What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow Team #3
How Much for a Life of Lies
Posing as a couple leads to passionate nights and dangerous days, but when their undercover mission implodes, revenge is everything, love is impossible, and they have nowhere left to run.
Zach has always been a man torn between duty and family. Strong, capable, and fiercely dedicated to being a SEAL, he’s made countless sacrifices to ensure the safety of his son and his country. Driven by guilt, he leaves newborn Charlie in the care of his estranged twin brother, and no one, not even his self-destructive team mate, Kai, can make him change his mind. Their partnership can never be anything but a clash of personalities, with Kai’s fiery nature and Zach’s stubborn focus on duty, but as they navigate their latest undercover mission, one more stolen moment is all it takes for every barrier between them to disintegrate.
Kai, former 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, raised in a survivalist environment, is a skilled helicopter pilot, a loner, and never wanted a partner. When he’s kicked out of the service for not being a team player, he moves from black ops to the new Shadow Team, alongside Zach. The team wants his ability to color outside the lines, and challenge authority—he just wants a job that gets him into the action.
As their covert operation in the Canadian wilderness takes a dangerous turn, they run for survival, hemmed in by imminent dangers. With no one else to trust, they must lean on each other. But as their bond deepens, and passion explodes, will they live to see another day?
Zach has always been a man torn between duty and family. Strong, capable, and fiercely dedicated to being a SEAL, he’s made countless sacrifices to ensure the safety of his son and his country. Driven by guilt, he leaves newborn Charlie in the care of his estranged twin brother, and no one, not even his self-destructive team mate, Kai, can make him change his mind. Their partnership can never be anything but a clash of personalities, with Kai’s fiery nature and Zach’s stubborn focus on duty, but as they navigate their latest undercover mission, one more stolen moment is all it takes for every barrier between them to disintegrate.
Kai, former 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, raised in a survivalist environment, is a skilled helicopter pilot, a loner, and never wanted a partner. When he’s kicked out of the service for not being a team player, he moves from black ops to the new Shadow Team, alongside Zach. The team wants his ability to color outside the lines, and challenge authority—he just wants a job that gets him into the action.
As their covert operation in the Canadian wilderness takes a dangerous turn, they run for survival, hemmed in by imminent dangers. With no one else to trust, they must lean on each other. But as their bond deepens, and passion explodes, will they live to see another day?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2024
75 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
307 books2,719 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 8, 2024
Absolutely my favourite in this series and a really fabulous action-packed romance.
There are potential triggers in this one though, including implications of sexual assault as a minor, plus it also deals with all the darker side of life as Zach and Kai work for Shadow Team rooting out the worst people in society, so be aware.
While it's clear from the off that these two are meant to be together, the boatload of baggage each brings with them means they go about avoiding any kind of connection other than the work one until everything finally blows up in the most spectacular way.
I loved the pacing of this book, it opens with a Then section which provides all the background to how they met and how they ended up working together for the Sanctuary off-shoot Shadow Team.
We get to see the bond that was created between them, we get to see the trauma of the different investigations they were involved in. We also get the other side of the events from Miraclewhich is part of RJ's Single Dads series. You don't have to read that book to understand this one though.
The action is great in this book, it really does amp up the heartrate as things start to get hairy on the mission the guys are in, out in a remote part of the Canadian wilderness, and the confusion over just who can, and can't, be trusted adds a great dimension to the narrative.
I was so happy this book lived up to expectations, I'd wanted Zach and Kai's story since their appearance in Miracle, and I was delighted that these two hard-headed individuals woke up enough to realise they had something too good to let go.
There's nothing to say whether there'll be any more Shadow Team stories but I really hope so, there's a few more people I wouldn't mind getting to know a bit more about!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
There are potential triggers in this one though, including implications of sexual assault as a minor, plus it also deals with all the darker side of life as Zach and Kai work for Shadow Team rooting out the worst people in society, so be aware.
While it's clear from the off that these two are meant to be together, the boatload of baggage each brings with them means they go about avoiding any kind of connection other than the work one until everything finally blows up in the most spectacular way.
I loved the pacing of this book, it opens with a Then section which provides all the background to how they met and how they ended up working together for the Sanctuary off-shoot Shadow Team.
We get to see the bond that was created between them, we get to see the trauma of the different investigations they were involved in. We also get the other side of the events from Miraclewhich is part of RJ's Single Dads series. You don't have to read that book to understand this one though.
The action is great in this book, it really does amp up the heartrate as things start to get hairy on the mission the guys are in, out in a remote part of the Canadian wilderness, and the confusion over just who can, and can't, be trusted adds a great dimension to the narrative.
I was so happy this book lived up to expectations, I'd wanted Zach and Kai's story since their appearance in Miracle, and I was delighted that these two hard-headed individuals woke up enough to realise they had something too good to let go.
There's nothing to say whether there'll be any more Shadow Team stories but I really hope so, there's a few more people I wouldn't mind getting to know a bit more about!
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review
July 7, 2024
I had been waiting for this book for what feels like forever but is more logically somewhere around a year or less (I can't remember when Jax and Arlo's book came out, sorry). But words cannot explain how excited I was for this book and how relieved I am that it lived to my expectations. Both as a romance between Kai and Zack and as the why and how it led to Charlie being left in Jax's care. I really enjoyed it and even though the wait was eternal (it really wasn't, but it felt like it), it was worth it.
July 7, 2024
4/5 I feel like Zach and Kai went out of their way to do everything in the most difficult way possible, lol. In all seriousness, though, they’ve not been through a lot, and their upbringings and pasts definitely impacted their behaviour and reactions as adults. (They have so much trouble recognising or admitting affection.)
They’re a super volatile but nevertheless effective team, not quite managing to gel, because Kai goes off the cuff a lot, and Zach is determined they can’t be together. So everything is just a little bit off. But it’s so clear that they have *potential*, it just takes a lot of work for them to admit it to one another.
I liked how they took care of one another even when they couldn’t admit what they felt for one another, and while I might wish there were fewer injuries involved, I was very glad when they finally admitted their feelings properly. I think they have the potential to be the best team when they fully trust and rely on one another.
They actually spent a fair bit of the book apart, but given that we got the ”then” part of the book before the “now”, we had lots of history and interaction that made the separation work. They had all the pieces of the relationship and just needed some time to put it all together.
I really liked the surprise ally, Kai’s 100% love of helicopters, and Zach figuring out how to take care of Charlie in a way that works given his life and his priority to keep Charlie safe. These two deserve stability and happiness and family, so it was nice to see them get it.
Hoping we’ll be seeing more of the Shadow Team in the future.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
They’re a super volatile but nevertheless effective team, not quite managing to gel, because Kai goes off the cuff a lot, and Zach is determined they can’t be together. So everything is just a little bit off. But it’s so clear that they have *potential*, it just takes a lot of work for them to admit it to one another.
I liked how they took care of one another even when they couldn’t admit what they felt for one another, and while I might wish there were fewer injuries involved, I was very glad when they finally admitted their feelings properly. I think they have the potential to be the best team when they fully trust and rely on one another.
They actually spent a fair bit of the book apart, but given that we got the ”then” part of the book before the “now”, we had lots of history and interaction that made the separation work. They had all the pieces of the relationship and just needed some time to put it all together.
I really liked the surprise ally, Kai’s 100% love of helicopters, and Zach figuring out how to take care of Charlie in a way that works given his life and his priority to keep Charlie safe. These two deserve stability and happiness and family, so it was nice to see them get it.
Hoping we’ll be seeing more of the Shadow Team in the future.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
July 7, 2024
I have waited anxiously for this story and, as usual with Ms. Scott's stories, it did not disappoint!
We get to see the start of Kai and Zach's love story. We are filled in around how Charlie came to be and for Zach's brother Jax and his love Arlo come to be Charlie's Dad and Papa.
There is danger and more danger in this book. Bad guys and evil even. Also in this is a group of men willing and able to fight that evil, help those who need their help, risking their lives for the greater good.
There is also great humor, snarkiness, lust and love. Love between Zach and Kai, Jax and Arlo and their love for Charlie and all of Jax's family, who are bringing Zach and Kai into their family.
This was a wonderful story. Action packed and exciting. It was well worth the wait. I had many stressful, "awww" , and "dang this is hot" moments. The parts that made me chuckle were also great.
A must read in my opinion.
We get to see the start of Kai and Zach's love story. We are filled in around how Charlie came to be and for Zach's brother Jax and his love Arlo come to be Charlie's Dad and Papa.
There is danger and more danger in this book. Bad guys and evil even. Also in this is a group of men willing and able to fight that evil, help those who need their help, risking their lives for the greater good.
There is also great humor, snarkiness, lust and love. Love between Zach and Kai, Jax and Arlo and their love for Charlie and all of Jax's family, who are bringing Zach and Kai into their family.
This was a wonderful story. Action packed and exciting. It was well worth the wait. I had many stressful, "awww" , and "dang this is hot" moments. The parts that made me chuckle were also great.
A must read in my opinion.
July 16, 2024
Zach and Kai’s engrossing story captivated me from the very beginning. The blooming love between Frogman and Assassin builds so slow and true.
I loved loved loved the crossover with Zach’s twin, Jax (from the single dad’s series) and his partner Arlo. Young Charlie has the best of all worlds. If you’d read Jax and Arlo’s book, you’d be well versed in the back story but not having that knowledge absolutely would not detract from reading How Much for a Life of Lies
As always, Scott excels in depicting found family and in crafting heart-squeezingly impactful romance. The snark of the characters adds a little levity and the missions contribute pulse-pounding drama and intrigue. 5 fabulous stars.
I loved loved loved the crossover with Zach’s twin, Jax (from the single dad’s series) and his partner Arlo. Young Charlie has the best of all worlds. If you’d read Jax and Arlo’s book, you’d be well versed in the back story but not having that knowledge absolutely would not detract from reading How Much for a Life of Lies
As always, Scott excels in depicting found family and in crafting heart-squeezingly impactful romance. The snark of the characters adds a little levity and the missions contribute pulse-pounding drama and intrigue. 5 fabulous stars.
July 14, 2024
I wasn't prepared for how much I would love this book.
The connection between Kai and Zach is amazing, and you see it from the start. Their story and how they are always their for each other really pulls you in.
You also have a lot of fast paced action in this book that adds an extra dimension to the story and really has you rooting for the guys in all ways
Throughly enjoyed this, and really recommend you reading it.
The connection between Kai and Zach is amazing, and you see it from the start. Their story and how they are always their for each other really pulls you in.
You also have a lot of fast paced action in this book that adds an extra dimension to the story and really has you rooting for the guys in all ways
Throughly enjoyed this, and really recommend you reading it.
July 19, 2024
Favourite of the series so far. So much angst and yearning, l love this trope, especially if it involves big, sexy, broken military guys 🥰
Zach and Kai had a lot to overcome and I couldn't wait to see what journey Ms Scott had in store for them. From the minute I met them in the author's book, Miracle, I've wanted to find out how things would turn out for the couple.
It was obvious from when they met that the guys were meant for one another. Unfortunately, due to their line of work, it took them a while to acknowledge that love. They went through terrible trauma after terrible trauma, and I found myself mentally booing Ms Scott, for what she put them through! 😉
It's a story of found family, friendships and relationships. I loved when Zach was reunited with his twin, so emotional, it gave me all the feels 😭 The pace of the story and the style of writing is, as usual very good, the characters well written. The relationship between Zach and Kai believable, and found myself rooting for them. The ending is first class🥰
Please do be aware that historic child abuse is referred to on page.
Zach and Kai had a lot to overcome and I couldn't wait to see what journey Ms Scott had in store for them. From the minute I met them in the author's book, Miracle, I've wanted to find out how things would turn out for the couple.
It was obvious from when they met that the guys were meant for one another. Unfortunately, due to their line of work, it took them a while to acknowledge that love. They went through terrible trauma after terrible trauma, and I found myself mentally booing Ms Scott, for what she put them through! 😉
It's a story of found family, friendships and relationships. I loved when Zach was reunited with his twin, so emotional, it gave me all the feels 😭 The pace of the story and the style of writing is, as usual very good, the characters well written. The relationship between Zach and Kai believable, and found myself rooting for them. The ending is first class🥰
Please do be aware that historic child abuse is referred to on page.
July 25, 2024
Another amazing addition to the shadow team saga.
When navy seal Zach saves Canadian flyboy Kai the sparks start to fly.
This was a whirlwind friends to enemies to team to lovers adventure from start to finish.
The main point driven home in the most perfect way is that blood doesn’t make a family, love does and both Kai and Zach learn that in positive reaffirming ways.
Every character had a reason to be there and no one felt like they were just thrown in for drama sake.
And like always having characters from the other books show up in some shape or form just reinstates how the shadow team is a family unit.
So if you like loudmouth fly boys, a navy seal with a chip on his shoulder and back and forth bickering leading to some steamy bedroom action be sure to pick up this friends to enemies to lovers book.
When navy seal Zach saves Canadian flyboy Kai the sparks start to fly.
This was a whirlwind friends to enemies to team to lovers adventure from start to finish.
The main point driven home in the most perfect way is that blood doesn’t make a family, love does and both Kai and Zach learn that in positive reaffirming ways.
Every character had a reason to be there and no one felt like they were just thrown in for drama sake.
And like always having characters from the other books show up in some shape or form just reinstates how the shadow team is a family unit.
So if you like loudmouth fly boys, a navy seal with a chip on his shoulder and back and forth bickering leading to some steamy bedroom action be sure to pick up this friends to enemies to lovers book.
July 19, 2024
Check out our full post for HOW MUCH FOR A LIFE OF LIES? on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order to get the full goodness of the stories – and some early insight into these two characters.
Zach and Kai are an unlikely pairing. Clearly fated to be thrown together and find the trust they desperately need to believe can be real, as well as to learn about love. For Zach, discovering he is a father, and trusting the twin he was separated from as a tiny boy to care for him starts the journey to having feelings. For Kai, it is much more the feelings he has for Zach which are far more than attraction.
As they work together in desperately dangerous missions, that trust of a comrade develops into something distracting and urgent... so the tension and the drama ramp up very nicely for the reader – and the outcome can only be spectacular and life affirming!
Another good read in this drama intense series.
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
HOW MUCH FOR A LIFE OF LIES? is the third installment in the Shadow Team series. It can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it. It reads much better reading in the order the author intended.
This book starts with Then, where you get to see when Zach and Kai meet for the first time. The attraction between them and how they go their separate ways. And then how they both came to work together for the Sanctuary off-shoot, Shadow Team. Zach and Kai are the most unlikely as partners. Zach is serious and dedicated as a SEAL, Kai does what needs to be done to get the results he wants. They each have tons of their own baggage but when it comes down to it, they rely on each other in the most dangerous of situations.
I was dying to find out why Zach would leave his son with his twin brother that he's never met, and it completely lived up to all of my expectations! I loved everything about it. Zach and Kai were perfect for each other and realized it before it was too late. I hope there is more for this series!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 30, 2025
Team Partners To More
Zack was in Navy Seals but after losing a team member and one retiring he didn't want another team so he left and was recruited by Sanctuary for Shadow Team. He was the second recruit after Kai who he saved while back after his trio was taken hostage. Kai was let go because as Zach calls him he's a loose cannon at times which goes back to how he was raised which was brutal for sure.
I really loved how we got to see how they became a team together with Shadow Team. The book broken into then which part of is mentioning them joining plus former military units. It also has Zach and Kai side of what happened in the Single Dads series book seven Miracle about Jax who is Zach twin who he gives his son Charlie to in order for Charlie to be safe which was not an easy decision for him but he knew Charlie will be loved and safe with a family unlike Zach had. Which I really wanted to hug him when it's revealed about what happened to him as kid.
We get the now events with an OP that doesn't go as planned from the start. Kai and Zach clearly have feelings for each other that they slowly Skelton through out the book. In the Then section its rough and emotional but in the Now section after some words on how the mission changed because of something they hadn't planned things change and then when the mission goes wrong and Kai is hurt and Zach finds him after not knowing if he was alive they finally say what they feel.
I loved them both so much and Kai's hot head loose cannon at times works get with Zach who can keep him in check at times and always has his back especially after their second mission together that things went bad and Kai had thought he would be sunk but Zach had hid back refused to let him run.
I was happy we got to see Jax, Arlo, and Charlie as well in this plus Jax mom was so wonderful what she told Zach and Kai. Josh also helped with them staying partners because Zach couldn't see it any other way they're good together.
This trilogy has been great but this was my favorite of the three so glad read and RJ did another excellent job. Yuri was brilliant too.
Zack was in Navy Seals but after losing a team member and one retiring he didn't want another team so he left and was recruited by Sanctuary for Shadow Team. He was the second recruit after Kai who he saved while back after his trio was taken hostage. Kai was let go because as Zach calls him he's a loose cannon at times which goes back to how he was raised which was brutal for sure.
I really loved how we got to see how they became a team together with Shadow Team. The book broken into then which part of is mentioning them joining plus former military units. It also has Zach and Kai side of what happened in the Single Dads series book seven Miracle about Jax who is Zach twin who he gives his son Charlie to in order for Charlie to be safe which was not an easy decision for him but he knew Charlie will be loved and safe with a family unlike Zach had. Which I really wanted to hug him when it's revealed about what happened to him as kid.
We get the now events with an OP that doesn't go as planned from the start. Kai and Zach clearly have feelings for each other that they slowly Skelton through out the book. In the Then section its rough and emotional but in the Now section after some words on how the mission changed because of something they hadn't planned things change and then when the mission goes wrong and Kai is hurt and Zach finds him after not knowing if he was alive they finally say what they feel.
I loved them both so much and Kai's hot head loose cannon at times works get with Zach who can keep him in check at times and always has his back especially after their second mission together that things went bad and Kai had thought he would be sunk but Zach had hid back refused to let him run.
I was happy we got to see Jax, Arlo, and Charlie as well in this plus Jax mom was so wonderful what she told Zach and Kai. Josh also helped with them staying partners because Zach couldn't see it any other way they're good together.
This trilogy has been great but this was my favorite of the three so glad read and RJ did another excellent job. Yuri was brilliant too.
July 15, 2024
Rounded up
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘔𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 is the latest book in Scott’s 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 series. It does tie back heavily to 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦, book 7 from her 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥𝘴 series, but you do not have to have read it to enjoy the story. However, this story was even more satisfying because I had read the previous book.
The story starts out in a flashback, giving the necessary backstory for the premise of the book. It was basically an extended prologue, and I enjoyed the way the history between the two MCs was presented. In this, Zach is with his SEAL team, and Kai is still in the 427 SOAS. The character development in these first few chapters is integral to the second part of the book.
When the main plot takes over, Kai is already the first member of the Shadow Team, and Zach is looking for a new career. After serious conflict negotiations, the Zach-Kai team is formed. The way the book is written allows time to jump forward a bit at a time, but the important moments allow a good storyline to unfold. As personal information is forced into the partnership, boundaries are blurred, and tensions rise, but denial is a very real thing between these two.
I really did enjoy this story, although for some reason it didn’t flow easily when I was reading it. I felt kind of jumpy, I guess, when I was reading it; I’m not even sure that’s a good description. Maybe it was just me, because it’s unusual for a Scott book. The plot itself was decent, but not as strong as some because it jumped from one case to another. And I’m not quite sure how to rate the sexy times. They were there, but again, they felt awkward in my head.
All in all, I’m glad I read the book, especially since it tied up some loose ends from Jax, Charlie, and Arlo’s story for me. But again, you absolutely do not have to have read 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 to enjoy this story. I don’t feel this was the strongest installment of the series, but it wasn’t a bad book. For whatever reason, I just had difficulties with the flow.
Happy reading!
~𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.~
𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘔𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 is the latest book in Scott’s 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 series. It does tie back heavily to 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦, book 7 from her 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘥𝘴 series, but you do not have to have read it to enjoy the story. However, this story was even more satisfying because I had read the previous book.
The story starts out in a flashback, giving the necessary backstory for the premise of the book. It was basically an extended prologue, and I enjoyed the way the history between the two MCs was presented. In this, Zach is with his SEAL team, and Kai is still in the 427 SOAS. The character development in these first few chapters is integral to the second part of the book.
When the main plot takes over, Kai is already the first member of the Shadow Team, and Zach is looking for a new career. After serious conflict negotiations, the Zach-Kai team is formed. The way the book is written allows time to jump forward a bit at a time, but the important moments allow a good storyline to unfold. As personal information is forced into the partnership, boundaries are blurred, and tensions rise, but denial is a very real thing between these two.
I really did enjoy this story, although for some reason it didn’t flow easily when I was reading it. I felt kind of jumpy, I guess, when I was reading it; I’m not even sure that’s a good description. Maybe it was just me, because it’s unusual for a Scott book. The plot itself was decent, but not as strong as some because it jumped from one case to another. And I’m not quite sure how to rate the sexy times. They were there, but again, they felt awkward in my head.
All in all, I’m glad I read the book, especially since it tied up some loose ends from Jax, Charlie, and Arlo’s story for me. But again, you absolutely do not have to have read 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘭𝘦 to enjoy this story. I don’t feel this was the strongest installment of the series, but it wasn’t a bad book. For whatever reason, I just had difficulties with the flow.
Happy reading!
~𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.~
February 22, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the third volume in the Shadow Team series, which can also be read as a standalone novel.
I loved this story, just as I loved the second volume in the series. The deeply developed protagonists have a dark past, and the story offers plenty of action, suspense, and stirring emotions, so I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. The audiobook is very captivating and has a good pace.
The story is set in the present and there are emotional and stirring flashbacks to the past.
Zach has found a family in his SEAL brothers that he can rely on, unlike his family of origin. The part about Zach's son is heartbreaking, but Zach's decision is completely understandable to me.
Kai is new to the team. He is strong and fearless, but he didn't always work well in a team. In the Shadow Team, the two become partners and you can feel the electrifying attraction between them. But can Zach trust Kai?
First, they have to survive a undercover operation that is closely linked to Kai's past. Danger lurks everywhere, and I was really on the edge of my seat, hoping that the two of them would survive the mission unscathed. Their relationship develops slowly, is spicy, and despite the many dangers, there is a happy ending. Yeah!
Sean Crisden narrates the audiobook with his pleasant voice at a suitable pace and knows how to convey the emotions of the protagonists very well.
This was another one of those stories that had me hooked from beginning to end. I was thoroughly entertained with suspense, action, romance, and lots of emotions! Highly recommended!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the third volume in the Shadow Team series, which can also be read as a standalone novel.
I loved this story, just as I loved the second volume in the series. The deeply developed protagonists have a dark past, and the story offers plenty of action, suspense, and stirring emotions, so I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. The audiobook is very captivating and has a good pace.
The story is set in the present and there are emotional and stirring flashbacks to the past.
Zach has found a family in his SEAL brothers that he can rely on, unlike his family of origin. The part about Zach's son is heartbreaking, but Zach's decision is completely understandable to me.
Kai is new to the team. He is strong and fearless, but he didn't always work well in a team. In the Shadow Team, the two become partners and you can feel the electrifying attraction between them. But can Zach trust Kai?
First, they have to survive a undercover operation that is closely linked to Kai's past. Danger lurks everywhere, and I was really on the edge of my seat, hoping that the two of them would survive the mission unscathed. Their relationship develops slowly, is spicy, and despite the many dangers, there is a happy ending. Yeah!
Sean Crisden narrates the audiobook with his pleasant voice at a suitable pace and knows how to convey the emotions of the protagonists very well.
This was another one of those stories that had me hooked from beginning to end. I was thoroughly entertained with suspense, action, romance, and lots of emotions! Highly recommended!
July 18, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order to get the full goodness of the stories -and some early insight into these two characters.
Zach and Kai are an unlikely pairing. Clearly fated to be thrown together and find the trust they desperately need to believe can be real, as well as to learn about love. For Zach, discovering he is a father, and trusting the twin he was separated from as a tiny boy to care for him starts the journey to having feelings. For Kai, it is much more the feelings he has for Zach which are far more than attraction.
As they work together in desperately dangerous missions, that trust of a comrade develops into something distracting and urgent ... so the tension and the drama ramp up very nicely for the reader - and the outcome can only be spectacular and life affirming!
Another good read in this drama intense series.
This is the third book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order to get the full goodness of the stories -and some early insight into these two characters.
Zach and Kai are an unlikely pairing. Clearly fated to be thrown together and find the trust they desperately need to believe can be real, as well as to learn about love. For Zach, discovering he is a father, and trusting the twin he was separated from as a tiny boy to care for him starts the journey to having feelings. For Kai, it is much more the feelings he has for Zach which are far more than attraction.
As they work together in desperately dangerous missions, that trust of a comrade develops into something distracting and urgent ... so the tension and the drama ramp up very nicely for the reader - and the outcome can only be spectacular and life affirming!
Another good read in this drama intense series.
July 20, 2024
With How much for the broken heart author set the bar for herself high - it was one of the best books I've read this year - so I was really curious how Zach's and Kai story will turn out. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed.
Quite the opposite.
The pacing of the book, their clashing personalities, the sizzling attraction that's due circumstances put on a back burner, perfect mix of action, angst and banter - everything was done just right. I couldn't put it down.
Both are stubborn men with troubled pasts that they need to work through, before they can move on. The problem is - do they want to?
Are they ready to take the leap of fate?
They trust each other with their lives on daily basis, but trusting someone with their heart is unfamiliar and scary option for both of them.
They need incentive which comes in some unexpected forms. Without even noticing their forced work partnership slowly grows into something much more. But will this two loners be willing to admit that they need each other - and not only as work partners.
I truly hope that there will be more books in this series, because there are some characters that deserve a story of their own.
Quite the opposite.
The pacing of the book, their clashing personalities, the sizzling attraction that's due circumstances put on a back burner, perfect mix of action, angst and banter - everything was done just right. I couldn't put it down.
Both are stubborn men with troubled pasts that they need to work through, before they can move on. The problem is - do they want to?
Are they ready to take the leap of fate?
They trust each other with their lives on daily basis, but trusting someone with their heart is unfamiliar and scary option for both of them.
They need incentive which comes in some unexpected forms. Without even noticing their forced work partnership slowly grows into something much more. But will this two loners be willing to admit that they need each other - and not only as work partners.
I truly hope that there will be more books in this series, because there are some characters that deserve a story of their own.
July 19, 2024
HOW MUCH FOR A LIFE OF LIES is the third installment in the Shadow Team series. It can be read as a standalone but I don't recommend it. It reads much better reading in the order the author intended.
This book starts with Then where you get to see when Zach and Kai meet for the first time. The attraction between them and how they go their separate ways. And then how they both came to work together for the Sanctuary off-shoot Shadow Team. Zach and Kai are the most unlikely as partners. Zach is serious and dedicated as a SEAL, Kai does what needs to be done to get the results he wants. They each have tons of their own baggage but when it comes down to it they rely on each other in the most dangerous of situations.
I was dying to find out why Zach would leave his son with his twin brother that he's never met and it completely lived up to all of my expectations! I loved everything about it. Zach and Kai were perfect for each other and realized it before it was too late. I hope there is more for this series!
I was given a free copy of this book
This book starts with Then where you get to see when Zach and Kai meet for the first time. The attraction between them and how they go their separate ways. And then how they both came to work together for the Sanctuary off-shoot Shadow Team. Zach and Kai are the most unlikely as partners. Zach is serious and dedicated as a SEAL, Kai does what needs to be done to get the results he wants. They each have tons of their own baggage but when it comes down to it they rely on each other in the most dangerous of situations.
I was dying to find out why Zach would leave his son with his twin brother that he's never met and it completely lived up to all of my expectations! I loved everything about it. Zach and Kai were perfect for each other and realized it before it was too late. I hope there is more for this series!
I was given a free copy of this book
July 24, 2024
I think this was the best yet of the Shadow Team series. Kai had a terrible and abusive childhood with survivalists parents and Zach was taken from his twin Jax and sold and never had a good home so both are damaged. They drive each other crazy and Kai reminded me a bit of Riggs from Lethal Weapon. Zach fathered a child with a woman who had been a mark but she was killed in a shoot-out (Zach was never sure that he had not been the one to shoot her)and he took the baby, Charlie, to his twin brother Jax and Jax's partner Arlo. The mission where Kai was undercover was very dangerous and I was with Zach for being fearful for his life. The helo that Kai was forced to crash(with unexpected help from Yuri who was a not so bad guy and nephew of the very bad Kozlov)was a very tense scene and I didn't relax until Zach found him. I loved how Kai and Zach were accepted and welcomed into the family that included Jax's adoptive parents and how Charlie was growing knowing who his father was. I hope there are more books coming.
July 19, 2024
**4.5**
Kai and Zach's story is one of, at best, frenemies to lovers. Zach not being a fan of Kai's tendancy to go off piste when it comes to plans and doing what he thinks is best, though he's not necessarily wrong.
It's a fun back and forth between them from the start, not including the hostage situation. Even in the intense moments when they are arguing, you can tell how much they mean to each other. There's a great chemistry between them, both with work and personally, no matter how much either of them tries to deny it. They've both been through a lot, which only continues as we go through the story, and they always have each other's back, regardless of the circumstances.
The plot throughout is equally gripping and entertaining, RJ isn't shy about having to put the MC's through their paces to get their HEA. A thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, and a great addition to a brilliant series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Kai and Zach's story is one of, at best, frenemies to lovers. Zach not being a fan of Kai's tendancy to go off piste when it comes to plans and doing what he thinks is best, though he's not necessarily wrong.
It's a fun back and forth between them from the start, not including the hostage situation. Even in the intense moments when they are arguing, you can tell how much they mean to each other. There's a great chemistry between them, both with work and personally, no matter how much either of them tries to deny it. They've both been through a lot, which only continues as we go through the story, and they always have each other's back, regardless of the circumstances.
The plot throughout is equally gripping and entertaining, RJ isn't shy about having to put the MC's through their paces to get their HEA. A thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish, and a great addition to a brilliant series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 21, 2024
4.5 Stars
Okay, so Kai and Zach had a lot to go through. Both had difficult childhoods and while Zach had found a family with his SEAL brothers, Kai found it difficult to trust others. Being thrown in as partners when Zach joined the Shadow Team made them learn to lean on one another, add that to the explosive chemistry they had, it wasn't all that surprising that their partnership evolved into more eventually.
The whole Charlie plotline—Zach's son who he left with his twin brother—was heartbreaking, but understandable seeing as Zach wasn't close to resigning from the Shadow Team. I loved that he got to share some moments with Jax, his brother, especially since they didn't grow up together, and that Jax had Zach's back when he needed it.
This was an emotionally charged story, angsty, spicy, and action-packed, which kept my interest from start to finish. Highly recommendable!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
Okay, so Kai and Zach had a lot to go through. Both had difficult childhoods and while Zach had found a family with his SEAL brothers, Kai found it difficult to trust others. Being thrown in as partners when Zach joined the Shadow Team made them learn to lean on one another, add that to the explosive chemistry they had, it wasn't all that surprising that their partnership evolved into more eventually.
The whole Charlie plotline—Zach's son who he left with his twin brother—was heartbreaking, but understandable seeing as Zach wasn't close to resigning from the Shadow Team. I loved that he got to share some moments with Jax, his brother, especially since they didn't grow up together, and that Jax had Zach's back when he needed it.
This was an emotionally charged story, angsty, spicy, and action-packed, which kept my interest from start to finish. Highly recommendable!
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
July 21, 2024
Zach and Kai first meet under fire, quite literally.
Despite the initial animosity between them, there's also an electric current of attraction that ends in an explosive encounter.
A year later and Zach is recruited to an elite team that Kai just happens to be a part of.
To make matters worse they're tapped to be partners and Zach still senses a hard edge to Kai, a darkness he's not sure can trust.
That unease is justified when they become embroiled in a case that holds close ties to Kai's past and things go completely FUBAR.
Finally a reckoning between them brings the truth to light.
They move on but the hits keep coming.
Now Zach's past comes knocking and it's a doozy.
In between the bouts of fast paced action and danger these two men grapple with their horrific pasts and the fact that they're both terrified of being vulnerable.
Despite the initial animosity between them, there's also an electric current of attraction that ends in an explosive encounter.
A year later and Zach is recruited to an elite team that Kai just happens to be a part of.
To make matters worse they're tapped to be partners and Zach still senses a hard edge to Kai, a darkness he's not sure can trust.
That unease is justified when they become embroiled in a case that holds close ties to Kai's past and things go completely FUBAR.
Finally a reckoning between them brings the truth to light.
They move on but the hits keep coming.
Now Zach's past comes knocking and it's a doozy.
In between the bouts of fast paced action and danger these two men grapple with their horrific pasts and the fact that they're both terrified of being vulnerable.
August 5, 2024
This was another intriguing book from the Sanctuary world and the Shadow Team series. It has plenty of action, authentic details, difficult emotions, and an inevitable love. Zach and Kai are two ex-military agents working as a Shadow team. Their covert operations take them all over the world into dangerous, undercover situations that always risk their lives.
When Zach finds out that he is the father of a newborn whose mother is deceased, he knows he's in no situation to raise the baby. He decides to give the baby over to the care of his twin, who he was separated from as a young child.
In the meantime, both men are involved in a mission to infiltrate an organization, run by a Russian billionaire, that moves large quantities of drugs, as well as engages in other illegal activities. Their relationship starts a slow-burn that blooms into a great HEA. A very enjoyable read!
When Zach finds out that he is the father of a newborn whose mother is deceased, he knows he's in no situation to raise the baby. He decides to give the baby over to the care of his twin, who he was separated from as a young child.
In the meantime, both men are involved in a mission to infiltrate an organization, run by a Russian billionaire, that moves large quantities of drugs, as well as engages in other illegal activities. Their relationship starts a slow-burn that blooms into a great HEA. A very enjoyable read!
July 6, 2024
Under fire and with lives hanging in the balance Zach and Kai found themselves as strangers working together. Fast forward the two become unlikely teammates forced undercover and surrounded by danger. But with one spark the two lives intersect making them lovers as well as teammates. But can you work and keep safe the one who holds your heart? Or will something neither one of them saw coming but a wrench in their HEA? With a storyline that wil keep you on the edge of your seat and every chapter filled with emotion and mayhem, this was a fantastic story. Nothing better than finding love under the gun.
August 25, 2025
Shadow Team Series-a gift that keeps on giving!
RJ Scott does it again with this third installment of the Shadow Team Series. Kai and Zack, an assassin and a Seal, rejected by their societies, can they work out their similarities enough to realize that they are more than just partners… Their HEA hangs in the balance if they can just survive one more time! Best read in order, this series is a great addition to the “Sanctuary World”! I’m hoping there is more up RJ’s sleeve, in this realm! Well rounded character design and development of this organization and those working together for a better world for us all!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
RJ Scott does it again with this third installment of the Shadow Team Series. Kai and Zack, an assassin and a Seal, rejected by their societies, can they work out their similarities enough to realize that they are more than just partners… Their HEA hangs in the balance if they can just survive one more time! Best read in order, this series is a great addition to the “Sanctuary World”! I’m hoping there is more up RJ’s sleeve, in this realm! Well rounded character design and development of this organization and those working together for a better world for us all!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
July 20, 2024
I didn’t think another story could top the first book in this series, but Zach and Kai’s story has done just that and this is my new favourite. Since we briefly met them in Miracle, I’ve been waiting for these two men to have their own book, and it was terrific from the first page to the last. Their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story was full of great characters, snarky banter, intrigue, suspense, some angst and a great ending. I loved Zach and Kai’s story and highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 20, 2024
I love this series and hoping for more books. It was a great read with suspense, heartbreak, hidden secrets and learning to love and accept a family. Gah… I teared up some reading this but thank goodness for happy endings. I didn’t like Kai first, he was a cocky bugger, lol, but it wasn’t long before I loved him. I love Zachary right away and my heart went out to him and I wanted to hug him a lot. I wanted to hug Kai to after finding out how he was raised, so very sad. So all the feels right there.
January 18, 2026
Another great entry in the Shadow Team trilogy. I have really enjoyed these stories because of the whole arc going right back the original Sanctuary novels. I love the world building around the work of Sanctuary. This one was also interesting because it filled in a whole lot of history about Shadow Team because it tracked Kai and Zach from their early adventures up into the present day. These characters were great together. Both deeply flawed, but sharing mutual experiences and being able to seek solace in each other. Another great read from R.J.
July 14, 2024
Kai and Zach both had traumatic childhoods that have shaped their adult relationships. The book explores their relationship from the first meeting at a mission gone wrong, partnering years later and their brilliant ending. Fast paced and action packed, a beautiful story of two deeply flawed men finding love while still putting others first and serving their country. Also loved the side characters from the equally brilliant book Miracle.
July 19, 2024
Rating 4.5
This is the third book in the Shadow Team Series. This was an incredible addition to the Shadow Team series. I loved that I finally got the full story behind Charlie being left with Jax, from The Single Dads series. I love when authors intermingle their series. The characters were spot on and the pace made it hard to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
This is the third book in the Shadow Team Series. This was an incredible addition to the Shadow Team series. I loved that I finally got the full story behind Charlie being left with Jax, from The Single Dads series. I love when authors intermingle their series. The characters were spot on and the pace made it hard to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series.
July 20, 2024
This is definitely the story that I needed to round out Jax and Arlo's story in Miracles from the Single Dads Series. Zach is Jax's brother and the father of Charlie. I do not want to give a whole lot away here. I appreciated that Zach and Kai's story started with the "Then". We get to know them and feel what they go through. We experience it all with them. There is nothing hotter chemistry wise then two stubborn strong men bickering to avoid giving away their sensitive feelings for each other!
July 20, 2024
How Much for a Life of Lies is the third book in the Shadow Team series by R.J. Scott.
What a great addition it is!
Right from the start you can see and feel the connection and chemistry between Kai and Zach .
From the fast paced action to the sweet and tender moments I was hooked.
I loved the crossover from the Single Dad series when we get to see Zach’s twin Jax and his partner Arlo.
Kai and Zach so deserve the HEA they get and it was wonderful to go along on their journey!
What a great addition it is!
Right from the start you can see and feel the connection and chemistry between Kai and Zach .
From the fast paced action to the sweet and tender moments I was hooked.
I loved the crossover from the Single Dad series when we get to see Zach’s twin Jax and his partner Arlo.
Kai and Zach so deserve the HEA they get and it was wonderful to go along on their journey!
September 29, 2024
Zach & Kai
Love hate relationship built by distrust, tragic backstories, alpha tendencies and stubbornness. Partners at work has them bickering constantly but also had them growing closer. Some it was a little choppy but their story and the action was interesting enough to forgive it. I admired Zach’s decision about Charlie but it wasn’t until his heartfelt talk with his brother Jax at the end that I really got and understood the decision was best.
Love hate relationship built by distrust, tragic backstories, alpha tendencies and stubbornness. Partners at work has them bickering constantly but also had them growing closer. Some it was a little choppy but their story and the action was interesting enough to forgive it. I admired Zach’s decision about Charlie but it wasn’t until his heartfelt talk with his brother Jax at the end that I really got and understood the decision was best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews