What Doesn't Kill You

Game of Love #1

by Carmen Richter

Kyler
Three weeks before my sixteenth birthday, I was sexually assaulted by three of the most popular boys in school.

Within two days of my attack, people I thought were my friends were spreading baseless rumors about me. Maybe I should have told someone the truth, but who were they going to believe? Me, or the school’s star quarterback, whose father was made of money?

For two years, I kept my head down and my mouth shut. And then Ian happened. When the new running back from out of town asked me to tutor him, something made me say yes, even though all of my survival instincts were screaming at me to run.

But were my survival instincts always right? Or was Ian the person who would finally help me heal from the horrors of my past?

Ian
Within the first hour I spent conjugating Spanish verbs with Kyler, I knew that none of the rumors I’d heard about her were true. And when I saw how guarded she was, I could tell that she’d been hurt.

Finding out just how badly she’d been hurt broke me. Learning that it was at the hands of people I’d called friends? I wanted to bury those animals so deep that no amount of their families’ money would be able to dig them out.

Soon, we found ourselves playing a dangerous game that we didn’t know the rules to, and our opponents were holding all the cards.

How could I help Kyler get the justice she deserved? And how could I show her that I would never hurt her the way my teammates did?

Trigger Warning: This book deals with the topic of sexual assault of a minor, including the victim’s detailed description of the incident.

Genres: Sports

300 pages, ebook

Published May 31, 2019

About the author

Carmen Richter is an old soul. Her words are like theater, masterfully spun to bring all the feels, interspersed with music that makes your heart soar. She needs her coffee to make the words flow, and some of her best writing is done in a caffeine-induced haze at one in the morning with a soundtrack that ranges from jazz standards to rock to show tunes and everything in between. When she's not writing, she loves going to live concerts and especially live theater, or just staying in and binging Criminal Minds or Law and Order: SVU for the zillionth time.

Carmen lives in Kansas City with her boyfriend, Brett, and their two fur babies, a bunny named Marty and a cat named Mal. In addition to writing, she also has two branches of a business that aims to provide quality services to independent authors at a reasonable price. CPR Editing deals with everything inside your book: editing, proofreading, and interior formatting. CPR Designs deals with, well, design: logos and branding, social media graphics, covers, and teasers.

Carmen loves interacting with her fans and will happily respond to all messages personally until she gets uber famous and gets a ton of them. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Reviews

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

What doesn’t kill you is a standalone story with a dark undertone.

Ian is in need of a tutor. He plays football, but if he wants colleges to take him seriously he needs to improve his grades. Kyler is one of the girls who could potentially be his tutor. Ian has a crush on her.

Kyler wants nothing to do with the football team or the memory of that dreadful night. She’s trying to get on with her life. When Ian requests her as a tutor she begins to question his motives.

What doesn’t kill you is about overcoming your past and moving forward. It comes with a warning label and has themes of abuse. Kyler is an ordinary girl with a haunting past. The problem isn’t going away on its own, but with Ian’s help, she can find a new beginning.

I enjoyed this story, but it won’t be for everyone. I like books that are a little messy. Kyler is a strong character and handles her situation well. This is a romance novel.

5 out of 5. My new favourite book by this author.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just before Kyler's 16th birthday, she is sexually assulted by members of the high school football team. Now she must deal with the grueling after effects of having been raped by classmates. But as a young boy named Ian comes into the picture, perhaps Kyler will learn that not all men are bad.
The very first thing that you encounter with this book is the Trigger Warning and telephone numbers for Crisis Care centers related to different issues and topics that are touched on in this book. This is absolutely fantastic and I honestly think that more books that touch on subjects that are so provocative and triggering should do this. Bravo to the author!
The story itself is very well written and the characters are well-developed and relatable. They really seem real to the reader.
Any rape survivor would say, "this book really hit home." There were many tears while reading this book, some good and some bad. I remember having to put this book down for a while and come back to it. This book is an emotional roller coaster for sure even for those who may not have suffered like Kyler suffered. The shame, the guilt, the self-doubt... it is all very real.
This is a wonderful book with a great message that I would be happy to recommend to those who heed the trigger warning.

[Sugar Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE...LOVE...LOVE

I'm a sucker for this kinda story...and I loved it. Beginning to end just a fantastic read. I adore stories about women who have experienced trauma like this and use it to make them stronger. I loved how the title works in woth the ending and the whole theme of the book. It did have a thirteen reasons why feeling, but it was such am amazing highschool romance story I couldn't get enough.. I don't want to give much away but the chemistry between the main characters were adorable, and I loved all the deatails in their dates and how they were worked in. Excellent dialogues, the characters were so fully and wonderfully developed, just an overall great story with am impactful message... and those are my favortie. Carmen is a truly gifted writer and I will absolutely be checking out her other works ... I highly recommend giving this a read. You won't be disappointed.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the powerful message behind this story!!! I love Kyler as a strong victim to what happened to her. She was shamed afterwards, but she made it through. Be ready with some tissues while reading this one!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly written story that brings out every emotion you have. It is heartbreaking, anger inducing, loving, patient and healing, all wrapped up between the pages of a story that revolves around Kyler and Ian and her struggles with dealing with the unspeakable actions of three teenage boys who took what wasn't theirs to take, and how one young man with the patience and love, helped her to regain her strength, her courage, and her power. But it is also a beautiful love story about two high school seniors who go through the process of Kyler's healing, and find their one true love, a love that carries them through all of the pain and hardship that comes from her past, to step out into the light of a brand new day and a future that holds love and promise. With a supporting cast of many, these two would not have made it if it weren't for a couple of friends and the love and support of Ian's family. And let us not forget Cosette, the cutest and sweetest bunny that ever lived.

I have never been that big of a fan of teenage romance books, but this book has blown me away and has stolen my heart. In her Valedictorian speech, Kyler speaks of the things she has learned, and those are things that should be carried by everyone, no matter their age, no matter their walk of life. They are simple, yet powerful words and leave you thinking hard about them.

I loved this book and these characters and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is worth more than the 5 stars that I give it. Well done Carmen Richter!

[Jimette Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably shouldn't do a review after the high I got off this book. I will leave something out! Absolutely fantastic! The highs, lows, anger, sappy love, it has it all. The emotional impact left me as I knew it would, to hope the story would continue on. The author takes a very traumatic ordeal and shows us what trust, love, loyalty, great music and animals can do for us to face fear, anger, hurt, trusting others, finding a small support group and facing all of these challenges, for the better. To overcome, achieve a piece of mind, to not be drug down that rabbit hole, that has the ability to drag us down and let it get the best of us. The family Dynamics in this book are polar opposites, sometimes your parent(s) aren't the best for your emotional well being, sometimes it's a adopted family that lends you the strength to overcome something no one should have to go through.
Ky is tormented in high school, has a very unsupportive mother, who can't truly see the hurt her daughter is obviously going through.
Ian, who just wants to meet the girl picks up where her mother lacks the emotional support. He becomes her support, her strength, her guide, her one true love. I would recommend this book to anyone, I see it smashing the ranks! Please read with caution! Fall in Love with this cute couple and some amazing side characters!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Well... that was a LOT of tears!!! The story of Kyler and Ian was truly awe-inspiring! Carmen had me hooked right from the start! The book was easy to read, but hard to put down! With similar themes to Erica Marselas' "Stronger", this story struck so many different emotions in me as I read it. The absolute strength of people, the love and respect they have for others comes to the forefront, of this young couple. All the sh*t Kyler went through... I'm in awe of her character and will to be strong, and stay strong! It was able to highlight that there are some really horrible people in the world, and in your own direct world sometimes. Scary as it is, the perseverance, tenacity and love shared between Kyler and Ian (and the support they get from family and friends) shone through.
The extra epilogue was just perfect too! What a way to celebrate their love for each other... forever and always xo

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is happening in our High Schools? It has me flabbergasted and livid!!
Innocent young girls being preyed upon by jocks who rule the roost in the jungle called High Schools, this story was hard hitting
Kyler strong has had her strength fractured, her innocence stolen and confidence shatters.
She's trying to keep her head down and finish her academics
Helping her is Ian, a sweet and gentle soul
So the story is third I've read about HS  and obv there are some similarities.
It's written well and is very intense
4 stars
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[RomanceReader1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story!

I try not to cry when I read this stories. But the authors make it imposible for me to do that.
Is so sad what Ky goes tru but she’s a survivor. I loved that even though Ian didn’t knew what had happened he still wanted to help her. And that he was at her side once he learned the true.

I can’t comprehend Ky’s mother reaction to the news and the lack of understanding and support toward her daughter.

The author blow my mind away when the true about who was behind it all come to light! You will not see it coming!

I like that the story took place during HS. Young adults goes tru so much challenges during this years.
They are finding themselves and figuring out what to do next! The fact that the author integrated the topics of bullying and raping and trying to coped with it all at a tender age and with no support from anyone amazed me.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyler Strong is a high school student, member of the A/V Club and more importantly a sexual assault survivor. One night at a party changed her entire world two years ago. When she agrees to tutor Ian, a football player, her world cha he's again, but this time for the better. But when push comes to shove and taking action against those who hurt her the most will either break her or make her stronger. This book is tough to read at times and is a tearjerker. This book does come with a trigger warning for those who need it. After reading this book I was so speechless that someone so you g went through something so painful I'm ended turning it into something positive. Carmen Richter has blown me away with book.

[Nicole Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book and I still can't get over how excited I was! This story is deeply emotional. It may be high school but read the trigger warning. But if the triggers don't bother you, you won't regret it. It's such a beautiful love story, especially with the characters being so young. Kyler went through one of the worst traumas two years prior and is very hesitant to let Ian in. But Ian isn't swayed easily and won't take no for an answer. He quickly starts to care for her more than he can explain and slowly she warms up to him. Ian is always there when she needs him and helps her overcome all that has happened to her. I don't want to give too much away but this book is so well done and everyone should read it.

[Danap1968 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.

I usually have a hard time saying I like books with dark shadows lying beneath the surface. But the extremely heavy topics in this book were very well handled. This book was a rollercoaster ride but every time something happened to tumble downward, the author pulled us back up with bunnies and light-heartedness. There's characters you love and characters you love to hate.

I found it believable that the individuals that instigated the situation in this book would act this way to try to duck huge consequences. (Trying to avoid spoilers, lol).

I thought it was written extremely well. This was my first book by this author but definetly not my last.

[Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and wow!
This book is confronting, thought provoking, captivating and a real page turner.
I was not at all prepared for this book and it kept me guessing the whole way.
The characters in this book are brave, strong and resilient in the face of great trauma. It was full of emotion and the heroine showed great strength. Whilst yes this book highlights a big issue, it is still a brilliantly written romance, with everything you love in a romance novel. The author has tied both the traumatic experience and the romantic relationship between the characters really well.
I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to others.

[Laura Kulyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing! It really gives you all the feels. There were so many times I just wanted to hold Kyler she was such a strong woman to go through what she did and still be able to eventually come forward and tell her story. Ian made me swoon. Seriously he is the sweetest, he supported kyler in everything and never pushed her! There are a lot of twists I didn’t see coming and I wanted to throw the book out of anger at the bad guys a few times (that’s a good book in my mind) I highly recommend this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great read. I must admit, I wasn't expecting to find it as great as I did; this does have a trigger warning/triggers, and is teen/young adult. However, I quickly feel in love with Ian and Kyler and their story. It was also inspirational in ways; I really would have loved to have an Ian myself. Really appreciated the trigger warning; I was prepared and therefore, not as shocked, or triggered up. Also, thank you so much to the author for providing me with this copy of What Doesn't Kill You.

[Amy Waayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Story

In this beautiful story, Kyler is really out through hell. She is hurt multiple times but was a strong character who never broke from her pain. Ian came into her life at the right time. Although she was skittish, Ian was drawn to her. He was patient and loving and protected and stood up to her. I really loved his character because although he was a jock, he had depth, character, and was so mature. A great book that covers sensitive issues such as rape, toxic relationships, victimizing, and more in a way that let’s you see the victim’s view and pain.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Carmen Richter; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some dark themes in this book that may be triggers for some readers, my advice is to take the author’s notice seriously. This is another new author to me, and she has produced a great story that grabbed my attention from the get-go. Kyler is a strong character and I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Ian. This is a book is well worth the read for lovers of romantic suspense stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Labrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing story. This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This story is well written with characters you can relate to. It's a story about overcoming fear and trama and being whole again. There is a trigger warning that must be read before you read the book.

[Debbie Kolins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian is a football player who needs to improve his grades for Colleges to take him seriously. Kyler tutors in the two classes Ian needs help with. Kyler is one of the girls who could be his tutor. Ian has a had crush on her for awhile. Ian asks Kyler to tutor him but, she wants nothing to do with football players due to the trauma she suffered in her sophomore year. Kyler was a few weeks from turning 16 when she was sexually assaulted [Raped] by three popular football players. Now she has to deal with rumors that were started by the football players. Kyler and Ian decide to meet at a Starbucks to discuss her tutoring him. Kyler decides to tutor Ian and things with Kyler start to change. Ian decided that he would do what he could to help Kyler so she wouldn't have to be so scared. This is a very powerful book and before you get to the story there is a Trigger Warning related to different issues in the book and there is a phone number for the Crisis Center. Thank you Carmen for putting the Trigger Warning in your book!! Being a Rape and Incest survivor, there were parts of the book that hit home and there were some tears shed. They way Carmen wrote this book is awesome. It shows that no matter what you can survive that kind of Trauma. I truly loved how Ian and his family were there for Kyler. I highly recommend this book but, read the Trigger Warning first.

[XxnightxowlxX74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kyler is asked to tutor football player Ian she’s apprehensive because of what happened to her by some of the football team. He’s newish to the school and has had a crush on Kyler since he moved there.
These two will have to battle those around them but they come out of the other side better then before.
Ian really shows her how much she means to him.

[Kellane Ayanna Mitchener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, tough subject matter!!!

This was a thought provoking book on a subject matter that happens to a lot of people that Carmen I must say handled really well. I enjoyed the two main characters Kyler and Ian a lot. Perfect ending as well!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written

Such an emotional story written with tact and a lot of delicate situations are handled so well.

I really enjoyed the book and was hooked from the get go. I would highly recommend

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️Check the trigger warnings before reading!

Muy bien 😄 really enjoyed this book. Quite an emotional read but a great HEA. I can’t imagine what it’s like for people to go through what Kyler went through and not having any kind of support. Ian is an amazing character and he did everything right from being patient with her and even researching ways to help her without being pushy. One thing that bothered me was finding out that Kyler’s best friend, Melissa was being abused by her boyfriend. It’s like, what the hell? Those jerks find a pair of friends and decided they needed to be bullied and abused? But Kyler reached out to Melissa and told her everything after she was SA’d and it bothered me that Melissa couldn’t do the same and reach out and talk to Kyler about it through most of the book. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Her mom is a huge bitch and I’m glad she realized she didn’t need her in her life. Cosette made me love the story more lol I’ve had a bunny and know how lovable they are and how much they love their play time and treats. When I read the epilogue about her passing I’m not even ashamed to say I cried about it, ugh.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed her writing.

[Tammy Barrentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to say how good this book was. I ugly cried I with this book and I smiled huge. Ian was exactly what Kyler needed to help her through, the, trauma of sexual assault. The ending was so Ian. I am glad they, got their HEA

[C. Lymari · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW
This book blew me away. Carmen is a new-to-me author and this book was a beautiful introduction to her writing. Kyler is a rape suvivor. She's going through the motions of her day to day life but she's not living that's until Ian comes in. Ian has always had a thing for Kyler but she's too closed off and he couldn't get close enough until he had the perfect opportunity. Kyler tutored Ian and from there a beautiful relationship blossomed. You get all the emotions, a few chuckles, and a beautiful story.

[M Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyler's story hit me hard from the first words. I honestly was not sure I could read it, but I trusted the author with my heart and dove in. Carmen Richter crafted a story that not only does not glorify abuse, but shows the raw, painful remnants that a survivor endures daily. I loved this story. Ian is my hero. He not only saw behind the walls, but took such care in understanding Kyler throughout the story that he is forever one of my favorite book boyfriends.
This story has some very intense twists and turns, but is not glorifying violence. Everything is purposeful and well written. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Adina Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Finished in one setting and definitely I'll go back to read it over again

[Becca Steele]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Although it deals with issues of sexual assault, it is handled very sensitively; and the story is thought-provoking but still full of plenty of lighthearted, romantic and funny moments. Kyler and Ian's relationship was so sweet-I loved them together. Ian is so swoony! The other characters were well fleshed out, and a certain rabbit stole my heart!
I look forward to reading more from Carmen Richter.