Long Live the Villain King

WARNING: May contain spoilers!

Emily McIntire’s “Scarred” is a deliciously dark, Lion King–inspired fantasy romance that takes the bones of a familiar tale and twists them into something far more brutal, passionate, and unhinged.

The story follows Sara Beatreaux, daughter of a murdered duke, sent to marry King Michael of Faasa as part of a political arrangement. What Michael doesn’t know is Sara has her own plans—plans to burn his family to the ground. But Sara’s vengeance is complicated when she collides with Tristan, the scarred and cunning younger brother, a man whispered about in rumors and feared by all. He’s manipulative, dangerous, magnetic. And Sara can’t seem to resist him, no matter how much she should.

What I loved:

Tristan’s character: Emily McIntire nailed the Scar inspiration. He’s ruthless, bitter, and cruel, but never magically “healed” by love. He stays messy and morally gray, yet still captivating. His sharp edges made him both terrifying and irresistible.

The romance: This is forbidden, enemies-to-lovers, slow burn turned scorching obsession. The chemistry was off the charts, the banter crackled and their twisted push-and-pull made the story addictive. Sara wasn’t a flawless heroine, but she wasn’t weak either—she matched Tristan’s darkness in surprising ways.

The plot and atmosphere: Though set in 1910, it reads like a fantasy-tinged dark romance, with court intrigue, revenge schemes, betrayal, and political games driving the story forward. It was fast-paced, dramatic, and a little unhinged in the best way.

What didn’t fully work for me:
Sara could have used a bit more depth. Her motivations were clear, but I wanted to know her beyond her revenge and her romance. And while the spice was written well and felt natural, at times it overshadowed the slower burn tension that made the relationship shine.

Still, the ending wrapped up beautifully, giving us both fiery destruction and a satisfying conclusion. This isn’t a sweet romance, it’s violent, messy, and morally dark. But if you’re someone who cheers for the villain, “Scarred” will make you want to burn kingdoms down right alongside him.