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Scars and Sunflowers
Esme isn’t looking for love, but she can’t deny her attraction to the muscular lion shifter who barrels into her life. Tyler is every girls dream. He’s kind, thoughtful, and very easy on the eyes.
Red flags seem green when one is blinded by new love.
Willing to take a chance on something special, she ignores the warning signs and the doubts from her new friend, Cammie, and lets him into her life. Everything appears perfect, but when her magic disappears and reality shatters around her, does she have the strength to fight back?
In this journey of heartbreak, violence, manipulation, and isolation, Esme needs to learn to value herself above all else.
She needs to be her own hero.
Red flags seem green when one is blinded by new love.
Willing to take a chance on something special, she ignores the warning signs and the doubts from her new friend, Cammie, and lets him into her life. Everything appears perfect, but when her magic disappears and reality shatters around her, does she have the strength to fight back?
In this journey of heartbreak, violence, manipulation, and isolation, Esme needs to learn to value herself above all else.
She needs to be her own hero.
246 pages, Unknown Binding
Published May 9, 2025
About the author
A.M. Nelson
7 books33 followersA.M. Nelson is a self-certified book worm with book dragon tendencies. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with husband, three kids, and her array of pets.
When she’s not writing, A.M. Nelson can be found adding books to her never ending TBR, on the sideline of kid sports, or giving in to her unparalleled obsession with coconut and chocolate.
In her books you're guaranteed to find heartbreak, laughter, and happily ever after.
When she’s not writing, A.M. Nelson can be found adding books to her never ending TBR, on the sideline of kid sports, or giving in to her unparalleled obsession with coconut and chocolate.
In her books you're guaranteed to find heartbreak, laughter, and happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 16, 2025
Gosh!! Where do I even start a review for this intense, inspiring, emotional roller coaster story!?
Scares & sunflowers is just that… it’s intense, it’s inspiring, it’s one heck of an emotional roller coaster BUT it’s also all that and so much more and in all the right ways!!
Right from the first page, you can tell how much emotion was put into this story. NO wait!! Not put… POURED into this story!! By the end of the first page, scares & sunflowers will definitely hit right in the feels.
Scares & sunflowers follows our beautiful FMC Esmeralda and her journey in finding herself again. In the start, we follow Esmeralda finding her feet at a new job and making new friends.. until our MMC shows up and the rest is history until his true colours start to unfold and the story really starts. The events that happen, have Esmeralda questioning everything, everyone and even questioning herself.
While Scares & Sunflowers is an urban fantasy with all our favourite fantasy creatures, it is inspired by true events. It’s not fluffy, it’s not light and it’s not a romance story. It’s a story about violence, resilience & self love. It does end with a HEA. PLEASE check the trigger warnings before jumping into this world.
Scares & sunflowers is just that… it’s intense, it’s inspiring, it’s one heck of an emotional roller coaster BUT it’s also all that and so much more and in all the right ways!!
Right from the first page, you can tell how much emotion was put into this story. NO wait!! Not put… POURED into this story!! By the end of the first page, scares & sunflowers will definitely hit right in the feels.
Scares & sunflowers follows our beautiful FMC Esmeralda and her journey in finding herself again. In the start, we follow Esmeralda finding her feet at a new job and making new friends.. until our MMC shows up and the rest is history until his true colours start to unfold and the story really starts. The events that happen, have Esmeralda questioning everything, everyone and even questioning herself.
While Scares & Sunflowers is an urban fantasy with all our favourite fantasy creatures, it is inspired by true events. It’s not fluffy, it’s not light and it’s not a romance story. It’s a story about violence, resilience & self love. It does end with a HEA. PLEASE check the trigger warnings before jumping into this world.
May 14, 2025
WOW A.M Nelson has done it again with this book. I could not put it down and I read it 1 sitting. An emotional and powerfully written book.
Same is a single mother who is doing the best for herself and her son. Life takes a bit of a turn, but Esme works out they she is a very strong and independent woman who can do things the way she needs to do them and doesn’t need anyone else in her life who is not going to help her and her children.
Same is a single mother who is doing the best for herself and her son. Life takes a bit of a turn, but Esme works out they she is a very strong and independent woman who can do things the way she needs to do them and doesn’t need anyone else in her life who is not going to help her and her children.
May 16, 2025
I just finished reading Scars and Sunflowers, and wow, it was certainly a confronting experience for me personally. The book tackles some incredibly difficult and raw subjects, particularly domestic violence, and it was a lot for me to process in places. This isn’t a genre I typically gravitate toward, but I have so much respect for the author for writing a story that doesn’t shy away from these important issues.
There were moments that truly shocked me, especially as I felt so strongly for the main character and what they were going through. The raw emotion really hits you, and it’s clear the author wanted to shed light on a subject that too often gets brushed aside. The triggers in this book shouldn’t be ignored, and it’s a brave choice to tackle such heavy material.
I have to say, I did find myself wishing that Esme, could have unleashed her full magical powers to deal with some of the situations she faced—I was rooting for her to blast her way through some of those obstacles! But despite my personal wish for a bit more of a fiery confrontation, the writing itself is strong and well-crafted. The way the author navigates such a delicate subject matter with care and respect is commendable.
I’m proud of A.M.Nelson for taking on this challenge and for writing such a meaningful, important book. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to bring light to difficult topics.
There were moments that truly shocked me, especially as I felt so strongly for the main character and what they were going through. The raw emotion really hits you, and it’s clear the author wanted to shed light on a subject that too often gets brushed aside. The triggers in this book shouldn’t be ignored, and it’s a brave choice to tackle such heavy material.
I have to say, I did find myself wishing that Esme, could have unleashed her full magical powers to deal with some of the situations she faced—I was rooting for her to blast her way through some of those obstacles! But despite my personal wish for a bit more of a fiery confrontation, the writing itself is strong and well-crafted. The way the author navigates such a delicate subject matter with care and respect is commendable.
I’m proud of A.M.Nelson for taking on this challenge and for writing such a meaningful, important book. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to bring light to difficult topics.
June 3, 2025
ARC Review – Scars and Sunflowers by A.M. Nelson
Release Date: June 1st, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Scars and Sunflowers, and it completely consumed me.
Esme’s story is intense, emotional, and beautifully written. She’s been through so much, yet she still finds the strength to love, even when it hurts. One line that really stuck with me was: “He became the one who comforted my deepest pain, showing his sweet and caring side”—but then he’d turn into the very monster she needed comfort for. Then somehow she’d end up feeling like it was her fault or she was the one who needed to comfort him. That emotional push and pull was devastating but so real, and it broke my heart for her.
A.M. Nelson captures that complexity with such raw honesty. The subtle paranormal touches added an extra layer to the story that made it even more gripping. It’s dark, it’s emotional.
Please check your trigger warnings. This book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics. But if you’re someone who loves a deep, dark romance with a paranormal twist and a main character who fights through the pain, you need to read this.
It isn't my normal type of book to read, but it was honest, emotional, gritty, and so true for many.
Release Date: June 1st, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Scars and Sunflowers, and it completely consumed me.
Esme’s story is intense, emotional, and beautifully written. She’s been through so much, yet she still finds the strength to love, even when it hurts. One line that really stuck with me was: “He became the one who comforted my deepest pain, showing his sweet and caring side”—but then he’d turn into the very monster she needed comfort for. Then somehow she’d end up feeling like it was her fault or she was the one who needed to comfort him. That emotional push and pull was devastating but so real, and it broke my heart for her.
A.M. Nelson captures that complexity with such raw honesty. The subtle paranormal touches added an extra layer to the story that made it even more gripping. It’s dark, it’s emotional.
Please check your trigger warnings. This book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics. But if you’re someone who loves a deep, dark romance with a paranormal twist and a main character who fights through the pain, you need to read this.
It isn't my normal type of book to read, but it was honest, emotional, gritty, and so true for many.
March 29, 2026
This book deserves far more than five stars!!!
I had the chance to meet A.M. Nelson at a Romantic Adventure, where I was honored to trade some of my bookish candles for a copy. At first, I hesitated, the trigger warnings almost stopped me from reading it. Having gone through something similar in my late teens, I was scared to dive into memories again.
Yes, this book brought back difficult memories. But it also healed something in me in a way that even three years of therapy couldn’t. I’ve never met or spoken to anyone with a story like mine, so I’ve always felt alone, like I was the only one. Reading this changed that. It made me feel seen, understood, and far less alone, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
The writing is beautiful, raw, and deeply meaningful. I found myself not wanting to put the book down, almost as if continuing to read meant the main character didn’t have to face everything on her own.
If you or someone you know is going through something similar, please reach out for help. It can be scary, but you are brave and healing is possible, and you deserve to find someone who treats you better. I know I have, and I couldn’t be happier.
I had the chance to meet A.M. Nelson at a Romantic Adventure, where I was honored to trade some of my bookish candles for a copy. At first, I hesitated, the trigger warnings almost stopped me from reading it. Having gone through something similar in my late teens, I was scared to dive into memories again.
Yes, this book brought back difficult memories. But it also healed something in me in a way that even three years of therapy couldn’t. I’ve never met or spoken to anyone with a story like mine, so I’ve always felt alone, like I was the only one. Reading this changed that. It made me feel seen, understood, and far less alone, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
The writing is beautiful, raw, and deeply meaningful. I found myself not wanting to put the book down, almost as if continuing to read meant the main character didn’t have to face everything on her own.
If you or someone you know is going through something similar, please reach out for help. It can be scary, but you are brave and healing is possible, and you deserve to find someone who treats you better. I know I have, and I couldn’t be happier.
May 5, 2025
At first glance this book could be daunting for readers with its list of triggers. But don’t let this defer you, full of first hand experience and real life thoughts from the world of a survivor; A.M Nelson brings a new outlook and view for those who have been in a turbulent past. Esme’s consistent love and kindness for those around her is one not lost without admiration. Even in her darkest moments she holds compassion, love and yearns for a light once believed to be lost. Only critic I have is I wish we saw more involvement with magic and the supernatural world. There were certain points that would be brought up in passing that seemed to be important to Esme’s backstory and way of thinking but then weren’t brought up again; which left questions that I felt as though could have been easily resolved but were left unanswered. I admire this author for her strength and courage to speak about topics that are oftentimes overlooked or swept “under the rug”. She should be proud of her work and the way it’s bringing awareness for those who may feel as though they don’t have a voice.
May 9, 2025
this book was amazing the way the MC held herself with all the emotional destructive outcomes of her life was beautifully written, Esme is a extremely strong girl for the courage and love she still shows to her new love even when she is in her darkest moments with him she is amazing, not to many people whould still try to forsake their own mental wellbeing for love, but Esme persisted and grew stronger by the end of the story from the traumatic experiences.
I loved the way the Author A.M Nelson brings so much emotions to life throughout this story with the subtle mixes of the magical paranormal world, makes this an absolute page turner.
please note that the trigger warnings are there for a reason and if one should decide to read this masterful work, it will bring up some raw emotions even for the most strong minded and hearted person,
to sum it all up I gave this book a 5 star due to the amount of heart racing scenes and the passion of the MC
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark romance with the splash of paranormal
I loved the way the Author A.M Nelson brings so much emotions to life throughout this story with the subtle mixes of the magical paranormal world, makes this an absolute page turner.
please note that the trigger warnings are there for a reason and if one should decide to read this masterful work, it will bring up some raw emotions even for the most strong minded and hearted person,
to sum it all up I gave this book a 5 star due to the amount of heart racing scenes and the passion of the MC
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark romance with the splash of paranormal
May 3, 2025
Wow, well written book I did read the trigger warning and normally the triggers are in the book but you can see that they are fictional but this one was like reading a book about my own experience with a narcissist. It’s real, it’s deep and please do not read it if abuse emotionally, verbally or physically is a trigger for you because this is as real as a fictional book can be.
It’s a great book, it brings awareness that is very much needed for a lot of men and women out there because you don’t see all the signs until your out.
Sorry I don’t want to give the story away but this is one strong woman.
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader. You should be proud of the way you are going to bring awareness to everyone that this is how it really is.
It’s a great book, it brings awareness that is very much needed for a lot of men and women out there because you don’t see all the signs until your out.
Sorry I don’t want to give the story away but this is one strong woman.
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader. You should be proud of the way you are going to bring awareness to everyone that this is how it really is.
June 7, 2025
ARC Review - Scars and Sunflowers 🌻 by A.M. Nelson.
Luckiest person in this world to have this book an ARC!
Just finished Scars and Sunflowers by A.M. Nelson… and I’m honestly still catching my breath.
This book is raw, real, and so powerful.
It dives into domestic violence with unflinching honesty—painful at times, but impossible to look away.
I felt every emotion Esme went through.
I wanted to protect her, to give her magic… but what she gave me was strength.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that healing takes time, and that storytelling can shine light in the darkest places.
Thank you, A.M. Nelson. This one will stay with me for a long time. 🌻
Luckiest person in this world to have this book an ARC!
Just finished Scars and Sunflowers by A.M. Nelson… and I’m honestly still catching my breath.
This book is raw, real, and so powerful.
It dives into domestic violence with unflinching honesty—painful at times, but impossible to look away.
I felt every emotion Esme went through.
I wanted to protect her, to give her magic… but what she gave me was strength.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that healing takes time, and that storytelling can shine light in the darkest places.
Thank you, A.M. Nelson. This one will stay with me for a long time. 🌻
May 7, 2025
Scars and Sunflowers is a soul shattering story full of heartbreak and suspense. Esme's resilience is completely inspiring as she takes us on her journey of pain and growth.
A single mother and a witch, Esme does all she can to better their lives, and when she meets Tyler a shifter, along her journey, things start to change for her for better, or so it seems in the beginning...
Scars and sunflowers was impossible to put down once I had started and had me on a high anxiety roller-coaster, just waiting to see what happens next.
A single mother and a witch, Esme does all she can to better their lives, and when she meets Tyler a shifter, along her journey, things start to change for her for better, or so it seems in the beginning...
Scars and sunflowers was impossible to put down once I had started and had me on a high anxiety roller-coaster, just waiting to see what happens next.
May 10, 2025
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would!!
The emotions that were pulled from me while reading was ridiculous, from anger, tears to happiness.
This book hits hard and I mean hard!! It shows how one can easily find themselves in a toxic relationship without noticing the warning signs and how much harder it is to leave.
I didn’t even know I needed a book like this to help my own healing but damn this book is top tier and will not be leaving my mind or heart anytime soon.
Highly recommend but please be warned this is not sunshine and rainbows
The emotions that were pulled from me while reading was ridiculous, from anger, tears to happiness.
This book hits hard and I mean hard!! It shows how one can easily find themselves in a toxic relationship without noticing the warning signs and how much harder it is to leave.
I didn’t even know I needed a book like this to help my own healing but damn this book is top tier and will not be leaving my mind or heart anytime soon.
Highly recommend but please be warned this is not sunshine and rainbows
May 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I highly recommend reading the trigger warnings for this book. This has quite a few heavy topics and your mental health matters.
Wow what a ride that was! All aboard the emotional roller coaster. The writing for this is impeccable and made for such an easy read. Yes the topics can be heavy but it is well written. It has you feeling exactly what the FMC is feeing.
“You must leave well alone. Temptation, although enjoyable, will end in a mess.”
“I took away his power to hurt me the moment I decided I was enough and deserved better.”
🌶️
I highly recommend reading the trigger warnings for this book. This has quite a few heavy topics and your mental health matters.
Wow what a ride that was! All aboard the emotional roller coaster. The writing for this is impeccable and made for such an easy read. Yes the topics can be heavy but it is well written. It has you feeling exactly what the FMC is feeing.
“You must leave well alone. Temptation, although enjoyable, will end in a mess.”
“I took away his power to hurt me the moment I decided I was enough and deserved better.”
May 5, 2025
4/5 stars
Scars and Sunflowers by A. M. Nelson is powerful, emotional, and deeply personal. I saw pieces of my own story in these pages, and it brought both tears and comfort. It’s an important, beautifully written book that shines a light on something too many people go through in silence. If you’ve lived it—or know someone who has—this story might be exactly what you need. Heartbreaking, healing, and hopeful all at once.
Scars and Sunflowers by A. M. Nelson is powerful, emotional, and deeply personal. I saw pieces of my own story in these pages, and it brought both tears and comfort. It’s an important, beautifully written book that shines a light on something too many people go through in silence. If you’ve lived it—or know someone who has—this story might be exactly what you need. Heartbreaking, healing, and hopeful all at once.
May 6, 2025
Please take note of the trigger warnings for this one!
Although a paranormal fiction, the author has woven a reality she once lived amongst the pages making this an emotional read! It's raw and it's real!
Many elements resonated with me and hit close to my heart.
This isn't a romance, it's a story of survival. Of finding your inner power, that courage and strength needed to break free from a cycle of abuse!
Although a paranormal fiction, the author has woven a reality she once lived amongst the pages making this an emotional read! It's raw and it's real!
Many elements resonated with me and hit close to my heart.
This isn't a romance, it's a story of survival. Of finding your inner power, that courage and strength needed to break free from a cycle of abuse!
May 28, 2025
This book is an absolute gem! What truly sets it apart is its almost relatable fantasy story, grounding the fantastical elements in deeply human experiences. The narrative is beautifully emotional, drawing you into the single mother's journey with such vivid feeling. She embodies inspiring strength and resilience. Beyond the compelling plot, the book is beautifully written, making it an easy read that you won't want to put down. Highly recommended, just watch out for the triggers!
May 6, 2025
Wow! Just wow! The emotional turmoil in this book had me devour it in less than a day! I would check your trigger warnings though. It’s an amazingly well written and fast paced book where you can’t wait to turn the page. Awesome character building of the FMC, and it was great to see her grow as a woman and find her true self
May 13, 2025
This book had me from the very start. I love the whole witchy/paranormal side to this so much. But boy does this pull at the heart strings, along with being informative. I feel it shows people that they aren't alone and have the strength to leave but helps people to understand why people can't 'just leave'.
I loved this book so much and now want to read her other books
I loved this book so much and now want to read her other books
May 26, 2025
Please note that this book deals with sensitive topics and may not be suitable for everyone.
The story is an emotional ride, offering insight into domestic violence relationships. While I didn't like Tyler, Esme's strength and resilience were inspiring.
Overall, it was a quick and engaging read.
The story is an emotional ride, offering insight into domestic violence relationships. While I didn't like Tyler, Esme's strength and resilience were inspiring.
Overall, it was a quick and engaging read.
May 26, 2025
A.M Nelson you have done it again and I’m not even mad but my heart and eyes might be but no in all seriousness this book broke my heart and had me in tears, I needed a few breaks which is why it took me a couple days to finish however it was an amazing story that I absolutely loved and highly recommend it but please take notice of the trigger warnings
August 25, 2025
Well written and emotional. check your trigger warnings before reading. Fantasy world where you can really relate to things in your own life.
The Fmc is extremely strong (like the author) and i can understand how this would have been a hard book to write. I would recommend this book just most definitely check your triggers and seek help if needed.
The Fmc is extremely strong (like the author) and i can understand how this would have been a hard book to write. I would recommend this book just most definitely check your triggers and seek help if needed.
May 1, 2025
This book was an emotional rollercoaster that truly left an impact. It’s hard to put into words just how deeply it got to me.
A gripping read from start to finish, but be warned—there are some heavy, potentially triggering themes. If you're ready for an intense read, this one is worth it.
A gripping read from start to finish, but be warned—there are some heavy, potentially triggering themes. If you're ready for an intense read, this one is worth it.
May 27, 2025
forget the saddest book you've ever read and read this one.
because this is real life, this is what happens to a lot of us women in relationships. I couldn't help but feel so seen with this novel.
I hope this brings hope to many survivors of abuse from relationships.
because this is real life, this is what happens to a lot of us women in relationships. I couldn't help but feel so seen with this novel.
I hope this brings hope to many survivors of abuse from relationships.
July 12, 2025
The cover, the title and the story are all perfect! Nelson has done such a good job with this book. It was one that really made you think & brought out the emotions. I definitely recommend checking it out.
April 30, 2025
Omg this book was amazing. Some very heavy trigger warnings. There was a part that I had to stop for a min and collect myself but otherwise I really enjoyed this book.
April 30, 2025
Unfortunately this kind of story happens too often in real life. So glad you found yourself and protected your babies xx
May 24, 2025
Wow powerful story hit me in certain parts. Perfect title Scars & Sunflowers fits perfect with story!
May 28, 2025
This will break you down and build you back up in the most beautiful way. So beautifully written 😭❤️❤️❤️
May 7, 2025
Right from the Forward I just knew this book would resonate with me on a personal level ! I understood everything the author was saying. So many feeling were bought to the surface.
The comparison to losing your magic , your spark, while in an abusive relationship is absolutely spot on.
Thank you for bringing awareness to such a sensitive topic.
The comparison to losing your magic , your spark, while in an abusive relationship is absolutely spot on.
Thank you for bringing awareness to such a sensitive topic.
June 8, 2025
Holy Moly, now this took me on a ride! This book was amazingly done considing the triggers - I spent the first half of the book so mad but this book was so healing to read. Thankyou A.M Nelson for putting this masterpiece out in the world and its such an important topic to talk about- being stuck in that relationship without knowing how to get out. I loved the urban paranormal elements of this book how she got the magic back when she realised the power she has .
May 2, 2025
Scars and Sunflowers
A.M Nelson
When the author claimed that this book was inspired by true events, I was skeptical due to its urban paranormal elements. However, my skepticism was misplaced, as most of the events in this book resonated deeply with someone close to me. This is a heart-wrenching story that ultimately culminates in a triumphant moment, leaving you enthusiastically cheering for Esme. Please be aware that this book contains trigger warnings, so ensure you read them before proceeding. The pacing is excellent, and the writing style is superb.
A.M Nelson
When the author claimed that this book was inspired by true events, I was skeptical due to its urban paranormal elements. However, my skepticism was misplaced, as most of the events in this book resonated deeply with someone close to me. This is a heart-wrenching story that ultimately culminates in a triumphant moment, leaving you enthusiastically cheering for Esme. Please be aware that this book contains trigger warnings, so ensure you read them before proceeding. The pacing is excellent, and the writing style is superb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews