Even if It Hurts

by Molly Barlowe

My life and career have conditioned me to be prepared for—and desensitized to—traumatic events. Rather, they should’ve. But one phone call blindsided me in a way I never expected, and now there's a screaming eight-month-old in my custody.

I would’ve done anything to ensure my niece didn’t enter the system, but I never wanted a family. I never wanted ties to anyone, period.

But then my meddling office administrator forcibly hires a nanny for me, and all my resolute vows start crumbling when I come face to face with Lainey Pearson . . . again.

She’s no one—should be no one. Just an oblivious girl I saved nearly a year ago. But she’s the only one who’s ever rocked me. Consumed me. I immediately want to fire her, but with the social worker breathing down my neck, I need her.

Then again, now that she’s fallen back into my life, having a working boundary might be for the best. My life doesn’t allow for relationships, and last I checked, it was frowned upon to date your employees.

Especially when they’re already in a relationship.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction, Suspense

Unknown Binding

About the author

Molly grew up in California but now lives with her husband and daughter in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a homebody and dishing out movie quotes with her hubby. She has a weakness for nerdy movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

Wrote as Molly McAdams from 2012-2024

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Such a great start to a new series! I love small town romances and this one was great. Grumpy sunshine/nanny book with the most adorable little girl. I loved Asher and Lainey. I've always enjoyed Molly McAdams writing and for those that don't know, this is her new pen name :)

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!!
I absolutely loved this story. It had me in its clutches from the very beginning. The perfect mix of romance, suspense, with a lovable heroine and tortured hero.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
The story was good, Asher was the kind of H I like, grumpy, dark, tall. This is a clean romance, no spice at all, even the kisses were chaste. Anyway, I need more spice in my books, so this will be a one-time trip into clean romance.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: contemporary romance with a bit of suspense
Content: makeouts, PTSD from childhood abuse & neglect, mentions of an overdose, mentions of cancer

First, let's judge this book by this cover. LOOK AT THE CURLS ON LAINEY! Look at the bow on Kaia! I'm obsessed. It is gorgeous.

But this book is more than its cover. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. Why are more people in the closed door/ just kisses bookstagram space not talking about this one?!?! It was incredibly well written and super engaging. I didn't want to put it down.

Asher owns a private security company. He is closed-off and trusts almost no one, only those on his team. He's carrying BUCKETLOADS of trauma from childhood abuse and neglect, and we see a bit of that PTSD throughout the story. Asher is what we dream of when we think of a protective man, even going so far as to rescue a random woman from being tracked by mafia members in a coffee shop.

Lainey is that random woman. She's crumbling under the suffocating weight of her family's expectations for her because they are not what she wants for her life. When an opportunity arises for her to put her knowledge of early childhood to use as a nanny, she takes it, only to realize the job is for the man from the coffee shop and his niece.

I loved seeing the way Lainey and Asher's relationship and interactions evolved, and especially watching Asher slowly let her in. I loved the way Lainey loved Kaia, and I loved how Asher stood up to Jackson and to Lainey's parents. In short, I LOVED IT ALL.

Dearest Molly, please have the next book ready soon. It is a NEED.

Dear everyone else, GO READ THIS BOOK! What are you waiting for?!?!

Favorite Quotes:
😂 "It's effective. Touch can do things words can't."
"Like have people contemplating if they've just met a serial killer."

‼️ "Don't let their frustration with your decisions steal your light. Own them and move forward."

😍 "For as long as I'm able, I will do everything to make sure you're surrounded by joy and love and understanding, so when you learn this pain, it won't be what defines you."

❤️ And to have that look after everything I'd shared with her? To feel this light when my past had always been so heavy and sickening? It did something to me
This dangerous, dangerous girl.

🎤 "You did nothing to deserve that. Even if he hadn't left marks, he doesn't get to talk to you the way he does. He doesn't get to control you the way he's trying to. Men like that shouldn't be in relationships. Men like him don't deserve women like you.”

🔥 I wanted to ask for him to put a shirt on because, oh my gosh, that at-home gym was absolutely working for him, and he was already entirely too distracting to look at when fully clothed.

⭐️"You've consumed me from the first moment I saw you, and I've hated every second as much as I've craved the next.”

💋 She'd barely gotten the words out before I captured her lips in a kiss that was nothing less than a claim and a vow. Slow but powerful. Gentle but filled with months of longing. And I knew in the way it felt like it would never be enough that there was no going back from this.

‼️"Honesty?"
"Always.”
"Even if it hurts?"
"Always," I repeated without hesitation.

🥰Protecting strangers and people we hardly know is one thing…” Those dark eyes found me again. "Protecting what's mine is another."

❤️ And I wondered if this was what it really was to love someone… Finding someone who consumed your every thought. Someone you couldn't imagine living without. Someone who challenged you to be better and made you better just by being in your life.

🤣"Correct me if I'm wrong," she began, "but you and tall, dark, and terrifying are definitely way past the I think I like you stage and are fully strapped into the we're doing this forever ride."

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

EVEN IF IT HURTS
● Asher (31) & Lainey (24)
● Their first encounter: when he saves her from some guys who put a tracker in her bag at a coffee shop (a year before she started working for him)
● Asher is the guardian of his 8-month-old niece, Kaia. his brother and sister-in-law died from a drug overdose
● Lainey is a disappointment to her family because she has no plans of taking over the family business
● Lainey’s boyfriend is upset by her not wanting to take over the family business - they grew up thinking their family businesses would merge after they got married (drama)
● grumpy/sunshine
● workplace romance

Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Stefanie Kay & Derek Dysart
Length: 10h 03m

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Molly Barlowe read and it won't be my last. I definitely enjoyed this.

[Jessica's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even If It Hurts (Huntley Square #1) by Molly Barlowe started off strong. The first 50% of the book was really good and I couldn’t set it down.

Lainey was born into a farming family. Her life was written out for her by her parents and their friends the McCoy’s. She was to take over the family farm, merge together with the McCoys and marry Jacob McCoy. They were not happy when Lainey left to go to college and when she stayed for her masters and they especially were not happy when she admitted her truth. She didn’t want to take over the farm and wanted to be a teacher. Her boyfriend wasn’t happy either as his life was planned for him as well and he expected Lainey to follow. But both were not really in love with one another. At least not anymore.

Upon arriving home and fighting with her family, Lainey gets a job as a nanny for a man Lainey knew from a year prior with a mysterious in counter that still left her thinking about him.

Asher is dark and grumpy. He just was given custody of his newborn niece and has no idea how to raise a baby. He closes himself off to everyone but for some reason Lainey has made him feel feelings he never felt before.

So this is where I adored the story. It is told in dual POV’s between both Asher & Lainey. I love their connection. I liked Lainey’s storyline of following her dreams and not doing what is expected of her.

After that the story lost it for me… they threw in a mafia storyline… and the weirdest part of there was no conclusion of the mafia drama…. Maybe it will be continued in the next book of the series even though there are different main characters…. I just felt the story was very unfinished.

When Lainey and Asher finally got together the story just became so blah…. There was absolutely no spice. Which isn’t a bad thing but I need something!! Even some kissing… something… this grumpy closed off guy suddenly wants marriage and kids. Like no buildup. No hiding emotions…

So I am confused on the nonconlusion of the weird mafia drama… and I didn’t really care for the second half of the book. The first half was really good. I just wish the story kept up with the first half…

I give Even If It Hurts (Huntley Square #1) by Molly Barlowe 3 stars.

** Those who enjoy Molly McAdams books, this is her new pen name **

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LIKED THIS ONE!

BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK

I love finding new to me authors and this is another one I will definitely be continuing with. I didn’t know that this had some suspense elements and I loved finding a closed door author who writes suspense. It’s a hidden gem.

I loved the connection between Asher and Lainey. From that first meeting you could see that there was something there and I loved the push and pull. There’s a lot of walls that had to be taken down and I liked the arguments and quiet moments that created a great atmosphere.

The family bugged me a LOT though. It got to be repetitive and unnecessary and really beating the situation to death. And I always struggle when one of the MC’s is in a relationship most of the book. It makes some of the romance aspects a little less believable.

I did enjoy how things came together and eventually worked out. I loved the security firm aspects and the details and the hints of found family/future book relationships. I absolutely want to continue.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
- Content warnings; partner abuse, parental abuse, weapons violence

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 Good, Clean Fun, Stars**

Molly has once again done it with her words! Although under a new pen name, the emotion and prose in which she writes is very much the same work of art as it has always been. And I love this clean romance so much…all of the romance still remains, an intimacy that has nothing to do with the acts or even the harsher words…and everything to do with the solid connection between two people who find solace in the other.
This is a grumpy-sunshine, nanny/security, family drama, romance…one with zero profanity and a hallmark vibe (kisses only, the forehead ones are my fave). I loved every meaningful word…and cannot wait for the next book in this series.

[Tiffany McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

She may have changed her name, but her writing remains the same. Absolutely fantastic.

Once again, you will find yourself wishing you could fall into the fictional world Molly creates. From the characters to the small town setting - Even If It Hurts is a hit for Molly's new turn at writing closed door/fade to black romance.

Can't wait for the next book in what will clearly be an awesome interconnected standalone series.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️

Que despreciables son los padres de Lainey.

[loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute read. Grumpy broody hot protective guy = always a win.

[Holly (Bookishbietsch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I absolutely devoured this book! Truly I went in mostly blind (only knowing the tropes) and my gosh I was blown away! I couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed this book so much! I loved how grumpy Asher was but how you get to see the softer side of him. Lainey Ray, sunshine in human form, a people pleaser, and one amazing nanny! These 2 were amazing together. While things are closed door you still get the tension and chemistry between them! Such an amazing first book to a series I have a great feeling about!

[Vanessa Laas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Fav Characters

Lainey
Asher
Wren
Aunt Ada
Kaia
Evans

Tropes

Closed Door Romance
Work Place Romance
Suspense
Family feud
Drug Abuse
Mafia (Sort of)

Take a Way

If you live your life in fear, you will not be happy
Be aware of your surroundings
Don't let anyone dictate the way you should live your life
Family can be your main source of Trauma
Open your heart to love, to acceptance and to happiness

Fav Quotes

“Frustrating to be this hurt by you and so in love with you.”

"this has anything to do with the way it looked like you were seeing the sun rise for the first time this morning . . .” He shrugged. “I’m not gonna help you avoid that either.”

“I guess it’s just an automatic response to your glowing personality.”

“I looked for you every time I set foot in that shop until, suddenly, you were standing right in front of me. In my apartment.”

“Like wanting you to be mine.”

“You’ve consumed me from the first moment I saw you, and I’ve hated every second as much as I’ve craved the next.”

“Lainey, I’ve dreamt of driving my hands into these wild curls.”

“And your eyes? I can’t think of anything more uncontrollable than a storm, and that’s what I see every time I get trapped right here.” Dipping my head lower, I kept my mouth hovering just over hers as I meaningfully said, “The way you look is the definition of chaotic: wild and uncontrollable. Do you understand now?”

reasons why I shouldn’t entertain even the idea of you and me, I knew I’d never want anyone the way I want you. And if I ever found out you felt the same, I was gonna ignore every one of those reasons and never let you go.”

“Ada, you drive me insane on the best of days,” I began, my head bobbing a little, “but I never had a real mother figure in my life until you.” I shrugged. “You can’t go.”

“The things you do to my heart.”

“With a look, with your actions, with your words . . .”

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” she began, “but you and tall, dark, and terrifying are definitely way past the I think I like you stage and are fully strapped into the we’re doing this forever ride.”

“I could spend an eternity with you just like this, and it still wouldn’t be enough.”

“Goodness, the things you say,” she said reverently before twisting in my arms just enough to look at me, her smile soft and breathtaking in the dark. “Honestly, Mr. Briggs? You should tell me you love me more often.”
“Before you and Kaia, my life made sense to me,” I began and took her left hand in mine. “Then the two of you crashed into my life, and now nothing makes sense without you.” I placed the ring on the tip of her third finger, then met her joy-filled eyes. “Raise her with me. Spend your life with me. Marry me.”

Review

Molly Molly Molly you did it again. I want to start to thank you for being brave and by choosing your path with the Lord.

I had very big doubts about a closed door romance, well I loved this one. Your writing style did not change one bit, your banter, humors and your way with words remain fully intact. That said I did hoped for some action, obviously I did, Asher is such a main man, rugged, stiff and I would have loved to see the tender and intimate side of him. The why he would love on Lainley and on Kaia.

I want to say I think this is why this was only a four star. I felt like something was missing.

For Molly's first book in, lets call it a new genre, it was really good, amazing even. She will find her footing and we will make it worth our while, I can promise you that.

At least every one was alive at the end. I mean yes she only killed of one MMC and then un-killed him, but the trauma remains.

Molly you are a true tressure and I love your writing, your posts and your journey.

Cant wait for the rest.

#honesty

[Veronica Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: closed door

•Asher & Lainey
Huntley Square Book 1

*I was provided an eARC of this book by the author and their promotion team

Former Special Forces agent Asher Briggs is content. He’s built a security team from the ground up and prides himself on his ability to protect people. He used to living a solitary life. One year ago, he saved a girl in a cafe and never forgot about her, but in his line of work, he’s accepted he cannot get close & risk anyone’s safety. Then, in one call, he learns he’s not only lost his only brother, but he is now the only living relative to take custody of his niece…

Lainey Pearson is back in Huntley Square after earning multiple college degrees. During her time away, Lainey has realized her passion is education and her dream is to become a teacher. However, when she returns home with this news, no one is happy with her “betrayal”. Her parents have always had a plan for her—she was expected to marry her childhood sweetheart, merge their family farms, & run the business together. But that’s not what Lainey wants, & now her relationship with not only her boyfriend, but her family is on the line.

The only person who hasn’t ostracized Lainey is her Aunt Ada, & when Aunt Ada mentions her boss is in desperate need of a nanny, Lainey jumps on the opportunity to get away from the farm & cultivate her passion for childcare. What she didn’t expect was to be now be working for the man that saved her in the cafe all those months ago, & realize that connection she felt back then never faded. Now Lainey has to decide if she’s willing to settle into the life Jackson & parents have planned for her like she’s always done, or stand her ground & pave her own path. (Btw, NO cheating occurs in this book.)

This is @authormollybarlowe first closed door romance & I can honestly say I did not miss the spice. I truly enjoy Molly’s story telling and I was so invested in this story! Both Asher & Lainey’s individual stories were great & I was so eager to learn how they were going to overcome the obstacles to get their HEA! There were so many secondary characters introduced in this book I feel in love with and I am SO excited to see where Molly will take us with the rest of this series! 🖤

*available September 16
*original post on instagram @veronica.reads.romance

[Jeanine Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey and Asher!! Love this start to a new series.

Even if It Hurts  -Huntley Square series-Molly Barlowe .

I cannot tell you how much I love a book with kids in them ! Kaia is such a sweet baby.

Lainey is finally home,  but is still burdened by her family and boyfriends expectations on  taking over the family farm. She wants to teach. No one but her Aunt Ada seem to see her! 9 months ago she shared a kiss with a stranger who said her life was in danger, and she's still thinking about it.

Asher has his found family of brothers and his crazy office manager Ada, he doesn't need anyone else. He still thinks about the woman he kissed 9 months ago to thrwart men trying to take her. When tragedy strikes and he gains custody of his neice Ada hires a nanny for him.

When Lainey walks in and sees who she's working for both her and Asher are completely shocked.  While they both navigate getting his neice Kaia settled and on routine,  they fight what neither has been able to forget for nine months. 

Lainey is getting arguments every time she's home from her family and boyfriend to do what they want.  As time as Kaia's nanny solidifies her love for what she wants,  she has to make a decision for herself,  and not her family's wants fir her to do. Secrets come out that her family and boyfriend have been hiding.  Asher has backlash from a group that has him and his group fighting to secure this new family he has to fight for their safety.

Ada is the best comic relief! Love a meddling older Aunt! They guys are almost as meddling and I love it. The world that is built is beautiful,  and we see all the characters and where we may see other characters stories going as well. 

Molly Barlowe,  formerly writing as Molly McAdams,  still gives us all the feels and emotions,  the suspense and surprises we weren't expecting,  but with the closed-door romance.  I devoured this one and I can't wait for more in this series. 
5⭐️

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher likes his solitary life, it's simplistic, it's what helps him contain the demons that haunt him daily. Having a family, doing the house with white picket fence thing just isn't something he's ever wanted, it's just not him. Or so he's always believed...

The pages of Even If It Hurts paint a beautiful and heart rending picture of two souls who find that once in lifetime love after so much tragedy. Both have been living half lives, basically living just to survive the day, not for happiness or joy. As we meet them we learn that Asher has just found himself in a place he never thought he'd be, a parent to an eight month old baby. His niece needs someone to care for her and he's been chosen for the job. He's never wanted to be tied to anything or anyone, but the idea of her going into foster care is too much to bear, he cannot let that happen. Even if it means giving up his solitary life. But he also knows there is no way he can do it alone, he has to hire a nanny to fill in where he lacks skills... and that's where Lainey Pearson enters his life. Not for the first time.

Oh how I loved this story, it put a nice little squeeze on my heart, made me smile, brought tears to my eyes a time or two, and left me wanting more. I did not want to let these characters go when that last page found me!! Wow! What a beautiful and all consuming escape!! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's words are destined to leave an imprint on your heart.

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Nika Chapin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

As always, Molly has delivered me another perfect book boyfriend to add to the list. Asher Briggs *chef’s kiss* is perfection. Both his and Lainey’s stories were as heartbreaking as they were empowering and that’s before I even consider how much I love them as a couple. The found family this book has established for the rest of the series is actually unmatched by I think any book I’ve read before and I CANNOT WAIT for the next books to come out. I already know I’m gonna love them all. Molly Barlowe is the queen of teasing future couples in her books and I love her for it. Kaia was the sweetest little girl and continued to cement my love for books with kids. This book was filled with lovable side characters but Ada and Wren have got to be my favorites. My heart broke for Wren every time her family ignored her and I can’t wait to see the bright future she’s got ahead of her. Ada is the most iconic string pulling, boundary ignoring, hilarious character I’ve read about in a while. This was a love story about two people who found themselves in finding each other. Molly McAdams has long been my favorite romance author and this debut under her new pen name was better than I ever could have asked for and I am ecstatic to be able to say that the title now belongs to her no matter what name she’s using.

Thank you so much for letting me read this as an ARC, it truly is a dream come true and I loved Lainey and Asher just as much as you’ve been promising!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the very start with their unconventional meet cute, Asher and Lainey completely drew me in. I'm honestly not sure what I initially expected going into this book, but this was absolutely so much more than that... in the best way possible. Asher is perhaps the grumpiest, broodiest MMC I can recall ever reading... but not without good reason with so much trauma in his past! He prefers things just so and is absolutely not prepared for Lainey to come back into his life. Aunt Ada was the perfect meddler and added a little humor to the story too--- which was great because it does deal with some pretty difficult topics throughout (to include mentions of addiction, abuse, trafficking, etc.). Admittedly, I'm not always the biggest fan of stories where one of the main characters is with someone else through part of the story as Lainey is in this one... but it was done so well. It's clear from the beginning that there's no real competition... and it allowed for the perfect slow burn... I couldn't get enough of the chemistry between them. Their story was the perfect blend of tender romance and a dash of danger and suspense to keep me turning the pages, and I absolutely adored it! I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series!

Even if It Hurts is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. Family drama, controlling parents. People pleaser to a fault Lainey meets head of private security team Asher, whose just gained custody of his newly orphaned niece.
Lainey's parents have always pushed her to take over the family farm and combine their and her longtime boyfriend farm, but Lainey dreams of being a preschool teacher. Asher raised his siblings in dire circumstances after losing their mother, but raising his baby niece was not in his plans. He doesn't do romance, and he doesn't let others in, but everything changes when his new baby shows up and it's the woman he met in a coffee shop a year ago, the one he hasn't stopped thinking about. But growing feelings drive Asher's protective instincts when Lainey's life is put in danger.
He's alpha but not a jerk. He loves her instantly but fights it. She's a pleaser learning to stand up for what she wants instead of always doing what's expected if her. She hasn't been able to stop thinking of the man who rescued her in that coffee shop a year ago. And the chemistry when they start admitting their feelings is fire!
This is a clean romance and is amazing. The romance and angst and broken/healings hearts, and the characters and world building and detailed side characters, all make up this beautiful book by the lovely Molly Barlowe.

[Brittney (booksta.britt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this book from the very beginning whenever Asher came up behind Lainey in the shop and said “Just go with it.”
Asher is so brooding - so closed off - but as the story goes on you see exactly why.
Lainey is a people pleaser & has her life planned out for her by other people including who she is supposed to marry.
Honestly, I didn’t expect this book to go so deep into each of the main character’s life but I am so glad that it did. I loved how Asher called her by her last name and then it became a thing between them. I loved the meaning behind the title Even if It Hurts. I absolutely loved the writing in this book.
BONUS - this is a series!
Thank you, Molly for this wonderful book!

Bonus quotes -
✨Because I wanted more time like this. More days. More of this dangerous distraction I’d never wanted any part of before. A life with someone. A family. But not just with anyone . . . I wanted it with the unpredictable woman beside me. But she could barely stand to look at me, and the baby she was holding was never supposed to be mine.
✨I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen Asher smile. Not really. And there was something about his smile, even as fleeting as it was, that transformed him completely. Made him softer. Somehow even more handsome than before. Mine. Because that smile had undoubtedly been mine.

[Jacquelyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Smokes Molly has blown me away!!

Molly Barlowe formally (McAdams) is nothing short of Amazing with her debut novel under her new pen name.

This is the first book of the Huntley Square series and I loved every second of it!

Lainey is from a small town outside of Dallas Texas. She is struggling with finding her way and following her own dreams despite the heavy pressure of her family to follow the path they have set forth for her.

Asher has had to fight for everything in life including carrying the weight of his two younger siblings. He is finally at a place in his life where he feels like he has everything he could possibly want or need until one tragic phone call brings him to his knees. Now he is struggling with guilt while trying to make the best decision regarding his precious niece.

He never expected how Lainey would turn his world upside and Lainey never expected how Asher would show her the life she craves.

If you love slow burn, closed door romance and couples who put each other back together after their own forms of trauma then Even if it Hurts is a must read.

There are some trigger warnings for neglect, drug abuse, emotional and physical abuse as well as implied human trafficking.

[Marte Haga · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 rounded up to four because I totally devoured this. I was not expecting to like this, and I didn't only like it I really enjoyed it! What I expected to be a superficial and light rom-com ended up with a lot more depth and more of a story than I thought it would. It's still a rom-com with all the elements, but it still felt like something fresh, and not a recycled version of preciously read rom-coms
.
* Small town ✓
* Farming ✓
* Family drama ✓
* Sisterhood ✓
* Love triangle ✓
* Quirky great aunt ✓
* Boss turned lover ✓
* Strained family relationships ✓
* A little touch of mystery and thriller! ✓

Still "just a rom-com" - and still, a pretty good one! Also, free from descriptive and long sex scenes! I'm not a prude, but I do get a bit impatient and sometimes even annoyed when reading books with pages and pages of sex. So, just throwing it out there for those with similar opinions: you won't find that here

[T Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

[5.0 stars]
_________________________________

S – Setting [5.0]
P – Plot [5.0]
E – Engagement [5.0]
C – Characters [5.0]
S – Style [5.0]
_______________________________

Asher and Lainey

Not gonna lie, I’ve been a fan of Molly since my reading journey began. I’ve read her older books and the new ones, I’ve been looking for more of it for a long time - only to find out she was taking a break and beginning a new journey. YES! 🙌🏻 I’m here for it, I’m here for everything she will write because she has NOT disappointed me (ok, maybe only once in Glow but that’s mostly bc I don’t like love triangles). I’m here, I’m here, I’m here!!!

I devoured this book, the words fed my soul. I had missed her style so much!!! I’ll be honest and say that I was not expecting so much suspense and crime related dialogue, but I enjoyed it.

I’m looking forward to all of the books in this series, I’m predicting it’s a total of 5?! I’m here for them, but really looking forward to Cameron’s and Hudson’s. 🙈

[Laura Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Barlowe has written a book that consumed me. Well, at least all my time and made me leave my priorities behind until I finished it. She created characters that come alive on the page in Lainey and Asher. You’re rooting for them to connect. There is so much sexual tension… and there’s so much chemistry between them — it’s palpable in this “closed door” book. There’s also an element of danger throughout the plot. Her supporting characters are developed in way that they are well connected to the story line and they consistent.You get a very real feel for them. Due to the complicated relationships of Asher and Lainey, “the will they won’t they” remains consistent. Romance is not my typical genre, but I loved this one!! It had me hooked in the first few pages. Even If It Hurts definitely leaves me wanting more! This author just became a must read for me.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute

Even if it Hurts is such a cute read. I loved this one so much. I could not put this down. There are just as many cute moments as there are angst filled ones. This is a grumpy/sunshine, boss/nanny read. I adore Lainey so much. Your heart goes out to her as she just wants to break out and follow her heart as almost everyone is trying to run her life. Asher is the grumpy protector who is lost when it comes to his niece. Your heart goes out to him as he opens up about his past. There is a sweetness that hides behind Ashers broken ways that Lainey brings out. I love the build between Lainey and Asher so much. You are going to love Aunt Ada and Wren so much. This is book one in the Huntley Square series and I'm here for it. I cannot wait to see where Molly Barlowe takes her new series. Go click this and meet Lainey and Asher today.

[Northwest_booknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a closed door romance, but that does not mean you don't still get the full romance experience!

This is my first "closed door romance," and I didn't know what that was really going to mean until I read it. I wondered if I would come out missing the romance aspect or wanting more. I am very happy to say that when I was done, I wasn't left wanting at all. I enjoyed this story from page one, I was introduced to a cast of characters that I truly feel invested in and want to have more of. I found myself getting hit with the same feelings you want when you read a romance from shaking my head at the miscommunication to swooning over the MMC. This is one I will own on all formats and will be watching for the second to drop!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping love story that is powerfully inspiring, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. A story delivered with so much heart and soul that that I fell deeper in love with the characters and their story with each turn of the page. Lainey is beautiful, strong, and resilient. Asher is complex, fiercely protective and guarded. Their chemistry is magnetic and undeniable. The storyline is beautifully written and a suspenseful ride of twists and turns with emotions that radiated from the pages. I felt the pain and sorrow, the joy and elation, and everything in between. The heartbreaking moments shattered my heart and the heartfelt moments stole my breath. A compelling and captivating story that had me under its spell from beginning to end. A must read!

[Liz Hulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Even If It Hurts, Molly Barlowe introduces us to Laney, a young woman raised on a blueberry farm who decides to chart a slightly different path from her family’s expectations. With a Bachelor's degree in Business to help manage the farm and a Master's in Early Childhood Development, she is torn between her responsibilities and the desires of her heart. After a chance encounter with a stranger who saves her life with a kiss, Laney must decide what holds greater value: the expectations set by her family or the calling of her heart.

Asher Briggs, the handsome stranger, owns a top security firm and saves lives daily. However, his greatest regret is being unable to save his younger brother from addiction. The story takes a dramatic turn when Laney—the mysterious woman from the coffeeshop—appears at Asher’s apartment to care for his late brother’s daughter as her nanny. With such unexpected circumstances, tensions rise. What could possibly go wrong?

At first glance, this novel may seem like a typical romance with a predictable ending, but Barlowe delivers much more. One of her standout qualities as a writer is her ability to create multidimensional, well-rounded characters. They aren't cookie-cutter figures with predictable story arcs; rather, each has individual challenges that they continue to grapple with, even after they connect. This depth reflects real life: falling in love doesn’t erase personal struggles, but rather introduces new dynamics that require growth.

Laney’s authenticity shines through in her internal battle to balance family expectations with her personal desires. Her realization that she alone is responsible for advocating for her own happiness feels incredibly relatable, offering a universal lesson about self-advocacy and taking control of one’s life. Asher, on the other hand, is a brooding, intense figure, driven by his need for control, cleanliness, and order—a sharp contrast to Laney’s more free-spirited nature. At first, their differences seem insurmountable, but Barlowe skillfully brings them together in a way that feels both organic and satisfying.

The novel is well-paced and suitable for both teens and adults, touching on themes of self-awareness and personal growth without being a traditional coming-of-age story. Overall, Even If It Hurts is a refreshing read, and I’m eager to explore more from the Huntley Square Series. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!