Resisting Redemption is my introduction to the work of Amabel Daniels. I found the synopsis intriguing and jumped at the opportunity to read this title, a decision, which proved worthwhile. Ms. Daniels delivered a story filled with romance, intrigue, drama, humour, suspense and mystery.
What the story is about.
Roxie Malone a single mom and desperately in need of a job, accepts a job as a personal assistant to a hard to please criminal lawyer Grant Newland. She is determined to keep this job in spite of the terrible things she heard about her new boss. After all working for an impossible was the least of her worries when compared to providing for her 8-month-old daughter and pulling herself out of debt.
Grant Newland had no plans to return to Kaniz and Associates after taking personal leave. However, when a close friend was charged for murder, he returned to ensure he received a fair and just trial. What he did not count on was the sassy and sarcastic personal assistant who would work with him on this important case. He cannot afford any distractions as winning this case was vital to his plans. However, concentrating on this case, with the beautiful Roxie in tow will prove to be his biggest challenge to date.
The Story
The story started on a good note. It hooked me from the moment Grant and Roxie met to the time the case closed. I thought the author did an excellent job in blending the elements of romance, mystery, suspense and drama, creating an intriguing read. The story flowed beautifully, the pacing steady and the plot well developed.
The Romance
One of the things I enjoyed about this story was the development of the romance between protagonists. I loved the way they interacted with each other. Humour and sarcasm filled their conversations and their arguments. Their chemistry sizzled and the sexual tension so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Their efforts to fight their feelings for each other were fuelled by issues from their past. I am happy to say it took time for them to become intimate, which added a realistic feel to their romance.
The Case
The thread involving the case, which Grant had return to defend was filled with intrigue. I eagerly flipped the pages as my curiosity about the case peaked. I enjoyed the challenges Roxie and Grant faced in the process of finding the truth. Nothing about this case was easy as there were many suspects and several possible motives. Things heated up at around the last twenty percent of the story and from that moment I was on edge and anxious about the big reveal. I had several ideas about the identity of the suspect and the motive. I had the suspect dead to rights, but the motive was a shocker.
The Characters
Roxie is a woman after my heart. Fiercely protective of those she love. She had a hard life growing up and wanted the best for her daughter. Never once did she sit around feeling sorry for her circumstances. If I were to describe her in five words, I would say she was smart, sassy, hardworking, independent and a survivor.
I was prepared to dislike Grant, based on the second-hand information, but as the story progressed, I fell totally and completely in love with him. So I could relate to how Roxie felt about him. Grant is demanding, grouchy, smart, hardworking and moody when it came to the job, but on a personal level, he is caring, funny and adorable.
They worked well together and they brought out the best in each other. With Roxie, Grant became a better version of himself. She kept him on his toes at all times. They made a good team in every facet of their lives.
Supporting Characters.
The story featured an eclectic mix of supporting characters. Some likeable and some on the other end of the spectrum. The worst of them was Grant’s ex-wife, a schemer and a manipulator. Her actions throughout the story was designed to thwart Grant and Roxie at every turn.
Issues
I found the end disappointing. The events after the truth was revealed were glossed over. The author instead of showing what transpired told it, which for me spoiled what could have been an exciting end.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Do you enjoy humour, suspense, and mystery with your romance? Get a copy of Resisting Redemption. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Desperate for a paycheck after forfeiting a chance at her dream career, Roxie Malone accepts a job at a law firm, assisting a hard-to-please and too tempting criminal attorney. Struggling to censor her sarcasm and adjust to the expectations of the challenging man, she maintains one goal. Do not get fired. As long as she refuses to mix business with pleasure, she might have a shot at earning the bonus at the end of the case. Me, assistant. You, boss.
Losing the drive that made him one of the top lawmen at his firm, Grant Newland takes a leave of absence at the worst possible time. Upon hearing his friend is charged for murder, Grant races back to work to fight for justice. But concentrating on the case is easier said than done with the gorgeous, no-nonsense assistant trailing behind him.
Blurring the lines…
Roxie and Grant agree to leave their pasts behind them, opting to swallow the pain of the sacrifices they’d made. They focus on answering one question. Who killed famous singer, Josh Warren? Chasing clues and stumbling over dead ends, they try to deny their attraction to each other. It’s only a matter of time before they can debate whether it might be better to tackle their case as a team, instead of resisting each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amabel Daniels lives in Northwest Ohio with her patient husband, adventurous toddler, smiley baby, and a collection of too many cats and dogs.
Although she holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, her true love is finding a good book. When she isn’t spending time outdoors, she’s busy brewing up her next novel, usually as she lets her mind run off with the addictive words of “what if…”
