Missing his dominant hand and half his face covered in scars, Miguel Ruiz can kiss his dreams of a happy future goodbye. He resigns himself to a life of servitude in a badly run club until one day, a tattoo artist in a random bar sees both talent and a future in the scarred artist. He makes an offer Miguel would be a fool to turn down, and Miguel decides it’s finally time to start living for … himself, even with the ten tons of baggage he’s carrying on his shoulders.
If anyone in the world can understand secrets, it’s Amit Baqri. Growing up bisexual, Deaf, and femme in a conservative Muslim family, Amit keeps his true self close to his chest. He’s spent most of his life conforming to others from the way he communicates to the way he presents himself to others, but the weight of it all is starting to crush him. He understands his familial obligations—taking care of his mother is his top priority, and his sisters are second. But when Amit sets eyes on the gorgeous tattoo artist with one hand and a waterfall of scars, his life is suddenly turned upside down.
Will Amit and Miguel find a way to shed the weight of their pasts to be happy together, or will assumptions and expectations leave them forever trapped in a closet of their own making?
Scarification is the sixth and final book of the Irons and Works series, and contains no cheating with an HEA.
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SCARIFICATION is book 6 in the “Iron and Works” series. I think this can be read as a stand-alone, but there are lots of secondary characters that have been previously developed. It would be better to read the series in order.
One of the things I enjoyed about this story was the diversity. The author isn’t afraid to represent different aspects of peoples lives. The romance in this story is a bit of a slow burn and I appreciated the reverse actions from typical stereotypes (hard to explain w/out giving away anything).
It was nice to get both Amit and Miguel’s stories.
I have loved every single one of the Iron and Works books, and this one was no different. Although I didn’t know much at all about Miguel (we barely meet him in book 5), I fell in love with him right away and was hoping for his happy ending the whole time I was reading. I thought Amit was the perfect match for him. Amit’s own journey towards self-acceptance was beautiful to read. I found myself tearing up when he finally talks to his family about who he is.
One thing that always impresses me about Elaine’s books is how much I learn about physical disabilities, mental health issues, and cultural traditions. Her characters are some of the most diverse I’ve read, and I love that she is bringing these uniquely special people their HEAs. Can’t wait to read the spinoff series!!
Amit and Miguel are both finding out who they truly are, and where they belong in this world. The love of the crew at Irons & Works is palpable. It’s great to see the regular faces, and their poignant remarks in this book. A fantastic read.
Sadly this is the last full length book in the Iron and Works series by E.M. Lindsey. I have loved each and every book in this series and can’t wait for the spin-off series to begin. This story revolves around Amit and Miguel. This book has everything you want in a great book. It will break your heart in some places and make you laugh out loud in others. Miguel and Amit were the perfect couple to end this series with. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Lindsey comes up with next.
Miguel faced so much in his life… he kind of gave up ever finding acceptance for who he was… all people would ever see where his scars… not the person behind them… that’s until he met gorgeous Amit… and see in his eyes that he was wanted for himself… Amit always felt that he had to hide his preferences… no one would understand him… but then… Miguel did… and together they found out that they could be their real selves, no pretenses, no hiding…
I absolutely LOVED THIS AWESOME BOOK!!!
Elaine Lindsey books keep getting better and better! Don’t miss it
This series just keeps getting better and better!
The talent E.M. Lindsey has for tackling the topics of various physical limitations is out of this world! All the characters are brilliant in their own way, but from the very first moment the book was even mentioned, I knew Miguel would be special. And I was sooooo right! I loved everything about him and the development of his emotions!
Best found family series out there and a total must read!
*I read an ARC of this book but the review is 100% honest *