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The Scarred Bullet Series #3
Define Us
I’m supposed to be strong.
Until I found I was in a relationship I swore I would never be in.
I didn’t know how trapped I was until Dean Sailer walked into the diner, making me question who I turned into.
Dean reeked of overconfidence.He’s sarcastic and thinks he’s funny.
The worst part is I find myself smiling when I don’t feel like it. He brought out something inside me that I locked away a long time ago.
I wanted nothing to do with him.
I wanted to stay contained in my world.
When tragedy threatens the life of me and my best friend, he’s the one I find myself relying on.
He’s there for me when no one else is.
No matter how much I try to resist Dean Sailer, he seems to delve deeper into a place I thought was gone.
Can I change?Or will I be the definition of what I’ve made myself out to be?
Unknown Binding
Published March 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Serena Kearney
10 books274 followersI am a Leo. Born August 10, living on the east coast. I self-published my first novel, PNEUMA in 2014, and I have no regrets.
One of my many indulgences is fitting in time to read. My other happy place: having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream.
I have a cat named Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I'm trying to work but is too cute for me to fight him off.
And then I have my family, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, and my ridiculous imagination.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/serenakbelieves
Hey all! I've finally started my own fan group page.
One of my many indulgences is fitting in time to read. My other happy place: having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream.
I have a cat named Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I'm trying to work but is too cute for me to fight him off.
And then I have my family, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, and my ridiculous imagination.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/serenakbelieves
Hey all! I've finally started my own fan group page.
This one is way more intimate and I have made it my goal to keep this one a lot more active than my others.
Why?
Because this group is exclusive to my releases, drafts, teasers, and much more! WAY sooner than any of my other social media.
Even get sneak peeks into my works. Maybe even get ARCs before anyone else!
So if you have reviewed and read my books, this is THE PLACE to be!
If you are interested in keeping up above everyone else, click below and join!
CLICK HERE=> https://www.facebook.com/groups/serenabookbelievers/
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 28, 2017
Define Us was the third book in the Scarred Bullet series by Serena Kearney. I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Dean Sailer had been a staple in all books in the series. He was smart, funny, charming, outrageously flirtatious and an all around great, fun loving guy. We knew he had secrets and deep rooted pains; however, we've not been blessed with why until now.
Risa had a troubled life growing up and she was still working on digging herself out of it. She was strong and beautiful yet continued to get caught up in trouble as a product of her environment. She was working at the diner when she met Dean, Daze and Dem. Dean was drawn to her immediately and the story began.
The storyline was complex, well written and well developed. It was told in a dual POV, with Risa as the primary and Dean strategically scattered throughout the book.
Kearney tackled the tough issue regarding the cycle of abused women and their abusers. It could be a trigger for some. I found it interesting that Kearney provided three abuse scenarios with varied outcomes. It's definitely a troubling part of today's society and unfortunately was probably a realistic perspective.
I loved how the "Define Us" theme was expressed within the storyline. It truly was a story to apply to life.
Define Us was a great addition to the series and the best written so far. I'm hopeful the series will continue with Adi, Ashe, and Minnie. There's still plenty of fodder for the fire so to speak.
Dean Sailer had been a staple in all books in the series. He was smart, funny, charming, outrageously flirtatious and an all around great, fun loving guy. We knew he had secrets and deep rooted pains; however, we've not been blessed with why until now.
Risa had a troubled life growing up and she was still working on digging herself out of it. She was strong and beautiful yet continued to get caught up in trouble as a product of her environment. She was working at the diner when she met Dean, Daze and Dem. Dean was drawn to her immediately and the story began.
The storyline was complex, well written and well developed. It was told in a dual POV, with Risa as the primary and Dean strategically scattered throughout the book.
Kearney tackled the tough issue regarding the cycle of abused women and their abusers. It could be a trigger for some. I found it interesting that Kearney provided three abuse scenarios with varied outcomes. It's definitely a troubling part of today's society and unfortunately was probably a realistic perspective.
I loved how the "Define Us" theme was expressed within the storyline. It truly was a story to apply to life.
Define Us was a great addition to the series and the best written so far. I'm hopeful the series will continue with Adi, Ashe, and Minnie. There's still plenty of fodder for the fire so to speak.
March 19, 2017
Book Tour Review that I am Involved with.
Define Us Serena Kearney(Scarred Bullet, #3)Publication date: March 17th 2017Genres: New Adult, Romance
I’m supposed to be strong.
Until I found I was in a relationship I swore I would never be in. I didn’t know how trapped I was until Dean Sailer walked into the diner, making me question who I turned into. Dean reeked of overconfidence. He’s sarcastic and thinks he’s funny. The worst part is I find myself smiling when I don’t feel like it. He brought out something inside me that I locked away a long time ago. I wanted nothing to do with him. I wanted to stay contained in my world. When tragedy threatens the life of me and my best friend, he’s the one I find myself relying on. He’s there for me when no one else is. No matter how much I try to resist Dean Sailer, he seems to delve deeper into a place I thought was gone. Can I change?Or will I be the definition of what I’ve made myself out to be?
My Review
I thought the book was a good book, while I gave the book 4 stars, it was more like a 3 1/2 one. The reason I rounded it to a 4 is because I really loved Dean, I just thought he was pretty awesome. I also liked Risa the heroine of the book, I just wish when she thought something about Dean she would have asked him and not just assume it to be true.
I really loved Dean's friends a lot, as well as Risa's friend. I haven't read any of the prior books but I didn't feel lost, coming in a little late. I thought the end of the book was pretty good, and I might go back and read the books that are out that I haven't read yet. The book was a nice read and like I mentioned had some pretty awesome characters in it to fall in love with.
I am so happy I volunteered to take part in the tour for this book. It was a lot of fun.
Goodreads / Amazon
Previous books in the series:
Author Bio:
I am a Leo. Born August 10, living on the east coast. I self-published my first novel, PNEUMA, November 2014, and it’s hasn’t stopped since. One of my biggest problems was having too much to read. Now my newfound problem; having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream. I have a cat named Bongo-Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I’m trying to work, but is too cute for me to fight him off. And then I have my family, specifically my husband, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, my ridiculous imagination, and yet, he always encourages me to believe in myself and follow my dreams.
Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Define Us Serena Kearney(Scarred Bullet, #3)Publication date: March 17th 2017Genres: New Adult, Romance
I’m supposed to be strong.
Until I found I was in a relationship I swore I would never be in. I didn’t know how trapped I was until Dean Sailer walked into the diner, making me question who I turned into. Dean reeked of overconfidence. He’s sarcastic and thinks he’s funny. The worst part is I find myself smiling when I don’t feel like it. He brought out something inside me that I locked away a long time ago. I wanted nothing to do with him. I wanted to stay contained in my world. When tragedy threatens the life of me and my best friend, he’s the one I find myself relying on. He’s there for me when no one else is. No matter how much I try to resist Dean Sailer, he seems to delve deeper into a place I thought was gone. Can I change?Or will I be the definition of what I’ve made myself out to be?
My Review
I thought the book was a good book, while I gave the book 4 stars, it was more like a 3 1/2 one. The reason I rounded it to a 4 is because I really loved Dean, I just thought he was pretty awesome. I also liked Risa the heroine of the book, I just wish when she thought something about Dean she would have asked him and not just assume it to be true.
I really loved Dean's friends a lot, as well as Risa's friend. I haven't read any of the prior books but I didn't feel lost, coming in a little late. I thought the end of the book was pretty good, and I might go back and read the books that are out that I haven't read yet. The book was a nice read and like I mentioned had some pretty awesome characters in it to fall in love with.
I am so happy I volunteered to take part in the tour for this book. It was a lot of fun.
Goodreads / Amazon
Previous books in the series:
Author Bio:
I am a Leo. Born August 10, living on the east coast. I self-published my first novel, PNEUMA, November 2014, and it’s hasn’t stopped since. One of my biggest problems was having too much to read. Now my newfound problem; having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream. I have a cat named Bongo-Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I’m trying to work, but is too cute for me to fight him off. And then I have my family, specifically my husband, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, my ridiculous imagination, and yet, he always encourages me to believe in myself and follow my dreams.
Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 6, 2017
Stars: 4
Chapters: Prolog, 28, and Epilogue
Length: 190 pgs
Tense of Story: Present – First person
Genera: New Adult Contemporary Romance
POV: Dean & Risa
MF / Profession: Risa – waitress
MM / Profession: Dean - attorney
Location: Not mentioned
Even though this is the third book in the series, I was given the opportunity to read it and I took it. I was worried that I would not be able to enjoy it as much as if I had read the first two in the series. But my worrying was for not. I was able to enjoy the story without needing to read the first two but I enjoyed the writing and the characters so much I will be going back and reading the first two. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
A strong female characters either makes or breaks the story for me. I also don’t like a female that is crying all the darn time. Risa was a strong female character and although at times I agreed with her in shedding a few tears, she held strong and didn’t. But not all the time, she did shed some and I can’t blame her for those, they were well deserved. I totally understood Risa and felt what she was going through. It’s hard to break from the cycle that she had known all her life.
Love me some Dean. I never usually have any issues with the male characters in the story. Wonder why? Well anyway, he’s just what Risa needs, kind, loveable, and wealthy. Well money isn’t really needed but it sure does help.
The story is a great story that deals with a very serious issue that should never happen in today’s society and that is Domestic Abuse. If we all teach our children than this issue can be extinct.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chapters: Prolog, 28, and Epilogue
Length: 190 pgs
Tense of Story: Present – First person
Genera: New Adult Contemporary Romance
POV: Dean & Risa
MF / Profession: Risa – waitress
MM / Profession: Dean - attorney
Location: Not mentioned
Even though this is the third book in the series, I was given the opportunity to read it and I took it. I was worried that I would not be able to enjoy it as much as if I had read the first two in the series. But my worrying was for not. I was able to enjoy the story without needing to read the first two but I enjoyed the writing and the characters so much I will be going back and reading the first two. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone.
A strong female characters either makes or breaks the story for me. I also don’t like a female that is crying all the darn time. Risa was a strong female character and although at times I agreed with her in shedding a few tears, she held strong and didn’t. But not all the time, she did shed some and I can’t blame her for those, they were well deserved. I totally understood Risa and felt what she was going through. It’s hard to break from the cycle that she had known all her life.
Love me some Dean. I never usually have any issues with the male characters in the story. Wonder why? Well anyway, he’s just what Risa needs, kind, loveable, and wealthy. Well money isn’t really needed but it sure does help.
The story is a great story that deals with a very serious issue that should never happen in today’s society and that is Domestic Abuse. If we all teach our children than this issue can be extinct.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2017
Risa and Dean are not my favorite couple in this series but they did make an addition to the series that was different. Risa needed to have confidence in herself and her self-worth. She was damaged by life and circumstances. Dean drops in and then she feels like this was not what she needed in her life. I have to say that she was wrong on so many levels of this viewpoint. There was a sweetness about Dean and Risa that kept me reading onward. I did not feel this was a carbon of the first two books but an extension. Life changes us all in different ways. Define Us was what we watched happen between Dean and Risa with this new installation to the Scarred Bullet series.
As someone that read the first two books of the series, I did not feel that you needed to have that information to follow Dean and Risa story. The previous stories were more like additional information on the people around them. Serena did a wonderful job giving a complete story. I look forward to new and more involved character and story lines.
As someone that read the first two books of the series, I did not feel that you needed to have that information to follow Dean and Risa story. The previous stories were more like additional information on the people around them. Serena did a wonderful job giving a complete story. I look forward to new and more involved character and story lines.
June 5, 2017
Another excellent book to the series. This is Dean's story. I think this one is my favorite one I always loved the funny cocky ones. It was nice to read Dean finally get His story as the poor guy kept falling for the girls not meant for him. I'm This story we are introduced to Risa who is a strong woman when it comes to defending the ones she loves except when it comes to her and in swoops Dean and helps her out. This is a funny romance story with drama and a twist towards the end. Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the story line and as always loved the characters. I look forward to reading more from this series, not sure how I feel yet about Rhonda getting her own story but I'm willing to give it a try.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review
April 8, 2017
To break out of the vicious circle of abuse is hard. To help others do the same is heroic. And I absolutely feel for Ri, relate to her and rooted for her from the start. And even though Dean waltzes into her life and high-handedly takes over and I normally don't like that, in this case I was not against it and I loved their relationship. The story is compelling, thrilling, full of hope and strength, maybe a bit much pink cloudy but I really liked to read that after what the women have been through. I'd love to hear more about Adi and the older couple in the book is way cute. I didn't care so much for the parents of Dean (their scene confused me, especially the ending, it came to abrupt, I didn't really get it) and the brawls are not my thing but it's good to see the girls stand up for themselves. So when do I get the next one?
June 6, 2017
this was first book iv read from this author and found it kept me hooked I didnt want to put it down I finished within two days was a good insight into eyes of someone living in an abusive relationship and there lives had a love story between rise and dean and hiw close a group of friends they are
May 27, 2017
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had potential, I will admit that. Dean was a lovable guy, and Risa was strong and tolerable (most of the time). I liked the dynamic between the two and how they took care of each other; however, there were many things about this book that I didn't think worked.
Cons:
1. The descriptions were lacking. There were many times I had to re-read a passage over and over because I couldn't tell what was going on. There were also times when the setting would suddenly change (they'd be in the hospital and the next moment pulling up to Risa's apartment in Dean's car), and there would be no transition to make that abundantly clear.
2. Way too many things happened in this book. I ended up counting how many different plot points/major events there were, and I pretty much got to 8 before I stopped counting. A typical story should only have 1,2, maybe 3 major events that happen throughout a story. This made this hard to follow and hard to believe.
3. Risa's connection with her mother later in the book. It wasn't believable to me. I expected Risa to be a little stronger and stand up to her mother. I mean, she did abandon her. I feel Risa forgave her too easily. At least make your mom work for your affection a little bit since she kicked you out of the house 7 years ago.
4. I wasn't sure the whole dynamic between Preston made sense. I didn't completely believe Risa would start a relationship with him because of what she had went through growing up (she was too strong for that), and I didn't believe in the weird things he did. I mean, come on, he sent her a box full of blood. That is creepy.
5. Adding in Dean's parents at the end and the twist with Henry was just too much. At that point, I wanted the falling action to start occurring (this was one weird story arc). I thought this part could be left out simply because I didn't think the readers needed it. Dean's parents are never in his life, and I think the readers can accept that.
6. I know they are from other books, but Dean's friends were simply annoying. There were times when I liked them, but I just didn't get how they were always together and showed up out of the blue. I think the guy characters worked nice, but the girls (Daze, Willa, Ashe, Minnie) just didn't work for me. I'm sorry.
7. How is Risa's mother getting into a relationship with someone right after being in an abusive one for 9 years? I think she would have been a bit more hesitant (and maybe needed some therapy).
Pros:
1. Great potential in plot. I was really drawn into the book for the first 40%, but then it got too complicated. If it simply stuck with Risa and her abusive, stalker boyfriend, (and maybe her mom because it ties together), then I think this story would have worked for me.
2. the characters (Dean, Risa, Dem, Bullet) were fantastic. I thought they really worked in this story because they complimented each other.
3. This book can work as a standalone. I didn't read the first two, and while there were times the characters inside jokes alluded me, I could follow along and not feel too lost.
This was an interesting read. If you're fans of Kearney's previous books, you may like this one. This simply wasn't my cup of tea.
This book had potential, I will admit that. Dean was a lovable guy, and Risa was strong and tolerable (most of the time). I liked the dynamic between the two and how they took care of each other; however, there were many things about this book that I didn't think worked.
Cons:
1. The descriptions were lacking. There were many times I had to re-read a passage over and over because I couldn't tell what was going on. There were also times when the setting would suddenly change (they'd be in the hospital and the next moment pulling up to Risa's apartment in Dean's car), and there would be no transition to make that abundantly clear.
2. Way too many things happened in this book. I ended up counting how many different plot points/major events there were, and I pretty much got to 8 before I stopped counting. A typical story should only have 1,2, maybe 3 major events that happen throughout a story. This made this hard to follow and hard to believe.
3. Risa's connection with her mother later in the book. It wasn't believable to me. I expected Risa to be a little stronger and stand up to her mother. I mean, she did abandon her. I feel Risa forgave her too easily. At least make your mom work for your affection a little bit since she kicked you out of the house 7 years ago.
4. I wasn't sure the whole dynamic between Preston made sense. I didn't completely believe Risa would start a relationship with him because of what she had went through growing up (she was too strong for that), and I didn't believe in the weird things he did. I mean, come on, he sent her a box full of blood. That is creepy.
5. Adding in Dean's parents at the end and the twist with Henry was just too much. At that point, I wanted the falling action to start occurring (this was one weird story arc). I thought this part could be left out simply because I didn't think the readers needed it. Dean's parents are never in his life, and I think the readers can accept that.
6. I know they are from other books, but Dean's friends were simply annoying. There were times when I liked them, but I just didn't get how they were always together and showed up out of the blue. I think the guy characters worked nice, but the girls (Daze, Willa, Ashe, Minnie) just didn't work for me. I'm sorry.
7. How is Risa's mother getting into a relationship with someone right after being in an abusive one for 9 years? I think she would have been a bit more hesitant (and maybe needed some therapy).
Pros:
1. Great potential in plot. I was really drawn into the book for the first 40%, but then it got too complicated. If it simply stuck with Risa and her abusive, stalker boyfriend, (and maybe her mom because it ties together), then I think this story would have worked for me.
2. the characters (Dean, Risa, Dem, Bullet) were fantastic. I thought they really worked in this story because they complimented each other.
3. This book can work as a standalone. I didn't read the first two, and while there were times the characters inside jokes alluded me, I could follow along and not feel too lost.
This was an interesting read. If you're fans of Kearney's previous books, you may like this one. This simply wasn't my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2017
Dean and Risa... what do I say about them?
*This can be read as standalone*
She's kind of an opposite of what I write, and not. She can be weak, but strong at the same time, and maybe that's why I loved her.
She can't help but be human. She was such an interesting character to write, but as I kept going with them, I got used to her more and more.
And with both of them together... I couldn't help but love and laugh with them!
I mean, who can't NOT laugh with Dean Sailer in the picture. Complete opposite of Bullet, but also has his dark past, just like him. Similar, but polar opposites, yet they can't stand each other. I just love it.
I hope you guys enjoy their world as much as I do! And enjoy cameos from the the first book, Dazed Bullet.
*This can be read as standalone*
She's kind of an opposite of what I write, and not. She can be weak, but strong at the same time, and maybe that's why I loved her.
She can't help but be human. She was such an interesting character to write, but as I kept going with them, I got used to her more and more.
And with both of them together... I couldn't help but love and laugh with them!
I mean, who can't NOT laugh with Dean Sailer in the picture. Complete opposite of Bullet, but also has his dark past, just like him. Similar, but polar opposites, yet they can't stand each other. I just love it.
I hope you guys enjoy their world as much as I do! And enjoy cameos from the the first book, Dazed Bullet.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews