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The Pain of Things
Roger Blythe has a reputation for being here today and gone tomorrow. That's fine with Corinne Walker, until he decides to take their relationship to the next level.
Corinne's cycle of dating men who have no chance of touching her heart has kept her sane over the years. Roger's turnaround unsettles her, because just when she considers changing the way she lives, his secret life threatens to destroy everything they're building together.
When her past and future collide, Corinne has two choices. Run away from what could be a repeat of the devastation that has gone before, or stay and fight for what her heart says is right for her.
Corinne's cycle of dating men who have no chance of touching her heart has kept her sane over the years. Roger's turnaround unsettles her, because just when she considers changing the way she lives, his secret life threatens to destroy everything they're building together.
When her past and future collide, Corinne has two choices. Run away from what could be a repeat of the devastation that has gone before, or stay and fight for what her heart says is right for her.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2023
10 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Campbell
108 books307 followersJ.L. Campbell is fascinated with Jamaican flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels.
Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.
Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.
Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.
Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 4, 2020
omg ?
The story was adventurous and entertaining. I liked Roger a lot, he and Corrine had an on again off again relationship that stemmed the expanse of their involvement. The characters were likable and nicely portrayed. A good read.
The story was adventurous and entertaining. I liked Roger a lot, he and Corrine had an on again off again relationship that stemmed the expanse of their involvement. The characters were likable and nicely portrayed. A good read.
May 5, 2020
Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres, and many authors wish they possessed the skill of J.L. Campbell. Once again, she gives us that wonderful mix of exciting action and romantic relationship with complex characters. It's all woven so well that neither side feels superfluous. The Pain of Things is not a romance with a little suspense or a suspense with a few awkwardly placed love scenes. This is a wonderfully developed story that has depth, intrigue on both sides, and a very well-thought out plot.
Both Roger and Corrine were believable, especially once you knew their backstories. I loved their personalities as individuals and their chemistry as a couple. Those communication styles weren't always compatible, and that's what makes this story line even more realistic. I always enjoy watching characters evolve.
I don't often give out 5 stars, but when I do, this author seems to get a fair share of them. That's because when I'm at the end of her books, I can usually never think of anything that really bothered me -- not the plot, the editing, the development, the characters, the balance. Ms. Campbell deserves the highest rating for giving us excellence and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Both Roger and Corrine were believable, especially once you knew their backstories. I loved their personalities as individuals and their chemistry as a couple. Those communication styles weren't always compatible, and that's what makes this story line even more realistic. I always enjoy watching characters evolve.
I don't often give out 5 stars, but when I do, this author seems to get a fair share of them. That's because when I'm at the end of her books, I can usually never think of anything that really bothered me -- not the plot, the editing, the development, the characters, the balance. Ms. Campbell deserves the highest rating for giving us excellence and I look forward to reading more of her books.
May 27, 2020
Roger has a secret life ... job that he has never shared with Corrine. It was not a problem until now because he wants to get exclusive with her, but she is fine with the way things are since he inconveniently disappears to unknown places and lying about it.
This story had me on edge trying to find out his secret and once I did... was it worth the very big risks he was taking? I liked that Corrine was independent, in her 30s, and willing to keep having fun with Roger, but not willing to give him more when he is hiding so much from her.
I was worried for him and also feeling as if the risk was not necessarily worth it as some of it was revealed. Roger was a good guy and I felt that he wanted to settle down with her, but I don't know how he could reconcile his lifestyle to do that safely.
This was my first read by this author. I like that it takes place on Caribbean islands as well as Miami. I definitely want another book in this series as I felt it ended in the middle of some interesting storylines that I would need another book to go a bit deeper on Roger's risky work and Corrine having to decide whether it works for them as a couple.
Note: I received an advance reading copy. This is my honest review.
I would definitely read more from this author.
This story had me on edge trying to find out his secret and once I did... was it worth the very big risks he was taking? I liked that Corrine was independent, in her 30s, and willing to keep having fun with Roger, but not willing to give him more when he is hiding so much from her.
I was worried for him and also feeling as if the risk was not necessarily worth it as some of it was revealed. Roger was a good guy and I felt that he wanted to settle down with her, but I don't know how he could reconcile his lifestyle to do that safely.
This was my first read by this author. I like that it takes place on Caribbean islands as well as Miami. I definitely want another book in this series as I felt it ended in the middle of some interesting storylines that I would need another book to go a bit deeper on Roger's risky work and Corrine having to decide whether it works for them as a couple.
Note: I received an advance reading copy. This is my honest review.
I would definitely read more from this author.
May 11, 2020
This is the third book in this series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
The story follows Roger and Corinne, who have been happy with their relationship on an ‘as and when’ basis. When things begin to change in the relationship, they have to decide what they actually want but Roger has a secret life which means he cannot always keep his dates or promises.
Corinne is an independent woman who, due to a past failed relationship, is determined not to rely on anybody else but ….
Roger has also suffered a tragedy in his life and decided not to let his heart be broken again but ….
Corinne finds it difficult to trust Roger as he won’t reveal what he actually does for work. Things come to a head when Roger’s work catches up with Corinne in a surprising way.
Great action, great characters who are believable.
The story follows Roger and Corinne, who have been happy with their relationship on an ‘as and when’ basis. When things begin to change in the relationship, they have to decide what they actually want but Roger has a secret life which means he cannot always keep his dates or promises.
Corinne is an independent woman who, due to a past failed relationship, is determined not to rely on anybody else but ….
Roger has also suffered a tragedy in his life and decided not to let his heart be broken again but ….
Corinne finds it difficult to trust Roger as he won’t reveal what he actually does for work. Things come to a head when Roger’s work catches up with Corinne in a surprising way.
Great action, great characters who are believable.
March 18, 2023
The Pain of Things part three of the trilogy
Corrine Walker was a free spirit, love-them-and-leave-them-protect-my-heart kind of woman, while Roger Blythe was a rolling stone.
When the heat sprung up between them, the rolling stone hit a brick wall and slowed. The question was, could Roger come to a complete stop or Corrine let go of the past for both of them to weigh their options?
Life has a way of throwing gas on flames, and when Corrine’s ex ran into her and Roger at a restaurant, it appeared that the ensuing furnace was going to extinguish the relationship that Corrine and Roger were struggling to grasp.
Corrine is known for running from her challenges, but can she outpace Roger’s arsenal of resources to locate and rescue, even those who don’t want to be?
Roger gets what Roger wants. Roger wants Corrine!
I don’t want to spoil the thrill of their romance for you, so I’ll stop here.
Grab a copy to find out if Roger was able to rescue Corrine and their hearts.
Corrine Walker was a free spirit, love-them-and-leave-them-protect-my-heart kind of woman, while Roger Blythe was a rolling stone.
When the heat sprung up between them, the rolling stone hit a brick wall and slowed. The question was, could Roger come to a complete stop or Corrine let go of the past for both of them to weigh their options?
Life has a way of throwing gas on flames, and when Corrine’s ex ran into her and Roger at a restaurant, it appeared that the ensuing furnace was going to extinguish the relationship that Corrine and Roger were struggling to grasp.
Corrine is known for running from her challenges, but can she outpace Roger’s arsenal of resources to locate and rescue, even those who don’t want to be?
Roger gets what Roger wants. Roger wants Corrine!
I don’t want to spoil the thrill of their romance for you, so I’ll stop here.
Grab a copy to find out if Roger was able to rescue Corrine and their hearts.
Read
April 12, 2020I think I might want to strangle Corinne and then Love her unconditional. Man this lady is Frustrating some times. Now Rodger Need to learn how to open his Mouth and Speak. I e noted the read Character development was on point. Along with the back story. Thank you J.L. For another fulfilling read along with the Island Hopping.
April 24, 2020
Closing one's heart after being hurt caused Corrine not to let Roger in. It didn't help Roger disappearing at times with no explanations, even to the point of breaking dates. As they reached a point in their relationship the love they had for one another knocked those walls down. I really enjoyed this book.
March 20, 2025
Enjoyed this whole series!
Roger and Corrine had some past issues they had to work through. You could feel they chemistry between them. The author's description of things make you feel like you are in the story with. Every book was great!
Roger and Corrine had some past issues they had to work through. You could feel they chemistry between them. The author's description of things make you feel like you are in the story with. Every book was great!
May 8, 2020
Enjoyed the story!
September 23, 2024
I have read all the books in this series. All of the books were greatly written and a joy to read. I would recommend this series to anyone that loves romance as well as a little action.
July 2, 2020
A good romance
Roger and Corrine’s story allows us to see that love is still possible after the pain. Loved this book and loving this author.
Roger and Corrine’s story allows us to see that love is still possible after the pain. Loved this book and loving this author.
October 9, 2020
Entertaining and romantic story of Roger and Corrine. I glad Corrine found love. Enjoyable reading.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews