A review by poupimali
Tracing Scars by Brandy Hynes

emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Ty and Rena’s love is not easy—it’s full of mistakes, bad choices, and brutal truths. But it’s also deep, obsessive, and worth every second.

The audiobook is narrated in duet by Avery Caris and Teddy Hamilton. Avery’s performance is breathtaking!

This is the third book in the series, and I strongly recommend reading the first two first. Otherwise, you’ll feel completely lost.

Tropes
✔ Best friend’s sister / forbidden 
✔ Tortured, obsessed hero
✔ Rebellious FMC 
✔ Mafia/secret society
✔ Only one bed
✔ Vegas marriage
✔ Touch her and ☠️
✔ He worships her

Ty has been through hell—ex-Navy SEAL, survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and the weight of too many ghosts on his shoulders. He broke my heart so many times. All I wanted was for him to find peace.
Since the beginning of the series, I saw him as the chosen one. I was waiting for his story, and I’m not disappointed.

I have to admit, though, this book isn’t my favorite. Not because of the mind-blowing, gripping plot (Brandy knows how to write a masterpiece), and definitely not because of the characters, who are carved into my heart. But I just didn’t connect with Rena. Maybe it’s her youth or her journey of self-discovery, but something didn’t click for me.
I adore Ivy (Book 1) and Celeste (Book 2) for their sassiness and strength. So, for me, Rena falls a bit behind.

To summarize and quote:
“Give me your demons. And I’ll give you mine. We can let them dance together.”

Now, I’m impatiently waiting for my Big Guy’s story.
The audiobook will be available on April 17, 2025 (still in duet, narrated by Samantha Brentmoore and Jacob Morgan).
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