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The Manx Cat Guardians #2

Seeing Beyond the Scars

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Living in a quiet, controlled world, Brad Cummings does everything he can to not dwell on his traumatic past. Staying hidden, unaware that fate is about to turn his life upside down. A new neighbour has Brad questioning everything about his life and his feelings. Coming to terms with his new life, Brad has no idea something sinister lurks, watching and waiting to steal his happiness and drag him back into the horrors of his past.

Martin Clegg was dissatisfied with his life, he finds himself drawn to a small island off the Irish Sea, but the draw to the mysterious house across the way is even stronger. A new business, a new house, a new neighbour who just may be the reason for the pull Martin felt. Everything about Brad calls to Martin, but Brad's past seems to stand between them. Can Martin protect his heart when he is also worried about protecting Brad from the evil that surrounds them?

Guardian cats walk this earth, there to protect—if you are fortunate enough to be blessed by the fates. Princess is one such cat. As far as Brad knows, she is his quirky little cheeky black cat.
Princess is sworn to hide her secret about her real nature. But when Brad finds himself in danger Princess breaks all the rules that govern her. Will there be consequences for her actions, only time will tell.

Warning: Seeing Beyond the Scars is only for adult readers as it contains, scenes of a sexual nature between two consenting adults.
There are no cliffhangers but it does connect to the up and coming second book in the series and does have a HEA ending.

304 pages, ebook

First published February 16, 2018

27 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

J.P. Sayle

113 books354 followers
Where does one start with about what I do?
I’m a writer, but I’m sure you guessed that by now if you’re reading this, hey? What you might not know is I’m a little quirky, live in my pj’s most of the time and have cake Saturdays with my sisters every week. I dedicate a little of my time to taking care of my grandbabies and on the dedicated writing days I like to write an eclectic mix of romance, suspense and paranormal fantasy. In the main I’ve written gay romance but I’m branching out under another the pen name in the future, so watch this space.
I’ve a passion for books like you would not believe and it led me down this path and now I’ve over 29 books released and heading towards releasing a whole lot more. The way my head is I never know where I’ll be headed next. I hope you’ll find a little joy in my words and follow me to see where the journey takes me and you.
If you’re interested at some point in 2021 I’ll be writing under the name JP Paton which will be F/M crime and Fantasy two of my favourite things. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled 


French
Par où commencer par ce que je fais?
Je suis écrivain, mais je suis sûr que vous l’avez deviné maintenant si vous lisez ceci, hein? Ce que vous ne savez peut-être pas, c'est que je suis un peu excentrique, que je vis dans mon pyjama la plupart du temps et que je prends un gâteau le samedi avec mes sœurs chaque semaine. Je consacre un peu de mon temps à m'occuper de mes petits-enfants et lors des journées consacrées à l'écriture, j'aime écrire un mélange éclectique de romance, de suspense et de fantaisie paranormale. Dans l’ensemble, j’ai écrit une romance gay, mais je vais dans le futur sous un autre nom de plume, alors surveillez cet espace.
J'ai une passion pour les livres comme vous ne le croiriez pas et cela m'a conduit dans cette voie et maintenant j'ai plus de 29 livres publiés et je me dirige vers la sortie de beaucoup plus. La façon dont ma tête est, je ne sais jamais où je vais me diriger ensuite. J'espère que vous trouverez un peu de joie dans mes paroles et que vous me suivrez pour voir où le voyage vous mène, moi et vous.
Si vous êtes intéressé à un moment donné en 2021, je vais écrire sous le nom de JP Paton qui sera le crime F / M et Fantasy deux de mes choses préférées. Assurez-vous de garder les yeux ouverts 


Spanish
¿Por dónde empezar con lo que hago?
Soy escritor, pero estoy seguro de que ya lo habrá adivinado si está leyendo esto, ¿eh? Lo que quizás no sepas es que soy un poco estrafalario, vivo en mi pijama la mayor parte del tiempo y tengo pastel los sábados con mis hermanas todas las semanas. Dedico un poco de mi tiempo a cuidar de mis nietos y en los días dedicados a la escritura, me gusta escribir una mezcla ecléctica de romance, suspenso y fantasía paranormal. En general, escribí romance gay, pero en el futuro me voy a diversificar con otro seudónimo, así que mira este espacio.
Tengo una pasión por los libros que no creerías y eso me llevó por este camino y ahora tengo más de 29 libros publicados y me dirijo a lanzar muchos más. Por la forma en que está mi cabeza, nunca sé a dónde me dirigiré a continuación. Espero que encuentres un poco de alegría en mis palabras y me sigas para ver adónde nos lleva el viaje a ti y a mí.
Si está interesado en algún momento en 2021, escribiré bajo el nombre de JP Paton, que será F / M Crime y Fantasy, dos de mis cosas favoritas. Asegúrate de mantener los ojos bien abiertos 


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5 stars
23 (31%)
4 stars
24 (33%)
3 stars
14 (19%)
2 stars
6 (8%)
1 star
5 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Racheal Celatka yunk.
145 reviews29 followers
February 18, 2018
First I would like to say, it takes alot coming into this genre as a new author! JP did a wonderful job on her very first book. It was not your typical love story between two extremely hot men, don't get me wrong, the two characters Martin and Brad most definitely raked up there in the OMG, I might need a fire extinguisher department. She also was able to twist within her story a bit of mystical magic to help.
In my opinion it was an amazing start to a series I honestly can not wait to see where she will take more of her characters.
Profile Image for jazmin.
368 reviews73 followers
January 25, 2019
I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I start to read this book haha, but I loved it!
Profile Image for Leanne Urwin.
2 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
I was pre warned the book might make me blush, but was eager to read. Once i started i couldn't put it down! The connection of the characters was electric and made you want to know what happens next. This twist and turns of the story even had me in tears at one point. And who cannot love the mystical manx cat. A story of love, manx mystery and how one person truly can change your life for ever. Cannot wait for the second one. :)
Profile Image for Don Bradshaw.
2,427 reviews107 followers
May 15, 2018
An enjoyable story but very wordy and descriptive which will pass with maturity and good editing. I liked Martin and Brad as a couple. Princess stole the show for me though.
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,794 reviews52 followers
April 3, 2018
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

For the most part, I quite enjoyed this, but there was one issue that very nearly ruined it for me.

EDITING.

This book needs a major edit. Almost every other page there were words, while spelt correctly, did not fit in the sentence. Images, when it should have said imagine. Little things, that mount up, and because of this, I very nearly dumped it. It NEEDS mentioning, because it did effect my reading pleasure.

THAT SAID!

I did enjoy it, mostly. The tale of a little cat, looking after her charge. A damaged man, and a disillusioned man, coming together. Brad is pretty much a recluse, only going out his house when he HAS to. His new neighbour and his naughty cat have him all a-dither. Martin is hit with that "MINE" moment you usually get with shifters (there are no shifters in this book!) and the attraction is instant and powerful. HOT too! But I found it a little too much, too soon, you know?? Brad is damaged, emotionally and physically, by his history, and I would have expected him to be way more skittish.

I would have liked some more of Princess, more specifically, about HER, and her sort of being and her people (for want of a better word!) We get hints and clues, but I'm left feeling like I missed something, you know?? Something important about her.

A first time author and in places, it shows. BUT!!! One to watch out for, I think. A good start, as a new author, AND as the first in a series. I'd like to follow it, maybe I'll get what I'm missing from Princess.

3 solid GOOD stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,570 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2018
A new author to the mm genre. This book has a magical quality with insta love. High on the drama. Book setting on the Isle of Man.
Profile Image for L.E..
Author 3 books10 followers
May 23, 2019
2.5 stars

I'm sad about this book. It had so much potential to be a great read but my goodness, it needed some major editing and proofreading. The writing was stilted and didn't quite flow; there was too much description which at times detracted from my enjoyment of the book. The lack of editing was very distracting.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,163 reviews46 followers
April 14, 2019
This was one of those books with so much potential but it needed an editor so badly. Way too many descriptive words, to the point I forgot WTF I was reading about in the first place, words used incorrectly and misspelled, just too much. I can see this author being very good with a little help. The story itself was a good one. I loved the guardian cat premise, I loved the MCs, I loved the drama. That said, it was hard to read.
Profile Image for Deanna.
2,761 reviews66 followers
October 12, 2018
I must keep reading this series.

Complicated and compelling story that I loved.

Manx cat, Hot sex, Fascinating characters, everything a reader wants in a story.

I have one complaint and it has to do with editing. Usually I deduct at least one star when editing errors interfere with my reading the story. I didn't this time because the story was interesting, the writing good and the errors limited. While it was just one error that repeated, it did stop the flow of my reading. That is how I judge lack of mistakes in editing. Did it stop my reading. The word "cook" was written when it should have been "cock" . Significant in an MM romance story. Obviously auto correct reader it's frustrating head (pun intended) and was not caught by the editor of Beta readers.

Still a series that intrigues me. I must keep reading it. This is a new writer for me and I am happy to have found her.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
March 5, 2019
With so much pain and trauma surrounding these men it's a wonder either of them could fully admit what they wanted and make a go of it. It was so hard to read not only because it felt very long-winded, but because of how much angst each of the characters felt. I really struggled with this one until we got to the end. I don't know how the author does it, but at the end I feel like I need more no matter how much I wasn't into most of the story. It's that conflict that's utterly confusing and yet compelling.

Martin's paranoia was confusing. Like he kept having to look over his shoulder for a stalker of some kind that was never fully explained. With the intrusive and shady neighbor I could understand it, but it was the notion that there was something in his past in the city that led to his reactions rather than just his stint in the military. And for his interest in the house across the street to rush right to an incredibly unsettling amount of lust...I just felt uncomfortable with his thoughts. I didn't feel that they were genuine, nor was any of the discovery of all that is Brad. Martin did grow in the story, but honestly it wasn't until the last maybe, 10% of the book? Most of what we get is a lot of lusty thoughts rather than anything to build an emotionally mature relationship. And the way he conducted his business with his secretary was disappointing to say the least. She was also an unnecessary complication to not just his relationship with Brad, but to the story's plot.

Brad made me ache over and over again. His drama and trauma was huge and his coping mechanisms were insufficient. I felt so bad for him and kept hoping that he would learn about himself, find his inner strength that wasn't reliant on Martin, and find ways to truly heal from his past. Discovering what he likes sexually was interesting, but without all the emotional stuff to back it up, it felt hollow rather than transformative.

As for Princess, I still have weird feelings about a cat with voyeuristic tendencies and very human reactions to physical intimacy. While I get that they're guardians and guide soulmates together, they're still very much cats even if they have a much higher level of intelligence and reasoning. I also don't know that I liked how she "handled" Brad. I was hoping for something more consistent, but it was more like watching an adolescent be in charge of Brad because she had the temperament of a cat yet thought like someone much more mature at times. I just didn't connect with her at all.

So while this review totally sounds like I didn't like the book, you'd be kinda right. But through it all I hoped for love, I hoped for resolution, I hoped for healing. The ending was almost worth the slog through all the angst and then when I finally got to the actual ending, I knew I was absolutely going to read more in the series. Confusing as freak to feel that way at the end, but there it is. The author has some kind of magic, I guess.
20 reviews
February 21, 2019
Seeing Beyond the Scars is part of the Manx Cat Guardians series. The main characters in this story are Brad Cummings and Martin Clegg. Even though this is the second book in the series, this book is the first book that the author wrote in this series. I think this book is a great start for a new author. There were some parts in the story that I felt were a little rough, or needed more of an explanation about what was happening. I enjoyed reading this book though. One thing I liked about reading this book is reading about Martin and Brad's relationship. Martin is accepting, loving, caring, and great in helping Brad to see that he has worth and more. Brad grew up in a difficult home with a lot of physical and mental abuse, but he survived and is working on to move on from his past, and with Martin he learns what it means to live and not just exist. Brad also had help from his cat, Princess who is also a Manx Cat Guardian. Princess was one of my favorite characters in this book because I think her antics were funny and adorable, and she helps Martin and Brad in different ways. I do wish that there was more of an explanation about what a Manx cat guardian is and what they do though. I also liked meeting and learning more about the secondary characters in this book. I am curious to read the next book in this series to see what Princess does next in helping her next charges. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I read this story fairly quickly because I needed to know how the story ended.
I recommend this story for you to read. I know that I will be reading the other books in this series to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,122 reviews69 followers
March 1, 2018
A first time author with this story, I thought JP Sayle did really well to capture the characters and the unique story-line with a cat,  Princess play with the fates. The sexy scenes was of the charts 🔥🔥🔥hot with scenes of domination and submission. I felt the story had too many descriptive words added in the first half of the book. This is a romance that has huge chemistry and makes Martin feel protective over Brad. With an age gap of 9 years between them it enhances the story which I loved. Brad's personality is gorgeous right down to his pink car, Daisy. lol  But hang on to your seats for a huge ending to this story.
When Brad moved into his grandmothers old place after her death with Grans manx cat named Princess for company. Princess was no ordinary cat. Brad's younger life was horrifying with abuse from his father. Now he kept to himself inside the house. There's a saying never judge a book by is cover, well this one could apply to Brad. 
Martin had moved 2 weeks ago drawn by a force to the Island he couldn't explain but now things didn't feel right. The quite cal-da-sac street but he was curious and drawn to No 3 across the road.
Profile Image for caroline wilson.
607 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2019
Slow to start but heated up towards the ending


I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
This book started slow for me and took me a while to actually get into the book but once it grasped me it was really good and I enjoyed it. This starts with Brad who has been seriously abused in his past and is struggling to over come his traumatic past to move on to better things. Princess is the Manx cat and the one who is to become Brads familiar and guardian to help him move forward. Meeting Martin he starts to find what love is. But lurking in the background is a sinister presence who is not quite finished toying with Brad.
There was a lot of sex at the beginning which I thought slowed down the storyline a little as we were still left in the dark. The ending was where the most action took place and which got the blood pumping. A good read, with great sinister characters
1,085 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2018
Rough around the edges but it's a promising start

So, I took a chance and even though the book was a little rough around the edges, stilted in some places and could use a bit more polish, I can see where this series will go and I am positive the little mistakes here and there will be corrected in the next book. And yes, I will definitely read the next one when it comes out.

The characters while a bit stereotypical, (again, time and more experience will take care of that) intrigued me enough to keep going and of course, who can resist a magical cat.

This is a promising start to what I hope is a long series.
164 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2018
I really liked this book!
It's the first book of this author and it's really a good one. She made a great work with very loveable characters.
I love the guardian! It's an original and very well used idea.
The relationship between the heros is beautiful and sexy. The alchemy between them is so hot!!! I might have burn my panties!!
The only reason I give 4 stars is because I think there is too much sex scenes in the first 50% of the book and I think it slow down the great plot.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next one!!
Profile Image for R.
2,133 reviews
April 16, 2018
Guardian, matchmaking cat, beware.

A Manx cat named Princess has been given the task of bringing two humans together. Brad hiding from the world. Martin, not hiding but solitary. Princess has her work cut out bringing these very different men together. Even though it's her job to see that they get their happy ever after, do they have to keep taking their clothes off? Very cute story about two people who are meant to be together, a little evil, a plotting feline, and very sexy times.
Profile Image for Coline Peterson.
623 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2019
When Marin settles in to his Grandmothers' house after returning from the service, his world was broken losing his paremts to a car accident, a falling out with his sister, and being injured in the line of duty had almost broken him. Slowly repairing his relationship with his sister, growing another branch of his business on the Island, he was finially healing and then he meets Brad.  What a wonderful totally unexpected treasure just waiting for him to find and together they begin to explore a relationship that will see them both beyond the scars into a love and life they deserve.
Profile Image for Fran.
1,061 reviews11 followers
September 8, 2018
Oh how I enjoyed this book.

Granted physical and mental abuse was in this book but the emotional connection btwn Martin and Brad far outweighed the parental hatred. The real not was with Princess the Manx cat 🐱 who was Brad's guardian. Being fond of cats I would do love to one as my protector. I look forward to the next story with returning guys, little Miss Princess and her own bo.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2019
Seeing Beyond the Scars is part of JP Sayle's Manx Cat Guardians series. This is the story of Brad and Martin. And the Manx Cat Guardian Princess. And I love them all!

It is a fantastic mix of funny, sweet, emotional and sexy. I love the story line and the characters are loveable, you root for them to get their HEA. This series has me hooked and I cant wait for more.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for Lea.
26 reviews
April 7, 2018
This was an ARC from a friend (thanks Jayne xx). I am about 3/4 the way through and am enjoying the characters and their back stories. The sentence structure makes it a little hard to keep up/track/concentrate in parts of teh story but overall, it's well written and not hard to become invested in what happens to the characters. Looking forward to finishing and seeing if both men get their HEA.
Profile Image for Deidre.
87 reviews
February 16, 2018
Martin and Brad start have such a pulling chemistry and Princess helps push thwm together. Once they get over their own internal issues, especially Brad, they come together with such fireworks that almost nothing can separate them. JP Sayle first book is well done
Profile Image for Alexu.
61 reviews
March 3, 2018
Loved it!!

Omg what a wonderful story! Tears, hot steamy action, many laughs, this story has it all! And Princess is magnificent :)))))
Can't wait for the next one in the series!!!!
5,704 reviews40 followers
February 11, 2019
match making cat.. need i say more. lol this was really good.. i laughed.. i aww'd.. i was happy and sad.. the feelings and emotions were real and raw.. it was all around an amazing story and i loved it
3,021 reviews46 followers
February 21, 2019
J.P. Sayle has done a great job at world building with this series. THis book is sweet, funny, romantic and sexy. I was thoroughly caught up in Brad and Martin's story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Amanda Bishop.
32 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
Really enjoyed reading Seeing Beyond the Stars. A Manx cat guardian who draws two guys together to find love.
Profile Image for Tom.
330 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2018
This was too fantastic for my liking, being a mix of reality/fantasy, and needs more editing (the "of"s that should have been "off"s and the "off"s that should have been "of"s, in particular). YMMV
Profile Image for Kirk.
358 reviews
January 26, 2023
What a solid debut from author JP Sayle. I enjoyed meeting Martin and Brad, I loved the setting of the story and it's mystical quality with the Manx cat, Princess. The chemistry between the two MC's was so good and the sex scenes were really hot. It's a great and very original story and I loved hearing more about this beautiful part of the world. Looking forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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