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bookish_jeanie's review against another edition
4.0
Holy, Kash Colello, this book! That ending!
Ok, ok, back up. The Damaged is the second book in the Insiders trilogy by Tijan. This book picks up a couple weeks after the events in The Insiders. Bailey Hayes is the formerly secret daughter of tech genius Peter Francis and it had just come out that she was such and the girlfriend of Kashton Colello all around badass and billionaire when she was kidnapped (no spoiler, unless you haven’t read the first book and, in that case, SPOILER ALLERT). In The Damaged we follow Bailey as she navigates her new status, life, and graduate program while she tries to figure out her role in this new life and who she wants/needs to be. Still dealing with the traumas of the past few months, Bailey is just as confused as ever about her life and herself. Matt Francis (whom I am under the strong opinion deserves his own book bc he is simply the best) is also trying to figure out just who he is and who he wants to be. Kash is at war with his grandfather, the ever-dangerous Calhoun Bastian.
Man, my nerves are done. Fried. Is the next book out yet bc I NEED more. I need answers. I need something. This book is one fast paced even after another and then concludes with a BANG. Like, my brain doesn’t want to handle this.
Ok, ok, back up. The Damaged is the second book in the Insiders trilogy by Tijan. This book picks up a couple weeks after the events in The Insiders. Bailey Hayes is the formerly secret daughter of tech genius Peter Francis and it had just come out that she was such and the girlfriend of Kashton Colello all around badass and billionaire when she was kidnapped (no spoiler, unless you haven’t read the first book and, in that case, SPOILER ALLERT). In The Damaged we follow Bailey as she navigates her new status, life, and graduate program while she tries to figure out her role in this new life and who she wants/needs to be. Still dealing with the traumas of the past few months, Bailey is just as confused as ever about her life and herself. Matt Francis (whom I am under the strong opinion deserves his own book bc he is simply the best) is also trying to figure out just who he is and who he wants to be. Kash is at war with his grandfather, the ever-dangerous Calhoun Bastian.
Man, my nerves are done. Fried. Is the next book out yet bc I NEED more. I need answers. I need something. This book is one fast paced even after another and then concludes with a BANG. Like, my brain doesn’t want to handle this.
lourdes_chapters_we_love's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book in The Insiders Trilogy by Tijan and I'm definitely enjoying the ride. If you haven't read the first book in the series then this probably will be a spoiler for you if you continue to read.
This book picks up where we left off in book one, where Bailey our main heroin finds out her father who she thought was dead is well and alive and is none other than her tech idol Peter Francis. Her father's enemy tried to kidnapped Bailey but wasn't successful and this event leads to her being sent to a secure villa where she finds out she not only has a living father but also, siblings! and We also meet our love interest Kash her father's bodyguard and right hand man.
In the first book we also know there is a big attraction between Bailey and Kash, I really love this pairing. Kash is an absolute alpha and I was here for that, and let's not forget Bailey, she's smart and strong headed. In this book she is dealing with all the truths that were hidden from her and another kidnap attempt.
I loved the siblings, we still get to interact with them in this book and Matt, well, I did had mixed feelings about him but in the end I ended up loving him just as much. Victoria so annoying but I kind of enjoy her as a character. Quinn wow, hated her.
The one thing I dislike about the story was the miscommunication between Bailey and Kash, and this was more on Kash part than Bailey. There is nothing more annoying to me than a lack of communication and this was done repeatedly through the story, I just wanted to grab Kash and shake him a bit and see if maybe that worked LOL.
There were so many things happening with Kash, he is now one of the riches man in the world and his grandfather wants his fortune. So much going on with him I understand he wants to keep things from Bailey and she is too smart and even though she doesn't know the full story she knows there is something he is hiding from her.
I'm really looking forward to the final book in this trilogy since we are left on another cliffhanger. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the romance. Please send me the next book now.
One last thing in this book we get dual POVs even though it's mostly Bailey's POV I Love getting Kash's view, definitely a pleasant surprise.
As per the Audiobook, a production of Macmillan Audio, was narrated by Emma Galvin and Joe Arden and they both did a great job with the narration.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and the author for the advanced audiobook copy in change for an honest review.
Blog post - https://chapterswelove.com/2022/02/28/the-damaged-the-insiders-trilogy-2-by-tijan/
This book picks up where we left off in book one, where Bailey our main heroin finds out her father who she thought was dead is well and alive and is none other than her tech idol Peter Francis. Her father's enemy tried to kidnapped Bailey but wasn't successful and this event leads to her being sent to a secure villa where she finds out she not only has a living father but also, siblings! and We also meet our love interest Kash her father's bodyguard and right hand man.
In the first book we also know there is a big attraction between Bailey and Kash, I really love this pairing. Kash is an absolute alpha and I was here for that, and let's not forget Bailey, she's smart and strong headed. In this book she is dealing with all the truths that were hidden from her and another kidnap attempt.
I loved the siblings, we still get to interact with them in this book and Matt, well, I did had mixed feelings about him but in the end I ended up loving him just as much. Victoria so annoying but I kind of enjoy her as a character. Quinn wow, hated her.
The one thing I dislike about the story was the miscommunication between Bailey and Kash, and this was more on Kash part than Bailey. There is nothing more annoying to me than a lack of communication and this was done repeatedly through the story, I just wanted to grab Kash and shake him a bit and see if maybe that worked LOL.
There were so many things happening with Kash, he is now one of the riches man in the world and his grandfather wants his fortune. So much going on with him I understand he wants to keep things from Bailey and she is too smart and even though she doesn't know the full story she knows there is something he is hiding from her.
I'm really looking forward to the final book in this trilogy since we are left on another cliffhanger. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the romance. Please send me the next book now.
One last thing in this book we get dual POVs even though it's mostly Bailey's POV I Love getting Kash's view, definitely a pleasant surprise.
As per the Audiobook, a production of Macmillan Audio, was narrated by Emma Galvin and Joe Arden and they both did a great job with the narration.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and the author for the advanced audiobook copy in change for an honest review.
Blog post - https://chapterswelove.com/2022/02/28/the-damaged-the-insiders-trilogy-2-by-tijan/
sarahsbookstack's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I love that this picks up right at the end of book 1. Kash and Bailey are such a powerful couple! They sizzle with their heat and awww with their sweetness to each other. Now that the world knows who they are, there are eyes on them.
Bailey is trying to navigate graduate school with this newfound worldwatch on her. There are so many characters that we get to meet they each add so much to the story.
I love the way that Kash is always right there for Bailey when he is needed. Their love is so strong and I think it helps them navigate the spotlight together.
The end of this was literally explosive and a bit sad and I can't wait to see where the end takes us!
Bailey is trying to navigate graduate school with this newfound worldwatch on her. There are so many characters that we get to meet they each add so much to the story.
I love the way that Kash is always right there for Bailey when he is needed. Their love is so strong and I think it helps them navigate the spotlight together.
The end of this was literally explosive and a bit sad and I can't wait to see where the end takes us!
carleneinspired's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired and on bookstagram.
Do I really have to wait for the next book? Can't I have it right now? The Damaged was IMPOSSIBLE to put down, more so than The Insiders even, and I just know the third and final book will be the same. Suspenseful, sexy, and somehow both a new adult and adult read. The Damaged packs a punch, taking readers back into Bailey's world, but this time we also get the occasional glimpse into Kash's mind. We're back in the world of the rich and famous-by-association. The money drips, from their clothes and their cars and the hotels they call home. Doors open for them, clubs open ropes up, and Bailey is finally going to see what money and power can do for her as she begins school at Hawking University.
One of my favorite parts of The Insiders was Bailey's brain, she's so dang smart and even when she relaxed into her family role she still responded smartly. In The Damaged it is clear love has taken over some space in her brain, she's a bit less insightful, and she's always dripping in lust for Kash. It would be annoying, if there chemistry wasn't so off the charts and if I didn't love books with all-consuming relationships so much. Her brain shows its stuff when it comes to school though and I really enjoyed her world expanding, to see her gain friendships, to grow her relationship with Matt, and to see a future setting itself up for her.
Unfortunately, things go off the rails, as they do when you're Peter Francis' unknown daughter and dating the ninth richest man in the world. Jealousy, greed, anger, lust, and revenge take Bailey and Kash on a wild ride and based on the ending of this book, it's not done yet. It's a rollercoaster, one that Tijan gives you a break from with intense romance scenes and brother-sister bonding. I knew though that the unknown figure from the first novel would show up again, I knew there was something to come, and my word I cannot wait for it! I need book three. I need to know more. Tijan did such a good job foreshadowing what is to come and I am just begging to have it revealed to me this instant.
The Damaged is another excellent release from Tijan and a stunning secondary novel in the trilogy. I rarely love the second book in any series, but oh my word, this could end up being my favorite. The writing is new-adult-ish, with quicker dialogue and a lack of complex world building, but I sort of enjoyed that. While The Damaged isn't challenging to read, it is entertaining and what it lacks in depth it makes up for in excitement and intrigue. The Insiders Trilogy is one I am highly recommending to romance-suspense fans like me.
ARC provided.
Do I really have to wait for the next book? Can't I have it right now? The Damaged was IMPOSSIBLE to put down, more so than The Insiders even, and I just know the third and final book will be the same. Suspenseful, sexy, and somehow both a new adult and adult read. The Damaged packs a punch, taking readers back into Bailey's world, but this time we also get the occasional glimpse into Kash's mind. We're back in the world of the rich and famous-by-association. The money drips, from their clothes and their cars and the hotels they call home. Doors open for them, clubs open ropes up, and Bailey is finally going to see what money and power can do for her as she begins school at Hawking University.
One of my favorite parts of The Insiders was Bailey's brain, she's so dang smart and even when she relaxed into her family role she still responded smartly. In The Damaged it is clear love has taken over some space in her brain, she's a bit less insightful, and she's always dripping in lust for Kash. It would be annoying, if there chemistry wasn't so off the charts and if I didn't love books with all-consuming relationships so much. Her brain shows its stuff when it comes to school though and I really enjoyed her world expanding, to see her gain friendships, to grow her relationship with Matt, and to see a future setting itself up for her.
Unfortunately, things go off the rails, as they do when you're Peter Francis' unknown daughter and dating the ninth richest man in the world. Jealousy, greed, anger, lust, and revenge take Bailey and Kash on a wild ride and based on the ending of this book, it's not done yet. It's a rollercoaster, one that Tijan gives you a break from with intense romance scenes and brother-sister bonding. I knew though that the unknown figure from the first novel would show up again, I knew there was something to come, and my word I cannot wait for it! I need book three. I need to know more. Tijan did such a good job foreshadowing what is to come and I am just begging to have it revealed to me this instant.
The Damaged is another excellent release from Tijan and a stunning secondary novel in the trilogy. I rarely love the second book in any series, but oh my word, this could end up being my favorite. The writing is new-adult-ish, with quicker dialogue and a lack of complex world building, but I sort of enjoyed that. While The Damaged isn't challenging to read, it is entertaining and what it lacks in depth it makes up for in excitement and intrigue. The Insiders Trilogy is one I am highly recommending to romance-suspense fans like me.
ARC provided.
marie_thereadingotter's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Upside, there is more of a dual POV in this book so I could actually remember the female Protagonist's name, Bailey.
There is more focus to this book than I felt there was in the first book. More of a cohesive plot. Bailey is actually attending school in this book, and there are glimpses of her showing her skills. There is a slightly annoying side(ish) plot of a jealous classmate who endangers her safety in vague hope that it gets her kicked out of school. Hoda, unclear what she's supposed to look like the origin of that name is unfamiliar to me, makes a lot of assumptions about Bailey. Assuming sher grew up in the house with her biological father, and was handed the spot in the program they're both in.
Quinn, the wife of the MC's younger siblings is in Jail waiting trial for kidnapping and attempted murder. And Bailey refuses counseling, and just "deals with her self" because she's *so* smart and has read the books so she knows what a therapist is going to say... Look, I enjoy reading the books this author writes, they are fun. But there is a consistent narrative in her books that implies that therapy and counseling is only good for people who can't work out things on their own. And that may be true for some situations, but being kidnapped twice, and nearly murdered isn't "normal" issues, and it's okay to need that extra help.
The romance in this book takes more of a center stage, because Bailey and Kash are closer and there are less secrets between them. The romance, I am on the fence about it. There's a lot of passion between them. But it's one of those relationships that is based on kind of a shared trauma. There hasn't been a calm or "normal" moment that's lasted more than a couple of days between them. So, I don't see how it would last or if they'd even be together if they both weren't constantly on edge waiting for Kash's grandfather to make his big move on them.
There is more focus to this book than I felt there was in the first book. More of a cohesive plot. Bailey is actually attending school in this book, and there are glimpses of her showing her skills. There is a slightly annoying side(ish) plot of a jealous classmate who endangers her safety in vague hope that it gets her kicked out of school. Hoda, unclear what she's supposed to look like the origin of that name is unfamiliar to me, makes a lot of assumptions about Bailey. Assuming sher grew up in the house with her biological father, and was handed the spot in the program they're both in.
Quinn, the wife of the MC's younger siblings is in Jail waiting trial for kidnapping and attempted murder. And Bailey refuses counseling, and just "deals with her self" because she's *so* smart and has read the books so she knows what a therapist is going to say... Look, I enjoy reading the books this author writes, they are fun. But there is a consistent narrative in her books that implies that therapy and counseling is only good for people who can't work out things on their own. And that may be true for some situations, but being kidnapped twice, and nearly murdered isn't "normal" issues, and it's okay to need that extra help.
The romance in this book takes more of a center stage, because Bailey and Kash are closer and there are less secrets between them. The romance, I am on the fence about it. There's a lot of passion between them. But it's one of those relationships that is based on kind of a shared trauma. There hasn't been a calm or "normal" moment that's lasted more than a couple of days between them. So, I don't see how it would last or if they'd even be together if they both weren't constantly on edge waiting for Kash's grandfather to make his big move on them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Murder and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
labraden's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Bailey's goals are finally coming to fruition as she starts grad school, but being known as Peter Francis's daughter and being flanked by bodyguards isn't what she originally envisioned in her dreams. Even though she makes a few friends in her classes, Bailey can't help but feel like an outsider. Acting like she has things together is the only way she knows to make the people she loves stop worrying about her, but on the inside, she is beginning to crumble. It doesn't help that Kash is frequently gone as he is gearing up for battle with his grandfather and won't let Bailey in on his plans.
Most of the conflict in The Damaged centers around Bailey's emotional issues and the people around her that want to capitalize on her insecurities. Even though both Bailey's and Kash's perspectives are included in this novel, the romance between them seems muted because they are apart so often. The part of the story that involves Kash's grandfather takes place mostly off page, making that part of the plot difficult to follow. Unfortunately, as in [b:The Insiders|54860180|The Insiders (The Insiders Trilogy, #1)|Tijan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602969904l/54860180._SY75_.jpg|85599799], new adult drama often takes center stage. Overall, The Damaged offers a well written narrative that could have been so much better with story lines that are more fleshed out.
Most of the conflict in The Damaged centers around Bailey's emotional issues and the people around her that want to capitalize on her insecurities. Even though both Bailey's and Kash's perspectives are included in this novel, the romance between them seems muted because they are apart so often. The part of the story that involves Kash's grandfather takes place mostly off page, making that part of the plot difficult to follow. Unfortunately, as in [b:The Insiders|54860180|The Insiders (The Insiders Trilogy, #1)|Tijan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602969904l/54860180._SY75_.jpg|85599799], new adult drama often takes center stage. Overall, The Damaged offers a well written narrative that could have been so much better with story lines that are more fleshed out.
ksteigert's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second book in Tijan's 'The Insiders' series.
Bailey's entire world has been turned upside down when she realizes that the life she has led as someone out of the spotlight is about to come to a crashing halt. When a picture is snapped of Bailey and Kash together, the entire world comes to learn about Bailey. Now she has bodyguards following her around, while trying to get her graduate degree, and live a somewhat normal life. Kash's grandfather isn't stopping in his quest to make Kash's life miserable, and has no problem hurting Bailey to do so.
Tijan's books are always just *chef's kiss* but this series is above and beyond! Kash and Bailey are back with more secrets to uncover, more drama, and more sizzling chemistry!
If you love a dark romance like I do, you absolutely need to read this series! One of Tijan's best to date!
Bailey's entire world has been turned upside down when she realizes that the life she has led as someone out of the spotlight is about to come to a crashing halt. When a picture is snapped of Bailey and Kash together, the entire world comes to learn about Bailey. Now she has bodyguards following her around, while trying to get her graduate degree, and live a somewhat normal life. Kash's grandfather isn't stopping in his quest to make Kash's life miserable, and has no problem hurting Bailey to do so.
Tijan's books are always just *chef's kiss* but this series is above and beyond! Kash and Bailey are back with more secrets to uncover, more drama, and more sizzling chemistry!
If you love a dark romance like I do, you absolutely need to read this series! One of Tijan's best to date!
fsmeurinne's review against another edition
5.0
This second book had me on edge, all the twists and turns had me reading it non-stop. I loved Kash and Bailey's relationship, I do need the next one now, I need more answers! Definitely a great trilogy to read, you will find all kinds of emotions surrounding the story, the pacing is good, sometimes it went a bit slower but overall is a good pace. All this drama and mystery is going to drive you insane.
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randi_reads's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
The Damaged is book two in The Insiders trilogy and I am so glad I had it ready to read after the first book. Bailey is finally in college in this book, trying to live as normal of a life as she can with constant bodyguards with her. Being in Kash's life has put her at risk from his grandfather and Kash will do anything to protect her.
I liked that Kash and Bailey's relationship is still really strong in this book. Some authors would use something in book two to separate the two lead characters and then have them fighting to find their way back together. In this book, Kash and Bailey are together fighting an outside battle.
I say this, but this book ends in a huge cliffhanger and dramatically. I could see something tearing them apart now. (I hope not.)
I did listen to some of this book until I realized I did not like the female narrator for Bailey. She read fine, but her voice was too boyish for me and my interpretation of Bailey. Now, I was glad we did get Kash's POV (though definitely not enough!). Joe Arden is amazing as the sexy, powerful, intense Kashton Colello.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for a final copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked that Kash and Bailey's relationship is still really strong in this book. Some authors would use something in book two to separate the two lead characters and then have them fighting to find their way back together. In this book, Kash and Bailey are together fighting an outside battle.
I say this, but this book ends in a huge cliffhanger and dramatically. I could see something tearing them apart now. (I hope not.)
I did listen to some of this book until I realized I did not like the female narrator for Bailey. She read fine, but her voice was too boyish for me and my interpretation of Bailey. Now, I was glad we did get Kash's POV (though definitely not enough!). Joe Arden is amazing as the sexy, powerful, intense Kashton Colello.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for a final copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
morganreads_88's review against another edition
5.0
I have seen this said a few times about this book and it’s 100% accurate. The Damaged, damaged me! Holy cow! Tijan really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Bailey is broken but almost seems stronger in this book.
Where can I find me a Kash? He’s so protective of Bailey. Their love is unstoppable.
Just like with other Tijan novels, the couple isn’t toxic. They don’t break up and get back together all the time, they fight battles together. There is not much relationship drama which is refreshing and it’s why I enjoy her books so much. Well that and the fact, all of the heros in her books can all come and marry me any day.
There’s nothing I love more than Easter eggs in books. There were a few in here, one I had to message Tijan about because my memory was messing with me.
Bailey is broken but almost seems stronger in this book.
Where can I find me a Kash? He’s so protective of Bailey. Their love is unstoppable.
Just like with other Tijan novels, the couple isn’t toxic. They don’t break up and get back together all the time, they fight battles together. There is not much relationship drama which is refreshing and it’s why I enjoy her books so much. Well that and the fact, all of the heros in her books can all come and marry me any day.
There’s nothing I love more than Easter eggs in books. There were a few in here, one I had to message Tijan about because my memory was messing with me.