This Might Hurt

by Riley Nash

One second can change everything.

I met him on the worst day of my life—the desperate boy with a gun and the most brilliant smile I’d ever seen. We saved each other’s lives and then walked away, because a hitchhiking criminal and one of the richest men in the world can’t possibly be made for each other.

I’m a void, silenced by my power-hungry family and pushed into an arranged marriage like the obedient pawn I am. I’ve given up hoping for anything more.
He’s an uncontrolled explosion, a lost man with a shattered moral compass who would do anything for redemption. He refuses to give up hope, even if it breaks him.

So when I come up with a wild, impossible revenge plan, there’s only one person I look for. One person unhinged enough to say "yes" when I ask him to marry me and ruin my family’s business deal. He can teach a good boy how to do bad things. He already owns me, body and soul.

The problem is, we’re both too broken to know when to stop. Our hearts are damaged and possessive and foolish. Now that we’re in too deep, I realize we only have one chance to build the kind of love that rewrites the damage they passed down to us.

A dark contemporary M/M romance featuring bratty soulmates, an unhinged grumpy/sunshine couple looking for revenge, found family, and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

Contains difficult subject matter and unhealthy character dynamics. Please visit the author's website for full content warnings.

Genres: M M Romance, Found Family, Romance, Mental Health, Adult, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience

435 pages, ebook

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

International bestselling author Riley Nash (he/they) is based in the rainy PNW and writes stories about broken boys who find home in each other, hurt/comfort, and mental health rep.

Reviews

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook

i literally devoured this book. i was obsessed from the very first chapter to the last. sweet, timid andrew and fierce, domineering jude. truly soulmates and i will think about them forever.

i loved their meet cute (if you can call it that? i don’t care, i am). their chemistry and banter was on point. i also loved how in depth their background stories were and watching their character development throughout the book.

the only thing that keeps this from being five stars is the fact that the storyline with andrew’s family feels pointless when andrew left. i wish there was a way where both he and jude kind of got what they wanted. i just feel like andrew deserved more than that and i felt just a little pissed on his behalf. i don’t know.

but oh my god, this really did hurt and it was another amazing story and couple from riley nash.

[Jess Shades · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I do this thing where I set my expectations unfathomably high for something I’m excited about (in every part of my life, not just with reading). It’s a flaw, really, because I’m always let down, even if just a little bit.

This is one of those rare times where reality far exceeded my expectations. (I’m not at all surprised Riley Nash was the one to blow my expectations out of the water…)

I don’t even know where to start with this review. So, I guess I’ll start with the writing. Riley’s books just have a way of speaking to my soul, and this book is no exception. The writing was beautiful. Somehow, the book was heavily plot-driven, but equally heavily character-driven.

From the moment Andrew and Jude met, I was captivated by their connection. We learned so much about both of these characters through their own words and actions, rather than being told who they are by the author. I think that’s why I felt like I was on their adventure with them and felt their chemistry as if I was living inside the pages alongside them. They were both incredibly lovable, but made decisions which showed their each of their flaws.

I am not sure I’ve read a book in quite some time where I felt from the bottom of my heart that these two characters were soul mates - they were made for each other. They complement each other so perfectly, and it was just such a powerful love they developed for one another. Think of it like one cannot exist without the other… But not in a toxic, codependent way. Like an “I need you more than the air I breathe” type of way. And… “Because you complete me” type of way. And… “all the noise fades to the background when I’m with you” type of way.

I won’t say too much about the story itself, but it was such a fun (but many times tumultuous) ride! I never wanted it to end, but the ending is exactly what I hoped for.

I don’t generally talk about spice other than to give a chili pepper rating. But I just have to say; there was a lot more spice than I expected, and it was my favorite kind of spice. What does that mean to you? Think… praise (good boy/be good for me), a bit of light degradation/humiliation (princess, sp!tting), possession, and more.

Hold Me Under has the most special place in my heart, but I have to say This Might Hurt is vying for that top spot. Somehow, Riley has managed to create two more characters that are going to occupy an unreasonable amount of space in my heart with this one.

Hats off to you, Riley. We missed you. You really outdid yourself with this one. I don’t think anyone can write hurt/comfort and found family quite like you.

Don’t forget your tissues, folks! Please check your trigger and content warnings!

• mm romance
• morally gray MCs
• marriage of convenience
• hurt/comfort
• found family
• grumpy x sunshine / black cat x golden retriever
• billionaire
• mental health rep
5 stars
3-3.5 chili peppers

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a deeply emotional romance between Andrew and Jude, who are both at a crossroads in their lives. By chance, they meet at the most perfectly imperfect moment, altering their fate entirely.

I really appreciated the slow development of their relationship in this story. Andrew is running from his responsibilities, and Jude is trying to fix his problems by ignoring the most important ones. Both of them are in desperate need of purpose, connection, and understanding from someone or something, and they eventually find it in each other.

Overall, this is a very moving, heartfelt story that filled me with many emotions while reading. Jude and Andrew are broken by their past and family trauma, but together they find some peace, trust, and love. Their powerful dynamic makes this story so emotionally impactful and moving.

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.

This being a billionaire romance really gave me pause initially. I didn’t understand why you’d want to write a billionaire romance in this current climate (I still don't), and while I really think the family could’ve been millionaires and nothing would’ve changed, at least the book never portrays being a billionaire as a good thing. The family really sucks, and it does touch on the exploitation and unethical sides of having that much money, which I was happy to see.

Now for the rest of the book, I really did end up enjoying it. Andrew and Jude have a surprisingly healthy unhealthy relationship. It starts very unconventionally and it’s not great at times, but they do grow together and I felt confident in their happy ending in the epilogue, which was nice. Two characters struggling heavily with their mental health and getting together in the middle of a crisis isn’t exactly a good foundation, but they found a way.

It definitely felt like a Riley Nash book, and I’m happy he’s back.

I do feel like the main plot was fumbled a bit in the second half. It sort of fizzled into nothing, and while the resolution itself made sense and was probably realistic in its anticlimacticness, I don’t think it was done very well. It was just very abrupt and unexpected.

Another big positive was the narration. Both narrators really did an excellent job and felt like great choices for the characters. Definitely recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to the author for the ALC.

Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Marriage of convenience
Billionaire
Rich x Poor
Mental illness rep
Past trauma
Strangers to lovers
Hurt/comfort
Family drama
First times
Virgin
Touch and love starved


⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Spit play
'Good boy'
Thigh-fucking
Facial
Virgin
Cockwarming
Humiliation kink
Coming untouched


⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Suicidal ideation, thoughts and plans (MC, detailed)
MC robbing a store with unloaded gun (on page)
MC threatening MC with unloaded gun
MC harming himself on page (punching objects and other MC to the point or injury)
Violence between MCs (punching, consensual, before relationship)
Abusive family
Mention of past recreational drug use
Untreated mood disorder (MC, diagnosed and treated by the end)
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Terminally ill grandparent
Mentions of homelessness (MC)
Spitting in mouth
Mentions of life-changing injuries from drunk driving accident (side character)
Mild humiliation kink


⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of, no contact for a bit
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Mid 20s
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 435
Happy ending: Yes


I wish I had asked him, before he went, which part of me wasn’t enough to stay for.

I lie there with his hair all up my nose, the smell of him like prairie grass, and tell him sorry in my head for all the ways I used him today, my needy, ungrateful, jealous heart. I tell him that it’s only been nineteen days that I’ve practiced loving someone, and I need a little more time to get it right.

“You do deserve better, but it’s too late. I’m gonna be so good to you that I fucking ruin you until you can’t live without me.”



You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[Bettina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ This book had me smiling, laughing and crying throughout the entire story! Jude and Andrew’s love story is one of those rare once where you as the read get totally consumed by their experiences, and you can’t help but fall head over heels for them both.

When Andrew has lost his path in life, he meets Jude, an equally lost boy that is willing to do whatever he can to help his sister after a tragic tradegy that changed is family’s life. But when they both can’t seem to go on without one another, they agree to jump head first into each others troubles.

Riley Nash’s writing and storytelling is simply perfection. The descriptions of emotion and love throughout This Might Hurt had me in a chokehold, and everything just feels so alive and important. Jude and Andrew’s love is so consuming, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is simply put a great love story.

I would like to thank the author and their team for providing me with an arc of this incredible story! 🫶

[haletostilinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ohhhh myyyy godddd, this was a slog for me to get through!

It took me 10 days. 10 DAYS to finish this damn thing. And yeah I BR'ed another book in the middle, but it didn't take me long to read it at all, so that doesn't really give much of an excuse or shave off much time. This still took me about 10 days even with reading the other book.

Holy shit was this slow and boring and it never really picked up that much in the end. I was hoping after my last 3 star read by this author, who I absolutely loved before that last read, and who I pretty much 5 starred all of his first series, that this would be back to form.

Unfortunately? It was another disappointment. It was, when I really think about it, actually worse than my last read by this author, even.

It does get a point or two though because it had a sweet epilogue and the little family unit Andrew, Jude, and Jude's sister Lena made was sweet.

This wasn't so slow at first too, so it gets point for that. And Andrew and Jude weren't objectionable together by any means. They had their moments.

But omfg This. Was. A. Fucking. SLOG to get through!

✖︎ First off, nothing really happens in this story. Like...truly it's a wandering, overindulgent, character piece masquerading as...some sort of plot. But these two meeting for the first time takes forever and then for Andrew to come up with his scheme and we check in with Jude before that too and it's not until like fucking...idk, 60% or so before they're even married and starting their "scheme"

✖︎ Which, honestly, they don't even really do??? It sounded so fun and interesting, them marrying after one meeting, fucking shit up with Andrew's rich, asshole family and falling in love in the meantime.

Instead we got...them getting married, Andrew continues to not stand up for himself and even when he does he's so anxiety ridden about it and while it's like "fuck yes, go fuck shit up!" it's like everything comes crashing down in the very small moments of him having some damn gumption. There's like 3 moments I can think of where Andrew has a bit of fire in him before it all goes away.

And it all doesn't matter in the end because he just walks away from it all in the end anyway.

✖︎ We barely get anything with his family anyway. Like his uncles, especially Archie are made out to be these awful, scary men - which they are - but then it all settles really easily and nothing ends up happening with them in the end. Andrew doesn't even look up what happens to the company after he's left it. So what was the point of over 90% of this damn book????

✖︎ We never even meet Jude's apparently awful parents except for one glimpse of his mother in the prologue. We never meet his father at ALL. We just hear about them secondhand and that's it. They're a non-entity, even though they've ruined Jude's life, essentially.

✖︎ Jude apparently has a "mood disorder" (that we later learn in a form of bipolar disorder) but he never seems all that disordered? He does a thing or two I guess one could see as "out there" but not...really? It just seems in the normal range of things. He doesn't act on either end of the spectrum of bipolar disorder, that I could see. He just acts pretty neurotypical to me.

I know Jude opens this with robbing a gas station and all, but he's doing it for a very understandable and noble reason, so that doesn't seem just...reckless and out of nowhere to me. Everything Jude does it for others, and nothing he does is too extreme to me? And he never acts manic or especially depressive, imo.

It just didn't translate well, imo.

✖︎ This would just go on long, rambles in both of their inner monologue, and it got tiresome, boring and hard to keep my attention on it. I just wanted to be reading and doing something else a lot of the time. I honestly could have DNF'ed this by 70ish percent, but I'm not one to usually DNF so late into a book.

But I skimmed quite a bit near the end anyway. I didn't care about their sex scenes anymore by that point, I just needed the story to be done.

✖︎ I honestly didn't exactly get why these two loved each other? And so quickly? Andrew could be a bit of a bitch a lot of the time - even though I understood why - and Jude was a mixed bag. He could hold his own but idk, I didn't feel anything too special about him to make Andrew drop everything for him.

Also the next time they see each other after that first time, Andrew gives him the idea of them marrying and it's the slowest damn march to that "I do" ever for something that has to happen so quickly. Pages and pages and pages dedicated to like...2 days of time. It was exhausting to read, honestly.

✖︎ Because the connection was so-so at the best of times, I wasn't all that wowed by their sex scenes once they started, to be honest. Their first one was good, I enjoyed that, but otherwise I was kind of checked out. There wasn't a ton a spice or passion, in my opinion, between these two. At times it was there, but that was few and far between.

✖︎ The plot is basically this: They meet, spend a whole day kind of together. Jude stops Andrew from committing suicide - which is a big deal and it felt big at the time too - and all this first day together was actually, for the most part enjoyable and overall easy to get through. Then the spend the next few weeks away from each other, stuff happen with Andrew's family, around 35ish percent I was like "oh yes Andrew fuck shit up!"

Because it really seems like he was, and that things were going to really pick up now and the plot was going full steam ahead.

Then we spend the next 30ish% on getting down the damn aisle and to Andrew's family. LIKE WHAT? It should have taken like 5% of the story or something.

✖︎ So this was entirely too long, especially with the very weak, barely there plot. However unrealistic it might have been, could we not have gotten to Andrew wanting to burn it all down? He *says* he wants to and he does things to screw some stuff up, but not nearly enough. Honestly he barely did anything, imo.

In fact, if Andrew had stayed at the company, it seems his uncles were gearing up to continue to fight him and try to destroy him so...what did Andrew do, in the end, exactly? I want him to slowly but surely get to that place of "fuck this" and "fuck that" and Jude being there along with him for the ride and them ending up victorious in the end.

In a way they do, yes, but maybe after some explosions instead of going out with a whimper? It was all so anticlimactic. Where the fire, the passion?

As I wrote more and more of this, I wanted to give this 2.5 stars but I just...can't.

I almost feel bad because it's not like Andrew and Jude were that objectionable or anything. They were kind of, in the end, sweet together. The ending was sweet and they were in such a happy place and I was happy for them.

But god a majority of this was just...blah. Boring, meandering, rambling, nothing...

And I usually don't mind characters with some inner monologuing here and there, if the story and the characters and romance/chemistry is good too.

But everything else was kinda...missing. So it was just like "oh holy hell I have another page of long ass paragraphs to read and get through nooo" like I think I whined out loud at one point, I'm not sure.

I'm just so bummed this didn't work out for me, and I wish I could give it higher, and I almost did, but the more and more I think about this book, higher than 2 stars is just....well, too generous.

This was, unfortunately, a nothingburger of a book. Unfortunate as Andrew and Jude had the makings of great characters, it just all...missed the mark, unfortunately.

I don't know what has happened with this author's stories or if it's me or what, but...it sucks. I genuinely loved the first 3 stories by this author.

Well, will I give this author a chance in the future? Maybe. I don't know if I've completely written them off. But will it be a long time until I do? Yeah, yeah it will be 😔

[Ditte]

DNF @ 52%

I'm bummed this didn't work for me. It's been a couple of years since Riley Nash last released a book and I'm very excited to see him back and had hoped I'd love This Might Hurt as much as I did his Elements series.

Sadly, while the writing was good, I was bored reading it. Had it not been because I've enjoyed Nash's previous books so much, I would've given up earlier.

I didn't understand why Andrew and Jude were so drawn to each other. I didn't feel a connection between the characters, and the trademark Nash angst didn't much move me this time around but rather felt somewhat forced and repetitive.

Still, I'm glad to see this author back to writing and releasing books and hopefully his next one will work better for me.

I received an ARC of This Might Hurt from the author and his team.

[369Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Let me just start by saying the title of this book is a WARNING, because reading this book DID HURT! (But like, in a really good way). (TW for suicidal themes mentioned in this review)

Andrew is about to inherit a billion-dollar company, and his terrible family is suffocating him to the point where he just wants to make everything go away. At the darkest moment of his life, in the front of a convenience store, a beautiful man points a gun at him. This moment forever changes Andrew’s life, as Jude was a factor he never could have expected. Jude is desperate, fiery, and has the kind of stable reassurance that Andrew craves. Though they’re from two completely different worlds, Jude and Andrew quickly become irrevocably attached to each other as they navigate their lives.

This book has:
-opposites attract
-so much hurt/comfort
-insta-love
-codependency
-rich x poor
-complex family drama
-deep, aching mutual affection that transcends logic
-running away together
-c*ckwarming as a coping mechanism

This book was beautifully written, and absolutely pulled at my heartstrings. It’s challenging and emotionally dark, especially at the beginning, but it’s so worth it to see how the characters are able to develop. Though the whole situation and relationship in this book are completely unrealistic if you think about it logically, somehow it’s SO believable in this book. I was convinced 🙌! The way these two need each other like air was absolutely incredible.

Both characters contrasted each other so well. They were both complex and both explored deeply as the plot progressed. They both had detailed personal stories, and it was so cool to see how they both fit into each other’s happily ever after. The attention to detail was great.

An emotional, dramatic, and unique story—this one was the perfect balance of emotion, character building, growth, and a well deserved happy ending. You’ve definitely gotta read this book if you love some good angst!

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, please do check TWs. The themes are often dark and personal, so stay safe! ❤️

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! 10/10
Once you pick it up you can’t put it down! Andrew and Jude meet by complete happenstance at a robbery and recognise the emptiness inside each other. I loved the slow development of their relationship and how they came to rely on each other since both of their families were failing them.

Some themes: Guilt, grief, yearning, abuse, toxic families, disability rep, mental health rep, rich/poor, spit, cock warming, bitchy bottom

It’s incredibly emotional and tender. I’m so glad to see Riley writing/publishing again because his stories just wreck me in the best of ways.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've led a charmed life. It was too good to be true. It was inevitable that I'd eventually land on a story where one MC spits in the other's mouth and tells him to swallow. My childhood ended today.

Nonetheless. I really liked this one. It was surprisingly sweet, for two MCs that met at a self destructive phase in both their lives; Andrew, enroute to commit suicide and Jude, robbing a convenience store.

"I stayed for you."

MCs are always threatening to die for the other but there's something invigorating about choosing to live for the other. THAT is romance. TF does dying for him accomplish?

Live for him if you love him. Andrew gets that right from the jump.

Played a big part in me liking this story.

My issue is that it gives instalove vibes. Before the epilogue, these two fall in love in three weeks.

Jude is beating himself up over not having been there to protect Andrew from life BEFORE they even met.

Like.....baby. Y'all have real problems in the here and now. No need to borrow burdens from the past.

Still. I enjoyed their dynamic. I love that the one who leaves is the one who returns, of his own volition.

I really like when an MC figures out they fucked up and takes steps to make things right.

Also, really rare that everyone involved gets therapy so I love that these ones did. Because to be fair, they all have a LOT to work out.

And one of them still loving the other if he was a worm isn't enough to resolve their issues.

'I'd find you even if you were a rock at the bottom of the Mariana trench'

Awww.

Man said he'd do it even if he had to drain all the oceans on earth to find him.

Fuck the rest of us, I guess.

My favorite part?

' "Do you wanna have a kid with me?"

I choke violently on his dick and come up hacking and sputtering.'

💀💀💀

Anyway. I'll always be a sucker for when two people get married first and then figure shit out later. So this scratched a very particular itch.

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio reread: Devon Ryder and Ryan Lee Dunlap did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Neither of them are very well known narrators to me, but I felt like they embodied the characters well and made this a really enjoyable reread!

“Take whatever you want,” I breathe. “Anything. Just don’t let me go.”

'This Might Hurt'... um YEAH, in the first 10% no less. But words cannot describe how happy I am to see Riley return to writing and causing me pain again. Spoiler-free word vomit incoming!

Andrew and Jude meet under desperate circumstances, and seemingly when they need each other the most. It's lowkey one of the most heart-wrenching and messy meet-cutes I've read, and emotions were flying off the page like I'd made direct eye contact with pain itself. Riley's writing is intense and powerful, weaving a cosmic connection out of thin air between two complete strangers who are somehow opposites and kindred spirits at the same time.

I am weak for broken boys, and this book gave me two of them. My heart ached for them, my mind recognised them, and they understood each other on a cellular level. Although insta-love isn't usually my thing, it was impossible not to be captivated by their dynamic or to feel all the ways that they smooth out each other's jagged edges.

The overall plot was engaging, with plenty of scheming, corruption, and family drama. However, I did find that after starting with a bang, it lost some momentum in the second half.

Overall, this was a great read with some of Riley's best writing yet, and if you enjoy flawed characters, mental illness rep, power play, and hurt/comfort, then you should definitely pick this one up.



*I received an advanced copy for free, but I am writing this review voluntarily.*

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long hiatus, one of my FAVORITE authors, Riley Nash, is BACK with This Might Hurt - and I am OBSESSED. It's like he took elements and little pieces of my favorite books and characters from his backlist and threw them into a bonkers story that I just couldn't put down. Of course there's pain, there's hurt comfort, there are broken men just trying to find that one person who will love them, but there's also hope and found family - all of the things that Riley is known for. If you've been waiting for Riley to come back or you are just ready for a book that will break your heart and then put it back together - get this on your TBR immediately!

This Might Hurt includes some really great tropes and interesting dynamics - it's got marriage of convenience, mental illness rep, opposites attract and major class differences. In addition to all that, Jude and Andrew have some INTENSE soulmates vibes, I was OBSESSED. They are each others missing pieces, they need each other to survive, in some cases literally. And what I loved most was how much each of them reminded me of some of my FAVORITE Riley Nash characters! Jude was giving me Jonah from Make Me Fall mixed with a little bit of Scout from Bad Dogs while Andrew is like a much younger Gray who is dealing with some of Victor's trauma? Riley's writing is just so distinctive and his characters are so memorable that I was picking up things that I love all over the place, SO COOL and made the book even more fun to read.

This book was my first chance to actually read one of Riley's books as a new release, and I'm SO grateful. Such an incredible comeback book! I laughed and I cried and it was everything I was hoping for an more. Hoping this means there's even more to come soon from Riley, I'm SO thrilled he's back!

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I lie there with his hair all up my nose, the smell of him like prairie grass, and tell him sorry in my head for all the ways I used him today, my needy, ungrateful, jealous heart. I tell him that it's only been nineteen days that I've practiced loving someone, and I need a little more time to get it right."

Oh, how I've missed Riley Nash! I adored Riley's first book, Hold Me Under (in fact the whole series!) and This Might Hurt has all of the amazingly soulful Riley Nash writing, that just pulls at your heart-strings and keeps you totally invested and unable to put the book down until the last delicious drop.

This is Andrew and Jude's love story and what a messy, heart-breaking, uplifting, vulnerable, chaotic, steamy, needy ride it was. Plot-driven, but also with compelling characters, who are complex and broken and perfect.

What To Expect:

❥ MM romance
❥ dark themes
❥ marriage of convenience
❥ hurt/comfort
❥ found family
❥ grumpy/sunshine
❥ rich/poor
❥ mental health rep
❥ steamy first times
❥ HEA

Do yourself a favour and read this one immediately!

5 perfect stars 🌟

[Evelyn220]

DNF at 20% Bored and couldn’t connect to the characters. I miss OG Riley Nash with the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series.

[Tare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - 4.5 Stars rounded up

This was not what I was expecting at all. I don’t know what I thought this book’s vibes would be but I was soooo very pleasantly surprised. I will say billionaire romance is not typically a trope I like. At all. But Andrew?! This poor boy was the perfect mix of bratty snob who grew up very sheltered and pampered but also completely fucked up by his family. He is broken in so many ways - my favorite kind of fictional boy. And then there is Jude - sheer chaos with a soft spot for exactly 3 people ever (and a grumpy cat).

These two have such a wild first meeting and the traumatic bits of them call to one another instantly. They are both really struggling. We have instant “mine” vibes here but for some reason that really worked for me. These two have spent most of their lives basically begging for/yearning to be loved and when they find each other?! It’s over besties.

There is family drama (on both sides) and a loose plan (these two really shouldn’t be left unsupervised to scheme lol) but overall it’s a story about growth. Both Andrew and Jude go through some healing, find love, and figure out what their place in the world is.

I would have liked a bit more Innes family drama (seriously this family is insane - I need to know if Colin and Archie kill each other one day lol) but it was okay because I loved, loved, loved Andrew and Jude’s dynamic.

[Prateekshya · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know that feeling—when you finally find a character who is everything you ever imagined and wanted? After so long, you meet the perfect one: amazing from the very beginning, ticking every box, making you fall harder with every chapter… and then suddenly he flips and ruins everything.
There was a moment when I was ready to crown this man as the “Best Husband of 2025,” but now I just want to erase him from my memory. I can’t even say much about it. It’s so bad that I can’t bring myself to talk about the good parts anymore.
I hope you like it.

[Shelby | Spicy.booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very appropriately named book. The first 10% of this book was just heartbreaking and really just grabbed me and did not let go. I literally spent the day reading this only and ignoring life. I’m always so fascinated with a wild, almost codependent relationship where you know they are unhealthy but you want them to be together anyway. The jagged puzzle pieces just fit perfectly.

“My hands are itching to grab his face, to reach down into his mouth with my dirty fingers and pull everything up and out where I can examine it and understand.”

Jude and Andrew are really something else. From the way they meet, to how they just immediately gravitate towards each other, to the almost immediate codependency. The way that Jude immediately becomes so protective over Andrew was amazing and you just felt how much Andrew needed that. These two are very affection starved and every touch and kind word given was like a balm to their souls.

The writing though. Gorgeous. I’m not the type of person that really notices writing styles. I read stories and they make me feel things, and we vibe…but every now and then, something is written so beautifully that even I take notice. This is just soulful writing. Loved it.

Contemporary MM
Marriage of Convenience
Hurt / Comfort
Opposites Attract
Protective MC
Found Family
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥

[Reading Rommance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank god this hurt worse than I expected! It was, however, even better than I expected it to be. And I always have high hopes for Riley Nash, who has never let me down. So long story short, this book was GOOD. I couldn't put it down! I love Jude. He's sunshine and chaos and energy. He's empathetic and he knows how to read people. I love Andrew, too. He's more reserved and cautious, but so sweet, kind, and thoughtful. He's good, which is a shock given his family.

I loved how they met. It was such a unique meeting and they immediately felt drawn to each other in a way that made sense. I love that Jude followed Andrew and their lives became forever intertwined. As someone living with bipolar 2, I absolutely adored the rep here. I felt really, really seen and I haven't yet found that in a queer romance book. The depression rep was out of this world, too.

I love Jude and Andrew's dynamic. I love that they annoy the hell out of each other and they're both sometimes bitchy, but that only made their love feel so real. I also love Jude's sister and adoptive grandmother. And Grant, Andrew's body guard. There's a lot of good people to be found amongst some terrible ones.

TLDR: read this book!!! It's so good!

Notes: 3/5 spice levels, bipolar 2 rep, depression rep, billionaire, financial differences, mc experiencing homelessness, horrible family (family issues), unique meet cute, marriage of convenience, hurt/comfort, codependency

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love, Madness and some Confussion.

the first part especially had me completely on edge. I have a soft spot for unhinged main characters, and this story really delivered on that front. Both of them are a little insane in their own ways, but somehow they get each other. There’s something really touching about the way they know how to take care of one another and show love, even through all the chaos.

That said, the pacing didn’t always work for me. There were moments when a lot was happening and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, but then it would slow down with too many family details or everyday moments that didn’t feel all that essential to the character development or the relationship. It made the middle parts drag a bit for me.

Also, I can’t shake the feeling that a part of the plot flew over my head, like I missed something important that would’ve made everything click into place a bit more logically. I’m still not sure what that missing element is, but it left me slightly confused.

Overall though, I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and the unhinged energy throughout.

[Maxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

*mild spoilers ahead*

⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

The only other Riley Nash books I’d read before this one, were the Dirty Strays duo, but with that one in mind, I went in expecting a wild, twisty story, and it absolutely delivered.

The book centers on two very broken, very messed up guys who find each other when they’re both at rock bottom.

Andrew’s a poor rich heir who has seriously hit his limit and is ready to end it all. Jude, meanwhile, is drowning in guilt over a bad choice that messed up his sister’s life, and he’s doing whatever he can to make up for it, including very questionable stuff. Both are seriously struggling when they meet, and from that moment, their lives get totally tangled up. They both feel like they’re destined to save each other.

But Jude’s got a lot going on with his mental health, and Andrew is a prisoner of a family that despises him and treats him like he’s just a game piece. Their journey is kind of like two people stumbling around in the dark together; Jude tries to make plans, Andrew wants to go along, but he’s so used to his uncle’s abuse that he often backslides and lands in even worse trouble.

What really stands out is how strong the connection is between Andrew and Jude. You actually believe that they are soulmates and there is no other endgame for either of them. They need to be together, and only they have what the other needs. Jude gets that Andrew needs someone to take charge and tell him what to do (and he needs praise too), so he gives him exactly that. Andrew, on the other hand, knows Jude wants to get back the part of his life his parents took away after blaming him for a tragedy that clearly wasn’t all his fault. So, Andrew does everything he can to help Jude reconnect with the only real family he has left.

But it’s not just about those issues, there’s a bigger bad guy to face. No matter how hard Andrew tries, he can’t get what he wants from his awful family without losing himself and Jude. The stakes are high, and it keeps the tension up the whole time. He eventually has to decide between the thing that has driven him his whole life, and the guy that he just met, but has become everything in a short time.
This is one of those books that really gets to you. It’ll make you anxious, mad, sometimes want to toss it across the room, but it’s so worth it in the end. Sure, Andrew and Jude don’t always make the best choices, and I wish their terrible families got what was coming to them. But even with those flaws, the story feels fresh and different, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The main characters are deep, interesting, and sometimes strangely relatable. The plot is heavy and pulls you in. Most of the side characters are the worst, except for Grant and Ramona, who are actually likable. And just to put it out there: I think Lena is super annoying and entitled, her actions definitely played a part in the accident that drives part of Jude story, and I’ll die on that hill.

Anyway, I love stories about broken boys, and this one totally fits the bill. The characters are messy but fascinating, and the emotional rollercoaster of the plot made it a book that’s not easy to forget.

---

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this is officially one of those books that I will hear zero slander about because I am completely obsessed. COMPLETELY. The dynamic between these two!?!?!? I MELT. I DIE. The light power exchange vibes gave me life & was so perfectly written. I don't even want to tell you about it I just want you to experience it for yourself as you read. Let's just say the way Jude soothes/slows Andrew's racing mind is top tier literature. And the pet name for Andrew? WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF. Truly. These broken boys stole my heart right out of my chest and they can just keep it at this point. They own it now.

-rich/poor
-codependency
-possessive/protective mcs
-hurt/comfort
-found family
-marriage of convenience ("but is it? because he was mine anyway")
-grumpy/sunshine

Also, hi Riley. Grant needs a book. I'll beg you for it. Pretty please & thank you!!!! LOL

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am gonna start by saying I’m a huge fan of Riley’s books and I was beyond thrilled to receive an ARC from GRR&the author, and here is my honest opinion.

Although Riley’s emotional writing style remains unchanged, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. At least not as their other series did. Both Andrew and Jude were quite likeable, and the epilogue was very emotional (in true Riley fashion), but the amount of family drama and interaction with side characters made it very difficult for me to get attached to the boys, and believe in a true connection between them. The amount of detail and time spent on mundane chores was also a bit off-putting for my personal taste, so unfortunately I’m unable to give it a higher rating.

Finally, I am still looking forward to the next book from this author as I’ll always remain a fan.

[Teeny · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 42%

The premise of an MC defying ones family and expectations to forge their way, to rebel and thwart their family's plans I'm all here for it! Was this story that? Maybe at some point. I mean at the point that I gave up Andrew had asked Jude to marry him, while having left Daxton and the wedding that should have happened.

So you'd think that I wouldn't give up at point right? Nope, there's no way I could continue.

So many, many, many words but never a concrete picture of what was going on. Not with Andrew nor with Jude.

Both MCs have dysfunctional families. Andrew's messed up, toxic, manipulative mom, uncles and grandfather take the cake but Jude's parents weren't better for what they asked of Jude while all of them willfully ignoring Jude's mental health issues.

I think Riley kinda let themselves get carried away in prosaic descriptions of the MCs inner thoughts and I know that the book is slower paced but there's slower pace and then there's feeling like trudging through molasses which it was what this was, because there's was no moving at all. When it comes to the high angst, there was no angst till that moment, just manipulating relatives that were repulsive.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How would you know I was there?” I croak. Because you’re written in my DNA. You always have been.”

I love this author and this is just another example of why. The writing is just so emotional in every sense of the word. Themes that can be a little hard to read are laced with joy and love, making the story so compelling. They’re always just so beautiful.

The characters were flawed but owned it. Each of them knew they were using each other as a coping mechanism, like they needed each other to just breathe, but it worked for them and it didn’t feel wrong or toxic in any way. They loved instantly and deeply.

Andrew’s life is full of cruelty. I held my breath every time Archie’s name appeared on the page. You could feel Andrew’s desperation and need for escape. I had a visceral reaction to Archie and I wouldn’t think twice of pushing him out of his helicopter 😂 Jude’s trauma was different but just as heartbreaking. I’m glad he has his newfound family.

I don’t want to say too much about the actual plot, but I will say it is definitely worth a read.

………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Hanna Oks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Мені щось не дуже зайшло. Забагато тягомотіни в сюжеті, персонажі з одного боку хороші, глибокі, а з іншого, мені здається, я багато в них не зрозуміла. Навіть секс якийсь депресивний, який не збуджує взагалі.
Написано добре, але читається важкувато як на мене. Мені і скучно було, але місцями і боляче.
Я залишилася дуже confused.

[Angela I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐

[Maisha Farzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Nash does it again...

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Might Hurt
Riley Nash

Andrew & Jude
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Bratty Soulmates
Unhinged grumpy/ Sunshine
Found Family
C0ckwarming
Mental illness rep
Hurt / Comfort
Morally grey MCs
Possessive & Obsessive MC's

Yeah, so, I'm in love with this. Like wow. This was written so incredibly, so beautifully, so very raw and gritty but also sweet, swoony and funny.

My heart ached for both of these men. They found each other at literally the right moment. True soulmates who are perfect for eachother. They met under heavy circumstances, they were instantly connected to one another.

This was just written so well. So descriptively, so emotionally, just wow. I’m finding it hard to review this. You should just trust me and RIley Nash and literally just read this book.

I read this non-stop. I could not put it down. The hurt comfort vibes were hurting and comforting. They were everything to each other. Both are so protective and supportive of each other in their own unique ways.

The intimacy was so beautiful at times, raw and vulnerable, spicy and needy but emotional and tender. The spice was so well written, so fleshed out you were there with them. It was so well done.

What an incredible story of two people finding each other through some of the worst moments of your life but somehow making it better by just being there.

Sheesh this was a beautiful book.

Laughed with them, cried with them, became frustrated with them.

Their strength, their determination, their patience with each other and their situations. They were incredible.

This was plot heavy but also character heavy too. The intimacy and the unique claiming of each other was everything.

The found family was strong in this. Ramona was everything.

I loved this. You all should read this. Just go in blind and enjoy this masterpiece.
I can't get over how well written this is. The spice and intimacy was so so good.

I'm so glad they got their hea

Phenomenal book

So thankful for this arc

[Paulina | bitofabookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it insane amounts 😭😭😭

[Katkejt ☾. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew • Jude

….

“Because you’re written in my DNA. You always have been.”

….

Dear Riley. Thank you for the representation of just wanting to be and matter. That’s how this book felt to me. I once said you have such respect for human emotions, you write them beautifully. Through every page, I felt these two were meant to cross paths.

They met at their worst but when they both need it the most. I’m a weakling for broken boys and Riley gave us two.

Two fragmented boys that get under each other’s skin. Crawl under. Rebuilding atoms underneath…

Hurt and desperate hope. Love conquered all.

….

Dermot Kennedy - Without Fear

….

“Keep following the chain, don’t be afraid, and everything will happen exactly the way it’s supposed to.” // “…because I’ve never met someone else who’s rotting like me.” // “No one else has ever looked at me before.” // “If I found him, does he count as mine now?” // “I can feel a breathless tension in the air, like this man is about to break, and I can’t stop thinking how sad it would be if no one was there to catch the pieces if he shatters.” // “Some deep part of me recognizes it, the voice that’s been whispering in my head all afternoon. This one matters.” // “…the boy with too many I love you’s clogged up in his chest…” // “…as I try to piece together a world where…. might tell me things were okay, might buy me a hot dog or hold my hand in the rain.” // “His goodness and cruelty and arrogance and wide-eyed innocence.” // “The boy in the rain came back for me, and I suppose I’ll lose him eventually, but in the meantime I’ll do anything he asks of me.” // “I’m not okay. I’ll eat you alive.” // “Tell me this will be worth how much it’s going to hurt.” // “He’s made of an untouched need that started the day he was born and built up into something so vast that the only thing which can match it is the rotten lake of unwanted love in my chest.” // “It’s the time of day where I can practice loving, wholly and without fear, and feel them love me back.” // “…and it’s okay if that’s all he ever takes with him.” …

….