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Stark Ink #4
Stronger
*Erotic romance: Scenes of graphic violence, sex, and language*
The darkest skies...
Jonah endured a horrific childhood before being adopted by the Starks. The damage had been done, though, both absolute and enduring. For twenty years he's held everyone at arm's length, everyone, that is, except Sienna. The sad little girl with scabby knees crept into his heart from the second their hands touched. Jonah has never really been able to let go, but he couldn't hold on, either. He just wasn't strong enough.
Hold the brightest stars.
Sienna's eighteen now, and Jonah's lurked in the shadows for far too long. He's watched over her, protected her, and now he's going to claim her. It was a long, hard road out of hell, but Jonah's finally become the man Sienna deserves. He's ready now and he'll never let her go because this time he's...
Stronger.
The darkest skies...
Jonah endured a horrific childhood before being adopted by the Starks. The damage had been done, though, both absolute and enduring. For twenty years he's held everyone at arm's length, everyone, that is, except Sienna. The sad little girl with scabby knees crept into his heart from the second their hands touched. Jonah has never really been able to let go, but he couldn't hold on, either. He just wasn't strong enough.
Hold the brightest stars.
Sienna's eighteen now, and Jonah's lurked in the shadows for far too long. He's watched over her, protected her, and now he's going to claim her. It was a long, hard road out of hell, but Jonah's finally become the man Sienna deserves. He's ready now and he'll never let her go because this time he's...
Stronger.
Unknown Binding
First published July 26, 2015
About the author
Dahlia West
24 books948 followersAmateur Writer. Professional Procrastinator. Voted Least Likely to Succeed in high school. Twice. Dean's list-Purdue University. Honorary Southerner. Future stand-up comedian. Gen X.
www.dahliawest.com
DahliaMWest@gmail.com
Follow me on IG: dahlia_west_13
www.dahliawest.com
DahliaMWest@gmail.com
Follow me on IG: dahlia_west_13
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 2, 2016
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February 19, 2016
This is more of a 4.5 star book for me, but I bump it up for its ability to make me ugly cry a few times.
Jonah is the troubled son. Adopted by the Starks after a stint being fostered by them when he was a young teen, he was an at-risk kid with trust issues and a tendency toward violence. He was angry and sullen. With very good reason. It's obvious from the first book what some of his background is even though it's never fully revealed. It's not a secret, it's just not dealt with in any specific way in the earlier books, but enough is apparent that difficult young man who seems to give almost nothing emotionally is sympathetic.
I was trepidatious about reading this book, especially after not liking Ava's. Jonah is older than Ava but not by all that much. He's only about 22 or 23 in his story and Sienna is young as well, only 18. But they are both much more mature young adults than Ava so their love story was much easier to believe.
For one thing, they have a history. A long one. They basically saved each others' lives at various times in their timeline. West does a great job with the flashbacks too, not getting mired, but offering tidy, poignant scenes that are effective in the overall plot. We even see flashbacks from Jonah's POV of scenes we read in the earlier books and they work very well. I've found in other books that technique can be just a retread but these POV shifts gave valuable insight into Jonah's motivations. Sometimes things were not at all what they seemed from the other angle too, which was interesting.
There are a couple of things I want to know that I think I never will. I see no reason why either of those questions would be answered, so I'll just continue to make assumptions. :)
This is a really good series, IMO. There's just a really strong story of family and finding inner strength that resonates for me. If you have a high tolerance for NA you might even like Ava's book.
As I've said before, Dahlia West is one to watch.
Jonah is the troubled son. Adopted by the Starks after a stint being fostered by them when he was a young teen, he was an at-risk kid with trust issues and a tendency toward violence. He was angry and sullen. With very good reason. It's obvious from the first book what some of his background is even though it's never fully revealed. It's not a secret, it's just not dealt with in any specific way in the earlier books, but enough is apparent that difficult young man who seems to give almost nothing emotionally is sympathetic.
I was trepidatious about reading this book, especially after not liking Ava's. Jonah is older than Ava but not by all that much. He's only about 22 or 23 in his story and Sienna is young as well, only 18. But they are both much more mature young adults than Ava so their love story was much easier to believe.
For one thing, they have a history. A long one. They basically saved each others' lives at various times in their timeline. West does a great job with the flashbacks too, not getting mired, but offering tidy, poignant scenes that are effective in the overall plot. We even see flashbacks from Jonah's POV of scenes we read in the earlier books and they work very well. I've found in other books that technique can be just a retread but these POV shifts gave valuable insight into Jonah's motivations. Sometimes things were not at all what they seemed from the other angle too, which was interesting.
There are a couple of things I want to know that I think I never will. I see no reason why either of those questions would be answered, so I'll just continue to make assumptions. :)
This is a really good series, IMO. There's just a really strong story of family and finding inner strength that resonates for me. If you have a high tolerance for NA you might even like Ava's book.
As I've said before, Dahlia West is one to watch.
July 27, 2015
I really liked this book. I liked seeing this obviously troubled young man grow up and find his rightful place in his family, to allow himself to be loved, and to love a good woman and finally get his HEA. The story allows us to see that they have been in love with one another for years, but it took that long to be ready for each other. I enjoyed seeing the Burnout crew glimpses. I think this book was the best one in this series. Stronger was a good end to this series.
December 31, 2017
Re-read December 2017
~ Originally read July 2017 ~ I've had this book for a while, but have just now gotten around to reading it and I'm so glad I did!
Jonah was my idea of the perfect hero and I loved Sienna too! I especially loved how they loved each other! This book was really cute and touching and I'm so glad I finally read it.
~ Originally read July 2017 ~ I've had this book for a while, but have just now gotten around to reading it and I'm so glad I did!
Jonah was my idea of the perfect hero and I loved Sienna too! I especially loved how they loved each other! This book was really cute and touching and I'm so glad I finally read it.
August 4, 2017
Amazing.
July 30, 2015
3 cheers for DAHLIA!!! She wrote the most wonderful ending to the series. Well it isn't really an ending, it seemed almost like a "see you later" which I love her for. She executed Jonah and Sienna perfectly. This is a must read!! Just have tissues and someone to hold you back from throwing your e-reader at the wall.
JONAH JONAH JONAH
He took me by surprise with his love and tenderness towards Sienna. How he treats like the most precious thing ever. His childhood was horrible and to know that he over came all that to be a wonderful human being was amazing to read about. I also loved how he dealt with Pops and his illness.
Sienna punched someone!!! Yes sweet quiet Sienna did it. And I cheered her on. LOL she was so strong in her own way. The way she deals with Jonah is too cute. I love how she initiated the piercing. (Must read part!) she is the soft to his tough , the light to his darkness and the feels to his numbness.
I love the ending to this. The Stark family has had it tough for a long time. And it was nice to read about how they all overcame it. The mothers letters where the best knowing exactly what to say to each child. I hope we get small insides of this group later on. loved the Burnout gangs cameo. Specially Tex and Abby's.
JONAH JONAH JONAH
He took me by surprise with his love and tenderness towards Sienna. How he treats like the most precious thing ever. His childhood was horrible and to know that he over came all that to be a wonderful human being was amazing to read about. I also loved how he dealt with Pops and his illness.
Sienna punched someone!!! Yes sweet quiet Sienna did it. And I cheered her on. LOL she was so strong in her own way. The way she deals with Jonah is too cute. I love how she initiated the piercing. (Must read part!) she is the soft to his tough , the light to his darkness and the feels to his numbness.
I love the ending to this. The Stark family has had it tough for a long time. And it was nice to read about how they all overcame it. The mothers letters where the best knowing exactly what to say to each child. I hope we get small insides of this group later on. loved the Burnout gangs cameo. Specially Tex and Abby's.
March 28, 2024
2 ⭐️⭐️
I had bigger expectations for this one, but it just didn't hit the mark for me unfortunately – the back and forth over the years didn't make sense to me.
– Dual pov, third-person
– Dual virgin
– No cheating or OW/OM drama (h has a boyfriend at start but he's pretty irrelevant)
– HEA ending + epilogue
– Possible triggers:
I had bigger expectations for this one, but it just didn't hit the mark for me unfortunately – the back and forth over the years didn't make sense to me.
– Dual pov, third-person
– Dual virgin
– No cheating or OW/OM drama (h has a boyfriend at start but he's pretty irrelevant)
– HEA ending + epilogue
– Possible triggers:
October 7, 2015
Although I loved this book and I love Jonah, But I was a little disappointed with Sienna. She bored me to no end!
September 11, 2016
I loved this book, the whole series was incredible but I guess they saved the best for last.
December 17, 2018
Jonah came from a life of abuse, he was 9 or 10 when he came to the Stark’s as a foster child. He has been in love with Sienna for years, but he wouldn’t do anything about it. She was a little younger, and he didn’t feel good enough for her. Sienna’s mother is an alcoholic. She didn’t suffer from abuse per se, but from neglect. She is in love with Jonah as well, but doesn’t understand why he avoids her. Will these two with varying broken pasts be able to help heal each other or will there be too much for them to overcome? This is the last Stark sibling searching for his HEA, and I enjoyed the read.
October 20, 2019
Hot read!!
Jonah had a hard life as a kid thru the system. Then one night he's placed with the Starks. He thinks to run away until he meets Sierra. Sierra is younger than him and he sees it as his mission to protect her. As the years pass by he keeps her safe. Then the time comes and he sees nothing but her. Can she accept Jonah and all the secrets he hold or will she move on? Read now to find out.
Jonah had a hard life as a kid thru the system. Then one night he's placed with the Starks. He thinks to run away until he meets Sierra. Sierra is younger than him and he sees it as his mission to protect her. As the years pass by he keeps her safe. Then the time comes and he sees nothing but her. Can she accept Jonah and all the secrets he hold or will she move on? Read now to find out.
May 9, 2017
Loved this story I was so looking forward to this story the most from the series I'm so happy with how it all turned out fantastic HEA ... :)
August 6, 2017
Wow
Love Jonah love him so much. This was a great book and a very good story. I've enjoyed this series a lot! Read it!
Love Jonah love him so much. This was a great book and a very good story. I've enjoyed this series a lot! Read it!
November 26, 2017
I like Dahlia West’s writing. Not as good as previous books but issues were dealt with well. Really good author.
August 26, 2019
Not what I was looking to get list in. It was me, not the book. And I did not read any of the other books in the series.
April 10, 2021
DNF.....
July 2, 2016
Jonah had a tough life, but he has always been in love with Sienna, and so has she. I didn't understand why he couldn't give himself permission to be with her, but the book explains how he felt, how his mind was giving him an image of himself that kept him from going after what he wanted. I felt bad for him, because he wanted to be part of the family and he wanted to be with Sienna, but he didn't feel like he could do it. I liked the format, with the flashbacks, it helped to give a better image of who he is, and also clarified some things that we read about in the other books, but that we now see from his perspective.
November 29, 2015
Oh wow! I really thought that Adam was my favorite Stark, I was wrong. Jonah.... I feel like I should be able to just say his name and that's all you need to know about WHY you should read this book. And Sienna she was awesome.
OK so, I was nervous because really we knew hardly anything about Jonah except that he had it rough as a kid (and I mean ROUGH) and came to live with the Stark's but he still struggled even though he had a great set of parents just wanting to love him. Sienna was also a bit of an unknown, since all we knew was she lived behind the Stark's and was friends With Ava and in love with Jonah. We didn't really know her story.
They both are meant for each other. She just wants to love him and he just wants to be good enough for her. Their story is fast paced and never did I find myself skimming. I was very excited to see all our Burnout favorites and get a bit if mystery towards the end with "Rapid City Rampage". But the end oh man the ending tore me up. It was perfect, full circle. I will certainly miss the Stark family and our Burnout crew but I can't wait for Preacher!
OK so, I was nervous because really we knew hardly anything about Jonah except that he had it rough as a kid (and I mean ROUGH) and came to live with the Stark's but he still struggled even though he had a great set of parents just wanting to love him. Sienna was also a bit of an unknown, since all we knew was she lived behind the Stark's and was friends With Ava and in love with Jonah. We didn't really know her story.
They both are meant for each other. She just wants to love him and he just wants to be good enough for her. Their story is fast paced and never did I find myself skimming. I was very excited to see all our Burnout favorites and get a bit if mystery towards the end with "Rapid City Rampage". But the end oh man the ending tore me up. It was perfect, full circle. I will certainly miss the Stark family and our Burnout crew but I can't wait for Preacher!
June 15, 2016
I must say that Stronger was the best book in this series. I knew that reading Jonah's story would be heartbreaking. He was a broken child who grew up never feeling like he belonged, until he finally did. Although he always had a fear that it wouldn't last. He finally found a family that loved him but he kept waiting for himself to do something wrong that would make them send him away, even though they never would have.
It wasn't until the death of his mom that he realized that it was time to finally be the man he always could be. Hiding the fact that he was underground fighting and seeing a therapist so that he could finally claim the woman that he has loved since he was 12 years old.
Sienna has always loved Jonah but he has pushed her away so many times that she thinks there is no future for them. When she finds out Jonah's secrets she loves him enough to stand by him. Sienna has had a rough life growing up. A parent that is more interested in finding a man and her next bottle of booze.
This book is emotional and you may need a tissue at certain parts. A great read and would highly recommend. You will fall in love with Jonah!
It wasn't until the death of his mom that he realized that it was time to finally be the man he always could be. Hiding the fact that he was underground fighting and seeing a therapist so that he could finally claim the woman that he has loved since he was 12 years old.
Sienna has always loved Jonah but he has pushed her away so many times that she thinks there is no future for them. When she finds out Jonah's secrets she loves him enough to stand by him. Sienna has had a rough life growing up. A parent that is more interested in finding a man and her next bottle of booze.
This book is emotional and you may need a tissue at certain parts. A great read and would highly recommend. You will fall in love with Jonah!
May 27, 2016
What an ending! This series has some false starts but it really picked up and ended on a high note. Jonah is by far my favourite of the Stark siblings. His background broke my heart and he was such a damaged character (even more so than than Dalton). So many times he wanted to run but he stayed because of his protectiveness over Sienna. He would be an illegal underground fighter so as to earn as much money as he could. His last fight almost put him under the ground for good.
What I also love about this book is that I get to my favourite guys from the Burnout series! There's also one scene where it intertwines with Rapid City's Book 1 (Preacher). If I have to recommend just one book from the Stark Ink series, I highly recommend Stronger. However, it is advisable to read them all to truly understand this family.
Start with the Burnout series, followed by Stark Ink series and then move on to Rapid City stories Preacher.
What I also love about this book is that I get to my favourite guys from the Burnout series! There's also one scene where it intertwines with Rapid City's Book 1 (Preacher). If I have to recommend just one book from the Stark Ink series, I highly recommend Stronger. However, it is advisable to read them all to truly understand this family.
Start with the Burnout series, followed by Stark Ink series and then move on to Rapid City stories Preacher.
January 8, 2017
book four of the Stark series by Dahlia West. Jonah is the youngest Stark brother and one of the adopted kids that Mr and Mrs Stark took in. Jonah has a lot of issues and many are not revealed till late in this book. he has always loved Sienna who lived next to Starks house and is Ava bff.
sienna has love Jonah forever but after he rejects her she decides to try and move on but when sienna turns 18 all bets are off and Jonah decides to make her his.
love that this series is very realistic and the hurt Jonah has been through make you desperately want everything to work out.
this book made me mad cry and at times laugh out load. a lot of people gave this series a low rating saying it isn't as good as the Burnout series but i think it is. its just a little different because non of the characters are ex military. absolutely love the ending of this book made me cry like a baby. great HEA
sienna has love Jonah forever but after he rejects her she decides to try and move on but when sienna turns 18 all bets are off and Jonah decides to make her his.
love that this series is very realistic and the hurt Jonah has been through make you desperately want everything to work out.
this book made me mad cry and at times laugh out load. a lot of people gave this series a low rating saying it isn't as good as the Burnout series but i think it is. its just a little different because non of the characters are ex military. absolutely love the ending of this book made me cry like a baby. great HEA
February 13, 2016
Wow
This is the last book from the Stark Ink series but I hope we see more of these characters. I say this while crying over the end of this book. So many books and characters are intertwined in so many books. I am having a hard time letting go and I suppose that's a good thing. Dahlia West is absolutely brilliant at putting all the pieces together. Way back when I started with Shooter and continued on. I remember having a texted conversation with this author and she told me she had to do some big changes because she messed up plot or story line, honestly I can't remember what but wow it was so well done. I am still wanting more and you will to.
This is the last book from the Stark Ink series but I hope we see more of these characters. I say this while crying over the end of this book. So many books and characters are intertwined in so many books. I am having a hard time letting go and I suppose that's a good thing. Dahlia West is absolutely brilliant at putting all the pieces together. Way back when I started with Shooter and continued on. I remember having a texted conversation with this author and she told me she had to do some big changes because she messed up plot or story line, honestly I can't remember what but wow it was so well done. I am still wanting more and you will to.
August 13, 2015
This book is the best in the series. Jonah has a terrible beginning in life and this is the story of his HEA. You will enjoy hearing his POV. Very protective alpha male. The Burnout crew all make an appearance, and Dahlia teases us with the possibility of more stories in Rapid City.
Dahlia West has written two great book series, she is an excellent writer, great characters, storyline, dialogue is FANTASTIC. Some of her stuff will have you laughing out loud. She has become one of my must read authors since I read Shooter and I have enjoyed all of her books.
Dahlia West has written two great book series, she is an excellent writer, great characters, storyline, dialogue is FANTASTIC. Some of her stuff will have you laughing out loud. She has become one of my must read authors since I read Shooter and I have enjoyed all of her books.
July 28, 2015
4 1/2 * I found Stronger adds a very good strong conclusion to the Stark Ink series. I believe that this story works very well as a stand alone however for better appreciation I would recommend the first 3 books in this series. An at times serious subject matter, handled well, providing believable motivation as well as providing some LOL moments. The story unfolds well with good intermingerling of past and present. I was fortunate to read a pre edited draft copy but have also happily purchased my own kindle copy for my library, I will definitely be rereading this series
February 14, 2016
I’ve loved reading the Stark Ink series and couldn’t wait for Jonah and Sienna’s story to be told. It was well worth the wait.
The story of a young boy who thought little of himself and couldn’t imagine how someone else could possibly love him and the little girl who always had drew me in from the first words.
This story will make you laugh and make you cry and you will realize that the old saying really is true. What doesn’t kill us really does make us Stronger.
The story of a young boy who thought little of himself and couldn’t imagine how someone else could possibly love him and the little girl who always had drew me in from the first words.
This story will make you laugh and make you cry and you will realize that the old saying really is true. What doesn’t kill us really does make us Stronger.
August 6, 2015
Jonah was a lost little boy when the Stark's took him in as a foster child. He became a part of the family when they adopted him. But his demons remained and fighting them was hard....until he finally made the decision to claim Sienna. He had watched over and protected her since he came to the Stark's home when he saw her next door. I am not one to give the main plot away but I will say that this book kept me hooked until I completed it!!! Loved the epilogue!!!!!!
August 2, 2015
I patiently waited for Jonah's story. I read it in one afternoon and LOVED IT !!! I'm sorry to see the Star's go. Can't wait for Preachers story to come out !!!
Everyone should read the Burnout and Stark series great book writing by a great writer. Thanks Dahlia for a great series !
Everyone should read the Burnout and Stark series great book writing by a great writer. Thanks Dahlia for a great series !
September 20, 2015
Book 4
Absolutely love this series. In fact, all of Dehlia West's books are great ....except for Tex. Still hate him. But that is what makes Me. West a good writer. She brings out emotions in her readers. Tex I want to shoot. Jonah I want to just hold and cry with. Hawk. My favorite.
Fellow readers. Don't stop at one book or one series. Read all of her books.
Absolutely love this series. In fact, all of Dehlia West's books are great ....except for Tex. Still hate him. But that is what makes Me. West a good writer. She brings out emotions in her readers. Tex I want to shoot. Jonah I want to just hold and cry with. Hawk. My favorite.
Fellow readers. Don't stop at one book or one series. Read all of her books.
April 20, 2016
Not the usual typos in this one. Just quotation marks not used correctly so I got mixed up on what was being thought versus said.
This may be my favorite book of the series. I am loving getting Jonah's back story. To know what his family thinks was going on and then to find out what really happened and why is eye opening. I knew his story would tug at my heartstrings. This whole series does.
This may be my favorite book of the series. I am loving getting Jonah's back story. To know what his family thinks was going on and then to find out what really happened and why is eye opening. I knew his story would tug at my heartstrings. This whole series does.
June 16, 2016
Absolutely wonderful reading
I loved this whole series! I am feeling so sad because the series is over. Dahlia West had me hooked with book 1. She makes you feel like you really know these characters and you become involved in their lives. The Stark family lead interesting lives. I would recommend these books to all my friends.
I loved this whole series! I am feeling so sad because the series is over. Dahlia West had me hooked with book 1. She makes you feel like you really know these characters and you become involved in their lives. The Stark family lead interesting lives. I would recommend these books to all my friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews