The Damaged and The Damned: A Dark Romance

by Cole Gray

The Damaged and The Damned is Book One in The Shadows of Desire Series- A Dark Romance Collection.

This novel follows the life of three individuals who seemingly have nothing in a forensic psychologist, a detective, and a tattoo artist. Together, they take on the demons of Scarlet’s past; their bonds strengthening, catapulting them into something more love. Join Scarlet and her self-proclaimed disciples in her fight for safety, justice, and hope, proving that love and loyalty can overcome darkness.

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2025

About the author

Cole Gray is an Independent Author of romance novels. Writing is her passion; she uses real-life experience and extensive immersive research to create her fiction novels. She is committed to providing high-quality work for her readers.

Cole Gray lives in Indiana with her husband and five children. In her free time, she spends time outdoors and creates lasting memories with her family.

Reviews

[Susannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fast-paced spicy ride that never hits the brakes then this is the book for you! At only 178 pages the author hits the ground running and never looks back! You meet our badass FMC Scarlett on a quest for safety & justice after a horrifying childhood trauma. Then we meet Sebastian & Wesley her 2 loyal and devoted only to her (and each other 😉) MMC’s. What you get is a wild, steamy, story that engages you from the first page and leads you to a suspenseful & twisty cliffhanger! Can’t wait to jump into book 2 of this 3 book series! Definitely check your TW’s but I highly recommend this suspenseful, sexy read 4⭐️

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love triangle I didn’t know I needed

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This book, boy how do I put this into words! What a ride. From trauma, to retaliation, to vindication! I am mind blown!

[Emma Lynn Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

A girl enacts vengeance for those who can’t do so themselves. Serial killer romance? Yes. Is it a smutty, fast paced read? Also, yes.
This book reads like a conversation between the characters and the reader, which I think adds to how quickly one can devour it. The storyline is good, the tension is TENSE, the plot is easy to follow, and it’s intriguing enough to keep you flipping pages until suddenly… you’re finished reading and your mouth is gaping.

Did you like Butcher and Blackbird? Then you might like this as well. 😏 it’s got the same vibes, but with more spice.

Major triggers! Check them before you read.

Oh. And…
He tattooed his name into her without her knowledge!???

Also, love her “calling card.”

[Christy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shocked me in all the right ways. Every time I thought I knew where the plot was headed, I was fully wrong. The characters are all so lovable in their own messed-up ways, but I think Wesley ended up being my favorite by the end. And, uh, can we talk about the ending? I had to stare at my wall for a few minutes, trying to absorb what I'd just read. For a book that's quite smutty and dark, and does it well, mind you, I was surprised how sweet it could be at times with the relationships between the characters. Can't wait to read this author's other work!

[Jonnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was very good. The FMC delt with a bad past but put together an agency to rid the world of bad people. She ends up meeting the two MMC durning this time one being a detective and the other being a tattoo artist. They all end up falling for each other and start helping her. The ending was not expected at all.

[Dannie Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strange book lol, but not in a bad way.... an intriguing way. Check the trigger warnings before reading this, it's not as bad as I expected from the trigger warnings but could be confronting for others.
Author did a great job of getting out a message that it not talked about as often as it should be.

[Alanis Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a usual reader or fan of dark romance but this book is so well written! There is so much depth behind the story and characters despite it being novella length. If you enjoy dark romance or simply want to give it a try, I recommend this book!

[Mallory Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved and can’t wait to read the next book ! Cole gray has a way of writing that to me is personally something that can’t be disliked. She makes me feel very emotion there is to feel. Scarlett is a true bad ass and definitely been through it. Must read !!

[Rebecca Gibson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was going to rate it decent enough, and then I read the end.

[Jessica Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced and intoxicating. I’m pretty sure this covers ALL of my favorite tropes and it’s a long list of them. A must read!

[J.V. Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Damaged and the Damned by Cole Gray

No Spoiler Review

Holy Cow! Imagine a FMC Dexter channeling her horrific childhood trauma into a visceral hatred of anyone who would harm a child for their own gratification. Then add two colorful and blindly supporting male characters devoted utterly to protecting and pleasuring her. The timeline for the story is short, and it is a quick read that engages quickly and ends… Like I said, Holy Cow! Once you come down from the emotional tsunami, you’ll shake your head in disbelief and say, ‘Didn’t see that coming!’ Read the trigger warnings, as this book is not for the faint-hearted.