The Road to Redemption

Finding Grace #1

by D.M. Davis

When Life put them together, the Universe noticed. What they didn't know is that they were made for each other. Literally.

Theo
My ex broke me, or so I thought. I'd shut down, given up. But my past doesn't seem so bleak when the woman I've only seen in my dreams walks into my usual coffee shop, jump-starting my heart and giving my soul a desperately needed punch to the gut.

She's damaged goods. But not in the way you're thinking.
Life broke her.
…And I'm here to kiss it and make it all better.

She's my queen. My redemption. My second chance at forever.

Lauren
He's gorgeous beyond words. Why he’s attracted to me when no one else is, is unfathomable. And yet, he is.
He's Mount Everest, and my climbing legs are broken.
…I'm broken. Always have been. Always will be.

I'm drawn to him like the universe demands it. He accepts it as truth. I know better, and when he figures it out, I'll be decimated.

I want redemption, but it's a painful road to travel. I'll have to face my demons.
…And apparently, he wants to fight them with me.

All journeys have a beginning. This is Theo and Lauren's...


The Road to Redemption, book 1 in the Finding Grace Series, is a steamy romance with a paranormal twist that grows as the series progresses. It is intended for mature audiences only, and some scenes may contain triggers.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2019

About the author

D.M. Davis is a Contemporary and New Adult Romance Author.

She is a Texas native, wife, and mother. Her background is Project Management, technical writing, and application development. D.M. has been a lifelong reader, and wrote poetry in her early life, but has found her true passion in writing about love and the intricate relationships between men and women.

She writes of broken hearts and second chances, of dreamers looking for more than they have and daring to reach for it.

D.M. believes it is never too late to make a change in your own life, to become the person you always wanted to be, but were afraid you were not worth the effort. You are worth it. Take a chance on you. You never know what’s possible if you don’t try. Believe in yourself as you believe in others, and see what life has to offer.

Visit her website for more details.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Theo and Lauren... so many feels to this story - the connection between these two is incredible. Their meeting seems fated, but not without challenge. DM Davis digs into the characters giving so much depth to them and their past traumas - hers truly heartbreaking in so many ways. I was sucked in and didn't want to stop reading. Now I'm waiting for their story to continue... The Price of Atonement won't come soon enough.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review

This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you D.M. Davis and Give Me Books Promotions!

The Road To Redemption is the first book in the Finding Grace series and tells the story of Theo and Lauren.

The Road to Redemption is the fourth book I’ve read by D.M. Davis and I really enjoyed it. I liked the story and the main characters’ connection. I really like D.M. Davis’ writing style although I think that this book was a tiny bit long-winded. I think that the story could’ve been a bit shorter, in my opinion.

Besides that one negative point, I really liked the story. I really liked the characters and their connection, as I’ve mentioned before. I think I can really relate to Lauren because I am really insecure about a lot things and I need constant confirmation that someone still loves me and cares about me. Lauren is the same as me, but she’s been through so much more.

Theo is an amazing male character. He wants to take care of Lauren and constantly shows how he feels for her and he’s just perfect for her. Although Lauren doesn’t always believe his feelings, I think that soon they’ll be married with some babies!

The Road to Redemption is an amazing book and I cannot wait to read the rest Lauren and Theo’s story in the second book!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Theo & Lauren's story. Good characters. This was a bit of an emotional book. In some ways, I could relate to it. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via hidden gem.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more! I loved this book. Theo is such a gorgeous guy physically and emotionally. He falls hard for Lauren from the moment he encounters her in the coffee shop. Lauren is smitten as well but has a poor self-image and can't believe a man as wonderful as Theo could possibly want her. Her past has led her to believe herself unlovable, unappreciated, and abandoned by everyone. She spends too much time lost in her own thoughts instead of truly understanding Theo's devotion. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because there needs to be more. I want to see where Theo and Lauren take their love. But, I really enjoyed reading it!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Theo and Lauren meet, there's a connection (physically and emotionally) that rocks them both. Unfortunately, she walks away before he can get more than her first name. But neither can get the other off their minds in the days following. Thank God the universe decided to let them run into each other more than once until Theo finally gets her full contact details. And that's when he decides to keep her. And keep her he will, even if he has to do it patiently, subtly, so as to not frighten her. You see, she had been brutally assaulted months earlier, and she's still feeling the after affects.



I'm of two minds about The Road to Redemption. On one hand, the story line is interesting, what with the hints of paranormal/mystical running through it. And Theo is swoony af - sweet, sexy, persistent, and patient. However, on the other hand, the story drags a lot, especially when Lauren's insecurities threaten to derail not just her relationship with Theo, but the entire plot. I felt there was too much time spent yapping about her insecurities and negative attitude, and not enough time advancing the story quicker. So I'll just settle on 3.5 stars because I absolutely loved Theo, but thought that Lauren was annoying and mopey. Don't get me wrong - I feel badly for her, but it didn't make me like her any more. But because I do like Theo, and the story itself is interesting, I'll stick to 3.5 stars, and will be looking forward to the second installment in this series.



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.

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[Jennifer Olivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren is emotionally scarred from a physical attack that occurred a couple years ago. Added to that, she has some feelings of abandonment from her father leaving at an early age. So she really has a hard time believing that anyone would find her attractive, or want her. Especially, the very attractive professor named Theo. The two first meet in a coffee shop and there is an overwhelming attraction between them. Lauren leaves the coffee shop and Theo keeps coming back every day hoping he will run into her again. They finally do connect again after a series of missed opportunities. They start seeing each other and they realize how much they need each other. They feel like they are fated to be together. Theo tells her he is not going anywhere, but Lauren is hesitant to believe him. This book ends in a cliffhanger so we will have to see how their relationship progresses. All I know is that Theo is just such a beautiful person who cares so deeply for Lauren. He would do anything to keep her safe and show her how much he loves her. Lauren is so sweet. I just feel so bad that she can't enjoy this time more because it is clouded with self doubt. She has so much to overcome, but if anyone has the patience to help her through it, it is Theo. I am so excited for the next book in this series! I did receive an ARC copy of this story for my honest review.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing style. The story flows well. There are some hints here and there about something more, but as the blurb says that element will grow.

I loved how Theo saw and treated Lauren. He sees her for who she is, Inside and Out. And he does everything he can to show her that she is worthy and perfect just the way she is.

Lauren is sure she is broken and not worthy. She is strong and very fragile at the same time. She is easy to like and relate to.

They make a wonderful couple. I look forward to seeing how the story will develop.

[Cassie Ashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me about 50% until I got into this book. When I got to the end I was all in and ready for more then Bam! Lauren and Theo’s story continues in the next book. Geez!

Lauren is a woman difficult at times to understand but at other times she is that woman we all have inside of us at times. I have a love/hate relationship with Lauren right now. As you read this book you will understand.

Theo...well that man is just perfect. There is nothing bad I can say about him from this book. But if he hurts Lauren in the next book I’m going to be ticked off. Right now I’m his #1 cheerleader and he better not screw it up.

I need the next book ASAP!

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read and it was fantastic!
When Theo and Lauren meet its instant attraction! Neither one gets the others name. The universe was on their side and they met again. Lauren was attacked in the past and is closed off but Theo will be patient and show her she’s made for him. The ending was a surprise when I realized the story goes on the next book! I can’t wait for it to get here so I can find out what happens next!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Theo and Lauren’s story is absolutely breathtaking. She is totally broken and Theo is just the one to make her see that she can love. The emotion and raw love in this book are spectacular. Excellent read with an awesome storyline.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road to Redemption

I'm a DM Davis fan. I loved the Until You Series and there was no way I wasn't going to read the Finding Grace Series. DM Davis writes with an intensity that draws you into the characters and their lives and keeps you longing for more of their story.
I can't wait until the next book to see the hurdles placed in the way of Theo and Lauren.

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

Theo and Lauren’s story is absolutely breathtaking. She is totally broken and Theo is just the one to make her see that she can love. The emotion and raw love in this book are spectacular. Excellent read with an awesome storyline.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an ok read. It's very much built on the "love at first sight" premise of sparks happening, despite life just working out their way. It, however, read a lot of times as very cliche, that it didn't seem very believable. Sometimes, it gets a bit too cheesy, but overall, it was a very sweet romance. There is a book 2.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and her work is intriguing and thought-provoking. The characters are well developed and the storyline is spot-on if a little slow at the beginning. I absolutely love how Theo treats Lauren and he is the quintessential good guy. Lauren is another story. It took me time to warm up to her, but if Theo does her wrong I am not going to be a happy camper. I will have to wait for their relationship to develop further as this story ends in a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I WANTED to love this book, I seriously did, I just couldn't. For starters it was long winded. Then at the end I realized that it's not even the complete story. We have to wait for more to come. It didn't even end on a cliffhanger. No, this book just ended. Then there was Lauren. I get being (or feeling) broken. I get survivor's guilt. I even get self doubt. But this woman drove me insane with all her hatred for herself. She wasn't good enough, no guy wanted her, she wasn't smart enough, how could an Adonis like Theo really love someone as plan and ordinary like her, blah, blah, blah. It got to me a little to much after awhile. Not to mention everyone else making her feel like she was mud on the bottom of their shoes and making her feel guilty for events that were out of her hands? It just didn't make for an enjoyable read. The blurb had me intrigued. I was hoping to read about two broken people finding love. Instead I felt like I was reading a story where one person does all the work while the other just sit there and waits for the proverbial shoe to drop. It was a rough read. Don't get me wrong, I loved Theo. He was the perfect gentleman, even putting his needs aside to prove his emotional love for Lauren ran deep. I know he'll weather all these tests and bring them both out stronger. But how much negativity and doubt do we have to read about his putting up with before it ends. Do I wonder about the outcome of this couple, yes. Is it enough to make me continue this series? I honestly don't know. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I had complex feelings about. I was very intrigued by the blurb for this book and was excited to read it. I thought that it would be a very emotional read and it was. That being said, too much of anything can be overwhelming and I thought that was the case here. There is just so much heavy emotion here that this is simply not an easy book to read. Pair that with the slow burn pacing (which I do think is a perfect fit for the characters and the story being told) and sometimes I felt like I was stuck in quicksand, faltering and making no progress at all. I did find thi disheartening and it did occasionally feel like a chor to finish this book. This is only book one, so be prepared to wait for book two. As for the characters, I thought that Theo was a wonderful book boyfriend and the one bright light to this book. As for Lauren, my heart broke and bled for her. She deserves love, joy, peace and happiness. Most of all she deserves the forgiveness that she needs to grant herself. I do think that this is a painful, powerful and important story and also the start of a beautiful romance. Unfortunately. I felt all that potential was severly hindered by the unbalanced level of emotional content in this read. I hope that this is something that the author will try to rectify in book two. I am posting , by my own chosing a sincere review.

[Kelly Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

On reading the prologue I was really expecting this book to be a lot more angsty than it is.
In actual fact it's very lovey dovey with Theo constantly reassuring Lauren as she has so many confidence issues.
When they first see each other in the coffee shop Theo comes over as an out of bounds A hole (which is possibly the kind of character I normally prefer) but with Lauren he's nothing like that. He’s always telling her how wonderful she is and how she can do anything, which gets a little bit tedious.
Obviously Lauren has been through a traumatic experience so she should be wary of people but because she trusted Theo from their very first meeting all the crying and shutting him out so he has to keep fighting for her and their love in the beginning was a bit much.
Saying that once their relationship got more on track I got into the book more, I'm looking forward to book 2 to see where this goes and especially how or if the paranormal aspect transpires as apart from a joint orgasm not really anything about this in book 1.

[Amy Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Road to Redemption is the first story I've read by D.M. Davis and I was really sucked into the story line from the first couple of pages. I could tell from the blurb it was going to be a little deeper than what I normally read, but what really shocked me was the depth of the author's writing. I love being able to get inside a character's head and that's exactly what Davis did with Theo and Lauren.

The connection between these two is instant and you know there is something there, something leading them for what might be. Lauren had lots of self doubt, and there were times she wasn't the easiest character to like, but there was just so much underlying stuff that I couldn't put the story down. Theo is a great guy and you can't help but to like him. The two of them together...made for a very intriguing story!

I know there were parts that did seem to drag, but I felt it was just part of the build-up. I still have a lot of questions and hopefully it'll all make sense in the end. Different but very intriguing!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the Finding Grace series. First off, this book does not end here so this series at this point, are not standalone reads. This book brings out some unfortunate every day challenges that we get to see how the characters work their way through. Individually, at this point both Theo and Lauren have faced the fact that because of certain life events they are just deemed broken. They just move through daily life as the day hits them until they happen to be in the same coffee shop with one another. Theo finds that he is drawn to Lauren. Lauren strangely finds herself drawn to Theo. It takes a few attempts of hit and misses at the coffee shop for these two characters to connect. Is it instant love at first sight or is there something else going on here? Can Lauren take a chance on Theo? I am very interested in seeing what happens between these two and what else, if anything is influencing our characters. Enjoy!

[Carissa Janes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I do want to read the next book because I am going to need a little more to figure out why this is a paranormal book, because I'm not sure yet. The heroine was a bit over the top for me, but maybe more of that will be explained as well. I mean, part of it was explained so maybe that's just her personality. Again, I'm intrigued enough to read more, I just think it probably could have been condensed into less books.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to leave a review under 3 starts, I really do. While I appreciate the hard work put into writing a story, I struggled to finish this book. There was way too much inner dialogue and her constant running, crying, I just couldn't relate nor like her. His constant use of "dove" and "my girl" drove me crazy. That is just a big pet peeve of mine and it has caused me not to finish books before. I was just left disappointed with this book.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The author did a great job of making you feel in the moment with this book. But I wasn't that big of a far of Lauren though I think in the next books it will show her growth.
It felt a little drawn out but again I think for the build up for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really not a huge fan of cliffhanger type books. I’m a little disappointed that I have to wait a while to read the next part of the story. Although it took me a little while to get into the story I liked the concept of it. Interesting reading.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in the Finding Grace series is a beautiful well written story with a great storyline. I enjoyed reading Theo and Lauren's story about a damaged woman and the man that will make her want to experience life and love again. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I'll start with there's a second book to this so there's no clear ending. Theo is the perfect male character, Lauren was a tough one to like. The plot is interesting but the story drags on.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. There were some slow parts but all in all a good read.

[FA · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE SEQUEL I NEEEEED ITIN MY LIFE