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Stronger
Hayley Cross has decided she's not going down without a fight.
Wes Thornton was the heartthrob in high school, and is now the trainer at the local gym.
Can he help save Hayley, or is it already too late?
Wes Thornton was the heartthrob in high school, and is now the trainer at the local gym.
Can he help save Hayley, or is it already too late?
114 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2014
256 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 2, 2015
**I was gifted this book by the author for an honest review.**
Stronger is a beautiful idea. I admire and applaud the author for writing about a very sensitive subject. I am a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse; with that said I really wanted to love this book however the timeline, writing, and finally the voice of our heroine was not what I expected.
I understand wanting to establish the where and how Hailey ended up where she is but switching between her daydreams from the past, her past, and present was a little choppy and at times a little confusing because I wasn't sure if it was a daydream I was reading about or her past.
Switching from one writing style to another is one of my pet peeves and unfortunately it happens several times in this book. There was a couple of instances of typos and grammar but not enough to take away one star. The timeline seems a little off and in some cases the writing seems a bit rushed as the story progresses.
Finally the voice of our Heroine, Hailey. Everyone reacts differently to abuse, some (if you grew up with it) accept it, others are shocked the first time and walk away immediately, and finally others stay because they have been broken down as in our Heroine's case. Without giving too much away, my personal opinion of her voice is a bit immature. I wouldn't be thinking about cyberstalking a former high-school crush while experiencing everyday emotional abuse and trauma. One thing I really like about this book is Hailey's growth, emotionally and the way she handles her blossoming romance. All in all it was a quick read and a subject I think more authors should address. With the Alpha-Male trend in most of the romance books, some young girls and women may think it's "OK" for their guy to act abusive because it's "sexy" and it's "ok" in the books.
All in all I applaud the author and am proud that she gifted me her book.
Stronger is a beautiful idea. I admire and applaud the author for writing about a very sensitive subject. I am a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse; with that said I really wanted to love this book however the timeline, writing, and finally the voice of our heroine was not what I expected.
I understand wanting to establish the where and how Hailey ended up where she is but switching between her daydreams from the past, her past, and present was a little choppy and at times a little confusing because I wasn't sure if it was a daydream I was reading about or her past.
Switching from one writing style to another is one of my pet peeves and unfortunately it happens several times in this book. There was a couple of instances of typos and grammar but not enough to take away one star. The timeline seems a little off and in some cases the writing seems a bit rushed as the story progresses.
Finally the voice of our Heroine, Hailey. Everyone reacts differently to abuse, some (if you grew up with it) accept it, others are shocked the first time and walk away immediately, and finally others stay because they have been broken down as in our Heroine's case. Without giving too much away, my personal opinion of her voice is a bit immature. I wouldn't be thinking about cyberstalking a former high-school crush while experiencing everyday emotional abuse and trauma. One thing I really like about this book is Hailey's growth, emotionally and the way she handles her blossoming romance. All in all it was a quick read and a subject I think more authors should address. With the Alpha-Male trend in most of the romance books, some young girls and women may think it's "OK" for their guy to act abusive because it's "sexy" and it's "ok" in the books.
All in all I applaud the author and am proud that she gifted me her book.
September 4, 2014
Loved this book! Fantastic read! Becki creates characters that you can't help but love (and despise!!). Hayley is such an awesome character, so strong an such an inspiration to anyone who's gone through any type of abuse. Great read, highly recommend!
February 8, 2015
Great book to support a worthy cause. Hayley is a wonderful character. She was cute and spunky, and I cheered for her as she reclaimed her life. Wes was a doll and exactly who she needed. We all need a Wes in our lives.
February 24, 2015
3.5 STRONG STARS
There was so much to love about this story. So, I will start with the pros first. First and foremost I would be doing this book a disservice if WES wasn't number 1 on my list. I think every girl dreams of having a man who sees her strength and empowers her. It also doesn't hurt when he falls in love with her for all the right reasons. Wes is so loyal and such a protector and let's not forgot irresistibly sexy.
I also loved how authentic this story was in portraying what the cycle of abuse is really like for people. It touched on others perceptions of the abused, the way the law sometimes protects the abuser instead of the victim and the toll the emotional and verbal take on a person.
Having a heroine that goes on such a journey was so refreshing. This book covers many years with this character from her adolescent years into her adult life. She starts as an easily impressionable girl and ends up a strong and powerful woman who takes matters into her own hands.
Now for the not so great...I am not typically a fan of novellas because they tend to fall victim to feeling rushed and they lack detail. This was no exception. I wanted so badly for the story to be there because the premise was so fresh and interesting. The way the book is written it bounces from present day to past memories almost every other page. While I appreciated the back story and understanding just how horrific her abuse had been I feel that if there were less pages spent on more details of specific incidents of abuse it would have allowed for more development of the main two characters love story. As it is now, they meet, he trains her, he falls in love and apparently she also falls in love too, but there is no lead up. There are no passionate moments that allow for those feelings to grow. I am sucker for a good romance so I missed greatly what could have been the opportunity for a deep committed and beautiful love story. I feel if this book had been full length, I might have gotten what I was seeking.
To end on a positive, kudos for telling a story that could not have been an easy one to tell and sucking me in from the beginning and keeping me with you until the very end. It was raw, emotional and a lovely story overall that left me feeling encouraged to push myself harder to see what I am capable of.
There was so much to love about this story. So, I will start with the pros first. First and foremost I would be doing this book a disservice if WES wasn't number 1 on my list. I think every girl dreams of having a man who sees her strength and empowers her. It also doesn't hurt when he falls in love with her for all the right reasons. Wes is so loyal and such a protector and let's not forgot irresistibly sexy.
I also loved how authentic this story was in portraying what the cycle of abuse is really like for people. It touched on others perceptions of the abused, the way the law sometimes protects the abuser instead of the victim and the toll the emotional and verbal take on a person.
Having a heroine that goes on such a journey was so refreshing. This book covers many years with this character from her adolescent years into her adult life. She starts as an easily impressionable girl and ends up a strong and powerful woman who takes matters into her own hands.
Now for the not so great...I am not typically a fan of novellas because they tend to fall victim to feeling rushed and they lack detail. This was no exception. I wanted so badly for the story to be there because the premise was so fresh and interesting. The way the book is written it bounces from present day to past memories almost every other page. While I appreciated the back story and understanding just how horrific her abuse had been I feel that if there were less pages spent on more details of specific incidents of abuse it would have allowed for more development of the main two characters love story. As it is now, they meet, he trains her, he falls in love and apparently she also falls in love too, but there is no lead up. There are no passionate moments that allow for those feelings to grow. I am sucker for a good romance so I missed greatly what could have been the opportunity for a deep committed and beautiful love story. I feel if this book had been full length, I might have gotten what I was seeking.
To end on a positive, kudos for telling a story that could not have been an easy one to tell and sucking me in from the beginning and keeping me with you until the very end. It was raw, emotional and a lovely story overall that left me feeling encouraged to push myself harder to see what I am capable of.
February 22, 2015
Stronger follows Haley Cross... a survivor of domestic violence. I say survivor, because we who have suffered through the abuse of domestic violence really dislike being called "victims". We are NOT victims, we are survivors if we live through it.
This story is not for the weak of heart, however, I would recommend anyone currently in or a survivor of an abusive relationship to read this book. Domestic Violence has a pattern, one that is seen no matter who's story it is, or where it comes from. The belittling, the alienation from the outside world, the physical abuse, eventually death if the "victim" doesn't find an out. There's an order to domestic violence, and this book follows it flawlessly.
I didn't find any errors in the work, and the storyline flows seamlessly between the present and past events. The reader will find no confusion or holes within the work and even at a slow pace, it should only take a few hours to read it from beginning to end.
Being a survivor myself, I really wish I'd had the strength and the guts to do what she did. She got fed up and she found a way to fight back. Not of us have that strength, though perhaps this book will give those of us still hiding in fear and shame the knowledge that we are not alone and we don't have to live that way.
I have to wonder if Ms. Brannen is a survivor too. This story hits so close to home I can't make myself believe it's drawn entirely off the imagination of someone who has never been in the situation themself.
This is the first work by this author I've read, and it's good enough to make me want to read more by her.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
This story is not for the weak of heart, however, I would recommend anyone currently in or a survivor of an abusive relationship to read this book. Domestic Violence has a pattern, one that is seen no matter who's story it is, or where it comes from. The belittling, the alienation from the outside world, the physical abuse, eventually death if the "victim" doesn't find an out. There's an order to domestic violence, and this book follows it flawlessly.
I didn't find any errors in the work, and the storyline flows seamlessly between the present and past events. The reader will find no confusion or holes within the work and even at a slow pace, it should only take a few hours to read it from beginning to end.
Being a survivor myself, I really wish I'd had the strength and the guts to do what she did. She got fed up and she found a way to fight back. Not of us have that strength, though perhaps this book will give those of us still hiding in fear and shame the knowledge that we are not alone and we don't have to live that way.
I have to wonder if Ms. Brannen is a survivor too. This story hits so close to home I can't make myself believe it's drawn entirely off the imagination of someone who has never been in the situation themself.
This is the first work by this author I've read, and it's good enough to make me want to read more by her.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
February 20, 2015
This is a story if abuse, strength, friendship, discovering your self- worth and new love.
Hayley Cross is being stalked and attacked by her ex Johnny. She started dating him her freshman year. While they were still in school he was the perfect boyfriend. Once they graduated and she applied to college he did a complete 360. At first the abuse was just emotional and verbal but eventually as it always does it turned physical. She leaves him but he won't let her go so she finds herself at Attack MMA wanting to be trained in self-defense. The trainer is Wes, a guy she's had a crush on since she was a freshman in high school. Wes doesn't recognize her and they develop a friendship. Naturally once he realizes why she's taking the training he wants to protect her. Hayley doesn't want to put anyone else in Johnny's sight so she doesn't want Wes to protect her. Will the friendship between Hayley and Wes blossom into love? Can Hayley protect herself from Johnny or will she die at his hands like he claims? I really like Hayley, she's a strong woman to walk away from abuse and once she gets her spine back she gets even stronger. Johnny is your typical abuser, confronted by a real man he's nothing but a coward. Wes is a kind and loving person,one who when he loves , loves with his whole heart. A very realistic and touching story. Independent reviewer for PR&ATR.
Hayley Cross is being stalked and attacked by her ex Johnny. She started dating him her freshman year. While they were still in school he was the perfect boyfriend. Once they graduated and she applied to college he did a complete 360. At first the abuse was just emotional and verbal but eventually as it always does it turned physical. She leaves him but he won't let her go so she finds herself at Attack MMA wanting to be trained in self-defense. The trainer is Wes, a guy she's had a crush on since she was a freshman in high school. Wes doesn't recognize her and they develop a friendship. Naturally once he realizes why she's taking the training he wants to protect her. Hayley doesn't want to put anyone else in Johnny's sight so she doesn't want Wes to protect her. Will the friendship between Hayley and Wes blossom into love? Can Hayley protect herself from Johnny or will she die at his hands like he claims? I really like Hayley, she's a strong woman to walk away from abuse and once she gets her spine back she gets even stronger. Johnny is your typical abuser, confronted by a real man he's nothing but a coward. Wes is a kind and loving person,one who when he loves , loves with his whole heart. A very realistic and touching story. Independent reviewer for PR&ATR.
March 3, 2015
Stronger is a tale of domestic violence and the road to recovery after being abused by your partner. The main character, Hayley, has been emotionally abused by her high school boyfriend, Johnny since graduation. The second time he hit her, she left him, but like any textbook abusive partner, he refuses to let her just leave. Now Hayley is taking self-defense classes with Wes, the high school jock she fell in love with before she gave her heart to Johnny. She plans to become stronger, but she may find that true love still exists in the process.
Since I liked the idea of the story and some of the characters, but nothing more, I won't be writing my typical review.
Stronger, as a written work is rough and in need of editing and plot and character development. While the book wasn't bad, it certainly wasn't great even though it has so much potential to be so.
In closing, I have shared similar experiences with the protagonist, but I honestly could not relate at all. Everything about her felt like a slap in the face to me as a survivor. I would love to give this book a second chance if it gets touched up in the future, but as it is now, I don't consider it worth a second read.
Since I liked the idea of the story and some of the characters, but nothing more, I won't be writing my typical review.
Stronger, as a written work is rough and in need of editing and plot and character development. While the book wasn't bad, it certainly wasn't great even though it has so much potential to be so.
In closing, I have shared similar experiences with the protagonist, but I honestly could not relate at all. Everything about her felt like a slap in the face to me as a survivor. I would love to give this book a second chance if it gets touched up in the future, but as it is now, I don't consider it worth a second read.
February 22, 2015
Holy Hell...I loved this story! It was captivating and kept you reading. Hayley was a strong female character. Her story made you empathize with her and if you have been in her situtation, you sympathized with her. She over came an abusive relationship and survived. There are so many who are unable to and I feel reading this story can give women (and men) the courage to get out. It shows how strong a person is and can be. It shows that no one is alone, no matter what. I want to thank Becki Brannen SO MUCH for sharing this with us and allowing me the opportunity to read her book. AMAZING JOB!!! I was gifted this book in turn for an honest review and I have to say I am honored and the pleasure was all mine! Thank you again!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews