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Damaged Heart
At twenty years of age, Cory Johnson fled Bayville after his father's suicide to escape his abusive mother. He made a life for himself in Los Angeles, as different from Bayville as a place could possibly be. While his successful legal career is rewarding, Cory can't connect with the people in his life. He's terribly alone. When his mother dies, he must--reluctantly--return home to handle her estate, which he knows will only make those feelings worse.
Rhys Tucker owns the construction company that will renovate Cory’s childhood home. He's harbored a crush on Cory since high school, so he seizes the unexpected opportunity to get close to Cory. Or at least try to. Their physical chemistry is immediate and undeniable, but Cory's so closed-off, Rhys worries he'll never penetrate that guarded, damaged heart.
Cory wants Rhys. He does. But can someone as scarred and broken as he is ever really come home?
Rhys Tucker owns the construction company that will renovate Cory’s childhood home. He's harbored a crush on Cory since high school, so he seizes the unexpected opportunity to get close to Cory. Or at least try to. Their physical chemistry is immediate and undeniable, but Cory's so closed-off, Rhys worries he'll never penetrate that guarded, damaged heart.
Cory wants Rhys. He does. But can someone as scarred and broken as he is ever really come home?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2014
30 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wynne
67 books588 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 6, 2014
A Hearts On Fire Review
3.25 Hearts--Told in first POV, "Damaged Heart" is a novella about damaged man, Cory, who had psychologically abusive parents. It was the lead factor into why he has a chip on his shoulder the size of Earth, Mars and Jupiter combined (with room to spare) now as a criminal lawyer. Cory is like a robot, not feeling, just ice and circuitry. Cory goes back to him hometown of Bayville due to his hoarder mother's passing and selling of his childhood home. There he meets Rhys, the sexy, lovable contractor and the two begin a weird hooking up/ relationship thing that works for Cory.
This story is good...enough. But I couldn't pinpoint all its faults on why it was barely above okay for me. I stared at quotes & my notes and couldn't figure out why it wasn't better.
The writing is decent. The characters were...okay, Cory more fleshed out than Rhys. The plot? Hmm...it could've been tightened up here and there. An example, the realtor back and forth that came to a head around Thanksgiving. For someone who came across as a decisive person, Cory sure did drag out the inevitable.
And I think one of the main things that stuck in my craw was Rhys' unending well of patience and love (no L word was declared) for Cory. He was almost in doormat territory. Cory was mean, emotionally draining and cruel (at times) and Rhys just smiled and took it. Maybe if I was able to get into Rhys' head I could see what the hell he saw in Cory because I didn't get it. Cory barely warmed up at the end and the last bit was rushed anyway.
For Cory and Rhys' relationship to be believable to me, I'd need to see the time it takes Cory to thaw. I don't expect it to be fully but he's a psychiatrist' wet dream/nightmare.
Cory had no redeemable factors. I feel bad for anyone who suffered through years of emotional abuse. But this guy...he's not worth it. And Rhys is going to be chipped away from the mental warfare Cory will plague him throughout their "relationship" until he barely recognizes his self. Why sign up for emotional turmoil? And the part that got me was Rhys KNEW this and still did it anyway. I think Rhys was motivated to even pursue Cory because he had a crush on him in high school and fifteen years of not seeing him made it for total wish fulfillment now.
Ugh. So maybe I did figure out the issues.
The story ends HFN-ish. (I can't really say Cory is a HEA kinda guy) It felt barely resolved. You have a closed off man who remains fairly closed throughout the entire story. Usually, that is like manna for me but I couldn't get into Cory. He was a right bastard no matter how much Rhys was written to discuss Cory's winning qualities - Cory didn't really display them so I didn't care. And first person POV usually works for me but I wasn't into Cory or his perspective. Sometimes he made me laugh but he was not endearing to say the least. And I pitied Rhys. I just don't understand why they happened...this plot wasn't odd, it just...*waves hands* *sighs*
This is my second S.C. Wynne story, maybe we're not a match. *shrugs* I like the premises but the execution...always leaves me wanting more from the story.
3.25 Hearts--Told in first POV, "Damaged Heart" is a novella about damaged man, Cory, who had psychologically abusive parents. It was the lead factor into why he has a chip on his shoulder the size of Earth, Mars and Jupiter combined (with room to spare) now as a criminal lawyer. Cory is like a robot, not feeling, just ice and circuitry. Cory goes back to him hometown of Bayville due to his hoarder mother's passing and selling of his childhood home. There he meets Rhys, the sexy, lovable contractor and the two begin a weird hooking up/ relationship thing that works for Cory.
This story is good...enough. But I couldn't pinpoint all its faults on why it was barely above okay for me. I stared at quotes & my notes and couldn't figure out why it wasn't better.
The writing is decent. The characters were...okay, Cory more fleshed out than Rhys. The plot? Hmm...it could've been tightened up here and there. An example, the realtor back and forth that came to a head around Thanksgiving. For someone who came across as a decisive person, Cory sure did drag out the inevitable.
And I think one of the main things that stuck in my craw was Rhys' unending well of patience and love (no L word was declared) for Cory. He was almost in doormat territory. Cory was mean, emotionally draining and cruel (at times) and Rhys just smiled and took it. Maybe if I was able to get into Rhys' head I could see what the hell he saw in Cory because I didn't get it. Cory barely warmed up at the end and the last bit was rushed anyway.
For Cory and Rhys' relationship to be believable to me, I'd need to see the time it takes Cory to thaw. I don't expect it to be fully but he's a psychiatrist' wet dream/nightmare.
Cory had no redeemable factors. I feel bad for anyone who suffered through years of emotional abuse. But this guy...he's not worth it. And Rhys is going to be chipped away from the mental warfare Cory will plague him throughout their "relationship" until he barely recognizes his self. Why sign up for emotional turmoil? And the part that got me was Rhys KNEW this and still did it anyway. I think Rhys was motivated to even pursue Cory because he had a crush on him in high school and fifteen years of not seeing him made it for total wish fulfillment now.
Ugh. So maybe I did figure out the issues.
The story ends HFN-ish. (I can't really say Cory is a HEA kinda guy) It felt barely resolved. You have a closed off man who remains fairly closed throughout the entire story. Usually, that is like manna for me but I couldn't get into Cory. He was a right bastard no matter how much Rhys was written to discuss Cory's winning qualities - Cory didn't really display them so I didn't care. And first person POV usually works for me but I wasn't into Cory or his perspective. Sometimes he made me laugh but he was not endearing to say the least. And I pitied Rhys. I just don't understand why they happened...this plot wasn't odd, it just...*waves hands* *sighs*
This is my second S.C. Wynne story, maybe we're not a match. *shrugs* I like the premises but the execution...always leaves me wanting more from the story.
October 18, 2014
Like a child, I picture opening her skull, unspooling her brain and sifting through it, trying to catch and pin down her thoughts.You're probably wondering why I'm quoting Ben Affleck's character Nick from the book/movie Gone Girl on an m/m book review.
I just couldn't help but have that quote repeating in my head over and over whilst reading this book and wanted to unspool Rhys' brain to figure out why the fuck he is so attracted to and likes Cory so much.
Cory is an asshole, pure and simple. I understand that he had a tough childhood and that he is emotionally disturbed as a result and doesn't do well in social interactions. I feel for the guy, I really do. But that doesn't change the fact that he is, indeed, an
to those around him. He acted callous, unemotional, and plain ole rude to Rhys most of the time, and yet, Rhys still desperately wanted him. The book is told from Cory's POV so the readers know what he is thinking but Rhys doesn't, and it just left me wondering what exactly Rhys saw in this cantankerous and surly lawyer from LA.
Just like Cory holds people at arms length, I felt like this book did the same to me and left me feeling frustrated because I just couldn't see the appeal Rhys had for Cory and couldn't understand the connection between the two at all.
I think the only reason that I did not DNF this book from pure exasperation was because the writing was actually really good, and the story still somehow managed to keep my attention even if I had major issues with the MCs. Also, I just really wanted to see Cory be anything less than, you guessed it, the consummate asshole. I deserved that, damn it!
And, yes, it did happen...sort of. At least in the end, Cory admitted that he likes Rhys and wants something more than casual, meaningless sex. That's something at least, right?
April 1, 2019
5 big stars What a heartbreaking and heartfelt story this was. No sugarcoating feelings, it was pure, honest and not even all pretty at times, but throughout these moments you could feel where is came from, I cried loudly.
Cory had a more than miserable youth and it shows, he has an attitude which requires a manual, and now he’s back. After fifteen year he’s back.
To sell his parents house now his mother also died. Sell and get the hell out of Bayville again.
Rhys can’t believe his eyes, there is Cory, he had a crush on him for over fifteen years and now he’s back!
Rhys is trying hard to get closer to Cory only Cory has a shield as thick as an elephant.
When this shield around him is starting to crack Cory can’t handle the light that is coming in.
Rhys is desperate to lose Cory again now he finally has him.
Every step further in this read my eyes got more and more blurred. I loved Rhys determination and I loved Cory for his strength.
Their characters stayed consistent and that was a great job. Because, Cory has an complicated personality. He is emotionally so detached, it hurts to watch him struggle. Covering it with witty comments and sarcastic humor
At thirty three he has to face all the consequences of his past every day.
The pace to the breaking point was unnerving, really well done, I loved it how it all worked out. An outstanding written story, sublime convincing put down. I couldn’t find an error if I were looking for one. It stayed strong consistent and coherent.
A story where feelings are all over the pages, with winsome and endearing characters.
I loved this heartbreaking story immensely.
Cory had a more than miserable youth and it shows, he has an attitude which requires a manual, and now he’s back. After fifteen year he’s back.
To sell his parents house now his mother also died. Sell and get the hell out of Bayville again.
Rhys can’t believe his eyes, there is Cory, he had a crush on him for over fifteen years and now he’s back!
Rhys is trying hard to get closer to Cory only Cory has a shield as thick as an elephant.
When this shield around him is starting to crack Cory can’t handle the light that is coming in.
Rhys is desperate to lose Cory again now he finally has him.
Every step further in this read my eyes got more and more blurred. I loved Rhys determination and I loved Cory for his strength.
Their characters stayed consistent and that was a great job. Because, Cory has an complicated personality. He is emotionally so detached, it hurts to watch him struggle. Covering it with witty comments and sarcastic humor
At thirty three he has to face all the consequences of his past every day.
The pace to the breaking point was unnerving, really well done, I loved it how it all worked out. An outstanding written story, sublime convincing put down. I couldn’t find an error if I were looking for one. It stayed strong consistent and coherent.
A story where feelings are all over the pages, with winsome and endearing characters.
I loved this heartbreaking story immensely.
November 4, 2016
It's a weird book. I liked it very much but I don't really know why. I normally dislike characters who behave like jerks. And here one character is an unrelenting jerk (and I loved him!) - and the other one is like a puppy who gets kicked over and over again and still comes for more. I mean I disliked Ash in 'Glitterland' so much, and Cory is as much a jerk as he is, and has just as much justification for his behavior, and I felt so protective about Cory and desperately wanted Rhys not to give up on him. (I'm not comparing books here, I'm just talking about a character-as-a-person). Maybe it's specific ways this assholishness is manifested in. The way Cory tells his story - almost clinical one, without self-pity, without expecting anything from anyone - it was breaking my heart and made me feel so close to him. I also loved that the author wasn't offering any magic healing for his problems. Every bit of change that happened to Cory was hard-won. He was not losing control because Rhys was so sexy - he was fighting with his own control to be able to open at least a little.
And I don't think I've ever been so happy with a HFN ending - instead of HEA. I thought, when reading, that if in the end of the story
And I don't think I've ever been so happy with a HFN ending - instead of HEA. I thought, when reading, that if in the end of the story
December 18, 2014
Such a charming bitter sweet story with interesting characters and great character (Cory) development. The only thing missing is an epiloge, but I loved the ending anyway. Absolutely worth reading.
April 4, 2019
I just can't understand the desperation of wanting Cory for Rhys. Rhys is a great guy, and Cory's just rude, bitter, asshole. If I was in Rhys position, I'll dump him in heartbeat. The hell with a childhood crush. Rhys deserved a much better man for him. Saying it's an opposite attracts didn't feel right as well. Lots of things in Cory's character confused me, and he's hard to like. Hell, I didn't like him since the very beginning.
I understand this is one of Wynne's very first books, so yeah, I found that her omegaverse stories are more appealing. I think, I'll stick to that.
October 1, 2014
Damaged Heart is quite different from other stories by S.C. Wynne. It's not a light, fun romance. It's still a romance and it does have some light-hearted, sweet, funny, endearing moments. But overall it's a serious story about Cory, whose disfunctional parents have traumatized him to such extent that he's retreated inside an impenetrable shell where emotion cannot hurt him. And then there's Rhys, who's had a crush on Cory ever since moving to Cory's town, and who remebers Cory being kind to him when no one else was. They meet again after 15 years and Rhys is now the one with all the kindness and patience while Cory cannot help his aloof reactions, always retreating into a false sense of safety.
The story struck a chord with me, especially how past events shape certain emotions and how we perceive the world as a result. Some things never heal, but if we're lucky enough, we find kind people who can help us deal with memories and hurts, help us focus on and appreciate the good. There's sadness permeating this story, but there's hope too. The story left me thinking about Cory and Rhys. I'd like to hear more from them in the future.
The story struck a chord with me, especially how past events shape certain emotions and how we perceive the world as a result. Some things never heal, but if we're lucky enough, we find kind people who can help us deal with memories and hurts, help us focus on and appreciate the good. There's sadness permeating this story, but there's hope too. The story left me thinking about Cory and Rhys. I'd like to hear more from them in the future.
October 9, 2014
First off, Cory is an ass. Is there a reason? Yes, but he is a jerk a lot of time and that is just who he is. For some, they may not enjoy this book for that reason. We get a bits and pieces of why he is so emotionally damaged throughout the book, but it is very frustrating a lot of times with how he treats Rhys. Rhys doesn't deserve it most of the time and he is a very understanding man, sometimes too understanding. Why he puts up with it I don't really know except to say that his heart wants what it wants and no matter how Cory is, he is willing to be there and provide him love and understanding. The one thing that really made this story for me was Cory knew how he acted, knew he was an emotional wreck, but felt bad about it and wanted to change. He was slow to realize it and thank goodness for Rhys' patience because in the end he was slowly learning how to open his heart to Rhy and try to achieve some happiness in his life.
March 31, 2015
2.5 stars
Were all lawyers as gloom doom as Cory, I wonder. Granted, he had "THE PAST" - ya know, the kind that messed with his head and left his heart scarred - but to be a successful attorney I assumed he had to have basic smoochy-skill, right? Only this successful lawyer from LA resembled a catatonic numb creature. OTOH, Rhys was so candid and upfront I couldn't help to admire his bravery. Or that he didn't get tired of hearing Cory's "I'm going back to LA soon" like a broken record!
They said opposite attracts, though for the live of me I could't get what so attracted Rhys to Cory. He's so damn surly, stand-off, and not nice at all. King of Gloom Doom! At least Cory described Rhys as the classic tall, dark, gorgeous type - but Cory??? No idea if he's homely or otherwise. This, to me, was the mystery!
As much intrigued as I wanted to be with this story, I just couldn't like it. The chemistry between MCs fell flat. And it was just... Meh.
Were all lawyers as gloom doom as Cory, I wonder. Granted, he had "THE PAST" - ya know, the kind that messed with his head and left his heart scarred - but to be a successful attorney I assumed he had to have basic smoochy-skill, right? Only this successful lawyer from LA resembled a catatonic numb creature. OTOH, Rhys was so candid and upfront I couldn't help to admire his bravery. Or that he didn't get tired of hearing Cory's "I'm going back to LA soon" like a broken record!
They said opposite attracts, though for the live of me I could't get what so attracted Rhys to Cory. He's so damn surly, stand-off, and not nice at all. King of Gloom Doom! At least Cory described Rhys as the classic tall, dark, gorgeous type - but Cory??? No idea if he's homely or otherwise. This, to me, was the mystery!
As much intrigued as I wanted to be with this story, I just couldn't like it. The chemistry between MCs fell flat. And it was just... Meh.
September 30, 2014
First book by this author and l loved it!
March 21, 2020
DNF @ 35%.
This is my second time reading S.C. Wynne and my second DNF.
I found the writing in the first one mediocre and the alternating POVs indistinct.
This book was from just one POV, which was probably a good choice, because if you can't write one character consistently, you probably can't write two. Cory goes on and on about how cold and distant his personality is, and yet he isn't, and he constantly uses "humour" to deflect... which I wouldn't expect that from someone who is supposed to be cold. And he pretty much is all over Rhys instantly. I wish he had been more frosty and slower to thaw.
And the dialogue. Maybe if this was set in the Regency period, I'd buy some of it. But who says, "You can't do anything wrong in my eyes. I'm aching for you."?
I may give S.C. Wynne one more go, but I'm thinking that her style of writing just doesn't mesh with my tastes.
This is my second time reading S.C. Wynne and my second DNF.
I found the writing in the first one mediocre and the alternating POVs indistinct.
This book was from just one POV, which was probably a good choice, because if you can't write one character consistently, you probably can't write two. Cory goes on and on about how cold and distant his personality is, and yet he isn't, and he constantly uses "humour" to deflect... which I wouldn't expect that from someone who is supposed to be cold. And he pretty much is all over Rhys instantly. I wish he had been more frosty and slower to thaw.
And the dialogue. Maybe if this was set in the Regency period, I'd buy some of it. But who says, "You can't do anything wrong in my eyes. I'm aching for you."?
I may give S.C. Wynne one more go, but I'm thinking that her style of writing just doesn't mesh with my tastes.
October 1, 2014
I must be in the minority here, because this book just didn't work for me. I never really got why Rhys was so into a character like Cory, when all he had was a couple of months in high school and then nothing for 15 years. And Cory was an ass for like...92% of the whole story, and so indecisive, that I felt like Rhys was just too much of a pushover to put up with all the push-pull that Cory put him through. Even though the story was from Cory's POV, I never got his motivation for his actions or what he felt for Rhys.
October 1, 2014
I absolutely loved this book.
There is lot of pain in Cory's past and you can really see how mental abuse can really destroy your soul. Thanks to Rhys' smile, love and stubborness, Cory will find a way try to open his heart to him.
This is really touched my soul.
There is lot of pain in Cory's past and you can really see how mental abuse can really destroy your soul. Thanks to Rhys' smile, love and stubborness, Cory will find a way try to open his heart to him.
This is really touched my soul.
February 6, 2015
4.25 stars.
December 21, 2014
Sweet sweet story!
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
When the death of his abusive mother necessitates Cory Johnson’s return to his hometown of Bayville, he intends to spend as little time there as possible before returning to his life in LA where he’s a successful criminal defence attorney. Bayville holds only bad memories of a traumatic childhood at the hands of his drug addicted parents. Although Cory has built a life for himself since fleeing home almost fifteen years ago, he has closed himself off emotionally as a means of surviving his parents and avoiding any connection to other people. He’s experienced more than enough pain in his life already. Why risk any more?
After speaking to the real estate agent, Cory decides the best course of action is to get the house he has inherited from his mother repaired and brought up to selling condition as fast as possible. Nothing good ever happened there and even walking through it starts to bring all those memories back to the surface. Rhys Tucker owns the construction business Cory hires to do the work on the house. Despite Cory’s attempts to maintain an impenetrable barrier between himself and everyone else, he and Rhys have a rapport that even Cory finds hard to deny, regardless of his best efforts to keep his distance. Rhys makes no bones of his interest in Cory and keeps patiently chipping away at Cory’s armour. But Cory’s return has caused all the memories he’d been suppressing to be dredged back up and they haunt him. Cory finds it impossible to deny the draw he feels towards Rhys, although he is adamant that anything they have will be on his terms. It’s not like they can have a future anyway. Cory’s life is in LA, far away from the bad memories of his hometown, and Rhys belongs in Bayville where he has built up a successful construction business.
Damaged Heart is written solely from Cory’s point of view and I think the character of Cory, and his romance with Rhys suffered a little bit because of that. I struggled at times to see why Rhys was so enamoured of Cory. For much of the first half of the book there wasn’t enough interaction between them to understand Rhys’s attraction to such an outwardly cold and closed off character. There’s the occasional little glimpse, especially in their banter, but Cory is so distant and prickly much of the time. When I did get the interaction between Cory and Rhys later that I had been wanting to see, it was cautiously sweet and funny. It was then that I started feeling invested in Cory and Rhys’s romance. I would have got there a lot sooner if we’d also been given Rhys’s POV to understand what he saw in Cory and why he’d held onto this crush for almost fifteen years, even with Cory’s complete absence for all that time.
Cory’s lack of connection and unwillingness to deal with his past is both frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. As his backstory unfolded, I truly felt for him and wanted nothing more than to see him grow and find a way to open his heart to Rhys. It was easy to understand why he was the way he was with the experiences he’d had. Cory’s progress from being so repressed to him allowing Rhys to slowly unfreeze his heart was well-paced and believable. He had come a long way by the end, but not so far that it came across as if he were miraculously cured by Rhys’s love.
His loneliness, especially during the time he goes back to LA, was so poignant.
The writing is top notch. For such a closed-off, prickly character as Cory to still work his way into my heart proves that. The story was good and kept my interest the whole way through, but it could have stood to be expanded upon a little. The characters were fully developed, especially Cory since it was his POV the story is told through, but I definitely felt like I got to know Rhys as well. I would class this as a HFN, rather than a HEA and I would have liked to see more of how Cory and Rhys made their relationship work. The end felt a touch unresolved for me, by not so much that I was wondering where their future was heading, it was just a little too difficult to see how they were going to get there. Overall, it was a good read, with solid writing, engaging characters and a surprisingly tender romance given how afraid Cory is of his emotions for much of the book. Having read this book, I will definitely be seeking out more to read by this author.
When the death of his abusive mother necessitates Cory Johnson’s return to his hometown of Bayville, he intends to spend as little time there as possible before returning to his life in LA where he’s a successful criminal defence attorney. Bayville holds only bad memories of a traumatic childhood at the hands of his drug addicted parents. Although Cory has built a life for himself since fleeing home almost fifteen years ago, he has closed himself off emotionally as a means of surviving his parents and avoiding any connection to other people. He’s experienced more than enough pain in his life already. Why risk any more?
After speaking to the real estate agent, Cory decides the best course of action is to get the house he has inherited from his mother repaired and brought up to selling condition as fast as possible. Nothing good ever happened there and even walking through it starts to bring all those memories back to the surface. Rhys Tucker owns the construction business Cory hires to do the work on the house. Despite Cory’s attempts to maintain an impenetrable barrier between himself and everyone else, he and Rhys have a rapport that even Cory finds hard to deny, regardless of his best efforts to keep his distance. Rhys makes no bones of his interest in Cory and keeps patiently chipping away at Cory’s armour. But Cory’s return has caused all the memories he’d been suppressing to be dredged back up and they haunt him. Cory finds it impossible to deny the draw he feels towards Rhys, although he is adamant that anything they have will be on his terms. It’s not like they can have a future anyway. Cory’s life is in LA, far away from the bad memories of his hometown, and Rhys belongs in Bayville where he has built up a successful construction business.
Damaged Heart is written solely from Cory’s point of view and I think the character of Cory, and his romance with Rhys suffered a little bit because of that. I struggled at times to see why Rhys was so enamoured of Cory. For much of the first half of the book there wasn’t enough interaction between them to understand Rhys’s attraction to such an outwardly cold and closed off character. There’s the occasional little glimpse, especially in their banter, but Cory is so distant and prickly much of the time. When I did get the interaction between Cory and Rhys later that I had been wanting to see, it was cautiously sweet and funny. It was then that I started feeling invested in Cory and Rhys’s romance. I would have got there a lot sooner if we’d also been given Rhys’s POV to understand what he saw in Cory and why he’d held onto this crush for almost fifteen years, even with Cory’s complete absence for all that time.
Cory’s lack of connection and unwillingness to deal with his past is both frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. As his backstory unfolded, I truly felt for him and wanted nothing more than to see him grow and find a way to open his heart to Rhys. It was easy to understand why he was the way he was with the experiences he’d had. Cory’s progress from being so repressed to him allowing Rhys to slowly unfreeze his heart was well-paced and believable. He had come a long way by the end, but not so far that it came across as if he were miraculously cured by Rhys’s love.
His loneliness, especially during the time he goes back to LA, was so poignant.
The writing is top notch. For such a closed-off, prickly character as Cory to still work his way into my heart proves that. The story was good and kept my interest the whole way through, but it could have stood to be expanded upon a little. The characters were fully developed, especially Cory since it was his POV the story is told through, but I definitely felt like I got to know Rhys as well. I would class this as a HFN, rather than a HEA and I would have liked to see more of how Cory and Rhys made their relationship work. The end felt a touch unresolved for me, by not so much that I was wondering where their future was heading, it was just a little too difficult to see how they were going to get there. Overall, it was a good read, with solid writing, engaging characters and a surprisingly tender romance given how afraid Cory is of his emotions for much of the book. Having read this book, I will definitely be seeking out more to read by this author.
November 20, 2014
4.5 star review by Amber
Wow, this book was so good. So GOOD!! I’m actually surprised I liked it as much as I did. Especially since one of the main characters is such an absolute and complete jerk off.
Cory is back to his hometown of Bayville to settle his late mother’s estate. It’s clear right from the start that Cory holds absolutely no love for the town, his family home, or even his late mother. The realtor who is helping him recommends several contractors and this is how we meet Rhys.
Rhys has held a burning torch for Cory since high school. What’s incredibly endearing about Rhys is that he never waivers from his want of Cory. Cory pushes Rhys away at every turn. He is downright mean to him and callus towards his feelings but Rhys’s feelings never falter. He is constantly pushing Cory to prolong their tryst and hoping that Cory doesn’t sell his childhood home so he will continue to have a reason to visit.
As Cory tells his story we learn that his mother and father were very disturbed. Their emotional abuse was extensive and Cory lives his life with severe emotional scars. Cory is very closed off. He is cold and shows no emotion whatsoever. Knowing his parents had severe mental illness he’s in constant fear of it being passed on to him.
When Cory does return to L.A., for work, Cory again proves what a major jerk he is by not keeping in touch with Rhys. He lets 3 weeks go by with no contact whatsoever and needless to say Rhys is crushed. But their short time together has affected Cory; he can’t stop thinking about how good Rhys is and how hot they were together.
This author has a gift for writing a character that’s so unlikeable but at the same time he endears himself to you as the reader. I truly understood why Cory was the way he was, so I was constantly rooting for him to get his HEA.
Through lots of trial and tribulations Rhys and Cory come together in an explosive take it or leave it blow out. I found myself so completely enraptured and I couldn’t put this book down.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Wow, this book was so good. So GOOD!! I’m actually surprised I liked it as much as I did. Especially since one of the main characters is such an absolute and complete jerk off.
Cory is back to his hometown of Bayville to settle his late mother’s estate. It’s clear right from the start that Cory holds absolutely no love for the town, his family home, or even his late mother. The realtor who is helping him recommends several contractors and this is how we meet Rhys.
Rhys has held a burning torch for Cory since high school. What’s incredibly endearing about Rhys is that he never waivers from his want of Cory. Cory pushes Rhys away at every turn. He is downright mean to him and callus towards his feelings but Rhys’s feelings never falter. He is constantly pushing Cory to prolong their tryst and hoping that Cory doesn’t sell his childhood home so he will continue to have a reason to visit.
As Cory tells his story we learn that his mother and father were very disturbed. Their emotional abuse was extensive and Cory lives his life with severe emotional scars. Cory is very closed off. He is cold and shows no emotion whatsoever. Knowing his parents had severe mental illness he’s in constant fear of it being passed on to him.
When Cory does return to L.A., for work, Cory again proves what a major jerk he is by not keeping in touch with Rhys. He lets 3 weeks go by with no contact whatsoever and needless to say Rhys is crushed. But their short time together has affected Cory; he can’t stop thinking about how good Rhys is and how hot they were together.
This author has a gift for writing a character that’s so unlikeable but at the same time he endears himself to you as the reader. I truly understood why Cory was the way he was, so I was constantly rooting for him to get his HEA.
Through lots of trial and tribulations Rhys and Cory come together in an explosive take it or leave it blow out. I found myself so completely enraptured and I couldn’t put this book down.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
October 29, 2014
I liked this book. I don't mind asshole characters, if their behaviour's properly explained and here I was totally onboard with Cory's reasons. Rhys was great and understanding and for one I absolutely loved his patience and it's exactly what Cory needed and I'm happy together they managed to overcome Cory's issues.
My only niggle is that at times I thought the story was a little too long and drawn out. The thing is I've just read Guard My Body and I was left desperately wanting to see more of the guys and here I sometimes wished for more action or more plot to move the story forward. Still I enjoyed it!
My only niggle is that at times I thought the story was a little too long and drawn out. The thing is I've just read Guard My Body and I was left desperately wanting to see more of the guys and here I sometimes wished for more action or more plot to move the story forward. Still I enjoyed it!
October 22, 2014
I'm a fan of Ms. Wynne's writing and this book most certainly didn't disappoint. I can see why some people might dislike Cory, but as much as I loved Rhys and his persistence, it is Cory who will stay with me for a very long time. I guess you have to have a similar background to fully understand his character and not judge him too harsh. Luckily, I was abe to relate to him on many levels, so it made it easy for me to love him and appreciate his ability to be honest about himself and what a future with someone like him meant for Rhys. Bottom line, I enjoyed Damaged Heart and would love to read a follow-up story.
March 21, 2019
The relationship between Rhys and Cory is one of the main reasons I love to read romance. The steadfast, patient, grounded way Rhys interacts with Cory - the way he is just there for him - allows Cory to grow in ways he never, ever imagined he would be able to. I would say he moves at Cory's speed, but that's not true, as he moves inexorably forward, where Cory would have no movement at all. Rhys uses honesty and humor to stalk and capture his HEA, making this a touching love story I will remember for a long time.
April 19, 2015
I was really enjoying this until the rather abrupt ending. Why is that such a thing in so many books now? Just as you're getting into the building climax and thinking, Oh, here's where things start to get sorted, it's wham! they're in love, problems all sorted, everyone lives happily ever after.
Give me a decent climax, people. Half-assed climaxes are just the worst.
Give me a decent climax, people. Half-assed climaxes are just the worst.
July 24, 2015
Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. I have a love/hate relationship with Damaged Heart by SC Wynne. First of all, let me say this is my first title by this author, but I will be giving them another shot. So on to the review.
February 14, 2015
3.5 STARS
October 1, 2014
3.5 stars
September 30, 2014
Sweet short. :)
November 17, 2014
Review to come on the Novel Approach
October 19, 2014
3.5 stars
July 9, 2017
The story had such good bones. There was a framework and plot premise that was solid and two characters that one could easily relate to and enjoy. However, I felt the padding, the meat of the story, lacked cohesion at times and ultimately lost its way a bit.
The story revolves around Cory Johnson who has returned to his hometown to settle his family estate after the death of his mother. However, Cory has come home only reluctantly as his memories of the violent and ultra religious past he endured has left scars that haunt him to this day. In particular, his childhood has left him stunted, unable to trust or love another person, preferring to remain alone and closed off from even the hint of any emotional ties. When he begins the process of selling off the house and adjoining acreage left to him, he meets with potential contractors who will bid on the job of repairing and prepping the house for the market. And that is when Rhys Tucker walks into and begins to systematically attempt to break down the carefully constructed wall around Cory’s heart.
From the moment they meet, it is obvious that Rhys has held on to a years-long memory of Cory and nurtured it into somewhat of a long-standing crush. Cory, on the other hand, barely remembers Rhys primarily because he has spent years trying to bury his past. While I could certainly understand that type of affection, it was Rhys’ intensity and approach concerning Cory that was a bit strange. At first, I felt that Rhys was almost stalkeresque but as time went on it was more desperation that surfaced in his pursuit of the rather cold and withdrawn Cory. And it was here that parts of this novel began to feel forced and untethered to the main storyline for me.
As time moved on, the way in which Cory’s past was continually glimpsed at but never fully realized made me frustrated. Even when he finally broke down near novels’ end and shared a few details with Rhys, the build up throughout the rest of the story was such that the big reveal fell flat and was certainly not enough to make the reader understand why Cory was so emotionally affected by his past. It was small details like this that kept me off balance, alternating between loving these men and the story that was building, and scratching my head at the inconsistencies. For instance, near the beginning, Cory has a run-in with a small child and meets Rhys for the first time. There is discussion and clear internal dialogue that indicates Cory would not want to add children to his life whereas it is alternately apparent that Rhys would. And yet, other than a short scene where Rhys announces his sister giving birth, this loose end is left dangling and I wondered why it was a part of the story at all.
Then there was the mystery around Mr. Johnson’s death/suicide. Often it was hinted at that Cory’s parents were alcoholics and argued incessantly. However, within just a few dedicated lines of dialogue, it was hinted that perhaps his mother had murdered his father and then summarily explained that it did not happen that way at all. But as far as Cory unpacking any strong feelings for finding his father’ bloodied body shortly after a gunshot killed the man, we were only given a curt response to Rhys’ inquiries and little more than a glimpse at how this affected Cory. Again, there simply was not enough explanation tor delving into the past to make all Cory’s hang-ups make sense.
All in all, the tenuous and tentative love story that develops in Damaged Heart is one that you are drawn into and want to see succeed. But Cory is not the kindest or most loving of main characters and without that bigger more dramatic reveal surrounding his childhood, it was hard not to view him as someone who emotionally manipulated poor Rhys and took advantage of his forthright admission of a long standing crush for Cory. I also cannot bring myself to think this is a HEA. Instead, I found myself wondering, much like Cory states over and over at the end, if these two may finally reach a point where Cory cannot overcome his fears and give enough of himself in order for the relationship to grow. Rather, his reluctance might very well threaten and essentially destroy any possible happiness with Rhys.
Damaged Heart had some wonderful moments and really was written well with solid dialogue and believable characters. Unfortunately, there were just too many threads in the story that were left dangling and, in the end, did not seem necessary to the story as they were never fully fleshed out or resolved.
The story revolves around Cory Johnson who has returned to his hometown to settle his family estate after the death of his mother. However, Cory has come home only reluctantly as his memories of the violent and ultra religious past he endured has left scars that haunt him to this day. In particular, his childhood has left him stunted, unable to trust or love another person, preferring to remain alone and closed off from even the hint of any emotional ties. When he begins the process of selling off the house and adjoining acreage left to him, he meets with potential contractors who will bid on the job of repairing and prepping the house for the market. And that is when Rhys Tucker walks into and begins to systematically attempt to break down the carefully constructed wall around Cory’s heart.
From the moment they meet, it is obvious that Rhys has held on to a years-long memory of Cory and nurtured it into somewhat of a long-standing crush. Cory, on the other hand, barely remembers Rhys primarily because he has spent years trying to bury his past. While I could certainly understand that type of affection, it was Rhys’ intensity and approach concerning Cory that was a bit strange. At first, I felt that Rhys was almost stalkeresque but as time went on it was more desperation that surfaced in his pursuit of the rather cold and withdrawn Cory. And it was here that parts of this novel began to feel forced and untethered to the main storyline for me.
As time moved on, the way in which Cory’s past was continually glimpsed at but never fully realized made me frustrated. Even when he finally broke down near novels’ end and shared a few details with Rhys, the build up throughout the rest of the story was such that the big reveal fell flat and was certainly not enough to make the reader understand why Cory was so emotionally affected by his past. It was small details like this that kept me off balance, alternating between loving these men and the story that was building, and scratching my head at the inconsistencies. For instance, near the beginning, Cory has a run-in with a small child and meets Rhys for the first time. There is discussion and clear internal dialogue that indicates Cory would not want to add children to his life whereas it is alternately apparent that Rhys would. And yet, other than a short scene where Rhys announces his sister giving birth, this loose end is left dangling and I wondered why it was a part of the story at all.
Then there was the mystery around Mr. Johnson’s death/suicide. Often it was hinted at that Cory’s parents were alcoholics and argued incessantly. However, within just a few dedicated lines of dialogue, it was hinted that perhaps his mother had murdered his father and then summarily explained that it did not happen that way at all. But as far as Cory unpacking any strong feelings for finding his father’ bloodied body shortly after a gunshot killed the man, we were only given a curt response to Rhys’ inquiries and little more than a glimpse at how this affected Cory. Again, there simply was not enough explanation tor delving into the past to make all Cory’s hang-ups make sense.
All in all, the tenuous and tentative love story that develops in Damaged Heart is one that you are drawn into and want to see succeed. But Cory is not the kindest or most loving of main characters and without that bigger more dramatic reveal surrounding his childhood, it was hard not to view him as someone who emotionally manipulated poor Rhys and took advantage of his forthright admission of a long standing crush for Cory. I also cannot bring myself to think this is a HEA. Instead, I found myself wondering, much like Cory states over and over at the end, if these two may finally reach a point where Cory cannot overcome his fears and give enough of himself in order for the relationship to grow. Rather, his reluctance might very well threaten and essentially destroy any possible happiness with Rhys.
Damaged Heart had some wonderful moments and really was written well with solid dialogue and believable characters. Unfortunately, there were just too many threads in the story that were left dangling and, in the end, did not seem necessary to the story as they were never fully fleshed out or resolved.
April 17, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. Cory was a successful lawyer in LA and he returns to his hometown when his mother dies. Cory grew up in an abusive home and left when he turned 18 and this is the first time he has been back. When he ran into Rhys, he doesn't remember his former classmate, but Rhys remembers him. Cory decides to fix his childhood home up to sell and Rhys is the contractor who he hires. Rhys flirts with Cory and invites him to dinner with his sister and her husband. Cory doesn't understand why Rhys is interested in him and wonders why he wants to spend time with him. Cory is attracted to Rhys, but he has never had a relationship and doesn't know how to behave in one. Cory tells Rhys he is moving back to LA and he doesn't want anything serious. Rhys tells Cory he just wants to spend time together. Rhys tries to get to know Cory more, but Cory is closed off and unsure how to act. Rhys is determined to break through to Cory and doesn't give up. Cory returns to LA, but soon finds a reason to return to see Rhys. i liked this story. I liked COry, even if he was grumpy and closed off. Cory didn't know how to act around Rhys and i think he wanted to be with him but was scared. He was so damaged from his parents and he couldn't understand why Rhys wanted him. Rhys was a good guy who really cared for Cory. I think Rhys had the patience of a saint to wait for Cory. Good one.
June 14, 2019
2.5 disappointed stars
I can't say this was my favorite book by this author. There are many others of hers that I truly enjoy but I felt this one fell short of the mark. With an interesting premise and hints of bonds healing someone suffering, I was eager to read the story. Where it fell short was in character development and the relationship progression. Potential was high, execution was relatively low.
Cory has a lot of emotional baggage and trauma. I ached for his situation and even though I didn't connect with his character at all, I could see how he would behave the way he did. Rhys was a bigger draw because he was a brighter, lighter character that had the potential to draw Cory from the darkness of his past, but there were quite a few things he did that left ambiguity rather than a clear path for Cory to follow.
Without giving anything away, I'll just leave my frustration with both men by saying that neither man resonated with me and their actions, while some were understandable, most of them were confusing, maddening, and absolutely unpleasant. The overall story suffered because of the characters but I definitely enjoyed the setting and the sweet gestures and confessions that were included. They saved the story from being dismal and distasteful, instead it was merely disappointing.
I can't say this was my favorite book by this author. There are many others of hers that I truly enjoy but I felt this one fell short of the mark. With an interesting premise and hints of bonds healing someone suffering, I was eager to read the story. Where it fell short was in character development and the relationship progression. Potential was high, execution was relatively low.
Cory has a lot of emotional baggage and trauma. I ached for his situation and even though I didn't connect with his character at all, I could see how he would behave the way he did. Rhys was a bigger draw because he was a brighter, lighter character that had the potential to draw Cory from the darkness of his past, but there were quite a few things he did that left ambiguity rather than a clear path for Cory to follow.
Without giving anything away, I'll just leave my frustration with both men by saying that neither man resonated with me and their actions, while some were understandable, most of them were confusing, maddening, and absolutely unpleasant. The overall story suffered because of the characters but I definitely enjoyed the setting and the sweet gestures and confessions that were included. They saved the story from being dismal and distasteful, instead it was merely disappointing.
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