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The Beth Series #2
Damaged Doll
The long-awaited sequel to Breaking Beth is finally coming July 2022, pre-order now!
"I'm too broken for love."
After everything Beth has been through, all she wants is to feel normal.
To be normal.
But the weight of her past won't let her go easily.
"Wanting her is wrong."
All Jake wants is to be a hero.
To save as many as he can from the monsters of this world.
But when the monsters come for Beth Doherty...
he isn't thinking like a hero.
Ripping her out of her life was bad enough.
Wanting her is worse.
But resisting her might just be impossible.
"I'm too broken for love."
After everything Beth has been through, all she wants is to feel normal.
To be normal.
But the weight of her past won't let her go easily.
"Wanting her is wrong."
All Jake wants is to be a hero.
To save as many as he can from the monsters of this world.
But when the monsters come for Beth Doherty...
he isn't thinking like a hero.
Ripping her out of her life was bad enough.
Wanting her is worse.
But resisting her might just be impossible.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
About the author
Jennifer Bene
62 books1,915 followersJennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 13, 2022
I am awestruck and simply amazed with Beth and Jake’s story!
Beth has been through so much, too much for one person to endure, and after two years she is still stuck in victim mode, still struggling with who she is and where she fits into society, and still treated as fragile and ruined. Jake and his team enter her life to warn her of a new threat and their need to protect her and keep her safe is overwhelming and dire.
Damaged Doll is a dark and emotional story, it takes the reader on a journey into the deprived tale of unimaginable happenings in an underworld none of us can relate to. Jennifer Bene has written a gripping story but with so much compassion for the victims of these tragedies that you feel the pain and anguish.
Beautifully and sensitively written Jennifer ❤️❤️
Beth has been through so much, too much for one person to endure, and after two years she is still stuck in victim mode, still struggling with who she is and where she fits into society, and still treated as fragile and ruined. Jake and his team enter her life to warn her of a new threat and their need to protect her and keep her safe is overwhelming and dire.
Damaged Doll is a dark and emotional story, it takes the reader on a journey into the deprived tale of unimaginable happenings in an underworld none of us can relate to. Jennifer Bene has written a gripping story but with so much compassion for the victims of these tragedies that you feel the pain and anguish.
Beautifully and sensitively written Jennifer ❤️❤️
July 14, 2022
3.5 stars
This story begins after Beth’s rescue and return to her family after surviving harrowing and brutal sexual slavery, her time with Anthony who broke her and Thailand to her surfacing to the top. And despite her trying to heal, the attempts at therapy, Beth remains emotionally broken. And now someone else is after her. But Jake won’t let that happen.
I was impressed at the natural draw between these characters and how well the author captured their mutual appeal despite the trauma surrounding Beth. Beth still maintained the inner strength she was known for during her captive time despite her emotional challenges. Jake was the not so good good guy she needed in her corner, protective, understanding, but not oppressive.
While I enjoyed this story, liked the characters and the intrigue, it was a little slow to progress. It felt too deliberate a slow burn that recounted a bit of the unnecessary day to day activities. Still, I was interested in how the story evolved, their romance and how almost unbelievably someone so broken would arrive to fulfilling love and healing. Lots of emotional appeal in this story. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series.
This story begins after Beth’s rescue and return to her family after surviving harrowing and brutal sexual slavery, her time with Anthony who broke her and Thailand to her surfacing to the top. And despite her trying to heal, the attempts at therapy, Beth remains emotionally broken. And now someone else is after her. But Jake won’t let that happen.
I was impressed at the natural draw between these characters and how well the author captured their mutual appeal despite the trauma surrounding Beth. Beth still maintained the inner strength she was known for during her captive time despite her emotional challenges. Jake was the not so good good guy she needed in her corner, protective, understanding, but not oppressive.
While I enjoyed this story, liked the characters and the intrigue, it was a little slow to progress. It felt too deliberate a slow burn that recounted a bit of the unnecessary day to day activities. Still, I was interested in how the story evolved, their romance and how almost unbelievably someone so broken would arrive to fulfilling love and healing. Lots of emotional appeal in this story. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series.
July 12, 2022
Jennifer Bene’s Damaged Doll is the continuation of Beth’s story and it gave me chills. Seriously. To be in Beth’s head after everything that happened to her—what she remembers/doesn’t. Beth’s story is as heartbreaking as it is compelling. She’s one of those characters where you root for her to win, to survive, to finally get herself above the surface that’s dragging her down. Oof. You’ll feel it in your chest—that ache and need for things to be better. Then there’s Jake and his team who are AWESOME! They make for a good combination—where Jake is not only the grounding and support that she needs, he also helps her to fly even when she needs to keep herself tethered. Ms. Bene has the amazing ability to give us what appears to be thoroughly broken characters who seem so incredibly damaged that there’s just no hope for them. But then she’ll tease us with a teeny-tiny spark. Now sometimes that spark doesn’t seem to go anywhere but we see it and become desperate to see that spark grow brighter. And it does (mostly, eventually) making it possible for that character to take that much needed step forward toward the magical realm of—dare I say it—hope, which we get with Damaged Doll. But it’s with the understanding that your emotions WILL be dragged through everything (in)conceivable before Beth/we’ll get there.
July 17, 2022
Back into the world of Thalia and Beth. You must've read the Thalia books and the first Beth book before you read this one or you are not going to understand what is going on here.
So, Beth is trying to put her life back together, but she's not having an easy time of it. Her mother is smothering her and won't really listen to anything that Beth tells her. Then, Beth's life gets all flipped around again.
Jake is one of the mercs who helped out in Thalia's case, and he's been doing the work of finding other young women who are in the same situation. He gets a notification that someone is after Beth, so he rushes his team to her house so that they can protect her.
Jake is a good guy, even if he doesn't want to think that he is. I mean, yeah, he's done some terrible stuff, but overall he's a pretty good guy. I like him and I like his team. They have a real family feel, which is pretty awesome.
Beth is just strong AF. She has been through so much and she's still standing. She might be leaning on stuff to help herself stand, but she is standing. I mean, yeah, she shut down for a long while, but sometimes shutting down like that is the best way to do it to protect yourself.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
So, Beth is trying to put her life back together, but she's not having an easy time of it. Her mother is smothering her and won't really listen to anything that Beth tells her. Then, Beth's life gets all flipped around again.
Jake is one of the mercs who helped out in Thalia's case, and he's been doing the work of finding other young women who are in the same situation. He gets a notification that someone is after Beth, so he rushes his team to her house so that they can protect her.
Jake is a good guy, even if he doesn't want to think that he is. I mean, yeah, he's done some terrible stuff, but overall he's a pretty good guy. I like him and I like his team. They have a real family feel, which is pretty awesome.
Beth is just strong AF. She has been through so much and she's still standing. She might be leaning on stuff to help herself stand, but she is standing. I mean, yeah, she shut down for a long while, but sometimes shutting down like that is the best way to do it to protect yourself.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
July 12, 2022
Damaged Doll is the sequel to Breaking Beth. In all honesty, I never expected Breaking Beth to have a sequel and Beth seemed so utterly broken by Williams brothers that it appeared unfathomable that someone can survive, not to mention thrive, after such horrific trauma.
Damaged Doll shows us Beth's life somewhere around 2 years after being rescued. After spending some intense time in a mental health facility, Beth is living with her parents back in her childhood room and pretty much being treated as a child by her well meaning loved ones. They walk on eggshells around her and she is barely existing, just a shadow of her former self. This part of the story was gut wrenching for me to read. It was full of such profound torment not only for Beth but also her parents. At the same time, I was almost angry at the parents, especially her mother, for treating Beth the way they did when it was so clear to me, the reader, that it wasn't what she needed. At the same time, I totally understood their struggle and where they were coming from and my heart broke for them.
Beth's existence gets interrupted when another threat appears on the horizon and a team of mercenaries, led by Jake, plucks her out of her life in order to protect her. In an unlikely turn, Beth appears to somewhat thrive with the guys who don't seem to be inclined to coddle her. Moreover, she takes a liking to Jake who seems not only to understand what she needs but also to return her feelings. However, Jake has so many reservations and I really felt his conflict coming off the pages. How can you be attracted to someone who is that broken, not to mention, act on that attraction. All of this not only leads to internal conflict but also conflict within the team. This is an extreme slow burn, but this story really couldn't be told any other way. I did struggle a bit with Jake's character's motivations for feeling drawn to Beth as fast as he did and wanted that to be more fleshed out. Otherwise, don't go in expecting a conventional romance since that's really not the focus, though there is a love story being told that I hope unfolds furter in the next book.
Damaged Doll shows us Beth's life somewhere around 2 years after being rescued. After spending some intense time in a mental health facility, Beth is living with her parents back in her childhood room and pretty much being treated as a child by her well meaning loved ones. They walk on eggshells around her and she is barely existing, just a shadow of her former self. This part of the story was gut wrenching for me to read. It was full of such profound torment not only for Beth but also her parents. At the same time, I was almost angry at the parents, especially her mother, for treating Beth the way they did when it was so clear to me, the reader, that it wasn't what she needed. At the same time, I totally understood their struggle and where they were coming from and my heart broke for them.
Beth's existence gets interrupted when another threat appears on the horizon and a team of mercenaries, led by Jake, plucks her out of her life in order to protect her. In an unlikely turn, Beth appears to somewhat thrive with the guys who don't seem to be inclined to coddle her. Moreover, she takes a liking to Jake who seems not only to understand what she needs but also to return her feelings. However, Jake has so many reservations and I really felt his conflict coming off the pages. How can you be attracted to someone who is that broken, not to mention, act on that attraction. All of this not only leads to internal conflict but also conflict within the team. This is an extreme slow burn, but this story really couldn't be told any other way. I did struggle a bit with Jake's character's motivations for feeling drawn to Beth as fast as he did and wanted that to be more fleshed out. Otherwise, don't go in expecting a conventional romance since that's really not the focus, though there is a love story being told that I hope unfolds furter in the next book.
July 18, 2022
A Heart Touching journey of healing and living life 💗
After reading book 1, I so badly needed this book. To see for myself that Beth's fight was not in vain even if she has to go through what she did, she still deserves that chance at having her life back and this book gives us that.
After a couple of years being rescued from the horrifying nightmare of the past years, Beth is living her life, trying her best to have a semblance of what a normal girl and a normal life should be like.
But after you go through what she did, it is going to like climbing a mountain to even start gaining herself back and yet with the help of the forum that has other women like her on it, tries to do her best.
She's tired of being treated as someone fragile and even if her parents are the most caring and understanding people yet all she yearns for is not be treated every second like a Damaged Doll but like an adult.
Jake is an total baddy as he and his gang of men save women from being taken or helps rescue them.
When he gets an alert for a woman they had helped with, he along with his gang go full on protective mode with plans in place to safeguard her at any cost.
But what Jake didn't anticipate was the unknown threat and his instant connection to this broken girl with the fighting spirit.
I had tears in my eyes for how Beth struggles yet she gives her all to be a person in her right and even when she thinks she's too broken to feel anything yet starts embracing wholeheartedly the kindle of flame of something that she starts feeling for Jake.
I absolutely loved Jake and his gang of men who have made their jobs to save the girls and bring them back to their families. Not only that but they all are genuine fun loving with shared friendship and good Hearted people with how they care for Beth and make her feel safe.
I'm so wanting to see what will happen next between Jake and Beth as she's still carrying all those scars and pains and I absolutely an glad for how much Beth is a fighter and a Strong woman.
Also, what about the looming danger and who are those people? So many questions, I so can't wait for the next book. 💗💗
After reading book 1, I so badly needed this book. To see for myself that Beth's fight was not in vain even if she has to go through what she did, she still deserves that chance at having her life back and this book gives us that.
After a couple of years being rescued from the horrifying nightmare of the past years, Beth is living her life, trying her best to have a semblance of what a normal girl and a normal life should be like.
But after you go through what she did, it is going to like climbing a mountain to even start gaining herself back and yet with the help of the forum that has other women like her on it, tries to do her best.
She's tired of being treated as someone fragile and even if her parents are the most caring and understanding people yet all she yearns for is not be treated every second like a Damaged Doll but like an adult.
Jake is an total baddy as he and his gang of men save women from being taken or helps rescue them.
When he gets an alert for a woman they had helped with, he along with his gang go full on protective mode with plans in place to safeguard her at any cost.
But what Jake didn't anticipate was the unknown threat and his instant connection to this broken girl with the fighting spirit.
I had tears in my eyes for how Beth struggles yet she gives her all to be a person in her right and even when she thinks she's too broken to feel anything yet starts embracing wholeheartedly the kindle of flame of something that she starts feeling for Jake.
I absolutely loved Jake and his gang of men who have made their jobs to save the girls and bring them back to their families. Not only that but they all are genuine fun loving with shared friendship and good Hearted people with how they care for Beth and make her feel safe.
I'm so wanting to see what will happen next between Jake and Beth as she's still carrying all those scars and pains and I absolutely an glad for how much Beth is a fighter and a Strong woman.
Also, what about the looming danger and who are those people? So many questions, I so can't wait for the next book. 💗💗
July 13, 2022
The finally long awaited second book in Beth’s story is finally out. If you read Breaking Beth, (which is pretty necessary) you’ll be happy to know that despite book one being a rather dark story about Beth and the man responsible for her sex slavery and violent issues, this book gets to Beth starting to heal from the Williams brothers.
Beth is at home, coping as she can and trying heal from her ordeal. She has parents who love her, but they smother her and treat her like she’s a fragile victim.
Enter Jake, leader of a group of mercenaries who take jobs saving women from horrible situations. He is friends with Thalia (The series that this spins off from, a great read! ) Through his system in tracking events, he finds out someone wants Beth back. So he talks to her and starts to get to know and admire her. But they can’t find out where the threat is, so she goes to the compound with Jake and the other mercs, despite being who they are, they are all wonderful to Beth, and treat her like an adult instead of a broken victim. (I hope they all get their own books!) And Jake sees Beth and understands her.
This is just book 2 and book 3 will be the finale of Beth and Jake’s story. I loved this book, and I was cheering when Beth and Jake got together. If you read Breaking Beth, you’ll get it. I’m super excited for the next book. Just a trigger reminder, there are dark themes here, not like book one, but Beth is recovering. I for one, am happy.
Beth is at home, coping as she can and trying heal from her ordeal. She has parents who love her, but they smother her and treat her like she’s a fragile victim.
Enter Jake, leader of a group of mercenaries who take jobs saving women from horrible situations. He is friends with Thalia (The series that this spins off from, a great read! ) Through his system in tracking events, he finds out someone wants Beth back. So he talks to her and starts to get to know and admire her. But they can’t find out where the threat is, so she goes to the compound with Jake and the other mercs, despite being who they are, they are all wonderful to Beth, and treat her like an adult instead of a broken victim. (I hope they all get their own books!) And Jake sees Beth and understands her.
This is just book 2 and book 3 will be the finale of Beth and Jake’s story. I loved this book, and I was cheering when Beth and Jake got together. If you read Breaking Beth, you’ll get it. I’m super excited for the next book. Just a trigger reminder, there are dark themes here, not like book one, but Beth is recovering. I for one, am happy.
July 18, 2022
OH MY EVER LOVIN' HELL! This story was filled with so much emotion that I swear I'm still a cocktail of crazy, but of course, reading Breaking Beth first definitely added so much more to Beth's story here as she went through something that no girl should ever go through, and it did a great deal of damage that's for sure. I loved how this author actually made it realistic in her trying to heal up mentally because what she went through wouldn't have been resolved quickly, and it wouldn't have never come easily. Her struggles were filled with so much pain that I could feel it like my own throughout & I cried like a baby more than once as I took on her despair. Jake is a man who is doing his best to save as many women as he can from what Beth went through, but he carries around a ton of guilt even though no one can eradicate all the evil of sexy trafficking. He gets some intel that Beth may be in danger again, and despite not ever meeting her, he & his team go to protect her. What follows is very intense as Beth & Jake feel a pull towards each other but it's not cut & dried of course. Thankfully, Jake's team definitely gives us humor which gave me a break from the heavy which was needed so I didn't curl up & start sucking my thumb while rocking in the corner. Of course her journey isn't over yet so now the impatient wait has started as I NEED the rest of the story. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 15, 2022
4.25 stars
I have been waiting for the continuation of this story forever. Beth has lived rent free in my head since reading her book and having her mentioned in Thalia's book. The Williams brothers were vile, especially, Anthony. I was expecting the story to pick up where that ended. It didn't, and because of that there were still a lot of unanswered questions of what happened next. I wanted to know how she ended up where she was and, eventually, where she came to be rescued at this point in the story. There were brief mentions of what had elapsed over the years after the first book but it was all just generalized. I wanted insight into Beth's mind and how she went from the ending of the first book to what the reports said, and finally, to where she is now. I don't need the gory details or a play by play. I just need to know more. It is because of that lack of depth, that I struggled to see how this new threat was serious and even why, considering what was divulged about Anthony and Marcus.
Even though those were major issues that prevented me from enjoying this story as much as I had hoped, this was still a strong book. I appreciated the care that this author wrote about Beth and her mental state. She didn't just brush over it. This was more than just what Anthony had put her through, there were years of additional trauma that needed to be healed.
I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing Beth truly heal.
I have been waiting for the continuation of this story forever. Beth has lived rent free in my head since reading her book and having her mentioned in Thalia's book. The Williams brothers were vile, especially, Anthony. I was expecting the story to pick up where that ended. It didn't, and because of that there were still a lot of unanswered questions of what happened next. I wanted to know how she ended up where she was and, eventually, where she came to be rescued at this point in the story. There were brief mentions of what had elapsed over the years after the first book but it was all just generalized. I wanted insight into Beth's mind and how she went from the ending of the first book to what the reports said, and finally, to where she is now. I don't need the gory details or a play by play. I just need to know more. It is because of that lack of depth, that I struggled to see how this new threat was serious and even why, considering what was divulged about Anthony and Marcus.
Even though those were major issues that prevented me from enjoying this story as much as I had hoped, this was still a strong book. I appreciated the care that this author wrote about Beth and her mental state. She didn't just brush over it. This was more than just what Anthony had put her through, there were years of additional trauma that needed to be healed.
I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing Beth truly heal.
July 12, 2022
This broke me and it's not even the last book. Beth's journey is hard and emotional and so raw and real. I can't say a lot but I loved her perseverance even when she thought she couldn't any more. And Jake just took my heart.
Want to read
July 11, 2022The sequel to Breaking Beth
December 13, 2022
A long-awaited sequel. Which was good as a sequel, or, rather, as an in-between book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
Seriously Can’t Wait For Finale To This Trilogy!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Seriously my mind was and is blown, my heart was destroyed and I was literally gutted but then Jennifer put it all back together again with a character named Jake. This is my first series by Jennifer Bene and let me tell you it is not for the faint hearted. It is not a romantic walk in the park and there is no HEA not yet anyway. I’m still hoping maybe. I highly recommend reading Breaking Beth before ever picking up Damaged Doll. It’s what led Beth to where she is mentally and physically in this book. It’s dark and it’s brutal but it’s her origin story to her future.
Rescued from a life of abuse at the hands of sadistic men, Beth is trying to pick up the pieces and find a way to heal. To find a semblance of normalcy any way that she can. But it’s hard when everyone walks on egg shells around you and treats you like your fragile or to broken to handle life. But when her freedom is threatened once again, she meets a man that makes her feel alive again and gives her hope of normalcy. Jake is the leader of a mercenary team that lives to rescue and save those stolen and trafficked and bring them back to their families and loved ones. When he gets an alert about a previous rescue he sets out to protect her from danger. But when he meets Beth everything changes and he can’t focus on it just being a job anymore. The attraction and the chemistry between these two is absolutely beautiful. Knowing her history all you can do is be in complete and utter awe with their interactions and hope for the best for these two.
There is so much cruelty, darkness, passion and emotion in Beth’s story that it literally draws you in and won’t let you go. The things this woman went thru and to be able to even find herself attracted to a man and wanting more is just an absolute miracle really. It ends on a teeny tiny cliffy with Jake coming to terms with his feelings but it still makes you anticipate the next book because you want to know and see if Beth gets her freedom from her nightmares and have her HEA and wether it’s Jake that can give her that. If you can get past the TW then this series is a must read. Highly recommend it!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Seriously my mind was and is blown, my heart was destroyed and I was literally gutted but then Jennifer put it all back together again with a character named Jake. This is my first series by Jennifer Bene and let me tell you it is not for the faint hearted. It is not a romantic walk in the park and there is no HEA not yet anyway. I’m still hoping maybe. I highly recommend reading Breaking Beth before ever picking up Damaged Doll. It’s what led Beth to where she is mentally and physically in this book. It’s dark and it’s brutal but it’s her origin story to her future.
Rescued from a life of abuse at the hands of sadistic men, Beth is trying to pick up the pieces and find a way to heal. To find a semblance of normalcy any way that she can. But it’s hard when everyone walks on egg shells around you and treats you like your fragile or to broken to handle life. But when her freedom is threatened once again, she meets a man that makes her feel alive again and gives her hope of normalcy. Jake is the leader of a mercenary team that lives to rescue and save those stolen and trafficked and bring them back to their families and loved ones. When he gets an alert about a previous rescue he sets out to protect her from danger. But when he meets Beth everything changes and he can’t focus on it just being a job anymore. The attraction and the chemistry between these two is absolutely beautiful. Knowing her history all you can do is be in complete and utter awe with their interactions and hope for the best for these two.
There is so much cruelty, darkness, passion and emotion in Beth’s story that it literally draws you in and won’t let you go. The things this woman went thru and to be able to even find herself attracted to a man and wanting more is just an absolute miracle really. It ends on a teeny tiny cliffy with Jake coming to terms with his feelings but it still makes you anticipate the next book because you want to know and see if Beth gets her freedom from her nightmares and have her HEA and wether it’s Jake that can give her that. If you can get past the TW then this series is a must read. Highly recommend it!!!
August 1, 2022
She was broken, damaged beyond repair after she returned home from the tragic time she was held captive. Beth couldn’t seem to move on like the other women held by the Williams brothers. Her parents didn’t understand what she was going through, but they loved her and only wanted to help her get better and back to the young woman she was prior to her abduction, but that could not happen. She was changed forever and there was no going back to the woman she was. She couldn’t talk about what happened to her with her parents because she was protecting them from the ordeal. She didn’t want them to suffer with her.
He and his team made it their mission to rescue and bring home as many girls, boys, women, or men that were taken and being sold or help captive. It wasn’t a fun job by any means, but they were determined to do what they could to rid the world of the dark, dirty, cruel people that kidnapped, sold, bought, or abused these people. When they got a hit about one of the women that had been taken by the Williams brothers being in danger again, Jake is determined to find out if she is still safe and protect her at any cost, he just didn’t expect that she would turn his world upside down in the process.
I really like this book, it is dark and tragic, but on another level, it is a beautiful story of finding that one person that understands you and takes you as you are, no misconceptions, wanting to change you, or looking at you like you are crazy. Jake helped Beth come out of the darkness she was drowning in, and he and his team treated her like a woman that was living her life but protecting her in the process. They didn’t treat her like glass ready to break at any moment. This was the first book I read in the Beth Series, but I will go back and read the first one and I am looking forward to reading the next one. I loved the characters and the story. I give this book a 5-star review and look forward to more.
He and his team made it their mission to rescue and bring home as many girls, boys, women, or men that were taken and being sold or help captive. It wasn’t a fun job by any means, but they were determined to do what they could to rid the world of the dark, dirty, cruel people that kidnapped, sold, bought, or abused these people. When they got a hit about one of the women that had been taken by the Williams brothers being in danger again, Jake is determined to find out if she is still safe and protect her at any cost, he just didn’t expect that she would turn his world upside down in the process.
I really like this book, it is dark and tragic, but on another level, it is a beautiful story of finding that one person that understands you and takes you as you are, no misconceptions, wanting to change you, or looking at you like you are crazy. Jake helped Beth come out of the darkness she was drowning in, and he and his team treated her like a woman that was living her life but protecting her in the process. They didn’t treat her like glass ready to break at any moment. This was the first book I read in the Beth Series, but I will go back and read the first one and I am looking forward to reading the next one. I loved the characters and the story. I give this book a 5-star review and look forward to more.
July 12, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
After everything that Beth has been through, all she wants is to feel normal. To be normal. But the weight of her past won't let her go easily. All Jake want's is to be a hero. To save as may as he can form the monsters of this world. But when the monsters come for Beth Doherty, he isn't thinking like a hero. Ripping her out of her life was bad enough. Wanting her is worse. But resisting her might just be impossible.
Back in twenty nineteen a little amazing book titled Breaking Beth was released and I loved that book so much. Now we are getting the sequel to that book and I loved this book just as much. Over the years I have always wondered what happened to Beth because if you have read Breaking Beth then you know that that book really stays with you. After all the last time we saw Beth she had been basically destroyed by Anthony. Beth has experienced horrors that no one should ever have to face. Now all she wants is to have a normal life and in that life feel "normal" again. Is that even possible for Beth to accomplish after everything? You are about to get the answer to that and right along with it you will have more new questions. Beth though is really struggling. Where it seems to her life people come back from things they have been through and now lead normal lives she just can't get there no matter how hard she tires. When Jason shows up at her door things are about to get complicated but he is a man that really knows what darkness is and he is going to do everything in his power to protect Beth after all. I can not really say to much more about the book and not give something away. I can say that I loved every single second of this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next book to come in this series.
After everything that Beth has been through, all she wants is to feel normal. To be normal. But the weight of her past won't let her go easily. All Jake want's is to be a hero. To save as may as he can form the monsters of this world. But when the monsters come for Beth Doherty, he isn't thinking like a hero. Ripping her out of her life was bad enough. Wanting her is worse. But resisting her might just be impossible.
Back in twenty nineteen a little amazing book titled Breaking Beth was released and I loved that book so much. Now we are getting the sequel to that book and I loved this book just as much. Over the years I have always wondered what happened to Beth because if you have read Breaking Beth then you know that that book really stays with you. After all the last time we saw Beth she had been basically destroyed by Anthony. Beth has experienced horrors that no one should ever have to face. Now all she wants is to have a normal life and in that life feel "normal" again. Is that even possible for Beth to accomplish after everything? You are about to get the answer to that and right along with it you will have more new questions. Beth though is really struggling. Where it seems to her life people come back from things they have been through and now lead normal lives she just can't get there no matter how hard she tires. When Jason shows up at her door things are about to get complicated but he is a man that really knows what darkness is and he is going to do everything in his power to protect Beth after all. I can not really say to much more about the book and not give something away. I can say that I loved every single second of this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next book to come in this series.
July 21, 2022
Damaged Doll is the sequel to Breaking Beth.
In this book it’s about two years later after Beth has been
Beth is now living with her parents after spending time in a metal health facility.
Her parents don’t know how to act with her, so they treat her with kid gloves.
That only adds to Beth’s insecurities and hinders her from trying to get back to a somewhat manageable life.
Beth's life takes another unexpected turn when a group of mercenaries need to take her to protect her from another predator who has eyes set on her.
Jake and his men are a team who help people and survivors like Beth.
After reading the sequel I was utterly devastated for Beth.
My heart hurt and my soul was crushed.
But now getting to see her slowly progress makes my heart happy.
I loved Jake and his men.
As much as there is evil people that feed and thrive off the pain of other, there are also the good and the brave to bring home and to help in the healing process.
Ms. Bene gives the reader a slow and steady progression for Jake and Beth.
It makes the whole story realistic so that I as a reader don’t roll my eyes and think yeah right this survivor who went through such devastation just quickly dives into a relationship.
I loved that the author showed just how strong Beth truly is and how she brilliantly brought the story together because after the first book I had no hope for Beth.
And I am looking forward to the next book because I’m seeing the ray of sunshine after the brutal storm.
In this book it’s about two years later after Beth has been
Beth is now living with her parents after spending time in a metal health facility.
Her parents don’t know how to act with her, so they treat her with kid gloves.
That only adds to Beth’s insecurities and hinders her from trying to get back to a somewhat manageable life.
Beth's life takes another unexpected turn when a group of mercenaries need to take her to protect her from another predator who has eyes set on her.
Jake and his men are a team who help people and survivors like Beth.
After reading the sequel I was utterly devastated for Beth.
My heart hurt and my soul was crushed.
But now getting to see her slowly progress makes my heart happy.
I loved Jake and his men.
As much as there is evil people that feed and thrive off the pain of other, there are also the good and the brave to bring home and to help in the healing process.
Ms. Bene gives the reader a slow and steady progression for Jake and Beth.
It makes the whole story realistic so that I as a reader don’t roll my eyes and think yeah right this survivor who went through such devastation just quickly dives into a relationship.
I loved that the author showed just how strong Beth truly is and how she brilliantly brought the story together because after the first book I had no hope for Beth.
And I am looking forward to the next book because I’m seeing the ray of sunshine after the brutal storm.
July 23, 2022
Finally
I waited years and sent e-mails to Jennifer from time to time. Was Breaking Beth a one book wonder? Damaged Doll was worth the wait. I went back and read The Thalia Series due to the references to her and Alisa in this book, when I started reading The Beth Series. If u r reading my review, I would encourage you to stop and read The Thalia Series first. It will help you to understand the depth and breath of this series. And if you haven't read Breaking Beth, its a must to be able to understand how broken Beth was by the Williams brothers. Damaged Doll is an attempt by Jake to help Beth get past being broken. Although the second half of the book is when Beth is hidden away from the Mercenaries who are trying to find her for a man who has ordered her to be kidnapped again. So this book is about the interaction between Beth and her parents then how much the parents should be told about why the team Jake has assembled as a type of mercenaries themselves, is taking her away. No more reported communication with the parents. Anyway, now James from , The Thalia Series, is now using his resources to find out about the other mercenaries and who hired them. But I will have to read the next book, Scarred Siren. This book was setting up for the big finale.
I waited years and sent e-mails to Jennifer from time to time. Was Breaking Beth a one book wonder? Damaged Doll was worth the wait. I went back and read The Thalia Series due to the references to her and Alisa in this book, when I started reading The Beth Series. If u r reading my review, I would encourage you to stop and read The Thalia Series first. It will help you to understand the depth and breath of this series. And if you haven't read Breaking Beth, its a must to be able to understand how broken Beth was by the Williams brothers. Damaged Doll is an attempt by Jake to help Beth get past being broken. Although the second half of the book is when Beth is hidden away from the Mercenaries who are trying to find her for a man who has ordered her to be kidnapped again. So this book is about the interaction between Beth and her parents then how much the parents should be told about why the team Jake has assembled as a type of mercenaries themselves, is taking her away. No more reported communication with the parents. Anyway, now James from , The Thalia Series, is now using his resources to find out about the other mercenaries and who hired them. But I will have to read the next book, Scarred Siren. This book was setting up for the big finale.
July 12, 2022
Breaking Beth is one of the most heart-breaking books I’ve ever read. Sometimes when we read books, we know they are fiction, but this.. trafficking.. is a real thing at this time. When I read, I always try to put myself in the role of the lead female… I had real difficulty doing that…
Damaged Doll, the second book, deals with Beth’s journey after she is rescued. She keeps in touch with other women who were taken and went through the same as she did, but sees some of them moving forward and she.. well.. she can’t.
How DOES someone come back from being shattered? How do you assimilate into society again? How do you ever let someone touch you? Jennifer Bene takes us back into Beth’s world, and mind a year and a half after she is rescued. We see what her life is like, and hear what she’s thinking. It’s a great book and deals with a horrible situation and it’s aftermath. Can Beth come back from her nightmare and be herself again? When another possible situation ends up on her doorstep, can she get through it and maybe, just maybe find love???
You’ll have to read it to find out. It is well-written, and it deals with feelings and emotions that I hope you never have to feel. I loved this book and it’s a definite 5 star read for me.
Damaged Doll, the second book, deals with Beth’s journey after she is rescued. She keeps in touch with other women who were taken and went through the same as she did, but sees some of them moving forward and she.. well.. she can’t.
How DOES someone come back from being shattered? How do you assimilate into society again? How do you ever let someone touch you? Jennifer Bene takes us back into Beth’s world, and mind a year and a half after she is rescued. We see what her life is like, and hear what she’s thinking. It’s a great book and deals with a horrible situation and it’s aftermath. Can Beth come back from her nightmare and be herself again? When another possible situation ends up on her doorstep, can she get through it and maybe, just maybe find love???
You’ll have to read it to find out. It is well-written, and it deals with feelings and emotions that I hope you never have to feel. I loved this book and it’s a definite 5 star read for me.
July 12, 2022
As a reader, there are always stories that haunt you. Ones you think about even years after you read them. Stories that leave such an impression they become a before and after point in your life. For me, Breaking Beth was such a book. So, from the moment I found out Ms. Bene was going to continue her story, and hopefully give her the justice and healing she needs, I've been on pins and needles with anticipation. I'm happy to say that she delivered.
It's not exactly required that you read Thalia's story before you read this, but you need to read Breaking Beth so you have an understanding of the horror Beth endured. It's not an easy read, so please be aware of all the trigger warnings. It is gut-wrenching and could easily trigger those who struggle with abduction, non-con, and sexual violence. Those things are mentioned in this story, too. This is a very dark series. In fact, the reason I love this author so much is that no matter how horrifying the characters experiences are, they always come out on top. It's not an easy journey, ever, but they always get through it. This is the story of Beth starting her process of healing. She will never be the girl she was before, but she will finally find out who she's capable of being now.
It's not exactly required that you read Thalia's story before you read this, but you need to read Breaking Beth so you have an understanding of the horror Beth endured. It's not an easy read, so please be aware of all the trigger warnings. It is gut-wrenching and could easily trigger those who struggle with abduction, non-con, and sexual violence. Those things are mentioned in this story, too. This is a very dark series. In fact, the reason I love this author so much is that no matter how horrifying the characters experiences are, they always come out on top. It's not an easy journey, ever, but they always get through it. This is the story of Beth starting her process of healing. She will never be the girl she was before, but she will finally find out who she's capable of being now.
August 14, 2022
We've been waiting a long time for Beth's story and I'm so glad Jennifer Bene has once again knocked it out of the park with this one. "Breaking Beth" was/is dark. It's uncomfortable to read but difficult to draw yourself away and though you don't have to have read it to read "Damaged Doll", it will give you a better understanding of how strong Beth truly is and the history behind our "damaged doll".
Beth is one of those characters that stays with you, no matter how long ago you read part of her story. Ms Bene skillfully wrote a no holds barred book and left me waiting for Beth's triumph over the sheer hell Anthony put her through and Jake seems like he is the perfect match for her. Though I'm frustrated "Damaged Doll" is just the tip of this story, I'm so excited to read more in "Scarred Siren".
I love that Jake simply sees Beth. Not broken, not beyond repair, not ruined. Simply a strong, but damaged woman in need of support to help her find her way back into the light. I'm not sure where the story is heading but I can't wait for the conclusion of this series and know if it's anything like the previous two installments, we're in for a treat with an emotional rollercoaster and wgat I'm hoping is a HEA for our "Damaged Doll" ❤️
Beth is one of those characters that stays with you, no matter how long ago you read part of her story. Ms Bene skillfully wrote a no holds barred book and left me waiting for Beth's triumph over the sheer hell Anthony put her through and Jake seems like he is the perfect match for her. Though I'm frustrated "Damaged Doll" is just the tip of this story, I'm so excited to read more in "Scarred Siren".
I love that Jake simply sees Beth. Not broken, not beyond repair, not ruined. Simply a strong, but damaged woman in need of support to help her find her way back into the light. I'm not sure where the story is heading but I can't wait for the conclusion of this series and know if it's anything like the previous two installments, we're in for a treat with an emotional rollercoaster and wgat I'm hoping is a HEA for our "Damaged Doll" ❤️
July 16, 2022
We first met Beth Doherty in the Thalia series—a woman broken, and in a catatonic state. We’ve witnessed part of her story in Breaking Beth. Beth has survived traffickers Marcus and Anthony Williams and is now surviving in her parents’ home. Finding her way back to “normal” is tough, and I appreciate that the author showed us the thoughts in Beth’s head—the guilt and shame, the struggle and worry, the desire to move forward but no idea how to achieve it. Most people treat Beth as fragile but she has a core of steel. Jake Campbell and his team rescued Thalia, and have made rescuing trafficked women their sole mission, so when there is a potential threat to Beth, Jake & his team engage. I loved how Jake’s own experiences helped him understand Beth’s needs, and how he understood how to keep her grounded. It was sad to watch her parents’ simultaneous hopefulness and hopelessness. We can see the start of Beth’s healing and Jake’s struggle to do right by Beth or face the wrath of his team. The emotions in this book were intense but not angsty, and the writing was superb. If you liked Thalia’s story, you’ll love Beth’s.
November 11, 2022
First off, major time jump between Books 1 and 2 - the events of the first book took place 6 years before this picks up.
So I am a sucker for the abused young slave girl who ends up with a dominant but endearing master who helps her find balance.
And I hated when the "experts" in Judgment pronounced Callie unfixable.
I didn't really remember Jake and his team from Thalia's series at first - but it slowly came back to me.
I never saw Jake and Beth getting together. And honestly, I never saw Jennifer writing a book quite like this. But it actually kind of made sense. I think hanging around with a bunch of deadly mercenaries could do wonders for Beth's self-confidence.
The antagonist is pretty nebulous but hopefully, that comes together in the next book (which is about two weeks away as I write this - If I had noticed that, I probably would have held off reading these first two).
Bottom Line - this reminded me more than anything of a Kallypso Masters book - only still a bit darker.
So I am a sucker for the abused young slave girl who ends up with a dominant but endearing master who helps her find balance.
And I hated when the "experts" in Judgment pronounced Callie unfixable.
I didn't really remember Jake and his team from Thalia's series at first - but it slowly came back to me.
I never saw Jake and Beth getting together. And honestly, I never saw Jennifer writing a book quite like this. But it actually kind of made sense. I think hanging around with a bunch of deadly mercenaries could do wonders for Beth's self-confidence.
The antagonist is pretty nebulous but hopefully, that comes together in the next book (which is about two weeks away as I write this - If I had noticed that, I probably would have held off reading these first two).
Bottom Line - this reminded me more than anything of a Kallypso Masters book - only still a bit darker.
July 21, 2022
I really wasn’t sure what to expect in this book. Breaking Beth, the first in this series, was so intense. Ms. Bene is exquisitely good at getting the reader to love (or at least sympathize with) someone who is practically irredeemable. And Beth faced the irredeemable. At the end of Breaking Beth, she had been broken. What was left? And were Beth and the readers ready to go on another torturous roller coaster ride??? Trust Ms. Bene to know exactly what was needed. Damaged Doll is the perfect next book. It is intense, but more emotional rather than torturous, like it’s predecessor. I just love Beth and her journey to heal. She is a hot mess; and what can you expect after all she’s been through. The book is about her fight to survive day to day. There is much to like about both Hake and his crew. I enjoyed the men’s interactions and especially liked the dance between Jake and Beth. I reread several passages many times they were so angsty and hot.
I completely enjoyed this book and cannot wait until the next one. As always, Ms. Bene more than delivers!
I completely enjoyed this book and cannot wait until the next one. As always, Ms. Bene more than delivers!
July 12, 2022
Worth the wait ❣️
This was such a heart-wrenching journey
Nothing was "quickly" overcome
Miraculously no longer a trigger
It was baby steps
Beth fought just as hard, if not harder, to try and find HER new norm
Wasn't easy when those who had experienced some of the same hades as her seemed to be
Moving forward with their lives
Finding their new happy's
While she was still, quite literally, tethered to her past
Each day she questioned if it was worth it - hurting the people she loved
If she would ever find some semblance of happiness
Or was she just that broken
Enter Jake...
He saw through Beth's mask
He understood
He gave her the tools to take those baby steps
To ask the right questions
To accept her new norm
Without judgment
Without contempt
A big thank you to the author she did an amazing job with Beth's journey toward recovery
Oh, there is more to come -
Rest assured Jake and Beth will find their Happily Ever After
This was such a heart-wrenching journey
Nothing was "quickly" overcome
Miraculously no longer a trigger
It was baby steps
Beth fought just as hard, if not harder, to try and find HER new norm
Wasn't easy when those who had experienced some of the same hades as her seemed to be
Moving forward with their lives
Finding their new happy's
While she was still, quite literally, tethered to her past
Each day she questioned if it was worth it - hurting the people she loved
If she would ever find some semblance of happiness
Or was she just that broken
Enter Jake...
He saw through Beth's mask
He understood
He gave her the tools to take those baby steps
To ask the right questions
To accept her new norm
Without judgment
Without contempt
A big thank you to the author she did an amazing job with Beth's journey toward recovery
Oh, there is more to come -
Rest assured Jake and Beth will find their Happily Ever After
July 19, 2022
Absolutely brilliant story on Beth’s resurrection to her new life!
I already know of the horrors that Beth survived and feel for the life she struggles to get through day in and day out with her parents. But when Jake who works for Thalia’s husband knocks on Beth’s parents’ front door over a looming threat to her, it seems to trigger a chasm in Beth’s life that seemingly has Beth arousing. When the threat to Beth gets all too real, Jake gives Beth two options. Beth chooses to go in to hiding with Jake and his team. I love how Jake fights his attraction to Beth and how Beth rediscovers her inner strength and pushes all of Jake’s buttons. I feel for Jake’s great effort with Beth, and the conversation with James, Thalia’s husband for insights on how to manage the rocky road ahead from his experience. It’s a happy for now ending even with the threat on their periphery. I am rooting for the pair to get past the hurtle of Beth being a job!
I already know of the horrors that Beth survived and feel for the life she struggles to get through day in and day out with her parents. But when Jake who works for Thalia’s husband knocks on Beth’s parents’ front door over a looming threat to her, it seems to trigger a chasm in Beth’s life that seemingly has Beth arousing. When the threat to Beth gets all too real, Jake gives Beth two options. Beth chooses to go in to hiding with Jake and his team. I love how Jake fights his attraction to Beth and how Beth rediscovers her inner strength and pushes all of Jake’s buttons. I feel for Jake’s great effort with Beth, and the conversation with James, Thalia’s husband for insights on how to manage the rocky road ahead from his experience. It’s a happy for now ending even with the threat on their periphery. I am rooting for the pair to get past the hurtle of Beth being a job!
July 21, 2022
WOW! That was one hell of a dark, twisted and utterly depraved rollercoaster ride that had my emotions all over the place and my stomach twisted in knots. It is a seriously gritty, raw and heartbreaking story that will have you questioning why all of this horribleness happened to Beth.
Beth makes my heart ache. The hell she has been through and continues to be put through had tears falling off my face for her. She is a strong, fierce and broken woman who survives everyday to live. Her relationship with Jake was slow burn but worth every tough step they must take in order to get past Beth’s brokenness. I loved the slow buildup as it gave me a chance to fully fall in love with Jake for Beth.
This story was amazing, poignantly written and gripping. Once I started there was no way I was going to be able to put this one down. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see how the story continues to progress in the next book.
Beth makes my heart ache. The hell she has been through and continues to be put through had tears falling off my face for her. She is a strong, fierce and broken woman who survives everyday to live. Her relationship with Jake was slow burn but worth every tough step they must take in order to get past Beth’s brokenness. I loved the slow buildup as it gave me a chance to fully fall in love with Jake for Beth.
This story was amazing, poignantly written and gripping. Once I started there was no way I was going to be able to put this one down. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see how the story continues to progress in the next book.
August 16, 2022
Beth Doherty has been returned home, but she will admit, if only to herself, that she is broken on the inside and no therapist she has seen can help her. They can't understand what she went through. Jake and his team of mercenaries have discovered that someone has paid men to hunt for Beth, and in order to keep he safe he takes her to the home where he lives with his team. Jake realizes he wants more with Beth than to just be her protector.
Yes, this is a very dark book and there may be triggers for some readers, but there is a romance developing between Beth and Jake. These characters are absolutely fascinating. I was riveted by the emotional interactions, and engrossed in the, to me, very real psychological impact her kidnapping and torture still have, and probably always will have on her life. I definitely recommend this book and series, an I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Yes, this is a very dark book and there may be triggers for some readers, but there is a romance developing between Beth and Jake. These characters are absolutely fascinating. I was riveted by the emotional interactions, and engrossed in the, to me, very real psychological impact her kidnapping and torture still have, and probably always will have on her life. I definitely recommend this book and series, an I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 11, 2022
Ever since reading Breaking Beth I wondered what happened to Beth after Anthony shattered her. This book is giving all the answers and leaves you wanting for more.
How do you come back after experiencing the horrors Beth was put through?. Can you even come back and lead a normal life and how do you even start?. All these questions and more are things Beth struggles with every minute of everyday. Everyone else seems to comes back and makes progress, so what is wrong with Beth.
And then Jake and his teams turn up at her doorstep and things get even more complicated.
What I loved about this book is how the reader sees how Beth is dealing with everything happening in her life and coming to some great emotional breakthrough and also how Jake sees Beth. Their interaction was great. Also loved meeting the rest of the team.
I am hoping there will be more.
July 11, 2022
This is the second book in this series, and Beth is a survivor, who is damaged, yet not broken, by everything she endured at Anthony’s hands. Beth just wants to move on with her life and try to life as normal as life as possible, but she carries the weight of her horrific past on her shoulders. Jack is a hero, who wants to rid this world of the monsters in it, and he is determined to help Beth heal. This is a well written emotional roller coaster, with survival, healing, twists, overcoming challenges, and is a realistic and heartwrenching page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2022
This was worth the long wait!
Beth has been free for two years, the Williams brothers are gone, the network Thalia and James built for all the girls is helping all of them get back to whatever "normal" they can achieve.
But Beth is still imprisoned. By her own mind, her nightmares, the way people treat her, try to help her. Nothing is really working.
But then something unforeseen happens and she is yanked out of her routine.
And then it is not only her confronted with overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, making heart wrenching decisions to break out of long held rules of conduct.
Following the long, angst and hope filled journey of Beth is by turns making me furious, sad, but also hopeful.
I can't wait for her next steps!
Beth has been free for two years, the Williams brothers are gone, the network Thalia and James built for all the girls is helping all of them get back to whatever "normal" they can achieve.
But Beth is still imprisoned. By her own mind, her nightmares, the way people treat her, try to help her. Nothing is really working.
But then something unforeseen happens and she is yanked out of her routine.
And then it is not only her confronted with overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, making heart wrenching decisions to break out of long held rules of conduct.
Following the long, angst and hope filled journey of Beth is by turns making me furious, sad, but also hopeful.
I can't wait for her next steps!
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