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The Academy Saga VIII : Redemption & Rekindled Flame
Kate Connelly has survived a brutal hit, betrayal by both the men she loves, and secrets dangerous enough to destroy them all. Now that she’s finally back on her feet, she’s ready to reclaim something resembling normal.
But just like secrets… the past doesn’t stay buried.
Ranger’s shadow begins to loom once more—haunted by regret and the near loss of the one thing he values above all else. Katie’s own buried memories refuse to stay silent, forcing her to confront a past everyone would be better off if she forgot. At the same time, Pete’s desperation for redemption can no longer be ignored.
Old feelings burn against the walls Katie has built, softening defenses she swore would never fail. As they weaken, a familiar flame rekindles, threatening the fragile peace she’s finally found at The Academy. Still, Katie is determined to move forward—toward the future that was always just beyond her reach.
She’s finally close to the life she wants… so why does it feel like it’s about to blow up?
Because everything is going too well—until repressed trauma begins to cast dark shadows over that long-awaited golden future. The closer Katie gets to her fragile HEA, the higher the cost of pretending everything is fine.
Because love demands honesty.
Survival demands silence.
And this time, Katie may not be able to choose both.
Book VIII is where the lies tighten, the past collides with the future, and Kate is forced to decide what she’s truly willing to lose to claim the love she’s been fighting for… for almost a decade.
But just like secrets… the past doesn’t stay buried.
Ranger’s shadow begins to loom once more—haunted by regret and the near loss of the one thing he values above all else. Katie’s own buried memories refuse to stay silent, forcing her to confront a past everyone would be better off if she forgot. At the same time, Pete’s desperation for redemption can no longer be ignored.
Old feelings burn against the walls Katie has built, softening defenses she swore would never fail. As they weaken, a familiar flame rekindles, threatening the fragile peace she’s finally found at The Academy. Still, Katie is determined to move forward—toward the future that was always just beyond her reach.
She’s finally close to the life she wants… so why does it feel like it’s about to blow up?
Because everything is going too well—until repressed trauma begins to cast dark shadows over that long-awaited golden future. The closer Katie gets to her fragile HEA, the higher the cost of pretending everything is fine.
Because love demands honesty.
Survival demands silence.
And this time, Katie may not be able to choose both.
Book VIII is where the lies tighten, the past collides with the future, and Kate is forced to decide what she’s truly willing to lose to claim the love she’s been fighting for… for almost a decade.
661 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
About the author
C.J. Daly
12 books190 followersCJ Daly grew up on the scrabbly plains of Eastern New Mexico. When she was supposed to be helping her six siblings with chores on the family ranch, she was really sneaking behind dusty haystacks to read. And dreaming about becoming a writer.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
After graduating high school, CJ moved to Big D (Dallas), where she quickly put herself through college while trying to rid herself of her country accent. She had better luck with college, graduating cum laude with a degree in English literature. After teaching a few years, and pausing to have back-to-back boys, she began writing in earnest.
A few years later, "The Academy Saga" was born. "The Academy" is her debut novel, and "The Academy, Cadet-in-Training" is the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 25, 2026
It's no secret that I adore this series. I can hardly believe this is book 8!
Kate, Pete & Ranger have been through SO MUCH! When I first saw the title, Redemption & Rekindled Flame, I just knew us readers were in for either happiness or heartbreak. I think those emotions really depend on which team you fall into. I have been quite vocal about being Team Kate and hoping she would finally choose herself. Did she? You will have to read and find out!
One takeaway is I craved more action. Something I really love about this series and the academy are the missions. Especially when it goes into such great detail. The final page ended on such a great cliffhanger and I hope book 9 comes in hot with lots of edge of your seat action.
My thanks to the author herself for this gifted copy! I am already looking forward to book IX.
Kate, Pete & Ranger have been through SO MUCH! When I first saw the title, Redemption & Rekindled Flame, I just knew us readers were in for either happiness or heartbreak. I think those emotions really depend on which team you fall into. I have been quite vocal about being Team Kate and hoping she would finally choose herself. Did she? You will have to read and find out!
One takeaway is I craved more action. Something I really love about this series and the academy are the missions. Especially when it goes into such great detail. The final page ended on such a great cliffhanger and I hope book 9 comes in hot with lots of edge of your seat action.
My thanks to the author herself for this gifted copy! I am already looking forward to book IX.
February 20, 2026
The Academy Saga has been a show stopper, definitely keeps my attention I can't wait to read about what is happening. What I liked most is how honest it feels. The romance is front and center, but it is not the kind that magically fixes everything. It lets the relationship be real, with trust being earned and tested, and with the outside pressure still pushing in. The wedding and honeymoon pieces add a lot of warmth and hope, but the story keeps that edge underneath so it never turns into a fluffy victory lap.
The pacing kept me turning pages because every time you think things might settle, something shifts and you realize you were only seeing part of the picture. By the end I was equal parts satisfied and annoyed, because it absolutely sets up what comes next and I need that next book already. If you’ve loved this series so far, this one delivers
The pacing kept me turning pages because every time you think things might settle, something shifts and you realize you were only seeing part of the picture. By the end I was equal parts satisfied and annoyed, because it absolutely sets up what comes next and I need that next book already. If you’ve loved this series so far, this one delivers
February 20, 2026
I blew through this book and feeling all kinds of emotions. Just like the characters I feel conflicted. Happy that the Katiekat got her HEA, but unhappy with who she ended up with. But-I understand why and how they ended up together and am okay with Petey boy getting his too. I mean-he was thoroughly traumatized throughout the series. But-am a diehard Ranger fan, and I cried when he handed his one girl he loved off in the rain. I had to walk that one off. In the end, I was satisfied where CJ is probably going to take the story next but unsatisfied I have to wait probably another whole freaking year! But like usual-I'm sure it will be worth all the wait and angst she puts you through every damn book! I'm ready for the end as much as I don't want it to end. Conflicted but addicted to the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2026
Just when I thought that I knew which way it would go it goes the opposite direction. As usual, I loved the whole Academy world, the redemption theme running through it for Ranger and Pete and so so happy that Pete and Kate finally got their happily ever after. Finally! I just wish Ranger would've made more of a fight or at the very least made Weston's end more terrible. I felt redemption but no justice. From that cliffhanger I have a feeling we'll get some justice because I think I know where's it's going. Just when I didn't think I could be surprised again, she digs another rabbit hole to go into. I can't wait to see how the series ends, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that Ranger does also deserve love and I hope he gets it, learned his lesson on what he lost, and runs The Academy right. That would be so epic, and I expect nothing less.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
I've been a long time fan of this series. There's always so much to unpack. I like seeing the redemption theme play out, for both Pete and Ranger. I'm a Ranger fan and some of those scenes where he broke down nearly broke me. His father and son relationship is so endearing and added a bit of sweetness to this bitter end to the family he fought so hard for. That he gave up hurt me, and at this point I don't know how he'll end up. I think Pete is still too messed up for Katie, but I'm glad that they get to help each other heal. But who's going to help Ranger? He has to do everything on his own. I hope he's strong enough to survive everything and feels the weight lifted off his shoulders. I'm sure we'll be in for another high emotional impact end, but as much as I'm ready for it, I don't want it to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
By the time you reach The Academy Saga VIII: Redemption & Rekindled Flame, you’ve spent so much time with these characters that they feel familiar in a very real way.
That long history is what makes this book so satisfying. Every conversation carries weight, and even small moments feel important because you understand everything that led up to them. I loved how redemption was handled here, not as something instant, but as something built slowly through actions and choices. This book felt thoughtful and emotionally grounded, and it reminded me why sticking with a long series can be so rewarding.
That long history is what makes this book so satisfying. Every conversation carries weight, and even small moments feel important because you understand everything that led up to them. I loved how redemption was handled here, not as something instant, but as something built slowly through actions and choices. This book felt thoughtful and emotionally grounded, and it reminded me why sticking with a long series can be so rewarding.
February 20, 2026
No spoilers, which is going to be hard, but I opened this the second it landed and read it like the outside world didn’t exist. This book has that same addictive pull the series always delivers, but it feels sharper this time like the emotions don’t just spike, they stick ya know. Every scene feels like it’s pushing something forward instead of killing time but that’s not new for her writing. I did not see that this is where it was going and I don’t see that it’s where it will end but I am obsessed as usual probably won’t make it to work but the late night was worth it 😂
February 23, 2026
Book VIII was one of the most emotionally complex stories I’ve written in this series. You know how much I hate spoilers, so I won't give anything away, but Pete, Kate, & Ranger were forced to confront truths they’ve been avoiding for years — and that was both painful and beautiful to see. It's been a long time coming for them to come full circle.
If you’ve finished it, I’d truly love to hear what moments stayed with you most. Reader thoughts are always my favorite part of releasing a new book.
XO
CJ
If you’ve finished it, I’d truly love to hear what moments stayed with you most. Reader thoughts are always my favorite part of releasing a new book.
XO
CJ
February 20, 2026
Sheesh this one was one of those where you can feel the weight of every choice, and you can tell CJ isn’t interested in giving anyone an easy out. I tore through it because the pace stays tight, but I also had those moments where I had to stop and just sit with what happened. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m feeling where this may be leading or if I don’t believe it!
Watching Kate commit to one I’m just not sure if I’m believing it and the fact that the other one wasn’t fighting 🤦♀️
Watching Kate commit to one I’m just not sure if I’m believing it and the fact that the other one wasn’t fighting 🤦♀️
February 26, 2026
Couldn’t put it down once I started
I went into this one planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing it way faster than expected. Even eight books in, the story still pulled me right in. The pacing worked well for me, and I loved how the past between the characters added tension and meaning without slowing things down. It felt immersive and engaging the whole way through.
This was one of those reads where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter."
I went into this one planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing it way faster than expected. Even eight books in, the story still pulled me right in. The pacing worked well for me, and I loved how the past between the characters added tension and meaning without slowing things down. It felt immersive and engaging the whole way through.
This was one of those reads where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter."
February 26, 2026
Felt personal in the best way
This book surprised me with how personal it felt. There’s so much shared history by this point in the series, and it made the quieter moments really stand out. The themes of redemption and rekindling felt genuine because they were tied to long standing relationships and past choices. I found myself reflecting on earlier books while reading, which made the experience richer. It felt like a meaningful chapter in a story I’ve grown attached to.
This book surprised me with how personal it felt. There’s so much shared history by this point in the series, and it made the quieter moments really stand out. The themes of redemption and rekindling felt genuine because they were tied to long standing relationships and past choices. I found myself reflecting on earlier books while reading, which made the experience richer. It felt like a meaningful chapter in a story I’ve grown attached to.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ive read every book in this series and this one felt like the chapter it needed to be. Kate faces a lot and grows in ways that felt real. The romance hits hard and some scenes made me smile then wince. A few things moved fast near the end but it also sets up the next book in a way that makes me excited. If youve stuck with these characters youll want to keep going because this is not the end.
March 4, 2026
This is one of those book series that will stay with you for all the right reasons! This talented author has done it again in book VIII,showcasing her ability to weave intricate relationships with intrigue and drama all while pulling the reader into her absorbing characters! Kate, Pete, Ranger, and all the others will stay with you long after you finish the book!
March 1, 2026
I need the next book pronto! Just 5 stars all around
March 4, 2026
Amazing
CJ did it again. Amazing installment to my favorite series. This book gives all the feels. Can't wait for the next book!
CJ did it again. Amazing installment to my favorite series. This book gives all the feels. Can't wait for the next book!
March 19, 2026
I found some of the characters really annoying. I just don’t think the writing is as good as previous books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews