Redemption

Saint Squad #11

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings.

At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with the very men who ended his own life of crime before it began—the Saint Squad.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Lds Fiction, Mystery

314 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2021

About the author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the eleventh of the Saint Squad series but my first book by the author, I didn't have any problems understanding. I plan to read her other books and have already purchased the first book to get started.
This series is based around a group of SEALs, the Saint Squad, and their friends and family. Riley, married to Tristan of the Squad, has a company she started that helps law enforcement and others prepare for violent situations. She was the victim of a violent situation years ago and wants to help others. Gage, a young man with a complicated past, not of his own making, has been hired by Riley for his background. Skyler's family owns the hotel where the seminars are held and volunteers for Riley. The two young people are attracted to each other but when events happen that draw them into danger, including an attempt on the life of a politician running for president, their relationship is affected. They have to deal with what they have been through and figure how to move forward with trust and hope. I liked the characters and the close relationships they have as they work together under dangerous situations. We get a glimpse into the individual lives of characters from prior stories and Skyler's crazy, wealthy family. A thread of romance and faith run through the story. I recommend this to those who enjoy a suspenseful, action filled story with a military cast that also involves some tension filled relationships.
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. The opinions and thoughts are mine only.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I heard there was going to be another Saint Squad book coming out. This one is about a character we met in Lockdown. You don't have to read Lockdown before reading Redemption but if you do you'll understand the Saint Squad's reactions to Gage.

This book couldn't have a more perfect title. Redemption is what Gage is looking for. He wants everyone to see him as Gage and not the troubled, brainwashed teenager named Eric he was 5 years ago. He worked hard to make changes to his life and move forward. He's doing his best to leave that painful part of his life behind, but wonders if that's possible when his past keeps popping up to remind people of who he was.

I was surprised how long it took Tristan to accept that Gage had truly changed. I was not happy with one of my favorite Saint Squad members. Thank goodness his wife, Riley, helped him see the light so to speak.

I liked that the readers know who the bad guys are while the book characters are trying to figure it out. These are the books that have me talking to the characters: "Don't go there!", "You don't want to do that!" and have me on the edge of my seat from the suspense wondering if the good guys will put the pieces all together before it's too late. I love that we get to see all the characters we love from the Saint Squad books, their spouses, the Whitmores etc. I loved all the suspense, especially at the end!!

I really like the character of Skyler Prescott, and thought she and Gage made a great couple. I liked that Skyler was so different from her siblings--she didn't act like the daughter of a billionaire hotel mogul. She went to college and worked at one of her father's hotels like a "regular" person.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley, but I also bought a digital copy for my personal library. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessssss! Finally! I have a new book in the Saint Squad series to read! Redemption is HERE! I might be a little bit excited. This is my favorite type of book by this author- this romantic military/government suspense. She writes all kinds of books really well, but this is my favorite genre.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning with Gage and Skyler. There is an excellent build of character connections, emotion and plot that leads to such an explosive ending. It was so exciting! The "bad guys" are obvious to the reader from the beginning but not to the characters so there was always that extra tension of knowing something they didn't know and hoping they would figure it out. Gage's arch was particularly satisfying and I was so invested in his growth and success. I'm like a Gage cheerleader- "come on, Gage! Don't give up! You can do it! Believe in yourself! You've got this! You are capable, smart and worthy of good things!" See? Cheerleader.

The Saint Squad novels build on each other with the same characters showing up in all the books and some cross over of plot lines. I don't think you have to read the previous (10!!) books before reading this one but you might be more satisfied if you do. These characters become like family after so many books and some of the inside jokes might be missed.

I really love the cover on this book. The actual title print is awesome and I love the graphics as well. It's a great representation of what this book is about.

This whole book just made me happy. I'm ready for more.

Content: peril, violence, death, mass shootings, kissing, some Christian elements (going to church, praying).

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am convinced Traci Abramson has magical powers. Magical powers that consist of amazing writing skills, the ability to keep you reading a book until you finish that day/night, and she always leaves you wanting more. Redemption is an action-packed thriller from start to finish. Just when you think a big climax ends and you will get a break in the action, another starts immediately and leaves your heart pounding. I don't think I will ever get tired of reading The Saint Squad, or Guardian books for that matter. While you are turning pages quickly with all the amazing action, there's a sweet, budding romance blooming. Gage and Skyler both have a past and I enjoyed getting to know them and watch them overcome and triumph. All the enduring characters you love from this series are here and better than ever!

Redemption is a great read. Very enjoyable book.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 stars***

There are some book series that you can read the books back to back multiple times and never get tired of them. The Saint Squad fall in that category for me.

In this edition, we get to meet Gage. He held a class hostage as a teenager and is not working to get move forward in spite of his past. Everything comes full circle for him when he takes a job to help prevent mass shootings. This brings him into proximity of Skyler, who is fighting demons of her own.

The book has the perfect title. Gage is working on righting the wrongs from his past. He has a new name and doesn't willingly let others in. He holds his past tightly and struggles to glue the pieces of his life together into one whole person. Skyler is part of the process for him. She accepts the person that he is and doesn't pry his past from him. She gives him hope for a happy future. That is until his past and present collide and his life starts to fall break back into pieces.

This book is part of a series but can be read by itself. The characters are amazing no matter the order the books are read. The Saint Squad is a cohesive unit, their strengths shine in crisis, but you don't need their back story to enjoy this one.

Traci Hunter Abramson is an author that I will buy her books even if I don't know what they are about. I enjoy every single book of hers that I have read. I highly recommend this one.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traci Hunter Abramson is one of my very favorite authors. I love the way she writes her books. They are filled with characters that I’ve gotten to know and love through the series, and they are so suspenseful! I never want to put her books down in the middle, they are so great!

This one is a Saint Squad book, I LOVE those! It doesn’t focus on the Saint Squad, but they are an integral part of the story line. And I love that. This author is really great at many point of views. I love how the story is told from so many perspectives. It makes it so I can yell at the characters not to go somewhere, because the reader knows what the bad guy does, at least a little. How come those characters never listen? That’s what I want to know.

This one is primarily about Gage and Skyler. I loved these two! Gage was the shooter in one of those school gun situations, except he never shot anyone. I loved seeing his perspective in this book. How he was as a teen versus how he is as an adult. He was able to move past his past, as long as everyone lets him. And isn’t that all any of us really want?

Skyler is the daughter of a hotel mogul. But she just wants to live a regular life. Finish college, and work at the hotel job she loves. It was kind of an interesting comparison to see how she lived day to day versus how she lived when she was with her family.

This book has plenty of suspense, and action. I loved every minute of reading it. And I can’t wait for more books by this author!

I was sent a copy of Redemption as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[A.L. Sowards]

I was lucky enough to snag an early copy of this book (one of the perks of sharing a publisher). This one comes out in September, and if you enjoy clean contemporary suspense, this is one you’ll want to check out.

Gage Stewart is trying to overcome his past. He made some serious mistakes when he was a teenager, but five years later, he’s come a long way toward a new, better life. He’s offered a job with a company that trains people how to react to shooting incidents, but the company’s owner is married to a member of the Saint Squad, and most of the SEALs still see Gage as the teenager with the gun in the hostage situation they were called in to help with five years before. Add in Skyler, a rich college student who just wants a normal life, and a complicated Russian plot to assassinate a politician, and you’ve got a book that will keep you flying through the pages to see what will happen next.

Gage and Skyler are mostly-new characters to this series, so the book can be read as a stand-alone novel, though it probably works better if you’ve read at least some of the other Saint Squad books. My favorite aspects of the book were the growth in Gage and Skyler’s characters, and the fast-paced plot, particularly during the second half of the book. Redemption is an entertaining, suspenseful read with a cast of wholesome characters (and a few villains).

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a highly anticipated book for me (and many others)! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I loved being able to join up with all my friends from The Saint Squad series and see more of the happenings in their lives. But, what I was most excited about was being able to see one character in particular. Eric from Lockdown, book #2. Eric now goes by Gage and is the main male character in this book. I was so happy to know there was something positive and good happening for him, especially after all the struggles and heartache he experienced in Lockdown.

This book's topic could be hard for several readers as it deals with an active shooter. I had an event from my past that makes this sensitive for me to read. I'll admit that reading Lockdown was hard. But at the same time, time has passed as well as me healing. I've read a couple other books on this subject which I think really helped. Thinking about different perspectives has definitely helped with the healing. And I have to say that I loved that aspect about this book. I loved seeing Gage being able to have Redemption and find himself in this book. I loved seeing he was able to heal himself and move forward and find peace and joy and hope in his life.

Skyler is also trying to make her own way in the world and not having to be in the shadow of her family name and all that entails. I loved watching her story and then Gage's story, then seeing their stories come together and their ability to help each other. It was great! And the sweet love story between them was wonderful as well.

Don't worry all you Traci Hunter Abramson fans out there who love the suspense aspect of her books. There is plenty of that in this baby! And it was intense! Wowsers! I didn't want to put this book down at all. But I had to read it in small sections because of life right now. But you better believe that I thoroughly enjoyed everyone of those moments that I was able to read it. I had to close the book sometimes during those nail biting moments, the ones where you're not sure what's going to happen but you really should read the next couple pages in the chapter (or the whole chapter) just to find out that everyone is ok. Yeah, I couldn't read the next chapter and find out. So I'd have to wait hours sometimes to discover if all ended well in that particular scene. Ugh. The suspense was killing me!!!!

Thanks Traci Hunter Abramson for the heartburn. ;-) Just kidding!!! I love when a book can pull me in and have me wondering what is going to happen, how is a scene going to play out, will everyone be ok, or is this the moment when we say goodbye to a beloved character? And this book definitely caused me to wonder all of those. Plus, I kept trying to figure out how many times Jay would end up in a tree. Hahahahaha!!!! You'll need to read the books to understand that comment. I'm so grateful for this author's sense of humor. These Saint Squad guys and their ladies are seriously the best. The suspense is great but there are so many fun moments. The author writes with a nice balance of both.

If you haven't read the previous books, no worries. This book was written so as to be a stand alone. And if I didn't know who all these characters were beforehand, I would have been pulled right in and not been wondering about all these previous books and such. So, know you can read it as a stand alone. Yay! But honestly, you're gonna enjoy it that you'll want to go back and read them all. I had read the books in the companion series, The Guardians but not the books in the Saint Squad series. I knew somewhat about these characters because of their appearance in the Guardians series. But when this book was announced I quickly listened to all of the previous books so I was up to date. They were AWESOME!!!!! I listened to them on Deseret Bookshelf Plus if you're looking for a good platform for doing so.

My final thoughts...FABULOUS!!! A must read for clean suspense fiction readers.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and death. The author writes those moments very tastefully and not overly graphic. Some sweet and clean romance. The characters are Christian and so there is some mild talk about them going to church or praying before missions for help and protection. There isn't any detail in the church meetings or prayers, just that they went and say them.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption is a fast paced, action packed, romantic read that’s hard to put down! I’m embarrassed to say that this is my first Traci Hunter Abramson book. (Why has it taken me so long to read her books?!) At first, I thought I would go back and read all the books in the Saints Squad series since this is the 11th. However, I thought it might be good to read this book not knowing much about the series to offer a different perspective. I mainly wanted to see if it could be read as a stand alone.

The main focus of this story is Gage aka Eric Rhodes. Five years ago, at the age of 15, he was shot by a Saint Squad member while attempting to carry out a school shooting. Most people including members of the Saint Squad think he’s irredeemable, however after five years of therapy and a college degree in criminal psychology, Gage is ready to move on with his life. He’s been hired by Riley (the wife of Tristan -Saint Squad member) to work for her Palmetta Institute, an organization that trains educators and first responders in shooting scenarios. Riley has always believed in Gage and his ability to change and recover. She’s offered him not only a job but a second chance to help others learn from his unique insights.

Skyler, the daughter of a wealthy hotel chain owner, is working in one of her father’s hotels where the Palmetta Institute is currently holding training classes. Skyler wants very little to do with her family’s lavish and paparazzi followed lifestyle. She’s trying to fly under the radar and have a more normal life. She sometimes participates in the mock shooting trainings at the hotel which is where she meets Gage. They form a fast friendship that quickly begins to turn into something more. However, both are keeping secrets about their past and when a date goes horribly wrong and they’re involved in a mass shooting, things begin to get even more complicated. Was this just an isolated incident, or were the shooters targeting someone? With shooters on the loose and an unanticipated visit to the hotel from Sen. Whitmore, an up and coming Presidential candidate, Gage, Skyler, Riley, and the entire Saint Squad must do everything they can to keep each other and the Senator safe.

This book was amazing and surpassed my expectations. Not only can it be read as a stand alone, but I felt like I got a good glimpse of all of the main characters and am intrigued enough that I’ll definitely go back and read the other books in the series. I’m sure fans of the previous 10 books will appreciate this book even more as they are familiar with the characters and their backstories.

Loved Gage! He’s very sympathetic and you can’t help but want him to succeed. Skyler is delightfully sweet and a good match for Gage. I enjoyed the camaraderie and fun dynamics between the Saint Squad members and their families, which definitely made me want to read the other books in the series.

While this story resolves nicely, there are a few questions left that point to future storylines. With a clean romance, action (no graphic details), humor, mentions of faith, and a message of redemption, this is a must read for clean, action/adventure, romance fans! I look forward to reading more of this series and more books by Traci Hunter Abramson. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the mistake of starting this in the evening. My husband made fun of me the next day because I had stayed up much later than I had intended. I could not put it down. That should be all there is to say about this one.

The redemption story was fantastic. I loved seeing the Whitmore run for presidency be impacted in this one. The characters are well developed as is the "saint squad" that headlines these stories.

Admission - This is the first Saint Squad I have read. I have read some of the Guardian ones which overlap the Whitmore characters. I am going to have to go back and read them all, but this book can be read without them as it is a good stand alone story. There were some remnants of an overarching story, but you can still follow what is going on without all the back story.

The action and suspense were on point and like I said, I couldn't put this sleep stealer down.

I received an early copy through Covenant Communications and NetGalley.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast action book from the beginning to end. This is a book you won't want to put down.
I think what I liked most about this book was how each person worked as a team. Working as a team is awesome.
I enjoyed every minute of this book and I especially liked learning about certain things if something does happen and what to do during that situation.
The author did a great job in her research.
Skylar was my favorite person. I wouldn't mind being more like her but I guess God has His reasons for making us who we are.
A great read and one I highly recommend.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've previously read book 10 in the series, but none of the other ones. There are a lot of characters who are part of the squad and they care for each other like family.

Gage and Skyler are the main characters in this story, even though we get scenes in other POVs, including the two shooters, for the sake of narrative.

It was an interesting perspective to have Gage hired on for his past experience as the attempted shooter when he was a teen. He's changed his name and he wants to put his past behind him, but it's that unique perspective that gives him insight into the situations that arise.
Skyler works at the hotel her family owns, a family that has lots of problems, and she tries to live a normal life despite the money she comes from.

As Gage and Skyler spend more time with each other, their friendship fills a need they each have, and at times their insecurities get in the way.

The assassination plot was crazy! Senator Whitmore does have nine lives, it seems.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traci Hunter Abramson’s novel, Redemption, is—quite simply—extraordinary. Blending her signature, heart-pounding suspense with the poignant, personal development of a character desperate to re-invent himself, Abramson masterfully balances intense tension with tender caring. Her fans will be thrilled to be re-immersed in the loyalty, laughter, and friendship intrinsic to the Saint Squad, while coming to love and admire new characters who exemplify courage and strength in a totally different way. Redemption is a thought-provoking story that will linger with readers long after they finish the last page.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visiting a story involving the Saint Squad is like visiting family. I can't get enough of their stories and the way they intersect and connect.

Redemption is all about moving on from a traumatic past, receiving a second chance at life, finding hope and peace (not to mention love), and using one's history to help others. Gage was manipulated and brainwashed into participating in a terrible hostage situation. The outcome was (thankfully) a good one and now he's ready to move on and help others avoid tragedy. Skyler is a hotel tycoon's daughter, trying to make a name for herself and put distance between herself and her dramatic and chaotic family.

I love the way this author brings a healthy dose of suspense in with a highly engaging and entertaining tale and then sprinkles in the romantic tension. The mix is the perfect combination that leaves me on the edge of my seat, flipping pages as quickly as possible, while trying to savor the intensity and relationships.

I'm always down for a Saint Squad novel and this one didn't disappoint!

Content/TW: mild romance; mild+ moments of peril/danger (mass shootings, death, attempted assassination, etc--non-graphic)

*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.* **I also purchased a copy of my own.**

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traci's books are always a good time.

Even though this is Saint Squad #11, i'm here to tell you that you don't need to have read any of the previous ones in order to enjoy Redemption. This was my first and it read as a standalone.

What I loved about this book is that I could feel Traci's personality in these pages, and her love for her background in the CIA.

She combines themes of first love, old love, found family, remorse, action and yes REDEMPTION all in one book. Probably my favorite part of this book was the theme that you are more than the worst thing you've done. The past doesn't define our present and we can work to make our lives what we want. Also I feel like traci must be hungry when she writes books because her characters are always eating delicious food in them.

This is the kind of book your grandma to your teen could read and all would enjoy without any darker content.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: attempted school shooting, mass public shooting/assassination. I don't get triggered often but I did get a little anxiety from these chapters. I did experience a little anxiety after the batman shooting in aurora CO and wasn't able to visit theaters for years after without watching movement and exits. This is one of my worst fears. BUT I did find it really uplifting that the program described within the book taught law enforcement how to respond to these certain situations.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Traci Hunter Abramson's books but The Saint Squad series is my absolute favorite. There is just something about these Navy Seals that are strong, courageous, faithful, and loyal to each other as family members would be. Each of their stories has been amazing and I knew to expect the same with Redemption. All of the Saint Squad was in this book, along with main characters Gage who is trying to start a new life after a traumatic childhood full of abuse, and Skyler Prescott, daughter of a wealthy tycoon who desperately wants to live a normal life. Once the two meet they know they've found something special and are amazed at how quickly they become close to one another.

The action, intrigue, and suspense are in high gear as both Gage and Skyler are working with Riley in a class on how to deal with mass shootings. Gage as a teen, once was the one holding a gun on a class full of teenagers, though he never shot anyone. Gage has moved on, graduated from college, and now works for Riley, Navy Seal Tristan's wife. I really loved Gage's journey of healing and truly moving forward in his life. Skyler too has her own course to follow to find independence from her family obsessed with wealth and fame. My favorite thing was to have Presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore once again in this novel. His daughter is married to one of the Saint Squad. His life is still in danger in this novel and the Saint Squad goes into action to protect him. Those are some of my favorite action-packed parts of the book when they are doing their Navy Seal work.

I read this book really fast like I do all of Traci's books. I stayed up way too late because, you know, "Just One More Chapter". This is the 11th book in this series. Yes, you could just read this first without reading the others but you will be missing out on so much as far as relationships, past history, and how everything connects in this newest novel. This novel had it all and I'm anxiously waiting now for the next one to come out.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it has been a while since you read book 2 in this series (Lockdown) be sure you go back and re-read it before reading this book. That is what I did and I am so glad that I did. I almost gave this 4 stars but I felt it ended with too many loose ends. I can’t really say too much without spoilers but I was disappointed that so many key parts of the underlying story were just left unresolved. There will probably be another book in the series but I prefer a book to stand on its own and I don’t like waiting for a new book to come out to wrap up a storyline.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting adventure that dives back into the saint squad series! The book is aptly named, a story of redemption and how people can change. Gage and Skyler are likeable, and I enjoyed how their characters were defined in who they wanted to be and what they stood for. It was so exciting to see the saint squad and the Whitmores again!

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am already a fan of the Saint Squad and eagerly read their latest adventure. Abramson creates stand alone books with cross over characters involving a Navy Seal team and their families. In this pulsating adventure Riley hires Gage as a consultant for her company that trains police and others on handing live shootings. Gage's life experience is unique. Five years ago he was manipulated and brought a gun to his high school wanting to kill his father. While starting his new job he stays at the Prescott hotel where he meets and befriends Skylar Prescott. They are both barely in their 20s and start spending time together. The other plot involves trying to assassinate a US senator running for president. Both storylines mesh together well. I like how the author goes into the feelings of survivors of shootings. I was also happy to have cameos of several of the other main characters from the previous books catching up briefly on their lives. As always these books are clean. Religion is part of the Seals lives, praying and attending church, without a denomination mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great addition to the Saint Squad series! Loved it. The characters continue to get developed in such fun ways. You will want to be part of their"family"!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total sleep stealer of a book, I could not put this one down! I loved revisiting the Saint Squad and how this story connected to Lockdown from years ago. It was fresh and original. The plot easily held my attention and I felt emotionally invested in all the characters' lives.
Abramson has this incredible talent for bringing in real life scenarios and possibilities to her books. Redemption is one such example. The approach she took toward the emotional impact of mass shootings was sensitive and informative. She was authentic in the descriptions (nothing graphic or gory), but focused on the healing power of love and kindness and this book carried an overall message of hope.
The pacing was stellar and I also loved the mix of the action, suspense, humor, and romance. I was so immersed that when I finished, I just wanted to read it and the other Saint Squad books all over again.
While this can be read as a standalone, I strongly encourage reading at least Lockdown first. All of Traci's books are incredibly well-written, I can't recommend them enough.
Five stars from me!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption is one of my favorite themes in books and is well-developed in this one. Gage wants to move forward with his life and not be held back by his past. Skyler wants to be her own person, not just the controlled daughter of a rich father. The dialogue flows well and feels natural. The action is full of tension. The villains are believable. I love the Saint Squad and hope to be able to go back and read more of this series, but Redemption definitely stands on its own. There's a happy for now ending. I would gladly read more of Ms. Abramson's books and recommend them highly to readers that like clean suspense with some romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating 3.8
This book introduced a new (old) character, one who isn't part of the Seal team but works for the wife of one of its members. Gage and Skyler had an innocence about them, but come from very different backgrounds. It was interesting to resurrect a character from a previous book and to see how the Saint Squad members' lives have progressed. I enjoyed this book and it was an easy vacation read.

Summary:
Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings.

At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with the very men who ended his own life of crime before it began—the Saint Squad.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

- heavy topic
- just dives right in
- I like Gage.
- I would like everyone to stop calling him Eric.
- this evil plot is truly devilish
- I'm experiencing anxiety. Sometimes it's hard to know when the characters don't 😬 but also, it's the sign of investment. So, bittersweet?
- there's a lot going on here
- guys. GAGE. I'm stressed out. I love him like a little brother and I want him to be happy
- oh goodness. I'm stressed out again. Still? Whatever.
- I'm torn between wanting the conflict and secrets to come out so we can move past it and hoping they get buried in a little box, never to be mentioned or discovered. Clearly I'm great at coping.
- a little communication could go a long way
- "Sergei gasped for breath. He wasn’t used to being on this side of a sniper rifle, and he was quite certain he didn’t like it." Okay, this is funny.
- this is intense. Everything is both falling apart and being tied up at the same time and I don't understand how she does it!
- Normally I get a little irked with this many perspectives but I like this. It's well done.
- Oh gosh, the plan at the end 👌👌
- the flash drive. That's adorable
- Cute cute ending

Favorite Quote:
The Navy SEALs might be the good guys, but he doubted they would ever consider him to be anything other than a criminal.

[Angeline]

I haven’t read any of the other Saint Squad books but Redemption was still amazing and thrilling! Redemption is the 11th book in Traci Hunter Abramson's Saint Squad series and it was truly a wonderful suspenseful book! Redemption had so many wonderful characters and a story that I couldn’t put down. I know I need to read the rest of the books. I know have so many books to add to my TBR!
Skylar was so fun to read about, she was learning how to be herself and not let her family define her. She just wanted to live a quiet life, but being related to a man who owned hotels had their perks. It was sweet to read about her falling in love with Gage, she allowed him to see parts of herself that she kept hidden from the rest of the world. However, will she stand with Gage when she learns about his past? Will Skylar be able to see the changed man that Gage had become?
I felt for Gage from the beginning. He had gone through so much at a young age and I wanted him to find peace. I enjoyed reading about him as he learned to forgive himself and move on from the past. It was cute to read about him falling in love with Skylar and wanting to make her feel special. However, teaching others what to do during mass shootings brings back memories of his past. Gage had to figure out how to help others and see the good in himself.
Gage and Skylar were definitely a lot of fun to read about, but it was also so interesting to read from some of the other Saint Squad members' perspective. It was cool to read about the Saint Squad and it made me want to read the other books. I love characters who find their “family” and stick with them. The characters were lovely, and their relationships were so relatable. The action and suspense were perfect. I didn’t feel scared but I also couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what would happen and how it would end.
Redemption is the first suspense book that I have read written by Traci Hunter Abrmason, but it will definitely not be the last. I would totally recommend this book, even if you haven’t read the rest of the series it is still great. I also love how the title fits the story, it was such an awesome reception story


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller, Suspense; Romance, sweet, contemporary
T.H.A. always writes the perfect suspense novels! The undercurrents and secrets of the criminals in the backstory and brought to the present made for the perfect romantic suspense read. Gage's past and his work in the present made for an interesting segue into the set up of this novel. With a full cast of compelling characters and supporting characters, this is the perfect combination of suspense, and romance. If you are a fan of the series, seeing the other members of the Saint Squad and other characters from other novels is also a plus, but the novel can be read as a stand-alone read. More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up!
Abramson knows how to pace the novel so the action and intrigue unfold perfectly to keep you on the edge of your seat, while enjoying the other small moments that make up the rest of the novel. Can't wait for her next novel!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read the first book in this series, and I'm glad I did because it helped give me some background on some of the secondary players. There were some things I could tell I'd missed from not reading the other books, but I felt like I could still follow the story and enjoyed it. I am not used to reading books with some many POVs, but it helped set up the suspense in this book. I really liked Gage and Skyler. They were young, but both had a good head on their shoulders and they'd been through a lot. I enjoyed how easily their relationship developed, even the very bumpy road they had later. This was a great book and now I want to go back and read the other books I missed. My only complaint was I felt the ending was rushed. I wish there had been more resolution to it, but maybe that will come in future books. I don't know. I can hope we'll get a glimpse of these two in the future.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book by Traci Hunter Abramson. This was actually my first book in the Saint Squad series that I have read and it made me want to read the other ones in the series to learn more about the other characters. I liked the suspense and the little bit of romance. I also loved seeing how a person could change and how that can effect how others view them. This book kept me engaged the whole time I was reading it that I even forgot to eat dinner because I was so engrossed in the story. Wonderfully done and I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. 

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good recovery book after attempting to read the Time Traveler’s Wife (I made it halfway and had to jump ship).

Fun to know all the characters in the series and to expand on plots and further character development.