Speechless: When Love Hurts

by BriAnn Danae

In When Love Hurts, the first literary release from BriAnn Danae, readers are invited to ponder over the thought, “It’s always the ones closest to you” Brooke McBride experiences this first hand. After hiding a secret from her loving and devoted husband she wants to unveil her horrid past but is clueless on where to begin. Brooke knows that if it’s ever revealed she may lose him for good. When a tragic loss takes the couple by surprise the vows that they professed two years ago are put to the ultimate test. David better known as D-Rock, is the perfect definition of a hustler in the streets of Kansas City. For many years he has served the hood as the number one supplier for product. But when new people emerge on the scene and become his competition, D-Rock’s money begins to run dry. Although he is well known in the game and corporate world too, D-Rock has a past that comes back to haunt him. Prior to dancing with the devil, D-Rock was lucky enough to have a team full of killers ready to avenge on his behalf, but lack of funds revoked his stress, credibility and unfortunately his power too. So now D-Rock is forced to fight his own battles. Erica, former stripper at one of the most illustrious strip clubs and girlfriend to D-Rock. She loves D-Rock from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, everything about him makes her heart smile… except his inability to appreciate her as his woman. However, Erica isn’t oblivious to their disconnection. She knows that she is the reason for their strained relationship. One wrong decision in the past brought upon her insecurities and he hasn’t dealt with her the same since. As much as Erica loves her some D-Rock, when the opportunity presents itself to test the water, she is hesitant but still temptation pushes her over the ledge and Erica dives in head first. Anthony, the doting husband and crème of the crop as one of the top lawyers in his home town, is well known. Not only does he have a successful career and thriving business but the perfect wife and home to complete the package. When a friend from his past reaches out in need of help, Anthony feels compelled to lend a helping hand. But will soon realize, everyone isn’t worthy of a good deed, even if they are good friends, he will unfortunately pay for his decision. Life is all about making the right decisions so they say. In When Love Hurts, chances will present themselves over and over again to make things right within each relationship. But with lust and temptation steadily rising, how difficult will it be to remain faithful? Love overcomes all and sometimes, “I love you” doesn’t do the trick. But in this suspenseful and riveting series, will the magical feeling that we sometimes experience overpower hurt and disappointment?

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2016

About the author

BriAnn Danae is an urban romance author and native of Kansas City, Missouri. In October 2015, she penned her first novel and since has enhanced her catalog claiming seventy titles to date. She whimsically writes Black love stories with purpose and passion, making you want to go beyond the book and look into her mind as a writer.

As the two-time 2021 Black Girls Who Write award winner for Best Black Book Series and Best Black Urban Romance and KCPCA 2023 Best Author of Kansas City, BriAnn has masterfully crafted her pen. With the talent to navigate between genres, she’s captured the hearts of her readers, making them fall hard in love with her characters. Her writing can be classified as soul-snatching, heart-yearning, chest throbbing, and downright some of the most exhilarating literature one could grace their eyes upon.

There’s a message BriAnn strives to leave with her readers. “I don’t just write to tell a story. I write to paint a picture and give a testimony.”

Reviews

[She Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old fashioned mess!!!

This book was just messy! David and Brooke are some dirty buzzards!! I felt so bad for Erica and Ant, and wouldn't have been man if they stepped out. ( not with Michelle though her ass was too thirsty for me lol) I loved me some Meechi and can't wait to learn more about him. Niecy was funny and a great friend. Can't waiiiiit to get into part 2 hopefully ant finds out quickly.

[Shar📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This book is full of drama and spice and mind blowing ending. I’m gonna have to continue the series.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy boots

This book started out slow for me. I’m hoping that the second book gives more of a detailed reason as to why Brooke decided to sleep with David being that he’s her best friend’s man and her husband’s best friend! She stated that she wasn’t attracted to him and her husband treated her so great. She did mention because of the thrill. I still don’t understand that! Also, it was very naive of Erica to have a threesome with her married best friend?! That’s supposed to happen with a jump off! David was my least favorite character he was so rude and disrespectful to everyone even his team of soldiers that he expected loyalty out of. Also, why did Ant feel the need to visit Michelle’s studio?! I had a lot of questions but the middle and end is where the story picked up!

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot to digest

This book is a drama-filled exploration of love, betrayal, and the consequences of life’s choices. Danae weaves a tangled web of secrets and lies among Brooke, D-Rock, Erica, and Anthony, each grappling with their past and present decisions. The story takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of infidelity, temptation, and loyalty.

While the book starts off slow, it eventually gains momentum as the characters' complexities come to light. Brooke’s risky decision to engage with David, despite her seemingly perfect marriage, left me questioning her motives, especially since her reasoning felt underdeveloped. Similarly, Erica’s choices strained believability, as her actions undermined the loyalty expected in close relationships. David, though pivotal, comes across as unlikable due to his rudeness and lack of respect for those around him. Anthony’s subplot, involving an ill-advised reunion with an old friend, added intrigue but raised more questions than it answered.

Despite its initial pacing issues, the novel delivers a suspenseful second half, setting the stage for a potentially stronger sequel. Danae’s exploration of flawed, human relationships holds promise, but more depth in character motivations and tighter plot resolutions would elevate the story. Fans of drama and emotional turmoil will find much to unpack here.

[kiriahsbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
this book was for me a slow start. & i love BriAnn downnnn but this one didn’t quite get my attention as quick as her others, could be because this is her first book, but still a good story, and kept me entertained throughout the entire book. & regardless BriAnn is still that gworlll

Brooke is married to Ant. David & Erica are dating. Brooke, David, & Ant all met in college. Erica used to be a stripper. They’re all friends, and double date. One night David, Brooke, & Erica have a 3sum, and that turns into Brooke & David having a whole affair & a whole bunch of mess happens in between!

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I have to say is…BROOKE AND DAVID ARE WILD! They deserve each other with all the foolery they doing.

Meechi is giving BDE!!! Can’t wait to read more about him

[Alisha Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was my first read from this author. This was highly recommend and I see why this book was amazing.

[LexRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 I’m stressed 😮‍💨. I hated every character in the book. All of their moral compasses were severely f’d up. The only characters that had some sense were the parents. This book is triggering just a little bit because there is SO MUCH infidelity. Are any of these characters going to get a HEA?? This whole book is messy asf. The ending has me intrigued, but I have a feeling I might DNF book 2.

[Mika Verrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

I want to fight everybody in this book except for Anthony. But I need David, Brooke, and Erica to line up and catch these hands!! 🤬🤬Yooo I’m pissed!! I paced back and forth reading this entire book, but to be fair BriAnn did tell me to take a shot so I was warned 😂.

The only female I liked in this book was Neicey, she was giving Erica the hardest truth but that’s what a real friend does.

Sen is hilarious 🤣 when that man said his name is spelled S-E-N like sensational I was weak AF 🤣🤣🤣. I need more of him.

That ending, had me sprinting to book 2. Say, read this series immediately!


Book: Speechless
Author: BriAnn Danae
Genre: Urban Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute page turner! At times, this story had me speechless! This was a very good read with continuous drama! Brooke is a piece of work! Written like a veteran writer! Great characters & action packed storyline keep me reading & waiting for the next part to drop reallll soon!

[ayreeee · Rating 3 out of 5]

MESSY BOOTS

[💖📚BOOKZAMILLION📖💘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it but there was some inconsistency. In the beginning of the book, she’s sleeping with her husband’s best friend and then begins to have a miscarriage. They continue the affair. During therapy she keeps stating that she’s messing with her husband’s best friend as sort of a way of coping with the miscarriage. She’d already slept with him and even his wife before the miscarriage- it seems to me. The storyline is entertaining and I do want to see what happens next so… moving on lol.



Total Book Experience 6/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)4/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 4/10
Again-able 1/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 3/10
Threshold quality 2/10
Unique 10/10


Update after reading the series:

Everything was fully explained in book 3 and while I honestly believe that Brooke tried it because that still was no reading to carry on an affair with your husband’s best friend and he’s also your best friend’s boyfriend but at least now your excuse was explained. That being said it was a great story and I could not put it down.
Let it be known that I’ve updated my review to 5 ⭐️!


Total Book Experience 10/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10


This was good!!!!








💕💕

[Books & Locs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Chile the Ghetto 🤦🏾‍♀️ this book pissed me tf off , I had to put the book down several times because I just kept getting pissed off ! The book pissed me off but I couldn’t stop reading because it was so good and full of foolishness and drama 🗣 David & Brooke I hope both of y’all lose everything plus more Periodt! Michelle you’re EXTREMELY WEIRD ! How tf are you mad because Ant wants to respect his wife and not get all touchy with you, smh it’s giving the one that got away but he never belonged to you so I don’t get the obsession with him. From the popping up at random times to doing a sexy dance for him excepting him to return the favor. 🗣I hope you continue to be alone as well because that’s trifling af to be jealous of his wife no matter how trash she is! David attacking Erica because you’re doing wrong is crazy to me smh ! I hope Erica finds true love and honesty I feel like Erica and Ant should get they lick back by doing some sexual favors for each other 😬 I’m just saying and I knew from the beginning that the baby wasn’t Ants 😌

[Shanae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give Speechless 1 4 stars.

I know that it’s either the author’s first book or one of her first books, and it’s a great introduction to her writing style. I was apprehensive about reading Speechless when I saw there were so many characters and that chapters were written from each character’s point of view — but after years of reading urban lit, I know the recipe for disaster for me: new-to-me/new author plus multiple characters plus multiple POVs equals a bad book.

But BriAnn Danae impressed me. I hope David and Brooke really suffer and I want the best for Erica and Ant. I’m ready to read the rest of the series. Solid 4 star book for entertaining characters and an engaging storyline.

Spice: 🥵🥵🥵

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Stalking, Medical content, Blood, Alcohol, and Violence

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Speechless: When Love Hurts” was a great read for me. Even though I didn’t relate to the characters’ situations, the story still held my attention from the start. The emotions were strong, the pacing was good, and the way everything unfolded kept me wanting to know what would happen next.

What I liked most was how the story made me feel invested without needing to see myself in it. The characters had their own battles, their own pain, and their own choices, and watching everything play out kept me completely locked in. It’s dramatic, emotional, and full of moments that make you keep reading just to see how things end.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even without personally relating to the storyline.

[Lauren Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow

First of all David, Brook, and Erica was all down bad! David was no good and just pure trash. I hope he was put down at the end like the dog he is. He had all of the audacity. I’m so mad at Brook because Anthony was a good man and even tho I side eyed him for being around Michelle I really couldn’t be to mad because Brook was being a garden tool. I don’t think I realized this was a 3 part series. Not sure if I’ll keep reading as this isn’t usually my kind of book. I actually like some of this authors other books tho.

[Simone Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start

This book really flowed well. I just have to shake my head at David and Brooke. Yes Erica started the whole thing but David always wanted Brooke and that just gave him a pass to continue his mess. But poor Ant he put here working hard and being there for his wife and she doing him so wrong. Love the way Neicy keeps it so real, everyone needs a friend like her. Hopefully Erica and Ant pull through the mess David and Brooke got them in!!!

[Cassandra Haywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies Will Catch Up With You

This book was a very good read. My attention was held from the beginning till the end of the book, that left me with my mouth open from saying wow.
I felt the emotions of anger, sadness, hurt and the consequences of the lies and deceit some of the characters felt.
I want to read the next book so I can see who lives and or dies.
Cassandra H.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esclated: Secrets & Lies

🤯 I’m absolutely speechless over “Speechless: When Love Hurts” - Book 1 of 3‼️I could feel each character’s emotional, physical tolerance of their own personal life and their relationship and subsequent circumstance(s) escalate to recklessness. Dang, the proverbial fan has been hit…all behind secrets & lies‼️

[BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just reread AGAIN. Definitely my comfort series.

One of my FAVORITE series. Love this book because it starts off with the beginning of Erica and Meechi’s relationship and a little of Neicy and Sen. I love every single book about all of them. The entire series of all 6+ books never gets old. If I could give them all a hundred stars I would.

[Aubree · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I learned one thing from this book, I hate when a person gets so defensive when their significant person talks to someone of the opposite sex, let alone look at them. Whole time, they're cheating? Yeah, David and Brooke had me so confused this whole book.. The audacity in most situations was insane.. onto the next part! 3 1/2⭐️

[Iesha Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!

This book was so good! I'm too surprised by the way it ended makes me want to start on the second book already! But I loved it, it had so much action!!!! I just hope Ant pull through!

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban and Interesting

This story had some interesting antics going on with the characters. David, Ant, Brooke and Erica had rachet written all over them. Then add in their side piece extras, and there you have it... A hot mess. Overall this story was an interesting read...

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read! Ant was such a great man and was the one person I truly liked in this book. Erica, Brooke and David have some skeletons in the closet that they need to sweep out. This book had me all in my emotions like I know these people

[Authoress Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for part two and three

From the beginning to the very end this book had me on edge. All the characters were scandalous just felt bad for Erica she was the one who was really getting hurt. I can’t wait to read book two and three. Great job!!!

[Shanita Wade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow read!

This book was sloooow, you can tell the author tries to prolong the story to create the need for a sequel. The most interesting part of the book happened within the last 10 pages of the story.....too much character development and not enough story development.

[RASHALON T SCOTT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This book held my attention from start to finish. The way Brooke was described, you wouldn’t think she was this trifling. David, yea. But her..nah. E needs to whoop her ass and go ahead and side with Meechi.

[Shanea Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless for real!!

This book had so many secrets and so much drama. That nigga deserves what ever comes his way and so does that damn Brooke!! And then he has the nerve to be mad HA! On to book 2

[deedy diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This is my first book by this author and she didn’t disappoint me at all. From beginning to end I was intrigued. I don’t know how this gone play put but I’m here for the ride

[Akilam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umph umph umpppph!!!!

Drama drama drama!!!! And I loved every bit of it. Thanks to this ending, I'm sliding right into part 2 NEEEOWWWW!!!
I knew when I saw the name Damitri what it wassssss. I felt it!