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Scars
“I don’t really like talking about my scar.” Quinton Warren is haunted by a secret that's kept him distant from others—until the night he discovers a man who suffered the same traumatic incident that left them both scarred for life. Quinton has never been attracted to men before, but with their shared pain, he can’t help becoming intertwined with Matt. That proves to be both complicated and dangerous as Matt is the boyfriend of Quinton’s controlling boss. “My relationship with him was growing twisted and unhealthy, like skin healed all wrong.” Matt’s been burned by men in the past, and his emotional elusiveness only amplifies the tension in this twisted triangle. But Quinton's kindness and intense passion seem the only things able to soothe Matt's skittish heart.Through all the jealousy and mind-games, Quinton can’t shake the feeling that someone’s following him, but that can’t be true. It’s just his paranoia getting the better of him—right? "When you’ve never seen your attacker's face, anyone could be him.” Scarsis a 75,000 word romance with intense intimacy between two men, a happily ever after and no cliffhangers.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 18, 2017
This is hard for me to rate. Quinton has a jagged scar on his face. He received it as a child. He meets Matt, who has an identical scar. Both men were victims of the same attacker. Matt is the boyfriend of Dennis, Quinton's boss. Each man has scars inside also, because they have never gotten over the fear that they will be attacked again. Quinton is straight, but slowly he realizes he wants Matt. Dennis and Matt have a rocky, strange connection. Matt sleeps with Quinton, and it is a depressing, twisting tale, that leads them all into chaos. Matt is very sarcastic and mean mostly. The story turns even darker, more evil, and horrible, chilling things are happening.
I didn't like the cheating, because that is a big NO for me.
This tale dragged me down into the pit and I didn't like that.
Readers who like a dark, twisted tale will like it, but it wasn't for me.
Yes, there eventually is a happy ending, but after what they went through, "shiver", it's still a challenging life to lead
I didn't like the cheating, because that is a big NO for me.
This tale dragged me down into the pit and I didn't like that.
Readers who like a dark, twisted tale will like it, but it wasn't for me.
Yes, there eventually is a happy ending, but after what they went through, "shiver", it's still a challenging life to lead
November 7, 2016
Ok So let me go ahead and say this book is not for everyone. It is a completely and total mind-fuck. It is dark and twisted and not in very good ways sometimes. There are some things that seem far fetched but really sometimes the most far fetched thing you can think of turns out to be the truth.
The story focuses on Quinton he has a scar on his face. The back story surrounding the scar is the star of the show here. The scar has made him who he is and has shaped the person he's become he hates it doesn't like talking about it but in a way has to love it because the scar is what brings Matt into his life. Matt has the same exact scar on his face and Q knows immediately how he got it. Thus begins the most complicated relationship I've read in awhile because Matt is not free he belongs to Dennis, Q's boss, and Q is not gay so yeah there's that too.
There is so much going on in this book that I really cant lay it out in a review, there would be way too many spoilers and what made the book good for me was peeling back the layers and discovering the pieces.
If you like intense, psychological, at times disturbing romances then this book might be a great read for you. I really enjoyed it. It pulled me in and kept me intrigued to the very end. The passion in this book is intense and the two MC's understand each other on a level no one else around them gets.
The story focuses on Quinton he has a scar on his face. The back story surrounding the scar is the star of the show here. The scar has made him who he is and has shaped the person he's become he hates it doesn't like talking about it but in a way has to love it because the scar is what brings Matt into his life. Matt has the same exact scar on his face and Q knows immediately how he got it. Thus begins the most complicated relationship I've read in awhile because Matt is not free he belongs to Dennis, Q's boss, and Q is not gay so yeah there's that too.
There is so much going on in this book that I really cant lay it out in a review, there would be way too many spoilers and what made the book good for me was peeling back the layers and discovering the pieces.
If you like intense, psychological, at times disturbing romances then this book might be a great read for you. I really enjoyed it. It pulled me in and kept me intrigued to the very end. The passion in this book is intense and the two MC's understand each other on a level no one else around them gets.
August 27, 2017
My opinion kept changing as I read this. I went from liking it, to getting annoyed, to hopeful, to wtf, to not being able to wait and see what would happen next. So dark and deep, it's hard to walk away from without glancing back over my shoulder to be sure the uneasiness is just in my imagination.
May 29, 2017
THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD but is it really that hard for authors to say the word Bisexual or Pansexual i mean honestly
July 9, 2021
My third book by Hoppa in a row. This one is quite different from Everything between Us and Keep me Still, and I am not sure, I’ll ever read this one be again. Still it’s a five star read to me. Nothing is easy here and just like I’m the other two books - that I really, really love as well - the main characters have so many flaws and scars.
Hoppa’s way of writing love just does it for me. The sweetness in the middle of all the difficulties and struggles melts my heart every time. This story is so, so dark, rough, and horrible, and yet I believe the love between Quinton and Matt.
Hoppa’s way of writing love just does it for me. The sweetness in the middle of all the difficulties and struggles melts my heart every time. This story is so, so dark, rough, and horrible, and yet I believe the love between Quinton and Matt.
June 10, 2018
This is definitely a hard book to rate. I can say unequivocally that it's not a romance like anyone expects a romance to be. I can also say that this is a true mind f*ck. I can honestly say that I had to know how this ended.
However, while being interested enough in this train wreck to see it through to the end... well, I got bored enough that I skimmed here and there. I also never liked any of the characters. Furthermore, sadly, I figured out the "bad guy" as soon as I glimpsed the person. Last but not least a couple of things said toward the end really, REALLY, rubbed me the wrong way.
However, while being interested enough in this train wreck to see it through to the end... well, I got bored enough that I skimmed here and there. I also never liked any of the characters. Furthermore, sadly, I figured out the "bad guy" as soon as I glimpsed the person. Last but not least a couple of things said toward the end really, REALLY, rubbed me the wrong way.
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January 22, 2017
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Quinton Warren is haunted by a secret that's kept him distant from others—until the night he discovers a man who suffered the same traumatic incident that left them both scarred for life. Quinton has never been attracted to men before, but with their shared pain, he can’t help becoming intertwined with Matt. That proves to be both complicated and dangerous as Matt is the boyfriend of Quinton’s controlling boss.
“My relationship with him was growing twisted and unhealthy, like skin healed all wrong.”
Matt’s been burned by men in the past, and his emotional elusiveness only amplifies the tension in this twisted triangle. But Quinton's kindness and intense passion seem the only things able to soothe Matt's skittish heart.Through all the jealousy and mind-games, Quinton can’t shake the feeling that someone’s following him, but that can’t be true. It’s just his paranoia getting the better of him—right?
"When you’ve never seen your attacker's face, anyone could be him.”
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May 3, 2018
This was a very strange story. I honestly don't know how to review or rate it.
October 28, 2016
This is a fascinating, intriguing and intense book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What you will find in this book is: a 30yr old man (Quinton), his boss (Dennis), a mischievous man (Matteo aka Matt), drama, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, emotional conflict, attractions, memories of an attack, almost identical scars, anxiety, disagreements, misunderstandings, manipulations, murder, police detectives, suicide, abduction, a deal, escaping, an accident, emotional feelings, lust, love and erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and exceptionally well written. The characters are well developed with individual personalities and have feelings of lust, needs and desires. I would recommend this book to people who like to read a well written M/M romance, which dealt with some tough issues, you will not be disappointed in this book.
October 26, 2016
“That’s all love is, finding two shattered halves that can fit together to create a whole heart.”
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way, one moment warming me with the overwhelming connection between Quinton and Matt, the next moment churning me up as the situation spiralled out of control. I couldn’t help but feel for Quinton, who was so conflicted about being drawn to Matt and who struggled so much with how to give him what he needed, but it was Matt who truly fascinated me with his intriguing balance of being so disarmingly expressive and so incredibly guarded. And what a convoluted mess he finds himself tangled in with Quinton and Dennis as everyone’s secrets surface. This is a really intense read, with some really dark moments, but they’re well balanced by the brightness of those instances when the spotlight is on the chemistry between Quinton and Matt. This book was so incredibly compelling that I found myself unable to put it down for longer than it took to refill my beverage and catch my breath.
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way, one moment warming me with the overwhelming connection between Quinton and Matt, the next moment churning me up as the situation spiralled out of control. I couldn’t help but feel for Quinton, who was so conflicted about being drawn to Matt and who struggled so much with how to give him what he needed, but it was Matt who truly fascinated me with his intriguing balance of being so disarmingly expressive and so incredibly guarded. And what a convoluted mess he finds himself tangled in with Quinton and Dennis as everyone’s secrets surface. This is a really intense read, with some really dark moments, but they’re well balanced by the brightness of those instances when the spotlight is on the chemistry between Quinton and Matt. This book was so incredibly compelling that I found myself unable to put it down for longer than it took to refill my beverage and catch my breath.
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
October 30, 2016
Really enjoyable
First of all, I love this author and will read anything he puts out there. This story is a departure from his usual stories. Quinton is a personal assistant, invaluable to his boss, but somewhat withdrawn because of a large facial scar. One night at a party, he meets Matt, who has a similar scar. He feels drawn to him, but the situation is awkward because Matt is the boyfriend of the boss. The development of the relationship followed a good path, there wasn't a rush for instant gratification. There was a bit of mystery with the history of the scars, although it did get a bit strange near the end. A few typos, but overall, a good combination of romance and suspense.
First of all, I love this author and will read anything he puts out there. This story is a departure from his usual stories. Quinton is a personal assistant, invaluable to his boss, but somewhat withdrawn because of a large facial scar. One night at a party, he meets Matt, who has a similar scar. He feels drawn to him, but the situation is awkward because Matt is the boyfriend of the boss. The development of the relationship followed a good path, there wasn't a rush for instant gratification. There was a bit of mystery with the history of the scars, although it did get a bit strange near the end. A few typos, but overall, a good combination of romance and suspense.
February 5, 2017
Completely captivating
I was caught up in this story. I really was drawn in by the characters. I haven't read many books where the couple are both men. "Watching" these two discover their love was beautiful and painful. Compelling I really enjoyed it. So glad I ignored the cover which I found unattractive as a whole
I was caught up in this story. I really was drawn in by the characters. I haven't read many books where the couple are both men. "Watching" these two discover their love was beautiful and painful. Compelling I really enjoyed it. So glad I ignored the cover which I found unattractive as a whole
June 19, 2018
2.5/5
It was a mess thru and thru.
It was a mess thru and thru.
April 29, 2019
Thriller/romance and best of both genres. Loved it. Making my way through all this author's work.
mm-ok-bx
May 14, 2025Bx,Rokp
October 28, 2016
Dark, Tortured, Twisty .... Stephen Hoppa what have you done?
Like many readers, when I have read multiple books by the same author I become complacent and think I know what the book will be like. Wrong.
Quinton has a dramatic scar on his face and he's had it since he was a child. He never told his parents what happened. He doesn't like to talk about it. As an adult he works for an event planner named Dennis. Dennis brought his new boyfriend to an event and he has a matching scar on his face. When Q saw Matt's scar, identical to his but on the opposite side, he knew exactly how Matt got his scar.
As a result he understood more about Matt's background and emotions. Dennis entirely depends on his 'straight' employee, Quinton. He even refers to him as the straight guy with the scar behind his back. The twisted relationship between Dennis and Matt , Dennis and his employee Quinton and then Matt and Quinton brings forth many different emotions.
This is not the usual Stephen this is not the usual Stephen Hoppa book. It's much darker, much deeper incredibly complicated characters and a very compelling story line. The story is told from alternating points of view and the suspense is almost painful at times. Yes there is M/M passion and Stephen Hoppa knows how to deliver passion like few other authors. More than a story of passion, this is a suspenseful love story with a happy ever after ending. As I was reading, I couldn't imagine how this could end well but don't worry, it does.
Like many readers, when I have read multiple books by the same author I become complacent and think I know what the book will be like. Wrong.
Quinton has a dramatic scar on his face and he's had it since he was a child. He never told his parents what happened. He doesn't like to talk about it. As an adult he works for an event planner named Dennis. Dennis brought his new boyfriend to an event and he has a matching scar on his face. When Q saw Matt's scar, identical to his but on the opposite side, he knew exactly how Matt got his scar.
As a result he understood more about Matt's background and emotions. Dennis entirely depends on his 'straight' employee, Quinton. He even refers to him as the straight guy with the scar behind his back. The twisted relationship between Dennis and Matt , Dennis and his employee Quinton and then Matt and Quinton brings forth many different emotions.
This is not the usual Stephen this is not the usual Stephen Hoppa book. It's much darker, much deeper incredibly complicated characters and a very compelling story line. The story is told from alternating points of view and the suspense is almost painful at times. Yes there is M/M passion and Stephen Hoppa knows how to deliver passion like few other authors. More than a story of passion, this is a suspenseful love story with a happy ever after ending. As I was reading, I couldn't imagine how this could end well but don't worry, it does.
October 29, 2016
Q and Matt are pure strength
Scars is my favorite book by Stephen Hoppa to date. This story has as many twists, turns, ups and downs as a roller coaster ride. A true mystery that you can't guess "who done it". Thankfully he fed my romantic heart with an HEA. THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL STORY STEPHEN HOPPA!
Scars is my favorite book by Stephen Hoppa to date. This story has as many twists, turns, ups and downs as a roller coaster ride. A true mystery that you can't guess "who done it". Thankfully he fed my romantic heart with an HEA. THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL STORY STEPHEN HOPPA!
January 27, 2017
Beautiful
Sometimes you will hear me muttering about author updates cluttering up my inbox but I am so glad I did not miss this one.
This is a love story pure and simple that absolutely glows from the pages. It is intricate and well written with a slow burn rather than a frenetic feel. It has dark themes but they do not drag you down. I thought it was beautiful.
Sometimes you will hear me muttering about author updates cluttering up my inbox but I am so glad I did not miss this one.
This is a love story pure and simple that absolutely glows from the pages. It is intricate and well written with a slow burn rather than a frenetic feel. It has dark themes but they do not drag you down. I thought it was beautiful.
November 11, 2016
Too much angst dragged the story out much long than it should have.
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February 1, 2017Awesome read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews