Damaged Like Us

Like Us #1

by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

alternate cover edition of ASIN B071KYP7YT

Don’t date your bodyguard.
It was the one rule he had to break.

Maximoff Hale is a force of nature. A ship unwilling to be steered. Headstrong, resilient, and wholly responsible — the twenty-two-year-old alpha billionaire can handle his unconventional life. By noon, lunch can turn into a mob of screaming fans. By two, his face is all over the internet.

Born into one of the most famous families in the country, his celebrity status began at birth.

He is certified American royalty.

When he’s assigned a new 24/7 bodyguard, he comes face-to-face with the worst case scenario: being attached to the tattooed, MMA-trained, Yale graduate who’s known for “going rogue” in the security team — and who fills 1/3 of Maximoff's sexual fantasies.

Twenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene has one job: protect Maximoff Hale. Flirting, dating, and hot sex falls far, far out of the boundary of his bodyguard duties and into “termination” territory. But when feelings surface, protecting the sexy-as-sin, stubborn celebrity becomes increasingly complicated.

Together, boundaries blur, and being exposed could mean catastrophic consequences for both.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

401 pages, ebook

First published June 27, 2017

About the author

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.

To stay up to date on new releases, bonus content, and more, sign up for Krista & Becca's Newsletter: www.kbritchie.com/newsletter

Quick note: We don't check Goodreads, so we don't respond to messages here. But if you want to connect with Becca or me, you can reach out to us on our social medias or at our website: www.kbritchie.com

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Fans of Krista & Becca's Books:
♥ Join Krista & Becca's Fizzle Force Facebook group.
♥ Inspiration for the Addicted series can be found on their Pinterest boards.
♥ Find playlists for all of their books on Spotify
♥ Check out all of their extras! Including: bonus scenes, character interviews, fun posts and more on their Extras page.

Reviews

[Becca Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT'S LIVE! Happy Reading, everyone!!


Krista & I hope you enjoy all the OMFG moments, happy feelings, laugh-out-loud parts, and the heartfelt bonds! You don't need to read any of our previous novels in order to read Damaged Like Us -- it stands on its own as the start to a brand new series about American royalty & the bodyguards sworn to protect them.

*** 2017 UPDATE ***

The blurb and the release date are here! For all the extra info, check out the details on our blog post. P.S. the Like Us series is post-college! So you won't be reading about the characters in a college setting. They're adulting and navigating romance amid being American royalty! :D We're soooo excited to start this adventure with all of you, and we hope you join us on the wild ride that is the Like Us series!!

You can read the Like Us series without having read any of our other novels beforehand!

OLD UPDATE:

Some details about the Like Us series are in the back of Addicted After All (Addicted #3) *wink wink* You don't need to read the Addicted series or Calloway Sisters spin-off series to read Damaged Like Us, though little parts of the world may make you giddy if you've read them beforehand.

Very briefly: this is about a group of twenty-somethings raised in the public eye, with no control over their labels or how people perceive them. With a strong focus on family, romance, love, and college -- you'll witness three people tied by blood navigate life. Only difference between them and you: they're doing it all underneath the brightest, hottest -- sometimes unbearable -- spotlight.

** RELEASE DATE UPDATE **

Coming Spring 2017! If you're wondering why the delay, it's because we decided to add Fuel the Fire, Long Way Down, and Some Kind of Perfect before releasing the Like Us series. All three of those books are now available, and the Like Us series, starting with Damaged Like Us, will begin in 2017 :)

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%

If I'm bored and frustrated halfway through, it's time to call it quits.



I loathed the narrative style. I don't want to be talked at. It's like the date who won't stop talking about themselves, and you're like, Check, please.

Don't TELL me; SHOW ME. Breaking the fourth wall is almost always a no-no in romantic fiction.

If I need a freaking Excel spreadsheet to keep track of the secondary characters, there are too many. I tried to read this book as a standalone, and it was an epic fail.

I disliked Maximoff pretty much on sight. He's arrogant, flippant, and famous for being famous. The whole rich celebrity lifestyle was way OTT.



I'm no expert on the rich and fabulous, but Prince Harry somehow manages to live a fairly low-key life, yet no one in Maximoff's extended family can even sneeze without like twenty paparazzi documenting the moment.

Plus, both MCs are one-dimensional and have ridunkulous names. I can't get behind a guy named Moffy. I just can't.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!



Reading another book with my favorite fictional family in it feels like coming home. Loren and Lily Hale are probably my #1 favorite book couple ever. Damaged Like Us is their son, Maximoff Hale’s, book. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I think for those of us that are huge Addicted fans, it will be even more special!

You all know me as Maximoff Hale. CEO of a nonprofit charity, one-time philosophy major, competitive swimmer, son of a sex addict mother and recovering alcoholic father, and the steadfast older brother to three and cousin to eleven

Moffy was born into fame. Privacy is something he’s used to not having. A body guard is something he’s had his entire life, so it’s nothing new to him. When Moffy’s bodyguard he’s had for the longest time retires, he’s a bit anxious to get a new one. You spend a lot of time with this person and he was used to who he had. He was comfortable. Farrow Keene, his teenage crush who used to be his mother’s bodyguard, is not someone he wants protecting him. But that’s who he ends up with.

The chemistry between these two was hot from the start. You could feel the sexual tension between Farrow and Moffy from the beginning. I loved their banter and connection. I loved that Farrow really saw Moffy, who he was, not just as a famous person. Being with Farrow changed Moffy. The sparks between them flew. I didn’t know how the twins would do writing a m/m romance, but I thought they did a fantastic job.



Moffy is the oldest of the Hale kids and since he’s the oldest, he’s always been the one his siblings and cousins turn to. I love the family dynamic in this book. Getting to see the old Addicted gang, and the new generation made my heart so happy. I loved the relationship between Moffy and his cousin, Jane. I can’t wait to get her book as well! I was a little anxious about Farrow at first, but I was so glad I ended up loving him as much as Moffy.

The writing was spectacular as always. I loved the little quips and pop culture references. There are always lines in a Ritchie book that make me laugh or put a huge smile on my face. My favorite one in the book was from Lily-

“Moffy!” Her mouth drops. “You’re a Hufflepuff. Be nice.”


Damaged Like Us is a book I would recommend to all fans of the Addicted series, m/m lovers, and lovers of romance alike. It was a great start to this next generation series and I can’t wait to read more!!!

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I will literally - literally - read anything the Ritchie sisters write, especially anything about the Calloway/Cobalt/Meadows clan.

For serious though, I LOVE these families and I LOVE these characters.

This one was no different - and an MM on top of that! Woot woot.

I really enjoyed Maximoff and Farrow and I can't wait for the next.
Hell, it even made me feel like going back and re-reading the whole series.


*My Maximoff

[Hulya Kara Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want you.
Only you."






OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m on the pink clouds right now. Uhh I’m hot, I’m wet and I definitely need a shower when I get back home. :D

This book was super funny and sexy and I need more Moffy & Farrow!!!! I just can’t get enough of these two. Ahh they were so hot together and don’t even get me started with the sex scenes. Ahhh their chemistry were of the charts and this book literally wet my panties!!! LOL :P

And while I wait next book,

I need more Jane Cobalt!
I want more Charlie Cobalt!
I demand more Sullivan fucking Meadows!!!!! in that book….

Oh also let's not forget other kids... :D


THE HALES FAMILY
Lily Calloway & Loren Hale
Maximoff - 22
Luna – 17
Xander – 14
Kinney – 12


THE COBALTS FAMILY
Richard Connor Cobalt & Rose Calloway
Jane - 22
Charlie – 19
Beckett – 19
Eliot – 18
Tom – 17
Ben – 15
Audrey – 12


THE MEADOWS FAMILY
Ryke Meadows & Daisy Calloway
Sullivan - 19
Winona - 13

Long story short, I'm dying to read MORE about this crazy-weird-cute people!!!! <3

-----------------------------

Authors Note: The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them. Damaged Like Us can be read and enjoyed without reading any of Krista & Becca's other novels.

but still I highly recommend their Addicted / Calloway Sisters series to you. You have to meet with Loren Hale, Lily Calloway, Connor Cobalt, Rose Calloway, Ryke Meadows and Daisy Calloway. :)

Trust me, you're missing too much!!!

RECOMMENDED READING ORDER

Addicted to You (Addicted #1)
Ricochet (Addicted #1.5)
Addicted for Now (Addicted #2)
Kiss the Sky (Spin-Off: Calloway Sisters #1)
Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters #2)
Thrive (Addicted #2.5)
Addicted After All (Addicted #3)
Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters #3)
Long Way Down (Calloway Sisters #4)
Some Kind of Perfect (Calloway Sisters #4.5)

[TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

CURRENTLY FREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! https://amzn.to/2SeEQh4


*brain error recognition*
*too happy to even properly form words*
*too emotional I feel like flying above the sky*

HOW AM I EVEN GOING TO REVIEW THIS?!?!? *INHALES, EXHALES* okay, okay. Let me try to express my love for this. (WARNING: FAN-GIRLING AND GUSHING IS COMING YOUR WAY)

Not to be dramatic, but like, this is the best book ever. Really. This may be my FAVORITE by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I don't think I've ever felt so alive after finishing a book.

This was UN-PUT-DOWN-ABLE. I'm talking bring the kindle with you to pee, to eat, to cook type of ‘can't put it down.’

I’m going to try give a short summary on these characters so anyone who hasn’t read the Addicted Series series has some background information - but without spoiling too much on this book or the Addicted Series.

Maximoff Hale, in his words: 22 year old CEO of a nonprofit charity, one-time philosophy major, competitive swimmer, son of a sex addict mother and recovering alcoholic father, and the steadfast older brother to three and cousin to eleven.





He’s wealthy. He’s head strong. He adores his family. He’s known all around the world because of his parents and relatives. He’s so famous, in fact, he’s had a 24/7 bodyguard his whole life.

Our fame burns. And burns. None of us need to stoke the flames for it to stay lit. And me—fame is my friend and foe. It’s a part of me. A tangible thing that lives inside of me. This is the only life I’ve ever lived. It’s the only life I know.

Enter Farrow Keene: 27 year old, tattooed, Yale graduate known as the “rule breaker” in Maximoff’s family’s security force and his new bodyguard.





Fun fact: Maximoff has had a crush on Farrow since his teen years. So when he learns that Farrow is going to be with him from sun up to sun down, he isn’t too thrilled. They BOTH know doing anything with a bodyguard or client is off limits, but they aren’t so sure they can ignore and resist the feelings they have.

His know-it-all smile fucking kills me, and I swear he’s one second from saying, do you like that? And I think, too damn much.

_

My gaze latches intensely onto his. And his brown eyes plaster onto my green. So strongly that I’m drop-dead positive we’re forcing ourselves not to look lower. Not to our lips, not to our bodies. Not to any forbidden place that’d cause disaster. I try to master restraint, but my eyes say what my mouth can’t. Kiss me.

Take the already mounting sexual tension from their past, plus the fact that these two spend almost ALL of their time together, and what you get is one HOT AS HELL forbidden love story.

I’m watched and observed all the time. By strangers. By cameramen. By people. And never, never have I come undone. Until now, until his eyes feel like hands, and I want them all over me.

And the banter between these two was so freaking entertaining:

“Wow,” Farrow breathes, “I rocked your teenage world, didn’t I?”
I flash him an annoyed smile. “I’m limp now. Thank you for that.”
Farrow glances at the hard outline in my jeans. “Your erection says you’re a fucking liar.”

Guess who's going to re-read this over and OVER until the next book is out.
Clue: It's me.

I’m hooked by the way he’s staring deeply at me. Like I’m a fantasy. Like I’m something made of heaven and stars that he’s dreamt of—and I never thought to ask what a celebrity who could have anyone in the fucking world fantasizes about. And I wonder how long it’s been me.

But to be serious for a moment here, these authors are a force to be reckoned with. 13 books later, and I have LOVED and given every single one of them 5 stars. Do you understand what that means for a picky reader like me?? No one creates characters as unique as they do, no one writes stories as original as their stories, and NEVER do I feel so immediately connected to a book than when I start one of theirs. In a book world that has cliché after cliché, re-used story-line after re-used story-line, they ALWAYS STAND OUT in the best way.

This was EVERYTHING. Funny, INSANELY romantic, SCORCHING HOT, intense, and completely addictive. These girls know how to write a book that hooks you from page one and does not let go until the very end. And even once you're done, you'll want to re-read this again and again just to capture those feelings one more time.

And kudos to Krista & Becca for making this story completely unpredictable and something that totally exceeded all of my expectations.

*side note (wow I really can’t shut up about this book, can I? If you’re still reading this review – I adore you) - the side characters in this are out of this world entertaining. Fans of the Addicted Series will LOVE getting to see all of the beloved characters again, and everyone will without a doubt fall head over heels for the group of bodyguards. (I’m already calling dibs on Thatcher. Italian and an alpha bodyguard? MINE!)

Damaged Like Us is OUT NOW!!!!!! |http://amzn.to/2tv3bHj



Find Me On:
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[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forth re-read: 08.05.2021
Marrow is quite good together, but I do understand why my rating keeps changing. The thing is, while Marrow is good for one another, they keep up a wall between them, they hold back - mostly due to Moffy and who is he. So each book you get to see them get closer and closer, but it takes a looooong time. Overall, I still enjoyed this re-read.

Third re-read: 07.11.2020
I found myself missing Moffy and Farrow. Hell it's been two years since my last re-read so no wonder. There's just something beautiful and pure between those two males. I adore them. The story itself, however, is a bit boring. I don't remember, but I hope Moffy - and Jane - doesn't forgive their family so easily for thinking they were in an incest relationship.
New Rating - 3 *can't seem to make up my mind* stars.

Second re-read: 04.09.2018
I just couldn't help myself. I needed to remind myself my I liked the authors in the first place as the Addicted series didn't work at all for me. Plus, I've missed Maximoff and Farrow. I seriously hope we get more than 3 books for these two... because I need that. Really.
New Rating - 3.5 stars ---> I keep going back and forth.

I read into his words. “You think Moffy’s hot?”
“Everyone thinks Moffy’s hot.” Oscar rotates to me. “It’d be near impossible to find someone who says less than that. You see him. On a scale of one to ten, he’s—”
“Out of your league,” I say matter-of-factly. Trying not to appear territorial. My muscles contract, almost flexed, but Oscar can’t tell.
“More like, he’s way, way off-limits.”
Maybe.

Re-read: 07.11.2017
I did enjoyed this re-read, however, I remember why I only gave it 3 stars; it's boring. Meaning, there's little (action) happening. I do still like my boys Maximoff and Farrow, and I'm excited to start book two. I just hope I won't get disappointed, like I did with this one. When things get boring, I start skimming, which I did in this re-read. Not good...
New Rating - 3 stars.

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Some wolf scout loving*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

I actually liked this one. I'm kinda angry with myself that I started the book before the rest of the story of Billionaire Maximoff ‘Moffy’ ‘wolf scout’ Hale (22) and bodyguard Farrow Redford Keene (27) were finished. I hate waiting you see. Maximoff is a real compassionate, loving and humble guy. He's incredible nice and only wants the best for his family. He puts his families needs over his own, and to be honest, wolf scout deserves way fucking more. Farrow is more of a laidback dude, who's blunt and says it was it is. Both are very likable characters who fit each other just perfectly.

“If I’m not the hero, what am I?” Maximoff is waiting for me to call him a villain. In his comic books, that’s the dichotomy. Heroes versus villains.
He’s very far from one.
I press my lips to his jaw, his neck, and against his ear, I whisper, “You’re a prince who wants to be a knight.”

I liked both of the characters and I specially liked them together. I'm curious to see their relationship get even deeper, but of course, I have to fucking wait for that. I don't want to wait. I want to see Maximoff and Farrow's journey straight away. Like read all the books after one another and finish their story so I know they got the happy ending they deserve.

“And you see being with your bodyguard as wrong. And wrong leads to bad; and bad equals unhappy in your philosophically-bound head. You realize that not everyone thinks that way, Maximoff?”
My brows knot. “In what universe does wrong lead to rays of fucking sunshine and happily-ever-afters, Farrow? Please, enlighten me.”

Overall, the story was interesting, I liked the closeness of the families and I love that the bodyguards aren't just bodyguards, but more like friends (Though there was this one scene where I wanted to kill some of the family members; how dare them question Maximoff that way?). However, not much happened, so if the book had been longer, I would probably had gotten bored, but luckily it was just the perfect length.

Character List:
Not all characters in this list will make an appearance in the book, but most will be mentioned.
Ages represent the age of the character at the beginning of the book. Some characters will be older when they’re introduced, depending on their birthday.
THE HALES
Lily Calloway & Loren Hale
Maximoff - 22
Luna – 17
Xander – 14
Kinney – 12
THE COBALTS
Richard Connor Cobalt & Rose Calloway
Jane - 22
Charlie – 19
Beckett – 19
Eliot – 18
Tom – 17
Ben – 15
Audrey – 12
THE MEADOWS
Ryke Meadows & Daisy Calloway
Sullivan - 19
Winona – 13
THE SECURITY TEAM
These are the bodyguards that protect the Hales, Cobalts, and Meadows.
Security Force Omega
Akara Kitsuwon - 25
Farrow Keene – 27
Quinn Oliveira– 20
Oscar Oliveira - 30
Paul Donnelly – 26
Security Force Epsilon
Thatcher Moretti - 27
Banks Moretti – 27
Heidi Smith – 50s
…and more
Security Force Alpha
Price Kepler – 40s
…and more.

“Thoreau said, ‘Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.’”

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (NA) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - Yes, so far.
Favorite character? - Maximoff Hale & Farrow Redford Keene.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3.5 stars.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 45%

Damaged Like Us is my first book from the Ritchies (Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie) and I really struggled with it.

First of all, it's billed as a stand-alone when it's ANYTHING but. You really need to have read the Calloway sister series to follow along, and even then you should have a chart or map or something. I was totally, 100% lost when it came to the characters, and I eventually gave up trying to figure out who was who.

I really enjoyed the narration from J.F. Harding, who is a rock star in my book, but the narration from Alexander Cendese really bothered me. Alexander Cendese has a great sort of "tough" voice, but it didn't fit for the son of super upper class doctors, IMO.

I often struggle with contemporary romance, but it seems like M/M romance from primarily M/F authors tends to bother me the most. I just didn't buy anything about the story, and I had no problems with my decision to put it down at 45% and never pick it back up again.

Not for me.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 9/24/19

I am a huge fan of these authors.... Like screaming fangirling huge !!



So imagine how I felt when I found out that my favorite authors didn't only write a spin-off of one of my favorite series....but they also made it an MM one !!!



That's right !! This is Moffy's (Maximoff) story and we get us some man on man action <3

Now first things first... The authors say that this story can be read as a stand-alone and I agree...sort off. If you haven't read the "Addicted" and "Calloway" series, you can still read this book and follow the storyline. I do think though, that this book is so much more enjoyable if you have read the previous series. These families went through a lot to get where they are now. I don't think you can fully grasp how and why Moffy came to be who he is today if you skip the other series. So my personal advice would be to read the other books....they are so freaking good !!!!!



Also, this book ends in a HFN. It is a new series and there will be another book(s) about this couple... No cliffy, so don't worry ;)

Now about the story...and I will try to keep the spoilers low...

Moffy is the son of Lily Calloway and Loren Hale. His parents are extremely famous...and not always in a good way. His mom is the daughter of the founder of "Fizz", a soda that surpassed coca-cola. She is also a sexaddict...which is how she became famous because her personal life was leaked to the press. His father, Loren Hale, is also very well known because of his last name, since its the name of a famous baby line. He is a recovering alcoholic. They didn't have it easy and they had a lot of hate thrown their way...



This story isn't about Moffy's parents though, since they already have their own books. They do make a small appearance.

This story is about Moffy and the fact that he himself has been very very famous, since the moment he was born. Everything about him is public knowledge. He can't go anywhere without being hounded by fans, haters and the press. All of this is the reason that Moffy needs a bodyguard 24/7. Since his old bodyguard is retiring, he is getting a new one....and he isn't exactly happy about this fact.



Farrow has been fodder for Maximoff's spank bank since Moffy was 16 years old. He is the son of their family doctor and after finishing his medical degree, he decided that security was much more his thing. He has been Lily's bodyguard for the last 3 years and now he is being assigned as Moffy's personal protection.

Moffy is bisexual and he has been out for a long time. The only thing he isn't open about towards the public and the press are his hookups. He has no idea how he is gonna function with his "wet dream" protecting him and watching him 24 hours a day......



But when it becomes clear that Farrow feels the exact same way about him...all bets are off.



I think these authors did a very good job with their first MM. It was very sexy and sweet ;)

I loved catching up with all these kids that I missed so much. I loved seeing how close Moffy and Jane still were. I can't wait to read more. Like I said earlier, this book ends on a HFN, because there will be more to follow. I can only hope that all the kids get their own book (s).

Now I am gonna have to re-read the "Addicted" and the "Calloway" series again :P

[prerna · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5/5

(There are spoilers, but only Addicted spoilers are hidden)

Alright let's gooo.

1. The Hale Propaganda
Really, I've always had a feeling that despite K&B saying otherwise, the Hales (Lily & Lo) were clearly their favourite. And that's okay, I understand they were the original characters so they probably are more attached to them. But what's not okay is other characters suffering just for their benefit. Throughout Addicted the others (Connor & Rose, Daisy & Ryke) always, ALWAYS, put Lily and Lo above their own happiness, and it always irked me because Lily and Lo never really did that for anyone (besides each other, but that's a whole new argument about their codependent relationship).

But in DLU this went on to a whole new level and I am NOT okay with it.

Firstly, I get that we're in Moffy's pov and he loves his family, but after the first few hundred time, the "Hales are the Best" promotion becomes quite stale and boring, and frankly, very annoying. Especially when you keep telling me, but you don't show me anything to back it up. Not to mention putting Moffy on a pedestal. He was some great sibling, and an even greater cousin. Everyone looked up to him. He was just all around an amazing guy. But how? We get told all of this, but we’re never really shown much. It was infuriating.

This book was way too focused on Moffy and Farrow’s relationship, there was no space for anything else. This book didn’t even seem to have much of a plot, it was just relationship development (which I think was also done quite poorly; it was too sudden and rushed, and by that I mean the entire time it just felt too… sexualised? Though all of a sudden it’s not another NSA for Moffy, it’s something more? We didn’t see much, but whatever), and maybe it’s my fault that I really expected to see more of the LU kids. I wanted to meet them and see their relationship with Moffy, but we didn’t get anything. Instead we got dicks hardening faster than I could turn the page.

Secondly, was the whole thing with Moffy and Ryke necessary? In SKOP Moffy was a child (I think around 12?) and it made sense then when he had doubts and he wanted to make his dad proud, and he wanted everyone to know how much he loved his dad; that he was Loren Hale’s son, not Ryke Meadows. That was understandable, and I don’t remember the details but it was eventually resolved, and Moffy resumed his relationship with Ryke, rather than cutting him out of his life. That was the end, or it should have been.

In DLU Moffy is a grown ass man, he has apparently been close to Ryke for years, Ryke practically taught him everything from camping to riding a bike.

Exhibit A:
My dad raised me, and when I was twelve, I had a choice. I could either resent Ryke or I could love him as much as my dad does.
I chose to love him. As a teenager, he taught me how to ride a motorcycle. We went on annual camping trips. I created the Charity Camp-Away out of my love for hiking, camping, kayaking—and would that even exist without Ryke?
He showed me how to build a fire with flint. How to pitch a tent. How to climb rock faces. Outside of the Meadows family, I’m the only one who’s ever been to their Costa Rica cabin-treehouse.

After everything, after years of this, due to stupid rumours that Moffy knows won’t change, he decides that he can’t be like Ryke at all. Not only that, but he treats him quite poorly. I don’t know about you, but by Hothouse Flower I was quite literally Done with how the Hale men treated Ryke, so this only further incensed me.

Exhibit B:
“You know my mom was on the front page of Celebrity Crush this morning?” My shoulders are locked. “The headline: Lily Calloway Goes Back to Her Old Wild Ways! They had a photograph of her sticking her hand down my dad’s pants. And Uncle Ryke is upset over a cover where he’s scaling a mountain during a damn sunrise.”
A bad, acidic taste drips down my throat, but I don’t look away.

Exhibit C:
I’ve noticed he’s been ditching most of his green shirts for red. A deliberate, calculated change.
The public associates most of the Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts with their favorite colors.
And his dad’s is red.
Ryke’s is green.

It’s just??? Colour???? Of clothing??

Exhibit D:
Then in a different language, she asks, “Has pensado en la ultra?” Have you thought about the ultra?
Ryke Meadows taught his daughters to speak Spanish. And he taught me. I’m proud to be fluent, but in the past year, being constantly compared to Ryke…I don’t know.
I question everything.

Exhibit E:
If she asked me a year ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated like I do now.
“It’s because my dad ran an ultra, isn’t it?”
“Sul.” I rub my sharpened jaw. “If I go, they’ll compare me more to your dad than they do now.”

This is self-explanatory, I don’t think anything else needs to be said. But it was grating and annoying, and absolutely awful. I’m tired of this. Ryke deserved better.

2. The Hale Propaganda: part deux

(This is my favourite by the way!)

The great Moffy Hales y’all:

Maximoff smiles throughout the emo-punk song. “Tom.” He shakes his head and then finds a moment to glance at me. “He was only ten when I finally told everyone that I liked girls and guys, and I didn’t think it’d matter to him. But I stood in front of my family at Christmas, presents half-unwrapped, with goddamn Jack Frost playing in the background—and when everyone started hugging me and smiling, I looked over and Tom was crying.”

AND

“He was happy.”
“So goddamn happy.” Maximoff blinks back water that wells. “Tom knew he was gay…for as long as I can remember, and I’m five years older than him. And when I knelt in front of him and hugged him—I felt guilty.” He cringes. “For not telling him sooner. I pretty much knew I was attracted to guys by thirteen. That’s two years where I could’ve told him.”
I extend my arm over the back of his seat, acting like I’m using the seat to check behind us. I just want to be closer to Maximoff. “It’s admirable how much you care,” I say, “but he’s lucky he has you at all.” Warmly, I add, “Your compassion is showing.”

How compassionate. I’m literally crying, there are angry tears in my eyes. I mean, Moffy really did That for Tom 😩😩👏🏽👏🏽

But listen to this: Tom was 10 when this happened, and Moffy deadass felt guilty for not telling Tom sooner. Except Tom was completely and utterly okay with his sexuality when he was s e v e n!

Case in point:

Tom takes a peek at the lifeguard stand. “What if he’s really cute?”

We’re not suddenly surprised that Tom is attracted to boys and not girls. Rose and Connor cultivated this safe space for their children. Inclusive of just about everything and fucking anything. So when Tom started feeling an attraction towards guys, he didn’t make a speech. He didn’t worry his parents would disown him or fucking hate him or try to convince him to love someone he can’t.

– Some Kind of Perfect.

But it was Moffy who did that for Tom, right? Not his own parents? Gotta love the Hales :)))

3. The Writing & Characterisation & POV
How many times can one read about razor sharp cheekbones (this coming from the very first Addicted book) before it becomes repetitive and unoriginal??

Why did both Moffy and Farrow get hard every other paragraph?? Farrow was literally listing supplies for a piercing for Kinney’s birthday, and Moffy got hard?? Is that necessary or realistic?

The writing from the first Addicted book to SKOP had improved so much, but this? I don’t know what to call this. It was quite terrible, a huge step backwards for K&B and quite frankly, a big disappointment.

Other than the writing the characters were so off. Not only were they OOC, but also separate. I don’t know how else to describe it, but the relationship we saw between the LU kids in SKOP is not what we got here. I understand that they were much younger in SKOP, but even between siblings it didn’t feel like they were close at all. I know everyone loved Moffy and Jane’s relationship, but I couldn’t see it. Again, we were told in words how close they were, they said it themselves, but we weren’t shown much, not like we were shown in SKOP and previous books.

Moffy himself was quite OOC too, and on that note, his POV characters sounded like a mix of both Loren and Luka Kotova’s pov. He didn’t really seem to have his own voice. And his obsession with wanting to become 100% Loren Hale didn’t help it either. Moffy started off sounding exactly like Loren Hale, and throughout the novel he became more like Luka. Since I didn’t enjoy either of their pov’s much, I’m not that surprised this was a huge let down.

4. Chapter 40 and 41 – Very Out of Character
The last thing to really cement my dislike for this book.

What the hell was that?
Firstly, it was disgusting, this White plot twist.
Secondly, it did nothing but cheapen EVERYONE’S relationships (especially Moffy & Jane’s, and their relationship with their parents/aunts/uncles).

Despite everything, Moffy and Jane both didn’t deserve this shit storyline. And they especially didn’t deserve their own parents turning on them. Which is just unbelievable. None of them would ever, ever pull the shit they did in DLU in Addicted. It was the ugliest out of character shit I’ve seen in a long time.

The parents, who have dealt with false rumours and lies for years by now, they really believed that disgusting rumour about Moffy and Jane? Lmao.
Am I honestly meant to take this shit seriously???

I have no love lost for Loren Hale, but do K&B really expect me to believe that Loren would question his own son, after he himself was in a similar position with his dad? You know,, those rumours about Jonathan sexually abusing him? And no one believed Loren?.

My heart literally broke when: “Nous avons besoin d'explications, mon coeur.” We need explanations, my heart.

No, you do not. You do not need any fucking explanations. This isn’t you. You would never do this. What the fuck. A stake to my heart would’ve been more real than this bullshit.

Connor, whose dealt with false rumours too (I mean which one of them haven’t, but still)! Connor!!! Who really almost said those disgusting words to Jane. Why??? How??? Does he not remember when his marriage was called a sham, and there was every evidence to prove it so? How can he really believe this shit?

How can ANY of them????? Unrealistic. Fake. It isn’t real you can’t convince me. I’m done! I don’t like this book.

Anyway, maybe if I’m in a better mood I’ll edit this and add the very few things I actually loved.
Like Charlie Cobalt.

Though not to sound too much like Ryke but: I’m fucking disappointed and angry.
__________

I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY BUT NOT TODAY. TOMORROW. I AM TIRED. AND THINGS I WILL SAY ARE NOT GOOD ANYWAY SO WHATEVER.

p.s can't believe the next one isn't about sulli or jane. looks like the suffering continues ://

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I broke the unbreakable rule. Don’t fuck your client.

So....confession time...
*whispers*
This is the first book I've read by these authors.
*ducks head in shame*
Yes, yes, I'm wearing the cone of shame as I write this, mkay? So quit looking at me with those judgy eyes already. I realize what I've been missing out on and currently kicking my own ass. Cut me some slack here.

I have all of their books on my TBR but for some unknown to me reason just never got around to reading them. I can tell you that I will be rectifying that HUGE mistake immediately but devouring their entire backlist. But enough about that. Let's talk about this book.

Firstly, let's address something right off the bat. I could clearly see that I was missing quite a bit of backstory with the secondary characters here as this is a spin off from Calloway Sisters series and Addicted series. As a matter of fact, Maximoff is the son of Lily and Lo. This series introduces all of the children and I was absolutely smitten with it. It took me a bit to wrap my mind around all of the connections, but the authors did a fantastic job really introducing all the secondary characters so that I never felt lost.

Born into one of the most famous families in the country, Maximoff Hale is pretty much American royalty. His father is just as known for his past alcoholism as his business, and his mother is just as famous for being a sex addict as her family's business, he's used to living his life under a microscope.

fame is my friend and foe. It’s a part of me. A tangible thing that lives inside of me. This is the only life I’ve ever lived . It’s the only life I know.

Privacy is a luxury that he'll never have and a real relationship is something that he'll never experience because he'll never expose someone to what he goes through on a daily basis. A life of NDAs and meaningless one night stands is what he's used to.

When he learns that he'll be getting a new bodyguard, he's not exactly thrilled. The Hale bodyguards are more then employees, they're a 24/7 presence and friends and confidents. When he finds out that his new bodyguard is the star of all his teenage fantasies, a crush he never got over, and a man that he's still uncontrollably attracted to, life becomes a little more complicated.

He’s made permanent camp in my cerebral cortex and cock, and I don’t know how to extract him.

The more time they spend together, the more difficult it becomes to deny the overbearing sexual tension that brews between them. Admittedly, that delicious tension was one of my favorite parts about the book. Every time these two so much as had a conversation, you could feel the chemistry crackle and burn. And their first kiss? Holy mother of god! It was hotter than any sex scene. Swear.

Farrow returns the aroused, taut sentiment. Our short breaths are the only true noise.
The headiest exchange of my life.
Undeniable.
He leans forward, his lips an inch from mine. And very deeply, very huskily, he whispers, “What do you want, Maximoff ?”

There's a lot that happens here that goes beyond the main couple. While the romance is absolutely the center focus, you get introduced to a slew of secondary characters. While usually this may cause me to struggle, I felt like it just connected me to these characters even more. I loved the bond that these siblings and cousins share.

But Maximoff and Farrow most definitely stole the show. I loved these two together. I loved Maximoff's intensity and Farrow's easy going flintiness. He's such a fan chapter. His presence totally sucks you in. The authors created such a vivid character with him. All of his aneurism, eye brow quirks and gum popping served to endear me to him more and more. And when these two guys get together? Yowza!

We’re like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky.

It was the perfect blend of swoon and steam. I adored these two together and I already can't wait for more. The parents have quite a bit of redeeming to do after what happens at the end of this book. I love that we get a satisfying HFN to tide us over until the next book. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to binge the Ritchie's entire backlist.

Huge GIANT thank you to the authors for gifting me this book <3

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[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged Like Us is the beginning of an epic series. I never thought that anyone could replace Rose and Connor, from Kiss the Sky, in my affections, but Maximoff and Farrow did so with such ease, I was shocked how fast I fell for both of them.

If you haven’t read this series, it’s one of the most unique contemporary romance series there is. Different in every sense. Now, since the author’s are giving the second generation a chance to shine, the expectations are unbelievably high.

For me, Maximoff and Farrow, the author’s first go at a MM romance, are the ultimate goal of a great, charismatic and addicting couple. I have read this book a couple times already, and it has not yet lost any of it’s charm.

I’m in love with these two – utterly in love.

Maximoff and Farrow have by far one of the most fulfilling and perfect relationship I have witnessed so far. The push and pull is utterly unique, none gives an inch, always challenges the other, and it all is like catnip for me. I can’t get enough of it.

Before you start with this series, I would suggest read their parent’s story first. There are just too many characters in this series, to jump into it without the backstory. And you want to read the crazy backstories, because as I said above, it’s incredibly fascinating and different.

___________________________________
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[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

“Dear World, stop fucking with me. Sincerely, an agitated human.”



Maximoff Hale is the son of reality television star royalty. His entire life, he has known nothing but the spotlight, the constant nagging of the paparazzi, and has always had a body guard. But when his guard retires, Moffy is faced with having to spend his days with a new guard. He’s even more shocked when that new bodyguard ends up being his childhood crush, Farrow Keene.

Farrow is five years older than Moffy, and with his father being the Hale family physician, he’s comfortable with the family. The more time he spends with his charge, the more he realizes he’s attracted to him, and the feeling seems to be mutual. The only problem? Bodyguard and charges cannot date, making anything between them forbidden.

“Don’t you see, Maximoff? There’s a cement wall in front of you, and you’ve just been told to be satisfied with staring at it. And so you stand there, not able to see the other side.”

I was so extremely excited for this book, not only is it a spin-off of the Addicted series, but we get an MM romance too? I was completely overjoyed and ecstatic, it’s like Christmas came in June! Finishing this book, I came to the realization of why I love books by the Ritchie twins so much: they always deliver a quality story with realistic, relatable characters and lots of feels. It’s obvious they take their time when writing a book and make sure the reader gets a story of great caliber. And Damaged Like Us follows in that same vein.

I loved both Moffy and Farrow equally, these two men were amazing! Moffy is the oldest of all the Calloway children, and because of that he falls into the role of protector. Moffy will support is siblings and cousins, would kill for them. His loyalty to his family is the most important thing to him. Farrow values his work, he knows that what he does makes a difference, and he will also do anything to keep the family safe. It’s rare that I say this about a character, but I also really dug Farrow’s demeanor, the twins did an amazing job describing him and developing him.

There were some issues near the end that I felt were rushed and kind of brushed aside. I wish that we had seen more of what came of those issues, but maybe we will see more of their impact in the next book? Or a novella? I was just shocked by the behavior of some of the characters from the original series and never really got an explanation or confrontation about it, which I really wish we had.

I love these authors, I after having read eleven works by them I can honestly say they write the best books in the indie romance community. I really enjoyed this book, it’s a fantastic start to a new series and I cannot wait to read what is to come.

“Millions of people know me, but not like this. Not like that. I hang onto that fact like rope on a wall that blocks my view of everything. He’s how I see the other side. He’s made my life feel freer.”


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[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 5 out of 5]

_________________
FAMOUS
_________________
I remember when the twins mentioned creating this series and how excited I was to know I would be able to continue reading about my favorite famous families. The Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts, from the Addicted series, are now parents with their children are growing up in the limelight. Some of the kids are now young adults and the world wants a piece of them.

_________________
MOFFY
_________________
Moffy is Lily & Lo's 22-year-old son. He lives with his cousin, Jane Cobalt, and because of who their parents are they have 24/7 bodyguards. Moffy is sought after by the paparazzi and his adoring fans.

_________________
FARROW
_________________
Farrow is the 27-year-old bodyguard to Lily for the last 3 years. When Moffy's bodyguard retires Lily suggests that Farrow be the one to take that position. As with any mother, they want the very best for their kids and Farrow fits that bill.

_________________
DAMAGED
_________________
Being the kids of a famous family isn't always easy especially when your life is lived in the public eye. Everyone, family & public, knows Moffy is bi-sexual. He has the public watching to see if he'll be a sex addict like his mom or a drunk like his father. Even though his parents conquered their demons the public is waiting for him to slip up and show them that he is also damaged like his parents.

_________________
LIKE
_________________
Farrow has been around the Hale family long before he became their bodyguard. As a kid, his father was the family doctor and is still their family doctor. Farrow tagged along on calls to the Hale household because his dad was priming him to follow in the long generational tradition of becoming a doctor. Moffy had a crush on Farrow all those years so when Farrow became his bodyguard the two of them postured on who was in charge. Since we are privy to both POVs, we know that Farrow likes Moffy too.

_________________
US
_________________
These two alphas have to learn how to be together without anyone finding out. If Farrow became famous then he won't be able to protect Moffy anymore. Being just "us" with each other when they could find a free moment was touching. Seeing how Moffy reacts to his first long-term relationship was endearing. The little things they do for each other are sweet.


DAMAGED LIKE US is the first book in the Like Us series. "The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them. Damaged Like Us can be read and enjoyed without reading any of Krista & Becca's other novels." Lovers of forbidden romance will enjoy this m/m romance. The story is a real page-turner that will keep you up reading late into the night!



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[Alex ✰ Comets and Comments ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We're like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky





If there is one thing that Krista and Becca Ritchie were unconditionally made for - It's to write stories that will complete and fill your heart.
This book made me fall in love even more with the Hales, Cobalts and Meadows and after finishing the Addicted Series, I didn't even know that was possible.
______________

The Romance
First things first, Maximoff Hale and Farrow Keene are a ship that I am whole-heartedly willing to go down with. So jot that down.
The banter that these two have made me laugh and swoon in the span of 0.5 seconds.
I genuinely loved them, however I felt in the start - I couldn't get behind their chemistry as much as I did with the other characters in the past. It felt a bit rushed for me - but I overcame that pretty fast after chapter 18... because of all the flying fuckity fucks out there, boy did that chapter make me feel the heat.


The Family
This one was the big one for me. <3
The bonds within these three families are so strong that you can't help but feel it when you read. It is written in such an epic soul devouring way that I found myself smiling at the slightest things.

Public Service Announcement: Xander and Luna Hale are to be protected with your life. They are angels and cinnamon rolls. No harm can come to them.




I cannot wait to see more of these families in the upcoming books in the series. I know Krista and Becca wrote on their tumblr that their dream would be to write a story for each and every one of these characters - but it all depends on the feedback that these three novels get.

I smiled at all the moments where we saw the other characters and understood them more. It hurt and made me so happy seeing Moffy all grown up and doing exactly what Lo had talked about at the end of Some Kind Of Perfect. They all grew up and I am so proud of the Fizzle Force because we got to see it all happen.

The Plot
There were lots of different elements that lined up and made this quite an interesting read. The sexual tension between Moffy and Farrow was kept through and through and I loved that element. But we also got a few snapshots of the other side characters lives. I NEED TO KNOW CHARLIE FUCKING COBALTS STORY!!

One thing that slowly had to grow on me was the stylistic device of breaking the fourth wall. Especially in Moffy's POV - he tended to talk to the audience and I ended up surprising myself and understanding why it was written that way during the end.

The twist that came right during the end felt a bit off to me. The way it was handled made room for it being a story arc in the next novel and I'm interested to see how it will be dealt with. Especially with the OG six.

Overall, Damaged Like Us gave me such a smile and I really did miss these characters and their parents more than I anticipated. All of them have made a home in my heart and I dont know if I will ever be able to get rid of them... I would never want to.

Bonus Edit:

(One of the main plot-lines was between Moffy and his father and prior to the release, I made an edit of both of them and after finishing reading DLU, this edit means so so so much more than when I made it.)

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

1/1/2022 - Moffy and Farrow will forever remain one of my favorite couples.

12/6/2018 - Third time re-reading this one and I am going to go up a star. Farrow and Moffy never get old. Love them.

------------------------------------------------

03/22/2018 - Decided to do a re-read of this one after finishing book 3, which I rarely ever do. And I must say, I enjoyed it just as much the second time! My rating stands at 4.5 Stars!

------------------------------------------------

4.5 Stars!

Whelp! I liked this one. A lot.

I did read most of the other series. But not all. And I did like them at the time. But that was a few years ago, so I honestly wasn't sure how I would feel about this one.

And really, after the first chapter or so I wasn't so sure I was going to like it. But then I read a bit more, and then a bit more, and before I knew it I was hooked.

It was a very addicting story-line and writing, much like the other series.

However, it wasn't perfect. There was a lot of repetitiveness. Especially when it came to descriptions of things. We were told the MCs hair and eye color repeatedly, which got old.

Also there really wasn't much plot. It was mostly "a day in the life of a celebrity". But at the same time, I found that aspect entertaining.

So for what this was, I enjoyed it. I was entertained. I laughed. It was hot. There was virtually no relationship angst (big plus). The MCs were likable, as were many of the secondary characters. Several of which I hope get their own books and are MM.

With that being said, these two characters are slated to get two more books. I am not always a fan of continuing series. This one was a HFN ending but it was a solid ending. One I could be satisfied with whether I continue with the series or not. But as of now, I do plan to continue.

This book won't be for everyone. But I'm glad I gave it go.

[Aestas Book Blog]

OMGGG!!!!! New series from Krista & Becca Ritchie!!

Spin-off of the amazing Addicted series!!!




The Like Us series is about a group of twenty-somethings raised in the public eye, with no control over their labels or how people perceive them. With a strong focus on family, romance, love, and college -- you'll witness three people tied by blood navigate life. Only difference between them and you: they're doing it all underneath the brightest, hottest -- sometimes unbearable -- spotlight.

*** I highly recommend reading the full ADDICTED series first.

And if you've read through to the end of the Addicted series, then you'll know exactly "who" this series will be about ;) --- I can't WAIT for it!!

✤ ADDICTED SERIES ORDER ➜ http://aestas.me/AD_series

COMING 2015

[Maria✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦]

DNF 60% in.

Kind of sad to drop this one but I just don't think that those people (like me) who haven't read any of the Calloway Sisters series will enjoy it as much as those people who have.

There are just too many in-depth descriptions of secondary characters that I have little interest in since I haven't actually read any of their stories. I imagine if you've read Calloway Sisters you'd probably be just fine with this. Personally, I felt a bit lost and most of all, bored.

I cared primarily about the relationship between these two guys but everything else kept getting in the way. Le sad.

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 3.0 stars ||

There were some things I liked, and some things I did not.

I really liked the family dynamics and friendships with the bodyguards. There were a lot of side characters but they all had distinct personalities and I was really interested in all the relationships between everyone. I just loved how close everyone in the family was with each other (especially with Maximoff), but it was also really sweet to see how much all the bodyguards cared about everyone too!

I swear, I was so invested in all these relationships that I genuinely felt so betrayed by the mistrust that some of the family had for Maximoff at the end. I can’t believe they would think so badly of him after all the time, effort and love he had put into caring for them his entire life! He deserved so much better, and I wish he had gotten more mad at his parents, aunts and uncles for not believing him, because I would have personally been livid!

Unfortunately, I just wasn’t a fan of the romance though. There was no build-up or development; the relationship was just there. Nothing interesting ever really happened between them, and every conversation or interactions they had with each other was pretty much the same every single time. It was simply so boring. The whole thing also lacked any real emotion or depth.
Besides, I personally don’t enjoy the alpha/alpha dynamic, and Farrow and Maximoff were exactly that. They were both way too similar and I prefer couples with more differences between them.

I might continue with the series, but I want it be known that if I do, it is only because I want to read more about the family bonds and friendships, but not necessarily the romance.

[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We're like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky.”

Absolute Perfection! I’m so in love with this book. I know I normally say that when I absolutely love a book I just read but it’s the honest truth! All the love! I’m not sure how I’ll be able to wait until October for Book 2. Now forgive me in advance if I go on tangents or have a few rants on this review. This one is truly special to me.

It’s not a secret I’m a huge fan of the Addicted Series, huge. It’s one of my top series ever. It’s also not a secret, if you read my reviews, that this series snuck up on me and took over my heart. I wasn’t an insta-fan. I wasn’t a fan of the first 2 books, they were difficult and hard. But there was still something about them that kept me coming back, something about these characters, they just felt so real. And boy was it worth it, once I got deeper into the story I fell in love with these characters and I knew they would hold a place in my heart forever.

 

“When you're different from the pack, it takes more guts to be yourself”

Where do I begin describing all my feelings while reading this book? The one constant in my mind while reading the book was HAPPY. I was so happy the entire time! Had this huge grin on my face. While this was a little angsty at times, this was overall such a light, beautiful book. If you’ve read the Addicted books, you’ve met the child version of Maximoff (Moffy) Hale, he is Loren and Lily’s son. Let me tell you, Maximoff was everything I was hoping for: beautiful, strong, self-assured, smart, dorky (he’s a Hale!) and caring. Oh, so caring. He is truly Lily and Lo’s son. His love for his family, for his parents, siblings, cousins is everything. My heart was full reading about it. It was also a testament to the great writing of Krista & Becca, and the fact that these characters are so well developed you can’t help but being fully invested in their lives.

And the romance, oh man the romance part was all sorts of awesome! You see Moffy has grown up in the spotlight. His family has always been in the limelight and now is stronger than ever. He lives no ordinary life and so he requires 24/7 security, as many other high-profile celebrities do. When his teenage crush, Farrow Keene, gets assigned as his bodyguards, it completely changes his life. I guess you need to read to understand why, what type of person Moffy is, what type of family he comes from and why he’s chosen to be so morally correct.

“Maximoff Hale is something else, and from start to finish, I can't imagine anyone else having him but me.”

Anyway, Farrow and Moffy are at odds since the beginning. For one, they’re both super alpha. For two, they’re both trying to hide their attraction to each other. I loved the angst and the anticipation.


“Most people find Farrow Redford Keene intimidating at first sight, but I'm immune to most kinds of intimidation. It's called being a Hale. I can describe Farrow in three meaningful ways. 1. Frustrating. 2. Aggravating. 3. Piss in my hot tea.”


“If Farrow was pushed to the front, I craved to find a way next to him. If Farrow went fast, I went harder. And he never let up. With anything, he was too headstrong to let me pass without a hard-won fight.”

 

The sexual tension:



“I stare him directly in the eye. Unabashed, but I keep thinking, never in my goddamn life have I wanted to accept an order like that one as badly as I do now. I'm highly aware that I've always been drawn to alpha males. The kind of men who want to top me as much as I want to top them. I get my way almost every time, but just toying with the vulnerability of being with someone just as strong, just as dominant, lights me up to the fucking max.”

 

“He tenses, breathing shallow, and he looks back at me. He's still only dressed in drawstring pants, his ass literal perfection in them. I've never wanted to touch, hold and fuck someone as much as I want to touch, hold and fuck him. And even though I just massaged Maximoff, it still feels like not enough. Not nearly enough.”

 

“I try to master restraint, but my eyes say what my mouth can’t.

Kiss me.

He reads them.

I know he reads them, and our chests collapse and rise in heavy unison.

Jesus Christ. I can't. We can't. But I think, fucking kiss me. Just do it.”

 

And the banter!



I swig my orange juice before saying, "Look what the wind threw up." I set down my glass.

Farrow raises his apple to his mouth. "You mean blew in. "

"No," I say firmly, palms on the pearly counter. "I meant threw up."



"Thank you for that technical adjustment."

"Anytime, wolf scout." He eases forward and lowers his voice to the sexiest whisper, "It's good to remember that I'm better than you at most everything."

It takes a lot of effort not to stare at his mouth. "Sounds like an alternate universe."

One corner of his lip quirks, and then he eases back.

Boom.

 

I’m completely in love with Farrow! I thought he was definitely the right fit for Moffy. The only one that could tame him, and the one who could keep up. They’re equals and opposites all at the same time. A perfect match! Moffy’s description of him is perfect:



“Somewhere around my sixteenth birthday, I started crushing on him. Maybe it's because he never just gives me the win. Maybe it's that he's five years older and a Yale graduate. Or that he does thirty pull-ups like it's a damn breeze. Maybe it's all the gray and black tattoos that cover his fair skin, even to his throat. Beautiful inked symmetric wings decorate his neck, crossed swords on his Adam's apple. Maybe it's his four visible piercings: a hoop on his nostril, bottom lip, and two barbells on his brow. Maybe it's all of that combined together that heats my skin, pools blood south, and attracts me like an idiot. He's made permanent camp in my cerebral cortex and cock, and I don't know how to extract him.”

 

“Everything about Farrow is lightning cracking the night sky”

 

And his feelings for Moffy are so real, and so raw:



“His love for his siblings toughens him, not softens. And a guy being so protective over the people he loves, I find extremely fucking sexy.”



"We can't all be heroes," I say matter-of-factly. His glare falls to me, but his lips inch bit by bit, our arms still hooked tight around each other.

  "If I'm not the hero, what am I?"

Maximoff is waiting for me to call him a villain. In his comic books, that's the dichotomy. Heroes versus villains. He's very far from one. I press my lips to his jaw, his neck, and against his ear, I whisper, "You're a prince who wants to be a knight."

 

"And I tell him bluntly, assuredly, without a fucking doubt, "You're my boyfriend. And from the jump-start, this has always been more than just sex."



Ok, I need to stop! I don't want to spoil the story and I really want you to read it, But that’s the thing, I can’t  stop. I have so many feelings, and so many highlighted quotes I just want to share them all, cause they’re so gorgeous! I lived for the romance in this book.







Anyway, the book explores romance from a different perspective. Maximoff’s fame is a real issue and it plays a central part in how he’s chosen to live his life.



“Our fame burns. And burns. None of us need to stoke the flames for it to stay lit. And me—fame is my friend and foe. It's a part of me. A tangible thing that lives inside of me. This is the only life I've ever lived. It's the only life I know.”



Because of this Moffy has chosen a life of one-night stands, instead of pursuing a relationship.

"I'll never be in a relationship," he tells me flat-out. "I'll never experience any kind of romance beyond a one-time hookup. Because once I date someone in public, media will hound them to the point of intrusion, vulnerability—I won't ever subject someone to an extreme loss of privacy that they'll never get back. I've accepted that this is my life, and I'm satisfied with that."



That is, until Farrow comes along.



“I'm watched and observed all the time. By strangers. By cameramen. By people. And never, never have I come undone. Until now, until his eyes feel like hands, and I want them all over me.”





“I want to do more. I want more. In a way that I've never even had before, and is that what's being offered? Is it even possible?”



 

“I've never felt breathless in my life. I've never been with anyone I've known. Not like this. Never have I had real feelings beyond physical attraction. Not until him.”



Because Farrow is his bodyguard, and because he’s in such proximity to him 24/7. He feels like he finally can explore those feelings. And when he realizes what he could have in his life, it’s simply amazing!





“So this is what it's like, huh? I can kiss someone the next morning. I can expect to see them in an hour. I can do it all again and again. Something lightens in my chest. Feels like freedom.”

 



“He knows me well.

 Millions of people know me, but not like this. Not like that. I hang onto that fact like rope on a wall that blocks my view of everything. He's how I see the other side. He's made my life feel freer.

He made me believe I could actually have a relationship. He made me believe I could experience more than just this fleeting, temporary thing.

And I have."

“This is what I missed in my life, and I can't imagine never discovering this feeling. Never having him.”

 

This book is beautiful, hot and extremely romantic. It also explores things like fame, family and privacy. I also love how gutsy Krista and Becca were when exploring some themes in here, I definitely didn’t find anything out of character or was surprised by anything. I also think that this was amazingly written MM. I’m no-nonsense when it comes to these things. I read lots of books every year, a lot of them are MM. I’ve read MM by established MM authors and there are some I haven’t liked. Similarly, I’ve read MM by established MF authors and I’ve loved them. So I make no distinction when it comes to a good writer. A good writer is a good writer and a good book is a good book. I don’t immediately discard a book because the writer “typically” writes a different genre and so on. This was just perfect. The more I read Krista & Becca Ritchie, the more I fall in love with their books, their impeccable writing and their attention to detail.



Damaged Like Us ends on a happy note, but it's still Book 1 on a series, there will be more than one book. This can be read as a separate series from the Addicted Series although it's a spin-off. The authors have gone above and beyond to explain everything where the new reader won’t feel so lost. However, I think that your experience with this story would be so much better if you’ve read the Addicted Series. Or maybe, I just selfishly want everyone to read those awesome books!



Ok, I’m finally done now with my essay. I absolutely recommend this book, from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait for book 2 and all the books in this series. There’s so much more to explore, so many unanswered questions and so much to look forward to! I especially want to know about Janie and Sully and their love interests! Needless to say, I’m a fangirl for these books and also a #proudweirdo. Bring it on K&B! I’ll be waiting! If you hung on till the end, thanks a lot! 100% recommend Damaged Like Us







"I hoped for someone who wasn't afraid to put me in my place, someone who made me feel human. I hoped for someone who could be strong so I could be vulnerable, but still never make me feel weak or less than. I hoped for trust and understanding and an innate love of my family. And I realized, Farrow..." His hand slides up my neck to my jaw, his welling eyes already caressing mine. "I realized," I breathe, "that I was always hoping and wishing for you." Say the words. "I'm in love with you, and I'm the lucky one here."





 






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[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

Surprisingly I enjoyed this book! I said surprisingly because it hadn't a real/strong plot! It’s more about Maximoff’s siblings and his cousins, their relationships, their problems, and insecurities. But nothing special about Maximoff and Farrow’s relationship! I mean everything between them was simple! They just did their daily routines and enjoyed being with each other. and for the lack of the actual plot, it seems slow! But what can I say?! I was in the mood and enjoyed it! both characters were likable and I liked their banter! Not just MCs, but all the secondary characters were likable! I liked their relationship with each other and how Maximoffs were protective of them and Farrow of him!

Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Like Us" series. Even though it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger the second installment is also about them and I hope it gets better! All in all, I really liked this one and hope you enjoy it as well!

[Cam (justabookeater)]

Okay I have 1 question for all of you. WHY IS NOBODY MENTIONING THE INCEST USED AS A PLOT POINT? WHAT IS WRONG WITH Y'ALL?

I can't even begin to explain how disgusting this type of thinking is. Especially in a romance that's supposed to add "diversity" (because white cis gays written by white allocishet women are ~super~ revolutionary) to K&B's books. They've both given really weak excuses as to why they do the things they do and I'm honestly done with white mediocrity. Incest should never be a plot point and it kicks EXTRA hard when you know the main romance focused here is an m/m pairing. It adds even more to that perverted stereotype and its even worse when his own family doesn't believe him. What kind of sick joke is this? Don't @ me with weak explanations. This is wrong. Period.

Pride literally just ended and you guys learned nothing. These tropes HARM the community and all for the sake of some drama? Fuck off.

[jazmin ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We're like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Reread #5 Update:
I have an unhealthy obsession with these fictional families 😭😭😭

Reread #4 Update:
This was a buddy reread with Navya! <3

Reread #3 Update:
Wow. I have read this book four times now. I think the only thing I want to write is that I find it hilarious that not only have I memorized entire quotes in this book, but I HAVE MEMORIZED MY ANNOTATIONS. I've been playing a game where every time I see a note I made on the ebook, I try to guess the comment that past me wrote, and more often than not I guessed the exact comment word for word. I just find that hilarious.

Reread #1 Update:
Let me just write a (not so) quick review update because the first time I read this (which was when I wrote the review), I was meeting these characters and couples for the first time. Now, I’ve read all the available books (multiple times) and my opinions have definitely changed a little.

So I obviously still love Maximoff although when I first read this I didn’t know that he’d soon become one of my favourite characters of all time. There are also a ton of details about him that I picked up this reread that I didn’t focus on when I first read this book, which is one of the reasons I love rereading. It offers entirely new perspectives on something you’re already familiar with.

Maximoff and Farrow were a great couple but looking back I can now say that this book is my least favourite in terms of their relationship. That isn't to say they weren't still adorable but they were more adorable in their three other books. It's probably because they hadn’t even told anyone about their relationship yet for the most part, and they were still in the early stages.

I also loved being introduced to the new generation of characters for the first time, well, again. Like what I already said about picking up new details, the quick mentions of some of the younger siblings who we don’t know that much about until later stood out a lot more (also because when I first read this book I was still mixing up some of the 14 kids that make up these 4 families). Also Jack!! I didn’t like him at all the first time around because of his early rivalry-ish thing with Akara, but now that I’ve read Charming Like Us from his perspective, his introduction in this book was interpreted completely differently by me.

Also, I'm still so angry with the original six because of what happened near the ending... Yeah I'm never letting that go.

Original Review:

⇢The Characters
I absolutely love Maximoff. He’s honestly amazing and SO refreshing. I wasn’t expecting to like him nearly as much I do, but he truly has the best qualities of both his parents. And he and Farrow are so adorable and mean so much to me. I can’t even explain how much.

I’m hooked by the way he’s staring deeply at me. Like I’m a fantasy. Like I’m something made of heaven and stars that he’s dreamt of—and I never thought to ask what a celebrity who could have anyone in the freaking world fantasizes about. And I wonder how long it’s been me.

⇢The Writing Style
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style! It was a little different than the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series but in a good way. Moffy and Farrow talk less formally than the main characters in the Addicted series and sometimes talk directly to the reader, and it was actually a nice change.

⇢The Ending
(Spoilers for plot) I just want to say it sucks that people think that people of different genders can’t be friends or love each other platonically. And Jane and Moffy are literal cousins?? Who have been best friends since birth?? Anyways that part made me very disappointed in the original 6 main characters. They should’ve known better than to listen to the media, especially after all they’ve been through.

I know lots of people think their reactions were out of character and I kinda agree, but all I’ll say concretely is that I wish KBR chose a different conflict.

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ❦ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

My Damaged Like Us Playlist:
my maximoff hale playlist

MY LINKTREE ❦

BOOKISH PRODUCTS: USE MY CODE JAZ10 ❦

[Jan]

DNF @39%
It's been 3 years since I read the Calloway Sisters series and I absolutely loved it! So, it's with a heavy feeling in my heart that I am throwing the towel in here.
Damaged Like Us tell us the story of Maximoff Hale, Lili's son.
Sadly, the OTT celebrity lifestyle was boring me to death. Besides, romance wise, almost nothing has happened so far. Not to mention the almost Doc/bodyguard, a hard pill to swallow.
I can't help asking myself: have I changed so much in the last three years or was this particularly story that failed?

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️&#x1f3a7;&#x1f4da; Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio – Fucking amazing!!!

Alexander Cendese as Farrow, personified the cocky, alpha bodyguard. He gave the perfect performance and voice to his character. Unfortunately, Farrow’s character was the only one he aced imo. 4 stars!!!

JF Harding, however, is an audio performing GOD!!! He embodied every character he gave voice too. 5 stars!!!

The story well… 2.5 stars

Too many characters from two previous series and characters who will eventually be getting their own stories taking up too much page time. I wanted the story focused a lot more of Maximoff and Farrow relationship and not the struggles of the rich and famous.

I’m continuing the series only because of the audio. It’s that good! Without the audio, I probably wouldn’t have made it through the sample of this book.

[Jeannine Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Only 99c ***

Disclaimer: This is incredibly long... my bad, and I didn't proofread so if something doesn't make sense, again... my bad lol ;)

I fangirled like CRAZY when I found out this spin-off series (which can be read separately from the Addicted/Calloway books) was happening!! This shouldn't be too surprising since I'm OBSESSED with these authors and everything they write!!!! But I was beyond excited for Moffy and Farrow's story!





Truthfully, I wasn't sure what to expect from this. I assumed it was going to be emotional like the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series were, but it ended up not being like that at all. And while that's not a bad thing, I definitely did miss that aspect. Mainly because I think these authors have such an amazing talent for writing those gut-wrenching scenes. But that's not to say I was disappointed because, as it turns out, they write comedy really well too! There were funny moments in their other books, but nothing like this. I honestly wasn't expecting this to be as funny as it was...

"She has FOMEFT." Fear of Missing Every Fucking Thing.

Dear World, stop fucking with me. Sincerely, an agitated human.

Picturing a polar bear eating Fritos on the moon is easier than imagining Farrow as my bodyguard.

"Cool," I say as he passes me my phone. Yeah, so cool. Let my childhood-crush-also-turned-bodyguard pick out my lube for me. That will make not fantasizing about him so much easier. So smart of me. Genius. Maybe I shouldn't have dropped out of Harvard.

"It's a Cobalt thing... they have a harder time knowing when to shut up."

Or for there to be so much delicious banter between Moffy and Farrow...

"You also have another typo."
"Shut up about the fucking typos," I say and adjust the air conditioner, my body hot as his smile stretches wider and wider.

"Because [my abs] are better, wolf scout." He huffs, then glares and motions to me. "Take off your shirt and we'll find out."

"Which one of you made the first move anyway?"
"Me," Farrow and I say in unison.

"I could've sworn the bet was to make me hard, not want to push you out of the car."

I LOVED the comedic side of this book, but they also had sweet moments...

He adjusts the air vents and points the ice-cold at me. I glance from him to the road. "You cold?" I can adjust the air for him.
He types on my notepad app. "You looked hot."

This was such a small and simple moment, but I loved what it represented! It showed just how in tune they are to one another, how they're constantly thinking about the other person over themselves. Their relationship in general was amazing. I loved that they were two alpha males, it made it so entertaining! And somehow it felt different than the other MM novels I've read. Maybe it was the banter? Maybe it was the security aspect and potential danger? Or the constant need to one-up the other? Whatever it was—it worked. I don't feel like I've ever read about a relationship like theirs before. I'm not sure if that makes sense... but their alpha tendencies felt unique, and I can safely say Moffy & Farrow are my favorite MM couple ever!!!!



- Moffy -

Oh man, how I loved him! There were a lot of things to admire, but first and foremost was his dedication to his family, especially his parents. Lily & Lo (*heart eyes*) have not had an easy road and Moffy knows it. But he sees so much more than the negative.

They're my heroes. And I'm damn proud to be their son.

And he tries to do this for everyone in his family. Farrow is exactly right when says...

Moffy tries to be everything for everyone.

At times Moffy might come across as a goody-two shoes and seem a bit unreal, but I never felt that way. He just genuinely wants what is best for everyone, and I think as the oldest (male) child, he feels like it's his responsibility to give it to them.

What's right anymore? I'm searching for the sword that I need to fall on. I just don't want to hurt Jane or Farrow in the process. I can't hurt him. I can't.

He's the type to bottle up his feelings, to hide his pain in order to shoulder someone else's, and knowing these sisters, I don't doubt we'll see him blow up at one point or another. And I'm kind of hoping it'll be at the paparazzi. He's a good sport about most of it. He even says, if he didn't look at it the way he does he'd "be irritated every minute of every single day." Because they're just so commonplace in his world, through no fault of Moffy's or any of the kids. All the fame is leftover and borrowed, but it affects the children all the same. And I think it bothers Moffy more than he lets on.

Our fame burns. And burns. None of us need to stoke the flames for it to stay lit.

I have no doubt that we'll see that Moffy's selflessness has ended up costing him something. Everyone has a flaw, and his just might lie in his strength. I think there's a lot of development left for his character, despite the fact that he seems so solid, and I'm really looking forward to it! Character development is what these authors do best ;)

*Side note: There were times when one might think the mentions of his family and/or the media were OTT, but that's because that's how Moffy's life is. It would be disingenuous if he wasn't constantly thinking about and/or referring to these things.



- Farrow -

We don't learn much about him in this one. But what we've learned, I LOVE! He has such a great attitude, plus having him "tattooed and pierced" certainly never hurts ;) One of my favorite aspects was his take on the "forbidden" romance.

In my head, I can be his bodyguard and sleep with him. I'm that good. And it's that simple.

Granted, some of this is being conceited, but a big part of it is Farrow's morality. I feel like Moffy's morality is discussed a lot, but no one says much about Farrow's. Their moralities are very different, and yet they are both good people. And I think it will interesting to see how this all plays out in the next novel. Because Moffy is a rule-follower, and Farrow is admittedly not. He lives by his own sense of right and wrong, something I personally appreciate because I don't subscribe to the idea that just because someone more powerful made a rule that that automatically makes it "right."

"How about rewinding and asking yourself, is it really wrong? Or how about this one: what is ethical to begin with? Who decided on these moral rights?"

So when he said that ^^ I just about died. If I hadn't already been in love with him before that, that certainly would have made me fall. I'm SO excited to learn more about him.

*Side note: While I love that Farrow broke the mold and didn't care, it also lost some of the forbidden appeal, in my opinion. That didn't bother me because I'm not obsessed with forbidden romances, but it did leave me a bit confused because I didn't completely understand why it was more forbidden for Moffy than Farrow. I guess I never fully understood Moffy's reasoning for thinking it was wrong. Maybe it's because my sense of morality aligns more with Farrow, but it felt a little strange to me.



- The Ending -

I know this was a big deal for a lot of people and I wanted to give my two cents, but it is a MAJOR spoiler. So don't click unless you really want to know...

I actually liked it. I know many didn't, which I could understand, and there were a few minor plot holes that I wish had been addressed, but it was a unique conflict and I really appreciated that it was atypical.

So the book ends with the core six believing a rumor that Jane and Moffy are sleeping together. Ew, right? I don't have many hard limits, but incest is one of them. Except Jane and Moffy AREN'T ACTUALLY SLEEPING TOGETHER! So I'm not sure why the "possibility" was even floated (in reviews and critiques, I mean). Actually, I do know why. It's because they're very close. BUT, and this a big but, this is another reason why I liked the ending. If Moffy had been Luna, THIS WOULDN'T EVEN BE AN ISSUE.

I find the notion that a guy and girl can't be close friends without falling for each other completely absurd. And this doesn't even take into account the actual people involved. It makes complete sense (to me, at least) why Moffy and Jane would be so close. They're the two oldest children, separated by only a few months, in a family that is constantly shoved in the public eye. No one would understand this pressure, this scrutiny better than the two of them. Plus, since it's so difficult to tell who from the outside world is being genuine, relying on each other for support is tantamount to survival for Moffy and Jane. So I loved and completely understood their close relationship.

Now, to the rumor and the parents disbelief...

I know many were upset that the parents didn't believe Moffy and Jane, I was too, but I also understood it. I think it's supposed to be hard to swallow. Because we love the core six, too. We idolize them a bit, just like Moffy. It's supposed to hurt.

*Side note: I remember there were times when I was reading Rose's POV and I didn't like Lo all the time, because I was seeing him through Rose's eyes. And that's how this works. It's easy to love and understand someone when you have all their thoughts, but it will always be harder to see through someone else.

Back to the point... If you've ever been in a household where addictions are present and people constantly lie about those addictions, it becomes very hard to trust people. You question everything, you question simple things. I've had experience with this and it's not fun. No one wants to believe their loved one is lying to them, it physically pains family members to feel this way. But more often than not, we've been burned too many times. That's just the nature of addiction in families, and it's a lifelong thing because addiction is a lifelong struggle. There is no end and there is no magic button that lets you fully trust that person again.

I think we all would like to believe we'd 100% trust our kids if the situation were reversed, and I truly think they might have if Farrow hadn't declared that Moffy was in a relationship with a forbidden woman. I think this fueled a lot of their skepticism. (And I actually liked this too, I don't think it was stupid of Farrow, because what else could he really say?)

Jane hit the nail on the freaking head with this quote...

"We did nothing to lose their trust. They projected their own pasts onto us like the media always does, and they should've never doubted us."

*Claps* *Bows* *Screams "hallelujah"*

No, they shouldn't have doubted them. But projection is a very real thing. It's why cheating spouses always assume their partner is also cheating on them. We see the world how we are. So I understood their doubts (all except Daisy, I sort of wish she'd been more vocal because I think of everyone she would have given them the benefit of the doubt). They weren't thinking about their children necessarily, but themselves. At the same time, I don't understand why they'd trust a tabloid over them though. Moffy is spot-on when he says...

People don't like to believe facts. They want to believe the most salacious story. The one that makes you keep flipping the pages. That story isn't always the truth.

Maybe if it had been a different source, I'd feel differently. But knowing what they know, with how tabloids tried to tear them down through the years, it felt a stretch that they would trust that source.

Regardless, I also believe this will go a long way in Moffy's development. He's always worshiped his father, but Lo isn't perfect and Moffy needed to see that. It's definitely going to be painful to watch.

I prepared myself to deal with tabloids, the world. Not my family. And while you may think the world would be a worse battle—it's not.

I'm really looking forward to how the dynamic between Moffy and his parents change.

So why not 5 stars?

For most of the book I felt like romance was secondary. I didn't mind so much because I love this entire cast of characters and I wanted to catch up with all of them, but newcomers *might* feel overwhelmed. I wouldn't discourage any one from reading this, just prepare yourself for a lot of people.

At the same time, it's hard to imagine how the sisters could have done it any differently because these people are essential to Moffy's life. So it's hard to be critical when I can't pinpoint what should have been different, I just personally felt like I was missing a little something from the romance.

I'm not concerned about the rest of the series though. I definitely enjoyed this and would recommend it. I think this was just a tough first book to write, trying to balance the previous series while making it readable for a new audience. And even though I wanted a bit more from Moffy and Farrow, I know it'll come later and it's hard not to be impressed with this one because I think between the pressure and the lengthy cast it was probably a very challenging book to write.

A few final quotes because I'm me...

We're like lightning and thunder, inherently different but alike enough to share the same sky.

My lips meet his lips, and the tension explodes. We thrust forward together. An invisible divide detonates, blown to pieces.

"I was always hoping and wishing for you... I'm in love with you, and I'm the lucky one here."

But MY GOD! I need the other stories!! I need, like physically NEED Jane and Thatcher to be a thing *prays hard* Also I'm partial to Akara for Sulli, and I can't wait for that story line either...



Safety: Moffy and Farrow have known each other for years, with Moffy crushing on Farrow when he was sixteen. So they have seen each other in other relationships. But as with every KBR book, once they are together, they're together.

"You need to know that I only do exclusive. No fucking around. You want me, you only get me, and vice versa."

*sigh* I love Farrow!!

Closure: HFN. Their story continues in Lovers Like Us <3

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The realease date for Lovers Like US is so close that I had to reread this once more before diving into the sequel. I'm so happy I did that because I forgot a lot of small details. I think it goes without saying that this book was just delightful and enchanting all over again! I think I loved it this second time around even more than the first. Farrow and Maximoff have burrowed themselves into my heart. I kind of want to reread this book again. Would that be overkill?

---

GURLLLLLLLL!
This is definitely beyond what I was expecting this book to be! It exceeded my really high expectations. This was my first M/M romance and I think that it was amazing. I felt like the story was well structured, and it included not only Maximoff's siblings and cousins, but also int othe world of the bodyguards. This was everything that the Ritchie Sisters promised and more in my opinion. There wasn't a lot of LiLo, Coballoway, or Raisy, but there presence was definitely there. Also, I have predictions for the sequel already, which by the way, I'm really excited about. I need Lovers Like Us like right now. I legit love this book with all my heart!

I will be doing a video review on Damaged Like Us soon. In which I will be going into more detail about everything that encompasses this book.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon * Barnes & Noble



Damaged Like Us was my first read from these authors, but certainly won't be my last. This book had the perfect amount of steaminess and angst to keep me intrigued through every chapter. There wasn't a bunch of drama between Moffy and Farrow, but there was a lot going on in both of their lives that brought all of the angst to the story. I liked both of these characters and their chemistry together was brilliant. I kept waiting for them to just rip each others clothes off, and when those scenes finally came there was no way I could tear my eyes away from the page.

The book ends on a pretty decent ending but it's clear that there will be more to come from these characters, and I can't wait to get the next book.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard getting into this but once I did, i liked it, but there was just something missing, I guess it’s because there was no actual plot.

Basically this is the story of Maximoff the celebrity, and Farrow the bodyguard. This book is way OTT but sometimes when I am in the mood of some unbelievable stories , I enjoy stories like this but it is definitely not for everyone. It is a spin-off of MF series which I have, but have never read *SMH*, and at times I got a bit lost when the characters from those books were on page, but it did not bother me that much.

The Good

-The Audiobook, without it, i don't think i could have gotten through this.
-I loved Jane more than the MC’s, and her relationship with Maximoff was enjoyable to read.
-I enjoyed the banter between Maximoff and Farrow .
-The family dynamic, I loved their interaction even though I have not read the other series.
-The bodyguards, their banter and relationships with the family.
-Maximoff brother and sisters, they were the best, Xander,Luna and Kinney , I wanted to read more about them.
-When Lo called Connor his one true love , I don’t know why but it made me giddy inside

He touches his chest. “You’re sassy like me.” He points at Ryke. “A hardhead like my dear
brother.” He nods to Connor. “And steadfast like my one true love.”
Connor grins. “I couldn’t agree more, darling.”

The Bad

-The lack of an actual plot. Seriously it was just about the paparazzi and the celebrity lifestyle.
-I can’t believe I am saying this but once these two started having sex it was way too much,there was sex almost on every page.
-I did not feel the emotional connection between the MC’s, I guess it was because of them fucking like bunnies all the time so no chance for character development.
-The way OTT celebrity lifestyle, Maximoff was just famous for being famous and the paparazzi
constantly following them had my eyes rolling. I know the authors tried to explain it was because they were the most famous in Pennsylvania but still really?



The ugly

-Chapters 40 & 41 it was so unnecessary and parents believing the tabloids over their children,again really? I guess this was staged for a coming out scene but It was a huge failure. The authors should have research the best way to write a coming out scene, not force characters to come out.



-The writing, breaking the fourth wall, I was ok with Frank Underwood and Dead pool doing it but I don’t want to read it.

-The vanity in this was way too much, the characters constantly praised their bodies

"His muscular arm falls to my broad swimmer’s shoulders."
…………….my steady forest green eyes, my equally beautiful dick-"



Honestly I can’t recommend this to long-time MM readers, but like the Marian series, there is something pulling me to it and I will be reading the next book hoping it will improve.

[katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok kids, buckle up I have a lot to say. Let me start this review by saying this book was by far one of my most anticipated releases of this year, I have been waiting for this for a YEAR, stalking the pinterest boards, the whole nine yards. And finally having read it, this was ......kind of a mess.

Let me begin with the positives:

1) Most of the kids and the minimal family dynamics we got (BITCH.. WHY WASN'T THERE MORE.)
2) Jane Cobalt remains one of my faves and deserves the world
3) Charlie Cobalt is the love of my life and no one is surprised at all (who can blame him for constantly fleeing to Ibiza to get away from this hot ass mess)
4) Lo calling Connor his one true love
5) Sullivan and Luna, my little babies who I just want to protect

Okay. The negatives.

1) THE WHOLE ROMANCE???? don't get me wrong, this could've been amazing. i wanted it to be amazing. i commend KB for trying to add more diversity to their books and making this a M/M romance. But Moffy and Farrow had like, zero development????? They hardly talked about anything, it was literally like *looks at each other* "I'm so hard!!!" I feel like every other chapter was sexual and their entire relationship was over-sexualized. I like slow burn, I like the angst and development, and this was a little too insta-lovey with everything being A-OK after THAT horrid chapter (you know what I'm talking about).

2) Moffy as a character tbh, idk what happened but he was nothing like SKOP Moffy. His inner dialogue was like a weird mix of Lo, Ryke, and Luka from Infini. Moffy deserved his own distinct voice, and it just felt like a poor copy.

3) Jane's role in this book; seriously most of her scenes were her character being ridiculed and tore down, or her apologizing if she needed to leave the room so M/F could be alone together (I clearly remember this happening 2 times, there may have been more)?? Like give my daughter some more substance and background please. She deserves better than this.

3) WHERE WERE THE FAMILY DYNAMICS. Post-SKOP we were kind of promised that the Like Us series was going to be very family-oriented, and explore these kids' relationships with their siblings, cousins, parents, and aunts and uncles. I don't mean to act entitled, but the fact that KB shifted gears SO MUCH, aging up all these characters, focusing on the romance more, I felt kind of betrayed and cheated.

4) CHAPTER 40 AND 41. I literally don't need to say anything. It was an OOC mess. In what world would the addicted gang believe the media, whom they have first hand experience with inventing horrible stories to run for their own personal gain, over their own children they've known for 22 years. I'm not gonna bash the characters because this wasn't in character at all, therefore it doesn't exist to me at all.

5) The twist. They could've come up with any scandal in the world and they went with this. It made me slightly uncomfortable, and even more uncomfortable that the parents would believe something like this.

6) The security team took up way too much time, and sometimes they were creepy AF???? Why are you talking about Luna's clit??? Like, your asses would be fired immediately if the parents heard you talking about their kids like that. Instead of introducing so many security team characters, it would've been better to give that "screen time" to the addicted kids, ya know, the ones this series is actually about, but what do I know.

Honestly I'm probably missing out on so much that I want to say. I had such high hopes for this and it was a mess. I'm hoping KB take this criticism to make the next one better. I still want this series to do well because I want to see my faves have their time to shine. This is so fucking long lmao, the salt is real.