Vindicate

Recovered Innocence #1

by Beth Yarnall

Beth Yarnall kicks off a steamy new series—perfect for fans of Kendra Elliot and Emma Chase—featuring a San Diego investigative team with a soft spot for lost causes and a passion for redemption.
 
Cora. . . . I got my driver’s license on my sixteenth birthday so I could visit my brother in prison. Five and a half years later, he’s still locked up for a murder he didn’t commit and I’m still trying to find a way to set him free. Then I hear about Nash Security and Investigation, a private detective agency that helped exonerate a wrongfully convicted man after thirty-nine years in prison. The problem? They’ve already taken on the one pro-bono case they’ll accept this year.
 
Leo. . . . I’m this close to finishing law school—and never working another day at my dad’s P.I. office—when Cora Hollis walks through the door. She’s got a box of files, a handful of leads, and an independent streak a mile wide. She fascinates me and I can’t say no. Suddenly I’m volunteering to help her find a missing witness who could be the key to her brother’s case. But nothing is what it seems and giving in to the attraction between us could be more dangerous than finding the real murderer.
 
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2015

About the author

USA Today bestselling author and Rita® finalist, Beth Yarnall, writes mysteries and romantic suspense. She lives in Arizona with her husband, two sons, their rescue dogs, and a grandkitten where she is hard at work on her next novel.
For more information about Beth and her novels please visit her website- www.bethyarnall.com

Beth loves to hear from readers!

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****Books by Beth****

DANGEROUS LINES
Lost
Saved

Fake
Real
Urge
Rare
Betray

RECOVERED INNOCENCE
Vindicate
Atone
Reclaim
Recovered Innocence boxed set

AZALEA MARCH MYSTERIES

Killing It In Vegas

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAGGIE MAE
Wake Up, Maggie
You’re Mine, Maggie
Find Me, Maggie
The Misadventures of Maggie Mae boxed set

CORE
Far From Honest

****Beth's Books for Writers****

CRAFTING UNPUTDOWNABLE FICTION
Going Deep Into Deep Point of View
Making Description Work Hard For You
Some Like It Hot: Writing Sex and Romance
Crafting Unputdownable Fiction boxed set


****Books by Beth writing as Betty Paper****

CRAZY ON YOU
Captive
Tinsel
Piano Lessons
Crazy On You boxed set

Reviews

[NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books} · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4,25 "BLUEBIRD" stars for me***



That was a really touching story and at the same time a wonderfull adventure.
That was a story of how far you can go for the people you love...
That was the realization of how much you can't lose from your life when you are focused only to a single thing...
That was a story about brotherly love, faith, loyalty and insistence...
You should read this story!!!
I read it and i'm so glad for that.



Cora was desperately obsessed to set her brother free from prison.

Before five and a half years, Beau was accused that he raped and brutally murdered his girlfriend and now he is spending his years in prison.
Everyone thought that he was the guilty one and everyone gave up on him, even himself. But not Cora...

Cora devoted all her life since that moment to set him free, but this task is so difficult for her only.

So one day, while she was driving out of prison, she heard in the radio about Nash investigations company and how they manage to free a man after long years in jail as their charity case and she is deciding to take a chance...
She is appearing the next day to the office carrying a large box and she is asking for help.
Unfortunately she doesn't have the money to hire them properly and they already did their charity for this year, so she had to wait for next year...


Leo is working on his father office for the summer, not because he wants to follow this path, but because he had no other choice.
As much as his father wants him to take over the office one day, Leo had other plans...
Leo is carefree and doesn't give a damn for many things, but something in Cora is drowing him and that is her passport for what she really wants.
A chance to free her brother.


With Leo's incistence, Cora is meeting with his father and when she opened her box and reveals all the work that she had done in Beau's case all this years, made both father and son to drop their mouths from amazement. But still they can't take the job...
Until Leo is announcing that he can be the one to help her.

So, Mr. Nash agree that Leo and Cora can work to this case together for the rest of the summer with much disappointment of Cora's side and with much pleasure of Leo's father...
His father is so happy about that, because Leo took the responsibility of something big that can rise his interesting in investigations...


Cora is not happy with that development.
Leo doesn't seem the guy that can really help her, but she can't do anything about that.
After so long time, she had an opportunity to actually do some progress in Beau's case and so...
she have to suffer the boss's son's presence at he side all the time..


"I wouldn't have thought he was capable of it when i first met him. I really didn't think much of him at all other that his being the owner's son. He's so much more that the lazy skater dude I first took him for. So much more."

But as the time is passing Leo is surprising her all the time and they actually make a great progress in
their investigation and as it seems that is bothering someone.
Maybe that someone is the real guilty of the case???


I admired Cora. She was a damn fighter.
She had made a cause of her life to set her brother free. She was so loyal and determined that i couldn't be anything else but amazed by all her efforts and attitude!!!
All those years, she was trying and trying unstoppable, not once she decided to give up, even though her own parents had give up on Beau.
Even Beau was really difficult and he was refusing to talk to her about it. He just gave up and she wanted to see his eyes lighten by hope again.

Cora made big sacrifices for Beau and i really don't know if that was a good thing.
She left her self behind and she forgot how it was to live. There was nothing else for her except to see her brother again as a free man.
But it was like she was serving the same sentence with Beau even though that she weren't in prison herself...
But Leo Nash make her realize that there is more out there for her but she is so stubborn!!!


"What's the matter with me? He's somehow wormed his way in through the cracks of my defenses. And the thing is I never saw it coming. There was nothing overt or forthright about his approach. He stole in like a thief and dismantled all of my defenses against him."

Leo was a college boy that he was living a normal life. He didn't care for anything but having good time.
But Cora changed everything...
Her determination fascinated him and her cause became his cause...
And somewhere their feelings got in the way and the things got complicated.
Because Cora was so focused that she didn't care for anything else and Leo wanted her to see him.


"Her life has been poles apart from mine. It's moments like this when the differences between us seem impossible, and I'm overwhelmed by the challenge. I wonder if she even has room in her life for someone like me or if what I bring is significant enough to matter for her."

Will Cora and Leo manage to find the end of the thread of the mess in Beau's case????
Will they manage to find the real guilty and to get free Beau???
And what about their hearts????
Will they manage to stay intact and to get over all the obstacles that are standing between them???
The only sure thing is that they both changed each other's life and they started to value differently the world around them!!!


"Kisses are like potato chips, you can't have just one."
"I don't like potato chips."

That was a really good adventure and you really have to be a part of this.
And some days ago, i found out that the second book will be for Beau and i just can't wait!!!!
My heart was breaking for him and i need to see him finding his own happiness!!!


***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***

[Jayme · Rating 5 out of 5]

After this book, I have a new favorite word... bangable , love it! Just a perfect proportion between growing young feelings and tension linked with a case of murder.

"I look up into her face, into those electric-blue eyes, and I want to be her hero."

***Quick Review:***

Series: The first in the Recovered Innocence series.
Grade/Tag Tabs: New Adult. Romantic Suspense.
Main characters: Cora Hollis twenty-one years old, she dedicated her entire youthful life to free her brother from prison. Leo Nash, a law student at UCLA. He is on summer in a family house, where he helps his father running the Nash Security and Investigation.
Secondary characters: We definitely need to pay attention to Beau, the brother of the heroine. The whole thing circulates around him and in the next part we will know his story.
Location: San Diego, CA.
Steamy: There is not a lot of scenes, but at the same time just in kissing is so much fire ... hot!
Sensitive topic: Violence. Murder.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes. But I think we should get more in the next part.
For who I would recommend? This is a good book for those who love the suspense along with romance.
Next in the series? Yes. Beau's stroy. I am not able to say how much I look forward to it. Atone , February 23rd 2016.

***

About the plot: When Cora was 16, her brother Beau was accused of a brutal rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend. He was sentenced to a maximum security prison. Since then, Cora gave up her whole life and in her head she had only one thing. Free Beau. She was the only one believed in his innocence and will not give up until he will be free.

Then, during one of her trips to visits Beau in the prison she heard on the radio about Nash Security and Investigation. They helped to free a man who was sitting innocent in prison. She decides to go to the company and ask to consider the case of her brother. Unfortunately, they take only one pro-bono case in year and can not help her for now.

But Cora is stubborn and will not give up easily. Her determination and beauty charms the owner's son, Leo, and together they convince him to cooperate. Now Cora and Leo will be working together to resolve the case and try to prove the innocence of her brother.

"He put himself in my path like a tree that took root where it shouldn’t, and try as I might, I can’t go around him. Maybe I don’t want to go around him."

At the beginning Leo is more interested in her than the same case. But he quickly committed to fully, because he begins to understand that only in this way he can get her. And he wants her more than anything before.

"I voluntarily took the seat next to her in the roller coaster of her life."

Final thoughts: I absolutely love this book and really it was one big positive surprise. Amazing heroes. Cora is my hero. Leo definitely is a perfect book-boyfriend. Delightfully indomitable boy and serious girl. The tension between them is amazing and electrifying. In the kiss scene you can feel a tremendous amount of passion and desire. It's fun, and simple written.

I must admit that the plot is mystery and very captivating. Reading how they uncover secrets it was awesome. Not for a moment bored and to the end I looking with the characters for the offender. It's really great read.

But it can not just be enough, right? I want more. I can not imagine that there is no more story with Leo and Cora as the main characters. I know that there will be another book, but there is definitely something to add.

But I totally would have recommend this book, and I hope that the next will be just as good. Because the next book looks to be extraordinarily. I will definitely want to read this, because I feel a big hunger for more. And this is the best recommendation for me to a good series.

"Kisses are like potato chips, you can't just have one."

I think that's the same with books :)

***

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS

I'm not gonna lie and say that cover isn't what first drew me to this book, but it was the synopsis that ultimately sealed the deal. I was intrigued enough to give a new to me author a chance, and I'm glad that I did. Don't let my three star rating fool you. I enjoyed the book for the most part and I'm certainly hooked enough on this series to continue with the next book. There were just a few things that kept this being from a four star for me, and most of these happen to be reader preference. I tend to be on the pickier end, so please take what I say with a grain of salt.

The premise is intriguing enough. All Cora has known for the past five and half years is determination to get her brother free from prison. After the brutal rape and murder of his girlfriend, all signs pointed to him and that got him life in prison. But Cora knows he's innocent and she's give up everything and do anything to prove it. She's spent the past five and a half years building a case. She's given up school, secluded herself from her parents, all with a single minded intent to exonerate her beloved brother. When she hears a commercial on the radio for Nash Security and Investigation that just freed an innocent man that spend thirty nine years behind bars, she knows she may have the answer to her problems.

Leo Nash is a law student who has no intention of staying on to take over his father's investigation business. He's also quite the bit of a manwhore. But when he lays eyes on Cora and hears about her brother's case, he knows that he wants to help. Sounds interesting, right? And it was.

So what didn't quite work for me?

I'm not a fan of the instal-anything angle. And unfortunately for me, Vindicate had it in spades. Leo has no interest in long term relationships, he's already managed to have sex with their office secretary and piss her off when he wants nothing more to do with her. Yet all it takes is for him to lay eyes on Cora, and all of a sudden he's smitten. I just didn't buy this connection. It was too sudden, there wasn't enough buildup to it for me.

I also found the dialogue and writing to be a bit stilted at parts. It just didn't have a flow to it.

Experimentally, she runs her thumb across the tip. It slides in my pre-cum, which seems to delight her, so she does it again and again. I groan. Her fascination with it is killing me. She wraps both hands about my dick and gives it a squeeze. I put my hand on hers and show her how to stroke me. She picks up my rhythm. I'm dying. She's torturing me.

I felt like I was reading separate sentences put together but there was nothing tying them together, if that makes sense. It just didn't sound natural or have a flow to it. This was especially true during most of their internal dialogues.

I also felt extremely underwhelmed with the ending. The mystery behind who the true killer was was the one thing that kept me turning the pages. And considering it lasted well into the last pages of the book, I expected something a little bit more from it, I suppose. It was wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking. Considering the way the book ends, I'm assuming some of it will carry into the next book.

My quibbles aside, this was still an enjoyable read and I definitely plan on reading the next book in the series. i love me those tortured alpha males, and it just doesn't get much more tortured then Beau. Hopefully the next book will be a little stronger than this one.

ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - I never saw it coming. Stars!

I really enjoyed Vindicate, Beth Yarnall is an author whose work I haven’t read previously, and I will admit that I wasn’t sure whether we were going to get on for the first few chapters of the book, but as the story progressed between Cora Hollis and Leo Nash, it all kind of grew on me.



My main issues really stemmed from the fact that a lot of the internal monologue for both of them, came across as 'hormonal teenager' especially in the first few chapters, where we were luckily enough to be privy to Leo’s inner monologue and thoughts on his initial meetings with Cora, and that he was pretty much a walking boner when she was around. I did however like that the author gave us the story from both perspectives, and once the hormones had been worked through (by them both), this was actually a pretty good romantic suspense.

Cora, although inexperienced and a little on the vulnerable side, also had a massive streak of steel running through her character, and I liked that she carried on believing in her brothers innocence even when everyone else had pretty much given up hope on him. Her feelings for Leo, did come across as a little immature at points, but I suppose in a way that is to be expected for a young woman who has spent the early part of her twenties working to make rent, while trying to investigate her brothers case on the side.

It’s hard to be comfortable around him. I’m learning that despite appearances there is something more to him than a pretty face and I-couldn’t-give-a-fuck attitude… He does actually give a fuck. More than he’d want known.

My second though after starting Vindicate was I hope Beau Hollis gets a book, and after doing a bit of internet stalking I was happy to see that Beth is continuing the Recovered Innocence series with his story next. Atone is due for release February 2016, and I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes Beau’s story.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick fast paced and charming read I finished in one sitting.

Cora’s brother has been convicted of the rape and murder of his girlfriend. He’s been locked away for 5 years in a violent prison but Cora has always believed in his innocence and since her 16th year, she’s put her entire life on hold in order to prove her brother’s innocence and get him released.

She’s driven by so many feelings of loyalty, sadness and even guilt that she gets to live her life while her brother rots away that she’s built herself a prison of her own in order to save him. It’s because of this near obsessive drive to free him, that she approaches Leo and his father at their PI firm. After witnessing her determination Leo agrees to help her, but he is also driven by an attraction to Cora.




There was a golden balance between mystery and the budding relationship between Leo and Cora. As the mystery unfolds the book is filled with action and twists that keep you guessing and I never felt as if it became predictable. Even though the book was short and there was so much happening with the investigation the relationship between Cora and Leo didn’t feel rushed, instead, there was exploration of a whole host of emotions.




As a reader I’m usually annoyed by virginal heroines but this was not the case here. I loved Cora for her strength and sass, I even respected her for her moments of vulnerability. Leo wasn’t exactly a typical alpha. Although he did feel protective of Cora and there were moments of irrational jealousy from him, he was never forceful and I loved the angle the author wrote him from. It was refreshing to see an H who was more obsessed with the h than the other way around and ultimately the one who fought for a relationship. He was patient when he needed to be and forceful when he had to be.




The sexy times were often sweet and romantic with Cora’s innocence upping the sizzle instead of straight out kink.




As a whole this was an entertaining and action packed book and nice bit of escapism. Definitely recommended.

(ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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"Kisses are like potato chips, you can't just have one."

Cora has spent the last five and a half years dedicating her life to helping her brother. Putting her own goals on hold she has used every resource to try and find a way to get him out of prison. Her brother, Beau, was convicted of the rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend but Cora knows that he didn't do it, and she is determined to find the real murderer.

Her determination sends her to Nash Security and Investigation, a P.I firm that takes one pro bono case year. Even though they have already taken their one case, she won't take no for an answer and goes to the office with every piece of evidence she has collected over the years. Leo, the owners son, see's something in her and decides to take the case himself, even though he's only technically in training. Looking into the murder starts a dangerous game of cat and mouse and Leo and Cora have to get to the real killer, before he can get to them.



Leo started off as a player and seemed to just use women, but he turned into a really lovable character. He wanted Cora fiercely, especially when she turned him down, and I loved seeing him go after what he wanted and changing his playboy ways. With Cora it wasn't a game for him, right from the start, and it was great to see a Hero not trying to deny his feelings.

Cora was an amazing character and I admired her strength. She lost a lot when her brother went to jail but she never gave up on him and never even doubted his innocence. I liked that she went after finding the truth and the determination she had wouldn't let her stop until the truth was revealed. Her and Leo made a wonderful couple and they both shared a passion for making sure innocent people weren't screwed by the justice system. Together they were sexy and fun to read about and I couldn't get enough.



Vindicate was a suspenseful, sexy, and sweet story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next with Cora and Leo's investigation but that didn't stop me from guessing. The mystery was really intriguing and I loved that part of the book just as much as the hot parts. The characters were great and together the story became scorching.

Overall, I really liked this story and hope I will get more from this author soon. This was my first book by Beth Yarnall but it definitely won't be my last and I am already looking forward to the second book in the series. This is a great book for anyone who likes a mystery, a player Hero changing his ways, and a strong heroine.

ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BASICS

POV? Double.
Love triangle? No.
Cheating? No.
HEA? YES.
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex? No.
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe.
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed on Amazon.

Review



I'm so happy I got to read this amazing romantic/crime story. I'm definitely going to read the next story in this series. I hope it's about Cora's brother. I would love to see his journey.

This story starts with Cora fighting to free her brother, who's in prison for a murder he did not commit. After five nad half years of trying she hears on the radio about this private detective agency Nash Security and Investigation and hopes they will be the answer to all her prayers. Soon, after not taking no for an answer, she starts working at this agency, alonside of Leo. And that's how their romance slowly starts.

I have to say I loved Leo's POV and his thoughts. He is absolutely adorable and consistent in his pursuit for Cora. It was great to see him fall for this seemingly unreachable woman, whose only goal in life is to free her innocent brother.

"Somewhere out in the middle of the nowhere desert I decide I'm not ever going to give up on Cora."

As for Cora, I admired her for never giving up on her brother and always staying true to herself, even when there seemed to be no hope left. She is a very strong young woman, whose life tourned upside down since her brother's imprisonment. She suffers so much, that as her brother says, they could have build a prison cell alonside his. Leo really helped her through this rough time and showed her how to live again and the meaning of love.

"I know I'm lucky. My dad trusts me with more than his favorite gun. He trusts my word and that I'll do my best to make sure that Cora is okay. Now if only I can live up to all that trust."

My favorite part of this story was surprisingly not the romance but the mystery and the journey of catching the true murderer. I loved all the twists and danger that came along with it. As for the romance, it suffered. I would have liked to had more romantic scenes and moments and above all at least for the main characters to have done the deed.

But nonetheless to what's been said, I would definitely recommend this one. :D

Safety-gang: It's safe but there is at the beginning a bit of OW drama, since H slept with the secretary in the past. It gets resolved quickly.

[Nanci **Warning**IWasASailor⚓️MyMouthisDirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn't think I'd feel this way after reading a book but this hit a little to close to home. I felt like I was there. I lived in San Diego when I got a call telling me my brother's life was over. He was going to prison, and to this day I believe it was for a crime he didn't commit. I guess I'll never really know. I used to drive over 3 hours away to see him without telling anyone, because the day he got locked up was the day our whole family changed. We were never the same. Those feelings are raw. No one wanted to rehash it, talk about it or live it. There were times I was turned away at the prison and I would cry all the whole way home. My parents didn't split; but honestly they should have because to this day they stayed broken. They stopped loving each other and turned into this huge mess. I can't even talk to my mom without getting upset and most conversations with my father piss me off.

My brother was finally released but that meant nothing, because we were all different. What he went in for was just as horrible as Cora's brother and you can't stop that poison from entering your life. To look back at this close knit family and see it shattered kills me at times. It's true what Cora went through. People leave your side, even if it wasn't you who was found guilty. I didn't put my life on hold like Cora did, but when I would think of him in there it would suck the air out of me. Panic hits and hurt, anger set in. You're a ball of nerves spiraling out of control. Some days I hate my brother, even if he was wronged; I hate that this was brought into our lives and how quickly it destroyed a piece of me. I would have to watch what I talked about or what topics were safe because I would feel guilty for living my life.

That is what this book was about. Everything Cora was going through hit a cord with me and I'm just numb right now. So I loved the book, even though it has totally drug up all those horrible feelings my family experienced for years. My brother was never the same, and we were never the same, but I'm glad that this book had a HFN for Cora, she deserved it.

It does end with a some what cliff hanger but has nothing to do with Cora and Leo mostly what happens now with her brother. I do wish we would have gotten an HEA with Cora and Leo but with the next book I'm sure it'll be covered.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora has been living her life for her brother. Ever since he was convicted of murder he didn’t commit, Cora has been doing everything she can to get his conviction overturned.

As a hail Mary attempt, Cora contacts a top investigation firm and asks for them to take on her case pro-bono.

Leo just wants to finish law school and never work for his dad again. When Cora crashes into his father’s office, something inside Leo makes him want to become her white knight. Leo’s dad uses Leo’s interest in Cora’s case in the hopes to pull him back in.

As Cora and Leo work together to solve the case, they are pulled deeper into murders sights. It becomes a race against the clock to exonerate her brother and stay out of the real murder’s hands.

Suspense filled, passionate and humorous, Vindicate was an extremely captivating read.

I received this ARC copy of Vindicate from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication November 17, 2015.

My Rating: 4 Stars

[Tarsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided through NetGalley for a honest review**

What can I say about this book? Oh how I loved this book and there was no cliffhanger! Yay! I stayed up into about 12:30am to finish this book even though I had to get up early for work. I was just hooked and had to find out the ending. I was not disappointed!

Cora. Cora. Cora. She was one feisty, strong, stubborn (sometimes too stubborn) and a devoted sister to Beau. Beau was wrongly accused of rape and murder of his ex-girlfriend Cassandra. He didn’t do it and Cora was going to prove it. She’s been working on this case nonstop for 5 ½ years now. She has no life at all. She sleeps and breathes Beau’s case each and every day. Cora doesn’t believe she should be happy while her innocent brother is quickly wasting away in jail. She catches a break when she hears on the radio about the Nash Security and Investigation. They just recently got an innocent man out of jail after 40 years. The only problem is that they only do one pro bono case a year and they’re just won that case. So where does that leave Cora? This is where Leo comes in…

Leo was sweet, loving, determined, hardworking and sexy! Leo thought Cora was hot and “bangable” when she came to his dad’s office. Cora thought he was nice to look at but reminded her of a loser surfer boy. Leo’s attitude towards her changed when he realized what she was there for and how dedicated she was to saving her brother. Of course he still wants in her pants but now he sees her in a different light. Cora on the other hand didn’t really want to get involved with him at all. She just needed his and his dad’s help with freeing her brother Beau. Mr. Nash (Leo’s father) was not able to fully take on the case and advise her to come back in December. She couldn’t wait that long. Beau couldn’t wait that long. Leo to everyone’s surprised offered to help Cora with the case. Cora reluctantly accepts his help because let’s face it, she has no other choice. Time is running out. Cora and Leo begins to work together and she sees that she judged Leo all wrong. He’s dedicated and very hardworking. He’s also a big asset because some of the witness won’t talk to her because they know who she is. The story takes off from there.

This a very faced paced story with a good mixture of romance, sexual tension, action and suspense. Who murdered Cassandra? Why did Beau and Cassandra break up? I thought I knew but I was wrong. I kind of wished it was who I thought it was because I did not like him at all. This was an exciting story. I was rooting for Cora and Leo to find their happy ending. I was rooting for Beau to be set free. The ending was satisfying but now I’m waiting for the next book in this series. Hopefully Beau? I would also love to read about Savannah too! She wasn’t as bad as I thought in the beginning. Give this book a try!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vindicate's overview is what made me really want to read this and I'm quite pleased with the story. The book involves a driven young woman (Cora) desperate to absolve her brother of a crime he didn't commit, a young man (Leo) who is biding his time until he can do what he actually wants, and the passion between the two neither saw coming. Without question, the book is a time draining demon because I swear I sat down to start it and didn't move until a few hours later when I was done with it. I give the story 4.5 unexpected love is the kind that can give you life stars.


Cora has done everything she could to help find a way to get her brother out of the prison sentence he has been serving for a crime he didn't commit. She has no real life outside of the constant research and working to live on her own. When she hears of a private investigation firm that takes on a pro-bono case, she figures this is her one shot. The fates may not be exactly in her favor since the firm has already taken on its one case for the year but the owner offers his son who is in training under him to her and the resources of the firm. It shouldn't be too hard until she realizes Leo is a charming, spoiled young man.

Leo doesn't want any part of his father's business. He wants to become a district attorney. When Cora comes into his father's office he is more than a little intrigued, both by her physical appearance and her dire commitment. He can't help but want to help her figure this all out and is all in, dedicated to the case. He's warned by his father to keep his distance and himself but it gets harder and harder the more he learns about Cora.

It's entertaining to see the two realize they have things in common while also learning they make a pretty damn incredible team. Where Cora failed, Leo seems to pull the information they need to succeed. The problem with cases like Cora's is that when too many rocks become overturned, the killer comes out of hiding to silence the noisemaker. Overall, the read had a little bit of everything including the fun part of romance where the two lovers banter, and banter is exactly what Leo and Cora do most of the time.

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is the cover hot but it's a great story. I love it when that happens!! ;)

This is the first book that I've read from Beth Yarnall and she gained me as a fan right from the start.

I adored Cora. She was awesome and Beau was so lucky to have her as a sister. I loved the relationship that developed between her and Lee. I wasn't sure about Lee in the beginning but he eventually won me over.

I'm so looking forward to Beau's story next.

**ARC provided by Netgalley. Thank you.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2-3 stars?
I'm kind of confused about how it ended. Is there a second book?
I'm glad things turned out the way they did but the ending kind of sucked.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Release date 17th November 2015.

Provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” – William Blackstone-

I liked this book and I didn’t. There was actually a point where I nearly stopped reading it I’m afraid to say.

Cora’s brother Beau was committed for a crime that he didn’t do. No one believes him. The evidence is against him. He has been left by everyone accept Cora. He is resigned to his fate. On her way back from Chino when she hears about Nash Security and the freeing of a man imprisoned for 39 years.

”Every day my brother sits in prison for is another day that he can be killed.” Her voice cracks on the last word. “He’s survived two thousand seventeen such days already, including today. I‘ve spent every single one of those days working to get him free.”

Although they only take one Pro Bono case a year, Leo Nash the Boss’s son agrees to help. Leo what to say about Leo until he meets Cora he is arrogant, self-centered and thinks that the sun revolves around him. He started an office romance last year with Savannah, the receptionist and now wants to get into Cora’s pants.

Leo grew on me and he matured throughout the book until it came to the romance part which annoyed me. He isn’t exactly interested in his father’s company but only becomes interested because of Cora. Again trying to get into her pants.

Cora was strong in that respect and didn’t put up with his bullshit.
The writing is simple but it is a quick and easy read. I was far more interested in the story then the couple H/h as an entity. With a romantic suspense it is hard to get the balance right. For me anyway there is either too much suspense or not enough romance or vice versa.

What I liked is that Ms. Yarnall showed the negative aspects for the family. Not believing your children, divorce, drunkenness. Guilt by association and being tainted.

I really hope Beau gets a book.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora has spent the last five and a half years looking for justice for her brother who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend. Shortly after her brother's conviction her parents divorced and Cora had herself emancipated at sixteen because they didn't believe in her brother and wanted to forget about him.

When Cora hears of a private investigation agency that will take cases for free she packs up all her files on her brothers case and tries to get them to help her. Leo, the son of the owner of the firm offers to help Cora out mostly because of his instant attraction to her but when the two team up they find they make a good pair.

I rather enjoyed this story. Cora was a strong, independent and determined character that grew up too fast when she put her life on hold trying to get justice for her brother. Leo on the other hand would probably be my one complaint with the story as he seemed very immature to start the book off. I do think he grew a bit on me as the story went along though, he seemed to slightly mature as his confidence with investigating grew.

While the story did seem to focus on the relationship a bit more than the investigation I still found that it had an acceptable mix of both. As Cora and Lea are spending time together they do continue to investigate the case with new developments along the way to keep a reader interested where other stories often fail keeping a good mix.

Overall, fast paced, interesting romantic suspense novel.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Cora and Leo's paths crossed when Cora showed up looking for help from Leo's dad's business. Her brother was convicted of brutally murdering his girlfriend five and half years earlier and sent to prison for life. Not once did she question his innocence and spent every waking minute working towards getting him freed. When she heard about the P.I. firm that managed to help get a different man freed who was wrongfully convicted she had to get their help. Although Nash Security and Investigation had already taken their one pro bono case of the year, Leo offered to help because he was instantly drawn to Cora.

Ok...enough about the plot...

This book centres more around the attraction and budding relationship between Cora and Leo than it does around the murder investigation and freeing Cora's brother. Don't get me wrong, the investigation is a pivotal part of the story but you learn more about what is going on inside Cora and Leo's head than anything else. Throughout the entire book the investigation and research that went on impacted the relationship but the major focus was on the two of them together. Cora's reluctance to live a life of her own while her brother was in prison proved to be an overwhelming complication for the two of them. I did feel like there was enough of the murder investigation to make the book a little more than just your typical new adult story although I wouldn't have minded a little bit more. Don't worry though, there was enough chemistry and steam to satisfy fans of the new adult genre.

It was told from both Cora and Leo's point of view. This is a style that I love and one that had me flying through the pages. I easily finished it in one day. Although I would have liked more of the investigation I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. It kept me entertained for a few good hours and provided everything I have come to expect from this genre. I will keeping my eyes pealed for the rest of the Recovered Innocence series and any other work by this author.

[A. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

… two thousand, two hundred seventy-one days

That’s how long it took Cora to get her brother freed from prison. 2,271 days she served with him until he could be vindicated of all crimes.

Vindicate is a suspenseful romance that keeps the reader at the edge of their seat. You see … I love any book or any author that turns me into a stalker and I must say that I want part two now. Well written with compelling characters that I definitely want to read more about. Cora is the no non-sense girl on a mission and Leo is the cocksure hero clubbed in the head by love. Both characters are well written and play off one another very well. There romance is a bit lukewarm but that doesn't hinder the progression of their relationship. In fact, it enhances the characters because as the reader you get to see how each character is slowly evolving.


So, besides the main characters what works for this tale? Well, a whole lot works for this one. Heck, even the secondary characters catch and hold the reader's interest because like Cora and Leo you’re busy trying to figure out who's the real killer. Throw together some well placed angst, some disapproving moms (gotta love the self absorbed witches) and one crazed murderer and you have a good read that is hard to put down. Overall 4.5 rating.

ARC graciously provided by author, RockStarLit PR and Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

Happy Reading Everyone!!!

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected... It totally BLEW ME AWAY!!! It was so good... so, so, so GOOD!!!

Full review to follow...

Beth Yarnall, I CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series!!!!

*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!



Ohhhh myyyy goodnessss!! I think I'm in love. I am in love with a story that literally had me peeing my pants, falling in love, and just feeling all sorts of emotions!

Cora is a girl after my own heart! Love, love, love her (as if she's real) and her passion, dedication and want to help vindicate her brother after he was wrongfully accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend.

Cora has spent 5 years on a mission, collecting every bit of informaiton she can. But she realizes that the cross is too much to bear. She needs help and fast. She can no longer see her brother being lost to the system and seeks the help of Nash Security and Investigation, a private detective agency.

It is there that she meets Leo Nash, working with his father to hopefully become a lawyer himself.

Leo and Cora will knock your socks off. Between their brains, brawn, lust and desire, you will trip all over yourself while reading this story.

I honestly am adding Cora to my book boyfriend list (yes, you read that correctly) because this girl was just the bomb.com!

I am so looking forward to what the rest of this series will bring, and I'm praying there's a little more Cora & Leo involved because these two are just perfection.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to solve the mystery of who really killed Cassandra and if Beau was ever going to get out of prison. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming. I couldn't put this book down once I started - it was fast-paced and intriguing. I loved all the characters - especially Leo and Cora and I can't wait for the next book in this series. I really loved this fast-paced and suspenseful book! I have only one minor complaint a little let down between all the sex build-up between Cora and Leo to have them not officially complete the deed but at least there was lots of steamy moments but that's more of a personal preference. I can't wait to read more by this author!

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Tati · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very awkward book.

It was supposed to be a romance, but there was no chemistry at all between Cora and Leo. They simply didn't work as a couple. Having realized that, I kept reading because I wanted to know about the investigation and to find out who had framed Beau (it was obvious he was innocent). But not even that was done well. We are told what really happened and that's it. There is no climax or anything that made me sit on the edge of my seat. It just... Ended. And that was frustrating.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got more than I was expecting with Vindicate, I was expecting a romance and got a murder mystery also, a murder that desperately needs to be solved.
Why, well because Cora Hollis is stuck in limbo, five and a half years ago her life changed when her brother was accused and convicted of murdering his girlfriend Cassandra and since then she has spent all of her time and money on trying to prove his innocence . Cora is alone , her parents split up because of it, her mother avoiding anything to do with her brother and pretending Beau does not exist and her father burying himself in a bottle and avoiding the topic of beau at all cost also. However possibly worst of all is Cora being the only one to even bother with her brother and know what he is enduring while in prison. Fate and a talk radio show is about to help change Cora's life, talk of Nash investigative services a Pk firm who just helped to get a mans forty year conviction reversed and does pro bono work !
A determined Cora shows up at Nash investigations requesting and appointment with all of her research in hand and starts to get the stonewall from the receptionist, while being ogled by the hot looking surfer dude doing the filing .

Leo Nash can not believe the girl who just walked through the door, totally hot and as far as he is concerned totally
bangable. Unfortunately for Cora they have already taken on there next orobono case for the year, but after hearing cora's story and seeing how well prepared she is Leo offers to help her under his father's guidance. As attracted to Cora that Leo finds himself , Cora is just not interested and pretty much flat out tells Leo she has no time for relationships she is too busy , but in reality Cora does find herself a bit drawn to him the longer they work together and actually starts to revise her initial impression of Leo. Leo slowly proves himself not to be the slacker she first thought of him, especially as they start to make head way with her brothers case thanks to his efforts , and while Leo has been making headway with the case he has been make some small headway with Cora.
Unfortunately for them, the real killer is on to them and determined to prevent them from finding him, going to extreme lengths , such as Arsen m setting fire to the firm in hopes of destroying evidence.
Through it all Leo subtle touches , caring thoughts win him entry to Cora's heart and a date or two , but not nearly enough of her heart that he desires , because Cora's heart and mind are occupied with one thing only, her brother, her life stopped progressing the day he was convicted.
Can these two find a way through to be with each other? Will they free her brother Beau? Will the real,killer be caught?
Pick up Vindicate and find out!
Arc copy graciously provided by Loveswept via Netgalley for an honest review.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy courtesy of Netgalley
First in a series. HEA
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Cora is a young lady who has put her young life on hold. Her brother, Beau, has been accused and convicted of an heinous crime. She has devoted her life to help free him. She believes in his innocence 100%. She is his only champion. Even Beau has given up. She makes a desperate plea to a private investigator to help her. She is partnered with the owner's son. Leo is not really happy working in his dad's office. He wants to a lawyer. He is attracted to Cora the minute she walks in with her blue hair and electric blue eyes. He volunteers to help her with the case. The set out to find the real killer. They are both good characters. Due to her circumstances, Cora is mature and her dedication is unbelievable. Leo has to play catch up on the maturity. He suffered a few hard truths about himself. He surprised himself when he realized his feelings for Cora. It was fun watching them stumble their way to a relationship. There were a couple of sweet and funny scenes in the book. When you add a really good mystery you get a surprisingly good story. I enjoyed the writing style of the author. The mystery stayed hidden through most of the book. You didn't know who it was until close to the end. I can't wait to read Beau's story.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Vindicate was a good read.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, I wasn't sure too sure about Cora and Leo. But the more I read the more both characters grew on me and by the end I was very happy to have read their story.
I enjoyed watching them fall in love and work as a team to help Cora's brother Beau.

Vindicate is a great start to the Recovered Innocence series by Beth Yarnall https://www.goodreads.com/series/1549...
Looking forward to Beau's story in Atone coming out Feb 2016.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely blew me away! It is one of those that you consume in one sitting. There's no way your putting it down!! Fantastic writing made this fast paced story feel incredibly real. Cora's determination, dedication, and unflappable belief in her brother was amazing. Someone like her is who you want on your side. Always. From the moment Leo sees Cora he's a goner, but when he really gets to know her he knows he will never meet any else like her. The way they investigate and unravel the truth was fantastic. And now the long arduous wait for Beau's story *sigh* ok not that long but still....

A great romantic suspense read that I recommend to everyone!

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very impressed by the plot and the detail that went into it. Cora was a very well defined character and I was wrong about what I thought I knew about Leo. They definitely grow individually and as a couple as the story progresses and we get enough from the secondary characters to set up the series well. Can't wait for the next one.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Carmella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cora's only brother Beau is in prison for the rape, murder and torture of his girlfriend, but he is innocent. The family totally fell apart after this happened. Their parents split and divorced. Cora's mother just wants to forget she had a son and her father has turned to alcohol and self pity. Cora became an emancipated minor.

In the 5 and a half years since Beau has been imprisoned, everything Cora has done has been for Beau. Every penny she can possibly save is for his defense. She has collected any information she can on the case, some not legally, and has binders and folders full of information, any information she could get on any of the people involved in Beau's case. This is what her life has turned into.

She hears a story on the radio about Nash Investigative Services, that collected evidence to free a man that was falsely convicted and spent many years in prison. She has decided this is where she will go next.

Leo Nash is going into his Senior year of college. He plans on becoming a lawyer although his father would like him to take over the business.Leo needs some real direction though and needs to grow up some. Women are toys to him, sleep with them and then say goodbye. He has already caused an issue in the office with the receptionist.

Cora comes in with her box of information and talks to the Nashs'. Mr. Nash is quite impressed with what she has collected on her own and as they go through some of the info he notices that Leo and she are working together very well. He makes them a deal, they can work for the summer on trying to find new info for the case. He will help some but if they discover anything he will take it to the next step.

Cora thinks Leo is just a jerk when she first meets him and let's him know it. As they work together this begins to change. Even Leo becomes unselfish enough to realize what he has been like. He and Cora are very attracted to one another and do start to spend time together.

Will they find the proof that Beau did not commit murder? Can Cora and Leo both do the changing needed to sustain a relationship?

Cora sees nothing else in her life besides freeing her brother. She wanted to go to school to become a hair beautician but gave it up so she could put the money away for her brothers defense. When she loses Leo, she begins to see that she has nothing beyond her brothers defense. Can she recover in time.

As I read this book, it suddenly hit me that it had more to do with Cora and Leo's life than freeing Beau. They both needed to re-think themselves and what they wanted from their life, A wrong step could lead to unhappiness....

I enjoyed this book....you could tell right off that Leo needed to do some adjusting in his life and then the author subtly started giving us info on Cor and her interactions with the few people she had left. I think it was very well done!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five and a half years ago Cora's brother was convicted of the murder, rape and sodomy of his ex-girlfriend Cassandra. Witnesses say they saw him leave and DNA places him at the scene of the crime. Everything points to Beau as the suspect.

Cora believes her brother is innocent and will not give up trying to free him. He would never hurt Cassandra like that. It's not in his person to do something so violent. She's compiled every bit of information she has gotten her hands on into a binder, from notes of interviews she's done, copies of police reports, newspaper clippings to photos from the crime scene, morgue and anywhere else. She has the courtroom transcript of the trial and has poured over it time and time again. Something isn't right, but she can't put her finger on it. She needs help and her brother refuses to answer her questions. After reaching a dead end in the case and after another frustrating visit with her brother she was listening to an interview on the radio about a private investigator who takes up one pro-bono case a year for those put behind bars that are truly innocent. Writing down their name she vows to find them.

Leo is sitting at his desk one morning when a cute girl waltzes in with what appears to be a pretty heavy box one stubborn attitude. He can tell she's not going to give up. He quietly slips in and speaks to his dad and gets him to agree to briefly meet with her. When he informs her that he can't take on her case, Leo offers to help. After all, it'll help him with his pre-law studies.

Many meetings later, things start to get a little cozy between Cora & Leo. While their chasing leads, buildings are on fire and places are ransacked. There's more to this case than meets the eye. But do they have what it takes to expose the truth? Can they get to the truth of what really happened? And what's happening between them?

This book had it all. From Cora's quick come backs to Leo's nice back side and from open doors to mysterious cars. This author keeps you guessing with the question of "Who did it" constantly at the forefront. But it's not who you think. There's plenty of hot and steamy scenes to balance out the action.

The only thing that bothered me about the book is that I didn't seem to know whole lot about Leo. We knew Cora's background and what's been going on with her since the trial ended. But all we know about Leo is that he's pre-law and the description given by Cora's friend Jaime. That's it. But those descriptions never accurately describe a person or character for that matter. It would have been nice to know a bit more about him.

Also, the epilogue was great! It had one topic I wanted to know what happened, but I also wanted to know what happens with Cora & Leo? Do they get a happy ever after?

*ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Beth Yarnall and I have to say that I’m pretty damn impressed because from the overview of the story to the epilogue she put together a well crafted New Adult Romantic Suspense story that had me hooked throughout and looking to see who the next book in the series would be about and making note of just how long I’d have to wait to get my hands on it.

Cora is one of those characters that due to certain circumstances, her brother being committed of murder and the fallout that occurred in it’s aftermath, has had to mature faster than most in that she supports herself and has learned more about the ins and outs of the legal system than most her age. And yet there is still a naivete that surrounds here when it comes to personal relationships and it makes for quite a complex character that garnered my interest immediately. Her unconditional love and unwavering belief that her brother is innocent and the lengths she has gone to collect the information that could help to set him free was quite impressive especially since almost everyone in her life told her it was a lost cause.

Leo and I had a bit of a rocky start, he had something of a ‘this sucks I don’t want to be here’ attitude going on, which I could understand considering he wasn’t too keen about being his dad’s lap dog for the summer, but thankfully that didn’t last long. In a lot of ways his is the golden boy that’s had things come easily to him his entire life: girls, grades, sports and friends and he has way too much natural charm than one person should have, but you find that he truly does want to do something positive with his life and when focused is quite lethal.

Leo and Cora’s relationship/courtship was actually fun to follow. They both have immediate reactions to each other and their conclusions based on those reactions aren’t too far off base but as most stories go, there is a lot more than meets the eye and as the story progresses not only do they get a deeper look below the surface at each other, but at themselves. As far as their road to their HEA goes, I’d say that while it had it’s steamy moments, it falls more on the sweet side of things, which I do have to say I really liked because it felt right for what we come to learn about both Leo and Cora.

As far as the writing is concerned, I enjoyed it and found that I was equally invested in Leo and Cora’s burgeoning relationship as I was in finding out who really did kill Cassandra. I liked how all the twists and turns to both storylines were revealed and then played out and quite honestly the conclusion to both were very satisfying and felt right.

The Bottom Line: I enjoyed the book and took a little peek to see who the second book would star and can’t wait to see how that all plays out!

~ ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~