“Challenge accepted!” were the last words she expected him to utter, and now it’s a race to see who will back down first.Dani Whittaker has turned in her Washington D.C. insider badge, leaving behind the backstabbing ways and seedy politicians. When a friendly favor ends with the one man she can’t have making her body sing in ways she hates to adore, D.C. isn’t the only thing she needs to escape.… only thing she needs to escape.
Navy SEAL, Nash Wellesley, is all about honoring a promise to his dead brother, so accepting a dare from the long-legged force of nature tempting him isn’t in the cards. Not if he wants to keep his only remaining friend and stick to the code he grew up on.
But retreat is impossible after Dani’s new job puts her in the headlights of a fanatic, and Nash is called upon to protect her.
When the chase ends, will they be left shattered or will they emerge from the ashes together?
Author’s Note: This broody, honor-bound SEAL and confident, daring heroine just might make you laugh, tear your heart out, and slowly combust. Are you ready for it?
From award-winning author, LJ Evans, comes a standalone, military romance about the triumphant healing power of love inspired by Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”
*Contains nongraphic assault flashbacks not involving the hero.
Don’t miss out on GUARDED DREAMS, FORGED BY SACRIFICE, and AVENGED BY LOVE the first three standalone Anchor novels.
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In Damaged Desires by L.J. Evans, we meet Daniela (Dani) Whittaker as she is quitting her hi-powered job in D.C. and retreating to her family’s home in Delaware after being sexually assaulted . Nash Wellesley is a Navy SEAL, a friend of Dani’s brother Mac, who is trying to earn his way back on the teams after losing his best friend Darrin and half of his team on an OP that went tragically wrong, and was staying in in Tristin’s basement , who is Darrin’s widow, to help take care of her and their little girl. Dani and Nash met through Mac, but they kind of circled each other. They were attracted, but they each had major trauma in their lives and were not open to anything. Except there was this strip poker game that leads to lost clothes and a sexy times. Afterward there were regrets and major guilt. Nash felt that He had betrayed Mac, and Dani thought she’d betrayed Tristin, thinking that Nash was feeling more than obligation to her. All of this is left unspoken, and they agree that not to speak of it again.
Dani takes a job With Brady, a country music star as his PR manager. Nash is out in leave by his psychologist to try to work out his anger issues. Dani’s new job starts out beautifully, but strange things start to threaten Brady. When Mac finds out, he sends Nash to see if he can help. Dani is not happy, but Nash is adamant about staying. Nash’s past life will be revealed. Dani will learn how to accept help. This is another very emotional story from L.J. Evans. She never disappoints!
I have been waiting for Dani & Nash’s story for quite some time. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. Both Dani & Nash are dealing with awful memories, Dani from being assaulted and Nash from losing some of his Seal team members. Both helped each other heal and when a new threat started they needed each other more than ever. There was also a great amount of suspense in the book as well.
Dani & Nash are my favorite couple so far in the Anchor novels. Their chemistry in undeniable – but Nash’s vulnerability combined with Dani’s strength makes them unstoppable.
LJ Evans always exceeds my expectations and she did not disappoint this time! I love Dani and Nash and how these two broken souls found healing in each other. Loved, loved, loved this book!!!
as always lj wrote amazing characters with relatable story archs. Every time I read one of her new books I think ok this one is my favorite. Let me tell you. Dani and Nash are right up there with Cam and Jake. Absolute Beautiful story. As I was reading i could hear pink’s song just give me a reason and the main line “we’re not broken just bent and we can learn to love again” from the ashes they will rise. I love their HEA. If I could give more than 5 stars I would
I enjoyed Nash and Dani’s story. We get prefaced with Dani and Nash’s background in a previous book and we get to see how they are both coping with their past. I did enjoy the chemistry they both shared. Like the other books, I liked how we get to see the close-knit community all the characters have.
LJ Evans has wowed me again. But I’m not surprised. After getting a glimpse of them in Forged by Sacrifice I knew Nash and Dani would have amazing chemistry. This one has a bit of everything, the damaged broken hero that gets redemption and the love he so badly deserves (from many sides). The strong yet weakened heroine working through the dark episode in her recent past. A bit of forbidden -brother’s best friend. A bit of mystery -trying to uncover the stalker reeking havoc on their potential future. Just the right amount of steam with a sexy AF Navy Seal. And a kick ass playlist staring out each chapter like always.
I couldn’t have asked from more.
Another winner! This whole series is amazing, and this one definitely keeps the streak going. Nash and Dani are a very strong couple. That’s probably the easiest way to describe them. Both of them are having setbacks in their lives. Dani makes a huge decision to leave D.C., but then she’s left with now what portion. Nash is still having trouble dealing with the loss of his friends and “brothers”. While on leave, he too has a lot to work on and think about. We learn a good bit more about Nash in this one than we have previously. His character was more secondary. I knew I would love him though. He’s a wonderful, broody hero. This book has my favorite trope of brother’s best friend. That definitely had me excited before I even started reading. I’m trying to not be too spoilery, but you need read this book.
Enduring a traumatic event has caused Dani to reflect on what will truly make her happy in life. She has left her high-profile career in her past and is now handling the PR for a celebrity and friend but when she attracts the attention of the wrong man Nash is determined to keep her safe.
Nash is a Navy SEAL who finds himself on an enforced leave of absence as he tries to come to terms with the devastation of his last mission. He has always been attracted to Dani because she was his friend’s sister but finding out she is in danger becomes a game changer.
This is a inspiring story that takes you on an emotional journey as two people overcome their pasts and in each other find the love and hope for a future that they both deserve.
Dani has left DC and returned to her hometown. She didn’t leave because of what happened to her, she had to get out of there. She is Macs sister. The hits just seem to keep coming, and she is tired of being a victim!!
Nash is a SEAL who lost his best friend during a mission. He feels guilty and responsible. He has been put on leave from his new team. He’s kind of lost, angry, and he guilt is swallowing him. He’s is a friend of Macs. He’s been asked what he has that makes him want to come back from a mission… until he can answer that, he’s staying put. What happens to him when he finds out that what he’s believed all this time…. wasn’t what it seemed?
This is such a wonderfully written, story of two people who are drawn to each other, but who can’t communicate what they are feeling, so misunderstandings abound. Mac and Dani know each other… they are attracted… but one night may change everything. What happens when the chemistry is off the charts, but it’s your friends sister? Not to mention you asked her to leave. I think Nash may be my favorite SEAL! I loved everything about him! Dani may have been attacked, but she is no victim! She’s a badass!
WOW…Grab your tissue, your drink of choice, and a nice cozy blanket and prepare for Damaged Desires, an incredibly healing romance story of Dani Whittaker, a former employee of the political world, and Nash Wellesly, a Navy SEAL trying to find his true purpose after experiencing so much loss in his life.
Parts of this breathtakingly beautiful love story written by the wonderful author LJ Evans had me in tears. The struggles and challenges these two incredible characters were forced to overcome were heartbreaking and deep. Nash’s protectiveness may seem a little overbearing at times, but possibly justified, and when he returns to the closest place he can call “home”, the chess pieces start to align and answers start to “bloom”.
“Red and white camellias are given to someone significant to you, and the basic message is, ‘my destiny is in your hands.”
The characters, settings, and backstories are all stunningly blended to create this phenomenally written love story. It will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. At the beginning of each chapter are lyrics of a song with some meaning to the chapter you are about to read. The suspense is based around threats and backstage happenings of Country Music singer, Brady O’Neil (who you get to know the backstory of in previous books in the series), and is so well-written. Author LJ Evans is amazing at giving you a deeper understanding of the Navy SEALS and BUD/S lifestyle. Damaged Desires is labeled as a standalone, HOWEVER…if you read the previous three Anchor novels, you will have a much better understanding of the characters’ history, how they all fall together, and the whole dynamic of the group. I advise you to read all of them in order! Will you accept the challenge? I absolutely recommend this read with 5 stars!
LJ, what have you done to me?? I started reading this and forgot to make notes because I was too drawn into Nash and Dani’s story. You have ruined me for other fictional couples.
Because I didn’t make notes, this review is going to be short and sweet. In Damaged Desires, we have two people who are broken in their own way. They are trying their hardest to stay away from each other, to avoid the desire that is brewing between them. But we wouldn’t have this adorable couple on the cover if that had worked out. As odd as it may sound, sometimes our traumas can draw us to others that are also carrying a burden. Sharing that burden can help us heal.
“… looking inside me…seeing the pieces of me I’d held behind a wall for so long…”
The thing I love about LJ Evans books is that she writes incredible characters, who are broken and flawed, but feisty and funny. Her characters are relatable, and they suffer in very really ways. I dare say this is my most favorite couple of hers. Very well done!
I love this author.
L J Evans, is such a breath of fresh air.
I love how she takes two damaged people and strips them down and puts them back together whole.
It’s such a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Dani, is dealing with an attack that happened to her.
Nash, is a navy seal who lost his best friend in combat and is dealing with the guilt that he lived instead of his friend who had a wife and baby to come home to.
Dani, is forbidden fruit, because she’s his friends sister and she deserves someone who’s will be there for her, not running off on a mission to possibly never return.
Same goes for Nash. Dani’s brother would not approve, because Nash doesn’t do relationships and the thought of someone waiting for him while he’s on a mission is to much for him to deal with.
When Dani’s life becomes endangered, Nash refuses to let anything happen to her and as they bare their souls to each other, they learn to heal and trust each other.
A beautiful story of courage and love of two people who find their way to love through the damage in their lives.
Another jewel by LJ Evans! This is #UnPutDownable and breathtaking! One wow of a book! This pulled me through an emotional ringer and I feel so much better and yet pouty faced at having reached the end. These two characters are so beautifully blinded by the present and traumatic pasts that any kind of a different future seems unattainable together. Dani faced things that any woman knows could easily happen to her. It’s sad and it’s heartbreaking. Nash is all SEAL and duty has been his priority. When the worst happens to him, it’s almost too much to bare. I loved seeing their families play such pivotal roles in being there for them. It’s absolutely a thrill to see past characters giving heartfelt advice because they’ve already reached their happily ever afters and it’s just awesome to see them still loving life. There is nothing more appealing than an alpha male who protects his woman, even when he doesn’t know that she’s his. I love the way in which Ms. Evans writes! She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, instead she dives in deeply and she leaves me feeling forever changed from having spent my time immersed within her glorious words. My heart is overflowing and I can’t stop my soppy smiles.
I finished this book for the second time a couple of days ago and I have been struggling with how to write the review. I am not a writer and I really want to do this book justice.
LJ Evans says that she writes stories with characters that have to live their lives resiliently. That resonated with me so much the first time I read it. Dani and Nash define it. Their stories aren’t pretty. They both have a lot of baggage but they both learn to live resiliently. They do it individually and they do it together. They do it with humor, strength, grace and so much love.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I freaking LOVED this book!
When pushed to find purpose outside of being a SEAL, Nash doesn’t have the slightest idea what other purpose he’s supposed to fulfill.
Dani leaves her job in the political world after her sense of security is jeopardized and returns home to figure out her next move.
One night of whiskey and strip poker sets them on an uneven path to each other.
Damaged Desires is swoon, heat, frenemies to lovers and a side of suspense. It’s the perfect next installment to LJ’s Anchor Series!
Dani Whittaker and Nash Wellsley have obviously been through some traumatic experiences. Those experiences have had an impact on everything in their lives even if they refuse to see it or admit to it. Dani wants her independence yet struggles being alone in certain situations. Nash is strong and protective but is weighed down with the guilt of not having been protective enough. They are two characters with flaws and opinions, thoughts and dreams, determination and doubt and it’s those characteristics that make them human. Beaten down they could have each crawled into a corner and given up and for a time they did. That’s the reality of life and I’m glad Ms. Evans puts that into her stories. From those experiences and challenges she gives them strength, courage and acceptance. They both realize the work that needs to be done. They are better together than separate but still retain their individuality. Of course there will be tests to their relationship as it evolves, but it’s just enough and not over the top.
And they are resilient. The progression of their story and to see their growth is exactly what I want when reading. Certainly the swoon-worthy Nash is a bonus because we all want the guy to sweep us off our feet and Dani is the strong, fierce woman to bring him to his knees, but it’s not the focal point. Ms. Evans writes a sweet and meaningful love story. The way she incorporates even the smallest detail adds emphasis to that love. She also writes of family, friends and the important role they play in our lives. We don’t always see eye to eye. We don’t always agree. Our memories and perceptions can be skewed. Those relationships can be tumultuous. But that doesn’t mean we stop loving. We can’t get through this journey on our own and she writes characters who recognize that and embrace it.
The Anchor series is full of love, heartbreak and healing. Each book has had a couple to root for and believe in. Damaged Desires is another in the growing list by Ms. Evans that I can definitely recommend.
“From the ashes, there’s life.”
Sexy, Navy SEAL A Sassy, Feisty, take no shit woman Electrifying chemistry Crazy stalker Family Emotional baggage
Holy moly, what a phenomenal story!! Dani & Nash…I can’t even begin to describe their story. You just need to read this book & experience it for yourself. I will give you fair warning tho…your emotions are about to go on one helluva roller coaster ride. I promise you it is totally worth it tho!! Just go grab this book, pronto!! You won’t regret it. I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly love everything by LJ Evans. Every time one ends I cannot wait for the next one to come out. I actually hate finishing them due to the sadness I feel when I am out of LJ to read.
The combination of the music and the writing is amazing. I love to listen to the music before I start reading the chapters.
Dani and Nash have a fantastic story and I loved every minute I shared with them.
A heartfelt ride that I hadn’t quite prepared myself for. Dani and Nash both have some difficult pasts and their ability to allow themselves to be close to someone is a hard hurdle for them both. But the attraction is there and has been for a long time. Friends via other friends and family members, Dani and Nash have had plenty of interactions at friends and family events but they’ve never acted on them.
Dani is an incredibly strong and damaged individual after a terrifying experience where her job had her at the mercy of a corrupted Senator who tried to take advantage of her while her boyfriend was returning to his ex. She has closed her heart off from people and has quit her job. Leaving her in a very vulnerable rut.
Nash is a Navy SEAL who lost his closest friends in battle and blames himself for their losses. He has committed his life to caring for his best friends wife and child by being a “stand-in” husband to her. She would rather he just leave and quit reminding her of what she’s lost.
One night brings Nash and Dani together and the chemistry they’ve been fighting against for a long time is more intense than either of them expected. But both of them are going to have to face some very serious demons in their pasts to be able to move forward.
I loved Dani so much because of her ability to try and stay brave even when she’s had some of the most traumatic experiences women can endure. It’s not easy to keep your confidence or move forward after something like that happens, but she is surrounded by so many great and inspiring people that help her keep her head up.
Nash on the other hand was a struggle to handle in the first quarter of the book. His misery of losing his friends runs so deep that he says and does things that are damaging to others without even realizing it. Even though he’s attending therapy and working on improving himself and his PTSD, it takes him a long time to realize the damage he’s doing to others in the process.
This isn’t your standard love story and both characters have a lot of self reflection to endure to find their happy ending. But all the pain is worth it in the end. You’ll love this new release from LJ Evans just like all of her other amazing books!