What do you think?
Rate this book
Crystal Brook Billionaires
Damaged
Christmastime in cozy Crystal Brook, North Carolina is for tree trimming and family dinners, not for falling in love. Besides, Gwen Lawrence doesn’t believe in love. Not since her heart was broken a year ago back in New York. She’s yet to recover and finds that love only taunts and teases but never fully delivers. So she keeps herself busy in a whirlwind of lattes and paperbacks via her new business – a hometown bookstore coffee shop – and avoids all chances of love… until Jason Adler arrives in town.
Jason, a billionaire real estate mogul, once did believe in love – until his wife divorced him out of the blue. No longer believing in a happily ever after, he is content to use women for one night stands and weekend flings. Until he meets his match in the headstrong, deceptively aloof Gwen, who isn’t impressed with what’s in his pocket or his pants. An unusual set of circumstances find them spending Christmas week under the same roof – Gwen’s parent’s house – and the holiday sparks start flying.
In the midst of a family holiday, can a Christmas miracle occur? Or will Santa only deliver heartbreak once again?
This is a full-sized STANDALONE novel with NO CLIFFHANGERS and an HEA.
Jason, a billionaire real estate mogul, once did believe in love – until his wife divorced him out of the blue. No longer believing in a happily ever after, he is content to use women for one night stands and weekend flings. Until he meets his match in the headstrong, deceptively aloof Gwen, who isn’t impressed with what’s in his pocket or his pants. An unusual set of circumstances find them spending Christmas week under the same roof – Gwen’s parent’s house – and the holiday sparks start flying.
In the midst of a family holiday, can a Christmas miracle occur? Or will Santa only deliver heartbreak once again?
This is a full-sized STANDALONE novel with NO CLIFFHANGERS and an HEA.
- GenresBillionaires
Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2016
51 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Blake
9 books105 followersJessica Blake is the author of the hot alpha billionaire romance series, The Billionaire Prisoner, along with her friend Alice Ward.
*** Join My VIP Reader's Club Right Here: http://authorjessicablake.com/ to Get Exclusive Emails About Sales and New Releases! ***
Since she was a young college girl reading and writing romance was what she loved the most and she enjoys entertaining her fans through her books.
Living in Miami, she likes to sit by the pool with her laptop and write her next hot romance. However, when she is not reading or writing romance, she also enjoys being with her beautiful family.
*** Join My VIP Reader's Club Right Here: http://authorjessicablake.com/ to Get Exclusive Emails About Sales and New Releases! ***
Since she was a young college girl reading and writing romance was what she loved the most and she enjoys entertaining her fans through her books.
Living in Miami, she likes to sit by the pool with her laptop and write her next hot romance. However, when she is not reading or writing romance, she also enjoys being with her beautiful family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2016
3.75 Stars
Gwen just recently moved back home after a bad break up. She focuses all her time on her book/coffee shop. She even sleeps there most of time. She seems very jaded and even trys to avoid her family.
Jason is her sister's boss who comes to spend Thanksgiving with Gwen's family. He is also going through a bad break up and nasty divorce. He gives up on love and decides one night stands are the way to go.
I found this book to be comical. The bickering back and forth between Gwen and Jason was hilarious. I almost got whiplash from them. Jason sets his sight on Gwen determined to have her, then changes his mind. Then Gwen decides she wants him, only he turns her down, then moments later he wants her again and she doesn't want him. I wanted to yell at the book make up your minds! Over all I did enjoy the book even with all the back and forth. The ending was my favorite part, it was sweet.
Gwen just recently moved back home after a bad break up. She focuses all her time on her book/coffee shop. She even sleeps there most of time. She seems very jaded and even trys to avoid her family.
Jason is her sister's boss who comes to spend Thanksgiving with Gwen's family. He is also going through a bad break up and nasty divorce. He gives up on love and decides one night stands are the way to go.
I found this book to be comical. The bickering back and forth between Gwen and Jason was hilarious. I almost got whiplash from them. Jason sets his sight on Gwen determined to have her, then changes his mind. Then Gwen decides she wants him, only he turns her down, then moments later he wants her again and she doesn't want him. I wanted to yell at the book make up your minds! Over all I did enjoy the book even with all the back and forth. The ending was my favorite part, it was sweet.
May 11, 2016
So good! A beautiful story that shares the fears and disappointments that love can bring. Jason and Gwen have both been hurt by people they've loved. Can it really only take a week to see past their damaged and broken selves and become a couple? An outstanding read!
June 28, 2016
Major disconnect! This could have been a great story, but the constant bickering back and forth between Gwen and Jason became quite annoying. Not to mention it was about 100 pages too long repeating the same argument over and over.
June 9, 2018
Way too long. There was no excitement to justify it being this drawn out.
I had read Claire’s book first and decided I never wanted to read the ones that came before it. (If I had read this book first I definitely would not have wanted to read Claire’s.) But when I was browsing on Kindle I thought the description sounded good and I didn’t realize what this book was until it was too late.
I tried to put my feelings aside and judge strictly on this book’s content. It turns out I hate everyone that much more. I know this is a romance book but a woman doesn’t have to have a man in her life. She doesn’t have to have a man make her a fire if she doesn’t want one. Gwen’s entire family believes that being with Jason will fix everything.
The majority of this book was of Jason and her bickering. The other parts were of her family telling her what a shitty person she is being. For the life of me I cannot figure out how they fell in love. I just can’t. It is not even remotely possible. They both needed to work on their own crap and then have an actual conversation with each other without arguing.
I had read Claire’s book first and decided I never wanted to read the ones that came before it. (If I had read this book first I definitely would not have wanted to read Claire’s.) But when I was browsing on Kindle I thought the description sounded good and I didn’t realize what this book was until it was too late.
I tried to put my feelings aside and judge strictly on this book’s content. It turns out I hate everyone that much more. I know this is a romance book but a woman doesn’t have to have a man in her life. She doesn’t have to have a man make her a fire if she doesn’t want one. Gwen’s entire family believes that being with Jason will fix everything.
The majority of this book was of Jason and her bickering. The other parts were of her family telling her what a shitty person she is being. For the life of me I cannot figure out how they fell in love. I just can’t. It is not even remotely possible. They both needed to work on their own crap and then have an actual conversation with each other without arguing.
April 4, 2018
Excellent
I always love the extra book at the end. I couldn't put either of them down they were so good! 😍 I look forward to reading more!
I always love the extra book at the end. I couldn't put either of them down they were so good! 😍 I look forward to reading more!
June 19, 2018
I grew increasingly angry with the female lead.
But other than that, it was good.
But other than that, it was good.
June 1, 2016
Title:Damaged
Author: Jessica Blake
Series:Crystal Brook Billionaires
Reviewer:Lisa
Release Date: Published May 11,2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:334
Heat Level: 4flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Christmastime in cozy Crystal Brook, North Carolina is for tree trimming and family dinners, not for falling in love. Besides, Gwen Lawrence doesn’t believe in love. Not since her heart was broken a year ago back in New York. She’s yet to recover and finds that love only taunts and teases but never fully delivers. So she keeps herself busy in a whirlwind of lattes and paperbacks via her new business – a hometown bookstore coffee shop – and avoids all chances of love… until Jason Adler arrives in town.
Jason, a billionaire real estate mogul, once did believe in love – until his wife divorced him out of the blue. No longer believing in a happily ever after, he is content to use women for one night stands and weekend flings. Until he meets his match in the headstrong, deceptively aloof Gwen, who isn’t impressed with what’s in his pocket or his pants. An unusual set of circumstances find them spending Christmas week under the same roof – Gwen’s parent’s house – and the holiday sparks start flying. In the midst of a family holiday, can a Christmas miracle occur? Or will Santa only deliver heartbreak once again?
Review:
After a bad breakup with her boyfriend, Gwen has changed, she’s mad at the world. Keeping to herself and her bookstore. When her sister Claire brings home an unexpected guest (her boss) Jason for Christmas. Emotions are running wild for Gwen, she’s fighting her attraction for him. Everyone see what’s happening and trying to boost it along, Gwen however, is fighting her own demons about it!! Will she ruin the family Christmas? Will she find love again with Jason? This book was a fun read.
Review Copy of Damaged provided by the Author,Jessica Blake for an honest Review.
February 23, 2017
This book did not hold my interest, it was a struggle to read it. The back and forth of I like you, I don't like you, drove me nuts. Two immature people trying to make something work. Wrecked was a much better book.
December 1, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Jason and Gwen's story. It was sweet, sexy and emotional. Jason is a real estate mogul spending the holidays with his employee Claire's family where he meets Claire's sister, Gwen. There's an instant attraction between them, but Gwen is really wary of anything remotely resembling feelings, and Jason is going through a divorce that has left his heart closed off.
Sometimes I wanted to smack Gwen because she was incredibly mean sometimes. Not deliberately, but her ex had left her so messed up that it made her unable to deal with her growing feelings toward Jason so she lashed out as soon as she had to acknowledge those feelings. Not that Jason was that easy to deal with either, he was so wishy washy with Gwen, it was a wonder she put up with him at all. Both of them were damaged and it made their relationship hard to start and then maintain. But their end was worth all the angst and drama, because at the core of it all was a really sweet guy and a sweet woman who loved each other.
I'd love to read Claire's story, if one is coming, and the rest of Gwen and Claire's family were awesome! Their parents especially.
So if you like stories about 2 people who fight through their damaged hearts to come through on the other side with an amazing love, then this is the one for you.
I really liked Jason and Gwen's story. It was sweet, sexy and emotional. Jason is a real estate mogul spending the holidays with his employee Claire's family where he meets Claire's sister, Gwen. There's an instant attraction between them, but Gwen is really wary of anything remotely resembling feelings, and Jason is going through a divorce that has left his heart closed off.
Sometimes I wanted to smack Gwen because she was incredibly mean sometimes. Not deliberately, but her ex had left her so messed up that it made her unable to deal with her growing feelings toward Jason so she lashed out as soon as she had to acknowledge those feelings. Not that Jason was that easy to deal with either, he was so wishy washy with Gwen, it was a wonder she put up with him at all. Both of them were damaged and it made their relationship hard to start and then maintain. But their end was worth all the angst and drama, because at the core of it all was a really sweet guy and a sweet woman who loved each other.
I'd love to read Claire's story, if one is coming, and the rest of Gwen and Claire's family were awesome! Their parents especially.
So if you like stories about 2 people who fight through their damaged hearts to come through on the other side with an amazing love, then this is the one for you.
June 2, 2016
This story is simply so perfect, how it is slow and not rushed. Lovely christmas scenes with warmth.
We meet Gwen Lawerence, who moved back to her hometown crystal brook to open a coffee/book shop after leaving New York where she lived with her sister Claire. The shop has been running for a year, and still growing. She didn't believe guys were worth it after being hurt by Mike and kept working at the shop to hide her hurt and get over it. It all changed just before christmas when she had to pick her sister Claire and her friend up from the airport. She couldn't stop looking at Jason but thought they were together.
We meet Jason Sadler, entrepreneur and sexy as sin. He is Claire's boss, and was invited to spend christmas with the family after Claire finding out he has no plans, and plans to be alone for christmas. He is jaded, and likes to have one night stands after having his heartbroken over a year ago and still going through divorce. His whole world changed perception slowly after arriving in Crystal Brook for the holidays and meet his employees sister.
Will Jason ever get over his hurt and find love? Will Gwen change her mind on men?
This story is slow build up to love and relationship. You can't help but feel for the characters and cheer them on. It was exhilarating to read a book what wasn't fast paced and let you see the angst and fear of new relationships. WTMO
We meet Gwen Lawerence, who moved back to her hometown crystal brook to open a coffee/book shop after leaving New York where she lived with her sister Claire. The shop has been running for a year, and still growing. She didn't believe guys were worth it after being hurt by Mike and kept working at the shop to hide her hurt and get over it. It all changed just before christmas when she had to pick her sister Claire and her friend up from the airport. She couldn't stop looking at Jason but thought they were together.
We meet Jason Sadler, entrepreneur and sexy as sin. He is Claire's boss, and was invited to spend christmas with the family after Claire finding out he has no plans, and plans to be alone for christmas. He is jaded, and likes to have one night stands after having his heartbroken over a year ago and still going through divorce. His whole world changed perception slowly after arriving in Crystal Brook for the holidays and meet his employees sister.
Will Jason ever get over his hurt and find love? Will Gwen change her mind on men?
This story is slow build up to love and relationship. You can't help but feel for the characters and cheer them on. It was exhilarating to read a book what wasn't fast paced and let you see the angst and fear of new relationships. WTMO
June 3, 2016
5 Stars
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it! This book is about Gwen and Jason and having to break down those walls they both built up, in order to keep themselves from heartbreak again. They've both had their own issues with love and basically shoved it under the carpet... until fate, in the name of Claire, (Gwen's sister) brings them together. The two definitely had chemistry, but because of their weariness of love, they constantly bickered and second guessed themselves. One would want the other, and the other would pull away, and then they would totally swap roles. It was a constant back and forth there for awhile, a crazy kind of love, giving me minor whiplash. Though I did find their bickering humorous, I was glad when they got it together. Both are damaged, so you can't expect a relationship between two damaged people to be perfect, or even work. Loved the small town setting and the supporting characters and hoping Claire gets her own book! This was a quick easy read and I enjoyed her writing style. I will definitely be looking into other books by this author.
B2B Krissy
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it! This book is about Gwen and Jason and having to break down those walls they both built up, in order to keep themselves from heartbreak again. They've both had their own issues with love and basically shoved it under the carpet... until fate, in the name of Claire, (Gwen's sister) brings them together. The two definitely had chemistry, but because of their weariness of love, they constantly bickered and second guessed themselves. One would want the other, and the other would pull away, and then they would totally swap roles. It was a constant back and forth there for awhile, a crazy kind of love, giving me minor whiplash. Though I did find their bickering humorous, I was glad when they got it together. Both are damaged, so you can't expect a relationship between two damaged people to be perfect, or even work. Loved the small town setting and the supporting characters and hoping Claire gets her own book! This was a quick easy read and I enjoyed her writing style. I will definitely be looking into other books by this author.
B2B Krissy
June 6, 2016
I really loved this book! Gwen and Jason have chemistry from the start! They've both suffered from broken hearts from previous relationships. Gwen usually spends all her time at her coffees shop that's she's ran for more than a year so she doesn't have to deal with her feelings. She doesn't same much time for nothing else and often sleeps there. Jason spends all his time working and when not engages in series of endless one night stands to try to get past the hurt from his ongoing divorce . They meet when Claire, Gwen's sister, brings Jason, her boss, to her hometown from New York to spend Christmas with her family so that he doesn't have to spend Christmas alone. Neither Gwen or Jason are looking for a committed relationship but they can't fight the spark they ignite for each other. Slowly they break down each others walls. This is such a sweet love story with a little sexiness in the mix! I couldn't put it down! I read in a little more than a day! Can't wait for book 2 in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 20, 2016
I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down, I wanted to know what was happening with all the characters. I absolutely love a book where I can connect with every single character. Ms. Blake truly has a winner on her hands.
Jason didn’t really have anywhere to spend Christmas and when Claire, one of his employees finds out, she invites him home to Crystal Brook, North Carolina to spend Christmas with her family.
Once there, he meets Gwen, Claire’s reserved sister. He was attracted at first sight and made it his mission to be with her before he left. Once he got to know her though, he realized that he just want a once and done. Through talking with her family he realizes that there’s more to her than just looks. She is a damaged woman, though no one talks about why.
Claire tries to resist her feelings, but can’t.
This is just a wonderful story full of hope and laughter. Make sure you add this to your TBR and grab a copy today.
Jason didn’t really have anywhere to spend Christmas and when Claire, one of his employees finds out, she invites him home to Crystal Brook, North Carolina to spend Christmas with her family.
Once there, he meets Gwen, Claire’s reserved sister. He was attracted at first sight and made it his mission to be with her before he left. Once he got to know her though, he realized that he just want a once and done. Through talking with her family he realizes that there’s more to her than just looks. She is a damaged woman, though no one talks about why.
Claire tries to resist her feelings, but can’t.
This is just a wonderful story full of hope and laughter. Make sure you add this to your TBR and grab a copy today.
May 30, 2016
What a complicated story to behold. At first I wasn't sure who the damaged character was but I think it is both Gwen and Jason because of their pasts.
They fight and yell and scream and run away and then come back and run away again. It is a struggle for them both. Dealing with their hearts and not getting hurt.
They are both so scared and they constantly fight with each-other because of it.
The battles they go through in this book just trying to be together is crazy.
Gwen is an amazingly strong yet guarded women who works to keep herself from the pain of heartache.
Jason oh lordy what a man. Sexy, brilliant, successful, but full of pain and fear from a resent heartache from his ex wife.
Together they make this book amazing.
5 stars
They fight and yell and scream and run away and then come back and run away again. It is a struggle for them both. Dealing with their hearts and not getting hurt.
They are both so scared and they constantly fight with each-other because of it.
The battles they go through in this book just trying to be together is crazy.
Gwen is an amazingly strong yet guarded women who works to keep herself from the pain of heartache.
Jason oh lordy what a man. Sexy, brilliant, successful, but full of pain and fear from a resent heartache from his ex wife.
Together they make this book amazing.
5 stars
August 27, 2016
This was a sweet romance. We have all had that one relationship that ruined us for someone else, or so we thought. This was that story...a story about second chances and how love truly does heal us. It was great to read about a made up town and how in the end, love always wins -through all the self doubt and trials and tribulations of life.
This was the first book that I read by Jessica Blake. Jessica mixed simple and complex words that wrote to the audience she intended the book for. It was not written, as many authors I have recently read do, and wrote down to the audience. Therefore, I will definitely read her again!
This was the first book that I read by Jessica Blake. Jessica mixed simple and complex words that wrote to the audience she intended the book for. It was not written, as many authors I have recently read do, and wrote down to the audience. Therefore, I will definitely read her again!
June 1, 2016
Surprised me!
I say I was surprised because I normally do not get into books with a lead female character in this case her name is Gwen.. Who is overly dramatic and whiny, it was intriguing to me that the lead male character in this case Jason was almost the exact same way.. I honestly think that's what kept me reading, I was curious how's this who situation would pan out. I can say I am glad I did, Jason came out of his funk much sooner then Gwen did and did his best to prove his feelings for her, while she did her best to ignore. Good afternoon read!
I say I was surprised because I normally do not get into books with a lead female character in this case her name is Gwen.. Who is overly dramatic and whiny, it was intriguing to me that the lead male character in this case Jason was almost the exact same way.. I honestly think that's what kept me reading, I was curious how's this who situation would pan out. I can say I am glad I did, Jason came out of his funk much sooner then Gwen did and did his best to prove his feelings for her, while she did her best to ignore. Good afternoon read!
June 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
This story is quite sweet, emotional and sexy. Both the hero Jason and heroine Gwen are emotionally damaged. At the beginning of the book I found Jason to be a bit of a pompous ass. At times this pair could be incredibly frustrating with their back and forth behavior.
Gwen's family were lovely and the banter between them was really engaging.
Overall this book is really well written and I loved the ending! I look forward to reading more from this author.
This story is quite sweet, emotional and sexy. Both the hero Jason and heroine Gwen are emotionally damaged. At the beginning of the book I found Jason to be a bit of a pompous ass. At times this pair could be incredibly frustrating with their back and forth behavior.
Gwen's family were lovely and the banter between them was really engaging.
Overall this book is really well written and I loved the ending! I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 21, 2016
"I received an arc for an honest review"
I really liked this story and the small town feeling of it. Jason and Gwen have had some bad past relationships and both have to deal with their issues. You feel the instant attraction between the two but because of what they have been through they are leary of a relationship. I love Gwen's sister Claire and the whole family. I hope to hear more about them. This is a must read!!
I really liked this story and the small town feeling of it. Jason and Gwen have had some bad past relationships and both have to deal with their issues. You feel the instant attraction between the two but because of what they have been through they are leary of a relationship. I love Gwen's sister Claire and the whole family. I hope to hear more about them. This is a must read!!
May 27, 2016
Great story! I absolutely love Jason and Gwen. I was so hooked in the book from the beginning. They are both damaged and hurt I'm the past. I love how everything one kept trying to push Gwen and Jason together. Can they get past everything that happened to them in the past. This story is an quick, easy read, and won't take long to the end. Keep up the great work Jessica. Can't wait to read another amazing story from you. Definitely an one-click buy!!
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
May 31, 2016
Great story! I absolutely love Jason and Gwen. I was so hooked in the book from the beginning. They are both damaged and hurt I'm the past. I love how everything one kept trying to push Gwen and Jason together. Can they get past everything that happened to them in the past. This story is an quick, easy read, and won't take long to the end. Keep up the great work Jessica. Can't wait to read another amazing story from you. Definitely an one-click buy!!
June 12, 2016
Ok
This book contains two novellas. Both were just OK. They had a good bases, but the emotional issues in the novellas just drugged on and on. The women in the novellas, to me, were so harsh at times and rude and the men were aloof. There was just a feeling disconnection and unbelievably in the love department.
This book contains two novellas. Both were just OK. They had a good bases, but the emotional issues in the novellas just drugged on and on. The women in the novellas, to me, were so harsh at times and rude and the men were aloof. There was just a feeling disconnection and unbelievably in the love department.
May 15, 2016
Great
I loved the book it was so sweet if your looking for erotica in this book you will not find it. There is sex in the book but barely. Other than it being good it's so sweet the characters are great.
I loved the book it was so sweet if your looking for erotica in this book you will not find it. There is sex in the book but barely. Other than it being good it's so sweet the characters are great.
September 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is a story of finding love when you least expect it.
The story read very easy and you really got to know the characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
The story read very easy and you really got to know the characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews