Recovered - Jay Crownover ⭐️4.5 stars⭐️

Addiction didn't discriminate.
Addiction didn't care about the square footage of your house or the kind of car you drove.
It didn't care about your pedigree or your GPA.
Addiction was an equal opportunity life-ruiner.

Nolan Perry never seems to have things go smoothly in his life. He's now working for Nash Security and Investigation as a PI, and actually liking it. The newest pro-bono case from Fredom Project has been assigned to Nolan and he will be working with Lila Garcia, the lawyer also assigned to the case. Together the two of them are trying to get Carla Ruiz freed from prison. They feel that she was wrongly charged for the murder of her son. Working together, side by side, Nolan and Lila have a strong attraction toward each other. I just loved their unexplained chemistry. I really enjoyed how in the beginning it seemed like Nolan was the one with some secrets, but it really ends up that Lila has the bigger secrets. This story line was really enjoyable with all the information they were uncovering and it really kept me engrossed in the story. By the end, you just couldn't help feeling hopeful for Nolan and Lila. Overall, this was a really fun and sexy story, with very likable characters.

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~~

This is the second book in Beth Yarnall's Recovered Innocence series.  The first book was Cora's story and her struggles to get her brother, Beau freed from jail for a crime he did not commit.  This second book is now Beau's story.  

Beau is trying to start to live his life again.  He is at a crossroad and isn't sure what he should do.  He still is mourning the loss of Cassandra, his girlfriend that he was convicted of killing.  Cora is able to get Beau a job at Nash Security and Investigation.  Beau is not sure if he is going to like it but it's a start.  On his first day a new client comes in that Beau is suddenly drawn to.  Her name is Vera Swain.  Beau isn't sure what draws him to her but he feels like they have a connection.  Vera is looking for her sister, Marie.  They both were put into foster care but they became separated.  Vera is fearful something is going to happen to Marie because she knows that she is with this guy, Javier, that is bad news.

Beau is really intrigued by Vera and wants to start helping on her case.  He starts to find out many things about her that Vera didn't tell them.  Beau convinces Vera that is he understands her and that they are very much alike.  As the two of them work closely together trying to find Marie, their feelings for each other start to emerge.

These two lost souls found comfort in each other...a kindred spirit.  The journeys that each of these two had were very difficult, yet being together helped each of them out.

The final arc of the story with Beau, Vera, Marie and Javier was explosive.  I cannot even fathom to begin what they went through.  The final happy ending was perfect for these two.

Overall, this was an interesting story with very complex characters and really kept my attention.

Cora was sixteen when her brother Beau was sent to prison for the rape and murder of his girlfriend. Cora firmly believed he didn’t do it although her parents didn't believe he was innocent like Cora so she moved away from them. Then for the next five and one half  years Cora tried to find a way to prove Beau was innocent. Then she heard an ad from the radio about NASH Security and Investigations Co Leo’s father owns Nash Security and all Leo wants to do is finish law school and move on. Leo is a player but then Cora walks in to Nash Securities and is asking them to take her pro bono . Leo decides to help her. Then he changes his ways as he really wants Cora and not just for one night.

I really loved this story and plot . It caught me right from the beginning . My heart went out to Cora and all the sacrifices she made for Beau. As far as the  characters go they were great especially Cora and all the twists and turns she went through. Leo was a good character to and I am glad he decided to change for Cora. The only problem I did have I didn’t really care for the ending. But I figure this is an opening for another book. So having said that I recommend.

I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.