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Deliverance #2
The Taste of Redemption
It’s easier to hide behind a mask than let the true colours shine.
It’s easier to love and suffer than love and inflict pain.
It’s easier to wait for better days than turn the tide.
Good intentions pave the road to Nadia’s own little hell. Her past becomes her present, the vicious cycle starts again, but she’s not a helpless, fragile girl anymore. Thomas taught her that she’s a survivor.
When the past unleashes its full potential, selflessness gives way to selfishness.
There’s just one problem... the bridge that leads back to the safe haven of Thomas’s arms is destroyed.
Thomas struggles to take a step forward. The aftermath of Nadia’s decision leaves him exposed and wondering whether he deserves to live a meaningful life. The goal is simple--forget about the girl that made him a better man.
But when she runs back home and uncovers her secrets, the foundations of his resolution are shaken.
There’s just one thing standing in the way... forgiveness isn’t in his nature.
Bury me underground, cover me with a stone and I’ll dig the bones out, anyway. What am I?
It’s easier to love and suffer than love and inflict pain.
It’s easier to wait for better days than turn the tide.
Good intentions pave the road to Nadia’s own little hell. Her past becomes her present, the vicious cycle starts again, but she’s not a helpless, fragile girl anymore. Thomas taught her that she’s a survivor.
When the past unleashes its full potential, selflessness gives way to selfishness.
There’s just one problem... the bridge that leads back to the safe haven of Thomas’s arms is destroyed.
Thomas struggles to take a step forward. The aftermath of Nadia’s decision leaves him exposed and wondering whether he deserves to live a meaningful life. The goal is simple--forget about the girl that made him a better man.
But when she runs back home and uncovers her secrets, the foundations of his resolution are shaken.
There’s just one thing standing in the way... forgiveness isn’t in his nature.
Bury me underground, cover me with a stone and I’ll dig the bones out, anyway. What am I?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
86 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
I.A. Dice
17 books1,904 followersI. A. Dice writes emotionally intense romance—both dark and light—but always equally spicy. When she’s not dreaming up love stories, she’s probably drinking too much coffee and swooning over fictional men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 23, 2020
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I don’t want you to stay”
“Lie better.”
“I don’t love you babydoll”
I don’t think I can ever let these books go! The characters have wiggled their way into my heart and that’s a hard feeling to shake❤️❤️❤️❤️😭
I promise you, even after reading the first book, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for what this book had install for us. My heart sunk in my chest, my breathing slowed, in fact, I don’t think I could breathe until I finished this book.
I had mixed feelings about Nadia’s character. At first, I felt like her decisions lead to her circumstances. But then, she was just another victim swallowed by darkness and that idea was a more painful pill to swallow😭😭😭😭😭😭 I know right! Denial much...
Shoutout to Ty, he’s an absolute rock!! And an amazing friend, I really don’t know what Nadia would have done without him. He really had her back and my heart goes out to him because he’s soooo special!
&Thomas!! God! He’s so strong and manly in every way! My heart melted at his words, I swooned over his thoughts and feelings. He really came through for Nadia even though her decisions put him in a difficult position *weeeps*
I absolutely loved these books!! The emotions that I felt throughout were so raw. Prepare to laugh, cry, weep, cringe, breakdown, throw your kindle out the window... You know, nothing unusual.
“I don’t want you to stay”
“Lie better.”
“I don’t love you babydoll”
I don’t think I can ever let these books go! The characters have wiggled their way into my heart and that’s a hard feeling to shake❤️❤️❤️❤️😭
I promise you, even after reading the first book, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for what this book had install for us. My heart sunk in my chest, my breathing slowed, in fact, I don’t think I could breathe until I finished this book.
I had mixed feelings about Nadia’s character. At first, I felt like her decisions lead to her circumstances. But then, she was just another victim swallowed by darkness and that idea was a more painful pill to swallow😭😭😭😭😭😭 I know right! Denial much...
Shoutout to Ty, he’s an absolute rock!! And an amazing friend, I really don’t know what Nadia would have done without him. He really had her back and my heart goes out to him because he’s soooo special!
&Thomas!! God! He’s so strong and manly in every way! My heart melted at his words, I swooned over his thoughts and feelings. He really came through for Nadia even though her decisions put him in a difficult position *weeeps*
I absolutely loved these books!! The emotions that I felt throughout were so raw. Prepare to laugh, cry, weep, cringe, breakdown, throw your kindle out the window... You know, nothing unusual.
May 26, 2020
"He breathed life into me, force me to bathe my sins away."
This was like the most anticipated book this year for me. And I can tall you IA Dice did not disappoint. To say I enjoyed this beautiful story is an understatement. I cherished it as much as I could, read it slowly as possible, laughed with them, cried with them, just wasn't able to let them go..i knew the end would come but I wanted to stay with them as long as possible.
And the way this lady writes?! It will go deep under your skin and she will lead you out of the darkness and into the light.
This is not your regular romance story. Guided by the power of salvation Nadia threw caution and love to the wind to be able to help and save. But you can't save when you are the one who needs to be saved.
Thomas, Thomas, Thomas...he was her salvation. But it also reciprocated; their connection sparks a battle of wills so strong, neither is certain if they'll be able to hold on to their sanity.
Nadia & Thomas - this is their story. Give yourself a favor and read this duet.
The Sound of Salvation is book 1 and must-read before The taste of Redemption.
"You're perfectly imperfect, and you're mine. That's how I like you best."
May 23, 2020
Just when it feels like a heart can't take anymore, Thomas and Nadia are back to prove you wrong. The Sound of Salvation was the start of an emotional whirlwind. The Taste of Redemption is the culmination of an unfinished heartache. Dice has the courage to take emotions where the soul fears to tread. Thomas and Nadia step into the shadows to find a hint of light. It's hard to figure out who the broken one is. I thought I was all cried out. Turns out I was just getting started.
May 27, 2020
If you notice...my initial review of book #1 (The Sound of Redemption) was middle of the road. I gave it 4 stars, but I wasn't DYING to read the sequel. However, the book stayed with me...and I think that makes for a better book than I initially thought. So when I saw sign-ups for the ARC of The Taste of Redemption, I knew I had to try! I was nervous given my lackluster review of TSoR that I wouldn't be chosen, but I also knew now that once it released, I was going to jump in and read it and find out what happens with Nadia and Thomas. Thankfully, luckily, I was selected for an ARC. And now, my rating jumps to a full 5 stars!
Altogether, this duet was amazing. It was beautiful. It covers the story of struggle, of second chances, of even finding yourself. It is not dark, but it has some elements that may be triggering to some readers.
Thomas was AMAZING! Self proclaimed playboy to start the duet off turned hopelessly in love with Nadia. He quickly realizes in TSoR that Nadia has something in her past that she is keeping secret...and he also quickly learns that he is the only one that can really help her. She stops trembling at his touch, he pulls her out of her panic attacks, he guides her back to the light...but he doesn't know what she's hiding. We see more of this in TToR even though given what happens at the end of TSoR, he is hurt and angry...but he is still so in love with Nadia.
Nadia was incredible. Selfless. Wounded. But still so optimistic. You can't help but love her nor your heart to reach out to her.
Thomas and Nadia together...beautiful. They love each other so fiercely, so wholly...it was beautiful to read.
I think this is one of those duets that will stick with me for quite some time. I have books that I love and recall when I see teasers, but there are some that hit you in the heart when you see promo for them down the line, and I think this will be one of those duets.
Altogether, this duet was amazing. It was beautiful. It covers the story of struggle, of second chances, of even finding yourself. It is not dark, but it has some elements that may be triggering to some readers.
Thomas was AMAZING! Self proclaimed playboy to start the duet off turned hopelessly in love with Nadia. He quickly realizes in TSoR that Nadia has something in her past that she is keeping secret...and he also quickly learns that he is the only one that can really help her. She stops trembling at his touch, he pulls her out of her panic attacks, he guides her back to the light...but he doesn't know what she's hiding. We see more of this in TToR even though given what happens at the end of TSoR, he is hurt and angry...but he is still so in love with Nadia.
Nadia was incredible. Selfless. Wounded. But still so optimistic. You can't help but love her nor your heart to reach out to her.
Thomas and Nadia together...beautiful. They love each other so fiercely, so wholly...it was beautiful to read.
I think this is one of those duets that will stick with me for quite some time. I have books that I love and recall when I see teasers, but there are some that hit you in the heart when you see promo for them down the line, and I think this will be one of those duets.
June 6, 2024
I didn’t like this, too boring, and honestly unnecessary! This should’ve been one book, and I don’t see the point in dividing it in two. This second one just dragged a pointless plot.
I didn’t like any of the characters and sometimes they were insufferable. The whole thing with Adrian was a waste of time, just a means to drag the storyline and have a second book. I get what the author was going for but I think it was poorly executed, and in the end it felt like you went through this whole thing for nothing.
Having read and loved the Hayes brothers series by the same author you can really see how far her writing has come.
I didn’t like any of the characters and sometimes they were insufferable. The whole thing with Adrian was a waste of time, just a means to drag the storyline and have a second book. I get what the author was going for but I think it was poorly executed, and in the end it felt like you went through this whole thing for nothing.
Having read and loved the Hayes brothers series by the same author you can really see how far her writing has come.
October 10, 2023
Just finished reading, and oh my, my heart has been broken and healed along with the MMC and FMC over the course of this duet.
Definitely not an easy read, so TW/CW should be checked. But I definitely enjoyed these characters and I imagine I will think of them for quite some time. ◡̈
Definitely not an easy read, so TW/CW should be checked. But I definitely enjoyed these characters and I imagine I will think of them for quite some time. ◡̈
May 23, 2020
I have so many emotions whirling around after finishing this book! After reading The Sound of Salvation I was jaw-dropped with the ending and anticipated the conclusion to Thomas and Nadia's story. This book was heartbreaking, gripping, raw and powerful from start to finish that it grabbed my interest from the first chapter. The devistating blows that Nadia took both mentally and physically were heart-wrenching but the changes that Thomas envoked were beautiful and life altering. This was a story that captures the true meaning of finding your soul mate, the one person who completes you, makes you whole and I reccomend that you lose yourself in this amazing story now!
May 24, 2020
I have to say, this book took over any other book I was reading when I started it. I usually read multiple books at once, but Taste of Redemption, it was just so captivating, I couldn't read anything but it.
This was my first book by @ia.dice and I was not disappointed! It is a follow up to her book, The Sound of Salvation.
I.A Dice has a way with her writing that seeps into your skin, makes you feel the emotions her characters feel, makes you not want to set the book down.
It is a beautiful story with a lot of pain in the past of both main characters, Nadia and Thomas. There were times i literally laughed out loud, and other times I cried so much. It is a VERY powerful story to be told.
I would suggest this book to anyone that loves a love story, you will not regret it.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by @ia.dice and I was not disappointed! It is a follow up to her book, The Sound of Salvation.
I.A Dice has a way with her writing that seeps into your skin, makes you feel the emotions her characters feel, makes you not want to set the book down.
It is a beautiful story with a lot of pain in the past of both main characters, Nadia and Thomas. There were times i literally laughed out loud, and other times I cried so much. It is a VERY powerful story to be told.
I would suggest this book to anyone that loves a love story, you will not regret it.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2020
I’ve been waiting for this book for months and it’s finally here!! I love this story of bravery and perseverance with all my heart. These characters, this world…it’s all so raw and real and it HURTS, but it is freaking incredible. This is the second book in Thomas and Nadia’s journey. The first book, The Sound of Salvation, introduces us to these two characters and how they fall in love. We also find out about Nadia’s past and who she’s running from. In this book we continue on her journey of self compassion and healing. It’s beautiful.
Nadia is a victim of domestic violence. She lived in New York with her boyfriend Adrian for years while he suffered from substance abuse which turned him violent. One instance got so bad that she ran away to London to be live with her brother, and that is where the beginning of the first book begins. Throughout book one, Nadia meets and falls in love with her brother’s friend, Thomas. A playboy-turned-hero by Nadia’s standards. He calms her. He’s the only person whose touch doesn’t make her cringe or remind her of abuse. At the end of book one she leaves Thomas in London and flies back to New York because Adrian tried to commit suicide and failed. She feels indebted to him, like it’s her responsibility to help him get back on track. And of course she still loves him, but she’s not in love with him anymore. This is where book two begins.
We suffer through the first fifty percent of this novel. Why? Because Thomas is miserable and Nadia is in pain, both emotional and eventually physical. Thomas tries to drown his sorrows in alcohol but nothing works. He’s so in love with Nadia that he can’t think straight. Nadia is back in New York with Adrian but she can’t sleep without Thomas. She misses him like the air in her lungs. She stole a t-shirt of his and brought it with her because his scent helps keep her calm, but eventually his scent fades. Things with Adrian get out of hand again and eventually she gives up hope that he will get better. She realizes that there’s nothing she can do to save him if he doesn’t want to save himself. She moves back to London. That’s when sh*t gets real. Thomas is dating someone new and it’s like taking a knife to the chest every time Nadia sees them together. It burns. Thomas is only trying to move on but he can’t. The moment Nadia finally tells him how she feels, it’s like a switch is flipped. All the walls he built come crashing down. He’s so in love with her that he can’t breathe or think straight. IT IS GLORIOUS.
There’s so much to say about this story, but it’s difficult to find the words. It’s difficult to understand what it’s like to be a victim of domestic violence if you’ve never been one. I think that sometimes makes Nadia difficult to relate to. Her actions and decisions seem ridiculous at times. It’s hard to get behind her decision to go back to New York to help Adrian after everything he did to her. It’s even more difficult to stay on her side when she continues to feel for him after he almost kills her a second time. But that’s just it, there’s no way to understand it, you just have to hope that she will learn to accept everything when the time is right for her. Which she does, in the book. She’s one of the strongest female characters I’ve ever read. The strength it takes to fight her fear and show compassion for a man who hurt her? That’s amazing! She is resilient and a phenomenally written character. I adored her. Thomas is just as incredible. Yes, he did struggle with anger towards Nadia, at the beginning of this novel, for her leaving him. But he continued to be there for her, as a grounding tool, when she needed him. He found the strength to forgive her and move forward with her when he realized that he truly is lovable. He is a good person and a strong partner. He had to learn to love and accept himself before he could understand why Nadia would choose him.
Overall, this was another 5 star read for me. It was so passionate and gorgeously written. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I.A. Dice is a truly remarkable author, please give her a chance if you have some time! 5 stars!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nadia is a victim of domestic violence. She lived in New York with her boyfriend Adrian for years while he suffered from substance abuse which turned him violent. One instance got so bad that she ran away to London to be live with her brother, and that is where the beginning of the first book begins. Throughout book one, Nadia meets and falls in love with her brother’s friend, Thomas. A playboy-turned-hero by Nadia’s standards. He calms her. He’s the only person whose touch doesn’t make her cringe or remind her of abuse. At the end of book one she leaves Thomas in London and flies back to New York because Adrian tried to commit suicide and failed. She feels indebted to him, like it’s her responsibility to help him get back on track. And of course she still loves him, but she’s not in love with him anymore. This is where book two begins.
We suffer through the first fifty percent of this novel. Why? Because Thomas is miserable and Nadia is in pain, both emotional and eventually physical. Thomas tries to drown his sorrows in alcohol but nothing works. He’s so in love with Nadia that he can’t think straight. Nadia is back in New York with Adrian but she can’t sleep without Thomas. She misses him like the air in her lungs. She stole a t-shirt of his and brought it with her because his scent helps keep her calm, but eventually his scent fades. Things with Adrian get out of hand again and eventually she gives up hope that he will get better. She realizes that there’s nothing she can do to save him if he doesn’t want to save himself. She moves back to London. That’s when sh*t gets real. Thomas is dating someone new and it’s like taking a knife to the chest every time Nadia sees them together. It burns. Thomas is only trying to move on but he can’t. The moment Nadia finally tells him how she feels, it’s like a switch is flipped. All the walls he built come crashing down. He’s so in love with her that he can’t breathe or think straight. IT IS GLORIOUS.
There’s so much to say about this story, but it’s difficult to find the words. It’s difficult to understand what it’s like to be a victim of domestic violence if you’ve never been one. I think that sometimes makes Nadia difficult to relate to. Her actions and decisions seem ridiculous at times. It’s hard to get behind her decision to go back to New York to help Adrian after everything he did to her. It’s even more difficult to stay on her side when she continues to feel for him after he almost kills her a second time. But that’s just it, there’s no way to understand it, you just have to hope that she will learn to accept everything when the time is right for her. Which she does, in the book. She’s one of the strongest female characters I’ve ever read. The strength it takes to fight her fear and show compassion for a man who hurt her? That’s amazing! She is resilient and a phenomenally written character. I adored her. Thomas is just as incredible. Yes, he did struggle with anger towards Nadia, at the beginning of this novel, for her leaving him. But he continued to be there for her, as a grounding tool, when she needed him. He found the strength to forgive her and move forward with her when he realized that he truly is lovable. He is a good person and a strong partner. He had to learn to love and accept himself before he could understand why Nadia would choose him.
Overall, this was another 5 star read for me. It was so passionate and gorgeously written. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I.A. Dice is a truly remarkable author, please give her a chance if you have some time! 5 stars!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
4.5 Stars... To be honest I was contacted by this author on goodreads, I was offered in exchange for my honest review an ARC of The Taste Of Redemption, I was shocked really because I'm always brutally honest with my reviews, I warned the author of this and they didn't mind one bit, my first thought was omg I'm going to have to be mean and leave a bad review because it's obviously not that good if they contacted me through goodreads to read their book for a review, especially seeing the horrible review I had left on a book soon before this, so I'm hesitant to start the book, but I promised them I'd start it yesterday, and I did, as soon as I finished with the current series I immediately jumped into this one, and I don't regret it one bit, it was so refreshing, it's not at all like most books I read, I can see this author hitting the best sellers list very soon, as I've said before some authors have it and some just.... Well you get the drift, this author defiantly has what it takes, I was so engrossed in this story, I was sneaking and reading it at work when my boss wasn't looking, as soon as I clocked out for break I was in it, this story had complete control over me for the past two days, we have the rich and sexy Thomas, and the tiny sexy Nadia.. Thomas is a playboy through and through, he has only one type, blondes with blue eyes, supermodel quality, he hires them as assistants, screws them and fires them for sleeping with him, if you want a chance with Thomas the playboy, you have to be rail thin really tall and have blue eyes and blonde hair, if you don't, sorry about your luck.. Thomas is ex military and he has seen some things on the battle field that haunts him till this day, he's living the playboy lifestyle hit em and quit em because he blames himself for his best friends death, although he does have some morals, he doesn't sleep with girlfriends or wives and defiantly not sisters... He does have standards after all... Then we meet Nadia, she's his best friends sister, she just moved back home after 2 years in New York, and a long relationship with boxer Adrian, nick is super excited that she's home, he's the obsessive overprotective big brother, Nadia is hiding things from her loved ones, she's been depressed since her fathers death, but Nick seems to think she's better, what happens when Thomas takes Nick to pick Nadia up at the airport? One look at the tiny petite brown eyed brunette is all it takes for Thomas's world to completely stop, all reasoning has went out the window when their eyes lock for approximately 30 seconds, that's all it takes for the former playboy to notice his faults, want to change and be a better person, only problem is.... Nadia is nicks sister, and he does not sleep with his best friends sisters, that's a huge no no.. He will not risk his friendship for sex, no matter how he feels... But what is Nadia hiding? What happens when her ex boyfriend/ boxer shows up out of the blue? I feel like I've already said too much, however just know this book is so amazing!!! It's got the tears, thrills, and shock factors... Happy reading :)
July 6, 2021
The Taste Of Redemption
I was dying a slow death. With how everything ended with the first book and the longing I had with the second book, I was in need for this couple to get together. It was more than wanting.
Nadia is tragically beautiful. She is the most caring, the most selfless person I have come across, but at times they are givers. I feel like she gives so much of herself instead of making herself a priority. SO many times in my previous review I would have said “instead of making herself a priority Until Thomas” I feel like she gets to the point where it was more Her. She gets there because she decides to, she deserves to love, and if you have a strong partner like Thomas then she can rise up. It’s ok to lean on him, because he won’t manipulate, he wants the world for her and with her.
It was horrific what she had to endure and yet witnessing her transformation was everything. She smiled more, let go more, and she had a big moment for me. A night where she came face to face with her past and yet she knew she had to show Thomas she was all for him and she did !
Thomas, you are unforgettable. You really got to me. AHAH how about that?! I felt for you, for losing Nadia just when you started to believe in love, knowing that there was no one better out there for you. He is sexy even sexier in the bedroom. He is intuitive to Nadia just like the first book. It’s angsty and passionate. It’s a journey and heavy life lessons. You have to accept the mistakes and memories that were made in the past. I liked how I.A. Dice handled Nadia’s growth, through a very thorough and trusted therapist. I think I.A. Dice for me really conveyed that we can’t change our pasts, but if we love ourselves and we are ready to love than we can be saved. I think for Nadia and Thomas that is exactly what had happened. Nadia dropped the mask and her secrets so she can be priority and get Thomas back!
I was dying a slow death. With how everything ended with the first book and the longing I had with the second book, I was in need for this couple to get together. It was more than wanting.
Nadia is tragically beautiful. She is the most caring, the most selfless person I have come across, but at times they are givers. I feel like she gives so much of herself instead of making herself a priority. SO many times in my previous review I would have said “instead of making herself a priority Until Thomas” I feel like she gets to the point where it was more Her. She gets there because she decides to, she deserves to love, and if you have a strong partner like Thomas then she can rise up. It’s ok to lean on him, because he won’t manipulate, he wants the world for her and with her.
It was horrific what she had to endure and yet witnessing her transformation was everything. She smiled more, let go more, and she had a big moment for me. A night where she came face to face with her past and yet she knew she had to show Thomas she was all for him and she did !
Thomas, you are unforgettable. You really got to me. AHAH how about that?! I felt for you, for losing Nadia just when you started to believe in love, knowing that there was no one better out there for you. He is sexy even sexier in the bedroom. He is intuitive to Nadia just like the first book. It’s angsty and passionate. It’s a journey and heavy life lessons. You have to accept the mistakes and memories that were made in the past. I liked how I.A. Dice handled Nadia’s growth, through a very thorough and trusted therapist. I think I.A. Dice for me really conveyed that we can’t change our pasts, but if we love ourselves and we are ready to love than we can be saved. I think for Nadia and Thomas that is exactly what had happened. Nadia dropped the mask and her secrets so she can be priority and get Thomas back!
June 10, 2020
Nadia left Thomas and returned to help Adrian through his recovery, feeling she owed it to him because he was there for her when she needed help.
Thomas starts to self destruct because he learned he can live a life of love again but feels its not worth it if Nadia isn’t around
While continuing to be there for Adrian even though you can see him deteriorating day by day, she slowly starts to become the withdrawn and scared person she was before.
Thomas can see how much Nadia struggles, so he has to make a choice:
Accept things as they are and live his life without Nadia or forgive her for leaving and do everything he can to love and support her.
This is the story of Nadia coming to that point in her life where she needs to put herself first and truely work towards healing from her past pain. Its like her eyes are open for the first time and she begins to realise how different Adrian and Thomas are. While one manipulates and controls her, the other gives her the strength to survive and live a life that makes her happy.
So much happens in this story, I can’t stop thinking about how intense and heartbreakingly good it was. What they all go through is so clearly expressed that you can feel their pain, anxiety, hope and love as you read each page.
I followed every direction this story took and the way it ended was perfect
I love the way this author can write a story that is so emotionally devastating with heartbreak and loss while still showing the strength of love and kindness can light up the darkest of times.
I could read these two books again and again!!!!
I look forward to reading any future books from this author, hoping that some of the other characters get their own story too.
Thomas starts to self destruct because he learned he can live a life of love again but feels its not worth it if Nadia isn’t around
While continuing to be there for Adrian even though you can see him deteriorating day by day, she slowly starts to become the withdrawn and scared person she was before.
Thomas can see how much Nadia struggles, so he has to make a choice:
Accept things as they are and live his life without Nadia or forgive her for leaving and do everything he can to love and support her.
This is the story of Nadia coming to that point in her life where she needs to put herself first and truely work towards healing from her past pain. Its like her eyes are open for the first time and she begins to realise how different Adrian and Thomas are. While one manipulates and controls her, the other gives her the strength to survive and live a life that makes her happy.
So much happens in this story, I can’t stop thinking about how intense and heartbreakingly good it was. What they all go through is so clearly expressed that you can feel their pain, anxiety, hope and love as you read each page.
I followed every direction this story took and the way it ended was perfect
I love the way this author can write a story that is so emotionally devastating with heartbreak and loss while still showing the strength of love and kindness can light up the darkest of times.
I could read these two books again and again!!!!
I look forward to reading any future books from this author, hoping that some of the other characters get their own story too.
June 17, 2020
“… Lie to me.”
“I don’t want you to stay.”
“Lie better.”
“I don’t love you, baby doll.”
**This review contains spoilers if you have not read The Sound of Salvation**
The Taste of Redemption by I.A. Dice is a angsty and emotional contemporary/ forbidden/best friend’s sister romance and is the second book in the in the Deliverance series. This cannot be read as a stand-alone.
Thomas is struggling with the aftermath of Nadia’s decision. He’s been trying to move on from the girl that made him a better man but when she returns home and secrets are revealed, will he be able to forgive her for leaving?
Nadia’s past quickly becomes her present as her good intentions land her back in NYC. It’s not long before the full potential of her situation is uncovered and she decides it time to become ‘selfish’ rather than ‘selfless’; the only problem is the bridge that leads her back to the safe haven this is Thomas’ arms is now broken and tattered.
“I can be given or earned but never bought. I’m sought by the sinners, but saints need me not. What am I?”
This duet is beyond amazing and this book was the perfect ending to Thomas and Nadia’s story. It was raw, emotional, heartbreaking, angsty and passionate. I just hope there’s some sort of off spin or something in the near future, because I want more of Ty and Chase!
“I don’t want you to stay.”
“Lie better.”
“I don’t love you, baby doll.”
**This review contains spoilers if you have not read The Sound of Salvation**
The Taste of Redemption by I.A. Dice is a angsty and emotional contemporary/ forbidden/best friend’s sister romance and is the second book in the in the Deliverance series. This cannot be read as a stand-alone.
Thomas is struggling with the aftermath of Nadia’s decision. He’s been trying to move on from the girl that made him a better man but when she returns home and secrets are revealed, will he be able to forgive her for leaving?
Nadia’s past quickly becomes her present as her good intentions land her back in NYC. It’s not long before the full potential of her situation is uncovered and she decides it time to become ‘selfish’ rather than ‘selfless’; the only problem is the bridge that leads her back to the safe haven this is Thomas’ arms is now broken and tattered.
“I can be given or earned but never bought. I’m sought by the sinners, but saints need me not. What am I?”
This duet is beyond amazing and this book was the perfect ending to Thomas and Nadia’s story. It was raw, emotional, heartbreaking, angsty and passionate. I just hope there’s some sort of off spin or something in the near future, because I want more of Ty and Chase!
May 29, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥2/3
—————————————————————————
Trigger warning, there is some troublesome issues covered in this book i.e. drugs and abuse.
-
We pick up right where we left of at the end of TSOS, Nadia really goes through it in this book. She has a lot of conflicting feelings that she is trying to navigate. Her growth in this book is astonishing, it really was beautiful to watch. I also loved that even while she was trying to heal, she was also encouraging Thomas to be better.
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So it’s no secret that I adore Thomas, he is honestly one of those heroes that just stays with you. The patience and tenderness he treats Nadia with absolutely melts me. Not only is he her rock and constant but he also is empowering her. Thomas is perfection, he’s exactly what you want in a man. Hot. Strong. Supportive. Affectionate. Seriously, he’s everything.
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This duet will stay with me, no doubt about that. The writing is beautiful and so raw. Thomas and Nadia’s relationship was beautiful, their chemistry was incredible. I loved them so much and I am not ready for their story to be over, major book hangover for life. I can without a doubt say that I am an I.A. Dice fan for life.
Steam: 🔥🔥2/3
—————————————————————————
Trigger warning, there is some troublesome issues covered in this book i.e. drugs and abuse.
-
We pick up right where we left of at the end of TSOS, Nadia really goes through it in this book. She has a lot of conflicting feelings that she is trying to navigate. Her growth in this book is astonishing, it really was beautiful to watch. I also loved that even while she was trying to heal, she was also encouraging Thomas to be better.
-
So it’s no secret that I adore Thomas, he is honestly one of those heroes that just stays with you. The patience and tenderness he treats Nadia with absolutely melts me. Not only is he her rock and constant but he also is empowering her. Thomas is perfection, he’s exactly what you want in a man. Hot. Strong. Supportive. Affectionate. Seriously, he’s everything.
-
This duet will stay with me, no doubt about that. The writing is beautiful and so raw. Thomas and Nadia’s relationship was beautiful, their chemistry was incredible. I loved them so much and I am not ready for their story to be over, major book hangover for life. I can without a doubt say that I am an I.A. Dice fan for life.
April 30, 2023
Nadia is tragically beautiful. She is the most caring, the most selfless person I have come across, but at times they are givers. I feel like she gives so much of herself instead of making herself a priority.
It was horrific what she had to endure and yet witnessing her transformation was everything. She smiled more, let go more, and she had a big moment for me. A night where she came face to face with her past and yet she knew she had to show Thomas she was all for him and she did!
Thomas, you are unforgettable. You really got to me. I felt for you, for losing Nadia just when you started to believe in love, knowing that there was no one better out there for you. He is sexy even sexier in the bedroom. He is intuitive to Nadia just like the first book. It’s angsty and passionate. It’s a journey and heavy life lessons. You have to accept the mistakes and memories that were made in the past. I liked how I.A. Dice handled Nadia’s growth, through a very thorough and trusted therapist. I think I.A. Dice for me really conveyed that we can’t change our pasts, but if we love ourselves and we are ready to love than we can be saved. I think for Nadia and Thomas that is exactly what had happened. Nadia dropped the mask and her secrets so she can be priority and get Thomas back!
It was horrific what she had to endure and yet witnessing her transformation was everything. She smiled more, let go more, and she had a big moment for me. A night where she came face to face with her past and yet she knew she had to show Thomas she was all for him and she did!
Thomas, you are unforgettable. You really got to me. I felt for you, for losing Nadia just when you started to believe in love, knowing that there was no one better out there for you. He is sexy even sexier in the bedroom. He is intuitive to Nadia just like the first book. It’s angsty and passionate. It’s a journey and heavy life lessons. You have to accept the mistakes and memories that were made in the past. I liked how I.A. Dice handled Nadia’s growth, through a very thorough and trusted therapist. I think I.A. Dice for me really conveyed that we can’t change our pasts, but if we love ourselves and we are ready to love than we can be saved. I think for Nadia and Thomas that is exactly what had happened. Nadia dropped the mask and her secrets so she can be priority and get Thomas back!
May 1, 2023
Meh, it was alright.
There really isn't anything different than what I've already said in my review of the first book.
I didn't like this books as much as I did the last one and it felt dragged out. I was getting bored of the same repetitive shit all the time. I also felt like Nadia's trauma was the only one that was talked about. Nick lost his father as well and Thomas Lost Adam and I felt like their trauma could have been talked about a little more.
but if there was one thing that annoyed me the most was the smoking. WHY ARE THEY SMOKING EVERY 5 MINS. Not to mention that those things cost an arm and a leg and I get their rich but like money isn't gonna matter when you're dying of lung cancer by 30. Also tell me why there were like 3 characters all named James. Like bffr, you couldn't come up with a different name??? At first I thought I was delusional but as I kept reading I clearly wasn't. Not to mention that there were some typos in the writing and the editing should have been better.
I didn't like a lot of the events in the book, especially those towards the end and I thought that they dragged down the book so much. I should've just stopped on the cliffhanger of the first book.
There really isn't anything different than what I've already said in my review of the first book.
I didn't like this books as much as I did the last one and it felt dragged out. I was getting bored of the same repetitive shit all the time. I also felt like Nadia's trauma was the only one that was talked about. Nick lost his father as well and Thomas Lost Adam and I felt like their trauma could have been talked about a little more.
but if there was one thing that annoyed me the most was the smoking. WHY ARE THEY SMOKING EVERY 5 MINS. Not to mention that those things cost an arm and a leg and I get their rich but like money isn't gonna matter when you're dying of lung cancer by 30. Also tell me why there were like 3 characters all named James. Like bffr, you couldn't come up with a different name??? At first I thought I was delusional but as I kept reading I clearly wasn't. Not to mention that there were some typos in the writing and the editing should have been better.
I didn't like a lot of the events in the book, especially those towards the end and I thought that they dragged down the book so much. I should've just stopped on the cliffhanger of the first book.
July 17, 2023
An utterly gripping read from start to finish, the first book left off with the cliffhanger and now the couple are back but it seems like they’re picking up the pieces of what once was. I.A. Dice is a storytelling master and her writing is exquisite. I felt the emotions of both sides and could see how hard they fought for one another. The plot, side characters and their romance was top tier.
A quote I LOVED was: ''Misery doesn't just love company, it wants hostages, and right now, my misery holds hostage every on of my painful breaths.''
You can really feel the push and pull Nadia feels as she recovers from an abusive relationship, whilst Thomas is still tangled in his own web of emotions. The characters had substance and continuously grew from their experiences both individually and with one another. The development was top tier and I for one was invested from beginning to end. I.A. Dice, please take a bow. Reading this duet was an experience from start to finish and it was *chefs kiss*. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a complex, heartbreaking, inspiring story to read.
A quote I LOVED was: ''Misery doesn't just love company, it wants hostages, and right now, my misery holds hostage every on of my painful breaths.''
You can really feel the push and pull Nadia feels as she recovers from an abusive relationship, whilst Thomas is still tangled in his own web of emotions. The characters had substance and continuously grew from their experiences both individually and with one another. The development was top tier and I for one was invested from beginning to end. I.A. Dice, please take a bow. Reading this duet was an experience from start to finish and it was *chefs kiss*. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a complex, heartbreaking, inspiring story to read.
May 29, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
I was generously given an arc in exchange for an honest review!
h: Nadia
H: Thomas
(Dual POVs)
You must read The Sound of Salvation before reading The Taste of Redemption. This books starts off a few weeks after the ending of The Sound of Salvation, with Nadia in New York.
Being honest, I wasn’t really sure how I felt about things when I first started reading. I was not a fan of Nadia and I saw her as weak, making excuses for Adrian’s actions. I was very intrigued with the author’s writing style in the first book and I couldn’t be happier that I put my feelings aside at the beginning of this book. It turned out to be such a beautiful story that had me intrigued and engaged the entire time! Just be prepared, because this book can give you some big feelings about a sensitive topic. And Thomas! Where do I start? I wish every woman who was a victim of domestic violence had a Thomas 🥰
Favorite quotes:
And that was what I struggled with most- that she loved the guy who battered her more than she loved the guy who healed her. -Thomas
”Lie better.”
He cupped my face pressing an affectionate kiss to my forehead.
“I don’t love you, baby doll.” -Thomas
I was generously given an arc in exchange for an honest review!
h: Nadia
H: Thomas
(Dual POVs)
You must read The Sound of Salvation before reading The Taste of Redemption. This books starts off a few weeks after the ending of The Sound of Salvation, with Nadia in New York.
Being honest, I wasn’t really sure how I felt about things when I first started reading. I was not a fan of Nadia and I saw her as weak, making excuses for Adrian’s actions. I was very intrigued with the author’s writing style in the first book and I couldn’t be happier that I put my feelings aside at the beginning of this book. It turned out to be such a beautiful story that had me intrigued and engaged the entire time! Just be prepared, because this book can give you some big feelings about a sensitive topic. And Thomas! Where do I start? I wish every woman who was a victim of domestic violence had a Thomas 🥰
Favorite quotes:
And that was what I struggled with most- that she loved the guy who battered her more than she loved the guy who healed her. -Thomas
”Lie better.”
He cupped my face pressing an affectionate kiss to my forehead.
“I don’t love you, baby doll.” -Thomas
June 8, 2020
This is an emotionally, heart wrenching, dark read. When I read the first book in this duet I cried over these characters. And here I am crying over them again. If I could explain the agonizing feeling, it would be like stepping on glass and watching yourself bleed out. I deeply ached for these characters to make their way back to each other.
Its raw and honest and so much truth shines through about something so very real. This author wrote Nadia's struggles with trauma, abuse, and mental health so strongly that you can feel the hurt in your soul. Thomas is in a sense a healer, motivator, and rock that stands with Nadia in the darkness. He has demons of his own but there's no other way, they complete each other in every way.
My heart with this one, its just an unexplainable feeling. Beautifully written. Just an absolutely amazing conclusion to this duet. I needs to be read, it begs to be read.
Its raw and honest and so much truth shines through about something so very real. This author wrote Nadia's struggles with trauma, abuse, and mental health so strongly that you can feel the hurt in your soul. Thomas is in a sense a healer, motivator, and rock that stands with Nadia in the darkness. He has demons of his own but there's no other way, they complete each other in every way.
My heart with this one, its just an unexplainable feeling. Beautifully written. Just an absolutely amazing conclusion to this duet. I needs to be read, it begs to be read.
July 27, 2023
Continuation of the first book. I felt so bad for Thomas at the beginning just because how hard he was taking nadia leaving. I struggled with the chapters with Nadia and Adrian even though they didn't get back together, it was still distressing to see how he was manipulating her but at least she was able to see it this time thanks to Thomas. The sad thing is poor Thomas trying to get over Nadia and Nadia comes back and says she's happy for him and she didn't even try to fight for him...that's my problem. She never once said that she was sorry about what happened and leaving him like she did until he kept fighting for her and being there for her still and that annoyed me a lot. The whole drama with Adrian I was waiting for it to be honest because I was waiting for Thomas to kick his **** especially since everyone was saying Adrian was a boxer but completely forgetting that hey Thomas was in the military for how many years is trained in combat. Overall this was summed up really nicely
May 27, 2020
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“understand that I love the darkness you hide underneath.”
I was a little hesitant to read this book because the first one was so good, but boy I was wrong. I felt every emotion to my core, my heart ached for Thomas and Nadia and their journey to happiness. @ia.dice has a way with words that guts you, I sobbed like a baby. Nadia is my girl, strong, vulnerable, resilient, broken but not shattered. I enjoyed how the author took us through the dynamics of abuse and codependency, this cycle is so strong that sometimes never breaks. It takes someone like Thomas to embrace and love a scare little bird and nurse it back to fly on its own. My soul is so full right now that I don’t have words to express how I fell. This duet is beyond beautiful and by far the best duet I’ve read this year.
“understand that I love the darkness you hide underneath.”
I was a little hesitant to read this book because the first one was so good, but boy I was wrong. I felt every emotion to my core, my heart ached for Thomas and Nadia and their journey to happiness. @ia.dice has a way with words that guts you, I sobbed like a baby. Nadia is my girl, strong, vulnerable, resilient, broken but not shattered. I enjoyed how the author took us through the dynamics of abuse and codependency, this cycle is so strong that sometimes never breaks. It takes someone like Thomas to embrace and love a scare little bird and nurse it back to fly on its own. My soul is so full right now that I don’t have words to express how I fell. This duet is beyond beautiful and by far the best duet I’ve read this year.
October 12, 2024
- [ ] Brother’s Best Friend
- [ ] Dual POV
- [ ] Duet
- [ ] Forbidden Romance
The emotions that were triggered whilst reading this duet where so powerful, raw and gripping that it was amazing. Talking and discussing the difficult topics was heartbreakingly beautiful. Nadia is such a beautiful FMC overcoming her pain, guilt and struggles and feeling the difficult blows that she had to overcome both mentally and physically makes a Taste of Redemption such a beautiful read. Thomas evokes such changes in Nadia and she in him.
This story truly captures the meaning of finding the other half of your should and becoming completed despite all their many challenges. Thomas and Nadia really do find redemption within each other.
- [ ] Dual POV
- [ ] Duet
- [ ] Forbidden Romance
The emotions that were triggered whilst reading this duet where so powerful, raw and gripping that it was amazing. Talking and discussing the difficult topics was heartbreakingly beautiful. Nadia is such a beautiful FMC overcoming her pain, guilt and struggles and feeling the difficult blows that she had to overcome both mentally and physically makes a Taste of Redemption such a beautiful read. Thomas evokes such changes in Nadia and she in him.
This story truly captures the meaning of finding the other half of your should and becoming completed despite all their many challenges. Thomas and Nadia really do find redemption within each other.
May 25, 2020
Wow, I have all of these different thoughts and emotions running amuck after finishing this book. I love when a story is able to render me speechless because usually I can pinpoint certain parts that made me laugh or gave me the little butterflies but Thomas and Nadia’s journey just wasn’t that simple. I.A. Dice delivered a sensitive topic in a way that was brutally honest but offered both salvation and redemption. She showed that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a victim can become a survivor. Watching Nadia and Thomas go through this journey was painfully beautiful but worth every tear along the way.
May 27, 2020
the taste of redemption is more of a look at Nadia and Thomas' story.
The decision has been made now both have to cope with the choices Nadia made .
I really think Adrian shows the pain and sinking one can get to with substance addiction .
proving even false love isn't enough to stop it but I will say we see Nadia gain her backbone even if she is unhinged with the words and comfort of Thomas even after the unthinkable and my word what an emotional journey for his character as well even though this is a heavy read I do think people will enjoy the story
trigger warnings
substance abuse
domestic abuse
attempted suicide
I give this book a 4/5 ⭐
The decision has been made now both have to cope with the choices Nadia made .
I really think Adrian shows the pain and sinking one can get to with substance addiction .
proving even false love isn't enough to stop it but I will say we see Nadia gain her backbone even if she is unhinged with the words and comfort of Thomas even after the unthinkable and my word what an emotional journey for his character as well even though this is a heavy read I do think people will enjoy the story
trigger warnings
substance abuse
domestic abuse
attempted suicide
I give this book a 4/5 ⭐
May 29, 2020
What a fantastic ending to an amazing story! The taste of Redemption will put you through emotional turmoil. These two even though are meant for eachother, Thomas cant forgive her for going back to her abusive ex. Nadia went back to the states to help Adrian stay clean. Nadia returned to her family but the connection between her and Thomas is strong. She wants him to be happy and he doesnt want her with anyone, even though he cant forgive her.
This is a love story of two people needing to overcome their own demons. So beautifully told with a HEA that'll leave you swooning!
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
This is a love story of two people needing to overcome their own demons. So beautifully told with a HEA that'll leave you swooning!
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
October 1, 2023
Tragic to Triumph?
This book should have an X rating! The sex is hot and steamy but also contains violence, domestic abuse, co-dependency, drug abuse, smoking and alcohol abuse. I was disappointed with the lack of recovery of the main character, Nadia, choosing to only go to counseling instead of also adding a recovery program. And, was Thomas really well recovered from his own personal trauma? His passiveness and dominance had me wondering if Nadia had gone from one co-dependent relationship to another. While the ending appeared to be one of reconciliation and healing, was it really?
This book should have an X rating! The sex is hot and steamy but also contains violence, domestic abuse, co-dependency, drug abuse, smoking and alcohol abuse. I was disappointed with the lack of recovery of the main character, Nadia, choosing to only go to counseling instead of also adding a recovery program. And, was Thomas really well recovered from his own personal trauma? His passiveness and dominance had me wondering if Nadia had gone from one co-dependent relationship to another. While the ending appeared to be one of reconciliation and healing, was it really?
May 24, 2020
I LOVED this book! It was the perfect ending to Thomas and Nadia. It had a ton of ups and downs and you learn all of Nadia’s secrets. Nadia has once again been through hell and she needs to find a way back again. Thomas wants to be there for Nadia but he doesn’t know if he can trust her not to leave him again if Aidrian asked her.
“Can you stay until I fall asleep?” she uttered. Her warm breath made the hair on my neck stand on end. “I’ll be here when you wake up, baby doll.”
This is a must read book!
I have received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
“Can you stay until I fall asleep?” she uttered. Her warm breath made the hair on my neck stand on end. “I’ll be here when you wake up, baby doll.”
This is a must read book!
I have received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
May 29, 2020
Deliverance duet is full of angst and suspenseful moments. A love story that it’s not easy at all, a love that has to take a ride through so many obstacles and acceptance, many hard decisions to make and abide by them.
I love Nadia and her big heart and how she puts others first before her heart and dreams. She’s been through so much and her past is catching up with her. The only place where she feels safe it’s Thomas but it’s he willing to forgive her? To forget all his broken heart and hope for a better future?
I love Nadia and her big heart and how she puts others first before her heart and dreams. She’s been through so much and her past is catching up with her. The only place where she feels safe it’s Thomas but it’s he willing to forgive her? To forget all his broken heart and hope for a better future?
May 29, 2020
Okay guys I have been waiting for this book for awhile! The cliff hanger was such a killer! Seriously! And then the worst part is you then start reading and you are still on edge because this book is crazy! I honestly am so sad and want another book in the series! I think that this series also did an amazing job and shows what an abusive relationship can be like as well as showing when mental health problems really look like. They are not what everyone thinks they are. I really appreciate what @ia.dice did throughout this whole series.
May 24, 2020
This was the perfect second half of the duet. Nadia has progressed so much since the opening of the first book and it was even nicer to see 8 months on in the epilogue how she was getting on. It was nice to see Thomas struggle and his warring emotions regarding forgiving Nadia. It shows that nobody is perfect and sometimes things take work and patience.
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