There are three star reads that are only three star reads because of a mix of things that just made the books less than what it could have been, and then there are books that were simply forgettable because they not only could have been more than they were but also managed to not be memorable in any way.

This was how I felt when I finished It Will Only Hurt for a Moment. I felt like reading it had added nothing to my life and I had essentially just lost six hours reading it when I could have been reading something else. It’s not that the book is bad or poorly written; it’s simply that I didn’t feel it added anything to my life or that I had gained anything from reading it.

I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews three stars and under will not be posted on my social media. Thank you.

File Under: Murder Thriller/Psychological Fiction/Psychological Thriller/Supernatural Fiction

This is a book about a woman going to an artist’s retreat, escaping her psychologically abusive ex-boyfriend and alcoholic mother who has dementia. This is also a book about feminism, gaslighting, fear and control. I read “The Violence” by this author, and absolutely loved it - I still think about that book. This is another one I won’t stop thinking about for a long time…

So Sarah is at this six-week residency at the retreat, getting back into pottery after her ex made her stop. We of course have other artists there, like a calligrapher, photographer and sculptor. They all live and work in cabins outside of a ritzy resort from the 1800s. They are never to try to go in there; the floors and roof are rotting and it’s not safe, but of course, that rule is begging to be broken.

Before that though, Sarah is digging a kiln pit, and ran into a cheap coffin containing a young woman with blonde hair. After that, her dreams take her through this woman’s life, from being the child of wealthy parents who married her off to a banker, who expects her to fulfill her “wifely duties”, despite her being only 19 and not familiar with sex (this is the 1800s, of course). When she tries to fight her husband off on their honeymoon, she is sent to the police hospital in the basement.

This hospital reminds me of the Glore Psychiatrist Museum in Missouri (ifkyk) - it’s doctors trying new “remedies” that are mostly torture. Once Sarah enters the hotel/hospital, the other artists…change. Disappear. Die. As the corpses of both humans and animals pile up, and the artists begin acting more crazy than regular artists, Sarah knows she need to do something. But what?

Emily and Sarah have similar stories, and they are tied together well through the dreams. This had beautiful writing, and a very original, heartbreaking story. Women still don’t get a break when it comes to healthcare - imagine 100+ years ago with diagnoses like wandering uteruses and hysteria. This was also a fantastic ghost story interwoven with a great story from the present. Like “The Violence”, I give this 4.5 stars, rounded up.

(Thank you to Del Rey, Delilah S, Dawson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)

Do not skip the CN warnings, there is a lot of horribleness going on here.

A slower burn than I am used to from Dawson, but there's a reason for that: she gets deep into the mind of an abused woman, a woman who has been second-guessing everything in her life for years, maybe a lifetime, and struggles to find meaning anywhere. There is no quick fix, there is only damage.

I really enjoyed this eerie and atmospheric book. Dawson has a gift of making you feel like you are there, whether in a creepy old hotel or its stunning surroundings.

I had such high hopes for this book and I was really into it for the first quarter of the book, but them it started to lose me. The pacing started to slow and I had trouble really paying attention and staying captivated by the book. And that should not happen. Especially in this spookier type of genre.

This was another one of those books where the characters felt so two-dimensional and as if they weren't fully thought out yet. They felt more like the ideas of characters than fully developed and planned out people. I want characters to feel more real than that. It made them rather unlikable.

This book really does have so much potential, I mean, it takes place at an artist's colony AND it's a thriller! That is crazy cool potential to be a crazy cool book! A lot of thriller novels that fall flat to me feel like they'd be better as a movie and I could see this being a pretty decent movie. Maybe the pacing would work better in that format??

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Let me start by saying this book will not be for every reader, which is totally okay! This was another tough but important read about female rage. For me, while horrific, I think many of the topics in this are so necessary to discuss as sadly they are the reality for many. Dawson’s writing was strong and very atmospheric, although I felt like this book could have been a bit shorter. Make sure you check the TWs before diving in as there a quite a few (including animal stuff which you all know I hate).

She's an artist on the run from her ex and has taken up residence in a secluded artists' colony on the grounds of a closed hotel. Sarah Carpenter needs a new start, she's tired of her abusive alcoholic mother and her narcissistic ex boyfriend. When she is offered a spot in a secluded artist colony she takes it. Yet... when she gets there things begin to become troubling as her fellow residents begin acting oddly and her dreams are filled with troubling visions... or rather she is transferred into the body of a girl who had a terrible marriage all those years ago. Sarah has to figure out what is going on and what ghosts are haunting the grounds while trying to deal with her own troubling past. This was definitely a dramatic read, while it wasn't for me I do think that this could appeal to others. It's a story about hauntings, taking back your life, and fighting for yourself. It's got a bit of a gothic mystery vibe and definitely is one I'd recommend checking the trigger warnings for before reading because of the topic it deals with. I didn't particularly feel as engrossed and as into the story as i had hoped but I am sure others might have a better time with it than me.

Release Date:October 22,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

When a book opens with a woman leaving a terrible relationship with a crappy person to live her own life and do stuff for herself, I am obviously going to be hooked. Like that is all I need! Even if I don't care about art and pottery and stuff, I'm down. Yes, go to this bizarro retreat in the woods that sounds sketchy as hell, you do you, girl! So what do you need to know here? Well. First, the atmosphere is on point. I mean sure it is an isolated retreat with cabins in the woods, but the author does an amazing job of making it feel the perfect amount of sketchy- like, it has to be believably habitable, otherwise no one would go there, yet it still has to be weird enough to give you the heebie jeebies. Nailed it.

Then, like okay, the art stuff was whatever, and I did have some trouble keeping track of some of the characters, but the story was great. Sarah is trying to find her sense of self again, and heal, after a really awful relationship. You cannot help but cheer her on, because it's such a relatable and rough situation. And then when she starts finding all these things creeping up... well I won't say too much because that is the fun of the book. I had a feeling that certain things would end up happening, but not in a way that took away any enjoyment. A few of the more paranormal bits probably weren't my faves, but again, the story as a whole more than made up for it. I was so eager to figure out who was doing what, what the heck Sarah stumbled upon out there, and why this place was such a mess- and how it had flown under the radar so long. So many questions, and I craved answers- I imagine you will, too!

Bottom Line: Sarah runs from a relationship mess headfirst into another mess full of mysteries and mayhem.

After the first few chapters I didn’t think I would like this book at all. Then things got interesting and there was a mystery to solve. Some parts of the book were slow and a lot of the MC’s inner dialogue got to be repetitious. But there were a lot of moments that had me on the edge of my seat and wanting to keep reading to see what happened. I liked the mystery of what happened 150 years ago at the fancy wellness spa. The ending got wrapped up fairly quick which I can see might leave some people feeling deflated. Overall though, it is makes a descent of enough book if you want something with some mystery and some creepy stuff going on.

Super creepy thriller! Sarah is looking for a fresh start. Upon leaving an emotionally abusive relationship with her boyfriend, she hopes to find peace at a reclusive artist retreat. What Sarah finds is anything but peace, with strange things happening all around her, including the discovery of a body on the premises. Fast paced thriller that is not to be missed.

This was a great paranormal suspense novel. It's about a group of artists at an isolated retreat with no Internet or WiFi or cellular connection to the outside world. Strange things begin happening and the artists start dropping like flies.

Ms. Dawson did a great job of keeping up the level of suspense throughout this novel. I ended up reading it cover to cover. My only grievance is that the book ended with many open questions and not much of a conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved this one so much! Full of diverse characters, a creepy abandoned hotel/resort and plenty of drama, I found myself so invested in the storyline, our main character Sarah and Tranquility Falls itself. I’m sure such a place would have tons of stories to tell.

Multiple murders, ghosts needing closure and a century of lies, It Will Only Hurt for a Moment kept me up through the night because I knew I wouldn’t sleep a wink without knowing how it all ended. If you’re looking for an atmospheric and haunting read, this one is perfect but be sure to check the triggers if you have any. Thanks to Del Rey for my eARC and my gifted finished copy! It Will Only Hurt for a Moment is available today.

I just finished It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson. If you’ve seen any of my other book reviews regarding her writing, you’ll know I’m a massive fan of Delilah’s work. This continues with this dark, gothic story about a tortured artist who joins a colony of fellow artists to escape her past only to have it thrown back at her in truly terrifying ways. If you’re looking for some more spooky reading for October, I would definitely add It Will Only Hurt for a Moment. I will give a warning that there is SA and DV as they are heavily thematic to the protagonist’s journey forward.

It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson hooked me right away!
This was one of those compelling novels that I didn’t want to put down! Right from the start, I was absorbed by the suspense and the intriguing story-line.
It Will Only Hurt for a Moment is an engrossing, dark, twisted, and disturbing story that was such an irresistible, fun and thrilling book to read.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Del Rey for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Delilah Dawson’s “It Will Only Hurt For a Moment” is perfectly timed for Halloween. Set in an isolated artists’ colony in the north Georgian mountains, the novel’s main character is Sarah, who is escaping an abusive relationship to rediscover herself through her love of pottery. However, much as in The Shining, the novel’s real main character is the decrepit 19th century resort/spa that the artists must swear never to enter, which looms over the colony and leads to increasingly disturbing behavior and derangement.

Like Dawson’s prior novel, The Violence, this is a feminist horror story which has much to say about how women have been historically treated in marriage and by medicine. For those of you who may be triggered by the topic, be advised that sexual assault is graphically (but not gratuitously) depicted.

Overall, the novel is well-plotted, and characters are well-developed, particularly Sarah and her fellow-artist Ingrid. My only issue involved the deus ex machina ending, which feels not only rushed but also over-the-top.

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of this book.

It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson

This is a challenging story, though it was written to pull you in. You have heard of things like this happening to others...in this modern age (possibly something like this has happened to you). It feels VERY real and relavant.

This is a dark, and emotional story. As the reader, you feel for the protagonist, even though they may do things that you would not do but most (if not all) were couched in reality and as you read it...it rings true.
There is a LOT of information that is being transmitted within this story. The author is aware of her audience, and she knows how to weave the tale...to pull you in.

It is also mysterious. Something is going on at Tranquil Falls. More than meets the eye (at first sight). Love the name of the retreat, too. Of course it announces itself...this way. Hmmm.

There are so many times of reflection within the story, and after reading the story. This will not be a story that I forget quickly. It weedled its way into my brain, and now I have to discect it...and deal with it, bit by bit.

It is also obvious to say, that this book is sad and intense. There were moments that I was sitting at the edge of my seat/bed, or even reading while standing up...walking around. I was invested.

The book is medium-paced. It takes its time, unraveling the story...the way it did.

The book is a mixture of plot driven story and a character-driven story. You become invested in the characters, but also...there is a direction that the story is driving to. You think you know it, but you don't. Not really.

There is strong character development. Not just for the main character, but for the ensemble (some to lesser degrees), but also for the "bad guys'.

I wouldn't say that the characters were lovable. It's more complicated than that. Like life, the characters are flawed. They think they are the heroes of their own story, but they hurt themselves, while trying to fix their own problems. Ugh.

This story brought together a wide range of characters. Thats a big reason why the story works. You feel akin to this or that character...and in doing so, you start to "root" for the main character to succeed/survive the trauma she's running away from, and that which is currently happening.

All of these characters had abundant flaws. It was the main focus of the story. It is the catelyst that starts the story in motion...and is represented throughout the story.

This is a thriller, with horrific moments (for sure).

I was worried that it was going to be full-blown horror, but I think this was more powerful...it was realistic (for the most part). There is magical realism, but it is couched in realism.

I knew nothing about the story, though I've read a number of the author's other work (this makes ten novels). I was introduced to her within the Star Wars galaxy, but currently, it is her thriller genre books that I have enjoyed the most.

This story feels personal. I'm not saying that she's Emily, or Sarah, or Ingrid, or any of the characters within this story, but something about the story rings true.

When I finished the book, I just sat down and cried. Yes, I cried for Sarah (a fictional character). I cried for Emily (another fictional character), but then I cried for the author. As I'm typing this..I'm also crying (tears flowing down my cheeks...burning my eyes...before their trek to by beard. I then cried for my wife (who's suffered from abuse from a previous marriage). I also cried for our daughters who have had their struggles in this world of men of authority.

My wife and I have done everything we can, to strengthen them and fortify them, from the terrors that are moments away...in a world before Me Too and afterwards. They are both very smart women, for we gave them agency and support, to be who they are, today.

This story felt real. Not saying that Tranquil Falls is a real place and the things within this story actually happened, but places like this HAVE happened...through the ages and continue within our own lives. There are truly sick people int his world.

Like in any Horror book/movie, as the reader/viewer...we see things coming before the characters (don't say that, don't that, beware of this or that, just leave...it's not worth it) goes through your mind, but the character keeps putting themselves in "harm's way". It is frustrating, but in a lot of ways...WE do this. Not sure why, but it happens.

This book touched a nerve, and it effected me. Promoting this book, so more eyes get on it...will possibly help people see what they already know about the world. Being roofied. This was starting to happen when I was in my twenties. I was told to guard my drink. If I left it somewhere, it was never to be picked up again. But now, people are doing it (like a spy movie) so quickly. Thankfully people are always watching (some even recording their lives), able to catch people before they take advantage of their victim.

Ugh. I have so many thoughts at the moment.

I don't want to say that I loved this book, for it is SO disturbing, but I am glad that I read it...for it touched a nerve. I have been talking to my wife...who read it before me (thank you), for she's the Horror genre reader, and I am NOT. So, when I finished...we have been talking and talking about real life...and the dangers that exist.

We have decided to buy the book when it comes out...for our two daughters (who both love to read).

Want to also thank Net Galley for allowing me (us) to read this book and give an honest and fair review.

Well, this was just okay. Not bad, but not great. I didn’t feel like it was as emotionally resonated as it should have been for the heavy themes and topics it discussed. I wasn’t compelled to keep reading even though there were objectively interesting things happening. Some pacing issues as well; too much of a slow burn imo.

I enjoyed the writing and the mystery engaging and interesting. I felt like it was a little preachy at times, but shows a lot of the struggles women go through, both in the past and modern times.
I don’t feel like everything was wrapped up as well as it could’ve been, and there was a LOT of reference to sexual assault. Like a lot. As in, if I know someone has experienced that, I will probably not recommend they read this.
It was a bit heavy on the “men are terrible” thing. Like they are, don’t get me wrong, but it felt more like someone writing with a vengeance than with a story to tell.
Overall I enjoyed the writing and the story a decent amount.

It Will Only Hurt for a Moment
By Delilah S. Dawson

Published by Del Rey on October 22, 2024

Adult. Content notes: abuse of all kinds, sexual assault, violence and death to animals and humans; personally, I appreciate authors who deal directly with such subject matter, and Dawson does it pretty well, but fair warning.

As usual, a spoiler-free review.

I enjoyed the Delilah S. Dawson Star Wars books I read a while back, and I especially loved her short story in Uncanny and the perfect novels she wrote as Lila Bowen, so I was excited to dive into another. This didn’t disappoint. Grab a copy for a quick gothic horror thriller: a solid read for the Halloween season. I loved this for the immersion in a haunting setting with fleshed-out traumatic reasons for the haunting, and the gradual path toward unhinged is fun. Teases us with the supernatural and the history of the place until everything comes together and brings the protagonist to the brink of disaster and death.

Interactions between goth photographer and main character are amusing and charming and engaged me. Some excellent tension between characters. as well. The way violence and death and abuse pops in like a brutal slap felt real to me. Those scenes from the second POV are great. I often get a kick out of stories with these locations characters know they shouldn’t explore, but explore anyway, then keep coming back even when it’s going to bring heaps of trouble (sure, it’s trope-ridden but feels authentic to me when that is pretty much what I’d do).

It’s not a perfect book, though. The hook with family tension is strong, though perhaps needed more to stand out as unique in today’s deluge of literature. I wasn’t immediately swept in until we started exploring the primary setting, the artist retreat and its shadows. The characters are all frustrating for their treatment of others (you different, you bad, no talk, everything trauma), but that is pretty common in gothic style works, and it does thread well with the setting. One or two of the developments were a stretch that I wish had more chapters devoted to them.

But all that said, I couldn’t put this down. It held my attention so much that I wanted more more more. The elements are balanced out enough to keep tugging. If you’re like me and always enjoy a gothic romp, worth the read. Also worth mentioning the cover art; though I received an advance reader's copy in ebook form, I am tempted to order myself a hardcover to re-read and admire the cover. I look forward the next Dawson book I dive into.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me a copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing an ARC for review.

This is a great book for October. The story starts off slow, but quickly becomes ominous and foreboding. The atmosphere of the retreat begins to feel oppressive, and the mystery gains the momentum of a runaway train. The story also heavily focuses on the trauma that men inflict on women that they infantilize and patronize. It reminds me of Midsommar mixed with The Yellow Wallpaper. Definitely check trigger warnings before going into it because there are elements of sexual assault, drugging people, medical malpractice, self-harm, and physical and emotional abuse. However, I thought the story was powerful and enrapturing.

Thanks to Del Rey & Penguin Random House Audio for advanced review copies of this book and audiobook.

This dad read It Will Only Hurt For A Moment by Delilah S. Dawson, a thriller/mystery published by Del Rey and audiobook by Penguin Random House Audio. Sarah thought she was signing up for an artist’s retreat in the remote mountains, far away from a toxic ex and troublesome mother. What she didn’t expect was to be thrown into a centuries old mystery surrounding the retreat’s abandoned hotel. With death seemingly following everywhere she goes, Sarah digs deeper and deeper into the past, uncovering one woman’s traumatic past as she deals with very real dangers that threaten her own life. 

It Will Only Hurt For A Moment does what all great thrillers do, sets up the story and dives straight into the chaos. Within the very first chapter, Sarah is well fleshed out and we immediately know what motivates her as she drives to the Tranquil Falls artist retreat. There we meet a kooky (even for artists) cast of characters whose personalities immediately jump off the pages. On Sarah’s very first day at Tranquil Falls, things are off (a dead possum in your cottage’s bed would freak anyone out) and Dawson doesn’t once let off the gas. 

For a mystery thriller, Moment also shines a light on the very real subjects of abuse and mistreatment of women. Wrapped in a narrative filled with twists and frights, however, it never feels like it's being forced. It’s clear that Dawson is passionate about this topic and her writing is oftentimes tragic and devastating but never strays from being an adventurous read. It’s this type of modern story that can touch on deeper issues while still being wildly entertaining and Dawson balances it expertly.

The entire book is bathed in atmosphere from its remote forest setting to haunting music and the paranormal; basically the perfect read for Halloween season. With It Will Only Hurt For A Moment, Dawson solidifies herself as not only one of my favorite Star Wars authors but favorite modern authors, period. I've dipped my toe in her works before, but after this book I'm even more motivated to dive deeper into her catalog. It Will Only Hurt For A Moment is timely, frightening and expertly crafted. I give it 4/5 highly recommend!