HERIt’s been over a year since my first taste of blood, since I’ve learned what it means to truly evolve in order to survive. I’m not proud of what I’ve become, but I’ll do what I have to in order to remain on the pedestal I’ve been placed on. Hardened, determined, calculated, my motivation rests on the eternal satisfaction of one man, and I’ve gotten damn good at keeping it up. I can no longer … longer afford to crumble like before. Mistakes are not acceptable and anything less than absolute perfection is deserving of the severe condemnation that follows. But as I develop deeper into this demanding role, I can feel a shift in the wind. Nothing ever stays the same for very long when it comes to this world. Alliances change, enemies expand, and trust is questioned. When everything is dependent upon the strength and brutality of your character, what happens when the one person you thought was beneath you is on the verge of becoming your equivalent?
HIM
I’d never been so satisfied in my life. In the course of a year, I took the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen and molded her into a miniature machine of focus, death, and more sex appeal than I could have ever imagined. She was near perfection in all its forms and her dedication to remain so was impressive …if not endearing. Jaden was worthy of everything I wanted to lay at her feet, but as I watched her wear the crown, like usual, I had underestimated how well she would wear it, how well she would wear me. And with the growing threats of my enemies, I needed to make sure that her crown was bulletproof to everyone. Everyone except me. Because it didn’t matter how well she could evolve, one thing would always remain the same. She was mine in every sense of the word. Till death do us part.
WARNING: Contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
NOTE: For every book that is sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a charity that benefits victims of human trafficking.
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This was about human trafficking. A portion of the sales do go towards eliminating human trafficking. Jay Marie did an amazing job of writing this series. She is a master story teller and now one of my favorite authors. You must read the first 3 books though to understand where this is going. Hopefully we won`t have to wait too long for the final book.
I loved this book!!! Jay Marie is one of those authors that writes a book that just stays with you. I literally read all four books in the series back to back and I couldn’t put them down…and then to my horror and anguish I went to research the author and realized she has only written 4 books…that was the only down side. She is one of those authors that I read one of their books and fall in love and want to buy every book she has written. Her writing is dark and gritty but I like it that way. She’s currently writing the 5th book and I am waiting and waiting and waiting for it to come out.
If you have not read the first three books of the Stronger Series than you need to do that RIGHT NOW. All of the books in this series have to be read in order NO EXCEPTION:
Now what you need to know before beginning Strike:
1. Congratulations you have just decided to read the best book of 2019 and it cost you less than $4.00 bucks!
2. Be prepared for the biggest book hangover of your life. Have other books ready to read in a completely different genre in your e-reader so that you don’t want to toss them across the room when they aren’t a fraction as good comparatively to Strike.
3. Take up a hobby like knitting or learn how to play chess. Anything that will help occupy your mind until the end of 2020 when the last book in the series Stand will be released. You will need support, possible therapy, to get through the waiting period but if Stand is a fraction as good as Strike was I’ve no doubt it will be worth the wait!.
You already know that Jaden is no shrinking violent. She is a smart mouth, take no prisoners, amazing martial artist trained in weapony and in Strike she levels ALL THE WAY UP and proves that she has no match – that is of course except for Darren. That is in part why he, a killing machine in his own right, is so obsessed with her. Their relationship is explored even more and their complicated feelings for one another analyzed by them both. Jaden’s time in the basement – conditioning- is also told in flashbacks bringing an even more in-depth understanding of both of their psyches and Darren’s remorseless cruelty. Strike explores what happens when all of Jaden’s skills are put to the ultimate test as well as her feelings for him. By book end there will be no doubt (at least there shouldn’t be) in the reader’s mind where her loyalties will lie.
There are no words to do this series justice but I will tell you I felt the 4th book Strike physically from my head to my toes like an electrical current or lighting strike (no pun intended, or maybe it was) fell upon me. I stood and cheered and felt inspired to become a better version of myself inside and out as I watched Jaden become a Phoenix and rise from the ashes and burn down the world! I love strong women and she is a wonderful example of a woman thrown into hell and coming out of it a beautiful phoenix and Stronger!
Remember this series is NOT a romance but a dark erotic thriller with triggers galore. So do not expect the romance book formula one associates with that genre. But it is one of the most sublime reads I have ever experienced. And it is the first series that has inspired me to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually become a stronger woman – a phoenix.
Again, the last book in the series isn’t coming out until the end of 2020 when Jay Marie a part-time law student can finish it. Until then I will continue on my own personal journey inspired by Jaden to grow, evolve and soar!
Lastly, a portion of the book’s proceeds go to organizations that support human traffic victims. The author is very passionate about this cause and plans to become a human rights lawyer. I have learned so much about victims of human trafficking and this horrible enterprise because of this series.
Jay Marie has always told us devoted followers of her books that they are NOT a love story. The helpless romantics in us didn’t quite believe her. Well, after reading this book, I get it. This is NOT a love story. This is not even close to being a love story. This is about control, obsession, power and reigning over all others. The metamorphosis of Jaden in this book was astounding. She’s always been a strong character but she turned the tables in this book and is not just trying to survive,, she’s out for the blood of her enemies. I found myself doing the half smile/smirk while reading imagining Jaden had the very same look on her face. I loved every word in this book. I loved the twists, turns and OMG surprises and there were many!!! I’ll be day dreaming about this series while I wait for the next book.
This is a well written riveting tale of one woman’s struggle for freedom from the monster who bought her. No sugar coating of the horrific crime that is perpetuated on a daily basis in real life. This isn’t a romance so don’t expect one but I did feel sorrow for Jaden as she suffers through Darren’s messed up version of a relationship . Not to say there weren’t moments when I wanted to high five Jaden as she retrieved small pieces of her soul back with each victory she achieved. This woman is a fighter who gives me hope that she will eventually gain her freedom. One more book to go before I get my answer ! #TeamJaden
So you throw together a bipolar sociopath and a kick ass heroine, what could possibly go wrong? Try world war III! Jaden is definitely evolving and getting stronger and more lethal than anyone could have imagined. Be careful what you wish for, Darren. You just might get it. And more. We get more of Darren’s background in this book, so as to understand just why he is the way he is. He was turned into this heartless creature from childhood, but it is his choice to continue as an adult. Jaden tries to show him another way to live, and for a few moments I really got my hopes up for them and their relationship. Then DAMN, all hell breaks lose again. While I can suspect this isn’t going to end the way I had originally hoped, I think it is gonna be one doozy of a conclusion.
OMG!!!!!! This entire series is unbelievable!!!! Awesome and exciting on so many levels!! I have never been so consumed with a book as i have this series! Freaking phenomenal and heart pounding!! I mean definitely made for movies! So full of angst! Explosive on all aspects!! So action packed that my blood pressure was through the roof!!Phew!! I NEED more!!! Epic!!!
Wow. That is what this book left me thinking. Wow.
As the fourth book in this incredibly addicting series, I had high expectations of Jay Marie, and she didn’t disappoint. This series is a force to be reckoned with, and not for the faint of heart. However, if you’ve held on through Jaden’s sadness, fury and frustration in the first three books, the fourth is NOT going to disappoint.
A year after her first kill, Jaden has evolved into the strategic killing machine that Darren wished for, but he didn’t fully know what he was getting into because as usual, he underestimated her. As Jaden dominates each and every challenge that comes her way, Darren is forced to reckon with the fact that his princess is worthy of the title of Queen.
Did we expect anything less? I know I didn’t!
We also have the characters from the past brought back who add to the hope that blooms throughout Strike. You aren’t left being frustrated at Jaden’s situation, you are just rooting like hell that she’ll continue to exercise her plan! She’s truly diabolical. The expert resourcefulness that is woven throughout the book is one of my favorite things. Jay Marie stays true to both Jaden and Darren in both their strength and their intellect. The most impressive being the complete transformation Jaden has done during her year after the basement and how she changes in the short weeks after her wedding. Bravo.
Anyway, where Books 1-3 are Darren’s time to shine and throw his weight around, Book 4 is where Jaden gets a taste of victory, and HOLY SHIT is it about time! I finally received hope that maybe, just maybe, Jaden will escape her psychopath of a husband, and tumble each and every domino in his empire. Only time (and another book) will tell, but I’m telling you that Strike is EVERYTHING I was waiting for after Stolen, Survival and Spark- and more.
Happy Reading!
5 amazing stars!!!
I was so anxious to read this book! This series had me hooked by the first book! And Jay Marie didn’t disappoint! OMG the feels this book brought me! My poor nails!
Jay Marie delivered a more mature and powerful Jaden, a devilishly dark and selfish Darren that for me still is the perfect villain… The impersonation of pure evil and I love that Jay Marie maintains him as it is!
Jay overcomedl herself in this book. I was so enthralled in the story that didn’t even notice the hours passing.
I can sincerely say that this is my favorite dark series of all time, if not my fave of all kinds! So worth the wait!
Survival of the Fittest!!
Once again Jay Marie has given us an explosive addition to this twisted tale of obsession, submission, acceptance and a long awaited retaliation. At the end of book 3, Jaden was broken, defeated. The perfect little companion for the sadistic a**hole aka Darren. In the beginning of this book that theme continues. Jaden remains his little princess; living only to make him happy. It’s painful but understandable to read her compliance. She will do anything to avoid a repeat of the basement. As the story proceeds you realize Jaden has become a master manipulator. It’s not until the last few chapters that her patience pays off. It becomes shockingly apparent that Darren has created the weapon of his own destruction. Long live the queen!!!
The Stronger series had me hooked the first minute of the first book. Jay Marie knows how to right a deeply intriguing, wonderfully woven story about Jaden’s trials, strengths, weaknesses, and rebirth. Strike was absolutely worth every minute of waiting for this release. If you think you are good at predicting the outcome of stories, and wanting something that keeps you on the edge of your seat than this is the series for you. We are reintroduced to the Jaden we all fell in love with during the first book. Closer than ever to finally seeing how Jaden can truly take down Darren’s entire empire, and putting all the dominos in place to see them fall. The only terrible thing about devouring this latest book in the series is that the wait is back on to see where the path of war takes us.
Unbelievable!
What a ride! Sweet Jesus, this book. I have whiplash myself from the mood swings and back and forth exhibited by Darren. At one point Jaden accuses Darren of not knowing what he wants from her, and I have to agree. Poor Jaden is dealing with a moving target. It isn’t possible to satisfy someone whose idea of satisfaction is constantly shifting. He wants the impossible- for her to maintain her fire, fight, and hatred, but also for her to be submissive to him. She is set up for failure. And doesn’t he love it when she fails.
There are so many surprises and adventures in this book. Multiple trips to alternate locations presenting new security concerns as well as opportunities for craziness. Introductions of new characters and enemies, but also inclusion of some previous characters.
My heart was racing! My head spinning! I stayed up reading until my body passed out, picking the book back up in the morning. Ignoring my house. Hardly eating. I HAD to finish! I HAD to know! And now? I will social-stalk Jay Marie at least as bad as before, praying book five doesn’t have the same lead time as book four. Because, lord help me, I can’t take the suspense!
This book, as have others in this series, made me FEEL. I felt happiness and victory. I felt sadness and fury. I felt shock. Nausea. A full range of emotions.
I have seen responses from this author that this series won’t be the end of her writing, and I couldn’t be happier. I am bummed that this world will come to an end after one more book, but so thrilled that she will share other stories with us in the future. Her writing is that addictive. Every book in this series has been a no-question five star favorite, and I will definitely be re-reading this whole series again and again.
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WoW!!!! Fantastic job Jay Marie!! We’ve waited a long time for this book and it did not disappoint. This is book number 4 in the Stronger Series. This series is so addicting. Strike is my favorite book in the series. It’s well written and surpassed my expectations!! There were a lot of twists and turns that made me not want to put it down!! I like that you find a lot about the history of some of the characters. I know Jaden is a smart person but what she pulls off in this book is amazing. Jay did a wonderful job on this book actually the entire series. It’s going to be a hard wait for the final book!
Holy smokes! This book was action packed and engaging from start to finish. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept my heart pounding. The characters have become more evolved and tangible, especially Darren. His childhood and upbringing are explained in detail as well as his mother’s death and his history with Katherine and her family. The ending was pure brilliance and has left me wanting MORE! There is a fine line between love and hate, but Jaden is still choosing hate when it comes to Darren.
Absolutely freaking amazing. Strike is book 4 of the Stolen series. It’s well written and surpassed my expectations. Jay did not disappoint! The setting is 1 year after the last event in Spark (book 3). So much is happening, and Jaden is a bit more involved with Darren’s day to day life. I’ll try not to give any spoilers. Camero is so cute and grown up 🙂 Jaden speaks more conversationally with the staff and others around her. Things are explained regarding Darren’s hatred toward Katherine and we learn more about his family. Jaden is like Rambo chick on steroids with a mission!! She’s not playing around. I was happy to see more of Kayla and Jaden’s friendship. There’s some shady stuff going on in Germany because Darren’s lost contact with men who were stationed there. We learn a little bit about Jason. I’m totally rooting for him!! Darren has once again underestimated his princess. I can’t wait for book 5 to see his reaction when sh*t really starts to hit the fan.
4.5 stars !!!!
This is by far my favorite book in the series.
The way we can see the damage that Darren has caused Jaden, how he manipulate her mine and body and all the conditioning is show in a manner that you can understand how Jaden is so strong for all she has to endure and how she knowing she is conditioning she still has fire inside her.
How little by little she is gaining more strength and is learning to fight dirty to finally have her revenge and be free.
I love to hate Darren. He is so despicable. I really hate him and can’t wait to see Jaden burn down his empire and life. But I know he is so smart, so she has a long way to go and a lot more pain to suffer.
What can I say about Jason. We know little about his side, but I love him to the moon and back. His love and devotion for Jaden has made me respect him and root for him.
In this book we see a more smarter Jaden, more calculated, more intelligent and more in tune with her strengths and her vulnerabilities and limitations.
Camaro is the best dog ever.
I was glad to see more of Kayla and see a little about her fire too.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see all the explosions of passion and fire that surely we will get.
I hope to see them all burn with Jaden seeing them all burn in her vengeance and finally getting a little of justice. Because no person deserves to be owned by other.