Official Review: Hurts So Good by Serge de Moliere

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » 03 Feb 2016, 13:01

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hurts So Good" by Serge de Moliere.]

4 out of 4 stars

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“Sometimes the anticipation of pain was worse than the pain itself.”

Hurts So Good tells the story of a love once lost and found again. Krista meets her ex, Antonio, in an unexpected setting. But will the strange situation they’re in make way for another shot at romance?

Krista was generally a strong and smart woman. Well, except when it came to love. In fear of being hurt, she let go of the one man who loved her – Tony, her ex-boyfriend. Other than that, she was very strong (to have endured the injuries she had after falling from a horse) and smart (to have tried keeping her body fit and her muscles toned despite her affliction). I honestly don’t know how she did that. Nevertheless, I’m amazed at how the controlled and logical Krista at the beginning was able to let her guard down later on.

Antonio, who now had a doctorate in physical therapy, was far from the Tony who used to be Krista’s boyfriend. For one, he had grown into a buff and brawny therapist. Also, he was very objective and clinical in his approach. It’s a little sad for Krista, but for me, I really found his medical speak very sexy. However, for Krista, what made up for Antonio’s emotional detachment was that he hadn’t lost was his gentle touch.

Hurts So Good was the first romance book I’ve read with a clinical scenario. I commend de Moliere for making Antonio a believable physical therapist with his terminology and language while still maintaining my connection to the story, instead of distracting me. I hope it’s the same for another reader without knowledge of anatomy, medicine or physical therapy.

I also approve of his usage of third person POV, limited to Krista. In this way, he was able to describe the physical appearances of Krista and Antonio in an objective manner, as well as their actions. He had been so descriptive that I thought I was right there with them, watching the scenes unfold in front of my eyes. Also, having access to only Krista’s thoughts kept me anticipating what Antonio would do next.

“She should have ridden a man, not a horse; it was a shorter distance to the ground if you fell.”

His writing style was full of metaphor and humor. The language was light and witty for the most part. It was an enjoyable quick read, which left me wanting for more. It was a good stand-alone, but I’d be happy to read more Krista and Antonio. A prequel or a sequel both sound good to me.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I was able to relate to Krista and Antonio captured my heart. Thanks, Serge de Moliere, for bringing this charming pair to life. And of course, lovemaking has never been that heartwarming.

Read Hurts So Good if:
- you are looking for a short romantic story
- you love to read hot, steamy scenes
- you want to find love again

This book might not be for you if:
- you are not comfortable with sex in your romance read

Just a quick note (to the publisher, I think) – The cover was incorrect and misleading as Antonio was described to be “three shades darker” than Krista, yet in the cover, the man’s complexion was lighter than the woman’s. It was also categorized in Amazon as “Multicultural and Interracial.”

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Hurts So Good
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kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 19 Feb 2016, 06:34

Sounds interesting. The medical background seems to make it more interesting. Good job on the review!

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » 27 Apr 2016, 13:41

@kimmyschemy06 Thanks! Hope you got to read Hurts So Good by this time.

(This reply is long overdue, sorry.)

Post by **bookowlie** » 29 Apr 2016, 12:03

I enjoyed reading your review! You made an interesting point about the third person point of view. I find that different books lend themselves better to one point of view vs. alternating points of view. Sometimes I don't want to know every character's perspective!

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » 29 Apr 2016, 12:26

Hey @bookowlie thanks!

You're so on point. (oops, no pun intended.) Mystery is a big thing for me when I read books. I think it's best kept using a single point of view. I personally like third person limited compared to first person; it just feels weird (sometimes) when the protagonist is narrating.

And oh, I've actually read a romance novella last year with alternating first person points of view. I never knew writers do that.

Post by **bookowlie** » 30 Apr 2016, 08:41

On point - hahaha! I usually like the protagonist narrating in first person. As for alternating points of view, it depends on the book. Some writers do it well and it's a good fit with the plot.

lmoses · Post by **lmoses** » 30 Apr 2016, 12:12

I really enjoy reading second-chance love stories and after reading your review, I am really interested in reading this book! You provided great information about the book and it sounds like a good book.

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » 01 May 2016, 04:45

bookowlie wrote:As for alternating points of view, it depends on the book. Some writers do it well and it's a good fit with the plot.

I'm such a late bloomer when it comes to writing and reading books. I have yet to find such writer.

-- 01 May 2016, 17:52 --

lmoses wrote:I really enjoy reading second-chance love stories and after reading your review, I am really interested in reading this book! You provided great information about the book and it sounds like a good book.

Glad to hear, @lmoses! I have to reiterate though, this story is really short. It left me wanting more.