By Dr. Rhoda S. Slade

We all carry wounds—some visible, many buried deep beneath the surface. Life has a way of breaking us in places we never expected. Whether through betrayal, loss, trauma, or rejection, we find ourselves changed. Some call it baggage. Others call it brokenness. But I call it the evidence that we’ve lived.

When Damaged Goods Collide is not just a title; it’s a truth. This book is for those who’ve been labeled “too much,” “too broken,” or “not enough.” It’s for people who have loved deeply, fallen hard, and questioned whether healing is even possible—especially when trying to build something real with someone who is just as wounded.

In these pages, we will journey through what happens when imperfect people attempt to love, trust, and grow—together. This is not a fairy tale. It’s not about fixing one another or pretending the damage doesn’t exist. It’s about what happens when we face our pain, confront our patterns, and choose connection anyway.

You will see parts of your own story here. You will recognize the fractures, the fear, and—most importantly—the fight to be whole. This is a book about grace, grit, and the beauty that can emerge when damaged souls dare to collide not in destruction, but in truth.

So if you’ve ever felt unworthy of love, incapable of change, or afraid of being truly seen—welcome. This book was written for you.

— Dr. Rhoda S. Slade