ARC Book Review: Direct Action by Riley Edwards

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Direct Action in exchange for an honest review.

Direct Action is the third book in the Downrange series, but if you’re wondering whether you need to read the previous books first, the answer is no. I read this one as a standalone and never felt lost.

This book has a little bit of everything that makes a romantic suspense enjoyable; danger, action, suspense, romance, protective heroes, loyal friendships, and enough emotional moments to keep you invested. It balances the action with the romance really well, and once the story gets going, it’s difficult to put down.

Our FMC, Chloe Baughman, was one of my favourite parts of the book. She’s fearless, caring, capable, and knows exactly what she wants. She’s not someone who sits back and waits to be rescued, which made her such a refreshing heroine to read about. I loved how fiercely she cared for the people around her.

Then there’s our MMC, Ryan Strong. He’s protective, possessive, a little jealous, and completely devoted once he lets himself admit his feelings. Ryan and his friends run a bar that serves as more than just a gathering place, while also operating in a world filled with danger and covert operations. Chloe works there as well, and the two have been dancing around their feelings for what feels like forever.

Watching them finally admit what had been building between them was probably my favourite part of the book. Their chemistry felt natural, and once they stopped fighting their feelings, everything just clicked. They complemented each other really well, and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Their banter, loyalty, and unwavering support for one another made their relationship believable and enjoyable to read.

I also appreciated the found-family aspect of the story. The friendships and camaraderie among the team added warmth to the suspense-filled plot, making the characters feel like a close-knit family rather than just colleagues.

Overall, Direct Action was an entertaining read that combines romance and suspense in a way that keeps the pages turning. If you enjoy protective heroes, strong heroines, action-packed romance, and stories with a tight-knit group of characters, this is definitely worth checking out. I’ll certainly be interested in picking up more books from the Downrange series.

A 3.75 out of 5 stars!

Thank you again NetGalley and Riley Edwards!

Get your copy of this book from here.

With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane

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