Absolution

Redemption Highway #tie-in

by Leaona Luxx

Looking back, I never imagined I’d be standing here, asking for forgiveness... yet here I am, ready to fall on my knees and do whatever it takes. Wanting her was never an option, but when your heart knows, everything else ceases to exist. Consequences be damned.

I returned home broken and lost, refusing to connect to my old life, knowing what lurks in the shadows there. Afraid I’ll hate myself even more for hiding the untold truths, and yet I can’t bring myself to set them free. Set myself free... Until her.

In her arms, I find sanctuary. Her love not only encompasses me, but it also drives the darkness away and serves as a beacon of hope— my salvation.

When our pasts are brought to light, we’re thrust into the hell of our own creation. Will Scarlet forgive me for the blood on my hands?

Only absolution will see us through.

Genres: Contemporary

354 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2021

About the author

Leaona, also known as Lea, lives with her husband in southern WV. A small business owner, she closed her shop after facing a life altering loss. She's a doting mother of three sons and their spouses.

Leaona was inspired to write while she raised her family, never dreaming one day, she would be published. While loving all genres of books, Lea writes contemporary romance stories filled with redemption. Gritty and true to life, she draws from her life and loves to create her characters.

Leaona's debut novel will release June 7, 2016. Cherry Grove. She’s your everyday girl and lives to connect with her fans via social media. Leaona also doesn't mind dishing about her favorite authors and their books. Beach, life, and love.


Writing within her own world, Redemption Highway, you can read all as stand-alones (with the exception of one duet) and in any order OR in the order they were released.

Set on the border of NC and SC, you'll find The Woods/Lloyd/Hamilton family and their friends.

UPDATE: Coming Soon! Subcatorgories with release book order.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.

Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Contemporary
- Mission Gone Wrong, Injured SEAL with a Service Animal
- Single Mom Veterinarian
- Salvation Series connection is Jackson, Mark, and Quin


Video review available in Week 1: Jan 3 – Jan 9, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do “Redemption. Salvation. Love. Absolution.” have in common? “Forgiveness.”
A Heart-racing Edgy Story with Action, Suspense, Amnesia, Tragedy, Surprises, Fun, Banters, A Loyal Dog, A Cute Toddler, Chance at Love, Trust, Twisty Truths, Hurt, Forgiveness, & a Worth-it HEA.
Scarlet & Creed were AWESOME + Seeing our Salvation Series (By Corinne Michaels) Guys was great! DEVOURED this story in 6hrs.
#My 1st by Leaona, it was also my 1st where one of the MC has Amnesia, Loved it! So going for more by her.

Creed, Navy SEAL, is a funny guy with a Quirky Sense of humor & feels deeply. The book starts with his team's mission being ambushed. Creed was taken prisoner & tortured for months *Tears*. On His dad's contact, Cole Security Forces rescued him but he had Traumatic Brain injury leading to Amnesia. He remembers nothing. We see his confusion, Pain, Physical healing & then Fast forward to 2yrs later. (Yup, we see more from Creed's PoV!)

Now, The Cole Security Guys, Especially Jackson, Mark, Quinn, Liam, Natalie (& others, but we don't see'em here) had become good friends to him. He's not a SEAL anymore & working at Veteran's. I liked his Friendship with Drew (his therapist) AND I (& C) loved His Loyal & Sweet Dog "Doc"!

He's at an impasse with still no memories..Just weird dreams of a woman calling his name & Nightmares.
He also feels sort of awkward around his blood family, but he (& I) appreciate their efforts to make him welcome!
Feeling Guilty that he hadn't made an effort to Really connect with his "parents" (I love'em!), He makes a trip to town. But when later there Doc gets injured, He takes her to the Vet and Sees Scarlet, & Everything Refocuses, On HER. The Doctor, Sassy & a bit awkward, A beauty with brains! (Her Friend & Cousin were Fun & Awesome!)

Even after coming back from town, he can't stop thinking about her. And his friends say to give it a go!
What ensues next is some push & Pull. He wants her, She wants him. But she Has a toddler (Which he find as a fun surprise!), & Both aren't really at a good place to start anything (With their Past loss & Tragedies).. But, it feels so.. Inevitable.
They start out as As friends but C's determined & It's so Fun to see him handling little Emmie! He's great *giggle*. Soon C Breaks through Scarlet's Walls, Cue Hot sex; Their Relationship Starts & Grows! *Yay!*

Their Love, She & Emmie gives him courage to finally face his past. To Search clues for that Mission gone wrong (With Our Guys & His parents help, of course!). And as Truths are Found, Some of His memory triggers, Traitors Discovered, Surprises & Twist happens; all so very Exciting & Shocking!
I JUST FELT like Scarlet & Creed has some kind of History AND I WAS RIGHT!!!
Everyone's Lies hurt, but hers was the worst..But it wasn't really a betrayal. It was caution.
Their Road to forgiveness wasn't easy, but it was worth the happiness they get!
~His Hurtful words, Their Whole truth, Pieces falling into Place, Righting the Wrongs, Him Fighting for her & their Love, True Forgiveness...Cue HEA!
The Epilogue was Beautiful & Swoony! These two..I'm so happy for'em!
“Redemption is to earn forgiveness. Salvation is to find it. Love is to have it unconditionally. Absolution is never having to ask for it.”
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub

[Sarah Klecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know what to expect when reading a book that stems off of another Author’s world...but one thing I can count on is Leaona Luxx bringing her A-Game.
Never backing down to the challenge of writing redeeming romance, Absolution is no exception.
Creed and Scarlet’s story is action filled, gripping, steamy, and just plain old great story telling by a wonderfully talented author.
Getting to check-in on some of my favorite SEALS from the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels was an added bonus.

**She dries her cheek on the shoulder of her shirt. “The pain is harder some days.”
“What days?” Her eyes float to mine, gazing into them.
“On the ones I wish they could see and be a part of, days like today when someone makes a difference in our lives.” “Or to witness the times you impact someone else’s, much like you have mine.”**

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly wanted to love this book. I just couldn’t really get into it. I really got invested in the book when Creed finally decided to check into things from when the ambush happened and the time after.

I truly didn’t understand his staying away from his parents for two years after he was found and recovered. It made zero sense as to why he wouldn’t go back home and have them help him with his past memories that he couldn’t remember.

Scarlet was so back and forth with him and I just didn’t get it. She kept acting like she wanted nothing to do with him and then the next thing you know they are falling into bed and declaring their love. I understood her love for him, not him saying he loved her when he didn’t really know her. I also didn’t understand why Scarlet wouldn’t have gone to Creed’s parents after they thought he was dead. They could have helped her with Emmie, so she wouldn’t be alone.

I also thought the ribbing back and forth between Creed and all the other guys and their wives was way over done. A few times maybe, but not every single time they were together. It was just too much.

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times when writing a review I wish I had more panache with my words. This book touched my heart in so many ways. Maybe I could relate being around the military all my life. That’s one of special qualities of this author’s books they seem so real , my heart actually ached and I dried my tears many times while reading this book. I don’t want any spoilers in this review but the two main characters are perfectly flawed. You’ll be cheering them on. It’s a heartfelt story about forgiveness to others and ourselves. We make choices with the best intentions but sometimes someone gets hurt. Read this book I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do! Started 2021 with best romance book!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Redemption is to earn forgiveness. Salvation is to find it. Love it to have it unconditionally. Absolution is never having to ask for it.”

Creed has amnesia and is searching for answers to allow for him to live his life. Without knowing where he came from, he doesn’t know where he is going. And he is afraid of what that means.

Scarlett is a veterinarian who has lost a love that will not allow her heart to heal. She is just trying to make it day to day until her life can be free of the loss that she experienced.

Creed and Scarlett open up to each other. But the past is a big deterrent for the both of them. Will their love for each other let them conquer their pasts? Or will they forever be enshrined in the loss that they have both experienced?

[Jill Badker · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I am so impressed how Leaona stories can make you feel like your living them with the characters. Creed has been through hell but made it back, but he's not sure he made it back whole. Running into Scarlet was it a miracle or another thing he will loose.
Scarlet has lost so many things in her life she's not sure she will ever trust or believe again. Then Creed walks in and her world is turned upside down. Will either of them be strong enough to forgive their pasts and move forward, whether that's together or apart only time will tell.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a big fan of the Salvation books so getting Salvation Society stories is such a huge bonus. I am also a huge Leaona Luxx fan so this book just beyond for me. The Cole Securities folks are totally on point here. They are a riot. Reese and Amy are hysterical. Hatcher is all that. He is in position to not remember being crappy to people he loved and essentially ignore his family, but is still a great guy. Everyone is walking on eggshells to keep things on an even keel for him as he recovers. Until they’re not. Everyone has some secrets (well, except Hatcher) and some are harder to take than others. Excellent sad and uplifting story.

I received a free copy of this book.

[Corrinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution is absolutely fantastic! Loved this and Creed !!
“Promise me,”
“Anything.”
“Find me in the dark.”
Woah loved reading every minute of this book as always Leaona has done it again and written a great book! Full of emotions and feelings all the way through, you laugh and cry! 2 broken souls looking, searching for each other ? Doc gotta luv him to. The bombshell near the end wow 😯 hands down 5 stars 🌟 for sure !

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! From the first page till the last this story pulls you in and makes you rethink the meaning of words and why people do the things they do. Maybe you are doing them for the right reasons or to protect or maybe you are doing them for your own sake.

Creed and Scarlets story is beautiful and painful hot and sweet and a little bit naughty but in the most loving of ways!

Don’t go into it with expectations or think you know the whys of it because it has twists and turns that will surprise you.

[Robin Brister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution is such a great book! I love Creed and Scarlett’s story. I have laughed, cried and been surprised at a few of the twists that happened. I loved seeing the couples I love from the Salvation series! I’ve always been leery of spin off books, so this is the first one I have read, and I am so glad I did. If you are a Salvation Series fan, this is a must read!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good that I read it in one sitting! So heart breakingly emotional and I loved everything about it! If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!

[Karie Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a freaking amazing book! I think it is my favorite to date by this author. Creed and Scarlet are going to send you on an amazing journey of love, trust and forgiveness. Get the tissues ready! We get all the men from The Salvation series is an amazing phenomenal book.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Absolution” is a deeply personal story about a brave and courageous man who fought for his country and returned home as someone he didn’t recognize. I could feel the pain that Creed was experiencing while getting used to his new life and also the pain that he felt while he had been held prisoner. He never gave up hope of being rescued and he worked hard to lead a normal life, but it wasn’t the life he remembered. Thankfully his service dog, Doc, was always there for him and could sense when he was having a bad day. I kept hoping that Creed’s past would quietly and slowly return to him so that he would have the answers to the questions that were always on his mind.

A casual walk on the beach with his dog brought him to Scarlet who was an angel, a shining star and the woman who made him feel whole again. She gave him the will to go on and search for the truth. Scarlet wasn’t ready for a man like Creed. She appreciated his honesty and he made her swoon with desire, but she couldn’t give her heart to anyone again. Creed and Scarlet had an intense connection and I appreciated Creed’s resolve to convince her that he could be the man for her and her daughter. Their romance is tender and sweet, but it also tugs at your heartstrings with sadness and despair. While I was reading, I silently prayed that the demons of Creeds’ past would be swept away by the sweetness of Scarlet and Emmie. Only time would tell.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Creed was deployed on what would be his last mission as a Navy SEAL nothing could have prepared him for what he had to be endure. He was abducted and after being rescued he finds himself in a different sort of prison as he has no memories of his past and is uncertain about what his future will hold.

Scarlett is a single mother who has a painful past of her own that she is trying to overcome. She and Creed share a connection that goes far beyond the physical but will their pasts bring them together or tear them apart?

Scarlett and Creed take us on an emotional journey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. There is no denying that they are meant to be together but before that can happen they must first deal with their pasts.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution is emotional, it is beautiful and it is everything I love about Leaona’s writing. Creed and Scarlet’s story wrecked me from the very first page and gripped my heart and soul until the very end.

My heart broke for Creed. To experience what he did and to come out on the other side is powerful. Having to relearn things, not being able to remember your past, and your own family is rough. It wasn’t an easy road for him and he experienced many obstacles. I absolutely loved Scarlet. She is a single mom, she is a great vet, she does the best she absolutely can to take care of her baby girl and to move on from the pain and heart break in her life.

The moment Creed and Scarlet met they had instant chemistry. They instantly bonded. Neither of them were looking for something more and decided to remain friends, however, fate had something else in mind. Their story was an emotional roller coaster from the start but it is worth the ride that it will take you on.

If you’re looking for a book that will grip your heart and soul, is redeeming and is truly emotional this one is a must read!

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution is an angsty, story of love, forgiveness, and so emotional! From the first page until the last I was engaged and turning the pages to see what would happen next. Creed, a Seal, who had been taken captive, and with a brain injury is trying to find the man he once was. Scarlet is a veterinarian, trying to get past and move on from losing the love of her life. These two together take you on one emotional rollercoaster of a ride. I loved everything about Creed & Scarlet’s story and definitely recommend it.

[Shyla S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption is to earn forgiveness. Salvation is to find it. Love it to have it unconditionally. Absolution is never having to ask for it.”

When a Navy Seal returns home from a failed mission, he comes home a “lost man”. Creed suffering from a traumatic brain injury, cannot remember the man he was previously or the life he had prior.

Scarlett, a veterinarian who lost the love her life, is trying to pick up pieces of a broken heart and move on.

When these two meet and come together, can the love of two lost & broken individuals be their salvation and give them absolution for their mistakes?

This story is full of emotions and twists! The author paints a vivid picture of the torturing events Creed goes thru while in & out of consciousness during the time he's being held captive. You feel the raw emotion & the pain. You feel for both characters knowing what they are going thru.

Side characters, you will love. Their relationships with the Creed & Scar is strong and supportive. They give you a break from main story by brining you some humor.

[Diane Norwood For The Love of Pimping · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book and had a hard time putting it down. The storyline between Creed and Scarlet was definitely an attention grabber. You have a feeling of where it's going, but you're not quite sure. You can't help but to love both characters, and deeply feel what they are both trying to live through. A very heartfelt and touching book.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my heart was torn with this one. Creed and Scarlet gripped me from the beginning and didn't let me go until the very end. I was hooked. The author does a great job of making the story so descriptive that I could imagine myself there and felt everything. Grab some tissues as this will have you crying just as it will have you smiling and blushing.

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of love and forgiveness. Creed is a seal who was taken captive and with the help of the Salvation men he was found and brought home. He had to learn so much to heal and become whole again. Scarlet is a kind, loving, and beautiful soul. The two of them are linked together through their souls. There story is full of laughs and tears as they figure out how to forgive life and the obstacles it throws in your way in order to find peace and happiness.

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution just might be my favorite book from The Salvation Society so far. Creed and Scarlet's story is a heart wrenching, emotional journey that I absolutely loved. I haven't read any of Corrine Michael's books, but if they're all like this, I can't wait to read them. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Darja Drakšič · Rating 5 out of 5]

This must be one of the most heart gripping stories i've read. The plot twist is so unpredictible and althou there are some hints throughout the book, which you understand only at the unfolding, one could never have guessed the ways of the life.

A lot of hurt is felt through the writting and also a lot of love and friendship.

Loved the book, of course. Thank you, Leaona, for having me on your arc team.

[Katie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh good Lord! This book was beautiful. The heartbreak, love, forgiveness was more than my heart could handle. I haven't cried while reading a book in a while, but this one got me. Creed and Scarlet have gone through so much and seeing what they get out of it is wonderful.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolution is one emotional, angsty read. I loved Creed and Scarlet and I couldn't be happier with how their story played out! It was a good storyline that hooked me right in. These two definitely took me on one emotional ride. There were some parts in the story and with the writing that felt choppy to me. Despite that though, this did not take away from the story and my love for these characters!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me start by saying I LOVED everything about this book. Leaona absolutely nailed Corinne Michaels characters from the Salvation Series. Get ready to laugh, scream, and cry. There are some twists, and turns you won’t see coming. You will fall in love with Creed, and Scarlet’s story, and won’t be able to put this book down. Definitely a must read, and deserving of more than 5 stars!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a sweet, fluffy romance, but one with tragedy and angst just around its periphery. As the story begins, Creed and his fellow NAVY SEALS are messing around, teasing one another with typical high school humor, and loosening up before heading out on the Special Reconnaissance mission they're conducting. After parachuting in, they go in search of three missing hostages, and walk right into an ambush. Creed wakes up in incredible pain, gasping for air. Before he passes out again, he realizes he's being waterboarded and the torture is just beginning. But he's special forces and has value to the Navy so his captors are going to keep him alive. Three months later, his rescuers from Cole Security Forces arrive and are carrying him to safety, when Creed realizes that he doesn't remember anything and has no idea how long he was held in captivity. He's going home, but needs to heal in the hospital before he can begin rehab. He's terrified to know that he doesn't know where home is nor who is going to be there to greet him. He's still getting both physical and emotional therapy. Now, two years down the road, he's ready to face the people he left behind and fill in the holes in his memory. He has his therapy dog, Doc, at his side at all times and the comfort she brings is sweet. Out on a run, her paw begins to bleed and Creed can't get her to the vet soon enough. When he sees the vet's face, he's sure that she's the most beautiful woman on the planet. As he fights to remember, there's one thing he can't forget. His dreams in captivity were filled with the sweet voice of a woman, telling him she will lead him out of the darkness. He can't forget the veterinarian, either, and uses Doc as an excuse to see her. As he regains his memories, he has a wide swing of emotions, but the final pieces of the puzzle begins to fit. His self-discovery was so beautiful and, eventual. Even with their miscommunication and indecision, he finds his one love and the one gift he never expected. The epilogue is especially endearing as they all find their HEA. 

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution
A Salvation Society Novel
By: Leaona Luxx, Salvation Society
Narrated by: Tom Haire, Jaelanne Gilliam

Emotionally charged, Leaona Luxx treats us to a captivaing story. I love military stories, and we meet Creed when he is on a mission, coming home with no memory of his past. Two years, he spends in therapy, becoming close to the Cole Security team and his therapist Drew. Now taking the plunge, he goes to see his parents in his hometown. Hoping to remember something, we can feel his awkwardness. But he has his therapy dog with him, and he is a calming force. Here he also meets Scarlett, he town vet and he feels an immediate pull towards her. Could he finally be ready to leave he past alone and start his new life? Will this romance take off? Will he ever get his memory back? Luxx masterfully crafts her story, and it includes twists and turns that are completely unexpected. Amnesia is a trope I love, and the way Luxx develops Creed with his colleagues, family and Scarlett lets us feel his frustration and emotional journey of healing. Scarlett is broken, trying to get through her own grief and devasting loss only to have Creed come in to crash through the walls she has built. It's a story that will win your heart, with deception, forgiveness, redemption and love.

Creed's point of view was front and center and Tom Haire gives a remarkable performance. He is believable and lets us feel all the emotions he was going through. Jaelenne Gillaim lets us hear Scarlett's feelings with a voice that is hesitant and vulnerable. I enjoyed their interpretation of Luxx's amazing story.

[Sara Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution- so much meaning within one word.
I will be totally honest....I picked up and put down this story a half dozen times before I resolved to finish reading it.
I come from a long line of Military Spouses and Service members. Myself, I was a Military brat to a father who served and I then married a Military Officer who was Special Forces serving during Vietnam.
I was lucky and mine made it home, but many if the wives ( and girlfriends) weren't so lucky.

This story took me right back into that time; the heartache, the loneliness, the feeling of total aloneness. Camaraderies of the wives club was the only thing that kept me sane, I could not imagine trying to do this alone.

Leona brings a story to light that as hard as it was to read...needed to be written. What Creed and Scarlet face happens everyday with our Servicemen and the loved one's left behind.
The joys of reuniting comes at a price...sometimes one we can pay...others the price is to high. This story is so very well written that now I can enjoy and read over again. It is also a story I am going to share with other Military Spouses, because it is a story that can happen not to them, but to someone maybe close to them. To give them hope for a future.
Thank you Leaona for giving me a story to enjoy and share with others once again.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Just Wow!! 4.5 stars!!! This is my first book by Leaona Luxx, and let me just say, she has picked up a new reader!! I absolutely loved Creed and Scarlet!!

Absolution was such an emotional read. Creed and Scarlet's journey to their happily ever was an amazing rollercoaster ride filled with secrets, tears, laughter, love, and joy. What a ride it was!! These two, esp. Creed, who is suffering from the demons of his past, truly tugged at my heartstrings. I read this one hoping Scarlet, who is a single mom to the wonderful little Emmie, would be the light to Creed's darkness. However, Scarlet has her own pains and secrets as well. Yet, the two of them are absolutely perfect together, and provided each other the absolution they both deserved.

Leaona Luxx does an absolutely amazing job taking us back into the world of Corinne Michaels' Salvation Series in this installment of the Salvation Society. What an amazing read. Oh, and yeah, that plot twist...did not see it coming. It totally blew my mind.

So, if you are looking for a book that will give you all the feels, and is masterfully told by an amazing writer then Absolution is the book for you. Bravo, Leaona Luxx! Bravo!! I cannot wait to see what comes next from you.