Raze (Scarred Souls)

I have been waiting a few days since finishing this book, and though I have read many since a part of Raze sticks with me. This story is dark, at many many times abusive, and makes you question to your soul how you can justify murder. Though just an outsider looking in, I still feel the betrayal that these characters survived. In the world that Tillie Cole developed, that of a Russian crime family and friends their values were not my own. I still feel the connection Kisa and Raze shared; how that connection saved a piece of their souls for each other, untouchable. At times this was hard to read, though it was heartbreakingly beautiful as well. They are both strong in ways that many others could never imagine or survive.

Where do I begin??? I really enjoyed this book.. A page turner that I could not put it down. Dark, Violent, sometimes very harsh. I completely felt every emotion they expressed. I resisted reading this for a long time but I am so glad I finally read it. It was truly everything I look for in a book. It shows you that people do what they have to do to survive. I want books that are not made up of every day events but ones that are filled with situations that I am not familiar with even if it is out of my comfort zone but could still be possible. I could really see this happening.
Thank you for getting me out of my book slump! I will definitely read more from this author.

This book took me out of my normal life everything fell away and it was just me and Raze, Kisa and Alik. Along with Raze I needed revenge. What happened to him was horrible and him coming back to being human again made me cry for him. "Can I have you" what a beautiful line along with the story at the very beginning about a boy and a girl and one soul. And even thou these people were killers and they put on a fight to the death cage fight for three days every year (Russian Mafia)I still wanted them to have their HEA, and yes Risa knew and accepted that she was born into this life. This a dark book but revolves around a true soulmate love story...and if you like those then by all means this a must read....

Sweet story about love conquering all... Yes, her fiance is a right bastard and there is a lot of violence but it contributed to the story which, in the end, is about two soul mates finding each other again despite impossible odds. It was hot where it needed to be, bloody when warranted, sweet when they finally came together, and very well written throughout. It lost a star with me for consistency... some parts didn't jive like her fiance being abusive and her father allowing it but at the end, getting all pissed about it. Also, I'm not a big fan of any plot that centers around amnesia...

This was captivating from beginning to end.
SPOILER ALERT. SPOILER ALERT.

A heroine who lived by the mafia rules, knew what was expected and adjusted to whatever came her way as best she could.

A crazy, abusive, cold fiancé.

And a childhood love who snatched away from her and turned into a monster with no memory of the past to begin with.

If you can't stomach rape scenes, brutal sex scenes and women beating fiancé...then don't read this book. You won't like it.

But this is a romance after all and we see the two true souls find each other.

Great chemistry, great character development, fantastic plot!

What a story this was. The turmoil Luka (Raze) endures after he was wronged and taken away from his life when he was a teen. Forced to become a death fighter in an underground mafia cage fight ring. He makes it out of his hell to come back for revenge. He doesn't know who he was, but he is found and helped to remember by his one true love, his soul mate. A powerful undercurrent of a story about the Russian mafia, the strong family ties and the endurance of love that lasts for years. Although the context of the death cage fights is dark, the underlying story of true love is heartwarming and touching. Great read by this author. It was a real page turner, couldn't out it down.

A bit more brutal than I expected. A first Tillie Cole book for me.
Kisa was wishy-washy, her character acted weak in one moment yet strong in others. The scenes between Kisa and her fiancé were unbelievable.
Raze was true to himself through the whole book- set on revenge, taken from a life he couldn’t remember. He was strong, he was a person you liked instantly and rooted for him to take care of the person who wronged him.
The story was engaging, a fast paced read, and I loved the author’s voice and will be reading more of her work.

Not enough words to explain the emotions this book evokes. Dark, gritty, sad, emotional, heartbreaking, ANGER...My heart broke over and over for the H, Luka. Taken from all he knew, tortured, brainwashed, held captive for years. It was like sitting in a room watching intimate moments between the h, Kisa, who lives through her own hell, and the H. Childhood loves, destined
to b together, ripped apart by jealousy and envy. It was breathtaking watching the H learn who he was all over again...Loved it. But be at warned, it's not for the faint of heart...

Wow! This book played with all my emotions. It was beautifully written with just the right amount of detail. I fell hard for Raze and for Tillie's writing. I seriously could not put this book down and when it finished... I wanted more! This book had EVERYTHING needed to make a fantastic read that will stay with you for a very ling time. Raze oh Raze... I miss him already. You cannot read this book without wanting to jump inside and comfort him. My heart hurt for him and Kisa so much that I found myself fighting to read through the tears. Absolutely amazing! You MUST read this book! I'm ordering my paperback as soon as it becomes available.

Hooked! I actually read book two (Reap) as an ARC and was so taken in by these men and their tortured souls that I immediately bought this, book one. Raze and Kisa has got to be the most romantic couple ever. That being said, their lives have been hell!

I am not one to read about torture and rape but this series is compelling and I just cannot help myself because it is what makes these couple so much more special, overcoming these odds.

I have seriously fallen in love with this Series and cannot wait to read the next one.

5 A-RAZE-ZING STARS!!!! I bloody loved this book!!! The story...so raw...so heartbreaking....so soul crushing. Raze has stolen my heart, he captured me... And I'm ok with that. This man...this boy... So broken, trying to find his way and at the same time seeking revenge on those who hurt him. Kisa, oh kisa.... My heart broke for you, I cried with your pain, I cried for all the suffering. This book is truly amazing. Tillie Cole, you've gained a new lover. Lol my first Book of this author and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!

What a great love story amidst all the craziness. Raze is a mindless cage fighter/killer with only revenge on his mind. Kisa is bound by duty and fear into a sadistic relationship with Alik-another cage fighter and heir to the Russia Bravta throne. All of their fates tied together since birth,true love finding its way back, and righting severe wrongs. Notwithstanding all the violence(sexual and physical) I loved the sweet childhood flashbacks between Luka and Kisa-them finding their way back to each other kept me reading.

Not going to say much except it was exceptional! It was heartbreaking and it was triumphant! It made me cry ugly tears. It made me FEEL both good and bad feelings. Tillie Cole is amazing! The subject matter is tough, but be brave and you will be rewarded. It is a riveting tale of a phoenix. He came back from the unthinkable. Raze will win your heart! And Kisa is his angel sent from heaven to help him rise from the dead. This book will be replaying in my head for a long time,as previous Tillie Cole books have. Outstanding !

OMG! What a story! Tillie is a genious! She could just take a bow because she's the queen! Yeah, that's right! I love her.
This isn't the first book that I've read by her and while I'm reading her stories I'm always wowed by how she does it, what's going on in that beautiful mind of hers?!?
Raze... f* perfect read. This book is by far my favourite read in 2015 and my favourite read of all times - top 5!
I had a lump in my throat the whole time while reading. This is pure dark romance poetry.
I still can't get it out of my head! And with Raze I got my new BBF <3
Well done!

That hooked me from the very start. Sometimes I want to be a sappy girl, and this book was perfect for just that. It's a wonderful story about love and revenge, with a very predictable twist that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.

One problem I did have was the Russian names and spelling. I cringed every time at Mafiya. I understand Mafiya and Bratva are both correct in this context, but it still hurt to read. Then throw in names like Kisa, Alik, Rodion, and nicknames like Myshka. Please send help. (The inner eight year old in me was praying for an Anastasia though.)

Another problem for me was the lack of caring Kisa's father showed up until the end of this book. He completely ignored everything in front of him when Alik would blatantly show him how he treats his daughter, but at the end he's all like "OMG, who did this to you? I will kill them?". Very unbelievable, especially for a big mafia dude.

I also hate the cover. I'm sorry, but it's bad. If I was in a book store and saw this on display, I'd probably walk right by without giving this book a second look. I'm seriously so thankful for my Goodreads friend's recommendations.

Oh Luka, you poor soul. What a wonderful "hero". I can't say much without completely ruining the book, but the obstacles he had to overcome were heart wrenching. Talk about amazing character development. Honestly, Alik was an amazing "villan" as well. The author wrote them both reasons for becoming "monsters".

I feel lame for even saying this, but my favorite thing about this book was that Luka had brown eyes, but one had a splash of blue. While Kisa had blue eyes, but one with a splash of brown. The author used this many times as a reference for them being soul mates, and how their souls would know they belong together. It sounds so incredibly lame and cheesy typing that out, but it was different and I dug it while reading.

This was my first Tillie Cole novel, even though I constantly hear my friends raving over her. This book definitely made me want to read more by her. Her writing is very different, and (as pervy as this sounds) her sex scenes are not generic at all. Most authors use the same writing style, words, actions through the entirety of their books. Mrs. Cole constantly switched it up, and the big pervert in me appreciated that.

There aren't any words that describes how amazing this book was! Wow I'm still in shock how this all went down. The storyline was so different and unique. I loved every bit of it. Raze my baby; my heart broke for him and the torment that Kisa had to go through was horrible. No matter how many years have passed, or the circumstances that have happened if the love is still alive then it will find its way back home. I highly recommend this book, it has everything from drama, action, romance, heartbreak and most of all true love. This by is going to stay with me for a while.

This book took me on an enthralling journey. Tillie Cole is a an extraordinary writer. Raze had everything needed in a book to engage, excite, break and keep one on the edge of their seat. Raze was unique, intense, heart filled and heart breaking. It had so many tender elements as well as dark that truly made me feel the depth of the story and connection between the characters. Kisa, Luka and Alik's story is embroiled, impassioned and angsty. This story of family honor, deceit, cage fighting and love has made my list of favorites for 2015.

This was amazingly good! I didn't wanna stop reading so I stayed home and read through. I have this thing for and mafia and mob, so when I read the blurb I just had to read it and I'm glad I did. It had action, loss, pain, love... everything I love in a book! I hate giving away too much so ill just say to get this IMMEDIATELY! But if u can't stand blood or acts of violence I suggest not. This does have some very graphic scenes and some may not be able to stomach it. Even with that I loved this book! I would love a novella for Lukas (raze) and kisa though:)

I don’t think there are appropriate words to express this book. I’m usually not one for gooey romance but this had just enough light to add to the dark. The plot was enticing and engaging. Love Love Love! This was my first taste of this author but it definitely will not be the last!

This book was unexpectedly phenomenal. I was expecting the regular dark angst book of guy and girl, boy was I ever fooled. This book had me hooked from the start. I read as much as I could all day. I finally finished it in the wee hours of the night. I highly recommend this book. You will not regret it. Such a wonderful story of love, determination, and survival. Both of the characters faced their own turmoil while apart but did what they had to in order to survive. Just an awesome story! I would like to see an extended epilogue of maybe five or ten years later.

An amazing read. I just finished reading "Raze" and it's become one of my fav books, I'm placing it in my top 10. Reading Luka & Kisa's story gutted me. I got angry, I got sad, I seriously wanted to strangle a few people and at the end I cried like a baby. What these two went through is so heartbreaking that it physically hurt to read it. And Alik he should have been locked away as a child, that's something I never thought I would say about someone even a fictional character. If you don't read any other book this year read this one.

This was amazingly good! I didn't wanna stop reading so I stayed home and read through. I have this thing for and mafia and mob, so when I read the blurb I just had to read it and I'm glad I did. It had action, loss, pain, love... everything I love in a book! I hate giving away too much so ill just say to get this IMMEDIATELY! But if u can't stand blood or acts of violence I suggest not. This does have some very graphic scenes and some may not be able to stomach it. Even with that I loved this book! I would love a novella for Lukas (raze) and kisa though:)

I don’t think there are appropriate words to express this book. I’m usually not one for gooey romance but this had just enough light to add to the dark. The plot was enticing and engaging. Love Love Love! This was my first taste of this author but it definitely will not be the last!

This book was unexpectedly phenomenal. I was expecting the regular dark angst book of guy and girl, boy was I ever fooled. This book had me hooked from the start. I read as much as I could all day. I finally finished it in the wee hours of the night. I highly recommend this book. You will not regret it. Such a wonderful story of love, determination, and survival. Both of the characters faced their own turmoil while apart but did what they had to in order to survive. Just an awesome story! I would like to see an extended epilogue of maybe five or ten years later.

An amazing read. I just finished reading "Raze" and it's become one of my fav books, I'm placing it in my top 10. Reading Luka & Kisa's story gutted me. I got angry, I got sad, I seriously wanted to strangle a few people and at the end I cried like a baby. What these two went through is so heartbreaking that it physically hurt to read it. And Alik he should have been locked away as a child, that's something I never thought I would say about someone even a fictional character. If you don't read any other book this year read this one.

Wow! What to say about this book? It was certainly different from any other book I've read. Dark, haunting, sad, violent..BUT DAMN GOOD!!!
I would have loved it if the author wrote a 2nd book starring 362 but if you've read this book you know that's not gonna happen..so sad.
I did find the constant repeating of the left eye with a smudge of blue to be a bit annoying. I think we got it the first few dozen times it was mention. yeah yeah ..they match...
Even with the happy ending, the book left me feeling sad.

Such a heart wrenching book! It had me hooked from the start. Luca's character is charming, sweet yet deadly at the same time. At some points he just had me in tears. Then he finds Kisa his love of his life. To see how these two were meant to be together. It was written in the stars. Then work their way back together. Is worth all the pain and heartache!!!

I love Cole writing style. Amazing characters that I don't get annoyed with. I hate it when a character does something really dumb like lie or run away in order to prolongs a story just because it needs a moment of drama. Good plot, believable and saddening because it's probably true. Good read. I'd thought 362 would be the next book and was disappointed when it was clear he wouldn't have His own spin off story, but then I kinda like that, too...don't milk us for another book by forcing a cliff hanger.

I was ambivalent about this book at first. Then, it just sucked me in, and I found myself wondering about the characters and returning to the book for more and more. It was a rough read, but it was worth it to me. I actually read the last passage to my Dad, who I wouldn't have read 99% of this book to, and he teared up, because it was just that good! The sad was heartbreaking. The violence was brutal. The love was unsurpassed. I can't wait for the next book coming this November!

This brutally damaged but beautiful soul of a book is what I thrive to find when reading. I blazed through this book, not being able to put it down for hours, and was floored. I expected nothing less from Tillie Cole. After stumbling across her first few books last month, I knew I was going to be obsessed with her latest release. Raze, my damaged soul Raze, was beautifully depicted. I can't say much more than to give my praise to Tillie, she has created many masterpieces, and they all rank highly on my must-read list.

I overlooked this book because of the cover photo. I purchase a lot of my books after reading the book discription and photo covers. Hence, my apprehension about buying "RAZE". Wow I was wrong big time about this novel. The minute I opened the first page I was hooked. I could not put this book down until the wee small hours of the morning. A dark captivating love story that will keep you on the edge. Great storyline and character deveolpement,a must read for lovers of the Russian Bratva and dark romance.

Tillie Cole has an amazing ability to draw from walks of life and sub cultures rarely, if ever, seen in the romance genre. She has a unique ability to deal with dark, intense, and deeply disturbing subject matter and weave it into a story of hope, redemption, and great love-all the more believable for its difficulty and imperfection. For the most part, I burned up the pages, stopping when I needed a breather from the brutal life Kisa and Luka live. This isn't an easy book, it is not lighthearted, it's full of suspense and left me feeling worried more than excited for what came next-but it is captivating, unusual and definitely worth reading. That said, after the "Hangmen" series and "Raze," I would welcome something a bit more along the lines of "True North."

What a wonderful dark ride!!!! Loved it !!!!!! Such a great read ! I couldn't find a good book to read , so went to what other readers suggest for you to read on the store !! And there it was Raze and I'm so glad I read it!!! Never read from this author before, what a great emotionally charged story!! Was so afraid to read on at times I shook, but let me trekking you it was worth it!!! Actually this is a 5 star plus!!! If you like the darker stories READ it , you won't be disappointed!!!!

I know, not an original review title. There are so many things I love about this story I didn't know how to capture that in the title! Tillie has done an outstanding job of colliding a fighter genre and a mafia genre storyline. This is a well written story that sucks you in and won't let you go until you reach the end. I really enjoyed the love storyline of two souls finding each other again even if one is so broken, his mind doesn't remember, but his soul does. Neat idea and executed perfectly.

It was dark. It was intense. It was heartbreaking. There's not a single thing I didn't dislike. True I hated a character or two but that's a good thing, means Tillie did one hell of a good damn job at getting to hate that character. I seriously couldn't put it down. Hell, I honestly forgot to freaking eat. Heck, I didn't want to eat. This book I'm afraid might be too dark and maybe a little too morbid and gory for some but if you have read Tillie's prior books, then this book is recommended for you. It's suspenseful. It's even a little scary. It will get your heart racing in many scenes. And despite it being something Raze despises in an audience, I was cheering and rooting for him the entire time. My Raze, poor strong Raze, the hand of life he was dealt was cruel beyond words or belief. Kisa stayed strong throughout it all, not an easy feat considering what she too endured. Love conquers all. It will bleed and maybe break along the way but it will survive if it's true and strong. Though dark, a great example of a love story.

Exactly as the title of this review suggests, this book is a big "YES!" I felt like this book was meant for me - it was everything I'm a huge sucker for: fighters, second-chance love, super tragic back-story, mafia, alpha male protectors who turn into big dumb kittens around the girls they love, girls with serious backbone, mutual respect and appreciation within a romantic relationship (between the mains), just - everything!Yes. I don't want to say anymore but I do have the next book ready to go on my Kindle, I just need an entire day off to read it because there's no way I'm letting myself get interrupted after I start.

This story was so beautifully dark and romantic. I loved every second reading this book. It was beautiful I almost want to cry writing this review. The one story I've read and felt nothing was missing. This is definitely my favorite book. I loved it. "We match" I loved that! The fact that he had a piece of her in him. That blue smudge in his Brown eyes. Ugh! The best love story! You must read this! Luka and Kisa should be at the top of the list for best book couple next to Noah and Allie. This was epic! And so frickin romantic and sweet. READ IT!

Powerful, heartbreaking, gritty, raw...absolute alpha induced. Tragic romance, with the best HEA I've read in a Long time.
Readers advised, is a romance tale with graphic and offensive content, but the outcome, story line, and detail had me flipping through every page in one sitting.
If you like a alpha hero with a blood thirsty need for revenge, but a soft warm heart for the woman he was destined for...? Look no further, this book pulled me from the first sentence.
Looking forward to finding more from this author.
5 Plus stars.

This book was recommended to me, and I would just like to say how thankful I am that it was. There was a couple of surprises, that I wasn't expecting, but this book grabbed me and held on thru the end. I hope there's a follow up even if it's thru his sister's story.

Raze was different from the stories I normally read, and I'm really glad I read it, it was dark it was gritty, it was a story of two lost souls, that were true soul mates, a love that beat all the odds, Tillie Cole is one of my favorite authors who never disappoints , she delivers time and time again. This story held me from the first sentence to the very last word, I can't say enough about this amazing read! I LOVED IT!

I cannot say enough about Ms. Cole and her characters. She's an author I will continually read because I genuinely FEEL for her characters. Whether it's love, compassion, distrust, hate, you name it - I feel for them. She writes "broken" unlike anyone else out there. Amazing, rough, touching story. You will not be disappointed, although you might have your heart broken and mended back together a couple times while reading.

This novel is dark. Warning.

Beyond that, it's also very much a piece of fiction. Some other reviews say that they didn't like the story because it wasn't very believable, but I LOVED it because it was a deeply romantic love story.

However, I also liked Withering Heights. Which is also super dark. (And super relevant here. ?)

The characters were strong, virile and raw. The whole story had true grit and tons of hot sexuality that didn't take ove take the story but enhanced it instead. I love this author's ability to seamlessly blend harsh, angry rampaging male with the golden undertone of love, loyalty and fierce protectiveness for each other with hope to keep spurring them forward thru to the end. And end that gives them the greatest gift of a family who gets it. Strength, love and acceptance. HEA

Geez I loved this book! Absolutely loved it. The writing was just as I like it, the story just gripped me, I was captivated. What a great story to tell, great main man Raze, great female lead Kisa, and evil douchebag Alik, and he is a real douche!

This book took me on one hell of a wild ride and I loved every minute of it. Well done Tillie Cole. You have a real winner here. I wouldn't change a thing.