“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 … 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.
*Please note this book deals with the hardships of high school, topics of bullying, and contains sex and sexual themes.
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Stronger is the perfect title for this story. Brooke and Hunter prove that if you fight hard enough to be who you are then you will march on and you will win. Bullies are awful, I’m sure we have all dealt with them in some form. However, Brooke’s bully takes it to an entire new level. Brooke is beautiful, kind and extremely smart. And Hunter is a hot shot popular jock on the football team who has eyes for Brooke. When Brooke’s favorite teacher asks Brooke to tutor Hunter she is annoyed but is up for the challenge. However, she would never have thought Hunter was actually smart and just looking for a way to talk to her. Enter the popular crowd, which is Hunter’s friends not liking this one but!
This book had so many swoon-worthy moments. It had heart, intrigue, suspense, determination and love. At one point I had to take a breather as I was crying so hard. However, I wiped my tears and persisted on as I couldn’t put this book down. You will love Brooke and Hunter’s story! An absolute must read!
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You wont be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
Spanish & English Review
4
ESP ::
Antes de leer el libro, vi algunas reseñas. Criticaban al protagonista, Hunter, por su rol.
En algunas otras, le daban máximas estrellas al libro. Así que decidí leerlo y formar mi propia opinión.
Este libro es una lectura fuerte. El tema de bullying es el eje central y leerlo es impactante. El estilo de escritura de Marselas es excelente, como siempre. La empatía, la compasión y el enojo son sentimientos que se experimentan durante el libro.
Hunter, el galán me pareció un personaje realista. Es un adolescente popular, enamorado de una niña que su círculo no aprueba. Claro que toma malas decisiones y actúa cobarde, pero es un adolescente. A los 18 es difícil tomar la mejor decisión desde el inicio y lo importante es redimirse, crecer y ser mejor. Él lo hace.
Pero la heroína de la historia es justo eso, una heroína. Es resiliente, llena de bondad y muy fuerte psicológicamente, pues es capaz de seguir llevando su vida a pesar del tormento. Me gusta que ella es dueña de su proceso, de su recuperación y de su lucha.
Es un libro recomendado para jóvenes, profesores y padres también. Ayuda a construir un punto de vista más construido acerca Del tema, y a entender algunas de las consecuencias.
ENG ::
The reviews were so mixed in this book (especially about Hunter) that I decided to read it myself so I could express my opinion.
The bullying theme is a strong topic. It’s hard to read at some parts but the writing is great, as always with this author. Lots of feelings arise while reading this book and that makes the experience very shocking.
Hunter, the hero, was a very realistic character. He’s a popular teenager that is in love with a girl that his inner circle does not approve and actually, bullies her. He acted cowardly at some point, but he made it better. Recognize his faults, grew up and stood up. He’s a teenager and at 18 not everyone chooses wisely. He leaned from it. It was realistic and good.
But Brooke… I mean wow. She’s the heroine and I simply say, what a heroine! She’s resilient, good hearted, nice, smart and she conquers her battle. She’s her own savior and I loved that.
This book is amazing, especially for young people, teachers and parents. Reading it will always help to construct a good point of view regarding this topic and how can it affect.
It has a beautiful message.
She noticed him but he was best friends with her bully. He needs a tutor and he asks her. Things are going to change and he helps her just as.much as she helps.him. Could this mean they will be a couple? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG, 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!
Stronger is an amazing story of bullying, strength, and love.
Brooklyn is a beautiful girl who has been bullied during the most formative years of school. She does what I think adults ,teenagers, and children alike do, we try to blend and be unnoticeable. Hunter is popular, but has had his share of bullying. The two form a relationship and deep bond. Unfortunately, some people can’t stand to be dismissed and need to have the world revolve around them. This book is written well and I think is a true account of what many children, teens, and adults suffer through. It is so heartbreaking and hard to understand why people act a certain way. Riley was a great support along with the parents and other students. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have that support system and continue to be bullied and cast out. This book brings to light the issues that many face and it will take the effort of everyone to try stop bullying and aid those who suffer, and see if there is a deeper issue with the person who is doing the bullying. Unfortunately, the problem will never go away, though there are things we can do to help. Amazing story of strength and how support can make a tremendous impact in our lives.
This book is very well written. Once I started reading I just couldn’t put it down. I just couldn’t get enough of the characters. Great job!
I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
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.
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.
Stronger is a book that was full of love, angst, and timely issues that everyone can relate to. Must read!!!
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 it was a fabulous read! Definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
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.
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.
This story sheds a light on high school bullying and the hardship one endures as they struggle through trying to survive the hurdles. Hunter and Brooke bring this story front and center. The story is well written and draws upon emotions that will have you thinking about this story long after you have finished.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
It’s a nice little high school romance, all the bells and whistles, except for the hiding the relationship. This book tackles a epidemic (for lack of better words), facing children of all ages, genders and nationalities. I wanted to crawl in the book for a bit and stop it. Thanks Erica I wish and hope this book falls into the right hands and this would stop or help someone
All books are excellent and this is not the exception! You can’t get tired reading anyvthing written by this author!!