I am not what I have done. I am what I have overcome. And once I have faced my problems, only then will I find redemption.
Josh Walker and Lauren Pierce are opposites in every way. While Lauren is a committed student and girlfriend, Josh is a player with a very twisted moral compass…
Or is he?
Growing up with an addict for a father, Josh experienced disappointment from an early age. He puts on a front, shielding himself from everyone. Until he meets Lauren.
Lauren has it all. An accomplished softball player she maintains good grades, has great friends, and is in love with her dedicated boyfriend. Her life is pretty much perfect…until it’s not.
When two bruised souls collide can they help each other overcome their problems? Or are some souls just destined to be lost?
Rebecca Brooke is the author of the Traded Series, as well as other contemporary and paranormal books. She grew up in the shore towns of South Jersey. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. When she isn’t writing or reading (which is very rarely) she loves to bake and watch episodes of This is Us and Game of Thrones.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Redemption is Book #2 in the Forgiven Series. I did not read Book # 1, Forgiven, because this story revolves around a different couple. With that said, I would strongly suggest reading the series in order.
This book is Josh and Lauren's story. They attend the same college, where Lauren is a Sophomore and star pitcher on the softball player, and Josh is a Junior and football player (we never see him play the game or practice, but it is mentioned). Lauren has been in a long term relationship with Ryan, a baseball player, but she eventually catches him cheating. Josh, on the other hand, is a one night stand kind of guy. He has sex with them and then leaves. He's never spent the entire night with one of his hook ups.
Josh and Lauren meet for the first time at party for their friend Angie, the day after she finds her boyfriend cheating. Josh falls hard for the beautiful Lauren and she soon changes his outlook on commitment. They do deal with some trust issues in their relationship, at first, as Lauren battles her insecurities. She has had an ex-boyfriend cheat on her, plus she knows that Josh has only had casual sex. It's up to Josh to convince her that he's in this for the long haul. In addition, they are faced with another major roadblock in their relationship due to issues they have both had with their fathers since they were pre-teens. The question is if they be able to overcome all of this.
In most other series that I have read, where another couple's story is told, the book solely focuses on the new couple. Here, the author brings most of the characters back, and they are either in or referred to in the majority of the scenes. Because I was not invested in them, I just wanted them out so the author could provide some real depth to Josh and Lauren's story. Most of the secondary characters were likeable, although Emily was rather annoying and brash, and she "snarls". A lot.
The relationship between Josh and Lauren does progress rather fast. The sexual attraction is intense and the sex was hot! Although Josh comes across as a player at first, he is very good to Lauren and does his best to support her and make her feel safe with him. For someone that has never been in a relationship, I do give him props for that.
I absolutely plan to read Forgiven to see if this changes any of my perspective on this book. Book #3, Healed, is Andrew and Emily's story and comes out this Summer. I will be adding this to my tbr, but I'm hoping for a sweet and kinder Emily ;)
I was fortunate to read these books almost back to back since I hadn't read Forgiven previously. I have to say that I was impressed with the writing in both books. Both books had unique aspects that made these books stand apart from the rest.
I was anxious to read Josh's story since we knew a little about his background but not really the details of the life he lived. Both Josh and Lauren have equally crappy pasts and terrible relationships with their fathers. This helps them form a bond, its the understanding what it is to grow up with a less then stellar family life.
From the moment Josh and Lauren meet you can feel the chemistry. Having literally never crossed paths before the only thing standing in their way was their overbearing and meddlesome friends... Lauren happens to be friends Angie, Josh's best friends and roommates fiance... She's also friends with another mutual friend Emily, and none of them are happy that Josh has taken an interest in Lauren... She isn't the type of girl for him, the king of the one night stand, and they do everything in their power to keep them away from each other.
But to their dismay the inevitable can't be stopped and the story that unfolds will have your heart breaking and mending all within the pages of this book. Lauren and Josh face some true challenges from forces outside of their control... Her father, her ex-boyfriend, Josh's demons and self deprecation... Josh and Lauren both face redemption in this story.
There were just a few things that I truly thought were unfinished in this one. I don't want to give anything away but I was hoping for some tied up plots at the end, but we didn't quite get them. Overall it's still a great read and kept me flipping the pages to see how things would end up for them. I give this one 4 stars. The writing is beautiful as well as the story, I think you will truly enjoy Josh and Lauren's journey...
Redemption is an exceptional and fantastic read…It’s powerful and emotional, unpredictable and complicated..
It’s really the perfect sequel to a perfect debut, Forgiven, and a perfect part of a book series that is already captivating and unforgettable….
I was extremely ecstatic, when Rebecca asked me to be a beta-reader for her book…I adore Forgiven (it’s one of my all-time favorites) , but I have come to love Rebecca, as well..And you’ll wonder now “How can she be objective then in her review?”..The answer is simple, my lovelies..
Redemption makes it extremely easy, because it is that great..Forgiven will always hold a special place in my heart, but Redemption takes Rebecca to a whole different dimension..Everything is so much more with this book…The tension, the intensity, the need…Everything…
Josh’s story is so much different from Angie’s and that is so hard to do, while writing a book series..When Forgiven showed us a rising star, Redemption shows us an experienced, successful, creative and intelligent author…It’s an evolution…It’s Rebecca’s journey and I’m so happy that I’m a part of it…
For those who haven’t read Forgiven, I strongly suggest you go and do just that..For those who have read it, you know how adorable Josh is and I’m sure you were waiting for his story as much as I did…You won’t be disappointed, ladies…
He will make you fall for him…Except for one point (ok or two points) that will make you wanna slap him…Just a little…
Redemption is liberating. But Exceptional is the right word for it…
4 out of 5 Passionate, Fighting for Love, Tender Stars!
Charming, easy read...filled with tender moments and some hot tension.What a touching tale of two lost souls that end up helping each other find their way. This is the second book in the Forgiving Series. I didn't read the first book, but you don't necessarily have to read it since this book is the story of two different people connected by the first book. Neither Josh nor Lauren saw each other coming, especially Josh, the player who thought he was perfectly content with his life style. Sometimes variety can go from being the spice of life, to just becoming monotonous. Josh would never admit that to himself though, because until he met Lauren, he never had to question his life. This was a great easy read, that touched the heart and made you cheer for a successful HEA. Lauren was never the one-night stand type of girl, so how was she going to be able to fight the instant ravenous attraction she had to Josh. She wanted him badly and was not under any disillusioned dreams of it being more than just one night with Josh. He was completely upfront about his man-whore ways.
"I felt the tension between us, and it had me considering things I normally wouldn't do. If I wanted Josh it would only be one night, but for someone as sexy as him, I might be willing to do it...literally." -Lauren
The temperature was definitely turned up when they were at the bar, and they both couldn't bear the tension any longer. Despite warnings from their friends about hooking up with each other, they did the dirty anyways. Life has a funny way of turning the tables on you. Josh never looked forward to the next morning...having to give the boot to the one nighters and all. The one girl that he actually looked forward to waking up to in the morning, ended up sneaking out during the night with no trace left behind. Lauren completely ninja balled him, and he was left confused as to way it even bothered him in the first place. She knew what she was getting into, but couldn't help wanting to see him again. The connection felt by both of them was much more than the amazingly hot sex they shared. Of course, they both refused to acknowledge these feelings. They both decided avoidance and distraction would be their primary objectives in order to keep their emotions in check. That completely back fires on both of them. Josh finally comes to terms that he wants more with Lauren and is willing to fight to win her over.
"Give me a chance to prove to myself. I've already tried pretending that I don't want you, and it didn't work. You need to let me show you that you are all I want. It's more than physical. I've never enjoyed a conversation with a girl in a bar as much as I did the other night." -Josh
Lauren and Josh both hold the baggage of abandonment by their fathers, which is another thing that connects them. Lauren's father found his job more important and was never around unless it benefited him in some way. Josh's dad on the other had was in and out of their lives while he was young and found that his pain meds were more important than his family. Both Lauren and Josh deal with these issues in their own ways. Josh resorted to distancing himself through his one night stands, and Lauren found her escape through softball. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and Lauren is forced to deal with her left behind emotions of her father that have forced their way to the forefront. When life tests your will...sometimes we don't deal with it in the right way. Their love gets pushed to it's boundaries and neither of them think they have the strength for it to be redeemed.
"I knew I wasn't being fair to Josh but it was as if I had no control over my actions. Even his touch had me pulling away. My heart still wanted him, but I felt unworthy of his love." -Lauren
The title of this book is so appropriate. You think that in the beginning it is Josh that needs to get his chance at redemption. Who knew that in end it is both of them that strive for a chance for another chance. Their strength as individuals and as a couple gets tested left and right. It was endearing to see how much effect they both had on each other. It was a great story and I enjoyed Josh and Lauren's journey from one-night stand to proving their love at all costs. I would recommend this book and series to my fellow readers.
"Lauren, you're my Jersey. You're my Jersey because you comfort me. You've wrapped yourself around me so tight that I don't know how to be warm without you. Most of all you're my Jersey because, no matter what happens between us or whoever you are, you are always close to my heart." -Josh
Josh Walker is a ladies man. He wasn't one for relationships. Josh didn't lead the ladies on, they knew exactly what he wanted...sex, nothing more, nothing less. That was until he laid eyes on a gorgeous girl at his best friend, Angie's surprise 21st birthday party. The moment he laid eyes on her, he needed to introduce himself to her.
While Lauren was mingling among friends, she couldn't help but stare at the six foot two drop dead gorgeous guy across the room from her. It seems like they were both playing a game of cat and mouse with each other all night. They couldn't seem to keep their eyes off of each other. After being introduced to Josh, the two of them seemed to enjoy each others company. After the party a few of them went to a local bar. Josh was warned by Angie and Emily not to hurt Lauren, that she had been through enough lately. Josh was known for whoring around and Angie and Emily told him that Lauren deserved better, that she was not the type of girl that did a one night stand. The two of them hit it off, and talked the entire night. It was evident that there was sexual chemistry between the two. They couldn't seem to keep their hands to themselves.
Things between Josh and Lauren get hot real quick. Lauren is embarrassed about what happened between them and is trying to avoid Josh at all costs. Josh on the other hand, wants to get to know Lauren more and is determined to make that happen. Josh has never had these feeling before, but Lauren is different than the other girls. Josh's reputation is well known and Lauren has heard her fare share of stories that include the infamous Josh Walker. Lauren has been through enough lately with her ex-boyfriend, that she doesn't want to get involved with Josh. Josh vows to get Lauren to give him a chance and he won't take no for an answer. After spending time with Josh, Lauren begins to see that he is a great guy, fun to be around, and she wants to get to know him more.
"I was going to give Josh what he wanted. A chance - a real chance." ~ Lauren
An incident occurs and Lauren is injured. When what Lauren loves most is taken from her, she doesn't know how to cope. Lauren withdraws from her friends, and from Josh. Josh needs to remind Lauren that she doesn't have to go through this alone. He will always be there for her, that is, until she does the one thing that he will not stand for. Lauren's world begins to crumble around her, and her life is spiraling out of control. Josh is not strong enough to go down that path again, even if it is with Lauren.
"Remember, Lauren gave you a chance to redeem yourself about your sleeping around. Someday, you may need to do the same for her." ~ Caleb
Could Lauren redeem herself? Did she have a chance to be the person that she was before her injury happened? Could Lauren be the person that helped Josh redeem himself? Could the two of them get through this together. Would Josh give Lauren a chance to redeem herself? Was their relationship strong enough to get through this? Was Josh willing to walk away from Lauren?
"You leaving again was like a good cold, hard does of reality. If I wanted to get through this, I was going to have to redeem myself." ~ Lauren
I love this group of characters. I love how Josh played a role in getting Angie and Caleb together, and when the opportunity of love came around for Josh, Caleb and Angie did the same for Josh. Caleb and Angie knew that Josh was not happy whoring around with a different girl every night of the week. Angie and Caleb knew that Josh was putting on a facade. They knew Josh wanted to find the same kind of love they had.
I loved the story line and felt a connection to the characters. I am a believer in second chances, so I was routing for Josh and Lauren the entire time. The only bad thing I can say about Redemption is there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors in the book. However, with that being said, the editing issues didn't take away from the story itself. I am hoping this series continues and we get more of Angie, Caleb, Josh, Lauren, Emily and her fiance Andrew.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Redemption is the second book in the Forgiven series by Rebecca Brooke. Although part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. Redemption is a story about how if something is really important you can change the pattern of your life. In Redemption, both Josh and Lauren have to overcome the troubles they had at home and in other relationships that can make it hard for them to trust in a relationship. If you read Rebecca’s first book, Forgiven, you will remember that Josh is Caleb’s best friend and roommate. Caleb and Angie from Forgiven are now together and living with Josh in the apartment. At a surprise party for Angie’s birthday, Josh spots Lauren, a friend of Angie’s, and is immediately attracted to her. When Lauren meets Josh it is clear that this strong attraction is mutual! Lauren is a star pitcher on the college’s softball team. Her good looks and talent make her more than a catch. After a bad breakup because her boyfriend was cheating on her, she knows getting involved with the campus player is a bad idea and has every intention of staying away. Josh is a stud and he knows it. A football star and campus player Josh is never hurting when it comes to getting girls in his bed! Josh is known for only being with a girl one time and has no intention on changing that pattern! When Josh sees Lauren he knows he wants her, he thinks its for a night and can’t even fathom it would be for more. After a night of fun and drinking with friends the two end up at Josh’s apartment and have some incredibly steamy sex! The next morning when Josh wakes up and Lauren is gone he feels something he is not used to, disappointment. After trying to stay apart they realize they are meant to be together. Things are not all hearts and flowers with Josh and Lauren. Both have issues developed from their childhood and when Lauren’s moment of weakness tests Josh’s resolve, the future of their relationship is in danger. Can these two get past the troubles they grew up with and focus on the love that they can have? Rebecca Brooke has written a love story set in the college age but the emotional depth of these two characters feel older than the normal silliness of that age. These two are so well written that you can feel what they feel. Josh’s change from campus player to the world’s sweetest boyfriend doesn’t feel fake or trite but more like a true love has developed and changed this man. Watching him grow and develop as the story unfolds is truly beautiful. While reading the story I felt like Lauren started off a very strong woman but letting her guard down while in love made her softer and a bit weaker. This is not a bad thing and is completely necessary for the story development. Redemption had everything I look for in a great NA read. It was fun, endearing, heartwarming, funny, sexy as hell and I really loved watching these two fall in love and test the strength of it. I went though the gambit of emotions reading this book but was so happy to where the story lead. I definitely think anyone who enjoys NA should read this book and watch how true love happens. ~miranda
ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review.
HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I absolutely loved Forgiven, but Redemption, I loved 10000x more! This is the second book in Rebecca Brooke’s Forgiven series, but can be read as a stand alone.
In Redemption we meet Josh and Lauren. We know Josh from Forgiven as Caleb’s roommate, and Redemption picks up where the story in Forgiven left off, but following Josh and Lauren instead of Angie and Caleb.
Josh as we all know is the man whore on campus and has never kept a girl more than to get what he needs, and never more than once. Lauren is a star athlete who just caught her boyfriend cheating. When the two of them meet sparks literally fly off the page!
Both of these characters have issues with their family, namely their fathers, and what they have been put through growing up. Both of their fathers are grade a assholes, but for the most part, it makes the two of these characters stronger in most cases, and sometimes a little weak.
Their relationship starts of rocky, but once it gets going, you fall in love with these characters and the love they have for one another. If you read Forgiven you won’t believe the changes you see in Josh in Redemption, its like he is a new man, and Caleb will not let him alone about it, especially after all the grief he gave him.
The friendships in this book, the core group of characters, are written so well that you wish you had friends like these people. They will do anything to help their friends and are always there for each other (even if they are not wanted). They stand by eachother, and even if there is some bickering, they always have their friends best interests at heart.
When things go rocky, it broke my heart for these two, they come so far, and something stupid is done. My heart broke for Josh, and for Lauren, for putting herself in the position she did, and even before that. These two are meant to be together, but can some things truly be forgave and moved past? Especially with the knowledge of what has happened in the past?
This book truly shows you that love does conquer all, and that it is not easy, but if you have the right people in your life, anything can be achieved, as long as you have that support system.
I love Josh’s character, there were parts of the book that had me laughing at some of his comments, and falling in love with his character (Sorry Caleb :( ).
I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters, or any of the characters in this group of friends, they are all so intriguing and have such amazing stories to tell. Rebecca Brooke did an amazing job with this story, and I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a great read. Just make sure you have some time, I was laying on the bed all day reading this, I forgot everything else around me, just to read this one. I was unable to put it down, and I have a feeling you may feel the same way once you get your hands on it.
Opposite attracts. Lauren and Josh had proved it once again. While Josh is the ultimate player who sleeps around different girls daily, Lauren is a saint – she’s a diligent student, a great athlete and a loyal girlfriend.
But the moment she was cheated on by her douche of an ex-boyfriend, she decided to live a little.
They go to the same school, with the same set of friends, but never really saw each other until that party – and the attraction was just intense at first sight. Josh wanted to know her, but he had been forewarned. So did Lauren, she received a whole lot of warning from her concerned girlfriend. Did both of them listen? Nuh-uh.
Josh had been through a lot at a young age. He tries to shield himself from pain, puts up a façade so realistic you can almost believe it’s the real him, until you get him to put down his barriers. Until he met Lauren – he couldn’t explain the connection he has with her. All he knew, that after that night she ruined him for other girls. I would have loved this guy if he doesn’t walks out a lot. I know girls like to throw that tantrum – but guys? Rarely. So imagine my surprise when he storms out during tough times, good thing his friends had more sense and urge him to stay.
As for Lauren – she had a perfect life, until all of a sudden, one block comes down right after the other. And before she knew it – her pitching arm was injured and she suddenly couldn’t do the thing that brought joy in her life, playing in the field. All of a sudden, she closed off – and did something that I didn’t really expect of her. For an intelligent girl, it was a very stupid move. Really stupid. Arghhhhh!!!!
What did Josh do – he walks out again. Only this time, I think he had a valid excuse. He had been through this sh*t in his whole life, and he couldn’t imagine going through it again. He had the reason to be mad, and to be angry. But what I didn’t like was for him to just give up like that on her – to lose faith in her. Lauren was lucky enough to be surrounded by friends who love her and never left her side despite all the circumstances. Now – she just have to win him back, if he’ll have her.
Redemption is a story of two broken people who run into each other in their bleakest days, and unexpectedly fell in love with each other. But their HEA wasn’t just a walk in the beach, they needed to fight all the demons, and their past that’s surrounding them before they ever make it. Nevertheless, the ending was worth all the heartache.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
***Arc provided through Fiona's Book Reviews in return for my honest opinion***
This is the second in a series about the same group of characters, this time concentrating on the story of Lauren and Josh. It can be read as a standalone - and I read it that way - but I feel like I missed out on the character history and at the very beginning of the book I found keeping track of who was who a little tricky. I'm sure anyone who did the sensible thing and read the books in order would have the characters established in their minds and would have no such difficulties.
Josh is a man whore, moving from girl to girl on campus, showing them a good time but never dating and never doing repeats. Not the most original set up for a story I know, but he's cute, funny, hot and honest about his intentions. He's devoted and loyal to his friends - male and female - so we know he's capable of more, he just needs to meet the right person...
Lauren meanwhile decides the best way to get over her cheating ex is to get under man whore Josh, because, well, why wouldn't you?
*fans herself* Wow a really hot, first scene together, I was absolutely hooked in and glued to my kindle.
This story really reminded me of Beautiful Disaster at first - innocent (ish) girl and man whore guy, with amazing chemistry but worried about trust and reputation and troubled by problem parents - but unfortunately, my initial excitement at finding what I hoped might be 'another BD' waned when the story kind of lost some steam and drifted aimlessly in the middle with nothing much happening to anyone for quite some time. I pushed on and I'm glad I persevered and finished it because the story picked up some pace at the end and reminded me of how much I'd enjoyed the beginning. Overall, it was a diverting read, but it needed to maintain that consistency all the way through for me to love it.
Still, the writing was good and the characters - especially their circle of close friends - were entertaining and quite sweet. I'd be interested in reading more in this series.
When I first started reading this book, I was a little bit confused trying to keep track of all of the characters and how they related to each other. I didn't read the first book, Forgiven before reading Redemption, but I don't feel it is necessary to follow this story. I definitely want to pick up the first book, because from what they mentioned, that story does sound interesting. I would also like more insight to the relationship between this group of friends.
This story follows Josh and Lauren. Josh is known around campus as Mr. One Night Stand. He doesn't want a relationship and is find bringing home a different girl every night.
Lauren is the star pitcher of the school's softball team. She's the All-American girl and has everything you could want.
Josh and Lauren find solace in each other, both hoping that the other one can help them past the insecurities that plague their minds.
The conflict that Josh and Lauren find themselves in is something different and I don't know if I've come across it at all. It was definitely something new and unique and not found in your typical romance.
I really enjoyed this book. Not only did I like Josh and Lauren as characters, I also loved the friends that surrounded them. It made me wish I read the first book, so I could have a better idea of the dynamic of their relationships. That being said, I'm definitely going to pick up the first book so I can understand more of what is mentioned in this book.
Disclosure: ARC received from author in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own.
4.5 Sweet Stars
Forgiven (Book 1) was written as part of the Forgiven series but can be read as a stand alone with a HEA. The same can be said for Redemption (Book 2).
Redemption by Rebecca Brooke is Josh and Lauren’s story. If you read Forgiven, you’ll remember that Josh was Caleb’s best friend and had secrets that he hadn’t shared by the end of the book. Well, we find out all of Josh’s secrets in Redemption and they end up being secrets about his home life while he was growing up. Josh is another self proclaimed man-whore at the beginning of the book, but I was happy to see him grow from that status to a pretty decent boyfriend.
Lauren is a star softball player and also grew up with a difficult home life. She has major dad issues, but has made it to her Sophomore year at college and seems put together. Looks can be a bit deceiving, as there are a few twists and turns within the book that surprised me. No worries though, this is a complete story with a happily ever after for our cute couple.
Another great book from Rebecca Brooke. A story of young love and finding your soul mate that will keep you reading until the end. Not to mention the steamy love scenes in this sweet romance. Those will definitely keep you reading for more Josh.
We get to see more of Emily’s story in this book as well and watch as she gets her happily ever after, too.
I’ve seen lots of positive reviews of this book, and here’s another one coming from me. This is the second book in the Forgiven series and once again, Rebecca Brooke made me weep.
Josh has had a messy childhood, didn’t bode well with a drug addicted father and grew up to be a ladies man. Every night, different girls warm his bed. Every night, every girl is just the same – a f^ck buddy. Until he met Lauren during Angie’s birthday party. Lauren also had childhood demons, in the form of a cheating father. Growing up, she focused her sights on sports and had become an Olympic-qualifier for softball. Lauren has been cheated by her boyfriend and soon she found herself lip-locking with Josh.
Can Josh’s man-whoring ways still be redeemed? Will Lauren still find the One meant for her?
Yes, this book has got a lot of drama going on, made me cry once in a while, and had me rooting for Josh in the end. Despite the tears though, I really enjoyed the book far more than I expected.
Narrated by the two protagonists, Lauren and Josh, Redemption isn't all about love and relationship. Rebecca Brooke made sure that this book is perfectly balanced. I liked that there aside from sadness and heartbreak, it also consisted of serious topics, like drug/prescription pills addiction and alcoholism. Topics that help reader understand and be aware of the issues that some families encounter. This was a well-thought story that’s highly recommended.
It could have been like all stories set at College but for once, I found quite mature characters. A clan of friends, maybe a little too nice and closed bound for real life but it gives a sense of friendly cohesion and family. A nice feeling!
The story is interesting in the way people put label on you. Right or wrong, the denomination will follow you and get difficult to dispose of. You'll be stuck up.
Regarding Josh, his playboy attitude that evaporates after just one night with Lauren made me smile. For a long time player, I would have expected some hard times. So, this part is a little too fairy tale for my taste. However, it has the merit to show that if you really want to change you can . Ditto for Lauren at the end of the book.
I strongly believe in the power of challenging yourself and changing direction in life when you really want to do it for yourself and not to impress or please someone.
I also liked the judgments based on appearances, addictions and the feelings that got reinforced through ordeals . There are many interesting topics discussed by the author that revealed themselves prettily behind the sweet romance.
I have been looking forward to this book, and Rebecca did NOT disappoint. I loved Josh in Forgiven, and was trilled to see he was getting his own book.
Josh is your typical tattooed man-whore that is common in these books. When he meets Lauren, who has just caught her boyfriend cheating on her, at Angie's surprise birthday party, they have an instant attraction. They drink, dance and flirt all night. Josh wants Lauren, but he doesn't do relationships. Will Josh change his ways to win over Lauren?
This book was mostly sweet and steamy. There was drama, but it didn't keep them apart for the majority of the book , like you see in most books. Another fresh thing I loved about this book was it wasn't the bad boy that messed up. I found it so refreshing to see a girl have to grovel for forgiveness. The bad boy screwing up the relationship is so cliche. Of course I LOVE the dual POV's.
I like this authors style of writing style and am looking forward to reading more books by her in the future.
Oh Josh you're such a guy, "hot and an athlete? How have I not met this girl before tonight?" Interesting," I mused." Lauren she's not one to mince words around, "apparently you're known for your one-night stands." I choked on the beer in my mouth. This girl was blunt." Josh he has some morals when it comes to Lauren, "her hands moved off my thigh to wrap around my shoulder and fist in my hair. My tongue danced with hers and I felt my di** surge. Oh hell no, I was not having sex in this car." He doesn't like to share, "I saw her talking to some guy at the bar and every inch of me wanted to go and beat the living shi** out of him. Who did he think he was talking to my girl?" Lauren sometimes ignores some things that goes on with Josh's body, "at some point, Lauren turned my lap into her seat, which of course I didn't mind, but I knew she had to feel my erection pressing against her a**." I really loved this story as much as the first one and I can't wait for more!
I didn't read Forgiven and fortunately these are written so they can be stand-alones. (I will be reading it though)
This was a well written story. Josh has demonds he needs to face, his father left when he was young for the pain pills that brought him happiness. Because of that Josh doesn't have relationships, he is the one night stand type.
Lauren also has her demonds, her dad choose his secretary over her and her mom, then continually choose money and status over anything to do with Lauren.
From the first meeting they know there is something between them, but can they find redemption in eachother or will tge demonds keep them apart?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster about two people who were looking for more past their bad family life. Lauren was sweet, kind, strong, but also weak in some affects due to family life. Josh redeemed himself in this book from his man whore ways. There was a twist in this book I didn't see coming and the end had me in the edge of my seat. The epilogue was so sweet and I can't wait to see glimpses of their relationship in future books. I can't wait for Andrew and Emily's book. I wonder what that call was about!!? We will find out this summer! :)
This is the second book in the series and also the second I have read by Rebecca. This is a story about learning to live after mistakes. To ask for and take redemption. To me it is so a story of forgiveness and I love the way Rebecca presents it. I like Rebecca’s writing style and her characters. There is dimension to the storyline. I did have a small problem with a few slow spots but it was worth it to keep on reading. I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
Redemption is the second in the Forgiven series & concentrates on Josh Walker. Josh has been a ladies man, but his feelings for Lauren Pierce really changes things. This is a lovely story of a young couple coming to terms with their difficult upbringings & learning to trust & fall in love. Josh is such a great character, I really enjoyed seeing him change his ways & fall head over heels in love with Lauren. She is such a sweet girl & is absolutely perfect for him. I highly recommend both books in this series, so you get to enjoy the stories of both couples.
4 stars I liked book one but enjoyed book two more. I loved reading about Josh and getting to know more about him and the secrets he holds. Lauren and Josh have an awesome relationship though its taken a lot of work from both of them to get to the point they are at by the end of the book. This book had some pull your hair out moments and some mouth dropping moments but all in all this was a good read. Look forward to reading more of Rebecca's books.
Josh is AMAZING!! Lauren is strong. Together they are powerful! I loved this book even more than book 1 in the series. The dynamics of all these friends is amazing though. Brooke's writing appeals to your emotions and draws you into the story. I can't say enough about this book, but I don't want to give anything away!! This series is a must read!!
Loved Josh and Lauren's story! Ms. Brooke just continued this series with another fantastic book! If you've read Forgiven then you will want to read this one! It was great having glimpses of the other characters from Forgiven! Josh and Lauren are perfect for each other! This book is a must read!
Wow! I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Rebecca Brooke after reading my second book from her. I was finally glad to see in a book that the woman had to grovel and overcome more issues than the man. Josh is HOT! HOT! HOT! A perfect bad boy. There are some serious issues dealt with in this book that you don't always see in a HEA story. Can't wait to read this author again!
I love Josh. Yup, I do. I knew he was my favorite in Forgiven, but this book definitely solidified it. And I loved Lauren too. Very relateable and strong. They both have a dirt-bag fathers who could have ruined them, but neither let them tear them apart. It was a great story of finding redemption through love. I definitely recommend this book.
I received this book for free for an honest review. Another awesome book in this series! I was so happy to read a story with Josh! He is such a sweetheart! This book had me from the start and I enjoyed every minute. It broke my heart and gave me butterflies! It made me cry and laugh, which is all I need for a great book.
Rebecca Brooke is a great author. I loved this book and series. The characters were adorable so was the storyline. I hope she writes more in this series. Highly recommended
Absolutely loved it, had no doubt that u would. Fantastic follow up from Forgiven.
Josh made me fall in love with him, even though in a few times I really wanted to slap him silly. Lauren was sweet girl who fell for the player but after ups & downs turned him around.
This is a 100% must read. I honestly have to say that I loved this book so much more than the first. Don't get me wrong FORGIVEN was an amazing book. But this one just seem to get to me more. Thank you again Rebecca Brooke for such a wonderful book. <3
I loved Josh on the first book, and now I love him more, this is a most read book. great read. The story of Josh and Lauren has their twist and turns but their love prevails. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....GREAT BOOK SERIES...