Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
I’m not one of the good guys…not even close. I’m a heartless savage hunting down the thug who murdered my mother. Watching her die in my arms has turned me into a killing machine. Revenge runs bone-deep for me. It’s burned into my soul, baby.

​When I become the one with a damn target on my back, my life turns into a raging dumpster fire. But not because my company gets breached or because some SOBs are trying to off me.

​There’s this woman…the one woman I can’t freakin’ stand. An impulsive cop who arrested me for a crime I didn’t commit. She gets too close to me, she’s gonna learn about all the ones I did pull off.

​The problem is, I’m crazy attracted to her. Insane, over the top, can’t-get-her-outta-my-head kind of attraction. She pushes all my buttons and makes me madder than hell. If anyone can bring me to my knees, it’s her.

​Turns out, I took a vow of celibacy. And I don’t break so easily.

Except the hot cop is now a detective…and I gotta help her with a serial-killer case ‘cause I got wicked-good hacking skills. But that’s all I’m gonna help her with…
__________

DAMAGED is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, romantic suspense with a vigilante anti-hero and a by-the-book detective heroine. Fans of The Touch Series will love seeing Sin & Dakota in this full-length novel. Stoni hates cheating, and she loves her HEAs!

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2021

493 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Stoni Alexander

18 books142 followers
Join Stoni's Inner Circle for news, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more! As a thank you, she'll gift you Metro Man, a steamy short story. Go to: StoniAlexander.com

Stoni Alexander writes sexy romantic suspense and contemporary romance about tortured alpha males and independent, strong-willed females.

Her passion is creating love stories where the hero and heroine help each other through a crisis so that, in the end, they're equal partners in more ways than love alone.

The heat level is high, the romance is forever, and the suspense keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
637 (72%)
4 stars
180 (20%)
3 stars
50 (5%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,126 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2021
This is the first time reading anything from this author and she did not disappoint! I was hooked from page one! This is for mature adults!

Damaged: the Vigilantes is the first book in this series and it follows detective Emerson Easton who falsely accused hacker and secret vigilante Stryker Truman of operating a sex trafficking/prostitution ring out of his kink club a couple years before the story takes place.

Flash forward and now Stryker finds himself having to call the cops after he goes to check on an employee who hasn’t showed up to work in a few days. When he finds her dead and reports it, he is questioned by the one person he can’t stand, Emerson.

Emerson has grown up and matured in her thinking about jumping to conclusions since her epic mistake years ago. Now she is faced with having to deal with trying to get Stryker to cooperate with her and allow her to see surveillance footage of when his worker was on the clock.

They are attracted to each other, but they both have secrets they don’t want to reveal. In order to investigate this murder Emerson finds herself having to deal with one of her fears while trying not to show it in-front of Stryker. Will he be able to help her overcome her fear? Will they have an epic love neither of them saw coming? You’ll have to read for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I am so excited for the next book to come out! I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a free copy.
237 reviews
November 8, 2021
Damaged

This is the first book I've read by this author. Writing style is a somewhat uneven although it doesn't detract from the story. Enough heat and a suggestion of kink that fits the story line but is not so excessive as to turn a shy person away from reading.
Profile Image for Kristiej.
1,544 reviews100 followers
March 12, 2024
I came across this book via Instagram and thought it sounded interesting. The cover wasn’t too shabby either.

Stryker is one of those interesting gray heroes. He held his dying mother in his arms when he was 15 and promised to hunt down her killer. It’s many years later and while he’s still looking, he’s become a very powerful man. He owns a kink club. Interesting. He’s also founded a successful company which employees hackers who find ways to break into powerful companies and then work for the company to keep bad hackers out. But the most unusual service he performs is as a vigilante. He and a small team hunt down the worst of the worst bad guys and ‘take them out’.

Our heroine is Emerson, a detective working on a serial murder case. Her boss has requested Stryker work with her but she and Stryker have a past. When she was new in her detective role, Emerson arrested him for running a prostitution ring out of his ‘club’. He was completely innocent but he holds a lot of animosity towards Emerson - as well as a stronger case of lust. For her part she feels guilty for her actions toward Stryker as well as also a strong case of lust.

This is a fascinating story of two people working together to find a killer who are on opposite sides of the same goal. She puts the bad guys in jail and he makes sure they never commit another crime again. Both are very well written and this book is very steamy and quite dark at times. But I loved it and gladly recommend it. This is my first book by Stoni Alexander but I’m looking forward to reading more. It reminded me a bit of the In Death books by JD Robb and I do love that series. This one leans slightly more to the romance, which I appreciate.
265 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2023
Thugs ?

What's with the "ya gonna, wanna, Hungary and many other street slang expressions. Educated people do not speak that way. You have described this male character as a wealthy businessman but you have him and his friends speaking like thugs. It's a real distraction from the story line.
99 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2022
▪ When he drew her into his arms, she felt home. This was where she was supposed to be and this was her person. She felt it in her bones and in her soul. ▪

Enemies to lovers is and always will be a favorite of mine. Especially if it is ingrained with a bit of mystery and suspense.

Stryker Truman and detective Emerson Easton are enemies from the get go as a couple years ago she accused and arrested him for trafficking girls out of his club. Now she is forced to work together with him to catch a serial killer who seems always a step ahead of her. Why she needs his help? He is a man of many talents and one of those is being one of the best hackers. Which shows as he owns a cybersecurity firm with not only private clients but also several government agencies. Ooh and he is also a vigiliante on the side. Like I said, a man of many talents with a lot of layers.

I loved the story but sometimes some parts felt a little bit rushed and as I was missing a part. For instance when she discovers he is a vigilante. She is suprised, seems angry but a couple minutes later she is ok with it.. I know I wouldn't. But nonetheless, it is a story worth reading.

Yes, it is one intriguing woven story which kept me captivated from beginning to end. And ooh, how it all comes to a blow at the end. 🤯 •
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,256 reviews34 followers
April 6, 2023
In the Touch series, Stryker Truman made infrequent appearances but other than knowing that he's the "go to" guy for geting information and intel faster than going through channels is about all we know. Now his story is the first in the new Vigilante series. Let me tell you it's a helluva tale. You will be enthralled. Stryker is a man on a mission, as he metes out vigilant justice, finding his mother's murderer. Emerson Easton is a homocide detective for Arlington County and she's caught what appears to be a serial murder case. Despite her best efforts she's gettng nowhere fast so she's reluctantly teaming up with a man who hates her...fun times. How can you want someone who had a hand in ruining your business and damaging you reputation? That's the conundrum Stryker is facing. To say he's antagonistic towards Emerson would be putting it mildly. They both stuff down their desires, unsuccessfully, as they look for the proverbial needle in the haystack. But the more time they're together...let's just say things turn white hot. When the case hits close to home for Emerson, Stryker redoubles his efforts. Once the suspect is identified things take a dramatic, dangerous turn and the final outcome is one you won't see coming. Wow!
624 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2025
Simply Brilliant!

This is a new to me author and what a great surprise it was , I can guarantee that it won’t be my last book from this author.

Stryker Truman considers himself to be driven, he’s been searching for years for his mother’s killer perfecting his hacking skills the hard way he’s built up more than one profitable business. Ranging from cyber security to a kink club. His non legitimate work consists of tracking and killing the worst of the worst criminals, the ones who manage to escape justice.

There’s a thorn in his side that goes by the name of Detective Easton, she’s caused him a world of trouble in the past when she falsely arrested him for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s been asked to work with her because she’s trying to catch a serial killer, his hacking skills are needed. They’re both attracted to each other but only seem to annoy each other. Stryker can’t let her get too close she might just find out what he’s been up to.
287 reviews
November 1, 2021
Stoni brings the heat again. Her books are great, the suspense, heat, love, and angst give you the whole package. This is a new spinoff series that had my heart racing. I'd wanted to know about this group of guys from her last couple of books. We get a small glimpse of them in each one. It was nice to see how it was all interconnected and the way the suspense drew in the cop was very intense. The fact he's willing to help the copy overcome her fears, just so he might have a chance with her is even hotter than the bedroom shenanigans.
The way she keeps trying to keep him at bay but can't resist made my heart hurt. You could tell she wasn't made for the cop life and he could give her so much more, makes you want to see it all work out.
I had a fun time reading this one and would definitely recommend it. Can't wait to see who she helps find love next.
Profile Image for Paige.
768 reviews13 followers
January 28, 2023
This was a really great read!! My first time reading this author and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I loved both of the characters which is honestly rare for me. I usually like one more than the other but here they were both great. Their chemistry was on point and I liked the enemies to lovers aspect. I loved that even though this was a romantic suspense there was romance throughout the entire book and the suspense didn’t overpower it. The conflict within the story was nicely written and well thought out. I would have to say there was only one thing I didn’t like about this book: the sex scenes were pretty lackluster for one of the MCs owning a kink club. I appreciated the book wasn’t overloaded with sex but I wasn’t anywhere near hot and bothered. Other than that 5 stars for this one!!
Profile Image for Sandra Ramsey.
Author 4 books4 followers
February 19, 2024
It was well written. I had no problems getting through the story, by from the add on my Facebook, I thought it was an MC romance. Nope. Its not, although Stryker rides a Harley. Don't let the cover fool you into thinking its an MC. What I didn't understand, is if he is this big shot hacker, why it takes days for him to sort out information. Then he has to go confront a guy in prison when he should be able to hack all the stuff. His backstory is confusing and he runs a sex club and a high tech snoop company. There are so many competing side plots, the whole serial killer plot is lost in the wave of other problems. The couple get together by the end of the first third of the book and spend the rest of the time saying I love you and having kinky sex. It was . . . more and too much.
Profile Image for Addys.
86 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2022
Stryker and Emerson… what can I say…. Explosive relationship, opposites attract (like reallly opposite here), hate to love, this book has everything. I thought my favorite was Dakota, but men was I wrong. Stryker has a heart under all that steal wall. I loved every minute of this book and will def recommend it, is worth every page and every minute you spend reading it. Stryker has the brains and body Emerson needs, and helps her deal with her issues, and Emerson tears down Stryker’s walls one by one. This story is perfect and it was what I needed. If you have the time grab the book, you dont want to miss it, but please start with the series before, I didnt and regret it.
Profile Image for Gwynn.
20 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2022
So much love oozing from these Two!!!

Emerson and Stryker have a wonderful chemistry together. They value family and it’s beautiful to read.
Emerson is a detective that is investigating the murders of young ladies wearing wedding gowns. This brings her to Stryker’s place of business called, The Dungeon. There are several layers occurring simultaneously and it’s fabulous to read.
It’s hilarious how Stryker wins the affection of Pima, the cat, of Emerson’s deceased brother.
Stryker’s mom was murdered and he has made it his life mission to find out who the murderer is.
I recommend this book that has many twists and turns and I didn’t see the ending of this “who done it.”
Profile Image for Jacinda Rose.
223 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
Revenge & Love

This was my first Stoni Alexander book and I'm liking what I'm reading.

There are the normal tropes of enemy-to-lovers, alpha male. But this is several murder cases intwined with it.

The best thing about it is that Stoni doesn't drop any big hints that you know it before the end. Which I love.

I really enjoyed the mix of crime solving, romance & erotica all wrapped up into one book.

I would've enjoyed just a few more of their separate fantasies to be in the book but we still get plenty of steamy scenes (but also at the right places).

Next up the best friend....
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2022
Stryker and Emerson

This is a great read! I could not put it down and read it from beginning to end without stopping. It is action packed, suspenseful and super steamy. Emerson is a homicide detective and investigating the Murder of 2 women who were dressed in a wedding dress. Her supervisor pairs her with a confidential resource, Stryker, who operates a cybersecurity business and a dungeon. The 2 have met before and hate each other. You know where this is going…yep, enemies to lovers. It’s a wild ride with some shocking twists and turns. So buckle up and enjoy!
Profile Image for Linda Calizo.
782 reviews
January 17, 2026
Definitely grateful for a good book

I love to read, but I won’t read just anything. The story must flow and keep me interested, be consistent with information such as time lines and names. I understand that a few typos can slip through.
With all that said I love these characters in their complexity, is the world black and white or variations of gray. Do we let society rule us? Is our justice system perfect or broken and corruptible? Which killing is wrong and why? When push comes to shove there are two types of people protectors and exploiters. I love that this books shows the difference.
Profile Image for Dennis.
955 reviews27 followers
November 2, 2021
Terrific Romantic Suspense

I loved this book quite a lot it started off as a enemies to lovers and then they had several murders to solve, some old and som new. After having to work together the main characters have some 🔥 scenes that I thought were excellent. The guilty were punished and there was a really fine HEA
Profile Image for Donna.
1,799 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2021
Enemies to lovers. I enjoyed learning how two damaged people found that they were perfect for each other. I don’t mind long hair on men but find man-buns stupid looking and can’t imagine anyone finding them sexy. That was a turn off as was all the chitchat during sex. Just let me know what they are experiencing. The commentary is both distracting and annoying.

No cliff hanger - yay!
53 reviews
January 23, 2022
Don't Miss

Writing reviews is not something I am good at; however, this book gives a really nice twist and turn that does not leave a anyone time to put it down. If you can then your better than I am. I had to find out what was happening next. I hope that whoever reads this book enjoys it as much as I have.
Profile Image for Trina Raven.
344 reviews
May 9, 2022
Glad I found this one

Wow what can I say !!!!!!!!! This book was fantastic , definitely one to read loved the whole thing going on with Emerson & Stryker well written story about them both suffering with lost loved ones. But working together even with their history. Bright them closer together. Great book .
Profile Image for Shannon Beadnell-Harvey.
190 reviews
December 7, 2022
Great Read

Very good storyline! Lots of twists and turns. I love how strong, smart and skilled the heroine of this book is. Her male counterpart was equally awesome. I could not predict who “ done it” so it was noth enjoyable and shocking to the end! I love a HEA! Highly recommend!
52 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2025
Great new series

Another "good guy" is introduced to us in a new series from this amazing author.
I love the way it links back to the earlier books & as I'm binge reading one a day at the moment, my poor memory can cope 😄
Be prepared for a rocky ride, cat purrs & retribution.
Recommend
29 reviews
January 7, 2022
First book by this author now I’m on a binge !

Loved it. A little kink , a little steam and a lot of romance. The storyline was different with a good backstory. I was involved from the beginning. And a very good HEA !
Profile Image for Nonna Henry.
Author 3 books26 followers
January 30, 2022
A true romantic suspense where the main characters work together to solve an unsettling mystery. I loved how the characters changed from total disdain for each other to fervent love. A must read! And sexy too! Loved the man bun....the motorcycle....and fear of enclosed spaces. Well done!
Profile Image for Flora Molski.
26 reviews
March 2, 2022
loved this book

Damaged
How two people who were damaged by unbelievable acts of murder one a sexy club owner with dark secrets the other a police detective that had mistakenly arrested the sexy club owner a couple of years earlier.
Damaged is a book you don’t want to put down…
852 reviews7 followers
April 4, 2022
Stryker and Emerson

Almost gave up on this because the first several chapters were all about them hating each other but finding each other extremely sexy. After the book moved on from that it got to be very entertaining.
360 reviews
May 14, 2022
Brilliant read

New to me author. This book has some hard hitting story lines . Stryker is a damaged alpha male whith a chip on his soulder . Emerson is a detective who takes no nonsense an enemies to lovers story that will have you up reading untill late
1,815 reviews34 followers
October 22, 2022
Loved Stryker and Emerson’s story ❤️❤️❤️ it was crazy suspenseful. They love each other hard. The side characters are very interesting people and can’t wait to read about them. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
88 reviews
January 1, 2023
Easy read

It's so easy to read this book, no obstacles in relationship between Stryker and Emerson , it's just a sweet romance, all story is running like a water. Time to time you have to read something easy like this to give yourself relax feelings
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
March 3, 2023
Mixed feelings

I loved the whole vigilante theme in DAMAGED and the suspense and intrigue of the cases Emerson and Stryker were working on.

While there is a lot of passion, I never really felt the chemistry between these two. Their interactions, too me, varied from hot to not.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,166 reviews
March 5, 2024
This will be a race to a DNF. Unrealistic, 1-dimensional characters, silly plot (they are anonymous cyber friends). Silly to set up a homicide detective and this killer vigilante as lovers. Chapter 4: "She was trying to ignore the urgency between her legs, but she couldn't." Laughable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.