Reviews – Collateral Redemption by John and Laurie Toomey Hybrid Action-Thriller

"Reviews"

"Collateral Redemption is a rollercoaster of emotions and suspense. The Toomeys have created a story that masterfully blends action and romance while tackling themes of trauma, trust, and healing. Amelia’s journey is raw and relatable, and the dynamic between Gabriel and Daniel adds depth and intrigue. This book kept me hooked from start to finish, with twists I didn’t see coming. It’s an unforgettable read that will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended!"

“I was completely captivated by Collateral Redemption. The Toomeys have a talent for creating realistic, flawed characters who navigate unimaginable circumstances. Amelia’s strength in the face of devastation is inspiring, and the chemistry between the characters adds an emotional layer to the action. The writing is sharp, the pacing perfect, and the story beautifully balances grit and heart. If you love intense action, a touch of romance, and a story with real emotional depth, this book is a must-read!”

“Collateral Redemption is an extraordinary debut novel. John and Laurie Toomey’s professional experiences shine through in the authentic, high-stakes scenarios, making the action sequences feel vivid and real. What sets this book apart, though, is its heart. Amelia’s journey from victim to survivor is beautifully written, and the themes of redemption and resilience are powerful. The book is intense, emotional, and thought-provoking—a perfect mix for fans of action-romance novels. I’m already looking forward to what the Toomeys write next!”

"This book reeled me in - I couldn’t put it down! The authors do an excellent job exploring the complexities of trauma, recovery, and the power of human connection. I found it both heartbreaking and inspiring. Trauma and assault are such sensitive subjects, but the narrative really connected me to Amelia’s struggles. It captured the confusion and fear that can accompanies such traumatic experiences. It is a raw and honest portrayal of the victim’s journey. Nothing is sugarcoated - it delves deep into the impact of violence on one’s psyche. The dynamic between Amelia and her bodyguard Gabriel is beautifully developed. I loved watching their relationship transform from professional to an unwavering bond built on trust and understanding, helping Amelia to gradually heal from her past experience. The book definitely does not shy away from depicting the challenges that occur after trauma, but the reader is brought through the healing journey and witnesses the incredible resilience we are capable of. The story was compelling from start to finish. There are twists and turns, riveting moments that keep you turning the pages, all intertwined with tender and heartfelt interactions between the characters. The narrative drew me into the character’s world, allowing me to experience their struggles and victories firsthand. It is a story that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and shows that we are often stronger than we ever imagined. I only hope there is a second installment, so I can continue to follow Amelia’s journey!"

"Stories that have secrets, action and dangers are my favourites. In “Collateral Redemption”, there is a bit of this but also there's a connection of personal strength and resilience. After an incident in Ameli’s house, her life changes all of the sudden. Her husband decides to help her by hiring two private security contractors to protect her and help her solve the crime. During the process, she learns to defend herself and heal her deep wounds. In short, this novel takes you to different situations that involve a deep understanding and analysis as you read it. The plot is captivating and twisted with well-crafted and complex characters. I was really into the plot as soon as I started reading it. I highly recommend it."

"Amelia had a normal life, but an event turned her life upside down. A raid and a crime left her unprotected, her husband, in his desire to take care of her, hires two private detectives, who as the investigation progresses, encounter a network of lies and deceptions. With an extremely engaging plot, this story leaves the reader wanting more. The scenes are very well described and with them, readers enter a world of suspense and action, from which it is very difficult to leave. The metamorphosis of the characters is exquisite, since their real personalities can be seen. Without a doubt, a book to recommend and not stop reading."

"Fantastic debut novel - can't wait to see more from these authors. I'll be first in line 🙂 This story tackles the complexities of trauma and the often imperfect journey of healing. As Amelia's story unravels and her connections with Gabriel and Danny develop, the authors don't pull any punches while showing the brutality of human nature - but also the power of real love and the bonds of friendship-turned-family. Each character's personality shines through and you can't help but care for them all. This story is a must read."

"Great character development and cleverly detailed plot!"

"Excellent! The characters are engaging, and the storyline is filled with suspense. I agree with the other reviewers. It's hard to put this book down. You care about the characters and want to know what happens next."

"What a fantastic book…. The story line and character development was extremely well done, I was drawn in immediately and felt a real connection to the characters. The writers were able to illicit a whole range of emotional connections for me to Amelia and Gabriel. Even though the story line was satisfyingly complete, the characters certainly have a lot more story line in them. I would be surprised and disappointed if there wasn’t a continuation of this book into a series of future adventures. I can’t wait to see how Amelia’s redemption continues, she’s an amazing character ….. to the authors, Get back to work… people will want more of this. Thank you for a wonderful book, I completely enjoyed the read."

"I’m not a reader. Don’t like to read. But this book had me from the prologue. I spent 4 hours reading this book in one day, that’s how good it is! If you even try to put it down your mind is wondering what’s going to happen next! I highly recommend!"