Recent Reads: Scarred by Emily McIntire

Scarred by Emily McIntire  

Series: Never After #2
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:  January 4, 2022

 

Format: Paperback + Audible Audiobook
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

She doesn't belong to him...she belongs to the crown.

Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan's tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face. When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it. The leader of a secret rebellion, Tristan will stop at nothing to end his brother's reign. But when Michael's new betrothed, Lady Sara Beatreaux arrives, Tristan finds himself in the middle of a new kind of war. The kind that begs the question of what's more important, the crown or the woman about to wear it.

Sara has one plan. Marry the King and eradicate the Faasa line, even at the risk of her own peril. But she never expects the Scarred Prince. He's dangerous. Forbidden. And one of the men she's been sent to kill. But the line between hatred and passion has never seemed so thin, and as secrets come to light, Sara grows unsure of whom she can trust—torn between vengeance and the villain she was never supposed to love.

Scarred is a DARK Royal Romance and a complete standalone within The Never After Series (A series of fractured fairy tales inspired by our favorite villains). It is not a retelling or fantasy. It contains subject matter which may be triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised.

Review: 

This very loose retelling of the Lion King follows Tristain (aka Scar) and Sara. Sara is put in place to end the Faasa line - they killed her father, and she is out for blood, biding her time as the king's consort and soon to be  fiancé/ queen - she is plotting. 

Tristian - always bullied, always left to himself - is also trying to take over the kingdom. The crown should be his, his brother is unstable as a ruler - leaving people to starve and die and always keeping for himself. Tristian though is also a pretty violent man, so most keep their distance from the Scarred prince. 

Sara, however, finds herself drawn to the shadow and allure of him. 

I really enjoyed this book. I know that they can be over the top "you are mine" but that is what I like about them. There were lots of 'in the shadows' moments between Sara and Tristain that were lovely for the build, their enemies to lovers ...very steamy lovers I might add, was very satisfying. 

I appreciated that Sara was the assassin, she was sneaky and determined and strong. I like strong MCs and jealous men. Since this is told in dual POV - Sara and Tristain, you see both. Tristain going insane for her, and Sara so confused about her mission versus her feelings for him.  Both falling for each other SO hard. I liked them finding out about each other through small interactions in the dark and having time to connect. I know it was cheesy at times, but the plot was quick moving and because we have both POVs it was a very quick read overall. 

I think I could have done without the final Epilogue but overall, If you like a spicy retelling this was a fun one and I enjoyed it.