This is a Re-Release! Please be advised that this book was previously released under the same title.
After the loss of his mother, Jah'Shun and his brother are sent to live with their aunt. Blood doesn’t always make you family and they learn this lesson the hard way. Resigned to endure his pain quietly, Jah'Shun finds unexpected refuge in his new neighbor. Benet quickly becomes his saving grace during his darkest moments.
As the years pass, Jah'Shun grows to become a successful business owner who beats all the odds stacked against him. Yet, a chance encounter shatters his world again when he runs into his former neighbor and guardian angel. Old wounds are unearthed, and buried secrets emerge as they confront their past. Can they help each other heal or will they both self destruct?
Kami! You showed out with this one ma'am! Never have I wanted to unalive a character as much as I wanted Aunt Faye outta here! 😤🤬 That heifer was just evil! The way she abused and neglected those boys, had me hot and ready to jump into my kindle to put hands on her! 😡🥹
Jah was his brother's keeper and did all he could to take care of and protect Josiah, from the horrors and trauma they suffered in that house, at the hands of their aunt. But then an angel appeared in the form of a little girl named Benet. Her keen eye noticed that Jah wasn't going to school, was sleeping on the floor, never came outside, and looked thin. With the help of her mother, she made sure that the boys ate, were clothed and warm, while hoping/praying they could escape their current situation.
Fast forward Jah and Josiah have turned their lives around. Both have found success in their careers and have the ability to take care of themselves and others. Jah, now a single dad, dotes on Miss Jenesis, and loves her beyond the moon. When Jenesis spots a homeless woman one day, and wants to feed her and bring her home, Jah groans as he can never tell his baby no. However, when he sees who the woman is, he is stunned! How? Why? What happened?
When I learned of what Benet had gone through, and had to witness/listen to, I was heartbroken. 💔 No one should ever have to experience anything like that. Not able to handle her grief, she quickly lost herself, and didn't know how to recover.
This story was a full circle moment, where both characters were able to save/rescue the other from a traumatic event in their lives. I was emotional for most of the read, and it was so well written that at times I could feel their pain and shed real tears! 🥹 Great job!
Wow! Just wow! From beginning to end, I was transported on such a beautiful, emotional journey. Kami told this story for our hearts. As a reminder that it can't break you. Whatever "it" is, just keep holding on and better will come. I am so glad to see the representation of someone in recovery, finding love and restoration in their life. Whew this story was amazing. Kami Holt is an AUTHOR on the rise. She writes real stories about real people experiencing real love and I love that for our community. I can't recommend this book enough. It was so heartfelt and healing.
Kami Holt is quickly raising as one of my favorite authors. Her stories just grab you and her characters give you a familiar feeling. “Show Me Your Scars” is no different. Benet kind heart was the safety raft that Jah’Shun and his little brother Josiah need. It’s funny how the seeds that you pour into another human being when their are at their lowest point can turn around and be a seed of life to you as well. I will have to say I was not expecting adult Benet to end up in the position Jah and his sweet daughter found her in. Without spoiling the experience just know that this book will most definitely have you in your feelings and the journey these two souls go through heartbreaking at time but their raise it poetry in emotion. I give this book 5 stars but if I could it would get a 10. This will be on my reread list for sure.
Show me your scars was a sad story with a highly emotional ending. It hurt me to my core when the two teenage boys suffered at the hands of their aunt. Jah and his brother endured the worst abuse imaginable for no reason. Their neighbor's young daughter, Benet stepped in to feed them when their aunt left them hungry for days. Later in the story, Benet's life unraveled and she stumbled upon Jah and his beautiful spirited daughter, Jenesis. And trust me, that little girl was the beginning of Benet's salvation.
When I say that show me your scars most definitely have me in my emotions it did. It was such a full circle moment , Jah’shun being the one who needed someone help at a young age to Benet needing just enough purpose to overcome her mental and physical scars as an adult. When I tell you little Jenesis just knew in her heart that they needed to help Benet without actually knowing. I swear she must’ve been in into the future lol. Honestly what a way for Jah’shun and Benet to create a new life together but also to embrace the scars and the tough times they went through.
Kami did her thing with this one. I was very emotional while reading this. I felt so bad for Jah’shun and Josiah with everything they went through as children. Then just when I thought things were great for everyone Benet’s story took me through the wringer. I love that she fought to get some semblance of her life back together. Both of the main characters went through a lot and the journey of healing together it was just so great to read. Jenesis tried to steal the show in this book. I loved her voice in this book. I’m intrigued about Josiah. Now I’m just throwing a wish out there for Kami. Can we get Josiah’s story?
I am a fan of Kami’s writing and this was sldefinitely one of my favorites, I teared up at a lot of points in this story . The MMC and the FMC had ALOT of traumatic experiences. I loved how they showed up for one another and the people in their lives. The ending was everything I could hope for . This is a heavy read but I feel readers will love it . I saw the author say she wished this story got more love and I couldn’t agree more. 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was so beautifully written that I actually shed a few tears 😭. Jah’shun and Benet endured so much and I was so happy for them to help each other fight their demons. This is my favorite read of the series 💙
Trigger warnings ‼️grab some tissues because whew!! 😭 This story touched every nerve — child abuse, neglect, loss of parents, single parent struggles, and drug addiction. Heavy topics handled with so much heart.
This book broke me down and then slowly pieced me back together again. 💔➡️❤️
Jah’Shun… that man! The way he stepped up for Josiah — best big brother! Their bond had me tearing up more than once.
And Benet? The way she showed up for them in their youth, was divine timing. She was gentle but strong, exactly what they needed.
Now let’s talk about Jenesis — she stole the whole book! I loved how age-appropriate she was written; you could feel her innocence and light through the pages. Kami, you did that! 🙌🏽
Aries… girl. You had some nerve. That pop? Well deserved.
If I had one wish, I’d love a little more backstory on Mr. Brenan Norris Sr. because, sir, what?! That reveal had me shocked! A scene right from Power 😳😲
Favorite quote: “You say that I saved you, but you rescued me.” — Benet That line right there hit deep.
Heartfelt moments ❣️Jah’Shun going back for Benet- washing of her hair and bathing her scene 🥺 ❣️ Benet spoiling Jah for his birthday ❣️The reunion with Benet and her brothers ❣️The award ceremony- Josiah’s speech 🥹
This story will stay with me for a long time. Kami, you deserve all your flowers 💐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book had me in a chokehold!! Bravo Kami Bravo!!! From page 1, I was invested. The mama in me cried for Jah and Josiah, and my heart broke to see the struggle that Benet went through. But in the end, it was all worth it. This a beautiful story. I hope that you will bless us with Josiah's story. I mean...if you feel like it. Kami, your writing is the best of both worlds. You write like a reader. You give us everything that a reader wants but deliver it like the AH-MAZING author that you are. I was already a fan, but I'm locked in for real!
A raw, beautiful reminder that healing is messy—but love can be messy right alongside it. Jah’Shun and his brother Josiah endure cruelty, pain, and neglect at the hands of their aunt, and Benet steps in like a guardian angel when they’re at their lowest. The way lives intertwine years later—old wounds resurfacing, secrets unfolding—gets you right in the chest. The emotional bleakness does heavy lifting, but the redemption, family‐found moments, and growth make every tear worth it. If you want a love story that reaches into the wounds and offers something true in return, this one delivers.
This Scar series is taking me through it but this story right here…was just so emotionally heart wrenching. Those poor boys were going through it but Benet wasn’t having the mess. She was so determined to make sure that they were ok. Then the daughter wasn’t going to have her daddy give up on Benet. She was the sweetest little thing in this story. This is definitely going to be a reread for me.
Benet was such an angel at a young age. Thanks to Jenesis having the same helping spirit as her, someone was able to be an angel for her and give her the help that she needed.
4.5 Returning the favor and paying it forward for a second chance. Jah’Shun and Benet went through some tragic times but made it out. The two were there for each other at the right time. Really like the connection between Benet and Jenesis, and that Benet got to reconnect with her brothers.
Whew Kami books know they’ll tug at your heart strings and have you crying. Lawd it’s crazy how life works sometimes but I’m happy they both were able to save each other in their times of need. That auntie was wrong but thank God for Benet, sis came through for them boys and thank God for Jah’Shun for coming through when Benet needed somebody to lean on. I loved Jenesis she was just adorable and reminded me of a young Benet. They all came a long way and I love that for them. Josiah speaking on Jah and officially thanking Benet made my heart smile and eyes water 😩🥹. Only thing that confused me was the timeline though cause it went from 2017 to 2020 but said she was only 7 months sober so did she relapse?!
I was not prepared for the emotional state of this story. I had to put it down a few times as I was livid with the way Faye treated those boys. I wanted to introduce her to the same pain she caused those. It’s. Smh. Anyway, once I got passed that, the turn around for these boys and Benet was something else. Tables turned and the journey was an emotional Al one. I am glad they were able to help and save one another in different aspects of their lives. This story was so good and and emotional one. I just wanted Jah and Josiah to win and thankfully they were able to. I loved this.
My goodness. I’ve never wanted to jump through a book as much as I did reading this one. Poor Jah and Josiah. Their aunt was literally evil! Benet and her family were definitely a blessing to them. Who would’ve thought years later Jah would get to be a blessing to Benet and eventually fall in love. It was raw, but beautiful. I lowkey wanted more.
Lady!!! You ain’t even have to make me cry like. Like the amount of times I cried reading this book should be ashamed……And maybe I need to talk to someone professionally about it. This was such a great read!!! You really did your thang with this one!! Like, I know writing improves but ma’am!!! Idk even know what to say. Keep going bigger ma’am because honestly it’s really you against you, and you just keep outdoing your last body of work!!!
I don’t know about ya’ll but this was a rough one. Had me all emotional. I had to a few breaks. But I got through it. You couldn’t help but feel for them both
Ain’t it funny how life turns around!!! This book I felt with my whole heart sometimes the scars that aren’t visible are the ones that hurt the most! Kamiiiii baby your pen has not failed me yet!! I loveddd this book so much and the empath in me felt this in my soul
The visual on Instagram made me RUN to read this story, but ikyfl. Eight YEARS of being homeless, on drugs, popping pills, and using her body to make money, and I’m supposed to picture this attractive, healthy-looking woman? You know what eight years of drugs, poor nutrition, and barely having access to basic hair care and hygiene would do to somebody’s appearance. I could’ve believed maybe one or two years and she still looked good. But EIGHT?! You gotta do better with the visuals because you can write that she looks good all you want, but you can’t make me picture it.
What made it even harder to believe was that 15 years had passed since her Ja’Shun last saw her, and they were KIDS back then. Eight of those years she was on drugs and barely taking care of herself. She should’ve looked damn near unrecognizable. How tf did her brother recognize her after 15 years?!
And if you’re gonna write a homeless love story, I need some details about how this woman was taking care of herself. If she was homeless but living out of her car, working, showering somewhere, whatever, okay. But that wasn’t her situation. She had been living on the streets for eight years, using drugs and sleeping with men for money. So the first place she’s NOT gonna go is to a damn doctor? Nahhh. I know it’s fiction, but I still need the story to be somewhat reasonable. I damn sure wasn’t interested in reading about her getting intimate with anybody because my mind could not get past any of that.
I also felt like we should’ve gotten Serena’s story sooner instead of having us guessing for so damn long. The book was already over 55% in, and with less than 200 pages total, I was still like, WTF happened to Benet’s life? Why was it taking so long to tell us what happened?
Then Josiah sounded stupid as hell. He said he wanted a baby by a woman who can’t cook and barely cleans, but didn’t want to give her a ring for those same reasons. Whole time, he straps up twice and pours bleach in the condom afterward. Sir, do you want a baby by her or NOT? And talking about she wouldn’t make a good football wife… she ain’t gonna need to be no football wife with the money she’ll get in child support anyway.
I also think the book needed more pages for Aunt Faye’s demise. Hell, we got details about her treating those boys like shit, so shiiid, I wanted details about her health struggles and her death too. Especially since she ended up needing the same nephews she treated like shit. I wanted to read ALL of that.
I’m gonna assume Josiah bought his brother’s tattoo shop for him. I loved the brothers connection and how they had each other’s backs. That’s bout the only thing I loved up until the point when I gave up.
I was fighting to finish, but I already knew I wasn’t gonna make it. I just wanted to read about Serena reuniting with her brother. I didn’t care about anything else.
(3.5⭐️) This was a decent read. Jah and Benet were childhood friends, and Benet showed him and his brother tremendous kindness that ultimately saved their lives. Nearly two decades later, Jah has the opportunity to return the favor.
I really enjoyed the way they cared for each other. Jah was a grumpy giant who turned into the softest man when it came to Benet and Jenesis. After they reconnected, he was patient with Benet’s circumstances and constantly offered reassurance. In turn, she brought him peace and provided the nurturing, motherly touch that Jenesis needed.
I will say this is the slowest of slow burns. The romance doesn’t really take off until the last third of the book. The pacing itself never felt slow, and the delay made sense given everything the characters were navigating. I was just surprised to realize they hadn’t crossed any romantic lines until around 65% into the story.
Despite liking them as a couple, the transition from friendship to romance didn’t fully work for me. We saw very little on page that hinted at those feelings developing. After a small time jump, we’re told their relationship has deepened and Benet has begun wanting more. Then one conversation later, they’re suddenly romantically involved and declaring their love. I think seeing more of that progression on the page would’ve made their romance much more impactful.
The ending and epilogue also felt a bit packed. There was so much happening between their relationship and the new season of their lives that I wish those moments had been given a little more room to breathe. There were also quite a few editing errors and some timeline inconsistencies that occasionally disrupted the flow of the story.
Even with those critiques, this was ultimately a story about resilience, kindness, and second chances.
“When I say you saved me, I mean that. I wouldn’t be alive right now if it weren’t for you. Loving you is the only thing that makes sense to a man like me. You were my guardian angel, and now you’re my everything.”
Benet and Jah'shun saved each other at the lowest points in their respective lives. Their love is the definition of unconditional and it was beautiful to read.
Benet was so fearless in caring for Jah and his brother when they were children, despite knowing the punishments they faced with their aunt and the embarrassment they felt about their circumstances. But she and her family gave the brothers a much needed beacon of hope to survive their horrifc situation.
And Benet's heart is so big, that is wasn't difficult understanding how she turned to drugs after her parents' murder. Losing both of her examples of love and family and happiness in that way, shortcircuited both her brain and heart. Jah and his daughter's entry into her life was exactly the reality check she needed to finally feel like she deserved to be living again.
I adored their chemistry and their banter was hilarious. I laughed and smirked and then I definitely cried, their traumas and pain were breathtaking, in the worst way. I loved their acknowledgement and support of each other's creative talents. Jenesis had my whole heart from the jump too.
“You showed me your scars, and I showed you mine. Now, it’s time for us to heal and enjoy this life we’ve created.”
wow, i really loved seeing jah and benet interact as children! you could really see their bond starting to form, and i loved watching their friendship develop from such a young age! 🥹 seeing jah and his brother struggle with abuse was definitely hard to read, but kami did soooo good with writing those scenes! i could see everything so clearly! the little moments, like a young jah sitting by the window wanting to play outside, watching the kids play, defending benet, and then eventually making a friend, ughhhh! jah was such an amazing big brother, and benet was such a selfless young lady! 🥹
once they grew up, i just wish there was a little more buildup between them! 😩 a little after they reconnected, there was a time skip, and by the time we got back to them, the feelings were already there! i would’ve loved to see more of them getting to know each other as adults and those little moments that made them realize their feelings were becoming something more!
i also wish we got more of benet’s recovery journey! jah helping her thru it was such an important part of their story, and i would’ve loved to see more scenes showing just how difficult that process was for her and how he supported her along the way!
overall, i enjoyed their story and loved how the foundation of their bond was established when they were young! 🎀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
At this point, I really need to stop acting surprised when Kami gets another 5 stars outta me. 😂 Because once again… SHE GOT ME.
Show Me Your Scars was such a beautiful story. Jah’Shun and Benet’s story really touched me because their connection goes all the way back to when they were young, and life definitely was not kind to either of them.
Then life brings them back into each other’s world as adults, and baby… 😭
Now Jah’Shun was getting on my damn nerves at first. 😂 He was so standoffish and had those walls built HIGH. But the more I learned about him and understood what he had been through, the more I understood why he moved the way he did.
And Benet? I loved her. 🥺❤️ No matter what life had thrown at her, there was something about her that made me want to see her WIN.
And little Miss Jenesis?! 😂❤️ Baby girl knew what needed to happen before her daddy did! I absolutely loved her.
But what really made this story special to me was that Jah’Shun and Benet saved each other. At different points in their lives, when one needed somebody, the other was there. 🥺
This wasn’t just a romance. It was about trauma, addiction, healing, family, second chances, learning to let somebody love you, and realizing that your scars don’t make you unworthy of being loved.
I don’t want to say too much because I really think you need to experience their story for yourself.
Kami… GIRL. 😭😂 You got me AGAIN.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — LOVED IT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jah’Shun and Benet had such a beautiful, loving story. I loved watching their relationship grow from childhood into adulthood and seeing how they continued to support and show up for each other through everything they went through. They truly became each other’s safe place when it felt like no one else could be there for them.
This story was sweet, emotional, and really showed the best in people. I especially loved seeing them make it through the hell they endured and finally get to the other side together. Their journey of healing, love, and learning to appreciate what they had in each other really touched me.
I also loved Benet’s relationship with Genesis and how their bond added another layer to the story. And of course, I enjoyed having their brothers mixed into everything too! 😂 It made the story feel bigger than just the romance and gave us a chance to see the family dynamics play out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. A sweet story about love, healing, family, and finding your way back to the people who have always been there for you. ❤️
Due to unfortunate circumstances, Jah'Shun and his younger brother end up under the care of their aunt. This aunt was our with the world. Due to not wanting to end up in the system or separated from his brother, he kept it to himself.
Benet was the next-door neighbor who knew something wasn't right. With the help of her mom, they were able to provide Jah and his brother with the basics.
Fast forward, while Benet was in college, her dad got into a problem that left Benet and her brother with their parents. Benet was afraid and turned to vices to numb the pain of her loss. Sh3 ended up being on the street for many years when she crossed paths with Jah.
Jah remembers how she helped him and his brother and decided to help after Benet broke his trust. Once she is on the road to healing, they decide to address their attraction.
Benet is able to overcome her pain and rebuild relationships that were weakened by her actions.
Yep, I should have stayed away a little longer. This story pulled on my heart strings from the beginning to the end. Benet heart was huge as a young lady. To witness the mistreating of your peers and step up and do something is someone raised right. The gratitude of Jah'Shun and his brother was even more inspiring.
Fast forward and the roles are reversed somewhat and it is the heart of a 7 year old that pull the circle back in its true form. Jenesis, was a force and had her daddy wrapped around her finger. It was a conversation with his work buddy and brother that had him saying forget the theft, you werw there for ME once upon a time.
The journey was heartwarming and the bounce back and appreciation had me in tears. A step back doesn't mean someone cares less it means they want you to care as much as they do. Grab your tissue and enjoy.