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Beautifully Damaged

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★Trilogy Now Complete★
"What an amazing start to a new series! Beautifully Damaged packs a punch with plenty of grit, steam, emotion, drama, and unexpected plot twists." Siobhan Davis, USA Today & WSJ bestselling author ★★★★★

I have no choice but to trust a complete stranger. And he wants me for his own.

I’m used to the whispers—she’s trash, useless, and from the wrong side of the tracks.

Desperate for a change, I leave to start over, but I miss my bus stop and end up lost.

Seeking shelter, I crawl into an empty recycling bin, then he discovers me. A handsome stranger, Holden Alastair.

And I do what I do best … haul ass… right in front of a car.

Now, I’m forced to stay with him until I heal.

Holden is full of dark secrets, and my world is turned inside out with sex, money, and power.

When Holden admits he’s falling for me, I know I can’t give him what he wants.

I’m not sure I’m capable of love. I’m too broken.

Over time, I can no longer ignore my feelings for him.

I think I’m ready to give him what he craves,

but nothing could prepare me for the twisted games that I’m about to play.

Follow River into Holden’s world of money, wealth, and lies. Beautifully Damaged is a steamy forced proximity college romance featuring a wealthy jock and the feisty heroine who brings him to his knees. Enough intrigue to keep you turning pages and enough steam to melt your Kindle!

ebook

First published January 26, 2022

607 people are currently reading
897 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Owenby

39 books1,048 followers
International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.

Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.

J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.

Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.

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5 stars
338 (49%)
4 stars
188 (27%)
3 stars
103 (15%)
2 stars
36 (5%)
1 star
19 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Siobhan Davis.
Author 111 books9,490 followers
January 24, 2022
What an amazing start to a new series! Beautifully Damaged packs a punch with plenty of grit, steam, emotion, drama, and unexpected plot twists
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,943 reviews989 followers
January 13, 2022
How many surprising twists can an author accomplish in a novel....count them out when you pick up this book!!
My cherry popper by Owenby, she manages to keep the readers on their toes with one stunning revelation after another in this modern day cinderella-esque romance. It's a story that twists sharply and turns over and over till you get a whiplash.

description

When Holden Alastair walks out to his yard one early morning, he finds River Collins in his recycle bin.
IN HIS RECYCLE BIN!!
Talk about beautifully damaged stuff thrown away for an equally damaged boy to find.

“No one should have to live like that, River. No one.”
“If you only knew. If you knew, Holden… you would leave me outside next to your garbage to be collected on pick up day.”


description

One man's trash is another man's treasure and River Collins, who's been crushed beyond repair, finds healing touch and a soothing heart in Holden.
She really gets beholden to him and he saves her mind, body & soul.
And don't even get me started about the hotter than molten lava sex!!
OH MY GAWWWD!!!

description

There's soft & tender, to rough and domineering, savage and fast to bound and gagged, All kinds of sex to sate readers' horny interests and make River go limp and sore!!
Oh how I wanted to trade places with her, I'm jealous Janet right now!!!
It's racy and pulse pounding with highly charged sex and adrenaline rushing action in every chapter.
Gets your heart racing and G strings wet 😆
4 stars for Club 4Play
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Profile Image for Tori .
439 reviews28 followers
December 29, 2021
What a way to start a new series...

Hooked is too light a word for what this book did to me... It pulled me in and would not let go...I am so invested in River and Holden and I need to know more ASAP...

The story is unique albeit with the same Owenby style. Holden and River are individuals who are so different and yet so raw you can feel their emotions straight off the page. With heartwrenching back stories, intriguing new elements and friends that you want for your own, the storyline keeps you captivated to the point where you think errrmmmm what is adulting.

Also let's just take a minute to appreciate those hot intimate scenes between the two main characters too...oh boy... Nothing is rushed for these characters, in fact Holden's care and attention for River is second to none and the moments happen organically as the story unfolds.

Plus there maybe cameos by certain other Owenby favourites.

You don't want to miss this enthralling tale
Profile Image for Hollie.
782 reviews37 followers
June 19, 2023
J. A. Owenby you’ve done it again!!

Oh. My. God. Where do I even begin?!
I absolutely love River & Holden. Two people from opposite worlds coming together and realizing that maybe they really aren’t so different and there’s so much more than just what’s on the surface. This story takes you through so many obstacles and twists yet still has you hopeful and wanting for more. Just when I was sure I knew what was going to happen next I was taken by surprise. It has all of the drama, spice and suspense. I am already counting down the days for the next books, I can’t wait to find out what happens next for River and Holden.
7 reviews
January 14, 2022
As usually Owenby captures my attentions and keeps me guessing as to what will happen next! River and Holden are one of those couples you just root for out the gate, and man do I love them. Complete opposite, but yet they fit so well together it’s hard to image any other possibility. This story will leave you with all the feels…love,fear,excitement, anxiety, but most of hope and courage. This is a story of two people from two completely different walks of life overcoming personal challenges to show that love conquers all. But be warned there is a cliff hanger and I am anxiously counting down the days.

For those of you who have read the Love and Ruin series we see some of favorite hott body guides in this one! If you haven’t read that series what are you waiting for? Begin it as soon as you finish this one!!!
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
700 reviews25 followers
January 26, 2022
I loved this first book in the new series! It's a gripping, roller coaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. JA Owenby has taken a darker turn in this series than in previous books but it is definitely worth the read. I found it hard to put this one down and raced through the pages. The depth to the characters easily draws you into their lives and the plot is very fast paced. I wanted this book to keep going but it does end in a cliffhanger, so you have been warned.

Meeting River for the first time, following her as she escapes dangers that no one should have to face, you see the strength that she has developed during her struggles. She is lucky when she meets Holden, as he shows her that there truly are good men left in the world, that not everyone expects something in return when they are nice to you. He gives her a place to call home and his friends become a new family for her. She discovers that misfortune can turn into fortune when the right circumstances follow. River goes from being all alone to feeling like part of a family but trouble has a way of finding her.

Can River find peace and happiness with Holden? The only way to find out is to pick up Beautifully Damaged and read it yourself. I highly recommend that you find a comfy spot to settle into when you pick up this book.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,211 reviews72 followers
January 15, 2022
What a great start to an amazingly emotional journey! River has literally been to hell and back a few times. She is finally getting out…or is she? River want so bad to be independent, but who can she trust? Who is on her side? Holden wants so bad to be that man that is everything for River. Holden is a strong business man and great friend but his dysfunctional family gets in his way. This was an amazing start to an amazing story with so many different twists and turns my head was literally spinning! I loved River and Holden together so much! But there is so much evil around them that we don’t know what will happen next! How is Holden going to be able to keep her safe? Will it be to late? I love the fast paced writing style of this author and cannot get my hands on the next book fast enough!
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,301 reviews46 followers
January 26, 2022
Beautifully Damaged
(Beautifully Damaged Series #1)
Written by: J.A. Owenby

Author J.A. Owenby went all out in book one of the Beautifully Damaged Series!

She has introduced her new dark and dirty suspense trilogy and she has given readers a lot to take in.

River Collins, abandoned by her mother at three, left with a guardian who has no interest in a young child, one could say it’s surprising she made it to 19. Her guardian Dan is not her biggest worry now; it’s Logan Huntington that has her concerned. Those she once though friends have proven to be traitors and any trust she had in them destroyed.

Holden Alastair is rich, good looking and wants to help; but right now trust for River is hard to give. Holden gives her a place to recuperate after her leg is broken, he has six weeks to win her over and prove that he can be trusted to do right by her.

Owenby gives her readers a lot to take in with Beautifully Damaged. Learning about River’s background, introducing new friends to her, giving River a chance to overcome the betrayal she has known. Developing a relationship with Holden and his friends introduces her to a lifestyle she isn’t sure is for her, yet it intrigues her. As Holden and River’s physical relationship grows, the intense heat and pull towards each other grows and River opens her mind to adding parts of BDSM into their relationship.

However, there is still that darkness that is overshadowing River and Holden. There are no real bumps in the night but there is concern, security is hired, and she is rarely left alone and then when she is accosted in her bedroom, decisions are made and lives will change.

J.A. Owenby gives readers a cliff-hanger that sets up book two to start with an explosive bang that can only give readers another one of her sit on the edge of your seat reads.

Author’s Note: This book contains dark and mature content and triggers.
Profile Image for S.B. Alexander.
Author 44 books1,019 followers
January 6, 2022
Five heart-wrenching stars!!! I was drawn in immediately and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The heart-pounding moments, the love, the loss, and suspense are J.A. Owenby's signature beats, as she weaves a tale of two people who are the perfect match for each other. Beautifully Damaged is fresh, compelling, and a page-turner that will have you itching to read the next book.
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
896 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2022
Wow page turner of note, Once I started reading no whay was putting it down and finished this in one day !! Ends with a cliffhanger, which had me immediatly looking for the next book. This is Holdens and River's story, they come from vastly different backgrounds. Holden the rich boy and by contrast River a survivor who grew up in a trailer, being abused by her guardian. This books dives straight into River's story which will chill you to the bone. Her meeting with Holden is as about as far out the park as you can get. But neither expect them to be joined in a way that which you wont see coming. I cant wait for book 2 - I need to see where Holden and River go.
19 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2022
If you've read any books from this author, you know she is amazing and does not disappoint! Beautifully Damaged is no exception.

We meet River Collins, an amazing young women with a hard up bringing. When her life is threatened she skips town in hopes that those after her, won't find her. After missing her original stop in Idaho, River, finds herself in Washington. Alone, freezing, and scared, River takes shelter for the night in someone's recycling area. She's woken up by a stranger, an intriguing and HOT young man, Holden Alastair. With a troubling and tragic past of his own, Holden, can't help but want to care for and protect this young woman in front of him.. Can River learn to trust after what she's been through? Can Holden be the man that River can trust? And can these two beautifully damaged hearts be put back together?

Find out for your self, you will not be disappointed! Their story is tragic, beautiful, and sizzling HOT! But be prepared, there are scenes that can be triggering for some.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
January 12, 2022
I am completely head over heels in love with River and Holden. These two people could not be more opposite and have vastly different upbringings but together they are completely whole. These are two broken souls learning to heal and doing so with one another. River is learning to take back her life with Holden’s help and Holden is learning to live again and these two really come alive when they are together. The growth of their relationship feels very natural and the progression was great especially with everything River is going through. Nothing seemed rushed. This book was filled with drama, mystery, emotions and sexy time like no other. I was captivated from the very beginning and could not set this baby down. With that ending that has me on the edge of my seat I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the next book! This is a definite must read!!
15 reviews
January 20, 2022
Holden and River are to die for! I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this new series after being such a HUGE fan of Love and Ruin, but I realized that just about anything J.A. Owenby writes is going to be amazing. So many surprises and twists to this book, and due to J.A. Owenby’s love of cliffhangers, I can’t wait for book two. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for a new read.
50 reviews
January 18, 2022
I've read most JA Owenby's books and this first in a new series did not disappoint me! I didn't expect all the twists in this page turner of a story. The characters captivated me in unexpected ways. The attraction between River and Holden kept me up until I finished in one sitting. I can't stop thinking about what can possibly happen next!
Profile Image for Tamera.
16 reviews
January 12, 2022
Another GREAT read by JA Owenby!

Although this book has triggers for many, I absolutely fell in love with Holden and River. Much of the book was an emotional roller coaster, their road isn't easy by any means and they face some harsh realities. River's past has her guarding herself and her heart and doubting the motives of others, but with some help she learns that life doesn't always need to be so hard and she can trust again. Holden lets River into his world and tells her his secrets. Together they learn Holden's family secrets and must now navigate this new reality together. I always love seeing two people from different worlds come together and make an EPIC love story. I was thrilled to see some familiar characters as well as see and get to know some new friends. The next installment of this series can not come soon enough!
11 reviews
January 15, 2022
Wow!! Owenby has done it again. This book has it all. River and Holden are everything. Brought together in the most unusual of circumstances, they bond over their tragic pasts. River deserves nothing less than the love Holden gives her. Of course, happiness never lasts long with the main characters, and horrible people want to hurt them. I hate cliff hangers, but somehow Owenby makes you want to wait, the anticipation of the next book lurking in your mind!! I cannot wait to read book 2. Excellent as always!!
Profile Image for Jenifer Stonesifer.
10 reviews
January 26, 2022
Once again I’m sucked into the world of J.A. Owenby! Her books never disappoint and this one was no different! The way Holden is with River just pulls me in and makes me love the characters. So many twists and then that cliff hanger…..now i have to wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,383 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2022
This author is amazing, this book was intense, dark, tragic, but most of all it was amazing. Holden and River are amazing together. He is a caring and very sweet man whose main goal is to keep River safe. The deeper into the book the more becomes known and the story begins to twist and turn. We won't even go there about the cliff hanger she left us. I'm glad I don't have to wait too long to continue this.
7 reviews
January 12, 2022
Wow! I’m not even sure where to start but once you start this book you won’t want to put it down! You could just feel the love that Holden and River shared for each other. I love how some of the characters from the “Love and Ruin” series are in this book! I can’t want to see what happens in the next book!!! J.A. Owenby has a way of bringing all of her characters to life!
Profile Image for Imari McClure.
458 reviews
January 9, 2022
Oh my God what a way to start a new series. I highly recommend this book. Does have some triggers but overall the main character is strong as hell for everything she's been through she continues to push through. I can not wait for the next installment of river and Holden story. I will definitely be rereading this story.
Profile Image for Jess.
43 reviews
January 10, 2022
Oh….My…..God!
This book caught me off guard in the most amazing way possible.
J.A. Owenby has done it again!
Run and Pre Order you won’t regret it!
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Kristy Farnam.
18 reviews
January 10, 2022
Oh my god….. amazing read! You will absolutely love this new series with River and Holden. Page turner with so many twist and turns, can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
Profile Image for Kenzie Burchell.
14 reviews
February 19, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! This romance has secrets and friendship and your won’t want to put it down. JA Owenby does an amazing job again and be ready for a roller coaster of emotions.
Profile Image for Lori.
257 reviews58 followers
October 9, 2022
Beautifully Damaged

J A Owenby

5 HOT STARS!!!!!

Once again I am blown away by Owenby’s storytelling. This is the story of River and Holden who come from opposite worlds but find their way to each other.

Holden is determined to make River feel safe after the trauma she has faced in her past.

The steam is turned all the way up in this one. 5 stars for the steam alone. And the patience and care the Holden takes with River.

This one definitely leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for bookish_ashley90.
217 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2022
Beautifully Damaged by J.A. Owenby

J.A. gives us a brand new series and let me say it is Beautifully Damaged. J.A. just knows how to pull you in and doesn't let go. She gives us more amazing characters that you can't help but fall in love.

We meet River and Holden and goodness you can't but help fall in love with them both. They are so different from each other but it works out for them. They show many emotions that you can't but help feel each one.

By the end you are wanting more, I know I am! I can't wait for the next book in this amazing new series.
16 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2022
O.M.G!! J.A. Owenby has done it again. Beautifully Damaged is a dark, twisted, steamy, beautiful, unforgettable story about two people who have had their worlds turned upside down time and time again. River captivates you from the moment you start reading, the things she goes through are gut wrenching and the fact that she still keeps going makes you root for her even more then you were the page before, and her personality only shines brighter when she meets Holden. When they are on the page together it makes it impossible to put down. Two different people from two different worlds collide in the most beautiful way, you find yourself smiling when they are happy and your heart beating a little faster when there is something that is threatening the world they are trying to create together. This is truly an unforgettable start to a series that I’m sure we will be talking about for a long time.
Profile Image for Caytlin Anstey.
7 reviews
January 10, 2022
If you’re looking for a book that will make you ignore all of your responsibilities so you can sit and read it all day and night long… this is it! I love anything by J.A. Owenby and Beautifully Damaged is no exception! It’s written in the Owenby style that I love but is it’s own unique story line. This page turner had me reading all day long and finishing the book within a day!

Holden and River are relatable, real characters that catch you from the get go. You can’t help but root for River as she overcomes the adversity in her life. Holden has some secrets, and the mystery behind him only adds to the character! Their love story is sweet, their intimacy is STEAMY, and the entire story is just perfection. I am biting my nails waiting for the next book in the series to release!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,847 reviews59 followers
January 26, 2022
River has been through so much you cannot help but root for her. On the run from her guardian’s drug dealer, she finds a sympathetic boy to help her. But the more you find out about Holden you wonder if he’s the right guy for her.

You think she has finally found a stabilizing influence in her life as she runs away from her crazy-town life, but nothing is ever as it seems. Holden and his family have a lot of secrets, and might be more dangerous than the people she’s running from. Just when I thought I had something figured out, I totally did not.

This book has a lot of heat, heart and tension. But some of the craziness that goes on, I clearly have no grasp of the lives of the children of the uber-rich.

Cannot wait to see what happens next with this story!
Profile Image for Gina Azzi.
Author 69 books818 followers
January 25, 2022
Captivating and action-packed, the secrets in Beautifully Damaged will keep you reading late into the night. Holden and River are an intense couple that I was rooting for from the start. JA Owenby packs heaps of intrigue, heat, and suspense in this phenomenal series starter!
24 reviews
January 13, 2022
O.M.G. BOOK. HANGOVER!! Owenby has taken her writing to another whole level!! Beautifully Damaged is by far my new favorite read of Owenby's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews

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