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Shadowed Scars
Maliyah Davenport came back to Boston for a family crisis and chose to stay—despite fleeing the city years ago to escape an abusive ex.
As director of a domestic violence shelter, she’s rebuilt her life on her own terms and found unexpected hope with Boston Police Detective Reed Morrison. Reed is everything she shouldn’t charming, protective, and absolutely not looking for commitment.
He cares about Maliyah, but love isn’t worth the risk. Not after the lessons life has already taught him about loss. Walking away should have kept them both safe. Instead, it left Maliyah vulnerable when her violent past returned.
Now, as she recovers from a trauma Reed wasn’t there to prevent, he refuses to give up on her. He must prove his love through more than apologies—through showing up, through the unglamorous work of earning back the trust he shattered. Because Maliyah deserves someone who fights for her when it’s hard.
The question can Reed become the man she deserves, or are some betrayals too deep to heal?
⭐ Tropes & Themes Readers Love• Second-Chance Romance
• Protective Hero
• Survivor Heroine
• Damaged / Traumatized Hero
• Obsessive Ex / Stalker
• Kidnapping & Rescue
• “I’ll Burn the World Down for You” Energy
• Healing from Trauma
• Hard-Won Trust
• Final Girl Strength
• Interconnected Standalone — Fragments of Love Series
As director of a domestic violence shelter, she’s rebuilt her life on her own terms and found unexpected hope with Boston Police Detective Reed Morrison. Reed is everything she shouldn’t charming, protective, and absolutely not looking for commitment.
He cares about Maliyah, but love isn’t worth the risk. Not after the lessons life has already taught him about loss. Walking away should have kept them both safe. Instead, it left Maliyah vulnerable when her violent past returned.
Now, as she recovers from a trauma Reed wasn’t there to prevent, he refuses to give up on her. He must prove his love through more than apologies—through showing up, through the unglamorous work of earning back the trust he shattered. Because Maliyah deserves someone who fights for her when it’s hard.
The question can Reed become the man she deserves, or are some betrayals too deep to heal?
⭐ Tropes & Themes Readers Love• Second-Chance Romance
• Protective Hero
• Survivor Heroine
• Damaged / Traumatized Hero
• Obsessive Ex / Stalker
• Kidnapping & Rescue
• “I’ll Burn the World Down for You” Energy
• Healing from Trauma
• Hard-Won Trust
• Final Girl Strength
• Interconnected Standalone — Fragments of Love Series
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2026
112 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 12, 2026
Shadowed Scars by Mireille Martinelli is the second book of Fragments of Love. Follow Maliah and Reed as they navigate their pasts while overcoming the ghosts that have taken root in their lives. Shared from different POVs, the characters are given room to show their patterns, personalities, and struggles.
Martinelli in this book doesn't shy away from hard topics such as trauma, PTSD, and more. Showing the patience needed for people who have had a hard past. Drawing attention to the effects of domestic violence, this book is a representation of what may be going on behind closed doors. Trusting one's instincts and believing in yourself is important; at least that's one thing I came to terms with through Maliah’s character.
The progression of the characters was well played out. They each worked on themselves and chose to be better versions of themselves. The book is both plot and character driven. The author uses sensitive topics but delivers them with the care and understanding that these are experiences that happen in real life. I fully enjoyed reading this romance and what it stands for.
Martinelli in this book doesn't shy away from hard topics such as trauma, PTSD, and more. Showing the patience needed for people who have had a hard past. Drawing attention to the effects of domestic violence, this book is a representation of what may be going on behind closed doors. Trusting one's instincts and believing in yourself is important; at least that's one thing I came to terms with through Maliah’s character.
The progression of the characters was well played out. They each worked on themselves and chose to be better versions of themselves. The book is both plot and character driven. The author uses sensitive topics but delivers them with the care and understanding that these are experiences that happen in real life. I fully enjoyed reading this romance and what it stands for.
February 4, 2026
This was obviously much better then the first book. But again I struggled with this. First it was tooo long for no reason. Secondly I didn't feel much of a connection between both the MCS just like in the first book. Both books had more drama and less intimacy and connection between the characters which is what I wanted. I wanted to be convinced of their love and unfortunately I wasn't. Although I do appreciate how this book delved into domestic violence. And how it dealt with all these issues. Overall I definitely enjoyed this book. 🫶💓
January 15, 2026
amazing story, i was so emotional🥹 woow it’s was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time
January 25, 2026
Such an emotional read. We start off with our h who is a single mother of two children, and our H who is a Police Detective with commit issues due to adolescent trauma. I loved how we see the h as a mother and the children are a part of the story and not just background. Our H struggles with his fear fighting against the life he wants with not just the h but her children. The background stories for both characters is explained in a way that did not drag out the story, and both characters are extremely well fleshed out. Both have past trauma they need to work through, and we have events that happen in the story that triggers both to react in ways that push them apart. I would recommend looking into the triggers as this story is heavy with loss, domestic violence, and pain and suffering.
I received a free advance copy for my honest review.
I received a free advance copy for my honest review.
January 16, 2026
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! I loved this book from start to finish. My first 5 star read of 2026. Maliyah was such a strong and perfect FMC, and even with all his faults, Reed was her perfect MMC. I adored the love, growth and just the entire thing really. There is angst, quite a lot and one really truly brutal scene so if you read this review - check your triggers but reading Maliyah and Reed go through that and come out the end as strong as they did, just perfection. This will be a one click author for me for sure.
January 17, 2026
Wow, so touching!
I loved this book! Mireille Martinelli does it again! Although this is book 2, it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend book 1 because it is amazing as this one. Both main characters are faced with issues of the their past and how they overcome them is heart-wrenching but yet so beautiful. I'd highly recommend reading this book- please read the trigger warnings since it deals with domestic violence.
I loved this book! Mireille Martinelli does it again! Although this is book 2, it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend book 1 because it is amazing as this one. Both main characters are faced with issues of the their past and how they overcome them is heart-wrenching but yet so beautiful. I'd highly recommend reading this book- please read the trigger warnings since it deals with domestic violence.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a hard read (get tissues) but even harder to put down. The female lead was really going through it. I love how the male lead was not perfect and stepped up when he stumbled instead of placing blame on the female lead.
For this book the trigger warnings really matter. The author put together a lot of resources at the end, showing she cares not just about the heroine but about everyone's safety.
Definitely one I will read again!
For this book the trigger warnings really matter. The author put together a lot of resources at the end, showing she cares not just about the heroine but about everyone's safety.
Definitely one I will read again!
December 18, 2025
Loved this book! I have only read a couple of books by this author and have loved every one. This one is about domestic violence and the aftermath. Very well written. Brings attention to some of the failures in our system for these victims and how strong these women are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good grovel book and this one delivers.
This story is about Maliyah, her two children and Reed who she meets when she moves back to Boston.
Maliyah left Boston for Florida several years ago because of an abusive relationship, but she still has family there and after the father of her children left them, she wanted to come back home. Her hope and belief is that the man who she fled from have moved on and forgotten about her after all those years.
Reed is a police offiser and first meets Maliyah in connection with her family. He has his own trouble from the past, which ultimatly leads him to make som wrong choices.
There are som triggers mentioned at the start of this book and I do want to stress the importance of reading them because this story talkes about some heavy topics. Including domestic violence, stalking, self defense, abandonment issues and death.
These are though topics, but the author has written about this with grace and thoughtfull wording while still being able to show how serious this is.
It is a sweet and bittersweet story, it shows strenght and weakness, the importance of family and how choices have concequences.
It is a love story, a friendship story, family, of learning, healing and finding strenght within yourself and those around you!
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC and give this story a 5 star because it made me laugh, cry, curse, hopefull and I read through it as fast as I could because I could not wait to see what happened!
This story is about Maliyah, her two children and Reed who she meets when she moves back to Boston.
Maliyah left Boston for Florida several years ago because of an abusive relationship, but she still has family there and after the father of her children left them, she wanted to come back home. Her hope and belief is that the man who she fled from have moved on and forgotten about her after all those years.
Reed is a police offiser and first meets Maliyah in connection with her family. He has his own trouble from the past, which ultimatly leads him to make som wrong choices.
There are som triggers mentioned at the start of this book and I do want to stress the importance of reading them because this story talkes about some heavy topics. Including domestic violence, stalking, self defense, abandonment issues and death.
These are though topics, but the author has written about this with grace and thoughtfull wording while still being able to show how serious this is.
It is a sweet and bittersweet story, it shows strenght and weakness, the importance of family and how choices have concequences.
It is a love story, a friendship story, family, of learning, healing and finding strenght within yourself and those around you!
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC and give this story a 5 star because it made me laugh, cry, curse, hopefull and I read through it as fast as I could because I could not wait to see what happened!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay so, grovel novels are my jam.
Reed messed up. Like, really messed up. There was no excusing it and the story didn’t try to soften it. I was mad at him. I wasn’t sure I wanted to forgive him at all because he was so dumb to do what he did. But the way his regret and pain were written felt real, like right in my chest. You could feel how much he hated his own choices and how close he came to loosing everything that mattered.
Also, the trigger warning is real. So if triggers are a thing for you then pay attention to it. Some parts were hard to read, but I felt they they were written with care and honesty.
MMC’s redemption didn’t come quick or easy. He had to sit with the dammage he caused and actually do the work. Somewhere in there, I realized I was starting to forgive him right along with FMC. I felt his fear. I felt his guilt. I was sooooo pissed at him when he did what he did. By the end, I belived him.
The payoff was so satisfying. Their HEA felt earned, not rushed or handed to MMC. I finished the book emotional, a little wrecked, and honestly really satisfied with how it all came together.
I read the first book, and was part of the ARC team for the second. Felicity’s payoff was so goooooooooooddddd. IYKYK.
One thing—this one was a little long, but it was definitely worth it. I wouldn’t trade a single page.
Reed messed up. Like, really messed up. There was no excusing it and the story didn’t try to soften it. I was mad at him. I wasn’t sure I wanted to forgive him at all because he was so dumb to do what he did. But the way his regret and pain were written felt real, like right in my chest. You could feel how much he hated his own choices and how close he came to loosing everything that mattered.
Also, the trigger warning is real. So if triggers are a thing for you then pay attention to it. Some parts were hard to read, but I felt they they were written with care and honesty.
MMC’s redemption didn’t come quick or easy. He had to sit with the dammage he caused and actually do the work. Somewhere in there, I realized I was starting to forgive him right along with FMC. I felt his fear. I felt his guilt. I was sooooo pissed at him when he did what he did. By the end, I belived him.
The payoff was so satisfying. Their HEA felt earned, not rushed or handed to MMC. I finished the book emotional, a little wrecked, and honestly really satisfied with how it all came together.
I read the first book, and was part of the ARC team for the second. Felicity’s payoff was so goooooooooooddddd. IYKYK.
One thing—this one was a little long, but it was definitely worth it. I wouldn’t trade a single page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap. This book was…...hard. Like, emotionally hard.
My second book from this author and I follow her on Wattpad.
The author did not sugarcoat the pains around domestic violence. It was uncomfortable at times (Maliyah really went through it) and there were moments I had to put the book down and just breathe for a second. But I kept picking it back up. I needed it, even when it hit hard as hell. If you are someone who struggles with triggers with DV, this may be a hard read for you, but it's honestly worth it.
It was heavy. It hurt and I actually cried. Like...I'm not ashamed to admit I cried more than once. But it was so damn worth it. The way the author wrote everything didn’t feel rushed, and the love actually felt real. I needed tissues. A lot of them.
I was a little afraid it was going to be too long for me. But it wasn't. I read everything in a day. I couldn't stop reading. And if my boss asks, it was NOT the reason I called in late to work today.
Also, the author wrote a note at the end that I would normally have skipped past. But it was big. It mattered. Holy sh** did it matter. And I'm really glad I read through it.
PS...I hope Diane gets her own story and if the author sees this, I hope she writes it. PLEASE!!!
My second book from this author and I follow her on Wattpad.
The author did not sugarcoat the pains around domestic violence. It was uncomfortable at times (Maliyah really went through it) and there were moments I had to put the book down and just breathe for a second. But I kept picking it back up. I needed it, even when it hit hard as hell. If you are someone who struggles with triggers with DV, this may be a hard read for you, but it's honestly worth it.
It was heavy. It hurt and I actually cried. Like...I'm not ashamed to admit I cried more than once. But it was so damn worth it. The way the author wrote everything didn’t feel rushed, and the love actually felt real. I needed tissues. A lot of them.
I was a little afraid it was going to be too long for me. But it wasn't. I read everything in a day. I couldn't stop reading. And if my boss asks, it was NOT the reason I called in late to work today.
Also, the author wrote a note at the end that I would normally have skipped past. But it was big. It mattered. Holy sh** did it matter. And I'm really glad I read through it.
PS...I hope Diane gets her own story and if the author sees this, I hope she writes it. PLEASE!!!
February 4, 2026
Wow....This was such an amazing book and quite an emotional one at that.
The story gives insight on what it’s like being a single mom. As Maliyah’s life revolves around caring for children, both at home and in her workplace.
And she being a survivor of domestic violence, helps others who are experiencing it too. I really loved the book as it handled both trauma and healing.
I liked how her children were part of the story and not just in the background. The focus on parenting rather than romance pulled my interest deeper into the story. As the subject 'parenting' is a topic of interest to me.
The male character who also faced trauma in his past caused triggers leading them both to react in ways pushing them apart. Seeing how they overcome it despite the challenge was beautiful.
I recommend the book and would definitely read it again. Mireille Martinelli thank you for such a beautiful read and I give this book a five out of five.
Disclaimer - Read the trigger warnings since it deals with domestic violence.
The story gives insight on what it’s like being a single mom. As Maliyah’s life revolves around caring for children, both at home and in her workplace.
And she being a survivor of domestic violence, helps others who are experiencing it too. I really loved the book as it handled both trauma and healing.
I liked how her children were part of the story and not just in the background. The focus on parenting rather than romance pulled my interest deeper into the story. As the subject 'parenting' is a topic of interest to me.
The male character who also faced trauma in his past caused triggers leading them both to react in ways pushing them apart. Seeing how they overcome it despite the challenge was beautiful.
I recommend the book and would definitely read it again. Mireille Martinelli thank you for such a beautiful read and I give this book a five out of five.
Disclaimer - Read the trigger warnings since it deals with domestic violence.
February 23, 2026
I actually double checked my front door lock twice while reading the middle of this. This book is the second in a series but works fine alone. It follows Maliyah. She is a single mom who is trying to do a fresh start. She meets a detective named Reed who has major commitment issues. He is terrified of dying on the job like his dad did. Then there is her psycho ex husband stalking her. Things get very dark very fast from there.
I liked that Maliyah isn’t just a victim. She fights back. My only complaint is that Reed’s internal drama about his past gets a little repetitive. He spends a lot of time overthinking why he should run away. The hospital scenes also move a bit slow because Maliyah can't speak for several chapters.
Spoiler alert: The final portion of the book focuses on the slow and painful process of recovery. The story ends with Bryce's shadow finally gone and the couple committed to a future together.
Read this if you like suspense where the main character actually has a backbone. It’s heavy on the trauma but the ending is solid.
I liked that Maliyah isn’t just a victim. She fights back. My only complaint is that Reed’s internal drama about his past gets a little repetitive. He spends a lot of time overthinking why he should run away. The hospital scenes also move a bit slow because Maliyah can't speak for several chapters.
Spoiler alert: The final portion of the book focuses on the slow and painful process of recovery. The story ends with Bryce's shadow finally gone and the couple committed to a future together.
Read this if you like suspense where the main character actually has a backbone. It’s heavy on the trauma but the ending is solid.
January 19, 2026
Neglect Is Abuse Too, And He Neglected Her, Allowed Her Ex To Get Her, And Abandoned Her Kids
Fuck. Him. Into. The. Moon.
Wow, your standards for men are shit.
Men love pretending to be a hero.
But he wasn't there when it mattered, was he?
He was feeling sorry for his pathetic self.
And she thanks him.
Fuck I hate him.
Left her when he knew there was an abuser out there targetting her and her kids.
Dangerous enabler.
Self centred cunt.
A few months, and the novelty of being a hero will wear off again.
Didn't even feel anything when the fucker cried.
I'm never moved by the emotions of the person who made a choice, invalidating the emotions of others.
Unmoved.
Unforgiven.
Not enough to be forgotten.
She settled for him because he forced a Trauma Bond with her kids, and then left her to deal with their trauma from it.
Cunt.
Fuck. Him. Into. The. Moon.
Wow, your standards for men are shit.
Men love pretending to be a hero.
But he wasn't there when it mattered, was he?
He was feeling sorry for his pathetic self.
And she thanks him.
Fuck I hate him.
Left her when he knew there was an abuser out there targetting her and her kids.
Dangerous enabler.
Self centred cunt.
A few months, and the novelty of being a hero will wear off again.
Didn't even feel anything when the fucker cried.
I'm never moved by the emotions of the person who made a choice, invalidating the emotions of others.
Unmoved.
Unforgiven.
Not enough to be forgotten.
She settled for him because he forced a Trauma Bond with her kids, and then left her to deal with their trauma from it.
Cunt.
January 18, 2026
As a survivor of domestic violence that almost took my life and almost destroyed me and my children I felt deeply connected to this book. The book handled trauma and healing with honesty and care, especially showing how a sense of safety that may take years to build can be shattered in a moment, a part that was painfully real. The love in this book required consistency and accountability, something that really hit home. This book felt both heavy and hopeful, and I appreciated being seen rather than sensationalized. The author’s note at the end reinforced the message that healing is not linear and that readers’ emotional responses are valid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
This book was amazing. It was different. I think I’ve been so used to soft FMCs that an FMC who saved herself was almost a surprise. A really good one. She owned it. And when she forgave Reed, I wasn’t mad. He earned it.
It was so good. Read it. This book was worth it. The author has a couple of books out and I’m a follower now. I love the style. It’s new and real. She has a loyal follower in me.
It was so good. Read it. This book was worth it. The author has a couple of books out and I’m a follower now. I love the style. It’s new and real. She has a loyal follower in me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC copy of this book. This book is amazing. The FMC is a fighter as a survivor of domestic violence and helps others experiencing the same thing. The MMC gets his stuff together and I love the HEA. I recommend this book. Pay attention to the trigger warnings - your mental health matters, too.
February 21, 2026
Wasn’t sure this book would be as good as it was. Broke my reading slump actually. I’ve been picking books up and DNFing for the last few weeks. I just haven’t found something to keep my attention. This one did it. Great book.
Review of advance copy
Awesome read. Great to read about a very strong female lead. Emotional but very satisfying end.
I have read other novels from this author and can’t wait to read more.
I have read other novels from this author and can’t wait to read more.
February 17, 2026
Enjoyed this book.
While Reed was TSTL, he made up for it in the end.
Loved Maliyah and how strong she was- a hardworking single mom, who put her kids above anything and anyone else.
While Reed was TSTL, he made up for it in the end.
Loved Maliyah and how strong she was- a hardworking single mom, who put her kids above anything and anyone else.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews