Customer Reviews

Battle Scars

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Battle Scars is the fourth book from Meghan O'Brien, and the third I have read. This novel starts a little slower than "13 Hours" or "Infinite Loop", but is well worth the gradual build-up.

I am very pleased that the author continues to explore new topics and genres in her writing, and in "Battle Scars", she works love and romance with the very real and current difficulties many returning veterans face with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Having suffered a horrifying experience in Iraq, former soldier Ray McKenna struggles to perform any social activity, even buying groceries is a frightening experience, so seeking out a veterinarian to treat her Service dog (and only friend) is a monumental feat, which brings her in contact with Dr. Carly Warner, and as a friendship starts, Ray is confused by her attraction to another woman.

Carly has her own baggage, having not quite recovered from the death of her former partner, and their unborn child in a car accident. She is concerned about having feelings for a straight woman who is struggling with PTSD, and Carly is not sure she is ready to risk her barely healed heart on anyone just yet.

For anyone who worries that this book is weighed down or gets preachy about PTSD, don't be. Yes, it is a part of the book, as it is part of one of the character's life, but it never overwhelms the reader, or drags down the story.

I found the author's shameless use of her own two dogs in the story to be very amusing, and I hope Jagger and Jack receive sufficient compensation for their appearance!

So, while there are few less sexual moments in this book that in previous ones by Ms. O'Brien, the romance & heartache are definitely turned up a notch! It is well worth a read.

This is my first Meghan O'Brien book and while I had heard good things about her books, I chose this one because her character was a female soldier with PTSD. The use of service dogs didn't hurt either. I thought it was well written, nicely paced, good character development. Loved it. Will look for her other books.

This was a great story and my favourite of the three O'Brien stories I've read. She proves to be a very versatile author and is not afraid to tackle 'issues'. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out and their relationship builds realistically and each new aspect feels authentic. Well worth the read. I'd also recommend her other stories.

I have read all of Meghan O'Brien's book and she just keeps getting better. This book is different from her others, the subject matter is different from anything I had ever read before. The character development throughout the book is terrific and as a dog owner, I really appreciated the roles the 2 dogs played in the story. They were an important part of each main character's life.

I'll definitely be looking forward to Meghan O'Brien's next book. In the meantime, I'll be recommending this book.

This is a well written, emotional story about an Iraq war veteran who is suffering from PTSD and a veterinarian who is trying to rebound after the death of her partner and unborn child. Vet meets vet. ; )

Ray's pain is realistically portrayed. At times she is paralyzed by the PTSD. Even a simple task like grocery shopping or leaving the house overwhelms her. Ray meets Carly when she is forced to seek treatment for her service dog, Jagger.

Carly finds Ray interesting. Ray finds Jack (Carly's dog) interesting. With the dogs leading the way, Carly and Ray start to build a friendship.

The author does a fine job building the friendship appropriately slowly. The reader feels Ray's panic and confusion in a very real way.

I liked everything about this book. The characters, the dogs, the pace of the story and the timely storyline. I also liked the absence of the gratuitous sex scenes that are associated with O'Brien's other works.

Over all... well written, worth reading, highly recommended.

Meghan O'Brien has yet to write a book that I don't like; though this one is a bit different. You won't find much erotica in 'Battle Scars'. Which is a good thing cause it wouldn't fit the story.
The author does a really good job of describing Ray McKenna's various symptoms and her problems of everyday life. She handles this character with the appropriate sensitivity.
The same goes for Dr. Carly Warner, the other protagonist, who after the death of her long-time partner, has a problem with trust. So, naturally, when both women meet and fall in love not everything is a 'happily ever after'.
I have to applaud Meghan for not having them jump into bed immediately but for taking her time in showing us the characters.
The book could have been a bit longer. I would have liked to see more of how Ray and Meghan managed their lives together. But this is still one of the better lesfic books that I have read over the past months.
And, honestly, having two cute dogs in a book doesn't hurt either.
I would like to give the book 4,5 stars.

If you want a book with a good story line, interesting characters with some romance and sex....this is the book! I was very pleased. If this is any indicator of the author's other books....I am buying those too.

"Battle Scars" was a great book. I realize that most people gave it 4 stars, but it really touched me so I'm giving it 5. Meghan O'brien weaves this story about Ray McKenna, a veteran who had a terrifying experience in Iraq and ends up with PTSD, who is trying to make progress of just leaving the house with her Great Dane service dog, Jagger.
Her first trip into public, which is a huge step in her progress, is to see veterinarian Dr. Carly Warner. Ray is confused of her feelings of friendship with Carly, but they eventually get together and let their dogs play together. After time, they get closer and become involved.
This is a really neat story, and author Megan O'Brien walks through the daily struggles Ray has with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The reader feels every step back, and even more, every success Ray has. The story is cute watching the two characters realize their feelings for each other. I would easily recommend this book, tears and all.

this was my first Meghan O'Brien book and it won't be my last. I have no experience with PTSD but the book description and reviews made me curious enough to want to read something that I hoped would be a little different to the usual lesbian romances. I was worried that it might get a little too heavy (not something I usually like in my fiction) but it wasn't. The story was a beautiful balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking, sexy and sweet. Thank you.

[possible spoilers]

when i started reading 'battle scars' i was riveted.

i don't know if the author has ever suffered from anxiety, agoraphobia, or PTSD, but the descriptions were very accurate and very well done. i connected with it on many levels. [i would have liked to learn more about jagger, the therapy dog, and the training.]

it was an easy read and emotionally gripping. my only negative reaction was the message that falling in love, although difficult, was a catalyst for healing. maybe i'm interpreting it wrong but to me it felt like love was suppose to be the answer. and in real life it's never that way. or maybe it's just my life?

there are few books with lesbian characters that deal with PTSD, other anxiety disorders or depression in a real and heartfelt way.

a good book, not to be missed.