Under Your Scars ♥ Ariel N. Anderson ♥ Under Your Scars #1

Published September 2023 ♥ Independently Published by Ariel N. Anderson

❥ Narrated by : Joe Arden and Lee Daniels

The Silencer is a morally black psychopath who displays signs of a severe, untreated mental illness that manifests in a violent manner. Some of you may find his actions disturbing, and this book is not suitable for readers who are sensitive to such topics.

❥ Trigger Warnings : rape/sexual assault, graphic violence, drug use, graphic murder, toxic/abusive relationships, stalking, terminal illness, Stockholm syndrome, suicide, and self-harm; with themes of grief and depression. This book contains explicit sexual content, including gun play, slapping kink, and dubious consent. This is a book with adult themes and is intended for mature readers only.

“I promise, I’m the one thing in this city you never have to be afraid of.”

It’s a shame I’m already destined for Hell, because it’s not where angels belong. But I’m not going anywhere without her.

Angel

Under Your Scars has been on my radar for a bit. I was concerned that the hype wasn’t warranted, which lets face it, is the reality of booktok. I decided to finally take the plunge. I’m mostly going into this blind, which if you have been here for awhile, shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Spoilers Sweetie. As per usual, there’s likely some minor spoilers in my commentary. Jump down to my Final Thoughts if you would like to avoid them.

1. I mean, the rich parents can’t help?
2. Neil needs to take a long walk off a short pier. 
3. Wear something a little juicier. Dead. 
4. Girl. He got you this job too. 
5. … so who sent her the card with the job info? Did I imagine that? 
6. Very Dexter of Christian to be found in a pool of blood as a child. 
7. I’m supposed to believe the card for the Hellfire Lounge was just a random coincidence?
8. Well, Frank’s dead. And his buddies too. 
9. The rage. I love it. 
10. And funny. Did I just find a new favorite mmc?
11. Joe Arden is something else. 
12. Oh he knew. 
13. Horny for a billionaire. 
14. Christ is right indeed. 
15. Go steady. Dead. 
16. Wait.. Christian isn’t the Silencer? 
17. So manic. 
18. Ok but he just fucking called her Angel. 
19. Was the man Elliot?
20. All the coke references are killing me. 
21. He’s gone to kill Neil. Greasy fucking Neil. 
22. Ew. The fuck you messing with her pills for. 
23. Seriously, Joe Arden is amazing narrating The Silencer. 
24. It’s definitely open for business.
25. I missed you while you were gone. 
26. Girl, he’s the stalker. 
27. Definitely should have followed her. 
28. So very Batman, Christian. 
29. Poor Elena.
30. Stomp on that dick Kate. 
31. Oh shit. How quick on the draw is Kate?
32. They would have done it anyways. Girl’s not wrong. 
33. Who the fuck is the Executioner? 
34. Is it Elena’s dad?
35. They definitely met before !
36. I knew it.
37. Six cigarettes deep. Been there. Now tell me the details. 
38. Don’t ask me to live without you. 
39. Oh Edwin. 
40. The letter. 
41. Thanksgiving is going to be interesting. 
42. Here we go. 
43. The reason for the red mask!
44. Well shit, the fucking mom knows.
45. I’m waiting on the dad to crack. 
46. Small crack. 
47. Frank, or Elliott? Both? No. Elliott wouldn’t. 
48. The giggle. 
49. This is the Executioner for sure. 
50. Being the Executioner that’s what. 
51. Emotional Damage. 

Under Your Scars Review

Minor Spoilers

“If you’re so concerned about my humanity, Elena, then reach into my soul and find it, because I’m not sure I have any left.”

It’s possible Under Your Scars by Ariel N. Anderson is my favorite book of the year so far. It’s competing with the likes of Butcher & Blackbird, Where’s Molly & The Ritual. All of which are ultimately very different. Under Your Scars is very different again. Comparatively, as far as shades of dark go, I would say it has the most commonality with Where’s Molly. But even that comparison is a bit of a stretch.

There is no Happily Ever After here.

The biggest difference between Under Your Scars and my other faves of the year comes down to the ending. My top three are all classified as Dark. Although, in my personal opinion, Butcher & Blackbird is a comedy. All three wrap up with a nice big red bow as the characters ride off into the happily ever after sunset. Under Your Scars is a devastating tragedy with no happily ever after.

“I’m not strong enough to stay away from you. I couldn’t live with myself if someone came after you because of me.”

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was spectacular. I listened to Under Your Scars at roughly 2x speed. I understand some people find that speed ridiculous but slow talking is excruciating. Our mmc, Christian, brought to life by Joe Arden, was a million times more intense at 2x speed. His monologues and mania were incredible and the performance was amazing. I would suggest, if your brain can handle it – listen on 2x speed.

“They need to know what happens when they touch what’s mine, Elena. They’re going to convert religions, because they won’t be praying to God, they’ll be praying to me. Begging for my fucking mercy after I hunt them all down and show them the true meaning of fear.”

I really enjoyed Christian as a character, he was very batmansque. I felt as though his character was heavily inspired by Bruce Wayne and The Batman Who Laughs. And I loved every second of it. I really enjoyed Elena as well. The trauma that Christian went through, and Elena goes through is truly heartbreaking.

Underneath all the trauma and horrible things happening, Under Your Scars is a devastating and beautiful love story. In a lot of ways, it is very reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet. If you are a Dark Romance reader, the tropes and themes of Under Your Scars should be right up your alley. However, it is extremely important to know that it does not end well for Christian and Elena.

“You’re fucking insane,” I mumble, trying to find any rational thought in my brain. His left hand lightly squeezes my neck as my pulse thrums under his fingers. In my neck and my underwear. “Yes, I am,” he whispers breathlessly, grinding himself into me so I can feel his erection digging into my stomach. “And you are the object of my insanity.”

Under Your Scars Spicy Chapters

9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 36, 39, 41, 50, 52, & 56

“Because if you were really scared of me, you would fight harder. You would run when you see me. You’d scream and beg for your life, but you don’t, Elena.”

His fingers sensually trace my neck and the collar of my shirt, coming to rest along my throat like a necklace.

I want to protect her. I want to take care of her. I want her to be mine. I want her soul to belong to me as mine belongs to her, even if she doesn’t realize she holds that power over me yet.

I’m not perfect. Far from it—I am unstable. I am broken and my soul is empty. I have nothing to offer her except pain and suffering and lies.

“You’re not just some obsession I picked up out of boredom. You’re my life essence. The air in my lungs. The beating heart in my chest.”

“For Elena? I wouldn’t just start a war. I’d win it.”

“I’d offer you my heart and my soul, but you’ve had both of those from the moment we met. What more of myself do I have left to give that you don’t already possess?” I sigh wistfully. “I have my last name, if you think it’s worthy enough to follow the five letters you’ve carved into my heart.” I take a deep breath. “Elena Louise Young, my angel, my love, my life, will you marry me?”

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