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Loose Ends #1
Scars and Secrets
After an undercover assignment that changed his life forever, FBI agent Donovan Cintron is barely hanging on to sanity. His new mission is to forget, by any means necessary, so he tries his hardest. Pills. Booze. The warm bodies that never quite measure up to what he’d had. What he’d lost. It’s almost a relief when he learns his identity might be compromised—except he’s not the only one exposed. So is the husband he hasn’t stopped needing all these years later. He’d been aching to die, but for Levi Nieto, Donovan will live. To protect. To regret. To remember.
The realization that everything he loved was a farce sent Levi Nieto spinning out of control, and running away from the memories. Now Donovan is back in his life, still fully entrenched in darkness. Their physical connection is one thing, but the truth of who they are to each other remains trapped among the anger, violence and lies suffocating them. Fixing what’s broken will take more than each man exposing his scars. Secrets—and blood—must be spilled.
The realization that everything he loved was a farce sent Levi Nieto spinning out of control, and running away from the memories. Now Donovan is back in his life, still fully entrenched in darkness. Their physical connection is one thing, but the truth of who they are to each other remains trapped among the anger, violence and lies suffocating them. Fixing what’s broken will take more than each man exposing his scars. Secrets—and blood—must be spilled.
218 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2016
210 people are currently reading
1506 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 174 reviews
March 25, 2018
~PANTS? WHAT PANTS, MY PANTS DONT LIVE HERE ANYMORE!!~
5++++++ stars bitch
I am just….
Like where do I begin? This book was just a pure banger and I didn’t want it to end. I know I’m getting an angst ridden read when it comes to Avril, but this had me choking on my own spit and had my heart racing, I haven’t felt them feels since “Watch Break me Break You” left me ruined. Scars and Secrets is a thirst trap, and I am thirsty. My throat is mad raw!!
Donovan Cintron has got a job to do but that job didn’t entail falling in love and building a family. The thing with keeping secrets is that eventually they come to light and leave a mess of hurt behind. That’s what happened with Van, his secrets lost him his husband and family. With everything he does clothed in danger it’s finally coming back to bite him in the ass and his husband and son are put in danger. It’s time for the prodigal husband to make a return and save his marriage and in the process save his own life.
Levi Nieto found love and lost it. Lies and betrayals has shaped his life for the last seven years and he never thought he would be able to move on from that. Now his life, his sons life is in danger once again and it’s all because of the man he married. Donovan came into his life to build him up only to knock him down. Now he’s face to face with the man that left him wrecked and bodied, how can they move past all this hurt. One things for sure, their passion is blazing fire and it seems not even distance could dim the flames.
First of all, first off all…this f*cking book left me in tatters. That’s not to say I didn’t have a few problems but the pros far outweigh the cons and I feel like I been ruined for any other books I read this year. It’s like Miss Ashton goes into brain and write the things that make me lose my pants. Levi & Van are walking, talking porn advertisement. I read sex scenes with a slight disinterest because I’ve been doing this so long, so it takes a lot to get my motor running. Their heat left me deceased and just shooketh to the core. I like them together, I love them together but I feel like I hardly know them apart. Their surrounding overshadowed their story and I wanted to know how they fell in love.
“Want you to feel me” Levi’s mouth was at his ear, breath harsh, loud, broken. “In your fucking chest. When I come inside that ass, you better taste it on your tongue”.
The plot is one crazy twist after another filled with favourite characters from the authors other works. My heart was just in a happy place seeing characters that I know and love in one place coming together with a common goal and shaking sh*t up. A lot of interesting shockers here filled with Avril’s signature dramatic flair and I was all in for it. I swear I am just so in love with the freaking book its essence is dunked into my bones.
What I’m having a hard time with, is Vans addiction being glossed over and it was a full blown addiction. He had some demons and I feel they weren’t addressed properly. Man needs rehab, therapy, and a cleanse. Alas, I’m still all for this regardless of its faults I’m still utterly in love and ain’t nobody can tell me otherwise. I give kudos to Avril regardless of writing, high marks for diversity alone. Her stories ain’t filled with cookie cutter white boys all over the place, and all these bad boy types is my aesthetic. Hats off to my Jamaican rude boyz!!
Overall, this has been a pleasure to read and experience and I might be ruined for the rest of the year. Scars and Secrets is unapologetically Avril Ashton and I am looking forward to reading the series. I have to take them in small doses because I’m trying to live. I am a lifetime fan of this author. Big ups Avril, keep writing the mans dem!!
SideNote- Take caution going into this series if you haven’t read the other series (Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town).
SideNote2- Walking around with a girl boner for the rest of the month.
5++++++ stars bitch
I am just….
Like where do I begin? This book was just a pure banger and I didn’t want it to end. I know I’m getting an angst ridden read when it comes to Avril, but this had me choking on my own spit and had my heart racing, I haven’t felt them feels since “Watch Break me Break You” left me ruined. Scars and Secrets is a thirst trap, and I am thirsty. My throat is mad raw!!
Donovan Cintron has got a job to do but that job didn’t entail falling in love and building a family. The thing with keeping secrets is that eventually they come to light and leave a mess of hurt behind. That’s what happened with Van, his secrets lost him his husband and family. With everything he does clothed in danger it’s finally coming back to bite him in the ass and his husband and son are put in danger. It’s time for the prodigal husband to make a return and save his marriage and in the process save his own life.
Levi Nieto found love and lost it. Lies and betrayals has shaped his life for the last seven years and he never thought he would be able to move on from that. Now his life, his sons life is in danger once again and it’s all because of the man he married. Donovan came into his life to build him up only to knock him down. Now he’s face to face with the man that left him wrecked and bodied, how can they move past all this hurt. One things for sure, their passion is blazing fire and it seems not even distance could dim the flames.
First of all, first off all…this f*cking book left me in tatters. That’s not to say I didn’t have a few problems but the pros far outweigh the cons and I feel like I been ruined for any other books I read this year. It’s like Miss Ashton goes into brain and write the things that make me lose my pants. Levi & Van are walking, talking porn advertisement. I read sex scenes with a slight disinterest because I’ve been doing this so long, so it takes a lot to get my motor running. Their heat left me deceased and just shooketh to the core. I like them together, I love them together but I feel like I hardly know them apart. Their surrounding overshadowed their story and I wanted to know how they fell in love.
“Want you to feel me” Levi’s mouth was at his ear, breath harsh, loud, broken. “In your fucking chest. When I come inside that ass, you better taste it on your tongue”.
The plot is one crazy twist after another filled with favourite characters from the authors other works. My heart was just in a happy place seeing characters that I know and love in one place coming together with a common goal and shaking sh*t up. A lot of interesting shockers here filled with Avril’s signature dramatic flair and I was all in for it. I swear I am just so in love with the freaking book its essence is dunked into my bones.
What I’m having a hard time with, is Vans addiction being glossed over and it was a full blown addiction. He had some demons and I feel they weren’t addressed properly. Man needs rehab, therapy, and a cleanse. Alas, I’m still all for this regardless of its faults I’m still utterly in love and ain’t nobody can tell me otherwise. I give kudos to Avril regardless of writing, high marks for diversity alone. Her stories ain’t filled with cookie cutter white boys all over the place, and all these bad boy types is my aesthetic. Hats off to my Jamaican rude boyz!!
Overall, this has been a pleasure to read and experience and I might be ruined for the rest of the year. Scars and Secrets is unapologetically Avril Ashton and I am looking forward to reading the series. I have to take them in small doses because I’m trying to live. I am a lifetime fan of this author. Big ups Avril, keep writing the mans dem!!
SideNote- Take caution going into this series if you haven’t read the other series (Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town).
SideNote2- Walking around with a girl boner for the rest of the month.
July 4, 2018
Lorraine is going to flay me alive when she sees my rating on this book. 😁 I admit that I’m a huge HUGE fan of Avril Ashton and I fangirled hard over her masterpiece ”Call the Coroner”. It was one of my very favorite reads this year and made it straight to my all-time favorite books. That being said, I didn’t love this book. 😭 Now I need to find a dark, secluded cave to hang my head in shame and hide to avoid Lorraine’s wrath. 😬 I think me being not able to enjoy this book has more to do with me than the book. While “Call the coroner” can be enjoyed to the fullest as a standalone, I think it’s much better to read Avril Ashton’s other books in order to really enjoy this one. While this book is described as a standalone and start of a series, too many characters from the previous books are showing up in this book. And I had no clue to who they are until the half of the book. 😭 And also, this book is about the two couples and not about one couple as advertised. This is about Donovan and Levi, and Donovan’s brother Israel and Reggie. And too much emotional stuff is going on for me to really enjoy this novel. There was no plot .. or twist whatsoever. Donovan lied to Levi, married him under a false pretense so they parted and 7 years later, they reconciled, just like it was descried in the blurb. There really was nothing new when it comes to plot or a dramatic twist. And I can’t connect to both main characters in the novel so it’s no wonder I find the novel not interesting. 😬 I think my opinion on the book will be very different if I read “Brooklyn Sinners” and “Run This Town” series before I dive into this “Loose Ends” series which I should have done it in the first place. So again, this is all my fault I guess. 😕 I’m going to begin by Avril Ashton books journey by starting from ”Love the sinner” and I might reread this book when I finally get back to this series. For now, I need to find a hideyhole ASAP. 😭
3.5 may be I wasn’t in the mood stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 may be I wasn’t in the mood stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
October 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
Love this one too, like her other books! So much emotion, regret, angst, love, and hate. Always like Ashton’s writing. It made you feel everything… She writes characters that you don’t know love them or hate them for what they do their loved ones! But in the end, I’ll love them all! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Loose Ends" series with characters crossover. Looking forward to reading book two. Thanks so much, dear Karla for this recommendation! All in all, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Love this one too, like her other books! So much emotion, regret, angst, love, and hate. Always like Ashton’s writing. It made you feel everything… She writes characters that you don’t know love them or hate them for what they do their loved ones! But in the end, I’ll love them all! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s the first installment in the "Loose Ends" series with characters crossover. Looking forward to reading book two. Thanks so much, dear Karla for this recommendation! All in all, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
May 12, 2023
Re-Read 22/08
When I saw Van yesterday in "(Watch Me) Unmask You" all broken and at his lowest I knew I needed to do a re-read immediately. And so I did. And it was as delicious as it was the first time around. All that DESPERATION that is flying off these pages. GAAAWD!!! So good!
--- original review ---
4.5***** stars
This book (or rather the whole series) features one of my favorite tropes - second chance -- it was almost a given this would be a winner for me. And it was.
And omfg, the pain this brought me and my defenseless heart. The first chapters alone tore my heart to pieces. Seeing the aftermath of Van losing Levi, it fucking hurt. Watching Van watch Levi with another man while mourning the loss of him. That hurt even more. Seven years of separation.
Uuugh! This always gives me all the feels. Granted, what Van did… - of course shit like that destroys love, no matter how strong. This shit hurts!
This is the kind of desperate love I’m longing for in a romance, especially in a second chance one. It’s just so fucking intense! I LOVE IT!!
********
Btw. if I were that kind of a critical reader, I def would’ve lowered my rating because of all the editing failures in this book. It was a bit annoying.
I also read the duet for Levi’s big brother Daniel:
Book #1 - Call The Coroner
Book #2 - Dig Your Grave
And I can highly recommend Elias' book, who at one point saved Van's life: (Watch Me) Unmask You
When I saw Van yesterday in "(Watch Me) Unmask You" all broken and at his lowest I knew I needed to do a re-read immediately. And so I did. And it was as delicious as it was the first time around. All that DESPERATION that is flying off these pages. GAAAWD!!! So good!
--- original review ---
4.5***** stars
You know gasoline’s got nothing on us when we burn.
This book (or rather the whole series) features one of my favorite tropes - second chance -- it was almost a given this would be a winner for me. And it was.
And omfg, the pain this brought me and my defenseless heart. The first chapters alone tore my heart to pieces. Seeing the aftermath of Van losing Levi, it fucking hurt. Watching Van watch Levi with another man while mourning the loss of him. That hurt even more. Seven years of separation.
“I go to bed needing you. I wake up hating you.”
…
“You hurt me so badly,” ...“But when I open my eyes and find your side of the bed empty I think nothing hurts more than that.” … “Nothing hurts more than your absence.”
Uuugh! This always gives me all the feels. Granted, what Van did… - of course shit like that destroys love, no matter how strong. This shit hurts!
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what? Don’t what, Levi?”
“I’m not supposed to tell you I’m hurting as much as you are? I’m not supposed to be torn up? I don’t have a right to say I lost me when I lost you?”
This is the kind of desperate love I’m longing for in a romance, especially in a second chance one. It’s just so fucking intense! I LOVE IT!!
“I missed you,”
“I forgive you.”
“I love you.”
“Don’t leave me again. Don’t lose us again.”
“Never.” … “I promise. I promise.”
“I’m home.” … “I’m home.”
********
Btw. if I were that kind of a critical reader, I def would’ve lowered my rating because of all the editing failures in this book. It was a bit annoying.
I also read the duet for Levi’s big brother Daniel:
Book #1 - Call The Coroner
Book #2 - Dig Your Grave
And I can highly recommend Elias' book, who at one point saved Van's life: (Watch Me) Unmask You
May 7, 2016
I don't know what to say about this book.
That this book wasn't my cup of tea is evident. It felt all over the place; the drama was OTT, and although the two main characters were passionate about one another I didn't always believe it. I was often confused, too. There were so many names being thrown my way, and I had no clue who they were. This wasn't an enjoyable reading experience for me, and I should've DNF'ed it. There were a couple of reasons why I truckered through:
1. Once I realized this was suspense, I figured I'd try a genre outside my preference. I wanted to challenge myself and try something different.
and
2. I reached a point where I had already invested much of my time and figured I might as well finish it.
Should’ve followed my gut and stopped.
All this being said. There are a few things that are imperative I point out.
1. As you may deduce- I've never read this author. I had no clue she only wrote suspense. Had I known that I wouldn't have picked this up.
2. I didn't know that although this is book one in the series- this a spinoff her past books and those characters also play roles in her other books. Hence, why I felt lost when all these characters were popping up.
3. I also had no clue there was a prequel to this book that should be read before this one. Thank you, Ele for the info.
(Btw, I think 2 & 3 should be mentioned in the blurb, but that's just my opinion)
So although my feelings towards this book aren't favorable- I do take responsibility for not having done research about the author and her books. I won't even say whether I recommend this or not because it wouldn't fair. I wasn't sure about whether to rate it or not. If I was to rate it..
Reading enjoyment= 1 Star
But have to take into consideration the points I mentioned so I'll add another star. +1
= 2 Stars
PLEASE remember this review is coming from someone who doesn’t enjoy mystery and suspense. I think if I did the outcome would’ve been different.
In conclusion:
Dear Book,
A copy of the book was kindly provided by the author to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
That this book wasn't my cup of tea is evident. It felt all over the place; the drama was OTT, and although the two main characters were passionate about one another I didn't always believe it. I was often confused, too. There were so many names being thrown my way, and I had no clue who they were. This wasn't an enjoyable reading experience for me, and I should've DNF'ed it. There were a couple of reasons why I truckered through:
1. Once I realized this was suspense, I figured I'd try a genre outside my preference. I wanted to challenge myself and try something different.
and
2. I reached a point where I had already invested much of my time and figured I might as well finish it.
Should’ve followed my gut and stopped.
All this being said. There are a few things that are imperative I point out.
1. As you may deduce- I've never read this author. I had no clue she only wrote suspense. Had I known that I wouldn't have picked this up.
2. I didn't know that although this is book one in the series- this a spinoff her past books and those characters also play roles in her other books. Hence, why I felt lost when all these characters were popping up.
3. I also had no clue there was a prequel to this book that should be read before this one. Thank you, Ele for the info.
(Btw, I think 2 & 3 should be mentioned in the blurb, but that's just my opinion)
So although my feelings towards this book aren't favorable- I do take responsibility for not having done research about the author and her books. I won't even say whether I recommend this or not because it wouldn't fair. I wasn't sure about whether to rate it or not. If I was to rate it..
Reading enjoyment= 1 Star
But have to take into consideration the points I mentioned so I'll add another star. +1
= 2 Stars
PLEASE remember this review is coming from someone who doesn’t enjoy mystery and suspense. I think if I did the outcome would’ve been different.
In conclusion:
Dear Book,
A copy of the book was kindly provided by the author to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
April 5, 2018
4 stars!
“Scars And Secrets” is book one in the loose ends series, but since I read the novella 0.5 All These Hidden Scars I knew the history between the MC, Donovan and Levi I knew it was going to be painful road. I mean these guys had almost everything going against them from betrayals, to lies, and miscommunication, like I said so much against them.
Once upon a time Donovan and Levi were married, but after Levi discovers his husband lied to him he left him. After being separated for years a new threat to Levi’s brings Donovan back, and ready to get his man back, and keep him safe no matter the cost. And so their battle begins not just with their enemies, but with each other. How do you forgive and truly trust again?!
This book was a total angst fest, so many feels these guys gave me. The pull and push was frustrating at times, but so understandable, especially for Levi. Even though I’m not a fan of separation as I kept on reading I got that they need the time apart. Besides, they never stopped loving each other. My gosh when these two finally came together they were explosive! The sex was dark and gritty and both such dirty talkers.
Just when I think Avril Ashton has taken me to the highest of my emotions she proves me wrong. I also love the way she intertwines her characters from her other series its like they’re all in a big family. I know Dutch’s book is next and I thought about skipping his story, but I wanna see if he redeemed himself, besides I do love my anti heroes. ♥️
“Scars And Secrets” is book one in the loose ends series, but since I read the novella 0.5 All These Hidden Scars I knew the history between the MC, Donovan and Levi I knew it was going to be painful road. I mean these guys had almost everything going against them from betrayals, to lies, and miscommunication, like I said so much against them.
Once upon a time Donovan and Levi were married, but after Levi discovers his husband lied to him he left him. After being separated for years a new threat to Levi’s brings Donovan back, and ready to get his man back, and keep him safe no matter the cost. And so their battle begins not just with their enemies, but with each other. How do you forgive and truly trust again?!
This book was a total angst fest, so many feels these guys gave me. The pull and push was frustrating at times, but so understandable, especially for Levi. Even though I’m not a fan of separation as I kept on reading I got that they need the time apart. Besides, they never stopped loving each other. My gosh when these two finally came together they were explosive! The sex was dark and gritty and both such dirty talkers.
Just when I think Avril Ashton has taken me to the highest of my emotions she proves me wrong. I also love the way she intertwines her characters from her other series its like they’re all in a big family. I know Dutch’s book is next and I thought about skipping his story, but I wanna see if he redeemed himself, besides I do love my anti heroes. ♥️
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 19, 2022
"Yeah." Donovan leaned against the kitchen counter, gaze turning intense as he stared at Levi. "When I found out, I thought of you first. Every time something happens, I think of you first."
three books in and it's obvious i'm now addicted to Avril Ashton's writing lol. idk if this will be the case for every book but, so far, there have been no misses. 😩 what i've noticed that felt consistent with each book i've read is how every couple in the background introduced have caught my attention (Reggie/Israel?? Dima/Xavier?? Pablo/Shane?), only for me to discover they already have their own books so, if you see me binging her books...don't be surprised. 🤪
with Levi and Van, i knew a bit of their background bc of the Staniel duet and honestly, their story didn't disappoint. their second chance romance had me emotional bc of the internal conflict: should i take a chance being with him again, knowing it'll hurt even worse if the mistakes repeat? i loved the father-son relationship between Levi and Izek, but i loved it even more how Van loved Izek as if he was his own son. 🥺 the dynamic between Levi and Van (mainly in the past, bc it seemed like they stopped doing this in the present) was interesting cause .
i wouldn't say i loved this as much as Staniel's story, but i definitely enjoyed it for what it was and VanLevi has my heart. 🥰
three books in and it's obvious i'm now addicted to Avril Ashton's writing lol. idk if this will be the case for every book but, so far, there have been no misses. 😩 what i've noticed that felt consistent with each book i've read is how every couple in the background introduced have caught my attention (Reggie/Israel?? Dima/Xavier?? Pablo/Shane?), only for me to discover they already have their own books so, if you see me binging her books...don't be surprised. 🤪
with Levi and Van, i knew a bit of their background bc of the Staniel duet and honestly, their story didn't disappoint. their second chance romance had me emotional bc of the internal conflict: should i take a chance being with him again, knowing it'll hurt even worse if the mistakes repeat? i loved the father-son relationship between Levi and Izek, but i loved it even more how Van loved Izek as if he was his own son. 🥺 the dynamic between Levi and Van (mainly in the past, bc it seemed like they stopped doing this in the present) was interesting cause .
i wouldn't say i loved this as much as Staniel's story, but i definitely enjoyed it for what it was and VanLevi has my heart. 🥰
July 1, 2018
Three days after finishing Scars and Secrets and I still can't stop thinking about this book. It exhausted the hell out of me and I loved every word.
There's angst, then there's Ashton Angst. My god does this author know how to work my feels! There were times I wanted to clatter Levi's and Van's heads together and tell them to wake the hell up. There were times my heart broke for them, given the twists and turns that were slowly exposed.
Absolutely bloody brilliant, and a well earned book hangover.
There's angst, then there's Ashton Angst. My god does this author know how to work my feels! There were times I wanted to clatter Levi's and Van's heads together and tell them to wake the hell up. There were times my heart broke for them, given the twists and turns that were slowly exposed.
Absolutely bloody brilliant, and a well earned book hangover.
May 12, 2016
**3.5 stars**
Note: This book is supposed to be a standalone, but I strongly recommend against skipping its prequel, All These Hidden Scars. And, although I love the world Avril Ashton has created, I have to say that it can be overwhelming for a reader that hasn't read her previous work, considering that there are so many characters from Sinners and Run this town series that make an appearance and have a key role to the story.
That said, I really enjoyed Donovan and Levi's story, and up until 75% it was a solid 4 star read for me.
Long story short (since it's impossible to rehash without giving away the plot), Don meets Levi, his husband, after seven years of being apart. What happened all these years back, left deep scars in both men's hearts, and now it seems impossible to make things work again.
What I enjoyed the most, was the back and forth, the push and pull between them. It was exhausting but so real; both men still loved each other but were still hung up on past mistakes.
Tons of feels here! There was so much passion and emotion in the dialogue and their interactions, which didn't surprise me. There is always fire between Avril Ashton's characters.
As for the sex...well, I can safely say that the sex scenes were among the filthiest I have ever read, and the dirty talk made me feel...dirty. In a good way. I think? I'm not sure yet.
By the way, that last scene happens in an elevator. While somebody is watching.
But no matter how much I liked the majority of the book, the resolution happened too fast for me. I felt like Levi and Van worked out their issues too abruptly. And then all hell broke loose, which left me a little bit confused.
Also, I have to mention that there are a lot of editing issues in this one.
Overall, this is a classic Avril Ashton book. Although not my favorite by the author, I still enjoyed it a lot. Extra points for the brief cameo appearance of Syren Rua, one of my favorite characters. He makes every scene that he takes part in, shine.
The excerpts in the end of the book made me all giddy. I'm looking forward to the next stories.
Note: This book is supposed to be a standalone, but I strongly recommend against skipping its prequel, All These Hidden Scars. And, although I love the world Avril Ashton has created, I have to say that it can be overwhelming for a reader that hasn't read her previous work, considering that there are so many characters from Sinners and Run this town series that make an appearance and have a key role to the story.
That said, I really enjoyed Donovan and Levi's story, and up until 75% it was a solid 4 star read for me.
Long story short (since it's impossible to rehash without giving away the plot), Don meets Levi, his husband, after seven years of being apart. What happened all these years back, left deep scars in both men's hearts, and now it seems impossible to make things work again.
What I enjoyed the most, was the back and forth, the push and pull between them. It was exhausting but so real; both men still loved each other but were still hung up on past mistakes.
Tons of feels here! There was so much passion and emotion in the dialogue and their interactions, which didn't surprise me. There is always fire between Avril Ashton's characters.
As for the sex...well, I can safely say that the sex scenes were among the filthiest I have ever read, and the dirty talk made me feel...dirty. In a good way. I think? I'm not sure yet.
“I want you on my face.” Those eyes burned Levi. “I want your ass smothering me as I eat it. Come the fuck here.”
................................................................................................
"He smiled then let loose, spitting inside Van’s mouth. Nothing else, but just that had Van’s dick erupting."
................................................................................................
“I don’t even care. I just want to come inside that hot ass and watch it drip, drip, drip…”
By the way, that last scene happens in an elevator. While somebody is watching.
But no matter how much I liked the majority of the book, the resolution happened too fast for me. I felt like Levi and Van worked out their issues too abruptly. And then all hell broke loose, which left me a little bit confused.
Also, I have to mention that there are a lot of editing issues in this one.
Overall, this is a classic Avril Ashton book. Although not my favorite by the author, I still enjoyed it a lot. Extra points for the brief cameo appearance of Syren Rua, one of my favorite characters. He makes every scene that he takes part in, shine.
The excerpts in the end of the book made me all giddy. I'm looking forward to the next stories.
June 24, 2022
Love love love!!!!
Read
August 17, 2018DNF at 57%
No. Just No.
P.S. I could rant and say many things that have nothing to do with this author personally. Not my book, not my cup of tea. No disrespect intended. Therefore it will stay unrated.
No. Just No.
P.S. I could rant and say many things that have nothing to do with this author personally. Not my book, not my cup of tea. No disrespect intended. Therefore it will stay unrated.
May 11, 2016
~~BR with Karen, who is also serving as my tour guide, since I haven't read much from this author -- I could not do this without you, Karen!!!!~~
2.5 Stars
I want to say I liked this book, but, I can't really. It was ok, I guess, but, I wouldn't read it again. Maybe I would have gotten more enjoyment out of it if I had read this author's Brooklyn Sinners, and Run This Town series. But I liked All These Hidden Scars, a lot (thank goodness for tour guides!!), so I think that I'd probably still be luke warm to Scars and Secrets even if I had read the others.
There were too many characters and relationship dynamics from other series to make this book (and likely series) a good stand alone read. If I didn't have a tour guide (thanks, Karen!!), I'd have been hopelessly lost!
And, definitely read All These Hidden Scars first. There is very important story arc information there, and you will need it. Scars and Secrets assumes you have information on critical plot points that were revealed in that prequel.
When Van and Levi encounter each other again, for the first time in 7 years, they went back and forth so much! They still love each other, but Levi is (understandably) still angry. So, Van is asking for a second chance (repeatedly) and Levi is saying no (repeatedly) and then the tables turn, just as Levi is coming around. Dutch just has to get the last word, causing Van to second guess everything - again... I would be ok with Van tossing that good for nothing SOB off a roof...after some heavy torture, first. Then it is Levi wanting the second chance and Van saying no.. I found that whole thing so exhausting. I wanted to smack them both.
But then, like magic, they are back together, having not really resolved anything, but they just decide they are all good now -- right before the feces hits the oscillator in a spectacular way. Because these guys just can't catch a break.
Between the exhausting back and forth between Van and Levi, and Van's wallowing and self destructive tendencies, I kind of wanted to shoot myself a time or 2. Or them. Yeah, we'll go with that. The melodrama is high, in this one. O.M.G.
On a different note, I do wish that the author would get a better editor. There were quite a lot of wrong names, or misspellings along with numerous punctuation and grammatical issues. I'm often pretty forgiving about editing issues as long as they don't take me out of the narrative, but they did here, because I had to reread passages to figure out what it was really meant to say.
My conclusion for Scars and Secrets? Meh.
I will continue the series, though, because I have fantastic tour guides, with Ele and Karen. They really make the reading experience so much better! If the next book is about Dutch, it is going to take some seriously good magic to make me not want him flayed alive...slowly...
2.5 Stars
I want to say I liked this book, but, I can't really. It was ok, I guess, but, I wouldn't read it again. Maybe I would have gotten more enjoyment out of it if I had read this author's Brooklyn Sinners, and Run This Town series. But I liked All These Hidden Scars, a lot (thank goodness for tour guides!!), so I think that I'd probably still be luke warm to Scars and Secrets even if I had read the others.
There were too many characters and relationship dynamics from other series to make this book (and likely series) a good stand alone read. If I didn't have a tour guide (thanks, Karen!!), I'd have been hopelessly lost!
And, definitely read All These Hidden Scars first. There is very important story arc information there, and you will need it. Scars and Secrets assumes you have information on critical plot points that were revealed in that prequel.
When Van and Levi encounter each other again, for the first time in 7 years, they went back and forth so much! They still love each other, but Levi is (understandably) still angry. So, Van is asking for a second chance (repeatedly) and Levi is saying no (repeatedly) and then the tables turn, just as Levi is coming around. Dutch just has to get the last word, causing Van to second guess everything - again... I would be ok with Van tossing that good for nothing SOB off a roof...after some heavy torture, first. Then it is Levi wanting the second chance and Van saying no.. I found that whole thing so exhausting. I wanted to smack them both.
But then, like magic, they are back together, having not really resolved anything, but they just decide they are all good now -- right before the feces hits the oscillator in a spectacular way. Because these guys just can't catch a break.
Between the exhausting back and forth between Van and Levi, and Van's wallowing and self destructive tendencies, I kind of wanted to shoot myself a time or 2. Or them. Yeah, we'll go with that. The melodrama is high, in this one. O.M.G.
On a different note, I do wish that the author would get a better editor. There were quite a lot of wrong names, or misspellings along with numerous punctuation and grammatical issues. I'm often pretty forgiving about editing issues as long as they don't take me out of the narrative, but they did here, because I had to reread passages to figure out what it was really meant to say.
My conclusion for Scars and Secrets? Meh.
I will continue the series, though, because I have fantastic tour guides, with Ele and Karen. They really make the reading experience so much better! If the next book is about Dutch, it is going to take some seriously good magic to make me not want him flayed alive...slowly...
February 24, 2018
3.5 stars
Warning :
There are too many characters from Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town series being thrown in here. I don't think you could read this as standalone. Otherwise, you would just get lost.
Warning :
There are too many characters from Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town series being thrown in here. I don't think you could read this as standalone. Otherwise, you would just get lost.
May 13, 2016
Really enjoyed this book and loved seeing some of Avrils previous series characters have major roles in this new series. As always, Avrils books are raw and gritty. There is always a major drama and high angst that leaves you frustrated, annoyed and eventually relieved. I liked Levi & Van and love Israels major role as a long lost brother. If you like Avrils underworld/ mafia style stories you will enjoy this new direction
back-burner-for-now
May 1, 2016It doesn't give a date here on GR but this was actually released yesterday: http://goo.gl/CzCfjP
From Avril's site: http://avrilashton.com/?p=2565
From Avril's site: http://avrilashton.com/?p=2565
April 20, 2025
Angst on a 100 Trillion 😮💨
Donovan was a mess. We saw glimpses of him in Brooklyn Sinners and the Watch Me series' and we got hints as to why he was that lost and devastated but with this book, we found out exactly what happened.
Let me first say, I've not read a character I want to strangle or smack like I want to as much as I want to do so Dutch. He is just ugh. Heartless is a mild way to describe him. I really hope he gets his just desserts.
Okay moving on, this story squeezed my heart all throughout. I wanted these men to get back together because it was obvious they loved one another but unfortunately what had transpired between them was not something that could easily be swept aside.
They went through IT. Especially Donovan but in a way I'm glad that happened because it brought them to a better, healthier place in their relationship.
I'm also glad we got glimpses of some of my favourite characters in their world and we got some more light shed on certain things.
If you couldn't tell from my rating, I really enjoyed the story, angst and all.
The next book is Dutch's and even though I'm curious as to what makes him tick, I'm quite glad despising him just fine. Let's see if that changes 😂😂😂
Donovan was a mess. We saw glimpses of him in Brooklyn Sinners and the Watch Me series' and we got hints as to why he was that lost and devastated but with this book, we found out exactly what happened.
Let me first say, I've not read a character I want to strangle or smack like I want to as much as I want to do so Dutch. He is just ugh. Heartless is a mild way to describe him. I really hope he gets his just desserts.
Okay moving on, this story squeezed my heart all throughout. I wanted these men to get back together because it was obvious they loved one another but unfortunately what had transpired between them was not something that could easily be swept aside.
They went through IT. Especially Donovan but in a way I'm glad that happened because it brought them to a better, healthier place in their relationship.
I'm also glad we got glimpses of some of my favourite characters in their world and we got some more light shed on certain things.
If you couldn't tell from my rating, I really enjoyed the story, angst and all.
The next book is Dutch's and even though I'm curious as to what makes him tick, I'm quite glad despising him just fine. Let's see if that changes 😂😂😂
May 31, 2022
3,5 ⭐
This is the first book in Loose Ends series. For those asking whether they should read the prequel before reading Scars and Secrets. Hmm, it's not necessary, you'll still understand what's going on but it will be way more confusing.
So, Scars and Secrets follows the story of Donovan and Levi. Levi is the brother of Daniel Nieto who is the MC in Call The Coroner. 😍 In CTC I loved Levi, here for the better part of this book I hated him. 🤣
This book is a second-chance romance and the angst and the pain are sooo much! 🥺😭 Maybe that's one of the reason I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted. I'm usually not a fan of second-chance romance books. But it wasn't only that. Somehow, I felt Donovan's pain and struggles wayyy more than Levi's. Donovan's pain was so real, so deep, it brought me to my knees. The way he was hurt, the way he dealt with his pain... every word felt like it was wrapped with wires of pain. And for that, I hated Levi. Every time Levi walked away, every time he turned his back on Donovan, every time he saw only himself, his point of view, his pain... my fucking heart broke together with Donovan.
So, yes, I hated Levi in this book and I'm sorry to all of my friends who like him. Don't get me wrong I understood his pain, but he wasn't the only one hurting. He was selfish for me. Maybe if I put myself in his shoes I would be the same yeah, but this doesn't change the fact I felt Donovan's pain deeper.
The plot wasn't anything special, it focused mainly on the main couple and their struggles.
I loved the relationship of Levi and Donovan with their son. Especially what Donovan did for their son. Swooon 😍 The sex was hot but I admit, I skipped some parts of it, I was too frustrated with Levi. Iz (you will see who he is) I kind of maybe fall in love with him. 🤭 I guess he is from Avril's previous series so I'll check his book. Seraphina can ***** this is me cursing her all the way to hell. I hateee her and honestly, I don't want to read her book with Tommy (Daniel's nephew). Dutch, oh sweet Dutch there were so many reasons to hate you but I really want to read your book and see you happy.
As you can see there were a lot of characters from other books. And the ones I mentioned are not even half of the characters that we meet here. And yep, I was lost! I didn't know who is who (except for the ones I mentioned). What the hell are they talking about. If you want to read this series as a standalone you can. You will understand the main plot, but go into it knowing that there will be things and characters you won't understand anything about. If this is okay for you, read it. If not, I recommend starting with Avril's previous series.
❗Quotes with spoilers:❗
He washed the pill down with the liquor, eyes closed, head thrown back, seeking numbness, the void where he could exist without feeling like this.
Pretending wasn't working. He felt too much, and if Levi couldn't make it stop then Van would use the next best thing.
"Shit." Reggie swore. "You trying to kill yourself?"
Van closed his eyes and swayed to the left when his knees buckled. "I can't die," he whispered. "I know. Tried twice." He was unconscious before his body hit the floor.
The only thing making me smile is that I remember Donovan and Levi in CTC and how their relationship was there. My poor Donovan deserves all the happiness! 🥺❤️ And the only reason I'm rating this book 3,5 stars is Donovan, their son, Iz and Dutch.
This is the first book in Loose Ends series. For those asking whether they should read the prequel before reading Scars and Secrets. Hmm, it's not necessary, you'll still understand what's going on but it will be way more confusing.
So, Scars and Secrets follows the story of Donovan and Levi. Levi is the brother of Daniel Nieto who is the MC in Call The Coroner. 😍 In CTC I loved Levi, here for the better part of this book I hated him. 🤣
This book is a second-chance romance and the angst and the pain are sooo much! 🥺😭 Maybe that's one of the reason I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted. I'm usually not a fan of second-chance romance books. But it wasn't only that. Somehow, I felt Donovan's pain and struggles wayyy more than Levi's. Donovan's pain was so real, so deep, it brought me to my knees. The way he was hurt, the way he dealt with his pain... every word felt like it was wrapped with wires of pain. And for that, I hated Levi. Every time Levi walked away, every time he turned his back on Donovan, every time he saw only himself, his point of view, his pain... my fucking heart broke together with Donovan.
So, yes, I hated Levi in this book and I'm sorry to all of my friends who like him. Don't get me wrong I understood his pain, but he wasn't the only one hurting. He was selfish for me. Maybe if I put myself in his shoes I would be the same yeah, but this doesn't change the fact I felt Donovan's pain deeper.
The plot wasn't anything special, it focused mainly on the main couple and their struggles.
I loved the relationship of Levi and Donovan with their son. Especially what Donovan did for their son. Swooon 😍 The sex was hot but I admit, I skipped some parts of it, I was too frustrated with Levi. Iz (you will see who he is) I kind of maybe fall in love with him. 🤭 I guess he is from Avril's previous series so I'll check his book. Seraphina can ***** this is me cursing her all the way to hell. I hateee her and honestly, I don't want to read her book with Tommy (Daniel's nephew). Dutch, oh sweet Dutch there were so many reasons to hate you but I really want to read your book and see you happy.
As you can see there were a lot of characters from other books. And the ones I mentioned are not even half of the characters that we meet here. And yep, I was lost! I didn't know who is who (except for the ones I mentioned). What the hell are they talking about. If you want to read this series as a standalone you can. You will understand the main plot, but go into it knowing that there will be things and characters you won't understand anything about. If this is okay for you, read it. If not, I recommend starting with Avril's previous series.
❗Quotes with spoilers:❗
He washed the pill down with the liquor, eyes closed, head thrown back, seeking numbness, the void where he could exist without feeling like this.
Pretending wasn't working. He felt too much, and if Levi couldn't make it stop then Van would use the next best thing.
"Shit." Reggie swore. "You trying to kill yourself?"
Van closed his eyes and swayed to the left when his knees buckled. "I can't die," he whispered. "I know. Tried twice." He was unconscious before his body hit the floor.
The only thing making me smile is that I remember Donovan and Levi in CTC and how their relationship was there. My poor Donovan deserves all the happiness! 🥺❤️ And the only reason I'm rating this book 3,5 stars is Donovan, their son, Iz and Dutch.
July 11, 2022
This was..... intense? Too much??? I don't know what to say I'm still processing.
PS: Dima showing up got me screaming!!! I love that crazy bastard 😍
PS: Dima showing up got me screaming!!! I love that crazy bastard 😍
August 29, 2016
I don't even know what happened..
A lot of the events that happened to the couple in this book were mentioned in other books from this author (all her series or at least the 3 series I've read are in the same universe) so there wasn't a clear discussion of things here and it bothered me. I was like "wait didn't that character in that book mentioned this happened? Why aren't they talking about it??"
I felt like there wasn't enough story development. So much happened but I felt like I didn't understood a lot of the events.
And honestly I don't recommend to read without reading the all of her books. Pretty much all the stories are intertwined which is actually awesome and annoying.
Will I keep reading? Of course! I do like a lot of the characters and the next two books are going to be awesome!
A lot of the events that happened to the couple in this book were mentioned in other books from this author (all her series or at least the 3 series I've read are in the same universe) so there wasn't a clear discussion of things here and it bothered me. I was like "wait didn't that character in that book mentioned this happened? Why aren't they talking about it??"
I felt like there wasn't enough story development. So much happened but I felt like I didn't understood a lot of the events.
And honestly I don't recommend to read without reading the all of her books. Pretty much all the stories are intertwined which is actually awesome and annoying.
Will I keep reading? Of course! I do like a lot of the characters and the next two books are going to be awesome!
could-not-finish
April 6, 2017I'm not ready to give up on this author but I am so ready to give up on this book. 60% and I just can't not deal with the OTT drama. Van and Levi are just toxic.
July 3, 2018
This wasn’t a feel good light read but more of a survival and forgiveness read. The sex was hot and different and so many things and people going on it was hard to tell who you could trust or not. The next book is about Dutch who in this was hated by many so not to sure how I’m going to turn around my thinking.
dnf
October 26, 2025DNF @24%. Not liking the writing style and finding it difficult to immerse myself and understand what’s going on. Guess I should’ve read the prequel first? 🤔
May 3, 2016
******************SPOILER ALERT******************
If you are new to this universe that this author has created than it's best you avoid this book totally & start at the beginning.I have read the main series & every spin off & I was still lost at times trying to keep the various couples that littered these pages without end.If book 1 had a couple than book 2 had 2 couples & now we at book 8 or maybe book 9 so I will let you do the math as to how many couples populate this one.
They basically are all dominant personalities that would cut you if you only breath on them the wrong way & they are all almost interchangeable.They were various shades of gold,cafe au lait,bronze & almost all were tattooed. I could only identify the petite assassin with the purple eyes as the one who stood out most from previous books.The others were all non distinct & gay.Yes this book was a gay utopia with every male character being either gay or about to be hatched as gay.Three of the couples were already building a gay ark or compound with a lesbian couple as probably incubators.
The main couple were puzzling,almost 7 years apart & they used the time most effectively having more sex than an average human being.The one tried to recreate the chemistry he experienced only with his husband to lay sexual waste to the entire male & female population around him.He swallowed cum by the gallons in truck stops,participated in bareback sex & was pimped out as a drug whore to countless drug lords & the crooked rich because he was a sexual weapon for his master when he went deep undercover.
Van's downfall & that of his husband's had been orchestrated by the very man he served because the agency could not release their best sex agent to ride off into the sunset.So his boss blackmails his husband Levi into sleeping with a benevolent drug dealer to get intel,threatening the life of their 12 year old son if he refused.He than manipulates Van to remain leashed because he convinces him for a time that his husband & son were dead thus freeing him to continue fucking & drugging with the deviant rich criminals in order to entrap them.I'm not surprised though that the author let this master manipulator live as he has his very own book coming up or at least be part of it in the next book in series for as we are well aware now no couple in this series is ever alone.
Monster number 2 Seraphina’s one of the side character's mother who buried one of the main characters alive in a coffin & manipulates his sister to commit suicide is also allowed free passage.Not sure she can be totally redeemed as every character in the book describes her presence as most evil.
Jaw dropping scene:
When husband number one rims husband number 2 like a hungry hound in a public elevator while a character from book number ? watches.
The book is over the top dramatic & if it were populated with gay vampires instead of various gay/bisexual undercover agents & their criminal spouses it would have given Ann Rice Lestat series a run for it's money as a book with most reoccurring couples.
I was not totally convinced of any love between the two main couples just obsessive highly explosive sex which during their seven years apart they tried to recreate unsuccessfully with various men & women.One of the characters had just come out of an undercover job where he had to fuck a man almost twice his age while high,having had to snort coke for 6 months without a hint of heavy drug addiction aside from popping pills .
Even when they were happily married for three years they were not sexually monogamous & participated regularly in threesomes,first with an ex wife & than with a gang of various strangers.
“I loved that life.” He chuckled. “I loved that life where we defined who we were and decided what worked for us. What made us happy.” Their unconventional relationship with Gia. The way they raised Izek knowing he had three parents who loved him and loved each other. And their sex. With Gia. With each other. And with the strangers they chose.
Then you left, and I’ve been searching for seven Goddamn years for someone to make me feel what you made me feel.
“You been fucking strangers.”
So the authors quest to convince me of an epic love between these 2 men fails for me.Maybe an epic sexual appetite that they shared with countless others would have been more in line with this story & therein it soars.
“Where’s your wedding ring?” Van asked.
Levi frowned. “Safe deposit box.” No matter how angry and hurt he was, he could never make himself get rid of that piece of jewelry. “Why?”
“I love you. Obsessively.” Van grinned. “In a million insanely possessive, jealous and blood-thirsty ways.” His grin widened. “Be my husband. Again.”
Obsessive
adjective
1.
of the nature of an obsession.
"people dogged by obsessive jealousy"
Possesive
adjective
1.
demanding someone's total attention and love.
"has he become jealous or possessive?"
If you are new to this universe that this author has created than it's best you avoid this book totally & start at the beginning.I have read the main series & every spin off & I was still lost at times trying to keep the various couples that littered these pages without end.If book 1 had a couple than book 2 had 2 couples & now we at book 8 or maybe book 9 so I will let you do the math as to how many couples populate this one.
They basically are all dominant personalities that would cut you if you only breath on them the wrong way & they are all almost interchangeable.They were various shades of gold,cafe au lait,bronze & almost all were tattooed. I could only identify the petite assassin with the purple eyes as the one who stood out most from previous books.The others were all non distinct & gay.Yes this book was a gay utopia with every male character being either gay or about to be hatched as gay.Three of the couples were already building a gay ark or compound with a lesbian couple as probably incubators.
The main couple were puzzling,almost 7 years apart & they used the time most effectively having more sex than an average human being.The one tried to recreate the chemistry he experienced only with his husband to lay sexual waste to the entire male & female population around him.He swallowed cum by the gallons in truck stops,participated in bareback sex & was pimped out as a drug whore to countless drug lords & the crooked rich because he was a sexual weapon for his master when he went deep undercover.
Van's downfall & that of his husband's had been orchestrated by the very man he served because the agency could not release their best sex agent to ride off into the sunset.So his boss blackmails his husband Levi into sleeping with a benevolent drug dealer to get intel,threatening the life of their 12 year old son if he refused.He than manipulates Van to remain leashed because he convinces him for a time that his husband & son were dead thus freeing him to continue fucking & drugging with the deviant rich criminals in order to entrap them.I'm not surprised though that the author let this master manipulator live as he has his very own book coming up or at least be part of it in the next book in series for as we are well aware now no couple in this series is ever alone.
Monster number 2 Seraphina’s one of the side character's mother who buried one of the main characters alive in a coffin & manipulates his sister to commit suicide is also allowed free passage.Not sure she can be totally redeemed as every character in the book describes her presence as most evil.
Jaw dropping scene:
When husband number one rims husband number 2 like a hungry hound in a public elevator while a character from book number ? watches.
The book is over the top dramatic & if it were populated with gay vampires instead of various gay/bisexual undercover agents & their criminal spouses it would have given Ann Rice Lestat series a run for it's money as a book with most reoccurring couples.
I was not totally convinced of any love between the two main couples just obsessive highly explosive sex which during their seven years apart they tried to recreate unsuccessfully with various men & women.One of the characters had just come out of an undercover job where he had to fuck a man almost twice his age while high,having had to snort coke for 6 months without a hint of heavy drug addiction aside from popping pills .
Even when they were happily married for three years they were not sexually monogamous & participated regularly in threesomes,first with an ex wife & than with a gang of various strangers.
“I loved that life.” He chuckled. “I loved that life where we defined who we were and decided what worked for us. What made us happy.” Their unconventional relationship with Gia. The way they raised Izek knowing he had three parents who loved him and loved each other. And their sex. With Gia. With each other. And with the strangers they chose.
Then you left, and I’ve been searching for seven Goddamn years for someone to make me feel what you made me feel.
“You been fucking strangers.”
So the authors quest to convince me of an epic love between these 2 men fails for me.Maybe an epic sexual appetite that they shared with countless others would have been more in line with this story & therein it soars.
“Where’s your wedding ring?” Van asked.
Levi frowned. “Safe deposit box.” No matter how angry and hurt he was, he could never make himself get rid of that piece of jewelry. “Why?”
“I love you. Obsessively.” Van grinned. “In a million insanely possessive, jealous and blood-thirsty ways.” His grin widened. “Be my husband. Again.”
Obsessive
adjective
1.
of the nature of an obsession.
"people dogged by obsessive jealousy"
Possesive
adjective
1.
demanding someone's total attention and love.
"has he become jealous or possessive?"
May 12, 2016
Do you like bad boys? Well, have I got an author for you...
First and most importantly, my thanks to the lovely Jewel, happily was able to join me in pursuit of these bad boys.
Now as for the rest of you. You need to pull up a chair and sit down so we can talk about bad boys. I mean seriously messed up, walking a fine line between good and bad, right and wrong, between sanity and insanity and sometimes even between life and death. You name it these men can claim it.
Pardon me while I digress a bit you see first there was the men of 'Brooklyn Sinners' and from there we were led down the road to 'Run This Town' and now it's time to tie up the 'Loose Ends'. A lot of these books say they can be read as stand-alones and maybe they can but I have to be honest for me personally I don't see it. These books and these characters are all so very interconnected and there's so much background that you miss out on by not having started at the beginning. For example if you haven't read the Brooklyn Sinners than how are you going to know that Syren Rua who appears at some point in all 3 series and is a major player in the background of pretty much everybody's lives and that at first glance while he may only appear to be a beautiful, androgynous man.
Now if you read that spoiler and not the previous books than all I can say is..."See...see what you've missed."
'Scars and Secrets' is actually the second book in the 'Loose Ends' series and if you've at least read 'Run This Town' than you know many of the characters in this series played some kind of role in that one and many of the characters from 'Brooklyn Sinners' continue to appear in 'Run This Town' and are showing up here. My impression of 'Loose Ends' is that it's a series that will wrap up a lot of the 'loose ends' from 'Run This Town' and I'm really looking forward to it.
'Scars and Secrets' for the most part is a story that belongs to Donovan and Levi. They were both either mentioned or appeared in the 'Run This Town' series these men have a history together. (No spoiler here it's in the blurb) Years ago they met, fell in love and got married. Things ended suddenly and badly. Levi ran and Donovan sank into his work using everything he could to bury the pain that it caused him. But now that's all about to change because someone has made a list. A list that puts the lives of these men and others at risk and brings Donavan back into Levi's life making him determined to keep Levi safe and get his husband back.
I loved the premise of this story. I'm a total sucker for second chance stories. The heartache of these two men who were forced apart by the actions of others, by circumstances beyond their control felt real. Watching them go back and forth emotionally was at times heartbreaking and gut wrenching until it wasn't until it just felt like too much and I wanted to shake them both and tell them to grow up work it out and get on with things, luckily that was right about the time they did and boy did they. It was hot, sexy and raunchy and more than once these two had me fanning myself.
While I was in many ways happy with the ending, I was also disappointed with how swiftly it happened. I really would have liked it to have had a bit more substance. 'Scars and Secrets' probably didn't work quite as well for me as the previous story or hopefully as much as future stories simply because I didn't feel as invested in this couple as I have other pairings, it's not that I didn't find them believable because I did, I just didn't feel that emotional investment that I have with other couples in this series, such as Sullivan and Carter from All These Hidden Scars.
Overall I liked this story and it probably would have been a 4 star read for me but there were a few moments of disconnect where I got pulled out of the story because of the need for better editing or my need for more detail which is definitely on me because this was very much a me thing and someone else may be totally fine with things as they were.
What I do know for sure is that I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and once again will be enjoying the journey with my awesome buddy read partners Jewel and Ele.
First and most importantly, my thanks to the lovely Jewel, happily was able to join me in pursuit of these bad boys.
Now as for the rest of you. You need to pull up a chair and sit down so we can talk about bad boys. I mean seriously messed up, walking a fine line between good and bad, right and wrong, between sanity and insanity and sometimes even between life and death. You name it these men can claim it.
Pardon me while I digress a bit you see first there was the men of 'Brooklyn Sinners' and from there we were led down the road to 'Run This Town' and now it's time to tie up the 'Loose Ends'. A lot of these books say they can be read as stand-alones and maybe they can but I have to be honest for me personally I don't see it. These books and these characters are all so very interconnected and there's so much background that you miss out on by not having started at the beginning. For example if you haven't read the Brooklyn Sinners than how are you going to know that Syren Rua who appears at some point in all 3 series and is a major player in the background of pretty much everybody's lives and that at first glance while he may only appear to be a beautiful, androgynous man.
Now if you read that spoiler and not the previous books than all I can say is..."See...see what you've missed."
'Scars and Secrets' is actually the second book in the 'Loose Ends' series and if you've at least read 'Run This Town' than you know many of the characters in this series played some kind of role in that one and many of the characters from 'Brooklyn Sinners' continue to appear in 'Run This Town' and are showing up here. My impression of 'Loose Ends' is that it's a series that will wrap up a lot of the 'loose ends' from 'Run This Town' and I'm really looking forward to it.
'Scars and Secrets' for the most part is a story that belongs to Donovan and Levi. They were both either mentioned or appeared in the 'Run This Town' series these men have a history together. (No spoiler here it's in the blurb) Years ago they met, fell in love and got married. Things ended suddenly and badly. Levi ran and Donovan sank into his work using everything he could to bury the pain that it caused him. But now that's all about to change because someone has made a list. A list that puts the lives of these men and others at risk and brings Donavan back into Levi's life making him determined to keep Levi safe and get his husband back.
I loved the premise of this story. I'm a total sucker for second chance stories. The heartache of these two men who were forced apart by the actions of others, by circumstances beyond their control felt real. Watching them go back and forth emotionally was at times heartbreaking and gut wrenching until it wasn't until it just felt like too much and I wanted to shake them both and tell them to grow up work it out and get on with things, luckily that was right about the time they did and boy did they. It was hot, sexy and raunchy and more than once these two had me fanning myself.
While I was in many ways happy with the ending, I was also disappointed with how swiftly it happened. I really would have liked it to have had a bit more substance. 'Scars and Secrets' probably didn't work quite as well for me as the previous story or hopefully as much as future stories simply because I didn't feel as invested in this couple as I have other pairings, it's not that I didn't find them believable because I did, I just didn't feel that emotional investment that I have with other couples in this series, such as Sullivan and Carter from All These Hidden Scars.
Overall I liked this story and it probably would have been a 4 star read for me but there were a few moments of disconnect where I got pulled out of the story because of the need for better editing or my need for more detail which is definitely on me because this was very much a me thing and someone else may be totally fine with things as they were.
What I do know for sure is that I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and once again will be enjoying the journey with my awesome buddy read partners Jewel and Ele.
March 4, 2018
4.75 stars
Damn, damn and damn. What can I say about this series? Avril Ashton is a very creative lady. This series has sex, humor and is confusing as hell if you come in on the tale end or middle of continuing characters. You as the reader feel lost like "Why do all these characters have history that you know nothing about." We need a bundle to put all of these novels to fully enjoy her work.
Damn, damn and damn. What can I say about this series? Avril Ashton is a very creative lady. This series has sex, humor and is confusing as hell if you come in on the tale end or middle of continuing characters. You as the reader feel lost like "Why do all these characters have history that you know nothing about." We need a bundle to put all of these novels to fully enjoy her work.
May 7, 2016
A riveting read. I'm seriously getting addicted to Avril Ashton books.
Book 1 in the Loose ends series. the prequel, “All these hidden scars”, had to be read first.
First, what bothered me a tad : editing errors, it got distracting, and far too many secondary characters from previous series (that I didn’t read obviously). Add : all these couples that are so in tune they can communicate by looking at each other, acquaintances that know everything that’s going on (“big brother” feeling !!), and what I felt like the acceptance of criminal activities and violence : **eye-rolling**
But, I loved this book so much that it didn’t matter…much. I was completely immersed in this “second chance” story of Van and Levi who were “happily” married for 3 years before Van’s job and his fucked-up boss and father came crashing all of it. There was also suspense and family matters, but that's not what caught up my attention.
What did was the journey of these 2 damaged men and how they struggled to get past the lies, the sense of betrayal, the anger, the mistrust, the hurt, the mistakes…Throughout the reading, I could feel the pain but also the passion and the overwhelming need to forgive. There was sex, lots of raw, dirty, angry sex : breathtaking.
I felt drained once I finished this book, but in the best way. Just need, for my next read, to find a book full of flowers and sunshine to cool down.
Book 1 in the Loose ends series. the prequel, “All these hidden scars”, had to be read first.
First, what bothered me a tad : editing errors, it got distracting, and far too many secondary characters from previous series (that I didn’t read obviously). Add : all these couples that are so in tune they can communicate by looking at each other, acquaintances that know everything that’s going on (“big brother” feeling !!), and what I felt like the acceptance of criminal activities and violence : **eye-rolling**
But, I loved this book so much that it didn’t matter…much. I was completely immersed in this “second chance” story of Van and Levi who were “happily” married for 3 years before Van’s job and his fucked-up boss and father came crashing all of it. There was also suspense and family matters, but that's not what caught up my attention.
What did was the journey of these 2 damaged men and how they struggled to get past the lies, the sense of betrayal, the anger, the mistrust, the hurt, the mistakes…Throughout the reading, I could feel the pain but also the passion and the overwhelming need to forgive. There was sex, lots of raw, dirty, angry sex : breathtaking.
I felt drained once I finished this book, but in the best way. Just need, for my next read, to find a book full of flowers and sunshine to cool down.
Read
April 28, 2024Umm.. maybe I will try again later.
Only 14% in...totally lost. Not sure I have the energy to be found. This book is all over the place.
I thought I would try this after reading "Call the Coroner" .... it's like 2 different authors.
I don't want to know Levi Neito's story bad enough to keep reading ....
Only 14% in...totally lost. Not sure I have the energy to be found. This book is all over the place.
I thought I would try this after reading "Call the Coroner" .... it's like 2 different authors.
I don't want to know Levi Neito's story bad enough to keep reading ....
May 26, 2017
Once I got passed the headache of too many side characters I enjoyed this book. Hot a hell sex and great dirty talk.
May 9, 2016
A review by The Blogger Girls.
I grabbed this one without realizing it was a spin off of Ms. Ashton’s other series, Brooklyn Sinners and Run This Town. While I think it can be read as a stand alone (I hadn’t read all the books in those other series and did fine), many of the characters and couples in this story have had their own stories told already, and I think I would have had more of a connection with them had I read those previously. You’d definitely have a better understanding of who’s who if you read the others before this one.
Here, we have a couple who had an unbelievable connection, but it was riddled and tainted with deceit. Donovan was sent undercover to get close to Levi in order to find a connection to his drug cartel brothers. In doing so, Donovan quickly realized his feelings for Levi were real, and he allowed himself to basically pretend that was his life. They were in love, seemed perfect for each other and even got married. But then, the dark parts of Donovan’s life interfered and spilled the beans to Levi, sending him running far away from Donovan. Donovan has basically accepted this from afar, until it becomes clear that Levi is in actual danger. then, he steps in and tries to recover everything he lost with Levi over the last seven years.
There is a lot at play here and a lot more to the story than meets the eye. The whys of Donovan’s betrayal, the people who manipulated him and Levi, the seemingly bad guys who ended up being the good guys (at least to Levi and then Donovan), Donovan’s past, with his bio dad and even his stepmother who just about destroyed him, are just a few factors at play here. There’s a long lost brother causing a lot of family lines being blurred and a whole lot of who can you trust when everyone seems to have a different agenda. So, yeah, a lot going on.
It took me a little getting used to the style of this book. It does a lot of telling in a somewhat disjointed or choppy feel with quick sentences or thoughts. But the storyline was so interesting that I was quickly turning pages to get to the answers. The side characters (from the other books) all played integral roles in one way or another in the lives of Van and Levi. I loved seeming them all in this one, especially Is and Reg, oh my! I’m not sure how I missed their story, but I immediately wanted to run back and catch back up. Needless to say, if you enjoy her other books, you will definitely love this one. It is signature Avril Ashton – dark and gritty, edgy and sexy, hot but sweet. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, even though I’m not sure how Dutch can redeem himself.
February 3, 2018
READ BOOK .5 FIRST!!
Ok, so I thought I had written a review for this one but it never showed up here and I'm not seeing it on amazon. So here goes again...
Hottest elevator sex scene ever! If that isn't enough to get you to read this book then read it because it's an awesome story about a bunch of hot guys that have made it their life mission to cause a little havoc to the underworld of human trafficking. Some very wealthy FBI agents, some that just get caught in the cross fire so to speak, but a very well written story.
There are a few typos that were missed, so editing could be better. But don't let that dissuade you in any way
ETA I loved it just as much the second time around. Highlighted some of the good stuff.
Ok, so I thought I had written a review for this one but it never showed up here and I'm not seeing it on amazon. So here goes again...
Hottest elevator sex scene ever! If that isn't enough to get you to read this book then read it because it's an awesome story about a bunch of hot guys that have made it their life mission to cause a little havoc to the underworld of human trafficking. Some very wealthy FBI agents, some that just get caught in the cross fire so to speak, but a very well written story.
There are a few typos that were missed, so editing could be better. But don't let that dissuade you in any way
ETA I loved it just as much the second time around. Highlighted some of the good stuff.
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