Two people haunted by their past… The collision of two damaged hearts… Meet Elizabeth Williams. She is at the airport on an important work assignment. If everything goes smoothly, after three years of hard work, she’ll get a promotion and a much-needed raise. Elizabeth is putting her life back on track after it was ripped out from under her feet four years ago when she lost her parents along with all her dreams. Standing here, she believes her life is going to change for the better any moment now. Nothing can go wrong, right? Meet Ryan Price. He came to Moscow on business. Right now, Ryan is standing at the airport looking at a ‘present’ from his brother, judging by the sign a beautiful young woman is holding. Damn his brother for not cancelling this arrangement as Ryan asked. Miscommunications and misunderstandings and a love story begins. There will be a scary flight, lovely breakfasts, long evening conversations, sharing a secret or two, discovering one another, a lot of laughter, tender moments and some tears, a fight and, of course, the I-am-ready-for-the-end-of-the-world kiss. Somewhere along the way, they won’t be able to fight their feelings any longer. For the first time in his life, Ryan will experience a different shade of lust. And for the first time in her life, Elizabeth will have to trust despite all of the times she has been hurt. Will these two wounded lost souls find love, peace and comfort in each other or will they just break each other more? Is it a train wreck of a love story or a happily ever after?
Warning: This book contains mature themes and thus is intended for adult readers only. (18+)
Emily Krat writes steamy, emotional contemporary romance novels about bad boys and billionaires. Her stories are packed with all the feels, sizzling-hot heat and suspense.
When she's not writing or rewriting, she can be found reading books or chasing her son. Emily is a coffee and chocolate junkie who loves notebooks, candles, summer rains, warm blankets on cold winter nights, as well as traveling, watching TV shows, cooking, and baking.
It means the world to Emily that you're reading her stories, and she loves to hear from readers. To get write to her directly at emilykratauthor@gmail.com
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
I knew people who swore that true love changed their entire lives, and I'd smile and wish them well. But I was completely sure that it wasn't in my future.
Elizabeth Williams was an American living in Moscow. After years of hard work, she was finally given an important assignment that could earn her a much needed promotion. The assignment was for her to pick up a client from the airport and escort him to an important meeting.
That’s where Ryan Price came in. He’s an arrogant businessman who resented travelling abroad especially when his brother was famous for making a “special arrangement”. Because of that he treated Elizabeth badly. That was until they both found out there had been a terrible misunderstanding in their “arrangements”.
He wasn’t the client Liz supposed to pick up and she wasn’t the escort he thought his brother sent for. To make up for the mixed up, he offered Liz a job that swept her off to France. Together, the two flawed and damaged individuals learned to open up their heart to things that scared them the most. Flawed and Damaged was a light and entertaining book with a little angst accompanied by an easy pace. I like the storyline of a misunderstanding that led to something more significance to the lives of two individuals who refused to see the world differently due to their past experience in life.
I really love how they first met. It was very cute and funny. But the circumstances after were a bit unrealistic. For example when her phone died, there were other ways she could have rectify the situation instead of getting deeper into the problem.
That was actually one of my problems with Elizabeth. I do love her spunk, but at times she acted way too young and innocent (that’s a nice way for saying not too bright haha!) for a 21 years old woman who had to grow up fast.
Ryan was highly amusing when he was being an ass, but he’s also actually a really nice guy. However, there were also times when his thinking/act didn’t correspond to the 30 years old successful millionaire that he was.
I like that they both had past that prevented them from letting the other in, but by the middle of the book, I felt like banging their heads together. The issue kept repeating itself and it dragged the book a little. I love that they took the relationship to the next level slowly, but at times it was too slow for my liking.
I’ve always love dual POV and it worked most of the time in this book. However, there were several chapters where when the POV changed, it went back too far into the scenes from the previous POV. It was unnecessary and distracting.
One of the best thing about this book was the locations. I enjoyed being taken to from Moscow, to the glamour of Paris and Monaco and wrapped up nicely in Côte d’Azur.
I also love Mark, who was Ryan’s brother. He was the complete opposite of his brother and I wish we’ll get more of him in the next book. I’m curious about where Liz and Ryan’s relationship direction is going to go especially with the little snippet of what’s in store for the next book.
Why it has such huge ratings? Am I becoming too insensible or this genres is becoming a hit or miss for me. Or I pick the wrong books. But for me this is not a 5 or a 4, because from the first page the writing style seemed meh, neutral, I wasn't curious, excited, not even bored. But I said to myself maybe it gets better, maybe I'm to picky and obsessed with good writing style and I don't get it. And I arrived at 50% and I was lost into the book... because of boredom. Flat characters, cliche plot, meh writing style.
Have I read too much NA? I don't think so. Have I got myself into some bad book but high praised? Yes, for sure. For me this is a big no but maybe is good for you. I dunno. Look at the mountain of praises and if you liked it please explain me why. What I didn't see?!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story. I haven't cried so hard over a book in ions. I am tough! This story broke me. I was 100% drawn in and glued to my seat for hours. I was biting my nails with worry, crying my eyes out with Elizabeth and Ryan, and laughing my ass off at their wildly absurd circumstances. The breakfast scene at the Ignis Hotel nearly slew me. I was laughing so hard, I could barely breath.
Elizabeth, "In fact, this is the first serious assignment my boss has given me."
Ryan, "Why do these words seem to be the best one's I've heard? I am beyond glad. I am ecstatic! She must be very new to the escort business. I am more than willing to be her first "serious assignment". With all my being. I just want to sink inside her as deeply as possible, to feel her sweet body against mine...While I image her pink full lips around my dick, Elizabeth keeps mumbling something under her breath. I don't want to talk with her anymore. Now that I know I can have her. I don't want to wait, not even a second."
Ryan doesn't realize that Elizabeth isn't on "that kind" of assignment. When he learns of his mistake, and the repercussions it has cost her, he manipulates Elizabeth's whole life. You see, Ryan is accustomed to barking orders to his employees and doesn't see a damn thing wrong with that.
Elizabeth is orphaned after her parents are killed in a fiery plane crash. She's so damaged by it,that even years later, she can not bring herself to even accept any relationship. Not even friendship. Yet, as Ryan's "employee" she allows herself to open up and get out of her head. Far out of her head, more like head over heels. : )
Emily Krat's debut novel is powerful! Sexy and erotic to the umpteenth power. Not your typical erotic boom-shack-a-lack-a either. It is first and foremost about two flawed and damaged people. Who really love each other, but don't know how to let it just happen for them. It is so well written and realistic, you will feel like you are watching a tear-jerking movie. (Would make a great movie too!). Krat's writing abilities will have you riveted from the first sentence and not leave you frustrated in the end.
Absolutely amazing book! I LOVED Liz and Ryan! It felt like they were made for each other. This book made me feel so much! I laughed and cried and swoon! Can't wait for what happens next :)
A working girl mistaken for a working girl.... An intractable millionaire who can't resist her innocent charm.... Does that not sound like a winner?
Elizabeth Williams needs her job - and after years of menial grunt work, she's finally getting a chance at the promotion she deserves. But a miscommunication throws a handsome, gruff spanner in the works in the form of Ryan Price, a wealthy businessman in Moscow for work.
He thinks she's a "gift" from his brother. She thinks he's her assignment. Neither of them think that love or relationship can work...not when the past has left them both Flawed and Damaged.
This was a really interesting premise - and it got off to a flying (pardon the pun) start when broody Ryan and beautiful Elizabeth meet cute at the airport. I enjoyed their back-and-forth talk, and the alternating, overlapping POVs were excellent for seeing both sides of the story. Ryan is the best kind of a**hole - one who isn't really a jerk, but a bit broken and in need of some love and care.
I was a quite frustrated through the lengthy middle of this book; with Elizabeth for not listening, with Ryan for not communicating and with myself for not being able to put this book aside. I found it to be a hard slog in places - too much will they/they're going to/oh wait maybe not, and not enough action - and I don't just mean the dirty kind.
But, the reward was there in this charming, occasionally amusing, and ultimately interesting story of two people that just needed to find someone who could look past their flaws. It ends somewhat abruptly, a HEA for now, which leaves the door open for more of Ryan and Elizabeth. And I can't say I'm unhappy about that... I'm intrigued by this debut author, and this couple. I'll definitely be back for more. ~ Beth, 3.5 stars
ARC provided to G & the Book Divas blog in exchange for an honest review*
Flawed and Damaged was an emotional journey for Ryan and Elizabeth. It was about self discovery and allowing yourself to feel happiness. At first it seemed like the story was taking too long to get anywhere but looking back I am really glad for the build up. Too often books don't take the time to create a proper relationship and I felt it was a good move to go slow with Ryan and Elizabeth. It made their attachment to each other that much more believable. I can't wait to continue their story because it seems the author has a lot more planned for these two!
I've been in a reading slump lately so I decided to read my favourite book again to get myself back into reading and it worked. However after I read that I thought what new book could I read to keep me going so I don't fall back into my slump? Well an advertisement of this book popped up on my Facebook and I thought hey why not it sounds like a fun romance story with a few funny twists.
Unfortunately this is not what I had hoped for. I wanted to rate this more stars I very almost rated it 3 stars because the story had potential but I just couldn't force myself to rate it higher than I actually felt. I had a few problems with this book which I'll explain.
The writing style- It felt so unnatural telling the story, some sentences where phrased in weird ways that just felt sort of stiff to read. Also the POV, I usually like a book that offers both perspectives of the main characters in a story but the problem here is that they repeat the same thing that has already happened in the other characters POV! This constantly jolted the story for me so I couldn't connect to it properly because it kept going back over what I already knew. Also the writing lacked at times because there was so many unnecessary information dumps, Elizabeth would go on and on about her sad past in the most unusual places where she'd be doing something or in the middle of a conversation and I just felt like skipping the pages and telling her to stop feeling sorry for herself! It got very annoying being written that way.
The Dialogue- There were places in the book where the dialogue just made me cringe from the cheesiness. I couldn't help but roll my eyes and think really? To say this is a 21yr old woman and 30yr old man they felt really immature and cringeworthy. Also the dialogue just felt stiff at times and unnatural to speak. They constantly spoke about the same conversations I got bored sometimes because they never revealed much else about themselves.
My Hated Trope- The typical virgin girl and man slut plot line. This trope annoys me so much! I know it could happen and not every girl has to lose their virginity by the time they are 21 but why authors insist on making the virgin innocent girl more appealing than a woman who has already had sex doesn't make sense to me. If the other girl characters have had sex they are slut shamed but the fact that the main male love interest has had many sexual encounters doesn't change his appeal at all. I just hate this trope because it shouldn't make a difference. If this girl wasn't a virgin the story could still happen and the same for if the guy hadn't sleep with loads of girls, the fact they insist on saying the girl is pure because she hasn't had sex and it becomes more appealing to the male character just frustrates me to no end.
So this review has been pretty negative but I didn't rate 1 star because I think the plot had promise it just wasn't executed as well as it could have been. The beginning I also enjoyed with the mix up with both characters it's not something I've read before it was a good way to introduce the characters.
Overall I just think there were too many negatives to enjoy the reading experience unfortunately.
The story of Elizabeth & Ryan will keep you hypnotized by the enchanting dialogue and the incredible emotional burdens from past experiences. The opening scene begins with a case of mistaken identity with comical words and reactions between the two main characters. The verbal sparing between Elizabeth and Ryan in the early days of their interactions provides amusing entertainment. After all, Ryan has never met a woman who said no to him. This feisty, stubborn female crosses him at every turn.
Ryan's heart is encased in granite and he rejects Liz's advances against his own desires believing it is for her own good. Because of his jealousy and protective instincts, he slowly lets his mask slip down and Liz sees a softer, caring side. Ryan's pain is difficult to behold but becomes rewarding to see him begin to deal with it and heal. At the same time, his presence influences Liz's healing as well. Very captivating! I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Five Stars!
~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
The story of Elizabeth and Ryan is a heartbreaking one at first. They are both broken but find common ground in each other and eventually find love. I loved the characters - even the secondary ones. Here's hoping the author does another book on brother Mark! I wouldn't mind seeing some more of Nina as well. This story is told in 2 POV of the main characters, which I personally love. The confusion they feel definitely comes through but sometimes a little too much. I was confused over what they wanted some times. Even at the end of the story, I felt like they still were not on solid ground.
This was an easy read but a little long. I felt like this could have been shortened up a bit. Almost 400 pages was a little much when there wasn't a lot of different things that happened. That being said, the story was very well written. The author did a great job in setting the scene and making the story very easy to read. There were very few grammatical errors which helped as well. The story can be read as a stand alone but I'm not sure about the HEA. I guess there is one but it wasn't a solid HEA to me. But I guess that just goes to show how confused the 2 main characters really are/were and leads us to the next book in the series.
~~~~~~~~~~Sara's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I was given an ARC for my honest review.
I really liked this story. Elizabeth being alone making sure her grandma is taken care of. And Ryan who wasn't raised shown how to love so he never looks for it and has ever needed it. One mistake at an airport and these two are put together. They are drawn to each other and cant figure out why. Then they realize the mistake and Elizabeth loses her job because of Ryan. They separate yet either can stop thinking of the other. Can they mend each others broken hearts. Then throw in Nina Elizabeth's best friend the little pit bull who has Elizabeth's back even if it is too arrange so that Elizabeth has to talk to Ryan. This is a really cute read.
Two people haunted by their past… The collision of two damaged hearts…
Flawed and Damaged is really an interesting story of two scarred, damaged and haunted souls trying to find love, peace and comfort in each other that follows the story of Elizabeth Williams, an American who lives in Moscow after a heartbreaking accident that killed her parents. At last, after her three years of hard work her dreams will come true! or so it seems..The assignment from her boss... meet the potential investors in the airport, walk them to the car, take them to the hotel, and then wait till the time of the meeting and accompany them to the office. Sounds easy right??? * wink
Entered Mr. Ryan Price, lean, broad shouldered man with a straight nose and kissable lips who is at the airport facing the "present" from her brother in his business in Moscow... there starts the miscommunication and misunderstandings that follows the undeniable lust and chemistry for each other...but will their feelings be enough? or will it just broke them apart? flaws and all?
What actually got my interest to read this book is the title itself. Like really, with such a title coupled with an interesting blurb I was such a goner. It has an amazing plot and I was toured in Russia with what I just read. The characters were so adorable even the secondary ones. Their push and pull is so infuriating but at the same time cute. I even had fun on their banters combined with the sweetness in the other scenes. However, there were really just moments in the book that I got bored and I can't feel a connection but don't get me wrong I love it... I really do! In fact I am very excited and eager to read the next one in the series. You know despite that "bored" points, I am honestly saying that the author had me felt what she wants to convey. To be honest, I love how she started off this story. The lines and the thought itself is so funny as hell. The emotion is there too that got me hooked..got me broken and even fell more in love in the story. By the end of such a cliffy, it's suffice to say,
“Loving another person always means opening yourself up for hurt, but it also means opening yourself up for the most amazing feeling there is.”
*E copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Flawed and Damaged had some of my favorite elements.
One being a slow burn romance. In a world of books where the couples jump right in, having a couple really take time to get to know each other, to develop real feelings, before taking it to the next level...was a great surprise. Especially for this genre.
Krat took her time to develop the characters, giving snippets of the past in a realistic way, no info dumps here.
Both Elizabeth and Ryan have a lot of unresolved baggage that they hold to tightly. Ryan has severe trust issues stemming from a very neglected childhood. He's very standoffish and cold because of those issues. Never allowing anyone in to your life is never giving them the power to break you. His determination is admirable and his many missteps in regards to Elizabeth's position in his life made him very human.
Elizabeth has scars from dark tragedies that she shares never shares. In many ways she's very alone in the world. Ryan comes into her life, shakes it up and then slowly starts to put all the pieces back together in a way she never thought possible.
It takes time for the walls to come down and they both fight it every step of the way. What starts as a misunderstanding turns into a business opportunity which leads to a friendship and eventually to a need.
Where my issues lie with Flawed and Damaged was in the dialogue. For two reasons. One, at several occasions it was just too wordy. Repetitive. Two, it almost felt like English was the second language. This story takes place in Russia and France but they are American characters. I hate to ever bring this up but there was just a disconnect for me on how they spoke. At times it's very stiff, at times very formal and other times I had to read the statement several times to try to interpret the true meaning.
Also, the chapters alternate between Elizabeth and Ryan, which is typically something I really enjoy. The chapters too often overlapped though which threw the flow of the story off for me.
The story itself is a good debut with interesting characters and a beautiful sentiment, but I think it could use a thorough once over by a critical editor.
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
WOW HOLY SMOKE, I just finish reading this book, and I love it, love the characters, and love how the book turn out to be, I have to say this book had me crying, mad, and laughing at the same time. I couldn't put the book down, and I wanted more this is a story about healing and trust, and second chances and finding your way, I just love the book, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.
The story begging with Elizabeth, she is a young woman who is living in Moscow, she is working as an assistance, she move to Moscow after her parent death, she move in with her grandmother, but now for the last couple of years, she started to take care of her granny who became sick with Alzheimer, now she works to take care of her bills.
On the day that Elizabeth gets her first real assignment, she is excited to get a promotion, now that she is at the airport waiting for the person that she needs to pick up, that's when Ryan walk up to her and tell her to put the paper down, he is not what Elizabeth was expecting, she found him attracted right away, Ryan couldn't believe how beautiful she is and he couldn't stop staring at her, He started to get confused about Elizabeth, he couldn't believe that his brother had send one of his assistance, but after Elizabeth told him the truth, their world just turn up side down, now Elizabeth is with out a job and Ryan is becoming with the perfect plan to spend more time with her.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the way how Ryan and Elizabeth are with each other, I love how Elizabeth tell him the truth about himself, how she is not afraid to tell him off, I love how Ryan fall for her how he tried to fight his feeling off, I love it even more when they both finally open up to each other.
I just love the book and cant wait for the second book to see what will happened next, Author Emily Krat THANK YOU for introducing me to this awesome characters and this wonderful amazing book love it.
I loved it. I really liked the circumstance that brought Elizabeth and Ryan together. I loved the timeline of all the events that took place, that it wasn't rushed. I cried in a few parts and was giggling in other parts. But what really got to me was the depth of emotions I felt from both of them. I really liked that they didn't give in to each other right away, just because they were incredibly attracted to each other. I do hate that Ryan is still holding on to a HUGE secret. So, I can NOT wait for the next one!!
I fell in love with the characters almost instantly! Elizabeth was sort of ditsy and cuter. She had a great sense of humor. She also could be strong and speak her mind. Then Ryan, what can I say! He was so alpha and pushy. It was funny how the two met and as of course from different worlds.
I felt the story was good and flowed smoothly. I couldn't put it down, Of course I loved the ending, who wouldn't. Great love story.
Till next time - Sweets Books (Written by Colleen - SBAH)
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
I will admit that until Ms Krat contacted our blog, I had not heard of her.
Flawed and Damaged intrigued me when I read the synopsis, so I was quite sure I was going to enjoy it.
And enjoy it I did!
Elizabeth and Ryan meet because of a misunderstanding - what a misunderstanding too! - and you can just feel that things are never going to be the same for either of them ever again.
Flawed and Damaged is the only way to describe the main characters. Both holding on tight to events in their pasts that are affecting them to this day. They have built up walls around themselves for so long you wonder if they are every going to move past them.
What I really liked about their story is that their romance was a slow burn. I am definitely NOT a fan of insta-love relationships. I want my characters to grow and learn about each other, not just jump into bed together.
There is that push-pull between our MCs. OMG my head was spinning with Ryan's mood swings! Seriously I never knew which was he was going to swing next! I wanted to grab him and shake some sense into him! I am surprised Elizabeth hung around with the way he was PMSing!!!!
I was cheering for him to get his act together and see what was in front of him, but I was not sure he was going to be able to do it.
Flawed and Damaged is written with alternating view in most chapter, which can sometimes irritate me, but this time it didn't. What did bother me and disconnect be a bit from the story, mainly because there was a fair bit of doubling up of dialogue from both characters. It disrupted the flow of the story for me. This did improve and get less as the story progressed though, and it might not bother others.
There are some fantastic secondary characters too. I adored Elizabeth's best friend Nina, and I am intrigued by Ryan's brother Mark. I hope we get more about him.
Flawed and Damaged does not end on a cliffhanger - hallelujah! - but it is kind of left opened to continue the story. There is a second book to this series that is due for release in 2015 (but no date as of yet).
There was some fantastic imagery. Being set in both Russia and France, I was drawn more to the French side of things - probably because we see more pictures of Paris than Moscow. I could imagine myself sitting on the balcony, eat chocolate croissants and looking at the Eiffel Tower.
Flawed and Damaged is a good debut novel, and I am interested to see where the next book takes us.
**I received a copy of this book for the tour, but that did not influence the review**
4 stars I was up to the wee hours of the night because I had to finish this story. I had a feeling I would get my HEA, but I had to see for myself and live through it. Flawed and Damaged is a love story more than anything else, about two people who don’t think they are worthy of the epic love they find in each other. It frightened them, yet made them whole and happy. My heart was sad, it hoped, and it was full…which made for a great read.
You can read the synopsis to get a better idea of what the storyline is about, but my task here is to tell you about the way it made me feel. It made me feel like I was falling in love (and in lust!), that I was vulnerable, yet safe. The chemistry between Ryan and Elizabeth shines through in Ms. Krat’s writing, which is why this book totally worked for me and didn’t let me put it down. While there was an instant attraction the romance took a much slower course, a slow burning course. These two characters were tentative, yet so very real, with very real flaws.
However, these flaws sometimes grated on me a bit. eep! Both Elizabeth and Ryan flip between hot and cold, soft and hard, selfless and selfish…all within the snap of a finger. The amount of times Ryan had to apologize to Liz was a bit tedious, but at the same time I realized that’s what made their love worth fighting for. As much as the two of them tried to resist, they ultimately couldn’t get the other one out of their blood, and that’s what sucked me in.
I know what you want to ask me, and it’s ok because I want to tell you ;) …the smexy times…how were they? Well my friends, they were pretty damn amazing. The first touches and kiss, not even a deep kiss were so sensual that I was burning up along side of them. I love UST, and let me tell you, we get that here times a million. I kept thinking, ok, now they are going to kiss…but no…Ms. Krat made me wait…but it was worth it!
Ryan Price is one delicious guy. With a hard body and arrogance that made my stomach flip he was a top notch book boyfriend. But you know what I’d like a book about? Mark. Let’s just say that he has loads of tattoos and jewelry on his man parts. Sweet lord almighty that got my attention when he admitted it. Please, please, please can Mark have his story told?
And I have to also confess I do have to nit-pick a little. I’m 90% sure English is not the author’s native language. The book (in my opinion) sounded like it was written by someone who knew English quite well, but did not grow up speaking here in the US. There was some slang that worked, but not always, so ultimately it didn’t always flow. Sometimes it felt like broken English. Basically, both Ryan and Elizabeth had Russian accents as I read, even though they were supposed to be Americans through and through. However, I want you to know that while this book needs a few more rounds of edits I still totally and thoroughly enjoyed it, and the story and chemistry itself was really good.
Rec it? YES! I was so incredibly invested in their relationship by the end, and I swear, I felt the love as deeply as these two did. If you have a soft spot for love stories, this is a great addition to your TBR.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth Williams and Ryan Price meet in an airport in Moscow, Russia. Elizabeth is on an assignment for work, but Ryan does not know this. He believes she is sent by her brother. This little mix up completely changes their lives. After the mix up is sorted through, Elizabeth and Ryan both cannot stop thinking about the other. Their attraction to each other was instant. But this attraction runs deeper than looks. They recognized something in each other’s eyes. Pain. And the need to take it away.
The pace of this story was slow, which I enjoyed. It made it possible to get to know the characters, Elizabeth and Ryan on such a deeper level. Elizabeth’s life was shattered at seventeen. Ryan grew up with a shell of parents that taught nothing of love, trust, or life. To him, women always had other motives. He is much more than your average rich hot guy. He is in emotional pain and anguish. And you feel it for him. You also feel the spark in hime come alive as he gets to know Elizabeth. And Elizabeth’s dull eyes brighten every time she sets her eyes on Ryan. Life was never kind to them. And love? That only brought pain. The people you are supposed to love can disappear. And the people you trust? They lie. There is no insta love here. These two broken people were very hesitant even about a friendship. But their connection is undeniable. It’s there, despite the layers they have protecting their hearts.
“You just haven’t found the one you can’t breathe without.”
Slowly, Elizabeth and Ryan’s walls come down. They begin to truly open themselves up. Secrets are revealed. And some of them can damage them. Perhaps beyond repair. But that’s the thing about love. Love always finds its way back in our hearts. And Elizabeth and Ryan are no different. Their love existed before either of them realized it. Making it strong. And everlasting.
“Every moment, every word, every smile, everything about her is captivating. Everything takes my breath away. If I were a poet, I would call our time together an array of stolen breaths.”
Ryan found that even in darkness, there is light. And his light is Elizabeth. It takes him awhile to get there, but he does. I found that this love story was beautiful, honest, and truly genuine. I enjoyed the flow of the writing as the dual POV transitioned nicely.
“...the real confirmation is where our chests are pressed together-his heartbeat. It beats in an explosive frenzy that matches mine.”
I found Flawed and Damaged to be a breath of fresh air as I read this story of two very broken people go through life existing, but never living. The story is written in a sense were you get to sit back and truly immerse yourself in the lives of the main characters. I definitely look forward to more of this author’s work. I cannot wait to see where she takes these characters in book two.
This story is amazing. It could be described as one of the worst cases of mistaken identity with a twist…. Elizabeth’s last few years of her life have been very difficult, from the death of her parents, moving to Moscow and trying to figure out how to live, is a lot to ask of one person. She had no idea that on the day she thought she was up for her first break in her job, would be the day that she would met the one man that could change her life. Ryan Price seems to have it all, but he has no idea how to have a normal relationship. His life is his job and that is about it, at this point. So when he decided to make the trip to Moscow to check in on his hotel and meet with investors he had no idea that his life was about to change. Upon arriving to the airport in Moscow, he could not believe his eyes. Before him was, “the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen who is waiting for me, judging by the sign she is holding…I stand back and take in everything about her – long straight honey-blond hair that flows past the middle of her back, slim waist, medium breasts, modelesque figure. She is wearing a black suit with high-waist narrow pencil skirt with black high heels, which make her mile-long legs look fantastic.” Throughout the book the Emily Krat has a way of describing what Ryan and Elizabeth are thinking to the point that you can picture it like you are seeing it for yourself. The story is told from the point of view of Ryan and Elizabeth, which makes for a very entertaining read with lots of emotion… Elizabeth and Ryan have an immediate chemistry that neither one can deny or accept. They both are very broken individual’s and don’t know how to live. This story is a journey of self-discovery for both Elizabeth and Ryan. Many of the roadblocks they hit along the way could have been avoided with upfront honesty, but then we would have missed some of the smart-mouthed comments from Elizabeth that were quite entertaining. This story makes you want to root for Elizabeth and Ryan and what they could have together. I loved Ryan’s brother Mark and the tight connection they have, Elizabeth’s best friend Nina is amazing and I hope that we learn more about her in book two as well as Mark. The cliffhanger made me want to cry and scream!!!! I do understand that cliffhangers are a necessary evil but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Emily Krat thank you for writing such an emotional driven book that has an amazing story line that hooks the reader in the beginning and doesn’t let them go. I can’t wait to see what is next for Ryan, Elizabeth, Mark, Nina and everyone else in the book…
At some point in our lives we all try and make the perfect bread. From the rising of the yeast to the baking in the oven to the perfection we get when we taste our homemade confection for the first time. We all hope it turns out just right. Even as we succeed we always try to make the taste better.
Elizabeth-Kind, sweet, pretty
Ryan-hunky and reserved
Elizabeth is a girl on a mission that wants to save the world to some extent. She never thinks that she would ever be saved from the harsh world but to those around her she feels like a little lost child searching for the unknown. What happens when she can’t take care of everything around her and her world comes crashing down? Will someone save her? Does this someone exist? Elizabeth has known hardship but always seems to think the positive in all that comes her way. She has fears but keeps them hidden within her. Does she not deserve happiness when it comes her way or will she fear it and run in the other direction? Does happiness come with strings?
Ryan has always been the man on a mission but what is this mission? He has his lifelong goals that he swears that he will never falter. Can he succeed at these goals or will a wrench be thrown his way by a beauty? This woman bewilders him to no avail. Can she be the one woman to capture his heart and keep it for all eternity? Can he finally let go of the mission and per sue this woman but at the same keeping true? Can he finally find love?
Ryan and Elizabeth’s path is one that is difficult right from the start. Each has their unique way of looking at the world which makes them only stronger together. She has the I can save the world and he has the I can’t be saved attitude but as they walk this path will they stay on it together or will they take separate paths when the fork comes into play? Can they each make it together or do they end up walking separate paths? For these answers and more please pick up this fabulous read. Did I mention that the sex when these two finally get together is so hot you have to stand back. Woohoo
To the author: This is an amazing book that had me on pins and needles from page 1 and kept me going till the very last word was read. This book was frustrating at times but in all the right places and had me wanting to scream at both Ryan and Elizabeth cause they both seemed to have the proverbial stick up their butts at times lol but in the end this was an amazing read.
***Received an ARC for an honest review by Bookalicious Babes Blog***
4-4.5 sexy stars!
Flawed and Damaged is delightfully delicious, witty, and hot with a bit of angst. This book is a breath of fresh air...an easy read that flows well. Life is not planned. Sometimes the best mistakes turn out to be the miracles you need. For Elizabeth Williams, the hidden miracle comes in the form of a hot pompous jerk of an alpha male in a business suit at an airport in Moscow named Ryan Price.
Elizabeth met Ryan at the airport by mistake in Moscow when she thought he was the employee her boss wanted to escort to a meeting. Ryan thought she was an escort his brother set up for him to loosen him up and show him a good time.
"For some unknown reason the intense peering-into-my-very-soul gaze of this stranger paralyzes me and makes my heart thump madly. What surprises me is that I feel some current running between us. Does he feel it too?"
Beautiful blonde and brainy Elizabeth, still haunted by a devastating past, has thrown ladies-man Ryan quite the curveball. Used to women throwing themselves at his feet and one-night stands, he can't walk away from the sweet and amber-eyed long-legged beauty who sets his heart and body on fire and has taken his mind hostage.
"The more I spend time with Elizabeth, the more another desire awakes in me. Once I've never felt before--a desire to save her. To save her from something. I am not sure from what yet. The problem is that I'm not that kind of guy; I'm not a savior. I used to see women as an object of my satisfaction. The only things I care about are myself, my business, and my brother. This young woman is so much more than just good looks. She is intriguing, smart and straightforward. I like her. And I don't like that I like her.."
What started out as a mistake, develops into much more. Elizabeth and Ryan can't seem to stay away from each other...they are like captivating crack to each other...thoroughly addicted...they need each other more than they want to admit.
"There is something about him, something magnetic, something I can't figure out, and something I can't deny.
Though haunting and less-than-stellar pasts, other relationships, and more have a way of constantly challenging this couple and testing them to the brink of survival.
Good debut novel by Emily Krat! I can't wait to see how Elizabeth and Ryan's story ends!
Flawed and Damaged is the first book of the Damaged Hearts series. True to its title, the characters have been through a lot of trials over the years and they weren't left unscathed. Elizabeth is still grieving her parents death and now her grandmother have Alzheimer's disease. Ryan on the other hand is scheming a revenge plan against his deceased manipulating father.
Elizabeth and Ryan met at the airport in Moscow and had a case of mistaken identity. Ryan thought Elizabeth was the "assistant" his brother hired (and by assistant, it means a hooker in his brother's dictionary). Elizabeth was on an important errand for her company that can make or break her career. Unfortunately, the incident with Ryan cost Elizabeth her job. Because of Ryan's guilt and, albeit he's denial, attraction to Elizabeth, he offered her a job (a fake one) that could solve her financial worries.
Since this is the first book in the series, the author laid out the groundwork for the entire series. We are slowly introduced to the characters, their nature and their friends. I liked the pacing even though are times that it was a bit frustrating because both of the characters keeps on holding back and they insist on not acting on their attraction.
Speaking of the characters, Elizabeth is not that hard to like. She's young, innocent, and quite amusing when she rambles. Ryan is a typical alpha hero. He's very possessive, often jealous but he always has Elizabeth's best interest at heart. There's definitely chemistry between the two, and even though there was an instant attraction between them, they didn't immediately acted on it. Which I think worked for the characters because they needed the time to understand their feelings and get to know each other. I must say that the frustration was worth it in the end. =D
The book certainly isn't perfect, there are some minor editing issues (it's barely noticeable) and I felt like the book ended abruptly. However, this is just the first book in the series, maybe we'll have more Elizabeth-Ryan stories in the next books. Also, I am hoping that Ms. Krat will write a separate book for Mark (Ryan's younger brother) or Nina (Elizabeth's best friend) in the series. After getting to know them, I find their characters very interesting.
Flawed and Damaged is a story of love, self-discovery, friendships and healing. I'm giving this book a 3.5 fairy wings rating!
First....Wow!, just Wow!.. What an Outstanding story! I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day. The most amazing story of fate and destiny that I have read in a while. ...Ryan and Elizabeth meet by accident, an accident that ultimately decides their fate. I really enjoyed watching all the characters grow and develop, especially Ryan & Elizabeth. I got to know them at the same time they got to know each other. Theirs is a love story, but it's hard won and a long really tough journey for both of them. They are two vey different people from very different backgrounds. Elizabeth is an only child of parents that adored & cherished her. She lost them in a plane crash and went to live with her grandmother who she now cares for. She works to pay the medical bills, so her own life is on hold. Ryan Price and his younger brother Mark come from a loveless home. His father was a heartless man, married for money to build his empire and was never home. He forced Ryan to groom for taking over someday under the threat of protecting his brother from a secret that would shatter the boys life. His Mother died when Mark was born, but still his only memory of her was with a drink in her hand, she hated him and the child she carried and had no problem telling him so. So here we have two people, Elizabeth, a caring, giving but still grieving young woman, and Ryan, a devastatingly handsome man who has no heart, he uses women as a release, He knows all they want is his money, he doesn't believe in love because he has never felt or gotten love. He has no time for anything else as he is determined to destroy what the old man built now that he is dead...... When Ryan & Elizabeth meet there is an instant attraction, So this story is their story......A story of Passion, friendship, humor, fear, heartbreak, love, redemption, and finally being able to let go and live. I felt the whole gambit of emotions reading this story. I chuckled and out right laughed. I felt anger, happiness, sadness and even teared up a few times. I am very anxious to read the next book and the rest of the story. I do recommend this book to 18+ as their is erotic romance on board. I was gifted this book in return for an honest review.
Two characters: Ryan and Elizabeth – both of them flawed and both of them damaged in their own way. Fate steps in and puts them in each other’s lives. The writing is very well done and allows the book to be an easy read. There is minimal violence and some explicit sexual content.
Elizabeth has been given the assignment to meet an investor at the airport and escort him to a meeting. Along comes Ryan who thinks Elizabeth is someone his brother has set him up with as special “company” for his trip. Company that, at first, Ryan wants nothing to do with but there’s something about Elizabeth that makes him want to be around her.
Elizabeth feels as though the world is out to get her. Luck just isn’t always in her corner and she’s pushing herself hard to do well and make something of herself. She’s young, kind, sweet, and at times even naïve which makes her endearing. At times you feel yourself wanting to encourage Elizabeth along – help her to move forward. She has fears that she keeps inside and at times those fears hold her back, but Ryan makes her want to move past those fears.
Ryan comes across as all business to Elizabeth, but she can’t deny her feelings whenever she’s around him. Their pasts tend to get in the way of letting their true feelings show. This is a book that could easily be read in one sitting! Watching the characters grow as their feelings for each other grow keeps the reader engages. There are funny moments, frustrating moments, and love that makes you go through a roller coaster of emotions over and over again!
While reading this book, you get to see things from both Elizabeth and Ryan’s perspective which lets you know exactly what each character is thinking and feeling during every moment. This is a book that will definitely make you feel as though you are on pins and needles. By the end of this book, you’re ready to jump right into book #2! I would give this book 4 stars and would highly recommend!
~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
"Pain shapes us, hard times make us stronger."
Elizabeth is existing, working a meaningless job to cover the bills for her Grandmothers doctors bills and not letting anyone in. Until a fluke happens at the airport, think modern day Cinderella with a twist. Her first real assignment and it all goes hilarious wrong. She picks up the wrong man...or is he really what fate has planned all along?
Ryan Price, a haunted man, arrives in Moscow and his world changes instantly when he sets eyes on Elizabeth. From that moment he is evolving from his old hardened self into someone that wants to be loved.
Their backstories run on a parallel but they struggle to overcome the demons they are controlled by as unfortunately the effects are polar opposites. Elizabeth is deep in grief, guilt and loneliness. Unable to let anyone in and reveal her pain in fear of losing someone else. Ryan has had his entire life moulded by a selfish cruel man that taught him everyone is out to use you, he trusts no one and second guesses everyone's motives -to the extreme.
This story follows their growing relationship, through budding friendship to overwhelming all consuming love. It is a slow paced gentle read that feels very real not rushed and certainly not a wham bam insta lust/love story. The desire builds and the feelings grow despite the intentions of both Ryan and Elizabeth. They have many obstacles to overcome due to the scars of their pasts but the issoes are dealt with realistically and with care. It is beautifully well written, the humour and sincerity is very touching. Elizabeth is a playful heart warming soul and unfortunately I think she is in for a little more heart break! Can't wait to read more and I have my fingers and toes crossed they get their fairytale ending....
These characters will eat you alive. From the heart stopping emotions,from fights to friendship to love full of the twists and turns that will have you gripping at your hair. This book devoured me. It took me on an emotional high that I was not expecting. The main characters consumed me.
“Call me Ryan, sunshine.” I don’t know why I called her sunshine. I have no habit of giving women affectionate nicknames. In fact, I never even call anyone baby.
Ryan Price is sexy, arrogant, cold, dominant, cynical and mostly a jerk to those around him. He has been burned in the past by his father and his wicked words about woman and since then he has not been involved with any female in a long term relationship.
Now I am beyond mad! This woman is driving me insane.
Elizabeth lost her parents years ago but is still trying to deal with that blow. She stayed with her grandmother in Moscow. Her grandmother was not keeping well. So she worked day and night for them both to survive.
“ I want you to kiss me even though you’re trouble .” “I can show you how good trouble can be.”
Elizabeth's life changed when she met Ryan at airport. Elizabeth and Ryan life's took 360 degree turn. She started working for him even though they were attracted to each other. Their friendship soon turned into love.
“I’ll survive. Your sharp tongue will add age to this scotch.”
Emily Krat did a wonderful job capturing all the emotions that you only hope to feel when you read the perfect book! I will never forget this experience.
The smile on her face lights up the whole room, even my dark heart.
PS- The French Kiss, The Butterfly Kiss, The Single-Lip Kiss, The Spiderman Kiss, The Earlobe Kiss, The Lip Gloss Kiss, The Eskimo Kiss THIS ONE WAS MY FAVORITE.
I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and kept me interested in the story. The story has laughs, secrets, betrayal, pain, and heartbreak. I was a little confused in the beginning of the book with the switching of the POVs every chapter with a lot of the same dialogue. By the time I got used that the author was not doing it anymore…..
This is Elizabeth and Ryan’s story. After a misunderstanding Elizabeth is fired from her job. The misunderstanding is partly due to Ryan. He offers her a job. He wants her but does not believe they could ever have a relationship together. Elizabeth lost her parents years ago but is still trying to deal with that blow. She finds herself failing for Ryan but all his hot and cold signals are confusing her. When they final decide to try and make a relationship work Elizabeth wants no secrets between them. Ryan agrees but after meeting Elizabeth he has hired an investigator to get all the info they could on her. He uncovered a secret that she does not know. Can he tell her? Or will someone else tell her before he can? Will they get the happily ever after they both want?
I loved these characters and also the brother Mark. There are some tear filled moments and some anger filled moments in this story. But all in all I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. This book ends on a cliffy…….
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.
This was the first book from this author and I see both her and the series growing to amazing heights. I loved how the writer let us get into both of these two broken minds. Ryan was a very interesting character. He was hilarious, arrogant, sweet ( in his own way) and hot as hell!! I thought Elizabeth was a very charming girl too, even if at times I wanted to smack some sense into her! My goodness she drove me crazy when she dragged her feet or denied his attempts to help her or make her day/ moment/ life a little easier.
Elizabeth is the caregiver for her grandmother, who is battling Alzheimer's and has not remembered her granddaughter in a year. On top of this, Elizabeth is also grieving the loss of her parents who where killed in a plane accident.
I felt so many different emotions while reading this book. It gutted me to feel the pain both these two characters have to live with. It took them a moment to finally get their relationship on track. Before then Elizabeth kept deflecting or coming up with silly rules and regulations they should follow. Pfff as if you could keep Ryan Price contained to rules and guild lines to follow. That man was hot sexy cocky 100% beefy alpha male!!! The only issue I had with the book was that it seemed to just drag on at points. I felt that it was the same argument just said in different ways or on a different day. But when you were at the meat of the story... wow, breathtaking. Can't wait for more from this author and series!!
** ARC was provided by author in exchange for an honey review.**
I really liked the idea of this story, the misunderstood at the airport had me hooked throughout the first chapters and Ryan's hot and cold mood had me excited whilst turning the pages. It's always amazing when the characters bring contradictory feeling out in me, Ryan was one of them. I truly wanted to slap and kiss him at the same time. Damn, he was an ass sometimes.
Slow burn romances or love and fuck at the first sight romance, I'm ok with any of those. Flawed and Damaged was definitely the former kind, but the thing here is that for me, it was too slow. I get it "slow" but I would have appreciated if the author has included a little more "something". I have to highlight what the author did, taking her time to develop real feelings between Ryan and Elizabeth before they get to intimate was really good because she also allowed me to get to know them. Flaws and all.
Elizabeth, she was one of my issues. I get that she was young, but I thought that some of her actions were a little childish. I'm a cry cry kind of girl but she overstepped the cry cry limit.
I loveeeeeeee dual POV, but sadly some chapters were a little repetitive and that threw the flow of the story off for me.
Overall, the story itself was good, even though the issues mentioned before I enjoyed it and some characters like Mark and Nina and the bomb that has not been released has me all intrigued and wanting to read the next book. I really hope Elizabeth grew up a little, I don't want to dislike her at all. I still have hopes in her. So, see you in a few books Ryan. Mwah!
This is book one in the Damaged Hearts Duet by Emily Krat.
Elizabeth “Liz” Williams has lived in Moscow for 4 years, ever since her parents were killed in a plane crash. She lives with her Granny in Moscow, her only relative, and has been in the same job for 3 years, biding her time before she gets the promotion she so richly wants and deserves. She is a head strong girl but has a past that has damaged her beyond recognition, some of which her best friend Nina is not privy too. Ryan Price doesn’t travel. End of! Being the CEO of Price Corp, he chooses to stay in New York and send his brother Mark to act as the company’s representative. He is hell bent on revenge against his father’s legacy for him and his brother, a plan however his brother knows nothing about, and when he decides to travel to Moscow to seal the final deal in his father’s coffin little does he know what’s in store for him. Through a big misunderstanding at the airport, Liz and Ryan are thrown into a world wind of angst, turmoil, uninvited feelings and most of all love. Can both of them overcome their skeletons and be truthful with one another, or will they let the chance of being loved and whole pass them by? I was hooked from the moment I started reading this book and cannot wait for the second instalment. There is a slight cliff-hanger at the end but not too much to give you a book hangover and the wait for the 2nd one is almost over.
Elizabeth is living in Moscow after her life falls apart when she was seventeen. She gets a chance to get a promotion if she can escort some investors from the airport to a hotel. While at the airport she meets Ryan Price, she makes a mistake and takes him to the hotel instead of the investors.
She can feel an instant attraction to Ryan, but tries to ignore it and be professional. She tries to keep everyone at a distance after her life fell apart. Ryan is only interested in a one-night stand initially but there is something about Elizabeth that he can’t ignore and keeps wanting to spend more time with her.
I loved reading about these two characters, watching as they couldn’t help but be drawn to one another. How they were willing to rethink how each felt on being in a relationship the more they got to know one another. You get to see how the relationship slowly builds from a white-hot attraction then to building a real friendship then into a true romance.
I also loved the secondary characters, especially Elizabeth’s friend Nina. She is one of those people that you wish could be in your life to talk to about things going on in your life. If you are looking for a sweet romance book, I would definitely recommend this book for you!
Note: This is a Dual POV book, so you will get to see how each main character thinks and evolves over time.