Book Review
I finished this book Wednesday night. I honestly don’t know how I feel about the entire book but I absolutely hated the ending. I figured out who the vigilante (The Silencer) was by chapter 3. I also knew who (The Executioner) was by his second appearance. I did actually almost DNF it due to a horrendous situation that the FMC went through, but I pushed through because I wanted to know what happened with Caroline (an adorable 4 yo who melted my heart) and Edwin (an elderly man who reminded me of my grandpa). The spice was spicing and there was a considerable amount of it. I would also consider this book to be unhinged by my definition.
This is all my opinion please read it yourself and come up with your own opinions.
After sharing my initial, raw feelings about 'Under Your Scars' by Ariel H. Anderson, I wanted to expand a bit on what makes a dark romance like this both captivating and, at times, incredibly challenging. This book truly delivered on the promise of high spice – it definitely kept things interesting! But beyond the steam, there's an 'unhinged' quality that’s characteristic of the genre, where boundaries are pushed, and characters navigate morally grey areas that can be quite intense. My strong negative ending thoughts were a big part of my review, and it's something I find happens often with dark romances. Authors in this genre aren't afraid to take risks, and sometimes those risks don't quite land for every reader. That's part of the unique experience, though; it sparks conversation and makes you truly reflect on the story. Even with my frustrations about the conclusion, the journey itself was compelling enough that I pushed through. What truly anchored me were characters like the adorable Caroline Reeves and the endearing Edwin. They brought a much-needed lightness and genuine connection to a narrative that often ventured into very dark territory. It’s amazing how well-developed secondary characters can make you invest so deeply, even when the main plot points are causing you emotional turmoil. They acted as a sort of emotional safe harbor throughout my reading experience. Speaking of dark territory, if you're considering diving into 'Under Your Scars' or any dark romance, it's crucial to go in prepared. The 'horrendous situation' for the FMC I mentioned earlier is a prime example of the kind of intense, potentially triggering content these books can contain. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate stories that explore complex psychological themes, trauma, and unconventional relationships, it can be incredibly rewarding. Always check trigger warnings if you're sensitive to certain topics. Despite my very strong feelings about the ending, and the fact that I almost didn't finish it, my overall impression, leaning towards a 4-star rating (as reflected in the book review template I used), speaks to the power of the storytelling. Ariel H. Anderson crafted a world and characters that stuck with me long after I finished the last page. From the evocative book cover that first drew me in, to tracking my reading dates and finding a favorite quote amidst the intensity, the entire experience was memorable. It’s a book that truly ignites discussion, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you've already experienced the unique ride that is 'Under Your Scars'!
