After breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, graduate student Rebecca Maio wants a man who is the complete opposite of her ex. When she meets her sexy new neighbor, Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to the powerful and compassionate man.
Agent Colin Schaefer's in town for an investigation and needs to stay focused on his job, but he can't ignore the beautiful girl next door. For the first time in his life, the elusive man wants more with a woman, but he can't shake the feeling that Rebecca also needs his protection.
Is their love strong enough to survive the secrets they're both bound to uncover? Or will her past and his job tear them apart?
This novel is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit and hot sex scenes and adult situations. If you love these kinds of things, then please, read on!
J.A. Hensley's debut novel, Wedding Dreams, was named an Amazon Erotica Best Seller. She loves smut of all kinds and is a reader first. J.A. is constantly working on a new project, whether it's writing or working in her craft room. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, and spends her days teaching college students about social work and human sexuality.
Books Published: Wedding Dreams Stronger With Him (Strength Series #1)
Forgive me if this review is short and to the point. I normally love writing reviews full of images and quotes that have inspired me. This review says it all...no picture collages needed for this one!
Stronger With Him was a quick read. The core of the story was well thought out but the execution of the story lacked depth and development.
Becca is a grad student who has just gotten out of an abusive relationship. The entire start of the book Becca is partying it up with her friends. She almost hooks up with a random man at a bar. Although my first impression of Becca wasn't that great, I did admire the way her friends were there for her.
Then she meets her hottie neighbor.
Colin has actually been watching Becca for months. He is on assignment working undercover. (Becca's abusive ex happens to be a big time drug dealer and human trafficker.)
The set up for the story is good but things just move too fast from here. Colin and Becca hook up. They are instantly in love. When I mean instant...I mean it's like a chia pet that blooms out of nowhere.
I know you might be asking, why did you finish the book? The sole reason for finishing this book was COLIN! He was hot, he was protective, and who doesn't want to read about someone like that! Even if it was hard to believe, I wanted to see how things turned out.
Before I get into the actual review, can we please just take a moment and gaze at that beautiful cover?
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Gorgeous, right? :)
Stronger With Him is the story of Becca, a graduate student who has just broken up with her abusive boyfriend. Even though she's not sure that she's ready to jump back into dating, she finds herself attracted to Colin, the sexy next door neighbor who's working undercover. Colin's protective, which is exactly what Becca is going to need in order to get rid of her scumbag ex once and for all. When it comes to book boyfriends, Colin will definitely be at the top of your list.
JA Hensley continues to grow as a writer, and I couldn't be prouder of her! I can't wait to read the sequel.
This book is a good mix of contemporary romance/erotica and is intended for adult readers. Thank you to the author for offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you can audibly hear me rolling my eyes, then I've achieved what I'm trying to share with you.
What in the WORLD makes authors think that we have hearts and minds that will actually accept an abused heroine to be romantic? I don't care who comes in to save the day, I cannot tolerate it. I can't even stomach to force myself to read it.
Yes, abuse is alive and well in our day and age and very realistic. BUT - that does NOT mean that I have to want to have sympathy when none is is deserved.
Our "heroine" had me shaking my head to the point that I swear it was going to come off.
You break up with a guy because he threw plates and cups at you. You make it out to your friends as if it's not big deal. Then the stalker now ex boyfriend punches you in the face. And when your friends try to tell you to call the police you say no? And then agree to meet him for dinner to try and "diffuse the situation"????
Are you out of your mind?????
Then, the insecuirty issues and constantly comparing herself to her best friends (who in actuality were annoying as all hell) did not leave me feeling warm and fuzzy.
She pretended to be this abused girl and then was making out with a random stranger at a club.
Have to be upfront, I was the editor for this one, as I was for her first two books.
There's a thread of suspense running throughout this story. We know who the bad guy is, but our main characters don't. Makes for some tension, for sure.
Becca is trying to move on. She's just gotten out of a really bad relationship. Well, she's trying to get out of it, but Ron just won't let go.
Her new neighbor, Colin, is drawn to his pretty floor mate, and it's not just because she might be part of the job he's there for. His protective instincts come into play and this surprises him, as he's always been a "love'em and leave'em" sort of guy.
The road to happiness is rocky for these two. So many forces trying to pull them apart, and maybe trying to take their lives as well.
If hot alpha males are on your to read list, this is the book for you.
"I can't believe my life has changed so much so fast."
Rebecca thought her life was going so well until the man she was dating completly changed. She thought by given him the benefit of a doubt, he would go back to being the guy she thought she had fallen in love with. Too bad that didn't work. Trust me, this guy is freaking insane! I, personally, wouldn't have stuck with him for as long as Becca did. Abuse is never an easy subject, and you felt such compassion for her situation.
With the help of her best friends, Stephane and Cristin, she was able get out and have fun--to become the person she used to be. I LOVED her friends SO much! Every woman needs friends like that. They protect and stand by her side through it all!
"I was such an idiot. All that fairy tale bullshit that we're fed as little girls is just that. How did I not see this coming? What did I do wrong?"
Becca had no clue that her life was about to change. All it took was one look, one conversation from her new neighbor, and she was changed forever.
"Well, fuck me" I mutter. Way to look like a klutz in front of the hoy guy. "I'd like to, but it seems a bit public here." Colin says as he bends down and picks up the shopping bags I dropped.
Colin had a job to do. Plain and simple. Take down the bad guy and move on. But this time, business and pleasure mix together in the cocktail of danger and lust. How can he stay undercover and still have the girl?
"I really want to see her underneath me, but I also get a feeling of wanting to protect her. What the fuck is wrong with me?"
Their whirlwind romance is fast and intense. I love the protectivness Colin has over Becca. It's different than being an agent. This protection isn't just for the job, it's for a person--a heart. He knows once the assignment is over he has to leave town. How can he possibly let her go? What will she do when she finds out the truth of why he's there?
This book had funny moments, sexy scenes and heartstopping events! Secrets are discovered and they are completely life-changing. I enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters (well except for the horrible ex-boyfriend. He can go away!). This book was over way too soon for me! Can't wait for the next one:)
Great job, JA Hensley!!
"You'll have to work pretty hard to get rid of me." "I can't ever imagine wanting to get rid of you."
When I read the little bit I did about what this book was about I knew I had to read it. More and more books are coming out with covers like this one so I really try and see what it has inside more than anything. Don't get me wrong he is nice to look at but I want anymore a book that has meat to it also in the form of a storyline. The female in this novel has walked away from a really bad relationship that she thought was going somewhere until the mask slipped and blew up in her face. Rebecca has some great friends and they go out for the evening and after that evening she finally tells her friends what really happened. Little does she know that right next door her neighbor is more than a neighbor who has been placed there to do surveillance for the case they are on. Colin though finds himself having eyes on more than just the case with his neighbor drawing more of his attention even though he thinks she is involved with their suspect. This is what I am talking about a story with some meat to it. Already you have complex relationships and also intrigue in the midst of it all. Things begin to spiral out of control quickly with the ex and Colin is right there offering himself to her for protection. This is also letting him know that she is innocently caught up with a jerk that has baggage she has no knowledge of and which has him opening himself to more feelings than he should. As these two build a relationship that really has nothing to do with the case because the feelings are sincere truths will unfold, all that is except on who he really is. She is also becoming more confident in herself as their relationship grows gaining back and more what the nutjob tried to take away. This author will keep you on pins and needles also because you know the dude is not gonna let her go just like that regardless how many times she says no and when he does move it will be on and popping. This author you then have you on the edge of your seat (even if you were laying down reading) clinching hoping that her man will come to the rescue because she is in some deep do with were she ends up at. I will also say to you will get a bit more closure that most novels after the climax which I thought was a double yummy. Received a copy for a honest review.
Rebecca is a grad student getting ready to start her next semester of classes. She had been in a relationship with Ron for the past six months, but after he was aggressive towards her she decided it was time to move on. The only problem with that is Ron didn’t have the same feeling.
Rebecca had two best friends, Stephanie and Christin. They have a great fun loving friendship; Christin seems to be the wildest of the three, but likes to pull the other two into her antics. They are loyal and protective of each other.
Colin, is Rebecca’s neighbor, their first interaction is quite humorous. Rebecca is trying to unload her car when he pulls up, when he asks if she needs any help she forgets how to function, and it leads to this:
“I’m Colin, by the way. I’ve seen you in the hall but I’ve never introduced myself.” He holds out his right hand and thankfully my manners are still intact. I reach out to return the handshake and immediately drop my stuff on the ground. “Well, f&%k me,” I mutter. Way to look like a klutz in front of the hot guy. “I’d like to, but it seems a bit public here,” Colin says as he bends down to pick up the shopping bags I dropped.
It is clear to see in the beginning of the book that Ron is a creep with a capital C and that Colin is a sweetheart, which happens to be well built and gorgeous. I wasn’t sure what to expect when beginning the book, but let’s just say I loved every minute of it. It has a lot going on throughout this story that keeps you guessing what’s next. There are many secrets to be discovered that not only change Rebecca’s life but all of those involved. We get a snippet of Jude, Colin’s older brother as well as Colin’s partners for work. I hope there will be more of all of them in future books.
JA Hensley did an amazing job in writing Stronger with Him; it pulls you in with hot and sexy men and keeps you hooked with drama and suspense, with a little love thrown in. I really enjoyed the characters throughout the book and can’t wait to see what’s to come in the next book in the series.
This was a short story that I was able to read in one sitting. I loved the characters in the book. The story was well written and flowed with the events that were happening. There is a touch of abusive in the book but not to the point of not being able to read it. I felt that is showed the ability of the main character to become strong and stand up for herself. And we can forget the cover. It is gorgeous.
Rebecca Maio or Becca as she is know as has just ended a relationship with Ron. He was everything that she did not want in a partner. Ron was perfect in the beginning but then started to change and not for the good. As Becca tries to move with her life, Ron continues to show up not willing to let her go.
Colin, undercover agent, living next door to Becca is just trying to keep a look out for Ron, her boyfriend. But once Colin realizes that Ron has been abusing Becca, the stakes change for him. He is drawn to her. Colin knows better than to get involved with her but when have that feeling, nothing else matters.
As Becca and Colin form a friendship of sorts, she soon realizes what it is like to be with a gentleman and how a relationship should be. But Ron just keeps coming back. When Colin is forced to see the situation as it is, will he be able to keep it together to do his job?
This was my first time reading anything by this author. I am excited to dive into more of her books.
I loved Becca from the start, she stood up for herself and left that scumbag Ron! Although she didn't know what was happening and she thought she loved him, it didn't take her long to find out just how bad things could get. Becca didn't know what she was gonna do, she couldn't not get Ron to take the hint, and so she just kinda pushed it away as much as she could. The story was exciting and kept me on my toes!! I really liked how Becca kept her ground and still tried to live her life with a crazy not leaving her alone. Colin was pure hotness, but he wasn't over the top. Colin was her neighbor and she couldn't help stare from the beginning. He was there to do a job and that was it. He never had time or even wanted a relationship, after all he never stayed in one place very long. But Becca made him think and feel things that he wasn't used to. He knew he needed more than a chat in the hallway. I understand how she cold be conflicted on what to do, after what happened with Ron. The story has a great plot and really builds up, left me wondering, and I like that in a story. I like when you can't figure it out, keeps me guessing. And that's exactly what this book did. Things went from bad to worse in a heart beat, just as Becca thought her life was moving on. Can Colin save her and be her happy ever after? I'd love to read more from JA!
This wasn't bad, but it also wasn't good. The writing was just kind of weak. Like this was someone's first attempt at fiction writing.
"We're moving with the rest of the crowd and it's really fun." "He squeals the tires as he takes off."
There were a large number of typos and missing words, which I find hard to forgive. I don't care if you can't afford a professional editor because you're an independent writer. Ask a friend or gather a group to beta read it. The types of mistakes I found were ones that a middle schooler would be able to catch and correct.
I have no problem with cursing. I can curse like a sailor on leave. But there is no reason to pepper EVERY conversation with profanity. This book is just over 200 pages and some variation of the word 'fuck' was used 208 TIMES! That's basically once every page! 'Bitch' was used 23 times. Which doesn't seem TOO bad, but it was only used between the three girl friends. They called each other bitch ALL THE TIME! Why do they think that's okay? One of them even called another a c*nt. I won't even spell that word all the way out because I hate it that much. But these friends that it was appropriate to use this language with each other on a daily basis. It's demeaning to all women and setting us back.
J A Hensley has written an amazing book in Stronger With Him. It has everything in it from undercover cops to a psycho drug lord, but most of all a love story that is flows throughout.
You have Becca a psychology grad student who tries to get away from Ron her ex-boyfriend who is really a psycho drug lord and human trafficker. Then there is Colin the gorgeous under cover cop who is Becca neighbour tracking Ron.
Neither Colin or Becca expected to fall in love, right from the first time they meet there where sparks but Colin has never let a women come in the way of his job until Becca.
This book had me gripped from the start, the story had you want to know more and follow the leads right to the end, at times you where ready to kill someone so that no one would get hurt. The love story that intertwined with the suspense was sizzling and hot and you just melted away with the romance in it. As you get closer to the end you became worried and hope all would turnout for the lovers.
I really loved this book and can't wait to see what else J A Hensley has installed for the future. I would recommend this book for anyone who love a romantic thriller.
**We were gifted a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Rebecca had bad luck with her last relationship. He was sweet and loving then something happened and his true colors showed. Breaking up with Ron seemed to be something that he wouldn't take.
Colin is working undercover and meets his subjects girlfriend, or ex girlfriend, and immediately knows he needs her.
When Colin and Becca connect sparks fly and they both know they need each other. Only problem was Becca ex wasn't letting her go without a fight.
When things happen, Colin has to come to terms that he's fallen for Becca and he would do anything to save her.
I really enjoyed this one read it in one sitting and I love Colin. Hoping to get a story about Colin's brother Jude.
My thoughts on Stronger with Him are quite conflicted. On the one hand, I absolutely loved Collin. He was extremely alpha male, hot, witty, and when it came to Becca, he was sweet and sensitive. However, he was a terrible shot for an Special Agent. I guess everyone has a bad day. LOL. Now, on the other hand, I struggled with Becca's character. She was contradictory in her personality. One minute she would talk about how her friends were prettier than her and how she was never noticed by men. The next minute we find her making out with a random guy at a club. She'd say she would do one thing, because of all this training she had in psychology, but did the opposite. It was frustrating.
However, none of that deterred me from finishing this book. The plot was solid. The sex scenes were vanilla and sweet, which might irk some, but I loved it. Overall, I'd say Ms. Hensley did a good job with this book and I certainly look forward to the next installment. If you're looking for a sweet erotic romance with heart, this is most certainly the book for you.
I have so much to say about this book. This book is in my top 5 for favorite book this year. This is the first book I have read by the author and I am blown away by it. Becca and Colin have amazing chemistry in and out of the bedroom plus their friends/his brother add so much to this book. Here's a little bit of the story..Becca is just getting out a bad relationship and her friends are wanting her to get out of her slump and live again. She is focused on her studies until her next door neighbor saves her one night after her awful ex threatens her again. I'm so glad that something bad happens to him. Anyway after that night, they can't seem to stay apart. Colin has a big secret that doesn't come out until the end. Becca soon realizes how much of a jerk her ex is and what he is really capable of. This book has romance, comedy and action all rolled up into one. This book is simply amazing and captivating from beginning to end. I can't wait for more in this series! I'm hooked
Becca is a woman with an ass for a boyfriend, Ron. When she finally decides to call it quits with him though it doesn't go quite as planned. What Becca doesn't know is Ron isn't who he says he is. He is really Ronaldo. His secrets will all end up coming out but will she make it out of it alive?
Colin is the sexy neighbor who has his own set of secrets too! But he has noticed Becca since he first moved into the apartment next door to hers. He has this urge to protect Becca even when she doesn't want it. Just when he thought he gasps everything under control, Colin loses control and Becca.
This was a quick and really enjoyable read. The author wrote the details very well and the characters were great. I really hope she continues with some of the other characters in the book because I think it would be nice to read more from this author. I would recommend this book to others.
Follow Becca as she leaves her abusive boyfriend, Ron and what happens when he won't let her go. What happens when she meets Colin, her new neighbor. Will he help her see she deserves better? What happens when the proverbial shit hit the fan? Will Becca make it out alive? Will Colin rescue her? Will Ron get her for good, or break her? Find out in this awesome book.
I enjoyed this book! Loved Becca and her two crazy friends. Oh and Colin was such a hot Alpha male, yummy! It's a good mix of contemporary, erotica and suspense romance. Can't wait for more of this series!
becca and Colins story was good. Colin was secretly watching becca because of her ex but when he started developing feelings for her things changed and so did things with her ex to. The story was unexpected at some points and I just couldn't put it down. xx
Wow! What a book. So much different than books I had been reading. Good characters and story line. I didn't want it to end it was so good. I really want a neighbor like Colin!
Stronger With Him is the first book I’ve read by J A Hensley. Hensley is a relatively new Indie author who shows a lot of promise. There are many things that I like about this book and there are couple things that rub me the wrong way. Let me explain.
What I Like:
The basic premise of the story. Girl has a hot guy. Hot guy turns into a major jerk. New hot guy comes in and shows the girl what a relationship can really be. Mix in a little action and some good bedroom scenes.
I like the characters. The heroine is young and learning the way of the world. She has good girlfriends who want to be there for one another. Hot alpha guys. The hero has interesting support characters. I’m not sure if they are really friends but they have his back. I like them a lot.
Rebecca Maio (Becca to her friends) is a young graduate student trying to figure out what happened with her first serious relationship. When she first met Ron Becca thought she met her perfect match. On the surface Ron looks perfect. He is attractive, employed, and wants to make Becca his. However, Ron turns from this perfect hot guy to an abusive, possessive criminal.
Colin is the hot, hot neighbor with a secret. Colin is drawn to Becca but he is on a job. His job requires a lot of travel and therefore, he is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. Colin is interested in Becca but he’s not sure she is going to be interested in that kind of relationship. Colin is the perfect gentleman. The more contact he has with Becca the more he is rethinking what he wants for his life.
I like Becca and Colin as a couple. They are both learning about relationships. There is a little apprehension, a strong physical attraction, a few mistakes and the hope of more to come as a bond develops.
I like that there is a little mystery to compliment the romance. I like the beginning of the book. The character development is solid. It doesn’t take long to feel for the main characters. The mystery unfolds nicely and the reader wants to find out what will happen next. It is fun guessing who everyone is and how they fit together.
I like the end. It is full of suspense. Is Ron going to hurt Becca? Will Colin, et.al. complete their mission? Will Becca and Colin work in the long run? I really like that the story ends on a good solid note but there is also an indication that we will learn more about the books’ characters in the future.
What I didn’t like:
Some of Becca’s actions didn’t match her strong personality. There are a couple times when she should have called the police. She is a strong woman majoring in psychology why wouldn't she call the police. I didn’t understand her willingness to talk to Ron when she knows he is dangerous.
I didn’t get Adam. He is a small ancillary character but his build up made me think he was going to have a bigger role in the story. I didn’t understand why he lied about his career in the beginning. I expected questions from Becca but it never happened. At one point I thought he was going to be part of Ron’s criminal underworld. This character confused me.
Jude is Colin’s older brother. There are so many unanswered questions circling around the siblings. They have a love hate relationship but there are no explanations given about what makes their relationship shaky. Is it because Jude is the boss? Is it because of something that happened in their youth? Is it that they just don’t like one another? Their relationship is too complicated to explain to both Becca and the reader alike.
The middle of the story was a little slow for me. There were times that I had to walk away because I didn’t want to get to frustrated and not finish the book. I hate to say I don’t like a book and not have a good example of why but I just felt something was missing or rushed. It was frustrating to have a good solid introduction and a beautiful and satisfying ending with a middle that moved too slowly.
All in all there is enough in this book to make a romance lover happy. If you want to meet a new Indie author who knows how to write, give Stronger With Him a try. It is a good fast read with great characters and a lot of action.
Mysterious! Fun! Suspenseful! Are just a few words I would describe this book. Author JA Hensley takes us on a ride from the very moment you start this book. I absolutely loved Agent Colin Schaefer.
I may get mobbed for saying this but one character I loved was Ronaldo. JA Hensley can write a great crazy stalker ex. This man kept me on my toes the entire book. I was always wondering what this man was up to. I would have loved a few point of views from Ronaldo. It would have intensified the twist and turns unfolding.
Rebecca “Becca”Maio just couldn’t seem to keep herself out of trouble. Trouble seemed to follow this girl everywhere she went. Good thing Sexy Agent Colin Schaefer moved in next door. The playful between Becca and Colin was great to read.
Colin’s point of views kept me engaged and ready for action. This Sexy Agent was absolutely drool worthy. He took his job seriously and knew there was more to his mysterious neighbor Becca’s story. This man was great at his job even when Becca threw him for a loop. And the crap his boys gave him for getting involved was great to read.
4.5 Stars Domestic abuse is one the main themes in this book. Our main character Becca is involved with a verbally abusive boyfriend who becomes physically abusive. Thanks to her best friends, she finds the courage to break up with Ron before the abuse becomes extreme. She is scared, after all he has already punched her and given her a black eye.
Besides her blossoming friendship with her next door neighbor, Colin, she finds out that she is a very attractive girl which helps boost her self esteem. One question comes to mind... how well do we know someone we meet at a bar and begin dating? Her ex is full of surprises and not in a good way. It makes you wonder if you should run a full investigation before dating anyone out ther!
The author's writing style is easy reading. She has a knack for describing her characters' emotions painfully real. I was not able to put this book down until finished. Very fast paced plot line.
This is the first book I've read by this author. Beccas just split from her horrid boyfriend. She doesn't realise he's a complete fake and a criminal. Colin's her neighbour. He's a really hot sexy alpha male that has secrets he's hiding. I just loved the chemistry between these two. It was off the scale in hotness.
This was a really enjoyable read. Romance, hot sexy scenes and some suspense all rolled into one. Loved it.
I enjoyed JA's writing and loooooved Colin. I so need a neighbor like him. Becca really got the short end of the stick all throughout the book, but she definitely won in the man department. Can't wait for book #2!