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Shades of Love #7
Damaged Love
One lie tore two lovers apart, breaking both their hearts. And even the truth might not be enough to mend their damaged love.
When billionaire RAF Group Captain Lord Richard Smith lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan, he made sure his fiancée, Giulianna, didn’t find out about it. He could not bear the idea she might honor her vows out of misguided loyalty—and worse, he feared being rejected by her. Besides, she deserved a chance at love with a man without that much baggage. All it took was one little lie to get her to move on.
Giulianna Foreman spent the last two years throwing herself into her work as a pastry chef and joining the best event planners in England. When she learns that her company has been hired to cater a posh weekend wedding at Richard’s family manor, the last thing she wants is to see her former fiancé again. But she’s dedicated to her job and determined to do it well—all while avoiding Richard at every turn.
When the truth is finally unveiled, they’ll have to confront the massive wounds one little lie can inflict and decide if love can make them whole again.
A heartwarming contemporary romance that will delight fans of The Sullivans and authors Nora Roberts and Rosalind James, Damaged Love stands on its own, but it’s also part of Cristiane Serruya's TRUST universe. If you like this standalone novella, you’ll love the rest of the Trust series!
When billionaire RAF Group Captain Lord Richard Smith lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan, he made sure his fiancée, Giulianna, didn’t find out about it. He could not bear the idea she might honor her vows out of misguided loyalty—and worse, he feared being rejected by her. Besides, she deserved a chance at love with a man without that much baggage. All it took was one little lie to get her to move on.
Giulianna Foreman spent the last two years throwing herself into her work as a pastry chef and joining the best event planners in England. When she learns that her company has been hired to cater a posh weekend wedding at Richard’s family manor, the last thing she wants is to see her former fiancé again. But she’s dedicated to her job and determined to do it well—all while avoiding Richard at every turn.
When the truth is finally unveiled, they’ll have to confront the massive wounds one little lie can inflict and decide if love can make them whole again.
A heartwarming contemporary romance that will delight fans of The Sullivans and authors Nora Roberts and Rosalind James, Damaged Love stands on its own, but it’s also part of Cristiane Serruya's TRUST universe. If you like this standalone novella, you’ll love the rest of the Trust series!
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 22, 2019
Allegedly, per the actual author, this was extensively plagiarized from
At this point, I don't believe that #CopyPasteCris wrote anything original at all.
At this point, I don't believe that #CopyPasteCris wrote anything original at all.
February 20, 2019
As I couldn't rate this zero stars, I will explain. To those of you lauding this book, you should know that many of the passages were plagiarised from other authors. This so-called lawyer lifted passages from Christi Caldwell, Courtney Milan, Nora Roberts, Tessa Dare, and many, many other authors to write this book, and many of her others. It is despicable and downright illegal. Do NOT purchase books "written" by her. You will be supporting a plagiarist if you do. Don't believe me? Google it or check out @CaffeinatedFae on Facebook for a list that is 24-authors long of material she stole. Disgusting.
October 15, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Cristiane Serruya. I was interested in this story until it became slow & boring.
February 20, 2019
Not an author - she plagiarizes from the works of true authors.
Shelved as 'will-not-read'
February 19, 2019http://www.courtneymilan.com/rambling...
Cristiane Serruya is a copyright infringer, a plagiarist, and an idiot.
#CopyPasteCris
Cristiane Serruya is a copyright infringer, a plagiarist, and an idiot.
#CopyPasteCris
April 2, 2018
This just dragged. I can't believe after the heroine had seen the hero and been in the house for a few days, she did not notice his injury. Plus, I can't believe his family did not say anything after realizing that the hero is the one that broke the heroine's heart, not the other way around.
I love drama and angst, but this one felt forced just to have a story. The story felt like a soap where the story dragged and dragged.
It read like a regency romance.
You may love it. Reading is subjective.
I love drama and angst, but this one felt forced just to have a story. The story felt like a soap where the story dragged and dragged.
It read like a regency romance.
You may love it. Reading is subjective.
August 30, 2017
She did it again!!
OMG.
Where does Ms. Serruya find these characters?!
Lord Richard Smith, who I met before in Love Painted in Red and whom I knew was a double BK amputee is the star of Damaged Love.
And he is as sexy and hot as Alistair Connor from The Complete TRUST Series, Tavish Uilleam from Love Painted in Red, and Markus Blackthorn from So Much More!!
Giulianna Foreman is a lovely counterpart for him. Giulianna is sweet and strong and loves him to distraction!
What was Richard thinking when he ditched her with a lie?!
But I understood his reasons very well and this is part of the charm of Ms. Serruya's stories; she knows how to show the characters' thoughts in a way we throughly understand why they did everything.
I was moved by this heartwarming story and I do recommend it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for the author.
OMG.
Where does Ms. Serruya find these characters?!
Lord Richard Smith, who I met before in Love Painted in Red and whom I knew was a double BK amputee is the star of Damaged Love.
And he is as sexy and hot as Alistair Connor from The Complete TRUST Series, Tavish Uilleam from Love Painted in Red, and Markus Blackthorn from So Much More!!
Giulianna Foreman is a lovely counterpart for him. Giulianna is sweet and strong and loves him to distraction!
What was Richard thinking when he ditched her with a lie?!
But I understood his reasons very well and this is part of the charm of Ms. Serruya's stories; she knows how to show the characters' thoughts in a way we throughly understand why they did everything.
I was moved by this heartwarming story and I do recommend it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for the author.
October 24, 2017
📚I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader's copy of this book📚
I have a lot of mixed feelings about the book. I get that Richard was seriously injured and felt he should "release" his fiancé, but what a jerky way to go about it. Guilliana deserves better. Ultimately they meet again, work through his baggage and move forward. My first read of Cristiane Serruya and would give her another shot.
I have a lot of mixed feelings about the book. I get that Richard was seriously injured and felt he should "release" his fiancé, but what a jerky way to go about it. Guilliana deserves better. Ultimately they meet again, work through his baggage and move forward. My first read of Cristiane Serruya and would give her another shot.
July 10, 2018
Giulianna is a Pastry Chef who is hired to do a Wedding at her Ex Fiance's home a Man who left her two years ago via email and she hasnt seen him since and doesnt know anything about his life up to date. Richard a man who went to war and didnt come back home a whole man at least that is what he tells himself daily, he left Giulianna because he didnt want to see her pity or have her commit to a broken man. A decision he has regretted but follows through with.
What I enjoyed most about Damaged Love was watching both Richard and Giulianna meet again after 2 long years and seeing that yes the chemistry is still there as much as it was back when they were engaged. watching Giulianna willing to take him back as she still loves him and watching her not give up. Seeing that Richard still wanted her but still believing she deserves more and still he pushed her away at every turn but that the love was still there.
This was a book I just could NOT put down, I stayed up half the night as I had to know who was going to win, Giulianna with getting her man back or if Richard would win and she would leave, this book has a man who is very much in love and lied to his fiance to dump her as he didnt want her to know that he lost his legs in war, Giulianna a woman who loved him so hard that she never stopped and when she gets her second chance to try to win over his heart she decides she isnt giving up this time, a love story. If you like stories like this, then Damaged Love is a must!
What I enjoyed most about Damaged Love was watching both Richard and Giulianna meet again after 2 long years and seeing that yes the chemistry is still there as much as it was back when they were engaged. watching Giulianna willing to take him back as she still loves him and watching her not give up. Seeing that Richard still wanted her but still believing she deserves more and still he pushed her away at every turn but that the love was still there.
This was a book I just could NOT put down, I stayed up half the night as I had to know who was going to win, Giulianna with getting her man back or if Richard would win and she would leave, this book has a man who is very much in love and lied to his fiance to dump her as he didnt want her to know that he lost his legs in war, Giulianna a woman who loved him so hard that she never stopped and when she gets her second chance to try to win over his heart she decides she isnt giving up this time, a love story. If you like stories like this, then Damaged Love is a must!
January 20, 2019
This may be short, but Damaged Love is packed with passion, grief, and second chances at a new life. I could not stop listening to Richard and Guilianna's tale. These two were together, in love and ready for marriage when Richard when off to war. Richard unexpectedly broke off their relationship. Now their paths cross again, and it's time for their second chance. Will Richard come clean as to why he left her? Will Guilianna take him back? Cristiane Serruya concocts these two with unmistakable chemistry. It's impossible not to want to see them together. Her ability to weave the intricate lives of military men intrigues me, as it is done with compassion and understanding of how their lives are affected both mentally and physically. This story in particular resonated with me, as we find Richard's lack of confidence and Guilianna's strength in her love for him. It's a beautiful story and was a great addition to this series.
Andy Creswell and Penny Scott-Andrews continue to impress me with their narrations of this series. They have a chemistry in their duets that rival that of the characters. Creswell is smooth as silk, and draws you into Richard's life and insecurities while Scott-Andrews gives Guilianna strength and vigilance. Truly a great listen.
Andy Creswell and Penny Scott-Andrews continue to impress me with their narrations of this series. They have a chemistry in their duets that rival that of the characters. Creswell is smooth as silk, and draws you into Richard's life and insecurities while Scott-Andrews gives Guilianna strength and vigilance. Truly a great listen.
October 20, 2017
This was an incredible story of a second chance romance centered around misguided sacrifices and lost love. When Richard lost his legs in Afghanistan, he never told Giulianna. Instead he broke off their engagement by email and refused to speak to her, saying he had found a new love. He didn’t want her to have to live with only half a man. However, neither one ever stopped loving the other. When circumstances force them together, will Richard ever reveal the truth? Or open himself up to rejection?
Author, Cristiane Serruya, did a fantastic job portraying some of the feelings that must have been running through Richard’s head after the IED attack that cost him his legs. She does acknowledge that she in fact interviewed injured veterans when writing this novel. Given the way she handled Richard and Giulianna’s story, I am eager to see what she has in store for his brother, Hugh. Hugh has his own baggage from the war, it’s simply not as readily seen as Richard’s.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
Author, Cristiane Serruya, did a fantastic job portraying some of the feelings that must have been running through Richard’s head after the IED attack that cost him his legs. She does acknowledge that she in fact interviewed injured veterans when writing this novel. Given the way she handled Richard and Giulianna’s story, I am eager to see what she has in store for his brother, Hugh. Hugh has his own baggage from the war, it’s simply not as readily seen as Richard’s.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
October 21, 2017
I loved this second chance romance about billionaire/war vet Lord Richard Smith and pastry chef Giulianna Foreman. Richard and Giulianna were engaged to be married until he was injured in Afghanistan. Losing both legs triggered something inside him and he pushed Giulianna away. She knew nothing about him being wounded at war, she only knew how much it hurt to be dumped by the only man she's ever loved. Years later they are reunited and they both realize they never got over each other. Can Giulianna forgive Richard for the secret he kept from her? Will they ever get their HEA?
I love reading great second chance love stories and Cristiane Serruya has written one of the best ones out there. Damaged Love is more than just a love story it is a story about how a war vet dealt with losing his legs. Reading this book will take you on a journey not just of love but of discovering how war affects so many people in different ways. If you are looking for a well written book to read this is the one. I loved it so much I bought it and you should too.
I love reading great second chance love stories and Cristiane Serruya has written one of the best ones out there. Damaged Love is more than just a love story it is a story about how a war vet dealt with losing his legs. Reading this book will take you on a journey not just of love but of discovering how war affects so many people in different ways. If you are looking for a well written book to read this is the one. I loved it so much I bought it and you should too.
November 5, 2017
Awesome contemporary billionaire heart wrenching book. The author did a fabulous job dealing with the trauma post war victims to through. Richard joined the RAF out of honor to his family and country. Both his father and brother served in the military in spite of their financial situation. Unfortunately, the war took its toll on Richard. In spite of his wounds he lived and moved on until his former fiance, Giulianna, is hired to work a weekend wedding on the grounds of his home. Giulianna worked herself to the bone after her fiance broke up with her during his time in Afghanistan. She w was never the same but tried to move on but found comfort in baking her crafts. Now that she's seen him he isn't the man she fell in love with. Lies, time and the horror of war and life take a toll. I received a complementary copy of this book via Hidden Gems. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Serruya.
October 19, 2017
This is such an emotional read that I was in tears a few times and had to read it in one sitting....I had to know what happened next.
Richard and Giulianna were in love and engaged to be married when he was injured in Afghanistan. In the depths of despair he made a decision, and told a lie, that had repercussions that lasted for years and affected many people.
When they meet again it is obvious that they are still in love.....can they be reconciled?
The story flows beautifully from one emotional scene to the next. The path to a HEA is more than bumpy and tears are shed by both the main characters.
The underlying theme of the book is how disabled people feel about themselves, and how other people view them. These sections of the story are particularly well written and truthful.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems.
Richard and Giulianna were in love and engaged to be married when he was injured in Afghanistan. In the depths of despair he made a decision, and told a lie, that had repercussions that lasted for years and affected many people.
When they meet again it is obvious that they are still in love.....can they be reconciled?
The story flows beautifully from one emotional scene to the next. The path to a HEA is more than bumpy and tears are shed by both the main characters.
The underlying theme of the book is how disabled people feel about themselves, and how other people view them. These sections of the story are particularly well written and truthful.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems.
August 30, 2017
Another great story by Cristiane Serruya
This is a story about second chances and how true love can cure anything.
The connection between Richard and Giulianna is strong and it was not a white lie that would tore them apart.
This book is a standalone, no cliffhanger, and part of Cristiane Serruya's TRUST Universe, being the first book The Complete TRUST Series, Love Painted in Red is another standalone where Richard, our MC in Damaged Love, appears for the first time.
Beth
This is a story about second chances and how true love can cure anything.
The connection between Richard and Giulianna is strong and it was not a white lie that would tore them apart.
This book is a standalone, no cliffhanger, and part of Cristiane Serruya's TRUST Universe, being the first book The Complete TRUST Series, Love Painted in Red is another standalone where Richard, our MC in Damaged Love, appears for the first time.
Beth
October 18, 2017
This is an incredible emotional story that was so engaging. I found it so hard to put down. A lie can do so much harm and bring so much heartbreak as evidenced in this story. Captain Lord Richard Smith was an engaged billionaire who lost both legs in Afghanistan. Not wanting her to pity him, he broke off the engagement and made sure she'd never find out about his accident. She was heartbroken and the only way she could continue was to immerse herself in her career as a pastry chef. When they are thrown together two years later, the love and attraction is still as strong as ever. No spoiler here but this is a good read. I read an advance reader copy form Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to review.
November 29, 2018
This is the book 7 in the Trust Series. This is a wonderful second chance to love story, and an emotional and outstanding listen. I totally recommend this Series! I loved Giulianna and Richard's story, and I loved their happy ending, so much deserved. Their story is amazing and beautifully written. Cristiane Serruya has an exceptional writing and she is one of my favorite authors. Andy Cresswell and Penny Scott-Andrews had done an amazing job with the narration. They both have a beautiful voice. I'm looking forward for more books written by Cristiane Serruya and narrated by Andy Cresswell and Penny Scott-Andrews. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
October 17, 2017
What a emotionally moving story. Lord Richard was in the RAF and stepped on an IED and lost his lower legs. He was engaged to Giulianna and broke up with her before he gave her a chance to find out about his legs. Both of them utterly destroyed by the breakup meet two years later and the love was still there. I read the book straight through. I was held in suspense trying to figure out if she would ever find out and if they could move past the lies Richard had told Giulianna at the time of the accident. So much heartache, so much pain but in the end ...... you have to read the book to find out what actually happened.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy from Hidden Gems.
I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy from Hidden Gems.
October 21, 2017
I loved this great story about true love and the ability to overcome the secret/lie that split them up. Richard and Giulianna had a sizzling relationship and were engaged to be married until she received an email from Richard that stated that he had fallen for someone else. When Giulianna ended up returning to Richard's home 2 years later as a pastry chef for a wedding, how would she be treated and by the people that she used to consider family and would she be able to handle seeing Richard again? This story is one that will pull you in and keep you coming back until the end. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
Really enjoyed this book and the format was refreshing having a definite timeline. The story of Guilianna and Lord Richard is a thought provoking read and will pull at your heartstrings. When Lord Richard loses his lower part of his legs to a land mine he breaks of his engagement to Guilianna using the excuse that he met someone else. Roll on two years and Guilianna is part of a catering team organising a wedding in Lord Richards ancestral home. The constant bumping into each other over the course of the event finally gives Lord Richard the push to come clean to the real reason he forced their break up. This story will take you on a sad, euphoric and wildly sexual five star read.
January 29, 2019
Guillianna is a caterer, who sub contracts to event planners. Her latest job is at a wedding at non other than her ex-fiancé’s family home. 2yrs ago, her fiancé, Richard, was stationed in Afghanistan and sent her an email breaking up with her...he’d fallen for someone else. Imagine her surprise when she arrives at the manor and his mother lambasts her for dumping him. Apparently, Richard has not been forthcoming with his family! Over the few days that the catering team is at the manor, Guillianna is determined to get to the bottom of Richard’s rejection. Turns out that he has a huge secret... can these star crossed lovers forget the past, forgive the hurt and move forward?
October 18, 2017
This was a quick read, therefore, the story moved fast. Richard was in madly in love with Guilianna, a love to last forever. But suddenly Guilianna received a Dear Jane letter, not understanding why. Years later, Guilianna is a pastry chef, one of the best in the area. She finds herself at her ex's mansion, baking for a wedding. Richard is shocked to see Guilianna and didn't want to since once she knew of his accident, she'd understand why he broke things off. This was a quick, enjoyable read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
October 22, 2017
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Damaged Love was a beautiful yet emotional read and I enjoyed every second of it.
Richard thought he was doing the right thing by setting Giulianna free but when his past catches up to him, he’s reminded of what he once had and lost. Can he look past his own self pity before he loses her the second time?
The author captured both characters conflicted emotions really well. You could sense their pain, sadness and heartbreak - it was incredibly emotional.
Richard and Giulianna had amazing chemistry. I couldn’t stop laughing when both got jealous and possessive - talk about sweet torture!
Damaged Love was a beautiful yet emotional read and I enjoyed every second of it.
Richard thought he was doing the right thing by setting Giulianna free but when his past catches up to him, he’s reminded of what he once had and lost. Can he look past his own self pity before he loses her the second time?
The author captured both characters conflicted emotions really well. You could sense their pain, sadness and heartbreak - it was incredibly emotional.
Richard and Giulianna had amazing chemistry. I couldn’t stop laughing when both got jealous and possessive - talk about sweet torture!
October 21, 2017
This story was like riding an emotional roller coaster. Losing his legs in Afghanistan, Richard cut his ties with his fiance thinking she deserved someone whole, never mind how she would really think on the matter, by telling her he had found someone new and telling his family she had left him. Lying to everyone as well as himself when he next sees her at his house while she is pastry chef for a wedding and the truth is revealed to all. The characters were very compelling and real. The story flawless. I received this book as an arc and voluntarily am submitting my review.
October 22, 2017
This was a nice quick read. I was drawn to this book from the blurb and that Giulianna is a pastry chef. I'm so glad that I read this one. It was emotional, but heartwarming at the same time. I could feel the heartbreak, hurt, and hope from both Richard and Giulianna. When fate brings these two back together will they grab the second chance life is giving them? Secrets are revealed and old hurts resurface. Can Richard make peace with his inner self doubt to grab of hold of future he has always wanted.
October 8, 2017
Wow! Highly reccomend. Couldn’t put it down once I dtarted. A VERY heartwarming story with a few hot and steamy scenes to make it just right. It protrays the level of love and trust a relationship requires to make it work from both ends. How secrets and guilt can change people. No cliffhangers and Hea. Cannot wait to see where Richard and Guilianna end up after reconmecting. Inalso want to see Hugh find someone special. After all Martha will need lots of grandkids to spoil.
October 25, 2017
A well written story about the main characters Richard and Guilianna. I like the storyline and plot. The main characters are well described and develops nicely. They are likeable. The story has a nice flow. Both characters has both a lot to deal with from their past. I like the chemistry and the passion that develops. The taboo aspects is well included.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 13, 2017
An emotional and heartwarming second chance romance. Damaged Love has a lot of emotional ups and downs. It's about a second chance at love. A story of how war effects people in different ways. It can cause damage not only to the injured war vet but others that love them. I enjoyed reading this book. I is well written and keeps the readers interest. I received this book as a gift and voluntarily give this review.
November 20, 2017
Damaged Love
by Cris Serruya
Enchanting! Beautifully complicated heartrending love story of Giulianna and Richard. He tried to keep her away and thus, keep her in the dark. She was devastated by their broken engagement. Told in not just chapters but in days and moments all from March through October. Definitely swoon and hanky worthy. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book for an honest review.
by Cris Serruya
Enchanting! Beautifully complicated heartrending love story of Giulianna and Richard. He tried to keep her away and thus, keep her in the dark. She was devastated by their broken engagement. Told in not just chapters but in days and moments all from March through October. Definitely swoon and hanky worthy. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book for an honest review.
December 11, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a great book. Once I started to read it, I couldn’t stop. What a heart wrenching story. You can’t help but feel for these two people. A very original twist to this tale. I sure hope that there are future stories for Hugh and Stuart. They deserve a happy ending as well. I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is a very quick read but oh so worthy!!!!!!
What a great book. Once I started to read it, I couldn’t stop. What a heart wrenching story. You can’t help but feel for these two people. A very original twist to this tale. I sure hope that there are future stories for Hugh and Stuart. They deserve a happy ending as well. I highly recommend this story to anyone. It is a very quick read but oh so worthy!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews