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Damaged Goods
Professor Jesse Ford feels like a failure in both love and life. He's moved home to live over his mother's garage after his previous relationship ended in heartbreak and a minor academic scandal, derailing his career. Tired and disappointed, he holes up to lick his wounds and concentrate on his next book, determined to avoid anything having to do with love or romance.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2014
About the author
Cooper West
16 books84 followersCooper West is the pen name of KimBoo York, who is a GenX elder-goth whose main life purpose is to provide a good life for her rescue mutt, Keely-Boo, who is perfect and beyond reproach in every way. She is also a librarian, former project manager, and a professional author who wears too many hats and crosses too many genres including romance, fantasy, and non-fiction. She is a bit grumpy, especially in the morning.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2014
Tina's review is spot on.
This book lacked chemistry and oomph, and I never bonded with these characters.
Jesse was a stuck-up academic. Templeton was so insecure as to be a doormat. I understand that he had spent years in an abusive relationship, but his personality was not developed well enough for me to see him instead of his fears and self-esteem issues.
Much of the plot revolved around Jesse's academic "scandal" and Templeton's crazy stalker ex. I was constantly annoyed with both MCs, who were robotic and unlikable.
The sex was long-time coming and meh when it finally happened, and even the epilogue, which would usually have me cheering, left me cold. There was a very obvious lack of excitement in the HEA; it felt like a scripted scene from a play with two very bad actors.
The writing included long narrative passages, so I always felt like I was twice removed from the story. The activism angle came out of nowhere. Nothing here really meshed.
I can't recommend. This was slow-paced and utterly humdrum.
This book lacked chemistry and oomph, and I never bonded with these characters.
Jesse was a stuck-up academic. Templeton was so insecure as to be a doormat. I understand that he had spent years in an abusive relationship, but his personality was not developed well enough for me to see him instead of his fears and self-esteem issues.
Much of the plot revolved around Jesse's academic "scandal" and Templeton's crazy stalker ex. I was constantly annoyed with both MCs, who were robotic and unlikable.
The sex was long-time coming and meh when it finally happened, and even the epilogue, which would usually have me cheering, left me cold. There was a very obvious lack of excitement in the HEA; it felt like a scripted scene from a play with two very bad actors.
The writing included long narrative passages, so I always felt like I was twice removed from the story. The activism angle came out of nowhere. Nothing here really meshed.
I can't recommend. This was slow-paced and utterly humdrum.
May 4, 2016
Jesse Ford really needs to swear off men. Especially men of the fixer-upper kind. What with a drunken ex who basically stole his work, trashed his career, and sent Jesse scurrying back to his mother, Jesse Ford is positive that he needs to swear off damaged men. Because he can’t fix ‘em, and they keep trying to break him. Which makes his tendency to make googly eyes at the cook in his friend’s sandwich shop, all the more annoying. Because if there is one thing Templeton is, it is damaged goods. And Jesse has sworn off fixing men. Forever. Even if they are tattooed, sweet, and can play a keyboard like they were born to it. Still…he has been down this road before and he knows exactly where it leads.
And then Templeton’s ex comes to town and all Jesse Ford’s intentions don’t amount to a hill of beans. Because Jesse Ford might need to swear off men, but he can’t turn his back on this one.
Since my last attempt at Cooper West went so well, I thought I would give this other book of her’s a chance. And while there is a lamentable lack of shifters in this novel, there is also less angsty overload, which was greatly appreciated.
Much like Jesse, I am a sucker for a fixer-upper. At least in men (in books). I just really love how a guy can go from rock-bottom to solid ground all with the help of his maybe-love. And while I don’t expect (and would rather not have) love that conquers all in my stories, I do like when two guys come together to help fix each other.
I did appreciate how Jesse realized that he just could not go around hoping to fix every man he falls for. It is unrealistic, and would probably leave him a lot more broken than any of these losers that he picks up. And his struggle between wanting Templeton and knowing that he could just be walking down the same old path (to heartache) all over again, was very well written.
I do however wish the dude had cut Templeton a bit more slack. Yes, breaking up with someone ‘to save him’ is one of my pet peeves, but Templeton has been in an abusive relationship for almost ten years, and I think it would be fair to say that when it comes to his ex, he is not firing on all ten cylinders. But I also understand why Jesses reacted that way. I mean, having the dude you are falling for dump you, with only a craptastic explanation, has to suck. And in real life, I would probably be siding with Jesse here–-but this is fiction and I want my MCs to be perfect. But flawed. Perfectly flawed?
Anyways…I enjoyed this story. Enjoyed the background plot of the fight for the GSA at the local high school, and really liked the political activism in the story. Even if it was on a small scale. It gave the story something to balance out the crazy ex plot that was circling around Jesse and Templeton. I do wish there had been more focus on Templeton’s music, though. It is on the fringes of the story, occasionally poking its head in to have a look around, but I would have enjoyed having that aspect of Templeton come into play more often. I did really love Jesse’s mother, and liked how she tied into the story. She is a little…well she is a little bit hippie, but then that is perfect for her. And she did a good job of tying both Jesse and Templeton together…even if she did have an unnerving habit of walking into rooms with closed doors (with naked people on the opposite side of said doors).
Good story, and I would recommend reading it if you just want something with a touch of angst, but not too much. It has interesting characters–-that are very well written-–and a nice plot. And while I would have loved to dump Templeton’s ex in a pit of hungry alligators, I do like how he was handled here.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
And then Templeton’s ex comes to town and all Jesse Ford’s intentions don’t amount to a hill of beans. Because Jesse Ford might need to swear off men, but he can’t turn his back on this one.
Since my last attempt at Cooper West went so well, I thought I would give this other book of her’s a chance. And while there is a lamentable lack of shifters in this novel, there is also less angsty overload, which was greatly appreciated.
Much like Jesse, I am a sucker for a fixer-upper. At least in men (in books). I just really love how a guy can go from rock-bottom to solid ground all with the help of his maybe-love. And while I don’t expect (and would rather not have) love that conquers all in my stories, I do like when two guys come together to help fix each other.
I did appreciate how Jesse realized that he just could not go around hoping to fix every man he falls for. It is unrealistic, and would probably leave him a lot more broken than any of these losers that he picks up. And his struggle between wanting Templeton and knowing that he could just be walking down the same old path (to heartache) all over again, was very well written.
I do however wish the dude had cut Templeton a bit more slack. Yes, breaking up with someone ‘to save him’ is one of my pet peeves, but Templeton has been in an abusive relationship for almost ten years, and I think it would be fair to say that when it comes to his ex, he is not firing on all ten cylinders. But I also understand why Jesses reacted that way. I mean, having the dude you are falling for dump you, with only a craptastic explanation, has to suck. And in real life, I would probably be siding with Jesse here–-but this is fiction and I want my MCs to be perfect. But flawed. Perfectly flawed?
Anyways…I enjoyed this story. Enjoyed the background plot of the fight for the GSA at the local high school, and really liked the political activism in the story. Even if it was on a small scale. It gave the story something to balance out the crazy ex plot that was circling around Jesse and Templeton. I do wish there had been more focus on Templeton’s music, though. It is on the fringes of the story, occasionally poking its head in to have a look around, but I would have enjoyed having that aspect of Templeton come into play more often. I did really love Jesse’s mother, and liked how she tied into the story. She is a little…well she is a little bit hippie, but then that is perfect for her. And she did a good job of tying both Jesse and Templeton together…even if she did have an unnerving habit of walking into rooms with closed doors (with naked people on the opposite side of said doors).
Good story, and I would recommend reading it if you just want something with a touch of angst, but not too much. It has interesting characters–-that are very well written-–and a nice plot. And while I would have loved to dump Templeton’s ex in a pit of hungry alligators, I do like how he was handled here.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 21, 2014
Have you ever been to a restaurant when you are absolutely starving and everything sounds delicious? Your mouth waters as you order half of the menu and then when the food arrives, you are sorely disappointed. Every dish tastes bland. What could have been a stellar meal, turns out to be a major let down.
Sucks doesn't it?
That was me and this book. I was hungry, craving all the blurb proclaimed it was and was dissatisfied.
An older sexy professor and a young bad-ass rocker fall in love…hot story potential. Yet for me, it ended up being a hot mess.
Jesse is an art history professor running away from a nasty breakup which ruined his career. He shacks up with his smothering and highly annoying mother’s while he licks his wounds. Jesse and I did not click from the get go. His ‘hard shell’ was abrasive and as much as I tried, I never warmed up to him.
Templeton was hiding from his abusive ('ex' depending on the month) boyfriend. He happens to be gifted with musical talents, but he’s almost one hundred percent illiterate. This is such a tender subject and honestly, I didn't care for the way it was handled. Lot of ‘issues’ thrown together in one pot and none of them were addressed like I wished they would have been. For example, referring to his ex-boyfriend as ‘Smashy’ was extremely poor taste in my opinion. None of the secondary characters did anything for me.
I wish I could say it was just a lack of connection between me and the MC’s and the deficiency of tender handling with sensitive subjects, but there’s more.
The writing was lots and lots of tell and very little show. I didn't care for the first kiss and I sure as hell didn't like their first time.
I could probably rattle on, but you get the point. I was incredibly bummed out.
I’d like to say it was probably just me. Bad book day and all.
Maybe you’ll end up happy and sated, but I wouldn't be surprised if you too find these goods are truly that…damaged.
*2.5 not-for-me-thanks stars*
Sucks doesn't it?
That was me and this book. I was hungry, craving all the blurb proclaimed it was and was dissatisfied.
An older sexy professor and a young bad-ass rocker fall in love…hot story potential. Yet for me, it ended up being a hot mess.
Jesse is an art history professor running away from a nasty breakup which ruined his career. He shacks up with his smothering and highly annoying mother’s while he licks his wounds. Jesse and I did not click from the get go. His ‘hard shell’ was abrasive and as much as I tried, I never warmed up to him.
Templeton was hiding from his abusive ('ex' depending on the month) boyfriend. He happens to be gifted with musical talents, but he’s almost one hundred percent illiterate. This is such a tender subject and honestly, I didn't care for the way it was handled. Lot of ‘issues’ thrown together in one pot and none of them were addressed like I wished they would have been. For example, referring to his ex-boyfriend as ‘Smashy’ was extremely poor taste in my opinion. None of the secondary characters did anything for me.
I wish I could say it was just a lack of connection between me and the MC’s and the deficiency of tender handling with sensitive subjects, but there’s more.
The writing was lots and lots of tell and very little show. I didn't care for the first kiss and I sure as hell didn't like their first time.
I could probably rattle on, but you get the point. I was incredibly bummed out.
I’d like to say it was probably just me. Bad book day and all.
Maybe you’ll end up happy and sated, but I wouldn't be surprised if you too find these goods are truly that…damaged.
*2.5 not-for-me-thanks stars*
October 27, 2014
3.5 out of 5 stars
Review originally published on The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
Description ~
Professor Jesse Ford feels like a failure in both love and life. He's moved home to live over his mother's garage after his previous relationship ended in heartbreak and a minor academic scandal, derailing his career. Tired and disappointed, he holes up to lick his wounds and concentrate on his next book, determined to avoid anything having to do with love or romance.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.
My Review ~
Jesse was an up and coming professor at Princeton until a scandal with his now ex-boyfriend sent him home. He ends up living back at his mom’s, in her garage apartment, feeling like he’s at loose ends.
Then there is Templeton, who I really liked. He’s a musician who’s moved to town with basically the clothes on his back. He’s kind of a stand out in this quieter town because of his tattoos, hair and piercings. Templeton also projects an air of vulnerability that really draws Jesse to him. They basically fall into an opposites attract relationship, but there are secrets and issues that neither will share nor are willing to face.
As I said above, I really liked Templeton out of the two main characters. He’s the type of character that if he were real, I’d be friends with him. However, as opposites attract, he and Jesse didn’t really seem to feel like they would be a long term kind of couple. While they’re both damaged, I think Templeton needs someone much stronger to be his relationship base. Jesse, on the other hand, would want to fix him instead of letting Templeton fix himself. I also didn’t see Jesse as breaking out of his own semi-conservative mold.
I liked Damaged Goods. It had a good storyline and decent characters, but for me it didn’t live up to its full potential. There were good moments to the story, though, for each of the main characters. Jesse’s interaction with his mom, and the times he was with his friend Danny, were cute, funny, and brought out the best in the character. Really, it almost felt like the author had wanted to develop a relationship with Jesse and Danny but went in the other direction. Templeton had some sweet moments with Jesse’s mom, and really his story, overall, was very compelling.
This is a story that had good bones and solid structure, so I do recommend that you give it a try. After all, we all have different opinions of what makes a story right for ourselves. If you like opposites attract, this is definitely one you should check out.
Review originally published on The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
Description ~
Professor Jesse Ford feels like a failure in both love and life. He's moved home to live over his mother's garage after his previous relationship ended in heartbreak and a minor academic scandal, derailing his career. Tired and disappointed, he holes up to lick his wounds and concentrate on his next book, determined to avoid anything having to do with love or romance.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.
My Review ~
Jesse was an up and coming professor at Princeton until a scandal with his now ex-boyfriend sent him home. He ends up living back at his mom’s, in her garage apartment, feeling like he’s at loose ends.
Then there is Templeton, who I really liked. He’s a musician who’s moved to town with basically the clothes on his back. He’s kind of a stand out in this quieter town because of his tattoos, hair and piercings. Templeton also projects an air of vulnerability that really draws Jesse to him. They basically fall into an opposites attract relationship, but there are secrets and issues that neither will share nor are willing to face.
As I said above, I really liked Templeton out of the two main characters. He’s the type of character that if he were real, I’d be friends with him. However, as opposites attract, he and Jesse didn’t really seem to feel like they would be a long term kind of couple. While they’re both damaged, I think Templeton needs someone much stronger to be his relationship base. Jesse, on the other hand, would want to fix him instead of letting Templeton fix himself. I also didn’t see Jesse as breaking out of his own semi-conservative mold.
I liked Damaged Goods. It had a good storyline and decent characters, but for me it didn’t live up to its full potential. There were good moments to the story, though, for each of the main characters. Jesse’s interaction with his mom, and the times he was with his friend Danny, were cute, funny, and brought out the best in the character. Really, it almost felt like the author had wanted to develop a relationship with Jesse and Danny but went in the other direction. Templeton had some sweet moments with Jesse’s mom, and really his story, overall, was very compelling.
This is a story that had good bones and solid structure, so I do recommend that you give it a try. After all, we all have different opinions of what makes a story right for ourselves. If you like opposites attract, this is definitely one you should check out.
February 20, 2015
West, Cooper. “Damaged Goods”, Dreamspinner Press, 2014.
A Failure in Love, Life and Writing
Amos Lassen
Have you ever started a book and wanted to slam it shut ten minutes after reading? That is exactly how I feel about Cooper West’s book. We live in age in which everyone wants to write a book even when they have no idea how to do so. In “Damaged Goods” there is a story but it is one that we have read over and over again . Here West has again recycled the same old same old.
West’s blurb reads:
Professor Jesse Ford feels like a failure in both love and life. He's moved home to live over his mother's garage after his previous relationship ended in heartbreak and a minor academic scandal, derailing his career. Tired and disappointed, he holes up to lick his wounds and concentrate on his next book, determined to avoid anything having to do with love or romance.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.”
The read is boring and the characters have no signs of humanity and whatever action that they share is just a way to add words to the story (and not very good words at that). I have read almost all of Cooper West’s writing and if I were to say that she never rises above mediocrity that would be a compliment. Those of you who read my reviews know that I hardly never pan a writer so I am not panning a writer very simply because Cooper West is not a writer. She is one of those many people out there who wants to see her name on a book spine.
How many times can we read about two men filled with baggage and scars who find each other and live happily ever after?
Jesse is an arrogant academic; Templeton has problems about being insecure. Both men have pressing problems---Jesse’s deal with an academic scandal and Templeton is being stalked by his ex. When they finally get together, I could have cared less. I probably would have connected better with the phone book.
A Failure in Love, Life and Writing
Amos Lassen
Have you ever started a book and wanted to slam it shut ten minutes after reading? That is exactly how I feel about Cooper West’s book. We live in age in which everyone wants to write a book even when they have no idea how to do so. In “Damaged Goods” there is a story but it is one that we have read over and over again . Here West has again recycled the same old same old.
West’s blurb reads:
Professor Jesse Ford feels like a failure in both love and life. He's moved home to live over his mother's garage after his previous relationship ended in heartbreak and a minor academic scandal, derailing his career. Tired and disappointed, he holes up to lick his wounds and concentrate on his next book, determined to avoid anything having to do with love or romance.
Jesse starts to change his mind when he meets Templeton, the beautiful and engaging punk rocker working as a short order cook at their small town's popular diner. Templeton, a talented musician, is back in town after escaping from his abusive boyfriend back in Seattle where they had tried to start a band. Encouraged by friends and family, Jesse and Templeton realize they can't fight their mutual attraction.
The two men from very different worlds decide they might have a chance, but they find their tentative romance threatened by the many secrets Templeton is keeping, and Jesse's own bruised heart. When Templeton's dangerous ex shows up, both Templeton and Jesse have to decide whether their fledgling relationship can withstand facing the demons of their pasts.”
The read is boring and the characters have no signs of humanity and whatever action that they share is just a way to add words to the story (and not very good words at that). I have read almost all of Cooper West’s writing and if I were to say that she never rises above mediocrity that would be a compliment. Those of you who read my reviews know that I hardly never pan a writer so I am not panning a writer very simply because Cooper West is not a writer. She is one of those many people out there who wants to see her name on a book spine.
How many times can we read about two men filled with baggage and scars who find each other and live happily ever after?
Jesse is an arrogant academic; Templeton has problems about being insecure. Both men have pressing problems---Jesse’s deal with an academic scandal and Templeton is being stalked by his ex. When they finally get together, I could have cared less. I probably would have connected better with the phone book.
October 2, 2014
Jesse gives up his job due to some bad blood with an alcoholic ex-boyfriend and moves back to his small home-town to live with his mother and lick his wounds. Templeton (cool name- right?) leaves Seattle to make a new life on another coast after fleeing his abusive ex-boyfriend and fellow band member.
The two meet up at Jesse’s friend’s diner and sparks immediately fly.
Then the two get together after a little bit of angst and confusion. Their sex is sorta hot.
Then there is some crazy, crazy stuff with the abusive ex and the school board.
And soon after that a HEA.
Ok – so that’s a little simplified, but not too far off.
I really wanted these two guys to get together because they’re so terribly broken apart, but they really didn’t have great chemistry. They almost seemed like bizarre copies of one another if one had taken the red pill and the other the blue.
I had a hard time buying Templeton’s attraction to Jesse in the first place because Jesse is kinda whiny and not terribly interesting. Templeton is also a little predictable and off-putting in his victimhood, acting very young for a 27 year old.
What bothered me the most was that Jesse supposedly has relationship problems because he dates “fixer-uppers” instead of finding whole men who can equally share in a relationship. At no point do I believe that Templeton is anything other than a “fixer-upper”. So I never believed the two would last and that made the book unsatisfying.
I loved the cover. The writing was nice and well edited. The characters had some potential, especially Jesse’s mom and his friend Davey. The story itself did not convince me enough to suspend my disbelief and I was left a little disappointed.
I didn’t hate it, to be sure, but I can’t really recommend it all that much.
I give it a 3 of 5 hearts.
The two meet up at Jesse’s friend’s diner and sparks immediately fly.
Then the two get together after a little bit of angst and confusion. Their sex is sorta hot.
Then there is some crazy, crazy stuff with the abusive ex and the school board.
And soon after that a HEA.
Ok – so that’s a little simplified, but not too far off.
I really wanted these two guys to get together because they’re so terribly broken apart, but they really didn’t have great chemistry. They almost seemed like bizarre copies of one another if one had taken the red pill and the other the blue.
I had a hard time buying Templeton’s attraction to Jesse in the first place because Jesse is kinda whiny and not terribly interesting. Templeton is also a little predictable and off-putting in his victimhood, acting very young for a 27 year old.
What bothered me the most was that Jesse supposedly has relationship problems because he dates “fixer-uppers” instead of finding whole men who can equally share in a relationship. At no point do I believe that Templeton is anything other than a “fixer-upper”. So I never believed the two would last and that made the book unsatisfying.
I loved the cover. The writing was nice and well edited. The characters had some potential, especially Jesse’s mom and his friend Davey. The story itself did not convince me enough to suspend my disbelief and I was left a little disappointed.
I didn’t hate it, to be sure, but I can’t really recommend it all that much.
I give it a 3 of 5 hearts.
July 26, 2014
Full Review: http://watch-and-word-society.blogspot.com/2014/07/book-review-damaged-goods.html
I was very interested from the blurb alone, as I love a good tortured hero, and the only thing better than that is TWO tortured heroes. Templeton captured me in this book, and he is what held my interest the most. I found him to be a complex character who did not fit a cookie cutter mold of an abused man. I loved the reveal about his secret, and I thought it really added dimension to him as a young man without options who could have been swayed by someone like evil ex-Cory. Templeton is clearly a man with a series set of issues and challenges, but he had hope and nerves, and I felt like we got to see a side of him that was fun loving, strong, and still excited by the things life could offer him. He may not have always trusted they would last, but I liked that he didn't shy from trying to trust again, even just in the friends he found.
Jesse wasn't my favorite MC ever, but I felt like I knew who he was for the most part. I felt like he kept backing himself into a corner a bit, but his heart was in the right place. I loved his mother, and several of the other secondaries, especially Jesse's old school friend and Templeton's boss. Cory was evil to the core, and I enjoyed completely hating him.
I found this book a compelling read and I was eager to get back to it. I wanted to see Templeton grab on to his fledgling optimism and make a go of it. I felt satisfied at the conclusion and I enjoyed seeing some of the out-of-the-box endings these guys could finally get!
Definitely recommended.
I was very interested from the blurb alone, as I love a good tortured hero, and the only thing better than that is TWO tortured heroes. Templeton captured me in this book, and he is what held my interest the most. I found him to be a complex character who did not fit a cookie cutter mold of an abused man. I loved the reveal about his secret, and I thought it really added dimension to him as a young man without options who could have been swayed by someone like evil ex-Cory. Templeton is clearly a man with a series set of issues and challenges, but he had hope and nerves, and I felt like we got to see a side of him that was fun loving, strong, and still excited by the things life could offer him. He may not have always trusted they would last, but I liked that he didn't shy from trying to trust again, even just in the friends he found.
Jesse wasn't my favorite MC ever, but I felt like I knew who he was for the most part. I felt like he kept backing himself into a corner a bit, but his heart was in the right place. I loved his mother, and several of the other secondaries, especially Jesse's old school friend and Templeton's boss. Cory was evil to the core, and I enjoyed completely hating him.
I found this book a compelling read and I was eager to get back to it. I wanted to see Templeton grab on to his fledgling optimism and make a go of it. I felt satisfied at the conclusion and I enjoyed seeing some of the out-of-the-box endings these guys could finally get!
Definitely recommended.
August 3, 2014
Hearts on Fire Review
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=28233
Jesse Ford was a Professor at Princeton until a scandal sent him home to live with this mother. Jesse seems to have issues. He is always trying to fix his partner and seems to end up in unhealthy relationships. Jesse’s mother is into match making and seems to be set on Jesse and Templeton getting together.
Templeton is a few years younger than Jesse is. He has scrapped by in life making choices not because it is what is best for him but what is easier in the long run. Templeton has lived in abused relationship so long that its apparent he is having trouble adjusting to normal life and what to expect in a normal life. In addition, Templeton being illiterate is a huge challenge to becoming independent.
My biggest issue with the book is the lack of chemistry between Jesse and Templeton. There was barely a spark between them. Jesse and Templeton both seemed to settle on being together and grow to love each other. I liked that sex was not a bit part of this story and more the relationship building, Templeton and Jesse’s issues.
I found this book is very well written. The overall plot was very believable. The ending was a bit predictable but it was an interesting journey to the end. The book was more about the journey to the end than the end itself. The main and secondary characters were engaging and fascinating. Overall, this was a great book.
Original Review Published here: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=28233
Jesse Ford was a Professor at Princeton until a scandal sent him home to live with this mother. Jesse seems to have issues. He is always trying to fix his partner and seems to end up in unhealthy relationships. Jesse’s mother is into match making and seems to be set on Jesse and Templeton getting together.
Templeton is a few years younger than Jesse is. He has scrapped by in life making choices not because it is what is best for him but what is easier in the long run. Templeton has lived in abused relationship so long that its apparent he is having trouble adjusting to normal life and what to expect in a normal life. In addition, Templeton being illiterate is a huge challenge to becoming independent.
My biggest issue with the book is the lack of chemistry between Jesse and Templeton. There was barely a spark between them. Jesse and Templeton both seemed to settle on being together and grow to love each other. I liked that sex was not a bit part of this story and more the relationship building, Templeton and Jesse’s issues.
I found this book is very well written. The overall plot was very believable. The ending was a bit predictable but it was an interesting journey to the end. The book was more about the journey to the end than the end itself. The main and secondary characters were engaging and fascinating. Overall, this was a great book.
August 21, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
We have a classic story here of opposites attracting with reserved, highly educated Jesse and high school dropout Templeton. When Jesse visits with his long time friend, Davey, we quickly learn Jesse’s story. We quickly learn everybody’s story. When Davey wants to know what is going on with Jesse and he tells him to “spill,” Jesse does exactly that even though he claims he never does that sort of thing. Everybody spillstheir stories very quickly. Templeton and Jesse also spill to each other and Jesse’s mother spills to Templeton, and this was all by Chapter Two. It was a lot of people opening up to people they barely knew very quickly. There is one secret that Templeton holds back, but we as the reader become aware.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety
here.
3 stars
We have a classic story here of opposites attracting with reserved, highly educated Jesse and high school dropout Templeton. When Jesse visits with his long time friend, Davey, we quickly learn Jesse’s story. We quickly learn everybody’s story. When Davey wants to know what is going on with Jesse and he tells him to “spill,” Jesse does exactly that even though he claims he never does that sort of thing. Everybody spillstheir stories very quickly. Templeton and Jesse also spill to each other and Jesse’s mother spills to Templeton, and this was all by Chapter Two. It was a lot of people opening up to people they barely knew very quickly. There is one secret that Templeton holds back, but we as the reader become aware.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety
here.
September 2, 2014
Hmmmm. I like the author's style. Breezy, deft, humorous. However, the plot was a little clunky. Jesse, a university professor, is living back home in Creston after a scandal at Princeton with a lover who had serious personal and professional issues. Templeton has fled Seattle leaving an abusive lover to return to Creston because he has no where else to go. Templeton and Jesse meet through Jesse's hippie mom. There's lots about saving the gay rights club at the high school they both went to (albeit seven years apart...), Templeton's issues follow him, he has secrets, he gets hurt, Jesse is confused - just a little too much going on. I think I would have liked a little more emphasis on the two MCs because when they are together, it's quite sweet and sexy. The secondary characters are wonderful - Davey, Amelia, etc. Loved Jesse's relationship with him mom. I will read more by this author, though this was one was a bit of a struggle to get through.
March 14, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. Jesse and Templeton are an odd matchup, but I guess that is the point. In Damaged Goods, two damaged individuals from diametrically opposed backgrounds come together to fight for what is right. The both have had a bad time in the world of love and as such make stupid mistakes to protect themselves from further hurt rather than talking to each other. That being said; I was not overly shocked by this and expected it. To be honest, I expected pretty much everything that happened in this story, except maybe Mr. Currie. Find the whole review at http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
July 24, 2014
I really wanted to like this book, but it was just blah. I didn't feel the connection to the characters at all. I honestly don't know people who share their very personal and tragic life stories before/during a first real date. The drama between the characters also seemed very exaggerated and unnecessary. The drama with the ex was more than enough. If the author left out the interpersonal conflicts and they bonded then there could have been a connection and bond to work through the other conflicts.
October 8, 2014
I liked the main characters and several of the secondary characters, especially Jesse's mother. I liked this story with a lot of likeable people and two guys who were a little bit broken, but not over-the-top dramatic. And an enjoyable and satisfying ending.
August 31, 2014
I thought the story lacked some chemistry between Jesse and Templeton. The addition of Cory, though brought the two together and added conflict and movement to the story. I felt so angry at him, I wanted to jump in and kick his ass. Even at the end I wanted to find out something bad had happened to him. Or at least to "see" his reaction to Jesse and Temp's success. Happiness is the best revenge.
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August 12, 2014Dnf @ 40%.
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August 19, 2014This book was reviewed by Love Bytes Reviews!
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