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Convicted

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Nothing in life has ever come easy for the boy from the other side of the tracks. A mother that left. A father that hit. A brother that protected. They say everything happens for a reason. Joss Hess has spent his entire life looking for that reason. After nearly killing a man and barely avoiding prison, Joss finds himself sentenced to 18 months on Briscoe Ranch, where certain things are expected. Hard work. Manners. Responsibility. Respect. Worst of all-anger management and restraint. If he fails, Joss will be sent back to the state penitentiary to serve the remainder of his sentence. One road block stands between Joss and his freedom: Ren BriscoeRaised by ranchers, Ren Briscoe has been around men her entire life. Home on summer vacation, she quickly realizes that Joss Hess is unlike any man she has ever encountered before. She hates everything about him...his filthy mouth, arrogant attitude, the way he makes fun of her purity ring and her boyfriend. Mostly, she hates him because no matter how hard she fights it. Joss occupies her every thought. He may be the convict serving his sentence; but the real prisoner is Ren.

322 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2019

43 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

Kristi Pelton

14 books509 followers
HI! The Just One of the Guys series was my first writing experience. I love writing romance. I struggle writing sex… But usually like the end product. I think…

I work part-time as a probation officer for juveniles. But i spend the majority of my time with two of the most freakishly awesome boys ever...MY two sons!

I am a huge Kansas Jayhawk fan, Oregon Duck fan and Chicago Cubs! I'm deliciously addicted to music...Love all kinds! Dr. Pepper is a close second in my addictions.

Life is taken way to seriously by most...i say enjoy every moment, have a drink and READ!

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5 stars
63 (37%)
4 stars
56 (33%)
3 stars
32 (18%)
2 stars
12 (7%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for ❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️.
1,092 reviews772 followers
April 4, 2020
DNF, 1 star

Not my kind of book at all. I'm not a fan of books where the MC lost a loved spouse or gf/bf that they're hung up on the entire book, which is exactly what this book is. Had that actually even been hinted at that in the blurb, I would NOT have read it, so definitely misleading. I feel as if his gf had not died, he still would have been with her, which makes it a bit harder to read abt the h and him, she is for sure just a second choice. I also felt disconnected from characters and their emotions, it was more telling than showing Some of the parts were also unrealistic and almost cringey, especially the first part of the book, and why he was convicted in the first place, which was beating up a man who just commited robbery and killed his then gf, and all that could have easily been self defense, and yet he was still convicted for that... Definitely didn't make sense. The writing wasn't too bad, but the story and plot is no good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beeg Panda.
1,622 reviews575 followers
August 1, 2019
Last paragraph:
“I knew years ago when Abby (love of his life) died that I’d find her again in heaven, but I also knew at the time that I needed to change myself if I was ever going to get there too. Finally, I believed I would see her again. Ren (present heroine) would be at my side, and I just had to hope that would be alright.”


Pretty much says it all. It's literally Abby from first page to last page.


This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Adams.
484 reviews66 followers
July 31, 2019
First time author

This was my first time reading this author and it won’t be my last!! I loved this story. When I found out she Ren was 17 almost 18 I wasn’t too sure how it would go. But I was so surprised. These two characters were so mature for their age. There is a lot of heartache on both sides. There was angst and it was a slow burn. I can’t wait to check out more from Kristi. This book is also on kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Nicole*bookaholic*.
741 reviews35 followers
May 2, 2020
I loved this book! Such a great love story. Had great angst. Sexy as hell. Great characters.
Profile Image for Misty.
100 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2019
Such an emotional rollar coaster. This story goes so emotionally deep, it will break your heart. Joss and Rens story is so tragic but so special and sweet. You will be so emotionally invested in this book within the first couple chapters.

Joss is no stranger to living life in hell and being rough on the edges. His childhood certainly did him no favors. With one action made during a tragic event, it cost him everything he had which was very little. He was given a second chance at freedom but he had no clue what was waiting for him. Ren is a sweet and innocent girl. She too is no stranger to tragedy. She had a great childhood until her family suffered a great loss. The Ranch will either make or break Joss.

I really enjoyed this book. Joss is one strong natured hotheaded but a teddy bear at heart kinda of guy. Joss makes it so easy to fall head over heels for him. This story was beautifully told and so very realistic.
1,018 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2019
Convicted was an awesome read, about Joss & Ren! This story will suck you into their journey of sadness, heartbreak and happiness with some secrets on both sides! Fantastic ending! A must read!
Profile Image for Louise  O.
863 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2019
Convicted is a standalone story that is told from several POV’s that I lost count at 4; this story gives you raw emotion heartbreak and the purist of loves and I knew all of this by the end of chapter 7.

Joss is your ultimate bad boy; he has a record and doesn’t hesitate when someone he loves is put in the line of danger which leads him to an 18-month sentence on a farm. When he is pulled into the web that is the owner daughter Ren he can’t stay away; his protective side coming out in full force.

When lines are crossed and incorrect information is given Joss is taken away from the world he has fallen in love with. Fighting for what he wants he is left with some questions that he needs answers to ASAP; hoping that they will lead to the HEA he deserves.

Pelton is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story; I could not put it down devouring it in 1 sitting. I look forward to more from this author and hopefully Joss’s brothers in the future.

**Reviewed for Amity Book Reviews**


Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Profile Image for CeeJay Daisy.
698 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2019
♥️🌼🔥I LOVE JOSS AND REN....I LOVE CONVICTED!!!!♥️🌼🔥
First, let me say, Chase Ketron is one of the hottest book cover models, and I would have bought this book for that reason, alone....Kristi Pelton wrote the book, and I would have bought the book for that reason, alone....But I’m happy to say, the cherry on top of the sundae is that CONVICTED is a really good book!!♥️🌼🔥
This was a different book for me....It has a different storyline, and as many books as I read, that’s saying something...The characters are not typical, in my opinion, but they are definitely real!!!!! I fell in love with Joss, Ren and their relationship....This couple is HOT!!! But there are twists and turns at every corner.... most of them are unexpected.....I really want to do an instant replay of the whole book for you, but you deserve to get the same enjoyment I did....and you will.....♥️🌼🔥
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,599 reviews78 followers
July 30, 2019
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, sadness, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Ren and Joss’s story. Joss have led a hard life. He almost killed a man and for that he is sent to Briscoe Ranch. He has to work hard for the next 18 month and clean up his act a little. If he fails, he will be sent to the pen. Ren is home on summer vacation. She hates the way Joss is with her, but she can’t get over the pull she has towards him. He’s a man that has not had love in his life can she teach him how to love or will they push each other until it all blows up?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
18 reviews
July 30, 2019
Joss’s little bird Ren sigh....

I absolutely loved Ren. She pushed Joss and brought him into her light. She refused to let him believe that he wasn’t worth the life she knew her deserved. This story is beautiful. It’s about the aftermath of abuse, letting others tear down your walls and help to heal your pain, a true testament that love really does conquer all. Joss is a strong, take no bullshit kind of guy, who will walk to the ends of the earth to protect REN and those he cares about. He’s a shameless asshole at times with his dirty mouth and angry front he portrays, but with a flick of Ren’s smile or a touch of kindness he gets from those on the ranch or his brothers you see the purest God damn heart. A beautiful story, 5 easy stars❤️
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2019
Lately has been my good fortune to discover new authors to me with their stories call out to me. It turned out to be a deep emotional one that knows how to pull out all the stops. Joss and Ren are who you follow in this one as the one unfolds. It has its moments with it not having the normal patterns which make for good reading. It follows its own drummer as that saying goes. This is one that you will not be sad you picked up.
Profile Image for Becca.
2,003 reviews27 followers
July 4, 2019
Such a great book. I stayed up all night to read and couldn’t put it down!

Full review to come
Profile Image for Jessica.
233 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2019
This is my very first book I have ever read by Author Kristi Pelton, &it certainly will not be my last!

Convicted is the story of a guy named Joss, and a girl named Ren. There isn't anything that Joss wouldn't do for his family, and because of that, he earned himself an 18 month stay on a farm instead of prison. There he meets the farmers daughter, Ren. The animosity between the two in the beginning is palpable, but as the story progresses, they get closer and closer, to the point where they both find that they cannot help the feelings they have for one another. But, as we all know, nothing is what it seems.

You will find raw emotion from these characters. &You experience their happiness, their strength, and their heartbreak. Kristi had these characters emotions pouring from the pages, and as a reader, you feel these emotions as if you in the story yourself.

I definitely recommend Convicted to everyone. I think that so many people are going to adore this messy but beautiful love story, of people who were meant for one another, despite their differences.
Get out there and buy yourself a copy ASAP. Don't allow yourself to miss out on this fantastic story!
Profile Image for Amber.
149 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2019
Everything happens for a reason, hooked from this line! You have Joss who's your bad boy, but good intentions. He grew up troubled household with his brothers. He's dating Abby who he is very protective over. It's when an unexpected event lands Joss on a farm to work at. He is there to stay out of trouble but little did he know it would be his paradise. Temptation would appear and her name is Ren, she's the daughter to Mr. Briscoe who Joss works for.

Ren is dating Evan. I'm not a fan of him and when you read the book you probably wont be either. You can feel the jealousy from Evan and Joss during the book. Below is a quote that gives you a feeling from Joss.

"Laying down in the shade of the tree, I close my eyes, knowing that i had to let go. She wasn't coming back. Tomorrow, I would make this hike again and bring a knife to carve her name in this tree, So she could be part of this place. Of this journey. This would be our spot."
Profile Image for Tracie.
59 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2019
I'm not a huge review person but after this book I knew I was going to do one.
I just finished reading this today. I sent two messages to the author at two different times saying.....WHAT .... JUST
HAPPENED! There were times I was roughing up my kindle where I thought the punches should have given out accordingly. Then to the smiles and sometimes tears with each page turned, where in my mind I was right with them.

This story about love and pain and grief for so many in this book to second chances with new beginnings, with the hope of love and new understandings. With every page this author makes feel this story whether you want to or not she just sucks you right in.

Just read it. You won't be disappointed.
11 reviews
July 30, 2019
The story of Joss and Ren was a heartfelt love story. It seems so many of the books are the same thing rewritten by different authors. This book was different. It didn't fit the cookie cutter romance story that seems to happen more and more frequently. There were twist and turns that i didn't see coming and things that i thought were going to happen that didn't. I appreciate that unpredictability. It's funny. SAD. Well written. Braxton Hess-IJS :)
10 reviews
July 30, 2019
Joss and Ren (Bird)- loved them. loved the story. Joss was so broken. Seeing him open up and love again was beautifully written by Pelton. AND i'd love to read about Brax and Ella. Not sure if there is a series in the making but a Hess Bro series would be fantastic.
Profile Image for Andrea.
685 reviews
August 3, 2019
Wow what a story! Such hardship, such struggles, what a love!

Love Joss, what a man, and Ren, what a girl! Their love was swoon worthy!
44 reviews
January 16, 2026
This was a 3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed the premise, setting and the MMC but once the FMC came into the story it lost its shine. It was not only because she was an immature 18yr old but she was just annoying & it was kind of insta love, I was hoping for a enemies to lovers, slow burn relationship development but that didn’t happen. The writing was fine & I wanted to know what happens but it just had so much more potential!
Profile Image for Anne Mercier.
Author 72 books1,765 followers
Want to read
August 25, 2025
Holy smokes. Kristi Pelton knocked me on my butt with this one! There's nothing better than when you feel like you're in the story with the characters, feeling what they're feeling. Nothing. KP delivers this and so much more! This is a book you don't want to miss!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
May 18, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/18/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Clista.
488 reviews16 followers
August 13, 2019
This is a story about a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, literally. The story starts with the death of then girlfriend, Abby, who is tragically killed while in the trusted care of Joss. Joss has a criminal history, so he is sentenced to 18 months at Briscoe Ranch; ranch labor instead of a prison cell. Joss's home life has always been less than ideal, so he carries all those pains in his walls of protection. He arrives at the sprawling Texas ranch with amazement. He has never seen anything as beautiful and clean. Cal Briscoe is the owner, and now warden in charge. Joss digs into his new responsibilities at the ranch. A cast of characters are introduced. Ren Briscoe, daughter, is home for the summer. She is young, and likes the looks of him, immediately. She is frustrated that he does not reciprocate her interest. Ren has her own issues she has to deal with from her broken family. There are horses, gators, runs up a mountain, creepy work hands, pool parties, bar parties and moonshine sips. The story unfolds and secrets are discovered. I can say, I didn't see that coming, when certain things are revealed.
I imagine Ren has been spoiled, and her young age did leave me annoyed at times by her immaturity. Both Joss and Ren have had their share of heartbreak! Braxton, Joss's older brother, is a solid character who I enjoyed! Kristi Pelton knows the works of the law & how the systems work; legal genre fans will enjoy this story.
~loc 290 "You ok? "No." "Joss?" "When will it stop hurting, Brax?" "It'll hurt 'til it doesn't, man. That's all I know."
~loc 1631 "You deserve to be loved," she whispered.
Shout out to KU & the sorority girls! ;-)
4.5 Stars

Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
August 13, 2019
Convicted by Kristi Pelton is a standalone contemporary romance told in mostly dual POV between Joss and Ren, with an occasional chapter from secondary characters, this story is emotional, tragic, heartwarming, and sexy.

Joss witnesses the worst thing ever and in protection and reaction does something that has him facing jail time. A stroke of luck places him at a ranch to work off his time versus spending it behind prison walls. It's at the ranch that he meets Ren. The ranch owners daughter and an enigma. He shouldn't want her - he has no right - and it's too soon, but he wants her.

Ren has separated herself from the ranch and only spends the holidays there (summer and winter) since her parents divorce. Returning for her last summer before college, she encounters a resident in the pool house who will change her life, irrevocably.

Well-written an enjoyable - I was shocked and intrigued in turns. With the backstory of Joss and his brothers, their home life, the accident and all the events that spiraled out from there. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Susan Anderson.
1,033 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2019
This is my first book by Ms. Pelton. She has a new fan! Poor Joss - all he needed was someone to believe in him. Someone who cared. After the death of his girlfriend, Joss is sent to a rehab ranch. This is the first place he has felt safe. Enter Ren. She is the daughter of Cal, the owner of the ranch. Ren is someone who knows what she wants and that is Joss. Joss knows that he could lose everything if he gets involved with Ren. Joss tries to keep Ren at arms length, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets. And Ren, she knows she wants Joss, and will do anything in her power to have him. This is such a good read with twists and turns that you didn't expect. The ending is perfection. I highly recommend this book. Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon read Ms. Pelton.
Profile Image for ✿¸.• Anne •.¸✿.
294 reviews4 followers
Read
October 9, 2025
Holy smokes. Kristi Pelton knocked me on my butt with this one! There's nothing better than when you feel like you're in the story with the characters, feeling what they're feeling. Nothing. KP delivers this and so much more! This is a book you don't want to miss!
Profile Image for A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia .
1,589 reviews17 followers
August 21, 2019
I was immediately intrigued the minute I read the blurb for this book. Then the cover came out and I was even more excited to read Convicted. This was a new-to-me author and I was looking forward to adding her to my TBR.

Unfortunately this book was one of those cases where the blurb is more exciting than the actual book. The beginning started out great. I liked the whole tortured hero vibe Joss had going on. But I absolutely hated the heroine. Not in a TSTL kind of way but she annoyed the crap out of me. And that made this book not as enjoyable as I was hoping.

This one just didn’t excite me. I contemplated even adding it to my DNF pile, but I pushed through. I really wanted to love this story, I just didn’t.

~ Lia, 2.75 Stars
Profile Image for Michelle Rene.
Author 16 books207 followers
November 3, 2019
If ever you are looking for the ultimate second chance read, look no further than Convicted.

Joss Hess has been dealt one bad hand after another in life. When unforeseen tragedy strikes, another bad hand is dealt. As Lady Luck finally makes an appearance, Joss not only gets a second chance at life but at love as well.

Kristi Pelton does an amazing job at weaving tragedy and hope throughout the story. Convicted is a beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption that will have you hooked from page one.
Profile Image for Jenn Gable.
111 reviews
September 6, 2019
Awww!!! This is like ultimate misunderstood badboy and good girl. But it was sweet. And the surprise near the end about Abby and Ren, that was amazing. I love how Joss and Ren's relationship started and how it built up. Love the push and pull of it. And the closeness of Joss with his brother and the life they had lived. (I had tears in my eyes at several different parts).
Author 2 books13 followers
January 7, 2020
Another great read

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationship between Joss and Ren. They both had pain in their pasts and found a connection between each other. The way their lives crossed paths and they didn't even know...or how no matter what they couldn't fight the destiny between them. I can't wait for Kristi's next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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