So, I'm a bit late posting this review because, frankly, I'm at a loss for words. Well, you know, except for these ones. And Janice already did such a stellar job with hers for the blog, that my inferiority complex kicked in and left me quivering in the corner. So, if it's all the same to you, try not to think of this so much as my review, but more like a rambling set of probably pointless observations.

What, just like all your other reviews?

I heard that!

Ahem.

Soooo much happened in Shooting Scars, and a lot of it was stuff I really didn't want to happen, if I'm being honest. And yet, it didn't seem to lessen my enjoyment of the book because in some weird, twisted way I feel like I understand every action, every mistake, every wrong choice Ellie made. I also get the frantic desperation that was driving Camden throughout the book. The knowledge that he's crossing lines he never would have crossed before Ellie (B.E), but that he's unable not to cross now because the alternative is giving up on her - something he'll never do, no matter what.

The only person I don't understand in Shooting Scars is Javier and that's because HE'S A RAVING PSYCHO! And a sociopath, and a cold-blooded murderer, and a liar, and a cheater and...and...if I understood how his mind worked, I'd be worried. But what I do understand about him, is why Ellie is so confused. Being around any ex can be weird, but an ex with their history? Their all-consuming, grossly unhealthy intensity? And with Ellie's already rock bottom self esteem (something she'd been working so hard on in Sins & Needles!) getting another knock, well... I understand is all. Me no like! But me understand.

Me started talking like Cookie Monster.



I really don't understand all the love Javier is getting. At first, I thought people were joking... Like "Yeah, we're on Team Javier, lolz". But apparently they're deadly serious. Which is apt.

Oh, well, each to their own psycho, I guess. I'll take mine with extra nerd glasses, rock hard abs and tattoos, and less of the stabbity murder death kill.

Thanks.

I'll leave you now with a picture of my babycakes. Mr Camden - Knight in shining G.T.O - McQueen.



Lynsey out.

[b:Shooting Scars|17230559|Shooting Scars (The Artists Trilogy, #2)|Karina Halle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371224737l/17230559._SY75_.jpg|23745834]
Scars to Your Beautiful
Again, I find myself reading an author I am not familiar with. I actually enjoyed Karina Halle’s writing style and that is what made me want to continue this trilogy. I feel like I have to start out with - You MUST read Sins & Needles before you read this book. It's not even a question. So please don't try reading Shooting Scars without reading Sins & Needles first! Once again, this was a crazy ride and the characters are so much fun to read. Javier Bernal is bad! He's so very bad, but I constantly find it impossible to hate him even thought I probably should. I understand that there is a book called On Every Street that I should have read and that is all about Javier and Ellie but I have yet to purchase it. Now let’s ignore my statement and go back to Javier, shall we? He is your sexy bad influence and it is so well received. Javier in my eyes plays the dark role of Ellie’s past that collides with her present head on. I found myself feeling like he always has his own agenda and then he does the unthinkable and I think oh maybe he has a heart. Ellie is my emotional roller coaster in this series. I go from being mad at her to feeling sorry for her because she is constantly a pawn in someone’s games and it is never anything good. Now to talk about Cam who I absolutely adored. I can't say enough about him. I love him because he is real, he is crazy, he is intense, he is dark and he is genuine in his love, he's a standup guy, and wears his heart on his sleeve. He was my swoon worthy character who has wicked skills with a needle. I will be continuing this series for sure.