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Damage Control
Jagged Edge
I don’t want Jason Vega.
Not at all.
It’s the worst idea ever.
Ah hell…
Jason is handsome. Smart. Dangerous. Hot.
He’s goddamn gorgeous—but he’s also sleeping on the street, hanging out with the local biker gang and selling his body for a living.
Our lives, our paths couldn’t be further apart. I’m crawling toward the light, while he’s falling into the dark.
But it doesn’t matter how different we are, or what logic dictates.
I really shouldn’t want Jason Vega—but I just can’t stop.
He’s under my skin, and sinking deeper…
Trigger Warning: violence and sexual abuse
This is a M/M (gay) romance and it tells the story of Jason and Raine whom you may have met in JESSE (Damage Control 2) and OCEAN (Damage Control 5). It is super hot, and angsty, and violent, but with a guaranteed Happy Ever After.
Not at all.
It’s the worst idea ever.
Ah hell…
Jason is handsome. Smart. Dangerous. Hot.
He’s goddamn gorgeous—but he’s also sleeping on the street, hanging out with the local biker gang and selling his body for a living.
Our lives, our paths couldn’t be further apart. I’m crawling toward the light, while he’s falling into the dark.
But it doesn’t matter how different we are, or what logic dictates.
I really shouldn’t want Jason Vega—but I just can’t stop.
He’s under my skin, and sinking deeper…
Trigger Warning: violence and sexual abuse
This is a M/M (gay) romance and it tells the story of Jason and Raine whom you may have met in JESSE (Damage Control 2) and OCEAN (Damage Control 5). It is super hot, and angsty, and violent, but with a guaranteed Happy Ever After.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2017
351 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Jo Raven
49 books2,781 followersBe the first to get your hands on Jo Raven’s new releases & offers, giveaways, previews, and more by signing up here ▶ http://bit.ly/1CTNTHM
Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.
Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).
Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.
Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
October 10, 2017
This review is not done in my typical style. I have always promised to be honest when reviewing a book, and the best way for me to be honest about this book is to show you my reactions while I was reading. I have included my goodreads updates I posted during my reading.
I have multiple issues with this book. I cannot believe some of the things that occurred t/o this story.
If you read this review It's going to have spoilers...so, be warned!
This book needs Trigger Warnings There is drugging, noncon/dubcon, rape, and violence. In addition, Rayne is a predator. I mean, he gets turned on when the man he is attracted to is covered in blood and other people's cum. He continues to seek Jason out for sex when he knows Jason is selling his body to survive. I guess he feels he isn't as bad as other John's because he takes him to his warm apartment, let's Jason Shower, and feeds him? He is even worse in my mind...[Update: As of 10/9/17 - there are trigger warnings posted in the blurb on Goodreads.]
This is going to recount my experience as I read this book...
28% - "This book is just pissing me off -- the back and forth with no progress is losing my attention quickly."
I kept going...
57.0% "This must be this author's first attempt at M/M -- There are some things happening in this book that are just nasty. I am sorry - maybe I place to much focus on hygiene -- but pulling a "hooker" off the street, who is bloody, cum stained, vomit stained, and sleeping behind a dumpster and can't even stay awake...and kissing him, making out with him..is NOT sexy. Oh and bloody noses and mouth..come on!!! But, they make sure to wear condoms..so I guess that saves them? Like has this author heard of HEP C and HIV? What about common sense.. would you really make out with a man who just got done sucking off another John?? He is actively selling himself and we are suppose to be okay with Raine sucking face and other things? I'm sorry.. no!!"
72.0% "Why the hell did I continue reading this..now we have some mafia and drug cartel drama - and a MC gang. Oh, and Ocean & Rayne's dad is some kind of gangsta who is coming after is sons. IDK maybe that's explained in other books, but it seems stupid right now..out of nowhere."
90% - "Jason has totally changed his tune now. Umm, okay. He has all his "gang" moved away I guess. So now he is falling in love too?!?"
99% "Oh HELL No! She went there! BAREBACKING with a former rentboy, 3 months after he stopped selling his body. Ummm..sure, because he had ONE clean test. FFS. I.just.can't. The nurse in me is dying."
I feel like this book set the genre back 10 years....
1.5 star rounding down to 1 star...a generous one star!
On a positive note...the cover is sexy!
***
I have multiple issues with this book. I cannot believe some of the things that occurred t/o this story.
If you read this review It's going to have spoilers...so, be warned!
This book needs Trigger Warnings There is drugging, noncon/dubcon, rape, and violence. In addition, Rayne is a predator. I mean, he gets turned on when the man he is attracted to is covered in blood and other people's cum. He continues to seek Jason out for sex when he knows Jason is selling his body to survive. I guess he feels he isn't as bad as other John's because he takes him to his warm apartment, let's Jason Shower, and feeds him? He is even worse in my mind...[Update: As of 10/9/17 - there are trigger warnings posted in the blurb on Goodreads.]
This is going to recount my experience as I read this book...
28% - "This book is just pissing me off -- the back and forth with no progress is losing my attention quickly."
I kept going...
57.0% "This must be this author's first attempt at M/M -- There are some things happening in this book that are just nasty. I am sorry - maybe I place to much focus on hygiene -- but pulling a "hooker" off the street, who is bloody, cum stained, vomit stained, and sleeping behind a dumpster and can't even stay awake...and kissing him, making out with him..is NOT sexy. Oh and bloody noses and mouth..come on!!! But, they make sure to wear condoms..so I guess that saves them? Like has this author heard of HEP C and HIV? What about common sense.. would you really make out with a man who just got done sucking off another John?? He is actively selling himself and we are suppose to be okay with Raine sucking face and other things? I'm sorry.. no!!"
72.0% "Why the hell did I continue reading this..now we have some mafia and drug cartel drama - and a MC gang. Oh, and Ocean & Rayne's dad is some kind of gangsta who is coming after is sons. IDK maybe that's explained in other books, but it seems stupid right now..out of nowhere."
90% - "Jason has totally changed his tune now. Umm, okay. He has all his "gang" moved away I guess. So now he is falling in love too?!?"
99% "Oh HELL No! She went there! BAREBACKING with a former rentboy, 3 months after he stopped selling his body. Ummm..sure, because he had ONE clean test. FFS. I.just.can't. The nurse in me is dying."
I feel like this book set the genre back 10 years....
1.5 star rounding down to 1 star...a generous one star!
On a positive note...the cover is sexy!
September 25, 2017
Yeah this is a DNF and return for refund for me.
Okay so Raine and his brother and their friends (other books?) KNOW that Jason is a whore in the LITERAL sense of the word.
Raine PLANS to hire Jason for "IT", because Jason is hot and Raine has a hate-love relationship with him *eyeroll*, BUT then he finds Jason in the gutter one day, almost hypothermic, with no jacket/clothes and acting delirious, because a 'John' (big or small 'J'??) may or may not have drugged him; if nothing else it sounds like he was raped. And this happened:
“You wanna talk business with me, talk. But don’t think for a fucking second you’re getting a discount.” It takes a moment for his words to sink in, and then I see red. “I don’t want anything from you,” I hiss right back. “Dammit, I should have left you out in the cold.”
Considering the state Raine found Jason in, I would say that Raine is just a LOVELY character #sarcasm, especially because that WAS actually what he wanted *eyerolling harder*
Raine -for me- is not a likeable character. And the fact that he takes Jason home *the next day* to get "IT" on, and doesn't notice that Jason is black and blue when naked, (even though Raine CANNOT look away from Jason because he is mesmerising and again NAKED) *my eyes are like fidgetspinners at this point* because his pimp (??) has beaten him up, is ridiculous.
Then we have these little tidbits:
Sadly, despite what most people think, the gay gene doesn’t always come with a sense of fashion, so I have some standard colors I buy, and I stick to sensible combos.
Wait, did he get a manicure? Do guys do that?
Jeebus fucking christmas, aren't we over these stereotypes yet? I don't know if this is the first MM for this author; but it fucking reads like it, with 'ideas' like that.
Also if Jason had been a woman I'm pretty sure Raine's brother and all of his bicycle-friends *obtusing on purpose* would have been ALL over that shit to get (her) out of the situation (she) was in. And I say that WITHOUT having read the rest of the 'series', but having a vague idea of what kind of "badass alpha-males" these people are *at this point my eyes are permanently lodged at the back of my head*
MEN can be abused JUST as easily as women! And perpetuating the notion that women should be helped out of situations like this (again loosely based on my ideas of the rest of the series, without having read it), but men should not, because they can 'handle themselves', is doing my head in. STOP with the stereotyping!
*I want to reiterate that this is a DNF, and I don't know if it's later explained that Jason would not take any help at all, but I did NOT feel that that was the case before I threw in the towel.
When you do a rentboy-plot you're walking a fine line IMO, and I really don't see how Raine and Jason are gonna become a 'stable', loving couple considering the fact that their beginning is not Raine trying to help Jason, but him paying (with coffee and food *sigh*) for 'it' because Jason's hot. And again my biggest issue with this is: they've known each other for years, and Raine's brothers and friends haven't done anything either.
It is mentioned that Raine's brother sometimes gives Jason money, but as I read it, NOBODY has tried getting him out. And then the romance starts because Raine can't get Jason out of his head and he takes advantage of an abused, cold, underweight prostitute, after scaring away an attacker.
SUCH a LOVELY romantic beginning #sarcasm.
Lastly we have the whole storyline with Raine's parents and I could FEEL it sliding towards my pet-peeve territory, so yeah, I'm out.
Too much stereotyping and an unlikeable MC, fuck that shit.
Okay so Raine and his brother and their friends (other books?) KNOW that Jason is a whore in the LITERAL sense of the word.
Raine PLANS to hire Jason for "IT", because Jason is hot and Raine has a hate-love relationship with him *eyeroll*, BUT then he finds Jason in the gutter one day, almost hypothermic, with no jacket/clothes and acting delirious, because a 'John' (big or small 'J'??) may or may not have drugged him; if nothing else it sounds like he was raped. And this happened:
“You wanna talk business with me, talk. But don’t think for a fucking second you’re getting a discount.” It takes a moment for his words to sink in, and then I see red. “I don’t want anything from you,” I hiss right back. “Dammit, I should have left you out in the cold.”
Considering the state Raine found Jason in, I would say that Raine is just a LOVELY character #sarcasm, especially because that WAS actually what he wanted *eyerolling harder*
Raine -for me- is not a likeable character. And the fact that he takes Jason home *the next day* to get "IT" on, and doesn't notice that Jason is black and blue when naked, (even though Raine CANNOT look away from Jason because he is mesmerising and again NAKED) *my eyes are like fidgetspinners at this point* because his pimp (??) has beaten him up, is ridiculous.
Then we have these little tidbits:
Sadly, despite what most people think, the gay gene doesn’t always come with a sense of fashion, so I have some standard colors I buy, and I stick to sensible combos.
Wait, did he get a manicure? Do guys do that?
Jeebus fucking christmas, aren't we over these stereotypes yet? I don't know if this is the first MM for this author; but it fucking reads like it, with 'ideas' like that.
Also if Jason had been a woman I'm pretty sure Raine's brother and all of his bicycle-friends *obtusing on purpose* would have been ALL over that shit to get (her) out of the situation (she) was in. And I say that WITHOUT having read the rest of the 'series', but having a vague idea of what kind of "badass alpha-males" these people are *at this point my eyes are permanently lodged at the back of my head*
MEN can be abused JUST as easily as women! And perpetuating the notion that women should be helped out of situations like this (again loosely based on my ideas of the rest of the series, without having read it), but men should not, because they can 'handle themselves', is doing my head in. STOP with the stereotyping!
*I want to reiterate that this is a DNF, and I don't know if it's later explained that Jason would not take any help at all, but I did NOT feel that that was the case before I threw in the towel.
When you do a rentboy-plot you're walking a fine line IMO, and I really don't see how Raine and Jason are gonna become a 'stable', loving couple considering the fact that their beginning is not Raine trying to help Jason, but him paying (with coffee and food *sigh*) for 'it' because Jason's hot. And again my biggest issue with this is: they've known each other for years, and Raine's brothers and friends haven't done anything either.
It is mentioned that Raine's brother sometimes gives Jason money, but as I read it, NOBODY has tried getting him out. And then the romance starts because Raine can't get Jason out of his head and he takes advantage of an abused, cold, underweight prostitute, after scaring away an attacker.
SUCH a LOVELY romantic beginning #sarcasm.
Lastly we have the whole storyline with Raine's parents and I could FEEL it sliding towards my pet-peeve territory, so yeah, I'm out.
Too much stereotyping and an unlikeable MC, fuck that shit.
October 16, 2017
3.5 Stars - Last quarter of the book is the best part. Some issues were redeemed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was something else. For one, it seems like there was a series going on and I missed a part. But I looked and this is not attached to a series that I could tell.
The story was hot, don't get me wrong, but there was a lot of ICK factor that was a bit hard to get past. I'm sorry, but making out with someone who lives on the streets for a few days and then having sex immediately makes me feel itchy and that is just ewwwwwwwww.
Plus there is a ton of should I, shouldn't I, back and forth, with so little conversation between the guys, it's no wonder it took 3/4 of the book to come to any understanding and trust. The reader is left agitated.
The ending was the best part and did redeem the story for me. Overall, great plot that could have got me hooked if the ick factor was not an issue.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was something else. For one, it seems like there was a series going on and I missed a part. But I looked and this is not attached to a series that I could tell.
The story was hot, don't get me wrong, but there was a lot of ICK factor that was a bit hard to get past. I'm sorry, but making out with someone who lives on the streets for a few days and then having sex immediately makes me feel itchy and that is just ewwwwwwwww.
Plus there is a ton of should I, shouldn't I, back and forth, with so little conversation between the guys, it's no wonder it took 3/4 of the book to come to any understanding and trust. The reader is left agitated.
The ending was the best part and did redeem the story for me. Overall, great plot that could have got me hooked if the ick factor was not an issue.
Read
March 15, 2018I will not be rating this book because I don't want to influence anyone one way or the other. It was just a too depressing read for me at this time. I felt like the unhappy times outweighed the good times by too much. I was willing to read about the bad as long as the ending was worth it. However, imo it wasn't at all. It's probably a case of me and not the book, but I was relieved to be done. I will have to find a happier read now.
October 1, 2017
1. Sex/arousal at inappropriate, fucked up times - wanting/having sex when a person is dangerously vulnerable due to physical trauma, economic disadvantage and lack of immediate basic needs is fucked up! That doesn't make your character seem caring, it makes them a fucking predator.
2. Douchebag MC - Raine is a judgmental and implausibly naive little asshole.
3. Magic Dick - I'm so fucked up by my past and present that I can't get hard but I'll get hard for Raine's magic dick that cures all my problems. That's so lazy and uninspired.
4. Weird 1st person present tense narration.
Mediocre use of vocabulary and all around lazy storytelling.
2. Douchebag MC - Raine is a judgmental and implausibly naive little asshole.
3. Magic Dick - I'm so fucked up by my past and present that I can't get hard but I'll get hard for Raine's magic dick that cures all my problems. That's so lazy and uninspired.
4. Weird 1st person present tense narration.
Mediocre use of vocabulary and all around lazy storytelling.
June 3, 2018
If you have a problem with any gay/lesbian couples or sexual activity taking place with those couples, then I do not recommend this book. It is not for you.
However, If you like love stories and characters with troubled pasts who overcome their crappy circumstances and strive to live no matter what, than you should read this story.
If you read the Damage Control series than you know that Raine is Ocean's brother and you have already met Jason Vega. Raine now works at the extended branch of Damage Control tattoo shop, Collateral Damage as the front desk guy. Jason is still a prostitute living on the street but trying his hardest to protect the ones he loves. Protecting his people from the new madman connected to drugs, human trafficking, and the Cartel will be harder than he thought. Jesse got away but Jason has been his obsession and Jason trades his life and well being for those he loves.
Jason hates what he does for a living. He does not know another life. Everything from his younger years is lost in his mind. He can not remember how he got his scars or why a certain lullaby haunts his thoughts. Raine is always mean and diffensive to Jason, he realizes its because he really likes Jason and wants to be his boyfriend. Jason has to save himself first get clean and off the street.
I feel that Raine knew all along that he liked Jason but because of the life Jason leads and Raine's denial of homesexuality, he could not face that fact.
Jason wants to protect everyone and live happily ever after if possible. With Raine's invitation of help he might be able to save everyone. Well except himself. Jason tries to keep the bad from reaching Raine and everyone else but Raine's past seems to be more the undoing of this couple.
The interaction between Raine and Jason's characters was perfect. The fact that Jason was fine with being a hooker and fine with earning his money that way was something I love. He was not happy but it is what he knew and accepted. Raine's acceptance of Jason finally into his world, once Jason accepted Raine's help was really great.
I feel that Jason was trying to protect Raine from everything even himself.
**SPOILER ALERT**
It was a little surprising that the characters got sexual involved as quickly as they did. I think I would have been more nervous than Raine's character was.
Nice love story between two men. This book has action, love, loss, heartache, sadness and triumph.
Rating: 4 STARS
Happy Reading!
However, If you like love stories and characters with troubled pasts who overcome their crappy circumstances and strive to live no matter what, than you should read this story.
If you read the Damage Control series than you know that Raine is Ocean's brother and you have already met Jason Vega. Raine now works at the extended branch of Damage Control tattoo shop, Collateral Damage as the front desk guy. Jason is still a prostitute living on the street but trying his hardest to protect the ones he loves. Protecting his people from the new madman connected to drugs, human trafficking, and the Cartel will be harder than he thought. Jesse got away but Jason has been his obsession and Jason trades his life and well being for those he loves.
Jason hates what he does for a living. He does not know another life. Everything from his younger years is lost in his mind. He can not remember how he got his scars or why a certain lullaby haunts his thoughts. Raine is always mean and diffensive to Jason, he realizes its because he really likes Jason and wants to be his boyfriend. Jason has to save himself first get clean and off the street.
I feel that Raine knew all along that he liked Jason but because of the life Jason leads and Raine's denial of homesexuality, he could not face that fact.
Jason wants to protect everyone and live happily ever after if possible. With Raine's invitation of help he might be able to save everyone. Well except himself. Jason tries to keep the bad from reaching Raine and everyone else but Raine's past seems to be more the undoing of this couple.
The interaction between Raine and Jason's characters was perfect. The fact that Jason was fine with being a hooker and fine with earning his money that way was something I love. He was not happy but it is what he knew and accepted. Raine's acceptance of Jason finally into his world, once Jason accepted Raine's help was really great.
I feel that Jason was trying to protect Raine from everything even himself.
**SPOILER ALERT**
It was a little surprising that the characters got sexual involved as quickly as they did. I think I would have been more nervous than Raine's character was.
Nice love story between two men. This book has action, love, loss, heartache, sadness and triumph.
Rating: 4 STARS
Happy Reading!
October 4, 2017
Angst central, my friends. The drama is telenovela-strong in this book.
The poor communication between the MCs drove me up the wall. Of course that if they had actually talked, then the book would have been 20 chapters shorter.
The resolution of all the evil forces at the end was simplistic at best. So, rounded up to 3 mehhh stars because the cover is hawt.
The poor communication between the MCs drove me up the wall. Of course that if they had actually talked, then the book would have been 20 chapters shorter.
The resolution of all the evil forces at the end was simplistic at best. So, rounded up to 3 mehhh stars because the cover is hawt.
August 29, 2017
I cannot believe how lucky I was to beta this, and all I can say is Holy Cannoli! I absolutely loved it and need to get my hands on the paperback as soon as possible.
September 23, 2017
What a crazy story. I could tell from the blurb that this book was going to be intense, but I didn't expect it to be that intense, and dark, and sad, and angsty...
But being the angst-ho that I am, you can be sure that I adjusted quickly, and enjoyed this twisted tale to the fullest.
First, I'm going to admit that I never read any of this author's books. I was a little worried when I heard that this book was somewhat connected to her other books, but the blurb was too tempting so I had to give it a try. I'm glad to say that I was suprised by how the connection to her other series didn't bother me. Yes, I figured that many of the secondary characters have a book of their own, and that there's a deeper background story for each of them, but I wasn't annoyed by it. Every character had a proper introduction, and most importantly - THEY DIDN'T GET IN THE WAY! The focus of the story was on the MCs, so I didn't feel lost because I didn't read the other characters' books. Bless you for that, Jo Raven.
Raine is a 21 years old guy with a difficult background. He grew up in a trailer park with parents that didn't give a fuck about him, and the only one that really cared for him was his older brother. Nowadays, he's working two jobs and manages to take care of himself. His main support is still his brother, Ocean, but now he also has the support of his brother's friends and coworkers (I believe that all of them have their own books). The bane of his existence though, is Jason, a hot and seductive hooker that he can't help but obsess about.
Jason didn't have it easy, ever. Bad childhood led him to selling himself on the streets. He doesn't have a home, he sleeps on the streets, and he's lucky if he gets something to eat. He's under the control of a local MC and doesn't have a choice but doing what their leader tells him to, or he will hurt his friends. He and Raine didn't have a good first meeting (to say the least), Raine pretty much insulted him for being a hooker and was acting like an asshole in general. But even though he says he hates him, Raine can't stop thinking about Jason, worrying about him, and most of all - wanting him.
These two had the craziest push and pull routine I've ever read about. It's like they couldn't sit down and have a proper conversation for more than 2 minutes, it was crazy, yet somehow fascinating...(don't ask me why)
It didn't help that Raine insulted Jason everytime he got pissed - I really felt like bitch-slapping him every time he did that - but I also couldn't ignore the fact that Jason was keeping so many secrets, and that he was constantly using sex to distract Raine from asking too many questions.
To sum it all up, they were a dysfunctional mess. Thankfully, I dig dysfunctional (if it's done correctly), but a fair warning to those of you who find this kind of thing frustrating - this book might not be for you. Even I got frustrated at times.
These boys took their sweet time to get over their issues, but I was into it the all time. And even though the book isn't perfect at all, it was highly enjoyable. And sexy. Just saying.
4 stars!
But being the angst-ho that I am, you can be sure that I adjusted quickly, and enjoyed this twisted tale to the fullest.
First, I'm going to admit that I never read any of this author's books. I was a little worried when I heard that this book was somewhat connected to her other books, but the blurb was too tempting so I had to give it a try. I'm glad to say that I was suprised by how the connection to her other series didn't bother me. Yes, I figured that many of the secondary characters have a book of their own, and that there's a deeper background story for each of them, but I wasn't annoyed by it. Every character had a proper introduction, and most importantly - THEY DIDN'T GET IN THE WAY! The focus of the story was on the MCs, so I didn't feel lost because I didn't read the other characters' books. Bless you for that, Jo Raven.
Raine is a 21 years old guy with a difficult background. He grew up in a trailer park with parents that didn't give a fuck about him, and the only one that really cared for him was his older brother. Nowadays, he's working two jobs and manages to take care of himself. His main support is still his brother, Ocean, but now he also has the support of his brother's friends and coworkers (I believe that all of them have their own books). The bane of his existence though, is Jason, a hot and seductive hooker that he can't help but obsess about.
Jason didn't have it easy, ever. Bad childhood led him to selling himself on the streets. He doesn't have a home, he sleeps on the streets, and he's lucky if he gets something to eat. He's under the control of a local MC and doesn't have a choice but doing what their leader tells him to, or he will hurt his friends. He and Raine didn't have a good first meeting (to say the least), Raine pretty much insulted him for being a hooker and was acting like an asshole in general. But even though he says he hates him, Raine can't stop thinking about Jason, worrying about him, and most of all - wanting him.
These two had the craziest push and pull routine I've ever read about. It's like they couldn't sit down and have a proper conversation for more than 2 minutes, it was crazy, yet somehow fascinating...(don't ask me why)
It didn't help that Raine insulted Jason everytime he got pissed - I really felt like bitch-slapping him every time he did that - but I also couldn't ignore the fact that Jason was keeping so many secrets, and that he was constantly using sex to distract Raine from asking too many questions.
To sum it all up, they were a dysfunctional mess. Thankfully, I dig dysfunctional (if it's done correctly), but a fair warning to those of you who find this kind of thing frustrating - this book might not be for you. Even I got frustrated at times.
These boys took their sweet time to get over their issues, but I was into it the all time. And even though the book isn't perfect at all, it was highly enjoyable. And sexy. Just saying.
4 stars!
May 25, 2021
I like it when a protagonist struggles with his attraction. We get plenty of that.
Narration is good, too.
But someone living on the street selling himself in order to give his money away to get his colleagues off the street does not make sense to me.
I have to take a break and see if I can ignore this premise tomorrow.
Narration is good, too.
But someone living on the street selling himself in order to give his money away to get his colleagues off the street does not make sense to me.
I have to take a break and see if I can ignore this premise tomorrow.
September 18, 2017
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I never ever, hesitate to open up a new book and take a leap back into the fictional world that involves the Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control boys. So needless to say when Jo Raven creates a new story, I am there! Having read all of Jo's books and being very familiar and loving her Hot Candy series, I am always ready for her stories to include some more scorching man on man action. There's something about troubled bad boys that makes my mouth goes dry, my heart race, and my imagination go into permanent overdrive! Soon after starting Jason and Raine's scorching “will they, won't they” passionate race to the finish line, I was engrossed and hungry for more!
For those who have read Jo's past stories, we are clamoring for another bumpy ride with a hero from the Storm family. If Ocean got you hot and bothered then watch out because his younger brother Raine Storm is sure to incinerate your unmentionables and leave you dazed and confused. If it isn't those bright blue eyes and dark good looks then it is his way of rocking Jason's world and showing him what true love is all about. Raine, is loyal, fierce, and has that anger brewing just below the surface that keeps a reader's libido revved and ready to take off!
Jason Vega melts reader's hearts everywhere and has us turning pages faster than ever trying to learn everything we can about him. I loved delving deeper into this misunderstood man of the streets character. I found myself urging him at every turn to give his heart and his body to Raine and turn to him, the Inked Brotherhood, and Damage Boyz in his time of need.
Jo Raven delivers a story with twice the mouth watering heroes that make you want to fall at their feet and give your heart to them. I highly recommend Jagged Edge for a romance full of suspense, lots of sexy muscle action, and of course past characters that we have already grown to love. Jo Raven always keeps my emotions twisted, heart thrumming, and desires stoked whether it is a woman with one sexy delicious muscled hottie, two yummy men, or one with a lucky heroine that gets the double the man candy! She brings the heat, heart, and all the feels a reader could ever ask for!
I never ever, hesitate to open up a new book and take a leap back into the fictional world that involves the Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control boys. So needless to say when Jo Raven creates a new story, I am there! Having read all of Jo's books and being very familiar and loving her Hot Candy series, I am always ready for her stories to include some more scorching man on man action. There's something about troubled bad boys that makes my mouth goes dry, my heart race, and my imagination go into permanent overdrive! Soon after starting Jason and Raine's scorching “will they, won't they” passionate race to the finish line, I was engrossed and hungry for more!
For those who have read Jo's past stories, we are clamoring for another bumpy ride with a hero from the Storm family. If Ocean got you hot and bothered then watch out because his younger brother Raine Storm is sure to incinerate your unmentionables and leave you dazed and confused. If it isn't those bright blue eyes and dark good looks then it is his way of rocking Jason's world and showing him what true love is all about. Raine, is loyal, fierce, and has that anger brewing just below the surface that keeps a reader's libido revved and ready to take off!
Jason Vega melts reader's hearts everywhere and has us turning pages faster than ever trying to learn everything we can about him. I loved delving deeper into this misunderstood man of the streets character. I found myself urging him at every turn to give his heart and his body to Raine and turn to him, the Inked Brotherhood, and Damage Boyz in his time of need.
Jo Raven delivers a story with twice the mouth watering heroes that make you want to fall at their feet and give your heart to them. I highly recommend Jagged Edge for a romance full of suspense, lots of sexy muscle action, and of course past characters that we have already grown to love. Jo Raven always keeps my emotions twisted, heart thrumming, and desires stoked whether it is a woman with one sexy delicious muscled hottie, two yummy men, or one with a lucky heroine that gets the double the man candy! She brings the heat, heart, and all the feels a reader could ever ask for!
September 26, 2017
-2,5-
Reading this story I felt like seeing a huge neon sign blinking ... the first half of an hour is a blast then it gets f***** dull. The story dragged on, and I did not have any feeling of chemistry between MC, only the last 20% were interesting, but even then it was too commonly written.
Reading this story I felt like seeing a huge neon sign blinking ... the first half of an hour is a blast then it gets f***** dull. The story dragged on, and I did not have any feeling of chemistry between MC, only the last 20% were interesting, but even then it was too commonly written.
September 14, 2017
I have not read a full book in quite a while I have started lots but failed to get into them until Jagged edge WOW what an amazing book, it has everything a girl needs to disappear and not come out until the end and I got to tell you ladies and gents I could not put this one down!
Boy torture, Tattooed hotties, soul crushing sadness and a lot of HOT men and HOT Sex I mean the passion is off the charts sexy and the emotions will have you needing boxes of tissues, love does not come easy for these two and believe me i wanted to smack their heads together on occasions for the blind stupidity but OMG I really loved and enjoyed this book, in fact, i think this is Jo Raven's best book to date and that my friends says a lot because I love a lot of Jo's Books if you love M/M you need this book and you need it now!
Would Raine and Jase be my book boyfriends? he'll yes they would be my husbands if only they batted for the other team .. but a girl can dream right? :)
Boy torture, Tattooed hotties, soul crushing sadness and a lot of HOT men and HOT Sex I mean the passion is off the charts sexy and the emotions will have you needing boxes of tissues, love does not come easy for these two and believe me i wanted to smack their heads together on occasions for the blind stupidity but OMG I really loved and enjoyed this book, in fact, i think this is Jo Raven's best book to date and that my friends says a lot because I love a lot of Jo's Books if you love M/M you need this book and you need it now!
Would Raine and Jase be my book boyfriends? he'll yes they would be my husbands if only they batted for the other team .. but a girl can dream right? :)
August 29, 2017
So happy I got a ARC for this book. This story was amazing. Jo Raven really makes you fall in love with Raine and Jason. Raine was exactly what Jason need to get his life turned around for the better. Both guys learn th e true meaning of family and the power of a good hug. Highly recommend this book. Such a sweet couple. ❤👦👨❤
September 9, 2017
I seriously loved this book. The character of Jason especially blew me away, that perfect mix of streetwise bravado and heartbreaking vulnerability. The relationship between him and Raine was complicated, frustrating at times and powerful. The sex scenes were hot as hell, erotic but at the same time breathtaking emotionally moving. I really hope there is a follow up as I want to know what happened to Jason as a child - talk about unfinished business, I need that story!
September 24, 2017
Wiecie co? Tym razem nic nie powiem. Brakuje mi słów. Za mało gwiazdek na tym goodreadsie.
September 21, 2017
I haven't read any of this authors other books so I didn't enjoy this one as much as I'm sure a Jo Raven fan would have. In my opinion this should definitely not be read as a standalone, something which should be included in the blurb. I was in the dark for so much of this book.The writing was good tho and I absolutely loved Raine even tho his name (raine Storm really?) made me cringe.
January 31, 2022
3.75 stars
I've been in the mood for a darker m/m romance and this definitely fits the bill. Raine is trying to overcome the abuse he suffered while living with his aunt, including internalized homophobia. Jason is a homeless prostitute, trying to help his friends get out of town for a better life. When Raine realizes how bad Jason's situation is, he tries to help but a lack of trust and communication get in the way.
I liked both characters and rooted for them to get together and help each other heal. It was frustrating when Jason kept secrets from Raine or Raine decided to be an asshole because he made incorrect assumptions, but there were a lot of good parts too. It was nice seeing the men open up and Jason find a safe place with Raine.
The ending was kind of anticlimactic and felt a bit like lazy writing to me. Things were wrapped up too quickly and we were told what happened instead of shown. If the ending had been better, I'd have given this a higher rating.
I've been in the mood for a darker m/m romance and this definitely fits the bill. Raine is trying to overcome the abuse he suffered while living with his aunt, including internalized homophobia. Jason is a homeless prostitute, trying to help his friends get out of town for a better life. When Raine realizes how bad Jason's situation is, he tries to help but a lack of trust and communication get in the way.
I liked both characters and rooted for them to get together and help each other heal. It was frustrating when Jason kept secrets from Raine or Raine decided to be an asshole because he made incorrect assumptions, but there were a lot of good parts too. It was nice seeing the men open up and Jason find a safe place with Raine.
The ending was kind of anticlimactic and felt a bit like lazy writing to me. Things were wrapped up too quickly and we were told what happened instead of shown. If the ending had been better, I'd have given this a higher rating.
October 25, 2017
My biggest issue with this one was probably that I felt like both MCs were assholes to each other. Not kinda assholes, cause that would have been ok, but full assholes. Besides that, everybody and I mean everybody knew Jason was a hooker, working the streets, being treated like shit but nobody did nothing about it? Yeah, yeah, Jason refuses help because he was trying to save his friends, but I'm sorry, that was a lame excuse to keep him working the streets. and tho I was sorry for Jason, I also wasn't because he was an asshole. Sighs.
PS: I'm also still mad his last name was Vega. He's not worthy.
PS: I'm also still mad his last name was Vega. He's not worthy.
Read
September 25, 2017DNF
Throw in the towel!
This should not be read as a standalone. IMO
There are too many people and background stories from Damage Control Series & Inked Brotherhood Series..
Read Line's review, couldn't have said it better myself
Throw in the towel!
This should not be read as a standalone. IMO
There are too many people and background stories from Damage Control Series & Inked Brotherhood Series..
Read Line's review, couldn't have said it better myself
April 7, 2018
reviewed for www.lovebytesreviews.com
This is a hard review to write. Let me start by saying I didn't read any other books from this author and I saw this was her first experience in venturing in the m/m. I have to say with some of the characters introduced I would very much like to read their stories.
But that being said this story was hard and dark in some ways. I felt myself struggling to keep going and wishing that there would be getting some less dark and dramatic pieces. I am glad I stuck with it because the ending was really nice and very worth it but the hard parts that are most of the book is really daunting to me.
I am a sucker for a good rentboy story so that was the reason why I picked this one up to begin with and a rentboy story is what I got.
The struggle of Jason is real and severe. As reader I wanted to grab him, hold him, hug him and also shake him to please go and tell people!
Raine? You can only just love and cherish him. No he isn't perfect but he has a such a good heart and he sure knows what he wants, despite not even clearly knowing why especially in the beginning.
What I found difficult is that I really had to search for the chemistry between the main characters. This could be just me or because it was the first m/m book by the author but I was left needing something during a big part of the book.
This book is intense and comes with quite a few triggers. I definitely don't mean just the rentboy part. There is abuse and other hurts as well.
It also comes with family, friendship, and strong-willed characters who are fighting to get by and with caring that goes over and above the norm.
The writing is good and fluid and you can see the author is a very skilled at their craft which the story definitely benefits from.
If you can take the darker stuff and stick with the story you will find yourself in an intense, heavy, drama-filled ride but with a fulfilling ending and just like me when you read the author notes you will want to read Corey's story as well as Ethan's.
So yes I enjoyed this book and even got a bit curious about the other characters who come from other m/f series by Ms. Raven but I have to say as my desire is clear to read the books mentioned above I hope they will be having a bit lighter tone to it. But that is completely on me.
This is a hard review to write. Let me start by saying I didn't read any other books from this author and I saw this was her first experience in venturing in the m/m. I have to say with some of the characters introduced I would very much like to read their stories.
But that being said this story was hard and dark in some ways. I felt myself struggling to keep going and wishing that there would be getting some less dark and dramatic pieces. I am glad I stuck with it because the ending was really nice and very worth it but the hard parts that are most of the book is really daunting to me.
I am a sucker for a good rentboy story so that was the reason why I picked this one up to begin with and a rentboy story is what I got.
The struggle of Jason is real and severe. As reader I wanted to grab him, hold him, hug him and also shake him to please go and tell people!
Raine? You can only just love and cherish him. No he isn't perfect but he has a such a good heart and he sure knows what he wants, despite not even clearly knowing why especially in the beginning.
What I found difficult is that I really had to search for the chemistry between the main characters. This could be just me or because it was the first m/m book by the author but I was left needing something during a big part of the book.
This book is intense and comes with quite a few triggers. I definitely don't mean just the rentboy part. There is abuse and other hurts as well.
It also comes with family, friendship, and strong-willed characters who are fighting to get by and with caring that goes over and above the norm.
The writing is good and fluid and you can see the author is a very skilled at their craft which the story definitely benefits from.
If you can take the darker stuff and stick with the story you will find yourself in an intense, heavy, drama-filled ride but with a fulfilling ending and just like me when you read the author notes you will want to read Corey's story as well as Ethan's.
So yes I enjoyed this book and even got a bit curious about the other characters who come from other m/f series by Ms. Raven but I have to say as my desire is clear to read the books mentioned above I hope they will be having a bit lighter tone to it. But that is completely on me.
September 11, 2017
The first pure MM book of Jo Raven. To say I was intrigued is a lie… Ever since Dirty Princes I couldn’t wait to get more gay action from her and since meeting Jason and Raine in Ocean’s book I wanted them to get their own story.
Did I like this book? No.
Kidding. I loved it! I loved it so much and I am so proud to see Jo Raven develop more and more with each book she releases. This one is her best so far, if you ask me. She has gotten better and better in her writing and I am honestly glad that I am able to see her growing in her writing. The character development in this book was over the top! Each twist and turn offered more insight in the complicated thoughts of these two bad boys. I was on the verge of crying more than once and laughed my butt off in other scenes.
I’ve wished some scenes to go different, because they were heartbreaking. So heartbreaking that I messaged the author while reading and try to make her rewrite them. Believe me, your heart will break with these two. They are magnificent and honestly the best book Jo Raven has written so far.
The character development was over the top like I said before. The plot enrolls slowly, maybe sometimes too slowly, because it makes the heartbreak and angst so much harder to endure. I wanted to scream at Jo Raven for torturing them so much! In the end (you will know what I mean if you get there) I was only sitting, staring at my Kindle and could just say: What? I was devastated! I suffered with Jason and Raine, mostly Jason, because he was absolutely sure, that he couldn’t be saved or loved all the while so many people cared for him. It was. Beautifully devastating and I recommend this book to everyone who is looking for heartbreaking relationships and angst.
Did I like this book? No.
Kidding. I loved it! I loved it so much and I am so proud to see Jo Raven develop more and more with each book she releases. This one is her best so far, if you ask me. She has gotten better and better in her writing and I am honestly glad that I am able to see her growing in her writing. The character development in this book was over the top! Each twist and turn offered more insight in the complicated thoughts of these two bad boys. I was on the verge of crying more than once and laughed my butt off in other scenes.
I’ve wished some scenes to go different, because they were heartbreaking. So heartbreaking that I messaged the author while reading and try to make her rewrite them. Believe me, your heart will break with these two. They are magnificent and honestly the best book Jo Raven has written so far.
The character development was over the top like I said before. The plot enrolls slowly, maybe sometimes too slowly, because it makes the heartbreak and angst so much harder to endure. I wanted to scream at Jo Raven for torturing them so much! In the end (you will know what I mean if you get there) I was only sitting, staring at my Kindle and could just say: What? I was devastated! I suffered with Jason and Raine, mostly Jason, because he was absolutely sure, that he couldn’t be saved or loved all the while so many people cared for him. It was. Beautifully devastating and I recommend this book to everyone who is looking for heartbreaking relationships and angst.
November 22, 2018
I believe this is a first for me by this author. I don’t really know what I was expecting, this cover is what jumped out at me and I had to listen.
I liked the characters and their connection, but it kind of felt one-sided for the most part. Jason really goes through the wringer in this story and I sometimes didn’t think Raine understood the situation Jason was in. I wanted him to care more for this man he was lusting after.
I think this book could have been freaking great but it was just too slow, and I wanted more magnetize between these characters I wanted to feel their lust and romantic need for each other. I just didn’t feel it.
It wasn’t terrible or anything I guess I just wanted more.
I loved the narration Teddy’s voice is YUM. Is that a descriptive word, haha NO but I don’t care it is what it is.
I liked the characters and their connection, but it kind of felt one-sided for the most part. Jason really goes through the wringer in this story and I sometimes didn’t think Raine understood the situation Jason was in. I wanted him to care more for this man he was lusting after.
I think this book could have been freaking great but it was just too slow, and I wanted more magnetize between these characters I wanted to feel their lust and romantic need for each other. I just didn’t feel it.
It wasn’t terrible or anything I guess I just wanted more.
I loved the narration Teddy’s voice is YUM. Is that a descriptive word, haha NO but I don’t care it is what it is.
Read
September 11, 2020DNF al 25%. No me engancha la historia ni los protas. Y como además está relacionada con otra serie, hay demasiados nombres y secundarios que no dejan de liarme y poco aportan a la trama.
August 11, 2021
4.5 stars
This was every bit of MM goodness that I wanted and expected it to be. Jo Raven is a new to me author, and I loved her writing! There were a ton of side-characters with their own books, but it didn't bug be anything as it usually does. Jason and Rain were brought brought life with both their back stories, and by the narration of the audiobook. I was rooting for them from the get-go, and live to see how it all came together for them. I'm excited to read more by this author.
This was every bit of MM goodness that I wanted and expected it to be. Jo Raven is a new to me author, and I loved her writing! There were a ton of side-characters with their own books, but it didn't bug be anything as it usually does. Jason and Rain were brought brought life with both their back stories, and by the narration of the audiobook. I was rooting for them from the get-go, and live to see how it all came together for them. I'm excited to read more by this author.
September 9, 2017
This book will put you through the wringer, I promise !!!! Jagged Edge is bittersweet.
An absolute MUST read !!!
Jagged Edge by Jo Raven is a full-length standalone romance novel.
Meet Jason Vega, he´s had a rough life and works on the streets or corners. And then is there Raine Storm, he´s 21 years old , out of the closet with shitty parents and a great big brother. Ocean is a tattoo artist and a friend of Jason too. Raine has a major crush on Jason, but he can´t get a hold of his feelings for the other man. He can´t get him out of his head, wants to help him, but Jason is skittish. He runs, runs from his past, runs from his feelings, problems and violence. Jason can´t afford to fall for Raine, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Both characters are between a rock and a hard place. This book is raw, it is gritty and I can´t say how much I love it. Jagged Edge contains scorching Hot NSFW sex scenes. This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Jo Raven has accomplished just that.
I highly recommend Jagged Edge and wish I could give more than 5 stars. Thank you so much, Jo Raven!!
An absolute MUST read !!!
Jagged Edge by Jo Raven is a full-length standalone romance novel.
Meet Jason Vega, he´s had a rough life and works on the streets or corners. And then is there Raine Storm, he´s 21 years old , out of the closet with shitty parents and a great big brother. Ocean is a tattoo artist and a friend of Jason too. Raine has a major crush on Jason, but he can´t get a hold of his feelings for the other man. He can´t get him out of his head, wants to help him, but Jason is skittish. He runs, runs from his past, runs from his feelings, problems and violence. Jason can´t afford to fall for Raine, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Both characters are between a rock and a hard place. This book is raw, it is gritty and I can´t say how much I love it. Jagged Edge contains scorching Hot NSFW sex scenes. This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Jo Raven has accomplished just that.
I highly recommend Jagged Edge and wish I could give more than 5 stars. Thank you so much, Jo Raven!!
September 10, 2017
Sometimes I am late to the game and read a book involving characters from other stories I haven't read yet. At times, that can leave you confused and feeling like you are missing something. Other times, such as with this book, it just gave me a tiny taste of them- enough to intrigue me, enough to make me look into their stories later on.
Jagged Edge was kind of dark and raw. It was sad. Jason and Raine both have issues and an attraction to each other they are fighting. To see the gritty life of a male prostitute and how hard it could possibly be to try a relationship, especially when they are both so broken, made for a good story. These two stole my heart a bit. With all the characters and connections, I feel like there are more stories to tell involving them and hope I'm right. This was told in dual pov with a HEA.
I received an arc of this.
Jagged Edge was kind of dark and raw. It was sad. Jason and Raine both have issues and an attraction to each other they are fighting. To see the gritty life of a male prostitute and how hard it could possibly be to try a relationship, especially when they are both so broken, made for a good story. These two stole my heart a bit. With all the characters and connections, I feel like there are more stories to tell involving them and hope I'm right. This was told in dual pov with a HEA.
I received an arc of this.
Read
September 27, 2017DNF- No rating.
I made it until about 25% and realized this just isn't working for me. I didn't like the writing style, word choices seemed off. I do love the cover!
It could be a heaping case of it's not you, it's me. I need to table this....
I made it until about 25% and realized this just isn't working for me. I didn't like the writing style, word choices seemed off. I do love the cover!
It could be a heaping case of it's not you, it's me. I need to table this....
September 17, 2017
First of all, can we have a moment to drool over that HOT AS FIRE cover?!? Sigh.... Jo Raven knows how to light up the pages (or Kindles) of a book. These characters were complex, the plot was meaningful and the action was off the charts. Five drool-worthy stars!!!
September 11, 2017
I was given an ARC for my honest opinion
I'd buy this book purely for the cover
Jason and Raine are just two lost souls trying to find their place in this world
One is trying to save the other, while the other is saving everyone but himself
I would love more background on Jason but Jo did hint it could happen fingers crossed it does
Would like to check back on these two to see their HEA
My only issue was it seemed a little rushed at the end otherwise wonderful read
I'd buy this book purely for the cover
Jason and Raine are just two lost souls trying to find their place in this world
One is trying to save the other, while the other is saving everyone but himself
I would love more background on Jason but Jo did hint it could happen fingers crossed it does
Would like to check back on these two to see their HEA
My only issue was it seemed a little rushed at the end otherwise wonderful read
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