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Stronger
People would say Lydia’s stupid for living the way she does, because they don’t know all the complications that trap her. She’s tried to escape her lifestyle a hundred times and failed. Broken, she’s fallen into a spiral that has left her life littered with empty shot glasses, dozens of one night stands, and so-called “good times” that never seem to end. Lydia’s barreling toward rock bottom, face first. But Aiden Badeau, a sexy and mysterious man, has just moved in next door and his apartment quickly becomes Lydia’s hide-out from the one-night stands that just won’t leave. Aiden’s has even given her a hand by throwing out some of the trash she’s brought home. He’s swiftly becoming a rock in Lydia’s life. But Aiden has secrets and baggage too that might prove too slippery for her grip - especially when some of his mysteries revolve around her. Lydia must claw her way out of her own problems and find herself again, before she can determine if Aiden is the rock she can cling to, or the one that will crush her heart forever.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2014
9 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Misty Paquette
12 books2 followersMisty Paquette is the name under which Misty Provencher writes contemporary romance & based-on-true-events novels.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 1, 2014
*****10 Stars *****
This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write. I finished Stronger about two weeks ago and have steered clear ever since. I needed time to absorb everything and get my emotions situated. How do you sum up a book that is so powerful and full of heart? I practically highlighted the whole book! How do you do it justice when the story and characters are so real that you WANT them to be real so that you can tell them how you feel.So that you find out if they are o.k and they will always remain that way. How do you sum up so many raw emotions? There was actually a part in the book where the main character, Lydia, needed to badly defend herself, but had no way of doing it. I was thinking, OMG Lydia, the proof is right here in the book...just show them the book. Then I realized, my God, this isn't real.She does't really need to prove anything.
In the beginning, I was actually rooting for Lydia's lifestyle... the very beginning. She is everything that women swoon over when it comes to bad body on t.v and in books. She is harsh, she drinks, cusses, and sleeps around praying the men won't still be in her bed in the morning. She has no remorse for any of it. I'm thinking, finally we have a bad girl! Its is done about men everyday, why not women? But then the story moves along and I realized, shit, this book is way more than I originally though. It is not your average contemporary romance. This book is soul deep.
Stronger is about addiction...all consuming addiction. Lydia is so consumed in her addiction that she doesn't even realize she has a problem until this guy, Aiden, moves into her building. He holds the mirror up to her heart and soul... up to the ugly truth. No matter how many times Lydia tried to look away or break that damn mirror, Aiden is their fixing it and showing her once again. Showing her thing she does not believe or want to see. What Lydia went through killed me. The pain she suffers by her self abuse and the mental and physical abuse she receives from others is heart wrenching.
Stronger is one of the most raw books that I have ever read. I have a personal tie to Lydia in so many ways. I have somebody very close to me who has been an addict most of their life. They battle alcoholism every day, and so do I. I am the sober one standing on the sidelines watching this person destroy themselves over and over and over. It is very painful for me. I have tried to be everything for this person... a parent (even though they are older than me), a cheerleader, a coach, a therapist, ect. Nothing ever works and I wonder what I did wrong or what I didn't do. Promises are always broken and lies are told. They often hurt themselves accidentally while drinking. I am left feeling crushed and hopeless. Not only do I relate to the alcoholism in this book, but also some of the abuse that Lydia goes through. All in all this book was heart wrenching for me. While reading it, I cried a couple of times, but a day or two later, I broke down and couldn't stop. It was almost like I was trying to remain strong for Lydia like I do for the person in my life that I spoke of.
I know I am rambling and I guess my point is, I feel everybody can relate to this book somehow. It will move people with the hardest of shells. And I believe it will cause people to get help, teach, and heal people. It will give them hope as it has done for me. I know the one main thing this book taught me, well remind me, is that addiction is a disease. Addicts will struggle for their whole lives whether they are sober or not. They are in their own personal hell. Stronger also taught me (reminded me) that there is absolutely nothing I can do to make the person I love stop and I am not a failure for not being able to do so.
Stronger = Best book of the year
"The shadows gather around the edge of the bed, but for once, they don't continue to advance.They seem to know too -- I can't take anymore. I can't take it and I can't stop."
This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write. I finished Stronger about two weeks ago and have steered clear ever since. I needed time to absorb everything and get my emotions situated. How do you sum up a book that is so powerful and full of heart? I practically highlighted the whole book! How do you do it justice when the story and characters are so real that you WANT them to be real so that you can tell them how you feel.So that you find out if they are o.k and they will always remain that way. How do you sum up so many raw emotions? There was actually a part in the book where the main character, Lydia, needed to badly defend herself, but had no way of doing it. I was thinking, OMG Lydia, the proof is right here in the book...just show them the book. Then I realized, my God, this isn't real.She does't really need to prove anything.
In the beginning, I was actually rooting for Lydia's lifestyle... the very beginning. She is everything that women swoon over when it comes to bad body on t.v and in books. She is harsh, she drinks, cusses, and sleeps around praying the men won't still be in her bed in the morning. She has no remorse for any of it. I'm thinking, finally we have a bad girl! Its is done about men everyday, why not women? But then the story moves along and I realized, shit, this book is way more than I originally though. It is not your average contemporary romance. This book is soul deep.
Stronger is about addiction...all consuming addiction. Lydia is so consumed in her addiction that she doesn't even realize she has a problem until this guy, Aiden, moves into her building. He holds the mirror up to her heart and soul... up to the ugly truth. No matter how many times Lydia tried to look away or break that damn mirror, Aiden is their fixing it and showing her once again. Showing her thing she does not believe or want to see. What Lydia went through killed me. The pain she suffers by her self abuse and the mental and physical abuse she receives from others is heart wrenching.
Stronger is one of the most raw books that I have ever read. I have a personal tie to Lydia in so many ways. I have somebody very close to me who has been an addict most of their life. They battle alcoholism every day, and so do I. I am the sober one standing on the sidelines watching this person destroy themselves over and over and over. It is very painful for me. I have tried to be everything for this person... a parent (even though they are older than me), a cheerleader, a coach, a therapist, ect. Nothing ever works and I wonder what I did wrong or what I didn't do. Promises are always broken and lies are told. They often hurt themselves accidentally while drinking. I am left feeling crushed and hopeless. Not only do I relate to the alcoholism in this book, but also some of the abuse that Lydia goes through. All in all this book was heart wrenching for me. While reading it, I cried a couple of times, but a day or two later, I broke down and couldn't stop. It was almost like I was trying to remain strong for Lydia like I do for the person in my life that I spoke of.
I know I am rambling and I guess my point is, I feel everybody can relate to this book somehow. It will move people with the hardest of shells. And I believe it will cause people to get help, teach, and heal people. It will give them hope as it has done for me. I know the one main thing this book taught me, well remind me, is that addiction is a disease. Addicts will struggle for their whole lives whether they are sober or not. They are in their own personal hell. Stronger also taught me (reminded me) that there is absolutely nothing I can do to make the person I love stop and I am not a failure for not being able to do so.
Stronger = Best book of the year
"The shadows gather around the edge of the bed, but for once, they don't continue to advance.They seem to know too -- I can't take anymore. I can't take it and I can't stop."
April 27, 2014
OH MY WORD!! Misty Provencher has blown me away with this book. WOW!!
This story is amazing and brilliantly written. Misty has created a beautiful yet gut wrenching tale of strength, passion, and discovery.
I immediately loved Lydia. She was one screwed up woman that lived her life on the edge.
Always having a drink in hand and a man in her bed, she was living it up according to her.
But things aren't always what they appear. Lydia has a torturous past that, in her mind, damages her future. I was taken aback at the series of events that transpired for her to end up where she is now. So much has happened to her, hell, still happening to her, that just makes your heart ache. And it isn't all feeling sorry for her. I was boiling mad at her circumstances too...UGH!!
Then a new neighbor enters the picture and this becomes the catalyst for Lydia's hard decisions and ultimate journey she has to make.
Aidan is that bright spot in her gloomy life. And let me just say...WHAT A FREAKIN MAN!!! I fell so hard for him...OMG!! *fans self*
What he does for Lydia has melted my heart and *sighs*...really, you just need to read this book to truly know exactly what I am talking about.
With a whirlwind of emotions wrapped up in the heart-stopping tale, Stronger is definitely one of my top reads for 2014...
This story is amazing and brilliantly written. Misty has created a beautiful yet gut wrenching tale of strength, passion, and discovery.
I immediately loved Lydia. She was one screwed up woman that lived her life on the edge.
Always having a drink in hand and a man in her bed, she was living it up according to her.
But things aren't always what they appear. Lydia has a torturous past that, in her mind, damages her future. I was taken aback at the series of events that transpired for her to end up where she is now. So much has happened to her, hell, still happening to her, that just makes your heart ache. And it isn't all feeling sorry for her. I was boiling mad at her circumstances too...UGH!!
Then a new neighbor enters the picture and this becomes the catalyst for Lydia's hard decisions and ultimate journey she has to make.
Aidan is that bright spot in her gloomy life. And let me just say...WHAT A FREAKIN MAN!!! I fell so hard for him...OMG!! *fans self*
What he does for Lydia has melted my heart and *sighs*...really, you just need to read this book to truly know exactly what I am talking about.
With a whirlwind of emotions wrapped up in the heart-stopping tale, Stronger is definitely one of my top reads for 2014...
October 14, 2014
Adult Content
Wow! This book has some highs and lows, and the lows are dark! You cannot help but fall in love with Lydia and quickly be drawn to her world. Lydia could be your neighbor, your friend, or perhaps even yourself. She is a young woman with a heartbreaking past and a future that doesn't look much brighter.
What I Like About this Book: I enjoyed getting to know each character, regardless of their role in the story. I've often stated that just because I don't like a character doesn't mean they aren't important to the book, or even that they were written badly. Everyone has a part in this book, everyone contributes to the story, and everyone teaches you a little something about life.
This story is believable. I've known several people who have walked similar paths as Lydia, and the journey is always so difficult to watch. It may not be pretty, it may be raw, but this stuff happens and you cannot always close your eyes and pretend that it doesn't.
What I Didn't Like About this Book: Not 1 complaint.
Would I recommend this Book? Yes. This isn't a light read or an escape. This isn't appropriate for young readers. It is, however, a journey that might teach you a little about compassion.
Wow! This book has some highs and lows, and the lows are dark! You cannot help but fall in love with Lydia and quickly be drawn to her world. Lydia could be your neighbor, your friend, or perhaps even yourself. She is a young woman with a heartbreaking past and a future that doesn't look much brighter.
What I Like About this Book: I enjoyed getting to know each character, regardless of their role in the story. I've often stated that just because I don't like a character doesn't mean they aren't important to the book, or even that they were written badly. Everyone has a part in this book, everyone contributes to the story, and everyone teaches you a little something about life.
This story is believable. I've known several people who have walked similar paths as Lydia, and the journey is always so difficult to watch. It may not be pretty, it may be raw, but this stuff happens and you cannot always close your eyes and pretend that it doesn't.
What I Didn't Like About this Book: Not 1 complaint.
Would I recommend this Book? Yes. This isn't a light read or an escape. This isn't appropriate for young readers. It is, however, a journey that might teach you a little about compassion.
August 30, 2014
To see my full review:
http://abookvacation.com/2014/06/22/r...
Welcome to the riveting world of Lydia Strong, a woman spiraling down the wells of addiction. A novel completely unique and jarring, in amazing ways, Stronger pulls readers in, making Provencher’s tantalizing story the readers’ own addiction. Definitely one of my top ten reads of the year, Stronger is an extremely real, well written story that is not to be missed. Intense, passionate, real; this novel will leave readers breathless as it unfolds.
Certainly a read for the more mature crowds, this NA novel tackles topics such as abuse, self-worth, alcoholism, theft, and manipulation. It’s intense, but it’s Oh. So. Good. I was wrapped up in the story and truly felt like I was a part of it as I watched Lydia slowly fall to pieces, searching out one night stands (not too graphic on the sexual escapades) and alcohol to try and put the truth of her heartbreaking, loveless life behind her. Manipulated and at rock bottom, Lydia has much to overcome in order to begin building up her world once more, and that includes separating herself from the worst sort of abuser and allowing herself to love, live, and take control. But in order to do that, she’s got to love herself, first.
This is an amazingly intense novel that I absolutely adore. Provencher has done a fantastic job creating vivid, real characters and situations, and I highly suggest giving this one a read. I was a little concerned it might not be my cup of tea going in, but Provencher soon quelled my fears as this utterly fantastic novel unfolded. Be prepared for a slew of feels as this novel takes you on an amazing journey. It’s so perfectly written that you will fall deeply in love, just as I did. Five epic stars.
http://abookvacation.com/2014/06/22/r...
Welcome to the riveting world of Lydia Strong, a woman spiraling down the wells of addiction. A novel completely unique and jarring, in amazing ways, Stronger pulls readers in, making Provencher’s tantalizing story the readers’ own addiction. Definitely one of my top ten reads of the year, Stronger is an extremely real, well written story that is not to be missed. Intense, passionate, real; this novel will leave readers breathless as it unfolds.
Certainly a read for the more mature crowds, this NA novel tackles topics such as abuse, self-worth, alcoholism, theft, and manipulation. It’s intense, but it’s Oh. So. Good. I was wrapped up in the story and truly felt like I was a part of it as I watched Lydia slowly fall to pieces, searching out one night stands (not too graphic on the sexual escapades) and alcohol to try and put the truth of her heartbreaking, loveless life behind her. Manipulated and at rock bottom, Lydia has much to overcome in order to begin building up her world once more, and that includes separating herself from the worst sort of abuser and allowing herself to love, live, and take control. But in order to do that, she’s got to love herself, first.
This is an amazingly intense novel that I absolutely adore. Provencher has done a fantastic job creating vivid, real characters and situations, and I highly suggest giving this one a read. I was a little concerned it might not be my cup of tea going in, but Provencher soon quelled my fears as this utterly fantastic novel unfolded. Be prepared for a slew of feels as this novel takes you on an amazing journey. It’s so perfectly written that you will fall deeply in love, just as I did. Five epic stars.
May 27, 2014
A good read. Took me a while to really feel like I was into the story and characters so I put it aside, read another book, then came back to it and the story finally clicked for me and I had a hard time putting it down. I've kind of been in a reading slump lately so I'm sure it was just me not relating and not the writing. What a surprise this story line took! I would love to read a sequel! I want more Aiden and (the new version) Lydia! What a powerful story of turning your life around and overcoming addiction. A must read!
May 3, 2014
Great! Loved it! There were some parts of this that really disturbed me (like Desmond). The rest was a good story about finding yourself again, and not being defined by someone else and their expectations of you.
June 16, 2014
This book was a sad story about two people struggling with addiction. As a reader who also is an alcoholic that has been sober for almost 2 years, this story was inspirational! I loved it and I loved the characters :)
May 28, 2014
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*****10 Stars *****
This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write. I finished Stronger about two weeks ago and have steered clear ever since. I needed time to absorb everything and get my emotions situated. How do you sum up a book that is so powerful and full of heart? I practically highlighted the whole book! How do you do it justice when the story and characters are so real that you WANT them to be real so that you can tell them how you feel.So that you find out if they are o.k and they will always remain that way. How do you sum up so many raw emotions? There was actually a part in the book where the main character, Lydia, needed to badly defend herself, but had no way of doing it. I was thinking, OMG Lydia, the proof is right here in the book...just show them the book. Then I realized, my God, this isn't real.She does't really need to prove anything.
In the beginning, I was actually rooting for Lydia's lifestyle... the very beginning. She is everything that women swoon over when it comes to bad boy on t.v and in books. She is harsh, she drinks, cusses, and sleeps around praying the men won't still be in her bed in the morning. She has no remorse for any of it. I'm thinking, finally we have a bad girl! Its is done about men everyday, why not women? But then the story moves along and I realized, shit, this book is way more than I originally though. It is not your average contemporary romance. This book is soul deep.
Stronger is about addiction...all consuming addiction. Lydia is so consumed in her addiction that she doesn't even realize she has a problem until this guy, Aiden, moves into her building. He holds the mirror up to her heart and soul... up to the ugly truth. No matter how many times Lydia tried to look away or break that damn mirror, Aiden is their fixing it and showing her once again. Showing her thing she does not believe or want to see. What Lydia went through killed me. The pain she suffers by her self abuse and the mental and physical abuse she rerecieves from others is heart wrenching.
Stronger is one of the most raw books that I have ever read. I have a personal tie to Lydia in so many ways. I have somebody very close to me who has been an addict most of their life. They battle alcoholism every day, and so do I. I am the sober one standing on the sidelines watching this person destroy themselves over and over and over. It is very painful for me. I have tried to be everything for this person... a parent (even though they are older than me), a cheerleader, a coach, a therapist, ect. Nothing ever works and I wonder what I did wrong or what I didn't do. Promises are always broken and lies are told. They often hurt themselves accidentally while drinking. I am left feeling crushed and hopeless. Not only do I relate to the alcoholism in this book, but also some of the abuse that Lydia goes through. All in all this book was heart wrenching for me. While reading it, I cried a couple of times, but a day or two later, I broke down and couldn't stop. It was almost like I was trying to remain strong for Lydia like I do for the person in my life that I spoke of.
I know I am rambling and I guess my point is, I feel everybody can relate to this book somehow. It will move people with the hardest of shells. And I believe it will cause people to get help, teach, and heal people. It will give them hope as it has done for me. I know the one main thing this book taught me, well remind me, is that addiction is a disease. Addicts will struggle for their whole lives whether they are sober or not. They are in their own personal hells. Stronger also taught me (reminded me) that there is absolutely nothing I can do to make the person I love stop and I am not a failure for not being able to do so.
Stronger = Best book of the year
"The shadows gather around the edge of the bed, but for once, they don't continue to advance.They seem to know too -- I can't take anymore. I can't take it and I can't stop."
*****5+
-Fabulously Breathtaking- Stars*****
~this
review may contain minor spoilers~
God, how
bad does my life have to get before I can't take it anymore? I'd
swear I'm at my breaking point now.
I've got
to stop. Everything. And I still feel like I can't.
I
have to admit, this is my first read by Misty Provencher and I'm
kicking myself for waiting so long to lose myself in her books.
Stronger was recommended to me, quite
strongly I might add, by my book soul mate & blogger
bestie-fellow Bettie Lisa. She was quite
insistent that Misty was the Bees Knees and this book would ROCK MY
WORLD- I'm happy to report, she was not wrong. This book hit me on so
many levels I didn't know how I would make it to the end, but I did
and am sooo very glad I did. Lydia was
just an incredible woman, I absolutely adored her, felt for her,
prayed for her, and was so damn scared for her. Aidan
was simply amazing in so very many ways, sweet, sexy, caring,
patient, loyal, the list goes on. There is so much I could say about
this book, but I won't. This is one of those reads you really have to
go into kinda blindly to feel the full impact of Lydia's
journey. Sooo, I'll keep it brief.
“It's
really getting to you that I'm drinking?”
“No, it's really
bothering me that you're trying to glue your pieces back together
with wine. Wine doesn't work for shit as glue, Lydia.”
Lydia
is an addict, booze and sex are her drugs of choice- only she doesn't
see that she has a problem. She's only concerned with keeping herself
comfortably numb and distracted enough to take her mind off all the
problems in her life. She doesn't get close to anyone, emotionally
anyway, because she doesn't want to answer any questions about why
she lives her life the way she does... with the exception
of two very different men- Des & Aidan.
One represents her past and one is only interested in her future. One
keeps her buried under her addictions while the other wants to help
her turn her life around. Lydia has to
decide which man is ultimately best for her. When she hits rock
bottom, she will have to be stronger than ever before to fight off
temptation or risk losing the man who can make her life all she hopes
for.
“I'm
sorry. I guess it's the wrong way to do this, but my gut says it's
the only way I can get through to you, Lydia. I don't think you have
anyone else that will be honest with you. But I'm always going to be
honest. Please... please see that I'm trying to help you.”
This
was an emotional journey that hit me pretty close to home a few
times. You will cry, you
will cringe and scream, bite your nails and wait in tense
anticipation for the other shoe to drop, but most of all you will
hope. You will hope with
everything that you have that Lydia can
pull herself out of the black hole she has buried herself in. There
are so many characters that will steal your heart and some that will
surprise you, though not always in a good way. It was a powerful
story of love, redemption, struggles, and perseverance surrounding a
beautiful soul that just needs to see her own strength to fight her
way through it all. I want to send out a huge
thank you to Misty for
such a life changing story and to Lisa for bringing this author into
my life. I have definitely added another one to my 'one-click
addiction'.
“I'm
going to wreck your taste for booze.”
“Oh yeah? How are you
going to do that?”
“I'm going to make it so all you'll want to
be is sober... just so you can remember every damn thing I do to
you.”
*****10 Stars *****
This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write. I finished Stronger about two weeks ago and have steered clear ever since. I needed time to absorb everything and get my emotions situated. How do you sum up a book that is so powerful and full of heart? I practically highlighted the whole book! How do you do it justice when the story and characters are so real that you WANT them to be real so that you can tell them how you feel.So that you find out if they are o.k and they will always remain that way. How do you sum up so many raw emotions? There was actually a part in the book where the main character, Lydia, needed to badly defend herself, but had no way of doing it. I was thinking, OMG Lydia, the proof is right here in the book...just show them the book. Then I realized, my God, this isn't real.She does't really need to prove anything.
In the beginning, I was actually rooting for Lydia's lifestyle... the very beginning. She is everything that women swoon over when it comes to bad boy on t.v and in books. She is harsh, she drinks, cusses, and sleeps around praying the men won't still be in her bed in the morning. She has no remorse for any of it. I'm thinking, finally we have a bad girl! Its is done about men everyday, why not women? But then the story moves along and I realized, shit, this book is way more than I originally though. It is not your average contemporary romance. This book is soul deep.
Stronger is about addiction...all consuming addiction. Lydia is so consumed in her addiction that she doesn't even realize she has a problem until this guy, Aiden, moves into her building. He holds the mirror up to her heart and soul... up to the ugly truth. No matter how many times Lydia tried to look away or break that damn mirror, Aiden is their fixing it and showing her once again. Showing her thing she does not believe or want to see. What Lydia went through killed me. The pain she suffers by her self abuse and the mental and physical abuse she rerecieves from others is heart wrenching.
Stronger is one of the most raw books that I have ever read. I have a personal tie to Lydia in so many ways. I have somebody very close to me who has been an addict most of their life. They battle alcoholism every day, and so do I. I am the sober one standing on the sidelines watching this person destroy themselves over and over and over. It is very painful for me. I have tried to be everything for this person... a parent (even though they are older than me), a cheerleader, a coach, a therapist, ect. Nothing ever works and I wonder what I did wrong or what I didn't do. Promises are always broken and lies are told. They often hurt themselves accidentally while drinking. I am left feeling crushed and hopeless. Not only do I relate to the alcoholism in this book, but also some of the abuse that Lydia goes through. All in all this book was heart wrenching for me. While reading it, I cried a couple of times, but a day or two later, I broke down and couldn't stop. It was almost like I was trying to remain strong for Lydia like I do for the person in my life that I spoke of.
I know I am rambling and I guess my point is, I feel everybody can relate to this book somehow. It will move people with the hardest of shells. And I believe it will cause people to get help, teach, and heal people. It will give them hope as it has done for me. I know the one main thing this book taught me, well remind me, is that addiction is a disease. Addicts will struggle for their whole lives whether they are sober or not. They are in their own personal hells. Stronger also taught me (reminded me) that there is absolutely nothing I can do to make the person I love stop and I am not a failure for not being able to do so.
Stronger = Best book of the year
"The shadows gather around the edge of the bed, but for once, they don't continue to advance.They seem to know too -- I can't take anymore. I can't take it and I can't stop."
*****5+
-Fabulously Breathtaking- Stars*****
~this
review may contain minor spoilers~
God, how
bad does my life have to get before I can't take it anymore? I'd
swear I'm at my breaking point now.
I've got
to stop. Everything. And I still feel like I can't.
I
have to admit, this is my first read by Misty Provencher and I'm
kicking myself for waiting so long to lose myself in her books.
Stronger was recommended to me, quite
strongly I might add, by my book soul mate & blogger
bestie-fellow Bettie Lisa. She was quite
insistent that Misty was the Bees Knees and this book would ROCK MY
WORLD- I'm happy to report, she was not wrong. This book hit me on so
many levels I didn't know how I would make it to the end, but I did
and am sooo very glad I did. Lydia was
just an incredible woman, I absolutely adored her, felt for her,
prayed for her, and was so damn scared for her. Aidan
was simply amazing in so very many ways, sweet, sexy, caring,
patient, loyal, the list goes on. There is so much I could say about
this book, but I won't. This is one of those reads you really have to
go into kinda blindly to feel the full impact of Lydia's
journey. Sooo, I'll keep it brief.
“It's
really getting to you that I'm drinking?”
“No, it's really
bothering me that you're trying to glue your pieces back together
with wine. Wine doesn't work for shit as glue, Lydia.”
Lydia
is an addict, booze and sex are her drugs of choice- only she doesn't
see that she has a problem. She's only concerned with keeping herself
comfortably numb and distracted enough to take her mind off all the
problems in her life. She doesn't get close to anyone, emotionally
anyway, because she doesn't want to answer any questions about why
she lives her life the way she does... with the exception
of two very different men- Des & Aidan.
One represents her past and one is only interested in her future. One
keeps her buried under her addictions while the other wants to help
her turn her life around. Lydia has to
decide which man is ultimately best for her. When she hits rock
bottom, she will have to be stronger than ever before to fight off
temptation or risk losing the man who can make her life all she hopes
for.
“I'm
sorry. I guess it's the wrong way to do this, but my gut says it's
the only way I can get through to you, Lydia. I don't think you have
anyone else that will be honest with you. But I'm always going to be
honest. Please... please see that I'm trying to help you.”
This
was an emotional journey that hit me pretty close to home a few
times. You will cry, you
will cringe and scream, bite your nails and wait in tense
anticipation for the other shoe to drop, but most of all you will
hope. You will hope with
everything that you have that Lydia can
pull herself out of the black hole she has buried herself in. There
are so many characters that will steal your heart and some that will
surprise you, though not always in a good way. It was a powerful
story of love, redemption, struggles, and perseverance surrounding a
beautiful soul that just needs to see her own strength to fight her
way through it all. I want to send out a huge
thank you to Misty for
such a life changing story and to Lisa for bringing this author into
my life. I have definitely added another one to my 'one-click
addiction'.
“I'm
going to wreck your taste for booze.”
“Oh yeah? How are you
going to do that?”
“I'm going to make it so all you'll want to
be is sober... just so you can remember every damn thing I do to
you.”
March 9, 2017
This is the fastest I have read a book since I read Capture's Temperance by BSM Stoneking. This book kept me reading, had my rooting for Lydia because at some point in your life you will battle something. Whether it be sex, drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety or a mix of them all. The way she describes her pain as numbness is nothing more than true. The way she builds the relationship with Aiden is perfect. The whole time you are watching them fall in love, while she is still married to the biggest piece of crap on earth. This book deserves more than 5 stars. It's a standing ovation.
Also loved the how there was no actual erotic scenes but they way she writes i bet they would have been fantastic
Also loved the how there was no actual erotic scenes but they way she writes i bet they would have been fantastic
August 25, 2014
Ok then! This threw me for a loop! I wasn’t expecting that! I didn’t see what Lydia was at first! It wasn’t until Lydia heard it through the walls that I really figured it out! Lydia is an alcoholic! She is also a broken and lost girl!
Lydia is married. Yep you read that right! She is also has a three date rule, with sex. She sees a man has a date with him with sex involved and then drops him. She drinks to numb her pain. Her pain is to dull her heart and deny any happiness she may find. Because what do you know; Des, is also married to another woman. She only sees him to be able to touch her husband. The lies they give the rich woman who Des is now married is phenomenal so that Des can give Lydia money to live on. Lydia married Des as a teenager with her mother’s consent.
The bedroom scenes are thankfully not graphic. Because it would be every page with the way Lydia is going.
Then one day, Aiden moves next door and tries to become her friend but Lydia doesn’t want anyone to be her friend. She just wants to be alone and drink her sorrows away. Aiden starts to show her how to live again. He also confronts her about her drinking. She, of course, doesn’t believe that she could be an alcoholic. Aiden continues to be there for her even when Lydia tries to push him away. And let me tell you, Aiden is so so sweet and patient with her!
Then, when Des gets wind of Aiden being her friend he is furious with Lydia. Their sex is a little kinky with BDSM(again not graphic but lets you know about what they do) He hurts her one day and she yells the password to stop and he takes the blindfold and restraints off and Lydia dresses and takes off. Now she wonders if she really loves him anymore. She once again drowns this out with alcohol.
Lydia doesn’t know what to do anymore. Aiden does know what she should do and gently leads her to doing the right thing even when Lydia continually pushes him away. Lydia has to learn how to do it herself and for herself before Aiden can really help her. But things become even worse for Lydia.
What I love about this book is that you see the good the bad and the very very ugly in this story. I love her writing and at one point I realized my face was scrunched up in pity for Lydia. This book set with me for days afterwards.
I was like meh, when I read the description and then I read a review from A Book Vacation’s Blog http://abookvacation.com/2014/06/22/r... that made me want to read it. I entered to win it and won it. Now, I can’t think of how I could do justice to the review like hers was!
So, if you like learning how to overcome addiction, finding a lasting real love, nice neighbors (even if they are older and likes to grab butts of any man she sees outside of Lydia’s apartment), friends who will help you any time day or night, doing what is right, seeing the ugly side of addiction than this book is for you. Just remember it is not a sugar coated book, it is definitely a book that shows ugliness and all it entails in life.
Lydia is married. Yep you read that right! She is also has a three date rule, with sex. She sees a man has a date with him with sex involved and then drops him. She drinks to numb her pain. Her pain is to dull her heart and deny any happiness she may find. Because what do you know; Des, is also married to another woman. She only sees him to be able to touch her husband. The lies they give the rich woman who Des is now married is phenomenal so that Des can give Lydia money to live on. Lydia married Des as a teenager with her mother’s consent.
The bedroom scenes are thankfully not graphic. Because it would be every page with the way Lydia is going.
Then one day, Aiden moves next door and tries to become her friend but Lydia doesn’t want anyone to be her friend. She just wants to be alone and drink her sorrows away. Aiden starts to show her how to live again. He also confronts her about her drinking. She, of course, doesn’t believe that she could be an alcoholic. Aiden continues to be there for her even when Lydia tries to push him away. And let me tell you, Aiden is so so sweet and patient with her!
Then, when Des gets wind of Aiden being her friend he is furious with Lydia. Their sex is a little kinky with BDSM(again not graphic but lets you know about what they do) He hurts her one day and she yells the password to stop and he takes the blindfold and restraints off and Lydia dresses and takes off. Now she wonders if she really loves him anymore. She once again drowns this out with alcohol.
Lydia doesn’t know what to do anymore. Aiden does know what she should do and gently leads her to doing the right thing even when Lydia continually pushes him away. Lydia has to learn how to do it herself and for herself before Aiden can really help her. But things become even worse for Lydia.
What I love about this book is that you see the good the bad and the very very ugly in this story. I love her writing and at one point I realized my face was scrunched up in pity for Lydia. This book set with me for days afterwards.
I was like meh, when I read the description and then I read a review from A Book Vacation’s Blog http://abookvacation.com/2014/06/22/r... that made me want to read it. I entered to win it and won it. Now, I can’t think of how I could do justice to the review like hers was!
So, if you like learning how to overcome addiction, finding a lasting real love, nice neighbors (even if they are older and likes to grab butts of any man she sees outside of Lydia’s apartment), friends who will help you any time day or night, doing what is right, seeing the ugly side of addiction than this book is for you. Just remember it is not a sugar coated book, it is definitely a book that shows ugliness and all it entails in life.
March 11, 2016
Warning, this book might contain triggers for certain readers.
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.***
We meet Lydia as she’s bringing a man home from the bar. Mr. Fizzy Punch. She has dating rules. Only three dates, no matter how awesome they are. Especially if they’re awesome, actually. She is a party girl. She would rather party than anything else. But she really doesn’t like her partying ways. Not really. There’s some deep, dark stuff going on in her life. Then Aiden moves in next door. He’s light. He’s good. He’s her neighbour and that would ruin the three date rule. But she wants to ruin it. She wants to touch his light. Then there’s Des. He’s so tied into her life, she doesn’t think there will be any way that he’ll not be in it.
This is as far as I’ll go with it. The furthest. I’ll be honest, about halfway through it, I was wondering why I was reading it. It really isn’t a joyful book. It’s not filled with unicorn farts and glitter. This book is dark and gritty and filled with deep human emotions. There were moments of pure remorse and despair that I was moved to tears. There were moments so relieving that I was also drawn to tears. This book is a hard read. If you have issues with rape and addiction triggers, you might find it best to avoid this book. Though I will tell you that it was well handled. I really wished I could talk to someone about this, this book MOVED me. It SHIFTED me and made me realize how NAIVE I am. Made me realize how BLESSED I am. And though it dredged me through the muck that people fight through, there was hope still there. There is a good ending.
Ms. Provencher has this ability to paint films with her words. She uses words that would normally not make any sense, but it offers such a visual that it is literally like a movie playing through your mind. It’s not just that they stumbled out onto the street, they “poured” out onto the street. (drunk people leaving a bar) Her grasp of sensory language and transforming it into such a piece that you FEEL their emotions. This book is about addictions and though I suspected, I didn’t really know until it was brought to our attention. We’re so involved in the character’s head that WE are Lydia. We BREATHE what she breathes, we have to PATCH our bodies and our hearts, like she has to. And this is ALL down to the brilliance that is Ms. Provencher. I will say that I bow to her. She’s amazing that is all. So would I recommend this book? If the prior warnings don’t pertain to you, YES. IF they do, then please sit this one out. It really would be for the best.
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.***
We meet Lydia as she’s bringing a man home from the bar. Mr. Fizzy Punch. She has dating rules. Only three dates, no matter how awesome they are. Especially if they’re awesome, actually. She is a party girl. She would rather party than anything else. But she really doesn’t like her partying ways. Not really. There’s some deep, dark stuff going on in her life. Then Aiden moves in next door. He’s light. He’s good. He’s her neighbour and that would ruin the three date rule. But she wants to ruin it. She wants to touch his light. Then there’s Des. He’s so tied into her life, she doesn’t think there will be any way that he’ll not be in it.
This is as far as I’ll go with it. The furthest. I’ll be honest, about halfway through it, I was wondering why I was reading it. It really isn’t a joyful book. It’s not filled with unicorn farts and glitter. This book is dark and gritty and filled with deep human emotions. There were moments of pure remorse and despair that I was moved to tears. There were moments so relieving that I was also drawn to tears. This book is a hard read. If you have issues with rape and addiction triggers, you might find it best to avoid this book. Though I will tell you that it was well handled. I really wished I could talk to someone about this, this book MOVED me. It SHIFTED me and made me realize how NAIVE I am. Made me realize how BLESSED I am. And though it dredged me through the muck that people fight through, there was hope still there. There is a good ending.
Ms. Provencher has this ability to paint films with her words. She uses words that would normally not make any sense, but it offers such a visual that it is literally like a movie playing through your mind. It’s not just that they stumbled out onto the street, they “poured” out onto the street. (drunk people leaving a bar) Her grasp of sensory language and transforming it into such a piece that you FEEL their emotions. This book is about addictions and though I suspected, I didn’t really know until it was brought to our attention. We’re so involved in the character’s head that WE are Lydia. We BREATHE what she breathes, we have to PATCH our bodies and our hearts, like she has to. And this is ALL down to the brilliance that is Ms. Provencher. I will say that I bow to her. She’s amazing that is all. So would I recommend this book? If the prior warnings don’t pertain to you, YES. IF they do, then please sit this one out. It really would be for the best.
February 18, 2016
Have you ever read that book and you're like this is good and then as you get further into the book you're like no this is great? Well this is one of those books. Lydia hangs out, picks up guys (even has categories she puts them in) and never goes past her 3 date rule. Then there are those days she dresses for work and meets up with Des. Then Aiden moves in next door and everything changes.
This book is about a girl who finds out what it means to be Stronger then she ever thought. It's about choices and realizing that you can face anything once you realize that you can be Stronger and you're not alone even when you think you are. Be prepared to run the gamut of emotions when you read this book. It had me smiling, gasping and dropping my jaw and there were also tears. Even when going back to write this review and rereading parts had me feeling what I felt the first time I read it. A powerful story that I recommend when you start it having the time to finish it, it's that good.
This book is about a girl who finds out what it means to be Stronger then she ever thought. It's about choices and realizing that you can face anything once you realize that you can be Stronger and you're not alone even when you think you are. Be prepared to run the gamut of emotions when you read this book. It had me smiling, gasping and dropping my jaw and there were also tears. Even when going back to write this review and rereading parts had me feeling what I felt the first time I read it. A powerful story that I recommend when you start it having the time to finish it, it's that good.
April 27, 2014
Wow! This was such an amazing story of overcoming addiction! Lydia had it all, in the superficial party world that she lived in. She was beautiful, loved to get drunk and have a good time, and pretty much had her pick of any guy in the bar. But sex and alcohol cannot fill the void that burns a deep hole in her chest. Behind her apartment door, things aren't always as pretty as they seem on the outside. Among the men in her life, only 2 have any affect on her and stick around long enough for her to actually start to develop feelings. But one of them only drives her deeper into the hellhole of a life she has gotten used to. I felt her pain as she dealt with some horrible situations that came out of poor decisions. I cried along with her as she struggled with her addictions and wondered if there was ever a way out. This is a wonderful story filled with hope, even when it seems there is no hope left. Lydia has to learn the hard way what it takes to become Stronger.
May 12, 2014
I absolutely loved this book, I loved Lydia, she didn't care what anybody thought about her, she was all about having a good time.
But behind closed doors things were so different.
She would drink to forget what an awful life she had, how her husband treated her, and how she relied on him. But then a new neighbour moves in but he too is battling an addiction.
Picking up guys most nights was her usual routine but she doesn't let anyone get close but when one goes horribly wrong, she rethinks her whole life.
It took me awhile after I read this book to write a review, very few books affect me the way Stronger did, I think we can all relate to Lydia as everyone knows someone with an addiction, and being right there with her every step of the way, feeling her pain, her strength what she had to endure and how she overcame it. There is hope for everyone even when it seems there is no hope at all.
But behind closed doors things were so different.
She would drink to forget what an awful life she had, how her husband treated her, and how she relied on him. But then a new neighbour moves in but he too is battling an addiction.
Picking up guys most nights was her usual routine but she doesn't let anyone get close but when one goes horribly wrong, she rethinks her whole life.
It took me awhile after I read this book to write a review, very few books affect me the way Stronger did, I think we can all relate to Lydia as everyone knows someone with an addiction, and being right there with her every step of the way, feeling her pain, her strength what she had to endure and how she overcame it. There is hope for everyone even when it seems there is no hope at all.
August 10, 2016
WOWZA! Never have I ever read about such an in depth struggle with alcohol abuse before! This was FANTASTIC. I loved how spunky the main female character is.. Her personality and come back lines were a real breathe of fresh air!
The detail and validity in experiences Misty Provencher used in her writing were SPOT ON and very realistic! There was quite range of character personalities and it fit the story perfectly! ( I loved the neighbor lady)
The storyline was EXCELLENT! My only issues were with the pace of the story... some parts were slow to read and other parts were way to fast! All in all it was a GOOD story!
The main themes of this story included pain and struggle which was AWESOME but I wanted more sex love and passion!
Misty did a GREAT job with this story! I can't wait for more from this author!!
The detail and validity in experiences Misty Provencher used in her writing were SPOT ON and very realistic! There was quite range of character personalities and it fit the story perfectly! ( I loved the neighbor lady)
The storyline was EXCELLENT! My only issues were with the pace of the story... some parts were slow to read and other parts were way to fast! All in all it was a GOOD story!
The main themes of this story included pain and struggle which was AWESOME but I wanted more sex love and passion!
Misty did a GREAT job with this story! I can't wait for more from this author!!
September 7, 2014
This is an amazing book with a very real story. Lydia has the life that a lot of us think we want...no worries except where the next drink is coming from and which good looking man is going to buy it. Then feelings start to get in the way and she realises that it's not all that she wants and this is not living. I cried along with her as she makes the hardest decision of her life - to stay the course of the familiar or take the path of the unknown.
If you have ever been addicted to anything in your life, this book will hit home.
If you have ever been addicted to anything in your life, this book will hit home.
February 25, 2016
So far this is my favorite book by Misty. I loved the ups and downs and was absolutely surprised by a certain person's forgiveness and the ability to see humanity. I absolutely love the message that this book portrays. We can always be "stronger than whatever that is" and that sometimes you do need others to help you realize that, but sometimes you also need to get rid of some things, or even people, from your life to understand that as well. I would definitely recommend this book to others who need help feeling "Stronger".
May 6, 2014
this story was kinda unexpected for me, i was thinking i'll be reading a romance novel but what i dont know is i will be reading a lot more than that, this gives me insight on what alcohol does to people (i never was drunk in my life and i only been tipsy once) so to read this in this characters point of view. it was such a fantastic read and it clutches at my heart and make me just feel each feeling the character was having. This is quite a gem of a book in so many ways that i would recommend people to give this book a chance and be taken with it, like i was.
October 16, 2014
One again Misty Provencher has surprised me. This story was so unexpected, and I savor end every word in two days. Come on! I am a mother and I have to go to work or else it would have been read in a day. I laughed a little at the nosey neighbor Mrs. Lowtz, she's that unexpected friend and you are thankful to a friend like her. Lydia's loneliness is so palpable, living in a haze like this and not knowing that their are people that exist in your life that won't give up. To eventually have a place where one will fine people who won't give up. Priceless Mrs. Provencher.....
August 13, 2016
Wow...
I'm not sure I can put my love for this book into words. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I knew it would be great because of who wrote it. And it blew me away. Living a secret life she never expected, Lydia Strong turns to alcohol and men to flush away her pain. Until a new neighbor shows up and changes the game. Can he help her save herself? Or will she fall back into the depths of her secrets. This book was a phenomenal and easy read. I couldn't put it down and wanted more when it was over so I could continue to live in this book.
I'm not sure I can put my love for this book into words. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I knew it would be great because of who wrote it. And it blew me away. Living a secret life she never expected, Lydia Strong turns to alcohol and men to flush away her pain. Until a new neighbor shows up and changes the game. Can he help her save herself? Or will she fall back into the depths of her secrets. This book was a phenomenal and easy read. I couldn't put it down and wanted more when it was over so I could continue to live in this book.
January 14, 2015
I loved this book! So many people on this planet struggle with addiction, this really could be any ones story. Misty creates characters the are so real that you want to help them, be their friend. Great read thank you Misty!
August 30, 2014
Dear God. I loved it, I have to come up with review but I'm just not sure how to explain what I'm feeling or felt as I read.... I can say now, this is one of those books I don't understand why more people are to reading it. So a better review to come
Read
May 8, 2014Review to come. :)
August 11, 2014
Loved this book!! I couldn't put it down. Misty Provencher is such a talented writer, if you haven't picked up and read one of her books do it now!!!! :)
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