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Sugarcoated Pain
"Stop fighting yourself and start fighting for her.”
Noelle Simon was a normal girl who took joy in the various books she was constantly surrounded with as she worked with her sister Beverly at Simon's Stories, their family-owned bookstore.
Carson Hayes' idea of joy—and work—came in the fights he took part in inside an old warehouse-turned-gym, ranking up his cred with a solid reputation as Astros' best fighter.
They both knew their lives shouldn't be mixed; her cookie-cutter life with his bloody fights and sketchy peers weren't a good combination, but as their lives collided and they found themselves entangled in it, the dangerous life Carson led dragged Noelle into the chaos she didn't ask for.
How will they overcome the trials that come their way?
Will they fight their way through, or will they surrender?
Noelle Simon was a normal girl who took joy in the various books she was constantly surrounded with as she worked with her sister Beverly at Simon's Stories, their family-owned bookstore.
Carson Hayes' idea of joy—and work—came in the fights he took part in inside an old warehouse-turned-gym, ranking up his cred with a solid reputation as Astros' best fighter.
They both knew their lives shouldn't be mixed; her cookie-cutter life with his bloody fights and sketchy peers weren't a good combination, but as their lives collided and they found themselves entangled in it, the dangerous life Carson led dragged Noelle into the chaos she didn't ask for.
How will they overcome the trials that come their way?
Will they fight their way through, or will they surrender?
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2021
48 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Summer Nawaz
5 books30 followersBorn and raised in Pakistan, Summer now lives in New Jersey and is currently studying to earn her Masters in English. She is an avid reader of YA and NA fantasy and romance books, and when she isn’t reading, she’s working on the various books she hopes to one day finish. She lives by the idea of books serving as the number one form of escapism, and strives to instill those feelings in those who read her books the same way she experiences them in reading her own favorite novels.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 28, 2021
Rating: 4.5 stars
This was such an enjoyable read!
Carson is a character that grows on you over time as he develops, and in the end he was the definition if a tough guy only weak for his girl. Noelle is a relatable, grounded woman whose happiness I couldn’t help but root for! The twists and turns in their romance were exciting to read and made the ending all their more satisfying.
Above all else, it’s Summer’s writing that I loved the most. She certainly knows how to write and develop a lovely romance, and I can’t wait to see what future stories and characters she comes out with!
This was such an enjoyable read!
Carson is a character that grows on you over time as he develops, and in the end he was the definition if a tough guy only weak for his girl. Noelle is a relatable, grounded woman whose happiness I couldn’t help but root for! The twists and turns in their romance were exciting to read and made the ending all their more satisfying.
Above all else, it’s Summer’s writing that I loved the most. She certainly knows how to write and develop a lovely romance, and I can’t wait to see what future stories and characters she comes out with!
January 27, 2021
I first read Sugar Coated Pain on Tumblr and honestly I still think about it all the time. Such a wonderful story, Summer’s writing is consistently incredible - excited to be able to support her. Can’t wait to read it again as a published novel.
couldnt-finish-dnf
July 31, 2021DNF 25%
He sleeps with other girl🙄 of course
He sleeps with other girl🙄 of course
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2021
4.5 Actually 🥰
I read this on Tumblr when it was first published then re-read it again recently, and I absolutely love every part of it. Characters? Chef’s kiss. Boxing? Double chef’s kiss.
I read this on Tumblr when it was first published then re-read it again recently, and I absolutely love every part of it. Characters? Chef’s kiss. Boxing? Double chef’s kiss.
February 9, 2021
I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book!!!!! All of the characters were great, and the romance was even better. I wish I could date someone like Carson. He's so incredibly sweet with Noelle, loves his family and friends, yet still serves the moody bad boy trope with everyone else. I can't even tell you how many times I've reread the cute scenes between Carson and Noelle since reading this book for the first time. I'm begging you all to read this!!!
May 1, 2021
I love this book so much. It has a very near and dear place in my heart. I read this book all the way back when it was on Tumblr and had to wait for each chapter to be posted! So, I guess technically, this is my third or fourth reread. And, let me tell you, it just gets better each time I read it. After the heartbreak that I experienced with The Song of Achilles, I needed something to read that wasn’t going to make me bawl my eyes out. Sugar Coated Pain is the perfect romance novel, seriously. It has all the things I like in a romance: sweet girl, guy with a tough exterior, a little bit of violence, love, and a happy ending. (That last one is really important, looking at you SOA!) Summer is the absolute best. I’ve been following her on Tumblr for years now and everything she writes always impresses me. I am so happy I finally have this gem in paperback so I can mark up all my favorite parts and keep going back to it each time I need something comforting. Highly recommend it, this story always brings a smile to my face!
August 1, 2021
DNF at 56%
April 18, 2021
4/5 ⭐
I was surprised to be so caught up in the story. I grew attached to Noelle and Carson pretty quick even though I thought I was gonna hate Carson. I must admit I've been wrong. Summer's writing is great and you don't even see the pages turned
I definitely recommend!
I was surprised to be so caught up in the story. I grew attached to Noelle and Carson pretty quick even though I thought I was gonna hate Carson. I must admit I've been wrong. Summer's writing is great and you don't even see the pages turned
I definitely recommend!
May 13, 2021
Adorably perfect
This book is something else. I loved the romance between the characters and how they developed their relationship. I loved the dual POV and everything else. Brb, I'll be crying over this book.
This book is something else. I loved the romance between the characters and how they developed their relationship. I loved the dual POV and everything else. Brb, I'll be crying over this book.
November 17, 2024
sometimes a girl just needs to reread her fav 5sos wattpad fanfic from 2015 that was turned into a published book.
August 19, 2021
Carson went into “touch her and die” mode right away. And in expected fashion, he nearly kills someone for even talking about it. “What happens if someone actually touches her?” You’ll want to read and find out! Car is so protective of Noelle. She triggers every one of his fighter instincts. But, she also brings out such a cute soft side in him. Bringing her coffee and soup, visiting her at work, but it’s the cuddling that got me. The way Car took care of Noelle physically and mentally, with all the best intentions. He was tough in the ring, but always thoughtful and romantic with her. I loved their close knit group of friends. The way they all just melded together perfectly. Definitely a family I wouldn’t want to cross! I really would love to revisit their group, especially after reading the epilogue!
My Favorite Quotes:
•’I could get used to this. I could get used to her.’
•”Think I’m realizing you’re not just some girl.”
•’He was in trouble, but he was completely okay with it.’
•”I have every intention of finishing this, darling.”
•”So pretty for me.”
•”Can I have you?”
•’One hand returned to her throat, his fingers finding home around it.’
8/10 Dirty Birdy
8/10 She’s Mine
My Favorite Quotes:
•’I could get used to this. I could get used to her.’
•”Think I’m realizing you’re not just some girl.”
•’He was in trouble, but he was completely okay with it.’
•”I have every intention of finishing this, darling.”
•”So pretty for me.”
•”Can I have you?”
•’One hand returned to her throat, his fingers finding home around it.’
8/10 Dirty Birdy
8/10 She’s Mine
September 30, 2021
Honestly, this book was not worth it. Almost DNF. I've enjoyed fighting romances for a while now - especially fanfiction - so I was quite curious to see what this - a fanfiction turned into a novel - was going to turn into.
First of all, the book is written in third person - which I usually don't mind - but this caused the author to repeat names over and over again, which got extremely annoying reaching just 20% of the book.
The story itself was quite basic: we see a cold-hearted fighter falling in love with the shy, book-lover girl that works in a library and, to be honest, I was expecting everything to take a switch and turn into something more unique. Sadly, it didn't.
By the time I reached the 50% mark, they finally got together, and I couldn't help myself from gagging at the way Carson just turned into a whole other person. The hard ass fighter became a smitten teenager, and there was nothing cute about it. Sometimes I whine about books lacking character development. The character development was there, in this book; but boy, was it bad.
I basically skimmed the entirety of the book, and I still could tell the ending was rushed and bland.
Honestly could have stayed a fanfiction, there was no need to turn this into a novel.
First of all, the book is written in third person - which I usually don't mind - but this caused the author to repeat names over and over again, which got extremely annoying reaching just 20% of the book.
The story itself was quite basic: we see a cold-hearted fighter falling in love with the shy, book-lover girl that works in a library and, to be honest, I was expecting everything to take a switch and turn into something more unique. Sadly, it didn't.
By the time I reached the 50% mark, they finally got together, and I couldn't help myself from gagging at the way Carson just turned into a whole other person. The hard ass fighter became a smitten teenager, and there was nothing cute about it. Sometimes I whine about books lacking character development. The character development was there, in this book; but boy, was it bad.
I basically skimmed the entirety of the book, and I still could tell the ending was rushed and bland.
Honestly could have stayed a fanfiction, there was no need to turn this into a novel.
August 5, 2021
Has sooooo much potential to be great but the writing needs work. I prefer first person books instead of third person. This book was third person and switched between the two main characters but not in a clear way. Story was good though but needs a little more action than knowing every little detail behind the scenes.
August 8, 2023
Don’t even look at me
I’m blushing
This was such a fun read. It’s one of those kick your feet, shove your face into your pillow, reading far too late into the night kind of books. It’s the tough guy but not a bad guy romance novel to indulge in. It was sweet (please laugh)
I’m blushing
This was such a fun read. It’s one of those kick your feet, shove your face into your pillow, reading far too late into the night kind of books. It’s the tough guy but not a bad guy romance novel to indulge in. It was sweet (please laugh)
January 2, 2024
3.5/5 - this was pretty good, although kinda predictable and felt like wattpad. there isn’t too much that really stuck out or to say. i would recommend it if someone was looking for the tropes present.
(spice .5, third POV, illegal fighter)
(spice .5, third POV, illegal fighter)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
Absolutely adore the story! It’s also my comfort story as I always kept coming back to it ever since Summer posted the first chapter on her tumblr!
June 17, 2021
Cute soft chilled romance :)
Lotsa wattpad vibes but I enjoyed it. also THE RAIN LIBRARY KISS WAS ELITE
Lotsa wattpad vibes but I enjoyed it. also THE RAIN LIBRARY KISS WAS ELITE
August 3, 2021
It wasn’t bad but I definitely felt like it borders Wattpad quality.
3.75 ⭐️
3.75 ⭐️
August 13, 2021
carson baby… i love u
September 3, 2021
sorry but i just had a romance overdose 🤢
February 4, 2022
Carson
Amazing story. Amazing characters. Amazing everything. Could not put it down. Its was an unstoppable read. You have to read
Amazing story. Amazing characters. Amazing everything. Could not put it down. Its was an unstoppable read. You have to read
February 22, 2022
DNF 53%
August 23, 2022
read it on tumblr years ago i love a cute fanfic
January 30, 2024
Was forced to read it after I begged my friend to give me some boxer recs😔
It wasn't that bad actually.
It wasn't that bad actually.
July 21, 2024
chemistry? between these two main characters? it’s less likely than you think
December 23, 2024
creo q me gustó más cuando lo leí en tumblr a los 15
also q remil paja cuando en el epílogo la protagonista está embarazada!!!! por favor basta
also q remil paja cuando en el epílogo la protagonista está embarazada!!!! por favor basta
June 25, 2023
Read this while it was being published as a Calum Hood fanfic on tumblr so I ate this up
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews