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RIOT: a Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series Novella
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Ellie Masters
135 books1,657 followersAngsty, Steamy, Heart-Stopping, Pulse-Pounding, Can't-Stop-Reading Romantic Suspense.
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
Don't forget to sign up for her newsletter. Never miss another release, sale, or exclusive. https://elliemasters.com/NewsletterSi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 23, 2026
Another great novella with the Guardian HRS troupe!
Jon "Riot" Jones is sent to extract a kindergarten teacher from the cartel.... it was meant to be a quick in and out!
But nothing is ever easy with hostage extractions!
A thoroughly enjoyable short read, wonderful storyline with great characters, and a lovely HEA.
Jon "Riot" Jones is sent to extract a kindergarten teacher from the cartel.... it was meant to be a quick in and out!
But nothing is ever easy with hostage extractions!
A thoroughly enjoyable short read, wonderful storyline with great characters, and a lovely HEA.
April 23, 2026
Riot detonates with danger, heat, and a hero whose one‑liners are so razor‑sharp you instantly understand how he earned his name. The banter between the feisty MFC and this stoic, smart‑mouthed MMC crackles through every scene. Twists hit hard, chemistry hits hotter, and the action never lets up. Another great short read about the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialist.
April 24, 2026
RIOT
If you like an intense, action filled story with unknowingly who the bad guys are, then you definitely want to read this story. Will keep you guessing, and on your toes wondering what will happen next? Exciting, drama filled and dealing with some much corruption at every turn. Awesome story, and of course some hot chemistry thrown in.
If you like an intense, action filled story with unknowingly who the bad guys are, then you definitely want to read this story. Will keep you guessing, and on your toes wondering what will happen next? Exciting, drama filled and dealing with some much corruption at every turn. Awesome story, and of course some hot chemistry thrown in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RIOT by Ellie Masters, a Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists series Novella is a fast, high heat and high danger. Jon “Riot” Jones is a Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists operator. Evie Sinclair is a Kindergarten Teacher, who is currently in witness protection.
Evie is in a remote mountain cabin, with two FBI operatives who she senses will not let her leave that cabin alive. She’s not wrong!! Riot is sent to get her out of there alive and to safety before the FBI or the Cartel kill her. When Riot shows up, Evie is dressed ready to leave, but she doesn’t know at this point who she can trust and who she can’t. She must make an instant decision to trust him or not.
Getting Evie out of the mountain cabin was just the first hurdle they had to jump. With the Cartel closing a perimeter around them, they have one “safe” route out, a dangerous vertical climb along and up a sheer cliff. Talk about turning the tables, this was a huge shift in the roles, with Riot having to trust Evie as she knows a route up that cliff face, which will also protect them from being seen by those looking for them.
Evie and Riot’s journey is a slow burn, by that I mean it takes them more than a nano second to acknowledge the simmering chemistry between them but it’s still scorching hot. That crevice in the cliff? That blew my mind and had me thinking they must be epic contortionists!! But it was not just about the chemistry or getting Evie to a safe place, so much as it was about following their gut instincts, learning to trust each other, even if that feels impossible. Whilst Riot is constantly surprised by Evie’s presence of mind and hidden talents, Evie can’t help but compare how her ex made her feel yet Riot treats her as an equal, respects and empowers her. This is an adrenaline fuelled novella, in a somewhat different way than you might expect but still manages that blends danger, desire, and survival into a tight, addictive package.
Evie is in a remote mountain cabin, with two FBI operatives who she senses will not let her leave that cabin alive. She’s not wrong!! Riot is sent to get her out of there alive and to safety before the FBI or the Cartel kill her. When Riot shows up, Evie is dressed ready to leave, but she doesn’t know at this point who she can trust and who she can’t. She must make an instant decision to trust him or not.
Getting Evie out of the mountain cabin was just the first hurdle they had to jump. With the Cartel closing a perimeter around them, they have one “safe” route out, a dangerous vertical climb along and up a sheer cliff. Talk about turning the tables, this was a huge shift in the roles, with Riot having to trust Evie as she knows a route up that cliff face, which will also protect them from being seen by those looking for them.
Evie and Riot’s journey is a slow burn, by that I mean it takes them more than a nano second to acknowledge the simmering chemistry between them but it’s still scorching hot. That crevice in the cliff? That blew my mind and had me thinking they must be epic contortionists!! But it was not just about the chemistry or getting Evie to a safe place, so much as it was about following their gut instincts, learning to trust each other, even if that feels impossible. Whilst Riot is constantly surprised by Evie’s presence of mind and hidden talents, Evie can’t help but compare how her ex made her feel yet Riot treats her as an equal, respects and empowers her. This is an adrenaline fuelled novella, in a somewhat different way than you might expect but still manages that blends danger, desire, and survival into a tight, addictive package.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fast-paced short read and gives us an insight into Riot/Jon as he is sent to extract Evie, a kindergarten teacher in witness protection, from a cabin in the mountains. What he finds is a woman who surprises him at every level, who has baggage, like him, and who can cope with what they are going through without complaining. With the Cartel chasing them and with Mitzy helping where she can, the two of them tackle the impossible as they try to stay one step ahead of the men who want Evie dead and who will do whatever it takes to bring her out into the open. I love these short reads that show us more about what Guardian HRS is about and the men who put their lives at risk. I couldn't put it down and had to read it in one sitting as the action starts straight away and it doesn't stop until the last page. This is an amazing series with each read better than the one before. I don't know how Ellie does it but she has, yet again, created a masterpiece of a story.
April 23, 2026
Not perfect
For example… "Here." He's already shrugging out of a jacket I didn't notice him holding—leather, worn soft, draped over the railing beside him.
How does he shrug out of a jacked that’s next to him? He also mentions secrets shared during a drive. If they were, it was cut from the story. Also, the only times they were in a car were the 30 minute drive from the helicopter to the house and the 3 minute drive from the house back to the helicopter.
I understand that this is fiction but some reference to birth control or acknowledgment of dehydration and bodily requirements would help.
The high rating is for the characters. I expect better on the details from this author.
For example… "Here." He's already shrugging out of a jacket I didn't notice him holding—leather, worn soft, draped over the railing beside him.
How does he shrug out of a jacked that’s next to him? He also mentions secrets shared during a drive. If they were, it was cut from the story. Also, the only times they were in a car were the 30 minute drive from the helicopter to the house and the 3 minute drive from the house back to the helicopter.
I understand that this is fiction but some reference to birth control or acknowledgment of dehydration and bodily requirements would help.
The high rating is for the characters. I expect better on the details from this author.
May 4, 2026
A short story in the Guardian world.
Evie is at a safe house having witnessed the murder of a high profile figure. The FBI agents tasked with keeping her safe are looking less like they are on here side day by day. As she considers her options, Riot bursts into the cabin and takes down the agents who were not as they seemed.
Riot is tasked with bringing Evie to safety as the only witness to Cartel involvement in the murder. Can she trust him or is he another rogue, going to make her disappear. The decision whether to trust him or not is taken away from her as the Cartel start a hunt. Can riot and Evie out run the people who want Evie Silenced. This is as always an exciting,, danger filled, action packed story that will have you holding your breath until the last page.
Evie is at a safe house having witnessed the murder of a high profile figure. The FBI agents tasked with keeping her safe are looking less like they are on here side day by day. As she considers her options, Riot bursts into the cabin and takes down the agents who were not as they seemed.
Riot is tasked with bringing Evie to safety as the only witness to Cartel involvement in the murder. Can she trust him or is he another rogue, going to make her disappear. The decision whether to trust him or not is taken away from her as the Cartel start a hunt. Can riot and Evie out run the people who want Evie Silenced. This is as always an exciting,, danger filled, action packed story that will have you holding your breath until the last page.
May 18, 2026
FINDING THEIR SECOND CHANCE
Evie and Jon end up in a relationship that began when Jon is sent to extract Evie. Intel has found out Evie, who is led to believe she is in a safe house, will be murdered once her purpose has been fulfilled. The FBI agents who are guarding her are dirty. Jon arrived in the nick of time and gets her out and on the run. Now they have to meet their extraction team but as is inevitable they have problems with that! After spending a sexy night together on the side of a sheer 200 foot cliff side they are rescued but now they must rescue Evie’s best friend and her daughter!
Enjoyed this immensely!
Evie and Jon end up in a relationship that began when Jon is sent to extract Evie. Intel has found out Evie, who is led to believe she is in a safe house, will be murdered once her purpose has been fulfilled. The FBI agents who are guarding her are dirty. Jon arrived in the nick of time and gets her out and on the run. Now they have to meet their extraction team but as is inevitable they have problems with that! After spending a sexy night together on the side of a sheer 200 foot cliff side they are rescued but now they must rescue Evie’s best friend and her daughter!
Enjoyed this immensely!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riot is sent to extract Evie from a compromised safe house. She has felt that something was off and when Riot arrives she surprises him by ready and willing to leave with him, to the point of helping delay one of their attackers. Again she surprises him with both her endurance and her skill when it comes to literally climbing their way to safety. This is a short novello, written in a somewhat staccato style which suits the pace of the romance and the danger they are in. This is an exciting and enjoyable romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riot is a slow assault on the senses, building steadily as adrenaline begins to pump. Evie is a refreshing surprise strong, capable, and more than able to hold her own while Riot brings charm layered with hidden vulnerabilities.
Their connection sizzles against a backdrop of constant, revolving danger, pulling you deeper into the tension. You can’t help but feel the stakes as their hearts are on the line and survival becomes a fight.
Love and family stand united as they face the darkness head-on, bringing it down and earning a well-deserved HEA.
An excitingly fabulous read.
Their connection sizzles against a backdrop of constant, revolving danger, pulling you deeper into the tension. You can’t help but feel the stakes as their hearts are on the line and survival becomes a fight.
Love and family stand united as they face the darkness head-on, bringing it down and earning a well-deserved HEA.
An excitingly fabulous read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ellie Masters always has strong women, but in this instance while it is true Riot/Jon rescues her, it is Evie that gets them out of danger not once but twice. Free climbing is terrifying to me but to Evie it is freeing and she is strong enough to guide them both out of danger. Evie credits it with being a kindergarten teacher and her description of finger painting is wonderful. Rosie is a great character and shows the other side of the rugged GRS and even Mitzi becomes involved with her. A great short story to read in an afternoon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evie Sinclair is a kindergarten teacher.
Sera is Evies friend.
Jon “Riot” Jones works for Guardian Hostage Rescue.
Evie and Riot meet , when he is sent to rescue her from a bad situation.
Evie is an amazingly strong willed woman ( no wall flower). She helps with the rescue
( free climbing a bit scary).
Evie and Riot meet have an attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
They do overcome their obstacles and get to safety with help of Riot’s teammates from Guardian Hostage Rescue.
This book has action, suspense, danger and corruption.
Excellent Job. Ellie Masters!!!!
Sera is Evies friend.
Jon “Riot” Jones works for Guardian Hostage Rescue.
Evie and Riot meet , when he is sent to rescue her from a bad situation.
Evie is an amazingly strong willed woman ( no wall flower). She helps with the rescue
( free climbing a bit scary).
Evie and Riot meet have an attraction and chemistry from a slow burn to explosive.
They do overcome their obstacles and get to safety with help of Riot’s teammates from Guardian Hostage Rescue.
This book has action, suspense, danger and corruption.
Excellent Job. Ellie Masters!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riot is fast paced, action packed, danger filled and at times, very steamy. It's a quick read that will have turning pages to find out what happens next. Jon "Riot" Jones' mission is to extract kindergarten teacher, Evie Sinclair. She did the right thing and may pay for it with her life. She has to trust Riot from the outset. She's got a few aces up her sleeve and when she becomes the rescuer he couldn't be more surprised or enamored. She's determined to live life on her terms now and Riot just may be the key to her doing it.
April 24, 2026
RIOT and Evie
RIOT was a fast paced adrenaline rush of the best kind. I loved the witty banter between RIOT and Evie. There were moments that were hilarious. They are two perfectly imperfect souls that just clicked. There was no fanfare, just acceptance. They balanced each other's strengths. The road to their HEA was anything but easy. Chased by a cartel and doing their best to get to safety, they developed feelings along the way. There's nothing about this story I didn't love. Definite 10 out of 10. Sorry, no spoilers.
RIOT was a fast paced adrenaline rush of the best kind. I loved the witty banter between RIOT and Evie. There were moments that were hilarious. They are two perfectly imperfect souls that just clicked. There was no fanfare, just acceptance. They balanced each other's strengths. The road to their HEA was anything but easy. Chased by a cartel and doing their best to get to safety, they developed feelings along the way. There's nothing about this story I didn't love. Definite 10 out of 10. Sorry, no spoilers.
April 24, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much I read it through till I finished
What great characters In this book. They all blend together perfectly They're not all perfect though But you can't help but fall in love with them. Whether it's the little Rosie the girl who is smarter than she should be Or the mother who is proud of her and very protective Each character makes this story what it is a quick, decisive and Suspenseful Story. There is a happy ending at the end of the book but there is more in this series to keep you reading this author.
What great characters In this book. They all blend together perfectly They're not all perfect though But you can't help but fall in love with them. Whether it's the little Rosie the girl who is smarter than she should be Or the mother who is proud of her and very protective Each character makes this story what it is a quick, decisive and Suspenseful Story. There is a happy ending at the end of the book but there is more in this series to keep you reading this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review. Riot is the latest book in Ellie Masters’ Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists: Short Read series. Riot/Jon and Evie have chemistry that revs up and takes off within minutes of their meeting. The storyline is as fast paced and action packed as their romance. The rock climbing has your heart racing and adrenaline flowing and not just because of the danger. I think this is the best of the short reads and will be hard to beat. You definitely don’t want to miss this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHAT A SPECTACULAR READ...
miss ellie has done it again Fabulous read ..
from get go you are drawn in to the intrigue, the way GHR works
gotta LOVE Mitzy and her style of flare, she is an amazing character...
once riot gets his assignment I was impressed with Evies skills and her determination.
the cliff climb had me on the edge of my seat... and had me cry as it made me think of Hank....
great writing as always..
miss ellie has done it again Fabulous read ..
from get go you are drawn in to the intrigue, the way GHR works
gotta LOVE Mitzy and her style of flare, she is an amazing character...
once riot gets his assignment I was impressed with Evies skills and her determination.
the cliff climb had me on the edge of my seat... and had me cry as it made me think of Hank....
great writing as always..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riot and Evie were so good together. The way he admired how strong she was, inspired respect from me too.
Evie was in witness protection when Riot from Guardian HRS was sent in to rescue her from a Cartel hit.
These two were such a great match but tl professionally but what skills each bring to their escape. A short book but an amazing story that's full of action, drama and romance.
Great writing and fantastic characters with a plot that didn't let go. So good!
Evie was in witness protection when Riot from Guardian HRS was sent in to rescue her from a Cartel hit.
These two were such a great match but tl professionally but what skills each bring to their escape. A short book but an amazing story that's full of action, drama and romance.
Great writing and fantastic characters with a plot that didn't let go. So good!
April 25, 2026
From Mission To Everything 🔥
RIOT may be a short read, but it packs action, thrill, and romance into every page. Jon and Evie’s chemistry is instant. Her instincts tell her he’s safe, and she soon learns he’s more than that. Jon hasn’t let anyone in for years, but he sees Evie in his future. Neither understands the connection, but they’re all in. What starts as a protection mission turns into so much more. Beautifully written, with a lot of story in a small package. 🤓
RIOT may be a short read, but it packs action, thrill, and romance into every page. Jon and Evie’s chemistry is instant. Her instincts tell her he’s safe, and she soon learns he’s more than that. Jon hasn’t let anyone in for years, but he sees Evie in his future. Neither understands the connection, but they’re all in. What starts as a protection mission turns into so much more. Beautifully written, with a lot of story in a small package. 🤓
May 17, 2026
Another short in the Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists world, this book is about Riot and Evie. Stashed in a safehouse, Evie is beginning to wonder if the FBI agents are not the good guys. This is only reinforced when she's rescued by Riot, who is sent to protect her from the cartel. This is a quick paced story with a great romance as well. I loved that Evie wasn't a complete "damsel in distress" and that Riot was more than interested in all aspects of her. Great HEA.
Review of advance copy
This was a gripping and thrilling quick read. A brilliant book to read in one sitting
Full of excitement and suspense along with a couple who were just meant to be together. Riot was pure perfection, strong when he needed to be but also trusting and respecting of Evie’s strengths.
I loved both the lead characters and the story so much I wish it had been a longer read!
Full of excitement and suspense along with a couple who were just meant to be together. Riot was pure perfection, strong when he needed to be but also trusting and respecting of Evie’s strengths.
I loved both the lead characters and the story so much I wish it had been a longer read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely loved Jon and Evie! They are two broken souls who end up saving each other literally and emotionally. Their story is a wonderful page turning read that is impossible to put down. Each twist and turn in their story keeps you wanting to find out how they will make it out of their predicament and get to build a life together. Great addition to this series!
Review of advance copy
From the first page of tension to ensuing chapters of adrenaline, this short read is full of action. It may be listed as a short read, but it is a complete story. I was kinda disappointed that I consumed Riot and Evie's story in one sitting. An awesome read for a Saturday at home!
Rubbing my hands together: what's up next?
Rubbing my hands together: what's up next?
April 27, 2026
Evie saw a murder and volunteered to testify. She was in witness protection and then she wasn't! Her so-called protective detail had turned and her life was in danger. Enter Riot, aka Jon, who risks his life to save hers. Fast paced with excellent characters. Short but really good--a little more of their background would have been nice. One complaint--a cliff!?!? Really?
April 28, 2026
‘Riot’ was entertaining. It had riveting action, suspense, tension, espionage, romance, vertical mountain climbing, and love. Moreover, Jon (Riot) and Evie, the protagonists, worked overtime and then some to achieve their happy ending. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, which created a frenetic tone. Overall, I liked the thrilling narrative.
May 1, 2026
Jon and Evie
These novellas are perfect when you want a satisfying story but you need it quick!
There are many moments that don’t make sense in this book — but overall Jon (Riot) rescues Evie and quickly learns she is a tough cookie with some major skills that help both of them reach safety. Some good glimpses into other team members who assist with the rescue.
These novellas are perfect when you want a satisfying story but you need it quick!
There are many moments that don’t make sense in this book — but overall Jon (Riot) rescues Evie and quickly learns she is a tough cookie with some major skills that help both of them reach safety. Some good glimpses into other team members who assist with the rescue.
May 6, 2026
Loved these two!
I love how he saw her,loved how he felt when she threw the rock at the bad guy! How she helped him climb a cliff to escape, how they really saw and learned about each other as they rested in a small crack in the cliff face. The emotions as their feelings grew. Just a great frikkin' story!
I love how he saw her,loved how he felt when she threw the rock at the bad guy! How she helped him climb a cliff to escape, how they really saw and learned about each other as they rested in a small crack in the cliff face. The emotions as their feelings grew. Just a great frikkin' story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Exciting, intense, action packed and just plain amazing!! Add in some humor which balances out the intensity of the story!! The quality of this short read is fantastic beautifully written!! I totally recommend reading this book!!
April 22, 2026
Great book!
Another wonderful book, as are all of Ellie Master's books!! Wounded men and women helping make each other whole. I have read the series twice & some books more. Love them all!!
Another wonderful book, as are all of Ellie Master's books!! Wounded men and women helping make each other whole. I have read the series twice & some books more. Love them all!!
April 24, 2026
Don’t get me wrong I love the full length books best but I love the short ones a lot they have tense moments , spicy chemistry and twists and turns. I love a strong woman and that’s what an alpha needs a partner and this book has that. Ellie just has a way of weaving a story that pulls you in and takes you to the scene your reading and throws you into the heart pounding action from page 1.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews