What do you think?
Rate this book
After the Pain
Stay-at-home mom and fiancée Cierra Jones is ready to find her way as her baby girl, Ivy, grows out of her lap and sets out in the world. Although she considers herself content with her relationship, a drawn-out engagement and failure of commitment from her long-time fiancé pushes Cierra away from the life she envisioned. In their younger days, Calvyn was the man of her dreams but facing the reality of their situation has Cierra’s eyes wide open.
Calvyn Manning is a hard-working Real Estate lawyer, a family man, and in his mind, the best thing that's ever happened to Cierra. Although he proposed years ago, his fear of making the next big step stems from a fatherless childhood and a mother who was always too busy to be present for him. Calvyn will be forced to step up to the plate or step back as Cierra magnifies her intentions for their future. Will Calvyn be the man she needs him to be and meet her at the altar? Or will his fear of commitment to Cierra lead her into the arms of another man who is ready to give her what she needs?
Cierra and Calvyn are up against some of their most challenging days, but true love always prevails, right? In her first independent romance novel, After The Pain, Author Zarkia takes readers on an emotional ride; love is tested, friendships are shattered, and ties will forever be broken.
Calvyn Manning is a hard-working Real Estate lawyer, a family man, and in his mind, the best thing that's ever happened to Cierra. Although he proposed years ago, his fear of making the next big step stems from a fatherless childhood and a mother who was always too busy to be present for him. Calvyn will be forced to step up to the plate or step back as Cierra magnifies her intentions for their future. Will Calvyn be the man she needs him to be and meet her at the altar? Or will his fear of commitment to Cierra lead her into the arms of another man who is ready to give her what she needs?
Cierra and Calvyn are up against some of their most challenging days, but true love always prevails, right? In her first independent romance novel, After The Pain, Author Zarkia takes readers on an emotional ride; love is tested, friendships are shattered, and ties will forever be broken.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2022
98 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Zarkia
50 books109 followersBorn in Fulda, Germany and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Zarkia Jones is a newly signed author under Twyla T. Presents. Her first book Tangled Webs: Love, Lust and Diamonds released on September 7th, 2018. Her passion for writing began in elementary with writing short stories and even getting the highest possible score on her 4th grade writing state test. Eventually her passion began to fade away as she got older.
She was drawn back into writing after sharing her story with a close friend and receiving a tremendous amount of positive feedback. Reading the work of other authors, in a variety of genres, has always been an outlet for her to get a break from her daily activities. She is currently a full time student at Broward College, pursuing her degree in Exceptional Student Education with plans of being a high school reading teacher in the future and she is a mother of two beautiful daughters.
She was drawn back into writing after sharing her story with a close friend and receiving a tremendous amount of positive feedback. Reading the work of other authors, in a variety of genres, has always been an outlet for her to get a break from her daily activities. She is currently a full time student at Broward College, pursuing her degree in Exceptional Student Education with plans of being a high school reading teacher in the future and she is a mother of two beautiful daughters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 9, 2022
I was not ready
Okay, first, let me say this- this was my first book by the author, and secondly, the book blew me away. After the pain does not adequately describe the amount of pain and anquish, Cierra endured at the hands of her man Calvyn. I disliked that turd, and he was a sorry excuse as a man. I was certain he was up to no good aside for his shady business deals. And it was apparent who Calvyn was doing his dirt with. I did not think Dawn was a real friend, and she showed us her conniving side in the end. The cliffhanger ending had me up all night worrying about when the next book is scheduled. In my Terminator Voice- "I'll Be Back."
Okay, first, let me say this- this was my first book by the author, and secondly, the book blew me away. After the pain does not adequately describe the amount of pain and anquish, Cierra endured at the hands of her man Calvyn. I disliked that turd, and he was a sorry excuse as a man. I was certain he was up to no good aside for his shady business deals. And it was apparent who Calvyn was doing his dirt with. I did not think Dawn was a real friend, and she showed us her conniving side in the end. The cliffhanger ending had me up all night worrying about when the next book is scheduled. In my Terminator Voice- "I'll Be Back."
February 2, 2024
This story was so good I didn’t realize I zoomed through it. This is my first read from this author and I’m definitely going to explore her catalog. I love an author who can write without fluff or unnecessary details, and you still get the point. I’ve read a lot of delusional characters but these took the cake. Starting pt2 now!
February 18, 2022
With Friends Like Dawn You Sure Don't Need Enemies!
Zarkia, Great Read! Boy oh boy Calvyn really was a piece of work. Cierra was a good woman, mother, daughter and friend. Calvyn didn't deserve to have her in his life. He was an ego maniac that cared nothing about loyalty he only cared about his selfish wants. Dawn was such a snake, nothing she touches will produce good fruit.
It was so many red flags that Cierra saw she just couldn't put it together. I can't wait until both Dawn and Calvyn get their karma. Chance is learning to live after a horrible situation hit his life. Meeting Cierra he began to want to see who she is, will Cierra get a chance to be treated as the queen she is? Will Calvyn try some more foolishness? How will Cierra mom handle her new found situation? Depression is real,not loving yourself enough to allow someone to treat you like garbage is real, healing and trust is a hard thing sometimes. But I hope Cierra gets through this foolishness, and is able to glow up! Great Read!!!🤗🤗🤗
Zarkia, Great Read! Boy oh boy Calvyn really was a piece of work. Cierra was a good woman, mother, daughter and friend. Calvyn didn't deserve to have her in his life. He was an ego maniac that cared nothing about loyalty he only cared about his selfish wants. Dawn was such a snake, nothing she touches will produce good fruit.
It was so many red flags that Cierra saw she just couldn't put it together. I can't wait until both Dawn and Calvyn get their karma. Chance is learning to live after a horrible situation hit his life. Meeting Cierra he began to want to see who she is, will Cierra get a chance to be treated as the queen she is? Will Calvyn try some more foolishness? How will Cierra mom handle her new found situation? Depression is real,not loving yourself enough to allow someone to treat you like garbage is real, healing and trust is a hard thing sometimes. But I hope Cierra gets through this foolishness, and is able to glow up! Great Read!!!🤗🤗🤗
October 20, 2024
This was a great read . I laughed , I was pissed and everything else. Cal and Dawn some punk bitches and they both deserve death plus some
February 19, 2022
EVERYTHING!!
This book is everything! Cavlyn and Dawn both are the lowest kind of people. How you sleeping with her “best friend”( I use that word loosely), and then embarrass her by marriage said Bih on the date you set for Cierra?!?!?! I’ll be so glad when Karma comes back and bite them both so hard in the BUTT!!! Wesley❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.
This book is everything! Cavlyn and Dawn both are the lowest kind of people. How you sleeping with her “best friend”( I use that word loosely), and then embarrass her by marriage said Bih on the date you set for Cierra?!?!?! I’ll be so glad when Karma comes back and bite them both so hard in the BUTT!!! Wesley❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.
May 7, 2022
BIIIHHH😳👀👀👀!!!
Whew Chil! It's it bad that I knew from the baby shower that Dawn and Calvyn's h*e a** were fu**ing. I was hoping I was wrong😔.
This it's my first read my Queen Zarkia and she did not disappoint. She definitely gave is one drama filled, toxic a**, backstabbing a**, heartbreaking story.
I knew Calvyn wasn't sugar honey ice tea but, dayyyuuummm! Can you say all around phuck boy! That ninja stealing from the elderly to line his pockets, funding side bit**'s lifestyles and, he got community🍆😳🤔. Oh let's not forget Ci clearly implied that the motherfudgesicklestix got a hand problem too, biiihhh bye. He deserved a whole lot not than Cierra beating his a** with that shoe.
With h** a** "friends" like Dawn who needs enemies. My thing with her is, why hook you're so called bestie up with a ni**a you're already fu**ing🤔. Then to keep sending her back to him, why tho🤔.
Now Cierra ain't innocent cause sis them red flags were flying high asf and you ignored everyone. You a fiancé for 5 years, he telling you what you can and can't do AND HE GOT A HAND PROBLEM, NO MA'AM, NO HAM, NO TURKEY😡😡😡. IDGAF what a motherfudgesicklestix is providing, ain't no amount of money worth that toxic ish. Then to say you wanna give your daughter what you had, clearly you don't sis cause you didn't grow up in a toxic environment. Now your daughter is gonna need therapy cause her trifling a** daddy done put her in the middle of that sh*t show🤦🏾😢. At the same time my heart went out to her cause the two purple she thought were for her wasn't worth the sperm that fertilized that egg that produced them🙄😔😢
My heart broke for Wesley😢. To lose his wife and during childbirth😢. His mother-in-law was amazing and really wanted him to find love again. Hopefully when the dust settles Cierra will give him a shot.
Let's go book 2
Whew Chil! It's it bad that I knew from the baby shower that Dawn and Calvyn's h*e a** were fu**ing. I was hoping I was wrong😔.
This it's my first read my Queen Zarkia and she did not disappoint. She definitely gave is one drama filled, toxic a**, backstabbing a**, heartbreaking story.
I knew Calvyn wasn't sugar honey ice tea but, dayyyuuummm! Can you say all around phuck boy! That ninja stealing from the elderly to line his pockets, funding side bit**'s lifestyles and, he got community🍆😳🤔. Oh let's not forget Ci clearly implied that the motherfudgesicklestix got a hand problem too, biiihhh bye. He deserved a whole lot not than Cierra beating his a** with that shoe.
With h** a** "friends" like Dawn who needs enemies. My thing with her is, why hook you're so called bestie up with a ni**a you're already fu**ing🤔. Then to keep sending her back to him, why tho🤔.
Now Cierra ain't innocent cause sis them red flags were flying high asf and you ignored everyone. You a fiancé for 5 years, he telling you what you can and can't do AND HE GOT A HAND PROBLEM, NO MA'AM, NO HAM, NO TURKEY😡😡😡. IDGAF what a motherfudgesicklestix is providing, ain't no amount of money worth that toxic ish. Then to say you wanna give your daughter what you had, clearly you don't sis cause you didn't grow up in a toxic environment. Now your daughter is gonna need therapy cause her trifling a** daddy done put her in the middle of that sh*t show🤦🏾😢. At the same time my heart went out to her cause the two purple she thought were for her wasn't worth the sperm that fertilized that egg that produced them🙄😔😢
My heart broke for Wesley😢. To lose his wife and during childbirth😢. His mother-in-law was amazing and really wanted him to find love again. Hopefully when the dust settles Cierra will give him a shot.
Let's go book 2
February 25, 2022
🤬DRAMA!
My mouth at the end of this book was on the floor! I’ve read my share of books that have betrayal and envious friends but this definitely took me by surprise! Cierra has everything, the successful man, good kid, and works because she wants to.. But, her man, Calvyn, did not deserve her. And her friend, Dawn, was even worse. I knew Calvyn was doing dirt but I did not expect the plot twist to include Dawn. I really think he has some mental health issues, he’s like two different people.
I was hoping Cierra stood up to Calvyn and did not play into his game of getting married. There were too many red flags and it was clear getting married wasn’t what Calvyn wanted to do with Cierra. This book is a quick and easy read and a sure way to raise your blood pressure! I was stressed out trying to see how this would come together. I am hoping for more of Cierra and Wesley in book two!
My mouth at the end of this book was on the floor! I’ve read my share of books that have betrayal and envious friends but this definitely took me by surprise! Cierra has everything, the successful man, good kid, and works because she wants to.. But, her man, Calvyn, did not deserve her. And her friend, Dawn, was even worse. I knew Calvyn was doing dirt but I did not expect the plot twist to include Dawn. I really think he has some mental health issues, he’s like two different people.
I was hoping Cierra stood up to Calvyn and did not play into his game of getting married. There were too many red flags and it was clear getting married wasn’t what Calvyn wanted to do with Cierra. This book is a quick and easy read and a sure way to raise your blood pressure! I was stressed out trying to see how this would come together. I am hoping for more of Cierra and Wesley in book two!
June 21, 2023
Rolls eyes
Honestly I don't feel sorry for Cierra at all. It was glaringly obvious in so many ways she shouldn't marry him but she decided to go through with it anyway just to make her daughter look happy and end up looking dumb. Dawn showed her plenty times she wasn't her friend but again she ignored the signs and played naive now look. Calvin dumb for spending money on a wedding he didn't plan on participating in and it was dumb to think doing so was supposed to teach someone a lesson. It just helped Cierra non seeing a** dodge a bullet. Overall I was over the whole situation like 45% in lol. Hopefully part two is more interesting and Cierra moves smarter.
Honestly I don't feel sorry for Cierra at all. It was glaringly obvious in so many ways she shouldn't marry him but she decided to go through with it anyway just to make her daughter look happy and end up looking dumb. Dawn showed her plenty times she wasn't her friend but again she ignored the signs and played naive now look. Calvin dumb for spending money on a wedding he didn't plan on participating in and it was dumb to think doing so was supposed to teach someone a lesson. It just helped Cierra non seeing a** dodge a bullet. Overall I was over the whole situation like 45% in lol. Hopefully part two is more interesting and Cierra moves smarter.
April 26, 2022
Dayum!,,,,
Ms Zarkia, this is my first read for you and baybey! I was literally on the edge of my seat, I would skip through, and then I would go back because I was afraid I would miss something. I take my hat off to you!
Ladies, this is not your typical cheat on your best friend with her man story. This storyline had me shaking my head, getting mad and a lot of wth. Don’t miss out, make this your next read.
Only request is please review when to use brought and bought.
On to part 2!
Ms Zarkia, this is my first read for you and baybey! I was literally on the edge of my seat, I would skip through, and then I would go back because I was afraid I would miss something. I take my hat off to you!
Ladies, this is not your typical cheat on your best friend with her man story. This storyline had me shaking my head, getting mad and a lot of wth. Don’t miss out, make this your next read.
Only request is please review when to use brought and bought.
On to part 2!
April 1, 2024
😳
Noooooo!
My🫀has been palpitating out of my chest!
Dawn is a delusional disgusting disgraceful person. But to take Ivy. And her family sitting there condoning the foolishness! I would never.
I’m a bit confused at Ciera’s behavior however. She comes from a happy loving two parent home. Why would you want your daughter to be in an unhappy unloving two parent home? If 2+2=4 wtf is this?
And the diabolical nature to end with a click click?! How dare you!
Off to read book 2🤭
Noooooo!
My🫀has been palpitating out of my chest!
Dawn is a delusional disgusting disgraceful person. But to take Ivy. And her family sitting there condoning the foolishness! I would never.
I’m a bit confused at Ciera’s behavior however. She comes from a happy loving two parent home. Why would you want your daughter to be in an unhappy unloving two parent home? If 2+2=4 wtf is this?
And the diabolical nature to end with a click click?! How dare you!
Off to read book 2🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
If I could round up , I’d do 4.5. This was quick & messy !! & my blood pressure is high now. Cause that ending really got me ready to fight !! I can’t belive I actually liked this book. Because my genre right now is historical fiction. So that’s all I’ve been reading!! But this story line kept me up from the first page to the last !!!
Highly recommend , if you are into books about friendship & relationships drama! It wasn’t slow , got right to the point & wasn’t repetitive.
Highly recommend , if you are into books about friendship & relationships drama! It wasn’t slow , got right to the point & wasn’t repetitive.
June 12, 2025
We Ride at Dawn
Chile! The way I wanna be Cierra just so I can whoop Dawn. Envious friends are the worst but Cierra finally got the picture when Dawn started moving funny. Now you can have that dog but once you bring my kid in it, it's up baby. Calvyn is dirty narrassitic dog who deserves to nothing but hell for what he did to his child and fiancé. This read had me literally talking to the book. I'm definitely finishing the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chile! The way I wanna be Cierra just so I can whoop Dawn. Envious friends are the worst but Cierra finally got the picture when Dawn started moving funny. Now you can have that dog but once you bring my kid in it, it's up baby. Calvyn is dirty narrassitic dog who deserves to nothing but hell for what he did to his child and fiancé. This read had me literally talking to the book. I'm definitely finishing the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 8, 2022
After the Pain
Zarkia was not playing when she pinned this drama! From beginning to end I had to know what was next. I felt all the emotions that Cierra was feeling as I frantically read from page to page to see if she would lose her mind or walk away unscathed. You best believe the sequel will be just as intriguing. Calvyn and Dawn better watch their backs!
Zarkia was not playing when she pinned this drama! From beginning to end I had to know what was next. I felt all the emotions that Cierra was feeling as I frantically read from page to page to see if she would lose her mind or walk away unscathed. You best believe the sequel will be just as intriguing. Calvyn and Dawn better watch their backs!
March 22, 2022
EXCUSE ME?!
I just finished this book after work and it has me looking at all of my friendships differently. Cierra chose violence and I can’t blame her at all. Dawn….girl send me the address to pull up because what?! Calvyn, don’t worry playboy you’ll get yours. I hope in Part 2 Cierra is fine and she and Wes can explore more of each other.
I just finished this book after work and it has me looking at all of my friendships differently. Cierra chose violence and I can’t blame her at all. Dawn….girl send me the address to pull up because what?! Calvyn, don’t worry playboy you’ll get yours. I hope in Part 2 Cierra is fine and she and Wes can explore more of each other.
August 13, 2022
Karma is coming
Very interesting storyline. It feels a bit rushed and it’s lacking character Development but the overall concept is attention grabbing. I’m not sure I completely understand Calvin’s motives or why he would waste all that money just to end it like that. I’m interested enough to read part to see how things play out
Very interesting storyline. It feels a bit rushed and it’s lacking character Development but the overall concept is attention grabbing. I’m not sure I completely understand Calvin’s motives or why he would waste all that money just to end it like that. I’m interested enough to read part to see how things play out
December 29, 2025
People like Dawn & Calvyn is why "My Circle" is close to non-existent!
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It touched on self-worth, friendship or the lack thereof, relationships, cheating, family, parenting and fake/phony people. It brought to mind that you have to be so very careful who you allow in your circle, but I would have done the same thing Cierre did in the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It touched on self-worth, friendship or the lack thereof, relationships, cheating, family, parenting and fake/phony people. It brought to mind that you have to be so very careful who you allow in your circle, but I would have done the same thing Cierre did in the end.
February 19, 2022
What a friend
Now what kind of friend is that? I hope Calviny goes to jail for all the dirt he has done and Dawn go to for knowing and helping spend the money. Let Cei and Westly get together they will make a great couple.
Now what kind of friend is that? I hope Calviny goes to jail for all the dirt he has done and Dawn go to for knowing and helping spend the money. Let Cei and Westly get together they will make a great couple.
April 13, 2022
Zarkiaaaaaa
Lord have mercy this book right here took me down through there.. I need more after the pain!! Definitely a good read. So many secrets and that cliffhanger was everything! Dawn is scandalous. That’s why I don’t trust anybody.
Lord have mercy this book right here took me down through there.. I need more after the pain!! Definitely a good read. So many secrets and that cliffhanger was everything! Dawn is scandalous. That’s why I don’t trust anybody.
April 14, 2022
Jaw dropping
OMG!!!! The drama if it all. I was not prepared for that ending. Poor Cierra, she was done dirty by two people she trusted the most. I hope Dawn and Calvyn get the karma they deserve.
OMG!!!! The drama if it all. I was not prepared for that ending. Poor Cierra, she was done dirty by two people she trusted the most. I hope Dawn and Calvyn get the karma they deserve.
April 28, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
OMG Zarkia girl I couldn’t put this book down!!! I loved how it was blended from Wesley and Joy story and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Calvyn and Dawn are disgusting and trifling and I know they karma is going to make me smile
OMG Zarkia girl I couldn’t put this book down!!! I loved how it was blended from Wesley and Joy story and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Calvyn and Dawn are disgusting and trifling and I know they karma is going to make me smile
May 27, 2022
I’m so glad there’s a part 2 because I just couldn’t deal with this ending by itself! Whew this book took me for a wild ride! Things seemed so good between Cierra and Calvyn in the beginning but clearly everything isn’t what it seems!
May 31, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Omg this book was every thing I knew something was up Dawn when they didn’t say who she was having sex with. I wasn’t ready for the ending thou hopefully she didn’t shoot dawn because neither one of them is worth it. Westley is for Cierra and I can’t wait to she realize it.
Omg this book was every thing I knew something was up Dawn when they didn’t say who she was having sex with. I wasn’t ready for the ending thou hopefully she didn’t shoot dawn because neither one of them is worth it. Westley is for Cierra and I can’t wait to she realize it.
March 25, 2024
Whew Chile dawn 🙄 bffr , I knew from the beginning dawn was full of $hit. Calvyn 😒 go straight to hell 😑! Dawn that man don’t even like yo dumb ahh ! All of this unnecessary drama could have been avoided from day one 🗣️Ciera go be happy boo , I like Wesley so much! Please give him a chance 😬
February 18, 2022
Come on!
Now this is my type of carrying on. I just knew there was something there. I can’t wait for part 2.
Now this is my type of carrying on. I just knew there was something there. I can’t wait for part 2.
February 22, 2022
Good Read
I enjoyed the read as usual from this author. I can't wait for karma to get Calvyn and Dawn because it's surely coming cause they foul. I need book 2 asap Zarkia.
I enjoyed the read as usual from this author. I can't wait for karma to get Calvyn and Dawn because it's surely coming cause they foul. I need book 2 asap Zarkia.
March 2, 2022
really!!??😒
Now Zarkia know she play all day with that ending.. I don’t even wanna say much because baby you just need to read!!
Now Zarkia know she play all day with that ending.. I don’t even wanna say much because baby you just need to read!!
March 9, 2022
Good story
This was a pretty good read even though Cierra apparently had low self-esteem to stay in that boring unloving relationship for so long.
This was a pretty good read even though Cierra apparently had low self-esteem to stay in that boring unloving relationship for so long.
April 22, 2022
First book from this author. It was good and I enjoyed her writing. A lot of drama and messy. I hate cliffhanger. Pisses me off. But looking forward to the next store.
April 27, 2022
Ohhhwee!!
When the ones closest to you do you the dirty. The way the snakes played in Ciara’s face was crazy. Now it’s time for retribution, let’s get it!!
When the ones closest to you do you the dirty. The way the snakes played in Ciara’s face was crazy. Now it’s time for retribution, let’s get it!!
May 15, 2022
Couldn't put it down!!!
I loved the book I'm off to book 2 of the series now because I hate such big cliff hangers.
I loved the book I'm off to book 2 of the series now because I hate such big cliff hangers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews