What do you think?
Rate this book
Scarred #1
Running Scarred
This is an alternate cover edition for B0089UMGAK
For three years ex-soldier, Patrick Reeves has avoided his once comfortable world. Unable to accept his terrible injuries, he moves to a secluded cottage in France and hides from everyone, most of all himself.
But when a bright, beautiful woman, who stirs his blood and steals his heart, discovers the ruined Chateau and estate on which home stands, it's more than his unerring control can bear. for her to flinch from his wounds would be terrible, but for to pity him would be the final insult. His only option is to ensure that she never sees him at all.
Ellen doesn't give a damn what Patrick looks like. One glimpse of his shaded figure, one hint of his masculine scent and she is his forever. She ends her engagement and follows her heart, buying the Chateau to fulfil a dream that has been her only wish since her brother was blown up in Afghanistan. If she can capture the elusive Patrick while attaining her goals, her world will be complete.
But Patrick is hiding from more than himself. Ellen is Devastated when he abandons her for a flame haired beauty and when her ex-fiance reappears, determined that he is surrendering neither Ellen or her fortune, she discovers that she is in danger of not only losing her lover but her life.
Can Patrick escape in time to save the woman who loves and accepts him exactly as he is or will she be lost to him forever while he has been Running Scarred for far too long.
For three years ex-soldier, Patrick Reeves has avoided his once comfortable world. Unable to accept his terrible injuries, he moves to a secluded cottage in France and hides from everyone, most of all himself.
But when a bright, beautiful woman, who stirs his blood and steals his heart, discovers the ruined Chateau and estate on which home stands, it's more than his unerring control can bear. for her to flinch from his wounds would be terrible, but for to pity him would be the final insult. His only option is to ensure that she never sees him at all.
Ellen doesn't give a damn what Patrick looks like. One glimpse of his shaded figure, one hint of his masculine scent and she is his forever. She ends her engagement and follows her heart, buying the Chateau to fulfil a dream that has been her only wish since her brother was blown up in Afghanistan. If she can capture the elusive Patrick while attaining her goals, her world will be complete.
But Patrick is hiding from more than himself. Ellen is Devastated when he abandons her for a flame haired beauty and when her ex-fiance reappears, determined that he is surrendering neither Ellen or her fortune, she discovers that she is in danger of not only losing her lover but her life.
Can Patrick escape in time to save the woman who loves and accepts him exactly as he is or will she be lost to him forever while he has been Running Scarred for far too long.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
66 people are currently reading
1114 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 15, 2018
Well I tried...... twice!!!!!! I made it to 26% and I just can't seem to get into this book. The writing style isn't meshing with me, and I don't really like the hero or the heroine. So I believe it's time to let it go and move on to something else. Oh well they can't all be winners.
January 16, 2014
“Running Scarred” by Jackie Williams is a modern-day turn on Beauty and the Beast. It even takes place in the forests of France in an imposing chateau located close to a quaint village. Ellen, the flawlessly beautiful heroine (both inside and out) wants to turn the old chateau into a resort of sorts for severely wounded (scarred) war veterans, chief among them her brother David. She has inherited a gazillion dollars to do this with. She sets about the task with a headstrong and undeterred will. But her nefarious and vain former boyfriend schemes to make her fortune his. Enter Patrick (the beast) a dreadfully disfigured war hero who owns the cottage behind the chateau and simply wants to live there alone and in peace. He's not looking for love – until he rescues a lost Ellen one dark night in the woods. She sees only the purity of his heart beneath the scars. From this foundation the story spins into an entertaining and romantic battle of wills and ambitions with twists and turns that keep pages turning late into the night. Ellen is guided by her heart more than anything else, making this a sweepingly romantic novel, something Ms. Williams makes no apology for in her narrative. It is a story told with bold conviction and who can ask for more in a book? Highly recommended.
March 26, 2013
I really liked this book. It was a change in direction from my usual genre and was a brilliantly written tale that had everything from the emotions experienced when falling in love, the characters anger and rage when the various twists and turns in the story presented themselves. The sinister undertone of the villian. This mix kept the pages turning and for anyone not sure about reading a romantic story, this is a great first one to experience.
June 23, 2017
When Ellen heard the devastating news that her brother had received life-changing injuries during his tour in Afghanistan, she knew that she would do anything and everything she could to help him and his comrades.
She dreams of buying a property which she could renovate into a luxury hotel for injured veterans. Luckily her new found inheritance can go a long way in making her dreams come true.
After months of searching she finds a ruined château in France which will be perfect for her hotel.
A chance encounter with a mysterious man in the château's grounds, gives Ellen the push to finally end her longterm relationship with a man who is only interested in her money. It also means she is free to get to know this mysterious man who makes her heart flutter just by speaking!
Patrick has hidden away from the world. He cannot stand to be looked on with pity or disgust, for the wounds he received during his tour of duty have left their scars. But Ellen has captivated his heart. Dare he take the risk of rejection when Ellen sees his shattered face?
I LOVED this book! It was wonderful to have the protagonist portrayed with a disability, and I really wish there were more romance books like this one. Running Scarred (Scarred Series Book 1) is up there with my all-time favourite romance reads. It was superb. Jackie Williams has treated her characters disability with great skill and compassion. Patrick is not defined by his disability, although when strangers and family alike look at him, that is how he is treated — they see the disability, not the man. I felt heartbroken when he hid away from the world because he could not face the reactions of people when they looked into his face. Ellen is a real breath of fresh air, who does not see the scars, but sees the man behind them — if only there were more people like Ellen.
The love story is sweet and realistic. This is the kind of romance book I would be more than happy for my teen to read. The plot is fast-paced, and I read the book in one sitting.
Make no mistake Running Scarred (Scarred Series Book 1) is a sit-down-and-finish book. It is definitely one I will be coming back to again.
I Highly Recommend.
She dreams of buying a property which she could renovate into a luxury hotel for injured veterans. Luckily her new found inheritance can go a long way in making her dreams come true.
After months of searching she finds a ruined château in France which will be perfect for her hotel.
A chance encounter with a mysterious man in the château's grounds, gives Ellen the push to finally end her longterm relationship with a man who is only interested in her money. It also means she is free to get to know this mysterious man who makes her heart flutter just by speaking!
Patrick has hidden away from the world. He cannot stand to be looked on with pity or disgust, for the wounds he received during his tour of duty have left their scars. But Ellen has captivated his heart. Dare he take the risk of rejection when Ellen sees his shattered face?
I LOVED this book! It was wonderful to have the protagonist portrayed with a disability, and I really wish there were more romance books like this one. Running Scarred (Scarred Series Book 1) is up there with my all-time favourite romance reads. It was superb. Jackie Williams has treated her characters disability with great skill and compassion. Patrick is not defined by his disability, although when strangers and family alike look at him, that is how he is treated — they see the disability, not the man. I felt heartbroken when he hid away from the world because he could not face the reactions of people when they looked into his face. Ellen is a real breath of fresh air, who does not see the scars, but sees the man behind them — if only there were more people like Ellen.
The love story is sweet and realistic. This is the kind of romance book I would be more than happy for my teen to read. The plot is fast-paced, and I read the book in one sitting.
Make no mistake Running Scarred (Scarred Series Book 1) is a sit-down-and-finish book. It is definitely one I will be coming back to again.
I Highly Recommend.
May 26, 2013
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised by the storyline. The problems of the disabled, particularly those caused by the ravages of war, are rarely addressed in a romantic novel, but they are here and well done, too.
Patrick is a bitter, lonely man whose self-imposed exile becomes more than he can bear when he encounters Ellen, an heiress from Essex, one dark night when she gets lost in the woods and ends up being led back to civilization by Patrick. Patrick’s war injuries have left his face badly scarred and he wears a prostectic leg. While she cannot see him, she is attracted to his powerful aura, his woodsy scent, and his take charge attitude. Even though Ellen hasn’t fully seen Patrick, she can’t get him out of her mind.
Ellen is searching for a place where she can create a haven for the disabled, particularly those injured in war. Inspired by her brother’s loss of limbs and facial disfigurement, she uses her money to buy a 19th century chateau that has fallen into disrepair. Unbeknown to her, Patrick owns a cottage on the estate, which puts him in close proximity to Ellen, a woman’s whose beauty has captivated him. Patrick has forsaken the idea that anyone will ever love him again, so his attraction to Ellen is devastating to him, while she can’t understand why he keeps pushing her away, when all she wants is to be held in his arms.
I enjoyed the structure of the story, the characters, and the setting, a small town in the France. Five stars for Running Scarred.
Patrick is a bitter, lonely man whose self-imposed exile becomes more than he can bear when he encounters Ellen, an heiress from Essex, one dark night when she gets lost in the woods and ends up being led back to civilization by Patrick. Patrick’s war injuries have left his face badly scarred and he wears a prostectic leg. While she cannot see him, she is attracted to his powerful aura, his woodsy scent, and his take charge attitude. Even though Ellen hasn’t fully seen Patrick, she can’t get him out of her mind.
Ellen is searching for a place where she can create a haven for the disabled, particularly those injured in war. Inspired by her brother’s loss of limbs and facial disfigurement, she uses her money to buy a 19th century chateau that has fallen into disrepair. Unbeknown to her, Patrick owns a cottage on the estate, which puts him in close proximity to Ellen, a woman’s whose beauty has captivated him. Patrick has forsaken the idea that anyone will ever love him again, so his attraction to Ellen is devastating to him, while she can’t understand why he keeps pushing her away, when all she wants is to be held in his arms.
I enjoyed the structure of the story, the characters, and the setting, a small town in the France. Five stars for Running Scarred.
October 7, 2017
I am IN LOVE with this book. Running Scarred is a romance full of heart and passion. The author's words were so elegant, the story so gripping, the characters so vibrant and real, and the love story so well written that this has made its way to my favorites shelf. I'll be reading the rest of this series and I'm sure I will enjoy the rest of the books as they are about other side characters. I dare you not to read and fall in love with the scarred and brooding Patrick. He was the perfect hero, alpha male. Swoon.
Patrick is a war hero, his body scarred and disfigured from the bomb that blew up in close range. He's haunted by his past and his inability to see anything other than the rejected and lonely man he has become. He thinks no one could ever love him or be attracted to him again. Consumed at times by rage and bitterness, he's not ready for the sweet beauty that enters his life.
Ellen knows a lot about scarred bodies and disfigured soldiers. After all, her brother David has been to hell and back. She's feisty and sweet, far too trusting, and loses her heart easily. All she wants is to find a place where her brother and fellow soldiers can relax and be accepted. She doesn't count on finding Patrick and his ravaged heart but her own response of passion proves there's more than meets the eye.
Set in France the two embark on a love affair where jealous and greedy exes and past relationships threaten to tear their world apart. Can they find love and their happily ever after? Well, you'll have to read to find out. I hope you do. This is ONE AWESOME read and nearly flawless. I know you'll love it!!! 5 outstanding stars for not only the writing but a story that proves our armed forces and military are deserving of love and acceptance, especially when paid with so high a price for our freedoms. Highly Recommended!!!!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
September 22, 2013
I found this book title in the back of another book I was reading. I am glad that I did! Very good book. I liked the beginning when the young woman is stomping through the leaves angry and the hero can hear her talking to herself. I am going to purchase the next in the series, because I think it sounds great.
August 23, 2014
Another great book by Jackie that kept me reading on. He's not looking for love – until he rescues a lost Ellen one dark night in the woods. Reading a romantic story - this is a great recommended book
February 5, 2017
Ellen - Heroine
Justin - Heroine's boyfriend
Patrick - Hero
I could not continue with this story. The heroine to me was just too stupid. Her boyfriend/fiance, Justin, treats her like garbage and she does nothing. She always appears flustered. Then she buys property and without looking does not notice that most of the property she bought also included Justin's signature so he owns half of what she does. (Loc 15 - 17%) She is not a smart business woman and yet she wants to buy property to run a business - a non-profit organization for vets. She can't even handle her own money from her boyfriend. Ellen knows that Justin is using her for her money. She buys and pays for everything and she is too weak (or stupid) to say anything.
Justin even leaves marks on her wrists and she still does nothing. (Loc 16%). We get Justin's POV and he even thinks how easily she can be manipulated. (Loc 16%-17%)
This book reads like historical fiction. The heroine is one of those rich and always flustered heroines. In her inner thoughts she thinks about how strong she is, but actually she is a very weak. She is a woman who is very easily manipulated. If I don't like the heroine, I can't connect with the story. I loved the premise, but the characters were just not likable.
My opinion. You may love it.
Justin - Heroine's boyfriend
Patrick - Hero
I could not continue with this story. The heroine to me was just too stupid. Her boyfriend/fiance, Justin, treats her like garbage and she does nothing. She always appears flustered. Then she buys property and without looking does not notice that most of the property she bought also included Justin's signature so he owns half of what she does. (Loc 15 - 17%) She is not a smart business woman and yet she wants to buy property to run a business - a non-profit organization for vets. She can't even handle her own money from her boyfriend. Ellen knows that Justin is using her for her money. She buys and pays for everything and she is too weak (or stupid) to say anything.
Justin even leaves marks on her wrists and she still does nothing. (Loc 16%). We get Justin's POV and he even thinks how easily she can be manipulated. (Loc 16%-17%)
This book reads like historical fiction. The heroine is one of those rich and always flustered heroines. In her inner thoughts she thinks about how strong she is, but actually she is a very weak. She is a woman who is very easily manipulated. If I don't like the heroine, I can't connect with the story. I loved the premise, but the characters were just not likable.
My opinion. You may love it.
August 17, 2014
I loved the novel Running Scarred. Jackie Williams is to be heralded for paying homage to the sacrifices that soldiers make and the suffering that they endure. It would do well for us all to remember that it isn't just the physical injuries that are so devastating but also the ongoing emotional and psychological scars that can linger a lifetime.
In addition to the grittiness and heart-wrenching emotion, there is a wealth of romance and sexual tension. The physical pull between the main characters, Patrick and Ellen, is tangible. Anytime they are in close proximity, sparks fly. It was obvious that the the author had spent some time in France. Her descriptions were spot on. She had a wonderful grasp of the culture and language, lending an air of authenticity and a genuine atmosphere that made me feel as though I was right there with our hero and heroine.
This book kept me engaged and downright riveted from the first page to the last. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants their heart to be touched and their spirit to be moved.
In addition to the grittiness and heart-wrenching emotion, there is a wealth of romance and sexual tension. The physical pull between the main characters, Patrick and Ellen, is tangible. Anytime they are in close proximity, sparks fly. It was obvious that the the author had spent some time in France. Her descriptions were spot on. She had a wonderful grasp of the culture and language, lending an air of authenticity and a genuine atmosphere that made me feel as though I was right there with our hero and heroine.
This book kept me engaged and downright riveted from the first page to the last. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants their heart to be touched and their spirit to be moved.
March 14, 2013
I really liked the characters and how each one plays a part in the story. I like how the story honors the military men and women who serve and protect us.
October 20, 2014
Love that this is a series!!!
May 30, 2017
I really loved the idea of this whole series. It was it going to be just one character but it was going to revolve around this group of characters that each seemed, from reading the descriptions, to have their own unique disability, or scars. It looked like it was gonna be very refreshing.
Ellen was so head strong and determined to do what she felt was right that you can't help but love her. I laughed at some of her inner dialogue because it seemed realistic.
Patrick broke my heart! What he had been through (we find out towards the end of the book) and the way he struggles to become his own person again, made me sad. She was sexy in a rugged way, and I loved it when he finally opened up.
This book was told In 3rd POV, which I don't care for because it's super hard to connect with the characters went and third point of view. I prefer 1st over anything else, but I do have to say I still really enjoyed the story.
There is an amazing attraction with the main characters, but the live making scenes are fade to black. It worked for the story, but I love have liked them to show more.
The plot was great. It was fun seeing the renovations in progress, and seeing how Ellen was so adamant about having the house done for these amazing heros.
Overall, it was an interesting read. There are a few things that I really didn't like about the book, it made it hard to connect with the characters being in third point of view, I would have liked to have seen everything Patrick went through while they were separated, just little things that I thought would've made the book a little bit better. But in the end I did enjoy it and at some point I will read the rest of the books in the series. 3 stars #2OCCJD
February 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It hit so many emotional levels for me. I loved hearing about the renovation of the Chateauand the wonderful tie into the story of all of the poor wounds from the English soldiers. It made the romance between Ellen and Patrick more realistic and deeper than just too people falling in love. The miscommunications between the two were so easy to understand (not contrived for sake of story) when one realizes the profound and psychologically sensitive issue of burn wounds and loosing limbs from the ugliness of war.
On another level I felt all warm and fuzzy with a strong desire to get back to the book every time I put it down. That surprised me, I am not a huge fan of romance novels. Maybe because I get so stuck on my favorite genres. I'm so happy I found this author because in this nasty world we live it, ANYTHING that makes me feel hope and warmth toward people is a win!
Final note: The author did a BEAUTIFUL job with the sex scenes. Just the right touch with no smutty sex. It takes talent to do that and do it well. I highly recommend for any and all ages.
On another level I felt all warm and fuzzy with a strong desire to get back to the book every time I put it down. That surprised me, I am not a huge fan of romance novels. Maybe because I get so stuck on my favorite genres. I'm so happy I found this author because in this nasty world we live it, ANYTHING that makes me feel hope and warmth toward people is a win!
Final note: The author did a BEAUTIFUL job with the sex scenes. Just the right touch with no smutty sex. It takes talent to do that and do it well. I highly recommend for any and all ages.
November 10, 2017
***Don’t read this review if you don’t want things spoiled***
I had so much hope! I really wanted to love it. It has the beauty and the beast characteristics that I am currently obsessed with. Sadly, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
Part of the problem was that I am from the US and I hated the “accents”. Like “e” “as” “ere”. It may not seem like much but when there is 5 or so in a sentence it starts to mess with the flow of reading. It slows you down because you are trying to figure out what they are saying. I had no problem with their different names for things or saying things like “you lot”. It was just the broken down words.
Everyone was just so stupid! It was supposed to be in modern times. They had cell phones for goodness sakes. Why did no one call the police? In many instances she should have called the police. Instead she just kept paying Justin off. Her brother who is in Intelligence never even told her to call the police. In the end when he tried to kill her they never called the police. When they were discussing what they should do with him they never once suggested calling the police.
I hated how it ended with Patrick. That whole thing was only there to have more drama. He said he didn’t want to buy another phone but why didn’t he use his mom or dads phone or literally anyone else? How can you claim to love someone and then not speak to them for months? He thought she was too busy to respond to letters so why didn’t he just have a two minute conversation with her? None of that made a lick of sense.
I hated how the author would just skip ahead. We miss out on relationship building and important stuff to create a connection with the characters. We never got to see a meaningful conversation between Patrick and Ellen.
Patrick was annoying. He never listened to Ellen. He was too selfish. I understand being a little concerned but he was over the top. She would constantly try to set him straight but he would never listen. He walked in on her about to get raped but he was too self centered to stop and listen to her.
I don’t see why she was with him. He never redeemed himself in my eyes. If I was her I wouldn’t have gave in at the end. There was no excuse why he left and didn’t explain anything to her. No excuse why they couldn’t have a conversation throughout the whole book. They didn’t have a relationship. They just had sex, that we didn’t see, and said I love you. The amount of times they brought up “scenting” one another was starting to sound gross.
The more I think about it the more I remember that I hated.
I had so much hope! I really wanted to love it. It has the beauty and the beast characteristics that I am currently obsessed with. Sadly, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
Part of the problem was that I am from the US and I hated the “accents”. Like “e” “as” “ere”. It may not seem like much but when there is 5 or so in a sentence it starts to mess with the flow of reading. It slows you down because you are trying to figure out what they are saying. I had no problem with their different names for things or saying things like “you lot”. It was just the broken down words.
Everyone was just so stupid! It was supposed to be in modern times. They had cell phones for goodness sakes. Why did no one call the police? In many instances she should have called the police. Instead she just kept paying Justin off. Her brother who is in Intelligence never even told her to call the police. In the end when he tried to kill her they never called the police. When they were discussing what they should do with him they never once suggested calling the police.
I hated how it ended with Patrick. That whole thing was only there to have more drama. He said he didn’t want to buy another phone but why didn’t he use his mom or dads phone or literally anyone else? How can you claim to love someone and then not speak to them for months? He thought she was too busy to respond to letters so why didn’t he just have a two minute conversation with her? None of that made a lick of sense.
I hated how the author would just skip ahead. We miss out on relationship building and important stuff to create a connection with the characters. We never got to see a meaningful conversation between Patrick and Ellen.
Patrick was annoying. He never listened to Ellen. He was too selfish. I understand being a little concerned but he was over the top. She would constantly try to set him straight but he would never listen. He walked in on her about to get raped but he was too self centered to stop and listen to her.
I don’t see why she was with him. He never redeemed himself in my eyes. If I was her I wouldn’t have gave in at the end. There was no excuse why he left and didn’t explain anything to her. No excuse why they couldn’t have a conversation throughout the whole book. They didn’t have a relationship. They just had sex, that we didn’t see, and said I love you. The amount of times they brought up “scenting” one another was starting to sound gross.
The more I think about it the more I remember that I hated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2014
The perfect book for beach, balcony and garden or just anywhere you feel like relaxing and escaping. A flowing script entices you further and deeper in to this delightful teasing tale of what is and what could be. Each character develops until you feel as if you know them personally, except they are fully capable of taking one completely by surprise. Patrick, our hero is an Afghan war Veteran, disfigured and at his lowest emotional ebb. For what does he exist but to hide himself from the world. Ellen, beautiful and rich, unfulfilled feisty and furious with her ineffectual, bullying snob of a boyfriend. Will she and Patrick see each other for who they are and fight adversity to come together or will the dark forces keep them apart forever? Throw in a ruined Chateau and more superfit Veterans and only excitement and derring do can ensue As the narrative unfolds and the story develops the thrill and excitement of not knowing quite what is going to happen next will keep everyone entranced. Written in the most interesting style you absolutely will not be able to put this book down until you've devoured the very last words, and of course there is the final intricate twist that will leave you breathless! I can't wait to read the next in the Scarred Series for the next novel from this unrivalled author...
May 2, 2017
What a sweet, inspirational romance! I truly felt connected with both main characters, Ellen and Patrick, from the very first opening scene. The two met in quite extraordinary circumstances, and yet the short meeting was enough to ignite a spark in both of them. Only, Ellen is engaged to a man who becomes more and more abusive and greedy for her recently inherited money, and Patrick – a war veteran – sincerely believes that no woman could possibly like him after the injuries he received. All the odds seemed to be against them, and yet Ellen makes the first step and refuses to give up on her new mysterious acquaintance.
Ellen is such a sweet, strong and compassionate woman that it’s hard not to root for her and her plan to create a welcome plan for all the war veterans. Other important themes, such as abusive relationships, greed for money, war and how it affects people, true friendship and comradery – are all also highlighted in this highly compelling romance. I would definitely recommend it. Five stars!
Ellen is such a sweet, strong and compassionate woman that it’s hard not to root for her and her plan to create a welcome plan for all the war veterans. Other important themes, such as abusive relationships, greed for money, war and how it affects people, true friendship and comradery – are all also highlighted in this highly compelling romance. I would definitely recommend it. Five stars!
October 31, 2014
I found this to be the most heartwarming book i have read in a while. I could not put it down. The characters were mostly lovable and the need to know how it all turns out was very strong.
There is quite a bit of angst in it as to be expected with the subject matter, but it was all done and is believable as well as the psychological aspects of the military men that have been injured.
All in all this book is found to be exciting and could make you have tears in your eyes reading it. Anyone who likes romances is sure to love this story. I have already got the second book of the Scarred Series on my kindle app awaiting perusal as I want to see the other characters get on with life and finding love.
This is a brilliant read and most people are sure to love it. Don't miss it.
There is quite a bit of angst in it as to be expected with the subject matter, but it was all done and is believable as well as the psychological aspects of the military men that have been injured.
All in all this book is found to be exciting and could make you have tears in your eyes reading it. Anyone who likes romances is sure to love this story. I have already got the second book of the Scarred Series on my kindle app awaiting perusal as I want to see the other characters get on with life and finding love.
This is a brilliant read and most people are sure to love it. Don't miss it.
November 3, 2016
Oh how I liked the premise of this book, but not necessarily the execution of it. I’m not usually a fan of instant love, but I can overlook it when it is done right. In my opinion this book didn’t do it right. Unfortunately, the author glossed over the main characters relationship to the point where I never felt any actual connection between them. I loved Patrick, hated Ellen. She was a little too emotionally distraught for my liking. I’m not a fan of “sobbing” uncontrollably ALL the time.
I’m notoriously harsh on first books in a series so I will read the next installment before I completely abandon this series.
I’m notoriously harsh on first books in a series so I will read the next installment before I completely abandon this series.
August 10, 2016
I really liked this book. It was a bit different to the normal kind of romance. The description of the scenes is brilliantly done and the evil ex fiance is just vile. (So expertly written I wanted to wring his neck!) The disability aspect of the characters was sensitively done and the romance was lovely. Just enough slushy stuff without going over the top. There are one or two humerous moments that made me laugh out loud and over all I really enjoyed the book.
November 29, 2014
Not great.
Decent premise, seemed it would have worked better as historical romance, maybe post WW2 (would have required research). Heavy-handed and dialogue/character interaction was painful.
Decent premise, seemed it would have worked better as historical romance, maybe post WW2 (would have required research). Heavy-handed and dialogue/character interaction was painful.
June 12, 2016
Forgettable. Doesn't even come close to a good story, let alone a Beauty and the Beast retelling. No themes are explored enough even though there are important themes, like a disabled hero. No. It's too light and too bogus. Waste of my time. 0.5 stars.
April 30, 2018
Endearing romance. A young heiress named Ellen discovers a crumbling chateau in France which she decides to turn into a retreat for veterans who have war injuries that have changed the course of their lives. Her first night in France she is trying to find her hotel and gets lost in the woods. She is rescued by a stranger that she is unable to see, but feels inexplicably drawn to. She soon meets him again and discovers he too is a wounded warrior. Patrick suffered terrible war injuries. He lost a leg and had his face and half his body disfigured. He too is attracted to Ellen, but Patrick sees himself as damaged goods and could never imagine she'd be attracted to him. But Ellen doesn't see his scars. She sees the man and finds him very incorrigible at first because he tries to push her away. Patrick owns a groundskeeper cottage on the property she is trying to buy. He's a recluse due to the fact he sees himself so poorly. Ellen's project for the property is infringing on his solitude and although he doesn't want her to buy the place and turn it into a resort he can't extinguish his attraction for her. Ellen buys the property and begins her project, but gives Patrick a substantial amount of land to appease his need for privacy. This action breaks down the barriers between them. Neither can deny their feelings for the other any longer and a romance ensues. Just when everything seems to be coming up roses, Patrick's wife shows up. Patrick has told Ellen his wife left him because of his disfigurement, but when he takes off with her to London, she's crushed. Will Patrick get back with his wife or can there be a happily ever after for these two? I felt the story was sweet and well paced. I liked the fact for once both characters weren't models of perfection.
February 8, 2020
Patrick has been through Hell in the war, and once he’s out, he doesn’t think he can be loved. He’s damaged, both inside and out, and doesn’t trust that anyone will be able to see him for who he is. Cue Ellen, a hopeful woman who’s no stranger to the atrocities that a war can provide. It’s her dream to find a place where people who are suffering can find a place of peace. She doesn’t count on finding romance, but instead, it finds her in the form of Patrick.
So, I’m not sure which is more prominent of this author’s writing style—her elaborate descriptions or the depth that she’s able to write her characters with. It was very easy to see just about every aspect of the worldbuilding from the chateaux to the ground around it. For as easy as it was to place myself in the scene of the French countryside thanks to the author’s vibrant painting of the settings, it was even easier to find myself feeling for the characters. Ellen was a likeable character. Strong and compassionate and able to see things differently from everyone else. I loved her romance with Patrick and found them to be quite the likeable couple.
Also, to me the interesting part of this story is the author’s focus on the wounds and scars left by war, both emotional and physical. This made the characters even more real by presenting real issues that I don’t see in a lot of romance.
So, I’m not sure which is more prominent of this author’s writing style—her elaborate descriptions or the depth that she’s able to write her characters with. It was very easy to see just about every aspect of the worldbuilding from the chateaux to the ground around it. For as easy as it was to place myself in the scene of the French countryside thanks to the author’s vibrant painting of the settings, it was even easier to find myself feeling for the characters. Ellen was a likeable character. Strong and compassionate and able to see things differently from everyone else. I loved her romance with Patrick and found them to be quite the likeable couple.
Also, to me the interesting part of this story is the author’s focus on the wounds and scars left by war, both emotional and physical. This made the characters even more real by presenting real issues that I don’t see in a lot of romance.
Read
March 27, 2018I wanted to like this but I just did not gel with the writing style 😢😢
August 20, 2018
Heart-warming and touching romance.
This story is a wonderfully well-written romance that contrasts the relationship between Ellen and her selfish fiance with that of the genuine love and attraction she finds she has for Patrick despite his injuries.
It was very refreshing to read about love and attraction being more than based on looks alone and instead showing that true strength, beauty and passion is a lot deeper.
The story line and characters were well-described and completely believable and the descriptions of the scenery, surroundings and buildings such as the derelict chateau were wonderfully described, making it feel like you were there yourself!
All in all a great read.
This story is a wonderfully well-written romance that contrasts the relationship between Ellen and her selfish fiance with that of the genuine love and attraction she finds she has for Patrick despite his injuries.
It was very refreshing to read about love and attraction being more than based on looks alone and instead showing that true strength, beauty and passion is a lot deeper.
The story line and characters were well-described and completely believable and the descriptions of the scenery, surroundings and buildings such as the derelict chateau were wonderfully described, making it feel like you were there yourself!
All in all a great read.
November 8, 2017
Running Scarred (Scarred Series Book 1) by Jackie Williams is a well-crafted love story that invited the reader in to Patrick, the war hero, and Ellen, who is familiar with the vagaries of wartime trauma. Set in romantic France where not is idyllic where people against them threaten their relationship. This sets up a perfect conflict that kept me interested in whether they would come through it and find sustaining love or it would tear them asunder. No spoilers here but suffice it to say, it was tightly written, held attention, and made me want more. All the signs of a good read.
June 9, 2017
Disappointed
## SO-SO. When I read the description, I was pretty excited to get started. Normally I love the "beauty and the beast" trope. However, I was a tad disappointed in this book. Here is what I didn't like: **SPOILERS BELOW**
First, the "I love you" from the heroine came too quick. After 4 meetings with the hero she's already declaring her love. They had barely spoken at this point. Certainly not enough to get to know each other and subsequently fall in love. Lust maybe. But love? Nah. Their relationship needed more build up for sure.
Second (this is the one thing that ruined things for me): After living together happily for 3 months, his wife shows up (not yet divorced). He leaves the heroine behind and goes off with her to the cabin. He never comes back. She searches for him and finds a very generic note saying he has to leave with her. Doesn't say goodbye in person. No courtesy call. Nothing. He just is gone for 3 months. 3 MONTHS! They didn't speak once in all that time. He said he didn't call her because he "lost" his phone. He didn't bother to get another? Call from a payphone? His parents house? He supposedly wrote a few letters but she didn't get them. And he shows back up after 3 MONTHS and BAM...she takes him back just like that. Come ON....she has been devastated and crying for months thinking he got back with his wife and there's no hesitation at all? Not bloody likely.
## SO-SO. When I read the description, I was pretty excited to get started. Normally I love the "beauty and the beast" trope. However, I was a tad disappointed in this book. Here is what I didn't like: **SPOILERS BELOW**
First, the "I love you" from the heroine came too quick. After 4 meetings with the hero she's already declaring her love. They had barely spoken at this point. Certainly not enough to get to know each other and subsequently fall in love. Lust maybe. But love? Nah. Their relationship needed more build up for sure.
Second (this is the one thing that ruined things for me): After living together happily for 3 months, his wife shows up (not yet divorced). He leaves the heroine behind and goes off with her to the cabin. He never comes back. She searches for him and finds a very generic note saying he has to leave with her. Doesn't say goodbye in person. No courtesy call. Nothing. He just is gone for 3 months. 3 MONTHS! They didn't speak once in all that time. He said he didn't call her because he "lost" his phone. He didn't bother to get another? Call from a payphone? His parents house? He supposedly wrote a few letters but she didn't get them. And he shows back up after 3 MONTHS and BAM...she takes him back just like that. Come ON....she has been devastated and crying for months thinking he got back with his wife and there's no hesitation at all? Not bloody likely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews