TRAUMA HAS A WAY OF LEAVING ITS MARK.It took years to do it, but I can finally look in a mirrorand see more than just the scars.If only that were true for the rest of the world.The whispers, the stares, the pity, they’re familiar now.Except his eyes don’t linger, his demeanor never changes.Maybe that’s why I trust himand take the leap to move in with a virtual stranger.A stranger who might be … virtual stranger.
A stranger who might be more scarred than I am.
YET NOT ALL SCARS ARE LEFT ON THE SURFACE.
The day I got a spot at Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor, I had everything.
A roof over my head, an honest living, a few friends.
The times when I went without no longer factored.
Until she comes into my life.
Until I offer her a place to stay.
Until she draws me in with that blinding light inside her,
and almost makes me forget
to keep the past in the dark where it belongs.
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“—wounds we both needed to heal, and scars that wouldn’t fade—inside and out—that we had to learn to live with.”
I’m a huge fan of this author’s writing. I started with her MC series and followed her when she crossed over with Sailor’s Grave series. I’ve become very attached to her amazing characters, most of which are beautifully broken. They inspire me with their strength and ability to continue to love past their pain.
He’s the newest employee at Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor. They are very welcoming and include him in their get-togethers. He’s treated as part of the family. He doesn’t let down his walls, even for them. He keeps his secrets and his scars to himself. They aren’t visible…but they see them anyway. They don’t push, they just accept him. All that was fine, and he was content…until her.
She comes to get a tattoo to cover one of her ‘visible’ scars. She’s so used to people pretending she’s invisible, refusing to look at her. When he tells her she’s beautiful it’s hard to believe he means it, but she knows he does. For some reason, she feels like she can trust him. Which is surprising considering the fact that he won’t share any details about his life before he came to work at the tattoo parlor.
I almost lost my mind waiting to learn about the painful past that he was hiding. It became obvious to me how curiosity can be detrimental to cats. Meow. I was so excited when he offered her a place to stay. My inner matchmaker was giddy. Yeah, I felt the chemistry between them and figured we just needed to tackle the proximity issue and it would take care of itself, right? “Was spontaneously jumping your roommate a faux pas?” Well, not in my book, it isn’t. Actually, I highly encourage it…just saying.
This story really gave me the feels. It broke my heart and made me feel so helpless because I couldn’t fix what was broken. I wanted to hug them both so bad. Thank goodness Jess was there to provide comedic relief and support as needed in my stead. I really love her, she’s badass! Actually, they all are, and I can’t wait to spend more time with them. The line forms here…
I really enjoyed this book! Drew Elyse created a great story with this gripping addition to the Sailor’s Grave series. This is a quick, easy read that is both emotionally heart-felt and steamy!
This is Gwen and Parker’s story. Two scarred souls inside and out. Each with a beautiful heart. Each hiding a tragedy that will bring you to your knees.
Parker is hiding his past, ashamed of the choices his life situations forced him to make. No one will accept him if they knew, especially someone like Gwen.
But to her, he’s the only one who sees her and not the scars.
“Parker was determined to give her something great, something beautiful made from what that day left behind.”
“You’ve been through hell, both back then and since, because of that night, that you are still this vibrant woman that has captivated me since the beginning. I can see them, but they aren’t what I see when I look at you because you glow so bright it’s blinding.”
Um, swoon!!! I love Parker and Gwen! They are the perfect match.
Her calm graceful heart is what he needs to feel secure enough to open up and start to embrace life. But will he have the guts? Life brought them together. Will this be their chance? A chance for a better life? Will they risk it to reach the elusive dream?
You will have to read this gem to find out! I absolutely love this series!!!
I read an ARC of this book. My honest and fair review is voluntary.