REDEEMED - Lauren Asher

“𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕.”

Goodreads rating - 4.42/5 
My rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

Book trope - fake dating, sports romance

This book took me on a captivating journey through the tangled web of love, deception, and self-discovery. From the very first page, I was drawn into the complex lives of Santiago and Chloe, two characters whose paths intertwine in the most unexpected way.
As I delved into the story, I couldn't help but empathize with Santiago, a man whose life is marred by a single mistake that shatters his career and leaves him living in seclusion. The way the author portrayed his inner turmoil and the weight of his past was both poignant and relatable. Santiago's transformation from a damaged, reclusive figure to a man trying to redeem himself was portrayed with depth and authenticity.
Chloe, on the other hand, is a vibrant and adventurous character whose journey begins with a birthday wish, vodka, and an ancestry kit. Her pursuit of her long-lost father leads her to Italy, where her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in a fake relationship with Santiago. Chloe's growth throughout the story, as she grapples with her feelings for Santiago and the complexities of their charade, was a joy to witness.
The chemistry between Santiago and Chloe practically sizzles off the pages. Their interactions are filled with tension, passion, and a growing connection that had my heart racing. The fake relationship trope is masterfully executed, and the gradual development of their feelings for each other felt genuine and heartwarming.