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Direct Action
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Expected 8 Sep 26Ryan Strong is a former Navy SEAL, bar owner, and the last man Chloe Baughman should want.
He’s her boss. She’s his employee. And he’s been very, very careful to keep it that way.
But when Chloe takes a second job at the Vault—a high-end club Ryan’s quietly investigating—his protective instincts go into overdrive. Because the Vault isn’t just a club. It’s a front. And Chloe is in deeper than she knows.
Chloe isn’t reckless. She’s desperate. Her father’s Alzheimer’s care doesn’t come cheap, and the tips at the Vault are too good to pass up. She never expected to stumble into a human trafficking ring—or to need rescuing by the brooding alpha who signs her paychecks.
Ryan calls in his ex-SEAL crew. The mission is clear. But so is something He’s not just fighting to save her life. He’s fighting for a chance at something more.
He’s her boss. She’s his employee. And he’s been very, very careful to keep it that way.
But when Chloe takes a second job at the Vault—a high-end club Ryan’s quietly investigating—his protective instincts go into overdrive. Because the Vault isn’t just a club. It’s a front. And Chloe is in deeper than she knows.
Chloe isn’t reckless. She’s desperate. Her father’s Alzheimer’s care doesn’t come cheap, and the tips at the Vault are too good to pass up. She never expected to stumble into a human trafficking ring—or to need rescuing by the brooding alpha who signs her paychecks.
Ryan calls in his ex-SEAL crew. The mission is clear. But so is something He’s not just fighting to save her life. He’s fighting for a chance at something more.
- GenresSuspense
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Riley Edwards
94 books2,783 followersRiley 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although this is the third installment in the Downrange series, it works perfectly as a standalone. I had no trouble connecting with the story, and by the end, I was eager to go back and read the earlier books.
Ryan and Chloe were such an easy couple to root for. Chloe is doing everything she can to support her family, working multiple jobs to help cover the cost of her father's nursing home after his Alzheimer's diagnosis. That part of the story hit especially hard, and the author handled both Chloe's devotion and the heartbreaking reality of the disease with genuine compassion. The moments between Chloe and her dad were some of the most emotional in the entire book.
Ryan is exactly the kind of hero I love reading about. As a former Navy SEAL who now owns a bar while secretly helping rescue victims of human trafficking, he's fiercely protective, dependable, and impossible not to fall for. His feelings for Chloe develop naturally, and I loved watching him wrestle with the fact that she's also his employee while doing everything he could to keep her safe.
The romance was wonderfully balanced with the suspense. Ryan and his team are investigating the Vault, a location connected to a human trafficking operation, and when Chloe and her friend Poppy volunteer to go undercover in hopes of finding a missing friend, the stakes become even higher. The danger never lets up, making it difficult to put the book down once the investigation begins.
I also really enjoyed Ryan's former SEAL teammates. Their loyalty, humor, and teamwork added another layer to the story, while the secondary characters helped create a world that felt believable and engaging. Poppy especially stood out, and after finishing this book, I'm already hoping she gets her own happily ever after in a future installment.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chloe was undeniable from the beginning. Their workplace dynamic created plenty of tension, and once they finally allowed themselves to explore their feelings, the romance was both heartfelt and satisfying. The intimate scenes added to their connection without overshadowing the emotional journey they shared.
This story strikes a great balance between action, romance, and emotional depth. There were moments that made me smile, scenes that had my heart racing, and others that were genuinely heartbreaking. Be aware that the novel deals with difficult topics, including Alzheimer's disease and human trafficking, but both are handled with care and add meaningful weight to the story.
Overall, this was an engaging romantic suspense that delivered everything I was hoping for—compelling characters, high-stakes action, touching family moments, loyal friendships, and a romance worth cheering for. It's another excellent addition to the Downrange series, and I'm already looking forward to whatever comes next.
Ryan and Chloe were such an easy couple to root for. Chloe is doing everything she can to support her family, working multiple jobs to help cover the cost of her father's nursing home after his Alzheimer's diagnosis. That part of the story hit especially hard, and the author handled both Chloe's devotion and the heartbreaking reality of the disease with genuine compassion. The moments between Chloe and her dad were some of the most emotional in the entire book.
Ryan is exactly the kind of hero I love reading about. As a former Navy SEAL who now owns a bar while secretly helping rescue victims of human trafficking, he's fiercely protective, dependable, and impossible not to fall for. His feelings for Chloe develop naturally, and I loved watching him wrestle with the fact that she's also his employee while doing everything he could to keep her safe.
The romance was wonderfully balanced with the suspense. Ryan and his team are investigating the Vault, a location connected to a human trafficking operation, and when Chloe and her friend Poppy volunteer to go undercover in hopes of finding a missing friend, the stakes become even higher. The danger never lets up, making it difficult to put the book down once the investigation begins.
I also really enjoyed Ryan's former SEAL teammates. Their loyalty, humor, and teamwork added another layer to the story, while the secondary characters helped create a world that felt believable and engaging. Poppy especially stood out, and after finishing this book, I'm already hoping she gets her own happily ever after in a future installment.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chloe was undeniable from the beginning. Their workplace dynamic created plenty of tension, and once they finally allowed themselves to explore their feelings, the romance was both heartfelt and satisfying. The intimate scenes added to their connection without overshadowing the emotional journey they shared.
This story strikes a great balance between action, romance, and emotional depth. There were moments that made me smile, scenes that had my heart racing, and others that were genuinely heartbreaking. Be aware that the novel deals with difficult topics, including Alzheimer's disease and human trafficking, but both are handled with care and add meaningful weight to the story.
Overall, this was an engaging romantic suspense that delivered everything I was hoping for—compelling characters, high-stakes action, touching family moments, loyal friendships, and a romance worth cheering for. It's another excellent addition to the Downrange series, and I'm already looking forward to whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe is drowning under the weight of her responsibilities. Her father's illness has forced her to take on multiple side jobs, leaving her physically and emotionally exhausted. Yet she never complains because she loves her family dearly and will do whatever it takes to support them. Desperate for money, she accepts a job at an exclusive club that caters to the wealthy—unaware of the dangers lurking beneath its glamorous surface.
Ryan has been harboring feelings for Chloe since the second time they met. Unfortunately, instead of acting on those feelings, he spends his time engaging in meaningless hookups. I'm honestly tired of this type of plot where the MMC is clearly attracted to the FMC but continues sleeping with other women anyway. Whatever. At least Chloe isn't written as a sheltered wallflower; she's had her own share of one-night stands.
Things escalate when Ryan discovers that Chloe is working at a club suspected of being connected to human trafficking. He immediately goes into protective mode. Long story short, Chloe begins leaning on him for support as she struggles with financial problems, her father's illness, and her long-standing crush on him. At the same time, she becomes involved in gathering information about the criminal activities taking place at the club, adding an element of suspense to the story.
For me, the story was somewhat underwhelming. Everything happened too quickly, from Ryan finally making a move on Chloe to the way their relationship suddenly became serious. It felt like someone flipped a switch and they went from hesitant to fully committed overnight. The pacing left little room for the emotional development that could have made their romance more convincing.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read overall. While it didn't completely win me over, it had enough romance, drama, and suspense to keep me turning the pages.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ryan has been harboring feelings for Chloe since the second time they met. Unfortunately, instead of acting on those feelings, he spends his time engaging in meaningless hookups. I'm honestly tired of this type of plot where the MMC is clearly attracted to the FMC but continues sleeping with other women anyway. Whatever. At least Chloe isn't written as a sheltered wallflower; she's had her own share of one-night stands.
Things escalate when Ryan discovers that Chloe is working at a club suspected of being connected to human trafficking. He immediately goes into protective mode. Long story short, Chloe begins leaning on him for support as she struggles with financial problems, her father's illness, and her long-standing crush on him. At the same time, she becomes involved in gathering information about the criminal activities taking place at the club, adding an element of suspense to the story.
For me, the story was somewhat underwhelming. Everything happened too quickly, from Ryan finally making a move on Chloe to the way their relationship suddenly became serious. It felt like someone flipped a switch and they went from hesitant to fully committed overnight. The pacing left little room for the emotional development that could have made their romance more convincing.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read overall. While it didn't completely win me over, it had enough romance, drama, and suspense to keep me turning the pages.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review courtesy of Netgalley
If you're a fan of alpha heroes, suspense, and romance with plenty of heart, this book is a must-read. As always, this author delivered exactly what I love most about her books—strong characters, emotional depth, and a romance that had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Ryan Strong is the perfect protective hero. A former Navy SEAL turned bar owner, he's loyal, caring, and impossible not to fall for. Chloe is equally easy to root for. Her determination to do whatever it takes to care for her father made her relatable and admirable, and my heart broke for everything she was carrying on her shoulders.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chloe was fantastic. The boss-and-employee dynamic created plenty of tension, and I loved watching Ryan struggle to keep his feelings in check while doing everything possible to protect Chloe. Their relationship felt natural, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
What really elevated this story for me was the suspense element. The investigation into the Vault and the human trafficking ring added danger, excitement, and urgency that kept me turning the pages. The action scenes were well written, and Ryan's ex-SEAL team brought an extra layer of camaraderie and fun to the story.
This book had everything I look for in a great romantic suspense: strong characters, a compelling plot, emotional moments, loyal friendships, and a swoon-worthy romance. I laughed, worried, cheered, and fell completely in love with Ryan and Chloe's story.
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors, and I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, protective alpha heroes, and stories that balance action and heart perfectly
Review courtesy of Netgalley
If you're a fan of alpha heroes, suspense, and romance with plenty of heart, this book is a must-read. As always, this author delivered exactly what I love most about her books—strong characters, emotional depth, and a romance that had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Ryan Strong is the perfect protective hero. A former Navy SEAL turned bar owner, he's loyal, caring, and impossible not to fall for. Chloe is equally easy to root for. Her determination to do whatever it takes to care for her father made her relatable and admirable, and my heart broke for everything she was carrying on her shoulders.
The chemistry between Ryan and Chloe was fantastic. The boss-and-employee dynamic created plenty of tension, and I loved watching Ryan struggle to keep his feelings in check while doing everything possible to protect Chloe. Their relationship felt natural, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
What really elevated this story for me was the suspense element. The investigation into the Vault and the human trafficking ring added danger, excitement, and urgency that kept me turning the pages. The action scenes were well written, and Ryan's ex-SEAL team brought an extra layer of camaraderie and fun to the story.
This book had everything I look for in a great romantic suspense: strong characters, a compelling plot, emotional moments, loyal friendships, and a swoon-worthy romance. I laughed, worried, cheered, and fell completely in love with Ryan and Chloe's story.
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors, and I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, protective alpha heroes, and stories that balance action and heart perfectly
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75⭐️
Direct Action is another fast-paced romantic suspense from Riley Edwards that kept me turning the pages. The story follows Chloe, who is struggling to keep her family afloat while dealing with her father's illness, and Ryan, a man who has been quietly in love with her for years. When Chloe takes a job at an exclusive club that may be tied to human trafficking, Ryan steps in to protect her, and things quickly spiral into a dangerous and emotional situation.
What I enjoyed most was the combination of suspense and romance. The investigation surrounding the club added tension throughout the story, and I found myself invested in finding out what would happen next. Chloe was easy to root for, especially with everything she was carrying on her shoulders, and Ryan's protective nature made him an appealing hero.
The book touches on some darker themes, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation, so readers should be aware of that going in. While the romance was enjoyable, I would have liked a little more time spent developing the emotional side of the relationship. At times, the transition from long-held feelings to a fully committed romance felt a bit rushed.
That said, the story is entertaining, action-packed, and full of the drama and suspense I've come to expect from this genre. Even with a few pacing issues, I found it to be an engaging read and a solid addition to the Downrange series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Direct Action is another fast-paced romantic suspense from Riley Edwards that kept me turning the pages. The story follows Chloe, who is struggling to keep her family afloat while dealing with her father's illness, and Ryan, a man who has been quietly in love with her for years. When Chloe takes a job at an exclusive club that may be tied to human trafficking, Ryan steps in to protect her, and things quickly spiral into a dangerous and emotional situation.
What I enjoyed most was the combination of suspense and romance. The investigation surrounding the club added tension throughout the story, and I found myself invested in finding out what would happen next. Chloe was easy to root for, especially with everything she was carrying on her shoulders, and Ryan's protective nature made him an appealing hero.
The book touches on some darker themes, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation, so readers should be aware of that going in. While the romance was enjoyable, I would have liked a little more time spent developing the emotional side of the relationship. At times, the transition from long-held feelings to a fully committed romance felt a bit rushed.
That said, the story is entertaining, action-packed, and full of the drama and suspense I've come to expect from this genre. Even with a few pacing issues, I found it to be an engaging read and a solid addition to the Downrange series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2026
**Review of Advanced cpoy received from Netgalley**
'Direct Action is an emotional and action packed romantic suspense that completely glued me from start to finish.
Ryan and Chloe were both fantastic characters, Ryan is the ultimate protective ex-Navy SEAL hero, while Chloe is strong, hardworking, and impossible not to admire as she struggles to care for her family while carrying so much on her shoulders.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved the boss & employee dynamic, the long suppressed attraction, and the way Ryan would do absolutely anything to keep Chloe safe. The romance was sweet, intense, and full of heartfelt moments, with plenty of swoon worthy scenes along the way.
Beyond the romance, the suspense plot added tension, danger, and excitement that kept the pages turning with the speed of light. The Downrange team brought great camaraderie, humor, and action, making the story even more engaging.
Riley Edwards, did a wonderful job balancing romance, suspense, emotional family struggles, and thrilling action. Chloe's experiences with her father felt especially authentic and added real emotional depth to the story.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining read with memorable characters, strong friendships, plenty of heart, and a satisfying happily ever after.
Perfect for fans of protective alpha heroes, military romantic suspense, and romances that blend action with emotion.
Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and Riley!!
'Direct Action is an emotional and action packed romantic suspense that completely glued me from start to finish.
Ryan and Chloe were both fantastic characters, Ryan is the ultimate protective ex-Navy SEAL hero, while Chloe is strong, hardworking, and impossible not to admire as she struggles to care for her family while carrying so much on her shoulders.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved the boss & employee dynamic, the long suppressed attraction, and the way Ryan would do absolutely anything to keep Chloe safe. The romance was sweet, intense, and full of heartfelt moments, with plenty of swoon worthy scenes along the way.
Beyond the romance, the suspense plot added tension, danger, and excitement that kept the pages turning with the speed of light. The Downrange team brought great camaraderie, humor, and action, making the story even more engaging.
Riley Edwards, did a wonderful job balancing romance, suspense, emotional family struggles, and thrilling action. Chloe's experiences with her father felt especially authentic and added real emotional depth to the story.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining read with memorable characters, strong friendships, plenty of heart, and a satisfying happily ever after.
Perfect for fans of protective alpha heroes, military romantic suspense, and romances that blend action with emotion.
Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and Riley!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you know me, you know I LOVE romantic suspense, and Riley Edwards is always a solid choice when I'm in the mood for it! She hit the nail on the head when it came to the suspense, danger, and protective alpha hero vibes that I look for in this genre and this trope.
However, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. Everything moved really fast, and I wanted a little more character and relationship development before things took off. I liked Chloe and Ryan together and thought they had great chemistry, but I would have loved more time with them. I think it lacked a bit of substance and depth that I prefer within my romantic suspense books.
One thing I really appreciated was the Alzheimer's representation through Chloe's father. It added a lot of emotional weight to the story and made Chloe's decisions feel very real. This book also tackles some heavy topics, including human trafficking, so definitely check content warnings if that's something you need to be mindful of.
This was great for the romantic suspense with plenty of action, danger, and sweet and spicy moments that balanced it out. If you're a fan of Riley Edwards, then Catherine Cowles or Susan Stoker will also be great authors to check out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Riley Edwards, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
However, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. Everything moved really fast, and I wanted a little more character and relationship development before things took off. I liked Chloe and Ryan together and thought they had great chemistry, but I would have loved more time with them. I think it lacked a bit of substance and depth that I prefer within my romantic suspense books.
One thing I really appreciated was the Alzheimer's representation through Chloe's father. It added a lot of emotional weight to the story and made Chloe's decisions feel very real. This book also tackles some heavy topics, including human trafficking, so definitely check content warnings if that's something you need to be mindful of.
This was great for the romantic suspense with plenty of action, danger, and sweet and spicy moments that balanced it out. If you're a fan of Riley Edwards, then Catherine Cowles or Susan Stoker will also be great authors to check out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Riley Edwards, and Montlake for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love a good romantic suspense with a hero worthy of the the tag. And I’ll put Ryan Strong up there with the best of them. Former Navy SEAL, bar owner, and protective alpha male in the best possible way. He’s been ignoring his attraction to his employee, waitress Chloe Baughman, because she’s just that, his employee. But all bets are off when her life could be in danger, he full on wants to claim her, forget all the reasons why it’s a bad idea, his baser instincts kick in and he decides she’s his to protect. The only problem, Chloe doesn’t want his protection. Even though she too is fighting her attraction to him, she has enough going on in her life at the moment without her boss telling her what she can and can’t do in her personal life. She needs the income from her jobs to stay afloat and Ryan dictating what she can and can’t do rubs her the wrong way. But when Ryan decides to go all in, he does just that, and to be honest I liked that about him. Of course Chloe’s stubbornness lands her in hot water and it’s up to Ryan and his crew to rescue her, and that in itself is a nail biting mission. I was hooked throughout the whole ordeal. Action, romance and a little suspense all wrapped up together make for an addictive and entertaining read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 Stars! Such a great book! This is book 3 of the ‘Downrange’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are Chloe and Ryan and they were both very likable. I was rooting for them to get their HEA ending. Chloe is overworking herself to help her Mom pay for her Dad’s nursing home care because the Dad has Alzheimer’s. My aunt has Alzheimer’s and I know how devastating this disease is. Ryan is a retired Navy SEAL who owns a bar that Chloe works at and he does side work rescuing human trafficking victims. Ryan’s group is looking into a bar that Chloe works at as her second job and Chloe and her friend Poppy go undercover to help find a friend who is missing. This was such a great book. A few heat inducing sexy time scenes that I enjoyed reading, plenty of action, great main and secondary characters, witty banter, heart warming moments with Chloe’s Dad, an entertaining page turner with an HEA ending. Some parts may make you angry so be aware - a loved one with Alzheimer’s and the author touches on the horror of sexual human trafficking. I will definitely be looking into the other books in the series. I really want to see Poppy get her HEA ending too.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryan and Chloe have been fighting the attraction to each other until he thinks she's putting herself in danger. Chloe's father's Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care really resonated with me because of my grandmother. As Chloe describes her father's health and the feelings of watching his decline, I could apply those all to my real-life experience. I felt it in my soul. Chloe is struggling with all the expectations she puts on herself trying to care for everyone she loves. When Ryan sees how she's working herself to death, he decides to do what he does best and take action. You know Chloe isn't going to take a handout or easily turn over control. Ryan's friends/team aren't surprised of their feelings for each other but just that it took them this long to act on it. This book will give you everything you need and love in a Romantic Suspense with alpha men who fall for women who don't back down from life's challenges. I had to read this book all the way through once I started!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryan is a bar owner and Chloe's boss. He wants her, but he doesn't feel like he'd be any good for her, so he stays away. But when Chloe takes a job at a high-end club called the Vault (that Ryan and his team are investigating, secretly, from the inside), all bets are off. Ryan is understandably concerned for Chloe and her safety, but she does have reasons for the money that she's trying to earn: she's paying for the care of her father who has Alzheimers.
I loved both of these characters because Ryan is the hero that I know will always be in one of Riley's books. He's bossy, he's protective, but he's also caring and sweet. Chloe is the strong female character that we want as well. She's devoted to her family and making sure that her dad is cared for and safe, even though he only remembers who she is some of the time. Plus when these two team up to take down the bad guys, you can't help but root for them!
I loved both of these characters because Ryan is the hero that I know will always be in one of Riley's books. He's bossy, he's protective, but he's also caring and sweet. Chloe is the strong female character that we want as well. She's devoted to her family and making sure that her dad is cared for and safe, even though he only remembers who she is some of the time. Plus when these two team up to take down the bad guys, you can't help but root for them!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I haven't read the first two books. Maybe I should have, and that would have changed my opinion.
I DNFed at Chapter 24 (62%).
Both plots, the Alzheimer’s storyline and the human trafficking ring, are really interesting and what initially caught my attention, next to the romance of course.
However, both the MMC and the FMC are not always acting like adults, which really put me off. The chemistry between them felt mostly like sexual tension rather than a real connection. I had hoped for more banter, but after they hooked up for the first time they were just immediately into it. Ryan calling her "baby" right away was also not for me.
I usually love well-written instalove, but this one didn’t work for me.
The plot moved too slowly, and by 62% I felt like not much had actually happened. Since I couldn’t really care about the characters, I decided to DNF.
I DNFed at Chapter 24 (62%).
Both plots, the Alzheimer’s storyline and the human trafficking ring, are really interesting and what initially caught my attention, next to the romance of course.
However, both the MMC and the FMC are not always acting like adults, which really put me off. The chemistry between them felt mostly like sexual tension rather than a real connection. I had hoped for more banter, but after they hooked up for the first time they were just immediately into it. Ryan calling her "baby" right away was also not for me.
I usually love well-written instalove, but this one didn’t work for me.
The plot moved too slowly, and by 62% I felt like not much had actually happened. Since I couldn’t really care about the characters, I decided to DNF.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the very beginning, Chloe and Ryan had undeniable chemistry building from Ryan being her boss. Chloe was a strong FMC I love reading about. She challenged him, and refused to back down.
Ryan is the protective, ex-Navy SEAL we all expect from Riley Edwards, and watching him try to keep his feelings under control while doing everything he could to protect Chloe made their romance even better.
This book delivered everything I’ve come to expect from a Riley Edwards novel: edge-of-your-seat action, witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of spice.
If you’re a fan of protective heroes, military romantic suspense, workplace romance, and strong heroines who can hold their own, you need to add Direct Action to your TBR. Releases September 8th
5+🌟
From the very beginning, Chloe and Ryan had undeniable chemistry building from Ryan being her boss. Chloe was a strong FMC I love reading about. She challenged him, and refused to back down.
Ryan is the protective, ex-Navy SEAL we all expect from Riley Edwards, and watching him try to keep his feelings under control while doing everything he could to protect Chloe made their romance even better.
This book delivered everything I’ve come to expect from a Riley Edwards novel: edge-of-your-seat action, witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and just the right amount of spice.
If you’re a fan of protective heroes, military romantic suspense, workplace romance, and strong heroines who can hold their own, you need to add Direct Action to your TBR. Releases September 8th
5+🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book seems to have pretty good reviews so far, and I'm not exactly saying it's bad. I like the overprotective hero and fmc in danger trope once in a while. However, I could not relate to either character. I don't think I'm ment to relate to the MMC he's the hot protective sort. But the FMC, I could not relate to her at all. Everyone felt overly stubborn and not willing to actually communicate with each other. The overall pace of the book was decent, a bit on the slower side initially, but it starts to pick up speed.
I have liked other books by this author in the past, so I think this one just isn't for me.
I ended up DNFing at about 50%, I just didn't like the FMC and couldn't keep reading.
I have liked other books by this author in the past, so I think this one just isn't for me.
I ended up DNFing at about 50%, I just didn't like the FMC and couldn't keep reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Swooned so hard I nearly passed out
Oh my goodness Ryan is man goals for sure! I mean the more I read about this entire team, the more I kind of wish the author wrote RH to be honest 🤣
Chloe is going through hell and doing it in a way that no one really notices until they do. Even though Ryan has been keeping a close eye on her for selfish reasons, she has been good at hiding her heartbreak and exhaustion. Ryan has wanted her from afar for a while and when he gives in, literal fireworks! (The wall scene was the definition of spicy hotness)
The story built up so beautifully, with Ryan and Chloe being so perfect for each other. I adored and laughed so much at the morning after, totally hilarious.
Another amazing read in this series
Oh my goodness Ryan is man goals for sure! I mean the more I read about this entire team, the more I kind of wish the author wrote RH to be honest 🤣
Chloe is going through hell and doing it in a way that no one really notices until they do. Even though Ryan has been keeping a close eye on her for selfish reasons, she has been good at hiding her heartbreak and exhaustion. Ryan has wanted her from afar for a while and when he gives in, literal fireworks! (The wall scene was the definition of spicy hotness)
The story built up so beautifully, with Ryan and Chloe being so perfect for each other. I adored and laughed so much at the morning after, totally hilarious.
Another amazing read in this series
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Direct Action🙌
Direct Action is the third book in the Downrange series and is all about Ryan, one of the Plank owners and one of their employees, Chloe🥰
Chloe has had a crush on Ryan since she started working at the Plank but she never makes her interest known. Now she feels like her life is spiralling out of control and when she least expects something to happen, it does😳 Ryan, similarly had avoided getting too close to Chloe as he suspects she will be the one woman he wants for the rest of his life☺️
Suffice to say, even though this book deals with some darker content, the characters and the story is great and has me eager to learn more about about the other Downrange members❣️ I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and I willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
Direct Action is the third book in the Downrange series and is all about Ryan, one of the Plank owners and one of their employees, Chloe🥰
Chloe has had a crush on Ryan since she started working at the Plank but she never makes her interest known. Now she feels like her life is spiralling out of control and when she least expects something to happen, it does😳 Ryan, similarly had avoided getting too close to Chloe as he suspects she will be the one woman he wants for the rest of his life☺️
Suffice to say, even though this book deals with some darker content, the characters and the story is great and has me eager to learn more about about the other Downrange members❣️ I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and I willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this well written page turner, it was an engaging read all the way through. Chloe was the perfect match for Ryan and when these two finally took it to the next level their relationship was explosive in the very best of ways. Riley worked her magic with this third book in the Downrange Series, there was family drama, danger, lies, deceit and evil disguised as well dressed businessmen. Ryan and the team would have to dig deep to come out the other side of the challenge ahead of them. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this engaging series addition.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wowsa…Direct Action from Riley Edwards jumps right in and never takes the foot off the gas. Full speed ahead from start to finish, Ryan and Chloe will have you on the edge of your seat. They’ve been holding back because he’s her boss but once she’s in danger, watch out world, it’s one of Riley Edwards’ alpha heroes. And he will stop at absolutely nothing until his woman is safe. He may have started out hands off but once he makes up his mind that she’s his, there is no holding him back. Chloe is strong and independent like any of the women in this series but in a Riley Edwards book, it’s all about the uber-protective, touch her and die, gruff and growly, alpha and Ryan does not disappoint!
July 4, 2026
Received as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
I loved it, the Romance, suspense, Character Development was great.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last!
Ryan & Chloe's relationship was great although I would have preferred to have witnessed some of the attraction and their yearning for one another, I wanted to see Ryan's torture of having to control his longing to her, him talking himself out of acting on it! Agh I really wanted to read this at the beginning but we dived straight into the point they both snapped, but no worries I was all in too!!!😋
Thanks to the author for this opportunity and looking forward to poppy and Beck' story!
I loved it, the Romance, suspense, Character Development was great.
This is my first book by this author and it won't be the last!
Ryan & Chloe's relationship was great although I would have preferred to have witnessed some of the attraction and their yearning for one another, I wanted to see Ryan's torture of having to control his longing to her, him talking himself out of acting on it! Agh I really wanted to read this at the beginning but we dived straight into the point they both snapped, but no worries I was all in too!!!😋
Thanks to the author for this opportunity and looking forward to poppy and Beck' story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a solid romantic suspense that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Ryan and Chloe had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Ryan was protective, dependable, and exactly the kind of hero I love reading about.
The suspense side of the story kept things interesting, and once the action picked up, I was fully invested in seeing how everything would play out.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with a good balance of romance and suspense, and I'll definitely be checking out more from Riley Edwards.
This was a solid romantic suspense that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Ryan and Chloe had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Ryan was protective, dependable, and exactly the kind of hero I love reading about.
The suspense side of the story kept things interesting, and once the action picked up, I was fully invested in seeing how everything would play out.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with a good balance of romance and suspense, and I'll definitely be checking out more from Riley Edwards.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Downrange series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I loved the cute moments between the two main characters, and I really enjoyed reading this book. I could not put this book down. I loved the connection between the two main characters, and I loved getting to know all the characters. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe desperately needs more money and more sleep. Between her two and sometimes three jobs, she’s simply not making enough money and doesn’t have enough time to catch more than 3 hours of sleep at any given time. So she decides to take a job at the Vault where she can average $500 in tips over 3 hours.
Too bad her boss and crush sees her working there on her third night, tells her to pretend she doesn’t know him then shows up at her home demanding she quit.
She doesn’t know his reasoning at first and refuses…
Yikes!
Ryan is all alpha in this one….
I’m sure you can connect the dots. :)
Too bad her boss and crush sees her working there on her third night, tells her to pretend she doesn’t know him then shows up at her home demanding she quit.
She doesn’t know his reasoning at first and refuses…
Yikes!
Ryan is all alpha in this one….
I’m sure you can connect the dots. :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is book 3 of the Downrange series by Riley Edwards. As with the previous two books, we follow one couple, Ryan and Chloe, as they explore their attraction to each other that they've fought for months. The final tipping point for Ryan was when Chloe starts working in a location that is part of Ryan and his team's focus. What ensues is a fast paced, emotional, suspenseful story. I'm forward to seeing where Ms. Riley will take us next in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fast-paced, edge of your seat romantic suspense you don't want to put down or end and as ever Riley Edwards pushes your emotions all over the place. Chloe is barely keeping afloat, running herself into the ground trying to cope with the responsibilities of her dementia stricken father, and I absolutely emphasise with the situation and appreciate how this cruel and heartbreaking disease was portrayed, the reality of Chloe's emotions and decisions is very real. Chloe works several jobs including as a server at Dirty Plank, the Downrange Team's bar but offered the chance to earn big sums of money she takes an extra job as a server at an exclusive club, unaware of the less illegal and dangerous activity it fronts.
The feelings Ryan harbours for Chloe aren't new but he has ruthlessly suppressed them because she works for him. Neither of them are aware that their attraction is mutual, although seemingly obvious to everyone else, but when Downrange are called in to investigate the club's activities and connection to human trafficking all bets are off when Ryan discovers Chloe is also working there. Ryan and Chloe go from zero to 100 very quickly and their chemistry is combustible, Ryan turns into an ultra protective alpha but Chloe is certainly no pushover or shrinking violet.
There is no real relationship build-up and they go from the long-held tension of denied feelings to all in, in a blink - not that I minded. There is plenty of action, it's entertaining and suspense filled and an enjoyable addition to the Downrange series. Totally recommend reading.
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The feelings Ryan harbours for Chloe aren't new but he has ruthlessly suppressed them because she works for him. Neither of them are aware that their attraction is mutual, although seemingly obvious to everyone else, but when Downrange are called in to investigate the club's activities and connection to human trafficking all bets are off when Ryan discovers Chloe is also working there. Ryan and Chloe go from zero to 100 very quickly and their chemistry is combustible, Ryan turns into an ultra protective alpha but Chloe is certainly no pushover or shrinking violet.
There is no real relationship build-up and they go from the long-held tension of denied feelings to all in, in a blink - not that I minded. There is plenty of action, it's entertaining and suspense filled and an enjoyable addition to the Downrange series. Totally recommend reading.
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC.
This was an engaging read from start to finish. It included family drama, danger, deceit, lies and evil well disguised as a businessman. Ryan and Chloe, attracted from the start, finally manage to come together only to have evil wreak havoc. There is romance as well as certain scenes that some may find disturbing (or a trigger). As the third book in a series, this can be read as a stand-alone, although reading the entire series will not disappoint. I look forward to more installments related to the other team members.
This was an engaging read from start to finish. It included family drama, danger, deceit, lies and evil well disguised as a businessman. Ryan and Chloe, attracted from the start, finally manage to come together only to have evil wreak havoc. There is romance as well as certain scenes that some may find disturbing (or a trigger). As the third book in a series, this can be read as a stand-alone, although reading the entire series will not disappoint. I look forward to more installments related to the other team members.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
love romance suspense novels and Riley never disappoints. The characters are well developed and relatable. I have mixed feelings about Chloe. I really didn’t like her in the beginning but her loyalty to Poppey soften me some. The book is well written, the story flows well and has a strong plot. I enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who enjoyed romantic suspense novels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing story. We get to visit with the whole team and Cat and Cali provide great snarky comebacks for the guys. We learn more about Becket. RYan and Chloe fit together perfectly. They each know how to guide each other thru their personal struggles. The story has amazing dialog and character development..in addition to plenty of suspense and action. A definite must read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ryan and Chloe thought they needed to hide their attractions for each other as both seemed to think the other one was not interested. That is until danger becomes part of the game and Ryan finds himself trying to save her while also falling in love. Their connection was honest and the mayhem left me on the edge of my seat. A wonderful addition to the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe unknowingly ends up in danger, but that leads her into the arms of her long-time crush and boss, Ryan. The push and pull between them was so good, and I loved seeing Ryan in his protective mode too.
I liked that Chloe is not a damsel in distress, who is just waiting for others to save her. Instead, she and Poppy were amazingly brave and strong.
I liked that Chloe is not a damsel in distress, who is just waiting for others to save her. Instead, she and Poppy were amazingly brave and strong.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a book I could not put down. The characters are perfectly written. You have the alphas who will do anything for what is theirs. I loved getting to read Ryan and Chloe’s story. It has some really touching moments dealing with her dad and then there were the spicy moments with Ryan. I loved the suspense part and the strength that Chloe had. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic addition to the Downrange series.It’s a deliciously addictive read with fast paced romantic suspense and compelling mix of drama, heartfelt romance along with plot twists and turns that kept me quickly turning the pages. Well written and a very entertaining story. Highly recommend!
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