The Depth of Their Scars

by E. Lynn

Jaqueline “Jackie” Martinez has spent the last nine years growing from the woman she was. Avoiding her past has become her life’s mission. If she never falls in love again, she will never feel the same pain, right?When an argument with her family leaves her feeling more alone than ever, she is more determined to achieve her goals. Get the promotion. Move to California.***Darrin wants nothing more than to take over the business created in his mother’s memory. When Jackie begins to act suspiciously at work, he makes known he needs to determine her viability of taking on this new position. At the moment it looks doubtful.When he realizes the reason for her strange behavior, he knows he must step in.***Someone is unwilling to let the past remain where it is, and they devise their ultimate revenge. Jackie becomes their ultimate target. Darrin and Jackie find out vengeance is a powerful motivator, and it’s been brewing for far too long.Can he protect her from a past she couldn’t have prevented? Will they identify her assailant before it’s too late?Will they both bring down their walls to give one another a chance?

Paperback

Reviews

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Insta love is not for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. ⭐️ 2🌶
Love the storyline and plot. Honestly, I didn't even suspect who was after Jackie. Strong characters, too. Great depth in side characters, great details, and concepts. I really like this plot too.

But it's the writing style was and the story flow needs work. Some parts moved faster than I thought, and I did roll my eyes on how protective he got. Like red flag protective. Also demanding answers from Jackie, who isn't ready to talk about her trauma and past, I mean they are strangers in most of the book.

This story and characters are strong, which I love. I think the author needs more experience in their writing style and flow of writing. But I will always thank the author for writing, I really did enjoy this book at times.

#officeromance #intsaconnection #fakedating #bodyguardtrope #duelpov

[Aysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun to read, I loved Darrin so much he's got such a good character this book needs to be the next on book tok how isn't this out there?!

[Samanthasue218 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read via physical copy.

This debut novel had my attention throughout the whole thing. I read this book in two sessions because I could not wait to figure out what happened in the end! I did figure out one of the twists prior to the book mentioning it, but it did not ruin my reading experience as there was more to it and it still had such a great way of how the twist was played. There is an “insta-love” trope that some may not like, but it doesn’t bother me as I believe in no timeline for love. The adventure and thrill of this book had me wanting to keep reading it. It was very well written and I enjoyed the characters a lot. I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future!

Would I recommend this? Yes, this is such a fun quick read, if the trigger warnings do not bother you, I recommend picking this up!

[Heather27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suspense in this book kept me wanting to push on. I didn't want to stop reading! The story of Jackie and Darrin could happen to anyone. I do think they fell too fast for each other but that was ok. They were forced together due to a stalker, and having to share a hotel room! I did not know who the stalker was for quite a long time. I did figure it out before we were told but kept me guessing the whole way through. The story was great, love, suspense, relationship trauma, its all packed in there!

This was my 2nd E Lynn book and I will say it again! She is one to read. She's fairly new yet and her writing is getting better each book she writes!! Thanks for bringing us Jackie and Darrin!

[Kim Finazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to E.Lynn for letting me read this book for my honest reviews. She sent me this ebook and the next ebook in this series. What a great thriller mystery. I was not expecting who the stalker was. The romance and read feeling of Jackie and Darrin felt real and now like a book story. I was very happy to read this book. I will be starting the second book next and can’t wait to see how everything turns out with Jackie and Darrin.

[Mama Of 2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished the book.... And wow. This was a great book. The twist at the end was well done. The spice was well balanced throughout the book. I'd say 3 chili peppers? I'm loving Jackie and Derrin together. When she finally opened up to him fully I cried a little. I'm rooting for them. I'm curious to see where there story goes next.

Time to go read book 2 it and find out...

This book was sent to me by the author E. Lynn as a companion to the arc copy sent of book 2. She said it's best to read them in order so that's what I'm doing. Thank you so so much E. Lynn for the kindess of sending me this book as well. You are appreciated.

All opinions expressed are my own. ♥️

[Tasha Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. It hooked me in from the beginning, the chemistry between Jackie & Darrin was awesome. Threw me for a twist with who was after her though, wasn’t expecting that one. Amazing book!

[Tara Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, this story pulled me in. Jackie Martinez is a woman who’s spent years trying to outrun her past, and you can feel the weight of that in every page. One line that really stuck with me was:

“Avoiding her past has become her life’s mission.”



That sentence set the tone for everything that followed. Jackie’s strength and fear felt so real — the kind of pain you can’t just shake off overnight. And then there’s Darrin, who sees past the walls she’s built and slowly becomes the one person willing to face her demons right alongside her.

What I loved most was how this book blended raw emotion with just the right amount of suspense. It’s not your typical romance — it’s heavier, deeper, and a little darker. It’s about healing, learning to trust again, and realizing that sometimes love isn’t soft and easy… sometimes it’s the thing that helps you face what’s been breaking you all along.

There were a few predictable moments, sure, but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story. By the end, I felt proud of Jackie — and honestly a little emotional — watching her finally stop running and start living again.

[Colby Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up 3.5!
The first few chapters of Jackie were hard to get into, while Darren’s were easy to read!
About half way through I was hooked and had to figure out the mystery!

I can’t wait to see what else this author creates!

[Samantha Necaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful love story, with mystery! ❤️ Loved this book so much! Can’t wait to read her upcoming book!

[Lindsey Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. This was so good. So many twists and turns i didn’t see coming.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed the story line but also the writing style. I liked the dual perspective too. Thank you for sharing with the world.

[Ariana Beliveau · Rating 4 out of 5]

i found this book in a Vermont book store SIGNED by the author ❤️ the owner of the book store told me i should read it because e. lynn was a local author!

i’m giving this read a 4/5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

basically this book is about a girl named jackie, who works for a company and has only met the owner a handful of times and only has ever met his son maybe twice. the owner of the company, charles, is getting close to retirement and handing everything over to his son, darrin. the company is starting to open up a brand new location in which jackie wants to be general manager. darrin & jackie then go to the new location to check it out, but somehow end up staying in the exact same hotel room due to a booking error. at first they’re obviously thrown off guard but they slowly start to connect.

i will say, obviously they end up together, but coinsideding jackie was only met his man twice, i mean no judgment but she was making out with him pretty quickly!!! their relationship was a little too fast and also darrin got way too overprotective. in the story, jackie is also dealing with a stalker who is sending her emails and threatening her about her new position, but darrin gets like actually mad about it and kinda yells at her sometimes. i loved darrien don’t get me wrong but sometimes they’re relationship was giving red flag because he came too protective too fast and i didn’t like that. besides that, the story was great and i would love to read the second one :)

[Kallie Street · Rating 3 out of 5]

“He’d been gentle and careful, like she was a delicate flower that might lose its petals, treating her with the most care and love she’d ever known.”

The plot was there, it was a good office/workplace romance.

I just got a little bored with it, towards the middle. The suspense did pick up close to the very end.

I also felt it was a little cringe during the spicy scenes with the wording of things. It was hard for me to get through those parts.

BUT, I will say, I just finished book two of this series and it was a FIVE STAR read for me! The spicy scenes were worded so much better and the flow of the story was perfect. So if you read this review, don’t stop here! Read book 2 as well!!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time i have read this author. I really enjoyed the story line. This book has a little mystery to it. The main FMC, Jackie has her own issuses she struggles with. Darrin is basically her boss who decides if she gets a new promotion. During a business trip things start to heat up with them but Jackie is not ready to move forward in her life. Darrin is there and wants to understand and help her but not sure how. This does end in with a HEA.

[Logan Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely slow storyline with an abrupt love story. For me, the FMC and MMC falling for each other isn’t well written. They start as strangers but a single afternoon or evening and they are at odds with themselves about “liking” each other and the mystery about the stalker doesn’t really contribute well and is easy to figure out. Not 100% in love with this book and probably wouldn’t read again. But I can’t wait to see the growth of the author.

[Maureen O'Leary Terenzi]

Romance and suspense, it has both

Jackie and Darren are brought together by a project at work. On a trip go California, they realize Jackie has a stalker. This is not love at first sight. It was a fun read with many surprises along the way. Not give away any secrets here, so my recommend is for you to read and enjoy the journey.

[RJ Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my most favorite books of the year! It was exhilarating and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I could not put it down and had to peel myself away to go to class only to rush home to finish it. It was emotional, thrilling, raw, and just real. It gave me a sense of healing I hadn't realized I needed. I am so thankful for this one and highly recommend it!!!

[Chelle]

I absolutely enjoyed this book the storyline was engaging and the characters were well written. The plot twist was so good and the trauma was even personally relatable to me and my spouse. I cannot wait for the next book and hopefully there will be even more from this author! The writing was great. I read this in just a few hours so I highly recommend it now to anyone asking for a book rec

[ogmombooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a mild thrill in your romance you will get it here. Be prepared not only for a little mystery, but also what could bring up real feelings, whether you have went through what the characters have or not. You feel, you get angry, your heart brakes, you get frustrated and you have joy with and for them! There are many layers to these feelings and I am here for it all. Are you?

[Krysta Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. I truly loved getting to delve into a story with two damaged people with baggage. It felt real and easy to connect with. Making the journey with them on connecting with each other and allowing each other in was incredible and therapeutic in a way. Also loved the thrill of trying to figure out who was after Jackie. I can’t wait for the second book!!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie and Darrin were great characters and even better together. I enjoy a good insta love story. and The plot and twists were outstanding. I never saw it coming.
this is a really good read and I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Diane Knotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read, I was stuck, and captivated just well for me feeling the emotions. I mean some stuff I kinda had to take a pause. But just so much love for the book. 💜

[Bailey C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. There’s not a single E.Lynn book I haven’t loved so far. Darrin and Jackie’s story is absolutely wild but I was hooked!

[Casanova_Creates_RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main characters? Walking bundles of scars, but also heart-stealers. You want to shake them, hug them, and then bonk yourself for getting so invested. Side characters? Low-key scene-stealers who add flavor (and occasional comic relief) to keep the angst from knocking you completely out.

Biggest Strengths:
• Emotional depth so heavy it could bench-press your soul.
• Complex, layered characters who feel painfully real.
• A balance of heartbreak and healing that earns every cathartic tear.

Weak Spots
• Sometimes the angst drags longer than necessary (I got BONKED one too many times by repetition).
• Certain resolutions feel a bit quick compared to the long emotional build-ups.

[Brittany Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn romantically but the mystery of it kept me reading! The ending was definitely unexpected. The FMC and MMC has such great chemistry. This was the perfect
Pallet cleanser after the darker romance I finished before this! I’m excited for book two!!! This is the first book of this authors that I’ve read but I’ll be reading the rest of her collection!