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Seeking Justice #2

Imperfect Justice

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Ten months ago, he nearly killed her.By the grace of God, she survived.But the fight to regain her life is just beginning.Holly Cross is counting down the hours to the moment her foster brother’s trial begins. Collin has haunted her footsteps—and her dreams—for fifteen years, and she wants nothing more than to put that pain and fear behind her and build a new life. But before that can happen, she has to confront the man who tried to destroy her.Can she find the courage to face her monster in court, or will she trust the survival instincts that are screaming for her to run while there’s still time? DA Shannon Marx is known for her skill and force of personality in a courtroom, and she's determined to put Collin Wells where he behind bars and away from everyone she loves. But Collin Wells is unlike any defendant she's ever come up against in court. He's intelligent, charming, and completely devoid of conscience.Will the jury be able to see the monster beneath the civilized veneer?Collin Wells is a man accustomed to getting what he wants, and he has every intention of walking out of that courtroom a free man. He will fight with everything he has, and if Shannon and her loved ones can be certain of anything, it's that Collin Wells never fights fair.Note from the This is NOT intended to be a standalone novel. While you can understand it without reading the previous books, the experience will be richer and more enjoyable if you go into it with the backstory and relationship growth of the characters.

If you're unsure where this book fits in, here is the reading order I

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Recommended Reading Criss Cross (A Holly Novel)Winter MemorialCross Fire (A Holly Novel)Crossed Off (A Holly Novel)Injustice for All (Seeking Justice)Holly Jolly Christmas (Seeking Justice)Imperfect Justice (Seeking Justice)Cross the Line (A Holly Novel)Crossroads (A Holly Novel)

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2020

302 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

C.C. Warrens

20 books526 followers
Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
836 reviews77 followers
March 17, 2020
What a fabulous conclusion to the Seeking Justice series! This book is the 2nd full size book (3rd book including the Christmas novella) in the Seeking Justice series, which follows on the heels of the Holly novels, all by C.C. Warrens. While there is enough history included that you may be able to read this one as stand-alone, I would strongly recommend reading all of the other books first in order to fully understand the underlying motivations in this book. Fans of the Holly Novels and the Seeking Justice series will be glad to see Collin have his day in court, though he tosses in some twists and turns and makes you wonder if justice really will be served. As Ms. Warrens is wont to do, she creates a perfect storm that make it appear that evil will win. At about the halfway point, I notified the author that I hadn’t thought I could like Collin any less….. but this book made it possible. And after I was done, I messaged the author to tell her how mad I was at her…. For awhile, because of how I thought things were going to end up. But then she throws in another twist at the end. I found this to be a very satisfying ending to this part of the story. I want to say so much more, but well – spoilers! The author promises more from these characters and I’m so excited to see what happens next! Special thanks to the author for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Profile Image for Nicole.
65 reviews
November 26, 2025
Imperfect Justice continues the story of Holly Cross and her friends.
You will fall in love with the characters. You will cheer in the end and you will cry as you can feel Holly's pain. C.C. Warrens does it again with a book that you wont want to put down until the last page. It has suspense and humor, It will make you laugh and cry. You will feel everything the characters are portraying.
Profile Image for A.D. Lawrence.
Author 1 book297 followers
March 20, 2020
This book blew me away! Of course, I loved revisiting some of my favorite characters--that's a given. But the legal side of Holly's story was a real treat. Without giving away spoilers, I will say that I wanted to kill Collin with my hand on more than one occasion. The twists and turns and disappointments all led to a super-satisfying ending. No doubt I'll read this book again.
Profile Image for Debbie.
492 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2020
This long-awaited book is not a disappointment. It has all the feels: suspense, mystery, humor, anger, desperation, joy, tears…you’ll be exhausted by the time you finish. But you will have loved every minute.

This book picks up after Justice for All and Holly Jolly Christmas and continues Holly’s story. There really is no way I can write a review without spoiling it for you, so I’m just going to say that the Kindle version is on pre-order now and hopefully, it won’t be too long before the paperback will be on pre-order also.

Holly fans unite! You’ll love this book! I promise you that. If you haven’t read any of C. C. Warrens books then you need to start. Start now…because you have a lot of catching up to do.

This is the third book in the Justice Seeking series by C. C. Warrens (Justice for All #1, Holly Jolly Christmas #2.) And this current series follows the Holly Novels. If you haven’t read them, Criss Cross #1, Cross Fire #2, & Crossed Off #3…run to your computer and buy them! These novels follow Holly and her quest to rid herself of her traumatic past. Along the way she meets a few wonderful people who become fast friends.

I totally love these books. I have fallen in love with the characters (except one, and that character is not supposed to be loved). While reading these novels I’ve laughed out loud, cried, been overjoyed, sat on the edge of my seat in suspense and been so overwhelmed I’ve had to put it down just so I could breathe. The author has a way of making these characters real. I feel like I know them and I forget that this is fiction. It’s that good!
23 reviews
March 21, 2020
One of the things I love about C.C. Warrens is the fact that she shows that not always is following God gives you the perfect life, or the fact that bad things won't happen to you. Life can be cruel. It is only through the love of Christ that we even survive Life. Rather it is on earth or in Heaven with Him.
This book showed how not always does Justice give you Justice. Our justice system is broken in a lot of ways. This book showed the brokenness in some of the way the system works. However, it also shows you a glimmer of hope in the justice system by the grace of God it did work out for Holly.
I was torn between anger at the Justice System, laughing at the things Holly did with her challenged height to her adorable quirkiness. There were moments I cried, and before I could finish the sentence, I would have to wipe my eyes. All the emotions would race throughout the entirety of the book. I could not put it down, from the moment I picked it up to the moment I finished the reading took me through every emotion possible to a end that made me feel as though it was concluded in a way of Gods timing not my own. Even though one chapter of life ended for Holly, I look forward to the next book of her new chapter in life. I cannot wait to see what happens next with her.
Profile Image for Andrea Mcclain.
43 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2020
This is by far one of my favorite authors! C.C. Warrens hit it out of the park again with this book.
My favorite thing about this author is that she can write a great mystery/thriller but adds lots of humor. I find myself giggling as I read.
The characters all have great personalities that you cannot help but fall in love with. Holly is funny, brave and just makes me laugh. This kept me on the edge of my seat and as I thought it was going to end one way, then another, right up until the very end I was surprised and pleased with how it actually concluded. Especially because it wasn't what I thought. Thank you C. C. Warrens for another great book!
42 reviews
March 25, 2020
One word sums up this book perfectly : WOW! C.C. Warrens does not disappoint! This book has everything! It makes you laugh, cry, and get mad. I really enjoy a suspense/mystery. This one takes the cake as it is full of twists and turns. I was truly taken by surprise more than once. This is book 2 in Seeking Justice. As I highly recommend reading the first one, as well as the Holly novels, I feel like you could read this by itself. The characters come alive in this book, some you will love, and some you will not. Grab the tissues and the chocolate and enjoy this roller coaster ride!
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
198 reviews14 followers
March 27, 2020
C C Warrens has outdone herself!
The story of Holly begins in Criss Cross and continues through all Warrens books so far. She is a master crafts person and wordsmith. Through each novel you become more attached to this precious woman and her friends as you get to know them better. A picture of these characters, the storylines and the scenes play out so clearly that you feel like you see it all take place. Having read all but this one three times I have had to stop myself from sending up prayers for Holly and the others. BTW I don’t often reread books.
Though you can get away with reading this book as a stand alone because of the way it is written you will find yourself much more drawn in and with a deeper perspective if you start with Criss Cross.
These books are also wonderful because one of Holly’s dearest friends is confined to a wheelchair. Jace has so much personality and determination in a way she doesn’t let her condition slow her down that you can’t help but admire her.
If you are tired of books full of romance then these are a good fit.
There is intense subject matter but it is done in an appropriate manner.
The author puts her heart into every novel on a deep level.
To learn more go to www.ccwarrensbooks.com
Profile Image for hanna mae.
103 reviews32 followers
June 14, 2025
This is my second time reading this book, and honesty, it's just as good, if not better the second time. In this book we read more into Marx and Shannon's relationship, and Collin wells' case. (Read the holly novels to know more). I love how Holly grows closer to the people who care for her, and how she really starts to except the truth. (which is exponentially hard for her to do, after the lies drilled into her by Collin).Seeing Marx and Shannon grow closer makes a certain soft spot in my chest melt. C.C. Warrens does such an amazing job portraying the harder side of emotions, and she does mystery and suspense so well!!
Profile Image for Virginia.
344 reviews11 followers
December 24, 2025
I finished this book around 1:30 in the morning on a work night. Once I start a book by this author, I have trouble focusing on anything else until I finish the story. I immediately want to pick up the next book.

As much as I love Holly and the other main cast of characters, I was nervous to read this book. I knew it would revisit the trauma Holly experienced and I was concerned about how the trial would go. Even though this is a work of fiction, real people face real evil everyday. A lot of time it seems like justice fails and bad wins. Holly's story reminds us to rely on God's sovereignty.

Intense, adrenaline-pumping action and suspense, peppered with classic Holly humor, lead to a satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,533 reviews143 followers
March 29, 2020
Fantastic!
If you have not met courageous Holly Cross, I suggest you remedy that immediately. Do start with Criss Cross and read all the way to Imperfect Justice. C.C. Warrens has done an incredible job getting inside the head of Holly Cross. This series is not for the squeamish, for it deals with hard subjects, but the story is very well executed. I am surprised that a big name publisher has not snapped up this brilliant author.
In this latest entry, Holly must endure the trial and possible acquittal of her foster brother, who stalked and brutalized her. She is hurting but knows that her strength lies in trusting God completely. She writes daily in a journal to Jesus even when it is difficult. She says: “God blesses us every day in ways that we are too busy or too overwhelmed to see. There is always something to be grateful for. We just have to look a little harder and dig a little deeper to find it.”
Holly does not love lightly but when she does, she is fiercely protective. All her old gang is back, including her mentor, detective Rick Marx and his estranged wife, District Attorney Shannon Marx. Rick feels helpless but his partner, Michael offers this advice: “Prayer is a powerful weapon on every battlefield- the physical ones and the spiritual ones. All you have to go is use it.”
What Holly went through is tough to imagine but Ms. Warrens handles it superbly. She also inserts happy and quirky things such as the friendships Holly has made. She is somewhat timid but has several obsessions. She loves marshmallows, only certain colored m&ms, a penchant for pink and purple pillows and tilting pictures in Marx apartment.
I have come to love these characters and am glad to know the author plans more stories for them.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Christine Indorf.
1,365 reviews163 followers
July 9, 2025
The book we have all been waiting for the trial of Collin and to see if he is found guilty for hurting Holly. When Collin decides to defend himself Holly must talk to Collin, can she have enough courage to do so? You will have to read the entire book for the conclusion and you definitely will be on the edge of your seat!! Excellent book and I believe the best one thus far! Excellent!! Read this book and be ready to be on the edge of your seat!! 5 stars!! If you haven't read this series yet, what ever are you waiting for??
Profile Image for Anne Perreault.
Author 27 books498 followers
April 2, 2020
This book doesn't disappoint fans of the Holly novels or fans of Marx. CC Warrens spins a story that has you emotionally involved from the first page on. She tackles a tough subject with poise and style, and such tenderness. You can't help but fall in love with these characters and root for them, boo at the bad guy - and there are several of them that were booed by this reader. I loved it from the first page to the last.

Profile Image for Danelle Janney.
44 reviews
August 4, 2023
spoiler…

I have read all the “Holly” books in order except the last two. Crossroads has not been released yet. I have not left a review on all of them, but I have a few. I prefer to leave a comment on a series set at the end.
My first review about Holly was that it is under “Christian Suspense” but there was not much in the first book to show the main character’s faith. Throughout the series Holly’s faith was growing and her walk with God was more spoken about more often.

I love the characters. I love Marx and Hollys relationship. Sam is a fantastic older brother. But! I would love to see more interaction between Him and Holly. Jordan! You gotta love Jordan. He’s like a lighthouse on the shores of the oceans shining bright. He lets every one he know protects the love of his life, Holly. He’s patient and so caring all the great qualities that make a good husband and a forever friend. He tries so hard to keep Holly safe. But Holly…. Lol

The trial in this book was underwhelming to me. Yes, I am a trial junkie. I watch the different trials on TV. So, when I read some of the things Collin said at the trial, I yelled at the book “OBJECTION! HE’S TESTIFYING!” LOL. Shannon’s did not redirect any of her witnesses except one. That really irritated me. HOWEVER! I do think for the sensitive subject in this series (Stalking, abuse, kidnapping, rape) it was carefully and tactfully written.

The abuse that Holly went through her entire life was depicted with just enough detail to know she was a hurting person. Holly is exactly how I have seen abused women. To tackle a difficult subject like Ms Warrens takes a special kind of some one. Holly’s abuse does not over take her sweet personality and make her bitter. She’s scared easily, but has reason to be. But yet, she does bring some of the scary situations on herself by NOT staying in the car.

I was severely disappointed that Collin was not found guilty. I was hoping he would be. I just KNEW some one would kill him and one of the three hero’s in Holly life would go to prison. I was so thankful they did not.

There are very few books, especially series, that I buy. I read on kindle. If I can find them, I’m going to buy the series of the “Holly Stories”. I love to reread good book. Ms Warren drew me into Hollys story for me to make Holly, Marx, Sam and Jordan a permanent story in my heart and on my book shelves.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews45 followers
August 16, 2023
If ever there’s a villain that you REALLY want to hate, then this is the book that has him.
Throughout the Holly Cross books we learned bits and pieces of what Collin Wells did to Holly, all the manipulations and torture, all the mental control and abuse. However, in this story, we find out just how evil he is.
Wow! CC Warrens is such a skilled writer, I could feel all the anger and rage Marx, Jordan, and Sam had towards this person and how they had to rain it in so they wouldn’t take a life.
Boy, I REALLY wanted to hurt a fictious character!!
This story showed all the struggles that can happen when dealing with a very manipulative person and how sometimes justice is difficult to get. It showed what court life is like and the pressures the prosecutor has in trying to present valid evidence to show what a criminal really is like.
CC Warrens books are so captivating, I don’t want to put them down.
This is a book that will keep you spellbound until the very end!
If you love suspense, action, tense drama, mouth-dropping-heart- wrenching moments as well as, fun spunky times, then this is the book for you to pick up.
I highly recommend you put this book up and read it.
870 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2020
A Must Read - a spoiler included

If you like suspense and a surprise ending, then you should read all of C.C. Warren's books about Holly. This book continues the saga of Holly and her crazy, inhuman former foster brother. This series and this book will hold you on the edge of your seat to find out what happens next.

Holly's ex-foster brother is finally up on charges for all that he has done to her. However he decides to fire his defense attorney and represent himself in court. Holly is terrified of telling her story to anyone let alone a courtroom full of strangers and now will have to confront her foster brother. When it looks like he'll be acquitted on all charges thanks to a judge with no backbone, something changes.

I can't wait for the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
313 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2020
Is There Any Justice?

Preparation is underway for Colin's trial in the early part of this final Holly story. There is so much hope for real justice for Holly 's sake as well as for his other victims even Jace, Holly's best friend as an adult. Holly continued to stay with Detective Marx for her protection. Shannon, the D.A. as well as Marx's ex wife, softens some toward Marx as she spends more time around him as they all get ready. So much is at stake in the trial. Holly longs for a normal life, but has little hope it will ever happen for her. She is still trying to bake. Smile! She is famous for causing disaster in the kitchen!!!

There are many twists and turns in the fantastic story as in everything I have read by this prolific author. She is truly an amazing author whose books I will continue to pursue. Strongly recommend her books.
Profile Image for Jane.
284 reviews16 followers
September 15, 2020
Simply amazing

I say that this book is simply amazing, but there’s nothing simple about it. It is the culmination of all of the “Holly novels” to date, and as such is a spine tingling, edge of your seat, nail biting thriller. The characters are very intricately drawn and have grown in depth and personality from book one to this point. The author clearly states that these are not stand alone novels, and she’s correct. However, don’t let that put you off. The series (The Holly Novels, and A Seeking Justice Novel) are both well worth the time and money at only $3.99 per ebook. They also all impart much needed spiritual wisdom, strength, and truth through honest though flawed people who are seeking God.
I whole heartedly recommend not only this book, but the entire series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
664 reviews42 followers
September 11, 2021
In this book we see the conclusion to Holly's nightmare. I can't tell much as to give away spoilers but Collin is on trial for the horrendous things he has done to Holly and her friends. Even though he is currently in prison during the trial he has his sick mother and other depraved minons on the outside willing to make life difficult for Holly. To fully appreciate this book and understand all that Holly has gone through you must really read the previous books in order. You will see that with each book Holly grows stronger and stronger with the help of those she loves and cares about. I loved the all the characters in this book except the evil ones of course. Loved it that the conflict between Marx and his ex-wife Shannon was repaired. Don't despair you have not seen the last of Holly and her friends. The author has promised that there will be at least another book. I can't wait.
6 reviews
July 25, 2022
a brilliant but difficult read

Very well written, admittedly not the best in the series but a fitting and necessary conclusion to Holly’s story.
Honesty, this was a very difficult book to read. Where I flew through the others, this one was meaty and painful. While all of the Holly books excellently reflect fear, pain and torment, they also never have you questioning Holly’s faith and security in her Heavenly Father. This book has you grieving with the imperfect justice of the world. The antagonist was spectacular and real, a master manipulator who seems to always get away with it.
This series is spectacularly human, raw and relatable.
A very good book but not for the faint of heart.
Profile Image for Linda Miller.
23 reviews
August 3, 2022
Imperfect Justice

Just when you think it can't get any better!!! I am loving these Holly books....I just can't put them down when I start reading them!
I think C.C. Warrens has done an excellent job of showing us all what a "real" Father looks like through her fictional character Marx.
You don't have to be blood related to care deeply for someone...or for them to become one of your own. In many ways, I couldn't help thinking about how our heavenly Father must feel about us as I read these series of books. By now, I feel as if I have gotten to know these characters pretty well and I can only hope there will be more books written with them in it as I just am not ready for their stories to end! Thank you C.C. Warrens for writing such a fantastic story!
47 reviews
June 25, 2020
Another Great Book by C. C. Warrens! The latest installment in the Seeking Justice series does not disappoint. More great character development and some twists and turns that are not expected. If you haven't been following this series or the Holly series I highly recommend that you do. C.C. has a gift for writing intense, character driven suspense novels that deal with a very sensitive subject. She makes you care about the main character Holly, who is the victim and Holly's friends. She also makes you despise the perpetrator Collin. My only complaint is that I now can't wait for the next book!
182 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2022
Justice isn't always just.

Best Holly Cross novel so far! It took three novels, but Holly finally evolved though she still acts impulsively. This novel exposes the depth of terror, shame and guilt survivors of sexual assault live with as well as the compassion and frustration of those trying to help them must work through. The trial was suspenseful and emotionally draining. The verdicts were sensational and the ending is satisfying because it's not a "they lived happily ever after." Now onto Jordan and his PI Business and Jace and Sam and Rick and Shannon and Riley and the fat cat.
Profile Image for Sheila McIntyre.
Author 1 book3 followers
August 14, 2020
WOW!! I can't say enough good things about C.C. Warrens' books!! The characters are well-crafted, multi-dimensional, realistic, and believable. Humor is sprinkled in to a plot line that deals with a topic that isn't easy at times to wrap your head around. Mrs. Warrens does an incredible job creating a story that drew me in and captured my interest right from the beginning. Warning: Once you start one of her books, you will be willing to give up sleep to read until the end--don't say I didn't warn you :) I can't wait to read the next book! Highly, highly recommend!
23 reviews
July 11, 2021
Outstanding Series

I have read the entire Holly Cross series and have been absolutely inspired by a fictional character. C.C.Warrens has spun a story that can speak to anyone. Holly is so scared, but her faith gives her hope and she explains how through her interactions with the other characters. She also inspires those close to her even though she is almost paralyzed with fear most of the time. A real 'can't-put-it-down' thriller. Each one better than the previous. Left my stomach churning long after the end of the last book. Keep up the writing.
1,045 reviews11 followers
March 29, 2022
Perfect ending

Imperfect Justice, on the way to a perfect ending, highlights the worst of the flaws in the criminal justice system. I kept waiting for jury tampering to be exposed based on the nervousness of the jury foreman. Where NYC failed, though, Pennsylvania came through and gave the psychopath pedo what he deserved. Thus ends two interconnected series, and I highly recommend. Just an FYI, though, the past tense of the verb "to lead" is led. Lead, when produced "led", is a noun meaning a heavy metal. Just saying.

2 reviews
July 15, 2022
I just found this wonderful author

While I appreciate that there are many Christian authors trying to create a good story, it's actually difficult to find a well written story filled wth romance, intrigue, and surprise elements. All this is found in this authors stories, without the usual misspellings, incorrect grammar, lack of punctuation so many of today s authors turn out. Many authors, not just Christian authors, are in desperate need of a well educated editor. C.C. Warrens seems to have it all! Suspenseful, well written, clean, Christian books!
Profile Image for Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo.
439 reviews48 followers
March 1, 2024
Law & Order in book form only SO much better. I'm not generally drawn to legal thrillers, but Imperfect Justice was brilliantly written. CC Warrens expertly creates unique characters that evoke strong emotions in the reader--good and bad. The author doesn't leave room for feeling ambivalent or indifferent toward her characters.

I love mysteries and trying to figure out the outcome. I had no idea how this one would end until the reveal. I could see it going either way. Even so, it elicited very real, very loud gasps.

Potential triggers: it deals with abuse (physical, mental, and s*xual).
Profile Image for Mary Hamilton.
Author 8 books80 followers
June 12, 2020
CC Warrens knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat--or up all night reading. In this fourth book featuring Holly, Marx and Shannon, we get a close-up view of the cunning and evil Collin Wells. We also get a peek at who created this monster, not enough to sympathize but just enough to understand.

It's been a long time since I've fallen in love with characters but Holly, Marx, Jace, Sam, Jordan and Sam feel like real friends. I look forward to their next adventures.
1 review
June 21, 2020
Worth the Time/Don't Get Frustrated

This book is a really great ending to this series... I say don't get frustrated because it does get a bit repetitive in places, but it is so well written the rest of the way through, that can be overlooked. For the most part, the characters steal your heart and make you want for them to conquer the world. Loved all the books in this series, even though there is a great deal of heartbreak, there's even more hope! Read this series!
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