Redemption

Second chance with your first love

The book cover is hot and mesmerizing, and the blurb drew me in. How I felt about the story after reading it, though, left me bewildered and a bit disappointed. The story is easy enough to follow, but I could not connect with the characters and the story fell flat for me.

Fox Taylor returns to his hometown of Bilkington, Indiana from Los Angeles. After the tragic death of his wife, all Fox wants to do is heal from the crazy, drug-infused chaos that was his life as a rock star. But his high school sweetheart still lives in town and he’s having a hard time resisting Talia Hanscott. He knew he broke her heart with his sudden leaving without a goodbye ten years ago. There is a continual inner monologue through the story that Fox wants nothing to do with family and love. But as Fox spends time with Talia and Lily-Rose, Talia’s orphaned niece, Fox begins to soften towards Talia revealing the real truth of why he left.

Talia has never forgotten Fox. Since losing her sister, Billie, Talia is raising Lily-Rose. Lonely, but still with a big heart, her days are stretched between jobs and caring for the little girl. When Fox appears in her life again Talia is torn between wanting him and avoiding him. It is understandable she has commitment issues with Fox when he left her broken-hearted erasing all promises of forever. But still, they fall into bed whenever they get some alone time. Though there’s plenty of sex scenes, I didn’t feel a real connection as a couple.

Redemption has its villains you’ll love to hate. I’m dismayed about Fox as a lead man. Though the author mentions numerous times how “dominant” Fox is in attempts to describe his demeanor, I thought him far from it. I hate that Fox did not trust himself to give fully to love until it was almost too late. Talia is admirable for raising Lily-Rose on her own, and though not the strong heroine I wanted her to be, she had a big heart enough to save Fox and Lily-Rose. I received and voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

CassieLC

434 reviews6 followers

Ok so this review is kind of hard for me. At times, I felt like this book would only get a 4 star review from. Other times, I was so engrossed in the story that it for sure would get 5 stars. I ultimately decided to go with 5 stars because it really was a great read.
The reasons for wanting to (maybe) do less, is because Fox and Talia drove me NUTS!! I honestly can’t say that I loved either of their characters but I was hooked on the train wreck of their lives. Talia, I just wanted to shake her so many times and say “what the actual f*** were you thinking??” Fox just deserved a good punch a time or two or three.. I think what really sealed this book for me though was little Lily-Rose. I tested up at times because she has gone through so much and it was just heartbreaking.
Honestly, this is a great book with characters who will irritate the crap out of you but you will want nothing but for them to finally work things out, especially for the sake of Lily-Rose.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sara Oxton

3,808 reviews18 followers

Redemption by Emily Bishop a four-star read that will redeem you. Fox is the man that your mother warned you about. He’s hot and bad and everything that will make clothes melt of your body!! He also has amazing talents that a little girl named Lily-Rose is in dire need of but will be man enough to be the man Lily-Rose and her aunt Talia need. Emily Bishop writes bad boys that you want to make good. Well written and Bilkington is a place with a sense of community at least it is by the end.

Judy

2,052 reviews2 followers

This is a very moving second chance love story about Fox and Talia. You will feel the anger and darkness that Fox is going through and then be mad at him for they way he keeps Talia out of his heart. Talia is trying to make her unexpected way of life work with the custody of her small niece, Lily and the loss of her sister and mother. Fox and Talia were teenager sweethearts and at 19 Fox had to leave their small town to escape his home life, to become a famous rock star and never looked back leaving Talia heartbroken. Fox has made some very bad decisions over 10 years and once it has gotten the better of him he leaves LA and escapes back to his small hometown. He hears the piano being played in the church and sees a beautiful little girl and Talia. From that point on they either enjoy being around one another or can not stand each other. Their is sadness with theses three broken people. With all three of them using music to heal can it bring them together in the way they all need? They are so hot and cold that you just want Fox to see what he has right in front of him!! Will his demons from his past keep him from moving forward? Can Talia allow Fox to be a part of her present knowing he can walk away like he did previously? Can Talia continue to care for Lily or will others break her in unexpected ways that leaves her all alone? This is one emotional story that will have you on the edge of your seat. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Space Cowgirl

4,133 reviews145 followers

Fixing A Hole💔 Where The ☔Rain Came In

Fox🐺🍆🌋 abandons his life as a 🎸rock superstar when his pregnant wife is murdered🔪🔫 in front of his eyes at a night club. Too much drinking, too many drugs, and now his wife killed, so He high tails it back to his hometown of Bilkington, Ohio, to hide from life. He's also hiding from the person who killed🔪🔫 his wife.

Talia💋💔, His first and one true love💘 still lives there. Finally, he hears the music🎶, then sees her with a child👩 playing 🎹piano at the local church.
He can hardly keep his hands off Talia💔💋💃, they had a scorching 🔥hot love💘 before he left. The little girl👩 is Lily -Rose, her niece. Her sister, Lily's mother, was killed in a head on with a tree, six months ago. Lily-Rose👩 has severe mental problems from losing her mother. She throws tantrums and cannot concentrate. Talia💋💔 thought the 🎹piano lessons would help.
Fox🐺 has been giving 🎹piano lessons to other kids since he's been back home. He wants to be with Talia💋💔💃 again, she is still so beautiful. Lily👩 wants Fox🐺🍆🌋 to give her 🎹piano lessons, she promises to be good!
Fox🐺🍆🌋 promises to be good to Talia💋💔💃! Oh Yeah!
YEHAW! Ride Em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book📑 with KU.

There is a lot angst in this book📑, but I enjoyed it immensely, anyway. Fox🐺🍆🌋 has a huge hole💔 in his heart. Talia💔💋 has one too, caused by Fox🐺🍆🌋 years ago, and now the loss of her sister. Lily-Rose👩 just wants a mom and dad. Recommend!

LMR

2,794 reviews40 followers

March 30, 2018

Redemption By: Emily Bishop
When You Finally Realize You Can't Outrun Your Past...
Tragedy brings a damaged Musician home to the now grown up Woman he left behind as a heartbroken girl. As she struggles to raise her heartbroken niece, he builds bridges with Music. How many chances will he blow before getting it together?! Will she loose everything after associating with him?! Is there someone sinister lurking around waiting for an opportunity to pounce?! Will these lovers ever come together for an HEA?!
While I received an ARC of "Redemption" by Emily Bishop, I gladly recommend it based upon its own merits... I really enjoyed her writing, especially this story. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

Michelle

756 reviews16 followers

March 31, 2018

This second chance romance is filled with heat, anger, angst, and some darkness. Fox is an ex-rock god bad boy, come back home to flee his demons. Unfortunately, home is a place with yet more demons from his past that hit him head on after being home only a few days. Talia is his ex and skittish yet still drawn to him even though he walked away from her ten years ago. She’s the guardian of her niece, a young child filled with sadness and anger at her mother’s death. Fox is drawn to Lily-Rose, recognizing the pain in her and wanting to keep her from going down a bad path like him. Music can be a great escape and focus, and he uses piano lessons to try to draw Lily-Rose out. With Talia’s world filled with chaos as it is, what will Fox’s return do to her? There is certainly still heat and desire between the two of them, which is evidenced from a number of steamy scenes in the book. They are both beautiful, broken people who need to figure out if they can have a life together. Fox is determined the answer is no because he is too broken and incapable of love. The tension and passion between them is fierce, as is the pain of their past. I loved this story!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily providing a review. My opinions are my own.

Raecharmed

9,306 reviews70 followers

Talia has had a rough life and when Fox comes back into it she worries if it'll get better or worse. Talia is on her own raising her dead sister's daughter trying to help her heal and move forward. Lily-Rose is acting out pretty badly and its all Talia can do to control her at times. When Fox shows up its the first time Lily-Rose has shown interest in anything. Talia lets them spend time together with music lessons because she can see a change in Lily-Rose. Slowly things progress between Talia and Fox and they end up in bed together. Everyone is seeing just the bad things Fox has done but none of the good and it seems his brother is the biggest troublemaker in the bunch. Fox is struggling with coming back to his hometown but things started to look up for a bit but when it looked like he would be the cause of Talia loosing Lily-Rose he ran away again. Will Lily-Rose be taken away from Talia? Can Fox see that things are only better when the three of them are together?

This was an emotional story about two people finding their way back to love. The chemistry between Fox and Talia is intensely hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Jackie D

1,845 reviews26 followers

A contemporary second chance romance with an abundance of heartbreaking angst, a bad to the bone, brooding alpha male hero ( ish ) and a female protagonist who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. Fox returns to his hometown of Bilkington after ten years to hide from the demons that plague him, running into Talia, the love he left behind all those years before taking him by surprise, at least the sudden return of sparks did! Talia always the good girl has him thinking she may be his quick fix to salvation but looks like she may have more on her plate than he bargained for...
A drama-laced, crazy, infuriating ( for me anyway ) romance, watching these two characters who confused me at times- work out their issues, and boy did they have some! Ha! Along with the kind of townspeople and " caring helpers " that should all be made to walk the plank or something.. turned the road to happiness into a pothole landmine!
All the while shaking my head, thinking what in the world is going on with these people?! I kept on reading! I was invested.... I had to know how the whirlwind Fox and Talila was going to play out!
One intriguing, passion laced, kept me swiping those pages read!

Karina

2,333 reviews13 followers

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this boo. This was such a wonderful story of hope, forgiveness and healing. Fox and Thalia were high school sweethearts who have not seen each other since Fox left years ago chase his dream of becoming a rock star. Thalia was left broken heartened without even a goodbye. She is now alone carrying for her niece Lily-Rose. Fox runs home after tragedy strikes. He still thinks the small town says one thing while passing judgement the next. The connection Fox has with Lily-Rose is wonderful. He sees in her the same things in him that caused him to run and choose a path that for him lead only to heartache. He does not want to see Lily-Rose go down the same path. He sees she has a talent for the piano and knows that music can help her as it did him. The connection is still there between Fox and Thalia. Their chemistry is so strong and neither can help being drawn to one another. Two damaged people who are able to help the other heal. There is a little bit of hesitation on Fox's end at one point and he goes running again but soon figures out that what he really wants and needs is the love of both Thalia and a little girl who has come to look at him as a bit of a father figure in her life. I absolutely loved this book and the great HEA.

Julie

279 reviews2 followers

Another great second chance love story from Emily Bishop, the writing and story line just draws you in, it flows effortlessly. It tells the story of Talia a single woman very much into community life trying to make a good life for her niece Lily Rose who suffers from behaviour problems following her mothers sudden death. Talia had loved Fox but he went away and became a Rock star in LA leaving her heart broken but he has returned a washed up drunken ex rock star following his wife's shooting and death following a drug deal gone wrong. The chemistry between them is there but he feels he doesn't deserve a better life as he thinks he would fail. Talia and Lily Rose become close to Fox but there are too many outside influences causing doubt on both sides can they fight and regain what they had or let the old ways take over and who really is the trouble makers have they got hidden agendas?? Read the book I am sure it will keep you captivated wanting more. I was given this as an ARC via booksprout in exchange for a voluntary honest review.

Kathy

2,612 reviews10 followers

Another well written book by Emily Bishop. You have the bad boy who left their small town to live his big rock star life in L.A., Fox. You have the good girl that still lives in their small town who helps with the community as much as possible and who is now responsible for her 6 year old niece after his sister passed away, Talia. These two were madly in love when they were younger before Fox left. He became a big name in the music industry, woman throwing themselves at him, people vying for his attention. That is until his wife Marissa died. He came home to decompress not expecting to run into Talia again. She brings feelings out of him that he doesn't want to explore because he feels that everyone around him gets hurt. Can Talia prove to him that he's worth it? What will happen when he runs away? Will he come back and be the man they know he can be for her and Lily-Rose? You're going to have to pick the book up to find out what happens. This is a fast paced read that will keep you intrigued until you are done. I read the book in one sitting, I thought it was that good. Enjoy.

Caroline Doig

5,463 reviews49 followers

💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋

Wow another fantastic read by Emily Bishop she never disappoints with her books. Fox was in a nightclub with his pregnant wife when she was killed, devastated he returns to his hometown. Talia is raising her niece on her own because the mother died tragically when her car hit a tree, her niece Lily Rose had bad emotional problems due to her mother’s death. While in town Fox discovers that Talia is taking care of her niece and he wants to help by giving her piano lessons, Lily Rose shows an interest in the piano and she hasn’t shown an interest in anything since her mother died. Talia lets Fox and Lily Rose spend time together but Talia hasn’t forgotten Fox he’s even more sexier now than when they were younger. I had a real problem with Fox all he could talk about was his dead wife and I can understand grief but he needed to move on and honestly I don’t know why Talia put up with it. I loved this story I went through so many emotions with this book but isn’t that what a good book is all about?. I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

1,006 reviews1 follower

April 6, 2018

This story will pull at your heartstrings.
A strong heroine whom is raising her broken hearted orphaned niece on her own and a hero whom is also broken from
the lost of a love one can these two heal each other.

Fox the hero is grieving but he is willing to help the young Lily Rose so she doesn't make any mistakes and her aunt Talia he broke her heart many years ago by leaving her and going off to find fame. And worst of all he left without even saying goodbye.
Fox battled a horrible drug addiction and the lost of his wife and he thinks that going back home may be the remedy for his broken heart when he sees Talia the one woman he loved he knows she is his salvation the one that can heal him but will he realize this before it is too late.

And Fox's brother he really took the cake he was a manipulative backstabbing leech. I don't understand why Talia even socialized with him. Other than that this is a truly beautiful story and Lily Rose will also steal your heart.

I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review.

Xoxo,

Meme Chanell Book Corner

Kimberly

1,219 reviews

March 31, 2018

I was a bit conflicted with the characters, Talia was so very concern about Community image, always needing to please others and that the Community would look down on her. I just could fit the Community with the description of where she lived. I got the feeling it was a larger town not small "everyone knows everyone", but the way Community was sprouted it seemed like it was. Fox on the other hand is surly, a chip on his shoulder but seemed to really care in his core. The yoyo ups and downs between them kinda gave me a headache. Overall I did like the storyline, understood the emotional turmoil that Lilly-Rose would go through but until the end never was able to quite figure out her age. The romantic parts are hot and heavy, but again it reminded me of "yes come closer, No stay away", type dialogue. I did struggle through to get to the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kelly

1,000 reviews6 followers

This was a very quick read. Talia was Fox's first love and now he's back in town, he intends to pick up where he left off, but this time he won't fall in love. Talia is a small town girl that loved Fox with everything she had but Fox abandoned her without warning and now she's lost her father, mother and sister and is left with her niece. Fox and Lily-Rose hit it off almost instantly and Talia is roped back into a relationship that she's not sure is best for her. I thought she was a nice person, maybe too nice for Fox but Fox needed redemption that that's what he finds with Talia. Why a 4 and not a 5? Strictly personal--I didn't like Fox and thought Talia was too forgiving. Still a good story that you'll enjoy. Tons of angst and you will understand why Fox is the way he is but I still didn't love him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

_booknerd.4ever_

1,536 reviews11 followers

April 6, 2018

I give this one 2.5 stars. It was better than okay; however, I didn't fully like it either. The plot was different. The story-line flowed fairly smoothly - there were a few choppy moments which isn't the norm for an Emily Bishop book. The characters - what can I say about them....Fox, I wanted to take him by the shoulders and shake him until he couldn't see straight. Come on man! Get it together. I did love his interactions with Lily-Rose. Those were amazing and showed you the man below the insecurities. I was disappointed in his character as well. I won't got into it much because I don't want to spoil it. If Fox had doubts about his wife, why did it take him to over hear a conversation before the "light" came on in his brain? Talia - she needed a backbone to start with. Stop chasing after a guy that insults you one minute and have sex with you the next. You have a child to think about...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...

Sharon Means

471 reviews1 follower

It took me awhile to get into this book but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Fox and Talia dated and fell in love when they were teenagers. Fox left town without warning and broke Talia’s heart. He went to LA and ended up a rock star but now he’s come home, a used up rock star. Talia has lost all of her family, including her sister and she is now raising her niece, Lily-Rose. I really disliked Fox at first. He made it plain to Talia that their relationship was strictly about sex. My heart broke for Talia. Ms Bishop’s writing was superb, the storyline was somewhat different than the typical second chance love story with the bad boy rocker. There are several twists that I didn’t see coming and that kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Zelda

1,467 reviews

Talia and Fox are star-crossed lovers in this poignant second chance romance. Talia has suffered lots of losses in her short life, leaving her in charge of her completely bereaved niece Lily-Rose. Talia is trying to be a good woman, a good aunt, a good citizen of her small community, when a Fox barrels back into her life. Fox has had his own share of misery and tragedy. He doesn't want to be needed yet he understands Lily-Rose's rage and grief all too well. I was totally invested in these characters, and Ms Bishop does a beautiful job of making me feel what they are feeling. They're all flawed, and yet perfect, and fit perfectly together all at the same time. The secondary characters, well, they're not all good people but most of them still have some redeeming features. Well-told, emotional tale.

I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.

Michelle

1,070 reviews22 followers

October 24, 2018

This book was quite well written and I liked the heroine. She wasn't perfect (she was almost a doormat for the hero) but she was always doing her best with what she'd been handed. So why just 3 stars? Because I absolutely hated the hero.The first part of the book I liked him quite a bit, he seemed to be fighting his demons and slowly, very slowly, but winning. If only he had stayed on that slow path....

**Possible spoilers ahead.**

Instead he pulled a runner and spent days (? weeks?) wallowing with his demons. While in the middle of being stupid he has a semi-sober moment, hears something and has a revelation. Really? Just that quickly the demons are done and he's ready to be a man? Huh? No. Just no.

**Spoilers over**

So 3 stars it gets from me. You may feel differently though.

***I decided to review an ARC of this book.***

arc

Kelly

159 reviews

This was an amazing story. I was immediately sucked into the story and into the characters, Talia and Fox’s, lives. It was a emotional rollercoaster that drew me in. I hated Fox but I loved his character and could see where he was come from. I was pissed that Talia seemed so timid and didn’t stand up for herself against the community but I also could see why she didn’t. I cried when Fox could see what was in front of his face the whole time. The sex scenes were over the top HOT and mad eagle me blush for good reasons! Overall, what a wonderful story to read. I throughly enjoyed it though it did make my eyes puffy and red from crying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

K. Smock

1,307 reviews3 followers

4.5 Stars! There is Fox, the bad boy ex-rock star whose wife died and he is having a hard time dealing. He goes home to the town of Bilkington where he grew up and is teaching guitar and piano lessons. He is angry and not dealing well when he comes across his ex Talia and her niece, Lily-Rose. He feels a connection with Lily-Rose who is going down a similar path that he did. He finds himself offering to give her guitar lessons. Is it possible for him to have a second chance with Talia? They did not end well the first time. Talia is a strong woman who tries to be the best she can be. Can she forgive Fox. This is a good second chance romance with good character development and storyline. Enjoy!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book via Booksprout

Linda Lagrue

843 reviews6 followers

“Redemption” is the first book I've read by Emily Bishop. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the story as it took me awhile to get into it. I'm glad I persevered as I ended up really liking “Redemption”. In the beginning, Fox is not a likeable character. Talia was devastated when Fox left town to pursue his musical career. Now the bad boy rocker (Fox) has returned home to rest, and recover from his out-of-control life. He is teaching music to keep busy when he sees Talia with Lily-Rose, her niece. Talia has never stopped loving Fox, so she desperately tries to keep her distance. “Redemption” is a gripping, emotional, complicated, second-chance romance that is definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Meghann Alford

806 reviews13 followers

Redemption is absolutley the perfect title of this latest release from Emily Bishop as this book is app about second chances. I connected with the characters so much in this book. I felt the heartbreak, the disappointment, the fear and the anger. But I also felt the love. Emily wrote this so well I could feel it all which makes for a near perfect book for me. I want to connect when I read a book and she gave that to me. I absolutley loved and you just have to read it! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Fox = 5/5
Heroine, Talia = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 5/5
Mystery = 3/5
Action = 2/5
Darkness = 3/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

arc

Heidi

1,517 reviews15 followers

Emily did a great job with this one. It is filled with so many different emotions that take you on a ride. Fox is back home from L.A., trying to heal but also hide away from his demons. He is having a hard time getting over his wife's death and believes he won't do love again. Talia is Fox's high school sweetheart and is taking care of her late sister's daughter Lily-Rose. When she first sees Fox again, she knows she has to guard her heart and her niece's. Talia never forgot about Fox and wants to believe he has changed. Fox has a lot to get through, will Talia and Lily-Rose be able to help him get past all his demons, or will he run away again? This deals with drugs, alcohol, guilt, truths, jealousy, lust, redemption and second chances.

Andrea Thompson

750 reviews11 followers

April 7, 2018

I really wanted to love this story between Fox and Talia, but they just kept getting in their own way to the point I wanted to quit reading. His trying to make her hate him was borderline cruel. Her anger extends only so far but then she falls into bed with him. The whole town is bizarre and the push / pull that's usually a great tension builder just made me want to scream. I like these characters, and am glad they finally got their HEA, but the road was too bumpy, to angsty and even the sexy parts seemed over the top and forced. I wanted to love it, but can't. If you like this kind of read, you'll love it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

M Hurford

1,245 reviews9 followers

March 29, 2018

A true redemption story that tugged at my heart and was happy with the HEA. the storyline flowed effortlessly from chapter to chapter and engaged me from the beginning on through to the end. The characters were very well-developed. The child, Lily-Rose, was so pivotal to the story, her character was written beautifully. One character, Andrew, held a darkness in his personality. Fox and Talia, our romantic couple were very complex and multi-dimensional.
Overall, I loved this story and had to read it right through to the end. Highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure and enjoyment.
(Note: I was provided an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Deborah

134 reviews

March 30, 2018

Emily Bishop has done it again. A fantastic story! Lots of twists and turns. I was happy, sad and mad. I couldn't put it down. Romantic also. Fox and Talia were high school sweethearts. Fox promised Talia when they were teenagers they could get a house, have children and be happy. Until Fox decided to leave and go to LA. He became a well-known rock star doing drugs and having many different women. When Fox's wife got murdered in LA he decided to go back to his hometown to get away from the ghosts and memories. How will Talia respond when she sees Fox after so many years of not hearing from him?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

BP34

6,313 reviews47 followers