Rina | booksofthemuggleborn's Reviews > Scarred Souls

My Rating: 4.5 stars!

**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**

New-to-me author unlocked! To say I am intrigued is an understatement. Weaver has herself a new reader. 😊

The world, this book, the writing, the characters, the author… everything about it was all new to me but what I quickly realised once I started reading was that I was going to want to read more.

It had all the goodness I look for in my romance reads:

✔ Genuine chemistry between its MCs
✔ A well-thought-out plot
✔ Flow
✔ Suspense
✔ An engaging cast of characters
✔ Spice and all things nice

There are no pretences here. It’s one of those books where the premise hooks you in and the story itself followed through.

Although it’s a standalone within an interconnected series, after having read this book, I couldn’t help but feel that it would’ve been a much fuller reading experience if I had read the previous books first, as the world-building had already been established and the existing cast of characters having in-depth history in place.

But in saying that, it didn’t take away from the fact that I still really enjoyed it. I don’t cope with slow-burn romances well, but the steadily developing sexual tension between Vaughn (aka Grim) and Hope only elevated the build-up to their romantic (albeit complex) relationship. My anticipation in seeing them finally cave on their feelings for one another, plus the impending danger looming over their heads, made for one gripping read.

It was a bit of a slow start but the second Grim stepped into Hope’s life, I was instantaneously on high alert, at the edge of my seat, and turning those pages.

If you like sassy heroines and alpha-hole heroes, intense, yet humorous banter between your MCs, then Grim and Hope will have you giggling. There’s light and shade in their story, and Weaver has done a brilliant job of injecting a nice balance of each element to keep the progressing storytelling engaging.

It’s a darkish military romance with mafia elements included. Mafia romance is a staple in my reading wheelhouse, but military romance is a sub-genre I tend to gravitate towards whenever, or if ever the mood strikes. I’ve only read a small handful of military romance books, and after having been introduced to the Team Zulu Series, I can confirm that list has gotten a smidge longer.

I’m not in the slightest bit well-versed in anything military related besides what I’ve seen in shows, films, and the occasional doco, but I will say that Grim, his team, and their expertise came off convincing, which made certain scenarios believable.

Both Grim and Hope are raw, flawed, yet fleshed-out characters have horrific backstories resulting from brutality and life-long traumas. Their experiences can be disturbing and/or triggering for some readers to read about. Please note it broaches on sensitive subject matters such as graphic violence, kidnapping, torture, death, substance abuse, and human trafficking, resulting in mental, physical, and emotional PTSD. With mature themes and sexual content, this book is intended for readers 18+ only.

Besides the romantic element, the friendships present was another highlight to see. The support they provided the MCs was much-needed lightness and positive dynamics in their lives. These secondary characters are their found-families. Their roles and overall presence added another layer to their story.

It’s steady-paced storytelling and told from dual POVs (with funny inner monologues included). I found the writing effortless to follow and the characters likable, genuine, and in many ways relatable.

With how this book concluded, I’m keen to read the next one and see how Grim and Hope navigate through the next chapter of their story.

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...