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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This book was devastating! Before you go any further, please read the author’s warning, if you have any triggers, you probably want to pass on this book. It was DARK, and it was painful, and there were scenes that were hard to read. But it blew me away! It was SO GOOD!! Callan and Emery just broke my heart. I fell in love with Callan, he was so damaged and broken, but so protective of Emery. Rhys and Innis had a tragic story, and poor Gavin! I just wish we’d gotten more closure on Innis and Gavin. I’m really hoping the second book will be about them!! This was truly a heartbreaking, tragic love story. Hurt is the perfect title for it, there’s so much pain and tragedy in it! But there is light in the darkness. If you like dark romances, and don’t have any triggers, then this is a must read!!
I love when I read a book by a new-to-me author and it surprises me with every turn of a page. Hurt is one of those books! Dark and gritty, this book gutted me with it’s evil and violence, soothed me with its love and compassion, seized my heart–broke it, healed it, and held it captive until the last word. Flawlessly written, heartbreakingly tragic, and triumphantly redemptive, this story will haunt the recesses of your mind long after you’ve read “The End”. Definitely at the top of my Best Books of 2019, Hurt is a stunningly beautiful love story not to be missed.
Callan McGregor was a battered mountain of a man. Scars upon scars, the heaviest on his soul, Callan holds onto the merest wisp of humanity after all the crushing blows dealt to him by life. But Callan finds, if not redemption, then contentment in Emery’s smile, the sound of her voice, in… Emery. Emery Tanner, a fragile, ethereal beauty whose air of innocence and purity soothes Callan’s downtrodden soul. Her mere presence fills his heart, his life with a sense of worth.
“They give us these words, little, tiny things like no and stop. They tell us they’re weapons, but they’re useless. He hardly flinched when I screamed.” – Emery to Callan
But violence is an old acquaintance, and when it is visited upon Emery, shattering her world, Callan vows vengeance; justice will be served, even if it costs Callan the last shred of his humanity…
“I’m not leavin’ you. I dinnae care if ye fall apart a hundred times. I’ll catch ye . No matter how broken ye feel right now, Em’ry, ye cannae cut me. And ye cannae scare me away or push me out because ye think I’ll see something that’s not so pretty.” – Callan to Emery
Tonight, he saved her. She’d been shattered, nothing but jagged edges jutting out every which way, but he collected all her broken pieces and kept her together. He kept her stable. Human. – Emery
“Let me watch over ye. Let me be yer eyes so ye can rest, yer hands so ye can heal, yer ears, so ye don’t have te worry. Let me be there for ye. ” – Callan to Emery
This book… sears the soul. It forces the reader to face dark and degrading acts perpetrated by monsters in man’s flesh. The victims mutely scream for justice… their cries lost in the malevolent miasma that surrounds them. But one man; one scarred, bent, almost broken man, seeks redemption for his sins… and strains to receive absolution…
Haunting… Too small a word for the world created by Ms. Michaels. Violence, pain, soul shattering angst and regret… Peace , caring, love… Almost non-existent in Callan’s world… Until Emery.
The truth was in the hurt. In the hurt. The hurt. Hurt. Truth. The truth was in the hurt. -Callan
Absolutely loved it!
Life lesson learned. When Lydia Michaels uses words like “major triggers” and “dark”, she’s not kidding. Going in, the violence was expected but not the emotionally gripping pain and heartbreak that came with it. The anguish and captivating moments of love and severe loss that pulled on my heartstrings so much I felt it. There was such a swathe of layers and characters I didn’t expect.
To say things aren’t easy for Callan and Emery is an understatement. There’s abuse, addiction, violence, loss, and so much more. But what makes this story a true tear jerker is the complicated love story at its core. This is not your typical love story of people who fall in love, have fabulous dates and spontaneous adventures. It’s not an Ed Sheeran song. It’s not a series of rainbows and butterflies. It’s a series of battles. Battles that few are strong enough to endure. Battles that, after reading it, will change you forever.
Their story tackles issues too complex for concrete answers. Callan’s actions are riveting and merciless and it’s hard to know how to feel about it. While readers may not agree with Callan’s actions, Lydia Michaels gives him such depth of personality and soul that it keeps you caring about his plight. Good guy or bad guy, he’s a man thrust into a life more horrific than any person can imagine. The savagery that Emery suffered and the aftermath is emotionally brutal but integral to the story. Callan and Emery had both been damaged by the cruelties of life. They understood each other’s pain and knew first- hand how it felt to experience loss of love and dignity. That’s why they fought like hell to hold on to each other. To save each other without losing themselves in the process.
Each chapter of this book takes you on a roller coaster ride bringing you to a raw state of external, and even sometimes, internal assessment. There are so many ethical quandaries. So many hues of right and wrong. As I said before, it’s not your typical romance. This one’s profoundly dark and will quickly sink its hooks into you and stay with you long after the story is over.
One thing I will say, when Lydia Michaels says a book is dark, she’s not joking! This book is very dark and not just because it contains the usual dark elements. This book is heart-wrenching. There were times I had to put the book down and step away. I was honestly afraid at times I wouldn’t be able to go on but these characters would not let me go. My heart hurt so bad for the characters, for all the suffering they were experiencing. I was fearful of what I knew was coming – more pain, more suffering, and more heartache but in all that there was hope. Hope for a better day, a better life. Through the tragedy and suffering emerged a love strong enough to heal and overcome. These characters were strong, loyal, and more than anything determined to cherish and protect those they loved.
The author’s attention to detail is phenomenal. She describes each scene, each painful moment, each emotion so vividly that the hurt bled from the pages. This book challenged me as a reader and that is something I do not find often.
This is my first book by Lydia Michaels and boy what a completely mesmerizing introduction it is. This is one gripping story that has you feeling the pain and suffering of the characters throughout the story. This is one story that isn’t to be missed. It is extremely well written and beautifully told. Yes, it has darkness but is also has beauty in it as well. It a fantastic piece of writing that spoke to me and drew out the wonders of Ms Michaels mind and intriguing imagination. It speaks truth about our world and how we as people act. It has you wishing for a better life for our characters but the beauty in their souls is so captivating. It is a must read and definitely doesn’t disappoint.
I do not think I have read a more violent book and I thought I would not get beyond chapter one, but I did and although I was supremely uncomfortable at times, in a bizarre way I was captivated. At no time did I think Callan should pay for what he did and in fact I found myself championing him. There were extraordinarily sad parts and others were sweet and tender. The writing just flowed and enthralls the reader. The love story is so sweet and unusual and yet so satisfying. All in all inspire of the violence I enjoyed this story very much and found it a compelling read.
Wow this is a first from this author and will not be my last. I cant wait to read more from this series as it will blow you away and have you on a fast pace read that will have you hooked and on the edge of your seat throughout this book.
5 Stars
As far as Dark Romantic Thrillers go, this book is absolutely top of the heap! You will not be able to put this book down once you start because you will be completely mesmerized by the horrors, the pain, and the tragedy the characters in this story go through, but still survive. Your jaw will drop, your heart will break, your tears will fall, but in the end, you will feel whole as Callan and Emery pull one another out of the darkest of times and into a light they create together. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Hurt is the first book in The Hurt Series. This is the first dark book that I have read by this author. I am not sure but this may be her first dark book to write.
Wow, sometimes it is hard to put words on paper that describe feelings. After reading Hurt all I can think of is that this book is 5+ stars kind of wow!
This is Callan MacGregor and Emery Tanner’s story. What happens to these two individuals is a tragedy. Callan has sacrificed all his life. It is about time that he finds someone to love. I know that killing people is not a good thing but what happens to Callan I would probably do the same thing.
OMG I love Callan & Emery! It is heartbreaking what happened to each of them. Two broken people coming together. Thankfully, Callan was there to pick her up when her world and body are shattered.
I do believe that Lydia Michaels can write in any genre. Hurt is a gritty, harsh, brutal and sad at times but it is also touching and heartwarming.
Read the WARNING: There may be triggers with this book. It is a dark romance and bad things happen to good people. Hang on though because there is a happily ever after ending.
This story was different from what I’ve read from this author. I’m not usually a fan of the past to present flip flopping of story lines, but in this book, not only does it work well, it’s necessary.
Callan’s life has never been what anyone would call easy. From an abusive father to a mother who checks out emotionally to caring for and raising his two younger siblings as best as he knows how when he’s still just a lad himself, it’s no wonder he gets dragged into the darkness.
Emery also doesn’t have what one would call a ‘normal’ childhood, we know far less of hers than we do Callan’s, yet what we know wouldn’t be put in any Rockwell calendars.
Theirs is a haunting tale, filled with darkness, tragic loss and an abundance of jagged edges. Can two people who are so different on the outside, yet so similar inside, be the balm that heals the other? This was definitely a grab you by your throat and doesn’t let you go until the final page is read kind of story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I know what I expected when I read this book. The pain, agony, destruction of your soul violence and brutality was definitely there in spades. What I didn’t expect was the soft, timid, bashful and beautiful love story that came from the ashes of destruction. I wanted to wrap both Callum and Emery in warm, soft blankets and hide them away from all the pain, but that wasn’t their destiny. Callum, especially was like the phoenix, rising from the ashes to become even more beautiful. And Emery showed her strength and spirit and determination to overcome her tragedy. Together they were unbreakable. I loved their story, and the message we receive from their journey. Now I would like a book about Callum’s sister, who also had a monster of a story to tell.
Wow!! What a emotional sad messed up story that ended up with a happy ending. That book destroyed me in every way possible but it was so worth it in the long run. This book was beautifully dark and intense but worth it in the long run. It is a MUST READ!
I don’t even know where to start with this book. It was amazing and the characters were so life like. I love Lydia’s books anyway, but this was hauntingly beautiful. Several times my heart broken while reading about Callan and everything he had to endure.
Dark romantic thriller.
Dark… that’s an understatement.
Romantic… definitely. And poignant, and beautiful.
Thriller… oh hell yes. And then some.
There’s dark, then there’s Hurt. This book is not for the faint of heart. It will grab your heart, it will squeeze, and it will put it through the wringer. And then you’ll be begging for mercy.
You will be stunned.
You will be wowed.
Your mouth will be agape.
You will have your socks rocked right the fuck off.
Slam after slam to my heart, this well-written story had me holding my breath…made my heart pound, hard…made tears stream down my face…many times.
I had to take a few breaks during this book. My poor heart required it. But then I couldn’t wait to dive back in.
Brutal.
Intense.
Powerful.
Mind-blowing.
This was a story that I felt way deep down in my soul. I can’t stop thinking about it.
The hero:
So possessive.
So heartbroken.
So vulnerable.
So protective. At whatever cost.
And the accent? Here, take my panties.
I can’t recommend this enough.
Do you love romance that is dark and delicious and evil and awesome and beautiful and painful and so fucking good? Read this.
A tortured soul trying to save his family,will suffer through any fate,go to any length.
A truly hauntingly beautiful experience, dark romance with raw intensity that grabs you from the first page. Your drawn into a world that at times is brutally cruel, a tortured hero, who does what’s necessary in the quest to survive. A heroine who sees beyond the scars to a man,just needing to be loved.
This book will stay with you long after the final page.
Every single time I finish a Lydia Michaels book I think no way can she top this.
And every single time I’m wrong!
I thought Hurt was phenomenal!
The writing was superb.
Every word struck a chord.
Every sentence was chilling.
It left an impression even long after I finished the book.
The storyline was haunting.
It had my heart pounding and blood pumping with each turn of the page.
I loved both Callan and Emery.
What incredible people they are.
Brave and loyal.
Strong and vulnerable.
With spirits that are unbreakable.
When they love they love with their whole heart and being.
Their journey and their stories are heartbreaking and gut wrenching.
A love story wrought with pain,sadness and blood.
But the author always leaves the door of hope open and a light at the end of the very dark tunnel.
A must read for fans of dark gritty books.
WOW! This book blew me away. It’s dark and twisty and sweet and gentle. I had to put the book down a couple of time to catch my breath. It is so well written you felt like you were right there along with the characters. The suspense and twists just killed me. It is the best book I have read this year and I am looking forward to reading more from Lydia Michaels.
Hauntingly beautiful in a way that touches your soul.
This is the first genre of book that i have read and i was not disappointed, it gripped me in a way that felt like the emotions were embedded within me. It had me gripping my head in awe and crying with genuine emotion for the story as it unfolded. Lydia Michaels ability to write a story with true grit and emotion is incredible, her books are truely a work of art!. The story of Callan & Emery is one of dark hurt and true passion and has a reader hooked… Definatly without a doubt one that everyone should read.
Talk about a book hangover! At one point while reading this book I made myself slow down, one because I wanted to absorb this book and not miss one single wonderful thing about it and two, because I didn’t want it to end. This is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. And I absolutely loved the ending!