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Pain Lived Series #1
Pain Lived, Love Found
This is a BWWM standalone novel.
Sloane Paris grew up in dysfunction. With no one to protect them or help them, Sloane and her siblings survived the best way they could; until they could get out from the hell hole they called home. For Sloane, her escape was college, followed by a successful career that she worked very hard for. She left little to no room for love. In fact, she made it a rule to never let a man get close enough for her to fall in love. However, a chance meeting with a handsome stranger would make her reconsider that rule.
Luca Santorini is a successful businessman with a thriving business. He comes from a large, loving family that is the complete opposite of Sloane’s. Family meant the world to him, and he hoped to have one of his own one day. He had been meeting with new financial advisors on his retired father’s behalf, and he had the task of choosing which firm he would sign with. Before the meeting, he saw a woman in a coffee shop that intrigued him from just seeing her big beautiful eyes and amazing smile. All he knew was that her name was Sloane and that he would never forget her name or those eyes.
Call it fate, but their paths crossed again, and this time Luca wasn’t going to let Sloane Paris just slip away. Luca quickly found out that he had his work cut out for him, but he felt Sloane was more than worth it. While getting to know one another, Sloane managed to do something no other woman has been able to do - she won Luca’s heart. Luca was still trying to win hers, but he wanted more than her heart. Luca wanted to know who or what was the cause of the constant sadness in Sloane’s eyes so he could do everything in his power to put an end to it. He wanted Sloane to trust him enough to share with him her deep, dark secrets, but will Luca be able to handle it once she opens up to him? Will he be able to break through Sloane’s emotional walls and help her let go of the pain she lived and accept the love she’s found with him?
Sloane Paris grew up in dysfunction. With no one to protect them or help them, Sloane and her siblings survived the best way they could; until they could get out from the hell hole they called home. For Sloane, her escape was college, followed by a successful career that she worked very hard for. She left little to no room for love. In fact, she made it a rule to never let a man get close enough for her to fall in love. However, a chance meeting with a handsome stranger would make her reconsider that rule.
Luca Santorini is a successful businessman with a thriving business. He comes from a large, loving family that is the complete opposite of Sloane’s. Family meant the world to him, and he hoped to have one of his own one day. He had been meeting with new financial advisors on his retired father’s behalf, and he had the task of choosing which firm he would sign with. Before the meeting, he saw a woman in a coffee shop that intrigued him from just seeing her big beautiful eyes and amazing smile. All he knew was that her name was Sloane and that he would never forget her name or those eyes.
Call it fate, but their paths crossed again, and this time Luca wasn’t going to let Sloane Paris just slip away. Luca quickly found out that he had his work cut out for him, but he felt Sloane was more than worth it. While getting to know one another, Sloane managed to do something no other woman has been able to do - she won Luca’s heart. Luca was still trying to win hers, but he wanted more than her heart. Luca wanted to know who or what was the cause of the constant sadness in Sloane’s eyes so he could do everything in his power to put an end to it. He wanted Sloane to trust him enough to share with him her deep, dark secrets, but will Luca be able to handle it once she opens up to him? Will he be able to break through Sloane’s emotional walls and help her let go of the pain she lived and accept the love she’s found with him?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2015
42 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Thalia Lake
4 books36 followersI began writing at the age of nine. I wrote short, funny stories for my siblings to read and laugh at. I kept writing ever since keeping journals and diaries. In the late 90's I began writing stories but never shared them with anyone else. In 2008 I was encouraged to take writing seriously by many people who have read snippets of my work. My confidence wasn't there so I hemmed and hawed until 2013. That's when I began writing seriously on my first novel Choosey Lovers. I took a leap of faith, submitted my work to a publisher and here I am today! I love reading more than anything else, and I love well written, well thought out books. I'm a romantic at heart so those are primarily the books that I read. I love interracial love stories and exploring that dynamic, so that's what I write about. I hope you enjoy my work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 27, 2015
This is my first book by author Thalia Lake but it will not be my last and this morning I clicked her first book Choosey Lovers because she blew me away with this book.
This story for me was just a vehicle to present real life issues that are alive and kicking. This review will be more of a testimony and validation to the story that Author Thalia tells and to allow her to know that these themes are happening in women’s lives in truth, as I am sure she is already aware. The story is about Sloane Paris and her dysfunctional family and the pain and destruction that their dysfunction brings to all their lives. Then Sloane finds love and she is truly able to move on with her life.
As the author was laying the foundation for this story and explaining to us about the pain in Sloane’s life, I found that the story was literally speaking to me and touching my heart. It was ministering to some issues that I have long believed. I was only 50% into the story at this point but it was so powerful to me!! I have enjoyed reading a lot of stories. However, there are some reads that are not stories to me but real life. This book is one those!
As many women from my generation as possible (1960s) should read this story and examine/reflect on their lives growing up and make sure that we do not make the same mistakes as our mothers made. Mothers are the nucleus of the family and if we get it wrong, we can do so much damage. This part of the story was really shouting to me! If this book never speaks to anyone else Author Thalia, it spoke to me LOUD AND CLEAR! The tears were silently slipping down my cheeks as the story revealed/exposed and mirrored back my own life story.
Coming from a Caribbean background this story is mine and many of my friends' reality too. I did not experience sexual abuse I did encounter, physical, mental and emotional abuse. I experienced this under the guise of “spare the rod and spoil the child” a corner stone in the background I grew up in. The abuse I suffered was not done out of cruelty but out of good intentions to raise me right! However, the results and impact were the same as in the Paris Family damaged/broken/wounded children. Regardless of the motivation the results are the same!!
As women we do not talk about these themes enough. We do not challenge what happened to us, once we have grown into adult women. Therefore we allow the abuses in their many forms to continue. I personally challenged both my parents but my Mother in particular about her role, in allowing certain behaviours to be perpetrated against us as her children. The conversations with my parents were very difficult because they did not want to own it! If they owned what they did to us, then that would mean acknowledging that harm was done and that overwhelmed them. However, they were able to admit that they would not like me to pass on to my children what they did to me. The scales fell off my eyes and I was able to break the cycle of dysfunction and not pass it on to my family.
I too married outside my race and therefore this was not such an issue because my husband did not have this dysfunction in his background. Nonetheless, I still gave my husband some boundaries that he should never cross, since I took my role as wife/mother and the influence/power that this role has in the family, very seriously. I wanted there to be no doubt as to what was acceptable and what was not. This does not mean that we do not correct our children when they are wrong but we administer the punishment which fits the crime and we do it in love and not anger!
I have longed believed that if Mothers played their rightful roles in their families and protected their children from the actions of their partners/spouses some of the damaged/wounded individuals we have in the world today would not be broken in this way and thus not pass on their brokenness to future generations.
Although, I was able to forgive my parents with the help of God, my faith in him and other women who shared a similar experience to mine, I totally hold my Mother responsible/accountable for what happened to me as a child. I wish I had gotten professional help for my mental/emotional abuse in particular when I was a young woman. Back then this would have brought shame, disgrace and attention to the fact that there was something wrong with me, which in turn would bring attention to my family, which was not allowed.
God had a plan for my life and I met a man who was able to love me with all my rough edges, who did not expect me to pretend to be someone who I was not and loved me for me warts and all. Just like Luca did for Sloane. To me an alpha male is not someone who commands/dominants you, it is a man who is strong enough to love you when you push back, get angry about issues that has nothing to do with him, who is patient, kind, tender, loving when you are acting out and never mishandles you or puts angry hands on you or demeans you in any way. That is what an alpha male means to me and thank God he gave me one of those!
Author Thalia, I know this review is long and even if no one else takes the time or patience to read it all the way through, I hope you do because I want to validate your story as being my story.
Thank you for having the courage and boldness, to write this story, which is the story of many black women that I know and could be the same story for many women not of colour also. I broke the cycle in my life with no outside help but I hope many other women after reading your book will break the cycle in theirs and get any help they may need.
Your book ministered to my broken/wounded/healed soul and validated my stance as a wife and mother in my own family unit. I recognise my role and will not shrink back from it. I stopped the cycle of damaged/broken people in my life.
I would highly recommend that all women read this book!
May 27, 2015
Wow I must say that was the most well rounded story that I've read in a long time. It was very well written. Lots of respect for Sloane and most of her siblings. And Luca...wow just WOW!!! Amazingly sweet agonizing love story!
May 31, 2015
Awesome Read
This story was so real feeling. The storyline was about real life situations. I loved Luca reminds me of my hubby. The sex scenes was hot but didn't take over the story. Thalia out did herself. I look forward to more of her books.
This story was so real feeling. The storyline was about real life situations. I loved Luca reminds me of my hubby. The sex scenes was hot but didn't take over the story. Thalia out did herself. I look forward to more of her books.
June 7, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book. This was the first title that I read by this author. I will be reading more of her books.
December 27, 2015
The review of this and others HERE
Ugh. I really, really wanted to like this one!
A bwwm romance? Heck yeah! And I did like this one...to about 50% and then it was all downhill from there.
This book in one sentence: Half gold, have gold painted plastic.
So this book started with some pretty heavy topics. We meet our main character, Sloane, and for a good few chapters we get a look at family history and past and how things played out. We get a look at how hard her childhood was . Her past has permanently altered Sloane's mindset and she is a pretty headstrong, smart woman who is very likable.
Very quickly, we get to me Sloane's romantic interest, Luca, and he is immediately attracted to and smitten with her. There is a chase that goes on between them that of course is accompanied by miscommunication and undeniable attraction. Eventually they get themselves together and can no longer sty away from each other. When it comes to the relationship that formed between them, because of her past, Sloane was very hesitant and definitely had her walls up. She did not want to turn out like her mother, who never left her father no matter what he did. She was almost afraid to give Luca a chance because even the possibility of being like her mother scared her.
"She was willing to put up with his verbal abuse and cheating...it's not love, it's a toxic dependency, and emotional obsession with her abuser, and it's not healthy."
Over a fairly short time however, her walls come down for him and Luca became that guy who wanted to protect, protect, protect her. Up until this point, I had been completely enjoying this book. And then I don't know what happen.
I totally get that people can fall in love fast, but I mean damn, this was quick. Throughout the book the Povs switched and we got a look at what both of them were thinking. Luca went from a guy who could 'have any woman he wanted' to not being able to breathe without Sloane.
"I want Sloane more than I want anything else in the world. She transfixes me. She has a spell on me that I can't break, nor do I want to."
That's cool, whatever, but within like 5 or 6 months, this dude (And stop reading now if you don't want to read a spoiler because I'm no longer blocking it) freaking proposes to her! What?
I mean he had a ring for her and everything like, how did he...how did you even know her ring size? I thought he was kidding at first but he definitely wasn't. He proposed about halfway through the book and they hadn't even met each other's family yet! I can't, I mean my mom would have punched me in the face if I did something like that to her.
Anyway, as for the rest of the book, Sloane had to tell her family and have Luca meet them and Luca had to tell his family and have Sloane meet them. She found the dress, the rehearsal dinner went good, they got married and had babies. But image that, but 100 pages worth. I was so bored I wanted to claw my eyes out. I don't know what I was expecting from this novel but this wasn't it.
This book got two stars from me because while I did like it in the beginning, the end failed for me.
Is it worth a read?
Nah I wouldn't waste the time.
Ugh. I really, really wanted to like this one!
A bwwm romance? Heck yeah! And I did like this one...to about 50% and then it was all downhill from there.
This book in one sentence: Half gold, have gold painted plastic.
So this book started with some pretty heavy topics. We meet our main character, Sloane, and for a good few chapters we get a look at family history and past and how things played out. We get a look at how hard her childhood was . Her past has permanently altered Sloane's mindset and she is a pretty headstrong, smart woman who is very likable.
Very quickly, we get to me Sloane's romantic interest, Luca, and he is immediately attracted to and smitten with her. There is a chase that goes on between them that of course is accompanied by miscommunication and undeniable attraction. Eventually they get themselves together and can no longer sty away from each other. When it comes to the relationship that formed between them, because of her past, Sloane was very hesitant and definitely had her walls up. She did not want to turn out like her mother, who never left her father no matter what he did. She was almost afraid to give Luca a chance because even the possibility of being like her mother scared her.
"She was willing to put up with his verbal abuse and cheating...it's not love, it's a toxic dependency, and emotional obsession with her abuser, and it's not healthy."
Over a fairly short time however, her walls come down for him and Luca became that guy who wanted to protect, protect, protect her. Up until this point, I had been completely enjoying this book. And then I don't know what happen.
I totally get that people can fall in love fast, but I mean damn, this was quick. Throughout the book the Povs switched and we got a look at what both of them were thinking. Luca went from a guy who could 'have any woman he wanted' to not being able to breathe without Sloane.
"I want Sloane more than I want anything else in the world. She transfixes me. She has a spell on me that I can't break, nor do I want to."
That's cool, whatever, but within like 5 or 6 months, this dude (And stop reading now if you don't want to read a spoiler because I'm no longer blocking it) freaking proposes to her! What?
I mean he had a ring for her and everything like, how did he...how did you even know her ring size? I thought he was kidding at first but he definitely wasn't. He proposed about halfway through the book and they hadn't even met each other's family yet! I can't, I mean my mom would have punched me in the face if I did something like that to her.
Anyway, as for the rest of the book, Sloane had to tell her family and have Luca meet them and Luca had to tell his family and have Sloane meet them. She found the dress, the rehearsal dinner went good, they got married and had babies. But image that, but 100 pages worth. I was so bored I wanted to claw my eyes out. I don't know what I was expecting from this novel but this wasn't it.
This book got two stars from me because while I did like it in the beginning, the end failed for me.
Is it worth a read?
Nah I wouldn't waste the time.
June 12, 2015
Considering that Sloane's I thought it was in bad taste that both
July 5, 2023
Pain Lived, Love Found was not on my radar. However, I read a moving review and found myself one-clicking this book. I am so glad I did. Sloane had a lot of hangups due to her horrible childhood. She wouldn't let herself have a meaningful relationship for fear that she would repeat the dysfunctional cycle that was ever present in her childhood. Luca came along and like a true force of nature didn't give Sloane much choice in tearing down her walls. He was patient (and he needed an abundance of patience to deal with Sloane's issues), understanding, loving, and most importantly, nonjudgmental. Horrific abuse is depicted in this book and while it doesn't all happen to Sloan, it does impact her. I'm so glad that she was able to reach out to and hold onto Luca's love. It was is love and support that enabled Sloane to seek the counseling she so desperately needed and in turn she was able to help on of her sibling's start down the road to recovery.
I found Pain Lived, Love Found to be a powerful book in that it touched me and left me aching for Sloane and her siblings. I definitely recommend this book as a must read. However, if you are bothered by abuse themes this is not the book for you.
I found Pain Lived, Love Found to be a powerful book in that it touched me and left me aching for Sloane and her siblings. I definitely recommend this book as a must read. However, if you are bothered by abuse themes this is not the book for you.
June 9, 2015
Just Plain Old Good
This is a story that you can fall so deeply in love with, that you haven't a clue you're actually falling.This is such a well done story of love,acceptance and forgiveness.This is also a story of letting go and letting love and God handle things.This is story of so many dark subjects that you cringe just thinking and imaging all the horror.The writer handles everything like a.seasoned pro,you just clap.Every women should have their own Luca.This is a sexy sensual adult love story.I think I am not giving this story it's due when I call it a.romance.when this is life and it's done well.The plot and the characters are so fleshed out that you don't have second guess.The story moves at a pace were you see it unfold and you imagine it happening.Luca and Sloan are so sexy and real that you see them in your mind.Who doesn't love a man that can respect his parents,pray to his God and sex his woman,the writer does this,and well.This is book shelf worthy,recommend worthy and book club list.All around good story.
This is a story that you can fall so deeply in love with, that you haven't a clue you're actually falling.This is such a well done story of love,acceptance and forgiveness.This is also a story of letting go and letting love and God handle things.This is story of so many dark subjects that you cringe just thinking and imaging all the horror.The writer handles everything like a.seasoned pro,you just clap.Every women should have their own Luca.This is a sexy sensual adult love story.I think I am not giving this story it's due when I call it a.romance.when this is life and it's done well.The plot and the characters are so fleshed out that you don't have second guess.The story moves at a pace were you see it unfold and you imagine it happening.Luca and Sloan are so sexy and real that you see them in your mind.Who doesn't love a man that can respect his parents,pray to his God and sex his woman,the writer does this,and well.This is book shelf worthy,recommend worthy and book club list.All around good story.
May 28, 2015
AMAZZING
first this book had me in tears and smiling it was heart warming and made me angry was so tuched by how well you wrote characters and the story line was great this is an amazing story Luka and Sloan I don't wanna give to many details just read the story Thalia lake you out did yourself
first this book had me in tears and smiling it was heart warming and made me angry was so tuched by how well you wrote characters and the story line was great this is an amazing story Luka and Sloan I don't wanna give to many details just read the story Thalia lake you out did yourself
May 28, 2015
Wow just wow.
This is story you want to go on for forever. I loved Luca and Sloane story, how he had the patience with her when she didn't have it or believe in herself when he did. It truly broke my heart at first but I loved how she pulled out of if and found something truly amazing when she wasn't looking for it. And my God Luca he made me smile ALOT lol.
This is story you want to go on for forever. I loved Luca and Sloane story, how he had the patience with her when she didn't have it or believe in herself when he did. It truly broke my heart at first but I loved how she pulled out of if and found something truly amazing when she wasn't looking for it. And my God Luca he made me smile ALOT lol.
May 31, 2015
Amazing
This is my first time reading from this author and I'm definitely impressed! It was very thorough and complex but hey easy to identify with. I couldn't put it down. Just about every one can identify with some of the characters in the book, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great read!
This is my first time reading from this author and I'm definitely impressed! It was very thorough and complex but hey easy to identify with. I couldn't put it down. Just about every one can identify with some of the characters in the book, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great read!
June 1, 2015
All I can say is...
Beautiful! I couldn't stop reading. I'm fairly new to the world of reading. Really, I am. I'm one of those "I'd rather see the movie" kind of people. Let me tell you, I was missing out on a lot! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm not much for words so I'd simply like to say, thank you Thalia Lake for sharing this story of pain lived and love found.
Beautiful! I couldn't stop reading. I'm fairly new to the world of reading. Really, I am. I'm one of those "I'd rather see the movie" kind of people. Let me tell you, I was missing out on a lot! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm not much for words so I'd simply like to say, thank you Thalia Lake for sharing this story of pain lived and love found.
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June 6, 2015WOW
This is my first book by this author and I applauded her for writing this story! I have heard of cases/stories like this but just can't seem to fathom it sadly it does exist....Pain lived and loved found is a story of Sloanes journey through pain and her love she found with Luca!! Miss Lake my hat goes off to you well done!!!
This is my first book by this author and I applauded her for writing this story! I have heard of cases/stories like this but just can't seem to fathom it sadly it does exist....Pain lived and loved found is a story of Sloanes journey through pain and her love she found with Luca!! Miss Lake my hat goes off to you well done!!!
April 8, 2020
This book is no longer available on Amazon, but book 2 is.
Here's my Succinct Review
Here's my Succinct Review
June 2, 2015
Pretty darn good
Thank You Thalia for a truly good read. You showed that happiness is within reach if you allow it, I appreciated your take on the narration by not allowing there to be another opinion on their relationship. All in all it was very good, you have a fan in me!
Thank You Thalia for a truly good read. You showed that happiness is within reach if you allow it, I appreciated your take on the narration by not allowing there to be another opinion on their relationship. All in all it was very good, you have a fan in me!
May 28, 2015
Great Read
I gave this book 5 stars because the author Thalia Lake took some very difficult subject matter and told an amazing story. I read this book in one day it was so good I couldn't put it down!!!
I gave this book 5 stars because the author Thalia Lake took some very difficult subject matter and told an amazing story. I read this book in one day it was so good I couldn't put it down!!!
June 9, 2015
I need to learn Italian
Wow!! I enjoyed this book so much. I thought I was going to hate Sloane but I'm glad she wasn't that type of heroine that didn't think she deserves love. When Luca prayed about the relationship, that's was it for me. I instantly fell in love with him.
Wow!! I enjoyed this book so much. I thought I was going to hate Sloane but I'm glad she wasn't that type of heroine that didn't think she deserves love. When Luca prayed about the relationship, that's was it for me. I instantly fell in love with him.
June 24, 2015
Great Read
First read by this Author and it was great read. I loved the storyline and the relationship between the two main characters. Sorry it had to end but as always all good things has to end.
First read by this Author and it was great read. I loved the storyline and the relationship between the two main characters. Sorry it had to end but as always all good things has to end.
July 7, 2015
2.5 rating. The first half was 3.5 stars for me and then it when downhill from about 57% when it started to get typical and predictable. I guess I like the whole drama before dating and don't really care about the rehearsal dinners and meeting the family when there is not drama involved.
May 30, 2015
Excellent
This was a very good standalone book. I would recommend this book. I glad her a.f her sister finally got alone again.
This was a very good standalone book. I would recommend this book. I glad her a.f her sister finally got alone again.
May 30, 2015
Great story! I highly recommend!
June 2, 2015
Heartwarming
Reading this book I felt the emotions the pain the love and the hatred of the characters. This book is deep. I absolutely loved it! Great job Thalia!
Reading this book I felt the emotions the pain the love and the hatred of the characters. This book is deep. I absolutely loved it! Great job Thalia!
June 8, 2015
Wow!!!!
This was a great read , I didn't want it to end. Every emotion possible was felt while reading this awesome story. I was kinda sad it ended.
This was a great read , I didn't want it to end. Every emotion possible was felt while reading this awesome story. I was kinda sad it ended.
June 11, 2015
Amazing
The book was very good. I thought, how could the author know my life.. It was similar to mine, except for the incest. It made me very emotionally.
The book was very good. I thought, how could the author know my life.. It was similar to mine, except for the incest. It made me very emotionally.
August 7, 2015
Powerful
Excellent book !!!!! Made you cry, laugh and want to fight relatives. Would recommend is a five star book. Awesome
Excellent book !!!!! Made you cry, laugh and want to fight relatives. Would recommend is a five star book. Awesome
September 16, 2017
Broken but Healed
Simply Beautiful. Luca and Sloane. I have the up most respect for Luca. He was kind gentle patience, etc. He loved Sloane from his soul. Even despite her past he loved her even more. Sloane was broken through out life the way her parents done her and her siblings
The beatings moslestion verbal and physical abuse. And the sad part of this I blamed their mother more because she defended her husband. My heart went out to Mickey and Junior even Evan. No matter what they still made it. So what they had some stubbling blocks. But they made it. What don't break you will make you. This is a Beautiful Love story whose love was so strong and powerful no one could tear I apart. Just think about it. This all began from getting some coffee from a place called 😍 Starbucks 😍
Simply Beautiful. Luca and Sloane. I have the up most respect for Luca. He was kind gentle patience, etc. He loved Sloane from his soul. Even despite her past he loved her even more. Sloane was broken through out life the way her parents done her and her siblings
The beatings moslestion verbal and physical abuse. And the sad part of this I blamed their mother more because she defended her husband. My heart went out to Mickey and Junior even Evan. No matter what they still made it. So what they had some stubbling blocks. But they made it. What don't break you will make you. This is a Beautiful Love story whose love was so strong and powerful no one could tear I apart. Just think about it. This all began from getting some coffee from a place called 😍 Starbucks 😍
May 3, 2018
Meh..DNF 58%. I can't. This was supposed to be about a woman w/a dysfunctional family falling in love. However, this love story between Sloane and Luca went way too fast. How was he able to break down her walls so quickly? I mean they fall in love in record time! Not only that but it was just downhill for me that someone like Luca, who before Sloane was able to get any woman he want, love em and leave em type of guy and then all of sudden, he can't breath without Sloane? I don't get it and the story became more and more inauthentic as we went along, I just couldn't finish. I gave it two stars because it started out good with a very decent background about Sloane and her family so we get an understanding of where she's coming from. But, the love story just falls apart for me about halfway through. Pass.
June 19, 2017
Intense and very good book. I am now reading the second book.
May 24, 2020
Simple and practical. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews