If what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, Kyler Strong should be Wonder Woman by now.Three weeks before her sixteenth birthday, Kyler was the victim of sexual assault by three varsity football players at her high school. She was intimidated into silence and slut-shamed at school afterwards, ensuring that anyone she told wouldn’t believe her. She resolved to keep her head down and suffer her … head down and suffer her way through high school, knowing that after she graduated, she would be free of her attackers, who continued to torment her daily.
Kyler’s plan worked great for two years. But that plan didn’t account for Ian Thomason, the football player who transferred in from out of town. When he asked her to tutor him in Spanish and Algebra, something made her say yes, even though all of her survival instincts were telling her to run. But are those instincts, the ones that have told her that all men are not to be trusted, always right? Or is Ian, the boy she never saw coming, exactly what she needs to help her heal from the wounds of her past?
Fans of the show 13 Reasons Why or of shows like Law and Order: Special Victims Unit will love this tale of strength and survival.
Trigger warning: This book includes a scene where Kyler describes her sexual assault in detail and also deals with the trauma she suffers afterwards. Though it is set in high school, it deals with mature themes and is intended for mature audiences.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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 survivor. 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.
What a powerful story. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions but it’s worth every second
Kyler Strong is a victim of a horrible crime – one she still hasn’t recovered from.
Enter Ian, who changes all of that. You can tell from the moment you meet him that he is about to fall hopelessly in love with her. It’s the most adorable thing.
I loved watching these two navigate their relationship, and seeing how Ian breaks down Kyler’s walls and how they both grow into stronger people together.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat: it’s swoony, it’s thought provoking and all in all it’s a great love story
Five stars from me!
(Ps – spoiler alert there is a really cute rabbit)
I was in love with this story from the opening chapter. Kyler Strong is a victim of a vicious sexual crime. Women who have had the unfortunate experience themselves will be able to relate to Kyler. So, be prepared to read with tissues. She meets Ian, (I love Ian) who is clearly in love with her the moment they meet. Yes, he’s a horny teenage boy, but also a very caring, lovable young man who wants to do nothing but love and help Kyler. What I love about this book is her strength to overcome the shame and torment that was inflicted on her. It shows that despite all the monsters did to her, crushing to what seems no point of return, you can overcome it. You can come out stronger. And you can and will be loved when you met the right guy! Love conquers all!