So disappointed :( 
 The first book in this series and the story of Sidney and Peter, Damaged was great. In fact, it was kind of a surprise to me, it felt like it creeped up on my me - it was so refreshing and fun. And, unlike D#2, it was well written - especially the passionate scenes that seemed to slowly build. D#2 picks up just where D#1 ended. Sidney's brother Sam and her ex, Dean have been chased away (temporarily) and Sidney is planning to go back home to see her dying mother for probably the last time. And, Peter is going with her. But, one secret that Peter realizes he needs to explain to Sidney before they leave changes everything. 
 As I started reading this second installment of the Damaged series (which I was intensely anticipating), I actually had to stop reading and go back to Damaged on my kindle to make sure I was reading the continuation of the right story. To be sure that I had the right book. Both Sidney and Peter seemed to be completely different people at the start of #2, especially after Peter told Sidney of his secret past (view spoiler)[that his last name is actually Ferro and that he is one of the notorious Ferro brothers (hide spoiler)]. After that, and Sidney's reaction, he pulled a complete 180 in the personality department. It was confusing, troubling and disappointing. 
 And, if that wasn't confusing enough, the writing of this book felt like she was trying to get it done quickly, which seemed to leave the reader confused at times. 
 "I don't know how to talk to you anymore. 
 Peter straightens a little. "You realize what you've done, right?" I glance at him quickly and wonder where he's going with this. "Unbelievable. You don't know, do you?" 
 Nope,,, I don't know,, and I don't know why you are acting like a completely different person. This shift in Peter's attitude didn't seem real, or consistent with the story. And, his mood swings - he was mad, then in lust/love with Sidney, then gazing at her and at the same time, pushing her away. Ugh.. it just didn't flow smoothly. 
 Much of the book (about 65%) takes place while Sidney and Peter are driving from Texas to NJ. There is one funny aspect of their road trip - namely their hitchhiker. But other than that, there is too much back and forth, and mixed messages. When Peter finally breaks down and stops hiding and really tells Sidney how he feels, I was saying "Finally!" to myself. 
 b>"I can't, Sidney! I just can't!" He's yelling no, his hands flying like they don't know where to go. "I screwed up, I know that. Nothing I say will fix it. Nothing I do will show you how sorry I am. I lost you, but you're sitting right next to me!" He grips the dashboard and turns to look at me. "You've destroyed me. I thought I could handle, I thought I could__" 
 But, alas their conversation is interrupted and things go back to the way they were before his outburst. 
 On their way to NJ, they take a detour to NYC (being from NJ, this is NOT on the way!) so that Peter can meet up with his brother, Sean to get something. At first, Sean seems like just another bad boy, who has done some bad things, but there is probably a good man underneath it all. But, Sidney's reaction to him and him to her overreaction is just weird. She HATES this guy immediately. Her animosity toward him is a bit of a mystery to me. Sean turns into a total and complete jerk to Sidney, and basically chases her away (don't get me started on that whole storyline, that was just cliched and annoying!). But at the end, what he does for Sidney and Peter - how he completely turns around and is now totally supportive of the two was again, forced and unnatural, and honestly not believable. 
 Still Peter and Sidney manage to have some beautiful moments (but too many are overshadowed by the awkwardness of the writing and odd pairing of Peter's family into the story. 
 "Is this what it's supposed to be like?" 
 His voice is deep and rich. "That depends. How do you feel?" 
 "Nervous, excited, happy..."Peter smiles and nods. "When you find the right person, yeah-this is what it feels like." He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself before taking my hand and placing it over his heart. It's beating fast and hard. "Do you feel that? We haven't even done anything yet and that's how I react to you." 
 "Make love to me, Sidney. I'm yours. I'll always be yours." 
 These heartwarming moments are what Ward writes very well. She has a gift for the slow build up, the slow burn that the reader can feel, along with the characters. I wish there had been more of that in this book and less of the animosity and the yo-yo will they, won't they stuff, because you know they will. After falling in love with Damaged, and immediately pre-ordering Damaged 2, the disappointment of this book is making me question whether I want to read more of H.M. Ward's other series (which apparently centers around brother, Sean).