Title: Beneath the Scars
Author: Cherise Sinclair
First published May 19, 2018
ebook
Rating: 4.39
Overview
After a teenage pregnancy and a string of bad experiences with men, Josie is determined to raise her son alone. But when her curious eleven-year-old becomes fascinated with the intimidating biker living next door, Josie can’t help but worry.
Holt, the biker, has his own set of challenges to face, including the scars on his face that frighten people away. But when Josie starts working at the private club where Holt is a skilled and powerful Dom, she discovers a whole new side to him.
As Holt slowly breaks down the walls around Josie’s heart, teaching her how to trust and love again, their relationship becomes stronger than ever. But when her son’s choices lead to disaster, will their newfound love be enough to survive?
Join Josie and Holt on an emotional journey of trust, love, and self-discovery in Cherise Sinclair’s Beneath the Scars.
About the Author
She is a bestselling author, recognized by the New York Times and USA Today for her ability to write romance novels that tug at the heartstrings, make you laugh out loud, and leave you wanting more. Her stories feature alpha males and steamy sex scenes that will leave you breathless.
I first met my husband while vacationing in the Caribbean. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight.
In fact, when he looked down my swimsuit top, I must admit, I was a little annoyed. But even though we only spent a couple of days together and lived on opposite sides of the country, love knows no boundaries.
We’ve now been happily married for many years, and he still has a thing for looking down my swimsuit top. These days, we live in the west with our lap dog, who just so happens to weigh seventy pounds.
I have a green thumb and love tending to small plants until they grow big and strong. I also have a bit of a temper, and there’s nothing more satisfying than ripping out weeds from my garden when I’m angry.
Thunderstorms, collecting eggs from our chickens, and visiting the local brewery for a dark and malty beer are some of my favorite things. But nothing beats curling up on the couch next to my husband, reading a good book, and enjoying the warmth of the fire.
And if you’ve read any of my books, you know what else happens in front of the fire.
Editoral Review
In Cherise Sinclair’s Beneath the Scars, readers are taken on a deeply emotional journey through the lives of two damaged souls who find solace in each other against all odds. Sinclair is a prolific author of erotic romance novels, and this book does not disappoint in terms of heat and passion, but it also manages to delve into darker themes such as trauma, abuse, and self-loathing with sensitivity and care.
The plot revolves around the relationship between Zeno and Abby, who meet under less than ideal circumstances. Zeno is a battle-scarred ex-soldier who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, while Abby is a self-conscious artist who has survived a brutal attack that has left her physically and emotionally scarred.
As they navigate their way towards each other, they must confront their demons and learn to trust, love, and heal. Sinclair’s writing is both poetic and raw, with vivid descriptions of the characters’ inner turmoil and physical pain.
The pacing is excellent, with just the right balance of introspection and action, and the plot twists are surprising but believable. The setting, in a small town in Vermont, is charming and adds to the overall sense of coziness and community.
While the romance between Zeno and Abby is at the center of the story, Sinclair takes care to flesh out the supporting characters as well, including a quirky waitress, a gruff but lovable bar owner, and a no-nonsense therapist. Each one adds a unique dimension to the story and helps to ground it in reality.
One of the book’s strengths is its handling of sensitive topics such as sexual assault and addiction. Sinclair does not shy away from the ugly realities of these experiences but treats them with respect and nuance.
The characters are not defined by their trauma but are allowed to be complex and flawed individuals who are worthy of love and respect. However, Beneath the Scars is not without its flaws.
At times, the dialogue feels stilted or cliched, particularly in the more intimate scenes between Zeno and Abby. Additionally, some of the plot twists may feel contrived or convenient.
Nevertheless, these flaws do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book. Fans of Cherise Sinclair’s other works will find much to appreciate in Beneath the Scars, but the book is also accessible to those who are new to the genre.
Readers who enjoy a steamy romance with a healthy dose of emotional depth and character development will not be disappointed. Overall, Beneath the Scars is a well-crafted and engaging read that will leave readers with a sense of hope and warmth.
It is a reminder that love, healing, and redemption are always possible, even in the darkest of times. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
