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Life is a bitch. Keeps screwing me over, and I take blow after blow, sucking it up, giving her the finger.

Don’t get me wrong: I love women. Especially one woman – Madeline. She’s gorgeous, she’s sexy, she’s goddamn perfect.

Plus – minor detail – she has a boyfriend already.

Not that she’d want anything to do with the likes of me. Apprentice tattoo artist, former homeless person, covered in ink, without a penny to my name.

And sort of cursed. I mean, I’d be lucky to run into a girl, any girl, on my way in and out of hospitals with the way life has been knocking me about lately.

But I’m not lucky. Never was. Doesn’t look like that’s gonna change any day soon, either.

Until the day the girl of my dreams literally runs into me. With her car.

Life hates me, and if this isn’t a clue, then I don’t know what is.

Standalone novel. No cliffhanger.

*Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.*

SETH is book 3 in the series Damage Control - a series set in the same world as Inked Brotherhood. The boys of Damage Control were taken in by Zane Madden and Rafe Vestri and offered apprenticeship and work in the tattoo shop Damage Control. Next in the Damage Control series: SHANE(Damage Control 4).

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2015

124 people are currently reading
836 people want to read

About the author

Jo Raven

49 books2,784 followers
Be the first to get your hands on Jo Raven’s new releases & offers, giveaways, previews, and more by signing up here ▶ http://bit.ly/1CTNTHM

Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.

Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).

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5 stars
928 (53%)
4 stars
567 (32%)
3 stars
200 (11%)
2 stars
24 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,678 reviews1,036 followers
November 29, 2020
After reading Shane, I dived into Seth on the audiobook. Hmmm.... a bit disappointed. I was expecting the same intensity as Shane. But Seth is more numb. Even though I love Seth character. He is a big guy with a big heart. Just down on his luck.

And as the heroine, madelein, I can not connect with her. She seems to be goody girl character. But no depth on it.

The story is OK. Although i think it can be executed more better and more in depth.

3 stars
May 6, 2020
Audio – 5 Stars
Story – 2 Stars

IMO this story seriously lacked depth. There was too much focus on looks and sex. Any mention of appreciating the “heart” or “mind” felt like an afterthought. The only way that I can enjoy YA/NA romances is if the love between the characters feels ageless and endless. That wasn’t what I got here.
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,559 reviews408 followers
November 15, 2015
I love Jo Raven's work and this book broke my heart! Seth tore my heart out with his story and I simply loved Manon.
Seth suffers from bone injuries. Broke and alone, he practices at the Damage Control tattoo shop. An ex-convict with a lot of baggage and a heart of gold, he tries to fix his life but it seems like nothing works in his favor.
Manon craves to be a dancer but her dreams are fading. When she nearly runs Seth over with her car, a bond starts to form. Inexperienced and slightly insecure, she is certain that Seth is not her type until it seems he is everything she could ever possible want.
But can they both see beyond their imperfections?
I loved this book. It was heart warming, emotional and heavily loaded with sizzling romance. The writing really drew me in from the first page and I finished it all in one sitting. Excellent work. Do not miss this.


++++5 Stars++++


ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Miriam still reading! HIATUS from GR.
1,435 reviews81 followers
May 5, 2020
5 stars audio
3.5 more-tell-than-show-relationship-development-between-MCs stars story. This would've easily been a 5 star read if most of the MCs relationship development scenes weren't based on sex. However this won't stop me from jumping right into book 4. Fingers crossed I don't get disappointed.

Profile Image for Lilian Flesher.
182 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2015
Seth and Madeline (Manon ), Seth is a battered, bruised and damaged apprentice at Damaged Control tattoo parlor, he has a horrific past that most would not have survived, his mother was a drunken druggie who put men and drugs before her son. She caused him to end up in prison, he has never had an easy life and still nothing is going his way.

Manon is a beautiful creature who Seth has loved from a distance for a long time, she is a dancer a ballerina, who Seth believes in his heart he cannot ever have, she is too good for him in his own mindset, she would never want him (or would she). Manon is looking for love but she is looking at Fred, for some reason she thinks he is for her, but perhaps he thinks different?


One night when the rains are pouring from the heavens, and Seth takes himself out even though he can barely walk, he heads to the store for some pain killers. All of a sudden out of nowhere a car almost hits him, he falls over and struggles to get back up. The driver rushes to help him and he looks up and cannot believe his eyes it is Manon, she helps him to stand, but he is very unsteady, feeling shitty she takes him home to get him dried and warm. Can this be the start of something fantastic? Can Seth get the girl of his dreams?

Jo Raven delivers these stories with so much depth each character you get to know fills your heart with emotion, Seth tore at my heart strings, made me want to hug him and tell him things will get better. Jo sure makes you feel part of the story, you get so emotionally involved in each character, you feel their pain, you enjoy their laughter, you cry with their sorrow, and blush at the hot sex that is definitely a strong part of Jo's stories. OMG, this is one of these stories that grabs you by the windpipe and presses so hard you cannot breathe at times. Enjoy the highs, feel the lows, you really get every nerve pulled one way then the next - you have to love the author's style of writing. I have read the other damage control books and I can honestly say that each of them are fantastic.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Witter.
Author 17 books727 followers
November 17, 2015
I'm really lucky. Jo Raven kindly sent me an ARC of Seth a few days ago.

If you check my "Read" shelf you'll see I'm a real fan of this author. She has a way of describing things, emotions in such a simple way that I can't help but be sucked in right along with the characters. A page or two in, and I'm hooked.

And Seth isn't different.

Jo Raven had me scared for Seth for a while. Poor unlucky guy... But at the same time, you can't not see how brave he is. As you can imagine, I was rooting for him from the first line to the last and Manon had me afraid, but I'm not going to tell you why! You have to read to know everything.
All of Jo Raven's boys end up on my book boyfriends list and of course this one doesn't disappoint.

Basically, if you're a fan of Jo Raven, you love drama, emotions and h-o-t scenes then don't wait any longer. (You can even pre-order Seth! The release is in a few days anyway).

And this author is a real tease because if you don't want to read Shane's story (Seth's cousin) after reading this book, I don't understand. Well done! ;)

Profile Image for Rachael Fick.
238 reviews18 followers
November 16, 2015
God... I knew that Seth had some bad luck in his life, but I had no clue exactly how bad it was. I couldn't imagine going through even HALF of what he's had to deal with & still keep fighting for happiness. My heart broke for him - seriously - to the point that I had to set my kindle down a few times.

And Manon - she has a few issues of her own, and yet to be able to keep that innocence about her was something to behold.

Anyone who has read any of the Inked Brotherhood books or Damage Control series knows that these boys have demons. All I can say is that Seth's story continues that tradition in heartbreaking fashion. But his fate is about to change, and you won't want to miss it.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
November 19, 2015
Love Jo's heroines

If there ever was a guy who was down on his luck it's Seth

Hot guy who's been so down on his luck for so long you just want to scoop him up and give the guy some lovin

Loved Seth and Madeline, great characters

Seth is working at the Tattoo shop and Madeline is a struggling dancer but know each other from moving in the same circle of friends.

Different backgrounds, both have one thing in common though and it's Life shits on you from a great height sometimes until one day one can hope that it can only get better. Does Seth believe this? No, this guy is afraid to believe and it takes meeting madeline to get there.

It's a sweet journey and boy is it hot!



Both unsure if they are right for each other, both afraid to show their true feelings it was one of those reads where you are really routing for the characters and have a happy sigh when it goes right.

Did I mention it's hot already?



Loved it, love the fact it takes a girl to make a man believe in himself again and I love this series, yep a whole lot of love there, enjoy.

Arc gifted for honest review, Big thankyou to Jo & Tracy

BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends https://www.facebook.com/sizzlereads/...
& L.A.B.B https://www.facebook.com/LoveABadBoy/...
Profile Image for The Cosy Reader.
55 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2015
Oh Seth, Seth, Seth. Poor Seth! Jo I’m taking him away from you to keep him safe! Poor Seth suffers from the worst luck and I just want to love him! Luckily the poor guy gets quite literally run over by the girl of his dreams and his potential happily ever after!
I think Seth has to be one of my favourite of Jo’s men; he’s sweet, kind, caring, loyal, everything you could want (despite all of the broken bones!). The chemistry between Seth and Manon jumps out of the page and sucks you in and you’ll find yourself really routing for the two of them to get together.
I get excited every time Jo releases a book (she’s one of my one-click authors) and she did not disappoint with Seth. I am more than ready for Shane and Ocean now!!
Profile Image for Bev .
2,211 reviews480 followers
February 8, 2016
4.5 stars. Loved both main characters. Seth's story broke my heart and I'm so glad that the author gave him the sweetest heroine who was just perfect for him.

On to Shane's story, one I'm nervous about because I don't like Shane or Cassie based on what I've seen of them so far.
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2018
Seth likes Manon. Manon is Bff Cassie. Cassie screwed up and kissed Jesse now Cassie is on the outs and by default so is Manon.

Manon has wanted to be a ballerina her entire life but with previous injuries to her ankle to school has made it clear her health is at risk if she continues dancing.

Seth is an unlucky guy. Seth was attacked and injured some months back trying to help out a friend. Seth is injured again and now is unable to work. He is behind in the rent and no income to help himself. He was homeless once and really does not want to be again.

Shane is his cousin & half brother (strange story there, in a nutshell mothers are sisters and they have the same father, can we say wild night. lol). Shane's and Seth's lives are always intertwined and run parallel. When Seth's past is revealed it brings Shane's world crashing down also. Now everyone is mad at Seth.

Manon is dating (she thinks but not sure anymore) Fred. She does not feel like they are a couple. He won't even kiss her. Manon is crushing on Seth but she is trying to ignore those feelings since she is techniquically dating Fred. Seth has been in love with Manon for awhile without really getting to know her. Now they have a chance to give it a go if Seth can get Fread out of the picture and Manon can believe Seth about his past.

Manon is sweet but I wanted more information and background on her character. I would like a little more information on Seth also, you get a little more information on Seth's mom and the boyfriends but not all the information on the setup and what exactly went down with his Mom, him and Shane to end up in the situation they kept a secret.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Profile Image for Sonia N..
993 reviews65 followers
August 22, 2021
So addicted to this series! I found this author on Audible and I started listening to this series in order. Now I can’t stop, each book gets better. This is about Seth who wants to become a tattoo artist with the Damage Control store owners. Seth has had a painful past and presently he needs a job or he will be evicted. He has had a crush on Mignon awhile!
Mignon is a dance student and wants to be a ballerina. Her boyfriend Fred is a weird jerk. Despite that she thinks he’s perfect. Meanwhile Seth and Mignon start to get close and I just love it ❤️ Seth is gorgeous and she is attracted to him. One things lead to another and hot sex happens 🔥🔥. As the storyline progresses a lot progresses and things are revealed and it’s so sad. But, this book is so good especially my favorite female narrator Ava Erickson 💖
A must listen 🎧 if you have Audible it’s free!
Profile Image for Roanne Germaine.
864 reviews15 followers
November 19, 2015
5 Stars !

It's not all the time that it's the girl who needs the saving. And sometimes, a broken man has more to give, because when nothing else is left, he completely surrenders his soul for the one he loves. This is why I loved the story of Manon and Seth. It's not the typical lovestory where a knight in shining armor / alpha male saves the girl. It's the other way around. I love Seth's vulnerability and Manon's strength, despite the fact that she also faces significant life changes. But in the end, they became each other's life lines. Also, I love all the other characters in this book, (from the Damage Control Series. I can't wait to read all of them soon) who confirms that family isn't always defined by blood.

How SETH was written was simply fantastic. It's a fast read, but has all the feels. The pacing and transitions were very good , that's why it's hard not to read it in one sitting. The romance is hot and the dialogues have spunk. Jo Raven is really an awesome writer. And this book is a must-read.

N.B. An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest to goodness review.
Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
725 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2018
I love these men so much, they are so addicting! I love how these men are damaged and these amazing women help them. Seth and Manon are so good together! They are two very different people, but I love how they met and connected. The way they met really made them have a special bond.

Just like with the other couple these two were pretty stubborn, but they were probably the worst. Both of them really thought the other didn't want them, and neither of them thought to maybe ask. They were both silly. The different troubles these two go through in this book are really different, but I love how they both helped each other heal. Seth had gone through so much growing up, it's amazing him and Shane turned out to be as normal as they did.

I love how this story played out, just as much as the others, but each one is so special in the own way. I love these two a lot and now I'm even more curious about Cassie and about Shane. Both have me so curious and both seem super broken.
Profile Image for Christine .
1,161 reviews61 followers
March 28, 2016
Just when I think Jo Raven can't possibly write more intense or compelling characters that damn near shatter my heart, I'm wrong. Her writing is real and passionate. Her stories are definitely not sunshine and puppies but I crave them just the same. Seth was such a broken man, but he was strong and you felt everything he did; his pain, sadness, and his heartbreak. So needless to say, seeing him get his HEA was so worth the journey. I can't wait for Shane's story. I know that it will kill me but it will be so worth it. Thank you again Jo Raven.
Profile Image for Louise Bailey.
118 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2016
Wow amazing jo loved seth the emotions in his story.
life a bitch is his eyes.
everything keeps screwing him over, taking blows after blows to his life and keep sucking it up.
seth loves women especially one madeline she sexy goddamn perfect. but he knows he can't have her once she knows his past. will she see through it all and will he be happy ever after.

review done by louiseloppyloubailey
Profile Image for Sallyann Cole.
62 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2015
I was given this book for an honest review and I have to say wow!!!!! The emotions in this book are electrifying, how 2 people from different backgrounds can overcome everything for love..........in the end. Lots of twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down. The book also shows the softer side of heavily tattooed rough boys!!!!!
Profile Image for Tammy Sargeant.
624 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2018
My favorite of the bunch. Seth has been through so much shit. This book brought me to tears. Especially when they didn't believe him. Manon was cool too, but most of these girls these guys end up with , well I don't like any of them. Case in point, the next book is Shane and Cassie and I can't stand her. Seth is my sweetheart. He deserves his happy ending.
Profile Image for atomickitten.
988 reviews159 followers
April 5, 2019
I absolutely loved every detail of this book!!!! I recommend this series to everyone who loves a good, steamy romance with a happy ending. I'm a huge sucker for them and Jo Raven's writing is perfect for me. :)
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
684 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2022
although this book was a little on the lighter side compared to the inked brotherhood series and 1 of the damage control books...being Jesse, it was still well paced with a good storyline .
the outline for most of these books are much the same. the hero/heroine always broken and desolate and haunted but always fighting, searching for some good and the love of the right person. it's always giving us the HEA.
although you get washed in the senses with the topics and situations Ms Raven presents.
this novel was leaning more toward the love story and self realisation, more so than the tainted painful past that is Seth.
the character of Seth was written
really well. he was always presenting his mind with the "glass half full" instead of "glass half empty" scenario . which is what drives the story to its conclusion.
C.J. Mission did a great job with Seth's voice, his tone and inflection fitted the character perfectly. and Ava has always been a go to for me. great book not as gutwrenching as some previous stories. Although I suspect Shane's will be different!
Profile Image for Blueleo.
505 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2017
Another heartfelt story!

Another great story. Is sad how all this young men have had horrible similar experiences but are afraid to talk about it to each other thinking the others will exclude them if they find out of all the abuse each has gone through. Seth and Manon are opposites but they balance each other perfectly. Manon is a sweet girl that had her life planned out, be ballerina and date a guy that is proper, smart, plays the cello and have common artistic views. Seth has the worst of luck, literally totally opposite of Manon. Seth mom framed him with drug selling, got beat up my mom boyfriends, went to prison for 3 yeats, got out and live in the street homeless, got beat up in jail and twice by some ex boyfriends of his friends girlfriends. Got fired and evicted from his place. Totally opposites but for some reason Seth & Manon fit perfectly.




341 reviews29 followers
January 17, 2017
Another Winner

The latest book in the Damage Control series really tugs at your heartstrings. Seth has had tough times and the worst of luck, but that all changes when he gets hit by a car. Yep, hit by a car. The lucky part? The driver is the girl he's been fantasizing over for months. As Seth slowly works past Manon's defenses, she, in turn, destroys all the walls he keeps around his heart. It's a story about trusting that there are good things in life that can be counted on to stay--friends, family, and above all else, love.
Profile Image for Mauaqui.
1,339 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2017
What a tragic life

Seth was set up and betrayed by his own mother. Sent to prison with his cousin Seth due to her betrayal. Released from jail and lived on the streets Their lives were horror stories, until Zane of Damage Control found them living in the streets. He picked them up, brushed them off and gave them purpose but because of life's psychological damage, they never thought they were good enough. Until Seth met Manon and she accepted him as is. Their HEA was hard to achieve but it did happen. Come and read their story it is heart wrenching and bittersweet.
Profile Image for E Reader.
1,016 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2017
Oh my, if it could go wrong, it did for Seth

I can't believe everything that Seth has gone through, then the one girl he likes hits him with a car...maybe it was a good thing when Manon and Seth get to know each other. However, he has secrets and will they be too much.
Great characters and story. Love this series
248 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2017
Emotional story, really great read

Great characters, loved Seth. I really liked this storyline, definitely a heart-wrenching story. This is my favorite so far of the Damage Control series. It's also the most emotional and in-depth, and felt to me to be much more like the Inked Brotherhood books in that regard than the previous two books in this series.
Profile Image for Lori A Wilds Jones.
75 reviews
September 2, 2018
You think her books can’t get better. Wrong

I love these Damaged boys, how they pull themselves out of hell at such a young age with more courage than most have. The love stories are to die for. The family they make is so loving and strong it makes you want to be apart of it. So heart wrenching and hot.
Profile Image for Celeste Davidson.
461 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2021
This book is by far my favorite! Seth is such an amazing character and the narrators do
a great job of bringing him to life. He has real issues a 18-19yr old might have and to see him try and figure it all out is great! And his girl she is good for him and I like seeing her change and grow Thoth every book as well, so figure out her own self and what’s important. Good book!!
Profile Image for Lorelei.
903 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2017
Great book

Really enjoyed reading this book. It grips your heart and doesn't let go. Such an intense emotional storyline. Characters you want to see beat the odds. A love story and a forever after. Definitely recommending
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