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Stronger: An Omegaverse Story
Breaking Free #3.5

Learning to trust can bring a lifetime of joy.

As happily-married beta couple Serge and Dex Freel await the birth of their first child, Serge can’t help but think back to the rocky start of his and Dex’s relationship. After a party introduction from a mutual friend, a tentative friendship blooms into something much stronger. Marred by misunderstandings, personal prejudices, and Serge’s own inability to trust, they nearly go their separate ways more than once—and almost lose their chance at the beautiful life they’ll build together.

But Dex’s alpha-like stubbornness and Serge’s desperate need to care for others brings them back together over and over, until both men realize they’re truly stronger together than apart. But their happily-ever-after is hard-won and other friendships are tested, before Serge finally takes a chance on giving his heart to Dex and trusting the other man not to break it into unfixable pieces—and trust is not something Serge gives easily.

See how two fan-favorite characters from the Breaking Free Omegaverse series meet in this 42k word novella. The story is best enjoyed after reading Heard (BF #3), because the current timeline events occur during Heard’s epilogue, but it can also be easily read after Found (BF #4). Content warnings for previous books in the series apply.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2018

53 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Arthur

89 books1,236 followers
No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com

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5 stars
192 (49%)
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150 (38%)
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36 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,245 reviews259 followers
February 27, 2018
This story is different from the others in that it follows a beta couple.

If you’ve been following the series, you’re going to want to read Serge and Dex’s story. Serge and Dex are awaiting the birth of the child they are adopting and we get a flashback to when they met and their dating life. This all provides a better understanding of why the men were so willing to jump in to help Braun and the other omegas in the story.

Betas are generally free to live the life they want. They work, date and marry, but are also still fodder for abusive alphas. Just like the omegas we’ve met in the prior books, Serge and Dex have suffered their share of abuse.

We see how Serge’s relationship with Tarek and other alphas were cause for suspicion on Dex’s part and how he initially resisted Serge’s attempts to connect. We also get to see their relationship grow from tentative friends to the solid and loving couple they are when we first met them in book one.

With plenty of emotional ups and downs and a very happy ending, this is a must read for fans of the series!
Profile Image for Christy.
4,462 reviews126 followers
June 10, 2018
I’m beyond thrilled that the author decided to write Serge and Dex’s story. They have been such a huge part of the first three books and the author has hinted about Serge’s struggles in the past and his and Dex’s hard-won relationship. I’m not going into details regarding the worldbuilding as I truly believe these books should be read in order. Needless to say, heed the author’s warning regarding triggers as there are many emotional land mines to be found in this world.

Dex and Serge first meet at a party and I can’t say it is love, or even like, and certainly not lust (at least not on Serge’s part) at that first introduction. Serge has just finished nursing school and is doing his rotations at the hospital while Dex is working for the Constabulary in their research department. Serge grew up with two beta fathers who adopted him and he is an only child. Dex has a sire and an omegin and is one of four children. Needless to say, at this point in time, Serge is very passionate about what society deems as gender roles. He has no use for alphas and there’s a horrifying reason for that, so to discover that Dex’s two close friends are alphas puts Serge’s back up and makes him not to even want to contemplate being friends with the other beta.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
3,225 reviews47 followers
December 10, 2018
When I first met Serge and Dex is book 1, I immediately loved them. Knowing what danger and trouble they could be in for taking in Braun, they didn't hesitate. Knowing an Omega was in trouble, they offered to help. And seeing how Serge helped omegas and was trying to better things. Dex, too, in his own way. You wouldn't think working in records would help, but oh did it. Seeing how they were, I wanted to know more about them and I was so excited when this was written. Especially when I found out they were finally getting the rest of their dream.
Serge and Dex didn't hit off very well in the beginning. Both had trust issues but Dex was a little more open than Serge. And Serge was even more hesitant because of Dex’s alpha friends. But little by little, Dex wins Serge over. As a friend anyway. Just when things were possibly going a little farther, an incident occurs that slams all doors shut and what they had is possibly over before it really gets started. But Dex refuses to give up. After 3 weeks, Dex sneaks his way in and both finally talk. Learning what has both of them not eager to trust. And maybe finally they have a way to heal.
I love, love, love these two. They just fit perfectly with the rest of guys. It doesn't matter they are betas. They still love hard and are loyal. They take no flak from people and try to be the best they can be. After reading both of their pasts, I loved them even more. To overcome what they endured and still keep going, it's amazing. Yes, there are obstacles. Trusting is never easy after pasts like that, but they take a chance on each other. Dex shows such patience and understanding. He gives Serge the strength he needs to move on. Serge is everything Dex needs to be happy. They're perfect.
I'm so glad to see these guys get their happy ending. And to see them get their story. Dex and Serge are so special. Often looked over because they are betas. But they've more than proven their worth and I am glad to have gotten to see how it continues for them. A wonderful story.

http://lovebytesreviews.com
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,118 reviews520 followers
February 28, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


Stronger is a short novel set in A.M. Arthur’s Breaking Free universe. While the first four stories feature alpha and omega relationships in the omegaverse, this one diverges by bringing us the story of the two married betas. Dex and Serge have been prominent side characters all throughout the series and play a big role as part of the friend group that has evolved among the pairs. I just love them and so I was really excited to see their story being told here. While this book is a standalone in the sense that it largely takes place before the series begins, it fits officially as book 3.5 and should be read after Heard if you are following the series.

So like I said, I love Dex and Serge and it was nice to get the backstory to how their relationship developed. We get a chance to see them meet, learn more about each of them individually, and get to know these guys better in a starring role, rather than just as support. I have always seen Serge as the more nurturing one, so I liked getting to see that softer side of Dex here as well as he helps Serge through some emotionally difficult events. Arthur does a nice job making this story feel connected to the series as a whole, but also stand alone well.

While the guys have some sweet moments together and Dex comes across as a total dear in the way he woos and cares for Serge, Serge spends a lot of time pushing him away. The conflict here focuses largely on the fact that Serge doesn’t like alphas (or more accurately, is generally afraid of them), so he is not happy that Dex has two alpha best friends. One of them is Tarek, the MC from Saved, so it sets up this kind of weird situation where on one hand we are sympathetic to Serge for his fears, and on the other it seems weird that the object of his fear is someone we know is a good guy. There is all this anti-alpha vibe in the story, and yet all the previous books have kind, loving alpha heroes. So that was kind of an odd vibe to me.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.


Profile Image for Ayla.
618 reviews
May 19, 2018
So glad to get Dex and Serge's story! They are such a big part of the other books and it was nice to get their backstory and see their relationship build.

There was a bit of an emotional punch at the end. Definitely some tears... but it ended good and worked out well for the story.

SO glad Dex and Serge got their baby!
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
November 3, 2018

Stronger is the 3.5 installment in the Breaking Free series. Stronger goes back into Dex and Serge's relationship.

I loved that most of this book is written about the past of Dex and Serge. How they met, what kept them from becoming a couple at that first meeting. The baggage they have and how they carried that with them into the relationship. Dex and Serge are the strong ones for their friends but we got to see them when they weren't, when they were vulnerable and just beginning. I have to say this did bring tears to my eyes, which I loved.

I can't wait to see what's next!

**I read and reviewed my personal copy this book for Wicked Reads.**

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,777 reviews51 followers
March 14, 2019
**verified purchase Dec 2018**

This is book 3.5 in the Breaking Free series, but you can totally read this one as a stand alone. I would, however, STRONGLY recommend that you read the other books in the series, they are so bloody good, I'm inhaling them! You won't regret it! there is a bit on the listing for this book that says it should be read between 3 and 4, or after 4. The time lines cross some of the end of book 3. I've not yet read book 4, but will be reading that after.

Dex and Serge have been together a while and are awaiting the arrival of the child they have been lucky enough to adopt. And this book takes us back to the beginning of that beautiful relationship that positively GLOWS out of the other books.

I loved this couple inn the other books, and I am so glad we got the story of their mating. But what this book shows is, it's not just the omegas who are classed as second class citizens, but also the betas. Both Dex and Serge suffered at the hands of alphas who *thought* they were better than everyone else. I'm not telling how, cos that's spoilers, but Arthur keeps throwing these things at me, and just when I think it won't get any worse, it does!

It's a truly beautiful thing to watch Dex wait for Serge, it really is. Dex knows Serge is his mate, even if betas don't bond the same way alphas and omegas do. They LOVE far harder, though! Dex just needs to make sure that Serge knows he is safe, and that Dex loves him.

And we get Tarek too. His friendship with Dex is so Deep, that he stands up for Serge when he hears another alpha friend saying what he wanted to do to Serge. It shows that Tarek's soul is good and pure, way before he meets Braun in Saved (book one)

It's a lot shorter than the other books, some 150 pages, but it still packs quite a punch!

5 full stars

**same worded review ill appear elsewhere**
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,814 reviews32 followers
January 30, 2018
Stronger is a book that the fans requested. Beta couple Serge and Dex Freel have been very prominent secondary characters in the previous books but we never got their backstory. Stronger gives us that and I loved it!

Serge and Dex are introduced at a party by Serge's roommate Gaven. While they hit it off OK, Serge has no interest in dating or starting a relationship and pretty rudely tells Dex just that. Dex is persistent and convinces Serge to be friends.

We learn so much about Serge in this story and why he doesn't do relationships. I won't kid you; this story broke my heart more than once as I read it – you will probably need tissues handy. As Serge and Dex become closer things heat up between them but they have to navigate a few bumps in the road before they finally get their HEA.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
557 reviews
January 24, 2018
Dex and Serge, what a journey!

I absolutely loved this story because of the glimpses of Dex and especially Serge in the previous books. They were so loving and caring of the people in their lives and showed it in everything they did so I was curious about what made them that way. This story answered my question. Dex is so great in persevering and knowing that Serge would be the lasting love of his life if he could win his trust. The end was so painful and so joyous that I cried throughout it all!

There was nothing I disliked about this book except that these men aren’t alive and in my life 😔.
34 reviews
July 3, 2018
LOVEEEEEEE

Serge and Dex's story has been much anticipated since Saved (Breaking Free #1) and learning more about their lives was much, much welcome. Kudos to A.M Arthur for capturing their beautiful story with beautiful words and introducing the backstory of their son's name (I may or may not have been weeping but I have the flu so u cant prove anything). I cannot wait to delve into Found (BF4) after this review (yep, already waiting for me!).And I cannot wait for this series to grow and grow until im at least 90, please and thankyou. Keep writing like this, keep insipiring us and keep allowing us to fall in love with your beautiful boys! Good luck❤
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews234 followers
November 19, 2018
4 Stars

Considering how vitally important Serge and Dex are to at least 3 sets of Alpha/Omega pairings, it was about damned time we got their story. For a while there it felt like these Betas were second-class citizens in the series as well as the 'verse where it's set.

And it was good. So good. Completely worth the wait. Explained a lot of behavior from both in previous books. I cried ugly tears there near the end because I knew they'd named their son Gaven but had no idea why.

(I also don't remember much about Monte; was he just so much of an alphahole that I just zoned him out? I know it's been a minute since I read the first one, but still...)

Totally ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,507 reviews5 followers
December 24, 2021
This one was an unexpected tearjerker with so much pain, healing, and love that it is a real standout in the series so far. We've met Serge and Dex in the previous book and they were always presented as a happily married beta couple who would do anything to support their friends, including opening their home to abused omegas. This book goes back to their beginnings as a couple and provides greater insights into what makes them so compassionate and kind to all those around them. Most of it is presented as a flashback wrapped into the story of the birth and adoption of their baby after six years together. It's very well-written and a don't-miss novella.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,276 reviews20 followers
January 25, 2018
Loved so much

I loved following the journey of dex and serge and how they met

Stronger was such a emotional there were heartbreaking moments but also heartwarming moments to

I felt everything serge and dex was going through on every page I just wanted to hug them

Stronger had so many feels I felt like I was their alongside serge and dex every step of the way

Thank you a m Arthur for giving us serge and Dex's story
1,429 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2018
The waiting!

What an amazing story! Life and all her hurdles is what these two Betas experience together.
Learning each other, what they like or dislike. A Career as a Nurse and a Police officer forging life together with the final lap they adopt a lovely baby. This one made me cry.
3,566 reviews38 followers
March 28, 2019
Gifts of Friendship and Lovei

I loved Gaven and the close friendships he forged. The gun violence reminds me so much of what we are facing in our society today. Love can combat evil, but unless we take a stand, collectively, as a nation, there will continue to be too many Gavens.
Profile Image for Amber Fueston.
1,540 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2020
I have loved Serge and Dex from the very beginning. Those two beta's have a way of firmly planting themselves in your heart. They are almost like the backbone of this group of friends. The home. They are always ready to lend a helping hand. Seeing how these two came together was absolutely beautiful.
437 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2020
Stronger: An Omegaverse Story (Breaking...

This was absolutely magnificent, I could not put it down. Definitely worth reading, so much excitement and drama, exciting moments and lots of secrets revealed, so much love and you'll not want it to end. Keep the Kleenex handy, because you'll need it. So many thanks, love this series, Honey Bee 🤩🎭🔥📚💙🐝🎶
Profile Image for Maureen Neil.
84 reviews
January 26, 2018
So good I got lost

This story starts in the present and then takes us back to Dex and Serge's beginning as a couple. I literally got lost in the story and forgot that it was a flashback. Need I say more?
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,816 reviews
February 4, 2018
I am really enjoying this series and it was a pleasure to get Serge and Dex's story. it was more painful and emotional then I had expected. Definitely recommend reading all the books. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for book .
509 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2018
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review.

This was an amazing view into the lives of our beloved eta couple.

I’ll label this as a must read in order to understand this couple and their backstory. But you can easily skip it if you want. But don’t do it!! 😜
Profile Image for Amanda Hobson.
Author 7 books4 followers
May 13, 2018
For a novella, this book sure packs a punch. Serge and Dex are two of my favorite characters from this series, and it was wonderful to get their back story here. This is such an excellent read. If you haven't read this series, you really should.
Profile Image for Dana.
Author 6 books23 followers
March 8, 2018
Dex and Serge were such big parts of the first three books. The beta couples friendship has been important to everyone. I couldn't wait for their story. I didn't expect it to make me cry. It was such an awesome addition to this series.
Profile Image for Pianisuparse.
2,265 reviews47 followers
March 14, 2018
5 'This was such a nice surprise. We've known Serge and Dex from the previous books and they are such an amazing couple. Seeing how they met and the journey they went through to get where they are now ... Awesome bonus' stars.
Profile Image for Denise White.
2,038 reviews
May 17, 2018
Loved it

It was so good to get the background in Serge and Dex... Their journey was beautiful and believable... Just seeing things come together in the last to make their future was amazing... Great addition to this wonderful series....
Profile Image for MommyCelia.
281 reviews
April 12, 2022
Serge and Dex!

I love Serge and Dex and I’m so happy that they have their own book! They are a beautiful couple and theirs is such a beautiful story. Read this if you enjoy the series.
9 reviews
March 6, 2024
I dive into this book feeling excited about this story but also dreading it because of Serge's past. We know it from the previous books but the details are worse. The Gaven moment made me so emotional, I still feel very emotional. This book is well written :)
144 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2018
Great story

It was nice to finally know Dex and Serge story . I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend .
Profile Image for Heather.
1,552 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2018
Stronger

Ahhh, this book! My face is wet with the tears I cried with this book! I loved it and I’m so happy to see Dex and Serge’s story. Absolutely fabulous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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