Where to Start with the Redemption Series
If you are looking to dive into Jessica Prince's cozy, passionate, and slightly rugged contemporary romance world, the best starting point is Bad Alibi, the first book in the series. While each novel in the Redemption series is written as an interconnected standalone—meaning you can pick up any book and understand the romance at its core—the town's tight-knit community and secondary characters evolve over time. Reading them in order lets you appreciate the cameos, family dynamics, and overlapping timelines that make Redemption, Tennessee, feel like a real place.
The Hope Valley & Civil Corruption Connection
Dedicated readers of Jessica Prince will find extra joy in Redemption's deep ties to her other popular series. Specifically, the Redemption series is a direct spin-off of her Hope Valley series. Cannon Banks, the hero of the first Redemption book Bad Alibi, is actually introduced as a secondary character in Out of the Darkness (Hope Valley Book 6). Additionally, characters from her romantic suspense series, Civil Corruption, occasionally cross over or are referenced by the local biker crew and deputy officials in Redemption. If you want the absolute ultimate universe experience, reading the Hope Valley series first will give you the complete history of several characters, but it is by no means mandatory to enjoy the romance in Redemption.
Redemption Books in Publication Order
Since the publication order matches the chronological progression of the town, following the release order is highly recommended. Here is a breakdown of all nine novels in the series:
1. Bad Alibi (2020)
The series kicks off with the story of Farah Highland and Cannon Banks. Farah is escaping a toxic, privileged family upbringing and seeks a fresh start in the small town of Redemption. There she meets Cannon, the town's charming playboy who has appeared in the Hope Valley books. Their fiery connection and emotional healing lay the foundation for the entire series, introducing the cozy, biker-adjacent vibe of the town.
2. Crazy Beautiful (2020)
This entry features a classic marriage-of-convenience trope. It follows Poppy Weston and Jase Hyland. Poppy needs help, and Jase is willing to step up with an unexpected arrangement. As they navigate their fake partnership, they uncover deep-seated feelings, proving that sometimes the most unexpected arrangements lead to the truest loves.
3. Bittersweet (2020)
A poignant second-chance romance centering on Jensen Rose and Shane Hendrix. Years after Jensen abruptly left Redemption and broke Shane's heart, he returns to reclaim his life and make things right. However, the secrets that drove him away still linger, forcing both to confront painful past traumas and fight for healing.
4. Guilty Pleasure (2021)
Another emotional second-chance romance, this book tells the story of Lark Ashton and Clay Morrison. Seven years after Clay broke Lark's heart, she returns to Redemption, only to find herself working directly for him. The proximity forces them to face their unresolved feelings and the betrayals of their youth.
5. Wallflower (2021)
This novel features Willow Thorne, a quiet, observant woman who prefers staying in the background, and Gavin "Stone" Hendrix, a rugged local mechanic (introduced as Shane's brother in Bittersweet). Stone is determined to draw Willow out of her shell, leading to a sweet, slow-burn dynamic that challenges both of their views on commitment.
6. Blurred Lines (2022)
Focusing on the complicated neighbor-to-lovers dynamic, this book follows Aurora Keller and Callum Morrison. Living next door to each other, they try their best to resist their mutual attraction. However, the line between neighborly bickering and genuine passion quickly blurs, pulling them into a deep relationship.
7. Slow Burn (2023)
Deva Kent and Laeth Harker take center stage in this high-tension romance. True to its title, the slow-burn chemistry between the guarded Deva and the protective Laeth builds gradually as they deal with personal struggles and learn to trust one another in a town full of gossip and support.
8. Favorite Mistake (2023)
This novel follows Lyric Jackson, a sassy librarian who is passing through town, and Holton Clarke, Redemption's deputy and local golden boy. After sharing an unforgettable single night, Lyric tries to keep her distance, but when danger from her past follows her to Tennessee, she finds herself under Holton's protective roof.
9. Sweet Spot (2023)
The final book in the series is a friends-to-lovers and fake-relationship story featuring the "Viking-like" Gage Langdon and his best friend, Wynn Klein. When Gage's ex returns to town, he impulsively kisses Wynn to save face, sparking a fake-dating arrangement that quickly becomes very real as genuine feelings and community interference take over.
Chronological Caveats and Reading Advice
Because these books feature a tight-knit web of friends and family, reading them out of order can lead to minor spoilers regarding who ends up together in previous installments. For instance, Shane's brother Stone finds his match in Wallflower after being heavily featured in Bittersweet, and the Morrison brothers (Clay and Callum) have their stories told in close sequence. If you read Blurred Lines before Guilty Pleasure, you will see Clay and Lark already established as a couple. For the most rewarding emotional payoff, stick to the publication order.
What to Know Before You Start
Jessica Prince's writing style is known for balancing high-heat romance with deep emotional themes, including healing from trauma, family reconciliation, and small-town solidarity. While the town of Redemption has a strong motorcycle-culture presence, it is more of a cozy contemporary romance setting than a gritty, dark biker-club series. Expect protective, alpha-leaning heroes who are soft for their heroines, independent and spirited female leads, and a heavy dose of community warmth. If you love interconnected series where previous couples make regular appearances in the background, this series will fit perfectly on your reading list.