I received this book for free from Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Shooting Scars by Karina Halle Series: The Artists Trilogy #2
Published by Grand Central Publishing on August 20th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Source: Grand Central Publishing
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Sometimes the right choice can be the deadliest.
When Ellie Watt made the ultimate sacrifice for Camden McQueen, she never thought it would be easy. But walking away with her ex-lover, Javier Bernal, in order to ensure Camden’s safety has brought a whole new set of dangers. With Javier’s plans for Ellie growing more secretive by the moment, Ellie must find a way to stay ahead of the game before her past swallows her whole.
Meanwhile, Camden’s new life is short-lived. Fueled by revenge and pursued by authorities, he teams up with an unlikely partner in order to save Ellie. But as Camden toes the line between love and retribution, he realizes that in order to get back the woman he loves, he may have to lose himself in the process. He might just turn into the very man he’s hunting.
*Spoiler free for the series!*
I don’t think I could ever tire of this series. Shooting Scars is an epic sequel and an impressively satisfying follow up to Sins & Needles, which I would have thought impossible.
Sins & Needles ended on an intense note that made the wait for this sequel brutally long. It felt like I’d been holding my breath ever since, and it was an amazing relief to finally be back into this world of scams and betrayals! In the voice of both Ellie and Camden, this book is thrilling through and through. We’re thrown into an action packed chase towards trouble on Camden’s side, and a plan destined for disaster on Ellie’s. Even though Camden and Ellie aren’t together for much of this sequel – which I wrongfully thought would make the book less engaging – getting into Camden’s head is well worth it, if a little frightening. He’s such a complex character, and the first book leaves you dying to figure him out. This sequel spends time enriching his character quite a bit; we get glimpses of his capricious state of mind, making us understand more of who he really is. Karina is no doubt incredibly skilled at character building. She layers them with such authenticity that they become much more than just characters on a page, they bore into your heart!
Dangerous, yet irresistible, Javier also has a leading role in this sequel, a character we’d only heard of through ominous chatter in the first book. Even though it’s not required to follow the story, I strongly suggest you read the prequel novella, On Every Street, which goes into the relationship between Ellie and Javier in heartbreaking detail. It really makes you understand where Ellie’s head is when it comes to him, and it establishes Javier’s character from the beginning. I’m not sure if, not having read the prequel, I would have completely understood Ellie’s state of mind in this sequel in regards to her reactions towards Javier, both emotional and physical. She might have come off as a simple weak character who’s easily swayed – and in a way she is when it comes to him – but their relationship, it’s overloaded, it’s… cumbersome. I kind of love it for the mess that it is.
We venture in more treacherous waters in this book: A Mexico setting that feels real with a constant hint of danger that’s somehow thrilling the whole way through, and the drug cartel that’s getting involved with which we get a prelude of the shit storm to come. Like the first, the ending is equally distressing as it is exciting, setting the precarious road for the final book that promises to blow our whole minds off!
Charged and loaded, Shooting Scars is everything I expected and more. The Artist Trilogy has been an incredible ride so far; it’s dark, it’s edgy, and it’s deliciously hot!
5 Hot Espressos
Find my review of Sins & Needles (Book 1), here!
Find my review of On Every Street (Book 0.5), here!
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Mary @ BookSwarm
Seriously, I’ve heard such great things about this series — why haven’t I started it?!? Since this follow-up doesn’t disappoint, I think I’m going to have to dive into this dark world (LOVE those covers!!). Mexico sounds like a great setting for this book, too.
Jennifer @ Some Like It Paranormal
I’ve been really wanting to read the first book but kind of glad I waited so I don’t have a long wait between books. Didn’t realize this book was so exciting with scams and betrayals!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I loved Sins and Needles, and sooo need to pick this one up too. It sounds even more awesome than the first. Wonderful review!
Bethzaida (bookittyblog)
I need to read book 1 ASAP!!!
Lori L. Clark
I’ve had the 1st book on my Kindle for ages and really need to take a speed-reading course…Great review!
Nick @ Nick's Book Blog
I’m waiting for the last book in the trilogy to come out to start reading this one. That way the wait before starting the next book won’t be too torturous. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this sequel as much as the first book, Giselle. It sounds like it was even better than Sins & Needle. I’ll keep what you said in mind about the prequel. I think I would really like to know why Ellie behaved the way she did.
Fabulous review, Giselle!
Savannah
I think I should read this series. I have heard other rave about it as well. Thanks for the great review.
Eileen @ ***Singing and Reading in the Rain***
I’m so happy that this one did not disappoint. I’ve heard nothing but raving things about Sins & Needles, so I should really start this trilogy soon, especially after hearing what you said about the characters, they sound so well-developed and complex. I’ll also have to read On Every Street too, since it sounds like it really helps you understand Ellie a lot better 🙂 The Mexico setting is also really intriguing, especially since so much could happen in a setting like that, and now I’m curious about the ending lol.
Fantastic review, Giselle!
Lisa (Lost in Literature)
Oh! I haven’t heard of this series before. I’ll def have to check it out. Great cover! 😉
ShootingStarsMag
Sounds like a great series so far. Hope you love the third one when it’s released. I just love the titles and the covers – that alone makes me want to dive in. haha
Alba @ BookPics
Oh my god
T_T
I don’t love you right now 🙁
Giselle
Yes you do!! <3
Christina @ Christina Reads YA
This is the series that you and Kara really love, and that Christina liked, I think, but didn’t love, and as such the first book is sitting in my wishlist/check-out/watch-for area until I have made headway into the TBR and can undo the book buying ban. The Mexican setting sounds interesting, and while I don’t know who the characters in question are, they sound fascinating. Having well-developed characters is my one number pre-req for favorite books. I also like the sound of Camden’s POV – it’s always the ones that are a little different (and edgier) that you’ll remember anyway. Glad that you enjoyed the sequel and here’s to hoping you enjoy more of the series.
Amy @ Book Loving Mom
Oh man! I really need to read this series. I have the first book, I just haven’t had time!! After reading your review I totally want to say eff it and just read them. If I wasn’t behind already I probably would lol!! I need to get ahead so I can read some books I’ve been wanting to get to.
Giselle
Omg you would SO love these, Amy! I can’t wait to chat with you when you read them!
Ali
Great point in regards to On Every Street! I think everyone should read it before getting into Shooting Scars. It really does help with understanding Ellie. Great review!
Kara @ Great Imaginations
I shared this in the Harlot’s group. 😛 They will love it! You did a fab job with this review.
Giselle
Thanks, love! <3 (What's Harlot's Group? >.<)
Yodamom
Love your non spoiler review ! I can’t wait to see where these three go with this. I’m still trying to recover from the last book.
kimbacaffeinate
Dangerous setting, as good as book one..squee! Awesome review Giselle and I cannot wait to meet these characters!
Megan
Great review. I appreciate the spoiler-free review, especially for the slow pokes like me that haven’t read this series yet.
Aman
I loved this book too, Giselle! It was so electrifying! I wasn’t a fan of Camden, but his darker side has made me appreciate his character more and more. I loved the change in him, but for now, I’m still Team Javier. I can’t wait to see how it ends. Great review! 🙂
Laureen
Oh my gosh, you’re making this sound like a great series to start reading. I wonder if my local library has it… hmmm.
Kathy @ I Write, I Read, I Review
Absolutely cannot wait to read this. I loved the first book and the prequel. Very different from my normal genres of choice, but I think that (in addition to great writing and extremely memorable, complex characters facing very ‘shades of gray’ choices) is what makes this series so compelling and memorable to me.
Vivian
I haven’t heard of this series, but from what you’re saying, I should def try it out. Sounds interesting. Great review!
Vivian
I haven’t heard of this series, but from what you’re saying, I should def try it out. Sounds interesting. I’ll add it to the list! Great review!
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter)
So happy to see this! I’m reading this right now and loving it … I love that it was so easy to dive into the book without really remembering what happened in the last book and having it all come back to me. Karina is great!