Atone

Recovered Innocence #2

by Beth Yarnall

Beth Yarnall’s sexy and emotional Recovered Innocence series continues as two broken souls discover that keeping their hands off each other is even harder than facing their demons.

Beau: Six years. That’s how long I spent behind bars for a crime I didn’t commit—the murder of the woman I loved. Now I’m free, but life on the outside is a different kind of prison. I don’t know who I am or who I want to be. At least I have my sister, Cora. She never stopped believing in me. She even got me a job at the private investigation agency that cleared my name. And then Vera Swain walks into Nash Security and Investigations and kicks my world on its ass.

Vera: There’s only one thing that would make me come out of hiding after two years on the run: finding my sister. I made the mistake of telling a monster about her, the same monster who beat me and broke me. Now I’m forced to confide in Beau Hollis of Nash Security and Investigations. He looks at me like he knows me—the real me. He sees too much, makes me feel too much. The pleasure he offers is exciting and addictive. But I can’t fall for him . . . because my love could get us both killed.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

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

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

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]

***4,5 "Only now" stars***



I liked so much the first book...
A young girl was fighting to get out of the prison her brother...
It was a beautiful story full of emotions and suspense...
And now, we got to learn Beau's story after his release from the prison...

And i have to admit that i was dying to get my hands on that book!!!
I was so curious about his feelings and how he will deal with all those ugly things in his life, but i got more than that...
Because in the equation was added Vera and her story was more emotional and heartwrecking, even from Beau's...

I was so hooked up from those two and i can say that this story was even better than the first one!!!!

“I walked out of the California Institute for Men in Chino, California, two thousand, two hundred and seventy one days-more than six years-after I walked in.
I was finally free.
Free.”

Beau was being accused for the brutally rape and murder of his girlfriend and he spend six years of his life in prison...
Everyone had given up on him, everyone except his younger sister Cora.
Well, Cora managed with the help of the Nash Investigations to free Beau out of prison...
And now, Beau is out and he don't know what to do with his life...

He is feeling guilty for his ex-girlfriend and he can't forget the past...
The strange thing is that even though that he was in prison for a crime that he hadn't done, he wasn't feeling angry... He was more sad and guilty for his beloved Cassandra and he couldn't let go of her memory...

Cora tried to help him... She gave him a roof under his head and she was trying to make him work with her for the Nash Investigations...

Vera went to the Nash Investigations with the request to find her sister.
From the first moment, she and Beau had an instant connection... but Vera wasn't who she was saying...
She had a lot of sceletons hidden in her closet and she was terrifying for anyone to discover them, especially Beau.

But Beau was the only one who could understand and help her... he was the only one who she could trust. But with what price???

Beau and Vera came really close and together, they were trying to find clues that they could lead them to Vera's sister. But as their research was moving, Vera's fears are growing...

And Beau becomes more and more involved with this case...
But Vera's past is dark and her sister is in big danger to get caught in the same situation as Vera got caught before some years.

"He's become my knight in rusted, dented armor, offering to slay a very, very dangerous dragon. He has no idea what he's up against... He's been through so much. He deserves to live the rest of his life danger-free. He sure as hell don't deserve the threat my secrets bring."

Could they find her in time and save her for the same fate as Vera's????
Could Beau get free from Cassandra's ghost and to let his heart open for Vera???

What Vera is hiding and when the revelations of her past will come to light... how will Beau react to them???
Will Beau stay untouched of all her hidden secrets and to remain by her side????
There is a possibillity for those two to be together or they are living in borrowed time???


I loved Beau even when i didn't know him... He got to me from the first time that i saw him in prison... It was so unfair what had happened to him, what he lost because of a false accusation. He didn't deserve it!!!
In this book, he was struggling to start living again, when in reality he didn't want to live at all.
He was so lost...

Vera's appearance made him have a purpose again. He couldn't save Cassandra, but he could save Vera and her sister... and he was determined to succeed this time.
He was attracted to Vera from the first moment he saw her but he couldn't let go Cassandra and when he was too close to Vera, he was feeling guilty...

I liked that we saw him to be so protective, so kind, so determined...
The job in the Nash Investigations was fitting him so good.
I also liked that he was so loyal in those that he was caring...


"I know a little something about grief and guilt and how the two wrap around you and squeeze until you can't feel anything else. They eat at you until that's all you are."

From the beginning, Vera was confusing me. She had so many secrets and i wasn't always sure about her... But when the truth was revealed, my heart was aching for her...
Yep, Beau was prisoned for six years for something that he didn't do, but Vera was also prisoned against her will for almost four years in a different kind of prison.

She went through some ugly situations that made me really sad and her sister was leading straight to the same hell... So, it was very important to find her before it was too late...
Beau was like a ray of hope for her... He was making her feel and hope and that wasn't very good.

She couldn't settle down in a place, it was too risky. She had to be on the running all the time...
So, she decided to take whatever she could for him until their time to run down!!!

That was a really intriguing story for once again and i enjoy the ride so much...

All those details with the investigations and all those leading clues were faschinating me...
As for the hidden past.... that was squeezing my heart so painfully...
Our main characters were fighters with a big F.
And they were loving fiercely... Their siblings were all what they were having in their life and after they earned each other...


I really liked this story and i'm so happy that we will have another one story in this series.
We didn't get to know too much Nolan, but he managed to pick up my interest!


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

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright so I'm rating this the way I did despite myself. Here's what I mean: Beau and Vera are two very broken people. They've been through the worst the world have to offer and have come through as decent but flawed people. Their bedroom chemistry was hot. Especially if you don't mind the biters :-p Outside of the bedroom, it was hard to tell because they were pretty much thrown together for this intense situation and we don't see them out of it til the epilogue. Beau, I can get behind. Even through his very emotional turmoil after having lost his love and being framed for her murder. No matter the other circumstances that come to light, he has the right to feel the sweep of emotions that the situation brings about. Was I happy about how he let it affect the beginning of his relationship with Vera? No. There were times when I glared at my Nook as he was going through the motions. I even liked how Vera handled it all. Here's the gripe with Vera: after establishing she was this suffered girl, why in the ever loving heck would you then randomly toss in the jealousy card??? You totally lost me after that one. -.- She went from acceptably flawed to completely selfish and unfeeling and the way it was written didn't convince me she changed. Completely unnecessary to move the story forward. It was going SO well until that point. Then there's the drama in the end which we don't even get an explanation for. Ugh. Anyways, I rated it this way because although I want to rip it down to maybe even a 2-2.5, I get that this was the way the writer wanted the character to read no matter how much of a bs move I thought it was. Safety gangers: plenty of bad rape memories from Vera. It's written relatively tactfully but it's still hard to swallow. H and h have unprotected sex.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atone is a lot darker book with more tension and violence than Vindicate, the first part of this series. But if you read that, you know it could not be otherwise. Meet the story of Buea, innocently convicted for murder and released after more than six years behind bars.

"While I’m no longer serving a life sentence for a crime I didn’t commit, I’m far from free. "

About the plot: In the first part Cora, Beau's sister, fought for his acquittal, now he must learn again to live in the new world. What isn't at all easy. He is still grieving and can't come to terms with the death of his former girlfriend. He can't accept that his conviction not only destroyed his whole future, but also the lives of his family. He is going through a difficult time, full of anger and grief, and can't cope with the new life. Cora convinces him to try to work with her in the agency who helped free him, Nash Security and Investigations.

"Everything about her shouts Back the fuck off. It only makes me want to draw closer. "

This is where he meets Vera, who comes to them due to find her sister. They find themselves kindred spirits, and discover their deepest secrets and sorrows. But Vera is on the run, and has more problems than she says, that will only complicate more and more over time. Until the moment from which there is no escape.

"There is no sunshine in either one of us. Together we’d be a perfect storm of misery, regret, and lost youth. "

My thoughts: This story is really engaging and emotional. We have two characters who survived in their lives a huge nightmare and are now trying to cope with it. The past comes back to them and does not allow to go forward. They are trying to find peace and redemption and strength and hope in themselves. I was very drawn into all the mysteries and secrets, as well as the same investigation. You find in this a few surprises and twists scenes.

The story is well built, because all the time reveals new pieces. It is dark, raw, violent and terrifying. There's a lot of angst and unknown. Emotionally not easy to read because of what the heroes went and what else before them. But even though it is very dark and there is a lot of sexual scenes, violent descriptions and a strong language, I had the impression that this is a book for young adult or very young new adults.

This story has all the rights to squeeze tears, but didn't do that for me. I can't identify what it is that was missing for me. Probably for everyone it will be something else. Just sometimes I miss deeper emotions, although there is a lot of them. Maybe sometimes it should be a little bit more convincing, but on the other hand, I do not know, because it all makes sense. I don't really helping? I was simply missing something, but I am not sure what really. I think you have to find out yourself if you wondered.

In summary it was a touching story with a difficult and delicate subject. There is a lot of action and investigation, rather don't expect much of romantic moments, it is more about survival. My tears don't squeeze but definitely shocked me in some moments. It is difficult to comprehend and terrifying that such things happen in the real world.

***Quick Review:***

Series: The second part in the Recovered Innocence series. Can be read as standalone.
Grade/Tag Tabs: New Adult. Romantic Suspense,
Release Date: February 23rd 2016
Main characters: Vera Swain, around twenty-one years old. After two years on the run, she wants to find her sister. Beau Hollis, twenty-four years old, innocently convicted for the murder of his girlfriend, free after more than 6 years in prison, now starts work at Nash Security and Investigations.
Secondary characters: A few scenes with Leo and Cora, the main characters of the previous part.
Location: San Diego, CA.
Steamy: Yes. Some hot scenes.
Sensitive topic: Yes, a lot. Abuse. Violence. Death.
Love triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: Yes.
Next in the series? Yes. Reclaim, coming soon.

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

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[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - "We're a fucked up pair for sure." Stars!

The second book in Beth Yarnall’s Recovered Innocence series, gives the reader the story I think we all wanted after being introduced to Beau Hollis in its predecessor, Vindicate.



This is an author that seems to be able to take dark stories with slightly twisted characters and balance the drama and angst levels so that they are in keeping with the depth of the story-line, but don’t turn the whole thing into one dark and depressing read, which for me makes a massive difference to my overall reading enjoyment.

I’m raw yet scarred over.

I think that if you have read Vindicate, you know that Atone is not going to be all unicorns and rainbows, Beau having just been released from prison, after spending six years incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit, is carrying around a lot of baggage. Pairing him up with Vera, a woman with more secrets than an active CIA operative, set this couples’ story off and running pretty quickly. Ex-con and Ex-you-don’t-really-wanna-know, both of them have more than a few ghosts to lay to rest, and for one of them those ghosts are very firmly back to haunt them.



We had a bit of a reverse in pacing in this one as well, whereas I found the first book in the series dragged a bit in the first half, this one went off like Usain Bolt in a new pair of spikes, but like all good sprinters, it lost its momentum a little as the distance increased. Weirdly the second half, where a lot of Vera’s true past came to light is where things really slowed down for me, and then the last 20% or so everything kicked off again. In the main it wasn’t an issue, as the book isn’t massively long, but the pacing felt a little juddery at points.

You bent me, but you didn’t break me. I’m still standing. I’m free.

There is plenty of everything in Atone sexy times, suspense, shocks and surprises. I think Beau was the biggest one, because I was expecting an emotionally closed off, brooding a-hole, and he was an absolute treat, endearing, romantic in a quirky sort of way, and all-in for his woman even with a few major wobbles along the way.

"What we are is not what either of us was."

So happy to see that Beth is continuing with the Recovered Innocence series, with Reclaim due at some point, I think there is plenty of scope for a few more visits to Nash Security and Investigation in the future, and I am interested to see what adventure the author takes her characters on next.

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

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Just realized I never rated or reviewed this on here, only on NetGalley. Whoops!

I really liked the emotions that were involved in this story, and my heart broke for Vera and Beau. They both had past demons haunting them and on top of trying to figure out how to survive those demons they had new problems popping up.

Overall, I did like the story but I also had some issues with it. I felt like there were times when Vera was very one dimensional and I just didn't feel a connection with her. The sex scenes were off the charts hot in this one...but then once they left the bedroom it was like their connection just ended.. I guess I just wanted more romance between them.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau is trying to regain his life after spending six years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Life on the outside hasn’t been easy adjusting to though with everyone staring and still talking about him being in prison. Beau’s sister Cora has gotten him a job working for Nash Security that was behind helping Beau get out of prison.

Vera Swain walks into Nash Security wanting to hire them to help find a half sister that she doesn’t really know but she believes may be in danger. Beau and Vera immediately have a spark between them, perhaps drawn to each other by their troubled pasts. Vera however has more secrets and has had a horrid life until she walked into the office.

Atone is the second book in the Recovered Innocence series, it could really be work fine as a standalone though. I actually did read Vindicate, the first book in the series, and I do believe overall I enjoyed Atone just a tad bit more.

Atone tackles much darker subject matter than Vindicate did. I don’t want to go to into detail and give away Vera’s secrets before a reader gets a chance to discover them but her life prior to walking in and hiring Nash Security was the thing nightmares are made of which had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know everything about her past and if it would all work out in the end.

Also, along with being more intrigued with the things in Vera’s life I felt that the relationship in Atone was a bit more on the steamy side. Beau and Vera were steaming up the pages from the beginning and I believe that may be because of the age and/or maturity of these characters as opposed to the relationship aspect in the first book.

Overall, a fast paced romantic suspense that headed down a gritty, cringe worthy path with the subject matter involved that had me glued to the story until finished.

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

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

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Atone was such a good read, the storyline captured my interest from the first page, I couldn't put it down.

Beau and Vera were both dealing with so much pain & hurt from their past. Together they find comfort, understanding and love, something they both crave and didn't think they deserved.



This was an emotional read, Vera's story broke my heart.
I really connected with Vera's character, as a mother of three girls my Mama Bear protectiveness came out. I wanted to reach out & hug her tight and take away the nightmare she'd gone through.
Then go after the mofo that had ever touched an innocent child.




Beau and Vera were perfect together, I loved seeing them connect, to trust and open their hearts and accept each other's unconditional love. And their chemistry??? SMOKING!!!



Overall this was a touching, heartwarming and beautiful read, the epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face and a heart full of love.

I enjoyed reading Atone and highly recommend the Recovered Innocence series.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series which is Vindicate and you can find my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I was torn between my feelings on that book and here it is no different. I really enjoyed this book and I want to give it 5 stars and I actually feel bad and I wish that I could give it 4 stars but in the end I can only give it 3 Stars. Please don’t judge me.
Beau Hollis has been released for a crime that he didn’t commit the murder of his ex-girlfriend and the wounds that it caused sit deep.

“I walked out of the California Institute for Men in Chino, California, two thousand, two hundred and seventy one days-more than six years-after I walked in. I was finally free. Free.”
Beau does a lot at the beginning for his sister Cora as he has her to thank for his freedom. He sleeps on her sofa, isn’t entirely sure what he is to do with this life. So he starts working for Nash Security. He has a deep hole with nothing to fill it.

That is until Vera Swain walks in and asks them to find her sister Marie. Vera is not who she makes herself out to be. She has had a tough past, her prison wasn’t the same as Beau’s but they were both trapped in different ways that is until she ran away.
Like recognises like. Beau and Vera strike up a friendship that leads to more. There was good character development and I liked how they both evolved and dealt with their demons.
They get to the bottom of the sex trafficking ring and it goes deep as well as how high it goes up.

There is a good plot to the story and we get bread crumbs of where the story is going. There was a strong build up but the most happened in the last 30 % of the book so before that it did drag a bit. I also felt that there were a lot of thoughts and feelings repeated and in a way it contributed to the story but on the other hand I feel as if the sentences could have been phrased differently.

Please note that this is my personal opinion and in the grand scheme of things it can be taken at face value but I recommend reading the book and finding it out for yourself.

I will most certainly read the next in the series.

Book given to me via Netgalley from Random Publishing Group – Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

“Being with Cassandra was like… like the sun shining on me all the time.”

“It’s funny how you never thought about wanting something until there’s absolutely no possibility of ever having it. Then you want it more than anything.”

My Review:

Drama, tension, angst, intrigue, secrets – so many secrets, and they are oh so slowly revealed to keep the suspense and reader wound tight. And I certainly was. I adored the first book in the series, Vindicate and Atone continues with focus on the newly released Beau, who is attempting to learn the PI trade from his sister. His first day on the job, a new client catches his eye, and it is on like Donkey Kong. Atone was considerably more sensual, suspenseful, intense, and darker than Vindicate, but continues with many of the same characters as well as several new ones. I am curious to see who Ms. Yarnall will turn her focus on for book 3.

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was brutal. I couldn't help but feel so incredibly sorry for both Beau and Vera. They had such heartbreaking stories...Vera's maybe even more so than Beau's. I loved how they were able to find peace and comfort and strength and most of all acceptance and ultimately love with each other. Poor Vera..how she was able to survive her past and move forward with her life was just amazing. I loved the ending but it still left me with a sense of sadness even though they were both so happy.

A great second book in the series and I can't wait for what's next.

**ARC provided per Netgalley. Thank you!!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

Atone is the second book in the Recovered Innocence series but can be read as a stand alone. I did have the opportunity to read Vindicate first yet I still feel that a reader could pick this book up with no issues at all. Having followed this series from the beginning I can say that I think I liked this book better than the first one. It seemed like Yarnall was able to get some of the kinks out and it showed.

Vera came to Nash Security looking for help in finding her younger sister. Beau immediately recognised her as a person who had been through a lot and was lost but hiding it just like him. Although the initial screening proved that she was lying about some things, he hid them so that his sister and the rest of Nash Security would help her.

This story was deeper, darker and sexier than Vindicate and I was flying through the pages. I wanted to know all of Vera's secrets and the terrible stuff that happened to her. Was she at risk? Was she putting Beau at risk? Would they find her sister? Was somebody going to get hurt? I was really drawn to the suspense aspect of the story.

I really liked Beau so it was a little difficult for me to like Vera because I was so afraid that she was going to hurt him or get him hurt. They had an almost insta-love which I tend to struggle with but it was definitely sexy and the pages heated up quickly. Even though I liked Beau better than Vera I was still in their corner. I wanted a happily ever after for them and was hoping they would get it.

Overall I really liked this fast paced romantic suspense and I am enjoying the series thus far. I can't wait to see what Nash Security takes on next!

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What an amazing read!
Both characters have their past demons that they together overcome in such a beautifully way. They are both wonderfully imperfect but together they make a whole. They simply fit together and I can't wait for the authors next work.

Full review to follow.

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to lie... the subject matter made antsy... uncomfortable... angry... sick in the guts... BUT it was still a good story!

Review to follow...

*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written with lots of sex and emotion, but this was not for me. Beau and Vera had such painfully brutal pasts that it was difficult to contemplate that they really could have a peaceful future together. And for me, the deal breaker was what happened to Vera's sister. These two tormented lovers never got a break. 2.5 stars

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Vindicate and finding out that the next book would be about Beau I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I’d be clamoring to get my hands on it to find out how he dealt with his new found freedom and I wasn’t disappointed. In fact I was quite surprised by how Beau and Vera’s story played out and though it was darker in tone in comparison to Vindicate, it worked for me.

The biggest surprise was Beau himself. In Vindicate he is resigned to his fate and comes off as angry, aloof and bitter, all perfectly understandable as he was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, and I expected all of those to be extremely prevalent and pronounced as he got used to life outside of prison because even though he has been exonerated he still went to jail, but that’s not what happened. He is still has moments of anger and bitterness at the time he lost, but it’s tempered with the desire to move past it all and get on with his life. It shows a maturity as well as a hopeful outlook on what he could be able to accomplish if given a chance. Vera is an interesting character.. She’s strength personified and yet scared of her own shadow. She’s gone through hell, though that’s a huge understatement, and yet has found a way to live and not totally cut herself off from society at large and as she starts to reveal all that she went through, I couldn’t help but admire her even more.

I liked how Beau and Vera’s relationship progressed. You have two damaged people recognizing the broken pieces in each other and finding a sense of solace in that knowledge. Vera helps/forces Beau to get out the emotions that he is trying to bury and Beau shows Vera that not everyone will judge and persecute her for her past. This pushes them closer together, but Vera still holds some vital pieces of her past close and the explosion that happens when they are finally revealed puts their burgeoning romance to the test and the fallout and resolution to it were well laid out. There were somethings I guessed at, but there were a few twists that surprised me. In the end though I liked how it all turned out for them.

The subject matter in Atone is a lot darker and grittier than what was in Vindicate, but I thought that it was handled well. It was raw and honest and the author showed the subject respect while not compromising herself by sugar coating it. The book does start out a little slowly, but the writing is engaging and I enjoyed how all the twists and turns unfolded whether it was between Beau and Vera or the search for her sister. The last 30% or so, it really picks up and some of the things that happen surprised me and had me glued to my Kindle. The story is told in dual 1st person POV and there is a lot of inner monologuing. Sometimes that bothers me, other times it doesn’t. In this instance it didn’t because both Beau and Vera have isolated themselves from others so it made sense to me that they’d be more in their heads than verbally interacting.

The Bottom Line: Great addition to the series and I’m looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next!

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

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Atone" is the second book in the recovered innocence series and though it can be read as a standalone I do recommend you read the first book "Vindicate" , since this story is about Beau Hollis and the first was about his sister Cora and her struggle to get him released from jail.

Beau Hollis spent a little over six years in prison for a brutal crime he did not commit, convicted of raping and murdering his girlfriend ; during that time ecpveryone but Cora gave up on him, now he lives with his sister Cora and has just started working at the same private investigative firm that helped get him released .beau was not sure if working investigations was for him until Vera walked through the door and it was eye opening, like meeting a kindred soul. Vera came to the firm to find her half sister only giving a little info here and there, keeping secrets but Beau instinctively knew he needs to trust her, and when she is ready she would hopefully share.
Vera has a good reason to keep secrets , she had been in hiding for two years after escaping a living hell.of her own. Her sisters safety is what has brought her out if hiding because she foolishly spoke about her during her captivity and now her tormentor is using her sister to get her.
As Beau and Cora search for Vera's sister beau and Vera become closer, drawn by one another, both having endorsed their own versions of torment; they go into a day by day relationship since once Vera's sister is found she will h e to dissapear again to stay safe and Beau as much as he is attracted to Vera is having trouble coping with his own residual issues, feeling guilty about not being their to protect his girlfreind when she was was so brutally murdered. These two become one another's strength,,they push through their issues and fall in love.
Ms Yarnell has created incredibly deep characters that pull you in and grab you emotionally , so have the tissues ready, you may need some nod prepare to be anxious on occasion .
Arc graciously provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I was really looking forward to this book after reading Vindicate, the first in the series. This was a good storyline, but it wasn't grabbing me and pulling me into the story. I think it was because I couldn't connect with Vera in any way. I don't know what it was about her, but she was not what I pictured for Beau after his 6 years in prison.

I think the storyline itself is great and the characters where very well developed. This one picks up after Vindicate shortly after Beau's release. I liked being in his head while he was dealing with his loss, even after 6 years, and trying to find his way in the "real world" again.

Again, I just couldn't connect with Vera in any way and if I could have, I think this would have been an even better book.

[Krita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau and Vera...what to say...broken...beautiful...strong....amazing

[Bookholic Ralou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link: http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...

I LOOOOVE IT! Actually more than that. I adoooooooore it! This story is simply awesome and mighty addicting.

Atone is a book who tells the story of Beau and Vera. Also, is the second installment in the Recovered Innocence series. For whoever has read the first book, Vindicate, Cora and Leo’s story, – I’m not one of them unfortunately -, you know that Beau is Cora’s brother who fought for him to get out of prison and regain his lost freedom. And she did. So, now, in Atone Beau is free and trying to get back his life. And while he’s on that, something, or better someone is about to turn his world upside down. And that someone is Vera, a young woman, who comes to ask for help from the Investigation Agency where Beau is currently working along with his sister because she is desperate to find her sister who’s gone missing. But no one expected what would be the outcome of this……

Beau’s reaction too Vera is immediate! Almost like a lighting. He wants to help her with all he has to find her sister. And he does so! With all he has and more. And although this is taking him by surprise, he isn’t about to give up on her. Besides, there are some other……. things that don’t let him do it. Some things that are called “feelings”. And, indeed, very deep deep ones. So, he is going in full force down this road with Vera. But, she isn’t far behind either. She feels the same things for Beaus as he does, but she had a very rough life and past in which she doesn’t want him exposed.

I don’t need the words to know how she feels about me. It’s in everything she does and thinks and says.

Although, Fate has other plans and intentions for these two. She puts them into a very intense whirlwind, forcing them to face their demons, fears, past and everything else that haunts them and hold them back from surrendering to each other. Ans she does a great job of it since the results of their inside and outside battles are a sight to behold. The best sight to be a witness of. Each of their encounters has a different feeling engraved on it: hot, steamy, heart-wrecking, sad, empowering, happy, optimistic, shocking and it goes on and on. Every turn I took in Atone I came up against something equally amazing, unexpected and unforgettable.I devoured every inch of Beau and Vera’s story and I couldn’t be more happy for spending the time I did on reading it. It was worth every minute.

This big grizzly bear of a man has worked his way past my defenses as if they weren’t even there.

Beth Yarnall proved to be another author that I should look out for since she really swept me away with this story. Her writing and the way she unfolded it can be described only as wonderful. She kept me on my toes without giving me the chance to get into the procedure of trying to guess what would probably come next. And that’s something that I deeply appreciated and cherish. As for her characters, I have one thing to say: Undeniably Unforgettable . And after finishing Beau, it’s time for me to go a bit back and meet Cora and Leo since their role in Beau’s current life is beyond undeniable and incredibly important. I can’t wait to see with what she will come next for this series, because two books aren’t enough to make it complete…….

[Terisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atone by Beth Yarnall

This series just keeps getting better and better!

Beau spent six years behind bars for a crime that he didn’t commit. His sister Cora was the only one that stood behind him, the only one that believed in him, the only reason that he’s now a free man. She never gave up on him and spent what was left of her childhood to make sure that he was acquitted, now it’s his turn to make sure that her efforts weren’t wasted. He’s trying to fit back into society. He’s working at the same PI firm that Cora works at, he’s good at it but life doesn’t have the same meaning to him as it used to have. He finds himself struggling to make sense of things from day to day until Vera Swain walks into the agency. She makes him feel something besides anger and regret for the first time in years but she’s hiding something, something that could change everything.

Vera knows that time is running out for her sister. She knows that if she doesn’t find her soon that it will be too late. She will do anything to help her but there is only so much that she can tell, only so much of her past that she can expose. No one would believe her story anyway, not when so many of the people that were involved are so high up. Things that happened to her weren’t supposed to happen in the United States, let alone in her own backyard but they did and they still do. They’re working on borrowed time and the clock is ticking because the closer that Beau gets to the truth, the closer that “he” gets to finding her. The closer that Beau gets to the truth the closer she is to losing him like she has everyone else in her life.

This book was simply amazing and damn near impossible to put down. Beth Yarnall’s writing is superb and she knows how to keep you captivated from start to finish. She has a way of drawing you in so that you feel a though you are part of the story and your heart breaks for the people in the story as though you really know them and know what there’re going through. Beau and Vera are made for each other, they were perfect together. Two lost souls that have both been through so much, two young people that lost their innocence way too soon. Two people that are now adults trying to right a wrong but not knowing how to go about it without giving away too much of themselves. I could honestly go on and on about how much I loved it. I can’t imagine having gone through what either of them did and coming out on the other side as whole as they did.

Book three in the series is said to be coming out in July 2016. It will feature one of the other PI’s that we don’t really know much about but if it’s even half as good as the first two books, I’m sure that I will love it. I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Strider28 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars
Atone is book two in the A Recovered Innocence series. Vindicate was book one and I enjoyed it enough that I couldn't wait to read book two. Each book is a stand alone with a HEA!
Atone is Beau and Vera's story. In Vindicate Beau was living a nightmare and everybody had given up on him but his sister Cora. She stood by him and literally freed him from the nightmare he was living. Now it's his turn to give back.
While working for an investigative agency a desperate and terrified woman, Vera, comes looking for help. When she reaches out to the agency she is met with skepticism from everyone but Beau. He sees himself in her and wants to help her end her never ending nightmare..
Vera's story is very dark and disturbing. What she suffered through and what she's hiding from will make your skin crawl. Vera has come to ask for help in finding her missing sister. She knows who has her and why although she doesn't want to tell Beau the full truth about what's going on because she's ashamed.
As Vera and Beau work together they become close and begin having a relationship. A relationship that Vera knows cannot last because once she finds her sister she's going to have to run again. But she loves Beau, he gives her joy in what has been a miserable life and she'll take what she can get. Meanwhile, Cora is warning her brother Beau to be wary of Vera. She doesn't trust Vera and all of her secrets. But Beau won't be deterred. Although desperate to know the full truth about Vera's life he doesn't push because he's falling for her. His gut is telling him to trust her.
Ms. Yarnall creates wonderful characters and she draws you into the story by leaving you little hints and clues to the secrets and lies being told. As she slowly reveals each detail you can't help but feel for Vera and what she's suffered. Ms. Yarnall also takes Beau back to deal with some of his unresolved issues from Vindicate. (It would help if you read book one but it is not necessary.)
I only had a problem with one small part of the book but not understanding the psychology behind it I can't really judge why the author has written the scenes the way she has.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more books by Beth Yarnall.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Itsy Bitsy Book Bits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atone: A Recovered Innocence Novel by Beth Yarnall is a hot four start read that really pulls at your heart as the story unfolds. This is book two in the A Recovered Innocence series. The first book, Vindicate, set us up with Cora Hollis who met up with an almost lawyer, Leo Nash, and his father's company when she turns to them for help. She knew her brother was innocent and sitting in prison for a murder and now this is his book. You do not have to read book one to enjoy Beau and Vera's story. This swaps between Beau and Vera's points of view and has some sexy scenes in it so not for the young crowd.

Beau Hollis spent six years for the murder of his girlfriend behind bars and now is trying to start over. His sister is doing everything she can to give him a fresh start and helping him land a job at her work place is one of her top goals for him. The only problem is he is lost as to who he is any more and what he is going to do with his life after being set free. When he met the new client, Vera Swain, he feels a pull to help her.

Vera is running out of time in finding her young half-sister Marie. She turns to the Nash Security team to help her before it is too late. She instantly feels drawn to Beau knowing the horrors of his past and finds herself a kindred spirit on some level. But she is far from opening up and letting him know the whole truth. Her life has been far from easy and if she can not let Beau in she will never find her sister in time to save her life. What Vera holds onto is the truth of the man who is slowing taking control over Marie's life. He did it to Vera and now he is willing to pull young Marie into his sick world just life Vera worked so hard to escape from.

I was amazed at how the story played out. The characters are each holding onto secrets and troubled pasts and there are some really heart breaking moments.I was amazed at how the story played out. The characters are each holding onto secrets and troubled pasts and there are some really heart breaking moments

[Carmella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Beau spent 6 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. His sister Cora never gave up her belief of his innocence and he was exonerated. He is now home, staying with Cora and trying to start life over again. He even has an opportunity of a job at the Private Investigation office that she works at.

Vera comes to the PI office for help in finding her sister Marie. She brings them any info she has to get them started. This is when Vera enters Beau's life.

Cora and Beau both know that Vera is not giving them all the information she possibly could. Beau has spent a bit more time with Vera though and understands that she can only be pushed so far. They have also been spending private time together and started a physical relationship which Cora is not happy about when she first finds out.

What others don't understand is that Vera and Beau "get each other". They have both been victimized unfairly and are trying to deal with it.Vera has really helped Beau and Beau gives her all his support but he knows there is so much she isn't saying....

I felt like the beginning of the book dragged somewhat but it may have felt that way because Vera only wanted to give minimal information to help find her sister She did start to realize more as Beau and Cora investigated and I just don't know how this woman functioned with what she carried.

When more of her story came out, the book got much better. Then you could understand more of why Vera was the way she was.

This book was a good story about courage because Vera certainly had that.

[A. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau went from counting the days he spent falsely imprisoned (Vindicate: Book One ~ Between Cora and Beau we counted 2, 271 days that they both served.)to rushing head first into the love of his life. While Beau was counting those six years, the readers of book one was counting along with him.

Now, Beau is free trying to adjust to his new civilian life and what that freedom really means to him. Beau is still heartbroken and hasn't forgiven is now dead girlfriend for her betrayal. But never fear, redemption and hope come in the form of Vera Swain. Vera is a ballsy young lady who is running for her life but willing to sacrifice it to save her loved ones.

Though not as suspenseful as the first installment of the series, Atone is worth the read. The author meshed both stories together seamlessly, the loose ends from book one are tied up and the readers get to see main characters from the first book as well. What’s really good about Atone is that the main focus of the story is the very relevant subject of human trafficking. With the female lead we get to see another possible facet of how human trafficking works and the abuses that its victims have to endure. Though the language is rough and heartbreaking in some portions (when dealing with this subject) it effectively draws the reader in. More awareness is definitely needed.

~~Copy was graciously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review~~

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Atone is the second book in the Recovered Innocence series. There is enough information given in the book I think it can be read as a stand alone. You get to see Cora and Leo from Vindicate but since this is Beau's book you really aren't missing anything.

Beau was in prison for a crime he didn't commit, with his sister's help, he was released. Now he's living with her, sleeping on her couch, and working at the PI agency that helped free him. He is sort of lost. He doesn't know what to do with the second chance he was given, until Vera walks looking to hire them to help find her sister. Beau is isn't draw to her. He can see the broken in her that he knows is reflected in his eyes. Without any experience and no idea how what he'll do, he agrees to help her.

The initial attraction is quick but it develops nicely throughout the read. I was invested, I had to know what happened. Atonewas a good combination all the things I enjoy in a read, romance, a dash of suspense and a good hit to the feels. I am excited to see where Reclaim takes me.

[Ishabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book, and I actually liked it. That was the first time I read a book from this author. I was actually glad because my gamble paid off. I was looking forward to this book because we finally get Beau's story. He's the brother who went to prison for something he did not do. I really wanted his story because I know it would be full of angst, drama, and intensity. And I was right.

From the beginning of this book, any reader will automatically feel that pull for him. The heroine was just the perfect woman to complete his story. She also had a terrible past. They both needed someone like each other, someone who could love them despite their past, who could look beyond what they went through and see only the survivors that they were. I think I like this book better than the first one, but only by a margin. Both books are good reads.

If you haven't read the first book, you can still read this book. However, I strongly suggest checking out the first book as well. It is a good story and reading the first book will give you an even better picture of the characters. If you've read the first book, then you shouldn't miss this one because I know you've been waiting for Beau's story too, and you won't regret getting this book.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series - and you really do need to read book 1 first to get the whole picture - although it is possible to enjoy this on its own merits too.

Beau is finally free, thanks to his sister Cora, but he really doesn't know what comes next. As he does some work at Nash's, suddenly a walk-in new case could be just what he needs ... Vera has a problem, although she is not entirely truthful about it - and as the story progresses, we understand why. These two damaged people find something special in each other and start to heal from their pasts along the way. Their love is strangely pure, and wonderful to watch grow, especially as the disturbing story of Vera's past unfolds.

This a good story of redemption, of justice being served, and a really meaningful revelation of just what love can mean between two people.

Thank you Ms Yarnall, I am excited to see what comes up in the next book.

[Lucie Paris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the second volume of a story and I've only learned about it when I was looking for reviewing this book. So you can really read it by itself without trouble. :-)

Honestly, the beginning is a bit heavy and hard. Was not really connecting with Beau until his armor cracks and he lets Vera and the reader in. As for Vera, she is a taugh cookie, who went through hell so her character is a very strong one.

This story is not the typical sunshine love story full of heats, as the author has decided to talk about sexual slavery and how girls can easily be manipulated, but it's an interesting one.
Like the plot and the way Beth Yarnall has written her story. It was great on the emotions maybe a little too close off on the location as the two heros don't really go out.

Interesting novel with some potential.

Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atone was one of really excellent mysterious romance story. This was one big emotional roller coaster. I loved the style writing and that it was alternating POV from Vera and Beau. They were such likable and really good develop characters. I cannot complain about the two of them at all. Their characters were perfect for this story. What happened to both of them was just wrong but they made it out much stronger. I really liked the sex scenes and how were they described it was not too much short but sweet.
I don’t want to give any spoilers because you need to read it yourself. The story is full of surprise and unpredictable twist. I hope you other readers will enjoy it like I did.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review*

I didn't read the first book in this series, so this is my first Beth Yarnall book. It was a little bit slow at the beginning but once you read more about Beau and Vera you really get drawn in. Ms. Yarnall does a great job developing the characters. As the story progresses, Beau and Vera lean on each other and slowly heal (Beau's guilty conscious and Vera's broken trust/sexual trauma) while looking for Vera's sister. They have traumatic backgrounds/pasts, but they've come out stronger on the other side together. Would recommend this to anyone who likes romantic suspense.