HURTAward Winning Author Lydia Michaels enters the world of DARK ROMANCE with an unforgettably suspenseful psychological thriller!IT’S GOING TO HURT…Callan MacGregor might speak with the eloquence of a Scottish poet, but a hard life has turned him into a merciless killer. With a first-hand account of hell, he trusts nothing and no one but the hollow hurt tortured into his bones. Sacrificing … his bones. Sacrificing all, he must escape Scotland to survive.
Emery Tanner is captivated—to the point of obsession—by the stunning Scotsman tending bar at the Imperial Hotel. With as many dark secrets as he has scars, she hungers to know every exquisite inch of him, but her shy nature leaves her tongue-tied. Despite her sense that innate kindness rests beneath his savage surface, Callan MacGregor is a man to approach with caution—if not fear.
When tragedy strikes and Emery’s world is shattered, she learns just how ruthless Callan can be. Violence has shaped his soul and love has always led to loss in both their broken lives. But as secrets are exposed, they find truth within the hurt and awaken a desire to become whole once more.
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Hurt does just that. It makes you HURT, for the characters, yourself and anyone who has gone through what Callan and Emery have and survived. Lydia Michaels has used her gift of storytelling to delve into the seamiest side of humanity and find the beauty and devotion not usually found there.
This story is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, gut wrenching and will evoke emotions you may not be used to or comfortable with. There are trigger warnings for a reason. If you like a dark, emotional story, that has truth, grit love and substance you will not go wrong reading Hurt.
This was a raw, dark and intense read, it did not shy away from heavier subjects, and it definitely was hard to read at times. But it also was a story of love, redemption and healing. Callan has lived a harder life than most and it shows, but he still tries to do what he feels is right and Emery is such a sweetheart they both deserve happiness and love and just good times so it was hard to read about all the ugliness in their world. However, even though it was tough Emery and Callan have a story that needs to be read, it hurts but the beauty is worth the pain.
Wow, wow, wow…..I literally could not put this book down! Lydia has written a psychologically thrilling story that will make you wonder what her depraved mind is planning next!! It was addictive and downright torturous at times!! It is a story of a brutal past yet one of a hopeful future. Callan and Emery could not be more opposite yet they are drawn to each other. Callan has a past that reads of horror. It is a past he hides well. He yearns for Emery on a daily basis. He hides his feelings for Emery until the one day he finds her after her life is horrifically changed. Her pain is something he understands all too well. It is a pain that keeps him from acknowledging the truth. Can these two scarred souls heal one another? Amazing story!!
Oh my! Was I the only one hearing the song “Hurt So Good” by John Mellencamp in my head, while reading this book?!? This was a major departure from what I’ve read by Lydia but it was well written and masterfully crafted with a twist!!! Where to start???
Callan…I envisioned him as a young, muscular Sean Connery type!! He is Scottish and he has to become an underground fighter in order to provide for his sister (Innis) and brother (Gavin). Callan has a real negative view of himself and it only becomes worse when he believes his sister & brother die. This book dealt with some real heavy themes: rape, revenge, and vengeance. As you read the novel, you will be questioning your views about vengeance just like Callan did. I felt the most connected to him as a character because he was written as a guy with extreme loyalty that you couldn’t help but like him?!?
Emery…I saw her as a sweet Natalie Portman type character. She’s the wholesome, sweet, and naive girl that works at the same hotel as Callan when he moves to the States. She has been secretly “crushing” on Callan for years, and a horrific & shocking turn of events finally brings them together. With all the recent turmoil going on in the world now. Her character spoke the truth about what the “HURT” leaves behind.
The book was just devastatingly awesome! Yes, some parts are very hard to read but healing at the same time. I am glad this will be a series because I want to learn more about some of the characters that were introduce. Lydia continues to “WOW” with her stories and I highly recommend reading this novel!!
Intense, chilling and suspenseful, this book was an emotional roller coaster with so many twists and turns I felt like I was “freefalling”!
The build up, the intricate developments and the merciless brutality, was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I couldn’t pull away!
Heavy and dark, the book offers a disclaimer warning the reader about triggers which you should take notice if you’re sensitive to them.
That said this book launched me into the heart wrenching story of Callan and Emery.
Well written, the story was told in past and present giving us a clear perspective of who Callan was and what he became. Both characters were flawlessly developed and likable. Both were seriously flawed characters who were brought together out of tragic circumstances. Tethered together out of violence a bittersweet connection was born.
This was a story of survival and redemption, and how they got there was well worth discovering.
My only pet peeve is that the author took such great care in her language usage but there were several mistakes in the use of Spanish.
4.5 stars!
Callan has lived a life of horror & pain. A man full of strength, loyalty, and love for his family, he had his world suddenly ripped apart. His only plan of action is vengeance against the evil monster who has changed his life forever.
Emery works at a hotel with Callan. She is intrigued and fascinated with the scarred man who she silently works with for years, never having the courage to tell him how she feels. When the unimaginable happens to Emery one night, she has no idea how she will recover and move on. She also has no idea that for years she has had a dark angel keeping an eye on her, and will do anything to take away her pain.
Told in the past and present, throughout this dark and gritty book a beautiful love story is told. Both Callan and Emery have been through hell, and only they have the power to stop each other’s hurt. Looking forward to the next book!
Ummm this book slayed me and broke me!! This was such a beautiful yet so tragic story! It’s very dark which I love because it’s more realistic and not Hearts and roses kind of story. I loved this story parts were difficult to read but that’s part of being Hurt. This was wow I cant put into words how good this book I was. I couldnt stop reading it had me hooked my page one! Callan he is damaged has a horrible past and struggles to overcome it but he meets Emery which something tragic happenes to her and it damaged her, these two characters fight through their situations that happened but will they overcome it? You need to read Hurt it will make you cry but also smile because these characters grow on you and you feel their feelings! It was such an amazing story, this author always gets me with her beautiful words and I encourage everyone to read this one! Prepare to be HURT
This book was perfectly titled, Hurt. This author states warnings at the beginning of the book, if there are dark aspects you find triggering this book should be avoided or at least cautiously approached.
That being said this book was dark, painful, sad, and tragic. But it was also vulnerable, loving and hauntingly beautiful. To see such a strong man like Callan, who has faced so much strife, adversity, and loss in his life slowly break down his walls and open himself to love was utterly beautiful. After experiencing the hurt he experienced, the choices that were taken from him, and learning to live and love was something so outstanding and tragically beautiful. This tortured hero that is both brutal and vulnerable.
And Emery, this stunning, strong, powerful woman. To have experienced what she experienced, to have seen how survivors of such heinous crimes are treated in our system, and come out the other side living a life she controlled was incredible. To push through the pain, the hurt, the shame and let love in.
Together Callan and Emery filled this void they each barred. They became each other’s solace, their safe space, their home. They were finally able to live a life worth living. To be the rain that washed away the past so that their futures wouldn’t be tainted.
This book was dark and hauntingly tragic and beautiful. Lydia Michaels made me question my own thoughts and emotions as I read this book, because I never knew what to expect next. I just allowed her words to take my on this journey. I felt vulnerable and raw after reading this book, but I wouldn’t have changed it for a thing.
I was ending the chapter with a lot of thinking. ‘HURT’ were a multi layer of suspense stories with darker elements. Story of Callan MacGregor, the strong Scottish man who had melted my heart. He was fragile as a glass, strong like a lion.. poetry like a Shakespeare. I hurt, cried and grief for the thinga that he had gone through..
Emery Tanner, the woman whom I have admired with an utmost respect. She is delicate, elegant and soft. The Author had written a crazy suspense plot! Hurt was emotional challenging, brutal and chilling to the bone.
This story wasnt a happy romance but two damaged souls. Their love were pure, sincere and sad. Beautifully written story…
I enjoy romance. I enjoy a good thriller. When you get both in one book it’s a book you should read.
Callan. Trying to make sure his sister and brother have a better life, he has to do things that he doesn’t want to do, but must. The money is there and love for his siblings, his only family, pushes him forward. The emotional turmoil he goes through as his dreams for a better life slip from his grasp is beautifully and emotionally written. He does what he must to escape his tormentors to bring his most precious possession to America. He is hurt.
Emery. Yearning for Callan the man, while working with Callan the bartender, she makes up her mind to let him know what’s in her heart. Tragedy strikes Emery in the most intimate way. She feels broken and unworthy. She can no longer picture herself as Callan’s woman. She is hurt.
Rising from the ashes of one another’s dreams, they realize they are stronger together and slowly but surely the Hurt begins to recede, only to reappear in the worst way possible. When a person from Callan’s past resolves the Hurt for both of them, only then, can Callan and Emery begin to look to the future.
This was a wonderful story. Very dark with lots of explicit violence and depravity, but resolving, to bring hope and love to the characters. Lots of questions remain, and I can’t wait to see how Ms. Michaels spins the next story. A stimulating read.
Please don’t ignore the trigger warning with this novel.
This is my favorite Lydia’s book so far. Although reading Callan and Emery’s story wasn’t always easy, Lydia did a remarkable job of storytelling during the difficult times with her characters. I was very drawn to both characters and invested in what their future looked like. I have purposely left this review with little information and zero spoilers, as to not give anything in the story a way. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys dark reading.
This was an amazing story! I have to admit that I was apprehensive about reading it but I am so glad I did! I would suggest going in blind. Do not read any spoilers! Callan is a broken character and your heart will hurt for him. Emery is damaged in her own way. The back story leading up to the romance between them is everything! This is a story about love, loss, family, and revenge. If you only read one series this year, make it this one.
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Cannot say enough about this book! Well done
“Dinnae underestimate your resilience love. You never know how much ye can take until ye reach a point where ye can’t take no more.” – Callan
Callan did all the wrong things for all the right reasons. He had traded his soul for those he loved. He had tried. His last promise he would fulfill.
His past scarred upon his skin. A reflection of what was left of his wretched soul. A tapestry, a warning for others that only darkness remained in the man before them.
Except for Emery. Emery could see the light that still shone within Callan’s eyes.
Emery had her own demons to walk with. She wanted to be seen but her world had taught her that each blow was required and acceptance was penance.
I had a hard time with Hurt. Emotionally I was rattled. A few times I had to step back and remind myself it was fiction. Callan and Emery were not real. Gods if the scenes didn’t feel so damn real though. Each blow. Each prayer. Each unheard cry for mercy.
Please take the warning at the opening of this book seriously.
Callan was the type of character that just had me. Right from the bloody start, I felt an emotional attachment to his character.He was the big guy that despite being ferocious you knew would take the hurt away. He loved fiercely and may the gods help anyone who harmed what he loved- because he knew no mercy.
Emery was such a quiet soul. She longed to be loved, truly. Her strength of will to survive, to overcome was amazing.
Two lost souls journey together battling the darkness that is life.
**sigh** This is a love story.
I loved this couple. The way their relationship blossomed. How they found their strength and hope in each other.
My heart was in pieces by the end of this tale.
The story line goes back to “before” then jumps to the now. This is consistent throughout the story line and in my opinion, tells both tales perfectly. We get to see what created the man called Callan. We get to peek at the monsters that hide in plain sight. There are a few twists and turns that quite possible may send you into a moment of cardiac arrest. Just breathe and believe.
And NO Kindle throwing (You want to be able to read book 2).
Goodness gracious. This about gutted me. My first book by Miss Lydia Michaels and it was every bit of amazing, full of raw and poetic beauty. An absolutely haunting story of love and redemption. A five star read of the highest caliber.
Callan and Emery
Trigger warning is right. Some of these words were very difficult to read but so worth every gasp and tear that fell from my eyes. Emery is so wonderfully written as her strength bursts through the page. Callan has so much depth and layers, I didn’t think I’d see them all. They support each other through some of the most difficult times they will ever have. They are truly two pieces of a puzzle that make they whole. Superb writing makes my emotions run away from me. I’m still trying to catch up to them.
My first read from the author and I was haunted. The chilling tragedy, heart ache, evilness of humanity in it, devastatingly beautifully written.
Not just brutally dark, the tragic and the torture hero, his hotness and dominant alphaness… Ohmygawwwd… Lydia really know how to capture my heart. And I can just hear his Scottish accent… I am a melting pudle for this hero.
Lots of trigger warning here, I must warn you. One scene in particular I have to stop reading cause it’s just hurt so much. I was angry and heart break and …ohmygawwd I just can’t ….lydia not just pull one intricate plot, she give tragic dark a whole new level
Dark, hot and a tortured hero! What more can you ask for?? Oh he’s Scottish so that doesn’t “hurt” I think this is her first dark romance but I haven’t read everything. First in a series! If you like the above, don’t miss this!
There is so much pain and emotions in the first 12% of this book that I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive the next 88%. Nothing can prepare you for Lydia Michaels’ Hurt. This book…GAWD…this book. I have never read a book that packs a punch every single chapter. The emotions in this book will strip you bare. If you think by putting the book down you will be free as you wait for your heart to beat normally, think again. Hurt is extraordinary, emotional and never lets the reader come up for air. Lydia Michaels keeps you in her grasp with her masterful story telling.
Hard Hitting story with some brutal incidents wrapped in Gut wrenching sentiments. It’s quite a Pandora’s Box of troubles opened by lydia as she uncases all the wrongs in the world for us to experience.
I believe she writes every book with a purpose, her stories carry a powerful social message and this one carries the MOST IMPORTANT one of all.
Its dark, distrubing at times but essential nevertheless. Seeing the current political climate, this book couldn’t have come at a better time.
There’s a Gentle Giant – Callan MacGregor. Forced into violence, his mercy is trampled till his heart is nothing but a emotionless crusher of lives
Violence was a stubborn cancer of the soul, and the profane brutality of such a vicious fight did not easily wash away. Every time Callan unleashed his temper, the gaping hole inside of him grew grander and filthier, like a tarnished cup marking his ill-gotten victories. Trophies of shame collected in the shapes of scars.
He’s a family keeper, loyal, responsible man who fights to sustain his family of younger sister, Innis and brother Gavin. In other words he’s invicible & unbreakable till……..
Set in Glasgow which is in Scotland (I kept reading the book in Irish accent)
It starts as a struggling life story of three orphaned siblings trying to put a roof on their heads and trying to make something of their miserable existence, every day. An awful incident happens to Callan that destroys his idyllic small haven of a family home.
“I was undefeated. But in the end, I lost everything that mattered.”
He moves to America and meets Emery who works in the same hotel as him. Shy, hesitant, sweet Em’ry is a victim and a struggling survivor and these gentle souls come together to heal and recuperate together
“Let’s be the rain, sliding down each other’s skin, washing away whatever came before.”
The plot is Applause worthy, no doubt about it. It takes a lot of courage and initiative to write such a relevant story on a contemporary topic. Lydia takes on this endeavour with stark honesty and realism. She doesn’t sugar coat stuff and neither does she shirk from pushing the envelope just to conform to reader sensitivities.
She has gone “THERE” and then some !!!!!
Narrative is hard hitting and forces you to think.
I fell in love with gentle poetic soul that is Callan. He’s a mammoth guy with putty heart that beats for his siblings, his friend Rhys and Em’ry. His broad shoulders have carried enough weight to kill a normal man but yet he piles on more to protect his family and manages to not stumble or crumble under it.
Emery is adorable and you have the urge to shield her always.
Rhys is very noble and loyal and deserves a special mention too
Compassionate story that comes from a compassionate heart.
4.5 Leannán stars
Lydia Michaels has twisted my heart and soul with the first book in The Hurt Series. I’ve never read an author that can completely tear you apart and then mend you back together the way Lydia has done. In one of the most anticipated reads of 2019, Hurt delivers a powerfully written masterpiece that leaves you on the edge of your seat, crying, cheering and HURTING. This story is one that will stay with you for quite some time and has been well worth the wait.