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lauren_soderberg's review against another edition
5.0
The Damaged is the second novel in Tijan’s suspenseful The Insiders trilogy, and it packs quite an emotional punch.
Now that Kash and Bailey’s true identities have been exposed to the world, they have to navigate their new relationship in the context of all those who would see them fall. As new truths are brought to light, will they be able to fight off their foes as a united front, or will circumstances tear them apart?
Typically, when I read a trilogy, I often expect for book two to kind of be a “filler” type of book. One that sort of acts as a placeholder between the beginning and the end. The Damaged is in no way a filler novel. If anything, the narrative surpasses its predecessor. The pacing and the action feel taut the entire book, and it ends on one whopper of a cliffhanger. I’m actually kind of mad about the fact that I have to wait so long to read the third book. I have no doubt it’s going to be amazing.
The connection between Bailey and Kash is mesmerizing; their chemistry off the charts steamy. But there is a real depth of emotion present that is also thoroughly compelling. The universe that Tijan has built feels immersive and real. Trust, me, you’ll be reeled in from the first sentence.
If you haven’t read The Insiders, do that, and then read The Damaged. The suspense, the steam, and the emotion will ensure that you have one wild ride.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Now that Kash and Bailey’s true identities have been exposed to the world, they have to navigate their new relationship in the context of all those who would see them fall. As new truths are brought to light, will they be able to fight off their foes as a united front, or will circumstances tear them apart?
Typically, when I read a trilogy, I often expect for book two to kind of be a “filler” type of book. One that sort of acts as a placeholder between the beginning and the end. The Damaged is in no way a filler novel. If anything, the narrative surpasses its predecessor. The pacing and the action feel taut the entire book, and it ends on one whopper of a cliffhanger. I’m actually kind of mad about the fact that I have to wait so long to read the third book. I have no doubt it’s going to be amazing.
The connection between Bailey and Kash is mesmerizing; their chemistry off the charts steamy. But there is a real depth of emotion present that is also thoroughly compelling. The universe that Tijan has built feels immersive and real. Trust, me, you’ll be reeled in from the first sentence.
If you haven’t read The Insiders, do that, and then read The Damaged. The suspense, the steam, and the emotion will ensure that you have one wild ride.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
romancebookloverinseattle's review against another edition
4.0
The Damaged picks up right where The Insiders left off and Bailey is finally starting off in her graduate program. However, she now has the fallout from her kidnapping to contend with as well as figuring out her place with all of her new found family members. The Damaged is steamy, adventurous and intriguing. A lot happens, and once you start, you will keep turning pages to find out what happens next. We are introduced to some new characters, plus we see a bit more of her brother, Matt, with some added depth to his character. The only downside is having to wait so many months to get the conclusion to this series! I WANT IT NOW!
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This is a fun continuation of The Insiders Trilogy--more heat, more high stakes, and more heart in your throat moments. Plus, this one has the added bonus of providing both Bailey's and Kash's perspectives.
This is a fun continuation of The Insiders Trilogy--more heat, more high stakes, and more heart in your throat moments. Plus, this one has the added bonus of providing both Bailey's and Kash's perspectives.
filthylittlereader's review against another edition
4.0
Let me just say I am utterly speechless right now. I don’t even know where on earth to start with this story. This is book two and things pick up right where The Insiders left off. I absolutely love the uniqueness of this book and series as a whole. The originality is what really draws me in. Of course, my man Kash is the delicious cherry on top. In this second book, there are threats from not only Kash’s grandfather but others who lurk in the shadows. Bailey is still affected from the trauma in the last book and new threats and secrets aren’t helping. I will say the moments where Bailey spoke up for herself had me cheering for joy because I was going crazy watching her so meek. There is this dark cloud of mystery and suspense that leaves you desperately hanging on to each word hoping the next page will reveal all and put you out your misery. Now, there were some slow moments where I found myself eager for more action. However, they say be careful what you wish for because Tijan granted my wish in a way that left me with my jaw on the floor and a desperation of hope that my eyes were deceiving me. Like exsqueeze me Tijan, just how dare you leave me hanging like that!? I need that next book asap!
read_on_reader's review against another edition
4.0
I have been anticipating this second book since I finished the first a while ago and I can say that I really did enjoy it. We are back with Kash and Bailey after everything that happened in book one and things are better and some things are not. Kash is now a busy man trying to plot and plan against those who want to hurt him or Bailey and Bailey is trying to move forward anyway possible except she is still haunted by her kidnapping. As they both try to navigate these new waters it is challenging trying to adjust to it all, yet one thing remains true and the same that’s their love for each other. They now have an unbreakable bond that no matter what comes their way or who tries to come between them nothing can stop the love they share. I have to admit it started out slow building us up for what was to come yet it did take a while and a few things became a tad repetitive like Kash swooping in to save the day only for them to speed off in his car. I was eagerly trying to figure out what everyone’s endgame was but there are still so many people hiding so much and other’s that just have devious plans. I loved that no matter what Kash and Bailey were going through they never strayed from each other, they relied on each other and nothing tore them apart. I also love the bond that Bailey and Matt are trying to continuously grow and I hope we see more from that and their other siblings. This does end on quite the cliffhanger preparing us for the final book and I must say this was shocking. The las of the book was suspenseful and held me captivated that I was shocked and can’t wait to read the next book. There is still a lot of secrets and both characters will be tested in the next book, it is going to be very intriguing to see how it all plays out.
bekahrod_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I have no words. That ending I did not see coming, my heart hurts! And that call with Kash's grandfather
katrina_8505's review against another edition
5.0
Another great read. I could not put it down. I wish I could give it more than five stars because I would. The ending is what got me because it did not end that way. I can't wait for the next book because I really need to know what happens next.
paprika411's review against another edition
1.0
This story just didn’t do it for me. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters . I enjoyed the author’s first book in the series, so I went into this one hoping to find it enjoyable as well. Unfortunately, I didn’t really feel any real tension or progression. I often found myself bored and I quickly skimmed just to finish. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
thebusybookmom's review against another edition
5.0
Tijan jumps right back into the story leaving me with a whiplash so great I am still reeling after turning the last page. This world is so unlike anything Tijan has ever written, and I feel it is by far her best work yet. The twists, turns, and drops will keep you on a rollercoaster of feelings and emotions from the beginning to the end. This story is so tightly woven with intricate details there are no good places to take a break. Be prepared to devour this book in one sitting leaving everything you need to get done for later.
Bailey's world continues to be rocked, but having Kash by her side does provide some relief in all the upheaval. Being a Francis definitely comes with a bunch of headaches that only scratched the surface in the first book. We get a closer look into the villains, and the people looking to make the Francis family and Kash pay. Bailey transitions into a new part of her life with a growth,and confidence that is needed. We see more sides to Kash that helps his charcter become more relatable. Matt, Bailey's brother, provides some great comedic relief. New charcters are introduced while others take a backseat, and still others move from the background forward.
This book ends with yet another huge cliff hanger. I find myself in this bittersweet state of having the privilege of reading an extremely early copy, but having to wait months to find out more.
I got an early copy of the ARC from the publisher, St. Martin's press, through netgalley.
@tijansbooks #TheDamaged #Tijan @smpromance #SMPRomance
Bailey's world continues to be rocked, but having Kash by her side does provide some relief in all the upheaval. Being a Francis definitely comes with a bunch of headaches that only scratched the surface in the first book. We get a closer look into the villains, and the people looking to make the Francis family and Kash pay. Bailey transitions into a new part of her life with a growth,and confidence that is needed. We see more sides to Kash that helps his charcter become more relatable. Matt, Bailey's brother, provides some great comedic relief. New charcters are introduced while others take a backseat, and still others move from the background forward.
This book ends with yet another huge cliff hanger. I find myself in this bittersweet state of having the privilege of reading an extremely early copy, but having to wait months to find out more.
I got an early copy of the ARC from the publisher, St. Martin's press, through netgalley.
@tijansbooks #TheDamaged #Tijan @smpromance #SMPRomance