So I finished a book today

Under your Scars by Ariel Anderson

Excuse me while I’m staring at the wall crying for the next few hours. This book was heart breaking from start to finish and I absolutely loved it. Though my heart may take a bit to recover from this one.#bookish #bookrecommendations #BookReview #reading #darkromance

2025/9/16 Edited to

... Read moreHey bookworms! So, after my initial emotional collapse from finishing 'Under Your Scars' by Ariel Anderson, I wanted to dive a bit deeper for anyone considering picking it up. I know I mentioned it was heartbreaking, but let's talk details without giving away all the juicy bits! If you're wondering about the genre, 'Under Your Scars' firmly plants itself in the dark romance category. It's not for the faint of heart, dealing with intense themes and emotional complexity. This isn't your typical lighthearted read; it delves into trauma, healing, and complicated relationships, making it incredibly impactful. The author navigates these difficult subjects with a raw honesty that truly resonates. Expect to be challenged, to feel deeply, and to emerge from the story with a lot to ponder. A common question I saw was, 'Is Under Your Scars a standalone?' From what I gathered and experienced, yes, it feels very much like a complete story within itself. You can dive in without needing to read anything else by Ariel Anderson to understand the plot or characters, which is great for those looking for a contained, powerful narrative that offers a full emotional arc from beginning to end. This makes it perfect if you're looking for a book you can pick up and fully immerse yourself in without worrying about cliffhangers or needing to commit to a lengthy series. Without giving away spoilers, the story truly explores the depth of human resilience and how past wounds shape us. It follows characters who are deeply flawed and broken, navigating a path towards healing and, perhaps, unexpected love. The author masterfully weaves a tale that keeps you utterly engrossed, even as your heart aches for the protagonists. It's a journey of finding light in the darkest places and learning to live UNDER the weight of one's scars, rather than being defined by them. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep you guessing, but at its core, it's a story of profound emotional growth. What made this book so potent for me wasn't just the 'dark' elements, but the raw honesty of the characters' struggles. Ariel Anderson doesn't shy away from difficult topics, portraying them with a sensitivity that makes you feel every emotion alongside the characters. It's the kind of book that makes you think long after you've turned the last page, pondering themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of love to mend even the deepest wounds. The emotional depth is truly what sets this book apart. So, who would I recommend 'Under Your Scars' to? If you appreciate character-driven dark romances, enjoy emotional rollercoasters, and don't mind a story that challenges you and leaves a lasting impression, then this is definitely for you. Be prepared for a powerful reading experience that might just leave you staring at a wall, processing everything, just like it did for me! Have you read 'Under Your Scars'? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts

White DIY bookshelves are assembled in a room corner, with text indicating they are finished and to swipe for more progress photos.
The assembled white DIY bookshelves now feature added wooden trim, enhancing their structure in the room corner.
A person is on their knees, painting the white DIY bookshelves a dark gray color, with painting supplies on the floor.
TARGET DIY BOOK SHELVES FINISHED
The target bookcase diy is done, and it LOOKS 👀 AMAZING!! Now on to looking for for furniture and decor to finish out little home library ❤️ #book #bookcase #diyshelf #target finds #bookshelf
Lisa Monahan

Lisa Monahan

6612 likes

Okay so I finished this book… what y’all think?
No spoilers PLZZ!!!! I love Tiffany and the cover art and title alone was a masterpiece for me. I would give this book a 8 1/2. I feel like there was a few spots that could have been filled in. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ENDING! #book #goodread #scammer
THEREALCARLAGAMBLE

THEREALCARLAGAMBLE

46 likes

A promotional image for the book 'A Plus Size Baddie and her side piece' by Lashae Love. It features a tattooed man with a beard and a woman, alongside text promoting a 'Lemon8 Book Club' and 'Book lover life.'
Just finished this book 📖 definitely recommend 🙌🏾
A plus size baddie and her side piece by lashae love is so good. Just finished it today and mouth was dropped the whole way through this one. So much drama but it keeps your attention. I will be reading more from this author in the near future 🤎 #baddiesread #blackgirlsreadbooks #prettygirlsre
Shaun Scott | Bookgirlie 📚

Shaun Scott | Bookgirlie 📚

56 likes

A hand holds an open book against a light wall, with the text overlay "ADD THIS THRILLER TO YOUR TBR immediately!" and a decorative mirror frame visible on the right.
A hand holds the cover of the book "Nightwatching" by Tracy Sierra, lying on green bedding. Text describes the plot: a woman hides her children from an intruder in their New England home.
A hand holds an open book with fanned pages on green bedding. Text overlays describe the book as "GRIPPING FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE," "HEART-POUNDING," and "FILLED WITH TENSION."
a thriller book I finished in one sitting! 📖
The fastest I’ve read a book in a long, long time. I think I picked it up on Friday morning and finished within 24 hours! This book was gripping while also being unnerving from start to finish (for more reasons than one) It starts at a moment that so many other thrillers would normally put at th
bookrvws

bookrvws

146 likes

A hand holds the book "Credence" by Penelope Douglas, featuring a forest cover. A pink text box overlay reads "Since I finished Credence, my next book is...". Bookshelves are blurred in the background.
Since I finished Credence, my next book is…
Lights Out by Navessa Allen! This book specifically I will be listening to the audio book but I like the physicals as trophies 🥰 I’ve heard so many good things about this book I cannot wait! Credence was disappointing so I hope this one is good 😭 #lightsout #booktok #bookrecommendation #da
Nia🤍

Nia🤍

63 likes

I finished a book today! Everybody clap 🫢
Loved her honesty, the stories behind the moments, the history behind her ancestral heritage, and of course the tea ☕️ Have y’all read this one?
Melanatedreader

Melanatedreader

8 likes

A book cover for 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is placed on a stack of old books, with text expressing sadness about finishing the book and uncertainty whether to immortalize or discard it.
The black and white cover of 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is displayed on white bedding, accompanied by text praising its mysterious cover, magical nature, and captivating characters, with a 4.02/5 rating.
The open book 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is shown with text highlighting its vividly magical atmosphere, bittersweet farewell, heartfelt romantic tension, and utterly mesmerizing journey.
I’m so sad I finished this book
Post-book blues, I'm still lost in The Night Circus ✨ Just finished The Night Circus, and wow, I'm having a full-on emotional crisis. On one hand, I want to immortalize this book. But on the other, there were times I wanted to throw this book into the fire. Seriously, where do I even
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

29 likes

Book #1 of 2025 finished ✨
Book name: Haunting Adeline Author: H. D. Carlton Genre: Romance, thriller, suspense My rating: 5/5 ⭐️ My review: absolutely loved how it was written and how the main characters didn’t rush into anything. I know it ended on a cliffhanger, but I didn’t expect it to be like that and I’m so upset
Nicole 🍚🥢🌺🐼

Nicole 🍚🥢🌺🐼

23 likes

A hand holds the cover of Ana Huang's book 'Twisted Lies,' the fourth book in the Twisted series. The cover features a light green background with butterflies and white beads, and the title 'Twisted Lies' with 'LIES' in green glitter. The tagline 'HE'LL DO ANYTHING TO HAVE HER...INCLUDING LIE.' is at the top.
Finished Book
✅ Twisted Lies by Ana Huang It’s the fourth and last book in the Twisted series. I have so many opinions about this series (mainly about book 3 - Twisted Hate) Did you read this series? Did you like or dislike it? I’m not one to dnf… I ALWAYS finish a book. #thetwistedseries #b
Jheebs

Jheebs

3 likes

The front cover of Freida McFadden's thriller 'The Coworker,' featuring a red high-heeled shoe. Overlays highlight it's a story from two perspectives about coworkers with a shared past and office secrets.
The back cover of 'The Coworker' by Freida McFadden, detailing the plot about Dawn Schiff and Natalie Farrell, a mystery/thriller of 320 pages involving a cat and mouse game.
An open book displaying pages 140 and 141 of 'The Coworker,' showing the text content of the novel, held open by a hand, with an 'OMG!' overlay.
I finished this book in three days?!?
When starting this book I did think It has a slow start. I also feel as if the Freida did a good job building up the story to where I always had questions about something. I do feel like there is a lot of plot twists and things that I just utterly did not expect to happen. ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5
liyah ☄️

liyah ☄️

8 likes

I FINISHED A COLORING BOOK 🫶
yall for the first time in my 22 years of life I finished a coloring book and im so proud of myself!!! can’t wait to see the results of my next one #coloringjourney #coloringbook #coloringinspiration #cocowyo #bobbiegoods
Eli

Eli

15 likes

Multiple copies of the book 'Fury Bound' by Sable Sorensen are displayed, featuring a golden wolf-like crown with a purple gem on the cover. The image has an overlay text 'BOOK REVIEW'.
Two copies of 'Fury Bound' by Sable Sorensen are displayed on a shelf with four gold star stickers above them. Overlay text lists 'Positives': 'Great yearning & spice', 'Several interesting plot twists', and 'Fun new character'.
Two copies of 'Fury Bound' by Sable Sorensen are displayed on a shelf with four gold star stickers. Overlay text lists 'Negatives': 'Complicated war talk' and 'The ending felt like it wrapped up too easily/quickly'.
Just Finished Fury Bound - My Book Review
I just finished listening to Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen, the 2nd book in The Wolves of Ruin series. I gave it 4/5 stars! (Gave the 1st book, Dire Bound 5 stars after reading it last year.) Positives • Great yearning & spice • Several interesting plot twists • Fun new character Nega
ℹ️Carly

ℹ️Carly

2 likes

The cover of Dave Ramsey's book, 'Complete Guide to Money,' featuring a portrait of Dave Ramsey and a blue circle indicating it's the handbook for Financial Peace University.
Today I finished reading Dave Ramsey’s book
I started reading this book yesterday and finished reading it today. I was very invested and can’t wait til I reach step 4. I’m already almost halfway there ❤️💕🫶🏾 it’s nice to know that I’m on the right track to wealth
Brokiieeee 💕

Brokiieeee 💕

23 likes

Just finished this book 🩷
I’m obsessed now with the author Item: Book Book Review: Written out like a mystery game Book name: Murder In The Family Author: Cara Hunter Genre: Mystery Intro: Murder Crime My rating: 10/10 My review: Loved reading this book. Not an actual book story, more like a mystery game written
Lauren D

Lauren D

110 likes

A hand holds the book 'What Feasts at Night' by T. Kingfisher, featuring a dark red cover with a skeletal horse and human figure. Overlays include 'JUN 22' and 'my current Reads'.
A hand holds the black spine of the book 'What Feasts at Night', revealing a white moth illustration on the cover. An overlay states '5/5 Stars!'.
A hand holds open the book 'What Feasts at Night', displaying an illustration of a moth, a lit candle, and smaller insects on the pages. An overlay reads 'The inside is so beautiful!'.
Just finished book!! What feasts at night
⭐️Overall rating: 5/5 This book was so beautifully written- Well her writing in general is. I’m so used to books being horrible *booktok is gross* but this was good!! I loved the ending *no spoilers*. It was just made for me ❤️👏 #reading📖 #books #BookReview #lovereading #hor
yayanik666

yayanik666

8 likes

I JUST FINISHED A NEW BOOK TODAY FOR PUBLISHING.
I JUST FINISHED A NEW BOOK TODAY FOR PUBLISHING. WAITING FOR APPROVAL FROM BARNES AND NOBLE PLATFORM. Price: $7.00 Name of Ebook: Overnight Mind Shifting How to change your negative thoughts 🤔💭 into positive thoughts 🤔💭
JCM JESUS CHRIST MINISTRY LLC

JCM JESUS CHRIST MINISTRY LLC

0 likes

Finished my 3rd book in my 100 reading challenge
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver & I have to say...I don't agree with other people's comments. I've heard "it's not as good as the first" and it's because..it's a totally different dynamic. Regardless of the deleters, and other triggers involved...it's a l
Amber Garcia-Moses

Amber Garcia-Moses

6 likes

Finished ignite me best book so far
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Haylee Irene

Haylee Irene

4 likes

I FINISHED THE BOOK ❤️📚
You guys I’m so proud of myself I finished this book in two days ‼️☺️. What are your thoughts on the Housemaid series? #booktok #thehousemaid #thehousemaidbook #readreadread #finishedbook
Crystal Adorn

Crystal Adorn

16 likes

Just finished this book. And I loved it! Thoughts?
#bookwormsoflemon8 #lemon8challenge
jorjor

jorjor

4 likes

Last finished book📚📖📌
Book Review Book name: The Perfect Marriage Author: Jeneva Rose Genre: Thriller/Mystery Intro: Sarah is a young successful defense attorney who is married to a well known and successful writer who has since become a bum. Sarah quickly learns that Adam has had an affair but only because his mi
Lynae |Books & Stuff|

Lynae |Books & Stuff|

673 likes

Book I finished today!!
Myesha

Myesha

2 likes

I finished a book!
Good Morning Lemon8ers! 🤍 I finished “Regretting You” by Colleen Hoover last night and I have to say it may honestly be one of the best and easiest reads of my life. I finished it within 48 hours while still going through my normal daily life. It was THAT good I couldn’t put it down. I will
McKaylee 🖤🖤🖤

McKaylee 🖤🖤🖤

4 likes

A hand holds the cover of the book "House of Shadows" by Darcy Coates, featuring a dark, gothic house with a crow on the roof, reflecting the mystery/horror theme.
A table displays a mug of tea, a bookmark, and two books: "House of Secrets" by Darcy Coates in the foreground, and "House of Shadows" partially visible in the background.
An open book, showing "CHAPTER 5 NORTHWOOD," rests on the floor next to a mug of tea and a tissue box, in a cozy room with bookshelves, candles, and autumn decor.
Finished book 1 of the shadows series
So I finished book 1 and I loved it all the little quirks that were apart of this mystery/horror novel. You gotta figure the mystery in order for the horror to start . Sophie is a young woman. She was single met. Van married him and went into his house with shadows. It was a good it was great. It’
Officalcozyhome

Officalcozyhome

4 likes

Finished up Acotar book series! 📚 (recs!?)
10/10 would recommend. ❤️🥰❤️ I will say it’s kind of a slow start and they did put a winter event book in there that I think was just a breather/filler but the series had some good scenes and man the men.. 🔥.. it ended strong! 💪 love that. I have a huge reading list I compiled for the next few
Nichole Larson 🎨

Nichole Larson 🎨

5 likes

The book cover for 'The Cellar' by Natasha Preston, featuring dark steps with a pink flower, and the author's name. A Lemon8 watermark is visible.
A close-up side view of 'The Cellar' book, showing numerous colorful annotation tabs in purple, orange, red, and green, marking various sections.
A page from 'The Cellar' book with text discussing characters Lewis and Clover, and a green annotation tab marking the page. A Lemon8 watermark is visible.
I finished this book and…
⭐️ 5/5 stars This book was truly something else. it really is something that you have to read slowly to be able to take in exactly what is happening because it is not very good. It switches perspectives between 🪷Summer/Lily and how she’s handling being kidnapped tortured and trapped. 🍀Colin
AbigailRanee

AbigailRanee

7 likes

A hand holds a tablet displaying the horror novel 'Incidents Around the House' by Josh Malerman. Five yellow stars and the text 'This was one long nightmare' are superimposed, indicating a 5-star review. The book cover features a dark image with a glowing plush toy silhouette.
I JUST finished this book | HrrorGrl
and im shaking. I’m shaking so hard. It’s almost 11pm and I don’t know when I’ll be able to sleep. I’m … scared. This has NEVER happened to me. A book has never scared me. But tonight this one did. It’s just one long nightmare. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars. #horrorbooks #scary #not #spoo
HrrorGrl 🌻

HrrorGrl 🌻

18 likes

I finally finished restitution book
#kadeandstacey #leighrivers
Casper 👻

Casper 👻

0 likes

A book titled "SAY YOU SWEAR" by Meagan Brandy, featuring a dark cover with purple flowers, a football, and white speckles. The book is lying on a brown carpet, with a white smiley face drawn next to it.
I finished this book and it was a five star read.
#Lemon8Diary #lemon8diarychallenge
Sharon Honsvick

Sharon Honsvick

7 likes

A book cover for 'if he had been with me' by Laura Nowlin, showing a broken and an intact red heart-shaped lollipop on a dark background. Overlays state 'Just finished this book ❤️‍🩹' and 'Im sobbing so hard rn 😭😭', conveying an emotional reading experience.
Just finished this book ❤️‍🩹
Title: if he had been with me ⭐️Overall rating: 4/5: it was such a good book. A little slow at times I feel like the whole story’s happened at the last 20 pages. It was so sad but I really did love it. I recommend if you need a good cry. #abook😭 #if he had been with me #crying #books
Emma 🎧🩵

Emma 🎧🩵

29 likes

Finished today
finished reading this book .. not the usual books I read but I wanted to fit another book in for January.. so here's is my thoughts . its also not just one story there are 13 altogether.. all short and handy for quick reads . took bout a week to read it . #VladimirNabokov #reading #le
Aradiaa

Aradiaa

2 likes

A Kindle e-reader displays the cover of the book 'Iron Flame' by Rebecca Yarros, featuring a circular design with a dragon and clouds. Text overlays read 'So I finally finished the book....' and 'BOOK REVIEW BELOW :)', with decorative flower and heart stickers.
So I finally finished the book….
📖 Name of the Book: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 📄 My Favorite Quotes: “You do not have the right to burn what is mine.” “Even Malek himself couldn’t keep me from you.” 💭 My Thoughts: I truly loved this book. If I was rating it based off the middle-end of the book alone, it would’ve been 5 star
Larissa📖🎮

Larissa📖🎮

5 likes

First book finished!
Finished with this read! Now to finish Throne of Glass and start my ARC read of Bright Burns the Flame #thegoodgirleffect #annotatingbooks #sisterhoodofthetravelingbook #darkromancereader #bookclubs
Jessica Jump

Jessica Jump

7 likes

Book #5 finished
My thoughts on To Sir Phillip with Love. Over halfway through the series! #bridgertonseries #eloisebridgerton
Brianna Proctor

Brianna Proctor

10 likes

The image displays the cover of the book 'How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk' by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. It shows a 4.28 rating from over 34,000 ratings and 3,000 reviews, with an option for the user to provide their own star rating.
Update: I finished this book
Book Review Book name: How To Talk so Kids Will Listen & How to Listen so Kids Will Talk Author: Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish Genre: Parenting/Education/ Psychology/ Non Fiction / Self Help My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: I thought that this read was simply incredible. This book is
meeps

meeps

4 likes

FINISHED BOOK
Finally finished: The Last Equation of Isaac Severy It was okay 🤷🏼‍♀️ give it a 5/10 #book #booktok #books #reading #GirlTalk #girly #readersoflemon8 #read #bookstagram #review
Victoria 🤎

Victoria 🤎

6 likes

A woman with long, dark curly hair and a direct gaze looks at the camera. She wears a vibrant, abstract patterned shirt in yellow, blue, and white, with large silver hoop earrings. Her makeup includes defined eyes and glossy lips, presenting a poised portrait.
I finished my first book! 📚
Years ago, I started writing my first book about my life, but I could never bring myself to finish it. I kept editing, rewriting, and rereading parts of my story that were still hard to face. I never considered myself an emotional person. I’ve always been more logical than anything. But having t
Coachnikkidivine

Coachnikkidivine

16 likes

A book cover for "Battle Royale Remastered" by Koushun Takami, featuring a violent illustration of multiple characters fighting. Overlays indicate it's the "First Finished Book of 2024" with a "Goodreads Rating 5.00" and a Lemon8 watermark.
Thoughts on my first book finished for 2024 ✨
My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: Battle Royale - Koushun Takami 📄Favorite Quotes: You just have to fight for yourself; no one's going to save you. That's just life, right? 💭 My Thoughts: I loved this book so much. It had me saying what the f-)k so many times and I had to reread what I
Nicole 🍚🥢🌺🐼

Nicole 🍚🥢🌺🐼

5 likes

Book I want to finished
05/20/2024 Books: Twisted love: Ana huang - haven't started yet Kingdom of the wicked: Kerri maniscalco- I haven't started yet Fourth wing: Rebecca yarros - I'm partial finished - I'm very much enjoying it so far The love hypothesis: Ali hazelwood - finished - one of my favo
Liz🖤

Liz🖤

14 likes

The front cover of the book "Good Girl, Bad Blood" by Holly Jackson, featuring white earbuds on a red background, rests on a red pillow embroidered with "Merry and Bright." Text overlays indicate "Finished book 2!" and "SWIPE."
A detailed floor plan diagram illustrates the first floor of a house, tracking the movements and timings of a character named Jamie, including sightings, watching someone, leaving, walking away, and a phone call, with specific timestamps.
The back cover of the book "Good Girl, Bad Blood" displays a synopsis about Pip investigating a disappearance, along with ISBN, pricing, publisher details, and small images of other books in the series. The text "SOME SECRETS ARE TOO DEADLY TO TELL" is at the top.
Finished book 2!
This one was so sad 😔 #agggtm #hollyjackson #murder mystery #books #lemon8 ⭐️Overall rating: 10/10
Heyitsty

Heyitsty

4 likes

See more