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Downrange #2

Fallen Hero

Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26
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Former Navy SEAL Mason Hughes locked his heart away years ago after devastating betrayal. Now his iron control serves him well on dangerous missions…until a high-stakes operation in Dubai brings him face-to-face with the enigmatic Calista Ventura.

Calista is on a mission for vengeance, and the last thing she needs is the tempting distraction of the infuriating yet irresistible Mason. But when their missions become dangerously entangled, she finds herself relying on his lethal skills to stay alive.

As they work to expose an international trafficking ring, the heat between them becomes impossible to deny. Mason’s protective instincts war with Calista’s need to handle things alone. But in a world of deadly secrets and powerful enemies, trusting the wrong person could be fatal.

When Calista’s past catches up with them both, they’ll have to decide if the chance at love is worth risking everything they’ve fought to protect.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

4 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Riley Edwards

109 books2,694 followers

Riley Edwards is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.

Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley's favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.

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www.rileyedwardsromance.com

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5 stars
23 (42%)
4 stars
22 (40%)
3 stars
7 (12%)
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2 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,010 reviews798 followers
December 7, 2025
I’m totally down with this new series. I love how each guy is getting paired up with women who are just as kick ass as they are.

Mason and Calista, both, have trouble with trust but their attraction was instant and you could see how despite their pasts, they wanted to trust each other. I love how protective Mason is even when Calista can take care of herself.

The whole gang is fun and I can’t wait to get the rest of the guys books.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,954 reviews63 followers
November 22, 2025
Fallen Hero❤️‍🩹

Fallen Hero is the next book in the Downrange series and gives us Mason and Calista’s story🙌 This story deals with heartbreaking realities but also how these realities shaped both Mason and Calista’s lives…to the point they both cut themselves off from others to ensure they don’t experience the pain of losing loved ones💔

Such a great storyline and getting to know both characters better…loved Calista’s sassy snark and the back and forth between her and Mason initially…felt like foreplay🤪 Can’t wait for the next book and getting to know the other guys on the team better❣️ I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and thank the publisher and author for a chance to read. I leave my review voluntarily😍
116 reviews7 followers
November 14, 2025
This book was very frustrating. It starts in the middle of something which I guess I would have needed to read book one to know what was going on. It's told in alternating first person chapters telling Calista's viewpoint and Mason's as well, except for the last chapter which was clearly the first person viewpoint of someone else (I'm guessing Pete? And possibly this is the jump off for a book 3 but still very jarring and annoying).

Calista is a paid assassin, I guess? She is heading to Dubai on an assignment that will serve as a cover for finally getting revenge on the man who groomed her sister into being trafficked and eventually murdered? An assistant of sorts calls in Mason and his "team" to provide back up to Calista without Calista's knowledge. Of course, they hate each other on site and will naturally end up in bed before the book is over.

I hated Mason too because it found it so cringe and gross that he kept calling her Sweetness before they were even a thing yet. And I hate that excuse that, oh it's just the Southern way - slavery was the Southern way too - just because it's a "Southern" thing doesn't make it ok. She's a grown woman, and a frigging assassin, give her the respect she deserves and at least use her name.

The author doesn't get a pass on Calista either. I get that it's tricky now that book tok and the internet is a thing, that books are boiled down to tropes and triggers, and so you have to come up with even more interesting reasons to keep your main characters apart. In this case, why don't hot, lethal Mase and Cali immediately fall into bed and burn off all that tension? Because Calista is a 40 yr old virgin. Ugh...

They try to give us a plausible reason, that seeing her older sister be used by her boyfriend in such a heinous way, Calista has a terrible view of men, and the fact that all men can suddenly assault even women they claim to love, so why bother. But then if that is the case, why are we supposed to believe that two days of late-night chit chat with Mason is all she needs to invite him into her bed? And if she really felt that men were too dangerous for 40yrs, why is she prancing around in a silk shortie robe with nothing underneath?

I hated Calista keeping track of every time Mason carried her like a baby. I hated that he kept doing it. I hated that he dismissed her wishes and looked into Jason after the dinner where he posed as her bodyguard, thus undermining her work and her safety all because 'Me know Best, Me Man, Me save woman".

Again, I get that this a romance and you have to get them together somehow and the 'hero' has to 'save' the 'girl', but can't it be done without infantilizing the woman in question? It is 2025, she's a badass killer, can't you woo her without babying her? Then there's Calista's cluelessness, ooh I'm not pretty, and he couldn't possibly want to have sex with a virginal virgin like me? Men never like it when you waltz around in a little robe that hangs open exposing your breasts. So much cringe.
Profile Image for Mala.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 2, 2026
If you’re into romantic suspense with a strong military flavor and sizzling chemistry, Fallen Hero is the kind of book that tries to sneak up on you and steal a few hours of your sleep. Set in a world where danger lurks behind every mission and emotions are as sharp as bullets, this second book in the Downrange series delivers exactly what many fans of the genre crave: an alpha hero with a wounded heart and a heroine you root for like crazy.

The story follows Mason Hughes, a former Navy SEAL who buried his heart deep after a betrayal that still echoes in his thoughts. He’s disciplined, lethal, and used to controlling every situation—except the way Calista Ventura makes him feel. Calista, on the other hand, walks into his life with fire in her eyes and a very personal mission for justice, and the last thing she wants is distraction…

What makes this book addictive isn’t just the pile-on tension of international intrigue, high-stakes missions, and close calls in exotic locales (though the setup does keep you turning pages). It’s also how Mason and Calista’s dynamic evolves as they’re forced to trust each other—not just for survival, but for something deeper and far riskier: their hearts.

💥 What stands out most:
✨ The blend of action and romance that keeps the plot moving fast without losing emotional depth.

✨ Mason’s internal struggle between control and vulnerability, he’s macho in all the right ways, but also deeply human.

✨ Calista’s fierce independence mixed with quiet courage makes her more than just a love interest, she’s a partner in every sense.

Now, full transparency: because the book is a romantic suspense, expectations vary among readers, some love the tension and pacing, others wish there were even more steamy moments or deeper backstories intertwined more quickly. But if you enjoy heroes with trauma, heroines with grit, and stakes that feel real, this book hits the sweet spot.

💗 Final impression: Fallen Hero feels like that late-night read you pick up planning “just one chapter” and then suddenly it’s 2 AM. It delivers heat, heart, and plenty of pace, wrapped up in a story about learning to trust, not just others, but yourself. If you love romance that pulsa de adrenalina y emoción, this one’s definitely worth the adventure.
Profile Image for Jnj_turning_pages.
5 reviews
November 30, 2025
ARC review. Calista is a 40 yr old assassin on a mission to avenge her sister after she was kidnapped and trafficked. After years of hard work, Callie is so close to ending her sister's killer and finding peace, but this last mission is not something she can complete on her own, despite her attempts. Enter Mason, ex-seal and hired merc. Despite their rocky start, Callie and Mason join up to bring down an auction and end a trafficking ring.

Things I liked: the pacing was great. I finished this book in less than 2 days. It kept my attention with just the right amount of tension and suspension. I love the work that they do, as it takes special people to go in and save women, children, and men from trafficking. The side characters were so developed and nice comic relief. Loved the small moments between Callie and Mase on the balcony. Also, Mason is amazing and may be my new favorite man. Is he a bit caveman-ish? Yes. Do I like that in a man? Oh yes.

Things I didn't like: the book begins in the middle of action. I didn't read the first book of this series, so I would probably understand a bit more if I had read it first. However, enough background information is given throughout the story to not technically need to read the first book. I did feel that Callie was a bit one dimensional, but slowly developed through the story. Her growth was very slow though and seemed to hit all at once at the very end of the book.

TW are a must before you read this book. Some of the material is sensitive and hard to read about. While it doesn't go into great detail, it can be triggering for some. It was very respectful of the subject and those who have been in those situations. I greatly appreciate how she approached it.

3.5⭐
Profile Image for Kate Laycoax .
1,456 reviews14 followers
October 28, 2025
I love a good military romance, and Fallen Hero was exactly the kind of story that reminds me why I keep coming back to this genre. I had SO much fun with this one! I read Fixed Asset first (which I definitely recommend doing), and I really appreciated how Mason and Calista’s history from book one carried over because it gave their story this slow burn tension that felt earned.

Mason is intense, closed off, and doesn’t trust easily, so the tug of war between him and Calista early on made their eventual connection even better. Calista’s mission for vengeance and Mason’s protective instincts clashed in the best way, creating that perfect mix of push and pull I love in a romance. The chemistry between them was strong, but I also liked how their trust grew slowly because it felt genuine given their pasts.

The suspense and mystery plot lines were another highlight. I really enjoyed the action elements and learning more about the Downrange guys and all that they do. The missions, the danger, and the loyalty between the team all added depth and gave the romance a strong backdrop. I also appreciated how the author touched on heavy themes like trafficking and betrayal without letting them overshadow the heart of the story.

This book checked so many of my favorite boxes with older characters, emotional baggage, strong chemistry, danger, and a team dynamic that kept me hooked. Mason and Calista’s story had action, heart, and just the right amount of spice. A great addition to the series and another reason why Riley Edwards remains one of my go to authors for military romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Riley Edwards, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
148 reviews
November 13, 2025
Rating: 3/5
Spice: 1.5/5

My thoughts:
The premise of this book hooked me immediately, but by the middle it slowed down and then the ending felt like running into a brick wall, abrupt.
Don't get me wrong I still really liked the story, but as the pace rollercoastered, so did my thoughts.
The writing was easy enough to get through and I appreciate when an author writes clearly. However, some chapters and conversations felt repetitive, which brought about this snowball effect of pacing issues.
I liked the plot though. It was strong enough to keep me invested in how the ending was going to play out, even when the characters felt like charicatures. While I do agree that people should be loyal and should not lie, I get that at times there are grey areas. These characters were very black and white and struggled to accept grey - weird, considering their work...
But enough of me yammering. At the end of the day, I liked the book. It wasn't a new favourite but it kept me entertained, and that was really all I wanted it to do.
I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy characters who contradict themselves, but who fight for the greater good.

Some content warnings to keep in mind*:

*Not all of these content warnings are discussed in-depth in the book, but readers who may be sensitive to these topics should take note. Please prioritise your mental health.

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the e-ARC of this book.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,151 reviews59 followers
October 23, 2025
3.5


Calista Ventura ha pasado media vida viviendo con una sola misión: vengar la muerte de su hermana, víctima de una red de tráfico humano dirigida por el hombre que alguna vez dijo amarla. Fría, metódica y con una habilidad letal para infiltrarse en los lugares más peligrosos, Calista ha aprendido a sobrevivir sin permitir que nadie cruce sus muros. Pero su plan de venganza se complica cuando vuelve a cruzarse con Mason Hughes, un exmilitar convertido en agente encubierto que no está dispuesto a dejarla luchar sola.

Mientras una operación internacional amenaza con salir mal y viejos enemigos resurgen, la línea entre justicia y obsesión se vuelve cada vez más delgada. Mason ve en Calista mucho más que una aliada: ve a la mujer que puede devolverle la paz a un corazón endurecido por la guerra. Ella, en cambio, deberá decidir si dejará que el amor la salve o si su sed de venganza la consumirá por completo.

Entre misiones, secretos y heridas que nunca cicatrizaron, Fallen Hero es una historia de redención, pasión y segundas oportunidades, donde el mayor riesgo no está en el campo de batalla, sino en entregar el corazón.


__

Sentí que Cali era demasiado inocente (en algunos aspectos) para su edad, y resultaba un poco raro. No me refiero a su virginidad, porque eso tiene sentido considerando todo lo que vivió.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
751 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 29, 2025
The Downrange series delivers high-octane suspense and emotional depth.

Fallen Hero picks up right where Fixed Asset left off. Calista “Calli” Ventura — journalist, assassin, and seeker of justice — is in Dubai hunting the man who kidnapped and murdered her sister, while also chasing intel on a trafficking auction. In over her head, Calli’s handler calls in the men of Downrange; Mason Hughes shows up — determined to protect her, whether she wants his help or not. And she definitely doesn’t.

Riley Edwards delivers another fast-paced, adrenaline-charged action-romance that hits in all the right places. The action is classic Riley — tense, cinematic, and impossible to step away from. While some of the subject matter is heavy, Edwards approaches it with care, respect, and appropriate trigger warnings. The banter is a standout, especially between Calli and Mason — though honestly, Calli sparks with everyone. She’s sharp, fierce, unapologetically blunt, and driven by anger that feels fully justified. Her pursuit of justice is compelling, and I loved the slow-burn connection between her and Mason. Their pasts shape who they are in the present, and once their histories come to light, their dynamic makes perfect sense.

It’s a quick, engrossing read that pulled me in from the first chapter. And the epilogue left me eager for the next book — even if the new MMC remains a mystery for now.
Profile Image for Molly.
403 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2025
This was a pretty good book. It didn't have as much action as "Fixed Asset," the first book in the series, and focused a bit more on the characters. We met Calista in that book when she was escaping from a cartel intent on selling her. The team that helped rescue her included Mason, a former Navy SEAL. They clashed right away, but there was also attraction between them.

We pick up with Calista on another operation to take down a ring of human traffickers. The subject matter of the book in that regard is a bit heavy, even if we don't see much of it on page. Both Mason and Calista have had difficult pasts and despite that were still able to come together. I loved their time where they weren't on the job and just talked to one another. Their sharing secrets warmed my heart. There is a bit of a fight in the third act, but not really a breakup. I want to thank NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.

No third act breakup

4/5 on the Spicy Scale

M/F

Human trafficking, not on page

Action Romance
1,141 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2025
How can you give 5 stars for such an brutal subject. But to me, Ms. Edwards gave me satisfaction with this novel. Satisfaction that the author has done what she was supposed to do and that was to take me to another world and, loose myself in her words ... to be kept in suspense as to how this was going to end for our main characters ... and what piece of their humanity they had to sacrifice to achieve that ending. There was one part of the story that she talked about the female character being a reporter and I could actually believe that she was talking about herself and how she composes a story. When her characters finally decided to get down to a decent conversation ... without the snark ..., it was fun, flirty and hot ... smoking hot! I flat out laughed out out at some of the bantering going back and forth between the main characters ! Without giving away details, it was pure Riley Edwards' perfect one liners! Well done!

I would like to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel in return for an honest and unbiased review


Profile Image for Kayleigh Blakemore-Wardle.
36 reviews
November 14, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of the book.

I think book one needs to be read before reading this. It probably gave more details into what happened and how Cali and Mase first met, however I don’t think it’s a deal breaker.

I did like the story line of this book, but I feel like it could have had more action/suspense. And I did enjoy Cali and Mase however it felt too insta love for me. (I’m really not a fan of that trope.) however that being said, I like how Cali and Mason opened up to each other. I also loved that Cali spoke her mind and the little bits of banter that were thrown around.

However I didn’t really like how alphaholeish Mason was, and I felt like he babied her a bit even though Cali’s job is a literal assassin. The woman knows what she’s doing stop trying to micro manage her!

I think that this book maybe fully enjoyable to other readers who enjoy these kinds of books. It is definitely far from the worst book I have ever read.

Trigger warnings are grief, sex trafficking and minor violence.
Profile Image for Sophia.
128 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2025
Fallen Hero had a lot of potential, and I liked the premise right away. The setup promised action, romance, and emotional depth, and there were definitely moments where I could see all three coming together. Some of the characters had interesting backstories, and the emotional stakes were there from the start.

But overall, the story felt a bit messy. The pacing jumped around, and the transitions between action, romance, and character development didn’t always flow smoothly. At times it felt like too much was happening at once, which made it hard to stay connected to the main storyline.

Even so, there were flashes of what could have been a great read, and I can see why fans of romantic suspense might still enjoy it. For me, though, it just didn’t come together as cleanly as I hoped.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
141 reviews24 followers
November 7, 2025
He protects her mind, heart, and soul… and I’m obsessed.

Fallen Hero by Riley Edwards
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
📅 Release Date: March 24, 2026

This book was everything! Mason and Calista are both elite guns for hire, and to say they can’t stand each other would be an understatement—or so Calista thought. One night, they decide to leave work stress behind, let’s just say sparks and walls start to crumble fast.

The emotional depth here got me. The way Mason takes care of Calista’s mind, heart, and soul? Total relationship goals.

And can I just say how refreshing it was to see characters in their 40s? Finally, main characters closer to my age—and absolutely thriving.

This one’s an auto-buy for me. My only complaint? Having to wait until 2026 to get my hands on the paperback!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC digital version in exchange for my honest review.

#netgalley #fallenHero #rileyEdwards #readmorebooks #bookmarkBaddies #romance #2025bookchallenge
1,068 reviews
November 16, 2025
This is the MMC I have been waiting so long for and my goodness he does not disappoint

A twisty, emotional story that pulls everything from the reader, I can’t get enough of Calista and Mason.

Calista is coming to the end of her personal mission, one very few people know about, and isn’t thrilled when she is strong armed into being joined by Mason and his team. What follows is a journey of discovery for both her and Mason and Calista discovers the real meaning of family and realises she may not be so resigned to her possible end game as she thought.

I KNEW Mason would be goals from the first time we met him and the author outdid herself with this one.

His darkness and depth were the perfect counterpoint to his newly discovered protective boyfriend side and I loved his internals struggle to Calista putting herself in danger

This book was just everything I’d hoped it would be and more
Profile Image for Beth Von Voigt.
121 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2025
Callie is on a mission to take down a human trafficking organization. Behind her back, her handler calls in the assistance of a team to help her. Mason is one of the team members and also the one man she can’t seem to resist.

Callie and Mason’s story did not disappoint as the second book in this series. I feel that you could easily read each of the stories as a standalone while I enjoyed the appearances of Jack and Cat from book one. This book was packed with excitement and spice! It was interesting to see Callie trying to tie up her past and decide on her future. Mason’s alpha attitude was super hot! The story instantly grabs your attention and holds it throughout the book and makes it easy to read quickly. *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
66 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 30, 2025
Really loved this story. It's of Calista Ventura, and Mason. Calista is abroad on a revenge mission. Mason was sent to help her(unbeknownst to her). It deals with the reality of Human Trafficking which is a real hard topic to touch so fyi. Both of these characters have been through a lot, and because of this they are closed off from others. There is a lot of arguing between Calista, Mason and his team because she does NOT want them to be there. Little does Calista know is she needs protecting because she has a past that seems to be creeping up behind her. She is trying her hardest to find vengence after her sister being taken into human trafficking. Can Mason and his team keep her safe? Will she get the revenge she feel she desperately needs? There's always a HEA thank god! Cannot wait for y'all to read it.
213 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2025
Well readers here we are again hanging with our favorite team based out of the Dirty Plank.
Riley does another fabulous weaving of words to give us another story with just the right amount of heat. Who does not love a kick ass heroine that can save herself but remembers a little help may be the right choice.
Mason i tall dark and has his walls built high. However, so does Calli. When the tables are turned and the danger is life changing will they both remember what is important? Or with the bad guys win? Will revenge be had? Or not matter in the end?
Grab your favorite reading spot and let Riley let you escape for a few hours.
Profile Image for Deborah.
433 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2025
It’s hard to see love and the good when you carry so much fear and distrust from past traumas, which Mason and Calista both have in spades. Calista caught Mason’s eye when she was being rescued from a dangerous Op that had gone sideways, or was that the plan all along? Calista is merely existing, and it’s only to bring down the man that took her sister. However, this well crafted story is a satisfying read offers so much more with drama, intrigue, twists, turns and a hot carnal dance that keeps the reader completely engaged until the end. Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,395 reviews67 followers
November 18, 2025
Fallen Hero by Riley Edwards published by Montlake is the second book in the Downrange Series. The previous book is Fixed Asset and for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Mason is an ex-Navy SEAL, a closed off man. On a mission he meets Calista who has her own reasons to be where she is.
While in Fixed Asset where more action, Fallen Hero concentrates more on the characters and the insight in their moods and drive.
The story starts out fast and complex, in the middle changed pace and has an abrupt end that left me with questions.
All in all a good military romance, 4 stars.
390 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 19, 2025
I’m really enjoying the Downrange series, Fallen Hero, the second book, delivers plenty of action and energy. It does come with a trigger warning, while it doesn’t go into detail, the topic is mentioned throughout. I love the chemistry between all the characters, especially the sparks between Mason and Calista, it’s dynamite. As Fallen Hero is part of a series, I think reading the books in order helps to fully appreciate the characters, friendships, and bonds. I can’t wait to dive into the next one. 4 ½ stars
I would like to thank the author, Montlake and Netgalley for my ARC copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#FallenHero #NetGalley
Profile Image for ACP.
90 reviews
December 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this one! I love Riley Edwards she is my favorite author and being able to get the ARCs of the first two books so far have made me so happy! I love how Mason and Callie are just stubborn about each other, her about her feelings for her and him refusing to let her out of his sight. While this story has the heavy topic of human trafficking you just want them to get all of the bad guys and for Callie to get her revenge. This book is fast paced filled with banter, action and tension building for the slow burn until these two cave to each other. HIGHLY Recommend, as always!
4 reviews
January 5, 2026
Fallen Hero is a fantastic read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story was so good that I found myself staying up way too late just to read one more chapter.

The heart of the story for me was the dynamic between Calista and Mason, especially when they had Calli and Mase time. Their journey from constant arguing and building tension to being perfect together was so much fun to read. There’s a beautiful authenticity to their relationship—they provide a sense of comfort and acceptance that is total relationship goals. A definite 10/10 recommendation for anyone who loves great character chemistry and a story that pulls you in.
Profile Image for Jane A.
334 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2025
Take a driven, untrusting woman on a quest for vengeance and an intense, equally untrusting protective man and you have the perfect combination in this romantic suspense story. Mason Hughes and Calista Ventura are combustible, you get a hint of the tug of war their relationship is to become in Fixed Asset, first book in the excellent Downrange series (totally recommend you read first), but the pure slow burn heat of the push and pull of their developing relationship is a thing to behold. The fury and passion burn equally strongly between them as the unstoppable force of Calista hits the brick wall of Mason's protectiveness. They both come with plenty of emotional baggage with maybe an unexpected twist, but the chemistry between them leaps off the page. It was enthralling and deeply satisfying plenty of mystery and suspense with a romance at it's hear. Brilliant characters, twisting plot, a wonderful team dynamic, that Riley Edwards does so so well, some dark themes in trafficking and betrayal but not written to overwhelm or overshadow the heart of the story which is Mason and Calista. This is why Riley Edwards is an absolute go to favourite author. Cannot wait for more in this series.
Profile Image for Lyndsay Durbin.
748 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
4.5

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I had SO much fun with this book! I read book 1 right before jumping into this one and I really appreciated the way that the characters' history with each other from book 1 set them up well for their own story. Mason is very intense and doesn't trust often so his initial frustrations and head butting with Calista led to a super satisfying romance plot line. I also really enjoyed the suspense plot lines, I liked getting to know more of the Downrange crew and seeing more of what they fight for.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,819 reviews178 followers
October 31, 2025
Calista is used to working solo, as an assassin, It is a lonely but dangerous job that is the means to an end in order to get the revenge she needs. So when Mason and his crew come into her folds to help her catch the bad guys working alone is no longer an option. When push comes to shove, Calista and Mason might start off as butting heads, but in the end working together brings out sparks and mayhem. This was a great addition to the series and I look forward to more. Riley Edwards knows danger and mayhem.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,184 reviews27 followers
November 7, 2025
Calista is working an undercover mission and although she doesn’t want help, she can kinda admit to herself she does need help. Or can she…. Because she is MAD when her handler suggests who he suggests and she’s really MAD when her ‘assistant’ sends who she sends to help her. Mason and his team believe Calista needs their help and Mason is SUPER MAD about the situation Calista is in and who she ghosted him. Or that’s what he believes happened.
I enjoyed this one and look forward to future stories in this series.
Profile Image for Nicole Morris.
56 reviews
November 11, 2025
I did not mean to start this… I was trying to decide what Ito read next and as soon as I started it I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down and needed to know where the is tension was leading. Mason might be one of my new favorite book boyfriends….. finally a bad ass FMC that I love!!! This book took us to the darkest places, yet still managed to bring out a love story I can get behind, a couple I can get behind. I am broken now and might need a little time with Pete or Fallon to soothe me. Highly recommend that you read this right away!

So thankfully I got to read this early with NetGalley.
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,486 reviews66 followers
November 21, 2025
What a heartbreaking and devastating life both Calista and Mason have lived due to their inconceivable pasts. When Mason and his team are sent in as backup for Calista their trust issues fly to the front. The bickering back and forth, the longing in their hearts and the challenges between the two made me feel like I was watching a ping pong match. But when Calista’s past comes calling will Mason and team get to her in time? Will they finally learn to accept the past, grow from it and move on to a love they weren’t sure existed?
Profile Image for Aish.
192 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2025
My interest in the story definitely increased as the plot progressed, especially since I was very confused in the beginning. I'm sure it would have helped if I had read the first book as I would liked to know more about Calista and Mason's history prior to reading but it was still a great, quick read regardless. The author does a great job balancing action, suspense, and emotion - I was rooting for the protagonists by the end. 3.5 stars!

Thank you to Riley Edwards, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

#FallenHero #NetGalley
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