A review by amanda_reads13
Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh

emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

We continue to follow Aoife and Joey's relationship. 

I have read a lot of reviews bashishing this book for being the same as the #13 books. In a way, it is, but this book is also it's own story. Yes, it follows the same events and timeline from the #13 books, but we end up with a wastly different and unique story. There is so much more we learn in and love about this book.

This book was as heartbreaking and gut-wrenching as the first #6, I bawled through so much of this book, I am tearing up just thinking about it. 

Joey and Aoife are such strong characters. Their story has so much depth and heartbreak, but also so much hope. Both are flawed, but exhibit so much growth and determination through the attory. Joey is a drug addict struggling with an unending list of traumas begining when he was a baby. Aoife is the woman who loves him and refuses to give up on him. There are literally no barriers that will stop her from trying to save him. Even in the worst moments, you can't help but root for them. 

Walsh tackles so many challenging topics with sensitivity and empathy while still allowing us to feel the raw pain these character experience. We see the inside the mind of a man struggling with addiction and trauma while also seeing inside the mind of the woman fighting for him. Walsh shows us, with brutal honesty, the long term effects the trauma of childhood abuse and the psychological toll that takes on a person.

I love that we see Joey
in a rehab facility. Yes, it is just a small part of the story, but it is probably the most important. He has spent 18 years being beaten and psychologically tortured, you can't blame him for turning to drugs to try to escape. But his strength of character and determination to do his best for Aoife and his baby allowed us a glimpse into his true character. He is a caretaker at heart and has always put others before himself. Finally he is taking care of himself and actually giving himself the chance to heal and get help.
We see him learning how to trust again and seeing the war inside his head as he battles against a life time of distrust. 

The epilogue was absolute perfection imho. Seeing
from Shannon's POV Joey healthy and happy with his little family was the perfect way to end the book. We know that they will have up and downs, but the are safe, happy, and have a support system.


Tropes: best friend to lovers, unexpected pregnancy, second chance 
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