What do you think?
Rate this book
STRAYS
They were just strays … lost souls no one wanted. It can always get worse. Ripped away from her addict mother at eight only to be thrust into a new hell, those words have become etched on Cali’s soul. Life in the system has only reinforced them. Now, getting ready to step out on her own, she’s making plans and hoping against hope to break the cycle. Running for her life in a thunderstorm isn’t the way she’d expected to start. Keep your head down and work hard. It was the grown-up version of, out of sight, out of mind. It was how he had survived the hell of foster care. That, and running, but Jarek is done running. Finally, he has a place to call his own. Working construction, he builds things for strangers all day. At night, he renovates his dream home one piece at a time. He never expected to find the most important piece hiding under a wet tarp. Can Jarek show Cali that it can get better? Can two damaged souls learn to love and trust enough to build a life together?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2017
22 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Mara McBain
10 books193 followersMara McBain grew up in rural Indiana where she still lives with her husband of thirty - two years. Even in a population of under three thousand, she is an introvert who prefers quiet over crowds, and often only leaves the house under protest. Reading and writing are her escape and passion. In 2016, her other passion graduated from High School and joined the Army. A sergeant now, he has gifted her a new daughter and 3 beautiful grandbabies. ♥
As to her writing, if you take a peek here or on her website below, you will find a range of genres in Mara's bibliography. One book is not always like the next. She writes the story the characters whisper. So, she encourages you to look at the pretty covers, read the blurbs, and find the tales that speak to you. ♥
If you want to see the softer side of Mara,
check out her alter-ego, Anneliese Brand. ♥
As to her writing, if you take a peek here or on her website below, you will find a range of genres in Mara's bibliography. One book is not always like the next. She writes the story the characters whisper. So, she encourages you to look at the pretty covers, read the blurbs, and find the tales that speak to you. ♥
If you want to see the softer side of Mara,
check out her alter-ego, Anneliese Brand. ♥
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 13, 2017
STRAYS was okay. The synopsis sounded really interesting, but there was just something missing IMO, and I'm not sure what. I never 100% connected with either Jarek or Cali. While I sympathized with Cali and all that she'd been through, I can't say that I ever warmed up to her. I don't know...I really wanted to absolutely love this book, but I found myself a bit disappointed once I'd finished. I guess I expected more to happen, and it just fell a bit flat for me.
July 17, 2017
★4 Stars★
I took a risk on this book. I’ve never heard of this author, and none of her books look familiar, but my instincts told me I would like it, and I was right. From the very first page I was drawn into Cali’s world, and by the time Jarek turned up, I was completely hooked.
Thumbs UP
I’ve read a few stories now about Foster children/homes and some of the abuse that can happen at the hands of the adults. What made this story unique is that the author didn’t shy away from the details. I was confronted by Cali’s abuse, and it enraged me! But it was also really sad, because it was realistic.
Cali was my kind of heroine. She wasn’t a bitch, but she wasn’t overly friendly either. She was independent and wanted to stand on her own two feet, but she also wasn’t too pig-headed to shy away from help. She was strong. She was realistic. She wasn’t a dreamer. She was cautious, but not afraid to let good things happen to her.
Jarek was the male version of Cali, though he was slightly more of a cruiser than her. He was so caring, helpful and thoughtful when it came to Cali. He wasn’t motivated by his hormones either, which I especially loved. He was upfront about his feelings for Cali, when they eventually became more than friendly, but he never pushed for anything more than what she was willing to give. He was just an all-round great guy.
This story just felt real. The characters weren’t obscenely beautiful, they were just normal (though they were special to each other). There were no miracle solutions to all of Cali’s problems. Cali and Jarek’s relationship grew naturally, and they discussed their worries and qualms like two mature adults. I also loved Jarek's attitude toward doing up his home. This book didn’t rely on OTT action to be entertaining, yet I was completely entertained right the way through.
Thumbs DOWN
At times I felt Cali was a little blasé about the abuse she had been through. She acknowledged it and it definitely had an effect on her, but for the most part she just accepted it. I also didn’t like that she left her foster siblings behind without doing an awful lot to make sure they would be alright, knowing Minion in particular could be a target.
Final Thoughts
This book was a total winner for me. I just really liked the vibe of it. It was serious, but not overrun by darkness. It just felt like a good balance of good and bad themes. But more than all of that, I adored Cali and Jarek.
I will definitely be keeping an eye on this authors work in the future.
I took a risk on this book. I’ve never heard of this author, and none of her books look familiar, but my instincts told me I would like it, and I was right. From the very first page I was drawn into Cali’s world, and by the time Jarek turned up, I was completely hooked.
Thumbs UP
I’ve read a few stories now about Foster children/homes and some of the abuse that can happen at the hands of the adults. What made this story unique is that the author didn’t shy away from the details. I was confronted by Cali’s abuse, and it enraged me! But it was also really sad, because it was realistic.
Cali was my kind of heroine. She wasn’t a bitch, but she wasn’t overly friendly either. She was independent and wanted to stand on her own two feet, but she also wasn’t too pig-headed to shy away from help. She was strong. She was realistic. She wasn’t a dreamer. She was cautious, but not afraid to let good things happen to her.
Jarek was the male version of Cali, though he was slightly more of a cruiser than her. He was so caring, helpful and thoughtful when it came to Cali. He wasn’t motivated by his hormones either, which I especially loved. He was upfront about his feelings for Cali, when they eventually became more than friendly, but he never pushed for anything more than what she was willing to give. He was just an all-round great guy.
This story just felt real. The characters weren’t obscenely beautiful, they were just normal (though they were special to each other). There were no miracle solutions to all of Cali’s problems. Cali and Jarek’s relationship grew naturally, and they discussed their worries and qualms like two mature adults. I also loved Jarek's attitude toward doing up his home. This book didn’t rely on OTT action to be entertaining, yet I was completely entertained right the way through.
Thumbs DOWN
At times I felt Cali was a little blasé about the abuse she had been through. She acknowledged it and it definitely had an effect on her, but for the most part she just accepted it. I also didn’t like that she left her foster siblings behind without doing an awful lot to make sure they would be alright, knowing Minion in particular could be a target.
Final Thoughts
This book was a total winner for me. I just really liked the vibe of it. It was serious, but not overrun by darkness. It just felt like a good balance of good and bad themes. But more than all of that, I adored Cali and Jarek.
I will definitely be keeping an eye on this authors work in the future.
December 27, 2017
“I’ll risk it. We all go through shit. We can either sit down and cry, self medicate, or let it roll off and keep trying.”
A good deed done, and Jarek pays it forward, just when Cali needed a friend.
“Strays like us need to stick together.”
My feelings were all over the place, leaving me feeling dirty, wanting a shower, yet making me smile and want to hug the characters. It makes me feel hope for mankind. That there are more good people than bad people.
Even though the sex is a bit graphic, erotic, it is so sweet and loving, it gave me a warm, loving feeling.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to grow up without your parents, but this horrendous story of the foster care system makes me fear, not just for the characters.
I could see a totally different outcome for these two young people growing up in the system and turning out ‘bad’, but they managed to rise above their past into loving, giving, ‘normal’ grown ups.
“I think a lot of people underestimate the power of laughter. Couples that laugh together, stay together.”
I so much agree with this. To me, laughter is very powerful…and necessary.
“You don’t keep score in love.”
When theyy came home from seeing the Fourth of July fireworks, my feelings caught in my throat. Thank goodness it wasn’t what I thought, but Mara McBain sure gave me a feeling of panic with her writing.
Such a touching story, the writing having my feelings running riot. Hit all the buttons. Realistic, heartbreaking and heartwarming, with characters that shine and disgust in a realistic fashion. I have to give it a rousing five star rating and if you’re looking for something to wake you up and slap you around, give it a try.
I won a signed ARC of Strays by Mara McBain and I am so happy I did. Thank you Mara.
See more at fundinmental
A good deed done, and Jarek pays it forward, just when Cali needed a friend.
“Strays like us need to stick together.”
My feelings were all over the place, leaving me feeling dirty, wanting a shower, yet making me smile and want to hug the characters. It makes me feel hope for mankind. That there are more good people than bad people.
Even though the sex is a bit graphic, erotic, it is so sweet and loving, it gave me a warm, loving feeling.
I cannot imagine what it would be like to grow up without your parents, but this horrendous story of the foster care system makes me fear, not just for the characters.
I could see a totally different outcome for these two young people growing up in the system and turning out ‘bad’, but they managed to rise above their past into loving, giving, ‘normal’ grown ups.
“I think a lot of people underestimate the power of laughter. Couples that laugh together, stay together.”
I so much agree with this. To me, laughter is very powerful…and necessary.
“You don’t keep score in love.”
When theyy came home from seeing the Fourth of July fireworks, my feelings caught in my throat. Thank goodness it wasn’t what I thought, but Mara McBain sure gave me a feeling of panic with her writing.
Such a touching story, the writing having my feelings running riot. Hit all the buttons. Realistic, heartbreaking and heartwarming, with characters that shine and disgust in a realistic fashion. I have to give it a rousing five star rating and if you’re looking for something to wake you up and slap you around, give it a try.
I won a signed ARC of Strays by Mara McBain and I am so happy I did. Thank you Mara.
See more at fundinmental
July 14, 2017
Wow!!! What a brilliant Emotional Read From Mara McBain she is on fire 🔥
I have say this book is one of the best books I've read this year couldn't put it down but my eyes couldn't hold out I had only a few chapters left before I fell asleep and woke early to finish it. Wow!! Can't say that enough the emotion through this book goes straight to your heart and it sometimes tears it open Cali is such and amazing young woman even through her pain and Jarek wow! Through this wonderful young man Cali finds her peace he is the backbone of strength to hold her up when she sometimes falls but the strength and stature within Cali has her fighting to stand on her own two feet and together they are beautiful. I love Mrs M she is wonderful and you know where Jarek strength came from. I can't recommend this book enough and I don't think I've read a bad book from Mara but this and the Why Not Wyoming series by Anneliese Brand of my new favourite would give 10 stars if I could
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Comment Comment | Permalink
I have say this book is one of the best books I've read this year couldn't put it down but my eyes couldn't hold out I had only a few chapters left before I fell asleep and woke early to finish it. Wow!! Can't say that enough the emotion through this book goes straight to your heart and it sometimes tears it open Cali is such and amazing young woman even through her pain and Jarek wow! Through this wonderful young man Cali finds her peace he is the backbone of strength to hold her up when she sometimes falls but the strength and stature within Cali has her fighting to stand on her own two feet and together they are beautiful. I love Mrs M she is wonderful and you know where Jarek strength came from. I can't recommend this book enough and I don't think I've read a bad book from Mara but this and the Why Not Wyoming series by Anneliese Brand of my new favourite would give 10 stars if I could
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Comment Comment | Permalink
July 19, 2017
3.25 RATING - I'm not sure how I ended up reading this one, I usually steer clear of New Adult titles. I saw someone post about it though and since it was available through Kindle Unlimited I gave it a try when I was in between books.
The romance between the two characters developed nicely IMO. I liked the mild banter between them. It wasn't overdone and it seemed authentic of a real friendship. The writing was okay as well. Readers that enjoy New Adult stories, especially when they feature damaged characters or abused heroines, this may be worth checking out.
For possible trigger information, see spoiler below:
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
The romance between the two characters developed nicely IMO. I liked the mild banter between them. It wasn't overdone and it seemed authentic of a real friendship. The writing was okay as well. Readers that enjoy New Adult stories, especially when they feature damaged characters or abused heroines, this may be worth checking out.
For possible trigger information, see spoiler below:
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 7, 2017
What a great start to a new series
Glad to see Mara back. Loved the storyline. I could feel the love, heartache, and determination between our two characters. Can't wait to see what comes next.
Glad to see Mara back. Loved the storyline. I could feel the love, heartache, and determination between our two characters. Can't wait to see what comes next.
September 24, 2017
I am familiar with Mara McBain’s work from a long time ago, but especially her biker series, which I thought, were spectacular. Strays doesn’t disappoint either. I presume both the biker series and Strays must have been written after an extensive research, and for that alone, this author deserves an applause.
The story is about foster children, good and bad foster parents, and the adjustment to adult life by the already broken children one way or another. More than the intricate plot, the author’s insight into human psyche is profound and is shown through the characters’ actions and thought processes.
The story starts with a young girl who is about to become of age. She escapes from the hands of a foster father into a raging storm. While taking cover from the storm, a young man of 24 finds him and a relationship begins between the two. This young man also has come up through the foster parenting system. A bit of a coincidence here, I thought.
From here on, the tone of the story changes into a more positive one and the ending is very happy, but only after two months or so, which also left a question mark in my mind. Still, the emotional effect of the story and the author’s insight into children in the foster care make this novel a great success.
The story is about foster children, good and bad foster parents, and the adjustment to adult life by the already broken children one way or another. More than the intricate plot, the author’s insight into human psyche is profound and is shown through the characters’ actions and thought processes.
The story starts with a young girl who is about to become of age. She escapes from the hands of a foster father into a raging storm. While taking cover from the storm, a young man of 24 finds him and a relationship begins between the two. This young man also has come up through the foster parenting system. A bit of a coincidence here, I thought.
From here on, the tone of the story changes into a more positive one and the ending is very happy, but only after two months or so, which also left a question mark in my mind. Still, the emotional effect of the story and the author’s insight into children in the foster care make this novel a great success.
July 14, 2017
***3.5***
Read
July 11, 2017dnf
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews