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Unlucky 13 #4
Damaged
Welcome to Black Diamond Resort & Spa… I’m left on this strip of sand after my second round of rehab. Father says I should rest and build my strength back, but I know better. I’m a toxic asset. Father is launching his campaign of hate and bigotry in a presidential bid and I am the black hole for his reputation. And not because I’m an addict. Oh no. I’m radioactive because I like kissing guys in clubs and the paparazzi love catching me in the act. I am of such little importance that nobody bothered to find me a private house on this godforsaken island and I’m forced to share one with a dangerously handsome, self-proclaimed a-hole, and America’s eleventh luckiest lottery winner, Tiago Alvarez. I’m the kind of guy who likes flirting with disaster and there’s no bigger disaster than the self-destructive daredevil I’m forced to share the bed with. The attraction is instant, but the scars on my soul rip and bleed as soon as I have a chance to get closer to him. And Tiago is harboring dark secrets. Secrets that pull me in and won’t let go. He’s a handsome train wreck and I am a walking relapse. We’re a match made in the seventh circle of hell. Being near him is like leaning from a skyscraper. It’s the highest high I know. But any good addict will tell after every high, there comes a low. And us? We stand no chance against this bitter world. We’re just so damaged.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2023
148 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hall
72 books770 followersGay. Sweet. Steamy.
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.
Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.
His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.
You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
February 25, 2024
This guy on the cover reminds me of Eminem in his 90’s Real Slim Shady era and that’s really all I could think of him as. It kind of fit actually, I couldn’t call him Tiago in my head. These characters are certainly damaged and the story was very angsty. Tiago’s grief was hard to read at times but it felt genuine, his situation was heartbreaking and I found myself relating to his pain more than Matthew’s. I never really got into the storyline with Matthew’s dad which is kind of what the whole book was about unfortunately. I think this was more a me thing, I’ve never had an interest in American politics. I appreciated how the author gave them a bit of a different sexual dynamic but it wasn’t really my thing and I wasn’t so sure about their choice of action in terms of the thing with Matthew’s dad.
Overall I didn’t find myself connecting deeply to either character and at times I considered dnfing this but I kept going and it was still enjoyable with a nice HEA. I liked how this book used the multi author Black Diamond universe, it worked well. This is a new author for me and whereas this didn’t hit the spot completely I’m intrigued to try something else.
Overall I didn’t find myself connecting deeply to either character and at times I considered dnfing this but I kept going and it was still enjoyable with a nice HEA. I liked how this book used the multi author Black Diamond universe, it worked well. This is a new author for me and whereas this didn’t hit the spot completely I’m intrigued to try something else.
July 29, 2023
Damaged: A Black Diamond Novel by Hayden Hall is book 4 in the standalone, multi-author, MM, Unlucky 13 series, which is set around an all inclusive, private resort built exclusively for the troubled elite. This is Tiago and Matthew's story.
Honestly, this series has been a bit hit and miss for me but I enjoyed this angsty, dark tale of despair and loss and love and redemption from Hayden Hall. It was an unusual read from Hayden - all the previous books of his that I've read have been much more of a sweet and steamy read.
Be aware before diving in to Damaged: A Black Diamond Novel that it does have some very dark themes, so do check out the author's website for all the deets.
Featuring:
🌶️MM romance
🌶️Forced proximity
🌶️Dom/sub
🌶️Size difference
🌶️Mental health rep
🌶️Loss of a loved one
🌶️All the steam
🌶️Hard won HEA
4 dark and angsty stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Honestly, this series has been a bit hit and miss for me but I enjoyed this angsty, dark tale of despair and loss and love and redemption from Hayden Hall. It was an unusual read from Hayden - all the previous books of his that I've read have been much more of a sweet and steamy read.
Be aware before diving in to Damaged: A Black Diamond Novel that it does have some very dark themes, so do check out the author's website for all the deets.
Featuring:
🌶️MM romance
🌶️Forced proximity
🌶️Dom/sub
🌶️Size difference
🌶️Mental health rep
🌶️Loss of a loved one
🌶️All the steam
🌶️Hard won HEA
4 dark and angsty stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 11, 2024
Didn’t love or hate this, it was just ok for me. I liked both characters but the events that happened weren’t enough for me to enjoy or get invested.
July 28, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Beautifully written, emotional, tear-jerking read!
The title represents the characters perfectly because they were, in fact, Damaged. Tiago and Matthew both struggle with various issues and trauma and instead of seeking help they indulge in different but equally destructive and chaotic behaviors.
Watching them fall deeper was utterly heartbreaking, but when they come back stronger together ♥ my heart!
This one was probably the saddest of the Unlucky 13 series, but very much worth it. Loved it!
TW and tropes (spoilers):
✓ forced proximity
✓ MC dealing with grief
✓ internalized homophobia
✓ drug and alcohol use
✓ suicide attempt
✓ strict top/bottom
POV: 1st person, dual
Beautifully written, emotional, tear-jerking read!
“Why don’t you just let me destroy myself like I’m meant to?” He shrugged. “Told you already. I’ve a debt to pay.”
The title represents the characters perfectly because they were, in fact, Damaged. Tiago and Matthew both struggle with various issues and trauma and instead of seeking help they indulge in different but equally destructive and chaotic behaviors.
“You scratch my trauma, I scratch yours. I like it.”
Watching them fall deeper was utterly heartbreaking, but when they come back stronger together ♥ my heart!
“I tried to look into the depth of love that existed in me. I tried to see if there was any end to it at all, but I couldn’t find one. I loved him so deeply that there wasn’t a beginning or an end. It was everything, everywhere. With Matthew, infinity was only just foreplay.”
This one was probably the saddest of the Unlucky 13 series, but very much worth it. Loved it!
TW and tropes (spoilers):
✓ forced proximity
✓ MC dealing with grief
✓ internalized homophobia
✓ drug and alcohol use
✓ suicide attempt
✓ strict top/bottom
POV: 1st person, dual
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒂𝒚𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒍
𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕨 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕚𝕒𝕘𝕠
« We were two broken beings that ruined everything we touched. Why would I expect anything but mutual destruction? »
x ᴍᴍ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
x ɪꜱʟᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
x ᴅᴏᴍ/ꜱᴜʙ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄ
x ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍꜰᴏʀᴛ
x ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ʀᴇᴘ
x ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘ
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Steam: 3/5 🔥
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I swear each and every single book Hayden Hall writes just get better and better! His previous releases have been solid great reads but this one? Blows them all out of the park! Full of dark romance and topics that need careful handling, Hayden did an amazing job weaving a story incorporating addiction and mental health and the real raw aspect of falling in love. Tiago and Matthew are both struggling in life, drowning in the expectations of others and feeling incapable of receiving love, but in true Hayden Hall style, they experience the most romantic ending possible and I could not think of better MCs to have the ending they got! Overall another great book from an author who has become an auto-buy for me, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕨 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕚𝕒𝕘𝕠
« We were two broken beings that ruined everything we touched. Why would I expect anything but mutual destruction? »
x ᴍᴍ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
x ɪꜱʟᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
x ᴅᴏᴍ/ꜱᴜʙ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄ
x ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍꜰᴏʀᴛ
x ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ʀᴇᴘ
x ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘ
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Steam: 3/5 🔥
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I swear each and every single book Hayden Hall writes just get better and better! His previous releases have been solid great reads but this one? Blows them all out of the park! Full of dark romance and topics that need careful handling, Hayden did an amazing job weaving a story incorporating addiction and mental health and the real raw aspect of falling in love. Tiago and Matthew are both struggling in life, drowning in the expectations of others and feeling incapable of receiving love, but in true Hayden Hall style, they experience the most romantic ending possible and I could not think of better MCs to have the ending they got! Overall another great book from an author who has become an auto-buy for me, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
March 22, 2025
Didn't enjoy this one because I didn't like either MC. It felt like theirs was more of a trauma bond than them falling in love, but I DID enjoy the 'weaponized homosexuality' plotline.
Porn for a good cause. Civic cumshot, iktr.
'We just got finished 'fabricating' five minutes ago.'
💀
Loooove that they made that joint step together at the end, though. Totally necessary.
**and no, I don't mean murder-suicide, even though for most of this I hated them both.
And what on earth do you mean a politician who's trying to hide his gay son would allow a situation in which said son ends up in an 'only one bed' situation at a private exclusive island resort with ANOTHER gay hottie?
Be so for real. Like was he hiding him or setting him up? Pick a side.
Without a doubt my worst installment of the entire series.
Porn for a good cause. Civic cumshot, iktr.
'We just got finished 'fabricating' five minutes ago.'
💀
Loooove that they made that joint step together at the end, though. Totally necessary.
**and no, I don't mean murder-suicide, even though for most of this I hated them both.
And what on earth do you mean a politician who's trying to hide his gay son would allow a situation in which said son ends up in an 'only one bed' situation at a private exclusive island resort with ANOTHER gay hottie?
Be so for real. Like was he hiding him or setting him up? Pick a side.
Without a doubt my worst installment of the entire series.
July 4, 2023
I am absolutely loving this multi-author Unlucky 13 series! I’ve been lucky enough to read ARCs of all the books so far and it’s been so much fun discovering everything about the Black Diamond Resort!
I did have a harder time getting into this book. It almost felt like we started the book in the middle of the story and should have known more about the characters than we did. However, I did start to get more invested in the story around 25% and I’m glad that I continued as it was a great story.
My favourite thing in this book were their intimate scenes. Tiago and Matthew were on fire and the author did a fantastic job with every single scene. I loved that Tiago was able to help Matthew overcome his fears and be himself!
The characters absolutely lived up to the name of this book. They were both incredibly damaged and had so much to work through. But with the support and love of each other they did it and had a wonderful HEA.
I’m really excited to continue this series and can’t wait to meet more characters and explore the island even more!
I did have a harder time getting into this book. It almost felt like we started the book in the middle of the story and should have known more about the characters than we did. However, I did start to get more invested in the story around 25% and I’m glad that I continued as it was a great story.
My favourite thing in this book were their intimate scenes. Tiago and Matthew were on fire and the author did a fantastic job with every single scene. I loved that Tiago was able to help Matthew overcome his fears and be himself!
The characters absolutely lived up to the name of this book. They were both incredibly damaged and had so much to work through. But with the support and love of each other they did it and had a wonderful HEA.
I’m really excited to continue this series and can’t wait to meet more characters and explore the island even more!
July 5, 2023
Oh man. This was one emotional, dark, raw romance between two struggling young men. Matthew the gay son of a politician and Tiago, a lottery winner held captive by his past. Matthew, who felt too much but refused to acknowledge it and Tiago who didn’t feel enough but desperately needed it. I read this one slowly because the content is heavy and demanding.
ᴡᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ʙᴇɪɴɢꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴜɪɴᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴡᴇ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ. ᴡʜʏ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴜᴛ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟ ᴅᴇꜱᴛʀᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ?
I’m not sure where to even start. This one has some strong triggers. Thoughts of leaving the world, homophobia, addiction, grief, guilt. BOTH of these guys are struggling and drowning and for most of the story it’s on the front burner and a prominent part of the story. THAT is the only reason I didn’t 5 star this one. I needed more love after the absolute heartbreak you feel throughout 80% of this one.
“ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴀ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀʟᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴛʜʀᴇᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴡᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴏ ɪᴛ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ɪ ꜱᴡᴇᴀʀ.”
They had some amazing dom/sub times. And the whole plan they had to take down Matthew’s father was **chefs kiss** sexy and perfect.
But the end was beautiful. Worth all the ache. It was poignant and romantic and sweet and hopeful. Tiago and Matthew deserved so much more than they had and just the thought they they had it in the end makes me feel buoyant on happiness.
POV: 1st, Dual
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
^4.5 stars rounded up^
ᴡᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ ʙᴇɪɴɢꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴜɪɴᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴡᴇ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ. ᴡʜʏ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴜᴛ ᴍᴜᴛᴜᴀʟ ᴅᴇꜱᴛʀᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴ?
I’m not sure where to even start. This one has some strong triggers. Thoughts of leaving the world, homophobia, addiction, grief, guilt. BOTH of these guys are struggling and drowning and for most of the story it’s on the front burner and a prominent part of the story. THAT is the only reason I didn’t 5 star this one. I needed more love after the absolute heartbreak you feel throughout 80% of this one.
“ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ ʙᴏᴛʜ ᴀ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴀʟᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴛʜʀᴇᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴡᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴏ ɪᴛ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ɪ ꜱᴡᴇᴀʀ.”
They had some amazing dom/sub times. And the whole plan they had to take down Matthew’s father was **chefs kiss** sexy and perfect.
But the end was beautiful. Worth all the ache. It was poignant and romantic and sweet and hopeful. Tiago and Matthew deserved so much more than they had and just the thought they they had it in the end makes me feel buoyant on happiness.
POV: 1st, Dual
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
^4.5 stars rounded up^
July 10, 2023
Well, that title was the right choice, dang it was a heartbreaking story.
Matthew is the son of the man who runs for president, he has a hard life. Just left a recovery center and put away to a resort, far away from his homophobic dad and his ultra-right political campaign.
Matthew reached rock bottom and doesn’t care anymore.
Tiago Alvarez won the lottery and is silly rich and also on the same resort as Matthew, to be more clear in the same room. Yes, circumstances made this.
Tiago is something else, he has dark sides and secrets. Matthew and Tiago have similarities and they fit, physically and mentally, they are on the same wavelength, and not always in a good way.
This book is one large journey of healing, because dang there’s so much damage and hurt to overcome. Prepare yourself for an emotionally loaded read, both seemed beyond repair, it felt awfully real, nothing sugar-coated here, the healing process isn’t an easy one. Mental health, addiction, expectations, guilt, hard harsh issues to deal with. It was all shivery sensible.
But, there is a wonderful counterbalance, there’s a beautiful romance to enjoy, growth, forgiveness, healing, laughter, and sexiness!
Thank goodness they made it, together, so deserved!!
A masterly written story!
Matthew is the son of the man who runs for president, he has a hard life. Just left a recovery center and put away to a resort, far away from his homophobic dad and his ultra-right political campaign.
Matthew reached rock bottom and doesn’t care anymore.
Tiago Alvarez won the lottery and is silly rich and also on the same resort as Matthew, to be more clear in the same room. Yes, circumstances made this.
Tiago is something else, he has dark sides and secrets. Matthew and Tiago have similarities and they fit, physically and mentally, they are on the same wavelength, and not always in a good way.
This book is one large journey of healing, because dang there’s so much damage and hurt to overcome. Prepare yourself for an emotionally loaded read, both seemed beyond repair, it felt awfully real, nothing sugar-coated here, the healing process isn’t an easy one. Mental health, addiction, expectations, guilt, hard harsh issues to deal with. It was all shivery sensible.
But, there is a wonderful counterbalance, there’s a beautiful romance to enjoy, growth, forgiveness, healing, laughter, and sexiness!
Thank goodness they made it, together, so deserved!!
A masterly written story!
October 9, 2023
✨✨✨✨✨ALL THE STARS
This gets *****/***** 0n principal alone... And then we get to the writing and the story... Every freaking minute, every thought....so wonderfully written. The pain and tragedy and the love that shines through.
And yes, sexy AF. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hello Hayden Hall, I'm so glad to have finally met you (your books) What an incredible mind you have. Thank you for sharing it with us.
*Favorites
*to re-read
This gets *****/***** 0n principal alone... And then we get to the writing and the story... Every freaking minute, every thought....so wonderfully written. The pain and tragedy and the love that shines through.
And yes, sexy AF. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hello Hayden Hall, I'm so glad to have finally met you (your books) What an incredible mind you have. Thank you for sharing it with us.
*Favorites
*to re-read
dnf
September 18, 2023Yeah, this is not for me. They are too damaged but instead of me feeling for them, I was mostly bored.
July 1, 2023
It takes a little time to truly understand the characters; we are introduced as they are both close to rock bottom and both feeling sorry for themselves. There are a lot of deep
emotions flying around in both of their heads, a lot of hidden pain. Tiago is very closed off to discussing his but can read Matthew well. He knows what he needs. Their first intimate scene is breathtakingly hot and fierce. It was giving and taking to the extreme for both of them. We know the hidden trauma in Tiago is going to explode because he is maddeningly affected by Matthew and inconveniently this is liable to foil his plans. Matthew is a 'mess' he has been forced to hide and 'behave' and if he can't live being the man he is, he becomes a different man with the help of drugs. Years of mental abuse and addiction will give a sobering mind panic and unfamiliarity; but Tiago can see the true Matthew, he gets him and he is also shockingly affected by Tiago. These two go from zero to one hundred in ngh seconds, intense isn't intense enough to explain them together. However, the heavy weights of their destruction will always try to break them and try with all its might to grasp any hope of breaking free from its grip. We are reminded that addiction isn't an easy fought battle and isn't a fair fight when triggers come at you. Hayden always gets the turbulence going, we know we won't get a gentle curved graph of emotion. It is traumatic and raw and at times the desperation jumps off the page. Tiago's undoing is absolutely heart wrenching even though we knew it needed to happen but we were still not ready for the demise. However, it is so pivotal to give the story the direction it needs to move forward. Although Amir isn't alive in the book, he shines through and is still a pinnacle character. The epilogue was joyous and colourful with enough love to share around. Such a happy ending, that both characters truly deserved. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
emotions flying around in both of their heads, a lot of hidden pain. Tiago is very closed off to discussing his but can read Matthew well. He knows what he needs. Their first intimate scene is breathtakingly hot and fierce. It was giving and taking to the extreme for both of them. We know the hidden trauma in Tiago is going to explode because he is maddeningly affected by Matthew and inconveniently this is liable to foil his plans. Matthew is a 'mess' he has been forced to hide and 'behave' and if he can't live being the man he is, he becomes a different man with the help of drugs. Years of mental abuse and addiction will give a sobering mind panic and unfamiliarity; but Tiago can see the true Matthew, he gets him and he is also shockingly affected by Tiago. These two go from zero to one hundred in ngh seconds, intense isn't intense enough to explain them together. However, the heavy weights of their destruction will always try to break them and try with all its might to grasp any hope of breaking free from its grip. We are reminded that addiction isn't an easy fought battle and isn't a fair fight when triggers come at you. Hayden always gets the turbulence going, we know we won't get a gentle curved graph of emotion. It is traumatic and raw and at times the desperation jumps off the page. Tiago's undoing is absolutely heart wrenching even though we knew it needed to happen but we were still not ready for the demise. However, it is so pivotal to give the story the direction it needs to move forward. Although Amir isn't alive in the book, he shines through and is still a pinnacle character. The epilogue was joyous and colourful with enough love to share around. Such a happy ending, that both characters truly deserved. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
remontó en el final pero meh
July 18, 2023
Well it took me till the end of the book, but yes I did Indeed cry!! Hayden has a way with words and my god did he use them in this book. This has become my new favourite and it will stay with me for a long time.
This is so full of heartbreak, sorrow, angst and hurt. It’s emotionally beautiful, the pain is real and raw, the cuts on these two men are deep, I really wasn’t sure if they were going to make it.
Two very broken men trying to help each other but not knowing how to. They become what they both need and that filled a void for a short time, but they were no match for self destruction and mental health. But between them they figured out what they needed to do so they could become the best versions of themselves and in return help others.
This was hard for me to read at times but the story had such force it kept me tied down till all the words were read, and I’m so glad I got to read their story. I 100% recommended you giving this book a read. It’s probably one of the truest and realistic story’s I’ve read. Addiction and mental health do not care who you are, where you come from, what you look like. If it wants to take you under, it will. We just have to learn to swim to the surface and take a helping hand when you most need it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warnings can be found on Hayden’s link in the front of the book.
⭐️Emotional
⭐️Angsty
⭐️Heartbreaking
⭐️Hurt/Comfort
⭐️Addiction
⭐️Spicy
⭐️Dom/Sub
⭐️Mental health
This is so full of heartbreak, sorrow, angst and hurt. It’s emotionally beautiful, the pain is real and raw, the cuts on these two men are deep, I really wasn’t sure if they were going to make it.
Two very broken men trying to help each other but not knowing how to. They become what they both need and that filled a void for a short time, but they were no match for self destruction and mental health. But between them they figured out what they needed to do so they could become the best versions of themselves and in return help others.
This was hard for me to read at times but the story had such force it kept me tied down till all the words were read, and I’m so glad I got to read their story. I 100% recommended you giving this book a read. It’s probably one of the truest and realistic story’s I’ve read. Addiction and mental health do not care who you are, where you come from, what you look like. If it wants to take you under, it will. We just have to learn to swim to the surface and take a helping hand when you most need it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trigger warnings can be found on Hayden’s link in the front of the book.
⭐️Emotional
⭐️Angsty
⭐️Heartbreaking
⭐️Hurt/Comfort
⭐️Addiction
⭐️Spicy
⭐️Dom/Sub
⭐️Mental health
November 19, 2023
Incredibly sad. I didnt realize this was a story with a dead lover and i wish i knew bc i wouldve never read this bc it breaks my heart.
I didnt give it 5 stars bc i wasnt entirely sure the mains loved each other? The love didnt seem realistic to me and i didnt like their sexual dynamic… it was strange. Their relationship was just strange overall.
But the book did make me cry and feel sad so good job there. Also i stayed up til 2am reading it so…
I didnt give it 5 stars bc i wasnt entirely sure the mains loved each other? The love didnt seem realistic to me and i didnt like their sexual dynamic… it was strange. Their relationship was just strange overall.
But the book did make me cry and feel sad so good job there. Also i stayed up til 2am reading it so…
December 12, 2025
Matthew + Tiago
-mm romance
-forced proximity
-addiction/rehab
-hurt/comfort
-one bed
oh boy were these two soooo so so broken but they help fix each other & it was precious!!
-mm romance
-forced proximity
-addiction/rehab
-hurt/comfort
-one bed
oh boy were these two soooo so so broken but they help fix each other & it was precious!!
July 7, 2023
Well this book was a shock to the system. Hayden is one of my favourite authors and I initially thought I would be a DNF but after stopping and starting multiple time (yes I read three other books whilst reading this one) I knuckled down and finished. It was ok and did get better towards the end. The MC's just weren't likeable to me and this made the connect with the book difficult.
July 11, 2023
Black Diamond Resort and Spa sounds like a pretty toxic place for the rich to go and be seen, but on the other side of the island, there is a centre for people who require counselling and help with their mental health, a much better option.
At the Black Diamond Resort, we meet Matthew and Taigo, two Damaged young men who couldn't be more different on the surface. Matthew is spoiled or it seems that way to outsiders, but he is struggling with his sexuality, an abusive religious, conservative father who is a politician and who is planning on running for the presidency and a neglectful mother. Turning to drugs and in turn scandals, he's been sent there so he is out of the way. Tiago comes from nothing, but won the lottery but in doing so lost his best friend and boyfriend. He blames himself and is slowly spiralling out of his mind.
There is a connection between Matthew and Tiago that neither understands, nor wants, but which ultimately they can't deny, but will they help each other heal, or help each other spiral further out of control? It was certainly an emotional journey that we are taken on as Matthew and Tiago formed an unlikely bond and slowly start to open up to each other opening the door for setbacks and healing to occur.
I enjoyed the connection between them, the intimate scenes were well done and I could feel the bond between them deepening the more time they spent together. Tiago gives Matthew so many experiences he's never had before, not just in the bedroom, but in teaching him to take risks and learning to be free, at times there was potential danger which showed how unstable both were, Tiago for thinking up the activity and Matthew for following. Matthew gives Tiago a chance to open his heart again and let someone in.
Matthew's father was an awful man and I was pleased to see he got everything that was coming to him, though the way it all went down was definitely not what I was expecting.
I loved the ending, they didn't have an easy journey, but they got there.
This book deals with some sensitive and serious issues, so read the TW carefully.
At the Black Diamond Resort, we meet Matthew and Taigo, two Damaged young men who couldn't be more different on the surface. Matthew is spoiled or it seems that way to outsiders, but he is struggling with his sexuality, an abusive religious, conservative father who is a politician and who is planning on running for the presidency and a neglectful mother. Turning to drugs and in turn scandals, he's been sent there so he is out of the way. Tiago comes from nothing, but won the lottery but in doing so lost his best friend and boyfriend. He blames himself and is slowly spiralling out of his mind.
There is a connection between Matthew and Tiago that neither understands, nor wants, but which ultimately they can't deny, but will they help each other heal, or help each other spiral further out of control? It was certainly an emotional journey that we are taken on as Matthew and Tiago formed an unlikely bond and slowly start to open up to each other opening the door for setbacks and healing to occur.
I enjoyed the connection between them, the intimate scenes were well done and I could feel the bond between them deepening the more time they spent together. Tiago gives Matthew so many experiences he's never had before, not just in the bedroom, but in teaching him to take risks and learning to be free, at times there was potential danger which showed how unstable both were, Tiago for thinking up the activity and Matthew for following. Matthew gives Tiago a chance to open his heart again and let someone in.
Matthew's father was an awful man and I was pleased to see he got everything that was coming to him, though the way it all went down was definitely not what I was expecting.
I loved the ending, they didn't have an easy journey, but they got there.
This book deals with some sensitive and serious issues, so read the TW carefully.
Read
July 22, 2023Matthew • Tiago
Out of context spoilers:
- “I see you, I told the monster quietly. There’s nothing you can do to me that I didn’t do to myself already.”
- .
- .
- “The real art of giving zero fucks is that nothing can ever hurt you again.”
- .
- “I only knew I was starved for someone’s touch. But I was a picky fucker, too, and something about this dangerously handsome, quietly kind guy pushed my buttons.”
- .
- “I couldn’t force myself to imagine his reply to that. I knew what it would be and I didn’t want to hear it.”
- .
- “He was precious; so willing to do as he was told and so afraid he was doing it wrong.”
- “He knew what he wanted. He was just too traumatized to ask for it.”
- .
- .
- “Something I didn’t deserve, but still something I wanted to feel one more time.”
- “There was always a way out. Nothing could ever touch me. Nothing could hurt me faster than I could hurt myself.”
- .
- 11…. hit hard.
- .
- .
- “Why’d you make me care if you’re dead or alive?”
- .
- “I had no business trying to fix you when I can’t even fix myself.”
- .
- “We’re gonna do what we do best, you and I.”
- “I’m not letting you go, dammit.”
- .
- .
- “You beautiful, crazy thing.” (!!!)
- “But if I knew anything at all, it was that happiness came with a price. And for the sort of happiness I found in Tiago, I was willing to pay.”
….
It was not easy being on that island this time around. Please read the trigger warnings beforehand. This story deals heavily with suicide. It was my first time reading anything of Hayden’s and as far as the writing - at times lyrical and symbolic. The author definitely has a way with words and I was taken on a journey of destruction and healing.
What I am taking with me:
🌊. Waterfall
🌴. 7
🌊. 13 / 16
🌴. The cliff
🌊. “Turn around, boy. I’m going to spoon the fuck out of you.”
….
Next up on the island:
Unlucky #5 - Cora Rose 💚. Bob and Holden… I mean Chase and Holden.
Out of context spoilers:
- “I see you, I told the monster quietly. There’s nothing you can do to me that I didn’t do to myself already.”
- .
- .
- “The real art of giving zero fucks is that nothing can ever hurt you again.”
- .
- “I only knew I was starved for someone’s touch. But I was a picky fucker, too, and something about this dangerously handsome, quietly kind guy pushed my buttons.”
- .
- “I couldn’t force myself to imagine his reply to that. I knew what it would be and I didn’t want to hear it.”
- .
- “He was precious; so willing to do as he was told and so afraid he was doing it wrong.”
- “He knew what he wanted. He was just too traumatized to ask for it.”
- .
- .
- “Something I didn’t deserve, but still something I wanted to feel one more time.”
- “There was always a way out. Nothing could ever touch me. Nothing could hurt me faster than I could hurt myself.”
- .
- 11…. hit hard.
- .
- .
- “Why’d you make me care if you’re dead or alive?”
- .
- “I had no business trying to fix you when I can’t even fix myself.”
- .
- “We’re gonna do what we do best, you and I.”
- “I’m not letting you go, dammit.”
- .
- .
- “You beautiful, crazy thing.” (!!!)
- “But if I knew anything at all, it was that happiness came with a price. And for the sort of happiness I found in Tiago, I was willing to pay.”
….
It was not easy being on that island this time around. Please read the trigger warnings beforehand. This story deals heavily with suicide. It was my first time reading anything of Hayden’s and as far as the writing - at times lyrical and symbolic. The author definitely has a way with words and I was taken on a journey of destruction and healing.
What I am taking with me:
🌊. Waterfall
🌴. 7
🌊. 13 / 16
🌴. The cliff
🌊. “Turn around, boy. I’m going to spoon the fuck out of you.”
….
Next up on the island:
Unlucky #5 - Cora Rose 💚. Bob and Holden… I mean Chase and Holden.
July 21, 2023
Another heavy one here. Tons of suicidal themes. If that’s a trigger for you, don’t pick this book up.
This book made me want to be a better parent. A better human. Matthew’s father sucked. You have a gay son and you decide to abuse him? Not okay. You say it’s his mothers fault? Say he’s too weak? No wonder he became an addict. It was rough.
Then you have Tiago who finds someone that made him a better person. A nicer person. They win the lottery and three days later his world went from the highest to the utmost lowest. He doesn’t even care he’s a millionaire now. He just wants to kill himself. Just waiting for the day. He knows how he’s going to end it all. Just waiting.
Thank heavens Matthew and Tiago meet. The one good thing Matthew’s father ever did in his life. Forced them together. Together they help each other through addiction, grief and suicide. Tiago teaches Matthew to accept himself. To love himself. To not hide. Not be afraid. In return Matthew teaches Tiago to live again. There’s life after death. Together they become better people and help others that are going through addiction and are suicidal.
This was good. I enjoyed it a lot. I wasn’t a big fan of the political part of it but I understood why it was there. Not as heavy as Broken but it’s definitely close. I am so obsessed with this series. Definitely recommend it.
This book made me want to be a better parent. A better human. Matthew’s father sucked. You have a gay son and you decide to abuse him? Not okay. You say it’s his mothers fault? Say he’s too weak? No wonder he became an addict. It was rough.
Then you have Tiago who finds someone that made him a better person. A nicer person. They win the lottery and three days later his world went from the highest to the utmost lowest. He doesn’t even care he’s a millionaire now. He just wants to kill himself. Just waiting for the day. He knows how he’s going to end it all. Just waiting.
Thank heavens Matthew and Tiago meet. The one good thing Matthew’s father ever did in his life. Forced them together. Together they help each other through addiction, grief and suicide. Tiago teaches Matthew to accept himself. To love himself. To not hide. Not be afraid. In return Matthew teaches Tiago to live again. There’s life after death. Together they become better people and help others that are going through addiction and are suicidal.
This was good. I enjoyed it a lot. I wasn’t a big fan of the political part of it but I understood why it was there. Not as heavy as Broken but it’s definitely close. I am so obsessed with this series. Definitely recommend it.
February 9, 2024
Wow, that was a hard-won HEA but I absolutely adored it and both of these characters 💕 This is definitely my favourite so far in the Unlucky 13 series (although I have only read 4 so far lol!)
Matthew is the son of a right-wing politician, who is running for president. Jonathan Harris spews homophobic, racist rhetoric under the guise of family values and religion. He has made Matthew feel like a freak and an outcast, and when Matthew is publicly caught in a compromising position with a male security guard, he ships Matthew off the the Black Diamond resort and spa.
Tiago is grieving. Known as the eleventh luckiest man in America due to a huge lottery win, Tiago feels anything but, as what he has lost can never be brought back by any amount of money. He is close to ending his life, but when he meets the spoiled, rich brat son of a hateful politician, his world is turned on its head… because the man he was determined to hate is not as he imagined him at all and he realises that maybe he has something to live for after all’s
This book tackled some really dark themes; suicide, grief, anxiety, abuse and addiction, to name only a few. But the healing arc for both Matthew and Thiago was immaculate and I loved it the journey they went on to get there.
Matthew is the son of a right-wing politician, who is running for president. Jonathan Harris spews homophobic, racist rhetoric under the guise of family values and religion. He has made Matthew feel like a freak and an outcast, and when Matthew is publicly caught in a compromising position with a male security guard, he ships Matthew off the the Black Diamond resort and spa.
Tiago is grieving. Known as the eleventh luckiest man in America due to a huge lottery win, Tiago feels anything but, as what he has lost can never be brought back by any amount of money. He is close to ending his life, but when he meets the spoiled, rich brat son of a hateful politician, his world is turned on its head… because the man he was determined to hate is not as he imagined him at all and he realises that maybe he has something to live for after all’s
This book tackled some really dark themes; suicide, grief, anxiety, abuse and addiction, to name only a few. But the healing arc for both Matthew and Thiago was immaculate and I loved it the journey they went on to get there.
July 3, 2023
Damaged is an Unlucky 13 book set in the Black Diamond Resort and Spa world. While this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone.
Having devoured Hayden's Destined to Fall series I was really keen to see what he would bring to the Black Diamond world.
Tiago and Matthew couldn't be more different...Or are they more similar than they ever could have realized? They're both broken and lost, searching for a way out...
I really enjoyed their chemistry, the d/s vibe dynamic they fell into was absolutely perfect for the characters personalities. But there was more to their story than just their sexually charged moments and I was absolutely here for it. There was alot of growth in their journey both together and separately.
I've enjoyed each book I've read from this world so far and I'm keen to dive into the next one.
Having devoured Hayden's Destined to Fall series I was really keen to see what he would bring to the Black Diamond world.
Tiago and Matthew couldn't be more different...Or are they more similar than they ever could have realized? They're both broken and lost, searching for a way out...
I really enjoyed their chemistry, the d/s vibe dynamic they fell into was absolutely perfect for the characters personalities. But there was more to their story than just their sexually charged moments and I was absolutely here for it. There was alot of growth in their journey both together and separately.
I've enjoyed each book I've read from this world so far and I'm keen to dive into the next one.
July 6, 2023
4.5 stars. The first quarter or so felt a little flat and confusing at times, I think because the MCs were just so deeply down that they were barely functioning. Due to physical attraction between them they managed to forge a tentative bond and with lots of ups and downs managed to help each other through the worst. Their desperation just oozes from the pages. The developments at the end were lovely and it was so good that they committed to lots of therapy and continued to work on their mental health.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
June 29, 2023
Here we are again back at Black Diamond Resort & Spa, where two broken souls were meant to find another to change everything. We are on the resort side this time where Matthew & Tiago must both hit their bottom before they are able to take the next step.
This story is as mesmerizing as it is heartbreaking. These two souls have been through so much and must go through so much more to be able to heal. J be ready for a journey that will change you by the time you finish the book.
This story is as mesmerizing as it is heartbreaking. These two souls have been through so much and must go through so much more to be able to heal. J be ready for a journey that will change you by the time you finish the book.
July 12, 2023
Damaged
Matthew and Tiago
Good gracious have those tissues ready, because I surely needed them for myself. Damaged was a fitting title. There was a ton of emotional hurt/damage that these 2 guys ultimately helped each other heal from. If you've enjoyed the Black Diamond series this far, you'll definitely want to read Matthew and Tiago's story.
Matthew and Tiago
Good gracious have those tissues ready, because I surely needed them for myself. Damaged was a fitting title. There was a ton of emotional hurt/damage that these 2 guys ultimately helped each other heal from. If you've enjoyed the Black Diamond series this far, you'll definitely want to read Matthew and Tiago's story.
July 13, 2023
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Damaged was a strong story that completely wrung my heart out - it was such a captivating, emotional and angsty read. Matthew and Tiago were both in dark places and the struggles these two went through were absolutely heartbreaking.
Their story was so raw, with both Matthew and Tiago drowning and self-destructing. It was hard at times to see how they’d turn things around, but Hayden Hall did an amazing job with the portrayal and weaving their story together.
Even with the themes and the characters spiralling, it never felt entirely hopeless. I loved how Tiago tried to take care of Matthew and even if he tried to play it off as indifferent, it was clear that he cared about him. The sex between them was hot, I’m always there for a little D/s and it was great to see Matthew get out of his own head in those scenes. He really needed some validation and love in his life, and I love how Tiago saw that, and gave Matthew what he needed.
These two were both characters that I just wanted to wrap up in blankets and take care of, and even if their story was full of self-destruction and grief, there was still some hope left, and a connection worth fighting for.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Damaged was a strong story that completely wrung my heart out - it was such a captivating, emotional and angsty read. Matthew and Tiago were both in dark places and the struggles these two went through were absolutely heartbreaking.
Their story was so raw, with both Matthew and Tiago drowning and self-destructing. It was hard at times to see how they’d turn things around, but Hayden Hall did an amazing job with the portrayal and weaving their story together.
Even with the themes and the characters spiralling, it never felt entirely hopeless. I loved how Tiago tried to take care of Matthew and even if he tried to play it off as indifferent, it was clear that he cared about him. The sex between them was hot, I’m always there for a little D/s and it was great to see Matthew get out of his own head in those scenes. He really needed some validation and love in his life, and I love how Tiago saw that, and gave Matthew what he needed.
These two were both characters that I just wanted to wrap up in blankets and take care of, and even if their story was full of self-destruction and grief, there was still some hope left, and a connection worth fighting for.
July 12, 2023
oh that revenge on dad was pure gold GOOD FOR THEM
March 6, 2024
It´s pretty angsty. Its the first book I read by this author and i liked so much.
Edit: it´s the second. My bad.😉
Edit: it´s the second. My bad.😉
July 9, 2023
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for this ARC.
Damaged is the 3rd book in the Black Diamond Series and the first book I've read, and I'm now itching to read the first 2 books. I thought this book was heavily emotional, and if you're triggered by certain contents like homophobia, suicide, grief, and addiction, then go in being warned. I really enjoyed this book and the depth of the characters and their personal journeys. I feel that you do not need to have read the series in order.
Damaged is the 3rd book in the Black Diamond Series and the first book I've read, and I'm now itching to read the first 2 books. I thought this book was heavily emotional, and if you're triggered by certain contents like homophobia, suicide, grief, and addiction, then go in being warned. I really enjoyed this book and the depth of the characters and their personal journeys. I feel that you do not need to have read the series in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2023
5 emotional stars
A truly fantastic book with current topics.
The author brings together two extremely broken men. One wants to end it all and the other wants become invisible. Their pasts collide with astonishing repercussions that lead to a possibility of both men beginning to heal. And perhaps love again.
I devoured this very emotional and, at times, humorous story. Brilliant characters, plot, dialogue and world building. Just a magical read.
A truly fantastic book with current topics.
The author brings together two extremely broken men. One wants to end it all and the other wants become invisible. Their pasts collide with astonishing repercussions that lead to a possibility of both men beginning to heal. And perhaps love again.
I devoured this very emotional and, at times, humorous story. Brilliant characters, plot, dialogue and world building. Just a magical read.
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