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Walking With Monsters #2
Scars Run Deep
"You won’t bend, then you’ll shatter for us."
I didn’t see things taking this twisted turn.
And now it’s too late.
There’s no way out for me.
They brought me into their fold.
But I’m not one of them.
I’m so much worse.
A weapon.
One that could make or break them.
That’s if their demons don’t destroy them first.
Darkness is closing in.
Infidels Fall.
If we’re not careful, that’s exactly what will happen.
There’ll be no way back to the light.
I didn’t see things taking this twisted turn.
And now it’s too late.
There’s no way out for me.
They brought me into their fold.
But I’m not one of them.
I’m so much worse.
A weapon.
One that could make or break them.
That’s if their demons don’t destroy them first.
Darkness is closing in.
Infidels Fall.
If we’re not careful, that’s exactly what will happen.
There’ll be no way back to the light.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
704 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Leia King
45 books169 followersWhere Damaged Heroes and Badass Heroines Collide.
Leia writes edgy and emotional stories in Dark Reverse Harem Romance. She enjoys crafting flawed heroes with a dark side and strong women who hold their own.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiakingbooks
Website: https://leiaking.com/
Leia writes edgy and emotional stories in Dark Reverse Harem Romance. She enjoys crafting flawed heroes with a dark side and strong women who hold their own.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiakingbooks
Website: https://leiaking.com/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2025
Okay, so i wasn't ready for that cliffhanger.. damn these guys are so hard to ignore. I wasn't interested at first but I liked where the story was going so I continued, and oh boy it's worth it.
But tbh I was irritated with the ending because everything was going so smooth and then suddenly everything falls apart.
For those who want to read this trust me don't invest too much otherwise it's gonna be hard to even read it.
Spice🌶️: 4/5 (lots of M/M scenes too)
Overall Rating: 3.75🌟s
But tbh I was irritated with the ending because everything was going so smooth and then suddenly everything falls apart.
For those who want to read this trust me don't invest too much otherwise it's gonna be hard to even read it.
Spice🌶️: 4/5 (lots of M/M scenes too)
Overall Rating: 3.75🌟s
March 6, 2024
MY REVIEW CONTAINS A SPOILER FOR THE ENDING OF THE BOOK!! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK, DO NOT CONTINUE MY REVIEW TO MY CONS LISTED IN ORDER 2 OR 3 PARAGRAPHS DOWN!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Super excited to read the 3rd book later this month!
Scars Run Deep lived up to the first book really well, in my opinion. The plot continued to advance really well without feeling like it was just filler between all the smut. I was actually intrigued by the story itself and not just by the spice.
With that being said... the spice? It was SPICY!! 🔥🔥 King did a great job creating depraved moments that made me question my own kinks!
There wasnt anything I DISLIKED about the book but there were some things that I questioned...
1. The scene in the octagon after Asher benches Aurora. I had to re-read from the beginning of that scene when the smut started to try to understand how things were working if you know what I mean... Dont get me wrong, I love a good, intense, depraved sex scene, but the descriptions of actions got super confusing at points and I had to go back when I began questioning how this is working without her being twisted up as a pretzel instead of just being held up against Killian's chest. I also questioned the "logistics" during Aurora and Killian's second alcove scene. I know its meant to be crazy and wild in books like this, but sometimes the way actions and scenes are described happening doesn't make any sense and I hate questioning how the dirty deeds are happening.
2. THIS CONTAINS A SPOILER. ITS NOT A HUGE ONE, BUT A SPOILER NONE THE LESS.
The dollhouse takedowns. Maybe its just me being too realistic, but in what world would they be able to take down almost every single dollhouse location and not be caught after the second or third one with the way they were operating? Even if the Head Infidels didn't know exactly what houses would be hit next, they would have absolutely put a plan in motion to catch them BEFORE all the small houses were taken down, just leaving the final, BIG dollhouse. I know it's meant to advance the story to get it to the point that it gets to near the end of the book, but I couldn't help but think of that during the last 25% of the book.
3. THIS IS THE CON THAT CONTAINS A BIG SPOILER FOR THE ENDING. DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY READ THE BOOK.
Typos and character confusion. Typos I can get past, I understand when books are transferred into Kindle version it happens. There's not a book I've read on my Kindle app that doesn't have at least 1 typo. However, there's a scene in the final chapters in Killian's point of view when he's speaking with Ashers dad and looks up to see his mom walking towards him. It's been confirmed at this point that Killians dad, Samuel is not currently present at that party. However, he says something about someone grabbing her arm and leading her away and says SAMUEL is that person. But Samuel is busy kidnapping Aurora from the mansion. It's a continuity error that I can look past, but can be confusing.
I know those are tiny detail things, but that's exactly why I still gave it a 5 star rating. It didnt effect my enjoyment of the book itself and that is a win, for sure.
Book 3 out Match 18th and I'm beyond excited!!!
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Super excited to read the 3rd book later this month!
Scars Run Deep lived up to the first book really well, in my opinion. The plot continued to advance really well without feeling like it was just filler between all the smut. I was actually intrigued by the story itself and not just by the spice.
With that being said... the spice? It was SPICY!! 🔥🔥 King did a great job creating depraved moments that made me question my own kinks!
There wasnt anything I DISLIKED about the book but there were some things that I questioned...
1. The scene in the octagon after Asher benches Aurora. I had to re-read from the beginning of that scene when the smut started to try to understand how things were working if you know what I mean... Dont get me wrong, I love a good, intense, depraved sex scene, but the descriptions of actions got super confusing at points and I had to go back when I began questioning how this is working without her being twisted up as a pretzel instead of just being held up against Killian's chest. I also questioned the "logistics" during Aurora and Killian's second alcove scene. I know its meant to be crazy and wild in books like this, but sometimes the way actions and scenes are described happening doesn't make any sense and I hate questioning how the dirty deeds are happening.
2. THIS CONTAINS A SPOILER. ITS NOT A HUGE ONE, BUT A SPOILER NONE THE LESS.
The dollhouse takedowns. Maybe its just me being too realistic, but in what world would they be able to take down almost every single dollhouse location and not be caught after the second or third one with the way they were operating? Even if the Head Infidels didn't know exactly what houses would be hit next, they would have absolutely put a plan in motion to catch them BEFORE all the small houses were taken down, just leaving the final, BIG dollhouse. I know it's meant to advance the story to get it to the point that it gets to near the end of the book, but I couldn't help but think of that during the last 25% of the book.
3. THIS IS THE CON THAT CONTAINS A BIG SPOILER FOR THE ENDING. DO NOT CONTINUE IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY READ THE BOOK.
Typos and character confusion. Typos I can get past, I understand when books are transferred into Kindle version it happens. There's not a book I've read on my Kindle app that doesn't have at least 1 typo. However, there's a scene in the final chapters in Killian's point of view when he's speaking with Ashers dad and looks up to see his mom walking towards him. It's been confirmed at this point that Killians dad, Samuel is not currently present at that party. However, he says something about someone grabbing her arm and leading her away and says SAMUEL is that person. But Samuel is busy kidnapping Aurora from the mansion. It's a continuity error that I can look past, but can be confusing.
I know those are tiny detail things, but that's exactly why I still gave it a 5 star rating. It didnt effect my enjoyment of the book itself and that is a win, for sure.
Book 3 out Match 18th and I'm beyond excited!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
this series is wild in a way that is difficult to describe. i am so invested in the way these four people interact with each other, and asher is an incredibly satisfying character to try to figure out. jonah is probably my favorite, because he's just so in love with all of them, and it's so sweet even when he's being unhinged.
what i don't like about this series is how repetitive it is. the author uses the same phrases to the point of tedium, especially during the sex scenes. everyone is acting "like a (adjective) thing." wild thing, unhinged thing, savage thing, beast of a thing. over and over and over and over. it's like we don't know any other adjectives. similarly with the description "fucking well." there's a lot of "he'd fucking well told her" or "fucking well demanded" or "fucking well (verbed)"
and then there's the sex scenes themselves. they're just...not very sexy. everyone is shouting overly porny sentences that don't really seem to fit the scene. almost everything that happens in this book that could be considered sexy is completely removed from any actual sex acts. there's a sexy and sensual quality in the way they all know each other, they way they all react to each other, they way they all play off of each other. but once they're actually having sex, we lose all that intimacy and banked heat and it just turns into like...what feels like a parody.
it's really disappointing because the other time they spend talking to each other is this really carefully choreographed sexual tension and buildup, and it never gives any payoff because they just start all screaming and yelling the cheesiest bad porn lines, and it just doesn't feel like it's the way any of these characters would be. i expect them to be rough, ruthless, and wild with each other. that's totally fine. but not in this way that is just...not sexy.
what i don't like about this series is how repetitive it is. the author uses the same phrases to the point of tedium, especially during the sex scenes. everyone is acting "like a (adjective) thing." wild thing, unhinged thing, savage thing, beast of a thing. over and over and over and over. it's like we don't know any other adjectives. similarly with the description "fucking well." there's a lot of "he'd fucking well told her" or "fucking well demanded" or "fucking well (verbed)"
and then there's the sex scenes themselves. they're just...not very sexy. everyone is shouting overly porny sentences that don't really seem to fit the scene. almost everything that happens in this book that could be considered sexy is completely removed from any actual sex acts. there's a sexy and sensual quality in the way they all know each other, they way they all react to each other, they way they all play off of each other. but once they're actually having sex, we lose all that intimacy and banked heat and it just turns into like...what feels like a parody.
it's really disappointing because the other time they spend talking to each other is this really carefully choreographed sexual tension and buildup, and it never gives any payoff because they just start all screaming and yelling the cheesiest bad porn lines, and it just doesn't feel like it's the way any of these characters would be. i expect them to be rough, ruthless, and wild with each other. that's totally fine. but not in this way that is just...not sexy.
June 29, 2024
Kindle.
The “slow burn” slower pace of this series really showed up in the second book. Especially towards the beginning and really right up until the end it just lost its forward momentum and dragged. Still had spice, relationship development, possessive and obsessive men. I like how the characters interact with each other. In general it had a bunch of tropes I really like. Yet this book just was not keeping my attention. I was dragging to finish didn’t read it for multiple days then would come back. I wanted to be into it but I just wasn’t. I think it comes down to being too drawn out, maybe the book itself could have been condensed. The ending felt rushed and all over I skimmed over a lot just done with the book.
Cliffhanger. Do I want all the answers/HEA the third and final book will bring? Yes. Do I want to drag myself through it to get them and finish the series no. Bittersweet choosing not to finish overall, but I’m over it and will not be continuing on.
The “slow burn” slower pace of this series really showed up in the second book. Especially towards the beginning and really right up until the end it just lost its forward momentum and dragged. Still had spice, relationship development, possessive and obsessive men. I like how the characters interact with each other. In general it had a bunch of tropes I really like. Yet this book just was not keeping my attention. I was dragging to finish didn’t read it for multiple days then would come back. I wanted to be into it but I just wasn’t. I think it comes down to being too drawn out, maybe the book itself could have been condensed. The ending felt rushed and all over I skimmed over a lot just done with the book.
Cliffhanger. Do I want all the answers/HEA the third and final book will bring? Yes. Do I want to drag myself through it to get them and finish the series no. Bittersweet choosing not to finish overall, but I’m over it and will not be continuing on.
April 4, 2024
Still Tedious
Sigh this still is tedious to read. I do not need pages and pages of lamenting on each characters thoughts on the others or reiteration of their character traits. I got it in book one and it was enough there.
Also there are numerous instances of things occurring that logically do not make any sense. Like in the fights and of course in the smut scenes. I still cant fathom how fmc is on her knees and the mmc is shoving a hand in her pants and fingering her… he have super long elastic arms???
Added to that so much of this is just being told they are bad a**es and then they are unstoppable in a fight until it would further the story for them to be over powered like a kitten and taken…
Honestly makes for an exhausting read.
Sigh this still is tedious to read. I do not need pages and pages of lamenting on each characters thoughts on the others or reiteration of their character traits. I got it in book one and it was enough there.
Also there are numerous instances of things occurring that logically do not make any sense. Like in the fights and of course in the smut scenes. I still cant fathom how fmc is on her knees and the mmc is shoving a hand in her pants and fingering her… he have super long elastic arms???
Added to that so much of this is just being told they are bad a**es and then they are unstoppable in a fight until it would further the story for them to be over powered like a kitten and taken…
Honestly makes for an exhausting read.
May 26, 2025
So disappointing, you had a really strong FMC in this series with a penchant for mind games and strategy and BAM! same as every other book she folds like a paper and becomes dickmatised so so so disappointing. The plot isn’t all that interesting like it has some but it’s just not hooking y’know? The sex is good, nice even but its pretty much the same but in different fonts… I thought this was supposed to be dark romance but what is exactly dark about it? Nothing, I can’t even claim it’s a bully as it happened for all of 5 minutes and wasn’t even bullying if you ask me (compared to other books). So for me it’s just a regular old reverse harem romance, with a mediocre plot. I’ll read the last one just to complete the series but honestly, I’m not expecting much.
April 23, 2024
This book was entirely too drawn out. I was so bored for most of it. I like the story on a base level, but I’m not really sure how I actually feel about it. The characters are kind of iffy for me. Asher‘s character is great and then he’s being stupid even though he’s the smart one so I don’t really get it. Killian kind of just annoys me and I feel like he doesn’t really serve much of a purpose. Jonah is amazing and I love him. Aurora is kind of hit or miss for me. She’s a really great FMC one minute and the next I kinda hate her. I don’t know, but I enjoyed the first book and I do kinda want to see how everything plays out, so I’ll probably keep reading.
June 24, 2024
It’s dark.. it’s dirty.. it’s whew! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The author's ability to craft vivid scenes and situations makes it effortless to visualize the story unfolding like a movie in my mind. The characters' complexities and dynamics are expertly woven together, creating a narrative that's both captivating and suspenseful.
While the story explores mature themes, the author's writing style makes it easy to become fully invested in the characters' journeys. I'm impressed by the author's talent for building on the story's momentum, and I can't wait to see how the series concludes! 🤓
The author's ability to craft vivid scenes and situations makes it effortless to visualize the story unfolding like a movie in my mind. The characters' complexities and dynamics are expertly woven together, creating a narrative that's both captivating and suspenseful.
While the story explores mature themes, the author's writing style makes it easy to become fully invested in the characters' journeys. I'm impressed by the author's talent for building on the story's momentum, and I can't wait to see how the series concludes! 🤓
June 10, 2024
3.8/5⭐️ While still good, this book was clearly a middle book. There were times where it felt drawn out. I understand how the scenes benefited character development and plot development but it still seemed a bit wordy. I skimmed a few pages here and there without missing anything key which is where the points come off for me in the rating. I look forward to the next book and seeing it all come to an end!
October 13, 2024
TW are next level
Nothing will prepare you for this series. It's dark and delicious. Brutal love story that hurts until you feel good. Flaws and scars so deep I never knew if I was going to laugh or cry as the MCs struggle to find a why through. But the devotion is perfect.
Character development⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World building⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Kink🌋🌋🌋🌋
Read triggers. SA of both MMC and FMC are on page.
Nothing will prepare you for this series. It's dark and delicious. Brutal love story that hurts until you feel good. Flaws and scars so deep I never knew if I was going to laugh or cry as the MCs struggle to find a why through. But the devotion is perfect.
Character development⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World building⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Kink🌋🌋🌋🌋
Read triggers. SA of both MMC and FMC are on page.
April 4, 2024
Emotional Read
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings….. This second book gives you more insight and emotions from the guys but damn I don't like Asher sometimes. Kill is amazing though. Aurora is a bit back and forth in this book. Hoping they get it together in the final book.
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings….. This second book gives you more insight and emotions from the guys but damn I don't like Asher sometimes. Kill is amazing though. Aurora is a bit back and forth in this book. Hoping they get it together in the final book.
January 2, 2025
Secrets are like scars and they all run deep!
This is book two in the Walking With Monsters series and ends on a heart stopping cliffhanger. With Aurora's life on the line and Jonah, Killian, and Asher doing everything they can to take down their fathers, secrets should be the last thing anyone should be keeping. It all just got real and it's time to Burn It Down!!!
This is book two in the Walking With Monsters series and ends on a heart stopping cliffhanger. With Aurora's life on the line and Jonah, Killian, and Asher doing everything they can to take down their fathers, secrets should be the last thing anyone should be keeping. It all just got real and it's time to Burn It Down!!!
April 30, 2024
So Good
Book 2 and we have just as much excitement as the first book. The steam between these characters is smoking hot. This one does end on a brutal cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Book 2 and we have just as much excitement as the first book. The steam between these characters is smoking hot. This one does end on a brutal cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
July 7, 2024
DNF. Loved the first book but can’t get into this one. Too much lying and deception between them all and everything with her father bothered me. And then I hate a lack of communication plot more than anything else in books so I stopped there.
November 7, 2024
I struggled to read this, didn't love the first book, but moved into the second anyway. The storyline was choppy, and the timeline seemed inconsistent. Spice was not written well enough to save the poor plot.
November 24, 2024
Dark dark dark
Scars Run Deep is a very dark romance. There is a lot of action and spice. These 4 broken characters are wonderfully written. While they are morally gray, they are trying so hard to stop the pitch black world their father's have thrust them in.
Scars Run Deep is a very dark romance. There is a lot of action and spice. These 4 broken characters are wonderfully written. While they are morally gray, they are trying so hard to stop the pitch black world their father's have thrust them in.
July 24, 2025
Just. Wow.
This book was AMAZING! I'm definitely going to have a book hangover after this. The action and suspense. The twists and turns. They all kept coming. And the spice and steam...yes, please! I can't wait for book 3.
This book was AMAZING! I'm definitely going to have a book hangover after this. The action and suspense. The twists and turns. They all kept coming. And the spice and steam...yes, please! I can't wait for book 3.
April 4, 2024
epic cliffhanger
I’m just loving this series. Can’t wait to get into the final book. Theo spice is great, wish there was more.
I’m just loving this series. Can’t wait to get into the final book. Theo spice is great, wish there was more.
May 16, 2024
Felt like a real middle book. Lots of decisions made for the FMC not with her. I did, however, like how the bond between the group strengthened. Cliffhanger again.
May 21, 2024
I love it
Please tell me we get to see her embrace her dark side in the next book! I've been waiting for her to be the unstoppable beast we know she will be .
Please tell me we get to see her embrace her dark side in the next book! I've been waiting for her to be the unstoppable beast we know she will be .
May 23, 2024
This series has honestly kept me engaged and interested in the plot.
June 18, 2024
wow
There is so much action and you want to be there for the whole ride. It’s a great story and it just pulls you in with every page.
There is so much action and you want to be there for the whole ride. It’s a great story and it just pulls you in with every page.
Read
July 21, 2024I’m afraid I couldn’t keep going with this series, read the first book and struggled through, but gave up halfway through this one, can’t give stars I’m afraid
September 28, 2024
Amazing
Another absolutely stunning piece of work. Can't wait for the next book. I definitely recommend it to everyone 🔥🔥🔥🔥 well done, leia.
Another absolutely stunning piece of work. Can't wait for the next book. I definitely recommend it to everyone 🔥🔥🔥🔥 well done, leia.
October 27, 2024
Better than the first.
February 9, 2025
First book is much better, it could have easily ended on this book but we will see what 3rd book will be like.
July 22, 2025
Invested
Leia King has me super invested in this series. Loving all four of the main characters. Huge cliffy. Cant wait to read the finale.
Leia King has me super invested in this series. Loving all four of the main characters. Huge cliffy. Cant wait to read the finale.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews