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Nearly every poor girl wants the rags to riches story, but when my wish is granted, I have to ask myself…
Are the consequences really worth it?
And then there’s him… He’s tall, broody, and tattooed, and he doesn’t look anything like a law-abiding police officer. He’s American, and I’m British. He’s twenty-four, and I’m… not. A guy like him would never be interested in a girl like me.
Then, he’s a guest at a family wedding that turns into one almighty disaster, and I realise there is more to this stranger than I first assumed.
He makes me flutter in places I would rather not admit, and to make matters worse, he’s been hired to be my new bodyguard, and from the outset, he makes it perfectly clear he’s taking his new job very seriously. Guarding my body becomes his favourite thing…
Until he breaks my heart, and once again, I’m left damaged.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2022

17 people are currently reading
46 people want to read

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Martina Dale

20 books59 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Minnie.
948 reviews
March 29, 2024
5⭐|3🌶|2🥵

After finishing "The Moral Compass" series, I jumped into the next series by Martina. This series continues where the other series ended. You could say it's a little bit like "the next generation" 😎
Mateo and Daisy's story isn't that full of action like the books in the compass series, but we still have some. And we also get the full Mc Garry's power.
A little warning, the first "spicy" scene is when Daisy just turned 16. It's part of her history and the reason why she is where she is and thinks now 😣 It was before she met her dad.
There is also Mateo's history. Parts of it were already told in "East", but now we got the whole story.
Both had a really bad childhood. But the two damaged souls found each other and help each other.
Mateo is so 🔥🔥🔥 He fits perfectly in the McGarry family if you understand what I mean. No? OK, they are all 🐇🐇🐇 Now? Yes? Good 😎 And he is also extremely protective, possessive, and obsessive. Yes, he really could be a Mc Garry 🤣
Oh, and don't miss downloading the bonus. It's 🔥 and cute 😊
You can be sure I instantly jumped into the next book... 🤩


Follow me on IG for more
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136 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2022
Well Martina Dale's new series starts with a bang what a read !!
This story follows Daisy the daughter of South McGarry ( from the Moral compass series ) this is a standalone with interconnected characters. We do get to hesr from some of the old favourites. Daisy story shares her awful past and follows a teenage Daisy before finding her father, and continues into her own exciting and emotional love story ❤️. This age gap romance between two damaged souls explores some real and dark themes. My heart was broken for Daisy and all her experiences, her first time experiance was particularly awful but it added to Daisy's character and explained why she was the way she was.
Now I won't say to much but Mateo is one hotty and although his past was extremely traumatic he has grown into an incredible human being.. although at times I coulda unalived him for his preconceived ideas about Daisy he soon finds out for himself that she is more than she seems.The twist and turns in this book had me on the edge of my chair and I was screaming at my kindle at times . Martina Dale has once again shown her incredible talent, I always find myself lost in her writing , the characters are so well developed and they story line was incredible one of my favourites. if you love a dark and twisty age gap packed with some incredible steamy scenes this book is for you !!!
Profile Image for Nicole Winter.
224 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2022
I devoured this book! We meet both Daisy and Mateo in Martina’s The Moral Compass series and it was great to see these characters grow and develop in their own story. As with all of Martina’s books I get lost and forget I’m reading but this series has started with a slightly different and deeper feel to her last series she really put these characters through it I just wanted to give them both a hug but also bang their heads together.

We get the heart and the humour that I’ve come to associate with Martina’s writing managing to make me upset one minute and giggling the next. It was the perfect start to the new series interlinking perfectly with The Moral Compass series and the characters we have loved from that series to. And Room 312 will forever live in my head rent free (IYKYK 🔥)
Profile Image for In Between The Sheets.
94 reviews11 followers
November 21, 2022
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the Moral Compass Series by Martina so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Daisy & Mateos story! You are first introduced to her in South's book and she's quite a brat but I knew she'd have a heartbreaking backstory to tell & redeem herself. 🌸

It's got all the fun stuff packed in.. he's her bodyguard, her dad's his boss, slight age gap, emotional trauma, forbidden love but I also loved the humour & banter Martina chucked in for good measure. South has never been so funny.. the grump is mellowing in his old age. "Room 312" references had me laughing out loud at points 😂

I loved all the cameos from the previous series & the introduction of new characters who im praying all are going to have their own books!! Also the first few chapters I loved the glimpse we got into each characters past trauma to help understand them more & then recapping on previous events that happened in Moral Compass but from their different perspectives to bring you back to the present day! 👌🏻🥰

I think this is the first book I've read where a festival was involved & I really really enjoyed the different aspect of that & the forced proximity that created. ❤️
761 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2023
Brilliant follow-on series to the Moral Compass

Although you could probably read and enjoy this as a standalone title and get a lot out of it… you’ll enjoy it so much more if you have already read the Moral Compass series. That way, you will understand the family dynamics and relationships that have developed and that feature heavily throughout this new chapter in the lives of the McGarry family and the Star Gazers.

At first, I didn’t put two and two together, and wasn’t expecting this to be linked to Martina’s first four books but when it finally clicked into place who Daisy and Mateo were, I was thrilled. Even though I read these books a while ago, and read many other books since, these characters really stuck with me.

Learning more and Daisy and Mateo’s childhood certainly puts a new perspective on the story. Initially, Daisy came across as a bunch of mixed-up trouble, but when we understand what she went through before finding her dad, everything makes sense.

As for Mateo. Well, he’s just an absolute sweetheart that really will go to any lengths to protect the people he loves. A quality so beautiful that you can’t help but fall in love with him.

Sure he’s a bit older than Daisy, but you can’t help who you fall in love with. The heart wants what the heart wants. When he tries to hold back his feelings it just makes them stronger. His restraint, whilst chivalrous is pointless because these two getting together was inevitable right from the start.

As the story and their relationship develops, it becomes clear how much they want to be with each other, but there’s so much against them that you start to doubt whether their love will be strong enough to make it through their problems… but she’s a McGarry… and they are fiery, stubborn but incredibly loyal once they’ve found the one they want to give their heart to. They don’t give up, and they don’t back down.

Fantastic story. Can’t wait to continue the series to see where this leads. Amazing book yet again Martina, just fabulous.
Profile Image for lovelust andbloodygoodbooks.
335 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2022
Thank you Martina for sending me a copy of your book to read and review.

To say I was hooked is an understatement. I read this book in a day.

This book follows Daisy who is the daughter of south McGarry. It took until Zena name was mentioned for the clicks to finally hit. Daisy grew up with her mother who left her to fend for heels pretty much while she went and found a new husband. Even when her mom found south she didn't tell him about daisy.

Moving in with the McGarry's is a huge change in daisy's life going from a life with nothing to a life of privilege she takes a little time In breaking down her walls. Meeting the sexy and handsome Matteo brings out. Whole new side to her and she is a dietary little one this one.

Matteo is a man who was saved by the star gazers at young age from being trafficked. He was adopted and when his adoptive parents both die him and his sisters inherit their fortune and the promise that they will help the stargazers when called upon.

From their first meeting these two were attracted to each other both try to put it off with little fight but their connection and fire is so visible for everyone to see. When complications arise they have to fight through and see if they really can be one or whether they are better off without each other.

Martina I Really enjoyed this book and was soo excited to still get to be a part of the stargazer story. This book was enjoyable and I couldn't wait to seconds to download the extended epilogue for more. Bring on more of marinas work.

My Overall Rating is 41/2 💋💋💋💋😘
My Character Rating is 5 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My Smut Rating is 3 🍆🍆🍆
My Angst Rating is 3 😬😬😬
17 reviews
December 4, 2022
Age gap / bodyguard/coming of age romance must read

Please read the moral compass series first,
But I loved this its a great way to start of a new series, and nice to here from some of the old characters from time to time.
This story is about Matieo and Daisy -Souths daughter.
Daisy hasn't had it easy before she met South living in a parentifocaton environment as a Latch Key kid (an American term, to explain children and young teens with lots of adult responsibilities) with far to much responsibility as a 10 year old even, she has her own jaded experience from her own childhood environment to what she thinks love is, after seeing her mom get dumped my men dozens of times before, she has clear trust issues. Matieo teaches her that there's more of love to experience, and she really doesn't know everything like she thinks she does. Honestly I related far more to Daisy than some of the other characters in the previous series, this book has forbidden romance, consensual sex, and so so much chemistry between the main characters.
Who in my world hasn't been there struggling to put gas and electricity on in a council estate hoping one day, your rich family will take you away from it all. This book covers much of my idea of escapism and I loved it

Thanks Martina Dale
Profile Image for Mia Fury.
Author 38 books220 followers
December 8, 2022
I loved the Moral Compass series, so honestly, I was itching to read Daisy and Mateo's story, because we'd already had a good taste of both characters.

The insight into their lives prior to us meeting them was both heartbreaking and informative, and watching them build their relationship, despite the obstacles on both sides was just beautiful.

Mateo is all kinds of hot, and yes please, I want one. His darker side is to die for. Daisy is a lucky, lucky girl, and honestly, she deserves someone like him after the way her life was before they met.

It was great to see plenty of the characters from the previous series too, and honestly, it was like visiting dear friends after being away for a while. Loved the book so much and very much looking forward to the next. Martina has a talent for building an entire world to climb into, and I'm here for all of it.
Profile Image for Laci  Steimel.
709 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2022
Such an amazing start to a new series! Daisy, a character from the previous Moral Compass series, gets her own story with Mateo. Both have traumatic pasts, and they both help each other come to terms. Mateo helps Daisy get over her dislike towards men and her trust issues, while Daisy gives Mateo a safe space to talk about his past. Their relationship started with a little bit of a slow burn, as their relationship is forbidden since Mateo is Daisy's bodyguard, and has a close working relationship with her family. There were so many twists and turns, and I did not want to put this book down, I just wanted to completely devour it! Mafia, possessive, firbidden love, with tooons of steam! 5 star read, I loved it!
Profile Image for Jade Dollston.
Author 30 books204 followers
December 19, 2022
I've been looking forward to this book since the end of the Moral Compass series, and I was not disappointed! Daisy and Mateo's story is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers/age gap/bodyguard romance that was so beautifully written! They try to quell the mutual attraction between them... until they can't.

I loved getting to see South and the rest of the McGarry family. Martina did an excellent job of handling the young love situation while maintaining the exceptional spice I've come to expect from her.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the "girl power" vibes I got from Daisy's developing relationship with Kara and Sutton. It was both sweet and funny. Those ladies are something else!

I'm so excited to see what Martina Dale comes up with next! I'll be first in line to buy it!
Profile Image for Francis.
231 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2022
What a way to start a new series!
This book is a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the Moral Compass series first to get more info.
In the last book of the series Daisy is introduced as South's daughter and Damaged is all about her and Mateo, her bodyguard.

What I loved when reading this book, we get a much deeper insight in both their past. It's heartbreaking to read.
When Mateo is assigned as Daisy's bodyguard, it gets spicy and the forced proximity at the festival... epic! And the piggy back.... haha
And how can we forget room 312?
Mateo is so sweet with her after all she's been through. Love him!

Yeah.... a great start of this series and loved the cameos from the McGarry family a lot!

If you've loved the Moral Compass series, you're going to love this one!
Profile Image for WhiskeyandReading.
2,753 reviews
November 21, 2022
(ARC REVIEW)
Ms. Dale, I braced myself before I even started reading this because I knew this would be emotional. This is a standalone romance but if you Ms. Dale's previous series then you know some of Daisy's background. This book was heartbreaking, angsty, swoon-worthy, and so much more. Ince I started I couldn't put the book down. Daisy was strong and beautiful which is a deadly combo that was under Mateo's protection. These two crossed lines and thank heavens they didn't go back. Mateo was sexy and possessive which made Daisy crave him. Toss in Mateo's mouth and this book was perfection. I can't wait to see what this series brings.
1,246 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2022
Wow, what an emotional read! I can't recommend this book enough. Please heed all trigger warnings though. This is the story of Daisy, who is South's daughter from the Moral compass series. She meets Mateo who is an American from Las Vegas. Both have had to deal with some pretty heavy baggage in my opinion. Especially Mateo. I actually found myself crying in some parts and laughing in others. This book was extremely well written and I think Martina did a great job in writing about the 'triggers' as much as possible in my opinion. I'm so looking forward to her next book. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
January 17, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Mateo and Daisy’s journey. Mateo is broody, tattooed, and is a protective, law-abiding police officer, while Daisy has had a tough upbringing. Mateo and Daisy have more than their fair share off baggage weighing them down. This is a well written emotionally charged story, which is action packed, and with angst, twists, family, friendships, tension, challenges, heartbreak, humor, witty banter, trauma, trust, and love, which leads to an unpredictable, entertaining, and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for my.reading_record.
259 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2022
We meet Daisy and Mateo in the previous series The Moral Compass and I would recommend reading these books first. All the characters from the first series are seen again here and their individual stories are great.

Daisy and Mateo both had tough childhoods and are left with scars of their past. Up until recently Daisy has never been able to rely on anyone other than herself and has bad experiences with men leaving her inexperienced and uninterested in the opposite sex until Mateo makes her ‘flutter’. Mateo will forever be grateful to those who saved him and his sister from a terrible situation so although he is drawn to Mila he must stay away from her. She is the daughter of one of the family that saved him, she’s too young and now she is his job, as he’s employed to be her bodyguard. But he’s a possessive and protective man and the close proximity brings them closer.

As with all Martina’s books I found I was easily drawn into the story and I thoroughly enjoyed being back with the Star Gazers and their families.
Profile Image for Kirstelle.
60 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2022
Another fantastic story from Martina.

I did not read the blurb for this one, I threw myself straight into it, and was very happy early on to see that this book (and assume this series) is based in the same world as the Star Gazers.

The book follows Daisy (the daughter of a Star Gazer) falling for her bodyguard.

There are some surprise moments, some very sweet moments, and very smexy moments.

It was nice to re-visit the family I’ve grown to love.

Stand-a-lone but worth reading The Moral Compass Series before-hand. This is an age gap, bodyguard romance.
Profile Image for Leslie Renfro.
22 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2023
Another epic start to a series by Martina Dale. Following the “Moral Compass Series”, this book spins off with exciting new characters, our beloved characters from the original series, thrilling adventures, twist and turns, plus all the spice you need.

Daisy and Mateo’s book is story lovers dream. There are so many details intertwined throughout the book. Martina has done an epic job of weaving together both series while letting Daisy and Mateo to stand as the sting, versatile characters they are meant to be.
Profile Image for Kirstie Ibrahim.
1,874 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2023
What an awesome story. This is Daisy's story...South's daughter from Moral Compass. We get to learn about her past which wasn't an easy one. We also learn more about Mateo who also had a rough past. These two make a great match and you will get plenty of twists and turns with their story. This age gap story is also HOT, HOT, HOT!
Profile Image for Joanne Kelly.
10 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Daisy is just a strong woman who has been through a lot, and I admired that with her. She didn't let it stop her or break her down. And mateo, well, he was just 🔥 I do wished I had read the other book first just so I had more of an understanding of who the other characters was. But I can say I enjoyed this book
Profile Image for Liana.
475 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2022
Wow this is going to be another great series, I love how the series continues from the fantastic moral compass books daisy is the long lost daughter of South who asks Mateo to take care of her he doesn’t expect daisy’s bodyguard to fall in love with her. How will the family react?
Profile Image for Mary-Anne.
67 reviews
December 1, 2022
This story had more twists and turns than a maze. Both Daisy and Mateo had to endure such sadness it made sense they were drawn together. I really loved this story and can't wait for the next book by this author.
Profile Image for Kayleigh Borrows.
305 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2022
Daisy & Mateo what a couple, this book had me hooked from the beginning.

A fast paced read full of banter, sweetness, all of the spice and of course the McGarry Family and Friends just pull you in.

South as a dad was just brilliant to read.

Room 312!! 🔥🔥🔥

Can't wait for more in this series.
Profile Image for Tasha_loves_to_read .
739 reviews17 followers
November 21, 2022
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a massive @martinadaleauthor fan. And yet again this book didn't disappoint. The first book in the new series, The Healing Wounds.
Mateo and Daisy have my heart. These two are so special. Yes, they had their ups and downs it wouldn't be right if @martinadaleauthor didn't put them through the wringer first. Who knew he was so filthy? And Daisy realises and fights for what she wants. The rest of the McGarry clan were amazing in this story. And South - I didn't think I could love him any more. "Miss Room 312". So many funny moments but also a bit of heartache!
Well done on another great book!
Profile Image for Anita.
1,133 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2022
WOW what a great start to a new series!! Martina's first series was The Moral Compass Series and if you haven't read it I would highly recommend them as they are so good.
This book is Daisy and Mateo's story.
Daisy is South's daughter (South is the grumpy McGarry brother from book 4 in the Moral Compass Series) my favourite McGarry!!! Daisy hasn't had it easy and hates men, which to be honest you can't blame her, she don't trust no one and she definitely doesn't believe in love.
Mateo has had a traumatic past and harbours secrets that he doesn't want to share, but he's hot and so processive.
This story kept me gripped and I didn't want to put it down, easy to read and there are so many twists and turns as the story unfolds.
What are you waiting for go download and read this brilliant book.
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this new series.
233 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2022
What a read, amazing start to the series!

This book has age gap, bodyguard, enemies to lovers, there are a few tropes in there. Then you also have Daisy’s rags to riches story, where she’s been just getting by and providing for her home (with her mom) but then circumstances bring her to her paternal family where she doesn’t want for anything.

I’m not going into the ins and outs of the story, but the chemistry between Daisy and her bodyguard , Matteo, is palpable!

I loved the writing of this story, please tell me why I haven’t picked up this authors books before!
Profile Image for Books_on_my_shelve.
238 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2023
New realese by Martina Dale, 1. of December 2022

This is a story of Mateo and Daisy ♥️🔥🔥🥵. What a hot couple!
The start of this story is slow, we learn about the past of Mateo and Daisy. I have to say Daisy is realy remarkable girl, she had a tough childhood, but still was able to survive. Mateo and his sister got thrue hard time too. But they all got the chance to have a better life. But with McGarry family thinks are alway little complicated 🙂 right?
We get the refresh how M a D first met and since than the story escalate. The tension between them 🥵🥵, the hot scenes🥵🥵🌶️🌶️🔥🔥.
Mateo, well he is co-equal with McGarry's boys.
There are many unexpected moments and situations... You have to read! If you like The Moral Compass Series, you will definitely love this story too!
(And I am really looking forward to read Danika's story!)
Profile Image for ssloves books - Sheila.
804 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2023
This story follows South’s daughter Daisy and her romance with Mateo.
A good romance which keeps us in the Star Gazers world.
I enjoyed being back with familiar characters and their banter and family dynamics are such an enjoyable part of the storyline.
This coming of age story for Daisy I enjoyed and liked both the main characters. The age gap and their difficult pasts added depth to the story and I adored South in this book. Spicy and enjoyable and would recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
967 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2023
Another hit. Love the continuation of characters from previous books. Thought Daisy’s first experiences were pretty realistic for a lot of girls. Loved that it wasn’t all wonderful and perfect. Mateo turns out to be quite the possessive alpha hole at times, love this and his sweet side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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