The story revolves around Bailey, who finds herself in the elite world of Kesswick High. But this isn't your typical high school drama. There's something darker, more sinister lurking beneath the surface, especially with the enigmatic and dangerous Kash. It’s all about navigating the complex social webs and uncovering the hidden truths of this seemingly perfect world.

The narrator really brings the story to life. They capture Bailey’s resilience and Kash’s mysterious aura perfectly, not to mention nailing the tension and the high stakes that run through the book. It’s like they’re right there, guiding you through the chaos and confusion of Kesswick High.

Tijan's writing style is addictive. She knows how to write drama and tension like a pro. Her characters are complex, and their interactions are loaded with emotion and depth. The dialogue is sharp, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing.

What’s really compelling about "The Damaged" is how it deals with themes like trauma, trust, and the masks people wear. It’s not just about the romance or the intrigue; it’s also about the characters’ journeys and how they deal with their past and their pain.

The pacing is just right – a mix of fast-paced drama and moments where you get to breathe and dive deeper into the characters' inner worlds. It keeps you hooked from start to finish, always eager to find out what happens next.

In short, "The Damaged" is a wild ride. It's perfect for when you’re in the mood for a story that’s dark, emotionally charged, and full of surprises. If you’re into stories with complex characters, secrets, and a touch of romance, this audiobook is a great pick. It’s like stepping into a world where every corner hides a new secret, and every character has a story to tell.

Book 2 of the Insiders Trilogy. This is a continuation of [book:The Insiders|54860180] and does not work as a stand alone.

It is hard to give much of a synopsis without spoilers!! In a generic nutshell, [book:The Damaged|57693291] picks up where [book:The Insiders|54860180] left off. Bailey is recovering from the events of [book:The Insiders|54860180] and about to begin her grad program. Kash's grandfather continues to be a threat and continually inserts himself into their lives. Bailey has a new nemesis- a fellow grad student, Hoda. Kash and Bailey's relationship continues to grow.

In ways, I enjoyed this more than [book:The Insiders|54860180]. You get some chapters from Kash's POV, which is great. (Wish there were more). But I also felt like Kash and Bailey had less interactions. Bailey is busy with school and Kash is busy doing all the things. The cliffhanger has me dying for book three!

I listened to the audiobook. Emma Galvin is back narrating Bailey's chapters. I enjoy when she narrates, but now, after listening to the second book, my brain still does not connect her with the romance genre. (I think it is because she was very memorable in [book:One Two Three|42346406]) Joe Arden, one of my very favorite narrators, narrates Kash's chapters. Perfection as always.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

The narration…I couldn’t…

Story is intriguing and I wanted to love this but I struggled to focus with the narration.

Didn't get to it before it was archived. Sorry, Giving feedback based solely on the cover and my own ineptitude. I apologize for my lack of focus. I'm working on me. I may have gone a little request-crazy once I discovered this platform. My bad.

I absolutely loved the second installment of The Insider’s Trilogy. I’m glad Quinn has been put in jail and nice to see how much Kash continues to protect Bailey. Also, nice to see her back at school pursuing her dreams career and trying to live a normal life. I can’t believe the cliffhanger ending eagerly waiting for book 3. Thank you for an advanced reader copy/listen of this book.

Five stars for narration! I'm kind of glad to see I'm not the only one who did not read book one before listening to this. (Shame on me! I usually have strict rules about never doing this! Lol) But it's saying something that the story was interesting enough to make me want to continue listening anyway. About halfway through I decided it was good enough I needed to stop and go read book one first, and then of course go find book three. I mostly credit this to Joe Arden, who is a fantastic narrator and the reason I decided to try it this book in the first place. 😁 Definitely recommend the audiobook.

I didn’t read the first installment prior to reading this, and I think that was a detriment. This was sexy and fun, a quick read.

This is Book 2 of a 3 part series. Can hardly wait to see where the story goes next. Like other books written by Tijan, this one has strong characters, high emotion, and plenty of drama—you won’t be disappointed!!

I listened to the audible version; the narration was excellent.

The Damaged is the 2nd in the Insiders series. Each book can be read as a standalone, is steamy and contains several twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for book 3!

The Damaged is part two in a steamy romance series that involves a college student, Bailey, and her boyfriend, Kash. Some series you can pick up in book two and be fine, but I would not recommend it with this one. I was frequently lost with regard to characters and motivations. The story centers on Bailey's desire to complete a graduate program while Kash's father is busy putting Kash's loved ones in danger and trying to destroy his influence. It's fairly fast-paced and the narration is good.

I'm going to start right off and say I didn't read book one and shame on me. You go read book one so you are not as lost as I was. Kash and Bailey are hot and heavy and living together and there is so much going on I missed from the first book but think I caught up. Bailey is a genius and trying to catch up and finish grad school early. She has lived a solitary life and now is learning to live with bodyguards and much needed security. Kash is the uber-alpha and possessive as can be and will do anything, seriously, to keep her safe, especially from his grandfather. There are many twists and turns and WOW that cliffhanger.

This is a very interesting story. It is definitely very NA but I am enjoying the story line and the characters.

The exciting new novel in the insiders series. Bailey is still recovering from her second kidnapping attempt while also getting ready to start school. Bailey had wanted to keep her family name a secret but it’s too late for that. Bailey now has to navigate a world full of fake friends and enemy’s to create the future she wants.

Meanwhile Cash is facing the hardest challenge yet, his grandfather Calhoun. He has to try to stay one step ahead of the man that destroyed his family and is now after him.

I really enjoy tijans writing and while this isn’t my favorite series of hers it’s still enjoyable to read. I just wish the damaged had been able to give me the deeper feelings that the insiders had. This story felt lighter than it should have for the events within the story. I’m really hopeful that the next one will be more like the first in this aspect since it should be exciting and have more action.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

I’m not a huge fan of the audiobook version of The Damaged. Mostly because the voices didn’t match as well as I would have liked. And this is just my personal opinion. I’m sure others will think otherwise. I just found Baileys voice to be different that I pictured when reading. I didn’t mind Cash’s voice. I feel like the narration by Joe Arden was a better fit to the character.

The Damaged (The Insiders Trilogy #2) was a good read by Tijan. Bailey is no longer an outsider, and now finds that she has family and love. Kash will do anything to protect his family and Bailey. They have many things to work to together and they seem to come to a head with a lot of danger. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

Action packed second installment in The Insiders series, but even more over the top and outlandish this go round. I think it's the lack of back stories on the "bad guys" that makes this borderline-ridiculous to me: what is Calhoun's motivation? What is Quinn's? We have no idea, so their actions just seem cartoonish.

Side note: the audiobook narrator doing Bailey's voice really does NOT add to the ambiance of the story at all - her accent is super distracting.

This was so good. I thought I loved the first book, but, no. I absolutely loved the second-this one even more. I love Kash and Bailey and their story. Can’t wait for the third one! The audio for this is just fantastic!

I absolutely loved the first book in this series. This one just isn’t cutting it for me. The audio was not great and the storyline was hard to follow. I’m sorry but I have to DNF.

🎧 AudioBooks Review 🎧
The Damaged
By: Tijan
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
🌶 🌶/5

Ok, let’s start off by saying that this in a continuation of the first book, The Insiders. I would strongly recommend reading that before enjoying The Damaged. Bailey is now living full time with Kash, and they’re out in the public eye. Bailey is trying to navigate grad school, and Kash is busy trying to take down his villainous grandfather.

Warning- this books leaves off with one hell of a cliffhanger. It’s like, literally from zero to sixty in a second.

I was also expecting this to be a little on the spicer side, but it’s generally pretty tame for a romance. It isn’t a cozy by any means, it’s still got a good amount of spice, but not what I was expecting.

I now wait with baited breath for book 3, because I need to see this one out.

The Damaged by Tijan is an action packed Cliffhanger! The characters are over the top and the wealth surrounding them unimaginable. Thank you #NetGalley and #Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this book. I was pulled into it by the author and the narrator Joe Arden. Emma Galvin also performs the book.

There has never been a Tijan book that I didn’t love and this one is no exception! First let me say my favorite think about this one is getting Kash’s POV, was something I didn’t even know I was missing! Brilliant of Tijan to include it in this second installment of the series, I loved getting to read what was going on in his head! Hearing the possessive yet endearing way he cares for Bailey was absolutely thrilling and so hot!
Even though both Bailey and Kash have guilt and obstacles to push through I never doubted their faith and love for each other, the chemistry between them is beautiful and soul touching.
I feel the plot really thickened with this second book. I’m glad to say I felt so comfortable with the relationship between Bailey and Kash that it really allowed me to enjoy the drama more. There were definitely shocking moments and surprises I did not see coming and the cliffhanger, well….. you’ll just have to read 😊 😉.