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Stronger
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
These were words Brooklyn Turner has lived by throughout her whole high school life. She shied herself away from everyone, all in the hopes of avoiding unwanted attention and getting hurt again.
It was an easy plan.
But when is anything ever easy?
Hunter Evans, the star of the football team, comes to her for tutoring. He’s always saw her, but never approached her.
Why would he? He’s the most popular guy in school and best friends with Kara Adams, Brooklyn’s tormenter.
Despite what his friends thought, he saw her for who she really was.
He helps her find herself again. He helps her heal.
But one thing’s for sure.
He never saw the impact she’d have on him.
Or how much they needed each other.
These were words Brooklyn Turner has lived by throughout her whole high school life. She shied herself away from everyone, all in the hopes of avoiding unwanted attention and getting hurt again.
It was an easy plan.
But when is anything ever easy?
Hunter Evans, the star of the football team, comes to her for tutoring. He’s always saw her, but never approached her.
Why would he? He’s the most popular guy in school and best friends with Kara Adams, Brooklyn’s tormenter.
Despite what his friends thought, he saw her for who she really was.
He helps her find herself again. He helps her heal.
But one thing’s for sure.
He never saw the impact she’d have on him.
Or how much they needed each other.
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First published March 28, 2019
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dnf
March 29, 2019Dnf.
The h is bullied since school. The H is friends with the people who bullied her.
Now it’s high school and the h is still treated as a social pariah. She mostly keeps to herself and have only one friend. But suddenly the H has started showing interest in her.
He asks her out and says that he likes her. The h is apprehensive at first because it was hard to believe that a hot popular guy likes her, but she is equally happy too. So they start dating.
Then we have a typical jealous ow who bullied the h and is still bullying her. She is the typical high school mean girl. H put ups with her to keep his reputation
I don’t even need to read this book any further because it is all so predictable. I know what will happen next.
The H is a coward guy. And I hate coward guys. He even keeps his relationship with the h a secret at first. Amazing. He must be ashamed to be seen with an outcast.
The story just flows. There is nothing exciting or intriguing. It was just going on. Things happening here and there. I would have enjoyed this in my teenage but not now.
The h is bullied since school. The H is friends with the people who bullied her.
Now it’s high school and the h is still treated as a social pariah. She mostly keeps to herself and have only one friend. But suddenly the H has started showing interest in her.
He asks her out and says that he likes her. The h is apprehensive at first because it was hard to believe that a hot popular guy likes her, but she is equally happy too. So they start dating.
Then we have a typical jealous ow who bullied the h and is still bullying her. She is the typical high school mean girl. H put ups with her to keep his reputation
I don’t even need to read this book any further because it is all so predictable. I know what will happen next.
The H is a coward guy. And I hate coward guys. He even keeps his relationship with the h a secret at first. Amazing. He must be ashamed to be seen with an outcast.
The story just flows. There is nothing exciting or intriguing. It was just going on. Things happening here and there. I would have enjoyed this in my teenage but not now.
March 28, 2019
Holy hell, this story. I personally did not have experiences with bullying, but reading it described so vividly was heartbreaking. My heart broke for Brooklyn and all the torment she endured. And then I swooned at Hunter, the guy from the other side that saw her and loved her despite their differences. It's an empowering love story that isn't about just learning to love someone else but also yourself. There are so many layers to this story and I loved the way Erica Marselas told it! Amazing!
March 28, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨
A beautifully written, empowering, inspiring, and emotionally charged YA/NA book with a relatable topic that anyone can relate to in some shape or form.
High school.
Angst. Bullying. Drama.
Shy, relatable heroine.
Jock with a good heart hero.
He just needed tutoring.
She was the one to help.
What happens when young love blooms between the shy, nerdy girl and the superstar jock?
*****
“He never saw the impact she’d have on him.
Or how much they needed each other.”
Brooklyn Turner is your average high school student. Good girl with good grades. Shy, innocent, soft spoken, and under the radar.
But she’s also a victim of bullying.
She’s the geek. The loser. The no one. Invisible. Insecure. The ‘vermin.’
“I used to think I was beautiful, and then my self-esteem was torn apart and stomped on.”
To be bullied at such a crucial part of your life breaks you down, crumbles your world. Tears it apart only to leave open wounds for people to keep stomping on.
But Brooklyn Turner? She maybe just an average high school girl. But she’s also more than just that. . . She’s fierce, she’s strong. Behind the shy, insecure, invisible girl lies someone that not everyone sees.
Who she’s always been.
Beautiful, talented, intelligent, funny, and sassy Brooklyn Turner.
“Welcome back, Brooke,” I mumble to myself. “Go show the world what they’ve been missing.”
Hunter Evans is your average high school jock. That guy with those group of friends, the popular crowd. That guy who is smart, but doesn’t show it. Outgoing and good looking.
But no one knows, no one sees him as anything more than that.
The jock. The super star. The football player. The popular guy.
He’s so much more. He’s more than what meets the eye. There’s a brokenness to him that not everyone sees, but Brooklyn gets to see, gets to notice.
“He’s now a lost boy afraid of his own shadow. I’ve seen Hunter’s softer side, but this is like a different person.”
*****
Stronger really packs a punch with the emotion. The writing is superb. The storytelling is excellent. And the meaning behind this subject is beautifully handled and the story is exceptionally told!
Hunter and Brooklyn are near and dear to my heart. Their story, this story... it shows that when people show who they really are, behind the fear, behind the masks. . .
You see them more clearly. You understand them. It shows how strong you are. And ultimately, it shows how strong they are.
You find your voice.
You find yourself.
Stronger is quite possibly Marsales’ best work to date and I admire her for every single word, every single quote, and everything she has put into this book!!
Five stronger and dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
A beautifully written, empowering, inspiring, and emotionally charged YA/NA book with a relatable topic that anyone can relate to in some shape or form.
High school.
Angst. Bullying. Drama.
Shy, relatable heroine.
Jock with a good heart hero.
He just needed tutoring.
She was the one to help.
What happens when young love blooms between the shy, nerdy girl and the superstar jock?
*****
“He never saw the impact she’d have on him.
Or how much they needed each other.”
Brooklyn Turner is your average high school student. Good girl with good grades. Shy, innocent, soft spoken, and under the radar.
But she’s also a victim of bullying.
She’s the geek. The loser. The no one. Invisible. Insecure. The ‘vermin.’
“I used to think I was beautiful, and then my self-esteem was torn apart and stomped on.”
To be bullied at such a crucial part of your life breaks you down, crumbles your world. Tears it apart only to leave open wounds for people to keep stomping on.
But Brooklyn Turner? She maybe just an average high school girl. But she’s also more than just that. . . She’s fierce, she’s strong. Behind the shy, insecure, invisible girl lies someone that not everyone sees.
Who she’s always been.
Beautiful, talented, intelligent, funny, and sassy Brooklyn Turner.
“Welcome back, Brooke,” I mumble to myself. “Go show the world what they’ve been missing.”
Hunter Evans is your average high school jock. That guy with those group of friends, the popular crowd. That guy who is smart, but doesn’t show it. Outgoing and good looking.
But no one knows, no one sees him as anything more than that.
The jock. The super star. The football player. The popular guy.
He’s so much more. He’s more than what meets the eye. There’s a brokenness to him that not everyone sees, but Brooklyn gets to see, gets to notice.
“He’s now a lost boy afraid of his own shadow. I’ve seen Hunter’s softer side, but this is like a different person.”
*****
Stronger really packs a punch with the emotion. The writing is superb. The storytelling is excellent. And the meaning behind this subject is beautifully handled and the story is exceptionally told!
Hunter and Brooklyn are near and dear to my heart. Their story, this story... it shows that when people show who they really are, behind the fear, behind the masks. . .
You see them more clearly. You understand them. It shows how strong you are. And ultimately, it shows how strong they are.
You find your voice.
You find yourself.
Stronger is quite possibly Marsales’ best work to date and I admire her for every single word, every single quote, and everything she has put into this book!!
Five stronger and dreamy stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
June 22, 2022
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Amazon US * Amazon UK
I'm not typically a fan of YA novels but I got into a very weird mood last night and wanted some high school, YA romance and found this book. It was actually a pretty sweet story and definitely hit the spot for what I was looking for. The bullying did go a little darker than I was expecting it to, but I wasn't mad at it and gave a lot of room for the hero to try and redeem himself. Which was definitely needed in my opinion. Overall, this was a cute romance and I could see myself re-reading it if the YA mood ever hits me again
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I'm not typically a fan of YA novels but I got into a very weird mood last night and wanted some high school, YA romance and found this book. It was actually a pretty sweet story and definitely hit the spot for what I was looking for. The bullying did go a little darker than I was expecting it to, but I wasn't mad at it and gave a lot of room for the hero to try and redeem himself. Which was definitely needed in my opinion. Overall, this was a cute romance and I could see myself re-reading it if the YA mood ever hits me again
March 4, 2019
Stronger is a beautifully written story that deals with some very timely issues that high schoolers deal with. I loved the character development between the main characters, and I could relate to what they went through. I can't wait to read what this author writes next.
October 8, 2019
I love the story, I like how it shows you the impact bullying has on people not just kids. As a victim myself it reflects many of the feelings of going into hiding and feeling is your fault things go that bad when the truth is that aren’t.
I loved it
I loved it
March 27, 2019
Stronger is the kind of story that sticks with you. It’s relatable, even if you’ve never been a victim of bullying. We all know someone, who has. It’s a story of overcoming obstacles and growing up and finding love and finding your voice. Erica always...always knocks it out of the park.
March 12, 2019
Stronger is brilliantly written about such a relatable topic that affects everyone in some form or another.
Stronger tells the story of young love, while unconventional in a way, is such a sweet and swoon worthy relationship. Hunter, the football jock and Brooklyn, the shy book nerd make for a movie-like story but you can't help but fall in love with them from the get go.
It's all about finding the real you in a place you almost feel like you need to be different to fit in or fade into the background. High school is always going to be a rat race and this story would be great for anyone who's entering or currently in high school to get a look at what could be the outcome, while at the extreme end, not totally unexpected based on the glimpse you get at the perpetrator.
This book tackles some confronting behaviour and I applaud Erica Marselas for her delicate but detailed covering of these topics. Highly recommended read
Stronger tells the story of young love, while unconventional in a way, is such a sweet and swoon worthy relationship. Hunter, the football jock and Brooklyn, the shy book nerd make for a movie-like story but you can't help but fall in love with them from the get go.
It's all about finding the real you in a place you almost feel like you need to be different to fit in or fade into the background. High school is always going to be a rat race and this story would be great for anyone who's entering or currently in high school to get a look at what could be the outcome, while at the extreme end, not totally unexpected based on the glimpse you get at the perpetrator.
This book tackles some confronting behaviour and I applaud Erica Marselas for her delicate but detailed covering of these topics. Highly recommended read
June 26, 2019
They both Hunter & Brooke came out strong
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
**** There's a few Spoilers in this review:***
I've had been sad when reading a book; I've been upset, even shed a little tear here and there...I can't remember how many books I’ve that I may have been sad or shed a tear, but I'm just going to make it short and point out how this book had me sad, and I did get teary-eyed when they kidnap and beat her well more so Kara... I know that feeling of getting bullied by people who were popular and talk bad about how you look or the way you dressed... I think when you get bullied, it's the ones that talk down on you to make you feel bad about yourself which can break you or even kill you... such as Hunter (wanting to kill himself) to Brooklyn (break the person who she was in elementary and half of middle school) ... it's like jealousy makes people bitter as heck and want you to feel bad about yourself because their life isn't perfect and people may not like them or want them. That is what Kara showed and it was bad when Emma and Dan follow her every move I felt like just as Hunter maybe they were afraid of her too; but when they'd realize how far Kara was going to take it they put their foot down, but in the end they still got charged for the crimes they did... but at least Dan gotten less charge since he didn't do much and even Emma but more so I felt like John and Kara deserve those years that they got but like Brooke said Kara was the one that needed to pull that time and get charged more than the others since she was the main one to beat Brooke down and abuse her... I had to laugh with them when Riley said Kara was going to end up being FAT and someone B***H in jail... I was like HECK YEAH I hope so...
I was glad. At the end that Brooke got that justice that she needed and it sucks how bad Kara wanted to hurt Hunter too that lady was so horrible that she would go to the extreme smh! That hate she had for Brooke was crazy.. but at least everyone was supportive of Brooke and glad she hell her head high and came back to school. & even won prom queen!!! But I wish that those chapters weren't so dang LOOOOOONG!!!!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
**** There's a few Spoilers in this review:***
I've had been sad when reading a book; I've been upset, even shed a little tear here and there...I can't remember how many books I’ve that I may have been sad or shed a tear, but I'm just going to make it short and point out how this book had me sad, and I did get teary-eyed when they kidnap and beat her well more so Kara... I know that feeling of getting bullied by people who were popular and talk bad about how you look or the way you dressed... I think when you get bullied, it's the ones that talk down on you to make you feel bad about yourself which can break you or even kill you... such as Hunter (wanting to kill himself) to Brooklyn (break the person who she was in elementary and half of middle school) ... it's like jealousy makes people bitter as heck and want you to feel bad about yourself because their life isn't perfect and people may not like them or want them. That is what Kara showed and it was bad when Emma and Dan follow her every move I felt like just as Hunter maybe they were afraid of her too; but when they'd realize how far Kara was going to take it they put their foot down, but in the end they still got charged for the crimes they did... but at least Dan gotten less charge since he didn't do much and even Emma but more so I felt like John and Kara deserve those years that they got but like Brooke said Kara was the one that needed to pull that time and get charged more than the others since she was the main one to beat Brooke down and abuse her... I had to laugh with them when Riley said Kara was going to end up being FAT and someone B***H in jail... I was like HECK YEAH I hope so...
I was glad. At the end that Brooke got that justice that she needed and it sucks how bad Kara wanted to hurt Hunter too that lady was so horrible that she would go to the extreme smh! That hate she had for Brooke was crazy.. but at least everyone was supportive of Brooke and glad she hell her head high and came back to school. & even won prom queen!!! But I wish that those chapters weren't so dang LOOOOOONG!!!!
March 20, 2019
“It shouldn’t matter what people say, but sadly in high school, it does.”
I have loved every side to Erica Marselas and her wonderful mind, and she has not disappointed here. We’re not taboo, we’re not millionaires or watchers… we’re a couple of high school kids, just wanting to find our ways in the world.
And what a terrifying world it is.
Brooklyn Turner is me. I am her and there is nothing anyone can say or do to convince me otherwise. I related on a deep level with Brooke, simply because her thoughts almost mirrored my own at that age.
Being bullied for most of your life, to always believing you’re not worth anything more than what they say you are, it’s a horrible place to live. To get up and face those demons, to try not to let them bring you down, to try and survive, that takes so much courage and will.
It also makes you sceptical of the world around you; especially when the school jock, Hunter Evans, needs tutoring and only wants it from you. I was yelling at my kindle for Brooke to just turn and run. These situations never end well, especially for girls like us.
Lo and behold, she takes him under her wing and tries her best to maintain a professional relationship with him, erring on the side of caution because of who he hung out with.
But Hunter had other ideas, and I’ve gotta admit… I like these other ideas 😉
Professional goes right out the window, especially when the boy who’s failing French, talks it fluently.
Their relationship evolves, blossoming into something more than Brooke could even understand. Roses and sweet notes in her locker every day, stolen kisses in D Block… makes me wish I had that kind of romance in high school.
What goes up though, must inevitably come down.
And this comes down in such a way that it makes your heart hurt, your mind scream and your stomach clench in fear of the unknown.
Marselas has always had a way with words, and the way she’s described high school, bullying, the way we deal with emotions… I felt every single word written. I was Brooke once upon a time, minus the hot jock and friends. She resonated with me on such a level that this is a book I’m not soon to forget.
What really makes me admire Marselas? Each quote at the start of each chapter are her own words, her own thoughts and imaginings that make you tear up before you’ve even got into your characters heads. It’s beautiful and poetic and compliments the book so completely.
I’d say this was Marselas’ best yet, but I just know the best is yet to come.
I have loved every side to Erica Marselas and her wonderful mind, and she has not disappointed here. We’re not taboo, we’re not millionaires or watchers… we’re a couple of high school kids, just wanting to find our ways in the world.
And what a terrifying world it is.
Brooklyn Turner is me. I am her and there is nothing anyone can say or do to convince me otherwise. I related on a deep level with Brooke, simply because her thoughts almost mirrored my own at that age.
Being bullied for most of your life, to always believing you’re not worth anything more than what they say you are, it’s a horrible place to live. To get up and face those demons, to try not to let them bring you down, to try and survive, that takes so much courage and will.
It also makes you sceptical of the world around you; especially when the school jock, Hunter Evans, needs tutoring and only wants it from you. I was yelling at my kindle for Brooke to just turn and run. These situations never end well, especially for girls like us.
Lo and behold, she takes him under her wing and tries her best to maintain a professional relationship with him, erring on the side of caution because of who he hung out with.
But Hunter had other ideas, and I’ve gotta admit… I like these other ideas 😉
Professional goes right out the window, especially when the boy who’s failing French, talks it fluently.
Their relationship evolves, blossoming into something more than Brooke could even understand. Roses and sweet notes in her locker every day, stolen kisses in D Block… makes me wish I had that kind of romance in high school.
What goes up though, must inevitably come down.
And this comes down in such a way that it makes your heart hurt, your mind scream and your stomach clench in fear of the unknown.
Marselas has always had a way with words, and the way she’s described high school, bullying, the way we deal with emotions… I felt every single word written. I was Brooke once upon a time, minus the hot jock and friends. She resonated with me on such a level that this is a book I’m not soon to forget.
What really makes me admire Marselas? Each quote at the start of each chapter are her own words, her own thoughts and imaginings that make you tear up before you’ve even got into your characters heads. It’s beautiful and poetic and compliments the book so completely.
I’d say this was Marselas’ best yet, but I just know the best is yet to come.
March 28, 2019
Brooklyn is just trying to get through her last year in high school in one piece. She keeps her head down and blends into the crowd with the hope of being ignored by her former tormentors. Hunter has always noticed Brooklyn but was too afraid to rock the boat with his current place in their school rankings. They are brought together by their teacher when Hunter needs tutoring and Brooke is who is chosen for the job. When their relationship starts Hunter wants to keep it hidden in order to keep the status quo. Soon their feelings grow deeper, but Hunter is afraid to let the world know his true feelings and ultimately Brooke is hurt by his inability to stand up to those who are his supposed friends. When the truth comes out the bullies go after Brooke in order to make her pay and God that was hard to read about. Through everything though Hunter and Brooke's love remains stronger than the hardest obstacle and these two get a much deserved hea. This book was amazing and do realistic to what kids are going through in schools these days and it hurts my heart as a parent that kids can be so horribly cruel to one another. I kind of hope their is a follow up where Brooke and Hunter are older so we can see them grow in love and life together. Author really did an amazing job telling their story and ot was a fabulous read! Definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2019
Erica Marselas has once again amazed me with her incredible talent of creating a world and characters that pull you in from the second you start reading. The struggles that both Brooke and Hunter go through while being on different ends of the popular vs outcast spectrum really shows “acceptance” has two faces. I loved both of them independently and together. The story of Brooklyn and Hunter focuses on many issues that kids deal with in school everyday. If you haven’t picked up your copy I highly recommend you do because you won’t be disappointed.
March 26, 2019
This was quite an interesting story to read! To say I was pleasantly surprised by the book would be an understatement - I typically don't get into young adult. You're going along like "Lala lala" and then all of a sudden you don't know what's happening and you can't put the book down until you've read the last page. Or maybe that's just me. Seriously, though, I got to halfway through and was wondering what the other half of the book would be about and then things took a turn I never saw coming. Then I had to finish the entire rest of the book right then and there because I couldn't live another moment without knowing how the book ended.
April 3, 2019
I received this as an ARC, but have followed Erica writing for awhile. The way she writes draws you in and makes you feel as if you are in the story.
This story follows 2 high school students, Brooke and Hunter, as they navigate the usual cliques and high school days. including Bullying ....
Brooke has never been one for the spotlight, but when one girl, Kara, makes her goal to tear her down. Brooke has no choice but to blend in to avoid Kara's wrath, that is until the Green Eyed Hunky Star Football player, Hunter, enters Brooke's life.
Brooke is asked to tutor Hunter and they become friends, then boyfriend/girlfriend. He wants to keep the relationship quiet, as he Brooke can't help thinking he's using her to humiliate her.
One fateful day, after Hunter admits his feelings for Brooke and tells off Kara and her friends, the "Hateful 4" seek revenge.
Brooke and Hunter prove that love can survive anything. Bullies always lose and their true selves show.
With all the issues in the world, especially in the states, I'm soo happy Erica published this to prove that Bullies don't win. I experienced bullying and did exactly what Brooke did.. I faded into the background to avoid confrontation. I wish i had a book like this then.
This story follows 2 high school students, Brooke and Hunter, as they navigate the usual cliques and high school days. including Bullying ....
Brooke has never been one for the spotlight, but when one girl, Kara, makes her goal to tear her down. Brooke has no choice but to blend in to avoid Kara's wrath, that is until the Green Eyed Hunky Star Football player, Hunter, enters Brooke's life.
Brooke is asked to tutor Hunter and they become friends, then boyfriend/girlfriend. He wants to keep the relationship quiet, as he Brooke can't help thinking he's using her to humiliate her.
One fateful day, after Hunter admits his feelings for Brooke and tells off Kara and her friends, the "Hateful 4" seek revenge.
Brooke and Hunter prove that love can survive anything. Bullies always lose and their true selves show.
With all the issues in the world, especially in the states, I'm soo happy Erica published this to prove that Bullies don't win. I experienced bullying and did exactly what Brooke did.. I faded into the background to avoid confrontation. I wish i had a book like this then.
March 13, 2019
If you have ever been bullied, know someone bullied, or even just hear about bulling, please read this book. Brooke and Hunter’s story is heartbreaking. But these are things we hear about every day either on the news or in real life, and everyday ask my own self, why, how, what and I hope for further this changes for the kids today. To be able read their story and you can feel the torture Brooke endured at the hands of the bullies, Kara, And John along with Dan and Emma. It makes me sit back and think was this going on while I was school and did we just not see it when peoples demeanor changed? This book has opened my eyes and has made me sit down with my son about bullies and making sure he knows to come to us or an adult. Besides the bullying Brooke and Hunter’s love story was perfect and the title of the book was perfect Stronger Together was proven so many different ways in this book. I cried at the hurt and low self esteem Brooke had because this book is so relatable to today’s time and even when I was high school... I could keep going and I can sing praises on this book (I would if I could actually sing) but Erica did an outstanding on this book I read it before and followed it from the beginning to end and will do the same every time! Love it, it’s a MUST READ! Get your copy before it is too late!!!!!!!
March 26, 2019
If you have ever been the victim of a bully, this book will hit home on so many levels. This story is so powerful and so relevant as we still hear about how bullying is affecting our kids today.
I could relate to Brooklyn on so many levels. My high school days were spent being invisible despite being on the basketball team. Too bad I didn't have a Hunter who saw me for who I was.
Along with seeing the strength the characters gain to overcome the bullies, there is a beautiful love story between Hunter and Brooklyn. Hunter gives Brooke the small nudge she needs to discover who she really is and she gives him the nudge he needs to stand up for himself. Despite not being in ideal circumstances, Hunter is a true gentleman and treats Brooke how every girl would want to be treated (minus keeping it secret). He shows Brooklyn the real Hunter and not the facade he puts on for his own reasons.
There are times where it is hard to read but I love that Marselas kept it real and portrayed what bullying really looks like. You need to read this story if bullying has ever touched your life in anyway.
I could relate to Brooklyn on so many levels. My high school days were spent being invisible despite being on the basketball team. Too bad I didn't have a Hunter who saw me for who I was.
Along with seeing the strength the characters gain to overcome the bullies, there is a beautiful love story between Hunter and Brooklyn. Hunter gives Brooke the small nudge she needs to discover who she really is and she gives him the nudge he needs to stand up for himself. Despite not being in ideal circumstances, Hunter is a true gentleman and treats Brooke how every girl would want to be treated (minus keeping it secret). He shows Brooklyn the real Hunter and not the facade he puts on for his own reasons.
There are times where it is hard to read but I love that Marselas kept it real and portrayed what bullying really looks like. You need to read this story if bullying has ever touched your life in anyway.
March 10, 2019
I'm still trying to come up with words for how much I loved this book. This book is so different from Erica's last release (which I also really enjoyed), but that speaks volumes about her. She's versatile and tells stories the way they need to be told. Anyway, on to my thoughts on the book.
I was Brooklyn in high school. I had a few friends who were kind to me, but for the most part, I was the nerdy outcast kid who was always the outsider. I was at the top of my class, but I was bullied by people who I'd never done anything to just because my weight and my straight A's made me an easy target. I WISH I'd had a Hunter to make it easier for me, but I didn't. Especially in this day and age, when bullying is becoming so much more prevalent, this story needed to be told. And the way it was told was painful to read sometimes because it was so heartbreakingly realistic. I hope that this book might make even one person stop and realize that their actions have consequences. Well done, Erica!
I was Brooklyn in high school. I had a few friends who were kind to me, but for the most part, I was the nerdy outcast kid who was always the outsider. I was at the top of my class, but I was bullied by people who I'd never done anything to just because my weight and my straight A's made me an easy target. I WISH I'd had a Hunter to make it easier for me, but I didn't. Especially in this day and age, when bullying is becoming so much more prevalent, this story needed to be told. And the way it was told was painful to read sometimes because it was so heartbreakingly realistic. I hope that this book might make even one person stop and realize that their actions have consequences. Well done, Erica!
March 29, 2019
Stronger was such an amazing read for me. As someone who’s went through phases of being in the “loser” crowd as well as the “popular” crowd (although no one was nearly as extreme) and also having to deal with bullies, I truly believe this story was well written and really hit home. It touched me in a way most stories can’t.
Brooke was relatable—the type of Heroine you can’t help but cheer for, to relish in her climb figuratively being kicked down repeatedly, to rising above her aggressors.
Hunter was so not your typical hot jock. *Bring on the swoon.* He was intelligent, driven, romantic, and once he gained a little courage, everything you could want in a hero. I loved that he had his own secrets and demons as well. His point of view really highlights the fact every decision, every action or lack there of, has a consequence.
This isn’t your typical teenage tale of first love. It isn’t your typical bully story either. It was more...just more EVERYTHING. It was thought-provoking. It was adorable. It was uplifting—a multifaceted story with well-needed lessons for everyone out there, and gave all the feels.
Erica Marselas blended the perfect tale of the hot popular guy falling for the nerdy girl, but with a twist. SO MANY TWISTS. This story will stay with me forever.
Brooke was relatable—the type of Heroine you can’t help but cheer for, to relish in her climb figuratively being kicked down repeatedly, to rising above her aggressors.
Hunter was so not your typical hot jock. *Bring on the swoon.* He was intelligent, driven, romantic, and once he gained a little courage, everything you could want in a hero. I loved that he had his own secrets and demons as well. His point of view really highlights the fact every decision, every action or lack there of, has a consequence.
This isn’t your typical teenage tale of first love. It isn’t your typical bully story either. It was more...just more EVERYTHING. It was thought-provoking. It was adorable. It was uplifting—a multifaceted story with well-needed lessons for everyone out there, and gave all the feels.
Erica Marselas blended the perfect tale of the hot popular guy falling for the nerdy girl, but with a twist. SO MANY TWISTS. This story will stay with me forever.
March 27, 2019
This book was every bit as beautiful as it was heart aching. A powerful and emotional story that gives a painfully realistic look at bullying, friendship and love. I felt that this YA romance had an important message and that the author did an amazing job of delivering it in a relatable and sympathetic way. I could easily connect with Brooklyn. I've been her. She is smart, shy and so sweet. Hunter charming, athletic and simply a great guy. Translation: very swoony. I loved them as a couple and was so happy they had each other. Just wonderful! Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.
May 18, 2019
I loved this book. The theme of bullying, self-worth, friendship and love were develop nicely. I took star due to grammar. Some of the mistakes were elemental like missing an article or misplaced modifiers. Some sentence had questionable syntax and that bothered me as well. The other star was taken because even when teenagers are sexually active, we should never see it as a normal activity.
March 28, 2019
Another great book from this author. The story is well written and has you feeling the emotions right along with the characters. I love when a story makes you feel something
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2022
Giving me the wattpad vibes 😭
Truth be told, I have no idea why I read this, I just read it because I'm in such a reading slump, not in a mood for something heavy 🙃 rn
Truth be told, I have no idea why I read this, I just read it because I'm in such a reading slump, not in a mood for something heavy 🙃 rn
March 24, 2019
The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has a good story line, and the story is a well written read. The characters are good. The story is an enjoyable, and emotional coming of age story read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2019
The characters were great and the author really knows how to involve the reader.
The story is interesting and sad at times. It deals with some real life issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is interesting and sad at times. It deals with some real life issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2019
Wow, this book addresses a huge problem for mainly school age children, but does and can cross into adult lives. What happens to Brooke in this book is horrible, horrendous, but unfortunately not the worse that happens. Oh there's young love too! Which is as sweet as I remember! Well written, well addressed topics, even if I wanted to jump in and set people right!
March 22, 2019
Stronger is a beautifully written story that had my heart breaking for the hero and the heroine. An inspiring and emotionally charged book with a very important topic.
March 18, 2019
Amazing story. Hopeful for a sequel. Love all your books.
March 16, 2019
All books are excellent and this is not the exception! You can't get tired reading anyvthing written by this author!!!
March 12, 2019
Such a great story. I really enjoyed getting to know Brooklyn, Hunter, and Riley.
This is more than just a High school love story filled with everyday angst. It's about the long term affects of bullying, it's dangers, but also love and friendship. The author created some memorable characters that discover they are stronger together and they never have to go it alone.
This is more than just a High school love story filled with everyday angst. It's about the long term affects of bullying, it's dangers, but also love and friendship. The author created some memorable characters that discover they are stronger together and they never have to go it alone.
March 10, 2019
This beautiful brilliantly written inspiring and empowering story is the one story of Erica's that I was hoping that she would rework and publish as an original. It is in my eyes her finest work and I am so happy that she is publishing her masterpiece and sharing Brook and Hunter's story with the world. In the world we sadly live in today stories like Stronger are needed. If I could I would give this a thousand stars. It's that good.
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