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Amity #2
Scars of You
Bailey and Wes's story coming soon.
402 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2026
66 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Madi Danielle
21 books529 followersMadi is 20 something trying to figure out what “adulting” is. Madi has been writing stories since she was a teenager she continues to express all her emotions in her writing. She’s also an avid reader. Madi lives in the PNW where she attended college after moving from the unforgiving heat of Arizona. Madi spends her free time with her husband, daughter and family of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
January 18, 2026
4.5🌟, 3🌶️
This book completely surprised me in the best possible way.
Scars of You pulled me in fast and wrapped me up in emotion, tension, and chemistry that never let up. From the very beginning, I felt deeply connected to the story and the characters, and I knew this was going to be one of those romances that sticks with you.
Bailey and Wes are both carrying heavy emotional baggage, and watching them collide, clash, and slowly soften toward each other was incredibly compelling. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is delicious, and the chemistry simmers right under the surface before finally exploding. Wes is intense and guarded, Bailey is quietly strong and determined to protect her heart, and together they create a connection that feels raw, earned, and deeply emotional. The spice caught me off guard in the best way, but it never overshadowed the heart of their story.
What really makes this book shine is how thoughtfully it handles trauma, healing, and found family. It’s angsty without being overwhelming, emotional without feeling heavy, and romantic in a way that feels genuine and hopeful. I finished this book feeling a little wrecked, very satisfied, and completely invested in this series.
Scars of You strikes a beautiful balance between heart and heat, and I’m so excited to see where this world goes next.
~~~~
Thank you, Madi Danielle & The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This book completely surprised me in the best possible way.
Scars of You pulled me in fast and wrapped me up in emotion, tension, and chemistry that never let up. From the very beginning, I felt deeply connected to the story and the characters, and I knew this was going to be one of those romances that sticks with you.
Bailey and Wes are both carrying heavy emotional baggage, and watching them collide, clash, and slowly soften toward each other was incredibly compelling. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is delicious, and the chemistry simmers right under the surface before finally exploding. Wes is intense and guarded, Bailey is quietly strong and determined to protect her heart, and together they create a connection that feels raw, earned, and deeply emotional. The spice caught me off guard in the best way, but it never overshadowed the heart of their story.
What really makes this book shine is how thoughtfully it handles trauma, healing, and found family. It’s angsty without being overwhelming, emotional without feeling heavy, and romantic in a way that feels genuine and hopeful. I finished this book feeling a little wrecked, very satisfied, and completely invested in this series.
Scars of You strikes a beautiful balance between heart and heat, and I’m so excited to see where this world goes next.
~~~~
Thank you, Madi Danielle & The Smuthood, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
January 13, 2026
🎧🎧ALC Review🎧🎧
I didn’t expect to feel as much as I did but I’m glad that I did. This story deserves a lot of feelings and Madi made sure to write the story realistically and respectfully. I’ve come across countless stories that involve circumstances such as the ones that both Bailey & Wes carried that were not treated with the respect they should have, and it has made me twitchy. I don’t have to “live” or have a close personal relationship with “life circumstances” to recognize when they’re given the respect they deserve and this story did that tenfold. I will say that but the story was a minute from ending and I really didn’t have time to sink into the moment enough to have it bother me. Feel me? But it happened. But I digress …
I like that Madi wrote Bailey & Wes with the “power dynamic” that she did and I liked how realistic it came across to me as the reader/listener. I enjoyed the tension and the push/pull they had because it matched their personalities well. I also very much liked the progression of their sexual “awakening.” It added to the tension and really had me fanning myself quite a few times.
There’s a lot of humor in this story but also a whole lot of other emotions. It honestly runs the entire spectrum, which makes for a well balanced story. I wouldn’t say that you need to read/listen to the first book in this series before this one, but I genuinely think you will a lot more comfortable with the story as a whole if you did. Sutton & Jameson (from the first book) play a significant role in this book and not knowing them, might put you at a disadvantage. I took advantage of my Everand subscription to listen to the first book, and it made a difference. I listened back to back and it was a wonderful experience! Do with that information what you will :)
🎧Helena Walters is a new-to-me narrator with this performance, and I am seriously stoked to get more audiobooks that she has narrated. She has the kind of voice that has a multitude of ranges and is very distinct every time and with the array of characters this story had, that’s a huge plus. I also love the low-key sultry nature to her voice. It paired really well with Sean Masters’ gravely and assertive tone. *shivers* These two made an incredible team, especially when the 🫦sexy🫦 got going! *fans self* ❤️🔥❤️🔥
I didn’t expect to feel as much as I did but I’m glad that I did. This story deserves a lot of feelings and Madi made sure to write the story realistically and respectfully. I’ve come across countless stories that involve circumstances such as the ones that both Bailey & Wes carried that were not treated with the respect they should have, and it has made me twitchy. I don’t have to “live” or have a close personal relationship with “life circumstances” to recognize when they’re given the respect they deserve and this story did that tenfold. I will say that but the story was a minute from ending and I really didn’t have time to sink into the moment enough to have it bother me. Feel me? But it happened. But I digress …
I like that Madi wrote Bailey & Wes with the “power dynamic” that she did and I liked how realistic it came across to me as the reader/listener. I enjoyed the tension and the push/pull they had because it matched their personalities well. I also very much liked the progression of their sexual “awakening.” It added to the tension and really had me fanning myself quite a few times.
There’s a lot of humor in this story but also a whole lot of other emotions. It honestly runs the entire spectrum, which makes for a well balanced story. I wouldn’t say that you need to read/listen to the first book in this series before this one, but I genuinely think you will a lot more comfortable with the story as a whole if you did. Sutton & Jameson (from the first book) play a significant role in this book and not knowing them, might put you at a disadvantage. I took advantage of my Everand subscription to listen to the first book, and it made a difference. I listened back to back and it was a wonderful experience! Do with that information what you will :)
🎧Helena Walters is a new-to-me narrator with this performance, and I am seriously stoked to get more audiobooks that she has narrated. She has the kind of voice that has a multitude of ranges and is very distinct every time and with the array of characters this story had, that’s a huge plus. I also love the low-key sultry nature to her voice. It paired really well with Sean Masters’ gravely and assertive tone. *shivers* These two made an incredible team, especially when the 🫦sexy🫦 got going! *fans self* ❤️🔥❤️🔥
January 14, 2026
so beautiful <3
January 12, 2026
4.5 stars!
This book!!
First of all this was my first by Madi Danielle & it absolutely won’t be my last. I need to go back for more characters stories!!
Scars of You was such a beautiful story, full of bantered, chemistry, tension, and so much emotion! This book had me in tears and feeling these characters struggles so deeply. My heart ached for the pain they felt, but the story of two broken souls finding healing in each other was just so beautiful!
Wes & Bailey had me laughing, swooning, and kicking my feet through this book! & the spice!! I wasn’t expecting from this story!! The perfect blend of heat & emotion to keep you sucked in and rooting for these two! I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the beginning!
You are absolutely going to want to pick this one up!!
Thank you Madi Danielle & The Smuthood for this early copy!!!
This book!!
First of all this was my first by Madi Danielle & it absolutely won’t be my last. I need to go back for more characters stories!!
Scars of You was such a beautiful story, full of bantered, chemistry, tension, and so much emotion! This book had me in tears and feeling these characters struggles so deeply. My heart ached for the pain they felt, but the story of two broken souls finding healing in each other was just so beautiful!
Wes & Bailey had me laughing, swooning, and kicking my feet through this book! & the spice!! I wasn’t expecting from this story!! The perfect blend of heat & emotion to keep you sucked in and rooting for these two! I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from the beginning!
You are absolutely going to want to pick this one up!!
Thank you Madi Danielle & The Smuthood for this early copy!!!
January 14, 2026
I loved the first book in this series, Embers of You, so I couldn’t wait to read this book and it was absolutely wonderful. I loved that Bailey and Wes both had past traumas that made them resistant to getting close to people but ultimately it brought them even closer together and they got their HEA. I loved the way they have a found family of friends that provide them comfort and the way animals are incorporated into the book (who doesn’t love dogs and horses?!). There are some trigger warnings so make sure to read those but I think the author writes about these sensitive issues with care. Thank you to Madi Danielle and Smuthood Promotional Services for the opportunity to read this early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. What a heartfelt dark, emotionally draining story. when two broken hearts can only heal each other, this is the story you get. From the start I knew that once they saw themselves in each other and what needed to be fixed not only in their own hearts, but in each other's hearts, I knew that the relationship was going to explode.
The FMC was the epitome of stubborn, never needing any help from anyone. When in reality she needed that one person who had similar reflections of themselves.
The MMC has severe, traumatizing PTSD from being in the army, that alone was enough to make me want to keep reading and seeing how he can overcome it. However, it does take a dark turn, but the outcome is exactly what we all hoped for.
The FMC was the epitome of stubborn, never needing any help from anyone. When in reality she needed that one person who had similar reflections of themselves.
The MMC has severe, traumatizing PTSD from being in the army, that alone was enough to make me want to keep reading and seeing how he can overcome it. However, it does take a dark turn, but the outcome is exactly what we all hoped for.
Read
January 18, 2026Story:3.5 stars
Audio: 4.5 stars
This was my first Madi Danielle and the second book in the series, and while I did enjoy the story overall, I think my experience would have been stronger if I had started with book one. Several returning characters play important roles here, and having that background adds helpful context and emotional investment. The first few chapters felt like I'd jumped into a romance mid-story, so while I enjoyed this overall, I think I might have enjoyed it more after reading book one.
At its core, this is an angsty neighbors to lovers romance built on forced proximity, slow burn tension, and two deeply wounded characters finding connection. Wes is an ex military alpha hero struggling with PTSD and survivor’s guilt, while Bailey is carrying the weight of a painful childhood and complicated family dynamics that have left her emotionally guarded. Watching two broken people cautiously circle each other, test boundaries, and slowly build trust is one of the book’s strongest elements, and the push and pull between them is genuinely compelling. It's also what made me want to pick up a book mid-series. This emotional element.
Where the story shines most is in Wes’s character arc. His PTSD felt thoughtfully written and emotionally authentic, and the scenes depicting his struggles were some of the most impactful in the book. His gradual softening, especially in how he becomes protective and gentle with Bailey, adds real depth to his role as a romantic lead. Bailey’s growth is present as well, especially in her journey toward setting boundaries and reclaiming her sense of self, but her backstory felt underexplored. There is significant buildup around her childhood trauma, yet very few concrete details are revealed on the page, which made her emotional resolution feel a bit rushed. And the whole drama around it almost unncessary.
In general, though, I did feel there were some underdeveloped elements. The PIECES are all here for a compelling romance, but it almost felt at times like the book wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be. It went hard on the spice in the back half...and I love SPICE, but at times it even pulled you out of the bigger emotional arcs. The sexual tension builds well, their first kiss is satisfying, and the spice is undeniably intense. There are moments where that intimacy works beautifully to show vulnerability and connection, especially in how Wes prioritizes Bailey’s safety and emotional comfort. However, at times the volume of explicit scenes felt repetitive and began to overshadow the emotional development I wanted to see more of or context I felt we were missing. The back stories in general felt a little sparse, and for a book with such intense emotional themes, I just wanted a bit more to really connect to those arcs, and to the characters (Bailey in particular).
The audiobook experience is GREAT though. Part of why I picked this up was because of Sean Masters. He's a fav narrator and he's amazing here as always and perfect as Wes. I was new to the female narrator Helena Walters , but I really enjoyed her. Both Tbrought strong emotional range and chemistry, making it easy to stay engaged even during slower or more repetitive sections. Their performances added nuance and helped elevate the story as a whole. And both have an inexplicable alluring quality to their voices. I loved them both and really loved the audio.
Despite some pacing and balance issues, this book has a solid emotional foundation, strong character chemistry, and a satisfying slow burn when it comes to trust and intimacy. Overall, I found it engaging and would recommend it to readers who enjoy emotionally driven romances with forced proximity, military heroes, and high heat. I do want to go back and check out book 1 too.
Audio: 4.5 stars
This was my first Madi Danielle and the second book in the series, and while I did enjoy the story overall, I think my experience would have been stronger if I had started with book one. Several returning characters play important roles here, and having that background adds helpful context and emotional investment. The first few chapters felt like I'd jumped into a romance mid-story, so while I enjoyed this overall, I think I might have enjoyed it more after reading book one.
At its core, this is an angsty neighbors to lovers romance built on forced proximity, slow burn tension, and two deeply wounded characters finding connection. Wes is an ex military alpha hero struggling with PTSD and survivor’s guilt, while Bailey is carrying the weight of a painful childhood and complicated family dynamics that have left her emotionally guarded. Watching two broken people cautiously circle each other, test boundaries, and slowly build trust is one of the book’s strongest elements, and the push and pull between them is genuinely compelling. It's also what made me want to pick up a book mid-series. This emotional element.
Where the story shines most is in Wes’s character arc. His PTSD felt thoughtfully written and emotionally authentic, and the scenes depicting his struggles were some of the most impactful in the book. His gradual softening, especially in how he becomes protective and gentle with Bailey, adds real depth to his role as a romantic lead. Bailey’s growth is present as well, especially in her journey toward setting boundaries and reclaiming her sense of self, but her backstory felt underexplored. There is significant buildup around her childhood trauma, yet very few concrete details are revealed on the page, which made her emotional resolution feel a bit rushed. And the whole drama around it almost unncessary.
In general, though, I did feel there were some underdeveloped elements. The PIECES are all here for a compelling romance, but it almost felt at times like the book wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be. It went hard on the spice in the back half...and I love SPICE, but at times it even pulled you out of the bigger emotional arcs. The sexual tension builds well, their first kiss is satisfying, and the spice is undeniably intense. There are moments where that intimacy works beautifully to show vulnerability and connection, especially in how Wes prioritizes Bailey’s safety and emotional comfort. However, at times the volume of explicit scenes felt repetitive and began to overshadow the emotional development I wanted to see more of or context I felt we were missing. The back stories in general felt a little sparse, and for a book with such intense emotional themes, I just wanted a bit more to really connect to those arcs, and to the characters (Bailey in particular).
The audiobook experience is GREAT though. Part of why I picked this up was because of Sean Masters. He's a fav narrator and he's amazing here as always and perfect as Wes. I was new to the female narrator Helena Walters , but I really enjoyed her. Both Tbrought strong emotional range and chemistry, making it easy to stay engaged even during slower or more repetitive sections. Their performances added nuance and helped elevate the story as a whole. And both have an inexplicable alluring quality to their voices. I loved them both and really loved the audio.
Despite some pacing and balance issues, this book has a solid emotional foundation, strong character chemistry, and a satisfying slow burn when it comes to trust and intimacy. Overall, I found it engaging and would recommend it to readers who enjoy emotionally driven romances with forced proximity, military heroes, and high heat. I do want to go back and check out book 1 too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75⭐️
arc review
Oh my heart😭 When two broken people find eachother it's just so beautiful. Wes with a traumatic past and Bailey who pushes herself from her family afraid shes never enough. Forced proximity coming into play being neighbors and having two friends who are with eachother? BEAUTIFUL.
Bailey and Wes having a past and then denying how they feel making that tension so delicious. The banter? On point🤭 the spice?! SPICIN. I love safe words in books hehe and it was perfect here😛
I wish there was more past on both their parts but mainly Baileys, just to form more of a connection to her and getting inside her head more. But I did feel for her being an older sister and having pressure on you to be more. But her family is just so sweet it made her so easy to love 🥹
Wes is such a broken soul with walls higher than mountains. But Bailey broke down parts of him he didnt know existed. I loved how he picked on her but kept hos boundaries and was obsessed with her safety and checking on her 😭
thank you Madi for this earc in exchange for an honest review 💜
arc review
Oh my heart😭 When two broken people find eachother it's just so beautiful. Wes with a traumatic past and Bailey who pushes herself from her family afraid shes never enough. Forced proximity coming into play being neighbors and having two friends who are with eachother? BEAUTIFUL.
Bailey and Wes having a past and then denying how they feel making that tension so delicious. The banter? On point🤭 the spice?! SPICIN. I love safe words in books hehe and it was perfect here😛
I wish there was more past on both their parts but mainly Baileys, just to form more of a connection to her and getting inside her head more. But I did feel for her being an older sister and having pressure on you to be more. But her family is just so sweet it made her so easy to love 🥹
Wes is such a broken soul with walls higher than mountains. But Bailey broke down parts of him he didnt know existed. I loved how he picked on her but kept hos boundaries and was obsessed with her safety and checking on her 😭
thank you Madi for this earc in exchange for an honest review 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC & ALC Review 📖 🎧
Scars of You
Amity Book 2
Written by Madi Danielle
A One night stand between the new girl and the townie. Now they can't stop thinking about each other but she hates him. Oh and the icing on the cake for Bailey is that Wes is her neighbor and never stops seeing him. The heated banter between them is always welcome.
The push and pull between these two is addictive. I know that sparks will fly when they both finally give into each other. He is doing all he can to push her to give in to him. When they share their first kiss it's fire and so worth the wait for everyone. I love that as their relationship shifts he is soft only for her.
They both have past traumas that keep them closed off to a romantic relationship and the build up to them getting their HEA is exactly what I was hoping for both of them.
#Enimiestolovers
#Smalltownromance
#Foundfamily
Scars of You
Amity Book 2
Written by Madi Danielle
A One night stand between the new girl and the townie. Now they can't stop thinking about each other but she hates him. Oh and the icing on the cake for Bailey is that Wes is her neighbor and never stops seeing him. The heated banter between them is always welcome.
The push and pull between these two is addictive. I know that sparks will fly when they both finally give into each other. He is doing all he can to push her to give in to him. When they share their first kiss it's fire and so worth the wait for everyone. I love that as their relationship shifts he is soft only for her.
They both have past traumas that keep them closed off to a romantic relationship and the build up to them getting their HEA is exactly what I was hoping for both of them.
#Enimiestolovers
#Smalltownromance
#Foundfamily
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
💗 Small Town Romance
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Neighbours (Forced Proximity)
💗 Introverted MC's
Honestly, again, some of my least favourite tropes but Madi's writing always makes me happy and I love her stories regardless of tropes.
This book was no different to the first in the series in terms of loving the characters, loving the plot, loving the storyline and the angst!
This book definitely had an emotional storyline and a lot of trauma and PTSD.
I loved the main characters. I loved seeing more from other characters in the series.
I received this book in advance as an ARC but I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
💗 Small Town Romance
💗 Enemies to Lovers
💗 Neighbours (Forced Proximity)
💗 Introverted MC's
Honestly, again, some of my least favourite tropes but Madi's writing always makes me happy and I love her stories regardless of tropes.
This book was no different to the first in the series in terms of loving the characters, loving the plot, loving the storyline and the angst!
This book definitely had an emotional storyline and a lot of trauma and PTSD.
I loved the main characters. I loved seeing more from other characters in the series.
I received this book in advance as an ARC but I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
June 28, 2025
beta read <3 (it’s gonna go to my head that i’m the first review for this beautiful perfect amazing incredible book)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was the perfect balance of new characters and revisiting some that you already know and love. Once this one hooks you, there's no way you'll be able to put it down before finishing.
December 27, 2025
Beta read. RTC 🤭🤭
January 14, 2026
Thank you so much Madi Danielle, and the Smuthood, for this arc!
I’m one to jump headfirst into emotionally challenging reads, and this was exactly that. Wes and Bailey were two broken souls who were having trouble figuring out how and where they fit in.
I think what I loved the most is that their trust within one another was a slow burn. You felt all of their emotions, hesitations, and reservations when it came to a relationship and letting someone in. It felt authentic in the way that you have to build trust and earn it, and they did that with each other.
Wes’ story was beautiful, and you could tell that Madi Danielle put her all into his backstory. It was well thought out and researched. PTSD is sometimes hard to write about, because it’s so easy to misinterpret, but Wes felt authentic. I wanted to reach out and give him a hug. Those scenes where he was having an episode, really pulled on your heartstrings!
What didn’t work for me was some of the writing. Parts of this felt very repetitive and long winded. The chapters were short, thank god, because I was having a really hard time trying to stay engaged. Issues with the character’s personal lives were talked about every single chapter, and it seemed like there was no end in sight.
Hailey, specifically, felt juvenile, and spiteful at times, when it came to her family. I get the trauma and I get the hurt behind what went on, but, it’s mentioned every chapter that her siblings reach out, and she doesn’t respond. It doesn’t do anything for me. At that point, just put a time lapse in the book, because it became really annoying. I get that she doesn’t want to talk to them… She’s a grown woman and has that right, but, it could’ve been more about Hailey setting boundaries.
The spice was so good. It was full of angst and tension! Wes is so hot, he had me blushing….
Every chapter, though? Ehh… Became a little much. It’s like the book didn’t know whether or not it wanted to be smut or not. On one page, you had these super emotional conversations, and on the other, they were fuckin their brains out! Whiplash! Don’t get me wrong, I love smut, but at one point, I just started skimming through it. It lost its touch!
🌻Small Town Romance
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🌻Neighbors
🧡Army Vet
🌻Mental Health Rep
I’m one to jump headfirst into emotionally challenging reads, and this was exactly that. Wes and Bailey were two broken souls who were having trouble figuring out how and where they fit in.
I think what I loved the most is that their trust within one another was a slow burn. You felt all of their emotions, hesitations, and reservations when it came to a relationship and letting someone in. It felt authentic in the way that you have to build trust and earn it, and they did that with each other.
Wes’ story was beautiful, and you could tell that Madi Danielle put her all into his backstory. It was well thought out and researched. PTSD is sometimes hard to write about, because it’s so easy to misinterpret, but Wes felt authentic. I wanted to reach out and give him a hug. Those scenes where he was having an episode, really pulled on your heartstrings!
What didn’t work for me was some of the writing. Parts of this felt very repetitive and long winded. The chapters were short, thank god, because I was having a really hard time trying to stay engaged. Issues with the character’s personal lives were talked about every single chapter, and it seemed like there was no end in sight.
Hailey, specifically, felt juvenile, and spiteful at times, when it came to her family. I get the trauma and I get the hurt behind what went on, but, it’s mentioned every chapter that her siblings reach out, and she doesn’t respond. It doesn’t do anything for me. At that point, just put a time lapse in the book, because it became really annoying. I get that she doesn’t want to talk to them… She’s a grown woman and has that right, but, it could’ve been more about Hailey setting boundaries.
The spice was so good. It was full of angst and tension! Wes is so hot, he had me blushing….
Every chapter, though? Ehh… Became a little much. It’s like the book didn’t know whether or not it wanted to be smut or not. On one page, you had these super emotional conversations, and on the other, they were fuckin their brains out! Whiplash! Don’t get me wrong, I love smut, but at one point, I just started skimming through it. It lost its touch!
🌻Small Town Romance
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🌻Neighbors
🧡Army Vet
🌻Mental Health Rep
January 19, 2026
ARC - 4 🌟 2 🌶️
🧡 Small Town Romance
🤎 Enemies to Lovers
🧡 Neighbors
🤎 Army Vet
🧡 Mental Health Rep
Scars of You sucked me in almost immediately and just… never let go. From page one, I felt so connected to the story and to Bailey and Wes that I knew this was going to be a story of his own kind.
Bailey and Wes are both carrying so much emotional baggage, and watching them crash into each other, push back, and then slowly, let their walls down was UGH. The slow burn? Immaculate. The banter is sharp, the tension is constant, and the chemistry is simmering under the surface before it finally explodes. Wes is intense, guarded, and honestly made me want to hug him and never let go, and Bailey is quietly strong and determined to protect her heart. Their connection felt raw, earned, and deeply emotional. And yes, the spice definitely surprised me (Wes surprised me the most👀), but it never overshadowed the heart of their story.
What really made this book shine for me, though, is how well Madi handles the trauma, healing, and found family subjects. It’s angsty without being too much, emotional without feeling heavy, and romantic in a way that feels genuine and hopeful. Wes’s PTSD especially felt so authentic and thoughtfully written, you can tell Madi really put care into his backstory. Those scenes where he struggles? Absolutely pulled on my heartstrings. I just wanted to crawl into the book and comfort him.
Also, can we talk about the found family vibes? The friends, the comfort, the animals, it all added so much warmth to the story. There are trigger warnings, so definitely check those, but the sensitive topics are handled with a lot of care.
I loved the first book (Embers of You), but this one completely sealed the deal for me. I finished it feeling a little wrecked, very satisfied, and fully invested in this series. It strikes the perfect balance between heart and heat, and I’m already dying to see where this world goes next.
Thank you so much Madi and The Smut Hood PR for this arc opportunity!
🧡 Small Town Romance
🤎 Enemies to Lovers
🧡 Neighbors
🤎 Army Vet
🧡 Mental Health Rep
Scars of You sucked me in almost immediately and just… never let go. From page one, I felt so connected to the story and to Bailey and Wes that I knew this was going to be a story of his own kind.
Bailey and Wes are both carrying so much emotional baggage, and watching them crash into each other, push back, and then slowly, let their walls down was UGH. The slow burn? Immaculate. The banter is sharp, the tension is constant, and the chemistry is simmering under the surface before it finally explodes. Wes is intense, guarded, and honestly made me want to hug him and never let go, and Bailey is quietly strong and determined to protect her heart. Their connection felt raw, earned, and deeply emotional. And yes, the spice definitely surprised me (Wes surprised me the most👀), but it never overshadowed the heart of their story.
What really made this book shine for me, though, is how well Madi handles the trauma, healing, and found family subjects. It’s angsty without being too much, emotional without feeling heavy, and romantic in a way that feels genuine and hopeful. Wes’s PTSD especially felt so authentic and thoughtfully written, you can tell Madi really put care into his backstory. Those scenes where he struggles? Absolutely pulled on my heartstrings. I just wanted to crawl into the book and comfort him.
Also, can we talk about the found family vibes? The friends, the comfort, the animals, it all added so much warmth to the story. There are trigger warnings, so definitely check those, but the sensitive topics are handled with a lot of care.
I loved the first book (Embers of You), but this one completely sealed the deal for me. I finished it feeling a little wrecked, very satisfied, and fully invested in this series. It strikes the perfect balance between heart and heat, and I’m already dying to see where this world goes next.
Thank you so much Madi and The Smut Hood PR for this arc opportunity!
January 19, 2026
ARC
5 Stars
Spice: 2.5/5
Bailey (aka Angel)
Barista / Owner of the Roasted Bean in Amity
Introvert
Abusive childhood - parents and one older brother were drug addicts
Served as her younger sisters protector after her brothers left home, feels she failed her sister
She moved away from / does not communicate with her sibling's as it pushes to the surface too many memories
Those same memories still weigh her down
Hooked up with a stranger (met at a bar) the first night she moved to Amity. Turns out that stranger is her neighbor
Not a fan of said neighbor since he seems to pretend he doesn't remember the hook up and also not a fan of his loud car that he takes out at night to go who knows where
Made some friends in town but doesn't open up about her childhood
Wes (aka grumpy aersehole)
Bailey's neighbor and bane of her existence (until he's not)
Army Vet (Apache Pilot)
Army was his identity
Hit in the leg by shrapnel that ended his military career
Military was the only vision he had until he met Bailey
PTSD
no living relatives
Feels like he's wasting his chance at a second life
Take his car out at night for long drives since sleep evades him and he has nightmares
Pretends he doesn't remember the hook up but that's a lie, he remembers every detail
Can see the darkness in Bailey that mirrors his
Doesn't like to be around large groups of people
Friends with Jameson who has a small farm
Helps out at the farm as a form of therapy (horses are great listeners and they don't talk back)
Dirty mind / mouth
This is the story of two traumatized souls that live each day with the fear of their memories taking them down (or in Wes's case, taking him out)
It takes 3 years for Wes & Bailey to to finally succumb to what's been there all along
The book is heartbreakingly emotional but it's also full of love, lust, redemption, friends and community.
Loved the addition of Bruno & Sadie
Vern has expanded his vocabulary
Check your trigger warnings
Thank you to Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy.
5 Stars
Spice: 2.5/5
Bailey (aka Angel)
Barista / Owner of the Roasted Bean in Amity
Introvert
Abusive childhood - parents and one older brother were drug addicts
Served as her younger sisters protector after her brothers left home, feels she failed her sister
She moved away from / does not communicate with her sibling's as it pushes to the surface too many memories
Those same memories still weigh her down
Hooked up with a stranger (met at a bar) the first night she moved to Amity. Turns out that stranger is her neighbor
Not a fan of said neighbor since he seems to pretend he doesn't remember the hook up and also not a fan of his loud car that he takes out at night to go who knows where
Made some friends in town but doesn't open up about her childhood
Wes (aka grumpy aersehole)
Bailey's neighbor and bane of her existence (until he's not)
Army Vet (Apache Pilot)
Army was his identity
Hit in the leg by shrapnel that ended his military career
Military was the only vision he had until he met Bailey
PTSD
no living relatives
Feels like he's wasting his chance at a second life
Take his car out at night for long drives since sleep evades him and he has nightmares
Pretends he doesn't remember the hook up but that's a lie, he remembers every detail
Can see the darkness in Bailey that mirrors his
Doesn't like to be around large groups of people
Friends with Jameson who has a small farm
Helps out at the farm as a form of therapy (horses are great listeners and they don't talk back)
Dirty mind / mouth
This is the story of two traumatized souls that live each day with the fear of their memories taking them down (or in Wes's case, taking him out)
It takes 3 years for Wes & Bailey to to finally succumb to what's been there all along
The book is heartbreakingly emotional but it's also full of love, lust, redemption, friends and community.
Loved the addition of Bruno & Sadie
Vern has expanded his vocabulary
Check your trigger warnings
Thank you to Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy.
January 9, 2026
THIS WAS SO HOT. And so healing. And both of these characters need some serious therapy.. but I enjoyed it so much! 😅 what does that say about me? I don’t know. But it was a lot of fun! FULL RTC
________________________
One thing I love about the Amity series is just how simple, fun, easygoing, and spicy they are. The quaint town of Amity is just so.. cozy feeling. Just gives me lakeside, sunny all the time, everyone knows everyone, simple living type vibes and I love everything about it.
This book was quite a bit heavier than book 1, so make sure to check your trigger warnings if you think there might be something that could harm you here. Both of these characters have been through a lot, are currently struggling, and topics can be heavy. As well as coping mechanisms are sometimes unhealthy.
Bailey and Wes have been neighbours for years. They had one VERY hot night 3 years ago (before they knew they were neighbours) and the sexual tension has been HIGH. IS HIGH. SO HIGH. This book is basically just both of them finally giving in to these feelings after so long, fighting them, f*cking it out of their systems, and then giving in again 🤭
Wes has BDE that he can back up. Bailey pretends nothing can phase her but she’s actually kinda soft under her exterior shell. Wes knows just what she wants, Bailey hates that. Wes is a bit of a jerk, Bailey doesn’t mind. Wes struggles, Bailey is there for him. It was truly one of the best push/pull dynamics I’ve ever read. These two have a severe Dislike to Lovers situation going on, and I was here for every second of it.
I hope both these characters get the therapy and help they so desperately need because YIKES, they were NOT coping well. But I’ve got hope they will figure it all out and stick together through it all.
Bring on book 3! Im SO curious how this one will work out 👀
________________________
One thing I love about the Amity series is just how simple, fun, easygoing, and spicy they are. The quaint town of Amity is just so.. cozy feeling. Just gives me lakeside, sunny all the time, everyone knows everyone, simple living type vibes and I love everything about it.
This book was quite a bit heavier than book 1, so make sure to check your trigger warnings if you think there might be something that could harm you here. Both of these characters have been through a lot, are currently struggling, and topics can be heavy. As well as coping mechanisms are sometimes unhealthy.
Bailey and Wes have been neighbours for years. They had one VERY hot night 3 years ago (before they knew they were neighbours) and the sexual tension has been HIGH. IS HIGH. SO HIGH. This book is basically just both of them finally giving in to these feelings after so long, fighting them, f*cking it out of their systems, and then giving in again 🤭
Wes has BDE that he can back up. Bailey pretends nothing can phase her but she’s actually kinda soft under her exterior shell. Wes knows just what she wants, Bailey hates that. Wes is a bit of a jerk, Bailey doesn’t mind. Wes struggles, Bailey is there for him. It was truly one of the best push/pull dynamics I’ve ever read. These two have a severe Dislike to Lovers situation going on, and I was here for every second of it.
I hope both these characters get the therapy and help they so desperately need because YIKES, they were NOT coping well. But I’ve got hope they will figure it all out and stick together through it all.
Bring on book 3! Im SO curious how this one will work out 👀
January 13, 2026
4⭐️/4🔥
Thank you @homecookedbooks and @simonmaverick for the alc of this book.
Madi Danielle is a new to me author. It’s the second book in the Amity series, but it works perfectly as a standalone since I jumped in without reading the first. There is something so healing about two broken people finding each other, and I loved watching Bailey and Wes navigate their growth together.
After years of running from childhood trauma, Bailey is finally setting roots in Amity when she has a one-night stand with a stranger... who turns out to be her new neighbor. Wes is a retired army pilot and a total loner who is completely obsessed with her. I loved their dynamic, especially how their physical connection reflected what they needed emotionally. Wes thrives on being in control and Bailey finds peace in giving it up, which clearly stems from their pasts and how they need to feel safe.
I do wish we could have had a little more backstory on Bailey’s childhood, but otherwise, I loved watching them help each other open up and heal.
🎧Audiobook Thoughts
Sean Masters and Helena Walters were a good pairing. Sean fit the "loner pilot" vibe perfectly! Helena was a great Bailey, though I didn't love her male voice... but it was still a very enjoyable listen!
🩹 Healing Journey
🏡 Neighbors to Lovers
🎖️ Retired Army Pilot
🧗♀️ Emotional Growth
✨ Small Town
🫂 Two Broken People
Thank you @homecookedbooks and @simonmaverick for the alc of this book.
Madi Danielle is a new to me author. It’s the second book in the Amity series, but it works perfectly as a standalone since I jumped in without reading the first. There is something so healing about two broken people finding each other, and I loved watching Bailey and Wes navigate their growth together.
After years of running from childhood trauma, Bailey is finally setting roots in Amity when she has a one-night stand with a stranger... who turns out to be her new neighbor. Wes is a retired army pilot and a total loner who is completely obsessed with her. I loved their dynamic, especially how their physical connection reflected what they needed emotionally. Wes thrives on being in control and Bailey finds peace in giving it up, which clearly stems from their pasts and how they need to feel safe.
I do wish we could have had a little more backstory on Bailey’s childhood, but otherwise, I loved watching them help each other open up and heal.
🎧Audiobook Thoughts
Sean Masters and Helena Walters were a good pairing. Sean fit the "loner pilot" vibe perfectly! Helena was a great Bailey, though I didn't love her male voice... but it was still a very enjoyable listen!
🩹 Healing Journey
🏡 Neighbors to Lovers
🎖️ Retired Army Pilot
🧗♀️ Emotional Growth
✨ Small Town
🫂 Two Broken People
January 12, 2026
Scars of You is the second book in the Amity series. This book can be read in order as a standalone. I read this book without reading any of Madi’s previous books.
This book was beautiful. There is something so incredibly healing about two broken people finding each other and healing together. I loved this couple’s emotional growth and how their sexual relationship didn’t prohibit them from advancing their feelings.
Bailey moves to Amity after moving around most of her adult life. Bailey suffered a lot of childhood trauma, that has left her living a pretty lonely and nomadic lifestyle. She finally sets roots and opens a business and a home. She has a one night stand with a stranger and then it turns out, he’s her neighbor.
Wes is a retired army pilot. He is the definition of a loner excepts he has an obsession with his neighbor.
The tension between these two characters just added to their relationship. I loved that together they helped each other open up and start to tackle their issues. I wish we could have had little backstory into Bailey’s childhood, but otherwise I really enjoyed the story.
Thank you Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the advanced copy.
This book was beautiful. There is something so incredibly healing about two broken people finding each other and healing together. I loved this couple’s emotional growth and how their sexual relationship didn’t prohibit them from advancing their feelings.
Bailey moves to Amity after moving around most of her adult life. Bailey suffered a lot of childhood trauma, that has left her living a pretty lonely and nomadic lifestyle. She finally sets roots and opens a business and a home. She has a one night stand with a stranger and then it turns out, he’s her neighbor.
Wes is a retired army pilot. He is the definition of a loner excepts he has an obsession with his neighbor.
The tension between these two characters just added to their relationship. I loved that together they helped each other open up and start to tackle their issues. I wish we could have had little backstory into Bailey’s childhood, but otherwise I really enjoyed the story.
Thank you Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book and fell in love with Bailey & Wes! But their story is also full of so many struggles and yes, it did make me cry my eyes out at least once. Their banter is so good from the start and I was eating it up. She is so freaking sassy and I love that energy, especially directed towards Wes. They are exactly what the other needs and seeing them come together had my heart happy.
Audiobook:
Narrated in dual by Helena Walters & Sean Masters and I think they were perfect choices for Bailey & Wes!! I could not stop listening and they brought these characters to life! Would definitely recommend the audio!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🌻Small town romance
🌻Neighbors
🌻Enemies to lovers
🌻Army veteran
🌻Mental health rep
🌻Grief & trauma
🌻Found family
Thank you to Madi and her team, in addition to Home Cooked Books, for letting me read and listen to an ARC & ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Audiobook:
Narrated in dual by Helena Walters & Sean Masters and I think they were perfect choices for Bailey & Wes!! I could not stop listening and they brought these characters to life! Would definitely recommend the audio!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🌻Small town romance
🌻Neighbors
🌻Enemies to lovers
🌻Army veteran
🌻Mental health rep
🌻Grief & trauma
🌻Found family
Thank you to Madi and her team, in addition to Home Cooked Books, for letting me read and listen to an ARC & ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
December 19, 2025
Bailey and Wes
I received an ALC copy of this. This is the second book of the series can be read/listened to as a standalone but I would recommend you read/listen to the first one. I'm going to let you know from listening to this I'm a new listener to this series and author and now have a list of books to check out from her because there are characters from other series which I read a review that Bailey appeared in a different series so there are crossovers. Any way I enjoyed listening to Bailey and Wes's story, the narrators did a good job.I found this funny and entertaining from the beginning with them and the sparing and bantering, the friends and their jabs, the chemistry between them explosive, then there is some heartfelt moments as both are dealing with issues from certain points in their pasts and reunions.
I listened to this through BookFunnel courtesy of Home Cooked Books.
I received an ALC copy of this. This is the second book of the series can be read/listened to as a standalone but I would recommend you read/listen to the first one. I'm going to let you know from listening to this I'm a new listener to this series and author and now have a list of books to check out from her because there are characters from other series which I read a review that Bailey appeared in a different series so there are crossovers. Any way I enjoyed listening to Bailey and Wes's story, the narrators did a good job.I found this funny and entertaining from the beginning with them and the sparing and bantering, the friends and their jabs, the chemistry between them explosive, then there is some heartfelt moments as both are dealing with issues from certain points in their pasts and reunions.
I listened to this through BookFunnel courtesy of Home Cooked Books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Check TWs before you read*
Ughhh Wes & Bailey were breaking my dang heart. These are 2 very broken people that end up needing each other and falling in love.
I was LIVING for their banter and the sass that Bailey consistently gave Wes. She just didn't know that he loved the sass. They definitely were in sync when it came to *spicy time* and the spice was sooooo freaking hott. 🥵
I do feel that the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked more moments of them happy and in love.
Overall, it was a heartwrenching love story with a hard earned happy ending. I'm SOOOO excited for Parker & Lily.
Ughhh Wes & Bailey were breaking my dang heart. These are 2 very broken people that end up needing each other and falling in love.
I was LIVING for their banter and the sass that Bailey consistently gave Wes. She just didn't know that he loved the sass. They definitely were in sync when it came to *spicy time* and the spice was sooooo freaking hott. 🥵
I do feel that the ending was a little rushed. I would have liked more moments of them happy and in love.
Overall, it was a heartwrenching love story with a hard earned happy ending. I'm SOOOO excited for Parker & Lily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bailey and Wes shared a one-night stand years ago and now find themselves living next door to each other. They both insist they don’t like one another, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Their constant banter and shared friend group make it impossible to avoid each other, forcing unresolved feelings to surface. Both are carrying emotional baggage they haven’t fully faced or healed from, and while their journey isn’t an easy one, they ultimately find comfort and strength in each other. Sean Masters and Helena Walters are phenomenal as Wes and Bailey, perfectly capturing their emotional struggles and complex relationship dynamic. This story is both emotional and sweet and absolutely a must listen.
Thank you, Madi Danielle and Simon Maverick for the ALC.
Thank you, Madi Danielle and Simon Maverick for the ALC.
January 18, 2026
I loved the first book in the Amity series and was really excited to read the second book and it did not disappoint. Wes and Bailey both have had to deal with trauma in their lives and I love how together they were both able to start healing and fall in love.
The sexual tension between Wes and Bailey was soo high. It was only a matter of time before these two finally got together. It only took them 3 years but it was soo hot when they finally did! The spice was fantastic.
I cannot wait to read Parker and Lily’s story next.
Thank you Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the ARC. All thoughts are my own
The sexual tension between Wes and Bailey was soo high. It was only a matter of time before these two finally got together. It only took them 3 years but it was soo hot when they finally did! The spice was fantastic.
I cannot wait to read Parker and Lily’s story next.
Thank you Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the ARC. All thoughts are my own
January 13, 2026
Was lucky enough to receive the arc for this book, silly me put it off because I wanted to read embers of you first, I didn’t get around to it but opened scars of you this morning and read almost non stop all day!
Story was great
Characters were great
Spice was great!!
Loved the mental health aspects loved the story you really feel connected to the characters!
Love love love! Will be diving in to this authors other stories as I really enjoyed her writing style and the way she tells a story.
Story was great
Characters were great
Spice was great!!
Loved the mental health aspects loved the story you really feel connected to the characters!
Love love love! Will be diving in to this authors other stories as I really enjoyed her writing style and the way she tells a story.
December 31, 2025
Bailey + Wes
-small town romance
-enemies to lovers
-neighbors
-army veteran
-found family
ohhhh my poor sweet babies!! this was actually way more emotional than i thought it would be going into it but i wouldn't have changed one thing!! these two were soooo freaking precious & secretly PERFECT for each other & it made everything that they had to go thru TOGETHER that much more of a bond for them both!!
-small town romance
-enemies to lovers
-neighbors
-army veteran
-found family
ohhhh my poor sweet babies!! this was actually way more emotional than i thought it would be going into it but i wouldn't have changed one thing!! these two were soooo freaking precious & secretly PERFECT for each other & it made everything that they had to go thru TOGETHER that much more of a bond for them both!!
Review of advance copy
I absolutely adored this book! Wes and Bailey are so cute together and their fighting was hilarious! I love a good brat in a book and Bailey delivers! The journey these two go on to heal themselves is a long one, but their HEA is so good! I will definitely be continuing the series and can't wait for the next book!
January 15, 2026
And just like that Madi does it again. The emotions, the chemistry, the banter, everything was there and so freaking good! Wes and Bailey’s story was everything I wanted and so much more! The mental health rep was done so well and I loved every minute of their book! You’re def gonna want to pick this one up.
January 12, 2026
WOWOWOW. I thought i loved Embers of You, but Scars of You has my whole entire heart. Bailey and Wes’ story is full of so much real and raw emotions. These two are both so completely broken and despite their mutual “hatred” for one another, they somehow heal each other in the best way possible. Their struggles had me in tears more than once. Wes has walls put up, higher than anyone can climb, but somehow Bailey breaks them down all while dealing with her own demons. When their relationship finally turned to more, it was perfection. The banter between the two of them is so good, and the spice is even hotter. As much as these two say they loathe each other after a one night stand years ago, i think they secretly enjoy it even more. The push and pull was so addicting. This story does show the real and raw of both being an Army veteran with PTSD and someone coming from a toxic and broken family. Please check your trigger warnings before jumping in. As beautiful of a story as this is, it does cover some very tough and heavy topics.
Helena Walters and Sean Masters did an amazing job at brining this story to life and showing the true emotions for both Wes and Bailey. I highly recommend the audio.
Thank you so much to Madi for an early ARC and ALC of Scars of You, i love this entire series so much and cannot wait for book three.
read if you love:
small town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, army vet, hurt/comfort, found family, neighbors, praise/degradation, mental health rep
Helena Walters and Sean Masters did an amazing job at brining this story to life and showing the true emotions for both Wes and Bailey. I highly recommend the audio.
Thank you so much to Madi for an early ARC and ALC of Scars of You, i love this entire series so much and cannot wait for book three.
read if you love:
small town, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, army vet, hurt/comfort, found family, neighbors, praise/degradation, mental health rep
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ugh I hate to do this but DNF at 47%.
I tried so hard to enjoy this one. I loved Embers of You, love this series/the town of Amity and have loved everything written by Madi Danielle but I just don't like Bailey as a main character. maybe one day I'll pick it up again. I'll definitely still read book 3.
I tried so hard to enjoy this one. I loved Embers of You, love this series/the town of Amity and have loved everything written by Madi Danielle but I just don't like Bailey as a main character. maybe one day I'll pick it up again. I'll definitely still read book 3.
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