Asha Harper doesn't believe in happily ever afters. She left home at seventeen to start a new life for herself, to follow her dreams of becoming a nurse. For more than ten years she has not needed anyone in her life, well at least that's what she has told herself. Until she met the man with the gorgeous smile and piercing green eyes. Xavier Arnold has had his own share of trouble in his life. He is still grieving for his younger sister Maddie, who has been missing without a trace for more than six years. Will these two find love? One night walking home from work, Asha is snatched off the street and held captive by a mysterious stranger. She is forced to re-evaluate her life. Not knowing if she will ever escape to see Xavier or her family again.
Tee Smith lives in a small town in country Western Australia. Her four children are all grown and she recently became a proud grandma. Her novels are primarily romantic suspense. She reads almost everything, but loves nothing more than a good psycho-thriller.
Ok I'm trying this I'm not sure if this is the place to do this or not... I received an ARC of this book I found it well written with developed characters and a well developed plot. It kept my interest and I did enjoy reading it! I am looking forward to more work by this author
Debut authors are always nice to get to know. Lately there are many but always glad to see new names pop up. It started out interesting I wanted to know where it was going despite me feeling uncomfortable with the writing style. Asha felt closed off and guarded when we meet her so I had trouble connecting with her. The writing style wasn't my style but I felt curious. As for the plot it's mysterious as it went along. Although there were times there was emphasis on things that didn't seem important and lack in others.
The second half probably was easier to read but I felt off in some parts. It had moments of clarity and some drama, the suspense and transition needed some smoothening out for me. The ending felt abrupt too but it concluded for the main characters here. Nonetheless, Coloring Scars holds promise for Tee, her plot was original and good first effort. It's more likely my struggle had to with my own preferences, I do think the potential is high others will enjoy this one.
** Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review **
I loved this book. The pace and flow of the story was really good. Red herrings were plenty and as the story moved further in I eagerly sat and could not put it down. I needed to find answers and couldn't stop until I had reached the end. Really worth a read.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review* Rating: 4 Stars Title: Collecting Scars Author: Tee Smith Author's Blurb: Asha Harper doesn't believe in happily ever afters. She left home at seventeen to start a new life for herself, to follow her dreams of becoming a nurse. For more than ten years she has not needed anyone in her life, well at least that's what she has told herself. Until she met the man with the gorgeous smile and piercing green eyes. Xavier Arnold has had his own share of trouble in his life. He is still grieving for his younger sister Maddie, who has been missing without a trace for more than six years. Will these two find love? One night walking home from work, Asha is snatched off the street and held captive by a mysterious stranger. She is forced to re-evaluate her life. Not knowing if she will ever escape to see Xavier or her family again.
Synopsis: Asha and Xavier meet under pretty normal circumstances introduced by a mutual friend at an up and coming night club where Xave slings drinks on the weekends. Asha is resistant to enter into any relationship after the emotional trauma's of her past but there's something about this guy that gets under her skin. As their paths continue to cross she realizes they might have more in common than mutual attraction. Meanwhile she is being stalked by a creepy black van that seems to be following her home from work on a nearly nightly basis. Her friends and Xave are quick to dismiss her concerns but that doesn't stop the nightmares from coming. Then she goes missing without a trace...Will Xavier find her in time to save her from the same fate as his long ago lost little sister?
Review: This story wasn't what I expected. The plot builds beautifully but it's definitely a slow burn. Asha and Xavier's romance is sweet and relatable in a way that not many romance novels can capture. You truly learn about these characters as they learn about each other. With each new progression in their relationship you uncover a little more about them and their sorted histories. Asha is a well rounded character that manages to keep her wits about her in the worst of situations, the few times she does behave uncharacteristically she is mindful that these reactions are out of her norm and she is flustered by the thought of the consequences the way anybody venturing outside of their comfort zone would be. Xave is not an alpha male hero, he's really a pretty passive guy. And like Asha the few times he steps outside of those bounds he realizes that his reactions are a bit extreme. Over all this was an interesting story filled with rich characters and a plot with a slow build that somehow didn't seem to drag at all. It is not a dark story, sure It ventures into some controversial themes, and has few moments that make you say "Oh Hell No" and "What The F***!". But Tee Smith has a way of telling it that makes it highly digestible. I'd recommend this book to readers with even the most sensitive of pallets. In fact the only complaint I can think of is that I wanted more. I wanted more of the gory details and explanations. I wanted to delve into the dark stuff and wade around in the evil a little bit...but I think that's just a personal preference because even without fulfilling my sick and twisted little curiosities, this story was captivating and enjoyable.
When just started this book I thought it was going to be a cute romance with an epic twist. What I got was something else entirely.
Asha is a girl who's been on her own for over ten years and rather likes it that way.
Xavier is a guy who's still fighting the demons of his past, even if he doesn't know all of them.
When the two of them come together it's a connection like no other. You can see right away that they belong to each other. And even though I was anticipating the big twist to come soon I never wanted anything bad to happen to them.
Tee Smith gave us a twist, however, a big one. I thought I had it figured out at one point. She gave us all the clues, and that of course should have been the warning sign. Because when the truth is revealed. It's shocking and it actually made me cry.
I did not expect to cry while reading this book. I thought, oh this is a twist, one I've seen a million times in other books. I can handle it. Wrong. I think I collected a few scars of my own whole reading.
Collecting Scars is a book about living life through the tragedy. It's a book that reminds us that life leaves scars, some are big, some are small, but they still change us.
Asha and Xavier are forced to learn how to deal with each new scar cooled without allowing it to change them.
This book went from sweet romance to borderline dark and I loved it. The writing is seamless, the flow of words connects you to the story and characters. The characters are real with real issues that can be relatable.
Overall Collecting Scars is a beautiful story and I can't wait to see what Tee throws at us next. Now that I know she's an author who can make me cry, I'll try to be more prepared.
Collecting Scars has the potential to be one of my favorite reads this year. I really enjoyed this book. Asha and Xavier are two of the best characters I have ever read about. Xavier is a very down to earth, gentleman. He has his past that has caused a couple little bumps in the road for him and he has is past that has caused mountains for him. He seems to take everything in stride and deal with it day by day. Business owner/ bartender, he is pretty darn sexy, especially whenever we get to see that dominant male figure come out in him over his Ashy-girl. Asha, to me, seems like this typical sweet mousy girl. She is one of the most nurturing people I have ever read about. There isn’t a soul that Asha wouldn’t help and try to save in some way, shape, or form. She seems to keep to herself and stay focused on her career, that is until Xave comes along and causes a little bit of chaos in her life. Who couldn’t do without a little chaos in their life, especially whenever it comes in the form of a tall, beautiful man.
Wow, what an exciting ride. Romance with Suspense is one of my favorites! Tee Smith crafted a well written book! Asha has never had time for relationships she has focused solely on her career. Enter Xavier (sigh) he is hard working, caring, good looking, and your next book boyfriend! Things look up for our couple when something unexpected happens to one of our main characters, then it's full throttle action until the last page. Outstanding Debut novel!
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Tee Smith. The characters were likeable and relatable and the storyline believable. The passion held by this author is represented well in her storytelling. I look forward to more.
I loved Collecting Scars! It was close to real life for me! Tee , you hit this one out of the park! Great job. I loved the story line. Your characters are so real. I cried and laughed and cried again. Thank you for writing a wonderful book!
Loved the characters in this book and the short chapters worked well for someone like me that reads at night and might not want to read for hours!! Great first novel , can't wait to see future books. Well done !!!
Asha Harper is committed to her job as a nurse in a cancer treatment center. She spends her days counseling patients and planning care regimens and her evenings eating unsatisfying meals and puttering around her house. Her life leans toward the mundane side. But that soon changes when she meets Xavier, a handsome bartender at a club she goes to on a Friday night with her roommate and a friend.
Their paths cross a couple more times shortly thereafter, and the attraction they have for one another grows with each encounter. It isn’t long before they give in to the pull and decide to get together. Xavier is a breath of fresh air in Asha’s stagnant life. He coaxes her to try new things and see new places. And on the flip side, she gives him the kind of comfort and peace he’s always wanted but never had due to serious issues and tragedy in his immediate family.
When an unexpected event threatens to destroy everything Asha has worked so hard for, it’s up to her to be strong and clever to save a life and get back to the one she wants to live with the man she loves.
If you like stories with realistic and relatable characters, this one is for you! I loved Asha’s caring and nurturing personality. And I also loved how Xavier showed her how to really live. They balance each other out beautifully and make a lovely couple. Tee Smith is undoubtedly a skilled writer. I’m an avid reader who tears through 3-5 books per week on average and she surprised me numerous times as the story progressed. I found the inability to predict what would happen next to be quite refreshing and can’t wait to read more of her novels. Well done!
Collecting Scars is Tee Smith's debut novel. It is the story of two characters that have their issues to work out. Life is not always the happy easy path we find in story books. Both Asha and Xavier have issues with the past that influence their present lives.
Collecting Scars is aptly named. I found the two main characters, Asha and Xavier to carry them. Xavier has to deal with his missing sister. Asha is wary of letting a man into her life. She's been independent. She's built her career and made life for herself. While the book did start out slow for me, it picked up in the second half. The story took an unexpected turn that I found intriguing. I enjoyed how the suspense and mystery was intertwined in the story. This story will keep you guessing.
I think that we have to understand that this is a debut novel for Tee Smith, and it's done well. I would have liked to see better dialogue and detail amongst the characters. At some points in the story, I found myself a little confused. However, all of that aside, it's a really good debut novel. I have to give this novel four stars for the mystery and suspense and a three for the author's craft and writing style. Over all, that's 3.5 stars. I really feel that Tee Smith is off to a great start, and I truly look forward to her new works.
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **
Asha has worked hard to make a life for herself. A life with a job that she loves, no matter how demanding it gets, great friends, and an independence that sees her not having to rely on anybody for anything, especially a man.
Xavier owns his own business and works hard at making it as successful as possible. It leaves him with very little time to pursue a relationship with any girl, but when Asha walks into his bar, he's willing to make an exception.
The relationship starts out slowly for the both of them, but one night when Asha has a nightmare about a black van that seems to be following her home from work each day, Xavier becomes more protective of her. You see, Xavier is still mourning the loss of his sister over six years ago. She disappeared without a trace, and now she is presumed dead.
What happens next will turn Xaviers and Ashas world upside down, but will it tear them apart or bring them closer together?
In her first novel, Tee Smith gives us a quick, entertaining read, with an ending that could quite possibly be the start of another story.
The story line for this story is what captured me and it was what compelled me to finish it. The writing style and sentence structure was difficult for me to like. It did make reading this story difficult, however the driving force of the storyline overshadowed that. There will definitely be people who love this writing style so I do encourage people to give it a go.
In a world full of clients who suffer terrible illnesses Asha finds light in the arms of Xavier. But what she doesn't know is he is the son of one of her patients.
Enter plot twists that kept me reading.
Collecting scars is Tee Smiths debut novel. I definitely give points for creativity and originality. I do enjoy a twisted story, something darker. While this isn't the depth of darken I truly love the element is there and it definitely perked my interest. I am looking forward to the next instalment, Maddie's story. How will Tee Smith craft and creat a story for a girl who's suffered what she has.
Collecting Scars is about life and how we have collected scars in the past - and will continue to do so in the future - but we need to still live, have hope and be open to love throughout it all. This book was interesting with many twists. The chapters are short and easy to follow with characters you will love. Xave, Trick and Polly were highlights for me - but this isn't to forget the main character Asha. I won't give away much here - but this is an enjoyable read and you will be left wanting more Do yourself a favour and grab a copy to see what it's all about! - I can't wait to read more from this new author
The two main characters are Asha and Xavier. Asha is a nurse and Xavier a bar/club owner. From the beginning, I was intrigued by the storyline and was surprised how it led you on from the start! I have to be honest and say that I really didn't know where this story was going to go, which kept my interest the whole way through.
Tee Smith has also managed to create a great supporting character list. There is certainly more to know about each and every one of them.
Things don't go quite how I expected, which is what I like most about this story and it certainly ended with me wanting more!
Wow what can I say I was totally blown away buy this book. With everything that happened in this book you can totally relate to the title of the book. Collecting Scars as this is what every character in this book had done in their short lives. It is a book that shows no ones life is perfect and that most of us have collected scars of the years. If you want an amazing read that gets to heart of things this book is a great read. Would I recommend this book YES
I really enjoyed getting to know Asha and Xavier and found myself drawn into the mystery of the story. I am looking forward to seeing how their lives improve going forward but I was content to know that they made it in the end, so to speak. Will definitely read more of Tee's work!
This was an unusual story that had me gripped all the way through. I loved the characters, especially Asha and Xavier who were the perfect couple. There were less likeable characters such as Xavier's abusive father and compliant mother. The disappearance of Maddie, Xavier's sister, five years previously had left scars on her family. There were various clues, many of them red herrings, that led to turmoil in Asha's life. I enjoyed it immensely and hated getting to the end of the book.
This book had much more potential than it delivered. The plot was decent enough, but for me the characters never fully developed. The biggest issue I had, however, was the writing style. The writing didn’t flow easily and it was definitely a detriment to the story. I also struggled with what to me, were strange word choices. I don’t want to put too much weight in it though because I am not Australian, however, there are other authors from down under who I love and have not had this issue with.
I'm giving Collecting Scars 4 and a half stars though great writing I felt for myself personally a little slow getting in to the storyline, once it did I enjoyed it i just felt it needed more punch.
It was a great read sweet, heartbreaking, loving and suspense.
I decided to read this book based solely upon Goodreads reviews regarding the surprising twist. I love suspense novels, but I am often able to guess whodunit pretty early on. This wasn't a bad effort for a first novel written by a self-published author, but to be honest there were more than a few grammatical errors and that's a huge pet peeve of mine. Also, they never actually said where the book took place aside from "the city". I believe the author is Australian, so I'm assuming that is where it took place...but she never covered that. That kindof bugs me, although I'm wondering if that's some sort of weird new trend because the last book I read was also pretty vague regarding the location. Honestly, though, I only paid 99 cents for it and that was a steal as far as I'm concerned, because even with the issues I did find with this book I couldn't put it down. I did figure out the twist, though, but I can see where it might come as a surprise to most readers. All in all, this was a pretty decent first time effort. I read on Tee Smith's Facebook page that she's working on a sequel, and I might check it out. I think she has potential.
Collecting Scars by Tee Smith is somehow the first book of the series. It talks about a local nurse, Asha Harper, who left home during her teens and lived independently, and eventually met the gorgeous green-eyed Xavier Arnold.
Knowing the plot of this book before I officially started, what I expected to read was a romantic love story of a woman who have taken love as a last resort. But, I was drawn into a story of suspense/thriller romance with a not-what-you-expected-turn-of-events.
If I were to describe this book in one word, it would be INTRIGUING. This totally will leave you with a scar on your brain while trying to figure things out. It is a story you'll never put down until you reach the last page. You'll be so eager to find out what happened because it held a good plot twist.
I may just have noticed some typos, missing letters and words, but it is just so minor, readers can just fill it in.
My review for Collecting Scars: I am giving this book 4 stars. My reason for 4 stars instead of 5 are only based on personal preference. I find it hard to read books that are written in third person. BUT, I have found books that I enjoy reading as such story.
In this particular story, it had me hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down without wondering what was going to happen with Asha and Xavier.
For a debut novel, I know how scary it can be to put your heart on the line but I take my hat off to Tee. The book had humour, suspense and romance. It is totally my kind of read!