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Repatriate
Fresh out of rehab, disgraced physician assistant Ally Hamilton is trying to reinvent herself while working as a home health aide. But it’s not easy to start over, and Ally isn’t sure which way to go.
Her new job takes an unexpected twist when she discovers a fortune in stolen artwork lining the walls of her patient’s mansion. Now she has a chance to do something truly noble if she can avoid the wrath of the violent man who stole them. But repatriating the masterpieces before her patient succumbs to his illness and she loses access won’t be easy.
The one bright spot? Along the way, Ally reconnects with the sexy Dr. Maria Alfano, whose understanding of recovery inspires her to risk her heart.
Her new job takes an unexpected twist when she discovers a fortune in stolen artwork lining the walls of her patient’s mansion. Now she has a chance to do something truly noble if she can avoid the wrath of the violent man who stole them. But repatriating the masterpieces before her patient succumbs to his illness and she loses access won’t be easy.
The one bright spot? Along the way, Ally reconnects with the sexy Dr. Maria Alfano, whose understanding of recovery inspires her to risk her heart.
264 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2023
4 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Maddox
12 books24 followersJaime Maddox grew up on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the baby in a family of many children, she was part adored and part ignored, forcing her to find creative ways to fill her time. Her childhood was idyllic, spent hiking, rafting, biking, climbing, and otherwise skinning knees and knuckles. Reading and writing became passions. Although she left home for a brief stint in the big cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Newark, NJ, as soon as she acquired the required paperwork—a medical degree and residency certificate—she came running back.
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 14, 2023
Repatriate is a stunning and intense recovery story of opiate dependent Ally Hamilton and eleven stolen masterpieces of art. The story is a pressure cooker with an unexpected surprise ending which will blow your mind. I will stop right here in the story description so as to not spoil anyones enjoyment of the novel.
Maddox has found that magical blend of two disparate situations and turning it into one very unique story. Her writing and storytelling just gets better with every book. The characters are multi dimensional and represent a wide swath of humanity.
I would give four stars for the interesting premise the book is built upon. That Maddox brings her A game to the telling of the story gives this a solid five star rating.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maddox has found that magical blend of two disparate situations and turning it into one very unique story. Her writing and storytelling just gets better with every book. The characters are multi dimensional and represent a wide swath of humanity.
I would give four stars for the interesting premise the book is built upon. That Maddox brings her A game to the telling of the story gives this a solid five star rating.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2023
This was a really unique story, and one I kept reading on and on, to get to the end, and to find out what happened 'next'.
However I did struggle with a fair few choices made and the idea that some of the things done were morally acceptable or even "good" as was presented.
Our MC Ally is a Physicians Assistant who is fresh out of rehab, after struggling with Opioid addiction. She starts a new job, as a home nurse; a downgrade from her former career. But is working hard to get back to 'normal' and figure out her life and future.
One issue I had with this character is, she really didn't have that much of a hard time. She gets off very easily and has a lot of support around her. But yet doesn't seem to realize that, and takes full advantage of having rich parents, funding her life, and the ability to spend money despite being in debt, and not having a high paying job any longer.
I never really felt she hit a 'rock bottom' or struggled with her sobriety - nor truly learned any real lesson with her addiction. Even when she does come to a place of seemingly understanding why she became an addict, it's because she feels she had to be 'perfect'. Eyeroll! But it felt so very self indulgent and cringe worthy, I ended up not liking the MC very much at all!
Most of the story is set about a rich man's estate, who himself has a shady past - who Ally is nursing for most days, and her noticing the artworks he has displayed as possibly being real missing pieces that had been stolen and lost. And her setting about 'repatriating' them. AKA Stealing them. Swapping them out.
The problem I had was the moral ambiguity here, where our MC Ally barely second-guesses anything she is doing. Let alone questions the fact she is seemingly just swapping out one 'high' for another. This was a very obvious and glaring issue, and yet it was literally never addressed. Even when she admits to her parents and girlfriend what she has done, it's all swept away with "OMG NOW YOU'RE MEGA RICH!" and no one questions the morality of the situation, or the 'high' she was getting from the act - all that left a foul taste in my mouth.
I really just didn't like the characters at all? I couldn't understand any of their motivations or reactions. Despite the ending being more eye-opening in revealing that reason- it still just irritated me more than it probably should.
I think my issue was this idea that she was so self righteous and everyone telling her she was so "right" in what she was doing, and being rewarded for such morally grey behaviour, while never actually acknowleding it as such.
I do like morally grey characters, but they have to at least OWN what they are doing as such, not still gading about, acting as if they are doing some great work of benefit to society, as the character here was.
I also failed to really understand the romantic connection here, at all. It barely went surface level, and the I Love You's came way too quick. So overall, the story just left a lot of weird feelings for me, that clearly didn't bother other reviewers, so I guess I'm just that odd duck out, again.
*Copy provided on Netgalley for honest review.
However I did struggle with a fair few choices made and the idea that some of the things done were morally acceptable or even "good" as was presented.
Our MC Ally is a Physicians Assistant who is fresh out of rehab, after struggling with Opioid addiction. She starts a new job, as a home nurse; a downgrade from her former career. But is working hard to get back to 'normal' and figure out her life and future.
One issue I had with this character is, she really didn't have that much of a hard time. She gets off very easily and has a lot of support around her. But yet doesn't seem to realize that, and takes full advantage of having rich parents, funding her life, and the ability to spend money despite being in debt, and not having a high paying job any longer.
I never really felt she hit a 'rock bottom' or struggled with her sobriety - nor truly learned any real lesson with her addiction. Even when she does come to a place of seemingly understanding why she became an addict, it's because she feels she had to be 'perfect'. Eyeroll! But it felt so very self indulgent and cringe worthy, I ended up not liking the MC very much at all!
Most of the story is set about a rich man's estate, who himself has a shady past - who Ally is nursing for most days, and her noticing the artworks he has displayed as possibly being real missing pieces that had been stolen and lost. And her setting about 'repatriating' them. AKA Stealing them. Swapping them out.
The problem I had was the moral ambiguity here, where our MC Ally barely second-guesses anything she is doing. Let alone questions the fact she is seemingly just swapping out one 'high' for another. This was a very obvious and glaring issue, and yet it was literally never addressed. Even when she admits to her parents and girlfriend what she has done, it's all swept away with "OMG NOW YOU'RE MEGA RICH!" and no one questions the morality of the situation, or the 'high' she was getting from the act - all that left a foul taste in my mouth.
I really just didn't like the characters at all? I couldn't understand any of their motivations or reactions. Despite the ending being more eye-opening in revealing that reason- it still just irritated me more than it probably should.
I think my issue was this idea that she was so self righteous and everyone telling her she was so "right" in what she was doing, and being rewarded for such morally grey behaviour, while never actually acknowleding it as such.
I do like morally grey characters, but they have to at least OWN what they are doing as such, not still gading about, acting as if they are doing some great work of benefit to society, as the character here was.
I also failed to really understand the romantic connection here, at all. It barely went surface level, and the I Love You's came way too quick. So overall, the story just left a lot of weird feelings for me, that clearly didn't bother other reviewers, so I guess I'm just that odd duck out, again.
*Copy provided on Netgalley for honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
I normally do not read heist books because they stress me. Reading detective books are fine because the mc is chasing the criminal. But the tightrope act of getting away with a bad thing is tough for me to read. The whole reason I picked up Repatriate is because the story centers on a character who is trying to redeem herself.
Post rehab, Ally Hamilton is battling her way back from an opioid addiction. She is a former Physician’s Assistant who used to live for her long hours in the emergency room. Now she can only work as a home health aide, at least until she can get her license back. She is ashamed and embarrassed, sometimes despairing. But she is fighting to find the right path.
The book is a tightly built story. Everything slowly comes together but in the process the author reveals Ally’s flaws and her power. I was immediately invested in Ally’s well being which ratcheted up the tension because now I cared. The most potent thing for me about the book is Ally’s journey to accept every part of herself, including her imperfections. Ally does have a love interest, Dr Maria Alfano, but it’s more of a sweet beginning to a romance.
Read Repatriate if you like heist books, redemption arcs, or even stories with difficult family dynamics. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Post rehab, Ally Hamilton is battling her way back from an opioid addiction. She is a former Physician’s Assistant who used to live for her long hours in the emergency room. Now she can only work as a home health aide, at least until she can get her license back. She is ashamed and embarrassed, sometimes despairing. But she is fighting to find the right path.
The book is a tightly built story. Everything slowly comes together but in the process the author reveals Ally’s flaws and her power. I was immediately invested in Ally’s well being which ratcheted up the tension because now I cared. The most potent thing for me about the book is Ally’s journey to accept every part of herself, including her imperfections. Ally does have a love interest, Dr Maria Alfano, but it’s more of a sweet beginning to a romance.
Read Repatriate if you like heist books, redemption arcs, or even stories with difficult family dynamics. 4.5 stars rounded up.
February 5, 2023
A beautiful storyline which was written with sensitivity about the recovery of a nurse with an addiction to opiates. , includes a plot twist ending.
3.7 out of 5
3.7 out of 5
December 30, 2022
Ally Hamilton is finishing six months in treatment for pill addition. She was a physician assistant in the ER but has six months before getting her license back. She starts a new job as a home healthcare worker. While working with a particularly wealthy client who has some past scandals she notices his art collection. She bonds with the client over the art and thinks she has stumbled onto stolen works. She makes plans to swap the art with hopes of them being returned to rightful owners. In the meantime she connects with Maria, an ER doctor who she flirted with prior to going into rehab. The attraction is still there for both.
I love the idea of missing works of art being recovered. I’ve been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and seen the empty painting frames they leave on display as a reminder of their stolen masterpieces. So this was especially intriguing. I also thought the author does a great job with the insecurity and unsureness of coming out of rehab. Trying to staying busy, need of counseling and support groups and family to rely on are shown. I really like Maria and her easiness in wanting to pursue dating and acceptance of Ally’s addiction.
The planning and swapping of paintings was actually less interesting to me than I expected. The tension never rises to thriller level. And there is some moral ambiguity in the actions. And I was confused about whether Ally is really interested in joining the family business. Her older brother's bullying and her having great ideas to benefit the company fills pages but ultimately goes nowhere. I’d rather spend more time on the romance or her with the supportive parents.
I enjoyed the book and it is easy to recommend. And the author throws in an a surprise I should have seen coming with the amount of mysteries I read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love the idea of missing works of art being recovered. I’ve been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and seen the empty painting frames they leave on display as a reminder of their stolen masterpieces. So this was especially intriguing. I also thought the author does a great job with the insecurity and unsureness of coming out of rehab. Trying to staying busy, need of counseling and support groups and family to rely on are shown. I really like Maria and her easiness in wanting to pursue dating and acceptance of Ally’s addiction.
The planning and swapping of paintings was actually less interesting to me than I expected. The tension never rises to thriller level. And there is some moral ambiguity in the actions. And I was confused about whether Ally is really interested in joining the family business. Her older brother's bullying and her having great ideas to benefit the company fills pages but ultimately goes nowhere. I’d rather spend more time on the romance or her with the supportive parents.
I enjoyed the book and it is easy to recommend. And the author throws in an a surprise I should have seen coming with the amount of mysteries I read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2022
After an accident Ally who is a physician's assistant in a hospital Emergency department became addicted to pills. Now months later after rehab she gets a job as caregiver while waiting to find out if she gets her medical license reinstated. While working as caregiver she questioning wether she wants to work in medicine again she gets interest in her father security company which her brother doesn’t like. She gets more involved with her patient when she realizes that the paintings that is displaying on the home of her patient is the original paintings that went missing years ago as she decides what to do she gets involved with her fellow ex coworker Maria. I enjoy this read I like how Ally tells herself she can do this even when she having doubts that’s she can’t love that her parents and friends are supportive of her.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 20, 2023
Firstly this is an absolutely gripping thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end of the book. Secondly, there is also a romance, not the most convincing and clearly very much a sub plot, in the shadow of the main thriller plot. I really enjoyed the beginning where we are following Ally as she processes getting caught taking opiates in the hospital where she works and begins her recovery, working as a home health assistant until she gets her nursing license back. The book takes an unexpected turn, when she decides that she will steal the rare art that she sees on a patient's wall to save it and in case we feel bad we are told at length that of the patient's previous sins. Interesting choice and one that leaves you wondering in terms of morality, what the author is trying to say about addiction and recovery and also the maligning of low paid carers.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
At the beginning of this, Ally Hamilton is an ER physician assistant who is confronted by her ER director about her opioid use. She voluntarily gives up her license and goes into rehab. Six months later, she's out of rehab and starting her new job at Hart Home Health & Hospice as a home health aide. While visiting one of her patients, Brodrik Rogan, the "Cadillac King," she admires the artwork around his house and realizes that he has copies of every piece of art stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum over 30 years ago. But what if they aren't copies?
I went into this expecting a more prominent romance, but Ally didn't even see Dr. Maria Alfano (who she'd briefly clicked with at the ER, off-page, before she went into rehab) until about halfway through the book. Ally was still struggling with feeling like she didn't entirely deserve someone like Maria in her life, but Maria, whose sister also spent time in rehab, was understanding, and their interactions were generally fluffy and nice. Definitely not the focus of the book, though.
The storyline with the painting was more prominent but, unfortunately, not particularly interesting. In general, the book was slow to get moving, and when I learned how Ally planned to approach the problem of one of her patients potentially knowingly possessing stolen paintings, I kind of regretted starting reading in the first place.
Spoiler warning:
When this wasn't kind of boring, it was a nerve-wracking read for all the wrong reasons.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I went into this expecting a more prominent romance, but Ally didn't even see Dr. Maria Alfano (who she'd briefly clicked with at the ER, off-page, before she went into rehab) until about halfway through the book. Ally was still struggling with feeling like she didn't entirely deserve someone like Maria in her life, but Maria, whose sister also spent time in rehab, was understanding, and their interactions were generally fluffy and nice. Definitely not the focus of the book, though.
The storyline with the painting was more prominent but, unfortunately, not particularly interesting. In general, the book was slow to get moving, and when I learned how Ally planned to approach the problem of one of her patients potentially knowingly possessing stolen paintings, I kind of regretted starting reading in the first place.
Spoiler warning:
When this wasn't kind of boring, it was a nerve-wracking read for all the wrong reasons.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
February 27, 2024
Well I am totally shocked by the ending. I was describe this as an intrigue novel with a garnish of romance. As in there is a relationship but it is not the focus or even half the focus of the novel. That isn’t a bad thing necessarily as the intrigue plot gripped me throughout. There were a couple of bits I had to suspend disbelief but I was having such a good read I didn’t mind. I would also have liked a wee bit of comeuppance for one brother and his family. Rather than go on about what else I would have liked I will instead say I really enjoyed being surprised, and up until that point I also really enjoyed the “what will happen next or rather how is this going to work out. I felt a wee bit bit of moral ambiguity at some points but the writer made the case well enough that greater good etc, although funnily enough the final twist pretty much took me back to the ambiguity. Life isn’t clear cut. This book wasn’t. I loved it.
December 30, 2022
Ally is a recovering drug addict who has lost her license as a physician's assistant in a hospital Emergency department. Post rehab she lands a job as a Home Healthcare worker doing wound care. She discovers one of her clients with an unsavoury past may be an art thief. What will Ally do and will she risk her life to recover what she has found?
This story is based on a real art heist in Boston which makes this fictional “what if” scenario even more fascinating. Ally is easy to like and easy to root for as she tackles her opioid addiction and works hard to be of use while she waits for her PA license to be reinstated. A lot of the story is focused on the challenges faced by those in addiction recovery. Ally’s journey felt authentic. Her fear of relapse, of rejection by her former friends, and self loathing all play into her heroic attempt to recover these valuable works of art. I enjoyed the tension the author builds as Ally attempts to steal these lost works hoping to return them to their rightful owners. It all seems foolish as does her interest in her fathers security firm but settle in and enjoy the ride.
There is a romantic relationship with Maria, a former coworker at the hospital but it is a slow and gentle fade to black romance. Ally was attracted to her when they worked together in the hospital and their reconnection is special, the oasis Ally needs as she risks everything to recover the artwork.
I read this book in a day and that is rare for this reader at this busy time of year. Kudos to Jaime Maddox for keeping the suspense elevated and my interest maintained throughout. A love of art will help you appreciate what this recovery means to the world at large but the suspense alone will hold your interest.
4.5 stars keep you turning pages.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
This story is based on a real art heist in Boston which makes this fictional “what if” scenario even more fascinating. Ally is easy to like and easy to root for as she tackles her opioid addiction and works hard to be of use while she waits for her PA license to be reinstated. A lot of the story is focused on the challenges faced by those in addiction recovery. Ally’s journey felt authentic. Her fear of relapse, of rejection by her former friends, and self loathing all play into her heroic attempt to recover these valuable works of art. I enjoyed the tension the author builds as Ally attempts to steal these lost works hoping to return them to their rightful owners. It all seems foolish as does her interest in her fathers security firm but settle in and enjoy the ride.
There is a romantic relationship with Maria, a former coworker at the hospital but it is a slow and gentle fade to black romance. Ally was attracted to her when they worked together in the hospital and their reconnection is special, the oasis Ally needs as she risks everything to recover the artwork.
I read this book in a day and that is rare for this reader at this busy time of year. Kudos to Jaime Maddox for keeping the suspense elevated and my interest maintained throughout. A love of art will help you appreciate what this recovery means to the world at large but the suspense alone will hold your interest.
4.5 stars keep you turning pages.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
November 13, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down.
This book is fine on the surface but I had some issues with the writing. I love the art history angle for a story that tries to be interesting but doesn't succeed in more than acknowledging there are paintings that were stolen and they have a reward. For a MC that is an artist sharing her love of art with both the man she is stealing from and the reader, there was no meat at all to the art history angle. It then is just a story about a MC doing some daring tasks to get a reward.
I personally did not like the writing style. It very much did not flow and instead offered unnecessary details and didn't help any of the plot points come together. There were also some vaguely transphobic remarks (only two lines, but enough) about a trans woman who was thrown in very haphazardly as a character.
The overall story focuses more on the art theft than the romance, which is fine, but then I expect a better plot of the theft to back it up. This book tried, but
This book is fine on the surface but I had some issues with the writing. I love the art history angle for a story that tries to be interesting but doesn't succeed in more than acknowledging there are paintings that were stolen and they have a reward. For a MC that is an artist sharing her love of art with both the man she is stealing from and the reader, there was no meat at all to the art history angle. It then is just a story about a MC doing some daring tasks to get a reward.
I personally did not like the writing style. It very much did not flow and instead offered unnecessary details and didn't help any of the plot points come together. There were also some vaguely transphobic remarks (only two lines, but enough) about a trans woman who was thrown in very haphazardly as a character.
The overall story focuses more on the art theft than the romance, which is fine, but then I expect a better plot of the theft to back it up. This book tried, but
January 7, 2023
Ally Hamilton has just been released from her rehab facility where she's been staying after developing a problem with oxycodone after surgery. She has taken a job as a home health aid and is assigned to a millionaire curmudgeon. After her first visit to his house she starts suspecting some of the art displayed in his home were stolen in a well known museum heist. She has few options to involve the police so she develops a plan to steal the paintings from his home instead. As she works her way through the artwork she is also working on getting her life back together and hopefully also working on a relationship with Dr. Maria Alfano.
This is the first book I've read by Maddox and I really enjoyed it. The beginning, planning portion was a little dry and at first seemed like an impossible task, full of risk. As she went on though, the risk even greater as she got to the larger pieces I was rooting for her and I couldn't stop reading, hoping she wouldn't get caught and wondering how no one had questioned her. I liked her interactions with Maria, the romance was really a secondary plot line in this one but I'd have liked to see a bit more with them. There were some things that didn't make sense as I read but the ending really tied everything up in a very nice surprise that I really didn't see coming. Overall, great plot, interesting characters and nicely done ending.
This is the first book I've read by Maddox and I really enjoyed it. The beginning, planning portion was a little dry and at first seemed like an impossible task, full of risk. As she went on though, the risk even greater as she got to the larger pieces I was rooting for her and I couldn't stop reading, hoping she wouldn't get caught and wondering how no one had questioned her. I liked her interactions with Maria, the romance was really a secondary plot line in this one but I'd have liked to see a bit more with them. There were some things that didn't make sense as I read but the ending really tied everything up in a very nice surprise that I really didn't see coming. Overall, great plot, interesting characters and nicely done ending.
February 8, 2023
Repatriate by Jaime Maddox is an interesting, drama filled novel that also covers some sensitive and relevant subject matters. It has a complex plotline that will satisfy both intrigue/thriller lovers as well as readers who love romance mixed into their mysteries.
Ally Hamilton is a physician’s assistant who was busted at work after she became addicted to opioids following a ski accident. As a recovering addict, Ally takes a job as a medical assistant for a home healthcare company. She hopes this job will eventually help her to get her medical license and maybe her old job back. One of the patients she works for is an elderly man who has many beautiful paintings in his home. Ally begins to wonder about the paintings and starts researching them. This leads her into a world of intrigue and danger.
I really liked the way the author treated Ally’s addiction. It was done with consideration and a realization of what folks in this position have to go through. The mystery and danger surrounding the stolen paintings is quite dramatic and kept me reading. The love interest between Ally and Maria, a doctor she is attracted to works well with the rest of the tale.
I enjoyed reading Repatriate. There really is something in this book for everyone.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Ally Hamilton is a physician’s assistant who was busted at work after she became addicted to opioids following a ski accident. As a recovering addict, Ally takes a job as a medical assistant for a home healthcare company. She hopes this job will eventually help her to get her medical license and maybe her old job back. One of the patients she works for is an elderly man who has many beautiful paintings in his home. Ally begins to wonder about the paintings and starts researching them. This leads her into a world of intrigue and danger.
I really liked the way the author treated Ally’s addiction. It was done with consideration and a realization of what folks in this position have to go through. The mystery and danger surrounding the stolen paintings is quite dramatic and kept me reading. The love interest between Ally and Maria, a doctor she is attracted to works well with the rest of the tale.
I enjoyed reading Repatriate. There really is something in this book for everyone.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 1, 2023
This is a very cleverly plotted, well paced, extremely well written book. There is a lot going on and a lot to keep up with and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ally works in an ER but has lost her licence to practice because of drug addiction. During her rehab she works as a home carer and meets a wealthy man with a fine art collection. Ally loves art and she and the cranky old man bond strongly. But Ally has her suspicions about the paintings and after much research discovers they are masterpieces stolen from various galleries. As atonement she decides to get the paintings back to their rightful owners.
There begins the heart stopping tension that is reminiscent of Mission Impossible. Ally is a great character and her friend Maria an excellent foil. The book is different from the formulaic lesfic and recommended if you’re looking for good storytelling that’s engaging, engrossing, and unusual.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
Ally works in an ER but has lost her licence to practice because of drug addiction. During her rehab she works as a home carer and meets a wealthy man with a fine art collection. Ally loves art and she and the cranky old man bond strongly. But Ally has her suspicions about the paintings and after much research discovers they are masterpieces stolen from various galleries. As atonement she decides to get the paintings back to their rightful owners.
There begins the heart stopping tension that is reminiscent of Mission Impossible. Ally is a great character and her friend Maria an excellent foil. The book is different from the formulaic lesfic and recommended if you’re looking for good storytelling that’s engaging, engrossing, and unusual.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
August 16, 2023
I was expecting a romance with some mystery to solve on the side but it was the other way around. The story was executed well though so no complaints here.
Ally is a recovering substance abuse user and has to rebuilt her life after rehab. She lost her license to work in the ER so takes on a job taking care of people at home. With one of her clients she discovers a lot of art. As an artist and fan they immediately get her attention even more so when she figures out these are all stolen. she comes up with a plan to repatriate the art as a way of redemption.
In between she reconnects with doctor Maria. The romance part is really small in this book so if you are in it for the romance, you'll be disappointed. I loved the parts between Ally and Maria but they were only a few.
I loved the twists and turns the story took and nothing is really as it seems and it keeps you guessing.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Ally is a recovering substance abuse user and has to rebuilt her life after rehab. She lost her license to work in the ER so takes on a job taking care of people at home. With one of her clients she discovers a lot of art. As an artist and fan they immediately get her attention even more so when she figures out these are all stolen. she comes up with a plan to repatriate the art as a way of redemption.
In between she reconnects with doctor Maria. The romance part is really small in this book so if you are in it for the romance, you'll be disappointed. I loved the parts between Ally and Maria but they were only a few.
I loved the twists and turns the story took and nothing is really as it seems and it keeps you guessing.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
December 26, 2022
WOW what a story.
Ally works in the ER as a PA. After a recent injury to her shoulder she's become addicted to drugs, her co-workers have noticed that she has a problem. Her supervisor has now questioning her. What can she do but ask for help.
Six months later she's fresh out of rehab and looking for a job. As a home health aid she'll make a fraction of the money she once did but she gave up her medical license so what's a girl to do.
Ally knows about art and one of her patients has some very unique artwork lining his walls which she believes are stolen.
She's hatched a crazy plan to switch them. This is going to be crazy, dangerous and someone could end up dead.
This is a great story that will keep you reading. And you should because you won't believe the ending.
I highly recommend this.
Ally works in the ER as a PA. After a recent injury to her shoulder she's become addicted to drugs, her co-workers have noticed that she has a problem. Her supervisor has now questioning her. What can she do but ask for help.
Six months later she's fresh out of rehab and looking for a job. As a home health aid she'll make a fraction of the money she once did but she gave up her medical license so what's a girl to do.
Ally knows about art and one of her patients has some very unique artwork lining his walls which she believes are stolen.
She's hatched a crazy plan to switch them. This is going to be crazy, dangerous and someone could end up dead.
This is a great story that will keep you reading. And you should because you won't believe the ending.
I highly recommend this.
January 28, 2023
This book tackled important issues - addiction in healthcare, redemption, self-esteem - but I just really struggled to enjoy it. Ally is a physician assistant who has just been released from a rehab facility, overcoming her dependence on opioids after a ski accident left her injured. She is working on getting her job and her life back by taking a position as a medical assistant for a home health company as a first step towards reclaiming her medical license. However, when she finds out that one of her patients is harboring hundreds of millions worth of stolen art, she is driven by the need for redemption to repatriate it. Along the way, she reconnects with a doctor she had always been attracted to, who is also familiar with the trials of addiction.
Throughout the book, I didn't really love our MC. She repatriated the art under the guise of redemption and acted as if money wasn't a motivating factor, which was totally not realistic because if someone is going to steal from someone dangerous (alluded to in the beginning), the money would DEFINITELY be the most important reward. Then, the reason for her botched surgery leading to her addiction was that her dad "made" her wait to have her shoulder repaired so a family friend could do it? Was she not a grown adult woman who could make her own choices? Obviously the addiction was not her fault, but blaming her dad when she could have just as easily chose to have the surgery when necessary seemed like an out. And then the final straw for me was the "twist" at the end...what??? It pissed me off so much because it was both unnecessary and ruined Ally's character arc, in my opinion.
I did like the representation given to those who struggle with addiction and I enjoyed the romance between Ally and Maria, but that was about it.
Thank you net galley and bold strokes books for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the book, I didn't really love our MC. She repatriated the art under the guise of redemption and acted as if money wasn't a motivating factor, which was totally not realistic because if someone is going to steal from someone dangerous (alluded to in the beginning), the money would DEFINITELY be the most important reward. Then, the reason for her botched surgery leading to her addiction was that her dad "made" her wait to have her shoulder repaired so a family friend could do it? Was she not a grown adult woman who could make her own choices? Obviously the addiction was not her fault, but blaming her dad when she could have just as easily chose to have the surgery when necessary seemed like an out. And then the final straw for me was the "twist" at the end...what??? It pissed me off so much because it was both unnecessary and ruined Ally's character arc, in my opinion.
I did like the representation given to those who struggle with addiction and I enjoyed the romance between Ally and Maria, but that was about it.
Thank you net galley and bold strokes books for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2023
Great.
I really enjoyed Repatriate. At first I didn’t think I would like this book. Without giving away any plot twists, I think stealing is wrong. Even if it is for a worthy cause. But I certainly got into the spirit of the book the further along I read. I did not see the plot twist coming in the end. Wow. Really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed Repatriate. At first I didn’t think I would like this book. Without giving away any plot twists, I think stealing is wrong. Even if it is for a worthy cause. But I certainly got into the spirit of the book the further along I read. I did not see the plot twist coming in the end. Wow. Really enjoyed this book.
February 15, 2023
This was a well written mystery and was very enjoyable to read. I read this in one sitting and would recommend. The main character was believable and likeable. I recommend, 4 stars.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
February 18, 2023
Well written, fast paced story that focuses on a nurses recovery (opiate addiction). Highly recommend!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
I really wanted to love this book. The description was everything I was hoping for: art crime, a strong female lead, and a sapphic love story. Sadly I didn't get that. This was more an "Intro To Exiting Rehab for the Medical Professional," with a side plot of art history. The Main character has an appreciation for art from her mom, but can somehow authenticate stolen works of art from a quick glance in the space of a paragraph. It wasn't until a third of the way through the book that we were introduced to the art in question.
The book also did a lot of telling instead of showing and went into great detail regarding information that did not pertain to the story. The story had a reasonable layout and the timeline was well-plotted but not well-executed. Overall, I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars.
The book also did a lot of telling instead of showing and went into great detail regarding information that did not pertain to the story. The story had a reasonable layout and the timeline was well-plotted but not well-executed. Overall, I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars.
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