What do you think?
Rate this book
Collateral Damage #1
Tainted Oaths
I left home at eighteen with nothing but the clothes on my back and the bruises on my face.
I worked hard to build a life I was proud of until a simple case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time ripped my world apart.
With my conscience buried in a wooden box beside my wife and daughter, a beast rose from within.
One that fed on the guilty and sated its thirst for vengeance by killing everyone I held responsible.
Over a decade later, when the dust had settled, and all that remains are the ghosts that haunt me, a scared little girl, whose dark history could rival mine, worms her way into my life and my home.
I’m her protector, she’s my ward, but she’s so much more than just that.
She’s my redemption, my salvation, my chance to atone for the blood I’d spilled.
Yet she also tempts the beast within, and after a stolen moment, I’m left with the taste of sin on my lips and a craving for something far sweeter than forgiveness.
Tainted Oaths is book one in the Collateral Damage series. It can be read as a standalone; however, it is set in the same world as both Ricochet and my Underestimated series, meaning there are a lot of crossovers with existing characters.
Triggers: This book contains scenes of violence, adult language, and sexual situations that require the reader to be 18 or over.
I worked hard to build a life I was proud of until a simple case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time ripped my world apart.
With my conscience buried in a wooden box beside my wife and daughter, a beast rose from within.
One that fed on the guilty and sated its thirst for vengeance by killing everyone I held responsible.
Over a decade later, when the dust had settled, and all that remains are the ghosts that haunt me, a scared little girl, whose dark history could rival mine, worms her way into my life and my home.
I’m her protector, she’s my ward, but she’s so much more than just that.
She’s my redemption, my salvation, my chance to atone for the blood I’d spilled.
Yet she also tempts the beast within, and after a stolen moment, I’m left with the taste of sin on my lips and a craving for something far sweeter than forgiveness.
Tainted Oaths is book one in the Collateral Damage series. It can be read as a standalone; however, it is set in the same world as both Ricochet and my Underestimated series, meaning there are a lot of crossovers with existing characters.
Triggers: This book contains scenes of violence, adult language, and sexual situations that require the reader to be 18 or over.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 2, 2021
4.5
I was a little lost at the beginning because I obviously missed some background knowledges, but I kept reading because the story was intriguing and I just loved Jenna and Wyatt!!
I loved their relationship, their painful past, even the mistakes they make through the whole book.
But what I liked the most is the fact that I fell for an entire world, for a strange crazy and protective family i wanna know more about!!
I was a little lost at the beginning because I obviously missed some background knowledges, but I kept reading because the story was intriguing and I just loved Jenna and Wyatt!!
I loved their relationship, their painful past, even the mistakes they make through the whole book.
But what I liked the most is the fact that I fell for an entire world, for a strange crazy and protective family i wanna know more about!!
February 26, 2022
4.5 Tainted Stars
Wyatt in Mercy's story. I didn't read the related books in the correct order, so I kinda knew about several of the events that took place in this book. Maybe that was the main reason that I felt it was dragging a little about the half-way mark, but it picked up and I loved how their story ended.
Wyatt in Mercy's story. I didn't read the related books in the correct order, so I kinda knew about several of the events that took place in this book. Maybe that was the main reason that I felt it was dragging a little about the half-way mark, but it picked up and I loved how their story ended.
November 16, 2022
Not great as stand alone. There’s tons of stuff about characters from authors other books. The fmc
Runs away and is out of proximity until
After 50 percent. H rescued h from being a sex slave when she was 16. She’s 19 now and living with H who is still madly in love with his 15 years gone dead wife. FMC runs away and H realizes he’s in love and searches for her.She’s with another creepy 40
Yo man but they are just friends. Skim
Skim skim then hea.
Runs away and is out of proximity until
After 50 percent. H rescued h from being a sex slave when she was 16. She’s 19 now and living with H who is still madly in love with his 15 years gone dead wife. FMC runs away and H realizes he’s in love and searches for her.She’s with another creepy 40
Yo man but they are just friends. Skim
Skim skim then hea.
November 12, 2021
Wyatt's Story
Firstly this book is in effect a stand alone however you won't get the most out of it unless you've read at least book two of the Underestimated series and Ricochet, well that's my opinion. Because Wyatt and Jenna met in those books and the side characters are in those books. Those books are amazing so read them anyway. Read all of Candice's books!!
Candice always has the ability to make you feel all the things in her book, she is also one of those authors that can make me laugh out loud which is hard to do. Her books are well balanced between story, character interactions and action.
This is an MF, Wyatt and Jenna have both been used, abused thrown away or kidnapped. Had happiness ripped away from them and had more bad things happen than good. Their relationship evolves and changes throughout the book but you only get a little backstory but it's enough to piece together where the story is going and the main plot points.
Ultimately I would have liked Wyatt to use his baseball bat more, because that cover...
Firstly this book is in effect a stand alone however you won't get the most out of it unless you've read at least book two of the Underestimated series and Ricochet, well that's my opinion. Because Wyatt and Jenna met in those books and the side characters are in those books. Those books are amazing so read them anyway. Read all of Candice's books!!
Candice always has the ability to make you feel all the things in her book, she is also one of those authors that can make me laugh out loud which is hard to do. Her books are well balanced between story, character interactions and action.
This is an MF, Wyatt and Jenna have both been used, abused thrown away or kidnapped. Had happiness ripped away from them and had more bad things happen than good. Their relationship evolves and changes throughout the book but you only get a little backstory but it's enough to piece together where the story is going and the main plot points.
Ultimately I would have liked Wyatt to use his baseball bat more, because that cover...
December 19, 2021
🙄
I’m … this was just all too much.
It’s well written and engaging enough so it gets 3 stars.
But the story line is ridiculously convoluted and drags on from one crazy thing to another.
The end had me rolling my eyes so hard I nearly had an aneurysm. Just the worst possible rubbish.
The unbelievable factor was maxes out half way through this book.
And don’t get me started on the ‘daddy’ situation. Just yuck and all sorts of no. Just ridiculous.
There is no growth to be found in Jenna. She’s just scared and weepy continuously. The rest of them are made to seem important but I couldn’t care any less about any of them because there is a lot of yelling and not enough showing or actions to match the slab text.
Overall the themes are really dark but not well played out and no healing or growth really happens. Not for me.
I’m … this was just all too much.
It’s well written and engaging enough so it gets 3 stars.
But the story line is ridiculously convoluted and drags on from one crazy thing to another.
The end had me rolling my eyes so hard I nearly had an aneurysm. Just the worst possible rubbish.
The unbelievable factor was maxes out half way through this book.
And don’t get me started on the ‘daddy’ situation. Just yuck and all sorts of no. Just ridiculous.
There is no growth to be found in Jenna. She’s just scared and weepy continuously. The rest of them are made to seem important but I couldn’t care any less about any of them because there is a lot of yelling and not enough showing or actions to match the slab text.
Overall the themes are really dark but not well played out and no healing or growth really happens. Not for me.
March 2, 2022
FUCK ME, now that's how you write a fucking book. This was so freaking good! It had everything: suspense, heartbreak, beloved characters from CW's other series, age gap, daddy kink-- seriously it's like I pieced my favorite tropes ever combined in one single book. And holy hell was it so emotional yet funny too. God I love Jenna and Wyatt so much! This will definitely be a book I'll be reading over and over again! 10/10
Now I'm onto Cash's book!
Now I'm onto Cash's book!
December 28, 2021
Gah!! Wyatt is everything!! Welcome back to the world where you don’t need blood to be a family. Candice Wright keeps giving us amazing action packed, emotionally charged steam filled stories that you can’t put down if you want to.
We met Wyatt before, and I am thrilled to finally get his story. He and Jenna do not have an easy road, but they are both strong even with their histories of heartbreak and terror. Watch them come together and heal each other.
If you haven’t read Candice Wright, I’m really not sure what you are waiting for, she is one of the authors that I click on without reading blurbs or anything, I just know that I will not be disappointed and honestly I haven’t.
So go read her books, fall in love with these characters you can thank me later!
We met Wyatt before, and I am thrilled to finally get his story. He and Jenna do not have an easy road, but they are both strong even with their histories of heartbreak and terror. Watch them come together and heal each other.
If you haven’t read Candice Wright, I’m really not sure what you are waiting for, she is one of the authors that I click on without reading blurbs or anything, I just know that I will not be disappointed and honestly I haven’t.
So go read her books, fall in love with these characters you can thank me later!
March 8, 2022
I reaaaalllyyy enjoyed this story. I think it would have been better if I had read Ricochet and The Underestimated series first, if only to familiarize myself with all the side characters. It didn't minimize the enjoyment of this story though; just makes me want to read up on them as I await Cash's story that's next.
I read a decent amount of dark stories and there's angst in there, but I don't think I'll seek the latter, just because of All. The. Emotions. I didn't quite know what I'd be getting into with this one but my heart had all kinds of feels with how Wyatt and Jenna were dancing around each other. Their misconceptions of the other's feelings but caring and wanting the other to be happy... So good. I actually love that sort of drama as they just need to figure their shit out. No contrived drama or games. I loved their chemistry and the friendship and love the supporting characters had for each other as well.
There is a lot of trouble poor Jenna goes through on top of figuring out her relationship with Wyatt that made this a page-turner as well. I thought the ending was so sweet and I'm really happy I came across this. I only wish this was a little longer so that we got a solid amount of chill and happy time for the couple. Cherry on top was this being a solid age-gap romance.
I would definitely recommend giving this a read.
I read a decent amount of dark stories and there's angst in there, but I don't think I'll seek the latter, just because of All. The. Emotions. I didn't quite know what I'd be getting into with this one but my heart had all kinds of feels with how Wyatt and Jenna were dancing around each other. Their misconceptions of the other's feelings but caring and wanting the other to be happy... So good. I actually love that sort of drama as they just need to figure their shit out. No contrived drama or games. I loved their chemistry and the friendship and love the supporting characters had for each other as well.
There is a lot of trouble poor Jenna goes through on top of figuring out her relationship with Wyatt that made this a page-turner as well. I thought the ending was so sweet and I'm really happy I came across this. I only wish this was a little longer so that we got a solid amount of chill and happy time for the couple. Cherry on top was this being a solid age-gap romance.
I would definitely recommend giving this a read.
November 6, 2022
Candice’s best novel to date
To me, this is the best written work of Candice’s so far. That I’ve read. I’m sure I will think the same thing about another book she will write because she only gets better with each book I read. But Wyatt was a character I NEEDED to see have a happy ending, and I got it. I am so happy for him and I adore age gap books, but even if there hadn’t been an age gap between him and Jenna, I know there couldn’t be a better love for him. She deserved her happy ending as well. The age gap and daddy aspect just made it so much better! I’ve read three of this authors books in the last four days and I can’t wait to jump into another one.
I started reading her books because RH is my favorite thing to read but I love that Wyatt wasn’t part of a harem. He deserved his one and only. His story was written just as it needed to be. I just wish I could have gotten an epilogue with a baby in his arms. That would have tied this up nicely.
To me, this is the best written work of Candice’s so far. That I’ve read. I’m sure I will think the same thing about another book she will write because she only gets better with each book I read. But Wyatt was a character I NEEDED to see have a happy ending, and I got it. I am so happy for him and I adore age gap books, but even if there hadn’t been an age gap between him and Jenna, I know there couldn’t be a better love for him. She deserved her happy ending as well. The age gap and daddy aspect just made it so much better! I’ve read three of this authors books in the last four days and I can’t wait to jump into another one.
I started reading her books because RH is my favorite thing to read but I love that Wyatt wasn’t part of a harem. He deserved his one and only. His story was written just as it needed to be. I just wish I could have gotten an epilogue with a baby in his arms. That would have tied this up nicely.
November 11, 2021
5 Stars!
Whoa. Is it hot in here or is it just me?
What a book y'all. I'm new to Candice Wright and her writing and I'm thoroughly impressed from what I've read so far.
I first read Coerce by her, a steamy standalone based on a recommendation in a Facebook group so when I saw this book and specifically that cover, I dived in headfirst.. blind. BEST. DECISION. EVER. This book was all kinds of addicting and brilliant... intense, unforgettable, and unputdownable in every single moment. Wyatt and Jenna will hook you hard and fast and leave your breathless. Their journey isn't easy and it's riddled with complications but whew. My heart, my heart during this beauty. The heat, temptation, danger, emotions... the daddy talk. Again is it hot in here or is it just me?
I'm two for two with this author and since this crosses over from another series, I'll be racing to her backlist.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Whoa. Is it hot in here or is it just me?
What a book y'all. I'm new to Candice Wright and her writing and I'm thoroughly impressed from what I've read so far.
I first read Coerce by her, a steamy standalone based on a recommendation in a Facebook group so when I saw this book and specifically that cover, I dived in headfirst.. blind. BEST. DECISION. EVER. This book was all kinds of addicting and brilliant... intense, unforgettable, and unputdownable in every single moment. Wyatt and Jenna will hook you hard and fast and leave your breathless. Their journey isn't easy and it's riddled with complications but whew. My heart, my heart during this beauty. The heat, temptation, danger, emotions... the daddy talk. Again is it hot in here or is it just me?
I'm two for two with this author and since this crosses over from another series, I'll be racing to her backlist.
I highly recommend this book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
November 10, 2021
"A Gripping All-Encompassing Story"
Tainted Oaths, by Candice M. Wright, is an all-encompassing, gigantic story. A highly emotional, gripping, trigger-infused, mysterious, indescribably hopeful story. This is a story that took me through the wringer and tossed me around so many times, that, when it seemed that peace was on the horizon, it took me through the wringer yet again. It is a story that has so much darkness, so much pain and grief, that the desperate light was difficult to see. But, that light? Man-oh-man, when it shone....it was brilliant.
This light came by the name of Wyatt Turner. He was everything. He was one of those characters that I needed to immediately squeeze-hug him and keep him in my pocket for safe keeping. I adored him and for this I needed to know everything about him as he was just so worthy of so-much-love. His story is one that is gut-wrenching, soul searching and absolutely addicting.
Tainted Oaths was so visceral. Despite not having read any of the previous stories from the Ricochet nor Underestimated Series, I felt like I came in mid-story as it is a continuation of that world. As a first time reader, the emotional darkness was so prevalent that it took my breath away as it all kept me glued to this deeply encompassing story.
Tainted Oaths was everything. It's a story that needs to be absorbed as all of the twists and turns will leave the reader spinning as the juxtaposition of light and dark was staggering. It has so many triggers that I lost count, and for this, I actually needed to skip through some of the darker moments as they were just way too much.
That all being said, I was also all heart-eyes and gushy-like in between bouts of never-ending inconsolable tears, due to that one moment, that unbelievably breathtaking moment, which was in this reader's opinion, of the utmost of magnificence. I also found the writing to be just as realistic due to the inclusion of perfectly placed humor that the dialogue was oddly perfect.
The story contained so many vast and important secondary characters, some just rubbed me the wrong way, but others I found myself scream-cheering for, as not only were they big and mighty bikers, they were also such an integral part of the story.
Tainted Oaths slayed me. It crushed me. The storyline, plot and characters were deep and all-absorbing. With a sense of an on-going storyline, there really is a need to read the aforementioned series. Not having read them left this reader, at times, confused and frustrated and did keep me from having a completely well-rounded experience with this story. Even though there is a need for more background information, I also thought some of it felt rushed and slightly unrealistic. Other than that, it was collectively an amazing story. I really, really liked it. :)
*star rating: 4.45 'I really, really liked this story' stars*
November 10, 2021
I have been curious about Wyatt since reading Megan’s book years ago, and when he popped up in other Candice books I was excited for his story to be told. Wyatt was always this dark and mysterious creature in my mind and I loved getting to know him in this book.
In Tainted Oaths, Wyatt and Jenna’s relationship shifts from guardian and ward to something more, and we get to experience all of the crackling chemistry and sexual tension as both characters struggle with their developing romantic feelings for each other. Wyatt and Jenna are complex characters, with fragmented souls resulting from past trauma, but together they fit like perfect puzzle pieces.
Woven through this beautiful love story is a fast-paced, suspenseful plot that featured some character crossover from other Candice books. I loved visiting with these characters and am excited for more from this world.
If you enjoy reading romantic suspense with dark and complex characters, possessive alpha males, and a fast moving plot, you will love this book! Wyatt and Jenna were everything I could have hoped for and my fingers are crossed that we’ll see glimpses of them in future books.
In Tainted Oaths, Wyatt and Jenna’s relationship shifts from guardian and ward to something more, and we get to experience all of the crackling chemistry and sexual tension as both characters struggle with their developing romantic feelings for each other. Wyatt and Jenna are complex characters, with fragmented souls resulting from past trauma, but together they fit like perfect puzzle pieces.
Woven through this beautiful love story is a fast-paced, suspenseful plot that featured some character crossover from other Candice books. I loved visiting with these characters and am excited for more from this world.
If you enjoy reading romantic suspense with dark and complex characters, possessive alpha males, and a fast moving plot, you will love this book! Wyatt and Jenna were everything I could have hoped for and my fingers are crossed that we’ll see glimpses of them in future books.
November 11, 2021
This is a book of two people finding each other after a world of pain and anguish. Jenna having suffered from an early age, found herself in the safety net of Wyatt, Megan and Viddy and then the Chaos MC too. Wyatt has had his fair share of hurt and pain, and as time went on, they both grew to realise they needed one another close to keep the nightmares at bay.
Through the years, feelings have grown and become mixed, but Jenna can't help but feel she is in love with a man that belongs to someone else. When it becomes too much, they both are left alone to work their lives out, by the time realization dawns, Jenna needs her "beast" more than she has ever before.
Even after,there are struggles but both Wyatt and Jenna try to live their lives the only way they know how...together...demons or no demons.
There are the added bit of kink, and there may be triggers for some...but yet again,another phenomenal start to a series from Candice!
Through the years, feelings have grown and become mixed, but Jenna can't help but feel she is in love with a man that belongs to someone else. When it becomes too much, they both are left alone to work their lives out, by the time realization dawns, Jenna needs her "beast" more than she has ever before.
Even after,there are struggles but both Wyatt and Jenna try to live their lives the only way they know how...together...demons or no demons.
There are the added bit of kink, and there may be triggers for some...but yet again,another phenomenal start to a series from Candice!
December 11, 2022
2.5 stars ⭐️
It just wasn’t the one for me.
The incestuous “relationship” with her brother (I know she didn’t know but he did - could have just made him the regular run of the mill creep)
Calling him “daddy” really lowered the spice factor for me especially with the age gap and the fact that he rescued her not that long ago (3 years).
The kidnapping and relationship break ups that just kept happening, like one is enough but oh no not here!
And then this Is the first book in the series, but it ties so deeply with the previous series that you cannot read it and understand who everyone is without reading the previous series I was so confused even right until the very end they’re just too many people with too many names like some of the people have multiple names.
It just wasn’t the one for me.
The incestuous “relationship” with her brother (I know she didn’t know but he did - could have just made him the regular run of the mill creep)
Calling him “daddy” really lowered the spice factor for me especially with the age gap and the fact that he rescued her not that long ago (3 years).
The kidnapping and relationship break ups that just kept happening, like one is enough but oh no not here!
And then this Is the first book in the series, but it ties so deeply with the previous series that you cannot read it and understand who everyone is without reading the previous series I was so confused even right until the very end they’re just too many people with too many names like some of the people have multiple names.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I finally got the book I have been waiting for! Ever since Wyatt showed up in Megan's book, I wanted to know more about him. This book exceeded my expectations. I also loved all the cameos from all my other favorite characters. Now I want a Candy girls book!
I finally got the book I have been waiting for! Ever since Wyatt showed up in Megan's book, I wanted to know more about him. This book exceeded my expectations. I also loved all the cameos from all my other favorite characters. Now I want a Candy girls book!
March 29, 2022
OK.
This was some of CW’s normal plot spins but some of it was slow, boring and painfully predictable. The ending while predictable was the best part of the book. Still looking forward to reading the next in the series.
This was some of CW’s normal plot spins but some of it was slow, boring and painfully predictable. The ending while predictable was the best part of the book. Still looking forward to reading the next in the series.
January 14, 2022
3.75 Stars
Good book but I felt like I was missing the back stories for the characters. It read like a book in the middle of a series instead of the first book of a series.
Good book but I felt like I was missing the back stories for the characters. It read like a book in the middle of a series instead of the first book of a series.
October 28, 2021
This was an incredible book. After meeting Wyatt in Mercy's book I was highly intrigued by his story. I needed to know more about the man who killed an entire gang in revenge.
Now Wyatt has gotten his perfect story. He found an amazing second love in Jenna.
Jenna had a horrible childhood as a sex slave. After running away she is found and taken in by Mercy, Viddy and Wyatt.
In the beginning she had a crush on Wyatt but as she got older it turned to love. Wyatt started having feelings for her when she got older as well but was afraid to act on them out of loyalty to his wife.
As they start to admit to their feelings Jenna's old life comes back to haunt her and nearly tears her from Wyatt several times.
They find their way back together each time and have the happiest of endings.
I highly recommend this book!!!
Now Wyatt has gotten his perfect story. He found an amazing second love in Jenna.
Jenna had a horrible childhood as a sex slave. After running away she is found and taken in by Mercy, Viddy and Wyatt.
In the beginning she had a crush on Wyatt but as she got older it turned to love. Wyatt started having feelings for her when she got older as well but was afraid to act on them out of loyalty to his wife.
As they start to admit to their feelings Jenna's old life comes back to haunt her and nearly tears her from Wyatt several times.
They find their way back together each time and have the happiest of endings.
I highly recommend this book!!!
November 12, 2021
I think this is the first book by this author where I actually had a cringe-y moment. To be honest , it’s not the writing, but the use of “daddy” is not my jam. That being said everything else was out of this world. Dark and twisty moments that had my on the edge of my seat, flipping pages like a possessed woman, hungry for what could possibly happen next.
My new fav lines happened in this book. “Grief and love are the only emotions not driven by age, race, color, or sex. They are measured solely by our capacity to feel both gut-wrenching pain and exquisite ecstasy. Sometimes I’m not sure which of the two hurts worse though.”
This clutched at my heart!
Cannot wait for the next book, as that ending had me like Whoa!!!
My new fav lines happened in this book. “Grief and love are the only emotions not driven by age, race, color, or sex. They are measured solely by our capacity to feel both gut-wrenching pain and exquisite ecstasy. Sometimes I’m not sure which of the two hurts worse though.”
This clutched at my heart!
Cannot wait for the next book, as that ending had me like Whoa!!!
Read
November 21, 2021Going to come back to this one. I loved the first half, but somewhere between 48%-60% the story writing seemed to change drastically. I’m not sure if it’s just me but the widowed H began to say things like “FML”, almost as if his personality or IQ changed, and the heroine whom was meek and damaged in the beginning, was suddenly referring to the H as her beast and daddy. It could be that I missed some inferences due to reading this first book as a standalone and didn’t read the other books in the other series’, to understand the characters better in other couple’s books or perhaps this is just my interpretation. Also, after being taken by a bad man, and returned home to H, the h started to inner monologue things like “you don’t have to tell me twice” in regards to jumping the H after just getting out stitches after healing from falling through a glass table over the week. The first intimate scenes were nothing like I imagined and rushed. The h’s dialogue became more juvenile compared to her personality in the first half. Very strong emotional and compelling first half, I loved the beginning, but the story seemed to shift gears, becoming very OTT, the characters are acting out of character, and there were just too many awkward moments that seemed out of place compared to the first half. I may give it another try when the mood hits. I love the cover, it really fits the H but I just wish the tone of the story would’ve stayed on the current it was on from the beginning ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
This book gives “what happened to the original plot of the movie” vibes tbh
This is from chapter 2:
“My body tingles with awareness, making me want to curse at the injustice of it all. If it had been any other man, I’d be mid panic attack now, but Wyatt moves through my defenses with the ease of a ghost - I’ve ruminated over what makes this man so special and it always comes back to one thing. Trust. Wyatt is the only man I have ever trusted so completely that my body doesn’t shut down around him. I know in my soul he’s no threat to me.”
And then this is from chapter 3:
“What’s going on is that I’m about to have a spontaneous orgasm, which will be about as mortifying as coming all over my gynecologist’s fingers - In my defense, the man was far too hot to have been a gynecologist. There should be rules about that sort of thing to prevent unsuspecting women from squirting in his eyeball. Not that that part happened, thank god.”
So in the span of one chapter she goes from telling the reader that Wyatt is the ONLY man that can make her body feel alive and not shut down completely, to then telling the reader that a random ass man made her cum, just by doing his job btw, because he was handsome? So everything from the chapter before was a complete lie then? Wyatt is, in fact, not special at all and her body does, in fact, not shut down around other men.
It's stupid shit like this that makes it impossible for me to take the story seriously because tell me how that makes sense - it just feels like the author gives all her characters tragic pasts with an extreme amount of trauma just for the drama of the story and not with any sort of respect or understanding for the sensitive topics
This is from chapter 2:
“My body tingles with awareness, making me want to curse at the injustice of it all. If it had been any other man, I’d be mid panic attack now, but Wyatt moves through my defenses with the ease of a ghost - I’ve ruminated over what makes this man so special and it always comes back to one thing. Trust. Wyatt is the only man I have ever trusted so completely that my body doesn’t shut down around him. I know in my soul he’s no threat to me.”
And then this is from chapter 3:
“What’s going on is that I’m about to have a spontaneous orgasm, which will be about as mortifying as coming all over my gynecologist’s fingers - In my defense, the man was far too hot to have been a gynecologist. There should be rules about that sort of thing to prevent unsuspecting women from squirting in his eyeball. Not that that part happened, thank god.”
So in the span of one chapter she goes from telling the reader that Wyatt is the ONLY man that can make her body feel alive and not shut down completely, to then telling the reader that a random ass man made her cum, just by doing his job btw, because he was handsome? So everything from the chapter before was a complete lie then? Wyatt is, in fact, not special at all and her body does, in fact, not shut down around other men.
It's stupid shit like this that makes it impossible for me to take the story seriously because tell me how that makes sense - it just feels like the author gives all her characters tragic pasts with an extreme amount of trauma just for the drama of the story and not with any sort of respect or understanding for the sensitive topics
March 22, 2022
I almost skipped this one. Candice Wright writes great stories but the extremely interconnected world is a lot to take in. This is supposedly a standalone and while I suppose it’s possible to understand it all without having read any of her other books I think you definitely lose something.
Both characters here had very *tragic backstories* and I understand that most romance readers gobble up that sort of thing it just gives me a sense of dread. It’s impossible not to get drawn into the story here but its definitely a bit bonkers.
The H and h don’t get on the same page AND in the same physical location until 50%. The very beginning they dance around each other both believing their feelings to be unrequited. Then she runs and they are separated for a couple of months. It was a bit frustrating.
Then there’s her legit crazy stalker and the human traffickers who are after her. This girl can’t catch a break.
Cover 3/5
Story 3/5
Heat 2.75/5
Angst 3/5
Medium burn, despite the many obstacles in the first 50% they waste no time hopping in bed together around 55%.
No condoms
No virgins
Daddy kink
Spanking
No OW drama
He has a dead wife
OM drama
Push away from both
6+ week separation
No cheating
No scenes with others
No cliffhanger
HEA
Safety - fairly safe depending on your opinions. H has a dead wife which is one of my least favorite tropes. Her ghost is ever present in the story and he drunkenly calls h by DW’s name one night he dry humping her before she runs away.
The h ends with a creepy dude who wants her but she’s not interested. She doesn’t encourage him but he’s not mentally stable so lots of bonkers things happen with this guy.
Both characters here had very *tragic backstories* and I understand that most romance readers gobble up that sort of thing it just gives me a sense of dread. It’s impossible not to get drawn into the story here but its definitely a bit bonkers.
The H and h don’t get on the same page AND in the same physical location until 50%. The very beginning they dance around each other both believing their feelings to be unrequited. Then she runs and they are separated for a couple of months. It was a bit frustrating.
Then there’s her legit crazy stalker and the human traffickers who are after her. This girl can’t catch a break.
Cover 3/5
Story 3/5
Heat 2.75/5
Angst 3/5
Medium burn, despite the many obstacles in the first 50% they waste no time hopping in bed together around 55%.
No condoms
No virgins
Daddy kink
Spanking
No OW drama
He has a dead wife
OM drama
Push away from both
6+ week separation
No cheating
No scenes with others
No cliffhanger
HEA
Safety - fairly safe depending on your opinions. H has a dead wife which is one of my least favorite tropes. Her ghost is ever present in the story and he drunkenly calls h by DW’s name one night he dry humping her before she runs away.
The h ends with a creepy dude who wants her but she’s not interested. She doesn’t encourage him but he’s not mentally stable so lots of bonkers things happen with this guy.
November 12, 2021
An Absolute Masterpiece ❤️❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Candice Wright never fails at writing a masterpiece that rips your heart out, chews it up, then puts it right back where it belongs. This book had my emotions all over the place from page 1. He lost his family, she lost her childhood, years later they find recovery and love together. This is Wyatt and Jenna’s story of loss and love. Neither one of them are able to see what’s right in front of them until it wedges an awkward distance between them. Avoiding how he feels Wyatt unintentionally pushes Jenna to the point of leaving. Thinking he doesn’t care at all Jenna decides to take a friends job offer and moves away to get her life under control and to give herself time to get over how she feels. As reality finally slaps them both hard it’s a race to fix what was almost broken. Jenna is betrayed and her past returns to haunt her, truths she never expected will be revealed and her life is on the line. Wyatt trying to not let his past repeat itself fights to get Jenna safe and give her the HEA she deserves. This book had my emotions all over the place, on cloud 9, drug in the dirt, torn up and then pieced back together. I cried, I laughed, I yelled, I almost broke my kindle, but most importantly I fell in love with Wyatt and Jenna!! This was an absolutely amazing story and I 100% recommend this book!! And I 100% recommend a big box of tissues!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Candice Wright never fails at writing a masterpiece that rips your heart out, chews it up, then puts it right back where it belongs. This book had my emotions all over the place from page 1. He lost his family, she lost her childhood, years later they find recovery and love together. This is Wyatt and Jenna’s story of loss and love. Neither one of them are able to see what’s right in front of them until it wedges an awkward distance between them. Avoiding how he feels Wyatt unintentionally pushes Jenna to the point of leaving. Thinking he doesn’t care at all Jenna decides to take a friends job offer and moves away to get her life under control and to give herself time to get over how she feels. As reality finally slaps them both hard it’s a race to fix what was almost broken. Jenna is betrayed and her past returns to haunt her, truths she never expected will be revealed and her life is on the line. Wyatt trying to not let his past repeat itself fights to get Jenna safe and give her the HEA she deserves. This book had my emotions all over the place, on cloud 9, drug in the dirt, torn up and then pieced back together. I cried, I laughed, I yelled, I almost broke my kindle, but most importantly I fell in love with Wyatt and Jenna!! This was an absolutely amazing story and I 100% recommend this book!! And I 100% recommend a big box of tissues!!
November 12, 2021
☆☆☆☆☆
Tainted Oaths just blew my mind to kingdom come and I don’t want to come back to earth. After reading this, you better believe I will be devouring this author’s backlist and will love every second of it. This is a dark and gritty read with definite triggers so don’t say you weren’t warned.
That cover immediately grabbed my attention which is why I grabbed it. This dark, age gap romance tells the story of Wyatt and Jenna. It’s recommended to read the Underestimated series and Ricochet to get the complete experience and I would agree as this was my first read by this author but I loved it all the same. Wyatt met Jenna when she was just a girl and he had just come off a decade of bloodshed to avenge the deaths of his wife and daughter. She became his ward. Together, they found an escape from their nightmares. As the years went by, their feelings changed. In the middle of figuring that out, her past comes back to steel her away.
From beginning to end, my adrenaline was pumping wondering how everything would unfold. Wyatt became my new obsession and boy did he make me need to take a cold shower. If you don’t mind some daddy plus dirty talk and tend to gravitate to the dark reads, then I highly recommend this book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Tainted Oaths just blew my mind to kingdom come and I don’t want to come back to earth. After reading this, you better believe I will be devouring this author’s backlist and will love every second of it. This is a dark and gritty read with definite triggers so don’t say you weren’t warned.
That cover immediately grabbed my attention which is why I grabbed it. This dark, age gap romance tells the story of Wyatt and Jenna. It’s recommended to read the Underestimated series and Ricochet to get the complete experience and I would agree as this was my first read by this author but I loved it all the same. Wyatt met Jenna when she was just a girl and he had just come off a decade of bloodshed to avenge the deaths of his wife and daughter. She became his ward. Together, they found an escape from their nightmares. As the years went by, their feelings changed. In the middle of figuring that out, her past comes back to steel her away.
From beginning to end, my adrenaline was pumping wondering how everything would unfold. Wyatt became my new obsession and boy did he make me need to take a cold shower. If you don’t mind some daddy plus dirty talk and tend to gravitate to the dark reads, then I highly recommend this book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
December 13, 2021
Tainted Oath (Collateral Damage #1) by Candice. When I started reading this book I did not realize that it was an offshoot of Ricochet and the Underestimated series. This was a really good story and as I reading the story I began to realize who Wyatt was, I was excited. He finally has his own book. Yes this book is a standalone but the other books are really good, you will have a real knowledge of the other characters in this story. Wyatt has had a hard life especially after the murder of his wife and daughter. Somewhere along the line he takes in Jenna. At 14 her parents pimped her out and at 16 sold her. Wyatt has been caring for her and keeping her away from whomever her parents sold her to. Now at 19 Jenna has developed in a beautiful woman and Wyatt has noticed. He is struggling with his feelings for her due to his own issues, their age difference and the things that have happened to her. This is their story and what a story it is. It was so good to see the other characters from the other books. As I was reading this story it made me want to go back and reread the other books. There was plenty of action and intrigue. A rollercoaster ride that had me smiling and giddy by the end. Just loved it and I am so looking forward to the next book. 5 stars for me.
March 2, 2022
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
Tainted oaths is the first book in the ‘’collateral damage’’ series.
This story is angsty, mixed paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Although you can read this book as a standalone I would recommend reading Princess of Chaos and Ricochet first. They both have the characters from this book in it. We learn their back stories from previous books. Wyatt is a man that lost his wife and child and became dark. When he was tasked with caring for Jenna, they connected. As years passed an attraction grew but will they give love a chance?
The chemistry between Wyatt and Jenna is clear to see and I loved them together. I liked the build up to them getting together. I loved that they were each others support. My heart hurt for Wyatt and all he had been through and lost. My heart also hurt for all Jenna had been through.
I liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I look forward to more books from this series.
Tainted oaths is the first book in the ‘’collateral damage’’ series.
This story is angsty, mixed paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Although you can read this book as a standalone I would recommend reading Princess of Chaos and Ricochet first. They both have the characters from this book in it. We learn their back stories from previous books. Wyatt is a man that lost his wife and child and became dark. When he was tasked with caring for Jenna, they connected. As years passed an attraction grew but will they give love a chance?
The chemistry between Wyatt and Jenna is clear to see and I loved them together. I liked the build up to them getting together. I loved that they were each others support. My heart hurt for Wyatt and all he had been through and lost. My heart also hurt for all Jenna had been through.
I liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I look forward to more books from this series.
November 11, 2021
Wyatt hasn't had the easiest life with his upbringing, but his life got ultimately better when he found his family, but alas, life wasn't done with him. He ended up losing his wife & daughter to the grave & a dark man was truly born as he would take out everyone involved in that tragedy. Jenna has a terrible life that really messed with my emotions because it was truly evil as she ended up as a sex slave, but when Wyatt ended up rescueing her, maybe just maybe they were just what the doctor ordered for each other to heal. Of course with Wyatt being a widow, he wasn't ready to let go of his guilt not to mention she was younger than him so it was slow going at the beginning, but after they hit their stride, Jenna's past came back with a vengeance so I was on the edge of my seat trying to not skip ahead, and it was hard. THere was only one thing that I wasn't a fan of, and it's totally a personal preference, but I'm not about the daddy situation during sexy times but again, that's just me. Now for all you dark romance lovers, it's time to hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! {4.5 STARS}
November 16, 2021
Nice read
I loved ricochet so I'm glad that wasn't the end of seeing those characters. This book had a lot going on.. I was glad Jenna wasn't a doormat after everything she went through but after hanging with viddy, and everyone I kinda expected her to be a bit more able to defend herself. She didn't need to b a badass out the gate, just a bit less damsel in distress. Wyatt, who was supposed to be this crazy murdering beast although it was warranted was more tame than I expected, But it was still a nice story.. especially with both their backgrounds. i would have liked a extended epilogue at the end and a little more info on how she came to be saved by Megan and ended up with Wyatt at the beginning. Maybe its in another book. Obviously there are some books I still need to read as some of the side characters seem to have stories I don't know.. glad to see viddy and her guys.. also I'm glad Cash has a book coming because I was kinda sad he didn't end up with viddy. Hope we also get one with Will. I'm not sure if Dulce has a book out but if not I'm definitely interested in what her story is.
I loved ricochet so I'm glad that wasn't the end of seeing those characters. This book had a lot going on.. I was glad Jenna wasn't a doormat after everything she went through but after hanging with viddy, and everyone I kinda expected her to be a bit more able to defend herself. She didn't need to b a badass out the gate, just a bit less damsel in distress. Wyatt, who was supposed to be this crazy murdering beast although it was warranted was more tame than I expected, But it was still a nice story.. especially with both their backgrounds. i would have liked a extended epilogue at the end and a little more info on how she came to be saved by Megan and ended up with Wyatt at the beginning. Maybe its in another book. Obviously there are some books I still need to read as some of the side characters seem to have stories I don't know.. glad to see viddy and her guys.. also I'm glad Cash has a book coming because I was kinda sad he didn't end up with viddy. Hope we also get one with Will. I'm not sure if Dulce has a book out but if not I'm definitely interested in what her story is.
March 21, 2022
Heart wrenching and beautiful
Oh my ever loving god. Jenna and Wyatt had me smiling, crying, terrified, laughing, then smiling and crying again. Candice Wright did a phenomenal job with this story. It tugged on my emotions so much. Not only did we have a beautiful story about healing and romance, but the mixed in suspense had me on the edge of my seat anxious to know what was going to happen next. Both Jenna and Wyatt had an absolutely terrible and tragic childhood. Then after Wyatt finally broke free and started a family of his own, he lost his wife and daughter. Jenna managed to escape her past with the help of the Chaos MC. But it was her past that was coming back for her. Wyatt and Jenna had an incredible connection despite the age difference. But Wyatt was still very much in love with his dead wife and struggled to move past that.
I'm not going to give more away than that. This was a very well written story. No insta-love but a soul deep connection. Great back story and wonderful side characters. Truly an amazing story and worth the read! I'd give more than 5 stars if I could!
Oh my ever loving god. Jenna and Wyatt had me smiling, crying, terrified, laughing, then smiling and crying again. Candice Wright did a phenomenal job with this story. It tugged on my emotions so much. Not only did we have a beautiful story about healing and romance, but the mixed in suspense had me on the edge of my seat anxious to know what was going to happen next. Both Jenna and Wyatt had an absolutely terrible and tragic childhood. Then after Wyatt finally broke free and started a family of his own, he lost his wife and daughter. Jenna managed to escape her past with the help of the Chaos MC. But it was her past that was coming back for her. Wyatt and Jenna had an incredible connection despite the age difference. But Wyatt was still very much in love with his dead wife and struggled to move past that.
I'm not going to give more away than that. This was a very well written story. No insta-love but a soul deep connection. Great back story and wonderful side characters. Truly an amazing story and worth the read! I'd give more than 5 stars if I could!
November 11, 2021
** I really want to give this book more than 5 stars**
I liked Wyatt from Mercy's book and i cant tell you how much i wanted to get my hands on his book. Only from the beginning of it do you realize that his life hasnt been an easy or happy one and its tainted the life hes living now. My goodness did my heart break for him. It was so sad.
Jenna on the other hand hasnt had a great life either and her story was just hard reading. Some of the content of which might upset some folks. Yes there is an age difference between them but regardless of that from the start you just know how utterly perfect they are for each other but their pasts (or more so Wyatt's) get in their way.
I just loved their book and some of the crossover characters from The Underestimated series was a bonus for me. Viddy, Megan and Sunshine were favs of mine as was the Candy Girls. Im holding out for them getting their books. Omg i flaming hope so!!! Tainted Oaths is dark in places, violent but its also about love and family too. A cracking read
I liked Wyatt from Mercy's book and i cant tell you how much i wanted to get my hands on his book. Only from the beginning of it do you realize that his life hasnt been an easy or happy one and its tainted the life hes living now. My goodness did my heart break for him. It was so sad.
Jenna on the other hand hasnt had a great life either and her story was just hard reading. Some of the content of which might upset some folks. Yes there is an age difference between them but regardless of that from the start you just know how utterly perfect they are for each other but their pasts (or more so Wyatt's) get in their way.
I just loved their book and some of the crossover characters from The Underestimated series was a bonus for me. Viddy, Megan and Sunshine were favs of mine as was the Candy Girls. Im holding out for them getting their books. Omg i flaming hope so!!! Tainted Oaths is dark in places, violent but its also about love and family too. A cracking read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews