When you have a perfect marriage, only an impossible reconnection could make you risk it all. From USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann comes Even If It Hurts, an emotionally charged contemporary romance. OLIVER When I met her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.We were so young and so passionate.We studied business in the day and each other’s bodies at night.We always knew it would end with … business in the day and each other’s bodies at night.
We always knew it would end with the semester, so we loved hard with no regrets.
LANCE
When I met her, I couldn’t get her off my mind.
We were fresh out of college and ready to take on the world.
We fit each other like missing puzzle pieces.
And just when I thought my life was perfect, it got better. She became my wife.
CHLOE
I met my first love while studying abroad in London.
When I moved home, I didn’t think I’d ever fall in love again.
Until I met him. The man who became my husband.
The one I promised a lifetime to.
Then, my first love came back into my life …
And I realized that love was bigger than any one man.
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Even if it Hurts by Marni Mann took me through every emotion possible. I was not sure my heart would survive. This was a story about the different stages and forms of love and how they touch every moment of our lives. This is not an easy story and will not be for everyone but is one that captivated me from start to finish.
Chloe experiences first love with Oliver. They fall fast and hard and spend a few months being each other’s everything. But then it’s time to move on and she meets a man who sweeps her off her feet. But what happens when her first love comes back into her life? So, begins Even if it Hurts by Marni Mann. It was emotional, full of angst and about hard decisions.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
I’m sitting here not really know what to say about What if it Hurts. Part of me loved it – especially the creativity and craft of the story telling. Part of me hated it because had the characters been real people, there would have been great harm done on multiple fronts.
The premise behind What if it Hurts – having a great first love, moving on, then having them come back into your life is intriguing. I appreciated the depths that the author plumbed to give us the emotional roller coaster Chloe went on in each phase of her journey. Written entirely from Chloe’s POV, it was a little hard to get a good grasp on who Oliver and Lance, the men in her life, really were.
I have waffled back and forth on how to rate this book. I finally decide to bring it down to 4 stars (I was at 5 to start) for two reasons. The first had to do with Lance, Oliver, and Amsterdam. Without giving anything away, part of me feels like one man was a little clueless or wanted to be, the other man should have realized loving her meant staying away, and Chloe well…. you need to read the book for that.
The second piece was lack of closure from Chloe. When she had to let her first love go, we saw the path that took. The epilogue let us see what choice she made, but we miss the efforts to make peace with it. Was she happy? Did she pretend everything was okay? I was left with a bit of a dissatisfied feeling – almost like when you find out the chocolate bunny is hollow and not solid.
Those two things are strictly my take and each reader may see something I missed. Overall, this is a compelling read and one that could have gone is so many different directions – it’s definitely worth a readers time. Part of me really hopes that there is a second book later that lets us see things from a different/male (almost slipped and gave a detail away) viewpoint that maybe goes a bit into the future.
3.5 Stars
While studying abroad for an internship, Chloe Kennedy meets Oliver Bennett, a fellow student and Londoner. During this time, Chloe wants to experience all the firsts. With Oliver, all the pieces click for Chloe until the parameters change and Lance Hamilton enters her life.
“And no one who has made me want to stick around for too long … like you.”
Divided into four parts, the narrative separates Chloe’s life into different stages where significant life events occur throughout the timeline. Told mostly from Chloe’s perspective, the intent is to experience the range of choices and emotions she feels from a junior at university to a married woman.
“Sometimes you have to leave for a while to remember why you fell in love in the first place.”
In starting this book, I knew full well what the theme would be and expected the intensity of feelings associated with it. While there were many steamy moments, much happened quickly and the more difficult aspects were left unexplored. As such, Chloe’s choices felt one dimensional and her ultimate decision lacked courage that could have reconciled the past. For me, there was a major lack of connection with the characters. That said, I like how the author chose to explore this theme, as controversial as it may be in the romance world, I just wish it was better executed.
Even if it Hurts is a story about how choices, love and pain can sustain over time.
What a emotionally charged , rollercoaster romance experience read!! It has the angst, heartache, heartbreak, romantic triangle, passion, feels and super chemistry. The characters of Chloe, Oliver, and Lance will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will she or won’t she.
I do wish this had been two books instead of 1 because the ending does come off rushed and some things are never answered. Overall, is a good, ansty, emotional read that will have a woman confronted with her 1st love when he comes back into her life after their breakup. This story done the only way Marni Mann does them- emotionally raw, intense and heartbreakingly deep.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Marni Mann is one of my no questions asked, one click authors. I don’t need to read the blurb before buying…if she wrote it, I’m reading it! She has once again pulled me into her world and broken my heart. I was involved and in love from page one. This book will make your heart ache, you’ll want to yell at the characters, throw your kindle, and before you read the last page, I’m sure you’ll shed a tear or two. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, and poignant and sad and sweet. I may be in the minority with my feelings on this one, but I have a soft spot for books that are painfully real. There are choices to make, mistakes made, and consequences to live with. It’s life, at its most painful and beautiful moments. I was hoping for a slightly different ending, but then it wouldn’t have been as real. This was a perfect 5 star read!
Totally consuming!!
The intense and emotional story of Chloe, Oliver and Lance, follows their powerful and complex journey.
Divided into 4 parts, all my emotions were on full display and left me wrung out with the best book hangover!
This full length standalone read was flawlessly written, and well paced.
It was easy to follow and for me so relatable and realistic.
I’m a huge fan of all of this author’s work and this story was so gripping and passionate its by far my favorite.
A story of life love and the choices we make, is an absolute must read!
This is an honest and emotional ready, so get ready for all the feels.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Oliver: When I met her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. We were so young and so passionate. We were so young and so passionate. We studied business in the day and each other’s bodies at night. We always knew it would end with the semester, so we loved hard with not regrets.
Lance: When I met her, I couldn’t get her off my mind. We were fresh out of college and ready to take on the world. We fit each other like missing puzzle pieces. And just when I thought my life was perfect, it got better. She became my wife.
Chloe: I met my first love while studying abroad in London. When I moved home, I didn’t think I’d ever fall in love again. Until I met him. The man who became my husband. The one I promised a lifetime to. Then, my first love came back into my life…And I realized that love was bigger than any one man.
It has been a week since I finished this book. I am still not sure how to write this review. I just don’t want to give anything away. I went into this book totally blind. I didn’t once read the description of this book. I just know that when Marni Mann writes it I read it. So I’m going to do this a little different and tell you how this book made me feel. Not what the story is about because you need to experience every single moment of this book. This is going to take you back in live, some of us a lot further than others, but I don’t care how old you are. You never forget that first love. The person you experienced so much with, the one who took your whole heart and when it was over never gave you back your entire heart. Heck you might even think about them and wonder how they are from time to time to this day. This is a story about a first love for Chloe and Oliver. They had one semester and they thought a whole summer until they didn’t. And he moved on. Life was hard and I so remember how that feels. How you never feel like your ever going to be able to get up and go out and be the same again. Until you do and you meet the most amazing person that your never even looking for in that moment. That’s Lance for Chloe and life gets better and you move on and you have meet the man you marry and will spend the rest of your life with. Until….suddenly your face to face with your Oliver again. What do you do? Why do these feelings always keep popping up? How do you handle it? Well you have to read to find out everything. You will not want to put this down. Heck I was so engrossed in it that I was shocked when I read the last page that it was over. I loved these characters and I loved the times they spent together. I also loved Chloe and Molly’s friendship. Which will make you think of friends that just might be out of your life now. Or you might still have that best friend from your college days in your life now. I loved how they were each others person. I could go on and on. Just grab this book and read. Your going to love it. You might not agree with everything that goes on it with but remember it is fiction. And remember your not in her shoes. You don’t know what you would do. I thought this was a beautiful story of first loves and loves that last a lifetime and the choices we make that affect those loves and how everything turns out just as it should be.
Wow is the first word that comes to mind.
I haven’t read a story like this in a long time. A story in which I couldn’t decide where I wanted it to go and in my opinion that’s a perfectly written book!
These characters, I loved them all. Chloe, Lance & Oliver. There is so much heart and soul in this book that it left me speechless at the end. Being in love and loving someone are two totally different things and your first love will always have a special place in your heart.
The emotions were on high alert while reading. Unbelievable elation, then sadness, the happiness then the unknown. I found myself thinking “what if I was in this position, what would I do?” This book had my heart in pieces but it was (somewhat) put back together in the end.
This is my FIRST Marni Mann book and when I finished I started When Ashes Fall on audible and girl – she is a fantastic writer and Marni Mann has been added to my “must read” list of authors.
5 Stars
Title: Even If It Hurts
Author: Marni Mann
Stand-alone
Wow. I am speechless. I’ve read books where they were so good and felt all the feels, but I’ve never read a story that has stayed with me as long as this one has. Weeks after finishing, I still can’t get over this book.
Normally I’d give details about the characters and what I loved about them. But I can’t with this book. You need to experience this story without any preconceived ideas. You need to be able to feel every single emotion that EIIH will make you feel.
I loved this story so damn much. The characters have stolen my heart and I will never be the same. Trust me, you do not want to miss this. Highly recommend reading it!
In Even If It Hurts, Marni Mann delivers an emotionally tormenting story. It’s beautiful, it’s poignant, it’s relatable, and it’s terribly painful. But that’s what made it so wonderful. As a reader, I like my limits pushed, I like to step outside my comfort zone, and I love having my moral compass tested. It’s how you grow as a person and also how you learn more about yourself.
This book took a jackhammer to the line I had drawn in concrete within myself. It forced me to look at a situation and muddle the black and white into a grey.
Although I kicked and screamed the whole way, I’m a better person for reading this book. The writing, the story, the angst… it all melded into this page turning, heart stopping, love story.
All the stars, Marni. All of them.
Even If It Hurts by Marni Mann is an emotional romantic standalone about one woman and two loves. This is NOT a menage and barely qualifies as a love triangle, it is a deep and emotional story about first love, losing first love, finding love AFTER that and then what happens when your first love is suddenly back in your life after years apart. It is emotional, it is sexy, it broaches topics that are usual hard-limits for me in the stories I read but because this was a Marni Mann book I took a chance and I’m glad I did. Reading Oliver/Chloe/Lance’s story was not easy but it was honest and the touchy elements of the story were handled with class. Get ready – this one will get your feels all feely and such. Enjoy!
A amazing story . Marni always writes unique books that stick with you. What do you do when your in love with two men? This book is very intense and parts I cried and other parts I just felt angry. It truly makes you feel the love and in the end I think I understood why and how the characters felt. 5/5 stars
I’m going to be completely honest, these are the types of books I stay far, far, far away from. I had an inkling when reading the blurb more or less what this book would be about. So why would I willingly read this knowing this is a trope I desperately don’t like and stay away from? It’s Marni, it’s her writing and what it evokes in me. She has a way with words that just strikes a chord and leaves a lasting impression.
I’m sitting here with tears not so prettily running down my face. My heart is in shambles, torn beyond belief. Usually at the end of reading a book like this I am content and my heart being mended, but with this book it’s just not the case. I’m hurting and I’m especially hurting for him and I’m obviously not naming him because that’d be a spoiler—and I’m not about that. So yeah, that piece that’s outside of my chest won’t ever be pieced back together.
My head is a mess and I’m still in a daze. My emotions are all over the place. I feel as if I was in a boxing ring taking hit after hit and jab after jab. My heart is broken and bruised and I’m so emotionally exhausted. This book took a lot out of me—everything just hurts.
Marni did an outstanding job creating three characters with different layers. It wasn’t at all hard to fall in love with them in different ways. I ended up loving them all for different reasons and yes, I loved one more than the other two. It wasn’t hard falling for this character either, I was transfixed right from the beginning and never looked back.
Even If It Hurts hit on every single emotional point. This story is heartbreaking and it’ll have your heart in a vice. The angst will leave you trying to catch your breath—it’s overwhelming. Marni once again delivered a poignant and beautiful, albeit gut-wrenching story. And knowing what I know now, would I still read this book? Yes, even if it hurts.
Soooo Marni Mann, with two books, has become an author I love/hate to read. My first Mann book was The Assistant, a total mind-fuck of a book that took me some time to get over. Now I have read Even If It Hurts, a total heart-fuck. I don’t know whether to buy every book Ms. Mann has written or run for the hills to protect my emotions.
Chloe has worked hard at school, kept her head down, and it pays off with her dream semester in London. On the first day of classes, she meets Oliver, a senior in her field of study and the chemistry between the two is instantaneous. They launch into a deeply emotional affair that when Chloe has to leave, tears both of their hearts apart. They keep in long-distance touch for a while, but as life has a way of doing, they drift apart. Two years later, Chloe meets Lance. He’s everything a woman could want in a man and they marry. Everything is going great until fate steps in.
From the blurb, you know that this is a love triangle. First love versus forever love. A clash of feelings that is destined to leave someone hurt. Ms. Mann takes this situation and meets it head on. She throws her characters through the wringer making them feel everything from ecstasy to despair, dragging her readers along for the ride. There is no clear villain here, no one that you can point to and say “its all your fault”. There are times that I shook my head and mentally screamed at Chloe or Oliver or Lance. I wanted to reach into the story and say “what are you thinking!!”. This is not a “nice” read. This is a raw, painful, heartbreaking read that will put you in the shoes of Chloe and make you ask yourself what would you do?
Don’t open unless you can read all the way through, have alcohol, tissues and be prepared to be thrown from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other.
When Marni Mann mentions she has a new story to share my heart equally stops and then pounds in exhilaration and excitement. Her stories are always true and profound and touch you in a myriad of ways. Even If It Hurts is an outstanding and emotionally charged romance between one woman torn between two perfect men. My heart broke for Chloe as she faced an impossible decision choosing between two men and the heart stopping love she shared with both of them. This story was so real, carnal and emotional. It portrays such true emotion in a circumstance where the perfect life can be interrupted and when second chances happen when you at least expect it. I loved Chloe, Oliver and Lance. They were perfection.
This story was breathtaking. Mann makes us fall in love with each character and in turn rips our heart out in the best way possible. This is not an easy read but it is no less exceptional. All magnificent things take dedication and committment and that is exactly what Mann accomplished in this story. She proves without a doubt that she pens stories that originate in her soul and that’s why we fall in love with them. She makes us laugh, cry, squirm and weep. Overall, she makes us feel and that’s her biggest gift of them all. Her writing is powerful and impactful and one of the things I am most grateful for in her stories! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I have to admit I don’t normally have an issue with this type of book but even now after finishing it I have this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I think I’m having a hard time with some grace and forgiveness for Chloe although on the other hand my heart breaks for her. This just shows Marni’s capability of writing characters that we fall head of heels in love with and don’t ever want them to hurt. Once things settle I have no doubts I will love this book for what she intended just as I have loved all of this author’s other works.
Marni explored first loves in a way I haven’t read before and I praise her for that. Although there is lots of heartache in this one she also gives hope that there is not just one person out there that is able to be your great love. You can have more than one, at very different points in your life and on different levels. This gives hope to those of us that maybe have no way of reconnecting with our first true love. Something else is coming and it’s going to be just as great. I think I needed that hope right now.
All the characters in this book have their place and it wouldn’t be the same story without any of them. Molly is everything we all deserve in a best friend and thank goodness something I am privileged to have in my own life. Oliver and Lance are the perfect guys, both in their own right.
I know many will find issues while reading but I hope you can look past the hurtful parts and see just how beautiful the love is in this one. Because above all else, that’s what this book is about.
Marni Mann’s books are like those parties you know you shouldn’t attend but you just can’t stop yourself. Well that’s your only warning. I know 9 out of 10 times she will rip my heart out but I keep coming back for more and loving it! What is it about first loves that never completely leave your heart? Marni Mann taps into that very question in Even If It Hurts. Chloe has a world wind romance with Oliver when she goes to London as a college exchange student. He becomes her first in so many ways. Unfortunately, she has to return to the States for her internship. She eventually loses touch with Oliver but never truly forgets. Then Lance shows up in her life and she thinks she’s found her soulmate. That is until she bumps into her first love again. With Marni Mann you just have to expect the unexpected.
I received the book.
I read the book.
Non stop till 2 am.
and I tossed and turned the whole night!!
“I’m in so deep; I’m drowning before I even get wet.”
I’m still hungover, my mind is still hopping between Amsterdam and Sarasota (nice touch). It’s an unstoppable roller coaster of emotions and you won’t be able to get off. Endure with grimace and tears in your eyes, cause the story will move you deeply.
Marni is on a streak, writing one heart rendering book after another. And she’s on a mission of ruining cities for me
Boston…NYC….London…Amsterdam!
I’ve always believed she’s an excellent example of a versatile author, attempting and mastering every Genre, every trope. Her innate ability to push boundaries and challenge herself has come to fruition with Even If It Hurts
The story’s a see-saw of relationships, resting on the fulcrum of agonizing dilemma.
All three characters are deeply and devotedly in love, but there’s a fourth character which is the Puppet Master – LOVE itself
The Magic of LOVE
“People disappear when there’s magic involved.”
It’s bigger than them all! LOVE has a say in the placement of characters, their behaviors and their destiny. All three are ruled by heart, follow their heart and ultimately have to crush it by their own hands. Very honest, albeit cruel sentiments embellish the story. It’s as close to reality dose you’ll ever get, IMHO. The plot is simple yet intricate, mirroring real life. Narration is flawless and smooth, her writing has always been superb, but this one stretches a bit further into exceptionalism.
“Time has certainly never been in our favor, has it?”
“Not since I met you.”
“Always slipping away every time I try to grasp you.”
“That’s because I’m not good at good-byes.”
All her characters are very easy to fall in love with which made me sympathize and relate to Chloe’s conundrum.
I fell in love with Oliver’s Charm, his unshakable charisma. I adored Lance’s focused & undivided support and love. And when Nina asked me a controversial and difficult question- #TeamLance or #TeamOliver?
I didn’t hesitate even for a split second about the answer, very clear in my head. And I believe it should be the norm in every love triangle…I’m #TeamChloe!!
I’m not worried WHO will love her the most, I’m more concerned about who SHE will love more.
It’s HER choice, HER happiness and HER life and she should be able to make dubious choices, suffer the consequences too and learn from them. It’s called Growth!
And let NOBODY judge her, paint her scarlet and Choke her with tightening cape of guilt.!!
It’s a HUMAN story about mere mortals, driven by passion, lust and love. The people aren’t demi-gods, they’re certainly not perfect. they make mistakes, own upto it and try to make amends. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they not, But that’s life.
I fell in love with Oliver. His boyish charm, sexy brit accent, his charisma is a magnet pulling Chloe and me in his field. Lance was the stable influence in the story, his stolidness and unadulterated loyalty and devotion for Chloe is what a woman needs in her life. His genuineness had an tranquil aura and all his scenes were treated with warmth and serenity.
Marni has unapologetically portrayed the beauty and ugliness of love unfiltered. No rosy tints to hide the cracks in the relationship, no easy way out possibilities by creating faux martyrs or justifications for questionable choices. She let’s the characters speak for themselves, lead their broken lives and let marni just note everything down and present to us.
A complicated story about Tangled lies, breached dreams and mulched hearts
It’s beauty lies in the stark honesty, and brutal tug of war between Want and Need.
The ending is all a matter of perspective. How you will feel is what you see and what’s your view, But one thing is definite, It’ll broaden your vision, stretch your heart to make space for acceptance and give you a shot of compassion
Life is all about making wrong decisions and if you’re lucky, a rare right one. Cést La Vie
When you start the book, open your mind, flex your morals and check your judgements at the door!
5 stars for setting your love free
So many emotions are running through me right now! I just finished and I’m trying to process it all.
Until I can find the words for my review, this is all I have to say for now…..
Be prepared!!! This book is going to chew you up and spit you out. My heart feels like it’s going to explode in my chest. SO. MANY. EMOTIONS but one more than all…..ugh!!!!!!!
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Ok….I got my emotions in check finally.
Whenever I pick up a Marni Mann book, I know she is going to take me on one emotional ride. She always does! However, this book did it on a whole new level!!
Chloe, Lance and Oliver are about to test all your emotions!
Chloe, Chloe, Chloe…..she gave my heart and temper a run for their money. Whew!! She pulled out emotions that books rarely do. Some good, some bad and that’s why I loved this book!
I didn’t agree with A LOT of decisions made in this book but the way the story is written, you couldn’t help but feel every single emotion toward these characters. Some more than others.
I’ll say my anger was intense at certain points! I was venting to a friend while reading because I wanted to jump in this book a shake people!!!! Wake up!!! What are you doing!!!!????? I had to put it down several times because my rage got the best of me and I was afraid the grip I had on my kindle was going to break it. Intense!!!
As with every Marni book, I could talk forever about every single detail BUUUUTTTT you have to experience this book fully on your own. Just read it!!
Try your hardest not to read the ending to get the answers quicker….trust me, you will never be so tempted!!!
*Warning: Prepare your emotions for an epic battle!