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Stand - Part One
Experience Part One of Two of the long-awaited final installment of the Stronger Series!
Her
Opportunity isn’t just knocking on my door, it’s trying to kick the damn thing down, and I’m only too eager to answer it. With the prospect of war coming from all directions, thanks to yours truly, there can only be one victor, and I have every intention of seeing myself to the other side. But a new challenge awaits me around every corner, and though my strength and endurance has gotten me this far, I don’t know if it will be enough to overcome Darren’s most destructive betrayal yet. It very well could be the final nail in my coffin, the very last one to keep me his forever.
Him
War is finally here, and I’m only too ready to indulge in its sadistic depravity. Violence could be so inspiring, especially when you have so much to fight for and protect. And I was very good at employing a particular brand of violence with an exceedingly unique form of expertise. But as scores of complications arise, I find myself shouldering more than I originally anticipated. Between keeping my family safe and my ambitions alive, the universe is working overtime in testing my patience and resilience, and a particular redhead is helping it. But I will not be deterred. My goals will be met, my legacy secured, and my fist will finally clench the heart of the one woman who thought she could keep it from me. What’s mine will always be mine.
Contains very disturbing adult content that may be offensive to some readers.
* For every book that is sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charity that benefits victims of human trafficking.*
Her
Opportunity isn’t just knocking on my door, it’s trying to kick the damn thing down, and I’m only too eager to answer it. With the prospect of war coming from all directions, thanks to yours truly, there can only be one victor, and I have every intention of seeing myself to the other side. But a new challenge awaits me around every corner, and though my strength and endurance has gotten me this far, I don’t know if it will be enough to overcome Darren’s most destructive betrayal yet. It very well could be the final nail in my coffin, the very last one to keep me his forever.
Him
War is finally here, and I’m only too ready to indulge in its sadistic depravity. Violence could be so inspiring, especially when you have so much to fight for and protect. And I was very good at employing a particular brand of violence with an exceedingly unique form of expertise. But as scores of complications arise, I find myself shouldering more than I originally anticipated. Between keeping my family safe and my ambitions alive, the universe is working overtime in testing my patience and resilience, and a particular redhead is helping it. But I will not be deterred. My goals will be met, my legacy secured, and my fist will finally clench the heart of the one woman who thought she could keep it from me. What’s mine will always be mine.
Contains very disturbing adult content that may be offensive to some readers.
* For every book that is sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charity that benefits victims of human trafficking.*
624 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
54 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jay Marie
8 books628 followersJay Marie has been writing since she first learned the alphabet, but it wasn’t until 25 years later that she finally decided to take the deep plunge into the depths of publishing. Her written work conveys the darker side of writing, bringing in to light what most may shy away from. She has a passion for writing strong female characters with a brain that can override their sex drives, deliver one hell of a punch as well as take one. They have backbones made of steel and hearts that beat with a ferocity that refuses to be tamed or matched.
Her inspiration comes in the form of a minefield on top of a snow covered mountain. One step and a new idea explodes in her head, and then before you know it, she has an avalanche of ideas rushing through her brain and it does not stop!
When she's not writing until the late hours of the night, she's working as a legal assistant at a personal injury law firm in Michigan. She is also a part time law student at the University of Detroit Mercy Law School where she studies in the evening in hopes of becoming a human rights attorney. She enjoys practicing and teaching martial arts in her spare time as well as riding around on her super fun Honda Grom motorcycle.
If you'd like to connect with her more, check out her author page on Facebook where she posts occasional teasers of her upcoming books!
https://www.facebook.com/JMarieSeries/
Her inspiration comes in the form of a minefield on top of a snow covered mountain. One step and a new idea explodes in her head, and then before you know it, she has an avalanche of ideas rushing through her brain and it does not stop!
When she's not writing until the late hours of the night, she's working as a legal assistant at a personal injury law firm in Michigan. She is also a part time law student at the University of Detroit Mercy Law School where she studies in the evening in hopes of becoming a human rights attorney. She enjoys practicing and teaching martial arts in her spare time as well as riding around on her super fun Honda Grom motorcycle.
If you'd like to connect with her more, check out her author page on Facebook where she posts occasional teasers of her upcoming books!
https://www.facebook.com/JMarieSeries/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
this was probably my least favourite book in the series. it felt like 600 pages of filler to set up jaden’s pregnancy, and there wasn’t any real character development on either side. jaden stayed pretty stagnant, and i’d hoped we’d see more of her breaking down darren’s walls and getting through to him emotionally, but we didn’t. he’s clearly capable of empathy and does care for jaden in his own fucked up way. despite all that, the writing was amazing, and i missed being in this world.
i’m hoping part 2 is better. i LOVE jaden, but a part of me still roots for her and darren. i like how possessive he is of her.
this was probably my least favourite book in the series. it felt like 600 pages of filler to set up jaden’s pregnancy, and there wasn’t any real character development on either side. jaden stayed pretty stagnant, and i’d hoped we’d see more of her breaking down darren’s walls and getting through to him emotionally, but we didn’t. he’s clearly capable of empathy and does care for jaden in his own fucked up way. despite all that, the writing was amazing, and i missed being in this world.
i’m hoping part 2 is better. i LOVE jaden, but a part of me still roots for her and darren. i like how possessive he is of her.
November 16, 2025
I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an intense, emotionally charged continuation of Jay Marie’s gripping storytelling. From the first chapter, the tension wraps around you so tightly I barely realize how fast I was tearing through the pages. Jay Marie doesn’t just write a story, she pulled me into the characters’ pain, growth, and raw humanity.
Darren, who has been easy to hate in the past, becomes one of the most surprising highlights of the book. Jay Marie peels back his layers in a way that makes you question everything you thought you knew about him. I still don’t like the man but in this book there is depth and vulnerability and some background added to his character that’s impossible to ignore. It almost humanized him. I found myself doubting my feelings about this man. Did I feel an appreciation for how he is because of who he is? Sure. Do I still dislike him? Also, yes. Do I want his character to be redeemed? Yes.
And then there’s Jaden who is always resilient, fierce, and pushed to her limits. She continues to be the heart of this series, and watching her fight through every obstacle is inspiring.
This book is a roller coaster of tension, character growth, and emotional punches. Jay Marie delivers a story that keeps you locked in, rooting for redemption, survival, and strength. A powerful read from start to finish.
This book is an intense, emotionally charged continuation of Jay Marie’s gripping storytelling. From the first chapter, the tension wraps around you so tightly I barely realize how fast I was tearing through the pages. Jay Marie doesn’t just write a story, she pulled me into the characters’ pain, growth, and raw humanity.
Darren, who has been easy to hate in the past, becomes one of the most surprising highlights of the book. Jay Marie peels back his layers in a way that makes you question everything you thought you knew about him. I still don’t like the man but in this book there is depth and vulnerability and some background added to his character that’s impossible to ignore. It almost humanized him. I found myself doubting my feelings about this man. Did I feel an appreciation for how he is because of who he is? Sure. Do I still dislike him? Also, yes. Do I want his character to be redeemed? Yes.
And then there’s Jaden who is always resilient, fierce, and pushed to her limits. She continues to be the heart of this series, and watching her fight through every obstacle is inspiring.
This book is a roller coaster of tension, character growth, and emotional punches. Jay Marie delivers a story that keeps you locked in, rooting for redemption, survival, and strength. A powerful read from start to finish.
November 18, 2025
✨🤌 Phenomenal ✨
❤️ARC Review
I have been waiting for so long to read about one of my favorite badass FMCs and Jay Marie delivered her again!
Jaden is trying to survive not only to make sure she sees freedom, but she is trying to save her sanity from her extremely villainous husband. It can be hard to read some of the trauma Jaden goes through, so as always check your triggers!
Everyone seems to be making big moves in this one that will absolutely shake everything. And so much comes tumbling down. I cannot wait to see how everything falls in part 2!!
Your not ready for the ending of Part 1!
❤️ARC Review
I have been waiting for so long to read about one of my favorite badass FMCs and Jay Marie delivered her again!
Jaden is trying to survive not only to make sure she sees freedom, but she is trying to save her sanity from her extremely villainous husband. It can be hard to read some of the trauma Jaden goes through, so as always check your triggers!
Everyone seems to be making big moves in this one that will absolutely shake everything. And so much comes tumbling down. I cannot wait to see how everything falls in part 2!!
Your not ready for the ending of Part 1!
January 9, 2026
Everyone says they want a morally black MMC until they have an actual morally black character- so much so that the book isn’t even a romance. The amount of negative reviews on the books in this series that say this goes “too far” for a dark romance is frustrating because it isn’t a dark romance at all. What it IS however is perfection. I have loved everything about this series so far, and to have such a badass FMC is so refreshing. Jaden is my favorite character from any book I think I’ve ever read. I can’t wait for part two!
November 23, 2025
Just finished STAND PART 1: This is a work of art, I love how this book started slow and built up as we read along. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10
SPOILERS AHEAD:
I’ve seen a few reviews saying that Jaden is fighting Darren much less in this book, and I just want to answer them like: yeah of course she is, my poor girl is exhausted, and she says so herself she wins more battles with compliance than confrontation.
People are also saying she’s not trying to escape anymore in this book and I would just like to remind people the TIMELINE of this book, it happens RIGHT after Darren’s brother funeral, when she succeeded in her plan to start BOTH the wars we see in THIS book, and lit after she gets shot and can’t WALK, so of course there’s gonna be less confrontation and escape plans, she needed to heal first.
She is even asked in the book by Matt if she’s “gonna play a part on this war, or just wait to be rescued” echoing what the reader is likely also thinking by this point of the book, cause Jaden’s internal monologue has been very non-confrontational and very self-hating, this is done ON PURPOSE to show the reader, the ATTENTIVE reader, the pace the next book is gonna have and a much more real perspective of an actual survivor; as much as the reader would like it, Jaden can’t fight Darren 24/7 anymore, she doesn’t have the strenght, she’s paralized for half of the book, literally and psychologically.
Jaden even says so herself after she feels better “it’s time to do again what I do best: plot”.
I also see in this book that Jaden is more aware of her situation and HAS to pick her battles, like in the nightclub; a younger, more selfish Jaden would have tried to help those girls; Now she knows she can’t help them and gives them the only thing she has, advice to keep together and not romaticize her situation.
She’s more selfless now, more smart, and more patient, something that in other books got her and other people in trouble (the gardener, the auction girls, etc) in this book she controls. Knowing that’s in her best interest to strategize her moves.
By the end of this book, and with Sid’s pinpoint she realizes the power she has over Darren, even if she questions how effective it can be (like when she’s forced to watch the girls getting murder), and this realization happens right at the perfect time, just before Darren snaps at her again for risking her life and decides that the only way for her to slow down apart from inflicting more fear in her is getting her pregnant, something that has been teased for a while now, it had to happen. AND THIS is ultimately what also SNAPS Jaden into action, something that we will see in PART 2.
And just a note for everyone: Jaden IS brave, and she IS a survior, and she IS strong, but she’s also VERY MUCH scared of Darren, with good reason. She has seen him kill, torture, and slaughter poeple left and right. In this book even she admits Darren was almost about to choke her to death.
Reader’s need to also grasp this part of her psyche: something different about this book that I noticed, is the fact that Jaden’s inner monologue is now much more full of self-hatred, something we didn’t see so plainy on the page, or even said by her in the other books. Things HAVE changed, she’s tired, she’s depleted, and fighting for herself has taxed her immensely. I think, ultimately, fighting for her child will be the thing that saves her.
And that’s the note this book ends with. The strenght to end Darren’s empire is handed to her by non other than himself on a silver platter.
10/10. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPOILERS AHEAD:
I’ve seen a few reviews saying that Jaden is fighting Darren much less in this book, and I just want to answer them like: yeah of course she is, my poor girl is exhausted, and she says so herself she wins more battles with compliance than confrontation.
People are also saying she’s not trying to escape anymore in this book and I would just like to remind people the TIMELINE of this book, it happens RIGHT after Darren’s brother funeral, when she succeeded in her plan to start BOTH the wars we see in THIS book, and lit after she gets shot and can’t WALK, so of course there’s gonna be less confrontation and escape plans, she needed to heal first.
She is even asked in the book by Matt if she’s “gonna play a part on this war, or just wait to be rescued” echoing what the reader is likely also thinking by this point of the book, cause Jaden’s internal monologue has been very non-confrontational and very self-hating, this is done ON PURPOSE to show the reader, the ATTENTIVE reader, the pace the next book is gonna have and a much more real perspective of an actual survivor; as much as the reader would like it, Jaden can’t fight Darren 24/7 anymore, she doesn’t have the strenght, she’s paralized for half of the book, literally and psychologically.
Jaden even says so herself after she feels better “it’s time to do again what I do best: plot”.
I also see in this book that Jaden is more aware of her situation and HAS to pick her battles, like in the nightclub; a younger, more selfish Jaden would have tried to help those girls; Now she knows she can’t help them and gives them the only thing she has, advice to keep together and not romaticize her situation.
She’s more selfless now, more smart, and more patient, something that in other books got her and other people in trouble (the gardener, the auction girls, etc) in this book she controls. Knowing that’s in her best interest to strategize her moves.
By the end of this book, and with Sid’s pinpoint she realizes the power she has over Darren, even if she questions how effective it can be (like when she’s forced to watch the girls getting murder), and this realization happens right at the perfect time, just before Darren snaps at her again for risking her life and decides that the only way for her to slow down apart from inflicting more fear in her is getting her pregnant, something that has been teased for a while now, it had to happen. AND THIS is ultimately what also SNAPS Jaden into action, something that we will see in PART 2.
And just a note for everyone: Jaden IS brave, and she IS a survior, and she IS strong, but she’s also VERY MUCH scared of Darren, with good reason. She has seen him kill, torture, and slaughter poeple left and right. In this book even she admits Darren was almost about to choke her to death.
Reader’s need to also grasp this part of her psyche: something different about this book that I noticed, is the fact that Jaden’s inner monologue is now much more full of self-hatred, something we didn’t see so plainy on the page, or even said by her in the other books. Things HAVE changed, she’s tired, she’s depleted, and fighting for herself has taxed her immensely. I think, ultimately, fighting for her child will be the thing that saves her.
And that’s the note this book ends with. The strenght to end Darren’s empire is handed to her by non other than himself on a silver platter.
10/10. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
ARC Review early release Part One STAND by Jay Marie
I’ve waited years for this installment, and after all that anticipation, I’m surprised to find myself feeling a bit let down. Something in Jaden’s plotting feels off this time, almost as if she’s bending too much to Darren’s world. The writing itself is solid, but the plot and overall story didn’t resonate with me the way I expected. I’m not even sure what I was expecting, but after all this time, I hoped for more.
Compared to the first four books, Part One of STAND felt subpar. I would have liked more Jason and Matt and far less of the Jaden and Darren banter. At this point, I think I’m simply over it; their back-and-forth bored me more than it intrigued me. After five years, I thought we’d see a stronger, sharper Jaden, but Darren still seems to outsmart her constantly. Maybe I’ve just gotten older and want closure, but the dynamic doesn’t hit the same anymore.
With all that said, readers who simply want the series to finally move toward an ending will probably be satisfied. This book didn’t enrage or excite me the way the earlier installments did, and maybe that muted reaction is part of why it feels lacking. I’ll still anxiously await Part Two, hoping for the ending I’ve always wanted, though I’m not confident I’ll get it. If I don’t, I’ll be disappointed, but I also think it’s time to move on from this series.
Jay is a talented writer, no question, but like many long-running TV shows, by the fourth or fifth “season” the plotting starts to feel repetitive. I wasn’t fascinated by this read, but if you’ve come this far with the series, you’ll likely want to see it through - just like I did.
Honestly, I don’t know a woman alive who, after 3.5 years with a man, wouldn’t have his full measure and be able to outwit him by now. The book is called STAND, not SURVIVE. I expect Jaden to actually stand.
I’ve waited years for this installment, and after all that anticipation, I’m surprised to find myself feeling a bit let down. Something in Jaden’s plotting feels off this time, almost as if she’s bending too much to Darren’s world. The writing itself is solid, but the plot and overall story didn’t resonate with me the way I expected. I’m not even sure what I was expecting, but after all this time, I hoped for more.
Compared to the first four books, Part One of STAND felt subpar. I would have liked more Jason and Matt and far less of the Jaden and Darren banter. At this point, I think I’m simply over it; their back-and-forth bored me more than it intrigued me. After five years, I thought we’d see a stronger, sharper Jaden, but Darren still seems to outsmart her constantly. Maybe I’ve just gotten older and want closure, but the dynamic doesn’t hit the same anymore.
With all that said, readers who simply want the series to finally move toward an ending will probably be satisfied. This book didn’t enrage or excite me the way the earlier installments did, and maybe that muted reaction is part of why it feels lacking. I’ll still anxiously await Part Two, hoping for the ending I’ve always wanted, though I’m not confident I’ll get it. If I don’t, I’ll be disappointed, but I also think it’s time to move on from this series.
Jay is a talented writer, no question, but like many long-running TV shows, by the fourth or fifth “season” the plotting starts to feel repetitive. I wasn’t fascinated by this read, but if you’ve come this far with the series, you’ll likely want to see it through - just like I did.
Honestly, I don’t know a woman alive who, after 3.5 years with a man, wouldn’t have his full measure and be able to outwit him by now. The book is called STAND, not SURVIVE. I expect Jaden to actually stand.
November 21, 2025
ARC review.....Stand part 1
Jay has done it again! I have waited years for this book and it did not disappoint! It has a whole lot of action and intrigue in it. I was surprised a couple of times by a turn the book took. it has a lot of triggers in it so be sure to check the warnings on those before you read! I cannot wait for Part 2 of this book to finish this and find out exactly what happens!
Jay has done it again! I have waited years for this book and it did not disappoint! It has a whole lot of action and intrigue in it. I was surprised a couple of times by a turn the book took. it has a lot of triggers in it so be sure to check the warnings on those before you read! I cannot wait for Part 2 of this book to finish this and find out exactly what happens!
November 17, 2025
"Oh.my.gosh! It was getting INTENSE! Jay really stepped up her game in this final installment of her series! After devouring part one, I'm beyond excited to read part two! Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
November 21, 2025
Amazing!! Worth the long wait. I’m so glad she broke it into two book. I can’t imagine any thing being cut out.
November 21, 2025
ARC Review Stand Part 1
When I started reading this book, I was still thinking about how the last one ended and I was more than ready for Jaden to finally start taking Darren and his entire empire down. To my surprise, the book actually started off slower paced than expected, once again focusing on the power dynamic between Darren and Jaden instead of driving the plot forward. I didn't particularly mind it but to everyone who has read the previous books and expects all the action to go down right away - you need to be patient. In my opinion the pacing started to pick up in the second half and it ends on a cliffhanger that has you questioning how Jaden will ever possibly get away from Darren. I can't wait for the next and last chapter of the story and I'm ready for Jaden to take her final Stand.
When I started reading this book, I was still thinking about how the last one ended and I was more than ready for Jaden to finally start taking Darren and his entire empire down. To my surprise, the book actually started off slower paced than expected, once again focusing on the power dynamic between Darren and Jaden instead of driving the plot forward. I didn't particularly mind it but to everyone who has read the previous books and expects all the action to go down right away - you need to be patient. In my opinion the pacing started to pick up in the second half and it ends on a cliffhanger that has you questioning how Jaden will ever possibly get away from Darren. I can't wait for the next and last chapter of the story and I'm ready for Jaden to take her final Stand.
November 22, 2025
Meh, I’ve had better. The story telling and ply were ok, but the constant back and forth with Jaden and. Darren was getting old, boring even. How many different ways can you say they fought the f*cked? Toward the middle I skimmed. The right light of the whole book was probably the banter between Matt and Jason there was a much better story there. Also, I feel like Jaden is adapting more to Darren’s world then trying to escape and plot, one of the unique things I like about this series is that the Heroin dosent just fall into Stockholm syndrome and forgets all the things he’s done. Besides a few mentioning of her home and Darren killing a few of her relatives, Jaden dosent seem that invested in escaping. The story dragged on a bit too. I think if you’re going to wait years before continuing a series it has to be worth it, it’s a good book but it’s no Harry Potter.
November 21, 2025
she does it again
I’ve been following this journey of these two
Since the beginning. Waited five year for this book and she didn’t disappoint.
I’ve read a lot of books over the years and I’m
A massive dark romance fan but nothing and I mean nothing has captured my soul like this story. Since book one to now I’ve never been so anxiety ridden over a female character to the point I actually said shut up stop talking through the book now it needs to be said this ain’t a romance this a dark twisted story and I can’t wait for the next book we’ll done jay Marie 🙏
I’ve been following this journey of these two
Since the beginning. Waited five year for this book and she didn’t disappoint.
I’ve read a lot of books over the years and I’m
A massive dark romance fan but nothing and I mean nothing has captured my soul like this story. Since book one to now I’ve never been so anxiety ridden over a female character to the point I actually said shut up stop talking through the book now it needs to be said this ain’t a romance this a dark twisted story and I can’t wait for the next book we’ll done jay Marie 🙏
November 27, 2025
everything and more
Stand - Part One was phenomenal. Just like I expected it to be. So much to sift thru. There were some shocking twists I didn’t expect. This story is finally reaching its epic conclusion and I can’t wait for it. This whole series is such a masterpiece of writing, plot and character building, Thank you Jay for writing this and the whole series. Best books ever. Team Jaden
Stand - Part One was phenomenal. Just like I expected it to be. So much to sift thru. There were some shocking twists I didn’t expect. This story is finally reaching its epic conclusion and I can’t wait for it. This whole series is such a masterpiece of writing, plot and character building, Thank you Jay for writing this and the whole series. Best books ever. Team Jaden
February 19, 2026
There were many good action scenes in this book, but it was frustrating to watch Jaden do the same thing over and over. I am not sure the last book needed to be split into two, but we will see how it ends. I am afraid for Jason and Camaro. I can only see this series ending one way. Fingers crossed.
November 28, 2025
Need part two 🫣
Well, I know we waited for it but was
worth it, thank you, jay marie Roll on part two. I can't wait
Well, I know we waited for it but was
worth it, thank you, jay marie Roll on part two. I can't wait
November 25, 2025
Brilliant!
To avoid any spoilers, I shall keep it brief.
I really appreciate and applaud this author’s ability to bring a story to life.
The harrowing pages are skilfully crafted around the lowest forms and acts of humanity.
I loved the cliffhanger and it leaves me eagerly awaiting part two.
To avoid any spoilers, I shall keep it brief.
I really appreciate and applaud this author’s ability to bring a story to life.
The harrowing pages are skilfully crafted around the lowest forms and acts of humanity.
I loved the cliffhanger and it leaves me eagerly awaiting part two.
November 27, 2025
I demolished this in 2 days and could not put it down! I'm so excited for the conclusion!!
November 26, 2025
Amazing part 1!
Such a great read and already excited for part 2!! I saw through the fb group how hard Jay Marie worked on this so thank you for the early treat!
Such a great read and already excited for part 2!! I saw through the fb group how hard Jay Marie worked on this so thank you for the early treat!
November 22, 2025
Thank you Jay Marie
I was sure this book will be great and I was not wrong. The previous instalments are the rare books on my Kindle I read more than once. Can’t wait for the resolution.
I was sure this book will be great and I was not wrong. The previous instalments are the rare books on my Kindle I read more than once. Can’t wait for the resolution.
November 24, 2025
the best series ever
My favorite series. I have so much anxiety with how the ending will be played out. I’m so happy the last books are coming out but I’m soooo sad the story is about to be over.
My favorite series. I have so much anxiety with how the ending will be played out. I’m so happy the last books are coming out but I’m soooo sad the story is about to be over.
November 25, 2025
Well worth the wait
Oh my God, what a ride that was Jay Marie you are a master of your craft. It was well worth the weight and part two just can’t come soon enough for me.
Oh my God, what a ride that was Jay Marie you are a master of your craft. It was well worth the weight and part two just can’t come soon enough for me.
November 23, 2025
This series is riviting! Can't put it down must read. I'm counting down to the day I get the last book. The story is sad, hopefully; and just goes to show true will trudge through the depths of hell to be together!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Phewwwwwww. Man oh man. The years and years of waiting was worth it. I’m so glad I re-read the series this summer (for fun) not even thinking the last books would come out in the near future. Anywho. What a ride. I don’t want to spoil anything so let’s just say part 2 is going to be WILD.
November 24, 2025
My top read of 2025. Bravo, Jay Marie! The story was riveting and fast paced. I look forward to part 2!
November 22, 2025
Bloody brilliant , what more can I say ? I’m
Not a descriptive person but if you are very going to read a dark series make it this one . You won’t be disappointed
Not a descriptive person but if you are very going to read a dark series make it this one . You won’t be disappointed
November 22, 2025
wow!11 Worth the wait
This book was so so good! I can’t wait for the second ond part! Lots of action and suspense. Dark just like I thought it would be.
This book was so so good! I can’t wait for the second ond part! Lots of action and suspense. Dark just like I thought it would be.
February 19, 2026
It’s been 4 years since I read the previous book, Strike, in this series and I have been anxiously waiting for this next book ever since then. I’ve read a lot of other books in between and while I have a pretty good memory, it’s not as sharp as it used to be regarding details, but obviously I haven’t forgotten the larger plot points. I didn’t do a re-read of the series prior to starting this one and I had no problem following along. Sure, a refresher would’ve been great, but I didn’t have the time to spare, and quite frankly, as much as I love the compelling writing, Darren Davis is so abominable on page, I don’t relish repeat reading what he’s put Jaden through. Having said that, this newest installment was dastardly fantastic. Holy heck, is it a page turner and how the writing style reels me in. I am absolutely not Team Darren, but he is such a well portrayed villain and I will never stop admiring Jaden’s courage, even in her lowest of times. I’m always on the edge of my seat on behalf of Jaden and the events that happen never cease to surprise me in a “I can’t believe that happened, but of course it did” kind of way. Although this was supposed to be the final book, but is now split into 2 parts, I’m actually glad it’s not completely over yet because I have been enthralled with Jaden’s journey and this apparent, slow unraveling of Darren who will hopefully be on the receiving end of karma. I have such high hopes and optimism for Jaden and her potential future freedom and I am cheering her on all the way. Bring on part 2!
November 22, 2025
War is here,
ARC Review - Stand Part One by Jay Marie
After years of anticipation and countless teasers since the 2019 release of Strike, I was fortunate to be selected as an ARC reader for Stand Part One. Like many longtime fans who’ve reread the earlier books more than once, I noticed that The first half of Part One unfolds more like a slow burn compared to her previous reads. When the action hits, it's intense. Expect the hand to hand combat, car chases, gunfights, bloodshed, and death! What I didn't expect was Darren's ultimate betrayal of Jaden, but I believe she will finally get her revenge in Part Two, and this will lead to the Davis Empire's demise!
I’ve always been firmly on Team Jaden, but I think I’ve crossed almost over to the dark side; despite his continued cruelty and controlling behavior. I had hoped to see more fight from Jaden, but it was limited with his continued manipulations and threats. I was ecstatic when she was able to act on her training, and cause mayhem! Truly love when Darren underestimates his little fierce princess/queen!
Although I did appreciate the internal monologues from both Darren and Jaden, at times they felt a bit excessive. I also would’ve loved a few more chapters from Jason, Matt, and even Scott’s perspectives, especially given the level of destruction they unleashed.
I am so excited to read Part Two. With Darren’s growing protectiveness over Jaden and the war coming at him from all sides, how far will he go as more revelations come to light? How much longer will Jaden continue to play the “wife” he expects her to be? And with a new bodyguard, how much will Jaden's plans deviate?
There are so many unknowns, and although I’ve shifted to a love-to-hate mentality when it comes to Darren. I’m eager to read the moment when the Davis Empire crumbles!
ARC Review - Stand Part One by Jay Marie
After years of anticipation and countless teasers since the 2019 release of Strike, I was fortunate to be selected as an ARC reader for Stand Part One. Like many longtime fans who’ve reread the earlier books more than once, I noticed that The first half of Part One unfolds more like a slow burn compared to her previous reads. When the action hits, it's intense. Expect the hand to hand combat, car chases, gunfights, bloodshed, and death! What I didn't expect was Darren's ultimate betrayal of Jaden, but I believe she will finally get her revenge in Part Two, and this will lead to the Davis Empire's demise!
I’ve always been firmly on Team Jaden, but I think I’ve crossed almost over to the dark side; despite his continued cruelty and controlling behavior. I had hoped to see more fight from Jaden, but it was limited with his continued manipulations and threats. I was ecstatic when she was able to act on her training, and cause mayhem! Truly love when Darren underestimates his little fierce princess/queen!
Although I did appreciate the internal monologues from both Darren and Jaden, at times they felt a bit excessive. I also would’ve loved a few more chapters from Jason, Matt, and even Scott’s perspectives, especially given the level of destruction they unleashed.
I am so excited to read Part Two. With Darren’s growing protectiveness over Jaden and the war coming at him from all sides, how far will he go as more revelations come to light? How much longer will Jaden continue to play the “wife” he expects her to be? And with a new bodyguard, how much will Jaden's plans deviate?
There are so many unknowns, and although I’ve shifted to a love-to-hate mentality when it comes to Darren. I’m eager to read the moment when the Davis Empire crumbles!
November 16, 2025
I was so excited to be chosen as an ARC reader for Stand: Part One. The moment I got my copy, I was ready to jump back into the twisted chaos—and Jay Marie did not disappoint.
Jay Marie’s writing and world-building are absolutely phenomenal, as always. Even after all this time waiting for Stand, I was sucked right back in. The story flowed effortlessly—even with a slower start, I felt like I was right there, living every moment alongside Jaden.
Jaden and Darren’s dynamic was as toxic and intense as ever. I admit, something felt off about Jaden at first. Yes, she still burned with hate for Darren, but she felt like a ghost of the old Jaden. That fire, that fight—what made her unstoppable—seemed buried. I couldn’t stop wondering: Where is her spark?
Then came Darren’s betrayal—and his biggest mistake. It became the catalyst Jaden needed. Finally, something shifted. That long-lost fire flickered, then flared.
I just hope that fire stays lit. I want it to be the engine that drives her forward, fuels her vengeance, and ultimately burns the Davis Empire to the ground.
Part Two can’t come fast enough.
Jay Marie’s writing and world-building are absolutely phenomenal, as always. Even after all this time waiting for Stand, I was sucked right back in. The story flowed effortlessly—even with a slower start, I felt like I was right there, living every moment alongside Jaden.
Jaden and Darren’s dynamic was as toxic and intense as ever. I admit, something felt off about Jaden at first. Yes, she still burned with hate for Darren, but she felt like a ghost of the old Jaden. That fire, that fight—what made her unstoppable—seemed buried. I couldn’t stop wondering: Where is her spark?
Then came Darren’s betrayal—and his biggest mistake. It became the catalyst Jaden needed. Finally, something shifted. That long-lost fire flickered, then flared.
I just hope that fire stays lit. I want it to be the engine that drives her forward, fuels her vengeance, and ultimately burns the Davis Empire to the ground.
Part Two can’t come fast enough.
November 23, 2025
Bravo! Stand by Jay Marie was an amazing read that went far beyond what I expected. The story was packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Just when I thought the traitor would finally be caught, another surprise changed everything. It was thrilling, unpredictable, and nearly impossible to put down.
Darren’s cruelty knows no limits—he’s more ruthless than ever—while Jason’s deeper involvement adds even more mystery and intrigue. There’s still so much we don’t know about him, which keeps the suspense alive. In the previous book, it was hinted that Matt would uncover more about the warehouse incident, and as he learns the truth, he becomes increasingly unstable. Despite his powerful connections, revenge continues to slip through his fingers. Danial proves to be just as unhinged as Matt, while Jaden doesn’t yet realize the power she holds over Darren. The tension stayed high throughout, keeping me completely hooked and eager to see how each revelation unfolded. I can’t wait to see what happens next in part two!
Darren’s cruelty knows no limits—he’s more ruthless than ever—while Jason’s deeper involvement adds even more mystery and intrigue. There’s still so much we don’t know about him, which keeps the suspense alive. In the previous book, it was hinted that Matt would uncover more about the warehouse incident, and as he learns the truth, he becomes increasingly unstable. Despite his powerful connections, revenge continues to slip through his fingers. Danial proves to be just as unhinged as Matt, while Jaden doesn’t yet realize the power she holds over Darren. The tension stayed high throughout, keeping me completely hooked and eager to see how each revelation unfolded. I can’t wait to see what happens next in part two!
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