Damaged Girls I

by Janice G. Ross

This is an alternate cover edition for B00AMLEZ7Q

Be warned... Romance is not at the heart of Damaged Girls. This series revolves around contemporary issues in families and relationships.

Steven Briggs is thirty-five, gorgeous and partially successful as an auto shop owner-wannabe. He loves women - young women to be exact. Moreover, he is not above manipulating any situation to have the women he wants. Independent twenty year old Jillian McConnell was once lucky to be a part of his world. Since Stevie was the only man to ever shatter her rough exterior, he knows that she would always keep coming back for more. But Jillian is only
good enough some of the time. When the sensual Jessica Rodney comes of age, Stevie is enthralled. He shuns the older part time model, for the time being. But is Jessica's liveliness enough to sustain Stevie? Or will he keep turning back to the sensible relationship of his past, since he can always make Jillian believe that she should readily be a willing participant in this triangle. Damaged Girls is a complicated novel about the choices and outcomes, associated with the mistakes we make over time.

Genres: Contemporary, Adult Fiction

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2012

About the author

Janice Ross has always believed she was born to write. Ever since she first held a writing device and scribbled in her first journal and created a made up life, she fell in love with the power of storytelling. Since all those years ago, she's grown into a phenomenal writer with skill and experience to feature in true-to-life tales.
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Reviews

[Kenya Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so let's start off by saying that in all fairness I spotted the book cover, loved it, didn't read the blurb, contacted the author, begged for an ARC, recieved it, began reading it, and then felt like this. . .



So I returned to the blurb and read it...and slapped myself. Because what I realized people is that this is not a funny tale about a black girl discovering herself (which is what I thought the cover said).

Nope this is drama, heartache, exploitation, tears, difficult choices, and holy shit a whole lot of heartbreak.

Let's get this straight right now... there are no hero and heroines. Just a lot of sad people who need a few sessions on the Dr. Phill show. A lot of the time I just read and was like. . .



There was just so much drama and strife and loads of pitiful people. I don't believe that the ending showed a change in the characters either. I kept rooting for someone to gt it together, but I don't believe (in my personal opinion) that it happened.

So I have to give it three stars. On one end you have a topic thats interesting, characters that are well-developed and captivating, scenes that harmoniously push the plot forward. BUT on the otherside you have a lot of over wording in the narrative voice as well as no true character change or overall theme where I learned something from all of this difficulty.

Because I believe that when so much strife is displayed there needs to be some sort of way out (and for one of the characters there was a possible way out. . .but I don't know if that is what the lesson was supposed to be). I guess I just wanted the prize that the reader gets when they've gone through the emotional rollercoaster. That tiny little silver lining or a hug.

I just felt sad for the characters and grateful that they didn't live next to me.

So in the end, thanks for the ARC. I'm a bitchy reviewer so it took major balls to send it to me. I also hope to read more from Mrs. Ross. I just won't continue this series because I'm a wuss and these characters make me cry.

[Janice Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This my novel, so the rating is understandable :-)

First off, Damaged Girls I is an emotional read. The novel fills you with highs, lows and in betweens. There might be times when you might have to put it down and walk away because you have absolutely no control over your character's actions. Believe it or not, that is how I felt when I wrote this piece. In fact, I sketched my characters thoroughly, as if they were human beings. And I got to know each primary or secondary character as a friend, whether I liked them or not.

This novel is the first in The Damaged series (there are 2 more in the making), so the trauma is only building. Damaged Girls I covers a few "heavy" years in the lives of and older man and the much younger women he is involved with. Readers get to know each of the three as intimately, as the tale unravels into a boatload of contention.

If you are looking for a happy tale or typical love story? Damaged Girls is not that one. The novel is about serious issues in families and relationships, and the devastation that can occur because of the issues. If complex reading is your thing, them by all means please take this journey through the Damaged series.

[Karen Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie likes girls, and the younger the better – as long as they are legal. He's in his mid-thirties, and he won't sleep with a girl if she is 15 and 364 days old, but once she's passed that 16th birthday, she's legal and fair game.

Stevie's story is narrated by Morgan, a Director for a local community centre, and Stevie's friend. She wants to protect her girls from the likes of Stevie – whether they want to be protected or not – a difficult task, especially when 16 year old Jessica catches Stevie's eye – or is it the other way round?

Jessie and Stevie get closer until he springs his trap and she's caught – their desire his bait and her innocence his prize. Nearly a year after their first meeting, Jessie introduces him to her parents as her prospective boyfriend, expecting tolerance from her mum Sadie, early 60s, and father, Earl, nearly 80. Stevie feels quite confident, and Jessie is convinced everything will be ok – that her parents will give her 'anything she wants'. But this time, they say no, and Stevie is sent packing. He consoles himself with his ex – Jillie – despite that, after 5 years, she is now too old at 21.

Jessie is not willing to submit to her father's will, and not only continues her relationship with Stevie, but consummates it. They continue to meet behind her parents' backs, but the inevitable happens and they find out. Refusing to give up Stevie, Jessica is thrown out of her parents' home and moves in with her lover.
For his part, Stevie breaks things off once again with Jillie and basks in his young girlfriend.

The introduction of Jessie to his friends results in their first row, and, frustrated by her immaturity, he turns once again to Jillie. Who becomes pregnant. As does Jessica. And Stevie's life gets very complicated. He reacts by feeling sorry for himself and shouts the news of his other pregnant girlfriend at Jessie, who has nowhere to go, no one to turn to. She is 17, pregnant to an unfaithful, selfish, older man and trapped.

'Damaged Girls' is an astutely observed social commentary on unequal relationships – especially those between a middle-aged man and a teenaged girl. Just because something is legal, does that make it acceptable?

As Stevie, Jessie and Jillie, plus the two Lil Stevies struggle to find a path through life, Janice Ross explores the lives and motivation of the three adult participants in this relationship extremely well:
Stevie, the selfish, arrogant Adonis who thinks he can have everything he wants – physical youth and innocence, teamed with an emotional maturity far beyond a teenager's years, and which he does not himself possess, despite his age.
Jessica, the love-struck, stubborn teenaged girl who forces those around her to give her what she wants, and has no concept of consequence.
And Jillian, the 21 year old still in love with the man who took her virginity at 16 and is willing to settle for any situation or humiliation to have that man in her life and bed.

'Damaged Girls' is a fascinating look at how this three-way relationship develops with time – with each individual's role changing and shifting around the persecutor/victim/rescuer cycle. Janice Ross explores the psyche of her characters remorselessly as emotions and reactions escalate until they reach a climax from which there may be no turning back and I'm looking forward to reading book 2 to find out what happens to them all.

[J.P. Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a soap opera I found hard to put down I was so fixated on the shenanigans of Janice Ross’ character, Stevie. Even at the end, I couldn’t decide if he was selfish, sick, spoiled, shallow, just plain stupid, or a combination of all. Whatever Stevie’s problem, he manages to wreak havoc in the lives of his two young victims whose lives become hell because of their dysfunctional relationships with him. Not that these girls weren’t already dysfunctional when they succumbed to the charms of a man almost twice their age. Their parents had primed them for abuse.

The story is told by Morgan, a friend of Stevie’s who is disturbed by his penchant for teenage girls and does her best to set him straight. Unfortunately, Morgan’s advice and warnings fall on deaf ears. Stevie is addicted to young girls. He can’t help himself. And it seems Jillian and Jessica, the girls he interchanges at whim, can’t help accepting the mental abuse he heaps on them. Despite being warned of the dire outcome of this unhealthy triangle, they’re caught on a vicious treadmill they mistake for love. Each girl “loves” Stevie. He “loves” them. Each is convinced she will end up the winner. Except no one can be a winner in this game.

The sad thing is girls younger than the age of consent being lured into relationships with older men happens all too often in real life. Even though the story is presented in a light, almost conversational style, this book addresses the kind of mental abuse a young girl can suffer at the hands of that kind of predator. In this novel, he’s Stevie, an attractive man with his own business, close friends, a nice house. On the surface he seems like a normal guy, but he’s not.
Read Damaged Girls. You may not feel like shaking sense into the heads of the characters like I did, but they’ll certainly keep you turning the pages.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Damaged Girls I" by Janice Ross is an excellent read and a deep character study that examines the relationship between 35 year old Stevie and his much younger, barely legal, girlfriend Jessica.
From the first attraction to the beginning of their relationship we get to see the moral dilemmas, the obstacles and the appeal for both of them, the reactions of parents and friends and how the eventual relationship between a selfish man and a naive girl pans out.
Ross has given this story a lot of thought it seems, the book is detailed, reflective, sharp, gripping, fascinating and powerful.
Enthusiastic 5 stars.

[Angel Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother of young daughters, naturally the subject of this story was disconcerting for me, however it is an all too real testament to the times we live in. Sadly our world is filled with the deplorable likes of Stevie (the twisted minded mid- thirties male main character) and the barely legal, severely broken young girls in which he preys upon. Without question, Stevie was my least favorite character. I found him to be utterly repulsive and the girls pitiable. I deeply sympathized with both girls and kept hoping beyond hope that one of them would brighten up and get it together, but that never happened. I may be wrong but I suspect that was intentional, so I'll definitely be reading Damaged Girls II. I simply must know what happens next. In all, the writer did an excellent job of spinning a very complex prose, and effectively demonstrating the emotions of each character. I look forward to reading the next book, and I strongly recommend this story.

[Janice Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my novel, so the rating is understandable :-)

First off, Damaged Girls I is an emotional read. The novel fills you with highs, lows and in betweens. There might be times when you might have to put it down and walk away because you have absolutely no control over your character's actions. Believe it or not, that is how I felt when I wrote this piece. In fact, I sketched my characters thoroughly, as if they were human beings. And I got to know each primary or secondary character as a friend, whether I liked them or not.

This novel is the first in The Damaged series (there are 2 more in the making), so the trauma is only building. Damaged Girls I covers a few "heavy" years in the lives of and older man and the much younger women he is involved with. Readers get to know each of the three as intimately, as the tale unravels into a boatload of contention.

If you are looking for a happy tale or typical love story? Damaged Girls is not that one. The novel is about serious issues in families and relationships, and the devastation that can occur because of the issues. If complex reading is your thing, them by all means please take this journey through the Damaged series.

[Alan Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of passion and possessive love centres on Stevie, who is a bit of a selfish stud. He is excited by young women, despite the warnings of his friends, and starts an affair with Jessica, 17 years old. At the same time he continues his affair with his ex, Jillian. Throughout the novel he wanders from one to the other as his emotional needs dictate; both get pregnant and give birth to respective Stevie Juniors. Stevie Senior is only really fulfilled through keeping both of his women on the go; choosing one of them for the long term would not satisfy him. There are many twists and turns in the plot (which I will not reveal of course), all revolving around issues of control, faithlessness and steamy sex. The author keeps the reader guessing as to the outcome of Stevie’s ‘double’ life, and explores the characters’ sexual lives with insight and skill. This novel is definitely worth checking out.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book says it all . 2 young damaged girls allowing a middle aged man to mess with their emotions.
I found myself liking the characters one minute then disliking them the next minute. I kept wishing one of them found the courage to put their foot down & stand up for themselves. This book was addictive hence I read it in one sitting.
What an ending... So glad number 2 is sitting in my kindle waiting on me as soon as I finish this review:)
I received this book in return for an honest review.

[T.C. Spellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hhhhmmm...not sure what I expected but this story certainly exceeded my imagination. The descriptors that come to mind are: generational curse, body image issues, unhealthy emotional roller coaster ride and mysterious. I'm curious about one thing and will not mention here (don't want to give anything away). So I guess I'll find out in Damage Girls II.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in a ping pong match throughout the book. I was cheering Jessica, her youth and young love. Then I was living Jillian If that wasn't enough I felt sorry for Stevie most if the time. I can't wait for book 2 & 3 The family was dysfunctional, but I loved them. Roddy and Sadie were the same for me. love and hate. Overall a great read

[Dormaine G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often a book comes along that for some reason effects you emotionally and, for me, this was that book. We can all relate to this book because we know or knew of a girl who was treated so wrongly and/or a man who did the ill treatment, like the characters in this book. Then we ask ourselves, why do people manipulate others and why do others allow themselves to be manipulated. Life is hard enough and these girls made their lives so much harder by staying in unhealthy relationships.

From the first chapter, as narrated my Morgan whom I liked, I needed to know more of what was going to happen next. Off the bat, I did not like Morgan's friend, 35 y/o Steven at all. He sickened me by only wanting little girls who were barely sixteen as he watched and waited until they were legal enough for him to pounce. If he could have had them younger he would have. The two main female characters, Jessica and Jillian are taken on a roller coaster ride of mistreatment under the spell of Steven just to be with him. Jessica, 16, defies her parents and Jillian will take what little crumbs he throws at her since she has gotten too old for him at the ripe old age of 21! This book is about coming of age, misguided love and emotional hardship


Once again Janice G Ross throws caution to the wind by producing a book regarding a subject matter which hits home for a lot of us. The descriptive writings the author chooses is so distinct it’s almost considered unique and the flow of the story keeps the reader engrossed, in such a way, you are finished with the book before you know it. The author has an amazing ability to capture raw emotions and portray them on paper. The book was compelling, emotionally riveting and I highly recommend it!

[Beem Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie is a man in his mid-thirties. His one obvious vice in life is a taste for young, barely legal girls. The way Stevie sees it, if a girl reaches the age of consent—age 16 in his neck of the woods—she’s fair game.

When Stevie meets the young Jessie, he begins to plot and scheme to make the girl his own. However, after meeting the sixteen-year-old girl’s parents, it becomes clear they do not like the middle-aged Romeo’s intentions toward their daughter. Realizing this won’t be the easy conquest he imagined, Stevie finds solace in his former love interest Jill, who at twenty-one years of age, is too old for Stevie’s tastes.

But Jessie is a stubborn girl. She refuses to allow her father final say where her budding love life is concerned. Cracks begin to appear almost immediately as the relationship begins its ascent. Damaged Girls is a well-written documentation of that which is all too commonplace in our society: One person taking advantage of another for selfish motives. Author Janice G. Ross explores the subject to its very core, bringing to light these character traits that seem to permeate the human race.

Ross presents a great study of characters on both sides of this complicated fence, showing that even the victim in this isn’t really as innocent as one might think. And while the reader certainly won’t feel sorry for the predatory Stevie, the author manages to paint the man as human rather than monster. He has friends who care about him, particularly the story’s narrative voice, a woman named Morgan. But friend or not, Morgan’s goal is to protect the young girl, keeping her from the snare of Stevie’s web. But Morgan just might be too late.

Damaged Girls by Janice Ross is a good, solid read; dark at ties, but quite the page-turner.

[Sharon Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Damaged Girls' is the first in a series about selfish womanizer Stevie and his increasingly complicated relationships with two much younger women, Jessica and Jillian.

I thought this was incredibly captivating for a relationship drama with such a heinous main character! I completely hated Stevie throughout and felt like screaming at the two female leads to drop him, yet I could not stop reading even as things went from bad to worse for everyone involved. The characters are well fleshed out and believable and the twists and turns were played out to great effect.

The narrative bothered me a little bit. It goes from first person narration by a female friend of Stevie's, Morgan, to third person to show what's happening behind closed doors with the main characters. I didn't totally get Morgan's involvement in the plot. She is good as a strong female character but aside from chipping in with her opinions she doesn't do much to affect the main story. The story line with the main characters was very engaging however.

This was something a bit different for me but it was a real page turner and I'd recommend to anyone who likes books about relationships with dramatic and involving storylines.

[Mad Giles (Giles A. Madding) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wounding Triangle of Control, Deception, and Misguided Affection


I found this to be a bold look at an emotionally charged subject. You might find yourself not liking most of the characters, or at least not their actions, throughout this novel. Yet there is little doubt that you cannot help recognize their realness, as if the author just plucked from society’s day-to-day life and laid bare upon the page.

Though the author’s style of phrasing took a moment to acclimate to, it is so easy to be caught up in the inevitable and undeniable train wreck of this sad triangle. I found myself wanting to just shake some sense into those girls and help take Steve out behind the barn for a ‘talk’ at least five times a chapter.

My biggest gripe, if you could call it that, is the book ended on such a cliffhanger that if I hadn’t been able to move right onto the next installment I would have felt frustrated with the ending


** Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.**

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Damaged Girls I" by Janice Ross. This is the first book I have read by this author. The book is well written, very easy read, and you feel like you are walking in the characters shoes. The story is about Steven Briggs who is thrity-five, gorgeous, and wants to become an owner of auto shop. He loves women - young women, the younger the better. Jillian McConnell who is twenty and is very independent is the first girl he wants in his life. When Jessica Rodney reaches the age of sixteen Steven sets his sights on having her in his life. Steven has a difficult decision to make when both women end up pregnant. Is Jessica's liveliness enough to sustain Steven? Will he keep going back to the sensible relationship of his past? He can always make Jillian believe that she should readily be a willing participant in this love triangle.

I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens between Steven, Jillian, and Jessica. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[a cup of coffee and a fairytale · Rating 3 out of 5]

i received this book in exchange of an honest review. so here it is.

when i first read the blurb of the book i had great expectations out of it. while it did fulfill some of them i did not really feel any connection to the book. the story is about Stevie. he is a man in his thirties who has a special liking for girls younger than his age. and not in 20s but in their teens. he is portrayed as a padeophile in the beginning with his own reasons. he is in love with jessie his neighbor. they keep the relationship secret till Stevie finds it appropriate to meet her parents. well, the book showed a lot of promise. i liked the concept very much but somewhere i was not very happy with the style of writing. it is distinct. the author has a way of representing emotions. it was also a little slow to me at places. what i would love for this book is to have a good cover page.

the author has a lot of potential. there are going to be more books by the author on my shelf.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is filled with many twists and turns, which I will not reveal, they all revolve around control, faithlessness, and sex. I’m not really sure if I love or hate this novel, all that I know is that as I sit here typing I can’t squelch the anger that is coursing through my veins. I can’t imagine being a part of the “relationship” that unfolds and I find myself wanting to scream at Jessica and Jillian and literally shake some sense into both of them. Still, even as things went from bad to worse I found that I was not able to stop reading. Does that mean I loved or hated it?

Check out our FULL review by visiting us at Griffin's Honey http://www.griffinshoney.com/book-rev...

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Steven Briggs is a gorgeous thirty five year old man. He is partially successful as an auto shop wannabe owner. He loves young women the younger the better as long as they are of legal age.Jessie is his barely legal girlfriend from the beginning of their relationship we see their first attraction to each other, the moral dilemmas, obstacles they face and the appeal for both of them. You see the reactions of the parents and friends. And you get to see how the eventual relationship turns out. Damaged Girls is a fascinating powerful read.This story gives you a realistic look at what can happen when selfishness and lust take over. I look forward to reading more books by Janice Ross.

[Marie Fostino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you heard of the saying 'Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive'. I am not going to give out any spoilers for this book called 'Damaged Girls' by Janice Ross. So you will have to read this book to see what I mean. Thank you Janice for a good read.

[Tamika Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged Girls is a poignant tale of love gained and lost and gained and then lost again. This novel follows the dysfunctional relationship of thirty-something Stevie and his two very young girlfriends. Stevie manages to juggle the two significant relationships with deception, deflection and sex as his jilted juvenile lovers keep coming back for more. I have to admit being disgusted with Stevie’s character but intrigued by the crafty way he managed the simultaneous relationships.
When Stevie discovers both women are pregnant at the same time, the plot thickens and Janice Ross does a great job of providing character background via sub-plots on the lives of Stevie and his two young ladies. These sub-plots give the reader better insight into the complicated relationships and just how damaged the characters really are.
There were times in the book where I grew extremely frustrated with the back and forth and the repetitive mistakes of Stevie and his girlfriends, but the realistic and appalling actions of the characters kept pulling me right back in.
These characters are the ones you hate to love and they definitely keep you wanting more. I look forward to Damaged Girls 2 to find out how it all turns out!