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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to the author (@lilyxbooks on Instagram) for providing me with a copy of Will It Hurt? Thank you to @theberryagency for providing the ARC sign-up. All opinions stated are entirely my own.
Initial thoughts
Initial thoughts
Initially this book has a great hook to entice the reader to continue exploring this world. I think the author does a wonderful job of introducing characters that we all know quite well (wytches and vampyres), whilst also adding new ideas and perspectives into the fantasy space. The idea of a wytch whose job is to administer voluntary neutralisation to vampyres had me intrigued from the beginning. It is a fresh idea that added depth and interest to an already known character basis. Then, with adding in the inner turmoil of feeling bound by duty and obligation, it had me wanting to continue to learn more of this main character.
Characters
I personally liked Aisla from the beginning, but found Jinn initially quite dry and difficult to connect to as a reader. I think this did work in the authors favour, to display the disconnect of a Victorian vampyre working with a modern day wytch, but due to this I found the book to start off a little slow. This also did grow on me though, as the story progressed and the characters developed. Due to the compressed timeline I did find the book a little insta-lovey, but I think having the internal monologue of Aisla showing her mental battle between logic and lust really helped to gain understanding from the reader.
I LOVE the representation in this book and how the author is not afraid to explore some complex themes such as racism, grief and mental health. I also think the author does a wonderful job of having side characters that hold substance rather than simply being plot devices. I look forward to reading more of these characters in the future, to see how they develop further. I would particularly love to learn more about Aisla’s past, and mostly more about Maia and Brodie.
Plot
With the compressed timeline, I found this book to have a medium pace overall. It felt like it fluctuated between having slow- and fast-paced moments, which brought the reader along with the action. I liked the alternation of POV’s as it allowed the plot to constantly be developing between the characters, especially in their times apart. The gradual build-up of conflict to the climax of the book was well-paced, although I did feel like the final resolution was reached a touch too soon. I like how the author concluded this story in a way that left very few questions. The plot questions and main motivators were all resolved, with only some small questions about individual characters remaining. I would’ve liked more interaction between Indira and Aisla, and perhaps some more insight into their wytchy connection/bloodline. However, these loose ends that have been left are a great opening to further explore in future books.
Final thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed “Will it Hurt?”. This book is a lovely, easy read and a very fun, enjoyable plot. I think anyone who wants a fresh take on a vampyre/wytch romance with a good smattering of spice, will very much enjoy reading this book. I look forward to reading more from Lily X!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Transphobia
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide
Minor: Racism, Transphobia, Colonisation
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As a first paranormal romance for this author it was a lot of fun, cool worldbuilding, diversity as witches (written as wytches) would definitely have. I'm seeing a sequel in the future and im excited by that prospect. Vampyres too? Always needed in these types of novels. Both MCs were interesting but kinda wish we got more depth of their backgrounds, we got more from Jinn than Aisla.
Thank you to the berry agency and Lily X for the chance to read an E-ARC of Will it hurt?
Will it hurt has two FMC’s, Jinn, our angry grieving vampire who will do whatever it takes to bring her vampire daughter back from the dead and Aisla our witch who’s job it is to neutralise (assisted death) the vampires.
When Aisla gets a request to neutralise a vampire what starts as a routine job soon turns for the worse when the clients mother comes seeking revenge.
This was a really fun quick read with relatively low stakes. I really enjoyed the banter between the characters and overall the story was very easy to follow.
While this is a silly fun time the book did touch on some heavier topics such as addiction, grief/loss and the struggles with family duty which I feel gave the book more depth.
This is the perfect palate cleanser between other books when you just want something fun to read that you don’t have to use too much brainpower for. This book does take place over a short period of time so it is a bit insta lovey but I didn’t mind because I was having a good time.
Themes/Tropes
- Vampire x witch
- Curvy FMC
- Light enemies to lovers
- Sapphic
- Banter
- Grief/Loss
- Shadow mummy
- Spicy shadows
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
I liked the low fantasy aspects of this book and boy howdy cold shower for surrre. Into it. I appreciated the banter and growth of their relationship while also seeing this book as a well written vehicle for vampire spice. Half star for gayyy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated