Vindicated

by S. Wagner

All she wanted was a safe place to call home.

All he needed was someone he could count on.

Nothing in Charlotte Collins’ life has ever come easy. After bouncing around foster homes as a child and escaping an abusive relationship as an adult, she finds herself in Cedar Valley with hopes of a new beginning and the stability she’s been searching for her whole life.

Trauma seems to follow Jude VanHoss through every stage in his life. From losing his parents at a young age, to being betrayed by the one person he should have been able to count on, he’s closed himself off from the outside world as much as possible, refusing to get hurt again.

When Charlie and Jude’s paths cross unexpectedly, they soon realize they have more in common than anticipated. Will they find the safe, stable life they’ve both been craving or will their pasts come back to haunt them and rip it all away?

CONTENT WARNING

This book contains elements that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers. If you feel triggered by any of the following, please don’t proceed with reading this book.

Your mental health matters!

-Alcohol Use
-General Trauma
-Death
-Suicide
-Stalking
-Abuse
-Weapons
-Graphic Sexual Content
-Profanity
This book is not intended for anyone under the age of 18.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

Reviews

[Amanda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author on TikTok and decided to give it a read. It surpassed all of my expectations and the only thing I wish is that it didn’t end. It was so fast paced and kept me wanting more of the story! So good!

[My Reading Era · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶

Synopsis:
In the small town of Cedar Valley, Charlotte Collins seeks a haven after a turbulent life in foster care and an abusive relationship. Meanwhile, Jude VanHoss, scarred by childhood loss and betrayal, isolates himself from emotional ties. When their paths unexpectedly converge, they discover shared pain and the possibility of healing together.

Thoughts:
I found this book captivating, and I couldn't stop reading. The suspense of Charlotte's past catching up with her kept me engaged throughout. However, I felt the ending was a bit hurried after such a strong buildup. But it's still a good book overall, and I would recommend giving it a read.


Thank you, S. Wagner for the ARC.

[Bethany Latronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vindicated by Sarah Wagner is beyond amazing! Truly one of the best books I've read in a while! I laughed, I cried, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest from beating so fast! The characters, the storyline and the smut, were all I could ever ask for in a book! She really did it with this one! I'm beyond happy to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book and I can't wait to read more by Sarah Wagner.

⭐5/5
🌶️3/5

Triggers:
Cheating
DV
Mention of suicide

“You don’t add stress to my life. I can protect you. I can help you. You just have to let me.” He scoots his chair closer to mine. “You said earlier today that Nikki is the only person in your life that’s ever been there for you. Let me be the second.”

[Lucinda Wicked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you. Right from the prologue, it’s unsettling in the best way. Charlotte (Charlie) is trying to start over, but her past isn’t done with her. The tension? Thick. The stalker ex? Terrifying. And Jude? The kind of broody, protective guy you want in your corner.

The pacing is tight, the small-town setting feels real, and the romance is slow-burn gold. There’s darkness, but also resilience. Trauma, but also healing. The story doesn’t flinch, and I loved that about it. If you like romantic suspense with actual stakes, this one’s a must-read.

[Jenny Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Wagner is amazing! I have an addiction to books with stalker tropes! This book kept me on the edge of my seat! It was such a fast read for me due to the storyline and the characters! I was laughing so hard, and then the epilogue made me cry. The kicker was the last sentence of the book! Why do you gotta do me like that?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Brandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the protectiveness of the MMC. This book was very well written and seemed like a good pace for a romantic book. I enjoyed the grumpy sunshine relationship. Definitely recommend reading this book and I love forward to more from the author!

[Skylar Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️ SPICY!! Quick read, sucks you in! Would compare to a Colleen Hoover book!

[Niccki1211 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot decent spice, very easy quick read. Writing style is very simple. This could be read in a day easily!

[Nicole Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, what the heck?? The ending left me mind blown, I hope there is going to be another book!! I need answers… Thank you @authorswagner for sending me this book to read as an ARC, here is my honest review. I love that it is multi POV’s, the characters are believable and are super engaging. I love the banter between the characters. The plot is good this book is fast paced, beautifully written. I would definitely recommend this book!