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Innocence

I can never go back to the way life was before that awful night. Even though I’m unable to remember what happened, I refuse to believe the image they painted of me in the courtroom. The pieces won’t fit together. Blurred images haunt my dreams. I needed a fresh start, somewhere I wouldn’t be judged, a place to salvage a life beyond the one I was currently living. At the urging of my father, I headed to Montana to start a new life and put the past where it belonged—in the past. What I didn’t expect was to find a man with the ability to pull me out of those dark places I’d barely been existing in. Just when the life I never thought I deserved was within reach, the ghosts of my past began haunting me—threatening to take everything away. Would the light finally push through the darkness? Would I ever be free? Or will I forever be sentenced? ***Innocence is a standalone novel***

250 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2017

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Kristin Mayer

29 books766 followers

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5 stars
129 (56%)
4 stars
74 (32%)
3 stars
21 (9%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,166 reviews91 followers
January 2, 2019
2.5-3 stars for the kid.

The author threw everything but the kitchen sink in here. I mean I expected suspense which I did not get. The romance was the main focus here. Hero was sweet, cute kid. The heroine was ok. A tad bit weak but ok. The story is predictable and ridiculously cheesy.

I liked her relationship with his son. But damn this one is insta-love on steroids. I blinked and they were starting a relationship, I blinked again and he was telling her that he loved her, blinked again and he was asking her to marry him. And well you get what I’m saying here.

The book is safe. That is if you don’t mind exes drama.
Profile Image for Juanita.
785 reviews26 followers
March 22, 2017
Wow what a great suspenseful story!

It begins with London being released from prison.

Four years ago, I'd been sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter. Though I have no recollection of the events from the night that changed my life, I served my time.

And I was intrigued – I wanted to know what happened that day….

She lost everything when she went away. The only ones who stuck with her is her friend Millie and her parents. You will see her struggle trying to get her life back together as well as finding the missing pieces from that horrible event. Due to certain circumstances London ends up working at a ranch in Colorado.

This is where we meet Jaxson. He’s a single dad with his 5 year old son Ty working at the family’s horse ranch. I loved the connection between the three. Absolutely loved Jaxson and Ty was so adorable! This is a new start for both London and Jaxson but it isn’t easy as their past comes back to haunt them.

There will be many twists and turns!
Profile Image for Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads).
2,473 reviews104 followers
December 3, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect from this newest book by the talented Kristin Mayer when I first heard about it. Well, she needs to write more of these books as this is by far, my favorite book of hers. I've said this before because at the time, that book was my favorite. This has surpassed her previous books. Why, you ask? Because the story in this book is unlike anything she's written before and she had me guessing until almost the very end of the book. And while I had my suspicions, when I got to the part that brought everything to light, I was totally shocked!!!

In this book, we have London McNally who was tried and convicted of a crime she can't even remember committing. When the book starts, London is being released from spending four years in prison. To say she was unsure of what she was going to do and where her life would take her now was very clear in the opening pages...

"I was twenty-four years old. At times, I felt as if I was older and other times younger-not sure where my place was in this world but I desperately wanted to find it...feel like I belonged."

One thing London did know is that the one person she thought she could always trust and love, her boyfriend, Charles Paddington, was not the person she thought he was. How and when this came to light was a low blow that came on top of everything that went down after the accident that led to London being in jail.

The people that never let London down were her Dad and her bestie Millie along with horse Sparkles who London is convinced understands everything she says. And I agree with her!. I LOVED her Dad and Millie!! Their unwavering support and love for London warmed my heart. London's Mom also loved her, but during her imprisonment her health declined and she wasn't the same person she was before London's trial. However, was this a natural decline in her health or were there outside forces that brought this around? I'm not spoiling it for you, but trust me, it's worth the wait to find out!!!

As is to be expected in a small Southern town, not everyone is happy to see London out of jail. While she's trying to get some normalcy back into her world by finding a job and re-establishing old connections, someone makes it VERY clear they don't want London in Guin. And how this message is delivered on more than one occasion is startling to say the least. To protect everyone that she loves, London begrudgingly takes the offer of a job her Dad's friend, Levi McCole offers on their horse ranch in Colorado. This acceptance and move has such an impact on London's life and future.

This is where we get to the heart of the book and why I'm so in love with Innocence. Levi and Pam McCole know London's past and accept her as one of their own with no questions asked because in their minds, they base their judgments on a person's actions, not what others say about them. These two aren't the only ones that are so accepting. There's Jaxson, their son and his son Ty who has to be the cutest most precocious child I've ever seen. His immediate draw to London was so heartwarming. And what they say about " of the mouths of babes" is so true in Ty's case. He kept referring to his Dad as being "old" so when Jaxson and London meet for the first time, needless to say he wasn't anything like London expected.

The draw of these two was like electricity. London wasn't sure it could be real as she's never been with anyone besides Charles and she wasn't sure if what she was feeling was real or just because it's been so long since she's had these feelings. Millie certainly helps her along with the surprise suitcase that she sent along with her when she moves to Colorado. Needless to say Jaxson is also wondering if his feelings are real and if they're reciprocated. Ty brings these two together without even knowing it when he utters these words...

As I turned the pages of this book, I fell more and more in love with our H/h. They clearly belong together and given that the entire family has an immediate sense of who London really is and not who the courts deemed her to be just endeared them to me even more. Jaxson admits his feelings for London pretty quickly because he believes in honesty and openness given what happened with Ty's mom. And let me tell you that's one whopper of a story and will come to mean more as the book progresses. They don't want to move too quickly, but at the same time, they want each other with ever increasing need and when they do come together, let's just say it's swoonworthy to the max!!!

In the meantime as their relationship grows and their bond strengthens, the forces that brought London to Colorado appear to have followed her there putting everyone and everything in her life in potential danger. God Bless Jaxson for making London understand that he believes that she's innocent and won't let anything or anyone hurt her or the others he loves. Given some of the threats/actions against London and for that matter the McCole family, it's clear that whoever is behind this is somewhat unhinged.

As our H/h are living their lives and trying for London's new normal, Millie being Millie, does everything she can to get some evidence that London isn't the person everyone in Guin and the courts think she is. Let me tell you, when you dig deep or far enough, it's amazing what can be found!!! Because of the potential danger to everyone if it's discovered that Millie is snooping around, they come up with a code so London and Jaxson know if there's something new. It's very clever and I chuckled when I read it.

While Millie is doing her investigating, something happens that forces everyone to face the fact that they need to find the truth and very quickly. Does London get proven innocent? Who's behind everything? Is it someone obvious or someone that you would never suspect? Does anyone get hurt during the process? Does Ty's Mom have anything to do with everything? If so, how so? Do Jaxson, London and Ty get their HEA? These and so many other questions are answered when you read this phenomenal book. Just go 1-click. You know you want to!!

Profile Image for Mindy Reader.
546 reviews49 followers
August 27, 2020
Sweet new beginnings

This was a sweet romance featuring a single dad and a woman coming to terms with a past event she can’t remember. The suspense in this book was shockingly good and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was shocked when I found out how involved certain characters were(no spoilers)! Ty was the cutest little boy ever and brought a lot of lightness to the story.

I do wish we got to read more about the h’s struggles with adjustment after prison. I felt like the author could have added a lot more depth to her character by getting into the emotional/mental aspects of this. I mean she had her hopes and dreams destroyed. Then she was sent to prison for years for a crime she did not even remember committing. I can’t imagine not needing therapy after that.

HEA✅

Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews20 followers
March 26, 2017
Loved

This entire book was one big mystery with a sexy cowboy thrown in. I was intrigued from page 1. London & jaxson were incredible. Enjoyed this book & writing style.
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
November 27, 2015
Great story. A young woman can't remember the accident that sent her to prison. It takes her friend digging into things long since buried and her running from the town for the truth to be uncovered. But can whoever has something against her let it go once she makes a life for herself in another state?
Great story, good suspense, a sweet hero with a kid.
101 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2017
Kristin has completely blown me away with this unbelievable story of first love, lies, devastating loss and healing. If you are wanting twists and turns to keep you guessing then this is certainly a story for you!

London can't remember a horrific accident that left a family mourning a devastating loss...but being from a small town, the effects of that fateful night are felt by everyone. Feeling shunned and fearing she'll never be accepted again, she decides to try and pick up the pieces and start life with a fresh slate.

Jaxson was thrown into "insta dad" mode 5 years ago when an ex literally dropped off a child claiming it was his. Since then, his whole life has been devoted to being the best father possible...a serious relationship was farthest from his mind. When London starts working for Jaxson's family, a run-in between the two sparks feelings neither were expecting.

But someone from London's past doesn't want to see her happy and moving on with her life...and they'll do anything to prevent that from happening!

When London finds out the truth about the accident, she soon learns the true meaning of the word deceit and realizes just how many people's lives were affected by lies and cover ups...but is it too late to bring those responsible to justice? Will London's life be put in jeopardy with the truth now revealed? Is proving a person's INNOCENCE worth the risk?

This is a MUST read by amazing author Kristin Mayer!!
156 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2017
Kristin Mayer decided to try a cowboy on for size and hit it out of the park. This book was so emotional and gripping that I finished it in one day.
London has experienced unbelievable tragedy and been as low as a human being can go emotionally and physically. When we meet her she if full of hope and ready to start fresh. Unfortunately for London someone wants to continue causing her pain and suffering. London refuses to cower in fear and continues her quest for a fresh start in Colorado.
Colorado...Colorado is home to Jaxson McCole, the smoking hot, sweet as pie cowboy hoping to ride to London's rescue. Jaxson has had his own fair share of heartache and trauma in his life, but with the support of his family he's become a better person for enduring. The author creates characters that we fall in love with and become emotionally entangled with immediately. I was crushed at the events that both characters had to go through prior to meeting each other and elated when they fought for the love that was obvious right from the start.
This story is made even better by the family members that surround Jaxson and London. Their unwavering faith in the truth and refusal to judge by hearsay and past events helps both kids heal, especially London.
My favorite aspect of a Kristin Mayer romance is the mystery and suspense that she throws in. This book definitely doesn't disappoint. London and Jaxson's journey is full of twists, turns, and flips. Don't even try to figure out what's going on in Kristin Mayers head because as soon as you think you know what's going to happen she hits you in the face with something different.
Profile Image for Closet Romance Reader.
1,313 reviews19 followers
July 14, 2020
This wasn’t a total hit for me. I really liked the storyline but it felt forced, kinda awkward in places. I felt like there was either too much going on or not enough of an explanation. But...it was still a fast paced, sexy, sweet, suspenseful read.

London was haunted by choices she made even though she had no memory of them. A horrific experience that followed her around her small town. The only way to protect her new life was to create a new one. She hoped moving states away would help her heal. What she didn’t expect was finding an instant family but when her nightmares followed her, would it be too much?

Jaxson’s priority was his son, but when London showed up, his priorities started changing. She turned his world upside down especially when her past caught up with her. Would they be able to get past it or would it be the end?

Lots of emotions!! Just when you think something was going to go right for them, bam, they get hit out of left field! Their relationship was super sweet, especially their happily ever after!



Profile Image for Sarah O'Kelly.
114 reviews
March 23, 2017
I think this book cements Kristin Mayer as a thriller writer! From the beginning you knew that there was a plot twist coming but I couldn't figure it out!

Imagine being tried for a crime you cannot remember committing, imagine having to live with the knowledge that you killed someone but yet you cannot remember how it happened? This is what happened to London, after being released fro prison she heads home only to find that this isn't a safe place to be. She puts her trust in her father and his friend to relocate her to Montana where she meets Jaxson and life finally takes a turn for the better.

The book follows London's journey to not only move past and forgive herself for what happened but with the help of her tenacious BFF Millie clear her name and give herself the life that she truly deserves!

Kristin this book is amazing, you have certainly found your calling and I look forward to reading many more of your stories!
Profile Image for Kelly Fountain.
909 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2018
What a rush! I wasn't expecting a thriller but that's what I got. London is ready to start fresh. Tragedy fills her past and continues to encroach upon her future. Danger and fear lurks only a few steps behind her. A new place, a new life is what she needs and is where she's headed. She will get to start fresh and keep those she loves safe.
Jaxon has never been in love but he's been manipulated and has his own pain from his past. His life is now his beautiful son and his job.
When they first bump into one another, the sparks are immediate. Feelings come rushing forwards, everything moving fast. It's passionate, beautiful and the best thing that could happen to either of them. It's almost perfect or it was until the danger that caused London to escape before. Ow shoes up on her doorstep. Is it safer for them if she were gone or can she protect them and hold them close? Will answers finally be revealed or will the truth be hidden forever? 5+ stars. I would definitely recommmend.
1,566 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2017
This was a previously published title, but new to me. I love when a book surprises me! This one certainly has plenty of intrigue, drama and romance. Again – the little touches that Mayer does make the books extra special.

We start with London McNally getting out of prison for involuntary manslaughter – early on it is easy to know her character and determine if she is innocent or guilty of the crime she was convicted of. We also learn about London’s ex – Charles Paddington – and we are able to quickly form an opinion of him – spoiler alert – it’s not going to be good!

Due to various circumstances – London ends up working at a ranch in Colorado. There she meets Jaxson McCole, her one true love. Millie, her best friend, turns out to be a god-send – and you have to hope that she’ll get a book of her own in the future. And Ty – oh my – you are going to absolutely fall in love with him and his rascally-ness.

London does not have an easy entry back into society after four years in prison. And it is hard to shake her past – but she perseveres and this book keeps you guessing! Romance and suspense – a great combination!
Profile Image for Tianna.
225 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2017
From the first page to the last I was absorbed by this story. I never knew where it was gonna go and the twists that kept coming had my mind racing trying to figure out what would happen. I loved the story and the suspense. London and Jaxson are so good together, made me giddy whenever they were together. Ty, oh my goodness, such a sweet and energetic little boy! The bond he creates with London knows no bounds for sure.

The plot of this story was well thought out and made it to where you couldn't have predicted the outcome. Starting out London is getting out of prison for manslaughter and has to adjust being free after four years. But something isn't right with what happened and too many things are not adding up. But, whatever happened starts back up once London is back in her hometown. Be ready to read this in one sitting otherwise good luck not thinking about the story and driving yourself crazy until you can pick it back up! So Amazing!
Profile Image for Tricia Bartley.  #AuthorStalker.
1,300 reviews103 followers
March 20, 2017
"Four year ago, I'd been sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter. Though I have no recollection of the events from the night that changed my life, I served my time."

Goodness...this book was captivating from the very first page and you just want to keep reading to find out if she ever remembers?? ohhh yesss..I said SHE!! Most of the books we read are about the man being in prison and they get out and then the story begins..but this book starts off with London being in prison and you fall in love with her trying to get her life back. You see her struggles to be a better person, find a job, fall in love and even try to get back her memory of what happened that horrible night that sent her to prison. She lost everything when she went to prison.

"Murderer...the name would be forever associated with me. I hated it."

But....then she met Jaxson. He lived at the ranch she was staying at while she got her life together. Jaxson has his own drama in his past and is working through it as well. Sooo when they meet...ummm there may be some sparks??? Wink..wink...but you are going to have to read and find out for sure..lol I gave this book 4 Stars..sooo good!!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
805 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2017
Such an amazingly beautiful story about moving on from the darkness of your past.

How does one move on from the biggest mistake of their life if they can't remember it. I cannot even imagine the heartbreak and terror that London went through. My heart ached for her and couldn't help rooting for her and hoping she would find the happiness she deserved.

Jaxson melted my heart from the start. He is sexy and oh so swoony. And his little boy Ty will have you falling in love with his sweetness immediately.

I could not get enough of these amazing characters and would love to see more of them in the future. Perhaps a story about Millie. hint hint Kristin
Profile Image for Kaitie.
1,166 reviews36 followers
March 12, 2017
Wow!! I'm still trying to process what I just read. It was so stinking good with much goodness going on as i was reading!! I've read a couple of books by Kristin Mayer and I love every one I've read but they just keep getting better and better. Innocence is by far my favorite!!!

So we start out with London getting out of jail for a horrible accident she caused and an unfortunate death. A night she doesn't remember. So right away I realized i was in for not only a romance but a suspenseful romance at that!! And those are my favorite!!! And plus too, this book made me think. Think that just because someone has been in jail doesn't mean they are a bad person. It was a complete accident that had a tragic ending. London shouldn't have been scrutinized for the rest of her life for it. But she is and then getting some threats. It's time to move. Thanks to her dad and her best friend Millie, she's able to move forward.

Then enters Pam, Levi, Ty, and Jaxson! The most inviting and special family I've met. They accepted London no questions asked. Ty, he's by far one of the cutest little guys I've ever read about. He's spunky, smart, and very very sweet!! And his dad, well Jaxson is perfect! The perfect man!! And soon London sees that. He's trusting, he's honest with her, and above all he loves her..... no matter what!! And his mom and dad, Pam and Levi? Well you'll certainly know where Jaxson gets it from!! And London's dad. He believes in his daughter even with what has happened. He loves her unconditionally and forever, just like a dad is supposed to. It makes me teary eyed talking about it!!

Pretty soon the mystery of the night of London's accident starts to come up. Millie, being the amazing best friend she is finds some interesting information and then starts the rest of this whirlwind of a book!! There is happiness after loss, love, mystery, and one incredible family in this book. I just am not ready for it to be done! I want to dive right back in!!!
Profile Image for Tersia Eloff.
588 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2018
Innocence

Innocence grabbed my attention from start to finish. It's full of twist and turns and a conclusion I didn't expect. I am a bit disappointed that it wasn't on dual point of view, but that did not take away from my enjoyment of London's story. Loved Ty, he is the cutest thing ever.
Profile Image for Jill.
704 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2019
Captivating!

I loved that this story has a mixture of mystery and suspense entwined with a beautiful romance . London and Jaxson have undeniable chemistry and he’s a dream guy ! Kind protective generous loving and a doting dad !! ❤️

With the mystery I thought I had figured it out but I was wrong which I liked more as often I pick it early .
A really great read !!
399 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2023
WOW!

This book is filled with romance and drama. It starts with a 24 year old woman that is getting out of prison for allegedly committing vehicular manslaughter. She has no memory of the accident. Later in the book she finds true love and also learns that she was not the one who committed the crime. This is heartwarming and enthralling!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Profile Image for Lauren Dodson.
173 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2018
Jackson and London

Jackson and London are an adorable couple. While this tale is light, and refreshing it is still a suspenseful romance. It isn't as dark as other books, but has some dark to it. I enjoyed the read, it kept me on my toes.
Profile Image for Vickie.
212 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2017
This book is so full of new beginnings, love, secrets, second chances, and one hot cowboy.

How would you feel if you spent four years in prison for something you can't even remember? The man you loved stayed by your side and visited regularly. Promised to always be there waiting for you to get out. Then one day he visits and all of the sudden it's over.

When London is released from prison and returns home with her dad she wants to jump right back into society. She did not count on how her hometown would act or how hard it would be to get a job.

When things start happening again her dad sends her out of state to live with some of his friends and family to work on their farm. London is worried if they will be as judgmental as her own hometown had been or can she finally find peace and happiness again?
Profile Image for Diane Holtry.
676 reviews56 followers
March 19, 2017
Mystery, suspense, love, lust, betrayal and misguided revenge. This story had a lot going on yet remarkably with the way the story is presented, I was able to keep track easily of all the characters and all the facets of everything that occurred in their lives.

London is a strong woman who's been manipulated - caught up in a nasty life where people think it's ok to twist the truth to their own advantage. But her resolve to make a life despite the past is truly amazing.

Jaxson is sexy and romantic and all man in every sense of the word. His dirty talking was H.O.T.

"I want you to watch yourself fall apart while I fuck you. Lean forward. Hands on the mirror."

A few of the supporting characters also found a special place in my heart. Jaxson's son, Ty stole my heart. And London's dad was protective and supportive throughout.

Another highly emotionally charged read from Kristin Mayer.
71 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2017
A beautiful story about second chances!!! I cried, laughed, banged my head due to injustice and then laughed again!!! I'm completely in love with the characters in this book!!!! A 5 star read that I will re read more than once!!!!
1,281 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2018
Great story

This book was Jaxson and London's story of not letting the past hold down the future and letting it keep you from the future. Great story and great characters
Profile Image for Debbie Messenger.
432 reviews
November 25, 2018
Wow

Omg I loved this book.
Twist, turns and shocks.
It wasn't who i thought it was. Big surprise there.
Could not put this book down.
1,940 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2019
Good

Great book full of love for family, a lot of drama and suspense, forgiveness, and finally happiness. Great story that’s hard to put down
474 reviews15 followers
February 14, 2021
INSTALOVE. Ugh. Otherwise this would’ve been a decent book. But that instalove. (And instaconnection with kid.) And the multiple orgasms every freakin time they have sex. Every night. *eye roll*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews