KillShe is a means to an end.Half my size and and ten times as innocent.The job is simple. Ruin Meisie. Destroy her mother. Keep my business.It’s the target who is complicated.She’s broken. Scarred. Away with the fairies.And everything I never knew I needed.She wants to go home?I’ll make sure she never leaves.MeisieHe’s a nightmare parading as a dream.He lured me in with the promise of a … leaves.
Meisie
He’s a nightmare parading as a dream.
He lured me in with the promise of a one-night-mistake.
If only I could have stayed that naive.
Cillian Hendry is a dangerous man, and I’d do my best to never forget that.
So why have I told him my darkest secrets?
Why am I walking down an aisle towards him?
I thought being abducted by the man they call Kill was a death sentence.
Turns out I’m wrong. Loving him will kill me.
And he’ll be there, like always, to twist the knife.
Beautiful Scars is a dark captive romance with mafia themes.
This book is intended for mature audiences only as some scenes may be triggering.
This is the first book in the Cruel Heroes series, but can be read as a standalone.
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Ariana Black (aka Esme Devlin and Logan Fox) has completed the story that started with Fearless.
And neatly packaged both parts into one beautiful bundle,with the promise of a series!
Since i loved Beautiful Scars,i am very curious for the next story……
(How to get the arc for that one too without sounding greedy,thát is the question,lol)
Set in Scotland,it tells the story of Meisie,the PM Ford’s daughter,that gets caught up in a battle between her mother and the Hendry twins,Cole and Cillian.
Cillian is the worker,and Cole is the brains.
So,when Cole thinks up a plan,Cillian is the one to put it in motion.
They decide to kidnap Meisie to force her mother to abandon her plans to legalise drugs.
Cillian is the one that has to execute it,and whilst everything goes to plan,Meisie somehow gets under his skin.
There’s something about her,something vulnerable,something…..broken.
Meisie has had enough trouble for a lifetime,and decides to try and live a little.
Getting away from under her mother’s thumb for a bit sounds like a good plan and a date is the way to do it.
Only,her date isn’t there,but this intimidating man is….
Things go south pretty quick and she ends up being Cillian’s captive.
He frightens her at times,but not as much as his brother does.
At the same time,she feels a pull towards Cillian that seems hard to resist.
If only he didn’t promise to break her completely and build her back up to what he wants….
Even though Cillian and Cole are the villains,PM Ford’s behaviour is not….very motherly so far.
When we get to part 2,Cillian has told Meisie they’re getting married.
Making sure her mother has to deal with him and his brother.
Only,Meisie starts to mean more to him than just a means to an end.
And finding out what happened to her,what her mother did….
He intends to right that wrong and give her back what was taken so callously.
Cole,in the meantime,is becoming derailed more and more,forcing Cillian to intervene when he goes too far.
Cole’s girfiend Sarah is becoming Meisie’s friend in these strange times,and she’s glad to have someone to talk to.
When the weddingday arrives,and Meisie has to admit she never took her chance to escape,she knows she will also have to admit to herself why.
But then she gets abducted,again!
By who….and why?
Can her mother help Cillian find her,will she be able to see how much Meisie has started to mean to him?
Fast paced,heartbreaking at times,and totally hot,this was an intense read.
One that i enjoyed very much!
Rating:
Gangster captive romance with a twin!
I started reading this book and thought It all sounded very familiar. I later found out out Esme Devlin and Logan Fox combined and are now known as Ariana Black. This book “Beautiful Scars” has two parts and the first half of the book, I read as “Fearless” by Esme Devlin and Logan Fox. The second half of this book was to be the second book in that series, so technically this contains two books and the Story of Cillian (sounds like Kill-ian), and Meisie are complete in this one book.
I had rated the book Fearless as five stars and I am keeping that rating for this book because the second half of the story was every bit as good as the first. I thought the character development was terrific, including the main couple and several supporting characters, including Cillian’s twin brother Cole and his girlfriend Sarah.
Cillian and his brother Cole are modern day gangsters. They run a high profile nightclub and are drugs and arms dealers. The brothers had a bad childhood with an abusive father. Cole is the idea guy and Cillian is the muscle. Cillian thinks that something happened in the womb and Cole got all of the emotions for both of them and Cillian got none. He feels no empathy and is somewhat numb. He can kill without feeling anything at all.
The brothers live in Scotland where the First Minister is soon to vote on a bill to legalize drugs. The entire community of drug dealers is worried about this because they feel they will be put out of business if that happens. So Cole comes up with a plan for Cillian to catfish the First Minister’s daughter and take some compromising photos to use as blackmail. Cillian kidnaps Meisie, the daughter of the Minister. However, the First Minister is smart and she cuts off their plan before it takes flight.
Cillian keeps Meisie locked up in his basement while they try another plan against the Minister. Meisie is damaged from something that happened in her past and suffers from PTSD, but is a feisty girl who ends up making Cillian feel things he never felt before and takes away the numb feeling he has lived with for so long.
The romance between the two is super hot and steamy and I liked the fact that Cillian is described as this huge guy (6’6” and built) while Meisie is a tiny woman (5’1” and thin). Cillian is in his early thirties while Meisie is in her early 20’s. The world building and descriptions of the people are fantastic and add quite a bit to the story. There were also several storylines and all were extremely interesting.
Cole is a drug addict and throughout the story he becomes more and more unhinged. Cole is not seen as the criminal that Cillian is, since Cillian basically does all the dirty work and runs the illegal businesses. However, Cole is not about rape, murder, beating women, and killing children. I don’t understand how he is going to be the Hero in the next book. Though I have a feeling he will be a completely changed individual. I can’t wait to find out.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
I literally could not put this book down , I just had to know more . Cillian and Meisie, two broken pieces that fit together,and If you are looking for a perfect dark romance this book is for you .
I voluntarily read and reviewed this as an ARC
Ariana Black had me hooked from the beginning. Cillian and Meisie are both broken but fit like puzzle pieces. They are brought together by circumstances he wants to eliminate and thinks she is the leverage he needs to make it happen. It’s a little dark, a little twisted and a whole lot of passionate. They made me snort laugh, fan my face and want to shake them both to see what was right in front of them. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I more than look forward to meeting more of the cruel heroes!
The first Part of the book we get the development of the “beginning”, how they meet, why they meet.
We get to see the development of their relationship, should I call it that? Relationship? Is more complicated than that. Did we get steamy scenes? Oooh yes no doubt. We got to learn a bit of both leads back stories what made them the way they are.
The Second part of the book, now here we get to know the real characters, we get to see them coming out of their shells. . Our lead girl got a bit more sassy. Our lead guy a bit more understanding, okay he never stops being a douchebag but maybe because I Learn more about him I felt for him. Also we finally get to know more about our lead girl’s mom. I don’t want to give more spoilers so let me just say this was fire!!
If you are looking for a perfect dark romance with a touch of mystery this is the book for you. I was enthralled from the very first word of this dark, steamy, intriguing and emotional story. I fell in love with these complex characters and was rooting for them all so hard. I can not recommend this book highly enough. It was such an enjoyable read. These authors just keep surprising me with their amazing talent. You need to read this book today!
This is a breath of fresh air in this genre, not sure about anyone else but as a Brit it was great to spend time in a chilly (read freezing your bits off) Edinburgh instead of the usual desserts of Mexico or Arizona. Okay so to the plot itself, really well paced, dark beginnings, twisted loyalties and slightly unhinged characters. The MC’s in this tale, Cillian and Meisie, are both more than slightly broken with issues upon issues before you factor in kidnapping and murder along the way.
This is a well crafted book that will have you experiencing a range of emotions from tension through to full on laughter. There were moments when Meisie had me in stitches with her sassy mouth and other times that almost had me on my knees with her pain. Cillian, well what can I say, he’s the lovable anti-hero that you know really isn’t the good guy but you love him anyway. In addition to these two the rest of the cast are all credible, 3 dimensional characters who give the plot kudos and depth.
Full 5 stars, great read, well written and I will continue following this author
ARC received for an honest review, all comments and opinions are my own.
Part 1 was intriguing. While on the surface it appears to be a captive romance, there is so much more beneath the surface and it is almost a reverse Stockholm Syndrome with the captor Cillian becoming more and more empathetic to his captive Meisie while her story is revealed in minuscule pieces through her imagining what her psychiatrist would be telling her. Then there is Cole who is supposedly the ‘smarter’ twin, but who is too strung out to be of any help. Sarah, who was Cillian’s first but as so often happens chose Cole, is also not what she seems and she remembers to social distance. Finally, the target of the whole abduction, Meisie’s mother at first seems to be the coldest, most heartless mother. It is hard to imagine that the legalisation of drugs could trigger such an emotional response but the emotions are changing and feelings are beginning to develop.
Part 2 was amazing and once I started I couldn’t put it down it was addictive even if there were some really horrible moments. It seems wrong somehow to like Cillian and not even think that he should go to jail and apparently even Helen is won over. It is good to find out that Helen is not unfeeling just misguided. Sarah is such a sweetheart and I felt better when she found some happiness. There were times As I was reading that I had tears in my eyes but other times I laughed. Cillian and Maddie are so sweet together and his epilogue made me smile and even laugh and feel all the feels. A great book.
Wow, I love a dark and twisted story with strong characters and this book fits the bill perfectly. If you enjoy stories that will push your limits, make you stop and ponder and have you flipping pages faster than you can imagine to see what happens next. This is a must read. At first I thought this was about the mafia and a politician and the battle for power, it is but it is so much more than that. This is book one in the Cruel Heroes series and I cannot wait to read more of it. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I couldn’t put this down once I started. The characters are written so well and it’s amazing to see them develop. They start as someone you want to shake some sense and humanity into then they become what you were actually hoping for. Yet it still stays deliciously twisted, dark, and steamy.
Great start to a dark and delicious new series. Cillian and his brother run the drugs, own nightclubs and whatever else they can to make money. When Meisie starts to get involved in their business they kidnap her. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them. Loads of twists and turns. Lots of steam and intense chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
This is definitely a dark romance.
It has plenty of drama suspense a little action
but will keep you Glued to the pages right throughout the book.
Fantastic characters that are interesting and have plenty of depth to them.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Part 1
I love Bad Boy books.
So after reading the blurb I could not wait to read this story.
Cole and Cillian are identical twins that run and operate a profitable nightclub.
But it’s just a cover to clean their dirty money.
The twins are totally opposite of each other.
Cole supposedly feels too much.
Which might explain him almost always being coked out of his head.
And Cillian doesn’t feel anything at all.
He does feel hate though and has a hate list.
Kill does anything that will bring benefit to him and his brother.
My take on Kill is that he does feel but because of his childhood he chooses not to.
He has learned to shutoff his feelings.
Until Meise.
Meise is a beautiful nineteen year old that has been mostly sheltered her whole life.
She went through a traumatizing experience.
And has since been living a “safe life.”
When Meise decides to take a night on the town.
She ends up at Cillian and Cole’s club.
Not all is as it seems though.
I liked Meise.
I thought she was quirky and has sass.
The conversations she has in her mind between herself and her psychiatrist were so funny.
Cillian seems a very complex character.
Bits of him are starting to be revealed.
And I don’t think he’s the unfeeling man he thinks he is.
I love his interactions with Meise.
Some are intense and some are playful and funny.
I liked how he started learning and dealing with Meise’s personality.
Part 2
Things are becoming more complicated.
Cillian effected by Meise more than he ever thought possible.
When he learns of her troubles and what has caused her all her pains he wants to rectify all of it for her.
Meise is determined to get away but does not act on it.
And doesn’t want to ponder on the why of it afraid of the reason behind it.
Cole is becoming more unhinged day by day.
A tough decision must be made on how to deal with him.
And of course there’s still Meise’s mother in the picture.
Who needs to be dealt with.
More of each characters past comes to light which gives the reader more insight into how/why their personalities are the way they are.
Fast paced page turner of a book.
Filled with drama,suspense and lots of sexiness.
ONE HIGH OCTANE THRILLER
Incredible! This immensely gifted and daring trio lays it all on the line, kicking ass and killing foes, taking no prisoners and no turning back set the pace for this delectable treat, revving up the adrenaline, wrapping this baby up sleek shiny and tight. Playing the field, delivering this action packed, hard hitting, nail-biting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. Lines blurred and boundaries crossed, limitations are amplified and exploited, throwing this gem into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a tizzy with astonishing results. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, displaying triumph and imparting one block busting dynamo, blasting this gem to a whole new level. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The magnetism, attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep emotions, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and qualities that add diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating an elaborate backdrop that’s so vividly descriptive it’s like your transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Boom. Mind. Blown. This book was downright true brilliance. This book will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. Cillian and Cole Hendry and Meisie Ford were characters that seemed to lift off of the pages and take their own life form. This book will take you on an emotional ride of a lifetime. It’s the best book I’ve read all year. I highly recommend this book.
Wow, this was one hell of a great book! This book is dark so a warning to the those who don’t like reading about dubious sexual consent, kidnapping, murder, drugs, steamy sex, etc. This book has all this and is an amazingly well-written story! I didn’t want it to end. The character development wasn’t rushed. As the story unfolds, we are given insight into why the characters have become the people they are.
Cole and Cillian are 32 year old identical twins with a violent history. They own a club, Asylum, which is used to launder money for their illegal drug ventures. They are rich, exceedingly handsome and have had a violent past that has carried over into adulthood. Their current problem is Helen Ford, the First Minister of Scotland, who has proposed a bill to legalize drugs. Hat would destroy the Hemdry’s very profitable business. They have come up with a plan to “encourage” her to kill the bill.
Meisie Ford, a 9 year old beauty, has Iived in South Africa for many years, but has returned to Scotland and is living with her mother. Trying to regain her life after a traumatic event, she has joined a social dating site, and Cillian has been trying for two weeks to get her attention, but she has no interest in an older man. They decide to catfish her, pretending to be a Bieber look-alike named Justin who works as a bartender at Asylum. Meisie agrees to come to the club for an “after-work” date (and hopefully a much needed hook-up), but as she walks around the club she doesn’t see Justin anywhere. She gets groped, knocked around, and is ready to just forget it when a tall, handsome man in a designer suit comes to her rescue. After a few drinks, Meisie agrees to go home with him for a casual hook-up. Cillian really puts on the charm as he leads his little fly into his web of deceit.
This is where the story really takes a turn, and it ain’t a pretty one. I can guarantee you will get as hooked in as I was! The twists and turns are everywhere! As I said earlier, I didn’t want it to end! I would love to see Cole and Sarah (Cole’s current love interest) get their own stories!
What a brilliant collaboration between these authors. Spell binding with an initial deja vu feeling, possibly Logan sent a teaser a little while ago. I won’t get into the story itself which has been outlined in the blurb & previous reviews but this was one of the most compelling, complex reads that had me borderline anxious one moment & my toes curling the next. It was graphic, raw, loving & healing, contradictory enough to make you hold your breath & then a touch of humour to lighten your journey through all the twists & turns. Not all the character’s were quite what they seemed, think smoke & mirrors & you come to admire what & who they actually are. Highly recommended. I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Meisie was just suppose to be a pawn for Cillian but he learned quickly that there was so much more to her that he never realized he would ever want. Slowly these two realized that they wanted each other more then they wanted to hurt each other. This was a darker book which I love and these twins were hard not to like even though they shouldn’t be
This book has his dark side but I enjoy it twins are to be one good and the other in the dark side but one is more darker than the other one decider what to do and the other carry it out, In case they want to stop law ,because it will mess with business so they kidnap this young lady that the mother is the one that’s trying to bring forward this law ,Well things hot and it is history , if you don’t like dark don’t read it , I love it
Her fate in the hands of twins who blow hot and cold
—>>> Mafia twins Cole and Cillian Hendry are making a statement by kidnapping First Minister Ford’s daughter for leverage, and there is a slow-burn development of something tangible between Cillian and Meisie. The twins and Minister Ford try to outsmart each other while the tension builds in their situation. Little bits and pieces of their complex characters are revealed until the great epilogues for this first book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
~ “I told you,” he murmurs into my ear as his chest flexes against my back with every breath. “I’m putting you back together the way I want you. And when I’m finished… you’re going to be like me. You’re going to be fearless.”
And I believe him.
Dear God, I believe him.~