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The Scars Keeper

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Avery My scars are mine alone. They’re the validation of my pain. The anxiety, anger and sadness I bleed. My dark secret. A grim, ugly truth. Most of all, they’re the one thing in my life I control. It’s inevitable that one day I’ll have to reveal them to someone. What I wasn’t expecting was to share them now with him … with Hayden. Hayden Girls like Avery are all the same. They’re spoiled, superficial blondes who don’t appreciate mommy and daddy’s wealth. Plastic shells that are empty on the inside. Or so I thought … but I was wrong. Avery’s heart is an abyss of emotions. She feels like no one I’ve ever met, wallowing in her insecurities and anguish yet savoring every exciting moment within her reach. I was blindsided by the immense love she was willing to give once she trusted me, and I was left with no choice but to trust her, too, exposing my own pain and scars. I hate myself for caving in … for loving her. How do you let go of the one person you let in? How do you say goodbye to the girl who trusted you with her body and soul? I have to leave Avery, and where I’m going, I can’t take her with me. She’s going to believe I built her up only to tear her down, but what she doesn’t realize is unlike her, I can’t change my destiny. I was born into the Knights Union MC, and it’s where I’ll go to die.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2016

29 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Scarlet Wolfe

29 books259 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Tina H.
300 reviews41 followers
July 28, 2017
description

I can not even begin to tell you how much I loved this story. My emotions are all over the place right now and I am having trouble finding the words. I think this book came to me at the perfect time, when I needed it the most, currently in the darkness struggling to find the light.

All I can say is....So many secrets, so much pain but absolutely beautiful.

description

It is a must read.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
May 25, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Avery

My scars are mine alone. They're the validation of my pain.
The anxiety, anger and sadness I bleed.
My dark secret. A grim, ugly truth.
Most of all, they're the one thing in my life I control.
It's inevitable that one day I'll have to reveal them to someone. What I wasn't expecting was to share them now with him ... with Hayden.

Hayden

Girls like Avery are all the same. They're spoiled, superficial blondes who don't appreciate mommy and daddy's wealth.
Plastic shells that are empty on the inside.
Or so I thought ... but I was wrong.
Avery's heart is an abyss of emotions. She feels like no one I've ever met, wallowing in her insecurities and anguish yet savoring every exciting moment within her reach. I was blindsided by the immense love she was willing to give once she trusted me, and I was left with no choice but to trust her, too, exposing my own pain and scars.

I hate myself for caving in ... for loving her. How do you let go of the one person you let in? How do you say goodbye to the girl who trusted you with her body and soul?
I have to leave Avery, and where I'm going, I can't take her with me. She's going to believe I built her up only to tear her down, but what she doesn't realize is unlike her, I can't change my destiny. I was born into the Knights Union MC, and it's where I'll go to die.
Profile Image for Chasing Away Reality.
513 reviews30 followers
November 17, 2016
I don't usually read young adult books, but the synopsis for The Scars Keeper made me curious enough to give it a try. I'm glad I read it! I was drawn into this story from the start and was unable to put it down (except to sleep) until I finished it. It was more than just an angsty high school drama. This story deals with real and serious issues—parental expectations, sexual pressures, abuse, and self harm. I love the way this author navigated through Avery's and Hayden's experiences bringing together their raw emotions and strength to better their lives.

Avery is a lost and somewhat broken senior who doesn't see a way out of her current situation. So she decides to deal with her stress and anxiety through self harm. The author did a fantastic job of expressing the emotions and triggers behind Avery's actions. She also gave her the perfect hero in Hayden to bring Avery back to herself. He's sweet, caring, and patient. I love how his main purpose is to help her express herself in a healthy way.

Secondary to that is their romantic relationship. They take their time getting to know each other and finding that unconditional love that they don't feel with anyone else. Hayden and Avery are from different worlds but seem to be able to look past the stereotypes to find that they are quite similar. Their relationship seems shocking to their peers, but it gives them an opportunity to show others that teenagers, despite class, aren't so different from each other.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,719 reviews220 followers
Read
December 13, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review***

The Scars Keeper by Scarlet Wolfe was different to what I am used to. It’s a young adult one with a difference – it deals with real life issues.

You had no choice but to get drawn into the story of Avery and Hayden. Two seniors, both battling demons and secrets, ones that make them vulnerable and not willing to let anyone in.

Both these two come from different worlds, so they face different challenges in their lives and not everything is a simple as they would like it to be – including the love they find in each other.

I was sucked in from the start and felt I could relate to their story because one of the issues Avery deals with, is one my own daughter struggles with. What I loved was how these two characters were defined and how you as a reader were pulled into their world. There were times I just wanted to cuddle them and tell them everything was going to be okay.

There was nothing quick about what they find in each other, and The Scars Keeper will have you riding an emotional roller coaster right until the very last world.

I loved it and I have no doubt you will too.

This is a four-star read for me.

Reviewed by Stacey J
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
November 27, 2016

This book is a great read. It's not an easy fluffy read. There are some heavy topic dealt with it. It's wonderful written and I didn't want to put it down.
Hayden and Avery both have issue they have to deal with. Avery to the person looking at her from the outside, she looks prefect. She great at tennis and getting good grades at school. Really though Avery is a mess, she's just good at hiding it. Hayden is kind of a mystery at first and his story slowly comes out. He is the only one that actually really sees Avery. He has his own story and past. He's drawn to Avery and they are sweet together. He's there for her through her pain and struggles. You can tell from reading that he has his own pain and struggles I couldn't read faster enough to find out what his whole story was.
There were points that were heart breaking to read but there were also times that warmed my heart. I really liked this one. The story is a deep one. It reminded me not to judge people because really just by looking at someone we have no idea what is going on with them.
Profile Image for Sam Larks.
422 reviews16 followers
Read
February 17, 2018
It felt a bit to young for me if I’m being honest. Maybe young is the wrong term......it’s possible this just felt slightly more sugarcoated than other books I’ve read, that have dealt with these issues.

I’ve decided not to rate it with stars because I think I would have only given it at 1:5 rating.......but I skimmed part of it so it didn’t feel right to put my rating on there!

Just because I didn’t love it (it does have a believable ending......it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger) so check out a sample and see if this will be a 5 star book for you.


Happy reading peeps!
Profile Image for Jill.
50 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2017
It was a good read. I liked that the author wrote about some touchy subjects and she seemed to grasp the thoughts and emotions that go along with it very well. I was not buying that the hero was in a MC club; he was just to sweet and thoughtful. But the book did have a message about labeling people so maybe that’s what author was going for. I’m also glad that it was a stand alone novel, I was getting nervous that there would be a part two ( bc I probably would not have read it) but there was a happily ever after. So I am satisfied but not blown away.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,907 reviews1,364 followers
November 24, 2016
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***

4 LOVE IS HOPE CROWNS

Scarlet Wolfe has crafted an emotional story that not only tells of romance between two seniors in high school, but also reveals many truths about humanity. The Scars Keeper is beautiful and raw, and its message of hope and love will resonate with readers.

The Scars Keeper follows the story of Avery and Hayden as they navigate obstacles to heal and learn to love. Avery is suffocating in a world of expectations from her parents, her teachers, her boyfriend. She is trying to simply trying to stay afloat while carrying the heavy weight of this obligations, resulting in self-harm as a way to alleviate her anxiety. Her push to self-harm puts her in the path of Hayden, and helps to begin her healing. Through their relationship, readers see her become stronger, see her begin to take her life back, and, even when she is struggling after the climax of the story, see her survive. Within her story is an outlet for other youths that could be harming themselves. Part of her road to success lies in the hands of Hayden, the hero of the story, who is also running from his won issues. He has committed a crime and is in hiding from a rival MC gang. He tries to avoid getting involved, but the heart wants what it wants. Throughout his story the reader will absolutely fall in love with his huge heart. His compassion, kindness, and protective nature all serve to warm readers' hearts toward his character. The two of them together better each other, make the world a little less daunting to face, and support each other in all aspects of their lives, which is the epitome of love.

The plot of this story has so many facets. There is the danger of the MC club, the self-harming of Avery, the social hierarchies of high school, and, of course, romance. But Scarlet Wolfe blends all of these aspects of the story perfectly. Each is given the appropriate time and attention to adequately develop the characters and plot, but more than that this story line gives voice to the idea of embracing differences of others. The Scars Keeper serves to show how each person struggles and has aspects that weight them down, but with the right support system we can survive it. It also reaffirms that idea that we need to be a little more understanding of each other and embrace differences instead of singling people out for them. At the end of the day, this novel is about more than romance and two kids, it is about being better people to create a better society.

Scarlet Wolfe has created a raw and beautiful story that exposes truths about the world and society, but it is also a story of hope and a better future where we will be more compassionate towards others. It is definitely one that needs to be on readers shelves and even in the hands of teens struggling with similar issues, as it would be a beacon of hope.
=============
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com
Profile Image for Melanie.
728 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2016
Wow. I’m so glad I found this book.

The story starts off really quite dark; Avery is going through many different things, and feeling the pressure from so many angles she’s about to crack from it all. I felt so sorry for her as she seemed so alone, yet people around her thought she had the perfect life. Luckily, just at the right moment, she is found by Hayden; the supposed bad boy who apparently lives right next door.

These two were written so well, I loved them. Hayden’s background was shared with us, the reader, but not with Avery and yet she still loved him anyway, without really knowing him and despite the frowns of disgust she got from supposedly dating “below her class”.

I really enjoyed this book, it was emotional; both happy and sad, and it showed how you really shouldn’t make assumptions on people’s lives, because when you get to know them, you’re probably going to be way off.

I give The Scars Keeper 5 stars and I’m so hoping for a return to this pair in the future like the author hinted at in her notes.
Profile Image for Juli.
1,581 reviews24 followers
November 25, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book (given by Hype PR)...

4.5 stars

I absolutely loved Hayden and Avery! I think every girl should have their own personal Hayden. Avery is suffering from serious pressure in all aspects of her life and she decides to end it all, but Hayden was there to stop her and that is how their story began. This story was heartbreakingly beautiful and I felt it touched on very serious subjects teenagers are going through in their young lives. Some parts of the book may be difficult to read, but I feel they were necessary to understand Avery and her recovery.

I would love to see more of Hayden and Avery in the future.
Profile Image for Lonnie.
51 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2017
This is one of the best reads dealing with social pressures!!! It brings to light the differences everyone faces. How quick we stereotype each other and judge others before we meet them. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, whether big or small, respect should always be given!
Thank you for sharing this gift with me Scarlet!!
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,048 reviews65 followers
November 21, 2016
Review by: Melanie
(5 stars)

Wow. I’m so glad I found this book.

The story starts off really quite dark; Avery is going through many different things, and feeling the pressure from so many angles she’s about to crack from it all. I felt so sorry for her as she seemed so alone, yet people around her thought she had the perfect life. Luckily, just at the right moment, she is found by Hayden; the supposed bad boy who apparently lives right next door.

These two were written so well, I loved them. Hayden’s background was shared with us, the reader, but not with Avery and yet she still loved him anyway, without really knowing him and despite the frowns of disgust she got from supposedly dating “below her class”.

I really enjoyed this book, it was emotional; both happy and sad, and it showed how you really shouldn’t make assumptions on people’s lives, because when you get to know them, you’re probably going to be way off.

I give The Scars Keeper 5 stars and I’m so hoping for a return to this pair in the future like the author hinted at in her notes.
Profile Image for Michelle Brace .
1,736 reviews15 followers
November 23, 2016
I don't typically read Young Adult books but the blurb for this book pulled me in and I had to read it. I am so glad that I gave it a chance. Scarlet did a great job writing a story about two characters that are dealing with issues in their lives that many do.

I couldn't help but to fall in love with Hayden and Avery, Scarlet did such a great job writing these characters that you couldn't help but to love them. These two were from different worlds and despite those against them being together Avery didn't let that stop her from being with him. We as reader get to know Hayden's story but Avery is in the dark about it and yet she still stuck with him.

If you are looking for an emotional read that will have you going from happy to one minute and then sad the next then this is for you. This book is one that reiterates the saying looks can be deceiving. You may think the grass is greener on the other side but you have no idea.

I highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Jamie .
1,487 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2016
First off I have to say this was a wonderful book, well written and with helpful information. Avery came from a well off family so as a teen she was pre-judged. Labels put on teens and judged by them. What the kids and other adults didn't know was the pressure her father and mother put on her to do and be her best, plus the inappropriate behavior of a teacher to her. She hid her copping mechanism of her trouble thoughts by cutting, she hid it from everyone. She never expected when she was about to harm herself to be interrupted by her neighbor Hayden. He has his own troubled pass he is hiding from but he is the only one that really sees Avery pain. These two become each other's saving grace and with Hayden's help he shows Avery she is worthy and stronger then she thinks. When all seems to be getting better Hayden's pass comes back to tear them apart. Can Avery ever feel whole again with Hayden leaving. I so hope we get to see more of these two in another story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Webb.
1,053 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2016
Beautifully written

I really don't know where to start because this book touched on so many emotions for me. Ill say this it's an amazing book and I hope that people read and love it as much as I do. Yes this book touches on some serious issues that many people in this world deal with. I personally have dealt with most of the issues that are in this book, and didn't have anyone I could turn to. Scarlet you did a phenomenal job writing this book. Thank you for writ I'll ng about these subjects and then giving the links and hotline numbers at the end.
Profile Image for Candy76.
696 reviews25 followers
November 23, 2016
The stars aligned on these two. Both have secrets but there will come a time that they will share. Scarlet this was a well written story, and I'm impressed with how you brought out stereotypes and how to possibly bring them together. The writing flows and makes the reader feel and that's a great writer. For being a YA book I enjoyed it, I'm normally more adult but I need a break from it once in a while. I recommend this book even if you're not a YA reader you'll like this one.
***Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest Review***
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,743 reviews16 followers
December 4, 2016
This was a hard hitting book dealing with a lot for young people- seniors in high school.  On the outside Avery has this perfect life, popular, boyfriend, excellent grades, top tennis player people judge you for who they think you are not the who that is inside.  Parents with very high expectations and harsh consequences, really broke my heart.  Avery meets Hayden  when she feels like she has absolutely no control of her own life.  Hayden is new in town and isn't sharing his past with anyone, and tries to stay away because he knows soon he will have to leave.  So amazing.
Profile Image for Mandy Sawyer.
5,021 reviews41 followers
November 24, 2016
This book......I've only read three books that have touched me to this extent. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of emotion in the pages of this book. Scarlet's talent is remarkable, NEVER doubt your ability. I will be giving a copy to both my daughters as they have self harmed in the past. I feel this book will help them realise they are not alone. Thank you so much Scarlet for sharing something so personal with us, I will cherish this one.
Profile Image for Ruby.
273 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2016
I loved this book. It was deep and intense. Loving and sad. I wanted to scream at Hayden and Avery at times. I love the story of two different social classes coming together. Love is blind and comes in times when we least expect it. I cried within the first three chapters. I would love to have a second book. We were left with questions that needed answers.
Profile Image for Melissa.
166 reviews8 followers
November 27, 2016
Such and amazing story with love, loss, struggle, pain. This covered topics that not all of us touch base with on a daily basis. What wonderful reminder not to judge ANYONE by their cover. No matter what you may perceive, anyone can have pain hiding. Truly a different work from this author and a welcomed one. This story truly touched me.
Profile Image for Morgan.
495 reviews29 followers
December 1, 2016
Raw, emotional and powerful.

THE SCARS KEEPER will open your eyes to the harshness of life and also the joy & happiness that love can bring.

In the end, their love for each other saved them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Edith Dubielak PA.
25 reviews
June 24, 2017
The Scars Keeper by Author Scarlet Wolfe is a contemporary romance with a powerful topic, but so beautifully written. A book that will pull at your heart, but a book that will open any reader’s eyes young or older, I know it did for me.

In this book, we first meet Avery. She comes from a very wealthy family, very popular in her school. Avery’s father is a plastic surgeon and her mother is an anesthesiologist. Her father's expectations on Avery are beyond ridiculous. The pressure he puts on her to keep a 4.0 in school and be the best in sports, plus all the other after school clubs he expects her to participate in.

I'm forced to walk this tightrope they placed me in years ago, and I’m losing my balance. I’m tired, weak and no longer able to bear another second of this arduous life. I strive to leave my mark in it, but I fail with every breath. – Avery

At this, she feels no matter what her father never gives her positive reinforcement and no matter how hard she tries it's never good enough for him.

We need to find a solution to whatever is going on with you and fast, Avery. I mean it. I’m done with you not taking your future seriously- Avery’s Father

Avery’s parents soon will learn how their words have affected Avery. What damage has the pressure they have put on their daughter to be the best? Two other people will play a huge role in Avery’s life. One will be the person that caused her fear and the other will be the person to help her find her strength.

This is not the first book I have read by Scarlet Wolfe. I am a huge fan of hers, but I will say this is my first book I have read of hers in this genre. I am truly amazed by this book. I found so much about myself in this book. I can relate to this book in so many ways for example, just like Avery my mother expected nothing but good grades when I was in high school. If I had all A’s the first nine weeks I better have all A’s the next nine weeks. Now that I am a mother it kinda freaked me out when I read the part when Avery’s father told her to take her future as seriously because I have told my oldest that before and after reading this book and reading Avery’s story it broke my heart to even think I ever made my kids feel pressure. I literally put this book down and went and asked my kids if I ever made them feel pressured. This book was so well written that I do feel that no only a young adult could read it and think, yeah, that’s how I feel, but a parent could read it and maybe think you know what yeah, I want my kids to succeed, but I don’t want to make my kids be so stressed that at the end of the day we kill their spirit. So thank you Scarlet Wolfe for writing this beautiful book.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
November 16, 2016
This is not the first novel I have read from this author but it is different then I am used to her writing. I found out quickly she has talent and is versatile more than previously imagined. The ages on the main characters are also younger than I normally read which at times now I find myself gravitating towards younger not as jaded in most cases. In this one Avery and Hayden will go back and forth with their dialogue telling the story that will soon lasso you in. I have not read this topic in ages but have read many in years ago before eating disorders and the like was in the limelight so to speak. Self inflicting can happen in many forms without boundaries of when and where. This author shows the struggle of one in such a way it will become so exposed and raw your emotions too will be in pieces. Happenings and circumstance will occur that when the cat is out of the bag and into the light there will be no more running. Love will also come along way and different forms also in this one plus to such a degree for two young people such as these two it will warm you all the way to your toes. There are so many excellent things that occur in this one with the pressure kids have being still so there that the dangers are also sooner and faster. The turn arounds will be the best parts with the way this is wrapped up it will give a chuckle or two and a few ahhhs. Makes up alittle for some of the heart wrenching she cause.
Profile Image for Annamaria.
702 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2016
Five Emotional Stars! Avery wears her scars on her body where no one can see them or so she thinks. When Hayden meets Avery he has a preconceived idea about what kind of girl she is but as he gets to know her more he sees who she truly is. Will Hayden help Avery and in turn be able to help himself? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found that the author did an excellent job dealing with a difficult subject. I was engaged from the first chapter and read this book in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and felt all the emotions they were going through. If you are looking for a book that is an emotional story well, then this is the one for you! I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club..

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Profile Image for Reva Coomer.
2,017 reviews
December 3, 2017
Sweet and serious

A very sweet read centered around a very serious and misunderstood illness. Self harm can been done in many ways, not just cutting, and is often enough not found out in time to save a person's life. This story is all based around Avery and how the world around her causes her cutting, and how Hayden helps with that. Hayden is perfect and supportive, just the thing Avery needs to help her.
Profile Image for Xyneria.
16 reviews
May 25, 2017
Speechless

Reading this had me on the edge of my bed and give me all the feels....the entire time I spent reading it and it will be one of those books that you will never forget. Suicide and self harm are very real and near to my heart. While the story of Avery and her keeper will intrigue you from the very start , the message itself will stick with you permanently.
Profile Image for Sheri Bishop.
507 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2016
If you are looking for a great read, you want to read this book! It's unlike anything I've read before. As always, Scarlet Wolfe did not disappoint her readers. The story twisted and turned and held my attention from start to finish.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
November 15, 2016
Wow !!! This book was amazing. Avery and Hayden's story was amazing. It kept me on a emotional roller coaster but it was well worth it.
Profile Image for Iona Fincati.
281 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2017
This book deals with self cutting and the issues that surround it. I found it a sweet, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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