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Street Arrhythmia Trilogy #1
The Scent of Jasmine
BLURB:
Surviving. That’s all I’ve been doing.
Floating around the city like I’ve already lost my soul.
A city that chews you up, spits you out without giving you an actual form of escape.
Until he told me I was his.
A spark of color and warmth amidst the grey.
But I know more than anybody, that life will throw punches at you when you least expect it.
This is the city that never sleeps.
The city that always weeps.
Courtesy Warning: This book may contain triggers for some. Triggers may include but not limited to violence, non-con/dub-con, blood play/knife play, self-harm, mental illness, drug use, animal cruelty. No animals were harmed in the making of this book.
Surviving. That’s all I’ve been doing.
Floating around the city like I’ve already lost my soul.
A city that chews you up, spits you out without giving you an actual form of escape.
Until he told me I was his.
A spark of color and warmth amidst the grey.
But I know more than anybody, that life will throw punches at you when you least expect it.
This is the city that never sleeps.
The city that always weeps.
Courtesy Warning: This book may contain triggers for some. Triggers may include but not limited to violence, non-con/dub-con, blood play/knife play, self-harm, mental illness, drug use, animal cruelty. No animals were harmed in the making of this book.
- GenresDark
299 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2021
19 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Y.D. La Mar
93 books679 followersI'm a reader, first and foremost. Just like everyone else.
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 23, 2021
Okay okay, I can get into this. I loved how the book started with all of the characters in their childhood. We get Yan and Manny and I’m loving them so much at first. Childhood sweethearts just make me all gooey for some reason.
But then that shit gets switched up and Manny ends up being a douche. I hated him so much when he started being possessive of Yan but not in the good way I enjoy. So when Yan finally gets up her courage to stand up to Manny all those years later I was like “you go girl!”
But man, what a ride this story was. Fucking YD throwing that Nels stuff in there. I was so upset because I liked Nels from when he had his sights set on Yan when they were just kids. 😭
And then there’s the Johnny stuff. YD just keeps throwing us through the ringer left and right. I was wondering if Yan was ever gonna get a break. I was going to riot if she ended up with a douchebag but I was satisfied at the end.
So while this stuff does have trigger warnings, it was nothing that bothered me really. There was OW stuff but only from the asshole character so it didn’t really affect me like it usually would.
The only thing I’d say was the timeline made me a tiny bit confused at the beginning of some of the chapters. I usually prefer to have the time period labeled at the top of the chapter if some time has passed: 4 months later or something along those lines. It was during the elementary and high school years at the beginning so I wish it was continued throughout, maybe a “Yan, 19 years old” slash “Manny, 21 years old” or something like that. I dunno. 🤷🏼♀️
Overall I definitely enjoyed this read.
But then that shit gets switched up and Manny ends up being a douche. I hated him so much when he started being possessive of Yan but not in the good way I enjoy. So when Yan finally gets up her courage to stand up to Manny all those years later I was like “you go girl!”
But man, what a ride this story was. Fucking YD throwing that Nels stuff in there. I was so upset because I liked Nels from when he had his sights set on Yan when they were just kids. 😭
And then there’s the Johnny stuff. YD just keeps throwing us through the ringer left and right. I was wondering if Yan was ever gonna get a break. I was going to riot if she ended up with a douchebag but I was satisfied at the end.
So while this stuff does have trigger warnings, it was nothing that bothered me really. There was OW stuff but only from the asshole character so it didn’t really affect me like it usually would.
The only thing I’d say was the timeline made me a tiny bit confused at the beginning of some of the chapters. I usually prefer to have the time period labeled at the top of the chapter if some time has passed: 4 months later or something along those lines. It was during the elementary and high school years at the beginning so I wish it was continued throughout, maybe a “Yan, 19 years old” slash “Manny, 21 years old” or something like that. I dunno. 🤷🏼♀️
Overall I definitely enjoyed this read.
February 10, 2021
What a fucking journey this book turned out to be. I wasn't sure what to expect at first since this was my first time reading a book by this author but I'm pleasantly surprised with what I've encountered. This book takes you through all the twist and turns that have happened in Yan's life living in the hood and shows exactly how brutal it can be.
I found myself invested in Yan's life and yearned for her to get a happy ending however she could. As you continue your journey through the book, you'll find yourself thinking that you know what will happen next when in reality Y.D. La Mar give you a completely unexpected plot twist that you never in a million years would have thought of and for that I have to commend her as well as hate her. Now onto the cons if you can even call them that (more like a personal preference). When first starting to read it took a little while to adjust since the dialogue was not familiar to me but once adjusted the book flows more smoothly. That's literally the only "con" I have. Let's follow up with the pros which I have to say is the whole book. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. I'm glad I could live in Yan's life and everyone else that she encountered as well as experience her emotions as if they were my own.
While reading you'll find yourself immersed and captivated by just what goes on in the hood and so I'll leave you with this "This is a city that never sleeps. This is a city that always weeps".
I found myself invested in Yan's life and yearned for her to get a happy ending however she could. As you continue your journey through the book, you'll find yourself thinking that you know what will happen next when in reality Y.D. La Mar give you a completely unexpected plot twist that you never in a million years would have thought of and for that I have to commend her as well as hate her. Now onto the cons if you can even call them that (more like a personal preference). When first starting to read it took a little while to adjust since the dialogue was not familiar to me but once adjusted the book flows more smoothly. That's literally the only "con" I have. Let's follow up with the pros which I have to say is the whole book. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. I'm glad I could live in Yan's life and everyone else that she encountered as well as experience her emotions as if they were my own.
While reading you'll find yourself immersed and captivated by just what goes on in the hood and so I'll leave you with this "This is a city that never sleeps. This is a city that always weeps".
February 26, 2021
Review to come and yes I will need a hankie..
March 26, 2021
Plot: This is the whole plot. I didn't know how to tell the story without telling the story. Don't read this unless you really want to know:
Character development: Yan retains her defining characteristics throughout the story. She is sweet, beautiful, almost ethereal - everyone notices it, especially the men around her. She does grow into the idea of saving herself though. She is able to escape bad situations a couple of times, and even though she often ends right back up where she started, she doesn't give up. She uses everything at her disposal, and is finally able to truly save herself. Not only that, but I love that at the end of the book, she's taken control of her sexuality, and found someone who enjoys letting her have that control. Her forever love knows what she needs, and is able to give it to her and allow her to take it, both.
Would I read more from this author/in this series: Yes! This was a debut novel, and I will definitely read more from this author!
February 16, 2021
“The Scent of Jasmine” is everything a fan of dark romance wants. The juiciest of sins are found within these pages — lust, envy, and greed. Readers are also granted glimpses into gang life, abuse, young love, and murder. The FMC is beguiling and projects an innocence about her that causes a protective instinct — in some cases to the point of insanity — to surface in the people around her.
“The Scent of Jasmine” follows the main character, Yan, throughout her childhood to young adult years. There are multiple POVs in this story, which are necessary to get the full impact of the neighborhood/ community. Each character has their own unique voice, and the different ways they interact with Yan are intriguing in how they each view her and how the readers can understand her character. As Yan grows and deals with the things life throws her way, so, too, does the reader get taken on a journey in Yan’s life experiences.
Definitely heed the trigger warnings. If you’re like me and have virtually no triggers, then proceed with a glass of wine knowing you’ll have another author to add to your one-click list!
Note: I was lucky enough to have received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. It did not impact my review or opinions of the book.
“The Scent of Jasmine” follows the main character, Yan, throughout her childhood to young adult years. There are multiple POVs in this story, which are necessary to get the full impact of the neighborhood/ community. Each character has their own unique voice, and the different ways they interact with Yan are intriguing in how they each view her and how the readers can understand her character. As Yan grows and deals with the things life throws her way, so, too, does the reader get taken on a journey in Yan’s life experiences.
Definitely heed the trigger warnings. If you’re like me and have virtually no triggers, then proceed with a glass of wine knowing you’ll have another author to add to your one-click list!
Note: I was lucky enough to have received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review. It did not impact my review or opinions of the book.
February 17, 2021
WHAT DID I JUST READ?!
This book just hit all the emotions. You think you know what's going on, but you really don't. This book is so raw and real. It follows the young adults from the hood, and especially Yan. It is so obviously from experience, that it makes the story even better. It's like I'm sucked in and one of the kids in the hood.
It's definitely not your conventional love story, which fits the writing style as well. The writing style is unconventional, too, and it took me a while to adjust and get into the story but in the end it was totally worth it.
The characters are so beautiful, I cried and laughed and felt all their pain. Yan, especially, she's such a strong woman and I absolutely LOVE her. This knife wielding queen absolutely got her happy ending and I'm glad that she did.
Cannot wait to see what else YD la Mar has in store for us. One thing I'm sure of is that tears will be spilled.
This book just hit all the emotions. You think you know what's going on, but you really don't. This book is so raw and real. It follows the young adults from the hood, and especially Yan. It is so obviously from experience, that it makes the story even better. It's like I'm sucked in and one of the kids in the hood.
It's definitely not your conventional love story, which fits the writing style as well. The writing style is unconventional, too, and it took me a while to adjust and get into the story but in the end it was totally worth it.
The characters are so beautiful, I cried and laughed and felt all their pain. Yan, especially, she's such a strong woman and I absolutely LOVE her. This knife wielding queen absolutely got her happy ending and I'm glad that she did.
Cannot wait to see what else YD la Mar has in store for us. One thing I'm sure of is that tears will be spilled.
February 16, 2021
This is a city that never sleeps. This is a city that always weeps.
Debut novel by Y.D. La Mar and dayum!!!!!
Reading the warnings….don’t come back complaining, because I’m just going to roll my eyes at you.
The story is mainly about Yan. Yan doesn’t have it easy at home but at a very young age she finds a friend. But our author friend here likes to take us on a rollercoaster ride. So I went from loving and rooting for this friend to hating him and wanting to poke his eyes out.
Yan goes through it. She needed her HEA and I am so glad she finally got it.
Crazy twists and turns and even a major HOLY BEEP moment or three thrown in there. But I didn’t expect anything less from this Author’s mind.
Can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us in this series.
Debut novel by Y.D. La Mar and dayum!!!!!
Reading the warnings….don’t come back complaining, because I’m just going to roll my eyes at you.
The story is mainly about Yan. Yan doesn’t have it easy at home but at a very young age she finds a friend. But our author friend here likes to take us on a rollercoaster ride. So I went from loving and rooting for this friend to hating him and wanting to poke his eyes out.
Yan goes through it. She needed her HEA and I am so glad she finally got it.
Crazy twists and turns and even a major HOLY BEEP moment or three thrown in there. But I didn’t expect anything less from this Author’s mind.
Can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us in this series.
May 7, 2023
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is my debut novel.
My gut told me to...write what I know.
I hope you guys enjoy it! there are many flashes of my own life within these pages.
From the people I knew, got involved in, fell in love with, to the friends that made it out.
My brother had a rooster that would crow at odd times.
My husband knew of the rooster that only crowed for certain reasons.
I was the one who found the dog on the side of the road.
Her father... was mine.
This was only one of the neighborhoods I lived in. The rest of the series explores the other hoods I have the ... pleasure of experiencing.
This is my debut novel.
My gut told me to...write what I know.
I hope you guys enjoy it! there are many flashes of my own life within these pages.
From the people I knew, got involved in, fell in love with, to the friends that made it out.
My brother had a rooster that would crow at odd times.
My husband knew of the rooster that only crowed for certain reasons.
I was the one who found the dog on the side of the road.
Her father... was mine.
This was only one of the neighborhoods I lived in. The rest of the series explores the other hoods I have the ... pleasure of experiencing.
February 23, 2021
I don’t even know what to say
For a debut novel dang my mind is blown. The first time for yan was so powerful. It brought me back when she missed the exit I was laughing so hard because normally you don’t read about the elusivity of an orgasm. Usually it’s like the best ever no matter what so I love the realism! Can’t wait for the next book.
For a debut novel dang my mind is blown. The first time for yan was so powerful. It brought me back when she missed the exit I was laughing so hard because normally you don’t read about the elusivity of an orgasm. Usually it’s like the best ever no matter what so I love the realism! Can’t wait for the next book.
December 3, 2021
Self portrait
As a first story, the author does a remarkable job. I know that I have said this about the author before, but I am so pleased to have stumbled upon her writing. There is something so real and true about the gritty, dark emotions that the author brings forth; the raw and ugly situations that the author isn't afraid to not only submerge her characters in, but also her readers; to take parts of your own life, both the good and the bad, and intertwine them within a story not to seek acclaim but to enrich the plot -- it takes a lot.
While the story is by no means perfect, it's perfect for the characters and the environment. It's heartbreaking and sickening, numbing and hopeful, but most of all for me, it showed a unique insight into a what happens when children grow up feeling "stuck". Stuck in a town, stuck in a situation, stuck in a home, stuck in life and options are limited. Look forward to see what future book will be
As a first story, the author does a remarkable job. I know that I have said this about the author before, but I am so pleased to have stumbled upon her writing. There is something so real and true about the gritty, dark emotions that the author brings forth; the raw and ugly situations that the author isn't afraid to not only submerge her characters in, but also her readers; to take parts of your own life, both the good and the bad, and intertwine them within a story not to seek acclaim but to enrich the plot -- it takes a lot.
While the story is by no means perfect, it's perfect for the characters and the environment. It's heartbreaking and sickening, numbing and hopeful, but most of all for me, it showed a unique insight into a what happens when children grow up feeling "stuck". Stuck in a town, stuck in a situation, stuck in a home, stuck in life and options are limited. Look forward to see what future book will be
February 18, 2021
Amazing Author Debut!
YD La Mar did an amazing job with her first book! It’s a different writing style than I’m used to(it has multiple points of view) but the story sucked me in! Yan has a very rough life and the story made me tear up a bit, but you can’t help but root for her and her HEA through the entire book. Be sure to check the trigger warnings she has posted, because this is a darker themed book. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a taste for a darker read, good story, and a HEA.
YD La Mar did an amazing job with her first book! It’s a different writing style than I’m used to(it has multiple points of view) but the story sucked me in! Yan has a very rough life and the story made me tear up a bit, but you can’t help but root for her and her HEA through the entire book. Be sure to check the trigger warnings she has posted, because this is a darker themed book. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a taste for a darker read, good story, and a HEA.
February 18, 2021
Loved this!!
This story was so good! It was definitely different from what I’m used to! My emotions were all over the place because it was so raw and real! Damn now I’ve got a book hangover. Can’t wait to read more!
This story was so good! It was definitely different from what I’m used to! My emotions were all over the place because it was so raw and real! Damn now I’ve got a book hangover. Can’t wait to read more!
November 30, 2021
well
This book brought back some feelings I had locked away. I too grew up in a hood, made it out and have not returned for anything.
I too grew up in hoods and you can’t walk around clueless and unaware of your surroundings. So frustrating that Yan doesn’t know what is going on most of the time.
This book brought back some feelings I had locked away. I too grew up in a hood, made it out and have not returned for anything.
I too grew up in hoods and you can’t walk around clueless and unaware of your surroundings. So frustrating that Yan doesn’t know what is going on most of the time.
December 30, 2021
Wrecked
This story was so freaking sad!!!! So much death for Yan to deal with, but I was consoled with the HEA she got. If you are looking for a book to give you a cry then this is it! Definitely not for the faint of heart. There are multiple triggers within these pages for those who are sensitive to those type of things.
This story was so freaking sad!!!! So much death for Yan to deal with, but I was consoled with the HEA she got. If you are looking for a book to give you a cry then this is it! Definitely not for the faint of heart. There are multiple triggers within these pages for those who are sensitive to those type of things.
September 1, 2021
The scent of Jasmine
It took me quite a while to get into the writing style but once i got over that the story was good. I enjoyed the way Yan dealt with Manny, you go girl! But i do think it was a very tell not show book.
It took me quite a while to get into the writing style but once i got over that the story was good. I enjoyed the way Yan dealt with Manny, you go girl! But i do think it was a very tell not show book.
April 7, 2021
Wow just wow!
LOVE this book. Wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions. It does have its dark elements so heed the authors warning.
LOVE this book. Wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions. It does have its dark elements so heed the authors warning.
June 26, 2021
Well, what the actual... One hell of a rollercoaster ride of the emotions, who will live and who will die.
Great story, would not recommend for people who don't like seeing many characters die
Great story, would not recommend for people who don't like seeing many characters die
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2021
Love it
The scent of Jasmine by YD La Mar is a powerful book to read. If you haven't check this book out.
The scent of Jasmine by YD La Mar is a powerful book to read. If you haven't check this book out.
October 16, 2024
Intriguing!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews