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The Avenging Series #1
Sacred Scars
Haven McKinley is trying her best to get through life unseen. She is what they call a bringer of truth—An assassin with an unforgettable scar covering her face and a target on her back. Being an assassin for The Messengers of Truth comes with a big responsibility: Avenging the dead and outing the secrets that people with money tried to bury.
Haven is out to get justice for those taken too soon by the hands of evil, and nothing will stop her from getting the job done. That was her mission until a group of men started going after her and the other women in The Messengers of Truth. With new targets on her organization’s back, Haven is left making desperate deals with men she never expected, and handing her heart over to those who may just crush it.
Haven is out to get justice for those taken too soon by the hands of evil, and nothing will stop her from getting the job done. That was her mission until a group of men started going after her and the other women in The Messengers of Truth. With new targets on her organization’s back, Haven is left making desperate deals with men she never expected, and handing her heart over to those who may just crush it.
ebook
Published April 17, 2022
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About the author
Keylee Hargis
5 books100 followersHello! My name is Keylee Hargis, author of the bond series! I’m excited to finally get my new books out there. Most of the ones many people have read were from Wattpad and they needed a lot of work, which is why I rewrote most of them and I am in the works of getting them published. The first book of the series, The Royal Bond, is out now on Amazon and select stores!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 18, 2022
Almost gave 4 but decided 5 and here is why: (minor spoilers ahead)
I was really excited about this book because of booktok! I’m embarrassed to say I don’t leave reviews on books outside of amazon, but I knew a lot of booktok people were on here so I needed to share.
I will say I expected a more badass female lead from what was depicted on Tiktok but later on you really start to see why our MC is the way she is. We meet Haven McKinley who I first met as “wow okay, I’m really liking her.” Because I mean the beginning starts and she LITERALLY had just killed someone who assaulted a young woman. We get a little about her background and the organization she’s in and a bit more like that. (Trying my best to keep spoilers to the min)
You can tell Haven has mixed feelings about her “job”. Yes she is glad she’s taking out horrible people but at the same time she’s having to kill and kill and kill, so it’s clear that wears you down.
(And can I just applaud Keylee really quickly? I really appreciate that she included that males can be assaulted too. I read too many novels where it’s just acting as if women are the only ones to go through such a horrible thing and that’s not the case. So I do applaud her for that.)
However, we learn about the group of men that are out to get these women in the organization she’s in, which is what we knew from the blurb. This really kicks off the plot and leads Haven to seeking out The Men in Red for their help. (To be short they are awesome and I wish we got more scenes with them)
A hitman comes into play that is after Haven, which I learned off tiktok and I was eager to get to know his character because of it. I loved him to say the least, but when this hitman comes into play, it starts to really set Haven back and her plans she had made. I love how he kind of unhinges her, if I am to be honest. He literally drives her insane and I love it.
However with trying to work with The Men in Red, trying to deal with our hitman, and trying to keep her organization safe, it comes with A LOT of problems Haven wasn’t expecting … and a lot of lies that made for a GREAT plot twist I didn’t see coming.
The reason I almost gave a 4 start was because I really wished to see more of Haven’s “badassery”. She’s really hyped up from other people in the book and I don’t know if this wasn’t as pictured in the book because Haven’s mental health had taken a toll on her and she wasn’t what she used to be—I mean even Haven herself states at one point that maybe she and the women in her organization truly never was feared as she thought (which you’ll find out why they were really feared later on) or if it was because the ending is setting up Haven’s badass vibe to return in the future books to come—especially with the new training she had learned from The Men in Red. Either way, I’m intrigued… I can’t lie.
My heart was hurting a bit at the end, so I would say the ending was well written.
The only thing I think that fell short with me in this book was just not getting to witness the “badass” Haven in all her glory until the end when she finally snaps and her old self comes into play. Now THAT was badass!
I’m really hoping Keylee has set the book up like this so the next books we get to see Haven cruel and unhinged even more to get vengeance for *you know who… or soon will* where her moral conscious isn’t holding her back. I think that’s what really pulled Haven down. She knew everyone expected her to be this crazy killer but she just couldn’t take it anymore. She had no motivation to be that person…. Until the wrong person pissed her off in the end!
There is romance, a bit of heat, and a lot of great moments as well. I think it’s worth the read and trust me booktok has scared me with book recs lately lol.
World building: 5
Plot: 4.5
Spice level: 3/5
I am eagerly waiting with many high expectations in the next book, so fingers crossed! I hope this helped!
I was really excited about this book because of booktok! I’m embarrassed to say I don’t leave reviews on books outside of amazon, but I knew a lot of booktok people were on here so I needed to share.
I will say I expected a more badass female lead from what was depicted on Tiktok but later on you really start to see why our MC is the way she is. We meet Haven McKinley who I first met as “wow okay, I’m really liking her.” Because I mean the beginning starts and she LITERALLY had just killed someone who assaulted a young woman. We get a little about her background and the organization she’s in and a bit more like that. (Trying my best to keep spoilers to the min)
You can tell Haven has mixed feelings about her “job”. Yes she is glad she’s taking out horrible people but at the same time she’s having to kill and kill and kill, so it’s clear that wears you down.
(And can I just applaud Keylee really quickly? I really appreciate that she included that males can be assaulted too. I read too many novels where it’s just acting as if women are the only ones to go through such a horrible thing and that’s not the case. So I do applaud her for that.)
However, we learn about the group of men that are out to get these women in the organization she’s in, which is what we knew from the blurb. This really kicks off the plot and leads Haven to seeking out The Men in Red for their help. (To be short they are awesome and I wish we got more scenes with them)
A hitman comes into play that is after Haven, which I learned off tiktok and I was eager to get to know his character because of it. I loved him to say the least, but when this hitman comes into play, it starts to really set Haven back and her plans she had made. I love how he kind of unhinges her, if I am to be honest. He literally drives her insane and I love it.
However with trying to work with The Men in Red, trying to deal with our hitman, and trying to keep her organization safe, it comes with A LOT of problems Haven wasn’t expecting … and a lot of lies that made for a GREAT plot twist I didn’t see coming.
The reason I almost gave a 4 start was because I really wished to see more of Haven’s “badassery”. She’s really hyped up from other people in the book and I don’t know if this wasn’t as pictured in the book because Haven’s mental health had taken a toll on her and she wasn’t what she used to be—I mean even Haven herself states at one point that maybe she and the women in her organization truly never was feared as she thought (which you’ll find out why they were really feared later on) or if it was because the ending is setting up Haven’s badass vibe to return in the future books to come—especially with the new training she had learned from The Men in Red. Either way, I’m intrigued… I can’t lie.
My heart was hurting a bit at the end, so I would say the ending was well written.
The only thing I think that fell short with me in this book was just not getting to witness the “badass” Haven in all her glory until the end when she finally snaps and her old self comes into play. Now THAT was badass!
I’m really hoping Keylee has set the book up like this so the next books we get to see Haven cruel and unhinged even more to get vengeance for *you know who… or soon will* where her moral conscious isn’t holding her back. I think that’s what really pulled Haven down. She knew everyone expected her to be this crazy killer but she just couldn’t take it anymore. She had no motivation to be that person…. Until the wrong person pissed her off in the end!
There is romance, a bit of heat, and a lot of great moments as well. I think it’s worth the read and trust me booktok has scared me with book recs lately lol.
World building: 5
Plot: 4.5
Spice level: 3/5
I am eagerly waiting with many high expectations in the next book, so fingers crossed! I hope this helped!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
I was going to give this 5 ⭐️ and then the ending happened 😭 idk how I feel about this I’m very emotional right now … I loved this so much, until the last 2 chapters. So 4 stars for me :( why did this have to happen I don’t understand
April 25, 2022
Beyond words!
I can’t even begin to tell you how great of a book this was. Countless hours staying up at night reading it. The characters have you fall in love with them instantly. The three love interests, I mean COME ON! Best of both worlds.
The struggles that Haven goes through, the realizations and truths that continuously keep surfacing..Seems like she’s never going to get a break. She’s having to fit off something around almost every corner.
Havens resilience and her vengeance are a force to be reckoned with! I can not put into words the anticipation I will continue to have until book 2 comes out.
Chapter 1, Haven is going to come out swinging! I can’t wait to continue falling In love with this series.
My heart can not break so bring him back. That’s all I ask lol
I can’t even begin to tell you how great of a book this was. Countless hours staying up at night reading it. The characters have you fall in love with them instantly. The three love interests, I mean COME ON! Best of both worlds.
The struggles that Haven goes through, the realizations and truths that continuously keep surfacing..Seems like she’s never going to get a break. She’s having to fit off something around almost every corner.
Havens resilience and her vengeance are a force to be reckoned with! I can not put into words the anticipation I will continue to have until book 2 comes out.
Chapter 1, Haven is going to come out swinging! I can’t wait to continue falling In love with this series.
My heart can not break so bring him back. That’s all I ask lol
March 31, 2022
*I was an ARC reviewer for Sacred Scars*
Two words: Holy S**t
This is without a doubt the most consuming book I have read all year. These characters will pull you in, and make you feel like you are part of their world. By the time I was finished with Sacred Scars I was already begging for the second book. This plot is so unique and empowering, and I can not wait to see where the rest of this series leads!
(P.S. by the time you finish reading this book you will have a new book boyfriend to add to your collection... no joke.)
#TeamAxton
Two words: Holy S**t
This is without a doubt the most consuming book I have read all year. These characters will pull you in, and make you feel like you are part of their world. By the time I was finished with Sacred Scars I was already begging for the second book. This plot is so unique and empowering, and I can not wait to see where the rest of this series leads!
(P.S. by the time you finish reading this book you will have a new book boyfriend to add to your collection... no joke.)
#TeamAxton
February 18, 2022
Full transparency, Keylee is one of my former students and an independent author. I’m so excited for her and this upcoming book release. She is so passionate about this story and I can’t wait to see what others think of it. If you’re a fan of secret organizations and female assassin narratives, with a little bit of steam on the side this one might be for you!
April 18, 2023
I liked the idea of this book a lot more than the execution. All female assassins highly trained to avenge victims of rape and murder. Total feminine rage type stuff. However, the girls were written to be fumbling and incompetent even though they had been training for almost a decade for some. I get part of their lacking skills was intentional for the plot, but it’s hard to believe a fully trained assassin would freeze up and be so helpless time and time again. The kind of training they must have had was also not reflected in their mindset/thinking. It was overall really disappointing.
February 10, 2022
Such a good read! From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t stop! The plot was so unique in a sense of wanting to feel part of her success as an assassin while also rooting for Justice to be served. The main plot, the character’s plots and the relationships were 10/10, keeping you guessing on how it’ll all play out. Definitely keeps your suspense and anxiety up 1000% with each chapter. Can’t wait for the rest of the series and how Haven’s story will be written! :D 🤗🤗🤗
January 3, 2024
This story is set in our world (New York) & follows our FMC Haven who has a curse to avenge the dead. She is a trained assassin who works within an order of other female assassins who also bear this curse.
This story is full of twists & betrayals that kept me hooked throughout the whole story.
I will admit that the first 5-10 chapters I noticed a lot of repetitive text & there were some big moments of telling & not showing.
But I was still very interested in the premise of the story & really liked the FMC. I’m very glad I pushed through my initial reactions because I ended up enjoying the book way more than I thought I would at first.
There are multiple love interests but it never feels like a love triangle, I was genuinely wondering the whole way through who she is was going to end up with - which I loved! And the way the book ended… you would never expect! (I love being surprised in a book)
This book was pure entertainment, I found I didn’t want to put it down & powered through it very quickly. I am invested in the story & the ending has me SHOOK!
I can’t wait to pick up b2 to see where the story goes.
.5 🌶 but I feel like there will be more in b2
This story is full of twists & betrayals that kept me hooked throughout the whole story.
I will admit that the first 5-10 chapters I noticed a lot of repetitive text & there were some big moments of telling & not showing.
But I was still very interested in the premise of the story & really liked the FMC. I’m very glad I pushed through my initial reactions because I ended up enjoying the book way more than I thought I would at first.
There are multiple love interests but it never feels like a love triangle, I was genuinely wondering the whole way through who she is was going to end up with - which I loved! And the way the book ended… you would never expect! (I love being surprised in a book)
This book was pure entertainment, I found I didn’t want to put it down & powered through it very quickly. I am invested in the story & the ending has me SHOOK!
I can’t wait to pick up b2 to see where the story goes.
.5 🌶 but I feel like there will be more in b2
June 22, 2022
I found this book on TikTok. The story has a lot of potential and is right up my alley. The grammatical errors, punctuation, and inconsistent tenses were distracting. This has been called a "slow burn" romance, but there really isn't any. There is definitely potential for a love triangle in book 2, which we love to see, of course.
December 19, 2024
honestly was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. the characters were written so well and i loveeeeee haven!!
September 1, 2022
3.5 stars.
I got to about 70% before I just started skimming. I arrived from Tiktok expecting something very different than what I ultimately ended up reading, but I tried to not let that color my experience.
I will say that this book shows a ton of promise...I definitely wouldn't rule out reading the second one. It's a unique enough plot line, and I like the FMC, who is spunky without being obnoxious and who is really trying her best even if it's wrong. The magic (for lack of a better word, it's not quite like that) of the world is pretty simple to understand, and the fact that it's otherwise set in the modern age makes it even easier.
There are a couple of issues in both the structural and story categories that knocked it down a few points for me. First, the easy to address stuff: this book needs a good editor in a bad way. The tenses change from chapter to chapter (not intentionally!) and even from paragraph to paragraph. There are some areas of incorrect punctuation and unclear speakers, the type where you have to read the section several times to make sure you understand. Some of the pacing was also a little wonky, and timelines were unclear. At one point it was mentioned that it had been weeks since characters had met...I would have said days.
As for the less easy to fix stuff....I didn't love the chemistry between any of the characters, nor did I feel like one of the MMCs was even fleshed out fully as a character. Saul was a sweetie, of course. Some of the plot twists were a little predictable, and honestly I can't tell if this is supposed to be a love triangle/why choose romance, or if it's just messy. Some of the "gotchas" were pretty poorly explained, and the big twist with her family at the end is a little unbelievable, because I just don't see a world in which you could "own" a fully trained assassin and send them out to do work for you and they don't just...disappear into the night. Or kill you as soon as you hand them a weapon.
It's a first novel for this author, I believe, so I'm definitely willing to chalk it all up to that and give the second book a shot.
I got to about 70% before I just started skimming. I arrived from Tiktok expecting something very different than what I ultimately ended up reading, but I tried to not let that color my experience.
I will say that this book shows a ton of promise...I definitely wouldn't rule out reading the second one. It's a unique enough plot line, and I like the FMC, who is spunky without being obnoxious and who is really trying her best even if it's wrong. The magic (for lack of a better word, it's not quite like that) of the world is pretty simple to understand, and the fact that it's otherwise set in the modern age makes it even easier.
There are a couple of issues in both the structural and story categories that knocked it down a few points for me. First, the easy to address stuff: this book needs a good editor in a bad way. The tenses change from chapter to chapter (not intentionally!) and even from paragraph to paragraph. There are some areas of incorrect punctuation and unclear speakers, the type where you have to read the section several times to make sure you understand. Some of the pacing was also a little wonky, and timelines were unclear. At one point it was mentioned that it had been weeks since characters had met...I would have said days.
As for the less easy to fix stuff....I didn't love the chemistry between any of the characters, nor did I feel like one of the MMCs was even fleshed out fully as a character. Saul was a sweetie, of course. Some of the plot twists were a little predictable, and honestly I can't tell if this is supposed to be a love triangle/why choose romance, or if it's just messy. Some of the "gotchas" were pretty poorly explained, and the big twist with her family at the end is a little unbelievable, because I just don't see a world in which you could "own" a fully trained assassin and send them out to do work for you and they don't just...disappear into the night. Or kill you as soon as you hand them a weapon.
It's a first novel for this author, I believe, so I'm definitely willing to chalk it all up to that and give the second book a shot.
May 22, 2022
What a phenomenal book! I read this after seeing a recommendation on Facebook, and I’m so happy I did! Fantastic character development and the plot was so good. I literally did not want to put this book down. I can honestly say that this was better than some of the more mainstream books I’ve read.
I loved how the plot twists were not only at the end, but they came all the way through and they actually made sense. Sometimes when you read plot twists like that, they don’t always flow and they seem random, but it was very well planned out.
The character development was fantastic. They all felt like they could be real people. I felt so attached to each of the characters by the end of it, and I felt so much empathy for each of them.
The whole curse idea was also so unique. I loved how that all played into things and it was satisfying knowing that the poor people in the story got justice. I loved how it had both positive and negative affects, which definitely made it feel like more of a “curse.”
I genuinely cannot wait for book two!!
I loved how the plot twists were not only at the end, but they came all the way through and they actually made sense. Sometimes when you read plot twists like that, they don’t always flow and they seem random, but it was very well planned out.
The character development was fantastic. They all felt like they could be real people. I felt so attached to each of the characters by the end of it, and I felt so much empathy for each of them.
The whole curse idea was also so unique. I loved how that all played into things and it was satisfying knowing that the poor people in the story got justice. I loved how it had both positive and negative affects, which definitely made it feel like more of a “curse.”
I genuinely cannot wait for book two!!
August 3, 2022
I loved this book and am impatiently waiting for the second to come out in October! I probably couldn’t tell you it was one specific thing because I loved everything! From the relationship’s to the mystery and suspense. I swear I was tired last night and was going to go to bed early. Instead, I stayed up til 1 am to finish this book. 🤣 I have been reading a lot lately and haven’t felt that need to “hurry up and finish” in a while. There isn’t a ton of spice, but honestly I didn’t miss it in this book, it was that good and I can’t wait for the second one!
January 22, 2023
I loved this book, the way we have paranormal mixed in with fiction based settings was fun. I enjoyed the characters and the back and forth between them. I found myself crushed with the outcome of a certain character and craving more time with another. I thought it had a solid plot with fun and fast paced writing. The vigilante take must be in my deck of cards because several reads have been vigilante so far this year. This author's way of doing the vigilante characters was fabulous, I would recommend this book if your looking for something new.
February 6, 2023
I have learned that I apparently love all books that have female assassins. I don't know what that says about me,but who cares.
The whole curse thing was so interesting and I can't wait to learn more about it in the second book. In terms of relationships, I truly have no clue who I like Haven with. I like all three of them with her, but Everette is my favorite as just a character.
The whole curse thing was so interesting and I can't wait to learn more about it in the second book. In terms of relationships, I truly have no clue who I like Haven with. I like all three of them with her, but Everette is my favorite as just a character.
March 31, 2023
I was on the editing team for this book and I want to make that known before I put my review out there.
I love this story! The idea of an assassin who avenges the dead, and the dead being the contractor, is a wild concept. That first scene sets up the entire world, and then Keylee just delves into it and gives us a wonderfully bloody world.
I love this story! The idea of an assassin who avenges the dead, and the dead being the contractor, is a wild concept. That first scene sets up the entire world, and then Keylee just delves into it and gives us a wonderfully bloody world.
April 20, 2022
this book is different from what i usually read but I LOVED IT!!! there were quiet a bit of plotwists that happened (yes i did cry) but i loved how it was like an action book but with some romance and one smut scene which is pretty good! loveee how the mc is badass and i ADORE axton♥️
July 26, 2022
Love it!
Honestly an amazing story. I was hooked from the moment I picked it up and will be buying the rest of the series for my birthday. Beautifully written I can't recommend enough.
Honestly an amazing story. I was hooked from the moment I picked it up and will be buying the rest of the series for my birthday. Beautifully written I can't recommend enough.
August 2, 2022
Wonderful Read
Couldn't put the book down. Can't wait for the next book. Story line progression transition wonderfully and the character and relationship development shows real connections instead of insta-love.
Couldn't put the book down. Can't wait for the next book. Story line progression transition wonderfully and the character and relationship development shows real connections instead of insta-love.
January 3, 2023
good lord i’m head over heels for women who snap. right around page 322 - the siren song from black panther was playing in my head and i just couldn’t help but cheer her on. loved this book, can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!
May 30, 2023
Would def recommend this book for the rest of my life. It is so beautifully written, all the different emotions the MC is experiencing, the best plot twist ever everything just makes me excited to read book 2 even though the ending literally tore my heart into pieces.
October 22, 2024
2024 Reads #562/250
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
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Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
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February 18, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this. Excited for the next book 🤍
(My full review will be up in a few days)
I really enjoyed this. Excited for the next book 🤍
(My full review will be up in a few days)
May 3, 2022
Honestly, really great. Think aelin and rowan and chaol but human and sped up into one book. Strong romance sub plot but also had the badass assassin with murder. It was awesome!
May 3, 2022
Ouch????
June 27, 2022
every. single. plot choice keylee made was correct. wow. I am in this series for the long haul and am SOO excited for the next. wow.
July 4, 2022
I can’t wait for book two! Haven is the not so hero we all have been waiting for. I love her spunk and the ending gets me EVERYTIME!
June 7, 2023
So many, cliches and troupes that all work. I don't usually enjoy first person narrative. Female assassins.
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April 17, 202425%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews