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Forgiven

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Alek Pierce is recovering from injuries sustained during a routine training exercise gone wrong. Aside from jeopardizing his future as a Navy aviator, the experience reinforced his belief that military life and having a family don’t mix. Alek wants to get back in the air and maintain the status quo. A relationship isn’t on his radar.

But when he meets Shannon, he slowly begins to question everything he once believed to be true.

Shannon McKenzie has sworn off relationships for her own reasons. She yearns for love, but two devastating failures convinced her that she’s better off alone. She concentrates on her career as a vet, believing that animals are easier to deal with than people.

Until the day Alek visits the clinic with his mother’s dog, and her world is turned upside-down.

Shannon is immediately smitten with the handsome Navy pilot, but she’s heard the stories about Alek’s womanizing ways. He’s also her best friend’s stepbrother, and for that reason alone, he should be off-limits.

As the two stitch together a tenuous friendship, Shannon can’t resist Alek’s charm, and a glimmer of hope begins to form.

Can they overcome their combined baggage, or are they both too jaded to make a fresh start?

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2022

4 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Ember Dante

10 books112 followers

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
3,721 reviews42 followers
June 11, 2022
This is a book in A Salvation Society Novel Series and it is Alek and Shannon's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Alek is a pilot in The Navy and while on a training exercise things go wrong and he ends up injured and on leave until he heals. Shannon is a vet and loves her job and while at a gala with her best friend Holden something happens that not only upsets Shannon but also left her disappointed and annoyed. The chemistry and attraction between Alek and Shannon was so strong and intense but Alek doesn't do relationships or commitments but he loves spending time with her but the only problem is that Shannon is best friend's with Holden who is Alek's step brother and they didn't get on with each other so that could cause problems all around. The more time that Alek and Shannon spend together the closer they become but now things are even more complicated but will it be a happy ending or will everything fall apart leaving them missing out on something special but only time will tell what the outcome will be for them all. I absolutely loved this book and the connection between them was so strong and it was such a beautiful thing to watch them come together and realise what they have even though it wasn't plain sailing and I couldn't put this book down as it was a real page turner and so addictive and it is definitely worth reading.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
June 12, 2022
Alek is a military officer who finds himself on leave where he must deal with the physical and emotional aftereffects of the injury. When he meets his stepbrother’s best friend Shannon there is no denying the chemistry between them but due to his past he doesn’t believe that love or a relationship can be part of his future.

Shannon is a veterinarian who has decided that it is best to give her love to animals as she hasn’t made the best choices when it comes to the men she allows in her life. Although her best friend Holden has warned her that Alek is bad news her heart tells her differently, but they definitely had some setbacks along the way.

I really enjoyed seeing Alek and Shannon’s relationship unfold as they not only had to battle not only the obstacles they created but outside obstacles as well which only made their love that much stronger.
Profile Image for Suzana.
710 reviews26 followers
June 12, 2022
*ARC provided by author, Candi Kane PR and I’m leaving an honest review*

✔Romantic suspense
✔Best friend’s stepbrother
✔Friends to lovers
✔Slow burn
✔Navy aviator (pilot) / veterinarian
✔A gorgeous, but slightly tortured, displeased, sullen, grumpy, brooding alpha hero who is dealing with a lot and carries a weight of the world on his shoulders
✔A vulnerable, strong, sassy, sweet heroine who is a veterinarian and not really equipped in dealing with our sullen hero
✔Witty banter
✔Fast paced
✔Riveting / raw
✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room
✔Fun cast of supporting characters / visiting old friends
✔Off – the- charts chemistry
✔Intense
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔A beautiful love story

This is my first book by Ember Dante. Forgiven is a part of The Salvation Society world but can be read as a standalone. This is riveting and engaging story mixed with chaos, tragedy, danger, heat, love and healing. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the amazingly written story and a raw, emotional at times heartbreaking plot that the author so skillfully intertwined and told.

Alek and Shannon have their work cut out for them to their HEA. Alek and Shannon’s story is emotional, messy, beautiful and raw love story. They challenge each other every step of the way and make each other better. They shouldn’t work but absolutely do. I think that from the beginning they seem already so smitten with each other. Alek is recovering from a potentially career ending injuries sustained during a routine training exercise gone wrong. Because of that he is struggling even though he has a wonderful family support and support within military. Due to Alek’s past he thinks that military and relationships don’t go together. Shannon is sweet, wonderful veterinarian yet vulnerable, headstrong and jaded. She has been hurt in the past so she is being careful and not ready for the relationship. The chemistry and tension between them was everything. I liked them from the moment they interacted the first time. They started with an easy yet tenuous friendship which turned into something more. Alek and Shannon are flawed and complex with insecurities, emotional baggage, past and own demons they need to overcome. Their journey together isn’t easy; it’s filled with so many obstacles, but I love they fought for each other and their chance at something great.

It is very enjoyable, well written and developed. The characters are complex, the plot is strong and some of the storyline unpredictable. If you enjoy romantic suspense with elements of military romance, friends to lovers, struggles, challenges, a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, believing in love, secrets then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,312 reviews20 followers
June 15, 2022
Sometimes we need to look into our past and forgive what has happened in order to move forward to find the love we never thought we wanted. Alek just had the scare of his life and is not going to have to not only work on getting back to health but see a phycologist. He's not apposed to it whatever get's him back in the cockpit he will do it. When his mom asks him for a favor to take her pup to the vet he's about to find out how strong a woman can be. Shannon is adorable and I loved her from page one. She's a veterinarian with a heart of gold that just wants to find happiness. When she walks into an exam room and finds the hottest man she has ever seen. She realized that he is her best friend Holden's stepbrother. This makes things a bit complicated, however, her happiness is what is important. As these two get to know each other they find out more than just about each other, but how their past still has a hold of them. Can they let go of what plagues them and move forward to fall in love? Or will her best friend have a thing or two to say about it? Find out how much these two will fight for what they want.
1,852 reviews50 followers
June 9, 2022
This is my first read from Ember Dante. I really enjoyed this book and the wonderful characters.

Alek is recovering from a potential career ending injury and he is struggling. He has a wonderful support system within and outside the military. His family dynamic is interesting and his step brother Holden is a complete jerk!

Shannon is a sweet and caring Veterinarian offers free services to others and wants to save all the animals. She is best friends with Holden - the jerk.

Alek and Shannon’s friendship begins very organically with wonderful banter and conversation. They are delightful characters that Ember writes in way that are very relatable. Things are not perfect as Alek and Shannon face some challenges - they have to determine if they are willing to fight for their relationship.

I haven’t read all the Salvation Society books but enjoyed learning about the other characters in this book. The banter between the guys is awesome and the support from the ladies is awesome.

I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
832 reviews
June 16, 2022
There was just something that I loved so much about this story. The emotions and feelings that were able to be pulled out of me allowed for me to resonate so much more with Alek and Shannon. The right about of angst, the right amount of conflict, that led it all to be realistic.

Alek unexpectedly finds himself with his moms dog, at an appointment with Shannon at the vets office. Through both points of view, we find out Shannon’s best friend, Holden, is the one in the same Holden that is Alek’s step brother, creating a bit of a speed bump for them. Right away, Shannon and Alek do hit it off but come across a few additional hurdles along the way. Mentally, Alek has to get his head back in the game to not only be able to get back to flying as a navy aviator, but to make sure he can have the relationship he truly wants with Shannon.

I loved their happily ever after that was easily but realistically wrapped up in a perfect little bow. If you’re looking for a feel good quick story, this one’s for you.
1,149 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2022
Alek and Shannon gradually become friends after a chance meeting. He is focused on his career and convinced that his military life isn't conducive to having a family. Shannon has had a couple of bad relationships and is determined to focus on her veterinary career. He is her best friends step brother and that is another reason to stay away. But with the chemistry they have can they ignore the feelings starting to develop?

I fell hard for Alek. He was determined to get back to his life of combat missions. He was the perfect hero who was tough on the outside but with a softer side. Shannon seemed to grow as they became closer and learned to stand up for herself and not let her best friend walk on her. This one was sweet, steamy and so much fun. A new to me author I am interested in checking out more of her work.
3 reviews
June 12, 2022
I received an advanced copy of Forgiven by new to me author Ember Dante. I
truly loved the story of Alek and Shannon. Alek is a navy aviator on leave after an accident and Shannon is a veterinarian. In this story we do get to see the Salvation hero’s with most focus on Ben and Gretchen through friendship and not a role at Cole Security.

I really enjoyed the story and watching Alek work through past traumas. I would have liked to see what happens with Holden and this relationship either in the story or bonus content.

I would definitely recommend this book and be sure to download the bonus chapter!
Profile Image for Amy Leibenguth.
780 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2022
What happens when 2 people who are not looking for anything find forever? That is this book. Shannon swore off men because she failed at her last two relationships. And Alek is a navy boy through and through not looking for a long term relationship. But Shannon knocks him for a loop when they meet while he is on medical leave. I enjoyed both of these characters, they were such a good match. Shannon Tom no crap from m Alek and made him work for what he wanted. Definitely an author I will read more about f.
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2022
Forgiven by Ember Dante is part of This Salvation Society series and was a new author for me. I have only read a few books in the series, but I have enjoyed the ones I have read. The book grabbed my attention in the beginning and was certainly a page-turner. Alek and Shannon were likable and very easy to relate to. I loved watching their friendship and slow-burn romance grow. This is a book you will want to read if you like military romance and grumpy heroes.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Loretta.
24 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2022
This book is part of the Salvation Society and I always enjoy visiting with those Navy SEALS. I really liked Alek and Shannon’s love story, but they had to really work for it. The best friend/step-brother didn’t do a thing to help. In spite of the interference Alek and Shannon do have their HEA!!

This is my first book by Ember Dante, but it won’t be my last. Thanks for great addition to the Salvation Society.
4,281 reviews54 followers
June 12, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ Shannon and Holden are best friends, he wants more but she doesn't. When she meets his stepbrother Alek there is chemistry there. Especially when his mom played a hand in them meeting. Holden really annoyed me, he was a selfish friend and I did not like the things he was doing. Alek was in therapy and pushed Shannon away. Overall I enjoyed the story.

I received this copy and my spoiler free review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,189 reviews27 followers
June 13, 2022
I loved this one!
It has just enough love and anguish in it to keep it interesting!
Shannon and Alek have Holden in common, but that’s not necessarily a good thing... you’ll want to smack or shake or yell at him a few times - just saying!

They meet and sparks fly. Too bad they have a hard time being on the same page at the same time! No worries, these two finally get it better and have a happily ever after!
Profile Image for Kayla Pocernich.
1,757 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2022
I loved this book and I felt every emotion while I was reading it. Alek and Shannon were everything and you can't help but fall in love with these two. The chemistry between them is amazing and what starts as a forbidden relationship turns into so much more than that. This book will rip your heart out but it will be healed by the time you finish reading it. Take a chance on this book and you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,765 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
Alek and Shannon's story in the Salvation Society World is a must read! These two have a slow-burn, witty and at times, angsty romance. I enjoyed the plotline and the characters. Penned with vivid details and mannerisms, the author did indeed make this story "come to life" in my mind. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
5,621 reviews
June 12, 2022
My second novel by this author.

I need more, more, more!

Ms. Dante excelled at the dialogue, which I love!

The banter, the slow-burn romance had me turning page after page waiting impatiently to see what would be next.

I adored Alek and Shannon. I dare you not to fall in love with them!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,354 reviews73 followers
June 7, 2022
Alek and Shannon have to work for their HEA. Alek's stepbrother and the kinks he throws in didn't help things either. He's quite the guy. Their story is kind of a slow burn read and they both have things to work through to get where they're going but in the end it's all worth it.
1,304 reviews
June 16, 2022
Another new author for me which is something I am really liking about these worlds. This story was very enjoyable and had great characters. I did enjoy reading it however it didn't give me the desperate need to find out what happened next.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,486 reviews53 followers
June 9, 2022
Loved Alek and Shannon
All the feels
Intense emotional heartstopping love story
Grabbed my heart
Ready for more
Profile Image for Kristin Wolter.
463 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2022
This is my first book that I have read by Ember Dante. I enjoyed reading about Alek and Shannon's relationship. It was definitely worth reading. I look forward to read her other books too.
Profile Image for Nicole Collins.
1,394 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2022
What a great story. Intense action packed injury, therapy, finding love and healing. Interesting twists and turns and some steamy pages. Could not put this book down. Highly recommended by me.
Profile Image for Sheri Bishop.
507 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2022
Oh my gosh I loved Alek and Shannon. Couldn't put it down until I was done. I wish them a happily ever after
Profile Image for Charlene.
5,684 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2022
When you have to work hard for something, it means more to you. Love Alex and Dolittle.
Profile Image for Edie L.
2,098 reviews16 followers
June 13, 2022
Forgiven by Ember Dante

We are back to the Salvation Society. This one has a lot less of the men we all love but still they had a hit of an appearance. This is Alek and Shannon’s story. I liked the journey they took to where they wanted to be. It’s sweet and light hearted. I liked the friendship they developed before anything else and speaking of friends ugh i really wanted to slap Holden over and over again yet I want to know what happens to him. Above all I enjoyed it and would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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