It took a year to get through and most of that was forcing myself to get through this book. Regrettably it took me getting the audiobook to be able to tolerate getting through the rest of the story.

I think that it’s great that the author created a story that had some layers to it.But t I couldn’t get over the clichés in the story; particularly when it came to Alex and Gemma’s relationship.

The elephant in the room is the the fact that he comes off as the white savior and martyr in the story all at the same time. Alex is white, has money, helps her with a job when she’s released—is her boss—helps her get into school. Practically moves her into his house after they sleep together. Doesn’t share things about his past or welcome anything she might want to share about her life.😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶😶(did I mention her traumatic foster system back story or her abusive ex??)

And regardless of the fact that he continuously for claims his emphatic, undying love for her and passion for her, that was something that really just stuck with me throughout the entire store.

Likewise, I thought their relationship was rushed and the “connection” they had came off as non-believable. Kudos for to the main characters for talking about this exact thing three thirds of the book.

Alex and Gemma actually point this out and the two of them to have a conversation that focused on this And other aspect as to why they broke up the weather they did and how their relationship and how much they knew each other maybe was missing a bit from the very beginning.

But at the same time—- that’s 3/3 of the book where we see them having this conversation. Another thing that bothered me while reading this book is the fact that there were a lot of summarization. When it came to scenes, specific details of what was happening, they were abruptly concluded with quick little sentence-synopsis as to what happens

It was during conversations, passing of time, and etc. If I’m going to be invested in a story or rooting character’s relationship I need to feel it while I’m reading the story.

The little summary points here and there that require me to fill in the context and emotional element along the way? I’m not a fan of it.

With all of that said, I continued to try to get through this book because it’s a long book. I enjoy long books that give you room to get to know the characters in the story over a passage of time.

However, it seemed that was not the actual affect with this book, so I was just appointed. It felt that by the end from where Gemma and Alex began they were both more mature at the end of the book and their relationship seemed like it resembled something a little stronger(something that I felt was needed in the beginning).

Having had a break from each other and having a real conversation at length with out hitting the sheets, it finally seemed believable.

I found the supporting characters to be fun, and thought out. And if this were redone or a new edition were released and somethings were changed, yes I would go back to reread.

But if you read this review please go in to the book with eyes wide open and I hope your interpretation is different than mine.

True to the title of the book, this is a story of redemption of two hearts. Gemme and Alex both victims of circumstances of life try to find their footing. True Love redeems everything is the message. A good read. The author was able to capture the heart break and sorrow of both Alex and Gemme.

I was instantly drawn in by the premise of the story and the cover is lovely.



The story follows Gemma and Alex. Gemma finds herself causing a horrible accident while trying to run from her abusive husband. This lands her in jail. She gets out and just wants a new life. Alex lost his wife and he meets Gemma. They both have tragedy and secrets. Can they find love?



I was intrigued to see how this romance would work and how they could forgive themselves and each other. I had a lot of doubts and worries.



Poor Gemma. I felt so bad for her. She had a terrible childhood and married herself to a terrible man. I felt for Alex too. I wanted them to be happy.



Spoiler but not really a spoiler...but I'll cover it up just to be safe.



Just so unrealistic. I don't think the guilt and the anger will ever fully go away. I don't think so. So many doubts. I want them to be happy but not with each other. Is that bad of me to say?



This was super unrealistic and it took me a while to dive back in after a certain part, but I was invested in the characters so I had to finish this. Had to know how this was going to end. The ending was not bad. It made me smile...but again so unrealistic.



Overall, I was mainly invested the characters. The story was unrealistic but it is interesting to see these characters find love even after the reveals. I would recommend it if you need something new. I'll give this 3 stars.

I'm not sure how to rate this book, and that's a first for me. After reading the synopsis of the book,you basically know the whole story without even reading it. That left no excitement, drama, or tears to be shed.

Gemma Johnson finally got the nerve to leave her abusive husband of 5 years. After he plied her with alcohol and then beat and raped her, she took the car after he passed out. She was still a little drunk, but this was her only opportunity to run from the hell she's been living. After living her life passed around in the foster system, getting beaten by foster dad's and the other kids living in the house, she's seen her share of hospitals.

Driving in the rain, she accidentally swerved into oncoming traffic and killed someone. While being treated at the hospital, her doctor sees her beatings and rape and he puts the two together. With her doctor testifying on her behalf, Gemma got a 3 year prison sentence.

Alex Chambers was sitting at home waiting for his wife to come from her day, when a police officer informs him that his wife was killed in an accident. Alex stopped living that day.

Three years later, Gemma is released and she's a free woman --her husband divorced her while she was in prison. Now she needs to start over. Her parole officer, Shelby, helps her get a job at an Italian restaurant and a place to stay.

Not knowing that she was working with the same Alex who's wife she killed, the couple have sparks. They start a relationship that was great, until his dad, Thomas, hires a P.I. to see why she looks familiar. That becomes the downfall of her relationship with Alex.

What a tortured story, its hard not to feel empathy for Gemma, and the situation and consequences. Making a choice born of sheer desperation and panic that has more far reaching implications than she could ever have imagined.
Then theres Alex with his own issues and deep rooted pain thats balanced a bit in fantasy.
With its familial ties and romance the story is a great romance read depicting the pain of abuse and its repercusions, the story flowed nicely with a few litle reality unadequacies that are hardly worth mentioning.
I didn't quite understand Shelby in tge story at one time feeling like an overanxious mother, then at times a disapproving professional.

I received this book as an arc from Netgalley.

I wasn't blown away by this book as some of the other reviewers were. But, it did have me asking myself what I would do in a situation like that as either of the characters. Thank you for writing a story that makes the reader think about what they would do.

I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. I would highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Thank you so much for the opportunity of reading this title early. Unfortunately as I was reading I wasn't connecting with the story or the characters as much as I wanted to. I have set the book aside for now and I might pick it up again later. Again thanks for the opportunity

Gemma Payton has a good opportunity start again. She was fortunate to survive an abusive relationship, but ended up in a situation that resulted in her going to prison. Alex Chambers offers her a job in his restaurant. He cares not one whit about her past, but is is concerned that he is so drawn to her. After his wife died a few years ago, he was just not interested in any relationship. Why things have changed now, he has no idea.

The hardest battle they have ahead of them is that there is an incident from their past, something absolutely horrible, that they share and will no doubt test the bounds of their newfound love of another. Gemma and Alex unknowingly enter a difficult relationship to begin with. Now, when facts are revealed, it is very hard to imagine them finding a happy future together.

Despite it all, Alex's sister Rachel plays the long-suffering matchmaker. She is bound and determined that Alex and Gemma are just perfect for one another. One person not so happy about them is Alex's father Thomas. There is just something bothering Thomas and just cannot let it go.

What a wonderful story of accepting someone despite impossible circumstances. This was a great debut novel by Moni Boyce and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is not my typical romance novel. I prefer cleaner books with less details in the bedroom, and my goodness these two were horny.
This book had a lot more depth emotion to it than a lot of romances, though. As a reader, you know their connection and youre just waiting to see when and how they figure it out. I enjoyed how deep you got to know the characters.
Somethings were a little annoying, such as his attraction to her. He hasn’t so much as looked at another woman in three years until Gemma comes along, but there doesn’t seem to be more of an explanation besides the fact that she is beautiful.
His anger and the fact that he never wanted to know her past also bothered me, I am glad they were eventually addressed.
Sexual harassment in the workplace bothered me as well.

**TRIGGER WARNING for rape and physical and sexual abuse. There is language (including the f*word), sexual details and crude/sexual comments and words, very detailed and graphic sex scenes.

I started reading this book and loved the idea of the story, however, as soon as Gemma was released from prison and her work placement had been arranged I can’t believe a parole system would allow her to be placed with the family of her victim. Although the story did excite me I just couldn’t get past this part of the story. I did enjoy what I read though.

2.5 stars
It was well written and I liked the premise initially but unfortunately I was really, really disappointed.
It just wasn't for me, I guess.
Looking forward to reading more from this author though

Redemption of the Heart is an emotional journey. Author Moni Boyce does an amazing job of telling the tale of heartbreak, forgiveness, and love. I highly recommend this book.

Starting with page one, the author pulls you into the story. Gemma, the heroine, is drunk and causes an accident in which the other driver is killed. I immediately started to question how I was supposed to be rooting for Gemma to find love. How was the author going to change my views of this character? Let me tell you, Boyce does it so wonderfully, that I began to internally scold myself for being so judgemental. Gemma’s life leading up to the night of the accident is full of hardship. Upon her release, she meets Alex. Alex is the owner of the restaurant where Gemma will be working. This begins the start of Gemma’s next chapter in her life.

Alex is a wounded man. He is dealing with the loss of his wife and is not open to being vulnerable in a relationship. Alex has poured all of his effort and energy into making his restaurant a success. Until he meets Gemma. Gemma awakens something in Alex. He tries to avoid her but is continually drawn back to Gemma. Once he realizes that the attraction won’t go away, Alex begins to show Gemma love and help her find her confidence.

After Alex’s father shares information with Alex, regarding Gemma, things hit a sour note between the two. Both Gemma and Alex must reconcile their pasts before they can progress with their future. The emotions that each must experience before finding their happily ever after results in a beautiful tale for the reader.

This is the author's first novel and what an impression as a debut novel. Gemma has been handed a rough life from since birth. Many foster homes and abuse later she ends up marrying a man who continued her abuse by beating her and raping her. One night she decided to leave him after he beat her and rape her for the last time. While driving intoxicated she hits another car and the woman is pronounced dead. She is charged with manslaughter and is sent to prison for only three years after the doctor pleads her case to court about her abuse. The novel flashes three years later as she comes out of jail and goes to leave in a halfway house. She is immediately referred by the probation officer to a waitress job. Unbeknownst to her and the owner(Alex) she was responsible for her his wife's death. It is immediately noted that Gemma and Alex are attracted to each other. Alex hasn't been involved with any woman since his wife died and Gemma has made a vow to stay away from men. I love how the author shows the slow process of them getting enamored with each other and both especially Gemma feeling fearful of starting a relationship. Of course its eventually revealed to them both who she killed and they part ways(only for a moment). The author realistic process of the break up of the couple and the time spent apart is very believable as each individual comes to term with what happened. This novel although romance is very current in that life throws us some hard blows at times but with some love and persevering you can overcome. Review on goodreads and amazon.

Despite addressing heavy themes of domestic violence, incarceration, and grief, Redemption of the Heart is a charming and sweet spicy read in the tradition of a 21st-century interracial homage to Janet Dailey’s monthly romance era. Gemma’s open-hearted ingénue contrasts starkly with Alex’s jaded workaholic. They struggle with a variety of challenges, but ethnicity isn’t one of them—a spin that feels particularly modern. Once readers commit to their suspension of disbelief regarding the cascading impact of lacks in due diligence by several characters, it’s easy to settle in to enjoy this love story.

The recent public debate about the pros and cons of Gillette’s “We believe the best man can be” campaign ties in with the contradictory messages in the story threads about toxic masculinity. There’s a scene in which Alex apologizes to someone who was openly bragging among coworkers about how he planned to get Gemma in bed, but this minor character never apologizes (nor is expected to do so) to Gemma and Alex for his unprofessional, disrespectful behavior, which seems to get excused as “wisecracks” and other misleadingly innocuous labels. At the same time, Alex’s willingness to acknowledge when he’s actually wrong and to apologize are two of the most appealing traits he possesses. In one way this friction portrays the testosterone-dominant restaurant industry, but the wrong person’s behavior is being questioned.

Forgiveness, second chances, adult offspring recognizing their parents as complicated individuals, and the benefits of therapy are only a few of the many reasons to read this optimistic love story. Yes, there are patterns of minor proofing oversights. The strength of the characterizations, storytelling momentum, and incendiary sensuality more than outweigh them.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The cover of the book was what drew me to it initially. I am a fan of BWWM stories and the description of the storyline was intriguing. While the story as a whole was predictable and everything was wrapped up in a nice neat package, the main point I wondered about what how the impending conflict was going to be handled. How was Alex going to react when he found out that Gemma had killed his wife? It left me wondering what I would do if I was in this situation. Would I be able to fight the hurt and anger and be able to forgive?

There were segments of the book that were a touch long and the pace could have been picked up to keep the story flowing. That said, overall, I enjoyed the book. I would love to hear an audiobook version of the story where the story could come to life more.

Worth the read
The plot generates thought “what would you do in a similar situation”. It highlights the complexities of life. The characters were well developed with strengths and weaknesses. Each character feels three dimensional filled with hopes and dreams as well as regrets. In essence this story is a testament to the strength of love. So glad they got their happily ever after.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

This story was written well and I liked the premise initially and even though you are able to see how the story pans out very early on between Gemma & Alex. The author for me delivered this in a sensitive & emotional way. I was really rooting for Gemma and Alex and loved how their love conquers their very difficult circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read this story in exchange for a honest review.