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Good Hurt: A Dark College Romance
He’s her older brother’s best friend. He’ll ruin her. She’ll let him.
In Good Hurt—the first book of the Good Hurt Series—forbidden desire collides with obsession. When a broken yet determined girl falls for her older brother’s dangerously possessive best friend, neither comes out unscathed. This is a dark college romance with an alpha male antihero, crush-turned-obsession tension, and touch-her-and-die energy that lingers long after the last page.
Addison Blaise is an addict, but not in the way you might think.
In two months, Addison will leave her sick mother behind, fly across the country, and pretend to be a normal college freshman.
Her parents and older brother went to Harvard; now it’s her turn. Go to Harvard, major in BioChem, become a world-renowned researcher, cure cancer… It was her dream. But that was three years ago, before the incident and before pain, anxiety, and fear ripped her mind apart. Now, faced with the reality of living on her own, thousands of miles away from the safety of her home, that dream is terrifying.
No, Addison certainly didn’t need any more pain, but that didn’t stop her from wanting it all the same. She didn’t ask to fall for him, but something about her older brother’s friend, Asher Aves, was impossible to resist. Was it lust? Was it love? When would enough be enough?
Try as she might to stop herself, when the hurt is this good, it’s never enough.
In Good Hurt—the first book of the Good Hurt Series—forbidden desire collides with obsession. When a broken yet determined girl falls for her older brother’s dangerously possessive best friend, neither comes out unscathed. This is a dark college romance with an alpha male antihero, crush-turned-obsession tension, and touch-her-and-die energy that lingers long after the last page.
Addison Blaise is an addict, but not in the way you might think.
In two months, Addison will leave her sick mother behind, fly across the country, and pretend to be a normal college freshman.
Her parents and older brother went to Harvard; now it’s her turn. Go to Harvard, major in BioChem, become a world-renowned researcher, cure cancer… It was her dream. But that was three years ago, before the incident and before pain, anxiety, and fear ripped her mind apart. Now, faced with the reality of living on her own, thousands of miles away from the safety of her home, that dream is terrifying.
No, Addison certainly didn’t need any more pain, but that didn’t stop her from wanting it all the same. She didn’t ask to fall for him, but something about her older brother’s friend, Asher Aves, was impossible to resist. Was it lust? Was it love? When would enough be enough?
Try as she might to stop herself, when the hurt is this good, it’s never enough.
- GenresAmazonDark Romance
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2024
32 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Summer Robert
6 books20 followersSummer Robert is a recovering corporate girlie turned weaver of angsty, dark romance stories that are as suspenseful as they are salacious. She’s known for writing twisted and often emotionally devastating love stories with unhinged spice and gut-wrenching cliffhangers. Summer loves a good Easter egg written between the pages as much as she loves surviving off of caffeine and vibes. A fun fact about Summer is that she is a hoarder and self-proclaimed connoisseur of perfume and spends more time than she should debating what perfume her unapologetically strong FMCs wear (because your girl loves an innuendo). Most importantly, she's a mom of two small humans and one small, vicious, and spiteful yorkipoo. Summer currently resides in Los Angeles, and although she is originally a native Ohioan from a shockingly small farm town, she will forever call LA her home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 19, 2025
I don't even know how to explain how much I loved this book. I felt all the emotions and anxiety. It was everything I love. Trauma, PTSD, protective morally Grey MMC, smart FMC, tension so much tension, yearning and pining. The story is fast paced and I love the writing style from the author. The ending was brutal and I have to pick on the second book right now. It's the first book in a trilogy and it's a finished series🎉🥳.
So about the story. The story is about Addison who is going to Harvard. She has severe past trauma and is trying to life with the consequences. Than you have Asher a.k.a your next new bookfriend. Brothers best friend, also past trauma, morally grey and deeply in love with Addison. Addison's brother is graduating Harvard so Asher finally decides to show Addison how he feels about her. But it turns out to be a bumby road for both...
📚 Dark college romance
📚 Angsty and yearning and pining
📚 Past trauma
📚 PTSD/panick attacks
📚 Spice
📚 Brothers best friend
Favorite quotes📖⬇️
"You want to tell me why my sisters's room smells like you? Smells like me? I feign. That's a strange thing to say."
"I'm thinking if I had my way, Addison, you'd be my first, last, and only meal for the rest of my life."
"I NEEDED YOU, AND YOU WEREN'T THERE."
"There’s only alcohol and drugs and numbness, and I don't know if I'll ever find myself again."
So about the story. The story is about Addison who is going to Harvard. She has severe past trauma and is trying to life with the consequences. Than you have Asher a.k.a your next new bookfriend. Brothers best friend, also past trauma, morally grey and deeply in love with Addison. Addison's brother is graduating Harvard so Asher finally decides to show Addison how he feels about her. But it turns out to be a bumby road for both...
📚 Dark college romance
📚 Angsty and yearning and pining
📚 Past trauma
📚 PTSD/panick attacks
📚 Spice
📚 Brothers best friend
Favorite quotes📖⬇️
"You want to tell me why my sisters's room smells like you? Smells like me? I feign. That's a strange thing to say."
"I'm thinking if I had my way, Addison, you'd be my first, last, and only meal for the rest of my life."
"I NEEDED YOU, AND YOU WEREN'T THERE."
"There’s only alcohol and drugs and numbness, and I don't know if I'll ever find myself again."
March 12, 2026
oh my god this was horrible, pretty much skim read the last couple of chapters
asher MANCHILD aves is the absolute opposite of what i expected. the tropes seemed so incredibly promising but he did disappoint. he fucks her without a condom after she explicitly tells him not to, NOT ONCE BUT TWICE, cheats on her with a girl in a random club After they got serious, and then acts like SHEEE betrayed him by ghosting him for two months.
exhibit a: “I had been so fixated on him, I didn’t see the platinum blonde standing by his side. As I watch, she turns into him like she’s going to… My eyes go wide. …kiss him. No, not kiss him, fucking making out with him. And he’s not pushing her away! He’s kissing her back.”
exhibit b: “You left me,” he snarls through clenched teeth.
“You were my only tether to life, Addison, and you ABANDONED ME. I’ve spent every waking hour since you left me wishing I was FUCKING DEAD, and the only reason I’m not, the only reason I’m still walking this earth, is because I made a promise to you. When you gave me the greatest gift I’ve ever received in my life, I promised you I would keep you safe and I will never, as long as I’m capable of breathing, break that promise.”
exhibit c: “Are you okay?” I ask, and she looks like she’s going to cry. “You didn’t use a condom,” she whispers. That’s an issue? “I’m sorry,” I say, although I don’t really understand. She said she has an IUD and, I’ve been inside her at least three dozen times already. It feels right. “Did you not like the feeling of it?” I ask. Her distressed reaction to my sperm inside her disappoints me more than it should. “I wasn’t ready.” “Okay,” I say, trying to keep the derision out of my tone. “I don’t have STDs if that’s what you’re concerned about.” “It’s more than that,” she says. I want to press further but it occurs to me she’s still half-naked in my backseat, and I’m still sitting here with my dick out.
“It won’t happen again,” I say apologetically. “Not until you’re ready.”
this was chapter 23. and THIS, is chapter 43
“What’s wrong, baby?” I plead. I’m lying next to her, half on top of her thanks to this miniscule-sized bed, watching what I think is a civil war unfold in her head.
She blinks her eyes open.
“You didn’t use a condom again,” she whispers.
“I thought we were past that,” I say. And earnestly, I did. We had talked about it, I had taken a full STD panel test, there were thankfully none, and I figured we were ready for this.
“I’m not past that,” she answers.”
theres so much more but icba to scroll through that book again. now, onto Ethan. ethan is our fmcs brother, and i absolutely despised him. the author tried to write an overprotective older brother but what she really wrote is an annoying dick with no personality who has only one interest and that is to berate his sister 24/7. addison is 18/19, she is a grown woman who gets treated like a child. shes incredibly intelligent, yet ethan treats her dreams as odd and annoying.
oh and also, i HATED the format of this book. why was there caps every fucking chapter??? like 4 words on every page were capitalised, was that needed? most chapters were like 2-3 pages long. What are we doing????
asher was hot at the start but he quickly showed his true self i have nothing else to say besides dont read this
asher MANCHILD aves is the absolute opposite of what i expected. the tropes seemed so incredibly promising but he did disappoint. he fucks her without a condom after she explicitly tells him not to, NOT ONCE BUT TWICE, cheats on her with a girl in a random club After they got serious, and then acts like SHEEE betrayed him by ghosting him for two months.
exhibit a: “I had been so fixated on him, I didn’t see the platinum blonde standing by his side. As I watch, she turns into him like she’s going to… My eyes go wide. …kiss him. No, not kiss him, fucking making out with him. And he’s not pushing her away! He’s kissing her back.”
exhibit b: “You left me,” he snarls through clenched teeth.
“You were my only tether to life, Addison, and you ABANDONED ME. I’ve spent every waking hour since you left me wishing I was FUCKING DEAD, and the only reason I’m not, the only reason I’m still walking this earth, is because I made a promise to you. When you gave me the greatest gift I’ve ever received in my life, I promised you I would keep you safe and I will never, as long as I’m capable of breathing, break that promise.”
exhibit c: “Are you okay?” I ask, and she looks like she’s going to cry. “You didn’t use a condom,” she whispers. That’s an issue? “I’m sorry,” I say, although I don’t really understand. She said she has an IUD and, I’ve been inside her at least three dozen times already. It feels right. “Did you not like the feeling of it?” I ask. Her distressed reaction to my sperm inside her disappoints me more than it should. “I wasn’t ready.” “Okay,” I say, trying to keep the derision out of my tone. “I don’t have STDs if that’s what you’re concerned about.” “It’s more than that,” she says. I want to press further but it occurs to me she’s still half-naked in my backseat, and I’m still sitting here with my dick out.
“It won’t happen again,” I say apologetically. “Not until you’re ready.”
this was chapter 23. and THIS, is chapter 43
“What’s wrong, baby?” I plead. I’m lying next to her, half on top of her thanks to this miniscule-sized bed, watching what I think is a civil war unfold in her head.
She blinks her eyes open.
“You didn’t use a condom again,” she whispers.
“I thought we were past that,” I say. And earnestly, I did. We had talked about it, I had taken a full STD panel test, there were thankfully none, and I figured we were ready for this.
“I’m not past that,” she answers.”
theres so much more but icba to scroll through that book again. now, onto Ethan. ethan is our fmcs brother, and i absolutely despised him. the author tried to write an overprotective older brother but what she really wrote is an annoying dick with no personality who has only one interest and that is to berate his sister 24/7. addison is 18/19, she is a grown woman who gets treated like a child. shes incredibly intelligent, yet ethan treats her dreams as odd and annoying.
oh and also, i HATED the format of this book. why was there caps every fucking chapter??? like 4 words on every page were capitalised, was that needed? most chapters were like 2-3 pages long. What are we doing????
asher was hot at the start but he quickly showed his true self i have nothing else to say besides dont read this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
"𝑰'𝒎 𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆."
Special thanks to @hawthornandaster & @summerrobertwrites for the #gifted eARC.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not peel my eyes away. I binged this in one sitting, which isn't unheard of for me but being under 300 pages, how could you not? Its so fast paced and intriguing, i fell in love with the dual POVs. Although I don't really know how I feel about Asher, I feel every emotion Addison goes through on a cellular level. Her hurt, her lust. Its utterly captivating.
Im beyond ready for book 2, I mean what a cliff hanger! I IMMEDIATELY downloaded the next 2 books because I have to see if this pans out or blows up!
*check trigger warnings ⚠️*
𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Nov 7, 2024
ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️How is your pain tolerance?
.
.
.
#darkromance #darkcollegeromance #darkacademiaromance #summer Robert #Hawthorneandaster #hawthorneandasheterpartner #partner
.
Special thanks to @hawthornandaster & @summerrobertwrites for the #gifted eARC.
➡️ swipe for synopsis 👉🏼
𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could not peel my eyes away. I binged this in one sitting, which isn't unheard of for me but being under 300 pages, how could you not? Its so fast paced and intriguing, i fell in love with the dual POVs. Although I don't really know how I feel about Asher, I feel every emotion Addison goes through on a cellular level. Her hurt, her lust. Its utterly captivating.
Im beyond ready for book 2, I mean what a cliff hanger! I IMMEDIATELY downloaded the next 2 books because I have to see if this pans out or blows up!
*check trigger warnings ⚠️*
𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Nov 7, 2024
ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️How is your pain tolerance?
.
.
.
#darkromance #darkcollegeromance #darkacademiaromance #summer Robert #Hawthorneandaster #hawthorneandasheterpartner #partner
.
October 5, 2025
Umm what?
I read this as an ARC reader, and I am grateful for the opportunity, but this was rough. I would truly rate it a 2.5.
I read a decent amount of dark romance, possessive, alpha, whatever, but this is something else. I don't think I've ever read a book where I dislike both main characters equally. Addison is the definition of wtf are you thinking and Asher is an asshole, like full stop. There are fleeting moments of thinking it will turn around, but no such luck.
I wouldn't even call this dark, it's basically rage bait. The only reason I would continue to read is to see if the bait was intentional and it gets better or stays this way. Truly read like an 18 year old girl who lacks maturity wrote it.
I'm sorry, this is harsh, but I basically spent the whole time reading this thinking WTF is wrong with these people. The side characters are the only ones with sense.
I read this as an ARC reader, and I am grateful for the opportunity, but this was rough. I would truly rate it a 2.5.
I read a decent amount of dark romance, possessive, alpha, whatever, but this is something else. I don't think I've ever read a book where I dislike both main characters equally. Addison is the definition of wtf are you thinking and Asher is an asshole, like full stop. There are fleeting moments of thinking it will turn around, but no such luck.
I wouldn't even call this dark, it's basically rage bait. The only reason I would continue to read is to see if the bait was intentional and it gets better or stays this way. Truly read like an 18 year old girl who lacks maturity wrote it.
I'm sorry, this is harsh, but I basically spent the whole time reading this thinking WTF is wrong with these people. The side characters are the only ones with sense.
September 28, 2025
I was picked to read this by Hawthorne and Aster. I loved, loved loved this book. I read it in two days and can’t wait for the next book. I felt every emotion Addison was feeling. The anger her brother is constantly giving her. The up and down of her relationship with Asher. The words made you really feel the love, sadness and hurt. This is a great read that I highly recommend.
College Romance
🌶️🌶️🌶️
College Romance
🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 5, 2025
I don't quite know how to review Good Hurt: A Dark College Romance by Summer Robert. I give it 3.5 stars ⭐ easily, though depending on your reading style others might score it higher. If you liked reading and growing with the tortured souls in Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann but preferred the fast pace and easy writing style in Wicked Heir by Mila Kane, then this is a good choice for you.
A few thoughts ( positive ✅ and negative ❌ )...
I wish it was a completed standalone rather than part of a trilogy. I don't know how much more nonsensical push-pull I can take between the two MCs. It didn't seem necessary to me. Yet, I also know that both Asher and Addison still have a lot of growing up to do and they need the space and time to do so.
What I thought would be a big mental health rep type of book (especially given Addison's panic attacks and PTSD), 💔 it's really more of a New Adult / College coming-of-age story, the transition into adulthood and the challenges that come with past hang-ups, hook-ups, and make-ups. Addison's family is the textbook definition of a helicopter family, constantly babying her and thinking she'll break at the first sign of trauma. I appreciate Asher for brining her personality and spark for life back to the forefront. She needed someone to steer her back from the brink multiple times.
However, I CANNOT FORGIVE ASHER for being an absolute dickwad at the end. 😡 Was the statement, "I need to do this without you so I can be a better me and succeed for our future" really necessary? NO! ABOSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT! 👎 Now he's just confirmed every playboy statement that Addison's brother and best friends ever said about him. Not the best way to drop your girlfriend off at the airport. 🤦♀️
Will I read the sequel? Possibly. I loved Addison's growth into her own person, but she still has a long way to go. It's a very slow-moving type of growth. It's a 🌶️ more-smut-less-deep-plot 🌶️ sort of read.
Overall, quick pace, quick read, but leaves you feeling unfulfilled. 📚 Might need to binge-read all three books in the series to fully enjoy it.
A few thoughts ( positive ✅ and negative ❌ )...
I wish it was a completed standalone rather than part of a trilogy. I don't know how much more nonsensical push-pull I can take between the two MCs. It didn't seem necessary to me. Yet, I also know that both Asher and Addison still have a lot of growing up to do and they need the space and time to do so.
What I thought would be a big mental health rep type of book (especially given Addison's panic attacks and PTSD), 💔 it's really more of a New Adult / College coming-of-age story, the transition into adulthood and the challenges that come with past hang-ups, hook-ups, and make-ups. Addison's family is the textbook definition of a helicopter family, constantly babying her and thinking she'll break at the first sign of trauma. I appreciate Asher for brining her personality and spark for life back to the forefront. She needed someone to steer her back from the brink multiple times.
However, I CANNOT FORGIVE ASHER for being an absolute dickwad at the end. 😡 Was the statement, "I need to do this without you so I can be a better me and succeed for our future" really necessary? NO! ABOSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT! 👎 Now he's just confirmed every playboy statement that Addison's brother and best friends ever said about him. Not the best way to drop your girlfriend off at the airport. 🤦♀️
Will I read the sequel? Possibly. I loved Addison's growth into her own person, but she still has a long way to go. It's a very slow-moving type of growth. It's a 🌶️ more-smut-less-deep-plot 🌶️ sort of read.
Overall, quick pace, quick read, but leaves you feeling unfulfilled. 📚 Might need to binge-read all three books in the series to fully enjoy it.
September 29, 2025
A partial story with no clear theme and superficial feelings for the characters
This book accurately captures college life and the fierce, tumultuous emotions that love wrenches from students. As in real life, the main characters don’t have the staying power that iconic heroes and heroines have—they cheat, they bow under pressure, and they break promises.
But a few things very much distracted me as I read—notably the fact that some of the text is written in the past tense and some in the present. Many words were misused, there were numerous typos, and a lot of misspellings. It was frustrating not knowing who was speaking because the author didn’t block quotes and assign a paragraph to each speaker, and she didn’t use attributions much. Two other problems arose for me as I read—the fact that the title has no bearing on the contents of the book. Only in one sex scene (the final) did we get a reference to hurting good, but that doesn’t seem to be a theme in the overall story. And when I finished the book, it felt far from being a complete book. It felt like the first few chapters of a book that needed more fleshing out. There was no clear character arc for the MCs, and the story arc felt partial at best.
Asher’s character needs much more fleshing out, as he only has a few short chapters in his point of view. It was difficult to admire him, as he really didn’t distinguish himself from the vast majority of frat guys who use coke, drink too much, treat people like sh*t, and think only of themselves. No really deep feelings where shared or bared by Asher and Addison with each other—they played too many games without ever leaving themselves vulnerable. For instance, we’ll never really know what made Asher decide to act as he did in the penultimate chapter, because the book doesn’t delve deeply into his feelings. We also don’t know when or how either Asher or Addison fell in love, as the book skips over that very important development.
I see the callous, angry Asher making the same mistakes over and over, and I see Addison lapsing back into her panic attacks as soon as she no longer has him in her life. But I’m not particularly tempted to read on after this book.
This book accurately captures college life and the fierce, tumultuous emotions that love wrenches from students. As in real life, the main characters don’t have the staying power that iconic heroes and heroines have—they cheat, they bow under pressure, and they break promises.
But a few things very much distracted me as I read—notably the fact that some of the text is written in the past tense and some in the present. Many words were misused, there were numerous typos, and a lot of misspellings. It was frustrating not knowing who was speaking because the author didn’t block quotes and assign a paragraph to each speaker, and she didn’t use attributions much. Two other problems arose for me as I read—the fact that the title has no bearing on the contents of the book. Only in one sex scene (the final) did we get a reference to hurting good, but that doesn’t seem to be a theme in the overall story. And when I finished the book, it felt far from being a complete book. It felt like the first few chapters of a book that needed more fleshing out. There was no clear character arc for the MCs, and the story arc felt partial at best.
Asher’s character needs much more fleshing out, as he only has a few short chapters in his point of view. It was difficult to admire him, as he really didn’t distinguish himself from the vast majority of frat guys who use coke, drink too much, treat people like sh*t, and think only of themselves. No really deep feelings where shared or bared by Asher and Addison with each other—they played too many games without ever leaving themselves vulnerable. For instance, we’ll never really know what made Asher decide to act as he did in the penultimate chapter, because the book doesn’t delve deeply into his feelings. We also don’t know when or how either Asher or Addison fell in love, as the book skips over that very important development.
I see the callous, angry Asher making the same mistakes over and over, and I see Addison lapsing back into her panic attacks as soon as she no longer has him in her life. But I’m not particularly tempted to read on after this book.
September 29, 2025
💀 Tropes you’ll devour:
👀 Older Brother’s Best Friend
🚫 Forbidden Love
💪 Alpha Male
❤️🔥 Crush Turned Obsession
🖤 Morally Grey, Possessive Anti-Hero
🔪 Touch Her and Die
💔 They Heal Each Other
Pure dysfunction but I ate it up 😝
Asher and Addison are two of the most dysfunctional ppl I have ever seen. This is the literal epitome of closeted trauma. I read all three books because the way book 1 ended come on - there was no way I couldn’t read the 2nd and 3rd book. Let’s discuss triggers
Discussion of family member with serious illness leading to death
Attempted sexual assault
Pain play ( book 2 and3)
Ok so one of my favorite tropes is brothers best friend 🤷🏾♀️. Asher has a crush on his best friends sister but he’s never acted on it because he didn’t think he had a chance until one summer she kisses him. After that he’s never letting go. Now there is a hell of a lot that happens in between but I was hooked. And just so you know, Asher is hella morally grey but the best ones are. He most definitely has faults and there are several times when you want to be so mad at him but also you root for them both to get their sh** together. This review is based on all three books- I read them back to back. Despite Addison breaking up with him on multiple occasions, Asher always has her as his end game. When he told her brother that his dream job would be a stay at home dad to their children- I almost died. Despite them both being flawed (Addison was kinda whiny sometimes) I absolutely could not put these books down.
Thank you Hawthorn and Ash for opportunity to be in this ARC team. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
👀 Older Brother’s Best Friend
🚫 Forbidden Love
💪 Alpha Male
❤️🔥 Crush Turned Obsession
🖤 Morally Grey, Possessive Anti-Hero
🔪 Touch Her and Die
💔 They Heal Each Other
Pure dysfunction but I ate it up 😝
Asher and Addison are two of the most dysfunctional ppl I have ever seen. This is the literal epitome of closeted trauma. I read all three books because the way book 1 ended come on - there was no way I couldn’t read the 2nd and 3rd book. Let’s discuss triggers
Discussion of family member with serious illness leading to death
Attempted sexual assault
Pain play ( book 2 and3)
Ok so one of my favorite tropes is brothers best friend 🤷🏾♀️. Asher has a crush on his best friends sister but he’s never acted on it because he didn’t think he had a chance until one summer she kisses him. After that he’s never letting go. Now there is a hell of a lot that happens in between but I was hooked. And just so you know, Asher is hella morally grey but the best ones are. He most definitely has faults and there are several times when you want to be so mad at him but also you root for them both to get their sh** together. This review is based on all three books- I read them back to back. Despite Addison breaking up with him on multiple occasions, Asher always has her as his end game. When he told her brother that his dream job would be a stay at home dad to their children- I almost died. Despite them both being flawed (Addison was kinda whiny sometimes) I absolutely could not put these books down.
Thank you Hawthorn and Ash for opportunity to be in this ARC team. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Addison, a traumatized Harvard college freshman falls for her older brother’s friend, Asher. Her brother, Ethan, has made it clear to his friends that Addison is off limits but Asher doesn’t care. He has loved her for years and when he finally has the chance to be with her he takes it!
Cue the emotional rollercoaster ride that is Addison and Asher’s love story! He is terrified of loving her because everyone always leaves him. Their relationship is definitely toxic but that is what makes this book sooo good! The touch her and die trope is definitely strong in this book. Asher sees red anytime he sees any other guy flirt with her or show her any attention. Addison knows what she wants and also can easily put Asher in his place when he deserves it. There were times in the book that I really wish I could hurt Asher. He begged Addison for a second chance and in the end he didn’t deserve it at all!
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book and I don’t regret it! Of course it ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to continue reading the rest of the books in the series to find out what happens between Addison and Asher.
Favorite quote: I love worshipping every inch of your body. But a physical relationship is not all I want from you. It’s not enough for me. I want to crawl in bed next to you so I can hold you in my arms and feel your heartbeat. I want to see your eyes light up when you talk about whatever you were dissecting in class that day. I want to see the dimple you have on the right side of your mouth appear when you laugh at my bad jokes. I want to know you. All of you.
Thank you to Summer Robert and Hawthorn & Aster for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. All thoughts are my own.
Cue the emotional rollercoaster ride that is Addison and Asher’s love story! He is terrified of loving her because everyone always leaves him. Their relationship is definitely toxic but that is what makes this book sooo good! The touch her and die trope is definitely strong in this book. Asher sees red anytime he sees any other guy flirt with her or show her any attention. Addison knows what she wants and also can easily put Asher in his place when he deserves it. There were times in the book that I really wish I could hurt Asher. He begged Addison for a second chance and in the end he didn’t deserve it at all!
I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book and I don’t regret it! Of course it ends in a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to continue reading the rest of the books in the series to find out what happens between Addison and Asher.
Favorite quote: I love worshipping every inch of your body. But a physical relationship is not all I want from you. It’s not enough for me. I want to crawl in bed next to you so I can hold you in my arms and feel your heartbeat. I want to see your eyes light up when you talk about whatever you were dissecting in class that day. I want to see the dimple you have on the right side of your mouth appear when you laugh at my bad jokes. I want to know you. All of you.
Thank you to Summer Robert and Hawthorn & Aster for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. All thoughts are my own.
September 23, 2025
Thank you, Hawthorn & Aster, and Summer Robert, for the ARC! This dark college romance had me hooked from the first chapter. I love a brother’s best friend romance, but make him have all the red flags one should possess to the point that any rational girl would never give him a second or third chance. The relationship between Addison and Asher is a rollercoaster ride. Asher definitely has the “touch her you die” vibes, but who can blame him? Addison has been through so much already. He wants to keep her safe. Their relationship is one hundred percent toxic, but that is what makes this book sooo good! Addison knows what she wants and puts Asher in his place more than a few times in the book. I stayed up way too late to finish this book, and I don’t regret it! Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger! (Asher better watch his back.) I cannot wait to continue reading the rest of the books in the series to find out what happens between Addison and Asher. Summer did a great job encapsulating the feeling of what it feels like to be in college. I felt transported back in time. She developed the character's trauma and feelings well, also. She sheds light on harder topics such as PTSD, mental health, anxiety, panic attacks, abandonment, and more. I hope the other books in the series keep this same pattern and dive even deeper.
September 30, 2025
I usually like dark romance books, but unfortunately this one couldn't hold my interest. I didn't like either the MMC, Asher, nor the FMC, Addison, so it was a struggle to root for either of them or for their relationship. I found myself siding with Addison's friend Anjali more often than not, because she didn't like Asher.
Addison and Asher's (many) arguments are full of ALL CAPS which became grating to read. We can understand that they are yelling without it.
Also, major TW for s*xul battery - there is a scene towards the end where we get this upsetting interaction of non-con ins*mination: (Addison is visibly upset after they have s*x) Asher -"What's wrong, baby?" Addison - "You didn't use a condom again." And then she is sore afterward and in response he tells her it's essentially her fault because she wanted it. The actual quote is "Aww baby, I'm sorry, but you wanted it so badly last night."
Also, just a note that this ends on a cliffhanger (hence the "Book 1"). I will not be reading Book 2.
Thank you to Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team. I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Addison and Asher's (many) arguments are full of ALL CAPS which became grating to read. We can understand that they are yelling without it.
Also, major TW for s*xul battery - there is a scene towards the end where we get this upsetting interaction of non-con ins*mination: (Addison is visibly upset after they have s*x) Asher -"What's wrong, baby?" Addison - "You didn't use a condom again." And then she is sore afterward and in response he tells her it's essentially her fault because she wanted it. The actual quote is "Aww baby, I'm sorry, but you wanted it so badly last night."
Also, just a note that this ends on a cliffhanger (hence the "Book 1"). I will not be reading Book 2.
Thank you to Hawthorn & Aster for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team. I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2025
Thank you to the Author and Hawthorne & Aster for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book in one sitting, I could not put it down. It was so deliciously toxic and everything that I now know, as a 41 year old, that a relationship should not be. Still- I couldn't stop reading it. The dramatic high-school and college age relationship drama, a high stress major, strained family dynamics- all so relatable. This would have been a bit more relatable if they weren't both from affluent families, but it does add a different element to the story.
I was punching ny fist in the air wirh excitement when Asher and Addison seemed to finally have gotten it together, only for Asher to say what he did on the drive to the airport in NYC. I was gutted and immediately seeking out the next book. Thats how you know that Summer Robert has got something here. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
I read this book in one sitting, I could not put it down. It was so deliciously toxic and everything that I now know, as a 41 year old, that a relationship should not be. Still- I couldn't stop reading it. The dramatic high-school and college age relationship drama, a high stress major, strained family dynamics- all so relatable. This would have been a bit more relatable if they weren't both from affluent families, but it does add a different element to the story.
I was punching ny fist in the air wirh excitement when Asher and Addison seemed to finally have gotten it together, only for Asher to say what he did on the drive to the airport in NYC. I was gutted and immediately seeking out the next book. Thats how you know that Summer Robert has got something here. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
September 8, 2025
Holy cow.... where to start. This book was recommended to me by a close friend of mine. New book, new author, I had never heard it before. I don't know if I will ever be the same! Asher and Addison come together, and it's literally a game of back and forth for a lot of the book. Which I usually struggle with because I'm always in a rush for that insta-love thing. However, the only real thing i wish we would have gotten more info about would be the big "thing" that happened. While there was a lot of info given, I am one of those readers that needs all the backstory lol If you like dark...this one will be what you're looking for.
I am fixing to start book 2 because this cliffhanger ending tore me up and spit me out. It hurt so good! lol I have literally already recommended it to a few people!
I am fixing to start book 2 because this cliffhanger ending tore me up and spit me out. It hurt so good! lol I have literally already recommended it to a few people!
September 29, 2025
I'm torn about Good Hurt. I want to love Asher. I really do. But there's just some things about him that just rubs me the wrong way.
Addison has experienced a traumatic event in her life at a younger age. She has healed and moved on, but still struggles with it from time to time. Asher is her brother's best friend. Once they connected, I knew it was going to be good. The tension, the chemistry, the banter.... it was there. But then, Asher would do something questionable and didn't see why it was questionable. I also think that Addison could have just maybe avoided a lot of what's happening by having a deep, meaningful conversation with him. But then, we wouldn't have such a good plot to follow.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. This one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and I need to know!!! This story will leave you wanting more.. and thankfully, there is more!!!
Addison has experienced a traumatic event in her life at a younger age. She has healed and moved on, but still struggles with it from time to time. Asher is her brother's best friend. Once they connected, I knew it was going to be good. The tension, the chemistry, the banter.... it was there. But then, Asher would do something questionable and didn't see why it was questionable. I also think that Addison could have just maybe avoided a lot of what's happening by having a deep, meaningful conversation with him. But then, we wouldn't have such a good plot to follow.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. This one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and I need to know!!! This story will leave you wanting more.. and thankfully, there is more!!!
October 2, 2025
Whirlwind Romance
Thank you to the author and hawthorn and aster for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book took me on a whirlwind of emotion. Addison has been secretly crushing on Asher for years but never had the courage to act on her feelings—especially since he’s her brother’s friend. After being accepted into a prestigious program at Harvard, she’s determined to make the most of the opportunity, but past trauma and one dark-haired bad boy quickly complicate things.
Asher has been yearning for Addison for as long as he can remember, but he’s always held himself back because of his friendship with her brother. With his own demons to face, he struggles to keep himself together—even as he finds himself falling deeper into Addison.
Both leads are ambitious, hardworking, and wonderfully complex. They’re flawed in realistic ways, and I genuinely felt that they each had some growing to do before they could truly be ready for one another.
Overall, I enjoyed this entry in the series and can’t wait to follow more of their tumultuous journey.
Thank you to the author and hawthorn and aster for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book took me on a whirlwind of emotion. Addison has been secretly crushing on Asher for years but never had the courage to act on her feelings—especially since he’s her brother’s friend. After being accepted into a prestigious program at Harvard, she’s determined to make the most of the opportunity, but past trauma and one dark-haired bad boy quickly complicate things.
Asher has been yearning for Addison for as long as he can remember, but he’s always held himself back because of his friendship with her brother. With his own demons to face, he struggles to keep himself together—even as he finds himself falling deeper into Addison.
Both leads are ambitious, hardworking, and wonderfully complex. They’re flawed in realistic ways, and I genuinely felt that they each had some growing to do before they could truly be ready for one another.
Overall, I enjoyed this entry in the series and can’t wait to follow more of their tumultuous journey.
October 1, 2025
I was hooked from page one. It’s dark, emotional, and packed with the kind of tension that makes you want to scream at the characters while also hugging them. I felt everything anxiety, heartbreak, hope, all of it. The writing is fast-paced and easy to sink into, which made it one of those reads you just can’t put down.
What I loved most was the mix of angst and intensity. The characters aren’t perfect they’re messy, flawed, and carrying a lot but that’s what makes their story so addicting. It’s one of those romances that keeps your heart racing, because every scene is heavy with yearning and unspoken feelings. And just when you think you can breathe, the author hits you with an ending that leaves you needing the next book immediately.
What I loved most was the mix of angst and intensity. The characters aren’t perfect they’re messy, flawed, and carrying a lot but that’s what makes their story so addicting. It’s one of those romances that keeps your heart racing, because every scene is heavy with yearning and unspoken feelings. And just when you think you can breathe, the author hits you with an ending that leaves you needing the next book immediately.
August 22, 2025
Reading the book Good Hurt by Summer Roberts, felt like my chest was ripped open and my heart was being squeezed with the words on the pages. As I was reading book 1 in this series, I was pulled along with the Journey of Addison Blaise. She is a traumatized young woman who is looking for solace along with the challenges of the first year of college. As she embarks on her first year at Harvard, her older brothers long-term friend (Asher) tasks himself with protecting her. Our little FMC has a tendency of finding herself in sticky situations and it aggravates our morally grey anti-hero to no end! However, as we move along the story, we navigate difficult communications, reputations and decisions regarding their individual futures. I am immediately running to book 2 because what just happened??!
September 25, 2025
I devoured this book in one day!
The relationship between the FMC/MMC is captivating, humorous, and scary all at the same time. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and strangle the MMC...and...moments when you couldn't help but fall for him. I'm sure that the FMC felt the exact same way.
Let's talk about the end of the book - which made me want to throw my Kindle across the room. I'm definitely ready for book two and pleasantly surprised that both #2/#3 are available on Kindle Unlimited.
You'll find:
◾Older brother's best friend
◾Forbidden love
◾Alpha male
◾Crush turned obsession
◾They heal each other
The relationship between the FMC/MMC is captivating, humorous, and scary all at the same time. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and strangle the MMC...and...moments when you couldn't help but fall for him. I'm sure that the FMC felt the exact same way.
Let's talk about the end of the book - which made me want to throw my Kindle across the room. I'm definitely ready for book two and pleasantly surprised that both #2/#3 are available on Kindle Unlimited.
You'll find:
◾Older brother's best friend
◾Forbidden love
◾Alpha male
◾Crush turned obsession
◾They heal each other
September 29, 2025
Special thanks to @hawthornandaster & @summerrobertwrites for the #gifted eARC.
This dark college romance will have you hooked from the very beginning. This is a rollercoaster ride of a story. Brother’s Best Friend and little sister. Yep, what could go wrong there. Actually, I love the trope and this book did it justice. The FMC is traumatized by previous events. MFC has every red flag you can imagine. However, he has secretly loved her for years and wants to keep her safe. He’s very much touch her and die! This is 100% a toxic relationship. The story is well written and hard to put down. It does end on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
This dark college romance will have you hooked from the very beginning. This is a rollercoaster ride of a story. Brother’s Best Friend and little sister. Yep, what could go wrong there. Actually, I love the trope and this book did it justice. The FMC is traumatized by previous events. MFC has every red flag you can imagine. However, he has secretly loved her for years and wants to keep her safe. He’s very much touch her and die! This is 100% a toxic relationship. The story is well written and hard to put down. It does end on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
September 21, 2025
This book had me hooked from page one and never let go! The push-and-pull dynamic between Asher and Addison kept me on edge in the best way, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
What stood out most to me was the character growth. Addison’s journey with her anxiety and PTSD was written with such authenticity, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Asher’s unresolved struggles with his parents added so much depth to his character, and I’m hoping book two digs even deeper into that.
Overall, this story was gripping, emotional, and left me desperate for more. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
What stood out most to me was the character growth. Addison’s journey with her anxiety and PTSD was written with such authenticity, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Asher’s unresolved struggles with his parents added so much depth to his character, and I’m hoping book two digs even deeper into that.
Overall, this story was gripping, emotional, and left me desperate for more. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment!
September 22, 2025
I loved this book! The tension between the characters, the trauma, and the spice. I just wanted to say to Addison, "oh little sister, everything is going to be okay and you are going to get through his betrayal." And to Asher, "seriously, you messed up big, monumental!" This story had me feeling all the feelings. Their love affair was so relatable. I also loved how both characters were serious about their career goals.
I can't wait to finish this series! Thank you @summerrobertwrites and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for gifting me this ARC!
I can't wait to finish this series! Thank you @summerrobertwrites and @hawthorn.and.aster.services for gifting me this ARC!
October 4, 2025
The first half of this book was an easy 5 stars the tension, banter, and spice were absolutely incredible. I was hooked from the start and completely obsessed with the chemistry between the characters.
But the second half fell flat for me — 2 stars at best. I’m not a fan of the cheating trope, and while it “technically” wasn’t cheating, it still gave off those vibes. The emotional whiplash and gaslighting from Asher.
And that ending!!!!!! I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see how it all plays out.
But the second half fell flat for me — 2 stars at best. I’m not a fan of the cheating trope, and while it “technically” wasn’t cheating, it still gave off those vibes. The emotional whiplash and gaslighting from Asher.
And that ending!!!!!! I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see how it all plays out.
October 8, 2025
I received this as an ARC through Hawthorne &Aster and am leaving my voluntary positive review. omg. dark romance. college etc. let me begin by saying you will feel ALL the feels. Addison is in college she has PTSD. her brother is about to graduate and his bestfriend is coming clean about his feelings, sounds easy enough right? wrong the bumps along the road.. my oh my.. just be prepared for all the feels and all the yearning. the way this book is written I cannot wait to read book 2 and 3 its a complete series. ❤️
October 10, 2025
What a wild and emotional ride. Addison is in her way to college to fulfill her dreams, but so has changed in 3 years. She suffers from past trauma. And she finds herself attracted to her brothers best friend Asher. He too suffers from past trauma. The two of them together go through the motions. This book was filled with much hurt and pain, but you could feel their attraction and the love building between them. Let’s not forget hot hot and spicy was too. This story brings the two of them to a whole new level. I can’t wait to read the next cuz that cliffhanger just pushed me off the edge.
September 10, 2025
Wow okay first I had to instantly download book2 because of the ending! I read this in an afternoon, I was so engulfed in it! I absolutely love Addison and she is an amazing character who has gone through so much and just keeps going. Asher let’s just say I want to punch him in his face sometimes. Love to hate him. He has some really great qualities but he does need to be checked😂 I can’t wait to read book 2!
September 15, 2025
go read this book
I can not suggest this book enough. From the first page I was hooked into Addisons and Asher’s story. I love Addisons feisty attitude and voice when she finds it. She knows she has trauma but fights through all the hard parts. Asher is a walking talking red flag but with Addison he was a semi green flag. Asher’s love is both hard to get and even harder to understand. You end up both loving and hating him at the same time. I can’t wait to read book 2 and 3
I can not suggest this book enough. From the first page I was hooked into Addisons and Asher’s story. I love Addisons feisty attitude and voice when she finds it. She knows she has trauma but fights through all the hard parts. Asher is a walking talking red flag but with Addison he was a semi green flag. Asher’s love is both hard to get and even harder to understand. You end up both loving and hating him at the same time. I can’t wait to read book 2 and 3
September 18, 2025
I was so excited to receive this ARC from Hawthorn & Aster that I couldn’t wait to read! This book introduces us to Addison and Asher, and you will be ready to learn more after each page! This is the first book in a trilogy and ends very much on a cliff hanger! So if you want to keep your sanity like me, you will devour all three books over 2 days 💁♀️! This series reminds me of Gossip Girl in the best way! Asher gives Chuck Bass vibes while Addison is our Blair Waldorf. Im so happy I got introduced to Summer Robert’s writing and cannot wait for me by her! 5⭐️3🌶️
September 28, 2025
Wow this is a fast passed read and the first in a complete trilogy!
It’s a bumpy, trauma filled ride fir tree our mcs, they both carry a lot of past trauma and baggage with them into this relationship and it is not a straight forward, easy ride. But where would the fun be in a story like that? It’s emotional, engaging and will have you addicted fast. Go check out the complete trilogy now. It’s on KU!!
It’s a bumpy, trauma filled ride fir tree our mcs, they both carry a lot of past trauma and baggage with them into this relationship and it is not a straight forward, easy ride. But where would the fun be in a story like that? It’s emotional, engaging and will have you addicted fast. Go check out the complete trilogy now. It’s on KU!!
October 2, 2025
Asher and Addison
Come for the brother's best friend trope, stay for the heat. Asher and Addison are literally electric together. It takes a bit to finally get to each other, and even then, there are a lot of issues, struggles, and some minor toxicity.
This is part 1 of 3. While I'm eager to continue the story, I would not say this is a cliffhanger. (at least not an agonizing one)
Come for the brother's best friend trope, stay for the heat. Asher and Addison are literally electric together. It takes a bit to finally get to each other, and even then, there are a lot of issues, struggles, and some minor toxicity.
This is part 1 of 3. While I'm eager to continue the story, I would not say this is a cliffhanger. (at least not an agonizing one)
May 27, 2025
I can nit say enough good about this book. The characters are complex, they are dealing with their own trauma. I love the spice and the actual plot of the entire story. You get emotionally attached to the characters and by the end of the book it makes you want to immediately pick up the next one. It’s an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
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