In Reese Knightley's Damaged, the fiery attraction between two assassins, Wrath and Rogue, burns bright against a backdrop of danger and self-doubt. Wrath, beloved and grounded, finds himself inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic Rogue, a drifter haunted by his past. Rogue, carrying the weight of his actions, believes himself unworthy of Wrath's affection, convinced their relationship is doomed. This enemies-to-lovers story explores themes of unrequited love, emotional scars, and dark secrets, as Wrath relentlessly pursues a chance at happiness with the man who believes he's destined for hell. Will their undeniable chemistry overcome Rogue's self-destructive tendencies and the ever-present threat of their deadly profession?
Review Damaged
Oh my goodness, Damaged! Let me tell you, if you’re a fan of Reese Knightley, or even just enjoy a good suspenseful romance with a healthy dose of action, this book is a must-read. I was absolutely hooked from the very first page. The wait for this installment in the Erebus Assassins series was agonizing, but it was SO worth it.
The emotional core of the story revolves around Wrath and Rogue, two assassins whose paths keep intertwining. Wrath, this incredibly likeable and grounded character, is completely captivated by Rogue, a man haunted by a brutal past and carrying a heavy burden of self-loathing. Rogue, understandably, struggles to believe he deserves love or happiness, convinced he’s irredeemably damaged. The author masterfully portrays the depth of his trauma, making him a truly compelling and sympathetic character. You just ache for him to find peace.
The relationship between Wrath and Rogue is the heart of the book, and it's beautifully developed. It's not just instant gratification; it's a slow burn, a gradual unraveling of their defenses as they confront their individual traumas and learn to trust each other. Wrath's unwavering devotion to Rogue is both heartwarming and intensely romantic. He sees past Rogue's scars, both physical and emotional, and relentlessly pursues him with patience and understanding. Their chemistry is electric, the sexual tension palpable throughout the book, but it's always woven into the narrative organically, never feeling gratuitous.
The plot itself is wonderfully suspenseful. There's plenty of action, with dangerous missions and thrilling near-misses, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The mystery surrounding Rogue's past and his connection to other characters from the series adds another layer of intrigue, and the author expertly weaves in flashbacks to provide context without disrupting the flow of the present-day narrative. I loved seeing familiar faces from previous books pop up, adding depth and richness to the story.
However, I do have a minor quibble. Some readers felt the pacing was uneven or that there was too much filler. I understand this perspective, and while the build-up to the central romance was deliberate, I found the pacing suitable. While I appreciated the focus on character development, a tighter plot might have enhanced the overall impact. But honestly, this is a small complaint considering how much I enjoyed the overall story. The emotional resonance of Wrath and Rogue's journey far outweighs any minor pacing issues.
In conclusion, Damaged is a fantastic addition to the Erebus Assassins series. It's a gripping, emotionally charged story with captivating characters, intense action, and a romance that will leave you breathless. If you're looking for a book that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions. Five stars from me!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.48 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 212
- Publication date: 2025
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