Damaged Goods

L.J. Shen

Book 4 in the series:All Saints High

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of angsty, emotionally raw romance featuring perfectly imperfect characters, "Damaged Goods" should be on your list! LJ Shen brings her signature intensity to Bailey and Lev's story - a best-friends-to-lovers journey full of heartbreak, hope, and healing. Readers who love messy relationships, deep dives into personal struggles, and a story that tackles tough topics like addiction will find a lot to connect with here. Bonus points if you're a follower of Shen's All Saints High/Sinners of Saint universe - you'll enjoy the family ties and character cameos!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not everyone clicks with this book's heavy dose of angst and toxicity. Some readers found the co-dependent dynamic and emotional drama overwhelming, while others struggled with confusing side plots and quick resolutions. If you prefer light, fluffy romance or standalone stories that don’t rely on past series context, this might not be for you. Sensitive readers should also be aware of its depiction of addiction and mental health issues.

A powerfully charged, heartbreaking romance that dives deep into messy emotions and tough topics - perfect for fans of angst and second-generation drama, less so for those seeking a breezy, feel-good love story.

About:

Damaged Goods by L.J. Shen is a raw and emotional story about Bailey Followhill and Lev Cole, two characters navigating a tumultuous friendship turned romance against the backdrop of addiction and personal struggles. Bailey, the perfect ballerina, finds herself spiraling due to the pressures of her Juilliard program and the resulting prescription drug abuse. Lev, facing his own battles, is determined to help Bailey confront her addiction while pursuing his own dreams. Their intense dynamic shows both the beauty and chaos of love intertwined with pain and recovery.

Shen's writing is noted for its depth, drawing readers into the characters' emotional turmoil with a mix of angst and heartfelt moments. The plot is not without its heart-wrenching scenes and narrative gut punches, but it ultimately leaves readers with a sense of hope. The novel explores tough topics like addiction and mental health, making it a poignant addition to the All Saints High series. While some aspects may feel rushed or underdeveloped, the powerful connection between Bailey and Lev keeps readers deeply invested in their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Bailey embodying the struggles of addiction and Lev showcasing deep devotion, resulting in a profoundly evolving relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines emotional depth with engaging narrative, providing readers with a mix of humor and drama.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the struggles of addiction and romance, focusing on the intense relationship between Bailey and Lev as they confront their individual demons and the complexities of their bond.

Setting:

The setting serves as a combination of familiar high school dynamics and deeper personal conflicts, enriching the story's emotional journey.

Pacing:

The pacing keeps the narrative engaging, though certain resolutions may happen swiftly, adding to the emotional impact.

Notes:

'Damaged Goods' is the fourth book in the All Saints High series by L.J. Shen.

The story centers around Bailey Followhill and Lev Cole, who have a complicated friendship-turned-romance.

The book addresses heavy themes like addiction, prescription drug abuse, and mental health issues.

Bailey is a ballet dancer struggling to cope with the pressures of performance and resorting to painkillers.

Lev is portrayed as a high school quarterback, but he aspires to be a fighter jet pilot instead of pursuing football.

Their relationship is described as almost toxic, characterized by co-dependence and emotional turmoil.

The narrative provides a blend of angst, love, and recovery, giving readers both heart-wrenching moments and hope.

While it is part of a larger series, the book can be read as a standalone.

The book has received mixed reviews, with some praising its emotional depth while others point out its pacing issues and character development.

L.J. Shen is known for tackling darker romance narratives with morally grey characters and dramatic storylines.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include addiction, prescription drug abuse, grief, and mental health issues.

Has Romance?

The romance between Bailey and Lev is a central focus of the story, characterized by deep emotional connections and tension.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

From L.J. Shen, the USA Today bestselling author of Pretty Reckless, comes a brand new book in the All Saints series.

Underneath the goody two-shoes persona is damaged goods…but can the bad boy across the street save her?

Bailey Followhill is the perfect daughter.

Sweet. Charitable. Pretty. Control freak.

Not a hair out of place, not an inch out of line, she is everything her troublemaking sister Daria isn't.

But when her A game turns out to be a lukewarm C- at Juilliard, Bailey's picture-ready life starts fraying faster than the worn satin ribbons of her pointe shoes.

She's becoming a piece of gossip.

The Troubled Child. A drug abuser.

No longer the girl her best friend once knew.

Lev Cole is so golden, he's got the Midas Touch.

Prized quarterback. Football captain. Hottest guy in SoCal. A textbook cliché.

But with a girlfriend he doesn't love and a career path he doesn't value, Lev is coasting.

The only two things he cares about-Bailey and becoming a pilot-are out of reach.

But Lev is done being satisfied with the life others have chosen for him. He wants to pick his own cards. To demolish the seamless kingdom of lies his family stitched together on the ruins his mother left behind.

The question is, can he save his best friend and his dream before too much damage is done?

January 2024

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418 pages

Ratings (13)

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It Was OK (1)
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Reader Stats (19):

Read It (13)
Want To Read (6)

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