Damaged

by Tricia Owens

One is a victim. The other is guilty.

After Detective Jack Beckam’s partner is killed during the line of duty, Jack retreats to a small Indian casino in the Colorado mountains to deal with his guilt. There, he encounters the mysteriously hostile casino manager, Taylor Brant.

Jack is on a downward spiral. Unfortunately for him, the strange forest surrounding the casino only increases his desire to do something reckless. Something desperate. Taylor Brant is not only dangerous, he’s broken. He’s someone Jack should steer clear of. Yet Jack, bruised inside and out and needing to find absolution, tumbles into a series of dark, highly charged encounters with Brant which could shatter them both.

Graphic scenes of rough sex, BDSM, and heavy angst.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Dark, Romance

133 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2018

About the author

I write urban fantasy, paranormal romance, m/m fiction and menage fiction, with probably more genres to come! Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter so you'll be kept apprised of my frequent new releases:

Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/

Reviews

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the one hand too much, on the other hand not enough...

It really pains me to say this, but as much as I love the Juxtapose City series, this was not my book. I always have a hard time with BDSM as some kind of therapy, but in this case so much suspension of disbelief was required it made my eyes spin in circles like those of a cartoon character and despite the fact that usually two tortured souls should tick off all of my boxes, they remained a bit twodimensional for me and I couldn't really connect with them. I'm sorry and I hope you will enjoy it more than I did. :(

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hot as fuck and had a nice romance. My first 5 star of the year.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

With heavy feelings of guilt Jack wants to disappear... he ends up at a casino, hidden in the woods with rows of thick trees. At the casino he meets the mysterious and sinister manager Taylor Brant... Brant an enigmatic man with dark secrets...
They could exchange power... only... they need each other for their own purpose...

Dark, gritty and violent.
Seeking the very boundaries of sexual encounters...
The heavy and intense scenes are breathtaking.... literally and figuratively!!

Two haunted men... with dark demons... in need of each other...
Constantly on the edge... enough or falling. A drawer full with accessories for one purpose and one purpose only!
Slowly there is a crack of light visible...

AWESOME written story just awesome. I did read it without any kind of interruption, separated myself from the world... because I wanted to feel it all.
Captivating as hell, with exactly the right environments. Stunning characters and a plot you only can dream of.
When you love some dark read with a satisfying end... I highly recommend this one!

Read and reviewed for Gay Book Promotions

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3,75 stars*

Dark and intense.
Unpredictable.
With a touch of the paranormal.

Brant and Jack are two damaged characters, indeed.
Tbh, it sometimes feels the author’s trying to accommodate too much here.

.) Jack’s guilt for his partner’s death.
.) Brant’s abuse issues
.) first time with a guy for Jack
.) the BDSM element and also a first for Jack

Saying that, I actually really enjoyed it all.
The writing is engaging and really evocative. (all those vibes about the forest were giving me the creeps). I was sucked in from page 1 and had to finish in one go.

I loved the power games between the two men, the push and pull. And there can be no doubt that the sex is incredibly hot and consuming. As are the emotions and issues of the two men.

However, the time frame of one week from lust and desire to actual real feelings is a bit on the unbelievable side. Still, theirs is a highly unusual connection, and I was quite happy to overlook it in this instance.

I have to say though that it did leave me uneasy that BDSM is used as a punishment to start with. There is consent and desire for pain on Jack’s side, something he discovers about himself, but I simply find it difficult to stomach how pain is used as a means of atonement.

These two guys are amazing characters, and at the end I definitely wanted more. More of Brant and Jack and what happens next.

Great and intriguing novella.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I’m a big fan of Tricia Owens – she has two series on my favorites list – so this one was a no brainer. As with those series, which I highly recommend (Sin City and Juxtapose City), this story is a little on the grittier side delivering a second chance story about two guys who are both a little damaged and find just the right push from the other to help them through.

Jack is on administrative leave after his partner was shot and killed, something he feels terribly guilty for. If only he would have done things a little differently, the scenario would have turned out much differently. In order to “deal” with that and to help come up with funds to aid his partner’s widow and child, he heads to the small-town casino where he meets dark and sexy pit boss, Taylor Brant.

Taylor has some issues of his own, mainly dealing with abusive exes (both cops) whom he allowed to take things much too far. He has vowed to never put himself in that position again, least of all with another cop. But, he sees something in Jack that is calling to him.

Jack has never allowed himself to explore his sexuality or his kinks, both of which Taylor is exactly the man and more than happy to help with. Taylor keeps control of things while showing Jack exactly what he has been missing and opening his eyes to quite a few things about himself. There are some pushes and shoves with these two as they fight for dominance and deal with their own issues at the same time. It takes just about hitting rock bottom for them to both figure everything out, and it takes Taylor stepping up in some big ways.

This starts out as both characters adamantly denying they want anything more than some rough sex, but it turns into more without either of them realizing until it’s too late. I really liked how this story focused on the pain aspect and that through their encounters they learn there is one way to do things, and then there is another way. Hard to explain, but they realize it is ok to give and receive the rough sex without causing major physical harm to one or the other, something both men came at from different angles. Suffice to say, if you’re looking for something a little on the less flowery side, be sure to give this story a go.


Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and 1/2 stars for me. Two broken men finding each other was a beautiful story. It was just a little too much angst for me to give it a higher rating. The writing was excellent and so was the sex. I’ll certainly check out more books by Tricia Owens.

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Está tan preocupada en hacer que los personajes te resulten misteriosos que no consigue empatices con ellos en detrimento de la historia que sale perdiendo

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricia Owens shocked me with this book. It is original and very unique. I can’t think of anything similar. It also lured me in and kept me emotionally hostage the entire time. The author really knows how to elicit strong feelings because my heart felt like it was being torn apart during this read.

The character development was intense. I felt for the two main characters so much, to the point I wish I could have walked right into the pages. That is the sign of an excellent book. There was definitely some amazing chemistry as well. The world building was eerily vivid.

This is not a story that is easy to describe. However, I can say it is one that is powerful. It kept me so engaged I didn’t even realize time slipped away until I got to the end. Don’t go into the book expecting ordinary. It’s way more than that.

5 stars for a hauntingly emotive read.

[Melanie Rawlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gods.
Ohmygods
This book is officially one of the most captivating books I have ever read. It’s just breathtaking. I’ve literally just finished it and had to tell someone about it - hence the review, which I’m often guilty of putting off.

If you want something sweet and gentle...if you’re looking for fuzzy characters and an easy journey...this is not your book. This book is going to wring you out and leave you gasping. I have never read anything by this author before and, while the title indicates this won’t be a purely happy book and the warnings (read the warnings) give you a fair idea, I didn’t realise how full-on it would be emotionally. Jack, a guilt-ridden detective on the edge after his partner is killed, comes to the casino that Brand manages, a casino that is rumoured to be heavily haunted (think Poltergeist) and has more than its fair share of tragedy. Jack has his reasons, and he’s brought his very own ghost with him. You can feel his pain throughout most of the book, it’s almost like it reaches out and grabs you too.

Getting to know Brand is a more complicated task - we get much of his difficult past quite quickly but he is far deeper than is obvious. Don’t worry though, not in a mystical way! He sees what Jack needs and gives it to him, despite (maybe because of?) not liking him much to start with. Their ‘rough play’ is wayyyy more painful BDSM than you get in lots of books, with definite humiliation kink mixed in (I love that). The sex scenes morph over the course of the book from pain-heavy and angsty to something much more personal. I loved this softening of the relationship between them.

All in all, great story, complex characters, incredibly well written to evoke emotion, but heed the triggers because this book is not playing around.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not your typical fluffy romance story but it was very enjoyable - the prologue had me hooked immediately! It was emotional and I just needed to know how Jack was going to deal with the outcome of that chapter.

Jack and Taylor both have their own demons and are a bit jaded for very different reasons. I really appreciated how the author portrayed them helping each other conquer their demons. Together they were sexy and aggressive but it worked for them. Everything was raw and emotional but also HOT.

There was a bit of a spooky undertone to the story that had me questioning how things were going to turn out, but it gave the story a much different vibe than what I am used to reading. I do wish we’d gotten to see just a little bit more of the guys building a relationship but I can also see how them coming together matched perfectly with where each MC was at in his life.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack has been through hell and he's on a break from his job as a cop in Colorado Springs. When he meets Brant, a casino manager, things heat up very quickly. They both work out their issues by using each other until it turns into something greater.

I really enjoyed this story, but I didn't love it. Maybe I just didn't fully understand what was happening during the first encounter, but it just bothered me a bit.

I loved the heat and the ghost storyline. I loved the HEA and the MC's. They gave each other exactly what the other needed in the end, which was perfect.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little disappointed in this book.
We have a previously straight man who has his first gay encounter. Not a vanilla encounter but BDSM. I thought it was really strange. They just got into it. No talk before or safeword and alchol was involved.
Sad, thought it could have been better.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received am ARC of Damaged in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story but I came away wanting more. Detective Jack Beckam’s partner is killed while on duty and Jack blames himself. He is put on to administrative leave during the investigation and heads to a small Indian casino located in the Colorado Mountains. We are told that the casino is built on a graveyard – or is it the scene of a battle which claimed many lives? – and that unusual happenings and sightings occur in and around the casino. We are also told that there have been a large number of suicides in the casino’s hotel but this side of the story is not explored and I think that this is why I am unsatisfied.
Jack meets Taylor Brant and, although they clash, a relationship begins. Both men are damaged but they could be each other’s salvation. The sex is rough and the BDSM is a major part of their relationship but it is not graphic, to me.
I like both Tricia Owens’ writing and her previous stories and, despite its short-comings, I am happy to recommend this novel.

[GhostMMreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller-coaster of emotions and internal conflicts! The title of this book says it all - two men have to face their demons and the cure may not be very orthodox but it works for them. They both need to let go of the feelings and emotions preventing them to overcome their personal demons and to recover their balance. Not the typical BDSM setting, the behavior of the casino manager, Taylor Brant, might seem anything but safe, sane and consensual, but the harsh, hurtful and almost uncontrolled scenes between the two men were necessary for the scope of their recovery. At the end the HEA is almost too sweet for a BDSM relationship, but it was perfect for these two MC's. Highly recommended if you are looking for an intense non-sugar coated story.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

m/m
Damaged by Tricia Owens is the tale of two damaged men finding redemption in each others arms. This book tore me up as I hurt for them each. This book will take you to some very dark places but it does have a happy ending.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku

One tragic event changes Jack Backam's life forever. When his partner is killed in the line of duty, Jack loses faith in himself and begins to blame himself for his colleague's death. In order to somehow atone for his sins, the man holes up in a small Indian casino amidst the inaccessible forests of Colorado. The aura of darkness and mystery surrounding this place encourages Jack to give vent to his hidden lusts. A similar influence seems to have on him an unconventionally attractive casino manager, Taylor Brant, who like a phoenix had been reborn from the ashes of his nightmarish past relationships.
Two broken men who should stay away from each other, incomprehensible mutual attraction and ghosts of the past constantly surrounding them. This thing between them can help them get back on their feet or destroy them completely.

I don't conceal that one of my biggest weaknesses are the novels in which the protagonist is a police officer, so thanks to Jack "Damaged" immediately gained some extra points in my personal book ranking. But I admit that the way in which he was presented surprised me a little and I liked it very much, so my love for Jack is based not only on his profession. Tricia Owens didn't present him as a typical alpha male, but she clearly and precisely showed his kind of weak psyche, undeniably good heart and the hidden desire to be completely subordinate to another person. It really makes a strong impression, the more so if we put him together with Brant, who was a submissive victim of violence, but this nightmarish experience of the past made him psychologically strong and in a way "dark". And what's more, he likes to dominate. Therefore, the roles of these two are somewhat reversed, which I think is a fantastic and interesting move, and a huge advantage of "Damaged".

However, the roles of the characters are not the only thing related to them that constitute the key strength of this novel. The great advantage is also the fact that both Jack and Brant are the characters to a certain extent broken, destroyed, if we refer to the title of the novel. And this is one of the reasons why after they unexpectedly "find" each other, they slowly start to put together each other's hearts, souls and psyche. In fact, they both give something to this other person, they both get something in return, and they take a risk while opening their hearts to someone else, which requires some courage from them. I really like the way their mutual relation was presented because that's how, among other things, the novel gains depth and meaning. To put it simply, it doesn't focus on the body, but on the human psyche, its rehabilitation and treatment.

I admit that in "Damaged" I also liked the manner in which the BDSM practices were presented. Let's begin with the fact that they are not characterized by pure spontaneity, as is the case in many novels where the BDSM motif appears, but to some degree Jack and Brant's sessions are planned a bit earlier. Thus, the reader sees that Brant is serious about his preferences and takes care of his partner's safety, which is extremely important to me. What's more, in her book Tricia Owens doesn't present only pure BDSM, but also pays special attention to the human factor in relation to these practices. Therefore, she focuses on such things as giving vent to already existing sexual tastes, discovering and developing them, as well as rejecting one of the BDSM roles in favor of the different one that suits the given person better. Equally important is the fact that in her novel the author mentions the line separating sadomasochistic practices and pure brutality that someone wants to give vent to. I admit that it made a great impression on me.

Finally, I would also like to mention the fact that in "Damaged" Tricia Owens plays with our belief in ghosts and paranormal phenomena. I think that in this way the author wanted to awaken our uncertainty, make us think about the possibility of another, not entirely rational, explanation of some events, as well as arouse even greater interest in the story she tells us. And I admit that it all worked out well. While reading this book, I asked myself several times if I didn't make a mistake concerning the genre of this novel, and I won't even mention how many times the level of adrenaline in my blood increased because of some events presented in the story. As for me, these were the reasons good enough to love this novel even more.

In summary, "Damaged" is a well-written book that shows fragile and at the same time extremely strong human psyche, process of healing the troubled soul and feeling between two people built on the trust. This is a really fantastic novel that is worth reading, especially if you like stories that are a bit dark, mysterious, have a BDSM theme, but in which the emotions play the most important role. I highly recommend this book!
_______________________________________

Jedno tragiczne wydarzenie zmienia życie Jacka Backama na zawsze. Kiedy jego partner ginie na służbie, Jack traci wiarę w siebie i zaczyna obwiniać się o śmierć kolegi. Aby w jakikolwiek sposób odpokutować za swoje winy, mężczyzna zaszywa się w niewielkim indiańskim kasynie pośród nieprzystępnych lasów Kolorado. Aura mroku i tajemnicy otaczająca to miejsce zachęca Jacka do dania upustu swoim dotąd powstrzymywanym żądzom. Podobny wpływ wydaje się mieć na niego niekonwencjonalnie atrakcyjny manager kasyna, Taylor Brant, który niczym feniks odrodził się z popiołów swoich koszmarnych przeszłych związków.
Dwóch złamanych mężczyzn, którzy powinni trzymać się od siebie z daleka, niezrozumiałe wzajemne przyciąganie i otaczające ich zewsząd duchy przeszłości. To, co pojawia się między nimi może pomóc im stanąć na nogi lub zniszczyć ich całkowicie.

Nie ukrywam, że jedną z moich największych słabości są powieści, w których występuje postać policjanta, toteż dzięki Jackowi „Damaged” od razu zyskało u mnie kilka punktów. Przyznaję jednak, że sposób, w jaki został on przedstawiony trochę mnie zaskoczył i bardzo mi się spodobał, toteż moje uwielbienie dla Jacka nie opiera się tylko i wyłącznie na wykonywanym przez niego zawodzie. Tricia Owens nie przedstawiła go bowiem jako typowego samca alfa, ale ukazała nam wyraźnie i dokładnie jego w pewnym stopniu słabą psychikę, bezsprzecznie dobre serce oraz ukrytą potrzebę bycia podporządkowanym innej osobie. To naprawdę robi wrażenie, tym bardziej, jeśli zestawimy go z Brantem, który dawniej był uległą ofiarą przemocy, jednak koszmarne doświadczenia przeszłości sprawiły, że teraz jest niezwykle silny psychicznie i na swój sposób „mroczny”, a co więcej, gustuje w dominacji. Role tej dwójki są więc poniekąd odwrócone, co uważam za fantastyczne i interesujące posunięcie, które naprawdę jest ogromną zaletą „Damaged”.

Role bohaterów to jednak nie wszystko, co się z nimi wiąże, a co stanowi o sile tej powieści. Ogromną zaletą jest również to, że zarówno Jack, jak i Brant są postaciami w pewnym stopniu złamanymi, zniszczonymi, jeśli odniesiemy się do tytułu powieści. I właśnie to sprawia, że po tym, jak nieoczekiwanie „odnajdują” siebie nawzajem, powoli zaczynają wzajemnie składać w całość swoje serca, dusze, psychikę. Tak naprawdę obaj coś od siebie dają tej drugiej osobie, obaj coś otrzymują, jak również ryzykują otwierając się na drugiego człowieka, co wymaga od nich pewnej odwagi. Naprawdę niesamowicie podoba mi się takie przedstawienie ich wzajemnych relacji, ponieważ między innymi dzięki temu powieść nabiera głębi i prawdziwego znaczenia. Mówiąc najprościej, nie skupia się na ciele, ale na psychice ludzkiej, na jej odbudowie, leczeniu.

Przyznaję, że w „Damaged” niesamowicie spodobał mi się także sposób przedstawienia praktyk BDSM. Zacznijmy od tego, że nie cechuje ich czysta spontaniczność, jak ma to miejsce w wielu powieściach, gdzie pojawia się wątek poboczny BDSM, ale sesje Jacka i Branta są wcześniej w jakimś stopniu planowane. Tym samym, czytelnik widzi, że Brant podchodzi poważnie do swoich upodobań i troszczy się o bezpieczeństwo partnera, co jest dla mnie niezwykle ważne. Ponadto, Tricia Owens niejako nie prezentuje w swojej powieści jedynie czystego BDSM, ale zwraca także szczególną uwagę na czynnik ludzi w odniesieniu do tych praktyk. Skupia się więc na takich rzeczach, jak dawanie upustu już istniejącym upodobaniom, odkrywanie ich oraz rozwijanie, a także odrzucenie jednej z ról w BDSM na rzecz innej, bardziej odpowiadającej danej osobie. Równie istotne jest także to, że autorka wspomina w swojej powieści o granicy między praktykami sadomasochistycznymi, a czystą brutalnością, której ktoś chce dać upust. Przyznaję, że to zrobiło na mnie duże wrażenie.

Na koniec chciałabym wspomnieć również o zastosowanym przez Tricię Owens zabiegu polegającym na odniesieniu się do naszej wiary w duchy i zjawiska paranormalne. Podejrzewam, że autorka chciała w ten sposób rozbudzić w nas niepewność, skłonić nas do zastanowienia się nad możliwością istnienia innego, nie do końca racjonalnego wyjaśnienia niektórych wydarzeń, jak również rozbudzić w nas jeszcze większe zainteresowanie przedstawioną historią. I przyznaję, że wszystko to znakomicie jej się udało. Podczas lektury kilka razy zastanawiałam się, czy aby na pewno nie pomyliłam się co do gatunku tej powieści, że o skokach adrenaliny nie wspomnę. Dla mnie był to wystarczający powód abym jeszcze bardziej pokochała tę powieść.

Podsumowując, „Damaged” to świetnie napisana książka, która ukazuje kruchą i jednocześnie niezwykle silną psychikę człowieka, proces leczenia umęczonej duszy oraz uczucie budowane na pojawiającym się między dwojgiem ludzi zaufaniu. To naprawdę fantastyczna powieść, którą warto przeczytać, w szczególności jeśli lubi się historie trochę mroczne, tajemnicze, posiadające wątek BDSM, ale w których najważniejszą rolę odgrywają emocje. Polecam!

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hot couple, but I kind of hated the climax

While I found Brandt and Jack to be very hot, I was a bit disturbed by Brandt's method of opening up to Jack. His actions, in leading Jack to his home, we're reckless and certainly not safe, or really even sane. What would he have done if Jack didn't come? What would he have done if Jack the sub that he seemed to be? I'm all for the Grand Gesture, but this one sort of ruined the book for me because I kept thinking of all of the ways that it should have gone horribly wrong.

[Lee Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an author I usually love reading but this book just didn't quite make it for me.
The characters had little to no chemistry, the story didn't flow, there was no discussion with the BDSM elements even though it was the characters first time together and I didn't get the whole "forest" thing. I felt like it was thinking of going paranormal but it just didn't happen.
Not a horrible story, just not a great story either.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

The climax is a bit weird, but it was still a great story.I like it. :)

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not your typical love story but it is a love story of sorts nonetheless. It is a story about a man that is broken. He only had the will to try and correct his perceived wrong that he believes he is guilty of. The other man was a victim not once but twice and swore off cops for good afterwards. But he main issue for these two men is they cannot keep their eyes off of each other and that is the last thing that either of them want. More like what they need though.

Jack is a detective. Javi was his partner up until he was killed in the line of duty and Jack knows his death is his fault. To make matters worse, Kassi, Javi’s wife was pregnant at the time of his death and no the support falls on Jack’s shoulders, or so he believes. So Jack comes up with a plan to go to a secluded casino and win as much money as possible as quickly as possible.

Jack seems to be doing fairly decent where winning the money is concerned. After finishing playing one night he heads for the cashier to cash in his winnings hen a man comes barreling throughthe crowd stealing from the casino. Instinct kicks in and Jack stops the man in his tracks. For what he has done for the casino, the floor manager, Brant upgrades Jack’s room and comps his stay.

This leads to Jack and Brant getting to having a very uncomfortable dinner and drink together only to lead to so much more. But that so much more is not what either man thought that it would be. Things get twisted rather quickly leaving both men questioning if this is right and if they should be playing this game with the other.

Can romance and love come from a broken heart and pain? Or is this just an attempt on both men’s parts to try and bury the pain and never let it out again?

This book is graphic sex wise. Be warned there is BDSM involved along with breath play and pain. So if you are not into that hen do not read this book. I enjoyed this read but there was some parts like the continuous references to people dying in the casino and the forest being hunted that just really did not feel like it belonged in this book or if it did belong then there needed to be of story around it. Tricia Owens did a good job on this book and I look forward to more by Tricia in the future.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letting go ...

Jack is on leave from his job as a detective after the fatal shooting of his partner. Jack blames himself for his partner's death and goes to The Lightning Gulch Casino with the hope of either finding redemption or losing himself completely.

Brant is the manager of The Lightning Gulch Casino. He's a man who controls everything around him and has plenty of secrets that he keeps closely guarded. He runs the casino with a firm hand and doesn't let anyone get close.

When Brant and Jack meet there is a definite tension between them but it's hard to tell what they will do because they are both so close lipped and strong willed. I wasn't sure how dark this book would get with the BDSM, the guilt of losing not just a partner but a friend, and how the threat of the forest seemed to always be there waiting in the background. In the end while dealing with dark issues I came away feeling that it didn't cross any lines where there seemed to be no hope or where the story was dragged down by the pain both mcs were feeling.

Brant and Jack both question their connection and what they want from it. I didn't feel like anything they did was something either of them didn't embrace or take satisfaction from. They each made choices during their encounters and no one was forced to do anything they didn't want or that felt nonconsensual in any way. Brant and Jack are both wonderful men and as you get to know them you can't help wanting their relationship to work and for them to be able to see past the pain they each carry to a brighter future. Highly recommend this book but heed trigger warnings.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tricia Owens' Damaged is an amazing and complex story.

Jack's a detective who's suffering since his partner died. He's loaded down by his guilt. At a casino he meets Brant, the completely damaged casino manager. Brant's been abused and survived, but is still suffering from the events in his past. He's mysterious and sullen, and Jack is drawn to him.

Their story explores hurt, pain, guilt, and the need to control. The men are able to use one another to explore the world of pain and pleasure than BDSM brings. There's an absolute need and want for punishment by Jack and Brant is able to help. These scenes are impressive, emotional and exquisite.

One great quote is "There is no shame in trying to find happiness." I love this, as so many people let their guilt hinder their ability to allow happiness into their lives.

But even more impressive is "Everything that's broken can be put back together. The cracks don't matter as long as you're whole again. The important thing is to keep trying."

The casino itself is a major character in the story. It's mysterious, hidden in the woods, and has a ominous feeling. I don't want to spoil anything, but the casino has a large role in the tale with the whole story being told in a somber and cautious tone.

Damaged is a dark and gritty book, full of BDSM and violence. It's about trying to put the past behind you. It's impressive and downright riveting. If you're in the mood for dark, don't miss this one.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

When his partner is killed, Jack needs to get away. Crushed under the guilt that it was his fault. He lands in a casino in the middle of nowhere, ran by a beautiful enigmatic man. Brant sees behind Jack’s facade to the hurting damaged man inside. Through a series of encounters Jack learns to let his demons go, possibly releasing Brant’s at the same time.

This book was engrossing, the characters very charismatic. Their encounters graphic, without being to far over the top. The men meshed very well and were likable even tho they were kind of grouchy and closed off. Watching them open up to each other was sweet.

I really wish the secrets of the casino and the forest had been delved into further. They were just kind dropped after a few intriguing hints.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[L Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Titled provided in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

I love Tricia Owens. She tends to write really sensual and kind of raunchy stories and characters. I like more than the sweet contemporary writings you sometimes get.

BDMS is hard to write I think. It's hard to keep the sexual sensuality of it and not turn it into something disgusting and and detaching. That being said, there are all forms of BDMS dynamics, so tying that in to a mystery story...not everyone's cup of tea. This is a little different than the other Tricia Owens titles, which is why I'm having a hard time pin pointing the issues with the story for me personally.

I think for the most part it was the telling of the story in relation to the characters. I like my BDSM to be done correctly and in a specific way. This was a very good story just something like the writing of these scenes didn't work for me.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read so many book Tricia Owens books and this one didn't disappoint. Damaged is different from any of her books that she's written. It's very emotional and intense. Feeling guilty Jack is trying to make amends for what happened to his partner to help his family. He meets Taylor and their attraction for each is shown throughout the book. Once I started the book I couldn't put down. Like I said it's very different, it's dark, very passionate, and there's BDSM.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and short read of two very flawed characters coming together. Jack and Brant both carry demons from their past. What starts out as just a physical relationship turns into so much more that just might free each one of their demons. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is wow... so many things going on in this story. it is fast paced and interesting.. keeps you on your toes.. makes you wonder what is next.. very good story and the characters are superb. i loved it

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to read this

A new to me author, I borrowed it from KU. It was intense and dark in places, with both main characters battling demons. Lots of angst and emotion, breakdowns and soul searching, however there was a satisfying ending.

[Twocuphabit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where's the rest?

Half or more of the story is missing. It just stops. I liked what was written, but I felt like I invested my time and feelings getting to know these characters, only to have them yanked away from me.