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Branded #1

Branded

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What do you do after watching your employee be raped by men who want information about your oldest friend?

Nya Yorke isn't strong enough to take them down alone, but she can't let the men who raided her nightclub away with murder. It turns out that the man who rescues her from the same fate is capable of committing horrors, and Nya recognizes that he is the key to completing a mission of her own.

Archer wants Tag, her oldest friend, and if she can broker a deal to get him what he wants then she might be able to punish the men who attacked her colleague.

Nya needs an ally, but quickly learns that wearing Archer's mark means more than deferring to him, it could change the course of her life.

Contains explicit language and imagery. Suitable only for ages 18 and over.

Audible Audio

First published March 6, 2017

81 people are currently reading
235 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Finn

90 books482 followers
Writing has always been a big part of my life. Since I was a child I've known exactly where my passion lay.
No matter what's gone on in my life writing has been my touchstone. After all, we all need a place to escape to.
Reading is my idea of heaven. There's nothing I like more than to switch everything off, close the bedroom door, and curl up with a good book.
I have a feeling that's something all at Goodreads can identify with.

Thanks for taking the time with me today. Now do something for yourself, go and curl up in your own reading heaven.

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5 stars
59 (33%)
4 stars
55 (31%)
3 stars
36 (20%)
2 stars
15 (8%)
1 star
9 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for lizzysbooks.
178 reviews33 followers
April 21, 2022
Read one chapter and I was done the love Interest is apart of the ganged that rape a women, absolutely not.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
March 8, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/8/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
What do you do after watching your employee be raped by men who want information about your oldest friend?

Nya Yorke isn’t strong enough to take them down alone, but she can’t let the men who raided her nightclub away with murder. It turns out that the man who rescues her from the same fate is capable of committing horrors, and Nya recognizes that he is the key to completing a mission of her own.

Archer wants Tag, her oldest friend, and if she can broker a deal to get him what he wants then she might be able to punish the men who attacked her colleague.

Nya needs an ally, but quickly learns that wearing Archer’s mark means more than deferring to him, it could change the course of her life.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,142 reviews15 followers
May 18, 2020
4.4 stars

The first part of this book was intense to say the least. I wasn't sure how the story was going to come back from that or even progress since Nya was soon taken by Archer as this intense scene was happening. Archer was so different than I was expecting and he was not at all the person I initially thought.

The story was actually well thought out and watching Nya and Archer together were great. They definitely had chemistry. I would have liked certain areas fleshed out more. The first being the reason that Archer wanted to find Tag. In this business the amount seemed paltry. The other main one was the "solution" to the problem. It just left off and ended. I hope in the next book that there is more to Nya and Archer and also where things went with Tag.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
3,093 reviews61 followers
March 11, 2017
I always fall for the bad boys!

This book is the first in what looks to be an exciting new series by Scarlett Finn. While it starts off pretty dark, and I was seriously concerned for our heroine, she makes it through a dangerous situation and comes back swinging.

When a group of men burst into the club where Nya Yorke works, rape her friend and threaten her life things couldn't get any worse...then she gets kidnapped. All her captor (Archer) demands is that she give up the location of her oldest and closest friend, Tag. But loyalties run deep and the last thing Nya will do is sell out her friend. But when the line between captor and prisoner start to blur, Nya begins to think that maybe she can use Archer's skills to help Tag out of his own dangerous situation.

The chemistry between Nya and Archer is hot from the get-go and continues to sizzle as the book goes on. I love the dominant, never-back-down type of man that Archer is. He falls hard for Nya and isn't afraid to let her know it. I can't wait to see how things progress between these two in the next book!

Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
March 26, 2019
What an intense way to start a series...OMG that first chapter was so hard to read and it left the reader in shock for what was to come.
Nya and Archer and Tag are an interesting and volatile trio...one being the best friend of Nya and the other being her captor and lover. I could not put this one down because I just had to know what would happen next! It ends on a what will happen now question...so of course I am about to start Scarred (Branded #2). Read if you dare but be forewarned it does contain a horrific and tragic rape scene.

**** 4 **** "he left her branded and in love" stars
392 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2019
Bloody Brilliant

First book I’ve read by this author discovered her by accident through Facebook. Admittedly I was in book slump at the time.

This book was an amazing read tragic start but revenge and romance. Loved Nya and Archer great characters. I could not put it down and just bought book 2.

1 click now you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Stacey Broadbent.
Author 67 books249 followers
March 7, 2017
This book! OMG the first book I've read by Scarlett Finn and it's amazing! Right from the very first chapter I was hooked!
When we first meet Nya, we find her in her nightclub, it's the end of the night, and everyone is eager to head home. In the blink of an eye, they are surrounded by thugs looking to find her long-time friend, Tag. She watches on helplessly while they torture and abuse one of her employees, treating her like a play-thing. She won't give up Tag's whereabouts though. He's done too much for her to rat him out.
Enter Archer. A cool, calm and collected alpha male, who quickly points out the flaws of his fellow thugs. He grabs Nya, determined to get the information out of her, but away from prying eyes, and the police who are already on their way. A man with plenty of patience, and the skills to make people talk, Archer doesn't have a problem keeping her locked away. No matter what he threatens though, she refuses to give up her best friend.

Archer is the guy you know you should hate, but you find yourself strangely drawn to him. He's a no-nonsense kinda guy, exuding power and confidence - the ultimate alpha.

The dynamic between these two characters is one that burns. Hot and cold, up and down, these two certainly keep you on your toes.

Well-written story with plenty of action, emotion and sexiness! You'll find yourself wanting to read more!
291 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2017
http://s56.photobucket.com/user/desti...

#### 4.75 ####



This story was fantastic. Fast pace with danger, mystery, lust and love. Never a dull moment throughout. Just the right amount of dynamics to bring together two characters that are supremely written together. The bantering, the sex and all that goes along with their story is absolutely a great read.



When Nya is saved from a horrific situation, she finds herself in the arms of Archer. Archer now finds himself needing to find Tag, but in order to do that, he must earn Nya’s trust. During the time he is taking care of Nya and keeping her safe, he realizes he has feelings for her.

Being with Archer has helped with Nya’s healing from the brutal attack he rescued her from. With his determination to keep her safe and find a solution to Tag’s situation is his only focus.

Their relationship grows and you will find yourself fanning your own self once they finally give in to their desires.

Once Archer finds a solution, Tag must step up to take responsibility for his actions. I can’t wait for the next book.




Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,386 reviews273 followers
August 15, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and let me tell you, it is INTENSE! Right from the very fist chapter we are hit with such an emotional, heartbreaking scene and it is one that sticks with you for sure. Nya is a club manager who is forced to witness a brutal attack on her coworker while the men responsible try to get her to give them information on the whereabouts of her best friend. From that point on she is driven to seek revenge on those men and in order to do that makes a deal with a very unlikely person. This book has some difficulty situations and heartbreak but there are also loving moments where we get to see two people come together and fall for each other. Nya and Archer are both flawed, but somehow make each other whole again. I also thought that the relationship Nya has with Tag is written so well and I loved how the author had them interact with each other.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for these characters.- By Alisa
Profile Image for April.
523 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2017
What a thrill ride

This story will pull you in instantly and not let go. Nya is a strong character and very loyal. Archer is so different than other alpha males out there. He does what he says and doesn't hold back. He speaks his mind and sometimes what he says can be hurtful. The beginning of the story is super intense. The story only gets better from there. Tag, I am not sure on his story. He seems that he is hiding something major from Nya. The relationship between Nya and Tag is intriguing to say he least. I see why she is loyal to him but the way he handles her like she couldn't handle the truth is heartbreaking. Nya and Archer are perfect for each other. I love how Archer will give her his words and his speeches, swoon worthy. This is the first book of a new series from Scarlett and can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Jill  Kirtley.
1,486 reviews11 followers
March 8, 2017
Dark, gritty and sexy!

Branded is the first book in the series of the same name by Scarlett Finn and I have to say it's a cracking start to what I'm sure will be another brilliant series. I loved the dark and gritty story line, it's gripping, sexy and very well written. Archer is so hot as is Nya and she gives him so much sass (I love it), they are great characters, I can't wait to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Janee.
2,714 reviews12 followers
August 20, 2017
Lines

I'm a fan of of Finn's works. It took me awhile to decide if I wanted to read this series. I went for it. It was more exciting then I thought it would be.

I think Nya is little naïve. I know she loyal to people who protected her, but there got to be a line that won't be crossed. With that being said, I'll see what happens if that line gets crossed.
Profile Image for Tiffany Copple.
1,491 reviews66 followers
December 8, 2017
This is my first book by Scarlett Finn and it was awesome . At first I thought I wasn't gonna like it . However as the book carried on it pulled me in. The gut wrenching pain the Nya watched, man I cried some tears. Archer was the enemy at first but he did become more . This book pulls you in and grips you so hard . It was a good story and I'm ready to read the next one.
Profile Image for Kael.
1,324 reviews
January 17, 2018
I loved this!! I love where they began and by the end their relationship was so amazing. And I love how from the start they were so honest about their expectations from a relationship and each other. Nya took no crap from any of the guys in her life and fought for what she want, and proved how important loyalty was to her. She’s just amazing and he knows it and agshgjk I loved them.
Profile Image for Cassi Thomas.
497 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2018
5 Stars

Have to say it took me a while to warm up to Archer but after I did I love/hate him. Love the chemistry between Nya & Archer and love her writing. Started book two as soon as I finished.
Profile Image for Darrell.
502 reviews
March 14, 2017
Another wonderful read from Scarlett Finn !!! Cant wait till the next one comes out !
Profile Image for Mei.
315 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2022
Totally loved the suspense, but the book could’ve done with some editing or proof reading. The book was littered with typos and missing words but I got the gist of what the sentence was. It just looked like I was reading an ARC instead of an actual sales copy.

I think I really like Archer. He’s very blunt and honest when asked anything as someone who trades in information and details. How he works and how calm he is majority of the time, how he (usually) keeps his cool in front of Nya and how he protected her when he was going to whore her out to abusive clients just so that she can pay for her friend, Tag’ s debt but was unable to follow through because he couldn’t stand back and watch her get raped.

I’m undecided on Tag. He seems to have been there for Nya all her life and they go way back but is business practises are just so shady and he seems intent on keeping it that way regardless of the danger.

I’m interested int reading the rest of the books in this series if I ever get my hands on them. 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Eve Jones.
487 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2022
Absolutely Thrilling Read

This book starts with a shock, and they just keep coming. Your emotions are taken through the ringer, at points I was so shocked my heart hurt for Nya then my cheeks hurt from smiling.
That's what makes Scarlett such an amazing author, I get so engrossed in the life of the character, in this case Nya, the nightclub manager, who's friend owns the nightclub.
Let's just say that this book is thrilling, enthralling and erotic, everything I want from a Contempary Romance. I'm really excited to start reading book two 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩
Profile Image for Stephanie.
201 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2019
I have read a couple books from this author and I was looking forward to reading this book. Let me tell you, this is not your average woman and man meet and they fall in love. The city life and the underworld add the page turning action. Archer is not someone you want to piss off or cross! Nya is this strong independent fight for survival in the city woman. This book BRANDED me and it will BRAND you!
Profile Image for Sheryl.
571 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2023
This book starts off very intense and dark, and was a little hard to get through at first. Archer shows up and saves Nya from the same fate. He is still someone to be leary of though. We find out he does have some morals after all, which redeems him some. There is a lot of suspense and action in this story to keep you guessing. When we got to know more about Archer and Nya, things get really good and heat up quickly. I'm curious to see where the rest of the story goes.
979 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2021
My review

I liked and disliked this story in nearly equal parts. I didn't like the opening violence but it got my attention. I wasn't sure about the chaining her in the bathroom but it appeared to be a means to an end. But what I really didn't like was how all the problems miraculously cleared up in the last page.
Profile Image for Lakecia Allison.
325 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2025
I suffered through reading this book and never plan on reading anything else from this author. Even the spicy parts are cheesy, creepy, and corny! And what type of woman falls in love with the man partially responsible with the men who raped, beat, and murdered their coworker/friend? The same man that held her captive and carved her with a knife!? A THIRSTY DESPERATE BIMBO that's who!
660 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2019
Graphic opening chapters. I had to skip most of it but you have to get the gist for the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
346 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2021
An amazing trilogy! The girl that is a true loyal friend with a heart of gold and he bad boy that has no restraint when it comes to her! A beautiful story of love, lost and angst!
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,590 reviews13 followers
September 27, 2021
Sexy

This is an extremely erotic story with many twist and turns- especially the ending. Totally unexpected in a really good way.
Profile Image for Tkeyia.
9 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2025
Kidnapping, rape, violence, and chained to the floor within 7% of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Courtney.
11 reviews
December 8, 2025
I did like the dark romance. It has a cliffhanger. I didnt like the miscommunication and back and forth with the MMC. I think the next one will help some of that.
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
March 10, 2017
5 Star Review by Jodi Bird for Mixed Emotions Book Blog

This book is amazing. This book was fun and exhilarating, while still keeping with Scarlett's dark romance theme. I don't want to give to much of this book away so you are going to get a very brief description.

Nya is an strong heroine. I love that Scarlett writer such strong woman. And Archer, that man could lead me down a dangerous path any day. I love these two. I love how protecting they are of each other. They don't let anything or anyone stand in their way. Archer gets freaked for a minute, but he redeems himself.

This book is beautifully written. It sucked me in from the beginning and didn't let go. I loved the passion and general feel of this book. Scarlett is by far one of my favorite authors and Branded reaffirmed that. If you are into darker romance this book is for you. Please know there are very explicit scenes and strong sexual content. This book is truly geared towards loves of dark romance and hot sex. You've been warned.
Profile Image for Katie.
16 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2017
The story of Nya and Archer will pull you in from the very first chapter, the extreme circumstances that bring them together will have you scared for Nya and unsure of what kind of man Archer can be. Scarlett weaves a story that brings to life characters that you will love. Nya is a strong, independent and fiercely loyal to those she loves. Archer is smart, funny and sexy. He's used to be on his own and doing things the way he likes. Nya and Archer' chemistry together is HOT but it's the little things they do and say to each other that makes this a great read!! You won't ever eat a bowl of Cheerios again without thinking of Archer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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