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thebookworm1989's review
5.0
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this book. The characters are interesting and the plot is intense. The rollercoaster of emotions experienced are hard to put into words, but it’s all so satisfying over all.
Hope starts out a bit intriguing, but quickly turns into someone you just want to root for. Her past is a little murky for the reader at the start. When the focus sharpens, you really get hit in the gut with how much you love her. Her life, her choices, and the varying paths for her future… you’re invested and right there with her. More than once I wanted to sit down and have a talk with her about things she had said or done. Unfortunately that isn’t allowed…
Ciaran is… different. I didn’t like him much at first. I can’t really tell you why. I just didn’t. He grows on you though. I didn’t even realize it was happening. One minute I was kind of annoyed with him, the next I was cheering for him. The peaks in to the past give you a little more perspective. It changes your view of him. It’s not a major change, for me anyway, more of an appreciation for some of the choices we see him make. While it brings perspective, some of it was a bit overwhelming. Just the urge to give him a hug and tell him it will all be ok, but even if I could do that, I know he wouldn’t appreciate that.
Dimitri. Dimitri. Dimitri. I don’t think I was supposed to like him as much as I do. I love him. I want to claim him as mine. He can move in with me and we will live happily ever after. He is sweet in a very understated way and his sense of humor is fantastic. He isn’t really the focus here though, and I am dying to know more about him. You do get some insights into him and his life. All of them made me love him more. I know there is a second book in the works and I am DYING to read it!
Plot wise, I really like how it was defined. While there were sub-plots, the main ark of the book was concise, tangible, and easily understood. Even if you don’t agree with the goal (personally I think you would be crazy not to), there is little doubt to the whys. I felt it in my bones, and would have loved to be able to jump in with them (and not just to hang out with Dimitri). The connections and nuances were well written and left just enough room to make you wonder what will happen next. The only real criticism I have is in the final scene of the major plot ark. The suspense was so well done. I had real tears at times, and I didn’t want to stop reading it (stayed up waaaay too late last night). The scene where it’s resolved seemed to happen too fast. With all of the buildup, and all the tension created, I would have like to see the end of the scene a little more… drawn out? I guess? I can’t really explain further without spoilers, sorry, but even with that, I still loved the book, and its ending.
Overall, I loved it. It contained a wonderful balance between bringing the plot forward and developing the characters (something I would loooooove to talk about here, but everything I want to say is a spoiler…). I’m really excited about the second book, and seriously can’t wait for it to be finished!
Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥
Hope starts out a bit intriguing, but quickly turns into someone you just want to root for. Her past is a little murky for the reader at the start. When the focus sharpens, you really get hit in the gut with how much you love her. Her life, her choices, and the varying paths for her future… you’re invested and right there with her. More than once I wanted to sit down and have a talk with her about things she had said or done. Unfortunately that isn’t allowed…
Ciaran is… different. I didn’t like him much at first. I can’t really tell you why. I just didn’t. He grows on you though. I didn’t even realize it was happening. One minute I was kind of annoyed with him, the next I was cheering for him. The peaks in to the past give you a little more perspective. It changes your view of him. It’s not a major change, for me anyway, more of an appreciation for some of the choices we see him make. While it brings perspective, some of it was a bit overwhelming. Just the urge to give him a hug and tell him it will all be ok, but even if I could do that, I know he wouldn’t appreciate that.
Dimitri. Dimitri. Dimitri. I don’t think I was supposed to like him as much as I do. I love him. I want to claim him as mine. He can move in with me and we will live happily ever after. He is sweet in a very understated way and his sense of humor is fantastic. He isn’t really the focus here though, and I am dying to know more about him. You do get some insights into him and his life. All of them made me love him more. I know there is a second book in the works and I am DYING to read it!
Plot wise, I really like how it was defined. While there were sub-plots, the main ark of the book was concise, tangible, and easily understood. Even if you don’t agree with the goal (personally I think you would be crazy not to), there is little doubt to the whys. I felt it in my bones, and would have loved to be able to jump in with them (and not just to hang out with Dimitri). The connections and nuances were well written and left just enough room to make you wonder what will happen next. The only real criticism I have is in the final scene of the major plot ark. The suspense was so well done. I had real tears at times, and I didn’t want to stop reading it (stayed up waaaay too late last night). The scene where it’s resolved seemed to happen too fast. With all of the buildup, and all the tension created, I would have like to see the end of the scene a little more… drawn out? I guess? I can’t really explain further without spoilers, sorry, but even with that, I still loved the book, and its ending.
Overall, I loved it. It contained a wonderful balance between bringing the plot forward and developing the characters (something I would loooooove to talk about here, but everything I want to say is a spoiler…). I’m really excited about the second book, and seriously can’t wait for it to be finished!
Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥
heatheradoresbooks's review
4.0
3.5⭐ rounded up.
This is not my typical genre at all, but I was delighted to be asked to read [a:R.E. Johnson|18119362|R.E. Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661124862p2/18119362.jpg]'s debut work.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, flashbacks, dark paranormal story-telling, assassin, demons, violence, torture, battle between good and evil, steamy romance
Hope & Ciarian
Hope is the perfect assassin since she does not feel any pain as a demon. She is hired by Marcus and is all set and in place, ready to kill her mark, Ciarian. When she finally lays eyes on him she knows she can't pull the trigger. She has found her soulmate and needs to come up with a new plan.
Ciarian is a human and former fighter that has been hiding out, with his sidekick, Dimitri, after escaping from Dante's grasp.
When Hope and Ciarian come face to face and figure out Marcus and Dante are the same man they join forces to take him down.
Hope, Ciarian and Dimitri made a good trio and had each other's back at all times.
Both characters have their demons (ha ha, no pun) and are flawed. Underneath all the violence is a beautiful story about two people that never thought they could find love, but found just that when they least expected it.
There are some words I am not familiar with, nor can I pronounce them, like, omaeriku and jabalv, so I'm not sure if the author made them up or it's typical for this genre.
Overall, a VERY dark and steamy read that I'm sure will appeal to those that enjoy these types of stories. It does not leave off on a cliffhanger, but the set up is in place for book 2....coming in 2023.
*Thanks to [a:R.E. Johnson|18119362|R.E. Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661124862p2/18119362.jpg] for sending me a paperback copy to read. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
This is not my typical genre at all, but I was delighted to be asked to read [a:R.E. Johnson|18119362|R.E. Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661124862p2/18119362.jpg]'s debut work.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, flashbacks, dark paranormal story-telling, assassin, demons, violence, torture, battle between good and evil, steamy romance
Hope & Ciarian
Hope is the perfect assassin since she does not feel any pain as a demon. She is hired by Marcus and is all set and in place, ready to kill her mark, Ciarian. When she finally lays eyes on him she knows she can't pull the trigger. She has found her soulmate and needs to come up with a new plan.
Ciarian is a human and former fighter that has been hiding out, with his sidekick, Dimitri, after escaping from Dante's grasp.
When Hope and Ciarian come face to face and figure out Marcus and Dante are the same man they join forces to take him down.
Hope, Ciarian and Dimitri made a good trio and had each other's back at all times.
Both characters have their demons (ha ha, no pun) and are flawed. Underneath all the violence is a beautiful story about two people that never thought they could find love, but found just that when they least expected it.
There are some words I am not familiar with, nor can I pronounce them, like, omaeriku and jabalv, so I'm not sure if the author made them up or it's typical for this genre.
Overall, a VERY dark and steamy read that I'm sure will appeal to those that enjoy these types of stories. It does not leave off on a cliffhanger, but the set up is in place for book 2....coming in 2023.
*Thanks to [a:R.E. Johnson|18119362|R.E. Johnson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661124862p2/18119362.jpg] for sending me a paperback copy to read. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
suey_library's review
4.0
Tickle me intrigued I was left surprised, glued to the pages and a bit in a drooling pickle. Most people know I enjoy PNR, but RomCom's have my heart but how could I pass up a chance to read Affinity for Pain, that synopsis had me in a choke hold.
Yes please and thank you!
The main characters, Hope and Ciarian are the perfect examples of that morally grey attributes that really made them seem more relatable. Between the internal battles and flaws, to the moment their connection exploded on the pages I was hooked. Something that I really enjoyed was the fact that Hope wasn't this badass assassin who when involved with Ciarian no longer carried that 'strong' female lead vibe. She was true from start to finish; I always dislike when a book states that the female heroine is this amazing character, saving the world but is written more like a damsel. Don't get me wrong, I do not mind a damsel in distress plot, but if you market as a strong assassin female heroine then I want to see her be a badass and dang it, Johnson delivered. But the banter between Hope and Ciarian was very entertaining to say the least. They really complimented one another in the best ways.
The best part I felt was the fact that the romance flowed with the plot, it wasn't one or the other overshadowed each other, it was well balanced. And yes, the sex and tension was delicious but the plot - really intriguing (See, I don't just read romance for the sex...)! But the plot was great, the world building wasn't too drowning. I say this because sometimes in the start of a series, any genre, there is always a level of world building that needs to be setup for the reader, I personally felt like I could envision what Johnson was portraying without drowning in overused details. It was easy to follow.
Bottom line, this was a really great read. I enjoyed a lot about Affinity for Pain and surprised that as a debut novel this exceeded in my expectations. This was steamy, dark, twisty read, for anyone who really enjoys PNR I think this would be a great up your alley read. The characters likable, the burn was decent with the plot flow, I am definitely looking forward to book two!
***Received an free copy from author PR in exchange for an honest review***
Yes please and thank you!
The main characters, Hope and Ciarian are the perfect examples of that morally grey attributes that really made them seem more relatable. Between the internal battles and flaws, to the moment their connection exploded on the pages I was hooked. Something that I really enjoyed was the fact that Hope wasn't this badass assassin who when involved with Ciarian no longer carried that 'strong' female lead vibe. She was true from start to finish; I always dislike when a book states that the female heroine is this amazing character, saving the world but is written more like a damsel. Don't get me wrong, I do not mind a damsel in distress plot, but if you market as a strong assassin female heroine then I want to see her be a badass and dang it, Johnson delivered. But the banter between Hope and Ciarian was very entertaining to say the least. They really complimented one another in the best ways.
The best part I felt was the fact that the romance flowed with the plot, it wasn't one or the other overshadowed each other, it was well balanced. And yes, the sex and tension was delicious but the plot - really intriguing (See, I don't just read romance for the sex...)! But the plot was great, the world building wasn't too drowning. I say this because sometimes in the start of a series, any genre, there is always a level of world building that needs to be setup for the reader, I personally felt like I could envision what Johnson was portraying without drowning in overused details. It was easy to follow.
Bottom line, this was a really great read. I enjoyed a lot about Affinity for Pain and surprised that as a debut novel this exceeded in my expectations. This was steamy, dark, twisty read, for anyone who really enjoys PNR I think this would be a great up your alley read. The characters likable, the burn was decent with the plot flow, I am definitely looking forward to book two!
***Received an free copy from author PR in exchange for an honest review***
call_me_quinn's review
4.0
From the beginning this book had me hooked and entranced in its world and characters. Th characters come to life in so many amazing ways it was very enjoyable. I do recommend anyone with triggers to please check TW’s because there are some dark themes to this book. The plot was great and worked so well with the characters. I felt like the story was well though out.
ellyhauber's review
1.0
Personally, I don’t think the trigger warnings prepared me for what I was about to read. I DNF’d at 80%.
I cannot look past the rape/torture portions.
positives: the provided playlist, use of inner dialogue, and the way the author started right away with the action seems. Oh and the spice with hope and Ciaran was nice too.
Negatives: inconsistencies with characters personalities, I found it a bit odd that Dimitri was called ‘the Russian’ or ‘little Russian’ several times.., rape and torture scenes, lack of world building, and the dialogue.
Do I feel bad leaving a one star review? Yes, yes I do. I know the time and effort the author put into this story, but this is my honest opinion.
I cannot look past the rape/torture portions.
positives: the provided playlist, use of inner dialogue, and the way the author started right away with the action seems. Oh and the spice with hope and Ciaran was nice too.
Negatives: inconsistencies with characters personalities, I found it a bit odd that Dimitri was called ‘the Russian’ or ‘little Russian’ several times.., rape and torture scenes, lack of world building, and the dialogue.
Do I feel bad leaving a one star review? Yes, yes I do. I know the time and effort the author put into this story, but this is my honest opinion.
bbyghoulreads's review
dark
funny
sad
3.0
This was such a unique story with a magic system / premise which I haven’t seen before, it’s a great shake-up of the paranormal romance genre!
I LOVED the characters, the FMC is such an independent badass and the MMC is a perfect brooding grump (I fancy them both). On top of that, the banter between everyone was hilarious.
It was sexy and funny, yet dark and emotionally raw; I can’t stress enough to please please check the trigger warnings on this one (they’re very clearly listed on the author’s website).
I read this in one evening and I’m excited to explore more of Newborn City in the future!
(ARC Review)
I LOVED the characters, the FMC is such an independent badass and the MMC is a perfect brooding grump (I fancy them both). On top of that, the banter between everyone was hilarious.
It was sexy and funny, yet dark and emotionally raw; I can’t stress enough to please please check the trigger warnings on this one (they’re very clearly listed on the author’s website).
I read this in one evening and I’m excited to explore more of Newborn City in the future!
(ARC Review)
vmith4's review
4.0
I love Bad@$$ females and Hope's is awesome. I really didn't care much Ciaran at first but then i started warming up to him. iknow we all have bookboyfriends but with this book Hope is My book Girlfriend and i really cant wait to see what going to happen next. This is 18+TWs. SA, brutal violence.
liadanblue's review
4.0
*arc reader*
Make sure to check all trigger warnings before diving in—I do think the book might be a but much for some people (especially with the SA), but I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I loved Hope, the FMC, and thought she did a great job of representing a strong, bad ass lead. Slight *spoiler* alert, but I honestly think what I loved the most is that we didn’t have to wait till the book was half way over for the two MCs to get together. They actually connect with one another right off the bat and I loved watching that instant connection form. I also love Dimitri and hope we get more of his story in the future!
Make sure to check all trigger warnings before diving in—I do think the book might be a but much for some people (especially with the SA), but I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I loved Hope, the FMC, and thought she did a great job of representing a strong, bad ass lead. Slight *spoiler* alert, but I honestly think what I loved the most is that we didn’t have to wait till the book was half way over for the two MCs to get together. They actually connect with one another right off the bat and I loved watching that instant connection form. I also love Dimitri and hope we get more of his story in the future!
caffeinatedbookmama's review
5.0
Absolutely amazing!
Hooked from the beginning.
Hope is a total bada$$! She stayed pissed off for a decent amount about the omeriku. But then she seems to peels away layers of Cieran. Or at least they did to each other.
The Chakal seem like a misogynistic jerks.
But….
The SPICE!!!
I am so glad that it ended the way it did.
Can’t wait to see who the red eyes belong to and what Dimitri does about them.
Hooked from the beginning.
Hope is a total bada$$! She stayed pissed off for a decent amount about the omeriku. But then she seems to peels away layers of Cieran. Or at least they did to each other.
The Chakal seem like a misogynistic jerks.
But….
The SPICE!!!
I am so glad that it ended the way it did.
Can’t wait to see who the red eyes belong to and what Dimitri does about them.
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