Those words were scribbled on the outside of her English binder, but I knew even then that they may as well have been tattooed on the fragments of her heart.
My girl was broken, damaged, and yet I loved her. Foolishly, I'd thought I'd be able to banish her darkness, but I'd only chased it away for a few moments in the sun.
I was too damn young to understand the demons she was fighting. But I'd soon be faced with my own darkness.
Amazon bestselling author C.M. Seabrook writes hot, steamy romances with possessive bad boys, and the passionate, fiery women who love them. Swoonworthy romances from the heart!
💔♥•*(¸.•*´ 💛💫♥`*•.¸)`*•. 💛💫♥«´¨`💔´¨`» 💫💛♥.¸.•*(¸.•*´ 💫💛`*•.¸)*•💔 WOWZA! MY HEART TOOK A SERIOUS BEATING WHILE READING THIS BEAUTIFUL, EMOTIONALLY CHARGED 5-STAR READ ABOUT DESPERATION, SURVIVAL, FORGIVENESS & LOVE. ✫✫✫✫✫ 💔♥•*(¸.•*´ 💛💫♥`*•.¸)`*•. 💛💫♥«´¨`💔´¨`» 💫💛♥.¸.•*(¸.•*´ 💫💛`*•.¸)*•💔
WOWZA!!! Okay, take a deep breath all you angsty romance lovers and get ready to dive into the latest installment in the Savages and Saints Series, Salvage by the ever so talented C.M. Seabrook. I just love all her swoony heroes that steal my heart and hold me hostage.
“Love doesn’t hurt. Expectations do.”
That’s a quote you see often in the pages of this book but there is not a better quote that's more fitting for this story.
Broken hearts, lost loves, stolen moments, uncertain futures and a plethora of angsty feels were abundant in Salvage. I swear my emotions were all over the place, playing ping pong with my sanity while I was reading this book.
I think it’s fair to say that Salvage is my favorite book in this series to date. In fact, this entire series is my favorite by this author. As always, she writes and delivers the swooniest heroes. And this time his name is Damon Savage.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful this story is. I found myself just gasping out loud at the unimaginable betrayal and unfairness that plagued 17-year-old Lorelei and the steps she was forced to take in order to survive.
The unthinkable circumstances Lorelei was faced with along with hurtful misunderstandings set in motion a course of events that changed the lives of these two young lovers.
Fast forward 11 years. Lorelei is yet again thrown into the danger zone and forced to come back to Port Clover and face her demons. But this time is different. Her priorities have changed and she will do what’s necessary to save those most important to her. Namely, her 10-year-old son Nolan. May I say I just love this kid……. He says the funniest things.
My favorite quote from Nolan….. “Mom, you’re getting snot in my hair.”
However, this proves to be a seemingly impossible task when she is inadvertently thrust into the path of the local sheriff, Damon Savage. Shock and disbelief strike him right in the black hole that is his heart. He’s been emotionally shut off for the past 11 years. Suffering in silence at the loss of the love of his life and the guilt he carried.
A swoony favorite quote from Damon… “I’m drowning in her and I don’t care. Even if she wrecks me, it’s worth it, to feel. To fucking feel anything other than the constant emptiness my life was without her. With her, I feel everything. I’m lost to her, in her. Submerged, Engulfed. Drowning. And I don’t care if I ever come up for air.”
When the shock wears off and the entire truth is known, Damon steps up and takes control in his oh so sexy alphalicious ways. Things are about to get interesting…… He’s more determined than ever to make sure he takes care of the love of his life and the 10-year-old who stole his heart. He won’t lose them again.
Lorelei is faced with dealing with the devil himself along with his cowardess bride of Frankenstein. Someone who should have protected Lorelei yet instead threw her to the wolves and left her to fend for herself.
A quote from Lorelei… “I swear the fates are laughing at me now, forcing me to face them both. To choose between fear and hope, hate and love, blame and forgiveness…… I’ve been living so long in the darkness of fear, stepping into the light is…. blinding………… We’re like this great tragic love story that doesn’t have a happy ending.”
Can Lorelei and Damon save the ones they love while simultaneously trying to dodge bullets from all directions, including those with familial ties? It’s a smorgasbord of shady, unscrupulous vipers they have to deal with and time is running out….
They say time heals all wounds. For Damon or Lorelei, that is not the case. In fact, time has done nothing to ease the pain of losing the one they love, their soulmate, whether or not that loss was deliberate or by force. Desperation is a complicated thing and comes in many forms. The cause and effect may differ but, in the end, desperation can break even the strongest of wills.
One of my favorites scenes in this book was when Lorelei was alone in the hospital with Gretchen. She was so strong and stayed true to her convictions and remained steadfast in her quest to say goodbye. It was then I decided that she was the epitome of what a heroine should be. Forgiveness is important but some things can’t be forgiven. Especially the horrible things that woman did. I pictured her leaving the hospital with her head held high. I was so impressed and loved the fact that Lorelei said she was never coming back and yet, had the decency to say a final goodbye.
So many lost and stolen moments you can never get back. But, it turns out that all is not lost…. You can forge ahead and make up for the lost time, lost loves and stolen moments by embracing what has been given back to you now, today. Second chances, a beautiful future and the miracle of life and love. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Salvage is a captivating, heartbreaking, yet hauntingly beautiful, emotionally charged 5-star read about desperation, sacrifices, survival, forgiveness, new beginnings and above all else, unconditional love. Sometimes, you can go home again.
I have to say; I am all for Ms. Seabrooks brand of brooding alpha males! While reading the latest standalone in the Savage and Saints Series, I had the image of that glorious cover floating in the back of my mind. What a sexy, yet broken picture it is! Damon Savage, the surly Sherrif of Port Clover. Never forgave himself for words spoken in the moment many years ago, it cost him to lose the person he loved the most. He has spent all his time since then, taking down everyone connected- until 11 years later, a familiar face is spotted, and his world gets turned upside down. Be still my heart; I am conflicted, I have said no one could ever take Zee's place... but now.. Oh, Wth! It's all fictional right *ahem* I'll have a St. James and a Savage! Someone bring me a Damon! *Yeah, it's official, I need help.* What a heart squeezer this story was! A torrential downpour of emotional mayhem and sexual chemistry! Kicking some butt and taking names, this book has all the goods I love in a fast, free-flowing romance! A pinch of dark in gritty mixed with whole lotta heat n heart, add in that well-known humor the characters and author are known to throw out my fellow readers if you have read any of the Savage and Saints books... It's a no-brainer, you will want to read this one! If you haven't, What are you waiting for? Jump on the Seabrook's Savage & Saints Train it's a deliciously bumpy ride!
I have liked other books by this author, so I gave this one a try despite my reservations. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. It was formulaic and the suspense part of the plot was thin and poorly developed. The book was also a reminder of why I hate second chance, secret baby, and "sex fixes everything" tropes.
Damon, the H, was no hero. Lora, the h, was inconsistent and seemed to flow whichever way the story needed her to be at any given point. Given the way they both had acted, everything is fixed between them way too quickly and easily.
This book seemed like a shallow, formulaic read compared to some of this author's earlier works.
Salvage by C.M. Seabrook is an alluring, passionate, emotional, yet powerful story that leaves the reader feeling sensational. I completely devoured this book. It's everything book lovers enjoy. It's full of drama, love, and lots of page turning excitement.
Lorelei's character is so brave. She has to sacrifice so much to protect herself and those she loves. She never could've predicted everything that comes next for her. But when the person she's running from finds her and brings her home and into the arms of the man she should've been with all along, anything is possible. She has to fight against all of her fears and open her heart to Damon again though and let me tell you, it's a fight she won't be able to win because Damon is a resilient, charming, brooding, yet brilliant man. I loved him something fierce. He was everything in this book. He was Lorelei's strength, heart, and so much more. I couldn't get enough of him. These characters own this book.
So if you enjoy a good book that will leave you guessing and leave you in shock turn after turn, you're going to really love this one. It's a brilliant read.
I give Salvage by C.M. Seabrook 5 out of 5 BLOSSOMING STARS!
“Sometimes, the bravest thing to do is stay and fight.”
What do you get when a ruggedly sexy small-town sheriff reunites with his beautifully beleaguered long-lost love, only to discover she’s hiding a WHOPPER of a secret? A WHOLE LOT OF EXPLOSIVE FIREWORKS, that's what! !
Wowza! C.M. Seabrook has managed to sweep me off my feet yet again with SALVAGE, the latest standalone installment in her interconnected Savages & Saints series. I swear each book she writes is even more enthralling than the last, and this high octane second chance tale is no exception!
THE STORY: At 17, Lorelei was living a nightmare under the tyranny of her stepfather, notorious criminal Bence Farkas, and had secret plans to skip town before he made good on his sadistic plans for her. Then she and Damon Savage fell in love—and into bed—and she allowed herself to dream of the impossible . However, after overhearing a callous conversation that shattered her heart, she ran off, determined to follow through with her plans to leave Port Clover forever.
Deeply remorseful for hurting Lorelei, Damon chased after her, hellbent on making amends . But he was too late, and his world crashed down around him when the girl he desperately loved disappeared in a mysterious boating accident during a dangerous thunderstorm.
Skip ahead to present day, 11 years later. Damon, who’s now the Port Clover Sheriff, can’t believe his eyes when he spots Lorelei in an out of town diner , in disguise. His lawman intuition tells him she’s desperate and afraid…and in big trouble.
Turns out his gut was right.
Lorelei was forced out of hiding when her son, Nolan, was kidnapped by her stepfather and her reunion with Damon is hardly joyous when he foils her plans to come up with the blackmail money. Damon promises to help her get her boy back from her evil stepfather, but they will do it HIS way. But that entails putting her son’s life in the hands of her far too bossy former flame who betrayed her trust all those years ago.
Damon has been working for years to bring back down the crime ring in his town, led by Farkas. And as he and Lorelei race against time to orchestrate a daring rescue of Nolan, it's clear their red-hot attraction is more potent than ever and they can no longer deny the undeniable gravitational pull between them. But just as they begin it find their way back to each other, Damon is sucker punched with life altering news about Lorelei’s son. Can these two lovers salvage what they once lost, and keep their newfound family intact, before the worst nightmare come to fruition?
MY MUSINGS:
Sigh. I love me a wildly passionate love story with all the feels that seamlessly intertwines romance, passion, drama and suspense, and SALVAGE accomplished that beautifully! This book has a bit of a grittier edge to it than Ms. Seabrook’s’ prior romances, but it still has a plethora of sweetness and swoon and aching tenderness that we’ve come to RELISH from this author.
Gah…these two are just so breathtaking together! I was instantly invested in Damon and Lorelei’s tantalizingly twisty love story, and these characters were both so beautifully nuanced and endearing and relatable that you can’t HELP but root for them. And when these two hit the sheets…it’s THERMAL!
I love the slow build between them as they rekindle their romance and try to mend past hurts and bond as a family. But they’ve both changed during their time apart. All those years of hiding, constantly looking over her shoulder, has caused Lorelei to build an iron fortress around her heart. Meanwhile Damon has grown from a reckless, insecure teenage boy into a six foot plus of pure, rock-solid dominance! And this strong, dependable, take charge lawman will do whatever it takes to reclaim what's rightfully his!
Ms. Seabrook always concocts the most SWOON-WORTHY ALPHA PROTECTORS to salivate over, and I absolutely looooooved Damon Savage in all his tall, dark and primally sexy glory!! And this über commanding crime fighter takes his job of watching over Lorelei very seriously. (Hee hee…there may be some handcuffs involved !) But gah this sweet, chivalrous man blames himself for driving her out of town all those years ago, but now that she’s back, he will do everything in his power to protect his own.
But, of course, at first Lorelei does not make it easy on him. She is still hurt and distrustful over their past falling out and so terrified about her son’s welfare that she can barely think straight. But the blame goes both ways. After all, she kept Damon’s boy away from him all these years, and even though he’s justifiably ticked because he missed out on all those precious moments, I could hardly be mad at her because she has been thought the wringer during their years apart and will do anything to keep Nolan safe. Even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. I truly loved this heroine’s “tender, fragile, damaged heart that burned with strength and ferociousness under the icy calm she masked herself with.”
Bottom line? This duo has a lot emotional baggage to sort out, but the one thing they have in common is their soul burning love for each other—and their desperate plight to do what's best for their boy.
As much as I relished the red-hot interludes, the palpable romantic friction and adrenaline pumping suspense, some of my FAVORITE moments revolved around the heart melting scenes with Damon and young Nolan. I mean is there anything hotter than a big, gruff alpha bonding with the young boy he never knew he had? And as you can imagine Nolan has a mega case of hero worship for his tough yet achingly tender sheriff daddy! Plus, to round off this amazing cast, there’s all those winsome Savages and Saints who add so much warmth, wit, loving support and delicious drama to the story! (And eeep Abbott’s story is gonna be epic, folks. E.P.I.C.!!!!)
FINAL VERDICT: SALVAGE slayed my heart! This achingly beautiful, action-packed second chance story about love, family, forgiveness and finding your way back home had me on the edge of my seat from page one and culminated in a heart pounding ending that had me basking in sweet bliss!
Lorelie and Damon’s story is an emotional and heartbreaking rollercoaster journey throughout. This is a beautifully written flawless story, which is raw, gritty, emotional, as well as filled with drama, twists, suspense, and romance, which are all rolled into one powerful read. This talented author gives her heart and soul into her work, and the end development is always phenomenal. I look forward to reading more of this authors’ work, and highly recommend for all readers. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are things that you can't say in a review because it might sound like I'm only saying that because I like the author as a friend but you need to realize one thing about me. Being a friend, a real friend, you have the right to say the truth even if it hurts. And if she's an author we have the obligation to tell the truth and help her. Right? All this talk just to say that I love this lady and her books will knock you out. Each book is special and very engaging. Thanks to one of her previous series I want to go visit Ireland. I'm being serious. C. M. Seabrook is the lady that I'm talking about. It doesn't matter if she writes a romance, a bad boy story or a paranormal book because she can make you addicted just by reading one chapter. Her writing is hot, wild, forbidden, intense and so hot... Dayum... Hot hot hot. Savage is her latest release and it's the third book from the Savages and Saints series. Oh boy... I've been waiting for this book for so long that I was nervous when I started it. But I need to tell you something. Despite all books are standalones I totally advise you to read Torment and then Gravity. Just read them and you'll see why I'm saying this. This new book explores the lifes of Damon and Lorelei. Damon is so damaged that he hides it from everyone behind his closed up face. He had suffered a huge loss and that made him the man he's today. The need to revenge made him the sheriff... It's not easy to start over when you have nothing and no-one waiting for you. This is a reality to Lorelei. She had to start a new life away from everyone thinking that she would be safe but... Jesus... What a book... What a story... What a struggle... The plot is magnificent, very well written, super engaging and intense surrounded by a cloud of suspense and unknown. The chemistry between the characters is beautiful despite all the danger that surrounded them. It's amazing what love can do to you. This book presented us with love, happiness, friendship as well as crime, drama, madness and betrayal. These two need to share their stories with everyone and you can't miss out on this opportunity. C. M. You rock woman. This book was so much more and I'm even more in love with this family. Please tell me that Abbott's book is the next one... Please.. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I was sucked into Damon and Lorelei’s story from the heartbreaking prologue. This book was FANTASTIC and kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire read. This second chance romance had the perfect amount of suspense to keep me riveted and wondering if this couple was finally going to get their happily ever after. Damon Savage was a sexy alpha hero, with his protective nature and unwillingness to let Lorelei walk away once he finds her again.
With this series, C.M. Seabrook gives us a great lead-up to the next book, setting the story stage with the hero and heroine. This book was no exception, giving us a glimpse of what is in store for Abbott in the next book in the series, BEAST. His character has a long road to redemption, but I have no doubt that the author will give us a story that will endear Abbott to us in the end.
Salvage was told from dual POV. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but I encourage you to read the series to get a better understanding of the characters and their dramatic pasts. This book and the entire Savages & Saints series is so easy to binge read and become addicted to.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*
Love doesn't hurt. Expectations do. CM Seabrook did it again. She broke my heart and mended it with her beautiful words. Salvage is the third book in the series Sinner and Saints. This book follows the story of Damon and Lorelai.
Damon fell in love with a beautiful broken girl. Lorelai was the step-daughter of the town criminal, she was closed off and people always had things to say about her. Lorelai was going through the motions of life, biding her time until she could finally leave her home. Along the way, she fell for Damon because she thought he was different. She was proven wrong when she went to go talk to him and she saw him talking about her to his friends. She resolved to leave and put her safety first, without him. Lorelei left and to the world, she was gone. Damon's heart died the moment he chased after Lorelei to find out she was gone. A mysterious boating accident leads everyone to believe she either died or disappeared. Fast forward 11 years later and she unwillingly walks back into his life. Lorelei is in trouble. Her stepfather is holding her son hostage until she pays back the money she stole from him so many years ago. In her journey to rescue her son, she sees the one person she hoped she'd never see again. Damon is determined to not only help Lorelei get her son back, but he's fighting for a place in her life. Damon doesn't that Lorelei kept their son from her for so many years. I completely understand why she did it and if anyone was ever in her place, I think that would be the safest choice. When Damon finds out that her son is actually their son, he fights like hell to get back. Lorelei hasn't had it easy. She fights like hell to protect herself from the unbearable circumstances she was given. Her Strength is admirable. That's one of the qualities I liked best about her. While I love this series, this book is my favorite one so far. The characters are relatable. CM Seabrook developed the characters in an incredible way. The last few chapters had me edging towards my seat. I can't wait for her next book. I hope it's about Abbot, I won't survive if it's not.
This book is everything you can expect from C.M. Seabrook but more! This book is a must read! You don't want to miss out. Salvage ends in an HEA. Dual POV 5 stars
Audio Review: Salvage (Savages and Saints, Book 3) begins with a intriguing prologue and continues with chapter one until the end keeping your earbuds intact. I've only listened to books one and three so far and this one is my favourite. I loved Damon and Lorelei's character's and how they got their second chance. Tons of suspense swirling through this second chance romance. I also love the family aspect with this series. Tons of chemistry, secrets and a morsel of twists weaved into the narrative. With a perfect hea to end this romance.
Narators Gunnar Qualen, Jenna St. Claire are quickly becoming a top duet narration team of mine. I absolutely love the way they narate this series and audio. Everything just fits so well together with their inflection & sentiments. Chemistry and passion is felt throughout listening to this whole audio.
Another amazing book in this series. I absolutely love these characters and each of their stories. This book didn’t grab me from the beginning like the first 2 books, but as it progressed it began pulling me in and before I knew it, I was on a roller coaster ride. I loved this book, and a little sad because book 4 isn’t available for me just yet!! The narration was once again amazing. I’m totally loving this dynamic duo. They are new to me and I will definitely be looking for more from them. I highly recommend this book/series.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.*
This is Damon's story, in the Savages and Saints series. Can be read as standalone. I'm pretty new to C.M. Seabrook's books. And so far I haven't been disappointed. This book will have you gripped from the start. Emotional.
"Love doesn't hurt. Expectations do."
Damon was a total jerk to Lorelei when they were teens. She wasn't meant to have overheard Damon telling his friends that he wasn't 'dating the chick' ect. When he was slightly drunk. All that she wanted was someone not to give up on her and love. But he did love her, which is huge for a 17y/o.
"Trust me to sc**w up the best f***ing thing in my life" - Damon
Lorelei had inner demons of her own to going on. So after that night, she runs. Just disappeared, presumed dead.
Eleven years later...
Haunted by his guilt, erase his muck up, to clear his conscience. But also thinking that nothing is going to bring her back. Damon is now Sheriff. Adamant to put all the lowlifes, namely Farkas, Lorelei's stepfather either in jail or 6ft under.
Until one day he sees a ghost, it can't be Lorelei, she's gone.... But she's not, she's right there in front of him.
Lorelei did disappear, due to her stepfather Farkas, selling her virginity, being one of the most lower crooks, drugs, human trafficking, dirty cops in his pockets, you name it he's probably got his hands in it. But she wasn't a virgin, she gave it willingly to Damon. So she steals and runs with the money. When she finds Damon she overhears what he's telling his friends about her. Heartbroken she walks away from him too.
She's managed to stay hidden for all these years, but one silly muck up and her stepfather has found her and wants his money back. But he's taken something precious to her in exchange.
But coming face to face with Damon, the boy who broke her heart all those years ago. She doesn't trust well, with good reasons.
When she ran, she lost the money, but Damon found it, without telling anybody he kept it and invested it and it's grown considerably. He agrees to help her.
"This is the same boy who broke your heart, my head reminds me. He'll break it again if I let him. Bull****. Trust is for fools, and I'd been one to believe Damon wouldn't lie to me." - Lorelei
Does Lorelei trust Damon fully or does he botch it again?
*squeals Im hugging my kindle right now. Which honestly makes it hard to type, but oh well. This book. Damon's story was heartbreaking, lovely, sexy, on the edge of seat wonderful. Now I need Abbott's and Jasper's stories and I will feel complete. I highly recommend this book, this series and every other book by the amazing C.M. Seabrook. Happy reading! Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I could not put this book down. Wow is an understatement. I love this series. Each book gets better and better. Each book is also so much more emotional. I'm sure by the time we get around to the last book I'll be in the corner rocking back and forth balling like a baby.
Salvage was yet another great addition to the Savages and Saints series by C.M. Seabrook. This book was a great read, I couldn't put it down. My heart just about broke for these two - Lorelei and Damon. Life threw them quite a few impossible curveballs, that's for sure. It was heartwrenching to read how it was Lorelei's "family" that posed the biggest threat. I loved that despite their life experiences both Lorelei and Damon remained forgiving and understanding. I loved their connection, the love they had for each other. I loved the epilogue too. I can only recommend this very well written entertaining standalone romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 1/2 Stars! Standalone story but will contain spoilers if read out of order - Highly Recommend
For adults only (18+ years) Contains subject matter that may be a trigger, or offensive to some, including: adult language, steamy adult intimate scenes, and violence (i.e. kidnapping, blackmail, human trafficking, attempt to force a girl into prostitution, murder, etc.). If any of these subjects are a trigger, or offensive to you, then this may not be the story for you.
This story while a standalone, is part of a series from the same town and families. I was able to understand what was going on without issue, but if read out of order, the later stories can provide some spoilers. I am personally looking forward to going back and reading the previous stories based on how much I enjoyed Salvage.
There are a few minor grammatical errors, but overall this is a very well written story. A prologue and epilogue is provided, which helped me feel like I was up to speed quickly.
Here is a highlevel overview of how the story begins:
Damon Savage feel in love with Lorelei when he was a teenager. Despite what was told about her mother and stepfather, he knew she was his, but life had damaged her and she had a hard time trusting. Damon finally won her over, but she was still in danger from Bence Farkas, her stepfather. He ran most of the criminal enterprises in their area and he had proclaimed Lorelei his and had her watched.
The two young lovers would meet out on the water, by Gull's Island. There they talked, touched, and he promised to take care of her, but a drunken gaff with his friends drove her away, as she heard what he said. He knew she wouldn't believe him but he had to find her so he could try and convince her that it wasn't true, it was just him buckling under the pressure of his friends.
Lorelei had learned to live by the mantra "Love doesn't hurt. Expressions do.", so she knew that night she had to disappear. She couldn't stay because of the plans her stepfather, and had no reason to stay and fight after hearing what Damon said. Heartbroken she steals a boat from the marina, takes her duffle bag and the money stolen and leaves. Unfortunately fate was fickle and a storm came in quickly. The boat capsized or pitched her and her belongings out, so when the search and rescue came, all they found where her duffle bag and Damon found the can she had decorated with their names full of money.
Fast Forward 11 years: Damon goes to meet with his older brother, Jasper, who is a private pilot for an oil tycoon, at a small diner in a neighboring town. He informs Damon that he can't make their Dad's surprise party. They have some words and tensions start to rise between them, but Damon also notices a female come in wearing a baseball hat, glasses and a baggy hoodie, but it is the glint of metal from a gun that really catches his attention. He then starts being more alert and watches her closer. She is really jumpy and seems to be watching for someone. He goes to grab his phone so he can call the local police; not his town, not his jurisdiction, and he is off duty today, but then she turns her head.
Damon has seen her many times in other people with similar features, but he knows this is really her ... Lorelei.
Lorelei wants to run, but she can't as long as her stepfather has her heart, her life, her whole world, in his hands. Fear is the only thing keeping her going. She had become careless and allowed herself to forget that real evil was out there actively searching for her. Had hoped he had forgotten about her, even though she knew better. If only she hadn't posed with a display of cakes that she had made for the bakery owned by Patty. After Merv, Patty's husband had found her clinging to the side of a bank on the lake, they had become the closest thing to parents to her. That is how she ended up in the picture, Patty had encouraged her to briefly take credit for all of the excellent work she had done. Then Patty died from cancer and wanted Lorelei to take over the bakery, but she didn't have enough money so she applied for a loan using her real name ... stupid.
Then three days ago, a note showed up saying 'FOUND YOU' and it told her where to take all of the money she stole or her kid would die. She cleared out her savings, including the loan amount she received, and pawned everything she could, but it was no where near enough. She needed more time! A tall and lanky stranger sat down. He wanted to know where the money was and she gave him the $13,000 she had, told him that she needed more time. He advised her to get it has quick as she could, gave her a burner phone and some polaroid pictures of her son with his grandmother. After seeing who he was with, she knew she had to do something fast. If her mother wouldn't protect her, there was no way she would protect her grandchild. Lorelei knew what her stepfather was capable of, so she quickly made her way towards the bank when a familiar voice telling her it wasn't worth it. It was Damon and she couldn't tell him what was going on.
An EXCEPTIONAL story of a young love revived! An EMOTIONAL and SUSPENSEFUL MUST-READ! “SALVAGE” is the second novel from CM Seabrook’s “Savages and Saints” series this reader/reviewer has had the opportunity to review, and this one is my favorite. First, when reading “SALVAGE” a reader is thrown into a situation fraught with suspense and tension, as author Seabrook builds word pictures that put at least this reader on the proverbial edge of her seat, a placement which continued until I finished the last page of this novel. “SALVAGE” takes readers along for the turbulent journey through Damon Savage and Lorelei’s young love through to the ultimate and promised HEA. Trust me when I say, you will not believe all that they must go through in between! What the blurb can not tell readers includes the following essential information (with NO SPOILERS!): First, author Seabrook’s prose is eloquently descriptive. So wonderful, in fact, readers can focus on the amazingly realistic (flawed, but trying to be better) characters who are strong yet fragile, broken but through tenacious perseverance find a way to allow love to heal them. To me, that is the definition of ROMANCE with all capital letters. Lorelei and Damon together make so much more than the sum of their parts. In fact, I was so in love with them and rooting for their future, that some of the plot twists nearly broke my heart! There are some twists that made me smile and surprised this reader in the most marvelous of ways also! If you are looking for a GREAT steamy romance, then “SALVAGE” is the novel to buy! Seabrook has mastered the art of revealing one small bit of information at a time, making me turn pages as quickly as I could I voluntarily read “SALVAGE” and this is my honest 5+ STAR review/recommendation and a STRONG suggestion that you purchase your copy of “SALVAGE” today! Happy pages! 😉
I am such an idiot. Although I have a few of this authors books on my Kindle, I haven't read any yet. Well, that will be rectified right after this review. This book was freaking fantastic! I felt so bad for both characters when they were younger - Lorelei was in an impossible family situation with an unearned reputation, and Damon was madly in love with her but their relationship was secret because of her family situation. So he made some callous remarks in response to his teenaged buddies, which made him sick inside, but broke her heart as she overheard the conversation. After that night, she disappears because of her situation, but her broken heart makes it easier to leave. Damon searches for her and knows he has lost her. Fast forward eleven years and they meet again. So much has changed, but their feelings have remained the same. Again, Lorelei is in an impossible situation and Damon helps her resolve the problem. It's certainly not as easy as I just made it sound. There are some heart pounding moments and you wonder just how this will be resolved, knowing it won't be easy and danger is never far behind. The love they have for each other is palpable, the chemistry is off the charts and you want them to work everything out to be together. This was a very well written-can't turn the pages fast enough-God are they hot together- read. Characters from her other books are in here, so now I'm going on a CM Seabrook binge read. A gripping story that pulls you in and doesn't let go of you. Well done!!!! And I definitely recommend this one!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Damon was young but he knew he loved her with every breath he had. Circumstances were against them and when questioned in the heat of the moment, he denied it, denied them. He lost her. Everything he was, would always be hers. He started searching and never gave up.
Lorelei was bad by association. She knew it, the town knew it. Her mama but them all in a bad place when she took up with her step dad. The man was evil and she was under his thumb. Light came in the form of Damon. He made her heart flutter, her breath gasp, everything he was...she loved him. Then he denied her. She heard his words from his own mouth. The pain was too much so she left. She knew she would always have to run.
Eleven years and he looks up from his place in the diner to see her. Here, not far from him. Anger, longing, rage, love. All these emotions swirl. She won’t run again. He won’t let her. He will do everything he has to to keep her by his side.
As much as he won’t let her go, there’s someone else out there who won’t either. Time is against them. He’s coming for her. She can stand and fight with him by her side or she can run forever.
Love doesn’t hurt. Expectations do. But they’re worth the risk. Expect happiness. Expect good things. But most importantly, always expect love. And if it doesn’t come easy, fight like hell until it’s yours! - C.M. Seabrook
Fantastic book!! The energy, fear, the passion...so easy to get all caught up in and not move until the last page is turned. I can’t wait until the next one. We have more brothers to go and I need to know what happens!!
Salvage By: C.M. Seabrook Narrated by: Gunnar Qualen, Jenna St. Claire Series: Savages and Saints, Book 3
Every time I listen to a CM Seabrook story, I know I am going to be happy! Not only does this story have the depth I crave, but suspense, single parent, second chance romance, all the sub genres that I love! Lorelei has been cursed with an evil stepfather who has a plan for her future. Being in love with Damon is not one of them. Realizing her fate and overhearing a conversation by Damon, she disappears, only to return 11 years later. Now in over her head, with a secret no one knows, she is back and has run into the love of her life. Can she trust him and his feelings? Will she ever be free of her stepfather? This story had me captivated from the start. Lorelei proves to be a strong woman, a survivor no matter the cost and will do anything to protect what is hers. Damon is our strong alpha male, the kind you want to curl into for comfort and he is willing to do anything to keep her safe. The cameos of characters from other series only heightens my love of the book, bringing fond memories of their stories back to me too! A little Wild Irish always makes me smile. It's a gritty, thrilling and steamy listen.
Gunner Qualen and Jenna St. Claire voice these characters flawlessly. Qualen's deep baritone gives Damon that protective feel yet in other circumstances provides that arrogance to intimidate his enemy. St Claire lets Lorelei have her moments of insecurity and fear and in the next breath gives her the confidence and strength to survive. Together, their chemistry lets us in on the bonding and passion of Lorelei and Damon, giving us a satisfying listen.
This story has ALL the feels! Damon is a man without a heart, because Lorelei took it with her when she snuck out of town eleven years ago, and all signs point to a watery demise in Lake Erie. Now, she's back in town, desperate for cash, and hiding a secret that will break Damon all over again.
Wow! The intensity of the feelings between these two is off the charts! Lorelei is a sympathetic character, even when we're shouting at her to just finally come out with it. She's in a terrible bind, and Damon isn't going to let her out of his sight until he's straightened everything out. Maybe not even then. Probably not ever, actually.
I loved the handcuffs scene - it was both intimate and antagonistic at the same time, a brilliant move by the author. And the role that Abbott played in it all was shocking and completely unexpected, even as it was perfectly in character for him. Nolan's breakfast conversation with Damon was poignant and heartwarming, an absolutely perfect scene.
The love Damon has for Lorelei is the stuff of legends. It set a pounding tempo for the entire story, never letting up, never letting go, never giving up. It was an amazing read, start to finish, and their HEA was hard-fought and well-deserved. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Savage is the third standalone in the Savage and Saints series, this is my first read of said series so I know they can be read as standalone but you get a lot of the previous characters and now it made me want to read those as well. Damon lost the love of his life because of some stupid “young” comments. This girl was not just any girl, she was special in more than one way. Lorelei has been hidden for the last 11 years, protecting herself from the man who was about to ruin her life, but also, from the man she thinks betrayed her. She won’t make the same mistake twice, trust is not something easy for her, but only a look and touch from Damon and she can’t fight it anymore. But she is not back for her or for Damon, she is back to get what belongs to her. But in getting that back, she will have a new chance to forget everything and have something special with Damon, this if Damon is ok with all of Lorelei’s secrets. “I know I don’t deserve the man. Not his forgiveness or his love. But I take it. Right now, in this moment, I choose to take it all. “ This is a second chance love story, with suspense and secrets that will keep you turning pages. I am hoping to read about Abbot in the future.
I am so in love with this series, This author is the champion of writing these Alpha men who are over the top possessive with their women. This one was a second chance love story that had a lapse of 11 years. Damon who is the sheriff of the town has been holding on to regret that the last time he saw Lorelei she was running from him. After she hears him drunkenly downplay their relationship, She flees hell bent on getting away from her stepfather. Lorelei boat was found capsized along with all her belongs. Thinking she drowned Damon has refused to even think about loving anyone else. Lorelei shows back up in town troubled and trying to find anyway to get money to pay off her stepfather, so he will leave her alone and she runs right into Damon they only guy she has ever had feelings for but let her down. Damon is too determined to never let Lorelei out of his sight again , he is a mon on a mission to make her stay, she just has to believe and trust him. Damon Salvage was Prime Alpha he gave me goosebumps. Their is many surprises and suspense that makes this read so phenomenal. We learned a little more about the other Savage brothers that makes waiting for the books almost unbearable.
This is Damon's story in the 3rd book in the Savages and Saints series. This can be read as standalone book in the series. Damon and Lor were high school sweethearts. Her mom had married a very evil man , a man who was like the devil incarnate who wanted to sell her for her virginity. Lor overhears the love of her life,Damon, say he doesn't care for her and that she was just good for sex. So she knows that there is no one to protect her and Lor takes the money that was collected for her virginity and takes off in a boat. A wicked storm comes up and she washes up on an island where a kind couple takes her in. 11 years pass and she stays on the island until Farkas, her evil stepfather, kidnaps her son. She goes back to Port Clover to pay what ransom money she can round up. Damon, who is now sheriff, recognizes her and never forgot her, offers up his help with her problem. Look for lots of drama, tons of angst to commence. Damon gets Lor's son back for her and when he does, learns her secret that she's been hiding. What an amazing read full of drama, angst, anger, action, twist, turns, forgiveness, heat, misunderstanding and full of romance. I very much enjoyed Lorelai and Damon's story because their story was a true HEA in the fullest sense.
Damon and Lorelai have some unfinished business and finally being reunited just may lead to more salvation than they could ever have hoped for. Damon made a careless foolish mistake that cost him so much at the tender age of 17. Words took away the person he loved and the worst part is he didn’t even mean them. When he sees Lorelai again after thinking he lost her all this time, he knows he two things instantly… First, she’s never getting away from him again and Second, she’s in trouble. Lorelai ran because she had no other choice. Her vicious stepfather had plans for her and she wasn’t going to stick around for that. She just wasn’t planning on accidentally faking her death when her getaway boat capsizes. Now she’s back but not because she’s finally going to come out of shadows, but because once again she’s at her stepfathers mercy. He’s taken her son and she will do anything to get him back, even team up with the man who doesn’t even know just how important the person he’s searching for is to him. Taking on her crime lord stepfather won’t be a walk in the park, but if it’s the only way she can be free and have her future as well, she won’t hesitate.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
Really great continuation of this series, which leaves me looking forward to more. Well edited.
This one begins with Damon on a desperate, heart-breaking search on the water for his high school girlfriend. An overturned boat, a few floating items, and all hope seems gone. 11 years later, while having lunch with his brother, Damon is shocked to see Lorelei sitting in the same diner. She is looking desperate and carrying a gun. The lawman in him won't walk away from trouble, and the broken heart in him starts to beat again. When he catches up to her, Damon is determined to get answers. Where has she been? Why has she been hiding? What kind of trouble is she in now? The trouble traces back to her criminal of a step-father. Now, Damon has yet another reason to go after the man he has spent years trying to get out of his town. And, Lorelei has a secret that will rock Damon's world. Will he be able to get Lorelei to stay? Will he be able to keep her safe? Will he ever be able to forgive all of her choices?
Although I don't like some of Lorelei's choices, I really liked Damon. I am looking forward to more of the brothers, and was glad that Kade and Quinn were featured in this one. Enjoy.
“Love doesn’t hurt. Expectations do. But they’re worth the risk. Expect happiness. Expect good things. But most importantly, Always expect love. And if it doesn’t come easy, Fight like hell until it’s yours!” -CM Seabrook, Salvage
I love this quote from Salvage. Such a good book. Damon and Lorelei’s story begins tragically but has a beautiful and heartwarming ending. Lorelei is a girl with a beautiful but broken soul trying desperately to survive the bad hand she was dealt in life. She’s never known love in any form until Damon came into her life. The timing is all wrong though and it doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards for them to be together. Damon fell for Lorelei hard and fast. She was and is his everything. Then tragedy strikes and turns his life upside down. Outside forces want to keep the two apart but Damon’s not giving up without a fight. He determined to take back what is his. This was wonderful story about loss, forgiveness, second chances and fighting for what you want. I adored Damon’s undying love for Lorelei. I would definitely recommend this book.
Salvage was an emotionally riveting book mixed with just the right amount of angst, suspense, drama, and sizzling chemistry to keep me captivated the whole book through.
Damon and Lorelai found love as high school sweethearts until a misunderstanding pulls them apart. Years later when their lives cross unexpectedly there's no denying the spark between them is still there. As their past catches up to them secrets and lies that kept them apart are revealed. I loved Lorelai and how brave she was in the face of everything she had to deal with.
Haunted by his mistakes of his past Damon never forgot the love he lost and when he is presented with a second chance he grabs a hold with both hands. Damon's protective nature and the fierce love he has for Lorelai mean he will do whatever is necessary to get back what he lost. I loved Damon and Lorelai together and how they fought to find forgiveness and a chance at what their hearts desired most.
Salvage is a a beautiful and emotional second chance romance full of suspense, angst, drama, twists and turns and an unforgettable love that will keep you spellbound from beginning to end.