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Scars and Sorrow Saga #4
Armored
Dive into the life of another character in the tragic and heart-wrenching Scars and Sorrow Saga.
Garrett Joseph Harper was not the man he once was. His life was altered years when his best friend and fellow Marine, Trent, was killed before him while serving in Afghanistan. Circumstances went from bad to worse when his baby sister, Lyla, was the victim of a grisly attack that nearly took her life.
When Lyla finally seems like she in on the bridge to recovering from the life that she once had with the help of her soon-to-be-husband, Everett, Garrett is sinking deeper into an abyss of darkness.
With the memories of all the gruesomeness that has plagues him, he goes about life on autopilot spending his small town life working at the coal mines and drinking his paychecks away at Rigdon’s holy place for gossip and trouble, King’s Bar.
Garrett’s flame of life is lit once more by Brooklyn Lancaster, a woman who has had eyes for him as long as she has known what love was. Will the connection Brooklyn has to Garrett’s past prevent them from moving forward? Or will something more serious and permanent tear the two new lovers apart when both feel a sense of normalcy for the first time in years?
In Garrett’s story, you will have insight into his pain, past, sorrow, and his ability to hold onto hope. Be prepared for many twists and turns. You know what they say… nothing is ever what it seems.
**Graphic content. Not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.**
Garrett Joseph Harper was not the man he once was. His life was altered years when his best friend and fellow Marine, Trent, was killed before him while serving in Afghanistan. Circumstances went from bad to worse when his baby sister, Lyla, was the victim of a grisly attack that nearly took her life.
When Lyla finally seems like she in on the bridge to recovering from the life that she once had with the help of her soon-to-be-husband, Everett, Garrett is sinking deeper into an abyss of darkness.
With the memories of all the gruesomeness that has plagues him, he goes about life on autopilot spending his small town life working at the coal mines and drinking his paychecks away at Rigdon’s holy place for gossip and trouble, King’s Bar.
Garrett’s flame of life is lit once more by Brooklyn Lancaster, a woman who has had eyes for him as long as she has known what love was. Will the connection Brooklyn has to Garrett’s past prevent them from moving forward? Or will something more serious and permanent tear the two new lovers apart when both feel a sense of normalcy for the first time in years?
In Garrett’s story, you will have insight into his pain, past, sorrow, and his ability to hold onto hope. Be prepared for many twists and turns. You know what they say… nothing is ever what it seems.
**Graphic content. Not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.**
First published April 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 14, 2015
Garrett served in the Marines with his best friend Trent.
Garrett is Lylas brother and is mentioned throughout the first three books.
He is very similar to Lyla in not being able to cope with the loss of his best friend Trent in the war in Afghanistan. He doesn't cut but turns to drink. That is until he hooks up with Brooklyn after saving her one night. She is Trents younger sister. They hit it of straight away and loved the chemistry between them. Unfortunately life deals Garrett another blow and am waiting to see the outcome in another book.
Garrett is Lylas brother and is mentioned throughout the first three books.
He is very similar to Lyla in not being able to cope with the loss of his best friend Trent in the war in Afghanistan. He doesn't cut but turns to drink. That is until he hooks up with Brooklyn after saving her one night. She is Trents younger sister. They hit it of straight away and loved the chemistry between them. Unfortunately life deals Garrett another blow and am waiting to see the outcome in another book.
September 4, 2020
As a young boy Garrett learned to mask his feelings at the hands of his father hitting him to become a man and as a soldier fighting for his country.
Garrett joined the Marines straight out of high school. He spent five years in the Marines along side his best friend Trent. After watching Trent die from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Garrett grew cold-hearted and numb.
Trent’s younger sister Brooklyn had her eyes set on Garrett since she was a teenager. But all he ever saw in her was a little sister. When Trent died he couldn’t look at her without the memories flooding his mind. For years he kept running away from her until one night at the bar he saw her differently. Having felt lost for years, Brooklyn coming into his life offered hope and happiness.
Overall:
I’ve noticed in this book that Mary’s characters speak through physical contact. They don’t express themselves with words. They take action with physical displays of affection.
Because life is messy, complicated, hurtful, and unfair. Mary’s characters go through the gauntlet of painful hardships to build and mold a survivor. Within all that pain comes hope and love. It’s the actions of these characters that help develop the nature of their soul. Just in real life when individuals come and go in life for a reason that’s what Mary gives her readers a blending of reality with fiction.
This was a story built of faith, love, and hope. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without saviors. The ones who rescue the broken souls and make them whole again.
Garrett joined the Marines straight out of high school. He spent five years in the Marines along side his best friend Trent. After watching Trent die from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Garrett grew cold-hearted and numb.
Trent’s younger sister Brooklyn had her eyes set on Garrett since she was a teenager. But all he ever saw in her was a little sister. When Trent died he couldn’t look at her without the memories flooding his mind. For years he kept running away from her until one night at the bar he saw her differently. Having felt lost for years, Brooklyn coming into his life offered hope and happiness.
Overall:
I’ve noticed in this book that Mary’s characters speak through physical contact. They don’t express themselves with words. They take action with physical displays of affection.
Because life is messy, complicated, hurtful, and unfair. Mary’s characters go through the gauntlet of painful hardships to build and mold a survivor. Within all that pain comes hope and love. It’s the actions of these characters that help develop the nature of their soul. Just in real life when individuals come and go in life for a reason that’s what Mary gives her readers a blending of reality with fiction.
This was a story built of faith, love, and hope. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without saviors. The ones who rescue the broken souls and make them whole again.
May 15, 2014
Mary Palmerin has done it again. She has written another heart-wrenching tale of pain, hope and love as part of The Sorrow Series. Only this time the story is focussed on Garrett, Lyla’s (the protagonist in Secrets of a Broken Girl, Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow and Shadows of Scars and Sorrow) older brother.
I've read this novella three times; chapter by chapter as Mary wrote it, then put my beta hat on and read it as a whole. And then I read it again prior to this review. Each time I read it I find something new, or notice something I didn’t before. That is one of the best aspects of Mary’s talent; her stories suck you into a world of intricately detailed plots and beautiful, yet haunting sub plots. If you haven’t yet dove into the town of Rigdon, Kansas and met the characters of this fabulous series, you can start with Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow. This review may contain spoilers – books 0.5, 1 and 2 should be read prior to reading His Armored Heart.
And now we come to Garrett…
I have read every piece of Mary’s writing; all of her published works and a few that are still works in progress. His Armored Heart is, so far, my favourite. It is an intense emotional rollercoaster that had me strung out throughout the book, and I found come comfort from the intensity by slowly falling a little more for Garrett Harper with each page I turned.
As a woman, I find vulnerability in a man attractive – even the tough guys just need a hug once in a while – but I also find strength a powerful aphrodisiac; we all want someone who we know can and will take care of us. Garrett encompasses this and much more. There is strength in his weaknesses, and kinks in his armor that prevent him being a heartless robot with no hope of salvation. He is strong, but plagued by his past. He feels like he has failed, yet he perseveres. And he has lost, yet somehow finds the strength to feel again.
He finds that strength in Brooklyn Lancaster. The death of Garrett’s best friend and Brooklyn’s brother, Trent, is what brings the two together. Cue the tears. It’s a heartbreaker.
I really liked Brooklyn; she is kind of an everywoman character and her strength and compassion is admirable. My heart broke for her, for both of them, multiple times. What transpires between them can happen to any of us and that is what made me an emotional wreck.
Mary wrote the tale of Garrett and Brooklyn with so much finesse and sensitivity that it really pulled at and toyed with every one of my emotions.
Yes, it’s fast-paced (but as you will see when reading, life is too short to waste it avoiding the inevitable). There is a lot of internal monologue (which I loved! Sometimes the things we don’t say hold more merit than the ones we utter).
It’s emotional; pessimism and optimism collide and create a powerful love that was once forbidden, but now allowed to flourish.
But every story has it’s ending and book 2.5 in The Sorrow Series is just the beginning for Garrett and Brooklyn.
You won't want it to end. I know I finished it and instantly demanded Mary send me some of the next instalment, which she is busy penning, and I am greedily accepting chapter after chapter.
She is a truly talented writer; she has written and released two novels and two novellas in just over a year; each one boundary pushing and addictive. What more could you want?
Five stars to Mary Palmerin for making me cry. Again. Multiple times. And for giving me another book boyfriend to swoon over.
Excerpt
‘…Garrett allowed himself to feel tormented as his naked body was planted in his mattress as he permitted his nostrils to fill with the scent of her and the sweet love that they made the night before. His mind played wicked games with him, flashing the promises she made to him afore. His ears also betrayed him as he was certain he could hear her unique Southern drawl whispering I love you. But she was gone. Absent.
He felt the urge to pain himself, to be certain it was reality he was living in and not the typical lullabies full of darkness and loss…’
I've read this novella three times; chapter by chapter as Mary wrote it, then put my beta hat on and read it as a whole. And then I read it again prior to this review. Each time I read it I find something new, or notice something I didn’t before. That is one of the best aspects of Mary’s talent; her stories suck you into a world of intricately detailed plots and beautiful, yet haunting sub plots. If you haven’t yet dove into the town of Rigdon, Kansas and met the characters of this fabulous series, you can start with Succumbing to Scars and Sorrow. This review may contain spoilers – books 0.5, 1 and 2 should be read prior to reading His Armored Heart.
And now we come to Garrett…
I have read every piece of Mary’s writing; all of her published works and a few that are still works in progress. His Armored Heart is, so far, my favourite. It is an intense emotional rollercoaster that had me strung out throughout the book, and I found come comfort from the intensity by slowly falling a little more for Garrett Harper with each page I turned.
As a woman, I find vulnerability in a man attractive – even the tough guys just need a hug once in a while – but I also find strength a powerful aphrodisiac; we all want someone who we know can and will take care of us. Garrett encompasses this and much more. There is strength in his weaknesses, and kinks in his armor that prevent him being a heartless robot with no hope of salvation. He is strong, but plagued by his past. He feels like he has failed, yet he perseveres. And he has lost, yet somehow finds the strength to feel again.
He finds that strength in Brooklyn Lancaster. The death of Garrett’s best friend and Brooklyn’s brother, Trent, is what brings the two together. Cue the tears. It’s a heartbreaker.
I really liked Brooklyn; she is kind of an everywoman character and her strength and compassion is admirable. My heart broke for her, for both of them, multiple times. What transpires between them can happen to any of us and that is what made me an emotional wreck.
Mary wrote the tale of Garrett and Brooklyn with so much finesse and sensitivity that it really pulled at and toyed with every one of my emotions.
Yes, it’s fast-paced (but as you will see when reading, life is too short to waste it avoiding the inevitable). There is a lot of internal monologue (which I loved! Sometimes the things we don’t say hold more merit than the ones we utter).
It’s emotional; pessimism and optimism collide and create a powerful love that was once forbidden, but now allowed to flourish.
But every story has it’s ending and book 2.5 in The Sorrow Series is just the beginning for Garrett and Brooklyn.
You won't want it to end. I know I finished it and instantly demanded Mary send me some of the next instalment, which she is busy penning, and I am greedily accepting chapter after chapter.
She is a truly talented writer; she has written and released two novels and two novellas in just over a year; each one boundary pushing and addictive. What more could you want?
Five stars to Mary Palmerin for making me cry. Again. Multiple times. And for giving me another book boyfriend to swoon over.
Excerpt
‘…Garrett allowed himself to feel tormented as his naked body was planted in his mattress as he permitted his nostrils to fill with the scent of her and the sweet love that they made the night before. His mind played wicked games with him, flashing the promises she made to him afore. His ears also betrayed him as he was certain he could hear her unique Southern drawl whispering I love you. But she was gone. Absent.
He felt the urge to pain himself, to be certain it was reality he was living in and not the typical lullabies full of darkness and loss…’
September 15, 2014
Garrett Harper....sigh...what was I saying? Oh yes, His Armored Heart is book 2.5 in the Sorrow Series. It is the second of four novellas in this family saga series. We finally learn more about Garrett, Lyla's quiet, brooding brother. After being in war and seeing his best friend die, he comes home to be a loner and dealing with all of his issues alone. Which is exactly what he is doing at the local bar the night that his entire world changes. Brooklyn Lancaster, sister to Garrett's best friend, is no longer the young teenager she was when they went off to war. She's an adult now and she's been in love with Garrett since her teens. She can see the pain in his eyes and wishes to heal him. When he finally notices her as a woman and wishes to have that long gone connection again, he chickens out and walks away. Brooklyn doesn't settle for that and finds herself on his doorstep. The interaction between the two was just....explosive. From the moment Garrett opens the door they are no longer holding back, they are unleashing their attraction, their love, their protectiveness onto one another. It's not only an awe moment, but it's a hot moment. Brooklyn and Garrett are hot together. It makes you ache for that type of interaction in real life. As the story continues and they both start admitting things to one another, you can't help but hurt for each of them as much as you were happy for them. They have finally found what they needed to fight for, to give them each a reason to wake up in the morning, a happily-ever-after. But circumstances may keep them from being able to achieve this. The two do the best they can to keep their spirits high while their souls are cracking in two.
Check out this series. Know that when you get to this story that you will fall in love with Garrett. Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster you will experience. Have some tissues ready. This series just keeps getting better and better and I hope Garrett and Brooklyn get their happily ever after. They deserve it.
Check out this series. Know that when you get to this story that you will fall in love with Garrett. Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster you will experience. Have some tissues ready. This series just keeps getting better and better and I hope Garrett and Brooklyn get their happily ever after. They deserve it.
May 20, 2014
His Armored Heart by Mary E. Palmerin let us into Garrett Harper’s story. Readers of the Sorrow series have already met Garrett, Lyla’s older brother, albeit briefly, through the other books of the series. He was depicted as a dark character, ex Marine Corps who’d seen his best friend die before his eyes while they were serving in Afghanistan and who’d never quite recovered from the grief and culpability he felt for still being alive while Trent no longer was.
This is exactly how we find him at the start of His Armored Heart. Little did he know that all this time, he’d been in the heart of a young woman who’d never had eyes for any man but him, but Booklyn Lancaster had always considered herself untouchable, for many reasons. One night, though, they recognize one another as the other half of each other’s soul and give in to the all-consuming passion they had been holding back for too long. Their story is beautifully heartbreaking. Would you rather experience what true love is, knowing that it will soon end or would you prefer to walk away from it from fear of hurting the person you’ve loved your whole life?
Ms Palmerin’s writing is different in this book than what she has accustomed the reader to in the work she has already published. It is the first time she uses the third person omniscient narrator and I was blown away by her telling of Brooklyn’s and Garrett’s story. You will feel their pain, their desire, the love and devotion they have for each other in every word. You will end this book craving so much more, feeling that it wasn’t enough, but I have the feeling that their story isn’t over when the novella ends. I absolutely loved this novella and I hope that the next books in the Sorrow Series will bring us more of these two character’s story.
This is exactly how we find him at the start of His Armored Heart. Little did he know that all this time, he’d been in the heart of a young woman who’d never had eyes for any man but him, but Booklyn Lancaster had always considered herself untouchable, for many reasons. One night, though, they recognize one another as the other half of each other’s soul and give in to the all-consuming passion they had been holding back for too long. Their story is beautifully heartbreaking. Would you rather experience what true love is, knowing that it will soon end or would you prefer to walk away from it from fear of hurting the person you’ve loved your whole life?
Ms Palmerin’s writing is different in this book than what she has accustomed the reader to in the work she has already published. It is the first time she uses the third person omniscient narrator and I was blown away by her telling of Brooklyn’s and Garrett’s story. You will feel their pain, their desire, the love and devotion they have for each other in every word. You will end this book craving so much more, feeling that it wasn’t enough, but I have the feeling that their story isn’t over when the novella ends. I absolutely loved this novella and I hope that the next books in the Sorrow Series will bring us more of these two character’s story.
October 9, 2014
This book is the fourth read in the novella series of Sorrow Series and it focuses on Garrett Harper, brother to Lyla Harper. While Lyla recovers from a devasting attack, nearly killing her, Garrett struggles to find a way out of his own dark place. Joining the Marines with his childhood best friend, Trent Lancaster, going to Afghanistan only to loose him in the war and now having to deal with Lyla's horrible secret and attack puts Garrett in a place of what seems is no return. Garrett is living his life in a daze, spending most of his off time drinking is the local bar and working at the coal mines. He has built up a hard shell around his heart, shutting everyone out, until he sees a face from his past,Trent's sister Brooklyn. As Brooklyn makes her way into his heart, together they try to deal with everything handed to them. This is a short, but amazing read, just as you really start to get into the meat of the story, a cliffhanger stops you in your tracks, leaving you wanting more. Looking forward to the next novella for Garrett and Brooklyn in the Sorrow Series.
Reviewed by: Celene Campbell
Reviewed by: Celene Campbell
October 26, 2014
This book tells the story of Lyla's brother, Garrett, and how he is coping with demons of his own.
After serving in the Marines and seeing his best friend die, Garrett is a mess. He has closed up to everyone and won't let anyone in.
Until he starts seeing Brooklyn again...
And guess who Brooklyn is?
His dead best friend's sister.
And she's not okay.
It was refreshing to read the story of two other characters from Lyla and Everett's story. I just wish there was a bit more to it. I felt like it kind of jumped rather quickly from being distant to being lovers. Also, the sex scenes were a bit similar to the ones from the other stories... it's kind of like a pattern.
Nonetheless, this story was also great and heartbreaking... it hasn't finished yet, however, and I can not WAIT to see how Mary E. Palmerin ends their story...
www.bookswithacupoftea.weebly.com
After serving in the Marines and seeing his best friend die, Garrett is a mess. He has closed up to everyone and won't let anyone in.
Until he starts seeing Brooklyn again...
And guess who Brooklyn is?
His dead best friend's sister.
And she's not okay.
It was refreshing to read the story of two other characters from Lyla and Everett's story. I just wish there was a bit more to it. I felt like it kind of jumped rather quickly from being distant to being lovers. Also, the sex scenes were a bit similar to the ones from the other stories... it's kind of like a pattern.
Nonetheless, this story was also great and heartbreaking... it hasn't finished yet, however, and I can not WAIT to see how Mary E. Palmerin ends their story...
www.bookswithacupoftea.weebly.com
April 27, 2015
I was a bit shocked that this book began the story of Garrett Harper, Lyla's big brother. The ending of book three was extremely dramatic so to begin a new story line for me was a bit of a bummer. Especially because Garrett's story didn't coincide with Lyla and Everett.
I also felt a bit lost reading about Brooklyn and Garrett. There were times were I wanted more details about emotions, wanted to know in more depth what was going on, etc. There was very little mentioned of our two main characters, Lyla and Everett, which I felt discouraged about. Lyla expressed wanting to be closer to her brother and vice versa, falling in love is a pretty big emotional kicker.
I'm getting read to dive back in the saga, continuing on with Trials. Hoping to get some answers regarding the occurrences at the end of book 3.
I also felt a bit lost reading about Brooklyn and Garrett. There were times were I wanted more details about emotions, wanted to know in more depth what was going on, etc. There was very little mentioned of our two main characters, Lyla and Everett, which I felt discouraged about. Lyla expressed wanting to be closer to her brother and vice versa, falling in love is a pretty big emotional kicker.
I'm getting read to dive back in the saga, continuing on with Trials. Hoping to get some answers regarding the occurrences at the end of book 3.
October 17, 2014
Garret is introduced in Lylas story he is intense, quiet, and protective of the ones he loves. This book really digs deep inro Garret and why he is so guarded ans you instantly fall in love with him ans Brooke.
He lost his best friend, it shattered him. He is cut off and doesn't get close to anyone so when he is taken back by his best friends little sister , Brooke, who isnt so little anymore and all grown up he cant believe it. One kiss and he has ro have hee heart and soul. Brooke has always loved Garrer from afar and now she can have him but a heart breaking secret has her pushing him away. Can they get through these obstacles? I dont know but Im dying to find out if they get their HEA
He lost his best friend, it shattered him. He is cut off and doesn't get close to anyone so when he is taken back by his best friends little sister , Brooke, who isnt so little anymore and all grown up he cant believe it. One kiss and he has ro have hee heart and soul. Brooke has always loved Garrer from afar and now she can have him but a heart breaking secret has her pushing him away. Can they get through these obstacles? I dont know but Im dying to find out if they get their HEA
October 17, 2014
Another fantastic emotional story from this author.
This is Garrett Harpers story. We've met him in the other story but haven't read too much about him. Garretts in a dark place after losing his best friend and trying to deal with what happened his sister, Lyla. When he meets up again with Brooklyn, his best friends sister, things change. Can Garrett forgive himself and deal
With his guilt? Can he allow Brooklyn in?
This is a really emotional and angsty story. The author should sell oxygen masks with her books as I'm not sure how many times I've held my breath while reading this series.
Brilliant.
This is Garrett Harpers story. We've met him in the other story but haven't read too much about him. Garretts in a dark place after losing his best friend and trying to deal with what happened his sister, Lyla. When he meets up again with Brooklyn, his best friends sister, things change. Can Garrett forgive himself and deal
With his guilt? Can he allow Brooklyn in?
This is a really emotional and angsty story. The author should sell oxygen masks with her books as I'm not sure how many times I've held my breath while reading this series.
Brilliant.
January 19, 2015
I really, really wanted to like this book. From the summary, it sounded wonderful and right up my alley. Plus, tortured heroes are one of my weaknesses. Sadly, as I got into the first half of the story nothing appealed to me at all. The characters lacked depth and development. There was no chemistry whatsoever between the H/h. The story felt choppy and there was no flow to help smooth out the story.
Also, things moved way too fast in the story to even be believable. I ended up skimming the rest of the story just to see how it ended. Perhaps others may enjoy this, but I think the author's writing style just doesn't suit me.
Also, things moved way too fast in the story to even be believable. I ended up skimming the rest of the story just to see how it ended. Perhaps others may enjoy this, but I think the author's writing style just doesn't suit me.
May 7, 2014
I love this book.
Mary E. Palmerin did a freaking amazing job with this book.
Garrett will capture your heart and soul and he will not let it go nor will you want him too! I am so glad that I got a chance to read this book. I am now officially in love with him. I am beyond speechless and words can't expressing how much love I have for this book.
Al i can say is that this book will have you feeling so many different emotions. I love every word that is written in this book.
These whole series is amazing and I can't wait to read more.
Mary E. Palmerin did a freaking amazing job with this book.
Garrett will capture your heart and soul and he will not let it go nor will you want him too! I am so glad that I got a chance to read this book. I am now officially in love with him. I am beyond speechless and words can't expressing how much love I have for this book.
Al i can say is that this book will have you feeling so many different emotions. I love every word that is written in this book.
These whole series is amazing and I can't wait to read more.
September 8, 2014
This novella can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the whole series starting with Succumbing to Scars & Sorrows to really grasp how all the characters connect.
Garrett....WOW! This man has been through hell. Literally. You can't help but want to hope he gets his HEA.
This is a quick read but it's an emotional ride till the end. Highly recommend 18+ due to content.
No spoilers or anything since most reviews have covered the storyline...But this is a book I highly recommend and you'll want Garrett In more ways than one ;) Nothing but love for you Garrett!
Garrett....WOW! This man has been through hell. Literally. You can't help but want to hope he gets his HEA.
This is a quick read but it's an emotional ride till the end. Highly recommend 18+ due to content.
No spoilers or anything since most reviews have covered the storyline...But this is a book I highly recommend and you'll want Garrett In more ways than one ;) Nothing but love for you Garrett!
May 7, 2015
After the ending of the lats book I was left with a lump in my throat and the desperate want for more from this series.
Then I started Armored - Garret's story and while I didn't get the answers i was seeking I did get beautiful story of two people who ultimately complete one another that find their love at wrong moment in time.
I loved this part of the series as we learned more about those who surrounded Lyla.
I am going straight into the next book now Mary's writing has me completely hooked and I can't seem to put these books down.
Then I started Armored - Garret's story and while I didn't get the answers i was seeking I did get beautiful story of two people who ultimately complete one another that find their love at wrong moment in time.
I loved this part of the series as we learned more about those who surrounded Lyla.
I am going straight into the next book now Mary's writing has me completely hooked and I can't seem to put these books down.
May 15, 2015
Again..this series is killing me! Loving every word of this saga! Cant stop!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews