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Runaway #1
Stronger
My name is Jasmine and I have HIV.
I was 14 years old the first time my mother’s boyfriend hit me and at the age of 18, I was forced to be a prostitute. Cast away by the same people I thought were family, I was ready to take my own life. Until I met Nate. He didn't run away when I said I was sick. But I wonder why a handsome, funny, Mr. Right like him would love someone like me?
My name is Nate and I have a secret.
I met Jasmine at a crossroads in my life. She was beautiful, desperate, and inspired me in ways I didn't know were possible. She makes me better in everything and I want to help her get better, too. But I have a secret, one she doesn't have to know - until the time is right.
I was 14 years old the first time my mother’s boyfriend hit me and at the age of 18, I was forced to be a prostitute. Cast away by the same people I thought were family, I was ready to take my own life. Until I met Nate. He didn't run away when I said I was sick. But I wonder why a handsome, funny, Mr. Right like him would love someone like me?
My name is Nate and I have a secret.
I met Jasmine at a crossroads in my life. She was beautiful, desperate, and inspired me in ways I didn't know were possible. She makes me better in everything and I want to help her get better, too. But I have a secret, one she doesn't have to know - until the time is right.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2013
100 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 11, 2013
quick review..
Pro
-always something going on
-character traits
-interesting situations
Con
-I wish the synopsis didn't give so much detail away
-moves too quickly for me, loose ends
-room to improve character and plot development
Pro
-always something going on
-character traits
-interesting situations
Con
-I wish the synopsis didn't give so much detail away
-moves too quickly for me, loose ends
-room to improve character and plot development
November 19, 2013
Well let me just say this book was way better than I thought it was going to be!! I was hesitant to read it because a love story with HIV sounded terrible. However this really had some of the dark elements that I love in a story and the sad and loving moments that I also love. Poor Jasmine though, her story is really fucking rough!! When she meets Nate and things came into light I just cried. It's been awhile for me to have a book make me cry! I recommend this one for sure, it short but damn does it pack a punch!
February 15, 2014
Overall, I liked this book. But, I did have a few problems with it. Mostly the fact that she (the main character) had all of this horrible stuff happen to her in her past and it was like it all went away when she met Nate. Like "Oh he's so nice to me" so I can just forget anything happened to me and act "normal" which I can tell you is not accurate of a sexual assault survivor. Or an abuse survivor at all. Another thing that bothered me was Brenda and her family's reaction to her condition. They seemed like such good Christians and then BAM went all judgmental on her because of her condition. A true Christian wouldn't have behaved like that. I really didn't care for any of the story of her time at the club. That was just too much detail. She was being raped repeatedly. Every night. I just couldn't stomach it. Then, the way she reacted when she found out about Nate's condition. She leaves him. After what happened with Brenda's family, I couldn't believe it. I guess, the more I write for this review, the more I am realizing that I really didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I did... In my opinion, this story was just not realistic at all. And that ruined it for me.
December 6, 2013
this book was beyond depressing it literally brought my whole mood down i thought I was reading a love story where exactly was the love she has hiv he has cancer they fall in love and he's going to die in a year the end what the hell!!!
freebie
November 13, 2013Free - > HERE
November 7, 2018
Bueno que decir, es una historia bastante corta PERO con bastante contenido, tu cabeza no para de asimilar los sucesos que continúan pasando, y el título del libro representa completamente a la protagonista.
E leído una enorme cantidad de libros, con muchas protagonistas bastante fuertes (si es que tienen pasados difíciles) pero definitivamente esta protagonista para mí se lleva El Oro, y lo digo porque básicamente cualquiera en su lugar se se rompería muy fácilmente, si bien en un principio casi se rompe, después encuentra a este chico, y déjenme decirles que aunque la historia fue corta y el chico apareció recién a mitad del libro por lo que no se podía profundizar mucho en su personaje como para sentirlo, igual lo haces, es extraño pero igual lo sientes. Porque es un personaje masculino muy diferente a los otros, pero teniendo en cuenta por lo que está pasando es entendible que vea la vida de otra forma.
Que decir, lloré hasta no poder más (soy llorona de por si, pero algunos libros solo me superan)
La protagonista, que decir, es realmente fuerte, yo personalmente no sé si podría, ya saben, encontrar la felicidad, perderla, encontrarla de nuevo y perderla de nuevo, y así muchas veces, ella pasa por muchos altos y bajos y sigue fuerte.
Leí este libro hace muchos meses ya, pero aún cuando pienso en el, me dan ganas de llorar.
Lo recomiendo completamente
E leído una enorme cantidad de libros, con muchas protagonistas bastante fuertes (si es que tienen pasados difíciles) pero definitivamente esta protagonista para mí se lleva El Oro, y lo digo porque básicamente cualquiera en su lugar se se rompería muy fácilmente, si bien en un principio casi se rompe, después encuentra a este chico, y déjenme decirles que aunque la historia fue corta y el chico apareció recién a mitad del libro por lo que no se podía profundizar mucho en su personaje como para sentirlo, igual lo haces, es extraño pero igual lo sientes. Porque es un personaje masculino muy diferente a los otros, pero teniendo en cuenta por lo que está pasando es entendible que vea la vida de otra forma.
Que decir, lloré hasta no poder más (soy llorona de por si, pero algunos libros solo me superan)
La protagonista, que decir, es realmente fuerte, yo personalmente no sé si podría, ya saben, encontrar la felicidad, perderla, encontrarla de nuevo y perderla de nuevo, y así muchas veces, ella pasa por muchos altos y bajos y sigue fuerte.
Leí este libro hace muchos meses ya, pero aún cuando pienso en el, me dan ganas de llorar.
Lo recomiendo completamente
May 18, 2015
This is a little different from my normal reviews, but it is the most concise way of writing down my thoughts.
- the start wasn't easy to read and I did think I was going to give up at one stage. I thought I was getting a romance and it was taking too long to arrive. When it did, I was disappointed with it.
- there were too many plot strands crammed into a relatively short read. It meant there was little development on each individual strand leading to a choppy writing style. Things weren't developed enough, motives were missing and therefore it was hard to understand why things were happening. It also meant there were a lot of loose ends.
- because there was so much going on I found it hard to connect with the book or characters. There wasn't enough emotion for me. Things happened too quickly, and the whole book needed to be slowed down.
- I didn't buy into the romance. It all moved too quickly and things magically went away when Nate arrived. It wasn't realistic.
Overall it has potential to be a good story. The concept would be interesting and moving, but it needs a lot of work to get there.
- the start wasn't easy to read and I did think I was going to give up at one stage. I thought I was getting a romance and it was taking too long to arrive. When it did, I was disappointed with it.
- there were too many plot strands crammed into a relatively short read. It meant there was little development on each individual strand leading to a choppy writing style. Things weren't developed enough, motives were missing and therefore it was hard to understand why things were happening. It also meant there were a lot of loose ends.
- because there was so much going on I found it hard to connect with the book or characters. There wasn't enough emotion for me. Things happened too quickly, and the whole book needed to be slowed down.
- I didn't buy into the romance. It all moved too quickly and things magically went away when Nate arrived. It wasn't realistic.
Overall it has potential to be a good story. The concept would be interesting and moving, but it needs a lot of work to get there.
July 2, 2014
This is a roller coaster of a read,
So many problems and heartache all packed into 131 pages
This is the first of the series and although I enjoyed the writing style, I found the plot too unbelievable.
Jasmine's life would have been hard with a fraction of the problems she faced and I think I would have had a easier time making an emotional connection rather then an outsider looking in. would I read the rest of the series? I'm really not sure, although the blurbs do look intriguing.
So many problems and heartache all packed into 131 pages
This is the first of the series and although I enjoyed the writing style, I found the plot too unbelievable.
Jasmine's life would have been hard with a fraction of the problems she faced and I think I would have had a easier time making an emotional connection rather then an outsider looking in. would I read the rest of the series? I'm really not sure, although the blurbs do look intriguing.
November 14, 2013
This was basically 139 pages of heartache. The heroine in this story seemed to drift from one wretched situation to another continually throughout. This was a sad and depressing read, but it was quite captivating and emotionally charged. I'm undecided yet on reading book 2. I may if it's moderately priced.
February 22, 2016
was sad in a few parts of the story , with everything that jasmine had to go through, from jack to mama, to brenda and jeff, cocoa was nice with her, she meets nate and her life changes but the only thing that i dont like was her reaction when she found out the secret of nate,
November 15, 2014
This was a crazy, wild, fun ride. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters, and felt such pity, fear, love, joy and finally comfort with this journey.
November 13, 2018
2.5-3 stars. This book had potential, but I almost thought this was an outline. With everything jasmine went through, I don't understand how the author could just skimp on the writing. it's rare that I'd ask for a longer book, but in this case, yes, it needs it. This book should make someone cry or get pissed, but it didn't touch my emotions. This is a classic case of a writer telling and not showing. I'd be interested in reading a full length novel by lexi Rae, but not sure that I'll continue the runaway series.
September 24, 2017
Gutwrenching beginning... cheesy ending
The first half of this book will tear at your heart, it is graphic, things are done to this girl that are unimaginable. The pace is fast and the storyline constantly twisting and turning, always keeping you on your toes. Every time you think Jasmine' found her savior you're slapped in the face with another unimaginable act.
Yet the ending is "too perfect" so it makes it cheesy. And for this typical happy ending I have it a 3 out of 5.
The first half of this book will tear at your heart, it is graphic, things are done to this girl that are unimaginable. The pace is fast and the storyline constantly twisting and turning, always keeping you on your toes. Every time you think Jasmine' found her savior you're slapped in the face with another unimaginable act.
Yet the ending is "too perfect" so it makes it cheesy. And for this typical happy ending I have it a 3 out of 5.
June 6, 2020
I can’t work out whether I’m glad I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand or not. I may have realised how horrifically Jasmine would be treated, but it also gives away a lot of the story.
Jasmine does not have an easy life and some truly horrific things happen to her. Whilst the eventual love story was much needed, it felt very unrealistic how easily Jasmine trusted others.
Jasmine does not have an easy life and some truly horrific things happen to her. Whilst the eventual love story was much needed, it felt very unrealistic how easily Jasmine trusted others.
April 3, 2021
The things that Jasmine went through probably would have killed most people but she kept fighting battle after battle til she finally found her happiness. God works in mysterious ways and brings people and situations in our lives for a reason and Nate king was Jasmines reason. This book is for 21+. I different would let even a teenager read it because of how dark it is in the beginning.
November 8, 2018
I read this a few years back, forgot all about it, and read it again. 3 stars because it was interesting enough for me to finish a second time, although the first part of the story seems rushed. It's a sad story for Jasmine, but it's good to see better things eventually came her way.
February 14, 2018
Wow!
Wow! What an amazing story! How inspiring it was... I can't even put it into words. If you feel like the weight of the world is on you, please read this book.
Wow! What an amazing story! How inspiring it was... I can't even put it into words. If you feel like the weight of the world is on you, please read this book.
October 3, 2021
Thought provoking storyline where you really think, how can she deal with any more?
October 9, 2021
Una historia de amor y superación. Me gustó mucho.
June 3, 2022
Stronger
Good story. Well developed characters. Still a Cinderella story. Maybe a tad bit predictable. I enjoyed it and stayed interested til the end. I recommend it.
Good story. Well developed characters. Still a Cinderella story. Maybe a tad bit predictable. I enjoyed it and stayed interested til the end. I recommend it.
July 20, 2014
Admittedly, I got this book because it had the same cover model as Samantha Young's On Dublin Street, and she is one of my all-time favorite authors. (Oddly enough, Young's On Dublin Street series is the only work of hers that I haven't read.)
And I only started reading this because I saw some review of it from one of the bloggers I follow, and I was like, "Hey. I have that book, and this person said it was really good. I should read it."
And so I did.
WOW. That's what I gotta say. Wow.
The story was a difficult one, all about those difficult situations in life that people would rather forget about and wish weren't happening in the world. It seems like a lot of people were upset with this book because they didn't think it was realistic. They couldn't imagine that some parents would treat their daughter the way our MC, Jasmine, was treated by her mother. They couldn't imagine that the mother's boyfriend could be that harsh on Jasmine or that Jasmine would continue to get abused, neglected, and mistreated whenever she ran away from an old environment and found a new one.
But I think that's the problem. Not everyone understands that there are people out there with lives very similar to the characters we see in this book. Of course you can't imagine a mother would let her boyfriend abuse her daughter while she guzzled down more alcohol. You can't imagine it because you have a great mother, or a decent mother, or at least a mother who sometimes/maybe/very rarely shows love, affection, or concern for you.
What we believe and accept about life comes from what we learn as we live it. If you've never seen a neglectful mother, you might not be able to comprehend that not all mothers out there are as wonderful as the ones you've known. And that's great for you to have lived in such a great environment with mothers who care for their children, at least to some capacity. But just because you haven't seen a mother like Jasmine's doesn't mean that mothers like her only exist in books.
Because it isn't true.
The world can be a dangerous place. And not everyone is lucky enough to have that ideal life that we all see in fairy tales.
I loved how this book showed hope and restoration. It taught how you can move beyond your past, beyond your experiences. You aren't cursed. You can live your life to the fullest every day if that is what you choose. You can be strong. You can carry on. And one day you might wake up and realize that you made it to that place you always wanted to be. After trial after trial after trial, you've succeeded. You've won.
I would end at that, but I have a few more things I must say because this book provoked a lot of feelings inside of me.
Jasmine is not just a character. There are thousands of girls out there right now, struggling just like Jasmine struggled. Their lives might not be exactly the same, but there are teenage girls who are homeless, who have been neglected, who have been abused and forced into prostitution. They might look at their lives and see it as the only way to live, the only way they can survive. And you know what?
It is not their fault.
They have been abused and taken advantage of. We have not all walked in each other's shoes. Some people might look at girls in prostitution and think that it's the girl's fault, that they made a decision that led them down a dark path. But when you've lived that life, sometimes you come to believe that you have no other option, that you are trapped, that you must sell your body if you want to survive.
I am thankful for all that this book has shed light on. I hope that readers come to see the beauty in the story of Jasmine's restoration, and I pray that there are less people ignorant about the realness of this book's subject matter.
That being said, I would like to make a final statement by saying that I will definitely be reading the next book. I usually (almost never) read the following books in a series where the next books are told from the perspective of some minor character from the last book, and this is the first time I am beyond willing to read the next book. I'm often uninterested in reading a book from a minor character's POV, but Cocoa was character I liked from the beginning. She stood out to me, and I found myself constantly thinking about her even when it seemed like Jasmine had forgotten all about her. I'm truly intrigued by the epilogue and very much anticipating what will happen in the next book.
And I only started reading this because I saw some review of it from one of the bloggers I follow, and I was like, "Hey. I have that book, and this person said it was really good. I should read it."
And so I did.
WOW. That's what I gotta say. Wow.
The story was a difficult one, all about those difficult situations in life that people would rather forget about and wish weren't happening in the world. It seems like a lot of people were upset with this book because they didn't think it was realistic. They couldn't imagine that some parents would treat their daughter the way our MC, Jasmine, was treated by her mother. They couldn't imagine that the mother's boyfriend could be that harsh on Jasmine or that Jasmine would continue to get abused, neglected, and mistreated whenever she ran away from an old environment and found a new one.
But I think that's the problem. Not everyone understands that there are people out there with lives very similar to the characters we see in this book. Of course you can't imagine a mother would let her boyfriend abuse her daughter while she guzzled down more alcohol. You can't imagine it because you have a great mother, or a decent mother, or at least a mother who sometimes/maybe/very rarely shows love, affection, or concern for you.
What we believe and accept about life comes from what we learn as we live it. If you've never seen a neglectful mother, you might not be able to comprehend that not all mothers out there are as wonderful as the ones you've known. And that's great for you to have lived in such a great environment with mothers who care for their children, at least to some capacity. But just because you haven't seen a mother like Jasmine's doesn't mean that mothers like her only exist in books.
Because it isn't true.
The world can be a dangerous place. And not everyone is lucky enough to have that ideal life that we all see in fairy tales.
I loved how this book showed hope and restoration. It taught how you can move beyond your past, beyond your experiences. You aren't cursed. You can live your life to the fullest every day if that is what you choose. You can be strong. You can carry on. And one day you might wake up and realize that you made it to that place you always wanted to be. After trial after trial after trial, you've succeeded. You've won.
I would end at that, but I have a few more things I must say because this book provoked a lot of feelings inside of me.
Jasmine is not just a character. There are thousands of girls out there right now, struggling just like Jasmine struggled. Their lives might not be exactly the same, but there are teenage girls who are homeless, who have been neglected, who have been abused and forced into prostitution. They might look at their lives and see it as the only way to live, the only way they can survive. And you know what?
It is not their fault.
They have been abused and taken advantage of. We have not all walked in each other's shoes. Some people might look at girls in prostitution and think that it's the girl's fault, that they made a decision that led them down a dark path. But when you've lived that life, sometimes you come to believe that you have no other option, that you are trapped, that you must sell your body if you want to survive.
I am thankful for all that this book has shed light on. I hope that readers come to see the beauty in the story of Jasmine's restoration, and I pray that there are less people ignorant about the realness of this book's subject matter.
That being said, I would like to make a final statement by saying that I will definitely be reading the next book. I usually (almost never) read the following books in a series where the next books are told from the perspective of some minor character from the last book, and this is the first time I am beyond willing to read the next book. I'm often uninterested in reading a book from a minor character's POV, but Cocoa was character I liked from the beginning. She stood out to me, and I found myself constantly thinking about her even when it seemed like Jasmine had forgotten all about her. I'm truly intrigued by the epilogue and very much anticipating what will happen in the next book.
November 23, 2013
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
I really wanted to like Stronger. It is the kind of story I enjoy reading. This story though was too simple. Very few, if any, people could go through what Jasmine does and just instantly be okay. It just didn't make any sense to me.
So Jasmine has a horrible past when the story opens. Her mom is kind of a mess, but she manages. That is until she meets and moves them in with her horrible abusive boyfriend (and then turns into a major alcoholic). Things could still have been okay if something hadn't have happened to her mom. Not great, but not as horrible as it was. So then she manages to escape and run away, has someone take her in, they seem nice at first, then turn on her, she runs away again, rinse and repeat.
Then she meets Nate and it is like almost instantly she is fine. She does walk around all quiet and scared for a day or two, then he is still nice to her so yey! Everything is perfect. Sure. She can be raped and beaten and abused for a long time and just be fine all of a sudden. It just seemed like she trusted everyone until they turned against her, which really why would she? Why would she trust and live with this guy after all that she had been through? Why? To just be like yey! I am in love now everything is perfect! Well I doubt many, if any, people would be able to just forget their horrible past like that. How can you just put everything aside and be fine and happy without professional help. I mean she had a lot of horrible things happen to her. Most people wouldn't be anywhere near okay after experiencing what she did.
I just don't think it would be so easy to trust people. I was enjoying the beginning of the story, reading how she was surviving all of the things that kept happening to her, but the ending was just too unbelievable. It is not like suddenly someone is really nice to you, so you are in love and everything works out just fine. Sure it does. It was way too simple. I didn't believe it would be that easy for her to move on.
Plus why doesn't she offer to help the girl at the brothel if she wants it? She was friendly with her, and did write her, so why not say hey if you ever need anything let me know? Or at least include her contact info. It is just like she is all well you work in the brothel and don't seem to hate it so you must love it and never want anything else! Good for you! You will never want to get out of that situation ever as it is just the best! I mean I wanted out, but no way anyone else ever would. I was really annoyed by that. It is like after everything you have experienced why would you not reach out and offer help to the one other person who was nice to you? The one person who seemed to care about you, and you her? It just bugged me.
Overall not the best book. The ending was way to simple and everything just magically was better. Yey love fixing everything bad that has ever happened!
I really wanted to like Stronger. It is the kind of story I enjoy reading. This story though was too simple. Very few, if any, people could go through what Jasmine does and just instantly be okay. It just didn't make any sense to me.
So Jasmine has a horrible past when the story opens. Her mom is kind of a mess, but she manages. That is until she meets and moves them in with her horrible abusive boyfriend (and then turns into a major alcoholic). Things could still have been okay if something hadn't have happened to her mom. Not great, but not as horrible as it was. So then she manages to escape and run away, has someone take her in, they seem nice at first, then turn on her, she runs away again, rinse and repeat.
Then she meets Nate and it is like almost instantly she is fine. She does walk around all quiet and scared for a day or two, then he is still nice to her so yey! Everything is perfect. Sure. She can be raped and beaten and abused for a long time and just be fine all of a sudden. It just seemed like she trusted everyone until they turned against her, which really why would she? Why would she trust and live with this guy after all that she had been through? Why? To just be like yey! I am in love now everything is perfect! Well I doubt many, if any, people would be able to just forget their horrible past like that. How can you just put everything aside and be fine and happy without professional help. I mean she had a lot of horrible things happen to her. Most people wouldn't be anywhere near okay after experiencing what she did.
I just don't think it would be so easy to trust people. I was enjoying the beginning of the story, reading how she was surviving all of the things that kept happening to her, but the ending was just too unbelievable. It is not like suddenly someone is really nice to you, so you are in love and everything works out just fine. Sure it does. It was way too simple. I didn't believe it would be that easy for her to move on.
Plus why doesn't she offer to help the girl at the brothel if she wants it? She was friendly with her, and did write her, so why not say hey if you ever need anything let me know? Or at least include her contact info. It is just like she is all well you work in the brothel and don't seem to hate it so you must love it and never want anything else! Good for you! You will never want to get out of that situation ever as it is just the best! I mean I wanted out, but no way anyone else ever would. I was really annoyed by that. It is like after everything you have experienced why would you not reach out and offer help to the one other person who was nice to you? The one person who seemed to care about you, and you her? It just bugged me.
Overall not the best book. The ending was way to simple and everything just magically was better. Yey love fixing everything bad that has ever happened!
February 21, 2015
A little bit of forgiveness asked for in advance, I'm not very good at writing reviews.)
If you are looking for a very "quick read" this is a good choice.
(I finished it within a few hours.)
The preview of the book gives far too much away. I did not see the preview, or I may not have read it at all, since the preview basically gives away the most significant turn in the story which doesn't occur until halfway through.
A generic heads-up: there are quite a few very graphic descriptions of rape and sexual abuse. (I agree with what others have commented, that her behavior is not "typical" of a woman who has experienced abuse. She enters into each new situation with very little apprehension, and is too trusting of others.)
Some of the story is hard to believe because it is hard for most readers to believe that so many bad things happened to this woman in her life.
Her life starts out rough, and she is lands in one bad situation after another. Each situation seems like she is free and rescued from the last, only to find that the "new" situation wasn't a rescue at all, just a different form of "bad."
That is part of why I just kept reading, lol. I was waiting for the "happy ending." You can decide for yourself if it was a happy ending.
Overall, it's an "easy-read." There isn't 100 characters or locations to try and keep track of. People who like all the I's dotted and T's crossed in a storyline will not like this book. She transitions from one situation to the next with very little resolution. Today she is here, and tomorrow she is there. Too many "loose ends." If you can accept that, and not dwell on the lack of resolution, you might enjoy this short book. That was maybe why I read it "cover to cover" in just a few hours, and what I meant by "an easy read." There were a few "yippee" moments, but they are not given the attention they deserved. The story just moves on. Then, the book was finished. I wonder if that was an attempt to make the reader want to read the next book in the series, who knows? Overall, not a bad read for the FREE price. (I found it on the Kindle list of 100 top free.
If you are looking for a very "quick read" this is a good choice.
(I finished it within a few hours.)
The preview of the book gives far too much away. I did not see the preview, or I may not have read it at all, since the preview basically gives away the most significant turn in the story which doesn't occur until halfway through.
A generic heads-up: there are quite a few very graphic descriptions of rape and sexual abuse. (I agree with what others have commented, that her behavior is not "typical" of a woman who has experienced abuse. She enters into each new situation with very little apprehension, and is too trusting of others.)
Some of the story is hard to believe because it is hard for most readers to believe that so many bad things happened to this woman in her life.
Her life starts out rough, and she is lands in one bad situation after another. Each situation seems like she is free and rescued from the last, only to find that the "new" situation wasn't a rescue at all, just a different form of "bad."
That is part of why I just kept reading, lol. I was waiting for the "happy ending." You can decide for yourself if it was a happy ending.
Overall, it's an "easy-read." There isn't 100 characters or locations to try and keep track of. People who like all the I's dotted and T's crossed in a storyline will not like this book. She transitions from one situation to the next with very little resolution. Today she is here, and tomorrow she is there. Too many "loose ends." If you can accept that, and not dwell on the lack of resolution, you might enjoy this short book. That was maybe why I read it "cover to cover" in just a few hours, and what I meant by "an easy read." There were a few "yippee" moments, but they are not given the attention they deserved. The story just moves on. Then, the book was finished. I wonder if that was an attempt to make the reader want to read the next book in the series, who knows? Overall, not a bad read for the FREE price. (I found it on the Kindle list of 100 top free.
July 26, 2015
Jasmine is acting like a brat. Jack is offering her her own room and because it's in the attic she's disappointed. Jasmine does not want to live with Jack because she never met him, yet she's going to live with Mama after just meeting her.
Please explain why Jack treated Jasmine the way he did, I do not understand his behavior? Why in the first place would Fiona love a man that hurts her daughter and then drink herself to death. This is too unbelievable. Fiona was a stupid mother for not protecting her daughter.
Jasmine goes from being beaten by Jack to living on the streets and then taken in by Mama who expects her to have sex with clients. Life just gets more interesting for Jasmine.
Jasmine just enters one bad situation to another.
What an ignorant girl Jasmine turned out to be. Hard to feel sorry for her when she put herself in dangerous situations. She has no concern for her own safety. She needs guidance. Well Jasmine is not taking accountability for her own problems. Sure she has had a stream of bad luck but she should have made better choices for herself. She is to blame for the way her life turned out. She should have demanded the men to use condoms to protect herself from getting pregnant or any sexually transmitted diseases.
Jasmines going to judge that nice family for letting her stay their rent free when they don't want their children exposed to HIV. Fore shame she has no right to judge how that family decides to protect their family when she was so reckless with her body.
Jasmine is nonchalant about her life. She speaks about her life experiences in an easy breezy manner. She's not taking life seriously for such a young person.
Lexis story telling about this being a dark romance and Jasmine being damaged is too much. Lexi Over exaggerates the amount of bad karma happening with Jasmine.
Jasmine finds out Nate is dying and instead of making his last years pleasant she abandons him after he took her in. She is so ungrateful.
Please explain why Jack treated Jasmine the way he did, I do not understand his behavior? Why in the first place would Fiona love a man that hurts her daughter and then drink herself to death. This is too unbelievable. Fiona was a stupid mother for not protecting her daughter.
Jasmine goes from being beaten by Jack to living on the streets and then taken in by Mama who expects her to have sex with clients. Life just gets more interesting for Jasmine.
Jasmine just enters one bad situation to another.
What an ignorant girl Jasmine turned out to be. Hard to feel sorry for her when she put herself in dangerous situations. She has no concern for her own safety. She needs guidance. Well Jasmine is not taking accountability for her own problems. Sure she has had a stream of bad luck but she should have made better choices for herself. She is to blame for the way her life turned out. She should have demanded the men to use condoms to protect herself from getting pregnant or any sexually transmitted diseases.
Jasmines going to judge that nice family for letting her stay their rent free when they don't want their children exposed to HIV. Fore shame she has no right to judge how that family decides to protect their family when she was so reckless with her body.
Jasmine is nonchalant about her life. She speaks about her life experiences in an easy breezy manner. She's not taking life seriously for such a young person.
Lexis story telling about this being a dark romance and Jasmine being damaged is too much. Lexi Over exaggerates the amount of bad karma happening with Jasmine.
Jasmine finds out Nate is dying and instead of making his last years pleasant she abandons him after he took her in. She is so ungrateful.
April 12, 2014
I felt like this was two different books. SPOILERS..............
The first half was harrowing. Young girl moves in to the home of her mothers abusive boyfriend. Mother eventually dies from alcohol abuse (probably mixed in with physical abuse). Boyfriend then abuses the girl to the point she runs away to live on the streets.
Girl is rescued by the owner of a nightclub, but wouldn't you know it, that turns out to be a brothel and more physical abuse follows.
Girl does not insist her clients use condoms, and no surprise, she ends up with HIV.
Maybe this is just nitpicking, but would you seriously go to a doctor for flu and fatigue, and instantly be given an HIV test, and an instant result one at that?
Girl is on the streets yet again and decides to end her life.
Then comes the second part of the book. She is rescued by a wonderful man who falls in love with her instantly and it's happy ever after. All the bad stuff is washed away and she's going to die an old lady as long as she takes her HIV medication every day without fail.
Oh, and the boyfriend has cancer and will be dead in a few years, so her HIV status does not scare him.
The dark story at the beginning is good, but it felt a little too contrived in places and the boyfriend rescuing her was too convenient. Didn't really ring true, although I did like him and was happy to see some relief in this for Jasmine.
It is a quick and interesting read though, and I liked a lot of the characters. I would be interested to read Cocoa's story (if there is one - I see the author has done several about the girls from the brothel).
The first half was harrowing. Young girl moves in to the home of her mothers abusive boyfriend. Mother eventually dies from alcohol abuse (probably mixed in with physical abuse). Boyfriend then abuses the girl to the point she runs away to live on the streets.
Girl is rescued by the owner of a nightclub, but wouldn't you know it, that turns out to be a brothel and more physical abuse follows.
Girl does not insist her clients use condoms, and no surprise, she ends up with HIV.
Maybe this is just nitpicking, but would you seriously go to a doctor for flu and fatigue, and instantly be given an HIV test, and an instant result one at that?
Girl is on the streets yet again and decides to end her life.
Then comes the second part of the book. She is rescued by a wonderful man who falls in love with her instantly and it's happy ever after. All the bad stuff is washed away and she's going to die an old lady as long as she takes her HIV medication every day without fail.
Oh, and the boyfriend has cancer and will be dead in a few years, so her HIV status does not scare him.
The dark story at the beginning is good, but it felt a little too contrived in places and the boyfriend rescuing her was too convenient. Didn't really ring true, although I did like him and was happy to see some relief in this for Jasmine.
It is a quick and interesting read though, and I liked a lot of the characters. I would be interested to read Cocoa's story (if there is one - I see the author has done several about the girls from the brothel).
July 1, 2014
While the idea behind the story was fine, it was very poorly constructed. I don't know if it was intended as a novella, but there was way too much history to make it work as such a short story. I think things moved too fast. You're finally getting into to one chapter of her life then it suddenly shifts and you're left wondering why the writer even bothered.
This book was utterly predictable and chalk full of clichés. "I roamed the street for hours, trying to find the pieces of my broken heart." - "'Then you should go,' the customer said, pumping his fist into the air," anyone else picture a 90's rom-com?
The dialogue was horrid. I try to picture people actually saying what these characters were saying and all I could picture was some high-schoolers attempt at filming a movie, with the actors reciting their lines awkwardly with no actual emotion. There were so many things said that should have been implied through actions. Like Jack's 'evil' plot with Jasmine's mother, who would just come out and say it? The writer should have taken us through the change in her mother and jack's involvement and let us come to that conclusion on our own. That may have been the problem with most of the dialogue that had me rolling my eyes and groaning. It shouldn't have been said, the characters should have instead done things to tell what needed to be said. Because everything was said, and not implied, I feel it took away a lot of the emotion that this book could have had. No doubt it's meant to be a heart-wrenching story, but I only felt irritated.
My opinion on free amazon books stands.
This book was utterly predictable and chalk full of clichés. "I roamed the street for hours, trying to find the pieces of my broken heart." - "'Then you should go,' the customer said, pumping his fist into the air," anyone else picture a 90's rom-com?
The dialogue was horrid. I try to picture people actually saying what these characters were saying and all I could picture was some high-schoolers attempt at filming a movie, with the actors reciting their lines awkwardly with no actual emotion. There were so many things said that should have been implied through actions. Like Jack's 'evil' plot with Jasmine's mother, who would just come out and say it? The writer should have taken us through the change in her mother and jack's involvement and let us come to that conclusion on our own. That may have been the problem with most of the dialogue that had me rolling my eyes and groaning. It shouldn't have been said, the characters should have instead done things to tell what needed to be said. Because everything was said, and not implied, I feel it took away a lot of the emotion that this book could have had. No doubt it's meant to be a heart-wrenching story, but I only felt irritated.
My opinion on free amazon books stands.
July 18, 2014
I started reading this book because it was free on Amazon yesterday. It was not the best book I have ever read or anything of the sort, but it was an interesting read. The book is very short and very easy to read so it does not take too much of your time.
The story is interesting, it had enough details, I did not feel like there was something missing. It considered it a short story and I was content with the amount of details it contained.
The plot is interesting, it shows that life is not always easy, but you have to move on and take matters into your own hands. It shows that most people will not help you, that they do not care or even if they do, they put their own needs first. Despite the cruelness of this world, there are still people out there who are willing to risk it, who are willing to do whatever it takes to help you.
Jasmine had a pretty crappy life. She did not deserve what happened to her, but in a way she accepted it and she tried to move on. She found people along the way, people who showed her what life is really like. In the end she learnt the most important lessons about life. She grew up.
After a streak of bad luck, she finally found a place where she belonged and despite everything she learnt to appreciate what she had and make the most of it, no matter how long it would last.
Jasmine was strong even in the beginning, but she became stronger. This is her story and you should definitely read it.
The story is interesting, it had enough details, I did not feel like there was something missing. It considered it a short story and I was content with the amount of details it contained.
The plot is interesting, it shows that life is not always easy, but you have to move on and take matters into your own hands. It shows that most people will not help you, that they do not care or even if they do, they put their own needs first. Despite the cruelness of this world, there are still people out there who are willing to risk it, who are willing to do whatever it takes to help you.
Jasmine had a pretty crappy life. She did not deserve what happened to her, but in a way she accepted it and she tried to move on. She found people along the way, people who showed her what life is really like. In the end she learnt the most important lessons about life. She grew up.
After a streak of bad luck, she finally found a place where she belonged and despite everything she learnt to appreciate what she had and make the most of it, no matter how long it would last.
Jasmine was strong even in the beginning, but she became stronger. This is her story and you should definitely read it.
September 5, 2014
My review:
I was so happy to stumble across this book. I enjoyed it immensely. It was different from the run of the mill my-life-is-awful-book. This book makes you re-evaluate your life. You realise that there are people who are floored by the happenings in their lives, but they get up and face it and survive it. It made me appreciate what I have and see life from a different perspective. Brilliant. Please read. You will not be wasting your time!
Synopsis:
Jasmine had all but given up on life after a rough period of time defined by a string of physical and sexual abuse. Drugged. Sold. Betrayed. It’s at rock bottom when she meets the man who might be able to save her from everything — including herself.
Nate King is a writer, young, compassionate, and good-looking. He’s drawn to Jasmine immediately, offering her a place in his home — and heart. He makes it his mission to take care of Jasmine and help her let go of the pain from her past.
But what Jasmine doesn’t know is that Nate is living in his own private hell. When his secret is revealed, will their love be strong enough to survive it all?
*Adult content warning. This story is not suitable for readers 18yo and below.
I was so happy to stumble across this book. I enjoyed it immensely. It was different from the run of the mill my-life-is-awful-book. This book makes you re-evaluate your life. You realise that there are people who are floored by the happenings in their lives, but they get up and face it and survive it. It made me appreciate what I have and see life from a different perspective. Brilliant. Please read. You will not be wasting your time!
Synopsis:
Jasmine had all but given up on life after a rough period of time defined by a string of physical and sexual abuse. Drugged. Sold. Betrayed. It’s at rock bottom when she meets the man who might be able to save her from everything — including herself.
Nate King is a writer, young, compassionate, and good-looking. He’s drawn to Jasmine immediately, offering her a place in his home — and heart. He makes it his mission to take care of Jasmine and help her let go of the pain from her past.
But what Jasmine doesn’t know is that Nate is living in his own private hell. When his secret is revealed, will their love be strong enough to survive it all?
*Adult content warning. This story is not suitable for readers 18yo and below.
January 6, 2014
I really liked this story from the beginning. I loved that despite all of the pain, heartache, awful shit Jasmine went through, she pushed through and came a little bit stronger and tougher each time. I couldn't dealing with some of the things she did, but see that it's possible. I thought once she got away from the sadistic asshole Jack and found a place at Mama's, things would be good, but after seeing that she only saw dollar signs, kind of made me sad. I was happy when she found a 'home' with Brenda and family, but disappointed with how small minded and clueless they were when they found out Jasmine's diagnosis. The reader was on a rollercoaster of emotions which you had to take a break from. The best part was when she found Nate. He showed her another option ti how she felt and what she could do. I liked Jas because she was tough and tenacious. When life or people wanted to keep her down, she fought to stay on her feet. I think it's a good story to give you hope and courage and motivation to take charge of your life, no matter what it throws at you.
August 17, 2014
This story was better than I'd expected. It is a novella and the first I had read from Lexie Ray.
This story follows the character Jasmine, whose early years of poverty then violence find her a young runaway picked up by an apparently kind and caring woman her staff call Mama...she leads her into prostitution and is a thoroughly nasty uncaring piece of work when it comes to anything going wrong in her brothel/nightclub.
This follows Jasmine and eventually through much trauma Jasmine's character develops in strength against adversity. I say no more to spoils other readers. I will add it is an emotional read and had me shed a tear for the trials Jasmine goes through but more because sadly it represents too much reality of predators picking up runaways and using them for their own sick needs. It would be nice to think strength and some contentment or maybe happiness were to be found for such runaways but sadly it rarely isn't.
Sadly, what I wanted was justice for Mama...but...!
I am happy to read more by Lexie Ray and give this novella a secure 3 stars.
This story follows the character Jasmine, whose early years of poverty then violence find her a young runaway picked up by an apparently kind and caring woman her staff call Mama...she leads her into prostitution and is a thoroughly nasty uncaring piece of work when it comes to anything going wrong in her brothel/nightclub.
This follows Jasmine and eventually through much trauma Jasmine's character develops in strength against adversity. I say no more to spoils other readers. I will add it is an emotional read and had me shed a tear for the trials Jasmine goes through but more because sadly it represents too much reality of predators picking up runaways and using them for their own sick needs. It would be nice to think strength and some contentment or maybe happiness were to be found for such runaways but sadly it rarely isn't.
Sadly, what I wanted was justice for Mama...but...!
I am happy to read more by Lexie Ray and give this novella a secure 3 stars.
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