Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Vindicated

Rate this book
Dustin is a convicted murderer.He’s mournful, bitter, drowning in a sea of self-pity with nothing left to lose.The church has sent me to bring him into the fold.Bound by my namesake, Saint Odilia,I should be defending my spirituality and morality with my life.It only took a few letters to change everything.Odilia saved my life and gave me her heart.But I’m still mournful, bitter, and drowning in self-pity.Only now I have something to lose… her.Gaining my freedom was supposed to be the hard part, but it’s going to take much more for me to be worthy of a saint.

223 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2019

34 people are currently reading
356 people want to read

About the author

Misty Walker

27 books1,239 followers
Misty Walker is a romance author with books in multiple subgenres, including gay, biker, and contemporary.

She's been in the book and audiobook industry for many years, though she's only been publishing since 2019.

Misty currently resides in the high desert of Reno, NV with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys camping in her comfy travel trailer, reading, and writing.

Book Titles:
Vindicated
Conversion
Bohemian Law (Traveler Series, book 1)
Bohemian Mark (Traveler Series, book 2)
Bohemian Patience (Traveler Series, book 3)
Cop-Out (An Everyday Heroes World Novel)
Birdie's Biker (RBMC: Reno, NV, book 1)
Truly's Biker (RBMC: Reno, NV, book 2)
Kian's Focus (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 2)
Adler's Hart (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 2.5)
Leif's Serenity (Brigs Ferry Bay, book 4)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
94 (43%)
4 stars
78 (35%)
3 stars
35 (16%)
2 stars
7 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for London.
725 reviews
January 28, 2020
Sorry, you lost me when you basically had the hero cheat. The only reason why he doesn’t fuck the blonde from the bar is because the heroines dad caught him. He would have gone through with sleeping with her has it not been for Odelia’s dad showing up.

That’s cheating to me and so was the grinding on his dick at the bar.

Trash
Profile Image for  ⚔Irunía⚔ .
431 reviews5,572 followers
Read
August 6, 2020
I couldn't get into this one... I am not sure whether this is because of the writing style that didn't engage me or the story itself.
I happen to know a few real-life stories that involve ordinary women who got involved with prisoners serving their sentence and they all ended in a very bad and ugly manner🥺
Profile Image for K. Webster.
Author 228 books14.8k followers
August 15, 2019
Vindicated by Misty Walker was an excellent debut! Within minutes of starting this book, I was hooked. The dark, tortured emotions of the hero were well-written and I felt for him immediately. When the heroine came onto the pages, I was in love with her innocence and sweet demeanor. From an outsider looking in, the pair seemed like they had no chance. However, love doesn't play by a set of rules...it's makes them. Vindicated is about redemption, self-love, and forgiveness. This love story was sweet, but steamy, and had all the feels. Five LOVE IS FREE stars!!
Profile Image for ✨ Denise’s Dreamy Reads ✨.
319 reviews71 followers
September 3, 2019
✨ DREAMY’S REVIEW ✨

“The chemistry between us is explosive and every time we touch, the fuse burns farther down. Someday we will detonate... and I can’t wait.”

Misty Walker KILLLLLED it with her debut novel, Vindicated!

A nun and a convict.

An unexpected spark between two people with such sweet exchanges of emails, meetings, and an explosive love that forms!

I love a dark, tortured hero who feels like he doesn’t deserve the good things in life! I fell for Dustin utterly and completely! His story and the things he went through touched me in ways I cannot describe and all the while, I enjoyed his growth as a character!

“I felt a connection to him. As though he needed something...”

Odillia is sweet and innocent and so caring and loving! I loved how she came into contact with Dustin and her need to just help and be there for others’. I couldn’t help but love her and see her come alive email after email! I loved how she didn’t let others’ dictate what or who she wanted to see and love.

“Doll is just different. She sees things in me that I never saw in myself.”

These two right here, I fell in love with their story! At first, I didn’t think they’d make it through because of everything going on, but love prevails!

I loved and adored and just couldn’t get enough about everything Dustin and Odillia! The way the natural progression of things went between them and how they didn’t let certain things stop them from severing the connection they shared!

“Maybe even, I’m falling in love with you.”

I cannot wait for what’s coming from Misty Walker! She blew me away with this one!

Five dreamy and second chances stars: 💫💫💫💫💫
Profile Image for Flo₂₂.
1,619 reviews131 followers
March 7, 2021
The story started so good, i loved and i was so intrigued and happy about this plot!! but then it went flat and i ended up being disappointed by it.
First of all i think the author could've play with the nun part longer,maybe bring it on till they meet when he got out. Then when we finally have them together sh*t hit the fan i never thought it will go that way,i mean, i thought they will fight more for each others you know? by the end of it i get it why he had to let her go but still..i'm upset and i left with so many questions...





SPOILERS





-If her dad didn't show up would've he been going trough with that OW? (at least they were broken up but i'm still wondering , i need to know this for my mind sake.

- If her dad didn't put them back in the same place after that year of separation i'm wondering if he would've ever go and get her back? i'm so pissed about this BTW more than the OW stuff because i feel like he would've stay away, i mean, i'm happy at least he was being celibate but still... i'm disappointed .

They even get back together so fast,and then we are already at the end of the book...

Overall? it wasn't a bad book , i just needed a little more to it to feel a bigger connection.. 🤷‍♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Clinton.
866 reviews36 followers
August 8, 2019
Vindicated is the first book by Misty Walker and she most certainly has hit it out of the ballpark.
We meet the career criminal Dustin Hanes & The Sweet & Loving Odilia. Two people that are on too very different paths but when they are brought together you can feel something is going to happen as they get to know one another.
Their story is one of redemption and second chances and knowing that no matter what their is always someone who has your back and believes in you even when you don’t believe in themselves.
Dustin & Doll are an amazing couple, watching them overcome so many ups and downs and watch them navigate a lot of roadblocks along the way you can’t help feeling that you have to cheer them on to find the HEA that they both deserve.
If you are looking for a fantastic new story and a amazing new author to give a chance too then look no further then Vindicated.
Profile Image for Q.B. Tyler.
Author 25 books6,803 followers
August 27, 2019
OMG!! What a freaking debut! This book was incredible. Misty Walker killed this story and I am so obsessed with Dustin and Odillia I feel like my heart might explode. A nun and a convict. I feel like she's about to send me down a rabbit hole of this trope and I am so here for it! I loved the back and forth emails and the times she'd go visit him and the aspect of falling in love through letters! You don't see this very often in books, but the few that I have it's always like a breath of fresh (but sexually charged) air and I LOVE it. I can't wait for more from Misty Walker!
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,425 reviews266 followers
May 31, 2020
As Dustin Hayes States, he is not a good guy, but he isn’t a murderer. Framed for a death he is sent to prison for 21 years. Odilia Brannen is as innocent as they come, ready to become a nun. She starts corresponding with a prisoner, Dustin, that should be just as innocent but becomes more. She is the one ray of hope, a lifeline for the outside world and maybe just what Dustin needs to find himself again. A majority of this book is their emails back and forth and really comes alive at the 50% mark. As a debut book this is very well written. I loved the connection that grew between Dustin and Odilia. Very enjoyable book! Told in dual POV
Profile Image for trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski.
1,546 reviews454 followers
March 23, 2020

“Doll, look at me. I only have two hours to look into your eyes. Don’t deny me of that.”


Dustin. 28, six foot tall, blue eyes. criminal.
Odilia aka Doll. 21, red head with freckles. wanna be nun.

i love that book. it was a little bit predictable you know, but some parts shocked me actually. the development of the story didn't bother me. actually i love it. it made more sense, it was more realistic.

still smth is missing. i wanted to read more passionate scenes. no, i'm not talking about sex or dirty talks or wet dreams. more desperate, more dramatic but not over-the-top drama talks, maybe.

a good debut
xoxoxo
iko
Profile Image for Maggie.
117 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2019
This is a debut book of Misty Walker. A story about a criminal Dustin Hanes and a nun-in-training Odilia. I liked the idea and the book was fairly well written. But that’s the thing though, it was well written, but it did not awe me in a way that make my heart race a little faster or make me sacrifice my sleep to finish it. It was a book with a great premise but writer failed to give it sparks. That being said, as mentioned, this is author’s debut book. I am sure there will be a lot of wonderful work from her in the future. I definitely will keep an lookout for her future work! My only suggestion to the author is to venture into something you are not familiar with. I don’t know if it make sense but mentoring is good, guidance is good, but too much influences, then it won’t be yours anymore. It would be you writing someone else’s story. Just a thought.
Profile Image for Wickedly Sweet & Synful Book Blog Synclare Moss.
835 reviews142 followers
August 17, 2019
3.5 stars for me.
Hmmm..I will say it’s well written for a debut.
Something was lacking for me..it didn’t have that “it” factor.
The majority of the book was correspondence between woman on course to become a nun and a convicted murderer.
I enjoyed the letters but the connection didn’t feel real.
They real “romance” started about 80%.
The ending was great but not enough to sell me overall.
I do look forwarding to reading more as the author evolves.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 3.5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 3.5/5
Addictiveness~ 3.5/5
Angst~ 3.5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 3.5/5
Theme or Tone~ 3.5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 3.5/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ Hauntingly Beautiful
Series~ stand-alone
Source~ Kindle eBook - ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Profile Image for RLoves2Read.
515 reviews13 followers
August 23, 2019
What an awesome debut book by Misty Walker! Once I got started I did not want to put it down until I finished. This slow burn romance between accused murderer, Dustin, and soon to be nun, Odilia, gave us such wonderful character development that you could not help but fall in love with them. The storyline was wonderfully told and the chemistry between them was undeniable from the very beginning.

I definitely can't wait to see what Misty brings us next!!!
Profile Image for Melanie Helms.
1,113 reviews36 followers
August 23, 2019
Wow! This was a great debut by her! Loved it. I COULD NOT put this down. I was so curious about this book! I loved the characters and i loved the plot. I really look forward to reading more by her!
Profile Image for Marshay Smith (Mommywhatchureading).
228 reviews33 followers
November 23, 2021
Once I started I wanted to keep going just to know what would happen. This book wasn’t long at all so I was able to finish in a couple hours. This is a slow burn romance, they start out as pen pals. She is studying to be a nun and he is in jail. As she sends him letters they become more in love with each other.

Odilia grew so much in this story. What started out as a sheltered character she grew into her own person. Dustin is definitely a bad boy, however what lands him in jail was not his fault. I will say I wished it was longer because the end felt a little rushed, but I liked this one. The sweet and steamy moments were the best!

If you like bad boys, good girls, pen pals, and slightly suspenseful romances, give this a go.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Alyson Hale.
Author 10 books138 followers
September 1, 2019
4 Emotional Stars!

This engrossing romantic suspense read gave me all the feels in so many different ways. The story read a little like one of the more suspenseful Alexa Riley books, except with more length, depth, and dimension.

In spite of his actions in the past, I felt for Dustin's predicament. Within the first 2% of the book, I had tears in my eyes for him. He was definitely a criminal, but he wasn't as heartless and vicious as he tried to come across. His response to what happened to him was realistic and sucked me in immediately.

Odilia was a character who could have been annoying and unrelatable, but she wasn't. She was warm, caring and persistent, and I loved that about her. Coming from a religious background myself, I understood her resistance to breaking her vows and becoming "impure," but I loved that she couldn't resist Dustin and gave her heart over to him completely. And when Dustin finally corrupted his "Doll," there was no turning back.

These two characters held diametrically opposing belief systems and backgrounds, but their journey is a perfect example of the phrase, "Love conquers all."

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Misty Walker and look forward to reading more from her in the future!
Profile Image for Tricia Bartley.  #AuthorStalker.
1,299 reviews104 followers
August 12, 2019
Y'all,

You know what happens when a man behind prison walls has a Pen pal that is a woman of the Lord...welllll you have one Hell of a HAWT Ass Book!!! (gahhh this is sooo wrong to write all that in one sentence) lol

Dustin is a convicted murderer that was sent to prison wrongfully. Writing Odilia has become a way for him to escape. While Dustin shares his story, Odilia shares hers as well. They definitely hit it off although they are from different sides of the tracks for sure. (I tell you I loved their letters they sent to each other!) I had lots of laugh out loud moments!!

I gave Vindicated 5 Stars!!! Misty Walker I am sooo impressed that this is your fist book and I am sooo excited to read it...You definitely have a new stalker waiting on your next releases!!

Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
August 27, 2019
Dustin finds himself in prison trying to accept the curveball that life has thrown at him and drowning under regrets and bitterness. The only thing that brings light to his life and the strength to go on is his correspondence with Odilia.

Odilia comes from a religious and has chosen to pursue that as her life’s vocation. When she reached out to Dustin she wanted to offer comfort and understanding never expecting that he would bring so much more to her life.

Dustin and Odilia couldn’t have been more different or met under more difficult circumstances but they also couldn’t be more perfect for each other. I enjoyed the first story from this author, and I would definitely read her future stories.

Profile Image for Lauren.
403 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2019
3.5 stars

This Misty Walker’s debut book. This was a very good story.. A bad boy with a dangerous past finds himself behind bars. A good girl looking to make her discernment to becoming a nun reaches out to counsel him. Dustin and Odilia are an unlikely pair. Dustin is certain that he is not worthy of friendship, forgiveness or love. Yet with Ophelia’s correspondence she is determined to convince him otherwise.

This story had some really good moments. Sweet, and a little dirty too. I just felt it missed a wow factor that would have tipped the scales for me.

I’m looking forward to reading more from Misty Walker.
Profile Image for Chantal Rodriguez.
324 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2019
What a great duet from Misty! I was hooked from the very start. I loved the characters and story. I truly hope more is to come from her. There were some funny moments but the story was perfection. Super enjoyable!

I must say I’ve never read something like this! The characters were so different, and I was very intrigued how everything would play out. And without any disappointments, I liked the direction the story went!

Misty kicked started her writing with a BANG. her words all flowed easy and perfectly, I devoured this.
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
898 reviews
August 25, 2019
Vindicated was a sweet and steamy story about two people who are complete opposites that attract. What Dustin and Odilia have together is the stuff that dreams are made of. This book was powerful, emotional, seductive, and captivating. I loved the main characters and found the story completely intriguing. What a wonderful debut from Misty Walker. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Jayne {aka cupcakesandbookshelves} .
846 reviews77 followers
August 22, 2019
Misty's Debut book and it was an ABSOLUTE CRACKER. Unique and intense from beginning to end; it just blew me away. It was remarkable and I seriously can't wait for more from this author, she's DEFINITELY one to watch/follow/read.

*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*
Profile Image for Maria Recinos.
115 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2019
Refreshing reading, I was eager to read it when K. Webster recommended it and I got caught when I read the blurb. Loved the plot and the chemistry between the characters. Who doesn't love a bad boy, I want him for myself 😂. Misty you have a new fan. 5- steamy and sexy- stars
Profile Image for Avicii_ Dark_Blogger .
64 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2020
DNF 60%

Okay, so I started this book on Sunday. And... the story is really good! For real. The story of a nun, and a prisoner. Now, seemingly, it sounds like a very very different and special story in the genre of darkness. But... it started out very cool. In the sense that the woman is sent to release a prisoner on behalf of the church for a crime he is accused of. Now, the prisoner ... he's insanely sexy, But, when they are beginning to massage and talk with each other, A lot of thoughts about sins start to pop in my head, Because ... she's still a nun and he's a man with a big cock. But... after 50% it felt too rushed for me. The darkness that was in the beginning and all that sexiness was lost. And it's a shame... I wanted it to continue in the same pace as before . It's become a 'normal romance' with a lot of clichés of ... Okay, now we sleep together, but you're a virgin then maybe not. Like ... probably this writer is not for me. The book started to get senseless! And without passion that I wanted It to have! At your discretion. Personally, it lost its appeal by 60%.
Profile Image for Samantha Love HEA Romance Book Blog.
826 reviews44 followers
September 2, 2020
3.5 Stars

I am torn about this book. There were a lot of elements I liked about it. I loved that they were complete opposites. I loved that she was so deep in her belief while he was a criminal. The push and pull had me hooked at the start. I was so intrigued by the story line. By about the 50% mark I kind of lost a little bit of that interest, I am not exactly sure why, but I wasn't hooked again until about the 75% mark.

I thought Devin and Doll had some great chemistry in parts of the book. I really loved the story line as well. I love these type of tabooish connections. By the end of the book my heart was so full, I really loved how the story ended. Some people do deserve that second chance at life, and I was so happy when Devin got his.

I have not read anything else from this author yet but I am definitely going to dive in to more of her books! I can't wait to discover more.
Profile Image for ThatNerdyDogMom.
30 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2023
I was first introduced to misty walker when she sent me an ARC of Gracie's mom and after falling in love with that book I ordered this one since there are currently no more songs of sin books out yet. . . Unfortunately with everything on my TBR it got pushed to the back until last night when I picked it up with just the intention of starting it before bed . . . A lil after 4am I completely devoured it . . . With the main love interest being in prison there isn't a whole lot of spice to begin with but that really didn't stop her from making the 2nd half full of spice . . . I loved the story and am obsessed with the characters and much like Gracie's mom will be recommending this book every chance I get for the foreseeable future
Profile Image for Carissa Caulum.
676 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2025
Review: I really enjoyed this book. This book follows Dustin and Odilia. Dustin is in Prison for something he did not do. Odilia starts writing (emailing) him for some community outreach she has to do. Odilia wants to look into Dustin’s case. They start forming this bond while he is in Prison. Will Odilia and Dustin be able to have the relationship they want? I loved watching Dustin and Odilia’s relationship develop throughout the book. I loved the storyline and the writing. I really enjoyed watching Odilia grow in this book. This book was a roller coaster of emotions.

Favorite Quote:“The chemistry between us is explosive and every time we touch, the fuse burns farther down. Someday we will detonate... and I can’t wait.”
44 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2020
I’ll always be a fan of your work....

I remain a fan. I loved the maturity of this book. At times reading romance novels just seems to be all about sexual attraction and while it’s not a bad start you have to be ready for a relationship. I loved that Dustin recognized this and even though it hurt to break up, he knew that being prepared mentally and emotionally would offer greater reward. Getting a good job, sorting out his erratic emotions made him a better person in the long term. Doll added to the mix and I found her amusing but strong but I loved the character development of Dustin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.