SOMETIMES THE DEEPEST SCARS ARE THOSE NO ONE SEES.Lilah seems to have it all—a great job and a gorgeous boyfriend, but underneath the perfect exterior are bruises left behind by a monster who claims to love her.Damian has a troubled past of his own. He vows to steer clear of love, that is until he meets Lilah—a woman whose secret is slowly consuming her. One look and he knows they’ve met before … secret is slowly consuming her. One look and he knows they’ve met before but he doesn’t know where.
Determined to help her escape the violent relationship she can’t seem to leave, he befriends her, vowing to keep her safe, but protecting Lilah comes at a price.
When their attraction turns into passion and their secrets threaten to tear them apart, will they fight for one another? Or will their demons swallow them whole?
Fragile Scars is a steamy contemporary romance with suspenseful undertones and isn’t suitable for those under 18. It contains strong language, sexual situations and references. It is the 1st book in the Fragile Hearts series. All the books in the series are standalone romances with a different couple, but past couples and characters do make an appearance in later books.
Author Note: Below is a trigger warning for those who may need it. Please stop reading now if you don’t want one. This story contains graphic violence and sexual assault, which may not be suitable for some readers.
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This is my first novel by this author. What a very INTENSE story. So much pain. Can two battered souls find a way to heal each other? Lilah and Damian’s stories will capture your heart, your tears, even some smiles. Damian is reading to protect Lilah, like he couldn’t protect his mom. I so rooted for these two to find light! If anyone deserved it, it was these two. WOW!
I loved this book so much. As someone who has been through a similar abusive relationship, I could really relate to Lilah completely. I loved the relationship between Damian and Lilah. It felt as though when she found a man she can trust, her heart just clung to him and didn’t want to let go and I really understand that. The book was so fantastically written too, I’m surprised this is the author’s first book! WOW! I’m really impressed.
I also loved all the secondary characters and cant wait until book 2, Jax & Lexi.
This book contains Triggers and graphic non con sexual sex .
I like the story line. I always look forward to reading books about real life situations because I hope that by spreading awareness someone can seek the help they need.
This is the first book by author Lilian Harris. Lilian Harris did a good job capturing the struggles of someone over coming such tragic events. She surrounded both characters with a support team that knew when to step up. I am looking forward to reading her next book to see where it goes.
Overall I liked this story but I could only rate it 3 stars because the story was a little rushed and it didn’t flow easily. Damian and Lilah story was filled with drama, from the very moment these two met in the bar. There’s the drama with Lilah and her boyfriend, who is a total piece of work, he had an issue with everything. The development of Lilah and Damian moved too fast that at some points it felt a little off. The banter between the characters was also a little odd at times.
I liked the support system that both Damian and Lilah had. From the friendship between Damian and his two bestfriends. His friends kept pushing him to get out and to live. They also knew how to step up without him needing to ask.
Lilah had her bestfriend and her mother, who when things got rough for Lilah both women were there.
Lilian Harris is a new author to me and Fragile Scars is her debut novel. She did a great job. Fragile Scars is highly emotional and contains graphic depiction of violence and non-consensual sex.
“For everyone who’s with an Ash but deserves a Damian. It’s never too late.”
My heart hurt for Lilah. It’s not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in, yet can make you feel trapped. I wanted to scream at her and in the next second just hold her tight. Men like Ash don’t deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of us. Harsh, I know. But he earned it.
“I finally meet a woman I want to slay my demons, she ends up belonging to a villain.”
Damian is great guy. He may not see it, but everyone else does. He ends up being Lilah’s saving grace in more ways than one. He needed this affirmation after the way he suffered as child.
As far as debut books go, this one is pretty darn good. The timeline felt a little rushed, but the writing is excellent. I see great things for this author!
Fragile Scars is the debut novel of Lilian Harris and it is the story of Lilah and Damian. From the moment I read the blurb, I was very excited to read this. If you have triggers, please pay attention to the author’s warning–there is some very tough subject matter and graphic scenes that will not be for everyone. I thought Ms. Harris did an excellent job with this subject matter though–it felt very real. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll just say there was a lot that happened really fast in this book and I think that was the reason that I felt slightly disconnected from the characters. The timeline just seemed a bit rushed to me, especially considering what Lilah had been through. That being said, I was so blown away by the author’s writing and think she is only going to get better with time. I also thought she did any excellent job with the suspense angle. The supporting characters that were introduced have me very curious and I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series
WOW! 5 Star Read!
This was a gut-wrenching and heart break story where the Hero and Heroine persevere and come out on top.
An absolutely amazing story of courage, strength, and love. I could not put this novel down. I always needed to know more and I needed to see where this story ended. This book does not disappoint!
Lilah and Damian were made for each other and I loved reading about their ever growing love, even in the darkest of times.
You learn to never underestimate the power of love. I can’t wait for next book from Lilian Harris, she set the bar high, but have no doubt it will be another 5 stars.
<3
Fragile Scars deals with domestic violence and takes you through a very emotional journey. This new author does an awesome job on bringing it all to life, pulling on your heartstrings and tackling so many relationship issues in this book. It is full of heartbreak, drama, angst, and so much hotness.
I liked the story and really liked Damian and Lilah, but felt that their relationship was rushed and came together too fast for me. With that being said…I feel that I would have liked it more if their story would have played out at a slower pace with either more pages or expanded into a second book.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Wow.
This was a new to me author and one I will definitely be reading more from.
What a heart felt emotional story with a plot and characters that will stick with you for years to come.
You’ll never guess that this was the author’s debut book.
Prepare to go on a rollercoaster of emotions with every page.
One click now!!
Arc copy provided in return for an honest review .
** trigger warning ** This story contains graphic depiction of violence and non-consensual sex.
Ok where do I start ? I like the concept and plot of this story . It tells an important tale of where violent relationships can go .
Both Damien and lilah experience this, but in different forms. Damien when he was a child and lilah as a young adult .
Damien and lilah meet at a bar one night and feel instantly attracted to each other .
One problem is lilah is already in a relationship .
Their attraction grows quickly from there, but they must face their greatest hurdle –
Lilahs violent and abusive boyfriend, before they can be together .
Unfortunately for me, the combination of their ‘falling for each other ‘ and the time line of all of it happening was too tight . There are some very unrealistic circumstances /timing of things in there that just meant the heat of lilah and Damien’s attraction was lost for me .
It’s hard to describe without too many spoilers but an example is – at one point lilah is violently attacked and even raped by her boyfriend but not two days later she and Damien are engaging in a flirtatious and sexual way like nothing ever happened.
There are other moments where I would imagine she should or would be afraid/ scared but she’s not really at all.
Equally Damien says a few Times he wants to take things slow with her but he has zero self control and there is no friendship first at all. There are also
Moments in there that he is quite potentially intimidating and directive which a victim of violence would not respond well to in reality .
I’ll be honest I think it would have been better to have some slow burn moments at the start rather then dive right in.
I also wanted to see more of lilah rediscovering herself . She talks about losing her soul and already being dead , but we don’t get to see her find herself again .. only that Damien makes her feel alive . She talks about losing herself and being only a shadow of what she once was , but I felt this was a missing piece of lilahs puzzle .. she found love but we don’t see her find herself .
Relationship violence is an important topic but it’s also a very fragile and delicate topic to attempt to address .
Overall I do think this author made a good attempt at covering this topic, while incorporating a romance and introducing some interesting characters that will follow in future books in this series .
This book was so emotional to read, but beautifully written. I knew going in that this was going to be a tough subject to read, but there were so many emotional and touching things that happened through out the whole book. It literally gutted me while reading, but put all the pieces back together, eventually.
I loved Lilah from the start, but parts of her story I just couldn’t connect until her whole back history was revealed. I really understood her then and despite everything she didn’t give up. Her relationship with Ash was so brutal, mentally and physically. The title of this book was perfect, because those scars are absolutely very fragile.
Damien, wow, whats not to love about this guy?!? My heart broke for him so many times. He’s definitely not a character that I will forget about anytime soon. After such a tragic awful childhood, he is such a good sweet man.
What I loved most about this book is even though its an emotional book, there are so many twists that you dont expect at all. Towards the end, just when you think eveything is coming to an end, nope, not even close.
Wow that was intense! First by this author and i really enjoyed this book, some bits where hard to read as i can’t imagine what it took to write something like that. I was took on an emotional journey with the characters that i think will stick with me for a long time. Brilliant author, great story.
This is an emotional and sensitive story dealing with domestic violence and rape. The author does an amazing job describing both characters thoughts,emotions and decisions made. She brings reality to the story with her detailed scenes and shows why the victim stays in these situations. It’s a true to life depiction that I could relate to with Lilah and understand feeling trapped and having to find the courage and determination to overcome the fear to break free. She shows not to judge others until you’re in they’re shoes. She does a beautiful job bringing out all the feels ,good and bad, showing with the strength,and support you can have happiness and love after the darkness. Warning: it can be a tough read and have triggers for some. Well done.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
4*
Damian is out with his friends when he locks eyes with Lilah, sending drinks over with a note. He doesn’t expect the reaction she gives.
Lilah has been with Ash since college but the love he thinks he has for her isn’t love at all.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions and told with understanding and compassion.
The book comes with trigger warnings so if it’s something that you don’t think or feel is right for you then please take the warning.
I’m looking forward to reading Lexi & Jax’s book next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Fragile Scars is the first in a interconnected standalone series and is book one in the Fragile Hearts series as well as the authors debut book. Bravo for writing this topic as your first choice in a book release. The story isn’t easy to read (Do not take this the wrong way!-you will love the story it’s the topic that has your throat closing up). It brings to light what people of domestic violence endure and the effects of family members not just the person in the situation. Lilah and Damian each suffer their own demons and remember what you see on the outside isn’t always the real person. Lilah is fighting to survive and Damian hurdling his demons, but will protect her even if it opens up his that he fights to keep quiet. The connection is more than what we see grow and WOW! fate knows when to come out. Leaving it at this to avoid spoilers. Heartbreaking, supportive and love is what you will see in this story along with some suspense/twists. I can only hope this story helps someone with this topic heal or bring closure. A page turner story that your Fragile Heart connects with. I look forward to more by this author. Up next is Jax/Lexi (friends of Lilah and Damian) and while our scars have healed, the lies may not be set free.
I’m crying as I write this review…
I can’t believe that this is Lilian Harris first book, from the moment go…it was none stop drama, you feel both characters pain…passion…the frustration…betrayal and love
I’m so speechless right now how she delivered such a powerful story even though she prep you at the beginning if there’s any triggers be warned…
I still went and read it and damn this is so much feels that I felt what Damian and Lilah going through.
I highly recommend Fragile Scars and it left you wanting more
I can’t wait for the next one!
Damian Prescott doesn’t do love, relationships, or anything of the sort… his past experiences have lead him to believe he isn’t cut out for them. Coming from an abusive home, watching his mother endure all she did, left him a little feeling like he couldn’t put himself in that situation ever, for fear that he would carry his father’s traits. So for the most part he keeps his distance from women… that is until he moves in across the hall from Lilah!
The moment they meet he can tell she is an abused woman, he knows the look of fear she carries all to well, and his need to protect her immediately comes to the surface. But getting involved would require him to get close, and that scares him more than a little, getting attached to her just can’t happen. But his need to protect her soon starts to override his need to remain unattached, and before long they find themselves in a tricky situation… one that could have a tragic ending.
Fragile Scars is an emotional page-turner that will do a number on your heart and have you feeling the hurt behind every word. This one spoke to me on many levels, understanding the situation all too well, I was able to find a connection to the characters instantly. The words on the page pulled me in and effected me deeply, and it’s characters had my heart instantly. I loved this pairing, both sharing similar pain, unaware how to truly handle it, and both scared where it would leave them. Their pain bonded them quickly, but just below the surface there was this undeniable attraction that neither were ready to admit or act on because of the situation, so there was a bit of angst there to stir up the anticipation. This one had tough moments for me, but I am so happy that I gave it a chance despite that fact, the parts of my heart that it broke, were mended with it’s beautiful outcome! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
This is the 1st book in a new series, and this is a wonderful introduction. Damian recognizes a kindred spirit when he sees one, and he is determined to remove Lilah from the abusive situation she is in and protect her from harm. This is a well written story which is intense, steamy, emotional, and has twists, secrets and passion. This is a fast paced story which had me intrigued and hooked throughout, but be aware there may be triggers for some, so beware of the warnings.