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Teacher's Pet

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Hayley was just 12 when she met Mr. Willson, the new drama teacher at her school. Good looking and charismatic, he was classic schoolgirl-crush material. Hayley was flattered by the attention he gave her, and he soon befriended her parents. Little did they know they were all being groomed. Hayley allowed Mr. Willson to do unspeakable things to her, and after the relationship ended it took almost 20 years of guilt and crippling self-esteem issues before a complete breakdown prompted her to tell her parents, and they went with her to the police. This is the shocking true story of a schoolgirl groomed by her teacher, and her courageous journey to heal the wrongs of her past.

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2017

33 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

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Hayley McGregor

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Elle❤.
224 reviews42 followers
October 15, 2017
4 stars

Books involving true stories such as this are always hard to rate. I mean, who am I, or any of us, to judge somebody else's story? Especially when it's about such a terrible and so deeply life-altering event as this one?

It's brave. Uncomfortable. I felt like I was Hayley and it made my skin crawl.

It's Informative in shedding light on an abhorrent case; how different our attitudes were not that long ago and how unaware we were of such acts. It's not a topic that you would ever think to need educated on, but unfortunately, this is not the case. It's difficult for me to say that stories like these are helpful in educating us on all the things that we can to look out for, to do what we can to prevent it from happening again and to stop it when it does - but it is true. Because it will.

Thank you, Hayley, for being so brave and sharing with us all <3

Profile Image for Sophie Hutchison.
28 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2021
This was a really brave and heartbreaking story. Hayley spent years loving her teacher, it was only when she got older and realised the lasting damage of the relationship and how wrong it actually was.

This book is very detailed, Hayley actually starts by telling the story from her younger self. You can see how young and naive she is. It was clear Hayley was groomed by Mr Wilson, although at the time like most children would she believed it too be love.

Mr Wilson was a typical groomer, he even became good friends with her family. He abused his power, it’s really sad that some teachers do this. The story also described the lasting effects on Hayley’s life, and how she tried too get justice and turn her life around.

Hayley should be very proud of herself for being able to share her story and the work she now does with young people! Very inspirational lady👏🏼
Profile Image for Ali Bookworm.
671 reviews41 followers
January 2, 2022
This has kept me up late as we spilled over from 2021 to 2022. Despite the topic, it was an incredibly moving story. I think the majority of us had a crush on a younger school teacher and I remember the Police single vividly at the time. However for many of us those schoolgirl dreams were just that. However in this case boundaries were overstepped by those who should know better. Grooming is not always obvious to many but it has devastating results for many. Well written and well done to the author for finally speaking out.
12 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2017
This was slow to start, but a few chapters in you get into it.
I really feel for Hayley and think she is truly inspirational for finding her voice and inner strength and managing to find strength to have to relive it all. I wish her every success and living now as a survivor not a victim.
If one survivor comes forward through this book you have worked your magic. All the best for the future. Much love.
Profile Image for Zoe.
756 reviews14 followers
October 24, 2018
A very well written account from Hayley McGregor about her “relationship” with her school drama teacher aged 12-15. Honest, shocking and gripping a I really wanted justice for Hayley. I imagine this is going on more than we hear so Hayley’s campaign of awareness is admirable.
Profile Image for Whizzy.
31 reviews14 followers
August 19, 2017
This is a very touching story and it is upsetting to think that this is a true story. Good read.
Profile Image for Sarah.
503 reviews
June 7, 2017
Wow! What a truly inspiring woman Hayley is! This is such an honest and truthful and very up front count of what she went through with her teacher from just the age of 12! It is a very disturbing account of how she was groomed, how this teacher took it into his own hands to make her think that what he was doing was right! He was sick and to be honest reading to the end and seeing the sentence he got, in my opinion, just isn't enough. I apllaude Hayley for coming out and writing this book. The whole story is completely honest and the way she finishes it I think is brilliant. She is still being so truthful about where she is now but most of all she is making more people aware of how these situations start, what they can turn into and how the victim may not even realise that they are being abused, like herself. This book was so powerful but very hard to read at times. I just hope she finds her happy and that this book makes a difference to many people's lives because she deserves it!
2 reviews
May 10, 2017
A captivating read

I couldn't put this book down. As a former pupil I was interested in Hayley's story. I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Read With Tarina.
230 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2021
Story Description:

Hayley was just 12 years young when she met her new drama teacher, Mr. Andrew Wilson. He was young, good looking, bubbly & charismatic. He was completely different to any other teacher & Hayley developed a school girl crush on him.

But over time, lines were crossed & boundaries were broken. Hayley thought they were in a girlfriend/boyfriend relationship & she allowed her teacher to do unspeakable things to her.

Hayley thought that what she had with Mr. Wilson was special & that they were in love. But as she got older, she slowly realised just how wrong their relationship was. It affected her relationships with other men, it crippled her confidence, it affected her mental health & she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. But with the support of her boyfriend & family, she finally had the courage to go to the police & tell them her story….about how she was groomed & abused by her drama teacher.

My Thoughts:

Hayley has done a really good job on this book. She doesn’t hold back or sugar coat anything. She gives a raw, honest account of her relationship with Mr. Wilson & how it negatively affected her life in her later years.

It’s not for the faint hearted at all & I found it hard to read at times myself. But Hayley is one courageous young woman & I wish her all the best for the future.

Thank you, Hayley, for sharing your story with us ♥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emelyn Lee.
72 reviews
June 11, 2018
The book is graphic for the right reasons. I don’t usually buy misery memoirs since they’re mostly the same story (i excuse really bizarre ones like David Seltzer’s, but everyone says he overblew his story 🤷🏻‍♀️), but this I let in my shelf.

It’s amazing how long and far a pedo won’t leave his victim alone. He continues his grooming even when she’s 18 years old! And as of today, Mr Wilson is freelancing under a different name, but doesn’t bother to change his work profile picture. 😡 Yup, he got a slap on the wrist for all he’s done. It didn’t help that he was wily and he took his acting skills to court. Obviously not sorry.

At first, you can feel her childish crushes as her minor self. Until that first kiss in his car. You then start worrying for her wellbeing, wondering what else could possibly happen. All the shit she endures later on in the second half was indirectly carried over by Mr Wilson’s deeds.

I didn’t enjoy this book; I put it down and picked it up over and over, but her sheer honesty is commendable.
Profile Image for Sammie.
52 reviews
October 20, 2019
Hard hitting and upsetting but worth it

I thought this book was extremely well written and the author has told her story well, words cant express my feelings as i read this book, wanting to scream at young Hayley hes grooming you, this is wrong, but she has shown what a strong woman she is and i just wish i could have took young Hayley in my arms and whisked her away from that evil, despicable pervert of a man. I hope other survivors of abuse take comfort or tell their story to someone they trust and get help because of the strngth Hayley has shown not only telling her story but trying her hardest to move on, All in all a great read but be prepared to be very angry and very upset. Hugs and love Hayley you brave brave woman xx
Profile Image for Lacey Warren.
14 reviews
August 21, 2018
Such a brave lady! We all knew there was 1 teacher when I was at school who had relationships with female students that wasn't right, but back then I think people learned to turn a blind eye or pretend they didn't see.

I have friends who went through similar situations, and even though I was never abused by a teacher, my history with men is not what I would ever want for my daughter.

I will be looking out for you to get these performances in schools, and hope my children will get to see them someday.
Keep fighting! And know if you would always be invited to our parties!

Highly recommended reading for survivors, or parents that may be worried about their children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
135 reviews
July 9, 2021
Honest, shocking and gripping

Very honest approach to her story and the whole process she went through how started and when she realized what truly happened, the relationship with her family and friends after that and her recovery. I really appreciate how she not only detailed the abuse but her recovery, to read above that was very important and helpful because not many writers do that. I wish her all the best she is such a self aware person that's one of the reasons she is in a better place now
Profile Image for Kate Bainbridge.
63 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2021
Man this was hard to read!! I truly respect & admire Hayley for speaking her story, her truth in the way she does!

What happened to her was just plain wrong, nasty & cruel! Having been the victim of abuse myself I can kind of see where she is coming from. I also related so much to the way her body reacted to stress and the PTSD.

This is one woman’s brave telling of her relationship and i’m sure it will help many. It’s helped me a little too.

It is a tough read at times. BUT i can imagine it was harder to write. Congratulations Hayley!!
Profile Image for Holly Marlow.
Author 30 books18 followers
June 26, 2021
I cried. I cringed. I winced. I gasped in horror and tensed in anger at the hideous breaches of trust and brazen acts of manipulation. This book is so well-written, I struggled to put it down, even when it was uncomfortable to read. If you are reading reviews, trying to decide whether to read this book, I implore you to read it, review it, review it on other book sites and spread the word. More people should read this book. We need awareness and vigilance, to better protect our children.
Profile Image for Martin Baker.
Author 3 books39 followers
June 22, 2017
A tale of courage - and a wake up call

This book is both a powerful tale of courage, and a wake up call to all of us to be more vigilant and aware. It stands as testament to the spirit of its author, and a beacon of hope. Would be an ideal text in schools and colleges to focus discussion on the important topics of grooming and abuse of trust. Highly recommended.
29 reviews
July 28, 2019
This is an important read.

Hayley courageously and candidly shares her story of emotional manipulation and sexual grooming by a person with responsibility who abused her innocence. This is a heart breaking read by a very inspiring young woman. She is to be commended for her frankness and bravery which will serve to encourage others.
Profile Image for Jane.
3 reviews
July 1, 2017
It was captivating. Through her writing, I feel her emotions so strongly that I cried with her. I feel her fears when she'd no choice but to tell. Hayley, you're a kind and brave person! All the best to you!
Profile Image for Beth.
171 reviews8 followers
July 27, 2017
Got into this book almost instantly - couldn't put it down until the last 3-4 chapters which became a bit repetitive and slow. Can't believe how brave and strong Hayley is, it takes a lot to speak out about past problems, and she's done it perfectly.
Profile Image for Lisa-Jaine.
661 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2017
A heartwrenching tale of a teacher grooming a young pupil who at 13 is not emotionally ready, aware or prepared for the adult relationship he was slowly pushing onto her. Well done for speaking out Hayley. I wish you well.
Profile Image for Amz.
33 reviews
February 12, 2019
Brave women to tell her storey and councelling helped that!
I wonder if she would of got help without councelling.
for her not to revive councelling throughout the court stages is very brave. Must of hacked at emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Billie-jo.
120 reviews
May 9, 2019
Very sad story of Hayley mcgregor who was groomed by her drama teacher and made to believe they were in a relationship. Until her life spiralled out of control and come face to face with the truth that she was a victim of a pedophile
Profile Image for Francesca Goldsmith.
47 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2024
One of the most heart wrenching and best written memoir I have read to date. The strength Of Hayley is outstanding and I have never felt so proud of someone I have never met before,I hope thisbook helps others to come out to look for help as well.

Thank you for being so brave.
Profile Image for Kirsty Turner.
322 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2017
Very emotional to read! This author is incredibly brave to speak out about her experience as a child and how it followed her into her adult life.
Profile Image for Yan .
323 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2017
So many young people have suffered or are suffering from this sort of grooming. I'm glad she spoke out.
Profile Image for Jenna.
113 reviews10 followers
Read
January 18, 2020
I finished this book but didn’t want to rate it because it feels wrong to rate the story as it is based on somebody’s story of what happened to them. I did finish the book and would read again.
1 review
September 25, 2020
Lol I came to read this because of Nutella part
Hahahaha like ohh damn Mr Wilson got weird fetish 😂🤣
Anyway good e Book I hope it's effective when I try it with my students 🤫🤭
Profile Image for Kathleen Francis.
29 reviews
January 22, 2021
Amazing

Great telling of this tragic event. So proud of her for coming forward even when it was unpleasant to do so. I wish her all the Best!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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