For Wrath and Redemption (The Hometown Heartless)

De: Brit Benson

Narrado por: Mollie Stark, Jason Clarke

This temptation is my punishment.

His redemption is my penance. Jonah Hendrix is the bad boy of the music industry.

As lead guitarist of The Hometown Heartless, negative press follows him like a scorned lover.

And even his fans fuel the flames of his torched reputation.

Despite his permanent residence in the media, he’s never been on my radar.

Not until my boss comes to me with a proposition:

Join The Hometown Heartless on tour to redeem Jonah in the public eye, and finally get the promotion I’ve been working toward.

I’m not a PR specialist, and it’s not my career ambition, but I’m determined to see this job through.

As long as I treat the surly rock star like a brand, I’ll succeed in rehabbing his reputation and survive the tour with my sanity intact.

The problem?

Jonah and I have more in common than either of us realized.

And that desire for connection?

It’s proving to be irresistible.

FWAR is Jonah's book.

It is the third standalone in The Hometown Heartless series and contains a crossover character from The Next Life series.

This book DOES contain spoilers for The Next Life duet and The Hometown Heartless series.

While it is not necessary to listen to any of the previous books, listening to them will enhance your appreciation of this story as well as provide a better understanding of the depth of the character dynamics, personalities, and backstories.

For clarification, FWAR takes place chronologically as the next story in both The Hometown Heartless series and The Next Life series.

Title, Cover, and Blurb reveal in January.

©2025 Brit Benson Books (P)2025 Brit Benson Books

A Beautiful Redemption!

“𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”

I’m not sure how I’m supposed to find the words that will do this absolute treasure that is Jonah and Claire’s story justice??

Brit. Brit. Brit. You have just completely outdid yourself. Any and every expectation I could’ve had was exceeded times infinity leaving me with the cruelest of hangovers.

My eyes are burning with tears writing this review. Their story was more heartbreakingly beautiful than words could say! Brit had me in my feelings DEEP. Pain, goosebumps, tingles, blood boiling rage, devastation, anxiousness, happiness…I mean the whole gamut. I was CONSUMED. What was eating? Sleeping? I needed this story like I needed air and until I finished everything could wait.

The heaviness these two carried in their heart. The daily inescapable agony that plagued them. Prologue in, I was in tears. I knew Brit would make it hurt before she made it better. When I say, she made them WORK for that HEA. Honestly, she had me worried at times. The verbal eviseration Jonah and Claire expressed toward each other had me in serious doubt these two enemies would become lovers. Cause d@mn, the verbal quips had me feeling secondhand hits. These two were cutting down to the bone. But, they also challenged each other in ways neither were expecting. While many, even men would cower, Claire stayed on Jonah’s neck and it was exactly what he needed. She was not playing any games. My goodness, the way she protected him so vehemently, even from himself. Jonah saw Claire, he saw in her a way no one else did and being seen was something Claire hadn’t prepared for. And Jonah…phew swoony Jonah, oh I was not ready for. Angry Jonah. Filthy mouthed, panty meltingly hot Jonah. Yes. But, irrefutably and irrevocably in love Jonah took me out. These two turned each other’s worlds completely off axis.

I knew both Claire and Jonah harbored a world of pain. But, I had no earthly idea what all that encompassed. Learning what I did shattered my heart. They each dealt with their pain in destructive ways. Jonah was dealt a terribly tragic hand from birth. My heart ached for him so bad and raged in anger on his behalf. I couldn’t hate Claire, even though she may have pissed me all the way off the last time, though I hated what the consequences of her actions caused, my heart knew there was more I needed to learn.

There is truly something so special about a redemption story. The struggle, the suffering, the fear of not overcoming. Watching both Jonah and Claire conquer their battles individually and together was electrifying to witness. It’s not about forgiveness from others but forgiveness for yourself. It’s about being better not just for other people but yourself as well. Brit writes characters that are humanly flawed. Messy. Even sometimes a bit toxic. So perfectly imperfect. Even if you cannot relate to their struggle, you sympathize wholeheartedly. These two never gave themselves the grace. They were their own worst enemy and harshest critic. Their growth was impeccable. In For Wrath and Redemption, I watched as two people who never felt deserving be reminded that they were worthy of everything this world had to offer and rewarded with a love unlike any they could’ve dreamed of. And that epilogue??? Oh my heart wept, it was so beautiful.

Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark brought this beauty to life in the most breathtaking fashion. There isn’t a world in which Jason could ever disappoint. But, the way he was amplifying the emotions…the crying, the choking up, the overwhelming happiness, the angst, every single emotion Jonah exhibited, Jason intensified. This is my first Mollie Stark book but my goodness what a match made in audio heaven because she too made the emotions all too real. Claire’s internal conflict, her hurt, Mollie embodied every essential element that was Claire. Brit’s words in combination with Jason and Mollie: indisputably flawless. To say their performance put me in my feelings is putting it mildly.

“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦?”

“𝙔𝙚𝙨. 𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚?”

“𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺.”

10 stars

Full stop - you must read all of the books in this series to properly appreciate… I saw Claire’s pain & just hated her - but was that because I saw so much of my own inner child in her? Jonah’s depth hit me hard. The layers of pain, healing, redemption & ohhhhhh the spice!!!! I’ll be reading this series over & over again!!!!

Jason Clarke & Mollie Stark duet narration

I'd like to say this was my first narration with Mollie and she did amazing! She brought Claire alive and made you feel what Claire was feeling, I was in tears & could relate with Claire with some of my own experiences.
I've listened to quite a bit of Jason's narrations. He always knocks it out of the park. He had me in tears in the prologue...the freaking prologue!! 😂 that wasn't the first or last time. All I'm going to say is Chapter 23 🫠 iykyk 😏

100% will listen to Jason Clarke again, duh 🤗
100% will be keeping an eye out for more of Mollie's narrations 🥰

Hurt people, hurt people

How can I possibly find words to describe For Wrath and Redemption? But I'm going to try.

Brit introduced us to Claire Davis in the Next Life Duet, she became the villain in Macon & Lennons love story for so many but I've had a soft spot. The saying "hurt people hurt people" is the overarching theme as Brit slowly unravels Claire's layers.

Jonah Hendrix has been waiting in the wings for his moment with the Hometown Heartless crew. I think it's safe to say the prologue will destroy you. And slowly Brit starts to put pieces back together, until she rips you apart again, and again and again. And I loved every single second of it.

Claire is determined to do the job she was hired for, making Jonah Hendrix a media darling. And the way Claire sets to work, she knows what she is doing. Jonah on the other hand is resistant (shocking) and takes some serious time to get on board.

The way these two see into each other's darkest places is beautiful, terrifying and beyond what either can comprehend or handle.

Mollie and Jason tackled every single word and elevated this story in a way I didn't know was possible...mostly because it was perfect when I read the ebook.

Redemption

If you met Claire back in the Next Life duet, this is a must listen

Angsty and Addicting

"We're two disasters, he and I. Two broken, damaged people who've made so many mistakes"

Brit Benson could write a bunch of random words on a napkin, and I would rush to read it, but I admit I was nervous about starting this book. For anyone who has read the Next Life or Hometown Heartless books, you know these two characters haven't made the best first impressions. I knew this book would be frustrating and emotional, and I was also a little hesitant to give Claire a chance (ifykyk). But I trusted Brit and I am so unbelievably happy I did.

This story is raw and angsty and written so beautifully. The emotions that are pulled from these characters are palpable, from heartbreak to happiness and (literally) everything in between. From the outside, Jonah is the troubled bad boy who doesn't give a f**k, but on this inside? He's broken and lonely and just wants to be loved. And as much as I didn't want to admit it, Claire is the best thing that could have happened to him. I truly don't think either of these characters could fit with anyone else, and their fractured pieces fit seamlessly together. Do I love her now? No. But I understand her a little more, and if you have ever heard me talk about this character knowing that I can say that shows just how incredible of a writer Brit Benson is. She created literal magic with this story and I was blown away by how much I loved it.

I went back and listened to the audio after finishing the ebook, and I couldn't have asked for better narrators. Jason Clark, as always, was exceptional as Jonah, seamlessly bouncing between his different moods and emotions. Mollie Stark is a new to me narrator and I absolutely loved her portrayal of Claire. She brought out the sass and sensitive in equal measure, and together these two were absolutely perfect for the story.

Amazing audiobook

✨Book Rec✨
For Wrath and Redemption by Brit Benson
Can be stand-alone

1st person dual POV
Spice: 2/3🔥

I don’t even think I am able to put into words how much I loved this. This book hit me in every single one of the feels. What a roller coaster. I laughed, I cried, and at one point I yelled at Brit for putting me through all this turmoil. This book is beautiful in every way and anyone who doesn’t read it is severely missing out. It is cast PERFECTLY.

What you’ll find:
- he’s a famous rockstar
- she’s his new PR manager who is also dating his dad
- forced proximity
- addiction
- check triggers

Jonah & Claire

Y’ALL. This book. This BOOK. I am absolutely wrecked in the best way possible. It has taken me WEEKS to come up with words that are worthy of this book! If I had to bet on the best book of the year, this would be it. The emotions? Raw. The characters? Messy, flawed, and so painfully real. The journey? A storm of wrath, heartbreak, and redemption that completely consumed me. I knew if anyone could make me love a character I once hated, it would be Brit Benson. But Claire? I was shocked by how much I ended up rooting for her.

Claire was hired to be Jonah’s “babysitter”, helping keep him on the right path until the end of the tour. That was supposed to be it. But what neither of them expected? The undeniable pull between them. They had every reason to stay away, yet in the wreckage of their pasts, they found something real. They saw each other. And watching them fight for something they never thought they deserved? Breathtaking. (Even if Jonah fought it every step of the way.)

This book is devastatingly beautiful, with writing that cuts deep and heals all at once. This story was one heck of a rollercoaster. It was an angsty, emotional journey. With characters who hurt and heal together, and a love story that feels like redemption itself.

And if you want to intensify the entire experience, do yourself a favor and grab the audio. Jason Clarke and Mollie Stark were absolutely brilliant with their performance. I don’t know what mesmerized me more: Jason’s delivery of Jonah’s rage, heartbreak, and sweet, slow fall into love or the way Mollie completely transformed one of the most hated characters into someone so vulnerable and real. And those snarky lines? Absolute perfection.

This is a book that hurts, before it heals! Best rockstar series hands down!

This book wrecked me in the best way possible. If you love angsty, emotionally charged romances with characters who feel raw and real, this one will stay with you long after the last page.

Their chemistry is explosive—not just in the romantic sense, but in the way they push each other’s buttons, break down each other’s walls, and slowly unravel everything they thought they knew about themselves. As they confront their pasts and personal demons, their journey evolves from animosity to a profound and healing connection.

And let’s talk about the writing. Brit Benson has this unreal ability to make you feel everything—like, not just surface-level emotions, but deep-in-your-bones, can’t-breathe-right kind of feelings. For Wrath and Redemption isn’t just a story; it’s a full-body experience. Her writing is raw, poetic, and completely immersive. It hits you hard.

One thing that stands out about Brit’s writing is how she doesn’t hold back. She lets her characters be messy, flawed, and painfully real. Jonah isn’t just your typical brooding rockstar—he’s angry, self-destructive, and so wounded that it physically hurts to read his chapters. And Claire? She’s strong, yes, but Brit writes her in a way that makes her real, not some overdone "strong heroine". She’s been hurt. She’s stubborn. She feels things deeply, and Brit lets us sit in that discomfort with her.

And then there’s the angst. Oh my God, the angst. Brit masters the slow burn. The tension, the stolen glances, the words left unsaid—it all builds until you’re practically begging for relief. But she doesn’t give it to you easily. No, she makes you earn it. And when the emotional payoff finally comes? It’s devastating in the best way.

This audiobook wrecked me—in the best way possible. I’m already a sucker for emotionally intense romances, but hearing Jonah and Claire’s story brought to life by Mollie Stark and Jason Clarke took it to a whole new level.

Mollie’s narration wasn’t just good—it was breathtaking. She was Claire Davis in every way that mattered. From the very first line, she pulled me into Claire’s world, making me feel every ounce of her strength, vulnerability, and pain.

What I loved most about her performance was the emotional depth she brought to Claire. Claire is a complex character—guarded but deeply feeling, stubborn yet incredibly fragile—and Mollie captured all of that flawlessly.

Her voice had this quiet resilience that made Claire’s moments of defiance feel powerful, and when Claire started to break down? God. You could hear the cracks forming in her voice, the slight quiver when emotions overwhelmed her. It was heartbreaking in the best way.

When Claire was frustrated with Jonah, Mollie’s tone would sharpen just enough to show her anger, but there was always this undercurrent of something deeper—something she wasn’t ready to admit. And when she did let herself be vulnerable? I had actual chills.

Jason’s performance as Jonah Hendrix completely wrecked me. He didn’t just read Jonah—he became him. Every line was delivered with such raw intensity that I felt like I was inside Jonah’s head, drowning in his pain, anger, and longing.

What sets Jason apart is the way he layers emotion into every word. Jonah isn’t just a brooding, self-destructive rockstar—he’s deeply wounded, and Jason brings out every nuance of that. His voice is deep, gravelly, and packed with unspoken emotion. When Jonah lashes out, you hear the frustration simmering beneath the surface.

When he’s vulnerable, Jason’s voice softens just enough to break your heart. There were moments when he let out these subtle, broken exhales that just gutted me. The way he growls Jonah’s possessive lines? The slight catch in his voice when Jonah is on the verge of breaking? I felt everything.

But what truly made this audiobook for me? The tension, the arguments, the longing—it all felt so alive. It’s a book that hurts before it heals. There were moments I had to pause just to breathe because the chemistry was that intense. By the end, I wasn’t just listening to the story—I was feeling every moment of heartbreak, passion, healing, redemption, and choosing someone even when it’s hard. If you’re an audiobook lover, do yourself a favor and experience this one in audio. It’s not just a book—it’s a performance, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Amazeballs

THIS BOOK. Y'all, it is truly so hard to find the words to explain how much I loved this book.
I know I say it with every new release, but I think this one is my new favorite.

When Brit first told us she was going to write Claire's redemption story, I never in my wildest imagination would have guessed it would be with Jonah.
But the more I thought about it, I thought that Jonah would be the perfect person to give Claire a run for her money. And that he did.

I've always been a sucker for an enemies to lovers story, we know this.
But this one was truly just top freaking notch.

The angst, the banter, the hate....all perfection truly.

We all know Claire's background and everything that happened in her past. But being able to finally hear her feelings about everything really helped me understand her as a character. She isn't a bad person, she just acted poorly. (I know, I can't believe I'm saying it either!) And what's crazier, is that by the end of the story, Claire became quite possibly, one of my favorite heroines. (I KNOW! WILD RIGHT??) I truly believe that Brit is the only human that could successfully do that.

Jonah...Sweet baby Jonah.
He's a mess, we know that.
But learning why he's truly such a mess is just so painful.
He really didn't have a chance at a normal life and I'm so thankful that Claire was there to give him the tough love that he needed.

Jonah and Claire truly did deserve each other and in the end, were perfect together.

I fear, along with Brit, I am now a Claire apologist.

Also, you know Taylor Swift lyric that says "she puts narcotics into all of her songs...", well, I'm pretty sure that's what Brit does, because each release is better than the last, and I fall more and more in love with her words.

Brit, I love you, endlessly.
Thank you for always allowing me to help with these masterpieces.

Shout out to Mollie and Jason for knocking this out of the park! You both did an incredible job!! Thank you for bringing Claire and Jonah to life!!