The Significant Other

The Relationship Quo #4

by Nicole Strycharz

Adam: I swore off men years ago to protect myself. I don’t trust guys. Guys break hearts, they take, and they don’t give like women do. That’s why for the past ten years I’ve entrusted my heart to a tattooed, multi-hair colored, vixen named Trix. Trixie is my safe haven. She doesn’t just back up my voice in our band she backs me in life.

Sadly, I don’t reciprocate like I should. My phobia of PDA and my over-protectiveness are hard to put up with. It might be because I need more than I let on. More than I would dare to admit to.

We moved to NY to grow as a band but then I met ‘him’…our boss; a sexy as hell, bad boy with a convict’s past and a talent for breaking men and women’s hearts alike. He’s bad news… An urban beast with too much edge and he’s prowling around my comfort-zone relationship.

Now I’m not sure who my significant other is… my girl or the man determined to remind me who I really am and what I truly want.


Trixie: Coming to the city was our ticket to fame. It was me and Adam against the odds of notoriety but since we arrived in the Big Apple, we’ve also been made aware how small our bubble of safe love is.

I know what my boyfriend probably hasn’t admitted to himself… that I’m not enough for him. We both are just too chicken to do anything about it.

New York is changing us. The people we meet here, the emotions we face, even our music… and if there is anything you learn from these streets, it’s this…

Traffic and life, they both wait for no one. You have to go with the flow, ride the current, and keep up the pace. Both Adam’s love and mine is being tested, or it’s about to end.

Hopefully we can figure it all out. Oh and add that to my list of to do’s like keeping my twin away from a dangerous drug lord, struggling not to fall from a stranger, keeping the band from falling apart and not becoming a bumbling idiot in front of our criminally hot boss. Yeah…criminal…

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, M M Romance, Music

Unknown Binding

Published May 17, 2017

About the author

Nicole is a multi-genre author of over a dozen books.

"The Divorce" was nominated in the 2016 Indie Book Awards and won second place in the 2016 Best Cover Design in 'Urban Literature Magazine.'

She was featured on the cover of Words + Magazine for her book "The Affair."

She’s known for delving into sensitive and real topics such as in her title “The Love That Hurts” which explored domestic violence with the hopes of giving victims a voice while exposing the red flags of an abusive relationship. Most of her lead female characters are depicted as survivors or evolving overcomers of trauma. Sending a message to readers that every moment and every day they fight for is a victory.

Being of mixed ethnicity, she keeps her cast of characters diverse and tries to highlight the different cultures around the world.

​Aside from writing, she runs a tarot and rune reading business called, Nikki The Solitary Witch. Interpreting the cards and stones for others, she offers a little clarity to her clients so they can face their path with a little extra confidence.

Nicole lives in Virginia with her family and one pretty Pocket-Pittie. She is always reading or working on the next book between mommyhood adventures.

Reviews

[Martha Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another AMAZINGLY unique story! Nicole knows how to write characters that are realistic in all forms. There were many parts of the story I didn't know what was going to happen which I loved and is refreshing. Some might not like how she ends some of the stories in this series, but their REAL just like life.

This is my second favorite of this series (4 out now and who knows how many more are to come-that's what she said, haha), my top favorite is The Divorce which is a wonderfully heart-wrenching story that began the series that is a MUST READ.

Congrats, Nikki on an amazing story. You continue to create fantastically realistic stories and characters! I bow down to you, lady, for your greatness.

[Samradni Eater of Burgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could kill for Nicole Strycharz.

[Amo Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Significance.... can a strong word with a lot of power behind it.
Or it can be a questionable word....

Are you significant in your life?
Your partners life?
Your friends life?

Being a part of something is so extraordinarily special, it's a bond that is so strong to break it can only come from the couple within.

Nikki writes words that again I've said before,
their relatable,real, honest brutal, heartbreaking, loving, soothing and like a balm over your heart.

The journey that we go on in this book isn’t just about the main characters it takes everyone on their own little walk to find their significance & that's why I'm not going to explain how they individually made me feel. You need to go on that ride alone.
The one who stood out for me was Chance (don't touch him he's mine)
I love the "not everything is as it seems" in Nikki's books it completely throws you loopholes.

I fell hard & I feel deep,
I also laughed my ass off at the banter it was completely hilarious, but it was heartbreaking at parts & real to the story.

I absolutely loved reading this.
I absolutely cannot wait for more by Nik.
And she absolutely better get writing quickly.

5 Stunning Stars ✨

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stereotypically-"The thought or appearance of someone or something being stereotyped relating to a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing"
Romance books, whatever genre can fit into this, however of the 3 books I have read so far by Nicole Strycharz, none can be considered stereotypical.
Putting her characters through the ringer is her thing and it's not for any other reason than to fit the direction of the book. This offering in the Relationship Quo Series is the fourth and admittedly I skipped the third thinking I knew what that was about, wrong move on my part as each book introduces characters that are in the next. I wasn't lost going into this one but to my utter surprise and delight, it was about a rock band, until it wasn't. To say this book broke my heart and left lots of questions unanswered would be an understatement, but since this Author is my new 1 click obsession, I hope to find out all I need to know sooner rather than later. Different and addictive and probably not for everyone, but perfect for me.

[Dianela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Significant Other is a story about finding "home"... I must warn you it is a MM/MF story... Adam is an alpha... male lead singer of his band.. Trixie is his back up singer and his "safe" place.. that is until he meets Chance... a man that makes him question what he really wants... Chance is just as alpha as Adam.. except Chance knows what he wants and will fight for it..

This book completely tore down a reader wall I had set up a long time ago... I don't read MM books ever since I read a book that completely turned me away from MM stories... I was very skeptic to read this book and thought about skipping this installment of this series... but I decided to read it and I could not be happier with the outcome... The MM sex scenes were amazing... delicate... well thought of.. I could tell the author had done her research.. it never felt wrong or dirty... I could feel the love connection.. As a "straight" reader I found this story to be delicate.. the struggle and love felt real... I definitely recommend this book to any reader...

This is book 4 in The Relationship Quo Series... I do recommend you read the first3 books "The Divorce" and "The Friend Zone" "The Co-Parent" as they are intertwined.. but it can be read as a standalone..

**Review Provided by Dianela's Details**

[Night reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

My heart was broken for trix. I felt like Adam led her on for 10 years. Such a waste of time

[Cynthia Dougherty-Bernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers! Every syllable of this book had me on edge and the reader gets to ride an emotional riotous roller coaster of emotion. If this were a physical book (which I plan to get) and not on my kindle, I would have thrown it only to pick it up, wipe my years, and dive in again. I have all these other books of the Relationship Quo Series and I can't wait to get my hands on this one. Adam and Trix stole my heart, shattered it, and built it up again.

[French Press Bookworm Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Okay so I’m honestly ignoring Trixie... because this felt like two very separate stories that shouldn’t have been put together... Chance is hot and wonderful and sweet and I want to put him in my pocket... okay that was a little weird but really I loved the dynamic with chance. He was alpha to the core. He knew exactly what he wanted and didn’t stop till it was his. He was protective and sweet and so generous. I loved him. He was the only reason I kept reading. Basically if MM is your thing. I’d definitely pick this story up!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartfelt novel

I'm addicted to the relationship quo series. So far, I've read every book in the series and each time my heart strings are pulled.
The Significant Other doesn't disappoint. Every book in this series talks about all those awkward moments in any given relationship. This is the story of Chance, Adam and Trixie. This trio along with a few friends and family experience a whole slew of emotions that will take you for an enjoyable ride.
What I love about these books is the believability in them. You are left feeling whole and emotionally drained.
This is book 4 of this series and is considered a standalone novel. I recommend that the books are read in order as the characters from previous novels reappear.
Series order:
1. The divorce
2. The friend zone
3. The co-parent
and more to come... enjoy!

[SamS · Rating 1 out of 5]

So my research is right. Gay/bisexual men in both real and in imaginary life are same selfish twats with commitment issues and completely untrustworthy little cheats.

There. I said it. Try and burn me for it but I don’t care.

How many stories have we seen on social media these bi men cheating on women just with the excuse of “they’re still figuring out”? Or that “the woman is not enough”? How many marriages have been fucked over and how many dedicated wives have been left to be single mothers by these selfish bastards? Yet all the fictional platforms keep fantasising these men and putting them on pedestal. Hell, even women keep thirsting for men like these KNOWING that these cheats are never gonna stay committed to them.
And that was not enough, now this author decides to romanticise such a cheating, cowardly bastard of a man who leads on and fucks over an innocent woman who gave 10 years of life to him.

He used her as his “safe space” and “comfort zone” for 10 FUCKING YEARS and the moment the hottest guy landed his eyes on him he showed his heels and ran to explore is gayness and live happily ever after. And what did the woman get? Not only did she lose her boyfriend whom she gave so much of her life to, she lost the band and career she so passionately built with so much hardwork.

And guess what? The author didn even have the courtesy to give this unfortunate beaten woman character even a her own book!!

I fucking hate this book. Nothing borderly romantic or happy about. These two men destroyed an innocent, successful and hardworking woman’s life and even got a readymade kid which they will proceed to teach the same immorales and bad ethics in life- its okay to ruin everyone’s life around you because you’re ✨Gay/Bisexual✨ and you’re excused for being a bad human.

Uh uh. I think NOT.

[Rosie Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I have loved every book I’ve read by Nicole Strycharz, so I had high expectations when I started this story. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate being shredded, put back together and shredded again - not once but several times.

Alex is gay, everyone knows he’s gay even his parents - who support him 100%. Unfortunately - following a bad experience the first time he came out in public - he’s sworn off men. To be fair, it was truly awful. So he’s now with Trixie, who also knows he’s gay, but they appear to be very happy - until Alex meets Chance. Chance is a bad boy with a shady past. He owns the club Alex and his band have been hired to play in, and the minute they meet sparks fly.

Alex is determined to make his relationship with Trixie work, he is determined to close the door on his past and he is absolutely determined nothing will ever happen between him and Chance. ‘Course – he reckoned without Chance – oh and that crazy little thing called love!

This is a fast paced, edge of your seat, scream at the wind, kind of romance, with a uniquely eclectic group of characters, all of whom demand your attention, but in a way that enriches and enhances the emotional confusion Alex, Trixie and Chance are battling, rather than detracting from it. Throw in a ruthless drug dealer, a hopelessly flaky twin sister and a homeless musician and you have a veritable cauldron of chaos.

This book ran my emotions ragged, but there is more than enough humour and sass to balance those moments that tear at the heartstrings (although, I would advise keeping a tissue box handy) and hope - on so many different levels - weaves its thread throughout the story, holding the reader spellbound.

Fantastic story.

[Steve Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that the more time one spends doing what they love, the better they get at it. After reading Nicole Strycharz’s newest entry in the Relationship Quo series, the more I believe it. Every book in the series is wonderful and ‘The Significant Other’ is no exception. The characters are rich with depth. Each one is vibrant and filled with his or her individual quirks and attitudes. From the first page until the last, I was captivated with how real and important the story is. ‘The Significant Other’ builds upon the world Nicole has created with the first book, ‘The Divorce,’ and expands upon it. She is flawless in her dialogue and descriptions of each scene. The emotions of each character’s story are such that I found myself laughing out loud at times, wanting to cry at others, and getting angry or frustrated at the situations they put themselves into. I would be happy to give examples of my favorite lines and scenes, but to do so would give away too many spoilers, and I refuse to take that away from anyone. It is so refreshing to read such insightful and heartwarming books such as Nicole’s. If you have not read her, you simply must, because Nicole is a star! I look forward to reading the next installment in her series as soon as it is out!!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gutsy move by the author. What starts as a book about Adam cannot be told without talking about Trixie. He is complicated and he is the love of her life. This story has so many layers to it that when it ends you almost forget how it started. Before Adam can come to terms with the changes that are happening he has to realize it's time to let go of the past. But that's not it. No if that were it we wouldn't be talking about a book written by this author. This author writes characters that have layers much like real life so yes there is more, but if I told you you wouldn't need to read it.

This author's books bring you back to reality with a smack and a chuckle. With her characters it isn't just the angst or the problem, it's life and the punches it throws. It makes you either relate or absolutely hate her because she hit too close to home. His problem isn't with his sexuality never has been and now it's time for him to figure that out.

[Rachael Organ · Rating 5 out of 5]

New fave in series

It has taken me a long time to get in the right head space to read this book. Not because I'm a prude or homophobic but because this is my first male relationship book and I didn't know what to expect. But in should never have doubted Nikki's talent as a writer. The way this story is written is beautiful and sensitive but still seductive. Each character just jumps off the page at you and I honestly loved each character even the not so nice ones as they fetch the story to life and I can honestly say I felt every emotion reading this book. I cannot wait to see where Trixie,Adam and Chance all end up as well as the rest of the gang. This is my new favourite of the relationship quo series.

[Vivian Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running out of Wows

Yet another powerful story from an extremely talented writer. You could read as a stand-alone but each book is connected you just don’t know from where. I had already read Book 5 first. So I’m off to read Book 6. Gutted that it’s the last one, although I’m certain I will reread them.

This series is way to cheap. They are worth so much more.
I’m just sorry it took me so long to find them

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I love how the author makes these tales feel so lifelike. You don't expect them to go the way they do which is what makes them more genuine and real, just like real life. The first book of the series is still my favorite. This one was different, good different. The flow felt a little off, but I really enjoy overall what she's done with the series!

[Maria Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I started the series sort of in the middle so had to go back to get the gist of the characters ,so far I've enjoyed them ,the divorce being my favourite but this was good but I'm hoping Trixie gets someone to love as she's yet to find someone and I loved Chase and Adam and glad they all seemed to be there for each other esp the baby ,trixs sister I did not like at all

[Nancy Chastain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This was a new genre for me to read and I am happy to say Adam is so endearing and you can't help but get caught up in his life and decisions. I will be ready more books by Nicole Strycharz.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I couldn’t put it down. My heart breaks for Trixie. All she has is love to give and not one trustworthy person. I hope she gets the best story. She truly deserves happiness and true love.

[Donna Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Book, so well written, I didn't want it to end!

[jeenal · Rating 4 out of 5]

chance ilyyy

[Maria Kamal · Rating 1 out of 5]

If Ihave a chance to rate this book less than 1 star I'd have done that without thinking twice

[Bookish Bluey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a dreadful book slump and this book lifted me up.
I thought I was not going to enjoy M/M romances, this book changed my mind.
I gave myself a curfew of 2am to sleep, I was up till 5am to finish this book.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Significant Other by Nicole Strycharz is another brilliant masterpiece. Striaght and the LGBT community will love this book. Once more, I got another taste of the heart and soul the writer puts into her words. Emotionally tugging on my heart strings. I cried, I laughed, and I fell in love. Frustrating, stunning, and well-told. The entire tale was nothing but epic.

Nicole Strycharz created her first novel featuring a gay couple. A man who likes other men. That was until he had his heart broken. Then, he went and fell for Trixie. A female singer. But despite her loving him...something just was missing. Both knew it. Adam just didn't want to face it and neither did Trixie. Adam is a sexy hot alpha male who easily gets under readers skin, like he did to me. His has a big heart. I noticed that from the beginning. Adam hid himself with Trixie...keeping his heart guarded. Until, they meet their new boss. A boss that is more alpha than Adam, sexy hot too, and has a thing for Adam...

Trixie is a submissive kind of woman. Made her great for Adam. But she wasn't meant for him. That's thought love. She knew Adam's real love and it wasn't for her. Trixie too, has the biggest heart anyone has read in fiction. Despite her sexy tough looks, lies a sweet engaging woman looking for love. Trixie finds love but it fails...then she has a sister that made me want to hug Trixie. Trixie goes out and beyond for her sister. A sister who will never change...

Overall, The Significant Other is a book I can easily see made into a movie for 18-year-olds and above due to its content. Sex, drugs, and other things. Life is messy, complicated, and unfair. I really enjoyed this novel, because it brought out real life issues that people battle with each day. Believable, intriguing, and well-written. Nicole Strycharz has done it again with her latest piece. I applaud Nicole for her astounding job in creating three-dimensional characters whose stories I'll never forget. So readers, yes, I highly recommend this talented writer's book, The Significant Other to all.

[Angelica DelMargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said that there are over a million words in the English language. Some words are obsolete, but that doesn't take from the fact when describing Nicole Strycharz's book, The Significant Other, I couldn't pick just one. This book, it moved me. It shattered me. It completed me. Nicole's ability to create each character's unique background is sensational. They're real, raw, and oh so sexy, you can't help but dive in and drown in them. And the way she ties in her other books into this one is absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed hearing from some of the old gang. This story may be an M/M story, but you get so much more. Like Trixie. I can't wait for that woman's book! Ugh, this is so hard to write because all I want to do is gush over all the wonderful things inside these pages. Just do yourself a favor and read this book! You'll fall in love!

[L.A. Cataldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, WOW!!! Another fantastic book by Nicole. This book will drag you in from the beginning all the way to the end. So many things going on, you won't be disappointed. I loved it!!!
Definitely, work the buy/credit!

More, MORE PLEASE!

[Leialoha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of emotions!! Makes you want mord

Obsessed with Trixie, Adam and Chance!! I adore the whole series. Nicole's writing makes you feel as if you are part of the fantasy. I'm sad the book had to end, but so happy as to where the story of these characters led. Definitely a roller coaster of emotions, from sadness to extreme happiness.