"When Love Hurts" is a gripping tale set in a black urban landscape, following the tumultuous journey of Ashley Taylor, a strong and determined woman. Ashley's life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself entangled in a rollercoaster relationship with her boyfriend, Michael Hendrix, who harbors secrets from his own troubled past.
As the story unfolds, Ashley finds herself navigating through intense ups and downs in her relationship with Michael. Their love is put to the test when a blast from both of their pasts resurfaces, exposing deep-rooted betrayals and painful secrets. Ashley is left grappling with heartbreak and inner turmoil, questioning the very essence of their relationship.
The author skillfully captures the nuances of the characters, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by black urbanites. The gritty urban setting serves as a backdrop for the raw emotions and complex dynamics that unfold among the characters. As Ashley learns to navigate through the labyrinth of love, readers are taken on an emotional journey, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and resilience.
"When Love Hurts" delves into the complexities of relationships, unearthing the pain and scars left by past experiences. It explores the human capacity for forgiveness and the power of love to heal deep wounds. The story is a poignant reminder of the strength required to confront the ghosts of our past, ultimately leading to personal growth and empowerment.
Throughout the narrative, readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the lives of Ashley and Michael as they grapple with the consequences of their actions. With its powerful storytelling, authentic characters, and a vivid portrayal of black urban life, "When Love Hurts" is a gripping tale that leaves readers reflecting on the true nature of love, betrayal, heartbreak, and the profound strength of the human spirit.
Geoff and Naomi are dead, and they're depressed, but when Geoff's cat Bernie dies as well, they embark on a wild journey to find it in the underworld.
*****
When Geoff dies, alongside his girlfriend Naomi, they end up sharing an apartment in the Underworld as skeletons. But after a few years, Geoff starts suffering a mid-death crisis. What's the purpose of going through the motions as a skeleton if you can't really live? Then he gets word that his cat, Bernie, just died and he can collect him and bring him home! Geoff and Naomi hurry to get Bernie only to discover that, due to a clerical error, their cat has been lost. With the hunt for Bernie giving new purpose to Geoff's un-life, he and Naomi begin a quest to get back their cat. Battling skeleton pirates, climbing the sky ladder and facing off against the villain who took Bernie, Geoff is determined to find his purpose - or die a second time trying!
[[2018 Wattys Winner - The Originals]]
[[word count: 30,000-40,000 words]]