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Damages: Justin & Mary
Damages is the second book in the MacLane Family series. It is the story of Justin and Mary, and can be read as a standalone. Due to ‘adult content,’ this book is best suited for readers 18 years of age and older.
Justin MacLane had it all, except for good luck when it came to women. He had money, good looks, and a great, down to earth personality. He was the youngest MacLane executive at Anderson-MacLane industries, but his connections and wealth were more impressive than his work ethic. Justin was just too nice and too giving, and women used him only to get ahead. That made Justin realize that he’d rather be alone than be a stepping stone for the next Hollywood sensation.
Mary Andrews had a hellish childhood, and only had bad luck when it came to men. The physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child eventually led Mary to the biggest mistake of her life – Carson Matthews. After years of living with an abusive husband, she finally got out. Getting out, however, was the easy part. That made Mary realize she would rather be lonely, than ever trust her heart, or her body, to another man.
When Justin crosses paths with Mary, it takes only one look from her to know she is different from the others. Her razor sharp tongue and conservative dress protects her from the world, and Justin realizes Mary isn’t going down without a fight. Mary is totally and utterly unimpressed with Justin, his fat bank account, or his flashy Porsche. When his gentle manner stirs up feelings that she’s never felt before, Mary realizes she’s facing the biggest fight of her life. Sometimes, risking it all on the right person can help you finally heal the damages inflicted by others...
Justin MacLane had it all, except for good luck when it came to women. He had money, good looks, and a great, down to earth personality. He was the youngest MacLane executive at Anderson-MacLane industries, but his connections and wealth were more impressive than his work ethic. Justin was just too nice and too giving, and women used him only to get ahead. That made Justin realize that he’d rather be alone than be a stepping stone for the next Hollywood sensation.
Mary Andrews had a hellish childhood, and only had bad luck when it came to men. The physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child eventually led Mary to the biggest mistake of her life – Carson Matthews. After years of living with an abusive husband, she finally got out. Getting out, however, was the easy part. That made Mary realize she would rather be lonely, than ever trust her heart, or her body, to another man.
When Justin crosses paths with Mary, it takes only one look from her to know she is different from the others. Her razor sharp tongue and conservative dress protects her from the world, and Justin realizes Mary isn’t going down without a fight. Mary is totally and utterly unimpressed with Justin, his fat bank account, or his flashy Porsche. When his gentle manner stirs up feelings that she’s never felt before, Mary realizes she’s facing the biggest fight of her life. Sometimes, risking it all on the right person can help you finally heal the damages inflicted by others...
458 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2014
4 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Van Cleave
7 books17 followersR.J. Van Cleave was born and raised in a small town just east of San Diego, California, where she still resides today. From the time R.J. was a small child, she wanted to be a doctor or have babies. In the 6th grade, one very special teacher, and a nun to boot ignited a love for science in her that is still there today. Then in high school, one phenomenal English teacher introduced her to American and British literature, and her love for books and writing took off. High school was also when she met and fell in love with the young man who would later become her husband.
R.J. graduated from the University of San Diego in 1994, with her Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and a minor in English Literature. When she was told not to put off having children, she opted not to go onto medical school. Instead, she got a job in the biotech industry as a virologist working on feline vaccines and finally married her high school sweetheart. They welcomed their first daughter in 1998, and in 1999, R.J. decided to become a stay at home mom. The arrival of fraternal twin girls surprised them in 2006. Obviously, the doctors were wrong about the 'not putting off having kids' thing.
2011 was the turning point in R.J.’s life. Her mom and mentor died suddenly from undiagnosed lymphoma, and that rocked her world. She inherited her elderly father and her mother’s two dogs, and life changed dramatically. In June of 2013, R.J. decided to finally follow the advice her mother had given her years ago - to write down the stories of the characters that had taken up residence in her head. A three-part series and at least ten more books in the works was the result.
R.J. enjoys watching TV shows such as Castle, Big Bang Theory, CSI, Rizzoli & Isles, Mike & Molly, and pretty much and other police/crime/comedy that she can record on her DVR. Not one for coffee, she's addicted to English and Irish breakfast tea (which she drinks ‘British style’ just like her mom), and Tazo Chai tea lattes (homemade is good, but the Starbucks baristas make them SO much better). She would love to hear from her readers, so please, drop her a line, and introduce yourself.
R.J. can be contacted by e-mail at rjvancleave@gmail.com,
or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RJVanCleave
R.J. graduated from the University of San Diego in 1994, with her Bachelor of Arts in Biology, and a minor in English Literature. When she was told not to put off having children, she opted not to go onto medical school. Instead, she got a job in the biotech industry as a virologist working on feline vaccines and finally married her high school sweetheart. They welcomed their first daughter in 1998, and in 1999, R.J. decided to become a stay at home mom. The arrival of fraternal twin girls surprised them in 2006. Obviously, the doctors were wrong about the 'not putting off having kids' thing.
2011 was the turning point in R.J.’s life. Her mom and mentor died suddenly from undiagnosed lymphoma, and that rocked her world. She inherited her elderly father and her mother’s two dogs, and life changed dramatically. In June of 2013, R.J. decided to finally follow the advice her mother had given her years ago - to write down the stories of the characters that had taken up residence in her head. A three-part series and at least ten more books in the works was the result.
R.J. enjoys watching TV shows such as Castle, Big Bang Theory, CSI, Rizzoli & Isles, Mike & Molly, and pretty much and other police/crime/comedy that she can record on her DVR. Not one for coffee, she's addicted to English and Irish breakfast tea (which she drinks ‘British style’ just like her mom), and Tazo Chai tea lattes (homemade is good, but the Starbucks baristas make them SO much better). She would love to hear from her readers, so please, drop her a line, and introduce yourself.
R.J. can be contacted by e-mail at rjvancleave@gmail.com,
or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RJVanCleave
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 14, 2016
I am in a Damages coma. There was so much in this book. I got to enjoy a lot of romance. The building of the relationship between Justin and Mary was a work of art. The chase was at times hilarious, others times just beautiful. To top it off I have no nails left. OMG!!!! The things that happened to Mary --scary, evil, horrible.
Damages was full of love that the MacLanes know how to give by the truck load. Once brought into the fold, you are theirs. For Mary this is a very good thing. She has been to the depths of hell and back. She has survived, but severely damaged. But it isn't over yet.
Justin has wanted Mary since the first time he saw her. She is the first woman that he has pursued. She is the first woman he can't let go. She is his first "everything". He will stop at nothing to help her heal and keep her safe.
Justin has his work cut out for him. When Mary's past finds her, it will take everything and everyone to save her and give her the life she deserves.
Damages was full of love that the MacLanes know how to give by the truck load. Once brought into the fold, you are theirs. For Mary this is a very good thing. She has been to the depths of hell and back. She has survived, but severely damaged. But it isn't over yet.
Justin has wanted Mary since the first time he saw her. She is the first woman that he has pursued. She is the first woman he can't let go. She is his first "everything". He will stop at nothing to help her heal and keep her safe.
Justin has his work cut out for him. When Mary's past finds her, it will take everything and everyone to save her and give her the life she deserves.
February 12, 2015
I love this book! It was better than the first book. I love that you get to see the progress of the previous story while setting up the next book as well. I can't wait to read Deceptions!
September 22, 2015
I have completely fallen in love with the MacLane family. Love all of them. The men are all HOT, they go all Alpha on their women, but also have a softer side, the women will have you cracking up.
Mary hasn't had an easy life. She has went through things that no one should ever have to experience. She doesn't know if she'll ever be able to let a man into her life. But if she can't she will lose the only man who can make her drop her guard. Will she risk never having love to save herself from the past? Or will she give up the past to embrace the present and future?
Justin is hardheaded. He knows what he wants and he'll do anything to get what he wants. Even if that means he has to stoop to a low level. He wants Mary and one day she will be his. Of that he is certain. Can he help her overcome her past though? Will he be the one to show her that there are good people in the world and she can rely on people to be good to her?
This book was sad in places. Learning what Mary has had to deal with was heartbreaking. But knowing that she is a survivor was breath taking. She fight with all she was to get to where she was and she never gave up.
All the characters in this series have their own flaws, but they are all strong. I love that the woman aren't flaky, fake woman. I love that I can relate to them and I actually can picture myself saying a lot of what they say!!! Cassie still cracks me up and I love that we get to see her again in this book. RJ Van Cleave knows how to make you live IN the story!!
Mary hasn't had an easy life. She has went through things that no one should ever have to experience. She doesn't know if she'll ever be able to let a man into her life. But if she can't she will lose the only man who can make her drop her guard. Will she risk never having love to save herself from the past? Or will she give up the past to embrace the present and future?
Justin is hardheaded. He knows what he wants and he'll do anything to get what he wants. Even if that means he has to stoop to a low level. He wants Mary and one day she will be his. Of that he is certain. Can he help her overcome her past though? Will he be the one to show her that there are good people in the world and she can rely on people to be good to her?
This book was sad in places. Learning what Mary has had to deal with was heartbreaking. But knowing that she is a survivor was breath taking. She fight with all she was to get to where she was and she never gave up.
All the characters in this series have their own flaws, but they are all strong. I love that the woman aren't flaky, fake woman. I love that I can relate to them and I actually can picture myself saying a lot of what they say!!! Cassie still cracks me up and I love that we get to see her again in this book. RJ Van Cleave knows how to make you live IN the story!!
June 20, 2015
This book contains the subject of Stepfather abuse and Spousal abuse though it's not overly graphic. The author actually used her friend's real life history as inspiration for her character Mary. The author's friend even writes a forward for the book acknowledging that while the author used some creative license, much of what happened to Mary happened to her. Thank goodness she survived, and Mary did too. This story talks about Mary overcoming her view of herself as "damaged" while Justin didn't realize he was carrying around baggage as well from past relationships. I loved this story and I love this family and all the side characters. Even though there's some tension between the four brothers, I love the snark and teasing they give each other because underneath it all they would each do everything they could to help one another. I love the brother's parents, especially his mother. (I want a recipe for those blueberry muffins that make everyone go crazy!) I can't wait to read the next book in the series that deals with Jake and we can finally found out all the secrets he's been keeping from everyone!
February 22, 2015
Loved the storyline. It shows a little how hard it can be for victims of domestic violence to learn to trust again. The family unit is truly special and I love how the boys interact, with each other and their wives. A few twists in the story keep you on edge. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is there were some mistakes in the names of the brothers on occasion, words missing and Mary having organism's instead of orgasms. Great novel anyway. I am glad I got to read this novel.
December 4, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I really liked this book, actually I liked this series! Glad I found this author and had a chance to read a good love story. I can't wait to read Deceptions!
I really liked this book, actually I liked this series! Glad I found this author and had a chance to read a good love story. I can't wait to read Deceptions!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews