Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and be very clear, I think this will be almost meaningless to you unless you read book one first. Tijan is the master at the mind warp, and this as twisty a tale as any. You really, really need to get the basics as straight as they have been offered to us, before you can contemplate the additional levels of complexity offered here. I am assuming you are up to date in my review.

As all defences are shored up post-kidnap attempt, we now understand a little more of the dynamics between Kash and Bailey's dad, Peter, and I think we can be pretty confident that Kash and Bailey are in a stable relationship. A lot of other things are still up for grabs, which means that there are hints of danger and mistrust all over the story. This makes for a compelling but intense read, and knowing that there will be another book, it is certain that resolution is not coming yet.

Fabulous, fast-paced, plot-laden, and sexy read! I hope not to have to wait too long for the final installment, and have promised myself that I will read all three together at that point, for maximum impact!


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
THE DAMAGED is the second installment in The Insiders series. Can it be read as a standalone? Nah. No way. Not only do I suggest reading in series order, I'd also suggest a refresher before tackling the novel, especially if it has been some time since initially reading THE INSIDERS.

The novel picks up within weeks of the ending of the previous, smoothly flowing, which is why I do believe it best to read the novels back-to-back. I struggled more than a bit at the start (for various reasons), but I applaud Tijan for adding context clues to jar the reader's memories while avoiding info-dumps.

Bailey is the long-lost, illegitimate daughter of her renowned idol. In her previous life, she struggled day-to-day just to survive, paving her own path through college, everything to her name of her own creation. Struggling to come to terms with the recent events, Bailey wishes to go headlong into her graduate studies, both as a distraction and as a path to success, where she isn't dependent on the generosity of people who were strangers not so long ago. The biggest obstacle is how people now see Bailey as her father's daughter, not giving her the credit for being the strong, intelligent, driven young woman that she is.

Kash was an enigma, and now we are blessed to dig around inside his mind during his narration. The level of love, trust, adoration, and loyalty he has with Bailey is staggering.

While there is no fear on the romance front, Tijan brings the twists and turns from all over angles. I'm talking around the plot as I don't wish to spoil another reader's journey.

To be honest, I enjoyed the first novel much more than this one. The flow of information, Bailey's characterization, her internal struggles, how she viewed the world and connected to those around her. In this installment, I felt the panic attacks were well represented, truly causing me to worry right alongside Bailey.

There were parts of the novel where I felt characters were led to act out of character in order to propel the plot. There were lulls where my mind wandered, the scenes somewhat redundant. The pacing was off-pace, slow with not much going on, then in your face nonstop action, which was jarring with a whiplash effect.

THE DAMAGED is the middle book, where it is a bridge between an epic first book, while setting up events to have an epic final book, which left me feeling as if I was reading a middle book, if you catch my drift. The novel wasn't a page-turner for me, be it my mood or the flow of information, I'm unsure.

Absolutely, I recommend to fans of Tijan. THE DAMAGED was a solid contribution to The Insiders series. I just believe I will find more enjoyment in rereading it alongside the rest of the novels in the series all at once.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This book picks up almost right after book one ends. You'll want to read book one for sure. THE DAMAGED is the middle book in a three-book series. You'll get to revisit the characters and see how their journey evolves and changes given different stressors and outside influences.

Bailey has a new challenge of attending classes. She knows these are her people and wants to get back to living in the shadows. And while that might be a dream for her, she knows that the people around her will help to protect her at all costs.

People from Kash's life are going to start to meddle in ways that you can't really comprehend family behaving. Without giving too much away, you'll want to see retribution whenever you can.

These two have such devotion to each other that you know they'll stop at nothing to make sure they survive to live a long life.

There are some portrayals of the characters that seem slightly out of touch with how fierce they were in book one, but I liked that they were allowed to be more human at times. You get to see behind the facades.

You'll love THE DAMAGED. It has love, betrayal, hunting, and all of the goodness you've come to expect from Tijan books. I can't wait for the epic conclusion. I am very hopeful that it is going to be epic. This book, while enjoyable, was not as epic as book one and I'm hoping it just brings it all together.

I am a huge fan of Tijan’s writing. She can fully immerse you into the worlds she creates within a few chapters. Her characters always leave you wanting more and The Damaged was no exception. Kash and Bailey have a strong relationship that I think people will enjoy seeing. No matter the amount of drama we know that they will continue to support and protect each other.

The steam level was perfect! I will definitely continue the series especially after that cliffhanger.

Addicting! Captivating! Spellbinding! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I thought I was ready for it. I was not. I was totally mesmerized unable to stop reading, feeling like I was a bug caught in a spider web, waiting to be devoured, enthralled by all that was happening around me. Captivated with all the suspense and unpredictable twists and turns as Kash tries to control every possible threat. Causing my breathing to accelerate, and my heart to pound erratically at times. Scared to turn the page. But I did, because I needed and wanted more!

“You mean more to me than anyone…”

I love these two, they are so strong, intense and gut wrenching real. Bailey and Kash are in such a good place, he is finely hers. And her man is always in control, and has so much restraint. But she wants him, raw, and exposed. Bailey wants so much more! These two heat up their nights with their all consuming desire for one another. Needing. Feeling. Living for each other. But the world wants so much more of them. Expects so much from them. Will they be able to handle the pressure? Bailey is one lucky girl, or is she? As she still battles with her scars from being kidnapped. Kash has been busy getting his priorities in place, but will he be able to make all of them a reality?

And then to my absolute shock, my seat is ripped out from underneath me with an OMG ending! Something I Never Saw Coming! A secret that could change everything! And I need the next book in this series NOW!!!!!!

Next book please!!!!!

FYI: I reread The Insiders to prepared to read The Damaged because the first book was intense but The Damaged has as much or more action.

Bailey Hayes has found her place in the Francis family and dating Kashton Colello plus getting ready to start her master’s degree but as with any books by Tijan and get ready for the wild ride that is coming because nothing is as you expect, think, or appear!

Kashton Colello has stepped out of the shadows to take over the business interests that his parents had but his grandfather is still trying to cause problems for Kash and Bailey. But the ending of the book will give you whiplash and wanting the final book right now because I want to know what happens next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The hot romance and edge of your seat suspense isn’t over yet!

Full of action, suspense, intrigue, and steam, Bailey and Kash’s story continues in this second instalment of The Insiders Trilogy.

These two are so in love, but the intense feelings they have for each other doesn’t seem to help when there’s so many people who don’t want them to find happiness.

I fully enjoyed this book and their continued passionate and often dangerous journey, and now can’t wait to read how this all plays out and concludes in the final book!

This is the second book in the series and one of my most anticipated reads and can't wait for more!! The story leaves off within weeks of the first book. Tijan brings jaw dropping twists, outstanding characters, and out of this world Chemistry in Kash and Bailey. In this book you get duel point of views. Bailey is attending school trying to live a normal life not just as the daughter of the genius Peter. Kash is on the other side trying to help keep Bailey's life normal except for his past is catching up. Without giving away to much of the story, you get the devotion and love in Kash and Bailey's relationship that will stand the test of time. Also the hot and steamy scenes that show their love and commitment. You see Peter trying to make a better footprint in Bailey's life. The cliffhanger bridges for the next book but with Tijan's storytelling, it always amazes me and makes me want more! You will love this book and can't wait for the next! As always Tijan is always a one-click buy for me and even though I was provided this arc, I still want to support great authors!



*** I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review***

Thank you to St. Martins Press, and SMP Romance for our free copy of The Damaged by Tijan. This book is available tomorrow, February 8th!

Rating: 3.5 star
Genre: Romantic Suspense

This is the second book in this series! I would definitely recommend starting with the first book, The Insiders. This was definitely suspenseful and kept me guessing.

Read this book if you like:
-dramatic, suspenseful books.
-intense romance

Although this was a suspenseful book, it was a little of a miss for me; however, you might try it if you enjoy romantic suspenseful books!

Damn, the second part is finally here. It feels like forever has passed since I read the first part of this series and had to do a reread to catch up to it 😂

I used to love Tijan's books but then her books started to bore. That was not the case with this series and I actually liked it! So I was pretty excited for the second book of this series and it was good as well. The Damaged picks off where the first book ended. I had a lot of questions specifically about our dear hero because damn that man gave me a whip splash. His intentions and his reasons went over my head so Yupp, I wanted answers 😂

I am happy to say that some of the mystery finally got revealed in this book!! This series is going smoothly for me, I won't say that it is mind blowing but yeah it is keeping me hooked enough to make me want to read the next book of the series.

**ARC Review of [book:The Damaged|57693291]**
[bookcover:The Damaged|57693291]

[author:Tijan|4851199]
[authorimage:Tijan|4851199]

Book 2 starts exactly where book 1 ended. We learn Bailey has started recovering mentally from her attack and is back to good physical health. We also learn she has been banned from seeing her siblings due to putting them in possible danger.

The beginning of this book made me angry since Bailey went through so much and is essentially being blamed for her new families issues. I also was mad that Kash was not as involved in the beginning. I was really wanting to see how his father showing up affected him.

Overall, I loved book 2. This book had a lot packed into it and we got to see alot of relationships develop for Bailey, especially her and Kash. I loved reading her take control of her life and education. I am excited for book 3 to see what culminates in the trilogy.

**SPOILER**
Seeing Kash come through for Bailey at the end (you all know what I am talking about) made me SWOON!! I love Kash and he is one of my fav male characters from Tijan.

***I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review**

The Damaged picks up where things were left hanging in The Insiders and this story leads to some answers, even more questions, and one doozy of a cliffhanger!
I LOVE Bailey! The woman has been through a lot, she has a lot of people against her, yet she keeps fighting. She is insanely smart and talented and she isn’t about to let a few people get into her head. Kash has gotten even more protective of Bailey and I love that. He is slowly letting her in somewhat, but also doing everything that he can to ensure her safety.
Kash and Bailey’s relationship has strengthen and their bond has grown throughout this book. I absolutely love their relationship and I am looking forward to seeing how the relationship continues further, especially after the events at the end of the story.
I am loving Team Batt! I absolutely love the bond and relationship that Matt and Bailey have developed over the course of books 1 and 2. I can’t wait to see how that relationship continues in the next book.
I loved that there were a few chapters from Kash’s POV and getting inside his mind a little bit! I hope there is more of that to come.
If you’re looking for a romantic suspense story check this one out, but you must read The Insiders first!

This is the second book after the insiders in the series. I do feel like you have to read the insiders before you read the damaged. You were introduced to the main character Bailey and her love interest cash in the first book. Bailey discovered her father and that she was from a wealthy family in the first book. It ended with caches grandfather who is dangerous being at the door.

In this book the majority the time cash is trying to protect Bailey from his grandfather. This is interjected with Bailey having to deal with her fellow classmates at her school while being who she is. The interaction of all the characters keeps you involved throughout the story. The story keeps getting more complicated and adding more layers and we keep finding out that there are more people involved in trying to keep cash under his grandfathers control. The book ends with a bang and I cannot wait until the next book in the series. It’s an interesting book with complicated characters and a very fascinating plotline.

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.

Tijan can deliver heart stopping stories with unique emotions and The Damaged is exactly that. Intriguing characters. Jaw dropping twists. Sizzling hot chemistry. I was completely into this story from first page to the last page. So stunning writing from Tijan. Cash and Bailey are powerhouse together. And you cannot miss this explosive romantic suspense.

This is the second book of a trilogy and you need to read the first book, The Insiders first. Baily has just discovered that his father is her idol, Peter Francis who is the royalty in technology world. She has a new twisted family. She got admission in the prestigious Hawking University because of her genius IQ but she has to prove herself. And she is loved and protected by Cashton Collelo, an enigma who has Unlimited power and money and a formidable enemy in form of his grandfather and mafia boss Bastian Calhoun. She has to save her sanity while the storm is coming.

This book is told in dual POV. I love Kash. You cannot NOT love him. Alpha. Intense. Powerful and ruthless and over protective and possessive. The kind of man who makes you safe and also make you vulnerable by claiming every inch of your body and soul. I am obsessed! And I love how the author made this story equally about the power games and the personal journey of Bailey. Life has thrown a lot at her. She is fierce and sassy and with a side of weakness because things are really difficult right now. Her studies. Her complicated relationship with her classmates and her brothers and sisters and parents. Her trauma. Her boyfriend who is getting into dangerous territory. She cannot have a normal college girl life as she is barely keeping herself together. You will feel this warm fuzzy glow and bats in your stomach everytime Kash and Bailey are together. But last few chapters..oh wow I have been hit with too much and my heart is still beating furiously as I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT HAPPENED. I will be dying here for the conclusion and you will too.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

This story just continues to throw some wicked twists our way. Nothing is smooth going for Bailey and her family and now her new friends are learning what it's like to be thrust into a world that's new to her as well.

The bones of this story is so fascinating however I would have liked some of the content surrounding Matt and his friends to have been lessened as I found a lot of it really didn't affect the trajectory of the storyline.

This book ends with a huge what the hell is going on and leaves you wanting more. Definitely cannot wait to see what the author has in store for the final book in this trilogy. Cannot wait to get my hands on it!!

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed **

OK THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I can't believe that I didn't read the first book sooner because this trilogy is legit the bomb. I won't summarize the details because there might be minor spoilers for you. So The Insiders was my first read by Tijan which was also a 5/5 star read. The book picks up kind of right after the first one and just like the first one, the pacing is perfect, the plot is perfect, so is the setting and KASH. I'm just all here for that guy. The writing is well done in this book just like the first one but you get to learn more about how the MC's world works.

The main characters are Bailey and Kash. In book one, it was written in only Bailey's pov but Tijan has also added some of Kash's which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed seeing more of their character development in this book and their relationship. There are many main and minor side characters in this book and I loved seeing how all the families worked together with who is the villain and not. The romance was the best part of this billionaire thriller. It was so cute and ship Bailey and Kash so hard. I love seeing how they work out their relationship as Kash has so many secrets that he is too scared to reveal. The steam level in this book is a 2.5/5 stars

The ending was really AMAZING. It ends with a whole plot list and I was just shocked. I won't spoil it just so you can read it for yourself but let me say that it was really sad. Now I just want book three to find out what happens next which is coming out soon. I really recommend reading this trilogy because it's soooo good. I never thought I would love it as much as I thought. There are no other books that can compare to how amazing this one is.

THE DAMAGED An Insiders Novel by Tijan
This is the second book in the Insiders series. This second book is just as reviting as the first. Bailey and Kash have gotten closer and fallen for each other. Things are heating up with EVERYTHING. Kash is going head to head with his grandfather. There is going to be damage, but where it will fall, who knows... When things settle down, will Kash be able to convince Bailey to trust him again? Definitely a 5 star read.

Genre/Tropes: NA, Suspense
POV: 1st, Dual (partially)
Series: The Insiders Trilogy, Book 2
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥

I am in LOVE with this series! Kash and Bailey are couple goals. Their relationship is so steadfast because they feel it in their souls. There was SO MUCH drama, I was salivating. Having a couple with that kind of solid relationship meant I could enjoy all the drama and it was an amazing experience! There were some moments that challenged their relationship and it HURT, but those moments were immediate reactions. The subsequent “pause and assess” Bailey did after each challenge showed so much honesty and maturity. Like, it was immediate processing and trusting and I freaking loved it.

I have to say this series is shaping up to be my favorite from Tijan. The plot is thrilling and layered. Everything is in the details and there are toooons of details. It’s like putting a puzzle together while also having an insanely passionate romance at the center, and some fantastic character growth all around.

I will say the last 15% of the book had me racing through the pages. Some decisions are made, words exchanged, doubt and heartache, trust, betrayal, pain, and then that final chapter with that TWIST. I’m amazed, y’all. This series is just phenomenal and I’m now dying for the final book!

The Damaged continues right after The Insiders and is a great second book in this trilogy.

We get to see not only Bailey and Kash's relationship build, but we see Bailey's relationship with everyone else develop over time. Bailey herself is moving forward, as best as she can but also still trying to come to grips with what happened to her.

Tijan does a wonderful job of building this story and give readers more details about key players in this suspenseful story. There are some filler parts and I understand why they are there, but they don't mesh perfectly into the story. It doesn't hurt the story in any way, it's doesn't help build the overall story either.

Tijan holds nothing back when it comes to twists and turns in this story. Just when readers think they are getting a grasp on things, another curve ball is thrown into the mix. I love that Tijan keeps the readers right at the edge the whole time.

The Damaged moves at the perfect pace. The story progresses perfectly and the timing of everything is on point. Tijan blends the romance and suspense beautifully and readers are literally left gasping by the end.

The third and final book cannot come out fast enough!

This is the second book in the trilogy and would be best enjoyed as such. A fast paced, action-packed dark romance laced with cartel/crime, wealthy privilege, jealousy, love, and turbulent family dynamics. While the writing and plot are entertaining and continues to captivate, the main character arcs seem to simply be a continuation of the first book and feel somewhat stalled. Would have loved to see more from these characters. The cliffhanger ending raises so many questions and yet gives so much promise for the next book. Hold on tight.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #TheDamaged which was read and reviewed voluntarily.

This review will also be published on Goodreads and Amazon.

#tijanbooks #bookfluence #stmartins

4 1/2 Stars for this suspenseful romance!

"The Damaged" starts right where "The Insiders" left off. I had read The Insiders awhile back, so it took me a bit to get back into who was who and what was what with this series because there are quite a few characters. But once I did ... omg, it's another nail biter. The heat between Kash and Bailey is still off the charts. Bailey is safe with her family and especially with Kash at her side ... for now. As Kash's grandfather is lurking and he'll do anything to get Kash on his side of business, even if it means hurting what Kash values the most ... Bailey! Then the cliff-hanger ... WTF ... I was not expecting that! I can't wait for the next book "The Revenge".

I received an early copy courtesy of St Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.