Nixon's Promise

Gemini Group, Book 1

By: Riley Edwards

Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Joe Arden

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Former Navy SEAL Nixon Swagger is home. After 12 years of service and twice as many deployments, all Nix wanted was quiet. He’d sought the solace of the land he’d grown up on and found the peace he needed to silence the noise and figure out his next move. 

Nixon’s stay was supposed to be temporary. He wasn’t supposed to meet a feisty, headstrong woman who made his pulse race and set his body on fire. Falling in love hadn’t been part of his plan. Taking a government contract to stop a homegrown terrorist group hadn’t been, either, but when the organization threatens to attack Philadelphia, he had no choice but to accept.

McKenna Wilson was living. Every day was the same. Raising her two teenage siblings didn’t leave time for much else. Most days, she was okay with that. Then, she bumped into the sexy war hero and, in an instant, her world changed. She had no idea falling for Nixon would be so dangerous. Now, she was going head-to-head with the small-town’s dirty sheriff who was hell-bent on ruining Nixon and avenging a 15-year-old grudge. She’d lost her heart, but losing her life wasn’t part of the plan.

Nixon Swagger had learned a few things as a Navy SEAL - adapt, improvise, and overcome were among the many. In the middle of an inferno, so ominous even Dante wouldn’t buy a ticket, Nixon must adapt to his new surroundings and overcome multiple threats before he loses the woman he loves.

©2021 Riley Edwards (P)2021 Riley Edwards

Great Romantic Suspense…Phenomenal Narration

Audiobook review: I really enjoyed this book. The story was so great and the narration was phenomenal as always with Erin Mallon & Joe Arden.

Really loved how Nixon helped with McKenna and her siblings. I really loved the connection he made with Zach. He was the man Zach needed in his life and he taught him how to work.

While Nixon and McKenna’s attraction was immediate, their relationship grew slowly. They didn’t rush into anything and both wanted to make sure her siblings were ok with their relationship. I loved how she was able to come in and help him with his team and their mission.

I’m definitely excited to continue this series and I truly hope Erin and Joe narrate the other books.

Nixon's Promise

First for me by this author.
I was pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you I wasn’t sure what to expect but I sure did enjoy these characters.
McKenna has just become guardian to her two younger teenage siblings and it isn’t an easy transition.

Nixon lives next door and fines out that his new next door neighbour is McKenna and her siblings.
I love that he takes her brother under his wing.

It did feel a little like insta-love but I am not mad at it because so much happens from the time they meet until the end of the book it’s understandable why we get that feeling.

I like that McKenna understands Nixon’s job what was great was how McKenna became an asset to the team too. I wasn’t expecting that and quiet liked it.

Narration, I love Erin’s narration she just does the voices so well she gives everyone their own sound I love it. Joe isn’t my favorite but I still enjoy his work.
Think I might have to invest in the rest of the series.

fantastic!

This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last! Awesome story and narration. Suspense, passion, and I really liked the push of the message against sexual abuse. Can't wait for the next book!

Loved reading it. FLOVED listening to it.

I loved this book (and entire series) when I read it. Joe Arden and Erin Mallon truly brought it to life. Fantastic performances/production.

Promising new series

This was one of the books that can’t stop listening to and wait to get home to! Really loooking forward to all the other ones to come in this series!

Love Riley Edwards

I have been waiting for more to be released from Riley Edwards and this book didn’t disappoint! Two of my favorite narrators and a great story. Keep them coming!!!!

Nixon's Promise (Gemini Group #1)

OVERALL REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
New-to-me author that I now need to devour all the words STAT!

PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS
I’m a huge fan of both Erin & Joe so enjoying their performance is a no-brainer for this listener. One thing that threw me off at the start was the change in POV between the male and female leads. She was in first person, and he was in third. When his first chapter hit my ears, I was #twitchy and thought for sure I had received an ARC copy maybe but I asked around and it appears that in romantic suspense, this is actually quite common. I’ve read a whole lot of romantic suspense in my lifetime, and I never once caught that in my reading! After I did my investigating and went back to the story I was no longer #twitchy and I don’t think I even noticed! Lol #themoreyouknow

STORY REVIEW & RATING: 5 STARS

GAH, I loved everything about this story. I loved the development and growth of McKenna with her sibling AND Nixon! Even without the *suspense*, you will still be captivated and hooked from the very beginning! To me, that’s assign of a great journey all around. Neither the town drama nor the dynamics of their growing relationship took center stage to one another. They both weaved in and out of the story perfectly and had me listening till the weeeeeee hours! I have zero regrets! LOL

I’m completely in love with this town and the Gemini group and can’t wait to read (or listen) to ALL THE WORDS!!

Wonderful Story

My first time reading Riley Edwards, and I'm a fan. I don't know why I waited this long to begin this series, esp. since it's narrated by two of my favorite narrators. I loved the solid storyline, but I was drawn in when Nix began helping Mckenna and showing her that she could do things alone but didn't have to. And the way he handles and helps her siblings made me swoon even more.

Joe Arden and Erin Mallon narrate, and I couldn't imagine a better duo to play these characters. Joe Arden brings all the protective, dominant, confident swagger and vulnerability as he finds himself willing to suffer the ribbing of his new team as he falls for McKenna. Erin Mallon was wonderful. She portrayed Mckenna's dedication, strength, and loyalty to her family. I especially loved that McKenna didn't second guess her growing relationship with Nixon.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, and I look forward to listening to the remainder of the series.

So Good - Romantic Suspense and Small Town Drama

First in a new series and it's got a great feel. I'm looking forward to more.

Nixon is a former Navy SEAL (you're never an ex SEAL, just not an active one) and he's back in his hometown while he figures out what comes next for him. On the neighboring farm is Mackenzie, a computer programmer trying very hard to raise her teenage half siblings after the passing of her father and step-mother. Nix is drawn to her and to her siblings. He wants to make her life better because it feels right to him.

Just as the pair are finding a rhythm and getting used to the new normal, someone from Nix's past comes knocking with a job offer. A chance to get his team back together and make a difference. Can he have both?

This audiobook was performed deliciously by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon. Erin is everything I want in a romantic suspense heroine. She's got all the emotions on display from exasperated to proud, from grief stricken to passionate and joyful. Joe Arden is amazing in this performance not only bringing depth and range to Nix himself, but also to Mackenzie's 15 year old brother as he finds his footing without a father figure. Nix is a protective and strong man, but also very caring and intuitive in his approach to Mackenzie and her family.

Falling for the neighbor

This was my first book by Riley Edwards and I really enjoyed it. Characters were great and made my heart full. I am definitely going to look into continuing this series and also other books by this author. There was just enough romance and thrill.

I received this audio book for free. This is my honest review.

Great Romantic Suspense!

This is the first book in the Gemini Group series, a Romantic Suspense. Nixon (Nix) and McKenna‘s story is well written, and suspenseful, filled with mystery and action. Nixon, a former seal, is handsome, protective, and supportive. McKenna is beautiful, talkative, feisty, smart and caring. They are opposites attract, and they are perfect together. The cast of supporting characters is impressive. I loved McKenna’s siblings Zack and Mandy. I liked the family bonds in the story. Nixon's teammates are intriguing. I liked their brotherhood. The storyline is entertaining, and captivating. Erin Mallon and Joe Arden did an excellent job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward for more in the series.

Unexpected but sweet

It may be because of the cover but I think I expected more suspense with the story. In fact, while there is a bit of intrigue because there is a set up to Nixon's group, the Gemini group, overall, the focus of this story is on McKenna and Nixon's romance and the restoration of McKenna's family after the death of her family. Somehow, with Nixon and her relationship, her brother and sister start to open up and they become a family again. I'm not sure I really got that story arc.

That said, I was especially enthralled during the last third of the book, where McKenna shows off some of her skills as a computer expert to help Nixon and his group determine who the terrorist is that they are asked to find. It really highlighted the strong feminine voice and I overall enjoyed the development of the relationship between her and Nixon.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely love Erin Mallon and Joe Arden so having them read such a good book just elevated the story overall. Their mastery of multiple voices as well as their pacing and infusion of emotion really draws the listener into the story. A fantastic way to experience this story!

Fantastic romantic suspense

There is s a reason I love Riley Edwards. She knows how to write a story that has grit and romance and always keeps me riveted until the end. This first book in her Gemini Group series feathers Nixon Swagger, and yes, he has got it in spades. A retired Navy seal, he has come home to relax and get his life in order. Meeting his neighbor McKenna is a surprise he was not expecting. She is like a breath of fresh air for him, but she comes with baggage. McKenna is guardian to her two younger siblings. While not expecting this role, she is doing her best to help her brother, Zack and sister, Mandy acclimate to their new life. Trouble in town existed when Nix was there years ago, and it still seems to be around with the same culprits causing the problems. As the relationship between Nix and McKenna begins to sizzle, the danger begins to surround the girls. Now Nix has taken the job to keep the family safe. Add in the Gemini Group as Nix takes on a new job, and the suspense and danger really begins. This story is fantastic from start to finish. Nixon, the strong, protective type is just the kind of man you want around. McKenna is definitely an independent woman, and I love her interactions with her siblings. Both Zack and Mandy have a great roles, and getting a glimpse at the Gemini Group partners is just whets the appetite for the rest of the books in this series. I can't wait to see what's in store for the others,

Erin Mallon and Joe Arden are amazing and teamed together I knew I was in for a fantastic listen. Mallon plays the part of McKenna with ease. She falls in the motherly part, hearing the frustration and love for her siblings as she takes on her new role. And she easily turns on the professional when McKenna becomes key to the group. Arden has a tone to his voice that has me melting in every role. He is the protective Nixon and shines his love through his voice. In the next breath, he is the militant soldier, ready to take on the mission given. I love these two and together it's a must-listen.

Entertaining small town romantic suspense

My first book by this author, and the first book in this series, and I loved it (book 2 will be in my future very soon). War hero Nixon ‘Nix’ Swagger returns to his small town farm to find he has a new neighbour, McKenna ‘Micky’ Wilson. McKenna has moved into a small holding of sorts, after having taken the job of looking after her two younger siblings, 15 year old Zach, and 17 year old Mandy, following the death of their parents. Lots of chemistry between McKenna and Nixon, I loved the tension and the banter, they worked so well together. Then there’s lots of added drama and suspense as they both contend with a crooked Sheriff and his lecherous son (the deputy sheriff), who are determined to make Nixon pay for their own transgressions. Lots of emotions - happy, sad, intense and totally suspenseful. Lots happening to keep me entertained throughout. Also, something different do me, McKenna is written and narrated in the first person and Nixon is written and narrated in the third person. It was a little strange to begin with, but to be fair it really worked well, and fit in totally with the story. Narration was perfect, with two of my favourites giving it their all, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden, they truly brought the story to life.

Nixon's Promise

A great story with action, heart, love, steam, strong bond of friendship and family and a small town.

Well written and a fantastic narration.

Would love to listen to the next books in this series.

Brilliant Story & Listen🎧 Gripping & Heartwarming

This book blew me away, it is an amazing romantic suspense that grabbed my attention immediately and captivated it the entire book. I am not sure how this is my first book written by Riley Edwards, I can only say it is definitely not my last. She is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style, her descriptive details take you right alongside the characters, giving you a bird's-eye view of what they are seeing, thinking and feeling, as if you are experiencing it all with them. Characters that are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to care about too.Nixon Swagger, a former Seal, is done with the Navy and is back in his hometown and the house where he grew up. A former farm that his father ran and left for him after he died. Not everyone is happy to see him return home, but he is not planning on staying there, he just needs recoup, enjoy some quiet time and square things away with the house and property. He has not been home in years and a lot has changed, including his new neighbor, McKenna Wilson, who caught his attention and has him intrigued by what he saw. McKenna’s life changed when her father and stepmother died and she became the guardian for her younger brother and sister. She welcomed them with open arms, but her 16-year-old sister is struggling not only with their loss but with being uprooted from the only home she knew. Her younger brother, Zack, is handling the change a little better, but not much. McKenna is beside herself, trying to do her best with them, but it is one step forward and two steps back. Nixon coming into their lives helps matters get a little better for her, Zack takes a liking to him and they bond. Nixon was just was McKenna needed, though as a strong and independent woman thought otherwise. The chemistry between them is electric, and it does not take them long to give into it. I loved watching these two get to know each other more and see their relationship morph into something more. A former colleague offers Nixon a job opportunity, and it is the start of a new career and the Gemini Group, a group of former highly trained Seals. Their first assignment is risky, and even McKenna’s expertise comes in to play to help get the job done. I loved how everything played out in the book; the story starts with the building of Nixon and McKenna’s relationship before getting into the Gemini Group business and how it comes to fruition and who joins the team and I could see great things happening with that team. There is never a dull moment in this book, the story is cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, a touch of angst, some twists and turns, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and a steamy romance. Riley Edwards, thank you for the wonderful story and the thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to checking out more of your books.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Riley Edwards cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Erin Mallon and Joe Arden are superbly talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, give each a voice that fits the character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Joe Arden nails it as Nixon, brings out all his amazing traits showing every side of his personality, from a badass alpha to hero to McKenna kid brother. Erin Mallon did the same for McKenna, brought out her smarts and her strength and her vulnerabilities, both were great performing the roles of the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance and had you feeling every single one. These entertaining storytellers were a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhanced an already brilliant story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

Tiresome

This book is reminiscent of many I listened to several years ago, but I think I’ve just matured way past them now.

This book both tries to challenge sexism, and completely reinforces sexism at the same time. It’s so conflicted. The alpha male traits are just so tiresome. The fact that he won’t ride “b*tch” or be a passenger in a car made me eye roll. Beating someone up and seeing it as a fix for being a sexual predator, rather than also bringing about actual consequences that might last. One conversation with troubled kids and all their problems are over because he’s a magic fix. The heroine is admired for her independence, yet also the hero does the domineering approach and threatening to spank her for wanting to do her own errands. I know people are into traditional gender roles and I don’t mind people being into that - but the whole book came across so contrived, and I didn’t feel the genuine alpha natural confidence. There should be calm confident and very natural dominant vibes for it to work.

The whole book was very predictable and full of the same old tropes. Didn’t feel the emotional connection, and I got really bored lots of times.

Why do all their names finish the same way? Nixon, Holden, Chasin, Jameson, Weston.

Lesson learned. Avoid this genre of books like the plague.

Enjoyable

Well read and storyline flowed giving you a book that was over before you knew it.

Well worth reading!