What do you think?
Rate this book
Gold Team #2
Thaddeus
There had been a time, I’d been happy—blissfully happy—then a single act of brutality tore Thaddeus Bench from my life. But not from my heart. I never thought I’d see him again. But I did. In a cantina in Mexico. And when he looked over at me with so much hatred in his stare, it pulverized what was left of my heart.
Emerson Pierce was my own personal hell. The agony of her betrayal still as sharp as it was the day I’d come home and found her gone. I’d spent years doing whatever I could not to think about her. To stop myself from wondering where she was and why she’d left me.
Now my team needs answers from her to stop a criminal mastermind and I can’t trust a damn thing that comes out of her pretty mouth. Emerson’s no longer the sweet girl I fell for, she’s the girlfriend of a notorious drug runner and dog fighter. Or at least that’s what I thought until her lies unravel and the truth explodes.
Nothing about Emerson was what it seemed. Nothing about our latest mission was easy. But one thing is for sure...I will save Emerson Pierce, even from herself.
Emerson Pierce was my own personal hell. The agony of her betrayal still as sharp as it was the day I’d come home and found her gone. I’d spent years doing whatever I could not to think about her. To stop myself from wondering where she was and why she’d left me.
Now my team needs answers from her to stop a criminal mastermind and I can’t trust a damn thing that comes out of her pretty mouth. Emerson’s no longer the sweet girl I fell for, she’s the girlfriend of a notorious drug runner and dog fighter. Or at least that’s what I thought until her lies unravel and the truth explodes.
Nothing about Emerson was what it seemed. Nothing about our latest mission was easy. But one thing is for sure...I will save Emerson Pierce, even from herself.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2019
1978 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Riley Edwards
109 books2,684 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.
Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and never miss another release, sale, or exclusive bonus material. https://www.subscribepage.com/RRsignup
https://www.facebook.com/Novelist.Ril...
www.rileyedwardsromance.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
July 10, 2019
Thaddeus (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Gold Team Book 2)
By Riley Edwards
5 Stars
So, I wanted to start off this review with some witty remarks and humor but honestly, I couldn’t come up with anything. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m witty & funny. Just not right now. Why does that matter you ask since I’m supposed to be writing a book review? Well, for me, I know when I read reviews I like when there is a more detailed review with some side commentary included rather than just a “Great book.” But now I’m just blathering on and should get on with MY review. So here it is:
Thaddeus is the 2nd book in the Gold Team series by Riley Edwards. The series intertwines with books written by author Susan Stoker. Never read her?? We’ll get to that in a minute. First, let me start by saying you don’t HAVE to read Susan Stoker’s books to be able to enjoy these stories. But you should. You REALLY REALLY should. Back to Thaddeus (how cool a name is that??) and his story.
To me, every romance should meet certain criteria. Admittedly, some don’t. More often than not, most do but every once in a while you pick up a book that knocks it out of the park. And Ms. Edwards seems to consistently do that with her books. Thaddeus is no different. Two broken souls connecting after 10 years of being apart. Having to face their past and come to terms with how they’ve both evolved yet recognize that through it all their love has held strong. Gutted. This book…it’s a work of art. Fabulous writing, meaty characters, wonderful and meaningful storyline. Just…EVERYTHING. This is a book you want to pick up. A series you want to invest in. An author you want to follow. Do it. Take the chance, pick up the book, follow Ms. Edwards. You’ll thank me.
P.S. I don’t think Ms, Edwards will mind this little side note. Remember when I said we’d get back to Susan Stoker? SERIOUSLY…. pick up her books too. These two writers together?? Hunker down cause you’re never going to be able to put them down!!
By Riley Edwards
5 Stars
So, I wanted to start off this review with some witty remarks and humor but honestly, I couldn’t come up with anything. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m witty & funny. Just not right now. Why does that matter you ask since I’m supposed to be writing a book review? Well, for me, I know when I read reviews I like when there is a more detailed review with some side commentary included rather than just a “Great book.” But now I’m just blathering on and should get on with MY review. So here it is:
Thaddeus is the 2nd book in the Gold Team series by Riley Edwards. The series intertwines with books written by author Susan Stoker. Never read her?? We’ll get to that in a minute. First, let me start by saying you don’t HAVE to read Susan Stoker’s books to be able to enjoy these stories. But you should. You REALLY REALLY should. Back to Thaddeus (how cool a name is that??) and his story.
To me, every romance should meet certain criteria. Admittedly, some don’t. More often than not, most do but every once in a while you pick up a book that knocks it out of the park. And Ms. Edwards seems to consistently do that with her books. Thaddeus is no different. Two broken souls connecting after 10 years of being apart. Having to face their past and come to terms with how they’ve both evolved yet recognize that through it all their love has held strong. Gutted. This book…it’s a work of art. Fabulous writing, meaty characters, wonderful and meaningful storyline. Just…EVERYTHING. This is a book you want to pick up. A series you want to invest in. An author you want to follow. Do it. Take the chance, pick up the book, follow Ms. Edwards. You’ll thank me.
P.S. I don’t think Ms, Edwards will mind this little side note. Remember when I said we’d get back to Susan Stoker? SERIOUSLY…. pick up her books too. These two writers together?? Hunker down cause you’re never going to be able to put them down!!
January 23, 2021
Absolute favorite book in the series. When Thaddeus started to cry I may or may not have declared him my favorite book boyfriend of all time. Mhm thats a secret I'll never tell.
Love K
Love K
March 17, 2022
Plots that don’t make sense, plot mistakes, and boring!
Wow! That has got to be one of the worst books of this series. So many unbelievable plots and errors that it’s almost laughable.
Emerson and Thad were in love ten years ago. When he comes back from a mission as he’s a navy seal, he finds Emerson has disappeared. Instead of trying to find her and what happened to her, he gets angry and his love turns to hate. Emerson’s sister was taken by traffickers and for the next ten years, Emerson tracks down women that have been taken and rescues them, after killing the men that did it. It makes no sense!!! She isn’t trained, can’t shoot a gun but somehow rescues all these girls without getting killed herself??? Oh come on!! She dates the traffickers so she can kill them, and all their bodyguards never stop her. No one puts a hit out on her as everyone knows it’s her. Most stupid plot ever.
Thad works for Z Corps. When he’s in a mission to kill his target, he realises that Emerson is with the man. Thad and his team mates all believe that Emerson is working with the traffickers. Even after Tex finds out what’s she’s been doing for ten years, Thad is really horrid to her. Then of course he realises that she’s not a bad person, and they fall in love again. WHAT??
Oh this is just getting worse! While they are running around killing people and rescuing women, Emerson’s sister is there as well, as she’s also saving women. 😱
I can’t honestly express how bad this book is. Tatiana tells Emerson she was C.I.A then later on in the book, Emerson asks Thad how Tatiana knows how to shoot a gun. Thad explains that Tatiana was in the C.I.A. Okay, how many times does she need telling? There’s so many mistakes like this.
So sad. It could have been brilliant.
Wow! That has got to be one of the worst books of this series. So many unbelievable plots and errors that it’s almost laughable.
Emerson and Thad were in love ten years ago. When he comes back from a mission as he’s a navy seal, he finds Emerson has disappeared. Instead of trying to find her and what happened to her, he gets angry and his love turns to hate. Emerson’s sister was taken by traffickers and for the next ten years, Emerson tracks down women that have been taken and rescues them, after killing the men that did it. It makes no sense!!! She isn’t trained, can’t shoot a gun but somehow rescues all these girls without getting killed herself??? Oh come on!! She dates the traffickers so she can kill them, and all their bodyguards never stop her. No one puts a hit out on her as everyone knows it’s her. Most stupid plot ever.
Thad works for Z Corps. When he’s in a mission to kill his target, he realises that Emerson is with the man. Thad and his team mates all believe that Emerson is working with the traffickers. Even after Tex finds out what’s she’s been doing for ten years, Thad is really horrid to her. Then of course he realises that she’s not a bad person, and they fall in love again. WHAT??
Oh this is just getting worse! While they are running around killing people and rescuing women, Emerson’s sister is there as well, as she’s also saving women. 😱
I can’t honestly express how bad this book is. Tatiana tells Emerson she was C.I.A then later on in the book, Emerson asks Thad how Tatiana knows how to shoot a gun. Thad explains that Tatiana was in the C.I.A. Okay, how many times does she need telling? There’s so many mistakes like this.
So sad. It could have been brilliant.
November 11, 2019
Thaddeus
Oh my! This book was nonstop adventure from the start. This is the second book in the Gold team series. Thaddeus met Emerson when he was in BUD/s. She kept him dialed and helped him keep his head on straight while trying to survive it. She was the light of his life and she ghosted him when he was away on a mission. He has never forgotten or forgiven her for leaving him.
First time he sees her I'm Mexico he's beyond mad she's with this well dressed Man and dripping in stylish clothes he could never afford.
Can these two overcome their past relationships to work together to take down a common enemy.
Emerson has spent the last 10 years of her life missing Thaddeus something fierce. She is not the woman he used to know. She has changed and some questionable things that she cannot change or would not if it meant women were free from being taken and sold into human trafficking.
This was a page turner that I could not stop reading until it was done. Can't wait to see what the future holds for this team. This group of alphas is gonna fall hard.
Oh my! This book was nonstop adventure from the start. This is the second book in the Gold team series. Thaddeus met Emerson when he was in BUD/s. She kept him dialed and helped him keep his head on straight while trying to survive it. She was the light of his life and she ghosted him when he was away on a mission. He has never forgotten or forgiven her for leaving him.
First time he sees her I'm Mexico he's beyond mad she's with this well dressed Man and dripping in stylish clothes he could never afford.
Can these two overcome their past relationships to work together to take down a common enemy.
Emerson has spent the last 10 years of her life missing Thaddeus something fierce. She is not the woman he used to know. She has changed and some questionable things that she cannot change or would not if it meant women were free from being taken and sold into human trafficking.
This was a page turner that I could not stop reading until it was done. Can't wait to see what the future holds for this team. This group of alphas is gonna fall hard.
June 30, 2019
This book brings the true horrors of the world. Kidnapping, trafficking in humane flesh of all ages and the trauma they endure. You have plenty of action, retribution and righting wrongs. This is Thaddeus and Emerson's story. They had a life once, but she left it all behind to find her sister who was kidnapped. It's been a long and disturbing road but there is a HEA. I read this book for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
4.2 stars
I haven't read much of Susan's Alpha world, but I'm a huge fan of this author, so I decided to try this series. It was different than books that are solely her creation. I understand that she had to stay within the confines of this military world. It was good, and I liked the characters but it didn't light me on fire like her other books did. There were too many characters that I felt like I should know and looking at that backlist it was daunting to think about how many books I'd have to read to catch up.
That's not to say that this wasn't good. It was. The characters did pique my interest. I might look at coming back to this series when I have more time.
I haven't read much of Susan's Alpha world, but I'm a huge fan of this author, so I decided to try this series. It was different than books that are solely her creation. I understand that she had to stay within the confines of this military world. It was good, and I liked the characters but it didn't light me on fire like her other books did. There were too many characters that I felt like I should know and looking at that backlist it was daunting to think about how many books I'd have to read to catch up.
That's not to say that this wasn't good. It was. The characters did pique my interest. I might look at coming back to this series when I have more time.
April 30, 2025
Why is it so hard for authors to write a decent grovel? Yes, the MFC messed up but she had extremely good reasons. Could she had handled things better? Who really knows at this point. The way the MMC treated and talked to the MFC for over half the book was appalling. Then we get less than a half a chapter of groveling? Seriously??? She forgives him immediately and takes on all the blame onto her shoulders. FFS!
Other than that, the plot line is pretty deep. Human trafficking and dog fighting are appalling and it is important to expose the dark side of these nightmares.
Other than that, the plot line is pretty deep. Human trafficking and dog fighting are appalling and it is important to expose the dark side of these nightmares.
July 9, 2019
Have you ever entered a room and felt an electrical charge from being near someone? An intensity so strong, you have to look around & identify it? That’s exactly what Thaddeus felt when he realized Emerson, the woman who unexpectedly left him during SEAL training, is sitting near him at a restaurant in Mexico. Their eyes lock and Thaddeus knows Emerson has not forgotten him over the last ten years, especially when he sees her bold tattoo across her back proclaiming his name in Greek as she walks away. Thaddeus can’t begin to understand how his sweet girl next door lover has transformed into a high society arm candy for a low life dog fighter & human trafficker no less. Later, Thaddeus is on an Op to take out the bad news boyfriend and Emerson is caught up in the middle of it. Thaddeus kidnaps Emerson to keep her safe and demands an explanation, but Emerson won’t budge. The gold team, slowly but surely, gets Emerson to open up about her reason for being in her current situation. When Thaddeus learns the truth, he’s consumed by his emotions. In their time apart, Emerson has been searching for someone and she’s been relentless in her pursuit to find them, even though it cost her her relationship with Thaddeus. Thaddeus struggles to keep his emotions locked up and focus on the mission. His mind often wanders to Emerson.
As his heart bleeds, Thaddeus cuts Emerson deeply, a reflection of the pain she caused when she left him. The couple spends numerous moments working through past hurts & irrational fears of the present. As Thaddeus spends more time with Emerson, he begins to see the woman he fell in love with - the real Emerson. Thaddeus begs Emerson to give them a chance at love again if she will only believe & he’ll do everything else. He makes her promise to never leave him again. She promises to do both. As their new relationship grows quickly & their passion is re-kindled, they decide to get married. But there are dark unknown forces at work and it will take all of Thaddeus’s training & instinct to get them down the aisle to wedded bliss.
Author Riley Edwards stuns readers in Thaddeus, the suspenseful new addition to the Gold Team. This book pulls several hard punches and reminds us of the often cruel, ugly world we live in. From dog fighting to human trafficking, Gold Team gets a front row seat to these harsh realities. It made me so heartbroken for the innocent people who are caught up in human trafficking and the animals that are tortured into learning to fight each other to the death in the ugly world of dog fighting. This book was an emotional read and required several tissues to be on hand. Riley Edwards created beautiful moments between Thaddeus and Emerson even in the mist of human tragedy. This book certainly had its low moments that had me crying sad tears and it had joyful, heartwarming moments that had my heart soaring & brought happy tears to my eyes. I have never read a bad book by Riley Edwards and I continue to be impressed with her work.
As his heart bleeds, Thaddeus cuts Emerson deeply, a reflection of the pain she caused when she left him. The couple spends numerous moments working through past hurts & irrational fears of the present. As Thaddeus spends more time with Emerson, he begins to see the woman he fell in love with - the real Emerson. Thaddeus begs Emerson to give them a chance at love again if she will only believe & he’ll do everything else. He makes her promise to never leave him again. She promises to do both. As their new relationship grows quickly & their passion is re-kindled, they decide to get married. But there are dark unknown forces at work and it will take all of Thaddeus’s training & instinct to get them down the aisle to wedded bliss.
Author Riley Edwards stuns readers in Thaddeus, the suspenseful new addition to the Gold Team. This book pulls several hard punches and reminds us of the often cruel, ugly world we live in. From dog fighting to human trafficking, Gold Team gets a front row seat to these harsh realities. It made me so heartbroken for the innocent people who are caught up in human trafficking and the animals that are tortured into learning to fight each other to the death in the ugly world of dog fighting. This book was an emotional read and required several tissues to be on hand. Riley Edwards created beautiful moments between Thaddeus and Emerson even in the mist of human tragedy. This book certainly had its low moments that had me crying sad tears and it had joyful, heartwarming moments that had my heart soaring & brought happy tears to my eyes. I have never read a bad book by Riley Edwards and I continue to be impressed with her work.
June 30, 2019
Man, oh man this book! Explosive, riveting, absorbing, emotional...just a few words to describe this amazing read. It will tie you in knots, have you holding your breath, gritting your teeth, sniffling, laughing, and cheering on the team from the start. I was so engrossed in this story from the beginning I could not put it down until I finished.
After getting over the tremendous shock of seeing each other again after so many years, Thaddeus and Emerson have some hard truths to face concerning their past and present. It does not help that neither wants to be in the same room nor do they want to have to work together or deal with the emotional upheaval their unresolved issues are revealing. But for the sake of the op and their safety they have to come to terms with each other and work together in order to survive the dangers they face.
Thad’s heart was shattered when Emerson left and seeing her again brings everything crashing back as well as the million questions swimming around in his head as to the circumstances that brought her back in his life and where she has been for the past ten years. The betrayal and pain run deep for him and his internal battle rages strong as he struggles to come to terms with the truth when it is revealed. She broke him once but he hardened his heart and became a different man; however, this time if he takes the risk, he could end up destroyed for good.
Emerson had everything she could have dreamed of and then lost it all in the blink of an eye…by her own hand. She will never forgive herself for the devastation she caused Thad, but she will also never forget…it is a living memory etched on her soul. She clings to them in the dark when she struggles for the strength to continue on the path she chose. She has changed over the years, having to become someone she no longer recognizes in order to fulfill a promise she made. Even when Thad walks back into her life she is determined to keep up the charade. When her past catches up and collides with Thad and his team’s current op the truth must be shared. This time she cannot run, she has to face Thad and their past head-on. Will this time be different or will it break them both beyond repair.
This book is terrific and has everything you could ask for in a romantic suspense read. It is full of non-stop action, twists and turns, protective alpha men, strong women, and combustible chemistry. There is also plenty of drama, suspense, witty banter, sass, and gut-wrenching emotions. A must read!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
After getting over the tremendous shock of seeing each other again after so many years, Thaddeus and Emerson have some hard truths to face concerning their past and present. It does not help that neither wants to be in the same room nor do they want to have to work together or deal with the emotional upheaval their unresolved issues are revealing. But for the sake of the op and their safety they have to come to terms with each other and work together in order to survive the dangers they face.
Thad’s heart was shattered when Emerson left and seeing her again brings everything crashing back as well as the million questions swimming around in his head as to the circumstances that brought her back in his life and where she has been for the past ten years. The betrayal and pain run deep for him and his internal battle rages strong as he struggles to come to terms with the truth when it is revealed. She broke him once but he hardened his heart and became a different man; however, this time if he takes the risk, he could end up destroyed for good.
Emerson had everything she could have dreamed of and then lost it all in the blink of an eye…by her own hand. She will never forgive herself for the devastation she caused Thad, but she will also never forget…it is a living memory etched on her soul. She clings to them in the dark when she struggles for the strength to continue on the path she chose. She has changed over the years, having to become someone she no longer recognizes in order to fulfill a promise she made. Even when Thad walks back into her life she is determined to keep up the charade. When her past catches up and collides with Thad and his team’s current op the truth must be shared. This time she cannot run, she has to face Thad and their past head-on. Will this time be different or will it break them both beyond repair.
This book is terrific and has everything you could ask for in a romantic suspense read. It is full of non-stop action, twists and turns, protective alpha men, strong women, and combustible chemistry. There is also plenty of drama, suspense, witty banter, sass, and gut-wrenching emotions. A must read!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
October 13, 2022
Good but not as good as the first. Read on KU
I read this 2 years ago and just reread it. I don't know why I didn't write a review back then.
IMO, this series is the best in the Operation Alpha world. I haven't read all of them. As of about a year ago, I had read one by each of the others that offered theirs on KU. And this author, this series in particular, was hands down the best. I just read two other books that fit in this world by authors that weren't writing in this series a year ago and this is still better. One of those authors includes a lot of the mission in her books, but very little couple time. That is not the case here. This series has the absolute best balance between the mission and romance. The steamy scenes are hot (although the ones in Brooks are a lot hotter). You can feel a connection between the characters.
Some of the books in this world, most of them really, focus almost entirely on the couple. If I'm reading this series, I want to see some action, and reasonable, realistic action at that. I find Ms. Edwards' books to be magnitudes better than Susan Stroker's books. I don't care for hers, which is a shame because I'm not willing to pay to read the seals that started it all and are referenced at least once in each series.
Unfortunately, this book could use some better editing. I believe I saw a few run on sentences. And there were a lot of personal pronouns used incorrectly. (I/he/she/who are subjects and me/him/her/whom are objects - even if you add an extra person in with the person the pronoun references. That's where the problems usually occur. There were a couple of other small things.
I highly recommend this series. I recommend most of Ms. Edwards' books, although the 707 series and the spin offs from it get pretty formulaic. Aside from that, they're pretty good.
I read this 2 years ago and just reread it. I don't know why I didn't write a review back then.
IMO, this series is the best in the Operation Alpha world. I haven't read all of them. As of about a year ago, I had read one by each of the others that offered theirs on KU. And this author, this series in particular, was hands down the best. I just read two other books that fit in this world by authors that weren't writing in this series a year ago and this is still better. One of those authors includes a lot of the mission in her books, but very little couple time. That is not the case here. This series has the absolute best balance between the mission and romance. The steamy scenes are hot (although the ones in Brooks are a lot hotter). You can feel a connection between the characters.
Some of the books in this world, most of them really, focus almost entirely on the couple. If I'm reading this series, I want to see some action, and reasonable, realistic action at that. I find Ms. Edwards' books to be magnitudes better than Susan Stroker's books. I don't care for hers, which is a shame because I'm not willing to pay to read the seals that started it all and are referenced at least once in each series.
Unfortunately, this book could use some better editing. I believe I saw a few run on sentences. And there were a lot of personal pronouns used incorrectly. (I/he/she/who are subjects and me/him/her/whom are objects - even if you add an extra person in with the person the pronoun references. That's where the problems usually occur. There were a couple of other small things.
I highly recommend this series. I recommend most of Ms. Edwards' books, although the 707 series and the spin offs from it get pretty formulaic. Aside from that, they're pretty good.
July 14, 2019
My Heart Is In My Throat💙💚
Ms Edwards penned a read that simply tore me up. Still feeling the effects of a journey of a 2nd chance romance after 10 years of not knowing wthh! Running into your blast from the past is not always a good thing even on the best of days, but during an op with a chance to kill. Holy crapoly!
Thaddeus was steeped in emotions, but had to shut that all down. They had their op to complete however, & it was very nicely tied to Emerson, his soul mate who had ghosted him 10 years ago. I wasn't fond of Emerson either at this point lol, until her reasoning & some very disturbing Intel becomes known. Very messy business trying to stay focused when all he could think of was her, what he felt.
This one hits hard, bringing in life's realities making me feel the gamut of emotions that hit just thinking about human trafficking and the sick, depraved people who who keep it running, or the same sick, depraved people who keep dog fights going. My heart bleeds for all the innocents in reality. I can understand why vigilantes exist when there's nothing left but emptiness or rage.
A lot of action, twists, and surprising outcomes reading this and while Thaddeus and Emerson get their day, all is not over in the grand scheme. While this is NOT a cliffhanger, I'm very anxious to read more of the Gold Team Series as there are a few loose ends that need ending.
I received an advanced reader copy and am giving my honest opinion voluntarily (crying while I'm writing) bc its just that d**n good.
Ms Edwards penned a read that simply tore me up. Still feeling the effects of a journey of a 2nd chance romance after 10 years of not knowing wthh! Running into your blast from the past is not always a good thing even on the best of days, but during an op with a chance to kill. Holy crapoly!
Thaddeus was steeped in emotions, but had to shut that all down. They had their op to complete however, & it was very nicely tied to Emerson, his soul mate who had ghosted him 10 years ago. I wasn't fond of Emerson either at this point lol, until her reasoning & some very disturbing Intel becomes known. Very messy business trying to stay focused when all he could think of was her, what he felt.
This one hits hard, bringing in life's realities making me feel the gamut of emotions that hit just thinking about human trafficking and the sick, depraved people who who keep it running, or the same sick, depraved people who keep dog fights going. My heart bleeds for all the innocents in reality. I can understand why vigilantes exist when there's nothing left but emptiness or rage.
A lot of action, twists, and surprising outcomes reading this and while Thaddeus and Emerson get their day, all is not over in the grand scheme. While this is NOT a cliffhanger, I'm very anxious to read more of the Gold Team Series as there are a few loose ends that need ending.
I received an advanced reader copy and am giving my honest opinion voluntarily (crying while I'm writing) bc its just that d**n good.
March 10, 2024
So this series is seriously aligning with Susan Stokers latest and greatest Seal Of Protection : legacy. This time Gumby’s story is brought into play.
However, of course we have our own team of erstwhile baddasses to follow, and into the rabbit hole you will fall yet again. A follow on underlying story from the last book, we are still on the hunt for the same baddies but along comes someone from Thad’s background, the woman who owns his heart and the one who got away. And boy could she have not changed more - or so it appears.
A love story following on from heartbreak, one can’t move on from being left behind, the other can’t live with what they have chosen to do since leaving (and spoiler alert….those regrets are not the way round you might think!!!)
Max again (adorable!!) plays a central humanising role in this book applying a fair degree of scepticism followed by a dose of salts and reality in the way only he can. Declan makes me want to cry and I really don’t know why yet….
Emerson is amazing, her quest is endless and most likely doomed for failure yet she pushes on regardless, dying a little more inside each time. Thad is living a happy life, or is he. When the two find each other again the pain of those regrets almost break them, and it’s such a hard and emotional road they go on but when they meet in the middle, it’s so worth it.
Again performed brilliantly by Maxine and Lee, bringing all the emotions out in these characters. When reading this book I wanted to slap Declan (IYKYK the scene) but when listening to it my anger was so much more! A fabulous listen for sure.
Sigh….Kyle here we come
However, of course we have our own team of erstwhile baddasses to follow, and into the rabbit hole you will fall yet again. A follow on underlying story from the last book, we are still on the hunt for the same baddies but along comes someone from Thad’s background, the woman who owns his heart and the one who got away. And boy could she have not changed more - or so it appears.
A love story following on from heartbreak, one can’t move on from being left behind, the other can’t live with what they have chosen to do since leaving (and spoiler alert….those regrets are not the way round you might think!!!)
Max again (adorable!!) plays a central humanising role in this book applying a fair degree of scepticism followed by a dose of salts and reality in the way only he can. Declan makes me want to cry and I really don’t know why yet….
Emerson is amazing, her quest is endless and most likely doomed for failure yet she pushes on regardless, dying a little more inside each time. Thad is living a happy life, or is he. When the two find each other again the pain of those regrets almost break them, and it’s such a hard and emotional road they go on but when they meet in the middle, it’s so worth it.
Again performed brilliantly by Maxine and Lee, bringing all the emotions out in these characters. When reading this book I wanted to slap Declan (IYKYK the scene) but when listening to it my anger was so much more! A fabulous listen for sure.
Sigh….Kyle here we come
February 7, 2022
whoop whoop, can we say CROSSOVER
So this series is seriously aligning with Susan Stokers latest and greatest Seal Of Protection : legacy. This time Gumby’s story is brought into play.
However, of course we have our own team of erstwhile baddasses to follow, and into the rabbit hole you will fall yet again. A follow on underlying story from the last book, we are still on the hunt for the same baddies but along comes someone from Thad’s background, the woman who owns his heart and the one who got away. And boy could she have not changed more - or so it appears.
A love story following on from heartbreak, one can’t move on from being left behind, the other can’t live with what they have chosen to do since leaving (and spoiler alert….those regrets are not the way round you might think!!!)
Max again (adorable!!) plays a central humanising role in this book applying a fair degree of scepticism followed by a dose of salts and reality in the way only he can. Declan makes me want to cry and I really don’t know why yet….
Emerson is amazing, her quest is endless and most likely doomed for failure yet she pushes on regardless, dying a little more inside each time. Thad is living a happy life, or is he. When the two find each other again the pain of those regrets almost break them, and it’s such a hard and emotional road they go on but when they meet in the middle, it’s so worth it.
Sigh….Kyle here we come
So this series is seriously aligning with Susan Stokers latest and greatest Seal Of Protection : legacy. This time Gumby’s story is brought into play.
However, of course we have our own team of erstwhile baddasses to follow, and into the rabbit hole you will fall yet again. A follow on underlying story from the last book, we are still on the hunt for the same baddies but along comes someone from Thad’s background, the woman who owns his heart and the one who got away. And boy could she have not changed more - or so it appears.
A love story following on from heartbreak, one can’t move on from being left behind, the other can’t live with what they have chosen to do since leaving (and spoiler alert….those regrets are not the way round you might think!!!)
Max again (adorable!!) plays a central humanising role in this book applying a fair degree of scepticism followed by a dose of salts and reality in the way only he can. Declan makes me want to cry and I really don’t know why yet….
Emerson is amazing, her quest is endless and most likely doomed for failure yet she pushes on regardless, dying a little more inside each time. Thad is living a happy life, or is he. When the two find each other again the pain of those regrets almost break them, and it’s such a hard and emotional road they go on but when they meet in the middle, it’s so worth it.
Sigh….Kyle here we come
March 24, 2023
This book is sad, depressing, and feels so heavy. The entire topic of human trafficking (and what happened to Emerson and her sister Autumn in particular) is so dark that it was difficult for me to see ANY light shining through this TRAGIC story. This is one of those books where I didn't feel that love "conquered all evil". It was a book about some really bad choices made by the female character and her truly messed up life which resulted from how she decided to live her life. It was hard to believe in her soft side, it was difficult for me to like her or even empathise with her. Her sassiness (oh, how I dislike the current trend of writing "sassy" women in romantic novels...) came accross as being simply rude, b*tchy, emotionally unstable, frustrated, and thus - beyond annoying. It's Riley Edwards' book so OBVIOUSLY the angst, emotions, characters' development were very well writtem but...I still didn't see any light, kindness, softness, and LOVE in this story. There is so much darkness that even the happy ending didn't make me feel happy for the main couple. I did love Zane appearing in the story. And Thaddeus was a great guy. The rest was just sad. I'm thinking of skipping the rest of Gold Team books as the blurbs suggest there will be more human trafficking and equally drastic topics...Too much heaviness for books which are supposed to be ROMANTIC novels. I'm hoping Blue Team will offer something more than the same old drama of women as victims.
November 6, 2022
Thad and Emmy
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was an incredible story. It had a lot of action and suspense and I loved the way everything played out. It was a book I couldn’t put down.
I loved Emmy. I thought she was one of the strongest female main characters of this series. As much as I loved Thad by the end, I thought he held onto his anger and resentment for longer than necessary. I understood his pain, but once he found out why Emmy left, he couldn’t let it go. I’m glad Max and Declan finally helped him see the error in his thinking, but it was the one thing that kept this book from being a five start read.
After ten years, Thad and Emmy run into each other. And Thad struggles to trust Emmy again. But their feelings for each other were evident from the beginning. I liked the second half of this book better than the first. Thad really changed in the second half of the book. Once he set aside his pride, he set about proving to Emmy she could have the life she’d given up. I’m glad Thad and Emmy got their happily ever after, especially after everything they’d been through while they were separated.
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was an incredible story. It had a lot of action and suspense and I loved the way everything played out. It was a book I couldn’t put down.
I loved Emmy. I thought she was one of the strongest female main characters of this series. As much as I loved Thad by the end, I thought he held onto his anger and resentment for longer than necessary. I understood his pain, but once he found out why Emmy left, he couldn’t let it go. I’m glad Max and Declan finally helped him see the error in his thinking, but it was the one thing that kept this book from being a five start read.
After ten years, Thad and Emmy run into each other. And Thad struggles to trust Emmy again. But their feelings for each other were evident from the beginning. I liked the second half of this book better than the first. Thad really changed in the second half of the book. Once he set aside his pride, he set about proving to Emmy she could have the life she’d given up. I’m glad Thad and Emmy got their happily ever after, especially after everything they’d been through while they were separated.
January 9, 2024
Not enough love scenes
Okay the book was action-packed. The scenes of them rescuing the damsel in distress always gets two thumbs up from me. However this is supposed to be romantic suspense. There was very little romance. Only one love scene. Heavy on the suspense light on the romance. I hope Autumn gets her story and I really hope at the end of this series they don't leave us hanging. This is the second book and each time they're on a mission right at the end they seem to pull back. And I hope that's just the author laying groundwork for the other books in the series. And again I hope those books have more romance. Romantic thrillers/romantic suspense is my favorite genre of book. But they need to be heavy on the romance as well as heavy on the action and suspense. The lack of love scenes is why I gave it three stars instead of four. It did not receive five stars because I really hate what an ass Thaddeus was to Emerson. And the transition from him being an ass to him being all in seemed a bit forced to me. Still a great read and I will read the next in the series but I will stop there if things don't get better.
Okay the book was action-packed. The scenes of them rescuing the damsel in distress always gets two thumbs up from me. However this is supposed to be romantic suspense. There was very little romance. Only one love scene. Heavy on the suspense light on the romance. I hope Autumn gets her story and I really hope at the end of this series they don't leave us hanging. This is the second book and each time they're on a mission right at the end they seem to pull back. And I hope that's just the author laying groundwork for the other books in the series. And again I hope those books have more romance. Romantic thrillers/romantic suspense is my favorite genre of book. But they need to be heavy on the romance as well as heavy on the action and suspense. The lack of love scenes is why I gave it three stars instead of four. It did not receive five stars because I really hate what an ass Thaddeus was to Emerson. And the transition from him being an ass to him being all in seemed a bit forced to me. Still a great read and I will read the next in the series but I will stop there if things don't get better.
April 27, 2025
Amazing action packed story.
Thaddeus and Emerson's story was a long time in the making. From bliss and being the one to devasting heart break. Emerson's life took a drastic turn when her sister Autumn was abducted and sold into as a sex slave. Even though Autumn was recovered nothing would ever be the same. Ten (10) years Emerson was on a mission to track down and dispose of her sisters abductors. Guilt ridden for letting her sister leave again she was bound and determined to find her and bring her back home. The Gold team had an op to take down Tatiana's handler who they found out was not the man they thought he was but a big player in trafficking and drugs and dog fighting. When they had the chance to take down one of the other players a wrench was thrown in the mix. Yep Emerson. She was on the arm of the one they took down. And yes all hell broke loose. Trying to sort out what just happened and grabbing Emerson in the mix their main target was not captured. This story is actually amazing with all the surprises. I don't want to give too much away but well worth reading. Will keep you up at night for sure. Thank you Riley Edwards for another great story.
Thaddeus and Emerson's story was a long time in the making. From bliss and being the one to devasting heart break. Emerson's life took a drastic turn when her sister Autumn was abducted and sold into as a sex slave. Even though Autumn was recovered nothing would ever be the same. Ten (10) years Emerson was on a mission to track down and dispose of her sisters abductors. Guilt ridden for letting her sister leave again she was bound and determined to find her and bring her back home. The Gold team had an op to take down Tatiana's handler who they found out was not the man they thought he was but a big player in trafficking and drugs and dog fighting. When they had the chance to take down one of the other players a wrench was thrown in the mix. Yep Emerson. She was on the arm of the one they took down. And yes all hell broke loose. Trying to sort out what just happened and grabbing Emerson in the mix their main target was not captured. This story is actually amazing with all the surprises. I don't want to give too much away but well worth reading. Will keep you up at night for sure. Thank you Riley Edwards for another great story.
February 7, 2022
Thaddeus: Special Forces Operation Alpha: Gold Team Book 2 is by Riley Edwards. Thaddeus had known Emerson Pierce for a long time. In college, they had become a couple and were even engaged. However, when her sister was kidnapped, Emerson went home to be with her family and to help find Autumn. Even knowing why she went home didn’t help heal Thaddeus’ heart when it was obvious the break was for all time. They haven’t seen or talked to each other for over ten years. In those ten years, Emerson has traveled the world and dated some very significant men. She has dated them and even killed some of them. Now, she is getting close to the top layer of men; but she needs help. She turns to the Z Group for help. She doesn’t know Thadeus works for them. Will the Z group help her? Will she be able to work with Thaddeus without their past coming between them? The attraction is still there for both of them, can they ignore it?
July 11, 2020
Awesome story
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and looking forward to reading the next one, but I have to say that Emerson and especially Autumn are my new heroines. I was sad for what Autumn endured, but what a way for payback. I also hate the fact that evil is so prominent in our country, and I especially despise lazy ass morons that use and abuse innocent animals for profit, and most especially pit bulls. We all know that they are more abused and mistreated than any other breed out there and given a bad reputation. I have a female pit mix that we adopted from our local shelter, and she's one ☝the sweetest dogs that you could ever want, and before her I also had another pit mix that was just as loveable. Happy reading ladies and I am getting ready to read the next story and then the next before Declan's book comes out on Tuesday.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and looking forward to reading the next one, but I have to say that Emerson and especially Autumn are my new heroines. I was sad for what Autumn endured, but what a way for payback. I also hate the fact that evil is so prominent in our country, and I especially despise lazy ass morons that use and abuse innocent animals for profit, and most especially pit bulls. We all know that they are more abused and mistreated than any other breed out there and given a bad reputation. I have a female pit mix that we adopted from our local shelter, and she's one ☝the sweetest dogs that you could ever want, and before her I also had another pit mix that was just as loveable. Happy reading ladies and I am getting ready to read the next story and then the next before Declan's book comes out on Tuesday.
August 15, 2021
Thaddeus and Emerson
Thaddeus is a second chance romance set at a fast pace with suspense, angst, mystery, humor and love. Thaddeus has loved Emerson for years, she left ten years ago walked out without a word. Thad finds Emerson in the most disturbing place and in the arms of an evil man. Emerson has been searching for his sister for the last eight years, she has set out to take out evil men at no cost to her. When Gold teams op lands Emerson in Thaddeus's lap, emotions will run high and low. Thaddeus has to learn to forgive and let go. Emerson has to learn to believe she can get her HEA. Edwards gives us a good story with some help from Stoker's characters that will leave you wanting more. It also gave me a glimpse on what's to come, I think I figured out who Declan's leading lady will be. I am off to read Kyle book three of the Gold Team series. Happy Reading!!
Thaddeus is a second chance romance set at a fast pace with suspense, angst, mystery, humor and love. Thaddeus has loved Emerson for years, she left ten years ago walked out without a word. Thad finds Emerson in the most disturbing place and in the arms of an evil man. Emerson has been searching for his sister for the last eight years, she has set out to take out evil men at no cost to her. When Gold teams op lands Emerson in Thaddeus's lap, emotions will run high and low. Thaddeus has to learn to forgive and let go. Emerson has to learn to believe she can get her HEA. Edwards gives us a good story with some help from Stoker's characters that will leave you wanting more. It also gave me a glimpse on what's to come, I think I figured out who Declan's leading lady will be. I am off to read Kyle book three of the Gold Team series. Happy Reading!!
June 12, 2022
Plots thicken, evil rises, human trafficking is the worst and the scum that does it are worse than the devil and should be castrated. Emerson and Thad were great together, in love, and ready to spend the rest of there lives together. Fate intervenes and Emerson ‘s sister is kidnapped. Emerson leaves without telling Thad to protect him and his seal career ( she thinks she is doing the right thing) and to find her sister. Thad is devastated, 10 years later Thad and Emerson meet while he is on an op. Words are said, hearts are broken but they have kept their love for each other alive for over 10 years, but neither one knows. So much action, disgust, all three teams. red, Gold , blue wives are threatened by the menace. Read on to see where this goes, too much to write in a review. Hard to put the stories down, keep drawing us in Riley
February 20, 2024
"Thaddeus" is the second book in the Gold Team series and it is a fantastic read. Thaddeus and Emerson have a past, a great love, plans for the future, plans for a family filled with lots and lots of love. Then ten years ago Emerson just changed, left Thaddeus with no explanation and it has been one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do. When he runs into Emerson in Mexico, he realizes that she is not the same girl he remembers. Thaddeus is more confused than ever and shocked that he cannot believe anything that Emerson says.
To find out what has happened to Emerson you will have to read the book, but get prepared for an action packed book that deals with hard topics like kidnapping, human trafficking, drug dealing and dog fighting. Will Thaddeus finally find out what happened to his sweet Emmy?
To find out what has happened to Emerson you will have to read the book, but get prepared for an action packed book that deals with hard topics like kidnapping, human trafficking, drug dealing and dog fighting. Will Thaddeus finally find out what happened to his sweet Emmy?
February 6, 2022
Ten years ago, Thaddeus Bench and Emerson Pierce were living their best lives and headed for a sparkling future. Anger, obligation, fear and hasty choices took them in different directions leading to a painful, bitter and acrimonious reunion. Running into each Emerson on an op, the team learns Omni has tentacles and layers the team hadn’t realized.
Shock bombs, pettiness, battles and tentative healing are just some of the milestones in this emotionally charged outing. Multi-dimensional Emerson turned the tables and had her own way of fighting, fanning the enormous amount of passion between her and Thad.
Rating: 4.5stars
Shock bombs, pettiness, battles and tentative healing are just some of the milestones in this emotionally charged outing. Multi-dimensional Emerson turned the tables and had her own way of fighting, fanning the enormous amount of passion between her and Thad.
Rating: 4.5stars
July 11, 2022
Thaddeus Bench is determined not let another woman hurt him again. Thad was living with Emerson Pierce while he was going through Buds training and disappeared without leaving a note. Ten years later he sees her with a man in Mexico with his name tattooed on her shoulders. His teams went to take out two men and she was there with them. Thad takes her them. She will not tell them anything. They get Tex to check her out and find her sister got kidnapped while he was gone and she left to find her sister. She gets kidnapped while they were on a mission and her sister called and told him where she was for them to rescue her
September 11, 2025
Romantic Suspense
Thaddeus - Good Team by Riley Edwards is part of her Z corps series and also of the Special Forces: Operation Alpha world.
The standalone story of Thad and Emerson, within the interconnected world of Z corps and Susan Stoker’s world; is a treat to read. There is evil outlined in the story that Thad and his team as well as Emerson are fighting. There are action sequences that set my heartbeat higher and nail biting thrills. Then there is the heat and romance that have you fanning yourself. Words are not enough to describe the feeling of reading this story!!
Thaddeus - Good Team by Riley Edwards is part of her Z corps series and also of the Special Forces: Operation Alpha world.
The standalone story of Thad and Emerson, within the interconnected world of Z corps and Susan Stoker’s world; is a treat to read. There is evil outlined in the story that Thad and his team as well as Emerson are fighting. There are action sequences that set my heartbeat higher and nail biting thrills. Then there is the heat and romance that have you fanning yourself. Words are not enough to describe the feeling of reading this story!!
June 13, 2020
Thaddeus and Emerson😍
This couple is the next on the Gold Team to find their way to each other...but in this case it’s a second chance romance and it’s fraught with danger😢 Not only are they fighting against underground dog fighting rings, they are also fighting against human traffickers and a large powerful organisation❣️
This story was fantastic even though the issues they are fighting are well and truly devastating😭 I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the guys stories as I gear up for Declan which comes out in July and features him and Emerson’s sister, Autumn 🍂
This couple is the next on the Gold Team to find their way to each other...but in this case it’s a second chance romance and it’s fraught with danger😢 Not only are they fighting against underground dog fighting rings, they are also fighting against human traffickers and a large powerful organisation❣️
This story was fantastic even though the issues they are fighting are well and truly devastating😭 I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the guys stories as I gear up for Declan which comes out in July and features him and Emerson’s sister, Autumn 🍂
July 25, 2020
Wow
OK so to be honest I have like most of Riley’s books but the first book in the Gold Team I wasn’t that happy with. So saying that she blew me away with Thad and Emerson. Loved the story; so much to absorb. The awful way people can treat other and animals in this world is so heartbreaking. Riley told the story with few detail but enough to know the suffering. These we so much to unpack in this book and so well written that you can’t put it down. The suspense for future stories has me ready for the next book.
OK so to be honest I have like most of Riley’s books but the first book in the Gold Team I wasn’t that happy with. So saying that she blew me away with Thad and Emerson. Loved the story; so much to absorb. The awful way people can treat other and animals in this world is so heartbreaking. Riley told the story with few detail but enough to know the suffering. These we so much to unpack in this book and so well written that you can’t put it down. The suspense for future stories has me ready for the next book.
April 25, 2021
Multiple levels of good
The backstory of Omni was on point. The chemistry between Thad and Emerson was tangible and the focus on dog fighting and human trafficking heartbreaking. This story did a great job on spending more time with the team, the backstory and the couples journey. I am intrigued by many of them and loved Zane and their interactions. While I enjoyed Thad and Emerson the two that grabbed my attention the most was Declan and Autumn. I don’t k or if they will share a story or if we will even see more of autumn, but I loved their characters.
The backstory of Omni was on point. The chemistry between Thad and Emerson was tangible and the focus on dog fighting and human trafficking heartbreaking. This story did a great job on spending more time with the team, the backstory and the couples journey. I am intrigued by many of them and loved Zane and their interactions. While I enjoyed Thad and Emerson the two that grabbed my attention the most was Declan and Autumn. I don’t k or if they will share a story or if we will even see more of autumn, but I loved their characters.
July 6, 2021
Thad and Emmy
This is a great series that continues to give a lot of suspense, action and love. Thad and Emmy knew each other ten years ago when Emmy left one day with no reason for Thad. He was bitter for a long time and felt he hated Emmy for leaving. There is a lot of unknown and misunderstandings going on between them. They also are fighting human trafficking. This is a great story as well and the Omni Group is behind more than they originally thought. I'm looking forward to reading Kyle's story next. Thank you Riley Edwards for another non-stop page turner!
This is a great series that continues to give a lot of suspense, action and love. Thad and Emmy knew each other ten years ago when Emmy left one day with no reason for Thad. He was bitter for a long time and felt he hated Emmy for leaving. There is a lot of unknown and misunderstandings going on between them. They also are fighting human trafficking. This is a great story as well and the Omni Group is behind more than they originally thought. I'm looking forward to reading Kyle's story next. Thank you Riley Edwards for another non-stop page turner!
February 19, 2022
So much FUN!
Thad and Emmy have a past together and they meet again a decade later in the most unexpected of places. Tons of action and solid twists as Riley is used to delivering, but this time, on a second chance romance. Emmy knows what she wants and it is so rewarding to see how she navigates who she is and who she wants to be. While you can read it as a standalone, because it has its own start and end, it is still so connected to the group and the back story that you will want to read them all. Make room on shelf for this one!
Thad and Emmy have a past together and they meet again a decade later in the most unexpected of places. Tons of action and solid twists as Riley is used to delivering, but this time, on a second chance romance. Emmy knows what she wants and it is so rewarding to see how she navigates who she is and who she wants to be. While you can read it as a standalone, because it has its own start and end, it is still so connected to the group and the back story that you will want to read them all. Make room on shelf for this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews