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A review by suey_library
Affinity for Pain by R.E. Johnson
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***