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Battle Scars
Returning Iraq war veteran Ray McKenna struggles with battle scars that can only be healed by love.
Ray McKenna returns from the war in Iraq to find that she had attained unwanted celebrity status back home. As the only surviving American soldier of a well-publicized hostage crisis, she is the center of attention at a time when all she wants is solitude. Struggling to overcome the fear and anxiety that plague her, she relies on her psychiatric therapy dog Jagger to help her through the vicious symptoms of PTSD.
Veterinarian Dr. Carly Warner hasn't yet figured out how to open her heart to the possibility of falling in love again after the death of her longtime partner. When Ray McKenna walks into the North Coast Veterinary Clinic with Jagger, she and Carly begin a friendship that takes them both by surprise. Brought together by their shared love of dogs, Ray and Carly discover that they are both capable of moving forward, if only they are brave enough to try
Ray McKenna returns from the war in Iraq to find that she had attained unwanted celebrity status back home. As the only surviving American soldier of a well-publicized hostage crisis, she is the center of attention at a time when all she wants is solitude. Struggling to overcome the fear and anxiety that plague her, she relies on her psychiatric therapy dog Jagger to help her through the vicious symptoms of PTSD.
Veterinarian Dr. Carly Warner hasn't yet figured out how to open her heart to the possibility of falling in love again after the death of her longtime partner. When Ray McKenna walks into the North Coast Veterinary Clinic with Jagger, she and Carly begin a friendship that takes them both by surprise. Brought together by their shared love of dogs, Ray and Carly discover that they are both capable of moving forward, if only they are brave enough to try
243 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
50 people are currently reading
2044 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Brien
44 books1,146 followersBorn in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Meghan O’Brien relocated to Northern California in 2005. As a transplant, she enjoys the moderate weather and gorgeous scenery of the Bay Area. Meghan lives with her wife, their son, three cats, three dogs, two snakes and several tarantulas. Yes, it can be just as chaotic as it sounds.
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
Meghan’s day job is as a software developer, but her real passion is writing. From her humble beginnings creating numerous “books” out of construction paper and crayons as soon as she learned to write, to her several published novels and various anthology contributions, writing is what makes her feel most complete. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 29, 2015
Depending on who you are and what you're looking for in your lesroms, this could easily be a 5-star book for you. I, however, am a jaded, cynical, hyper-critical monster with a heart that's two sizes too small. Maybe a size-and-a-half. Anyway, my problem with this book wasn't one of writing quality (which was quite high), characterization (which was very good), chemistry (which was excellent), or a lack of dogs (there were two). My problem was due to fatigue with a particular set of conventions in lesbian romances, which most likely exist in hetero romances for the same reasons, and I seem to have hit a bit of a threshold with them.
Now, I want to start out by saying that I loved the beginning of this book. And most of the middle. And some of the end. I loved the way Ray's PTSD was presented; I loved that she was engaged in therapy and was actively trying to heal; I loved that her service dog wasn't just a cutesy awww magnet, but was actually a very important part of her recovery. I loved Carly, too: her kindness, her mixture of strength and fragility, her compassion, her love of video games (hey, it's a character detail, and video games are fun). Which brings me to the problems section...
Annnd, unfortunately, this is going to have to hide beneath a spoiler tag.
There's a part of me that thinks I may just be done with romances, that maybe I'm so aware of the formula at this point that I'm no longer able to find joy in the details. I really hope that's not true. I love romance, I love love. But I also love to be surprised. There was a single moment of surprise for me in this story, a swerve to the left around an all-too-typical trope that left me hopeful that the author was going to take me somewhere new, only to find myself dropped at the township of Been There, Done That, population: 5,491 and climbing.
In case it wasn't clear, my criticism here is all about me, and not really about the book at all. Even with my long, whiny, semi-rambling complaints, I still rate this book at 4 stars. It's good at what it does. In fact, it's better at it than most, and I don't regret buying it or reading it. For better or for worse, it just couldn't make my jaded, cynical, hyper-critical, miniature monster heart beat.
Now, I want to start out by saying that I loved the beginning of this book. And most of the middle. And some of the end. I loved the way Ray's PTSD was presented; I loved that she was engaged in therapy and was actively trying to heal; I loved that her service dog wasn't just a cutesy awww magnet, but was actually a very important part of her recovery. I loved Carly, too: her kindness, her mixture of strength and fragility, her compassion, her love of video games (hey, it's a character detail, and video games are fun). Which brings me to the problems section...
Annnd, unfortunately, this is going to have to hide beneath a spoiler tag.
There's a part of me that thinks I may just be done with romances, that maybe I'm so aware of the formula at this point that I'm no longer able to find joy in the details. I really hope that's not true. I love romance, I love love. But I also love to be surprised. There was a single moment of surprise for me in this story, a swerve to the left around an all-too-typical trope that left me hopeful that the author was going to take me somewhere new, only to find myself dropped at the township of Been There, Done That, population: 5,491 and climbing.
In case it wasn't clear, my criticism here is all about me, and not really about the book at all. Even with my long, whiny, semi-rambling complaints, I still rate this book at 4 stars. It's good at what it does. In fact, it's better at it than most, and I don't regret buying it or reading it. For better or for worse, it just couldn't make my jaded, cynical, hyper-critical, miniature monster heart beat.
July 21, 2017
Out of the books I have read, of O'Brien's, this is the best book she has written. While, I didn't like it as much as Wild or Infinite Loop, O'Brien took a tough subject, PTSD, and wrote about it beautifully. This was not a light book to read, but I think the subject is conveyed honestly and that could not have been an easy task. It's obvious to me, O'Brien really researched and learned about the true affects PTSD can have on someone. She was able to interweave it with an engaging romance and made me truly feel for the characters.
I'm glad I read this, and would not hesitate to recommend it.
I'm glad I read this, and would not hesitate to recommend it.
December 17, 2017
This is one of my favourite books by Meghan O’Brien and probably the most intense of her novels.
The story follows the life of Ray McKenna after she comes home from Iraq where she was being held hostage by Pro-Jihadist insurgents. Suffering from extreme PTSD, not to mention being followed around by paparazzi, she goes into hiding and moves to California to a remote town where not too many people know her. There she meets Veterinarian Carly Warner. Carly is attracted to Ray right away but Ray is straight and unsure how she feels about having a lesbian friend after being in the military where you denied even association with anyone in the LGBTQIA community. As their friendship blossoms so does Rays attraction and understanding of her feeling for Carly.
Firstly I read this story about two years ago and since have read it several times. It’s one of my all time favourites because not only did it pull at my heart strings but it also gave me more knowledge into a subject I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about and that was PTSD. Since learning more about PTSD I’ve had a close friend who lost her brother to this terrible condition after returning home from the Military. So when reading this again today it was probably more affecting and more relevant than I was prepared for.
Ray is someone that has been through hell and back and truely deserves the happy ending. As she’s beginning to realise her feelings for Carly are deeper than any friendship it’s both humbling and exciting to read. Then there’s Carly, who just can’t help but fall in love with Ray from the beginning.
The chemistry that builds between these characters is palpable and at times excruciating to read because it all makes sense that their personalities fit and that if anyone is going to help Ray get through this condition it’s going to be Carly with her acceptance and caring nature.
I really enjoyed the use of Jagger the support dog in this and again it gave me more information about how dogs can aide PTSD. The fact Jagger was a Blue Great Dane just made for some great moments due to her clumsy nature and large frame especially when Ray refers to her as a Baby Elephant.
The sex scenes in this book aren’t as prevalent as with other Meghan O’Brien novels but the ones that are there are agonisingly intimate and sexy. The vulnerability that she writes in these scenes are beautiful and shows a keen knowledge of the characters she’s writing.
A side note on this story is that Meghan O’Brien also wrote a short story about Ray and Carly a year after the book ends at a Christmas party. The book is called ‘Breathless: Tales of Celebration’ and is a collection of short stories that are all worth a read.
Meghan O’Brien is one of my favourite Lesbian Fiction authors for a reason and she continues to blow me away with her writing. This book is never too far away from my hands and will continue to be read again and again with great enjoyment.
5 stars
The story follows the life of Ray McKenna after she comes home from Iraq where she was being held hostage by Pro-Jihadist insurgents. Suffering from extreme PTSD, not to mention being followed around by paparazzi, she goes into hiding and moves to California to a remote town where not too many people know her. There she meets Veterinarian Carly Warner. Carly is attracted to Ray right away but Ray is straight and unsure how she feels about having a lesbian friend after being in the military where you denied even association with anyone in the LGBTQIA community. As their friendship blossoms so does Rays attraction and understanding of her feeling for Carly.
Firstly I read this story about two years ago and since have read it several times. It’s one of my all time favourites because not only did it pull at my heart strings but it also gave me more knowledge into a subject I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about and that was PTSD. Since learning more about PTSD I’ve had a close friend who lost her brother to this terrible condition after returning home from the Military. So when reading this again today it was probably more affecting and more relevant than I was prepared for.
Ray is someone that has been through hell and back and truely deserves the happy ending. As she’s beginning to realise her feelings for Carly are deeper than any friendship it’s both humbling and exciting to read. Then there’s Carly, who just can’t help but fall in love with Ray from the beginning.
The chemistry that builds between these characters is palpable and at times excruciating to read because it all makes sense that their personalities fit and that if anyone is going to help Ray get through this condition it’s going to be Carly with her acceptance and caring nature.
I really enjoyed the use of Jagger the support dog in this and again it gave me more information about how dogs can aide PTSD. The fact Jagger was a Blue Great Dane just made for some great moments due to her clumsy nature and large frame especially when Ray refers to her as a Baby Elephant.
The sex scenes in this book aren’t as prevalent as with other Meghan O’Brien novels but the ones that are there are agonisingly intimate and sexy. The vulnerability that she writes in these scenes are beautiful and shows a keen knowledge of the characters she’s writing.
A side note on this story is that Meghan O’Brien also wrote a short story about Ray and Carly a year after the book ends at a Christmas party. The book is called ‘Breathless: Tales of Celebration’ and is a collection of short stories that are all worth a read.
Meghan O’Brien is one of my favourite Lesbian Fiction authors for a reason and she continues to blow me away with her writing. This book is never too far away from my hands and will continue to be read again and again with great enjoyment.
5 stars
March 18, 2018
Update 2/18/18 reread again. Added a star, because any book I’ve read at least 3 times deserves 5 Stars. I think this was #4.
I enjoyed this book when I read back in May. I ran across a short story with these characters in Breathless: Tales of Celebrations - and made me want to revisit them. I thought I would try the Audio version as my list of ebooks to read is very long. Unfortunately the reviews for the narrator are unanimous 1 star "worst narrator ever!" I feel sorry sorry for O'Brien - she will lose readers through no fault of her own (I assume). I checked the other books by this narrator and the reviews are the same. Do the publishers not screen the books or ask for a couple of sample chapters? 8/21/16
I enjoyed this book when I read back in May. I ran across a short story with these characters in Breathless: Tales of Celebrations - and made me want to revisit them. I thought I would try the Audio version as my list of ebooks to read is very long. Unfortunately the reviews for the narrator are unanimous 1 star "worst narrator ever!" I feel sorry sorry for O'Brien - she will lose readers through no fault of her own (I assume). I checked the other books by this narrator and the reviews are the same. Do the publishers not screen the books or ask for a couple of sample chapters? 8/21/16
January 10, 2021
Not my fave Meghan O'Brien, nor even my fave PTSD themed soldier lesfic... I sadly couldn't stop comparing it to Rhavensfyres Ransom's Redemption and I loved that book, so maybe that's why this one paled in comparison?
I just found Ray's self sabotaging nature irritating, and the 73% black moment of her condescending to Carly and not willing to compromise put me off her character entirely (that was already on incredibly rocky ground to begin with).
She overall came off as very immature, which makes sense since she is only 25, and had seen and experienced a LOT of shit no one could ever really understand at a young age. So clearly she is emotionally stunted and needs intensive therapy, far more than the pittance she gets in the book.
The way she uses things to her advantage in a self-damaging way, and to seclude herself away while expecting everyone else to cater to her, including Carly to go along with a bizarrely closeted life, had me going WTF?
Her 'gay panic' started right at the beginning, and never did let up. I never did understand what Carly of 32 saw in her, other than some sort of desperate saviour complex on her part which seemed like residual hurt after the loss of her wife. (Which I never really felt the grief for, either btw.)
I just failed to really find any true emotional connection here. Which was disappointing considering the serious subject matter. I ended up just feeling bad for both characters who were settling for less than their worth and almost kinda bringing each other down? If that makes sense. It just wasn't as optimistic in the end. Maybe that's on me.
I just found Ray's self sabotaging nature irritating, and the 73% black moment of her condescending to Carly and not willing to compromise put me off her character entirely (that was already on incredibly rocky ground to begin with).
She overall came off as very immature, which makes sense since she is only 25, and had seen and experienced a LOT of shit no one could ever really understand at a young age. So clearly she is emotionally stunted and needs intensive therapy, far more than the pittance she gets in the book.
The way she uses things to her advantage in a self-damaging way, and to seclude herself away while expecting everyone else to cater to her, including Carly to go along with a bizarrely closeted life, had me going WTF?
Her 'gay panic' started right at the beginning, and never did let up. I never did understand what Carly of 32 saw in her, other than some sort of desperate saviour complex on her part which seemed like residual hurt after the loss of her wife. (Which I never really felt the grief for, either btw.)
I just failed to really find any true emotional connection here. Which was disappointing considering the serious subject matter. I ended up just feeling bad for both characters who were settling for less than their worth and almost kinda bringing each other down? If that makes sense. It just wasn't as optimistic in the end. Maybe that's on me.
March 3, 2019
This book continues my up/down rating of O'Brien. I got this as a daily bargain from BSB and I am so happy I did. I do love books with pets, and this one was pretty fantastic. Worth picking up if you haven't done so already. Even if you are not a typical fan of O'Brien this one may be one you will enjoy.
January 6, 2017
This is worth more than 5 stars!
This is an intense read and absolutely fascinating. It's a beautiful written book full of emotions. Meghan did a wonderful job in creating characters that I feel instantly related to and care about. It brought me close to tears at times and it makes you smile. Sometimes overwhelming but in a good way. I've falling in love with Jagger and Jack and was totally swept away by them. With those two nothing is impossible. The story grabs you immediately and holds you till the end. It leaves me wanting more. A perfect passionate romance of how two women heal each other. I highly recommend to put this book on your to read list. Not only the book but also the audiobook is a real gem.
This is an intense read and absolutely fascinating. It's a beautiful written book full of emotions. Meghan did a wonderful job in creating characters that I feel instantly related to and care about. It brought me close to tears at times and it makes you smile. Sometimes overwhelming but in a good way. I've falling in love with Jagger and Jack and was totally swept away by them. With those two nothing is impossible. The story grabs you immediately and holds you till the end. It leaves me wanting more. A perfect passionate romance of how two women heal each other. I highly recommend to put this book on your to read list. Not only the book but also the audiobook is a real gem.
December 10, 2014
A surprisingly sweet love story,
I'm surprised because after reading Thirteen Hours and The Night Off I got to think of Meghan O'Brien as an author that is very good at writing erotic romances.
Well, this book proves that she can write a well developed story that is sweet and sappy too. Ok, granted this book contains a few nice intimate scenes too. But these are written entirely different then the more erotic style I'm used to from Miss O'Brien.
I always like characters that are a bit "broken", and Miss O'Brien plays this out well. It's a story about getting a chance to love again, and starting over, facing ones fears to gain your life back. It's a story that makes me think of a quote I came across "there's no hurt so great that love can't heal it.
Can't wait for Miss O'Brien to surprise me again......
3.5 stars rounded to 3
I'm surprised because after reading Thirteen Hours and The Night Off I got to think of Meghan O'Brien as an author that is very good at writing erotic romances.
Well, this book proves that she can write a well developed story that is sweet and sappy too. Ok, granted this book contains a few nice intimate scenes too. But these are written entirely different then the more erotic style I'm used to from Miss O'Brien.
I always like characters that are a bit "broken", and Miss O'Brien plays this out well. It's a story about getting a chance to love again, and starting over, facing ones fears to gain your life back. It's a story that makes me think of a quote I came across "there's no hurt so great that love can't heal it.
Can't wait for Miss O'Brien to surprise me again......
3.5 stars rounded to 3
February 26, 2019
This was my third time reading it and I enjoyed it as much the first and second time. It was quite interesting reading and learning more about someone with PTSD. I really liked all the characters and their connections, I really fell in love with Jack and Jagger! I'm glad that it wasn't overly sweet and it was just right.
*****
August 30, 2018:
Rereading this story reaffirms the fact that this is one of my favourite books by Meghan O’Brien.
It was just the right amount of intimate scenes and romance which I enjoyed. To be honest, I kind of miss these types of books from this author.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lu
*****
August 30, 2018:
Rereading this story reaffirms the fact that this is one of my favourite books by Meghan O’Brien.
It was just the right amount of intimate scenes and romance which I enjoyed. To be honest, I kind of miss these types of books from this author.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Lu
October 8, 2018
Wow! After 2 not so good books by her, this is a page turner. Very well written, full of reality horror, held together by a strong story line. Loved it, thank you.
January 19, 2010
Apt title if there ever was one.
Firmly embedded in the romance genre this novel features fully-developed characters with real issues and scars that make you feel really protective toward them. This novel tenderly follows their road to each other and, more importantly, their road back into the world from self-chosen isolation.
Very emotional book that kept me up late into the night, unfortunately it didn't hold up to some late night musings I had about it after finishing it while desperately trying to fall asleep that brought up some inconsistencies.
But enjoyable none the less.
PS: The dogs don't talk. Yay. (Don't you just hate it when pets get an 'active' role in novels? I do.)
Firmly embedded in the romance genre this novel features fully-developed characters with real issues and scars that make you feel really protective toward them. This novel tenderly follows their road to each other and, more importantly, their road back into the world from self-chosen isolation.
Very emotional book that kept me up late into the night, unfortunately it didn't hold up to some late night musings I had about it after finishing it while desperately trying to fall asleep that brought up some inconsistencies.
But enjoyable none the less.
PS: The dogs don't talk. Yay. (Don't you just hate it when pets get an 'active' role in novels? I do.)
December 19, 2015
me after reading this book
I judge book by their covers, so I wasn't attracted to this book until I read the synopsis, which unlike the cover, did appeared to be awesome.
And holy shit, this book is perfect. Characters so well written that feel real, slow build romance, two women solving their problems BY TALKING and facing their issues together (no "love healed everything in two days") aaaand one of the sweetest, hottest and intimate sex scenes ever.
I couldn't have asked for a better book to end the year.
July 19, 2016
I really enjoyed Meghan O'Brien's Wild, so I figured that I would give this book a shot, and I wasn't disappointed. I really liked the character of Ray, who was struggling with PTSD after barely surviving in Iraq. The road to a relationship with Carly was a bumpy one, and considering Ray's mental health, that is the way it should be. It's also refreshing to read a lesbian romance when both of the leads aren't perfect; I'd love to see even more diversity in the lesbian romance genre in the future (especially colour and ethnicity, neither of which are present in this book unfortunately).
I really would have liked to see what Ray was like before the PTSD; the author gives us a few hints, and Ray "tells" us and Carly what she was like, but I didn't feel like I got to really experience the character pre-Iraq.
I also liked Carly as a character, but I wish that there had been more time spent on her own "scars." I realize that she needed to be strong for Ray, but Carly had lost her partner and unborn child several years prior to meeting Ray. Carly (and her friend Leeann) does mention that she has issues about commitment thanks to that loss, but they don't really manifest much, even though Carly hasn't had a serious relationship since. I wish that her issues had been explored more, especially with how they would play against Ray's.
I have to say, overall, that I wish that there had just been more. The book isn't particularly short - something like 230 pages (I read the ebook with no page numbers) - but I felt like the details of their burgeoning relationship were. A lot of the first outings and "dates" were glossed over, and before you know it, the characters were in love. It felt a lot more like telling instead of showing.
But the book is still quite good; I'd probably recommend it to most people. And Meghan O'Brien writes some of the best lesbian sex scenes I've read in romance, and this book is no exception. ;)
I really would have liked to see what Ray was like before the PTSD; the author gives us a few hints, and Ray "tells" us and Carly what she was like, but I didn't feel like I got to really experience the character pre-Iraq.
I also liked Carly as a character, but I wish that there had been more time spent on her own "scars." I realize that she needed to be strong for Ray, but Carly had lost her partner and unborn child several years prior to meeting Ray. Carly (and her friend Leeann) does mention that she has issues about commitment thanks to that loss, but they don't really manifest much, even though Carly hasn't had a serious relationship since. I wish that her issues had been explored more, especially with how they would play against Ray's.
I have to say, overall, that I wish that there had just been more. The book isn't particularly short - something like 230 pages (I read the ebook with no page numbers) - but I felt like the details of their burgeoning relationship were. A lot of the first outings and "dates" were glossed over, and before you know it, the characters were in love. It felt a lot more like telling instead of showing.
But the book is still quite good; I'd probably recommend it to most people. And Meghan O'Brien writes some of the best lesbian sex scenes I've read in romance, and this book is no exception. ;)
May 13, 2019
4 stars | I was not too sure when I first picked this up because I'm not really a fan of the military/ex-soldier trope but I'm glad I did.
June 13, 2017
Carly Warner is existing as a veterinarian but not much else. Her dog Jack is her comfort along with her best friend Leeann after the loss of her partner. Ray McKenna is struggling with various issues after her time in Iraq with PTSD leading the way. With the help of her service dog Jagger and her online psychiatric, Dr. Evans, she is putting one foot in front of the other toward normal (as Ray calls it). I thought the read provided much detail about Carly, Ray, Jaggar and Jack. It was difficult not to like them and hope for a positive outcome. The information provided via self-talk regarding what they were thinking and why they were reacting the way they were was well done. Nice slow-burn romance.
October 21, 2025
*** 4.25 ***
OK, so this is a Les romance, and I don't usually expect too much debt from them, but as a person experienced in PTSD in my own life, I think she did a great job portraying what it is like to live with it... And the chemistry between the characters was 🔥. I do agree with one of the other reviewers who thought that the drama was plenty to begin with, and there was no need to manufacture even more drama for the requisite reason for the main characters to split at the 85% mark and find their way back to each other in the last 15% ... But I guess it is a mandatory rule for all romance novels and it must be working, since we all keep coming back for more 😃👍
OK, so this is a Les romance, and I don't usually expect too much debt from them, but as a person experienced in PTSD in my own life, I think she did a great job portraying what it is like to live with it... And the chemistry between the characters was 🔥. I do agree with one of the other reviewers who thought that the drama was plenty to begin with, and there was no need to manufacture even more drama for the requisite reason for the main characters to split at the 85% mark and find their way back to each other in the last 15% ... But I guess it is a mandatory rule for all romance novels and it must be working, since we all keep coming back for more 😃👍
September 12, 2019
Wonderfully written. Would have gotten five stars if their relationship evolved a bit mora before the epilogue.
Final rating 4.5*
Final rating 4.5*
November 3, 2022
more like 3,5
great book for relaxation:p
great book for relaxation:p
August 21, 2025
bastante normalucho
July 13, 2014
Oh Lesbian Romance Novels, why do I keep trying to read you? I feel like giving 3 stars is much too generous, but then it is one of the better lesbian novels I've read in its genre so there's that. Still, let this be a reminder that I should first google the author and make sure I'm not just going to read Xena fanfiction.
This book reads as fanfiction and that's what it is. I nearly would have stopped reading when all the annoying traits of lesbian romance novels jumped out to me at once in one chapter:
1) As a reader I don't care about the number of your highway. Really, I don't live where the author does. Why would any author imagine that I would care about a number on a highway I'll probably never drive down? Stop that, some details only work to alienate your readers.
2) Why are all these novels so obsessed with wine and telling me what exactly the person is drinking? I'd almost think all lesbians are alcoholics. Okay, it actually wasn't too bad here.
3) Really, you're telling me what kind of kibble the fucking dog is eating because he has allergies? Really? Why? Maybe if at some point you'd had him eat something and have an allergic reaction, but... Again. Too many details sometimes just have the opposite effect.
Thank god the author mostly piled all those annoying things into one chapter and then mostly got her story on track again (mostly, the dog obsession is a bit silly at times). It was decent enough and an enjoyable read, far better than the other authors I can think of. I do think Cari Hunter is by far the best author in this genre (not that I've read all authors, this genre scares the hell out of me considering 85% is Xena fanfiction).
Now if you want to read actually good, decent books with lesbian characters that aren't 100% romance, I will recommend Sarah Diemer, Malinda Lo and Catherine M. Wilson. I wish there were more authors like them out there. Feel free to leave me a rec if you know anyone else as I desperately want them.
This book reads as fanfiction and that's what it is. I nearly would have stopped reading when all the annoying traits of lesbian romance novels jumped out to me at once in one chapter:
1) As a reader I don't care about the number of your highway. Really, I don't live where the author does. Why would any author imagine that I would care about a number on a highway I'll probably never drive down? Stop that, some details only work to alienate your readers.
2) Why are all these novels so obsessed with wine and telling me what exactly the person is drinking? I'd almost think all lesbians are alcoholics. Okay, it actually wasn't too bad here.
3) Really, you're telling me what kind of kibble the fucking dog is eating because he has allergies? Really? Why? Maybe if at some point you'd had him eat something and have an allergic reaction, but... Again. Too many details sometimes just have the opposite effect.
Thank god the author mostly piled all those annoying things into one chapter and then mostly got her story on track again (mostly, the dog obsession is a bit silly at times). It was decent enough and an enjoyable read, far better than the other authors I can think of. I do think Cari Hunter is by far the best author in this genre (not that I've read all authors, this genre scares the hell out of me considering 85% is Xena fanfiction).
Now if you want to read actually good, decent books with lesbian characters that aren't 100% romance, I will recommend Sarah Diemer, Malinda Lo and Catherine M. Wilson. I wish there were more authors like them out there. Feel free to leave me a rec if you know anyone else as I desperately want them.
November 12, 2012
This is the second book that I've read by this author and I find I really like the connections between her characters...
This book deals with a lot of issues and I saw a lot of reviews saying they wanted more of the story dealing with Ray's PTSD and as far as I could see, the whole book was about her dealing with it. There was a lot of angst and a lot of lovely times and near then end when Ray was finally making progress with Carly, things seemed like they were looking up so much more...
These two have issues they have to deal with internally before they can really think about being a true couple and they do deal with what they need to in order to be with the one they love... there was a pretty big undertone of sadness and helplessness throughout the book but I love how the story incorporated the dogs into it and how the dogs had such a big part of the book and the healing process!
I really think I can't wait to read more from this author, her Lesbian romances have been very different from each other that I have read so far but both were awesome!
This book deals with a lot of issues and I saw a lot of reviews saying they wanted more of the story dealing with Ray's PTSD and as far as I could see, the whole book was about her dealing with it. There was a lot of angst and a lot of lovely times and near then end when Ray was finally making progress with Carly, things seemed like they were looking up so much more...
These two have issues they have to deal with internally before they can really think about being a true couple and they do deal with what they need to in order to be with the one they love... there was a pretty big undertone of sadness and helplessness throughout the book but I love how the story incorporated the dogs into it and how the dogs had such a big part of the book and the healing process!
I really think I can't wait to read more from this author, her Lesbian romances have been very different from each other that I have read so far but both were awesome!
February 22, 2015
My first FF book. It's well-written, gentle and sweet, and knowing next to nothing about PTSD I certainly learnt about that. I wasn't wrapped up in the relationship though the way I would like to be when I read romance. I'm not sure that I'll venture into this sub-genre again, but I'm glad I've read this.
May 2, 2015
Nice read. A bit too short for my liking, maybe, but still very enjoyable. The story isn't very original but O'Brien is such a skilled writer, that she manages to make this story quite unique despite the lack of..well, things going on. Battle Scars is only focused on the romance and how it affects both women, and it's a sweet love story. Lovely characters, touching scenes... I recommend it!
August 1, 2019
3.8 star rating
Two things i love about this book are the enlightenment and love to owning a dog as well as to PTSD. I believe this two were executed very well.
On the downside, as much as i understand the sense in perceived reality to being patient in their courtship, I also felt the lengthy process led to me being bored on a number of occasions.
Two things i love about this book are the enlightenment and love to owning a dog as well as to PTSD. I believe this two were executed very well.
On the downside, as much as i understand the sense in perceived reality to being patient in their courtship, I also felt the lengthy process led to me being bored on a number of occasions.
April 27, 2020
This is an amazing book with a very powerful story and very complicated characters. A book that will absorb you in the plot. I couldn't put it down so intense and realistic descriptions. Well done Meghan O' Brien.
October 25, 2013
I've been on a bit of a lesbian romance kick for a while now, and once I got started on Meghan O'Brien's work, I've been stuck reading her stuff.
This is the 3rd consecutive 4 star I've given her, although Wild was more of a 4.5, and each book has just something which drops it that little bit. We'll get to that.
I'm a sucker for the lesbian/straight girl that doesn't know she's not straight angle, so first up, let me just say I really love that. For characters, we have Ray McKenna, a war vet/hostage/PTSD sufferer, who is trying to put herself back together, and Dr. Carly Warner a veterinarian and dog-lover, who falls in lust with Ray pretty much the first time she sees her.
Both characters are great, and they had a good dynamic, and interesting tension between them. There is no plot beyond the character interaction and the will they or won't they romantic engagement, but the characters were great, so it was all good.
The only thing dropping it a tick is the sex, or rather, lack of sex for %70 of the novel. I liked what there was, and their lack of intimacy made sense, but I still missed it.
Still, great read, and another winner from Ms. O'Brien.
This is the 3rd consecutive 4 star I've given her, although Wild was more of a 4.5, and each book has just something which drops it that little bit. We'll get to that.
I'm a sucker for the lesbian/straight girl that doesn't know she's not straight angle, so first up, let me just say I really love that. For characters, we have Ray McKenna, a war vet/hostage/PTSD sufferer, who is trying to put herself back together, and Dr. Carly Warner a veterinarian and dog-lover, who falls in lust with Ray pretty much the first time she sees her.
Both characters are great, and they had a good dynamic, and interesting tension between them. There is no plot beyond the character interaction and the will they or won't they romantic engagement, but the characters were great, so it was all good.
The only thing dropping it a tick is the sex, or rather, lack of sex for %70 of the novel. I liked what there was, and their lack of intimacy made sense, but I still missed it.
Still, great read, and another winner from Ms. O'Brien.
February 17, 2017
This is a new author for me. I enjoyed the book, but it was a little off at times. It was slow at times as well. The audiobook started off on a shaky note but thankfully it got better. The narrator did not do this one justice.
With that being said...
Rae and Carly are an odd couple at first. Friends, but more. Friends but pulling away from each other. This is not my first F/F story, and I was expecting more I guess. The characters on their own were good but when you put them together at times it was like a train wreck. They butted heads, fought emotions and neither of them were ready for what happened. With Rae suffering from PTSD and Carly still healing from a heart that had been ripped out they were just off balance.
With time all wounds can heal, that is the only saving grace here. These two are fighting against eh waves,a dn its nto until they finally start to swin with the waves that they make it back to a solid standing point. By then theyre left to put the pieces back together. Its a hard road, but one that (for them) was well worth the trip.
With that being said...
Rae and Carly are an odd couple at first. Friends, but more. Friends but pulling away from each other. This is not my first F/F story, and I was expecting more I guess. The characters on their own were good but when you put them together at times it was like a train wreck. They butted heads, fought emotions and neither of them were ready for what happened. With Rae suffering from PTSD and Carly still healing from a heart that had been ripped out they were just off balance.
With time all wounds can heal, that is the only saving grace here. These two are fighting against eh waves,a dn its nto until they finally start to swin with the waves that they make it back to a solid standing point. By then theyre left to put the pieces back together. Its a hard road, but one that (for them) was well worth the trip.
June 11, 2017
I picked up this book because of the military background of one of the main characters. I was interested to see how the PTSD was handled. I found the characters developed nicely, the romance aspect reasonable. I have picked it up several times to re-read, hence the four star rating but at the same time, I think I wanted more depth of the PTSD. Perhaps I expected a heavier novel rather than a light romance. I think what I wanted to see was Ray McKenna before she went to Iraq, her personality and her attitudes. It would have given a better perspective for how she changed. Otherwise, I found it an enjoyable romance, would recommend it.
January 21, 2012
One of the better books I've read in some time. Read it in a few hours. I loved the detail the author put into the story and especially about PTSD, for me it seemed very life like and believable. Most times authors give their character something that makes them seem broken or at the very least not completely whole and then forget all about the issue once the characters are together. This is one of the few times where that wasn't an issue. Really loved this book.
May 31, 2017
It's realistically written book about broken hearts. I believed everything, of course as someone who never went through something close to this I could never understand how a person must feel but I think this brought me closer and I could see some parts of a person that the writer created. Sometimes it stretches, but it's shorter than I felt like it was, I'm not sure how I feel about that. I loved the dogs of course and the puppies were a great thing to imagine. Nice book.
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