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Then There Was You #3
For Better or for Worse
Forced to leave the only family she had. Sixteen-year-old, Natasha will be groomed to marry a man she doesn’t like, let alone love.
Alec Turner was my best friend and Natasha; Nat as we called her, his kid sister that followed us everywhere.
After a tragic accident left Alec and Natasha orphans, their aunt and uncle stole Nat away from us; cutting off all communication to her.
It wasn’t until another tragic death that I saw her again. She was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated and had the mouth of a trucker that I was dying to kiss.
I had never told Alec the feelings I had for Nat. She was only sixteen and I was two years older. Alec would have killed me and buried me in his backyard for even thinking, let alone mentioning, my attraction to her.
It’s been seven years since she was taken from us and Alec was just killed in Afghanistan, and the girl I fell in love with; the elegant, classy, prim and proper woman in the designer suit, Well, she’s slinging handfuls of mud at his casket.
Little did she know, Louis; her betrothed, followed her, and he would stop at nothing to get her back. He needed her. No, he needed her birthright to take his place in the family.
My name is Connor Nash, and this is my story of lost loves and the second chances.
***THIS IS A SPINOFF IN THE SERIES. IT IS A STANDALONE***
Alec Turner was my best friend and Natasha; Nat as we called her, his kid sister that followed us everywhere.
After a tragic accident left Alec and Natasha orphans, their aunt and uncle stole Nat away from us; cutting off all communication to her.
It wasn’t until another tragic death that I saw her again. She was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated and had the mouth of a trucker that I was dying to kiss.
I had never told Alec the feelings I had for Nat. She was only sixteen and I was two years older. Alec would have killed me and buried me in his backyard for even thinking, let alone mentioning, my attraction to her.
It’s been seven years since she was taken from us and Alec was just killed in Afghanistan, and the girl I fell in love with; the elegant, classy, prim and proper woman in the designer suit, Well, she’s slinging handfuls of mud at his casket.
Little did she know, Louis; her betrothed, followed her, and he would stop at nothing to get her back. He needed her. No, he needed her birthright to take his place in the family.
My name is Connor Nash, and this is my story of lost loves and the second chances.
***THIS IS A SPINOFF IN THE SERIES. IT IS A STANDALONE***
281 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2018
17 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Stryker
25 books274 followersSM Stryker is an Amazon international bestselling author who writes emotionally charged romance and romantic suspense novels that dive deep into love, trauma, and healing. An Oregon native, she draws inspiration from long drives, quiet walks along the river, and the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
By day, she’s a dedicated mortgage broker—organized, focused, and driven. But by night, she steps into her alter ego: a storyteller who weaves gut-wrenching, steamy love stories that aren't afraid to explore the shadows. Her characters are intense and unforgettable—survivors of heartbreak, betrayal, and trauma who learn to rise, heal, and love again.
Each of her stories is rooted in truth—some inspired by real events, others by the silent battles many face but never voice. Through powerful storytelling, SM Stryker gives those struggles a voice, reminding readers that even in the darkest moments, love can be found—and it can be life-changing.
A wife, mother of four grown daughters, and proud grandmother, she writes from a place of quiet reflection and fierce empathy. Her dream is to become a New York Times bestselling author, not for the title, but for the chance to reach more hearts and share stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Though introverted by nature, she deeply values connection with her readers. You can find her at www.smstryker.com, where she shares updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive content for those on her mailing list.
Because sometimes, the love you weren’t looking for is the one that saves you.
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
By day, she’s a dedicated mortgage broker—organized, focused, and driven. But by night, she steps into her alter ego: a storyteller who weaves gut-wrenching, steamy love stories that aren't afraid to explore the shadows. Her characters are intense and unforgettable—survivors of heartbreak, betrayal, and trauma who learn to rise, heal, and love again.
Each of her stories is rooted in truth—some inspired by real events, others by the silent battles many face but never voice. Through powerful storytelling, SM Stryker gives those struggles a voice, reminding readers that even in the darkest moments, love can be found—and it can be life-changing.
A wife, mother of four grown daughters, and proud grandmother, she writes from a place of quiet reflection and fierce empathy. Her dream is to become a New York Times bestselling author, not for the title, but for the chance to reach more hearts and share stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Though introverted by nature, she deeply values connection with her readers. You can find her at www.smstryker.com, where she shares updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive content for those on her mailing list.
Because sometimes, the love you weren’t looking for is the one that saves you.
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 8, 2018
This is a book you don't want to put it down until the end, captivating from the prologue.
Connor Nash, his best friend Alec Turner and Alec's little sister Natasha (or Nate as they called her) have been inseparable growing up. After Alec's parents tragic death Nate was taken away from them, disappearing from their lives.
After seven years a tragic event will bring Nate and Nash together again.
Nate is escaping from a man and Nash is now an FBI agent, but Nash current assignment is dangerous and can put at risk Nate's life. That's why Nash has to take one of the hardest decision ever: leave the love of his life to keep her safe.
The promise "For Better or For Worse" they exchanged at their wedding seems to be broken by Nash decision.
Will be their love so strong to resist the test of time?
This story is full of turns of events, mystery, action and romance, and has kept me on my toes until the end. I loved the storytelling with the exchange of POV from Nash's to Nate's making more real the story and the characters.
I will definitely read all the previous books of this series, even if For Better or For Worse can be read as a standalone.
https://jewelbooklover.blogspot.com/2...
Connor Nash, his best friend Alec Turner and Alec's little sister Natasha (or Nate as they called her) have been inseparable growing up. After Alec's parents tragic death Nate was taken away from them, disappearing from their lives.
After seven years a tragic event will bring Nate and Nash together again.
Nate is escaping from a man and Nash is now an FBI agent, but Nash current assignment is dangerous and can put at risk Nate's life. That's why Nash has to take one of the hardest decision ever: leave the love of his life to keep her safe.
The promise "For Better or For Worse" they exchanged at their wedding seems to be broken by Nash decision.
Will be their love so strong to resist the test of time?
This story is full of turns of events, mystery, action and romance, and has kept me on my toes until the end. I loved the storytelling with the exchange of POV from Nash's to Nate's making more real the story and the characters.
I will definitely read all the previous books of this series, even if For Better or For Worse can be read as a standalone.
https://jewelbooklover.blogspot.com/2...
June 16, 2018
This is a great continuation of the series!! It ties all the story lines together. Can't wait to see what happens next.
June 14, 2020
I am reviewing the audio edition. I love this series. There is so much emotion all through the stories. I know it as advertised as a standalone but I feel it is better if you have read/listened to the others as suggested by the author. The characters are somewhat carried into this story. I think this is like running side by side with the other stories but from different POV’s. Natasha is torn throughout her life….taken away from Alec and Connor, the mystery why she is committed to Louis, her relationship with Connor and his trying to protect her. This is so much about Connor’s life choices and how it affects them. Natasha, Connor and Alec’s lives are so connected that when things fall apart it is heartbreaking. When the author moves to the answers for Connor and Natasha’s story plus a little added to Alec’s story I was almost worn out. I do have to say I really am addicted to this author. Thank you for the Marco Polo game. It added a little laugh. Every book leaves me happy but sad to see it end. This is romance, mystery, second chance and so much more. I absolutely recommend this series. I think Nicholas Donald Malcolm did a fantastic job narrating the story. It made the listening so easy to follow and the characters so real. I asked for a free copy of the audio and this review is completely voluntary.
May 17, 2021
Brilliant storyline but ..
Love this author's books, however I hate when most of the chapters begin '15 years and 2 months ago...'
I have to keep going back to ensure I haven't missed something, and to calculate the ages of the main characters.
That aside, I love SM Stryker 's books but please write in the present tense.
Love this author's books, however I hate when most of the chapters begin '15 years and 2 months ago...'
I have to keep going back to ensure I haven't missed something, and to calculate the ages of the main characters.
That aside, I love SM Stryker 's books but please write in the present tense.
January 16, 2020
This is the third book in a series and follows Nash and Natashas story. So as not to give everything away via this review lets just say this is about a love that while not over was lost. The question you must ask yourself while reading this book is whether they will find the love again or not. This story will take you through what happened between Nash and Natasha. This book does revisit a lot of scenes from the prior books and therefore you can in my opinion get away with reading this book without reading the first two and not feel lost. As a reader who has read both the first two books, had I forgotten the story lines from them it was nice to have the scene repeated for my own memory however I read them all fairly close together and so it was all fresh in my mind and parts of it felt like I was reading the same story over minus some of the details that would have been present in the first two because those were following more closely the other individuals they were about. Aside from that which can be both a pro and a con for this story, the story itself was great and I absolutely loved it just as I have all other books by this author. I also can't wait for the next story and I do recommend you read them all as well.
June 20, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book. This is the first book by this author that I was lucky enough to read and it will not be my last. I loved this book, you get all the feels, it’s emotional, gut wrenching at times, have the tissue ready just in case. Nash has always loved Nat and when tragedy brings them together again, she is not the girl he remembers, she’s all grown up and with issues of her own now. The writing just makes you feel part of everything that is going on with these two, you want to reach out a hug them, you will get frustrated with them, but in the end, all you want is for everything to be ok. Will Nat and Nash ever find their way to happiness? No spoilers from me, you have to grab this book, it’s a must read. Now I have to grab the others in the series to get caught up!
June 13, 2018
Nash and Nate's story was happening in the background now we finally get to see it as it was unfolding. Their lives was so full of love, hope and happiness until the danger got real. The heartbreak and time lost was gut wrenching to go through with them. But in the end true love always finds a way!
June 13, 2018
Captivating from the first chapter. I fell in love with Natasha and Nash right from the beginning. Great action scenes. Moments when you want to cry out of frustration and sorrow for the characters. Love the happy ending. Great read. Looking forward to read more from this author.
October 9, 2018
Connor and Natasha's story is full of despair, love, suspense and danger. Written so emotionally, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend any and all books by SM Stryker.
September 11, 2020
🌺 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠: Another reread. For Better or for Worst by S. M. Stryker and it was amazing. For Better or for Worst follows Connor Nash and Natasha Turner seven years after Natasha was taken from him. While attending Alec's funeral (Natasha's brother) who was just killed in Afghanistan, Nash sees the girl he fell in love with all those years ago. As the two catch up over the time they missed together, they fall in love and get married. But when Nash takes on a dangerous case he has to make a tough decision to protect the one he loves the most. But little does Nash know this case isn't the only thing he'll have to protect his one true love from. This book was so good, it was well written, I couldn't put it down, I read through it in a few hours, which I've done with all of S. M. Strykers books. The storyline was again realistic and had me wanting to find out what happens next. Everytime I pick up one of @s.m.stryker books it never fails to impress, her writing style is amazing and I could read her books all day. I love how in the Then There Was You series you can read each book as a standalone but characters from the other books do appear and are pretty important to the storyline. I would recommend reading the series in order but you don't have to.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews