Review: Scratch by Rhonda Helms

Scratch by Rhonda Helms
Look below the surface . . .
Published: September 30, 2014
Review copy via Netgalley + Publisher

Summary

The most painful scars are the ones you never see.

In her DJ booth at a Cleveland dance club, Casey feels a sense of connection that's the closest she ever gets to normal. On her college campus, she's reserved, practical-all too aware of the disaster that can result when you trust the wrong person. But inexplicably, Daniel refuses to pay attention to the walls she's put up. Like Casey, he's a senior. In every other way, he's her opposite.

Sexy, open, effortlessly charming, Daniel is willing to take chances and show his feelings. For some reason Casey can't fathom, he's intent on drawing her out of her bubble and back into a world that's messy and unpredictable. He doesn't know about the deep scars that pucker her stomach - or the deeper secret behind them. Since the violent night when everything changed, Casey has never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. Now, she might be tempted to try.

Girl DJ with enough emotional issues to create a barrier between her and everybody else. (minus the oh so very lovely grandparents) She creates this wall through the entire novel and even refuses to relinquish any of it, even if it means a life time of loneliness and despair. Throughout the book “Scratch,” one sees fantastic character development, even if none of the characters are very complex.  Or very likeable. And that is what this book is severely lacking in: complexity.

“Scratch” was very one step forward, three steps back. ALSO- main DJ chick- she needs to grow and move on. That may seem insensitive, but really, it’s for her own good. Letting music consume you until you don’t recognize the difference between who’s trying to help you and who’s trying to deceive you isn't really the best decision. And there are a lot of people trying to help her (even in the really, really, REALLY went about it the wrong way. (Seriously, man, did you honestly think that one through?) But, I really just wish she could see. Like really see.

The plot. Oh, the plot. It was very, how do you say, simple? Yup. It was simple. I mean, it was 100% inner turmoil and healing and romance, but also zero action. No bang-pow-pow. I like some bang-pow-pow. No street fights or butts being handed back.

In the end, this was a lovely 3.5 stars of a book. One with a gorgeous cover, a story worth reading, and doesn't require much thought process.

So how have y'all been? Since I've been gone? Empty? Half-empty? Completely empty? Also, if you know that movie quote you're the best person ever.