There’s a girl asleep by my bed. Her name’s Sophie and she’s the love of my life. She doesn’t know that. I’ve never told her. I’ve been the biggest a$$hole the world has seen. I want everything from her but I can’t ask for it. I f*cked up, I’m probably dying, and it’s too late for second chances… Cosima (Merc’s girl from Dark Child).
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Well Jo is back!! It’s great to read books about tortured sexy guys!
This book was the whole package, the tragedy and heartache that Griff went through, there was so much detail on his illness and treatment, it was certainly well thought out.
It was great to see Sophie’s story after meeting her in Mercs story Dark Child and only getting little bits of her and Griffins story.
It was nice to see them have a happy ever after and for Griff and Soph be in the light together.
Jo Ravens books always leave me wanting more. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
5 Stars
Oh wow! This was another amazing book by one of my favorite authors. Jo Raven has a talent for writing that is so unique. No other author I have read, tortures their heroes like she does. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to watch a character suffer and be able to do nothing but read faster to get to the HEA. Jo raven writes from the heart and amazes me constantly.
If you’ve read Dark Child then you know of Griffin and Sophie. And while you do not have to read that book prior to Strength, I recommend you do because there are quite a few mentions that might make the book even more enjoyable for you.
Griffin is going through dark times. Not only does he suffer from PTSD, there is an issue with his health. My heart broke for this man over and over. In addition to his self-loathing, Griffin believes himself unworthy of Sophie’s love. Sophie was an amazing, strong character. She was just what Griff needed to help him heal. Sophie would teach this tortured man how to love as well.
I can go on but that would mean I’d have to give you details and since I refuse to ruin this book for you, you will have to read it on your own. I promise if you are already a fan of Jo’s, she won’t let you down. And if you haven’t read anything by her yet, I absolutely recommend that you do!
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
Strength by Jo Raven is another wonderful read by this fantastic author. I can’t express how much I love her books and she’s one of my very few one-click authors.
Strength is part of the Wild Men and the Cards of Love series.
This is Griff and Sophie’s story. I already met Sophie in Merc’s book and I wanted to learn more about here the whole time. And now – Yay – here is her story.
Griffin is an man whom was dealt bad cards in his life. He’s ex-military, is very sick and is in love with Sophie for a long time. He has to undergo severe procedures to get better and he longs for Sophie. But she’s strictly off limits.
Sophie is happy that her twin, Cosima found her HEA with Merc. But she is unhappy in love with Griff since forever, but the depressed man is clueless.
Both ahve a lot of issues to work through, but love conquers. Strength is a raw and gritty read, a heart-wrenching pageturner that gave me all the feels. I give 5 wonderful stars.
I loved Griffin’s and Sophie’s story. The way they were forced apart only to be brought back together was beautifully written. Jo Raven does it again. I would recommend this story to everyone!
Jo has been one of favorite authors for a long time. I love this book so much. You could feel the pain and anguish deep through every word. It is definitely a must read, along with all her other books.
This is Sophie and Griffin’s story, which is raw, gritty, heartbreaking, tragic, emotional, and loving. Sophie is determined to nurse Griffin back to health whiles he endures and battles to find the strength to endure and overcome a horrendous illness. This is a beautifully written story from this exceedingly talented author, and I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from her, and I highly recommend her work for all.
Strength by Jo Raven is an emotionally gripping and powerfully heartbreaking story. This is Griffin and Sophies love story. You will remember both of these characters being introduced back in “Dark Child” which was Mercury & Cosima love story. In case you don’t remember, Cosima and Sophie are twin sisters.
Strength is part of the Wild Men and the Cards of Love series. Griffin and Sophie’s love story is very heavy and tons serious. It’s light on optimistism and always has the undercurrent theme of Griffith’s illness looming over relationship. Not to mention all their misunderstandings and trouble that they have with communicating. Their love story will pull at your heart, for it’s so emotionally raw. This story goes through the rollercoaster of emotions of what they experience: their pain, joys, passion, angst, and experiencing what true love really means. This book is so emotional and angsty and unique. You want to bring tissues because it will have you in tears. I was reading and experiencing the feels along with Sophie and Griffin as they went along their journey. This is one journey you don’t want to miss!!!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars ******
Sophie and Griffin was fantastic it was well written and developed. Sophie is a strong woman and loves Griffin to death. Griffin is a veteran and is suffering he hides it from everyone but Sophie. This story is emotional but beautiful I was glad to see Griffin get the love he needed .
I voluntarily read a arc copy.
Strength is Superb!!
I’m so glad Jo decided to write this story. I wondered what was happening with Sophie and Griffin. This story was very powerful and true to what a lot of veterans go through when they return from war. I’m so glad Sophie could see through it all and see Griffin for what he really is. I enjoyed this story immensely. So glad to see them end up together. Jo Raven rocks!
This book just brought me to my knees. It’s raw, heartbreaking but through it all, there was so much love. I’ve always wondered about Sophie and Griff’s relationship since we’ve only got to see Cos’s side. She was so angry at him and Sophie was so vague that I’ve always thought he was a jerk but now I see what he was going through, it just broke my heart. He needed so much love but couldn’t communicate. For all his struggles, I’m happy he’s found his HEA.
Griffin and Sophie’s love story is very heavy and serious. It’s cautiously optimistic and always has the undercurrent theme of his illness looming over them. Not to mention all the misunderstandings and trouble communicating. These two pulled at my heart and tormented me. Jo has a way of making you feel so deeply for her characters, and being as anxious as they are for it to all work out. On a side note, this cover is awesome.
This book was everything,
.. Sophie had an inner strength that all Griffin needs to accept her love
Love how this book, shows their pain, joys, discoveries of what true love means. This book is emotional and inspiring. Through the tears, I kept reading feeling along with Sophie and Griffin journey.
4*
Sophie has tracked Griffin down and convinced him to stay with her whilst receiving treatment.
The two had a complicated relationship and he struggles to express himself. Can she understand him & prove he is worth it?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Awesome story of strength and never giving up. Griffin has been to hell is working on living through another form or it. While Sophie has come back into his life and wants nothing more than to help him. Griffin isn’t sure if he can let her, he has never let anyone help him or trusted anyone enough to let them see his true self. Sophie will never give up on him, she will continue to show him she is there for him and she will never leave again.
I received this book for an honest review. Jo Raven is a first time author for me, and she has done an amazing job with this story which is part of the Cards of Love Series . The characters of Griffin and Sophie will pull at your heart, it was emotional, raw and loving all at the same time. Griff is trying to endure his battle with cancer as well as come to terms with the scars the war has left him, only Sophie is there for him and will not let him give up as she nurses him back to health as she has always loved him and now has to show him that he can overcome everything to be a whole person and have love. Strength will pull you in from beginning to end and I highly recommend this book. This is one book that should not be missed, you will love it.
Heartbreaking. Crushing. Angst. Love. Lust. Hope.
That’s a few words that describe the emotions I felt reading Strength.
Griffin
What a complicated man, tortured by past events, struggling to live in “the world of today” after his time in the army and PTSD that now demands so much of his attention.
His love for Sophie has always been there, hiding because he never believed he was worthy of love. Never believed he was worthy or deserving of her love.
Sophie
Sophie has loved Griffin for years until one day he was gone. Disappeared without a word. Then years later he is back from the war (that she had no clue about) and he has changed. He was always quiet, reserved but there’s a difference to him now & Sophie wants him, needs him and is determined to break through his layers.
This read was so emotional, a topic that can’t help but tug at your heartstrings and pray for a HEA. The thought of anything else is unbearable. Sophie and Griffin are amazing, their love is unbreakable and for the first time Griffin allows himself to feel. To love.