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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Note: this is the second in the duet, you need to start with Collateral!
I was really interested in how this story was going to play out and I (mostly) wasn’t disappointed! I had a suspicion about a few of the twists and turns and it was painful but satisfying to see the hate / love balance shift between Gabriela and Stefan. I will admit I was left with a bad taste in my mouth over a number of things Stefan did that I felt he never truly atoned for, but that’s just me.
More action, more intrigue, more enemy to lover romance. Great conclusion to the duet!
4.25 stars–DAMAGE is the second instalment in Natasha Knight’s contemporary, adult COLLATERAL DAMAGE erotic, dark, mafia romance duology focusing on the head of the Sicilian Sabbioni family, twenty-nine year old Stefan Sabbioni, and eighteen year old Gabriela Marchese. DAMAGE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book one COLLATERAL.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers including questionable consent, discipline and violence.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Stefan and Gabriela) DAMAGE continues to follow the acrimonious relationship between on the head of the Sicilian Sabbioni family, twenty-nine year old Stefan Sabbioni, and eighteen year old Gabriela Marchese. Gabriela Marchese is a pawn in the world of the Sicilian mob. As payment for her father’s debt Gabriela Marchese is a bird in a gilded cage but a bird who is somewhat naïve and struggles with what was, what is and what will be. Constantly looking for a way to escape her captor, Gabriela finds herself jumping from the proverbial frying pan into the fire, a jump that places her in the hands of someone trying to take control. What ensues is the building but dysfunctional relationship between Gabriela and Stefan, and the potential fall-out as someone else is determined to take over the mantel as head of the Sicilian mob.
The relationship between Gabriela and Stefan is dark and flawed. Gabriela is nothing more than collateral damage; a forfeiture for sins of the past but a woman who continues to battle for her freedom regardless of the threats and potential for harm. Naïve and often TSTL (too stupid to live) our heroine places her trust in the wrong people, time and again, trust that will be destroyed at every turn. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense, dramatic and controlling.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Stefan’s right hand man and cousin Rafa Catalano, his father Francesco Catalan; Rafa’s cousin Clara; Gabriela’s father Gabriel, and her brother Gabe; and Stefan’s housekeeper Miss Millie. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Rafa’s story.
DAMAGE is a character driven story of family, betrayal, vengeance and retaliation; a story of blood, power, ascendance and control; of secrets and lies. The premise is dark, suspenseful, thought provoking and edgy; the characters are broken and tragic: the romance is disturbing, often heart breaking but passionate. DAMAGE is a startling and emotional dark romance with a twist that I suspected early on.
Damage was everything I had been anticipating it would be, very intense, full of twist and turns that I didn’t see coming for one minute, dangerous and sexy with heated chemistry flowing from every page. This is the second and concluding book in the duet series and follows straight on from the first book Collateral.
Stefan and Gabriela are back with their push and pull, a backbiting relationship that I have come to love. I didn’t think I could have loved Stefan anymore than I already did, but this man was everything to this book, his alpha domineering ways makes him a very attractive character to read. Stefan talks and everybody stands to attention; well nearly everyone except Gabriela. Of course, this is what makes the book addictive to read; Gabriela’s defiance.
In this book, although we get plenty of excitement and danger from the mafia side of the story which is always good, Stefan and Gabriela’s relationship is much more potent in this second book. I loved the way they each opened up to one another more, made allowances for one another, had more time for their relationship to develop and bloom, sometimes not without trouble brewing in the background. Their relationship was never going to be an easy one, but where’s the fun in that?
This book is definitely a page turner that I couldn’t put down. It is dark, exciting and wonderfully descriptive with some amazing true to life characters that I know I’m going to miss. A definite must read!
Superb conclusion to this fantastic dark, mafia duet. It continues straight after the events in Collateral and took me on a rollercoaster of emotion, lies, secrets, betrayals and some smoking hot chemistry
Oh and btw, I’m still putting my claim on Stefan even though we absolutely saw his darker, more ruthless side shine through in Damage as he tries to reconcile his ever growing feelings towards Gabi, with his quest for revenge against her father (and what a nasty piece of work he was!).
Natasha Knight has delivered another fast paced, heart throbbing action packed dark romance, full of heart and soul, violence and retribution, steamy hot sex and depth of character and emotion. These characters are damaged but I love the way Natasha makes them work to overcome all the trials to become who they need to be, flaws and all.
“This is us. I will always take. And she will always be made to give.”
5 dirty, hot, dark stars
Did this book set out to be a suspense? Because it really turned into one for me. The twists and turns, the set backs, the set ups, the changing of loyalties and realities, it was a wild ride. Oh, and I was right, and a little wrong, but just a smidge
Gabriela and Stefan are torn apart and put together so many different ways and so many different times as they travel this path. One thing they can’t deny is that no matter what happens, or why it happens, they end up turning, needing, wanting, the other. Nothing is simple, and all things hurt, but the pain and comfort they need is in the other. It does all finally fall into place, at the very end, with devastating consequences, but they are together, and that is the only reality that they know or need
This is the continuation of Gabriella and Stefan story, so this book is not meant to be read as a a standalone. A mafia story that is dark but the just the right amount.
I was hooked from the first page read to the last page. It’s an highly entertaining and addicting story. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this duet.
I’m still wrapped in the embrace of all the emotions I’ve experienced during the reading this action packed and captivating dark romance mafia story.
After shocking cliffhanger in Collateral I was impatiently awaiting for the conclusion of this duet and couldn’t figure out what’s coming next.
I wasn’t prepared that plot lead this direction and I was nervously biting my nails from the very first chapter.
And believe me! This story will blow your mind!
Author Natasha Knight wrote not only well thought suspense mob story but also breathtaking and heartbreaking romance about broken and damaged couple who was trying to find each other in the middle of this complicated and dangerous world.
It was perfectly paced book that you’ll not get bored with but totally couldn’t put it down.
There were many unexpected twists of action and surprising turns of events that I didn’t know ‘till the end who is an ally and who’s the enemy in this story.
Gabriela and Stefan are my number one couple. I loved how their relation was evolving with every chapter. Their chemistry was out of the charts and the anticipation of watching them how they push and pull back each other was amazingly emotional and I was flipping through the pages looking for their HEA.
Did I find it? I won’t tell ya! But I can tell you that I was emotionally touched and few tears slide down my cheeks.
” My protector and my predator in one”
In first part of this duet I was cheering Gabriela and her miserable situation, but in Damage book, Stefan totally took me by my heart.
I’ve started to see the other side of this Sicilian mafia boss. Yeah! He was very dangerous but I freaking love that! There was more to him that was hiddin beneath walls and stone heart.
Collateral Damage duet is must read mafia Enemies to Lovers story. Make sure you have free few hours for reading because you won’t be able to stop untill the very end.
I need to metion about the amazing covers of this duet, how they’re perfectly matched with each other and definitely Paperbacks will stand on my shelf.
Advance Readers Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review
DAMAGE
This is the second half of Collateral Damage. The relationship between Stefan and Gabriela evolved more because of the actions at the end of Collateral. Stefan grew more in the relationship, I say, thanGabriela because he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted at first. He thought he knew what he wanted. But when Gabriela was thrown in the equation, he was more confused than ever. Stefan didn’t want to think with his heart. To him, thinking with your heart lead to mistakes, betrayal, and death. I loved how Gabriela always kept him on his toes. She gave as good and she got.
Ahhh….all the pieces of the puzzle come together in the ending to Stefan and Gabriela’s story. I floved their whole story from the all the bad to all the good. So many lies and so much betrayal…who can be trusted?!?! Their story is full of action, hotness, passion, and mind twisting games. This was one hell of a journey that kept me turning those pages as fast as I could read them. This mafia romance is a total Must Read!!! It’s one that will keep you up late reading because it is just that addicting and so freaking good!!!
Happy Reading Everyone!!!!
Damage: An Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance is the 2nd book in the Collateral Damage Series. Damage is a continuation of Stefan and Gabriela’s story and it starts where Collateral Damage left off.
Man oh man Damage kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn’t decide on who to trust and I couldn’t put it down! You do need to read Collateral Damage first. This book is even better than Collateral Damage (and that was a 5 star book) but that may be because being the first book it had a LOT to set up for.
Damage merits 2 Epilogues as if 1 wasn’t enough.
I loved reading the rest of the story! If you love mafia stories I think that the Collateral Damage series is a MUST read. If I could give Damage more than 5 stars I would! Yep, it is that good!
Natasha Knight delivered a gripping and faced paced conclusion to Collateral, the first in the duet. It is an explosive, intense and dangerous story set in a world where love and emotion are seen as weaknesses, to be exploited by the power players in this deadly game for control.
Stefan has his perfect pawn in Gabriela. She is his answer to his plans for revenge and control…that is, until she’s not. Gabriela knows her place. She knows she has no control over her own life and is destined to forever be a pawn to those who lay claim to her. First it was her father and now it’s Stefan but that doesn’t mean she is willing, nor does it mean she’ll play along nicely.
This forced marriage isn’t about to play out the way either has planned. I highly recommend you pick up this book and enjoy the ride. I sure did.
“One heroic act does not a hero make”
What a flipping ending!
Gabriel once again tested my patience but as I pointed out previously she is a result of her circumstances and she is so young. And she still believes in fairy tales.
Watching Gabi maneuver through the shark-infested waters of her life was a whole new level of suspense. Even I was never sure who was a friend and who was a foe.
I wanted so many times to reach out and comfort her. To tell her it would be okay.
Eventually, it had to be right?
A few times I think she came very close to just letting go but her heart knew what her mind could not process.
Stefan still one of my favorite anti-heroes. I still am torn between throttling him and straddling him.
Watching him play both roles – the dark vigilante and the loving fiance, each battling for dominance over the other was at times emotional trying. He knew in his heart what he wanted but like Gabi, he just wasn’t listening.
Turns out I was pretty close about who was behind some of our previous ill encounters but I was waaayyyy off on a bunch of other twists.
Be prepared for a bit of a roller-coaster ride with this closing duet.
That is one of the things that I enjoy so much about Knight’s work. She always tosses in the unexpected.
Fragile connections damaged
Stefan and Gabriela’s story continues in the second book of this duet. Picking up from where book one finishes, I was pleasantly surprised that the story still sucked me in much like the first book
However, this second book is a bit more of an emotional roller coaster and much like Gabriela….I didn’t know who to trust and the betrayals were much closer than even I suspected
The ending is just fabulous and totally recommend this duet to dark mafia, enemies to lovers romances which Natasha is notorious for but only because she does it so well Thank you for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review
The stunning conclusion to Stefan and Gabriela’s story.
Their relationship isn’t filled with roses and sunshine.
On no it was all about manipulation and betrayal.
And all those that wanted the ultimate position of power.
Fate wasn’t on their side.
Not only were the odds against them.
At times it was Stefan and Gabriela sabotaging themselves.
Trust is such a delicate thing.
Once it’s gone it’s so hard to win back.
Lies are told.
Bonds are broken.
And sacrifices will be made.
Ms. Knight took me on a nail biting journey.
She delivers everything a mafia story should have and then some.
It’s the then some that’s intense and thrilling.
Damage is a complex,emotional and captivating story.
I couldn’t get enough Gabi and Stefan and all the intrigue going on.
Yes! Now that’s what I call a finale!! Action packed, emotional, twists and turns and…love. That elusive something we all want, but can often be just beyond reach. For Gabriela, a life devoid of real care has rendered her both vulnerable and distrusting. Hardly surprising in her circumstances. But she has that gift of a pure heart, one which others betray without robbing her of her intrinsic goodness. Stefan has a lot to live up to and, in Damage we see his transition in order to be the better man.
This is a fabulous duet. Both parts are tightly written and make for riveting reading. I think it is hard to maintain the impact of a really good ‘part 1’ but Natasha Knight pulls it off with confidence and verve. I loved every single word.
5 never saw it coming stars!!
This is book two in the “Collateral Damage” series. It cannot be read as a stand alone. It is amazing. This is the finale to Stefan and Gabriela’s love story.
“We’re a match made in hell, Stefan and I. “
I am not sure if this is a duet or just the start of a series but DAMN!! I am in love. This book was page turning craziness. Something different being thrown at you every different chapter. You never know who the enemy is or who your ally is. Freaking amazing!!
The author did a wonderful job at showing us monsters and showing us good guys who are broken. She gave us a wide array of amazing characters (good and bad). She told a story that brought me in. Made me believe. Shit I didn’t know if I wanted Stefan or wanted to junk punch him. Yes Gabi drove me a little insane and made me scream at her through the book. But it made this story so damn good.
The pages flew by. Life slowed me down but once I was able to sit and read the words flew off the page. This is love, this is dark, this is mafia, this is enemies, this is allies, this is secrets. Ohhh so much in one book. Just know it’s all collateral damage…
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
This was such a good book!! It was a fast paced thrill ride, from the first page to the last! I fell in love with Stefan and Gabrielle, but they had a rough time of things! The side characters were great too….I hated Clara, loved Gabe, and had a love/hate relationship with Rafa. I would like to see more Rafa in the future! All in all, I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good dark or mafia romance!
Damage is the epic..truly epic conclusion to the Collateral Damage Duet.
Natasha always delivers with everything you want, need and desire.
Her details are fantastic. You feel everything the lies..the betrayal..the lust and most definitely the love.
Gabriela is going down as one of my favorite heroines.
Stefan ..swoon worthy. I love the push and pull..is he good..is he bad… is he her predator or protector.
Deliciousness served up quite nicely.
There were some very unpredictable surprises thrown in which always makes me giddy.
Collateral Damage is a must read duet!
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5
Book Cover~ GABRIELA IS STUNNING
Series~ Collateral Damage Duet
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
One click author for me!
DAMN Natasha!!
I’m still trying to catch my breath. Natasha does it again with the explosive conclusion in this duet.
Stefan proves how truly ruthless he can be, & but he also proves just how gentle he can be with Gabriela.
Gabriela can no way continue to fight against the pull she has towards Stefan.
Stefan & Gabriela’s, emotions, betrayals, & love are all painted so vividly in this story
The twists & turns are around every corner. The deceit & lies are so intricate. I didn’t know for sure who was friend & who was foe until the very end. All the turmoil, suspense & intrigue had me hooked until the very end.
This is an absolutely fantastic end to an amazing duet.
Let me start this review off by saying that I am normally a little disappointed with the second book in a series/duet. I find the pace slows and the intrigue and spark that supported the first book is not the same in the second.
With that being said, this second book in the Collateral Damage duet had me intrigued from the very beginning. The mystery and angst were out in full force. Twists and turns were around every corner. There is a web of deceit and lies so intricate I didn’t know for sure who was friend and who was foe until the very end.
Damage begins where Collateral left off. Stefan is searching for Gabriela and he wants her found NOW!
Stefan is confused at what he feels for her. He knows he should hate her but he doesn’t. He also proves how truly ruthless he can be. With how ruthless he can be, he can also be just as gentle.
Gabriela keeps inching over the line Stefan has drawn in the sand. She pushes his buttons and he pushes right back. She fights him at every turn. Boy, does she ever. But when she begins to realize it is futile, it is absolutely heartbreaking to see her defeated.
The powerplay between Gabriela and Stefan is intense. No one gives up easily. All this turmoil, suspense and intrigue had me hooked until the very end. Who is an ally? Who is foe? What is true and what is a lie?
There are so many questions throughout the book and the anticipation for the answers is more than I could bear.
This is an absolutely fantastic end to an amazing duet.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.