This was a dark book, but a great read, Kara has all sorts of problems but you still end up rooting for things to turn out all right for her. I loved the vet who is always patching her up. I would recommend this book.

I didn’t enjoy this book. I didn’t read the first book and maybe that is why I was lost reading this one.
I think it was for a younger audience also.

This was a great follow up to the first book! It answered all of the questions that I had. The premise was so interesting, I was fully invested from book one. The fast paced, tension filled, suspenseful writing kept me engaged and frantically turning pages. I alternated between kindly and audio on this one and both were fantastic!

A former drug dealer and cop team up to solve a murder. The writing is fast-paced and intense, typical of Mejia. Lots of twists and red herrings make this both suspenseful and entertaining.

Thank you @NovelSuspects & Atlantic Monthly, #partner, for the advanced e-copy of A World of Hurt in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Mindy Mejia’s books ever since reading her debut novel, Everything You Want Me to Be. I’ve read all her books except for the last one, To Catch a Storm, which obviously is a problem because I did not know when requesting this new book that it was a follow-up to that one. While I still enjoyed it, I think I might have missed out on some of the character backstory and I clearly would have preferred to read that one first…and will be reading it as soon as I get the chance!

This book, however, does read quite well on its own. It certainly kept me guessing as to where things were heading and I always love that with my crime fiction stories. I loved the pairing of a cop and informant working together and how we never quite were sure who we could trust. So many people, it turns out, had their own agendas in this book.

I really enjoyed this police procedural, despite not having read the previous book. It moves pretty quickly and there is a lot of action, with just enough twists and turns to really keep you fully engaged. There’s a reason I keep coming back to this author and this book is why! Now to go read To Catch a Storm!

This follow up to To Catch a Storm is just as riveting as its predecessor.

Kara isn't brave, she's terrified when she agrees to help the DEA bring down the drug dealer who took the life of her partner. Max took a few gun shot wounds trying to bring down the same drug dealer, but he's not willing to sit on the sidelines. Babysitting Kara isn't what he had in mind. But they make a good partnership. Their sarcastic banter provides a break in the action. Those interactions provide just enough time to take a breath before we're quickly thrust back into the middle of a heart pounding confrontation. Max quickly recognizes Kara's strength, but also the vulnerabilities and insecurities she tries very hard to hide. She acts older, but Max is drawn to protect the remnants of the little girl he can see under the facade.

Like its predecessor, the story is unpredictable, the action intense, the suspense powerful. The characters are interesting and evocative. Make sure you have a big block of time because once you start, you won't want to stop until the very end.

This is the second book in the Iowa Mysteries series. This book can be read as a standalone, but there are references to storylines and appearances of characters from book 1. I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook. The audio was narrated by Justis Bolding and Brian Hutchison. I thought they did a great job portraying these characters, the story and the suspenseful scenes.

The story follows Detective Max Summerlin and former drug runner Kara Johnson. The head of the DEA task force targeting the drug traffickers from book 1 hunts down Kara where she’s been hiding in Canada since the events of To Catch a Storm. Then he assigns Max, local law enforcement that’s been assigned to liaise with the task force, to be Kara’s handler during the operation. He hopes that Kara will be able to lead them back to the person behind the drug ring, but especially to the hidden cache. Kara is all for revenge and Max, well, is just Max, I guess. The storyline for the mystery was good but not edge of my seat for me.

Max and Kara clash from the start. Kara makes assumptions about Max and vice versa. I found it all a bit annoying. Honestly, Max annoyed me in this book as much as he annoyed me in the first. I missed Jonah and his psychic abilities to temper Max’s holier than thou attitude. He thinks all sorts of enlightened thoughts but then he stays silent and observes instead of participating in life or speaking up against bullies or for what’s right. He does everything in his power to avoid conflict whether it’s with his wife, his fellow officers and in the case of Kara, he makes assumptions without asking questions. I did enjoy learning about Kara’s CIP Disorder.

Limited recommendations to those who enjoyed To Catch a Storm and/or enjoy DEA type thrillers.

Thank you to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and Recorded Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

Loved it and would give the book 4.5 stars!! I loved "To Catch a Storm, " so I couldn't wait to read this and see how the story ends. This definitely didn't disappoint. I enjoyed that the book centered around Kara and Max. The story continued after Max made the huge drug bust. Jonah and Eve made a few appearances. There were so many twists and turns, every time I thought I had something figured out, something else happens. I was shocked when the truth was revealed. I really wasn't expecting this person to be in cahoots with Belgrave. I really thought it was someone else. Phyllis was awesome. I would never want to live with her because she is downright scary, but she is one tough cookie. If you ever need to poison someone, she is the lady to see. While Eve and Jonah were the perfect team, so are Kara and Max. Kara is so easy to like, even with her past. All she wanted to do is give Celina the recognition she deserved. Nothing would stop her. (Actually nothing. Not bullets, dislocated shoulders, broken bones....) I'm so happy Jillian got her got barn and solar panels. I loved all her interactions with Fluffy. Mateo's tory actually brought a tear to my eye. Loved how the community came together to raise money for a bird. #MateoMate. I never guessed how he got into the wild, but it makes sense. So happy Mateo got a friend. He deserved it, just like Kara.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Loved the ending and how everything concluded. Maybe the story isn't over and we will see more of Jonah and Max. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Grove Atlantic through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a true sequel to Mejia's first book.in the series To Catch A Storm. I enjoyed getting to see what happened to the other characters. My only complaint is that there's so many characters who have such unique abilities - psychics and feeling no pain? Reads less realistic because of this. Otherwise another solid Iowa set mystery.

Fast Paced Action Thriller Featuring Atypical Hero - Yet Set During "Real"-World Collapse. Straight up: This would have *easily* been a 5* book for me had it been set in literally any period of human history *other than* 2020 - 2022... unfortunately, where it as actually set. Kara is awesome as a non-straight (it is never made clear in *this* text exactly what her sexuality is, though it may have been clarified in the preceding book, To Catch A Storm, which I read 20 months and 300+ books ago) badass with a certain condition that Mejia works with well to show its uses and detriments. Max is excellent as the more by-the-book cop just trying to do his best to do his job and get back to his wife and son, particularly during the period the book is set in. Together (and separately), they're going to find themselves in some pretty cool to watch action sequences that would get most of us real dead, real fast in real life. But ultimately, that is exactly what you're coming into a book like this for - escapist action of a near cinematic quality, and other than the time period this is set in (which, to Mejia's both benefit and detriment, she *does* show all too realistically and all too well), this book *is* that very action first with solid backstory and drama kind of tale that is generally so pleasing to read.

So for those of you who can withstand a book set entirely within the COVID lockdown period... this is one of the best books I've seen written telling a story within that period. But for those of us who - for whatever reason - *don't* want to read a story set in that period... unfortunately you're going to miss out on a truly fun, kick ass book unless you can overcome that particular mental objection.

Very much recommended.

3.5 stars

Although it’s difficult to tell when on certain websites, this is actually the second book in a series. While I think it can be read as a standalone, there will be some missing pieces if you do. I skimmed some reviews from readers who didn’t read To Catch a Storm, confirming my thinking. You’ll get so much more from this book if you know the backstory of some of the characters.

Max tended to annoy me in the first book, but with more of his POV in this story, I came to respect and understand him much more. This story is a dual POV between Max and a former DEA informer Kara. The DEA is knocking on her door again and she is left without much of a choice but to help them out, even if it kills her. Although Max works for the local police department, he is put on the DEA task force and assigned to be Kara’s shadow. Even though Max is not old enough to be Kara’s dad, they settle into a sort of dad/daughter rhythm. Or, more like a bull-headed dad and rebellious daughter. The way they slowly come to care for each other is sweet in this gritty story.

I rarely read anything outside the Romance genre because I want to have a guaranteed HEA and the wistfulness of love and happiness. This is an author outside that genre that I have come to trust though. But I must warn you that this particular book is very real. It takes place in the late summer/early fall of 2020 and the world of this story is the same as the real world at that time; COVID-19, masks, protests, police brutality, etc. I was a bit wary about Max and which direction his thoughts and actions would take, but he has a good head on his shoulders and is quite rational about it all even while having a crisis of consciousness.

There is an interesting juxtaposition between Max and Kara with him having chronic pain and her not being able to feel pain. Which is worse? Max has a family and other loved ones while Kara is alone in the world. Max is by the book and obsesses about the times he didn’t follow the rules and what the consequences may have been. Kara has spent the majority of her life doing what needed to be done to survive no matter what the rules may be.

This story has mystery, intrigue, danger, and many different types of love. It wasn’t a fast read for me because of the heavy themes, but I certainly enjoyed the book.

*3.5 stars*

Interesting characters in a fast-paced thriller…

Fair warning, this is a sequel to an earlier novel called To Catch a Storm. As I began reading, I became a bit lost at first, feeling like I was surrounded by characters I should already know. The plot intrigued me though – redemption, revenge, maybe even hope thrown in for good measure – so I stuck with it and am glad I did.

Kara was stuck. No longer a drug dealer she had left that life but it clung in the form of grief and anger. The new life she envisioned was just out of reach and it almost felt like she didn’t really want it. When she was forced into working for the DEA, she faced it with no fear but almost resignation. Along with her memories that she could not shake, she was stuck until the game that started earlier played out…

With good guy Max dogging her step (or partnering with her depending on the moment) to end the nightmare, this thriller provided twists and turns and surprises along the way. There were a host of characters to get to know and even if I didn’t sympathize with most of them, that didn’t stop me from needing to know how it all played out. I need to pick up the first book and do a re-read of this one to fully appreciate the journey they took…

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book was a quick read. Alternating between Kara the retired drug trafficker and Max the DEA agent. They teamed up to bring down a drug ring. There are some twists and unanswered questions throughout, however the story does come together.
Will recommend.

This book was just alright. Not a huge fan of MC Kara, nor Max. The story itself seemed pretty outlandish, and wrapped up with a neat little bow at the end.
I read and listened to this alternatively, and I must say that I did enjoy the narration on this one.

Mindy Mejia's *A World of Hurt* is an engaging thriller that merges fast-paced action with emotional depth, though it occasionally stumbles in its execution. As a sequel to *To Catch a Storm*, it stands on its own but benefits from familiarity with its predecessor.

The story revolves around Kara Johnson, a former drug trafficker dealing with profound guilt and grief, and Max Summerlin, a determined police officer struggling with chronic pain. Both characters are well-crafted, and their partnership is fraught with tension, mistrust, and a shared sense of desperation. Mejia’s exploration of pain—both physical and emotional—adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a standard thriller.

However, while the book excels in character development and suspenseful moments, the pacing can be uneven at times, with some parts dragging slightly before the action picks up again. The twists are compelling, but not all of them land as effectively as they might have, leaving some plot threads feeling a bit underdeveloped.

Overall, *A World of Hurt* is a solid follow-up that will satisfy fans of the first book and those who enjoy thrillers with emotional and psychological depth. It's a gripping read, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aims for, earning it a respectable 3.75 stars, rounded up.

A world of hurt is the follow-up to to catch a storm. The story alternates between Kara, a grief stricken former drug dealer, and max, the cop assigned to Kara. Karas girlfriend Sam died in her place and Kara has spent the rest of her time not forgiving herself for the loss of Sam. Even though they don’t trust each other, Kara and Sam join forces when Kara is given an ultimatum, either go to jail to become an informant for the dea to bring down a king pin drug dealer. The two don’t trust one another but they must work together to find the ringleader of the cartel who killed Sam. With danger lurking after them, the two learn that they can only trust one another to survive.

A page-.turning thriller with likable characters, this will
Hopefully become a continuing series for Mejia. The dynamic of criminal and cop working together is fun and the short chapters with alternating points of view will keep readers turning the pages.

Thanks to the publisher for providing the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read the previous book in the series but that did not impair my understanding of A World of Hurt. Kara and Max are opposites and do not trust each other until they have to do so and discover they had much more common ground than seemed possible. He is an outcast Police Detective because of his working methods and acquaintance with a psychic. Kara was a drug dealer, who does not feel any pain and is not shy of violence, and has been forced to become an informant. They thought they could trust a few people but discover they couldn't and that may cost their lives. Good entertainment!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Oh dear lord I accidentally just erased my whole review and I may need to lie down for several hours. So here we go again in a more condensed version: I did not read the novel before this and this reads well as a stand alone. Although I think that I would have probably engaged with Kara and Max earlier in the story if I had read the previous book.
As it was, I found Kara to be a complex character and her medical contrition to actually be an interesting piece of the novel. Max himself isn’t super interesting but he definitely grew on me.
I did see the bad guy coming but that may be because I read way too many police procedurals/mystery/thrillers.
This book is a solid 3.5/5 for me and I think a really good read for fans of police procedurals with a bit of thrill.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this sequel with parallel characters to the previous novel, To Catch A Storm. I think you could easily read this novel, A World of Hurt, as a stand alone,

I like that the book has split perspectives and both male and female protagonist. Also having gone through 2020 on the east coast it was interesting to see how the pandemic impacted Iowa and yet some of the same pro/con shutdown arguments existed everywhere.
I hope this series continues.

A World Of Hurt by Mindy Mejia tells a story through the eyes of Max Summerlin, an Iowa City policeman and Kara Johnson a former drug dealer, now turned informant. They are reluctantly brought together as members of a drug task force led by Agent Morales of the DEA in cooperation with the local Police Department. It is difficult for me to write an objective review as I didn't really care for either Max or Kara, and struggled finishing the book. Despite that I believe it is a well written book- just not my cup of tea. I found some of the characters intriguing including Kara's elderly landlord Phyllis Reed and Max's college friend, Jonah Kendrick. Jonah is a PI possessing powerful psychic ability. Jonah was featured in Mejia's first book To Catch A Storm; I think I may have enjoyed A World Of Hurt more had I read it first.. All in all, A World Of Hurt is a fine book, suspenseful with a very satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley, Atlantic Monthly Press and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of A World Of Hurt; this review reflects my honest opinion. 3 stars.