Scars We Hide

Cadbury #2

by Jaclyn Osborn

Trust makes you vulnerable. Weak. Peyton Evans learned that lesson long ago. Being shuffled between foster homes since he was five, and then surviving for so long on his own, he has kept a wall around his heart. The abuse he suffered at the age of fifteen refuses to fade into the past, and the scars it caused impact him every day. He’d thought he’d found love before, but that relationship showed him once again that trust only led to more pain.

Struggling with an addiction he developed as a teenager, Torin Hayes found himself one screw up away from going to prison and decided to get clean. But a sudden incident threatens to send him back down that rocky path, and he fears people will never look past his intimidating appearance and will only see the tattooed delinquent he’s been labeled as for years. Moving to Cadbury, Oklahoma is his only way to start over.

When the two men meet, the attraction between them is far from instant, but Torin’s persistence blurs Peyton’s opinion of him as a tattooed bad boy who will break his heart and shatter him all over again. Peyton’s scars run deep and make it hard for him to let go of his fear and accept a love he doesn’t feel he deserves. But, when it comes to matters of the heart, even the most strategic plans can change.

*Trigger This story contains content that may be sensitive for some readers. The triggers drug/alcohol abuse and flashbacks of sexual abuse including rape. This is Book 2 in the Cadbury series, but can be read as a standalone.*

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Abuse, Romance, LGBT

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2016

About the author

As an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another emotional journey in the town of Cadbury. I'm glad Peyton got his book and found love with Torin. Both guys suffered issues and traumas in their past and were working their ways forward together. This was really a story of trust and forgiveness, not just between Pey & Tor but also with Luke & Aeron. I felt like it was a little predictable and there was something lacking in the writing however it was certainly still an enjoyable read. I sense Jeremy & Blays book is next, we shall see.

[Bati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czy można adoptować postać z książki? Mój instynkt macierzyński wszedł na całkiem nowy poziom z powodu Peytona. Najchętniej zrobiłabym mu kakao, dała drożdżówkę z cynamonem, pogłaskała po blond głowie i dała spokojnie czytać te jego ukochane fantasy,a potem przymknęła oko na to, że zakrada się do niego pewien wytatuowany gość. ❤

[HaloLove · Rating 4 out of 5]

...put on some music and let’s deck the fucking halls and be jolly.

-ITTY BITTY SPOILERS-

A bit too mushy at times and I had an issue with Peyton sex-in-it-up in the position he freaked out in prior to counseling ( because it rang false to me), probably because I've read similar stories as far as getting over triggers of an assault that made sense to me (personally).

But I loved seeing everyone come back in a much happier state of mind and environment.

And dang it, if I didn't hate that foster brother dude! -grrrrrr-

I'm kind of hoping for a love story for Aiden. I can not even fathom how one would happen for him but dang it, my sweet Aiden is my favorite character and I want his happily ever after -pout and stomp met feet-

[Kim Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book to this series. A mm contemporary set in Cadbury USA(such an awesome name). This book reveals a dark past for both the main characters but love wins in the end. This book had a few editing errors but still a wonderful read. I’ll read more from this author and more from this series.

[Jenn C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one much better than the first. I really like Torin an Peyton together.


Peyton - "Where I'd had my heart broken before, he [Torin] hadn't ever really had his touched". 😍😍

Would love to see Jeremy and Blays story.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

YASSSS! This was truly an epic love story. It made me so happy to see Peyton, the young man who had been made to feel as if he were worthless and unlovable by every man he'd come into contact with finally find the man he was meant to be with. Torin and Peyton and literally soulmates and what they had was so beautiful. Peyton is undoubtedly my favorite character from this series; he's my baby. And Tor treated him like he was the sun, the moon, and the stars. It was more than I could have hopes for. Now let's talk about how damn much I love Torin. He was such a big, soft hearted, caring, protective teddy bear. In my opinion he is the perfect boyfriend and I'm so glad he chose Peyton because Peyton deserves the best. Also Torin beat the shit out of Luke and it was awesome. I love love love this book and I'm so attached to these characters. I really hope I get to see them again in future installments of this series.

[K Cherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Droned on and on

This book was definitely not enjoyable like the first book in the series, and not because of the subject matter. It was like a non- ending chapter about the same thing. It wasn't so much a book, more like a song on repeat. While I love Peyton's soft heart and loving nature, I just couldn't picture him with Torin. With Torin's anger, aggression and addiction, it just didn't make sense to me that Peyton would fall for someone like him. I just felt like Peyton should have been with someone with a gentle heart and healing nature. This relationship just made me sad. It felt like all Torin thought about was sex, and that didn't just didn't correspond in a positive way for me after what Peyton had been through. Still loved Aeron and Aiden and glad to see them in this story. They definitely bring a smile (one of few) which was definitely lacking in this story.

[Anggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!! I've never read a book like this!! This is so awesome hahahahaha!!
For me with english as third language and still learning, i can understand and comprehend the grammar because of its easy reading. And it i enjoyed it.
I wont writing about the story building or the grammars or the characters building and stuff like that because i'm not an expert with the stuff, i just know that i like this book!!! I love it!!

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaclyn Osborn is one of my favorite m/m romance writers, simply one of the best. The pace is always perfect and there are no errors in the writing. Very complicated feelings put very straight forward. Beautiful writing, all in all.

[Mike Oaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tattoos and Coffee

I was looking forward to this story. Too much time passed between my reading of this and the the first book and couldn’t remember all the key ingredients that got me interested.

The first few chapters were gripping. Then the move and new beginnings portion never quite captured me. I read my review of book 1 and I’d said I liked the characters that were going to be in book 2 more. After reading book 2, I’m more interested in what happens with Jeremy. Is that book 3?

The story is good, it just isn’t a-must-read-page-turning-event. 3.0 for painting rooms.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Okay I liked this one more than the previous book, partly because I thought Peyton was the more interesting character of that story and I wanted him to find happiness after Luke was such an asshole to him. I liked seeing him connect with Torin but oh is his story painful and sometimes extremely difficult to read because this story really doesn't hold back when it comes to his traumatic past. And honestly? This book made me dislike Luke even more.

[Lary Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amaizing!!!

Oh my !! Dorian and Peyton, what an inctedible couple, the bad boy and the shy boy!! I love them so much, Torin what a sexy man, but so sweet and amaizing man, and my sweet Payton , life was so hard for him, but finally he find the perfect partner!!
Love so much this book and I can't wait for the next

[Gaby Franz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó.
Torin es un personaje bellísimo, con un crecimiento constante durante todo el libro.
Una pareja excelente que saben muy bien como curar las heridas uno al otro.
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído en los último meses.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

What can I say. Great story and loved the MCs. I read it rather quickly. Very easy to follow. Well done.

[Flavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho más esta historia.
Con un drama también muy triste pero el relato me emocionó más de alguna forma.

[Jenny Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just learned of this book this morning and I so so so so so hoped this story was about Peyton; I was so glad it was! I couldn't stand the way he got his heart broken by Luke (who I wasn't really a fan of in this book) and I just needed him to find someone to love him enough to heal all the hurt he'd been through.... sigh... and Torin.... I love Torin.

I knew from the minute Alex was described; what his fate would be so I wasn't surprised or that broken up about it. I know a lot of people were a mess by that first chapter and even though I hurt for Torin; I didn't feel anything for Alex; I knew it was coming.
I did though, feel bad for Torin; I hated it for him and I couldn't imagine going through something like that. I do wish he'd have told off Alex's parents and told them how it wasn't Torin's fault but their own. I hated they didn't get that shoved in their faces for being such closeminded backwards bigots.
While we're on the subjects of what I didn't like; Blay was on that list.... When he'd met Torin and called him scarface and didn't have the grace to even apologize and everyone just kinda ignored it... Uhmmm, no.... how rude! I hope Torin's brother doesn't fall for him in the next one because he needs his attitude adjusted with the quickness.
I also thought the dialogue in some parts was immature; I know these are young guys but just as it irritated me with Luke and Aeron's book where he said things like "epic" and "cool beans", I just felt ridiculous reading it coming from 20 something year old men. And, Torin calling Peyton "baby boy" I didn't find cute either. I call my children that. It was like Luke calling Aeron "kid".... just why? Baby would have been cute, but baby boy? Nah...I didn't get it.

I also felt terrible for Peyton; man how I wished I could have jumped right into this story and hugged him. He deserved so much better than the life he got. Torin was amazing with him, patient and understanding and endlessly supportive. I was glad he knocked Luke around a bit for hurting Peyton; it let him redeem himself a little bit lol is that terrible of me to say?
I also cried for what Peyton's foster brother done to him. My goodness, it made me so mad because I hated how predictable it was that he suddenly showed up 6 years later.... of course he was going to, why not? I knew it was coming, I just didn't know when or how. luckily it wasn't bad and he got a smidge of what he deserved, I wish Torin would have been let loose on him though, that would have made me feel better lol
I think maybe I need to keep an eye on my need for vengence eh?
Still.... Torin took his job as protector very seriously and I was so glad Peyton found that. I was glad Peyton got a family when he got with Torin, how his family adopted him and how he worked hard at fighting his demons.
Overall, this was a very emotional story and I've got to say I sincerely adored Torin.
The way he turned his life around and found a reason to "be" with loving Peyton. Peyton made him want to be better. Peyton made him better period.
I really enjoyed this story, with the exception of those couple/few things.

Really looking forward to the next one and really hoping Blay isn't quite a jerk.
4 stars for me.

[adik miftakhur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was having so much fun reading this one. This was my very first book I'd read from Jaclyn after I didn't get a chance to read her another book called Dear Adam which I was dying to read because there was some problem while purchasing the kindle version, it's region limitation which kind of sucked for an international bookblogger, like me. Phew!!

But here I am, I'm going to write my quick review about the book which I'll totally divide it to two parts, Characters and Story plot. Here we go :

Characters : I was so damn falling in love with the characters. Let's just say there were only two main characters inside the book who most likely you would see during your reading time. They were Peyton and Torin. First, I'm going to write my feelings about Torin. I loved him so much, he's such a boyfriend material, at least for me. hehe, He's so sweet, even his past wasn't really good. I loved his action to always keep his partner safe. He was the first one my eyes caught. Then let's talk about Peyton, honestly I felt sorry for him, for what happened to him. Plus he's so damn sweet and soft. It's like he didn't want to kill a fly.

Story-Plot: Another reason why I gave 4 stars to this book. It was such a good book though. Eventhough this one is a Novella but you could read it as a stand alone. The story plot was understandable, so you don't have to re-read it to get the point. But if you're a big fan of tragic plot, I'm not sure this one for you. Even lots of people out there telling you otherwise, but for me the book was less tragic than people said.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to read to all of the people, including you if you're a fan of M/M books. :)

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton lives in small town Cadbury and holds jobs at both the cafe and hardware store. By all accounts, he is an easy-going, nice guy who is still hung up on his ex (Luke from book 1) and isn’t looking to start a new relationship. On the inside, he feels broken and worthless. His foster care experiences left Peyton with hidden scars and serious trust issues. His failed relationship with Luke reinforced those feelings.

Torin is the stereotypical bad boy—a motorcycle driving, scarred, tattoo covered, recovering alcoholic with anger control issues. After his best friend overdoses, Torin falls off the wagon. It’s a wake up call. Realizing that if he stays home, the cycle will keep repeating, he moves to Cadbury for a fresh start.

When Torin and Peyton meet at the cafe, neither is ready for a relationship...but the attraction is undeniable. Can Peyton overcome his past and learn to trust Torin? Can Torin finally overcome his impulse control issues and be the strong, supportive partner that Peyton so desperately needs?

I recommend reading in order. While it can be read as a stand-alone, It’s more satisfying to understand Peyton’s history (as seen from the outside) first. The dynamics between the characters have more meaning (especially between Luke, Peyton and Aeron). Crossover with characters from the author’s Awakened series is also introduced. Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars We Hide is the second book in to the Cadbury series and from the first page to the last, I was addicted.

Bad-ass, tattooed, biker - Torin has a foul mouth, too many addictions, wears majority of his scars on the outside, but is determined to make a new life in Cadbury. Peyton is his opposite in all ways.

I love the way Jaclyn Osborn wrote their story. Their journey from the very beginning was not easy. Peyton wanted absolutely nothing to do with Torin but Torin was persistent and determined. Even when they final came together - their journey was just beginning. Peyton's pain grip my heart so much that I wanted to reach into my kindle and hold him. There are trigger warnings with this book but Jaclyn did an amazing job with the writing and battling such a heartbreaking story line. Their individual struggle and discovery as well as their struggle as a couple is emotional and passionate, yet oh so beautiful to watch (read) unfold.

If you have not read Strength To Forgive (First Cadbury Novel) I highly recommend you do before reading Scars We Hide. Aeron and Luke's story do carry over and I wouldn't want you lost (wink), so go and get them both.

[Tara Spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to love this book. I went in with high hopes, but I struggled to get through Torin and Peyton's story. I LOVE hurt/comfort. LOVE a well written broken boy, and this had two! But alas, I lost interest in them both and found myself not really caring for either one of them. They were whiny, and there was so much repetition I skimmed a lot of it.

The story itself is very slow, and there is so much build up, I knew everything that was going to happen LONG before it did.

I had trouble with how the author handled the issues these boys had. I could tell she didn't have experience with either one. Just sitting in on an AA meeting or two, and chatting with a few therapists would have brought a more realistic element to her character's trials.

A hundred pages too long. There are a ton of unnecessary words the author uses. And that made this a tedious read. A little tightening would go a long way, in my opinion. And a few loose ends were flat forgotten.

[Jessica Thorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a great addition to the first Cadbury novel! Peyton and Torin's story will have you laughing and crying through the entire book. Peyton and Torin both have troubled pasts, but they each have their own way of dealing with it. Their story is one I could read and re-read over and over again. I absolutely loved this story and I would have to say its my favorite from this author, to date.

[Tracy Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, must have lots of Kleenex... 2% in I was a crying mess & was at it for awhile... The book was heartbreaking, gut wrenching & beautiful, so good I loved it. You'll loved the characters right away. I already loved Peyton from previous book & you'll love Torin as well. A must read! I'm hoping for a book 3 ;)

[Beckie Rousseau Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need love to help heal past wounds

Another great story from this author. Dealing with trauma and drug use in as storyline can be difficult, but they managed to pull at my heartstrings without being too dramatic. The tie in from the first book was helpful, but you could still read this as a stand alone book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaclyn Osborn has just become one of my new favorite authors with this book. I love how Torin and Peyton were able to heal from their past. I really identified with Peyton's reluctance to attend therapy. Even though my life was not like Peyton's, I understand how hard it is to ask for help and start the healing process with therapy. I can't wait to see what Osborn's next book will be like.

[Karen Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I really enjoyed this book, you really feel for Peyton in book 1 with Luke being a total jerk at times. But this is his story with Torin. Now I fell in love with Torin. Will be interesting if there is a book 3 and whether it will be Blay and Jer.

[sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I read the first book in the series and couldn't put it down so was very excited to see that Payton has a book,again amazing I laughed and cried ,I'm hoping there's a book #3. I really like this author, the writing is smooth and all questions answered.

[Guin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Both Peyton and Torin had hidden and visible scars from their past they were dealing with. Each gave the other the strength they needed to move forward in a loving relationship.

[Simple · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but not that great that I want to read the previous or next book in the series. The climax was very predictable and I saw it coming from miles. However, it was more of an anticlimax than climax. All the the issues were resolved with so much ease and there was no real problem.

[SaBine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! After the first chapters I thought what is there more to come? But Jaclyn Osborn has a way of weaving you into a story with both severe damaged trust and hurt, and then love and tenderness to overcome.

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heartache and trauma that this story uncovers, will shatter your heart before rebuilding it again. I loved learning about Torin and Peyton. They’ve both been through so much, but their pasts have made them that much stronger.