This story was one that punched you right in the gut for more than one reason. My heart broke for what each character endured prior to their chance meeting at the gym but I loved how they each grew to become stronger, more resilient versions of themselves as the book progressed. The way that Kaiya and Ryker were drawn to each other, and helped each other learn to love was amazing and it couldnt have been written any better. I thought it was completely realistic how Kaiya still struggled with the abuse that she endured, even years later and I felt for her but admired her at the same time for doing anything in her power to be stronger than what had happened to her. Upon the revelation of who had abused her, I was completely shocked, but once I knew it made so many other situations in the book become clearer. This is a must read. Title: The Scars of UsSeries: The Scars of Us #1Author: Nikki NarvaezGenre: Contemporary Romantic SuspensePages: 266Heat Level: 3 out of 4Overall Star Rating: 4 stars out of fiveReviewed by Naughty Book Snitch KayHoly broken characters! I think I have officially found my most broken female character in my reading career. Kaiya is a mid twenties woman who is always careful with her decisions. She has to be. Her past dictates that she must be. She exercises control in certain areas of her life so she can cope with said past. She lives with her older brother, Kamden, works a job she seems to enjoy and even has a friend with benefits. She's plagued with nightmares regarding a horrific time in her life when she was very much a victim. She views herself as weak, when she really is anything but weak.Ryker is a personal trainer who views women as sex partners and nothing else. He enjoys women and what they can do for him a lot. He's described as a man whore and it's an accurate description. Don't feel too sorry for the women because they know exactly what's going on. When Kaiya walks into the gym he works at, he's floored by how beautiful she is and how much he wants her in his bed. He teaches her self defense classes while teaching himself something about self control. Kaiya doesn't want a relationship or a hook up and has no problem telling him this in the beginning.As these two characters get closer, they both get a glimpse into the other's past and the demons that haunt them. Their relationship builds kind of slow but very steamy. There was a couple of things that bothered me but they were personal preference things. First, Ryker's use of the word warrior. He called her that all the time. I get that the author wanted us to see her as strong and I did, but I got very tired of this. Second, I am no mental health professional but I just can't see a sexual assault victim having a sexual relationship with anyone to the extent that Kaiya did. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging it, just not totally buying into it either. I enjoyed this book and am glad I read it. I will warn people though, there is graphic detail to the sexual assaults that the victim endured at the hands of her twin brother. It really isn't for the faint of heart. It feels real and gut wrenching. I would love a book about Kamden or her BFF, Nori. I see that the author has another book planned about Ryker and Kaiya but I don't know if I'd read that because I'm trying to steer clear from continuing story lines with the same characters.Book given in exchange for an honest review by the author.
What do You think about The Scars Of Us (2000)?
Intense, a bit disturbing and a whole lotta sexy! Full review to come.
—awareness1
I enjoyed this even though it was a little over the top at times.
—evergreen
all I can say is aaaaaa what a refreshing love story
—firestarterronin
Difficult topic but it was well written.
—audraann9
