Thane’s Redemption by Nina Crespo

NCrespo-Thanes RedemptionLately I’ve been very selective about which books I pick up from NetGalley or Edelweiss, but when I read the description for Nina Crespo’s Thane’s Redemption, the first book in her Song series, I was intrigued. It was different enough and I saw a lot of potential for a great romantic supernatural read, that I didn’t hesitate to grab it.

The one night she’ll want to remember, she’ll be forced to forget.

It’s been almost a year since Celine’s fiancé’s death and she’s still struggling to move on. But when she meets Thane, the super hot lead singer of Thane’s Redemption, she finds her desire reawakening, and her heart opening. Soon one kiss leads them straight into a night of heated passion…

Thane’s unexpected connection with Celine only leaves him wanting more of her—but his life makes it impossible. For Thane’s Redemption is just a cover for a deeper secret: A former Army Ranger presumed dead, Thane is really a time-traveling, covert operative charged with saving the world from disaster. Each jump through time forces those around him to forget he ever existed—and Celine would be no exception. But can time work in their favor to give them a second chance at love? Or will a choice Thane makes in the future put Celine in mortal danger?…

Sadly, while there is a lot of potential with Thane’s Redemption, I’m not sold on it yet. I loved the premise – a time traveling hero who is instantly forgotten when he jumps through time – but the story left a few more holes and unanswered questions than I generally like.

There is a really great start at showing Thane and Celine’s chemistry, but it’s not given a lot of time to build. From the beginning we’re told that Fate and Chance are the deciding factors in one’s life – “Fate decided you will die, but Chance has intervened.” – but I feel like I missed out on a lot of the romance between Thane and Celine because they were fated to be together and we’re just suppose to accept that. Thane’s Redemption is a romance, so there is a bit of that present, but Thane and Celine are really only together for a small portion of the book. When they are together, it’s definitely hot, and I’m not afraid to say that I’m disappointed I didn’t get more. *grin*

Point in fact, Thane spends most of his time trying to unravel a plot being orchestrated by a terrorist group.  The setup for a series arc has definitely been laid and it is intriguing enough that I’m curious to see what is going to happen next – or more specifically who else is involved. To be perfectly honest, the plot is one of the elements that is keeping Thane’s Redemption from being a fluff read for me. The idea that Fate and Chance are playing with our lives, whether for the good of humanity or not, opens up so many possibilities and I can’t wait to see where Crespo takes the story.

Fate was stronger than chance, but as long as chance existed, so did other possibilities. Fate could change.

While Thane’s story is action packed, Celine is left feeling like she’s missing something. Not only that, we’re given glimpses into her life over the course of two years and they don’t always seem connected. She’s emotional…she’s not emotional…she’s experiencing deja vu. There are hints that Celine has a strong personality, but it never really has a chance to shine. Not only that, but she’s left in a position that I’m hoping is just the beginning of her and Thane’s story. That Thane’s Redemption is just a prequel of what’s to come and we’ll get more of them together as a couple.

Thane’s Redemption is the beginning of a new series, and a novella, so while it’s a great introduction to a new world and it’s chaos, the story is too unfinished for me. There are things that happen that I would have liked to have seen explained. For instance, there’s one scene near the end that doesn’t make sense. Not with the way the story ended, and not without more information. There’s a hint – “You said someone tampered with the timelines.” – but does that mean we were reading two different timelines or were we in two different time periods. Without that one scene, I think I would have ended Thane’s Redemption in a much different frame of mind; but since I don’t know when the next novel will be release or when we’ll get more of the story, I’m left more bewildered than anything.

I really wish I could get my hands on the second installment now; I dislike being left out in the dark. If Thane’s Redemption could have been a little longer, given us a little more information about Celine and Thane specifically, I would totally be telling you to go get a copy now. However, with the way I’m feeling, I kind of want to say wait until the second book comes out and then read them back to back.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.