What do you think?
Rate this book
The Queens #1
Scarred Queen
She despised them all, yet she was wife to one.
Drifting in a world of glittering diamonds, mansions, lunches and designer clothes, Casey Hernandez could happily disappear, except the life of the mafia wife demanded she remain and play her part. One misstep and she would face the monster who marked her as his own.
Reyes wanted the stunning blond with the furious eyes. He was going to ruin her life, take her from everything she knew and own every inch of her. Hard, brutal, mean. Exactly how he was. Exactly how this world had shaped him. Because he could. She was about to become spoils of war.
And when he finally had his woman, they would rise up together; the king and his scarred queen.
This books is standalone. Guaranteed HEA, NO cheating, NO cliffhanger. Sizzling dark mafia romance. Read at your own risk!
Drifting in a world of glittering diamonds, mansions, lunches and designer clothes, Casey Hernandez could happily disappear, except the life of the mafia wife demanded she remain and play her part. One misstep and she would face the monster who marked her as his own.
Reyes wanted the stunning blond with the furious eyes. He was going to ruin her life, take her from everything she knew and own every inch of her. Hard, brutal, mean. Exactly how he was. Exactly how this world had shaped him. Because he could. She was about to become spoils of war.
And when he finally had his woman, they would rise up together; the king and his scarred queen.
This books is standalone. Guaranteed HEA, NO cheating, NO cliffhanger. Sizzling dark mafia romance. Read at your own risk!
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2018
961 people are currently reading
2406 people want to read
About the author
Nikita Slater
85 books968 followersNikita's social media:
Website: https://www.authornikitaslater.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/slaternikita/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18531...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaternikita/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nikit...
Nikita Slater is the USA Today Bestselling Author of action-packed suspenseful romance. She writes dark romance, mafia romance, MC romance, fantasy shifter romance, and post-apocalyptic dystopian romance. She lives on the beautiful Canadian prairies with her son, her awesome dog, and her partner. She has an unholy affinity for books, wine, pets and anything chocolate. Despite some of the darker themes in her books (which are pure fun and fantasy), Nikita is a staunch feminist and advocate of equal rights for all races, genders and non-gender specific persons. When she isn't writing, dreaming about writing or talking about writing, she helps others discover a love of reading and writing through literacy and social work.
Website: https://www.authornikitaslater.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/slaternikita/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18531...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaternikita/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nikit...
Nikita Slater is the USA Today Bestselling Author of action-packed suspenseful romance. She writes dark romance, mafia romance, MC romance, fantasy shifter romance, and post-apocalyptic dystopian romance. She lives on the beautiful Canadian prairies with her son, her awesome dog, and her partner. She has an unholy affinity for books, wine, pets and anything chocolate. Despite some of the darker themes in her books (which are pure fun and fantasy), Nikita is a staunch feminist and advocate of equal rights for all races, genders and non-gender specific persons. When she isn't writing, dreaming about writing or talking about writing, she helps others discover a love of reading and writing through literacy and social work.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
July 5, 2018
I could NOT get into this storyline at all. It was so completely ridiculous and the h was a complete waste of a character. Wow... was she all over the place or what?! Her inner dialogue was beyond annoying. And really random.
Example: His accent seemed European or something. And his name... what was his name again? She frowned. Oh, his lips were moving again. Time to tune back in."
What a weak individual she was. Constantly stumbling... LITERALLY stumbling. Listen, I checked my Kindle... she stumbled 15 times in this book. Seriously, 15 times. FFS... learn to walk!
I wanted to DNF so many times simply because of her, but I pushed on hoping she'd grow into a better character. Nope... later on, she's just a different kind of annoying. I could never connect with her.
And, the H was just an OTT Alphahole, but with absolutely no substance or purpose. Sad, because I typically love, love, love these types of characters. However, I felt nothing for him or them as a "couple"... nothing.
Usually when I find myself reading a book like this where I don't particularly care for one or some of the characters, there's some good steam going on that at least makes up for the lackluster cast. But, sadly, even the sexy times in this book were tedious to read.
Plenty of people enjoyed this book. Hell, some of my goodreads pals gave it a whopping 5 stars. Different strokes for different folks and all that. I, myself, am just glad I'm done reading it. Moving on!
dnf
July 8, 2018DNF @ 41%
This h was not my kind of h. She seemed very much all over the place. ...and I was done. I like my hs to be strong in their own way. I didn't find anything about this woman likable tbh.
I liked the H far better than the h, but he was still kind of psychotic and a little OTT in his possessiveness at times.
Other readers seemed to enjoy this, but when I find myself playing Majong or word puzzles on my iPad then I know that's a sign that I just need to stop 😘
This h was not my kind of h. She seemed very much all over the place. ...and I was done. I like my hs to be strong in their own way. I didn't find anything about this woman likable tbh.
I liked the H far better than the h, but he was still kind of psychotic and a little OTT in his possessiveness at times.
Other readers seemed to enjoy this, but when I find myself playing Majong or word puzzles on my iPad then I know that's a sign that I just need to stop 😘
January 18, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 - 4.5 Stars
Woah where has Nikita Slater been hiding from me all this time?
This Mafia/Cartel romance was caliente! I loved Bolivian crime boss Reyes, he was super possessive and alpha, but so adoring of his chosen Queen, Casey, who he steals from his rival.
Overall though it was a really good story, with a perfect anti-hero that had me on the edge of my seat as to what he was going to do next in order to claim his woman.
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars was that I found the steamy scenes in the last third of the story a bit tedious... Great scenes but I would have preferred extra plot in it's place.
I'm excited to read more books by this author, and for a mafia story, it was my ideal mix of dark, sweet, thrilling & highly entertaining.
Woah where has Nikita Slater been hiding from me all this time?
This Mafia/Cartel romance was caliente! I loved Bolivian crime boss Reyes, he was super possessive and alpha, but so adoring of his chosen Queen, Casey, who he steals from his rival.
Overall though it was a really good story, with a perfect anti-hero that had me on the edge of my seat as to what he was going to do next in order to claim his woman.
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars was that I found the steamy scenes in the last third of the story a bit tedious... Great scenes but I would have preferred extra plot in it's place.
I'm excited to read more books by this author, and for a mafia story, it was my ideal mix of dark, sweet, thrilling & highly entertaining.
February 27, 2018
Overall: 3.5 STARS
Scarred Queen is divided into two parts, so I'll do the same for my review.
Part I: 5 STARS!!
Casey is a mafia wife with a despicable husband, but she can't help but feel gratitude towards him for coming to her rescue after she suffered severe brain trauma in a car crash that took the lives of her entire family when she was 18.
But after 10 years of marriage, Casey is a shell of a woman. With very little memory of her life before the accident, her empty existence consists mostly of migraines, meds, alcohol, and a carefully blank expression. She's learned the hard way not to attract the attention of the cruel men that make up her small world....until Reyes, the visiting Bolivian cartel boss, who doesn't look right through her.
Okay, so I LOVED both Casey and Reyes. They were flawed, complex, and super-interesting. The way the author brought them together was superb; I believed every word of it and they had great chemistry.
I also LOVED the way the author doled out little pieces of the mystery surrounding Casey's past. There was just enough to make me suspicious, and I thought it was awesome that I was only able to partially guess the truth.
By the end of Part I, I was COMPLETELY enamored with the whole story.
I can't tell you how disappointed I was that the author didn't write all the scenes that would have shown the process of how Reyes and Casey come to terms with their relationship. Instead, I got insta-acceptance. :-(
~BIG SIGH~
So 3.5 stars, rounded up because the first half was just so damn good.
Scarred Queen is divided into two parts, so I'll do the same for my review.
Part I: 5 STARS!!
Reyes was not her savior, she must never forget that.Wow! Wow! Wow! I loved the first 50% of this book! It was dark, twisty and so well-written. I stayed up well into the night because I just could NOT put it down.
Casey is a mafia wife with a despicable husband, but she can't help but feel gratitude towards him for coming to her rescue after she suffered severe brain trauma in a car crash that took the lives of her entire family when she was 18.
But after 10 years of marriage, Casey is a shell of a woman. With very little memory of her life before the accident, her empty existence consists mostly of migraines, meds, alcohol, and a carefully blank expression. She's learned the hard way not to attract the attention of the cruel men that make up her small world....until Reyes, the visiting Bolivian cartel boss, who doesn't look right through her.
Okay, so I LOVED both Casey and Reyes. They were flawed, complex, and super-interesting. The way the author brought them together was superb; I believed every word of it and they had great chemistry.
I also LOVED the way the author doled out little pieces of the mystery surrounding Casey's past. There was just enough to make me suspicious, and I thought it was awesome that I was only able to partially guess the truth.
By the end of Part I, I was COMPLETELY enamored with the whole story.
***************Part 1.5: MISSING
I can't tell you how disappointed I was that the author didn't write all the scenes that would have shown the process of how Reyes and Casey come to terms with their relationship. Instead, I got insta-acceptance. :-(
***************Part II: 2 STARS
He was a merciless, sadistic son-of-a-bitch. And she loved him.The author gives the reader a patchwork plot of scenes that are thrown together. I didn't object - AT ALL - to what happened. It would have made for a GREAT story if there had been even the slightest plot or character development to support the events.
~BIG SIGH~
So 3.5 stars, rounded up because the first half was just so damn good.
February 13, 2018
There are two things you can count on that Nikita will provide without fail, an amazingly awesome plot driven story and a FLAWLESSLY written story!
One of the most important aspects of a story in my opinion, is a strong no holds barred hero. Reyes has the jealous and overly possessive caveman vibes in SPADES! This guy is bigger than life! His personality, his aura, that ruthless Bolivian vibe is unapologetically LETHAL. Don’t mistake Reyes for a wimp due to his less than 6 feet stature. Reyes is lethal. And his oxygen, his heartbeat, his sanity, aka as Casey, is his perfect match! Nikita’s approach and execution of their characteristics.....incomparable! Casey is a warrior and she has the scars to prove it! I swear my lil nosey hind parts couldn’t read fast enough to learn about the scarred Queen! I nearly missed the entire reason for the title I read so hard! Wow just wow! What won’t kill you will only make you stronger....
Kudos to Slater for incorporating a WEALTH of invaluable information regarding a serious medical condition that plague millions of people worldwide: migraines. The wealth of information provided in this story certainly added depth and richness overall.
Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the intimacy between Reyes and Casey! The physical intimacy deserves its very own song, movie, accolades....SOMETHIN’! In this story, Casey practiced abstinence (gotta read the story to get the story...no spoilers). But when Reyes got ahold to her, woooooohoooo! Reyes put something on her because the next thing I read, Casey was singing the National Anthem in C Sharp falsetto! Now that’s TALENT!
5 stars!
Disclaimer: MY REVIEW is my PERSONAL opinion of this amazing story. My personal opinion should have ZERO INFLUENCE on your experience with the story. SQ is Dark and may not be for everyone. Read at your own risk. Please be kind and leave a honest review if you decide to read this amazing story. Thank you!
One of the most important aspects of a story in my opinion, is a strong no holds barred hero. Reyes has the jealous and overly possessive caveman vibes in SPADES! This guy is bigger than life! His personality, his aura, that ruthless Bolivian vibe is unapologetically LETHAL. Don’t mistake Reyes for a wimp due to his less than 6 feet stature. Reyes is lethal. And his oxygen, his heartbeat, his sanity, aka as Casey, is his perfect match! Nikita’s approach and execution of their characteristics.....incomparable! Casey is a warrior and she has the scars to prove it! I swear my lil nosey hind parts couldn’t read fast enough to learn about the scarred Queen! I nearly missed the entire reason for the title I read so hard! Wow just wow! What won’t kill you will only make you stronger....
Kudos to Slater for incorporating a WEALTH of invaluable information regarding a serious medical condition that plague millions of people worldwide: migraines. The wealth of information provided in this story certainly added depth and richness overall.
Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the intimacy between Reyes and Casey! The physical intimacy deserves its very own song, movie, accolades....SOMETHIN’! In this story, Casey practiced abstinence (gotta read the story to get the story...no spoilers). But when Reyes got ahold to her, woooooohoooo! Reyes put something on her because the next thing I read, Casey was singing the National Anthem in C Sharp falsetto! Now that’s TALENT!
5 stars!
Disclaimer: MY REVIEW is my PERSONAL opinion of this amazing story. My personal opinion should have ZERO INFLUENCE on your experience with the story. SQ is Dark and may not be for everyone. Read at your own risk. Please be kind and leave a honest review if you decide to read this amazing story. Thank you!
February 22, 2019
I was feeling under the weather today so all I did was lay on the sofa and read books. I finished all the books in this series back to back (and backwards *lol). I didn't quite enjoy this one as much as I did Queen's Move. I think the heroine's behavior for the first 50% was a tad on the bipolar side. The whole back and forth "I hate my husband" to "I'm loyal to my husband" thing made me want to smack her upside the head. Aside from that, this book was a great read. No OW or OM drama. Hot rough sex. Insta-love. Over the top alpha hero.
July 16, 2025
4.5 stars.
This was an immensely enjoyable read. It had mild dark themes.
I would definitely start with heroine. Her growth in this book is astonishing. She had spine made of steel. Every way the female version of hero, his Queen. Her integrity, loyalty and honor along with defiance and courage was a thing of beauty. The way she took revenge from those who destroyed her past life with the help of hero was fantastic.
And hero, an alpha through and through. The difference between Reyes and Casey’s first pig of a husband was well done.
From the moment they met Reyes was obsessed with her. He considered her as his, but Casey didn’t give in to him or their explosive desire, staying true her vows not because that was What expected but because she chose to. I freaking loved that.
Hero’s possessiveness and protectiveness added flavor to the story. Reyes and Casey was truly each other’s equal. Story setup and pace was well done.
I also loved how the hero give her power and respect and in return asked the same. He stood back and enjoyed the growth of his queen when she took life of their enemies one by one.
His concern for her well being made me sigh. Especially the scenes including doctors cracked me up.
And not even a peep about his past conquests and wanna be Ows or otherwise OWs.
Recommended.
This was an immensely enjoyable read. It had mild dark themes.
I would definitely start with heroine. Her growth in this book is astonishing. She had spine made of steel. Every way the female version of hero, his Queen. Her integrity, loyalty and honor along with defiance and courage was a thing of beauty. The way she took revenge from those who destroyed her past life with the help of hero was fantastic.
And hero, an alpha through and through. The difference between Reyes and Casey’s first pig of a husband was well done.
From the moment they met Reyes was obsessed with her. He considered her as his, but Casey didn’t give in to him or their explosive desire, staying true her vows not because that was What expected but because she chose to. I freaking loved that.
Hero’s possessiveness and protectiveness added flavor to the story. Reyes and Casey was truly each other’s equal. Story setup and pace was well done.
I also loved how the hero give her power and respect and in return asked the same. He stood back and enjoyed the growth of his queen when she took life of their enemies one by one.
His concern for her well being made me sigh. Especially the scenes including doctors cracked me up.
And not even a peep about his past conquests and wanna be Ows or otherwise OWs.
Recommended.
May 10, 2018
"How the mighty do fall..."
"Scarred Queen" by Nikita Slater was a dark mafia read! Heroine, Casey bka the Scarred Queen of the story had a hard existence as a mafia boss' wife who endured a lot from her demented husband. To see her transform with hero and hardened rival boss, Reyes was inspiring to read. SQ was drowning in very violent scenes leading to the ups and downs/twists and turns to this enthralling story.... after all it's a gritty mafia book as I mentioned.
If you dare read SQ, you will see that Casey was no soldier to what she lived through but a survivor who learned to live another day as a true MAFIA QUEEN with Reyes no matter how scarred she was in the beginning of the tale.
NO CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!
THIS IS A MUST READ!!
5+ 'survivor stars' *****
"Scarred Queen" by Nikita Slater was a dark mafia read! Heroine, Casey bka the Scarred Queen of the story had a hard existence as a mafia boss' wife who endured a lot from her demented husband. To see her transform with hero and hardened rival boss, Reyes was inspiring to read. SQ was drowning in very violent scenes leading to the ups and downs/twists and turns to this enthralling story.... after all it's a gritty mafia book as I mentioned.
If you dare read SQ, you will see that Casey was no soldier to what she lived through but a survivor who learned to live another day as a true MAFIA QUEEN with Reyes no matter how scarred she was in the beginning of the tale.
NO CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!
THIS IS A MUST READ!!
5+ 'survivor stars' *****
February 18, 2018
Oh yes! So anxiously excited for this!
1. An alpha antihero
2. A heroine with a backbone
3. A thrilling plot with twists you couldn’t even imagine coming...
4. Sexy hotness you can’t get enough
5. And romance. Undying beautiful romance.
Reyes is ruthless, unapologetic, and oh so dominating/controlling. He sees what he wants and takes it. He has no room for any weakness from anyone around him. Our heroine is just as impressive. Casey’s circumstances can easily make her a victim and yet she is nothing like one. She's loyal, poised, and resilient despite her hardships and always maintains her bravery.
She is a queen whose scars embodies all the battles she won. (And there’s are many!) Together Reyes and Casey define LOVE in a way that leaves you in a puddle of feels and a book hangover like no tomorrow!
It’s been a minute and with the release date coming so soon I figured it was ok to write a full review including quotes that absolutely blew me away.
I’ll start by saying that I’ve read majority of Nikita Slater’s work and absolutely love her. There’s not been one book where I’ve felt eh, she always delivers.
&
Scarred Queen was no different.
it had everything a reader like me would dream of...
1. An alpha antihero
2. A heroine with a backbone
3. A thrilling plot with twists you couldn’t even imagine coming...
4. Sexy hotness you can’t get enough
5. And romance. Undying beautiful romance.
Reyes is ruthless, unapologetic, and oh so dominating/controlling. He sees what he wants and takes it. He has no room for any weakness from anyone around him. Our heroine is just as impressive. Casey’s circumstances can easily make her a victim and yet she is nothing like one. She's loyal, poised, and resilient despite her hardships and always maintains her bravery.
She is a queen whose scars embodies all the battles she won. (And there’s are many!) Together Reyes and Casey define LOVE in a way that leaves you in a puddle of feels and a book hangover like no tomorrow!
Just a few of my favorites:
“Make me fuck off, fuck away from you, Loyal is everything to you, fuck the way I feel, Make me go, fucking obsessed with you.”
“Let me have you… let me fucking have you and I promise I will make it so fucking good.”
“Just relax and do your job,” he said. “And what is that?” she demanded. “Stay gorgeous and fuck me when I tell you”
“You want to see what I’m capable of?” he said, his voice grimly quiet, when he finally spoke. “Say his name again, Casey.”
“I will take everything for myself and I will give you the world in return. I am el rey.”
March 21, 2019
So wanted to love this book but was disappointed.
I don't mind the cold, distant, ice-like heroine or hero...but what i can't stand is when they do a 180 and become something else. The heroine in the beginning comes across as the ice cold blonde...non-touchable, the trophy on the arm, who has been in a car accident and is spaced out due to the head trauma and migraines, but even though is treated terribly by everyone is a "nice" person (we know this because even though the mean brute bodyguard hurts her and no doubts want to rape her, she still covers for him so he doesn't get killed! Yet when the anti-hero saves her, kills her awful husband, all of a sudden she develops a backbone and talks back etc...but still has those goes-weak-at-the-knees-crumbles-for-sex thing for him! Come onnnnn! Oh and she wants her revenge and to kill everyone involved in her family's death, even if they are only family members of the supposed killers and didn't actually participate or were aware of it.
PS: For Pete's sake don't wear high heels if you are spaced out and can't walk in them...and stumble and trip every second on them...
I don't mind the cold, distant, ice-like heroine or hero...but what i can't stand is when they do a 180 and become something else. The heroine in the beginning comes across as the ice cold blonde...non-touchable, the trophy on the arm, who has been in a car accident and is spaced out due to the head trauma and migraines, but even though is treated terribly by everyone is a "nice" person (we know this because even though the mean brute bodyguard hurts her and no doubts want to rape her, she still covers for him so he doesn't get killed! Yet when the anti-hero saves her, kills her awful husband, all of a sudden she develops a backbone and talks back etc...but still has those goes-weak-at-the-knees-crumbles-for-sex thing for him! Come onnnnn! Oh and she wants her revenge and to kill everyone involved in her family's death, even if they are only family members of the supposed killers and didn't actually participate or were aware of it.
PS: For Pete's sake don't wear high heels if you are spaced out and can't walk in them...and stumble and trip every second on them...
March 10, 2018
Ok
Let’s sum it up guy sees girl wants her, gets her, makes her his, has sex lots of it, takes her to the doctor, makes her memories come back, more sex, more punishing sex, let’s get revenge, have more sex, have a HEA.
ok read.
Let’s sum it up guy sees girl wants her, gets her, makes her his, has sex lots of it, takes her to the doctor, makes her memories come back, more sex, more punishing sex, let’s get revenge, have more sex, have a HEA.
ok read.
April 2, 2018
Scarred Queen was my first read by Nikita Slater but definitely not my last. It had the perfect formula that I was in the mood for. Cartel Boss meets wife of another Boss, takes over kills everyone, and takes the wife for himself with lots of naughty times to follow. I loved Reyes, he was OTT possessive, dominant, killer who was obsessed with Casey. He definitely won my over really quickly. Casey was a shell of a woman in the beginning but under Reyes she grew so much. I loved reading her get her vengeance, and her confidence that bloomed under Reyes was great. Towards the end there were definitely cheesy parts and while not perfect I didn't care because I loved it. I really hope the author gives us more in this world.
July 30, 2021
This was a tale as old as time... Big bad mafia cartel dude, thinks the lovely wife of another big bad mafia cartel dude should be his instead... so, he kidnaps the object of his obsession in a rain of bullets and carnage... 👀 As You Do. 🤷♀️ Ah, the romance. 😍🤡
What I loved:
• the h, Casey (28), is vulnerable and starts out as a damsel in distress - she's loyal and fierce ❤️
• the H, Reyes (maybe 40-ish??), is about as aggressively OTT jealous/possessive as they come. He is NOT messing around. Very alpha, this one. ❤️
• so, at first I thought this was gonna be another one of Those Books, where the h fights the H tooth and nail for 90% of the book 🙄, but that isn't the case here. She comes around pretty quick after he sweeps her off to his island... and his bed {of course}. 🥳
• I loved how bulldozery and protective and needy Reyes was. He is completely obsessed and can't stand for anything to cause the h even the slightest discomfort. He wants her next to him, in his sights at all times. Not necessarily because he's a controlling b@stard... I mean, he IS that 😅... but also because he just wants her with him. {All together, now.... *SWOON*🤩}
• the h's husband is abusive and we get some great scenes where the H loses his mind when he finds out about how she's been treated {All together, now... *SIGH* 🤩}
• Reyes is not at all shy to Take What He Wants - I love how he just loses it and goes crazy.... THIS. This is how dubcon should be written. It's just perfect. He's not doing anything to intentionally hurt her. Everything he does is with great passion and ferver... {*SWOON* 🤩}
• We get a few good scenes where Reyes is going feral on doctors - because they are touching his girl, and because he is demanding they fix her so she isn't in pain. I live for this ish. {*SIGH* 🤩}
• he calls her "mi reina" (My Queen) 😍
• there is (dual) branding involved, and frankly, I'm not typically a fan, but I liked the way it was handled here. She's a willing participant. 👍
• THIS CRAZY TALE, jam packed full of action and passion, IS A STANDALONE. You heard that right folks. O-N-E book. It's a dying art form. (written in 2018) 🙌👏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
• 3rd person POV
What I didn't love:
• not very angsty
• this is one of those stories where she "rises from the ashes and finds her strength" 😐🙃 and becomes a badass while the H basks in her glory. 🙄 However, Reyes totally saved it for me. He balances it out with his crazy caveman stuff.👍
• the h get to savagely take revenge on the people who wronged her... I never care for this story line. I prefer the H to take care of business... in this case, he sets it up for her, and she does the damage.
• the h has been married before and is older than I prefer
• no OW drama of any kind *womp-womp*
Bottom Line? I really enjoyed this read. I highly recommend it, if for no other reason than to bask in the perfect j/p alpha Hero. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The next in the series looks amazing too!
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
• no cheating/no sharing
• no OW drama
• dubcon
• domestic violence (not by H)
https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Queen-...
What I loved:
• the h, Casey (28), is vulnerable and starts out as a damsel in distress - she's loyal and fierce ❤️
• the H, Reyes (maybe 40-ish??), is about as aggressively OTT jealous/possessive as they come. He is NOT messing around. Very alpha, this one. ❤️
• so, at first I thought this was gonna be another one of Those Books, where the h fights the H tooth and nail for 90% of the book 🙄, but that isn't the case here. She comes around pretty quick after he sweeps her off to his island... and his bed {of course}. 🥳
• I loved how bulldozery and protective and needy Reyes was. He is completely obsessed and can't stand for anything to cause the h even the slightest discomfort. He wants her next to him, in his sights at all times. Not necessarily because he's a controlling b@stard... I mean, he IS that 😅... but also because he just wants her with him. {All together, now.... *SWOON*🤩}
• the h's husband is abusive and we get some great scenes where the H loses his mind when he finds out about how she's been treated {All together, now... *SIGH* 🤩}
• Reyes is not at all shy to Take What He Wants - I love how he just loses it and goes crazy.... THIS. This is how dubcon should be written. It's just perfect. He's not doing anything to intentionally hurt her. Everything he does is with great passion and ferver... {*SWOON* 🤩}
• We get a few good scenes where Reyes is going feral on doctors - because they are touching his girl, and because he is demanding they fix her so she isn't in pain. I live for this ish. {*SIGH* 🤩}
• he calls her "mi reina" (My Queen) 😍
• there is (dual) branding involved, and frankly, I'm not typically a fan, but I liked the way it was handled here. She's a willing participant. 👍
• THIS CRAZY TALE, jam packed full of action and passion, IS A STANDALONE. You heard that right folks. O-N-E book. It's a dying art form. (written in 2018) 🙌👏 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
• 3rd person POV
What I didn't love:
• not very angsty
• this is one of those stories where she "rises from the ashes and finds her strength" 😐🙃 and becomes a badass while the H basks in her glory. 🙄 However, Reyes totally saved it for me. He balances it out with his crazy caveman stuff.👍
• the h get to savagely take revenge on the people who wronged her... I never care for this story line. I prefer the H to take care of business... in this case, he sets it up for her, and she does the damage.
• the h has been married before and is older than I prefer
• no OW drama of any kind *womp-womp*
Bottom Line? I really enjoyed this read. I highly recommend it, if for no other reason than to bask in the perfect j/p alpha Hero. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The next in the series looks amazing too!
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
• no cheating/no sharing
• no OW drama
• dubcon
• domestic violence (not by H)
https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Queen-...
February 16, 2018
Scarred Queen by Nikita Slater was a wild ride full of lust, violence and emotional turmoil. A mafia king lays claim to a flawed yet captivating beauty in a ruthless and unforgettable way, setting the stage for an epic love story.
"When you come to my bed carina, I promise can you...I will never let you leave."
The characters of this story were so well developed, each of them complex and intriguing. Reyes and Casey were two people who were absolutely made for each other, neither of them knowing what they were missing until they clashed together. Casey was stuck in a dull and empty existence and Reyes came in and shocked her back to life, forcing her out of her fog and into the role she was born to play. I loved how he wanted more than just her physical beauty, and saw her not as his plaything but as his partner. The emotional moments between them were so incredibly well written. Reyes' fierce possessiveness and ruthlessness had me laughing out loud in one moment, and fearing for Casey's safety in the next. He was a hard, violent man and an alpha to the core. Slater is so good at creating these amazing male characters who embrace their dark side and make no apologies.
"The aura of violence surrounding him was real. Not studied or postured. She knew this man was capable of backing up the threat that his body betrayed with every bunch and tense of his lithe muscles."
The sexual tension between Reyes and Casey was so well done, and I loved the build up that the author created between them. Both of them challenged each other and their battles always left me guessing who would come out on top. The intimate scenes were blazing hot, and with Slater's talent for creating sizzling and unique scenes, the intimacy between them never became monotonous or overdone.
"I will make you my prisoner, wrap you up in chains for the rest of your life if that's what it takes to keep you safe."
The plot flowed flawlessly, the characters were unforgettable, and the emotional elements were worked in perfectly. There were some delicious twists that completely took me by surprise. Reyes and Casey's journey was tumultuous and beautiful at the same time, and the ending was perfect for this superb couple. Slater is one of my go-to authors and this book is a prime example of why I snatch up everything she writes. I can't wait to see what she has in store next.
"When you come to my bed carina, I promise can you...I will never let you leave."
The characters of this story were so well developed, each of them complex and intriguing. Reyes and Casey were two people who were absolutely made for each other, neither of them knowing what they were missing until they clashed together. Casey was stuck in a dull and empty existence and Reyes came in and shocked her back to life, forcing her out of her fog and into the role she was born to play. I loved how he wanted more than just her physical beauty, and saw her not as his plaything but as his partner. The emotional moments between them were so incredibly well written. Reyes' fierce possessiveness and ruthlessness had me laughing out loud in one moment, and fearing for Casey's safety in the next. He was a hard, violent man and an alpha to the core. Slater is so good at creating these amazing male characters who embrace their dark side and make no apologies.
"The aura of violence surrounding him was real. Not studied or postured. She knew this man was capable of backing up the threat that his body betrayed with every bunch and tense of his lithe muscles."
The sexual tension between Reyes and Casey was so well done, and I loved the build up that the author created between them. Both of them challenged each other and their battles always left me guessing who would come out on top. The intimate scenes were blazing hot, and with Slater's talent for creating sizzling and unique scenes, the intimacy between them never became monotonous or overdone.
"I will make you my prisoner, wrap you up in chains for the rest of your life if that's what it takes to keep you safe."
The plot flowed flawlessly, the characters were unforgettable, and the emotional elements were worked in perfectly. There were some delicious twists that completely took me by surprise. Reyes and Casey's journey was tumultuous and beautiful at the same time, and the ending was perfect for this superb couple. Slater is one of my go-to authors and this book is a prime example of why I snatch up everything she writes. I can't wait to see what she has in store next.
January 7, 2019
This was my first time reading this author and this book was pretty good. Casey Hernandez she is trying to survive her husband and his men. I didn't like Casey much at the beginning of this book I thought she was weak, but as the book went on we begin to find out her secrets and I begin to understand her. I really liked Reyes he is a hard alpha male who ruled his world. This book did remind me of Scarface I mean Casey was stolen from one mafia boss by another. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Read
June 2, 2019DNF at 40%
Ughhhhh, I wanted so much to like this book. It had a great synopsis, the storyline seemed right up my alley BUT fell flat and boring. I couldn't take the h constantly "standing by" her disgusting pig of a husband.....
There was a lack of actual conversation and way too much for my liking, inner "talk"......ya just didn;t do a thing for me:(
Ughhhhh, I wanted so much to like this book. It had a great synopsis, the storyline seemed right up my alley BUT fell flat and boring. I couldn't take the h constantly "standing by" her disgusting pig of a husband.....
There was a lack of actual conversation and way too much for my liking, inner "talk"......ya just didn;t do a thing for me:(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
2.5 stars
Hated the heroine. She was weak and pathetic. Her situation was awful but she never tried to help herself. The hero was an asshole, and that's really all there is to say about him. The first part of the book was okay. The second part was awful. The heroine changed drastically but my opinion of her did not improve. There was a drastic shift in their relationship without showing how it got there.
Hated the heroine. She was weak and pathetic. Her situation was awful but she never tried to help herself. The hero was an asshole, and that's really all there is to say about him. The first part of the book was okay. The second part was awful. The heroine changed drastically but my opinion of her did not improve. There was a drastic shift in their relationship without showing how it got there.
October 14, 2023
This has been such an amazing ride and can't wait to read the next book.. this book is the perfect example of what a Mafia based story should run on.
I'm glad I decided to read another Mafia based book and not let my first opinion on the first book I read steer me away from it.
LOVED this book!!
I'm glad I decided to read another Mafia based book and not let my first opinion on the first book I read steer me away from it.
LOVED this book!!
February 1, 2019
Couldn't pass past the 5th chapter...
h was annoying and weak... Always drugged out of her mind...
H was a ass hole... He just did what her "husband" did...
Saw her, wanted her, got her without thinking in nothing else...
h was annoying and weak... Always drugged out of her mind...
H was a ass hole... He just did what her "husband" did...
Saw her, wanted her, got her without thinking in nothing else...
March 28, 2018
This one did not disappoint! Absolutely loved everything about scarred Queen! Nikita Slater's work has most definitely been improving and this was the best yet.
February 17, 2020
I enjoyed how Casey was so strong despite the trauma of her past. I enjoyed taking the journey with her from her frail, scared state to a strong, shrewd business woman who matched Reyes in every way. I loved Reyes who gave Casey back her life, allowing her to find closure for her past. Casey grew from a child to a woman in Reyes' care because of his trust, compassion and love. something she had not known in over ten years. This was a FANTASTIC book of true love allowing the characters the strength to fight the Dark from within, letting light to shine in.
September 28, 2019
Mafia will never be the same again!!
Nikita Slater is a true mafia royalty author! Reyes knows what he wants and he is going to make Casey his property, his wife. Casey knows nothing about being a mafia wife, but she is going to make it her own and rules as the Scarred Queen. Full of darkness, suspense and emotions. Scarred Queen is my first Nikita Slater book, but definitely not my last. I can't wait to see what the queen of mafia comes up with next!!
Nikita Slater is a true mafia royalty author! Reyes knows what he wants and he is going to make Casey his property, his wife. Casey knows nothing about being a mafia wife, but she is going to make it her own and rules as the Scarred Queen. Full of darkness, suspense and emotions. Scarred Queen is my first Nikita Slater book, but definitely not my last. I can't wait to see what the queen of mafia comes up with next!!
August 29, 2018
Where to begin on a read that has been brilliant from start to finish, Nikita Slater is a brand new author for me and has written one of my favorite genre's MAFIA, but not Italian mafia which is what made this so wickedly good, I have difficulty expressing how good this was without letting any of the plot out, but still able to let you know how truly awesome Scarred Queen was. Reyes and Casey story is epic. Their journey was incredible and I love Casey and Reyes!!! we have an absolute wonderful alpha Reyes oh my beating heart he was everything and more that you want your leading man to be, he was rugged sexy down right dangerous and obsessed with the leading lady Casey. This poor woman was living a life of hell, I won't say too much about the plot because honestly just read it, Reyes is alpha male through and through and is totally and utterly obsessed over his beloved queen. Some scenes are actually funny I don't suppose they are mean't to be but they tickled my funny bone with just how possessive he was
Casey's character is full of pain and growth and overcoming some very difficult situations and becoming the queen that Reyes needs. I loved her,, The supporting cast is leading you into a book 2 I just hope it's as good as the first one
The chemistry between Reyes and Casey is mega hot, I mean wowzers the passion is lit and never burns out. My only criticism if any is Ignacio, and how he was dealt with far to quick in my book me personally I want kill him slowly and painfully and then then do it over and over again. He was a serious piece of shit. With Reyes been the kind of man he was took what he wanted, and he wanted Casey. These two together was the most explosive couple I have read in a long time and it was such a pleasure to read about a woman KICKING SOME ASS for a change and boy does she do it in style. Her background was heartbreaking but these two together ignited this book and I haven't put it down. I am really looking forward to book 2. This is a really good well out together mafia romance with a HEA. No cliffhanger, which I really loved.
5 STAR HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ
Casey's character is full of pain and growth and overcoming some very difficult situations and becoming the queen that Reyes needs. I loved her,, The supporting cast is leading you into a book 2 I just hope it's as good as the first one
The chemistry between Reyes and Casey is mega hot, I mean wowzers the passion is lit and never burns out. My only criticism if any is Ignacio, and how he was dealt with far to quick in my book me personally I want kill him slowly and painfully and then then do it over and over again. He was a serious piece of shit. With Reyes been the kind of man he was took what he wanted, and he wanted Casey. These two together was the most explosive couple I have read in a long time and it was such a pleasure to read about a woman KICKING SOME ASS for a change and boy does she do it in style. Her background was heartbreaking but these two together ignited this book and I haven't put it down. I am really looking forward to book 2. This is a really good well out together mafia romance with a HEA. No cliffhanger, which I really loved.
5 STAR HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ
March 5, 2018
Totally OTT possessive Hero.
August 1, 2018
Holy moly did I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!
What do I find sexy....a strong, sexy, mafia boss.....what do I find even sexier....his beautiful, badass, mafia queen!
SOOOOO good!!!
What do I find sexy....a strong, sexy, mafia boss.....what do I find even sexier....his beautiful, badass, mafia queen!
SOOOOO good!!!
September 6, 2018
So good!!
This book was delicious I could not put it down! I absolutely loved every minute of it. Reyes is one hot alpha boss who knows what he wants as soon as he sees his gorgeous future wife. And Casey thinks she weak but that's all about to change once she meets Reyes who is about to show her how strong she really is. If have not checked this author out and love mafia books then you will love this series.
This book was delicious I could not put it down! I absolutely loved every minute of it. Reyes is one hot alpha boss who knows what he wants as soon as he sees his gorgeous future wife. And Casey thinks she weak but that's all about to change once she meets Reyes who is about to show her how strong she really is. If have not checked this author out and love mafia books then you will love this series.
August 30, 2018
Loved it
This book was amazing ...it made me cry ..it kept me interested..it was an amazing read wish there was more to this series
This book was amazing ...it made me cry ..it kept me interested..it was an amazing read wish there was more to this series
May 16, 2019
Meh. Just didn't feel this one.
The heroine's internal dialogue bored me to tears. I felt like I skimmed half the book just trying to escape her ramblings. There is one scene in particular that annoyed the shit out of me ->
I'm usually a huge fan of an OTT J/P hero, but Reyes was over the line of Over The Top and dipping his toes into the annoying category.
Overall the characters just didn't work for me. I love me some character development but in Scarred Queen, it wasn't believable how the heroine could go from timid trophy wife to a bloodthirsty killer by the end.
I have no interest in continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
Cartel Bosses...Oh My
This was my first time reading one of Nikita Slater's books and I am now a fan!
I love gangster/mafia type stories and this one did not disappoint! This book was fast-paced and rife with gangsta, sex, lies, action and mystery. I loved Slater's writing style and world-building.
Reyes is a tough mob boss who knows what he wants and is determined to have it. And what he wants is Casey! The Cartel boss is bold, blatant and dangerous--everything I love in an alpha. I felt he was over the top at times, but what woman would complain about that? Casey reminded me of Michelle Pfeiffer's character in "Scar Face". I couldn't get the image of her out of my head every time I thought of Casey! Lol.
All in all, a great read with all the feels. You won't be disappointed with this book!
This was my first time reading one of Nikita Slater's books and I am now a fan!
I love gangster/mafia type stories and this one did not disappoint! This book was fast-paced and rife with gangsta, sex, lies, action and mystery. I loved Slater's writing style and world-building.
Reyes is a tough mob boss who knows what he wants and is determined to have it. And what he wants is Casey! The Cartel boss is bold, blatant and dangerous--everything I love in an alpha. I felt he was over the top at times, but what woman would complain about that? Casey reminded me of Michelle Pfeiffer's character in "Scar Face". I couldn't get the image of her out of my head every time I thought of Casey! Lol.
All in all, a great read with all the feels. You won't be disappointed with this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews