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Loose Ends #0
All These Hidden Scars
When I leave, I never return the same
Pretending came far too easily for Sullivan Black. One of the reasons he rejected his privileged family and joined the FBI. But those dangerous assignments take something from him every time, leaving him a mess, unfamiliar even to himself. As he struggles to shed the skin of his latest op, he finds solace in the most random of places.
Bar manager, Carter Renault’s only intention was to escort the lonely stranger out of his place before he locked up. Yet somehow they end up in an alley, Carter’s pants around his ankles. Their encounter is intense. A onetime thing. Except months later Sullivan is sneaking through Carter’s window, appearing and disappearing at random. The blistering-hot sex doesn’t hide the obvious torment Sullivan is going through, but Carter doesn’t want to be caught in the middle.
Just when he thinks he’s seen the end of that undercover life, Sullivan gets pulled back in. But this time, his identity is no longer a secret, and the aggressive need he has for Carter could get the other man killed. To set everything right, Sullivan has to face the one man he loves and hates in equal measure… his twin.
Pretending came far too easily for Sullivan Black. One of the reasons he rejected his privileged family and joined the FBI. But those dangerous assignments take something from him every time, leaving him a mess, unfamiliar even to himself. As he struggles to shed the skin of his latest op, he finds solace in the most random of places.
Bar manager, Carter Renault’s only intention was to escort the lonely stranger out of his place before he locked up. Yet somehow they end up in an alley, Carter’s pants around his ankles. Their encounter is intense. A onetime thing. Except months later Sullivan is sneaking through Carter’s window, appearing and disappearing at random. The blistering-hot sex doesn’t hide the obvious torment Sullivan is going through, but Carter doesn’t want to be caught in the middle.
Just when he thinks he’s seen the end of that undercover life, Sullivan gets pulled back in. But this time, his identity is no longer a secret, and the aggressive need he has for Carter could get the other man killed. To set everything right, Sullivan has to face the one man he loves and hates in equal measure… his twin.
185 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2015
77 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,674 followersA Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 15, 2019
3.75 Stars
Told mostly in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the "Loose Ends" prequel with characters cross over. It’s angsty and insta-lust. Loved both characters; how Sullivan found the peace he needed in Carter, how he took solace in Carter (I m free when I’m locked up in you) and how Carter put Sullivan’s pieces together, the emotions… Reading this and hearing other characters’ names made me want to read their stories again but as I know myself I won’t, I’ve just missed them all! And I think it’s not necessary to say how much I like that cover! Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
Told mostly in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the "Loose Ends" prequel with characters cross over. It’s angsty and insta-lust. Loved both characters; how Sullivan found the peace he needed in Carter, how he took solace in Carter (I m free when I’m locked up in you) and how Carter put Sullivan’s pieces together, the emotions… Reading this and hearing other characters’ names made me want to read their stories again but as I know myself I won’t, I’ve just missed them all! And I think it’s not necessary to say how much I like that cover! Overall, had a good time reading this and hope you enjoy it as well!
September 19, 2017
4 stars!
Well look at me it seems I'm finally getting out of my review slump and I'm so glad it was with an author I've come to love. The first thing I thought when I finished this book was **holy shit** this is only the prequel?! This is going to be an intense series for sure.
In "All The Hidden Scars" we meet Sullivan an FBI undercover agent who has to infiltrate a dark world but every time he does it takes away something from his soul. On a night out he meets Carter, sparks fly and they end up having a one night stand. But soon Sullivan keeps going for more and can't help feel this connection with Carter.
At first Sullivan fought his attraction to Carter. He had a pull push relationship with him but dam this man was going through so much. His personal life was a mess and his profesional one was full of twists and turns, betrayals and conspiracies. Carter was the calm to his storm, the light he needed so desperately in his darkness. Regardless of Sullivan's being hesitant of Carter I loved that once he accepted it he held on to that love. Carter was just as amazing loving and supporting Sullivan.
Ms. Ashton has done it again with this series her MC always so passionate and intense with just the right amount of angst I love. The sexual encounters are always scorching hot. This was definitely a great introduction to this (lose ends series) where we meet the rest of the characters for the following books, which I'm looking forward to reading. Even a certain annoying character yea I'm talking about you Dutch. Can't wait to know why you did what you did. ❤️
Well look at me it seems I'm finally getting out of my review slump and I'm so glad it was with an author I've come to love. The first thing I thought when I finished this book was **holy shit** this is only the prequel?! This is going to be an intense series for sure.
In "All The Hidden Scars" we meet Sullivan an FBI undercover agent who has to infiltrate a dark world but every time he does it takes away something from his soul. On a night out he meets Carter, sparks fly and they end up having a one night stand. But soon Sullivan keeps going for more and can't help feel this connection with Carter.
At first Sullivan fought his attraction to Carter. He had a pull push relationship with him but dam this man was going through so much. His personal life was a mess and his profesional one was full of twists and turns, betrayals and conspiracies. Carter was the calm to his storm, the light he needed so desperately in his darkness. Regardless of Sullivan's being hesitant of Carter I loved that once he accepted it he held on to that love. Carter was just as amazing loving and supporting Sullivan.
Ms. Ashton has done it again with this series her MC always so passionate and intense with just the right amount of angst I love. The sexual encounters are always scorching hot. This was definitely a great introduction to this (lose ends series) where we meet the rest of the characters for the following books, which I'm looking forward to reading. Even a certain annoying character yea I'm talking about you Dutch. Can't wait to know why you did what you did. ❤️
March 30, 2018
~ALL THIS HIDDEN LOVE~
I was in a book slump until I started reading this book and it started a slope of me really getting into this series. All The Hidden Scars is dirty, angst filled, and just a overall good time. Seems Ms Avril Ashton never disappoints.
Sullivan Black finds it hard to shed the skin of the people he pays when he goes undercover. Sometimes he wonders if being a man who sells people and peddle drugs is who he really is. He knows that he has to get out in order to retain even a fragment of his former self. Drinking himself into a oblivion seems like a good way to drown his sorrows but what he wasn’t expecting is his instant attraction to the bar owner. Carter has Sullivan feeling some sort of way and fucking him will relieve the itch he never knew he needed scratched, what was to be a quick nut in an alley way turns into something more and all Sullivan can do is breathe all that is Carter.
Carter doesn’t do love after the ultimate betrayal from his last relationship. So, when a drunken ass Sullivan gets too cheeky flashing his badge and making moves, Carter knows he shouldn’t fall for it because the man's face spells trouble but Sullivan is irresistible, and soon Carter has his pants at his ankles whispering “go”.
"They fucked. In the shadows of his living room, near-silent save for the muted slap of skin when they connected. Flesh against flesh. Damp and hot. And their grunts. His Moans. Sullivan's hiss. They fucked.
What was supposed to be a onetime thing turns into a many a time thing and suddenly feelings are all over the place and Sulli is fighting it with all he’s got. But Carter brings him to life, he’s willing to give it all to be with him, too bad he’s gotta crazy twin brother who won’t let him go and he’s pulled Carter into the freak show that is his life. Sullivan gets called into a mission he doesn’t want, and he knows that once he goes in he might not make it out a live, but duty calls and shit and man if given the opportunity has to save as many lives as he can.
The men do a dance that is both angst and sexy and I swear this shit is officially my mood. I love how unapologetic these dudes are about killing and protecting. I live for it sir!!
"On the list of places, I want to be, and people I want to be with, there's only one." He Lowered his arm and stared up at Carter with those seriously dark and piercing eyes. "You"
If you’ve read Avril’s previous series then you know all of her stories are very intertwined with fave character popping out and protecting their friends. Sullivan while not my fave character from this series, I still dig him. Carter is the sweet well balanced to Sulli’s ruthlessness and also his home. I can’t say I had a complete handle on his character but I didn’t mind him.
Once again, the author offers up a wide diverse set of characters which is never surprising. Avril is that author that has representation in every book. Black, Latino, Asian, and wide range of races can be found in her books, also with strong female characters, trans characters and all the cultural stuff just done very well. If I ever find fault it won’t be for those reasons. I love it, I love it, I love it.
All These Hidden Scars while not my favourite, or one of her best books out there, it still was an entertaining read with lose your panties scene. Can I get an Amen for my bad boys..Amen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review Writing Songs:
I Luv This Shit by August Alsina
Sativa by Jhene Aiko
I was in a book slump until I started reading this book and it started a slope of me really getting into this series. All The Hidden Scars is dirty, angst filled, and just a overall good time. Seems Ms Avril Ashton never disappoints.
Sullivan Black finds it hard to shed the skin of the people he pays when he goes undercover. Sometimes he wonders if being a man who sells people and peddle drugs is who he really is. He knows that he has to get out in order to retain even a fragment of his former self. Drinking himself into a oblivion seems like a good way to drown his sorrows but what he wasn’t expecting is his instant attraction to the bar owner. Carter has Sullivan feeling some sort of way and fucking him will relieve the itch he never knew he needed scratched, what was to be a quick nut in an alley way turns into something more and all Sullivan can do is breathe all that is Carter.
Carter doesn’t do love after the ultimate betrayal from his last relationship. So, when a drunken ass Sullivan gets too cheeky flashing his badge and making moves, Carter knows he shouldn’t fall for it because the man's face spells trouble but Sullivan is irresistible, and soon Carter has his pants at his ankles whispering “go”.
"They fucked. In the shadows of his living room, near-silent save for the muted slap of skin when they connected. Flesh against flesh. Damp and hot. And their grunts. His Moans. Sullivan's hiss. They fucked.
What was supposed to be a onetime thing turns into a many a time thing and suddenly feelings are all over the place and Sulli is fighting it with all he’s got. But Carter brings him to life, he’s willing to give it all to be with him, too bad he’s gotta crazy twin brother who won’t let him go and he’s pulled Carter into the freak show that is his life. Sullivan gets called into a mission he doesn’t want, and he knows that once he goes in he might not make it out a live, but duty calls and shit and man if given the opportunity has to save as many lives as he can.
The men do a dance that is both angst and sexy and I swear this shit is officially my mood. I love how unapologetic these dudes are about killing and protecting. I live for it sir!!
"On the list of places, I want to be, and people I want to be with, there's only one." He Lowered his arm and stared up at Carter with those seriously dark and piercing eyes. "You"
If you’ve read Avril’s previous series then you know all of her stories are very intertwined with fave character popping out and protecting their friends. Sullivan while not my fave character from this series, I still dig him. Carter is the sweet well balanced to Sulli’s ruthlessness and also his home. I can’t say I had a complete handle on his character but I didn’t mind him.
Once again, the author offers up a wide diverse set of characters which is never surprising. Avril is that author that has representation in every book. Black, Latino, Asian, and wide range of races can be found in her books, also with strong female characters, trans characters and all the cultural stuff just done very well. If I ever find fault it won’t be for those reasons. I love it, I love it, I love it.
All These Hidden Scars while not my favourite, or one of her best books out there, it still was an entertaining read with lose your panties scene. Can I get an Amen for my bad boys..Amen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review Writing Songs:
I Luv This Shit by August Alsina
Sativa by Jhene Aiko
February 20, 2016
~~BR with Ele & Karen!!~~
4.5 Stars
Firstly, thank you Ele and Karen for reading this with me! Since I am new to this author and there are tons of character crossovers in her books, you ladies were invaluable in helping me with the various character backgrounds, etc. Plus, you both are so much fun to read with! I'm sooo looking forward to the next book and reading it with you both. :)
All These Hidden Scars is the second book by Avril Ashton that I've read. And this one, I loved. Sully was so damaged and unsure that he was a good guy. Working undercover for so long just blurred the lines too much for him. And up until now, it has been his twin brother that has helped put him back together, but with Sol being imprisoned for murder, he isn't so available to help ground Sully. And this last mission has really done a number on him.
Carter has been around the block a time or two, himself. He doesn't live a dangerous life, by any means, but knows what it is like to lose people he loves and he knows what it's like to get his heart broken into bitty bits and he's not much interested in chancing it again. His bar and his son are his life and he's ok with that.
Until Sullivan gets a bit aggressive and shows them both just how amazing they are together, at least sexually. And Sully can't stay away. There is just something about Carter that grounds him. That reminds him of who he really is.
There were several events in this book that I didn't really see coming. I'm not sure if that's because I haven't read the Sinners series, or Run This Town, but I do like it when something takes me by surprise and this story did. I seriously need to know more about Dutch. That man has a seriously flexible moral code and while I often wanted to cause him pain in his soft bits, there were times I nearly mistook him for a human. He's a complex character and I need his and Patel's story, like, now. But I must wait.
And Sully's twin, Sol, is far more evil than I ever wanted to believe. I hoped there was something in him that was redeemable, but no, there wasn't. At all. And I thought it was going to break Sully when he finally realized it.
Yeah, so, All These Hidden Scars is a complex story about complex people who are put in uncertain circumstances and a lot happens here. The background story of Sully's undercover work is heartbreaking and had me reading through my fingers a bit. And even though I knew he would pull through it, I still clenched and worried.
And for those of you who like your book sexy-times super hot -- you will not be disappointed. At all. Carter and Sully about scorched my Kindle.
I loved the writing and the world building and character development and also that I could follow the story, even though I haven't read the series it spun off from. So that's good news for all you folks out there, like me, who haven't read her Sinner's series and won't until those books are no longer being published with Ellora's Cave.
Two opposable thumbs up from me.
4.5 Stars
Firstly, thank you Ele and Karen for reading this with me! Since I am new to this author and there are tons of character crossovers in her books, you ladies were invaluable in helping me with the various character backgrounds, etc. Plus, you both are so much fun to read with! I'm sooo looking forward to the next book and reading it with you both. :)
All These Hidden Scars is the second book by Avril Ashton that I've read. And this one, I loved. Sully was so damaged and unsure that he was a good guy. Working undercover for so long just blurred the lines too much for him. And up until now, it has been his twin brother that has helped put him back together, but with Sol being imprisoned for murder, he isn't so available to help ground Sully. And this last mission has really done a number on him.
Carter has been around the block a time or two, himself. He doesn't live a dangerous life, by any means, but knows what it is like to lose people he loves and he knows what it's like to get his heart broken into bitty bits and he's not much interested in chancing it again. His bar and his son are his life and he's ok with that.
Until Sullivan gets a bit aggressive and shows them both just how amazing they are together, at least sexually. And Sully can't stay away. There is just something about Carter that grounds him. That reminds him of who he really is.
There were several events in this book that I didn't really see coming. I'm not sure if that's because I haven't read the Sinners series, or Run This Town, but I do like it when something takes me by surprise and this story did. I seriously need to know more about Dutch. That man has a seriously flexible moral code and while I often wanted to cause him pain in his soft bits, there were times I nearly mistook him for a human. He's a complex character and I need his and Patel's story, like, now. But I must wait.
And Sully's twin, Sol, is far more evil than I ever wanted to believe. I hoped there was something in him that was redeemable, but no, there wasn't. At all. And I thought it was going to break Sully when he finally realized it.
Yeah, so, All These Hidden Scars is a complex story about complex people who are put in uncertain circumstances and a lot happens here. The background story of Sully's undercover work is heartbreaking and had me reading through my fingers a bit. And even though I knew he would pull through it, I still clenched and worried.
And for those of you who like your book sexy-times super hot -- you will not be disappointed. At all. Carter and Sully about scorched my Kindle.
I loved the writing and the world building and character development and also that I could follow the story, even though I haven't read the series it spun off from. So that's good news for all you folks out there, like me, who haven't read her Sinner's series and won't until those books are no longer being published with Ellora's Cave.
Two opposable thumbs up from me.
February 23, 2016
I' m lazy. Go read Jewel's or Karen's review.
My contribution to this BR is the perfect Sullivan. Spoiler tagged because reasons.
I never want to read another book by Avril Ashton on my own. BR with these ladies is so much more fun. Until the next one, girls!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~BR with Jewel and Karen!~
back-burner-for-now
December 26, 2015This book is now live on Amazon. Can anyone help me figure it out? Is this the first book published in this series? I don't see a Loose Ends series on Amazon, here or at Avril's site.
I don't want to walk into an angst-fest this sounds like and hit a bittersweet/no HEA/no HFN ending or cliffhanger.
Thank you!
I don't want to walk into an angst-fest this sounds like and hit a bittersweet/no HEA/no HFN ending or cliffhanger.
Thank you!
October 25, 2016
Really enjoyed the gritty aspect to this book - the characters were perfectly matched and the pace was spot on. I'm looking forward to this series
October 19, 2016
3.5 Stars
Okay, here's the thing: This is not a stand-alone, no matter the new series name and number. There's too much going on that has to be referenced in other books. I mean, I recognize Angel/Rafe, JP (not to mention Syren and to a lesser extent, Levi) and I've only listened to their two books (Love the Sinner & Sinner, Savior), oh and read the in between codas. See, that series - Brooklyn Sinners - has 4 major titles plus several quite long side stories. Plus, I'm guessing quite a few of the people mentioned in this book are in the Run This Town series as well.
It's just too convoluted and complicated and fucking busy without knowing everything you need to know going in to this book. Yes, the sex is hot and the relationship interesting; yes, the undercover casework is crazy, as are the players in this game...yes, I want to know that Sullivan & Carter get their HEA. But guess what? Most of all: I want to know what the fuck led up to all this.
Which means, yeah, I'm a little pissed that this is marketed as the first book of a new series because it is not, by any means, at all, in any sense of the word. It's just one string of an intricate Gordian Knot that I'm now compelled to figure out, to untangle.
So, good on the author for that. I'm not happy about it at all, though, because I feel manipulated into it. (Of course, I'll end up re-reading this when it's the appropriate time to do so in the chronology and decide if it should be re-rated; I'm pretty sure it will be but as it is right now, I stand by that rating.)
Okay, here's the thing: This is not a stand-alone, no matter the new series name and number. There's too much going on that has to be referenced in other books. I mean, I recognize Angel/Rafe, JP (not to mention Syren and to a lesser extent, Levi) and I've only listened to their two books (Love the Sinner & Sinner, Savior), oh and read the in between codas. See, that series - Brooklyn Sinners - has 4 major titles plus several quite long side stories. Plus, I'm guessing quite a few of the people mentioned in this book are in the Run This Town series as well.
It's just too convoluted and complicated and fucking busy without knowing everything you need to know going in to this book. Yes, the sex is hot and the relationship interesting; yes, the undercover casework is crazy, as are the players in this game...yes, I want to know that Sullivan & Carter get their HEA. But guess what? Most of all: I want to know what the fuck led up to all this.
Which means, yeah, I'm a little pissed that this is marketed as the first book of a new series because it is not, by any means, at all, in any sense of the word. It's just one string of an intricate Gordian Knot that I'm now compelled to figure out, to untangle.
So, good on the author for that. I'm not happy about it at all, though, because I feel manipulated into it. (Of course, I'll end up re-reading this when it's the appropriate time to do so in the chronology and decide if it should be re-rated; I'm pretty sure it will be but as it is right now, I stand by that rating.)
May 5, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ should have been 5 stars
I loved this. Loved it! All These Hidden Scars has everything I want to read in a book - a closed off "assholian" (thanks Lorraine) male that has so many scars his walls seem insurmountable. Then he finds his one and there's nothing better than watching those walls crumble, watching his heart and mind open and watch him fall totally hook, line and sinker. Sully did this, to perfection!
The author gave Sully his perfect one. Carter was everything Sully didn't even know he needed. These two together .... gah.
I loved the twists and turns, trying to work out where the threats were coming from, the suspense. It was brilliant. So why only 4 stars? Because I was so bloody confused and lost at times. Things/events/people were alluded to or even just thrown in there and I had no clue what was going on. I'm guessing these are covered in the author's other books, but when I'm reading the first book in a series I expect to either have a warning that the series is linked to other books/series or have the details more fleshed out so I could keep up. If not for this I would have 5 starred the heck out of this book. I couldn't put it down, and when I had to put it down I was thinking about it. That for me is a great book.
I loved this. Loved it! All These Hidden Scars has everything I want to read in a book - a closed off "assholian" (thanks Lorraine) male that has so many scars his walls seem insurmountable. Then he finds his one and there's nothing better than watching those walls crumble, watching his heart and mind open and watch him fall totally hook, line and sinker. Sully did this, to perfection!
The author gave Sully his perfect one. Carter was everything Sully didn't even know he needed. These two together .... gah.
I loved the twists and turns, trying to work out where the threats were coming from, the suspense. It was brilliant. So why only 4 stars? Because I was so bloody confused and lost at times. Things/events/people were alluded to or even just thrown in there and I had no clue what was going on. I'm guessing these are covered in the author's other books, but when I'm reading the first book in a series I expect to either have a warning that the series is linked to other books/series or have the details more fleshed out so I could keep up. If not for this I would have 5 starred the heck out of this book. I couldn't put it down, and when I had to put it down I was thinking about it. That for me is a great book.
Want to read
February 17, 2016"... blistering-hot sex..." Sounds good! ;)
January 28, 2016
All These Hidden Scars is the Set-up story to the new Loose Ends series… and it includes characters first introduced in Avril’s Brooklyn Sinners series. Sullivan has only a short appearance in the stand-alone Keep Me Wanting and this book is finally his story! :)
I enjoyed reading Sullivan and Carter’s story… it has everything I want in a book. It’s thrilling, twisted, gritty…it’s hot and it has sexy, some sweet moments.
I always love Avril Ashton’s badass sexy guys and I look forward to reading book one of the new series. There are lots of questions that need to be answered and I can’t wait to get to them. :)
March 14, 2016
"When I leave, I never return the same"...
How does a man survive doing something that shatters him repeatedly? How does he keep from loosing his true self, from becoming one of the monsters he has set out to destroy? If he's lucky, he finds something or someone to hold his hand, to stand beside him and share their strength while he puts himself back together...one shattered piece at a time...
For undercover agent Sullivan Black that man was Carter Renault. Carter runs a local bar and for some reason Sullivan can breath again when he's near Carter. These two men are explosive together. We are talking seriously hot!!! I was thinking maybe I'd just stand in a cold shower to read this one. Sadly as much as Sully wants to walk away from his undercover life. It's not going to let him. There's one last job to be done he's told. One last job and then he'll be free.
The real question is will he live to see it through. Carter just wants Sully to come back and he's willing to wait. What he doesn't realize is how hard that the waiting, the wondering and the not knowing can be. But he's determined to do it because he wants Sully.
Avril Ashton has created a world of beautiful damaged souls to share with us. First there were the men of the Brooklyn Sinners and then she led us to the pairings of Run This Town. Now you're probably wondering what all these books have in common besides the author, much to my delight it's the characters. The one thing that I have discovered about this author is that in order to really appreciate the stories you need to pay careful attention to the characters because everything is interwoven and who will show up when or why is always a mystery but it will happen. So while you may not need to read each of these series to be able to enjoy this story. What I have found is that there is a fair bit of background information that definitely enhances your reading experience if you have read both The Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town.
Overall, I loved this book the action was non-stop, questions were asked, answers were given and yet more questions remain, old problems are resolved, new ones created, characters from previous stories appeared, we said hello to some and good-bye to others. As a reader I was left wanting more...more Dutch, more Patel, more Kyo, more Renzo, more Donavan and Levi, and more scenes like this...
Then he rang the bell.
Carter yanked it open.
Sulivan started to talk. "I want to be here, with you. I want to tell the things I should have said before I left. Things like I'm addicted to your kisses. You're the easiest person to talk to, and you make me feel things. I feel so much when I look into your eyes," he whispered. "Then you touch me and you take me places. I want to go there with you always."
"Sometimes I forget who I am, you remind me. Sometimes I don't want to be that guy, but you make me like him."
Now tell me you don't want that knocking at your door or at least sitting on your e-reader?
Oops, I almost missed a really important fact here THANK YOU!!!! to Jewel and Eleftheria for making this one of the most epic BUDDY READS EVER!!! Seriously EVER!!! This one was awesome and I can't wait for the next book.
How does a man survive doing something that shatters him repeatedly? How does he keep from loosing his true self, from becoming one of the monsters he has set out to destroy? If he's lucky, he finds something or someone to hold his hand, to stand beside him and share their strength while he puts himself back together...one shattered piece at a time...
For undercover agent Sullivan Black that man was Carter Renault. Carter runs a local bar and for some reason Sullivan can breath again when he's near Carter. These two men are explosive together. We are talking seriously hot!!! I was thinking maybe I'd just stand in a cold shower to read this one. Sadly as much as Sully wants to walk away from his undercover life. It's not going to let him. There's one last job to be done he's told. One last job and then he'll be free.
The real question is will he live to see it through. Carter just wants Sully to come back and he's willing to wait. What he doesn't realize is how hard that the waiting, the wondering and the not knowing can be. But he's determined to do it because he wants Sully.
Avril Ashton has created a world of beautiful damaged souls to share with us. First there were the men of the Brooklyn Sinners and then she led us to the pairings of Run This Town. Now you're probably wondering what all these books have in common besides the author, much to my delight it's the characters. The one thing that I have discovered about this author is that in order to really appreciate the stories you need to pay careful attention to the characters because everything is interwoven and who will show up when or why is always a mystery but it will happen. So while you may not need to read each of these series to be able to enjoy this story. What I have found is that there is a fair bit of background information that definitely enhances your reading experience if you have read both The Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town.
Overall, I loved this book the action was non-stop, questions were asked, answers were given and yet more questions remain, old problems are resolved, new ones created, characters from previous stories appeared, we said hello to some and good-bye to others. As a reader I was left wanting more...more Dutch, more Patel, more Kyo, more Renzo, more Donavan and Levi, and more scenes like this...
Then he rang the bell.
Carter yanked it open.
Sulivan started to talk. "I want to be here, with you. I want to tell the things I should have said before I left. Things like I'm addicted to your kisses. You're the easiest person to talk to, and you make me feel things. I feel so much when I look into your eyes," he whispered. "Then you touch me and you take me places. I want to go there with you always."
"Sometimes I forget who I am, you remind me. Sometimes I don't want to be that guy, but you make me like him."
Now tell me you don't want that knocking at your door or at least sitting on your e-reader?
Oops, I almost missed a really important fact here THANK YOU!!!! to Jewel and Eleftheria for making this one of the most epic BUDDY READS EVER!!! Seriously EVER!!! This one was awesome and I can't wait for the next book.
January 2, 2016
What I liked :
- Sizzling hot sex.
- Sullivan and Carter are actually a great couple. I just need them to be together more often. Especially when they're not f***ing.
- I really liked the story. Police case stuff and all that. That's not often happen to me.
- Rendezvous with Sinner's gang. XD
- Glimpse of Levi/Van, Dutch/Patel, Renzo/Scott. *giddy*
What I disliked :
- Too much sex for me. I became bored with it. I need more chemistry. They met, they f***ed, Sullivan leaves. The evil cycle. I hate f*** buddies.
- There's something missing with Sullivan and Carter. It's not quite intense as usual Mrs. Av's books.
- The writing are a bit dragged..
- Sizzling hot sex.
- Sullivan and Carter are actually a great couple. I just need them to be together more often. Especially when they're not f***ing.
- I really liked the story. Police case stuff and all that. That's not often happen to me.
- Rendezvous with Sinner's gang. XD
- Glimpse of Levi/Van, Dutch/Patel, Renzo/Scott. *giddy*
What I disliked :
- Too much sex for me. I became bored with it. I need more chemistry. They met, they f***ed, Sullivan leaves. The evil cycle. I hate f*** buddies.
- There's something missing with Sullivan and Carter. It's not quite intense as usual Mrs. Av's books.
- The writing are a bit dragged..
May 30, 2022
I become obsessed with Avril Ashton after I finished "Call The Coroner" and I decided to read her backlist starting with this series.
This is a prequel to Loose Ends series but it's still a standalone romance story. However, I didn't really enjoy it. The romance was lacking for me, all I felt was lust, lust, lust and no love. Falling in love felt like obsession and using the other person and that's it. There was no gradual moving from lust to deeper feelings. The sex was hot but too much. The plot was okay but I was more interested and invested in Dutch than the MCs.
There was one part in this book that was really hard to read and I want to erase it from my memory. Even though CTC was way more darker somehow All These Hidden Scars managed with that scene to beat it. Not to mention I wanted to see more of how one of the MCs deals with something. But nope, it didn't happen. The end was too sudden and I expected to see more. At least to see how he deals with that. To see more of his feelings and their life together.
After finishing Call the Coroner I felt so good and I wanted more of Daniel and Stavros. After I finished this book I asked myself why I didn't dnf and it didn't left me with feelings of satisfaction? Hard to find the right word at the moment.
❗ This is dark romance book so heed the TWs before reading. ❗
Even though I didn't like this prequel at all, I'll keep reading this series because I really, really want to read Levi's story and Dutch's story too. ❤️
This is a prequel to Loose Ends series but it's still a standalone romance story. However, I didn't really enjoy it. The romance was lacking for me, all I felt was lust, lust, lust and no love. Falling in love felt like obsession and using the other person and that's it. There was no gradual moving from lust to deeper feelings. The sex was hot but too much. The plot was okay but I was more interested and invested in Dutch than the MCs.
There was one part in this book that was really hard to read and I want to erase it from my memory. Even though CTC was way more darker somehow All These Hidden Scars managed with that scene to beat it. Not to mention I wanted to see more of how one of the MCs deals with something. But nope, it didn't happen. The end was too sudden and I expected to see more. At least to see how he deals with that. To see more of his feelings and their life together.
After finishing Call the Coroner I felt so good and I wanted more of Daniel and Stavros. After I finished this book I asked myself why I didn't dnf and it didn't left me with feelings of satisfaction? Hard to find the right word at the moment.
❗ This is dark romance book so heed the TWs before reading. ❗
Even though I didn't like this prequel at all, I'll keep reading this series because I really, really want to read Levi's story and Dutch's story too. ❤️
May 21, 2018
Review coming soon.
February 25, 2016
This is the first book by Avril Ashton I’ve read and I got fast addicted. It has a story of its own, even though I missed some of the background and got at a lost sometimes.
Sullivan is an undercover FBI agent and his work takes a huge emotional toll on him, while he also has to deal with his twin being convicted for murder. As you can guess, a lot of angst there. Then, Sullivan meets Carter, a bar manager, and their sexual encounter quickly becomes a need for Sullivan, a way to ground him and keep him sane.
I couldn’t put that book down : eager to see the relationship between Sullivan and Carter building into something really strong and powerful. The tension and chemistry between the MCs, the desperation, the angst are all palpable without being over the top.
I found the good balance between really hot sex (mmm…guilty pleasure !!), sweet and thrilling moments, police investigation, twists. Add the complexity of all the characters, both MCs and secondary (I confess : I like badass, sexy and hot guys !!).
In overall, a read that kept me hooked and left me wanting to read more from this author and all the guys. It did it for me.
One issue though : the editing errors. English is not my native language and I struggled a lit bit sometimes.
Sullivan is an undercover FBI agent and his work takes a huge emotional toll on him, while he also has to deal with his twin being convicted for murder. As you can guess, a lot of angst there. Then, Sullivan meets Carter, a bar manager, and their sexual encounter quickly becomes a need for Sullivan, a way to ground him and keep him sane.
I couldn’t put that book down : eager to see the relationship between Sullivan and Carter building into something really strong and powerful. The tension and chemistry between the MCs, the desperation, the angst are all palpable without being over the top.
I found the good balance between really hot sex (mmm…guilty pleasure !!), sweet and thrilling moments, police investigation, twists. Add the complexity of all the characters, both MCs and secondary (I confess : I like badass, sexy and hot guys !!).
In overall, a read that kept me hooked and left me wanting to read more from this author and all the guys. It did it for me.
One issue though : the editing errors. English is not my native language and I struggled a lit bit sometimes.
September 13, 2018
I just love these stories! Brooklyn Sinners and Run this Town are among my favorite series. Dark and somewhat depraved stories mostly. They're cops and criminals, who are sometimes indistinguishable from each other. All the series to intersect with each other a little. This series is about some of the secondary characters from both prior series, who were more behind the scenes figures. This particular story is also connected to Keep Me Wanting, which features Fin, but can be read as a standalone.
September 13, 2018
I liked it.
The premise was fun and the story interesting. Liked both guys, and the side characters (Even the bad one!)
I haven't read all the other books by that author, lots of others people have cameo/side role. Easy enough to follow..
Editing could be better. A few missing word/name swap..
The premise was fun and the story interesting. Liked both guys, and the side characters (Even the bad one!)
I haven't read all the other books by that author, lots of others people have cameo/side role. Easy enough to follow..
Editing could be better. A few missing word/name swap..
August 10, 2025
A MUST Read for this series
The best prequel I've read so far.
Usually, prequels are just hastily slapped together novellas to introduce a new series but this book was a well fleshed-out book which set up the series perfectly.
I'll admit that the story had a rough start with Sullivan and his disappearing act but once things started coming to light, I fell into the story and didn't come back up for air until the end. Sully and Carter were great for each other and were what they both needed at that point in time. Sully more than Carter but so powerful nonetheless.
Also, This book set up all three upcoming books in the series so well that I want to read all three books simultaneously nooow😂😂
It also gave us a glimpse into the mysterious and callous (at least at this point) Dutch and we finally got some confirmation about what was up between him and Patel. Their book is going to be soo good. I can just feel it.
All in all like I said, this was fantastic and I was very satisfied with it. It was worth paying full price for and with that said, I'm off to the next!!
The best prequel I've read so far.
Usually, prequels are just hastily slapped together novellas to introduce a new series but this book was a well fleshed-out book which set up the series perfectly.
I'll admit that the story had a rough start with Sullivan and his disappearing act but once things started coming to light, I fell into the story and didn't come back up for air until the end. Sully and Carter were great for each other and were what they both needed at that point in time. Sully more than Carter but so powerful nonetheless.
Also, This book set up all three upcoming books in the series so well that I want to read all three books simultaneously nooow😂😂
It also gave us a glimpse into the mysterious and callous (at least at this point) Dutch and we finally got some confirmation about what was up between him and Patel. Their book is going to be soo good. I can just feel it.
All in all like I said, this was fantastic and I was very satisfied with it. It was worth paying full price for and with that said, I'm off to the next!!
September 29, 2024
Great book as usual. The world Avril has created with these characters and stories that intertwine... It's a world that you don't want to leave so every time you read a new story and see a familiar face every now and then, it's almost like seeing someone you know and love.
Usually I'm reading several books at a time because I get bored but that never happens with Avril's books. It took me awhile to get into the gang/mafia trope. Daniel May's Hanged Men first got me into it and now I'm hooked, and Avril's stories are everything. I read the previous two series, Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town, without a break I think. Then Onley James's Maniac came out and I started reading it but every little thing about it was irritating me, and I realized it was because I really just wanted to be reading more Avril Ashton. So I started this series and it's like coming back to an old, familiar place, I love it.
Usually I'm reading several books at a time because I get bored but that never happens with Avril's books. It took me awhile to get into the gang/mafia trope. Daniel May's Hanged Men first got me into it and now I'm hooked, and Avril's stories are everything. I read the previous two series, Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town, without a break I think. Then Onley James's Maniac came out and I started reading it but every little thing about it was irritating me, and I realized it was because I really just wanted to be reading more Avril Ashton. So I started this series and it's like coming back to an old, familiar place, I love it.
June 23, 2016
Okay, important note to anyone wanting to read this and understand who the fuck these people are.
**You cannot read this without first reading the Brooklyn Sinners series and the Run This Town series.**
I mean, of course you can, but you shouldn't. I've read them all and I still had to wrack my weary brain to remember who was who.
I just love her stories about these corrupted, broken men that somehow find a person to really love them. This one was hard to read in spots but so very good. The only thing missing for me was the connection between the two MCs. I don't know why but I didn't feel it as strongly as I usually do with her reads. And she could use an editor. Quite a few mistakes.
**You cannot read this without first reading the Brooklyn Sinners series and the Run This Town series.**
I mean, of course you can, but you shouldn't. I've read them all and I still had to wrack my weary brain to remember who was who.
I just love her stories about these corrupted, broken men that somehow find a person to really love them. This one was hard to read in spots but so very good. The only thing missing for me was the connection between the two MCs. I don't know why but I didn't feel it as strongly as I usually do with her reads. And she could use an editor. Quite a few mistakes.
February 3, 2018
Didn’t care much about this book. It needs editing since it has lots of errors.
Also this book is not a stand alone, at least not to me. Dozens of characters from what seems to be another series show up and you kind of have to guess who the heck they are.
But all of that would have been forgivable if the author had made me care for the couple. They made zero sense to me. They went from a hard fuck in an alley to being in love. Maybe I can understand how Sully, being so broken, would find solace in someone as normal as Carter. But I cannot understand how someone like Sullivan makes sense to Carter, to the point he would risk his life and his family for this guy that kept coming through his window for a fuck’n go.
Not for me....
Also this book is not a stand alone, at least not to me. Dozens of characters from what seems to be another series show up and you kind of have to guess who the heck they are.
But all of that would have been forgivable if the author had made me care for the couple. They made zero sense to me. They went from a hard fuck in an alley to being in love. Maybe I can understand how Sully, being so broken, would find solace in someone as normal as Carter. But I cannot understand how someone like Sullivan makes sense to Carter, to the point he would risk his life and his family for this guy that kept coming through his window for a fuck’n go.
Not for me....
January 11, 2019
Re-read and I STILL love these men!! 😍😍
March 4, 2018
4.75 stars
Great prequel to the Loose Ends series. It cleared up a lot of loose ends for me in regards to reading book one of the series.
Now I have to decide where I want to go from here. Decisions, decisions.
Great prequel to the Loose Ends series. It cleared up a lot of loose ends for me in regards to reading book one of the series.
Now I have to decide where I want to go from here. Decisions, decisions.
February 11, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
You can pretty much guarantee when you pick up a book by Avril Ashton you are going to get a thrilling plot, crazy badass alpha men, excitement and hot as hell sex. All These Hidden Scars had all of this and more.
This is the first book in the Loose Ends series and as such there were a lot of characters introduced and a lot of information to take in. It’s setting the scene if you like and in my opinion it sets it up extremely well and leaves you impatient for the next book. I can’t wait for Van and Levi’s story and really, really hope they are up next.
Sullivan Black is an FBI agent whose cases involve the very lowest depths society can sink to. He is almost two people. The agent who can and does do his job so well and then the man that comes home and has to find his real self again. Every time he comes home it’s more difficult for him to return to himself, his saviour is his twin Sol who seems to know exactly what he needs, but even that is fucked up and Sol is no longer available. He needs out. He wants out. Dutch, his boss, wants the bad guys and nothing will stop him, resorting to blackmail is all part of the norm.
When I leave, I never return the same.
When a blowjob in an alley with Carter Renault, a single parent intent on avoiding relationships, won’t leave Sullivan’s mind he becomes a stalker of sorts. This is maybe the first relationship I’ve read about that begins with an MC breaking into another man’s house every few weeks for intense sex and then leaving straight after but that is what happens. What is even crazier is that it works and an actual relationship starts to develop!
Their intimacy is hot and all-consuming but then Sullivan is blackmailed back into an undercover operation and it all goes to hell. It’s brutal and explosive and although he is rescued by the guys from Sinner’s, and yes wasn’t it fantastic seeing them again, he may have been pushed too far for even Carter to bring him back this time.
This was everything I expect and want from an Avril Ashton book and an excellent start to a new series. If not for the editing issues, it really needed further proofreading, it would have been a clear 5 star read for me. I can’t wait to see where the author goes with the rest of the series.
You can pretty much guarantee when you pick up a book by Avril Ashton you are going to get a thrilling plot, crazy badass alpha men, excitement and hot as hell sex. All These Hidden Scars had all of this and more.
This is the first book in the Loose Ends series and as such there were a lot of characters introduced and a lot of information to take in. It’s setting the scene if you like and in my opinion it sets it up extremely well and leaves you impatient for the next book. I can’t wait for Van and Levi’s story and really, really hope they are up next.
Sullivan Black is an FBI agent whose cases involve the very lowest depths society can sink to. He is almost two people. The agent who can and does do his job so well and then the man that comes home and has to find his real self again. Every time he comes home it’s more difficult for him to return to himself, his saviour is his twin Sol who seems to know exactly what he needs, but even that is fucked up and Sol is no longer available. He needs out. He wants out. Dutch, his boss, wants the bad guys and nothing will stop him, resorting to blackmail is all part of the norm.
When I leave, I never return the same.
When a blowjob in an alley with Carter Renault, a single parent intent on avoiding relationships, won’t leave Sullivan’s mind he becomes a stalker of sorts. This is maybe the first relationship I’ve read about that begins with an MC breaking into another man’s house every few weeks for intense sex and then leaving straight after but that is what happens. What is even crazier is that it works and an actual relationship starts to develop!
Their intimacy is hot and all-consuming but then Sullivan is blackmailed back into an undercover operation and it all goes to hell. It’s brutal and explosive and although he is rescued by the guys from Sinner’s, and yes wasn’t it fantastic seeing them again, he may have been pushed too far for even Carter to bring him back this time.
This was everything I expect and want from an Avril Ashton book and an excellent start to a new series. If not for the editing issues, it really needed further proofreading, it would have been a clear 5 star read for me. I can’t wait to see where the author goes with the rest of the series.
Read
May 10, 2016DNF at 45%. I just can't get into this one. I always have a problem with books where there are time jumps..weeks, months since the MCs have seen each other, and there's only sex involved. Sully's little breaking and entering stunt was not sexy. I don't get the start of a relationship out of that. It makes me not connect to them because I feel like I don't know them, and they don't know each other. I can't really explain it. Of course Sully started sharing info with Carter, but for Carter to ask something like 'What is this? Is it dating?' Umm, you've never seen him in the doggone daylight, or when sex wasn't involved. Even though he said that he didn't think they were, the fact that he even asked the question had me like ugh. Then all of a sudden Sully is so needy and can't imagine life without him. From a few booty calls? Ok. Guess Carter is putting it down! Really, the only person I'm interested in is Sol. Maybe I should skim the rest to see what his deal is. I hope he doesn't die or, heaven forbid, get released. Wonder if we can get a prison romance with his crazy ass. Some fellow inmate who can appreciate his inner darkness..and lay that pipe like they're with the Union. Teehee!
December 27, 2015
4 1/2 stars. This book was ... so much. Twisted and brutal and gritty and pure Avril Ashton at her best. The threads of both the Brooklyn Sinners series and the Run This Town series that keep getting woven together so intricately but powerfully is nothing short of brilliant. I absolutely love how loose ends keep coming to light and painting a clearer picture, but there are still LOTS of questions that need to be answered and I'm dying to get to them. All These Hidden Scars was fabulous and Sullivan and Carter together are just ... so good. And ... I'll admit to a very VERY loud squee of excitement when Syren Rua made an appearance (along with some of our other favorites) I'm SO excited for Van and Levi and I hope that means we'll see a bit, or A LOT, of Israel and Reggie and Juan Pablo and Shane. I would not be AT ALL upset to have a peek at Tek and Quinn either *hint hint* :)
These stories just keep getting better and better!
These stories just keep getting better and better!
July 2, 2017
Firstly this story is loosely related to Ashton's
which I am now, out of sequence, reading. However, I was able to understand the relevant parts as pertains to this story, so I am going to go ahead and endorse that it can be read as a standalone novel. Actually, it is a prequel as described and the author has indicated that the subsequent new series will follow.
While some of the story's general environment and cast of characters, begs a small suspension of belief in reality, Ashton pulls off an enjoyable balancing act of love story and suspense AND her wonderfully descriptive narrative of passionate, loving man sex. Far fetched? Somewhat. Believable for the world she creates? Big fat Hell Yeah.
which I am now, out of sequence, reading. However, I was able to understand the relevant parts as pertains to this story, so I am going to go ahead and endorse that it can be read as a standalone novel. Actually, it is a prequel as described and the author has indicated that the subsequent new series will follow. While some of the story's general environment and cast of characters, begs a small suspension of belief in reality, Ashton pulls off an enjoyable balancing act of love story and suspense AND her wonderfully descriptive narrative of passionate, loving man sex. Far fetched? Somewhat. Believable for the world she creates? Big fat Hell Yeah.
July 26, 2016
3.5 (3.0) Stars
God knows I am a die-hard Avril Ashton fan but this one was just meh.
God knows I am a die-hard Avril Ashton fan but this one was just meh.
January 8, 2016
4.5 Stars!!!
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