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Love Doesn't Hurt
When Shayla Simms took a trip with her closest friends, the last thing she expected was to spend time with a handsome stranger, but that was precisely what happened when she met Darius Carter.
Although their time together was beautiful, it didn’t last long. Shayla and Darius parted ways, returning to their lives of normality. For Shayla, that separation led to meeting and falling for Kurt – a man whose hands hurt more than they healed and loved. Even though she knew their union needed to end, Shayla couldn’t pull away… until Darius returned.
The bond between Shayla and Darius was almost instant and felt too good to be true, which was why it was so easy for her to walk away. The second time around, Darius’ fairytale love was exactly what Shayla needed to escape her hellish reality. There was just one problem – Kurt wasn’t willing to let her go easily.
Will Shayla stay, or will she find the courage to leave and allow Darius to show her that love doesn’t hurt?
*This is a rerelease and was originally published in 2018.
Although their time together was beautiful, it didn’t last long. Shayla and Darius parted ways, returning to their lives of normality. For Shayla, that separation led to meeting and falling for Kurt – a man whose hands hurt more than they healed and loved. Even though she knew their union needed to end, Shayla couldn’t pull away… until Darius returned.
The bond between Shayla and Darius was almost instant and felt too good to be true, which was why it was so easy for her to walk away. The second time around, Darius’ fairytale love was exactly what Shayla needed to escape her hellish reality. There was just one problem – Kurt wasn’t willing to let her go easily.
Will Shayla stay, or will she find the courage to leave and allow Darius to show her that love doesn’t hurt?
*This is a rerelease and was originally published in 2018.
- GenresAfrican AmericanAbuse
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2022
167 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Kay Shanee
67 books489 followersWelcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 29, 2021
Whew chile! That damn Kurt took Shayla through it! She finds herself stuck in an abusive relationship she can’t get out of because, she has no support of any kind from family or friends. Kurt has alienated Shayla from everyone in her life. He even made her quit her job so, she’s completely dependent on him. By pure happenstance, she runs into Darius almost two years later after a one night fling in Miami during a girls trip. He essentially rescues Shayla from her situation and they immediately pick up where they left off in Miami as if no time had passed. Darius shows Shayla exactly how a man should treat his woman. He lets her know he doesn’t have to tear her down to build himself up. He became the peace she needed so badly. Because this was a novella, the storyline was pretty fast paced so we didn’t get to witness a lot of things. But, we got to see Kurt’s triflin’ azz get his and, oh honey, did he get his. Darius let us know he was from them streets and didn’t play about his woman. I’m so glad Shayla was able to finally overcome her fears, take back her power, and find her strength. Love Doesn't Hurt was a powerful read. It was an amazing story and so many women can relate to it. Even with such a heavy storyline, the romance was still prevalent. Domestic violence is never an easy topic to discuss but, unfortunately, there still needs to be a light shined on these issues.
October 10, 2022
Shayla Had A Story To Tell
I love a good second chance romance….Shayla & Darius’s initial connection was palpable when the two met in Miami on her girl’s trip….I was surprised that they didn’t exchange telephones then….That Kurt was a piece of work….I’m happy that Shayla finally found her strength.
I love a good second chance romance….Shayla & Darius’s initial connection was palpable when the two met in Miami on her girl’s trip….I was surprised that they didn’t exchange telephones then….That Kurt was a piece of work….I’m happy that Shayla finally found her strength.
April 2, 2024
Love is Painless
The turmoil the heroine existed through was not easy. A few times in the middle of her anguish I wanted to just hold her. Meeting Darius and having a fling was special. Then later to have him come into her life unexpectedly and being her hero was pure love. A marvelous story.
The turmoil the heroine existed through was not easy. A few times in the middle of her anguish I wanted to just hold her. Meeting Darius and having a fling was special. Then later to have him come into her life unexpectedly and being her hero was pure love. A marvelous story.
November 1, 2018
First read by this author. Kurt was one mean dude. I found it bittersweet on how Shayla crossed paths with Darius. While this was a domestic violence story, the good overshadowed the evilness Kurt displayed, for Darius was a gem. Storyline held my attention as I finished this short rather quickly. Good read
October 31, 2018
Great Read !
Boy i was ready to lace my sneakers up and beat Kurt myself !! Darius was Shayla's knight in shining armor but more than that he gave her the tools to take back her life !! Great Story !!
Boy i was ready to lace my sneakers up and beat Kurt myself !! Darius was Shayla's knight in shining armor but more than that he gave her the tools to take back her life !! Great Story !!
August 27, 2019
Love really doesn't hurt you
This is the first book I read by this author and although it is a touchy subject it was very well written. If you can handle reading about domestic violence then I suggest you read this one. If you are experiencing domestic violence remember that it is not ok and there is help available if you want it.
This is the first book I read by this author and although it is a touchy subject it was very well written. If you can handle reading about domestic violence then I suggest you read this one. If you are experiencing domestic violence remember that it is not ok and there is help available if you want it.
November 20, 2018
Speechless
GIRL! You wrote your tale off. I didn't think I was going to like this book, by me being sensitive to abusive situations, but I did! I'm glad I didn't stop at the warning. This was worth the read. Honey, where is Darius? Tell him I'm looking for him lol! I see you Author Kay Shanee!
GIRL! You wrote your tale off. I didn't think I was going to like this book, by me being sensitive to abusive situations, but I did! I'm glad I didn't stop at the warning. This was worth the read. Honey, where is Darius? Tell him I'm looking for him lol! I see you Author Kay Shanee!
October 29, 2018
I loved it!!!
Yasss Shayla! I love how she took control and took her life back without sparing Kurt at all. I was so happy she finally found peace and accepted love and happiness with Darius!Throughout the book I went through the emotions and found myself fussing and cussing a few times, lol. Love Doesn't Hurt shows how there is light at the end of the tunnel and you can find your way out of the darkness. Rather you know someone, going through it or been through it this a good read to help fight beyond the hurt!!!
Yasss Shayla! I love how she took control and took her life back without sparing Kurt at all. I was so happy she finally found peace and accepted love and happiness with Darius!Throughout the book I went through the emotions and found myself fussing and cussing a few times, lol. Love Doesn't Hurt shows how there is light at the end of the tunnel and you can find your way out of the darkness. Rather you know someone, going through it or been through it this a good read to help fight beyond the hurt!!!
October 31, 2018
Speechless
I’m at a loss for words. I read this book in one sitting which I something I rarely do!! This was so real and represents what so many women go through day after day. Please know there is always help and never take abuse from anyone!! You are worthy of being loved and so much more and being abused is not one of them!!
Great read!!
I’m at a loss for words. I read this book in one sitting which I something I rarely do!! This was so real and represents what so many women go through day after day. Please know there is always help and never take abuse from anyone!! You are worthy of being loved and so much more and being abused is not one of them!!
Great read!!
October 30, 2018
Review
Hurt people hurt people. I'm not sure if Kurt thought what he was doing was love because it wasn't. Who would have thought that a chance meeting in Miami would turn into something else. Shayla didn't deserve any of the treatment that she received from Kurt or her dad but I'm glad that she got out of it.
Hurt people hurt people. I'm not sure if Kurt thought what he was doing was love because it wasn't. Who would have thought that a chance meeting in Miami would turn into something else. Shayla didn't deserve any of the treatment that she received from Kurt or her dad but I'm glad that she got out of it.
October 31, 2018
Loved it
The author really did it with this book. I was on the edge of my seat, ready for action like I was about to fight Kurt! Darius was definitely bae from the beginning, and I was a little angry with Shayla. Thank goodness it didn’t end there! Great read!
The author really did it with this book. I was on the edge of my seat, ready for action like I was about to fight Kurt! Darius was definitely bae from the beginning, and I was a little angry with Shayla. Thank goodness it didn’t end there! Great read!
November 5, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was great...domestic violence is always a touchy subject but you addressed it well in this story I'm glad Shayla is a survivor and able to.fight back and her and Dariius was able to have a beautiful family
This book was great...domestic violence is always a touchy subject but you addressed it well in this story I'm glad Shayla is a survivor and able to.fight back and her and Dariius was able to have a beautiful family
November 6, 2018
Tarabattlecoxson
This is a read so inspiring to help others get out! Love is not suppose to hurt . Author you did your thing ❤️
This is a read so inspiring to help others get out! Love is not suppose to hurt . Author you did your thing ❤️
February 25, 2019
Good Read
Wow.!! This book was sad but oh so true on a number of things. Glad the hero/heroine got their HEA.
Wow.!! This book was sad but oh so true on a number of things. Glad the hero/heroine got their HEA.
October 31, 2018
Great Read
This is my first book by this author and I absolutely love her writing style. Characters are full developed and she is very descriptive, I also love that this book was short and sweet. Great Job, look forward to more stories from this author
This is my first book by this author and I absolutely love her writing style. Characters are full developed and she is very descriptive, I also love that this book was short and sweet. Great Job, look forward to more stories from this author
March 10, 2019
Real Life
I appreciate the candor of this book. No frills just the raw telling of how many women and men live with and handle abuse. Some people don’t understand why the abused stay and Shayla gave the reason that many stay.
I appreciate the candor of this book. No frills just the raw telling of how many women and men live with and handle abuse. Some people don’t understand why the abused stay and Shayla gave the reason that many stay.
January 13, 2020
Really good book
This was a really good book with a strong message. I’m glad Shayla got her HEA with Darius, Kurt got hit with the karma train and that’s what he gets.
This was a really good book with a strong message. I’m glad Shayla got her HEA with Darius, Kurt got hit with the karma train and that’s what he gets.
December 9, 2018
Mixed review.....
Had the potential to be a good story but needed to be a longer book. The story felt so rushed that it became unrealistic. However, it was a reasonably good book and great to see love win, even when someone has experienced so much hurt and pain.
Had the potential to be a good story but needed to be a longer book. The story felt so rushed that it became unrealistic. However, it was a reasonably good book and great to see love win, even when someone has experienced so much hurt and pain.
November 28, 2018
Instant Love Connection💕💕
There was an instant connection when Darius and Shayla first met. They had a great date with good conversation and ended up back at Darius's place making love all night. She left him a note the next morning but didn't leave any contact info. Shayla ended up meeting Kurt and went into an abusive relationship with him until they ended up at dinner with Darius. Kurt got mad because Darius was standing up for Shayla and they got into it. Darius gave Shayla the chance to leave Kurt and come home with him. Shayla constantly had to look over her shoulder and to live in fear until Kurt came after her. Things didn't work out like Kurt planned and Shayla got what she needed from the incident. I'm glad that Darius and Shayla got their HEA and Kurt got what he deserved.
There was an instant connection when Darius and Shayla first met. They had a great date with good conversation and ended up back at Darius's place making love all night. She left him a note the next morning but didn't leave any contact info. Shayla ended up meeting Kurt and went into an abusive relationship with him until they ended up at dinner with Darius. Kurt got mad because Darius was standing up for Shayla and they got into it. Darius gave Shayla the chance to leave Kurt and come home with him. Shayla constantly had to look over her shoulder and to live in fear until Kurt came after her. Things didn't work out like Kurt planned and Shayla got what she needed from the incident. I'm glad that Darius and Shayla got their HEA and Kurt got what he deserved.
December 1, 2018
Great Ending!
This was a good read. Love Darius! Don't want to put out Any spoilers but I highly recommend this book especially to anyone who has endured Any form of abuse
This was a good read. Love Darius! Don't want to put out Any spoilers but I highly recommend this book especially to anyone who has endured Any form of abuse
March 24, 2020
Fantastic Book
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I could relate to Shayla because I was physically abused. I enjoyed reading about Shayla and Darius journey to love! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between them as well! Such a fantastic and outstanding and emotional book!
I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I could relate to Shayla because I was physically abused. I enjoyed reading about Shayla and Darius journey to love! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between them as well! Such a fantastic and outstanding and emotional book!
March 22, 2020
Great read
Poor shayla she went through so much with kurt. Darrius was a life line for her. This is a very true story for some people and it's also eye opener. Abuse is never okay.
Poor shayla she went through so much with kurt. Darrius was a life line for her. This is a very true story for some people and it's also eye opener. Abuse is never okay.
March 28, 2025
Darius and Shayla share a night together and go their separate ways. Fast forward and they meet again, only this time Shayla is in an abusive relationship. Darius is determined to get back the woman he never got off his mind, and Shayla is determined to finally escape.
This was a harder story to read. My heart broke for Shayla. But I loved how she didn't stop fighting. how she gave back what she couldn't take anymore. Darius was kind and loving, and patient and I loved that too. And ultimately took care of the problem. I like when that happens. And their connection gave them a lovely surprise at the end.
This was a harder story to read. My heart broke for Shayla. But I loved how she didn't stop fighting. how she gave back what she couldn't take anymore. Darius was kind and loving, and patient and I loved that too. And ultimately took care of the problem. I like when that happens. And their connection gave them a lovely surprise at the end.
October 31, 2019
What an awesome read
Shayla got her life back, she has a husband & 2 kids. I'm so glad that Kurt got what he deserved. Shayla showed Kurt that she wasn't gonna be a victum no more I was so proud of her when she started fighting him back and gave him a taste of his own medicine. This author did an excellent job writing this story I loved reading it.
Shayla got her life back, she has a husband & 2 kids. I'm so glad that Kurt got what he deserved. Shayla showed Kurt that she wasn't gonna be a victum no more I was so proud of her when she started fighting him back and gave him a taste of his own medicine. This author did an excellent job writing this story I loved reading it.
May 3, 2021
Okayyyyyy sooooo, I knew this book was going to have me in my feelings but that damn Kurt... I mean he was just such an asshole. It was a good read. I was satisfied with what happened to Kurt in the end because I knew that if it hadn’t happened he was never going to stop. I was getting all happy for Shayla and then that bank scene happened and I was like:
Then when he got out of jail, waited patiently and then showed up at her house! I was like:
And then...
I really don’t like to read these types of stories because this is something that I know about and usually when authors write these stories they have the women appear so “weak” for a lack of a better word then two pages later they’ve got the strength of Samson and don’t take any shit all of a sudden and I hate books like that because it just doesn’t work like that. This author did this topic justice because even though Shayla had the courage to leave that abusive shit show of a relationship, she was still very much afraid and she carried that with her right into the next relationship because it was apart of who she’d become especially after growing up with it and seeing it growing up as well. Because of the topic I hesitate to say Great Read!!! But it was.
Total Book Experience 10/10
Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10 Kurt 🙅🏽♀️
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
Then when he got out of jail, waited patiently and then showed up at her house! I was like:
And then...
I really don’t like to read these types of stories because this is something that I know about and usually when authors write these stories they have the women appear so “weak” for a lack of a better word then two pages later they’ve got the strength of Samson and don’t take any shit all of a sudden and I hate books like that because it just doesn’t work like that. This author did this topic justice because even though Shayla had the courage to leave that abusive shit show of a relationship, she was still very much afraid and she carried that with her right into the next relationship because it was apart of who she’d become especially after growing up with it and seeing it growing up as well. Because of the topic I hesitate to say Great Read!!! But it was.
Total Book Experience 10/10
Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10 Kurt 🙅🏽♀️
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
January 31, 2024
DV
If you're triggered by stories of domestic violence, you may want to reconsider this read. I thought the author did a great job with this subject. So much so that the fear and fight were palpable. Leaving a relationship of domestic violence can make an abuser even more volatile and I felt the author conveyed this well. Shayla became a survivor and was able to take her life back. I couldn't help but think, though - what's a life worth? Because Kurt's outcome wasn't justice.
If you're suffering through domestic violence, tell someone, get support, make a plan, get out. Don't suffer in silence- I hope this story encouraged and strengthened someone.
If you're triggered by stories of domestic violence, you may want to reconsider this read. I thought the author did a great job with this subject. So much so that the fear and fight were palpable. Leaving a relationship of domestic violence can make an abuser even more volatile and I felt the author conveyed this well. Shayla became a survivor and was able to take her life back. I couldn't help but think, though - what's a life worth? Because Kurt's outcome wasn't justice.
If you're suffering through domestic violence, tell someone, get support, make a plan, get out. Don't suffer in silence- I hope this story encouraged and strengthened someone.
October 16, 2020
Good read
This book was good read, but a very hard pill to swallow. In love doesn't hurt it deals with domestic violence and fighting back. No one deserves to be abused. No one deserves to be mistreated. Even with the heaviness of some of this book it was a very good read. The romance was tangible. So if you enjoy twist and turns please read this book. You will enjoy it just like I did. Happy reading!!
This book was good read, but a very hard pill to swallow. In love doesn't hurt it deals with domestic violence and fighting back. No one deserves to be abused. No one deserves to be mistreated. Even with the heaviness of some of this book it was a very good read. The romance was tangible. So if you enjoy twist and turns please read this book. You will enjoy it just like I did. Happy reading!!
November 21, 2020
I love it!
I chose the five star rating for this book because I believe it's inspirational in letting women know they have the power to get out of an abusive situation and not allow fear to hold them Back from reaching their goals of being the best they can be. I liked that it shows true love doesn't hurt. Love is kind, nourishing , gentle and it never tears down, Yes I would recommend this book to others.
I chose the five star rating for this book because I believe it's inspirational in letting women know they have the power to get out of an abusive situation and not allow fear to hold them Back from reaching their goals of being the best they can be. I liked that it shows true love doesn't hurt. Love is kind, nourishing , gentle and it never tears down, Yes I would recommend this book to others.
May 19, 2020
Amazing
This book was so good such an amazing story. So many women can relate to this an understand where this girl is coming from. I'm so happy she found the love of her life an was able to get out of that abusive relationship. Kurt got what was coming for him,I was so happy to read that. Amazing read keep up the great work .
This book was so good such an amazing story. So many women can relate to this an understand where this girl is coming from. I'm so happy she found the love of her life an was able to get out of that abusive relationship. Kurt got what was coming for him,I was so happy to read that. Amazing read keep up the great work .
April 18, 2023
Very well told
This was my first read by this author, and I I must say it will not be my last. Although a love story, it also speaks on domestic abuse and the survival of said abuse. I totally loved the herione Shayla and her hero Darius and their road to a very well-deserved HEA.
This was my first read by this author, and I I must say it will not be my last. Although a love story, it also speaks on domestic abuse and the survival of said abuse. I totally loved the herione Shayla and her hero Darius and their road to a very well-deserved HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews