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I hate how she makes me feel good, but I love how easy she makes it to despise her.- Saxon Suzuki

No one's perfect, not even me. Hell, my closet is so full of skeletons the bones are starting to spill out. But have your ghosts ever compelled you to flee to the opposite side of the world and take refuge amongst faces nobody can be bothered remembering?

Mine have, because I craved the anonymity.

I needed to lose my name. To forget... About my parents, the trial, the paparazzi at my front door—

Then she came along.

A cryptic puzzle, a tempest of chaos. As beguiling as she is unsettling.

She almost stabs me, knocks me out—then kisses me, igniting a fire I’d almost given up hope of rekindling.

With whispers of a past as dark as the scars that litter her body, I’m left trying to cling to the last of my sanity as hers falls apart at my feet.

Battle Scars is a gritty, contemporary romance with frequent foul language and explicit mature scenes. It is intended for readers over the age of 18. Though it is not the darkest of stories, it can be emotionally heavy at times. Whilst Jordan believes they can spoil the fun for some readers, she also recognises the importance of Trigger Warnings. So a full list can be found on Jordan’s instagram in a pinned post.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2024

43 people are currently reading
261 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Asher

6 books78 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for RenitaReadsRomance.
61 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2024
First off i just have to say check the TWs. I wouldn’t go into this one blindly as it deals with some really heavy subject matter. With that said, this book and these characters had me in a chokehold! There’s literally not one bad thing i could say about it. I was anticipating this book for a while, and baby, it did not disappoint me! Andy and Saxon (Senji) were unhinged in their own ways, a result of past trauma for the both of them, but together they were a FORCE to be reckoned with. Andy is 100% my favorite FMC. The things that woman has been through are unimaginable things, yet she stands up and fights for herself, where a lot of people might crawl into victimhood and live there. Saxon is pretty brash, and some would even say rude, but he’s built up walls to keep people at distance due to his past. There aren’t many people he lets in, but once he does let someone in, they’re IN. He sees Andy for the woman she is. He sees her trauma, scars, and her unhinged benhavior and loves her pretty unconditionally despite it all. He would do quite literally ANYTHING for her. And he will protect her at all costs, sometimes even from herself.
That’s not to say that they don’t have obstacles to overcome to be together, because they ABSOLUTELY do. The angst is definitely there between the two of them. Now, the spice in this book was SPICIN! I gave it 4 chilis because, although the spice didn’t really pick up until about 70% in, it was QUALITY spice! That bathroom scene?!? (IYKYK) I was both crying and sweating during that scene because it was both emotional AND hot AF! I thought it was paced really well even though it was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning. The secondary characters were written really well, and were a big part of the story. We really got to know them and enough about their stories to look forward to the rest of the series! The ending in my opinion was perfect. If I didn’t already know, I wouldn’t have guessed that this was a debut novel. It’s good y’all! Really good, and i 10/10 recommend it! I can. Not. Wait for the next book!
Profile Image for DesiRee.
160 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2024
Check your triggers and enjoy!🤩
Trope: enemies to lovers
forced proximity
hurt/comfort
grumpy/grumpier
found family
mental health rep
serious past trauma
mmc who becomes jealous/possessive
everyone is an emotional cripple
workplace romance

Saxon and his friends are stepping away from their rich life to work at a resort for the winter not expecting to find their forever. Andy was sent to the restore to be forgotten. Saxon and Andy have a troubled fast and find comfort with each other’s demons. Saxon falls hard and fast he is clearly the definition of touch look at what’s mine and you will pay.
Profile Image for Holly Ebb.
39 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2024
ARC REVIEW

"Like a serpent, she injected her toxin into my veins, but she didn’t create me. I died a long time ago, and she brought me back to life. Gave me a reason to breathe. Gave me something to fight for. And if I have to grab her and be on the run for the rest of our lives, I’ll fucking do it."

5 ⭐
3 🌶️ - this is more about kink


Wowee what can a say. What a fantastic way to debut. 

Battle Scars is a brilliantly dark, angsty, tension filled romance. 

Saxon thinks he's the darkest trauma filled storm cloud in Vistas and then he meets Andy. 

Andy has been through one of the darkest experiences in life and whilst she self medicates in all the wrong ways she absolutely will not be seen as weak. 

This is a true grump meets grumpier slow burn and whilst slow burn is not usually my go to it makes perfect sense in this scenario. 

This has caused me emotional damage which isn't easy to achieve. JJ I meet this in the best way possible - my therapist will be hearing about this. 

These two might be psychotic and toxic but they're perfect for each other. 

An absolute must read when it drops 18/03.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS AND READ RESPONSIBLY
Profile Image for Genevieve.
10 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2024
You're mine little sh*t, just as much as I'm yours

Eh-hem. (Climbs onto soap box and taps on mic to make sure it's on)
*Screams with love*
This book has a feral hold on my heart! Senji/Saxon and Andy are carved into my ribs as a twisted dark love story filled with violence, hate, love, drama, jealousy, possessiveness, self destruction, and at its core two people who've been through trauma and find consolence in the destructive pleasure only they can give each other.
The story opens to Andy's past, and the reader gets a glimpse into the traumatic experience that has created the volatile and anger fueled FMC that she is. To 'heal' (yes I'm using quotes around that, read the f*in book and you'll know why) Andy moves up to Canada to work at a ski resort. Enter Senji. He's leaving a life filled with lies to hopefully start over and moves to work at the same ski resort. To leave the very famous event in his rear view mirror, he chooses to go by Saxon. His rage and flaming temper are quick to clash with Andy's flash hot rage and distrust in all men. Saxon and Andy immediately but heads working at the resort's bar, and their violence towards each other sets everyone around them on edge. But that violence they hold in their own hearts calls to the other, to the point where they would harm anyone if the other asked. Or in Saxon's case, if they dared to threaten Andy, or even look in her direction.
These two fight tooth and nail against each other and for each other. They see the damage and darkness the other carries and instead of ignoring it, they embrace it. Make no mistake, they do have a happily ever after. But buckle your seatbelts, strap down your hats, and get ready to be crying/raging along with the characters as you bare witness to two individuals who believe they are damaged beyond repair fight for their understanding of love and for each other.

I cannot scream my love for this book enough! I love how the trauma that Saxon and Andy went through wasn't magically healed when they met each other and that they still battle to try to cope and help the other as well. In their own destructive violent ways. JJ did a FANTASTIC job portraying their trauma and giving us a glimpse into what someone's mind would be like, it genuinely felt like I got to know these two and their inner workings through her writing.
Knowing this is the first book of the series makes me so excited to see the other characters we are introduced to in Battle Scars get their own stories.

Content warnings!!
Please for the love of all that is holy, read the trigger warnings before you pick up this book.
There is self harm, depression, use of recreational drugs, violence/craving of harming others, possession, manic, SA( not between our two characters but it happens to one of them EARLY on), improper use of antidepressants/antipsychotics, physical violence (to each other and to others), on page sex, explicit language, depraved behavior. These are just a few. Please check the author's site for all their warnings!
Profile Image for Books with Aimee.
172 reviews13 followers
June 22, 2024
“Battle Scars” delves into the journey of two deeply wounded individuals who come together to support each other in overcoming their past traumas and challenges.

Our FMC, Andy, has endured some heavy traumatic experiences and possesses a fiery spirit (rightly so). Andy works at a bar in a Canadian ski resort where Saxon joins the team. Despite a tumultuous and somewhat aggressive first meeting (poor Saxon 🤭), these two characters find comfort in each other and begin to mend their inner demons.

Approaching this book without prior knowledge, I discovered some intense moments but personally did not experience any triggers (luckily, nothing has triggered me so far lol).

This story tackles weighty themes, so please be mindful of potential triggers by checking your TWs beforehand (if you prefer not to go in blindly) - always prioritise your mental well-being 💚

I haven’t encountered a book quite like this before; it kept me engaged and once I reached Part II, I couldn’t put it down! 🙂

💚 Found Family
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💚 Possessive MMC
💚 Traumatic Past/PTSD
💚 Mental Health Rep.
💚 Grumpy x Grumpier
💚 Ski Resort
💚 18+
Profile Image for Clairsreads.
463 reviews64 followers
April 2, 2024
Enemies to lovers with a side of forced proximity? Grumpy x grumpy? Slightly psychotic and homicidal? Sounds like romance to me! 💚
I was sent a copy of this debut novel in exchange for an honest review!

Let me start out by saying this- for being a debut novel, this was written very well. The majority of the book followed a general storyline and I enjoyed most of it very much!

Battle Scars follows Andy and Saxon. Two very broken individuals who were given the short end of the stick in life and have had to scrape their way up from rock bottom and find themselves along the way. I felt like the prologue of this book dropped me off into the deep end and then I had to figure out which way was up…and I wasn’t mad about that. The start of this novel was a little slow but once the tension and relationship between Saxon and Andy progressed… it really heated up! 😅

I enjoyed getting to see the inner monologue of both characters throughout the book. While both of them could be incredibly immature and a liiiittttllleee (ok a lot) toxic for each other, their connection and relationship did make sense and I enjoyed the road they took to get there.
I honestly agree that these two are better together than apart and are truly meant for each other.

I wouldn’t say this book had a 3rd act breakup….more like right before the credits rolled and then we got a HEA in the epilogue. The cause tho?? Did not see that one coming. Literal jaw drop on the floor. Both Andy and Saxon just need someone to see their flaws and take them as they are. Regardless of the self destructive tendencies. The just need someone to love them!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I will always give indie authors a shot. I really feel like it allows me to fully engage in different writing styles and genres to read an authors debut novel and then get to see how their career progresses. And as always, I will be 1000% honest about my thoughts while also giving the author a certain leniency when they are just starting out.

And being a huge MM fan I cannot wait for the second book!!!

Profile Image for theshadyivy.
254 reviews38 followers
July 29, 2024
Battle Scars is the first book of J.J. Asher’s British Invasion Series.

General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🫦🫦🫦🫦

Tropes:
🔪 Enemies to lovers
🔪 Forced proximity
🔪 Found family
🔪 Possessive
🔪 Touch her and ☠️
🔪 Workplace romance
🔪 He falls first
🔪 Serious past trauma

The story of the first book in this series got me hooked. Can’t wait to continue with the second book Something so Strong.

But first of all, before you start with this book, be sure to check out the TWs, because your mental health always comes first.

J.J. tells us the story of three boys from Great Britain who want to escape their rich life for one year and work at a ski resort in Canada.

The first book concentrates on Saxon and Andy. Saxon, our MMC, learned the hard way how cruel life can be and that people who you choose can be a better family than the blood related one. Andy, our FMC, on the other hand recently experienced a heavy trauma and still struggles to figure out how to deal with it.

The story is full of banter and the characters are quite self reflective.

And we can’t miss the smut, it leaves you in the need to get a dark and insanely grumpy hunk for yourself.

Quotes:
I give her what she wants, one painfully slow inch at a time. My focus torn between her face and watching her tiny çųnt stretch around me.
Her determination to take me all in is the hottest thing I've ever seen, but I bottom out with length to spare.

Drawing out more and more salacious noises to feed my selfish ego. She's practically a rag doll at this point, her hands barely able to grip my shoulders as I move her up and down to meet my thrusts.
Profile Image for Danielle Piper.
234 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2024
Battle Scars by J J Asher


Saxon the hardäss with a mouth of a sailor, and zero fücks to give, rich as can be guy London. He cares for little to no one in this world his two best friends, and the lovely family next door, and himself of course. He’s had more girls than he can count but in the last year the only ones getting off are the girls, so much so they don’t even notice that he never shed a single article of clothing. But when he talks his best friends into applying for a job in Canada and they get it none of them expect how their lives are about to change. In Saxon’s case it’s his barmate Andy, and all of her crazy baggage, and the only girl to get blood pumping in his southern region in over a year.

Andy the mysterious girl, with a backstory no one knows about that showed up out of the blue. Being held captive for years in a basement with no hope of escape will do a number on your mental and physical health. Never getting answered, or closure to why or who haunted her more than the years she was chained in that basement. Sent away to forget, to conceal, to compartmentalize, was working until he showed up. Saxon tall, muscular, with eyes as blue as the sky. As infuriating as he may be, he creates a spark in her that she thought was long burnt out.

Can Senji/Saxon be Andy’s black knight? Can Andy learn to trust and give up control since leaving that basement. Will lies and secrets break them or push them closer together?

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (slot burn, but smoldering when you hit the right spots)

This is J.J’s debut novel and wow what a way to kick it off love! If you enjoy two mentally unstable shouldn’t work, but totally work characters this is the read for you! I cannot wait to read the rest of this rag tag group of hörny misfits. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be included in your debut 😘😘.
Profile Image for April (thatbrunettebookworm).
221 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2024
Words cannot express how much I love these characters and their story. Andy and Saxon are two broken people brought together to help heal each other or at least help each other navigate through life. While their relationship is toxic at best, Saxon would quite literally burn the world down for Andy just to make sure no one ever hurt her again.

Saxon wants a fresh start where no one knows him after things go down at home with his parents. He talks his two best friends into going with him to take a job at a ski resort in Canada. Little does he know he’s going to meet a little firecracker who knows who he is. Andy is struggling to get her life back after being kidnapped and tortured, she has a hard time trusting people and researches her new co-worker before he starts working with her. These to hate each other in the beginning but they slowly start to build a relationship and once the spice hits in this slow burn it really hits. They both like being in control and it’s quite explosive. And of course in true fashion for me I fall in love with all the side characters and can’t wait for their books.

If you like dark, gritty enemies to lovers romance you have to read this one!
Profile Image for Hollylovesbooks.
191 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2024
* What a STORY! Literally from the first page, you can’t look away. It made my heart pump extra fast multiple times. I was hooked.

* Andy and Saxon, whew. You get super invested in them, both separately and together. From their traumas, to the resistance, to the fire explosion of feelings/emotions. Perfection. They balanced each other out in such a collision of storms.

* So many strong personalities, there wasn’t any lack of characters for you to watch. Along with the MCs. That’s always super important to me, and this has definitely delivered!

* Make sure to get the bonus chapter at the end! Absolutely read that too! 😌

* There are more books coming from the British Invasion Series. I can’t wait for the next one!
2,193 reviews18 followers
July 22, 2024
It starts with a woman held prisoner and transitions into Saxon and his pals working at a resort in Canada. Saxon is cynical, egotistical and cruel and he finds himself attracted to Andy, a smart mouthed semi violent woman and fellow employee. This odd pair fall for each other with all their insecurities and emotional issues. There is a lot of toxicity between them, passion and their twisted form of love. It's an uncomfortable book with both in need of therapy but having friends plays a small part in healing aided by having each other. It's like a horrible accident you can't look away from and you keep reading, mesmerized and enthralled. It leaves a lingering impression you retain.
Profile Image for Kristina Knizner.
106 reviews
March 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and I was sucked in from the very first page! At first glance you wouldn’t think Saxon and Andy would work together, but their characters just mesh so well! I enjoyed the storyline and really loved the side characters too! This book is a dark romance and I recommend checking trigger warnings before starting this book! Overall, this was a great read and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!
Profile Image for Amber.
315 reviews19 followers
November 8, 2024
This story was heavier than I thought it would be. So make sure everybody checks the trigger warnings, because it deals with a lot of serious issues. I loved the characters in this story. There is something about them and their relationships with each other that had me intrigued. I love andy and saxons relationship. The toxic but so good. The trauma bonding is real. Ooh the spicy was so good. I was so deeply invested in the characters and story the whole time and I cannot wait to read the rest .
Profile Image for amumwithakindle.
71 reviews
March 6, 2024
Woah… what a ride!!
@jj_asher_writes has gone and written a debut novel that I was not prepared for, at all! And I say that I. The best possible way!

From the opening pages I was glued.. my heart was racing and I was not prepared for what I was about to read! This book has so many triggers and kinks and I fukn loved them all! Saxon drove me insane the arrogant mf.. but then I found my self falling for his possessive ass.

Usually I’m not a lover of slow burn romance and this is really slow… but I feel if it wasn’t it would have ruined the story. These characters are dark and come with a shit tonne of baggage so Insta love (which I also hate.. gotta have the right balance!) would not have worked and ruined the story.

The writing just seamlessly flows and keeps you wanting more.. I’m still thinking about Andy and Saxon but eagerly awaiting the next book… bring on Jesse and Kai!

Thank you @jj_asher_writes for letting me read this before you release it into the wild! I know you were/are so nervous, but you got this!! 💚💚💚

Release Date 18th March!!!
Profile Image for Readingwithdesi .
1,335 reviews40 followers
March 19, 2024
SAXON AND ANDY!!! 💚 This starts off a little slow but then after PART 2! Everything speeds up and ANDY 👏GETS 👏HER 👏MAN!! I loved this book so much!!! I seen this cover and I just bought it after a friend told me it was so good!!! Delicious!!
Profile Image for Kristie "onkristiesbookshelf".
86 reviews12 followers
March 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Saxon gave me Diesel energy from Den of vipers. Absolutely unhinged and FILTHY

It’s not often you find a book where the FMC matches the MMC in unhinged energy. But this book did just that.

The shower scene will live rent free in my head until the end of time 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The plot was intriguing, I wanted to know what happens next, and the spice was hot. It also set the tone for what the next books will be like.

Im interested to see Jesse and Romeo’s story

Remember to check the triggers and content warning because this book has a lot! Which us dark romance girlies LOVE.

Profile Image for Devon Nicole.
22 reviews
March 18, 2024
The slow burn was definitely slow burning, but once the spice came in, it came in hot 🔥🔥🔥 Loved Senji & Andy's relationship so much! The growth of the two characters was amazing! Would definitely recommend but check trigger warnings.
Profile Image for DarcieReadsALot.
280 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; there was just something about the way JJ writes that kept me engaged. And the metaphors! Unique and just WOW! I like sassy comebacks and banter, and there was definitely no shortage of that in these pages. Along with a healthy dose of spice to keep you warm along the way. 😉

It explores the impact of terrible experiences and it's clear that this book understands there is no "right" way to respond, as everyone is behaving in whatever way works best for them. It doesn't always make sense or follow logic, but that's the point, isn't it? The human experience and response to tragedy can be raw and gritty and illogical and unexplainable. I feel like Battle Scars showed more truth and bravery in that respect than most other books I've read with these kinds of themes, and I applaud JJ for that dose of realism. Other books, people go from struggling to magically cured throughout the course of the book, which unfortunately, isn't how mental health works.

The relationships you experience throughout this book are diverse and while loyal and heartwarming, are also toxic and borderline codependent. But that's just the REALness that you'll get from this book. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but what true human experience is? There really was something about a group of guy friends being openly affectionate with each other that was both wholly unrealistic (based on my life experiences) and insanely heartwarming at the same time and I am here for it.

Even with the epilogue, I was left with questions. I felt like the end was a bit rushed; so much happened in very few pages and I was left slightly discombobulated. If you've read this, you know the huge missing confrontation that I really wanted that we didn't get. Still a highly recommended read if you're into dark romance with specific spicy preferences and realistic mental health journeys!
Profile Image for Jenny 🖤.
64 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2024
TW: There are some very heavy and sweious TW with this story. Please take them seriously. Please also know my DMs are always open to talk or even if you just need someone to listen 🖤

Y’all are not ready for this one. It might be a slow burn but damn is it worth it. This is an up and down rollercoaster of emotions so hold on tight and enjoy the ride. And y’all know the drill, grab your blanket, a snack, your favorite drink, and get comfy cause this is a wild ride you won’t want to get off of til the end.

Andy and Saxons love is far from conventional. Andy has not had the normal adulthood. she has experienced some things no twenty something year old should ever have to go through. She doesn’t trust easy and tries to isolate herself as much as possible. That’s worked for her so far until a certain British man decides to come crashing into her life.

Saxon needed his buddies needed to get away for a while. After a life changing event, they decided to leave the posh life they know and go work for a year at a ski resort in a completely different country. What Saxon didn’t realize when he had planned this trip was that he would find someone who completely changed him as a person. Made him feel like his true self. The only problem was, his true self was not what people would approve of some of the time.

Can Saxon and Andy put aside their pasts and learn to trust each other? Will outside factors compromise what they are building? Can Andy and Saxon learn to love again? Well you’ll just have to grab a copy and find out those answers for yourself!

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for AussieBookAddict (Mel).
257 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2024
My Rating: ★★★★★

Battle Scars by J.J Asher, published on May 18th, 2024, is a gritty and captivating introduction to the British Invasion series, seamlessly blending romance and drama with profound mental health representation.

A huge thank you to J.J Asher for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC; it was honestly the best experience.

Saxon Suzuki, burdened by a past full of ghosts and seeking anonymity, finds himself drawn to a mysterious woman who disrupts his life in unimaginable ways. Despite their tumultuous interactions—she almost stabs him, knocks him out, and then kisses him—Saxon feels a rekindling of emotions he thought were lost. Her dark past and the scars on her body only deepen the intrigue and connection between them.

Asher's writing immerses you in a world where personal demons and past traumas collide with the complexities of an unexpected romance. The dual POV narrative enhances the story, providing a deeper understanding of both characters and their evolving relationship. The balance between intense emotional struggles and the slow-burning romance keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

"Battle Scars" stands out on its own while setting the stage for future installments in the series. The combination of well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and the exploration of mental health issues make this a highly enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a romance that offers both depth and drama, "Battle Scars" is a must-read and it is available now on Amazon!

I am incredibly excited to read the next book in the British Invasion series, and I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted contemporary romance.
53 reviews
March 18, 2024
This book Battle Scars by JJ Asher had me hooked from the very first instance. After that I couldn’t seem to put it down. 🖤

I really loved how this dark romance brought to light different kinds of relationships in an odd sense. Although caution most stuff performed in the book are only ok in fictional books.

Andy was a really tough character that I really enjoyed. Even after all she went through she was still able to hold herself up and not let anyone BS get to her or tear her down.
Saxon aka Senji was also a tough cookie to crack. He was such a stubborn character with an exterior made of concrete blocks.
They both bonded over their trauma which I thought was pretty lovely since they could have someone that could rely on.
The characters chemistry was amazing. Even when they were pushing each other away you could still feel the tension that followed them every time they crossed path.
Their dynamics felt like a fated mates type of situation. They found each other in an unexpected way and were able to be for each other what they needed.

I really loved how they both fed to each others wants and needs even if those wants and needs weren’t very ethical. But who cares this is fiction. I loved it, I loved how they were both down to do anything for each other even if it t came down to the unthinkable. I feel like it truly showed their love without even having to say those three words.

I really loved this book and I feel like the authors did an amazing job with the characters and the dynamics.

Rate: 4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Dea Farrell.
868 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2024
Needing to escape from his parents, the trial, and the attention it all brought, Saxon and his two friends leave England and head to Canada for a year to work at a resort. There, he works the bar with a girl named Andy who drives him completely crazy. Andy tried to stab him, knock him out with a mug, and then she gave him a kiss that woke up parts of him that he thought had died a year ago when the trial started. Even though she drives him completely crazy, he can't seem to get enough of her.

Wow! This book was absolutely insane, but in all the best ways. I was addicted to the very first page. Andy and Saxon were two very flawed characters suffering from their own traumas. When they first met, they held a lot of hate and resentment for each other. Their hatred added such sexual tension between the two of them. At times, you think they wouldn't make a good couple, but somehow, they end up working. There are some very heavy triggers in this book, so if you have ANY kind of triggers, make sure to read the trigger warnings first. I can't wait for Jesse and Kai's book to release!
Profile Image for FavoriteSaintReads.
379 reviews21 followers
July 6, 2024
Spicy enemies-to-lovers that will have you saving creative insults for future use.

📖 Battle Scars by JJ Asher (@jj_asher_writes)

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

Banter is my weakness! When there’s good banter, it makes my day. This book though!!! 😅 Everyone’s got a smart mouth and it’s excellent! It starts with Sax, Romi, and Jesse ribbing on each other, but then Andy pours gasoline into the mix 🔥

Another weakness is a FMC that can hold her own, and that’s Andy!!! This girl has gone through hell and is not going to take it from a rich pretty boy who thinks he’s cute!

If this is a toxic relationship, sign me up. Andy and Saxon had Top notch insults for each other. (I may save some for later use.) And the way Saxon fell head first for her was 🤌🏽💋 This man had no chance 😏

I also adored the loving relationship between Saxon, Jesse, and Romi. They were physically affectionate with each other in a way that men aren’t allowed to show. Their love for each other was almost tangible… and probably the healthiest relationship in this book 😅

TLDR: Spicy enemies-to-lovers that will have you saving creative insults for future use. Obsessed, impulsive MMC… just how I like ‘em!
45 reviews
August 27, 2024
wow

When I tell you, this had me in an emotional chokehold it’s like not even funny. I can’t tell you how this book broke me down, but managed to put me back together all in the same time like oh my Jesus, I quite literally was hoping that God did exist because I can’t tell you how many times my heart stopped and then started again like oh my God Andy and Saxton quite literally are my most favorite out of any toxic destructive, but yet beautifully wrecked, but knowing that they are perfect for each other characters I have ever met in my entire life like oh my God they are so self-destructive they are not fragile, like a flower fragile like a bomb, and I love that for them, I cannot tell you how this book nearly had me in tears, knowing Andy and everything that she went through oh my God, my heart literally goes out to her. I want to protect her just like Saxton like seriously., I don’t even get me started on Saxton too. My heart also goes out to him like I wanna protect him so badly just bravo to the way you wrote the characters wrote the story wrote the supporting characters. Everything was beautiful the way you told it literally sang volumes thank you so much for this just wow.🥹🙌🏼❤️
Profile Image for Mars Rads.
498 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2024
4.25 stars. This book could be described as a dark romance, but it’s not a dark romance like any of the others you might have read. It’s a book where both the FMC and the MMC have gone through something that has shaped them to be the dark, twisted, jaded souls that they are. They are two lonely, empty souls that are bound and determined not to let anyone in, yet they run head first into each other.

Battle Scars starts with an emotional, traumatic prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the books. While there are some humorous and sweet parts, this book is more likely to rip your heart from your chest and leave you an emotional wreck. When I finished this book, I felt almost raw but in such a good way. I love a book that makes me feel.

Andy is broken and Saxon isn’t there to pick up the pieces but to be another broken soul that she can be with. There are times where you just want knock them both in the head, especially Saxon. But you get pulled in by their chaos.

The spice is strong but definitely not sweet. If you are not a fan of D/s intimate relationships, this may not be the book for you. It’s one that you may need a palate cleanser before and/or after because it is not an easy, sweet read. But if you like deep, dark, emotional stories, it is absolutely worth the read. The only thing that I had a little trouble with was at the end. I felt like a needed half a chapter to tie a few things up. But it wasn’t enough to keep me from enjoying this book.
Profile Image for chesirern.
880 reviews18 followers
December 4, 2024
Battle Scars by JJ Asher is dark romance novel. This is such an unique and entertaining concept for a novel and series. Three guys that want to escape wealth and fame for awhile. This is book one in the British Invasion series and is a great story to start with. It introduces us to all three of the guys but focuses on one. The story is gritty and emotional. It takes you on a wild ride through the characters feelings. The plot is well written and intertwines with the characters changing emotions.

Saxon recently has underwent a lot of personal and familial struggle. He has a lot in his plate and to get through. Andy has suffered a huge struggles as well. In some ways the two of them can find ways to heal each other. Let’s not forget the intense chemistry almost felt off the pages.

This book is a great start and has me ready to devour book two.
Profile Image for Brittany.
689 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2024
Two broken people

Wow! Okay let me start off by saying not everyone has no soul like me so if you need to be warned please check the TW because yeah I will just leave it at that. I honestly wasn’t really sure what to expect and for a debut I say this was pretty good. These were two broken people who needed to find their way to each other and it was definitely explosive. I won’t lie, in the beginning I was kind of confused on what was going on. However it is kind of explained later and it’ll make more sense. I still have some questions but overall it wasn’t bad. I definitely got a few laughs but the story itself is pretty emotional and what happened to them before they met.
Profile Image for Laineypops 1990.
583 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2024
What an absolutely traumatic, psychotic, beautiful ride! Absolutely couldn’t get enough of Andy from the first chapter. Saxon how ever grew on me over time. What an absolutely fantastic debut novel by JJ.
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