This Won't Hurt

by E.L. Rae

Damian Gaines has worked the past few years to overcome a lifetime of trauma from his small hometown, and if it were up to him, he’d never return to Prairie, Michigan. But his father’s impending trial brings memories of his tumultuous past bubbling to the surface, threatening to unravel the fragile sense of normalcy he’s managed to build.

Upon returning, he seeks peace and safety in the arms of Kira Johnson, the girl who once played a pivotal role in saving his life. Their reunion, however, proves to be a complex dance of emotions, as he navigates the haunting echoes of the past.

Damian will need to find the strength to face his father’s trial, make peace with his scars, and freely love the girl he’s never stopped needing.

330 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

E.L. Rae is a writer from a small farm town in northern Illinois. When she's not writing, she is spending time with her family, chickens, rabbits, and three legged cat.

Reviews

[Megan Diehl Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me was a page turner. It gave and gave and gave some more. Then when I did not think it could give any more it expanded my heart like blowing air into a balloon. An extraordinarily beautiful debut novel!

[Delphine Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely surprised me in the best way. From the moment Damian Gaines steps back into Prairie, Michigan, the story grips you with a mix of tension, tenderness, and an undercurrent of unresolved pain that feels incredibly real. You can practically feel the weight he carries, the years of trauma layered beneath his attempts at a “normal” life, and the emotional minefield of returning to the place where everything shattered.

What I loved most was how the author handled Damian’s trauma. It isn’t sensationalized or glossed over. Instead, it’s woven into the narrative with honesty and compassion. His struggle to face his father’s impending trial is heartbreaking, and watching those old memories some vivid, some quietly crushing rise to the surface made the story feel deeply human.

And then there’s Kira.

Their reunion is one of my favorite elements of the book. It’s not some instant, perfect rekindling. It’s awkward, tender, hesitant… and so full of unspoken history. Kira isn’t just a love interest; she’s a grounding force, someone who once helped save Damian and now becomes a reminder of both what he survived and what he still deserves. The push-and-pull between them the longing, the guilt, the hope felt incredibly authentic.

The emotional pacing is spot-on. The author gives these characters room to breathe, to falter, to rebuild. Watching Damian try to reconcile his past with his present, all while learning to trust himself enough to love freely, is powerful and deeply satisfying.

This is a story about trauma, healing, coming home, and allowing yourself to choose joy even when your past tells you it’s safer to stay numb. It’s raw, heartfelt, and beautifully character-driven.

If you enjoy emotionally rich second-chance stories with real depth and characters who feel like actual people, this book is absolutely worth reading

[Claire Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, unforgettable journey of healing, love, and courage

Damian Gaines’ story doesn’t just tell, it lives. Every page pulses with the weight of a past that refuses to stay buried and the fragile hope of a future worth fighting for. Damian’s struggles with trauma, family, and identity are portrayed with such honesty that it’s impossible not to feel every fear, every scar, and every small victory alongside him.

The reunion with Kira is more than romance, it’s a mirror reflecting the resilience of the human heart. Their connection is messy, real, and painfully beautiful, capturing the tension of love that has endured pain but refuses to let go. The way Damian confronts his past, reconciles his scars, and steps into vulnerability is both inspiring and haunting.

This is a story that doesn’t offer easy answers, it offers truth. Truth about trauma, about the courage it takes to face it, and about the power of love to heal wounds that never truly fade. Reading this book is an emotional reckoning; it stays with you, challenges you, and reminds you that strength often grows in the quiet spaces between fear and forgiveness.

Damian’s journey is unforgettable, and so is this story, a masterful, deeply human portrait of pain, redemption, and the courage it takes to embrace life fully, scars and all.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

EL lives close to me. I met her at a book fair & really liked how she pitched her book to me. I’m more of a psych thriller gal so I wasn’t sure how, or if, I would like this book. It’s not much of a thriller but I really had a hard time putting it down. Scenes are very descriptive. I like that because my mind wants to set that scene. Some people make think it’s too wordy. To each their own but that shouldn’t turn you away from a book. This Won’t Hurt is about a young man, Damian, who had a terrible upbringing. He had to return to his home to face the terrible things that happened in his past. He is also there to see his best friend & her family who have always been very supportive of him. This isn’t a rainbows & roses type of book. I’m all about trigger warnings. Erin (EL) assured me I’d be ok reading this after voicing my concern. There is trauma, but no details which I really appreciate. I see great things coming from EL in the future. I’d definitely recommend reading this book.

[C.E. Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that is going to linger with you for days, this is the one. I read this debut novel in a single sitting, but it has taken me days to compose a review because of how powerful the writing is. Damian, the protagonist, is a young man dealing with a lifetime’s worth of trauma, and this novel does an unprecedented job of plunging the reader into his psyche as he experiences all the psychological repercussions of his past horrors while he navigates a return to the place where it all happened. Through it all, there is a focus on the power and beauty of the family one chooses and the healing strength of love, creating a mesmerizing journey of emotion that takes the reader on an odyssey from deep pain to brilliant hope.

[Lisa M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those stories that had to be difficult to write, given the subject, but was done in such a powerful way that it will reach a lot of people who have been through unspeakable moments in their life. The way Damian’s experiences are explained and the emotions that he feels was written very well. As serious at this story can be, it is one that needs to be told. It isn’t just a traumatic story of pain… it’s a story of pushing yourself to get up and keep going, healing and finding support. It shows that blood doesn’t equal family. Above all, it’s a story that shows you can overcome unimaginable things and end up feeling and receiving more love than you thought you were capable of. I would recommend This Won’t Hurt and will look for more from this author in the future!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very emotional book. it pulled me on right from the beginning. I went through so many emotions while reading this.
the sadness and pain, the lack of trust. the hurt. it was poured into this book.
Damian literally went through hell and back. I can't imagine ever having to go through what he did. but i applaud that he went back to the source of the trauma to face it head on. it pulled at my heart strings when he found a strong place in himself and life, and used that to move on to better himself and life.
this book was so powerful.

[Leanne Potter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn’t give.

It started to. The trauma causing hallucinations etc. i started reading with high hopes. But I was just disappointed by the end.

I was expecting a twist. But nope. Just unnecessary stuff. The first time at the warehouse I honestly could have DNFd there. Again hoping there to be a big twist. But nope.

If you like the whole traumad person gets better vibe then go ahead.

The writing was good. A bit drawn out.

Just not my style of book i guess.

[Lailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Won’t Hurt is a quiet, emotional story about facing old wounds and the courage it takes to heal. Damian’s struggle with trauma feels raw and believable, and the way his past collides with his present is handled with care. The reunion with Kira is tender and complicated in a very human way, not rushed or overly dramatic. It’s a thoughtful read about love, forgiveness, and learning to live with scars rather than letting them define you

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay can I start off by saying, I read this as part of the arc team. Holy fucking shit, this did in fact hurt, but in the absolute best way. This is heartbreaking and so so so good it’s unreal, this broke me in the best and worst possible way, the ending…perfect…I love everything about Damian and Kira

[Lacey McNelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and captivating. Every time I picked this book I struggled to put it down. Every emotion written on a page translates to the reader and I found myself crying at points and then smiling in the next page.
You would never think this was a debut piece the way it was written so I can’t wait to see what E.L. Rae has in store in the future.

[Sara J McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense ride through trauma and love. A real journey of discovering the difference between the family we are born to and the family we find when things are really tough. There is a list of trigger warnings in the back for anyone dealing with trauma so proceed with caution if you are still fresh in your healing journey.

[Chris White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncomfortably realistic at times but that’s what makes it captivating. Damian captured my heart and had me holding my breath waiting for a happy outcome. E.L. Rae’s debut novel is written full of emotion, suspense, and heart. One of the best indie authors I’ve read.

[Tara VanMeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! The underlying story is touching and wasn't sure where it'd end. Short n sweet ending though! Need a novella!!

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh, it DID hurt alright

[John P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written! ALL the feelings!

[Debbie Zartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I couldn’t put it down but I also didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for E L Rae next book!

[M. Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark. Twisted, but beautiful all in one. I could absolutely not put this book down and I think it was so beautifully done. Kira and Damian tragically beautiful and I love them with my whole soul.

[Lettie Loo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing the author in real life, I spent a lot of this book wondering "WHERE IN THE WORLD DID YOU THINK OF THIS?!?!?!?!?!"
I could NOT put my Kindle down reading this book. Poor Damian, and the trauma story that is his life sucked me in, and I kept wondering just WHAT he went through and how it would all end up.
The way his trauma is presented was so real and just had me trying NOT to cry.
I can't wait for the next book from E.L. Rae!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Won’t Hurt was an emotional read that was extremely hard to put down. It’s a story about love, relationships, healing, and growth after a childhood filled will horrors. Facing the past and refusing to let it define who you are going to be. All the characters feel real and genuine. The story was a roller coaster and I enjoyed all of it. I’m so glad I found this book.

While I would suggest checking the trigger warnings because a lot of hard topics are covered in this story, but I feel the author did a great job of explaining things that happened without making it uncomfortable or really hard to read. I think she did a great job in explaining the character’s past without having to be overly graphic.

[Kendyl Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could say about this novel written by E.L Rae, I guess in some major ways I relate to Damian… (not in all the ways though luckily enough for me). I could not put my kindle down, a true page turner, I couldn’t predict where the story would take me. A perfect mix of the present and past, though I will say I wish we got more of Damian’s home life, as messed up as it was, how did we really get to that point.
I am looking forward to many more novels by E.L Rae!

[Avery O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I was hooked immediately at the beginning of the book, and read the entire thing in one sitting. It was intense, uncomfortable at times, and so well written. The way Rae weaves the timeline together was beautiful and seamless. I cannot wait to read more from this author!