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Hazed #4
Damaged
*This is a standalone novel about characters from The Hazed Series.*
The thing I hated most about Scott Thompson was that he could crush my heart and he wouldn’t even know.
Lea ran from everything she knew. Her family, the boy she loved, and a past she wanted to erase. After three long years she is finally home. But the moment she sees him, she knew she made a mistake coming back. With him, there was no more running. He was hunting her, and he didn’t even know it.
The second he saw her again, he knew. He couldn’t let her go a second time. Three years ago, he let her walk out of his life and he regretted it every moment since. With Lea back and his career skyrocketing, he was on top of the world.
Or was he?
When secrets and lies start to unravel, Scott must make a choice. Protect the woman he’s always loved or be the reason for her demise.
The thing I hated most about Scott Thompson was that he could crush my heart and he wouldn’t even know.
Lea ran from everything she knew. Her family, the boy she loved, and a past she wanted to erase. After three long years she is finally home. But the moment she sees him, she knew she made a mistake coming back. With him, there was no more running. He was hunting her, and he didn’t even know it.
The second he saw her again, he knew. He couldn’t let her go a second time. Three years ago, he let her walk out of his life and he regretted it every moment since. With Lea back and his career skyrocketing, he was on top of the world.
Or was he?
When secrets and lies start to unravel, Scott must make a choice. Protect the woman he’s always loved or be the reason for her demise.
Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 20, 2021
4.5 stars
Damaged is an emotional read with murder, secrets, drama and some suspense that kept me completely hooked from page one! Lea and Scott who have been best friends for what has felt like forever, him being her safe place to run when things get hard and them always being there for each other, go through a whole journey filled with regrets and mistakes that slowly turns into this beautiful love.
Damn, I really went through it with Lea and Scott. I felt Lea's struggles, of her trying to overcome the demons of her past and holding this huge secret that could destroy her life. The way she kept Scott at bay because of it all broke my heart, she's really going through a lot and has been dealing with it all on her own, and I adore her and her strength. And I loved the way Scott found his way back to her; I loved him a lot actually.
I found myself being so invested in the story and the characters, much more than I thought I would be, and I absolutely loved that feeling. I haven't read the first three books in the series about Lea's brother but I will definitely be diving into them some day!
"I love you, Lea, and I'll never stop."
*I received this ARC via Literary Designs but the thoughts are completely my own.*
Damaged is an emotional read with murder, secrets, drama and some suspense that kept me completely hooked from page one! Lea and Scott who have been best friends for what has felt like forever, him being her safe place to run when things get hard and them always being there for each other, go through a whole journey filled with regrets and mistakes that slowly turns into this beautiful love.
Damn, I really went through it with Lea and Scott. I felt Lea's struggles, of her trying to overcome the demons of her past and holding this huge secret that could destroy her life. The way she kept Scott at bay because of it all broke my heart, she's really going through a lot and has been dealing with it all on her own, and I adore her and her strength. And I loved the way Scott found his way back to her; I loved him a lot actually.
I found myself being so invested in the story and the characters, much more than I thought I would be, and I absolutely loved that feeling. I haven't read the first three books in the series about Lea's brother but I will definitely be diving into them some day!
"I love you, Lea, and I'll never stop."
*I received this ARC via Literary Designs but the thoughts are completely my own.*
August 28, 2021
Damaged is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading from author Brittany Tarkington and I really enjoyed reading the story of Lea and Scott. Damaged is a story full of mistakes that you make in your youth that you will always regret, but in Lea's case it's not your everyday mistake...
Lea grew up with an absentee father with multiple families and a mother with a drug addiction, the only bright side in her life is her half brother, Hayze, his kind mother, and her best friend Scott. Because Scott is the only family she really has left she is willing to do anything to keep him save, even if that means making a deal with the devil in the form of her Hayze's drug dealing boss, Jay. In exchange for Jay sparing Hayze's life and letting him leave the game, she drugged and gave him Hayze's friend/roommate/fellow drug dealer, Joel. Lea just thought that Jay was going to rough Joel up, she didn't expect Joel's body to show up months later... In a moment of weakness Lea turns to Scott for more than friendship and when she wakes up and he's only left her a post note. Extremely hurt that the boy she always loved left without a word, loosing one of her few touch stones in town and with the pressure she is feeling with what happened with Joel and Jay Lea decides to leave town...
When Lea left town she never intended to come back but when the perfect job turns up in town just after she graduates she knows she has to return home. But as soon as she is back and has to come face to face with Scott and his new job... investigating what happened to Joel... Can Lea keep Scott and her feelings at arms length and keep her secrets to herself?
Lea grew up with an absentee father with multiple families and a mother with a drug addiction, the only bright side in her life is her half brother, Hayze, his kind mother, and her best friend Scott. Because Scott is the only family she really has left she is willing to do anything to keep him save, even if that means making a deal with the devil in the form of her Hayze's drug dealing boss, Jay. In exchange for Jay sparing Hayze's life and letting him leave the game, she drugged and gave him Hayze's friend/roommate/fellow drug dealer, Joel. Lea just thought that Jay was going to rough Joel up, she didn't expect Joel's body to show up months later... In a moment of weakness Lea turns to Scott for more than friendship and when she wakes up and he's only left her a post note. Extremely hurt that the boy she always loved left without a word, loosing one of her few touch stones in town and with the pressure she is feeling with what happened with Joel and Jay Lea decides to leave town...
When Lea left town she never intended to come back but when the perfect job turns up in town just after she graduates she knows she has to return home. But as soon as she is back and has to come face to face with Scott and his new job... investigating what happened to Joel... Can Lea keep Scott and her feelings at arms length and keep her secrets to herself?
August 18, 2021
Oh my word. This is the first I’ve read from the author and I was so addicted to reading her words I stayed up way too late. I love emotional and drama and haunting words and you got so many here.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel only reading from one perspective but I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to because i just HAD to know! Lea seems to just ooze pain from her past and I felt her pain. I was biting my nails through the whole book hoping for something to change and waiting for this HUGE ball to drop. Her brother didn’t seem like the average brother and after a few chapters I knew why. Things for this family didn’t come easy and while I love a good struggle and the ability for them to overcome their situation I felt myself crying a lot.
I had more moments where I wanted to smack each person of this story and I’m sure you will too but they were love smacks. I loved this group of people and had so many hopeful things running through my head near the end! I also laughed more than I thought I would which surprised me but I loved the added laugh moments and now I need to read more! I do need to warn that you will have those what the heck moments and the no freaking way moments but they make the story into a heart pulling and nail biting addiction!
I wasn’t sure how I would feel only reading from one perspective but I couldn’t stop reading even if I wanted to because i just HAD to know! Lea seems to just ooze pain from her past and I felt her pain. I was biting my nails through the whole book hoping for something to change and waiting for this HUGE ball to drop. Her brother didn’t seem like the average brother and after a few chapters I knew why. Things for this family didn’t come easy and while I love a good struggle and the ability for them to overcome their situation I felt myself crying a lot.
I had more moments where I wanted to smack each person of this story and I’m sure you will too but they were love smacks. I loved this group of people and had so many hopeful things running through my head near the end! I also laughed more than I thought I would which surprised me but I loved the added laugh moments and now I need to read more! I do need to warn that you will have those what the heck moments and the no freaking way moments but they make the story into a heart pulling and nail biting addiction!
August 17, 2021
Damaged by Brittany Tarkington
This is book 4 in the Hazed Series, it is a complete standalone. Damaged is the first book I've read by Brittany. She gives enough background information that you dont need to read the first four.
Main Characters : Lea Clark and Scott Thompson
Side Characters : Joel, Jay, Hayze, Shea and Taylor
Lea would do anything and everything to protect the ones she loves. That's exactly what she does and she has to live with it the rest of her life. She's in love with Scott but they are best friends that she thinks she can't cross that road. Until one night they do but it goes south.
Three years later and Lea goes back home. The past is haunting her and everyone she loves. Scott doesn't give up easily and works on showing he loves her. His stuck in the middle of wrong/right and he needs to make a choice.
Overall Damaged sends you on a emotional rollercoaster but you don't want to get off. Brittany knows how to suck you into her book. If you haven't read the first three books, that's okay. Go back after this one, I know I am!
This is book 4 in the Hazed Series, it is a complete standalone. Damaged is the first book I've read by Brittany. She gives enough background information that you dont need to read the first four.
Main Characters : Lea Clark and Scott Thompson
Side Characters : Joel, Jay, Hayze, Shea and Taylor
Lea would do anything and everything to protect the ones she loves. That's exactly what she does and she has to live with it the rest of her life. She's in love with Scott but they are best friends that she thinks she can't cross that road. Until one night they do but it goes south.
Three years later and Lea goes back home. The past is haunting her and everyone she loves. Scott doesn't give up easily and works on showing he loves her. His stuck in the middle of wrong/right and he needs to make a choice.
Overall Damaged sends you on a emotional rollercoaster but you don't want to get off. Brittany knows how to suck you into her book. If you haven't read the first three books, that's okay. Go back after this one, I know I am!
September 8, 2021
Damaged is the fourth book in the hazes series by Brittany Tarkington and also the first I have read by this author . I absolutely loved it so much !!! From the moment I met Scott and Lea I found myself becoming more and more invested in both their story and they characters . Lea had not had a easy life by any means . Running away from all of it for a fresh start , leaving the boy and loved behind , she never imagined she would come face to face with him once again years later .Now that Lea is back in town and Scott has found her once again he is determined to do everything he can to convince her they belong together. This is such a beautiful story filled with so much emotion, My heart truly broke for all that these two lost , but when they get their second chance , I found myself rooting for them so hard . If you are a lover of second chance romance filled with steam , emotion, off the charts chemistry, many surprises you won’t be expecting and a phenomenal story then this is truly the book for you ❤️❤️❤️
August 26, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! This was my FIRST book by this author and it is safe to say it wont be my last. With the GORGEOUS cover and the captivating blurb that reeled me in, I was kind of hooked before I even started. I fell head over heels in love with this heroine. She was every bit the type of person I aspire to be. She was strong, fierce, she didn't wait around for someone to tell her what to do to make her life better or easier. She did what she needed to do HERSELF, even though the choices were hard. Lea was just a really great heroine and I couldnt have imagined a better one for me to have read for my first read with this author. And then there was Scott. WOW. I typically dont even like best friend romances. I dont even typically like blonde dudes either. But Scott had the WHOLE package. I couldnt stop reading. He was utterly irresistible. Those two together were perfect. I cannot wait for my next read by Brittany Tarkington.
September 1, 2021
Three years ago Lea ran from everything in her life including Scott.
When she returns home, it becomes obvious he won't allow her to escape a second time.
Scott spent the last three years regretting her loss deeply so when he sees her again, he will have to make a choice.
With secrets and lies uncovered... Can he protect her?
My first taste of this author's work may have me hooked for life after this emotional read.
It has everything one could want in a story and more with suspense, secrets, murder, romance, lies and lines crossed.
This evolves from best friends to lovers and has so many twists that I couldn't put it down.
My heart broke for Lea and her pain was so searing that I couldn't help but break with her.
These characters are perfectly written and planned within this drama filled story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When she returns home, it becomes obvious he won't allow her to escape a second time.
Scott spent the last three years regretting her loss deeply so when he sees her again, he will have to make a choice.
With secrets and lies uncovered... Can he protect her?
My first taste of this author's work may have me hooked for life after this emotional read.
It has everything one could want in a story and more with suspense, secrets, murder, romance, lies and lines crossed.
This evolves from best friends to lovers and has so many twists that I couldn't put it down.
My heart broke for Lea and her pain was so searing that I couldn't help but break with her.
These characters are perfectly written and planned within this drama filled story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2021
Damaged is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s full of drama, secrets, and mistakes.
Lea and Scott both have turbulent pasts. Their safe space has always been each other. When Lea’s brother gets himself into trouble, she does the only thing she can think of and makes a deal with the devil. She runs to protect Scott. Three years later she’s back and the attraction burns brighter then ever. But what happens when Lea’s demons from the past clash with the present?
The pain Lea was experiencing felt so real. The struggle to keep Scott at a distance broke my heart. Their chemistry sizzles and I just loved them together. Damaged was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Brittany Tarkington.
Lea and Scott both have turbulent pasts. Their safe space has always been each other. When Lea’s brother gets himself into trouble, she does the only thing she can think of and makes a deal with the devil. She runs to protect Scott. Three years later she’s back and the attraction burns brighter then ever. But what happens when Lea’s demons from the past clash with the present?
The pain Lea was experiencing felt so real. The struggle to keep Scott at a distance broke my heart. Their chemistry sizzles and I just loved them together. Damaged was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Brittany Tarkington.
August 24, 2021
This is the 4th book in this series and is Scott and Lea’s journey. Lea has had a tough life, and when she runs away for a fresh start, she leaves her family and the boy she loves behind. Now 3-years later Lea is back in town, and Scott is determined that she is not going to slip through his fingers again. When secrets are revealed will this be the end of their relationship? This is a well written emotional roller coaster, which is filled with secrets, lies, drama, suspense, humor, family, friendships, and love, which all had me on tenterhooks throughout. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and I recommend her work
October 6, 2021
This is the first time in reading a book by this author and it truly had me hooked from start to finish. It was such an emotional read and covered murder, secrets, drama, and suspense. This is the fourth book, but can be read as a standalone and the main characters are Lea and Scott. The two of therm have been friends for a long time, but they started a journey filled with mistakes and regrets that turns into a sweet and beautiful love. I really loved this book and will be looking for more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2021
This is a spin off of her Hazed series but can be read as a standalone which is what I did.
It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel about the book. There were many times I was annoyed with the decision of a character or felt it shouldn’t have gone that way but that shows she writes well as you are supposed to be frustrated along with the characters and it is called damage so just shows the damage of them. Do I feel it JL should have taken different turns , yes but, do am I happy with how the book ended, yes.
It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel about the book. There were many times I was annoyed with the decision of a character or felt it shouldn’t have gone that way but that shows she writes well as you are supposed to be frustrated along with the characters and it is called damage so just shows the damage of them. Do I feel it JL should have taken different turns , yes but, do am I happy with how the book ended, yes.
August 28, 2021
loved it !!! this is the first book that I have read by this author and now I'm hooked... this is a spin-off. but you get all caught up fast... this is a fast paced action packed thriller/suspense drama... full of heart break, betrayal, murder and more. love Lea and Scott !!! this is their story and it's a dozzy... the choices we make, even when there is no real choice ...what happens will happen but, can we fix them , get forgiven and live a better life ? a must read !!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2021
In all honesty, this book wasn't amazing, but it wasn't horrible either. It was just... "okay," for lack of a better term. It didn't really catch my attention or do anything to keep me interested, which was really disappointing because I was definitely looking forward to reading it. :(
Anyways, if this book seems to interest you at all, or if you've been reading the series, then give this one a shot. You never know, it may surprise you. 🤷🏻♀️
Anyways, if this book seems to interest you at all, or if you've been reading the series, then give this one a shot. You never know, it may surprise you. 🤷🏻♀️
August 28, 2021
I'd never read this author's books and it was a change from other books I've read.
This book takes you on a crazy roller coaster of a ride with Scott & Lea.
Lea has had a crazy life, has done things, and owns them.
Scott is her constant friend.
Lea is willing to defend both of them when times are tough.
I like how they're best friends & Scott is just that kind of irresistible.
Good read if you don't want too much fluff but you need more of an edge to your novel.
This book takes you on a crazy roller coaster of a ride with Scott & Lea.
Lea has had a crazy life, has done things, and owns them.
Scott is her constant friend.
Lea is willing to defend both of them when times are tough.
I like how they're best friends & Scott is just that kind of irresistible.
Good read if you don't want too much fluff but you need more of an edge to your novel.
September 9, 2021
Wow, I was intrigued from the start and I read it so fast!! But I'm sad to say I didn't like Scott. There was something about him that annoyed me, can't put my finger on it. Overall the story was really good and I was captivated from the start.
*I received a ARC for a honest review, my thoughts and opinions are my own*
*I received a ARC for a honest review, my thoughts and opinions are my own*
August 22, 2021
Man I could not get enough of Lea’s sass in Damaged. The way she would respond to just about anyone with her sarcastic, sassy responses had me laughing out loud numerous times. I also need to applaud Scott on his tenacity to never give up. Even when Lea gave him H he just kept on trying to make her his. I read Damaged in one day. Tarkington’s writing kept me wanting more, on the edge of my seat and wanting to know what was going to happen next and if the guy gets the girl
September 3, 2021
A new author for me and I enjoyed her writing. She has great characters and the plot line kept you engaged till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2021
I loved the series that was about Taylor but Lea had an air of mystery around her that I needed to know the story! I absolutely loved Lea and Scott’s relationship, their banter towards each other was perfect! I had a hard time putting it down!
September 8, 2021
Another great story. I loved all the drama, suspense and roller coaster ride of emotions. I loved the steam too! The author really knows how to write and pull u into the story till the very last page.
December 31, 2021
She is a dear friend of mine and I absolutely love supporting her. She is an amazing writer and I love everything she writes. This gave me all the feels.
August 24, 2021
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book is the first I have read by Brittany Tarkington. Lea Clark and Scott Thompson had a wonderful friendship. When Lea does something that changes everything. She moves away and 3 years later comes back. The position Scott is now has made it a hard from protecting the one he loves and doing what is right. This book goes back and forth in time to show you everything. I loved it.
August 20, 2021
Damaged
*ARC Review*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@brittanyntarkington
What an emotional roller coaster ride! Lea & Scott’s store is full of drama, heartbreak, secrets, & second chances. I fell in love with these characters and their stories. Once again, Brittany wrote a beautiful story that had me invested from the first chapter.
*ARC Review*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@brittanyntarkington
What an emotional roller coaster ride! Lea & Scott’s store is full of drama, heartbreak, secrets, & second chances. I fell in love with these characters and their stories. Once again, Brittany wrote a beautiful story that had me invested from the first chapter.
September 8, 2021
Well........... now I MUST go read books 1 through 3 just to have more of this world. This book has everything I've been wanting to read, but couldn't find. Mystery, intrigue, regrest, love that messy and raw in all the best and worst ways.
It is well written, and I feel that the author even left a piece of her soul behind in the words she wrote.
It is well written, and I feel that the author even left a piece of her soul behind in the words she wrote.
August 25, 2021
Being new to Ms.Tarkington's work I've been so looking forward to picking up her books! As soon as I found out about this one I wanted to read it first! Being new to the Hazed series I was glad to jump into this world and I liked how quick it was to get my attention. I enjoyed this story!
Lea and Scott's journey isn't an easy one. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen with these two and that pulled me into it even more. I really liked how I felt so many different things throughout with these characters!
With Damaged, Ms.Tarkington has created such a good read! I am looking forward to picking up more of her work!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Literary Designs / the author*
Lea and Scott's journey isn't an easy one. I wasn't sure what all was going to happen with these two and that pulled me into it even more. I really liked how I felt so many different things throughout with these characters!
With Damaged, Ms.Tarkington has created such a good read! I am looking forward to picking up more of her work!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Literary Designs / the author*
August 20, 2021
What would you do to keep your brother safe from a drug dealer? Do you choose between him or his friend to take the blame?
Lea is young, naive and thinks if she gets her brothers friend to the dealer they’ll just rough him up but she witnesses his murder instead. She must stay quiet for her and her brothers safety.
That night she goes to her safe place her best friend Scott’s place and lays beside him in the bed for comfort. They do this because they both find comfort in one another’s closeness. They are just friends, even if they both are secretly in love with one another.
Later on after a night of stepping over the line things are different. Lea transfers to a new school and moves away.
3 years later she returns home can she avoid Scott who in the mean time became a cop and now a PI that the family of the kid murdered hires. Can she keep her secret or will the dealer choose to take anyone out that knows what really happened.
I was intrigued from the beginning to the end. This book had some twists and turns it kept you wondering. It was flirty at times dangerous at others full of intrigue.
I give it a solid 4/5⭐️’s.
Lea is young, naive and thinks if she gets her brothers friend to the dealer they’ll just rough him up but she witnesses his murder instead. She must stay quiet for her and her brothers safety.
That night she goes to her safe place her best friend Scott’s place and lays beside him in the bed for comfort. They do this because they both find comfort in one another’s closeness. They are just friends, even if they both are secretly in love with one another.
Later on after a night of stepping over the line things are different. Lea transfers to a new school and moves away.
3 years later she returns home can she avoid Scott who in the mean time became a cop and now a PI that the family of the kid murdered hires. Can she keep her secret or will the dealer choose to take anyone out that knows what really happened.
I was intrigued from the beginning to the end. This book had some twists and turns it kept you wondering. It was flirty at times dangerous at others full of intrigue.
I give it a solid 4/5⭐️’s.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews