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The Scarred Bullet Series #2
Cursed Frames
*This does contain mature content, explicit language, and sensitive subjects pertaining to abuse.*
*Mature audiences advised.*
He's been there to help through it all.
Every touch, every sound, and every breath.
I was starting to get better. I was starting to live again the way a normal girl should. That is until we graduated college and life got in the way.
I didn't think I would see Dem Dabbs again, at least I hoped I would soon, because now I'm falling back. I'm back into my habits. I don't think I'm strong enough, but somehow, I have.
I'm living on autopilot... until I get that hope back.
I can see him.
Will it be the same? Will we pick up where we left off?
Will his touch bring me back to normal?
Or does he need me more than I need him?
*Mature audiences advised.*
He's been there to help through it all.
Every touch, every sound, and every breath.
I was starting to get better. I was starting to live again the way a normal girl should. That is until we graduated college and life got in the way.
I didn't think I would see Dem Dabbs again, at least I hoped I would soon, because now I'm falling back. I'm back into my habits. I don't think I'm strong enough, but somehow, I have.
I'm living on autopilot... until I get that hope back.
I can see him.
Will it be the same? Will we pick up where we left off?
Will his touch bring me back to normal?
Or does he need me more than I need him?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2016
92 people want to read
About the author
Serena Kearney
10 books275 followersI am a Leo. Born August 10, living on the east coast. I self-published my first novel, PNEUMA in 2014, and I have no regrets.
One of my many indulgences is fitting in time to read. My other happy place: having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream.
I have a cat named Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I'm trying to work but is too cute for me to fight him off.
And then I have my family, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, and my ridiculous imagination.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/serenakbelieves
Hey all! I've finally started my own fan group page.
One of my many indulgences is fitting in time to read. My other happy place: having too much to write and not enough hands to type it out. Not enough brains to put the stories together fast enough. Not enough tea or coffee to keep me awake 24/7.
So, like every normal person, I have to take it one day at a time.
My cravings for sweets keep me going, any sort of cakes (especially red velvet), pies, cookies, and ice cream.
I have a cat named Bongo, who loves to get in my way when I'm trying to work but is too cute for me to fight him off.
And then I have my family, who puts up with my endless nights, my tapping of the keyboard, and my ridiculous imagination.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/serenakbelieves
Hey all! I've finally started my own fan group page.
This one is way more intimate and I have made it my goal to keep this one a lot more active than my others.
Why?
Because this group is exclusive to my releases, drafts, teasers, and much more! WAY sooner than any of my other social media.
Even get sneak peeks into my works. Maybe even get ARCs before anyone else!
So if you have reviewed and read my books, this is THE PLACE to be!
If you are interested in keeping up above everyone else, click below and join!
CLICK HERE=> https://www.facebook.com/groups/serenabookbelievers/
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 19, 2017
Cursed Frames is the second book in the Scarred Bullet series by Serena Kearney. I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
We were introduced to Willa and Dem in book one, Dazed Bullet. They had just graduated from Law School and were going their separate ways but promised to keep in touch. We had learned that Dem had been beaten by his mother but his big sister, Daze, saved him, literally, when they were kids. We also learned that Willa was incredibly shy and skittish as a result of something from her childhood. Daze alluded to an attraction between the two, although they claimed to just be best friends.
Fast forward to book two, Cursed Frames. It was told in the singular POV, Willa. It had been six months since graduation and there was a reunion of sorts at a local bar. It took them a while to get together, although, they had both pined for each other from day one. I loved that once they were together they acknowledged their feelings and ran with it without drama. There was tons of drama, but they were external conflicts, not relationship conflicts.
I loved how Kearney meshed the two worlds of Willa and Dem. The initial meeting between Ashe, Minnie, Dean, Daze and Bullet was so natural and not forced that I could easily picture that happening in real life. It also set the potential stage for more stories within the series.
I really like the development of the storyline, until it peaked. There were several issues at the end that didn't quite make sense to me and left some holes in the storyline. I loved where it was going but felt it needed to be fleshed out more.
All in all, it was an interesting and entertaining read. Dean is next and I can't wait to hear his backstory, have a front row seat to his healing and celebrate his HEA.
We were introduced to Willa and Dem in book one, Dazed Bullet. They had just graduated from Law School and were going their separate ways but promised to keep in touch. We had learned that Dem had been beaten by his mother but his big sister, Daze, saved him, literally, when they were kids. We also learned that Willa was incredibly shy and skittish as a result of something from her childhood. Daze alluded to an attraction between the two, although they claimed to just be best friends.
Fast forward to book two, Cursed Frames. It was told in the singular POV, Willa. It had been six months since graduation and there was a reunion of sorts at a local bar. It took them a while to get together, although, they had both pined for each other from day one. I loved that once they were together they acknowledged their feelings and ran with it without drama. There was tons of drama, but they were external conflicts, not relationship conflicts.
I loved how Kearney meshed the two worlds of Willa and Dem. The initial meeting between Ashe, Minnie, Dean, Daze and Bullet was so natural and not forced that I could easily picture that happening in real life. It also set the potential stage for more stories within the series.
I really like the development of the storyline, until it peaked. There were several issues at the end that didn't quite make sense to me and left some holes in the storyline. I loved where it was going but felt it needed to be fleshed out more.
All in all, it was an interesting and entertaining read. Dean is next and I can't wait to hear his backstory, have a front row seat to his healing and celebrate his HEA.
October 27, 2016
Here I thought that Daze and Bullet were filled with dark secrets, hidden pain, deep valleys of more intensity. Dem and Willa added to the intensity of the journey that I looked for in this series. Willa had scars that rivaled those of Dem and Daze. Her fears were deep and paralyzing. Dem on the other hand seemed to have moved beyond the past with the fear and hate, but that did not curb his protective instinct.
I highly recommend that you go out and get this one to read. Especially if you have read Dazed Bullet. You will get to see more of Dem and their friends. With each of the two books you see that building your own family can have better perks. There was love, loyalty, respect, and a high protective instinct. There was most certainly a deeper edge to the protective instinct.
Kearney has set up another worthy read that will have you itching to get you hand to turning pages. I find it noteworthy to mention that I am anticipating a story for each of the faithful, hang-in-there friends, Minnie, Ashe, and Dean. Their participation has given me a connection to them and I want them too to have a chance at that special something.
I will most certainly read this one again and again.
I highly recommend that you go out and get this one to read. Especially if you have read Dazed Bullet. You will get to see more of Dem and their friends. With each of the two books you see that building your own family can have better perks. There was love, loyalty, respect, and a high protective instinct. There was most certainly a deeper edge to the protective instinct.
Kearney has set up another worthy read that will have you itching to get you hand to turning pages. I find it noteworthy to mention that I am anticipating a story for each of the faithful, hang-in-there friends, Minnie, Ashe, and Dean. Their participation has given me a connection to them and I want them too to have a chance at that special something.
I will most certainly read this one again and again.
October 24, 2016
There's a fine line between love and hate and between love and obsession and no one knows that better than brother and sister, Daze and Dem Dabbs. Growing up with an abusive, and psychotic, mother left scars on both of them that made Daze leery of love and Dem protective of those who are hurt by their pasts as well. The first installment in the Scarred Bullet series saw Daze working through her demons to find HEA, but here the past comes back to haunt Dem and the quiet young woman he's loved from afar for years in a tale full of unrelenting tension that culminates in a heart pounding conclusion.
Dem was told by his mother Violet that he was a demon who was unworthy of love all throughout his childhood. Through every word and deed she let him know that he was an obstacle to her love for Daze. When the danger became all too real they left Violet behind, forming a deep bond between them that no one can put asunder. For a long time it was just the two of them but eventually the sexy and snarky Dean came into their lives and this compelling trio became a family. They've stuck together through thick and thin, and through the vindictiveness of an ex, and are slowly reaping the rewards as each of them find their HEA. From the moment Dem first saw the shy and timid Willa he felt drawn to her, could relate to the pain he saw in her eyes, and made it his mission to keep her safe. Their years of friendship soon led to more in a relationship that evolved very slowly and didn't become steamier until very late in the story. When enemies from his past put him and Willa in danger though, their journey to HEA might be over just as it got started. Dem's a truly kindhearted young man despite everything he's been through. He's loyal to his sister and Dean and would sacrifice everything for them. Meeting Willa has her joining that special group, lavishing his protection on her, as he earns her trust and respects her fears of being touched. He's gentle with her but shows his strength when it's needed most in a charming romance that I ultimately wish would've been a bit steamier.
Willa's childhood was marred by tragedy due to an abusive father. Seeing that abuse led to fears of being touched which has crippled her when it comes to living life to the fullest. Meeting Dem, and Dean, and experiencing their gentleness has slowly healed her though and given her a sense of strength to protect herself when needed. Willa always felt inferior but being with Dem brought her out of her shell, helping her to make her own friends like Minnie and Ashe who pushed her to meet her fears head-on. She and Dem are a very cute couple whose interactions teem with sexual tension. There's heartfelt talks, along with sweet kisses, that are soon put in jeopardy once his past comes back to haunt him with a trio of unexpected villains bent on spilling blood. For the most part I liked Willa. I liked seeing her gain strength and start speaking her mind, but was a bit frustrated with her response to an act committed late in the story as she forgave far too easily. I enjoyed the protective side she brought out in Dem and loved her playful interactions with Dean that took on a familial vibe. On a whole she and Dem were the kind of couple you can't help rooting for as they were likable and easy to relate to.
While this was a satisfying addition to the Scarred Bullet series it wasn't quite as emotionally intense as the previous book. Daze was truly suffering in the previous story, but in this one Dem seems to have moved on from his past. He's not carrying near the baggage that his sister was as he's carefree and fun-loving in his scenes with Dean. That doesn't make his HEA any less rewarding as this story culminated with lots of blood, suspense, and surprising reveals. Along with its appealing main couple came a cast of entertaining secondary characters with problems of their own. Siblings Minnie and Ashe came from a rough neighborhood and experienced their own crushing losses that they hide behind laughter and partying, while Dean has always felt unloved by his parents and uses his wealth to keep his friends close. He hides his pain behind alcohol and partying too and with a few intriguing insights sprinkled throughout the narrative it's his character that I'm most excited to learn more about and see find his HEA next. Add in the return of Daze and Bullet and you end up with an enthralling story full of heartwarming moments as well as an unrelenting sense of foreboding that readers will fall for from the first page to the last.
Dem was told by his mother Violet that he was a demon who was unworthy of love all throughout his childhood. Through every word and deed she let him know that he was an obstacle to her love for Daze. When the danger became all too real they left Violet behind, forming a deep bond between them that no one can put asunder. For a long time it was just the two of them but eventually the sexy and snarky Dean came into their lives and this compelling trio became a family. They've stuck together through thick and thin, and through the vindictiveness of an ex, and are slowly reaping the rewards as each of them find their HEA. From the moment Dem first saw the shy and timid Willa he felt drawn to her, could relate to the pain he saw in her eyes, and made it his mission to keep her safe. Their years of friendship soon led to more in a relationship that evolved very slowly and didn't become steamier until very late in the story. When enemies from his past put him and Willa in danger though, their journey to HEA might be over just as it got started. Dem's a truly kindhearted young man despite everything he's been through. He's loyal to his sister and Dean and would sacrifice everything for them. Meeting Willa has her joining that special group, lavishing his protection on her, as he earns her trust and respects her fears of being touched. He's gentle with her but shows his strength when it's needed most in a charming romance that I ultimately wish would've been a bit steamier.
Willa's childhood was marred by tragedy due to an abusive father. Seeing that abuse led to fears of being touched which has crippled her when it comes to living life to the fullest. Meeting Dem, and Dean, and experiencing their gentleness has slowly healed her though and given her a sense of strength to protect herself when needed. Willa always felt inferior but being with Dem brought her out of her shell, helping her to make her own friends like Minnie and Ashe who pushed her to meet her fears head-on. She and Dem are a very cute couple whose interactions teem with sexual tension. There's heartfelt talks, along with sweet kisses, that are soon put in jeopardy once his past comes back to haunt him with a trio of unexpected villains bent on spilling blood. For the most part I liked Willa. I liked seeing her gain strength and start speaking her mind, but was a bit frustrated with her response to an act committed late in the story as she forgave far too easily. I enjoyed the protective side she brought out in Dem and loved her playful interactions with Dean that took on a familial vibe. On a whole she and Dem were the kind of couple you can't help rooting for as they were likable and easy to relate to.
While this was a satisfying addition to the Scarred Bullet series it wasn't quite as emotionally intense as the previous book. Daze was truly suffering in the previous story, but in this one Dem seems to have moved on from his past. He's not carrying near the baggage that his sister was as he's carefree and fun-loving in his scenes with Dean. That doesn't make his HEA any less rewarding as this story culminated with lots of blood, suspense, and surprising reveals. Along with its appealing main couple came a cast of entertaining secondary characters with problems of their own. Siblings Minnie and Ashe came from a rough neighborhood and experienced their own crushing losses that they hide behind laughter and partying, while Dean has always felt unloved by his parents and uses his wealth to keep his friends close. He hides his pain behind alcohol and partying too and with a few intriguing insights sprinkled throughout the narrative it's his character that I'm most excited to learn more about and see find his HEA next. Add in the return of Daze and Bullet and you end up with an enthralling story full of heartwarming moments as well as an unrelenting sense of foreboding that readers will fall for from the first page to the last.
February 27, 2017
Cursed Frames
A cute sweet you off your feet romance. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were amusing. This book had me smiling, angry and close to tears. I loved the journey each of the characters took. They really made the story.
The shorter chapters were great and made for a nicely paced read.
I look forward to reading more from this group of characters.
A cute sweet you off your feet romance. I really enjoyed the story and the characters were amusing. This book had me smiling, angry and close to tears. I loved the journey each of the characters took. They really made the story.
The shorter chapters were great and made for a nicely paced read.
I look forward to reading more from this group of characters.
January 24, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Dem and Willa's story. Daze and Bullets story was carried into this book as well, and it was nice being able to continue to see what happened with them. I like how Serena creates such a deep understanding of the characters and the connection that the main characters share is very strong. Each story leaves you with a sense of a conclusion and doesn't leave you hanging. Even without a cliffhanger, these books have made me want to continue to read on because of the interest in what each characters life will entail.
This series is heart felt and well written. It pulls you in and makes you feel for the characters involved. Nothing is left out in describing the story line or characters. I like the glimpse we have into the characters lives. We see a depth to what they have gone through and what they are accomplishing trying to come back from so much hurt and pain. Minnie's and Ashe's story that was fleshed out was a great view into other characters. It made the story more cohesive knowing what was going on in their lives.
As always great job.
This series is heart felt and well written. It pulls you in and makes you feel for the characters involved. Nothing is left out in describing the story line or characters. I like the glimpse we have into the characters lives. We see a depth to what they have gone through and what they are accomplishing trying to come back from so much hurt and pain. Minnie's and Ashe's story that was fleshed out was a great view into other characters. It made the story more cohesive knowing what was going on in their lives.
As always great job.
October 26, 2016
4/5 Stars!!
Cursed Frames is the emotional and heartfelt addition to the Scarred Bullet series.
The complicated tale of Dem and Daze Dabbs continues in Cursed Frames. While it includes Daze and Dean, this really Daze and Willa's story. Willa is a bit broken. She has suffered a terrible childhood, much like Dem. Their love story builds slowly throughout the book and I enjoyed the interactions between the four of them. Dem is protective of Willa, at first as a friend, but it eventually develops into more. All these characters deserve a happily ever after and the book steers us toward that HEA.
A tale of love, loyalty, and family, this emotional tale will take you on a lovely journey!
Cursed Frames is the emotional and heartfelt addition to the Scarred Bullet series.
The complicated tale of Dem and Daze Dabbs continues in Cursed Frames. While it includes Daze and Dean, this really Daze and Willa's story. Willa is a bit broken. She has suffered a terrible childhood, much like Dem. Their love story builds slowly throughout the book and I enjoyed the interactions between the four of them. Dem is protective of Willa, at first as a friend, but it eventually develops into more. All these characters deserve a happily ever after and the book steers us toward that HEA.
A tale of love, loyalty, and family, this emotional tale will take you on a lovely journey!
May 5, 2017
Dem and Willa are first introduced at the end of Dazed Bullet. I really enjoyed their story. This was a cute romance with two people who were scared from their past and relied on each other to help get through it. This was very entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. It was well written and I loved all the characters in the story. Can't wait to read Dean's story.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
February 8, 2017
This is an interconnecting series, but they can all be read as stand alones! I love Dem and Willa, so much different from Daze and Bullet, but fell in love them just as much! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews