For Better or Worse

Hawthorne Family #4

by Delaney Diamond

Will her actions save her marriage or destroy it?

As a publicist for professional athletes, Antonio Vega is used to solving problems and spinning stories to the benefit of his clients. Yet he can’t seem to convince his wife that he has been and always will be faithful, and her lack of trust tests the limits of his patience.

Cassidy Hawthorne-Vega grew up in a home rocked by infidelity. When she suspects her husband is hiding something from her, she takes drastic steps to uncover the truth. Her actions result in a confrontation that threatens the bond of their marriage. It’s only when she reveals a painful secret from the past that Cassidy learns to accept the love her husband freely gives.

Word count: 37,400

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2013

About the author

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, and dozens of romance short stories. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not spinning tales of romantic fiction, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.

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Reviews

[Emotonal Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

let me get this straight, he spoils an evening with his wife to hold the hands of the woman who had an affair with his brother when she had to their baby to the hospital and thinking to his self that his wife understand because this is family, that seem to imply his wife is not his family. what the heck.

then when explained everything his comment. i hope you are happy now i have betrayed my brothers trust to gain yours. this is his wife he is talking to, his family now, he should of explained everything to her the minute he booked his brother's mistress into that hotel, obviously he doesn't see his wife as apart of his family.

his brother cheated, i don't care why,there is no excuse. the lead guy handled that in the worst way. in this instance i am totally behind the wife,his lies brought everything on him self and having the wife grovel really pissed me off. she might be wrong in other ways but not in that case.

his brother should not have asked and he should never be willing to lie to his wife so easily. i have no respect for the mistress or the brothers.

[Kendra Broomfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me mad. Antonio was not a good husband. He literally gaslighted his wife and blamed her for a situation he created. He treated his wife like his loyalty was to his family first and then what’s left, she gets. Yes Cassidy has her issues, but he knew that coming into the marriage. And he fueled her reasons for mistrust with all his constant lies.

The whole situation with his brother’s affair baby and pending divorce was not a big enough secret to keep his wife out of the loop. If he knew she had trust issues, then don’t add to it. He could’ve given her something to quell her suspicions without having to give it all. Yet he waited until it all got exposed and then offered the story and then had the audacity to say are you happy that I violated my brother’s trust for yours. Excuse tf out of me.

Antonio was a liar and neglectful husband. Let’s be honest, if Brick hasn’t told him what his plan was for the “marriage ex” and he discovered it was his wife, he would’ve still been putting his work and family before her. He didn’t appreciate her until he discovered she could be somebody else’s. Then blamed it all on her.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I loved how it was about an already married couple and issues that arise in a marriage. It wasn't all lovey dovey and happily ever after the whole book which was a welcome change. Cassidy's insecurities did grate on my nerves after a while, but Antonio was always there telling her how special she was and how much she loved him. When the truth came out about why she was how she was I could somewhat understand her feelings but not 100%. I would have rated this 4 stars but Antonio's secret was just not worth the wait. I thought it was going to be bigger than it was and it really took something away from the read for me with all the lying he had to do to Cassidy to keep it. Overall I thought it was a good read.

[Reshemah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hated to see this series come to an end. I feel in love with this family and enjoyed all four books. Cassidy's story was just a little bit different. In the first book in the series, Cassidy and Anthony are getting married. In this book they have been married for a year. Cassidy has trust issues because of the problems in her family when she was younger. Delaney Diamond did an awesome job with this story. I know all good series must come to an end, but I would not be disappointed if we could find a few Hawthorne cousins... :-)

[KarynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these Hawthorne’s. This was book 4 and final installment. Delaney Diamond truly knows romance. This definitely checked all the boxes.

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick enjoyable read I really like Cassidy and Antonio even though she has issues. I really liked the part when Antonio was at the club that was so good. It was also good to catch up with the rest of the Hawthorne's and Vega's.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care for the heroine at all. She did some things that, had she been a man, the tone of the novel would have been very different. The writing was very good as always but the heroine was very problematic.

[bree · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

4.75 stars. this series seemed to get better with each book. i listened to it on audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed one of my favorite narrators. (i love nia serge so bad). this novella quadrology gave me modern day beverly jenkins vibes with a bit more vulgarness to the spicy descriptions.

[J Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read from cover to cover

This book was captivating and depicted real life issues in relationships, family and friendship. I admire the closeness of the families and Cassidy's insecurities and trust issues. Ms. Diamond brought all these everyday issues to the fore in the narrative. Well written storyline. I've read and re-read this book over 15 times. Love... Love.. Love. It.... And Antonio really handled his wife like a Boss.... 'You're gonna make me catch a case......' Lol... Awesome read....

[Malaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to the series

This was a great ending to the series. It’s interesting how one situation can affect so many people in so many different ways. The dad cheating impacted all his children in negative ways. It’s good that Antonio loved Cassidy through it. Also great that they all found love.

[Sharmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series

I enjoyed this final book in this series. I read Derrick's story first and also liked that one. Honestly, I did not liked Matthew and Roarke's stories. I not find further one of them desirable and didn't find the way they pursued their women desirable at all.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to unpack here. From her insecurities to his loyalty that calls for deceit, they had some high hurdles to overcome but through it all the love was strong. I really enjoyed this Hawthorne story and thought the emotion, trauma, and release for it all was well done. Great story and great narration.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, Cassidy's jealousy was a lot but Antonio knew what her issues were when he did what he did. It didn't need to be a thing and he made it a thing. Annoying!
The Hawthorne Family is sooo messy!!! But I ate up every little bit of drama. This 4 book series is short but satisfying. Each book focuses on one sibling and their love interest but it we also learn more shady family lore. Easy listen!

[Nicole Baker grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I enjoyed reading For Better or Worse. Cassidy and Antonio are great together, the love and compassion. Cassidy learn that things which happen in your past are not always your fault. Antonio learn that communication is the best policy. I definitely recommend this book.

[LaShon Hawkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney did it again!

Loved it! Cassidy and Antonio were perfect together. The story flowed. Loved how they both came to terms with their insecurities. Can’t wait for more great stories.

[Frances Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Past or persen

If you judge every body by the way you was treated and not knowing that every body is different you will hurt the ones you love the most

[Daisy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust

It was a great read. It had a littles suspense about who the baby belong to and why Cassie had trust issues . I would recommend this book.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better

Enjoyed this feel good, happily ever after. This series was entertaining as the others that I have read, that is, "Love Unexpected" and beginning "Brooks Family".

[Lucy Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This one was as awesome as the first three in the series. I will start on one of the other Delaney series as soon as I submit this review.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending

[Bug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciate a love story between married people. I am my brothers keeper but when it starters making my wife nuts I gotta get it together

[Ejatu Bah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read I loved every minute of it. I love how letting go of your darkest secrets can save the one thing you hold dear ibn your heart.

[Tanielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antonio is working hard on his new business trying to ensure its success but Cassidy is seeing an entirely different situation. Of course she also has sage advice from her three time divorced friend giving her pointers on signs to look out for to know when your husband is cheating as well. Plus we learn her little secret that she's been carrying around and it puts a tab bit of explanation on her craziness, some of it anyway. Cassidy is really showing out in this one though. The stuff she was willing to do to find out info was a tad creepy.

Antonio was right there with her at every turn though. I'm a bit upset he didn't really hold her accountable for her actions though. I wanted to know why she married him as well with all the drama she was accusing him of. Then again he had his own secrets plus he was slacking on his part of their marriage. He did come to terms with his issues though but I don't feel like Cassidy did. I can't really see this being a healthy situation for either of them though. She's way too paranoid and after so much he'll get tired of it or flip out when she's physically going at him. Not a bad read, I really wanted to see the couple bond even with all the problems. Find a way to really work it out and something to show that Cassidy was over her nonsense.

[D.lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Cassidy and Antonio's story. Cassidy had some serious issues and it didn't help having her friend Janice in her ear. As much Cassidy worked my nerves, it was hard not to like her. She was so vulnerably crazy at times, however as adults we sometimes don't recognize the damage we do to our children.
Antonio was a great guy, however he sometimes had his priorities in the wrong place. I do admire the patience he had with Cassidy. I really wanted to shake her, until teeth shattered, with some of her antics.
Then there was Janice, we have all had a Janice in our lives. Always in your ear feeding your insecurities and using her own messed up situation as examples. I couldn't stand her. She was a bitter know it all, but Cassidy eventually grows a backbone.
The ending brought a lump my throat. They've come full circle and all is well with the Hawthorne's. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it. Really good series

[Carla wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last book in the series and it did not disappoint. What is marriage when there are trust issues.
Great writing, excellent character development.

[Nikki Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I was pulled into a wonderful story by Delaney Diamond! This is a tapestry of challenged love about two people who love each other but are impacted by past experiences. The characters, Cassidy and Antonio come alive right before your eyes while you take the emotional rollercoaster along with them, as they try to navigate real life drama while trying to sustain a young marriage-Challenging! If you have been following this series, this is like the trump in a card game. Ms. Diamond nails it and one cannot come away feeling anything but satisfied with the way the series ends. Pick this up, you won't be disappointed!

[Shonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated the heroine

I know hate is a strong word but I hated the heroine. I will not reread and this book will go on the NEVER read again list.

She had character flaws that were extremely distasteful and the author couldn't redeem her (in my opinion). She was extremely jealous and overreacted in most situation (I'm not in the medical field but it appeared she had some psychiatric issues). The coffin being laid in the ground is when the heroine physically fought the hero. So not my cup of tea and now I'm mad because I just HAD to finish.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this read quickly and with great interest. I have wanted to know the deal between Antonio and Cassidy since book one of the series and then as the books continued the intensity grew more.

Cassidy and Antonio needed to spend more time talking to each other instead of at each other. Cassidy had her insecurities and it was difficult for Antonio to understand them. I could feel the pain that Cassidy was going through and understand the confusion and hurt of Antonio.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Antonio & Cassidy's story! Issues from Cassidy's past almost wrecked her health and her future with her Antonio, her husband. Cassidy's father had a love child with his mistress and Cassidy's mother was so heartbroken about it, she died before her time. This book also updated the lives of the other characters from the first 3 books. Nicely Done!

[Helen Horace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawthorne family

I have just completed reading all four of the Hawthorne family and all the books were excellent. I really enjoy the family story couldn't put the book down again I say all the books was excellent