Manhattan, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2015 -- It's a tragic fact but one the world shouldn't shy away from; those who were abused often become abusers. In his raw and shocking new novel, author Ben Burgess Jr explores this concept while directly exposing the one thing that can end its vicious cycle.

'Wounded' pulls no punches when dragging readers through a world of self-sabotage, love, betrayal and a cocktail of other forces that make up the psychosexual fallout from harrowing abuse.

Synopsis:

Samantha Miller didn't have an easy start. Molested as a child and subsequently forced into prostitution by her drug-addicted mother, Samantha learned at an early age that men were not to be trusted. Being constantly preyed upon taught her to be a predator. Her target was women-specifically, straight or married women. As the headliner at a local strip club, Samantha capitalized on the gifts she was cursed with. In turn, her life quickly spiraled down a dangerous path of violence, seduction, and exploitation.

When Sasha is brought on as the new bartender, she becomes Samantha's newest target. The last thing Samantha anticipated was falling in love. When tragedy strikes, what was once a challenge may prove to be her downfall. Can Samantha heal from her abusive past, or will she always be Wounded?

"This is a very open and honest portrayal of how abuse from a young age can turn a victim into a vicious monster," explains Burgess, a prolific writer. "But the bold message is that each individual is the only person who can end the cycle for themselves. Sam thought time would be a healer, but she learned the hard way that love would ultimately be her savior."

Continuing, "The book is steeped in raw emotion that is both uplifting and heart-breaking. It won't be an easy read for some, but exposes a real-world epidemic that rarely becomes the subject of fiction. Betrayal and abuse are some of the world's most powerful forces – but I'm laying bare how they can drive people from the darkest moments of their life to a fruitful new existence."

The formula has worked, attracting many esteemed five-star reviews. Blue Ink Review comments, "Burgess states in an epilogue that he writes books to "move people emotionally and help to change the world for the better." Awkwardly written though it sometimes is, his heartfelt, emotionally powerful tale might just do that."

Heather adds, "This book is very astonishing. It is powerful, candid and exceedingly emotional. The circumstances of the story are captivating of how one woman's shattered trust and childhood memories are difficult and tragic. This book consumes you to the point it's difficult to put down."

Stephanie Eatz found that the novel embraced all hallmarks of Burgess' style. She writes, "Ben Burgess Jr. has delivered another eye opening novel from a daring perspective. His ability to narrate through the eyes of a homosexual woman, capturing her deep emotional struggles and experiences is impressive."

'Wounded' is available now: http://amzn.to/16zdfz3

For more information, see Facebook: http://on.fb.me/16zdl9K

About Ben Burgess Jr
Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the award winning novel "Monster", the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and the new novel "Wounded" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and his novel "Monster" are currently used in schools on the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management, and a MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities.