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Then There Was You #1
Whispers In The Wind
From Amazon bestselling author SM Stryker comes an emotionally riveting, standalone, romantic suspense.
༺❃༻ They say true love only finds you once. ༺❃༻
I've always believed things happen for a reason, but things don't always happen the way you planned.Callie thought her life was finally changing, she was so close to grasping the brass ring.
My name is Callie Bailey, I was in love with Drayton Clay. Drayton was my first love, my first kiss, my almost everything. The day Drayton proposed to me, was not only the best day of my life but the most tragic as well.
Then tragedy struck, and I once again lost everything.
I died that night with him.
Maison walked into my life and flipped it on its axis. He didn't just teach me to live, he showed me that there was more to live for.
Then the unthinkable happened.
My world once again came crashing down around me.
Running away from her past, Kai Sterling was there to catch Callie.
My name is Kai Sterling, and I know I shouldn't get involved with her, but there's something about the woman sitting in a mud puddle in the middle of a rainstorm crying, that pulled at my heart.
Callie was something I never thought I would have, but deep down always wanted.
Can Kai save Callie from her past, or will her past be too much for him to handle?
SM Stryker brings you this highly emotional story filled with lost loves and the man with the heart of gold.
Whispers In The Wind is a new adult romance novel and contains, mentions of physical & sexual abuse, explicit language, and sexual scenes, and it is intended for persons 18 years of age and older.e - a spin-off of Whispers
294 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2017
187 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Stryker
25 books275 followersAn Oregon native and Amazon international best-selling author, SM Stryker started writing as a way to explore the aspects of the human condition. Her stories take you on a personal journey in which her characters learn something about themselves, weaving true love stories about people destined to be together.
SM. Stryker is the dirty alter ego of a quietly introverted mortgage broker behind the stories. While she might be a wife (to her biggest cheerleader), mother of four adult daughters and grandmother of four on the outside, there's nothing but hot and steamy fantasies being plotted beneath the surface.
Known for her real-life emotionally charged, unpredictable, suspenseful but heart-warming page-turning romances novels, Stryker's stories touch on normally unspoken subjects. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real. Heroines that fight their demons to become survivors and their sexy but sensitive alpha hero's that will fight beside the women they love in their journey to find their own solace.
Stryker tries to use her platform as an author to raise awareness about sexual abuse of children and adults.
Although quiet by nature, she loves to hear from her readers!
She has shared more of the events of her life in many of her other books.
TO JOIN MY MAILING LIST AND TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF NEVER FORGOTTEN LOVE,
PLEASE SIGN UP HERE.
http://facebook.com/Author.S.M.Stryker
www.smstryker.com
shelly@smstryker.com
SM. Stryker is the dirty alter ego of a quietly introverted mortgage broker behind the stories. While she might be a wife (to her biggest cheerleader), mother of four adult daughters and grandmother of four on the outside, there's nothing but hot and steamy fantasies being plotted beneath the surface.
Known for her real-life emotionally charged, unpredictable, suspenseful but heart-warming page-turning romances novels, Stryker's stories touch on normally unspoken subjects. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real. Heroines that fight their demons to become survivors and their sexy but sensitive alpha hero's that will fight beside the women they love in their journey to find their own solace.
Stryker tries to use her platform as an author to raise awareness about sexual abuse of children and adults.
Although quiet by nature, she loves to hear from her readers!
She has shared more of the events of her life in many of her other books.
TO JOIN MY MAILING LIST AND TO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF NEVER FORGOTTEN LOVE,
PLEASE SIGN UP HERE.
http://facebook.com/Author.S.M.Stryker
www.smstryker.com
shelly@smstryker.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 28, 2017
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **
When it comes to reading books, I'm a sucker for a good old love story mixed with just the right amount of mystery. It's fair to say that I may have just stumbled upon the perfect book.
Callie and Drayton are high school sweethearts destined to spend the rest of their lives together. But that is torn away from them one fateful night.
Learning to love again was never on the cards for Callie, but when her new client Maison enters her life, love could very well be on the agenda once again.
Or could they?
What could possibly have Callie running in the middle of the night?
What has her looking over her shoulder and doubting the man she loves?
And how does Kai, the gentleman that tries to help her, fit in?
An absolute stunning page turner that will hold you spellbound from beginning to tearful end. And just like every great mystery, look out for the huge cliffhanger that will have you wanting, needing and pleading for more.
5/5
When it comes to reading books, I'm a sucker for a good old love story mixed with just the right amount of mystery. It's fair to say that I may have just stumbled upon the perfect book.
Callie and Drayton are high school sweethearts destined to spend the rest of their lives together. But that is torn away from them one fateful night.
Learning to love again was never on the cards for Callie, but when her new client Maison enters her life, love could very well be on the agenda once again.
Or could they?
What could possibly have Callie running in the middle of the night?
What has her looking over her shoulder and doubting the man she loves?
And how does Kai, the gentleman that tries to help her, fit in?
An absolute stunning page turner that will hold you spellbound from beginning to tearful end. And just like every great mystery, look out for the huge cliffhanger that will have you wanting, needing and pleading for more.
5/5
Want to read
April 16, 2023Prch Amz July 22, 2022
July 26, 2022
Twist and Turns
OMG! Awesome story the twist and turns in this story. Call ie went through so much and to have found 3 awesome men. One should be so blessed. Though the Madison situation turned out strange, I have no doubts that he loved Callie.
OMG! Awesome story the twist and turns in this story. Call ie went through so much and to have found 3 awesome men. One should be so blessed. Though the Madison situation turned out strange, I have no doubts that he loved Callie.
June 23, 2023
I have very mixed thoughts on Whispers in the Wind. On the one hand I thought Stryker wrote a very original romance story, full of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all. I really came to love the characters. On the other hand I thought the characters were a bit unrealistic in some ways. Callie is quite unlucky when it comes to love, but also very lucky at the same time. She’s had three loves in total in this book and they all fell head over heels for her within seconds. The men are all very romantic and know the perfect things to say, which made it unrealistic to me. It all just was a little too perfect (except for Callie losing two of her three lovers in one way or another, of course).
If it wasn’t for the dramatic plot line behind the romance one, I think I would’ve DNF it. I thought the dramatic part of Callie’s story was quite original and well thought through! It had me on the edge of my seat and it made it really hard to put this book down!
All in all, I really liked reading this book, but the overly romantic guys and cheesy passages were a little too much. Luckily, romance isn’t the only thing this book is about. So if you can look over the cheesy parts, it’s really worth a read!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, thank you! *
If it wasn’t for the dramatic plot line behind the romance one, I think I would’ve DNF it. I thought the dramatic part of Callie’s story was quite original and well thought through! It had me on the edge of my seat and it made it really hard to put this book down!
All in all, I really liked reading this book, but the overly romantic guys and cheesy passages were a little too much. Luckily, romance isn’t the only thing this book is about. So if you can look over the cheesy parts, it’s really worth a read!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, thank you! *
February 16, 2017
Whispers in the Wind is absolutely an amazing story.
Callie is a high school freshman, and a nerdy book worm. She wants to go to college, but needs a scholarship to manage it.
Drayton , even as a freshman, was athletically built and gorgeous. He was the quarterback of their winning foot ball team, and was basically allowed to skate through every class without studying, until Callie motivated him to do better. Drayton and Callie were best friends, and more, through their high school years, and ccontinued when they attended the same college.
I am not going any further into their story. Suffice to say this is extremely emotional portrayal of some of life's possibilities. I can honestly say I cried quite a bit during the reading of this story, I found it was impossible not to!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read the book!
Callie is a high school freshman, and a nerdy book worm. She wants to go to college, but needs a scholarship to manage it.
Drayton , even as a freshman, was athletically built and gorgeous. He was the quarterback of their winning foot ball team, and was basically allowed to skate through every class without studying, until Callie motivated him to do better. Drayton and Callie were best friends, and more, through their high school years, and ccontinued when they attended the same college.
I am not going any further into their story. Suffice to say this is extremely emotional portrayal of some of life's possibilities. I can honestly say I cried quite a bit during the reading of this story, I found it was impossible not to!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read the book!
February 26, 2017
One you start this book you will be captivated from the beginning to the end. I just could not put it down. The book had twists and turns and kept you hanging on the edge of your seat wondering what would happen next.
This is one of those books that if you write too much you might give some important things away so let me just tell you this. The characters in the book come to life and they seem so real. Callie is a tough and amazing woman who has been dealt some really tough blows in her life but she comes through it all so amazingly.
Read the book I think you will find it as suspenseful and romantic as I did. When I received an ARC to read and perhaps give my honest opinion she was a new to me author but after reading this book I can't wait to read more of her books.
This is one of those books that if you write too much you might give some important things away so let me just tell you this. The characters in the book come to life and they seem so real. Callie is a tough and amazing woman who has been dealt some really tough blows in her life but she comes through it all so amazingly.
Read the book I think you will find it as suspenseful and romantic as I did. When I received an ARC to read and perhaps give my honest opinion she was a new to me author but after reading this book I can't wait to read more of her books.
July 1, 2022
Oh my God! Talk about heartache, drama and the wondering if there will be a happy ending. This is such a great read. 3 romances with one girl at different times, but the troubles...wow..loved this love this ... only spoiler I'll leave you with is you will feel sorry for one of the characters
February 16, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. I was sad for Callie that she lost someone she loved so soon. It has been a few years after that she meets Maison Keller. They become business partners and soon began dating and get engaged. There's something that happens and it sends her running. That's when she meets Kai. He's what she's been missing in life There are secrets and things that happen but which one does she choose?
Loved this book it's amazing
Loved this book it's amazing
April 21, 2017
Like all books from S.M Stryker, I could not put it down! The roller coaster of emotions she takes you on is what I love in books. I had tears streaming down my face before chapter 5. There were several twists that I did not expect and I found a smile on my face or once again tears streaming down. I am so excited for the 2nd book in this series. If you have not read any books from S.M Stryker yet, you are definitely missing out!!!!!
February 21, 2017
This is a beautiful story, well written and from the heart! This book covers, young love, tragedy, sacrifice, healing, beginning again and forever love! The characters in this book are so well rounded that you feel their pain and happiness! The end may be a surprise to many, but I knew this was the only way it could end! I highly recommend this book!
January 6, 2022
So good it made me cry. Had a hard time putting it down. Everyone should read this!
September 4, 2020
Reread this series so I could have everything fresh in my mind for Wherever our Journey Leads Us. Still loved this book so much. Again read through it all in a few hours. The books deals with love, loss, sorrow, sexual contact and physical abuse. The book follows Callie Bailey who is in love with her high school sweetheart, Drayton Clay, quarterback for the Cougars. It wasn’t love at first sight, but their friendship grew into an invincible bond, a bond that could only be broken by one thing. The day was amazing; he had it all planned out, they were going to get married and she would have a family again. She never expected that amazing day would end like this. This book was so strong it made me feel for all the characters and what they were going through. The book is told from three different characters points which I liked and was easy to follow. There was even a mystery part to the book which I loved. Would recommend this series. What I also like about this series is that you can read each book as a stand alone but characters do show up from each book.
December 6, 2021
Firstly, I’d like to state that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the S.M Stryker via Voracious Readers Only.
What I enjoyed most about this book was how mature and relatable the characters are and the relationships are. The storyline wasn’t overly dramatized and there weren’t these harsh and toxic relationship plotlines to drag you down.
I felt like all the characters in the book were authentic and easier to understand, you could truly empathize with them.
The story in its whole is quite heartfelt and heart retching.
Despite the story being heartfelt and mature, it lacked that little something to make it truly captivating. To me it was predictable, but in that sense, even though I knew what was coming, the characters – especially the main character Callie, really held me at a distant tension to see what she would do and how she and everyone would handle some of the situations and circumstances.
I feel that with the main female character - Callie - you can’t help but feel for and applaud her strength, vitality, and endurance throughout everything. She’s not a weak person and hasn’t carried that woe is me stamina that some female characters can harbor.
But overall, the story reminded me a lot, of the movie Best of Me by Nicolas Sparks.
All in all, a beautiful story that's well-rounded and respectable to all the characters.
What I enjoyed most about this book was how mature and relatable the characters are and the relationships are. The storyline wasn’t overly dramatized and there weren’t these harsh and toxic relationship plotlines to drag you down.
I felt like all the characters in the book were authentic and easier to understand, you could truly empathize with them.
The story in its whole is quite heartfelt and heart retching.
Despite the story being heartfelt and mature, it lacked that little something to make it truly captivating. To me it was predictable, but in that sense, even though I knew what was coming, the characters – especially the main character Callie, really held me at a distant tension to see what she would do and how she and everyone would handle some of the situations and circumstances.
I feel that with the main female character - Callie - you can’t help but feel for and applaud her strength, vitality, and endurance throughout everything. She’s not a weak person and hasn’t carried that woe is me stamina that some female characters can harbor.
But overall, the story reminded me a lot, of the movie Best of Me by Nicolas Sparks.
All in all, a beautiful story that's well-rounded and respectable to all the characters.
August 21, 2020
After losing my high school sweetheart in a horrible car accident hours after he proposed to me—and months after losing my father—I felt like I had lost my chance at a happily ever after.
Until I met Maison Keller.
Tall and handsome, he would’ve made any girl swoon. Love with him didn’t quite feel the same, but after losing my first love, I knew that things could never truly be the same as before.
My life with Maison was great. At least, that was what I thought until he starts to change, and my life comes crashing down around me once again.
By the time I meet Kai, I’ve given up on love. Losing everyone you love has irreparable effects on you, and I want nothing to do with him. It doesn’t help that my past is catching up with me, fast.
They say true love only finds you once, but Kai wants me to believe that the third time’s the charm.
Talk about an emotional read! Just WoW! Beautifully written and heartfelt! Their journey wasn't an easy, but so worth it!
Until I met Maison Keller.
Tall and handsome, he would’ve made any girl swoon. Love with him didn’t quite feel the same, but after losing my first love, I knew that things could never truly be the same as before.
My life with Maison was great. At least, that was what I thought until he starts to change, and my life comes crashing down around me once again.
By the time I meet Kai, I’ve given up on love. Losing everyone you love has irreparable effects on you, and I want nothing to do with him. It doesn’t help that my past is catching up with me, fast.
They say true love only finds you once, but Kai wants me to believe that the third time’s the charm.
Talk about an emotional read! Just WoW! Beautifully written and heartfelt! Their journey wasn't an easy, but so worth it!
February 9, 2021
This is the first book in the Then There Was You Series but can be read as a standalone. Talk about emotional this book will have you shedding tears at the beginning. Callie and Drayton are the perfect couple and have big plans for their future. He plans on going to college on a football scholarship and she on an academic one. He proposes and a few hours later she loses him in a car accident. She is devastated but eventually moves on. Maison is there to help her pick up the pieces. Then things really took a 180 degree turn and that's when Kai found her sitting on the side of the road crying. She captured his heart and he knew he had to help her. The book is very moving and emotional with lots of twists. Is the third time the charm? This is one you don't want to miss out on. Be warned that once you start reading you'll find this book hard to put down. I I receive a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 14, 2021
I was asked to review the book, and I absolutely loved this.
From page 1, you are deeply moved by Callie and Dray's story and feel the unimaginable loss in future chapters. I was so moved that I had tears in my eyes. You realize that you still have to keep on going and you cheer for Callie as she struggles to remember that. As you read about her journey down the road, you see glimpses of unending love.
I loved the small amounts of scripture in this novel, which I was not expecting. It gave hope in moments that even I as a reader wondered if there was a point to it all. Inspirational without being over the top. In the end, you smile as you realize that we are connected in some ways and love never really leaves you.
If you are hopeless romantic, this is definitely for you. Note though, there are some darker topics within the book, so please be warned about that.
From page 1, you are deeply moved by Callie and Dray's story and feel the unimaginable loss in future chapters. I was so moved that I had tears in my eyes. You realize that you still have to keep on going and you cheer for Callie as she struggles to remember that. As you read about her journey down the road, you see glimpses of unending love.
I loved the small amounts of scripture in this novel, which I was not expecting. It gave hope in moments that even I as a reader wondered if there was a point to it all. Inspirational without being over the top. In the end, you smile as you realize that we are connected in some ways and love never really leaves you.
If you are hopeless romantic, this is definitely for you. Note though, there are some darker topics within the book, so please be warned about that.
February 18, 2021
I got this book for free using Voracious Readers and I was unsure on what to make of it but the description of the story seemed good so I went with it. At the beginning I was a bit apprehensive but soon I got invested with the characters and ended up sobbing like a baby a couple chapters in. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions but I couldn’t seem to put it down I had to know how it ended and it ended in a beautiful way. Though I do have to admit I held a soft spot for Drayton, he was by far my favourite character. All characters and stories were beautifully written by an amazing author. Would recommend to friends and would definitely read again!!
January 6, 2022
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review *
⭐️⭐️⭐️.4
A story of a woman that thought life was over after a tragic accident. How she was basically thrown head-first into moving on but realized later that she never really did. She learns more about herself and grows along the way. This book had a lot of twists and turns with love, danger and excitement. I enjoyed it.
It’s well written in multiple POV’s which I enjoyed. Some of the POV switches relayed the scene, which was nice although a little repetitive. I did find it somewhat difficult to get through the first half. The ‘tragic love’ consumes the first quarter, and the ‘lesson love’ the second. So the book is halfway done before she even meets the ‘main love’. To me, this chopped the story up instead of being a flowing immersive novel.
I love Kai when he does comes into the picture. Ever the gentleman, he’s caring and considerate.
Overall I enjoyed it, and recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.4
A story of a woman that thought life was over after a tragic accident. How she was basically thrown head-first into moving on but realized later that she never really did. She learns more about herself and grows along the way. This book had a lot of twists and turns with love, danger and excitement. I enjoyed it.
It’s well written in multiple POV’s which I enjoyed. Some of the POV switches relayed the scene, which was nice although a little repetitive. I did find it somewhat difficult to get through the first half. The ‘tragic love’ consumes the first quarter, and the ‘lesson love’ the second. So the book is halfway done before she even meets the ‘main love’. To me, this chopped the story up instead of being a flowing immersive novel.
I love Kai when he does comes into the picture. Ever the gentleman, he’s caring and considerate.
Overall I enjoyed it, and recommend it.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 28, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Whispers In The Wind took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn't want to end. This is the second book I've read by S.M. Stryker and she made me do the one thing I hate to do, ugly cry. Callie's journey captivated me, broke my heart and made me break out the Kleenex. I don't want to give away anything because you need to read this book to fully understand how great the story and the writing is. This author pulled me into the story and had me feeling so many emotions. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was written well and the characters were fully formed. The author definitely has a way of describing certain happenings in this book.
I found it a bit rushed towards the end and a bit to predictable but never the less I still enjoyed the book.
I will read eventually the next 3 book in the series.
These are only my opinions, go read the book for yourselves, emerse yourself in fantasy and see what you think.
I found it a bit rushed towards the end and a bit to predictable but never the less I still enjoyed the book.
I will read eventually the next 3 book in the series.
These are only my opinions, go read the book for yourselves, emerse yourself in fantasy and see what you think.
October 9, 2020
I really liked the storyline. The author does a great job of twisting and turning the plot as the story builds. There are a few raw scenes that leave you heartbroken and in tears, but as Callie (female lead) recovers so does the reader. Beware of the adult-only scenes that are fairly graphic. Solid story, even if a bit of a fantasy.
Received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my review.
Received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my review.
October 19, 2020
I got into this book from the very start and couldn’t put it down. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and the characters draw you in. A little different from the usual romance as it has a few twists and turns that make you want to keep turning the page. Some of the men are too good to be true, but that’s what fantasy is all about - just don’t expect to meet them in the real world! Added S M Stryker to my list of authors to read and really looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
January 5, 2022
An amazing story about Callie, a high school freshman and book lover. It takes you through a horrific lost love and continue to her working to find her happily ever after. Even after losing everyone she loves, she continues to go on. This story is a roller coaster love story that you cannot put down. There are some parts of the book that are dark but this adds to the reality of life and how love isn't always easy. I will definitely read more by this author.
August 14, 2020
Loved this book! Have to say I cried many times while reading it. It was heart touching and reminded me of a time when I lost my first husband when he was 28 in a coal mining accident. Sometimes the tears were happy tears as the lady overcame obstacles in her way to happiness. As you can tell I tend to get closely involved with the characters. Great book! Can't wait to read more of your works!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2021
Plot twist after plot twist, when I first started this book I was apprehensive and wasn’t sure if I could finish it but I am so glad that I did. This book is such a sweet story and has so many plot twists that keep it from being cliche and predictable. It broke my heart within the first 5 chapters but fixed it by the end and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is a book that you need to read.
March 21, 2021
You feel like you are living Callie's life with her - all the loves and losses, the achievements and the moments of being afraid. Very easy to read and it leaves you wanting to know more about the future of the characters and more about the FBI investigation past, present and future. Reminds you of how important it is everyday to live in the now and share with loved ones.
September 14, 2021
Wow
I got this book via voracious readers. It didn't dissapoint. She made me cry laugh and all emotions inbetween. It took me 3 days to finish and only because I had to work. I was thinking about the book while I was working wondering what would happen. I was definitely living in the book. I can't wait to read and purchase the next ones in the series! I was hoping there would be more.
I got this book via voracious readers. It didn't dissapoint. She made me cry laugh and all emotions inbetween. It took me 3 days to finish and only because I had to work. I was thinking about the book while I was working wondering what would happen. I was definitely living in the book. I can't wait to read and purchase the next ones in the series! I was hoping there would be more.
September 20, 2020
An amazing emotional read. I had a very difficult time putting it down. I loved every second of this story and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2021
I actually liked this book..
i cried a few times. And it wasnt just normal tears that you get over in seconds. It was the ugly cry that lasted more than 10 mins.. it was an emotional ride...
All in all i cant wait to read the next book in the series
I want Maison to have a happy ending
❤️
i cried a few times. And it wasnt just normal tears that you get over in seconds. It was the ugly cry that lasted more than 10 mins.. it was an emotional ride...
All in all i cant wait to read the next book in the series
I want Maison to have a happy ending
❤️
January 19, 2022
Was totally captivated by whispers in the wind. Right when you think things are one way and it throws you a curve ball. Great plot, raw emotion that pulls you in. Knocked this one out the park. Will definitely be getting more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews