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Scars #1
Scars of the Past
A night out with the girls turns into a bad dream for college student, Madelyn Thomas. Feeling weak, violated, and ruined, Maddie must learn how to live life as a victim.
Out of the nightmare, an old friend that disappeared more than a year ago reappears. With his help and the help of her friends and family, she will learn that being the victim doesn’t mean your life is over.
She will work on overcoming hurdles to reclaim her life, fall in love, and accept the person she has become. Along the way, she’ll learn something about herself, too. She isn’t the weak, ruined woman she thought she was but someone much stronger than she ever imagined. Not all of the scars left behind are visible but each one represents one thing…
That she survived.
Now, she just has to come to terms with every single one.
This book contains adult content, including topics of sexual assault, that may be sensitive for some readers. It is not recommended for readers under eighteen-years-old.
Out of the nightmare, an old friend that disappeared more than a year ago reappears. With his help and the help of her friends and family, she will learn that being the victim doesn’t mean your life is over.
She will work on overcoming hurdles to reclaim her life, fall in love, and accept the person she has become. Along the way, she’ll learn something about herself, too. She isn’t the weak, ruined woman she thought she was but someone much stronger than she ever imagined. Not all of the scars left behind are visible but each one represents one thing…
That she survived.
Now, she just has to come to terms with every single one.
This book contains adult content, including topics of sexual assault, that may be sensitive for some readers. It is not recommended for readers under eighteen-years-old.
235 pages, ebook
First published September 9, 2014
45 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Kay Gordon
23 books70 followersKay 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!
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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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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!
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.
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.
October 25, 2015
Good love story, ripe with drama, worth the read.
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
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.
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.
June 12, 2018
friend died at the hand of her abusive husband. dnf 52%in
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.
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.
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.
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.
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September 14, 2018This 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
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