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Scars of the Fawn
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jan 26He made her life a living hell.
Cole had spent the majority of her life, surviving. When she finally escaped the clutches of her abusive husband, following the glimmer of hope promised in the tattered letter from the one person who might be able to help her stay hidden, she fled to a quiet village on the banks of the River Wye, hoping to find the grandfather she never knew. But, she only finds grief - and a conditional inheritance.
If she stays and restores her grandparents' crumbling bookshop to its former glory, she'll receive the money she needs to start her new life. But her path is blocked by the dark and brooding Duke, who had his sights set on the property for years and now he wants her gone.
In the hush of the village, she discovers friendship, belonging, and a slow-burning, sensual romance she wasn't even looking for.
But when her dark past comes back to haunt her and a malevolent villager threatens everything she's built, will the tenuous threads of her new found peace hold, as danger closes in-forcing her to choose between forfeiting her new life and running again, or stand her ground and stake her claim on the life, love and legacy she's fought so hard to earn?
But he promised, he will always find her.
Cole had spent the majority of her life, surviving. When she finally escaped the clutches of her abusive husband, following the glimmer of hope promised in the tattered letter from the one person who might be able to help her stay hidden, she fled to a quiet village on the banks of the River Wye, hoping to find the grandfather she never knew. But, she only finds grief - and a conditional inheritance.
If she stays and restores her grandparents' crumbling bookshop to its former glory, she'll receive the money she needs to start her new life. But her path is blocked by the dark and brooding Duke, who had his sights set on the property for years and now he wants her gone.
In the hush of the village, she discovers friendship, belonging, and a slow-burning, sensual romance she wasn't even looking for.
But when her dark past comes back to haunt her and a malevolent villager threatens everything she's built, will the tenuous threads of her new found peace hold, as danger closes in-forcing her to choose between forfeiting her new life and running again, or stand her ground and stake her claim on the life, love and legacy she's fought so hard to earn?
But he promised, he will always find her.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 23, 2026
7 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 8, 2026
5 ⭐️ What an amazing debut from NJ Colle! 👏🏽
Thank you so much, NikkiReadsSpice aka My Bestie for the opportunity to ARC read your debut novel! I'm beyond proud of you and I'm honored to have been there along your journey!
Scars of the Fawn kept me intrigued and guessing "what's going to happen next?". For it being a bit on the longer side, it honestly was such a quick read because I was on the edge of my seat! There was trauma and heartbreaking moments, but there was also healing... which was beautiful. I loved the FMC's (Cole) growth/development from beginning to end. I freakin LOVED the MMC (Rogan) 😍😍 What a hunk of a man!!
The overall plot and storyline was fantastic and perfectly paced. The story progressed in a way that kept me engaged and not wanting to put the book down.
The FMC had a life full of trauma and she found a way to escape... She was constantly having to look over her shoulder, because the darkness she was leaving was not far behind. On her journey to healing her biggest fears come true.... you'll have to read this amazing book and ride the roller coaster of emotions to find out what happens!
My favorite part of this book was NJ Colle's descriptive writing style! She has a way with words to say the least! At times I felt like it was poetic in a sense. I loved the way I was able to FEEL all the emotions... good or bad, they were FELT!
Now let's talk about the Spice.... because whew!!!! Now I knew NJ Colle aka NikkiReadsSpice was the "Queen of Spice" but OMG (for lack of better words)! The way I was smirking, blushing and sweating at her spicy scenes was insane in the best way possible! They were sexy, seductive, intense and absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I'm smirking as I type this, thinking of those scenes!!
On another note, you must check the trigger warnings before reading, because there are some very dark and disturbing things that happen in this book. It is in fact, a DARK romantic thriller. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book. I'm not just saying that because Nikki is one of my best friends. I truly mean it! It was an awesome debut and absolutely well written! Well done, NJ Colle (bestie) 👏🏽 YOU DID It! Now hurry (but don't rush 😆) and write book 2, because I NEED to know what happens next! That ending was INSANE!! 😮🤩
So what are you waiting for? GO and add this to your tbr and read it on release day, January 23rd! 🫶🏼
Thank you so much, NikkiReadsSpice aka My Bestie for the opportunity to ARC read your debut novel! I'm beyond proud of you and I'm honored to have been there along your journey!
Scars of the Fawn kept me intrigued and guessing "what's going to happen next?". For it being a bit on the longer side, it honestly was such a quick read because I was on the edge of my seat! There was trauma and heartbreaking moments, but there was also healing... which was beautiful. I loved the FMC's (Cole) growth/development from beginning to end. I freakin LOVED the MMC (Rogan) 😍😍 What a hunk of a man!!
The overall plot and storyline was fantastic and perfectly paced. The story progressed in a way that kept me engaged and not wanting to put the book down.
The FMC had a life full of trauma and she found a way to escape... She was constantly having to look over her shoulder, because the darkness she was leaving was not far behind. On her journey to healing her biggest fears come true.... you'll have to read this amazing book and ride the roller coaster of emotions to find out what happens!
My favorite part of this book was NJ Colle's descriptive writing style! She has a way with words to say the least! At times I felt like it was poetic in a sense. I loved the way I was able to FEEL all the emotions... good or bad, they were FELT!
Now let's talk about the Spice.... because whew!!!! Now I knew NJ Colle aka NikkiReadsSpice was the "Queen of Spice" but OMG (for lack of better words)! The way I was smirking, blushing and sweating at her spicy scenes was insane in the best way possible! They were sexy, seductive, intense and absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I'm smirking as I type this, thinking of those scenes!!
On another note, you must check the trigger warnings before reading, because there are some very dark and disturbing things that happen in this book. It is in fact, a DARK romantic thriller. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book. I'm not just saying that because Nikki is one of my best friends. I truly mean it! It was an awesome debut and absolutely well written! Well done, NJ Colle (bestie) 👏🏽 YOU DID It! Now hurry (but don't rush 😆) and write book 2, because I NEED to know what happens next! That ending was INSANE!! 😮🤩
So what are you waiting for? GO and add this to your tbr and read it on release day, January 23rd! 🫶🏼
December 31, 2025
This is a spicy dark romantic thriller with lots of suspense that will snatch you up right from the beginning! I was always waiting for the next shoe to drop and wanting to see what was going to happen next.
Nicole, aka Cole, our FMC has spent her life just surviving. When she escaped the abuse of her father at his death, she unfortunately landed right into the hands of another abusive man, Cain, her husband. Cole finally is able to escape Cain, and lands in a small quaint village on the banks of the River Wye. Cole landed in this village due to seeking out her grandfather whom she had never met. Unfortunately, her grandfather has passed but she learns of a conditional inheritance. Here she is attempting to rebuild her life and find peace. Something she has never had.
Rogan, aka The Duke, is our MMC and he is the Duke of the small village that Cole has landed in. Immediately he is drawn to her, but he also wants her gone because she is ruining his plans of taking over the bookstore property, which is part of Cole's conditional inheritance. Rogan has also survived an abusive past of his own and has trauma that haunts him daily, but he keeps it hidden from everyone except his best friend Brick. Rogan is also definitely top tier book boyfriend material. He is so gentle and patient with Cole.
This story is full of trauma, healing, love, friendships, found family, strength, resilience, hope and of course lots of spice. The transformation of the characters is so good. We also have some humor thrown in and we cannot forget the animals that help with Cole's healing journey.
The writing style is so raw and descriptive you really feel all of the emotions of the characters within the different situations. I also feel like the spicy scenes were written very well and not cringey, which we tend to see a lot. I am honestly blown away that this is the authors debut novel because it is written so well.
If you have triggers around DV and SA, please keep in mind that there are detailed descriptions for both of these throughout the book. Also, this one is on the longer side for a romance novel, which I usually steer away from, but please don't let that discourage you. It is worth it.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Nicole, aka Cole, our FMC has spent her life just surviving. When she escaped the abuse of her father at his death, she unfortunately landed right into the hands of another abusive man, Cain, her husband. Cole finally is able to escape Cain, and lands in a small quaint village on the banks of the River Wye. Cole landed in this village due to seeking out her grandfather whom she had never met. Unfortunately, her grandfather has passed but she learns of a conditional inheritance. Here she is attempting to rebuild her life and find peace. Something she has never had.
Rogan, aka The Duke, is our MMC and he is the Duke of the small village that Cole has landed in. Immediately he is drawn to her, but he also wants her gone because she is ruining his plans of taking over the bookstore property, which is part of Cole's conditional inheritance. Rogan has also survived an abusive past of his own and has trauma that haunts him daily, but he keeps it hidden from everyone except his best friend Brick. Rogan is also definitely top tier book boyfriend material. He is so gentle and patient with Cole.
This story is full of trauma, healing, love, friendships, found family, strength, resilience, hope and of course lots of spice. The transformation of the characters is so good. We also have some humor thrown in and we cannot forget the animals that help with Cole's healing journey.
The writing style is so raw and descriptive you really feel all of the emotions of the characters within the different situations. I also feel like the spicy scenes were written very well and not cringey, which we tend to see a lot. I am honestly blown away that this is the authors debut novel because it is written so well.
If you have triggers around DV and SA, please keep in mind that there are detailed descriptions for both of these throughout the book. Also, this one is on the longer side for a romance novel, which I usually steer away from, but please don't let that discourage you. It is worth it.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
January 5, 2026
ARC review!! From start to finish I could not put this book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I laughed, cried, and well the spice spiced. It has every trope you could think of. There was not an emotion this author did not put me through while reading this book. I ca not wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy
this book seriously snatched me up and wouldn't let go. the story follows cole the FMC as she is escaping her abusive husband. she runs to the only place she might have family left only to be told she was to late. however by a stroke of luck she receives a bookstore as inheritance and decides to try and set down roots. it is full of healing trauma, found family and friends. it had me in literal tears at times and then on the edge of my seat at others as her past still hunts her
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scars of the Fawn by NJ Nicolle is a very spicy dark romance thriller. The FMC, Cole, escaping an abusive husband ends up in a quaint English town searching for a fresh start. Although broken and beaten, Cole finds strength in her new community.
NJ Nicolle’s writing is raw, descriptive, and realistic. The author is willing to examine the darker side of abusive relationships that are often seldom discussed or explored. Her ability to write from the mind of someone experiencing PTSD following trauma was nothing short of painfully brilliant. I felt the pain, anguish, anxiety, and heartache. Writing something that realistic is challenging. I appreciated the way the author balanced that realism with tenderness and care with the assistance from side characters.
This story also has humor and heart. The animals alone added a homey, safe feeling that helped balance the darkness.
This story is not just about trauma. It is also a love story. Loving someone shouldn’t hurt. Seeing the transformation of Cole from a broken person to someone with the incredible capacity to love was beautiful. This was a story of strength, resilience, hope, courage, and determination.
Five stars didn’t really describe how well written this story is. Rarely is an author able to write something this impactful that has the potential to make many women feel seen and understood.
For those that have triggers around DV and SA, please take care when reading. This book is an adult themed book with detailed descriptions of DV and SÃ.
It also has beautifully written open door romance with a MMC that would do anything for the FMC.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
NJ Nicolle’s writing is raw, descriptive, and realistic. The author is willing to examine the darker side of abusive relationships that are often seldom discussed or explored. Her ability to write from the mind of someone experiencing PTSD following trauma was nothing short of painfully brilliant. I felt the pain, anguish, anxiety, and heartache. Writing something that realistic is challenging. I appreciated the way the author balanced that realism with tenderness and care with the assistance from side characters.
This story also has humor and heart. The animals alone added a homey, safe feeling that helped balance the darkness.
This story is not just about trauma. It is also a love story. Loving someone shouldn’t hurt. Seeing the transformation of Cole from a broken person to someone with the incredible capacity to love was beautiful. This was a story of strength, resilience, hope, courage, and determination.
Five stars didn’t really describe how well written this story is. Rarely is an author able to write something this impactful that has the potential to make many women feel seen and understood.
For those that have triggers around DV and SA, please take care when reading. This book is an adult themed book with detailed descriptions of DV and SÃ.
It also has beautifully written open door romance with a MMC that would do anything for the FMC.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoyed Still Beating or Sleeping With The Enemy, then Scars of the Fawn is a story you will love. It’s a spicy dark romance with a thriller element. The story follows Cole, a woman who escapes an abusive marriage and seeks refuge in a quaint English town, desperate for a fresh start. Physically and emotionally broken, she arrives carrying deep scars, but what she finds is an unexpected sense of community that slowly helps her reclaim her strength and identity.
The writing is raw, vivid, and unflinchingly realistic and does not shy away from exploring the darker realities of abusive relationships—subjects that are often glossed over or left unexplored. The portrayal of trauma and its aftermath, is painfully authentic, written with intention and vulnerability.
The love story adds to her journey of self discovery and strength. The MMC is strong, heroic, and gentle. He is exactly what she needs after coming from such turmoil and heartache.
There’s intense, heart-pounding moments of imminent danger that keep you locked in until the very last page. At its core the story is about survival, strength, courage, and resilience.
Highly recommended. Triggers warnings: DV and SA.
The writing is raw, vivid, and unflinchingly realistic and does not shy away from exploring the darker realities of abusive relationships—subjects that are often glossed over or left unexplored. The portrayal of trauma and its aftermath, is painfully authentic, written with intention and vulnerability.
The love story adds to her journey of self discovery and strength. The MMC is strong, heroic, and gentle. He is exactly what she needs after coming from such turmoil and heartache.
There’s intense, heart-pounding moments of imminent danger that keep you locked in until the very last page. At its core the story is about survival, strength, courage, and resilience.
Highly recommended. Triggers warnings: DV and SA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I usually am not that big with thrillers, even though that was just part of this book. I really enjoyed this one. I was pleasantly surprised with it. I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews