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UGLY
I was broken beyond repair. I never expected him to be the one to put me back together
ISLA
The Cow of St Mary's
Pathetic
A Loser
The Duff
This has been my identity for most of my life.
Given to me be a cruel girl in designer clothing.
I accepted my life as a nobody.
And then he came along.
He tells me he's not like the others.
But I know better...they're all the same.
Sooner or later they all show their true intentions.
ZAYNE
I never wanted to come here, but I'm stuck. In a city full of vapid girls that just want to fuck their way through the prime meat of wealthy guys.
And then she comes along.
She's different to everyone else.
She puts me at a distance.
She fights me at every turn.
I keep telling her I'm not like the others, but she refuses to believe me.
She'll soon discover that I'm not like them.
Sooner or later, she'll realize the truth.
ISLA
The Cow of St Mary's
Pathetic
A Loser
The Duff
This has been my identity for most of my life.
Given to me be a cruel girl in designer clothing.
I accepted my life as a nobody.
And then he came along.
He tells me he's not like the others.
But I know better...they're all the same.
Sooner or later they all show their true intentions.
ZAYNE
I never wanted to come here, but I'm stuck. In a city full of vapid girls that just want to fuck their way through the prime meat of wealthy guys.
And then she comes along.
She's different to everyone else.
She puts me at a distance.
She fights me at every turn.
I keep telling her I'm not like the others, but she refuses to believe me.
She'll soon discover that I'm not like them.
Sooner or later, she'll realize the truth.
- GenresAbuse
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 6, 2019
I have read a lot of bullying stories, some of them good and inspiring and some of them so bad that you wonder what the point of the book was!
This was one of the worst. What was the author trying to say?
Put up with bullying, Don’t defend yourself because there’s no point and it will be over soon.
Don’t let other people help you even if you have loving parents and really good strong friends.
Become reliant on the hot boy who is dealing with the bullies whilst the girl just sits back and whines about not causing anymore problems as school will be over soon.
Seriously this book sent out wrong messages because the “victim” came across as a weak unappreciative puddle of lard who just let anyone and everyone treating her like crap! I’m not saying she needed to fight but she had the power of her mouth to talk. She never said anything back to them or defend herself. She had some amazing friends who were willing to help her but she preferred to act the martyr.
I have been bullied myself in school so I know what it feels like, I know how scared I felt going into school but I did stick up for myself and I did let other people help me because I wasn’t going to let anyone say shit about me and not say something back!
If I had read this book back in my time I would have maybe thought that I shouldn’t defend myself and become like the Martyr female lead.....actually no I wouldn’t have because even as a 14 year old I had self respect and self love.
This book was not a book I would recommend for anyone being bullied as it does not have one positive thing to inspire a victim of bullying to help themselves!!
This was one of the worst. What was the author trying to say?
Put up with bullying, Don’t defend yourself because there’s no point and it will be over soon.
Don’t let other people help you even if you have loving parents and really good strong friends.
Become reliant on the hot boy who is dealing with the bullies whilst the girl just sits back and whines about not causing anymore problems as school will be over soon.
Seriously this book sent out wrong messages because the “victim” came across as a weak unappreciative puddle of lard who just let anyone and everyone treating her like crap! I’m not saying she needed to fight but she had the power of her mouth to talk. She never said anything back to them or defend herself. She had some amazing friends who were willing to help her but she preferred to act the martyr.
I have been bullied myself in school so I know what it feels like, I know how scared I felt going into school but I did stick up for myself and I did let other people help me because I wasn’t going to let anyone say shit about me and not say something back!
If I had read this book back in my time I would have maybe thought that I shouldn’t defend myself and become like the Martyr female lead.....actually no I wouldn’t have because even as a 14 year old I had self respect and self love.
This book was not a book I would recommend for anyone being bullied as it does not have one positive thing to inspire a victim of bullying to help themselves!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2019
Not really sure how I should rate this. The idea was good....bullied girl who finds a savior and love in the new tough, hot, guy at school. However, like most of the other “real” reviews stated, the execution was poor.
Too much time was spent inside the heroines head and I never really felt the connection between the H/h. I get they have similar backgrounds but the Hero came off as a major asshole and the heroine a complete doormat when it came to those who tortured her. Yes, she got counseling BUT other than that never took any real action against the bullies. Her excuse...nothing would change. She forbade her friends from stepping in to help and even got mad at them when they tried. She came off as more of a martyr than strong.
I wasnt exactly happy with the Hero due to his initial behavior and that opinion went down when he kept his ex f buddy as a best friend - according to him they were convenient for each other but there was never any love besides friendship between them. He reminisced about all the sex they had and checked her out via their video calls frequently. Also, his possessive behavior didn’t make him an Alpha who goes after what he wants and protects what’s his...it only made him an asshole.
We got an HFN ending but I don’t feel like this couple would make it in the long run. I don’t feel like the heroine had any real growth and her dependence on the Hero was unhealthy.
Finally...I wish the author wouldn’t have include any religious views.
Too much time was spent inside the heroines head and I never really felt the connection between the H/h. I get they have similar backgrounds but the Hero came off as a major asshole and the heroine a complete doormat when it came to those who tortured her. Yes, she got counseling BUT other than that never took any real action against the bullies. Her excuse...nothing would change. She forbade her friends from stepping in to help and even got mad at them when they tried. She came off as more of a martyr than strong.
I wasnt exactly happy with the Hero due to his initial behavior and that opinion went down when he kept his ex f buddy as a best friend - according to him they were convenient for each other but there was never any love besides friendship between them. He reminisced about all the sex they had and checked her out via their video calls frequently. Also, his possessive behavior didn’t make him an Alpha who goes after what he wants and protects what’s his...it only made him an asshole.
We got an HFN ending but I don’t feel like this couple would make it in the long run. I don’t feel like the heroine had any real growth and her dependence on the Hero was unhealthy.
Finally...I wish the author wouldn’t have include any religious views.
June 7, 2019
I'm not sure where to begin with this review. Perhaps it should be with the metaphor massacre, or the borderline racial stereotyping. Sexism, fat shaming or plain old crap writing.
I love a good bully book, but this one falls flat mostly because there are almost no redeeming features in either the H or the h and there is no real story of growth or self acceptance.
Really I struggled to get past the prologue, but all the shining reviews had me persisting. I wish I hadn't bothered.
The ridiculousness started with rose tinted irises. Really? rose tinted irises in lou of glasses because why use the term people are familiar with why not create a turn of phrase that sounds painful as fuck. But the rose tinted didn't end there oh no, lets rose tint cheeks and pierce ducts to describe tears. confused, yeah me too.
The metaphor murder was epic in this book and actually had me laughing out loud, I dare say not the writers intent.
Lets talk about our heroine for a moment. Doormat, dumb as shit, damsel in distress waiting for a hero to come save her, yep that sounds about right.
Why oh why oh why did the writer allow her to be so fucking stupid.
For no apparent reason she allowed herself to stay the victim FOR YEARS, not allowing her friends who are apparently the United nations of Victoria secret model types to help her.
Again stereotypes, with little character building, but back to our mc she refused offers of help because being a victim was easier than taking a stand. It'll be over soon just a year more and it'll be done, don't make waves. Bitch you're already a target grow some fucking balls and stand up, so frustrating.
Now to the love interest: I think he was meant to come across as cocky alpha, how he read though was asshole and not in a hot I want him way.
The school environment was not believable, the bully and her boyfriend were laughably bad, the interaction between teachers and students was stilted and badly written and I still can't get past her unwillingness to seek help from family friends or other teachers.
Basically this book says it's better to take the bullying than take a stand on the off chance that the bullies may get nastier.
I don't know about you but when I was a kid if I'd been that badly bullied, first of all I'd have told someone like I don't know-my family maybe- second even if I was too scared to tell the people who loved and supported me they would have noticed and questioned and removed me from the school no matter how flashy it was and filed fucking charges.
The theme here seems to be lie down and take it till a hot new guy comes to the rescue, not really the kind of message anyone wants to be sending.
The book does have some sense of resolution in the end but the long, long insanely overlong journey to get there was not worth it.
I love a good bully book, but this one falls flat mostly because there are almost no redeeming features in either the H or the h and there is no real story of growth or self acceptance.
Really I struggled to get past the prologue, but all the shining reviews had me persisting. I wish I hadn't bothered.
The ridiculousness started with rose tinted irises. Really? rose tinted irises in lou of glasses because why use the term people are familiar with why not create a turn of phrase that sounds painful as fuck. But the rose tinted didn't end there oh no, lets rose tint cheeks and pierce ducts to describe tears. confused, yeah me too.
The metaphor murder was epic in this book and actually had me laughing out loud, I dare say not the writers intent.
Lets talk about our heroine for a moment. Doormat, dumb as shit, damsel in distress waiting for a hero to come save her, yep that sounds about right.
Why oh why oh why did the writer allow her to be so fucking stupid.
For no apparent reason she allowed herself to stay the victim FOR YEARS, not allowing her friends who are apparently the United nations of Victoria secret model types to help her.
Again stereotypes, with little character building, but back to our mc she refused offers of help because being a victim was easier than taking a stand. It'll be over soon just a year more and it'll be done, don't make waves. Bitch you're already a target grow some fucking balls and stand up, so frustrating.
Now to the love interest: I think he was meant to come across as cocky alpha, how he read though was asshole and not in a hot I want him way.
The school environment was not believable, the bully and her boyfriend were laughably bad, the interaction between teachers and students was stilted and badly written and I still can't get past her unwillingness to seek help from family friends or other teachers.
Basically this book says it's better to take the bullying than take a stand on the off chance that the bullies may get nastier.
I don't know about you but when I was a kid if I'd been that badly bullied, first of all I'd have told someone like I don't know-my family maybe- second even if I was too scared to tell the people who loved and supported me they would have noticed and questioned and removed me from the school no matter how flashy it was and filed fucking charges.
The theme here seems to be lie down and take it till a hot new guy comes to the rescue, not really the kind of message anyone wants to be sending.
The book does have some sense of resolution in the end but the long, long insanely overlong journey to get there was not worth it.
May 23, 2019
UGLY is the story of a young girl with low self esteem who has been bullied throughout high school. This book touches on many sensitive issues and the author does her best to treat them with care.
Ultimately this is a love story between a boy and a girl in high school, and their journey through the trials of high school and bullying.
It’s not an easy read but the author does well tackling such sensitive issues and it’s obvious how much the author cares by the amount of information she has added at the back of the book.
Ultimately this is a love story between a boy and a girl in high school, and their journey through the trials of high school and bullying.
It’s not an easy read but the author does well tackling such sensitive issues and it’s obvious how much the author cares by the amount of information she has added at the back of the book.
May 22, 2019
Ugly by Amara Kent follows Isla and her journey through her school life, with interchanging POV’s between herself and Zayne. This is a great way of showing how each of the main characters are feeling throughout the story and how their relationship develops.
Isla has been bullied most of her schooling life, and with minimal support around her this doesn’t stop. However, when then new guy Zayne shows up, he has mission to break through Isla’s walls that she’s erected so solidly, and help her become someone new. It won’t be easy for Zayne, as she’s built these so no one can break through. Not even the cute new boy.
Side note: Care needs to be taken of any potential triggers for those reading, as there are themes of bullying displayed throughout.
Amara Kent has gone to a lot of effort to include additional information from playlists to helplines/support contacts.
Isla has been bullied most of her schooling life, and with minimal support around her this doesn’t stop. However, when then new guy Zayne shows up, he has mission to break through Isla’s walls that she’s erected so solidly, and help her become someone new. It won’t be easy for Zayne, as she’s built these so no one can break through. Not even the cute new boy.
Side note: Care needs to be taken of any potential triggers for those reading, as there are themes of bullying displayed throughout.
Amara Kent has gone to a lot of effort to include additional information from playlists to helplines/support contacts.
June 5, 2019
Ugly portrays the high school journey of Isla, she's been bullied since day one and as a result has self esteem issues.
Body image , emotional abuse and self harm are topics touched on and I thought the authors inclusion of links to various help services was a nice touch.
At it's core the story is about Isla learning how to let people in, let people love her and self acceptance.
The conclusion wrapped everything up neatly, the author did a good job
***I didn't find this particularly dark but some readers may ***
Body image , emotional abuse and self harm are topics touched on and I thought the authors inclusion of links to various help services was a nice touch.
At it's core the story is about Isla learning how to let people in, let people love her and self acceptance.
The conclusion wrapped everything up neatly, the author did a good job
***I didn't find this particularly dark but some readers may ***
May 28, 2019
This book was deep and intense and sorrowful and well written. I didn’t understand Isla’s attitude in the beginning of the book but I began to understand her more and more throughout the story. The torcher this girl overcame was amazing. How she was also able to still allow people into her life and find love was beautiful. This book is not for the faint of heart and may have triggers for some. It was beautiful story of overcoming your demons and finding true love.
June 2, 2019
Why the 4 and 5 stars?
This gets one star for a good idea, poorly executed.
I only picked it up because it was shared in a Facebook group, and who can resist a good cover and blurb.
Writing a likable and relatable mc as she navigates her way through the darkness of youth depression and self harm requires a level of nuance and skill that I'm sorry to say isn't evident here. The writing reads like a grade schoolers idea of dark and tragic.
The characters are two dimensional the bully ridiculous and the dialogue clunky.
A mess of inane words and sentences meaning nothing and going nowhere.
This gets one star for a good idea, poorly executed.
I only picked it up because it was shared in a Facebook group, and who can resist a good cover and blurb.
Writing a likable and relatable mc as she navigates her way through the darkness of youth depression and self harm requires a level of nuance and skill that I'm sorry to say isn't evident here. The writing reads like a grade schoolers idea of dark and tragic.
The characters are two dimensional the bully ridiculous and the dialogue clunky.
A mess of inane words and sentences meaning nothing and going nowhere.
Read
March 26, 2020I don't understand how people are rating this higher than 1 star.
Are we even reading the same book?
Apart from the poorly executed bullying plot, I found it deeply offensive how this author portrayed South Africa.
We aren't given machetes the minute we learn how to walk so that we can survive the 'Streets of Johannesburg', some actual research would've done her a lot of good, I backed out the third time she described South Africa the same way you would described a post apocalyptic world where you have to fight to stay alive.
FYI: we eat Fish and vegetables here in South Africa regularly, fish don't only swim in the northern hemisphere, they're kind enough to swim in our rough world let us eat them.
And the Hero is an asshole, his motives towards Isla didn't make sense...the only thing he had going was his good looks.
The heroine is no one to look up to. Enough said.
Are we even reading the same book?
Apart from the poorly executed bullying plot, I found it deeply offensive how this author portrayed South Africa.
We aren't given machetes the minute we learn how to walk so that we can survive the 'Streets of Johannesburg', some actual research would've done her a lot of good, I backed out the third time she described South Africa the same way you would described a post apocalyptic world where you have to fight to stay alive.
FYI: we eat Fish and vegetables here in South Africa regularly, fish don't only swim in the northern hemisphere, they're kind enough to swim in our rough world let us eat them.
And the Hero is an asshole, his motives towards Isla didn't make sense...the only thing he had going was his good looks.
The heroine is no one to look up to. Enough said.
September 30, 2019
Full of teenage angst
August 21, 2019
This novel was quite simply earth shattering. It was so well written and clear that there was an enormous amount of research put in and so much heart in every page. So much so that it had the same impact that 'The Power of One' by Bryce Courtenay did on my phyche. One great big punch to the gut as I felt every single thing these characters had been dealt and an insight I couldn't fathem on my own.
Isla has been bullied for most of her teenage years seemingly for no other reason other than daring to exist.
Dispite having her own group of friends that would rage for her, she is so beaten down that she refuses all attempts to help with her situation and is left with scars both physically and internally with her daily mantra believing she deserves what she gets.
Zayne and his brother and sister are new to the country, their stunningly beautiful faces and accents instantly drawing attention to them. While his siblings are content to mingle and play nice Zayne presents a much more hardened brick wall that could rival any plans Trump may have.
He instantly but feels a connection with Isla having been through his own form of torture. However the tug a war between Isla's inner dialogue threatening and self sabotaging things and Zayne's no nonsense approach due to his upbringing cause many problems the pair would need to overcome to work things out. All the while intensive bullying by the school shit stain....sorry headgirl is becoming more sinister and damaging.
It's soul crushing reading this young girls thoughts and the effects that bullying can take on a loving soul with everything to offer the world.
This was my first read by the author and of course I was pleasantly surprised to find out she is an Aussie 😘 So now I will await her next installment and pursue any other books she may have written.
I rarely leave reviews. Not for the lack of liking a book but because I never put much stock into a reviews. I like what I like and I won't have someone decide for me before I have had a chance to read it myself.
In this case, I just couldn't leave it and move onto the next book. If it weren't for steamy sex scenes I'd recommend it should be a featured book in the highschool curriculum to highlight the effects of bullying.
Isla has been bullied for most of her teenage years seemingly for no other reason other than daring to exist.
Dispite having her own group of friends that would rage for her, she is so beaten down that she refuses all attempts to help with her situation and is left with scars both physically and internally with her daily mantra believing she deserves what she gets.
Zayne and his brother and sister are new to the country, their stunningly beautiful faces and accents instantly drawing attention to them. While his siblings are content to mingle and play nice Zayne presents a much more hardened brick wall that could rival any plans Trump may have.
He instantly but feels a connection with Isla having been through his own form of torture. However the tug a war between Isla's inner dialogue threatening and self sabotaging things and Zayne's no nonsense approach due to his upbringing cause many problems the pair would need to overcome to work things out. All the while intensive bullying by the school shit stain....sorry headgirl is becoming more sinister and damaging.
It's soul crushing reading this young girls thoughts and the effects that bullying can take on a loving soul with everything to offer the world.
This was my first read by the author and of course I was pleasantly surprised to find out she is an Aussie 😘 So now I will await her next installment and pursue any other books she may have written.
I rarely leave reviews. Not for the lack of liking a book but because I never put much stock into a reviews. I like what I like and I won't have someone decide for me before I have had a chance to read it myself.
In this case, I just couldn't leave it and move onto the next book. If it weren't for steamy sex scenes I'd recommend it should be a featured book in the highschool curriculum to highlight the effects of bullying.
September 2, 2020
I wanted so badly to love this book...
It started off strong, and i had super high hopes for Isla's character, but i just couldn't stand her. I understand that everyone holds trauma differently and that bullying is a serious issue, but i just don't understand what the author was trying to do with this story. What i took away from it was: let yourself be bullied so badly that you hate yourself. Refuse to let anyone do anything about it... but feel sorry for yourself the entire time.
First - I was super excited to find a story about an average looking, plus-sized girl who got the guy. But that wasn't what this was at all. The story is told in 1st person, and i completely understand that means that it is supposed to be Isla's opinions and inner-dialogue, but the author really missed the mark on this one. Not only does Isla have the lowest self-esteem of any character I've ever read, the story is basically a giant body-shaming mess. I wanted to slap her more than i felt bad for her.
Zayne wasn't much better, and i honestly couldn't stand him. He was a giant asshole 90% of the book, and the other 10% was him feeling sorry for himself or apologizing for being an asshole. I think the aim was cocky-alpha who goes for what he wants, but i mostly just wanted to throat punch him.
Between the two of them, i'm not sure how i even finished the book. She was a doormat, he was an dick & they lacked chemistry.
About halfway through the book we find out about a best friend Darren, who was never previously mentioned and who disappeared when Isla needed him most, and "maybe something was happening with him..." but you NEVER FIND OUT WHAT. It was maddening.
I also felt like more than half of the book was just repeating the same things over and over, written a tiny bit differently. I skimmed so much of it, but i don't feel like i actually missed anything by doing so.
Just wasn't for me.
It started off strong, and i had super high hopes for Isla's character, but i just couldn't stand her. I understand that everyone holds trauma differently and that bullying is a serious issue, but i just don't understand what the author was trying to do with this story. What i took away from it was: let yourself be bullied so badly that you hate yourself. Refuse to let anyone do anything about it... but feel sorry for yourself the entire time.
First - I was super excited to find a story about an average looking, plus-sized girl who got the guy. But that wasn't what this was at all. The story is told in 1st person, and i completely understand that means that it is supposed to be Isla's opinions and inner-dialogue, but the author really missed the mark on this one. Not only does Isla have the lowest self-esteem of any character I've ever read, the story is basically a giant body-shaming mess. I wanted to slap her more than i felt bad for her.
Zayne wasn't much better, and i honestly couldn't stand him. He was a giant asshole 90% of the book, and the other 10% was him feeling sorry for himself or apologizing for being an asshole. I think the aim was cocky-alpha who goes for what he wants, but i mostly just wanted to throat punch him.
Between the two of them, i'm not sure how i even finished the book. She was a doormat, he was an dick & they lacked chemistry.
About halfway through the book we find out about a best friend Darren, who was never previously mentioned and who disappeared when Isla needed him most, and "maybe something was happening with him..." but you NEVER FIND OUT WHAT. It was maddening.
I also felt like more than half of the book was just repeating the same things over and over, written a tiny bit differently. I skimmed so much of it, but i don't feel like i actually missed anything by doing so.
Just wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2019
This book was well written. You definitely were not left wondering how either of the MC's were feeling. I did find at times that I was annoyed with Isla, b/c she really didn't stick up for herself. She had an amazing support group, but at the end of the day you have to take charge of your own life and the things you allow to happen to you.
I understad being bullied and the ongoing internal struggle Isla was having regarding her appearance. (Possible spoilers ahead...) I just wish Isla herself was able to put an end to the torment she suffered. I also wish her friends would have made Isla's parents aware of the situation, not just the head mistress. I understand having friends mad at you for telling, but at the end of the day her friends would have been putting Isla first. I know this is fiction, but it still bothered me.
Will I continue Isla's story? No. This story was a little too IRL (in real-life) as the kids are calling it nowadays. I need some make believe and adventure in my stories. So I bid Ms. Isla a farewell and I hope she becomes the aeronautical engineer she always wanted to be.
I understad being bullied and the ongoing internal struggle Isla was having regarding her appearance. (Possible spoilers ahead...) I just wish Isla herself was able to put an end to the torment she suffered. I also wish her friends would have made Isla's parents aware of the situation, not just the head mistress. I understand having friends mad at you for telling, but at the end of the day her friends would have been putting Isla first. I know this is fiction, but it still bothered me.
Will I continue Isla's story? No. This story was a little too IRL (in real-life) as the kids are calling it nowadays. I need some make believe and adventure in my stories. So I bid Ms. Isla a farewell and I hope she becomes the aeronautical engineer she always wanted to be.
July 12, 2022
This is one that will stay with me
This book was amazing, heartfelt, and brutal. I felt so connected to Isla it’s unreal. Tbh, I would give anything to have my younger self read this book.
Her need to keep everything from her friends and the internalization hits deep. While others might argue against her refusal to turn to others and make the abuse stop, I think for the ones who have experienced the same kind of debilitating pain of perpetual abuse can understand just how drowning it can feel. The constant voice in your head just becomes bigger and bigger till you are willing to find any escape to make it stop. I have had my own experiences of this when in hs, where you can’t help but feel helpless/overwhelmed and just want it to stop.
It thinks that Isla & Z adventures through their individual vices and insecurities is a beautiful message of unconditional young love. I would highly rec this novel to anyone. Their love and her enduring strength is stunning and well worth the painful read.
This book was amazing, heartfelt, and brutal. I felt so connected to Isla it’s unreal. Tbh, I would give anything to have my younger self read this book.
Her need to keep everything from her friends and the internalization hits deep. While others might argue against her refusal to turn to others and make the abuse stop, I think for the ones who have experienced the same kind of debilitating pain of perpetual abuse can understand just how drowning it can feel. The constant voice in your head just becomes bigger and bigger till you are willing to find any escape to make it stop. I have had my own experiences of this when in hs, where you can’t help but feel helpless/overwhelmed and just want it to stop.
It thinks that Isla & Z adventures through their individual vices and insecurities is a beautiful message of unconditional young love. I would highly rec this novel to anyone. Their love and her enduring strength is stunning and well worth the painful read.
May 23, 2019
Amazing, scary yet beautiful ❤️
Ugly is a novel written by Amara Kent, and yet it is a true story for so many around the world.
This is an amazing true to life account of a student who has suffered extreme emotional abuse since she started school. How when everyone says you are useless, you are ugly, your are fat, your don’t belong among us or even on our plant, how do you carry on, find the strength to still be you and not a broken shell of someone you once was, or want to be, how do you look to the future or even see one.
The characters are amazing and endearing, the story is heart breaking yet truly wonderful and shows true strength, and the emotional Journey we get to share with Isla is something everyone need to understand is happening every day and find the strength to be that one person who says no you won’t treat them that way, for you are the Ugly one not them. AMAZING truly AMAZING.
May 31, 2019
A deep and dark YA/NA romance
“The hushed snickers around me were amplified to an extreme level, it was unboreable deafening. It was a noise that suffocated me as it announced to the world what it thought”
UGLY is the story of Isla a girl who has been through the emotional and physical hell of extreme high school bullying. This book shows the effect that constant negativity has on a person’s self-esteem.
The biggest theme in UGLY is one may people struggle with today and that is body image and self-esteem, I love how realistic Amara makes Isla’s growth throughout the book, she does not get magically better with a kiss, but with the strength and love that grows with her connection with Zayne, and the constants support of her friends and family Isla can start working towards healing and working through her pain.
Amara captures how sometimes even the closest of friends do not see beneath the armour that someone has constructed to protect themselves and sometimes it can take a catalyst to break that barrier down.
This story is not just about Islas growth, but the growth of Zayne, Kristopher and Jenique after moving from their rough life in South Africa to California, battling their own demons while dealing with such a large change and adapting to the completely different lifestyle in America.
My mind and heart were blown away with the depth and emotion in UGLY, right down to the last pages where there is helpful information for all people going through rough times.
Reader discretion is advised as this book has quite a few possible triggers
“The hushed snickers around me were amplified to an extreme level, it was unboreable deafening. It was a noise that suffocated me as it announced to the world what it thought”
UGLY is the story of Isla a girl who has been through the emotional and physical hell of extreme high school bullying. This book shows the effect that constant negativity has on a person’s self-esteem.
The biggest theme in UGLY is one may people struggle with today and that is body image and self-esteem, I love how realistic Amara makes Isla’s growth throughout the book, she does not get magically better with a kiss, but with the strength and love that grows with her connection with Zayne, and the constants support of her friends and family Isla can start working towards healing and working through her pain.
Amara captures how sometimes even the closest of friends do not see beneath the armour that someone has constructed to protect themselves and sometimes it can take a catalyst to break that barrier down.
This story is not just about Islas growth, but the growth of Zayne, Kristopher and Jenique after moving from their rough life in South Africa to California, battling their own demons while dealing with such a large change and adapting to the completely different lifestyle in America.
My mind and heart were blown away with the depth and emotion in UGLY, right down to the last pages where there is helpful information for all people going through rough times.
Reader discretion is advised as this book has quite a few possible triggers
June 16, 2019
What a painful but beautiful book!
The first thing I want to say is this book was a awesome story. I also want to say this was a painful read as well, the things that Isla has to go thru for years is heartbreaking, I love bully romances and this one was great one, but she went thru this by her self , she had great friends but she had a very high wall. How She deals with her pain is secret, some of the things that Isla did I wish she would have done it different but you see I have not walked in her shoes so I understand. Stephanie and her mother I hated but they get theirs, ok I come to the greatest hero for Isla his name was Zayne at first he is cold and standoffish, he has his reasons you will have to read but with Isla he fought for her, wow what a hero, it was hard at first to get to Isla walls but he did, his family was helpful too.
The ending was so great, I loved this book , thank you Amara Kent I highly recommend this book to all romance readers!💗
The first thing I want to say is this book was a awesome story. I also want to say this was a painful read as well, the things that Isla has to go thru for years is heartbreaking, I love bully romances and this one was great one, but she went thru this by her self , she had great friends but she had a very high wall. How She deals with her pain is secret, some of the things that Isla did I wish she would have done it different but you see I have not walked in her shoes so I understand. Stephanie and her mother I hated but they get theirs, ok I come to the greatest hero for Isla his name was Zayne at first he is cold and standoffish, he has his reasons you will have to read but with Isla he fought for her, wow what a hero, it was hard at first to get to Isla walls but he did, his family was helpful too.
The ending was so great, I loved this book , thank you Amara Kent I highly recommend this book to all romance readers!💗
June 7, 2019
A book to give you all the feels and then some
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book tbh. It didn’t take me long before I was hit with a full on whammy.
I’m the mum of a boy that was bullied through both primary and high school. Head teachers that buried their heads. I felt both sides of this story deeply. You are hit with the anger at what’s happening and then you want to give it back for her. It’s written so cleverly and unusually, for me anyway, you’re falling in love with the female characters. A group of friends who are there for each other through thick and thin.
I hope that this isn’t the last we hear of Zayne and Isla. If the other characters get books of their own that we can still catch up on what they’re all doing
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book tbh. It didn’t take me long before I was hit with a full on whammy.
I’m the mum of a boy that was bullied through both primary and high school. Head teachers that buried their heads. I felt both sides of this story deeply. You are hit with the anger at what’s happening and then you want to give it back for her. It’s written so cleverly and unusually, for me anyway, you’re falling in love with the female characters. A group of friends who are there for each other through thick and thin.
I hope that this isn’t the last we hear of Zayne and Isla. If the other characters get books of their own that we can still catch up on what they’re all doing
October 17, 2020
Very emotional!!
This book had my emotions all over the place! Although I've never been thru Isla experience being bullied I've had a couple times throughout my school years that weer every hurtful and traumatizing. I automatically connected with her when she cut herself as it makes you feel that you are in control of something. My heart broke so many times riding this that I actually cried and debated as whether I should finish the book. But I finished and I must say, this was such a good book! Zayne was the greatest! He came at the right time and the right moment to show Isla her true strength. Her friends were the very best! They didn't let their beauty be vain and make Isla feel any less then them. They should her how beautiful she was inside and out!
This book had my emotions all over the place! Although I've never been thru Isla experience being bullied I've had a couple times throughout my school years that weer every hurtful and traumatizing. I automatically connected with her when she cut herself as it makes you feel that you are in control of something. My heart broke so many times riding this that I actually cried and debated as whether I should finish the book. But I finished and I must say, this was such a good book! Zayne was the greatest! He came at the right time and the right moment to show Isla her true strength. Her friends were the very best! They didn't let their beauty be vain and make Isla feel any less then them. They should her how beautiful she was inside and out!
June 2, 2019
How I wish I could give this more stars I felt so much emotion with this story I cried had to step away from the story to calm down I was angry at all the bullying poor Isla suffered I loved how Zayne stood up for her his past was upsetting as well her true friends stood by her and helped even though Isla never told them some of what was happening there might be some triggers for some readers in this story so much detail the author has written definitely a rollercoaster of emotions I felt angry sadness wanted to leap into the book and get revenge for her Isla does get her happy ending. (Loved it )..
June 5, 2019
This was an utterly fantastic book written by a highly talented Amara Kent. It’s her first foray into contemporary romance and she has absolutely nailed it, in my opinion, with Ugly.
The story follows the MC’s Zayne and Isla who both struggle with their own personal demons - racism and bullying as well as self harm. It is a story that hits you with a wide range of emotions and drags you into their lives. There were times where my heart broke but was then put back together with the demonstration of a love that holds together through everything.
Just a note of warning that there are triggers in this book.
***** 5 stars Ms Kent - well done!!! So bloody proud of you.
The story follows the MC’s Zayne and Isla who both struggle with their own personal demons - racism and bullying as well as self harm. It is a story that hits you with a wide range of emotions and drags you into their lives. There were times where my heart broke but was then put back together with the demonstration of a love that holds together through everything.
Just a note of warning that there are triggers in this book.
***** 5 stars Ms Kent - well done!!! So bloody proud of you.
June 6, 2019
A punch to the gut!
How do I even begin... sitting here at 1AM with tears streaming out of my eyes.
You can't even phantom what this book will do to your feelings and make you reflect about pretty much everything that is, was and has been.
This story is life. This story is real.
It'll break you and put you back together.
The road in between. Let's say it's been a long time that I've cried so much about a book.
A main part of that was because of the music that was woven throughout the story. That made the experience even more intense.
All I can say is bravo and thank you to the author for giving us something real.
Just give us an extended epilogue will ya? ;-)
How do I even begin... sitting here at 1AM with tears streaming out of my eyes.
You can't even phantom what this book will do to your feelings and make you reflect about pretty much everything that is, was and has been.
This story is life. This story is real.
It'll break you and put you back together.
The road in between. Let's say it's been a long time that I've cried so much about a book.
A main part of that was because of the music that was woven throughout the story. That made the experience even more intense.
All I can say is bravo and thank you to the author for giving us something real.
Just give us an extended epilogue will ya? ;-)
September 19, 2019
I liked it.
I liked it and disliked it at the same time. There was a lot of bullying going on all at once then followed by sex related activities once the bully was put down. There was no breather in between. The heroine was pathetic at times but I did see some spark and fire in her so I appreciate the author putting that in there with her earlier skirmishes with Zayne. Love Zayne. My biggest beef was how the book was slowed pace and it felt like she was being bullied forever until her friends did something about it. This book could of been edited down so it would move faster and get to the point.
I liked it and disliked it at the same time. There was a lot of bullying going on all at once then followed by sex related activities once the bully was put down. There was no breather in between. The heroine was pathetic at times but I did see some spark and fire in her so I appreciate the author putting that in there with her earlier skirmishes with Zayne. Love Zayne. My biggest beef was how the book was slowed pace and it felt like she was being bullied forever until her friends did something about it. This book could of been edited down so it would move faster and get to the point.
June 27, 2021
I’ve seen the other reviews talking about how the heroine had no growth and was a martyr but she wasn’t at all. Honestly I don’t feel that these reviewers have been in Isla’s shoes before. The whole point the author was trying to get across is that Isla believed she had to do it all on her own and it was no ones burdened but hers. She was ultimately being selfless and protecting her friends at the cost of herself. She learned to love herself and be he strong person she once was and the person Zayne knew was down in there. I honestly feel in love with book and it is in my top 10 favorites of all time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
So good
Isla's story sucks you in. You feel the emotions fear, self-loathing and despair. Zane can be an arsehole but they compliment each other and bring out the best in each other.
All of the supporting characters are phenomenal and added to the story and their unique personalities complimented each other's. I loved how they were from all over too and the author brought in several stero types like Aurora with her Italian temper.
This was the first book I've read from Amara Kent and I'm looking forward to reading some more.
Isla's story sucks you in. You feel the emotions fear, self-loathing and despair. Zane can be an arsehole but they compliment each other and bring out the best in each other.
All of the supporting characters are phenomenal and added to the story and their unique personalities complimented each other's. I loved how they were from all over too and the author brought in several stero types like Aurora with her Italian temper.
This was the first book I've read from Amara Kent and I'm looking forward to reading some more.
June 6, 2019
Emotional isn’t enough of a description...
I can relate to Isla in so many ways. Thank you putting this book out there Amara because there so many young ladies and young men being bullied everyday. Zayne is Isla’s savior and I dare say soulmate....I would love to read more on them later on in their life. But on another note,Amara you brought something ugly into view and rectified it and made it sweet and glorious. Thank you doesn’t seem enough .....😘
I can relate to Isla in so many ways. Thank you putting this book out there Amara because there so many young ladies and young men being bullied everyday. Zayne is Isla’s savior and I dare say soulmate....I would love to read more on them later on in their life. But on another note,Amara you brought something ugly into view and rectified it and made it sweet and glorious. Thank you doesn’t seem enough .....😘
July 19, 2019
So well written!
Beautiful!! It’s such a real story that it sucks you in and you feel like one of the girls, part of the clan. I think Zayne and Isla complimented each other perfectly. Retribution was paid wonderfully and tastefully. I loved the right group of girls as well as the siblings being close regardless of who went through what. I’d recommend this book to everyone!! It’s real, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, loving and perfectly well put together!
Beautiful!! It’s such a real story that it sucks you in and you feel like one of the girls, part of the clan. I think Zayne and Isla complimented each other perfectly. Retribution was paid wonderfully and tastefully. I loved the right group of girls as well as the siblings being close regardless of who went through what. I’d recommend this book to everyone!! It’s real, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, loving and perfectly well put together!
September 29, 2020
Wow, this story is emotionally intense. This is about Isla and her years of being bullied so cruelly in high school. She’s what others would call a D.U.F.F. Luckily for Isla she has an awesome group of friends who have her back. It will take a very special someone, to break through her walls from years of abuse. I love how Zayne stuck up for her without knowing her in the beginning. I like how he was supportive and tried to left her insecurities. I loved that Isla got the HEA she deserved.
May 31, 2019
This is quite the emotional rollercoaster!!! So much anguish and heartbreak and gut-wrenching sadness. This book is all about the FMC overcoming fears and becoming who she was meant to be. I couldn't stop reading this book. I connected so deeply with this story. I couldn't stop reading. You will regret not reading this. It is dark, but so lovely and amazingly written.
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