Stronger

Finding My Forever #1

by Syd Ryan

REGANHappiness.In the blink of an eye, It's all gone.As an ER nurse, I'm prepared for anything,But not this,Not him,Lying there with no vitals,Barely hanging on.I can't do this, Can't face it.The only person who understands is Grayson,His best friend,But his arms aren't meant for me.GRAYSONMy best friend.I would've done anything for him,No questions asked.And watching Regan crumble,I have to help,Have to reach out.She's always had my heart,Even when it was forbidden.But now, in our pain and loss,I know we both feel something stronger. Book re-edited on 2-28-18.

Genres: Romance

315 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2017

About the author

Syd Ryan works as a qualified mental health specialist with troubled youth in a teen residential facility. Concussions, aches, pains don’t stop her. Syd works sixteen- hour shifts and her best writing happens after the hours of midnight. Syd is married, and a mother to three boys. Syd holds two college degrees in Nursing and Exercise Science. Stronger is Syd’s debut contemporary romance novel.
She read over 300 romance books in her Goodreads challenge last year and a desire to write a novel couldn’t leave her head. Syd developed her love of romance novels watching her mom drinking Coke and reading romance. She rekindled her love of books after reading Fifty Shades of Grey. She enjoys her free time surfing social media, reading books, and being a crazy baseball mom.

Reviews

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut book by an author that I think I will definitely be adding to my fav list.

This book was full of drama, angst, heartbreak and so much more. These characters went through so much that it broke my heart.
I loved Grayson from the start and Reagan I wanted to cry with her every single time. But she was strong, stronger than she even know.
Two characters going through the same heartbreak, is it wrong to want to be there for each other??

I will definitely be reading the next book this author decides to write.

[Molly O'Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes me a while to become emotionally invested in characters. I can say with Stronger by Syd Ryan, I was more than invested right off the bat. I have to take a step back and remember this is Syd Ryan;s debut book.... If she can pull emotions like this in her first novel, she's a power house. Form starting in a tough place with the novel, to watching the emotional journey ... Gosh, I am still sitting with my heart out of wack here. Honestly I don't have the words I want to write for this review... that's how it got to me... But in an amazing way. I am now in love with Regan and Grayson. I am eager to see what Syd comes up with next.

[Bloggers From Down Under · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **

WOW!

Words usually come pretty easy for me. But when a novel holds me virtually hostage, mere words don’t seem enough.

We are first introduced to Regan, an ER nurse with her life more or less mapped out. She’s madly in love and on top of the world. But just before her shift ends she is faced with her last patient. Someone she never hoped to see in a hospital bed. They had the test of their lives, and now she must have that world alone.

But she’s not alone. She has the support of her best friend, Jamie and Grayson, her now deceased boyfriends best friend.

Just as Regan and Grayson develop a relationship, a secret so big comes out, and it may spell the end of what could’ve been something beautiful.

Through tears I finished this novel, even though I didn’t want it to end.

I believe there is that one person out there for everyone, and everyone deserves their own HEA.

Every single word that was written, I fell in love with. For everyone that believes in second chance love, this is the novel for you.

5/5

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regan Anderson is a brand new nurse working at Tampa General Hospital who is called into a room with a man with no identity to discover it is her boyfriend, Jake Spier. Now Regan must face a future without the man she loves but soon it is clear after seeing Jake's parents that secrets were kept from Regan.

Grayson Matthews was Jake's best friend but never thought that Jake treated Regan the way she deserved. Grayson helps Regan pick up the pieces after Jake's death and tries to let her know how much he cares about her.

Will Regan learn about the secrets being kept from her and will she give Grayson a chance so soon after Jake's death? Will she allow herself to love again?

This was a beautiful story about love and loss and finding the strength to move on in light of tragedy.

I really liked Regan but guessed super early on what was being kept from her. That being said I was super interested in seeing how everything played out and what was going to happen. I was shocked at how rude Jake's mom, Ruth, was to Regan with everything that happened and how she kept trying to set her up to discover what had happened.

Regan really didn't think that Grayson was interested in her but slowly realized how much he did care. Yet he broke her trust and she needed to figure out if he did it for the right reason.

I did really like Grayson and knew how much he cared about Regan and wanted to treat her right. He tried to wait patiently but still let her know how he felt and that he would wait. I was kind of mad at him for keeping something from her but at the same time I did understand why but he should have let her know when everything was confirmed.

I was totally expecting the twist but definitely not the way it was played out. I was so mad at Ruth! She is pure evil!!

This was the first time I have read this author and I am definitely looking forward to more!

Reviewed for KFA

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story revolves around Regan and Jamie, two best friends that have always been there for each other. Regan needs to finish the last day of orientation in the ER at the hospital. Which will be over in three hours, and then tomorrow she will be a full-fledged RN. It turns out those three hours, would be extended into five so, she texts her boyfriend, Jake to let him know their celebration date, will run later than expected.

She doesn't hear back from, Jake which is not unusual, when he has a late-night meeting. As she is making her rounds and enters the bay to attend to a patient all she remembers is screaming and now she is waking to a nightmare. At some point she absorbs, Jake is not coming home and calls, his best friend, Greyson. From that moment on, and for the next two weeks, Greyson is by her side for everything. Especially, maneuvering through Jake’s mom’s BS.

Greyson feels her with encouragement, strength, praise, and unconditional friendship. Her feelings are causing her guilt and remorse for feeling more, for Greyson than she should. But when a terrible truth is revealed in front and of friends, family, and co-workers it leaves her feeling embarrassment, anger, and betrayal by the one person who keeps saying to trust him, Greyson.

This book grips from the very beginning. Received the teaser and knew I needed to read the rest of the book. I still this she let both Ruth and Greyson off the hook too easily. But that’s just me. Does need to be a proofreader. A lot of spelling errors and miss written thoughts.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fab debut book I loved it the characters were brilliant and I loved all the emotions in this story. i so look forward to the next one is this fantastic series.

[Shannon Boltin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stronger is the debut novel for new author Syd Ryan. I enjoyed the story very much, this author seems to have great potential in story telling. It's a "hospital romance" with a lot of emotion. from heartbreak & angst to humor & strength with a couple surprise twists and turns... but ultimately ending in a hea.
There are some formatting/editing mistakes, which were a little annoying but they weren't bad enough to make me stop reading this book, and I would fully imagine those little issues will get better the more this writer works.
Again, I enjoyed the story and the characters in it. There already seems to be quite an expressed desire thru other reviews for a book 2 that would tell "Jamie's" story (this book heroine "Regan's" best friend)
Congrats on your first novel Syd Ryan.

[Alyne Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid 4.5 star read.
Stronger is Syd Ryan's debut novel, and boy does she shine. I was sucked into this story from page one.
Stronger ripped my heart out in all the best ways. There was loss and heartache, drama and tons of yummy angst. Regan's character is so well developed that I felt everything she felt. I laughed and cried and yelled with her. And Grayson - the friend of her tragically lost boyfriend? He's a sweet and sexy alpha who was there for her when she needed him ...yes please to all of it.
I really enjoyed this book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't describe how much I loved this book! What an amazing debut by Syd Ryan!!! It in no way read like a debut book.

Grayson & Regan's journey was one emotional rollercoaster! I loved every twist and turn.

Grayson was such a gentleman and took care of Regan in her time of need. I loved Grayson's patience, sweetness, and his protective side.

Poor Regan went through so much. I loved Regan's strength and her loyalty to friends & family. When Regan loves, she loves with her wholebeing.

I loved loved loved Regan's best friend Jamie! Jamie is a hoot!! The friendship banter between the two was laugh out loud funny.

I can't wait for Jamie's book! I highly recommend!

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Reagan! Such a harrowing story until you get all the facts! Grayson is just alpha enough to know EXACTLY what Reagan needs is time. I absolutely loved how she dealt with the situation once it went down and she got all the facts. This debut novel doesn't have debut feel to it! I highly recommend to anyone who has loved and lost and loved again!

[Jacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger tells the story of Regan, who lost her boyfriend, and Grayson, who lost his best friend. The two of them lean on each other during an unimaginable time. They both have to figure out a way to mourn a man they loved and maneuver the bumpy repercussions of everything that was left behind.
While at work as a nurse, Regan walks in on the unimaginable- her boyfriend in that trauma room. Luckily she has her best friend, Jamie, in her corner to help keep her steady. She has to help plan her boyfriend’s funeral while dealing with his snotty mother, her understandable fears of going back to work, secrets she didn’t know existed, and her boyfriend’s best friend.
Grayson wants to be there for the woman he has known and been attracted to forever. He’s always stayed back a respectful distance but after his friend is gone, he knows that Regan needs someone to help her make it through the mess left behind.

Regan is strong, but those people around her help make her stronger. Through the lies, secrets, guilt, and feelings, she and Grayson have to decide what’s worth it and what’s not.
My favorite part of Stronger has to be the friendships we get to see, mainly with Regan and Jamie. If only we could all be so lucky to have a Jamie in our lives! Grayson is dependable and loveable, someone you definitely want in your corner. The journey of watching Regan break apart completely and rebuild stronger than before is a journey worth experiencing!
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Jamie and hopefully we’ll catch sight of Regan and Grayson then, too!

[Kasey McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as an ARC, in return for an honest review. Amazjng book and must read. Regan is a young woman working in the emergency room. As she starts her shift, she realizes she won't be going out with Jake tonight. She sends him a text and goes to check on patients. She walks into room where brain dead patient is and screams. It's Jake, her boyfriend. She leaves work and almost immediately Jake's best friend Grayson is there for her. He checks in on her and begins to have feelings for her. He even defends her against Jake's horrible mother. He's falling for her but he's also holding a secret. When secret comes out will Regan be able to get past it or will she never find true happiness.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an emotional journey. It started in a tough place, the death of a loved one. I felt Regan's pain and was with her every step of the way.
But Grayson is what made this book really special. He was such a sweetheart. He stepped up and took care of Regan, was there for her when she needed him and as the feelings between them grew we could see they had something special.
The tough subject matter was treated with care and understanding by the author, and I look forward to reading her next book about Jamie.

[Cynthia Tatum reichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan and Grayson's story is a story that will ha e you crying, yelling and laughing. Syd Ryan wrote an amazing story and you will not want to put down. I wanted Grayson to win at every turn that was thrown at him. Reagan's story is a sad one with finding her boyfriend dead in the ER that she was working at. Regan is probably one of the strongest characters I have read this year. You will love this story.

Review written for KFA

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger by Syd Ryan is a powerful emotional read. Full of drama, angst and heartbreak, Stronger is the story of two people that are put through the emotional wringer. These complex characters find themselves in a heartbreaking situation and with no easy answers or solutions. Can a relationship born out of a shared loss grow and thrive? Will secrets destroy them? Grab a copy to see. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan had everything that she ever wanted. Then tragedy strikes. Grayson is there at her side helping her with everything she needs to do. He is her support line at this time of need. As things evolve Regan questions everything she thought she knew and she is attracted to Grayson!!! What will happen when Regan finds out the truth? Will Grayson still be there? Can anything else go wrong?? Loved this book and all the twists and turns.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novel from this author, and she has done a great job. I loved Regan and Grayson, but will they have a HEA after secrets are exposed? This is a heartbreaking and enjoyable storyline, with twists which kept me intrigued throughout. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Keep up the good work Syd!

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline...i wasn't a fan of yet another weak female character but I loved Grayson... there's alot going on in the book that keeps you reading

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan is a beautiful young nurse with a bright future. She has just finished her schooling and she and her boyfriend are very much in love. But her future quickly dims when she discovers the brain dead patient she is to attend to is, in fact, her boyfriend, Jake. As she grieves his death, her best friend Jamie, and Grayson, Jake’s best friend step up to support her and offer her solace. It is Grayson, a very sexy firefighter, who acts as a buffer between Regan and Jake’s parents, especially his difficult and snobbish mother. He and Jamie are by Reagan’s side during the funeral and the difficult transition period afterward. Though Jamie becomes Regan’s fierce protector in the face of cruel criticism, it is Grayson who makes her see that life will go on. For Grayson, the time he spends with the grieving Regan is akin to both heaven and hell. He was smitten with Regan the moment his best friend introduced her to him, and he forced himself to refrain from becoming more acquainted with her. You don’t poach a friend’s girlfriend. Now he wants to offer comfort to Regan, but he also hopes that he can be the man she turns to when she is ready to move forward in life. He struggles to contain his desire for her and to remain the supportive friend she can lean on in her grief. Regan is grateful for the support her family and friend’s offer, but she beginning to feel more than just comfort when she is with Grayson. She begins to see her life with Jake was not the idyllic one she had believed it to be, and that perhaps she and Grayson have a relationship they can build on. When she discovers an unpleasant secret Jake had kept from her, her pain is multiplied when she realizes that Grayson knew the secret as well and had chosen not to reveal it. Her trust in love is broken and her hope for a future with Grayson seems impossible. Can Grayson convince Regan to give a chance to make amends, and to open her heart to a new future together?

This book is emotional, perceptive and gripping. I cheered when Jamie staunchly defended Regan. I cried as Regan’s heart broke at the loss of her boyfriend and the later betrayal. And I smiled when Regan realized that she was strong enough to move forward despite betrayal and her grief. She finally discovered for herself that she was worthy and deserving of love, and should keep her heart open to new possibilities.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review

[Laundry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interaction: Regan is a wreck. And that's putting it mildly. But come on now, put yourself in her shoes for a hot second. She truly thought Jake was her forever. And now he's gone. So she cries - a lot. And I'm not one to judge because I cry at least once a day. I know. Totally annoying. Anyways, so for her, it's super unexpected to feel a spark whenever Grayson is near. But that spark is persistent and eventually they both give in. What's great about this, is it isn't rushed. Sure Grayson is available at the drop of a hat for Regan, but they spend a lot of time together and fight their connection for a while too. If they were quick to jump into a relationship, I wouldn't have loved this book as much as I did. I adored the realness of the story line so much.

Laundry: Say hello to a fantastic slow burn. And their first laundry-type encounter happened over the phone. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not the biggest fan of phone laundry, but it was seriously hot. Grayson has a dirty mouth on him which is so different than the sweet, sensitive and caring man we get to know prior to this scene. Oh, and the scene at the strip club? Also, not a fan of strip clubs. Don't really like reading about them or going to them (sorry hubby). But the scene inside the strip club here? I was fanning myself and had to take a little break because I was all hot and bothered. YUM.

Depth: Stronger is a story about overcoming life when your world is turned upside down. It's about taking things day by day and having faith that the pain and hurt won't be around forever. Grayson and Regan form a connection stronger than anything I could have dreamed of. They both come out of this story stronger than ever before - as individuals and as a couple. It's beautiful and empowering.

[Renee Megee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not say enough about this book.

I found this amazing author through a Facebook release party for another author. I decided to get this book and read it. I will never regret my decision. This book is filled with so much real life events. Author Syd Ryan has delivered an amazing book and I can not wait to read more from her. (I DID NOT INCLUDE ANY SPECIFIC INFORMATION FROM THE STORY IN THIS REVIEW BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A SPOILER FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO READ THE BOOK) HAPPY READING.

[Mindy McCray · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was lucky enough to recive a copy of this book.

I have been trying to figure out how to word this review for a few hours now. I will start off by saying that this book wasn't for me. With Stronger being a debut book, I wasn't sure what to expect from Syd Ryan. I loved the blurb, I really wanted to know the story of Regan and Grayson.
I wasn't a big fan of her writing but can't wait to read more from her in the future!

[Janet Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan thought she had her life planned out until tragedy happened. She was thrown into dealing with the loss of the man she loved and finding out her life was not going to turn out as she thought. Grayson comes into her life to help her handle and cope with everything. Is he a friend or more. This book is well written and a book you will not be able to put down!

[Char · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drawn Out Too Long

This book could have been written in half the pages! I almost quit reading or skip to the last chapter numerous times. Also needs a good proofreader - lot of incorrect comma placement and wrong words or wrong tense. Very distracting. Storyline was good, but a nurse would have known what an OB appointment suggested.

[Autumn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about finding love again after a terrible tragedy!!

[Sheri Wooddell]

Grayson is the perfect man!! This is a very good book. I recommend that you check this out. I can't wait to read her other books.

[Jamie St Cyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The author makes you love the characters and able to visualize the scenes perfectly! I couldn’t put it down and look forward to reading book #2

[Dawn Pressel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did I read the first 5 chapters and not know I wasn’t getting a full story???? YES

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

She thought she had a love for a lifetime but lies and a future mother in law from hell would have ended that. She found her love un an expected place.

[Reva Coomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 stars****
I've struggled with this review and almost didn't leave one, but I needed to. I LOVED this story line and the characters, but almost didn't finish the book. The author did a wonderful job with the storyline and bringing the story together. The book needs to be edited again. Someone of the wording and sentences needs to be fixed. This book and the author has great potential and I can't wait to see what else she will put out, definitely something I will be keeping an eye on.