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Something like Normal #2
Something like Redemption
Some secrets are best left untold...
Mia Lee escaped to the sleepy little town of South Boston, Virginia with the intent to be normal, and to find a place she could call home.
Sadly for Mia, her past has come back with a vengeance, and forced her to flee yet again.
This time, however, she’s not alone…
Mia and Quinn are on the run, fleeing for their lives, while attempting to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit.
But with a tainted past like Mia’s, it was inevitable that one day, it was going to catch up to her in a way she never fathomed.
One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.
Mia Lee escaped to the sleepy little town of South Boston, Virginia with the intent to be normal, and to find a place she could call home.
Sadly for Mia, her past has come back with a vengeance, and forced her to flee yet again.
This time, however, she’s not alone…
Mia and Quinn are on the run, fleeing for their lives, while attempting to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit.
But with a tainted past like Mia’s, it was inevitable that one day, it was going to catch up to her in a way she never fathomed.
One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.
First published October 1, 2014
About the author
Monica James
44 books2,706 followersMonica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.
She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
http://www.facebook.com/authormonicaj...
Twitter: @monicajames81
http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au/
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.
She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
http://www.facebook.com/authormonicaj...
Twitter: @monicajames81
http://monicajamesbooks.blogspot.com.au/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 11, 2014
4 stars!
Something Like Normal was one of those books I read that shocked me in the best kind of way. It ended in a big cliffhanger, so I was extremely anxious to pick this one up. It starts off right where book one leaves off… Mia is on the run. And Quinn is with her.
After what happened at the end of the last book, Mia is not in the best place. She’s on the run for now, but running is not her end game. She wants revenge. She wants the people who did this to pay. And she doesn’t want to drag Quinn down with her.
No matter what happens, Quinn has decided he’s not going away. No matter what Mia does or how she acts, he’s in it for the long haul. He cares about her and he’s not going to abandon her.
Through all the running and madness, there is still a lot of heat thrown into this one. Compared to the first book, I found this one much more steamy. Which made me a very happy reader.
I really do love Mia and Quinn together. Their relationship isn’t easy. They face even more obstacles in this book. Not only her father, Phil and the police, but a new person is here causing trouble. But through it all, they prevail. When push comes to shove, they fight for their relationship. They fight for each other. Both of them may not fight for their selves, but they sure do come out swinging when it comes to protecting the other person. You can feel the love between them. The last half of the book, I feel like their relationship progressed to a different level.
Both characters have their issues. There are still many secrets that are left untold. Questions left unanswered. I’m definitely anxious to read the third book. The cliffhanger didn't seem as bad, but I still need to know whats going to happen, and more about Quinn’s past. And I’m anxious to get more Abi and Tristan. Love those two!
I enjoy this authors writing style. I love the fast paced story line, the romance, the suspense, the broken characters. I had A TON of issues with Mia the first half of the book. I understood where she was coming from, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to slap her throughout the story. Thankfully, she got her act together. Quinn was fantastic. I just adore him. Overall, besides my temporary issues with the heroine, I think this book came together nicely. It was a great second book to a trilogy. Gave us a little and left us wanting much more! I liked it a lot- a solid 4 star read.
Something Like Normal was one of those books I read that shocked me in the best kind of way. It ended in a big cliffhanger, so I was extremely anxious to pick this one up. It starts off right where book one leaves off… Mia is on the run. And Quinn is with her.
After what happened at the end of the last book, Mia is not in the best place. She’s on the run for now, but running is not her end game. She wants revenge. She wants the people who did this to pay. And she doesn’t want to drag Quinn down with her.
“I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve you… only I deserve to be on the run, not you.”
No matter what happens, Quinn has decided he’s not going away. No matter what Mia does or how she acts, he’s in it for the long haul. He cares about her and he’s not going to abandon her.
“I’m here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard, because I know you feel it… we will get through this because once it’s over, we’re going to be… free.”While the couple is on the run, Abi is back home trying to help clear their names. With her resources, not only are they able to stay afloat comfortably, but they have some hope that just maybe they’ll be okay. That they can come out of this unscathed.
Through all the running and madness, there is still a lot of heat thrown into this one. Compared to the first book, I found this one much more steamy. Which made me a very happy reader.
I really do love Mia and Quinn together. Their relationship isn’t easy. They face even more obstacles in this book. Not only her father, Phil and the police, but a new person is here causing trouble. But through it all, they prevail. When push comes to shove, they fight for their relationship. They fight for each other. Both of them may not fight for their selves, but they sure do come out swinging when it comes to protecting the other person. You can feel the love between them. The last half of the book, I feel like their relationship progressed to a different level.
“How do I look at you?”
“Like I’m worth looking at. Like I’m worth something.”
“You don’t realize how much you’re worth.”
We all have baggage. Ours is just a little more fucked up than others, and that’s what draws us to one another- two broken, fucked up souls.
Both characters have their issues. There are still many secrets that are left untold. Questions left unanswered. I’m definitely anxious to read the third book. The cliffhanger didn't seem as bad, but I still need to know whats going to happen, and more about Quinn’s past. And I’m anxious to get more Abi and Tristan. Love those two!
I enjoy this authors writing style. I love the fast paced story line, the romance, the suspense, the broken characters. I had A TON of issues with Mia the first half of the book. I understood where she was coming from, but it didn’t stop me from wanting to slap her throughout the story. Thankfully, she got her act together. Quinn was fantastic. I just adore him. Overall, besides my temporary issues with the heroine, I think this book came together nicely. It was a great second book to a trilogy. Gave us a little and left us wanting much more! I liked it a lot- a solid 4 star read.
“Life is what you make it. And you make it unforgettable.”
Read
October 3, 2014DNF at 31%
I will make this short. I really enjoyed the first book and it had everything I've come to love in a good book. With its dramatic and attention-grabbing ending, I couldn't wait to dive into this second one. Sadly, this book was simply not for me. The main reason boils down to one fact: I loathe angst. Especially unnecessary angst.
This couple is on the run and I expected them to face their obstacles TOGETHER. Instead, the first 31% is all about the heroine trying to push the hero away or how insecurity and jealousy top their list of problems. These completely avoidable events really doused my reading mood. With promises such as these from the amazing hero:
"I'm here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won't leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard..."
...why can't the heroine put faith in him and work their problems out together?? I have no doubt many will enjoy this book but since I cannot take anymore from this frustrating heroine I've decided to cut my losses early.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will make this short. I really enjoyed the first book and it had everything I've come to love in a good book. With its dramatic and attention-grabbing ending, I couldn't wait to dive into this second one. Sadly, this book was simply not for me. The main reason boils down to one fact: I loathe angst. Especially unnecessary angst.
This couple is on the run and I expected them to face their obstacles TOGETHER. Instead, the first 31% is all about the heroine trying to push the hero away or how insecurity and jealousy top their list of problems. These completely avoidable events really doused my reading mood. With promises such as these from the amazing hero:
"I'm here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won't leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard..."
...why can't the heroine put faith in him and work their problems out together?? I have no doubt many will enjoy this book but since I cannot take anymore from this frustrating heroine I've decided to cut my losses early.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2014
4 Stars!
Review to come.
**ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
February 6, 2024
Still on the run, Quinn and Mia have a surprise encounter with a face from her past.
With her father always a step behind, it becomes clear they are going to have to take drastic steps to share him.
I’m enjoying the suspense and action of the series, and even the angst. Admittedly, I became a little frustrated with Mia in this installment. Her naïveté reached new heights. That said, I am anxious for the next installment. Especially after the way book two ended.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤨😲😩🫨🥺
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 🧍🏻♀️ {Single}
🗂 Genre: Romantic Suspense
✨ Tropes: Alphahole, Found Family, Jealous/Possessive, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Așșault (Not by H), Unalìvíng, Vìolençe, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Something Like Redemption is part of the Something Like Normal series and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
With her father always a step behind, it becomes clear they are going to have to take drastic steps to share him.
I’m enjoying the suspense and action of the series, and even the angst. Admittedly, I became a little frustrated with Mia in this installment. Her naïveté reached new heights. That said, I am anxious for the next installment. Especially after the way book two ended.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤨😲😩🫨🥺
Ending: 🧗🏻♀️ {Cliffy}
POV: 🧍🏻♀️ {Single}
🗂 Genre: Romantic Suspense
✨ Tropes: Alphahole, Found Family, Jealous/Possessive, Virgin h
💋 Kinks: Finger Licking Good
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🚩 Safety Squad: Așșault (Not by H), Unalìvíng, Vìolençe, and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Something Like Redemption is part of the Something Like Normal series and ends on a cliffhanger. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
September 3, 2015
Something like Redemption is now... LIVE!!!!
http://tinyurl.com/klpbnuo
October 22, 2023
***4 "Something like... love???" stars***
"For a moment in my life, I was normal.
But now. Now I'm reminded that I'm anything but normal.
I never will be."
I was anxiously waiting for the second part of Mia and Quinn's story, especially after the way things had been left in the first book...
Mia was forced for once again to be on the run, but she wasn't alone this time...
Quinn run alongside her...
Mia's past has demons that are always five steps behind them and they have to fight with tooth and nails to keep running away from them...
But what about Quinn's demons???
"We are both scarred souls, drawn together by tragedy, but we're trying damn hard to break the binds of our past."
In here, Mia wasn't in a good place... After everything that had happened and the false sense of normality she had felt, everything vanished into thin air...
She is mourning what she lost and she can not accept that Quinn has ruined his life following her...
But Quinn is like an unmovable and very determined rock and he is there to protect her, even from herself...
Their relationship in here is taking a different turn... Its foundation is becoming more solid, even though Mia had fought him in every turn, because she felt undeserved of him...
"You're mine. And I protect what's mine."
This is one crazy ride and I love the main couple very much...
The truth is that I missed Abbi and Tristan a little bit, but Quinn and Mia were enough...
They both have their own demons that are chasing them relentlessly, but together, they are stronger to face them...
Unfortunately for them, Phil and Mia's father is not the only enemies that are waiting in the dark to abush them... and they have to look always behind their shoulders... Also, the police is after them...
Can they survive in the constant running??? Can their feelings get stronger or they will be weaken and leave them alone???
"Before meeting my friends in South Boston, I didn't even know what love felt like...
But this, with Quinn, is this something like love? This all-consuming, overpowering urge to be near someone. Is that what love is?"
I really can not wait for the next book in the series!!! I have so many questions over everything and I need answers really badly!!!
Quinn and Mia are a beautiful mess and I want more of them!!!
"I am here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you. I promise. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard because I know you feel it…
We will get through this because once it’s over, we’ll be… free."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"For a moment in my life, I was normal.
But now. Now I'm reminded that I'm anything but normal.
I never will be."
I was anxiously waiting for the second part of Mia and Quinn's story, especially after the way things had been left in the first book...
Mia was forced for once again to be on the run, but she wasn't alone this time...
Quinn run alongside her...
Mia's past has demons that are always five steps behind them and they have to fight with tooth and nails to keep running away from them...
But what about Quinn's demons???
"We are both scarred souls, drawn together by tragedy, but we're trying damn hard to break the binds of our past."
In here, Mia wasn't in a good place... After everything that had happened and the false sense of normality she had felt, everything vanished into thin air...
She is mourning what she lost and she can not accept that Quinn has ruined his life following her...
But Quinn is like an unmovable and very determined rock and he is there to protect her, even from herself...
Their relationship in here is taking a different turn... Its foundation is becoming more solid, even though Mia had fought him in every turn, because she felt undeserved of him...
"You're mine. And I protect what's mine."
This is one crazy ride and I love the main couple very much...
The truth is that I missed Abbi and Tristan a little bit, but Quinn and Mia were enough...
They both have their own demons that are chasing them relentlessly, but together, they are stronger to face them...
Unfortunately for them, Phil and Mia's father is not the only enemies that are waiting in the dark to abush them... and they have to look always behind their shoulders... Also, the police is after them...
Can they survive in the constant running??? Can their feelings get stronger or they will be weaken and leave them alone???
"Before meeting my friends in South Boston, I didn't even know what love felt like...
But this, with Quinn, is this something like love? This all-consuming, overpowering urge to be near someone. Is that what love is?"
I really can not wait for the next book in the series!!! I have so many questions over everything and I need answers really badly!!!
Quinn and Mia are a beautiful mess and I want more of them!!!
"I am here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you. I promise. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard because I know you feel it…
We will get through this because once it’s over, we’ll be… free."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
October 3, 2014
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
I liked this one, I did. But it also held some discrepancies which at times disturbed my reading experience a bit.
You know the whole saying, "less is more"? Sometimes I felt that if there was a little less drama and self-doubt it would have made a lot of what went down a wee less complicated.
I mean, yeah, I learned what I wanted to know with some sprinkles filled with twists, turns, and revelations. Not to mention, a cliffhanger at the end!!
But what I was looking for in this follow up was a little more, CLARITY, or even self-realization, if you will.
So...All in all, this read was somewhat of a hand toss for me. I WILL be, however, continuing on to read on for bk 3 though... Hopefully, there isn't so much turmoil and emotional upheaval or distress in that one as well!...
I liked this one, I did. But it also held some discrepancies which at times disturbed my reading experience a bit.
You know the whole saying, "less is more"? Sometimes I felt that if there was a little less drama and self-doubt it would have made a lot of what went down a wee less complicated.
I mean, yeah, I learned what I wanted to know with some sprinkles filled with twists, turns, and revelations. Not to mention, a cliffhanger at the end!!
But what I was looking for in this follow up was a little more, CLARITY, or even self-realization, if you will.
So...All in all, this read was somewhat of a hand toss for me. I WILL be, however, continuing on to read on for bk 3 though... Hopefully, there isn't so much turmoil and emotional upheaval or distress in that one as well!...
January 6, 2024
No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard because I know you feel it.
Hey, it's me again, two days after I devoured Something Like Normal in one sitting and now, finishing savoring yet another perfect gem, Something Like Redemption, its sequel. Seriously, I honestly didn't know what kind of drug Monica put in her books but man, was I helplessly ADDICTED to them. Sometimes I worried that the rest of the series wouldn't be as amazing and original as the first instalment, but once again, Monica proved me wrong just like how she did with her mafia romance trilogy, Thy Kingdom Come. The Something Like Normal series really just got better and better as the story slowly unveiled.
"A Siren? Didn't they lure sailors to their deaths?"
Quinn smiles, brushing back his hair. "Yes. But those sailors happily went to their watery graves, having heard and seen the beautiful water goddesses. You see, they looked innocent and sounded angelic, but underneath all that beauty lay a powerful, misunderstood woman--like you. And if I were to die...I would be just like those sailors," he whispers, his mind in a faraway place.
As Quinn and Mia continued being on the run, their almost-relationship progressed further and I loved how the more Mia gradually opened herself up to him and pretty much bared her soul at the same time, the more Quinn reciprocated by loving her more and more. The mutual adoration and respect from them totally moved me to tears and I secretly prayed that their ultimate happiness would arrive ASAP.
"What happened to the little boy?" I ask, realizing we've stopped in front of the place I've dreaded seeing.
Quinn turns to me as he shuts off the engine. "He grew up and realized that it's okay to make mistakes because you've always got tomorrow to make amends."
However, as excited as I was to learn more about Mia's dark and gory past, the only thing missing was the elephant in the room: the mysterious childhood trauma of Quinn Berkeley. I meant, Monica did such a great job sharing Mia's story from her perspective, and yet, she also simultaneously, brilliantly left out that of Quinn. We all knew that Quinn did not have an easy, rainbow-sunshine-unicorn sort of childhood, but it was also unfathomable how far away from the normal life his actually was.
As a consequence, even though we did get some disclosures at the end of this book, I was beyond eager to read the third and final instalment in this series, Something Like Love, coming out on February 5th, 2024. Needless to say, it'd definitely focus on Quinn's secrets and I knew from the bottom of my heart that whatever he did in the past, would never ever deter the feeling, undying love, and unwavering loyalty Mia had for him. Let's all wait and see how the Queen of Dark & Quirky Romance, Monica James, would blow our minds with the finale, shall we?
September 29, 2014
WOW!! This is one hell of a ride!!!
Something Like Redemption starts where Something Like Normal leaves off so they do need to be read in order so you get the full amazingly awesome effect of this story!
If you're looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation - not only due to the suspense but because of the amazing sexual tension/attraction between the characters - this book is what you're looking for!
Monica James has created a never ending thrill ride of a story full of suspense, murder, revenge, lust, passion, and loyalty.
Quinn and Mia are the perfect duo - a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, for sure! Quinn loves Mia despite her past and despite her constantly questioning why. Mia has had a hell of a life and shes come a long way with her healing and starting to find herself again.
On the run from her past, Mia and Quinn move from town to town trying to stay out of harms way.
Will her past catch up with her or is she finally due the break that she deserves?
I cannot wait to continue this story!! I've come to love the characters and cannot wait to see what's in store for them next.
Monica James has become one of my go-to authors - I will read anything she writes!
5 stars for sure (more if possible)!!
Something Like Redemption starts where Something Like Normal leaves off so they do need to be read in order so you get the full amazingly awesome effect of this story!
If you're looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation - not only due to the suspense but because of the amazing sexual tension/attraction between the characters - this book is what you're looking for!
Monica James has created a never ending thrill ride of a story full of suspense, murder, revenge, lust, passion, and loyalty.
Quinn and Mia are the perfect duo - a modern day Bonnie and Clyde, for sure! Quinn loves Mia despite her past and despite her constantly questioning why. Mia has had a hell of a life and shes come a long way with her healing and starting to find herself again.
On the run from her past, Mia and Quinn move from town to town trying to stay out of harms way.
Will her past catch up with her or is she finally due the break that she deserves?
I cannot wait to continue this story!! I've come to love the characters and cannot wait to see what's in store for them next.
Monica James has become one of my go-to authors - I will read anything she writes!
5 stars for sure (more if possible)!!
October 10, 2014
Something Like Redemption continues on from book 1 with Mia and Quinn on the run. They end up traveling all over the states hiding from the police and Mia’s dad and Phil.
There is a lot of drama, but it is mostly between Mia and Quinn. Mia feels guilty about getting everyone involved in her mess and keeps trying to push Quinn away to protect them.
Mia and Quinn have a lot of soul searching to do, but they have an intense connection with each other. I loved reading about how their love for each other develops with this story. Mia was finally able to open up about herself but unfortunately Quinn is still super guarded about his past.
I loved book 1 but I felt that this book just dragged on a little bit. It was still intense but just took to long to make its point.
Spoiler….
I was also confused as to how they were going to make it into Canada as they are wanted fugitives. I think they would have had to show ID or a passport to cross over. It just seemed a little farfetched.
There is a lot of drama, but it is mostly between Mia and Quinn. Mia feels guilty about getting everyone involved in her mess and keeps trying to push Quinn away to protect them.
Mia and Quinn have a lot of soul searching to do, but they have an intense connection with each other. I loved reading about how their love for each other develops with this story. Mia was finally able to open up about herself but unfortunately Quinn is still super guarded about his past.
I loved book 1 but I felt that this book just dragged on a little bit. It was still intense but just took to long to make its point.
Spoiler….
I was also confused as to how they were going to make it into Canada as they are wanted fugitives. I think they would have had to show ID or a passport to cross over. It just seemed a little farfetched.
Want to read
December 13, 2014I NEED THIS BOOK!!
October 5, 2014
There is nothing more amazing to me than to be able to add another author to my "must read everything they write list." Monica James has effectively been added to that list in my world. When I read Something Like Normal, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Something Like Redemption. I had to have more of the story. So the moment it showed up on my Kindle, I did a little happy dance. The bad part of it was I was stuck in an office and had a pile of work sitting in front of me so I couldn't instantly open it and devour it. But I can tell you the moment I got home I sat down and did just that!
Something Like Normal had my heart racing and my pulse pounding. I wanted so much more of it when it ended. I fell in love with Mia's character and her strength. But there was so much more to the story and so, with all books that live that kind of impression on me, when the next book hit my Kindle, it was a drop everything and read this book right now. The bad part is, you only get to read a new book for the first time once and I am afraid with this follow up in the series, I want to experience it all for the first time again!
Once I read the last page, I knew I would forever be a Monica James fan-girl. Because as much as I love the first book in this series, the second just stole my soul.
Mia and Quinn are on the run, looking for an escape until they can be proven innocent or until her dad is out of the picture finally. The odds are against them, but they are holding onto hope and each other. Mia's past is out in the open and everyone is looking for her. But it's not just he public that is out to find her... so her is dad.
Mia and Quinn will not be safe until he is out of the picture, but there is so much more going on. Just keep moving. It will be harder to find them if they just keep moving. One little misstep can change everything. Lucky for Mia and Quinn, the only misstep they have is actually enjoying themselves a little as fugitives. On their journey, Mia runs into a guy she knew from California. They pass pleasantries and move on. But something says, be careful with him... he may show back up...
Monica James kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. It made me a bit anxious, but that was one thing I loved about it. I had to know what happened next! I had to know what was going to happen on this crazy adventure. But mostly I wanted to know if Mia and Quinn were ever going to give into the sexual tension and frustration they are both experiencing.
Yeah, that's shallow of me. Of course, I want them to make it to the other side and I want her dad to pay the price. But Mia and Quinn are so completely perfect for one another. They may not be perfect people and they definitely have freaky pasts going on, but there is something sweet about how they are together. So despite everything that these two are experiencing, I want Mia and Quinn to be happy together.
This is an edge of your seat sequel and so worth the read! It will keep you turning pages just to find out what will happen next. It is full of high tension, high drama and will having you rooting for Mia and Quinn.
Something Like Normal had my heart racing and my pulse pounding. I wanted so much more of it when it ended. I fell in love with Mia's character and her strength. But there was so much more to the story and so, with all books that live that kind of impression on me, when the next book hit my Kindle, it was a drop everything and read this book right now. The bad part is, you only get to read a new book for the first time once and I am afraid with this follow up in the series, I want to experience it all for the first time again!
Once I read the last page, I knew I would forever be a Monica James fan-girl. Because as much as I love the first book in this series, the second just stole my soul.
Mia and Quinn are on the run, looking for an escape until they can be proven innocent or until her dad is out of the picture finally. The odds are against them, but they are holding onto hope and each other. Mia's past is out in the open and everyone is looking for her. But it's not just he public that is out to find her... so her is dad.
Mia and Quinn will not be safe until he is out of the picture, but there is so much more going on. Just keep moving. It will be harder to find them if they just keep moving. One little misstep can change everything. Lucky for Mia and Quinn, the only misstep they have is actually enjoying themselves a little as fugitives. On their journey, Mia runs into a guy she knew from California. They pass pleasantries and move on. But something says, be careful with him... he may show back up...
Monica James kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. It made me a bit anxious, but that was one thing I loved about it. I had to know what happened next! I had to know what was going to happen on this crazy adventure. But mostly I wanted to know if Mia and Quinn were ever going to give into the sexual tension and frustration they are both experiencing.
Yeah, that's shallow of me. Of course, I want them to make it to the other side and I want her dad to pay the price. But Mia and Quinn are so completely perfect for one another. They may not be perfect people and they definitely have freaky pasts going on, but there is something sweet about how they are together. So despite everything that these two are experiencing, I want Mia and Quinn to be happy together.
This is an edge of your seat sequel and so worth the read! It will keep you turning pages just to find out what will happen next. It is full of high tension, high drama and will having you rooting for Mia and Quinn.
October 5, 2014
Reviewer: Lynn
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the authr in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Something like Redemption picks up where Something like Normal leaves off. Quinn and Mia are on the run. Trying to stay one ahead of her father and Phil. Mia wants to leave Quinn behind just to save him. Quinn is determined to stick to Mia at all costs. The two become closer as they travel across country but Mia is still unsure of her relationship with Quinn. Never having any type of romantic relationship, Mia just doesn't know what to do or how to act. Quinn isn't letting her go. Slowly Mia starts to accept her feeling for Quinn. She misses her friends from South Boston. Upset and angry over Hanks death she finds herself trying to cope with all these feelings she has never felt before.
The character development in this series is awesome. Mia slowly processes her feelings for Quinn, her friends. things she has never had or felt before. It's heartbreaking at times to think she has lived nineteen years and is just now learning all this. Quinn is amazing. He has his own secrets but is determined to stick to Mia and see where the relationship is going. He isn't about to leave her behind or get left behind. At these times his alpha male comes out and it is so endearing. The protectiveness he shows with Mia, the kind, caring love just jumps off the page at you. Even though they are on the run he wants her to see how a relationship is supposed to go. I have to admit I had a moment at the end when I realized that there is another cliffhanger. I had to scream NO. I so want to know what happens. So it is back to waiting for the next book. It is so worth the wait.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the authr in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Something like Redemption picks up where Something like Normal leaves off. Quinn and Mia are on the run. Trying to stay one ahead of her father and Phil. Mia wants to leave Quinn behind just to save him. Quinn is determined to stick to Mia at all costs. The two become closer as they travel across country but Mia is still unsure of her relationship with Quinn. Never having any type of romantic relationship, Mia just doesn't know what to do or how to act. Quinn isn't letting her go. Slowly Mia starts to accept her feeling for Quinn. She misses her friends from South Boston. Upset and angry over Hanks death she finds herself trying to cope with all these feelings she has never felt before.
The character development in this series is awesome. Mia slowly processes her feelings for Quinn, her friends. things she has never had or felt before. It's heartbreaking at times to think she has lived nineteen years and is just now learning all this. Quinn is amazing. He has his own secrets but is determined to stick to Mia and see where the relationship is going. He isn't about to leave her behind or get left behind. At these times his alpha male comes out and it is so endearing. The protectiveness he shows with Mia, the kind, caring love just jumps off the page at you. Even though they are on the run he wants her to see how a relationship is supposed to go. I have to admit I had a moment at the end when I realized that there is another cliffhanger. I had to scream NO. I so want to know what happens. So it is back to waiting for the next book. It is so worth the wait.
February 10, 2024
Something Like Redemption
5 Stars
Format: ebook (arc)
Genre: Dark Romance/ New Adult
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves”
Mia Lee fled to the quiet town of South Boston with secrets better left untold and with the intention of trying to live a normal life and find somewhere to call home. Unfortunately for Mia, the past has come back with a vengeance and has forced her to flee again. This time however, she isn’t alone. Mia and Quinn are on the run together, fleeing for their lives, whilst also trying to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit. But when you have a past like Mia, it is inevitable that one day her actions were going to catch up to her in ways she could have never seen coming. One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.
I really enjoyed the continuation of Mia’s and Quinn’s story and Monica had me riding the emotions lol. Last book she made me cry and with this book she made me feel rage because of a characters actions. This is just a testament to the talent Monica has as an author. I will forever love your books, thank you Monica xo
5 Stars
Format: ebook (arc)
Genre: Dark Romance/ New Adult
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves”
Mia Lee fled to the quiet town of South Boston with secrets better left untold and with the intention of trying to live a normal life and find somewhere to call home. Unfortunately for Mia, the past has come back with a vengeance and has forced her to flee again. This time however, she isn’t alone. Mia and Quinn are on the run together, fleeing for their lives, whilst also trying to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit. But when you have a past like Mia, it is inevitable that one day her actions were going to catch up to her in ways she could have never seen coming. One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.
I really enjoyed the continuation of Mia’s and Quinn’s story and Monica had me riding the emotions lol. Last book she made me cry and with this book she made me feel rage because of a characters actions. This is just a testament to the talent Monica has as an author. I will forever love your books, thank you Monica xo
October 9, 2014
Review for Something Like Redemption (Something Like Normal #2)
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
Something Like Redemption continues on from book 1 with Mia and Quinn on the run. They end up traveling all over the states hiding from the police and Mia’s dad and Phil.
There is a lot of drama, but it is mostly between Mia and Quinn. Mia feels guilty about getting everyone involved in her mess and keeps trying to push Quinn away to protect them.
Mia and Quinn have a lot of soul searching to do, but they have an intense connection with each other. I loved reading about how their love for each other develops with this story. Mia was finally able to open up about herself but unfortunately Quinn is still super guarded about his past.
I loved book 1 but I felt that this book just dragged on a little bit. It was still intense but just took to long to make its point.
Spoiler….
I was also confused as to how they were going to make it into Canada as they are wanted fugitives. I think they would have had to show ID or a passport to cross over. It just seemed a little farfetched.
I just hope we don’t have to wait to long for book 3.
Review done for Hooked on Books
4 out of 5 stars
Something Like Redemption continues on from book 1 with Mia and Quinn on the run. They end up traveling all over the states hiding from the police and Mia’s dad and Phil.
There is a lot of drama, but it is mostly between Mia and Quinn. Mia feels guilty about getting everyone involved in her mess and keeps trying to push Quinn away to protect them.
Mia and Quinn have a lot of soul searching to do, but they have an intense connection with each other. I loved reading about how their love for each other develops with this story. Mia was finally able to open up about herself but unfortunately Quinn is still super guarded about his past.
I loved book 1 but I felt that this book just dragged on a little bit. It was still intense but just took to long to make its point.
Spoiler….
I was also confused as to how they were going to make it into Canada as they are wanted fugitives. I think they would have had to show ID or a passport to cross over. It just seemed a little farfetched.
I just hope we don’t have to wait to long for book 3.
October 5, 2014
Ahhh, let me start by saying I LOVED the first book "Something like Normal"
This one, Something like Redemption just picked up literally from where we all ended :-)
Love when that happens lol
Any how, Clearly i enjoyed this book/series a lot however, i wish Mia "Red" did not push Quinn away as much as she did. Maybe its because I wanted her to give herself to Quinn lol
The tension between them...sexual tension i might add was HOT HOT HOT! i wish she would have been more open to allowing him to be by her side in the beginning. But everything played out wonderfulllllll by the end! :-)
Any how, this book kicked ass just as all the others have.
I feel Monica has such an amazing gift when it comes to writing and delivering an incredible piece of work.
I feel like i say this all the time when I receive an ARC but i truly truly LOVE everything about Monica's writing.
Cannot wait for this to continue!
She has delivered characters that are forever burned into my mind!
good job on #2 dollface :-)
xox love your guts!
This one, Something like Redemption just picked up literally from where we all ended :-)
Love when that happens lol
Any how, Clearly i enjoyed this book/series a lot however, i wish Mia "Red" did not push Quinn away as much as she did. Maybe its because I wanted her to give herself to Quinn lol
The tension between them...sexual tension i might add was HOT HOT HOT! i wish she would have been more open to allowing him to be by her side in the beginning. But everything played out wonderfulllllll by the end! :-)
Any how, this book kicked ass just as all the others have.
I feel Monica has such an amazing gift when it comes to writing and delivering an incredible piece of work.
I feel like i say this all the time when I receive an ARC but i truly truly LOVE everything about Monica's writing.
Cannot wait for this to continue!
She has delivered characters that are forever burned into my mind!
good job on #2 dollface :-)
xox love your guts!
Want to read
September 3, 2014*** COVER REVEAL AND BLURB ****
Something like Redemption (Something like Normal #2) by Monica James
ijustlovetoread.wordpress.com/2014/09...
Something like Redemption (Something like Normal #2) by Monica James
ijustlovetoread.wordpress.com/2014/09...
January 3, 2015
3.5 Stars
}
}
October 15, 2023
OK, we're on to part in what I'm now realising is a trilogy... of Paige/Mia and Quinns story.
This on is a doozy.
I will say now this was heavy on angst for me. More than I expected or wanted. Especially at the beginning.
With that being said, I can also see why and understand that it fits the storyline.
Soo....
Paige is very self sabotaging/ self-sacrificing through this one. She's riddled with guilt, with trauma and just all round overloaded with more pain than anyone being should be , especially someone so young. It's heartbreaking watching her fight herself and work her way through her new normal after tasting a little kind and gentle. She's absolutely strong, but she's young, and boy, did she go through it.
Quinn himself is a self-sacrificing hero. He wanted nothing but to protect her. To be her safe place and make sure she could get away. He did just that and then some. Quinn is the bad boy with the heart of gold. The one who plays that he's no good but turns out to be the best. The constant. The only one that mattered in the end.
These two are toxic. There are no ifs or buts about that. But they have the crazy chemistry and some trauma bonding that has them locked in, and I just couldn't get enough of it. Even if at times I wanted to throttle them.
Monica's has always managed to get me to read things I wouldn't normally dabble in because her writing consumes me. This one is no different. Monica has written a soul snatching story of two young lovers on the run facing down the world, and I felt EVERY SINGLE THING.
The heart pounding fears. The desperation. The want and need. The love. The hopes and the dreams. It's all there in black and white, and boy, did it take me on a rollercoaster.
Now I'm not going into it any further because I don't want to spoil a thing, but what I will say is that it's worth it.
That ending, though!!! Holy shit.
CLIFFHANGER WARNING.
This on is a doozy.
I will say now this was heavy on angst for me. More than I expected or wanted. Especially at the beginning.
With that being said, I can also see why and understand that it fits the storyline.
Soo....
Paige is very self sabotaging/ self-sacrificing through this one. She's riddled with guilt, with trauma and just all round overloaded with more pain than anyone being should be , especially someone so young. It's heartbreaking watching her fight herself and work her way through her new normal after tasting a little kind and gentle. She's absolutely strong, but she's young, and boy, did she go through it.
Quinn himself is a self-sacrificing hero. He wanted nothing but to protect her. To be her safe place and make sure she could get away. He did just that and then some. Quinn is the bad boy with the heart of gold. The one who plays that he's no good but turns out to be the best. The constant. The only one that mattered in the end.
These two are toxic. There are no ifs or buts about that. But they have the crazy chemistry and some trauma bonding that has them locked in, and I just couldn't get enough of it. Even if at times I wanted to throttle them.
Monica's has always managed to get me to read things I wouldn't normally dabble in because her writing consumes me. This one is no different. Monica has written a soul snatching story of two young lovers on the run facing down the world, and I felt EVERY SINGLE THING.
The heart pounding fears. The desperation. The want and need. The love. The hopes and the dreams. It's all there in black and white, and boy, did it take me on a rollercoaster.
Now I'm not going into it any further because I don't want to spoil a thing, but what I will say is that it's worth it.
That ending, though!!! Holy shit.
CLIFFHANGER WARNING.
October 19, 2023
This book will make you feel everything. The angst, emotions, heartache, all of it. Monica did an amazing job keeping you on your toes. I love Mia and Quinn’s chemistry throughout. The plot twist… AMAZING!!! Highly highly recommend!! Once I started, I couldn’t stop.
October 16, 2014
Something Like Redemption (Something Like Normal, #2) by Monica James
4 stars!!
This book continues from where Something Like Normal ended and Mia and Quinn are on the run; therefore please make sure you have read Something Like Normal first.
Well I finished and I am a little lost for words and that doesn’t happen very often. This book was packed and I mean PACKED!! For a couple on the run I did find that this couple couldn’t help but draw attention to themselves considering they should be flying low under the radar, but wherever Mia goes, drama seems to follow and this book is no different.
I will say though, the first 30% made me quite mad, Mia was seriously doing my head in. Deep down in my heart of hearts I could understand her actions but my poor Quinn, he couldn’t have been clearer if he tried…what did she want?...a plane flying with one of those messages trailing behind?? Quinn was in it for the long haul, but Mia was trying her damnedest to push him away, albeit with the best intentions. Thank god that Quinn could see through her misguided attempts and was stronger than that. Quinn deserved a medal in this book, not many would have tolerated Mia’s AC/DC behaviour.
But and this is a huge BUT, the relationship development between these two was huge. This is a relationship built on friendship first and foremost…yes in the beginning there is that toing and froing but this is Mia doing what she feels she needs to do to protect Quinn. Deep down though we have two people that will do anything for each other, their love for each other is fierce, true and pure. Even though they are both vulnerable in their own way, they are strong, they are fiercely protective of each other and extremely devoted…and this is before they have even got down to the hot and sweatys!! Don’t fret, they get close many times and these scenes are smoking hot but Quinn never crosses that line…when he does, he wants it to be perfect for both of them and at this moment in time those stars are not aligning. One thing I will say though is I pity Monica James in having to write their first sex scene, because with the sexual tension between these two, I am expecting COMBUSTION!!
I can’t really say much about the book because as I said above, there is a lot going on and to say anything would give too much away and as this is a romantic suspense I need to keep my lips zipped so that you experience it the same way I did. I will say though when you are on the run you keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, you have to pick and choose who you trust and I found some of their decisions a bit WTF? I am normally a good judge of character and my spidey senses did not let me down in this book (you will know when you get there).
On the whole, this was an action packed read that kept me reading in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down and I am now eagerly awaiting book 3. Quinn is such a diamond, I love him dearly but he is still extremely secretive about his past and I desperately want to know what it is that he is hiding. I expect it is going to be huge and another WTF moment.
These two deserve a happy ever after especially after everything they have been through but I still feel they have a lot to get through to get there and I fear that the road is still going to be extremely bumpy. They have people on their side though and I just hope that they can come through for them in the end.
Monica James, you have certainly put me through it with this one and now I will have to wait on tenterhooks…book 3 cannot come quick enough.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
“Don’t change who you are for people who don’t even know who they are. You’re beautiful, inside and out.”
This book continues from where Something Like Normal ended and Mia and Quinn are on the run; therefore please make sure you have read Something Like Normal first.
Well I finished and I am a little lost for words and that doesn’t happen very often. This book was packed and I mean PACKED!! For a couple on the run I did find that this couple couldn’t help but draw attention to themselves considering they should be flying low under the radar, but wherever Mia goes, drama seems to follow and this book is no different.
I will say though, the first 30% made me quite mad, Mia was seriously doing my head in. Deep down in my heart of hearts I could understand her actions but my poor Quinn, he couldn’t have been clearer if he tried…what did she want?...a plane flying with one of those messages trailing behind?? Quinn was in it for the long haul, but Mia was trying her damnedest to push him away, albeit with the best intentions. Thank god that Quinn could see through her misguided attempts and was stronger than that. Quinn deserved a medal in this book, not many would have tolerated Mia’s AC/DC behaviour.
“And I’m here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard, because I know you feel it.”
But and this is a huge BUT, the relationship development between these two was huge. This is a relationship built on friendship first and foremost…yes in the beginning there is that toing and froing but this is Mia doing what she feels she needs to do to protect Quinn. Deep down though we have two people that will do anything for each other, their love for each other is fierce, true and pure. Even though they are both vulnerable in their own way, they are strong, they are fiercely protective of each other and extremely devoted…and this is before they have even got down to the hot and sweatys!! Don’t fret, they get close many times and these scenes are smoking hot but Quinn never crosses that line…when he does, he wants it to be perfect for both of them and at this moment in time those stars are not aligning. One thing I will say though is I pity Monica James in having to write their first sex scene, because with the sexual tension between these two, I am expecting COMBUSTION!!
“From the crown of my head, to the soles of me feet, my body is alight. And the reason for that inferno is Quinn Berkeley.”
I can’t really say much about the book because as I said above, there is a lot going on and to say anything would give too much away and as this is a romantic suspense I need to keep my lips zipped so that you experience it the same way I did. I will say though when you are on the run you keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, you have to pick and choose who you trust and I found some of their decisions a bit WTF? I am normally a good judge of character and my spidey senses did not let me down in this book (you will know when you get there).
On the whole, this was an action packed read that kept me reading in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down and I am now eagerly awaiting book 3. Quinn is such a diamond, I love him dearly but he is still extremely secretive about his past and I desperately want to know what it is that he is hiding. I expect it is going to be huge and another WTF moment.
“He grew up and realized that it’s okay to make mistakes, because you’ve always got tomorrow to try and make amends.”
These two deserve a happy ever after especially after everything they have been through but I still feel they have a lot to get through to get there and I fear that the road is still going to be extremely bumpy. They have people on their side though and I just hope that they can come through for them in the end.
Monica James, you have certainly put me through it with this one and now I will have to wait on tenterhooks…book 3 cannot come quick enough.
www.theromancecover.com
February 2, 2015
This is the second book in the series. If you have not read Something Like Normal please put this down and go read Something Like Normal. I had to purchase this book and start it not long after finishing Something Like Normal. This was just as good as the first book. It had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Mia's Dad was always one step behind them always knew their next step and how the cops were always hot on their heals.
Mia and Quinn were forced on the run after her Dad and Phil found her and turned the law onto her. After Mia ran into an old high school friend, Justin, who offered to help then out things are tense between Justin and Quinn. The sexual tension between Quinn and Mia only gets more intense as the story goes on. The things Quinn does for Mia I absolutely love him for and the way he takes care of her and is so in tune with her and her needs is amazing. Although there are times I wanted to smack him upside the head and say what are you thinking. Mia never had a loving family that stuck by her no matter what now she has that with Quinn, Ali, and Tristan. She is realizing what love and trust really is and means. There are so many ups and downs to this story line that had me holding my breath wondering how they were going to get out of their situation while on the run. They had so many close calls. The twists were amazing I never saw a few coming.
The ending was amazing and I'm so glad that the third book is about to release. Although some things were answered in this book but there are still more things that need answered. I am so excited to read Something Like Love. Monica James has done a fabulous job keeping me guessing with this series.
Some of my favorites:
“You’ll go on,” he pauses as he corrects, “we’ll go on, because those motherfuckers are going to pay for what they did to Hank, to Tristan, and to you. And I’m here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard, because I know you feel it.” He reaches for my trembling hand, placing it over his heart, locking his hand over mine. “I know you feel every slice of pain, every sliver of regret, every piece of anger I feel, and together, we will fight it. We will get through this because once it’s over, we’re going to be… free.”
I know, Plan A and B were just weak excuses to push Quinn away, hoping he would be like everyone else I have ever met and disappoint me. But he hasn’t. Quinn Berkeley is unlike anyone I have ever met. He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that—he is my first and only wonder of the world.
“Don’t change who you are for people who don’t even know who they are. You’re beautiful, inside and out.”
“Red, I’ve never met anyone like you. You are the strongest person I know.” I give him a disbelieving look, but he shakes his head. “I mean every single word. You have every right to be barely holding on after everything you’ve seen in your nineteen years. You could be a cruel, bitter, cynical bitch, but you’re not. You care about others and put them before yourself. If that isn’t strong, then I don’t know what is.”
I hate that look. That ‘sucks to be you’ look. It’s a look that makes you feel weak. It’s a look that makes you feel like a victim. And no one wants to be a victim, especially someone who knows firsthand how that feels.
As we wait for the light to turn green, my eyes never waver from the bumper sticker in front of me. It reads: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”-William Shakespeare. I’ve never heard this quote before, but now it sings to me like a tune especially orchestrated for me. My quest for redemption has taken on so many different meanings, but now I realize that after all this is over with, I need redemption for myself. I want to redeem myself from all the awful things I have done in the past, and I’m the only one who can deliver that salvation. It isn’t in the stars to find that new beginning, but within me. And that redemption starts now.
Mia and Quinn were forced on the run after her Dad and Phil found her and turned the law onto her. After Mia ran into an old high school friend, Justin, who offered to help then out things are tense between Justin and Quinn. The sexual tension between Quinn and Mia only gets more intense as the story goes on. The things Quinn does for Mia I absolutely love him for and the way he takes care of her and is so in tune with her and her needs is amazing. Although there are times I wanted to smack him upside the head and say what are you thinking. Mia never had a loving family that stuck by her no matter what now she has that with Quinn, Ali, and Tristan. She is realizing what love and trust really is and means. There are so many ups and downs to this story line that had me holding my breath wondering how they were going to get out of their situation while on the run. They had so many close calls. The twists were amazing I never saw a few coming.
The ending was amazing and I'm so glad that the third book is about to release. Although some things were answered in this book but there are still more things that need answered. I am so excited to read Something Like Love. Monica James has done a fabulous job keeping me guessing with this series.
Some of my favorites:
“You’ll go on,” he pauses as he corrects, “we’ll go on, because those motherfuckers are going to pay for what they did to Hank, to Tristan, and to you. And I’m here every step of the way, Red. Every step. I won’t leave you, I promise you. No matter how hard you push me away, I will push back twice as hard, because I know you feel it.” He reaches for my trembling hand, placing it over his heart, locking his hand over mine. “I know you feel every slice of pain, every sliver of regret, every piece of anger I feel, and together, we will fight it. We will get through this because once it’s over, we’re going to be… free.”
I know, Plan A and B were just weak excuses to push Quinn away, hoping he would be like everyone else I have ever met and disappoint me. But he hasn’t. Quinn Berkeley is unlike anyone I have ever met. He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that—he is my first and only wonder of the world.
“Don’t change who you are for people who don’t even know who they are. You’re beautiful, inside and out.”
“Red, I’ve never met anyone like you. You are the strongest person I know.” I give him a disbelieving look, but he shakes his head. “I mean every single word. You have every right to be barely holding on after everything you’ve seen in your nineteen years. You could be a cruel, bitter, cynical bitch, but you’re not. You care about others and put them before yourself. If that isn’t strong, then I don’t know what is.”
I hate that look. That ‘sucks to be you’ look. It’s a look that makes you feel weak. It’s a look that makes you feel like a victim. And no one wants to be a victim, especially someone who knows firsthand how that feels.
As we wait for the light to turn green, my eyes never waver from the bumper sticker in front of me. It reads: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”-William Shakespeare. I’ve never heard this quote before, but now it sings to me like a tune especially orchestrated for me. My quest for redemption has taken on so many different meanings, but now I realize that after all this is over with, I need redemption for myself. I want to redeem myself from all the awful things I have done in the past, and I’m the only one who can deliver that salvation. It isn’t in the stars to find that new beginning, but within me. And that redemption starts now.
October 20, 2014
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
OMG… so I don’t even know where to start with this review. Have you ever read one of those books where there is so much you want to say but then you don’t want to say too much and give away all the juicy awesome parts of the story…yeah that is my dilemma.
Something Like Redemption picks up right from the point where Something Like Normal ended. Mia’s past makes an appearance placing both her and Quinn on the run, hopping from one place to the next. With Mia’s past always one step behind her and the police also on their tail, Mia and Quinn have to determine who they can trust as well as learning how to trust each other.
For all you action seekers who loved the thrills of the first book do not get disappointed as this book though it has its thrilling moments is not heavily focused on the action. This book is all about Mia and Quinn’s relationship with each other. Their fears, their heartache, their past and the decisions that will impact their future.
I loved this story. I love the strength and passion of Mia and Quinn. Mia is headstrong and determined to ensure that the people she loves don’t get hurt so much so that she is willing to do everything in her power to push them away. But there is a problem with her plan because Quinn is also stubborn and determined to stay right by her side no matter the cost. Mia has never had anyone care for her like Quinn, never had the safety of someone’s arms around her or the peace that comes with Quinn’s presence. It’s new to her, scary, frustrating, heartbreaking and simply amazing. In Something Like Redemption we see Mia embrace this new part of her life that is Quinn. After much struggle of course and though she has her moments of doubt and insecurity we see Mia begin to accept what she deserves; the love and protection that Quinn is so willing to offer her.
And Quinn, he has never faltered in his efforts to be with Mia, his feelings for her are so strong they literally leap off the page and squeeze your heart. Despite Quinn’s hard exterior we get to see so many sides of him in Something Like Redemption. We see his compassion, his fear, his love and just how much he is willing to sacrifice for Mia, to keep her safe. We also get some more clues into the past that Quinn has been so hell bent on keeping a secret. We begin to see how Quinn is struggling with his inner demons and though he cares for Mia deeply he is not convinced that he deserves her.
This title of this book is so appropriate as this entire story is about these two lost souls Mia and Quinn trying to redeem themselves and make up for the ill choices they have made in the past. For Mia, Quinn is her ray of hope; he offers her a home for her heart and promises to keep it safe. For Quinn, Mia is a ray of light in his darkness. A chance for him to protect what matters the most to him even if it means giving up his own life in the process.
The character development in this book is phenomenal, it’s rare when you get a whole book in a series dedicated to just building on the relationship between two characters. It gives you such an inside view into what these characters are feeling; making you that much more invested in what happens to them in the future and what they may have to endure. This book will still give you that thrill of the chase with some of its plot twist and turns, and you will still find yourself blushing and getting all hot and bothered by some of the hot intimate moments between Quinn and Mia. But this book will also leave you with something else; it will leave you with a warmth spread over your heart and a hope that Quinn and Mia will finally find Something Like Redemption.
Bravo Monica James, Bravo!
OMG… so I don’t even know where to start with this review. Have you ever read one of those books where there is so much you want to say but then you don’t want to say too much and give away all the juicy awesome parts of the story…yeah that is my dilemma.
Something Like Redemption picks up right from the point where Something Like Normal ended. Mia’s past makes an appearance placing both her and Quinn on the run, hopping from one place to the next. With Mia’s past always one step behind her and the police also on their tail, Mia and Quinn have to determine who they can trust as well as learning how to trust each other.
For all you action seekers who loved the thrills of the first book do not get disappointed as this book though it has its thrilling moments is not heavily focused on the action. This book is all about Mia and Quinn’s relationship with each other. Their fears, their heartache, their past and the decisions that will impact their future.
I loved this story. I love the strength and passion of Mia and Quinn. Mia is headstrong and determined to ensure that the people she loves don’t get hurt so much so that she is willing to do everything in her power to push them away. But there is a problem with her plan because Quinn is also stubborn and determined to stay right by her side no matter the cost. Mia has never had anyone care for her like Quinn, never had the safety of someone’s arms around her or the peace that comes with Quinn’s presence. It’s new to her, scary, frustrating, heartbreaking and simply amazing. In Something Like Redemption we see Mia embrace this new part of her life that is Quinn. After much struggle of course and though she has her moments of doubt and insecurity we see Mia begin to accept what she deserves; the love and protection that Quinn is so willing to offer her.
And Quinn, he has never faltered in his efforts to be with Mia, his feelings for her are so strong they literally leap off the page and squeeze your heart. Despite Quinn’s hard exterior we get to see so many sides of him in Something Like Redemption. We see his compassion, his fear, his love and just how much he is willing to sacrifice for Mia, to keep her safe. We also get some more clues into the past that Quinn has been so hell bent on keeping a secret. We begin to see how Quinn is struggling with his inner demons and though he cares for Mia deeply he is not convinced that he deserves her.
This title of this book is so appropriate as this entire story is about these two lost souls Mia and Quinn trying to redeem themselves and make up for the ill choices they have made in the past. For Mia, Quinn is her ray of hope; he offers her a home for her heart and promises to keep it safe. For Quinn, Mia is a ray of light in his darkness. A chance for him to protect what matters the most to him even if it means giving up his own life in the process.
The character development in this book is phenomenal, it’s rare when you get a whole book in a series dedicated to just building on the relationship between two characters. It gives you such an inside view into what these characters are feeling; making you that much more invested in what happens to them in the future and what they may have to endure. This book will still give you that thrill of the chase with some of its plot twist and turns, and you will still find yourself blushing and getting all hot and bothered by some of the hot intimate moments between Quinn and Mia. But this book will also leave you with something else; it will leave you with a warmth spread over your heart and a hope that Quinn and Mia will finally find Something Like Redemption.
Bravo Monica James, Bravo!
December 30, 2014
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing could have prepared me for this story. I absolutely loved the first in the series and had to continue. But this book? It blew me away! Monica James has always been a favorite of mine, but she absolutely poured her heart and soul into Something Like Redemption.
“...because as long as he’s happy and free-I can live with anything.”
Something Like Redemption picks up right where book one, Something Like Normal, left off. Mia and Quinn are running away. They are in some serious danger, and of course Quinn refused to let Mia run away alone. But there is some heavy guilt. As much as Mia feels for Quinn, she knows the danger she faces and does not want him to endure a fate that is meant for her. But Quinn never backs down. He challenges and pushes Mia back harder every time she pushes him away. Quinn and Mia have this pull on each other’s hearts that the author never explains, she simply allows you to live and feel this pull.
“He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that-he is my first and only wonder of the world.”
As Mia and Quinn are on the run, there is a slow shift in their relationship. They begin to realize that there is something much deeper between them. And that feeling is not going anywhere. It grows stronger as each day passes. As they overcome each obstacle, their connection is truly solidified. What Mia and Quinn have is so genuine. It’s felt in every scene. The emotion, the angst. You will feel everything. I love that the author doesn’t force a love story, it naturally happens. Yet the words are not spoken. They are simply felt.
“...and this is the first time in two days I have felt alive.”
As a reader you become so hypnotized in what these two feel for each other. It’s so deep, so consuming, yet there is so much about them to discover. They are not easy. But then again, love is never easy. It’s hard to imagine that this broken girl has become Quinn’s whole life. She becomes his. In every sense of the word. And Mia doesn’t understand it...until her heart allows Quinn to find his way inside.
“But what’s more hypnotic is the steady of Quinn’s heart which is beating wildly in sync with mine.”
Don’t be mistaken. You will not be able to put this book down. Something Like Redemption has it all, suspense, and romance. You are left on the edge during the entire time. You have no idea what to expect from one moment to the next. The author weaves the story into an addicting adventure on love, life and redemption. Mia and Quinn are easily a testimony of love and all it entails...it’s strength, resilience, and power.
“Because, Red...I don’t want you to stop looking at me the way you do.”
Something Like Redemption is simply a great continuation of Mia and Quinn’s story. There is so much that happens that the reader must experience. I cannot put it into words. I love that this series is not predictable. Monica James puts her unique twist on romantic suspense. I cannot wait to see what is to come for this series and it’s characters.
Nothing could have prepared me for this story. I absolutely loved the first in the series and had to continue. But this book? It blew me away! Monica James has always been a favorite of mine, but she absolutely poured her heart and soul into Something Like Redemption.
“...because as long as he’s happy and free-I can live with anything.”
Something Like Redemption picks up right where book one, Something Like Normal, left off. Mia and Quinn are running away. They are in some serious danger, and of course Quinn refused to let Mia run away alone. But there is some heavy guilt. As much as Mia feels for Quinn, she knows the danger she faces and does not want him to endure a fate that is meant for her. But Quinn never backs down. He challenges and pushes Mia back harder every time she pushes him away. Quinn and Mia have this pull on each other’s hearts that the author never explains, she simply allows you to live and feel this pull.
“He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that-he is my first and only wonder of the world.”
As Mia and Quinn are on the run, there is a slow shift in their relationship. They begin to realize that there is something much deeper between them. And that feeling is not going anywhere. It grows stronger as each day passes. As they overcome each obstacle, their connection is truly solidified. What Mia and Quinn have is so genuine. It’s felt in every scene. The emotion, the angst. You will feel everything. I love that the author doesn’t force a love story, it naturally happens. Yet the words are not spoken. They are simply felt.
“...and this is the first time in two days I have felt alive.”
As a reader you become so hypnotized in what these two feel for each other. It’s so deep, so consuming, yet there is so much about them to discover. They are not easy. But then again, love is never easy. It’s hard to imagine that this broken girl has become Quinn’s whole life. She becomes his. In every sense of the word. And Mia doesn’t understand it...until her heart allows Quinn to find his way inside.
“But what’s more hypnotic is the steady of Quinn’s heart which is beating wildly in sync with mine.”
Don’t be mistaken. You will not be able to put this book down. Something Like Redemption has it all, suspense, and romance. You are left on the edge during the entire time. You have no idea what to expect from one moment to the next. The author weaves the story into an addicting adventure on love, life and redemption. Mia and Quinn are easily a testimony of love and all it entails...it’s strength, resilience, and power.
“Because, Red...I don’t want you to stop looking at me the way you do.”
Something Like Redemption is simply a great continuation of Mia and Quinn’s story. There is so much that happens that the reader must experience. I cannot put it into words. I love that this series is not predictable. Monica James puts her unique twist on romantic suspense. I cannot wait to see what is to come for this series and it’s characters.
October 3, 2014
5 flippin amazing stars!!!
I am beginning to feel a bit like a broken record when it comes to reviewing Monica James' books, but I cannot help it. The story was incredible, and Monica has once again proved that she is incapable of writing a bad book. Something Like Redemption was a seriously kick ass sequel to Something Like Normal. The story was intense and if I did not have fake nails on right now, I would be crying in pain from biting my nails to the point of drawing blood. My anxiety was through the roof as I turned each page, but I would not have changed one single damn thing about the book.
Mia and Quinn are on the run from not only the cops, but from her father and Phil as well, and it seems that they are always one step away from being caught. Mia blames herself for ruining Quinn's life, and cannot accept the fact that he WANTS to be there to help her and keep her safe. He did not have to run away with her, but he made the choice. Mia does all that she can to push him away, run away from him, anything she can think of to save him… even if it means giving herself up. A good chunk of the book was extremely aggravating… to the point where I thought I was going to go bald from ripping out all my hair. BUT, in this instance aggravating was a good thing…. a really really good thing. It kept you on the edge of your seat, and kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. It absolutely killed me to see Mia fight the inevitable with Quinn… these two are truly meant to be together, and I can only hope they are given the chance to be what we all know they can be.
Monica James does an incredible job with keeping the suspense alive throughout the entire book. If it isn't one thing, it's another and now I am dying to know what is up with Quinn's past and why he refuses to tell Mia. This has been eating me alive since I finished reading the book a few days ago and if I do not find out soon I may end up in a little white padded room! Gahhhh Monica you are killing me!!!
One of the things I love is how this book focused on the growing relationship between Quinn and Mia. Where you do not see Phil and Mia's father in the book, their presence is always there on the back burner waiting to strike at any given moment. They are definitely not omitted from the story in the slightest, but them not being in your face for the whole book was what gave you the chance to really get to know Quinn and Mia, and become very invested in them as individuals as well as their relationship together. The development of their characters was outstanding and I cannot wait to see where the story will go in book 3! This is one series that will stick with you long after it's finished.
*ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
I am beginning to feel a bit like a broken record when it comes to reviewing Monica James' books, but I cannot help it. The story was incredible, and Monica has once again proved that she is incapable of writing a bad book. Something Like Redemption was a seriously kick ass sequel to Something Like Normal. The story was intense and if I did not have fake nails on right now, I would be crying in pain from biting my nails to the point of drawing blood. My anxiety was through the roof as I turned each page, but I would not have changed one single damn thing about the book.
Mia and Quinn are on the run from not only the cops, but from her father and Phil as well, and it seems that they are always one step away from being caught. Mia blames herself for ruining Quinn's life, and cannot accept the fact that he WANTS to be there to help her and keep her safe. He did not have to run away with her, but he made the choice. Mia does all that she can to push him away, run away from him, anything she can think of to save him… even if it means giving herself up. A good chunk of the book was extremely aggravating… to the point where I thought I was going to go bald from ripping out all my hair. BUT, in this instance aggravating was a good thing…. a really really good thing. It kept you on the edge of your seat, and kept you guessing as to what was going to happen next. It absolutely killed me to see Mia fight the inevitable with Quinn… these two are truly meant to be together, and I can only hope they are given the chance to be what we all know they can be.
Monica James does an incredible job with keeping the suspense alive throughout the entire book. If it isn't one thing, it's another and now I am dying to know what is up with Quinn's past and why he refuses to tell Mia. This has been eating me alive since I finished reading the book a few days ago and if I do not find out soon I may end up in a little white padded room! Gahhhh Monica you are killing me!!!
One of the things I love is how this book focused on the growing relationship between Quinn and Mia. Where you do not see Phil and Mia's father in the book, their presence is always there on the back burner waiting to strike at any given moment. They are definitely not omitted from the story in the slightest, but them not being in your face for the whole book was what gave you the chance to really get to know Quinn and Mia, and become very invested in them as individuals as well as their relationship together. The development of their characters was outstanding and I cannot wait to see where the story will go in book 3! This is one series that will stick with you long after it's finished.
*ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*
May 4, 2015
This book is NOT a standalone. Something Like Redemption picks up right where Something like Normal left off.
Mia & Quinn are now on the run. Running seems to be the easiest thing about their journey. You can run from your past, you can run from danger, but you cannot run from your thoughts.
Poor Mia, she doesn't even realize Quinn wants to finally be the protector that she needs, but because she has been so deeply damaged by men in her life, she cannot accept it and continues to try to push him away. It is so frustrating to see women convince themselves that they are not worthy. Not worthy of a better life, not worthy of protecting, not worthy of love. Though she tries to deny it, Mia can feel the bond growing between her and Quinn, but wants nothing more than to run from him knowing she wants to be the only one people blame for everything.
Thankfully Mia comes to her senses and realizes that on her quest to redemption, she is not the only one with secrets and a damaged past. Along the way she has gained something very rare, she has captured a soulmate. She captured Quinn's heart.
"Quinn Berkeley is unlike anyone I have ever met. He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that-he is my first and only wonder of the world."
Quinn really shines in this adventure. He is all in. He isn't going anywhere, his heart won't allow it. He is there for Mia. He becomes the protector, the partner in crime, and the lover. I love the slow burn of their love blossoming. They have a delicious "push and pull" between them that is frustrating as you want nothing more than for them to have that connection, but truth be told they are building a stronger connection emotionally by not jumping in to anything physical too quickly. They make you feel their emotional struggle, making them steam up the pages.
Even though their love is something neither of them can now deny, it has to take a back seat as their road trip is not a smooth one. There are turns their journey takes that make you wait for the other shoe to drop. The last two words in the book will make you scream......GIVE ME BOOK 3 because you just know this story is nowhere near complete!
Beautiful follow up that I look forward to continuing on because like Mia & Quinn...I couldn't stop if I tried. I too am all in!
Mia & Quinn are now on the run. Running seems to be the easiest thing about their journey. You can run from your past, you can run from danger, but you cannot run from your thoughts.
Poor Mia, she doesn't even realize Quinn wants to finally be the protector that she needs, but because she has been so deeply damaged by men in her life, she cannot accept it and continues to try to push him away. It is so frustrating to see women convince themselves that they are not worthy. Not worthy of a better life, not worthy of protecting, not worthy of love. Though she tries to deny it, Mia can feel the bond growing between her and Quinn, but wants nothing more than to run from him knowing she wants to be the only one people blame for everything.
Thankfully Mia comes to her senses and realizes that on her quest to redemption, she is not the only one with secrets and a damaged past. Along the way she has gained something very rare, she has captured a soulmate. She captured Quinn's heart.
"Quinn Berkeley is unlike anyone I have ever met. He is the eighth wonder of the world. Scrap that-he is my first and only wonder of the world."
Quinn really shines in this adventure. He is all in. He isn't going anywhere, his heart won't allow it. He is there for Mia. He becomes the protector, the partner in crime, and the lover. I love the slow burn of their love blossoming. They have a delicious "push and pull" between them that is frustrating as you want nothing more than for them to have that connection, but truth be told they are building a stronger connection emotionally by not jumping in to anything physical too quickly. They make you feel their emotional struggle, making them steam up the pages.
Even though their love is something neither of them can now deny, it has to take a back seat as their road trip is not a smooth one. There are turns their journey takes that make you wait for the other shoe to drop. The last two words in the book will make you scream......GIVE ME BOOK 3 because you just know this story is nowhere near complete!
Beautiful follow up that I look forward to continuing on because like Mia & Quinn...I couldn't stop if I tried. I too am all in!
November 29, 2014
Something like…Incredible! What a wild ride! Monica James does not disappoint. We pick up right where we left off where Mia and Quinn are on the run. Mia’s past has finally caught up to her. Her friends stand by her side and do not disappoint. They stand by her completely. Quinn and Mia are on the run. Mia is struggling with her own demons. She feels like everything is her fault and she has a hard time processing this as she has never had loved ones she wants to protect before. She and Quinn are learning more about each other with each passing day. They both have their own pasts to deal with but are learning to trust each other entirely. I can’t go into depth about how the story unfolds as it is something you have to experience for yourself. Mia experiences a lot of firsts with Quinn that we all take for granted. But don’t for a second think this is a typical love story, because it isn’t. There are so many twists and turns. You just know something big is going to happen and when it does, well, I will let you fill in the blank. WOW!
A few of my favorite quotes:
“It’s been said that before you die, our life flashes before your eyes. All the good, all the bad, all the significant, or the non-significant, it’s all meant to flicker before you, presenting you with an epiphany. And then in turn, you’re meant to embrace death, and accept it’s your time.” … “But what happens if you’re not ready to die? What happens if your life is snatched out from under you, with no real say as to why it ended so suddenly?”
“I hate that look. That ‘sucks to be you’ look. It’s a look that makes you feel weak. It’s a look that makes you feel like a victim. And no one wants to be a victim, especially someone who knows firsthand how that feels.”
“At the start of this journey, it was all about revenge and vengeance, but now? Now it’s about survival.”
“I’m spent. I’m sticky. And I’m shaky. But would I trade this feeling for anything in the world? Hell to the f**k no.”
Everyone is running from something. It starts as revenge and vengeance but sometimes there are bigger things that are happening. This is a must read. The story ends with one hell of a cliffhanger, again, but I am (im)patiently waiting for the 3rd installment. Absolutely cannot wait!
A few of my favorite quotes:
“It’s been said that before you die, our life flashes before your eyes. All the good, all the bad, all the significant, or the non-significant, it’s all meant to flicker before you, presenting you with an epiphany. And then in turn, you’re meant to embrace death, and accept it’s your time.” … “But what happens if you’re not ready to die? What happens if your life is snatched out from under you, with no real say as to why it ended so suddenly?”
“I hate that look. That ‘sucks to be you’ look. It’s a look that makes you feel weak. It’s a look that makes you feel like a victim. And no one wants to be a victim, especially someone who knows firsthand how that feels.”
“At the start of this journey, it was all about revenge and vengeance, but now? Now it’s about survival.”
“I’m spent. I’m sticky. And I’m shaky. But would I trade this feeling for anything in the world? Hell to the f**k no.”
Everyone is running from something. It starts as revenge and vengeance but sometimes there are bigger things that are happening. This is a must read. The story ends with one hell of a cliffhanger, again, but I am (im)patiently waiting for the 3rd installment. Absolutely cannot wait!
October 7, 2014
Something Like Redemption by Monica James
4 out of 5 stars
This book picks up where Something Like Normal left off, I highly recommend reading that first.
Mia and Quinn are on the the run together. They are running from the police, her dad and Phil. There is some suspense and some twists and turns for the couple along the way.
We get to know both of these characters a little better in this second book. I say second because yes, it ends in a cliffhanger!
We see some of Mia's insecurities as far as Quinn and a potential relationship are concerned. Quinn is very protective and caring toward Mia and while we get to know him a little better there are secrets of Quinn's yet to be revealed.
Stay tuned..........
I liked this book, I wish it would have continued. I am not a fan of cliffhangers. I read too much to read cliffhangers unless a series is released all at once.
That being said, I love Monica James and this series. I will be reading the next book!!!
*A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
Sent from my iPhone
4 out of 5 stars
This book picks up where Something Like Normal left off, I highly recommend reading that first.
Mia and Quinn are on the the run together. They are running from the police, her dad and Phil. There is some suspense and some twists and turns for the couple along the way.
We get to know both of these characters a little better in this second book. I say second because yes, it ends in a cliffhanger!
We see some of Mia's insecurities as far as Quinn and a potential relationship are concerned. Quinn is very protective and caring toward Mia and while we get to know him a little better there are secrets of Quinn's yet to be revealed.
Stay tuned..........
I liked this book, I wish it would have continued. I am not a fan of cliffhangers. I read too much to read cliffhangers unless a series is released all at once.
That being said, I love Monica James and this series. I will be reading the next book!!!
*A complimentary copy was received in exchange for an honest review*
Susan, My Secret Book Spot
Sent from my iPhone
October 9, 2014
I love the complexity of this book by Monica James, and watching the characters develop. Their relationship is not an easy one, but Quinn is determined to stay with Mia and help her through no matter how much she tries to save him by pushing him away.
We get to see more of Mia’s past and why she says and behaves the way she does. But it’s Quinn I can’t wait to find out more about. He has his own secrets but he’s keeping them to himself, at least for the time being.
They are a great couple of misfits that have found each other and somehow together, they work.
I love this series by Monica and can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
A huge 5 Quinn stars from me!
We get to see more of Mia’s past and why she says and behaves the way she does. But it’s Quinn I can’t wait to find out more about. He has his own secrets but he’s keeping them to himself, at least for the time being.
They are a great couple of misfits that have found each other and somehow together, they work.
I love this series by Monica and can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
A huge 5 Quinn stars from me!
October 20, 2014
Wow. The story continues from book 1 where Mia and Quinn are fugitives. Running away from her dad, drug dealer and the Police. She runs into her ex So call boyfriend, Justin. The story goes from running away, revenge, escape and freedom. Mia is trying to do everything to run away but Quinn will not let go of her. I loved the story. Of course another crazy ending. Please have book 3 release quickly. I'm dying to find out what happens next.
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