When martial arts expert Liam McIntyre spies a vulnerable young woman working the streets of Chicago, his chivalrous nature kicks in. She shouldn't be there, doing what she's doing. So, like any hero, he steps in. He pays to keep her off the streets for the night so they can talk. He learns who she is and what brought her to this point in her life. By the end of the evening, he vows to rescue her from that life, no matter the risks.
Damaged Goods is book 2 in the McIntyre Security Protector romance series. It's an emotional, slow burn romance featuring an interracial couple and all the feels. Tissues required. No cheating, and a well-earned HEA is guaranteed. This book can be read standalone, but it will be enjoyed far more if you've read book 1 in the series, Finding Layla.
I write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.
I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.
I love april and her books are always a must read. I just didn’t care for this one, which is sad because I have been waiting for the last sibling story. Too much Pretty Woman vibe. jasmine was a victim of her circumstances and needed Liam to save her. The insta-love element felt a little forced. I would have liked it more if the story had taken place over a longer period. Jasmine needed to really find herself and become her own person. I think if Liam and her were really friends for a couple of years while Jasmine had therapy it would have been better. Instead it was immediate and Liam rescued her and took care of her and all her needs. I wanted to love this book but just didn’t
Liam's money made everything too easy, and that $400 lasted unbelievably long, including gold earrings! And Jasmine got over her issues with ease and speed, not to mention how fast and apparently painlessly she picked up self defense and martial arts. Not enough drama and conflict, so much of the book was a bit boring. I did like how she rescued herself.
Hero is sweet and protective. Heroine is a prostitute. He saves her from an attack, helps her give up her former profession, offering protection. They both like each other but he doesn't want to take advantage of her, feeling she needs to be with him to repay his kindness, she feels unworthy.
My issue. She is terrified of her pimp so in hiding, what better way to stay safe than return to the area of the original attack, no-one will recognise her right? I get he's a macho security guy so she will be fine but honestly why why why...
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. Heroine mentions a few things of her past but not much detail. Stds discussed.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I know when I find that one of April Wilson’s books will be ready for release I make sure I have it. I can always depend on her stories to be exciting to the point I just have to keep reading until the end. The suspense is there along with difficult and terrifying situations throughout the book. If you haven’t read any of her books yet it is best to start at the beginning and you will be very happy you did. One thing though, when you start one of April Wilson’s stories be prepared as you’ll want to turn the pages quickly and you’ll want to make sure you have the next one ready to go. You won’t be disappointed!
I’ve read all of April Wilson’s books and this is by far my least favorite. The writing and the characters felt so juvenile. I didn’t mind the prostitution aspect, but felt it could have been handled differently. Jasmine’s lack of confidence and self-loathing were frustrating. The repetitive phrases of “once a ho - always a ho” — SMH. Liam treating her like a child and always feeling like he knew best for her was infuriating too. It would have been nice to see Jasmine step into her own. This book had potential, but just fell short.
Liam is leaving, Tanks it's a local bar where the guys from, McIntyre Security like to hang out. A few of them still meet every, Friday night. Shane is the owner of the company and, Liam is his youngest brother and his head self-defense instructor and martial arts. Liam McIntyre is twenty-five years old, and a martial arts expert. He has never been married, don't think he has ever had a steady girlfriend, either. He does however have an innate need to protect those in need, especially women, and children.
On this night, as he was leaving to walk two blocks to get to his car, heard a woman cry out. He stops to listen to figure out where it is coming from. The alley next to the bar is where he hears it. He slowly approaches because he’s not sure what he may encounter. To his dismay, a man is holding a young woman's face, threatening her. Faster than his brain can think, with muscle memory, he comes up behind him grabbing his hand. Liam twists his wrist hard enough to hurt it. To where it’s enough for him to release the young woman.
He knew she needed help, to go to the ER. She wouldn’t hear of it. But, she needed medical care. The man had used force all over her face and restrained her by the neck. Her bruising and cuts were many. It's the cut to the temple that worries him. He told her she could come with him to his apartment, his friend used to be an Army Medic and Paramedic he could check her out. He asked her name after he introduced himself, and she said, Jasmine.
He smiled after waiting for a last name he said, “Ok just, Jasmine let’s go. “She said, No, she still had money to make. He said he would pay her, but, she is hardly in shape to walk with her one-shoe broken. He said he would fix it. He asked how long the money he gave her, would get her off the streets to be seen by his friend, rest, eat, and get her shoe fixed. She said she needed to be back at, six a.m. or else, Tony would make her pay.
She was like a beautiful broken bird. Destin for a life because her mother was in it. Jason checked her vitals, cleaned her wounds, and bandaged her cuts. Then, she asked if he might have extra clothes that she could, change into so she could shower. Liam was too happy to help her. He knew he had to offer her, long-term help and protection. So, he does. He asks her if she had the opportunity to get out of the life, would she? She said, yes. But, Tony would never allow it. If she's not back, by six a.m. he will have his men, out looking for her.
Liam lets her nap and sets the alarm so, they have time to talk before, her time to be taken back. Jasmine decides she wants the chance, at a new life. This twenty-one-year-old girl will find all her first with, Liam. Her friends ever, kindness, family, laughter, safety, protection, and love. A heartfelt sorry of a real rags to riches. It has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with the group of people in her life. The closest being Liam of course, then Lia and Jonah.
It’s good but felt a bit lacking. Not enough danger, and she needs urgent counselling.
It was good but not my favourite. Liam is on the way home from the bar, when he comes across Jasmine being attacked by her trick. Jasmine is a prostitute and has had a miserable life. Liam takes her back to his apartment and helps her to escape her pimp and build a new life. While fighting his desire for her as he has some wacky ideas about her having Stockholm’s!
It’s nice to see how Jasmine starts to build a new life, and gains confidence in herself. But… it’s too easy. She needs urgent trauma counselling for the way she’s been abused, and attacked, while being a prostitute, that isn’t even discussed. This girl has had a horrific childhood, and she’s fine with it??? She just moves on with her life, way too easily.
Seriously, not one person who finds out that she was a prostitute, has an issue with it? No I’m not judging, but I can’t believe that all of his friends and family are so accepting, but they do all treat her like she’s delicate. She’s not! She’s a warrior and so brave. Even Liam treats her like she needs protecting but won’t give into his feelings for her, as it’ll be taking advantage of her. Try talking to her!!! 😡
I did enjoy it. But I really really wish that it had gone deeper into Jasmine’s feelings, about her life before. Everything just feels skimmed over. Also some of the facts don’t add up. Jasmine says at the beginning that she’s never gone back to a tricks house. Yet she says her clients were judges and politicians. They wouldn’t be facing sex on the street! It would be at a hotel, and she wouldn’t be walking the streets if she’s a high class prostitute.
"Damaged Goods" McIntyre Security Protectors Book 2 by April Wilson
**Spoiler Alert**
Liam has always been known as the protector, and having the ability to serve and protect is all he will ever need.
Jasmine has been in this situation before, but never has she felt this powerless. This man is about to add to her scars, but then out of nowhere, she is free falling. Her "trick" is no longer holding her at knife point but rather crying out in pain.
Liam has never been so outraged before, and seeing this woman so helpless and afraid makes him snap.
Their story was never meant to be. Her life was mapped out for her years ago, but now she can taste freedom, and she wants it all.
Will Liam be able to see past her flaws? Will she allow herself to feel what she has never yet felt?
This story was beautifully written with all the feels. There is so much story to read. The McIntyre's have always been my heroes, and Liam just added another layer.
Loved every chapter from beginning to end. Love the characters and their duel POV. From strangers to friends to lovers with a HEA.
5 ❤️ 's
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was sweet and I enjoyed reading Liam’s story. This was a story of Liam who is a martial arts expert. He leaves a bar called Tanks one night and he hears the cries of a young woman and he had to help. The woman who Liam helped is a young woman named Jasmine who is a prostitute. She was getting attacked by one of her tricks. Liam swoops in and saves the day.
Jasmine doesn’t want to go to a hospital or emergency room so he takes her to a friend to get checked out. He makes her a proposition that he will pay her for the night. She ends up staying with Liam in the apartment complex owned by his family. While she stays with Liam she learns self defense and Krav Maga. Jasmine meets his family and siblings. Jasmine feels that once a prostitute always a prostitute. It isn’t until the very end that Liam and Jasmine kiss and admit that they like each other. I wish that they would have gone on dates, gotten to know more about each other. Also in my opinion this book wasn’t all that spicy 🌶️. I didn’t feel any heat between Liam and Jasmine. This story was on the side of sweet. I felt bad for Jasmine and all that she had went through.
I’ve read all of this authors books and am a big fan but you can I have a few issues with her first representation of a black character. First, why did the first black woman have to be a prostitute? Just why? Second, when Liam first met her, he said she was bi-racial. You can’t tell a black person is bi-racial by looking at them. Black folks come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Even ones with two black parents. Thirdly, it doesn’t ring true that she is all marked up and scarred that badly, especially when she said a lot of her clients are lawyers, judges and the like. They are not trolling thr corner for a street whore, but using high class call girls. I could go on with the anomalies. Next time please use a sensitivity editor when crossing racial lines.
Ian McIntyre split from friends to go to his car and heard a woman in distress in the alley. He saw and heard sex worker Jasmine Grant being choked and held at knife point by her client. After fighting Jasmine’s attacker off, Ian can’t talk Jasmine into going to the hospital so he takes her to his apartment and arranges care by a McIntyre medic.
Jasmine’s afraid to not return to her ‘old’ life but accepts Ian’s help to try to break away. Ian tries to hide his growing feelings for Jasmine as she’s too ashamed of her past to let her feelings loose. Jasmine enjoys the freedom, confidence and friends in her new life but her old one keeps trying to pull her back. I wanted to like this outing more but it was too predictable, too I’ve been here before almost word for word. Rating: 3.25stars
Love this book. Love Liam and Jasmine’s romance story. The last McIntyre sibling has fallen in love. Liam and Jasmine meet outside of a bar where Jasmine is trying to fend off an attacker. Liam ends up taking her to his apartment because he wants her wounds to get checked out by his medic friend. Liam learns that Jasmine is a prostitute and that she’s been doing it since she was 17. Jasmine ends up not wanting to go back to her pimp so Liam offers his protection. He works with Jasmine on helping her become more independent. Jasmine ends up wanting to take self defense classes so she can protect herself. Overtime, Liam starts to fall for Jasmine but Jasmine has a hard time because she feels like Liam would be disgusted in her since she was a former prostitute. Love how these two end up together. Worth the read.
I think the best word to describe Liam’s book is sensual which is right on the mark with April Wilson’s spin off series McIntyre Protectors. So keep that in mind as you embark on Liam and Jasmine’s storyline. Liam is the last of the McIntyre siblings to get his book and you can read this as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the others first. I love how not only him but his family show that no matter your past circumstances, they don’t define you. It’s about what’s in your heart and the actions that you do that matter. Jasmine was a good fit for him as she brought out his less broody self. Very good read.
Wow, a release date of 12/25 what an excellent Christmas Present!
Liam & Jasmines story is a cute, emotional, slow burn exactly how i thought it would be. I’ve been waiting for Liams story and he is exactly what I expected being a McIntyre. The scenes with big brother Shane are so heart warming. Layla & especially kick ass Lia being there for Jasmine, show how far Layla has come and how soft and amazing Lia is.
Also I love how each book is like meeting all the family for the first time again, they are an awesome family to be part of!
This story literally broke my heart, but it was also inspiring. I know that Liam has always been a protector, especially with his family and friends, so it's no surprise that he reacted the way he did, even for a stranger. I love how he and all of the others stood behind her, empowered her, as well as encouraged her to take control over her own future. It's certainly what most people wish for in their own lives. I hope that there will be many more stories in the future for this series! I would love to see the rest of the Protectors get their own HEA's. I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I have been waiting for Liam's story and this did not disappoint. Once I started I could not put it down. Can't write much without giving away spoilers. Just read it and I hope you will love it too. I love strong female characters. Jasmine is a survivor, she's courageous, brave, determined, smart and she is beautiful. Liam is a strong protector, an alpha male, and a gentleman. Swoon. They suit each other. The main topic is covered in a sensitive and beautiful way. Thank you, April, for sharing Liam's story with us.
Because this book deserves a 10! I have waited a,long time for Liam's book and April didn't disappoint. I wish every family could be as kind as the McIntyre family. This world would be a better place. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll just say this. I felt the full gamut of emotions. From tears to laughter to fear and relief. I fell in love with Liam's character in Vulnerable and if you ask me, April's portrayal of Jasmine's character made Jasmine the perfect soulmate for Liam. You hit it out of the park again, April! I loved it!!!
Wow, this book touched all emotions! It is very well written and keeps you on edge because you don’t know when danger is coming or how it’s coming because you know it’s coming. How they meet, how the romance grows - the trust and how Jasmine grows and blooms. I can’t wait to see where their love takes them. I have read every one of April Wilson’s books and she never disappoints. Very nice job April Wilson, I can’t wait to read what’s coming next. 5 Stars…..Amazing
Absolutely loved Liam, who is the youngest sibling along with Lia and who we haven’t really gotten to know as well through the series up until this point. Jasmine was a complete surprise and despite her awful background she was a really sweet and genuine character who was perfect for Liam. I also really liked Jasmine and Lia’s bond throughout the book too. I am so excited for Phillip and Hayley’s book which I expect will be the last in the series but I’m also eager to see who will steal Miguel’s heart!
I was excited about getting Liam’s story and he didn’t disappoint. He is all kick a** and still the most sweetest person around. He is always one to jump to help someone in need. And jasmine needed someone who could help build her back up. She learned how to be her own heroine of her story. Loved how Liam was trying so hard to fight his feelings so that he didn’t take advantage of jasmine and the situation. Loved how everyone saw the writing on the wall and knew she was Liam’s.
Liam and Jasmine. A damsel in distress to a warrior Princess is a perfect description from Liam about Jasmine, but also for the story. The McIntyres are an amazing family and I loved seeing their support for Liam and Jasmine. Also Lia has been one of my favorites since I saw her with Beth, but now she is definitely the favorite because wow is she fierce and kind. Aiden continues to be adorable and it was fun seeing the family all together though I did miss Cooper not being more present. Glad it ended with a sweet moment and joy for them.
So we get to read Liam and Jasmine’s story in Damaged Goods. I downloaded this on Christmas Day and finished it in one go. I could not put it down. Jasmine is a kick ass warrior Princess who has overcome a troubled upbringing. Liam is her hero, and what a string yet soft hero he is. This was a 5* read and I adored reading about all the characters we love so dearly. Do not miss this. Run and download it now.
April Wilson is an incredible author. The McIntyre family and the additional characters are written in a way that make you feel as if you know them. This is Liam's story and introduces us to Jasmin. Liam is a trained/professional martial arts fighter and aling with his twin Lia carroes out the self defence classes within the company. Jasmin hasnt had a great start in life but when introduced to the family/wider circle starts to believe there are good people in the world.
April Wilson has once again given us characters that you immediately love and can’t wait to find out where the story goes. Your heart will break for Jasmine but will be excited as Liam becomes her knight in shining armor. We have all waited for Liam’s story and this does not disappoint. Read the entire book in one day. There is nothing not to love with Liam and Jasmine.
Jasmine was dealt a crappy hand in life, but as Liam tells her she's strong, resilient, and beautiful. Only she can change her future and Liam wants to be the one beside her while they conquer the world together. This book is about independence, strength, and love and I'm totally here for it. Liam is strong yet sensitive and I loved seeing his character shine with an hea.
I have read most of April’s books and I think they get better and better so much so I can’t but the book down 😆I loved how Liam was so sensitive to Jasmine and how he was able to hold back so as to not scare her, I love April’s writing and I think she captures all her characters perfectly, because I can actually picture them in my head as I’m reading. Can’t wait until the next one April thank you ❤️
April Wilson has long been one of my favorite authors. It's no surprise to me that she could take such a delicate situation and turn it into a really deeply moving romantic journey. Emotions are realistically portrayed, and I found myself rooting for Jasmine and Liam to understand each other as they grew closer. I'm so glad that there was honest communication between them, it is the key to long lasting love. Very satisfying addition to the McIntyre family !
I have been waiting for Liam's story and this did not disappoint. Once I started I could not put it down. Can't write much without giving away spoilers. Just read it and I hope you will love it too. I love strong female characters. Jasmine is a survivor, she's courageous, brave, determined, smart and she is beautiful. Liam is a strong protector, an alpha male, and a gentleman. Swoon. They suit each other. The main topic is covered in a sensitive and beautiful way. Thank you, April, for sharing Liam's story with us.