The Pain We Nurture

A Billionaire's Assurance #1

by S.K. Presley

Pain, and desperation. It has become Olivia's world and identity for the last four years as she struggles to help financially support her dying niece. But the bills are getting increasingly more difficult to manage, and what little stability she had begins to waiver along with her hope. With thoughts of failure ever looming, Olivia takes on a secret, forbidden, and taboo lifestyle in order to insure her nieces' survival. Struggling to hold the hopes and dreams of the past at bay, she submerses herself completely in the present to survive. And soon, Olivia's world becomes purely driven only by sacrifice and adrenaline. And now, fighting an injury, she knows time is of the essence. But unfortunately for her, time has never been on her side. Until she meets Colin. A sexy, mysterious billionaire with sadistic tendencies who harbors a heavy emotional secret of his own. Colin barrels unexpectedly into her life and demands the one commodity she cannot trust herself to give him. Time, in exchange for a mutually beneficial proposition that is as insane as it is fascinating. Soon, thoughts of time are all that consume Olivia. The time Colin demands, time she gives up with Allison, time to discover who she really is as a person. Colin challenges her to find her true self she'd turned her back on to survive, and refuses to acknowledge.As Olivia falls deeper into Colin's tangled web of dominance, he simultaneously tightens the reins around her gilded cage and his own secrets. Slowly, time starts to mean progressively less, as trust becomes the new hot commodity. And soon, the one thing Olivia realizes is that she can trust no one, not even herself.This is the first book in The Assurance series.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

455 pages, ebook

Published December 15, 2023

About the author

S.K. resides in the midwest with an adorable rescue beagle. Drawn to writing steamy dark romances with love interests who are infatuated with one another, it has always been her dream to share with the world her ideas and stories, and she hopes that you enjoy her work just as much as she enjoys creating it.
Happy reading!

Reviews

[Mikaela Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EVERYTHING! I got the absolute honor of ARC reading this, & I am just so thankful I was given that opportunity because I loved every second! The characters themselves whittled their way into my heart, I found myself thinking about them days afterwards. The character development, the side characters, the plot. Absolutely loved this book & I cannot wait to devour anything this author comes out with in the future

[Gina Scognamiglio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a group of friends. I was hesitant because it’s not my genre but I gave it a read. Oh my Gawd! If you are the type that likes a story line and you enjoy getting to know the characters, this is it. Her attention to detail makes it all so real. She is so descriptive. What a talented author.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d say this book was a 3.75 star for me!! The spicy scenes were SO GOOD! And the MMC is a MAN amongst MEN. His masculinity and dominance is SO ATTRACTIVE. The books ends on a cliffhanger and I am excited to read what happens next

[Kimmy Sue Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book had me hooked from page one! A captivating love story with plenty of plot to go with the spice. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book and I was so entranced she leaves you thinking about her characters for days after and knows how to keep you interested In the story her storyline is amazing and all the details she uses is fantastic I could see things more clear with all the details she shared she did leave you with a cliffhanger wanting you to have more and more I really do need to know what happened s so I do need more from her and I will be looking to get the book to own as I could read this book over and over

[Tacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pain We Nurture by S.K. Presley (The Billionaires Assurance Book 1)
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! It revoked so many different emotions out of me. It was one of the spiciest books Ive ever heard! 🌶️😮‍💨 I loved how unpredictable and deliciously dark it was. The way the author wrote the individual history’s of the FMC and MMC tore me up in the best way 🥹 I sat and read 70% of this book in one sitting! There were some plot twists I wasn’t expecting! So I couldn’t put it down. Did I mention it was spicy?! The spice in this book left me blushing for hours. Colin is the perfect morally grey MMC 😍 This book ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the continuation of Colin and Olivia’s story ❤️

[Angel Smathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful written story about Olivia/ Ollie. Absoutly loved this book. Please read the warnings and the blurb before jumping into any book.
As always if you like spicy books this is totally one to read.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I don't know about anybody else but I am absolutely obsessed with this book it is all around fantastic the way she paints the characters in this book it's realistic instead of what most people would actually think the characters would be it's very very spicy I give it like a 10 on the spice level if not more if I could give this book a hundred Stars I absolutely would I would highly recommend to all of my girls that like dark romance cuz this is definitely dark romance absolutely love SK Presley I can't wait to read more from her and if you haven't already go pre-order this book

[Tristan Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of 3rd person POV, but I didn’t even notice I was reading it until I was like 10% in. This book takes you through all the emotions of the characters and leaves you with that raw feeling that you know something you shouldn’t about someone. I’m devastated that we are left on such a cliff hanger, but I’m EAGERLY waiting to the next book in the series because I know it’s going to live up to book 1. This book was so beautifully written and I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check the trigger warnings before reading this book. They are there for a reason.

The MMC is deliciously sadistic. He’s got a lot going for him already. But when he meets the FMC, he is instantly smitten, in the most sadistic ways. He wants to show her the world, and she keeps declining his advances. She is working to try and take care of her family, but she just can’t seem to make all the ends meet. She finally agrees to a date. Even if it’s just so she can eat. He becomes even more obsessed. He must have her all to himself. The way he goes about it is crazy. Soon enough, he has her right where he wants her. They both have their secrets, and they will either tear them apart or bring them closer.

I can’t wait to see where the second book takes us.

[Randi Futrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As sexy and hot as it is deep and Inthralling! Excellence from this new author.

[amanda williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.K. Presley has written a story that will suck you in and feel like you’re a part of the story. I fell in love with Colin, Olivia, Vanessa, Allison, and Jonathan. They are characters you can relate to. They are everyday people.


I love how Colin and Olivia just mesh just right. They fit each other perfectly. I do feel how Olivia feels when it comes to someone coming in and taking over your life. But, as time goes on Olivia gets used to it. Well, as used to it as you can.


Love how Olivia has great relationships with her sister and her niece. You can definitely feel the love there. You can see it in the way she cares for them.


What more can I say? I would say just go get the book and give it a try. You might not be disappointed.

[Kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Loved this story. You get both POVs which is so nice. Both main characters are tortured, fragile souls just looking and craving for love acceptance & companionship. An agreement turns into love & danger but not all danger is bad. Sometimes the darkness and vulnerability can be freeing. Sometimes the hardest part it’s letting go of someone but letting someone in. This story has love and beautiful betrayal. They push each others limits. Enemies to lovers , loss and destruction
Grief and trust.

Overall I recommend & can’t wait to read more.

4/5 Spice
4/5 Stars Because I have so many questions all good but I can’t wait to see what happens from here.

[Tamara Belec · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This contains Slovene review (which is my native language) and English review of the book. Because I read the book in English, the English review is first, Slovene review is second.***

ENGLISH REVIEW:
Rating: ★★★★

S. K. Presley is an incredible author, and it truly amazes me that this is her debut. Honestly, I don't read many books with numerous trigger warnings, but I stumbled upon this one spontaneously. Even though I didn't give it a five-star rating, that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the read. Quite the opposite! I relished in reading this book, but, in my opinion, it didn't quite reach the five-star level. I can confidently say that I eagerly anticipate the sequel. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates lengthy chapters, endearing characters, and an engaging plot that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. Well done, S. K. Presley!

SLOVENE REVIEW:
Ocena: ★★★★

S. K. Presley je neverjetna avtorica, in res me preseneča, da je to njen prvenec. Po resnici povedano, ne berem veliko knjig, ki vsebujejo veliko opozoril, a to knjigo sem spontano odkrila. Čeprav je nisem ocenila s petimi zvezdicami, to ne pomeni, da v branju nisem uživala. Prav nasprotno! Z veseljem sem brala to knjigo, vendar po mojem mnenju ni dosegla petih zvezdic. Z zagotovostjo pa lahko trdim, da z nestrpnostjo pričakujem nadaljevanje. Knjigo priporočam vsem, ki imajo radi dolga poglavja, simpatične like in zanimiv zaplet, ki omogoča, da se knjiga bere do konca z velikim pričakovanjem, kaj se bo na koncu zgodilo. Odlično, S. K. Presley!

[⚜️Heather-Christine⚜️ Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank the Gods for S.K Presley.

Holy Moly, this is a hell of a story it’s jam packed. Yes, it’s romance but It’s emotional, suspenseful, mysterious and angsty. All the makings of a wonderful story. Let’s not forget the spice. The SPICEEE 🥵🥵🥵🥵🙌🏽🤌🏽. Colin and his unapologetic ways and let’s not forget the kinks 😋😋😋. Sirrrrr! I loved the development and different layers of character building we got of Olivia and Colin’s storyline.

I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2!

[Tia Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

waiting for the next book like— omg!

This was quite the read, especially coming from a newer author. The intimacy is scorching. (I read it all in one night.) I liked the hero, Colin, a lot. Very smexy.

[Patrick Win · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storyline, character development and skillfully crafted prose. To compare this to the garbage that is 50 shades does this book a huge disservice. Do yourself a favor and read this book if you’re into kink, BDSM, trauma, steamy prose and sex-positivity. Enjoy!

[RebellReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. god.
This book was amazing. The characters are perfect and story so far has been amazing. But the ending..... THE ENDING!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Honestly my only question so far is why.. but I dont want that answer till I read the second book

[Kenna Penn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to ARC read The Pain We Nurture. S K Presley’s debut novel was full of promise for an entertaining and gripping series to come. This book took me through all the emotions! I liked getting to know her characters, and the twist at the end left me anxious for book 2! If you’re looking for an extra spicy, angsty, emotional read, then I highly recommend giving this one a try!

[LaTrenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to read this! Proud of you S.K.!!

[Dalia Al-Abboud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m totally obsessed with this book! Once you start reading- it’s really hard to stop! It has everything you want from a book- interesting adventures, characters, and an exciting love plot to explore and discover!
I definitely recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a way to spice up your reading!

[Windy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I lucked out getting to dive into this gripping story. The characters, especially Olivia, and the character development and plot are on point. I'm seriously hyped for whatever this author drops next, this one ends in a cliffhanger so I hope it comes soon.

“The Pain We Nurture" by S.K. Presley is a must-read for fans of dark romance, billionaires, forced proximity, age gap, and spicy twists.

[Samantha Elhassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy love of God 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 can't wait for the next one!!

[Cheryl Woolsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worst ending ever.

Why would you end a book like that? It is incredibly evil. Just no. I just can't. The book just stops. It's mean.

[Nadiyah Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! I found it on TikTok and couldn't put it down! So good!!

[Jessica Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pain We Nurture is the first book in A Billionaire’s Assurance series. The book follows Olivia and Collin and their journey together.

This book has everything from mental health and cultural representation, thrilling plot, the smut is smutting, and ends on a cliff hanger!!! I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Ugh, I cannot wait for book 2. I give this book all the stars.

[Jody Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG you need to read this!!!! I need book 2 A.S.A.P!!!!! That girl can write WOW!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯worth it ♥️♥️♥️

[Marquis Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

One of the best books I’ve read all year! Great job Presley, I’m looking forward to reading the next book and can’t wait to see what’s coming for these two characters

[Emily Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beginning for such a strong dynamic of characters!!!! This book was a slower burn for a while, but it was working to set up so much, and when that bass dropped, it was a banger!!! The situation that Olivia is navigating in her life to take care of the only people she has and loves so much, her sister and niece, really shows the depths of what we will put ourselves through, to take care of our loved ones. She is a dichotomy of strength and trauma doing everything she can to keep her head above water. With no parents and no outside support, she is doing everything she can to help her older sister who is a single mom to a niece that was played some dark cards in the way of a life path, and she will stop at nothing to provide what's needed to secure them. Having a gentleman show up one night at the diner she works at, was not a part of her plan, but Colin has decided that she is the ultimate savior in his own painful struggles and pursues her at all costs, setting up a whirlwind of a situation for them all.

The tension that builds between Colin and Olivia this entire book is addicting. No matter where the tension is coming from. The way he observed her quietly on their first date, to the feral moment against her front door, to the proposition he brings her that will set them all on a new path of heavy emotions, painful revists of the past, secrets they want to keep buried, and the realization that even though contractual agreements are made, what do they really want them to mean in the end. Because the dynamic has quickly become far more than anyone agreed upon signing.

Colin is a tortured soul who truly carries the energy of a man who feels the weight of his past sins and is at the point where he can no longer carry them. Then he comes across Olivia, and everything changes. Olivia is also a withering vine who lives fully to supply the needs for her older sister, a single mother to a sick little girl that has no one but her Aunt to truly rely on as medical bills stack up without pause. Olivia is a work machine that is struggling more and more by the day working herself to the bone to provide for the two people she loves most, but is reaching a point where not only is she mentally reaching her breaking point, but her body is in similar condition. Moonlighting at the cost of her morals dealing out pain to others has put her in a head space that she is truly struggling with, but needs the money for her niece too badly to even remotely consider quiting. It's a perfect storm of two people that are truly at the ends of their ropes, and if something doesn't give, the outcome of their pain will have grave consequences.

When Olivia and Colin collide, it's an interesting power struggle. Colin is clearly a very established older business man who carries full control of all things, alongside billions of dollars, while Olivia is a young woman faking more of the control over her life than she truly carries and is desperate for a break that she knows she can not take. To allow someone to take control makes ger feel weak, and her strength is all she has left at this point. These two both are desperately struggling in their mental and personal lives. They both have people who love them dearly, but the weight of their life traumas alongside so much inner turmoil truly turns them both into the perfect balance for one another. Finding and accepting that balance with each other is another story. Agreements are made. Contracts are signed. And two people are now tied together for years to come.

The tension in this book is so heavily entertaining. As Colin starts to understand Olivia's way of function, he can't help but realize she is more of his counterpoint than he originally realized, but past fears have him struggling with full commitment to his new sub. And for Olivia, her desperation to provide for her sister and niece supersede all else. Her choices will always reflect on them first, and she will do anything to make sure they are secure. But the past choices of her desperation are slowly sneaking up on her, and are starting to matter more now than ever as she is terrified that the more she lets go through her subspace, the more Colin will own her heart, but the fear of that connection being severed at the end of their contact has her lost in mental turmoil and shutting him out in the areas he craves most.

This book was so good! It was such a perfect balance of laying out so much story building that I know will really carry through to book 2. The character dynamics and identities have been building seamlessly as we navigate the situation, and everyone plays a part. Including Oliva's older sister and Colin's best friend Jonathan. We have multiple situations all pushing around in a new family dynamic as the two sisters are learning to accept that these two men are heavily falling for them and want to take care of them, but the urge that it's too good to be true weighs heavily on Olivia, causing her to keep her walls up and that causes a lot of strain. Secrets being kept and past choices sneaking up to wreak havoc on the ability to heal within the new relationship forming is becoming a lot to carry for everyone, and this book ends on a huge cliff hanger Gut-wrenching cliff hanger.

The spice in this plot, much like all SK Presley books, is so well done. Due to the dynamic, the intimacy and spice carry a huge part in this story between Olivia and Colin, but it overshadows nothing. It is balanced within our building relationship in a realistic way, but when it hits, it hits!! Again, the dialog between our main characters, especially Colin, has me happily pleased. He tells this girl exactly what he needs and wants her to do the same, but she's a hard nut to crack as she is still learning what exactly it is that she likes due to no experience prior to signing her body away to him, even alongside her interesting past works. The closet scene!!!! The scene in front of her door!!! It's all so good and so hot! SK really knows her spice.

I am so enthralled by this story, and it's dynamic, and I am beyond ready to dive headfirst into book 2!!!

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. Let me begin with a warning to the author: this review will not be kind.

First and foremost, I need to address the grammar and spelling errors that saturated this book.

It wasn’t just a couple here and there—they were everywhere and glaringly obvious. Obnoxiously obvious. It’s as if the author wrote this while drunk and published the very first draft without ever proofreading or editing it.

I asked myself, “Did she even read this as she was writing it?” many times. Not just because of the number of errors, but also due to the sheer amnesia that occurred from paragraph to paragraph. It’s as if the author forgot what she had just written and repeated it.

Example:
“He put her on speaker while he jiggled the screen awake…”
Six sentences later:
“It’s no bother at all. Send me your location really quick,” he said, putting her on speaker and pulling up a luxury website for bedsheets.”

Side note: What’s with the random bed sheet shopping while he’s on the phone with her sister, trying to figure out if she’s lost? (I’ll get to this more later…)

Another example: In one paragraph, she’s “buying a cheap cup of tea,” and literally in the next, she’s “paying for her coffee.” Which is it?

There are more—many more—but I don’t need this review to be unnecessarily long and excruciating, much like this book.

For a novel bogged down with excessive detail that added nothing to the story—just empty filler where the author seemed more interested in flexing their so-called writing skills than actually telling a compelling narrative—one would think these slip-ups wouldn’t happen, or at the very least, would have been caught in editing.

The unnecessary detail felt like the author was trying to prove they could write, but all it did was highlight that they couldn’t.

Character development and plot fared no better. A lackluster plot I can forgive, but a poorly written and thought-out one? I cannot.

The MMC is supposedly a 38-year-old suave billionaire who says “bro” and “dawg” and does “billionaire man fun.” The constant attempts to emphasize his wealth were cringe-worthy. We get it—he’s rich. It was unbearably oversold.

A self-proclaimed sadist, and the worst he did was missionary and biting? Apparently, he was “holding back,” but my guess is that the author isn’t fully aware of what a true sadist is, as the MMC cared about emotions entirely too much.

The MFC and SFC were messily written and all over the place, and the “dark secret” the MFC had was weak at best.

I’ve read my fair share of smut and dark fantasy novels (though I’m not entirely convinced this book fits into either of those categories), and I understand they’re often over the top with unrealistic situations—seeing as they are fiction. Many have made me roll my eyes or mutter “oh, brother” at their ridiculousness; however, this book was straight-up cringe due to how amateur and immature it was.

The “bros.” The “mamas.” The overuse of italicizing the wrong words.

I only finished this book out of pure spite and to ensure I was fair when leaving a review.

I’m also leaving this review because the number of five-star ratings makes me suspect they were either bought or left by friends and family to hype up the book, which I find unfair and deceptive.

To those who truly enjoyed this book—I suppose what they say about ignorance is true, then.

To those who still wish to read it and see for yourselves—I wish you the best.