I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it, This Book Touches on a very sensitive subject Thank to net galley & the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for my honest option

Nick is a college student on a night out with friends, awaiting the appearance of a hot date when he meets an older man at a bar. His date is so late he has given up so he turn his attention onto this stranger and they have a drink together. One thing leads to another and they leave the bar together. Next thing we see is Nick beaten, bloody and bruised at the hospital. The victim of a nasty physical and sexual assault. With parents who aren't all that cop, it is left to Nick's brother Tony and his wife Julia to try and pick up the pieces and support Nick as he reports the crime. It's not long before Nick's attacker is identified and arrested but this is only the start of things as to brings a case such as this takes time and a whole load of energy. Something not really present when you are still trying to get over such a harrowing ordeal... Told in the past - in 2015 when the attack took place, and in the present - in 2019 as the Detective who ran the case is trying to gain closure. This book handles the very sensitive topic of male rape with the utmost of care and attention. Never sensationalising it. It also follows closely the way that family rallies round and what they will do to protect their own. It's a slow burn and I did have to take a few breaks along the way as it is all quite harrowing and emotional. But, and I hasten to say this. At no time did I feel overwhelmed or unsafe. It is a very dark topic and the author does take the reader into a few darker places but it's nothing over the top. I just felt I needed to take in some air along the way. It's hard hitting and gritty and pulls no punches but it's also sensitive and caring and delivers a few surprising twists along the way. It's also extremely well written and I was shocked when I went to check out the author's back catalogue that this is actually a DEBUT book. No way! Wow. Making it all the more impressive. I am definitely going to keep an eye out for her next book.

A great debut. Brothers Tony and Nick have always been there for each other. When Nick suffers a sexual attack Tony wants to sort it. The emotional damage experienced by them all is compassionately covered. How far would you go to protect your family?

#DAMAGE By Caitlin Wahrer — “Addictive, twisty and thought provoking, #Damage explores themes of justice and doubt, ultimately asking how far you would go to protect your family.” — This cracking debut book had me hooked from the first page. All the way through I was engrossed with the intriguing drama and although tough at times to read, I found the consequences following a horrendous sexual assault both shocking and saddening - making it very thought provoking and an exceedingly good book club read. The layout of the character-driven story is very cleverly executed. Shifting between two timelines, recently and back when the attack happened, we are privy to events as each character sees them. With family being at the heart of the drama and how far we would go to protect them, this was a fabulously written debut book. Suspenseful, engaging and addictive, with a sensitive theme that the author has written with compassion and at the same time, encouraging awareness on a subject that has been taboo for far too long. A highly recommended read for 2021! 5 stars

Damage was a brilliant, if occasionally difficult (due to the subject) book to read. It gave a realistic account of rape and the subsequent fallout, especially with the victim being male. I was gripped till the end.