Tainted

Triple Canopy #5

by Riley Edwards

Former Navy SEAL sniper Matthew Kessler thought his life was charmed. He was wrong. He thought his father had amassed the family’s wealth through hard work. He was wrong again. He thought the battlefield had taught him everything he needed to know about strength and courage. He was absolutely wrong. In the blink of an eye, everything he thought he knew about his family became a lie. Every penny of his family’s fortune was tainted. A betrayal so crippling it nearly crushed him under the weight of mounting deceit. With his life crumbling around him, he shouldn’t fall for the beautiful cowgirl. But he couldn’t resist her determination. He couldn’t turn away from her strength. And it was a damn good thing because, in the end, she was the only thing keeping him standing.

Chelsea Sullens grew up knowing she wasn’t good enough. Or so said her father. She knew she was hardheaded and stubborn. Or so said her brothers. At eighteen, she’d found herself alone, broke, with nothing but the fire in her belly and her dream of becoming a bull rider. She turned rejection into resolve and put the stubbornness she’d been accused of having to good use. Her father’s insults fueled her determination to ride with the best. With her dream within reach, it was the wrong time to fall in love. The former SEAL was the distraction she didn’t need, yet he was the man she couldn’t let walk away.

So close to having it all. So close to getting forever. A phone call changes everything. Chelsea has vanished. No leads. A slew of suspects. And Matt is fresh out of patience, his control is gone, and the person who’s taken the woman he loves is about to find out his vengeance has a price: blood.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Military Romance, Military Fiction, Found Family, Friends To Lovers

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

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

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

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Reviews

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I click into a Riley Edward books I know 3 things. I am going to get an alpha hero that might fight the feelings he has for his heroine, but once he decides he is in...he is ALL IN. I know I am going to get an amazingly strong heroine that gives their hero a run for their money, no matter the issues that may plague them. I am going to get a story that leaves me wishing I had waited until the entire series was in print before I read it, because the tease for the next story is wonderful and intoxicating.

Chelsea and Matt are no different, these two fight against themselves more than anything, but you feel their intensity off the page. Matt's life has been thrown into disarray because of truths about his family. Chelsea is fighting for acceptance from a source that she will never get it. My heart broke and healed over and over again through this book. But I trust Riley Edwards with her words and her characters to give me exactly what I want and need. There are moments you want to deck both characters and occasionally a supporting character, but they always make up for in the end.

This story is perfectly executed, and well developed. You do not need to read the entire series because this book stands strongly on its own, but you should because you are missing out on some amazing bodies of work if you don't.

[Suzanne Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book is so good!! I thought Matt was great in the earlier TC books. I mean, who buys a bar so they can change the name to Balls Deep?? Chelsea is his perfect match. So much emotion and wonderful and witty dialogue. A must read! This may be my new favorite Riley Edwards book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of family issues in this one, which made it hard for both Matt and Chelsea to let down their walls to let the other person in. It took perseverance on Matt's end to get things started and talking on both their ends to build a solid base. I think once both of them realized that the other was firmly in their corner it helped them out a ton. Matt had someone at his back when he went to deal with his family crap and when his family came to see him. Chelsea had Matt in her corner as she got back into bull riding and as she ran into her family. Things were bad for both of them, so it was great that each had a safe place to take comfort from.

The drama at the end was so crazy! I'm glad that Chelsea had a calm head and glad that Matt has the skills he did to take care of business. It let them find their way to living a happy life going forward.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did this book have to end and why can’t it go on forever??? Every book, every character from this author tends to steal a piece of my heart and the only disappointment is when it ends.
Matthew is a known player, he’s built up his walls that no woman can scale….until Chelsea, who burrows deep right after she gives him a taste of his own medicine. The book picks up right after Tarnished after Matt finds Chels in his back room crying, it’s early morning and Chels leaves him in his bed and doesn’t even try to wrangle to stay, to cuddle, to do anything except for leave and makes sure she doesn’t leave anything behind….oh boy….that irked Matt….but why….that’s what he always wants….until now.
These two had walls built around them that only one person could or would be ever to scale, both because of their pasts, Matt because of his wealth and women using him and Chels, a past filled with abuse and being on her own for many years, except for her horses, her babies. It will be one of these pasts that will come between them, intending harm and even death.
An amazing read with steam…ahem…steam….some suspense, twists and turns, betrayals, surprises and GREAT characters. I LOVED the little to no drama between them and how strong Chels was, a perfect match for Matt. Only disappoint is that it ended and having to wait till next year in April for Dylan’s story….
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Amanda Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Several re-reads later and it’s still my favorite.

WOW!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jelly beans, titty twisters & lip brushes…

Triple Canopy is my favorite Riley Edwards series & Tainted just shot to the #1 spot. Matt & Chelsea are so 🔥🔥🔥 When I wasn’t swooning over their steamy romantic scenes, I was laughing out loud at their hilarious conversations. This book will go down as one of my favorites & has cemented Matt as one of my forever book boyfriends 😍 I know I will read it again & again. Go get your copy if you haven’t already 📚

[Christy Jeffcoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 seconds is all it took for Matt to fall head over heals in love with Chelsea. A story of battles fought and fear overcome. Chelsea needed someone to believe in her. Someone to love her and cherish her. Matt was more than up to the task. Their love story had me laughing and smiling all the way through. Riley Edwards has done it again with the crew from TC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Edwards has done it again, Tainted was an excellent read and I could not put it down. Loved the story for Matt and Chelesa it fit them perfectly. I always enjoy the stories Riley writes, she is able to transport you into another world and you never want to leave. The friendships, family and steamy scenes are the base for all her books. In this story there was a lot of suspense as to what was going to happen, but that the gang comes together and helps each other out no matter what, and as always has a HEA for the characters. Can not wait until Dylan's book comes out to see how it all plays out. highly recommend this book or anything that Riley writes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Triple Canopy series and while it can absolutely be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the other books in the series because they are just genuinely good reads. With that being said, in this one we get Matt Kessler and Chelsea Sullens book. Matt grew up never having to worry about money or the things that it can buy you. His family has always had money and he has his own trust fund that he can fall back on if necessary. And he thought he knew what his father did in order to make his money. But he was wrong. But it's when he is dealing with the worst that he figures out the person he thought he didn't want forever with was the perfect one for him. Chelsea has spent her whole life being told that she wasn't good enough. But she has a dream and she won't let anyone, even her family, tell her that she can't achieve it. She didn't let anyone get in her way, and when she knew she should walk away from the man who was coming to matter to her more than anyone, she couldn't walk away. Their connection was too strong. When she disappears, Matt has to use all his resources to find her. And hope it was before it was too late.

Ok so most of this book I absolutely loved. I loved how Matt and Chelsea's relationship played out. I loved how their connection was stronger than their own personal obstacles. They truly care about each other, even when they think that they shouldn't. The story itself played out beautifully. What I felt like I was left hanging with though, I didn't feel a true sense of closure with Matt and his family. Chelsea got hers to a point, although I felt like there was more that needed to be said between her and her brother's. But Matt and his parent's were close before everything went south. I just felt like there was something missing there. But honestly, that is probably more for my mind and thinking than anything else. Everything else in this book, I loved!

[Trish R. Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

How? How is Riley Edwards able to spin us story after captivating story? There is nothing that I don't like about Tainted. Every paragraph, every sentence aren't wasted on the reader. With thoughtful words Ms Edwards sucks in her readers (me, of course) and I couldn't find it in me to put down the book. So yes, I read this in one seating and I even forgo sleep (did not regret it one bit!)

I love the storyline, I've been curious about Matthew for quite sometime now. The man is rolling in money and he kept relationship at an extreme corner. He knew women are after him for his name and the riches that came with it. He had a wonderful upbringing, filled with great memories of his parents although his sister is kind of a bitch. Eventhough he was from a very privileged background, Matthew didn't squander his time away and lived on his inheritance. He turned his back on the corporate world and went into military and then decided to join his brothers-in-arms to open up their own investigation company.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Chelsea who is a true blue cowboy .... not a cowgirl but a cowboy as she rides bulls and is active in the rodeo competition circuit. Chels didn't come from a privileged background and her childhood was filled with heartbreaking abuse. It shaped her to be the woman she is, an Alpha in her own right. Out of the many heroines that Ms Edwards wrote, I am in love with Chels. I respect her grit and determination and my heart breaks for her when I read about her background story.

This book will gripe you from start to finish and then it will want you to start to re-read it all over again. I will always recommend Ms Edwards books, you will not disappoint.

[Escape to the pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another win with this, the 5th book in an amazing series you just don’t want to end.

Matt has been the quiet one. Unassuming despite his wealth, stoic in the face of challenges and a shoulder to lean on for his team and newfound family. I loved learning more about Matt, his background and family life before the Teams, as well as more about the man. Having a glimpse of him and Chelsea together at the end of Logan’s book was a great precursor to this story and doesn’t it just start with a…..well bang (hehe)

Chelsea is so tough, I think other than Liberty she is the bravest and strongest female character that I have seen in nearly all the authors books and boy is she just special. She has a goal and is absolutely no stranger to hard work, and yet when faced with the reality of Matts life (and wealth) it means nothing to her, in fact she finds it all rather amusing.

I loved how fresh this book felt in terms of the characters and their attitudes to life, their moral compass and the challenges they faced and how “together” they were as a couple.

Total #couplegoals

Hot, suspenseful, engaging and pacy, this book seems to end too soon and you will be immediately counting the days to the next instalment (and can I just say Dylan!!!!!!!)

Also, I know this will probably just be another character to the list of characters the author may or may not get to writing about…but Tim 😍

Enjoy, lose yourself and find your next book boyfriend, this book will not disappoint

[Jane A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy oh boy Riley Edwards this is a good one! What a fantastic read, Chelsea and Matt are a glorious couple who you will absolutely love. It all started out as some fun with no strings but very quickly feelings and emotions got involved and two people from different worlds find themselves wanting strings.
I love how strong and independent Chelsea is, she’s fought so hard to prove herself especially to her family in a traditionally male dominated world, she is going after her dream and what she believes in. Both Matt and Chelsea have issues relating to their families, hers following a childhood filled with abuse and belittlement instead of love and Matt suddenly finds everything he believed about his father is an illusion. Chelsea desperately needs someone to believe in her, see her as enough and love her for who she is. Matt doesn’t do sleepovers or commitments as women only see him for what he has not who he is, can this pair find what they need in each other? They really are a perfect match, they are a team, they truly see each other and have each other’s back. Love Matt’s support of Chelsea, that he lets her be herself even when he wants to wrap her up in cotton wool.
Plenty of action, lots of emotion, lots of humour, the banter between Matt and Chelsea is hilarious and Balls Deep and jellybeans are lol inspired! This is definitely one of my favourite books from Riley Edwards and I so recommend you read it, I recommend you read them all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic new story in the TC series! This pairing was very interesting…a female bull rider and an ex Navy Seal, two people who seemingly have little in common. But they both are stubborn, hardworking and interesting people…oh, and boy do they have family issues!
Even if you’ve never read a Triple Canopy book before, readers will love Chelsea and Matt and their journey together. And while most stories featuring an ex-military and current security hero are about him protecting or rescuing the heroine, I believe than Chelsea is as much his rescuer as he is hers. But as much as Chelsea as a spine of steel, she’s still a vulnerable and hurt young girl in her core at times, but Matt really becomes her safe place.
I adored these two characters, as individuals even before they were a couple. And because I was already a longtime fan of this series, as well as Freedom and Next Generation series, I love the inclusion of other beloved characters. But while Tainted can be read as a stand-alone, I think new readers will definitely be excited not just for book six…Dylan’s story…but for the opportunity to go back and enjoy those who came before.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Edwards has a real winner on her hands with Tainted. What an emotional rollercoaster ride! Imagine that everything you grew up feeling and believing is suddenly turned ypside down and the only thing your left with is an overwhelming sense of betrayal. Or, conversely, after being abused emotionally, mentally and physically by your family for most of your growing up years, you suddenly have someone who believes in you, supports you, lifts you up when you are down or have doubts and shows you more love with a hug and a kiss than you were given in your whole life. Matt Kessler and Chelsea Sullens could not be more polar opposites yet they work on almost every level. Yeah, he has his "douchey" moments but she has some too. Ultimately he gives her the space and respect to pursue her dream (despite his trepidations) and she's there for him when everything he held dear from his childhood becomes Tainted.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Edwards, I have run out of words.

Words, to describe your writings, the terrific writer you are, and most of all the fun, thrilling, and suspenseful romance you create in your novels.
Tainted was definitely a double entendré!
Both the main characters Matt and Chelsea were tainted. Chelsea by her past and Matt by his past and shocking present. Yet together, they more than made sense, they were two broken pieces of puzzles that actually fit together exactly. So much so they made their own picture.
But, this was a Triple Canopy book, and all's well that ends well, isn't exactly the norm.
These two individuals need one another, because there is no such thing as an easy ride. But, being the writer you are, again, another terrific novel, it does end well. Actually, far better than good, it ends perfectly!
I loved!
Especially, the last scene! Perfect for these two individuals!

Karen

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The curse of the men of TC strikes again

The curse of the men of Triple Canopy strikes again. These men never learn. Once they find their perfect match, they all fight it. They all make dumb decisions. And they all get over their fears and fight for what’s theirs. Matt is no exception. When his life is falling apart, Chelsea is the only person that can calm the rage. But she’s built walls around her heart. Luckily, Matt has all the tools he needs to obliterate them.
Riley Edwards had built an incredible, interwoven world of alpha, protectors between Free, Next Generation, and Triple Canopy. I love everything about these books. And I absolutely can’t wait for Dylan and Sawyers story!!

[Helen Diedericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Kessler is not used to women walking out on him. So when Chelsea just rolls out of bed and goes on her merry way it ticks him off. He is also a former Navy SEAL therefore honesty and integrity is very important to him. When he finds out that his dad has been arrested for being involved in money laundering and more he is devastated and feels like all his childhood memories is tainted. Through all of this he can’t get Chelsea out of his mind and he makes sure that he stays close. Chelsea is used to rejection from people that is supposed to love her, so what could a badass Navy SEAL see in her. But somehow they find each other and start breaking down the walls. But just when it looks like there might me a happy ending for both of them, Chelsea disappears… will Matt find her in time?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CKD! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chelsea and Matt had very different childhoods but both left long-term effects. Chelsea is still trying to prove her worth to her father and brothers whole Matt is trying to figure out how he didn't really even know his dad. Together Matt and Chelsea help each other heal and begin their own lives together.
Men in Riley's books fall hard and fall completely, there are some new twists and turns here that have not been in her other books. I enjoyed reading about a female cowboy and she respected what she'd earned. This was a complete standalone and had no contouring storylines from previous books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is everything. Matt knows what family truly is and he knows' it's with his brothers at Triple Canopy. Loved the opening chapter when Matt is the one that is miffed that the woman is out of his bed less than a minute after they are finished. But right after that you are right into the action of the book, pounding on Matt's door and it's doesn't stop throughout the story. It's ramped up with Chelsea, she's a bull rider and trying to prove herself to everyone. Throw in a wedding, naked donuts, friends to "special" friends, helicopter rides and hot dogs, making bets, horse racing, and wanting more. Chelsea was such a strong heroine, it was very refreshing to read all about her strength. I loved it every time Matt mumbled "refreshing". Still thinking about the book days after I've finished.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triple Canopy gives the reader a new crush each time one is released, and Tainted is no exception. Chelsea and Matt are perfectly suited in terms of family issues – and in who they are, and, while Matt’s come across as fun and lovable in earlier books, there is so much more to him in this one. It wouldn’t be a Triple Canopy book without everyone being in everyone’s business – because they’re family. It’s impossible to write this without some spoiler, so I’m going to say that I love this couple, but I love the TC family even more. Charly in particular displays courage in this book that is inspiring, and Matt – well, I said they were perfectly suited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! So many strong emotions in this story. For such an amazingly powerful story, there were times that the laughter completely lightened the mood. A strong, independent woman and a rich alpha man…..what a combination. Chelsea fought all her life to be part of her family. Growing up she thought she was never enough. She never had anyone to depend on. Matt’s life was golden….or so he thought until it was turned completely upside down. She fought for everything, he never had to fight for anything…..until her. Two different childhoods yet both were not the truth. Matt and Chelsea are an amazing couple. Their relationship definitely had its shares of ups and downs, but their story is freakin amazing!! I absolutely love Riley’s books!!

[Cynthia Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the Webster dictionary, refreshing means “agreeably stimulating because of freshness or newness”.
And that´s a great definition for TAINTED. You just can´t stop reading (I tink you can agree this is really stimulating), and as all Ms Riley´s Books, there is always something new, out of your ordinary book, great characters, amazing plot, old friends and lessons learned.
HAVE FUN! IT IS REFRESHING! 😊

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tainted is the perfect title👍

Tainted is the next book in the Triple Canopy series and focuses on Matt and Chelsea, whom he meets when she comes to TC for physical therapy with Addy, after she’s injured while riding at a rodeo😳

Loved Matt and Chelsea, along with the secrets that get revealed and how they work through it all together😍One of the secrets revealed was between Dylan and Sawyer and I’m intrigued to find out what happens next❣️

[Kurtins R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Again! Riley Edwards never fails to write a stupendous story with wonderful characters. Matt Kessler grew up in an affluent family. However, he found out his loving father was a criminal. Chelsea Summons grew up in a house that was cruel. Her father kicked her out at eighteen. She turned her life around and became a strong, intelligent person. Matt wants a relationship with Chelsea but she keeps pushing him away. She doesn't think she is good enough. Chelsea is full of true grit - and Matt is so sweet !

[Tabitha Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Riley! Matt and Chelsea are a great addition to the TC series. Matt and Chelsea think they know what they want but their love grows to show them what they need. Loved the story and the pop ins from the other couples of the TC series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

Another enjoyable read, filled with suspense, hot chemistry, KA type alpha men, and strong feisty leading ladies. I loved how unconventional Chelsea's career was. The details in her career and Matthew's Seal/sniper training were excellent in this book.

Highly recommend this author and series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually get real feels when I read a book, but Chelsea‘s viewpoint how her family treated her literally broke my heart . I really loved her and Matt together.
From the get go they were so push and pull with one another but they came out so strong and their dynamic was off the charts 🔥  one of my favorite Riley couples

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Edwards never fails to write a stupendous story with wonderful characters. Matt Kessler grew up in an affluent family. However, he found out his loving father was a criminal. Chelsea Summons grew up in a house that was cruel. Her father kicked her out at eighteen. She turned her life around and became a strong, intelligent person. This book was filled with humor, tragedy, betrayal, and romance. Once Matt and Chelsea hooked up, they were always there to support each other. I loved reading Matt and Chelsea's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paranormal Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the Triple Canopy series. I liked both Matt and Chelsea and their romance. A bull riding heroine was interesting and Matt was a great hero.

I look forward to Dylan and Sawyer's story next.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and Chelsea‘s story is full of the awesome writing skills that is the talented Riley Edwards.

I don’t want to give too much away but I really enjoyed this. Chelsea is full of true grit - and Matt is so sweet ! Matt is rich and some news about his father puts him in a spin, whilst Chelsea is trying to prove herself to her family. They started out just having a bit of fun but that led to feelings neither wanted to admit nor act on.

Now the teaser about Dylan - that’s a book I can’t wait for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and Chelsea

Matt works for Triple Canopy
Chelsea is on the rodeo circuit riding bulls.

Matt and Chelsea danced around their attraction for each other, but finally they were on the same page.

Matt and Chelsea both have past issues with their family. Eventually
all is worked out.

This book I highly recommend it has, drama, twists, turns and trust issues
and emotions.

Great job Riley Edwards you never disappoint !!!