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Neon Scars #3
Map of Pain
He was built to hunt monsters. He never expected one to heal him.Nick Walsh has been living on borrowed time for months—hiding in junkyards, fighting infection, and slowly dying from wounds that should have been treated long ago. As a former member of the Daylight Society, he knows exactly what monsters look like. He's been hunting them for years. But trauma has fractured his mind into competing voices, leaving him unsure which thoughts are truly his own.
When fever and blood loss finally claim him, Nick wakes up in the care of Luka Jovanovska, a vampire who should be his enemy, not his savior. Luka can't speak, but his touch brings relief from pain Nick has carried for years. Yet everything Nick was taught screams that this kindness is just another form of manipulation.
Luka didn't plan to get involved with a Society hunter, especially one who tried to kill him. But something about Nick calls to every protective instinct he possesses. As they build a fragile language of gestures and whistled melodies, Luka discovers that helping Nick means learning to communicate not just across the silence, but across the fractures in his mind.
When Nick's past comes hunting for him, both men must choose between the safety of isolation and the dangerous hope of connection. Because sometimes love is less about finding your other half and more about helping someone become whole.
Some conversations happen without words. Some healing happens note by note. Some love stories are written in scars and song.
*** Map of Pain is the third book in the Neon Scars series, and while you'll enjoy it more having read the first two books, the author has included a "For New Readers or Readers with Poor Memories" section that serves as a refresher on the relevant information that happened in those first two books. It can be read as a standalone. ***
Content This book contains explicit depictions of consensual sex, trauma, torture, SA (not explicit and not between MCs), PTSD, and violence. It deals with themes of conditioning, captivity, and recovery.
When fever and blood loss finally claim him, Nick wakes up in the care of Luka Jovanovska, a vampire who should be his enemy, not his savior. Luka can't speak, but his touch brings relief from pain Nick has carried for years. Yet everything Nick was taught screams that this kindness is just another form of manipulation.
Luka didn't plan to get involved with a Society hunter, especially one who tried to kill him. But something about Nick calls to every protective instinct he possesses. As they build a fragile language of gestures and whistled melodies, Luka discovers that helping Nick means learning to communicate not just across the silence, but across the fractures in his mind.
When Nick's past comes hunting for him, both men must choose between the safety of isolation and the dangerous hope of connection. Because sometimes love is less about finding your other half and more about helping someone become whole.
Some conversations happen without words. Some healing happens note by note. Some love stories are written in scars and song.
*** Map of Pain is the third book in the Neon Scars series, and while you'll enjoy it more having read the first two books, the author has included a "For New Readers or Readers with Poor Memories" section that serves as a refresher on the relevant information that happened in those first two books. It can be read as a standalone. ***
Content This book contains explicit depictions of consensual sex, trauma, torture, SA (not explicit and not between MCs), PTSD, and violence. It deals with themes of conditioning, captivity, and recovery.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
14 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Gale Ian Tate
9 books92 followersGale writes the kind of mm dark/gray romance that makes you question your life choices in the best possible way. When not crafting morally questionable characters doing questionable things, she can be found buried in a book, rolling dice in yet another D&D campaign, or frantically crocheting while binge-watching whatever series has stolen her soul.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
She is a gaming enthusiast, horror movie aficionado, and BL manhwa collector who believes the best stories live in those deliciously gray areas. Between wrangling her four kids and making elaborate to-do lists (that will definitely be ignored), she is always down to geek out over a good book rec or debate which problematic character deserves more love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 30, 2025
3.75 stars
This is the third book in this amazing vampire series and it’s definitely the heaviest but also the sweetest and most romantic. It did drag a bit for me, I loved the healing process Nick went through and how patient Luka was with him, but I wish the pacing was a tiny bit faster. Just a bit. There is much excitement at the end but I wish there was more sprinkled throughout.
Nick deserves all the happiness and Luka is so dreamy! I loved their connection! The found family in this series is one of my favorite things and just seeing this group of vampires and humans together makes me smile.
I do wish we found out how Luka was turned and got more backstory on him. He’s so caring and his bond with his twin, Matteo, is so sweet.
Nick has been through a lot, more than a lot actually, and he was so strong. He worked through so much to get back to himself and that was beautiful to witness.
I know Tariq and Matteo are getting books which I cannot wait for but I hope Petrov gets a book! I’m intrigued by the big brother!!!!
Another great addition to this series! The books need to be read in order, you will be lost otherwise.
*ARC received for review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
This is the third book in this amazing vampire series and it’s definitely the heaviest but also the sweetest and most romantic. It did drag a bit for me, I loved the healing process Nick went through and how patient Luka was with him, but I wish the pacing was a tiny bit faster. Just a bit. There is much excitement at the end but I wish there was more sprinkled throughout.
Nick deserves all the happiness and Luka is so dreamy! I loved their connection! The found family in this series is one of my favorite things and just seeing this group of vampires and humans together makes me smile.
I do wish we found out how Luka was turned and got more backstory on him. He’s so caring and his bond with his twin, Matteo, is so sweet.
Nick has been through a lot, more than a lot actually, and he was so strong. He worked through so much to get back to himself and that was beautiful to witness.
I know Tariq and Matteo are getting books which I cannot wait for but I hope Petrov gets a book! I’m intrigued by the big brother!!!!
Another great addition to this series! The books need to be read in order, you will be lost otherwise.
*ARC received for review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 23, 2025
This book probably isn't for everyone, but it dang sure was for me! I loved it from chapter 1! If you, like me, adore some strong hurt and comfort with your love stories, and dark themes that have you questioning your sanity for enjoying it so much, then you will be eating well when you read this one!
"I can't fix myself and my broken parts, he thought,...but I'm less broken around you."
The hurt and comfort felt balanced to me. Nick's story is dark as dark can be but the way it was written really highlighted his strength and resilience and journey through it, rather than just his suffering. Luka was so patient, so thoughtful, and so adorably growly about protecting him throughout the whole tale. I loved them and their dynamic together. So many great caretaker moments when Nick succumbed to his past. While the story does focus on Nick's journey, it's not without insight into Luka's own past hurts, and there was a few good moments where Nick got to be the comforting presence to Luka and I ate that up! So much sweetness with so much pain.
"Maybe...maybe I can trust this. Just a little."
At first glace this may seem like a very character driven story, and it is, but we cannot discount the actual plot that is involved. Nick's healing journey was interwoven with the external conflict so well. It all tied together in a fluid and easy to absorb way, and it left no room for any issues between the MCs. There was also a bomb of a plot twist at the end which legit had me a little nervous for my boy for a second there. So it is a tender story at it's heart, but it's not without its moments of excitment. I flew through it, it's extremely well paced, with a few added moments of humor in there to break it up and remind you why we love all our previous books MCs so much.
This series gets better and better for me with each book. And let me just say, why are more authors not doing series reminders for "new readers or readers with poor memories"?! Brilliant. You will enjoy this book more having read the previous books, but it's also a great book on it's own! I officially have no idea who my favorite couple is anymore. I love this world and I love these men.
"This was theirs. This was chosen. This was love."
*I received an advance review copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
"I can't fix myself and my broken parts, he thought,...but I'm less broken around you."
The hurt and comfort felt balanced to me. Nick's story is dark as dark can be but the way it was written really highlighted his strength and resilience and journey through it, rather than just his suffering. Luka was so patient, so thoughtful, and so adorably growly about protecting him throughout the whole tale. I loved them and their dynamic together. So many great caretaker moments when Nick succumbed to his past. While the story does focus on Nick's journey, it's not without insight into Luka's own past hurts, and there was a few good moments where Nick got to be the comforting presence to Luka and I ate that up! So much sweetness with so much pain.
"Maybe...maybe I can trust this. Just a little."
At first glace this may seem like a very character driven story, and it is, but we cannot discount the actual plot that is involved. Nick's healing journey was interwoven with the external conflict so well. It all tied together in a fluid and easy to absorb way, and it left no room for any issues between the MCs. There was also a bomb of a plot twist at the end which legit had me a little nervous for my boy for a second there. So it is a tender story at it's heart, but it's not without its moments of excitment. I flew through it, it's extremely well paced, with a few added moments of humor in there to break it up and remind you why we love all our previous books MCs so much.
This series gets better and better for me with each book. And let me just say, why are more authors not doing series reminders for "new readers or readers with poor memories"?! Brilliant. You will enjoy this book more having read the previous books, but it's also a great book on it's own! I officially have no idea who my favorite couple is anymore. I love this world and I love these men.
"This was theirs. This was chosen. This was love."
*I received an advance review copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 30, 2025
Review for (Neon Scars-3) Map of Pain by Gale Ian Tate
I have really enjoyed the Neon Scars series. I was so excited when I found these books. This story with Nick & Luka made me keep reading even when it was after 3 in the morning lol. The hurt that leads to comfort between these two made for a strong story. That shows how this story sucked me in, and I just couldn't stop reading till I found out what was going to happen with this story. Again, I loved this story because of the paranormal and dark elements mixed into a great book. I am so happy to have found this series, and add in the darkness, I was ecstatic. Then, finding out that there were three stories in this series, I was ecstatic to have been able to read all three back to back. I loved the addition to the story plot of a society. Those can be so intriguing. The information given about the Daylight Society was so well described that I felt I was there. I love stories where I feel I am a part of it, along with the characters the story is written about. I have been addicted to vampire stories since my first read when I was 9 years old. That set me on a road of reading them for more years than I want to say, lol.
Nicole Harvey
I have really enjoyed the Neon Scars series. I was so excited when I found these books. This story with Nick & Luka made me keep reading even when it was after 3 in the morning lol. The hurt that leads to comfort between these two made for a strong story. That shows how this story sucked me in, and I just couldn't stop reading till I found out what was going to happen with this story. Again, I loved this story because of the paranormal and dark elements mixed into a great book. I am so happy to have found this series, and add in the darkness, I was ecstatic. Then, finding out that there were three stories in this series, I was ecstatic to have been able to read all three back to back. I loved the addition to the story plot of a society. Those can be so intriguing. The information given about the Daylight Society was so well described that I felt I was there. I love stories where I feel I am a part of it, along with the characters the story is written about. I have been addicted to vampire stories since my first read when I was 9 years old. That set me on a road of reading them for more years than I want to say, lol.
Nicole Harvey
October 5, 2025
Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent addition to the Neon Scars series, and an amazing read! I’ve been looking forward to seeing what happened with Nick after the events in Surface Scratch, and ooooh, Gale does not disappoint!
Luka is a phenomenal consent king and an exceptional vampire being, and while Nick starts off the book as a ball of unresolved trauma and jagged prickly bits, the two of them work together to combat Nick’s trauma, and ultimately, through genuine trust building, respected boundaries, patience, and a reverberating refusal to lay down and die, the two of them pull through. Nick starts off with three more distinct facets of his personality—the hunter, the submissive, and unconditioned Nick, the guy he was before all his multi-layered trauma, and the guy he eventually chooses to be, with elements of the hunter and the submissive mixed in. I want to make sure to underscore what I believe to be an important distinction that Gale makes in the book: while the hunter and submissive behaviors that Nick exhibits in this book are the result of traumatic conditioning, they are also the result of his repeated decisions to survive rather than truly concede. And although Luka might kill me for saying this lol, Nick is like a lovable lizard-cockroach creature. No matter what someone cuts off, no matter how they try to kill or break him, he always pulls through, and even though I would love to squeeze him in my arms and protect him from the world, it’s not my place to do so, and it’s not Luka’s place to either. It’s Nick’s place to do so, his prerogative, and while there’s something to be said for Luka’s protection of him, I know that if Nick told him to stop, Luka would step aside, no matter his reservations, because sometimes trust is more important than being whole.
Deep emotional stuff aside, I LOVE the whistle language the two of them have. I have no idea how to distinguish between a C note, D note, etc, but this little language of theirs is beautiful, and I cherish that I was allowed to bear witness to their journey of transformative healing amid cornfields and soybeans.
A note to readers of the short story: I now wish to create an epic 23 kinds of regret soup. I probably won’t, but the idea is sheer glory in all its grotesqueness. If you know you know, if you don’t, please check out Sweet Temptations at your own peril (pleasure).
A note to the author: You are a phenomenal human(?) being Gale, and I eagerly await Tarqi’s story, along with every other one you plan (and don’t plan) to share. ❤️
An excellent addition to the Neon Scars series, and an amazing read! I’ve been looking forward to seeing what happened with Nick after the events in Surface Scratch, and ooooh, Gale does not disappoint!
Luka is a phenomenal consent king and an exceptional vampire being, and while Nick starts off the book as a ball of unresolved trauma and jagged prickly bits, the two of them work together to combat Nick’s trauma, and ultimately, through genuine trust building, respected boundaries, patience, and a reverberating refusal to lay down and die, the two of them pull through. Nick starts off with three more distinct facets of his personality—the hunter, the submissive, and unconditioned Nick, the guy he was before all his multi-layered trauma, and the guy he eventually chooses to be, with elements of the hunter and the submissive mixed in. I want to make sure to underscore what I believe to be an important distinction that Gale makes in the book: while the hunter and submissive behaviors that Nick exhibits in this book are the result of traumatic conditioning, they are also the result of his repeated decisions to survive rather than truly concede. And although Luka might kill me for saying this lol, Nick is like a lovable lizard-cockroach creature. No matter what someone cuts off, no matter how they try to kill or break him, he always pulls through, and even though I would love to squeeze him in my arms and protect him from the world, it’s not my place to do so, and it’s not Luka’s place to either. It’s Nick’s place to do so, his prerogative, and while there’s something to be said for Luka’s protection of him, I know that if Nick told him to stop, Luka would step aside, no matter his reservations, because sometimes trust is more important than being whole.
Deep emotional stuff aside, I LOVE the whistle language the two of them have. I have no idea how to distinguish between a C note, D note, etc, but this little language of theirs is beautiful, and I cherish that I was allowed to bear witness to their journey of transformative healing amid cornfields and soybeans.
A note to readers of the short story: I now wish to create an epic 23 kinds of regret soup. I probably won’t, but the idea is sheer glory in all its grotesqueness. If you know you know, if you don’t, please check out Sweet Temptations at your own peril (pleasure).
A note to the author: You are a phenomenal human(?) being Gale, and I eagerly await Tarqi’s story, along with every other one you plan (and don’t plan) to share. ❤️
September 30, 2025
Another solid addition to the series! This story follows Nick, Caleb’s brother, former-Hunter and vampire traumatised, from his scene in the first book and Luka, mute twin to Matteo who’s featured in all the books so far.
This is a heavier storyline than the first and second, dealing with themes of intense trauma and psychological conditioning, a forced traumatic amputation, as well as previous SA and the impact of that.
In a way, Luka is a good match for Nick. I wouldn’t have previously thought that they would work well together prior to reading the book, but Luka is stable and sweet when Nick desperately needs that, and Nick learns to trust himself and Luka through their time together. The plot focuses mostly on Nick’s healing and the slow development of their relationship together, merging with the wider plot line and other characters towards the end of the book.
It was nice to see the others included, Adam is a riot especially when he’s in Vincent’s company. Luka and Matteo have some incredibly sweet moments together and I’m glad that Matteo is working on himself for himself, instead of that healing being driven by a love interest.
The serious notes within the plot are treated respectfully and given the impact they require, while there is still lighter and softer moments to tie things together. I was hoping to get to see a variation of the current formula of vampire dom top x human sub bottom, but also it’s working well so I can respect not wanting to change.
I saw the next book is going to be Tariq and I am Hyped, he deserves his goth queen 🙌 thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC!
This is a heavier storyline than the first and second, dealing with themes of intense trauma and psychological conditioning, a forced traumatic amputation, as well as previous SA and the impact of that.
In a way, Luka is a good match for Nick. I wouldn’t have previously thought that they would work well together prior to reading the book, but Luka is stable and sweet when Nick desperately needs that, and Nick learns to trust himself and Luka through their time together. The plot focuses mostly on Nick’s healing and the slow development of their relationship together, merging with the wider plot line and other characters towards the end of the book.
It was nice to see the others included, Adam is a riot especially when he’s in Vincent’s company. Luka and Matteo have some incredibly sweet moments together and I’m glad that Matteo is working on himself for himself, instead of that healing being driven by a love interest.
The serious notes within the plot are treated respectfully and given the impact they require, while there is still lighter and softer moments to tie things together. I was hoping to get to see a variation of the current formula of vampire dom top x human sub bottom, but also it’s working well so I can respect not wanting to change.
I saw the next book is going to be Tariq and I am Hyped, he deserves his goth queen 🙌 thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC!
October 7, 2025
I loved this book! Boy, has Nick been THROUGH it. He was so interesting to me as a complicated villain in Caleb’s story, and it felt like a literal honor to be invited into the dark, trauma-filled map of scars of Nick’s life.
And Luka… he is just the biggest sweetheart, a god of patience and consent, and he deserves as HEA just as much as Nick does. These two together, from their moments of intimacy to the chosen language they create with one another, are so precious.
This series is dark—the violence and lots of the trauma very much happen on the page—but there’s a softness, a tenderness to the storytelling that keeps it from feeling hopeless and depressing. In fact, the amount of hope I feel for these two cuties is off the charts. I’m sure there’s more pain and difficulty to come for this chosen family, but they’re survivors. They’ll make it through it.
In addition to Luka and Nick’s romance, I enjoyed the escalation of the overarching story. The tension is ratcheting up, and I’m dying to see how the story continues to evolve in Tariq’s story and beyond.
Highly recommend! I, for one, will definitely be returning to this world for more!!
I received an ARC copy of this book for free. This is my honest, voluntary review.
And Luka… he is just the biggest sweetheart, a god of patience and consent, and he deserves as HEA just as much as Nick does. These two together, from their moments of intimacy to the chosen language they create with one another, are so precious.
This series is dark—the violence and lots of the trauma very much happen on the page—but there’s a softness, a tenderness to the storytelling that keeps it from feeling hopeless and depressing. In fact, the amount of hope I feel for these two cuties is off the charts. I’m sure there’s more pain and difficulty to come for this chosen family, but they’re survivors. They’ll make it through it.
In addition to Luka and Nick’s romance, I enjoyed the escalation of the overarching story. The tension is ratcheting up, and I’m dying to see how the story continues to evolve in Tariq’s story and beyond.
Highly recommend! I, for one, will definitely be returning to this world for more!!
I received an ARC copy of this book for free. This is my honest, voluntary review.
October 10, 2025
MAP OF PAIN is the third book in the Neon Scars series. You don't have to read the others, as there is a handy-dandy reminder at the beginning of what's gone on, but I would recommend it, simply because they are both brilliant books.
And this one is no different! Luka has been in both previous books, but now it is his time to shine. Nick is Caleb's brother, showing up in book one. Their combined story is dark and painful; check out the title if you doubt me! It recounts systematic abuse and the breaking of a person. It is NOT a light and fluffy read. However, if you can read that, then you are in for a wonderful hurt/comfort story, where Nick works hard to regain a sense of self, with Luka there every step of the way.
The overall story arc moves on, but mostly it focuses on Nick and Luka as it should. I am loving this series and can't wait to return to their world. I know Tariq is next, but it is Matteo's story I am on tenterhooks for! (#SorryNotSorry!!)
This is a dark series that deals with things that may be disturbing to some readers. However, the love that connects the two main characters is always worth the wait and shines brightly through the darkness. Absolutely recommended.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 10, 2025
And this one is no different! Luka has been in both previous books, but now it is his time to shine. Nick is Caleb's brother, showing up in book one. Their combined story is dark and painful; check out the title if you doubt me! It recounts systematic abuse and the breaking of a person. It is NOT a light and fluffy read. However, if you can read that, then you are in for a wonderful hurt/comfort story, where Nick works hard to regain a sense of self, with Luka there every step of the way.
The overall story arc moves on, but mostly it focuses on Nick and Luka as it should. I am loving this series and can't wait to return to their world. I know Tariq is next, but it is Matteo's story I am on tenterhooks for! (#SorryNotSorry!!)
This is a dark series that deals with things that may be disturbing to some readers. However, the love that connects the two main characters is always worth the wait and shines brightly through the darkness. Absolutely recommended.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 10, 2025
September 28, 2025
When I first heard that Nick was going to be featured in this one, I was a bit hesitant from the role he played in Surface Scratch.
I am very happy to say that any hesitancies were wiped away because hearing his backstory made me understand and empathize with him so much. He is fierce, cunning, and driven while also thoughtful, protective and loving.
I'm so happy it was Luka who was also featured as I really got to see who the quiet one was deep down.
This one had by far been one of the hardest to get through and one of my most favorite stories.
The tenderness Luka and Nick show each other is phenomenal! I teared up a few times, and my heart soared more times than I can count.
Gale, you have done it again and I thank you for this lovely addition! Cannot wait to see what Tariq has in store!
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
I am very happy to say that any hesitancies were wiped away because hearing his backstory made me understand and empathize with him so much. He is fierce, cunning, and driven while also thoughtful, protective and loving.
I'm so happy it was Luka who was also featured as I really got to see who the quiet one was deep down.
This one had by far been one of the hardest to get through and one of my most favorite stories.
The tenderness Luka and Nick show each other is phenomenal! I teared up a few times, and my heart soared more times than I can count.
Gale, you have done it again and I thank you for this lovely addition! Cannot wait to see what Tariq has in store!
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
October 1, 2025
Beautiful and painful and so well written! This one was a very hard, emotional read, but so worth it. Even though Gianmarco isn’t there, he’s the most hateful character in the whole book! And I loved the shift in perspective on what constitutes a monster. I think the Society’s name would be more aptly called the Monstrous Society of Monsters, seriously, they’re truly evil. And Luka… he’s so well written! He isn’t some soft, cuddly, innocent kitty, he’s a predator that makes hard choices, but who’s loyal and kind to whose he cares for. None of the characters are completely good or completely evil (Gianmarco and the Society being the exceptions) which I appreciated. And Jae is truly gold. Something else I appreciated was the quick rundown of the previous books, which I read a long time ago, so the memory jog was helpful, and this book builds on the previous ones without being fully dependent on them, which makes it enjoyable for everyone. And the writing is incredible. Owen’s trauma is portrayed extremely well, and it isn’t excessive, the trips down memory lane and his trauma responses are absolutely believable, and it doesn’t feel like the author was going for shock value, but for realistic portrayal of a traumatized person. It’s so well done, it can be really hard to read, and I had to take breaks because it was heartbreaking. But overall, this book is really worth it, and amazing read that I recommend for everyone. I loved how Owen redefined what a monster is. Beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
Oh my god. This book literally broke my heart and then put it back together again.
TRIGGER WARNINGS-
Sexual assault (mild but on page, is not between Luka and Nick but is a flashback so is discussed)
Discussion of past torture
Luka- you consent king; we love you
Nick- I didn’t think you could be redeemable but fucking hell you were.
Nick is EXTREMELY traumatised by what happened to him after he left Caleb and his mum, and Luka helps him regain some of himself. Hes not magically fixed by the end of the book- but he’s healing and it’s adorable.
Him and Caleb reconnecting is just awesome and I’m so glad Caleb doesn’t make him work for it.
Not gonna lie though- Adam and Vincent are still my favourite couple 👀 I just find them hilarious; especially when Ophelia gets involved!
We finally hear a bit more about Luke and Matteos past too which is super sad 😔 and I’m hoping we hear more about Petrov as the books progress too!
Oh my god. This book literally broke my heart and then put it back together again.
TRIGGER WARNINGS-
Sexual assault (mild but on page, is not between Luka and Nick but is a flashback so is discussed)
Discussion of past torture
Luka- you consent king; we love you
Nick- I didn’t think you could be redeemable but fucking hell you were.
Nick is EXTREMELY traumatised by what happened to him after he left Caleb and his mum, and Luka helps him regain some of himself. Hes not magically fixed by the end of the book- but he’s healing and it’s adorable.
Him and Caleb reconnecting is just awesome and I’m so glad Caleb doesn’t make him work for it.
Not gonna lie though- Adam and Vincent are still my favourite couple 👀 I just find them hilarious; especially when Ophelia gets involved!
We finally hear a bit more about Luke and Matteos past too which is super sad 😔 and I’m hoping we hear more about Petrov as the books progress too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
I loved this book so much. It pulled me in from the first page. The flashbacks were well written. The way Luka doesn't force Nick into anything he doesn't feel comfortable with is so good. This book made me sad and it made me smile when Nick smiled.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
WHAT A RIDE! I'm not going to lie, before reading this book, I wasn't as interest in Nick's story, but man did that change. I wanna give him a hug, but I know he's safe in Luka's capable arms and vise versa. I loved seeing their journey and the gentleness and affection that is their relationship. Luka's story especially resonated with me since I'm used to being the fixer. It was an emotional journey but so worth the ride. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2025
I was in a book slump when I started this, but holy good f'n book Batman! The slump is so gone!! This is book 3 and I started here and this wonderful author allows for this by synopsing the first two books and explaining every character. What a great way to do this, a gift really. I loved Nick from day one "three fractured pieces of a person, held together by conditioning and stubborness." Map of Pain so accurate for what he went through. This is not an easy read, far from it but with Luka, their shared way of communicating, Nick's courage honored by Luka's finding beauty in Nick's limitations, the story becomes one of the best I have ever read. I am looking forward to the next books, especially Matteo's.
October 19, 2025
1000% worth the wait. As some might know, I struggled with book 1 in this series (it just wasn’t up to the quality I KNEW this author wrote at). I am SO GLAD that I got to this point in the story! I started this book thinking that I would connect most with Nick’s pain. Whew. I can be thankful that that was not the case. The level of trauma this man went through is extreme. You should definitely be prepared to be triggered and handle your mental wellbeing accordingly. What did happen is that I found a deeper than expected connection with Luka. The caregiver. The one who is always trying to fix the broken. I loved it. The fact that there is a language barrier is always a bonus in my opinion but I would’ve loved Luka even without it. I can NOT wait for book 4, and even more so (hopefully) book 5! I will be pouncing on these books as soon as they’re available.
October 5, 2025
Every new installment in this series I think to myself, "there's no way this one will surpass the previous" and every time, I'm proven a liar. This book was fantastic. I adore this series with my whole heart.
October 21, 2025
Nick is literally a map of pain who's been deeply betrayed.
He doesn't trust anyone, especially not a vampire who should be his enemy because he's a former hunter.
Luka is a deadly predator, but he's fiercely loyal to those he claims.
I loved his tender caretaking of Nick and how he slowly helped him heal and realize he's worthy of love.
The patient way that they learned to communicate with each other was beautiful.
He doesn't trust anyone, especially not a vampire who should be his enemy because he's a former hunter.
Luka is a deadly predator, but he's fiercely loyal to those he claims.
I loved his tender caretaking of Nick and how he slowly helped him heal and realize he's worthy of love.
The patient way that they learned to communicate with each other was beautiful.
October 20, 2025
Wow! This book was intense and I strongly urge you to read the trigger warnings before deciding to read this book. To say that Nick and Luka have gone through so much, would be putting it very lightly. As sad as it was to read all that they, especially Nick, had gone through, it was equally as satisfying to see them try to heal from it all. If you think you can put up with some very messed up and upsetting topics, I would highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2025
This read definitely has some supernatural vibes but it's so worth the read. It got vampire and it's steamy 10/10.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
This is book 3 which I highly recommend reading book 1 first. Nick is Caleb's brother who after their car accident was heavily addicted to pain killers & eventually heroin. After stealing what he could from the apartment he took off. While away he gets mixed up with & joins the vampire hunters. After a major incident in book 1 Nick disappears & vampires & hunters are now looking for him. Luka is the vampire who finds him after an altercation, Nick gets hurt & Luca takes him to hospital. Well written but triggering, Heavy angst, PTSD, and violence. If you can get past it an excellent book & series. Looking forward to book 4. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
This book includes the kind of feral, meant-to-be romance connection I love to read about.
Despite this being book 3 of a connected series, I enjoyed it on its own and will probably go back for the others. It probably doesn’t fully stand alone, but, the romance does, and that’s what I cared about.
Nick is one of the most abused survivors I’ve read about. His past is shown graphically in flashes of triggered memory, and it’s painful, mind the CWs. He’s been gaslighted and abused emotionally and tortured physically, including repeated rape and body mutilation, by a vampire, as well as by the people who “rescued” him and “trained” him to hunt. And somehow, he’s still fighting.
Trying to kill the vampire who seems to be stalking him is a reflex at this point. Collapsing as the enemy approaches, from exhaustion, from hunger, from sepsis from the amputated hand he never had properly treated, is going to finally be the end. Bring it.
But his vampire stalker, Luka, isn’t there to kill. He’s there to help, to treat, to support, to offer kindness the like of which Nick has never known. Luka’s “monster” within knows and wants Nick on some fated type level in a way that cued fated mates to me, and I loved that. It kept delivering necessary moments of light in the seriously f’d up bleak utter hell Nick had survived and was reliving any time something triggered him.
And those triggers are myriad, so, be prepared.
The soft kindness Luka kept bringing was magical, I enjoyed his personality so much. And even though Nick probably responds to it too fast for reality, this ain’t reality…I tried to think of it as time-lapse for the novel’s sake bc they have to move forward fast with everyone hunting them both, wanting to bring Nick back into the fold of evil assholes who “made” him and having to constantly be on guard. Trauma-bonding maybe, but, Luka’s genuine care and ability to hold himself back from his inner beast’s demands that he claim Nick, to make sure he was giving Nick whatever he needed to feel safe, was so satisfying and lovely. Seeing Nick's vulnerability, his shame at what had been done to him and how he eventually revealed all of himself to Luka...ah, it was really heartbreaking and lovely.
Though the ease with which Nick entered into a penetrative sexual relationship with Luka after what was probably years of constantly being raped and groomed…🤔 Don’t look too hard at that element. I believed in a lot of how they connected physically, but, I also was skeptical. Nick is reveling in having the power to choose, but, it got to a point of stretching credibility for the speed at which it happens, and in a timeframe in which so much is still triggering him, too.
I did admire the “inner voices” the author used to show the conflict Nick has to fight within even as he fights for his life and his right to autonomy.
This book isn’t meant to fully stand alone, but, I think there still should have been more clarity around Nick’s situation and his past from his POV, because this is half his story, and we needed more specifics on the past confrontation with his brother/his brother’s lover, and exactly how Nick lost his hand, because the person I thought was responsible wasn’t actually the person responsible (and be warned, he lost fingers/flesh before that from his first evil tormentor…this really is the bleakest of bleak backstories), and I didn’t understand what exactly did happen. I also appreciated Luka and Marcus (SC) revealing ASAP their connection to part of Nick’s past, but, I didn’t get why they didn’t have to talk about the hand situation more, and I’m still confused about what actually happened.
There are also a lot of plot things that seemed a bit too easy/simplified, as to how the antagonists found/kept finding them/people, like, really? And there was no WAY a certain person wouldn’t have just been killed right there in front of Nick, that stretched beyond my belief. But again…plot expediency, and, needed to happen. I was enjoying the beautiful connection between Nick and Luka too much to worry about convenient plot Things, tbh. I was hoping to read about two MCs who were feral for each other, and this delivered exactly what I wanted.
So, even with not-quite-clear relationship connections and backstory with SCs and plot twists that maybe had me raising a brow, I was riveted by this story and could not look away.
I enjoyed Nick’s reunion with his brother (hero of a previous book) and the found-family dynamic with people Nick had been brainwashed to kill but who helped him break out of the cycle as he learned to resist the conditioning.
HFN/HEA. Vampire hunter-vampire enemies to lovers. Major CWs. NO interest in others for either of them, but a lot of SA info is intimated/shown in the brief flashbacks to Nick’s past when he’s triggered and gets lost in memory, and there is near-SA on page in the present. Still, safe for me romantically. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Despite this being book 3 of a connected series, I enjoyed it on its own and will probably go back for the others. It probably doesn’t fully stand alone, but, the romance does, and that’s what I cared about.
Nick is one of the most abused survivors I’ve read about. His past is shown graphically in flashes of triggered memory, and it’s painful, mind the CWs. He’s been gaslighted and abused emotionally and tortured physically, including repeated rape and body mutilation, by a vampire, as well as by the people who “rescued” him and “trained” him to hunt. And somehow, he’s still fighting.
Trying to kill the vampire who seems to be stalking him is a reflex at this point. Collapsing as the enemy approaches, from exhaustion, from hunger, from sepsis from the amputated hand he never had properly treated, is going to finally be the end. Bring it.
But his vampire stalker, Luka, isn’t there to kill. He’s there to help, to treat, to support, to offer kindness the like of which Nick has never known. Luka’s “monster” within knows and wants Nick on some fated type level in a way that cued fated mates to me, and I loved that. It kept delivering necessary moments of light in the seriously f’d up bleak utter hell Nick had survived and was reliving any time something triggered him.
And those triggers are myriad, so, be prepared.
The soft kindness Luka kept bringing was magical, I enjoyed his personality so much. And even though Nick probably responds to it too fast for reality, this ain’t reality…I tried to think of it as time-lapse for the novel’s sake bc they have to move forward fast with everyone hunting them both, wanting to bring Nick back into the fold of evil assholes who “made” him and having to constantly be on guard. Trauma-bonding maybe, but, Luka’s genuine care and ability to hold himself back from his inner beast’s demands that he claim Nick, to make sure he was giving Nick whatever he needed to feel safe, was so satisfying and lovely. Seeing Nick's vulnerability, his shame at what had been done to him and how he eventually revealed all of himself to Luka...ah, it was really heartbreaking and lovely.
Though the ease with which Nick entered into a penetrative sexual relationship with Luka after what was probably years of constantly being raped and groomed…🤔 Don’t look too hard at that element. I believed in a lot of how they connected physically, but, I also was skeptical. Nick is reveling in having the power to choose, but, it got to a point of stretching credibility for the speed at which it happens, and in a timeframe in which so much is still triggering him, too.
I did admire the “inner voices” the author used to show the conflict Nick has to fight within even as he fights for his life and his right to autonomy.
This book isn’t meant to fully stand alone, but, I think there still should have been more clarity around Nick’s situation and his past from his POV, because this is half his story, and we needed more specifics on the past confrontation with his brother/his brother’s lover, and exactly how Nick lost his hand, because the person I thought was responsible wasn’t actually the person responsible (and be warned, he lost fingers/flesh before that from his first evil tormentor…this really is the bleakest of bleak backstories), and I didn’t understand what exactly did happen. I also appreciated Luka and Marcus (SC) revealing ASAP their connection to part of Nick’s past, but, I didn’t get why they didn’t have to talk about the hand situation more, and I’m still confused about what actually happened.
There are also a lot of plot things that seemed a bit too easy/simplified, as to how the antagonists found/kept finding them/people, like, really? And there was no WAY a certain person wouldn’t have just been killed right there in front of Nick, that stretched beyond my belief. But again…plot expediency, and, needed to happen. I was enjoying the beautiful connection between Nick and Luka too much to worry about convenient plot Things, tbh. I was hoping to read about two MCs who were feral for each other, and this delivered exactly what I wanted.
So, even with not-quite-clear relationship connections and backstory with SCs and plot twists that maybe had me raising a brow, I was riveted by this story and could not look away.
I enjoyed Nick’s reunion with his brother (hero of a previous book) and the found-family dynamic with people Nick had been brainwashed to kill but who helped him break out of the cycle as he learned to resist the conditioning.
HFN/HEA. Vampire hunter-vampire enemies to lovers. Major CWs. NO interest in others for either of them, but a lot of SA info is intimated/shown in the brief flashbacks to Nick’s past when he’s triggered and gets lost in memory, and there is near-SA on page in the present. Still, safe for me romantically. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
October 19, 2025
This one’s going to be long, I can tell.
TL;DR— A dark and painful story that leads into love and hope and healing. The ending felt earned and satisfying, and I would definitely recommend it (but PLEASE check content warnings. This one has a *lot *.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- five stars, absolutely
🌶️🌶️ - although there were some very good spicy scenes between the MCs, focus was more on healing and safety for much of the story (and there was a BIG need for healing and a feeling of safety).
Wow. So good, so painful, and then so good again. I hadn’t read the previous two in this series and I absolutely will be doing so after this. (Although it should be noted that while I could see how reading the other two books would give more depth to certain scenes and interactions, this book definitely stands well enough on its own without them.)
First off, I loved this story. Nick and Luka deal with so much pain and heartache as the past sinks its claws into everything. There are a lot of difficult memories interspersed with the sweet moments, but in a way that makes the bits of peace mean that much more. No specifics but the ending was excellent.
Secondly, please please please pay attention to the trigger/content warnings at the beginning of this book. While all of it made sense for the story and characters, there is some seriously dark stuff going down. As in, this may be one of the darkest books I’ve read in a long while.
The story starts out with Nick feverish and fractured, pulled between haunting past memories and a brutal present (clinically cruel dismemberment, manipulative emotional abuse, and gasoline wound treatment, yay…and that’s just in the first chapter). The more Nick’s past unfolds, the deeper we see his trauma goes, and the more his erratic behavior makes sense even as he desperately works to find who he is after everything he’s been through.
The more Luka sees of him, however, the more he wants to help the lonely, heartsore man he catches glimpses of (despite Nick’s initial attempt to kill the vampire). But trying to soothe Nick’s hunter-trained paranoia and his pain-conditioned submission is no easy task, especially when even Nick himself doesn’t know who he should be or what he should want.
Nick’s trauma is kind of the main antagonist of the story, to be honest. Are there other, exterior bad guys? Sure. But none of them are as powerful or horrific as the ones in Nick’s own head, from the vampire who turned him into a broken pet to the hunters who afterwards made him into a lethal weapon.
It’s only Luka that is able to break through when the past pulls Nick down—steady, quiet Luka who carries his own seen and unseen scars, who signs and whistles instead of using his damaged voice. His patience and understanding is the only lifeline Nick can find, even if he doesn’t fully trust it.
But when Nick’s past comes back to collect him, they will both need to learn to trust each other and themselves if they want any hope of exploring this new connection between them. Because if they can’t, Nick will lose his newfound self—and neither of them will survive.
I loved the note at the beginning that included:
“This is a story about finding safety in unexpected people, about intimacy after trauma, and about the radical act of choosing trust when trust has been weaponized against you.”
and
“This story exists because trauma survivors deserve to see themselves in love stories too. You deserve sanctuary. You deserve gentleness. You deserve love that doesn’t demand you be ‘fixed’ first.”
For all its darkness, this book fairly glows with the light that shines through the cracks. Sometimes the worst possible things do happen, it tells us, but that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. We can choose how our narrative goes forward, who we choose to be—not victim but survivor, not lost but forging new paths. And we can learn to see our scars not as signs of weakness or failure but as a roadmap of resilience, testament to all we’ve survived.
And that’s a rather beautiful thing.
TL;DR— A dark and painful story that leads into love and hope and healing. The ending felt earned and satisfying, and I would definitely recommend it (but PLEASE check content warnings. This one has a *lot *.)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- five stars, absolutely
🌶️🌶️ - although there were some very good spicy scenes between the MCs, focus was more on healing and safety for much of the story (and there was a BIG need for healing and a feeling of safety).
Wow. So good, so painful, and then so good again. I hadn’t read the previous two in this series and I absolutely will be doing so after this. (Although it should be noted that while I could see how reading the other two books would give more depth to certain scenes and interactions, this book definitely stands well enough on its own without them.)
First off, I loved this story. Nick and Luka deal with so much pain and heartache as the past sinks its claws into everything. There are a lot of difficult memories interspersed with the sweet moments, but in a way that makes the bits of peace mean that much more. No specifics but the ending was excellent.
Secondly, please please please pay attention to the trigger/content warnings at the beginning of this book. While all of it made sense for the story and characters, there is some seriously dark stuff going down. As in, this may be one of the darkest books I’ve read in a long while.
The story starts out with Nick feverish and fractured, pulled between haunting past memories and a brutal present (clinically cruel dismemberment, manipulative emotional abuse, and gasoline wound treatment, yay…and that’s just in the first chapter). The more Nick’s past unfolds, the deeper we see his trauma goes, and the more his erratic behavior makes sense even as he desperately works to find who he is after everything he’s been through.
The more Luka sees of him, however, the more he wants to help the lonely, heartsore man he catches glimpses of (despite Nick’s initial attempt to kill the vampire). But trying to soothe Nick’s hunter-trained paranoia and his pain-conditioned submission is no easy task, especially when even Nick himself doesn’t know who he should be or what he should want.
Nick’s trauma is kind of the main antagonist of the story, to be honest. Are there other, exterior bad guys? Sure. But none of them are as powerful or horrific as the ones in Nick’s own head, from the vampire who turned him into a broken pet to the hunters who afterwards made him into a lethal weapon.
It’s only Luka that is able to break through when the past pulls Nick down—steady, quiet Luka who carries his own seen and unseen scars, who signs and whistles instead of using his damaged voice. His patience and understanding is the only lifeline Nick can find, even if he doesn’t fully trust it.
But when Nick’s past comes back to collect him, they will both need to learn to trust each other and themselves if they want any hope of exploring this new connection between them. Because if they can’t, Nick will lose his newfound self—and neither of them will survive.
I loved the note at the beginning that included:
“This is a story about finding safety in unexpected people, about intimacy after trauma, and about the radical act of choosing trust when trust has been weaponized against you.”
and
“This story exists because trauma survivors deserve to see themselves in love stories too. You deserve sanctuary. You deserve gentleness. You deserve love that doesn’t demand you be ‘fixed’ first.”
For all its darkness, this book fairly glows with the light that shines through the cracks. Sometimes the worst possible things do happen, it tells us, but that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. We can choose how our narrative goes forward, who we choose to be—not victim but survivor, not lost but forging new paths. And we can learn to see our scars not as signs of weakness or failure but as a roadmap of resilience, testament to all we’ve survived.
And that’s a rather beautiful thing.
January 25, 2026
Gale gurl!! You must put some magical reading crack in your books cuz I can't get enough every single time. Haven't read this series, no worries my girl got you with a little quick refresher crash course on the series so it's easy breezy to jump in and get into this crazy paranormal world. It's AWESOME! I mean it's a dark MM romance with vampires, morally grey characters, and a lot of unhinged stuff happening along with a strong found family. I LOVED it!
This story revolves around Luka and Nick. One of my favorite things about Gale Ian Tate is the time she takes it create incredible characters with complex feelings and stories. The MC's inner monologues and dialogue are always entertaining and engaging. The way my heart ached and broke for Nick and all he went through, I was not prepared and then how Luka cared for him and his patience with him was beautiful.
This book is not for the faint of heart it's emotional, heartbreaking, graphic, and explicit. Through all the messy chaos and pain there is also a beautiful love story and it's rich in plot too.
I love that the overall theme is one of finding love, belonging, and healing even through all the insanity.
It's a lengthy book but I truly couldn't get enough. I was invested and loved the world and characters so much. I thought the pacing was perfect and I never felt a dull moment as I devoured the pages.
Tropes:
MM paranormal
Enemies-to-lovers
Vampire + Hunter
Disabled MCs
Found Family
Dual POV
Check TW
This is Book 3 in the Neon Scars series and even though I read them out of order I'm going back to read the first two and look forward to more.
Thank you BookSirens and Gale Ian Tate for the opportunity to read this book.
This story revolves around Luka and Nick. One of my favorite things about Gale Ian Tate is the time she takes it create incredible characters with complex feelings and stories. The MC's inner monologues and dialogue are always entertaining and engaging. The way my heart ached and broke for Nick and all he went through, I was not prepared and then how Luka cared for him and his patience with him was beautiful.
This book is not for the faint of heart it's emotional, heartbreaking, graphic, and explicit. Through all the messy chaos and pain there is also a beautiful love story and it's rich in plot too.
I love that the overall theme is one of finding love, belonging, and healing even through all the insanity.
It's a lengthy book but I truly couldn't get enough. I was invested and loved the world and characters so much. I thought the pacing was perfect and I never felt a dull moment as I devoured the pages.
Tropes:
MM paranormal
Enemies-to-lovers
Vampire + Hunter
Disabled MCs
Found Family
Dual POV
Check TW
This is Book 3 in the Neon Scars series and even though I read them out of order I'm going back to read the first two and look forward to more.
Thank you BookSirens and Gale Ian Tate for the opportunity to read this book.
October 13, 2025
I fell in love with Nick and Luka! Admittedly, I haven't read the first two books and had planned to do so before I started on the ARC...unfortunately, my family was hit with a nasty virus and my life was delayed (lol).
I think mental health was a definite focus of the story...poor Nick has been through so much trauma to the point of splitting himself into three personalities running dialog, sometimes all at once. Luka was perfect for Nick, being very empathetic, taking much care, and having patience with Nick when Nick needed it the most.
Now I'm going to go back and read the first two books because, while this does work okay as a standalone, there's a lot I would have liked to have had previous insight into.
*ARC review, my opinions are my own!*
I think mental health was a definite focus of the story...poor Nick has been through so much trauma to the point of splitting himself into three personalities running dialog, sometimes all at once. Luka was perfect for Nick, being very empathetic, taking much care, and having patience with Nick when Nick needed it the most.
Now I'm going to go back and read the first two books because, while this does work okay as a standalone, there's a lot I would have liked to have had previous insight into.
*ARC review, my opinions are my own!*
October 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! We always hear how we need to heal ourselves before we're able to be in a successful relationship with someone else. This story flips that idea on it's head, showing how love can be a safe space for someone while they are in the process of healing. Nick has so much trauma, inflicted on multiple levels by multiple people. I'm not easily triggered, but I have been in an abusive relationship, and this was, at times, a tough read for me. I recognized some of Nick's behavior and responses in myself. Watching Nick heal, watching Luka give him acceptance and space to heal, was so moving. Easily my favorite of the series so far!
September 23, 2025
2 BEAUTIFUL BROKEN SOULS THAT BROKE MY HEART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER!
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH LUKA AND NICK!!! These two are my favorites from this author. Their story is emotional, messy, raw, deep, and touched my heart. I couldn't put this down, and it was so epic! Please mind the trigger warnings. I got this as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I AM SO IN LOVE WITH LUKA AND NICK!!! These two are my favorites from this author. Their story is emotional, messy, raw, deep, and touched my heart. I couldn't put this down, and it was so epic! Please mind the trigger warnings. I got this as an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
January 8, 2026
This is book three in a series, and while it technically can be read as a standalone, I think it's much better enjoyed in order. I was excited to learn more about Luka and see him get his own HEA. This is a wonderful hurt/comfort story with some heavy themes. I really enjoyed it, and someday I'll reread the series in order all at once. There are three more characters I'm hoping get books!!
November 7, 2025
Intense! This book will keep you engaged, and out of a reader's slump. One wild, literary ride.
The trigger warnings are there and are true to the letter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The trigger warnings are there and are true to the letter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2025
This book was great - my kind of angst/trauma. (I'm still not entirely sold on the sweet vampires... but maybe they're kind of growing on me... maybe.)
Read
November 27, 202530 % dnf
I expected… better?
Someone recommended it as standalone, but there is no chance for it
3 persons in one? I just really tired of it. Did not get it
I expected… better?
Someone recommended it as standalone, but there is no chance for it
3 persons in one? I just really tired of it. Did not get it
December 3, 2025
I absolutely adored the first two books in this series so when I saw the call for ARC readers, I leapt at the chance. Ever since we were introduced to Luca, I was dying to hear his story. Map of Pain did not disappoint!!! I DEVOURED this book. It was a mix of some of my very favorite things: hurt/comfort; angst but the kind they fight TOGETHER, not the kind that arises because of the relationship; ASL/disability rep… all so beautifully rendered. I absolutely adore Luca and Nick and the sweetness and strength of their relationship. I love the world and found family that Gale has created and can’t wait for the next installment in this series. In the meantime, I will reread this book for sure… it was perfect.
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