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Thug, Baller, Hitta, Goon
Painlessly in Love
Love has never been something Champaign Halo desired to have. The only woman he ever loved was his mother and losing her pushes him to never want to experience that type of heartache again. Professional football is his heart’s desire and being at the top of his game fuels his drive for success. Vanessa Knight has had it rough since she was a teenager, from giving birth at a young age, to battling depression. Yet, her broken heart causes her to swear off love forever. Chance opportunities bring these two together. Although Champaign isn't looking for love, he can't deny the attraction he has for the woman who’s dead set on blocking men like a professional linebacker. Both are running from past heartaches but the question is, are they willing to put their pride aside and help each other heal? Or will they throw love away and place it under lock and key?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2021
230 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 21, 2022
Welp, it's official. Vanessa and Pain are my favorite couple. I adored these two. Pain knew from the moment he was introduced to Vanessa she was it for him so, he wasted no time making her his woman. He pretty much started courting and wooing her from the beginning. Having endured mental and verbal abuse from her f'boy ex, Vanessa didn't think any man could ever truly love her. That damn Tre really did a number on her self-esteem so, she was constantly questioning Pain's motives. But, with the encouragement of her bestie Pink and her kids, Vanessa finally decided to stop running and just let that man love her. That damn Tre was pure trash. He dogged Vanessa out so bad. If I don't want her but, I don't want nobody else to have her was a person, it would definitely be Tre. Now, mind you, he and Vanessa haven't been together in over 10 years but, that didn't stop Tre from acting like a petulant child when she and Pain started dating. That fool almost lost his mind but, Pain helped him find it. The Smith and the McQueen crew had to pull up and show this idiot what it was. I was so over the moon Vanessa finally got her HEA. She not only deserved it but, she earned it. Now, can we discuss Roby's age? How is it Roby is 18 in this book but, he turned 20 in Anything Necessary For Her? This book did not go back in time. Matter of fact, it's eight months later from when Vanessa and Pain met so, Ashley should be a 16 year old junior and not a 14 year old freshman. For the life of me, I'll never understand how an author can forget their own content. Your readers pay attention to details like that. So, should you. But, I digress. I absolutely loved Painlessly in Love. I think, out of all of the books, this was my favorite one. I loved catching up with the other characters and see them thrive in their relationships. I would love to see Pink and Carlos get a story. She deserves her HEA too. I'm so sad these crossovers have come to an end but, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some updates.
August 14, 2022
Vanessa & Pain
Vanessa had a hard life after leaving her cheating ex. She had to get herself together fast in so that she could take care of herself and her 2 children. Pain stepped in and basically introduced her to how women should be treated. Good story.
Vanessa had a hard life after leaving her cheating ex. She had to get herself together fast in so that she could take care of herself and her 2 children. Pain stepped in and basically introduced her to how women should be treated. Good story.
February 16, 2021
Whew honey
It was so much packed in this perfectly penned story! Pain was THE truth. The love he had for Vanessa,Roby and Ashley was so real you could feel it. He did not play about his OK. The way everything played out was just right, Ms Monique has been 1 of my favorite authors since I grab her first book. I loved the growth she displays in each story she delivers. I’m telling you to 1 click and get your whole entire life! If you haven’t read any of her other masterpieces start from the beginning with “A Thug Has Feelings”. Each story connects in some way so you get to catch up with some of your favorite characters. You can thank me later for getting you hooked.💋SO DAMN GOOD Monique 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
It was so much packed in this perfectly penned story! Pain was THE truth. The love he had for Vanessa,Roby and Ashley was so real you could feel it. He did not play about his OK. The way everything played out was just right, Ms Monique has been 1 of my favorite authors since I grab her first book. I loved the growth she displays in each story she delivers. I’m telling you to 1 click and get your whole entire life! If you haven’t read any of her other masterpieces start from the beginning with “A Thug Has Feelings”. Each story connects in some way so you get to catch up with some of your favorite characters. You can thank me later for getting you hooked.💋SO DAMN GOOD Monique 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
June 19, 2022
M. Monique definitely saved the best for last!!! Champaign and Vanessa were a breath of fresh air! Champaign loved her something serious and the way he catered to her was everything! She didn’t stand a chance! I loved how he made Vanessa, Ashley and Roby a priority! He was a whole man with BDE oozing from his pores! This series was EVERYTHING! These Halo/Smith/McQueen/ Jackson/ Reeves men were everything and so were their women/ mothers!! I really need a family reunion update and also a book about those Wright brothers because the way they came in the sky box I know they’re nothing to play with! Bravo M. Monique! Despite the errors in the book this was such a bomb series filled with so many twists turns and OMG moments. The stories kept with the same pattern but there was enough unexpected jaw dropping events that kept me on my toes. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 3, 2021
Another Banger👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Once again, I have fallen for another bomb a** book bae😂 Can I just say that Pain was that man🥰 I loved the relationship between him and Vanessa. Baaabbbby those sex scenes were OMG🤤 I couldn’t stand Tre. I’m glad she had a friend like Pink. Now pink was a crazy mess and kept me laughing. I also loved the relationship Vanessa had with her children. Roby didn’t play about his mama. I about died when Pain went up to Ashley’s school 😂😂 he also didn’t play about Ashley and Roby and I loved their relationship. Can’t wait for the next one💙
Once again, I have fallen for another bomb a** book bae😂 Can I just say that Pain was that man🥰 I loved the relationship between him and Vanessa. Baaabbbby those sex scenes were OMG🤤 I couldn’t stand Tre. I’m glad she had a friend like Pink. Now pink was a crazy mess and kept me laughing. I also loved the relationship Vanessa had with her children. Roby didn’t play about his mama. I about died when Pain went up to Ashley’s school 😂😂 he also didn’t play about Ashley and Roby and I loved their relationship. Can’t wait for the next one💙
March 13, 2022
Vanessa x Champain
I'm realizing that most of M. Monique's stories are pretty similar. At least from what I've read so far from her catalog. The hero is always some tough niğğa with money and power, and strong AAVE, who gets śhít done, and who also loves so fiercely. That was Champain. He was an athlete who fell head over heels for Vanessa. Vanessa was a timid single mother with the shìttìest ex; Tre, who verbally and mentally and emotionally abused her. He refused to let her move on in peace. But not if Pain had anything to with it.
That was the gist of the story. But don't get me wrong. I am here for it. I love how these men love their girls. Champain was all about Vanessa. From the way he made love to her, to how he took care of her and her kids....Pain loves him some V-Baby. I loved it.
I enjoyed the story, though I was shocked at the amount of little errors in this story. From run-on sentences to missing ponctuations to a few misspelled words. But nonetheless, good story.
I'm realizing that most of M. Monique's stories are pretty similar. At least from what I've read so far from her catalog. The hero is always some tough niğğa with money and power, and strong AAVE, who gets śhít done, and who also loves so fiercely. That was Champain. He was an athlete who fell head over heels for Vanessa. Vanessa was a timid single mother with the shìttìest ex; Tre, who verbally and mentally and emotionally abused her. He refused to let her move on in peace. But not if Pain had anything to with it.
That was the gist of the story. But don't get me wrong. I am here for it. I love how these men love their girls. Champain was all about Vanessa. From the way he made love to her, to how he took care of her and her kids....Pain loves him some V-Baby. I loved it.
I enjoyed the story, though I was shocked at the amount of little errors in this story. From run-on sentences to missing ponctuations to a few misspelled words. But nonetheless, good story.
March 10, 2024
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, single parent, sports, guy falls 1st, touch her you💀
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 3.5⭐
Romance: 3.5 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 3 ⭐
Violence: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 4 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
Trope: Black Love, single parent, sports, guy falls 1st, touch her you💀
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Emotional: 3 ⭐
Sweet: 3.5⭐
Romance: 3.5 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3 ⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 3 ⭐
Violence: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 4 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
February 19, 2021
Pain is Bae
This book was excellent. When reading this author it’s a guarantee that she is going to give us an over the top alpha male. And I love every bit of it. I think she topped the scales with Pain. The way that Pain loved his V Baby and her children was beautiful. Great story and I can’t wait to see what is next.
This book was excellent. When reading this author it’s a guarantee that she is going to give us an over the top alpha male. And I love every bit of it. I think she topped the scales with Pain. The way that Pain loved his V Baby and her children was beautiful. Great story and I can’t wait to see what is next.
February 19, 2021
Another great one!!!
Your writing is so intriguing. I love the way your characters just come together, and correspond with one another. I loved how pain went so hard for Nessa, and her kids. I loved the Nessa, allowed Pain to love her after being treated so bad by Tre. Tre was so trifling, that he couldn't give the mother of his children her proper respect that she deserved. Tre, was a no good for nothing man. Love how my dread heads got down for their ladies!!! Love it!! I would love to read about those Carter men. Pink, was who you called a real friend. For real for real. Yaaasss Baby!!
Your writing is so intriguing. I love the way your characters just come together, and correspond with one another. I loved how pain went so hard for Nessa, and her kids. I loved the Nessa, allowed Pain to love her after being treated so bad by Tre. Tre was so trifling, that he couldn't give the mother of his children her proper respect that she deserved. Tre, was a no good for nothing man. Love how my dread heads got down for their ladies!!! Love it!! I would love to read about those Carter men. Pink, was who you called a real friend. For real for real. Yaaasss Baby!!
April 5, 2021
3.5 Stars, but pretty good
The idea for the story was good. I wish there weren't so much cussing and foul mouths in the telling of this story. I liked Payne and his crew; he was a book bae. Tre was a dirty dog, and worthless too. I have a hard time with low-self esteem women. Vanessa was emotionally empty due to Tre's constant negativity. When she met Champagne, her coffer was empty. He had to build her up and hold her down. Pink was crazy cool, and you will adore her. Ashley was cute as a button, and Rob was a big brother to the nth power. My rating is related to the constant amount of cursing, even from the young adults. Overall, the story was pretty good
The idea for the story was good. I wish there weren't so much cussing and foul mouths in the telling of this story. I liked Payne and his crew; he was a book bae. Tre was a dirty dog, and worthless too. I have a hard time with low-self esteem women. Vanessa was emotionally empty due to Tre's constant negativity. When she met Champagne, her coffer was empty. He had to build her up and hold her down. Pink was crazy cool, and you will adore her. Ashley was cute as a button, and Rob was a big brother to the nth power. My rating is related to the constant amount of cursing, even from the young adults. Overall, the story was pretty good
November 13, 2021
This author needs to do a masterclass on creating book baes!
Another good read from this author as I continue to raid her catalog. Love me some Pain, Champaign Halo! Vanessa went through it with her punk ex Tre but sis wind up winning in a big way even after Tre did all he could to sabotage her and destroy her life. Loved her children and how they held up their mom through everything! This author needs to do a masterclass on book bae because Pain was all of it and more. Now I need to read both Cake, Pain's sister and Champ, Pain's brother stories. I just need to read her whole catalog!
Another good read from this author as I continue to raid her catalog. Love me some Pain, Champaign Halo! Vanessa went through it with her punk ex Tre but sis wind up winning in a big way even after Tre did all he could to sabotage her and destroy her life. Loved her children and how they held up their mom through everything! This author needs to do a masterclass on book bae because Pain was all of it and more. Now I need to read both Cake, Pain's sister and Champ, Pain's brother stories. I just need to read her whole catalog!
February 15, 2021
Pain...Every woman wants and needs Pain
Every time I think I love her latest book, she releases another one and I’m conflicted. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way Pain loves Vanessa and takes on protecting her and her kids. Every woman wants and needs a man like Pain. To love us, protect us fearlessly and make us sit our butts down when needed. Lol and I loved her relationship with Pink. I’m so glad this was not a story where her BF turns on her. Can’t wait to read Pink and Carlos’ story. I truly loved this story! Great job
Every time I think I love her latest book, she releases another one and I’m conflicted. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way Pain loves Vanessa and takes on protecting her and her kids. Every woman wants and needs a man like Pain. To love us, protect us fearlessly and make us sit our butts down when needed. Lol and I loved her relationship with Pink. I’m so glad this was not a story where her BF turns on her. Can’t wait to read Pink and Carlos’ story. I truly loved this story! Great job
February 19, 2021
who knew pain could be so good
I LOVE ME SOME PAIN!!!!!! GUHHHHHHHHH pain & vanessa has quickly become one of my fave couples i loved everything about them from how patience pain was w/her to how nasty these 2 got & when he said those was his kids i was even more in love. i cant wait to see whose next & fall in love again cause babbbbyyyyyyyyyyy ya pen game is not to be played with
I LOVE ME SOME PAIN!!!!!! GUHHHHHHHHH pain & vanessa has quickly become one of my fave couples i loved everything about them from how patience pain was w/her to how nasty these 2 got & when he said those was his kids i was even more in love. i cant wait to see whose next & fall in love again cause babbbbyyyyyyyyyyy ya pen game is not to be played with
February 17, 2021
Pain Is Bae 🥰
Another Banger. So Glad V Got Her Happily Ever After. Her story resonated so much with as a single mom of 3 and having the strength to leave a narcissist! Lord Where Is My Champaign?!?!! M. Monique hasn’t failed me yet! Can’t Wait To Meet Carter, Carlos, & Cartierr!!!
Another Banger. So Glad V Got Her Happily Ever After. Her story resonated so much with as a single mom of 3 and having the strength to leave a narcissist! Lord Where Is My Champaign?!?!! M. Monique hasn’t failed me yet! Can’t Wait To Meet Carter, Carlos, & Cartierr!!!
November 30, 2023
I have been going through M Monique’s catalog for the past few weeks and she never disappoints. With each story the character development grasps my edges and will not let go. I absolutely loved Pain and Vanessa’s story. Pain spoiled her, loved her through her insecurities, and cracked her back in a room full of mirrors. I stan a legend!
February 16, 2021
❤️❤️
I swear I fall deeper and deeper in love with these characters with each book. I love this entire crew and I swear their stories never get old. I’m already thirsty for the next one! ❤️
I swear I fall deeper and deeper in love with these characters with each book. I love this entire crew and I swear their stories never get old. I’m already thirsty for the next one! ❤️
February 17, 2021
She did it again!!!
Dallas was my favorite book bae in M Monique’s series, but Pain, whew!!! I loved this story! It was well developed! I love how patient Pain was with Vanessa! M Monique hasn’t disappointed me yet!!! Five star worthy!!!
Dallas was my favorite book bae in M Monique’s series, but Pain, whew!!! I loved this story! It was well developed! I love how patient Pain was with Vanessa! M Monique hasn’t disappointed me yet!!! Five star worthy!!!
February 18, 2021
Must read
This was another great story. Champaign is definitely bae and I love the fact he's from my hometown. The way he loved Vanessa was amazing. I'm ready to read about the winters now and pink. I know you gonna bring it as you always do.
This was another great story. Champaign is definitely bae and I love the fact he's from my hometown. The way he loved Vanessa was amazing. I'm ready to read about the winters now and pink. I know you gonna bring it as you always do.
February 19, 2021
Love this!!
Loved Pain and Vanessa story! Literally getting swept off her feet! Couldn’t stand her children father such a bitter Betty! I hope there is a story about Pink and Carlos!
Loved Pain and Vanessa story! Literally getting swept off her feet! Couldn’t stand her children father such a bitter Betty! I hope there is a story about Pink and Carlos!
February 19, 2021
Wonderful
This is a wonderful read from a new to me author!
Pain and Vanessa work so well together
Great love scenes.... awesome plot and all around feel good story! Highly recommended
This is a wonderful read from a new to me author!
Pain and Vanessa work so well together
Great love scenes.... awesome plot and all around feel good story! Highly recommended
August 22, 2021
It’s the second chance for me.
Whew Chile. I loved everything about this book. The characters, dialect, plot, setting everything. I’m so glad I found this author. The reflections of her past really taught me some lessons and confirmed so much for me.
Whew Chile. I loved everything about this book. The characters, dialect, plot, setting everything. I’m so glad I found this author. The reflections of her past really taught me some lessons and confirmed so much for me.
January 30, 2022
❤️
This was a beautiful story of redemption and allowing a man who loves you unconditionally - to do so! Pain and Vanessa were meant to be. I loved how hard Pain was coming behind his new family.
This was a beautiful story of redemption and allowing a man who loves you unconditionally - to do so! Pain and Vanessa were meant to be. I loved how hard Pain was coming behind his new family.
February 25, 2022
This.that good.good!
Yes! We.finally. get the 411 on Pain and boy is it a dozy. The writer gives.us a story that has been well crafted. This was not only about the power of love but it was about trust. Without giving slot of tje.story away lets just say.that it was.good.
Yes! We.finally. get the 411 on Pain and boy is it a dozy. The writer gives.us a story that has been well crafted. This was not only about the power of love but it was about trust. Without giving slot of tje.story away lets just say.that it was.good.
February 15, 2021
Awwww
I loved it from beginning to end! just pure unfiltered love. Now, I’m ready to hear more and out pink and Carlos. What do the winters have in store for us
I loved it from beginning to end! just pure unfiltered love. Now, I’m ready to hear more and out pink and Carlos. What do the winters have in store for us
February 19, 2021
More please
I can’t stop reading your books I can’t express how great it feels to read your books keep it up
I can’t stop reading your books I can’t express how great it feels to read your books keep it up
February 19, 2021
This author is 🔥🔥🔥 Every single book is a banger
Read every book you won’t be disappointed!!!! I love how are her books are tied together! I know them Winter guys are up next!
Read every book you won’t be disappointed!!!! I love how are her books are tied together! I know them Winter guys are up next!
January 22, 2022
I enjoy all of the crew but PAIN, PAIN, PAIN! Y’all I think I’m in love!! Pain spoke life into Nessa, as a true man should. M. Monique guuurrrrrllll you did this one and I loved it!!
November 14, 2023
I will always love these stories❤️
M Monique writes the best Urban stories. This one is another one for the books. Engaging, dramatic, suspenseful and spicy. These are just a few words that describe this book. As long as she writes books I’ll read them. This is another author who can get all my coins 🙃. Just read the damn book 📚.
M Monique writes the best Urban stories. This one is another one for the books. Engaging, dramatic, suspenseful and spicy. These are just a few words that describe this book. As long as she writes books I’ll read them. This is another author who can get all my coins 🙃. Just read the damn book 📚.
March 20, 2024
4.6 This was really good! Anything M Monique writes I just know I will like a lot . Let me go ahead and take this journey in her catalog. ☺️ because I’m all out of order smh!
September 17, 2025
loved it!
What a wonderful conclusion (so far) to this series. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Smiths, McQueens and Halo’s and to fall in love with their love stories. Champaign and Vanessa were particularly lovely to read as both of them had love-related trauma to heal from. I love how open Pain was to Vanessa and her kids and how from the beginning he really pursued her. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this series which was a page turner and even without having the most character development or the most complicated plots kept me engaged and rooting for the crazy ensemble of Smith family friends all through the past 9 books.
What a wonderful conclusion (so far) to this series. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Smiths, McQueens and Halo’s and to fall in love with their love stories. Champaign and Vanessa were particularly lovely to read as both of them had love-related trauma to heal from. I love how open Pain was to Vanessa and her kids and how from the beginning he really pursued her. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this series which was a page turner and even without having the most character development or the most complicated plots kept me engaged and rooting for the crazy ensemble of Smith family friends all through the past 9 books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews