I thought I was a normal kid once. Do normal kids have to beg from door to door for food? Not sure. It wasn’t always that bad, I guess – and then it was. Really fucking bad. I tried to protect my younger brother from the fallout. Lied to him about how bad things were. But it wasn’t enough. And when the accident happened, he blamed me, like everyone else. I’m guilty of many things. He’s right about that, at least. So damn guilty I’m sure everyone knows and will call me out on it. Except they don’t. Nobody does, except my brother. Not even Kayla, sexy and sweet and coolest girl ever, who keeps buying me coffee and trying to read my future. But my future isn’t in the goddamn cards, or even in my hands. I don’t see a future. I deny fate, but fate has me pinned like a moth and won’t let me walk away. Won’t let me escape. And yeah… you know you’re losing grip when the girl you want reads your palm and you’re scared to hell of what she’ll see and of the pain you can tell is coming.
**WARNING** This book is NOT for the faint of heart. If you have issues reading about abuse (physical or mental), then please DO NOT read this book. 18+ for sexual content, language and violence.
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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.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Ocean Author: Jo Raven Series or Standalone: Standalone, Part of the Damage Control Series POV: Dual Characters: 5 Plot: 5 Scorching Level: 5 HEA: Yes
Another fantastic read from Jo Raven!!! This time we have our dreamy, blue-eyed and blue-haired Ocean. He is one of the tattoo artists in Damage Control and behind his carefree façade, there is a man full of pain.
Nobody has given two shits about me. Since I was a kid. Nobody ever cared if I was hurt, if something was wrong. Nobody has ever fucking cared for me.
Ocean hides his tortured soul well until Kayla, a strong-willed woman who loves palmistry and reading cards, steps into his path. Kayla is drawn to Ocean but she never thought he'd be interested in her. Attraction brings them closer but is it enough to keep them together? Can Kayla ever make it past Ocean's walls and discover the true man hiding behind his mask?
Jesus. Gone. I'm fucking gone for this girl, and I have no clue what the hell I'm doing.
The author once again manages to capture the reader with her charismatic writing and enticing characters. Her stories are always filled with emotion and humanity and this book is one of my favorites!!! I highly recommend this book. It has love, angst, passion and true characters.
Another amazing book written by Jo Raven! I couldn’t put it down! Her characters, though flawed they may be, are lovable and so strong. Each male has had a difficult up-bringing. All they want to do is have a family and fit in. And, each female is brave and true. They want everything for their man. And, they’ll move heaven and earth to make sure that they realize how much they are wanted and loved. Ocean and Kayla’s story is no different than the rest. Both wanting that special love but not thinking that they deserve it. I loved both Ocean and Kayla! Ocean just trying to be the helpful one. Always putting others before himself. And, Kayla, wanting to find that special person. That forever sort of love. And, she thinks that Ocean can be that for her. He’s just such a good person, and she needs for him to feel that. She wants to be the one to take care of him for a change. And, he’s over-the-top fascinated by her. Her feisty and playful personality makes her a treasure to him. And, when they finally get together, will the sparks fly? Will Ocean see fireworks from all that feeling that Kay has built up inside her just for him? Will he get it that he is worthy of her love??
Jo Raven pulls you right into the story from the amazing cover to the first words read off page one right through to the amazing finale. The reader gets a glimpse into a family of friends’ lives that are special and loyal. The guys and their babes are honest and are there for each other through thick and thin. It always gets to me how this bunch of friends support each other. They laugh together. They curse together - pretty dirty with humor I might add...chuckle. And, they believe in each other. And, Ocean and Kayla’s story is filled with humor but also sadness. Especially when Ocean is really taken for a ride by people that he should have no problem trusting. He is beyond destroyed when these two people really snow him. But, the truth is the truth and the sooner that he accepts it then he will be able to move on. With a brother who finally comes around, to Kayla that is always waiting in the wings, and his group of friends that just prove over and over that they got his back, he just knows that this is where he’s meant to be. Can’t wait for more Jo Raven books. This is one author that when her books are released I get my nose embedded in the pages ASAP! Never one to be disappointed with a Jo Raven book...
“Because love was broken” I whisper. “I was trying to put it back together and failing every single time. But I’d draw you, Kay. The whole of you. You put love back together. You put me back together so I could love you.” ~ Ocean (Chap. 24)
And, her book covers are always fine to look at...
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I have a new Jo Raven book on my kindle, it is almost impossible for me to concentrate on anything else. Jo Raven's writing is unlike any other author that I have ever read. She has the ability to take us back to innocence, show us dark lives that find the light, and still bring the gritty, raw scenes of sexual need and desire that we must have. Jo Raven gives us yet another beautiful inked and troubled bad boy to take a piece of our heart along with the whimsical young woman that he falls for. Ocean and Kayla are full of insecurities, pain, loneliness, hidden behind a world of swirling colors and desire.
Ocean Storm, with his muscular inked body and blue mussed hair captured our interest and grabbed our hearts in earlier works by Jo Raven. Being a tattoo artist at Damage Control, we have been teased with tidbits of this character. In Ocean we get up close and personal and find out more about his familial hell and his severed relationship with his brother Rain. While drowning in a sea of pain and ever growing family obligations Ocean can't seem to keep Kayla off of his mind. The last thing he needs is to fall for someone who is worthy of so much more then what he can give her, a person who has failed everyone in his past. I loved every minute that I spent with Ocean from his carefree “can't let my friends see my pain” facade to his broody fast and furious side, he is the perfect complement to both the Damage Boyz and Kayla.
Kayla Everett is a spontaneous colorful person who cannot be controlled by her overly conservative family. Now that she is out from under their thumb she is all about being true to herself and be a free spirit, except deep down she is truly jaded and doesn't believe in true love. That is until she lays eyes on a certain blue eyed, blue haired, inked boy a few months ago and hasn't been able to think of anyone else since. If only he would let her read his palm and her tarot cards would show her if they have a future together. Kayla's whole persona is all about fun, from the red color of her hair to reading tea leaves and palms of all of her friends. She charmed me with her spunky personality and bohemian clothing but she made me truly love her character when I saw the scared disillusioned little girl that she hid from the world.
Jo Raven delivers over and over to us these sexy, lost, bad boys who carve out a piece of our heart. The Inked Brotherhood and Damage Boyz and the strong willed woman that love them continue to etch themselves into our soul. Ocean and Kayla have added a new vivid couple to the mix and given us another steamy, spectacular read that is sure to delight her new and old fans alike. It is impossible to list which book of Jo Raven's is the best, but I can say after Zane and now Ocean that blue is my new favorite color. While Ocean is a standalone a reader can't help but want to absorb every book about these troubled, misunderstood, sexy boys that find love in the arms of beautiful strong women who catch them when they fall.
"Then I'm -coming with. To look after you. To help you. I'm with you, and that's what you do for people you love." I'm with you. Just that, and my last defense crumbles to dust.
I don't think I can put into words how much I loved this book! I am now totally obessived with this author. Poor Ocean seems to carry the weight of the entire world on his back. He always tries to do the right thing and to help everyone he comes across. He also unfortunately has bad luck, and everything he tries to do seems to back fire. I could not believe the amount of grief and heartache he has already gone through and still pushes on. I so badly wanted to reach through this book and give him a big hug. He really needed some good, positive things to start happening for him. Thank goodness Kay came along. They were so sweet and cute together. I had a feeling that him helping out is mom might come back to get him, I just can't believe parents would stoop to such levels.
I cannot wait to devour the rest of this series. This is a must read for everyone!
I shall first start off by saying that Jo Raven is one of my favourite authors and I can say with all confidence that she will never ever write anything that I won't read and completely fall in love with! Every time I read a new book of Jo's, I find myself having to re-evaluate my favourite boy of hers.
I was so excited for Ocean's book. It was bittersweet reading about the quiet, sexy man that featured in all the other books while at the same time knowing it was the last book in this series. But there are loads of other characters in this book that I'm hoping will get their books/series *hint hint*.
We met Kayla in previous books. The quirky, brightly coloured girl who loves to read people's fortunes and tarot cards. All she wants is for her crush to notice her. Ocean is the quietest of all the Damage Control boys who has been watching Kayla from afar. I have always hoped that the quiet blue haired boy would get his happy ending and as always with Jo's work, I wasn't disappointed. Even if it was rocky along the way.
Jo Raven is definitely one of those authors that you don't want to put down. You want the story to continue on and never want it to end. It's another 5 star rating from me - but that shouldn't surprise anyone since I'm the biggest Rave-a-holic ever known! <3
Ocean was the last book in the Damage Control series by one of my favorite authors, Jo Raven. I was eagerly awaiting this release. Having read all the previous in this series and everything else Jo wrote, I knew this book would not disappoint. Jo writes characters that are unspeakably flawed and tormented. My heart breaks every time I read what her characters go through. This book was no different and I absolutely loved it. This book can be read as a stand alone however I recommend reading the whole series. Also this series was a spinoff of her Inked Brotherhood series, where you will meet another great cast of characters. I just love Jo Raven's books so much. They are amazing. Absolutely 5 Stars!
Ocean likes Kayla but does not think he is in a position to start a serious relationship. Kayla likes Ocean but she does not believe in love but she defiantly wants to know what kissing Ocean would be like. The two get closer in this story and become friends. The friendship is sweet and the feelings and attraction cannot be denied even though they try. Ocean has some family drama and is trying to work through it on his own. But everyone needs help every now and then. Jason reappears in this story when Jesse needs a place for Jason to crash while he gets better. He is not feeling well. Ocean to the rescue. He gives Jason a couch for a bit and shows how big his heart really is. This of course makes Kayla even more smitten with the gorgeous blue haired tattooed man.
Ocean’s brother, Raine, blames him for Lizzy’s death and abandoning him with his crazy aunt. Ocean tries to redeem himself with his brother but nothing works. Ocean tries to care for his parents even though they never took care of him or his brother. Ocean had to race cares to get money for him and Raine. Even with that they were practically starving to death, begging for food and eating from the trash. Raine is upset that Ocean even wants to care for his parents. This just adds to the frustration that Raine has for Ocean.
Raine eventually comes around and explains his feelings and the brothers are at least speaking again. Kayla learns more about Ocean’s past and does not judge him or leave him for it. The brotherhood finds out the truth and step in to help Ocean deal with all the family drama and money issues that are swallowing him whole. Kayla stands by Ocean during the tough times and helps him cope with all the problems he faces.
Kayla and Ocean’s story was sweet. Ocean is not as damaged as some of the other Damaged Boys or Inked Brotherhood men but his story is still very sad. A lost childhood, a story of survival, a fight for his brothers love and forgiveness, a compassion for a family that never cared or took care of their children…. All of that shows how sweet he is and the big heart and love he holds inside. Kayla is unique, colorful, charming, and eccentric. I like her palm and card reading and the fact that no one really questions it. She is just Kayla and they accept her the way she is. This is good since her parents do not really accept Kayla’s quirkiness. I liked the introduction of her young brother and the fun relationship they share.
Kayla has been in the background, a little goofy, but in a good way. So I was a bit surprised when this book was about her and Ocean. It seemed like Ocean was more settled and "normal" compared to the rest of the guys. So of course hidden things came out about Ocean's life. I really hated how he was taken advantage of, hated who did it too. It was a good thing that by that point Kayla and Ocean worked things out and he had her support.
I'm a huge Damage Control fan. Maybe an addict. I've read and reread the guys stories and I never tire of it. Micah's book (Damage Control #1) grabbed me in just a few chapters and quickly became a series I knew I would have to read all the way through.
Prior to Ocean I'd have said Shane's was my favorite story, but now Shane & Ocean are tied, I can't choose between them so don't make me! All of the Damage boys are broken in some way, they have issues to deal with but luckily they seem to land in the right place to get their lives straight. Ocean keeps his past hidden, most of the guys have no clue where he goes every weekend or why. They know the basics but not everything. His childhood, his mistakes, the lack of love in his home have all made him the insecure man that he is. Made him believe he is unworthy of love. That he can't be loved, who could love a screw up like him? There's a girl. There's one woman he wants that he can't get out of his head. But what does he have to offer her? Nothing. She deserves everything and all he has to offer is a broken man who's life is not settled. So he'll deny his attraction, try to keep his distance for her sake.
Kayla. She grew up much differently than Ocean, she didn't have to beg, borrow or steal to eat. Her parents loved her though they tried to groom her to be someone she's not. She walked away from becoming a perfect wife to be a fashion designer. She's been attracted to Ocean for awhile without acting on it. Being blown off once is enough for her, she won't put herself out there only to be pushed away by him.
When their attraction becomes too overwhelming and they give in to each other things change. Kay wants more with Ocean. Ocean can't help the feelings Kay brings out in him but he's no good for her, he never will be. An the fight is on, the fight to keep their distance, to avoid the one thing neither of them will admit but it turns out neither of them can live without.
Blue loves Kay. Kay loves Blue.
As is to be expected, the road to happiness is a bumpy one. Two people have to be willing to fight for what they want. And sometimes all it takes is that one person believing in you, trusting you, being by your side no matter what.
I absolutely Loved OCEAN! By far, my favorite out of the Damage Control series and Damaged Boyz. And I am happy to say I loved Kayla too. She was a perfect match for Ocean and I felt like she brought something different as a h. Maybe because of her tarot cards and reading tea leaves, I don't know. Maybe it's the way we got to see her through the eyes of Ocean, his rainbow princess. :D The sexual tension and sex scenes were off the chain hot!
The only reason this is not a 5 star rating is because of some very obvious mistakes. In the previous book in the series (Shane), Zane and Dakota finally get married. But Ocean refers to Dakota as Zane's girlfriend which is untrue since she is now his wife. In another scene, the h is wearing a dress, but when Ocean starts undressing her, suddenly she is wearing a skirt and a blouse. Another thing I wish had been mentioned is Kayla's inexperience in the bedroom. No, she isn't a virgin but she says on several occasions how she has never had an orgasm in previous sexual situations, never received or given oral, etc. But she doesn't tell Ocean this at all. I think if they at some point had that conversation, he would have realized how much she was into him, giving him a bit more of a confidence boost. I think sometimes the author gets so wrapped up in making her characters so damaged and giving them tons of obstacles to overcome that she forgets the little things that help add some development in the relationships of her main characters. Just little things like that bug me.
Since OCEAN was the last book in the Damage Control, I wonder what she plans next. She introduced some tattoo members from another shop called Soul Stain...and then there is Jason and Ocean's brother, Raine which could make for an interesting gay romance. Can't wait to see where Jo Raven goes next with these characters!
Loved Ocean, well I love all the boys from Damage control who doesn't like a man who needs the love of a good woman to get them back on the right track and this is something Jo Raven specialises in with her plots.
Having read most of the books from the previous and this series its great how you still get glimpses of your favourite characters from previous books. All the men work at Damage Control or inked brotherhood and coming together for a walk in weekend I felt a bit of a finality when all the characters came together although it didn't focus much on this event or the other characters more on the main two characters but I would of liked that.
Like all Jo ravens books we have a heroin, Oceans being Kayla, a girl with a free spirit, fun, open minded and so suited to Ocean.
Ocean's back story is sad and what he is still going through tugs on the heartstrings, he needs rescuing and what better person to step in than kayla.
What you get with Ocean is the story of a damaged boy surrounded by a loving family of friends, great characters, humour, hot intimate moments a great plot a beautiful hea and oh it's so hot, did I say that already lol
Another great read yet again from Jo Raven who I felt stepped it up on the hotness and I loved it.
brilliant book i loved every minute of it, this one had me hooked from the beginning or maybe it is my love for all these Damage boys that keeps me hooked, Alpha males with the right amount of sensitive and the ability to break your heart and mend you too, Ocean i must admit stole a special place in my heart in all the other Damage books and i was so excited to finally read his story, another fantastic read i cannot wait for more ! Would Ocean Be My Book Boyfriend ? He'll Yes He is my book Husband i #claimed his arse from the get go
omg I just loved loved loved this book! I want to wrap ocean up and love him and take care of him. and Kayla she and I could be bff. I love Kayla spunk. ocean dosent come from a normal family unless begging for food and raising his little brother is normal. but despite it all ocean would help anyone and trust anyone no matter if the deserve it or not. this is my favorite book so far in this series. it's defo a 5+ stars
Ocean Storm is A Damage Contol tattoo artist and has a very anguished life. He thinks he ruins everything he touches . A sad little boy who meets a sunshine girl , Kayla. She fills his life with colours, it's sweet, soft , enveloping love story. Touches your heart in a way that you wanna hide him in your embrace so his pain goes away . I'd love to read about Raine in next book
So great to finally get this guy's story. It was heart breaking and uplifting all at the same time. I'm so glad he let Kayla into his life. I could tell right away she was going to be the light to his darkness.
This story had me crying and then doing cartwheels. A story I never wanted to end.
I'm pretty sure this is my favorite book ever written by Jo. There's just something about it that really pulled at all of my heart strings. I cried multiple times because there were so many amazing and sweet parts. Everything that lead up to this book had me wanting Ocean's story. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it'd be this good. Kayla always seemed so quirky and I never thought of who she might end up with. I loved the roll Kayla had at the end of Shane's book, it was so profound.
Profound seems to be my thought throughout most of this book. Each of these men had a different story (for the most part), but a lot about Ocean's past hit me harder than the others. The way he needed Kayla and the way she needed him, it brought me to tears a few different times. Their bond seemed more unique and so much more loving than the others. She's such a nurturer, and I love that she took care of Ocean. Ocean always took care of everyone else, that he didn't realize how much he needed it.
I love how these people are a family; they are the biggest and best family unit. When the tough gets going, they are always there for you, especially Zane. I love how much they needed and used each others help in his book. Just showed how amazing they all are.
Kay and Ocean(Blue), the last but not least to find love. Kay has always been the free spirit even to the detriment of her relationship with her conservative family. But all she need is palmistry and cards with her zaney love of fashion and hopeful the rest will all just fall in line one day. The only thing really lacking is a faith in love - although she has seen those around her take the plunge the elusive bug has yet to bite her no matter how many Lover cards she draws. Blue has been living two lives. Since his father kicked him out and he was found by the Brotherhood he has rebuilt himself as Ocean happy go lucky Tattoo extraordinaire - but that is a mask hiding the true Blue. Really he is hurting from wounds that run deep and that he can never forget. Refusing to believe he deserves love he pushes away the one person whom he could build a future with...Kay. But when they lean on each other as friends and discover that friends is enough they soon know what cards knew all along. Destiny and Fate are a double edge sword and you must tread carefully to avoid a nasty fall.
Ocean has been taking care of his family's responsibilities his whole life. Kicked out of his home at seventeen, he has done the best he can. Kayla, who has a massive crush on Ocean, is trying also to take care of her siblings as well. The two have admired each other from afar. Do they let their responsibilities occupy all their time or should they follow their hearts? This is the 5th installment in the Damage Control series. Zane, the owner operator of Damage Control Tattoo Shop, has collected a group of homeless boys who have had a hard life to create a family of sorts they have never experienced. The whole series is an individual story of each of the homeless boys who have to overcome their past before it overcomes them. Each story is different. Ocean's story is one of massive guilt over a teenage escapade, an attempt to save his brother, Raine, and the desire to take care of what he thinks is his sick mother. Will Kayla be able to break down his walls and build a relationship with him? Good read. I recommend the whole set for a read.
Wow, another heart breaking story. I don't know how Jo Raven does it. I truly love the whole series from Ink brotherhood to damage control. All the boys stories where tragic and horrific in there own way but at the end to be strong enough to come up and stand up straight and to be surrounded by true friendship and true love of good women was amazing.👍
Ocean and Kayla are another amazing couple. Ocean just sounded dreamy and I love the color blue so this guy had he perfect name and hair. Kayla is so free spirit and colorful in her attitude and fashion, she is perfect for Ocean. Totally recommend ALL the series💖
after reading Shane I was glad for a little less angst. although Ocean has a sad past, like the other's in the series, it's not as gritty. the topic was very sad and walked solemnly within the realm of reality but I wasn't flinching every time I listened to his background. Ms Raven does a fantastic job of writing the heroines character to fit perfectly with the damage boys or even the inked hunks. they either fit like chalk and cheese or yin and yang. the characters of Rain and Jason seem to make me think...maybe they will get a story???? narrators were brilliant...will miss the boys/girls from both series
Oh, wow!!! What an incredible plot twist, and it even works and just rounds off the whole story beautifully! Can I give it 6 stars, please? This book is awesome and then some. Dark, dangerous, torn, hopeful, erotic, sweet and funny.... It's all in there. Now I crave Raine 's and Jason's story after they had such a spectacular clash in Ocean's flat . sorry, I forgot to give a proper review. Here comes : characters lively and thoroughly delineated :5 stars. Development of plot and interpersonal relationships :5*. Originality of plot :5*. Writing style :5*. Any questions?
Another great addition to the series. Ocean, who'd always seemed so laid-back, happy, and charming, was actually drowning in a sea of unfounded guilt and regret, and trying to take care of everyone else. Kayla stepped up for him and provided him with the love, support, and genuine caring that he so sorely needed. I know this is supposed to be the end of this great line of books, but I'm so hoping that the author will begin another spinoff series about the 5 boys the Brotherhood discovered and rescued in the Inked Babies book. Fingers crossed!
We've reached the last of the Damaged Boys. This one was my all-time favorite. Ocean was so sweet and tortured. He looked out for everyone but himself. That is, until Kayla stepped in. She comes from a fucked up, racist family, but that didn't stop her from being the loveable person that she is. I loved these two together. I'm glad Raine is back and all is well. Also fuck their parents. Who does their own son like that? I hope they died later on. I hope there is a book for Raine. I can totally see him with Jason.
Omgosh, this series can't be over. I pray you have an epilogue book for them. We need a completion for all the damage boys. Maybe more from the brotherhood too. Certainly something on Joel and Jason, and Raine and Colt. Please??!! This story was very tender and interesting. The storyline was deep and intriguing. Both characters, Ocean and Kayla complimented each other.
Ocean Storm is a damaged Inked Boy. He is excellent at inking but horrible with human relationships. You can thank his parents for that. You can also thank his parents for pulling the ultimate con on him and breaking his heart. What is going to save him is Kay and the Damage Control Brotherhood.
The last instalment in this wonderful series. Ocean is another tattoo artist who is tortured by his past and under the Inked Brotherhood's protection. He is attracted to Kayla who is funny, loveable and wants to support Ocean any way she can. A relationship begins and Ocean finally learns that he is worth loving. This is another heart wrenching story which Jo Raven excels at.
Another great addition to the series. I love the characters in this series. Ocean's story was a great one. He tried to be everything to everyone, while drowning in his own issues. But Kayla saw him and threw him a life line and so began their love story and it was super sweet. This was a great story and series.
Good story, good writing, and loved the entire cast of characters in this series, as always. Kayla was my favorite character in this book; her quirky nature and individuality really shone through. It was nice to finally see a more intense and darker side to Ocean who has always been so upbeat.