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Scarred #2
Scarred Beginnings
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
David’s chance for love.
He had trained for it, been counselled about it, seen comrades affected by it, but even as he signed up he dismissed it. Nothing was going to happen to him or any of his friends, nothing what so ever. All his sister’s worrying was ridiculous.
Nearly ten years into his service and he’d barely grazed a knuckle. His equipment was the best, his teams had his back, there was scarcely any danger at all.
And then it happened. His whole team caught up in it. Nothing could change those nightmarish few seconds that would so completely alter the rest of their lives. That it could have been a child that did it to them was almost as shocking as the event itself. He would never forget the look on the boy’s face as long as he lived.
If he thought that surviving the incident was going to be a trial, enduring the aftermath was proving to be a different sort of challenge entirely.
(Book 2 in the Scarred Series. To be read after Running Scarred. (Short story, 43,500 words) Please allow the author a little poetic licence. There are slight differences in the way David recounts his story to the way Ellen remembers events.
David’s chance for love.
He had trained for it, been counselled about it, seen comrades affected by it, but even as he signed up he dismissed it. Nothing was going to happen to him or any of his friends, nothing what so ever. All his sister’s worrying was ridiculous.
Nearly ten years into his service and he’d barely grazed a knuckle. His equipment was the best, his teams had his back, there was scarcely any danger at all.
And then it happened. His whole team caught up in it. Nothing could change those nightmarish few seconds that would so completely alter the rest of their lives. That it could have been a child that did it to them was almost as shocking as the event itself. He would never forget the look on the boy’s face as long as he lived.
If he thought that surviving the incident was going to be a trial, enduring the aftermath was proving to be a different sort of challenge entirely.
(Book 2 in the Scarred Series. To be read after Running Scarred. (Short story, 43,500 words) Please allow the author a little poetic licence. There are slight differences in the way David recounts his story to the way Ellen remembers events.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2014
16 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Williams
79 books119 followersI was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
All of my books are Easy Reading Romance, intended only to while away a few hours with some light entertainment.
They are not meant to teach you anything or to stay with you for years after reading. Please do not read or review them if you are expecting anything deeper or more meaningful.
I hope you enjoy all of my efforts and I look forward to your comments and reviews.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
All of my books are Easy Reading Romance, intended only to while away a few hours with some light entertainment.
They are not meant to teach you anything or to stay with you for years after reading. Please do not read or review them if you are expecting anything deeper or more meaningful.
I hope you enjoy all of my efforts and I look forward to your comments and reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 19, 2018
After reading the first book in this series I couldn't wait to read more. David's story was both heartbreaking and realistic and the author's descriptions of post-war internal conflict, self-doubt, and insecurity really brings home the struggle of injured and disabled service men and women. I was truly touched by his story and found his struggles moving. Plenty of emotion partnered with a steamy romance. David and Geraldine will tug on your heartstrings! A wonderful story I would read again.
Can't wait to continue the rest of this series!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
April 10, 2019
I have previously read Running Scarred and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
It was interesting hearing the story from Ellen's brother David's perspective and of course, his own additional story. It was refreshing, although heart rending, to read a book written about a veteran who had been horrifically injured and who had to come to terms with it - a very much ignored, yet important subject and one which the author made a fantastic and sensitive job of.
It was also extremely uplifting to see David's blossoming romance.
A very well-written and deeply immersive story of which I fully recommend.
It was interesting hearing the story from Ellen's brother David's perspective and of course, his own additional story. It was refreshing, although heart rending, to read a book written about a veteran who had been horrifically injured and who had to come to terms with it - a very much ignored, yet important subject and one which the author made a fantastic and sensitive job of.
It was also extremely uplifting to see David's blossoming romance.
A very well-written and deeply immersive story of which I fully recommend.
October 25, 2017
I’ve read “Running Scarred” prior to picking up “Scarred Beginnings” and it was certainly nice reading the story from David’s point of view. What I really appreciated about this story was how it not only concentrated on romance but dealt with serious and important issues that injured war veterans have to go through, such as dealing with the loss of limbs, adjusting to a new lifestyle both physically and psychologically, fighting suicidal thoughts and much more. It was so nice to watch David overcome all of the obstacles that break so many people, and finally get his happy ending which was more than deserved. If you love military romance, this one should definitely be on your to-read list, as it’s not only beautifully written but tells a very important story. Five stars.
November 22, 2015
Waste of time
What a waste of time.. The books I read don't necessarily have to be filled with sex but I do like the main characters to actually have some conversations and watch the relationship grow.. I'm not even sure how they fell in love they never talked or spent time together.. They go from the hero leaving because he thinks the heroine is in love with someone else to getting married.. Wow this was not good imo..
What a waste of time.. The books I read don't necessarily have to be filled with sex but I do like the main characters to actually have some conversations and watch the relationship grow.. I'm not even sure how they fell in love they never talked or spent time together.. They go from the hero leaving because he thinks the heroine is in love with someone else to getting married.. Wow this was not good imo..
August 23, 2014
Jackie is a talented author that writes mystery and suspense novels. Surviving the incident was going to be a trial. The story line had me in suspense right to the end. A Highly recommended read
August 28, 2017
David's life is changed forever when he is caught up in a horrific suicide attack. Not only does he have to live with the terrifying image of the young boy blowing himself up, but now he has to come to terms with his disability. The last thing he ever expects to find is love, for who would want to tie themselves to a broken man?
I am a big fan of Jackie Williams because not only is she a terrific writer, but she also does not shy away from some really tough topics. Her portray of what it is like to be disabled in Briton is not only heartbreaking but sadly spot on. When David tried to do something ordinary like go to the shops or go out for dinner, it did bring tears to my eyes because I have experienced this first hand. Kudos Ms Williams for portraying the truth.
Scarred Beginnings (Scarred Series Book 2) is a wonderful story of David's journey as he not only comes to terms with what has happened to him but also how he learns to live with it. He fears that no one would ever want him and when a woman does take interest he immediately thinks he imagines it, or she is playing with him. It takes a lot for him to trust. The story is so compelling that the pages just flew by. I loved the characterisation of David, he is so raw and so wonderfully portrayed that I could not help but fall a little in love with him myself.
Although there is a great deal of heartache and soul searching in this book, there is also moments of beautiful humour. The romance, although not a big part of this book is so wonderfully portrayed that I could not help but hope for a happy ending. I cannot praise this book enough. Scarred Beginnings (Scarred Series Book 2) is a sit-down and finish book and one I am sure I will be reading again.
I Highly Recommend.
I am a big fan of Jackie Williams because not only is she a terrific writer, but she also does not shy away from some really tough topics. Her portray of what it is like to be disabled in Briton is not only heartbreaking but sadly spot on. When David tried to do something ordinary like go to the shops or go out for dinner, it did bring tears to my eyes because I have experienced this first hand. Kudos Ms Williams for portraying the truth.
Scarred Beginnings (Scarred Series Book 2) is a wonderful story of David's journey as he not only comes to terms with what has happened to him but also how he learns to live with it. He fears that no one would ever want him and when a woman does take interest he immediately thinks he imagines it, or she is playing with him. It takes a lot for him to trust. The story is so compelling that the pages just flew by. I loved the characterisation of David, he is so raw and so wonderfully portrayed that I could not help but fall a little in love with him myself.
Although there is a great deal of heartache and soul searching in this book, there is also moments of beautiful humour. The romance, although not a big part of this book is so wonderfully portrayed that I could not help but hope for a happy ending. I cannot praise this book enough. Scarred Beginnings (Scarred Series Book 2) is a sit-down and finish book and one I am sure I will be reading again.
I Highly Recommend.
June 4, 2018
Touching, tender, heartfelt read.
What a wonderful story line. I started reading this book this morning while having coffee and I finished it just a bit ago, unable to put it down. The story is basically about a soldier that was in an attack in combat, which left him a double amputee. My heart broke for him. Yeah, I admit parts of this book will make you tear up. I wanted to reach into the story and pull David into a huge hug. I absolutely loved Geraldine too. What a beautiful, caring soul and the person he needed most.
I loved this book and I can't wait to read the next book.
What a wonderful story line. I started reading this book this morning while having coffee and I finished it just a bit ago, unable to put it down. The story is basically about a soldier that was in an attack in combat, which left him a double amputee. My heart broke for him. Yeah, I admit parts of this book will make you tear up. I wanted to reach into the story and pull David into a huge hug. I absolutely loved Geraldine too. What a beautiful, caring soul and the person he needed most.
I loved this book and I can't wait to read the next book.
October 6, 2017
A new look at our returning war veterans. We have had multiple contemporary romantic suspense novels that dealt with PTSD. This gives insight into those brave men who come home with amputations and physical disfigurations. It it also a look at friendships and caring. It also shows how awful we treat those who don't measure up in those too small minded who have never learned the true value of people who look different. Recommended
June 4, 2018
David and Geraldine!!!
Less a sequel and more the backstory and events of the first book as seen through David’s eyes. Almost nothing is a surprise, but that didn’t stop me from rooting for David and Geraldine to get together like I knew would happen. David’s self doubt and lack of confidence were well tailored to his character and circumstances. My only complaint is that it was over too quickly. I will be back for more of the Scarred books.
Less a sequel and more the backstory and events of the first book as seen through David’s eyes. Almost nothing is a surprise, but that didn’t stop me from rooting for David and Geraldine to get together like I knew would happen. David’s self doubt and lack of confidence were well tailored to his character and circumstances. My only complaint is that it was over too quickly. I will be back for more of the Scarred books.
April 16, 2025
David's turn
This is the story of David's injury and recovery then a mix in between Ellen's book in David's POV. Not much of Geraldine.
We don't get any scenes of them together which really ruins it and makes for an incomplete story.
These are definitely written for young adults if that.
There are again alot of spelling and grammar mistakes.
This is the story of David's injury and recovery then a mix in between Ellen's book in David's POV. Not much of Geraldine.
We don't get any scenes of them together which really ruins it and makes for an incomplete story.
These are definitely written for young adults if that.
There are again alot of spelling and grammar mistakes.
February 4, 2019
I love my heros to be Scarred ❤
Another great romance by Jackie Williams. So refreshing to have realistic MC's in a love story. I enjoy being involved in the evolution in your chacters. Ready for the next installment!
Another great romance by Jackie Williams. So refreshing to have realistic MC's in a love story. I enjoy being involved in the evolution in your chacters. Ready for the next installment!
July 6, 2018
One of my shelves is "sex meh" and while sex might be a want in most of my preferred reads, I did not miss that lack of said in this book. Wonderful writing and storyline! Bravo Jackie Williams!!
August 9, 2020
3.5 stars
August 17, 2016
Great
I loved reading this book, it is difficult to put down when you start reading, the story line is just fabulous
I loved reading this book, it is difficult to put down when you start reading, the story line is just fabulous
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews