Rylen Clark had always dreamed about becoming a professional photographer, but then her life fell apart. On the same night, her boyfriend admits to cheating on her, she walks into a gas station robbery, and takes a bullet to the knee. Now, a year later, isolated and hopeless, Rylen is still recovering from her injuries.
He feels responsible, and he wants to make it right.
Jack Wylder never meant for anyone to get hurt. He didn’t think anyone would take him seriously. And though he wasn’t the one to pull the trigger, words have consequences. A year later, a letter from his sister makes him realize he can’t outrun his past. Armed with a list of names of all those impacted that night, he sets out to make amends, starting with the name at the top, a young woman he’s never met.
He wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
When Jack offers Rylen a ride home from her therapy appointments, it’s just supposed to be a way to check her off his list. When it becomes clear that what she needs is a good friend, he figures he has nothing to lose. Though she’s reluctant to accept his friendship, that doesn’t stop Jack from finding ways to spend time with her. After milkshakes in the park and “slugger therapy” by the river, what started as a good deed becomes something more.
If only he could find the courage to tell her the truth.
As Rylen watches Jack go out of his way to do things for others—everything from fixing the local diner’s fryer to car repairs and even feeding the homeless—she begins to believe maybe Jack is different, and maybe she can trust him. But is there something he’s not telling her?
“Touching her was dangerous, but it was too late. I was too far gone. I was utterly and voluntarily drowning”
Redemption’s List is a quiet, heartfelt story about two people learning to live again after their worlds have fallen apart. Rylen Clark is still recovering—physically and emotionally—from a gunshot that stole her dreams of becoming a professional photographer. Then there’s Jack—stoic, gentle, and carrying his own private regrets. What starts as a simple act of kindness turns into a slow, tender connection built on trust, healing, and forgiveness. The book gives off subtle small-town vibes, though it’s not strongly emphasized—more a backdrop for community and second chances than a setting that defines the story. Jack has this “cowboy but not cowboy” energy: he dresses the part, has that protective, steady nature, but it’s not a big theme in the book. It’s more of a quiet personality thing, love to see more about his lifestyle in the next book 👀 mans yes, I definitely found myself getting frustrated with Jack at times—especially those moments where I just wanted to shout, “Just tell her already!” But that emotional tension is part of what makes their slow burn so satisfying. Because yes there is a sprinkle of 🌶️ in the book.
I really enjoyed this book! It was such a refreshing romance with a great balance of emotion, healing, and hope. Rylen and Jack’s story pulled me in right away, I loved watching their friendship slowly grow into something more. Their connection felt genuine and heartfelt, and I appreciated how both of them had to work through their pasts to find peace and forgiveness.
This book had me invested from the very first page! I just had to find what happened to Rylen and Jack! And I was not disappointed! I loved the storyline and it was very well thought out! I’m excited to see what comes next!
Redemption’s List is a sweet and heartfelt story about love, redemption, and forgiveness. Jeana R. Lawrence does a wonderful job weaving together two broken lives—Rylen, still healing from a traumatic past, and Jack, burdened by guilt and desperate to make things right. Their connection builds slowly and naturally, with tender moments that feel both real and earned.
I loved how the story focused on emotional healing and second chances, showing that forgiveness—both of others and of yourself—can open the door to love. The pacing is gentle, with plenty of warmth and introspection, and the supporting characters add a nice touch of small-town charm.
A touching read for anyone who enjoys slow-burn romance with a strong emotional core.
✍️ Author: Jeana R. Lawrence 🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5 — slow burn with emotional heat 🫢✨
This book pulled me in from page one. Rylen’s story is raw, emotional, and so beautifully real. After surviving a life-changing trauma, she’s not just trying to heal — she’s trying to forgive herself. Enter Jack, the list-making, steady presence she never expected. What starts as obligation slowly turns into something tender, fierce, and oh-so-human.
If you love: 💔 Second-chance healing arcs 🫶 Slow burn tension 📸 Characters with messy, real emotions 💥 Love that rebuilds instead of fixes
…then this one will get under your skin in the best way.
Redemption’s List is a beautifully written slow-burn romance that explores forgiveness, healing, and the power of second chances. Jeana R. Lawrence delivers an emotional and heartfelt story that reminds readers that love real, lasting love often comes when two broken souls are brave enough to face their pasts and start again.
The characters are deeply human, flawed yet full of heart. The protagonist’s journey toward self-forgiveness and renewal feels authentic, and the gradual unfolding of romance adds to the story’s emotional depth. Lawrence’s prose is tender and evocative, drawing readers into every raw moment of vulnerability and every quiet spark of hope.
The cover of Redemption’s List instantly caught my eye. The bright teal background, camera, snapshots of meaningful places, and even the sweet dog hint at a heartfelt journey filled with memories, healing, and hope. After reading the description, I’m even more excited, it promises an emotional and inspiring story about second chances, forgiveness, and unexpected connections.
Rylen’s life-changing tragedy and Jack’s mission to make amends already feel so compelling and human. I love that the blurb highlights small but meaningful moments like milkshakes in the park and acts of kindness, it makes me think this will be a touching, character-driven story that explores how love and redemption can grow in unexpected ways.
I haven’t read it yet, but the cover and description together make it sound like the kind of heartfelt read that stays with you long after you finish. It’s definitely going to the top of my TBR, and I can’t wait to see how Rylen and Jack’s story unfolds!
A charming, captivating, heart-skipping escape. Lawrence has a gift that keeps giving the human experience of yearning--for healing, for love, for forgiveness--with all the intoxicating allure of the twists and turns carved into kindling a new relationship. Her characters catch you up in a passionate embrace into the unknown and what it means to be known. A rich, new page-turner.
This could honestly be made into a movie. Perfect mix between some mystery and a lot of romance. This book grabbed be from the very first few pages and held onto me until the end. I really hope there is more for Rylen and Jack because I loved their love and I love all the characters in the book and hope to get to know them even more. This is an amazing debut book!
Took me a little while to get into but once I did i could not put it down. FMC 19 yr old betrayed by her now ex, dealing with an injury, feeling lost and alone. MMC with a persecution complex trying to atone for his sins without running away again. A lot of hard hitting issues in between but with a HEA for them at the end.
This book had me sucked in from the start. It is a very well written story and great character development. The characters are all relatable. It is filled with humor, heartbreak and love along with the twist and turns. This book is a must read if you love a good romance.
Absolutely loved it! I usually avoid slow burns but I was drawn to the book after reading the intro. Could not put it down. It’s absolutely gotten me back into slow burn romance books.
The title speaks volumes. Having the ability to right the wrongs from our words which lead to the action of another that caused pain to so many. Seeing these characters find their way to each other was what stories are about. What happens when the reason for the redemption list is revealed will the trust be broken? What happens when the reasoning for everything is not as it seems?