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A review by vrstal
Scum by K.A. Merikan
5.0
5/5 read for me.
Tropes/Elements:
- Opposites attract
- Hurt/comfort
- Age gap (10 years)
- Dark romance
- Angst
How do I say this... I feel like everyone should read this book because I liked it so much, but I also know it's not for everyone.
Merikan's writing is great in this one (though I noticed a few errors - mainly missing periods), and I am especially impressed by the difference between the POVs. Sometimes in a dual POV situation you aren't able to really tell the inner dialogue of a character apart, but in Scum you definitely do. Rosen has this dreamy, artsy, waxing poetic way of seeing the world while Shane is more direct, crude, and to the point. Even during sex scenes, you can tell the difference between them. I also felt the characterizations of Shane and Rosen felt very realistic, that they were fleshed out and nuanced in their depiction.
My favorite character is Rosen, with his naivete and bright way of seeing the world. While he did change over the book as his situation changed, I still think he held onto that Disney-Princess (as Shane puts it) quality that makes me love him dearly. Later in the book where he just felt inexplicably drawn to Shane despite the hurt felt, it felt so him and just so good. One of my favorite moments. The way he was able to care for Shane, to be vulnerable but also help him through his vulnerability, was so tender. Rosen is tender, and the excellent Persephone to Shane's Hades.
Shane was relatable and someone I absolutely felt for. He did things I don't agree with, and he did "taint" Rosen and drag him into some situations that Rosen won't be able to turn his back on, but he protected him. He cared for him, and when he fucked up, he paid for it and waited for things to mend on Rosen's terms instead of his own. That was important. This book was a lot about Shane's growth as a person and his rehabilitation being a civilian after he was in prison for so long.
The side characters were funny and Jag grew on me, enough I definitely want to read the next book in this series even if I have to wait for awhile. Dex is amusing and I'm wondering who tames the playboy in that one. I loved the epilogue and how this all came together, sincerely. It filled me with happy tears, and felt so appropriate for this couple. Life isn't perfect, but it works.
The only parts I might pick at, and maybe this is surely because of Shane's own ignorance, in that reality speaks to the fact that had he done any of his revenge plans, I think Ed Beck would not have been affected really, it would've been easy for him to cut off Rosen.
I highlighted a lot of this book because I was obsessed. Such tender quotes and words, seriously. I cried at the hurt, the tenderness, all of it. This is a book that will sit with me.
"You're my first, my only, and I love you so much."
"Me too, baby. You're the only one who ever counted."
Tropes/Elements:
- Opposites attract
- Hurt/comfort
- Age gap (10 years)
- Dark romance
- Angst
How do I say this... I feel like everyone should read this book because I liked it so much, but I also know it's not for everyone.
Merikan's writing is great in this one (though I noticed a few errors - mainly missing periods), and I am especially impressed by the difference between the POVs. Sometimes in a dual POV situation you aren't able to really tell the inner dialogue of a character apart, but in Scum you definitely do. Rosen has this dreamy, artsy, waxing poetic way of seeing the world while Shane is more direct, crude, and to the point. Even during sex scenes, you can tell the difference between them. I also felt the characterizations of Shane and Rosen felt very realistic, that they were fleshed out and nuanced in their depiction.
My favorite character is Rosen, with his naivete and bright way of seeing the world. While he did change over the book as his situation changed, I still think he held onto that Disney-Princess (as Shane puts it) quality that makes me love him dearly. Later in the book where he just felt inexplicably drawn to Shane despite the hurt felt, it felt so him and just so good. One of my favorite moments. The way he was able to care for Shane, to be vulnerable but also help him through his vulnerability, was so tender. Rosen is tender, and the excellent Persephone to Shane's Hades.
Shane was relatable and someone I absolutely felt for. He did things I don't agree with, and he did "taint" Rosen and drag him into some situations that Rosen won't be able to turn his back on, but he protected him. He cared for him, and when he fucked up, he paid for it and waited for things to mend on Rosen's terms instead of his own. That was important. This book was a lot about Shane's growth as a person and his rehabilitation being a civilian after he was in prison for so long.
The side characters were funny and Jag grew on me, enough I definitely want to read the next book in this series even if I have to wait for awhile. Dex is amusing and I'm wondering who tames the playboy in that one. I loved the epilogue and how this all came together, sincerely. It filled me with happy tears, and felt so appropriate for this couple. Life isn't perfect, but it works.
The only parts I might pick at, and maybe this is surely because of Shane's own ignorance, in that reality speaks to the fact that had he done any of his revenge plans, I think Ed Beck would not have been affected really, it would've been easy for him to cut off Rosen.
I highlighted a lot of this book because I was obsessed. Such tender quotes and words, seriously. I cried at the hurt, the tenderness, all of it. This is a book that will sit with me.
"You're my first, my only, and I love you so much."
"Me too, baby. You're the only one who ever counted."