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Scarred by Fate #1

Ritual Nightmares: Scarred by Fate Series Book One

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Kenna
Chased for years by the demon who killed my family, I find safety with the incredibly handsome but deadly reluctant ruler Logan. Will I find the strength to let down the walls I’ve built up to let him in? And as I fall for him, will I allow Logan to put his life and the life of the family I’ve chosen on the line so he can keep his promise, or will I continue running to keep them all safe.

I know what you’re going to say Demons don’t exist, but I’m here to tell you how wrong you’re are because I’ve had one chasing me since I was eleven years old. Completely on my own since that one fateful night in the woods; my family is either dead or has disowned me well, except Olivia. I run, trying to stay one step ahead of my nightmare and the endless questions when people find out who I really am. Finally, finding what I hope will offer me safety if only for a short time I make my home in a small town named Charming.

This is where I met him and the rest of the people I claim as the family I have always wanted. Logan is strong, determined, something so much more, and when he decides to help me, he makes it very difficult to refuse. Specifically, because he is drop-dead gorgeous, none of these things are helping me keep him at arm’s length, but when signs that my nightmare Mictulant is getting closer; will I choose to stay with them, possibly putting their lives at risk, or will I run? Losing the people I care about because of my nightmare once again.

431 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2021

5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Marcelle Valentine

27 books35 followers
Marcelle Valentine has long been an admirer of creating worlds in which people can get lost in. From the time when she was little, her active imagination took her on epic journeys to faraway places where troubles and friendships abound. After discovering the intriguing world of Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, which stirred up memories of all those distant places and friends, her desire to write returned. She invites you to travel with her during these journeys and get lost in a world with friends, enemies, and lovers, all firmly rooted in the supernatural realm. Marcelle is the author of the Scarred by Fate Series and the episodic series Shadow’s Moon. She lives in Ohio with her husband, has two children, three grandchildren, and one lovable, lazy Great Dane.

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5 stars
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20 (32%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
Author 11 books37 followers
December 30, 2021
More romance than paranormal

When I first started reading this book, I expected a high tension, running and hiding from a demon hell-bent on finding you type of story. While Kenna is running from a demon (and has been for 15 years) that aspect often takes the backseat to the more contemporary romance aspects of the story. The paranormal aspects are only sprinkled in at times and the tension doesn't really seem to pick up until the very end of the book (though there were a few tense points early on). Also, Kenna doesn't seem to really be trying to keep her head down and hide out (from joking with Jess right from the get go to her fast forming friendship with Wally), she acts more like an older teen than someone who's been on the run and trying to avoid detection. I would've thought that she would be better at lying about her past or giving minimal details by 26 (for example she refuses to talk about her family at all, but she could simply mention that her mother died of cancer when she was young and make up some lie about what happened to her father [ie: that he left or she never met him or that there's bad blood there] and no one would really know the difference or really question it). I wanted to like her as a character (and admittedly she did grow on me eventually) but she frustrated me at points where I wanted to reach into the book and shake her. As for Logan, I found him to be too possessive and overbearing of Kenna. I get that he was trying to come off as the brooding, sexy "bad boy with a good heart" but to me he felt more like the stereotypical dude bro frat boy who needs to learn to respect boundaries. I also don't understand why the casino aspect of Kenna's workplace was barely used (it could've just been a typical bar or nightclub without the casino and not affect the story in any way), not to mention the job application sent up some major red flags for me. Also, readers be warned that there are some assault scenes that might be triggering to some. Overall, none of this is to say that the book isn't enjoyable or that I didn't like it. It is and I did (especially since the characters elicited a strong reaction and feelings from me). It just wasn't entirely what I was expecting. If you're looking for a book with stronger paranormal or fantasy elements or if you're sex repulsed, this might not be the book for you. But, if you want more romance with only a little paranormal sprinkled in, this might be worth adding to your TBR.
Profile Image for Heather Adams.
Author 22 books106 followers
November 8, 2021
loved it!

I couldn’t wait to read this book and once I did I got everything I hoped for! Live the authors voice. Written very well. Love the heat level and even the gory parts.
Must read!
Profile Image for Melanie.
5 reviews
November 25, 2021
Book was so good! I couldn’t put it down. I actually finished it the other day just hadn’t gotten a chance to mark it. I was hooked to the storyline the entire time. Can not wait to get my hands on the second book and dive back it!!
Profile Image for Kyrhyana.
217 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2022
Je découvre avec grand plaisir cette série que j'ai trouvé par le plus grand des hasards.

En voyant la couverture, jamais je n'aurais pensé que cette série correspondait exactement à mes critères de sélections.

Je suis impatiente de la découvrir.



Profile Image for Mary Sayess.
49 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2022
Deadly or not Logan is hot 🥵 UNPUTDOWNABLE!!!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2022
The story starts with Kenna’s family being wiped out by the Demon Mictulant. Since then she has been on the run she was 11 years old. Kenna’s Father summoned the one that killed him and her younger brother. She finds a new life in Ohio and finds work in a Casino where she then meets the gorgeous Logan but is he what he seems??

A real page turner the characters and intriguing and well formed. I loved the electricity between the two of them it made it thrilling and hard to put down. Will definitely be recommending
Profile Image for M.G. Hernandez.
Author 2 books41 followers
October 1, 2022
A girl is haunted by her demons, both metaphorically and literally. She has arrived in Charming, Ohio, hoping to find solace and a new beginning after narrowly escaping death from a demon summoned by her father. But something is lurking in the woods, and she can't shake the feeling that despite her new friends, new environment, and catching the attention of Logan—the hunky casino owner—she's still being hunted, and the standoff is only a matter of time.

I like the paranormal element of this story as it elevates it is as more than just a romance. I also like how it incorporates the found family trope, as Kenna deserves one after being abandoned by her relatives when she is orphaned and alone.

I did, however, notice some pacing issues. I believe the first few chapters suffered from information dumps, which dragged the story a little, and Kenna's thoughts tend to ramble and can be repetitive, slowing the pace. Aside from that, this is a steamy and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance.
Profile Image for Farah D.
Author 14 books6 followers
July 29, 2022
Gripping

I found the story line and character development on point. Grippimg and exciting. I look forward to the books to come.
Profile Image for Tru Jackson.
23 reviews
January 31, 2024
Oh the action starts right away. I really liked
Kenna and Logan's story. There's definitely more mystery to solve with it. I'm glad its a series. The side characters are awesome. I love Kat.
Profile Image for Gary Stringer.
Author 12 books25 followers
June 24, 2022
Paranormal romance is not a genre I have read a great deal, but as a fantasy fan I have dabbled in the past, so its not completely new. Comparing Ritual Nightmares to those previous experiences of such books by mainstream authors, I found the story more engaging than most of those.

Ritual Nightmares is all told through the eyes of the mc Kenna, effectively on the run from her childhood when a demon killed her father and little brother. Kenna was consistently written and I enjoyed getting to know her. We catch up with her as she moves to a town called Charming, which, at least on the surface, lives up to the name, but underneath that, there are sinister goings on. Things of which we only scratch the surface in this first book, leaving plenty of scope to delve deeper in the rest of the series.

In terms of overall tone, I found the emphasis rather heavily weighted to the romance over the paranormal for my tastes. At times I found myself imploring the story to skip the love scene and get to the monsters.

Without wanting to get into spoilers, I need to write a bit about Kenna's paranormal romantic interest, Logan. Pretty much throughout their relationship in this book, I don't think I was seeing it in the postive light that the author seemed to trying to portray. On the contrary, I found it rather a toxic affair, at times, albeit a toxic affair that might save her life. His complete disregard for what Kenna wanted and using their chemistry to override her wishes set my teeth on edge. I've known people in relationships like that. The narrative once described Logan as Kenna's drug of choice, but I'm not sure how much 'choice' is really on display, here. That said, I think he means well, so I'm hoping the next book in the series might see some development for both of them and set their relationship on more even terms.

And yes, I do intend to read the next book, because while the above is a criticism in one sense, it's also an indication of how engaged I was with Ritual Nightmares, and as I said at the beginning, that's more than I can say for a number of mainstream offerings in this genre.
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,083 reviews83 followers
December 31, 2022
4 Awesome Stars!

Series Review
I'm so impressed by this series and I really enjoyed reading it! Was it perfect? Absolutely not. There were several times I considered putting these books down and giving up. There were several things about these characters/circumstances that really grated on my nerves and annoyed me endlessly. However! Now that I've finished the series I can't stop thinking about it; I'm sad to see the end of this story. I almost want to hold onto these characters for a little bit longer.

The Good
The author has a real gift for pulling out emotions; that was the case for me at least. I can't tell you how many times I found myself crying or laughing, smiling or growling at these books. Thats a pretty rare treat. I always enjoy books that can get me emotionally invested.

The characters were all multidimensional. They had pasts, they had history, they had good days and bad days...the author did a really good job of making these characters realistic and relatable. We also have a lot of really awesome side characters who really made they story so much more fun and interesting.

The storyline had tons of twists and turns! There was action, suspense, intrigue, and betrayal. There are layers upon layers of secrets! It was such a fun ride discovering the story along-side the characters.

The author did an awesome job with the ending. We get the HEA. We get closure. The ending was really well done.

The BAD
The first book was a pretty rough ride. After reading book one I seriously considered abandoning the series. Book one was only told from the FMC's POV so we only knew what she knew. Kenna was absolutely oblivious in book one so we were pretty oblivious as well... which meant there was a lot happening that didn't make sense. The insta-love and insta-connection between the two main characters didn't feel authentic to me...I understand now WHY it happened the way it did, but in the beginning everything felt a little off.

Kenna, despite being a good and multidimensional FMC, started off as the worst sort of TSTL female. I wanted to kick her so many times for needlessly putting herself in danger. I almost started to believe the entire series was going to consist of Logan rushing off to try and save stupid Kenna AGAIN. Thankfully this isn't a permanent trait. Despite that she is constantly trying to sacrifice her life for everyone else, which also grew to be annoying. I understand this is a key part of the story, but I don't have to like it.

What pisses me off...I'm telling you it really really pisses me off...is the last muther-effing chapter in the last g*dd@mn book. It's told from the perspective of a nameless villain who is watching them and planning a massive, horrible, abominable betrayal. Especially since it was easy to tell who that nameless person was. Especially since that person was supposed to be dead! WHY would the author do that to us?? The series is effing OVER!! Unless she plans to go back and write more about these characters that last chapter was a dirty dirty trick and it was mean!!

Regardless of my complaints I still really liked the story. I had fun reading this series and I'll probably read them again one day.

- First person, multiple POV
- M/F romance
- Angels, demons, shifters, gods
- 4.5/5 stars for storytelling and plot
- 3.5-4 stars for romance...it was so good, but sometimes so awful..I don't know!
- 4/5 Spicy stars
- Med/Fast burn
- triggers: suspected cheating, kidnapping, torture and starvation, sexual assault, attempted rape, history of SA and abuse...Murder and death of parents..I probably missed some, there are A LOT of triggers here. This series can get pretty dark.
Profile Image for Christine Schulz.
Author 10 books99 followers
January 16, 2022
The story starts out with an epic, vivid scene recounting Kenna's childhood experience, when her father summons a demon who ends up killing her family right before her eyes. It then jumps forward with Kenna as an adult many years later. She finds a job at a casino, starts making friends, and everything seems to be going swell...until it's not and the demon tracks her down to finish what he failed to do so many years ago.

I would have really liked to see more demon action throughout the story, seeing as the book started off with such a captivating retelling of what happened and why she's being hunted. However, it seemed to steer more toward the romance aspect of things and focused on the relationship between her and Logan. There was a lot of drama between friends as well, whether about her past or just every day childish joking /teasing brought on by jealousy or other emotions. It was only in the second half of the book when the demon returned and the action started to pick up. Kenna and her new friends banded together to fight off the demon that came back for her. She narrowly escapes the him, but the fight isn't over yet!
522 reviews27 followers
October 23, 2021
Fantastic, thrilling read!

Gruesome nightmares haunt Jenna of the brutal murder of her father and brother by the deamon Mictulant. And as she wakes, memories flood back and the scar on her arm is a physical reinforcement. With a new identity, she finds a new home, job and a gorgeous new boss. She knows nothing about him but he knows plenty about her!
The author has imaginatively created a fantastic fantasy story that keeps you intrigued and gripped from the start. The storyline definitely builds with each chapter, the author giving you little snippets of information to get you guessing, you know something is coming but just not what. It's great how it's literally half way through the book before the plot unfolds and the characters true identities are revealed. Great twist at the end I didn't see coming. Strongly recommend.
Profile Image for Lucas W Mayberry.
Author 3 books35 followers
August 17, 2023
As a child, Kenna witnesses her dad and brother brutally murdered by a demon. From that day she is forever on the run and doesn't stay in one place too long, fearing the demon will find her and finish her off. She doesn't let people get close to her but when she starts working at a club and meets the handsome and charismatic Logan she immediately falls for him and they start a passionate but complicated relationship. Made even more complicated when Kenna discovers who Logan and his friends really are. Then when she finds out the demon who killed her family is still out there looking for and is getting close she tries to put some distance between her and Logan so he doesn't get hurt. But it doesn't quite work out like that. This is a thrilling page turner and brilliantly written that you feel immersed in the story. I definitely recommend this to everyone whose into supernatural and romance. The only reason I gave this 5 stars instead of 4 is I reckon the chapters were too long. I feel the pace would have been improved if the chapters was split into smaller chapters with double or triple the number of chapters. It might be my own personal preference but I reckon a book with more shorter chapters is punchier.
Profile Image for Cara Silver.
Author 2 books79 followers
February 1, 2022
Amazing

Kenna runs from her past only to run right to the place where is meant to be. Even though, she fights so hard to keep her walls up, Logan has the ability to change things. She tries to leave and her past comes to find her but Logan is there to never let her go.
I don’t want to say too much. But if you like paranormal romance, I beg you to pick up this book.
Probably one of my favorites books so far this year and maybe even last year. I, not only laughed, but I cried, too. It was amazing. I absolutely fell in love with all the characters. There was so much emotion written in the pages of this book and I can’t wait to read the second one in the series.
Author 4 books12 followers
June 18, 2022
Marcelle Valentine’s Ritual Nightmares is the first book in her Scarred by Fate Series. The first book introduces us to a world of light and dark forces, and the struggle to balance the fates in between. Kenna finds herself caught between those two worlds and faces a difficult decision—will she risk it all and endanger those she’s grown to love or will she spare them the pain and run once again? Ritual Nightmares is a five-star read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and take you on a thrilling ride of mystery, suspense, passion, and romance. After an exhilarating ride, the end will leave you anxiously waiting for the next reveal. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for P.G.R. G. R.  Wright.
Author 8 books31 followers
February 19, 2022
Fantasic, gorgeous new novel

Well this is a great start to a new errotic, paranormal adventure. It hooks you in straight away with Kenna who's family have been killed by a vicious demon. She makes a new life for herself and meets her love interest Logan, sparls fly between them but is Logan what he seems? I thought the mixture of Fantasy and Romance was very well done. You have Fantasy and then about half way through Romance that could have been it's own story, then bang back to the action of Fantasy. Brilliant first book, really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Dillon Heger.
12 reviews
May 14, 2022
great fantasy romance

The author does very well to find a balance between fantasy and romance in this novel. As each chapter unfolds, more snippets of info are released to keep you guessing, and engaged. The storyline is about an 11 year old girl who goes on the run after her family is killed, she is haunted by a demon and tries to make new life for herself in a town called Charming, where she meets her love interest and boss. Sparks fly between them, but is there more to him than meets the eye? Well written with a great twist
Profile Image for Sydney Renee.
Author 13 books40 followers
November 22, 2021
Scarred by Fate is a book that will pull you in and not let you go, much like the main characters Logan & Kenna's, relationship. When starting the first chapter the reality of what has happened to Kenna's family is heartbreaking, but when she makes her way to the town of Charming, all I want is for her to have her happy ending. Unfortunately for her, there is an evil out there that doesn't want her to have happiness. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Profile Image for KC. Poitras.
Author 7 books95 followers
December 10, 2021
Great through the ending!

Wow, what a great read. From Kenna’s past to her and Logan’s rocky relationship. This story will hold you captive until the end. A cliff hanger that can only lead to Book two. Which I cannot wait to read. There is nothing left for the reader from the smallest of details, the author is thorough in her writing. A gripping tale about supernatural and love with added heartbreaking scenes to the very steamy ones. This story holds all the aspects of a wonderful novel. I would highly recommend, I will say, it’s not for those with a weak stomach.
Profile Image for Samantha Evans.
Author 7 books68 followers
December 30, 2021
First off the cover is beyond beautiful, and I was interested in it from the beginning. It was very well put together, and the plot was amazing. Kenna is such an interesting character in the story. I love this kind of genre. Always has something happening in the story, and is never boring. IN a world of demons it will always have violence, and gore around the corner. A few times I jumped out of my seat! Very well done to the author, and I cannot wait to read more.
3 reviews
June 4, 2022
A True Masterpiece From Beginning To End!!

I have so many words, yet find myself speechless at the same time. This book had me mesmerized…captivated. My heart was pounding the entire time I was reading, which took me one day because I COULD NOT put it down! I was transported into Kenna and Logan’s world. The attention to every single detail made me feel like I was there with them. I’m so invested in these characters and can’t wait to get my copy of book #2 Breaking Purgatory in the mail!
Profile Image for Fiona DeBono.
152 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2021
Amazingly addicting

I can't put into words exactly how addicting this book is, just trust me when I tell you that you will not want to put it down. I found myself not wanting to sleep simply to continue reading. Who needs sleep anyway? Lol this is a must read and you won't be disappointed!!
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
October 20, 2021
Fantastic

This is an amazing story that involves a girl who watches her famy taken out by an evil demon. Years later, she's still trying to live a life with loss and fear, familiar comrades. Meeting a man who takes her breath away, holds his own secrets. Secrets she's determined to protect at any cost.
99 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2021
Nightmares and demons.

A definite page turner; from the horror of Chapter 1 and the heroines idiot father to the cliffhangers in each chapter. The demon hunting her is surprisingly believable and the relationships realistic, plus some great surprises. Great twists and turns throughout! A must read. 
Profile Image for Pascal's scriptures.
170 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
This was a Goodread, it deserves to be televised.
The introduction when Kenna's father summoned a demon grabbed my attention and I connected with the book as someone who enjoys to read paranormal books, I doubt you can regret buying this book it is very interesting and deserves five stars ratings.
Also if you're into romance this book is for you.
Profile Image for Margaret.
97 reviews
November 10, 2021
Ritual Nightmares by Marcelle Valentine is great read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The language was simple and easy to understand. I also enjoyed the storyline and characters! There are moments of gore and beauty!

Yes, I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Debbie Hyde.
Author 31 books93 followers
November 13, 2021
awesome!

Oh my gosh! I was totally captivated by this book! I had a hard time stopping to even go to sleep. I can’t wait to read book 2! It’s one of my favorite reads and it’s not a genre I read often! I loved it!! Need more!!
52 reviews
December 30, 2021
A rocky start but an excellent story

This book was enjoyable with its well developed characters and the author’s great use of suspense, action and humor. It took a while for the book to pull me in, but once it did, it was a fun ride. A great read!
Profile Image for Siya Zenani.
3 reviews
January 16, 2022
Captured!

I am not a fiction typa girl. I love real life stories...but this book! You captured me from the first chapter to the last.
Thank you Marcelle for being bold enough to try again. Totally enjoyed this piece and will definitely follow the whole series.
Profile Image for Mr Charles.
163 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2022
I found Ritual Nightmares, an entertaining read. With interesting characters with an imaginative storyline. I particularly liked the mixture of the paranormal and romance. I look forward to reading the next instalment and have put it on my to-be-read list. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal fiction. If you like romance novels, there is plenty to keep you interested in this well-written novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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