Scarred

by Joanne Macgregor

Life leaves you scarred. Love can make you beautiful.Sloane Munster had the perfect life, until she didn’t. Now seventeen year-old Sloane is trying to reboot her life after a serious accident left her badly scarred and emotionally traumatized.Starting her senior year at a different school, she recognizes Luke Naughton, a swimmer whom she once had a crush on, in her new class. But when she smiles at him, he glares back with revulsion and she’s sure he’s disgusted by her ugly scar.No matter how hard she tries to keep out of his way, life keeps bringing them together and despite misunderstandings and guilty secrets, the chemistry between them sparks. Meanwhile, tensions are mounting at their school where bullying is rife and Sloane is not the most deeply scarred person.Sharp with bittersweet humor, Scarred is an intense, beautiful, compelling story of life, death, damage, and fighting for love against all the odds. This young adult contemporary romance makes great reading for fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, Jenny Han, Nicola Yoon and Rainbow Rowell.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, High School, Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Ebooks

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

When not writing, Joanne Macgregor is a counselling psychologist in private practice where she works mainly with victims of crime and trauma.

Although she lives in the frenetic adrenaline-rush of the big city, Joanne has always been in love with nature, and escapes into the wilds whenever she can. She's a Harry Potter fanatic, bakes the best choc-chip cookies on the planet, and is addicted to chilies and bulletproof coffee.

She started her professional life as a high school English teacher and loves writing about, and for, teens. She is the author of several books for Young Adults - Scarred, Recoil, Refuse, Rebel, Hushed and The law of Tall Girls.

Reviews

[Kassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving story!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serious car accident left her scarred physically and emotionally. Her “friends” left her abandoned and alone at a time when she needed them most. For seventeen-year-old Sloane Munster, the life she had known was gone, only the memories and her hopes and dreams remain, crushed and shattered. When she begins her senior year at a new school, she already knows what to expect and she was not disappointed. The bullies came out in droves, the gawkers would stare at her face with expressions from revulsion to pity as they saw the long, jagged scar. But the worst reaction came from a boy she had known at her other school, a boy she had crushed on from afar. His rage was almost touchable, the venom he in his voice was brutal and cold, and Sloane wouldn’t find out why for a long, painful time.

Scarred by Joanne Macgregor is more than another young adult tale of bullying, insensitivity and the cruel callousness that runs rampant today. It is a story of one brave young lady strong enough to face life after “the accident” but unprepared to come face to face with the rage and hate-filled Luke, another “victim” of the accident that changed Sloane’s life. This is a tale of forgiveness, of healing and of the awareness that one’s individual pain is shared by many.

Joanne Macgregor has created a strong and powerful character in Sloane as she uses sarcasm and dark humor to as a shield to what she feels inside. Sloane shows her compassion for others time and again only to be rebuffed, but she never stops. Forcing Sloane and Luke together in times of high stress was a brilliant move as he learns to forgive her for a debt she never owed and admit to the guilt he once felt for caring for the person she is on the inside. Emotionally jarring, eye-opening to the cruelties a human faces for being different or flawed, this is a must read for everyone from teachers to students to parents. There are lessons to be learned wrapped within a highly engaging tale from this brilliant author. I asked myself if I could have had Sloane’s strength at her age.

I received this copy from Joanne Macgregor in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Joanne Macgregor
Genre: YA Fiction
Print Length: 251 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Scarred
AUTHOR: Joanne Macgregor
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 29th 2015

MY RATING: 5 Stars

**༻This will be my first time reading something by this author༺**

This is me stepping out of my normal genre and trying something a wee bit different, the reason why I one clicked this is I think the cover is truly beautiful, plus the synopsis grabbed my attention out of many others I could've one clicked..



A start to a new school, a girl so scarred that she hides behind her hair and only reveals the side of her face that's not disfigured by scars..

In one of her classes she sees a face from the past before she was disfigured, his name is Luke Naughton



I see only him. His eyes move to my scar. He actually turns his head to take it in, the smile stillborn on his face. His lips twist, but in a sneer, not a smile. Then he looks back into my eyes and this time his are full of deep revulsion.

Everytime these two lock gazes Luke turns away with a look of disgust on his face..

B.S and A.S that's how I divide my life (Before Scare and After Scar)

What is a refreshing change in this is the dual POV'S which gives the reader a broader spectrum into both characters, can't believe how easy this was to get into as soon as I started reading it I was pretty much hooked into the story line..



God I don't know where to even start with my write up, I was in a book funk before I hit this book, I can't tell you how many I tried getting into before reading this, it packs so much drama within its pages, forgiveness, love, bullying, shooting, my mind was in turmoil and my heart was breaking, I connected with these characters, I felt their pain, their guilt you name it, everything this author threw at me I felt it and I love it when an author can make me feel..So this is why SCARRED gets my 5 Stars..

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling, moving exploration of emotions, actions and reactions told in an emotive, enthralling manner. The writing draws the reader into the scenarios, making it easy to empathise with many of the characters - and feel like reacting on their behalf to some of the others!

The story is very emotive, with the themes of grief and guilt, loss and blame as well as love and hope running throughout the well structured plot. It is filled with the full array characters from High School life - the sneering, snobbish, mean and elitist Jesters girls, the brilliant and supportive Sienna, the cruelly ridiculed and treated L.J, the heartthrob Luke and, of course, Sloane. There’s also a total mix of teachers, too - several of whom really shouldn’t be in the job!

I certainly hadn’t expected to enjoy this as much as I did - there is so much more to this book than you initially assume! It is one of those stories that I didn’t want to put down until I’d reached the end. Much of the story is told from the point of view of Sloane or Luke, helping the reader relate closely with them. The consequences of the car accident were far reaching for everyone concerned and this story portrays this brilliantly, taking the reader on a journey along a route full of unexpected twists and turns towards a potential resolution of the emotional upheaval and brighter future for all concerned - but will the actions of others prevent this being achieved? You’ll just have to read it yourself to find out!

Whilst supposedly targeted at young adults, this is a book that is so well written and moving that I believe it will appeal to adults as well - it certainly did to me! I can't praise this enough and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending it - I will certainly be looking out for other books by this talented author in future!

Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

[Melissa Delport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. I expected a good YA read. I got one that can stand hold its own against the biggest names in YA at the moment. Loved Sloane and Luke, although I wanted to slap them both at some point in the book (teenagers!!) haha! With equal part humor and tragedy, I became quickly engrossed in this story and the pacing is superb! Joanne MacGregor didn't waste one single word. Highly recommend for fans of YA contemporary.

[Brenna Moreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and sensitive story where we follow the journey of Sloane and Luke through loss and grief but also towards forgiveness, acceptance and love.

Sloane is strong, independent, courageous and faces a lot of challenges and heartbreak. She is starting at a new school and has all these feelings of fear and dread about it... She got scars after a terrible car accident, physically and emotionally speaking, and has been, for a while now, fixed about the noticeable scar on her face that attract a lot of bad attention, disgust and pity from others... Nonetheless, the worst are the memories.

Luke is, obviously, the hot guy... But he is so much more than that! He is sweet, smart, disciplined, strong and kind. He has a lot of character and is going through a rough time too... And Sloane reminds him of that, her existence and presence at school is a open wound.

In this book we are able to see with accuracy the consequences of careless words and pranks and how devastating high school can bee. Sloane sees more now and begins to understand that while she is scarred... So is the world.

[VJ Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

When something traumatizes us, we can’t cope with life. We try too; heck, if we had a time machine we’d have a first-class ticket to go back to a simple life–but we can’t. Life goes on. And even if it’s a life we truly don’t want, we just hang on as much as we could. For Sloane, she is struggling. I think I’ve been there and maybe you have been too. She’s in this terrible accident and everyone now knows her as this tragedy, as she can’t forget it because of the scars she obtained from it. She thought she can break out of her shell, but even time can’t hide old wounds.

There is one person who seems to keep reminding her of the past, as much as she tries to forget it. Luke. This beautiful oh so dreamy and popular guy, has this fiery towards her. The anger he has behind those eyes of his are strong. You can feel it, and even though you can tell he isn’t a bad guy, it just feels like unfinished business between them. So when they are forced to be together for a project–sparks are flying in a not so good way. You can feel the depression along side the bullying of all of this. It’s quite relatable because of how you feel for them. I did get emotional; which surprised me. I thought this book wouldn’t tug the heart–oh I was wrong.

For more-- Check out my review http://www.floralsndragons.com/2016/0...

[Lea Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I started reading this story, I found it different in the way a normal YA would be written. Present time brings about a new look into the genre and I have to say that it is refreshing.
I loved the mature perspective of the injured (physically, mentally and emotionally) Sloane, with her wild personality and odd behaviours. Reminds me of my younger self. The character of Luke is a real puzzle in the beginning and the small parts of his view shows a bit about his character but also remains mysterious.
Some things I found predictable but only a few paragraphs before it happens.
I also did not expect the end.
The author captured the teenage reality of school beautifully and I know that there are teenagers (and YA enthusiasts) that would relate to some if not most of the story!

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been curious about Joanne Macgregor’s Scarred for a while. I’ve read most of the authors work and have loved them all, with Scarred always in the background promising another book I would adore. As soon as I started reading this one, I knew I was in for a wonderful read.

From the very first page, Scarred pulled me in. It was a book I had to complete in a single sitting, one I could not put down. With each page, I was sucked in deeper. With each element that was introduced, I fell deeper in love. With each detail, I needed more. It’s a story that hooks, but it’s also a story with wonderful messages.

Not only did it come with a gripping story and great messages, it surprised me. I knew something big was going to happen, but how the story played out in the end was not what I expected. It shocked me, it took me on an unexpected journey, and it pulled out emotions I did not expect from this book. I love it when a book surprises me, and this one did so in all the right ways.

The only thing I would have liked it an epilogue. I have a serious weakness for seeing what comes next, after things are wrapped up. The ending was great, I simply would have liked to see something beyond. Of course, that’s just me wanting more. I love to have an impression of how everything is later, but it was not enough to take away from the story.

All in all, Scarred was another wonderful read from Joanne Macgregor. If you have yet to read a Joanne Macgregor book, you need to.

[CeCe · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style did not work for me. Felt amateurish. Verbiage and behaviors felt scripted. I could not sympathize with the heroine. You may love this. Reading is subjective. I loved the premise and was excited to read this one, but I could not connect to the story or the characters.

[Dani (Dani Reviews Things) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.

Scarred tells this story of two broken teenagers who don’t know the full story. It is a story of honesty, acceptance and –ultimately– forgiveness. I read the book in a day, eager to watch Sloane and Luke’s truth unfold. Through it all, both were genuine characters, and Sloane was funny and so gloriously sarcastic. This book is therapy and hope in 251 pages.



After the epic failure that was Soundless, I was equal parts eager and wary to start a new book. I was on the precipice of falling into the River Reading Slump. Scarred rescued me.

So first of all, why did I pick up Scarred in the first place? Well, quite frankly, it’s because the author, Joanne Macgregor, is South African. Yup, it’s as simple as that. I am Proudly South African. (That gets put on SA-made products back home, FYI.) As a South African, I am desperate for tastes of home, and I couldn’t believe my luck when Joanne reached out to me to let me know about her book. A YA contemporary by a South African author? Yes, please!

World-building

Sadly for me, the book was set in Chicago, though I can see how this would make sense. (If it were set in South Africa, I doubt anyone would let a 17-year-old girl live virtually on her own in a city. Just saying.) The place wasn’t all that important, other than to set the stage for accident. The story could have been set anywhere, as it’s more about the characters than their surroundings.

I highlighted the following passage because I loved it in a weird way. It made me think so much of England, and it made me miss South Africa, where it isn’t like this at all!

Winters start cold and then get colder. When the sun shines, it does so with pallid weakness and it retreats like a coward to the coming of snow.

Sorry, bear with me while I giggle quietly to myself about the ‘pallid weakness’ of the sun. Tehehehe… so English… all the time… even in the summer…

Please someone take me somewhere sunny and warm.

All hail the airplane taking me back to SA for a nice, hot, sunny Christmas by the beach, complete with braais (barbecues) and cool drinks (fizzy drinks/sodas) and soft serve (ice cream)!

Plot

Here’s how it starts: Sloane was in a car accident, and her life is drastically changed. Nine months later, she’s ready to come out of her shell and return to school to finish her final year. She moves to a new school and is faced with Luke, the guy she used to crush on before the accident. Except Luke – previously interested – is now repulsed by her and the big scar on her face. What’s worse, they get paired up in class to work on a project for the rest of the quarter.

And that’s where I stop because I don’t want to spoil anything. Here’s the gist though. The plot twist is unexpected. I genuinely didn’t see the connection between the two coming. I also didn’t anticipate Luke’s hardships at home, and yet it seemed completely real and possible when I found out.

I thought the pacing was appropriate given the development of the story and relationships. Any faster, and it would have been too easy. Any slower, and it would have been boring. Macgregor found that happy medium, and I started the book and finished it in one day, equal parts in love with the characters and searching for my own answers.

Characters and relationships

I loved the characters. Why?

Sloane

She is a sarcasm queen. I like to think I am a sarcasm queen at times, too.
She has a rather funny coping mechanism for what she’s gone through. Well, maybe not to some, but if you have a dark sense of humour like I do, you’ll be chuckling away.
Actually, she’s just funny in general.

Resting your cheek in your hand is also a good hiding trick, but I can confirm that it looks weird if you do it while walking or standing.

She stands up to bullies, even if it gets her in trouble. I like to think that, while I wasn’t that way in high school, I have grown stronger over time (oddly enough, thanks to my darker side) and stand up to injustice more now.
Out of context, some of the things she says could apply to any one of us. How many times could this apply to you?

Question: Can I do this?
Answer: Do I have a choice?
I’m not sure I can do this, but I am sure that I can’t carry on not doing it.

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I felt like Sloane and I were pretty similar. Aside from the whole she’s a swimmer and I don’t own a swimsuit thing. But we do both have dodgy knees that click and lock!

Luke


He might be an ass to Sloane, but he’s actually quite nice to everyone else.
He is intelligent, hard-working and dedicated.
He has goals for his future and volunteers in his free time.
He cares about his family, even when they treat him like rubbish.
He is the Chilli King.


About a quarter of the way through the book, it is revealed that Luke and Sloane are connected rather terribly. What’s worse, neither has the full story, and their interactions are based on assumptions on both sides. The rest of the book consists of them working through their issues – with themselves, with each other and with their families.

The tension between them is clear, but so is the chemistry. I actually felt bad for them, feeling the kind of chemistry they did but faced with rather formidable obstacle in their way of happiness. They're not meant for happy endings, at least not in the real world. I’m still not convinced everything is sorted by the end of the book, and I actually think it would be interesting to read fan fiction on what people think happen to Luke and Sloane after the end. I mean, I would write it myself, by I’m more of the reading and editing kind…

There is one other character that I want to note, and that’s L.J.. I felt simultaneous sorry and put off by him. I didn’t know how to feel at the end, and I still don’t, days later. I don’t completely understand his motives for doing the things he did, but can you ever understand someone’s actions? He’s just a big “I don’t know” for me.

Writing

All I can think is, trust a psychologist to explore the psychological effects of tragedy. I actually wonder if Macgregor based the story and/or characters on situations and clients she’s seen in the past. While the story is not deep and depressing, there is heartache and anger and distrust. But then there is also hope and moving on and love and humour and forgiveness. She brings out these in her characters and their connections.

I felt like, through the book, I had my own kind of therapy. While I haven’t been in a car accident, I do feel like my family was turned upside down…this time last year.

“Life’s scary when you realize how much of it is out of your control.”

I’m working on my own problems, oddly enough to do with forgiving certain people who I thought I could rely on. And so I got schooled by a motivational poster.

“When you forgive, it doesn’t mean you condone or approve. It means that you put down the resentment and bitterness you’ve been holding onto. It means that you let go of the hope that the past can be different.”

Wise words, Mr. Poster. That being said, reading about forgiveness and accepting that it is the right thing to do does not mean that you instantly forgive someone, which this book demonstrates. So I will keep working on that and using Scarred as guidance. And I’m sure you guys are all holding onto something; maybe you can also take something away from Luke and Sloane’s story!

There was one particular chapter that actually made me tear up a little because I could relate SO MUCH. Something happens to Sloane that makes her want to break down, but she’s in public, and Macgregor describes Sloane as holding herself together using threads. She can barely breathe, let alone move and speak, and she keeps it all in until she’s in a safe place and can just let all of her emotion in. I know that feeling. I KNOW IT SO WELL. When you don’t want to talk to anyone, when your movements are tight and controlled because anything extra shared with the world will open the floodgates. When you just want to scream, but you have to keep the noise constricted beneath your throat. I read this chapter and just thought: yes, yes, this is it. This is how I feel.

As for the writing style itself, I found the book easy to read, very clear and funny in all the right parts. I was actually astounded to discover it was a self-published book, as flow is something I think other indie authors sometimes struggle with. Like I said before, I found Sloane’s narration very relatable, and there were references to pop culture that (I think) young people can recognise. (This does, however, ‘date’ the book insomuch as future teens might not know who Ed Sheeran is…as awful as that is to contemplate!)

Can I also just say that Macgregor explained sub-tweeting to me? Yeah, I know, it’s something I’ve seen and may have done…today…but I didn’t actually connect the term ‘sub-tweet’ and the act until I read this book. The shame!

Overall

Maybe this book was the right thing at the right time for me. The right narrator. The right balance of introspection and romance. The right (dark and sarcastic) humour. This book checked all of my boxes, and I will be keeping an eye out for more of Macgregor’s work in the future! (While also taking a peek at her previous two books, of course.)

We are all victims of victims of victims, each of us scarred by life.

True dat.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was intense and sad and pretty well written. Sloane was pretty brave, considering all the people at school making fun of her and her teacher being a condescending asshole. Plus, Luke was pretty harsh toward her too. I get that he was hurting from his own loss, but it wasn't Sloane's fault and she has no parents and is permanently injured. I like that she stuck up for herself and LJ, even though he was super creepy and mean. There were a few moments where I was worried who would live through the book. Sloane is a better person than I am because I don't think I would have saved LJ. He tried to kill people! Good narration and short, which kept the plot moving.

[Camila Matuella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5
Senti falta de um epílogo, queria mais um pouco desse amor tão lindo que o livro transmite. Tão fofo e tão cheio de ensinamentos.



"Who bullied L.J's stepfather, to make him so harsh? And what had been done to that person? We're all victms of victms of victms, each of us scarred by life. What make one person swallow their pain or turn it back on themselves, and another decide to take it out on the world?"

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Massive applause to Joanne Macgregor for this beautiful contemporary read. This is a book that could so easily have fallen into the trap of being a cliched version of boy-meets-girl, falls in love and manages to overlook her scar (trust me, I've seen my fair share of those), but Scarred is a book that is filled with so many layers that mesh together beautifully.

Dealing with issues of grief, bullying, gun violence and social structures in terms of both family and school, Scarred is a multi-faceted novel that tells the story of Sloane, a young girl who previously had everything going for her until the accident that killed her mother left her scarred, damaged, and unable to swim on a competitive level anymore.

A new start at a new school seems to be the chance of a lifetime, until she runs into Luke, a potential crush, who at first glance, seems absolutely repulsed by her. Here's where it gets interesting and where the backstory comes into play.

It's clear Luke seems to have a good reason to hate everything Sloane stands for, but what this story so effortlessly capture is what happens when you make assumptions and only have one side of a story. The Sloane and Luke tread a fine line between attraction and antagonism, but the road to their romance is fraught with issues relating to both of their backstories and complications courtesy of drama from the mean girl tribe. Le sigh.

One of the biggest things I wasn't expecting was the bullying element featured in this book. I'm not just talking about the standard bullying though; rather the kind of bullying that comes from teachers who pick on students (in this case, an awkward, lumbering teen boy) and who gets away with it. There's a shocking element tied in with this sub-plot that leads to shocking (but unsurprising) events that follow.

I did find myself a bit frustrated that this issue was never resolved, but at the same time, I completely understand that realistically speaking, not all cases of bullying ever are (especially in the case where adults are involved) and really appreciated Joanne for showcasing the reality of this.

The book is romantic, sad, but also gritty. Joanne has created two strong and resilient characters who each battle their own demons, but who eventually find a way to get beyond the past. I can't recommend this highly enough.

P.S. It would be interesting to see a story arc with LJ (the bullied teen) in the lead. His backstory, and especially his role in the ending of the novel definitely makes me think that he could have a story of his own.

Disclaimer: Review copy received from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of the book.

[Candyce Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Wow, this book was an emotional rollercoaster. This author isn't afraid to touch subjects that are hard for people. Two people that suffered a tragedy get closer, but it's not as perfect as it seems. I can't say too much without giving any spoliers, but I couldn't put this book down. Sloane and Luke have to learn to deal with what happened in their lives. Certain events leave scars and they have to give it a place in the way they live now. There was also a twist in this book I did not see coming and I loved that the author added it (if you read the book you will know what I'm talking about). It's not only the kids at school that leave imprints.

Full review to come on thebookdutchesses.com

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Joanne Macgregor does well is get inside the heads of young adults, and she does so admirably in Scarred. Some people carry their scars on the outside, and for others, though they may appear perfect from the outside, they carry their wounds deep within.

Sloane Munster (and here I was nearly groaning at her surname) was in a horrible car accident in which her mother died. And since then she's been struggling to come to terms with not only the loss (and their relationship had been far from perfect) but also dealing with the disfiguring scars that mar her body. Knowing how important outward appearance can be for young people, this is especially tragic.

Yet Sloane gets by. But there's more guilt to heap on top of things. She has the hots for Luke Naughton, the somewhat arrogant swimming star. But, as we discover, there are Reasons (with a capital R) why Sloane can't be completely honest with Luke about her past. And Luke himself, has Reasons (yes, I'm being deliberately vague because SPOILER ALERT) why he might not accept Sloane for who she really is.

So it's a dance between these two lovely, damaged souls and the push-pull of their attraction for each other in what is a very deftly handled teen romance with a side order of drama. But it's more than just a romance; it's also about how we discover ways in which we continue with life after tragedy, scarred but still alive, still trying to assimilate the fragments that remain.

But Macgregor also treats other issues, such as school bullying, and how different people either fracture or become more resilient in the face of others' cruelty. So yes, there was a bit more going on in this book than your stock-standard YA read, and I commend the author for that (and it's also the reason why I award her a full five stars).

We are never whole again (if we ever were to begin with) but we have no choice but to continue, because life isn't fair.

Okay, so far as reviews goes, I'm getting meta here, which is a bit more than I should be.

The setting is generic USA-ville, though there is a part of me that would have wanted to see a more regional, local flavour to add a bit more dimension to the story (but I understand why the author made the choice). Yet this is a solid read, and the characters have authentic voices, even if I wanted to shout at them to stop being so pig-headed. If you're looking for your next contemporary teen read, this is a goodie. Pick it up; it won't disappoint.

[Monique Snyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarred by Joanne Macgregor is one of those books I’m sure almost everyone will be able to relate to in one way or another. Set in modern day USA, Sloane seems to be a typical teenage girl, but she’s been through far more than a girl that age should go through. A tragic accident left her scarred, a horrible loss keeps eating at her, and she's just broken. However, Sloane is also willing to move forward, thanks to the hard work of her psychologist. Unfortunately, her new high school is filled with a few unexpected complications; one of them being Luke.

This book is a highly addictive read. Once I sat down with Scarred, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The characters have been developed well, I enjoyed the plot, but mostly I loved the underlining message of the tale. I don’t often see complexity in this particular genre when I start analysing the story. Scarred, however, does have a complexity that makes me all happy and gooey, so that’s a total win in my books.

I have to mention that I did notice an inconsistency or two as I read, but it didn’t bother me whatsoever. That said, I do know a lot of readers won’t be happy with the abrupt ending. Due to the ending, it feels as though the author left a few things unexplained, but I have a suspicious feeling it’s done on purpose. Endings like the one found in Scarred, which is usually a high stakes gamble for authors and shouldn’t always be employed, is necessary at times: 1.) Because it makes the reader think about the story long after it ended; and 2.) It leaves wiggle room for the author if he/she decides to continue with the story.

I’m hoping Joanne Macgregor does write a sequel to Scarred, though.

Wait! What? Did I just ask for a contemporary YA sequel? Yup, I did. I tend to steer clear of contemporary YA, because it’s all been done, but Scarred really struck a cord with me. It asks questions, important ones. How do we get rid of bullying? Was Columbine (and all the other school shootings) preventable in one way or another? Does society even realise the unattainable standards placed upon children can break them? So many questions, so few answers …

I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are in the mood for a thought-provoking novel. Seriously, this holiday season, you need to read this book.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking book that speaks about real life and real situations regarding life, bullying and grief. Fantastic because what I loved most about this book are the messages within it.

It teaches you not to judge someone by their outer appearance and that you can be struggling on the inside while the outside world doesn't even know it, so always be kind.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and it's something great for teens to read and as a young (ish) adult, it is a good reminder to me why I'm always kind to everyone.
The characters are lovely and Joanne has written this with depth. It isn't a flat novel. The characters and situations they find themselves in are things that happen in EVERY DAY life - she didn't thumb suck what she wrote about.

[Helen Power · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fast-paced and has a good plot, but I didn't quite connect with Sloane, the female main character. She's a tad too immature for my liking. She has a large scar on her face, and for the first few chapters, this is her "trauma" and she barely even thinks about the person who she loved who died in the accident that caused the scar. (I'm trying not to put a spoiler here, but it's not much of a spoiler since it's revealed after a few chapters). While I understand that a scar like that would be traumatizing to a beautiful teenager, I also think that the loss of the closest person to her should probably have affected her a little more than it did.

We do occasionally get a scene from Luke's point of view, but they're quite short and simply provide us with insight into what's going on in his head. I really appreciated this writing technique, since it did let us know what he was thinking, but allowed for more of the book to be from Sloane's POV. I wish more authors would do this!

The twist towards the end of the book, while predictable, definitely made up for the lack of relatability of the main character, bumping this up to a 3 star read for me.

[Liv (LivTheBookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars: Really well written contemporary romance novel. This book was really entertaining, and it had great characters and a really interesting plot. The romance wasn't too cheese-y...I mean it was cheese-y but it wasn't overbearingly cheese-y. There were a few cliche moments that made me purposefully put a "cliche" note on my Kindle. There were multiple points throughout the book that made me literally laugh out loud, and towards the end some of the scenes made my heart literally ache for the characters. I love it when a book makes me feel something, and if a romance book has a sad part that is supposed to make the reader feel significantly sad or empathetic, and it doesn't make my heart twinge a little, then it usually gets a star bumped off. When I read a contemporary romance like this one, I want to cry or at least come to it. I need that in my life. I love to feel something when I read. That's a must for me.
YOU CAN SEE MY FULL REVIEW HERE: http://livthebooknerd.blogspot.com/20...

[Felicia Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah! This story was a whirlwind! I never read the synopsis for Scarred before I began reading it and I'm kind of glad because the impact of everything was so much better.

Scarred was so emotional. It also felt very real with all the situations going on in schools now.

The instalove bothered me a little bit in this story. Sometimes I can overlook it, but in this case it was very noticeable and a little annoying.

Overall, I did enjoy the story but wish the relationship would have taken a little longer to get started.

[Zane Alksne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very tough story about two lost teenagers that find peace and forgiveness and new life in each other. Overcoming their grief and forgiving seemingly unforgivable things. The language was quite simple and flowing, this could be given to some 15-year-olds to read through. It would be perfect for the really young young adults. I loved the storyline and the high-school setting. A rather easy read even though the theme is supposed to be tough. Shows how different people cope with tragic events. No regrets about picking this up, but I did not feel it until the end; something was missing. I am used to more in-depth books, and somehow, the ending felt a bit rushed, but just a small bit.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review posted at Books, Stars, and the Pages in Between

Scarred begins the story of 17-year-old Sloane, who after an accident, is finally trying to get on with her life by attending a new school. Within the sea of new faces, Sloane recognizes Luke, an old crush, but is immediately taken back by the hostility and disgust he has towards her. As she tries to navigate the social pains of high school once again, a painful past will reveal itself as Sloane figures out just what it is that keeps driving her and Luke apart, when it's obvious he wants nothing to do with her.

Right from the beginning, we're introduced to Sloane's mindset on life. The doubt of one's accomplishment being offset by sheer determination is an feeling everyone goes through to, immediately allowing readers to connect to Sloane on a personal level. For Sloane, her challenge is to make it through being the new kid at school, paired with a scar that will inevitably attract negative attention. What Sloane discovers instead only makes her life worse: an old crush who suddenly has become hostile towards her, a verbally abusive teacher, and a social circle of bullies.



"Question: Can I do this?
Answer: Do I have a choice?"



Luke was an interesting character, trying to cope with the sudden appearance of Sloane. He has nothing against her personally, yet has everything against her. At first, I couldn't understand why he was acting so petty and hateful, and found him insufferable for how he treated Sloane. However, once his situation was revealed, his actions became justifiable to me, and I couldn't help but begin to question whether I would react similarly if I were in his shoes. Luke definitely has his own sets of problems, and needed every bit as much help as Sloane does to face them.

Though romance was a factor of the book, I would consider it more as a tool for both Sloane and Luke to find a way to confront their negative emotions. For Sloane, being in love meant trying to find a way to be honest, and being able to sacrifice her relationship in exchange for the greater good of truth. For Luke, a relationship meant that he needed to confront the fact that his parents were only present in the past, forever unable to able to see past the memory of Luke's brother to see Luke himself.

This novel raises some very thought-provoking questions. What happens to both the parties after an large accident? Is it right to blame those indirectly related? How do you deal with adults who abuse their role of authority? Where do you draw the line for forgiveness? Though all these questions that have no distinct right answer, it really gets you thinking about just how far you'd be willing to go, and how far you think you should go.


The last half of the book brought together quite a lot of major issues in this world. Things like invisible injuries, pushing people past their breaking point, coping, moving on, and forgiveness were all major themes in the novel. This is a story that tells of very real situations, and what happens to both sides of parties involved in major accidents. It may be a work of fiction, but the reactions and emotions were all very realistic, including the horrifying final event. These are very real issues, and sadly, some of them seem to be growing in frequency. The novel ends off both bittersweet and a bit open-ended, just like how events in life normally are.

I'll leave saying that this thoughtful novel captures one of my favourite quotes perfectly: that so many of our problems would be solved if we simply talked to one another, rather than assuming. Kindness is something that has no price for, and we should be willing to give it at any moment's notice.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on loss and recovery

Overall story: I enjoyed it. Parts that were predictable and maybe a little unrealistic but I felt like the story was one I really liked. The author tackled real issues like the ramifications of bullying, loss, and recovery. I like that this wasn't a fluffy YA.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No

Happy reading!

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a teen is hard, without all of this happening to one! There are some really good life lessons here and I wish more people would listen but everyone believes it will never happen to them... How easily it can go wrong.

Now, don't get me wrong, the story is not preachy at! It deals with these issues wonderfully and keeps it very interesting.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about anyone else, but I am seriously addicted to reading teenage romance novels. I LOVED this book because it wasn't the exact same plot as all of the others. I will definitely read more by her.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally and utterly LOVED this book! I read it in less than 24 hours, and that's with reluctantly having to go to sleep and errands getting in the way of precious reading time.

I was pulled into Sloane's world so much so, I could feel the emotions pour from the page.

High School is bad enough, what with having to contend with bullies, teachers included, and everything else school related, but throw a disfigurement into the mix, and the personal grief Sloane goes through, this makes it even more hellish, but this girl can handle herself, even when she's falling apart. Believable characters, some you love, some you loathe and some you feel sorry for.

I love Joanne's style of writing, and cannot wait for any new books from her!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of her book in return for an honest review.
I devoured this in practically one sitting! It’s cleverly written to steadily draw the reader in and is determined to ensure that you focus on nothing else for its duration!
Classified as a YA (Young Adults) novel, ‘Scarred’ deals with relevant, contemporary themes that readers of all ages will easily relate to and identify with: how to live with loss, fear, rejection, social isolation, and how to understand acceptance, difference and love. It’s filled with the twists and turns that characterise teen angst, which don’t necessarily leave us once we leave those teen years behind us.
Sloane Munster is bravely starting out a new school. She’s trying to get over a devastating car accident and is slowly putting her life back together despite the disturbing memories she’s forced to live with. She’s pleased to recognise Luke Naughton from her life ‘BA’- what she terms ‘Before Accident’ – but is surprised and upset at his blatantly negative response to seeing her again after their previously budding friendship. In fact, Luke openly rebuffs her. Inevitably though, they are thrown together – by a pesky Life Orientation teacher and, of all things, a project on pollution!
As Sloane and Luke navigate the rollercoaster of their inevitable relationship, we meet the various characters that make up the tapestry of their daily lives. There’s the delightful, upbeat Sienna, who befriends Sloane and involves her in the underground school blog; the Jaysters, that gang of mean girls that prowls the halls of every high school, making everyone fear them, yet want to be them at the same time; there’s LJ, the butt of everyone’s jokes and ridicule (until Sloane arrives); and then there’s the gaggle of teachers, some of whom prove that the threat of bullying doesn’t only come from the kid sitting next to you in class!
This book poses numerous questions that we should all be considering and for that reason alone, I really feel that it’s a must-read for a much wider audience than the one at which it’s targeted. Teenagers are more flexible (we say they’re indecisive), more spontaneous (we call them irresponsible), more chaotic (we accuse them of being disorganised). As adults we become so set in our ways, so often sure that we’re right and that our way is the only way.
But the biggest question of all is … what if our perceptions are wrong?

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotionally intense book that had me riveted right from the first page. Sloane is funny, sharp and almost too mature for her years as the accident has left her with scars both inside and out. It’s also given her a new perspective on life – she can see what is important and what isn’t, disdaining the shallowness of her former self and erstwhile friends. She’s a fighter and tries to face her demons head on. She’s also kind and compassionate, wanting to help others like L.J., the guy in her class who is being bullied by everyone.
Luke has his own demons and when we find out what his issues are with Sloane, the reader can’t help but root for him. The chemistry between them definitely does spark and for an incurable romantic like myself it made for a great read – I was hoping they’d get their happy ending.
It wasn’t just a romance though; I liked the fact that this novel explores issues like bullying, grief and guilt. The bullying isn’t only the ordinary kind – which Sloane is brilliant at deflecting with wry comments and sassy come-backs – but the kind where a teacher will have it in for a particular pupil to the point where it becomes uncomfortable for everyone else. There was also the parental kind and the reader feels for the victim, understanding why it may all become too much to handle.
Grief is something only time can heal, and Sloane is doing pretty well on that front, but the guilt is something else. She feels responsible for something by omission, ie she feels that if she had stopped her mother from doing something, the accident wouldn’t have happened. And she also did something herself (I don’t want to do a spoiler) which, although in retrospect may seem to have been necessary, she can’t forgive herself for. I think the point here is that you have to live for the future, and this comes across beautifully.
All in all, a great read! (I would have liked to give it four and a half stars but since that option is not available I've gone with five).

[Elizabeth Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Macgregor's writing is a graceful look at the physical and emotional aftermath of a tragedy in a person's life. It is evocative. It doesn't push aside the effects mental illnesses have on a person. Or how, through the support of friends, family, and love, a person can move forward in their life- move past the tragedy and see there is a bright future ahead of them.

When I first started this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Sloane Munster felt very one dimensional- she was focusing on how she looked and how her life used to be. She was beautiful. She was popular. "I didn't used to get called anything nasty about my appearance, I used to be pretty. The GG's- short for Gorgeous Girls- that's what our clique was called, in my old school." However, after moving further into the book, Sloane becomes more than a one dimensional character. The scar is just a representation of her emotions. By the end, I fell in love and didn't want it to end.

Joanne Macgregor is a counseling psychologist who specializes in victims of crime and trauma. It is very apparent that she knows what she is writing about; it is captivating and emotional and clearly understood from a psychologist's point of view.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping story of tragedy, loss, and survival. I think an anthem to this book is Scars to You Beautiful by Alessia Cara. Go listen to it during/after reading this book.

Read the complete review at Talkingbookworm.com

I'd like to thank Joanne Macgregor for the opportunity to read Scarred in return for an honest review. Receiving this book for free doesn't influence my opinion.