This is the second in a trilogy. While the first book didn’t end in a cliffhanger, you do need to read that one in order to fully appreciate this book, as it features the same primary cast of characters.
In The Damaged, Bailey is now officially a part of the tech mogul Peter Francis’s family, and she’s going to grad school. Her new classmates make assumptions about how she got into this prestigious program. She’s dating Kash, the friend of the family that she met in the first book. Unfortunately, like with the first book in the series, I didn’t really feel the authenticity of her relationship with him. However, while this book is technically a romance, it feels like more a family drama/suspense, so I’m okay with a weaker romance plotline, since there’s so much else going on.
There’s a lot of drama that goes down in this book, from conflicts with Kash’s unseemly grandfather to her jealous classmate.
Like with the first book in this series, a lot of the action happens in the last little bit of the book, and this one does end on a cliffhanger!

The Damaged by Tijan is an Intense, Emotional, Roller coaster ride full of action. I Couldn't put it down for a second.

I Highly Recommend all Readers to one click this book now.

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️

This was book 2 in The Insiders trilogy. Kash and Bailey are in love but everything is not smooth sailing at this point. Bailey is trying to get over nearly being Kidnapped and murdered a second time, this time by her father’s wife Quinn and the team she hired. Though Quinn is out of the picture now, Bailey has some PTSD which isn’t helped by the fact that Quinn’s lookalike sister is now at the estate and looking after Bailey’s younger siblings. That and the fact that Calhoun Bastian keeps showing up unexpectedly.

This book was every bit as exciting as The Insiders and the romance between Kash and Bailey was totally awesome. I loved that we got Kash’s POV as well as Bailey’s. It is always nice to see the thoughts and feelings of the Hero and Kash is every bit the Hero for Bailey. And the supporting characters rocked in this book as well. Bailey’s entire family were great, especially her brother Matt.

I whispered, “Team Batt?”
My brother gave me another dark look, a wicked gleam, and I shouldn’t have liked how he flashed a triumphant grin, but I was feeling everything he just said.
He gave me an approving nod. “Oh yeah. Team Batt.” He held out his hand.
I wasn’t sure what to do with it, so I reached out, opened it, and shook it.
A funny look was on his face, but then he nodded and pulled his hand free. “Okay. I was going with the fist bump. A sibling handshake works, too.” He raised an eyebrow. “We’re doing this?”
We were doing this.

Other great characters were Matt’ friends Tony, Chester and Guy, Bailey’s friends Torie and Tam as well as her graduate school friends Melissa, Liam and Hoda. All of the security guards, including Fitz, Scott and Erik. Bailey’s Mom Chrissy and Dad Peter. There were quite a few villains in this one as well, including Quinn, Calhoun, Victoria and her two girls Fleur and Cedar. It all made for quite an exciting read. I hope Matt gets his own story at some point because he is quite a character.

The ending was chilling and it was a major cliffhanger. Much different than I expected, but it starts to set up the next book which I can’t wait for.

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

I love how Tijan tells a story and this one does not disappoint. I had to go back and purchase the first book so I would be able to follow the story. Looking forward for the series to continue.

So this story didn't continue where it left off at book one. Book one ends with someone at Kash's door. I expect this book to actually start with Kash opening the door to that person or slam the door in that person's face. But neither of those happened.

This book followed Bailey. Going to grad school with bodyguards. Bailey feeling very important and sheltered. She's always being taken care of, either by the guards, her family & friends, or her boyfriend. She's a genius but seems fragile even though she talks tough.

This story has the bad guys targeting Bailey and Kash. Alternating views for both. Her backups are her classmates. One classmate didn't play so nice and ended up miserable because when you go up against someone with money and power, you're doom.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Be still my heart, Kash has taken it over and I am in love!

We pick up from where book one finishes and Bailey is starting her graduate program. She’s still dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping but is trying to deal and move forward.

Bailey is no longer anonymous and her secret of being the daughter of billionaire, Peter Francis, and Kash Colello’s girlfriend, is out, which has ultimately pushed her into the limelight, something she doesn’t like but has to deal with, including her new 24 hours security detail.

I loved the growth of Bailey, although she was already a kick-ass heroine who I loved in book one, she was more assertive and had grown into her new role with her easy-going personality and determination to see things better.

And now we have Kash. I LOVE him ☺️. He’s such a strong character and feared by most, but his loyalty and love for Bailey win every time. He’s protective and is always ensuring she is safe. I loved all the little tender moments between them, seeing his softer side and love for Bailey as well as the connection they have for each other and how passionate they were. My heart also flutters at the dangerous man he is!

We are introduced to new side characters, I love loved Bailey’s friend circle from school, Mel and Liam, who would protect her as much as Kash.

And Matt, her brother. Their relationship was special and I loved how they cared for each other.

As the book drew to a close, I could sense something big was going to happen, and wow, my heart! I can wait to see where the story goes!

The story had it all, there was angst, lots of drama and equally lots of steam and like all of Tijan’s books, this book hooked me from the first chapter and I ate up all these words. It’s was a ride, exhilarating, intense and phenomenal and so good I’ve read it twice!

Bring on book three!

Whenever this author writes a story, I immediately read it because her writing is just the best! I couldn't put it down.

What?!?!?! I need to go back and read the first book in the series and get the next one ASAP!! Love love love. If you love romantic suspense, this is the series for you!!!

*Thank you @stmartinspress for the copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Tijan always brings the angst with her books. The Damaged was captivating and I just couldn’t put it down! Don’t skip out on this one!

Let me start by saying I couldn’t put this book down!! It picks up right when The Insiders ended. Kash is officially going to war against his grandfather and Bailey is starting grad school while dealing with the aftermath of being (almost) kidnapped a second time.
I love Bailey and Kash together!!! The romance with those two is amazing and I love we get both of their point of views! We get to see a lot of the same side characters (I love Matt!) plus we get new ones in Bailey’s classmates!
It ended in a major cliffhanger that I cannot believe happens!!! And who’s the man in the last chapter? I know he’s a Bastion but WTF is he up to, is he good or bad? I need the next book ASAP please!!!!!!!

Wheewww. What a great book! So happy this is a series and I can read the end. Loved the changes the characters make throughout the series. Definitely enjoyed reading these.

THE DAMAGED is a new adult romantic suspense sequel, and one for which you definitely need to have read the first book! It picks right up when Bailey is about to start school, dealing with her attachments to wealthy people and how this makes others judge her, family dynamics, and her invasive memories over the events in the first book - all while trying to speed her way through school.
Most of the story felt very YA to me (except for the steamy scenes), and while Bailey's perspective dominates, I found her character hard to personally get into, as she's often defensive and felt immature. I would have liked more of Kash's scenes to really get into and understand better his character. The beginning was also a bit slow, and there is a large cast to remember, so it was a bit of a miss for me personally. I think it could work better for people who are looking for a semi-steamy NA series.

The story continues.
It's a good story. It's easy to read. I enjoyed the new characters. Can't wait for the third book!
Thank you for your review.

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!

Typically the middle book is the slowest for me, I worry about getting bored in the world or with the characters. This one was so different, it came out of the gate swinging big things and packing powerful punches to the gut! Can't wait to see what book 3 brings.

I volunteered to read and review through Net Galley a copy of The Damaged . This is book two in the Insiders Trilogy . I really enjoyed reading it . You definitely want to read them in order . The characters are unique and interesting and the story is well written . It's intense and intriguing and definitely Suspenseful . All out fantastic . I highly recommend taking the time to read . Tijan never disappoints !

The Damaged (An Insiders Novel) by Tijan
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Romance
Published: February 8, 2022

The Damaged is the second book in The Insiders Trilogy by Tijan. I absolutely loved the first book and could not wait for this one!!!

The Damaged picks up right after the first book and just keeps going! Filled with non-stop suspense, drama, and unexpected twists, I could not get enough of this book!

I can't wait for The Revenge to be published later this year!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Damaged is an awesome follow-up to 2021's The Insiders by Tijan. Bailey and Kash's story continues, with even more threats and dangers. The world knows who she is, and also who Kash is, and now they're in the public eye--and Kash's grandfather's, who is about as dangerous as they come.

Kash is determined to protect Bailey at all costs, and Bailey is determined to safeguard this home she's made for herself with the people she calls family. Together, they're a united front against the world--until fears and doubts begin to creep in. Like many middle books in trilogies, this one ends abruptly, leaving you wanting more, but never fear, dear reader. The Revenge, the conclusion to this romantic suspense trilogy, is already out, so you don't have to wait for more Kash and Bailey.

Thanks to SMP Romance for sending me this e-book to enjoy and review. I'm now addicted to Tijan and will continue to read whatever else she writes.

Such an incredible installment to this series and sets up the finale perfectly! Tijan writes so well, weaving emotion into every scene, and once again the romance aspect of it was only one plotline, there was so much going on that you weren't only hooked in by the love between Bailey and Kash, but so much more!

This one was even better than the first and I enjoyed the first one so much.

The ending packed such a punch, I’m grieving with Bailey. I don’t know what to think about the third one, but I have a feeling it will be another nonstop ride. I’m here for it!

I’m so invested with Bailey and Kash.