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Whitsborough Chronicles #1
Through the Pain
I'm different.
There's a darkness that stirs restless in my soul.
It craves blood and violence then feeds off of my anger and despair.
I can control it... most of the time.
I can starve it, but I cannot starve myself.
Because it's not just the darkness that craves these things... I do, too.
My mother grounded me and helped calm the storm, now she's dead and everything changed.
My life is now lived through red hued glasses and anger simmers just under the surface.
Until him...
Now my dark soul craves his and I won't let anything come between us, even if I have to kill... with my bare hands.
There's a darkness that stirs restless in my soul.
It craves blood and violence then feeds off of my anger and despair.
I can control it... most of the time.
I can starve it, but I cannot starve myself.
Because it's not just the darkness that craves these things... I do, too.
My mother grounded me and helped calm the storm, now she's dead and everything changed.
My life is now lived through red hued glasses and anger simmers just under the surface.
Until him...
Now my dark soul craves his and I won't let anything come between us, even if I have to kill... with my bare hands.
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First published March 10, 2020
205 people are currently reading
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C.A. Rene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 25, 2020
Dnf @ 31%
I'll like to put a disclaimer that I don't like teenager stories as much, I veer into the hate category if I'm being honest. Still, I like trying to find one that changes my mind, some have come close and some haven't, this book is in the latter.
Something I hate regardless of the age of the character is when they act all badass when they really aren't. That attitude was also prominent in this book. This sixteen year old character kept reminding us about the "darkness" in her. Now I'll be all for that if this was fantasy and talks of magic but since her "darkness" was being able to box it got annoying pretty fast. The skill is great, I'm not knocking it but the way it was pumped up made me grit my teeth.
The romance was bleh. I didn't like the MMC either.
I'll like to put a disclaimer that I don't like teenager stories as much, I veer into the hate category if I'm being honest. Still, I like trying to find one that changes my mind, some have come close and some haven't, this book is in the latter.
Something I hate regardless of the age of the character is when they act all badass when they really aren't. That attitude was also prominent in this book. This sixteen year old character kept reminding us about the "darkness" in her. Now I'll be all for that if this was fantasy and talks of magic but since her "darkness" was being able to box it got annoying pretty fast. The skill is great, I'm not knocking it but the way it was pumped up made me grit my teeth.
The romance was bleh. I didn't like the MMC either.
May 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this one a lot despite the characters being of high school age this is actually a new adult romance.
Emberlise is sixteen years old and an MMA fighter she has participated in legal and illegal fights where she grew up in the Bronx so has loose ties to the local gangs there.
After a fire that kills her mother and lands her in the hospital, she finds herself moving to Canada with her mum's sister and husband relatives she had no idea existed.
Starting the local school and her new family's wealthy lifestyle is so very different to her previous upbringing in New York. Though got to say her aunt and uncle were fabulous, real sweethearts.
A new School also brings its own set of teenage angst which Ember is more than equipped to deal with.
I adored how strong and capable Ember was she didn’t take shit from anyone including her new obsession Vin who at first doesn’t know quite what to make of the new girl but he does know he definitely wants her for his own.
Initially, he’s a bit of an ass used to girls falling at his feet and with Ember he has to put in some actual work and she nobody’s plaything.
Add in the resident mean girl who I’m sure has a lot more up her sleeve for our girl especially considering her jealousy of Ember now claiming Vin for herself and this was just so good.
Embers put-downs and comebacks to Marlana’s venom were priceless and I was egging her on all the way, This girl has a core of steel.
This also had fabulous secondary characters and Ember and Vin had so much chemistry together.
Then we took that dark turn and I was on the edge of my seat on absolute tenterhooks throughout.
How Ember is going to come back from this trauma is anyone’s guess.
A fabulous start to this series and I’m excited to see where this goes next especially considering that intriguing epilogue.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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August 5, 2020
Pretty good. Feel like there was a lot of build up to that Raphael scene near the end, but then it fades to black, which is disappointing. Especially since other deaths were detailed. Bring on the darkness or don't. It felt skimmed over.
December 24, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
'Through The Pain' is the first book of the whitsborough series by the author C.A. Rene . Told in dual perspectives , get ready to meet Ember and Vin!
Ember is officially my favourite heroine. The woman is a MMA fighter for crying out loud. The way she fights is an absolute wonder to watch and her attitude is everything! Despite being so alone and losing her mother, I loved the way she kept herself together, not giving shits about who tried to break her. And trust , a lot of them tried. When she moved to a new place , she finally met the man who would be able to control the darkness she has inside of her. He is her perfect match and there is no way she is letting him go now.
Vin is one of the most swoony heroes ever. That man was sin incarnated and I loved the way he handled Em. He knew she had a darkness inside and the way he calmed her down and sparked her too was amazing. They were a match made in hell and they were simply kick-ass together.
I loved the storyline of this book and just can't wait for the next book now! This series is different than everything that I have ever read and I can't even tell you people how addicted I am! The writing style was moderate and I won't lie and say that it was ok all throughout. There were scenes where I got bored and had to push myself to keep reading but it was good on an overall basis.
The other characters definitely intrigued me and I would love to know Tristan's Story!! If you are a fan of kick-ass Heroines and heroes who know how to tame them then definitely read this one!
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June 12, 2020
Dark, mysterious, scandalous, plot twists that will have you shook and a badass female lead. Do you need more?
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This is a dark romance following Ember as she battles with grief, anger and finding truth. Em is a badass MMA fighter and can take on even the biggest and toughest males. A straight shooter that doesn’t deal or take bullshit. Witty, a breathe of fresh air for anyone wanting a book with a strong female lead.
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This book, I have no words, I loved it! The humour had me in fits!! I will never see pink hair the same that’s for sure! The nicknames alone in this book killed me. The balance between the humour and darkness was great. It definitely lightened the angst and that’s what is missing in a lot of similar books so this book is a winner for me!
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The characters are so well written and developed you either love them or hate them. I love how the author has made even the supporting roles important with their personalities and the interactions they all have. Character development from our main characters was well paced and has you shipping them hard. Vin, boy can he make you swoon at the best of times! I live him, hands down. He’s such a contradiction and I think that’s what I love most about him. Outwardly you think he’s one thing but really there’s a whole other side to him that just has you reeling.
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The plot is so thick with suspense and mystery I love it. Well written and planned out. Set at a great pace, I can’t wait to see where the next books go. So much still left to uncover, still some unknown players and that cliffy.....I need more now!
.
This is a dark romance following Ember as she battles with grief, anger and finding truth. Em is a badass MMA fighter and can take on even the biggest and toughest males. A straight shooter that doesn’t deal or take bullshit. Witty, a breathe of fresh air for anyone wanting a book with a strong female lead.
.
This book, I have no words, I loved it! The humour had me in fits!! I will never see pink hair the same that’s for sure! The nicknames alone in this book killed me. The balance between the humour and darkness was great. It definitely lightened the angst and that’s what is missing in a lot of similar books so this book is a winner for me!
.
The characters are so well written and developed you either love them or hate them. I love how the author has made even the supporting roles important with their personalities and the interactions they all have. Character development from our main characters was well paced and has you shipping them hard. Vin, boy can he make you swoon at the best of times! I live him, hands down. He’s such a contradiction and I think that’s what I love most about him. Outwardly you think he’s one thing but really there’s a whole other side to him that just has you reeling.
.
The plot is so thick with suspense and mystery I love it. Well written and planned out. Set at a great pace, I can’t wait to see where the next books go. So much still left to uncover, still some unknown players and that cliffy.....I need more now!
November 24, 2021
Well DNF at 70%, this was my 4th and last attempt at this.
I did love the kick ass h but I am a heterosexual who find 2 girls French kissing, touching each other and getting aroused in a room full of watchful guys gross. 🤮. And yes, the H was watching the show and was getting a boner. I wish he would’ve gotten jealous instead.🙄
Safety
FF French kissing/touching scene
FF dirty dancing and making out on the floor scene.
The h is bi obviously and not a virgin. In book 3, the girl h was French kissing gets her own story and that’s suppose to be MFM. I also dont like ménage , I need to just avoid this author lol.😂
H was a manho til he met the h.
Yes, ow drama but he’s not interested and I found it funny.
Can’t say if there’s any cheating since I didn’t finish this book.
I did love the kick ass h but I am a heterosexual who find 2 girls French kissing, touching each other and getting aroused in a room full of watchful guys gross. 🤮. And yes, the H was watching the show and was getting a boner. I wish he would’ve gotten jealous instead.🙄
Safety
FF French kissing/touching scene
FF dirty dancing and making out on the floor scene.
The h is bi obviously and not a virgin. In book 3, the girl h was French kissing gets her own story and that’s suppose to be MFM. I also dont like ménage , I need to just avoid this author lol.😂
H was a manho til he met the h.
Yes, ow drama but he’s not interested and I found it funny.
Can’t say if there’s any cheating since I didn’t finish this book.
December 27, 2020
I love a badass woman character, and Ember would be at the top of my list. C.A. Rene blew me away with this story, and ill be diving straight into the next one. The twists and turns were unexpected, and I love seeing her slowly find out who she is. My heads a mess and im not okay right now!
February 11, 2021
I really gave this book a try, but I could not connect with the story or characters. I could not detect their connections, particularly Ember and Vin. Their attraction felt manufactured, not organic, and was insta-attraction but without the elements that would make it authentic. It was as if there was dissonance between establishing a quick mutual attraction but missing the tension and interplay that would bring that into being. Additionally, it was overly descriptive on the inconsequential, for instance, full-on descriptions of the entirety of the house and its wall fixtures, surfaces, etc. but not sufficient enough character development. I wasn't able to suspend disbelief onf age and maturity as, in the case of Ember, she was characterized so fierce as to be implausible -- MMA, actress, bereaved, confident. Nothing wrong with a strong heroine, but her strength displayed as bravado. I had little spark for the Vin, perhaps a bit more for Travis.
I liked the friendship Adri and Em shared, an instant affinity and well depicted confidante. Also, the relationship Em had with her new aunt and uncle, though a quick bonding in light of her mother's recent death, was unique and a departure from these kinds of books where the main heroine is on an island of no familial support.
I understand this may be the author's first work, and I applaud the effort. I really liked her later dark duet books. Unfortunately, this one did not hold my interest. I will read her other books but this one was not for me.
I liked the friendship Adri and Em shared, an instant affinity and well depicted confidante. Also, the relationship Em had with her new aunt and uncle, though a quick bonding in light of her mother's recent death, was unique and a departure from these kinds of books where the main heroine is on an island of no familial support.
I understand this may be the author's first work, and I applaud the effort. I really liked her later dark duet books. Unfortunately, this one did not hold my interest. I will read her other books but this one was not for me.
February 12, 2021
Whhhaaatttt
There's spool much to talk about here so I'm just going to word vomit because I really just need to jump into the next book. I actually took notes because there's so much I loved about this!
1. Diversity. And not forced diversity. I'ma bitter girl when it feel like authors are just checking off the pic character list. I seriously hate it.
2. I got major One Tree Hill vibes. Like major and I was all about it. If I wasn't in serious need of the next book I'd be jumping into OTH. Oh but like it's darker than OTH.
3. Ember has the coolest aunt and uncle. Typically when a kid is taken in by a fa!joy member they are usually just garbage people. And nope not here.
4. I really loved the friendship between Ember and Adri. Also if they don't hook up eventually Im going to be so disappointed.
5. The cool guy Vin. The guy guy everyone wants is a DRAMA KID. Not an athlete or like the guy who runs the town. You know how these books go.
Seriously there's more to my most but really.. Through the Pain is definitely different from most books I read lately. Ember is a fighter. Like for real she fights MMA to help her mom. When her mom is killed I'm a house for sure goes to love with her aunt and uncle.. she didn't even know they existed but they get along so well.
She starts going to school at a private school for the arts. Asking with MMA she is an actress so that's cool. Sure makes friends asking the way and her friendships are goals.
She had her eye on Vin and while she sees girls throwing themselves at him she decides to make him work for it yes queen. Their chemistry is fire.
Unfortunately her post catches up with her and things start to go dark of you know what I mean.
Okay imma shut up and start the next book
There's spool much to talk about here so I'm just going to word vomit because I really just need to jump into the next book. I actually took notes because there's so much I loved about this!
1. Diversity. And not forced diversity. I'ma bitter girl when it feel like authors are just checking off the pic character list. I seriously hate it.
2. I got major One Tree Hill vibes. Like major and I was all about it. If I wasn't in serious need of the next book I'd be jumping into OTH. Oh but like it's darker than OTH.
3. Ember has the coolest aunt and uncle. Typically when a kid is taken in by a fa!joy member they are usually just garbage people. And nope not here.
4. I really loved the friendship between Ember and Adri. Also if they don't hook up eventually Im going to be so disappointed.
5. The cool guy Vin. The guy guy everyone wants is a DRAMA KID. Not an athlete or like the guy who runs the town. You know how these books go.
Seriously there's more to my most but really.. Through the Pain is definitely different from most books I read lately. Ember is a fighter. Like for real she fights MMA to help her mom. When her mom is killed I'm a house for sure goes to love with her aunt and uncle.. she didn't even know they existed but they get along so well.
She starts going to school at a private school for the arts. Asking with MMA she is an actress so that's cool. Sure makes friends asking the way and her friendships are goals.
She had her eye on Vin and while she sees girls throwing themselves at him she decides to make him work for it yes queen. Their chemistry is fire.
Unfortunately her post catches up with her and things start to go dark of you know what I mean.
Okay imma shut up and start the next book
December 29, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the Whitsborough Chronicles series. It follows the story of Ember, a sixteen years old MMA trained fighter. After the tragic loss of her mother, Ember is adopted by her aunt and uncle, and moves to Canada, Whitsborough town, town which harbors some old secrets. She starts to attend a Catholic school, where she meets Vincent, Travis and Adrianna.
This first book focuses more on Ember’s new life and her relationship with Vincent, the friendship bond between her and Adrianna and Travis. But what happens when Ember wants to find her father and has the surprise of her life? As I said the town is full of old secrets, so the entire story is twisted, full of action and interesting. There are some twists in the end which leave the book in a cliffhanger, so you need to have book two very closely to you.
"I think both of our darkness' can be great together."
This was a great way of starting the series, something big is going to happen, and the thrill of getting to know it, to see what happens next, it keeps you on your toes.
This is the first book in the Whitsborough Chronicles series. It follows the story of Ember, a sixteen years old MMA trained fighter. After the tragic loss of her mother, Ember is adopted by her aunt and uncle, and moves to Canada, Whitsborough town, town which harbors some old secrets. She starts to attend a Catholic school, where she meets Vincent, Travis and Adrianna.
This first book focuses more on Ember’s new life and her relationship with Vincent, the friendship bond between her and Adrianna and Travis. But what happens when Ember wants to find her father and has the surprise of her life? As I said the town is full of old secrets, so the entire story is twisted, full of action and interesting. There are some twists in the end which leave the book in a cliffhanger, so you need to have book two very closely to you.
"I think both of our darkness' can be great together."
This was a great way of starting the series, something big is going to happen, and the thrill of getting to know it, to see what happens next, it keeps you on your toes.
March 24, 2021
Wow!!
What a book this was! I love the dark and twisty and this book took that to a whole new level. I will say I saw some of this coming but that ending??? What just happened! I cannot wait to read book two of this series. I love me a girl who can hold her own and Ember...she is one bad chick!
What a book this was! I love the dark and twisty and this book took that to a whole new level. I will say I saw some of this coming but that ending??? What just happened! I cannot wait to read book two of this series. I love me a girl who can hold her own and Ember...she is one bad chick!
December 27, 2020
SPOILERS
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Ember, a street smart 16 year old MMA fighter leaves her life in New York after the death of her mom
she starts anew with her aunt and uncle in Canada
new home, new clothes, new people, new school
she makes new friends and new enemies
meets the boy that dreams are made of - Travis becomes her bestie
meets a beautiful damaged boy - Vin becomes the love of her life
meets Ari, her female bestie
meets all sorts of bitchy and bastard characters whom she deals with in no time at all
Vin is the epitome of the beautifully broken bad boy
she smashes into his life, upends life as he knows it and makes him whole again
he makes her fight for it and she makes him fight for it
their connection is immediate and intense BUT she's NO pushover and is not opposed to giving a worthy guy a chance
but she's honest to a fault and doesn't waste time with other love interests
I wish she was my friend
if not for her and her shenanigans, I neeeearly didn't finished this one
the heroine's pov felt like that of a male teenager
not what was said or thought, but how the internal and external dialogue came across
from the prologue to a few chapters in, I couldn't connect with the h and her world because I couldn't find a natural flow from scene to scene: one min she's in a hospital bed, then in a hotel, then at gym...then in Canada...etc... all different scenes seeming to abruptly appear one after the other.
felt disjointed for lack of a better word.
because of the "tell-not-show" start of the book I didn't expect much of the h
I thought she'd be written like most other "strong bad ass" heroines in the mature young adult / new adult / bully genre are being written lately:
all talk and no follow through, a "dark-bad-girl" who actually, when it comes to the crunch, isn't dark or bad at all
but Ember is the personification of dark and bad - oh so very bad
and funny and cute and loyal and caring, straight up in your face honest
but mostly bad....
irreverent, wild, intelligent, bitchy, foul mouthed, unapologetic, witty, quick thinking,
I love the shit she gets up to - can't say I've seen heroines with her kind of balls
I wish I had a friend like her at high school
NO-ONE gets the better of her
NO-ONE
not the bullies, nor the bitches, not the haters, villains.
every single person who messes with her gets their comeuppance
its the kind of scenes I'll re-read, that's how enjoyable it was
and that's not even the DARK parts!
THAT'S when we see what she's REALLY made of
the dark is very dark...very bloody...very painful
the triggers are violence, emotional and physical suffering, not of a sexual nature (for once, because this poor trope has been so overdone)
it ends on a cliffhanger
with a crazy good twist
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ember, a street smart 16 year old MMA fighter leaves her life in New York after the death of her mom
she starts anew with her aunt and uncle in Canada
new home, new clothes, new people, new school
she makes new friends and new enemies
meets the boy that dreams are made of - Travis becomes her bestie
meets a beautiful damaged boy - Vin becomes the love of her life
meets Ari, her female bestie
meets all sorts of bitchy and bastard characters whom she deals with in no time at all
Vin is the epitome of the beautifully broken bad boy
she smashes into his life, upends life as he knows it and makes him whole again
he makes her fight for it and she makes him fight for it
their connection is immediate and intense BUT she's NO pushover and is not opposed to giving a worthy guy a chance
but she's honest to a fault and doesn't waste time with other love interests
I wish she was my friend
if not for her and her shenanigans, I neeeearly didn't finished this one
the heroine's pov felt like that of a male teenager
not what was said or thought, but how the internal and external dialogue came across
from the prologue to a few chapters in, I couldn't connect with the h and her world because I couldn't find a natural flow from scene to scene: one min she's in a hospital bed, then in a hotel, then at gym...then in Canada...etc... all different scenes seeming to abruptly appear one after the other.
felt disjointed for lack of a better word.
because of the "tell-not-show" start of the book I didn't expect much of the h
I thought she'd be written like most other "strong bad ass" heroines in the mature young adult / new adult / bully genre are being written lately:
all talk and no follow through, a "dark-bad-girl" who actually, when it comes to the crunch, isn't dark or bad at all
but Ember is the personification of dark and bad - oh so very bad
and funny and cute and loyal and caring, straight up in your face honest
but mostly bad....
irreverent, wild, intelligent, bitchy, foul mouthed, unapologetic, witty, quick thinking,
I love the shit she gets up to - can't say I've seen heroines with her kind of balls
I wish I had a friend like her at high school
NO-ONE gets the better of her
NO-ONE
not the bullies, nor the bitches, not the haters, villains.
every single person who messes with her gets their comeuppance
its the kind of scenes I'll re-read, that's how enjoyable it was
and that's not even the DARK parts!
THAT'S when we see what she's REALLY made of
the dark is very dark...very bloody...very painful
the triggers are violence, emotional and physical suffering, not of a sexual nature (for once, because this poor trope has been so overdone)
it ends on a cliffhanger
with a crazy good twist
August 23, 2021
The end has left me stunned
Honestly it took me a little while to get into this book. The storyline was interesting and we really got to know the characters but I kept waiting for something to happen. Well happen it did. Embers whole world basically exploded and got turned upside down and I am left stunned with my jaw dragging along the ground. I am so very thankful that I kept reading cause I am now 100% invested in this story and what crazy things are coming next for Ember and those few friend's and family she would willingly face the devil himself to save.
Honestly it took me a little while to get into this book. The storyline was interesting and we really got to know the characters but I kept waiting for something to happen. Well happen it did. Embers whole world basically exploded and got turned upside down and I am left stunned with my jaw dragging along the ground. I am so very thankful that I kept reading cause I am now 100% invested in this story and what crazy things are coming next for Ember and those few friend's and family she would willingly face the devil himself to save.
December 30, 2020
This book is mesmerizing. There were so many "I didn't see that coming" moments for me that I was absolutely hooked. From beginning to the cliffhanger I couldn't tear my eyes away from what I was reading. I absolutely loved this.
September 4, 2022
This is the 1st in a new series, and after that cliffhanger ending, I look forward to reading the next book. Emberlise is 16 years old and an MMA fighter, who has a darkness inside her, and her mom grounds her and calms the fire within her soul. After a fire Ember lands in hospital and her mom sadly passes away, and she finds herself moving to Canada to stay with wealthy relatives that she never new existed. Vin does not know what to make of the new girl in school, but he cannot resist the attraction between them. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and intense, with emotions, angst, grief, loss, anger, secrets, family, friendships, action, humor, trauma, and chemistry, which leads to a riveting and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2023
Hooked is one word that can be used to describe how bad of a chokehold this book had on me. Ember is a badass and she has a lot going on right from the first page and life doesn't give her much of a break. I'm not really okay after that ending so I'm gonna go read another book by this author right now and have my mind blown again. Brilliant.
December 16, 2020
Through the Pain is completely different than I was expecting.
It starts off sort of hazy. It’s not a dark book more like your typical tough girl/tough boy high school drama. However, once it hits about 80% bam! Story gets twisted, so many things get thrown at you all at once, and then left on a cliff hanger.
It was a good read, and couldn’t stop reading. Ember was a strong lead and it was fantastic to read about.
It starts off sort of hazy. It’s not a dark book more like your typical tough girl/tough boy high school drama. However, once it hits about 80% bam! Story gets twisted, so many things get thrown at you all at once, and then left on a cliff hanger.
It was a good read, and couldn’t stop reading. Ember was a strong lead and it was fantastic to read about.
August 9, 2020
What a ride
Dark MF romance .
You meet Emberlise a teenage girl from the Bronx who just lost her mother in a terrible accident only to have her whole world uprooted to Canada .
This story had me at the the prolouge ! I've never read a story where a girl was Soo dang strong because of everything she's been through. Ember finally let's her guard down for the new people in her life take care of her.. this book was full of angst HUMOR (I cackled ALOT) and some violence . I loved the side characters as well !
This was most definitely a 5 star read ! I'm glad I don't have to wait for the second book .
Dark MF romance .
You meet Emberlise a teenage girl from the Bronx who just lost her mother in a terrible accident only to have her whole world uprooted to Canada .
This story had me at the the prolouge ! I've never read a story where a girl was Soo dang strong because of everything she's been through. Ember finally let's her guard down for the new people in her life take care of her.. this book was full of angst HUMOR (I cackled ALOT) and some violence . I loved the side characters as well !
This was most definitely a 5 star read ! I'm glad I don't have to wait for the second book .
May 7, 2021
Wow! Through the Pain grabs you from the start and doesn't let you go, I'd say until the end of the book but the hook is just as amazing as the rest. Great writing, relatable characters and a suspenseful plot keeps you guessing throughout.
C. A. Rene is a new to me author and I absolutely loved her work, devouring this four book series in two days. Yes it really is that good. The books are written in multiple perspectives and so you are able to follow the action from the view points of a range of characters, exploring their motives behind what they do.
Through the Pain was a great read and I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a dark, suspense romance with a side of smut.
C. A. Rene is a new to me author and I absolutely loved her work, devouring this four book series in two days. Yes it really is that good. The books are written in multiple perspectives and so you are able to follow the action from the view points of a range of characters, exploring their motives behind what they do.
Through the Pain was a great read and I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a dark, suspense romance with a side of smut.
March 14, 2021
This Book! Hot, Dark and Captivating!! Must Read!
Holy Smokes!!!! This book is fantastic! Ember is absolutely amazing!!! She has literally a een it all! She has been to war and back and then back again!!! She has been through everything! This book was hot, like amazingly steamy! This book was engaging, from page one I was captivated! This book had twists and turns! It had so many ups and so many downs!
Ember is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever read! She wants nothing more than to fight the darkness inside her and be a normal teenage girl. But when the darkness constantly pulls you down, you can either let it or fight! Finding Vincent brings out the light in her. She picks him up just as much as he picks her up! He was a beautiful character that I loved getting to know throughout this book! I so need book2! That cliffhanger was crazy good!
C.A. Rene’s writing is amazing. She has a new fan in me! I wanted to read this book so fast to find out what was going on but drew it out because I never wanted the story to end! This is an absolute must read!!!
Holy Smokes!!!! This book is fantastic! Ember is absolutely amazing!!! She has literally a een it all! She has been to war and back and then back again!!! She has been through everything! This book was hot, like amazingly steamy! This book was engaging, from page one I was captivated! This book had twists and turns! It had so many ups and so many downs!
Ember is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever read! She wants nothing more than to fight the darkness inside her and be a normal teenage girl. But when the darkness constantly pulls you down, you can either let it or fight! Finding Vincent brings out the light in her. She picks him up just as much as he picks her up! He was a beautiful character that I loved getting to know throughout this book! I so need book2! That cliffhanger was crazy good!
C.A. Rene’s writing is amazing. She has a new fan in me! I wanted to read this book so fast to find out what was going on but drew it out because I never wanted the story to end! This is an absolute must read!!!
September 16, 2021
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book gets like 50 out of 10 stars!! It's freaking amazing!!!
What the hell just happened? I have finished the book and the ending??? Like what the hell???
This is my very first book by the author and I can tell you she scored! This book is everything I need!
I loved the main character Ember. She's strong, independent, resilient, loving, caring and an MMA fighter!!! Omg...I'm so in love!
I love how fast-paced, but also not exactly completely fast-paced this story is. At one point I thought that the storyline is going too quick, but then I thought that maybe I just read slow books. This was perfect! I got everything I wanted and even more!
Last book I loved this much was Pretty Little Savage, because it has this darkness and heroine (the main girl) is a fighter and fights. These two books are really similar and just beyond perfect!
In this book the main girl (Ember) has been living without her father, never knowing who he was. Only her mother and she, until one day there's a fire in their home and her mother dies, nearly taking Em along with her. Our girl is moved away and "starting" (very freely used word) new life and finding new friends.
MMA fights took at least away the tiny bit of darkness that her mom knew how to take. Now she needs to figure out another way to get rid of off it.
This story is so much more than just what I'm writing about! It's dark, it's steamy, it's vengeful, it's painful, it's bloody, dangerous and I loved every little freaking second of it!
I loved how the relationship between the two main characters started and took off. It wasn't rushed (even though it felt like it at some points), but the wait they fit and knew a lot about each others's darkness and pain...I knew why they ended up together right there.
Honestly, I'm glad that our girl had someone by her side. I loved her best friend and the way they were calling each other? Hilarious!!! Haha (insert cry-laughing emoji).
There is so much to discuss, but just know you HAVE TO read this book!!!
This book gets like 50 out of 10 stars!! It's freaking amazing!!!
What the hell just happened? I have finished the book and the ending??? Like what the hell???
This is my very first book by the author and I can tell you she scored! This book is everything I need!
I loved the main character Ember. She's strong, independent, resilient, loving, caring and an MMA fighter!!! Omg...I'm so in love!
I love how fast-paced, but also not exactly completely fast-paced this story is. At one point I thought that the storyline is going too quick, but then I thought that maybe I just read slow books. This was perfect! I got everything I wanted and even more!
Last book I loved this much was Pretty Little Savage, because it has this darkness and heroine (the main girl) is a fighter and fights. These two books are really similar and just beyond perfect!
In this book the main girl (Ember) has been living without her father, never knowing who he was. Only her mother and she, until one day there's a fire in their home and her mother dies, nearly taking Em along with her. Our girl is moved away and "starting" (very freely used word) new life and finding new friends.
MMA fights took at least away the tiny bit of darkness that her mom knew how to take. Now she needs to figure out another way to get rid of off it.
This story is so much more than just what I'm writing about! It's dark, it's steamy, it's vengeful, it's painful, it's bloody, dangerous and I loved every little freaking second of it!
I loved how the relationship between the two main characters started and took off. It wasn't rushed (even though it felt like it at some points), but the wait they fit and knew a lot about each others's darkness and pain...I knew why they ended up together right there.
Honestly, I'm glad that our girl had someone by her side. I loved her best friend and the way they were calling each other? Hilarious!!! Haha (insert cry-laughing emoji).
There is so much to discuss, but just know you HAVE TO read this book!!!
December 7, 2020
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!! Finishing this book at midnight with an ending like that!!! It was so hard not to say adios to sleep and start book 2 immediately.
I had no idea what to expect with this book. I'll be honest and say that I didn't read the blurb but I had heard amazing things, so I wanted to give it a go. I went in completely blind and had zero expectations. I AM SO GLAD I DID because this book took me completely by surprise and I REALLY enjoyed it.
As it is the first book in the series, It is definitely a build up book. It took about 40% before I really started to get in to the storyline so make sure you stick with it!!!! For me? I loved the build up. There are so many series lately that cram everything in to book one and then the following books are just a let down. With this series, THIS IS ONLY JUST THE BEGINNING!!!
Through the pain is our introduction. Don't expect insane action YET but definitely expect some incredibly HOT SCENES!! Like seriously hot. I was in desperate need of a cold shower after some of those. I love a man with a filthy mouth and we definitely got that! Towards the end this book took a turn and we were given only a taste of the action and darkness that is clearly to come in the next book as well as a few shocking revelations that I did not see coming!
For a debut... this was INCREDIBLE!!! There is very little I can criticize when it comes to this book. Not only are the characters well developed but their relationships too. The storyline is plotted perfectly and even though we are given a slow build up the whole way through, by the time you reach the end, there are bombs dropping left right and center and I was left screaming for more!!
I was a little eye rolly when the "I love you's" were coming out after only being together for 2 weeks but then had to remember that these are high school students!! And lets be real. If I was lucky enough to be have mind blowing orgasms in high school, then I would probably be in love with him .
This was a perfect start to a series and I cannot wait for all the darkness and action that I know is coming in book 2!!!
I had no idea what to expect with this book. I'll be honest and say that I didn't read the blurb but I had heard amazing things, so I wanted to give it a go. I went in completely blind and had zero expectations. I AM SO GLAD I DID because this book took me completely by surprise and I REALLY enjoyed it.
As it is the first book in the series, It is definitely a build up book. It took about 40% before I really started to get in to the storyline so make sure you stick with it!!!! For me? I loved the build up. There are so many series lately that cram everything in to book one and then the following books are just a let down. With this series, THIS IS ONLY JUST THE BEGINNING!!!
Through the pain is our introduction. Don't expect insane action YET but definitely expect some incredibly HOT SCENES!! Like seriously hot. I was in desperate need of a cold shower after some of those. I love a man with a filthy mouth and we definitely got that! Towards the end this book took a turn and we were given only a taste of the action and darkness that is clearly to come in the next book as well as a few shocking revelations that I did not see coming!
For a debut... this was INCREDIBLE!!! There is very little I can criticize when it comes to this book. Not only are the characters well developed but their relationships too. The storyline is plotted perfectly and even though we are given a slow build up the whole way through, by the time you reach the end, there are bombs dropping left right and center and I was left screaming for more!!
I was a little eye rolly when the "I love you's" were coming out after only being together for 2 weeks but then had to remember that these are high school students!! And lets be real. If I was lucky enough to be have mind blowing orgasms in high school, then I would probably be in love with him .
This was a perfect start to a series and I cannot wait for all the darkness and action that I know is coming in book 2!!!
December 28, 2020
What the fuck?! That ending, shit. After all the crap that happened I wasn't expecting this shit. Fuck. I love this author's mind. This book is fucking amazing. Ember is a badass bitch, and fuck, I think I want to be her. She's now my favorite super heroine. Villain? I don't fucking care, I just want to have her balls. And her mental observations are funny as shit. I think I need to steal some of her nicknames. The demons she has inside her, when their darkness starts to leave its cage...there's no stopping her. Not until the monster gets its fill of blood. The beginning of this book started so innocent like that I wasn't prepared when shit got real, because it fucking did. I loved everything about it, the characters, the drama, the sex, the blood, it was addicting. And I fucking loved her uncle, he was hilarious, always trying to sound cool and shit, which ended up putting a smile on her face. It was cute. I can't wait to know more about the bomb that was dropped at end of the book, I'm so fucking excited! 🖤
December 14, 2020
The thought of blood makes my heart rate increase and I feel that familiar pull deep in my gut.
I went into this book blind. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't know what it was about, I looked at the cover and dove in head first with my arm floaties. C.A. DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I FUCKING LOVE THIS BOOK AND AM GOING STRAIGHT TO BOOK 2.
This book is full of hilarious banter and a strong badass FMC that fights. When a tragic event happens to Ember, her entire life is uprooted and changes for the better. She discovers family that she didn't know she had, gains new friends, falls in love with a soul just as dark as hers and leaves her old gang life behind. Or so she thought.... She is faced with life or death, but that choice is taken from her in the name of protecting whats most important. There are twists and turns that were hinted at, but i was mind fucked with the end. A little lube would have been nice for that one C.A.
I went into this book blind. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't know what it was about, I looked at the cover and dove in head first with my arm floaties. C.A. DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I FUCKING LOVE THIS BOOK AND AM GOING STRAIGHT TO BOOK 2.
This book is full of hilarious banter and a strong badass FMC that fights. When a tragic event happens to Ember, her entire life is uprooted and changes for the better. She discovers family that she didn't know she had, gains new friends, falls in love with a soul just as dark as hers and leaves her old gang life behind. Or so she thought.... She is faced with life or death, but that choice is taken from her in the name of protecting whats most important. There are twists and turns that were hinted at, but i was mind fucked with the end. A little lube would have been nice for that one C.A.
May 25, 2020
What a ride.
Here I am reading Through the Pain. This is my first time reading this author and I am enjoying it. The storyline is original. I love Ember’s fire and her snark. She has me constantly smiling. She’s my spirit animal. I love the relationship she has with Vin and I love the second chance she is getting to have a great life.
However, as I continue reading, I am failing to see how this is a “dark” read. Maybe my idea of dark is just a little more than most?
And then... SHIT HITS THE FAN. And oh the delicious darkness I crave!
It goes from teen drama and angst to holy shit really fast and no matter where you are in the story, it’s hard to put down. It is so fast paced and when it’s over, you are left reeling at the revelations. I definitely can’t wait to start the next book. 🖤🖤
Here I am reading Through the Pain. This is my first time reading this author and I am enjoying it. The storyline is original. I love Ember’s fire and her snark. She has me constantly smiling. She’s my spirit animal. I love the relationship she has with Vin and I love the second chance she is getting to have a great life.
However, as I continue reading, I am failing to see how this is a “dark” read. Maybe my idea of dark is just a little more than most?
And then... SHIT HITS THE FAN. And oh the delicious darkness I crave!
It goes from teen drama and angst to holy shit really fast and no matter where you are in the story, it’s hard to put down. It is so fast paced and when it’s over, you are left reeling at the revelations. I definitely can’t wait to start the next book. 🖤🖤
January 5, 2021
Through The Pain by C.A. Rene is a dark revenge romance. This is the first book in the Whitsborough Chronicles series.
I absolutely love C.A. Rene’s books! She pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. There are so many twists and turns that kept me captivated until the very end. I loved the friendship that is blooming between Travis, Adri, and Ember. The chemistry between Ember and Vincent is off the charts. I really liked that at the end of the book we got Vincent’s point of view as well.
The book does end on an amazing cliffhanger and I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series Into Darkness so I can get more of Ember’s story.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.
I absolutely love C.A. Rene’s books! She pulled me in from the first chapter and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. There are so many twists and turns that kept me captivated until the very end. I loved the friendship that is blooming between Travis, Adri, and Ember. The chemistry between Ember and Vincent is off the charts. I really liked that at the end of the book we got Vincent’s point of view as well.
The book does end on an amazing cliffhanger and I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series Into Darkness so I can get more of Ember’s story.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, contemporary romances, or romantic suspense.
December 4, 2023
Through The Pain
I enjoyed this book, I didn't know too much about the storyline just that the female lead was into MMA fighting so I thought this is different. Plus I've read a couple of other books by this author and they've blown my mind.
When a tragic event happens to Ember she is taken in by her uncle & aunt who she never knew existed so she starts a new school and meets new friends. Now she has settled in she lets her guard down and her chemistry with Vin was pure fire.
This is an original story with many twists and turns, The female is a strong character and she is full of sass. I loved the side characters and can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Sh*ts and giggles had me in stitches along with all the nicknames for Marlana
I enjoyed this book, I didn't know too much about the storyline just that the female lead was into MMA fighting so I thought this is different. Plus I've read a couple of other books by this author and they've blown my mind.
When a tragic event happens to Ember she is taken in by her uncle & aunt who she never knew existed so she starts a new school and meets new friends. Now she has settled in she lets her guard down and her chemistry with Vin was pure fire.
This is an original story with many twists and turns, The female is a strong character and she is full of sass. I loved the side characters and can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Sh*ts and giggles had me in stitches along with all the nicknames for Marlana
May 24, 2021
Screamed my way through this
RUNNING FOR BOOK 2
C.A RENE continues to prove why she's is a must read for dark romance! It's always a pleasure to see someone write so much dark
RUNNING FOR BOOK 2
C.A RENE continues to prove why she's is a must read for dark romance! It's always a pleasure to see someone write so much dark
April 15, 2022
What does family blood mean?
Judging by the title I put to my review, you’re probably wondering what it means. Well, you will have to read the book to find out. But I will tell you this; no matter where you’re from, family is important, but we can make our family who and what it is. Sometimes family is lost and we don’t know who we belong to. Sometimes, that’s a good thing, which is the case in this book.
I love the main female character because she’s tough and strong and doesn’t take crap from anybody. I wish she had more of a softer side play out in her emotions, but she’s been through a lot in her life, so I completely understand her hard shell.
This is a very good book and well worth the read.
Judging by the title I put to my review, you’re probably wondering what it means. Well, you will have to read the book to find out. But I will tell you this; no matter where you’re from, family is important, but we can make our family who and what it is. Sometimes family is lost and we don’t know who we belong to. Sometimes, that’s a good thing, which is the case in this book.
I love the main female character because she’s tough and strong and doesn’t take crap from anybody. I wish she had more of a softer side play out in her emotions, but she’s been through a lot in her life, so I completely understand her hard shell.
This is a very good book and well worth the read.
June 2, 2020
Good start to a new series
This is a new to me author whose work I’ll definitely check out more of. The blurb for this one hooked me - I’m all about a little dark and questionable morals in my FMCs - and I immediately liked Ember from the start of this story. While we didn’t see a whole lot of the darkness she said she struggled with in the beginning, I loved her spirit and snark and her chemistry with Vin was pure fire. Once her darkness started to bleed through, I was so here for it! I’ll absolutely be continuing the series, can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters
This is a new to me author whose work I’ll definitely check out more of. The blurb for this one hooked me - I’m all about a little dark and questionable morals in my FMCs - and I immediately liked Ember from the start of this story. While we didn’t see a whole lot of the darkness she said she struggled with in the beginning, I loved her spirit and snark and her chemistry with Vin was pure fire. Once her darkness started to bleed through, I was so here for it! I’ll absolutely be continuing the series, can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters
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