Take What Hurts: A Sapphic Romance Novel

by Blaire Larken

"A beautifully written debut sapphic romance, layered with chemistry, tension and tenderness." ~ Rian Birch, bestselling sapphic romance author of the Tradie Lady series.
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Their chemistry is immediate. But the toughest legal case of their careers pits these two women against each other. How do you fight for your reputation—at the cost of the one person who makes sense?

Reputation faces off with desire in this sapphic romance—for fans of Rachel Lacey and Ruby Landers.

Seattle divorce lawyer Elliott Jackson can barely remember her own name, she’s so shocked to find this woman across the boardroom table. Riddled with ADHD (probably) and barely keeping a lid on her anxiety, Elliott has always worried she’s faking it in her career. But if she can put this one case to rest, she’s convinced it will set her mind at ease.

Across the table, Mackenzie Williams prides herself on her reputation as a formidable bulldog in the Seattle legal world. She’s got a long history of securing generous settlements for the most undeserving of clients. And if she wins this case, she’ll be able to tick “make partner at my prestigious law firm” off the list of distractions that keeps her out of her home full of ghosts.

They’re both highly motivated and skilled at staying one step ahead. But neither Elliott nor Mackenzie had “catching feelings for the opposition” on their Bingo card. The rules are They must keep things strictly professional. But with every serendipitous meeting, hearts start to triumph over minds, and friendship starts to look like fulfillment.

With ethical dilemmas, deranged clients, and a dose of awkward obliviousness, what are two hopeless lesbian lawyers willing to risk for the one person who finally makes sense?

A high-stakes, slow-burn sapphic romance where two lawyers must decide between their professional goals—and their best shot at happiness.

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT, Romance, Contemporary

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2026

About the author

Blaire Larken is an Aussie by birth and spends her days practicing law and (constantly) cleaning Greek yogurt off the same spot in the kitchen where her toddler eats. When she’s not doing either of those things, she skis, climbs, and writes about girls falling in love with other girls. With formal education in writing, Blaire pens her works from somewhere Down Under, where she lives with her wife and their beautifully spirited daughter. Follow Blaire on Instagram @blairelarkenwrites to keep up to date on new releases, works in progress and more.

Reviews

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good debut novel. The writing style is good and easy to read. I would not say it is a rivals to lovers story like it was advertised, but more of a forbidden love in an opponent situation. Elliott and Mackenzie meeting randomly were scenes I adored. Both of them are really easy to love. Elliott’s anxiety and undiagnosed ADHD were really well written; her battle against herself, her anxiety, and her lack of self-confidence felt realistic, and I absolutely wanted to hug her. Mackenzie’s past made me want to hug her too. The emotional development and the slow burn were deliciously excruciating, making it hard not to root for these two. I loved that Elliott’s anxiety and insecurity did not disappear when she found love and that Mackenzie just learned to accept and live with it. Nevertheless, I found that the last part of the book did not wrap up everything that was developed throughout the book as nicely as I wished.
First, Anna’s was despicable as hell and we didn’t get to see her suffer the consequences for her actions. Secondly, I thought Elliott’s decisions about her future were a bit rushed. I also didn’t like her reaction of blaming Mackenzie instead of worrying for her after that event that led her to her life altering decision.
Although these details frustrated me a bit, the happy ending was satisfying.
Blaire Larken is an author that I will definitely follow.

[Angel · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Woah! What can I say that probably hasn’t already been said? Debut novel- unreal. Even if it was the 10th-still unreal. Contemporary realism romance done to the NINES. Sorry am just gushing and not saying anything of substance. But that may be good because it’s just a feeeeeeling that makes you hella happy when you get a couple like this one. Mackenzie and Elliott i SHIP you fully.

Corporate big law could never have held these two apart. With its psycho clientele, reputations to uphold and endless billable hours. Mac’s mother was disturbingly awesome to read?! (It really be your own people coming to suck the life outta you sometimes).

I dropped it half a star for the simple fact that there was soooo much co-dependency happening-sweet as it is. They would hardly be able to walk to the local shops without each other at one point and it just fell on the other side of healthy for me (maybe that’s my inner cynic🤷🏾‍♀️).

Recommending with two soundtrack for final chapters.
Chapter 36 - Maroon 5 and Cardi - Girls like you. Put it on repeat. Almost damn cried my eyes on in public transport at 9am.
Epilogue- Alan Walker- Faded. Just cute vibes

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a debut novel! It’s honestly hard to even believe this is debut. It’s so so good! Honestly, one of the best debuts I’ve read in a very long time!!

This was excellently written. The story was beautiful and had me hooked right away. If it wasn’t for life, I wouldn’t have put this down 😂

I absolutely loved both of the FMC’s backstories, they’ve both had hard times and not had the best previous relationships. They complement each other so well and it was so lovely to see them support one another.

The neurodiverse rep was done brilliantly, as someone with ADHD, I totally see a lot of myself in Elliott. There is also the difficult topic of what Mackenzie went through with fertility. Which I won’t go into as I don’t want to spoil anything. But I thought this was also done super well.

One finally point….the spice 🔥 I will say, the tension nearly bloody killed me!! 🤣🤣
But when they finally…you know 😉 my gawd it was totally worth the wait!! There was no stopping this pair once they knocked boots for the first time! 🫠

Overall, bravo 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻 highly recommend. I truly can’t wait to see what else this author writes! I will definitely automatically pick it up!

Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Starting Over, Lawyers, Fertility issues, Anxiety Rep, Neurodiverse Rep, Slow Burn, Masc/Femme, Messy Family Dynamics. x Spicy Scenes.

Thank you so much Blaire for allowing me a ARC.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know I needed a sapphic romance where opposing counsel fell in love, but here it is, and I loved it!

As a family law paralegal with my own family drama and a bit of neuro-spiciness, I found that this book hit all the marks. All of them! Look, y’all, I was hooked from the author’s note alone.

Mackenzie... oh, she absolutely had me wanting to reach through my Kindle and hug her. Hardball clients are no joke, and boy, she was handed a case file I'd avoid with every fiber of my being. But that's just it, isn't it? Sometimes you just have to go with it, and she does! Tack on her mother, and phew... like I said, she needed a hug. Maybe 20!

And Elliott, sweet Elliott, there are not enough words. Being able to so closely relate to her, anxiety and all, really just had me rooting for her the entire time. As an aspiring attorney, it's easy to see where she is coming from with some of the decisions she makes.

I'm not sure what it says about me that I could relate so much to both of these FMCs, but I fell in love with them so easily. Ugh, and that SLOW BURN! I'm usually not the biggest fan of them, but this one was totally worth it.

For this being Larken’s debut, I can’t wait to see what else she releases into the world. Her writing truly captivated me and left me wanting more.

[Unpopmary · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐

Take What Hurt follows Elliott, a junior lawyer determined to prove herself while working on a high-profile divorce case. Everything is going according to plan until a chance encounter with a stranger leaves her unable to stop thinking about her. The catch? That stranger turns out to be Mackenzie, the senior lawyer representing the opposing side and only one case away from making partner at her firm. With an undeniable attraction growing between them, keeping things strictly professional soon becomes much easier said than done.

I picked up this book almost entirely because it was marketed as a rivals to friends to lovers romance, and if there's one trope that will immediately catch my attention, it's that one. This sounded like such a me book that I couldn't wait to start it. And honestly? The beginning gave me a lot of hope. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, it ended up taking a different direction than I expected, and that's where it slowly started to lose me.

Let's start with Elliott because she was, without a doubt, my favorite character.

From the moment she appeared on the page, I found her incredibly lovable. She was goofy, endearing, and so easy to root for. I also really appreciated how the author explored her undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety. Elliott loves so deeply that she tends to overthink everything, and I found that equal parts heartbreaking and sweet. Those moments made her feel incredibly human, and I couldn't help but empathize with her.

I also loved watching her question whether divorce law was actually the career she wanted. Seeing her slowly realize that she might have chosen a path that didn't truly fulfill her added another layer to her character. I only wish that storyline had received a little more attention because the resolution felt somewhat rushed by the end.

Mackenzie, however, left me feeling much more conflicted.

Her relationship with her mother immediately caught my attention because some of her reactions to that emotional manipulation felt painfully real, and in many ways I saw parts of myself reflected in her experiences. That's exactly why I was disappointed that this storyline wasn't explored more deeply. Considering how much her mother's treatment shaped the person Mackenzie became, I expected that relationship to play a much bigger role in her emotional journey.

Instead, it sometimes felt like it was only brought up when the plot needed it. So when Mackenzie finally confronted everything, I struggled to believe that she'd truly processed years of hurt. I never felt like she was given enough emotional space to work through it, which made that resolution feel a little too easy for me.

The romance was where the book ultimately lost me.

I don't really think "rivals to lovers" is the best way to describe this relationship because the rivalry barely exists. Yes, they're on opposite sides of the case, but that tension disappears almost immediately, so I never got the dynamic I was hoping for.

I'm also not usually a fan of insta-love. This leans more toward insta-lust, but either way, both characters develop strong feelings surprisingly early in the story. Even though they wait much longer before acting on them because of their professional situation, those feelings appeared too quickly for me to completely believe them.

As the relationship developed, I also couldn't shake the feeling that Elliott and Mackenzie weren't emotionally in the same place. Elliott always seemed much more willing to acknowledge what she wanted and fight for their relationship, while Mackenzie repeatedly chose to wait until life became less complicated. At times, it felt less like she was trying to do what was best for both of them and more like she was avoiding difficult conversations altogether.

That also ties into another trope I personally struggle with: miscommunication. Most of my frustration came from Mackenzie because she rarely seemed as emotionally open as Elliott. She kept so much to herself, especially when it came to the impact of her previous marriage. I did appreciate the way the miscarriage storyline was handled because I thought it became one of the strongest parts of her character arc. But by the end, I still felt like the two of them were moving through the relationship from completely different emotional perspectives. That's why, Mackenzie's eventual choices, both in love and in her career, didn't feel as earned as I would've liked.

That being said, I also want to acknowledge that a lot of my issues come down to personal preference. Miscommunication and insta-love are two tropes that rarely work for me, so I naturally tend to be more critical of them.

Even so, I really appreciate what the author was trying to accomplish. For a debut novel, I think the foundation is genuinely solid. It was simply the execution that didn't fully work for me. One thing I never questioned, though, was the author's writing. It felt reflective, evocative, and full of potential, and I'm genuinely excited to see what she writes next.

So if the premise catches your attention, I'd still encourage you to give it a chance. Even though it wasn't the right fit for me, I can totally see this becoming someone else's favorite romance.

Thank you to the author for the eARC. This review reflects my genuine thoughts.

[Katie Cleek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. I could hardly put it down!!! The two main characters were absolutely adorable together. This book had me swooning, giggling and basically kicking my legs as their sweet relationship developed. Without spoilers, there were some characters that were easy to hate. I felt protective towards both main characters on more than one occasion. If I had to describe this book in just a few words, it would easily be “gentle”, “sweet” and “heart eyes” 😊 To think this is Blaire’s debut book is mind blowing. HOW?!?! This book…everything and more that I was hoping for!!! The epilogue…*chef’s kiss*

[Lirissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know a book is good when you are simply left wanting more. More of the world, more of the characters and just simply wanting to dive into the world.

It is rare to read a debut novel that is this stress free to read writing style wise, though the characters had me screaming into my digital copy so fair warning on that one!

There were a few scenes that felt a little long and others that were rushed and skipped entirely only to be brought up later, that did pull me out a few times. The tags using in the marketing could also do with a revision, it is more of an insta-love × forbidden romance in my opinion.

It get’s a tiny bit information focused and trauma bumpy in the middle, but that section makes sense context wise with why it is there when you read the Authors note. I appreciated having the heads up as to what was coming and why it was presented the way it was. 

Excited to read what comes next from this writer, hope to see some Down Under rep at some point too.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy I got to read this debut book since it surprised me in a very good way and made me feel so much when reading. The story is forbidden romance of sorts, my favourite kind of trope. I loved the fact that Elliott and Mackenzie handled that in such a perfect and mature way, so it turned out to be a great slow burn romance, and I was not upset about the lack of restraint a single time as I have been reading so many other books.

Both Elliott and Mackenzie lovable in their own unique ways, to get to know them individually and together a treat I will think about for a long time. Elliott this sweet completely clueless neurodivergent dork that is unavoidable to love and Mackenzie that has been through more than her fair share of shit and you just want to protect them both and make sure they finally get what they both deserve. They just are so perfect fort each other and I smiled the whole time reading about them falling for each other and work though their hangups.

Being opposing lawyers in such a toxic divorce negotiation is such a stopper but also makes them slow down and really get to know each other as friends and not just jump into something physical. Elliott that never has felt that she is enough before is so seen by Mackenzie and I love every minute of that development. Mackenzie with her toxic mom and awful ex-wife that did not support her in any way during their loss, her meeting and falling for the very different Elliott just makes sense.

I just want to recommend this book to everyone that loves a book with so many layers, wonderful characters and character development and on top of that exquisite physical chemistry once that feels right for them.

I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.

[rawFM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take What Hurts is a sweet story about two lawyers falling in love while also exploring some very real and relatable issues.

I enjoyed connecting with both characters and watching them grow, not only as a couple but also as individuals. I could definitely relate to Elliot - particularly her reactions to social situations, her tendency to question herself, and her feelings of imposter syndrome. It was nice to see the author normalize these experiences and feelings. I also loved how Mackenzie and Elliott supported one another through difficult times and allowed themselves to be vulnerable, rather than always putting on a brave face as so many fictional characters do.

Larken does an excellent job highlighting the real challenges many lesbian couples face surrounding infertility without making it the main focus of the novel. Instead, it is thoughtfully woven into a broader story about relationships, personal growth, and life’s other challenges.

I found the pacing and character development to be strong throughout most of the book. However, the ending felt rushed.

Overall, this was a lovely debut novel with engaging characters and an interesting story.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Reg 🦇]

y’all i DEVOURED this omfg i finished it in 2 sittings over 24 hours…

if you’re looking for your next favourite sapphic romance that’s gonna rip your heart out but then cuddle you afterwards, this is it 🙂‍↕️

this is probably coming from being a high fantasy reader, but sometimes with romances i find the characters to be a little bit two dimensional, and the plot to be on the less detailed side? this isn’t a criticism- it’s just something i’ve noticed.
with Take What Hurts, the characters and their journies felt so realistic and detailed, and it made it hard for me to put it down once i first picked it up! it was truly such a beautiful storyline with emotionally complex characters, and it had me hooked!

one thing in particular that i absolutely loved about Take What Hurts was the representation around undiagnosed ADHD, and how debilitating and disabling it is to live with and navigate. things like rejection sensitivity dysphoria, stimming, time management, the drive for social justice, rumination and misreading situations/people’s words were done SO WELL and holy shit i felt so seen !! i also appreciated the discussions around how hard it can be financially to seek out a diagnosis. as a late diagnosed AuDHD person who put it off for 5 years for the same reason, ya. i get it.

[Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know for a fact this book is about to become one of my comfort reads, what a debut novel!
The disclaimer at the beginning of the book is thoughtful and much appreciated.
I was into the story and these characters right away, they’re very lovable and interesting.
This story had everything, it’s so sweet and heartwarming (there’s some spice too of course) but also some harder subjects that were tackled in such a beautiful and gentle manner. This book holds a special place in my heart and I can’t recommend it enough.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The drama levels here were a bit high but for a first novel, I can understand wanting to go all-in on the emotional investment for the readers. I appreciated the realistic depiction of trauma, both from feelings of inadequacy at work and in relationships with Elliot, and also through a lifetime of parental abuse with Mackenzie. I enjoyed their journey and the obvious connection, but I wish we had a bit more fleshing out of the connection in calmer times rather than some of the drama. In any case, this was a strong first romance and I'm keen to see what Blair Larken writes next.

[JJ Bellfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blaire Larken’s debut novel Take What Hurts is an absolutely beautiful sapphic romance that manages to be heartbreaking, hopeful, funny, and incredibly tender…sometimes all within the same chapter.

Take What Hurts is the story of Elliott and Mackenzie navigating an attraction complicated by professional boundaries, personal insecurities, and the emotional baggage that each carry. What begins as a missed flight connection developed into an inconvenient personal connection and morphs into something far more meaningful as both women are forced to confront the ways their past experiences have shaped how they see themselves, relationships, and the possibility of being loved.

One of the most compelling aspects of Blaire’s writing is the character development of Elliott and Mackenzie. Both are complicated, flawed, complicated, vulnerable women with lives and struggles that extend beyond their attraction to one another.

Elliott is a standout character. Blaire‘s ability to portray Elliott‘s experiences with ADHD is nuanced and refreshingly authentic. Rather than reducing Elliott to a collection of quirky, personality traits, Blaire explores the unseen realities of neurodivergence: anxiety, executive dysfunction, rejection sensitivity, and the effort involved in navigating a world that doesn’t always understand how your brain works. Elliott’s struggles are not treated as character flaws that need to be fixed before she deserves love….instead they are part of who she is and she deserves to be loved without having to become someone else.

Mackenzie is equally compelling, although for different reasons. Her story explores the effects of emotional trauma, particularly the damage inflected by people who should have provided unconditional love and support. Reading as Mackenzie challenges the beliefs she has internalized about herself is both heartbreaking and deeply satisfying. The growth doesn’t happen overnight and falling in love doesn’t magically erase years of hurt. Instead, Mackenzie is given the space to heal, establish boundaries, and begin navigating her own worth in a realistic way.

The way that Elliott and Mackenzie’s relationship develops is one of my favorite aspects of the book. Communication, patience, and a growing willingness to
be vulnerable make their development fell genuine, especially because they don’t always get it right. They misunderstand situations, struggle with their insecurities, and occasionally get in their own way (all so incredibly relatable) But what is especially enjoyable is that the relationship never feels like two people simply waiting for the case to end to allow them to be together-it feels like two people actually learning how to love and be loved.

The chemistry between Elliott and Mackenzie is palpable! The immediate physical attraction and romantic tension are wonderfully written….but the relationship development and emotional foundation that is woven into their character development is what makes the intimacy so effective. The physical connection feels like an extension of their growing trust rather than a gratuitous plot point. There is nothing gratuitous about the spice….which is very nice and well worth the wait!!

There are difficult subjects woven into the storyline, but their inclusion isn’t a vehicle to create unnecessary or superfluous drama. They are also not included to demonstrate that love, miraculously cures trauma or suddenly makes life uncomplicated. Instead, they are real scenarios that allow the characters to be themselves while doing the difficult work of growing and healing. It is the understanding that love isn’t the end all cure that elevates this novel into something genuinely memorable.

Take What Hurts is ultimately a story about being seen, being understood, and discovering that the parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to hide don’t make us any less deserving of love.

Blaire Larken has delivered an exceptionally strong debut filled with emotional depth, believable character development, genuine chemistry, and a romance that feels earned. Elliott and Mackenzie’s story is one that will stick with me for a long time.

Content Note: This book includes discussions and depictions of emotional abuse, implied physical abuse/violence, and a physical attack involving a main character. I’ve intentionally kept this general to avoid revealing plot details, but I think these elements are worth mentioning for readers who may find these subjects difficult.

[The Sapphic Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

✨ Thank you to Blaire Larken for this ARC! All thoughts are my own. Grab a copy of Take What Hurts when it releases on 10/9! ✨

My only gripe with this book is that Elliott insists pineapples belong on pizza. Not sure I can forgive her for that, but I suppose we can agree to disagree.

Take What Hurts by Blaire Larken was a phenomenal book, and absolutely one of my favorite recent reads! I tore through it in about two days because I simply couldn’t put it down. Both Mackenzie and Elliott were incredibly well developed, and their slow burn was really thought out and purposeful. They truly have my whole heart, and the author did a beautiful job of bringing them to life.

Mackenzie and Elliott’s slow burn was full of the angst and tension that I’ve come to expect from the genre, but it also felt like a beautiful new beginning that I was just lucky enough to watch unfold. They had about a million meet-cutes throughout the city before they actually made intentional plans, which made for the perfect backdrop for their mutual pining that was evident to practically everyone except for them.

As the book continued, we got to see real vulnerability and tenderness from both Mackenzie and Elliott. The author did a great job of portraying Elliott’s undiagnosed ADHD, and they specifically displayed what I call “doom spirals” in a way that is often overlooked. Mackenzie’s storyline around infertility was also handled with extreme care. For each moment of vulnerability that we got to see from the main characters, we also got to learn a bit more about how they accept and support each other, which was a really beautiful part of them building their foundation during the slow burn.

These characters were so well-built that I truly felt like I could see into their heads. This paired with the fact that we got to see a good bit of them independently as the slow burn built up, I found myself wondering about and making predictions on how they would each react to the hidden layers they had yet to reveal to each other. I’m happy to say that they were just as wholesome and supportive as I had predicted.

One thing that I was pleasantly surprised by was the level of drama that unfolded around Elliott and Mackenzie, specifically as they navigated their roles as lawyers on opposite sides of a brutal divorce case. I found myself on the edge of my seat wishing I could wave a giant flag telling them “Hey! This is important and might become an issue later on. Just saying.” Nothing felt overdone, and everything felt (unfortunately) quite believable. Each issue further developed the plot, and I really appreciated that the author didn’t throw issues at them just for the sake of it.

Overall, I really loved this book and was amazed and impressed throughout my entire read. This only increased when I read the acknowledgements and found out that this was Larken’s debut novel, written during an incredibly stressful time in life. I simply couldn’t believe it! I mean it wholeheartedly that I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this author and will absolutely be adding them to my auto-buy list for future publications.

TLDR: Angsty, tender, and impossible to put down. This slow burn has real heart, standout ADHD representation, and an infertility storyline handled with so much care. Take What Hurts is one of my favorite recent reads (pineapple on pizza crimes aside🍍🍕)

[Staisy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best writing I’ve read in a while.

Here’s the thing… I don’t give 5 stars often. I read 500-700 books a year (not joking. Check my reading challenge. I just discovered an ADHD hack that helps me hyper focus on books and also I’m disabled so I literally have nothing better to do…) and give 5 stars to maybe 2-4 books a year.
I gave it to this book specifically because of the writing. This is a phenomenal debut book. It is not without its faults , and I’ll get to them later, but first comes credit where it’s due. Many authors fail at giving different characters their very own voice. Most do a well enough job, but the characters still have a bit of overlap between them. Each MC in this book had a unique and distinct voice that you can not only see, but also feel from their internal thoughts. The storytelling was incredibly immersive and I don’t think I had a single moment that pulled me out of the story itself. Before I get to the constructive criticism part, I want to beg this author never stop writing. I seldom have nice things to say, but this author has a talent that I hope they never give up on. With all the AI slop I have to wade through to find a somewhat decent book, this feels like fresh water and air after ages of trying to get out of an underground swamp.
As far as things that I believe could have been better, there are only a few, but they are not a deal breaker. I hope that if the author sees this review, they know that this criticism comes from the good intention to help make their stories better.
Firstly, I personally use the F bomb on a daily basis, and as if it were a comma. But in this book, it felt incredibly overused. I’m not clutching my pearls or anything, but I did roll my eyes at one scene where it was used a dozen times and it took away from the emotional impact.
Secondly, I loved that it was generally a long book, because I truly didn’t want to go back to that underground swamp, but a few of the internal thoughts felt a bit repetitive and the last few chapters were redundant in a couple of ways.
One is that they took away from the emotional impact of the scene where they both lost their jobs and then reconciled. Another was that the chapters that came after didn’t push the plot forward.
She stayed in Seattle because she wasn’t ready to give up on big law yet, but then there was no buildup to her decision to go live with Elliott. It felt like fluff. You know those filler episodes on tv shows where the characters remember moments from their past and they just cut a bunch of scenes from previous episodes together? It gave me the same feeling. These two chapters didn’t do anything except for winding the story down from the plot’s emotional crescendo. Personally , I think the book should’ve ended in the chapter where they lost their jobs, but with her deciding to join Elliott in her hometown and then starting their own small law firm, and then the skip to the epilogue.
But all in all, these are my only two complainers. The author did a great job with the emotional aspects of the plot and I think that they write tragedy and trauma very well. In the big picture, the plot was your perfect romance, though not overly philosophical or dramatic. Which is why I’d just LOVE to see them write something extremely intense, The Unfonished Line by Jen Lyon style (it seriously traumatised me in an oddly productive way and I both hate and love that damn bookequally). So please please please write a tearjerker for me!
Seriously, great book and good job. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced digital copy to be able to read, this is my honest review.

I felt these characters, Elliott and Mackenzie have lived and coped with adversity and keep moving forward.

I enjoyed seeing ADHD rep and how accomplished Elliott is, even while acknowledging how it impacts her and those around her.

Mackenzie is such a dichotomy - her professional life is going as planned while her personal life has been complete turmoil. This was so well described and I understood why Mackenzie would bury herself in work where she was able to feel accomplished and have control.

The characters are on opposing sides of a contentious divorce, yet even as they fight their corners for their clients they can't help but be drawn to one another leading to a forbidden relationship, slow burn romance. Mackenzie and Elliott show such care for one another, they are patient, kind, and understanding.

The author has the ability to write lovable characters, but is equally capable of writing loathsome people that made me actively want the worst for them. Unfortunately, like so often is the case in the real world, they squeaked out without getting the punishment they deserved.

Near the end of the story I found the behaviour of Elliott to seem a little off from what I would have expected in how she treated Mackenzie, but the author brought back the Elliott I'd fallen for by the end of the book.

A great debut novel from Blaire Larken and I'd love to read more!

[Lilith Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

If you choose to read "Take What Hurts" you will find yourself meeting Elliot and Mackenzie, two lawyers, that will meet by chance on an airport only to find out the next day that they are working the same case, just in opposite sides.
With a sense of fate and a strong immediate connection, this will be both the spark and the driver though out the story!
And from there, both MCs will choose and find ways to get to know each other a little better while balancing a potential conflict of interests from working the same case.

The forbidden relationship brings additional tension into the way they interact with each other and some yearning is always welcomed and fun to watch.

I enjoyed the small details that came with each of them, as well as their personal struggles. Either by the way their brain works differently from most people and their coping mechanisms - a front row perspective on neurodivergence that I had not have the chance to read yet - or by the way they handle their relationship with a parent, leading to different version of themselves.
I could actually resonate with both of them and it allowed me some interesting introspective moments.
However, I struggled a bit in the way they chose to manage their relationship from a certain point and with the boundaries that they set for themselves.

I enjoyed how they both felt seen and understood, in a way they had not experienced before, allowing for insecurities to be seen and grief to be unpacked in a kind, almost effortless manner... and yet it still felt somewhat unbalanced, considering there was more room for misunderstandings and lack of communication, than I expected, which made me wish they could have been each others safe space a little better at some moments...
Despite that, it was an enjoyable read, I quite enjoyed the characters and if you are a fan of insta-love this will be a story for you.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked this book up, I could not put it down and read it in less than a day! I can't believe this is the author's debut novel, it is so well written and the emotional connection with the characters is immediate. Elliott and Mackenzie are fully realized individuals with real issues and histories. The chemistry is on point, their communication is really great and their willingness to compromise and support each other is beautiful. They do face a lot of challenges to overcome but the ride is worth it! Highly recommend!!

[Eclectic Queer Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline had two MCs that really made me feel all the emotional trials that they went through and I felt like I was physically and mentally in the story. I always enjoy a dual POV so I loved that about this book. These two must've had some fairy dust drizzled on them because they started off on opposite sides but quickly fell into each other's bubble. Sometimes you come across characters that will stay with you forever and at anytime in your day or in talks with people you think about them as if you know them IRL. I appreciate when authors create their fictional characters that feel so realistic that you understand how they get so caught up and protective over their characters and that's how I feel about Elliott and Mackenzie. Blaire you made me cry during the story and the epilogue and I'm still in my feelings typing this review. That is exactly how this entire book had me in my feelings and clutching my invisible sapphic perals for each time my heart did a roller-coaster dip. I thought back to my emergency C- Section when my wife and I were pregnant with our daughter and all the crying we did from being scared and seeing our bundle of joy afterwards. I can't wait for this authors next book and I definitely recommend putting this on your TBR list. Thanks so much for sharing this ARC with me. 10s across the board!

[Sapphic Bookshelf]

This book tackles several difficult topics and the author handles them all so carefully and with grace. Elliot and Mckenzie’s romance is gentle, thoughtful, sweet, and tender. I wish I could give both of them one big hug!

This was a wonderful debut and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!

Thank you to the author for a free advanced reader’s copy.

[Nim · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters are so well written you feel their emotions as if they’re your own. Elliot is written in a way you fully comprehend how she is the way she is with her anxiety, questioning herself, and how she thinks she is an imposter. These are issues for people, and this written so you can understand what people go through. Mackenzie is hiding behind work to not deal with the trauma she has been through, and to make her just seem normal and nothing is wrong. With everything these characters go through, it more than just each individual story. It’s how people do relationships, personal growth and relationship growth, and all of life’s other challenges. Elliot and Mackenzie see each other for who they are, they see the good, the bad, and they are there for each other. The nuances of these characters with the slow burn. Just amazeballs!!

This is a fantastic debut novel. It is beautifully and well written given some of the subject matter. Take What Hurts doesn’t feel rushed and has this natural flow to it. Readers will understand the characters. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Blaire Larkin. Also, love their best friends. I’d love to revisit this world and see how everyone is doing and what they are getting up to. Maybe even what those best friends are doing…

Thanks for the ARC Blaire Larken.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one heck of a book for a debut novel!
Absolutely loved the stories and the depth of the characters. The only thing that knocked it to 4 stars for me was the amount of internal dialogue which would go on for pages at a time, but that’s just personal preference. Looking forward to reading more from Blaire!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in just over a day—and honestly, the only reason it took me that long is because my own children still needed my attention. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down.

One of the things that hit me the hardest was the relationship between one of the main characters and her mother. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to watch her be treated the way she was. She deserved so much more, and I found myself feeling every bit of her hurt and frustration. The author did such an incredible job portraying those emotions that it was impossible not to become emotionally invested.

I probably drove my spouse crazy because I couldn’t stop telling her how incredibly well written this book was. Throughout the entire book I’d randomly say, “This is so good.” The slow burn was executed perfectly, with each chapter building the tension just enough to keep me wanting more. The day-to-day interactions between the characters felt so natural, and watching their relationship develop was incredibly satisfying. And their chemistry in the bedroom… whew. Let’s just say it was more than great.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read. I genuinely would never have guessed this was a debut novel if I hadn’t been told. It felt polished, confident, and beautifully written from beginning to end. I’m already excited to see what this author writes next!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing, lots of angst, if this is a first try, then I can’t imagine what the rest of the authors career will be like.
I really want these two to make it because they got problems just like the rest of us! Really enjoyed it

[Rikke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both main characters are incredibly complex and have their own mental struggles. Elliott seems to be somewhere on the autism spectrum or have undiagnosed ADHD, and she struggles with anxiety and overthinking. Mackenzie is full of confidence when it comes to her work, but has none when it comes to her personal life.

I could relate to both of them, even though we don’t have much in common. They’re just so wonderfully human. It was a joy to watch them slowly grow closer, and my heart broke a little every time something got in the way.

Elliott and Mackenzie have moved into my heart, and they’re here to stay. ❤️

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take What Hurts is about two lawyers who happen to meet in an airport before they discover that they are opponents in a high-profile divorce case. It reads like a sapphic romance, and has well-developed complex characters.

I feel like Larken put her heart and soul into this book. Both Elliot and Mackenzie have a long list of emotional baggage, and it was obvious to me that their issues were handled with care and consideration. I loved how each woman is independently strong, but still struggled with so many things - and that their relationship was crafted in a way that screamed couple goals. The drama pulled at my heartstrings. The pacing of how slowly their emotional and physical relationship developed worked well. And the overall story was amazing to read.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Leslie J Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome First Book!

Blaire Larken, first book! Loved the story line and the MC were likable and endearing. Looking forward to new books by this new author!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaire Larken’s debut novel is an excellent read! Firstly, the mental health representation in this book is SO well written. Both main characters struggle with their anxiety and self-worth, and the ways those challenges impact their daily lives and growing relationship felt genuine. I also adored the fact that Mackenzie loved Elliott just the way she was. Rather than trying to fix or change her, she treated her with kindness and understanding.

It was so easy to love these characters. They both have such sweet hearts and kind personalities, and watching them show their authentic selves to each other was really beautiful. And all the meet-cute moments between them were achingly precious, I swooned every time! Mackenzie's past is particularly heartbreaking, so seeing her start to heal after all she endured was one of my favorite parts of this story.

While the epilogue was THE perfect ending, some things leading up to it felt off to me. There were moments in the last few chapters where Elliott didn’t feel like the same Elliott I fell for, and I struggled with the way she treated Mackenzie after a particularly difficult experience at work. And even though they had been developing from the beginning, Elliott’s life-changing decisions towards the end felt too rushed. This was still a beautiful and heartfelt book with characters I truly cared about. I’m excited for whatever Blaire writes next!

[karen fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, in depth, debut novel for Blaire Larken. There was just so much to like in this book, from the two amazing MCs, with character traits that were adhered to consistently throughout, to the issues and way they were resolved with such believable expertise. This is a new author and she knows just how to paint a picture with words, right down to the small details which help you feel like you are there and actually watching the story unfold. I would highly recommend reading this book and will personally be keeping a keen eye out for what she writes next

[mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a fantastic debut from Blaire Larken.I read this book in a day, and could not put it down! It took me a while to write this review because I had to process this emotionally.

I love reading a good lawyer/legal story, but this felt like a completely fresh take.

Elliot and Mackenzie will absolutely pull at your heart-strings, they are both flawed, complex and loveable characters in their own right.

The way Elliot and Mackenzie’s relationship develops was a refreshing read. The communication between the characters was brilliantly done and the spice was well paced throughout the book.

I love how authentically sensitive issues and experiences were written, in a way that seamlessly fit into the story and were handled with so much care

This story is one that I will 100% revisit, it’s a fantastic read and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I’ve read it