Atone

Patronus #2.5

by Sarah M. Ross

This novella from Max's point of view is meant to be read after AVENGE (Patronus,#2).

Book cover to be revealed Nov. 20, 2012.

Before there was Awaken, before there was “Lucy and Max”, there was just Max. And he had some issues.

A lot of issues.

Max Kensington ‘s death haunted him for years. The guilt of his sins tormented him. Unable to let go, he was sure he’d never be able to atone for all of them. But that didn’t stop him from trying.

When his reason for being is suddenly thrust back into his life, he vows to protect her at all costs. He’ll do whatever it takes to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself. And this time, he’ll fight to the bitter end to capture the one thing that has alluded him—happiness.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Sarah started her obsession with reading at an early age, often sneaking BabySitter Club and Nancy Drew books into math class. She would read any book she could get her hands on. Her love of reading quickly evolved into a love of writing and stories began to pour out of her.

She grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in English, and taught eighth graders to love reading as much as she does for several years. She currently resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and daughter.

Sarah's debut novel, AWAKEN, released in January, 2012. Other novels include AVENGE, ATONE, ECHO OF AN EARTH ANGEL, INHALE EXHALE, THE SECRET CRUSH, and NEVER GONNA TELL.

Stalk her here:
Website- http://www.sarahmross.com
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/SarahtheAuthor
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/SarahtheAuthor
Instagram- http://instagram.com/authorsarahmross/

Reviews

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ATONE we get to take a little trip back in time to see the beginning of Max's end. We get to see how his own life was taken and the raw emotions of the horrific ordeal. I hurt for him, knowing it was tearing him apart, as he tried to find answers about his missing son. His grief was overwhelming. But over time, his guilt slowly trickles away and happiness once again appears. And thanks to a new addition, Max is more determined than ever to make sure he never loses his happiness… his Lucy.

I was so beyond happy when Ross told me she was putting out a book in Max’s POV. I mean, I just love him so very much and being able to spend a whole novella in his head is a dream. Of course his thoughts are not always happy. In fact, there were times we saw a Max that was downright rude and hateful. But overtime, he changed and we see the Max we all know and love emerge. So getting to go back in time and see it all take place was amazing all around. Ross didn’t have to give us this little insight into Max’s world, but she did and it was fantastic.

I know that this novella takes place before Lucy…but in my opinion, I think that it is best read after the first book. I believe you will get a better understanding about Max if you read it after AWAKEN. So if you have read AWAKEN, go get it and I promise it will make you love Max more. If you haven’t read the series yet, read AWAKEN first and then give ATONE a try. It’s a great quick read that will leave you smiling in the end…kind of like you learned a great little secret!

[L.P. Dover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Ross does it again!!! As a huge fan of her books I jumped at the chance to read this new release. First off I love Max so anything having to do with him I was all for it. Atone is a short read but in this short read there is nothing that disappoints. I loved being able to read the story from Max's point of view and to get a glimpse of his past before he met Lucy.
I love Sarah's writing style because it flows so easily and her stories are always unique. I don't think anyone can say her stories are just like anothers. They are all different and have their own twists to them. I like this about Sarah because it makes her books stand out amongst others. She pulls you into her stories as if you were actually there and feeling what her characters are feeling. I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.

[Ravenz Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atone was simply amazing! Having read Awaken: The Patronus first, I loved reading Max's backstory in Atone. It really gives you a better understanding of Max and why he is the way he is. Because I've read both books, I highly recommend reading Awaken first and then Atone because the suprise in Awaken won't seem quite as suprising if you read it in Atone first. But that's just my opinion. Onced I picked up Atone, I couldn't put it down and I actually stayed up til 3am to finish it because I had to know what Max was really feeling knowing that his soulmate was lying in the hospital wing, healing from her injuries. When Atone begins, Max is so full of anger and resentment and to see him do a complete 180 and love this girl with every fiber of his being, willing to protect her at all costs, is so beautiful. I personally don't think that I would have felt the same had I read Atone first and then Awaken. It's always refreshing to go back in time and see something from another perspective once you've read the story. It's like seeing the story through another's eyes. Atone was simply amazing! Great job Sarah!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Kensington has always felt guilty over his death. Not because he died but because what happened to make him die and the things left undone and unknown.He does his job but doesn't let anyone get close to him. He finally sees the light when a new reason for being comes to him. Now he must really let the past go for good. He vows that he will protect his new love no matter what cost and realizes he can be happy again.

If you read Awaken and Avenge you will for sure want to pick this one up and read it. Max is a character that most of us already love but I bet if you didn't you will fall in love with him now. As I read about his struggle to overcome his past I found myself right along with him. The author does an amazing job writing that pulls you into Max's life. I really enjoyed finding out more about him even if it was a horrible past. It made me understand him more. I could see what made him the way he was and the person he is now. If you haven't read this series be sure to do so. It is a different world you will find yourself in and very original. This was a quick delightful read and I thank the author for giving me a copy for an honest review.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I don't like to give out spoilers for books so I will try not to. This was an amazing read GOOD JOB Sarah. Atone was written from Max's point of view. I absolutely loved it! The story is well written, and I liked finding out Max's history of where he came from & his past. It leads up to when Max finally meets Lucy. I know I will reread this book multiple times because it is a quick read, and I can't get enough of it. Atone is a novella which is a short story so don't expect a long novel. I was a little sad when I finished it just because I love Max, and Lucy & when you finish a good book like this it just leaves you wanting more. Thank you for the amazing story Sarah, and I can't wait until the next one.

[Nanette Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

seriously! I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with Max anymore but Sarah Ross made me do just that with Atone. I truly enjoy reading the pov of a main character and knowing what Max was feeling before and after he died had me connecting to him even more. if you've read Awaken you know how Max died and why Max and Lucy have a strong connection but in Atone we find out just how strongly Max does feel for Lucy and in great detail. We find out more about his past and how he dealt with the death of his wife and loss of his child. novellas help answer lingering questions you have when reading a book and Atone answered mine. Max is so on my dreamy book boys list.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Sarah Ross was writing a book from Max's POV and came across it today. It was amazing!! I love Max even more than I already did.
You should read the other 2 Patronus books first though.

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After thoroughly enjoying Awaken, it was a real treat to see things from Max's point of view & get some additional backstory on our hero.
I loved the way Sarah wrote this, & I think it was a brilliant addition to the series. :)
-Full review to come

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning more about Max. Not sure if I could love his character any more. Every girl deserves their own "Max"

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Ross has captivated her readers once again, this time however we are reading Max's story. In Atone we learn so much about Max, how everything he loves has been taken from him, and how he was able to overcome the emotions of losing so much and to find love again in the last place he expected it. The emotions you feel for Max is surreal, you feel his anger, his sadness, and then his loyalty to the one he loves and has been destined to be with since the beginning of time. I don't want to say much as this is just a short story and I don't want to give away any spoilers, however, if you have read Awaken and Avenge, then you don't want to miss Atone!!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atone is a great addition to this series! Sarah did a fantastic job of giving us a peek into Max's head letting us get to know him better and we also find out how he died and get a glimpse into his early years as a Patronus and we get to see how he and Lucy met!!! If you've read the previous two books Atone is a must read!

I was given an ARC to read and review

[Sarah Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! It was nice to see the beginning of the story from Max's point of view. I also enjoyed getting a little back story for him.

[Jeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

need more books that will continue this saga loved it