Damaged

Rebirth #1

by Becca Vincenza

There are beings in this world, long thought to be extinct.

Some people seek to protect them, others long for control, but a dastardly few . . . are hell bent on their destruction.

Abducted from her father, Audrey was hidden away and tortured for five years. Despite being rescued, she lives in fear of the next betrayal. Can she learn to trust those who freed her, without accepting the truth of who she truly is?

On a routine mission to extract valuable information from a rival clan of paranormals, Stone and his team find something far more valuable. Within a scarred, damaged young woman lies a secret more powerful than they can comprehend. Knowing there is more to Audrey than meets the eye, Stone is determined to protect her. Forced together, the pair quickly feel the squeeze of shadows of corruption closing in from all sides.

~*~*~Re-edited and Revised as of 2017~*~*~

(New Adult, contains language and sexual content. 18+)

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, New Adult, Magic, Fae

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2014

About the author

Becca Vincenza lives in wonderful Michigan. She has a love for Skittles, rainbows, Star Wars, and reading about hot men. When she’s not wearing her author hat, she’s working to pay off her student loans for her recently acquired English degree.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITS fo FREE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I5N04AK

Hopefully Last Update: 3/27/14 DAMAGED was re-edited so its all pretty now, it was re-formatted so that is all pretty as well, it was before though ;) and it will be releasing THIS WEEKEND!!! Probably Saturday <3 oxoxo thanks to all who been waiting on the edges of their seats for this, and thanks for all those who stumble across this and decide its worth their time, because I definitely think its worth your time ;)


Another update: Today 2/18/14 I decided after a lot of thought, and a lot of conversations with others I decided the best option for me right now is to un-publish Damaged until the re-edits are done. Since I am sort of springing this on people I am leaving it up for the rest of today. Maybe I can add in a new scene, or plug in chapter one from Healed.


So update: I realize there are grammar issues in Damaged, and for that I am truly sorry, my own eagerness to get it out overshadowed sense. So my lovely PA/editor is going to do an edit through and I will re-publish it Damaged will still be for sale on amazon, smashwords, blah, blah, blah, but let it be noted that it will be the old version til we get the new one all polished and beautiful for you all

Um I wrote it. <3

[|Stephanie| · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new Paranormal series obsession! What I loved was the almost X-Men vibe it had with all the amazing, unique characters. I adored Audrey & felt instantly protective of her. My heart broke for all the terrible things she had to endure. Stone was an awesome Hero who took this broken girl & help her see how amazing she was. He slowing brought her back to life & getting his POV was an added bonus. I think one of my favorite things about this story though was the secondary characters. Nixie was so awesome with her witty, hilarious one liners that I looked forward to every scene she would be in. She was a great friend to Audrey as well & watching their blond grow was sweet. I'm really looking forward to learning more about her. But the one character that really caught my attention was Elijah. I have a big soft spot for the misfits & villains in books and his dark personality and coldness instantly drew me in. The relationship between him & Audrey showed you that even the most unloving of people can eventually feel. Seeing him struggle with his new feelings was sad but also made me very excited to start his book to see the journey he would be going through. I can't wait to read his story. This author definitely has a new fan and I'm really excited to see what's in store for the rest of the series! 4.5 Stars!

[Hannah Pole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged
By Becca Vincenza
I was lucky enough to be one of the beta readers for this book, though it hasn’t released yet, I strongly suggest you add this to your good reads list, pre order and watch for the release day with bated breath. It is awesome.
Five stars (Actually, five simply aren’t enough so I am going to give it ten. Yes. Ten stars out of five. That’s how I roll. That’s also how much I LOVED this book.)
Ok first impressions… Wow.
You might have to bear with me a little with this review, I have just literally put the book down and the only thing I can think is… Damn I want the next one, like now. Like NOW!!... NOW!!
Right, whoa. So I am going to try and make this a spoiler-free review, simply because you really need to pick the book up and experience it for yourself, so I am going to give you an overall review rather than a detail by detail one.
The story;
Becca Vincenza has clearly worked her socks off on this novel, I mean there are so many twists and turns, and ‘ten steps forward, fifty steps back’, ‘hang-on-which-way-was-up?’ - moments in this book it was neigh on impossible to predict where the story line was going. I love that.
Personally, I read a hell of a lot. I write. And *ahem* I may be a bit of a control freak. *ahem*.
My point is that when I pick up a new book I spend 90% of it trying to guess where it’s going. Trying to pre-empt and see if I can work out the authors’ train of thought. It may just be me being the weirdo I am but it’s just how I do.
However, I didn’t even attempt to with this one. It wasn’t that I couldn’t guess where it was going- (although I’m sure if I tried, I wouldn’t be able to) it was more because it didn’t even cross my mind to want to do it. I was so engrossed in the story the entire time that my mind wouldn’t focus on anything other than what was happening right at that point in the novel.
I didn’t pre-empt, I didn’t try and consider how it was all going to end, I just lived the story as it came and loved every second of it.
Vincenza’s imagination and creativity have created a world in which I was so thoroughly at home, yet comfortably distant that I simply ceased to exist in the real world once I picked up my kindle.
I was utterly engrossed and I loved every damn second of it.
Characters;
Oh god oh god oh god. I won’t spend too long on this section because urgh… you will simply be forced to read ‘I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM’ for the next few paragraphs.
But seriously. I loved them. There were a good few characters lurking in the story line, the main few were beautifully well rounded, with some serious personality punching through. They each had traits you could relate to on some level, and other traits you sort of wanted to rid them of.

Her two main characters, Audrey and Stone – whoa.

Stone. I want him. I want that damn man in my life so bad it actually hurts a little.
My husband has resorted to jealousy – yes, he’s jealous of a fictional character – mainly because we were sitting in bed one night, I was reading, he was dosing and I came to the sweetest part in the book (you’ll know it when you read it!) and smacked him on the chest saying ‘Aawwwwwww!!!! *SMACK* DAN!! WHY CAN’T YOU BE THAT SWEET??!!!’
So yeah, stone is gorgeous, a tormented, possessive, thoroughly sexy and surprisingly gentle.
He has a few hidden surprises that both tease you and make you love him all the more.

Audrey is a tantalising mixture of terrified and damaged, (the kind of girl you spend half the book saying ‘oohhh honey! Poor you! Ooohh sweetie!’ to,) and boldy defiant. She is secretly strong, though out the book, none of this ‘I was weak but I learnt to be strong’ no no no, she is timid no doubt, but her quiet inner strength is consistent from the first page.
You can’t help but fall in love with her, she is such a cutie.

Nixie? A girl after my own heart. Bubbly, amazing, someone you instantly warm to. I can honestly say I’d want that girl in my life if I could have her!

And OH sweet Jesus- Elijah?
Dark, booding, mysterious. He is a bit of an arse, no doubt about it, but my god can you forgive him for it. He is a really distant, evil, mystery that you can’t help but want to solve. He is the most sexy thing I’ve read about in years. I literally want him.
Enough said. You truly have to read it to understand!!

*ahem* so okay – The plot is written – Okay can’t concentrate. My mind is back on Stone and Elijah… I mean… Pffffwhoar.
*ahem* SO… *ahem*

Right. The plot is written in such a way that it keeps you guessing, every time you think you can settle for a moment, you think that they are safe- Becca introduces another twist that takes you in a completely new direction. She throws so many spanners in the works, I’m sure she is now well and truly out of a proverbial tool kit.
I read a lot of urban fantasy and paranormal, it truly is my genre of choice but this book was so unique in its plot line, its characters and its mythical creatures, I found myself falling in love with the genre all over again.
Becca Vincenza’s passion and imagination is unmatched in my mind, you can tell she has truly thrown herself into the book, heart, tears and all to create a wonderful, exhilarating combination of action and romance that will truly take your breath away.
She has found an incredibly well deserved spot on my ‘favourite authors’ bookshelf and I have no doubt she will remain there indefinitely.
This is a cracking debut and the beginning to what I have no doubt will be an absolutely fantastic series. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat, not only to lovers of fantasy and paranormal but to romance and action lovers as well. Her passion really makes the novel extraordinary, her plot line has been created with a beautifully deft hand and she is thoroughly adept at creating characters that you will fall head over heels in love with.
What are you doing still reading this? GO! Go now and add this to your bookshelf.
In the mean time I will still be here waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged was.... a mystery, a love story, a nightmare, and awakening. Becca managed to take what I thought was going to be a book about a girl being rescued and falling in love with her savior and added something I wasn't expecting.....paranormal awesomeness.

*My Happy Dance for Becca*
Audrey had been kidnapped for years being used and abused. Enter Stone: the guy who saved her in more ways than one. Audrey and Stone develop an incredible relationship totally built on trust and understanding.

Stone and Audrey are unaware of the troubles they are about to face. And it doesn't help that Audrey can't remember her past or she just refuses to share it with anyone.

When her big secret is finally revealed, I was like:

I KNEW IT!!!

Becca did an outstanding job on keeping you on your toes and dropping subtle clues about Audrey. The characters are incredible like Nixie and Elijah. He is my favorite. Dark and seemingly cold but definitely hot. Nixie is like the BFF who you've known since Kinder.

Damaged will leave you haunted wanting more of Audrey and Stone.


So on that note, I suggest you add Damaged to your TBR list on Goodreads today!

[Raquel V · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy from this book in exchange for my honest review.

I had big problems with the beginning of this book. I felt really sad up until about the middle, just because I thought it had such great potential. But then it started to get better - much better. And that is why I gave it the avarage rating. This is what I liked and disliked about it:

Disliked:
- It really needs editing. Some sentences are awkwardly put and there are some gramatical mistakes. But all that is comprehensible, since this book was independently published. What really bothered me was how confusing and (contradictinly) over explained this book was in the beggining. Some parts I had to read many times over just to understand what was going on, while in other parts I was bored by Wikepedia-like explanations of the different kinds of supernaturals. Those were the parts where the author almost lost me.
- The forshadowing was pretty obvious and convinient. There were other little things that seemed to be like that - moments used to serve a purpose - instead of belivable parts of this story. Their time in the woods or Nixie's bond to Audrey, for instance, were a little hard to accept.
- Another thing that really bothered me in the beggining was the "instalove". I really hate this word, and I'm sorry to use it, but it is the best description of Stone's reaction to Audrey. This book was told from alternating first person perspectives (Stone's and Audrey's) and at some points it seemed like they were magically guessing what the other felt or what the other was thinking. That is easily explained with Audrey's power, but not comming from Stone. This does get somewhat explained towards the end of the book, but it doesn't make it up for me. It felt forced, and it's a shame, because there is so much beauty in their love, in the way they connect... (I talk more about the good parts later)
- The way Stone was acting all possesive and so much like Audrey's father also bothered me a lot in the beginning. But this part really was made up for later, and it ended up feeling like a very smart move from Vincenza.

Liked:
- The love between Audrey and Stone. It's beautiful how they are flawed people, and strive to be better for each other and for themselves (like Stone strugling to be less posessive, not because Audrey asked, but because he knows it's best). It is gorgeous how they love each other's "deformities" (as most people would see them). It gave the story a lovely redeeming quality. It's exquisite how they make each other better, want to be with each other all the time, but still strive to be their own person, independently. As their bond grew, the book got better and better, and it was hard to put it down by the end.
- The steamy love scenes. This book is not for a younger audience, and (as an adult who loves YA and NA) I apreciated. I'm hoping for more of it on the next books, though.
- Audrey and Stone, as well as the other characters, were deep and well crafted. I liked Nixie, Elijah, Xavier and even Drake. Nobody was perfect, and nobody was so evil you couldn't relate. They made this jambalaya of paranormal creatures seem beliavable, which is a feat! Really great job from Vincenza on this front.
- It is a good story with an interesting premiss. And I have to admit it has a "je ne sais quoi" as it gets on, and you just need to know where it's going. By the end, it gripped me!

So, I will definitely read the other books in this series, and I would recommend it for people who love paranormal romances, as long as you can cope with a week beginning.

[Virginie (chouettblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

@BeccaVincenza
@readwomen2014
#Damaged

I was gifted Damaged in exchange for an honest review and honest I will be.

Finally! A paranormal novel where vampires and werewolves are NOT at the center of the story...Move over Edward and Jacob!!
Come to think of it, the only vampire making a cameo appearance had a very brief and swift part to play.

The author opened up the mythical world to pretty much every single paranormal life forms you can think of which made room for a rather fantastic world which I look forward to reading more of in the next installments.

However, the focus was on Audrey, a paranormal being on the verge of extinction and Gabriel aka Stone, another very interesting paranormal being in his own right too...who has to question his allegiance and only clan he has known for most of his life.

I have one negative criticism still (which is not that many).
I did feel like the plot did take a long time to develop which maybe due to the need for the author to introduce so many characters at the beginning which end up having their story line not developed...at least in this installment.

However once the plot thickened, a very good story unfolded.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the last few pages referring to the rather mysterious character of Elijah which I can see becoming a very intriguing leading character in the future.

I would strongly recommend this read to any paranormal novel lovers who have had enough of vampires.

[Christa]

DNF at 40%

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and others can be found here..




Becca Vincenza created an amazing paranormal world for us in Damaged. Damaged managed to be so much more than a paranormal book. It was a mystery, a nightmare, a love story, an awakening, and a book about growing into the person you were meant to be. It was completely awesome and I am irritated with myself for letting it sit on my kindle for so long.

Audrey is a broken women. She was taken and has been abused and kept away from the world for five long years. She has spent her time locked away in a room until she is rescued. She is taken to a compound with other paranormals. She is not used to being treated this well. And she is definitely not used to a man like Stone. But she can’t be sure that she is really safe with these people either. They just might be the lesser of two evils.

Stone is a shifter that has seen and done some horrible things all in the name of his family of paranormals. He has now been sent in to get information and he ends up finding Audrey and saving her. Little does he know that he was sent in to get her. Stone has been pulled to Audrey since he first laid eyes on her and now he just wants to keep her safe. But his family, that he has been loyal to forever, might not be the safest place for her.

Audrey and Stone were such great characters. Each of them are broken in their own ways and they help each other grow. The have a solid relationship built on trust and understanding. Their romance start slowly and builds as each of them overcome their own demons.

There are other great characters as well. Like Nixie. She becomes Audrey’s best friend and also another person that is there to protect her. She is bubbly and sassy at the same time. She has some weird but hilarious jokes and comebacks as well as insults. She is overall a great character. Elijah is another interesting character. He is dark, intense, and sometimes downright scary but that makes him even more interesting because you never really know what is going through his head. Or why he has decided to help Audrey.
“Gods help, Audrey. I have fallen in love with you.”
Becca Vincenza wrote Damaged in a way that kept you on your toes the entire time. She keeps you guessing the entire book. What is Audrey hiding? What does Stone’s family want with her? What is she? What is she hiding? Becca dropped hints throughout the book but she only gave you enough to make you keep turning the pages. It was so hard to put this book down. There is nothing boring or slow about this book. There is always something keeping you invested in this story. The book was amazing and I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged is such an intense reading experience! Damaged is the story of Aubrey a possible paranormal who has been held captive and tortured for the past five years. This is a harsh world that we are introduced to in this first book of what promises to be a intriguing and unique series. A harsh and sometimes painful world but one that I am so glad I got to see.

The book starts off in a painfully intense situation and does not let up. Going back and forth between the povs of Aubrey and Stone, the shape shifter who helped to rescue her, Damaged is a wonderful new addition to the paranormal world. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many different types of paranormals pop up throughout the book and I loved some of the lessons that we are given about them ( I really hope that continues throughout the series). It’s a little difficult to talk too much about the plot because I think one of the beautiful things about this book is the way the information comes out, the way the mysteries unfold (and I feel that there are more to come!) - I would hate to give too many spoilers. I will say that these are such unique and interesting characters. I love seeing Aubrey and Stone develop both their relationship with each other and their understanding of themselves. At first glance it appears that some of the characters might not be as fully developed as they could be (something I think another reviewer mentioned). But in further reading I think that is not really the case. I think that so many of the people throughout are so layered that it is going to take many books for those layers to come out - which is both a good thing and a bad thing. They all hide so much from each other and from themselves that its hard to see who they are here. Sometimes I found myself wishing that the book was a little bit longer so that some more of their identities could be flushed out a little more. For instance the relationships between Aubrey and well everyone are so intense and so consuming it would have been wonderful to see a little more about what made them function. And so many of the side characters like Nixie and Marcus are just amazing but there is so much going on with Stone and Aubrey that we don’t always get to see them or focus on what makes them tick. Hopefully we will get a little more that in the next book.

While this does have a few technical errors - some spelling and syntax mishaps, I absolutely loved this and cannot wait to read the next book.

[Samantha Lunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged is the first book in the rebirth series AND the debut novel of an amazing author, Becca.

This book is what I would call a paranormal love story. The different twists and turns made it very difficult to put down. The wide range of characters kept it exciting and constantly left you wanting to know more about all of them!

The main characters in this book were Audrey and stone. Now Audrey is a battered, bruised and broken girl who has been held captive away from the world for years. Upon being rescued and around other people we truly begin to see the depths of her issues. As she begins to open up, we see that she is a beautiful, vibrant woman who knows more about the paranormal world than we are led on to believe. Without giving away too much, let's just say that there are certain sacrifices she makes to save the people she loves.

Stone, is a seriously gorgeous, hard ass, who is almost seemingly emotionless. However, he unknowingly forms a bond with Audrey despite his past that should tell him to stay away. We see him open up more and more throughout the book and become less of a hard ass and more likable. He devotes himself to Audrey and tells/shows her things that no one else knows. But will he be able to handle the intense devotion to her??? Hmmmmmm.

A few of the other characters who really help to make this book wonderful are nixie and Elijah. They are two COMPLETELY opposite people but are brought together by an unusual attraction to Audrey. Nixie is sweet and bubbly while Elijah is cold and heartless. Both however play a very important role in the book and in the survival of Audrey.

I truly cannot wait for the next book in this series! Being the debut novel for Becca, I would say that she did an absolutely amazing job of creating an enjoyable and thrilling read! One moment you think you have it figured out but then Becca throws in another twist and you are left wondering what is really going to happen! There were just so many unexpected turns that I would literally read with my mouth wide open thinking "omg! No freaking way!" Truly amazing!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning wasn't very promising. It was a bit confusing and slow. I didn't feel connected to the characters and basically, we didn't know much about who or what they were until later on in the story. But fortunately it got better, much better about halfway through the story and I started to be really engaged and started to like the main characters.
Audrey was a nice character, and although she was like a scared bird in the beginning and for about half the book, I knew I was going to see positive changes in her.
Stone was something else entirely. I didn't like him much for the first half of the story, especially the possessive part of him in the beginning. It reminded me of Audrey's father and it was seriously creepy and unsettling. But fortunately he got better after a while and he calmed down. And I started to like him better. He could be very sweet. But also passionate.
I loved how close and passionate Audrey and Stone/Gabriel had become and loved their moments together. It was probably the parts I liked most about this book.
Nixie was a weird character for me. I still don't know whether I liked her or not.
Drake... it is hard to forget and forgive what he did in the past to her daughter. Even though he has changed a little now, I still can't get past the hurt.
Jacobs, I knew from the very start that he was bad news and there was something evil about him. He creeped me out.
Elijah was creepy, for sure. But also kind of intriguing. In fact, I am curious to read his book.

There were some sentences awkwardly put and also some gramatical mistakes. Plus, there's the slow beginning. For those reasons my rating is 3.5 stars.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged is such a absolutely great book!! The creative and talented mind of Becca Vincenza is so AMAZING! This book has a great plot and all these different paranormal beings, that we get to know as we get pulled into this wonderful book. I enjoyed every page of this book, some will have you crying big tears too, but there is understanding and love.
Stone is a Shape-Shifter was on a mission with his Clan when he discovers a caged girl(dirty and hair mated), at first sight he felt something, but he had no idea what. After they return to their hideout, and he try's to get her to trust him, but he never pushes her. The way Stone treats Audrey I just fell in love with him even more!
Audrey has been kidnapped and tortured for years. She hasn't had any physical contact for so long, that when contact of Stone picking her up, she passes out. Audrey is so damaged and scared of everything, except death. As you read this book you will watch that broken girl get help from Stone, Nixie, and Elijah to help her remember who she really is.
This first book of the series The Rebirth, it gives us readers a very intriguing plot, plus the attraction between Stone and Audrey was wonderful cause Stone does not push Audrey to do anything, I totally loved that, but when they do WOW!!
This book is so amazing, I can't say enough great things about this AWESOME series!! To all adult paranormal romance readers, this is a series that I will say go buy it now. I recommend to all that enjoys a great paranormal book, you will absolutely love it!!

[Nanette Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so this is going to be short and sweet because you really have to read this book to get the full affect of it..

I was lucky to be given the chance to beta read for this first time author. I'm biased cuz I love Becca. She's wonderful inside and out and her personality came pouring into this book. It had so many wonderful different characters but not so many that you were overwhelmed by them and couldn't keep them straight. Honestly, the book was so good I had to stop beta reading it and just read the book in its entirety. I couldn't stop reading it and I hated having to sleep. Ugh! It always gets in the way.

The situation in this book was dealt with perfectly and you were drawn into the lives of each character. I can't believe how amazing this world was that Becca portrayed. Fae and shifters and a whole lot more. This is definitely not your typical paranormal book. It was much much more and I found myself totally engulfed in it all.

What an awesome first book for Becca Vincenza and I am so looking forward to drown out the world again and fall head over heels for each and every one of MY favorite guys. And there's a whole lot of hottiness to choose from..

Congrats Bec...

[Cecilia Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Damaged is a New Adult paranormal romance--YAY!-- about a girl who's lived most of her life locked away. Until she's rescued from her cell.

Audrey is a girl with scars, both in and out. Life hasn't been kind to her, and she doesn't trust very easily. Enter Stone, and his team. From the moment he sets his sights on her, Stone is thoroughly enamoured by this girl who never speaks to anyone. Even after rescuing Audrey he still wonders why her in particular. What makes her special?
Turns out she's very special, this girl. And Stone will do anything to protect her. This story has lots of surprises, and when we finally get to find out about Stone, another WOW!

Other characters I really enjoyed in this story: Nixie and Elijah. I really loved Nixie's bubbly girl-next-door personality, and the mystery surrounding Elijah. He's quite an enigma, and I can't wait to read his story.

I really enjoyed this story. Becca managed to weave a unique story, with great worldbuilding and very well developed characters.

I look forward to reading Healed, the second book in this series. I highly recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damaged by Becca Vincenza is a NA paranormal book and a debut novel for Ms. Vincenza.
The story is unique and interesting and really draws you in. I didn't want to put this book down. The plot flowed smoothly and had lots of intriguing twists and turns. The characters are well developed and likable. I'd love to go into details about the characters but I don't think I can give many details without giving spoilers. And I don't want to give spoilers - this is a book that you need to read and experience yourself. Suffice it to say that the characters were wonderful and that many different paranormal creatures play key roles in the book - from Fae to shifters to gargoyles...and many more.
My only complaint with the book is the editing. It is great right now but it is a diamond in the rough. Some of the rough grammatical and spelling errors need to be fixed in order to make this book really shine.
Overall, I really enjoyed Damaged and I'm looking forward to reading the next book by Ms. Vincenza. I definitely recommend this book to fans of NA paranormal.

[Roxie Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged was a thoroughly engaging read that found me forcing myself not to jump to the end because its twists and turns keep you guessing til the end. And then...you pound your fist wanting the next book NOW(!!!)so that you can continue the journey with Stone and Audrey.

It's a very creative story with romance/ love, betrayal, friendship, and intrigue. I totally recommend reading Damaged if you have a love for the paranormal. I especially liked that it wasn't a totally predictable read and that Becca offered a few surprises to entice you and make you beg for more!!

She may be a new Indie author on the book scene, but she arrived with incredible skill and a fantastic twist of imagination and she's only just begun ~ GREAT JOB BECCA!!!

To me a good book has no age restrictions, so I give none. It has sex, violence and profanity and a great storyline.Becca Vincenza

[L.L. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows what I love to read, knows that I love mixed paranormal stories. The world the author has built is incredibly detailed and dense, but has so many characters and creatures that sometimes It felt a bit crowded and left me feeling a bit lost. It did however keep me thinking and I love books which do that also. It kept me thinking about one of my own story lines. Her writing though was superb and I cannot believe this is the author's first book! Thank you Ms Vincenza for making me get lost in another book so much so I couldn't put it down.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump. There are so only many rock star, billionaire, biker books you can read before they become boring. So I thought, try a paranormal. Picking this was a brilliant choice. The concept is original, and you care about the characters. The combination of mystery, action, and romance is perfect. Best of all, this book is well written! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

[B.L. Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting- I couldn't put it down!
The storyline was intriguing and moved at a good pace - the world created within the book is full of mythical/supernatural creatures, ancient feuds and violence.
I couldn't help but get emotionally invested in the main characters and the more I found out about their pasts, the more I cared for them.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one!

[Darcey]

dnf @ 20%

yeah nah.

not for me.

oh well.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 19%

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*****

I am giving Damaged an even 4.0. Because of my schedule, I had to read it in bits and pieces. When I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to be. There are several grammatical errors, but even so, I couldn’t help be feel compelled to find out what was going on with the main characters.

Plot:
Audrey was raised by an abusive father and then kidnapped, only to be placed in a setting where she was tortured even more and neglected for several years. She is physically and mentally scarred when Stone and his crew find and rescue her, but through those scars, Stone is able to see something special in her.

Characters:
Not surprisingly, it took a while for us as readers to get to know Audrey. We did have some insight into her thoughts (the book is written in her and Stone’s point of views), but she was so scared and timid that she wouldn’t interact with anyone until they were able to gain her trust. Once she began to open up, and once we learned more and more about the excruciating torture Audrey has been through, we really see how strong she is. I really appreciated that Vincenza prolonged that process. I think it seemed more natural, and it contributed to the suspense because we began to feel the same anxieties she did.

Although Audrey was rescued by a team of paranormal beings, each with their own personality traits and powers, Stone (a shapeshifter) was the one who literally (and metaphorically) carried her out of the darkness. Stone’s mother died when he was young, and while his father wasn’t physically abusive, he pushed him hard and refused to settle for less than perfection. I think that his upbringing was one of the things that made him so accepting of Audrey even though other people would consider her damaged. While he could be a little temperamental, he was really so sweet with Audrey that it was practically impossible not to fall in love with him.

Audrey also bonds with a couple of Stone’s team members. Nixie, a siren, is able to draw anyone in with her song; those same powers – combined with her nurturing personality – allow her to calm and comfort Audrey. They become very close, which is sweet because Nixie is the first woman that Audrey has spent any real time with. Another team member, Elijah, is also very protective of Audrey. Most people don’t trust him because he is a wraith and, as such, feeds off other people’s fears and emotions. However, while fishing around in Audrey’s mind, he sees something that intrigues him. Elijah, while not trustworthy, does warn Audrey that he could deceive her, so as readers, we are not really sure how to feel about him.

We also meet Audrey’s father, Drake, and we learn why he was so abusive. He appears to really love her, and she loves him in spite of the abuse he put her through. I never really could get past his initial treatment of her, so it bothered me when they started trying to rebuild their relationship. We’ll see if that changes in the next book.

Writing:
The book does fall into the new adult genre, so there is language and sexual situations. There are different clans at odds with each other, so there is also some violence. That said, Vincenza handled several difficult subjects with a lot of sensitivity. In terms of characters, I always love it when authors throw in the whole mix of paranormals, and she did a great job of giving each group their own personality traits and backstories. Vincenza was also able to keep the story moving at a quick pace through character interactions or presenting some kind of unforeseen danger. The only thing I would have liked to see was better editing. There were several grammatical/punctuation errors, but none were so bad that they interrupted the continuity or detracted from the story.

The Bottom Line:
I really liked Damaged. It was a quick and easy read, and the book managed to be the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. One of my favorite things is that most of the action is resolved by the end. While we know that it’s just the first in a series, there was no cliffhanger! Yay! There is some foreshadowing as to what group of paranormals Audrey falls into, and I can’t wait to see how that and her relationship with Stone play out in the next book. I’m also dying to see what Elijah’s really up to….

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of this review.

Damaged by Becca Vincenza is the first book of the Rebirth series and sets the stages for an interesting twist on the paranormal universe. The book opens with Audrey, a young woman who is being held prisoner and tortured daily for information she doesn't have. Stone is a part of a tactical team with a mission to infiltrate the facility when he finds her. Both are unsure and untrusting of each other and those around them. But one thing is certain, Stone feels like he must protect her, and he will do so no matter the cost.

Well-Written Characters

Audrey's character is defined in the first few words...

The first year, I craved a touch as if it were food. The second year, I knew without a doubt I would die without it, as if a touch itself was water and I was dying for a sip. The third year, I tried to convince myself it wasn't worth it. The fourth year, I accepted my lies.

Is that not haunting?! Audrey is introduced at the start of her fifth year being held prisoner, tortured for information she doesn't have. I found her strong, despite that she saw herself as weak. She was scared, broken, and haunted by her past, but despite those things she is a fighter. She wants to live! It was riveting to read as her character progressed and grew. I rooted for her the whole way!

Stone is a bit different. He is a shape-shifter and can shift into any form of animal or human. It's actually kinda creepy and cool all at the same time! But beyond that is his personality. I was a little put-off by his intensity with Audrey. He constantly refers to her as "mine." He's very possessive, alpha male type. Besides that he is actually very sweet, caring, and understanding with Audrey. And if not for him, I don't believe her character would have shown the growth that it does.

Then there were several ancillary characters. Nixie is a siren. She is bubbly, full of spunk, and becomes an instant friend to Audrey when she arrives back at their compound. Elijah is a wraith and creepy, very creepy, but for some reason he takes a shine to Audrey and vows to protect her. Very un-wraith-like of him. York is a gargoyle and the head of an opposing clan, but expect the unexpected with him ;) Jacobs is the head of Stone's team and for lack of a better word he's a butt! He's a werewolf with attitude and I really disliked him from the get-go.

Love and Paranormal

So this is a full-fledge love story. I would put it right in with other contemporary New Adult fiction. There's not a lot of other plot going on. The story is truly centered around Audrey and Stone and their unusually strong attraction to one another. Audrey is paranormal like the others, but no one knows what she is, except Elijah and he's not telling! With her memories missing and jumbled, she's confused a majority of the time, but finds solace in the patience Stone shows her. Their relationship is sweet, but also intense. Stone doesn't want to push her, but Audrey wants him too. In fact it was a little unrealistic to me. If I had just been locked up and tortured for five years, I'm not sure I would be willing to have a relationship with a stranger no matter how nice and hot he was. Just saying!

The paranormal world that Vincenza builds is amazing. It falls into the urban fantasy category and it's well-crafted. There are paranormals of all kinds (in fact there is a glossary at the end of the book to help explain some of the ones you may not know about) and she creates a world unique to them. I can't wait to see more of it!

My Conclusions

Overall I really enjoyed the book. In fact I enjoyed it so much, I've already bought and read book two! There is just enough paranormal to balance the romance of the story. There's also quite a bit of mystery as the author sets the stage for the series around the Rebirths (you'll have to read, sorry not spoiling it). If you enjoy new adult fiction, contemporary romance, and paranormal creatures set in an urban setting, I highly recommend you check it out!

[MeaganC. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review

When this book was put up as a Read for Review, I quickly skimmed the synopsis and signed up. It sounded light enough and was advertised as a paranormal NA romance, something I've yet to venture into reading so I was like, "Meh. Might as well."

The author, Becca Vincenza, shot me my copy almost immediately, but I let it sit. Let me explain. One, I was having a busy week. Progress reports were due and I can't mix feedback for middle schoolers with a love story. I have to be in the right frame of mind. Second, let's talk advertising. The synopsis and cover of this book threw me. Neither hint at the AMAZINGness that is Audrey and Stone. Neither hint at the restlessness you feel as a reader because you need...NEED...to find out the answers to the questions pinging around in your brain. So I avoided the book. I skimmed passed it on my iPad and said, "I'll get to it." Then the beauty that is assembly schedule happened. It's my best friend. We have an assembly and I get time off. Time to read. If anyone asks, I'm reading or reviewing a book for the kids. (I don't consider this lying because usually I am). NOT THIS TIME! I LIED! AND I LOVED IT! This book is DELECTABLE. That's right. It's something to be savored, read while you're monitoring study hall, and while you're walking across campus trying to avoid the barrage of questions that you've already provided an answer to if only they had listened in second period! But I digress.

Audrey is beautifully scarred and a tortured soul. She had been captured at sixteen and kept in captivity for five years. During this time...well you'll have to read to get the details...but let's just say she was put through hell. She is rescued in more ways than one by Stone. He is a shapeshifter, somewhat alpha-male, who needs Audrey as much as she needs him. Their love was believable for me, aside from the magnetic pull he feels towards her almost immediately, which normally I roll my eyes at, but it works here. Stone is not good at rescuing others, but here is this girl that he rescues. He can't explain it, but it goes against his nature so he is intrigued. I think his protective nature is what causes the love-fall for Stone. She's damaged. He feels the need to protect and in doing so realizes she can save him. For Audrey the fall is slower as it should be. She looks to Stone more as a protector. She trusts him, but she's been through some stuff. For every time he pulls her out of her fear, she falls back. It was realistic. Abuse affects people deeply, the most being the mind. I hate reading those books where one partner is abused and then almost immediately is willing to strip down and bare all. Vincenza doesn't write like this. The abuse and the journey of healing is as much of their journey as the love story is.

Nixie is a siren who becomes Audrey's best friend. She is loving and protective as well so she provides the necessary female companionship to Audrey that Stone can't provide. There is still a pain within her the we haven't discovered by the end of the book but I can't wait to explore it further. Elijah is a brooding wraith who you don't trust but you also are intrigued by. Clearly I want a bond between both Elijah and Nixie, but that may be wishful thinking. Both characters provided enough secondary plot to keep me interested and wanting a second story (which also does not happen).

Becca Vincenza does such a wonderful job with such an interesting concept. She has so much material here that she can work with and take the story in so many directions. I can tell just how creative she is by her ability to incorporate so any paranormal elements in the story without overwhelming me as the reader.

I cannot wait to read what is next. I'm hoping we don't have an awkward unnecessary love triangle like so many romance series of today seem to fall into but even if we do, I still can't wait!

[Likka Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I thank miss Becca for allowing me to read your book in exchange of an honest review. Overall, I gave this book a 4 out of 5 atars!

When I first got the book, I had not actually digested the synopsis I read. I dove in blind and expected nothing from this. At first, I stared at the cover and thought, "what could I possibly get from the story just by looking at the cover?" The answer would be "just another NA book" But I never would've guess it would be such a great read that I wanna read the next book right away. I just wished that it could've showcased some of the paranormal creatures to spark the readers' interest and to be able to hint what the book has to offer. I know there's this saying about don't judge a book by its cover but some people really do buy books because they are intrigue by the cover alone.

Just like any first book in a series, this book starts off in a confusing mix of events that always comes with introducing a new world to readers. I got along quite fast with the paranormal world and the characters. I love how the author helped us understand more about the paranormal creatures by teaching Audrey. In that way, it became easier for me to understand as well as if I was the one being taught by Stone, Elijah and Nixie. In a way, I kind of am. It was also wonderful to read about the different kinds of creatures like wraiths and fey etc. and their differences and similarities with other creatures within their element. To be able to see that world in 2 different perspectives also proved to be very helpful and endearing. The plot overall was cleverly thought. In general, I love reading stories mixed with mythologies because there is really something so captivating about them. I always look forward as to where he/she may lead the story based on mythologies. But I just think the story picked up speed and came out quite rushed towards the end. Not to mention, I have encountered minor errors in spelling and missing words in the story. Like sometimes Braden gets interchangable with Barden.

I found it easy to get attached to the characters. Audrey is not your stereotypical damsel in distress. She is a damaged woman who seeks for freedom and hope. This book talks about her journey to become stronger, trusting and braver. I enjoyed rooting for her as her character develops throughout the book. Stone on the other hand is one of those book boyfriends you can not help but fall in love with. He is being saved from his past by the damaged girl to whom he is also trying to save from her own demons. Nixie, I know there is more to know about her. I have a theory that she is a water nymph, one of the rebirth creatures and not just a siren At first I thought she would be a problem like a love triangle or something. haha. I love her character. She is such a good friend for Audrey. I know there is a history between her and Dallas that was just hinted and I wish she'd find her true mate soon.

This book left many questions unaswered that is just right to set the plot for the next book. I understand that this is a duology and unlike this, not many series of books are able to explain their world fully in just 2 books. I remember there is this Creatures of he Night Book Tag created by a booktuber named Katytastic that lets you talk about your favorite books that features creatures like vampires, fey, etc. and I could just imagine picking this book for the shape-shifters part. All in all I definitely enjoyed reading this book that is equally sexy, thrilling, and creepy-in-a-good-way. The book's writing style is also good that I could really imagine I was in Audrey's shoes and gave me goosebumps whenever she remembers something from her past. I would definitely recommend this series. A great read!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://bookbutterflyreviews.blogspot.ca

I was immediately interested in this book when Becca Vincenza contacted me. The blurb had me enthralled right away and I couldn’t wait to read it.

This was a fairly short book, only 242 pages. I find that with short novels such as this, the plot tends to suffer a bit because everything is a bit rushed. This novel wasn’t an exception to this point. While there was a conflict, it was left on the back burner while the romantic aspect of the novel took center stage. The main characters easily escaped the conflict that was established and very few minor conflicts arose. What minor conflicts did arise was also easily disengaged or short lived as the characters found some semblance of peace within the ‘chaos’.

The main aspect of the story was almost entirely focused on the main characters romance. I would like to point out that while the overlying plot line did suffer a bit, the romantic factor did not in any way. It would have been nice to see more happening outside the romance, but what was happening inside it was engaging and exciting and overall, steamy. I found that because the romantic factor was so well done, it made up for most of the forgotten plot.

The characters themselves were well-written and showed considerable development throughout the novel. I found that, considering the length of the novel, the author did a fantastic job of opening the characters (especially Audrey) up at the perfect pace that made their development believable and realistic. Going back to the love interests, Becca couldn’t have paired the two better. They were both broken and damaged (see what I did there… damaged… like the title ;)) in their own way that complimented the other. They were perfect match and a big reason why I liked the book so much. I would like to point out that the subtle development of another character (that shall remain nameless to avoid a spoiler) was EXTREMELY well done. It was so subtle that you didn’t really pick up the clues until you are thrown a curveball at the end. Well done.

Lastly, we come to the writing itself. I think that the book could have possible gone through one more draft before publication. There were a few distracting grammatical mistakes that you had to read over a few times to understand and a couple typos that caught my eye, but I am a little over observant that way… it is what I am going to school for. However, grammatical issues aside, I found that the writing was very fluid and intriguing. She did a great job of describing settings and people and an excellent job of showing the reader what was going on rather than just telling, which, I may note, I found refreshing. Authors that assume their reader is stupid and have to tell and explain every action are incredibly annoying. Thank you for not being one of them Becca!

Overall, Becca Vincenza caught my attention. I am told that there is going to be a book 2 (there better be after that ending!!!) and it looks like it is in a different character’s POV. I am looking forward to watching this author develop with her stories and I am excited to read what happens next. 3.5 stars!

[Cheryl La Pa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Damaged, the first book in the Rebirth series. It begins with the discovery of Audrey in a prison cell by Stone and his paranormal team. The story explores Audrey’s terrible past, while the relationship between Audrey and her rescuers evolve as she learns to trust and love again.

What I liked about this book
• The two points of view. I could understand both Stone and Audrey’s thoughts and I loved how the author sometimes showed the same scene twice, one from each person’s perspective.
• It is very different from other paranormal books that I have read. All the characters are already aware of their paranormal abilities and the different paranormals work together combining their unique abilities to become a well-balanced, dynamic team.
• I love how all the different types of paranormal creatures are featured and that their personality traits are reflections of their paranormal heritage. There are vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, sirens, wraiths and more.
• I liked how the characters are flawed, believable and fundamental to the story. I especially liked the siren, Nixie; she has a mood-lifting, bubbly personality and it contrasted well with Audrey’s sombre and frightened disposition. Stone is very protective and caring of Audrey and I love how he sees the beauty beyond her scars. I also found Elijah to be intriguing and mysterious, and would love to learn more about him in the next book.
• I like how Audrey transitioned from being withdrawn and terrified to being inquisitive and trusting. I felt that the story beautifully depicted Audrey’s strength of character and her ability to overcome her past while learning to trust and experience happiness again.
• It was refreshing to see the relationship between Audrey and Stone slowly develop and that it was based on trust and friendship, not insta-love. I look forward to seeing how their romance progresses in the next book.
• The plot was unpredictable and had enough twists to keep me intrigued until the end of the book. I found it suspenseful and mysterious with enough romance to warm my heart. It left me wanting to know more about the characters and eager to found out what happens in the next instalment.


What I did not like about this book
• It was very dark and depressing when reading Audrey’s POV in the first part of the story, where it dwelt mostly on her horrible past and the emotional and physical scars resulting from it.
• I felt a little overwhelmed by all the characters in the beginning of the book and had difficulty remembering which name belonged with the personality and creature.

Overall, it was an entertaining, suspenseful read and would recommend it anyone who enjoys paranormal romance and is looking for something a little different.

[Ana LibrariAna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review

Damaged is the first book in the Rebirth series and a debut novel by Becca Vincenza. The genre is what I would call a paranormal romance.

The book takes us to an amazing and complex world of paranormal beings and clan families. With the usual posy of vampires, werewolves and shifters, you get to meet wraiths, stone giants, valkyries, mermaids, sirens, and many more. It is like all the supernatural, paranormal and mythical creatures, you ever heard of, are actually real and a part of our world. While reading the description of the paranormal beings, I felt like I was watching the paranormal version of Star Wars.

The book starts with Audrey being held captive for the last five years. Tortured, and treated in every worst possible way, both physically and mentally, Audrey is broken and damaged. Then comes Stone as a member of a paranormal special unit and takes her away. In alternate chapters we get to know both Audrey and Stone.

Stone, who got his nickname because he is, like a stone, unaffected by anything and always in control, is drawn to Audrey from the moment he saw her. Throughout the books, we get to see all his beliefs and loyalties put in question. Would he leave everything behind and betray his clan in order to help Audrey?

Because of everything that Audrey has been through, you cannot help but feel sorry for her at first. Taken from her torturers, can she now trust her saviors? Or are they just going to torture her as well and trusting them would make it even worse? It was amazing to see her transformation and character development - I think she’ll prove she is a tough cookie in the upcoming sequels. Other characters add a great deal to the story - bubbly Nixie and broody and mysterious Elijah are just some of them.

The writing was good, but it could use some editing. There are some strange sentence structures, missing words and typos. The paranormal world was really interesting, but the introduction of some characters at the beginning could use some working on - for some of them, the descriptions were dry and written like dictionary terms. The plot could also use a push in the middle.

The things I liked best about the book are unique characters and character development, as well as the relationship between Stone and Audrey - they are both perfectly imperfect and they complement each other wonderfully.

Overall, it was a great read and a start of a very promising series.

[My Bookbag by Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Some Spoilers**
I really like this book. I find it to be engaging and believable. Other than typos and grammatical errors, it is a well written start to a book series. When completely involved in a good read, I find that grammar errors in particular can be distracting. One example, from page 41, kindle: “I left Nixie in the cafeteria, when I got there only did I realized that I told her to report to Jacobs.”

In addition, for this particular book, I find the Prologue to be unneeded and a bit confusing. Reading it before starting the book is slightly confusing. After reading the book, I go back to the Prologue and read it again. Only then does it make any real sense. I think that the short bit of information contained there would be better introduced during the telling of the story, such as when Nixie and Stone explain to Audrey about the paranormal world.

Spoilers

In a slightly dystopian world run by paranormals, Audrey and Stone (Gabriel), find each other and are drawn together like soul-mates. Neither are aware of what is happening because neither one is aware that good things like that really exist.

Both have had a really dark past that sets the tone of the story. Audrey, especially, is scarred on the inside as well as the outside. Her character is introduced as withdrawn, afraid, and full of mistrust. Stone is a “soldier” from a special elite force. He doesn't feel, care, involve himself, or think for himself. However, the encounter between the two begins to break down each one’s barrier.

They are falling in love, yet neither one knows it. They only know that they feel drawn to one another. Stone risks everything to save Audrey. Eventually, she does the same for him. He lets himself feel, so he is able to confess his love for Audrey. She lets herself trust, so she is able to confess her love for Stone. They realize that they have a lot of things in common that further bind them together.

Along the way, Audrey makes a best friend (Nixie) and reunites with her father (Drake). He is a dragon who can also maintain a human form.

The rest of the story contains the details that educate me about the competing clans, the different types of paranormals and the guidelines by each clan operates. There is also a very exciting conclusion. I won’t spill any more specifics because I think you should add this book to your reading list to find out for yourself.

@BeccaVincenza

[Jennifer Catz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damaged is an interesting story about a paranormal girl, Audrey, who has secrets locked away inside of her and has blocked them from her memory. Other people want these secrets and we find out that Audrey has been tortured and locked away in a prison cell for five years.

She gets rescued from this prison but she lives in constant fear that these new people are going to punish her, torment her, and torture her like her previous captives. She is scared of having common things like a soft bed, blankets, a large room, food and kindness. She thinks that the new people will suddenly take these things away from her to further torture her.

One of her rescuers, Stone, is a paranormal creature. We later find out that he is a shape-shifter and he can change into another human or animal.

For some reason, Stone is drawn to Audrey and the pull is so strong that he gets very possessive of her. He feels compelled to keep her safe and has to be with her constantly. He fights with other paranormal creatures if they touch her, talk to her for too long or take her away from him.

The first third of the book was very confusing to me. I didn't understand who all the people were; I didn't understand the world and the clans. Audrey's paranormal identity was kept a secret for half of the book and while I enjoyed the reveal, the lack of information in the beginning made it difficult to follow.

I also thought that Stone was way too possessive of Audrey. He always had to be near her, touching her, staring at her, etc.

There were some spelling errors, grammatical errors. The author did mention that this book will be reedited so I will definitely read that.

Elijah was an interesting character. I really enjoyed reading about him and I hope to read more about him in the future.

Overall, the storyline was very interesting and I thought that the overall premise of the world was unique. I enjoyed the plot and the different types of characters, plus I found myself really getting into all the back stories of the paranormals.

Here is some advice that might make the book a little less confusing: There is an Appendix in the back of the book that explains the paranormal creatures. I recommend reading that first!

I will definitely read the next book in the series.