Like the title say, this book isn't just any romance novel. This book had so much depth into the topics of trauma, healing and finding a way to confront the past.
Knox went through a lot, which caused him to become reserved. Wishing for anonymity, but it stopped the secon dhe met Serena and was forced to confront his own past.
I really recommend this book, it has my heart!

I really enjoyed this book, the plot was well paced and the characters were well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This book is full of triggers but if you can make it through you'll feel inspired and uplifted as you follow the characters through the trauma.

I went into this story not knowing what I was getting into at all. I’m so glad I always have tissues nearby when I read cause OMG did I ever need it. Loved this story!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read Every scar tells a story

Going into this read, I did not truly realize what I was getting myself into, but I was smart enough to have the tissues ready. This was not an easy read emotionally due to the pain that our MC's face but their love was a thing of beauty. While this was not super spicy, the emotional content makes this one for mature readers.

this story is the epitome of resilience, strength that we find within our own vulnerability and the way our scars become badges of honor of all we endured.
I loved watching these two characters grow together, their flaws making them more relatable to all readers and shows they way we grow through what we experience. York has truly created a timeless read, reminding readers of the relatability of our past weighing us down and fear of what’s to come in the future.

Had a really nice time reading this book! All the love between all the pain is insanely good. The perfect combination. And so much reality! But the most caltivating part is Rayna York's writing.

This book hit me in all the feels and I don't often get that from this genre ♥️

This book and the author did a great job tackling trickier topics, and this book had me crying so much.

Would recommend to anyone who want to feel all the emotions at once :)

This was an amazing book! The story really makes you feel for the main characters and it handled some tough topics really well!

Without any doubts one of the most beautiful and painful book I ever read.. I loved Serena and Gabriel-Knox story and the way they were connected in childhood and the internal scars they both have.. Is just so beautiful written.. Can's say how many times I've cried but things happen for a reason.. I also loved the anxiety part and what being hurt can lead us, weren't perfect, we don't have to.. We just have to deal with reality and accept that we can't control everything

Serena is a firey redhead that deals with the punches and is the ray of sunshine for most people in her life. When fate intervenes and brings Knox back into her life, things take some super dramatic changes. It is a fun, dramatic, romantic ride. It deals with childhood trauma, ptsd, anxiety. The characters are super dynamic and leave you wanting to hug them and tell them it will be ok. Thank you NetGalley, Toad Tree Press and Rayna York for picking me to be an arc reader of this book.

Such an emotional, beautiful story of heartbreak, love and healing. I loved this exploration of brokenness and relationships, a beautiful narrative of sticking together through the storms.

Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I loved this story , Its your typical story where the popular girl with bright future finishes high school and is trying to move towns , but everything changes when she meets Knox, I felt like she was attracted to him since the first time they met. Knox dark past reveals throughout the story, having me on the edge , it was a fun , emotional read. Characters were very well developed throughout the story.

Every scar tells a story it is not the average classic romance book anyone would expect ro read, it's a book about forgiveness, acceptance, understanding and dealing with severe psychological trauma!! Rayna York allows us to immerse and understand the inner world of people suffering from anxiety disorders and agoraphobia, she showed us what it's like to be a person with deep empathy and a big heart! In the book we see how 2 people with traumatic experiences and a complicated past try to understand and heal the wounds of their souls and of each other!! Their past and how it affects them is what constantly tests them and tries to separate them ,but their need for acceptance and love is what brings them together!! It was an amazing read and a hell of a roller-coaster!!
The supporting characters are fantastic but not so much that they steal the show! I loved Serena's friends from the nursing home and also Rhett!! The book had action, romance, humor and very strong emotions and description of the experiences of the protagonists!!

Wow! I didn’t think this book would be so heavy. Make sure to read the trigger warning before reading it. I really enjoyed reading this book and the author did a really good job writing it! I loved how she described the characters and their story. I had the feeling that I was living with them because it was so well written! I highly recommend this book but please like I said: read the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Toad Tree Press for this arc!

I loved this story!! Can’t wait (well except for the whole returning to work part) to get this on my HS library’s shelf!!

This is a full circle story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster from laughing to crying and back again. Knox’s story is heartbreaking. Seeing him grow into the person he becomes is what makes this book so good.

Knox and Serena have a relationship that is so strong and special but is one that people can’t always see the good in. They go through their ups and downs for sure. But just when they are thinking things can’t get worse… they do.

Don’t just add this one to your TBR but add it and READ it. Soon!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read and review.

Rayna York's Every Scar Tells a Story is a heartwarming and compelling novel that beautifully captures the complexities of love, healing, and the lasting effects of our pasts. Set in a small town, Rayna's narrative shines with richly developed characters and an engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

Serena McNeal is an ambitious and outgoing young woman eager to leave her small town behind after graduation. In contrast, Knox is a mysterious figure who prefers to stay hidden in the shadows, haunted by a troubled past. Their unexpected meeting sparks a powerful connection, but as Knox's past resurfaces, their bond faces intense challenges. Rayna skillfully portrays their evolving relationship, weaving a tale that is both tender and intense.

Rayna's writing delves deeply into the emotional lives of her characters, highlighting how their histories influence their present and future. The chemistry between Serena and Knox is electric, and their journey is filled with moments of joy, heartache, and resilience. The book balances these emotional highs and lows perfectly, making it impossible to put down.

One of the standout themes in "Every Scar Tells a Story" is the notion that while time may heal wounds, the scars left behind are a testament to what has been endured. Rayna's prose is evocative and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and the stories their scars tell.

The story is expertly paced, with each chapter seamlessly building on the last. Rayna's lyrical yet accessible writing style draws readers into Serena and Knox's world, making their struggles and triumphs feel incredibly real. The supporting characters add depth and authenticity to the story, enriching the narrative.

Every Scar Tells a Story is more than just a romance; it's a powerful exploration of human resilience and the capacity for love and healing. Rayna York has crafted a novel that is both emotionally resonant and uplifting, leaving readers with a sense of hope and a deeper appreciation for the scars that shape us.

For anyone looking for a moving and beautifully written story about love, redemption, and the enduring impact of our pasts, Every Scar Tells a Story is a must-read. Rayna York has delivered a remarkable novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.

Ten out of ten out of ten out of TEN. This book was so beautifully written with duel point of views from our FMC and MMC, and lots of character growth that somehow seemed perfected timed in this standalone novel. I love to see FMCs that have emotional intelligence and MMCs willing to go to the mat to protect who they care about. This story is engaging and the personalities of the main characters are, while influenced by unique dark histories, relatable in how they approach problems and situations. This is a wonderful novel that you could finish in a day and mourn for months because the writing is phenomenal. The only thing that would make this better would be another book or novella about Serena and Knox. Side note , it is important to note that alcoholism and domestic violence is a theme in this book. I am very grateful to Reyna York, her publishing team, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. It was an absolute joy!

Title: Every Scar Tells a Story by Rayna York

Release Date: June, 15th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Every Scar Tells a Story" by Rayna York is a profound and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the complexities of love, healing, and the courage required to confront one's past.

York's masterful storytelling weaves together the lives of Serena McNeal and Knox, two individuals from vastly different worlds whose paths intertwine in unexpected and life-altering ways.

Serena, with her outgoing and ambitious nature, is eager to leave her small town behind, dreaming of a future filled with possibilities. Knox, on the other hand, is a figure of mystery, preferring the shadows and finding solace in his anonymity. Their meeting is not just a collision of two worlds but a catalyst for change, as they are forced to confront the ghosts of Knox's troubled past.

York's exploration of their evolving relationship is both tender and intense, showcasing the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. However, it's not just a tale of romance; it's a journey of self-discovery and the realisation that facing one's demons is essential for finding true happiness.

The narrative is rich with themes of resilience, the strength found in vulnerability, and the scars that, though they may never fully disappear, can be transformed into badges of courage.

The author's ability to create characters who are deeply flawed yet utterly relatable is a testament to her skill. Serena and Knox are more than just protagonists in a love story; they are symbols of hope and the enduring human spirit. Their journey is fraught with challenges, each decision they make fraught with the potential to either unite them or tear them apart.

"Every Scar Tells a Story" is a beautifully written novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their past or the fear of an uncertain future. It's a reminder that while time may heal wounds, the scars we carry are not just reminders of our battles but also maps to our resilience.

Thank you to The Publisher Toad Tree Press ,The Author Rayna York & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.