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Damaged
Adjusting to a new town was hard for Tara Edwards. Luckily, she was able to find a friend in Darren Jones, the boy whose family owns half the city. He offered her protection and friendship, but what he wanted in return was more than Tara was willing to give.
Eventually, Tara leaves the city she grew up in, looking to start a new life. What she cultivates is far from the traditional progression of things, and Tara soon finds that sometimes what you don't want is exactly what you need.
When tragic circumstances cause her to return to the city that she hates, it feels like everyone she has ever damaged is there to haunt her. Just when it seems like the ghosts of her past are going to drag her down into the pit of despair, there's a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of an old friend. But when things turn a bit more than friendly, Tara finds herself caught between two men, trapped between her past and her future.
Damaged is loosely based off of Behind Her Green Eyes, a novel referenced in the Wrong or Write series.
Content Warning: This story contains adult content. Reader discretion is advised.
Themes in this book: College/New Adult, Coming of Age, Love Triangles, Romance
Eventually, Tara leaves the city she grew up in, looking to start a new life. What she cultivates is far from the traditional progression of things, and Tara soon finds that sometimes what you don't want is exactly what you need.
When tragic circumstances cause her to return to the city that she hates, it feels like everyone she has ever damaged is there to haunt her. Just when it seems like the ghosts of her past are going to drag her down into the pit of despair, there's a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of an old friend. But when things turn a bit more than friendly, Tara finds herself caught between two men, trapped between her past and her future.
Damaged is loosely based off of Behind Her Green Eyes, a novel referenced in the Wrong or Write series.
Content Warning: This story contains adult content. Reader discretion is advised.
Themes in this book: College/New Adult, Coming of Age, Love Triangles, Romance
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2014
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82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 1, 2015
Horrible! The female lead was so self center it was ridiculous. I wanted to punch her for her train of thought.
February 27, 2017
I really feel for Darren. He loved her with everythibg he had. And she just couldn't see past her stubbornness. They grew up together. I really enjoyed reading this story even though It made me sad at most parts. It's interesting to see how her mind works. And I'm really glad for that ending.
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a great story of real love. At the beginning, when you are reading about 5 year old Tara and Darren, you might start wondering if this is the book for you. I am very much telling you that it is. The beginning of the book where it is quickly going through the years from when they meet to when they are adults is very important to the book. Can best friends fall in love? Can that love really last, even through lots of heartbreak? It is a well written story that I did not want to put down, so I didn't. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and I highly recommend it. You will not want to put it down either.
March 5, 2017
** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book**
This was an OK read for me. The lead Tara was difficult to sympathize with, self centered and kinda bitchy. I kinda felt Darren deserved better. The ending felt rushed to me. Not one of my favorite, but I love Sky Corgan
This was an OK read for me. The lead Tara was difficult to sympathize with, self centered and kinda bitchy. I kinda felt Darren deserved better. The ending felt rushed to me. Not one of my favorite, but I love Sky Corgan
April 22, 2014
**I RECEIVED THIS NOVEL AS AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
This was a fun read. A bit slow at first, but it picks up steam quick.
It starts with Tara being bullied in Kindergarten and the only solace she finds is with Darren Jones. who becomes her best friend very quickly.
As they grow, it's painfully obvious that Darren is in love with Tara, but Tara doesn't see it and leaves town, shutting Darren out, along with everyone else that cared for her.
Fast forward a few years and Tara is now on her own, living with a room mate and dating Lawrence, a doctor. This is about the time she realizes Darren is now a famous author. As time goes on, She receives a phone call, telling her that her parents have died in a car accident and she needs to tie up their loose ends. She tells Lawrence she will deal with it herself and leaves for her hometown.
As she is dealing with her parents' arrangements, Darren is helping her with anything she wants or needs. They end up sleeping together and then Tara finds herself in a love triangle with her childhood best friend and the boyfriend from her new life.
However, the decision is made much easier when a secret Lawrence has been hiding comes to light. HEA abounds.
I did have some minor annoyances with the book. The author either was aiming to have Tara come off as very stupid or as extremely wishy-washy. All the elements of Darren being in love with Tara were there, and BLINDINGLY obvious, but yet Tara was missing them completely.
Lawrence was ANOTHER annoyance I had. After telling Tara throughout their entire relationship he did not want to get married again, he proposes after Tara returns from her parents' house, where Lawrence caught Darren helping Tara. To me, that just SCREAMED 'Jerk' and selfishness. I was mentally doing the Cabbage Patch when the secret was revealed.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and would highly recommend it.
This was a fun read. A bit slow at first, but it picks up steam quick.
It starts with Tara being bullied in Kindergarten and the only solace she finds is with Darren Jones. who becomes her best friend very quickly.
As they grow, it's painfully obvious that Darren is in love with Tara, but Tara doesn't see it and leaves town, shutting Darren out, along with everyone else that cared for her.
Fast forward a few years and Tara is now on her own, living with a room mate and dating Lawrence, a doctor. This is about the time she realizes Darren is now a famous author. As time goes on, She receives a phone call, telling her that her parents have died in a car accident and she needs to tie up their loose ends. She tells Lawrence she will deal with it herself and leaves for her hometown.
As she is dealing with her parents' arrangements, Darren is helping her with anything she wants or needs. They end up sleeping together and then Tara finds herself in a love triangle with her childhood best friend and the boyfriend from her new life.
However, the decision is made much easier when a secret Lawrence has been hiding comes to light. HEA abounds.
I did have some minor annoyances with the book. The author either was aiming to have Tara come off as very stupid or as extremely wishy-washy. All the elements of Darren being in love with Tara were there, and BLINDINGLY obvious, but yet Tara was missing them completely.
Lawrence was ANOTHER annoyance I had. After telling Tara throughout their entire relationship he did not want to get married again, he proposes after Tara returns from her parents' house, where Lawrence caught Darren helping Tara. To me, that just SCREAMED 'Jerk' and selfishness. I was mentally doing the Cabbage Patch when the secret was revealed.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and would highly recommend it.
March 26, 2018
I loved this book all about these 2 best friends Tara & Darren. We see them do everything together, all their firsts together from Nursery School until she left at 18 & I do mean ALL THEIR FISTS. Then she becomes this selfish b**ch where she pushes him away and speaks such hurtful things & becomes this different person who very rarely went home to see her parents, nor Darren until this life changing day and she had to go back home and see's him again. Even more gorgeous to what he was and she learns more of what his life was like and yes there is such anguish moments during this story that I could've slapped Tara &/either told Darren to forget about trying to win her actual love. Then when we see the connection these 2 have for each other even after nearly a decade apart, you just want them to get together and work out full heartedly.
August 5, 2022
Talk about a rollercoaster ride to love, filled with anguish, sadness lost, denials and more.
It has been a while since I have read a book that frustrated me to to the point where I want to reach in and give Tara's character a good slap.
Her pig-headed behaviour is so annoying, I cannot believe it too her so long to wise up and see the pain she has caused her best friend and only man that love her unconditionally, (except for her father of course)
Darren is a saint for waiting for Tara for so many years, I guess he was powerless to stop his feelings the same way she was blinded by her selfishness. It was a long and tiresome journey to love and fulfillment but they got there in the end.
Overall, it is a brilliant story and the ending was good.
It has been a while since I have read a book that frustrated me to to the point where I want to reach in and give Tara's character a good slap.
Her pig-headed behaviour is so annoying, I cannot believe it too her so long to wise up and see the pain she has caused her best friend and only man that love her unconditionally, (except for her father of course)
Darren is a saint for waiting for Tara for so many years, I guess he was powerless to stop his feelings the same way she was blinded by her selfishness. It was a long and tiresome journey to love and fulfillment but they got there in the end.
Overall, it is a brilliant story and the ending was good.
February 22, 2017
I was given this by the author for an honest review. I love Sky's writing. I know that love is not always a beautiful thing. But that is what makes it work it in the end. Show that it is worth fighting for. Tara Edwards was bullied as a child and that is how she met her best friend Darren Jones. They became very fast friends. Tara goes into the world and she meets her boyfriend Lawrence. Only for years later to come home to settle the affairs of her parents that were killed in a car accident. Darren is there to help with things and they are growing closer than ever. So who will Tara end up with. Lawrence the boyfriend or Darren the best friend. You will have to read and find out.
March 9, 2017
I loved this book. Tara and Darren started out as friends, they did everything together. As they grew older Darren knew he was the only girl that would every have his heart. Tara decides she needs to cut all ties to her small town life. This includes leaving her best friend behind without any explanation. A horrible accident brings them back together. Don't miss out on this wonderful read by Sky Corgan.
September 20, 2017
This was a 5 star read for me, purely for Darren, Tara was SO selfish, but I got to admit I still loved this story 😊
January 3, 2018
DNF at about 60%. Literally the worst book I have ever read. it breaks my heart to have to say this but there is absolutely nothing positive about this book or the narration of it
March 5, 2019
that girl is a cold hearted and self centered b^*>#..
August 30, 2022
I hated the female character in this book. She was selfish and heartless snd hurtful. Its because of her that I disliked this book so much.
September 22, 2024
I enjoyed the way this book was written and the characters
March 6, 2017
Another 50-50 for me. This was a much longer story that I anticipated and it was good just not as much tension as I am used to from Ms. Corgan.
We meet Tara in Kindergarten when she is bullied and realizes that Darren Jones is able to protect her and they become best friends. Although they are very close, Tara thinks of him as a brother and he has realized that he wants her as a girlfriend. As the years pass, Tara has moved on with her life, completely forgetting about her home town until tragedy strikes and she returns at which time she learns just what had happened to her best friends from childhood.
Now here is where the story really starts to get good. Tara turns to Darren for comfort, but has a ‘boyfriend’ in her new life. Who will end up stealing her heart? This is where I really got the feels…..like the choice she had to make was horrible…..and the secrets that she learns about are shocking.
I actually enjoyed Tara’s story although at times I was mad at her for being so stubborn regarding her mindset about her home town. And totally not a fan of Lawrence and his decisions….I don’t want to spoil it, but I was rooting for Darren all the way!
Overall, I liked the story….it was a bit light compared to what I’m used to from Ms. Corgan, but it definitely had the feels.
Hero 4 Stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 4 stars / Plot 4 stars / Overall 4 Stars
Keys: MF, love triangle, second chance #MSBB
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
We meet Tara in Kindergarten when she is bullied and realizes that Darren Jones is able to protect her and they become best friends. Although they are very close, Tara thinks of him as a brother and he has realized that he wants her as a girlfriend. As the years pass, Tara has moved on with her life, completely forgetting about her home town until tragedy strikes and she returns at which time she learns just what had happened to her best friends from childhood.
Now here is where the story really starts to get good. Tara turns to Darren for comfort, but has a ‘boyfriend’ in her new life. Who will end up stealing her heart? This is where I really got the feels…..like the choice she had to make was horrible…..and the secrets that she learns about are shocking.
I actually enjoyed Tara’s story although at times I was mad at her for being so stubborn regarding her mindset about her home town. And totally not a fan of Lawrence and his decisions….I don’t want to spoil it, but I was rooting for Darren all the way!
Overall, I liked the story….it was a bit light compared to what I’m used to from Ms. Corgan, but it definitely had the feels.
Hero 4 Stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 4 stars / Plot 4 stars / Overall 4 Stars
Keys: MF, love triangle, second chance #MSBB
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 6, 2017
What happens when your best friend since kindergarten starts having feelings for you that you just can't get yourself to return? What happens when you go your own way only to meet up years later, now with conflicting feelings? This story takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster. There were times I would laugh, times I would swoon, times I would get mad, and times I had to stop reading to wipe the tears from my eyes.
I absolutely loved Darren. He was a great guy and it broke my heart the way he was treated at times. I wanted him to just give up and move on. Tara took some time to like. She really was selfish, thinking only about herself and not how her actions would impact others. By the end I was rooting for her to kick Lawrence to the curb and give Darren a chance though. Did she do that? Who did she end up with? You'll have to check this out for yourself to see.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
I absolutely loved Darren. He was a great guy and it broke my heart the way he was treated at times. I wanted him to just give up and move on. Tara took some time to like. She really was selfish, thinking only about herself and not how her actions would impact others. By the end I was rooting for her to kick Lawrence to the curb and give Darren a chance though. Did she do that? Who did she end up with? You'll have to check this out for yourself to see.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
March 8, 2017
I have read a number of Sky Corgan’s books and this one just packs a punch from the beginning. Tara, as a young child, was bullied relentlessly in kindergarten. On one auspicious day, she found a protector in Darren Jones. From then on, the two were inseparable and became best friends. They shared everything and Darren grew to love Tara but she did not return his feelings. As time passes, Tara moves away from home and lives her life totally removed from her past. The one thing she cannot seem to get over is her feelings of being ‘damaged.’ Then one fateful day, a tragic accident occurs that forces Tara to return to her hometown and come face to face with her past. How will she react when she sees Darren? Will she let him help her? Can Darren finally have the relationship that he wants with Tara or will Tara go back to her boyfriend?
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
March 7, 2017
This story opens with Tara being bullied and "using" Darren to help protect her against the bully after he comes to her rescue. Thus starts the friendship of a lifetime.
As Tara and Darren grow up their friendship deepens but for Tara it remains a friendship for Darren it becomes a love. What happens when your best friend wants to move the relationship to the next level but you don't? And then what happens when you move the relationship to the next level and then leave?
This is a story about a true love and the one person who couldn't see that what she needed was in front of her face all along. She just had to grow up a bit.
As typical for a Sky book you will be on an emotional roller coater with the story. And if you are like me more than once want to hit Tara upside her head. You'll laugh, cry, get mad, cheer and maybe even get a little hot and bothered, but in the end you'll be sorry it ended.
I received this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As Tara and Darren grow up their friendship deepens but for Tara it remains a friendship for Darren it becomes a love. What happens when your best friend wants to move the relationship to the next level but you don't? And then what happens when you move the relationship to the next level and then leave?
This is a story about a true love and the one person who couldn't see that what she needed was in front of her face all along. She just had to grow up a bit.
As typical for a Sky book you will be on an emotional roller coater with the story. And if you are like me more than once want to hit Tara upside her head. You'll laugh, cry, get mad, cheer and maybe even get a little hot and bothered, but in the end you'll be sorry it ended.
I received this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2017
I loved this story! There were times I wanted to smack Tara but in the end things worked out. Her Prince Charming was wonderful. If only everyone could experience love and devotion like his. I cried a few times and heated up with the sex scenes. A definite must read!
February 22, 2017
Damaged is a sexy read. Tara and Darren have chemistry in spades, but their road is not an easy one. They start off as friends, eventually becoming best friends in grade school after Darren protects her from bullies. Darren comes to love her, but Tara doesn't feel the same way. After a hugely disappointing prom, Tara and Darren have a night that changes the course of their relationship forever. Tara leaves town shortly after, for college, and to get away from her town, her parents, and Darren.
A few years later, though, she's back in town to deal with a huge tragedy, and of course she sees Darren again. He's still in love with her, he's still supportive and comforting, and Tara leans heavily upon him for support in the face of her tragedy. But, she has a boyfriend back home, and this is the sticking point in hers and Darren's new relationship. Secrets come to light, though, and Tara is left to decide what she wants to do with her life, and with whom she wants to be.
I really like Damaged but I couldn't give it a 5 star review simply because I never really connected to Tara. She's incredibly selfish and cruel, albeit unintentionally, and I don't think she ever deserved Darren and the unending, unconditional love he always had for her. If she had grown up a lot, redeemed herself, had seen the world outside of her own two selfish eyes, I might have been able to connect with her. But, because I love Darren and the world Sky created for them, I can still honestly give this a 4 star review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
A few years later, though, she's back in town to deal with a huge tragedy, and of course she sees Darren again. He's still in love with her, he's still supportive and comforting, and Tara leans heavily upon him for support in the face of her tragedy. But, she has a boyfriend back home, and this is the sticking point in hers and Darren's new relationship. Secrets come to light, though, and Tara is left to decide what she wants to do with her life, and with whom she wants to be.
I really like Damaged but I couldn't give it a 5 star review simply because I never really connected to Tara. She's incredibly selfish and cruel, albeit unintentionally, and I don't think she ever deserved Darren and the unending, unconditional love he always had for her. If she had grown up a lot, redeemed herself, had seen the world outside of her own two selfish eyes, I might have been able to connect with her. But, because I love Darren and the world Sky created for them, I can still honestly give this a 4 star review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
March 7, 2017
I enjoyed this story but really really didn't care for Tara. I'm glad Darren got the HEA he was looking for. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. #MSBB
February 28, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book....
Sky Corgan never disappoints! She grabs her readers and pulls them in. I had a love/hate relationship with Tara - mostly hate. She was very self-absorbing. She didn't like being picked up but what she did was much worse than the bullying she received. You always get a reality check when it's too late to do anything about it. Tara found this out the hard way. I know Darren loved her but come on man - she did you so wrong! Lawrence - what a douche! Overall great read! Storyline flowed fairly smoothly - there were some areas that were a little slow.
Sky Corgan never disappoints! She grabs her readers and pulls them in. I had a love/hate relationship with Tara - mostly hate. She was very self-absorbing. She didn't like being picked up but what she did was much worse than the bullying she received. You always get a reality check when it's too late to do anything about it. Tara found this out the hard way. I know Darren loved her but come on man - she did you so wrong! Lawrence - what a douche! Overall great read! Storyline flowed fairly smoothly - there were some areas that were a little slow.
March 5, 2017
This book had my emotions all over the place at time. This is such a great read.....I am sad it is over.
March 2, 2017
Where do I even begin with this story! It was a heartfelt story. I loved it! Damaged is my favorite so far by Sky. Damaged is definitely a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
April 27, 2014
Tara started her life thinking that she was a princess, loved by all. Then she started kindergarten and found out that the world is full of bullies and those who aren't actively cruel are more than willing to follow the crowd. The day she met Darren Jones everything changed. He's an intellectual prodigy whose wealthy parents are grooming him for better things than their small town. Content to be alone with his books, Darren protects Tara from the schoolyard bullies and a lifelong friendship develops. Damaged is the story of Tara's life. As she grows from her awkward childhood into a beautiful young woman, Darren's friendship is constant, but when he makes it clear that he wants more from her than friendship, the idea of loving him as more than a brother changes the course of their lives in unexpected ways.
A never ending surprise from start to finish; every time I thought I'd figured out what was going to happen next, Sky Corgan added a plot twist that threw me! An intricately woven story line with well developed characters whose life journeys showcase human nature at its fallible best. Full of love and hate, betrayal and forgiveness, dreams and heartache; Damaged was an emotional journey that I'll not soon forget!
A copy of Damaged was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
A never ending surprise from start to finish; every time I thought I'd figured out what was going to happen next, Sky Corgan added a plot twist that threw me! An intricately woven story line with well developed characters whose life journeys showcase human nature at its fallible best. Full of love and hate, betrayal and forgiveness, dreams and heartache; Damaged was an emotional journey that I'll not soon forget!
A copy of Damaged was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2014
After reading many of her books, I think of Sky as an author who packs a punch in several areas. Her characters are interesting, and often gritty. The sex is always HOT HOT HOT, and this book smokes in places.
In "Damaged," Tara is one selfish leading lady. Darren, who loved and protected Tara through their childhoods, is tossed away along with her friends and family when Tara "escapes" the town she grew up in. After she starts a career, Tara dates a handsome doctor for years before tragedy strikes and she is reunited with Darren.
As Tara navigates her way through the rocky world of relationships, her life is filled with highs and lows. You'll have to read this great book to find out if Tara matures past her selfishness, and discover which man rises to the top to win her love.
I gave this book four stars instead of five because I would've liked to read more about the sexy men in Tara's life - Sky knows how to write hot scenes, and I would've liked to have even more of them!
(I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.)
In "Damaged," Tara is one selfish leading lady. Darren, who loved and protected Tara through their childhoods, is tossed away along with her friends and family when Tara "escapes" the town she grew up in. After she starts a career, Tara dates a handsome doctor for years before tragedy strikes and she is reunited with Darren.
As Tara navigates her way through the rocky world of relationships, her life is filled with highs and lows. You'll have to read this great book to find out if Tara matures past her selfishness, and discover which man rises to the top to win her love.
I gave this book four stars instead of five because I would've liked to read more about the sexy men in Tara's life - Sky knows how to write hot scenes, and I would've liked to have even more of them!
(I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.)
April 15, 2014
Wow what a story. I loved it. It is a love story that starts from childhood all the was to adulthood. The story has heartbreak, love lost, and self discovery; just to name a few.
I have nothing "negative" to say about the book beside: I do not think the title fits the book. I think Broken it a better title. But Brooken is a common title for a lot of book. I'll keep thing of a "different" to fit the story.
Overall, great book.
I have nothing "negative" to say about the book beside: I do not think the title fits the book. I think Broken it a better title. But Brooken is a common title for a lot of book. I'll keep thing of a "different" to fit the story.
Overall, great book.
October 24, 2020
Tara, the heroine, was horrible. All she could think about was herself. She didn't care about how everyone else felt. She hurts her friends and then expects them to be all buddy buddy with her, like she didn't even hurt them. I couldn't finish this book because I was so annoyed and mad at Tara.
I did like the beginning of the book, up until they were 10 years old.
I did like the beginning of the book, up until they were 10 years old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews