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Shadow Team #2
How Much for a Broken Heart?
When the game turns deadly for a SEAL and his Ranger, love becomes the most dangerous mission of all.
In a single devastating morning, August's life crumbles. His covert assignment derails disastrously as the family he's meant to safeguard falls prey to the ruthless Cooper River cartel. The tragedy deepens when a little girl vanishes without a trace, leaving behind nothing but her favorite teddy bear—a silent witness to a kidnapping that makes no sense. As a former SEAL, August grapples with his failure and imagines killing those who broke everything he was supposed to protect. Each clue and every whisper in the criminal underworld could lead him to Annie. But with each step into darkness, August risks losing himself to the same violence that claimed her father.
Enter Shadow Team, and Ryder, a former Army Ranger tasked with rescuing Annie from a compound in the middle of the forest. He’s supposed to leave, but when he finds August tied up and bleeding, he risks everything to bring the broken SEAL home.
Together, they navigate a labyrinth of danger and betrayal. But as bullets fly and alliances shift, it’s not just the mission that’s at stake—it’s their hearts.
In a single devastating morning, August's life crumbles. His covert assignment derails disastrously as the family he's meant to safeguard falls prey to the ruthless Cooper River cartel. The tragedy deepens when a little girl vanishes without a trace, leaving behind nothing but her favorite teddy bear—a silent witness to a kidnapping that makes no sense. As a former SEAL, August grapples with his failure and imagines killing those who broke everything he was supposed to protect. Each clue and every whisper in the criminal underworld could lead him to Annie. But with each step into darkness, August risks losing himself to the same violence that claimed her father.
Enter Shadow Team, and Ryder, a former Army Ranger tasked with rescuing Annie from a compound in the middle of the forest. He’s supposed to leave, but when he finds August tied up and bleeding, he risks everything to bring the broken SEAL home.
Together, they navigate a labyrinth of danger and betrayal. But as bullets fly and alliances shift, it’s not just the mission that’s at stake—it’s their hearts.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2024
87 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
309 books2,714 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 13, 2024
Another great entry in this romantic suspense series from RJ that has a very loose connection to the Single Dads series and a very strong connection to her Sanctuary series.
We're back with Shadow Team and its timescale follows on from the events at the end of book one, this time it's ex-Ranger Ryder in the spotlight alongside undercover ex-SEAL August and things look pretty bleak.
There's a boatload of action in this one and I have to own up, I never saw the ultimate bad guy coming, so bravo for that one!
I loved that the attraction between them was pretty obvious from the off but their relationship was the very best slow burn, a cautious friendship arising out of forced proximity when both are injured in the first big operation to rescue a young child and then morphing into comfort and then love.
Both men have their foibles and both have their fears but they come together when each needs the other and form a solid partnership both out in the field, but also back at base in the way they start their physical relationship.
The trauma and the PTSD is very well handled and I also felt the way their operation went was a believable outcome, these guys operate on and outside the boundaries of the law and I have to say I was very happy to see what happened with the bad guy.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book, as it directly links to the latest book in the Single Dads series and I want to know how that's going to resolve itself!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
We're back with Shadow Team and its timescale follows on from the events at the end of book one, this time it's ex-Ranger Ryder in the spotlight alongside undercover ex-SEAL August and things look pretty bleak.
There's a boatload of action in this one and I have to own up, I never saw the ultimate bad guy coming, so bravo for that one!
I loved that the attraction between them was pretty obvious from the off but their relationship was the very best slow burn, a cautious friendship arising out of forced proximity when both are injured in the first big operation to rescue a young child and then morphing into comfort and then love.
Both men have their foibles and both have their fears but they come together when each needs the other and form a solid partnership both out in the field, but also back at base in the way they start their physical relationship.
The trauma and the PTSD is very well handled and I also felt the way their operation went was a believable outcome, these guys operate on and outside the boundaries of the law and I have to say I was very happy to see what happened with the bad guy.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book, as it directly links to the latest book in the Single Dads series and I want to know how that's going to resolve itself!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
May 14, 2024
Ah yes, another hit. Ryder and August have to go through a lot, but the process is satisfying and the end is fulfilling. And it is paced so well, there is not a wasted scene or a place where I feel we missed something. Honestly impressive, and really enjoyable. And it was delightfully angsty at points! Love!
May 25, 2024
**4.5**
Phew..... This story is not for the faint of heart, please read the trigger warnings for those who need it at the bottom.
August is on a mission to find Annie, the little girl who he was protecting, along with her father, and he will do that by any means necessary. Infiltrate a cartel, no problem. Hand names over to the Sanctuary team, easy as anything. Kill those in his way, they've done far worse things and deserve what they get. He's so close to finding out who killed James and took Annie when things suddenly don't go to plan. Up steps Ryder, along with the Shadow team, to rescue the little girl but Ryder goes against orders to rescue August too. From the moment they meet, there's a connection, though not always welcome by August. There are several situations they have to fight their way out of in order to survive and I think it's because they were together that they managed.
August may not want help, especially when in recovery, but Ryder is going nowhere. It's a hard read in places as some of what August is going through has guilt and pain slicing through him. Ryder's determination to keep him going also grows their love/hate friendship that slowly builds to more.
The Shadow team is growing and setting up base, now with somewhere August can heal and get back to physical and mental fitness. I thought that his rea6amd relationship to Annie was written well by the author, bringing a lot of negativity with how August see himself. The acceptance and relationship that he builds with Ryder brings a different outlook on everything that is going on and allows for a possible positive outcome for everyone.
Another great, if not tough in places, read that really drew me to the characters and the team that had been created.
**Trigger warnings - kidnapping, human trafficking, scenes of physical violence and on page deaths, PTSD**
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Phew..... This story is not for the faint of heart, please read the trigger warnings for those who need it at the bottom.
August is on a mission to find Annie, the little girl who he was protecting, along with her father, and he will do that by any means necessary. Infiltrate a cartel, no problem. Hand names over to the Sanctuary team, easy as anything. Kill those in his way, they've done far worse things and deserve what they get. He's so close to finding out who killed James and took Annie when things suddenly don't go to plan. Up steps Ryder, along with the Shadow team, to rescue the little girl but Ryder goes against orders to rescue August too. From the moment they meet, there's a connection, though not always welcome by August. There are several situations they have to fight their way out of in order to survive and I think it's because they were together that they managed.
August may not want help, especially when in recovery, but Ryder is going nowhere. It's a hard read in places as some of what August is going through has guilt and pain slicing through him. Ryder's determination to keep him going also grows their love/hate friendship that slowly builds to more.
The Shadow team is growing and setting up base, now with somewhere August can heal and get back to physical and mental fitness. I thought that his rea6amd relationship to Annie was written well by the author, bringing a lot of negativity with how August see himself. The acceptance and relationship that he builds with Ryder brings a different outlook on everything that is going on and allows for a possible positive outcome for everyone.
Another great, if not tough in places, read that really drew me to the characters and the team that had been created.
**Trigger warnings - kidnapping, human trafficking, scenes of physical violence and on page deaths, PTSD**
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 24, 2024
enjoyed this, a continuation of RJ's Sanctuary books. It's such a good story, with strong characters, August and Ryder both. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it's worth reading the previous story, How Much for the Whole Night?, which sets up the rest of the series.
The first part of the book is full of action, but also quite emotional. It's also sets up what turns out to be a really moving story.
It quickly becomes more about relationships than action, (though action is certainly not absent). August must learn how to deal with newly awakened emotions when his feelings have been in lockdown mode for years. Ryder's, his team mate, feelings have also grown, and August has a difficult decision to make: to follow his thirst for revenge or love?
The solutions, when they come, are maybe a little too easy, though the main characters don't get out unscathed. But that's me being nitpicky, the whole story carries you along, the relationship development turned out to be cute, and I fell in love with August and Ryder. There's also going to be another book in the series, which I'm looking forward to reading.
The first part of the book is full of action, but also quite emotional. It's also sets up what turns out to be a really moving story.
It quickly becomes more about relationships than action, (though action is certainly not absent). August must learn how to deal with newly awakened emotions when his feelings have been in lockdown mode for years. Ryder's, his team mate, feelings have also grown, and August has a difficult decision to make: to follow his thirst for revenge or love?
The solutions, when they come, are maybe a little too easy, though the main characters don't get out unscathed. But that's me being nitpicky, the whole story carries you along, the relationship development turned out to be cute, and I fell in love with August and Ryder. There's also going to be another book in the series, which I'm looking forward to reading.
May 21, 2024
Thrown together on a dangerous mission, fighting one of the most evil people known , fighting to survive almost catrostophic injuries can bring people together.
Staying by August's bedside while he was on his road of recovery was never a conscious decision for Ryder, it just was.
Soon their attraction reared it's head and consumed them. The heat soon turned to love.
Danger was still out there but they and their team have a plan.
This was a beautifully written story. I laughed out loud a few times and teared up at other times.
I highly recommend this book.
Buzzy-Bear and Annie are a special part of the journey.
Staying by August's bedside while he was on his road of recovery was never a conscious decision for Ryder, it just was.
Soon their attraction reared it's head and consumed them. The heat soon turned to love.
Danger was still out there but they and their team have a plan.
This was a beautifully written story. I laughed out loud a few times and teared up at other times.
I highly recommend this book.
Buzzy-Bear and Annie are a special part of the journey.
May 29, 2024
This was wonderful! It so heartbreaking when James was killed and Annie was kidnapped and August blamed himself because he had told them he would keep them safe. His undercover work for the cartel was so dangerous and I did not guess who was the real leader was until he almost killed August. I remembered Ryder from the first book and really liked him and was thrilled that he went back to get August after the attack on the cartel. I understood why August was so bitter and rejected seeing Annie again because he felt like he was a monster with blood on his hands. I loved how Ryder helped him heal and how close they got. The attack on the compound in Montana was exciting and scary(tunnels--yikes!)and I was so glad that the monster leader got his from August. Loved the ending and really looking forward to the next book.
May 23, 2024
RJ Scott knows how to write an action story with just the right amount of heart. August and Ryder have the same ultimate goal, to rescue a little girl. They just went about it in completely different ways. August is looking for revenge and to save Annie from the cartel’s clutches. The dynamic between these two was slow to build because August just stayed angry at everyone and everything. Ryder has the patience of a saint but is no less determined. This story was so good and the ending just about left me in tears; the happy kind because this story does have a happy ending.
May 15, 2024
One word...stunning!!
I loved this book. I was pulled into August's story from the very beginning, and I followed every emotion till the end. My heart just melted for August and the ending was perfect.
The plot of this book is fast paced and full of action. I love the relationship between August and Ryder. They work so well as a couple and you can easily see how they fell for each other.
I finished this book in 1 sitting as I just had to know how the story ended.
Highly recommend.
I loved this book. I was pulled into August's story from the very beginning, and I followed every emotion till the end. My heart just melted for August and the ending was perfect.
The plot of this book is fast paced and full of action. I love the relationship between August and Ryder. They work so well as a couple and you can easily see how they fell for each other.
I finished this book in 1 sitting as I just had to know how the story ended.
Highly recommend.
May 28, 2024
I've really been enjoying this series - a great spinoff of the Sanctuary series - with books that can also stand alone. In this book, August, a former Navy SEAL, is devastated when a man he was guarding and developing feelings for, was killed on his watch and the man's toddler daughter kidnapped. Now, deep undercover, he has infiltrated a cartel group, still looking for leads on the little girl. He has passed along information that has rescued many innocents and now there is a firm hope that the little girl is nearby.
Ryder, a former Army Ranger, is part of a group tasked with rescuing the girl in a daring mission. When things turn unexpectedly bad very quickly, the team must take action. Later, when Ryder and August finally meet, Ryder is very attracted to the man, but circumstances delay any developments. This book has very good pacing, a lot of action, danger, teamwork, passion, and an uncertain romance with a beautiful HEA. Highly recommended!
Ryder, a former Army Ranger, is part of a group tasked with rescuing the girl in a daring mission. When things turn unexpectedly bad very quickly, the team must take action. Later, when Ryder and August finally meet, Ryder is very attracted to the man, but circumstances delay any developments. This book has very good pacing, a lot of action, danger, teamwork, passion, and an uncertain romance with a beautiful HEA. Highly recommended!
May 23, 2024
A good entry to the series. I enjoyed August and Ryder. There's plenty of action to keep the story going. Add in a dash of heat and some emotion and you have a well rounded story. Looking forward to the next book.
May 24, 2024
I made the critical error of opening this book late at night, with the firm edict that I was reading one chapter only. I should know better. Never in the history of ever have I been able to read one RJ Scott-authored chapter and not continue. This book is no exception. Diving right into pulse-pounding action, I barely caught my breath before things escalated significantly. Much, much later, I was finally able to listen to my exhausted body and put the book down. But not for long. The characters had already entwined themselves around my heart and I was eager to learn more of their stories.
Ryder and August’s romance is special. Born of fighting together and caring for each other whilst healing, it is deep and true. All the threads of the subplots tie together beautifully. Scott proves once again she is queen when it comes to hero romance. 5 stars.
Ryder and August’s romance is special. Born of fighting together and caring for each other whilst healing, it is deep and true. All the threads of the subplots tie together beautifully. Scott proves once again she is queen when it comes to hero romance. 5 stars.
May 29, 2024
August and Ryder
When Ryder goes on a mission to rescue a 4 year old girl that her father was killed and she was kidnapped. He mets August, who becomes injured. While they both recover from injuries they become closer. Their story is interesting and complicated.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
When Ryder goes on a mission to rescue a 4 year old girl that her father was killed and she was kidnapped. He mets August, who becomes injured. While they both recover from injuries they become closer. Their story is interesting and complicated.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
May 30, 2024
4.5 Stars
… What a heartbreaking story, I was practically ugly crying throughout the whole book. You really got to work to finally get to the happy part, then phew,breathe again. The book was heartbreaking, but suspenseful and your hooked. I loved August(Annie) and Ryder, great story and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
… What a heartbreaking story, I was practically ugly crying throughout the whole book. You really got to work to finally get to the happy part, then phew,breathe again. The book was heartbreaking, but suspenseful and your hooked. I loved August(Annie) and Ryder, great story and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 26, 2024
A fabulous addition to this series that had me on the edge of my seat.
This is the second book in the new Shadow Team series, and I loved it. Ex-SEAL August and Ex-Ranger Ryder are both strong, dedicated men and perfect together. Watching them overcome danger and suspense with funny banter, emotion, and a little angst, as they slow-burned their way to peace and happiness was fabulous. Little Annie had my heart from the beginning, and the other members of the Shadow team added to my interest; I can’t wait to read more about them. I highly recommend this book as a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is the second book in the new Shadow Team series, and I loved it. Ex-SEAL August and Ex-Ranger Ryder are both strong, dedicated men and perfect together. Watching them overcome danger and suspense with funny banter, emotion, and a little angst, as they slow-burned their way to peace and happiness was fabulous. Little Annie had my heart from the beginning, and the other members of the Shadow team added to my interest; I can’t wait to read more about them. I highly recommend this book as a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 26, 2024
Sweet ending. One chapter really mixed up the point of view toward the end but it was good, all in all.
June 12, 2024
This is a drama filled read that needs to be read after book 1 to get the whole situation!
August and Ryder are thrown together after an op or 2 gone wrong. Their healing together both mentally and physically is beautiful! These 2 strong men made me cry and wince, and the whole story is wonderfully written!
August and Ryder are thrown together after an op or 2 gone wrong. Their healing together both mentally and physically is beautiful! These 2 strong men made me cry and wince, and the whole story is wonderfully written!
May 24, 2024
Check out our full post for HOW MUCH FOR A BROKEN HEART? on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
HOW MUCH FOR A BROKEN HEART? is the second installment in the Shadow Team series. I don't feel like this one can be read as a standalone. It reads so much better in the order that the author intended.
August is a former SEAL working to protect Annie and her father. When August fails and Annie ends up missing and her father dead, all August sees is revenge. He'll do anything to find Annie and make her safe. August goes deep undercover in the Cooper River Cartel and when his cover is blown, an unexpected Army man is the one trying to bring him home.
Ryder is former Army and working for the Shadow Team. His one job is to bring Annie home. When Luca finds her and makes sure she is safe, Ryder can't help going back for August. When he finds him tied up and bleeding, he'll do whatever it takes to bring the SEAL home – even if it means risking his own life.
I was so excited for this one. I needed August's story after what we saw of him in book one. The chemistry between August and Ryder was such a developing thing. After Ryder sat with him and felt responsible for him, it was inevitable that Ryder would develop feelings for the grumpy man. I loved seeing August's walls start to fall each day with Ryder. What I love about this series is each love story isn't so in your face – the suspense and twists and turns of the rest of the story are everything you need.
I can't wait for what's next!!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order to get the full picture – and all the goodness too!
August is a man who is losing himself in order to rescue his one-time charge, and almost daughter, Annie. Just as he finds where she is being held, The Sanctuary steps in to free her, and team member Ryder cannot leave him behind – even when things get pretty hairy!
This is a great combination of off-the-books rescue team heroics (in no small part from the overworked medics!) with a very intense complicated romance and start of a new family. It was great to catch up with the Sanctuary team too.
I am already looking forward to the next installment.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
January 6, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
I had read the blurb and just had to read the book or listen to the audiobook, which was fantastically narrated by Sean Crisden.
The story is dark but very captivating and has a good pace. This is my first Shadow Team book, even though it's the second in the series, and I think it works well as a standalone.
August is a former SEAL and a broken man. He has lost two people he was supposed to protect. One is dead, and a little girl has been kidnapped. Now he is doing everything he can to find Annie. I really liked August, but he struggles with his fate and often only sees the negative, which is no surprise given what has happened. He infiltrates the criminal organization to get information about Annie. He does a lot of good, but he's also not squeamish when it comes to stopping someone.
The Shadow Team arrives, and with them Ryder, a former Ranger, to free Annie, just as things take an unpleasant turn. What follows is danger, action, a lot of suspense, intense emotions, a deep bond, and excellent teamwork. There were some unpredictable twists and turns, and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I loved how August and Ryder's relationship developed slowly but steadily. PTSD is a topic that the author conveyed really well. And I was so happy about the happy ending! If you love romantic suspense, this is the book for you—but now I need more from the Shadow Team!
Sean Crisden did an absolutely fantastic job as the narrator! He has a pleasant voice, a good reading pace, and he chose appropriate voices that I could always distinguish very well. He also conveyed the emotions and mood superbly!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
I had read the blurb and just had to read the book or listen to the audiobook, which was fantastically narrated by Sean Crisden.
The story is dark but very captivating and has a good pace. This is my first Shadow Team book, even though it's the second in the series, and I think it works well as a standalone.
August is a former SEAL and a broken man. He has lost two people he was supposed to protect. One is dead, and a little girl has been kidnapped. Now he is doing everything he can to find Annie. I really liked August, but he struggles with his fate and often only sees the negative, which is no surprise given what has happened. He infiltrates the criminal organization to get information about Annie. He does a lot of good, but he's also not squeamish when it comes to stopping someone.
The Shadow Team arrives, and with them Ryder, a former Ranger, to free Annie, just as things take an unpleasant turn. What follows is danger, action, a lot of suspense, intense emotions, a deep bond, and excellent teamwork. There were some unpredictable twists and turns, and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I loved how August and Ryder's relationship developed slowly but steadily. PTSD is a topic that the author conveyed really well. And I was so happy about the happy ending! If you love romantic suspense, this is the book for you—but now I need more from the Shadow Team!
Sean Crisden did an absolutely fantastic job as the narrator! He has a pleasant voice, a good reading pace, and he chose appropriate voices that I could always distinguish very well. He also conveyed the emotions and mood superbly!
July 7, 2024
4/5 This is another action-packed addition to this series, and I thought it did a good job of showing some of the dangers of undercover work as we saw the impact that it had on August. He is fiercely protective, but the means he ended up needing to employ to get to Annie and stop the person responsible for James’s death and her kidnapping definitely took their toll.
There’s a fair bit of violence and injuries here, but there’s also significant recuperation time (a cause of its own frustration, of course, lol, but the characters aren’t instantly bouncing back).
I liked that Ryder and August formed a connection via rescue/mission together. This is a language they both speak, and although they haven’t known one another for long, that shared language stands them in good stead. I liked the amount of time they got to spend together as August recovered, the two of them talking (even if it’s sometimes just sniping, lol). They’re both fierce, wounded, and have plenty of walls, and it takes some time to batter through them.
I appreciated that the situation with Annie was treated seriously, and there are plenty of doctors and therapy to address what she’s been through. Although it takes work, it was good to see August eventually treat this seriously for himself as well.
I liked the way the team worked together, and August and Ryder are both protective and slowly learning that they can maybe get more than they ever expected out of the world.
Looking forward to Zach and Kai figuring things out.
There’s a fair bit of violence and injuries here, but there’s also significant recuperation time (a cause of its own frustration, of course, lol, but the characters aren’t instantly bouncing back).
I liked that Ryder and August formed a connection via rescue/mission together. This is a language they both speak, and although they haven’t known one another for long, that shared language stands them in good stead. I liked the amount of time they got to spend together as August recovered, the two of them talking (even if it’s sometimes just sniping, lol). They’re both fierce, wounded, and have plenty of walls, and it takes some time to batter through them.
I appreciated that the situation with Annie was treated seriously, and there are plenty of doctors and therapy to address what she’s been through. Although it takes work, it was good to see August eventually treat this seriously for himself as well.
I liked the way the team worked together, and August and Ryder are both protective and slowly learning that they can maybe get more than they ever expected out of the world.
Looking forward to Zach and Kai figuring things out.
May 17, 2024
HOW MUCH FOR A BROKEN HEART is the second installment in the Shadow Team series. I don't feel like this one can be read as a stand alone. It reads so much better in the order that the author intended.
August is a former SEAL working trying to protect Annie and her father. When August fails and Annie ends up missing and her father dead all August sees in revenge. He'll do anything to find Annie and make her safe. August goes deep undercover in the Cooper River cartel and when his cover is blown an unexpected Army man is the one trying to bring him home.
Ryder's is former ARMY and working for The Shadow Team his one job is to bring Annie home when Luca finds her and makes sure she is safe Ryder can't help going back for August. When he finds him tied up and bleeding he'll do whatever it takes to bring the SEAL home even if it means risking his own life.
I was so excited for this one. I needed August's story after what we saw of him in book 1. The chemistry between August and Ryder was such a developing thing. After Ryder sat with him and felt responsible for him it was inevitable that Ryder would develop feelings for the grumpy man. I loved seeing August's walls start to fall each day with Ryder. What I love about this series is each love story isn't so in your face the suspense and twists and turns of the rest of the story are everything you need.
I can't wait for what's next!!
I was given a free copy of this book.
August is a former SEAL working trying to protect Annie and her father. When August fails and Annie ends up missing and her father dead all August sees in revenge. He'll do anything to find Annie and make her safe. August goes deep undercover in the Cooper River cartel and when his cover is blown an unexpected Army man is the one trying to bring him home.
Ryder's is former ARMY and working for The Shadow Team his one job is to bring Annie home when Luca finds her and makes sure she is safe Ryder can't help going back for August. When he finds him tied up and bleeding he'll do whatever it takes to bring the SEAL home even if it means risking his own life.
I was so excited for this one. I needed August's story after what we saw of him in book 1. The chemistry between August and Ryder was such a developing thing. After Ryder sat with him and felt responsible for him it was inevitable that Ryder would develop feelings for the grumpy man. I loved seeing August's walls start to fall each day with Ryder. What I love about this series is each love story isn't so in your face the suspense and twists and turns of the rest of the story are everything you need.
I can't wait for what's next!!
I was given a free copy of this book.
May 30, 2024
The 'broken warrior' vibe and slow burn got me - big time! It was deep, soul-searching, no easy solutions... Honestly I think it's one off the best works from Rj Scott and I've read the majority of what she's published so far.
August is more than conflicted about his actions. He became judge, jury and executioner after all the years he'd been undercover, driven by two goals revenge and save the innocent. He doesn't know who he really is anymore and he feels that he doesn't deserve the love of a child he once loved and taken care of. Also he thinks he'd failed, because he's not counting the innocent lives he's saved, but feels guilty about the ones he couldn't. The aftermath on his psyche is devastating. He's feeling somehow responsible for the events that he had no control over.
Enter Ryder - the warrior with wounds (psychologycal and physical) of his own. He's relentless in his support and it looks like he's not going anywhere no matter August's actions or reactions. The bond that stemed from deep understanding about similar experiences, without much words said, develops in much more - something real and unbreakable.
Frankly I was almost decided to give this book 4 stars when I started it - for one reason only - some really over the top action scenes. I love action but it was like Die Hard on steroids. Lol. After that I couldn't put it down - it's on my reread list and I can't wait for the next book in this series!
August is more than conflicted about his actions. He became judge, jury and executioner after all the years he'd been undercover, driven by two goals revenge and save the innocent. He doesn't know who he really is anymore and he feels that he doesn't deserve the love of a child he once loved and taken care of. Also he thinks he'd failed, because he's not counting the innocent lives he's saved, but feels guilty about the ones he couldn't. The aftermath on his psyche is devastating. He's feeling somehow responsible for the events that he had no control over.
Enter Ryder - the warrior with wounds (psychologycal and physical) of his own. He's relentless in his support and it looks like he's not going anywhere no matter August's actions or reactions. The bond that stemed from deep understanding about similar experiences, without much words said, develops in much more - something real and unbreakable.
Frankly I was almost decided to give this book 4 stars when I started it - for one reason only - some really over the top action scenes. I love action but it was like Die Hard on steroids. Lol. After that I couldn't put it down - it's on my reread list and I can't wait for the next book in this series!
January 7, 2026
Der zweite Teil der Shadow-Team Reihe hat mir gut gefallen. Als ich darüber nachgedacht habe, wie ich das Buch beschreiben und bewerten soll, war ich selbst überrascht. Ich wollte schreiben, dass die Geschichte sich in erster Linie um die Arbeit des Shadow-Teams und um Augusts Genesung dreht und die Liebesgeschichte nur im Hintergrund stattfindet. Aber das stimmt so nicht wirklich. Die „gezeigte“ Handlung (also was man sieht) liegt zwar nie ausschließlich auf der Entwicklung einer Beziehung, aber in den Gedanken und Emotionen der Protagonisten sind diese Gefühle immer präsent, sobald sie sich kennengelernt haben.
Ryder und August sind eher „harte Kerle“ und keine knuffigen mit-Herzchenaugen-ins-Leserherz-schließ Protagonisten und es ist irgendwie immer ein bisschen merkwürdig zu schreiben, dass man Menschen sympathisch findet, die man gerade auf einem blutigen Rachefeldzug begleitet hat, aber ich mag die beiden und es hat mir viel Spaß gemacht, sie auf diesem spannenden und schmerzhaften Weg zu begleiten.
Beim ersten Teil der Reihe hatte ich geschrieben, dass ich teilweise mit der zeitlichen Einordnung/ der in der Geschichte vergangenen Zeit einige Probleme hatte. In diesem Teil war das nicht so. Hier konnte ich immer gut folgen.
Ich habe „Wie viel für ein gebrochenes Herz (Shadow-Team 2)“ sehr gerne gelesen, mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich empfehle das Buch ebenso gerne weiter.
Ryder und August sind eher „harte Kerle“ und keine knuffigen mit-Herzchenaugen-ins-Leserherz-schließ Protagonisten und es ist irgendwie immer ein bisschen merkwürdig zu schreiben, dass man Menschen sympathisch findet, die man gerade auf einem blutigen Rachefeldzug begleitet hat, aber ich mag die beiden und es hat mir viel Spaß gemacht, sie auf diesem spannenden und schmerzhaften Weg zu begleiten.
Beim ersten Teil der Reihe hatte ich geschrieben, dass ich teilweise mit der zeitlichen Einordnung/ der in der Geschichte vergangenen Zeit einige Probleme hatte. In diesem Teil war das nicht so. Hier konnte ich immer gut folgen.
Ich habe „Wie viel für ein gebrochenes Herz (Shadow-Team 2)“ sehr gerne gelesen, mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und ich empfehle das Buch ebenso gerne weiter.
May 19, 2024
How Much For a Broken Heart is the action-packed second book in RJ Scott’s new series, Shadow Team. Scott is building her team with “retired” special ops men still ready for more in this spin-off of the Sanctuary series. The author has smoothly written this story of devotion and revenge with intense action and dramatic suspense. Add to that vulnerable heroes and a great love story, and it’s a winning combination.
After a devastating blow, August is set on a course that takes him closer to his goal, yet farther away from himself. Enter Ryder, a headstrong Army Ranger determined not to see August go down or lose himself completely. When the pressure rises, an unforeseen attraction might be the answer to holding it all together.
I really enjoyed this story. It follows nicely after the events of How Much For the Whole Night without ending on a cliffhanger or unresolved issues from this story arc. I’m enjoying the new storylines, I love all the things that happen at Kingscliff and Swim Central, the new base of operations, and I’m excited to see what Scott has in store for us with Book 3. And of course, our men get their hard-won HEA.
Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
After a devastating blow, August is set on a course that takes him closer to his goal, yet farther away from himself. Enter Ryder, a headstrong Army Ranger determined not to see August go down or lose himself completely. When the pressure rises, an unforeseen attraction might be the answer to holding it all together.
I really enjoyed this story. It follows nicely after the events of How Much For the Whole Night without ending on a cliffhanger or unresolved issues from this story arc. I’m enjoying the new storylines, I love all the things that happen at Kingscliff and Swim Central, the new base of operations, and I’m excited to see what Scott has in store for us with Book 3. And of course, our men get their hard-won HEA.
Happy Reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
May 26, 2024
4.5 Stars
I haven't read the first book in the Shadow series—something I'll remedy ASAP—however, I read the Sanctuary series and really enjoyed returning to this world.
I really liked Ryder, he was great at his job and so supportive of August. I loved August and I often wished to give him a big hug when he was doubting himself and with everything he went through. Their romance was a bit insta, but it worked well for them. There was obviously a connection between them from the get-go, and frankly, with everything they went through together, it wasn't difficult to believe that their feelings would deepen faster than in a normal situation.
I enjoyed seeing the team work together and the action scenes were top-notch, as always. The book was fast-paced and interesting and I was thoroughly invested in the result, as well as with how things would work with Annie. I'm already looking forward to the next book, and in the meantime, I'll hopefully have time to read book 1 to catch up with the series before then. Very recommendable!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
I haven't read the first book in the Shadow series—something I'll remedy ASAP—however, I read the Sanctuary series and really enjoyed returning to this world.
I really liked Ryder, he was great at his job and so supportive of August. I loved August and I often wished to give him a big hug when he was doubting himself and with everything he went through. Their romance was a bit insta, but it worked well for them. There was obviously a connection between them from the get-go, and frankly, with everything they went through together, it wasn't difficult to believe that their feelings would deepen faster than in a normal situation.
I enjoyed seeing the team work together and the action scenes were top-notch, as always. The book was fast-paced and interesting and I was thoroughly invested in the result, as well as with how things would work with Annie. I'm already looking forward to the next book, and in the meantime, I'll hopefully have time to read book 1 to catch up with the series before then. Very recommendable!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
January 1, 2025
Trigger warnings for death, PTSD, undercover work, physical violence, etc. This was good if you’re not looking for a romance and want something full of suspense and some action. They didn’t even kiss until 60% and then it was basically instalove after that.
Even though romance was barely an afterthought in this, I did find myself entertained with the storyline. I liked Ryder from the first book, and August grew on me the more I read about him. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about him after what we saw of him being undercover in the last book; he’d been pretty ruthless and very convincing in the cartel. I wasn’t honestly surprised about Amos. Him pretending was really the only thing that made sense. Why would the boss hire someone who was afraid of his own shadow in that kind of business?
The epilogue was super cute and I honestly would have liked to see more with Annie since she was the whole reason for August being under and why Ryder was on the first mission in the book. I just wished there was more of them being a family and exploring their connection. Maybe 3.5 out of 5 stars because the writing was good.
Even though romance was barely an afterthought in this, I did find myself entertained with the storyline. I liked Ryder from the first book, and August grew on me the more I read about him. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about him after what we saw of him being undercover in the last book; he’d been pretty ruthless and very convincing in the cartel. I wasn’t honestly surprised about Amos. Him pretending was really the only thing that made sense. Why would the boss hire someone who was afraid of his own shadow in that kind of business?
The epilogue was super cute and I honestly would have liked to see more with Annie since she was the whole reason for August being under and why Ryder was on the first mission in the book. I just wished there was more of them being a family and exploring their connection. Maybe 3.5 out of 5 stars because the writing was good.
December 27, 2025
Healing a Broken Heart
August had a mission to protect James and his daughter Annie, but tragedy struck one morning and Annie vanished while James was left dead. August made a promise to James that he would protect Annie. So he goes deep undercover to find her and get her back. In the first book How Much For The Whole Night, August saved Ethan's life who is the head of Shadow team and in this they are asked to get Annie out which happens.
The thing is it doesn't go as planned and August's cover is blown. Ryder who is a member of the newly formed shadow team gets August out when things turn deadly. August being hurt badly has to recover and so does Ryder. They stay at the safe house and become friends and feelings grow deeper.
I was relieved that August finally opened up to the idea of keeping Annie. It broke my heart seeing his emotional pain, but Ryder helps him as does the therapist because he has PTSD from all he had seen and endured while undercover.
The romance was excellent, plenty of steam, and healing both physical and emotional. The ending I loved. Can't wait to finish the trilogy with Zach and Kai story.
August had a mission to protect James and his daughter Annie, but tragedy struck one morning and Annie vanished while James was left dead. August made a promise to James that he would protect Annie. So he goes deep undercover to find her and get her back. In the first book How Much For The Whole Night, August saved Ethan's life who is the head of Shadow team and in this they are asked to get Annie out which happens.
The thing is it doesn't go as planned and August's cover is blown. Ryder who is a member of the newly formed shadow team gets August out when things turn deadly. August being hurt badly has to recover and so does Ryder. They stay at the safe house and become friends and feelings grow deeper.
I was relieved that August finally opened up to the idea of keeping Annie. It broke my heart seeing his emotional pain, but Ryder helps him as does the therapist because he has PTSD from all he had seen and endured while undercover.
The romance was excellent, plenty of steam, and healing both physical and emotional. The ending I loved. Can't wait to finish the trilogy with Zach and Kai story.
May 21, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order to get the full picture - and all the goodness too!
August is a man who is losing himself in order to rescue his one time charge, and almost daughter, Annie. Just as he finds where she is being held, The Sanctuary step in to free her, and team member Ryder cannot leave him behind - even when things get pretty hairy!
This is a great combination of off -he-books rescue team heroics (in no small part from the over-worked medics!) with a very intense complicated romance and start of a new family. It was great to catch up with the Sanctuary team too.
I am already looking forward to the next installment.
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read them in order to get the full picture - and all the goodness too!
August is a man who is losing himself in order to rescue his one time charge, and almost daughter, Annie. Just as he finds where she is being held, The Sanctuary step in to free her, and team member Ryder cannot leave him behind - even when things get pretty hairy!
This is a great combination of off -he-books rescue team heroics (in no small part from the over-worked medics!) with a very intense complicated romance and start of a new family. It was great to catch up with the Sanctuary team too.
I am already looking forward to the next installment.
May 24, 2024
So good!!!
I absolutely love RJ Scott's romantic suspense stories (actually I love all of her books). She writes a great mix of romance, nail-biting suspense, sexy time and HEA's that bring me to tears. The blurb gives you all the background you need for what the story is about so take a look at it.
How Much for a Broken Heart is a book that I couldn't put down once I started. Fortunately, I started it early enough in the day that I didn't have to stay up all night to finish it (but I would have if I'd needed to). August has done some pretty bad things but always only to bad guys; just be warned that there is a lot of violence in this story. Ryder and August make a great team and played a big role in saving each other.
HMFABH is a spicy, slow-burn, action-packed story where the bad guys get what's coming to them. There's a little bit of humor to offset the heart-pounding action and an epilogue that made my eyes leak in the best way.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I absolutely love RJ Scott's romantic suspense stories (actually I love all of her books). She writes a great mix of romance, nail-biting suspense, sexy time and HEA's that bring me to tears. The blurb gives you all the background you need for what the story is about so take a look at it.
How Much for a Broken Heart is a book that I couldn't put down once I started. Fortunately, I started it early enough in the day that I didn't have to stay up all night to finish it (but I would have if I'd needed to). August has done some pretty bad things but always only to bad guys; just be warned that there is a lot of violence in this story. Ryder and August make a great team and played a big role in saving each other.
HMFABH is a spicy, slow-burn, action-packed story where the bad guys get what's coming to them. There's a little bit of humor to offset the heart-pounding action and an epilogue that made my eyes leak in the best way.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
January 17, 2025
On kobo (no longer listed)
When a covert assignment goes badly wrong August is left to mourn the 'husband' he was coming to love - and wonder where 'their' daughter is. For two years he works into the ranks of the Cooper River Cartel in pursuit of the man who gave the order...
Once the pursuit comes to a head August is with no choice but to abandon the hunt in favour of rescuing a group of trafficked children - and he becomes embroiled in the new Shadow Team operating alongside Sanctuary. Several people from other books (Shadow Team, Sanctuary, Single Dads series) are present and the second half of the book deals with the finding of the final loose ends bringing to a close a long operation.
More to come!
When a covert assignment goes badly wrong August is left to mourn the 'husband' he was coming to love - and wonder where 'their' daughter is. For two years he works into the ranks of the Cooper River Cartel in pursuit of the man who gave the order...
Once the pursuit comes to a head August is with no choice but to abandon the hunt in favour of rescuing a group of trafficked children - and he becomes embroiled in the new Shadow Team operating alongside Sanctuary. Several people from other books (Shadow Team, Sanctuary, Single Dads series) are present and the second half of the book deals with the finding of the final loose ends bringing to a close a long operation.
More to come!
January 5, 2026
A great follow up to book 1. I love the inter-related worlds that R.J. creates. I loved Sanctuary and the follow-up stories that has now led us to this series. In this one August returns in a violent way from his under-cover role that was established in the previous story and is nursed back to health by Ryder, one of the three key players in the set-up of the Shadow Team. A little bit of back-story given in the prologue fleshes out the problems being faced by the team as they try to shut down the bad guys once and for all. For August is is an obsession and Ryder works to pull him back from the brink. Great stuff.
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