Un refuge pour Riley

Delta Team Two #4

by Susan Stoker, Angélique Olivia Moreau (Translator)

Porter “Oz” Reed knows as well as anyone the damage words can do. So while he’s not looking for a relationship, he has no problem standing outside his apartment looking intimidating as his sweet neighbor finally kicks her verbally abusive ex to the curb. Just in case. But it’s Oz who’s punched in the gut when, at that precise moment, his ten-year-old nephew Logan is dropped on his doorstep.

After finally ditching her ex, Riley Rogers is ready for a break from men. But her plan to stay single takes an immediate hit when Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome from next door comes knocking, panicked at the prospect of caring for a nephew he never even knew existed. Riley’s only too happy to help. After all, Porter had her back when she needed him. And she feels a kinship with Logan…whose story hits a little too close to Riley’s own.

As they team up to make Logan feel safe in his new environment, Riley and Oz quickly fall hard for the boy, and each other. But they’ve barely adapted to their altered lives when Logan shares a secret that changes everything—again.

** Shielding Riley is the 5th book in the Delta Team Two Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Childrens

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2021

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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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Reviews

[Susan Stoker]

Sometimes what you think is the worst thing to happen in your life, can turn out to be the best!



Shielding Riley
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[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ms. Stoker. There's action, adventure, drama, love, romance, friends and of course, hot sex.

Oz finds out he has a nephew, Logan, and asks Riley what he should feed him for breakfast...and that's the start of their relationship. Logan and Oz come to love Riley and her them. Enter a bad guy or two that cause lots of trouble, plus a secret that will break your heart.

Now the teasers... the next book is Lucky and Devyn. He's been trying to get to know her better since she moved to Killian, but she keeps throwing up road blocks. Bless Sierra she's still kidnapped and gonna have to wait till next year to be rescued.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US *Amazon UK

[LaTonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who does Susan Stoker keeps me falling in love with her characters? This book is no different.

Oz's world is rocked. His sister is dead and now he has custody of her son...his nephew. Oz may be a big bad member of Delta Forces, but Oz felt out of his element with his nephew, Logan. Then there was Riley. She is the next door neighbor who wasn't expecting what was coming her way. This story is AMAZING I want to say more, but I have no filtter when I am so passionate about a story. Loyalty, love, chemistry and friendship IS THIS BOOK. Oh, and some sexiness. Enjoy.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This has been a tough series for me and I am so happy this book worked. I loved Oz, Riley, Logan and *****. What a great story. Great chemistry, awesome friendship, and great pacing. I’m looking forward to Devyn’s story.

[Deanie Nelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually 4.75 stars

Susan Stoker is back in top form with Shielding Riley, the next story in the Delta Team Two series. Porter "Oz" Reed is helping his neighbor kick her ex to the curb when a CPS representative shows up, informing him that his sister is dead, and he's now the legal guardian of the ten-year-old nephew he never knew he had. Naturally, he leans on his friendly neighbor (Riley) for help, especially when he learns that she relates to his nephew because she was a foster kid too.

I love Oz and Riley. They're great characters -- both strong, smart, and surprisingly realistic for a romance novel. Oz's struggle adjusting to being an uncle/single parent is very real and emotional. The villain could be more developed (he's a little one dimensional) and I would have liked to have seen more of the rest of the Delta Team Two guys, but those are minor issues with a great book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz & Riley

Wow, Susan Stoker really knocked it out of the park with Shielding Riley! Oz is standing in the doorway of his apartment watching as Riley kicks her boyfriend out, breaking up with him. He’s yelling at her and being nasty, so Oz is kinda standing guard. Just as the creep leaves, CPS shows up dropping off 10-year old Logan, Oz’s nephew he didn’t know about, his recently deceased estranged sister’s son. Riley jumps in to help. While Oz tries to win over his nephew, Riley is still getting nasty texts from her ex. This IS a Susan Stoker book, so nothing is ever easy, but it’s an amazing book, and I love Oz and Riley!

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porter and Riley❤️

Shielding Riley is finally here and it packs a punch in more than one way😳 After witnessing Riley finally kicking out her abusive boyfriend, Porter finds himself a newly single dad to his nephew, one he never knew existed😢

Porter asks Riley for help finding himself out of his depth and this is the beginning of a relationship neither knew they were looking for❣️ Unfortunately, Logan - Porter’s nephew - has more secrets under his hat and Porter has to gain his trust for their revelations, which are BIG😱

A great story which I loved as well as the glimpses into what’s coming next....namely Devyn and Lucky and Sierra😍

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Shielding Riley by Susan Stoker and this story is my favorite so far in this series which says a lot since I’ve loved all the other books. Oz was totally swoon worthy. His unconditional love towards his nephew, Logan was just the sweetest thing and so heartwarming to see. I also loved that Oz was not afraid to show his emotions and what he was feeling. I really liked Riley who had such a positive attitude and supported Oz wholeheartedly in all things. I adored Logan and he definitely was a scene stealer in this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of Susan Stoker's Delta Team Two's stories have captured my heart and Shielding Riley is no exception. Great storyline and marvelous character mixed in with a good measure of suspense and action makes for thorough entertainment. Watching Oz struggle with becoming a single parent, his developing friendship and subsequent feelings for Riley and trying to reconcile his guilt with his grief over the death of his sister was utterly captivating. Riley has always had loser boyfriends, so keeping Oz in the strictly friend zone makes sense. The problem is that she's falling hard and fast.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Stoker never lets me down! I loved Oz and Riley - not that I ever doubted that I would. I rode that emotional roller coaster with my eyes wide open - literally! I couldn’t put the book down - who needs sleep when we’ve got a new Susan Stoker book to read!?!? I loved it! And I’ll love it again when I reread the whole series right before Shielding Devyn is released!!! Thank you Susan! ❤️

[Jara Beaubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Another fantastic story by the Author. How a single military man finds himself a single Father of not one but 2 kids and also finds the love of his life, of course there is a ex who is after Riley and then after the children, but all ends well read it to find out.

[Wendy Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the whole series, but could not put this one down. I laughed, cried and it broke my heart at times before the HEA finally comes. It has all the feels. If you like prtoector romance, romantic suspense this is for you!

[Ngina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book, I am hoping that Susan writes books with the kids all grown up. That would be so awesome.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porter “Oz” Reed & Riley Rogers
(+ Oz’s 10 year old nephew Logan)

These remind me a bit of the In Death books in that once you read a few, they have a certain characteristic feel to them. A sort of “what you see is what you get” comfort read. Hot over protective hero, spunky heroine, vanilla sexy time. Not complaining, mind you. It was a nice counter balance to the last very intense, very raw, very kinky series I read. Sometimes a dip of vanilla ice cream is perfect. Sometimes you want death by chocolate.

***

Oz is surprised when social services dumps 10 year old Logan in his lap. Oz had no idea he had a nephew, having last seen his sister Becky about a decade ago. In retrospect, he realizes she must have been pregnant the last time he saw her. Oz was estranged from his sister due to her long term drug use.

Logan heads to bed leaving Oz to go on overdrive trying to think of all he needs to do — buy a bed, sign up for school, getting Logan put on his medical plan,... But first, he needs something a kid would eat for breakfast. (He’s a protein shake kind of guy.) Too late to go out or disturb his buddies, he knocks on the door of his neighbor’s apartment. Thin walls assure him she’s still awake.

Riley not only knows what 10 year olds eat, she packs him a bag of groceries. She reassures him she works from home, if he ever needs anything and Oz finds himself inviting her to dinner. In parting, he tells her she deserves better than the boyfriend he caught her throwing out right before social services showed up.

Riley quickly becomes a fixture in both Logan and Oz’s life. Riley meets Logan’s school bus, in case Oz is running late, and they all end up eating dinner together more often than not. The chemistry between Oz and Riley is palatable, but they never get more than a moment or two to themselves. So long hot kisses and furtive touches are all they share for quite some time.

Trigger agrees that he and Gillian will be Logan’s guardians if anything should happen to Oz, so when the Delta team is deployed, Logan goes to stay with Gillian. Three days into their deployment, Gillian calls Riley. Logan wants to come home, so Riley agrees to stay in Oz’s apartment with Logan. And, at Logan’s insistence, sleep in Oz’s bed. A surprise that delights Oz when he returns home.

After that, Riley officially becomes Oz’s “in case of emergency” contact for Logan. When the school calls, and Oz is unreachable, she goes in and Mamma Bears the Principal for suspending Logan for hitting another boy. He hit the boy to stop him from sexually molesting a girl in his class.

When Oz arrives, he scares the shit out of Logan, but once Oz assures him none of the anger was directed at him, Logan finally opens up and shares the secret he’s been holding onto. Logan has a sister, who was placed with her father. Her drunk, abusive father. And just like that, Oz little family grows by one more.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 but it can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I recommend all the other ones since they are great reads as well! In this one we get Porter “Oz” Reed and Riley Rogers story! Oz has no problem looking intimidating when his neighbor Riley kicks her boyfriend out for the last time. After listening to the things he has said to her, he wants to make sure he leaves without any issues. But he is in for the shock of his life when CPS shows up with a nephew he never knew about at that moment. Riley is ready for a break from men after dealing with her abusive ex. But when Oz comes knocking on her door completely panicked on what to do with his nephew, she knows she needs to help him. And after spending time with both of them, she feels a kinship with Logan that she wasn't expecting. And while they make Logan feel comfortable with his new circumstances, they start falling for each other as well. But when a secret that Logan is keeping comes to light, it changes everything.

I absolutely loved this one!!! Riley and Oz are perfect for each other right from the start! She is steady and just this calm person who you can't help but love. Her advice and how she handles Logan is beautiful! But knowing that she can get angry on behalf of the people she loves and cares about? That was awesome! Oz is this stand up man who even though this child was basically thrown at him, he never even hesitates to change everything in his life for him. He doesn't even know this child, but he knows that is his family and he will do anything for his family. I loved him! The twist, oh man that almost broke my heart! I don't want to say a lot because I feel like it's better to read it, especially when it is such a big part of this child's story. But bring some tissues for that part! And then the 2nd twist, then I was completely blown away and every single bad thing you can think of was going through my head! But these men and their women, they never hesitate. And it is absolutely beautiful to read about. I loved every single second of this story. But now, now I am impatient and absolutely need Sierra's story after that epilogue!!!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shielding Riley: Delta Team Two: Book 5 is by Susan Stoker. Susan has a way of taking the mundane and making it exceptional. She takes this story and takes it to the top while keeping the action on the ball but mainly relying on emotional upheavals and reunions.
Porter “Oz” Reed was suddenly and unexpectedly united with his nephew, Logan, while he stood in his doorway intimidating the jerk who was being thrown out of his neighbor’s apartment. He had heard the argument and had come out to see if his neighbor needed help. Instead, he just stood by to be there if needed. As Miles stormed down the hallway, a member of the Texas Child Protective Services was approaching with a little boy. Introduced to the boy as his uncle, Oz was shocked. However, when the boy looked at him, he was looking at his sister’s eyes and knew Logan was his nephew. Soon, Oz was left alone with Logan. Since it was late, Oz put the boy to bed. Then Oz began worrying about breakfast and what little boys eat and going to the grocery store and, and, and. He panicked and thought of the woman next door. She might know, so he went next door, careful to leave his own door open in case Logan should call for him, and knocked on her door. When she opened it, he frantically told her what was going on and what he needed and what was he going to do, all in one breath. Riley was amused at how panicked the huge man was; but took pity on him and filled a bag with breakfast items to hold him over. She also offered future help if he needed it. Saved by a petite woman, Oz was thankful and settled, for the night at least.
Riley was able to help Oz with Logan because Logan saw a fellow member of the foster family group in her. Riley was open in her communication with Logan and Oz and simply because it was her nature, became involved with Logan and Oz. Would a relationship come to be between Riley and Oz and Logan or not? Was Miles out of her life for good? The book is terrific.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh!! That’s the feeling when I finish reading a Susan Stoker book! There’s tension, frustration, anxiety, love, intimacy, soul-deep-tenderness, edge of your seat drama, and of course the HEA! Yeah, I LOVE reading Susan Stoker books.

Shielding Riley is the 5th book in the Delta Team Two series, and it was fantastic. Porter ‘Oz’ Reed just finds out he is an uncle as the CPS agent delivers his 10-year-old nephew, Logan, to him. Also, letting him know his only sister is dead (murdered). He hasn’t had contact with her in over a decade and having a nephew (who needs looking after) is news to him. Who killed her and why? Is there danger to Logan? What secret is he hiding? There is always a twist or something you just didn’t see coming, and in Shielding Riley, I was taken by surprise!

Riley is Oz’s next-door neighbor in the condo complex he lives in. She has just broken up with her boyfriend, rather loudly, and Oz plants himself in plain view so the ex won’t get any ideas when Riley is throwing him out.

He turns to her for help with his nephew and from there a friendship is formed. I love the way Susan invites us readers into her stories and just hooks you from the beginning. You know there will be drama, but the feistiness of the women who are strong and helpful will prevail, and the men will be there to protect and love. Oz is a protector; he feels deeply and isn’t afraid to let it show. My type of man! Riley is loving and loveable; she helps bring the new family together.

Shielding Riley can be read as a standalone, but to truly understand the relationship between Oz and his fellow Delta teammates, reading the entire series is the best way to go.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Delta Team Two series. Riley and Oz/Porter are neighbors who’ve had limited interaction until one night when Riley breaks up with and kicks out her verbally abusive deadbeat boyfriend. The same night, at almost the same moment when Porter finds out his estranged drug addict sister is dead and he has a 10 year nephew that he’s now the guardian of. The upheaval in both of their lives is not the ideal starting point for a relationship but sometimes the things in our lives that first appear as disasters turn out to be unexpected blessings instead. Watching Riley and Porter navigate their fledgling relationship while Porter learns to be a single dad trying to support a nephew who has seen too much harshness in his young life all while still being a Delta Force operator is an engaging, emotional, heart breaking, uplifting, loving, heart pounding roller coaster ride of all the feelings. On their way to their HEA, Riley and Porter grow and strengthen beautifully as individuals, as a couple, and as parents. By the end of the story I wanted to be adopted into their family. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a Susan Stoker story - sweet moments, strong friendships, fan your face sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, and so much love. With Shielding Riley, Susan Stoker once again proves she’s the queen of military romance.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how a person could read this one and not have it get to you. I loved how Oz did what he could to reassure Logan from the start and how with each interaction reinforced that. There were times when what Oz was saying made me cry because Logan was expecting so much worse and Oz laid it out, why he was feeling how he was and how he would act, what he could expect from him. With each day Logan became more and more comfortable with Oz, which was a good thing.

I also loved how seamlessly Riley fit into the equation and that while the attraction was there she and Oz didn't move their relationship at warp speed. It was also great that Riley had one on one time with Logan, gave him another adult to start building trust with.

And man...did this little boy need that trust. Logan was hiding a doozy of a secret, one that broke my heart is so many ways! Once Oz knew though, he wasted no time in rectifying things and it turned out that it couldn't have come sooner! Things were a bit harrowing, but Logan learned his lessons well from Oz and knew what needed to be done, stepping up like the little man he was growing into.

Logan proved it again at the end of the book, the little lessons he was learning from Oz and Riley. When in a bad situation he kept a cool head, did what he needed to, then later did it again.

I really loved the ending to his one, loved that our new family is living large in their HEA.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!!

Omg I’m in love with this book and with Porter (‘oz’). He is amazing. He is the kick ass, sexy delta force operated. But he he also a gentleman, with a hint of dirty talk thrown in for all the steamy scenes. He is not afraid to show emotion and that really made me be endeared to him more. That when he is truly overcome with happiness of sadness because of how horrible people can be to others he doesn’t have a problem showing it. Riley is adorable and mint compared to the hugeness of Oz. And that just makes them all the more cute. Then his life is turned upside down by the appearance of a nephew he didn’t know about after learning his estranged sister had died. So much sadness. Poor Logan. Who is adorable and loved watching Oz be a perfect role model and human to try and get him to open up and trust him. And then a new bombshell!! Bria! Wow. Just wow. And Logan is amazing and such a big protective brother. Loved that. Can’t believe the conditions they found her in. And then after overcoming that. Something lurked in the shadows. Her ex is not going down without a fight. Ugh so disgusting. Have to say I’m happy how his story came to an end. Totally deserved. Can’t wait for Devyns book and can’t wait for Sierra. So far away!!!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMW! This story flawed me, heart breaking, uplifting and inspiring. Oz stepped straight up, no question or doubt about taking on his nephew. Riley to, no hesitation whatever to help and do what she could. This story had so much going on with the couple getting to know each other, them getting to know Logan and him learning to trust. Then the team have missions and Intel, training, the other guys have their relationships. But despite everything they all had each others backs, this family is growing fast but the bonding between them all is steadfast. I cried, smiled and cried again. It broke my heart but eventually put it back together. Intense, upsetting at times, even angry at points, it pulled every emotion possible from me as a reader, I loved the little bits of romance that snuck in, the little fun and light hearted moments that honestly were needed because of the painful parts. Oz and Riley I loved absolutely, the team and their partners I adored, my heart though was stolen by Logan and Bria, just like Annie back in the day. Started 9/3/21 finished 10/3/21

[Bronwyn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow build, big finish

Susan Stoker has written another great story. In many ways, it reminds me of Rescuing Harley. Just a lovely story of two people who meet and fall in love. While each story has lovely nuances, Shielding Riley has more menace about it. I love that our hero is in turn, baffled, confused, concerned, bewildered and overwhelmed but above all else, overjoyed at the situation he finds himself in. He is also not afraid to show his emotions, a good lesson for everybody. Our heroine shows gumption continually and is an even match for our hero.....not always so! The story builds until the action at the finale is ALMOST unexpected. Thoroughly enjoyable, yet another I stayed up late to finish. I swear Susan Stoker will lose me my job one day as I have to finish her books once I start them. You will too!

[reader_dreamer_4life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Heart & Emotions!!! Susan has once again brought her A game!!

Shielding Riley is a slow burn friends to lovers romance story that will pull at your heart strings and have you devouring the words to desperately reach a HEA.
Riley and Oz's slow burning romance story with its underlying suspense had me laughing, hot and bothered (hello dirty talk), completely swooning over OZ!!, feeling angry, reaching for the tissues, wishing I could climb in and Give Oz's nephew a big hug, and sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
This is another story from Susan Stoker that I could do nothing other than devour!!!! I simply can't get enough of these men, their heartwarming camaraderie and they way they aren't afraid to show emotion.
And then........ The queen of extra Epilogue's and teaser's hits you with a teaser / cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more!!!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Porter (aka Oz) & Riley's relationship is pretty smooth sailing. They connect right away, have a lot of open communication, and as Riley helps Oz with his nephew, their relationship grows. Oz also helps Riley come out of her shell as he introduces her to his team. And I loved seeing both their relationships grow with Logan, as well - gaining his trust & becoming a family.

AND - this IS a Susan Stoker book, so there are some pretty amazing twists & the way they come about... WHEW!! What a ride! Grab some tissues, too, because there are a couple parts you might need them.

I love Porter's attitude about the changes in his life, and Riley's strength as she jumps right in to fall in love, as well.

: )

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His grocery fairy or his soul mate?

This book has left me emotionally wrecked....I read it in one sitting, four hours where the outside world ceased to exist - the phone went unanswered, my husbands dinner went uncooked and I cried more tears than I have in a long time.
I know Susan Stoker writes heartbreaking emotion like no other, but this one has kids, as a mother their trauma devastates me but then seeing Oz and Riley devote themselves to doing everything possible to provide safety, security and love, gives me hope for this very broken world we live in.
Another amazing book for the gorgeous Delta Team Two and the kiss ass women who love them.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s another foster kid scenario for a Stoker book. Oz is quite surprised to learn he has a nephew, but takes him in with love. He flounders with single parenthood, but not too much, because his neighbor Riley steps up and helps a ton. Somehow with the new kid chaos, they still manage to fall in love. It’s funny how this whole book, I was cheering for some normality and stability. I just wanted them married and in a house already! Some of her other series had more bonding between the women. I can’t tell if this team doesn’t have that as much or if my impression of that has to do with the reading order. I enjoyed this ebook. 4.5/5

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz has had a thing for his pretty neighbor and is only too happy to make sure she’s ok when she finally kicks her verbally abusive, no good boyfriend to the curb. Just when this happens, he gets the surprise of his life when CPS delivers his 10 year old nephew into his custody—a nephew he didn’t know he had. Life is what happens when you’re planning other things, and this certainly becomes true for Oz. But all these changes aren’t the end of it just yet. Soooooo good! Funny, steamy, heart wrenching—this has all the feels!

[Christina Waeltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring your tissues!!

I absolutely love all of Susan Stoker's books, but this one has by far been my favorite! This story has proven that not all battles that the military face are on foreign land, and sometimes the enemy is staring you right in the face! I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series.

[Julie Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises, sorrow & happy endings.

Susan Stoker has done it again! She made me cry.
Such an important message!
Porter, Riley, Logan & Bree, a family who finally trusts is an amazing gift.
The story will not disappoint you.

Amazing!