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Sailor's Grave #3
Scarred
TRAUMA HAS A WAY OF LEAVING ITS MARK.
It took years to do it, but I can finally look in a mirror
and 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 him
and take the leap to move in with a 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.
It took years to do it, but I can finally look in a mirror
and 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 him
and take the leap to move in with a 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.
Unknown Binding
First published October 8, 2019
211 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Drew Elyse
14 books597 followersDrew Elyse spends her days trying to convince the world that she is, in fact, a princess and writing tear-jerking and sexy romance novels. Her titles include the Savage Disciples MC and Sailor’s Grave series.
When she isn't writing, she can usually be found pouring over books with a pot of tea beside her, obsessively building her Disney collections, binge watching her favorite shows, or baking all manner of unhealthy things.
She lives outside her hometown of Chicago with her husband and their fur babies, Luna and Duncan.
When she isn't writing, she can usually be found pouring over books with a pot of tea beside her, obsessively building her Disney collections, binge watching her favorite shows, or baking all manner of unhealthy things.
She lives outside her hometown of Chicago with her husband and their fur babies, Luna and Duncan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 27, 2022
4.5 stars
This one packs an emotional punch with its character driven romance and slow burn. While it's the third in a series, it does standalone and I had no issues following along despite not having read the others. Side characters clearly had prior books between the author's other series, but it just made me curious about their books.
Scarred starts with Gwen (h) meeting someone for a blind date and it taking a really awful turn because the guy's an ass and judges her for a facial scar she has. I loved Gwen and how she had reached a better place with the physical scars on her body, even if she was sometimes sad with how others reacted to her. She does have a job she loves though as a volunteer coordinator for an animal clinic and caring best friends. Her job is how she first meets Parker (H) when he comes into adopt a cat and she learns that he's a tattooist who she happens to be scheduled with as he's an expert in tattooing scar tissue. Park's reserved and quiet and still waters run deep, but he's also kind and feels an immediate attraction and interest in Gwen. The story is written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins.
The progression of Gwen and Park's relationship was slow from strangers to roommates to friends to lovers and I was here for the development. They start getting to know each other during her tattoo sessions and when Park learns that she needs a new apartment because of an uncomfortable situation with her roommate's new boyfriend, he offers her the extra room in his. Both have histories that are difficult to open up about so as they navigate their new roommate situation, they acknowledge there are topics that are off limits in learning each other. Gwen is able to be more vulnerable with him though and share how she got the scars.
Both, of course, end up wanting more with each other, but don't want to make the other uncomfortable. On top of that, Park deals with feelings of not being good enough and closing himself off from deep connections because of his traumatic past, which gets hinted at throughout. Steaminess is in the second half of the book and these two are combustible. However, Gwen starts wanting to really know Park as she continues bumping into his walls. I loved that she has a great conversation with her BFF about how it was ok to need to know more about his past, if that was what she needed in the relationship. Knowing that if he couldn't give her that, then she'd have to decide if a relationship would continue to work. Of course, once the full extent comes out, the poison of the past feels like it could poison their future.
I loved the side characters between Park's co-workers at the tattoo shop and their extended friend group as well as Gwen's best friends. There was a true found family aspect to this book and I imagine it's in the other series as well. Another star of the book was Thaddeus, Park's cat, because cute animal friends are the best.
When the climax hits is when the book also smacks you in the face with the feels the hardest. I was frustrated with how each of them reacted in the moment, but Gwen doesn't give up on Park and the book does end with a HFN with an epilogue a year later. It's clear they'll be in their HEA, but I did wish for maybe a second epilogue scene a bit further out showing that. Still, with all these two had been through, their romance was slow and sweet and I was smiling at the end. I'll definitely be looking up other books by the author.
Trigger warnings:
This one packs an emotional punch with its character driven romance and slow burn. While it's the third in a series, it does standalone and I had no issues following along despite not having read the others. Side characters clearly had prior books between the author's other series, but it just made me curious about their books.
Scarred starts with Gwen (h) meeting someone for a blind date and it taking a really awful turn because the guy's an ass and judges her for a facial scar she has. I loved Gwen and how she had reached a better place with the physical scars on her body, even if she was sometimes sad with how others reacted to her. She does have a job she loves though as a volunteer coordinator for an animal clinic and caring best friends. Her job is how she first meets Parker (H) when he comes into adopt a cat and she learns that he's a tattooist who she happens to be scheduled with as he's an expert in tattooing scar tissue. Park's reserved and quiet and still waters run deep, but he's also kind and feels an immediate attraction and interest in Gwen. The story is written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins.
The progression of Gwen and Park's relationship was slow from strangers to roommates to friends to lovers and I was here for the development. They start getting to know each other during her tattoo sessions and when Park learns that she needs a new apartment because of an uncomfortable situation with her roommate's new boyfriend, he offers her the extra room in his. Both have histories that are difficult to open up about so as they navigate their new roommate situation, they acknowledge there are topics that are off limits in learning each other. Gwen is able to be more vulnerable with him though and share how she got the scars.
Both, of course, end up wanting more with each other, but don't want to make the other uncomfortable. On top of that, Park deals with feelings of not being good enough and closing himself off from deep connections because of his traumatic past, which gets hinted at throughout. Steaminess is in the second half of the book and these two are combustible. However, Gwen starts wanting to really know Park as she continues bumping into his walls. I loved that she has a great conversation with her BFF about how it was ok to need to know more about his past, if that was what she needed in the relationship. Knowing that if he couldn't give her that, then she'd have to decide if a relationship would continue to work. Of course, once the full extent comes out, the poison of the past feels like it could poison their future.
I loved the side characters between Park's co-workers at the tattoo shop and their extended friend group as well as Gwen's best friends. There was a true found family aspect to this book and I imagine it's in the other series as well. Another star of the book was Thaddeus, Park's cat, because cute animal friends are the best.
When the climax hits is when the book also smacks you in the face with the feels the hardest. I was frustrated with how each of them reacted in the moment, but Gwen doesn't give up on Park and the book does end with a HFN with an epilogue a year later. It's clear they'll be in their HEA, but I did wish for maybe a second epilogue scene a bit further out showing that. Still, with all these two had been through, their romance was slow and sweet and I was smiling at the end. I'll definitely be looking up other books by the author.
Trigger warnings:
February 1, 2025
This was such a cute read!!! The mmc was so obsessed with the fmc, and I loved both of their growth and how they interacted with each other. They seemed to actually communicate and bond and grow closer together, instead of existing on pure sexual tension!!! A quick, easy, romantic read 🥰
October 9, 2019
This is for sure my favorite in the Sailors Grave series! I have been looking forward to getting a peek inside the head and heart of the mysterious Parker, and he does not disappoint.
There is a slow buildup of the relationship between Park and Gwen, it’s beautiful and sweet but when they finally come together boy do those fireworks explode!! The chemistry between them is hot, hot, hot!! They are both battling some serious past demons though (hers on the outside, his within) so their HEA doesn’t come without some struggles. Watching both of them grow and become stronger because of this relationship was really amazing.
Thaddeus and Jess deserve a huge shout out for adding just the right amount of comic relief! I also loved the few Disciples cameos we got in this book.
Overall the story was engaging and I was completely invested in Gwen and Parker as a couple.
There is a slow buildup of the relationship between Park and Gwen, it’s beautiful and sweet but when they finally come together boy do those fireworks explode!! The chemistry between them is hot, hot, hot!! They are both battling some serious past demons though (hers on the outside, his within) so their HEA doesn’t come without some struggles. Watching both of them grow and become stronger because of this relationship was really amazing.
Thaddeus and Jess deserve a huge shout out for adding just the right amount of comic relief! I also loved the few Disciples cameos we got in this book.
Overall the story was engaging and I was completely invested in Gwen and Parker as a couple.
October 13, 2019
I’ve decided that Drew Elyse is one of those authors that just blows my mind with how good she is. Every time I read a new book of hers I’m always so impressed by the emotion she puts on the page. At the way she manages to make me fall in love with each of these couples and get so invested in their story. She writes truly deep and multi-layered characters. Gwen and Park are no different. They both have their own trauma from their pasts they are still working through in their present. But I just love they way they heal and help each other. And the way that they ultimately complete each other.
I can’t say enough great things about this book, and it’s the same for every Drew Elyse book I’ve read. I highly recommend this one and can’t wait to get my hands on what she has in store for us next.
October 8, 2019
***5 Stars***
After finishing Inked I was all about getting to know Park a whole lot better and I got everything I could have ever wanted! This was all kinds of slow burn goodness that was sweet, smexy, funny and was filled with a lot of heart.
I adored Park and Gwen. Both of them have lived through their own personal hell’s as kids and have come out stronger for it. But they went in opposite directions. Park loves hard, but keeps even those he calls his own at arm’s length, while Gwen is more open with those she calls her own. But when these two collide, they become so much more. The attraction is instant, but with all that they’ve been through it takes them both time to finally take the plunge, but when they do it’s all kinds of explosive! As much as I loved Park, I was totally #TeamGwen, it was hard not to be, but in the end, I loved seeing how happy they were together.
And then there is Thaddeus. Yes. Thaddeus gets his own shout out, not only because he has one of my favorite names, but because of the fact that he had me grinning like a fool and melted my heart in more ways than one.
This was such a great read. It is a character driven romance and we really got to delve into what made both Park and Gwen tick as well as watch them evolve as the book progressed. I loved catching up with the Sailor’s Grave crew ~ Jess is just as vivacious as ever ~ and hanging out with Savage Disciples MC as well. And while I am sad that this is the last book in the Sailor’s Grave series, I’m more than happy that we won’t be leaving this world for good and will be heading back in to check out what kind of crazy the next generation will be getting up to!
~ Copy provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions & voluntarily reviewed ~
After finishing Inked I was all about getting to know Park a whole lot better and I got everything I could have ever wanted! This was all kinds of slow burn goodness that was sweet, smexy, funny and was filled with a lot of heart.
I adored Park and Gwen. Both of them have lived through their own personal hell’s as kids and have come out stronger for it. But they went in opposite directions. Park loves hard, but keeps even those he calls his own at arm’s length, while Gwen is more open with those she calls her own. But when these two collide, they become so much more. The attraction is instant, but with all that they’ve been through it takes them both time to finally take the plunge, but when they do it’s all kinds of explosive! As much as I loved Park, I was totally #TeamGwen, it was hard not to be, but in the end, I loved seeing how happy they were together.
And then there is Thaddeus. Yes. Thaddeus gets his own shout out, not only because he has one of my favorite names, but because of the fact that he had me grinning like a fool and melted my heart in more ways than one.
This was such a great read. It is a character driven romance and we really got to delve into what made both Park and Gwen tick as well as watch them evolve as the book progressed. I loved catching up with the Sailor’s Grave crew ~ Jess is just as vivacious as ever ~ and hanging out with Savage Disciples MC as well. And while I am sad that this is the last book in the Sailor’s Grave series, I’m more than happy that we won’t be leaving this world for good and will be heading back in to check out what kind of crazy the next generation will be getting up to!
~ Copy provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions & voluntarily reviewed ~
October 18, 2019
3.5 to 4
Heartbreaking read. So sad what happens to children in this world. I enjoyed the read. Not a great deal of action or drama. Slow paced. There were some grammatical errors too.
Enjoyed will read the next
Heartbreaking read. So sad what happens to children in this world. I enjoyed the read. Not a great deal of action or drama. Slow paced. There were some grammatical errors too.
Enjoyed will read the next
March 1, 2025
★★★. Based on reviews, I expected more. I liked it thought because it had no unnecessary drama. Both characters have been through it and I love how they heal with each other and alone.
Will be reading more of this author.
Will be reading more of this author.
October 7, 2019
There is no denying that Drew Eylse knows how to write a great book that showcases the pettiness of human behaviour and the best of human behaviour. This book showcases both wonderfully!
The world is made up of beautiful people or so we are lead to believe but if like Gwen you have a scar on your face then people can be cruel. After being set up on a blind date that goes horrible wrong after the guy sees her face Gwen decides love isn't in the cards for her; the problem is not helped by her roommate from college who has got herself a new boyfriend who takes great delight in making her life a misery.
Her one delight is her work at the animal sanctuary which she loves and is lucky to have found a great friend in Caroline and her husband Steve.
Quite Parker; tattoo artist at the Sailors Grave did not have the best start in live forced on the streets at 15 living by dumpsters and begging for food if it wasn't for Carson the founder of Sailors Grave who knows if Parker would be alive today!
Parker decides its time to get a cat and ends up at the sanctuary where he meets Gwen - all he sees is the sweetness of Gwen not the scar - when it turns out that Gwen is booked into the Sailors Grave with him no less for a large tattoo to cover her other scars it would appear fate has stepped in.
But Parkers internal scars run deeper than any that Gwen has - can Gwen convince Parker they are meant to be together!
I loved book 1 and 2 in this series but book 3 'Scarred' just has that extra something that makes this more fav of all of them!
If you haven't read the Cross over series The Disciples' Daughters - I would recommend it!
The world is made up of beautiful people or so we are lead to believe but if like Gwen you have a scar on your face then people can be cruel. After being set up on a blind date that goes horrible wrong after the guy sees her face Gwen decides love isn't in the cards for her; the problem is not helped by her roommate from college who has got herself a new boyfriend who takes great delight in making her life a misery.
Her one delight is her work at the animal sanctuary which she loves and is lucky to have found a great friend in Caroline and her husband Steve.
Quite Parker; tattoo artist at the Sailors Grave did not have the best start in live forced on the streets at 15 living by dumpsters and begging for food if it wasn't for Carson the founder of Sailors Grave who knows if Parker would be alive today!
Parker decides its time to get a cat and ends up at the sanctuary where he meets Gwen - all he sees is the sweetness of Gwen not the scar - when it turns out that Gwen is booked into the Sailors Grave with him no less for a large tattoo to cover her other scars it would appear fate has stepped in.
But Parkers internal scars run deeper than any that Gwen has - can Gwen convince Parker they are meant to be together!
I loved book 1 and 2 in this series but book 3 'Scarred' just has that extra something that makes this more fav of all of them!
If you haven't read the Cross over series The Disciples' Daughters - I would recommend it!
October 10, 2019
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 fair and honest review is voluntary.
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 fair and honest review is voluntary.
October 10, 2019
Scarred by Drew Elyse is book three in her SG Series. Every book is about another couple and can easily be read as a stand-alone. Yes, there are a few cross-overs and for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are Marked and Inked.
Scarred is Gwen and Parker's heart-wrenching story.
Both characters are through a lot and karma wasn't always kind to them. Both carry scars, visible and invisible.
Gwen found her calling in working at an animal shelter, Parker his profession as a sought after tattoo artist.
While Parker is a great artist with a waiting list a mile long, he isn't much of a talker.
After Gwen's last blind date ended in disaster, again - she's sworn off relationships for now.
Both meet at friends and without knowing each other, she's his client to be.
Parker is intrigued by Gwen, he can't get her out of his head and he wants to now her.
Scarred is a beautiful second chance story , set in a great storyline and with great characters I easily connected with. Scarred is the most raw and gritty book in the series. I read and loved Marked and Inked, but Scarred has a special place in my bookloving heart. 5 Stars.
Scarred is Gwen and Parker's heart-wrenching story.
Both characters are through a lot and karma wasn't always kind to them. Both carry scars, visible and invisible.
Gwen found her calling in working at an animal shelter, Parker his profession as a sought after tattoo artist.
While Parker is a great artist with a waiting list a mile long, he isn't much of a talker.
After Gwen's last blind date ended in disaster, again - she's sworn off relationships for now.
Both meet at friends and without knowing each other, she's his client to be.
Parker is intrigued by Gwen, he can't get her out of his head and he wants to now her.
Scarred is a beautiful second chance story , set in a great storyline and with great characters I easily connected with. Scarred is the most raw and gritty book in the series. I read and loved Marked and Inked, but Scarred has a special place in my bookloving heart. 5 Stars.
October 8, 2019
Scarred is the 3rd and final book in the Sailor’s Grave series, Elyse has had me hooked from the very beginning leaving the best till last.
Park is the secret keeper, never sharing anything about his past; He played a huge role in helping Jess heal but finding his own HEA is not something he sees for himself. Gwen has scars and not just the ones that are on the surface, when Park helps Gwen see the beauty on the surface and inside she starts to break down Park’s walls; the ones he has been using to keep everyone out.
Elyse has yet again delivered; her writing is solid and the story seamless between the 2 characters with ease making the book flow. The moment Scarred hit my kindle I knew I couldn’t start until I had no interruptions or reasons to stop reading.
I cannot wait to read more from Elyse in the future, she has certainly become a one click author for me.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Park is the secret keeper, never sharing anything about his past; He played a huge role in helping Jess heal but finding his own HEA is not something he sees for himself. Gwen has scars and not just the ones that are on the surface, when Park helps Gwen see the beauty on the surface and inside she starts to break down Park’s walls; the ones he has been using to keep everyone out.
Elyse has yet again delivered; her writing is solid and the story seamless between the 2 characters with ease making the book flow. The moment Scarred hit my kindle I knew I couldn’t start until I had no interruptions or reasons to stop reading.
I cannot wait to read more from Elyse in the future, she has certainly become a one click author for me.
**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
October 17, 2019
Park has interested me all along in the Sailor’s Grave world. The fact that he was so secretive, with good reason, peaked my interest from the start. To put him with our scarred beauty was just phenomenal. This author is so on point.
August 27, 2021
Scarred (Sailor’s Grave #3) by Drew Elyse Review ♡
4.5✨
2🌶
I really enjoyed this book!! It is very lighthearted and a fun read. I loved how it was short but not too short and had such a good storyline. Parker and Gwen were so perfect for each other and I just loved them together! I love an mc romance but sometimes you just crave a story that is on the shorter side but still amazing and this was definitely that!!
They were so cute and I loved how we got a glimpse into their future together aka having a family and getting married. I also loved how he was so sweet and protective with her but such an alpha male when with others. I loved how feisty she was but also such a kind and sweet person. I also loved the chemistry they had and the sexual tension. He just fell in love with her so quickly and could not get enough of her! I loved how she grew stronger in herself and grew as a person.
This is the first book in the Sailor’s Grave series and I can’t wait to read the rest!! This was just so amazing! Everyone check out the Sailor’s Grave series if you like anything MC or tattooed alpha males
4.5✨
2🌶
I really enjoyed this book!! It is very lighthearted and a fun read. I loved how it was short but not too short and had such a good storyline. Parker and Gwen were so perfect for each other and I just loved them together! I love an mc romance but sometimes you just crave a story that is on the shorter side but still amazing and this was definitely that!!
They were so cute and I loved how we got a glimpse into their future together aka having a family and getting married. I also loved how he was so sweet and protective with her but such an alpha male when with others. I loved how feisty she was but also such a kind and sweet person. I also loved the chemistry they had and the sexual tension. He just fell in love with her so quickly and could not get enough of her! I loved how she grew stronger in herself and grew as a person.
This is the first book in the Sailor’s Grave series and I can’t wait to read the rest!! This was just so amazing! Everyone check out the Sailor’s Grave series if you like anything MC or tattooed alpha males
March 9, 2020
Only Skin Deep
Parker is a tattoo artist at Sailors Grave. He was brought in by Carson the original owner and put through lessons because of his graffiti. Carson tracked him down and gave him a chance which he excelled at. He decided now that he had roots to adopt a cat. He went to a no kill shelter where he met Gwen. He being an artist who specializes in scar cover ups was able to look past hers and see how beautiful she is.
Parker is a tattoo artist at Sailors Grave. He was brought in by Carson the original owner and put through lessons because of his graffiti. Carson tracked him down and gave him a chance which he excelled at. He decided now that he had roots to adopt a cat. He went to a no kill shelter where he met Gwen. He being an artist who specializes in scar cover ups was able to look past hers and see how beautiful she is.
October 13, 2022
On the fence
I have been really excited to read Park's story but I wasn't really feeling it as I thought I would when I started to. I'll say I 'm on the fence with this read. It started off alright, dragged a bit after then towards the end, the big reveal for Parker and how it was resolved wasn't what I was expecting and I wasn't feeling it anymore. I'm sure this is just me as this series has great reviews so all I can say is it was an ok read.
I have been really excited to read Park's story but I wasn't really feeling it as I thought I would when I started to. I'll say I 'm on the fence with this read. It started off alright, dragged a bit after then towards the end, the big reveal for Parker and how it was resolved wasn't what I was expecting and I wasn't feeling it anymore. I'm sure this is just me as this series has great reviews so all I can say is it was an ok read.
July 12, 2023
STRONG~SCARRED~SURVIVORS
“Scarred” by Drew Elyse tells the story of two survivors dealing with internal and external damage and who keep healing.
Even though both Gwen and Parker could’ve complained about the absolutely shitty cards life dealt them, they didn’t. Parker had a more difficult time accepting love, he relented and realized his scars could too be overlooked.
Gwen loved herself and didn’t give up on finding someone who would see past her scars. Parker tells her,“I can see them, but they aren’t what I see when I look at you because you glow so fucking bright it’s blinding.”
This is the first book I read in the series (#4) and while I could tell there was a backstory of the supporting characters in previous books, it didn’t take away from this story as a standalone.
And Thaddeus, such a normal, pain in the ass cat, made me smile!
I appreciated that the author didn’t feel the need to detail EVERY sex scene. Lately, I’m over books that have 4-8 pages (or more) every time they engage in anything sexual. So, thank you.
Lastly, TRIGGER WARNING! It takes a lot to bother me with descriptions of past abuse. THIS ONE CAME CLOSE. So checkout trigger info in the book description.
If you’re in the mood for a well-written, emotional (but not too angsty), sexy read with an awesome cat, this is for you!
“Scarred” by Drew Elyse tells the story of two survivors dealing with internal and external damage and who keep healing.
Even though both Gwen and Parker could’ve complained about the absolutely shitty cards life dealt them, they didn’t. Parker had a more difficult time accepting love, he relented and realized his scars could too be overlooked.
Gwen loved herself and didn’t give up on finding someone who would see past her scars. Parker tells her,“I can see them, but they aren’t what I see when I look at you because you glow so fucking bright it’s blinding.”
This is the first book I read in the series (#4) and while I could tell there was a backstory of the supporting characters in previous books, it didn’t take away from this story as a standalone.
And Thaddeus, such a normal, pain in the ass cat, made me smile!
I appreciated that the author didn’t feel the need to detail EVERY sex scene. Lately, I’m over books that have 4-8 pages (or more) every time they engage in anything sexual. So, thank you.
Lastly, TRIGGER WARNING! It takes a lot to bother me with descriptions of past abuse. THIS ONE CAME CLOSE. So checkout trigger info in the book description.
If you’re in the mood for a well-written, emotional (but not too angsty), sexy read with an awesome cat, this is for you!
July 6, 2025
I was really really into this book at the start. Like I really liked both the fmc and mmc. However, even though it was a short book, it dragged cause the mmc wouldn’t tell the fmc about his past and she was upset and frustrated. Idk but it just seemed like a lot of attention on that. I did finish this book in like less than 8 hours soooooo
June 30, 2020
I loved this book.
The characters and their story lines worked. I fell in love with both main characters. It really was about family and the trials of love. Great book by a great author.
The characters and their story lines worked. I fell in love with both main characters. It really was about family and the trials of love. Great book by a great author.
August 26, 2020
Well then!
Best of the three Sailor's Grave. Series. The need for acceptance and family was given good examples. Characters were realistic.
Best of the three Sailor's Grave. Series. The need for acceptance and family was given good examples. Characters were realistic.
June 13, 2022
3.5 Slow burn but overall I liked it and would read another from this series / author
August 1, 2023
Amazing wonderfully beautiful love story. Was so good. This book is one of my most favorites. Loved it. 💞🌟📚🔥💞🌟🔥🔥🌟🌟💞📚💞🌟🔥📚🌟
April 18, 2024
Some awkward phrasing, some distracting typos and a bit over the top toward the end, but much better than I expected. Short and sweet with a bit of spice.
September 16, 2021
What can I say, I love broken and scarred characters.
Gwen was strong but not always confident, there was no way I wasn't going to fall for Park and his damage!
Gwen was strong but not always confident, there was no way I wasn't going to fall for Park and his damage!
March 15, 2020
I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for a review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.
This review should have been up months ago and I mean months. But life likes to change a lot. Anyway, I thought it was time to share my thoughts on the last book in this trio. I’ve really enjoyed the series so far, so I was really looking forward to falling more into this world, and Scarred didn’t disappoint me.
Scarred by Drew Elyse follows Parker and Gwen as they find each other and try and overcome the many hurdles in both of their lives. Parker, we’ve met before. He has been working in Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor for a little while now, but he has always been in the shadows, while Gwen is new to us readers. When Parker goes to the animal shelter that Gwen works at sparks fly, throw in that Parker is giving Gwen a tattoo, things are heating up. And then he offers his spare room to Gwen and the rest is history. But they both have demons, and sometimes those are hard to leave.
Parker was seriously such a great male protagonist. I was already intrigued by him from previous books, so it was really great being inside his head in this one. Parker has had a lot of things going on in his life and the reader doesn’t know the start of it, but as the novel goes on and Gwen gets to know him, so do we. His demons not only take over the way that he thinks about life but the way that he thinks about himself. And that was really hard to read at times. Parker’s character arc was fantastic, the reader is really able to see him grow throughout the novel and really come to understand him.
Gwen was also a fantastic protagonist. She was fierce and strong and I just loved getting to know her. She had something about her that just made me connect with her straight away. It was fantastic. Like Parker, Gwen has a lot of demons and it was great seeing her break this down and fight them. I loved seeing Gwen grow throughout Scarred. I loved seeing her become this strong, independent woman who truly starts to understand and know herself. Gwen was so easy to get along with and it made reading the novel so much easier.
The romance in Scarred was so good. I adored Parker and Gwen together so much. While at the start Gwen and Parker seem quite different from one another as the novel goes on, the reader gets to see that they are pretty perfect for one another. They just seem to fit. Parker is able to break Parker down and gets him to talk about his feeling and about this past. While Parker is able to help Gwen realise that she is okay. They were just so great for one another.
There was a lot going on in Scarred, but everything worked together so nicely. It wasn’t really any outside things that wreaked havoc, but more of the internal between Parker and Gwen. Sometimes it’s nice not having so many things happening in a novel where everything goes to shit. It was “nice” seeing it was just human mistakes. Or more human guilt and hurt.
Scarred rounds up the Sailors Grave trilogy and can I just say I loved this series so much. It was emotional as hell, but it was also so beautiful. Marked and Inked were both such good reads and I loved getting to know everyone in the parlor. We also got to see some old faces from Drew Elyse’s previous series and that just made everything more perfect.
Overall, I loved reading Scarred by Drew Elyse. It was emotional and beautiful all at the same time. Parker and Gwen were fantastic protagonists that really took me on the ride with them. They caught my heart and didn’t let go. I was cheering for them the whole way. Scarred explores what it means to be a family and be loved. But also letting go of your past, because sometimes it’s holding you back. If you are looking for some emotional books, that will also put a smile on your face, pick this series up for sure.
This review should have been up months ago and I mean months. But life likes to change a lot. Anyway, I thought it was time to share my thoughts on the last book in this trio. I’ve really enjoyed the series so far, so I was really looking forward to falling more into this world, and Scarred didn’t disappoint me.
Scarred by Drew Elyse follows Parker and Gwen as they find each other and try and overcome the many hurdles in both of their lives. Parker, we’ve met before. He has been working in Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor for a little while now, but he has always been in the shadows, while Gwen is new to us readers. When Parker goes to the animal shelter that Gwen works at sparks fly, throw in that Parker is giving Gwen a tattoo, things are heating up. And then he offers his spare room to Gwen and the rest is history. But they both have demons, and sometimes those are hard to leave.
Parker was seriously such a great male protagonist. I was already intrigued by him from previous books, so it was really great being inside his head in this one. Parker has had a lot of things going on in his life and the reader doesn’t know the start of it, but as the novel goes on and Gwen gets to know him, so do we. His demons not only take over the way that he thinks about life but the way that he thinks about himself. And that was really hard to read at times. Parker’s character arc was fantastic, the reader is really able to see him grow throughout the novel and really come to understand him.
Gwen was also a fantastic protagonist. She was fierce and strong and I just loved getting to know her. She had something about her that just made me connect with her straight away. It was fantastic. Like Parker, Gwen has a lot of demons and it was great seeing her break this down and fight them. I loved seeing Gwen grow throughout Scarred. I loved seeing her become this strong, independent woman who truly starts to understand and know herself. Gwen was so easy to get along with and it made reading the novel so much easier.
The romance in Scarred was so good. I adored Parker and Gwen together so much. While at the start Gwen and Parker seem quite different from one another as the novel goes on, the reader gets to see that they are pretty perfect for one another. They just seem to fit. Parker is able to break Parker down and gets him to talk about his feeling and about this past. While Parker is able to help Gwen realise that she is okay. They were just so great for one another.
There was a lot going on in Scarred, but everything worked together so nicely. It wasn’t really any outside things that wreaked havoc, but more of the internal between Parker and Gwen. Sometimes it’s nice not having so many things happening in a novel where everything goes to shit. It was “nice” seeing it was just human mistakes. Or more human guilt and hurt.
Scarred rounds up the Sailors Grave trilogy and can I just say I loved this series so much. It was emotional as hell, but it was also so beautiful. Marked and Inked were both such good reads and I loved getting to know everyone in the parlor. We also got to see some old faces from Drew Elyse’s previous series and that just made everything more perfect.
Overall, I loved reading Scarred by Drew Elyse. It was emotional and beautiful all at the same time. Parker and Gwen were fantastic protagonists that really took me on the ride with them. They caught my heart and didn’t let go. I was cheering for them the whole way. Scarred explores what it means to be a family and be loved. But also letting go of your past, because sometimes it’s holding you back. If you are looking for some emotional books, that will also put a smile on your face, pick this series up for sure.
January 15, 2020
Better then 5 stars . Loved it ❤️ series was so good . Must read
January 11, 2020
Gut wrenchingly Amazing
Park and Gwen prove that love conquers all. Gwen scares Park's inner demons away while he proves that scars do not take away from one's beauty. Sometimes they just add character and weed out the assholes who think that outter beauty is more important than the beauty of someone's heart. Drew has out done herself with this series.
Park and Gwen prove that love conquers all. Gwen scares Park's inner demons away while he proves that scars do not take away from one's beauty. Sometimes they just add character and weed out the assholes who think that outter beauty is more important than the beauty of someone's heart. Drew has out done herself with this series.
January 7, 2020
This was a great addition to the Sailor's Grave series. Parker has always been an enigma, so it was interesting (and sad) to get his story. The romance between the H and h was very sweet and I loved them together. If you love slow romances, then this is a great read.
..... I will say that I am sooooooooooo excited about the next generation series! Emmy's story and Jax's daughter are what I'm looking forward to most!
..... I will say that I am sooooooooooo excited about the next generation series! Emmy's story and Jax's daughter are what I'm looking forward to most!
October 11, 2019
Loved Park &Gwen’s story!
So, this is my very first book by Drew Elyse, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it.
I loved Gwen, she was strong, and always did her best to keep her head high, even during the most humiliating and hurtful situations.
Parker was amazing as well, &he was just SO perfect for Gwen. There couldn’t have been anyone that would’ve been a better fit as a couple, and Drew did a wonderful job convincing her readers of that fact.
Scarred switches on and off between Gwen & Park’s POV, and I really loved that. Especially because Park was a quiet soul, especially because of the fact that he was dealing with his own demons.
The story starts off with Gwen, who is out on a blind date with a man that her best friend set her up with. After her date shows up late, the moment he sees her, he becomes very standoffish, and rude. He excuses himself from the table to use the bathroom, and Gwen decides to do the same while she waits. It isn’t long before she catches him on the phone complaining to her best friends husband for setting him up with Gwen.
Gwen has endured serious trauma in her life, and it left its mark in the way of a giant scar that stretches from her face, down her side, and down her back. Her scar has caused her anxiety, because she sees the stares, and she is treated very differently because of it. She decides that she wants to get a tattoo to help cover the scar on her back, and reaches out to Sailor’s Grave Tattoo.
Park is a tattoo artist for Sailor’s Grave Tattoo, and he is extremely talented, and is the man that Gwen has commissioned to do her tattoo,
Park also has endured trauma in his life. While his isn’t visible, it lies dormant in his mind, where he has kept it under lock and key.
Gwen and Park end up meeting, and that is when the world changes for the both of them.
There are ups and downs, working through trauma, learning and growth, and so much more that happens when these two come together. &I definitely recommend their story as a great read.
My only issue with this book is that there were a lot of misspellings and some issues with grammar. I kept finding myself trying to fill in spots with what I assumed was the correct word, or missing/misspelled word. It seemed that it was at its worst in the middle section of the story. The beginning wasn’t too bad, and as you moved towards the end, it seemed as if the issues cleared up again.
While I did feel a little bit frustrated at certain parts, because every now and then I would be a little confused as to what was meant to be said, it wasn’t so awful that I would’ve stopped reading the story.
I do think that Gwen and Park’s story was wonderful, and even with the issues that I listed above, I don’t think it should deter you from picking it up if you are intrigued by the blurb. I just wanted to include it, so readers would know what to expect. I probably will also give some of Drew Elyse’s other books a try as well!
So, this is my very first book by Drew Elyse, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it.
I loved Gwen, she was strong, and always did her best to keep her head high, even during the most humiliating and hurtful situations.
Parker was amazing as well, &he was just SO perfect for Gwen. There couldn’t have been anyone that would’ve been a better fit as a couple, and Drew did a wonderful job convincing her readers of that fact.
Scarred switches on and off between Gwen & Park’s POV, and I really loved that. Especially because Park was a quiet soul, especially because of the fact that he was dealing with his own demons.
The story starts off with Gwen, who is out on a blind date with a man that her best friend set her up with. After her date shows up late, the moment he sees her, he becomes very standoffish, and rude. He excuses himself from the table to use the bathroom, and Gwen decides to do the same while she waits. It isn’t long before she catches him on the phone complaining to her best friends husband for setting him up with Gwen.
Gwen has endured serious trauma in her life, and it left its mark in the way of a giant scar that stretches from her face, down her side, and down her back. Her scar has caused her anxiety, because she sees the stares, and she is treated very differently because of it. She decides that she wants to get a tattoo to help cover the scar on her back, and reaches out to Sailor’s Grave Tattoo.
Park is a tattoo artist for Sailor’s Grave Tattoo, and he is extremely talented, and is the man that Gwen has commissioned to do her tattoo,
Park also has endured trauma in his life. While his isn’t visible, it lies dormant in his mind, where he has kept it under lock and key.
Gwen and Park end up meeting, and that is when the world changes for the both of them.
There are ups and downs, working through trauma, learning and growth, and so much more that happens when these two come together. &I definitely recommend their story as a great read.
My only issue with this book is that there were a lot of misspellings and some issues with grammar. I kept finding myself trying to fill in spots with what I assumed was the correct word, or missing/misspelled word. It seemed that it was at its worst in the middle section of the story. The beginning wasn’t too bad, and as you moved towards the end, it seemed as if the issues cleared up again.
While I did feel a little bit frustrated at certain parts, because every now and then I would be a little confused as to what was meant to be said, it wasn’t so awful that I would’ve stopped reading the story.
I do think that Gwen and Park’s story was wonderful, and even with the issues that I listed above, I don’t think it should deter you from picking it up if you are intrigued by the blurb. I just wanted to include it, so readers would know what to expect. I probably will also give some of Drew Elyse’s other books a try as well!
October 13, 2019
Parker is a very quiet soul, but they say that still waters run deep, and that was never more true in Parker's case. Luckily, Scarred is told in dual POVs, so I got a look into his soul with his inner monologue, because he has big demons attached. Gwen has serious demons too, inside & out, and yet, she was absolutely the best choice for Parker, however, not going to lie, it was a slow buildup, but that was perfect because it gave this story a very realistic feel to it. They have big chemistry, and it won't be denied forever, so when they do act on it, fireworks everywhere threatening to burn anything & everything near them. And even though they were perfect for each other from the get go, that doesn't mean there weren't struggles & bumps in the road, because they did face quite a bit of adversity. However, that only made them closer once they faced things head on. Their journey helped make both stronger, and that's the kind of story that makes me weak at the knees, because life isn't always beautiful, but getting past hurdles without breaking is a thing of beauty in my opinion. So, I really encourage EVERYONE one click this powerful story ASAP, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
October 13, 2019
I have loved this series from Drew Elyse and I'm sad to say goodbye to it but looking forward to what she is going to bring us next.
This series features around the Sailors Grave tattoo parlour that is linked with the Savage Disciples. It was lovely to see some of my favourite faces again.
Reading through the previous books in this series I have seriously intrigued with the mysterious Park. He is the quiet and brooding type who only lets a select few in. When he meets Gwen at the animal sanctuary the chemistry between them is simmering and building up to a beautiful explosion.
With both Gwen and Park battling some demons from their pasts its not going to be a smooth ride but Gwen will not let Park stew and leave, she pushes him and what results is something strong and ever-lasting.
This story has everything, it made me laugh with some of the banter and light relief from Thad and Jess, but it also broke my heart and put it back together again.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author and Inkslinger
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
This series features around the Sailors Grave tattoo parlour that is linked with the Savage Disciples. It was lovely to see some of my favourite faces again.
Reading through the previous books in this series I have seriously intrigued with the mysterious Park. He is the quiet and brooding type who only lets a select few in. When he meets Gwen at the animal sanctuary the chemistry between them is simmering and building up to a beautiful explosion.
With both Gwen and Park battling some demons from their pasts its not going to be a smooth ride but Gwen will not let Park stew and leave, she pushes him and what results is something strong and ever-lasting.
This story has everything, it made me laugh with some of the banter and light relief from Thad and Jess, but it also broke my heart and put it back together again.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author and Inkslinger
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
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