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The Scars Series Duet

The Scars Series Duet

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The Scars Series box set includes both full-length novels, The Scars of Us, and Mending Scars, plus never before seen bonus content from the series. The prologue and first chapter from Kamden's book, Scarred Remnants, is also included.
The Scars of Us
Kaiya Marlow has always been cautious, precise in every decision she makes. When her dark past threatens to resurface, she decides to take precautions to protect herself by enrolling in self-defense classes at her gym. Her instructor, Ryker Campbell, is the tattooed womanizer everyone warns about. Kaiya attempts to resist Ryker's advances, but the more time they spend training together, the harder it is for Kaiya to resist him. Ryker's view on relationships is simple: strictly sex, nothing more. Haunted by demons from his past, he never allows himself to become attached to any woman. No attachment means no weakness, no vulnerability, no pain. He doesn't realize that his whole world is about to be turned upside down when Kaiya enters his self-defense class. Determined to have her, at least for one night, Ryker sets a plan into motion that will change both of their lives forever. Will love be able to heal their scars, or are they too deep to overcome? Disclaimer: 18+ for explicit sexual situations and some sensitive subject matter
Mending Scars
Even though Kaleb is out of Kaiya's life, the scars he left behind remain a constant reminder of the pain he subjected her to for most of her life. Still tormented by those old demons, and plagued by the events of that traumatic night, Kaiya has more to deal with as she moves forward in her relationship with Ryker. Ryker's past continues to haunt him when something unexpected flips his and Kaiya's lives upside down. Neither are prepared for what's to come. What happens when the past refuses to stay buried? Will love continue to be enough to overcome the obstacles they'll face, or are their scars too severe to mend? Disclaimer: 18+ for explicit sexual situations and some sensitive subject matter

560 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2015

44 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Sparxx

27 books357 followers
Lover of angst, drama, and happily ever afters, Nikki Sparxx is the bestselling author of The Scars Series, and The Elemental Prophecy Series. She previously wrote under the name Nikki Narvaez, but has adopted a new, sexy pen name to better suit the style of her books.

When she’s not writing, Nikki enjoys reading, playing Texas Hold ‘Em poker, and spending time with her real life book boyfriend, Landon.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
September 25, 2017
THE SCARS OF US:
It took me awhile to start the book, as I was staring at all the yumminess that is the cover! I had read Nikki's other books and if she doesn't want to write N/A paranormal anymore and just write N/A I'm all for it because this book was BANGING! Ryker it's in his nature to be protective but he goes above and beyond where Kaiya is concerned, "as she neared, I saw small cuts on her face, and I couldn't explain the anger that filled me at the thought of someone hurting her. "What happened to your face?" I all but spat. Calm down." Ryker the boy has some naughty fantasies about Kaiya, "when I exited, Kaiya was bent over, touching, her right foot gracefully with her fingers as she stretched. Her a** was to me, and I couldn't help but imagine entering her from behind, sinking my di** inside her pu**y as I pounded against that sweet a**." The boy is an eager one in the bedroom ladies (winks) HUGE turn on right there, "Ryker growled as he swiftly removed his shorts before pulling at mine, "eff, baby, I've wanted you for so long." He's a possessive little sh** (okay maybe not 'little') as well, "I'm not made at you. I'm just pi**ed that he wants what's mine, and doesn't seem to be taking the hint." I can't wait to see what Nikki does next whether it be paranormal or N/A I just reading what she writes.


MENDING SCARS:
Loved it better than the first one Ryker that boy's thoughts are still consumed with his girl no matter what the activity they're supposed to be doing, "I leaned to the side and craned my head to get a glimpse of her a**. Eff, that a**. Kaiya cleared her throat and stifled a laugh. "Excuse me, but we don't have all night. I'd really like to learn this routine." There are times the boy just succumbs to his desire, "I know I should be concentrating on training you, but feeling you against me like this makes me effing crazy, baby." Sometimes he also just says things to make his girl feel good about herself even when he doesn't care and that makes a good man right there, "I looked down at her hot pink nails. "Yeah, babe." I could care less what color her nails were, but I complimented her choice anyway. "Looks great on you." All I'm gonna say is Kamden and Nori need a book they don't have to be together as a couple just that they need one.
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,091 reviews18 followers
March 12, 2016
I was given an ARC by Author Groupies in exchange for a honest review.


THE SCARS OF US

Maybe the universe is trying to talk to me " time heals all wounds " it's a quote that's crossed my path more than once of late. Sadly the result is always the same, scars remain, reminding you of the pain.....

Kaiya and Kamden are brother and sister and share a very tight and close bond. They also have another sibling, Kaleb, Kaiya's twin. Let's just say that Kaleb is a few sandwiches short of a full picnic basket. He abused Kaiya for years. One day things got really scary for Kaiya but thankfully Kamden came to her rescue. With Kaleb institutionalised. Kaiya and Kamden have a chance at "normal"

Their "normality " comes under threat with the possibility of their brother's release but they're going to fight it! Kaiya makes the first step and starts self defence classes. You go girl, I'm so proud of you!

Meet Ryker, panty melting, puddle making, inked instructor. Damn this man is HOT I don't think even Mother Theresa would've been ablest resist!

Now Ryker has his own demons that he's fighting but Kaiya wakes something up in him. He wants her and he wants more than his usual one night stand and he usually gets what he wants.

Kaiya tries to resist him but he succumbs to his charm. I can't blame her though the man is HOT but he's also patient,kind, protective he breathes life and confidence into her inner vixen that lies buried beneath guilt, shame hurt and anger.

Here towards the end my nerves are shattered, my heart is beating a mile a minute and my ulcer is eating me alive! I actually hit out in a cold sweat #ishityounot#

Kaiya comes face to face with the devil himself. This time she has the ability to defend herself and believe you me when I say she fought! Just as I brace myself for the worst, Ryker arrives.....

What seems to be end of a nightmare is actually the beginning of another......

MENDING SCARS

With the word "mending " in the title you'd think you know what to expect but don't be fooled.....

Yes there is mending.... Of physical wounds and broken relationships like between Ryker and his brother Ethan.

But there is also heartache. My heart breaks for Kamden, Kaleb still seems to have control, even from the grave and that whacked bitch of a mother just adds fuel to the fire!

Kamden needs helps and that much becomes evident when his drinking sees him knocking at death's door

Kaiya gets Kamden help and goes with him which I think is a good thing

Again Kaiya's past comes to haunt her and a friend is not all he seems to be. The decision Kaiya makes may just cost her her life this time but this time there is so much more at stake.....

Again the calvary arrives and all ends well but I hope Kaiya has learnt her lesson.... Trust those you love

All in all this ws an awesome read. I loved the way I could read different POV. Thank you for that Nikki Sparx

Having said that, you're such a tease with your bonus content "Scarred Remnants " and although my heart is shattered I'm hoping to keep it together to see what happens with Kamden.
Profile Image for Itsy Bitsy Book Bits.
699 reviews50 followers
March 18, 2016
“Kam, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?” He blew out a breath of frustration as he ran his free hand over his buzzed head. “You should sit down for this, Ky.” My pulse pounded ferociously under my skin, my blood thrumming through my veins with fear. “What is it, Kamden?”“Ky, I really think you sh—”“Tell me, Kamden!” I shrieked, beginning my spiral out of control. My thoughts turned to the darkest of places, to where my nightmares were rooted. Please no, please don’t let it be him. Kamden sighed before stating, “Kaleb is being evaluated for release.” No… no, no, no!“
Kaiya Marlow, a Project Coordinator for a marketing and public relation firm. A younger sister, a best friend and a victim from abuse. Kaiya was abuse when she was younger, which cause her to have little trust in people. The only one she can vaguely trust and feel safe with is her older brother Kamden, and her best friend Nori. Kaiya has been having nightmares about her past life, and if things couldn’t get any worse, she finds out the horrible news. Trying to help Kaiya relieve some stress, Kamden takes her with him to the gym, where she literally falls into his arms.
“You don’t want to get involved with me.” Resting my hands on the outside of her thighs, I rubbed my thumbs against them. “You’ve said that before. I know what I want, and I’m looking right at her.” “
Ryker Campbell, is a sexy tattoo bearing, tongue piercing, gym leader trainer, with an amazing body. Ryker is a play boy who can have any woman he lays his eyes on, and the one he wants is Kaiya. When Kaiya falls off and lands in his arms, Ryker knew at that very moment he wanted her. Though Kaiya is attractive to him, she repeatedly denies him, but that won’t stop Ryker from pursing her. What starts out as a trying to get her to do a one-night stand, quickly turns into trying to get into a relationship with her. But just like any relationship trust is very much needed. Between finding out that her abuser might be release, and her new found attraction to Ryker, what is Kaiya to do?
Caution: Please read this book at home, for it will make you laugh, cry, and get mad. This Boxset is absolutely amazing!!! In the very beginning, aka the first two pages I thought it was going to be a slow book, but it’s not. Do not sleep on this book, I repeat do not sleep on this book. Just when you think you know what’s going on, or assuming something was going to happen, it doesn’t. You’re going to be extremely shock when you find out who the person is that is that abusing Kaiya. I fell in love instantly with Kaiya and Ryker, they are so hilarious. While reading the book I wish that I could reach in and hug Kamden, Ryker, and Kai, they go through so much and I feel so bad for them. My heart cried when I found out what was going on in the book, and I was so furious when I found out why Ryker is the way he is. The author did an amazing job portraying the characters and their emotions. I love the way she kept me on the edge of my seat, and the best part is that there was no cliffy.
Profile Image for Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend.
1,664 reviews82 followers
March 13, 2016
A solid Box Set - I love the box sets so I can read the complete story and not wait !! Bonus content is always a plus too !! Pages and pages of serious hotness , true love , drama , heartache , abuse and finally some happiness. Looking forward to more...

BOOK 1 The Scars Of Us- 4 stars
I have had the paperback for awhile now and let me just say it was so nice to be able to look at that cover while I was reading !! I am a BIG Andrew England fan so I picture him in stories regardless but having him on the cover - being Ryker - WOW AMAZING !!

I loved this story - typical chance meeting of two very similar people. Both with pasts they don't want to share yet pasts that dictate their present behavior. Ryker is now a manwhore after the number his ex pulled on him , he has no family and although he is an amazing trainer and loves his job it is a bit empty. Kaiya is haunted by her past anytime she looks in the mirror , what she went through was horrific and may be a trigger for some - be warned. Her nightmares are so real and thankfully she has her wonderful and amazing older brother Kam with her to help her through. She also is short on family but enjoys her job and has a couple great friends including Bryce who is her chosen friends with benefits. When you get her story you will find it amazing she can even handle that. When Kam takes Kaiya to his gym the pull between Ryker and her is too much to avoid. The kickboxing class , the training , their instant connection and comfortability with each other was great. I loved watching Ryker slowly break down her walls. They both have scars to heal and sadly that doesn't happen by the end of this book. They may have jumped one major hurdle but the events at the end of this story will only make the struggle more real. Ryker and Kaiya are super hot and I would love a book that was just filled with their sex scenes !! Ryker and those strong muscular arms - yum yum !! Book 2 is gearing up to be great.

BOOK 2 Mending Scars - 4 stars
WOW - after the events ending book 1 you would think there was some kind of relief for these characters - no such luck. Kaiya may be able to rest easy knowing Kaleb cannot hurt her anymore but the amount of suffering Kam is no struggling with has her on high alert , not to mention the menacing texts and phone calls. Between Kam's guilt eating him up and the therapy bringing their past to the present he turns to alcohol to help him through. Kaiya and Ryker may be going strong but when fear and doubt creep in all great things can chance being ruined. Ryker has finally reached out to his brother and is trying to mend the fence , doing that puts him face to face with what happened in his past. Although the time has come to forgive and move on Ryker is having a hard time keeping those issues out of his and Kaiya's relationship. I went along for quite a bit assuming a certain thing and never even thought of what it could actually turn into. There is a couple of twists and some major drama AGAIN. Will they finally catch a break ?? That 4 years later epilogue may just warm your heart. I truly enjoyed the series and was so happy to have both paperbacks so I could read right in a row and check out those covers anytime I wanted !!
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,912 reviews117 followers
March 12, 2016
The Scars of Us - 5 Stars!

This book is a very emotional read about two scarred people trying to move on with their lives.

Ky was a strong warrior ;) who needed someone to help heal her and get help from scars that she endured from a family member.

Ryker was amazing. I love a man whore who changed for a girl and that is our man here. Ryker too needs someone to help him heal from his own battle scars in life.

It took a while for Ky and Ryker's relationship to build but once it did it was explosive. The sexual tension between these two was off the charts HOT!

This book does touch on some very sensitive topics so be warned. It had action, sexy scenes, love, healing, and learning to trust. Highly recommended.

I also loved Kamden. He was such a sweet soul who stuck by Ky and wanted the best for her. He was kind of uptight at times but I understand why with great reason!

Hoping for a book for Kamden because he deserves a HEA.

★★★

Mending Scars - 5 Stars!

This is not a standalone. Book one in this series, The Scars of Us, should be read prior to reading this book. This review may contain spoilers if you haven't read book one so read at your own risk.

This is the continuation of Kaiya and Ryker's story. It is emotionally charged. The characters will just roll off of the pages. They will make you laugh, cry, get mad, gasp, and totally root for them. This book will take you on a crazy ride but no worries, it is all worth it in the end.

As Ryker, Kaiya, and Kamden try to heal and move on following Kaleb's death, they find they are all battling internal battles. Ryker is still messed up from his ex. Kaiya's past just won't let her go and is determined to ruin her chances of a happy ending. And Kamden is dealing with guilt. As everyone tries to heal and move on, Ryker and Kaiya try to grow in their relationship despite obstacles that they will face. Will they be able to get their happy ending?

I fell into deeper book boyfriend love with Ryker. He showed his strength in book one but wow, he really shined in book two. He was the rock that Kaiya needed even if he was broken on the inside. And between the sheets, Ryker sizzles. Man oh man! I also liked Kaiya and loved seeing her grow, despite the obstacles she continued to face. This book really showed them struggle with their pasts as they still have a hold on them. This book show how hard they had to fight to overcome.

I highly recommend this series and author!

Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
March 12, 2016
WOW WOW WOW! I absolutely positively LOVED this series. In The Scars of Us, Kaiya Marlow has the demons of the past as a constant companion. It's made her extremely cautious, and very controlled. When her dark past comes calling in the present, she decides to enroll in a self defense at her gym. The instructor, Ryker Campbell, is a yummy tatted up man whore. She feels sparks, but she's attempting to resist him. The more time they spend together, it becomes apparent that her resistance is growing weaker. Ryker has his own past demons that keep him from getting close to any woman. Determined to have Kaiya for one night, his plans hit a snag when he can't stop thinking about her. Will love overcome all their scars?

In Mending Scars, Kaleb is out of Kaiya's life, but the destruction is vast. She's having to deal with the past, and now new scars from him while she navigates a new relationship with Ryker. Meanwhile, Ryker's past has come up to haunt him, making him doubt everything in their relationship, after a big surprise. To add fuel to the fire, danger is stalking Kaiya again. Will Ryker get rid of his doubt in enough time to save her?

I swear I didn't move an inch from the time I started this series, until the time I finished it. Nothing could have made me put my kindle down. I was fully transported into the exciting mind of Nikki Sparxx. Her talented and addictive writing style held me hostage until the very last sentence, leaving me wanting more. The character development is great, with an exciting, sometimes dark, and well written storyline thar flows smoothly. Combustible chemistry finally EXPLODES into SCORCHIN' HOT fiery flames of sexy scene goodness that I couldn't get enough of. Twists and turns kept me on my toes, as a couple of big OMG moments blindsided me. The emotional angst is off the charts, and had my eyes leaking a time or two. I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book, so I happily HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,657 reviews85 followers
March 9, 2016
I like box sets for books, why? Because I don't have to stop reading to buy or hunt for on my kindle. With that being said I enjoys reading the Scars Series, there are some trigger subjects in it so you have been warned (there's also a warning in the blurb!)

book 1 we are introduced to Kaiya and Ryker, who both have deep dark pasts that the need to overcome. Kaiya enters the gym Ryker works at and begins taking self defense classes with him. The both help each other and their relationship builds them into great characters. I'm not sure I liked all of Kaiya's indecisiveness and I love how Ryker went from womanizer to hero.

Book 2 picks up where you leave off with book 1. Picking up the pieces of their life, Kaiya, Ryker and Kamden try to move on. Kaiya feels it's her responsibility to be strong and help but can she if she doesn't know how to fix herself. Kaiya once agains finds herself in danger. At times I questioned where we were going and if we would get our HEA (I'm not telling!) but I had to push on and finish.

We get a preview of the 3rd book at the end, which kept me wanting more! The series is a page turner, will keep you guessing right up to the end.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Cely.
179 reviews5 followers
February 29, 2016
First and foremost this book has sexual abusive content so if it is too difficult for you to read these types of books it isn't for you. The books were pretty good. I like to read books where I read from both characters views. There were a lot of parts where she described how they were learning self defense which I could do without so many little intricate details which made want to skim through instead of reading it. (That is the only complaint I really have). When I was reading the second book I thought it was going to be about Kamden (kaiya's brother) what he was going through but then I realized it's about Ryker's issues and how they got through it as the first book was about Kaiya's "demons" and how they got through that together. Pretty good overall I am interested to read more about Kamden which in the end of the these books she has an excerpt for.
Profile Image for Tina.
824 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2016
This was my first read from this author.I am an absolute fan now. Chemistry was sparked from chapter 1 and it only got better and better as it went. You will run through the emotions while reading and the best part is that you get the whole story because this is a box set.

Both characters have a past but Kaiya's is particularly disturbing. She seeks out self defense classes as she hears that that awful blast from her past is being released.

She develops a connection with Ryker from the first time they meet but because of her traumatic past. she doesn't allow anyone in. We watch the pages sizzle with chemistry as you turn each one.

I definitely can't wait to read more of Nikki's books
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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