What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Call Me Hero #2
Damaged Goods
New from Eliza Lentzski: Damaged Goods – the sequel to Don’t Call Me Hero.
The past few years had been difficult for former Marine, Cassidy Miller. She’d left the military, joined the Minneapolis city police, only to voluntarily remove herself from active duty. In the tiny town of Embarrass, Minnesota, she met Julia Desjardin, the distant yet devastatingly beautiful city prosecutor, sparking a romance neither could have anticipated.
Now, back in Minneapolis, things are starting to look up for Cassidy: she and Julia have reconciled, and she’s hoping to be reinstated with the Minneapolis police soon. But life is never that simple. Cassidy can take off the uniform, but she can’t shake the soldier. Her flashbacks of Afghanistan are getting progressively worse, her new police partner resents her existence, and she’s not sure she’s truly forgiven Julia for what happened in Embarrass.
Can she enjoy this Happily Ever After or will memories of a not-so-distant past slowly tear her (and Julia) apart?
The past few years had been difficult for former Marine, Cassidy Miller. She’d left the military, joined the Minneapolis city police, only to voluntarily remove herself from active duty. In the tiny town of Embarrass, Minnesota, she met Julia Desjardin, the distant yet devastatingly beautiful city prosecutor, sparking a romance neither could have anticipated.
Now, back in Minneapolis, things are starting to look up for Cassidy: she and Julia have reconciled, and she’s hoping to be reinstated with the Minneapolis police soon. But life is never that simple. Cassidy can take off the uniform, but she can’t shake the soldier. Her flashbacks of Afghanistan are getting progressively worse, her new police partner resents her existence, and she’s not sure she’s truly forgiven Julia for what happened in Embarrass.
Can she enjoy this Happily Ever After or will memories of a not-so-distant past slowly tear her (and Julia) apart?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2015
About the author
Eliza Lentzski
27 books737 followersEliza Lentzski is a historian with a passion for fiction. She writes love stories filled with angst, miscommunication, and the struggle to balance love and an ambitious career. Her characters are not without flaws, but despite these imperfections, they ultimately find their own happy endings.
A midwest transplant, Eliza currently lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
A midwest transplant, Eliza currently lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 30, 2017
**! was expecting so much from this 2nd installment. I was confuse also of the the 'what' between these two leading characters who have not made life easy since the first series for us the readers either,did not know if they were coming or going because they both still had much issues and had not even worked on any(therapy) ..to which i blame the author for not even taking a chance to confront their problems in this series instead of write about something else and keep skipping topics... plus this series had too much masochist and hurting each of their feelings...
February 12, 2021
Review of Damaged Goods by Eliza Lentzski, Audiobook narrated by Lori Prince
This is the sequel of Don’t call me Hero and book two of a total of four in the series. I strongly suggest you read them in order as they follow the story between the mains chronologically and you’ll miss too many important developments in the story if you skip one of them. The good news is that this series is fantastic so it’s worth reading it all.
To avoid spoiling the story, I’ll keep the blurb short. Former Marine Cassidy Miller is still adjusting to her new life after leaving the military and trying to navigate her relationship with lawyer Julia Desjardin. But new and old issues get in the way of their happily ever after…
I’m always wary when reading the second book in a series where the main characters are already in an established relationship. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the tension in the romance, especially as in book one the tension between the mains could have been cut with a knife. However, Ms. Lentzski makes it work perfectly here.
Written in first person from Cassidy’s point of view, in book one, Ms. Lentzski manages to keep Julia as an enigma for both Cassidy and the reader. Julia is the epitome of an ice queen who doesn’t thaw in book one. However, book 2 slowly starts to reveal Julia’s human side beyond the calculated lawyer and guarded lover, and it’s a pleasure to read how Cassidy slowly discovers different aspects of Julia’s personality and family history. One enjoyable aspect is to see how their relationship dynamic changes intimately which is one of the big successes of this book. Ms. Lentzski manages to keep the sex scenes and the sexual tension as hot as in book one.
With so much family conflict for Julia and PTSD for Cassidy, it’s good that the author finds a balance with the romance, Cassidy’s self-deprecating and witty sense of humour, and Julia’s sarcastic remarks. It reflects very well the dynamics of some couples who connect and communicate as much with banter as with physical intimacy. These two have chemistry in and off the bedroom in spades.
The audiobook is narrated by Lori Prince who does a fantastic job. I love her performance of both mains, I think she’s got their personalities right and their voices also reflect that. The book has equal parts of emotional turmoil and light banter which Ms. Prince performs outstandingly. I’m glad that she is narrating this series as I think it’s a perfect match for this voice actor. Here’s hoping that she will go on narrating the rest of them. 5 stars.
Length: 7 hours, 44 minutes
This is the sequel of Don’t call me Hero and book two of a total of four in the series. I strongly suggest you read them in order as they follow the story between the mains chronologically and you’ll miss too many important developments in the story if you skip one of them. The good news is that this series is fantastic so it’s worth reading it all.
To avoid spoiling the story, I’ll keep the blurb short. Former Marine Cassidy Miller is still adjusting to her new life after leaving the military and trying to navigate her relationship with lawyer Julia Desjardin. But new and old issues get in the way of their happily ever after…
I’m always wary when reading the second book in a series where the main characters are already in an established relationship. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the tension in the romance, especially as in book one the tension between the mains could have been cut with a knife. However, Ms. Lentzski makes it work perfectly here.
Written in first person from Cassidy’s point of view, in book one, Ms. Lentzski manages to keep Julia as an enigma for both Cassidy and the reader. Julia is the epitome of an ice queen who doesn’t thaw in book one. However, book 2 slowly starts to reveal Julia’s human side beyond the calculated lawyer and guarded lover, and it’s a pleasure to read how Cassidy slowly discovers different aspects of Julia’s personality and family history. One enjoyable aspect is to see how their relationship dynamic changes intimately which is one of the big successes of this book. Ms. Lentzski manages to keep the sex scenes and the sexual tension as hot as in book one.
With so much family conflict for Julia and PTSD for Cassidy, it’s good that the author finds a balance with the romance, Cassidy’s self-deprecating and witty sense of humour, and Julia’s sarcastic remarks. It reflects very well the dynamics of some couples who connect and communicate as much with banter as with physical intimacy. These two have chemistry in and off the bedroom in spades.
The audiobook is narrated by Lori Prince who does a fantastic job. I love her performance of both mains, I think she’s got their personalities right and their voices also reflect that. The book has equal parts of emotional turmoil and light banter which Ms. Prince performs outstandingly. I’m glad that she is narrating this series as I think it’s a perfect match for this voice actor. Here’s hoping that she will go on narrating the rest of them. 5 stars.
Length: 7 hours, 44 minutes
February 18, 2020
God I loved this. I was drawn to this couple due to so many things and really needed a book that showed a strong bond b/w such different, fractured women who are determined to make it work. This did that.
It's a slow book plot wise, as MC Cassidy is back in Minneapolis and on the beat as a rookie. There's a lot of driving around, responding to light calls, her trying not to punch her douchebag partner in the face, the usual. MC Julia is her usual cold, non-emotional self trying her hand as a public defender. Nice and all but that's not where the strength of the story lies.
It's with their relationship building. Slow and steady, as Cassidy adjusts to everyday life out of the marines, where she has insight into the things she has missed out on in those formative years....like dating, decorating an apartment, keeping up communication with friends, and learning to have a steady girlfriend. Plus she is also trying to deal with heavy PTSD, and the author dealt with this subject with much maturity. Kudos. So yes her cracks show, some immaturity that could easily be avoided, but...I got it. There were some moments that I eye-rolled at the childishness, but quickly saw how essential it was, and realized hey, I do that too sometimes when my insecurities show. It's real. Julia as well has not had a good history with r'ships but has insight into her aloofness and why she remains distant from others (I don't fully understand it yet, but respect it). Yet she loves Cassidy and is very supportive about learning more about PTSD. And both are truly working hard at making this r'ship work, which the author details so well. Even the mundane daily things....like Cassidy leaning against the door frame watching Julia take off her jewelry after a workday and thinking "this is becoming the favourite part of my day." So lovely and so relateable.
Slow build of relationship certainly does NOT mean slow burn romance. Oh hot damn these two could seriously cause fire damage. The author is extremely skilled at the sex scenes, and I mean.....really really good. And her scenes are unique, which is so welcome in lesfic. I shall never look at a kitchen faucet hose the same again.
Final note: I could really, really do without all the "dears" though. That's an endearment my mom uses for me. There is some kind of age gap here, though I can't imagine it being more than 10 years, but every time Julia uses it, which is waaaay too often, I cringe.
It's a slow book plot wise, as MC Cassidy is back in Minneapolis and on the beat as a rookie. There's a lot of driving around, responding to light calls, her trying not to punch her douchebag partner in the face, the usual. MC Julia is her usual cold, non-emotional self trying her hand as a public defender. Nice and all but that's not where the strength of the story lies.
It's with their relationship building. Slow and steady, as Cassidy adjusts to everyday life out of the marines, where she has insight into the things she has missed out on in those formative years....like dating, decorating an apartment, keeping up communication with friends, and learning to have a steady girlfriend. Plus she is also trying to deal with heavy PTSD, and the author dealt with this subject with much maturity. Kudos. So yes her cracks show, some immaturity that could easily be avoided, but...I got it. There were some moments that I eye-rolled at the childishness, but quickly saw how essential it was, and realized hey, I do that too sometimes when my insecurities show. It's real. Julia as well has not had a good history with r'ships but has insight into her aloofness and why she remains distant from others (I don't fully understand it yet, but respect it). Yet she loves Cassidy and is very supportive about learning more about PTSD. And both are truly working hard at making this r'ship work, which the author details so well. Even the mundane daily things....like Cassidy leaning against the door frame watching Julia take off her jewelry after a workday and thinking "this is becoming the favourite part of my day." So lovely and so relateable.
Slow build of relationship certainly does NOT mean slow burn romance. Oh hot damn these two could seriously cause fire damage. The author is extremely skilled at the sex scenes, and I mean.....really really good. And her scenes are unique, which is so welcome in lesfic. I shall never look at a kitchen faucet hose the same again.
Final note: I could really, really do without all the "dears" though. That's an endearment my mom uses for me. There is some kind of age gap here, though I can't imagine it being more than 10 years, but every time Julia uses it, which is waaaay too often, I cringe.
November 13, 2022
Loved it just as much the second time!
June 1, 2019
Strong sequel to Don't Call Me Hero. I really enjoy this series; the characters are charming. I still have a crush on Julia Desjardin. I love how, even though she's not the best at relationship, Julia is always there and supportive of Cassidy. She's not overbearing, but she's not ignoring her issues either. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
June 14, 2021
A nice follow up to the first book. Seeing Cassidy's growth in her relationship with Julia and in the way she deals with her PTSD was really good in this.
I just really enjoy these two together.
I just really enjoy these two together.
June 13, 2016
Stellar sequel to "Don't Call Me Hero". It's necessary to read Hero before reading this book.
Both books are from Cassidy's POV. And I, like Cass at times, cannot figure out why Julia is with her. Julia on the surface (especially when we first meet her in Hero) is the exact opposite of Cassidy. But as we see more of Julia with her walls mostly down - we come to find that they share the same values. Lentzski writes this very well - revealing aspects of Julia slowly. Mostly through Julia's actions and not her words. She is softer, but still a badass when she needs to be. I love this couple. I would love to read about them again. I want to know more about Julia and see her in action as a public defender and Cassidy in her new job. I would highly recommend this series.
Both books are from Cassidy's POV. And I, like Cass at times, cannot figure out why Julia is with her. Julia on the surface (especially when we first meet her in Hero) is the exact opposite of Cassidy. But as we see more of Julia with her walls mostly down - we come to find that they share the same values. Lentzski writes this very well - revealing aspects of Julia slowly. Mostly through Julia's actions and not her words. She is softer, but still a badass when she needs to be. I love this couple. I would love to read about them again. I want to know more about Julia and see her in action as a public defender and Cassidy in her new job. I would highly recommend this series.
July 13, 2024
4 Stars
Very nice. The trajectory of this book focused on Cassidy’s work as a police officer and actually dealing with her mental health. It’s obviously perfectly written, the pace was perfect, need more of the characters. Obviously.
Very nice. The trajectory of this book focused on Cassidy’s work as a police officer and actually dealing with her mental health. It’s obviously perfectly written, the pace was perfect, need more of the characters. Obviously.
March 30, 2021
I only have 2 words - Julia Desjardin. I’m still intrigued with her character.
July 23, 2022
Cassidy and I are wondering the same thing: how old is Julia?
I really enjoys this series. Cassidy and Julia are growing as a couple, or whatever detentions they decide to use. And the growth in the characters is wonderful. I like how we get to go on a multiple book journey with them that only seems to get better and better.
I really enjoys this series. Cassidy and Julia are growing as a couple, or whatever detentions they decide to use. And the growth in the characters is wonderful. I like how we get to go on a multiple book journey with them that only seems to get better and better.
February 18, 2024
It's official. I am in love with this series! 🥰
March 6, 2016
I want more!
Oh yes, this was as good as the first book, might be slightly better. I loved the scene with the tequila and the lime, that was so hot. The storyline was an awesome follow-up to the previous part. The flashbacks on Afghanistan was excellent described. I'm familiar with that war but after reading all the details I can imagine a little bit how bad it must have been. And what had happened to Amir, it made sense that this was one of the reasons that Cassidy had her nightmares. This book brought to me different emotions. From a laugh to tears of anger and in particular to the affair Mendez, this made my blood boil. What a jerk! I loved how Julia became more human, how she slowly let down her wall. She is my favorite character. Cassidy and Julia, they are an odd couple but that makes them very attractive. I hope that there will be a 3e installment. This series is too good to end. I can wholeheartedly recommend this series.
Oh yes, this was as good as the first book, might be slightly better. I loved the scene with the tequila and the lime, that was so hot. The storyline was an awesome follow-up to the previous part. The flashbacks on Afghanistan was excellent described. I'm familiar with that war but after reading all the details I can imagine a little bit how bad it must have been. And what had happened to Amir, it made sense that this was one of the reasons that Cassidy had her nightmares. This book brought to me different emotions. From a laugh to tears of anger and in particular to the affair Mendez, this made my blood boil. What a jerk! I loved how Julia became more human, how she slowly let down her wall. She is my favorite character. Cassidy and Julia, they are an odd couple but that makes them very attractive. I hope that there will be a 3e installment. This series is too good to end. I can wholeheartedly recommend this series.
June 4, 2016
This book is the sequel to Don't Call Me Hero, and with the book focusing on character development, you are better off if you read the first book in the series prior to the sequel. Cassidy and Julia, odd couple but the depth of care for each other is what makes them work.
February 13, 2016
This book is the sequel to Don't Call Me Hero, and with the book focusing on both character's development, you'll feel a bit lost if you didn't read the first one.
The story picked up right after the drama in Embarrass with Cassidy and Julia reconciled. Unlike the last book, this book focuses on Cassidy and Julia's character and them being in a day-to-day life kind of relationship. We came to learn a lot more about Cassidy's past and her years in military, and what is under the icy layer in Julia. They're still my favorite couple among this author's work. Needless to say - their chemistry in this book is absolutely sizzling.
Now that Cassidy has found her new career direction within the police and with Julia also seemed to find her new landing... perhaps there will be another sequel coming? Their story doesn't seem to have ended yet!
The story picked up right after the drama in Embarrass with Cassidy and Julia reconciled. Unlike the last book, this book focuses on Cassidy and Julia's character and them being in a day-to-day life kind of relationship. We came to learn a lot more about Cassidy's past and her years in military, and what is under the icy layer in Julia. They're still my favorite couple among this author's work. Needless to say - their chemistry in this book is absolutely sizzling.
Now that Cassidy has found her new career direction within the police and with Julia also seemed to find her new landing... perhaps there will be another sequel coming? Their story doesn't seem to have ended yet!
September 21, 2022
Everytime i see a sequel to an already established relationship, I'm a lil wary as the pining and how they get together is what I love to read about. What happens afterwards? Not so much. Simply coz most authors end up writing in a lot of twists and the inevitable conflict. But Eliza Lentzski is different. Like yes there is conflicts but the way she writes still keeps me hooked on. First the winter jacket series and now this series. She makes me want to root for the characters so hard and want to follow them as they go about with life in their own fictional universe. What I'm saying is, this author is brilliant and I cannot recommend this book enough.
January 7, 2016
Good sequel! The ending was a little flat. What I mean by that is if you are going to give me a few months of someone's live you need to end it with a hint towards the future, so I can see in my mind a few years down the road. Or give me a hint at another sequel.
February 3, 2024
Al ser una secuela no puedo comentar gran cosa, me ha gustado, quizás no tanto como el primero, porque obviamente en el primero pues aún no conocemos a los personajes, había bastantes intrigas y demás. Pero este mantiene el nivel jeje.
Cassidy esta de vuelta en una ciudad y trabajo del que había huido y le toca hacer frente a sus miedos, tratar de seguir adelante aún con su PTSD (y la ausencia de una terapia continuado, me gusta la crítica que hay hacia el sistema médico de Estados Unidos, sirves a tu país por dos tours en Afganistán, pero luego se pasan la pelota unos a otro para no hacer frente a los costes de tu terapia). Tampoco estuvo nunca en una relación, Julia sigue siendo nuestra Ice Queen así que digamos que hay bastantes problemillas y roces entre las dos. Conocemos más sobre el pasado de Cassidy y de sus amigos.
Quedan alguna que otra cosa sin resolver y dejan alguna incógnita en el aire... A ver qué tal esta el tercer libro de la serie. De momento voy a hacer un parón porque sino veo que me bebo la serie en nada y me gustaría que me durara un poco más. Aunque seguiré con mi lectura de este nuevo género descubierto xD
Cassidy esta de vuelta en una ciudad y trabajo del que había huido y le toca hacer frente a sus miedos, tratar de seguir adelante aún con su PTSD (y la ausencia de una terapia continuado, me gusta la crítica que hay hacia el sistema médico de Estados Unidos, sirves a tu país por dos tours en Afganistán, pero luego se pasan la pelota unos a otro para no hacer frente a los costes de tu terapia). Tampoco estuvo nunca en una relación, Julia sigue siendo nuestra Ice Queen así que digamos que hay bastantes problemillas y roces entre las dos. Conocemos más sobre el pasado de Cassidy y de sus amigos.
Quedan alguna que otra cosa sin resolver y dejan alguna incógnita en el aire... A ver qué tal esta el tercer libro de la serie. De momento voy a hacer un parón porque sino veo que me bebo la serie en nada y me gustaría que me durara un poco más. Aunque seguiré con mi lectura de este nuevo género descubierto xD
March 3, 2020
Holy hotness, ladies. You HAVE to meet Julia Desjardin.
December 20, 2020
This book deserves 5 stars. Can't wait to continue reading more of Julia and Cassidy.
January 2, 2024
3.5 rounded up. Sorry, this is not a review of the book, but a review of the narrator. I listened to the audiobook. It was narrated by Lori Prince, so my enjoyment wasn’t as it could have been. I know she’s popular, but my ears are allergic to her voice. Also, I don’t get any sense of passion from her intimate scenes. Her voice for Julia was nice, but her voice for Cassidy was goofy.
September 21, 2020
I really enjoyed the 2nd instalment of this series...off to read book 3
June 24, 2021
A strong sequel to Don't Call Me Hero that further develops and deepens the relationship of the two main characters Cassidy and Julia. There is great character development here, Cassidy figuring out how to be a grown up outside the Marines, and Julia opening herself up to a relationship.
September 27, 2024
3-3.5 stars. I liked the beginning (20-30%) and the last ~30%. There was a boring slump in the middle and I almost thought I can't be bothered to listen to more books in the series. The ending save it and I look forward to the next one.
I hope the next books have more police work/suspense/mystery solving because I missed that in Damaged Goods. Don't Call Me Hero had nice balance of romance and mystery.
There was a lot of steamy scenes in this book and it felt almost like filling with lack of proper plot. Damaged Goods almost feels like book #1.5, an extended epilogue for the first book, a bridge between the first book and (hopefully) a new beginning in the third book. I haven't read or begun the third book yet so it's just a hunch.
I hope the next books have more police work/suspense/mystery solving because I missed that in Damaged Goods. Don't Call Me Hero had nice balance of romance and mystery.
There was a lot of steamy scenes in this book and it felt almost like filling with lack of proper plot. Damaged Goods almost feels like book #1.5, an extended epilogue for the first book, a bridge between the first book and (hopefully) a new beginning in the third book. I haven't read or begun the third book yet so it's just a hunch.
August 16, 2024
Damaged Goods. This is an appropriate title for this book because it is quite damaged and needs serious repair.
I gave the first book 2-stars. The second book gets 1-star. There's a symmetry in that. The main reason for the downgrade was that this story was merely an extension of the first novel and could have easily been folded into it. If not for its function of slightly deepening the relationship and establishing Cassidy's new job as a cold case investigator--both things that could have been established in the Book 1 epilogue--there is no reason whatsoever for this book to exist.
There are those that might argue that Damaged Goods more thoroughly explores Cassidy's PTSD, and it does. However, it also has Cassidy committing what amounts to a war crime by killing a POW. Sure, she feels bad about it, but her therapist tells her to rewrite the story in her mind and give her a happy ending--while I am left wondering how I will get through the rest of this series following the misadventures of a war criminal cop and an unethical should-be-disbarred lawyer (see Book 1: Julia, while the city prosecutor, destroys evidence then defends the accused).
As before, the author's lack of attention to detail becomes evident.
Near the end of the book (chapter 17), Cassidy is shown wearing glasses. This surprises even Julia. Cassidy reveals she wears contacts PLUS they are coke-bottle glasses because Cassidy's eyesight is terrible. Now. Just now, after nearly two full books, the main character and first-person narrator, who has repeatedly discussed her ablutions before bed and waking up, reveals she wears contacts ---apparently to bed and hasn't taken them out for months, since she never wore glasses before. Why? What purpose does this sudden bad eyesight serve? I suspect the author or a family member wears thick glasses and she added it. Does the author care that the Minneapolis PD has vision requirements? Now, Cassidy may not have 20/100 uncorrected eyesight, but the description leaves that in doubt.
In another scene Cassidy claims to not have David's cellphone number, even though she called him in the first book. Now, this could be explained that the author wanted an excuse to get her to talk to Chief Hart in Embarrass and was too lazy to think of a more complex plan like simply calling the Chief because he was a family friend. Keep in mind, she wanted to talk to David so he could look in on Julia's mother. A reader accustomed to scenes having a purpose might expect this to lead somewhere. It does not.
Indeed, there are several scenes that have no reason to exist in this book that barely has a reason to exist. Take this one: Cassidy and her FTO Partner Mendez aid a woman who claims her car was stolen overnight. I, having had to park my car on streets a time or two, immediately thought, "That car was towed--but surely this will be more exciting than that." Alas, no. Cassidy, after having to "search the area" for signs of broken glass notices "a small sign" (which, again, having parked my car before--a completely obvious sign) that said no parking. However, Cassidy doesn't think "A no parking sign, ah there ya go." Nope. The author drags it out and has Mendez saunter over before the "big surprise" is revealed. Then Mendez cop-splains parking rules to the utterly confused woman. She claims there was never a no parking sign before. Is it a mystery? Some tow-truck conspiracy? Shut your mouth! It's nothing. It's never brought up again. Several pages (and now this too-long paragraph) were dedicated to a scene that accomplished--NOTHING.
But, c'mon, the suspected domestic abuse or meth cooking (given the smell of cat urine) call would lead to some sort of dramatic--oh, it was never mentioned again either? Fine. Does any call they go on matter? Not the fatal traffic accident? No, not that either. Only the bar fight--one where Cassidy twice directly disobeyed a superior's (albeit a misogynistic jerk of one) orders because she's such a "good cop", because it will finally bring Cassidy to the job that will presumably drive the rest of the series: A cold case investigator. I'm starting to think the author should have started this series off with Book 3 and skipped all of this backstory garbage.
I should be fair. Book 2 also serves the purpose of making Cassidy seem like a petulant child (like all good cops are, I presume), which is a great trait for the MC. In the first book, Julia was awful and she does little to improve it, but Cassidy's heel-turn makes up the difference.
When Julia, it should be said, is an amazing lawyer in the same way Cassidy is a good cop--We've seen her win a slam dunk case, break the law to win another, and then lose one. She's the best-- So, Julia wants some time to herself after losing her mother's custody case. Naturally, Cassidy understands. I'm kidding. She throws a fit and stomps off. She stomps off again when she sees Julia reading a book on PTSD--how dare she?!--and stomps off again when Julia needs to focus on a case, but Cassidy wants sex. Again, wonderfully annoying traits for the MC.
What about the plot? Don't worry. There isn't really a plot. Just a meander through a few weeks of a cop in a training program. Is there sex? Sure. Usually only after a fight or a PTSD episode and the sex makes it all better. That's probably healthy, right?
The one positive I can take from this book is that Book 3 (Cold Blooded Lover) kind of has to be better.
I gave the first book 2-stars. The second book gets 1-star. There's a symmetry in that. The main reason for the downgrade was that this story was merely an extension of the first novel and could have easily been folded into it. If not for its function of slightly deepening the relationship and establishing Cassidy's new job as a cold case investigator--both things that could have been established in the Book 1 epilogue--there is no reason whatsoever for this book to exist.
There are those that might argue that Damaged Goods more thoroughly explores Cassidy's PTSD, and it does. However, it also has Cassidy committing what amounts to a war crime by killing a POW. Sure, she feels bad about it, but her therapist tells her to rewrite the story in her mind and give her a happy ending--while I am left wondering how I will get through the rest of this series following the misadventures of a war criminal cop and an unethical should-be-disbarred lawyer (see Book 1: Julia, while the city prosecutor, destroys evidence then defends the accused).
As before, the author's lack of attention to detail becomes evident.
Near the end of the book (chapter 17), Cassidy is shown wearing glasses. This surprises even Julia. Cassidy reveals she wears contacts PLUS they are coke-bottle glasses because Cassidy's eyesight is terrible. Now. Just now, after nearly two full books, the main character and first-person narrator, who has repeatedly discussed her ablutions before bed and waking up, reveals she wears contacts ---apparently to bed and hasn't taken them out for months, since she never wore glasses before. Why? What purpose does this sudden bad eyesight serve? I suspect the author or a family member wears thick glasses and she added it. Does the author care that the Minneapolis PD has vision requirements? Now, Cassidy may not have 20/100 uncorrected eyesight, but the description leaves that in doubt.
In another scene Cassidy claims to not have David's cellphone number, even though she called him in the first book. Now, this could be explained that the author wanted an excuse to get her to talk to Chief Hart in Embarrass and was too lazy to think of a more complex plan like simply calling the Chief because he was a family friend. Keep in mind, she wanted to talk to David so he could look in on Julia's mother. A reader accustomed to scenes having a purpose might expect this to lead somewhere. It does not.
Indeed, there are several scenes that have no reason to exist in this book that barely has a reason to exist. Take this one: Cassidy and her FTO Partner Mendez aid a woman who claims her car was stolen overnight. I, having had to park my car on streets a time or two, immediately thought, "That car was towed--but surely this will be more exciting than that." Alas, no. Cassidy, after having to "search the area" for signs of broken glass notices "a small sign" (which, again, having parked my car before--a completely obvious sign) that said no parking. However, Cassidy doesn't think "A no parking sign, ah there ya go." Nope. The author drags it out and has Mendez saunter over before the "big surprise" is revealed. Then Mendez cop-splains parking rules to the utterly confused woman. She claims there was never a no parking sign before. Is it a mystery? Some tow-truck conspiracy? Shut your mouth! It's nothing. It's never brought up again. Several pages (and now this too-long paragraph) were dedicated to a scene that accomplished--NOTHING.
But, c'mon, the suspected domestic abuse or meth cooking (given the smell of cat urine) call would lead to some sort of dramatic--oh, it was never mentioned again either? Fine. Does any call they go on matter? Not the fatal traffic accident? No, not that either. Only the bar fight--one where Cassidy twice directly disobeyed a superior's (albeit a misogynistic jerk of one) orders because she's such a "good cop", because it will finally bring Cassidy to the job that will presumably drive the rest of the series: A cold case investigator. I'm starting to think the author should have started this series off with Book 3 and skipped all of this backstory garbage.
I should be fair. Book 2 also serves the purpose of making Cassidy seem like a petulant child (like all good cops are, I presume), which is a great trait for the MC. In the first book, Julia was awful and she does little to improve it, but Cassidy's heel-turn makes up the difference.
When Julia, it should be said, is an amazing lawyer in the same way Cassidy is a good cop--We've seen her win a slam dunk case, break the law to win another, and then lose one. She's the best-- So, Julia wants some time to herself after losing her mother's custody case. Naturally, Cassidy understands. I'm kidding. She throws a fit and stomps off. She stomps off again when she sees Julia reading a book on PTSD--how dare she?!--and stomps off again when Julia needs to focus on a case, but Cassidy wants sex. Again, wonderfully annoying traits for the MC.
What about the plot? Don't worry. There isn't really a plot. Just a meander through a few weeks of a cop in a training program. Is there sex? Sure. Usually only after a fight or a PTSD episode and the sex makes it all better. That's probably healthy, right?
The one positive I can take from this book is that Book 3 (Cold Blooded Lover) kind of has to be better.
December 24, 2016
I loved this book. It was sequel to Don't Call Me Hero, which I also enjoyed. Damaged goods however, was much better. Great character development. Just a continuation of the romance between Julia and Cassidy. With some really sizzling sex scenes!
February 19, 2024
My heart ❤️ I can feel how their love grow everyday. Even without realizing it they feel it and thats why they are able to open up, speak their mind, apologize when is need it and move on working together as a team.
I love watching their day to day and every books left me wanting more, so good. 🥰
I love watching their day to day and every books left me wanting more, so good. 🥰
July 15, 2016
This is more of Cassidy's past and like how they've grown slowly together.. I'm tempted to give this 4 but because of Julia no way..
October 7, 2021
Plot: The book starts with Cassidy and Julia going on their first official date. Cassidy’s friend, Pense, visits to participate in a clinical trail and Cassidy and Julia cohabitate for a week at Cassidy’s apartment so that Pense and his wife can stay at Julia’s apartment instead of renting a room at an expensive hotel.
Cassidy begins her new, old job as a beat cop while under supervision. The person evaluating her is an asshole and gives Cassidy the cold shoulder. Eventually he gets her fired over a relatively small incident. Cassidy knows she has a right to fight being fired but instead takes a job working as a cold case detective.
Julia fights for custody of her mother and looses. Julia also notices that Cassidy is being billed for psych visits for her PTSD that Cassidy thought the government was paying for. Julia helps Cassidy figure out a plan and gets her a much better psychologist that specializes in PTSD.
Characterization: Cassidy is a little lost in this book. She is trying to be a beat cop again even though she knows it’s not good for her mental health. By the end of the book she is slightly more settled.
Julia is struggling to adjust to some changes as well. She is sad that she lost the custody battle for her mom, and is happy at work but also frustrated with the poor conditions.
Writing: This was written in first person perspective from Cassidy’s POV. As always with this author there are a couple grammatical mistakes that are blindingly obvious. I noticed singular pronoun when a plural one should have been used. This book also broke my personal rule of using the word “impossibly” to describe completely possible situations.
Cassidy begins her new, old job as a beat cop while under supervision. The person evaluating her is an asshole and gives Cassidy the cold shoulder. Eventually he gets her fired over a relatively small incident. Cassidy knows she has a right to fight being fired but instead takes a job working as a cold case detective.
Julia fights for custody of her mother and looses. Julia also notices that Cassidy is being billed for psych visits for her PTSD that Cassidy thought the government was paying for. Julia helps Cassidy figure out a plan and gets her a much better psychologist that specializes in PTSD.
Characterization: Cassidy is a little lost in this book. She is trying to be a beat cop again even though she knows it’s not good for her mental health. By the end of the book she is slightly more settled.
Julia is struggling to adjust to some changes as well. She is sad that she lost the custody battle for her mom, and is happy at work but also frustrated with the poor conditions.
Writing: This was written in first person perspective from Cassidy’s POV. As always with this author there are a couple grammatical mistakes that are blindingly obvious. I noticed singular pronoun when a plural one should have been used. This book also broke my personal rule of using the word “impossibly” to describe completely possible situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
I think I might have liked the sequel to Don’t call me a hero more because there was a more going on that helped me as a reader understand Cassidy as not only a former marine, but also as an officer, girlfriend, friend and even a victim of war and lasting effects it has.
I thoroughly enjoyed Don’t call me hero though as well. It was a well written book that gave the start for the story of Cassidy Miller and Julia Desjardin.
Cassidy and Julia are always so much fun to read. They really are perfect for each other in every way: romantically, physically and emotionally. The two are so different from each other but when they come together there’s so much life and positivity. Their interactions are always so entertaining to read.
This book had a much development regarding Cassidy’s PTSD through her flashbacks and nightmares but also Cassidy talking about how it affects her.
Julia helped Cassidy to sort of understand more that she needs to get help and I think Julia kept Cassidy grounded in her current situations and was always there for her as a partner in terms of just listening to Cassidy and being her rock.
I look forward to reading the sequel to this book as I imagine it will be much more entertaining like the first two. Reading more about Cassidy and Julia is always going to be pleasant which is something to thank the writer about. ❤️
I thoroughly enjoyed Don’t call me hero though as well. It was a well written book that gave the start for the story of Cassidy Miller and Julia Desjardin.
Cassidy and Julia are always so much fun to read. They really are perfect for each other in every way: romantically, physically and emotionally. The two are so different from each other but when they come together there’s so much life and positivity. Their interactions are always so entertaining to read.
This book had a much development regarding Cassidy’s PTSD through her flashbacks and nightmares but also Cassidy talking about how it affects her.
Julia helped Cassidy to sort of understand more that she needs to get help and I think Julia kept Cassidy grounded in her current situations and was always there for her as a partner in terms of just listening to Cassidy and being her rock.
I look forward to reading the sequel to this book as I imagine it will be much more entertaining like the first two. Reading more about Cassidy and Julia is always going to be pleasant which is something to thank the writer about. ❤️
September 20, 2020
WOW!
What can I say about this book? I loved the Cassidy and Julia relationship and where it went in this story especially at the end with Julia being the one to admit she was in love with Cassidy allowing Cassidy to profess her love back. Their banter is absolutely adorable. This PSTD has such a truth and yet such a stigma attached to it. To say I was again caught in a tearful gasp when Cassidy was going to be fired because of Mendez recommendation. (In the first book it was Julia’s betrayal) She keeps getting knocked down and pulls herself up. I don’t doubt their are a lot of veterans who do this everyday and then others who can’t. The writing again has captured a lot of truth in such a non discussed topic. Just love how far this story has gone. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
What can I say about this book? I loved the Cassidy and Julia relationship and where it went in this story especially at the end with Julia being the one to admit she was in love with Cassidy allowing Cassidy to profess her love back. Their banter is absolutely adorable. This PSTD has such a truth and yet such a stigma attached to it. To say I was again caught in a tearful gasp when Cassidy was going to be fired because of Mendez recommendation. (In the first book it was Julia’s betrayal) She keeps getting knocked down and pulls herself up. I don’t doubt their are a lot of veterans who do this everyday and then others who can’t. The writing again has captured a lot of truth in such a non discussed topic. Just love how far this story has gone. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews