and eventual love but unfortunately it fell flat in execution for me and I was unable to fully appreciate the book.
The characters: Casey is a college senior with a tragic past; she isolates herself from everyone except her grandparents, her days are spent studying and some nights DJing at a dance club. Daniel is in Casey’s Philosophy class and inserts himself into her life much to her reluctance; he was an all-round great guy with bucket loads of patience.
What I enjoyed:
• The build-up to the mystery surrounding what had happened to Casey and her family – her stomach is covered in puckered scars, I was eager to learn what had happened to her.
• As a love interest, Daniel was a great guy – kind, calm, persistant and tolerant.
• The beautiful cover art.
• Casey’s amazing grandparents were a wonderful support.
• The believability of Casey’s anxiety and panic attacks
What I didn’t enjoy:
• A heroine I couldn’t relate to or connect with.
• Insta attraction/lust & love.
• The writing seemed stilted and the dialogue made me cringe.
• I didn’t feel the connection between Casey and Daniel, too much seemed to happen between them too soon. They were chalk and cheese.
• I would have loved more page time with Casey and her passion for music and DJing – we only get a small aspect.
• Casey’s hot and cold personality drove me crazy! I constantly wondered why Daniel would stick around when she constantly pushed him away.
Scratch is a book that I feel has potential; it just needs a little refining.
The premise is what originally intrigued me about Scratch, a young girl with a traumatic past who puts her efforts into DJing and her studies whilst also finding an unlikely friend and eventual love but unfortunately it fell flat in execution for me and I was unable to fully appreciate the book.
The characters: Casey is a college senior with a tragic past; she isolates herself from everyone except her grandparents, her days are spent studying and some nights DJing at a dance club. Daniel is in Casey’s Philosophy class and inserts himself into her life much to her reluctance; he was an all-round great guy with bucket loads of patience.
What I enjoyed:
• The build-up to the mystery surrounding what had happened to Casey and her family – her stomach is covered in puckered scars, I was eager to learn what had happened to her.
• As a love interest, Daniel was a great guy – kind, calm, persistant and tolerant.
• The beautiful cover art.
• Casey’s amazing grandparents were a wonderful support.
• The believability of Casey’s anxiety and panic attacks
What I didn’t enjoy:
• A heroine I couldn’t relate to or connect with.
• Insta attraction/lust & love.
• The writing seemed stilted and the dialogue made me cringe.
• I didn’t feel the connection between Casey and Daniel, too much seemed to happen between them too soon. They were chalk and cheese.
• I would have loved more page time with Casey and her passion for music and DJing – we only get a small aspect.
• Casey’s hot and cold personality drove me crazy! I constantly wondered why Daniel would stick around when she constantly pushed him away.
Scratch is a book that I feel has potential; it just needs a little refining.
August 29, 2014
3.5 Stars
Casey's the resident DJ at a local club in her little college town. She likes watching from afar, keeping everyone at arms length, and up in that DJ booth she feels comfortable - safe. Then Daniel comes into her life and tilts her life off its axis in Casey's world. He wants to know everything about her. However, Casey doesn't have the best past and doesn't want to talk about it, ever. In her world some things are better left unsaid.
But Daniel keeps pushing, and then he pushes til Casey caves and tells, but by then he's also pushed her away, and it's going to take a lot to get them back.
-----
First off I LOVE the cover! Definitely attention grabbing!
The story though was missing something, I loved that Casey was a DJ and I wish we could've seen more of that, we got a glimpse but I wanted more. I feel like we learn she's a business major because it's safe, but she really loves music and then nothing … that's all we hear.
As much as i loved Daniel, sometimes he really got on my nerves. He pushed her too far all the time, and out of no where. Almost like a switch flipped after a really good moment and he just got angry and demanded to know her past, even after she told him about her scars.
There was something just missing from this book, I wanted a little more depth. The writing wasn't bad, some of her inner monologues lasted quite a few pages though.
I think the story was good, I'd recommend
Casey's the resident DJ at a local club in her little college town. She likes watching from afar, keeping everyone at arms length, and up in that DJ booth she feels comfortable - safe. Then Daniel comes into her life and tilts her life off its axis in Casey's world. He wants to know everything about her. However, Casey doesn't have the best past and doesn't want to talk about it, ever. In her world some things are better left unsaid.
But Daniel keeps pushing, and then he pushes til Casey caves and tells, but by then he's also pushed her away, and it's going to take a lot to get them back.
-----
First off I LOVE the cover! Definitely attention grabbing!
The story though was missing something, I loved that Casey was a DJ and I wish we could've seen more of that, we got a glimpse but I wanted more. I feel like we learn she's a business major because it's safe, but she really loves music and then nothing … that's all we hear.
As much as i loved Daniel, sometimes he really got on my nerves. He pushed her too far all the time, and out of no where. Almost like a switch flipped after a really good moment and he just got angry and demanded to know her past, even after she told him about her scars.
There was something just missing from this book, I wanted a little more depth. The writing wasn't bad, some of her inner monologues lasted quite a few pages though.
I think the story was good, I'd recommend
September 1, 2014
Okay, the premise of this story really caught my attention, I mean - how often do we get to go behind the scenes with a deejay? I was really excited to see the club world through the eyes of someone who was so passionate about music.
I knew that Casey was holding something back, she had a secret but I thought as the story unfolded and we learned everything about her, I would like her even more.
Unfortunately, the connection never really happened for me. I felt more like when I watch the news on tv and something bad happens. It's sad, you feel bad...you have twinge of guilt for feeling happy that it wasn't anyone you knew, but that was it for me. I never really FELT what Casey was feeling.
Not that the tragedies are the same, but if you take for example, This is Falling by Ginger Scott it's a similar plot in that we know something happens but we don't quite know what it is...however in that story I felt what she felt. It tore at my heart and made me feel.
This story had potential but didn't quite live up to it like I had hoped.
On the plus side, it was a quick read so if you think it might interest you, I'd say go ahead and give it a try. There will be plenty of people who really like this story, but for me it was just missing enough story.
**ARC provided via Net Galley**
I knew that Casey was holding something back, she had a secret but I thought as the story unfolded and we learned everything about her, I would like her even more.
Unfortunately, the connection never really happened for me. I felt more like when I watch the news on tv and something bad happens. It's sad, you feel bad...you have twinge of guilt for feeling happy that it wasn't anyone you knew, but that was it for me. I never really FELT what Casey was feeling.
Not that the tragedies are the same, but if you take for example, This is Falling by Ginger Scott it's a similar plot in that we know something happens but we don't quite know what it is...however in that story I felt what she felt. It tore at my heart and made me feel.
This story had potential but didn't quite live up to it like I had hoped.
On the plus side, it was a quick read so if you think it might interest you, I'd say go ahead and give it a try. There will be plenty of people who really like this story, but for me it was just missing enough story.
**ARC provided via Net Galley**
October 3, 2015
[CHRONIQUE] Une très belle histoire que j'ai dévoré !
==> http://moody-takeabook.com/2015/10/03...
==> http://moody-takeabook.com/2015/10/03...
November 23, 2014
This review appeared first at Fantasy is More Fun.
I like New Adult, but I’m also cautious about picking a NA book. They can be MORE angsty than YA, thanks to broken heroes and heroines “saving” each other. But Scratch looked like it could be one of the good ones. And it was.
I think the number one indicator that Scratch wouldn’t be weighed down with melodrama came when I met the guy – Daniel. He’s smart, personable, respectful, doing well in school. He’s got his shit together. I think I was giddy when I realized Daniel would not need saving in Scratch. And so I proceeded to fall for him.
As does our main character – Casey. Now life can’t be perfect, or where would the story be, right? So yeah, Casey has some issues. But there were two things I loved about how Rhonda Helms wrote Casey’s issues:
1They are freaking REAL problems (and not of her own making). I don’t want to spoil anything for you – because learning all the details of how she ended up so incredibly scarred (not just emotionally, but physically) is part of the story – but her problems felt seriously legitimate to me.
2Casey is as far as it gets from a cry baby. She’s had a freaking hard hand dealt to her, but she’s living her life as best as she can. She’s working hard at work at school. She’s got something she loves in her music. She has a great relationship with her grandparents who’ve raised her. She’s just very withdrawn – she doesn’t trust easily or much (understandably). Even that, though, is something she’s trying to work on.
So Daniel comes along and Casey starts pushing herself outside of her comfort zones. Thanks to some pushes from him and her roommate, she makes real strides. But Rhonda didn’t write Casey as a girl who needs or wants saving.
And that’s the final reason I really enjoyed Scratch – Daniel’s a great guy, and he’d like nothing more than to save Casey. But that’s not how it works in life – people don’t save you, because it can’t work that way. You have to save yourself – and so does Casey.
Scratch wasn’t perfect – there was some really stupid melodrama with the roommate that just didn’t work for me. In fact, the roommate often didn’t quite fit. But as a whole, Scratch was a really satisfying New Adult romance and I wouldn’t hesitate picking up another book by Rhonda Helms.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I like New Adult, but I’m also cautious about picking a NA book. They can be MORE angsty than YA, thanks to broken heroes and heroines “saving” each other. But Scratch looked like it could be one of the good ones. And it was.
I think the number one indicator that Scratch wouldn’t be weighed down with melodrama came when I met the guy – Daniel. He’s smart, personable, respectful, doing well in school. He’s got his shit together. I think I was giddy when I realized Daniel would not need saving in Scratch. And so I proceeded to fall for him.
As does our main character – Casey. Now life can’t be perfect, or where would the story be, right? So yeah, Casey has some issues. But there were two things I loved about how Rhonda Helms wrote Casey’s issues:
1They are freaking REAL problems (and not of her own making). I don’t want to spoil anything for you – because learning all the details of how she ended up so incredibly scarred (not just emotionally, but physically) is part of the story – but her problems felt seriously legitimate to me.
2Casey is as far as it gets from a cry baby. She’s had a freaking hard hand dealt to her, but she’s living her life as best as she can. She’s working hard at work at school. She’s got something she loves in her music. She has a great relationship with her grandparents who’ve raised her. She’s just very withdrawn – she doesn’t trust easily or much (understandably). Even that, though, is something she’s trying to work on.
So Daniel comes along and Casey starts pushing herself outside of her comfort zones. Thanks to some pushes from him and her roommate, she makes real strides. But Rhonda didn’t write Casey as a girl who needs or wants saving.
And that’s the final reason I really enjoyed Scratch – Daniel’s a great guy, and he’d like nothing more than to save Casey. But that’s not how it works in life – people don’t save you, because it can’t work that way. You have to save yourself – and so does Casey.
Scratch wasn’t perfect – there was some really stupid melodrama with the roommate that just didn’t work for me. In fact, the roommate often didn’t quite fit. But as a whole, Scratch was a really satisfying New Adult romance and I wouldn’t hesitate picking up another book by Rhonda Helms.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 7, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.
As with most of New Adult books, Scratch is an emotional romance between two college-aged characters, one of which is scarred and broken. In Scratch we meet Casey and Daniel. In some ways, Casey is not your typical New Adult character. After a violent event in her childhood, Casey closed herself off from people. What I loved about Casey was the fact that she was a DJ. She can pour her heart and soul into her music. Casey is able to express herself with music in ways she can't with people. However, I would have loved to see more of Casey in her element. She loves being able to watch people move on the dance floor knowing that it is her music that sets them free. The change she goes through in the story is remarkable. With Daniel and her roommate by her side, Casey gets the courage to talk about her past and create connections with her classmates. As for Daniel, he was the perfect boyfriend. He wants Casey to be happy and he hopes that she'll find happiness with him. Although, he does go about it all wrong. He pushes her to face her past and nearly pushes too far. The majority of their relationship is focused on Daniel trying to get Casey to tell him the truth about what happened to her family. We learn a lot about Daniel through Casey's eyes, but other than the fact that he's from a loving family, we really don't get to know much more about him. This is one book where I wished we had gotten both perspectives and I think it would have given Daniel more depth. I respected how slowly Casey and Daniel's relationship progressed. They start off as simply classmates before it grew into friendship and eventually, their romance blossomed. I felt that pacing of their relationship was perfect. Never once did I wish they moved faster or wished they would slow down. Overall, I thought Scratch was an enjoyable book with two characters I could find myself rooting for. I wanted Casey to overcome her past and to have some kind of a future with Daniel. Scratch was my introduction into the author's world and I look forward to becoming more acquainted with Rhonda's work in the future.
As with most of New Adult books, Scratch is an emotional romance between two college-aged characters, one of which is scarred and broken. In Scratch we meet Casey and Daniel. In some ways, Casey is not your typical New Adult character. After a violent event in her childhood, Casey closed herself off from people. What I loved about Casey was the fact that she was a DJ. She can pour her heart and soul into her music. Casey is able to express herself with music in ways she can't with people. However, I would have loved to see more of Casey in her element. She loves being able to watch people move on the dance floor knowing that it is her music that sets them free. The change she goes through in the story is remarkable. With Daniel and her roommate by her side, Casey gets the courage to talk about her past and create connections with her classmates. As for Daniel, he was the perfect boyfriend. He wants Casey to be happy and he hopes that she'll find happiness with him. Although, he does go about it all wrong. He pushes her to face her past and nearly pushes too far. The majority of their relationship is focused on Daniel trying to get Casey to tell him the truth about what happened to her family. We learn a lot about Daniel through Casey's eyes, but other than the fact that he's from a loving family, we really don't get to know much more about him. This is one book where I wished we had gotten both perspectives and I think it would have given Daniel more depth. I respected how slowly Casey and Daniel's relationship progressed. They start off as simply classmates before it grew into friendship and eventually, their romance blossomed. I felt that pacing of their relationship was perfect. Never once did I wish they moved faster or wished they would slow down. Overall, I thought Scratch was an enjoyable book with two characters I could find myself rooting for. I wanted Casey to overcome her past and to have some kind of a future with Daniel. Scratch was my introduction into the author's world and I look forward to becoming more acquainted with Rhonda's work in the future.
September 29, 2014
ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Review coming soon!
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Wonderful,amazing,surprising,moving,emotional,gut wrenching story about Casey, a DJ. She’s a senior.
I was sold since the cover and wanna scratch this story about this girl finding her solace in music and not getting involved with people. Her grandparents raised her after a tragic loss of all her family. She lives in her own bubble, where she knows where her boundaries are and where anticipation is not welcomed. She tried to be invisible even if she worked in in a club. She needs to feel safe.
She had her routine : go to class, studying, having dinner with her grandma and grandpa, deejaying.
One day, when Working at the club, she met Daniel, a guy from her philosophical class who noticed her but she’s too focus being invisible that she wasn’t aware that she attracted him. He offered her a drink.
It was the beginning of their relationship, they spent a lot of times together and their feelings getting stronger everyday but she can’t let her past go and kind of tear them apart.
Daniel seemed to be the opposite of Casey: always smiling, sociable and friendly person. I like how he put Casey at ease, making her confortable, always caring for her.
He suspects something but when he discovers her past , he understood her more and tries to help her but not in a good way. He can’t stand watching her suffer.
Casey is so wrecked emotionally that she can’t opened up. It was so hard to read!It broke my heart!
This story is so fully charged of emotions and even we can’t put in Casey’s shoes we can totally experience all of it. This is a beautiful lesson of love but especially grieving and forgiving after such a trauma event, learn to live again surrounded by the people you love.
I recommend it and i definitely buying this book in paperback,it deserves its place in my collection! One of my favorites read of this year!Can't wait for all the upcoming books by this author!
Review coming soon!
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Wonderful,amazing,surprising,moving,emotional,gut wrenching story about Casey, a DJ. She’s a senior.
I was sold since the cover and wanna scratch this story about this girl finding her solace in music and not getting involved with people. Her grandparents raised her after a tragic loss of all her family. She lives in her own bubble, where she knows where her boundaries are and where anticipation is not welcomed. She tried to be invisible even if she worked in in a club. She needs to feel safe.
She had her routine : go to class, studying, having dinner with her grandma and grandpa, deejaying.
One day, when Working at the club, she met Daniel, a guy from her philosophical class who noticed her but she’s too focus being invisible that she wasn’t aware that she attracted him. He offered her a drink.
It was the beginning of their relationship, they spent a lot of times together and their feelings getting stronger everyday but she can’t let her past go and kind of tear them apart.
Daniel seemed to be the opposite of Casey: always smiling, sociable and friendly person. I like how he put Casey at ease, making her confortable, always caring for her.
He suspects something but when he discovers her past , he understood her more and tries to help her but not in a good way. He can’t stand watching her suffer.
Casey is so wrecked emotionally that she can’t opened up. It was so hard to read!It broke my heart!
This story is so fully charged of emotions and even we can’t put in Casey’s shoes we can totally experience all of it. This is a beautiful lesson of love but especially grieving and forgiving after such a trauma event, learn to live again surrounded by the people you love.
I recommend it and i definitely buying this book in paperback,it deserves its place in my collection! One of my favorites read of this year!Can't wait for all the upcoming books by this author!
August 26, 2014
An emotional and sweet New Adult romance, Scratch was a wonderful read that I really liked. A story about facing the past and moving on, this book was romantic, full of secrets, and enjoyable all the way through.
Casey was a likable heroine. Ever since her life was ripped apart when she was thirteen, she pushed people away and avoided facing her past. Her habit of locking herself away in self-imposed solitude was frustrating, but she got better as the book went on. She learned to let people in, allowing them to held her, and faced her past so that she could focus on the future. By the end of the book, I quite liked her character.
Daniel was an absolute sweetie. He obviously cared about Casey and he was determined to help her move on, even while she kept pushing him away. I wish we had gotten to know more about him as a character, but I still found him to be adorable.
The romance was very sweet. Despite Casey's reluctance, there was an immediate connection between them and they both proved that they were willing to put in their all to make it work. And, there was definitely chemistry between them, definitely enough to turn up the heat. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The secrets of Casey's past were intense and that definitely kept things interesting. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
Scratch was a lovely New Adult romance. Emotional, romantic, with some intense secrets, this book was an enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Casey was a likable heroine. Ever since her life was ripped apart when she was thirteen, she pushed people away and avoided facing her past. Her habit of locking herself away in self-imposed solitude was frustrating, but she got better as the book went on. She learned to let people in, allowing them to held her, and faced her past so that she could focus on the future. By the end of the book, I quite liked her character.
Daniel was an absolute sweetie. He obviously cared about Casey and he was determined to help her move on, even while she kept pushing him away. I wish we had gotten to know more about him as a character, but I still found him to be adorable.
The romance was very sweet. Despite Casey's reluctance, there was an immediate connection between them and they both proved that they were willing to put in their all to make it work. And, there was definitely chemistry between them, definitely enough to turn up the heat. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The secrets of Casey's past were intense and that definitely kept things interesting. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
Scratch was a lovely New Adult romance. Emotional, romantic, with some intense secrets, this book was an enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 13, 2014
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 30, 2014.
This was a nice quick read for me. I enjoyed the fact that the lead character had some flaws and was dealing with some serious emotional issues when she met Daniel. As a result of this we got to see Casey and Daniel get to know each other before they hit the sheets which was nice. Too often we see the physical chemistry before the emotional chemistry and this story worked in the reverse. We got to experience Casey dealing with her struggle to navigate dating and developing feelings for someone.
I felt the underlying theme of the story was the journey of discovering oneself and what a person is capable emotionally. It also dealt with a horrifying back-story that was the starting point of Casey's struggles.
While I did find that there was repetitive use of some phrases i.e. he smiled and the tension eased a bit, the story flowed well. You really wanted Casey to let her walls down and truly start to live.
This was my first story by Helms but I think I do see more of her work on my to read list. If you are looking for a love story that has more plot than bedroom scenes (there are those also if that is what you like) then this is the read for you.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 30, 2014.
This was a nice quick read for me. I enjoyed the fact that the lead character had some flaws and was dealing with some serious emotional issues when she met Daniel. As a result of this we got to see Casey and Daniel get to know each other before they hit the sheets which was nice. Too often we see the physical chemistry before the emotional chemistry and this story worked in the reverse. We got to experience Casey dealing with her struggle to navigate dating and developing feelings for someone.
I felt the underlying theme of the story was the journey of discovering oneself and what a person is capable emotionally. It also dealt with a horrifying back-story that was the starting point of Casey's struggles.
While I did find that there was repetitive use of some phrases i.e. he smiled and the tension eased a bit, the story flowed well. You really wanted Casey to let her walls down and truly start to live.
This was my first story by Helms but I think I do see more of her work on my to read list. If you are looking for a love story that has more plot than bedroom scenes (there are those also if that is what you like) then this is the read for you.
October 10, 2014
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley.)
This was an okay story about one girl’s journey through her grief, and learning to accept who she was in order to move forward.
Casey was quite a closed-off person; she hid herself from other people all the time, and constantly held back. I hoped that once she got to know Daniel she wouldn’t hold everything back with him, but that really didn’t seem to be the case, and I really wanted her to let go a little!
The storyline in this was good, but I did find it a little difficult to stay focused. I wanted things to move along quicker and felt like Casey was a little stubborn at points, maybe I’m just impatient though, its quite possible!
There was romance in this, and at first I couldn’t quite get into the right mood to appreciate it. This did improve as the book went on though, and the sex scene was pretty steamy.
The ending to this was good, and I was pleased that Casey got as happy an ending as was possible given the situation.
Overall; interesting NA story about grief and self-acceptance,
6.5 out of 10.
This was an okay story about one girl’s journey through her grief, and learning to accept who she was in order to move forward.
Casey was quite a closed-off person; she hid herself from other people all the time, and constantly held back. I hoped that once she got to know Daniel she wouldn’t hold everything back with him, but that really didn’t seem to be the case, and I really wanted her to let go a little!
The storyline in this was good, but I did find it a little difficult to stay focused. I wanted things to move along quicker and felt like Casey was a little stubborn at points, maybe I’m just impatient though, its quite possible!
There was romance in this, and at first I couldn’t quite get into the right mood to appreciate it. This did improve as the book went on though, and the sex scene was pretty steamy.
The ending to this was good, and I was pleased that Casey got as happy an ending as was possible given the situation.
Overall; interesting NA story about grief and self-acceptance,
6.5 out of 10.
November 20, 2014
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
This was my second Rhonda Helms book and I enjoyed it much more than the first I read of hers, but it still didn’t rock my socks. Casey is very closed-off due to things from her past; the want to know what happened to her was what kept me reading for the most part. The relationship between Daniel and Casey was my other reason to keep reading. It was sweet and slow and real. They both make mistakes, she’s keeping secrets and he pushes her too hard. I just never connected to the characters, I never really felt for Casey and her horrible past nor did I really fall in love with Casey and Daniel’s love story. I wish Casey being a DJ that had been explore more, with the cover and title I thought it would play a major role in the story and it never really did. I liked Scratch well enough, but it was just missing something to make me really love it.
This was my second Rhonda Helms book and I enjoyed it much more than the first I read of hers, but it still didn’t rock my socks. Casey is very closed-off due to things from her past; the want to know what happened to her was what kept me reading for the most part. The relationship between Daniel and Casey was my other reason to keep reading. It was sweet and slow and real. They both make mistakes, she’s keeping secrets and he pushes her too hard. I just never connected to the characters, I never really felt for Casey and her horrible past nor did I really fall in love with Casey and Daniel’s love story. I wish Casey being a DJ that had been explore more, with the cover and title I thought it would play a major role in the story and it never really did. I liked Scratch well enough, but it was just missing something to make me really love it.
March 4, 2015
ARC from Netgalley for an honest Review
Wow wow wow review to come ^^
*************************************************
Edit 09/13
Review
What a beautiful story. I had a great moment reading this book, I was not able to put it down.
I like this kind of book where the heroes have a difficult past and they are struggling to get by.I cried like a baby ahah yeah that's true... The bonus of this book is Daniel. He's so cuuuuute! The heroine is endearing. I always have a soft spot for books about music / musicians.
I hope there will be a sequel ^^
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Wow wow wow review to come ^^
*************************************************
Edit 09/13
Review
What a beautiful story. I had a great moment reading this book, I was not able to put it down.
I like this kind of book where the heroes have a difficult past and they are struggling to get by.I cried like a baby ahah yeah that's true... The bonus of this book is Daniel. He's so cuuuuute! The heroine is endearing. I always have a soft spot for books about music / musicians.
I hope there will be a sequel ^^
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September 13, 2014
(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
Scratch was an alright read, but it felt longer than what it was.
I could understand why Casey found it hard to open up about her past, and why she'd find it difficult to trust Daniel. Though, at times, i really wished that she would let him in more.
There were a few times where i felt bored while reading this, as the story moved along quite slowly. I found the first 25% to be the slowest part. After that, it wasn't quite so bad.
Overall, Dragged out a bit too much, but was an okay read.
Scratch was an alright read, but it felt longer than what it was.
I could understand why Casey found it hard to open up about her past, and why she'd find it difficult to trust Daniel. Though, at times, i really wished that she would let him in more.
There were a few times where i felt bored while reading this, as the story moved along quite slowly. I found the first 25% to be the slowest part. After that, it wasn't quite so bad.
Overall, Dragged out a bit too much, but was an okay read.
January 7, 2024
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Scratch – Rhonda Helms
Quelle belle romance! Certes, je la qualifierais davantage de Young Adult que de New Romance, mais c’est un parfait mélange des deux. Tendre, bouleversante. Un superbe entre-deux, qui se lit rapidement dans l’univers de la musique et… d’un passé malheureux.
« -Tu es une fille pleine de passion, commenta-t-il. Ça se voit dans tes yeux. Et ça s’entend quand tu parles de musique. »
C’est dans son box, en sécurité derrière ses platines, que Casey se sent le mieux. Loin des interactions sociales, loin des effleurements de corps dansants devant elle… loin du moindre contact. Avec ce qu’elle a vécu, c’est normal… Toutefois, elle ne s’attendait pas à la rencontre de Daniel. Un jeune homme beau, attirant, mais également attachant et attentionné… assis devant elle dans leur cours de philosophie. Comment peut-elle l’ignorer, lui qui semble vouloir se rapprocher d’elle et en apprendre davantage sur sa personne?
Casey ressent beaucoup de frissons au contact de Daniel. Elle qui tenait tous les gens à distance, ne peut s’empêcher de vouloir en apprendre davantage sur celui-ci. Il est patient, doux, mais Casey porte de nombreux bagages et son passé la fait totalement paniquée. Cette relation mérite-elle les risques de souffrir à nouveau? Est-elle prête à faire confiance en ce jeune homme ou ce dernier partira en courant lorsqu’il découvrira la vérité?
Rhonda Helms a une plume douce, entraînante. Ses personnages sont intrigants, attendrissants. Malgré la réticente de Casey à s’approcher des autres, elle trouve le courage de le faire. Elle a un passé très… douloureux, je ne m’attendais pas à cela… à cette violence, mais je crois que j’aurais aimé davantage ma lecture si notre protagoniste principale avait été un peu plus souple. Tandis que Daniel est surprenant, j’ai adoré ce personnage, sa volonté. Bon, il n’aurait pas dû faire… ce qu’il a fait, mais il reste attentionné, ne voulant que le bonheur de Casey.
Une auteure avec une plume entraînante, d’une superbe bonté. Elle nous entraîne dans un roman douloureux, sur une trame sonore énergique. Deux jeunes gens qui tomberont amoureux, émerveillés par leur attirance. Vous passerez un délicieux moment avec cette DJ. 9/10
P.S. : Quelle magnifique couverture! Sublime! Très représentative.
#Scratch #romance #NewAdult #traumatisme #attirance #amour #amitié #famille #passé #cicatrices #suggestiondelecture #lecturedumoment #lecturedusoir #chronique
Résumé :
« J’avais frôlé la mort. On peut même dire que je l’avais vue en face. Toutes les ombres ne s’étaient pas dissipées. Pas pour le moment. Je sentais toujours la colère me tordre le ventre. Mais ce n’était pas grave. J’avais le droit d’être en colère. »
Hantée par un traumatisme familial, Casey peine à mener une vie normale. C’est seulement lorsqu’elle est aux platines que la jeune fille se sent bien, à l’écart de la foule. À la fac, elle se méfie de tout, ne baisse jamais sa garde. Elle garde soigneusement à distance tous ceux qui tentent de l’approcher. Il en faudra plus pour que Daniel renonce à la séduire. Parviendra-t-il à découvrir ses sombres secrets du passé ? L’amour qu’il éprouve pour elle est peut-être sa dernière chance de se réconcilier avec le monde qui l’entoure.
Scratch – Rhonda Helms
Quelle belle romance! Certes, je la qualifierais davantage de Young Adult que de New Romance, mais c’est un parfait mélange des deux. Tendre, bouleversante. Un superbe entre-deux, qui se lit rapidement dans l’univers de la musique et… d’un passé malheureux.
« -Tu es une fille pleine de passion, commenta-t-il. Ça se voit dans tes yeux. Et ça s’entend quand tu parles de musique. »
C’est dans son box, en sécurité derrière ses platines, que Casey se sent le mieux. Loin des interactions sociales, loin des effleurements de corps dansants devant elle… loin du moindre contact. Avec ce qu’elle a vécu, c’est normal… Toutefois, elle ne s’attendait pas à la rencontre de Daniel. Un jeune homme beau, attirant, mais également attachant et attentionné… assis devant elle dans leur cours de philosophie. Comment peut-elle l’ignorer, lui qui semble vouloir se rapprocher d’elle et en apprendre davantage sur sa personne?
Casey ressent beaucoup de frissons au contact de Daniel. Elle qui tenait tous les gens à distance, ne peut s’empêcher de vouloir en apprendre davantage sur celui-ci. Il est patient, doux, mais Casey porte de nombreux bagages et son passé la fait totalement paniquée. Cette relation mérite-elle les risques de souffrir à nouveau? Est-elle prête à faire confiance en ce jeune homme ou ce dernier partira en courant lorsqu’il découvrira la vérité?
Rhonda Helms a une plume douce, entraînante. Ses personnages sont intrigants, attendrissants. Malgré la réticente de Casey à s’approcher des autres, elle trouve le courage de le faire. Elle a un passé très… douloureux, je ne m’attendais pas à cela… à cette violence, mais je crois que j’aurais aimé davantage ma lecture si notre protagoniste principale avait été un peu plus souple. Tandis que Daniel est surprenant, j’ai adoré ce personnage, sa volonté. Bon, il n’aurait pas dû faire… ce qu’il a fait, mais il reste attentionné, ne voulant que le bonheur de Casey.
Une auteure avec une plume entraînante, d’une superbe bonté. Elle nous entraîne dans un roman douloureux, sur une trame sonore énergique. Deux jeunes gens qui tomberont amoureux, émerveillés par leur attirance. Vous passerez un délicieux moment avec cette DJ. 9/10
P.S. : Quelle magnifique couverture! Sublime! Très représentative.
#Scratch #romance #NewAdult #traumatisme #attirance #amour #amitié #famille #passé #cicatrices #suggestiondelecture #lecturedumoment #lecturedusoir #chronique
Résumé :
« J’avais frôlé la mort. On peut même dire que je l’avais vue en face. Toutes les ombres ne s’étaient pas dissipées. Pas pour le moment. Je sentais toujours la colère me tordre le ventre. Mais ce n’était pas grave. J’avais le droit d’être en colère. »
Hantée par un traumatisme familial, Casey peine à mener une vie normale. C’est seulement lorsqu’elle est aux platines que la jeune fille se sent bien, à l’écart de la foule. À la fac, elle se méfie de tout, ne baisse jamais sa garde. Elle garde soigneusement à distance tous ceux qui tentent de l’approcher. Il en faudra plus pour que Daniel renonce à la séduire. Parviendra-t-il à découvrir ses sombres secrets du passé ? L’amour qu’il éprouve pour elle est peut-être sa dernière chance de se réconcilier avec le monde qui l’entoure.
April 11, 2019
Casey has had it really tough. Her whole family is dead tragically and she somehow survived. It has taken her years to get to the point she can go to college and do the day to day routine. But she is not living. Soon her roommate reaches out o her and a young man in one of her classes is pursuing her.
Daniel thinks she is beautiful and he can tell she is fragile. He begins to woo her slowly, trying not to run her off. With new friends and a lover she begins to really live.
Daniel thinks she is beautiful and he can tell she is fragile. He begins to woo her slowly, trying not to run her off. With new friends and a lover she begins to really live.
September 5, 2025
Even though this book is short, I really struggled to finish it since the main character Casey was annoying and frustrating. She was gloomy, pessimistic, and anhedonic, and her woe-is-me attitude made the book drag. Also, I thought Daniel's dialogue was completely unrealistic.
August 8, 2017
It was an quick but fun read; I'm excited that the author included a playlist; it's always great when an author does that - brings you that much closer to the main character!
December 3, 2018
Simply amazing
January 30, 2023
En soit l’histoire est mims et triste mais j’ai pas vraiment aimé le couple Casey/Daniel
July 25, 2015
In Scratch, Casey is a college senior with a traumatic past. To escape the nightmares and memories, she turns to music, and passes many nights DJing at a local club. When she's not DJing, she's locked in her room, studying alone, afraid to let people in -- that is, until Daniel from her philosophy class starts chipping away at the walls she's built up.
The award for least relatable heroine goes to Casey. I could not stand this girl throughout the book. Why must everything be an argument with her? Daniel kisses her. She runs away. Daniel takes her on a date. She throws a fit. Daniel tries to help her get past the events of her childhood. She all but breaks up with him. Daniel tries to tell her that he's sick of fighting and just wants to make her happy, and she throws her tortured past in his face.
Casey is perfectly happy going somewhere with Daniel after class, perfectly comfortable talking to him at a party, but her danger bells go off when he offers to take her out at night. Casey's danger alarm goes off constantly. I think her favorite word is "dangerous." As in, "This was dangerous, to let myself even be this close to him." Everything is dangerous to Casey, not because there's actually a sense of danger, but because she may develop feelings for someone, and we can't have that.
Casey is also an idiot. She refuses to discuss her music with anyone, or tell anyone that she makes her own songs. Yet, somehow, of course, she's able to tell Daniel. She says, "I couldn't believe I was talking so openly about music with him. But I got the feeling that he would understand."
Casey, sweetie, 99% of people would understand. Music is this universal thing. Most people like it. Most people would think it's cool that you're creating your own songs. Have you never spoken to a human before?
It was exhausting to read about this girl.
Add to that the fact that these girls talked like they're from the late 90's:
"You look like you're about to devour someone," I replied drolly.
She giggled. "Oh yes! I totally am. Ta-ta for now!"
I have not heard anyone say "ta-ta for now" since I was in elementary school. This is supposed to be a contemporary novel. The girls have cell phones and discuss Facebook, yet they talk and dress like they're out of the 90's.
Actually, the whole book is rather poorly written. It's hard to write a believable story in the first person, especially when it's a romance like this. Characters describing the things that are happening to them is just uncomfortable -- I much prefer third person. Some examples of the awkward writing:
My core tightened; my belly fluttered.
The thumb on his right hand brushed against my thigh then moved up my leg, to the crease between my thigh and torso.
Ugh. So unattractive.
The premise of the book was good, but the writing was very formulaic (I could almost predict each conflict, what it would be, and where in the book it would occur), it was much too angsty, and very poorly executed. Typically, the books I receive from Netgalley are uncorrected proofs. There's no indication either way about whether this is an uncorrected or final copy. I hope that it's uncorrected and that an editor will be able to go in and polish the awkward writing, at least. In the end, I give Scratch 1.5/5 stars, rounded up to 2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy.
The award for least relatable heroine goes to Casey. I could not stand this girl throughout the book. Why must everything be an argument with her? Daniel kisses her. She runs away. Daniel takes her on a date. She throws a fit. Daniel tries to help her get past the events of her childhood. She all but breaks up with him. Daniel tries to tell her that he's sick of fighting and just wants to make her happy, and she throws her tortured past in his face.
Casey is perfectly happy going somewhere with Daniel after class, perfectly comfortable talking to him at a party, but her danger bells go off when he offers to take her out at night. Casey's danger alarm goes off constantly. I think her favorite word is "dangerous." As in, "This was dangerous, to let myself even be this close to him." Everything is dangerous to Casey, not because there's actually a sense of danger, but because she may develop feelings for someone, and we can't have that.
Casey is also an idiot. She refuses to discuss her music with anyone, or tell anyone that she makes her own songs. Yet, somehow, of course, she's able to tell Daniel. She says, "I couldn't believe I was talking so openly about music with him. But I got the feeling that he would understand."
Casey, sweetie, 99% of people would understand. Music is this universal thing. Most people like it. Most people would think it's cool that you're creating your own songs. Have you never spoken to a human before?
It was exhausting to read about this girl.
Add to that the fact that these girls talked like they're from the late 90's:
"You look like you're about to devour someone," I replied drolly.
She giggled. "Oh yes! I totally am. Ta-ta for now!"
I have not heard anyone say "ta-ta for now" since I was in elementary school. This is supposed to be a contemporary novel. The girls have cell phones and discuss Facebook, yet they talk and dress like they're out of the 90's.
Actually, the whole book is rather poorly written. It's hard to write a believable story in the first person, especially when it's a romance like this. Characters describing the things that are happening to them is just uncomfortable -- I much prefer third person. Some examples of the awkward writing:
My core tightened; my belly fluttered.
The thumb on his right hand brushed against my thigh then moved up my leg, to the crease between my thigh and torso.
Ugh. So unattractive.
The premise of the book was good, but the writing was very formulaic (I could almost predict each conflict, what it would be, and where in the book it would occur), it was much too angsty, and very poorly executed. Typically, the books I receive from Netgalley are uncorrected proofs. There's no indication either way about whether this is an uncorrected or final copy. I hope that it's uncorrected and that an editor will be able to go in and polish the awkward writing, at least. In the end, I give Scratch 1.5/5 stars, rounded up to 2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy.
November 11, 2018
Casey plays her part well. College student by day, DJ by night, and anything to avoid the past that nearly pulled her under. She keeps to herself, distant from potential friends and certainly not looking for a boyfriend. But when an intriguing guy from one of her classes begins to come around, the carefully structured survival she's managed so far seems so much more empty…
The Verdict: I actually gave this one a second read before venturing into review territory simply because I couldn't figure out how I felt about it. On the surface, a character who loves club music is something I would normally avoid, simply because I can't stand the whole boots and pants bit, but the story here seemed deeper, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
Casey has never really covered from a truly horrific event. The split-second eruption of hell that stole her sense of security and stability in a now obviously crazy world has left her with more than just the ugly scars on her stomach. It's a topic I don't imagine many should be writing about, but something about the way this part of the plot was told didn't seem exploitative. Yeah, I'm being vague, but if you're gonna read this book, it's better left to reveal itself. So on to Casey…
While I can certainly understand the traumatic past and the issues she's had simply pretending to function in college society, I never really connected with her the way I wanted to. Her DJing made her different than your typical college age heroine, and I liked that a lot, but she was so distant from everything and everyone that it made it difficult even for the reader to connect. That's not to say I couldn't sympathize with her; I just couldn't really empathize. Still, her inability to connect with the world except through music, and her sense of isolation made for a very interesting character.
Daniel was a bit of an enigma for me at first; I honestly couldn't understand why he even took notice of Casey. But it didn't take long for me to fall in love with him. I kept waiting for it to seem like he was just too good, too mature and understanding for his years, but instead he acted very much his age from time to time, pushing her further than perhaps he should have in coming to terms with her past, and even demanding more when she wasn't ready to talk. Honestly, that's one of the things I liked about his character most — he was utterly human and impatient, even when he knew better than to force her hand. His care and concern felt genuine, though, and it was wonderful to see her begin to open up and truly live once he was in her life.
All in all Scratch was a good read with an interesting twist on the typical traumatic past. I think it would have been better perhaps if the story had been longer, taken the time to delve deeper into things and work the readers through the myriad of emotions that we read about but didn't really get the chance to experience. While it wasn't my perfect cup of tea, I'm definitely interested in checking out more from Rhonda Helms.
***FicCentral received this book from Kensington Books (via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review. Even so, we're far too opinionated to let a freebie influence our thoughts or the contents of the reviews we post here.
September 27, 2014
Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Scratch" is a New Adult (NA) novel about a college student who exists day to day, not wanting any attention to be called her way. On the weekends, she deejays at a local club, sharing her love of music with others but does it without wanting the spotlight. However, someone's already noticed her and once he does, she begins to wonder if she's satisfied with merely existing or if she's ready to really start living.
Casey has a deep scar on her abdomen but the scars that aren't easily seen are those that go even deeper. She keeps all of that hidden away, refusing to share it with anyone and not really bothering to engage in deep friendships with other people. The only ones who know her pain are her grandparents. Then she meets Daniel, a classmate of hers in Philosophy, and while she's attracted to him and they grow closer over several months, her secrets are something she's not ready to let go of. If Daniel keeps pushing for her to put her guard down, Casey needs to choose between losing what she holds close to her chest or losing the one who holds her heart.
I can appreciate the attempt at presenting an often used plot (girl with painful past meets ideal boy, they fall in love but she's keeping a secret that could end their relationship) in NA books but, like the female lead character, this book blew hot and cold for me. I so wanted to feel some sort of empathy for Casey but she just felt so one-dimensional with teeny tiny bursts of change happening only to go back to being this closed-off girl. When she's finally bursting with anger, she blurts everything out, as if making up for having kept it in all this time. Then she's completely calm when she shares the same story with someone else. It was difficult for me to fully embrace such a huge change in her, especially so late in the story.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of my review, this was an ARC and while some ARCs are already formatted to read like a book just waiting to be published, this one was just one paragraph after another, making segues seem abrupt. There was also a scene in one of the chapters that had Daniel driving the car and then later it was Casey driving and then back to Daniel and then back to Casey, and this was all in ONE scene. Suffice it to say, it got confusing at times.
"Scratch" is the kind of book that you go into, hoping it'll blow you away or, at the very least, move you. By the end, it felt more like a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" kind of book, one that had potential that was never fully met. But, like I said, I appreciate the effort and it actually was an okay read on my end. I just felt underwhelmed. So, I'm giving the book three stars out of a possible five. ♥
"Scratch" is a New Adult (NA) novel about a college student who exists day to day, not wanting any attention to be called her way. On the weekends, she deejays at a local club, sharing her love of music with others but does it without wanting the spotlight. However, someone's already noticed her and once he does, she begins to wonder if she's satisfied with merely existing or if she's ready to really start living.
Casey has a deep scar on her abdomen but the scars that aren't easily seen are those that go even deeper. She keeps all of that hidden away, refusing to share it with anyone and not really bothering to engage in deep friendships with other people. The only ones who know her pain are her grandparents. Then she meets Daniel, a classmate of hers in Philosophy, and while she's attracted to him and they grow closer over several months, her secrets are something she's not ready to let go of. If Daniel keeps pushing for her to put her guard down, Casey needs to choose between losing what she holds close to her chest or losing the one who holds her heart.
I can appreciate the attempt at presenting an often used plot (girl with painful past meets ideal boy, they fall in love but she's keeping a secret that could end their relationship) in NA books but, like the female lead character, this book blew hot and cold for me. I so wanted to feel some sort of empathy for Casey but she just felt so one-dimensional with teeny tiny bursts of change happening only to go back to being this closed-off girl. When she's finally bursting with anger, she blurts everything out, as if making up for having kept it in all this time. Then she's completely calm when she shares the same story with someone else. It was difficult for me to fully embrace such a huge change in her, especially so late in the story.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of my review, this was an ARC and while some ARCs are already formatted to read like a book just waiting to be published, this one was just one paragraph after another, making segues seem abrupt. There was also a scene in one of the chapters that had Daniel driving the car and then later it was Casey driving and then back to Daniel and then back to Casey, and this was all in ONE scene. Suffice it to say, it got confusing at times.
"Scratch" is the kind of book that you go into, hoping it'll blow you away or, at the very least, move you. By the end, it felt more like a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" kind of book, one that had potential that was never fully met. But, like I said, I appreciate the effort and it actually was an okay read on my end. I just felt underwhelmed. So, I'm giving the book three stars out of a possible five. ♥
October 22, 2014
"You ask me the most unusual questions." He gave a ghost of a smile.
"Honestly, I don?t know. But I feel like I want to talk to you
all night. Which is why I wanted to confess that I haven?
t been able to get you off my mind."
This books literally stole me. I have never read a book where a girl was a DJ and I have shed a tear for this book more than ones. Too much of a broken past experienced by the heroine and an all too understanding-but-doesn't-know-what-to-do hero tries to be a part of each others life for the long run. This book is the epiphany of what a couple must be, should be and would have to be.
Casey is a really, really closed off person. And there are just too many things she hasn't done in life. She isn't too naïve for me though. But she's clueless. Clueless of how amazing she could be if she would just free herself from the suffocating past and Clueless of how great life will be if she'd just allow people to come close to her. Maybe it's her or maybe it's the people around her. But surely, someone like her needs someone to lean on and Daniel wants to be that guy.
Daniel wants to be worthy for Casey. I don't know what's the story behind it, if Daniel already liked Casey before they became close or whatsoever. The only clear part for me was that Daniel, he is the one for Casey. Due to his confidence, which I found hilarious sometimes, I have concluded before I even get to the interesting part of the book that Daniel is a great Character. But just like Casey, he's clueless. He wants to help her and like I said, he doesn't know how.
When things got heated in the book, it was really emotional. I love books like this. It's not always that the author surprises me but sometimes I'd like to expect. I expected that things will all of the sudden work out for both of them cause that's literally how other books would end. They break-up, do a little effort here and there, then a little realization and then they make up and that's the end of it.
But in this books, it got hot and even hotter before I got to the ending. The things that Daniel did was funny though sweet but Casey wasn't buying it. She took everything the wrong way and that got a reaction from me. Therefore, I love this book cause it took all my attention and it was a really great story before a relationship starts. I love a story that takes out all my energy, it simply means the writing is really great. Plus I think Daniel is totally hot, really sweet and understanding and I imagined guys like him would be perfect.
It's not always that guys with broken pasts would eventually end up with the most amazing story. Even guys with the perfect family and perfect life can create an even more loving ending. 5 stars for this amazing book!
"Your modesty is overwhelming."
September 25, 2014
A special thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scratch by Rhonda Helms, a contemporary young adult romance of one scarred young woman and her journey to forgiveness, love, and acceptance.
Casey has been traumatized with scars, a memory and nightmare she has locked away in a small hidden recess in her head. The downside is that in order for her to move forward she has to lock away everything, including all those good times in her childhood that hurt too much to think about.
She has always been pretty distant and as she is approaching her senior year in college, her roommate, Megan is totally the opposite, as miss social butterfly. Casey is wrapped up in her school work and her DJ job which she loves and spends Fridays at her grandparent’s house. (her grandmother tries to get her to talk with her about her parents and her sister, when she finally agrees to speak with a therapist).
She continues to have panic attacks and Megan her roommate, continues to pry as why she is so messed up. It was easier to pretend none it ever happened, yet it had and she was starting to forget the small things about her parents.
When she meets pushy and impulsive Daniel, he triggers something in her. Something about him keeps pulling her in. He is like a fishing lure on a hook and she takes the bait every time. Daniel is persistent and continues to draw her out. He does not understand why she does not talk about her past, and she fears for this day, as why she has not wanted to get close to anyone.
She feels she deserves the pain because she is the one alive. Guilty she is alive. Guilty because she hated being so damaged, permanently etched with a reminder about what had happened to her. She wonders how her grandmother was able to forgive and move on. She is afraid of trusting due to her past.
When Daniel wants to hear her mix of songs and wants them to mix one together, she is elated, as she is falling for him. He makes her heart flutter, but when they are about to get intimate, she has to be forthcoming about her past. She continues to push him away, but slowly she begins opening up, as being with Daniel is changing her and she must learn to save herself.
A sweet romance of forgiveness, and letting go in order to move on, with a soundtrack bringing them together. Some songs are included for Scratch which the author imagined Casey might play. Younger adults will enjoy the light contemporary romance.
Scratch by Rhonda Helms, a contemporary young adult romance of one scarred young woman and her journey to forgiveness, love, and acceptance.
Casey has been traumatized with scars, a memory and nightmare she has locked away in a small hidden recess in her head. The downside is that in order for her to move forward she has to lock away everything, including all those good times in her childhood that hurt too much to think about.
She has always been pretty distant and as she is approaching her senior year in college, her roommate, Megan is totally the opposite, as miss social butterfly. Casey is wrapped up in her school work and her DJ job which she loves and spends Fridays at her grandparent’s house. (her grandmother tries to get her to talk with her about her parents and her sister, when she finally agrees to speak with a therapist).
She continues to have panic attacks and Megan her roommate, continues to pry as why she is so messed up. It was easier to pretend none it ever happened, yet it had and she was starting to forget the small things about her parents.
When she meets pushy and impulsive Daniel, he triggers something in her. Something about him keeps pulling her in. He is like a fishing lure on a hook and she takes the bait every time. Daniel is persistent and continues to draw her out. He does not understand why she does not talk about her past, and she fears for this day, as why she has not wanted to get close to anyone.
She feels she deserves the pain because she is the one alive. Guilty she is alive. Guilty because she hated being so damaged, permanently etched with a reminder about what had happened to her. She wonders how her grandmother was able to forgive and move on. She is afraid of trusting due to her past.
When Daniel wants to hear her mix of songs and wants them to mix one together, she is elated, as she is falling for him. He makes her heart flutter, but when they are about to get intimate, she has to be forthcoming about her past. She continues to push him away, but slowly she begins opening up, as being with Daniel is changing her and she must learn to save herself.
A sweet romance of forgiveness, and letting go in order to move on, with a soundtrack bringing them together. Some songs are included for Scratch which the author imagined Casey might play. Younger adults will enjoy the light contemporary romance.
September 24, 2014
ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
I feel bad to say this but for me everything felt wrong since the very first chapter I read this book. And it was hard to connect to the story and the characters. I think my main issue was the writing. It doesn't flow smoothly and there's something off in it. The story is told from Casey's POV. She's a reserved person, keeps everything to herself and guarded herself all the time. She tells her story mostly in short sentences, barely provide much description and explanation and in some part I felt like reading random things. For example, in chapter one, she mentions a guy without any explanation about who he is. She left me wondering for so long I thought the author forgot about him completely till I get to know him in chapter 17. And then in a couple paragraphs she tells about her study session with Daniel in her kitchen but then it changes completely into different activity in different setting without so much explanation in next paragraph. This happens a few more times.
In some NA books I've read, although the main characters said they have problems and suffer the panic attack, I often couldn't see and feel it. But Casey's different. I liked that I can feel her panic attack and her awkwardness every time she's trying to make a friend. I also have no problem believing that she's build her wall and hold back most of her personal things. Her incapability to tell Daniel what happened to her past kept me reading it. At the same time, she's also frustrating me, though I understand why she acts and feels that why. She keeps hiding it and run away every time he asks her about it. Thus, I didn't see her development character along the story. As for Daniel, I liked that the author didn’t portrait him as a bad boy, is so persistent and kind to Casey. I love bad boy kind of hero but sometime I just feel they are around too many in NA books. And the fact that he also makes mistakes regarding Casey issues makes him more real. However, just like Casey, it was hard for me to connect to him.
I think once in a while I should pick my reading blindly, close my eyes and just take whichever book my finger point at. I don't need to see the cover and read the blurb because they can deceive me. And yes, they were my main reason requested this book on NetGalley. Just look at the cover! Who doesn't love it? It's pretty, right? Too bad, I didn’t quite enjoy the story as much as I liked the cover.
I feel bad to say this but for me everything felt wrong since the very first chapter I read this book. And it was hard to connect to the story and the characters. I think my main issue was the writing. It doesn't flow smoothly and there's something off in it. The story is told from Casey's POV. She's a reserved person, keeps everything to herself and guarded herself all the time. She tells her story mostly in short sentences, barely provide much description and explanation and in some part I felt like reading random things. For example, in chapter one, she mentions a guy without any explanation about who he is. She left me wondering for so long I thought the author forgot about him completely till I get to know him in chapter 17. And then in a couple paragraphs she tells about her study session with Daniel in her kitchen but then it changes completely into different activity in different setting without so much explanation in next paragraph. This happens a few more times.
In some NA books I've read, although the main characters said they have problems and suffer the panic attack, I often couldn't see and feel it. But Casey's different. I liked that I can feel her panic attack and her awkwardness every time she's trying to make a friend. I also have no problem believing that she's build her wall and hold back most of her personal things. Her incapability to tell Daniel what happened to her past kept me reading it. At the same time, she's also frustrating me, though I understand why she acts and feels that why. She keeps hiding it and run away every time he asks her about it. Thus, I didn't see her development character along the story. As for Daniel, I liked that the author didn’t portrait him as a bad boy, is so persistent and kind to Casey. I love bad boy kind of hero but sometime I just feel they are around too many in NA books. And the fact that he also makes mistakes regarding Casey issues makes him more real. However, just like Casey, it was hard for me to connect to him.
I think once in a while I should pick my reading blindly, close my eyes and just take whichever book my finger point at. I don't need to see the cover and read the blurb because they can deceive me. And yes, they were my main reason requested this book on NetGalley. Just look at the cover! Who doesn't love it? It's pretty, right? Too bad, I didn’t quite enjoy the story as much as I liked the cover.
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