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Former Air Force corpsman Rhys Maddox learned a long time ago never to trust a pretty face. So when the one person he hoped to never see again leaves a late-night voicemail begging for his help, he’s tempted to delete the message and move on—just like he’d spent the last few years trying to erase his memory of her. But despite his deep seated hatred for a woman he once loved, Rhys’ protective instincts send him back into a world he thought he left behind… and straight into the arms of the one woman he can’t seem to forget.
Vanessa Marsh is a ghost. A chameleon who can become whoever or whatever the U.S. government needs her to be. She’s been told her ability to deceive is a gift, but for Vanessa, it’s been nothing but a curse. Determined to break free from a life filled with lies and alter egos, she agrees to work one final job. But when things go sideways and her cover is blown, Vanessa’s only hope lies with a man who’d just as soon shoot her as trust her… The sexy Charlie Team operative who also happens to be the only man Vanessa ever really loved.
Thrust into the clandestine world of spies and hidden agendas, sparks fly once again as Rhys and Vanessa come together to thwart a madman’s plan for revenge. With help from the other members of R.I.S.C.’s Charlie Team, these two must find a way to work through the past while focusing on the only thing that matters now…Their future.
Vanessa Marsh is a ghost. A chameleon who can become whoever or whatever the U.S. government needs her to be. She’s been told her ability to deceive is a gift, but for Vanessa, it’s been nothing but a curse. Determined to break free from a life filled with lies and alter egos, she agrees to work one final job. But when things go sideways and her cover is blown, Vanessa’s only hope lies with a man who’d just as soon shoot her as trust her… The sexy Charlie Team operative who also happens to be the only man Vanessa ever really loved.
Thrust into the clandestine world of spies and hidden agendas, sparks fly once again as Rhys and Vanessa come together to thwart a madman’s plan for revenge. With help from the other members of R.I.S.C.’s Charlie Team, these two must find a way to work through the past while focusing on the only thing that matters now…Their future.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
612 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Anna Blakely
58 books995 followersAuthor of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.
Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 25, 2023
I wanted to rate this book higher, but everything happened so fast I felt like we missed out on things. The relationship between Rhys and Vanessa was repaired so quickly. I did enjoy the back story of how they met.
I also felt like the hit man story line was not finished. Who was he? What did he want? We got a chapter from his POV and then nothing. A few errors “his hand” instead of hers “the bomb was detonated” when it had been activated.
I also felt like the hit man story line was not finished. Who was he? What did he want? We got a chapter from his POV and then nothing. A few errors “his hand” instead of hers “the bomb was detonated” when it had been activated.
June 21, 2023
I borrowed Rhys ~ R.I.S.C. Charlie Team ~ Book 4, by Anna Blakely from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Rhys Maddox and Vanessa Marsh met two years before they reunite when she calls him out of the blue and asks for his and his teams help with her last CIA assignment.
Lots of tension, planning and action to take down the chief suspect and a explosive and happy ending for Rhys and Vanessa. Another win for Charlie company as they work together to support each other.
Rhys Maddox and Vanessa Marsh met two years before they reunite when she calls him out of the blue and asks for his and his teams help with her last CIA assignment.
Lots of tension, planning and action to take down the chief suspect and a explosive and happy ending for Rhys and Vanessa. Another win for Charlie company as they work together to support each other.
May 17, 2023
Love the heroes in this series! Very fast reads.
July 27, 2023
I just came across Ms. Blakely's books this year. I started reading the Alpha Team and got hooked. Rhys' backstory was perfect. He was the grumpy, distrustful operative on the Charlie Team and was very suspicious of all the women the Charlie Team were getting involved with. You knew right away there was a story there with him. He was the teams medic. When he gets a phone call one night from Vanessa begging for his help, he cannot believe she is reaching out to him after 2 years of ghosting him after their time in Afghanistan. Against his better judgement, he goes to meet Vanessa.
Vanessa is terrified and feels she can turn to the only one man she trusts. She reaches out to Rhys when her asset is murdered. Hoping that he will answer and help her, she goes to their meeting place. She tries to explain what happened and why she needs his help, Vanessa gets shot and Rhys saves her.
Rhys gets the answers of why she disappeared years ago and he cannot believe what she told him. He finds out she was a CIA agent on a mission and forced to leave him 2 years ago by her handler. Now its time for him to protect her from the monster hunting her.
This was a great story. I love Ms. Blakely's series and can't wait to read Parker's story and more!
Vanessa is terrified and feels she can turn to the only one man she trusts. She reaches out to Rhys when her asset is murdered. Hoping that he will answer and help her, she goes to their meeting place. She tries to explain what happened and why she needs his help, Vanessa gets shot and Rhys saves her.
Rhys gets the answers of why she disappeared years ago and he cannot believe what she told him. He finds out she was a CIA agent on a mission and forced to leave him 2 years ago by her handler. Now its time for him to protect her from the monster hunting her.
This was a great story. I love Ms. Blakely's series and can't wait to read Parker's story and more!
February 21, 2023
Espionage, treason, compromised agents, illegal arms deals, and so much more make up Rhys: R.I.S.C, Charlie Team. Rhys Maddox the last man standing, of sorts, on the Charlie team. All of his teammates are blissfully married or paired off. All he has are bittersweet memories of a woman who walked away without so much as a goodbye. So, when said woman, barrels back into his life asking for help... color him skeptical. Vanessa Walsh or Vanessa McCord as he knew her in Afghanistan knows she's taking a big risk reaching out to Rhys after the way she left him. But, really she's out of options. He doesn't make it easy for her but coming clean is a necessity especially after the attempt on her life. It takes a lot of convincing along with a good measure of groveling for Rhys to let down his walls. In truth he's never stopped loving her. Now Charlie team must figure out how to stop what could be an arms sale that could have international implications. Hang on to your hats, the last chapter will definitely have you on the edge of your seat.
July 30, 2023
Rhys and Vanessa
Rhys is happy for his teammates. They have all found their happily ever after. However, Rhys doesn't believe in love. After being devastated by a woman he gave his heart to, two long years ago. Vanessa is in big trouble, and in desperation she calls the only man who can help her. Question is... will he? Rhys gets a phone call from the woman who broke his heart. He struggles with her plea for help. Unable to resist, he meets her. Things go sideways from there. Vanessa is hurt and it's up to him to get her to safety, even though he doesn't know fully what's going on yet. He isn't sure if he believes Vanessa at all. He and his team check out the story Vanessa tells. The team is racing against the clock to save the world, after everything Vanessa reveals. She and Rhys have some major hurdles to overcome to get the HEA they deserve. Will they survive long enough to succeed? Get this book ASAP and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
Rhys is happy for his teammates. They have all found their happily ever after. However, Rhys doesn't believe in love. After being devastated by a woman he gave his heart to, two long years ago. Vanessa is in big trouble, and in desperation she calls the only man who can help her. Question is... will he? Rhys gets a phone call from the woman who broke his heart. He struggles with her plea for help. Unable to resist, he meets her. Things go sideways from there. Vanessa is hurt and it's up to him to get her to safety, even though he doesn't know fully what's going on yet. He isn't sure if he believes Vanessa at all. He and his team check out the story Vanessa tells. The team is racing against the clock to save the world, after everything Vanessa reveals. She and Rhys have some major hurdles to overcome to get the HEA they deserve. Will they survive long enough to succeed? Get this book ASAP and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
August 19, 2023
Rhys is action packed. From the first page, the story of Vanessa and Rhys doesn’t stop. It’s a short, quick read that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Vanessa and Rhys were having a passionate love affair when Vanessa disappeared. That was two years ago, now Vanessa is back seeking Rhys’s help. She’s discovered that a tech billionaire has created a nuclear bomb that he plans to sell to terrorists. Only Rhys and Charlie team can help. But where does this leave Vanessa and Rhys? Can the two of them ever get back together, or will this mission end their lives?
Rhys is s fast-paced read. It’s more suspense than romance, but the adventure and ending are both satisfying.
Rhys is a standalone in an interconnected series. You’ll love Charlie Team even more if you go back and start with the first R.I.S.C. series. Let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
Vanessa and Rhys were having a passionate love affair when Vanessa disappeared. That was two years ago, now Vanessa is back seeking Rhys’s help. She’s discovered that a tech billionaire has created a nuclear bomb that he plans to sell to terrorists. Only Rhys and Charlie team can help. But where does this leave Vanessa and Rhys? Can the two of them ever get back together, or will this mission end their lives?
Rhys is s fast-paced read. It’s more suspense than romance, but the adventure and ending are both satisfying.
Rhys is a standalone in an interconnected series. You’ll love Charlie Team even more if you go back and start with the first R.I.S.C. series. Let me know what you think - I’d love to discuss!
January 25, 2023
Shorter than the other books in the series which is a shame but it's still a complete story. There is plenty of suspense and some action, a couple of pretty intense scenes. Great characters and an interesting plot, a few minor errors are the only thing that stopped the five star rating but that's on Amazon for messing up release date, so please don't blame the author. I was fully engrossed, enjoying the reading and the chemistry between these two re-connecting, a beautiful moment near the end had me emotional. Betrayal is always hard. Leaving someone you love to protect them is heartbreaking especially not being able to tell them why or even give a reason at all, sucks. I'm glad Rhys is the guy he is and listened. Another fantastic book in this series.
January 25, 2023
Rhys & Vanessa
I love books that have strong Heroes and strong Heroines, Rhys and Venessa are just that strong! This is a second chance romance type of book, so you don’t see exactly how they fall in love but instead you get some flashbacks and inner thoughts of the characters, the book focuses on the now, clearing up the tension between Rhys and Vanessa rather quickly, seriously there was good reason for Vanessa to leave and Rhys was smart enough to realize that he would have done the same thing, so he understood and moved forward. I loved the plot and watching Vanessa fit right in with the team, I really hope in the coming book that we see Vanessa join RISC in some way!
I love books that have strong Heroes and strong Heroines, Rhys and Venessa are just that strong! This is a second chance romance type of book, so you don’t see exactly how they fall in love but instead you get some flashbacks and inner thoughts of the characters, the book focuses on the now, clearing up the tension between Rhys and Vanessa rather quickly, seriously there was good reason for Vanessa to leave and Rhys was smart enough to realize that he would have done the same thing, so he understood and moved forward. I loved the plot and watching Vanessa fit right in with the team, I really hope in the coming book that we see Vanessa join RISC in some way!
September 7, 2024
It had been two years but RISC’s medic, Rhys Maddox was still heartbroken over the way Vanessa Marsh disappeared from his life and he swore off anything but one night stands. A call from her telling him her life was in danger brought back the lies she’d told him as well as how much he once loved her and his shattered heart but he went.
When their eyes met, the feelings were even more intense and that was before Vanessa was shot. Rhys gave her a chance to explain and believed her with reservations. Minutes later, Vanessa explained why her life was in danger though skeptical he got the team together, Rhys found himself defending her prospective job to his skeptical team.
Rating: 4.5stars
When their eyes met, the feelings were even more intense and that was before Vanessa was shot. Rhys gave her a chance to explain and believed her with reservations. Minutes later, Vanessa explained why her life was in danger though skeptical he got the team together, Rhys found himself defending her prospective job to his skeptical team.
Rating: 4.5stars
July 22, 2025
Not always what it seems
Rhys and Vanessa. Rhys, our loveable grump, is on the hot seat with his reason for the grouch comigg bc back into play. But Vanessa quickly shares that all is not what he believed. Once the reason is shared, and proven, Rhys is open to their connection again. The danger comes in the form of treason and a nuclear bomb…and an element of betrayal. Parker makes a return, which had me cheering, especially with his cheekiness. The ending went as expected, but was still very sweet and precious with the emotional question and response. Parker closes out the book with a look at the next couple and RISC Charlie team book. Can’t wait!
Rhys and Vanessa. Rhys, our loveable grump, is on the hot seat with his reason for the grouch comigg bc back into play. But Vanessa quickly shares that all is not what he believed. Once the reason is shared, and proven, Rhys is open to their connection again. The danger comes in the form of treason and a nuclear bomb…and an element of betrayal. Parker makes a return, which had me cheering, especially with his cheekiness. The ending went as expected, but was still very sweet and precious with the emotional question and response. Parker closes out the book with a look at the next couple and RISC Charlie team book. Can’t wait!
May 3, 2023
How do you work closely with someone who betrayed you??
Rhys gets a call from someone he never wanted to speak to again. Watching him go through the emotions was heartbreaking to read. I could understand his anger but I also admired being able to push past that and help her.
Vanessa needs help and can only go to the one man she trusts but yet she knows how he feels about her.
The suspense was heartbreaking, and the chemistry was hot between these two. You can't get a better combination than that!
Rhys gets a call from someone he never wanted to speak to again. Watching him go through the emotions was heartbreaking to read. I could understand his anger but I also admired being able to push past that and help her.
Vanessa needs help and can only go to the one man she trusts but yet she knows how he feels about her.
The suspense was heartbreaking, and the chemistry was hot between these two. You can't get a better combination than that!
July 1, 2023
Rhys and the return of Vanessa
The next for a complicated love interest is Rhys he fell in love two years ago but she ghosted him left hurt and not trusting females he is shocked when she gets in touch for help, feeling bitter he doesn't want to help until something happens.
This is the first one where the women don't get taken under there watch plus she is bad ass herself is she going to join there team?
I did think Jake would show up and have a chat with her offering her a job? Didn't happen but would of been good if did nice to pull past characters in.
The next for a complicated love interest is Rhys he fell in love two years ago but she ghosted him left hurt and not trusting females he is shocked when she gets in touch for help, feeling bitter he doesn't want to help until something happens.
This is the first one where the women don't get taken under there watch plus she is bad ass herself is she going to join there team?
I did think Jake would show up and have a chat with her offering her a job? Didn't happen but would of been good if did nice to pull past characters in.
July 9, 2025
I just love it when hero assumed things and he got it all wrong. Haha.
Vanessa has broke Rhys heart 2 years ago by vanishing into thin air. He suspected she's a spy, but didn't know if she's from which agency. Years later she contacted Rhys and despite his doubt he agreed to help her.
Anyway, learning about the truth shook Rhys a bit. He's still reluctant to forgive Vanessa, as it's hard to be angry for 2 years and change his demeanor about it. But at the end, he stopped being an idiot and try to pursue Vanessa again.
It's sweet and quick read.
Vanessa has broke Rhys heart 2 years ago by vanishing into thin air. He suspected she's a spy, but didn't know if she's from which agency. Years later she contacted Rhys and despite his doubt he agreed to help her.
Anyway, learning about the truth shook Rhys a bit. He's still reluctant to forgive Vanessa, as it's hard to be angry for 2 years and change his demeanor about it. But at the end, he stopped being an idiot and try to pursue Vanessa again.
It's sweet and quick read.
December 15, 2024
This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the fourth book in the R.I.S.C. Charlie Team series. I have read the first three books in this series before picking up this book, but you can read this book as a standalone. I enjoyed reading this book and the characters in this book. This book has so much put into it, and there is so much twists and turns in this book. This book was a wild ride and I loved it so much.
November 14, 2025
Good read.
Good read, way too short. This story went really fast. Yes, it covered the bases and still came across well-done and rich, and thorough.
Ive read some books thag are longer lately, some too long. This was a fast one, but...still provided all the info.
My only complaint with some authors is they end the stories way too abruptly. There's deadly any time to wind things down and see the characters bloom into their forever. That def sucks.
Good read, way too short. This story went really fast. Yes, it covered the bases and still came across well-done and rich, and thorough.
Ive read some books thag are longer lately, some too long. This was a fast one, but...still provided all the info.
My only complaint with some authors is they end the stories way too abruptly. There's deadly any time to wind things down and see the characters bloom into their forever. That def sucks.
February 8, 2023
Rhys
Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Anna! This one is about second chances for these two. Vanessa was a CIA agent in over her head and she called Rhys to get him and his team to help her take down a bad guy. As always, it gets intense at the end but things usually work out. FANTASTIC job Anna! I would recommend this book.
Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Anna! This one is about second chances for these two. Vanessa was a CIA agent in over her head and she called Rhys to get him and his team to help her take down a bad guy. As always, it gets intense at the end but things usually work out. FANTASTIC job Anna! I would recommend this book.
February 12, 2023
Very good
Rhys works for Charlie Team. He has received a call from the one person he can't forget even though she betrayed him. Vanessa is a CIA agent and she is in trouble. She has called Rhys for help.
Will Rhys get answers to why she left? Will Rhys help Vanessa find who is trying to kill her? Is there a future for Rhys and Vanessa?
Rhys works for Charlie Team. He has received a call from the one person he can't forget even though she betrayed him. Vanessa is a CIA agent and she is in trouble. She has called Rhys for help.
Will Rhys get answers to why she left? Will Rhys help Vanessa find who is trying to kill her? Is there a future for Rhys and Vanessa?
January 26, 2023
Absolutely Fantastic!
As always Anna Blakely delivered another great story! I loved Rhys and Vanessa. This book had everything all the heat, action and a wonderful second chance HEA . I encourage you to read all of the books by Anna Blakely you all not be disappointed.
As always Anna Blakely delivered another great story! I loved Rhys and Vanessa. This book had everything all the heat, action and a wonderful second chance HEA . I encourage you to read all of the books by Anna Blakely you all not be disappointed.
January 26, 2023
Second chance love
Great story second chance for love. It’s about forgiveness and great sacrifice for the one true love. Anna is an excellent storyteller and her heroes and heroines are all intriguing. Looking forward to Parker’s story next.
Great story second chance for love. It’s about forgiveness and great sacrifice for the one true love. Anna is an excellent storyteller and her heroes and heroines are all intriguing. Looking forward to Parker’s story next.
January 27, 2023
OOOOOOO My GOSH...what a ride Rys and Vanessa take us on...falling in love is the easiest thing about their journey...when they do finally meet back up it's a roller coaster of emotions, trying to NOT get killed, who do you trust and why the heck did I wait so long for....Loved it!!!
January 27, 2023
Very quick read
Seems like this book was very short. Started reading and was done in 90 minutes. It's a good book but same story told over and over again. But that's what to expect with these kinds of books.
Seems like this book was very short. Started reading and was done in 90 minutes. It's a good book but same story told over and over again. But that's what to expect with these kinds of books.
February 13, 2023
Rhys is Book 4 in the Charlie Team Series. I read this book in one sitting. It was good and very fast paced - maybe a bit to much. It could have been a bit longer. I'm looking forward to Parker's story.
April 18, 2023
Intense!
Rhys: WOW! Another exciting story for the Charlie Team! Rhys had trust issues with women. Then he got a phone call the one female the disappeared on him. It was suspenseful and romantic. I really enjoyed this story!
Rhys: WOW! Another exciting story for the Charlie Team! Rhys had trust issues with women. Then he got a phone call the one female the disappeared on him. It was suspenseful and romantic. I really enjoyed this story!
April 20, 2023
Amazing
This is the fourth book in this series but it can be read as a standalone. I love the second chance in this romantic suspense. The characters are so amazing and I of course love the hea!
This is the fourth book in this series but it can be read as a standalone. I love the second chance in this romantic suspense. The characters are so amazing and I of course love the hea!
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this series of books.
I really like reading Rhys' and Vanessa story.It was brilliant and full of action and suspension and why Vanessa left.
I really like reading Rhys' and Vanessa story.It was brilliant and full of action and suspension and why Vanessa left.
February 18, 2023
Rhys
Oh, what a story of love the second time around.
Very moving, full of the feels.
It’s a must read.
Oh, what a story of love the second time around.
Very moving, full of the feels.
It’s a must read.
June 30, 2023
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
January 27, 2024
Wow talk about scary moments, bombs, snipers, reconnecting, all to save the United States. There's plenty of danger, secrets, heat and a HEA.
November 1, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews