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Scars #1

Scars of the Past

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Re-Edited version released 07/13/2017

When a night out with the girls turns into something from a bad dream, Madelyn Thomas must learn how to live life as a victim. Out of the nightmare, Maddie will find an old friend who disappeared from her life suddenly the year before and with his help, she will learn that being the victim doesn't mean your life is over.

She will work on overcoming hurdles to reclaim her life, and on the way she discovers that she is stronger than she thought. The scars left over aren't all visible, but each one represents that she has survived, and Maddie must come to terms with every single one.

The Scars Series:

1: Scars of the Past (Maddie's Story)
2: Scars of the Present (Sydney's Story)
3: Scars of the Future (Amanda's Story)
4: Scars of Denial (Delaney and Sean's Story)
5: Scars of Hope (Calla and Reed's Story)
6: Scars on the Surface (Amelia and Kyle's Story)

Warning: This book contains adult content, including: violence, sex, and rape. It is not intended for readers under 18 years old.

257 pages, ebook

First published September 9, 2014

45 people are currently reading
373 people want to read

About the author

Kay Gordon

23 books70 followers
Kay Gordon is a married, mother of two living near the west coast. She spends her days teaching young, impressionable minds in public school and evenings typing away furiously once her children are in bed. She loves to take her characters on a journey, making that happy ending even better!
Her favorite genre to read is Contemporary Romance but won’t hesitate to try anything with promise. One of her favorite past times is to read the book and then go see the movie while forcing her husband to listen to her point out all of the differences in real time. She’s still not over what Harry did to the Elder Wand in DH2.
When she's not teaching or writing, Kay loves to spend time with her family and friends, although she doesn’t ever say no to a good nap. She’s an avid lover of hockey and can be seen cheering for her beloved Nashville Predators- no matter how much they frustrate her.

Kay always welcomes feedback and comments (or even just a healthy argument about why Backstreet Boys are better than *Nsync) so please don't hesitate to reach out!

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5 stars
20 (37%)
4 stars
15 (27%)
3 stars
12 (22%)
2 stars
4 (7%)
1 star
3 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
2,338 reviews85 followers
December 3, 2014

This book depicts a very realistic (from the h's pov imo) take on a sensitive, yet still very hushed up topic. Madelyn is a college student out doing college student things(having a good time,drinking with friends,dancing). Things go from bad to worse when some creep's unwanted attention turns to violence. We follow Maddie,her friends and loved ones thru her recovery,treatment, taking back power over her own life. Sydney and Amanda are highly supportive & protective but are clearly dealing with their own issues(which I can't wait to read their stories). I love Josh, he is truly a knight to behold. There just aren't men like him around, honestly. Maddie and her brother's relationship is very sweet too. I love that he is a veteran who represents strength, honor, and responsibility.

I really liked this book and the subject matter is very personal to me. Can't wait to read more in this world!
3 reviews
March 13, 2017
I one-clicked this book because it was free and I'll admit, I was iffy. The blurb didn't give me a whole lot.
But whoa. The first chapter had me hooked. The journey our h takes us on is emotional and something happened near the end of the book that I didn't see coming. I loved the H because he seemed real. He wasn't a millionaire or body builder and honestly that's okay. The h's family and friends were intriguing and I've already grabbed book two. The mc in that story was one of my favorites in this book so I am excited to see her story.
Profile Image for Mya Staysniak.
9 reviews
December 5, 2017
I loved this book and it was so realistic and raw and I was impressed by the author's willingness to discuss such tough subjects
55 reviews
January 2, 2018
Not for me

The book was boring. The plot was predictable and it felt rushed. The book had a lot of potential, but it did not deliver. Unfortunately, I will not read the next book.
Profile Image for Smiley Rylee.
8 reviews
March 11, 2025
I have read this book twice and I have cried both times. If a book makes me cry then it's a good book because it's written with emotion and it's a book that people can relate to.
Profile Image for Love love .
346 reviews
May 1, 2015
This one started out strong but quickly lost it's spark.

I had a problem with every character being so perfect , well other than the rapist of course. Everyone else was wonderfully and boringly perfect.

The middle, and what should be the meat of the story, was full of boring everyday details of the character's life that had nothing to do with moving the story forward. I found myself skimming just to find something exciting to get me back into the story, I found it but not until about the 80 % mark.

If this one is part of an ongoing series, I won't be reading anymore.

Maddie (h) had decided to go out to the bar with her roommates ,not something she did often but she needed some fun. Three things happened that night. 1. She ran into Josh (H) who for some reason was behind the bar with the bar tenders. She hadn't seen him since he ran out on her a year before, breaking her heart. 2. She had way too much to drink. And 3. She went outside to the back alley, alone to get some air.....making the biggest mistake of her life.

When Josh had been called into the bar to do some work, he never thought he would see Maddie, when he did he knew his feelings for her hadn't changed. As she walked away from the bar, he had a feeling he should watch out for her but he went back to work instead. Awhile later, as he's scanning the dance floor ,trying to get a glimpse of her, he sees her stumble back into the dance area, she's a mess....and her pants....that's when he knew he let her down again and failed to protect her.
Profile Image for Big Joe  Rossi.
1,776 reviews49 followers
October 24, 2014
DNF'ed at 49%. For me a little to slow a build up. Also, I feel the writing style is more telling then showing. Just want my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Kay Gordon.
Author 23 books70 followers
Read
September 14, 2018
This was my first novel (which feels like so long ago!) It's a story about love, loss, family, friendship, guilt, acceptance, and healing. It's not for everyone and may have moments that are hard for others.
For those that took a chance and chose to read it- whether you loved or hated it- Thank you.

-Kay
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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