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A sassy witch, a vampire sworn to protect her, and a vampire that’s falling for her...? All bets are off.

Kiara was born with power. At eighteen, her powers are peaked, and she's destined to destroy the demon threatening her home town. But even with her power and the help of Kaleib, a vampire who’s like an older brother to her, they're not strong enough to stand against the evil. Enter Trent, a vampire with a secret past, and the tables turn, giving them a fighting chance.

Kiara shouldn’t feel anything toward Trent, especially since Kaleib hates him, but a strong attraction builds between them during their mission. Trent has successfully avoided caring about anyone for over one hundred years, and he plans to keep it that way. When Kiara asks for help, he can’t seem to deny her. Never would he imagine that he’d run into Kaleib, someone from his past--a vampire who knows his secret. Trent convinces himself he's aiding Kiara for his own selfish amusement, but the little witch seems immune to his charms and she's chipping away at his walls. To his dismay, he finds himself beginning to care for Kiara.

Between the demon that wants to kill her and two fighting vampires, how will things play out for Kiara and Trent? Will this demon let them live to find out?

Unknown Binding

First published April 17, 2017

3 people are currently reading
473 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Leigh

24 books206 followers
Amanda Leigh is the multi-genre author of numerous titles, including the Mature YA Paranormal Romance, the Beauty of the Dark series. She’s made up stories all her life, and written them down since she was eight. In college she got her degree in English and Communications, and worked as the Assistant Managing Editor on the literary magazine. Amanda advocates for mental health, cystinosis/rare disease awareness, and literacy. Strength: Lives Touched by Cystinosis is an anthology to raise awareness and money for cystinosis. She has a cat she adores and loves cooking, music, art, Psychology, Marvel, Harry Potter, and Elvis Presley. Not necessarily in that order. Find her online at www.authoramandaleigh.com and feel free to get in touch with her.

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5 stars
26 (45%)
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18 (31%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,349 reviews73 followers
October 19, 2018
"Scarred" by Amanda Leigh is a young adult paranormal romance and is book one in the Beauty of the Dark series. On her eighteen birthday, Kiara witches powers peaked and with her friend Kaleib determined to destroy a demon who is threatening her community. However, Kiara and Kaleib powers were not strong enough to defeat the person who wanted to destroy their city. Enters Trent a vampire who started to care for Kiara when she asks for help he said yes. The readers of Scarred will see if Kiara, Kaleib and Trent defeat the demon.

"Scarred" is the first book I have read of Amanda Leigh and it is an enjoyable book to read. I like the way she describes her characters and the way they interact with each other. I like the way Amanda Leigh describes her settings that allow her readers to fall in love with her characters. Scarred is well written and researched by Amanda Leigh. Young adult and paranormal romance are not genre's I usually read. However, Scarred engaged me with the plot from the beginning. Scarred highlights that it does not matter who you are you can still achieve whatever you want.

Thank you to Amanda Leigh and Voracious Readers for my ARC copy of this book for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,036 reviews189 followers
April 19, 2017
YA Paranormal Romance is probably my favorite genre, right along with Romantic Suspense. When I read the blurb for SCARRED by Amanda Leigh, I KNEW I had to read it. Boy am I glad I did!!
I LOVED IT.

It's right up my alley!! Addictive, suspenseful, and a page-turner right from the very beginning! I was curious to see how the story would unfold and I ended up reading this in one sitting!! I instantly connected with the book and the author's writing! The way it's written is so natural!! The way we actually think and talk in real life...that's how the author wrote the book and I loved that!!

If you know me, like really know me, then you are aware of my fascination with Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. Let's just say that the fact that Trent reminded me of him right off the bat had me all-kinds of excited to keep on reading! I'll leave it at that. And Kiara's sassy attitude? Well, that along with who she was made her a GREAT female lead. Just the kind I like to read about!

Amanda Leigh has truly gained a new fan here. And OH MY GOSH...I need book two....YESTERDAY.

FIVE STARS!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
25 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2018
Excellent book, very interesting, dark, romantic and mysterious. I love books about witches and vampires, and a dash of romance. This one included all of those things.
The character of Kiara is admirable - loves her bff, is loyal to her friends, and a powerful woman. I can't quite figure out Kaileb, he's a bit flawed but in a human (okay, vampiric way). Trent is another dynamic character/vampire in the novel. But it is not quite a love triangle as Kaleib appears more to be the big brother type while Trent is the one interested in Kiara. The character building and tension between the three is fantastic.

The book involves an old demon in Kiara's town that she is prophesied to destroy.
of course it ends on a cliff hanger so I have to read book 2. Can't wait!
Profile Image for Rebekah Palmer.
Author 7 books24 followers
March 31, 2017
Delicious. Scintillating. Mysterious. Highly recommended for those intrigued by the paranormal in this setting of ours called earth. The "good" vampire in the first of this trilogy holds his own and rivals the "evil" vampire. The herione is not above the damages of life and as we follow her tale we relate in myriads of ways.
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 4 books6 followers
February 28, 2017
This book was non-stop from the very beginning. There is a full array of emotions here that kept me reading for the sake of entertainment as well as the attachment I developed to each of the characters. When writing this genre, it is difficult to create realistic characters that the reader can connect with, but Amanda does just that. My favorite character is Kiara. She is strong but not invincible and the power-play between Kiara, Trent, and Kaleib is very tense and witty. Overall, I highly recommend this book and I think it was a great beginning to a new series.
90 reviews49 followers
April 23, 2017
Amanda Leigh has launched into ya sci-fi and done a fantastic job! Her world building is spectacular, and her character development is pretty amazing itself as well.

The plot is pretty consistent throughout the story, with one end goal, and several "side stories". We know Kiara has been foretold to be a powerful witch, with her powers peaking once she reaches legal age. We are also told from the blurb that she will be the one to kill the demon that haunts her town. She has to face several trials and tribulations to do this, but also balance her personal relationships as well. I feel like the author managed to do a great job at keeping everything equal, and sticking to the focus point of the main story, even with several side stories going on.

We have three main characters in this book, and I can't help but feel connected to each of them throughout the length of the book. It was interesting to see the past that Kaleib and Trent share, and the reason for Kaleibs mistrust. Despite all of this, It's inevitable that Kiara falls for Trent. It was pretty predictable, and even more predictable that Kaleib wouldn't like him. That's really my only complaint about this book. Other than that, I loved it and really can't wait for book two to come out.
Profile Image for Tom Leeland.
66 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2017
My Five Star Review of “Scarred (Beauty of the Dark Book 1)”
Written By Amanda Leigh
Kiara is a strong willed independent young witch and a teenager dealing with all the drama of high school and the many trials that come at such a young age. Kiara was my first introduction in character building by this author. At the point of reading Scarred my only other work written by this author was a Poetry Collection. Kiara stayed with me for over a year mostly because of how strong she was in personality and how emotional she was portrayed. Kalieb is soon introduced as the best friend who happens to be a vampire whom has more of a big brother feel with Kiara. Then there is Trent…I didn’t like this character at first because he was flirtatious to much with Kiara, he is also a vampire with a sketchy or dubious past and I was often over protective of Kalieb hoping he would end up with Kiara. Well no spoilers here. A triangle of love possibly. A town threatened and a young witch and two vampires trying to work together not just to get Kiara ready for battle using her powers but also to save the town she lives in. The amount of angst, denied passion, flirtatious dialogue and vivid scenes of action were enough to keep me reading. I love Snarky dialogue, sassiness and titillating byplay. This story had everything I enjoy in a young adult/ new adult coming of age story. A strong female lead, two male vampires with hidden agendas and magic. I love magic and I wasn’t let down. Buy this story and enjoy.
Profile Image for Amanda Leigh.
Author 24 books206 followers
November 17, 2017
This book and these characters are very special to me. The first note I made about this book was in September 2013. But the sentence that inspired it was scribbled in a journal in 2009. I've never loved any of my characters this much. I probably know them a little too well. Trent came to me almost fully formed. It was one of those miraculous things. It went from one book, to two, to a trilogy. I hope you love these characters and their story even half as much as I do and that you continue their journey through the other books. <3
Profile Image for Jennifer Weiser.
Author 1 book30 followers
April 22, 2017
Vampires, Witches and Demons, oh my!

Never have I been blown away by a debut sci-fi YA like I have been with Scarred! Filled with spine tingling and chilling fast paced events, Trent, will capture you heart and soul as you fight to not to fall head over heels for protective Kaleib! Two steamy vamps and a witch, make this book a must read! Angst, sorrow, mystery and love steal your very essence as you rush to read to the very end. Looking for your next book addiction? Look no further, Amanda Leigh has taken every aspect of the fantasy world and opened up a new level of amazing! Book two cannot reach my hands fast enough!
Profile Image for Natalya Rendall.
24 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2017
The first installment of Beauty of the Dark series is fantastic. The book has everything you'd like to read in paranormal genre: love, suspense, angst, action, magic and, appealing and well developed characters. Kiara is a strong, confident and independent witch with a sassy personality, who's trying to face an evil with the help of two vampires, Trent and Kaleib. But there's a tense relationgship between both of them since Trent seems to have some hidden secrets Kaleib knows about, with the additon of Trent's flirtatious attitude towards Kiara... Among secrets to be told, a blooming love and mysteries to be unfold, you'll be dragged into this fresh and well written story by the talented Amanda Leigh.
I'm looking forward to know how their story continues.
339 reviews
April 22, 2017
Great new paranormal series!

Scarred is the first book of this series. We get to meet, and get to know, Trent, Kiara and Kaleib. There is so much to love about this book. Action, angst, mystery, magic, paranormal characters and events. We see their sweet, sassy, protective and hungry sides. Can't wait to see what other adventures and creatures that these characters come across. And also can't wait to find out more about the relationships that developed with them all.
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
April 19, 2017
3.5

Interesting read. Scarred is the first book in the series, Beauty of the Dark. I can say that readers who love YA will definitely like this book. It's not a 5* to me, but the story is interesting. I was intrigued on the characters and the story. Trent (one of the main characters) kind of reminds me of Damon from TVD, because of his attitude. Kiara, she's an interesting girl. She's strong and I was curious about her powers etc. Overall, the story is good. I can't wait to see what will happen next!
Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,181 reviews76 followers
April 17, 2017
Amanda Leigh is a new author to me, and whilst I did struggle to get into the book a bit at the beginning, it was totally worth the perseverance and once I got into the story and the characters I was completely hooked.

Amanda has written an interesting story with great characters and great banter between them. There is a mystery that keeps you intrigued throughout.

Warning this book does end in a cliffhanger that has you screaming nnnnooo, roll on book 2


⭐️I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of his book in exchange for an honest review from the author and HEA Tours ⭐

https://facebook.com/Bookloversreview/
Profile Image for Chitra.
172 reviews
April 17, 2017
I have to admit that at the first few chapters, I wasn't quite into the book. But I just kept reading and started enjoying it. It's an interesting story with a mystery and with the witty banter between the characters, it's entertaining. The connection between Trent and Kiara is growing slowly but sure. I adore the female lead character, Kiara. She's such an independent and strong young woman. Warning though: this book ends with a cliffhanger. But don't you worry because book two is coming in a few months!
Profile Image for Es.
31 reviews
April 1, 2017
I am up at 1:47am because I couldn't put the book down. Parts of the book aggravated me, like the immature best-friend, but that's also what made it so darn relatable. Such a great book from beginning to end. It does leave off on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for next installment.
Kiara is a high school student but far more mature, after surviving her parents death was she young and being a witch, that just may do it! She is currently living with her guardians, her godparents - a human and her witch aunt. But our cast of main characters is not complete without her knight in shining armor, who is a vampire and his enemy, who is also a vampire, and turns into Kiara's love interest. The are on the hunt to remove an evil demon that has found its way to their backyard. Get this book and stay up to read it too! You won't regret that decision!
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,307 reviews63 followers
June 2, 2017

Trent is drawn to a voice he hears while out hunting, a beautiful voice that brings him to an even more attractive girl. When the girl catches him watching her, instead of being scared, she challenges him. Kiara is a witch and she is not scared of a vampire, instead she wants him to join forces with her and her friend Kaleib to fight a darkness that is coming.



I really liked the idea of this story as well as the mixed supernatural aspects, unfortunately I just could not really get into the book. A battle of good versus evil is always appealing to me, and the author did a good job of showing the challenges the characters have to face as well as the darkness and danger that surrounds them all. The plot was the best part of the story, keeping me reading because I was not sure what would happen next. Surprising to me, the book was dark, with death being a real consequence of certain actions, adding a realistic aspect to the story. The part that made it difficult to 100% enjoy the story was the fact I could not connect to the characters. I read about what they were doing and hear them say how they were feeling, but not once did I feel what they were feeling. I need to have both a solid plot and engaging characters for me to lose myself to a story.



​The ending was a big surprise! I never saw it coming and couldn't even have tried to predict it. Forewarning, this was a cliffhanger where there is no conclusion, more like the middle of an event and it just stops. ​ So make sure you have the next book handy because you will desperately want to see what will happen next. I am sure that lots of people will like this book, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a teen supernatural romance.

I received this title in return for my honest review.
Visit my blog http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/for more book stuff.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,414 reviews62 followers
May 19, 2019
Occasionally a YA series comes along that manages to truly captivate me -
The beauty of the Dark is one of those

Leigh weaves an entertaining and enthralling tale that truly engages the reader on an emotional level. Right from the opening, I was hooked.
The characters are vivid and you can feel the tension that flows between them just under the surface. The various plots and predicaments were well crafted and kept me guessing. The storyline was easy to follow.

Kiara is young but strong of will and has no problem thinking for herself. She has a lot of her own secrets she keeps safeguarded. She also will discover many truths that have been withheld from her "for her own good".
I really enjoyed her strength of character and the way she held her ground even if it was only in support of her own beliefs.
Does she make impulsive decisions? Absolutely. Does she get herself into all kinds of dangerous predicaments? Hello, she is a teenager.
Trent has to have been my favorite. I have a thing for the brooding bad boy. His character was funny, engaging and a little dark but it was entertaining to discover his secrets and at times to glimpse the heart he is so viciously protecting
Kaleib had me a bit on the fence in the beginning. I do not want to give to much away but he also has his secret and I get why but that does not mean that I agree.
If you are looking for an entertaining read that mixes a bit of mystery and intrigue with a whole lot of action doused occasionally in laughter - Then look no further
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,494 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2018
rcvd a reader copy for giving my two cents. we meet vampire Trent who showed up bc he was drawn there. he hears a beautiful voice and goes to investigate. while watching a blonde beauty she speaks to him in the tree...wtf...this girl is in 2 places at once. kiara is a witch who can astral plane and when this creature says hes a vampire, it doesnt phase her and be is confused about that. she asks him name and for his help. trent is considering who the other vampire is and comes to the conclusion he knows. kaleib isn't happy that trent is there as hes told kiara not to trust him. kiara knows there is history btn those two but she wont let it ruin their chance to stop this demon. trent knows they are hiding smth from him and its not boding well..how is he supposed to help if he doesn't know the facts. they venture into the forest to find smtg and see A gray clothed creature killing birds...creepy. they dont kbow what their up against but they know its not good. will they learn why the demon is there? will kiara learn to trust trent? will she ever find out their history?
Profile Image for Dana Muwwakkil.
Author 2 books7 followers
June 19, 2017
This novel was a lot of fun to read. The main characters Kiarra and Trent and Kalieb are interesting and funny together . The premise of a possible love triangle is also featured which may or may not follow some tropes in this paranormal genre. With an obvious mutual attraction that is fought throughout the book, sexual tension, demons and spells we still also get everyday things like studying for math tests and gossiping with best friends. The novel also unravels a few mysteries on the way. Trents voice is witty and funny although he is definitely an ass, you can't help but like him. Kalieb is more mysterious and Kiarra is just not having it. These three are pretty awesome together. J enjoyed reading Scarred, it's defintely a different take on a genre where many things can be repetitive.
Profile Image for Megan Crisp.
661 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2017
Not too bad

Okay so I'm not a huge PNR fan, only few authors PNR I can read, this book was good, however.... I know it's a YA and I do enjoy YA, but it seemed like it maybe was trying to hard? I'm not sure what it was, I know the lead H, she was highly immature and very wishy washy, which isn't always a bad thing, but it didn't work in this scenario... however this book is a page turner, warning it does end on a cliffhanger.. but it's defiantly worth the read :) happy reading :)
Profile Image for Cabiria Aquarius.
473 reviews34 followers
May 18, 2018
Kiara Beau is a witch. She lost her parents when she was young and ever since Kaleib has watched over and protected her. Trent comes along and she asks him to help out figure out what this evil presence is. Kaleib is against it, he has an age old grudge against him.
Against her better judgement she feels a connection. She also learns she’s been lied to her whole life.
A witch and two vampires what fun!
Find out what happens in this thrilling book Scarred!

I absolutely loved this story, that ending though! I wonder what happens next....
15 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2018
Received book from Voracious Readers to review. First time reading Amanda and was pleasantly surprised. Scarred was a good easy read with characters that you can rally behind and want to follow. I would like to continue reading. As always you want more and for the story to keep going. There is enough tension and surprises to keep you hooked and turning the page.

Good easy read on a cold day with a wine and blanket.
16 reviews
November 7, 2018
This book had an amazing story and I had a hard time putting it down. I got this book free from Voracious Readers Only but was hesitant to read it. However, as soon as you start reading you want to know more. It is a definite yes for supernatural readers.

It was easy to understand and connect with the characters. The only downside was the book ended and I wanted to know more, which I think it's what makes a fantastic book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
904 reviews58 followers
May 9, 2017
I cannot even being to tell you how amazing (and dark) this book is. Amanada Leigh knows how to get into the depths of a story. This will change your perspective of paranormal, and I a good a way!!

***DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily requested an ARC of this book from the author for honest review. My opinion remains unbiased.***
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
December 16, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved this book so much that I ended up buying it and reading it again. This was so well written and fun to read!! The character in this book were so energetic and intense that this book was done before I wanted it to be. For a debut series it was absolutely riveting and now I am so excited to read book 2.
Profile Image for Suzanne Withers.
693 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A witch and two vampires struggle to battle an evil demon. This is a well written fantasy story that is non stop from the beginning. There is love, mystery, suspense, action, magic, amazing well rounded characters. A great beginning to a new series. I loved it and can't wait for the next installment.
61 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2018
I LOVED this book! But I hate the ending. I won’t spoil it for everyone. Then I had to search to make sure there was a follow up,through all the drama, there’s a lot of love and I just hope the three of them stay together in the future of the series. I was so upset when this book ended, talk about a cliffhanger!!
Profile Image for Mandy Foley.
433 reviews
October 10, 2018
I loved this book, the interplay between Kiara, Trent and Kalieb is fascinating. The tease of what caused the tension between the two guys keeps you turning pages, the strength and determination of Kiara had me laughing, crying and saying you go girl. I’m so looking forward to the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only for a review.
Profile Image for Rkwest.
16 reviews
November 9, 2018
I was given an arc of this book through Voracious Readers Only. It was...ok. It wasn't a bad read it's just that the story has been done to death. It's very close in comparison to books like Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy. Still not a bad read and, if you really like that genre, a great read. I couldnt help but fall in love with Trent, though. One thing I HATED was the cliffhanger ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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