What do you think?
Rate this book
Delicate Scars
Is it possible to pick that one defining moment in life that fucked you up? Can anyone look back on their life and pinpoint the exact minute it happened? I used to believe that I wasn’t fucked up. I had absolutely no reason to be.
Until I met him.
Axel Rye.
Yes.
He fucked me up.
He really fucked me up.
It all started so simply. I only wanted to write a book about the dark, gritty world of nightclubs, booze, drugs, and sex. I didn’t expect to be sucked in to the point where I could no longer see the light. But I became weak. Axel Rye made me weak.
He was wrong in every way. He was a drug dealer, a criminal, and someone your parents told you to stay away from. Yet, he became my drug, and I shook in need until my next fix.
I was delicate.
He was scarred.
But together…together we became delicate scars.
NOTE: this book is a greatly revised version of a previously released book no longer available titled Ruby Rose.
Until I met him.
Axel Rye.
Yes.
He fucked me up.
He really fucked me up.
It all started so simply. I only wanted to write a book about the dark, gritty world of nightclubs, booze, drugs, and sex. I didn’t expect to be sucked in to the point where I could no longer see the light. But I became weak. Axel Rye made me weak.
He was wrong in every way. He was a drug dealer, a criminal, and someone your parents told you to stay away from. Yet, he became my drug, and I shook in need until my next fix.
I was delicate.
He was scarred.
But together…together we became delicate scars.
NOTE: this book is a greatly revised version of a previously released book no longer available titled Ruby Rose.
ebook
First published January 1, 2017
145 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Alta Hensley
117 books2,376 followersAlta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.
Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 7, 2017
4.5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and will not be my last,
I enjoyed the story it was a page turner for me, I really loved the characters and Axel was so nice.
Quinn only wants to write a book about only wanted to write a book about the dark, gritty world of nightclubs, booze, drugs, and sex. And Axel is the perfect person to use for her book.…
She becomes weak, Axel makes her that way he is so wrong for her but yet they are good together. She didn’t expect to get sucked into his life style with the drugs and booze….
Axel doesn’t know that Quinn is just writing a book and he falls for her when the truth comes out can they have a hea or will the lies tear them apart.
It is a roller coaster of a ride….
This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and will not be my last,
I enjoyed the story it was a page turner for me, I really loved the characters and Axel was so nice.
Quinn only wants to write a book about only wanted to write a book about the dark, gritty world of nightclubs, booze, drugs, and sex. And Axel is the perfect person to use for her book.…
She becomes weak, Axel makes her that way he is so wrong for her but yet they are good together. She didn’t expect to get sucked into his life style with the drugs and booze….
Axel doesn’t know that Quinn is just writing a book and he falls for her when the truth comes out can they have a hea or will the lies tear them apart.
It is a roller coaster of a ride….
March 6, 2017
Delicate Scars is another great hit from USA today best selling author Alta Hensley. I absolutely ADORE this author. Her writing style, how she's able to bring out all the feels and emotions, like breaking my heart, yet piecing it together again.
Delicate Scars is a beautiful love story. While their is some drug use, it's not just focused on it. It truly touched me. I felt drawn to the characters and fell in love with them. This book is a whirlwind of emotions, from emotional turmoil to hot, steamy, kinky sex, to betrayal, and love.
When you met Axel and Quinn you can't help but be drawn, and fall in love with them. You feel their connection and desire for each other. While Quinn is a very naïve, young aspiring author. Axel is infamous in the clubbing world. Known for his drugs. When Quinn starts as a bartender, undercover for her book, she meets Axel. What happens when Axel discovers her secret? Can he forgive her? Axel makes Quinn rethink her book. Will she go through with it?
I LOVED every single second of this book, and can't wait to read more from Alta.
ARC was provided from the author, through L. Woods PR. This is my honest review.
Delicate Scars is a beautiful love story. While their is some drug use, it's not just focused on it. It truly touched me. I felt drawn to the characters and fell in love with them. This book is a whirlwind of emotions, from emotional turmoil to hot, steamy, kinky sex, to betrayal, and love.
When you met Axel and Quinn you can't help but be drawn, and fall in love with them. You feel their connection and desire for each other. While Quinn is a very naïve, young aspiring author. Axel is infamous in the clubbing world. Known for his drugs. When Quinn starts as a bartender, undercover for her book, she meets Axel. What happens when Axel discovers her secret? Can he forgive her? Axel makes Quinn rethink her book. Will she go through with it?
I LOVED every single second of this book, and can't wait to read more from Alta.
ARC was provided from the author, through L. Woods PR. This is my honest review.
March 7, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last as I really loved this story.
After reading a few heavy books this was a lovely refreshing surprise for me. It gave me all the warm feels that I needed. It's a gripping read that had me reading a few pages anytime I could on my kindle app. When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it.
Quinn and Axel are two wonderful characters. So different yet so good together. Quinn gets a job in a nightclub. She wants to get some experience so she can write a book. Axel is the perfect bad guy to get the true ways of the nightclub life. They fall hard but when secrets are revealed can Axel really trust Quinn.
I was so rooting for this couple. I really wanted them to have their happy ever after.
This is a must read. I really enjoyed it and will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
After reading a few heavy books this was a lovely refreshing surprise for me. It gave me all the warm feels that I needed. It's a gripping read that had me reading a few pages anytime I could on my kindle app. When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it.
Quinn and Axel are two wonderful characters. So different yet so good together. Quinn gets a job in a nightclub. She wants to get some experience so she can write a book. Axel is the perfect bad guy to get the true ways of the nightclub life. They fall hard but when secrets are revealed can Axel really trust Quinn.
I was so rooting for this couple. I really wanted them to have their happy ever after.
This is a must read. I really enjoyed it and will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
December 27, 2017
Own in Best of 2017.
2.5 meh stars
H is the son of a rock star & a minor celebrity in local bar scene. h is a writer sent to do a story on H. She doesn't tell him. H is a manwhore with groupies. He has a FWB with OW. Lots of drugs and alcohol. OW finds out h is a writer and tells H. H breaks up with h. h begs H not to break up and then begs him to stay with her.
2.5 meh stars
H is the son of a rock star & a minor celebrity in local bar scene. h is a writer sent to do a story on H. She doesn't tell him. H is a manwhore with groupies. He has a FWB with OW. Lots of drugs and alcohol. OW finds out h is a writer and tells H. H breaks up with h. h begs H not to break up and then begs him to stay with her.
February 10, 2022
I like to think of myself as a fairly easy reader to please, but this story really didn't do it for me.
I feel like it had a lot of potential, but just personally didn't work for me- I just didn't like the heroine from the start, she felt really pretentious and I didn't particularly enjoy reading from her POV- the way that she exerted her 'pick me' energy was genuinely scary.
Also was not a huge fan of the hero 😐:
'She seemed different. She was gorgeous, but not in the fake— I’ve spent two hours on my make-up and hair—type of gorgeous like most of the women in Wicked.'
🤡🤡🤡 'fake' 🤡🤡🤡
Don't you just love it when a guy has to drag other women down just to come up with something positive to say about you, babes it's not that hard to come up with a compliment 🥰🥰.
---
I definitely saw the appeal of the story, but I was just disappointed with how it turned out. I ended up skimming the majority of it- it just didn't work for me.
I feel like it had a lot of potential, but just personally didn't work for me- I just didn't like the heroine from the start, she felt really pretentious and I didn't particularly enjoy reading from her POV- the way that she exerted her 'pick me' energy was genuinely scary.
Also was not a huge fan of the hero 😐:
'She seemed different. She was gorgeous, but not in the fake— I’ve spent two hours on my make-up and hair—type of gorgeous like most of the women in Wicked.'
🤡🤡🤡 'fake' 🤡🤡🤡
Don't you just love it when a guy has to drag other women down just to come up with something positive to say about you, babes it's not that hard to come up with a compliment 🥰🥰.
---
I definitely saw the appeal of the story, but I was just disappointed with how it turned out. I ended up skimming the majority of it- it just didn't work for me.
March 8, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Quinn wants to write a novel, but not just any novel, she wants to write about the world of sex, drugs, and partying, a world she's never been a part of. She makes massive life changes, relocating and taking on a job as a bartender, as well as finding herself in a relationship with the IT bad boy himself, Axel Rye. Together they find a relationship they never expected, but Quinn's secrets inevitably will tear them apart.
The first half of the novel had me trapped in its clutches, I wanted to see how dark things could get. I loved the blurb, I loved the general story line, and I found myself enjoying the innocence of Quinn and the good-guy behind his persona, Axel. However, things weren't quite as they seemed and the books pacing grew to be too quick to be believable. As someone who truly has lived California's party scene, this isn't how it would have worked. The general story soon focuses on their relationship and the secrets that Quinn keeps from Axel. I liked the story, I even liked the focus on the romance, but the story could use more editing and more details, as I think there's something in this that really could make it a 4 to 5 star read.
The blurb leads you to believe you are opening a dark novel about the harsh events that scarred a woman when she found herself lusting after the bad boy. Feeling slightly mislead, the novel does follow Quinn as she dives into the underworld of partying and drugs, but her choices are her own and any heartache and hurt she experiences was all done to herself own self. Additionally, the characters seemed to change so quickly, by the end I only liked Axel and I felt like Quinn was a confusing little mess. Then there's the pacing and some of the odd timing of events. There's attraction turned insta-love in a blink of an eye and at one point there's a smutty scene that I couldn't make sense of no matter how hard I tried.
Delicate Scars, by Alta Hensley, is a heavily edited version of a previous novel of a different name. It's more romance than dark and suspenseful, but it's still an entertaining read with characters you'll appreciate.
Quinn wants to write a novel, but not just any novel, she wants to write about the world of sex, drugs, and partying, a world she's never been a part of. She makes massive life changes, relocating and taking on a job as a bartender, as well as finding herself in a relationship with the IT bad boy himself, Axel Rye. Together they find a relationship they never expected, but Quinn's secrets inevitably will tear them apart.
The first half of the novel had me trapped in its clutches, I wanted to see how dark things could get. I loved the blurb, I loved the general story line, and I found myself enjoying the innocence of Quinn and the good-guy behind his persona, Axel. However, things weren't quite as they seemed and the books pacing grew to be too quick to be believable. As someone who truly has lived California's party scene, this isn't how it would have worked. The general story soon focuses on their relationship and the secrets that Quinn keeps from Axel. I liked the story, I even liked the focus on the romance, but the story could use more editing and more details, as I think there's something in this that really could make it a 4 to 5 star read.
The blurb leads you to believe you are opening a dark novel about the harsh events that scarred a woman when she found herself lusting after the bad boy. Feeling slightly mislead, the novel does follow Quinn as she dives into the underworld of partying and drugs, but her choices are her own and any heartache and hurt she experiences was all done to herself own self. Additionally, the characters seemed to change so quickly, by the end I only liked Axel and I felt like Quinn was a confusing little mess. Then there's the pacing and some of the odd timing of events. There's attraction turned insta-love in a blink of an eye and at one point there's a smutty scene that I couldn't make sense of no matter how hard I tried.
Delicate Scars, by Alta Hensley, is a heavily edited version of a previous novel of a different name. It's more romance than dark and suspenseful, but it's still an entertaining read with characters you'll appreciate.
March 14, 2017
Quinn -
"I wasn’t f***ed up…
Until I met him.
Axel Rye.
Yes.
He f***ed me up.
He really f***ed me up."
So, this is how the story begins, and it's extremely misleading.
Axel is actually the one looking to tone down his lifestyle, while Quinn is the one trying to learn more about it, diving in headlong all on her own.
Although a drug dealer, Axel never pushes drugs on Quinn. In fact, after telling her he likes the fact she's not like the rest of the users and junkies he's surrounded by, Quinn makes the conscious choice to use.
Quinn -
"it was bad to need drugs to help me cope with all the attention, but I was getting in the habit of it. It just worked."
Um, yeah... Her choices were all about her, and no one else.
Axel & Quinn -
"You don’t think I should be locked up for breaking the law every single night?”
“Nope, it’s who you are. You aren’t forcing anyone to buy and take the drugs.”
For f~@k sake. As far as I can tell, this blithely irresponsible, irreverent outlook never changes.
I can only shake my head in disbelief at the absurdity and exasperation with the character's choices, decisions, and distorted morales and ethics.
I would have more respect for Quinn if she admitted or acknowledged the immorality, yet chose to be with him anyways.
Many references were made to Axel's "dominance" and his presence, but just writing it multiple times doesn't make it so.
"Every move he made exuded confidence. He never hesitated or seemed unsure."
~
"He had a level of domination mixed with casualness."
From his own words and actions, I found Axel to actually be quite insecure and, not immature, but just...young. He still had a lot of growing up to do; and still needed to become a man, rather than the young guy who did nothing but party and make money doing it.
Any confidence Axel exuded came as a person who grew up in life never wanting for material things, knowing whatever he wanted was his for the taking. When you've never had to question that you'd get what you wanted, it's easy to walk around with cocksureness.
There are just so many ways this story was a complete miss for me.
Maybe my disconnect is due to a completely different outlook and interpretation on life and people that I have from the author. So who knows, give this book a try and maybe you'll love it as much as I loved the gorgeous cover.
"I wasn’t f***ed up…
Until I met him.
Axel Rye.
Yes.
He f***ed me up.
He really f***ed me up."
So, this is how the story begins, and it's extremely misleading.
Axel is actually the one looking to tone down his lifestyle, while Quinn is the one trying to learn more about it, diving in headlong all on her own.
Although a drug dealer, Axel never pushes drugs on Quinn. In fact, after telling her he likes the fact she's not like the rest of the users and junkies he's surrounded by, Quinn makes the conscious choice to use.
Quinn -
"it was bad to need drugs to help me cope with all the attention, but I was getting in the habit of it. It just worked."
Um, yeah... Her choices were all about her, and no one else.
Axel & Quinn -
"You don’t think I should be locked up for breaking the law every single night?”
“Nope, it’s who you are. You aren’t forcing anyone to buy and take the drugs.”
For f~@k sake. As far as I can tell, this blithely irresponsible, irreverent outlook never changes.
I can only shake my head in disbelief at the absurdity and exasperation with the character's choices, decisions, and distorted morales and ethics.
I would have more respect for Quinn if she admitted or acknowledged the immorality, yet chose to be with him anyways.
Many references were made to Axel's "dominance" and his presence, but just writing it multiple times doesn't make it so.
"Every move he made exuded confidence. He never hesitated or seemed unsure."
~
"He had a level of domination mixed with casualness."
From his own words and actions, I found Axel to actually be quite insecure and, not immature, but just...young. He still had a lot of growing up to do; and still needed to become a man, rather than the young guy who did nothing but party and make money doing it.
Any confidence Axel exuded came as a person who grew up in life never wanting for material things, knowing whatever he wanted was his for the taking. When you've never had to question that you'd get what you wanted, it's easy to walk around with cocksureness.
There are just so many ways this story was a complete miss for me.
Maybe my disconnect is due to a completely different outlook and interpretation on life and people that I have from the author. So who knows, give this book a try and maybe you'll love it as much as I loved the gorgeous cover.
March 8, 2017
I expected more, when I read the blurb the story kinda tame to what the blurb says. The drug scenes, the sex club were all very tame read, I expected
a lot more.
a lot more.
March 17, 2023
This book is not at all representative of how talented Alta Hensley is! Feeling more like YA, this story lacked depth and was not the kind of “dark” Alta is capable of delivering. The best word to describe this book is cheesy.
March 1, 2017
Quinns's a writer who's writing a book about the dark side of life, nightclubs, sex and drugs. She meets infamous drug dealer Axel and becomes sucked into his world.
After reading this book, I reread the blurb and I have to say I expected more. I expected it to be more seedy, Axel to be more broken and scarred.
When she talks about being fucked up by him I felt that was really tamed.
This wasn't a bad read, it had the potential to be a great read but unfortunately fell very flat for me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
After reading this book, I reread the blurb and I have to say I expected more. I expected it to be more seedy, Axel to be more broken and scarred.
When she talks about being fucked up by him I felt that was really tamed.
This wasn't a bad read, it had the potential to be a great read but unfortunately fell very flat for me.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
March 8, 2017
I had the pleasure of reading Delicate Scars in an ARC in exchanged for a honest review.
I am giving this book 4 stars because the way the writer was able to keep you so enthralled in these two characters.
The way this author not only brought these two together, but how the same thing that brought them together could be the object that tears them apart. This was my first time reading a book by Alta Hensley, and it will not be my last book that I read of hers. What I loved most about this story was how you were so captured with each chapter. The writer did a wonderful job keeping you on your toes. Even though there were times where I felt like we needed more ruffness you know more cruelty.
I just felt like the blurb made the book seem like it was going to be a rough around the edges kind of book especially when drugs and a sex club involved, but it was like when it came to those senses they were to soft. Don't get me wrong the book was amazing I just wished it had more action. But it also could have been that the author was just experimenting with this book where she wanted to see where we the readers stood with this scenes, and if we would want them to be more rougher in which case hell yes lol. But other then that I loved the story line. I think Alta did a beautiful job crafting this story together. If you love books like this that are not to crude then this is the book for you.
~ Amanda
I am giving this book 4 stars because the way the writer was able to keep you so enthralled in these two characters.
The way this author not only brought these two together, but how the same thing that brought them together could be the object that tears them apart. This was my first time reading a book by Alta Hensley, and it will not be my last book that I read of hers. What I loved most about this story was how you were so captured with each chapter. The writer did a wonderful job keeping you on your toes. Even though there were times where I felt like we needed more ruffness you know more cruelty.
I just felt like the blurb made the book seem like it was going to be a rough around the edges kind of book especially when drugs and a sex club involved, but it was like when it came to those senses they were to soft. Don't get me wrong the book was amazing I just wished it had more action. But it also could have been that the author was just experimenting with this book where she wanted to see where we the readers stood with this scenes, and if we would want them to be more rougher in which case hell yes lol. But other then that I loved the story line. I think Alta did a beautiful job crafting this story together. If you love books like this that are not to crude then this is the book for you.
~ Amanda
March 27, 2018
Read as part of the ‘Best of 2017’ book compilation
Proceed with caution. Negative review (with spoilers) to follow…
Give me a second….
…sorry… I’m just trying to find the interesting plot…
…or any semblance of a plot, at all.
I am so disappointed.
To the point where I want to actually throw my kindle against a wall.
I don’t even care if it breaks right now.
The blurb had me drooling. The beginning also raised some pretty high expectations. All thanks to this paragraph right here:
*Note: Spoiler alert (not really) Quinn is a novelist, doing research for her book about nightlife and drugs by moonlighting as a bartender at a ‘hotspot’ club.
I also didn’t want to just get the generic, canned answers from an interview. Or write about something I knew absolutely nothing about and risk the readers sensing my ignorance. I had never been a partier unless you counted the couple times I drank from a beer bong at a frat party. But for the book – especially since it would be my debut – I wanted to go deeper and really capture the heart behind it all. I wanted the truth, the feelings, the reality.
Talking the talk right? Tell me that doesn’t make you think that you’re in for an adventure.
But at the end of the day?
Wanna know how he fucked her up?
How he really fucked her up?
They broke up cause he found out she lied to him.
That’s it….
THAT’S IT
This was tame to what I was expecting. I was expecting the destruction of a soul. Hitting rock bottom and not being sure they could climb back up. Being dragged into a world full of corruption, sex and violence that you’re morality was being questioned every day.
But no…oh no.
There is NO MENTION of anything related to the corrupted world Axel lives in. There was no depth to what Axel does. Actually, there’s none. He’s supposed to be the kingpin of drugs and yet we hear nothing about it.
It’s just a long winded love story.
She didn’t get fucked up at all. She barely dipped her toe into Axel’s world, not that we got to see any of it anyway.
Heartbroken? Yes.
Fucked up? No.
I think they need to re-check the meaning behind that.
I think I need to veer from this compilation for a bit. There's three more novels, but if this rate of disappointment continues, it's going to pay its toll on my sanity.
But until then, I'm gonna go scream in the cupboard until this anger goes away.
Books in 'Best of 2017' Compilation
Beast - A. Zavarelli
Blackwood - Celia Aaron
His Muse - Isabella Starling
Affliction - Jenika Snow
Buy Me, Sir - Jade West
Delicate Scars - Alta Hensley
Transference - Ava Harrison
Notice - K Webster
Proceed with caution. Negative review (with spoilers) to follow…
Give me a second….
…sorry… I’m just trying to find the interesting plot…
…or any semblance of a plot, at all.
I am so disappointed.
To the point where I want to actually throw my kindle against a wall.
I don’t even care if it breaks right now.
The blurb had me drooling. The beginning also raised some pretty high expectations. All thanks to this paragraph right here:
*Note: Spoiler alert (not really) Quinn is a novelist, doing research for her book about nightlife and drugs by moonlighting as a bartender at a ‘hotspot’ club.
I also didn’t want to just get the generic, canned answers from an interview. Or write about something I knew absolutely nothing about and risk the readers sensing my ignorance. I had never been a partier unless you counted the couple times I drank from a beer bong at a frat party. But for the book – especially since it would be my debut – I wanted to go deeper and really capture the heart behind it all. I wanted the truth, the feelings, the reality.
Talking the talk right? Tell me that doesn’t make you think that you’re in for an adventure.
But at the end of the day?
Wanna know how he fucked her up?
How he really fucked her up?
They broke up cause he found out she lied to him.
That’s it….
THAT’S IT
This was tame to what I was expecting. I was expecting the destruction of a soul. Hitting rock bottom and not being sure they could climb back up. Being dragged into a world full of corruption, sex and violence that you’re morality was being questioned every day.
But no…oh no.
There is NO MENTION of anything related to the corrupted world Axel lives in. There was no depth to what Axel does. Actually, there’s none. He’s supposed to be the kingpin of drugs and yet we hear nothing about it.
It’s just a long winded love story.
She didn’t get fucked up at all. She barely dipped her toe into Axel’s world, not that we got to see any of it anyway.
Heartbroken? Yes.
Fucked up? No.
I think they need to re-check the meaning behind that.
I think I need to veer from this compilation for a bit. There's three more novels, but if this rate of disappointment continues, it's going to pay its toll on my sanity.
But until then, I'm gonna go scream in the cupboard until this anger goes away.
Books in 'Best of 2017' Compilation
Beast - A. Zavarelli
Blackwood - Celia Aaron
His Muse - Isabella Starling
Affliction - Jenika Snow
Buy Me, Sir - Jade West
Delicate Scars - Alta Hensley
Transference - Ava Harrison
Notice - K Webster
April 11, 2024
I enjoyed this story and would give it 3.5 stars. Whilst the hero and heroine are well written characters, I found it hard to like them and so this held me aloof from the story.
The story is mainly about Axel and Quinn's relationship and the fact that Quinn keeps a secret from him, with the inevitable consequences. So why the blurb talks about Axel 'f**king up' Quinn I don't know because excuse me but wasn't SHE was the one in the wrong and ultimately the cause of her own downfall? The story IS good, the plot is very well thought through, the pace is fast and kept me interested and it is well written, with an easy to read style.
Despite being a drug dealer (and there is no way that this can ever be a positive in my eyes) Axel came across as a caring, troubled and mature young man. By the end of the book I did like him and connect with him. Unfortunately I found Quinn a little flaky and inconsistent, some of her actions/decisions were a little hard to reconcile with a supposedly very shy, unworldly and inexperienced girl. And, other than the first chapter, she showed very little genuine signs of being a writer. It was mentioned but not 'done' if that makes sense.
I really wanted to love this book, the basic story was entertaining and the writing was good quality. The relationship and connection between Axel and Quinn was nicely portrayed and I liked the alternating POV's. I was just held back by my failing to truly care for the heroine.
The story is mainly about Axel and Quinn's relationship and the fact that Quinn keeps a secret from him, with the inevitable consequences. So why the blurb talks about Axel 'f**king up' Quinn I don't know because excuse me but wasn't SHE was the one in the wrong and ultimately the cause of her own downfall? The story IS good, the plot is very well thought through, the pace is fast and kept me interested and it is well written, with an easy to read style.
Despite being a drug dealer (and there is no way that this can ever be a positive in my eyes) Axel came across as a caring, troubled and mature young man. By the end of the book I did like him and connect with him. Unfortunately I found Quinn a little flaky and inconsistent, some of her actions/decisions were a little hard to reconcile with a supposedly very shy, unworldly and inexperienced girl. And, other than the first chapter, she showed very little genuine signs of being a writer. It was mentioned but not 'done' if that makes sense.
I really wanted to love this book, the basic story was entertaining and the writing was good quality. The relationship and connection between Axel and Quinn was nicely portrayed and I liked the alternating POV's. I was just held back by my failing to truly care for the heroine.
March 6, 2017
This is reviewed on behalf of the Book Addict blog.
Quinn who has come Los Angeles to get material for the book she is writing on the darker side of life. Quinn has lived a very sheltered life so her friend gets her a job bartending in one of the popular night clubs.
As soon as she meets Axel its insta lust on both sides, and they become inseparable. Axel leads a life of crime, selling drugs to club goers. He gets paid to turn up at a club to make them popular. Everywhere Axel and Quinn go, all she sees is people taking drugs including Axel.
This is a fast read, a romantic read with Quinn and Axel in love. Will their love be enough to save them from spiralling down the drug addiction route? I will say from the blurb I didn’t think I would warm to Axel, but I did. He was so in love with Quinn. I think you need to find out for yourself if love was enough to save them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Quinn who has come Los Angeles to get material for the book she is writing on the darker side of life. Quinn has lived a very sheltered life so her friend gets her a job bartending in one of the popular night clubs.
As soon as she meets Axel its insta lust on both sides, and they become inseparable. Axel leads a life of crime, selling drugs to club goers. He gets paid to turn up at a club to make them popular. Everywhere Axel and Quinn go, all she sees is people taking drugs including Axel.
This is a fast read, a romantic read with Quinn and Axel in love. Will their love be enough to save them from spiralling down the drug addiction route? I will say from the blurb I didn’t think I would warm to Axel, but I did. He was so in love with Quinn. I think you need to find out for yourself if love was enough to save them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2017
"Our relationship isn’t just delicate, it’s scarred"
This book is one roller coaster ride of sex, drugs, partying and the dark side that many of us have no idea about! The author did an excellent job with painting a picture of what goes on in the underbelly of the world.
Quinn Sullivan is looking to make a name for herself as a writer.Quinn wants to write a book about sex and drugs She is just waiting for the big break to happen while she bartends at a nightclub. The bartending job is to help her meet, Axel Rye, a rock star's son, who is a well known drug king. .
One night, Axel arrives at the club and Quinn catches his eye. There is instant chemistry between the two of them and a relationship happens quickly. Axel slowly introduces Quinn to his lifestyle.
Things spin out of control fast as the two worlds collide bewtween Quinn and Axel. There is a lot of distrust, hurt and pain.
You must read to find out what happens. Will Axel find out the dishonesty of Quinn? What will happen when they fall in love and try to fight their demons together?
This book is one roller coaster ride of sex, drugs, partying and the dark side that many of us have no idea about! The author did an excellent job with painting a picture of what goes on in the underbelly of the world.
Quinn Sullivan is looking to make a name for herself as a writer.Quinn wants to write a book about sex and drugs She is just waiting for the big break to happen while she bartends at a nightclub. The bartending job is to help her meet, Axel Rye, a rock star's son, who is a well known drug king. .
One night, Axel arrives at the club and Quinn catches his eye. There is instant chemistry between the two of them and a relationship happens quickly. Axel slowly introduces Quinn to his lifestyle.
Things spin out of control fast as the two worlds collide bewtween Quinn and Axel. There is a lot of distrust, hurt and pain.
You must read to find out what happens. Will Axel find out the dishonesty of Quinn? What will happen when they fall in love and try to fight their demons together?
March 8, 2017
Quinn, aspiring writer, has landed herself a job at one of LA’s hottest nightclubs, Wicked. Quinn, has put herself undercover to do research for a book she is in the process of writing. Her long time friend and editor, Harrison encouraged this adventure. She is totally out of her element here. High profile people, drugs, and beautiful people. What happens when she captures Axel Rye’s eye her first night at the club? Can she handle LA’s bad boy?
Axel Rye, LA’s bad boy, is paid to show up at restaurants and clubs. Owners pay him because he brings in the crowd. He is also known as a drug dealer. He is growing tired of the vampire hours and longs to have a normal life. What happens when he meets the girl is not after him for what he can offer….or is she?
Axel and Quinn have an instant connection and can't get enough of each other. The chemistry between the two is intense and explosive. Axel has never let anyone get this close to him for fear they are using him? What happens when he finds out Quinn started out to use him, but then fell for him? Will their relationship survive?
I recently discovered Alta a few months ago and since then I have read everything she has released. I love her stories and the characters within them. She draws you in and doesn't let you go until the very last page. Delicate Scars in an installment romance that ends in HEA. It is told in dual POV. It shows that not all relationships are easy. Sometimes, relationships leave scars, and they are not always delicate, but they are worth having. Sometimes, it's the scars that make us stronger. I definitely recommend this book to read!!
Axel Rye, LA’s bad boy, is paid to show up at restaurants and clubs. Owners pay him because he brings in the crowd. He is also known as a drug dealer. He is growing tired of the vampire hours and longs to have a normal life. What happens when he meets the girl is not after him for what he can offer….or is she?
Axel and Quinn have an instant connection and can't get enough of each other. The chemistry between the two is intense and explosive. Axel has never let anyone get this close to him for fear they are using him? What happens when he finds out Quinn started out to use him, but then fell for him? Will their relationship survive?
I recently discovered Alta a few months ago and since then I have read everything she has released. I love her stories and the characters within them. She draws you in and doesn't let you go until the very last page. Delicate Scars in an installment romance that ends in HEA. It is told in dual POV. It shows that not all relationships are easy. Sometimes, relationships leave scars, and they are not always delicate, but they are worth having. Sometimes, it's the scars that make us stronger. I definitely recommend this book to read!!
March 7, 2017
Alta Hensley is a new to me author. I thought this was a good book, I was totally drawn in by the premise of the plot. Axel's a drug dealing playboy and Quinn's a struggling writer looking for inspiration. When these two meet, it's practically insta-love! It seems they both have alter egos. Axel and Quinn are completely different when they're around each other and when they're around other people. I really felt like the characters could have been more consistent and a little less juvenile. I wanted Axel to be more ALPHA! Also, the timeline was a little bit choppy, it sometimes seemed out of order in places. Overall, I enjoyed the book I just felt it needed some extra editing! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 28, 2023
A bit like a car crash - you can't look away. I kept reading hoping it would get better. I didn't particularly like the characters which didn't help. Not a very believable story for me. I'm also not a fan of detailed sex scenes, especially if it includes BDSM, but I guess that's my personal issue. I am unlikely tobe reading any other stories.
March 7, 2017
3.5 stars this book was a decent read but it needed more depth to the story
January 8, 2022
This is very ya in terms of the characters mentality and way of life. It was just simply too cheesy to enjoy for me.
March 7, 2017
Title: Delicate Scars
Author: Alta Hensley
4 unexpected stars
Alta Hensley - an author I hadn't read in the past before, but her novel, Delicate Scars, had me intrigued. Because of the subject - a woman, whose curiosity about what happens behind the closed doors of a club, the s€x, the drinking, the drugs and the people who go there. It's here that Quinn, a writer, meets Axel and her world is turned upside down in ways she never saw coming.
4 breath taking dreams
Considering what i'm used to reading and what i expected after reading the blurb, Delicate Scars was much less erotic than i would have imagined - especially considering the type of club that Quinn was investigating. That doesn't mean that i didn't enjoy this story, because I did. I was captivated by this writer who feel for a man with many issues and you'd never expect them to work out together and yet they do. I loved the way that Alta Hensley developed her story and it made me curious to know more about what she has in store for her readers.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Alta Hensley
4 unexpected stars
Alta Hensley - an author I hadn't read in the past before, but her novel, Delicate Scars, had me intrigued. Because of the subject - a woman, whose curiosity about what happens behind the closed doors of a club, the s€x, the drinking, the drugs and the people who go there. It's here that Quinn, a writer, meets Axel and her world is turned upside down in ways she never saw coming.
4 breath taking dreams
Considering what i'm used to reading and what i expected after reading the blurb, Delicate Scars was much less erotic than i would have imagined - especially considering the type of club that Quinn was investigating. That doesn't mean that i didn't enjoy this story, because I did. I was captivated by this writer who feel for a man with many issues and you'd never expect them to work out together and yet they do. I loved the way that Alta Hensley developed her story and it made me curious to know more about what she has in store for her readers.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
January 16, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This story wasn't what I was expecting, and I struggled to get into it in the beginning because I felt like I couldn't relate to the characters. They both seemed to fluctuate between acting like teenagers and adults which made it hard for me to remember how old they were supposed to be. Once I just let that go and sunk into the story I enjoyed it. The way it glamorized a drug lord was interesting. Axel wasn't really a dark character, and he seemed to not care one way or the other about the fact that he was a drug lord. It was just what he was. Quinn was really innocent, and then she wasn't. It seemed strange that she would totally switch personalities so easy. Now onto what I absolutely loved about this one, and why it's getting 4 stars... The story didn't shy away from the true world of drugs and the party scene. The love and passion between the characters was very well written, and had all the heat, emotional baggage, trust issues, and the HEA that makes a romance a romance. The story line is intense in some places, and it keeps you glued to the pages because you can't wait to see what happens next. All in all I did enjoy this one. It isn't my favorite by this author, but it is still a fun read.
December 16, 2018
I couldn't even finish this book. I'm sorry but it was terrible. I left it unread at 25%. I can't believe that this author has romanticised taking drugs. No matter what drug you do, they're all bad and can be extremely dangerous.
So, for Quinn (who's as straight laced as they come) to just take a pink pill, offered to her by her friend, Felicity, and not question it was unbelievable.
As for Axel, he's the kingpin, a drug lord. And is ok with that? Seriously!! Even his own parents don't care! And Quinn is like a sheep, just stepping in line behind the rest of them and believing it's ok to do drugs. Sorry but this book was not for me.
I'm not sure how it progressed as I DNF it. Maybe it's your cup of tea but it's not mine. I will give anything a read but I'm not really into glorifying taking drugs and I can't and will not read a book that does.
From what little I did read, they both seemed immature and young. I hate when we don't get an age on characters. I hate guessing their age and whether their actions/conversations are age appropriate.
Also from reading other reviews this book was called Delicate Scars. By the looks of it, it's been renamed and has a new cover.
So, for Quinn (who's as straight laced as they come) to just take a pink pill, offered to her by her friend, Felicity, and not question it was unbelievable.
As for Axel, he's the kingpin, a drug lord. And is ok with that? Seriously!! Even his own parents don't care! And Quinn is like a sheep, just stepping in line behind the rest of them and believing it's ok to do drugs. Sorry but this book was not for me.
I'm not sure how it progressed as I DNF it. Maybe it's your cup of tea but it's not mine. I will give anything a read but I'm not really into glorifying taking drugs and I can't and will not read a book that does.
From what little I did read, they both seemed immature and young. I hate when we don't get an age on characters. I hate guessing their age and whether their actions/conversations are age appropriate.
Also from reading other reviews this book was called Delicate Scars. By the looks of it, it's been renamed and has a new cover.
February 13, 2021
Quinn travels from San Francisco to LA to pursue an idea for a book that she hopes will be her chance to be a best selling author. Her goal is to get some information on the infamous drug dealer, Axel Rye. These two seem to be the typical opposites attract since other than their looks, they don't seem to have anything in common but the attraction is immediate. The story shows how their relationship seems to change each of them as Quinn becomes more comfortable in Axel's lifestyle while being with Quinn slowly changes Axel to where he wants more of the "normal" life that Quinn represented. There are secrets that Quinn is keeping and then their are issues with past women from Axel's life that eventually insert a wedge in their relationship. This was a great story even though it This was not the story I thought I would be reading but turned out to be so much better. I can't wait to read the next "story" where we get to find out about Felicity, Quinn's best friend and I hope there are some glimpses of Axel and Quinn's life after Delicate Scars.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
January 11, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Alta Hensley, and it won't be my last. I'm so glad I found this author. "Delicate Scars" was one of those books that you just can't put down. I found myself eager to get to the next page. Quinn comes from a middle-class family that is in shambles after the death of her sister. She finds herself heading to L.A. in hopes of getting her big break by writing a book on the ever popular Axel Rye. Axel is the son of an infamous musician whom Axel hasn't seen in years. Axle Rye isn't the type of guy want to bring home to momma. He is a bad A$$ drug dealer, man-whore who also happens to have a soft side. Quinn literally bumps into Axel on accident, from that point forward they can't get each other out of their head. You'll have to read to see how their relationship develops, what obstacles that have to overcome to get their HEA. I loved this story!! I was given an ARC for my honest review.
June 13, 2017
Axel is a really messed up person, fame, drugs, alcohol, groupies, he is a bit more messed up then innocent Quinn who wants to do a story on him. Their passion is instant but so is her omission of the truth, are half truths actually lies? When innocent Quinn starts doing drugs to fit into the scene, and gets pulled into his dark world, can she find her way out? Because if Axel found out about what she was writing, it wouldn't be good at all.
This is a very enjoyable book that makes no pretense of being a quaint contemporary romance. The author's fantastic use of chapter titles sums up each chapter so very well and breaths life into these flawed characters. The suspense and drama so seemingly effortlessly woven into the story feels natural and surprisingly honest. Loved it and am certainly reading more!
This is a very enjoyable book that makes no pretense of being a quaint contemporary romance. The author's fantastic use of chapter titles sums up each chapter so very well and breaths life into these flawed characters. The suspense and drama so seemingly effortlessly woven into the story feels natural and surprisingly honest. Loved it and am certainly reading more!
June 13, 2017
Axel is a really messed up person, fame, drugs, alcohol, groupies, he is a bit more messed up then innocent Quinn who wants to do a story on him. Their passion is instant but so is her omission of the truth, are half truths actually lies? When innocent Quinn starts doing drugs to fit into the scene, and gets pulled into his dark world, can she find her way out? Because if Axel found out about what she was writing, it wouldn't be good at all.
This is a very enjoyable book that makes no pretense of being a quaint contemporary romance. The author's fantastic use of chapter titles sums up each chapter so very well and breaths life into these flawed characters. The suspense and drama so seemingly effortlessly woven into the story feels natural and surprisingly honest. Loved it and am certainly reading more!
This is a very enjoyable book that makes no pretense of being a quaint contemporary romance. The author's fantastic use of chapter titles sums up each chapter so very well and breaths life into these flawed characters. The suspense and drama so seemingly effortlessly woven into the story feels natural and surprisingly honest. Loved it and am certainly reading more!
March 8, 2017
4 Stars!
This is an interesting look at finding love in unexpected places.
Quinn is writing a book and in an attempt to research, she finds herself in a seedy underworld where she meets Axel, a drug dealer. Now, here’s the thing… Quinn has opened herself up so much, that she just seems to blindly accept the goings on and Axel. Axel is not what I expected him to be. He is caring and kind, but there was always this question of what would happen when he found out about what Quinn was hiding.
I liked the book. It offered a lot. It was gritty, as I have come to expect from Alta Hensley. I liked Axel, but Quinn left a bit to be desired. Overall, though, the book kept my interest and I wanted to see the resolution.
This is an interesting look at finding love in unexpected places.
Quinn is writing a book and in an attempt to research, she finds herself in a seedy underworld where she meets Axel, a drug dealer. Now, here’s the thing… Quinn has opened herself up so much, that she just seems to blindly accept the goings on and Axel. Axel is not what I expected him to be. He is caring and kind, but there was always this question of what would happen when he found out about what Quinn was hiding.
I liked the book. It offered a lot. It was gritty, as I have come to expect from Alta Hensley. I liked Axel, but Quinn left a bit to be desired. Overall, though, the book kept my interest and I wanted to see the resolution.
December 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was an emotional read. You could almost feel the passion between Quinn and Axel. Quinn is a young woman aspiring to be a writer. She wants to write a book about the night club scene,. The people that frequent them and the party scene. Axel is the bad party boy and resident supplier of drugs for all the party goers. Quinn starts working in a club as a a bartender . One night Axel and his party entourage enter the club to party. Ever hear of love at first sight? Is it love or lust? Quinn might be Axel;s saving grace. She makes him want to be a better man. Does she tell him about the book? What will be the consequences? I loved this story. Great book!
This book was an emotional read. You could almost feel the passion between Quinn and Axel. Quinn is a young woman aspiring to be a writer. She wants to write a book about the night club scene,. The people that frequent them and the party scene. Axel is the bad party boy and resident supplier of drugs for all the party goers. Quinn starts working in a club as a a bartender . One night Axel and his party entourage enter the club to party. Ever hear of love at first sight? Is it love or lust? Quinn might be Axel;s saving grace. She makes him want to be a better man. Does she tell him about the book? What will be the consequences? I loved this story. Great book!
January 11, 2018
A light through the dark
I was hooked from the beginning! The storyline is so well developed. The flow from scene to scene is seamless. I couldn’t wait to see where Alta was going with each scene. The build up is intense and then suddenly you are at the top and you are just as affected as the characters in the book. This is a very intense twisting plot. I loved it and the characters. The chemistry is intense between the two main characters. Quinn and Axel are perfect for each other but can they overcome the dark that is seeping into their relationship. I loved going on this ride with these two. You have to read the book to find out if there can really be an HEA in this book! I recommend this book!
I was hooked from the beginning! The storyline is so well developed. The flow from scene to scene is seamless. I couldn’t wait to see where Alta was going with each scene. The build up is intense and then suddenly you are at the top and you are just as affected as the characters in the book. This is a very intense twisting plot. I loved it and the characters. The chemistry is intense between the two main characters. Quinn and Axel are perfect for each other but can they overcome the dark that is seeping into their relationship. I loved going on this ride with these two. You have to read the book to find out if there can really be an HEA in this book! I recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews