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Chasing Redemption

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A woman seeking refuge in a bottle of champagne.
A man in the right place, at the right time.
And an incredible night on the beach that would alter their lives forever. 

After a one-night stand with a handsome stranger, Marley Halligan has accepted her life for what it is - a hot mess. Working as an event planner in New York City and being a single mother to her twins, Marley’s life was chaotic enough.  She never imagined that she’d run into the father of her children in the small town of Quimby Grove, Pennsylvania. 

Max Quinn had been determined to find the gorgeous blond that captured his attention on the beach all those years ago.  She was sassy, beautiful, and lit something within him. He knew that she was the one. The only problem was, he didn’t know anything about her - not even her name. But everything changes whenever he spots her from across the room at his best friend’s wedding.  Determined to get her to stay in town, he will do anything for another shot with the one that got away. 

As if navigating parenthood together wasn’t difficult enough, an unusual string of crimes are committed in Quimby Grove, each worse than the one before it, with Marley landing smack dab in the middle of them all. 

Will Marley and Max be able to reignite their spark and solidify their family roots before the town’s tragedies tear them apart? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2022

3 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Nikole

4 books53 followers
Contemporary Romance indie author with a splash of suspense thrown in. Runs on sarcasm and Pepsi Zero. Lover of books, art, true crime, ghost hunting and all things Disney. Taking applications for future book boyfriends - as always.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
252 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2023
This was a small town dream book. Big city girl, small town bar owner, second chance, one who got away.

We meet Max in Finding Starlight and hear about the one who got away. So glad we didn't have to wait long for their story.

Max and Marley are so sweet together, but Jax and Izzy stole the show.

I couldn't read this quick enough. I needed to know who was behind the drama in town, and when I thought I knew Shannon added a twist.

How long do I have to wait for book 3?
Profile Image for Summer Rostad.
8 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2023
Holy cow, what an enchanting read! The character development was spot-on and I felt like I was getting to know Max and Marley more and more as the story went on. By the end, I was sad it was over and felt like I needed more! Overall a great read and I highly recommend!
405 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2023
OMG! I was hooked with the first sentence. This far exceeded my expectations and I'm so happy Shannon decided to become an author. This story had all the must haves for a fantastic story: sexy characters, suspense, mystery, undeniable love, twins, secret babies, sassyness, page-turning scenes. Izzy and Jax were adorable and the attraction between Max and Marley was explosive. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Erika Oney.
250 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2023
What kind of woman asks her "bff" to be her event planner and maid of honor when the man she is marrying is her ex? Considering how she got him...she deserved the toast she got.

Who knew a drunk one night of hot and steamy could lead to the maid of honor to be single mama?

Anything can happen they say....even being able to see each other again. ...a lot of turn of events..including a pyscho..

Must read to find out all the twists and turns and psychos and love ❤️
Profile Image for Liz.
506 reviews18 followers
January 13, 2023
Max is a bar owner who had a one night stand with a mystery woman while at the beach. 5 years later they run into each other by chance and he is in for a surprise, he is a dad! I loved Max and Marley’s story, sweet and sexy with “second chance/ the one that got away” vibes with mystery and suspense. I enjoyed it a lot and devoured it in a day. It was that good.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Kinion Falkenberry.
265 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2023
What a great follow up to the first book. Secret baby is my favorite reads. This one does not disappoint. Quimby Grove is a sweet town filled with great side characters that we get a glimpse of throughout their story. Suspense was great, I thought I had figured out several times then something would throw me off. Liked that it kept you guessing until the end. The twins were the most adorable and their interactions with Max. Glad for the happily ever after. Wonder who could be next…..
Profile Image for ♡Lea♡.
442 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Quimby Grove series. Now I didn't read the first book but I signed up to ARC this one. I am glad I did. It started off with a bang (🌶🔥😉) and ended with one of the sweetest endings I've read in a while. Never a dull moment with this book and I'm happy to have had the chance to read it

Happy reading 📚
1 review
January 9, 2023
I have read other books by this author, and this is a great book! It keeps you interested and on the edge, wanting more. The characters are well fleshed out and the storyline grabs you right from the start.
Profile Image for Alyssashelf .
397 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2023
Thanks to Shannon Nikole for this arc ! I LOVED Finding Starlight so much and this book did not disappoint. This is a book I will reread over and over again. Small town, secret baby, one night stand trope. I loved this book so much I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future :)
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,765 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2023
Marley and Max's story is a great reading escape. Filled with steamy chemistry, intriguing suspense, a little turmoil and hopeful love, their story held my attention.
Profile Image for Ashley Wiser.
111 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2023
Another great story in the Quimby Grove series. Max and Marley's story was different than what I typically see, but it was wonderful how they were able to reunite and overcome all of their challenges. Great job yet again!
Profile Image for Ashley Mertz.
251 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2023
Chasing Redemption is available now in Paperback, Hardback, and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️ Book Review - This is a MUST have!

Meet the Author: Shannon Nikole is a lover of books, art, true crime, ghost hunting, and all things Disney. She runs on sarcasm and Pepsi Zero. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she can be found getting into shenanigans in Pennsylvania with her son.

Synopsis: “Let’s just say that someone else’s trash is another person's treasure.” Marley is planning her best friend's wedding. This would be 100% acceptable if her best friend wasn't marrying her ex boyfriend. Their cheating ways are ending in marriage. Following a toast that speaks her mind, Marley finds herself on the beach sipping champagne. When Mr. Fantastic sweeps her off her feet, provides her with the best night of her life, and wanders off, she wishes she had asked for his number. Four years later the two meet again by chance except the circumstances have changed…drastically!

Reader’s Thoughts: OMG! I couldn’t get enough of this book. I love every moment that Marley and Max shared together. And the twins! They stole my heart from the very beginning. Max couldn’t be any more perfect. The scene where Marley finds the portrait hanging on Max’s wall stole my heart. I have to admit, I shed a few tears in the last chapter. I did read Finding Starlight (which I also HIGHLY recommend), however, Chasing Redemption could be read as a standalone with no confusion. Some characters from the previous novel are mentioned. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the Quimby Grove series in the future.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.

Favorite Quote: “In a moment I felt unworthy, you made me feel like the most important thing in the world. I’ll never forget that.”
Profile Image for Lorralei Hoerner.
929 reviews24 followers
January 19, 2023
5 Big Fabulous Bright Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I have to say I LOVE book 1 of this series but I LOVED with all my heart and soul this book 2 of the series! Marley and Max.......their story from beginning to end was wonderful...a spicy beginning with no attachments to long lost love's finding their way back together.

Marley and Max met by chance on a beach.....after Marley departs from a wedding that she was part of due to not wanting no more part of it.....and meeting Max and some champagne and flirty banter it was an evening they both never forgot...even though they never knew each other's name. Marley goes back to New York to her life as a event planner and Max goes back to Quimby Grove to his bar that he owns.

A few years later, just by some chance....Marley and Max meet again...under different circumstances and event planning for an upcoming wedding...and Marley now has to come clean to Max to becoming a parent that he was not aware of.

Between trying to figure out how they fit into each others lives and also trying to raise children together.....Marley and Max held a flame for each other since their night on the beach. As they are trying to piece everything together...in the beautiful town of Quimby Grove..someone or something is lurking in the shadows causing a bit of chaos of break ins and crime. Will Marley and Max be safe.....

I loved this story and totally devoured every page. I highly recommend reading book 1 as characters from book 1 are also tied into book 2. I am praying for another book to this series...
Profile Image for Heather Anderson.
558 reviews46 followers
January 8, 2023
Thank you to the author, Shannon Nikole, for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

The first thing that I want to say is that I am so glad to be back in this small town, Quimby Grove, PA!
I took my sweet ass time reading this book because I did not want it to end. Honestly, Shannon has a writing style that is very addictive to read. Her words just flow..if that makes sense LOL. Reading her books just takes me out of reality, and I feel like I'm transported to Quimby Grove. I enjoyed revisiting the characters from Finding Starlight, Ellawyn and Beckett, and the mention of Benji, melted my heart.

I am so happy that Max got his own book, because he is my new book boyfriend LOL. Max reminds me of my husband -- flirty, sexy, sarcastic, lovable, kind but can flip like a light switch if someone or something hurts the person he loves. Marley reminds me of myself -- lovable but blunt as hell and a sassy, sarcastic attitude (also she is from New York, and so am I, LOL). I loved Max and Marley's relationship, they just clicked. I love how nothing was sugarcoated, and for the most part, they communicated. I loved how Max and Marley were able to work together after not seeing each other for 4 years. Also, I enjoyed learning a little bit about Avery (Marley's twin sister) -- she's a firecracker just like Marley!

This book had me smiling, squealing, panicking, and crying. I honestly feel like I know these characters in real life, and we are all just best friends. Can we talk about the spice in this book?? HOLY HELL, it was hot as fuck. But then when Max finds out he is a father, and he goes into father mode?? THAT WAS SEXY ASF. The suspense?? Absolutely superb! The children?? So adorable, I just wanted to squish their faces! I don't think I ever read a book with a secret baby trope before but this one made me want to read more!

I look forward to reading more from Shannon!! I'm excited to see who she will be writing about next [even though I think I have a good idea of who it is ;)]
278 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2023
Oh my the first meeting between Max and Marley is off the charts hot and sexy. Five years later when they run into each other in the most unexpected of ways, they both can’t believe they have found the one that “got away” again. Although it takes a bit before they actually talk that conversation leads to one heck of a surprise for Max, cue the drama, angst, emotions and shock. To say he handles it badly is an understatement, but what he does next to fix it is awesome. As these two try to navigate their new situation while dealing with her ex who makes a few not so pleasant experiences and tries to figure out why crazy stuff has happened since she came to Quimby Grove, makes this quite the page turner. Once you start you will want to find out what happens next.

I love how no matter what goes on with Marley, Max works hard to support her. I love when Marley’s “huge” sign from the universe as to what she should do next. These two are such an awesome couple, it takes them a while to work thru everything but man is an entertaining journey to get there. I love the surprise that Jax and Izzy pull off for their mom and dad, what an incredible way to end this book.

This is my first time reading Shannon Nikole and definitely won’t be my last. I can’t wait for the next book in this series especially if it’s about Avery and Kennon. This is one read you don’t want to miss out on.


I received an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,646 reviews34 followers
January 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in the small town world of Quimby Grove, and having loved the first book in this series I was looking forward to reading this story, and I was not disappointed. Marley and Max are strangers when they meet at the beach and have a one night stand, and having not even told each other their names they have no way of finding one another again. Marley works as an event planner in New York City and is a single mother to twins, a reminder of her night with Max. When Marley has to go to Quimby Grove to plan a wedding she did not expect to come face to face with Max. Max is just as shocked to find the woman, his one that got away, at his best friend’s wedding.
Marley has to explain to Max that he’s a father, and he’s determined to get Marley to stay in town. Just as they are navigating parenthood together, an unusual string of crimes are committed in Quimby Grove and Marley appears to be in the middle of them all. This is an enjoyable and engaging second chance at romance story, with enough drama and suspense to keep me hooked. The author does a great job of bringing the setting to life and the small town feeling really comes across in the narrative. Marley and Max are likeable and relatable characters and their chemistry came across in the writing. I look forward to returning to Quimby Grove again!
251 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2023
I absolutely loved Max in Finding Starlight! I have been anxiously waiting for this book where we see him finally find the beautiful girl he met on the beach years ago. Chasing Redemption is book 2 in this series and while it can be read as a stand-a-lone I do think reading Finding Starlight first makes this book even better.

Sitting on the dock with his guitar one night Max meets up with a Maid of Honor who is escaping the wedding of her best friend and ex-boyfriend. They have an amazing one night stand but leave not knowing each other’s names. Over the next few years Max continues to think about that night and the girl who got away.

Marley is now a single mother to adorable 4 year old twins after her one night stand that she can’t forget about. She has a great job, amazing sister and her kids but still can’t forget that Man whose name she never got.

Thankfully chance brings Max and Marley together again because they are just so cute together. Once together there are several crimes that make Marley want to run but Max refuses to let that happen. He is serious book boyfriend material and the cutest dad ever! I think all of us mom’s need a man like Max!

I loved this book! It had a great storyline with the perfect mix of romance and suspense. I’m crossing my fingers that we get a book with Avery and Kennon next!
Profile Image for Karyn Taylor.
741 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Quimby Grove Series. It’s a really great small town, second chance, romantic suspense novel. It can be read as a standalone but as the main characters from the first book play quite a large role in this book, I’d say, if you are going to read both books, then read them in order to get the best experience.
A memorable one night stand, if you can call their frantic coupling on the beach a one night stand, totally changes the lives of Max Quinn and Marley Halligan. A chance meeting at Max’s best friend’s wedding where Marley is working as a wedding planner brings the 2 back into each other’s lives. Can they rekindle the spark that they had that fateful night on the beach? Can Max handle the shock that he is father to awesome 4 year old twins?
I absolutely adored reading Max and Marley’s story. Max as a dad is totally swoonworthy. I loved reading his interactions with the adorable Izzy and Jaz who were such scene stealers.
With this being a romantic suspense, the added bonus of the danger, drama and intrigue, really added to the entertainment factor of this book. I was really hooked on the story and did not want to put this book down.
I really hope we get more from this series and with the little snippets we got from Avery and Kennon, I’m hoping they are next
Profile Image for SpicyBookMama86.
44 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2023
The whole Quimby Grove series is just to die for! Shannon Nikole has knocked it out of the park with Chasing Redemption!

In Finding Starlight, you are introduced to Beckett’s best friend Max. Max told Ellawyn the story of this beautiful woman he met on the beach and never found out her name! He knew nothing about her except that he loved her. This story continues from the end of the first by having a event planner from the city plan Beckett’s and Ellawyn’s wedding. Why does she look familiar? Why are places in this quaint town being vandalized?

Can Max put his dream life together AND keep it together?
I am completely swept up in the lives of all the beautiful people of Quimby Grove!

* As always, check your triggers before reading a book!*

- I was provided an ARC copy by the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Kerry  carr.
1,963 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2023
This is the second book in the Quimby Grove series. It is a beautiful story about second chance romance. The author does an amazing job with the characters. They are both very deep and the author does an great job of bringing them to life.
I love how fiesty Marley is. After having to plan and attend her best friends wedding to her ex she was broken but she still had enough of a spark to leave a parting shot in her speech which made me feel like cheering for her.
This event led her to the chance meeting with Max and it would be a night neither of them would forget and it would change their lives forever.
But it was just a one night stand right? No names were exchanged and there was no way for them to contact each other again. So imagine Marley's surprise when years later she bumps into Max again at a wedding she's planning. But that isn't the only surprise in story as Marley has a big surprise of her own.
Can they finally get their happy ever after? Will Marley's secret make them stronger or destroy them before they begin? And when a series of crimes start to happen in Quimby Grove will it be too much for the couple to endure?

This story is full of twists and turns, moments of fun and laughter and just as much emotional turmoil which makes this a read emotive romance to read
1 review
January 11, 2023
Do you remember the blonde Max told Ellawyn about on the beach? Hellooooo Marley- nice to finally learn your name! Transported back to Quimby Grove, we dive right into Max’s story. Overnight, Max’s life changes in all the best ways. Thankfully, he’s still best friends with Beckett and Ellawyn, so we get a few peaks into what they are up to, also!

Shannon doesn’t hesitate to take us on a journey through the complex feelings and events occurring between Max and Marley. And what a ride. I fell in love with Max and Marley’s story and the way it was written, as quickly as sass flows out of Marleys mouth.

If you don’t devour this book in the way Max would Marley, you’re wrong.
429 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2023
Chasing Redemption
By: Shannon Nikole

This is the second book in the Quimby Grove Series. While, it is not necessary to have read the first and it does act as a stand alone, many of the characters are from the first book in the series and it does sort of help to have read the first book. I truly enjoyed this story and the characters. I liked the addition of Marley and thought that her interactions with Max were so amazing. I also thought that this was such a relatable story. I truly love Quimby Grove and cannot wait for more of the characters and this wonderful small town. I wish that there were real Quimby Grove and Starlight books. I would love to visit them. These wonderful characters are becoming something that I really love to read about. I also love that this features a suspense element. The crimes that were occuring while Max and Marley were trying to figure out their lives really kept me wanting to read on. I really wanted to keep reading but I also didn’t want the story to end! I absolutely love Quimby Grove and recommend it to anyone!
Profile Image for Amber Howard.
340 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2023
Chasing Redemption is the second installment in the Quimby Grove series and it did not disappoint. It was full of steam, drama, romance, a bit of mystery, and thrills. What started out as a one night stand turned into the family that neither Marley nor Max new they needed. It’s a story about finding your soul mate in unexpected places, a story of reuniting and well redemption. It’ll make you smile, and if you’re a softy like me tear up. It’ll have you appreciating the wonderful people in your life. I highly recommend this series to everyone. While it is a series this story can be read alone and you’d still be able to follow everything. I cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,498 reviews80 followers
January 14, 2023
Chasing Redemption is the second book in the Quimby Grove series. I really enjoyed the first book which was her debut book and this one did not disappoint either. This is Max and Marley’s story. Of the two this is my favourite story. I love a story told in a dual/multiple POV because your understanding of the characters is so much clearer.
It is easy to escape in this romantic suspense story and in to the small town of Quimby Grove where one night changed it all. Now everything is turned upside down. It is a suspenseful quick read that is also heartfelt and fun. As with the first book it will warm your heart, but also have it pumping at times, have you laughing out loud and make your heartache and bring out all the feels.
With one hot mess, a crazy ex, revenge, a string of escalating crimes, a super surprise from a super sexy one night stand, longing and wondering and so much more you will fall in love with the people of this small town. Oh and let’s not forget the BFF who asks for too much.
Profile Image for Black Girl  Tired Energy Book reviews.
232 reviews43 followers
January 14, 2023
Marley Halligan was starting her night with BS that only her former best friend and ex boyfriend could make worst. After a disastrous toast to the groom and bride Marley finds herself on a beach with a stranger whose eyes draws her in. So what's a one night stand on the beach with a stranger she'll never meet again what could go wrong? Max Quinn one night stand just so happens to be the event planner for his pals wedding. He wants to get to know the mystery woman until she drops the bomb that he is a dad to not one , but twins. Between parenting and a crime spree in quiet Quimby Marley becomes a suspect smack in the middle and an ex who just won't take no for an answer. There were funny parts, there were awe moments, and the kids are adorable. Not to mention the HAWT sex that was chef's kiss. Honestly I love the 2nd book so much , but will the third installment be Marley's sister ? I can't wait a great book!
1,247 reviews9 followers
January 15, 2023
4.5 Stars!

I highly enjoyed this book. I really liked Max, except for that instant when he found out about the results of that fateful day at the beach. He was sweet, patient, caring, and attentive.
Marley was great! I have to say that her speech at the wedding all those years ago had my roaring with laughter! What an example of a strong woman. Yes, she had Avery’s help, but it still couldn’t have been easy raising two kids and growing a business.
The romance portion of this story was great! The suspense part initially had me frustrated. How could neither Marley or Max at the very least suspect Jakob in the beginning?! But…I definitely wasn’t expecting the twist at the end!!
I can’t wait for more! I’m hoping that Avery and Kennon will get a chance in the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Katie Lawson.
184 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2023
Chasing Redemption Book Two in the Quimby Grove Series by Shannon Nikole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Max is the owner of Remnant Hearts bar in Quimby Grove. He is still pining for a woman he had a one night stand with five years ago. One night on the beach, with a perfect stranger, that he cannot get out of his head. He never expects to find her in his hometown. Marley is there and she comes with a huge surprise. As they start to get to know each other it becomes clear that they are both perfect for each other. As crimes start to happen in Quimby Grove will Marley run or will she trust Max to keep her safe? You will just have to read to find out! This is a small town romance, second chance romance that is so cute!
298 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2023
Marley and Max met and hooked up one steamy night five years ago. Parting ways without even learning each other's names. Neither had forgotten that night, or the other, though there was little to no hope that they would ever see each other again. That is until Marley is the wedding planner for Max's best friend.

I was all in with this story from page one! Shannon Nikole expertly draws you into the tale of Marley and Max from the minute they meet. Everytime I tried to guess at where the storyline was taking me, a twist would prove me wrong! Each suspenseful twist had me telling myself just one more chapter so many times I finished the book in 1 day!

I absolutely recommend this book to people who love a Spicy Suspense Romance with Small Town and Lost/Found vibes.
Profile Image for Daryian.
216 reviews
January 19, 2023
4.5/5 Stars
This was my first read of the series and it was good! At first I felt like the book was too fast paced, but it slowed down and got really good at the end. Max is such a lovable character. I’m not really into the surprise pregnancy troupe, but it was done very well in this book. Based on this book, I’m guessing each book is about different characters of the same friend group. I love books like that and will be reading book one and book two.
222 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2023
When Marley and Max first meet, Marley is having one of the worst nights of her life, being a brides maid for her ex-boyfriend and former friend, while also planning the wedding as well. When Marley escapes to the beach for some time away, she meets Max and the instantly click. After a one night stand, Marley ends up pregnant with twins and Max is none the wiser until the two see each other again four years later, unexpectedly. The two decide to try to find a way for Max to fit into the lives of his children, and for them to fit into his life, since they do not all live in the same town. They instantly fall into being a family, until strange events start happening to put Marley on the radar of the local police department. This is a good book with a few steamy scenes, and plenty of drama and life events that keep you on your toes and keep you guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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