Even if It Hurts by Molly Barlowe: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

My life and career have conditioned me to be prepared for—and desensitized to—traumatic events. Rather, they should’ve. But one phone call blindsided me in a way I never expected, and now there's a screaming eight-month-old in my custody.

I would’ve done anything to ensure my niece didn’t enter the system, but I never wanted a family. I never wanted ties to anyone, period.

But then my meddling office administrator forcibly hires a nanny for me, and all my resolute vows start crumbling when I come face to face with Lainey Pearson . . . again.

She’s no one—should be no one. Just an oblivious girl I saved nearly a year ago. But she’s the only one who’s ever rocked me. Consumed me. I immediately want to fire her, but with the social worker breathing down my neck, I need her.

Then again, now that she’s fallen back into my life, having a working boundary might be for the best. My life doesn’t allow for relationships, and last I checked, it was frowned upon to date your employees.

Especially when they’re already in a relationship.

The Author

Molly grew up in California but now lives with her husband and daughter in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a homebody and dishing out movie quotes with her hubby. She has a weakness for nerdy movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

Wrote as Molly McAdams from 2012-2024

Book Review

Right from the very start with their unconventional meet cute, Asher and Lainey completely drew me in. I'm honestly not sure what I initially expected going into this book, but this was absolutely so much more than that... in the best way possible.  Asher is perhaps the grumpiest, broodiest MMC I can recall ever reading... but not without good reason with so much trauma in his past! He prefers things just so and is absolutely not prepared for Lainey to come back into his life. Aunt Ada was the perfect meddler and added a little humor to the story too--- which was great because it does deal with some pretty difficult topics throughout (to include mentions of addiction, abuse, trafficking, etc.).  Admittedly, I'm not always the biggest fan of stories where one of the main characters is with someone else through part of the story as Lainey is in this one... but it was done so well. It's clear from the beginning that there's no real competition... and it allowed for the perfect slow burn... I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between them. Their story was the perfect blend of tender romance and a dash of danger and suspense to keep me turning the pages, and I absolutely adored it! I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series! 

Even if It Hurts is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Xxt5qz