Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Redemption

Rate this book
The darkness came for Kayleigh and chased her far away from everything she's ever known and loved. Her misfortune leads her to Mirewick, a small town buried in Appalachia's deep, dark recesses. It's there that she meets a reluctant ally, Ezra. He's the only one who can keep her safe, though he is very hesitant to let her in, haunted by the memories of those he's failed along the way. His secrets hobble him, forcing him to keep her at arm's length, even though he's all she has. The two are forced to rekindle Ezra's old alliances — the ones he tried to bury long ago, along with the secrets of his past. It's the only chance either has at surviving the sinister forces that nip at Kayleigh's heels.

Their connection is potent. Instantaneous. Irrational. Kayleigh has clawed her way into Ezra's veins and forced a heart that had stopped beating long ago to start again. Their relationship is contentious at best, but with every passing moment, he's forced to acknowledge there's no escaping her. She's the tidal wave that drew him under and stole the breath from his lungs. And he'll stop at nothing to save her.

316 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2022

4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Ivy Whitaker

13 books64 followers
Ivy Whitaker writes paranormal romance and contemporary sapphic love stories designed to make your heart ache in the best way. She’s obsessed with crafting believable characters and throwing them into unbelievable situations—because love is messy, healing is hard, and happily-ever-afters are always worth the fight.

A multi-series, multi-genre author (who has it on good authority from her partners that she’s doing a good job), Ivy lives in Western New York with her partners, her human child, and four demanding fur children. When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling chaos, designing something witchy, or drinking a cup of coffee she (almost) forgot she made.

Website: https://ivywhitaker.com/
Blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivywhitaker...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivywhitaker_
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ivywhitakera...
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/2d7559326a58/join-...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (62%)
4 stars
8 (27%)
3 stars
2 (6%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for emsreviewsandrecs.
299 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2022
With something following me and chasing me… I can only go where the orbs lead me. All I need is help and answers but the one person who can help me doesn’t want any part of me.

This is the first part of the duet and I’m already dying for the second part. I read a lot of romance books but not many with a thrill to them. However, this book had the thrill, the action, and the suspense. Every corner turned and I just couldn’t tell what was going to happen next.

I will say that I know for sure that I loved Kayleigh. She was thrown into the unknown but she kept her smart mouth, her energy, and stayed true to her feelings. While reading the book, I just felt my own need to protect her. I wanted to be her friend, and I wanted her to get answers.

Honestly, I had very mixed feelings about Ezra. Sometimes I wanted to love him, and sometimes I wanted him to just go on somewhere. This is why I think by the end of the story I truly did fall for him. He’s that grumpy character who needs some sunshine. I honestly felt so bad for him and for everything that he’s been through. He doesn’t want the life that he’s been handed but fate keeps stepping in.

Overall, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for this next story. I cannot wait to find out more answers, especially for Kayleigh. I cannot wait to see how this is wrapped up.

I’ve read every one of Ivy’s books and I can’t get enough. I find myself lacking with third-person stories but the way that Ivy writes and describes, it’s like I don’t even notice it. I love that Ivy decided to dibble in spice. It was PERFECT. I am truly glad that she decided to publish this amazing story. You should check it out!
Profile Image for Phoebe.
21 reviews
April 30, 2022
I received this book as an arc and I’m so happy I did! This book took me for a wild ride and I loved it so much!! Ivy has an innate talent to describe and write things in such a way that you feel like your in the book. It’s absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to read more books by her:)
Profile Image for Mystic Forest Crafts.
641 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2022
I received an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Redemption is a beautiful story of surviving trauma and slowly learning how to be while once more. I had wanted to add more Angel fiction to my reading list so this was a pleasant surprise to receive.

Pros:
The world building is excellent. I love the explanation of different types of angels and demons and how that opens an entire world big enough to hold many stories without having to repeat circumstances.

The theme of not all angels being good is something I see often and is an important reminder. It doesn’t matter what you are born as or who you become if your actions are horrible you are bad, no one should get a free pass to automatically be assumed perfect and wonderful.

Cons:
I feel the author does not understand how wounds effect the body. There are two specific scenes I have in mind. In the first, Ezra has only recently had a deep stomach wound stitched shut. He somehow is maneuvering around an uninsured enemy and not tearing his skin or stitches doing so. While he seems pained occasionally it didn’t seem to effect his movements which it should have. The second instance was even more extreme. Ezra had his wings forcibly ripped from his back, he should be in agonizing pain. Still he is leaning into a tub to wash and pleasure Kayleigh. He manages, despite open and bleeding wounds to then not only become aroused but to make love to her all night. The movements of bending into the tub and then in bed of thrusting would have been agony and would have kept the wounds freshly opening. Unless a pain link was meant to be mentioned none of this seems possible.

I don’t like Kayleigh. She is a spoiled, jealous creature and she and Ezra don’t match up for me. It seems like they go from mutual dislike to lust instantly. Kayleigh comes off as a bit easy since she goes off with what she assumes to be another angel trying to get with him and then turns around after Ezra saves her and tries to get with him the same night. They go silent and don’t get to know each other and like each other then suddenly he leaves and Kayleigh is in love and he comes back and loves her…too fake and rushed at the end to me.

Other little things bothered me and seemed to be used just to push the plot forward which felt forced and out of character. My best example is an angel who is supposed to help protect Kayleigh sends her out of their safe area alone to retrieve something allowing her to get attacked to bring Ezra back…

Overall this couple will never be among my favorites but the world the author is building is endlessly fascinating to me and I definitely want to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca Greene.
31 reviews
May 2, 2022
This is the first novel that I am reading by Ivy Whitaker and I am only sorry that I hadn’t discovered her before now!

Redemption is an amazing paranormal romance and quite unique in the sense that I haven’t read anything like it before. Ivy is incredibly creative with her style of descriptive writing which in every sense allows you to feel as though you are immersed in the story itself. Her world building skills are truly impressive!
Her characters are also very well written. Kayleigh is running from the unknown evil and darkness that is chasing her. Her escape route takes her to Mirewick, where she happens upon Ezra. Ezra is a fallen Angel, who after suffering a tragic event has left the Protectorate, preferring to live alone with his morose sadness. Even though initially reluctant, Ezra agrees to offer Kayleigh protection.

Despite much fighting against the inevitable, Ezra and Kayleigh give in to their desires and form a relationship that evolves into love. Whilst this is a slow burn romance, it also has vibes of being a fated mates romance, with lots of twists and turns in this couples journey.

This book has everything to hook the reader in, action, danger, magic, emotion and intrigue, in a world filled with angels, fallen angels, demons, dark creatures and gods, which the author so expertly describes in such detail.

This book is the first in what I hope will be a long series of books. It will leave you wanting more, and I for one cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tamara Rendell.
Author 8 books35 followers
April 22, 2022
Gothic and steamy with a heartfelt romance. I was surprised at how elaborate and expansive the mythology within the story became. It is such an intriguing aspect of the story, particularly the relationships between the various pantheons of divinities (both current and ancient) and the peoples who worship(ped) them – the rise and fall of their worlds and influence is fascinating.
I really enjoyed how this grand supernatural and mythological aspect melded into the eerie gothic atmosphere and suspense.
Another intriguing aspect is the mysteries and experiences in Ezra and Kenna’s pasts. The leads, Kayleigh and Ezra, are both likeable characters, but I think Kenna is my favourite – she really adds a strong impact with her supporting role.
I want to know more about all of this and see where the twists and turns of Kayleigh and Ezra’s mysterious destinies take them – and how their relationship navigates these complexities. I am looking forward to when the sequel comes out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for NikiReadsRomance.
312 reviews16 followers
May 1, 2022
If there is anything I love about Ivy’s writing (and there is a lot!) it is the vivid details! It gives you a whole 3D image experience while you’re reading. If that makes any sense? I always feel like I’m IN the story. Not something I always feel when I’m reading. (I think I’ve said this in my other reviews for her books but it needed repeating) Okay, now that I’ve rambled. The story!!!

Kayleigh ends up in Mirewick, sort of on the run, from the unknown shadows in the dark that she can’t seem to escape. She stumbles upon Ezra who, at first meeting, seems the least likely to want to help her. Grumpy at first sight and hiding from his own version of darkness, he is drawn to Kayleigh and she to him.

I think I enjoyed the small moments between Ezra and Kayleigh the most. They were raw and emotional at times and I really FELT them!
Ezra really had me in my feelings for a majority of this book to be honest. He just seemed so… sad? Resigned to what was to come? I’m not sure exactly, but it had me feeling all the feelings!

Kayleigh. My goodness, her character is put into the middle of, for lack of a better saying, a series of very dark and unfortunate events and she is forced to process and learn on the fly. I love her backbone and her determination through all of the craziness!

Loved the beginning of the journey into this world!
Thank you Ivy for letting me be an ARC reader for this book!

❤️‍🔥Quick Notes❤️‍🔥
•Paranormal Romance
•Slowburn
•Definitely a grumpy MMC

❤️‍🔥Rating❤️‍🔥
💗💗💗💗💗
🌶🌶🌶 (Maybe a 2.75 if that’s even a thing?)

❤️‍🔥A couple of my favorite things❤️‍🔥
•Holy bananas, the world building in this story is AMAZING!
•Kayleigh & Ezra and their angsty feelings!!!
7 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2022
Ivy Whitaker has quickly become one of my favorite authors, I have loved being a part of her writing journey and she has kept me in love with all of her worlds and characters since I found her. Redemption is no exception. Ivy has always had a gift for world building and she only exceeds her own limits with Redemption the world is masterfully crafted and a delight to learn about. I am normally leery about Angel fiction and its ties to religion but Ivy has made it something so much more and I am IN LOVE.

Kayleigh and Ezra are two characters I feel like we don't see enough. With personalities and reactions that feel real even in a world with monsters and events that aren't. Speaking of monsters. Ivy once again proves she can make me crap my pants on command. The fight scenes are impeccable and the characters are lovable.

The only thing I'm mad about is that there wasn't more.

If you're looking for a story that will hook you, Southern Gothic to its core, and with some amazing heat. Then you should check out Redemption, it's sure to have you begging for more.
Profile Image for Hannah Betty.
29 reviews
April 30, 2022
Redemption is a paranormal romance story that features angels, such as fallen angels and guardian angels. The story follows Kayleigh, who is forced to seek refuge from Ezra, after something paranormal pushes her towards him. Reluctantly, Ezra agrees to protect Kayleigh and together they learn how to cope with one another’s company.
Kayleigh is a bold woman. She doesn’t take any crap from anyone, and I loved her persistence in getting the truth out of Ezra and the other angels as I would have been exactly the same.
The premise of the story is incredible and one I haven’t encountered before. I have read stories in the past that feature angels as side characters, but none that feature them as the main characters. Redemption is book one in what I presume is going to be a series, and this series has so much potential for greatness, that I’m stupidly excited. I feel like Redemption only gave us a taster on what’s to come and I’m already full of anticipation.
Profile Image for Nicole A.
487 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2022
Redemption is a story of love and the supernatural. This book takes you on a journey of magic, angels, monsters and Gods. It is action packed and keeps you reading on.
Kayleigh is a strong God-touched human who is hunted by very dark creatures. She is lead to Mirewick, where her life is changed forever. She is brought to Ezra, a fallen Angel, who left the Protectorate to live on his own after a tragedy with someone he loved. He’s grumpy and really doesn’t want to help Kayleigh. He thinks she’s trouble. And boy does she bring trouble.
There are many battles fought and Ezra saves her life several times. The relationship develops between Kayleigh and Ezra, even though Ezra fights it every step of the way. Finally they give in to their connection and their love grows.
There are wars still being fought over Kayleigh, questions surrounding Kayleigh’s purpose as a God-touched, and Ezra’s life as an Angel hangs in the balance. I can’t wait for the next book to read on!
Profile Image for Emily O'Leary.
288 reviews
April 25, 2022
I received a copy of 'Redemption' via booksprout and am leaving my honest and spoiler free review!!

OK FIRSTLY, GIRL NEARLY GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK FOR A HOT SECOND. Ivy, you know what you did 😂

Secondly, skillet. Iykyk.

This had a great slow burn / almost fated romance feel to it and I am heeeeere for it!

Great world building and lore that I won't go into detail with because I don't want to spoil the beautiful way Ivy let's it all unfold - but oh my gosh I cannot wait to see more.

I am really looking forward to seeing how Kayleigh and Ezra's story unfolds after the events that took place at the end 🤯 and I hope to see more of some of the side characters too!

I'll be patiently (impatiently) waiting for book two now 😂

If you enjoy slow burn, paranormal romance, grumpy/sunshine vibes, and some very unholy sorts then I totally recommend picking this up!
Profile Image for Tara.
224 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2023
📚Book Review📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kaleigh is being stalked. She doesn’t know by what but she knows they’re out there. When she ends up in the small town of Mirewick she finds that town is full of secrets. Soon she finds herself in Ezra’s bookstore. He has more secrets and doesn’t want to deal with her. Fate/destiny has other plans. Soon they’re in the fight for their life.

This book is a nice slow burn. Kaleigh and Ezra have their own demons to tackle. Some internal some external. Kaleigh finds herself in the middle of forces she didn’t believe existed before her trip to Mirewick.

Moments of intense tension and chemistry. This book sets the stage for a big battle. It’s lots of world building and background. You will be wanting the next book at the end.

Don’t let the lack of spice turn you off. This book is an incredible ride.

Profile Image for BooksnClevrness.
80 reviews
April 30, 2022
I LOVED this book! If you are looking for your next Bryce Quinlan/Hunt Athalar relationship, set in a small Appalachian town, look no further than this book. This had everything you could ever want in a romance book. Dual POV? Yup, has that! Guy falls in love first? Yup, that too! Even the "I'll kill you if you touch her."? That's right!

I loved the character development of Kayleigh and Ezra. You really get the feeling of watching them grow around one another and learn how to love and accept the other one. Ivy also does a good job of only letting the reader know what the characters know, so you can unravel the layers of who the characters are along with the book. I also felt like the characters stayed true to themselves throughout the whole book and all of the character growth seems genuine, and all of the choices that they make are completely in-line with who they are written to be.

The only issue that I had with this book is that all of the world/character building is specifically related to Kayleigh and Ezra. There are some side characters mentioned but we don't get to see much of them, and the names are thrown in and I still had no idea who some of them were by the end. I appreciate the fact that I'm not bogged down with a lot of extraneous detail and that the book focuses on Kayleigh/Ezra, but I also wouldn't mind some more scenes with the other characters as well. I am hungry for more information on the town, and the people living inside of it, and I hope we get more of that in the next book.

All of that aside, I really loved this book and it had me sucked in by the end of the first chapter! It's a great romance read, with a good bit of spice thrown in, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
Profile Image for Vicki Simonsen.
44 reviews
April 29, 2022
Kayleigh is thrust into a world of the supernatural when she's being followed by her worst nightmare come to life.

Ezra just wants to be left alone with his books and bad memories, but when Kayleigh stumbles through his door needing his help he has to break out of his self-imposed isolation.

Redemption has an eerie Dean Koontz sort of vibe with well-written characters and an engaging storyline. My only objection with this book is the at times slow pace of the story which made me impatient for it to pick up speed again.

If you like Redemption and you haven't read Ivy's Dark Paths series I highly recommend it! 

This is the third time I've been fortunate enough to get an ARC from Ivy and I'm not disappointed!
Profile Image for Sam.
186 reviews
May 3, 2022
First, I have to start with the fact that I absolutely love the world building, with every page it felt like I was learning something else that fit into the story - whether that was about the main characters, angels, etc.

This is a slow slow burn, that really builds the background and the tension between Kayleigh and Ezra, while they are dealing with everything happening around them. (Really the only reason it isn't a 5 star - I was hoping for a smidge more action).

Overall it was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and cannot wait to see how their story continues in the sequel.
Profile Image for Kimberly Ann.
Author 14 books147 followers
May 9, 2022
There aren’t enough amazing things for me to say about this novel. It was an emotional roller coaster as Kayleigh and Ezra make their way through a path they are destined to walk together.

The descriptive writing of the world makes you feel like you are right there with them as they encounter demons and fallen angels amongst the humans. You feel what you think is a sleepy little town isn’t what it appears to be.

I highly recommend Redemption for anyone who enjoys Paranormal Romance. I can’t wait for the next one to be released!
18 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2022
Kayleigh is thrust into a world of the supernatural when she's being followed by her worst nightmare come to life.

Ezra just wants to be left alone with his books and bad memories, but when Kayleigh stumbles through his door needing his help he has to break out of his self-imposed isolation.

Redemption has an eerie Dean Koontz sort of vibe with well-written characters and an engaging storyline.
If you like Redemption and you haven't read Ivy's Dark Paths series I highly recommend it!

This is the third time I've been fortunate enough to get an ARC from Ivy and I'm not disappointed!
Profile Image for Rudrashree Makwana.
Author 1 book71 followers
September 6, 2022
Would highly recommend this book. I absolutely loved it. An unknown entity was hunting Kayleigh and land spirits led her to Ezra, Mirewick. While Ezra and the only person he was close to, a fallen angel had their own rite of suffering. Perhaps the dark entity was a mystery to all of them, maybe they were hunting without reason or rhyme or maybe destiny wanted to acquaint an immortal and mortal being to serve the higher purpose. Read this beautiful book to unlock their odyssey. It’s perfect for you if you want to dig into angels & demons.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
May 1, 2022
The first book in the Between Salvation and Damnation series a well written story with a good storyline that kept me turning pages. Kayleigh because of the evil after runs to Mirewick and she meets Ezra, their story has suspense, drama, danger, villains and romance. I want to read the next book. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Happyscribe.
940 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2022
I havent read Ivy's work before but hells I am never making that mistake again - what a brilliant find! She creates an amazing world within which her characters literally rise and fall, live and die and love and lose. She spends an amazing amount of time world-building and creating the lore that gives so much more depth and dimension to the story. KEEPER shelf.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
May 22, 2022
The storyline introduces us to Kayleigh and Ezra one is running from danger and one is hiding from his past. The characters have a connection that is strong and the chemistry is undeniable. The storyline has plenty of twists.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Megan Mayes.
68 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
I loved absolutely everything about this book! From the start to the finish it was so good!! I cannot wait for more!!!.

Profile Image for Michelle Wolff.
260 reviews
April 28, 2022
I love Ivy’s work she puts a little of everything in her works

Kayleigh and Ezra meet randomly in a small town in West Virginia. It seems like fate but there are definitely outside sources at work.

Ezra battles the need to help her, he tries to pawn her off on those he feels can help her better than he can: he feels broken and he doesn’t know if he can fulfill her needs for safety.

Kayleigh is frustrated she doesn’t want to depend on anyone but this thing she sees makes her aware that she has no other options but to rely on the help being offered.

Can not wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Tracey Magruder.
Author 1 book30 followers
October 17, 2023
Redemption by Ivy Whitaker is a paranormal romance that follows Kayleigh, a young woman chased by demons who were sent to kill her, and Ezra, her reluctant Guardian Angel. It’s a tale of mystery centered around the concept of good and evil, and the shades of gray in between.

Overall, I thought the book was an enjoyable read. Ezra’s character in particular truly stood out to me and was what kept me reading till the very end. His backstory is tragic and heartbreaking, and he’s honestly the heart and soul of the book. His grumpy demeanor when he first meets Kayleigh is somewhat endearing as you can tell early on that there’s something that haunts his thoughts. To have someone who is such a rock and such a reliable character makes everything else about the book work.

As much I loved Ezra, it took a while for Kayleigh to grow on me. She’s impulsive, stubborn, selfish, and rarely thinks before she acts. Her character development also happens so quickly it had my head spinning a bit. I felt as if in the course of just a few pages she went from being rather unlikable in her attitude to constantly going against the nature we saw in the first half of the book. There are certainly traumatic events leading up to this change, but it happened so quickly that I wished there had been a bit more time spent on development.

My only other complaint with the book is that it could have used a bit more editing, especially towards the end. There are several places with minor typos (for example he instead of she) and I think some extra proofreading would have been beneficial. There were only a few spots where it took me out of the story while I tried to figure out what the author meant to say, so overall it’s not a terrible distraction but still one I felt compelled to mention.

The pacing of the book, the spicy bits, and the chemistry between the main characters in the second half of the book make it worth a read if you like a paranormal romance. It sets up the series nicely and, while it doesn’t wrap up the main plot, it doesn’t end on too much of a cliffhanger where the main characters are concerned.

Ratings:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I would recommend this one to anyone who loves a fantasy with good world building and a steamy slow burn. I am curious to see how the story continues in book two, and how the mystery unfolds.
Profile Image for Jasmine Thorne.
42 reviews
September 1, 2023
I had the privilege of reading Redemption when it was still in its beta phase. When I read it then, I fell in love with the story. With the world that Ivy created and the characters. Especially the main characters Ezra and Kayleigh.

Reading the book again now that it has been released, my feelings remain the same! The story telling and the world created around these two very complex people just draws you in. Wanting to know their story, wanting to see how they grow and change throughout the course of the book.

I am honestly in awe of Ivy's brain and how she can create such a world. A frightening yet magical world that just transports you into the story.

I love that we get a duo perspective. You're not just stuck in the mind of Kayleigh, or Ezra. You see how they both feel about one another, how they react to the events around them. And eventually how they utterly fall for the other. It's a beautiful story about a man who has suffered so much and closed himself off to everyone around him, and a woman who just wants to live and love and enjoy her life.

While reading I was at the edge of my seat, angry with the sinister forces, I cried for … you will have to read and find that part out.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting adventure, misery, love and chaos. Because it gives you all of that while still trying to freak you out!
308 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2023
Ezra and Kayleigh

This book really was a tease for what's to come in this series! While there is a lot of ground work laid out in this book I still feel like it moved so fast! Ivy is so descriptive without dragging that I had the perfect movie view in my head for the whole book. The connection between Ezra and Kayleigh was really almost immediate and though Ezra took awhile to come around I'm excited to see them progress with the change in Ezra. I really can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Dallas Ryan.
Author 22 books46 followers
March 7, 2023
Scary & Sexy

It’s difficult to fit this book into a genre other than the ‘I couldn’t put it down’ one. It’s a mystery and a love story with scary creatures and angels and an imaginative landscape you can get lost in. I’m waiting with baited breath for Book 2! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.