Former Navy SEAL Nixon Swagger is home. After twelve years of service and twice as many deployments, all Nix wanted was quiet. He’d sought the solace of the land he’d grown up on and found the peace he needed to silence the noise and figure out his next move. Nixon’s stay was supposed to be temporary. He wasn’t supposed to meet a feisty, head-strong woman who made his pulse race and set his body on fire. Falling in love hadn’t been part of his plan. Taking a government contract to stop a homegrown terrorist group hadn’t been either, but when the organization threatens to attack Philadelphia, he had no choice but to accept.
McKenna Wilson was living. Every day was the same. Raising her two teenage siblings didn’t leave time for much else. Most days, she was okay with that. Then she bumped into the sexy war hero and, in an instant, her world changed. She had no idea falling for Nixon would be so dangerous. Now she was going head-to-head with the small-town’s dirty sheriff who was hell-bent on ruining Nixon and avenging a fifteen-year-old grudge. She’d lost her heart, but losing her life wasn’t part of the plan.
Nixon Swagger had learned a few things as a Navy SEAL—adapt, improvise, and overcome were among the many. In the middle of an inferno, so ominous even Dante wouldn’t buy a ticket, Nixon must adapt to his new surroundings and overcome multiple threats before he loses the woman he loves.
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.
What an amazing read!!!! Romantic, suspenseful, emotionally driven and engaging. Very well written, with likeable and interesting main and secondary characters!
Nixon was a fantastic character, protective, patient and with respect. McKenna was strong, sassy, feisty, capable and smart, raising on her own her two teenager siblings, since their parents had a fatal accident. Nixon and McKenna might have had an instant attraction but their relationship developed gradually and their connection was strong. Although it started as a romance read, suspense and action was added to the story and the combination was well balanced.
When a case of terrorist attack occurred, Nixon called his former team and got together as to prevent the threat and all five of them formed the Gemini Group company.
The only issue I had was that there were some things that were not clear in the story. Nixon’s age and the reason for deciding to retire from the SEALs, how and why McKenna decided to live in this small town.
I am looking forward for the stories of the rest Gemini Group characters.
YEAH! Riley Edwards is writing a whole new series featuring more smokin’ hot former SEAL’s for us to fall in love and lust with.
NIXON’S PROMISE (Gemini Group Book 1) by Riley Edwards is a romantic suspense that not only gives you a feel good romance, a strong and drool-worthy alpha hero, an intelligent and loving heroine and a page turning suspense, but also sets you up with more men to follow into future books.
McKenna Wilson is trying her best to raise her two siblings after the death of their father and mother, her step-mother. McKenna was hoping small town life would be good for them all and give them time to slow down and grieve, but the teens are having problems adjusting. While in town picking up feed for their animals, McKenna is helped by the sexy war hero she heard was back in town.
Former SEAL Nixon Swagger has been back home for six months. He is looking for peace and quiet in his small hometown as he works to fix up his family’s farm his father left him while he decides what he wants to do with his future. Nixon has no plans to stay, but when he helps rescue a feisty brunette beauty’s feed bag his plans instantly change. Nixon knows the McKenna is the one woman for him and he will slowly work to intertwine their lives, but sometimes small town history can interfere.
Just as Nixon and McKenna begin to see a future together, Nixon is asked to get his old team together to help DHS with an anti-government group, but not everything is as it seems. Nixon and his team find themselves having to adapt on the fly with very little time to stop a plot that surprises them all only to come home to a life-or-death situation that has culminated from the past.
I could not put this book down! I love Nixon and McKenna. Nixon is the type of alpha hero that everyone dreams about. He is completely in charge and yet understanding and it is displayed in the way he helps McKenna with her siblings’ teenage angst and grief, the way he protects McKenna and the way he appreciates her intelligence and computer skills. McKenna always worried about everyone else, so when Nixon was able to help her it was done out of love and not control. Both of these characters are mature adults and respect each other. The sex in this book is explicit and smokin’ hot. Get your fans ready!
There are two suspense threads in this book. There is a story-line that revolves around corrupt local law enforcement that begins long before this story and carries over into Nixon and McKenna’s present. There is also a story-line that revolves around Nixon’s team of friends and the formation of the Gemini Group which will lead into more stories in this series. The pace of the suspense of both threads just keeps building and building into not one, but two climaxes.
I highly recommend this book and author! I am also anxiously waiting for the other Gemini team members’ stories. You will definitely want to start this series now with book 1.
A wholesome, homegrown hero with a heart that doesn't quit. This was a much needed true-blue kinda romance after reading a few duds.
McKenna was an excellent h. She's intelligent, strong and self-sufficient, didn't need Nix, but was happy to add him into her life. Really loved the chemistry between Nix and McKenna and how Nix stepped right up to help with the younger siblings. I especially loved how Zach looked up to Nix.
A romantic suspense that kept me engaged in the mystery and smiling at the growing relationships between all the characters. Nix is definitely added to the book boyfriends pile. 🔥
I recently read a quote: “Riley Edwards knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats.”
And BOY-HOWDY does she with her latest and greatest book: Nixon’s Promise. The first book in the brand new Gemini Group series, Nixon’s Promise kicks off with a bang. From page 1, chapter 1 I was hooked. Like ‘speak to me while I’m reading this book and you shall die’ hooked. Cereal for dinner hooked. Up until 2 AM on a work night to finish reading it hooked. I think you get the picture. Nixon Swagger, let’s stop here for a moment and just MARVEL at his last name, a former SEAL (‘once a team guy, always a team guy’) may just be my FAVORITE book boyfriend. His combination of bossiness mixed with a touch of gruffness and a dash of tender made my heart pitter patter.
So super HAWT alpha hero needs a suitable heroine and Ms. Edwards pulls out all the stops with McKenna Wilson. Beautiful, smart, quirky matched with automotive skill and sarcastic banter this heroine and hero should have no problems. Right?? Except for McKenna’s 2 teenage siblings, a possibility of a new contract job with his old team and an old high school rival. But with these two sparking from their first encounter, maybe getting close to the flame will be worth the burn.
So here’s my PSA: Be advised this book contains action, hot guys, laugh out loud moments mixed with teenage angst, moments of male stupidity and miscommunication. Readers should hunker down with food and drink in a quiet place. It is advised that you do not tell your spouse, children or work where you will be until this book is finished. There may be parts of the book that will need re-reading. Do NOT put down the book until you are done and can sound the ALL CLEAR. Please follow these instructions for your safety and the safety of others.
This book would have received a solid 4 or 4 1/2 stars from me if there weren't a few moments of complete sexism. The sucky part is, those moments were laced into a book filled with an overall feminist outlook. In other words; I'm both confused and kind of pissed.
The grossest of these sexist moments is when our hero, (Nixon/Nix) and heroine (Makenna) are arguing about her going into town to pick up large bags of feed for her animals.
h: "That’s dumb, Nix. I can go to Tractor Supply myself.”
H: "You can, but you’re not gonna.”
h: “I can pick up my own dog food."
H: “Swear to Christ, McKenna, you go pick up two-hundred pounds of feed on your own, I’ll tan your ass when you get home.”
h: "You try that, Nixon, and I’m never baking you chocolate chip cookies again.”
If you read that exchange and didn't see about a gazillion things wrong with it then you might love this book! Among the utter bullshit in this exchange is the threatening physical violence if a woman decides to do her own errand when her boyfriend tells her she "can, but she won't". Awwwwfuulllll.
This, and a few more similar exchanges, ruined an otherwise FANTASTIC book for me.
I live in Vegas. It’s about 105*—at 6am in the morning for Pete’s sake! (And it’s only June. I can’t even talk about July and August) It’s hot. The crazy kind of hot. The kind of hot that blisters your bare feet, literally fries eggs on your dashboard (check YouTube, I’m serious), and makes you wear sunglasses in your house. Crazy, stupid, ridiculous hot.
That’s also what Riley Edward’s new book series, Nixon’s Promise-Gemini Group #1, is. It’s crazy hot. It’s the kind of hot that blisters your heart, literally fries your circuits, and makes you turn up your a/c. It’s just that good.
The Hero’s name is Nixon Swagger. I mean, seriously. How can you not love that name?! Even his name is hot. He’s a wonderful dichotomy of gruff and sensitive, fearless and reserved, and passionate and level-headed. He’s enamored with McKenna Wilson. And he’s willing to step into her family issues. But, he’s got his ‘stuff’ to deal with it. McKenna is the kind of woman you cheer for. She’s resolute, steady and compassionate. You want to be her friend and be her support when she falls.
And any great story wouldn’t be great if it didn’t include some drama. There’s the dilapidated farms, crazy farm animals, an old high school bully, a new job to sort out, and 2 emotionally wary teenage siblings. All this, in this particular book, is all it takes to raise the temperature to blistering degrees. You know when you’ve been sitting on the couch and it’s so sticky hot (mainly because you’ve been reading a steamy scene) and you’re mentally cursing your pre-programmed thermostat until your air turns on? And then it turns on and you bust out with a huge smile and relieved sigh? You’ll do that with Nix. He’ll bring a rush of cool air. Your heart might even skip.
It’s hot. Crazy, stupid, ridiculous hot. Bite the bullet and turn your a/c on—like you do when you’re on vacation in a swanky hotel. Turn that sucker up high. And just be warned: this is the first book in the Gemini series. (You might need to take out a loan out to pay for the a/c bill that’s coming.)
Disclaimer for those that need disclaimers: I’m a real person that was graciously gifted an ARC of Nixon’s Promise. I really read the book—twice—ask my friend. She’ll verify my crazy reading habits. And if you’re wondering—only by the grace of my mental gymnastics and a complete denial of the weather, cold showers and lots of ice, I've only JUST turned on my a/c. 😝. Right about the time I started chapter 1 of Nixon’s Promise.
OVERALL REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS New-to-me author that I now need to devour all the words STAT!
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS I’m a huge fan of both Erin & Joe so enjoying their performance is a no-brainer for this listener. One thing that threw me off at the start was the change in POV between the male and female leads. She was in first person, and he was in third. When his first chapter hit my ears, I was #twitchy and thought for sure I had received an ARC copy maybe but I asked around and it appears that in romantic suspense, this is actually quite common. I’ve read a whole lot of romantic suspense in my lifetime, and I never once caught that in my reading! After I did my investigating and went back to the story I was no longer #twitchy and I don’t think I even noticed! Lol #themoreyouknow
STORY REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
GAH, I loved everything about this story. I loved the development and growth of McKenna with her sibling AND Nixon! Even without the *suspense*, you will still be captivated and hooked from the very beginning! To me, that’s assign of a great journey all around. Neither the town drama nor the dynamics of their growing relationship took center stage to one another. They both weaved in and out of the story perfectly and had me listening till the weeeeeee hours! I have zero regrets! LOL
I’m completely in love with this town and the Gemini group and can’t wait to read (or listen) to ALL THE WORDS!!
A heart pounding, edge of your seat, sizzling romantic suspense with outstanding characters and a heck of a exhilarating plot! This book was SERIOUSLY good. I devoured this book in a little over a day and a half and loved every second of it. Smart, bold, edgy and sexy too, this book was irresistible. I can't get enough of Riley Edwards stories!
This book had it all! Nixon and McKenna’s story started out slow for me. I had to come back to it twice but after a few chapters in I became hooked. The writing, the strong characters, and their story – it came together it what has become one of my favourite reads of the year…
McKenna was struggling with loss and the sudden responsibility for her brother and sister. Love just didn’t seem to be enough as they grieved. Alone. When Nixon came home and stumbled on the Wilson clan, his life took a never expected turn. And so did theirs…
Where do I begin? Nixon. Ex-military, strong. Neanderthal in his thinking at times. He was protective and alpha if he needed to be yet loving, gentle and sympathetic. Life wasn’t easy but he knew a thing or two about grieving. And living… McKenna was strong too. Her backbone was steel when it came to the lives of her siblings and she would do anything to ensure their happiness. If only she knew that magic formula. With Nixon by her side though, they were all figuring it out…
With danger and intrigue following them, this story didn’t sit still for a minute and all of it made stellar reading. This is the first book in the Gemini Group series and, after that tantalizing glimpse of the next story, I am so sad I won’t see the next one for months. MONTHS, people! Don’t let that turn you away as you NEED to read this book.
This is what i was looking for! A hot romantic suspense story,and Riley Edwards gave me exactly what i was hoping for. The connection between Nixon and McKenna is there,right from the start. Nixon treats her with the respect she deserves while at the same time makes it very clear he wants her. Knowing she cares for her little sister,Amanda and her kid brother,Zack,makes him take his time to show them all he’s serious about his girl. But once they get where i wanted them to go,they’re HOT between the sheets. At the same time,the suspense is built in a steady pace,with not only a present threat,but one from Nixon’s past as well. Nixon gets his old team back together to deal with the present threat,and the Gemini Group is born. When McKenna sees something she shouldn’t have,she solves the puzzle they couldn’t,and is drawn into the team. The team manages to find out the how,why and where,but only just in time. In the meantime,Nixon’s old threat is planning something.....and it involves McKenna!
This was a fast-paced,nailbiting, suspenseful story,with enough steamy parts to keep me happy. A well-told story that i enjoyed,a lot!
The following ratings are out of 5: Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🩷 Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪 Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔 World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍 Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘🥰 Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙 Narration type: Dual Narration
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine: McKenna “Mickey” Wilson
McKenna Wilson doesn’t just run a farm—she runs a household, a legacy, and a life built on resilience. In the quiet town of Cliff City, she works in software development while also working her hobby farm, raising her teenage siblings Mandy and Zach after the loss of their parents. She’s no stranger to hard work or heartbreak, and she’s learned to tune out the small-town gossip that buzzes like flies around fresh drama. So, when she meets Nixon Swagger—local legend turned war hero—outside the grocery store, she doesn’t flinch at the rumors. PTSD, reclusiveness, emotional baggage? She’s heard it all. What she sees is a man who lifts a 50 lb. bag of dog food without hesitation and offers a quiet strength that feels familiar. And yes, she notices the muscles. But she’s got a farm to run and two teens to raise—romance isn’t exactly on the chore list.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero: Nixon “Nix” Swagger
After twelve years as a Navy SEAL, Nixon Swagger returns to Cliff City carrying more than just duffel bags. The ghosts of war, the weight of loss, and the scars of decisions made under fire haunt him. He’s not looking for attention—just a place to breathe. But small towns have long memories and loud whispers, and Nix quickly finds himself the subject of speculation and unwanted flirtation. His father’s farm, left to decay during his absence, becomes both refuge and redemption. He throws himself into restoring the place, hoping the sweat and soil will quiet the noise in his head. What he doesn’t expect is the woman next door—McKenna Wilson—whose strength rivals his own and whose life is just as battle-worn.
🔥 Plot Snapshot
What begins as neighborly proximity slowly deepens into something more intimate. Nix is drawn to McKenna’s fierce loyalty and quiet competence. She’s not just raising two teens—she’s shaping them with love and discipline, despite their sass and scars. When Nix offers Zach a dirt bike in exchange for help on the farm, and later teaches him to drive, he’s not just building fences—he’s building trust. Supper invitations turn into shared moments, and admiration turns into something deeper. Meanwhile, tension simmers in town: the Sheriff still holds a grudge from high school, where Nix defended assaulted classmates against the Sheriff’s son—now a deputy. And when Nix’s former SEAL team rolls into town, the stakes rise. Homeland Security taps them to investigate a domestic terrorist threat, laying the groundwork for the formation of The Gemini Group.
❤️🔥 What Worked
• McKenna and Nix are both grounded, hardworking characters who carry their responsibilities with quiet pride. Their chemistry is built on mutual respect, not just attraction. • The subplot with the Sheriff adds a layer of moral complexity and small-town politics that feels authentic and infuriating in equal measure. • The introduction of Nix’s SEAL team and the birth of The Gemini Group adds a thrilling edge and sets the stage for future installments with high-stakes action.
🤨 Room for More
• Nix had been married before and he had some bad feelings towards his time with his ex-wife which didn’t look good on him, even if the feelings were justified.
🎧 Narration Vibes
Dual narration by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon elevates this audiobook to another level. Arden’s gravelly timbre perfectly captures Nix’s internal battles and quiet intensity, while Mallon’s versatility brings McKenna’s strength and vulnerability to life. Their performances are immersive, emotionally resonant, and never overdone. Mallon’s ability to shift seamlessly between characters is especially impressive—she doesn’t just read, she inhabits.
📝 Final Thoughts
This audiobook blends emotional depth with small-town grit, military intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that feels earned. McKenna and Nix aren’t perfect—they’re real. And that’s what makes their story worth listening to. With stellar narration and a setup for future Gemini Group missions, this is a solid start to a series that promises heart, heat, and heroism
This is the first book in Riley Edwards new Gemini Group series and it was a hit for me! Nixon Swagger has finally returned home after years serving his country. He's trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life and returns to the small town and family farm that he left so long ago. What he didn't expect was to run into a woman that would impress and surprise him from the moment that he saw her. McKenna Wilson likes the quiet life in this small community and is now raising her siblings here since their parents passed away unexpectedly. Small towns are loaded with rumors and gossip and she's heard all about Nixon and plans to keep her distance no matter how hot he is. Well fate has other plans for these two and they have some big hurdles in their future. Two angst ridden teenagers, home grown terrorists and unscrupulous local law enforcement are among the many things that will be thrown into their path to happiness. This story has it all; action, angst, heat, lust and love. It's written from 3rd person POV for Nixon and 1st person POV for McKenna so I really got to connect with these characters. I recommend this book completely and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I really liked this one from the start, liked how smitten Nixon was of McKenna, that he was able to love that she was a tomboy and an independent woman. Even as Nixon flirted with McKenna and she shot him down you could tell that only seemed to intrigue him more. As their paths crossed again and again their attraction grew. At first I thought Nixon was a bit high handed when dealing with McKenna's siblings, but she did need help and wasn't reaching them. I think with Nixon being a stranger and being so matter of fact it hit the right chord with the kids.
Later as Nixon went back to work, McKenna and the kids were just as important to Nixon and he let them know that. I loved how McKenna was drawn into the work and how impressed Nixon was with her skills.
While things were a bit dicey towards the end, they ended in the right way, one where a cobbled together family was finding their way.
McKenna is raising her siblings all by herself and moves into a small town for that. Nixon is a decorated war hero and he is looking to forget his past as is renovating his father’s farm in the small town. The MC’s meet each other and a some days later they both realize that what they feel for each other is deeper and could be developed into something life-lasting. That is when Nixon is called back to another work by the government. Lovely romance. Nixon’s tough image and the way he helps McKenna and her siblings handle their issues was beautiful to watch. The suspense element in the story starting from the past and connecting to the present was also very well brought out. Liked the story.
This is the first book in a new series and it starts of with a fantastic book. Nixon Swagger is a former Seal Team member and back restoring to farm he grew up on. He runs into McKenna, a single woman raising her 15 and 16 year old orphaned siblings, at a feed store and is instantly impressed. When McKenna’s horse and companion goat show up on his property he finds out they are neighbors and he starts mentoring her brother and trying to get to know her. Nixon forms a business taking government contracts with 5 other former team members and McKenna becomes their computer expert when she accidentally sees and deciphers an encrypted message no one had been able to break. There is lots of action and suspense, suspected terrorist, bombs, Sheriff Douchebag and Deputy Dickhead, a teen boy learning to be a man, a teen girl grieving and lost, and two people with such a great chemistry it is off the charts hot. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one.
First for me by this author. I was pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you I wasn’t sure what to expect but I sure did enjoy these characters. McKenna has just become guardian to her two younger teenage siblings and it isn’t an easy transition.
Nixon lives next door and fines out that his new next door neighbour is McKenna and her siblings. I love that he takes her brother under his wing.
It did feel a little like insta-love but I am not mad at it because so much happens from the time they meet until the end of the book it’s understandable why we get that feeling.
I like that McKenna understands Nixon’s job what was great was how McKenna became an asset to the team too. I wasn’t expecting that and quiet liked it.
Narration, I love Erin’s narration she just does the voices so well she gives everyone their own sound I love it. Joe isn’t my favorite but I still enjoy his work. Think I might have to invest in the rest of the series.
OMG What a great jump into a new series from Riley Edwards. Nixon will make you swoon BIG TIME and the rest of the Gemini Group - I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. for their stories...
More review to come, closer to release! I could not put this book down!
This was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed the characters, their personalities, the ups and downs, a few twists and a great ending. I would definitely like to read more in this series and will bolo them. Enjoy!
I enjoyed reading Nixon's Promise. I love the family you choose stories and Nix wanting Mckenna knowing she came as a package deal with two teenage siblings to raise was swoon worthy.
this book was so so good. i liked the writing style, story flow, characters, and the twists. though i'm intrigue that the H was in 3rd POV while the h was in 1st POV. i mean why can't they be the same? just thinking out loud. anywaaaaay, both mcs were likeable and it also helped they acted so mature (considering they're in their 30's). she was a badass hacker and he was a badass former navy seal.
as for the nixon, the hero, i liked that he was straightforward and he made sure that mckenna knew that she was it for him. though sometimes he was an overbearing jerk and had to use the logic "i'm the man so i should be doing this blah blah blah", i mean i get that he wants to help out mckenna as much as he can but at times his attitude was condescending (imo). anyway, there was nothing really major red flag in him, just his attitude sometimes when he was being an overprotective caveman. i even liked the way how he was with zack and mandy, he did step up being a good male role model / older brother for those teenagers. he was good for mckenna and her siblings.
mckenna, the heroine, she was sweet, caring, protective, and smart. i enjoyed reading her scenes being part of nixon's group op. she was a badass but can still hold her ground when necessary. i loved her for being a good sister to her siblings, she never gave up on them when they were being difficult during the earlier months they started living with her. her patience and understanding was never ending, and i'm in awe of her being their support.
nixon and mckenna were sweet together, it was a healthy relationship to say the least. there wasn't so much drama just a few misunderstandings that were resolved quickly because of nixon's persistence. both of them were badass too when they worked together along side with nixon's former navy seal buddies.
i enjoy the family dynamics in the book. the character development of zack and mandy and how they reconnect with their sister again and become the family they were before.
overall, i had a great time reading this first instalment. and i'm looking very much forward to the books of the other guys. the action and suspense will surely keep you sitting still or anticipate what's to come in the next chapters. absolutely worth recommending.
McKenna was an independent woman until her dad and stepmom died, leaving her half siblings to her care. She's struggling.
Nixon's mom split when he was little, his dad died while he was deployed. He's home to get the farm in order and to figure out his life plan.
Character development for Nix and McKenna is pretty good. We get a lot of conversation and, through it, some back story. However, Zack and Mandy turn around abruptly and with no regression, and all because of Nix. That's not realistic, especially as Nix is an only child but somehow has skills with teenagers. Maybe his dad was amazing?
Plot was the big thing in the story, and sadly, it wasn't paced well. The story was a nice romance, a few complications in town, then wham, blam, Alec appears with a contract, Nix pulls in buddies, then the story lags, then breakthrough and action, and at the same time, things come to a head at home.
Setting is unique. This town has an amazing pizza place the author took from real life.
This is a good series starter. Nix pulls in his 4 SEAL buddies and business partners for what Alec needs help with. And Alec is another former SEAL, in the DHS, so maybe he'll get a story.
GOOD QUOTE “You know, life isn’t some big mystery. It’s simple. Not always easy—but when you break it down it’s nothing more than a series of choices. Right or wrong, you have to live with them. Then you need to decide what you’re going to do with the consequences. Learn? Grow? Celebrate? What value did your choice bring to you?”
Do I need to read books before this one: no Would I read more of the series: probably Cliffhanger: no POSSIBLE TRIGGERS Sex: multiple scenes Language: 164 F words, 91 Lord's name in vain, 144 S words Violence: multiple fist fights, one severe beating, harassment, reports of sexual assault, death by guns, report of plane crash, bomb threat
CRITIQUE (spoilers) Nixon reflects at one time in his failed last mission, and that's all we get. Not even PTSD.
I Googled the Sultana, and I still don't know what that is.
Nix had a bad marriage, but they don't address it.
Oh my gosh did I ever love this book, and to think it’s the first in a series, so there is more to come. Nixon’s Promise is extremely well written with characters that touch the heart. What a remarkable storyline that will make you laugh, smile, hold you in it’s suspenseful grip and leave you hot and bothered all at the same time.
After the death of their parents, leaving McKenna to hold what’s left of the family together. She is a strong independent woman, who is trying to raise her two grieving teenage siblings but has no clue how to help them through it. But her life changes when she meets Nixon, the town’s war hero who has returned home to figure out what to do with his life, now that he’s left the Navy Seals. Nixon has returned home to the farm his father raised him on hoping to find peace and a path to follow. But returning to his roots also bring back grudges from his youth. But when he meets McKenna at the local feed store and later finds out she’s his neighbor in need of help, his life does a complete 180. From this point in the storyline the author will take you on an amazing journing. A trip full of surprises, laughs, heartbreak, tenderness, suspense and romance.
In a perfect world every woman would have a Nixon in their lives. His strength, compassion, loyalty, and fierce protection of what is his, will have your heart melting and leave a smile on your face. Not only is the book is appropriately named because if Nixon makes a promise you can bet your life on it but his name says it all: Nixon Swagger definitely has all the Swagger it takes to back up everything he says and does. Ladies you definitely need to grab this book up ASAP, trust me you will not regret it. This is a great start to what this reader thinks is going to a phenomenal series and I am anxiously waiting for book 2: Jameson and Kennedy’s story.
2 Thumbs up and 5 Outstanding Stars for Nixon’s Promise.
If I could give 100 Stars, I would. I know that I sound like a broken record but Riley Edwards did it .... again and I'm confident to say that Ms Edwards will continue to awe me with her awesomeness.
In this book one of the Gemini Group series, we're introduced to Nixon Swagger (I do so love the surname) and in my opinion, one of Ms Edwards best heroines McKenna Wilson. I normally skip giving an outline of the book as you can read the blurb yourself. In all the romance books that I read, I've come to expect certain keypoints from the author. For example, a believable or solid world building, a sizzling romance or chemistry between the H and h, an alpha hero who behaves like an Alpha and a kickass heroine. Nixon's Promise checked all the boxes for me.
Ms Edwards writes strong main characters but what set her apart from most of the other authors that I read is that she also pays attention to the secondary characters. Boy oh boy am I looking forward to read more stories from the Gemini Group. They are fierce and most importantly, they are loyal plus they have honour and intergrity.
I appreciate the problems that McKenna faced raising her 2 siblings, the struggle that Ms Edwards put across the page are real. As a reader, I cannot help but feel McKenna's frustration. If ever Ms Edwards thought of writing a novella from this series, I hope she will write the story of McKenna's younger brother who is now all grown up.
Another highly recommendation from me, infact, make Riley Edwards an auto buy. You will not regret it.
I love Ms. Edwards stories. They are so romantic, but more than that, it's a woman's fantasy of what a man should do and how to treat a woman. Walking on the outside of the sidewalk, opening doors, meeting them when they come home. It's all over the book and how most of her character's live. In chapter 6, there is a great paragraph where "Nix was thinking about all the ways he'd like to prove his theory right. In his vast experience, woman preferred a man who was confident enough to know what she needed but gentle in the execution. Until they hit the sheets - then there was a hole new set of rules. His. Confidence still played a part, along with a healthy does of control, which always led to an explosion and ended with gentle concern. Same principle, different order of operation." This was reiterated throughout the book as Nix came to realize what a wonderful person McKenna was. Being blocked by a 15 and 17 year old is also funny. He's never felt that way before. McKenna ghosts him for almost two weeks and Nix has had enough. I absolutely loved the buildup of this relationship. When other characters eventually come into the story, the banter increases and its very entertaining.
This is an awesome first chapter in this series and I highly recommend ANYTHING Ms. Edwards writes.
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a delicious start into a new series💚💙 Laughing the very first page in when Nixon meets McKenna I knew I'd be hooked. The story is phenomenal, touching on real issues, and spinning it into a romance with heat, humor, action and emotion. McKenna is caring for her teenage sister and brother and that brings in a whole new dynamic in dealing with their feelings, plus her own. Nixon steps in and alpha that he is, just takes it all in stride with a bit of toughness, but compassion also. (Sigh) Threats come in all forms and all levels. I loved the way these all were presented, described and "handled". A lot of action for Nixon and his newly formed team. Micky also gets included when they realize how valuable she is, which totally tripped my trigger. Then there's the local "good ol boy" system alive and well, who also got dealt with. I think I honestly held my breath a lot reading this, taking a big, deep breath, happy sigh at the end. I can't wait for the next release in the Gemini Group Series. I received an advance copy from the author and am giving my honest thoughts and opinions on Nixon's Promise voluntarily.