So in the last several months I have seen so many mentions of this book. People getting literal tattoos of the cover which most that I’ve seen look ridiculous TBH with the red tape that doesn’t even look like what it’s supposed to be, but I digress. So many kudos and quite of “this book wrecked me” etc…

So when it became an Audio ALC on NetGalley I figured it was my sign to give it a read. Well I unfortunately had bypassed the narrator information because of all the praise so once I went to go give it a go ai saw that it was narrated by Lee Daniels and Joe Arden and ai had a crisis of faith. Let me be clear that under typical circumstances I would never willfully request or listen to a book that Mr Arden narrated. For one, I don’t find him enjoyable and never have but based on principle. However, it was my error in not reading the details so I sucked it up and finally hit play yesterday. Not only did I have to listen to him (fyi I still don’t like his narration separate from his personal stuff) it was a 19 hour read!

Well hell no, that got sped up in a hit second and was thankfully able to get it to 2x speed and still be very understandable for me this cutting the torture in half. I feel bad because Lee Daniels did a fine job with her vocals.

Now for the prose itself. How have we gotten here to 2025 and have people not be able to recognize poor writing skills and subsequently poor editing? I’m the first one to admit that I don’t have the best skills which is why I’m a read and not a writer, but I can at least recognize it.
There are so many plot holes and developmental issues it should be studied. Seriously.

I’m still waiting for how this book “broke” people. Because those claiming that call it a beautiful devastation as opposed to being triggered because of consistency with their our experiences. This isn’t beautiful, this is unbelievable fiction. Usually when there is a book that has harsh material and it ends up holding a place in people’s hearts for one it’s well written but more importantly it rings true to life even if something on the surface can seem fantastical like having the richest man in the world also be a serial killer. Far fetched for sure but the details supporting it and creating the story around it make you believe that it can happen. But that’s certainly not the case here at all.

Her we have an FMC who is really unlikable. Without giving spoilers she makes a decision about her job yet there is zero reason to keep the job. And I get that some places are really expensive to live but you can’t go and buy even a cheap prepaid cell phone? Come on.
I’m not going to break down every ridiculous plot point as I’ll be here all day writing a tome. You know just like this book that is 350 pages too long for zero reason. See, writing skills. Those with better ones or at least a better editor could have easily reduced this to a typical length (or split it into a duet) with still exacting the same story. Heck take out all the useless whining from the FMC would have reduced it a ton.

That being said, the base story, I liked. It had such potential. I didn’t mind the dark (and this is not pitch black as I’ve seen some say. It’s clear those people haven’t actually read morally black books before) and the spice was meh. Considering the shock value that was the obvious goal of the book, the spice was pretty tame. I think that’s it. It comes across that the goal the author sought was to shock rather than allowing a story to unfold naturally and thus end up being shocking. They aren’t very different things and the former never works out well.

I’m going to give an example (with bare details) that won’t ruin the story at all . MMC breaks into a pharmacy to get a bottle of prescription pills. Gets them. During that it just so happens that two other people come in to rob the place for some “hydrocodone” (umm, if they are breaking into a pharmacy for narcotics, it’s not for Vicodin for starters. Because their task who requires breaking into a safe usually on today’s day and age so they would be going for something of actual value that they could sell or take themselves. Morphine, fentanyl, or even if they wanted small time, Percocet. They may grab the Vicodin in the process but that’s not the goal, but again I digress…. Although research. Do your research to make this believable) and just so happens to see the exact same pills that the MMC was going to take, grabs them and this ensues the confrontation.

Now the MMC already had the pills in hand when he heard them enter and decided to hide to avoid a confrontation at first. The author never mentions that he placed the pills back on the shelf. Why? Because why would he. You would have simply hid with the pills. Of you give detail of why you couldn’t. Such as “I didn’t want to confront them and just let things play out so I slapped the pills back on the shelf h as not to make further sound with the pills moving around in the bottle”, something of that sort. It’s still ridiculous but at least it would make more sense. And then of course they stop at the one sleeping pill that you happened to choose and they grab the solitary bottle? Seriously? First there are several other options for the type of pill he wanted and if they for whatever reason were so popular that they both would go after it (remember the robbers where there specifically for a different drug and “just so happened to see” this other drug) there would not just be a solitary bottle on the shelf. And if for some reason it was the only bottle- SAY THAT! This isn’t the case where the read would just assume (which they would) it’s about believability.

Also in a side note, this was published in 2023 so we aren’t talking 1980’s here. There are NO orphanages in the US! You set this in fictional New Jersey and not Moldova. We don’t have big facilities filled with “orphans”. And what 4 year old can write a cogent letter to the court? Come on. You obviously don’t care about length, at least give some justification. Ok I’ll stop as I need to go get my blood pressure down.


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Dreamscape Select through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.

⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.

Okay, where do I even BEGIN?!

This book absolutely wrecked me. Like, full-on ugly crying at 2am, clutching my chest, audibly sobbing into my pillow type of emotional devastation. The final lines?? I SHRIEKED. Loudly. I’m talking dramatic movie-scene breakdown levels of heartbreak. It was that intense. And honestly? I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

Ariel Anderson, you wizard of words. You beautifully destroyed me, and I will be thanking you for it forever while simultaneously never recovering. The way this story unfolds is raw, painful, honest, and just… everything.

Trigger warnings absolutely apply—please check them before diving in—but if you can, DO IT. This is one of those books that doesn’t just make you feel. It consumes you.

Also, can we talk about Joe Arden for a second?? Because HELLO. His narration was chef’s kiss perfection. That man brings every ounce of emotion to life. Every pause, every whisper, every cracking breath—he nailed it. As always. If you listen to audiobooks, get this one. You will not regret it.

6/5 stars. Yes, I’m breaking the scale. No, I don’t care. Read it. Cry with me. Obsess over it with me. Just—experience it.

Thank you so much to Ariel N. Anderson for the opportunity to review Under Your Scars. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

ALC review
Wow. Just ah wow. I’ve read dark novels before, but nothing quite like this.... I seriously have no words that can fully express how Under Your Scars made me feel! This book didn’t just tug at my emotions it slammed into my heart, my soul, my entire being.
The depth, the rawness, the pain these characters endure it all hit me in a way I didn’t expect.
It’s a dark read, yes heavy and intense but the story, the plot, the twists, the suspense, and yes, even the spice, were all masterfully done. This isn’t just a steamy book; it’s one that makes you feel every emotion possible grief, love, anger, hope, despair, and everything in between.The characters are phenomenal! Chris, Silencer, Elena, Angel, Elliott, Bethany, Caroline, The Executioner each one was fleshed out so vividly, so painfully real.
I laughed, cried, cursed, and held my breath through their journeys. Some chapters absolutely shattered me, while others made me smile despite the darkness.
The ending was tragic, unexpected even though I knew there was no HEA. Not every story gets a fairytale, and this one reminded me of that truth in the most unforgettable way, even though I am atill in denial about the ending! Ariel N. Anderson did a great job!

And now about the audiobook.
It was phenomenal! Lee Daniels and Joe Arden did a great job!
Especially Joe! His performance is something out of this word! He allowed me to get through the most difficult parts in the story! I even felt goosebumps in some parts! It's really difficult to find a good MVA who can performe like Joe does! He is one of my favorites!
Lee also did a great job! Thanks to her performance this audiobook was AMAZING!!! Undee Your Scars is one of my top favorites this year!
Thanks to Netgalley and the Dreamscape for giving me this opportunity!

Hated the ending, even though I knew there was no HEA. But this was a wild book with twists and turns. I will read more from this author.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what to expect next but I was here for it. You will not get a HEA in this one, so if thats what you are looking for then dont pick this up. But if you want Dark, Twisted, and Disturbed...then this one is for you. Also, please check your TWs for this before reading. Lee Daniels and Joe Arden did an amazing job on this audio! Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape for the ALC!

The Silencer is a serial murderer, and Elena Young is the hero in his story, but He is the villain in hers.And this is the kind of story where the villain gets the girl, even if it kills her. I devoured this audiobook. It was dark with a jokeresque vibe, and the narrators did some immaculate voice acting that made the book even darker. Read your trigger warnings on this one. It left me wanting to binge ice cream while snuggled up with my emotional support dog. Highly recommend!

Dark. Twisted. Beautifully Broken. 🖤🔫


This book owns its darkness and doesn’t apologize for it. “The Silencer” is one of the most complex, haunted anti-heroes I’ve ever read—and Elena? She’s the light in his blood-soaked world. Their connection is visceral, messy, and unforgettable.

The writing is raw and lyrical, with just the right mix of psychological tension and aching vulnerability. It’s not for the faint of heart—this romance cuts deep, then dares you to love it anyway. A beautifully brutal ride from start to finish. 🌒🖤💔

Rating: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This was dark, intense, and tragic. The story follows a man known as The Silencer, a killer who’s racked up 50+ bodies but the moment he saves Elena Young, everything changes. What starts as a brutal, bloody journey turns into something twisted and emotional. It’s definitely not your typical romance, and the author doesn’t hold back.

The writing pulls you into the Silencer’s head, which is disturbing but fascinating. You know he’s the villain, but you can’t help wanting to understand him, maybe even root for him in some strange, conflicted way. Elena adds heart to the story, but she’s no weak damsel either. Their dynamic is intense, raw, and hard to look away from.

Joe Arden and Lee Daniels were phenomenal. Their narration brought the emotion, darkness, and tension to life so well. Joe gave the Silencer this gritty, controlled rage that truly captivated me, while Lee nailed Elena’s strength and vulnerability. The dual POV really elevated the story.

It’s definitely not for everyone. Very dark, very violent, and no traditional happy ending here, but if you’re into morally gray characters and twisted love stories, this one is definitely for you. I knocked off one star just because a few parts dragged slightly, but overall, it’s a powerful and incredibly well-performed audiobook.

Please, please check your trigger warnings. This book has them all!

4.25 Stars!

#UnderYourScars, #DarkRomance, #ArielNAnderson, #Audiobooks, #JoeArden, #LeeDaniels

'Under Your Skin' is a descent into the darkest corners of obsession—and I loved every twisted second of it. I went in blind, drawn by the promise of Joe Arden’s narration (which, by the way, was absolutely phenomenal), and I was not prepared for the ride that followed.

Christian is not just morally grey—he’s pitch black. Possessive, obsessive, unhinged... and somehow magnetic. Joe Arden embodied him with terrifying precision, right down to that deranged laugh that will haunt me for a long time. Lee Daniels also gave a fantastic performance as Elena, grounding the emotional chaos with vulnerability and strength.

This story pulls no punches. It’s raw, graphic, and at times deeply disturbing. There’s no sugar-coating, no soft landings, and definitely no happily ever after. The ending left me stunned—and days later, I still can’t stop thinking about it.

And the spice? Let’s just say… it scorches. Dark, dangerous, and absolutely addictive.

This book won’t be for everyone, and the trigger warnings should be taken seriously. But if you can handle the intensity, 'Under Your Skin' is a brutal masterpiece of dark romance and psychological obsession. Ariel N. Anderson didn’t just write a story—she carved it into my brain.

Where do I even start? 🥺

This book broke me....literally BROKE me. I typically don't cry when reading. Very few books do that, but this one did not only make me cry, it had me sobbing 😭😭😭.

The vibes in this book reminds me of Bruce Wayne/Joker. Christian Reeves is a complex MMC with emotional trauma that gets the best of him. I feel for Elena and all she goes through. The love between the two MCs is very dark. I cant stress how important it is to read the trigger warnings on this one.

The audio on this book was so FANTASTIC!!! I couldn't help but finish this one in 2 days. I loved Joe Arden as Christian. He performed him with so much emotion. I felt for Christian during this breakdowns. I couldn't help but want to tell him its going to be ok. Lee Daniels performed Elena so well. The dynamic of these narrators was so off the charts and made the audiobook a great listening experience. I HIGHLY recommend you listen to this one.

Also, this isn't a HEA book. You will cry. Thank you Netgalley for this ALC ❤️

5 ⭐️
Normally I would thank the publisher for an arc of this book. But, since I’m here sobbing, all I have to say is ouch.

I’ve heard so many good things about this audiobook because of the performance and they were all correct. Joe Arden embodies unhinged and deranged mmc’s perfectly and brings the characters to life in a way that can never be captured on paper. Lee Daniels blew me away as well and I will definitely be seeking out more books narrated by her.

As for the book itself, I was looking for a heartbreaking plot with unhinged characters and tragic backstories and that’s exactly what I got. This book is dark, but it explores mental illness in a way that I haven’t read about before.

I cried so many times throughout this book because of what the characters were feeling and going through. In a way it felt like Hunting Adeline because of how Christian and Elena navigate their trauma together.

Their love is toxic in an all-consuming type of way and it’s beautiful and tragic. Check your trigger warnings yall because this story doesn’t hold its punches and the authors note at the end will break your heart.

Thank you to the author for allowing us to go on this healing journey with you.

This book left me devastated! It is one of those books that is so good that the ending will leave you in shock., but it is so worth it!

The beginning reminded me of a Marvel type book, but the Superhero is morally gray leaning heavily to black. There will be times that you love this character and very little times that you don't. But I love dark romance, so tread lightly.

You can't go wrong with a Joe Arden narrated book. The spicy times were amazing! Both narrators did a wonderful job, especially putting you into the scene in the book. I definitely recommend listening to this book on audio.

Thank you, Dreamscape Select audio and Netgalley for the ALC of this book.

tragically heartbreakingly beautiful. I haven’t stopped crying. This is DARK, Joe Arden is, as always, perfect. He encapsulates such a dark tone so perfectly.

One thing I've gained from this is I need a HEA. My heart is destroyed.

Audibook is in duet. Narrators are fantastic and I highly recommend the audiobook.

WOW. I knew this wasn't a HEA but WOW. I still wasn't prepared for all the was going to happen at the very end! This was a great book but it was HEAVY! 5 out of 5 tho.

The emotions you felt while reading this book were so raw and you felt all the emotions with the audiobook! I'm in complete shock. This is probably the heaviest thing I've ever read and Ariel portrayed everything so perfectly. You can really tell she put her soul into this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was a great take on a dark romance with the whole secret identity and billionaire tropes intertwined. While it had a few plot twist I did feel like it was somewhat predictable though but I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. I absolutely loved the MMC. It kind of took a look into seeing how childhood trauma could manifest into adulthood and shape people into the way they are and the emotional damage they carry along and how it affects their relationships. But I and I really wasn’t a big fan of the FMC to me she wasn’t very relatable and was slightly annoying. Overall though I would still recommend it though.

Idk what to say…I was NOT expecting that ending but the book was good. I enjoyed the book and the story kept me entertained…it’s def dark and ensure you read the trigger warnings.

This book wrecked me in the best possible way. Under Your Scars is an emotionally raw, beautifully written romance that dives deep into trauma, healing, and the power of love when both people are fighting their own demons.

The characters are flawed, layered, and so real it hurts. The chemistry between them isn’t just physical—it’s built on vulnerability, trust, and the kind of brokenness that makes you feel every single page. Ariel N. Anderson doesn’t shy away from tough topics, but handles them with so much care and empathy.

And let’s talk about the audiobook—because WOW. The narrators absolutely crushed it. The performances brought so much depth and emotion to the story. You could hear the pain, the longing, the tension. It didn’t feel like listening to a book—it felt like being in it.

If you’re looking for:
💔 Angsty, emotional romance
🖤 Complex characters with real trauma
🔥 Intimate, slow-burn chemistry
🎧 And an audiobook that elevates everything

—then Under Your Scars needs to be on your radar. One of the most heartfelt and honest romances I’ve read this year. Highly recommend.

4.5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️

WELL. I can’t stop crying so that’s a thing! I KNEW going into this it wasn’t going to have a happy ending, but it gutted me so much more than I had even imagined. Christian is a billionaire CEO by day and a vigilante that goes by The Silencer by night. (Think Oliver from Green Arrow) on one of the worst nights of his life, he hears a woman screaming, and goes to save her. From the moment he sets his eyes on Elena, his world changes forever.
She also works for his company, and this is where Christian falls in love with her as well..

Their love story is beautiful, dark, tragic, and healing all at the same time.. I loved it and it broke me.

Wow, just wow. I don't even know where to begin with this one, but let me just say, this was hands down the best audiobook I've ever listened to (and I have listened to a lot of audiobooks).

Joe Arden and Lee Daniels were absolutely beyond amazing in this duet narration. They didn't just read the words, they became the characters. The emotion, the passion, their engaging delivery, it was all just phenomenal. I swear, I felt every single emotion right along with them, and I still can't get over how incredible they were as Christian and Elena. There were moments I was so captivated that I had to stop whatever I was doing and just listen. All my focus had to go to this story.

I'd been putting off listening to this because I had a feeling it would make me ugly cry, and boy did it ever. I went in completely blind, only knowing it wasn't a happily ever after, and I'm so glad I did. Just a heads up though, if you have any triggers or are sensitive to certain topics, please, please check out the content and trigger warnings beforehand. This is a dark romance with difficult topics, but man I loved it. This is a book I wish I could listen to for the first time all over again.

I don't want to spoil a single thing, so I won't say much more, except that I loved this audiobook and this story with my whole heart. If you're thinking of picking up this book, you have to experience it on audio. You won't regret it!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select, Blue Nose Publishing for an ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened and gave an honest review.