King of Pain: Alternate Cover (Damaged Hearts)

My poor heart (and tear ducts.) Brilliant! Such an amazing portrayal of true love.

Loved this one. Have recently gotten into dark M/M romances and this kept me interested. Told from both guys point of view so you know how each is feeling. Deals with trauma. Sex scenes are wonderful. Has a mafia / good guy vibe, great love story with good ending. It looks self published. I recommend.

King of Pain by J.P. Joseph had me hooked from the very beginning with that instant attraction, but don’t be fooled it’s a slow burn. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW. But once it finally ignites… it absolutely BURNS Halfway through, I was completely gutted. But the way the story slowly pieces you back together? So worth the emotional damage. We also got one of my favorite tropes… A first kiss in the rain (yes, it was EVERYTHING). And the epilogue? Pure sweetness. The kind that leaves you smiling like an idiot. If you love: ❤️ Instant attraction + slow burn tension ❤️Hurt/comfort that actually *hurts* ❤️Emotional rollercoasters with a rewarding payoff

It’s been a long time since I’ve left a review—and an even longer time since I’ve read what I’d call a true six-star book. I’m honestly at a loss for words. This story stirred so many emotions in me; it felt less like reading and more like watching a beautifully crafted movie while somehow being part of it at the same time. It completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Ant and Chance—I’m wholeheartedly rooting for you both .

Anthony lost his faith in people a long time ago. Abused by those meant to protect him and haunted by the label of being the favorite, he would’ve given anything to disappear. His only escape was football a full ride and a one-way ticket out of the town that gave him nothing but scars, and nearly broke him. He once dreamed of going pro, but an old injury closed that door and opened another. One that let him stay close to the game he loved, while helping others the way no one helped him. He worked his way through school alone, and found family in the one place outside of football that felt safe, Devil Records. So when he’s told to train the new hire, he’s less than thrilled, until Chance walks in. And every wall Anthony built starts to crumble. He doesn’t stand a chance. Chance has always had a big heart, he gets that from his mom. He never understood why she stayed with a man so cruel, but one night, he stepped in. Became her protector. Her hero. From that moment on, he vowed to keep her safe. He found safety in the arms of a rival gang they have morals and lines they refused to cross. But this wasn’t the life she wanted for him. So he left Boston, only after promised protection, and to keep in touch, enrolled in college as an art major, bought a lab puppy, and landed his first real job at Devil Records. He didn’t expect his heart to land on the man behind the counter. When strangers become fast friends, and making each other smile becomes second nature, it feels easy. Too…