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Tall, Dark and Damaged
His Life Changed in a Heartbeat.
Disinherited as a teen, Devon Ashby returns home twelve years later as a ruthless CEO, brilliant at negotiating deals, but emotionally stunted. In an instant all he's struggled to build implodes. Amid the turmoil of saving his company from a hostile takeover, his engagement to a business partner's high-society daughter hits the rocks. Compounding his troubles, he encounters his high school sweetheart, whose heart he smashed. The vulnerability she awakens leaves him at greater risk than all the crises he faces.
Her Dream Job May Get Her Killed.
While restoring art in a billionaire's private gallery, Hannah Moore is unwittingly drawn into the dysfunctional family's confidences. When she discovers the rich developer behind her and her sick aunt's eviction is the family's black-sheep son--the lover she's never gotten over--her desire turns to fury. Always one to avoid conflict, Hannah must stand up to Devon and the growing menace of someone who thinks she knows too much.
A Decades-Old Secret Turns Deadly.
When a family member is murdered, Devon and Hannah become ensnared in sibling greed, festering jealousy, and a tragic secret that's divided the family. Amid their reigniting passion they race to expose the killer before they become the next victims in this cat-and-mouse game of survival.
Disinherited as a teen, Devon Ashby returns home twelve years later as a ruthless CEO, brilliant at negotiating deals, but emotionally stunted. In an instant all he's struggled to build implodes. Amid the turmoil of saving his company from a hostile takeover, his engagement to a business partner's high-society daughter hits the rocks. Compounding his troubles, he encounters his high school sweetheart, whose heart he smashed. The vulnerability she awakens leaves him at greater risk than all the crises he faces.
Her Dream Job May Get Her Killed.
While restoring art in a billionaire's private gallery, Hannah Moore is unwittingly drawn into the dysfunctional family's confidences. When she discovers the rich developer behind her and her sick aunt's eviction is the family's black-sheep son--the lover she's never gotten over--her desire turns to fury. Always one to avoid conflict, Hannah must stand up to Devon and the growing menace of someone who thinks she knows too much.
A Decades-Old Secret Turns Deadly.
When a family member is murdered, Devon and Hannah become ensnared in sibling greed, festering jealousy, and a tragic secret that's divided the family. Amid their reigniting passion they race to expose the killer before they become the next victims in this cat-and-mouse game of survival.
376 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2016
544 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Andre
12 books116 followersExcerpt Of "Incendiary Attraction":
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Sarah Andre is a 2017 RITA® finalist, which is Romance Writers of America highest award of distinction. She lives in serene Southwest FL with her husband and two naughty Pomeranians. When she’s not writing, Sarah is either reading novels or coloring. Yes, you read that right. She’s all over those coloring books for adults.
For more information please visit www.SarahAndre.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SarahAndreNovels
Twitter: @SarahRSWriter
https://sarahandre.com/books/incendia...
Excerpt of "A Savage Trick":
https://sarahandre.com/books/a-savage...
Excerpt of "Capturing the Queen":
http://sarahandre.com/books/capturing...
Excerpt Of "Tall, Dark and Damaged":
http://sarahandre.com/books/tall-dark...
Excerpt of "Locked, Loaded and Lying":
http://sarahandre.com/books/locked-lo...
Sarah Andre is a 2017 RITA® finalist, which is Romance Writers of America highest award of distinction. She lives in serene Southwest FL with her husband and two naughty Pomeranians. When she’s not writing, Sarah is either reading novels or coloring. Yes, you read that right. She’s all over those coloring books for adults.
For more information please visit www.SarahAndre.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SarahAndreNovels
Twitter: @SarahRSWriter
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June 5, 2016
This book is fast-paced and emotionally charged. It is guaranteed to keep you turning pages long into the night with surprising twists and turns. The story is about a dysfunctional mega-rich family, murder, and the prodigal son coming home to confront his father and his lost love. Sweet and scorchingly hot at the same time. Sarah Andre knows how to write. No wonder she was a two time Golden Heart finalist. Appropriate for both those who love Romantic Suspense and for those who read Thrillers.
June 11, 2016
TALL, DARK, AND DAMAGED is a fast moving mystery story dealing with issues of trust, betrayal, manipulations, and a suspicious death. Andre’s storyline introduces readers to the Wickham family, one of Chicago’s richest and influential families. She provides each family member’s backstory and their roles they play as the storyline progresses. Her two protagonists Devon Ashby and Hannah Moore have a complicated history dating back to their high school years. Devon disavows the Wickham Family name by changing his name to Devon Ashby, his mother’s maiden name and leaves Chicago. Harrison Wickham, patriarch of the Wickham family decides to disinherit him. He leaves Hannah behind when he moves to New York. Hannah moves on with her life by opening a successful art restoration business. Andre sets the stage for intrigue and drama when Devon returns to Chicago. Events quickly unfold keeping readers on the edge of their seats holding their breath as they turn each page to find out what happens next.
The author keeps increasing momentum of the plot. She shares the details of the compelling conflict between Devon and his father and adds additional details as the story develops. Many events unfold at the Wickham home adding subplots and exceptional support characters. Readers sitting on Hannah’s shoulder learn what she feels about Devon and why she makes every effort to avoid him. Andre continues to add twists and turns adding intense scenes between Devon and Harrison. She continues to bring Devon and Hannah together challenging both of them to evaluate their feelings for each other. TALL, DARK, AND DAMAGED is a captivating story keeping everyone second guessing as to how things will turn out. Andre keeps building her storyline to an explosive ending involving power, money, and romance. Her story is a must read and earns a five-star ranking.
The author keeps increasing momentum of the plot. She shares the details of the compelling conflict between Devon and his father and adds additional details as the story develops. Many events unfold at the Wickham home adding subplots and exceptional support characters. Readers sitting on Hannah’s shoulder learn what she feels about Devon and why she makes every effort to avoid him. Andre continues to add twists and turns adding intense scenes between Devon and Harrison. She continues to bring Devon and Hannah together challenging both of them to evaluate their feelings for each other. TALL, DARK, AND DAMAGED is a captivating story keeping everyone second guessing as to how things will turn out. Andre keeps building her storyline to an explosive ending involving power, money, and romance. Her story is a must read and earns a five-star ranking.
September 9, 2016
A perfectly plotted romance. When top-notch businessman returns home after twelve years to rub his success in his arrogant father's face, the sparks fly. When they settle, Devon finds himself knee deep in family trauma, an underhanded take over of his company, a murder, and the rekindling of his one and only true love. With every decision, his life takes a turn for the worst. Sara Andre keeps you turning the pages to find out if Devon will ever be able to escape his downfall.
August 4, 2018
A suspenseful novel, I initially found it difficult to get into this book. Devon returns home to sign the papers that will give him his inheritance, only to walk into a hornet's nest. His megalomaniac father plays his malicious games with his family and his latest fiancé has her claws out, ready to scoop up the spoils. However, as over 90% of an iceberg's mass is underwater, so are this family's deep psychological problems and deadly secrets hidden from view. Hannah unwittingly finds herself in the middle of the ensuing catastrophic events and when her life is put in danger, Devon finds himself torn between salvaging what's left of his own life or choosing Hannah and the love that has reignited between them. Although this book is well written with high levels of suspense and drama, it is not my favourite genre and I found the behaviour of a number of characters unpleasant and disturbing. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
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July 30, 2018
Wow! Mystery and romance combined into an intriguing story. Devon Ashby is definitely portrayed as tall and dark but he's surrounded by "damaged" people who will keep the reader guessing not only about the outcome of this tale, but also about the secrets of the past. Hannah is a reminder of Devon's past who becomes the catalyst of resolving the past, present and brings him full circle into the future. Really enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and found that I couldn't put the book down. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
July 25, 2018
This book had me gripped from start too finish. So many damaged, flawed characters with twists and turns. It had elements of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Miss Marple. Dark in places, wanting to make me cry and to scream out loud at the stupid decisions made by the lead characters.
I did not want to like Devon at first but the more he fell off his high horse the more I fell for him. Similarly I initially felt Hannah was a wimp but again I was proved wrong. As a “who done it” type story I do not want to give out spoilers but suffice to say money does not always bring happiness.
This is a new author for me and I received this book free from eBook discovery in return for a free unbiased review. It was a book I enjoyed and I have already looked to see what other titles are in the series.
I did not want to like Devon at first but the more he fell off his high horse the more I fell for him. Similarly I initially felt Hannah was a wimp but again I was proved wrong. As a “who done it” type story I do not want to give out spoilers but suffice to say money does not always bring happiness.
This is a new author for me and I received this book free from eBook discovery in return for a free unbiased review. It was a book I enjoyed and I have already looked to see what other titles are in the series.
July 30, 2018
A second chance romantic suspense with a bit of a twist!
He walked out on his family and his girlfriend.....now he is back, but is it too late?
A good story line with credible characters.
He walked out on his family and his girlfriend.....now he is back, but is it too late?
A good story line with credible characters.
July 5, 2016
Tall, Dark & Damaged, Sarah Andre’s second romantic suspense novel (after Locked, Loaded, & Lying) is even better than her first. Her damaged hero, Devon Ashby, has returned to Chicago for the first time in twelve years, since he ran from his wealthy but highly dysfunctional family to build his own life—and his own successful real estate development firm—in New York City. He expects to sign for the trust fund left him by his long dead mother and return to his wealthy and socially active fiancee in short order.
He doesn’t expect the shocking surprise his vengeful father has for him, which may spell the destruction of everything Devon has worked for.
When Devon left Chicago, he left his high school sweetheart, Hannah Moore, behind, never quite understanding why she refused to go with him, cutting himself off from her as well as from his family, even dropping his father’s name, Wickham, for his mother’s, Ashby. Running into Hannah, now the owner of an art restoration firm, in his father’s house working to repair damage down by an unexplained fire, is as big a shock, and as disturbing, as anything his father has threatened.
Tall, Dark & Damaged weaves the never-quite-forgotten relationship between Devon and Hannah with complicated business dealings and long buried family secrets. As Hannah fights to hold on to her business and provide a home for her aged and ailing aunt, Devon struggles to understand the feelings and reactions of Hannah, his siblings, and his father, both of them caught in a web of emotions anchored far in the past.
Andre does a fine job of painting characters for whom the tragedies of the past and the struggles of the present combine to force them into situations that seem to have no solutions. Love may conquer all, but it has quite a fight to get there in Tall, Dark & Damaged.
He doesn’t expect the shocking surprise his vengeful father has for him, which may spell the destruction of everything Devon has worked for.
When Devon left Chicago, he left his high school sweetheart, Hannah Moore, behind, never quite understanding why she refused to go with him, cutting himself off from her as well as from his family, even dropping his father’s name, Wickham, for his mother’s, Ashby. Running into Hannah, now the owner of an art restoration firm, in his father’s house working to repair damage down by an unexplained fire, is as big a shock, and as disturbing, as anything his father has threatened.
Tall, Dark & Damaged weaves the never-quite-forgotten relationship between Devon and Hannah with complicated business dealings and long buried family secrets. As Hannah fights to hold on to her business and provide a home for her aged and ailing aunt, Devon struggles to understand the feelings and reactions of Hannah, his siblings, and his father, both of them caught in a web of emotions anchored far in the past.
Andre does a fine job of painting characters for whom the tragedies of the past and the struggles of the present combine to force them into situations that seem to have no solutions. Love may conquer all, but it has quite a fight to get there in Tall, Dark & Damaged.
June 27, 2016
It's hard to put words to a story that opens in conflict, gets even more mired in it, then ups its gears and morphs into a distinctively gothic-inflected climax and ends, quite literally, at the edge of a cliff with many things yet unresolved.
Imagine my dismay when there wasn't another part waiting to be published, or even an epilogue.
Sarah Andre's crisp prose drives it all, as we're thrust straight into the dizzying business of corporate raiding, mental illness and murder/suicide cases. In the eye of the storm are two former high-school lovers who ended badly, only to see each other again 12 years later by accident.
I did like the mystery and the whodunnit plot embedded in this particular reunion, but found myself sorely disappointed in the lack of development when it came to Devon and Hannah - a pairing that, within a week, simply came back together in a somewhat unbelievable, abrupt fashion without too much difficulty. It wasn't that the pairing was a bad one; it was simply one that I thought I could have been invested in a lot more had they not spent most of the time skirting each other, caught up in their own individual affairs such that coming together again was inevitable but questionable. Instead, there was an excess of family drama that took the focus off their relationship, as the story veered in the direction of showing the various forms of adult anxiety and the collapse of carefully constructed facades.
That being said, with the idea of legitimacy and rightful ownership foregrounded throughout, the suspense in the story is superb and pretty much what I'd expect of this genre. I only wish there there were more to be said of the main characters - and their lives after the storm - whom I've really come to like.
Imagine my dismay when there wasn't another part waiting to be published, or even an epilogue.
Sarah Andre's crisp prose drives it all, as we're thrust straight into the dizzying business of corporate raiding, mental illness and murder/suicide cases. In the eye of the storm are two former high-school lovers who ended badly, only to see each other again 12 years later by accident.
I did like the mystery and the whodunnit plot embedded in this particular reunion, but found myself sorely disappointed in the lack of development when it came to Devon and Hannah - a pairing that, within a week, simply came back together in a somewhat unbelievable, abrupt fashion without too much difficulty. It wasn't that the pairing was a bad one; it was simply one that I thought I could have been invested in a lot more had they not spent most of the time skirting each other, caught up in their own individual affairs such that coming together again was inevitable but questionable. Instead, there was an excess of family drama that took the focus off their relationship, as the story veered in the direction of showing the various forms of adult anxiety and the collapse of carefully constructed facades.
That being said, with the idea of legitimacy and rightful ownership foregrounded throughout, the suspense in the story is superb and pretty much what I'd expect of this genre. I only wish there there were more to be said of the main characters - and their lives after the storm - whom I've really come to like.
July 25, 2016
Tall, Dark, and Damaged is the first book I have read by Sarah Andre and I am happy to say I highly doubt it will be my last!
When Devon Ashby returns to his family home after a 12-year absence, he imagines it will be a short trip. He will come home, sign for the trust his mother had set up for him then return to his fairy tale life in NY. In New York, he has his socialite fiancé and the business he built from the ground up with his cousin.
Upon his return, things do not go as planned. He is forced to deal with his heartless father, a sister that is, to put it nicely, incredibly unstable, and running into, Hannah, the woman he left behind. Around every corner, there are twists and turns. Just when Devon thinks he has things figured out he stumbles across yet another roadblock.
Hannah, who is working for Devon’s father following a fire in the Wickham home, also faces countless roadblocks. She has to deal with the personal demands of Mr. Wickham regarding his art and her rekindled feelings for Devon following their reunion.
Andre puts all of the characters through numerous trials and tribulations. Just when you think you know what will happen, a surprising twist occurs. I could not put this book down. I wanted to know who was responsible for the death of Devon’s mother and who was responsible for the troubles with his business. I wanted to know if the love between Devon and Hannah would survive all of the damage, heartache, and betrayals. I could not put the book down until I knew whether Devon would pick money and success over his family or the love of his life. This is truly and incredible romantic thrilled that will keep you hooked. I only wish there was a continuation so I could find out what happened to Devon, Hannah, and even Mr. Wickham.
When Devon Ashby returns to his family home after a 12-year absence, he imagines it will be a short trip. He will come home, sign for the trust his mother had set up for him then return to his fairy tale life in NY. In New York, he has his socialite fiancé and the business he built from the ground up with his cousin.
Upon his return, things do not go as planned. He is forced to deal with his heartless father, a sister that is, to put it nicely, incredibly unstable, and running into, Hannah, the woman he left behind. Around every corner, there are twists and turns. Just when Devon thinks he has things figured out he stumbles across yet another roadblock.
Hannah, who is working for Devon’s father following a fire in the Wickham home, also faces countless roadblocks. She has to deal with the personal demands of Mr. Wickham regarding his art and her rekindled feelings for Devon following their reunion.
Andre puts all of the characters through numerous trials and tribulations. Just when you think you know what will happen, a surprising twist occurs. I could not put this book down. I wanted to know who was responsible for the death of Devon’s mother and who was responsible for the troubles with his business. I wanted to know if the love between Devon and Hannah would survive all of the damage, heartache, and betrayals. I could not put the book down until I knew whether Devon would pick money and success over his family or the love of his life. This is truly and incredible romantic thrilled that will keep you hooked. I only wish there was a continuation so I could find out what happened to Devon, Hannah, and even Mr. Wickham.
August 18, 2016
Loved this Novel!! I love the story line and how the plot throughout thickens. The author Sarah Andre gives just enough information to keep you wanting to learn more about the mysteries in Devon's past. As I read, I started to speculate who did what, but was totally surprised to learn that this read had some twists I wasn't expecting. This love story that has been building since high school was a wonderful journey between Devon and Hannah. I was glad they were able to reconnect and still have that natural and exciting pull towards one another that helped rebuild their bond in the end. The author did well at interconnecting not only Hannah and Devon's story through their previous relationship, but also with their connections through both their jobs.
Grammatically and overall, I couldn't find anything wrong with the way this novel was written. It kept me captivated and wanting to read more and more. It was hard to walk away from the chapters at the end. I was itching to continue reading after having to stop as it was the peak of suspense. By the end I was hoping there would be more to their story and one can only daydream at where things went after Hannah and Devon left the hospital.
I look forward to reading more from Sarah Andre as this novel had all the right stuff I enjoy reading.
Grammatically and overall, I couldn't find anything wrong with the way this novel was written. It kept me captivated and wanting to read more and more. It was hard to walk away from the chapters at the end. I was itching to continue reading after having to stop as it was the peak of suspense. By the end I was hoping there would be more to their story and one can only daydream at where things went after Hannah and Devon left the hospital.
I look forward to reading more from Sarah Andre as this novel had all the right stuff I enjoy reading.
September 29, 2016
Wow! Sarah Andre does NOT disappoint. Bad boy, second chances, murder, I loved it all.
Devon Ashby and Hannah Moore once meant the world to each other until their dysfunctional families tore them apart. Years later, Devon makes a trip home, certain he'd rub his success in his father's face and top off with his mother's trust due to him. He was wrong. Everything he worked so hard to build was suddenly slipping through his fingers and at the hands of his father. To make matters worse, seeing Hannah again stirs up old feelings and hurt. Hannah faces her own mountainous personal troubles, not the least of which is keeping her broken heart from Devon. Try as they might to distance themselves, circumstance keeps them close. The closer they get the thicker the mess grows between them. Just when you think it couldn't get any worse for either of them, it does. And that makes their journey back to each other's hearts all the sweeter.
Sarah Andre does a magnificent job of twisting the intrigue and delivering a satisfying love story.
Devon Ashby and Hannah Moore once meant the world to each other until their dysfunctional families tore them apart. Years later, Devon makes a trip home, certain he'd rub his success in his father's face and top off with his mother's trust due to him. He was wrong. Everything he worked so hard to build was suddenly slipping through his fingers and at the hands of his father. To make matters worse, seeing Hannah again stirs up old feelings and hurt. Hannah faces her own mountainous personal troubles, not the least of which is keeping her broken heart from Devon. Try as they might to distance themselves, circumstance keeps them close. The closer they get the thicker the mess grows between them. Just when you think it couldn't get any worse for either of them, it does. And that makes their journey back to each other's hearts all the sweeter.
Sarah Andre does a magnificent job of twisting the intrigue and delivering a satisfying love story.
February 16, 2017
This is an interesting book, unlike other romantic suspense book’s I’ve read. This is a new author for me, and one I will pick up again. However, this is more of a suspense / thriller story with only the slightest hint of romance. If I’d understood that expectation when I started the story it would have helped. After all, the main character is engaged to another woman for much of the book. Connecting with his high school sweetheart makes little sense if he is serious about that relationship. This is the story of a very damaged and dysfunctional family. I was confused as to what was going on for the first 50 pages, then realized this is not the formulaic romantic suspense I expected. I almost put the book down, but in the last 100 pages of this book, all the “who did it”, “why did they” questions start to get answered and it completely makes the book worth reading. The answers were fascinating and satisfying, although I would have liked an epilogue or glimpse into the future for the main couple.
March 11, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, about a warring family. It is very emotional, and the emotions are well written and believable. Devon is a complicated man, he hates his father and walked out on his family when he was a young man, when he could stand it no longer. He expected his girlfriend Hannah to leave with him, but she couldn't, as she was looking after her mother, who had cancer. He has become a rich and successful business man, but comes home on his and his father's birthday to claim the inheritance from his mother. He desperately needs the money for a new business venture. Once he is home his whole life disintegrates around him. Hannah has become an art expert and is working at his family home, so they meet again, and their attraction to each other is still strong.
There are many twists and turns in the story, none of which I expected or guessed. It s full of tension and excitement. Well worth reading.
There are many twists and turns in the story, none of which I expected or guessed. It s full of tension and excitement. Well worth reading.
June 6, 2016
Get comfortable and be prepared to stay up all night, once you start reading TALL, DARK & DAMAGED. As with Ms. Andre’s debut novel (LOCKED, LOADED & LYING), she delivers a complicated and appealing (and very damaged) hero, as well a strong and multifaceted heroine. The stakes are sky high in this book: murder, secrets, obscene wealth, reignited passions...and so much more.
Raw emotions and sexual heat run equally high between Devon and Hannah – former high school sweethearts whose relationship had suffered a devastating blow. I especially enjoyed finding out how they could possibly overcome the mutual wounds from their past while navigating such dangerous plot twists and turns. I highly recommend.
Raw emotions and sexual heat run equally high between Devon and Hannah – former high school sweethearts whose relationship had suffered a devastating blow. I especially enjoyed finding out how they could possibly overcome the mutual wounds from their past while navigating such dangerous plot twists and turns. I highly recommend.
June 27, 2018
A Thrill Ride
A great and suspense-filled book. It kept me turning pages to see what was next. The mystery is good, the twists believable, and the romance steamy. A keeper!
A great and suspense-filled book. It kept me turning pages to see what was next. The mystery is good, the twists believable, and the romance steamy. A keeper!
July 21, 2017
4.75 Stars
Tall, Dark and Damaged is a modern gothic tale that ramps up the suspense to a degree that I don't often read. It's not that I don't read or enjoy suspense, I'm just a big scaredy-cat. To be honest, I was excited for the second book in this series and my neurotic side likes to read books in order. I'm absolutely thrilled that I didn't skip this one. It was deliciously under-handed, eerie, sexy, fun and surprising. Out of the books that I have read, there aren't many that have wrest so many emotions from my being. I can't say enough good things about this reading experience. I'm just thrilled to have another go-to author. It was pure delight.
Tall, Dark and Damaged is a modern gothic tale that ramps up the suspense to a degree that I don't often read. It's not that I don't read or enjoy suspense, I'm just a big scaredy-cat. To be honest, I was excited for the second book in this series and my neurotic side likes to read books in order. I'm absolutely thrilled that I didn't skip this one. It was deliciously under-handed, eerie, sexy, fun and surprising. Out of the books that I have read, there aren't many that have wrest so many emotions from my being. I can't say enough good things about this reading experience. I'm just thrilled to have another go-to author. It was pure delight.
May 30, 2017
4.5 Stars
Wow! This was a really great story with lots of twists and turns. The characters were well-developed and the storyline complex. The author kept us guessing until the very end. Devon's father is the villain you love to hate ... until you really just kind of love him. Devon and Hannah's past is so touching. This is a romantic suspense and there are significant portions of the book where the H/h are separated. But the underlying plot is very interesting and overall well worth the read.
Wow! This was a really great story with lots of twists and turns. The characters were well-developed and the storyline complex. The author kept us guessing until the very end. Devon's father is the villain you love to hate ... until you really just kind of love him. Devon and Hannah's past is so touching. This is a romantic suspense and there are significant portions of the book where the H/h are separated. But the underlying plot is very interesting and overall well worth the read.
June 21, 2016
Tall, Dark and Damaged draws you in from the start with an appealing bad boy hero in need of redemption and a down-on-her luck heroine with the fortitude to save the day. I loved Sarah Andre's debut book Locked, Loaded and Lying and her second book delivers the same high octane, emotionally satisfying read. Five stars for a delicious page turner with a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
July 9, 2016
This was a taut, compelling story. From the very first line I was sucked in and had to know what was going to happen. I especially like the way the author made me care about and understand a flawed hero. Well done!
June 26, 2025
Intriguing Story, Characters & Listen🎧
Tall, Dark and Damaged
Damaged Heroes, Book 1
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell
This is an intriguing story with a lot going on, a romantic suspense with a side of mystery and some surprising twists and turns you never see coming. With nothing by angst between them, Devon Ashby could not get away from his father, Harrison Wickham, fast enough and left as soon as he was old enough. Twelve years later, he returns home, not as the teenager he was when he left, but as a successful CEO of a company he and his cousin built up from the ground and only going home to settle the trust, his mother left him. Except his father had other plans, and he walked into a battlefield, a war between his siblings and estranged father. Talk about dysfunctional families, the Wickham family, is just that, and then some. After a fire in his art gallery, Harrison hired Hannah Moore’s company to restore the damaged paintings. It was her dream job, but she was not expecting to run into her ex, Devon, her first love, and the one who broke her heart. Devon has a whole new life, runs in different circles and was engaged to a NY socialite, but he still has business ties in Chicago and soon learns he is the property developer wanting to tear down her building, forcing her and sickly aunt to find somewhere else to live. There is never a dull moment in this multi-layered story, and it was great watching it all unfold. There is drama is non-stop, relationship, family and business, angst is high, thought-provoking mystery, thrilling and suspense, heartfelt emotions, and a second chance romance. I enjoyed my first Sarah Andre novel, her writing, plot and world building was great, as was the character growth and development. I am looking forward to what comes next in the series.
🎧📚🎧 Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell did a great job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them with their emotions, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Their performance as Devon and Hannah, and the many side and supporting characters, was spot-on for a perfect portrayal, with each character’s personality shining through. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Tall, Dark and Damaged
Damaged Heroes, Book 1
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell
This is an intriguing story with a lot going on, a romantic suspense with a side of mystery and some surprising twists and turns you never see coming. With nothing by angst between them, Devon Ashby could not get away from his father, Harrison Wickham, fast enough and left as soon as he was old enough. Twelve years later, he returns home, not as the teenager he was when he left, but as a successful CEO of a company he and his cousin built up from the ground and only going home to settle the trust, his mother left him. Except his father had other plans, and he walked into a battlefield, a war between his siblings and estranged father. Talk about dysfunctional families, the Wickham family, is just that, and then some. After a fire in his art gallery, Harrison hired Hannah Moore’s company to restore the damaged paintings. It was her dream job, but she was not expecting to run into her ex, Devon, her first love, and the one who broke her heart. Devon has a whole new life, runs in different circles and was engaged to a NY socialite, but he still has business ties in Chicago and soon learns he is the property developer wanting to tear down her building, forcing her and sickly aunt to find somewhere else to live. There is never a dull moment in this multi-layered story, and it was great watching it all unfold. There is drama is non-stop, relationship, family and business, angst is high, thought-provoking mystery, thrilling and suspense, heartfelt emotions, and a second chance romance. I enjoyed my first Sarah Andre novel, her writing, plot and world building was great, as was the character growth and development. I am looking forward to what comes next in the series.
🎧📚🎧 Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell did a great job bringing these characters to life, humanizing them with their emotions, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable. Their performance as Devon and Hannah, and the many side and supporting characters, was spot-on for a perfect portrayal, with each character’s personality shining through. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
July 20, 2023
After 12 years Devon returns home to sort out his inheritance. When he left his home he was a rebellious youngster. Now he’s a successful business man who has more than earned his nickname: Renegade.
12 years ago Hannah was given two ultimatums by Devon. She couldn’t comply with any of these - he left her shattered and she never ever heard anything from him. Now he’s standing right in front of her and she’s shocked to see that he’s become exactly like what he wanted to avoid 12 years ago.
It was very difficult for me to warm up to this book. There was so much chaos going on and one event was chasing the other that I had a difficult time to stay focused. Anyway, the romance part was straight forward and focused on redemption and second chances. It was nice to be able to compare the main characters before/ after 12 years and to see how life treated them. Their HEA was a bit forced but rewarding enough.
The suspense part of the book gave me a really hard time. Basically there was no main thread but many little events, like little components that finally made up the suspense part, which had to do with a family drama. Although this sounds as if this might lead to a multilayered and interesting storyline, I felt more than once “overwhelmed” by the twist the plot took. Mainly because these turns weren’t elaborated but just “thrown” at the reader. Finally all these little “subplots” found their “climax” by being presented with a completely unexpected perpetrator. Not that I don’t appreciate a good twist in a book. But this has to be done smoothly and not so abruptly. The twist needs to be “cultivated” without being obvious - at least in my point of view.
12 years ago Hannah was given two ultimatums by Devon. She couldn’t comply with any of these - he left her shattered and she never ever heard anything from him. Now he’s standing right in front of her and she’s shocked to see that he’s become exactly like what he wanted to avoid 12 years ago.
It was very difficult for me to warm up to this book. There was so much chaos going on and one event was chasing the other that I had a difficult time to stay focused. Anyway, the romance part was straight forward and focused on redemption and second chances. It was nice to be able to compare the main characters before/ after 12 years and to see how life treated them. Their HEA was a bit forced but rewarding enough.
The suspense part of the book gave me a really hard time. Basically there was no main thread but many little events, like little components that finally made up the suspense part, which had to do with a family drama. Although this sounds as if this might lead to a multilayered and interesting storyline, I felt more than once “overwhelmed” by the twist the plot took. Mainly because these turns weren’t elaborated but just “thrown” at the reader. Finally all these little “subplots” found their “climax” by being presented with a completely unexpected perpetrator. Not that I don’t appreciate a good twist in a book. But this has to be done smoothly and not so abruptly. The twist needs to be “cultivated” without being obvious - at least in my point of view.
May 25, 2019
I highly recommend this book. The author has a way with words, a way of describing things succinctly but in a way that lets the reader see exactly what's going on and get inside the main characters' heads. The characters were expertly portrayed. Unlike some of the books I've read, the male protagonist in this book, Devon, isn't a larger-than-life hero. The author shows his strengths and weaknesses, his smart moves and his dumb ones, always in a way that makes him relatable and likable. Even though only a few days pass during the course of this book, we see Devon change from a man much like his father, whose primary goals are money and power, to a man who has come to realize how important the people in his life are. This is due mostly to Hannah, the woman Devon left twelve years prior to the opening of the book, the one he'd tried hard to push out of his mind. What takes place in the novel is relatable as well. There are no high-speed car chases, no international spy ring, or gun fights. The main conflicts deal with family relations, something we can all identify with. There's also a problem with Devon's company being taken over by his father. I don't know a lot about such things, but Andre gave enough details to help me understand what was going on while still keeping the pace fast. There are things that happen in the story line which took me by surprise. One character in particular (I don't want to give anything away) did something totally unexpected. But none of the characters were portrayed as evil, just flawed--another very relatable feature of the book.
June 26, 2025
Tall, Dark and Damaged
Damaged Heroes, Book 1
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell
And now I am hooked. Sarah Andre is a new author to me, and this is exactly the kind of listen I adore. The perfect amount of romance, the perfect amount of damage and the perfect amount of suspense all had me on the edge of my seat. Devon is back home to his estranged father's home after being gone for 12 years. Along with his siblings, and new potential stepmother, his father tells them the terms of his will, which certainly was a surprise to some. But Devon has been on his own long enough, building his own company that he has pretty much taken it in stride. Until he finds out the next move. Hannah, Devon's high school sweetheart, is doing some art restoration for Devon's father. Not by choice, but necessity. She is being evicted and needs all them money she can get, needs to keep her company afloat and find a place to live. Seeing Devon plays with her heart. But what she finds out next will surprise you. Twists and turns, betrayals and relevant issues all come into play in this breakout novel. I loved meeting the family, and the intricacies that led to the end. It was exciting and surprising!
Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell give a wonderful performance bringing each scene alive. There are a lot of characters and deep running emotions that each brought out with finesse. I loved them together, each giving the characters their own personal style. I really enjoyed them together and look forward to more.
Damaged Heroes, Book 1
By: Sarah Andre
Narrated by: Michael Joss, Elizabeth Russell
And now I am hooked. Sarah Andre is a new author to me, and this is exactly the kind of listen I adore. The perfect amount of romance, the perfect amount of damage and the perfect amount of suspense all had me on the edge of my seat. Devon is back home to his estranged father's home after being gone for 12 years. Along with his siblings, and new potential stepmother, his father tells them the terms of his will, which certainly was a surprise to some. But Devon has been on his own long enough, building his own company that he has pretty much taken it in stride. Until he finds out the next move. Hannah, Devon's high school sweetheart, is doing some art restoration for Devon's father. Not by choice, but necessity. She is being evicted and needs all them money she can get, needs to keep her company afloat and find a place to live. Seeing Devon plays with her heart. But what she finds out next will surprise you. Twists and turns, betrayals and relevant issues all come into play in this breakout novel. I loved meeting the family, and the intricacies that led to the end. It was exciting and surprising!
Michael Joss and Elizabeth Russell give a wonderful performance bringing each scene alive. There are a lot of characters and deep running emotions that each brought out with finesse. I loved them together, each giving the characters their own personal style. I really enjoyed them together and look forward to more.
May 13, 2019
Not sure I ever read a book with more family drama than this book. The Wickham family is the definition of Dysfunctional. This book met all the factors needed in a good “whodunnit”. The storyline is intriguing, holds your attention, and keeps you guessing. There is more to this book than just a murder plot, as there book deals with a corporate take-over, a second chance romance, past secrets, neighborhood protesters, mental illness, and family loyalty, as screwed up as it is. All the secondary characters play significant roles in this mystery from the loyal Butler, to the former high school sweetheart, to the neighborhood protesters, to the unstable sister, to the freeloading half-brother, to the heartless father, to the gold digger fiancé, to the lonely preteen, to the CFO cousin, and even the deceased mothers.
The author developed this story in such a way, that I kept changing my mind on who the murder was. I was at a complete lost on how Devon’s business would survive, but so was Devon.
I commend Ms.Andre for balancing the mystery/suspense with the romance, as that type of balancing that takes finesse. Plus that was one hot scene in the first editions library!
4.5 Stars instead of 5, as I like an ending that ties up all the loose ends. I felt there were a few unanswered questions.
The author developed this story in such a way, that I kept changing my mind on who the murder was. I was at a complete lost on how Devon’s business would survive, but so was Devon.
I commend Ms.Andre for balancing the mystery/suspense with the romance, as that type of balancing that takes finesse. Plus that was one hot scene in the first editions library!
4.5 Stars instead of 5, as I like an ending that ties up all the loose ends. I felt there were a few unanswered questions.
May 19, 2019
Twelve years ago, Devon Ashby had a falling out with his wealthy father and was disinherited. He left Hannah Moore, the woman he loved, behind when he left Chicago. Now years later, a successful CEO of his own company, Devon is back in Chicago to deal with some family issues.
This is a romantic suspense--with the book being about 85% suspense and 15% romance. The author weaves a complicated story of murder, family secrets, and betrayal. I wish that more time and attention would have been given to Devon and Hannah reconnecting. There are a couple of awkward interactions together and then--boom--they reconciled.
The ending really leaves readers hanging. Okay, Devon and Hannah are back together and have their happily ever after. But none of the plotlines that the author has painstakingly laid out are resolved. What happens between Dev and his father? Does Frannie go to jail? Does she get treatment? What happens to her son? Does Devon save his company or is he left bankrupt? Does he get out of legal trouble? What happens with his cousin Eric? Do they ever reconcile? It was really frustrating as a reader that the ending was abrupt and there was no epilogue.
This is a romantic suspense--with the book being about 85% suspense and 15% romance. The author weaves a complicated story of murder, family secrets, and betrayal. I wish that more time and attention would have been given to Devon and Hannah reconnecting. There are a couple of awkward interactions together and then--boom--they reconciled.
The ending really leaves readers hanging. Okay, Devon and Hannah are back together and have their happily ever after. But none of the plotlines that the author has painstakingly laid out are resolved. What happens between Dev and his father? Does Frannie go to jail? Does she get treatment? What happens to her son? Does Devon save his company or is he left bankrupt? Does he get out of legal trouble? What happens with his cousin Eric? Do they ever reconcile? It was really frustrating as a reader that the ending was abrupt and there was no epilogue.
August 19, 2018
Devon Ashby Whitham is definitely the tall dark and damaged main character of this story. Intense and suspenseful it will keep you turning the pages .Devon returns back to Chicago after 12 years since his rich dysfunctional father kicked him out of the house. He now finds out his father has disinherited all his children and giving the properties and money to his fourth wife Honey. Hannah his great love since high school is now a Art Restorer and is a partner in her company. They meet and memories return of being in that very house together long ago. Second chances at love? Rumors of a suspicious murder that happened to his mother. His fathers precious Art .Devon' s cousin Eric who he thought was his partner and best friend has been betraying Devon behind his back with one of his board members. You will not put this down until long into the night. A Must Read ! Fantastic Fast paced Story! I received this book for free from Ebook Discovery. I volunteered to review this book and this is my honest review.
May 16, 2019
I could not get into the story: a said-to-be-tough CEO going home to a father who once kicked him out, the signing to get his inheritance is postponed, he stays under the roof of the hated father, his siblings get inherited as well, stepmother-to-be gets it all, hostile takeover, fire, tenants evicted.....
The hero is a whiny wimp and it's hard to believe he could be successfull in the boardroom, he has no time management, but the author lacks that as well. Her timeline just does not work: You cannot keep an appointment at 5pm in Chicago and be back in New York by 7pm; even going by private plane you have to get to and from an airport into the city.
Sorry, that was not my cup of tea.
The hero is a whiny wimp and it's hard to believe he could be successfull in the boardroom, he has no time management, but the author lacks that as well. Her timeline just does not work: You cannot keep an appointment at 5pm in Chicago and be back in New York by 7pm; even going by private plane you have to get to and from an airport into the city.
Sorry, that was not my cup of tea.
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