Review: The Scars That Define Us (The Devil's Dust #2) by M.N. Forgy

The Devil's Dust MC has a list of new threats to the club's lifestyle. Dani, to prove her loyalty, is trying to embrace a part of herself that she never knew existed until now. A sinful beast lurking beneath her surface has been awakened and is ready to eliminate anyone that stands in its way. Looking at her stained hands, she rinses the blood from them. She resigns herself to innocence lost and welcomes her thirst for more blood.

After a breathtaking turn of events, Shadow is looking at life in a different perspective. Not knowing who he can trust or who he can forgive has left him feeling desolate and alone. As Shadow is laying behind his rifle, he wonders if he can pull the trigger to eliminate the threat. He takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger, the rifle recoil ignites the fuel that drives him.

Retaliations will be required.

Boundaries will be shattered.

Redemption will be lost.

Betrayal so deep, yet they still yearn for one another. Can Shadow overlook Dani’s transgressions? Can Dani overlook the mistrust that Shadow has placed upon her? 

Overall Rating:  4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆

“Live with no regrets.” 

Life is not always an easy path for some.  It can be paved with good intentions, heartbreak, betrayal and lies.  For those that live their lives as if today is the last one they have, it can also lead to love and forever.  This is the second book in The Devil’s Dust series it tells Dani and Shadow’s story, a story that is often convoluted with all the twist that swirls around them.

Dani loves Shadow! She is his old lady and he is supposed to protect her from danger, not threaten her. When her mother places her in custody of the FBI as a possible witness against the Devil’s Dust MC, Dani knows she will have to fight to get away.  Dani is finally released and returns to the club she finds that everyone views her as a rat, a snitch or someone in with the FBI.  It is hard to convince them that she did not betray them and it is put to a vote to either kill her or let her back in.  All Dani can think is where is Shadow, why is he not here standing up for her?  She is put into Bobby’s care and will be watched until she can be proven innocent.  Shadow just sits back and lets it all happen!

Shadow is the club’s enforcer of justice.  He is torn between the need he has for Dani and the love he has for his club brothers. If Dani is proven guilty then he will be ordered to kill her, his old lady.  Shadow tries to keep a distance from her but the pull between them is too much for him to ignore. He finds himself outside their apartment, finding ways to help her get a job and at the same time hunting a way to prove that she is innocent.  Even doing all of this will she be able to forgive him for not standing at her side?

This is not your normal romance or HEA kind of story.  It is a hard hitting; ugly at times kind of book about love that manages to survive even with all the betrayals.  You will find yourself asking why?  Can Dani and Shadow find their way back to each other? Will they be able to forgive each other?  Or will the past destroy them?

Hero:  Shadow 4.5 stars
Heroine: Dani 4.5 stars
Plot:  4.5 stars
Steam Level:  4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book:  Yes. If you are into the darker side of MC life and romance then this is the book for you.  It is a book that takes a look at the violence, horrors and anything goes attitude of life as member of a motorcycle club while also paying attention to the families of those club members.   

Would I recommend this author:  Yes.  This is an amazing author that never fails to pull her reader into the heart of her book and refuses to let go until the last page.  Ms. Forgy is a remarkable writing with a sensitivity that will keep you wanting more, like when will the next book be released.

***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***