We’re a match made in hell, Stefan and I. He took me to exact his revenge. I went from being a pawn to my father to being a pawn to Stefan. The only difference is I have a ring the size of a boulder on my finger and a husband I don’t want.And the hardest part is I thought he was different. I thought I was falling in love. I guess my father was right. I’m not a very smart girl. Stefan is a … smart girl.
Stefan is a powerful man. He doesn’t play nice, not if you’re his enemy. But I’ve learned one thing about my husband.
He takes care of what’s his
And I am his.
His enemies have become my enemies, but he’ll never let anyone hurt me. He’s fiercely protective. It’s the predator inside that scares me.
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A great conclusion to the duet! The intrigue mounts, the tension grows, the action turns explosive, and the heat will set your pages on fire. I couldn’t put it down.
Ahhh!! Yes! Damage was perfectly delivered! It starts us off right in the cold water where collateral left us! This book was full of action, desire and secrets! Gah! I wanted to shake these characters! One minute I was internally screaming at them and the next I was biting my lip! The desire and attraction between these two is so intense! There is no denying or escaping what they have. Gabi doesn’t know how precious she is and Stef doesn’t realize the full extent his enemies will go. Knight has once again written and exciting and heart pounding read! The queen of mafia has given us two characters you will become obsessed over! I devoured damage in a few hours! I was shocked by events and my heart hurt for everything Gabi has been through. Definitely a Must Read duet! I can’t wait to see what Knight has in store for us next. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
She is who she is. The devil’s daughter. And I just brokered my own deal. I’ve stolen her. And I’m not finished yet.
Damage is book number two and the conclusion to the Collateral Damage duet by Natasha Knight. This is a duet so Collateral: an Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance (Collateral Damage Series Book 1) and Damage will need to be read in order. There are a couple of triggers, so if you are sensitive to questionable consent or violence, this duet may not be for you. Collateral Damage duet is the first thing I have read from this author, and I am a FAN for sure now!! Collateral left off on a nail-biting cliffhanger that had me about ready to throw my Kindle across the room. Ever since I have been counting down the days until I could get my hands on Damage. If you thought there were secrets and twists and turns in Collateral, then you haven’t seen anything yet.
Told in dual POV, Damage picks up where Collateral left off and we are submerged back into Stefan Sabbioni’s world.
Gabriela’s quest for freedom is thwarted placing her right into the hands of unexpected enemies.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Stefan will stop at nothing to get his fiance back by his side and those who stand in his way will pay with their lives.
My protector and my predator in one.
But with Stefan distracted with Gabriela it gives his enemies the perfect opportunity to slide in undetected.
But there are more enemies then Stefan is aware and they are closer then he could have ever imagined…
What happens when someone else seeks the power that Stefan has?
Secrets will be revealed and loyalties will be put to the test.
Together, we’re not alone. We may both still be broken, but we’re not alone.
I’m not sure what’s more beautiful,” she starts. “The sunsets or the sunrises.” “Maybe it depends on the day. If you need a beginning or an ending.
Betrayal, greed, vengeance, and secrets Damage had it all! From the very first page, we are thrust right into the action and the jaw-dropping suspense that will keep you flipping pages to find out what happens next.
Gabriela still has her attitude and is determined to defy Stefan every single step of the way. Her walls are still a mile high and every time Stefan starts to chip away at them something happens and she builds them back up higher all over again. But this time around, we do see a bit of a softening towards Stefan than we did in Collateral after everything that he does for her. Proving time and time again that he will protect her at all costs. Which is exactly what Gabriela needs when enemies are everywhere and she has no idea who to trust. The only thing I found frustrating at times, was that instead of trusting her instincts Gabriela seemed to place her trust into almost ANYONE, EXCEPT for Stefan. Even ones who had already hurt her.
Because the way she makes me feel, this possessiveness that burns inside me when I look at her, think about her, it’s not supposed to be this way.
Stefan Sabbioni I can’t even say his name without blushing… my oh my that man! Stefan is a powerful man and he has no problems using his power to make sure that Gabriela is protected. Gabriela was supposed to be nothing but collateral damage, paying for the sins of her father, just another chess piece in a game that she was a pawn in. But NOTHING about his reluctant bride to be was as he expected and he is falling for her more each day. The only problem is… the more he cares for her, the more his enemies can use her against him. Loving Gabriela is dangerous, but it’s already too late…
You are the most precious of pawns.
And everyone knows it. I’ve underestimated my enemies.
I care about you, Gabriela. You are precious to me. And they all know it.
The romance aspect was a bit of a slow burn considering how the relationship between Gabriela and Stefan started but the intense chemistry was ALWAYS present between them from the very start. So when the fire started, it blazed! Throughout the duet, we have watched the relationship between them evolve and grow into something… more. I absolutely loved seeing them actually fall in love this time around. I think in Collateral the lust was very present, but in Damage the love was most definitely there.
That ending. WOW. There were a couple of things that I had guessed, I just KNEW I was right about a certain character (if you follow my reviews, I really hope I didn’t spoil it for ya!) but I knew right from the get-go that something was just “off” with that one… But there were others that I NEVER saw coming and had my jaw dropping to the floor!
This duet was my first read from Natasha Knight and she has surely made me a fan. I already have Devil’s Bargain loaded on my Kindle ready to go after I catch up on a few more ARC’s. Whatever she releases next, SIGN ME UP!
If you are an arranged marriage, mafia romance, romantic suspense reader, then check out the Collateral Damage duet! I most definitely recommend!
I have no intention of leaving you alone. I love you, Gabriela. There’s nothing more precious to me than you. I love you.
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
ℂ ‘ ℝ:
/ – Collateral left off on a nail-biting cliffhanger that had me about ready to throw my Kindle across the room. Ever since I have been counting down the days until I could get my hands on Damage. If you thought there were secrets and twists and turns in Collateral, then you haven’t seen anything yet. Betrayal, greed, vengeance, and secrets Damage had it all! From the very first page, we are thrust right into the action and the jaw-dropping suspense that will keep you flipping pages to find out what happens next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
– HOLY FREAKIN HOTNESS! Things started off slow because of the way these two got together but my oh my when it took off… SHEESH! That mouth on Stefan was dirty enough to make even ME blush!
ℂ – Nope, no cliffhanger. The duet is complete and was all wrapped up in a beautiful HEA! I AM really hoping though that there a future book about a secondary character… I haven’t heard anything but with the way things ended, I’m still holding out hope.
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This is the second part and I enjoyed this as much as the first.
This starts where the last book left off with Gabriella taken captive by persons unknown.
In this, we get to see glimpses of a more humane and caring version of Stefan right alongside his more usual extreme and harsh persona.
Stephan himself is his own worst enemy and here he struggles with what he ultimately wants and it seems the deeper he falls down the rabbit hole the more of a dick he is to Gabriella.
Sort of like a form of self-preservation if you will.
Gabriella herself is still behaving like a petulant child though but I do think there are signs that she is also starting to grow somewhat.
I have made some allowances for her tender age and the fact that she just doesn’t know who to trust anymore, With so many unknown enemies some even hiding in plain sight her head is naturally in a spin, combine that with a husband that at times seems to have at times a split personality I think it’s understandable that she’s behaving the way she is.
The ultimate dynamic here between Gabriella and Stefan is all push and pull, light and dark as Stefan pushes his ownership of his new fiance to its very limit.
This second instalment also turns up the heat and this was scorching in terms of content.
This was well written and compelling reading this author always delivers consistently and manages to invest my attention just so easily.
Finally, I adored both the epilogues they were just so touching and heartfelt.
This is a great duet that I recommend especially if you like a dark bite with your romance.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Damage.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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What a tale spin of lies, mistrust, backstabbing & destruction. No one is safe, nor can anyone be trusted. This book start to show Stefan softer size and according to everyone Stefan has become weak. Little does everyone know in his weakness he starts to show is his strength the love and push and pull he has for his wife.
I guess my father was right. I’m not a very smart girl. This is where Gabby shows age, her innocence & naivety. She trust everyone and that very thing is what gets her in trouble and a pawn for Stefan. The betrayal, twist and turns in this book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Who will betray who and how far will everyone go for power they try and steal away from the first born Sabbioni.
Stefan is a powerful man. He doesn’t play nice, not if you’re his enemy. But I’ve learned one thing about my husband. He takes care of what’s his. And I am his.
Well this review is a little tough for me…I love Natasha – her stories are great. It’s definitely a dark romance. Surprisingly, I didn’t connect with these characters as much as usual. There were times that Gabi’s thoughts and actions annoyed me, I know she is young but no excuse there…. and Stefan’s went a bit over the top at one point with his reminding her that she is his. However, I still recommend this duet. It’s action packed and there are some twists that will surprise you too but in the end I really like HEA’s and they do happen!
Really Good! Love the conclusion to this duet!
I loved the story! I love the revelations I didn’t see coming. I will admit I screamed at Gabriela a few times…She is young and naive but she grew up in this world she should know better. Stefan kept me on my toes I never could figure out what he was up to. I love the way he was Gabi when it came to sexy time… OH yes very HOT. There were a few details I am wondering about but I am thinking that might be on purpose for perhaps a certain character having a story of his own ¯\_()_/¯ . Hopefully, fingers crossed.
YESSSS! Ughhh I loved this one. I loved the grit, the passion, and the mafia chaos! Book 2 gave me exactly what I was looking for in Book 1, thank goodness.
Stefan and Gabriela are perfection! They butt heads often and I loved how their confrontations transferred to the bedroom. I will say that Gabriela’s willingness to believe her enemies so easily got on my nerves and I wish Stefan had dealt with a certain someone differently. Everythjng we know about Stefan says that things should have ended quickly and violently, so I was surprised (and slightly disappointed) with how he handled some things. Then again, We probably wouldn’t have had a book if things didn’t play out the way they did, so there’s that. Lol
wow this second part to this story is a whirlwind rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Drama, passion, betrayal and romance, you couldnt ask for more!
highly recommended.
This book does have a trigger. There is a scene where Stefan takes a belt to Gabi’s legs. If this is a trigger for you, please don’t read.
The story picks up 2 days after Gabriella was plucked from the water. Stefan thinks Gabi’s father had something to do with her kidnapping, but is also starting to doubt Rafa’s loyalty. Will Stefan find Gabi in time to save her? Who really was behind Gabi’s kidnapping and wants to dethrone Stefan?
“A single heroic act does not a hero make.”
I have written and deleted this review so many times. I don’t know how else to tell you that this book is truly dark romance beauty. I didn’t think this book could have anymore twists and turns, but it does. I mean I cried in the end. Yes, there is a HEA. Stefan, Rafa and Gabi all have HEA. I highly HIGHLY recommend you read this book, but of course read book one before this one.
“Your eyes are far from open. And this thing, Gabriela, this thing between us, it’s no fairy tale.”
The whole lying down in the sand talking scene and the floating in the water looking at the stars really got to me. Something so simple, but wound up bringing them together was just beautiful. It’s definitely the turning point for me. Stefan isn’t also an aggressor, but someone who has been hurt and alone for so long.
“I think those stars are us. When we die. I think they’re our souls. And I think you’re right about hell being right here.”
The modification!!! O-M-G. You guys I don’t know if I can write this review WITHOUT a spoiler, but I am going to do my very best. There was a point in the book I did get annoyed with Gabi, but it was short lived. I understand she has a problem trusting people and Stefan hasn’t always been the most trusting person. It also doesn’t help that people keep interfering and putting little bugs in Gabi’s ear to make her doubt everything she has ever known.
This book is the exciting follow up to Collateral. It’s suspenseful, angsty, action packed, super hot, fast paced, a page-turner, I couldn’t put down! I FLOVED it! A fantastic read!
Damage is the conclusion of this duet, you must have read Collateral to fully enjoy the story.
The action picks up right where Collateral ended and we’re thrown right back into the suspense.
What I love so much about reading this author’s mafia stories is the fact that she never once deviates from the character personalities. Gabriela was a feisty brat to the bitter end, who’s only desire was to belong and be important to someone and Stefan was a totally ruthless ass that wanted to be a better man. They were alone until they had each other.
This story is edgy…not the “on the edge of my seat” kind of edgy, but edgy in the sense that I could never really trust my instinct about what I thought I knew. I found myself agreeing with Gabriela and had a hard time trusting anyone. It was nerve wracking, but isn’t that the beauty of a story well told. And it was like that from the very beginning of Collateral.
I can’t recommend this duet highly enough, Natasha Knight knows how to deliver a truly outstanding romance in this genre.
Where the first half of this duet started off slow, “Damage” picks up right after that doozy of a cliffhanger, and from there it is a constant flow of suspense and action, with twists and turns that change where trust and loyalties lie and how deceit is uncovered from within. The conclusion definitely brought it up a notch, as both Stefan and Gabriela discover that family isn’t always who they seem to be and in the end they have but each other to turn to. Theirs is definitely a slow-paced romance, where trust and support are earned after mistakes made and truths unveiled and as with any love, it can become your biggest weakness and greatest strength. I really enjoyed this mafia romance where the action took center stage and the romance wasn’t hurried but in turn, grew out of emotional, genuine support and respect of one another.
Listened to on audio: Mackenzie and Wen concluded this narrative with another stellar performance, which truly heightened my listening experience and love of this amazing tale.
#AudiobookObsession
I already rated this book 5 stars when I was less than 40% into this book. How this book started already gave me the *holy shit I don’t want this book to end* feeling.
If you’re looking for a mysterious, steamy, holy shit plot twists, strong sassy heroine, alpha hot caring mobster, can’t-stop-reading storyline, arranged marriage mafia romance….. this is DEFINITELY for you.
This book was just WOW. I’ll tell you why: it is very difficult to make a reader feel as if they live in the story. If the writer succeeded, well then she sure did a damn good job at doing so. But how did she do it? Well, she added characters to this story, bad guys, good guys, and every one of them was so involved it made the story seem so real. It was dramatic in the perfect moments and mysterious the entire book. The description was beautiful and straight to the point which was great because everything she wrote was important.
“ ’ . ’ .”
THE PLOT TWISTS! Yes. Not one, but many. So many plot twists I just couldn’t keep up. Everything was shocking from the beginning of the first book to the ending of the second.
The ending was so well deserved for every single one of the characters. Not everything was happily ever after. Things happened. Some things didn’t change, and that’s what I loved most; the perfection in the imperfection.
“ .”
These books were so amazing. I just cannot believe I’m not going to read more of them because I need so, so much more
I know I will read so many more books by Natasha Knight because this duet was one I definitely won’t forget easily.
•
“ ’ ’ , ? ’ ? ’ , .”
WHOA!!!! I honestly loved this read. It kept me interested through out. There were a few things I didn’t like but not enough to keep from giving this exciting, suspenseful, and tragic read five stars!
I can’t get over this ending. I finished reading this in just one sitting because that’s how invested I was to know how Gabriela and Stefan’s story unfolds even more after how it ends in a cliffhanger in the first book. I have been patiently waiting for this one and I am definitely not disappointed.
Reading this duet have me wanting to read more mafia romances! This was filled with betrayal, hate, trust, loss, sadness and so much more. Gabriela, I can feel all her hurt and hate but at the same time her love and trust. Stefan may appear evil, but he wants nothing but to make Gabriela happy again. And you can really feel it..
I’m loving this duet and definitely going to read more from the author!
A great conclusion to Gabriela and Stefan’s story. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat! This picks up right where Collateral left off. Gabriela has so many trust issues, and rightly so, when it comes to Stefan and he doesn’t know how to deal with all his feelings so he ends up coming across as cold. Even with all that going on, their chemistry is explosive. An arranged marriage mafia romance that you definitely should read!
The story conrinues. Gabriella is still defiant against Stefan. Now married to him, she still doesnt know who to trust. Her husband who tells her he always will protect her? Rafe His right hand man? Her father, who always lied to her, but is he telling her the truth now.?
Stefan secretly trying to find out the truth behind the mysterious happenings without telling Gabriela. Why does she resist him? He’s still trying to figure out who he can trust anymore, ” family is one step away from being your enemy”. as his father always told him. The exciting conclusion to Gabys and Stefans story. Natasha Knight kept the story very interesting with Car chases, kidnapping, gunfire, sexy steamy scenes, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat! Wen Ross and Mackenzie Cartwright narration is very intense and brought the story to life.. audiobookobsessionreview
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
Storyline: 5 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Heat Factor: 5 stars
Overall Rating: 5 stars
“This is us. I will always take. And she will always be made to give.” Stefan Sabbioni
Damage is book two in the Collateral Damage Duet by Natasha Knight. This duet was fantastic!!!!!
Damage leaves off where Collateral ended. Obviously, I can’t say much more as this story needs to be read without any spoilers but I will say that this story will dive deeper into the Sabbioni’s background and the corruptness that is happening within both Stefan and Gabriela’s families.
The story is riveting! Twists and turns. Drama. Betrayal. I just didn’t know what was coming or how everything would turn out at the end. The writing was flawless. Character development was perfect. I felt that both Stefan and Gabriela really grew a lot in this second book. You see Gabriela grow up and mature a lot. Where she was whiny in the first book, you see her evolve into the role of a mafia spouse.
You really see a different side of Stefan too. In the first book he was ruthless when it came to Gabriela, almost cruel at times, but in this book, you start to see that his feelings for Gabriela go far beyond what he thought was simply revenge on her father. You see a human side to him that you didn’t see in the first book.
Overall, this story is amazing. Worth reading! I’m not much of a mafia book fan but this story was so good. It had so much depth and detail. I will read this author again for sure.
5 stars
Sometimes we don’t understand how things come to be the way they are. How everything you once believed finally comes to light and you see it for what it is. Sometimes we love so hard, we can’t understand how it can be real. How it can be right. Stefan and Gabriella were written in the stars. This story almost reminds me a little of Romeo and Juliet in some ways. Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer. But what happens when you don’t completely understand who is who. And how do you Love when no one ever showed you the proper way. There was so much I loved about this story and so much I’ll keep with me.