Redeemed Book Review!

 

Redeemed

Dirty Air Series #4 - Lauren Asher

~ Anwesha Bhattacharjee

Redeemed by Lauren Asher offers readers a rollercoaster ride through all the emotions one can imagine going through in a lifetime. Be it love, heartbreak, broken dreams, forgiveness, the process of healing, and most importantly, self-acceptance! Throughout the series, Santi played the side character of a brother, friend, and good son, but his presence in the spotlight took the breath away of all the bookworms. And then lands Chloe (quite literally) in Santi’s life and turns it upside down with her hope and cheer. As their paths cross, Lauren beautifully captures their raw emotions, creating a tapestry of love and hope!

At the peak of his career, Santiago Alatorre, a top F1 Bandini driver with three Grand Prix championships, sees his life snatched from him in a moment, stripping him of his confidence. He secluded himself from his family, friends, and media for three years, only for Chloe to stumble into his reclusive life and change everything! Chloe, being juggled between different homes, having an abusive mother, and having an absent father, was desperate for a family. When she finds out that her father had been in Italy all along, she does the first thing one could think of: fly to Italy! Along with her father, she meets Santiago, a solitary and grumpy man. Their initial animosity paved a path of underlying attraction, leading Santi to lie to his sister and say that Chloe was his girlfriend. Their relationship blooms, and they both let their guards down, but is one secret enough to destroy all they have built?

Both characters are perfectly blended together into one. Santi tries to hide his past, fearing Chloe’s judgement and pity, but soon realises that she loves him for who he is in the present. They complete each other, pushing at the right times and offering silent, invisible support when the other needs it!

Portrayed as broken, complex, vulnerable, and insecure, Santiago’s character was unexpectedly layered. With his world crumbling in front of him, he resigned himself to living a life of pity and insecurities until Chloe showed her otherwise! Chloe pushed him, even when he resisted, showing that life was worth living and he could achieve his dreams if he put his mind and soul into it. His growth throughout the book was astounding. He shifted from hoping for Chloe’s acceptance to learning to embrace himself!

Chloe’s past has made her cautious and desperate for love. At first, she was wary of Santi, scared that he might ruin her, but eventually let her walls down when he started to open up to her. Through her journey, she discovered herself and a family that embraced her in the most unexpected way. Even amidst adversity and negativity, she was full of hope and optimism. She was the incarnation of Wildflower, embodying resilience and beauty to grow in any situation. She was the perfect cure for Santiago’s darkness!

As the final chapter of the Dirty Air Series, ‘Redeemed’ encapsulates the essence of healing and self-acceptance. The story is a poignant journey into the lives of two deeply scared individuals seeking solace and redemption. The series comes to an end, but the lessons of love, friendship, healing and forgiveness will stay with me for a very long time. I cannot not recommend this book and series enough! But no matter what, Santiago Alatorre will be on the top of the podium for me. For me, this book is 5 stars, more if I could! 

TROPE: GrumpyXSunshine; Fake dating

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and infinityyy!