Atonement

Vengeance #2

by Crystal North

Nearly four years after running from the scene of not one, but two crimes, Charlotte McLintock is barely managing to survive and keep a roof over her head. With her daughter to look after, a degree to finish, and several jobs to juggle, life is hard. But they’re not the only battles she’s facing: guilt, secrets, and a broken heart still haunt her every waking moment, and stalk her dreams.

When shadows from her past resurface and threaten to unravel everything she’s worked so hard for, Charlotte must decide if it’s time to come clean or run once more. Will she be able to earn the atonement she so desperately craves, or will those hunting her demand their own special kind of vengeance?

***WARNING***

Atonement is a contemporary New Adult reverse harem second-chance romance, with some dark themes. It is told from multiple points of view and is a medium burn with a HEA. It contains hot guys, bad language and sexual scenes. I would love for you to read this book, but please be aware that it comes with triggers, a warning of 18+, and you really need to have read Vengeance first.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Why Choose, Second Chance, New Adult

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[Aplis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man..this was just a book that should have been titled Pointless, because that's exactly what it was. To add the same old back and forth thing that was done in book 1, Atonement consists of present POVs from all the characters in the book and Raven's diary entries that begin from the end of Vengeance. Towards the middle of the book, the diary entries feel redundant because it explains scenes that have already happened in the present.

The addition of another guy kinda pissed me off. Like you get me all fixed on these group of guys being the heroes and now you bring a fifth guy out of nowhere?!

Also finding out how one of the guys was responsible for the entire bullying..yep..not cool. And his audacity to get pissed off at Raven's secret..like boy what?! Sure, she should have told everyone that she left them with something more, but like dude..you were the reason for everything wrong that happened to her twin!!! Ugh.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much Vengeance here, because it's all about Atonement...

Raven isn't the same girl we met in the first book. She's lost her edge and her spine. She has a daughter now and we have jumped forward a few years.

I enjoyed the book and the characters, but it's not angst-y, brutal, and gripping like the first book. I hope the next book brings back to that inner ferocity and strength... that edgy resolve we saw from Raven before. I love that... even though it highlights the emotional damage she felt after looking her sister.

We are left wondering who Phoenix's father is, but does it truly matter? I don't think it does. If this is RH, and I think it is, it doesn't. Also all the guys already love Nix and Raven. They will do anything for them. That's what matters.

However, if knowing helps their court battle then by all means...

As always, I adore Crystal North's ability to tell a story. It always sucks me in. And while I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first, I think it was necessary to tell this part if the story to get to what happens next.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and is every bit as addicting as the first. Reading Atonement was like riding on a massive roller coaster of emotions for me. The book takes place 4 years after the first book and is set in a college setting but we get points of view from to describe what took place after being at Westchester Prep. My favorite part of the book are the POV's from Raven and all the guys. I felt like I could connect with all them emotionally and understand everyone's view after reading them. 5 Stars!!! I loved this book and absolutely can't wait for the final book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2020)! 🎁

[Kelly (AndKellyReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had liked the first book in this series, Vengeance, and by the end I was itching for the sequel. Let me tell you, this book did not let me down. It was 100% even more gripping than the first book and she ended on ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER. I think Crystal North is trying to kill me. This book was absolutely everything I wanted and wasn’t expecting at the same time and I’m so pumped to see how this story ends for Raven and the guys.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the first one! The plot was interesting and keeps you hooked to find out more, and I loved that we get multiple POVs.

Rebel still has my #1 spot. I loved his chapters and how hard he loves Raven. I really liked that the first half of the book is focused on them all getting reacquainted and finding out what happened. Honestly, it was long overdue for Raven to tell them the truth of who she was.

Ace and Thorn were also really good characters in this one, but i don’t think they were represented as much as the others. Baxter really grew on me, and I enjoyed the addition of another one.

The diary pages from Raven from the past were a good addition, but once it started getting into present day it felt repetitive going over things that had already happened and that we had already seen Raven’s reactions to. I would’ve preferred that to be left out.

Also, I think it did a really big disservice to Raven’s character about the whole paternity thing. Really messed up to keep a child from a parent a vice versa, I totally understood the guys reactions.

Minor spoiler alert: I’m pissed we don’t find out who the father actually is, I actually want to know.

The whole Charlie business was awful, but I liked how it brought them together. The Cordelia business on the other hand, is super annoying. I want to read the third book already, if it ever comes out, to see how this going to be handled, and I hope it’s not a long drawn out dramatic affair of custody.

I also don’t understand why Raven hasn’t spoken to her parents in years, apparently. I know Lizzie’s death was hard on everyone, but wouldn’t they rather not lose two daughters in one go?

Anyway, while I appreciate that they try to be more realistic in the fact that polyamory isn’t the “norm”, I want them all to just say f*ck it and accept their relationships and be a happy family. I feel like that’s asking for too much, but I sure do hope we get a HEA. (Even if it’s minus Jax because I don’t like him that much.)

[Hannah Wenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I’m absolutely speechless.

No 1. Crystal North shall here by named cliffhanger queen
No 2. This book is amazing like absolutely hands down one of the best things I’ve ever read in my life
No 3. If you don’t read this book stat your absolutely crazy

Atonement is absolutely everything and you must read it ASAP!

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in series and Raven's story is still amazing! four years have passed since book 1, but nothing is lost in the transition. on a side note, really Crystal?!? what was that ending??? ugh!! (actually nothing wrong with the conclusion except it was a gut-wrenching cliffhanger. book 3 needs to hurry up!!)

[Autumn Miller ~ autumnbookreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite literally inhaled this book. From the very first chapter, it gripped my heart and I needed to know what would happen next like I needed air! These characters, their pain, their development, and their relationships had all of my attention and I didn’t want to put this book down! I adored every minute of it and I am dying to know what will happen next!

[Mercy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mhm, secret pregnancy. She wanted to punish them and herself but she went way overboard. There was no point to not want to tell them she had a child with one to the guys but yet the unnecessary angst. Raising a child with no money but a big amount of pride. She'd repeatedly refuse the money Braxon would give her?! And what about him needing the 5 years and the sudden appearance of the guys to realise he has feelings towards her? All of that was so unbelievable that I will not be reading the next book regardless when or if comes out.
And no sex inside.

[Jaelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear diary...

I was eager for Raven's story to continue, but have to admit to being pretty disappointed. Where the hell is the sexy badass chick with awesome knife weilding and martial art skills? Gone from book 2, that's for sure. ...and no sex at all either. Not likely to read the next book.

[Anna (read.all.night) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok so the first book I LOVED. gave it 5 stars, one of the best books I've read in a while. This book I hated. I was miserable the whole time, absolutely hate Raven and all her decisions, and speed read just to get through it cuz I wanted to know what happens. It was not a satisfying ending at all and I feel like shit. Time to go read something happy ish hopefully

[Trude · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I feel like this review is gonna have a lot of rambling thoughts, so sorry in advance.

Wow, this was a rollercoaster ride. That cliffhanger ending though!

I liked Raven more in the second half of the book than the first half. She's changed a lot in the four years that's gone by from the first book. And rightfully so, since she became a motherf. And Phoenix is an awesome kid, I loved her.

The guys are also a lot more different in this one. I think of the four I like Ace and Rebel the best in this book. And I love that Baxter is getting more and more involved in their relationship. I really didn't like him in the first book, but after everything he and Raven's been through and everything he's done for her and Phoenix it's impossible not to like him. He's such a secret softie for those girls. I'm slowly getting back to liking Thon again. I kind of understand his actions in the past four years, but then again, he's also been kind of a jerk and douchebag. But oh my god, Jax? I really don't like him in this book. He's such an asshole. And yeah, what Raven did wasn't good, but he's not exactly innocent either. He has no right to be as angry at Raven as he is.

And don't even get me started on Cordelia. I really hope she gets what she deserves! Such a horrible person. And then there's Charlie and everything he revealed. That was a shock. Did really not see that coming. But what happened there was a defining moment between Raven and all the guys. Jax became a slightly less asshole in that situation. He still went back to being an asshole a few times after, but at least he's admitted to himself at least, that it's mostly a defense mechanism.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing 2nd instalment to this series from this outstanding author. This story picks up after Charlotte leaves her men and tries to move on with her life, it has been far from plain sailing but she is doing what she can for her and her daughter. Eventually her past catches up with her and her men get their chance to get to the bottom of what happened that night. New lies are told secrets are revealed as the group try and move past everything but Charlotte's past is catching up on her. This book is fantastic, the author has yet again dragged us kicking and screaming in to their world in that special way few authors can manage. This book had me wanting to hold on to the last few chapters as i wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters until book 3 is ready but the writers ability to draw you in to the story won me over and finished it I did. What an ending I'm feeling a little broken right now suffering from a book hangover from hell. I need book 3 now, the wait for it is going to be torture. I can see a few re reads happening in the upcoming weeks and months to keep me going until then. Crystal is a relatively new author but she has quickly made it in to my top 10 and is moving up the list with each new book I read. Give yourself a treat and pop these books in to your shopping basket you won't regret it.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! So happy to finally see what happened after Raven set fire to the chapel and let her guys high and dry. The journal entries are always my favorite part to read because they give so much backstory as you read. There is a lot of turmoil in this book. Life certainly has changed for Raven as she now has to focus on caring for someone other than herself. Her child's well being becomes the main focus making Raven lose a bit of her backbone as she's literally just trying to survive and make sure Phoenix is raised well. There's not really any vengeance in this book, but Raven is still having to deal with a crap ton. From having the guys reenter her life with mixed emotions, to a crazy boyfriend, manipulation by said boyfriend, and that whammy her grandmother throws at her at the end. There's a lot of changes that happen in this book so don't be surprised if your feelings and love of certain characters from the last book shift to other ones while reading this book. Characters I hated in the last book I now dislike and vice versa. Although this book was drastically different from Vengeance, it was still equally pleasing to read. I desperately need book 3 to see how the story plays out.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even less than the first book. Four years later, Charlotte is living with her 3 yr old struggling to make ends meet. Charlotte completely changed from the strong, calculating woman who sought revenge for her dead twin, to this broken woman who lets herself be manipulated by her grandmother and ex-boyfriend. This story followed the letters pattern of the first book. But while Lizzie's was mildly interesting as we got to read about what led to her death, Charlotte's was a recap of things were already read about. It made the plot drag and added unneeded length to the book. Baxter was added to the harem but his dark past was only alluded to not revealed. I actually like him.

Hidden baby trope is not one I've come across a lot so I was interested in reading it here but this was problematic. I don't understand what Charlotte was protecting by keeping Phoenix from her father. She let pride get in the way of making sure her daughter was provided for. I can't believe she her child never had fresh fruit or vegetables at home. FGS that was child support is there for! I couldn't get past that level of selfishness or understand the motivation behind it. Also what 3 yr old speaks in perfect English with long, complicated sentences? Won't be reading the last book.

[Laura Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

First off this is the second booking the series, if you haven't read book one do so first. One again I found I couldn't put this book down! it was such an emotional rollercoaster. There were times I smiled and times I wanted to throw my kindle. I really believe this book serves as an important bridge between book one and three. The book starts out four years after the end of book one. It told from multiple points of view. We find out how the events of book one affected all their lives. Raven and her guys from book one need to discover themselves again and rebuild their relationship. Plus there is now Baxter, I would of never have thought that after meeting him in the first book that I would love him by the end of the book. All the main characters make mistakes but that is part of them rebuilding themselves. Once again the book ends on a cliff hanger and wow is is it a big one! It be great when book three is here so we can finally find out what happens.

[finejadesj · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I tried to finish the book because I somehow loved book 1. The second book seemed to all be about Baxter 70% of the time. We get it. He’s going to be part of the harem, but do remember that there are four other men that Raven has to deal with because of her actions during book 1. Raven is childish.

During book 1, Raven knew that her harem didn’t have anything to do with the bullying, yet she willingly set fire to the church where the men that she supposedly “love” were. Yikes. She was willing to kill the men she “loves” so much, huh? (We find out in this book that one of the harem did have something to do with the bullying, but that still doesn’t give her the right to pass judgment like that on her own.

This book is increasingly frustrating; been forcing myself to continue reading, but I’m disgusted with Raven’s action. Can we add the fact that I love secret pregnancy stories? But Raven was honestly such a shallow and selfish character that I really can’t finish this book anymore.

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atonement was the second book in Crystal Norths vengeance series. You have to finish book one before reading this second instalment.
I really loved how realistic Raven was. Having going through what she did in vengeance, having raven struggle with the aftermath would definitely change her attitudes and reactions. I absolutely loved the new additions of bax and nix. Loved that this book was a redemption for the characters and a chance for them to grow. The diary entries was a beautiful effect, giving us insight into where the time has gone. This book has triggering elements that I loved as it made the story unique and extraordinary. That ending had me cursing and screaming. You'll need book 3 so much after reading this. Crystal North has the ability to create words that will have you wanting to spend any free time reading her story, watching the book come to life before your eyes. Absolutely breathtaking and a masterpiece in my eyes. Adored this book!

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A BOOK TO READ!! I cannot believe that I no longer harbor ill will to Baxter. I mean seriously, in the first book I despised him and now I love him. ugh Crystal North why would you do this to me. This book had me heartbroken because Charlotte was no longer Raven. She seemed to have lost herself because she walked away from the guys. But make no mistake the guys were not giving up on finding her. Secrets are revealed and betrayals made. I do not like Charlottes Grandmother. I hope that she gets what she deserves and Charlie Jr too. Oh man, my emotions were all over the place while reading. My heart was pumping and I felt broken. I cannot wait for what will happen next. What will the guys do now. Will Charlotte be able to have the family she wants. So many questions I need answers to. Crystal North you have decimated my heart!!! I cried ugly and wanted to scream at some of the characters. Please don't make me wait to long.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atonement is the second book in the series set 4 years after the events on Vengenace. We follow Raven who has since gone back to using Charlotte, as she struggles to juggle raising her daughter, trying to get her degree and continuing to hide from her past. After a random sighting brings the princes crashing back in to her life and Raven will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe even if it means hiding the truth about who her father is .

I love how the two names are used throughout, so we start of with Charlotte who is a mere shadow of who she was when she went by Raven, Book 1 showed us how tough Raven is but book 2 showed us how fragile and alone she has been since running away. The contrast between the two is startling and really shows just how messed up Raven is after what happened in the first book.

I was completely sucked in to this book, possibly more so than the first, if you thought the first cliffhanger was bad then it’s got nothing on this one.

[literaryobsessed_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh...my... god

So usually with a story where the main characters seperate and then come back together after a few years everything is solved unrealistically fast or it takes nearly the entire book and then is solved in like a chapter. This book does a really good job of slowly solving the problem and working to rebuild relationships at differing paces. Some are willing to forgive quickly, some still have not forgiven her at the end of the story. This makes it way more true to life.
As far as the grandmother, its interesting to see her go from a background character to the villain of the story. Her history seems shrouded in mystery and makes the reader think.
Unsure why the author brought Tillie back other than as a way to tie back to the first novel. Created some drama. But feels unnecessary for the overall plot.
Overall an amazing story and cant wait for the next installment.

[Claudia Liberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words for the callousness of this story

Holy heartthrob, Holy heart murmur, Holy heartbreak, Holy hell & Holy hotness......What? What did I just read? & when is Book 3 coming? This story (& the 1st one, Vengeance) will tear you in pieces. Forget about sleep, food, talking to family & friends & call in sick to work, get a blood pressure machine......The 2 best RH stories I've read & that's saying a lot because I've read close to 100. The many plot layers: the bond of love between sisters; 4 young men, all different - one playful, one dominant, one a mountain of a man & one a worshipful best friend - but all with one goal; vicious young women; dangerous revenge; bravery; annihilating despair and overwhelming joy.....I have a book hangover now that isn't going away any time soon........oh, I faint..

[Hannah Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken my heart again!!!!!

I'm heartbroken, I literally feel like I've had my heart ripped out and someone has stomped all over it. So much happened in this book, it was breathtakingly beautiful. I love little nix, she's so awesome, such a strong willed sassy little girl. I'm miffed with jax - what a moron. I understand why she can't live without him but he's not her favourite however I don't get why thorn doesn't take up equal space in her heart as rebel, bax, and ace. I'm glad had has done a full one eighty from book one. Reading how he interacts with nix is just swoon worthy! The author once again has published a truly brilliant yet gruelling and heart breaking book. Role on book 3, I have a feeling my heart is going to heart for a little while after reading this.

[Jackles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

I may not have fully enjoyed Vengeance, but Atonement was just about everything I was looking forward to in an “aftermath” book. This takes place 4 years after the fire and Raven is a completely different person. She’s strong for her daughter, but broken. Everyone’s forgiveness is pretty easily given and accepted for the extent of what went down.. I thought everyone could have stood to have worked a little harder for earning forgiveness, but whatever. Then you have this highly functioning 4 year old, but again, ok. The story was still good and I enjoyed it so much more, but I hope for book 3 we get an fmc somewhere between the extra hard Raven & the broken Charlotte. Here’s to hoping the next book comes soon because that ending... had me in tears.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh grandma best watch out

I am not joking I want to rip that woman a new one!! I'm so ready for book 3 I can't not know what's going to happen!! Literally killing me here lol. So I'm happy and a little on the wtf with Bax like who knew he was so freaking awesome lol Ace has my heart but I literally had Google translate open haha I had to know what he was saying! Rebel is so yum Thorn is goofy and Jax oh god he's dreamy lol in a broody "I'm an unfeeling dick" kinda way. Nix is the perfect mix of them for sure and Raven that girl needs a trouble radar like Charlie is an ass that she should have seen coming a mile away he's definitely not her type. Now I have to wait for the next book and I'm half in tears let's gooooo

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Vengence series. This begins where the first book left off. Raven/Charlotte had exacted her revenge on those who wronged her sister. Fast forward 4 years later, her past catches up with her with a lot of surprises thrown in the mix.


I am literally trying to wrap my head around what the hell just happened. One of my toxic traits is to easily become emotionally invested in the story and characters, and this one hit me right in the feels. I am definitely not one for surprise pregnancy/baby trope but this one is absolutely fantastic! That cliffhanger had me tearing up.

[Jade Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years later Ravens past has well and truly caught up with her, precisely standing the door step of her shitty little flat that is basically falling apart. Raven isn't the same girl anymore, she has lost her back bone and is now some meek girl who is just going through life and not really living it.

I definitely enjoyed this book more than book one, I think because there was a lot more drama involved and we find out more details that where missing in vengeance. We get a lot more of the guys POVs in this book and it does wonders for the storyline, I felt so much more connected to them all.

[Read By Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

I enjoyed this book a lot. Apart of me was sad that there was four years between when they saw each other and I was nervous about how I would feel about how things were in their time apart.

I am glad that they found each other again and are working on building things again. I also love that Baxter is more involved in this book.

I think one thing that could make this series a bit better is to learn a little more about the guys. I feel like I don’t know them as well as I should but what I do know about them I really like.

Can’t wait to find out what happens in the last book.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years, a different continent, a child and a different name but Rebel, Thorn, Jax and Ace finally find Raven (a.k.a Charlotte). All those years, secrets and lies all threaten their happy reunion though. I just have to say how much i love Baxter in this book. A complete turn around for his character. Hes a sweetheart as well as Rebel is too. Loved those two. Bloody hell though you dont make Raven's life easy in this book Ms North and god damn it with that ending?? I seriously wanted to punch Cordelia. Counting down the days for the next book. Fan-flaming-tastic read