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.
more
5 FABULOUS STARS!! I love this story so much and the ending was fabulous. Stefan and Gabriela story has all the feels and than some. This duet will keep you on your toes with everything that happens. I highly recommend this book, so 1-Click right now.
4.5 STARS
Adult, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Mafia
First Person, dual-POV
This is book #2 of the Collateral Damage Duet and it cannot be read as a standalone.
“Those of us who crawl our of the darkness, we’re never fully able to stand in the light for long.”
by Stefan
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 5/5 This book started exactly where it ended the first part. Like the first it was fast-paced, action-paced with several twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat from the beginning. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 4.5/5, heroine 4.5/5, secondary characters 4/5, growth 5/5, real 3/5 Complex characters with good personal growth and great background.
Stefan was a great antihero. That man is no hero, he lives by a totally different code of honor than the norm, but he had layers. Specially in this book we saw a more caring and loving Stefan, he let his emotions closer to the surface. At the same time, we saw a harsher mob boss. A man that is loyal to his code of honor and that is not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Stefan was not a boss because of his bloodline only, he was THE BOSS because he was unafraid, a bit cocky, sure of himself and very ruthless when needed. He grew into his emotions in this book. He allowed himself to feel more than responsibility. He not only truly loved Rafa as a brother, but loved Gabriela as a true partner. He did take too long to believe in what was right in front of him, but everyone must believe in someone else.
Gabriela was a great heroine. I really liked her. She was unsure of whom to trust, every move she made she found another enemy. She had a hard time trusting Stefan, but if we really take out our romantic hearts here, this was definitely the believable move to make. She had been kidnaped, taken to a different country, forced to marriage and kept always with “babysitters”. She did have too many TSTL moments here, but like I said before, she is only 18 and she was being manipulated from all men used to this type of game.
Rafa was a great secondary character and I guess I would love to read his own book. He was a very complex and profound character for a secondary.
Villains.. antagonists… .This story is full of twists and turns and in this dark world, everybody maybe a potential villain. Everyone may have some days dressed as the devil and others dressed as the angel.
All characters were easy to connect and understand. !!!
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This book cover is perfect for this book.This girl is gorgeous and sexy a perfect image for Gabriela. We can feel her sense of uneasy and that she lives in a violent world. The blood splatter adds to this violence and the colors used here are perfect. This book also has a a second art work inside, that is a very important scene of the book. I would easily buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4.5/5 Even though this was a mob romance with a forced marriage, in this second book , with all the twists and turns the story seemed more fresh. The concept felt unique. It worked! As fresh as vanilla ice cream during a summer day!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Exciting opening for an amazing ending. A believable plot for mafia with great subplots superb twists. Great dialogues in a action-packed, fast-paced plot. Great setting and very enjoyable until the end. Highest level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 5/5, steam 4/5 The slow burn romance from the first book exploded in this one. Stefan can’t keep his hands away from Gabriela and she is ready to explore her sexuality. Several hot scenes permeated with true love. Passionate love!
Writing Style: 4.5/5 Great characters with well written dialogues. Complex plot with hot, intense romance. Great descriptive scenes with amazing setting. This book was better than the first how it always should be! Smart writing!!!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Because we do have to be picky…
Stefan grew up in this world, was prepared to be this powerful man, he learned from an early age that nobody should be completely trusted and that you should always keep your friends close and your enemies closer. But kept repeating the same mistake and too many bad things that happened to Gabriela could have been avoided.
Gabriela was young, but she grew up in this dark, twisted world. Her immaturity sometimes were just stupidity, not really having anything to do with age. Who trust the devil or the devil’s entourage?
MY THOUGHTS
This second book was much better than the first in all aspects. Everywhere it needed to improve it did. It had a better plot, more well-rounded characters, with bigger intensity in the romance and the smut was really great.
I would love for Rafa to have a book of his own, he feels like such a complex characters that shouldn’t be overlooked. He is ripe for a book!
I totally loved the ending, it couldn’t have been better. I love a good epilogue, this one had two!!!
“This woman, this pawn that I took from my enemy is mine. And ironically, we saved each other.”
by Stefan
33/35 STARS – 4.5 STARS (between 31.5 stars and 33 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 4.5 Cover: 5 Freshness: 4.5 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4.5
Action 5/5 Angst 3/5 Darkness 2/5 Humor 0/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 4/5
Would I recommend? Definitely! For anyone that likes mafia romance with a bit of smut.
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes! I would.
Would I read more from the author? I’m looking forward to.
You may read this because you follow the series you SHOULD read this because you enjoy mafia romance; you MUST read this for a great love story!!!
My emotions were beautifully damaged by this book! 5 stars
My emotions were damaged by this book in every way, but they were beautifully damaged because I cared so much about Stefan and Gabriela’s story. I cried for Gabriela, and I felt her pain at feeling alone and feeling like she was just collateral damage in a mafia war. Stefan frustrated me, but by the end he made me swoon which I didn’t think was possible! The mafia business of this story was an intense ride, and the revelations towards the end made me jaw drop. Stefan and Gabriela’s love story was also intense with their push and pull between hate and love and betrayal and trust, and their sizzling chemistry together. My emotions finally rose to a smiling, happy place with that beautiful ending. I definitely recommend this intense, sexy, emotional mafia duet!
I received a copy of this ebook from the author for my honest review.
I just finished Damage and I can’t find words to describe how this duet made me think and feel. If I was at home, I’ll probably get a big glass of wine or something.
I love Stefan and Gabi. Their story is full of angst and heartbreaking moments and suspense and twists that I wasn’t expecting but everything added to an epic love story that grew before our eyes with each page, with each touch and moment together.
You’ve made another reader for life !
Also, for some reason I couldn’t stop listening on repeat Black by Pearl Jam while reading the first half of Damage
This is the second book in the Collateral Damage Duet. This suspenseful dark romance, and mafia romance, is well written and absolutely captivating. Stefan and Gabriela share a sizzling chemistry. Stefan is handsome, mysterious, protective and possessive. Gabriela is a beautiful and strong woman. The secondary characters are great. I hope to have a spin-off of this Series. The storyline is action packed, intense, and filled with twists and turns. Impossible to put it down. I love the Epilogues. This is a great conclusion to the Series. I enjoyed reading and listening to this story and I highly recommend this Series. Wen Ross and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job with the narration.
fter that epic cliffhanger ending of book one, let’s just say,I was dying to get my hands on this book. I wasn’t disappointed. It was everything I wanted and more.
The story continued where it left off, and emotions are running pretty high. I felt the slow burn of their romance and yes, I was pretty much dying for it to happen. Along with this, the story is wrought with intense, nail biting, edge-of-your-seat, suspense as they differentiate friends from foes.
Absolutely loved the hell out of this and I cannot wait for more of this author’s work!
“A single heroic act does not a hero make, Stefan.”
A PHENOMENAL conclusion to Stefan and Gabriela’s story!
Please know this is book 2 of a duet. Book 1 – Collateral must be read first.
Natasha brings all the action, all the heat and all the secrecy in the EPIC conclusion to the Collateral Damage Duet.
I was left feeling incredibly content and satisfied with the ending. Damage picks up right where Collateral left off. You see many different sides to both Stef and Gabi.
They both go through a series of events and situations that bring them closer together and further apart, all at the same time. The question is, will their already questionable marriage be able to survive the intense struggles they find themselves in?
Stef is the hero you will love and hate. His rude demeanour is irritating and a turn on but then you get a glimpse of a softer side to Stef that has you melting into a puddle.
Jam packed with action, ALL the heat and so much mystery, confusion and betrayal that will constantly have you at the edge of your seat, Damage, is not to be missed.
An array of characters that have your emotions running haywire makes this a very interesting and entertaining duet, done in Natasha’s flawless writing style.
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books.
*4.5 stars*
Explosive conclusion…
I want to tell you EVERYTHING because it was so, so good! The cliffy that Collateral left with, was picked up and taken even higher with this conclusion. I want to use all the exclamation points!!! All the words that can sum up what an explosive, drama-filled, twisty tale this was…
This was the best of….
Mafia.
Dark romance.
Family.
Betrayal.
Trust.
Mistrust.
Hate.
Confusion.
Clarity.
Love.
Oh, the love….
Gabriela and Stefan left no words undone and no emotions hidden as they worked through life-altering events and changes in their lives. Be prepared for a heart in your throat, must finish in one sitting amazing read!
Oh, and if I didn’t mention it, I LOVED this book!
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
Gabriela Marchese thinks she knows what she is doing when she decides it is safer to return to her father instead of remaining with her fiance, Stefan Sabbioni. Yet soon she discovers she is a pawn in a game no matter who she is with.
Yet it comes down to which man will protect her more yet is her heart safer with her father or with Stefan?
Wow – this was such an intense conclusion with lots of twists and turns to make you wonder whose side everyone is on and how betrayal one book can have!
I understood why Gabriela felt like she needed to try and escape instead of being a prisoner, especially after what happened to her best friend yet I questioned who she contacted as I really didn’t think that was the safest place for her either. She was afraid to get close to Stefan as his emotions could flip on a dime and he scared her at times and at other times he was loving.
Stefan was determined to get Gabriela back but there were so many questions about who took her and who found her as well. He would do anything to keep her safe and that included moving up the wedding and also keeping her a prisoner within the house as he felt his enemies couldn’t reach her then.
There were so many OMG moments that left my jaw on the ground and the layers of betrayal were huge!!! I was so mad at times at easy one could turn their back on another. Everything kept getting more and more intense and there was so much happening and so many people were involved in betraying each other – no sense of loyalty!!
The end was shocking and I really was surprised that Stefan was willingly walking into an unknown fate where he may not make it out alive.
I was happy with the epilogues and I really do want more!!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Gabriela Marchese starts us off by reminding us how things ended in book one. It can also act as a reminder why you don’t want to start this duet here – this is not a standalone. Stefan Sabbioni is concerned but that doesn’t stop him from doing what needs to be done. He shows that his edges are starting to soften a little – he just might be human after all.
You have to wonder if Gabriela is going to start to see him a little differently. Then the author adds in a twist and here we go again. What happened to my thinking he was going soft? That’s what’s needed to keep me reading because I was starting to like him and thought he might be redeemable. But all that just adds a little realism to the story.
In this story it seems like Stefan is hiding something from the reader. In the first book, I thought the story was showing what type of importance men put to women’s feelings. Here I felt that maybe Gabriela was finally coming out of her shell – not quite as timid. She acts like a lot of women would in her position.
It was nice to see Rafa make an appearance. With this story I wasn’t ever sure about Rafa until the story played out. And the sad part about that ending is that I did get a tear or two but you have to remember the type of families that they have. All I’ll say about how it all ends is that the author is sweet and gives her readers not one but two Epilogues. Then I have another sad moment because I don’t know what’s coming next from Ms. Knight. I have an inquiring mind and I want to know – now!
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
After reading Collateral I needed the conclusion to Stefan and Gabriela’s story immediately!
These two had my heart sitting on the edge. All I wanted was for Gabi to have found someone so she wouldn’t feel all alone anymore and from the beginning of Collateral the romantic in me wanted Stefan to be healed by her. I felt like she would be perfect for him! If only the Gabi can look past her trust issues and let him in! Stefan needing to control every situation and keeping things to himself when he could have kept Gabi safe if he had just let her in.
The danger that surrounds them is thrilling and makes for situations that can intensify emotions.
My only complaint is when it seemed that Gabi was weaker than I feel like she actually should have been. I could sense a strength in her that came out on occasion but not often enough. Although I kept in mind that Stefan is definitely a possessive alpha who wants things his way and his way only. I absolutely loved the way he took care of her; he just did it the how he felt was right way!
Natasha Knight just earned herself a new reader! Damage was my 2nd book I’ve read by her and I can’t wait to dive into her backlist!
Wholly Smokes! The conclusion to Gabriela and Stefan’s arranged marriage in Damage was so much more than I had expected. Natasha Knight had my knees buckling with how dominant and passionate Stefan Sabbioni is with Gabi. Stefan is such a strong character that I was able to feel all of his alphaness throughout the story. I can’t even tell you the inappropriate words that came out of my mouth when I got to the end of the book. It’s so smoking HOT!
Gabriela Marchese is a beauty, it’s understandable how Stefan would want to possess her in every way possible. Having been the pawn in this game between enemies there’s no wonder she has no idea of who to trust. All that she can do is take care of herself and those that matter to her.
Damage is a page-turner from the beginning. You must read the first book Collateral in the Collateral Damage duet to fully understand the betrayal, lies, secrets and ignited passion. This story had my head spinning, I didn’t know who to trust. Secondary character Rafa left me wanting more. This is one dark mafia romance that left me one very happy reader.
5 Must Read STARS!
Damage is the twist worthy conclusion to the Collateral Damage Duet that we were waiting for with Baited breath from the moment we experienced that cliffhanger. Gabi and Stephen’s tumultuous relationship knew no bounds and if you thought things were crazy in book one, you’re in for one heck of ride with this one.
Coming off the anxiety ridden cliffhanger, this story immediately picked up from where it left off with Gabi being in trouble and Stephen trying to save her. Lines were crossed that night and unknown enemies were made but Steven was going to stop at nothing to keep his fiancé safe and back at his side. With time moving and threats getting to be more serious, getting to her is his only main focus and his enemies can wait in line.
Trying to whether the difficult storm, Gabi is still trying to adjust to her new life with being the fiancé of a infamous Mafioso. With the new title, comes new threats and betrayals and soon enough, Gabi is going to learn to either be a pawn in someone else’s game, or be a queen and hold the power.
I have to say that I really loved how these two characters interacted in the first book. There was a lot of hatred and built up anger between them but you also felt that undeniable chemistry and when Stephen gave you a glimpse of his other side, you wanted to stay in the moment a little bit longer and I really liked that. I didn’t enjoy Gabi and Stephen’s interactions too much with this one and If I’m being honest, Gabi annoyed me. I was not a fan of some of the decisions she made and I felt like she was overlooking some very important things.
Aside from that, I think that if you’re a fan of arranged Mafia romance, then you should definitely give this one a try. This author is going to suck you in with her writing and give you some of the most frustrating, loving, and dangerous characters you’ve ever come across.
*Arc received for an honest review
This book is the conclusion to Gabriela and Stefan’s story and picks up where Collateral ends. This story follows Gabriela as she figures out what role does her new husband Stefan really play in her life– protector or predator?
Damage is steamier and more intense than Collateral, making it a more compelling read. It has more twists and turns as the characters grow more and more enmeshed in each other’s lives.
Damage is an arranged marriage, mafia romance written in dual narrative. It involves questionable consent, discipline, and violence. The story ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Gah!! DAMAGE WAS EVERYTHING I could have wanted in a Natasha Knight story and more! It was sexy and intense and full of unexpected twists and turns that blew my mind! I absolutely FLOVED this story! I wished away time just so I could be back with Stefan and Gabriela as I couldn’t help but be swept away with the story and that crazy cliffhanger ending in Collateral. But OMG was Damage SO worth the wait! This story not only met my expectations but far surpassed and exceeded them. Damage was hands down brilliant!!!
After that harrowing ending in Collateral, Gabriela Marchese is now back with Stefan Sabbioni. But with tons of secrets and suspicions between them, it is hard for Gabriela to differentiate between protector and predator when she looks at Stefan. But with enemies coming from them in all different directions, Gabriela must determine her husband’s true intentions before it’s too late.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how real and gripping it was as the emotions poured off the pages. The author did an incredible job making me feel Gabriela’s connection to Stefan even when she didn’t want to. Likewise, Stefan had to reconcile the man he was inside to the predator he became in the name of revenge. I loved seeing his priorities shift and how his feelings for Gabriela affected his decisions. This story was powerful, provocative and an all around winner! 5 stars! Bravo! ~Ratula
Damage picks up right where Collateral ended. I love how this book kept me guessing on who to trust all while falling for our bad boy anti-hero.
This book kept me guessing till the end!
I didn’t know what was a lie and what who was lying.
I loved how in this book Stefan showed his love for Gabriela even though he didn’t come straight out and say it.
If you have read book one you won’t be disappointed in the continuation!
Twisted till the very end!
We are back with Stefan and Gabriela in this second story that continues where the first left off. These two are a match made in hell. Going from her father to her husband Stefan left Gabriela as a pawn. Now she has Stefan’s enemies but he will protect what’s his property. Stefan is ruthless and will not accept less than Gabriela’s submission. I loved the predator/prey aspect and all the twists and turns kept me on the edge with this story. A great read and highly recommended. Stories must be read in order with Collateral first then Damage.
SO……We were left on a cliff-hanger and not just any old tiny one, an Everest of a cliff!! I could not wait to read this, the first book was fantastic.
This book blew me away, it’s got everything: love, hate, heartbreak, tragedy, angst, anticipation, twists. I’m mentally drained, it messed with my head. Everything I love about a book.
Gabriela endures so much throughout this book. But at times I could shake her.
As for Stefan, I hate him, no I love him, errr no I hate him, OK I LOVE HIM. See head messed with!
They are both broken from the tragedy surrounding their lives.
How much more do they have to go through, Will there be a HEA! Do they even want one?
This duet was awesome and both well deserved their 5 Stars.
4. 5 stars. Be prepared for a wild ride full of action, intrigue, and of course some kindle melting scenes with this epic conclusion to Gabriela’s and Stefan’s story! This is a book that I couldn’t put down as I was on the edge of my seat with all of the suspense and twists and turns. Stefan is still that powerful and demanding hero that you cannot help but love. He has many layers ranging from predator to protector and from ruthless to caring. Gabriella remains a strong heroine who went from being her father’s pawn to Stefan’s pawn in a world filled with treachery and violence. I really enjoyed her feisty personality and watching her mature as a character. Stefan and Gabriela together are dynamite! Loyalties are questioned and one doesn’t know who to trust in this fast-paced mafia romance. As this is book 2 in a duet, it is imperative that you read Collateral first or you will be lost. If you love arranged marriage novels and/or mafia romances, then you will enjoy this duet.
WOW! This was one epic conclusion to Stefan and Gabi’s story. I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath while reading Damage… jam packed full of all the twists and turns, some seriously smoking chemistry, secrets, lies and a plot twist that had me throwing my kindle clear across the room. This book was everything! Gabriela does not know who she can and can’t trust… including her husband; but she needs to figure it out soon because enemies are coming at them from all sides. The evolution these two go on from enemies, to sorta something more and then to being each other’s everything… You will swoon, you will scream because Hello Stubborn!, and you’ll be white knuckling your kindle on this one of a kind roller coaster ride.
I could not put this book down! From page one I was hooked & I hope that you enjoy this duet as much as I did.
***ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review/ Megan Scandalous Book Blog***