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Pretty Scars Kindle Edition
Then, in a single night, a song played by a mysterious and secretive musician carries her back to a past ripe with possibilities, when love could open any door. Who is this anonymous performer? How can a man she’s never met tell such a precise story of a boy she loved?
She needs to know. But sometimes masks exist for a reason, and this unveiling could scar them both.
----
This book is a standalone.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Amazing writing, an engaging plot, breathtaking twists and a captivating romance made this book one hell of a fantastic read." --The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog
"This story was absolutely beautiful and exquisitely delivered." --Naughty Mom Story Time
"If you're looking for a story to tug on your heart-strings... this is it." --Natalie The Biblioholic
"Intoxicating tale of love set amongst dreadful violence and fiefdom politics it's jaw dropping good!" --BookBistroBlog
"Freaking CD Reiss has done it again..." --A BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog
"Carrie Drazen's story is one that will have your heart rejoicing yet breaking into pieces all at the same time." --Readingtilthebreakofdawn
"This book was phenomenal from beginning to end." -- Rhonda, Goodreads Reviewer
"Pretty Scars is a superb addition to the trials, tribulations and triumphs in the Drazen family world. Bravo!" --Kindle Friends Forever
"This story is full of twists, turns, surprises, jaw-dropping reveals, hard cries, laughs, sighs, and it will renew your faith in true love in the real world. I cannot wait to read more by CD Reiss." --Wasted Life Books & Romance
"Omg...if you love books with high angst levels, painful pasts, sketchy futures and a second chance romance that will have your heart in your throat; then this is your next book." --MSquaredBookBlog
"Without a doubt Pretty Scars is a 5 star read quickly finding itself on my Unforgettable Reads shelf..." --Books 2 Blog
"Fans of CD Reiss will inhale Carrie's story and new readers will easily be able to enjoy this novel as a standalone whilst having their interest piqued about other books in the Drazen world." --Jx PinkLady Reviews
"Poignant and full of all the emotions, this book will haunt you. Do not miss this story!" --As You Wish Reviews
"If you haven't read Christine D Reiss's books yet, you're missing out on haunting, evocative language. I LOVED her Submission series. I started reading Pretty Scars this weekend and found myself back in that emotional landscape where the words pulled me into inner realms where I felt like I was part of the story. That's what great writing does." -- Julia Kent
"It's incredible.I love CD Reiss's ability to tell a story. This one is twisted and unexpected and beautiful. It sets a new bar for storytelling and I loved every page of it. Six Stars!" -- Alessandra Torre
"Pretty Scars is a symphony of love and secrets, a melody of chances and choices--this story will lull you with beauty and sear you with feeling. And you'll be as obsessed with beautiful, conflicted Gabriel as I am. Five scarred stars!" -- Sierra Simone
Product details
- ASIN : B07ST52JRQ
- Publication date : June 4, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 1.7 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 297 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #583,291 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #10,104 in New Adult & College Romance (Kindle Store)
- #13,311 in New Adult & College Romance (Books)
- #45,735 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

CD Reiss is a Brooklyn native and has the accent to prove it. She earned a master’s degree in cinematic writing from USC, and though she ultimately failed to have one line of dialog put on film, she stayed in Los Angeles out of spite.
Since screenwriting was going nowhere, she switched to novels and has released over two dozen titles since, including two New York Times Bestsellers and a handful of USA Today bestsellers. Her audiobooks have won APA Audie Awards and Earphones Awards.
She resides in Hollywood in a house that’s just big enough for her two children, two cats, her long-suffering husband and her massive ego.
To find out when her next book is coming out, or get updates about her cats, sign up for her newsletter at cdreiss-dot-com.
A list of content warnings for all her books can be found at cdreiss[dot]com[slash]books[slash]trigger-warnings
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's clever storytelling that unfolds in two time periods, featuring a love story with a fascinating twist. Moreover, the writing is masterfully crafted, with well-developed characters and an achingly beautiful narrative. Additionally, the book has a dark tone, and one customer notes how music plays a significant role in the story.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers praise the book's engaging narrative, particularly noting how it is cleverly told in two time periods and features a love story with a fascinating twist.
"...It isn't perfect, but it is well written with a plot that moves from past to present. It takes you on a journey of love and hope and second chances...." Read more
"Let me begin by saying that I loved this storyline, the story and character development, the characters themselves, the way everything was fully..." Read more
"...This story was original in that it had unexpected turns, and the ending was believable...." Read more
"...Their story is filled with passion, pathos, and pain but it is more than a love story...." Read more
Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as beautifully heartbreaking, with one customer noting how love and music help heal the pain.
"...This book is dark, not in a Mafia way but in a soul searching way. I appreciate that the author has extreme talent to produce this work...." Read more
"...better than the previous and “Pretty Scars” is an emotional roller coaster of incredible highs, bottomless lows, unending spins and zigzag curves..." Read more
"...When I read this line, my chest ached. Pretty Scars had emotion in spades, highs and lows...." Read more
"...Her writing is smart, and emotional, and she is so detail-oriented you can't help but reread to make sure you haven't missed anything...." Read more
Customers find the book achingly beautiful, with one customer noting how true love transcends physical appearance, while another appreciates the perfect portrayal of a sexy musician.
"...crescendo, I wonder how she does it so flawlessly yet painfully and beautifully. "There are notes that go together...." Read more
"...I could almost here Gabriel playing for Carrie. They were a sweet and adorable couple and the bad guys were oh so bad and detestable...." Read more
"...you want to swirl around on your tongue as you savor each rich, dark, nuance. It’s romantic, it’s suspenseful, and it is thrilling...." Read more
"...This book crazy, beautiful, brilliant, and you should read it!" Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing the author as a master craftsman, with one customer noting that the prose sings like a lark.
"...It isn't perfect, but it is well written with a plot that moves from past to present. It takes you on a journey of love and hope and second chances...." Read more
"...I appreciate that the author has extreme talent to produce this work...." Read more
"...Reiss is a master craftsman of a writer and her prose sings like a lark. Five gold stars." Read more
"...amazing story that will have you in falling in love with every superbly written word...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting the highly empathetic characters.
"...loved this storyline, the story and character development, the characters themselves, the way everything was fully addressed, and almost everything..." Read more
"...The characters and plot are so compelling that I was pulled into the story, rooting for the lovers but sometimes yelling at them for allowing..." Read more
"...Both Carrie and Gabriel are highly empathetic characters...." Read more
"I really, really enjoyed this book, very well written. Characters story are well developed, all the feels for this story." Read more
Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book.
"...This book is dark, not in a Mafia way but in a soul searching way. I appreciate that the author has extreme talent to produce this work...." Read more
"...that you want to swirl around on your tongue as you savor each rich, dark, nuance. It’s romantic, it’s suspenseful, and it is thrilling...." Read more
"I loved this book. A little dark, mysterious and full of true love. Most people can only wish to love like the protagonist in this book." Read more
Customers appreciate the music in the book, with one describing it as perfectly orchestrated.
"...Love and music help heal the pain. This book was a symphony that you won’t ever want to put down." Read more
"Perfectly "Orchestrated"..." Read more
"Music to my ears..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2019Every single time I read a CD Reiss book, I'm reminded of the way she weaves characters lives together in such an intricate way. From the way lovers, music and family all convene into one messy crescendo, I wonder how she does it so flawlessly yet painfully and beautifully.
"There are notes that go together. Play them alone and they're fine, but play them together and it makes music. No matter the instrument or what part of the world you're in, they're linked by a chord. That's us. We were waiting for the moment the world put us together. I can't unhear us now."
Carrie Drazen's story is one that will have your heart rejoicing yet breaking into pieces all at the same time. And you are left wondering if some people can redeem themselves and if others can truly live the lives they were meant to live. Do you need to have read a book by Ms Reiss previous to this one? No. This is a complete standalone. But if you want to understand more of the Drazen family and their nuances, I highly recommend you read more about them (Complete Submission, Corruption, Sins Duet, etc).
This story is told in two parts. One from Carrie's POV (the majority of the story) and one in Gabriel's. Carrie's story is a little of her past and present. Jumping from what happened in 1993 to bring her to her current life in 1995. From college to marriage, life didn't turn out how she expected. She is the Drazen that is beautiful beyond the simple word. But is beauty her only possession? Is it a gift or curse and how does she use it? Daddy (Declan) Drazen rules her world and much of the world around it and he seems to think that she is a pawn to be played with because of her beauty. But when she finds Gabriel and they immerse themselves in each other's lives, will they be the ruin of each other or will they survive the Drazen family?
Pretty Scars was a book of beauty, flaws, hope, family and the way we fight these things. Never have I experienced a family quite like the Drazens, but I thoroughly love reading about them and having a love/hate relationship with so many of them. I have to say that the people that they surround themselves with have to know what they are getting into and are some of the strongest characters out there. They might be quiet Kings and Queens, but they support their Drazens through and through. For that, I give Gabriel all the love and strength. He isn't a perfect character, but that's what makes Pretty Scars real and enjoyable. Not giving up that hope isn't lost and that you can find happiness where maybe it shouldn't be.
"Hope is the key signature the song of despair is built around. Without it, everything falls apart."
Carrie and Gabriel's story was dirty and beautiful and everything I would want out of a story. It isn't perfect, but it is well written with a plot that moves from past to present. It takes you on a journey of love and hope and second chances. And behind that is a family that loves fiercely, but doesn't always know how to show it. Even when their actions say otherwise, it's always about family and protecting theirs.
Love them or hate them, you will always be taken on a journey that will include the ugly along with the pretty with these Drazens. You will not want to miss Carrie's growth to finding herself and standing up for herself in what she wants in love and in life.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2019Let me begin by saying that I loved this storyline, the story and character development, the characters themselves, the way everything was fully addressed, and almost everything about this book and I would absolutely recommend it! It was a beautiful story.
Having said this, there was one part of this book that didn't work for me. The repetition of Part 1 (Carrie) when those pieces of the story of their time together were retold in Part 2 (Gabriel). I realize that it was supposed to be from a different perspective, but it was way too similar and, at that point, I wanted nothing more than to learn what happened after Part 1 ended and it simply felt disruptive. The only other thing that might have made me even happier with the storyline would have been major retribution against the primary villain in this story. But, once I realized that there were additional books about several of Carrie's other siblings, I let that criticism go.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023This is an unusual story. These two characters survive hell in this story. The chapters revert back and forth for half of the book between college years and adult years. This book is dark, not in a Mafia way but in a soul searching way. I appreciate that the author has extreme talent to produce this work. I've enjoyed several of her books but this is a mini masterpiece that I won't easily forget. I only leave reviews for books that take great talent to write and make me feel something about either them characters or the story. This story was original in that it had unexpected turns, and the ending was believable. These two didn't try to erase their scars and go back to who they were before with some miraculous fairy ending.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2019Every CD Reiss book is better than the previous and “Pretty Scars” is an emotional roller coaster of incredible highs, bottomless lows, unending spins and zigzag curves that sends your heart pinging around in your chest like a pinball.
Carrie delivers the narrative from her POV through almost three quarters of the book when it switches to Gabriel at Chapter 28, with Carrie doing the Epilogue.
The star-crossed lovers meet at USC where they’re both students. Carrie is a stunning beauty from a wealthy family and Gabriel is a gifted but struggling musician. Their story is filled with passion, pathos, and pain but it is more than a love story. It’s about courage, cowardice and despair, but always holding onto hope and keeping that kernel of hope alive. Family dynasties and dynamics, controlling, manipulative parents and an abusive spouse are at work to keep Carrie and Gabriel apart.
The characters and plot are so compelling that I was pulled into the story, rooting for the lovers but sometimes yelling at them for allowing themselves to be manipulated and used like pawns in a game of chess. Only a gifted writer can pull a reader in and hold them nearly spellbound throughout the entire book. Reiss is a master craftsman of a writer and her prose sings like a lark. Five gold stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021To withstand time and death but be brought back together in the end. So many secrets and blind innocence with Carrie and a brutal downward spiral for Gabriel. Two lovers torn apart with opposition and opportunity.
This wasn’t the best and isn’t the worst I’m content which is kind of terrible for the last book (is this the last we have more siblings?)
Top reviews from other countries
- 4mefrommeReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Tears
This is a beautiful story which had me reeling from the cruelty and horror to the happiness and joy like the biggest fairground rides from roller coaster to waltzed all have their thrills, somectakecyour breath away and others leave you feeling sick. At times I was filled with joy and others crying to the point I couldn't read the words.
I loved this story most of all and I've read all the Drazen novels. Superbly crafted, interlinking stories. Each book makes you want to discover the story of the other siblings you meet in each. Start at the beginning or start here but definitely read them all. No regrets.
- Lady SReviewed in Canada on September 20, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed
Even though it was a slow start to get into, this book surprised me at how much I enjoyed it.
Definitely worth a read.
- AngieBReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2023
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Story
Pretty Scars is Carrie and Gabriel's story and what a beautiful but heartbreaking story it is.
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough or put it down (I'm too old to survive a day with only 4 hours sleep) but it was worth it.
Fantastic writing as usual from this author.
- Kindle Customer. tishReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars The last of the Drazen Series
Such a great story. I love how the character are all interwoven into each story. Best read I have enjoyed for ages.Looking forward to discovering more CD Reiss.
- ChingReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 11, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A standing ovation!
What can I said! Words can not described what I have just read.I am still reeling with emotions.Truly unique story and I am glad there is a HEA,after all the angst and pain.Would love to read all the books written by the same author.