River: Protector Romance

The Golden Team #1

by Susie McIver

The Warrior
River Channing is every inch the hero—an ex-Special Forces operative with a body honed for danger and eyes that burn through Kat's every defense. His presence is intoxicating, a heady mix of confidence and raw magnetism that makes her pulse race and her thoughts spiral. But River is more than just a warrior; he’s a man with his own demons that haunt him.
The Enigma
Kat McDonald, the Golden Team’s enigmatic assistant, is a woman River can’t seem to resist, no matter how many rules he’s made to prevent this exact situation. She’s a tantalizing mystery, her every look, every whispered word pulling him in deeper. She’s off-limits, married…or so he thinks. She’s a woman with secrets, haunted by a past that she can’t shake.
The Challenge
Now, the lines between duty and desire are blurring, and as dangers close in, River’s prepared to risk everything to keep her safe. This isn’t just attraction…it’s survival. And for Kat, he’ll break any rule.

Genres: Military Fiction

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

Susie McIver is a native Californian and lifelong lover of great books. Born into a family of ten children, there were plenty of stories to tell and share. It’s only fitting she now writes books of her own.
When she’s not writing or plotting her next book, she enjoys walking in nature, fishing in a lake near her home, reading, and spending as much time as she can with her three amazing children, five beautiful grandchildren, and her husband, whom she proudly says is her best friend in the world.
For more information about Susie and her books, visit her website here: https://www.susiemciver.com

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

River is the first compelling book in The Golden Team series. Where there is plenty of action, danger, comradery, and love, along with a few laughs every now and then.

The characters are alpha males with a heart of gold who risk their lives rescuing others and hunting down the bad guys. Men who fall in love quickly and will do anything to protect what is theirs and their brothers in arms. They are family.

Make sure you read them all in order or you will miss out on all this goodness.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Channing and his friends, all former Special Forces operatives, have formed the Golden Team Army Special Forces. They accept assignments that can’t always be handled by the current military or law enforcement, often taking them to hostile countries overseas. The team’s new assistant is Kat McDonald, a former Marine Lieutenant who was wounded prior to her leaving the Marines. River is attracted to her, but keeps his distance as she is an excellent assistant and he believes that she is married. When he learns that she is now single, and the circumstances surrounding past events, the simmer between them slowly grows stronger. They are aware that the missions he accepts can be dangerous and possibly deadly, but then River and his men’s return is unexpectedly delayed. Fearing for their safety, Kat joins the group to assist in their return. The team often finds themselves dealing with individuals who have no scruples in their use and abuse of others to increase their wealth and power. When a former case of River’s puts Kat in danger, he and his friends will use all resources available to find her. What a rush! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Kat are the quintessential couple. Smart, active and attractive.

Kat is involved with the Gold team and River can't seem to leave his attraction behind.

Fast paced and action packed. River is all alpha, super smart and knows what he wants even when he should leave it alone but Kat also finds the attraction hard to leave as well.

This was a brilliant book. I loved these characters and the way they were with each other. The relatively slow build of the relationship was the best.

Can't wait for more and this one was one not to be missed!

[Karen J Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

River

Susie McIver's latest book is definitely a great start to her new series. Golden Team has some great characters that lead with River and Kat, their assistant. She has some secrets that slowly are revealed to River and the rest of the team. Some involve tragedy from her past, while others are concerning her unknown skills. Action, danger, suspense, heartbreak, steamy chemistry, and puppies will keep hooked from beginning to the end.

[WILMA from the Netherlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a great new series. In between you also meet characters from the other series she has written. River and Kat gave us a great reading adventure. He discovered a lot about her that he did not know yet, both past and present, but his love did not diminish. Action, danger, tension, heartbreak, steamy chemistry and puppies keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Can hardly wait for Gideon's story.

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of action and love

This book had some really good characters who doesn't like a protective man who go to all lengths all over the world to save people? Take a girl Who fights for the rights Of others and helps out whenever needed And have her work for a guy who's an alpha protector and you've got a story worth reading. I liked each character And I found I couldn't put this book down till I completely finished ITIT was that good.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many things I love about this book. I love the characters with their strength, loyalty, and smarts. The story is full of suspense with lots of action along with a romance and some fun. I like the length of the book as it is easy to finish in a day. I really look forward to the rest in this series!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of a great new series. There are characters from other books she has written. River and Kat work at the same business. He found out a lot about her he didn't know, but he didn't love her any less. There's a lot of danger, suspense and miracles. HEA.

[Angie Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a new series . Slow introduction to other members of the team . Lots going on but god read. Looking forward to the next one.
Relationship was quickly established but gave then issues to deal with . Not sure the injuries were believable as seem to recover very quickly

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Golden Team Army Special Forces series. This is a good beginning to a new series. The action, danger and suspense will keep you turning the pages! I enjoyed River and Kat’s story. It’s well written and the characters are likable. I’m looking forward to more!

[Kristen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

River and Kat gave us a wonderful read. There was action, adventure, romance and much more. The Golden Team is full of interesting, well-rounded characters. I can't wait for book 2 in this new series.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

River and Kat

I enjoyed reading the first book in The Golden Team series.

I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
It has drama, suspense, sex, love and so much more.

Read it

[Susie McIver]

She's off on another great series. River and Kat were the perfect match i loved this book!

[Gail Chandler · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - I couldn’t read this. The structure was odd, repetitive, with a barrage of changing thoughts without development or explanation.

[Jayne Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

River and Kat have been attracted to each other for two years and after learning more about each other act on it. The story has a bit of fantasy towards the end.