Redemption

by S. Nelson

How do you protect someone from the darkness when that’s all you know? I tried to fight it. I tried to get her to run from me. I tried everything I knew to get her to despise me. But she never faltered, pushing back at every turn, unknowingly bathing me in her light. But could her light save us both?

Mason Maxwell resigned himself to a life of loneliness, forced into a world he didn’t want, but he had no choice. He had to remain in the darkness if he wanted to save the only living family he had left, his sister Adeline. While his life was desolate, it was simple. That was, until he met her.

Lila Stone was doing everything in her power to keep her head above water, taking care of a sick mother while trying to find yet another job to support them both. Little did she know her life would take a drastic turn when she was shoved towards a life, and a man, she had never even imagined.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2015

About the author

I'm an indie author who grew up with a love of reading and a very active imagination, never putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard until 2013.

I typically write romantic suspense, as I love stories with some twists and turns. I also love my HEA, although the road to get there is quite the journey.

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Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Redemption
AUTHOR: S. Nelson
GENRE: Romance | New Adult | Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: February 25th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★★

5 whooping asshole stars!!

So when I jumped on this book the other day there was not one review that was showing up for this book *Insert WTF emoticon here* The cover alone should get those cover hoes hearts pumping rapidly!! *guilty*




So I pretty much had nothing to go by, no ratings, no reviews zilch so I took the plunge any ways and I am so glad I did, this book surprised me on so many different levels, it wasn't clique, boy meets girl, girl falls in love, he was an asshole right from the start and that never really changed until towards the end of the book, the attraction was there from the start but yep I did mention he was an asshole aye!!
If you read this you'll know exactly what I mean *two words* maids uniform..Asshole move!! lol

He was an extremely handsome man, too bad his personality was apparently an acquired taste. He possessed a hard-edged demeanour, like a warning for others to keep their distance.

First time I have read anything from this author, but it won't be the last because I even went so far as to one click the other book from this author just to see if I will love it as much as I loved this book..

I had just been fired - I was taking care of my sick mother, and she needed me, she was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer, her condition was getting worse all the time

She was my SALVATION, she was my unwavering REDEMPTION

Down on her luck Lila Stone was struggling to keep her and her ailing mother's heads above water, losing yet another low paying job she was nearly on the verge of throwing the rag in on her daily grind of job hunting when a kindly lady gave her a helping hand and a promise to get her into a postilion as a cleaner/maid as she was retiring..



My name is Beverly, and I think I can help you out, as luck would have it, I'm retiring from my job. And it's my duty to find my replacement for my boss.

His bark is much worse than his bite

Read some of the douchebag moves he undertook in the hopes that she would leave the maids position all in the hopes of keeping her safe from the dangers that were pulling him in deeper into a dangerous web..

He had to stay in the darkness if he wanted to save the only living family he had left, his sister Adeline.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption by S. Nelson is the story of Mason Maxwell and Lila Stone.
Lila mother is dying and along with being totally upset about that she is having issues keeping a job due to the fact that she has to take off to take care of her mom sometimes. In need of another job has set her on the course to meet Mason. Mason current housekeeper is retiring much to Mason upset but the lady ends up meeting Lila and knows she will be the perfect replacement for her. But Mason doesn't except her at first because he doesn't want to loose his long time housekeeper for one reason but the main one is that he is too attracted to Lila. Lila wakes something in him that he has been trying to keep died down which are feelings. Mason's father set him on a path with a truly evil man and Mason can't let anyone get close or he could have a weakness which can cause this man to hurt the people he cares for. Mason was blowing hot and cold with her due to him fighting his feelings and Lila was a strong women to take it from him. But love always wins in the end.
I could not put the book down so I read it until the end...loved it!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story I inhaled in one sitting. Was I started it I just couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what was gonna happen next. It’s all that mattered in my bubble.

Mason has been forced into a life he didn’t want to protect his sister. Nothing else mattered to him. That is until Lila Stone entered his life. He did all he could to keep her away from him, to keep her safe even if that meant hurting her. Lila is a strong fiesta character. She works hard to pay the bills and help her sick mother. When an opportunity arises she sees no way other than to accept. However she gets more than she bargained for with the delicious sexy Mason.

I absolutely loved this story. Both these characters I really liked and was rooting for them both. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mason and Lila’s story. It had it all chemistry between the characters. Mystery surrounding Mason. Heartache for Lila. And super hot angst for them together. Twists and turns kept me glued to my reader!!! A great 5 Star read for sure

[Beth, A Book Lover's blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her second book wow :) I loved every bit of it. Lila is struggling to pay bills going from job to job taking care of her sick mother a job falls in her lap. When she meets Mason little did she know her life would change.He was a dick but the attraction was wow. He couldn't stop thinking of her trying to make her leave but she didnt. Did she need this job that bad? What an awesome book that kept u on the edge and wanting more . S. Nelson did another amazing job with Redemption. This is her second book and can't wait to read more!

[MillsyLovesBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lila Stone is struggling to keep a job while taking care of her mother who's battling cancer. After being let go again, Lila is really down on her luck. When a chance meeting and a job offer to be a maid to Mason Maxwell. Turns her life around in more ways than she ever expected.

Mason is a man of little words he comes across as hard and arrogant. We find out why he is the way he throughout the story. Mason has been forced into a dark life that has made him a loner. From the moment he meets Lila he feels a pull and protectiveness about her. He tries to push her away from him knowing it would be for her own good. But Lila ends up getting drawn into the dark world, that Mason is trying to escape.

The chemistry between Mason and Lila was palpable. I liked how strong Lila was and how she stood up to every challenge Mason threw at her. And when Mason couldn't fight the pull towards her nothing was going to stop him from keeping her.


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[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Redemption” is one of those novels where you’re not a fan of the actual story and the events taking place (at the beginning), but then end up really liking the last half. Well, that’s how it was for me. It’s your typical love story of two beautiful people from two different worlds, both broken (how I really, really hate that word). Lila, a good daughter who works at whatever job(s) in order to pay for all her mother’s medical expenses, and Mason being so filthy rich (what? you thought he’d be poor? are they ever?), trying to exude the alpha in him by degrading, humiliating and controlling her, always with the threat of losing her job if she doesn’t acquiesce.

Maid uniform

"When the bathroom door swung open, I actually had to take a step back. The uniform I had given her was more of sexy maid’s outfit, not a real uniform at all. The skirt was barely covering her satin panties and even though she was still wearing her bra, her breasts were on full display, causing my breath to catch in my throat. I had never in a million years thought she would actually go ahead with it, but seeing her standing in front of me, practically naked, I knew she was more than I’d bargained for. But I couldn’t let her know it, so I went right back into dick-mode. “What do you think?”

“Why are you doing this to me? What do you get out of humiliating me?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s the required outfit, and if you don’t like it, then leave.””

Live-in position

““As you know, Lila, this is a very large house and it requires a lot of upkeep. And as such, I am going to need you to…” My words were cut off as I finished my drink. “… move in here while you’re employed under my services. This is now a live-in maid position.””

Curfew

““I wanted to give you a list of rules you’re to follow while you're in my employment. It’s short, but I reserve the right to add to it at any time.”

“There will be no unapproved visitors. You will receive a key to the house, but if you lose this key, you will not receive another. If this happens, you will have to work around my schedule in order for you to leave the house and come back again. You will have your own private quarters, equipped with your own bathroom.” She stopped quickly and took a breath before reading the last rule. “There will be a curfew of eight o’clock, to which you must be in the house for the night. You will work Monday through Friday, having both Saturday and Sunday off, but again, you will be in the house at eight o’clock.” She stopped abruptly after reading that and stared at me, mouth wide open. “You can’t be serious. I have a curfew? I’m not a child, Mr. Maxwell. You can’t make me follow this, especially on the weekends.”

“I can, and I will.””

Throughout it all they're both fighting the obvious attraction they have for one another and, of course, end up in bed together where they declare their love for one another.

While many readers will find Mason to be sexy because of his alpha traits, I’m not one of them. I thought he was an obnoxious asshole. His excuse for all his demands is so she’ll quit her job, leave and then never be consumed with thoughts of her. I don’t think so. If anything, his demands fulfill his own twisted fantasies. But who’s worse? Him or her for going along with it all? At this point I was thinking of chucking it all in, but I kept at it. Surprise, surprise. The tone of the novel changed and it changed for the better as an actual story started to take place. We learn more about Mason, his job, his father, and the mysterious calls that have him leaving the house at all hours. Talk about a story that turns out to be quite intriguing that has now captured my full attention making me want to read each and every word. What can I say except I really enjoyed the last half. I’m not going to spoil it for you so I’ll leave it at that. Just know that the one-star rating I was originally going to give “Redemption” changed to a three-star rating. At least it got better, not worse.

[Jo-Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that slowly pulled me in, and then once I was hooked, took me on a ride I wasn't expecting. It was interesting, hot, intriguing, sexy, at times funny, quirky, and did I mention it was hot?! Lila is the main female character and she has a sick mother who she will do absolutely anything for- even if it means working for a guy who seems to want to mess with her head every time she turns around. That's what it seems like Mason Maxwell does, too. She's the typical good girl- she's trying to work all she can to take care of a mother who's been diagnosed with cancer. He's the rich bad-boy. He acts like a total jerk to her under the excuse of getting her to quit working for him so that thoughts of her will stop burning beneath his skin. As I was reading this, I really didn't care for it at first. I was getting sick of it and came close to not finishing at all(which I never do, I always find a need to finish whatever book I have began). I'm glad I stuck with it though, because at a point I started realizing that the story was actually getting good. I started being pulled into the mystery and began learning things about Mason that helped to explain what the hell was going on. I'm happy it got better and not worse, and it ended up being good enough to bump what would've been a 2 start rating up to a 4 star rating. I don't want to give away anything so I'll leave it at that.

[Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lila was fired from her waitressing job, she immediately took matters in her hand and looked for a new employment. She had to do this to save money for her mom's cancer treatment. Life hadn't been a bed of roses for Lila, so she grabbed the first job offered to her by a woman she met. Little did she know that she'd be caught unawares and would fall for her newest employer, Mason Maxwell.

Living in a mansion all alone, except for his cook and housekeeper, Mason Maxwell kept mostly to himself, not because he wanted to, but because of a secret he'd been keeping and dreading. Sure, he hadn't found the one to share his life with, because he had more important things to do, like saving his sister from the clutches of evil maniacs. But his life turned a complete 360 when Lila came into his house to work. The moment he laid eyes on her wild red locks and ethereal beauty, he knew he was in big trouble. And boy, what a really terrifying world Lila caught herself in!

Redemption is my second S. Nelson book, and I can't help but say wow! She clearly has a way with her words, she writes stunning stories full of lust, action, thrills and oh-so-yummy scenes. I won't be surprised if Mason would become the next Christian Grey phenomenon. S. Nelson will surely be the next author sensation everyone should watch out for!

[Lozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!

Mason was so completley alpha I was drooling whilst reading the book. The tension between himself and Lilah was palpable, so much that I could feel it. At some point through reading the novel, I just wanted to bang their heads together for them to just admit how they felt together - but Mason was stubborn, as was Lila, so, yeah... perfect for one another.

This book is dark. It's not for the faint of hearts. There are a lot of things in the novel that are rather sensitive, but if you are strong enough to read it, I'd highly recommend it.

I just fell in love with Lila: loyal, hardworking, and big and strong enough to handle Mason's demons as well as her own. She's an admirable character, and I loved her so much.

This book was phenomenal. I love myself a dark romance, and this definitely hit the top of the charts! Great read - not for the faint of hearts, but a definite recommendation.

[Two Chicks Who Love Angst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her second book wow :) I loved every bit of it. Lila is struggling to pay bills going from job to job taking care of her sick mother a job falls in her lap. When she meets Mason little did she know her life would change.He was a dick but the attraction was wow. He couldn't stop thinking of her trying to make her leave but she didnt. Did she need this job that bad? What an awesome book that kept u on the edge and wanting more . S. Nelson did another amazing job with Redemption. This is her second book and can't wait to read more!

[Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great love story about how true love conquers all!!

[minaal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnfed at 59 percent

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book was certainly different. We started out with a story about a down and out young 20's girl who is trying to take care of her dying mother but can't seem to keep a job. She's approached in a coffee shop about becoming a maid to a man by a woman who says she is retiring and heard in that our heroine was desperate for a job. The only warning the retiring maid gives our girl is that the man can be very testy at times.

She takes the job and not only is our hero testy at times, he's secretive, comes home with blood on his shirt and is obviously lusting after our heroine by losing himself and suddenly kissing her but then turning a cold shoulder to her for days. Strange.

Then the book turns into a story about human sex trafficking. Talk about a U-turn! I didn't hate this book but it was certainly a little weird and left a lot of unanswered, obvious questions. But, it did have an HEA.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and have recently re-read it. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.
Lila Stone struggled to keep working while taking care of her mother who's battling cancer. After being fired again, Lila takes a chance and accepts a job as Mason Maxwell's maid. Mason has been forced into a dark life that has made him a loner, until he meets Lila. He tries to drive her away from him for her own good, but Lila ends up getting drawn into the world that Mason is trying to escape.
This is a steamy romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected dark twists. The chemistry between Mason and Lila is red hot. I liked how strong Lila was and how she stood up to every challenge Mason threw at her. This is a great story that you don't want to miss.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes was this book hard to put down this is my first book by this arthur and wow did this story draw me in from start to finish. This story had me laughing as the 2 main character's Mason & Lila try to fight their attraction for each other, since he's her boss and she's his maid and all it took was 1 look and he tries every way possible to get her to quit oh yeh that was hilarious because of course it backfired not once not twice not even the 3rd time till he realizes he's not going to be able to get her to quit, but then by that time he realizes he can't lose her, but he has a secret that he's been keeping and if she finds out he'll lose her. This story is definitely a page turner and will have you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. I'd definitely recommend getting this book it is sooo worth it.


This is my unbiased opinion and my review.

[Maria York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila has had a bit of a rough life, she has taken care of her mom by herself for a few years and it's really taken a toll on her! Her emotional stress is at its highest and she just lost another job! She's had many in the last couple of years but it doesn't matter she'll keep going at it to ensure that she's able to push forward and do what she can to make sure her mom is taken care of!

Mason is a man that lives in the shadows of the dark side, but not by choice! He's been forced to live this kind of life and it's been way to long since he felt normal!

When Mason meets Lila things change in both of their life's! Emotional, exciting, a touch on the dark side, sexy and a book I couldn't put down until it was done! Great read!

[Emma White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila has had a bit of a rough life, taking care of her mum by herself for a few years batteling with cancer has really taken a toll on her!
Losing her job again she takes a position as a maid for Maxwell Mason.........
Maxwell Mason blows hot and cold and has a secret to keep and Lila to keep safe. but when the two world collide, He is put in an even darker place than before .. He now needs to save Lila to save himself as well.
Chemistry is red hot between the two of them. It's a fantastic story a must read
Reviewed for Jo&Isalovesbooks Blog

[Peach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book especially the intense sexual tension and hilarious moments between Lila and Mason. There was also the dark secret harbored by Mason that engulfed him as well as Lila’s dedication to nursing her cancer-stricken mom. The beginning part of the book was really good but I found the latter part dragged out a bit as there was a bit of repetition of the same thoughts and Mason became too sentimental.

[Mindy McCray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Mason Maxwell is not so nice to Lila from the moment she steps foot into his office. Despite the way Mason treats her, Lila is still falling for him. We learn that he has a good reason not to let people get to close. In the end, Mason lets Lila in on his secret after she gets caught up in his mess. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more by S. Nelson in the future!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lost Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by S. Nelson. Love this author.

[Marcie Wegner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought her first book Stolen Fate was good and she continues to wow me with her 2nd book, Redemption. I sat up and read through the night. You get involved in the story and the characters and cannot put the book down. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason only has his sister left. He doesn't want to live in this world anymore. That's until he meets Lila. She's trying to find a job & is taking care of her mother. What will happen when she meets Mason. Wow!!! Such a great story. I love Mason.

[Shawn Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the alpha male in the book, but it had some slow moving parts for me.

[Kathryn Synoracki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book that is sexy, with a little bit of mystery! S. Nelson pulls it all together with this amazing book that has some dark mystery and romance! I can't wait to read her next book!

[Kristin Scearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Emma Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down! Once you start you won't be able to stop. I'm so glad I found this author. She's absolutely amazing and I can't wait to read more of her stories!

[TheHauteBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing her job, Lila is desperate to find another to pay for her mother’s mounting medical bills. She comes across the job of a life time. Unfortunately, that means an employer, who despite being the hottest hunk, is a complete jerk. Can she put up with his ridiculous demands and mood swings? If only being in the same room with him didn’t make her heart race and her palms sweat! The sexual tension is off the charts hot!!
Mason is trapped in circumstances he can’t escape. He cuts all attachments to keep loved ones safe, living his life in a self-imposed exile. Can Lila penetrate his safety cocoon? Will he allow himself to love? The even bigger question… will Lila want him when she finds out the truth?
Definitely on the steamy side! While these two circle each other the sexual tension builds to explosive proportions!
Good story, worth the read. Compared to other S. Nelson’s stories, this one fell a little short for me. Some of the antics to get Lila to quit were a bit juvenile. It didn’t fit with sophisticated man the story had built for me. Despite my frustration with some of the antics, I definitely enjoyed the story. The author did a good job explaining the thoughts & motives for each character and their actions which made the characters likeable. The story line is solid. It didn’t go where I thought it would. Kept me in suspense enough to read straight through. All in all… definitely worth the read!
I read an ARC of this story. My honest and fair review is voluntary.

[Amy Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

S. Nelson is one of those authors I've grown to love. She's an easy one-click, even without reading the blurb.

I have to be honest though, Redemption wasn't one of my favorite reads of hers. Lila was one of those easy-to-love characters. She had a lot on her plate, continuously trying to find the right job to support herself and her ill mother. Lila had a good heart and she did her best to remain strong even when she was put in difficult situations. Mason, on the other hand, never started out on the right foot with me. In fact, I grew to loathe him the more I got into the story. I don't always have to like the characters to enjoy a great story, but there was something about his actions, the things he would say, and the way I perceived him. While I did enjoy the overall jest of the story, I just wish I could've loved it like I have with the other stories I've read by the author.

Redemption did come together more and it got much better by the second half, but the way I felt about Mason kept me from really appreciating the story fully. I'm not going to let my dislike of Mason affect my rating too much because S. Nelson's writing is really good and the story is developed very well. She has a way of reeling you in, getting you vested in the story, and that's why I didn't give up.

[Jesssiereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Received this book in exchange for an honest review*

Lila Stone has just been fired and is taking care of her sick mother. When or luck sort of tunrs around. A lady promises her to help her get a job as a maid where she was retiring from. Little does she know whay she''s getting herself into.

Mason an overall douchebag. Or is he? He's the owner iof the home where the lady is retiring and needs a new maid. He does all he can to keep Lila away from him. is he just a complete dick or us there more that meets the eye?

The attractrion between these two is off the charts. But they try and do everything they can to fight it. Will they be able to continue to fight or is it a losing battle?

This book reeled me in from beginning to end in a way I never thought it would. A great read. Can't Wait to see what S. Nelson comes out with next.