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Gemini Group #4
Alec's Dream
Past indiscretion with life-altering effects. Macy Spencer hit rock bottom and clawed her way out of the hole her cheating, lying, gambling ex-husband left her in. Drowning in debt and penniless, the single mother of two worked hard to get her life back on track and protect her children from the fallout. But now her ex is in more debt and his bookie’s knocking on her door for payment. The last thing she needs is the handsome, rough, sexy-as-all-get-out Alec Hall overhearing the threats—but he does—and now he’s making it his mission to protect her and her children. Whether she wants it or not. Former Navy SEAL Alec Hall’s world has come to a screeching halt. With a newborn daughter dropped on his doorstep and fatherhood looming, he doesn’t have a moment of free time to spare. But when Alec finds out the woman who runs his daughter’s daycare is in danger, he can’t stay away. The sadness in Macy’s pretty eyes is unmistakable—it calls to him, making all of his protective instincts roar to life. He vows to do whatever necessary to protect Macy and her children. Too bad Macy wants nothing to do with him. A battle is warring in Alec’s head. Can he let go of his guilt, embrace his new role, and be the hero Macy needs? The odds are stacked against them and now more than ever Alec needs a miracle.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
1666 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Riley Edwards
109 books2,690 followersRiley 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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February 20, 2020
Wanna go to Target with me? Come on, I know exactly what I need; I have a list. Grab a cart! (This may seem like a weird way to start a review but just go with it, it’ll make sense in the end. Pinky swear! )
I’m comparing this series to a trip to Target. You know what you came in to shop for, but those dudes in the red and khaki just made a new display that catches your attention. So, you walk back to the front of the store and grab a cart. That’s what the Gemini Series by Riley Edwards are! Display’s that catch your eye. And they’re awesome. Riley Edwards builds these strong characters (those alpha guys and kicka$$ women) in all of her books. And all of her books, like displays have levels. There’s the characters. They’re relatable, reliable, resolute, but they’re also funny and sometimes quirky. They are people you know in real life. Isn’t that what draws us to read her awesome stuff? Because in every book we connect with a character? So, there’s also the storyline level. It’s almost like it’s sitting there on the bottom shelf holding everything up. The characters move through the storyline in the most natural, albeit sort of complicated way. But, you aren’t saying “whoa! That’s crazy!” You almost know intuitively that that’s how everything is supposed to happen. And then there’s the display shelf of the side characters. And honestly, for me, I’m a little more excited to be introduced to them as I am the main characters. I know, it’s weird, but I know that with these side characters comes the wonderful possibilities of them getting their own displays! And that tickles me pink!
So, Alec’s Dream is the fourth installment in these fabulous books. To me? That means we’re heading back to Target! And Ms. Edwards has been BUSY setting up new plan-o-grams and rearranging gondolas Yep...you got it! That’s Target speak for NEW FABULOUSNESS. The displays are set differently. They’re eye-catching but relaxed. They’re easy. Even though the book isn’t stacked with massive, heart-stopping drama or outrageous shenanigans; it’s about the Gemini boys doing their alpha-stuff in this small town. It’s about two people connecting and growing as adults. It’s about thinking you know what you want, but finding something you need. It’s exactly like when those dudes in the red & khaki stage the new line of merchandise. Establish the base, secure the shelves with supporting characters, hang some drama from risers and label everything with bright signs from the ceilings.
As always, even with a list, I picked up a few extra items along the way. But that’s okay. I love everything I got (out of this book). Time to go home, relax and enjoy my spoils. Catch you next time at the checkout lane!
I’m comparing this series to a trip to Target. You know what you came in to shop for, but those dudes in the red and khaki just made a new display that catches your attention. So, you walk back to the front of the store and grab a cart. That’s what the Gemini Series by Riley Edwards are! Display’s that catch your eye. And they’re awesome. Riley Edwards builds these strong characters (those alpha guys and kicka$$ women) in all of her books. And all of her books, like displays have levels. There’s the characters. They’re relatable, reliable, resolute, but they’re also funny and sometimes quirky. They are people you know in real life. Isn’t that what draws us to read her awesome stuff? Because in every book we connect with a character? So, there’s also the storyline level. It’s almost like it’s sitting there on the bottom shelf holding everything up. The characters move through the storyline in the most natural, albeit sort of complicated way. But, you aren’t saying “whoa! That’s crazy!” You almost know intuitively that that’s how everything is supposed to happen. And then there’s the display shelf of the side characters. And honestly, for me, I’m a little more excited to be introduced to them as I am the main characters. I know, it’s weird, but I know that with these side characters comes the wonderful possibilities of them getting their own displays! And that tickles me pink!
So, Alec’s Dream is the fourth installment in these fabulous books. To me? That means we’re heading back to Target! And Ms. Edwards has been BUSY setting up new plan-o-grams and rearranging gondolas Yep...you got it! That’s Target speak for NEW FABULOUSNESS. The displays are set differently. They’re eye-catching but relaxed. They’re easy. Even though the book isn’t stacked with massive, heart-stopping drama or outrageous shenanigans; it’s about the Gemini boys doing their alpha-stuff in this small town. It’s about two people connecting and growing as adults. It’s about thinking you know what you want, but finding something you need. It’s exactly like when those dudes in the red & khaki stage the new line of merchandise. Establish the base, secure the shelves with supporting characters, hang some drama from risers and label everything with bright signs from the ceilings.
As always, even with a list, I picked up a few extra items along the way. But that’s okay. I love everything I got (out of this book). Time to go home, relax and enjoy my spoils. Catch you next time at the checkout lane!
September 17, 2025
SEALs, Secrets, and Single Moms
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🩷
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🦸🏻♂️ Hero: Alec
Alec is the kind of man who walks away from corruption, even when it costs him everything. A former Navy SEAL turned Homeland Security agent, he left the job when backdoor deals and compromised raids started costing lives. Disillusioned but not defeated, Alec joins The Gemini Group—a private security firm run by his former SEAL brothers—just in time for a life-altering surprise: a one-night stand from months ago has passed away, leaving behind a three-month-old daughter… and naming Alec as the father. Cue emotional whiplash.
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine: Macy
Macy is the director of a local daycare and a single mom of two—twelve-year-old Caleb and six-year-old Aurora. Her past is bruised but not broken; she stayed too long in a toxic marriage with a compulsive gambler and serial cheater, clinging to hope until it nearly drowned her. Now, three years post-divorce, she’s still dodging her ex’s manipulative custody games and verbal harassment. Small-town gossip hasn’t been kind, but Macy’s resilience quietly roars.
🔥 Plot Snapshot
Alec’s transformation into a devoted father is tender and believable, helped along by his found family at Gemini Group. His daily daycare drop-offs bring him face-to-face with Macy, whose quiet strength and bruised vulnerability catch his attention. When her ex shows up at the daycare and verbally attacks her, Alec’s protective instincts ignite. What begins as a desire to shield Macy soon deepens into something far more intimate—and dangerous, as a suspenseful side plot ramps up the stakes.
❤️🔥 What Hit Home
• Macy’s ex-husband storyline felt painfully real. His weaponization of custody and post-divorce harassment mirrored my own experience, and Alec’s unwavering support was cathartic. Every time he stood up for Macy, I felt seen.
• Macy’s guilt for staying too long in her marriage was raw and honest. Her internalized shame—especially in a town that watched her suffer—was heartbreaking and beautifully handled.
• The romantic suspense was top tier. This series consistently delivers high-stakes action, emotional depth, and just the right amount of steam. Alec and Macy’s slow-burn chemistry was worth every page.
🤨 Room to Grow
• Macy’s low self-esteem made sense given her history, but after three years of solo parenting and professional success, I wanted to see more self-recognition. She’s earned her confidence—now let her wear it.
🎧 Narration Vibes
Dual POV narration by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon? Yes, please. These two are voice-acting royalty.
• Erin Mallon brings emotional nuance and character distinction with effortless grace. Her voice is warm, expressive, and deeply immersive.
• Joe Arden’s gravelly timbre is pure hero material—commanding, sexy, and emotionally grounded. Together, they elevate the story from compelling to unforgettable.
📝 Final Thoughts
This installment of the Gemini Group series blends heart-pounding suspense with emotional healing and found family. Alec’s journey into fatherhood and Macy’s fight to reclaim her worth are beautifully
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🩷
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🦸🏻♂️ Hero: Alec
Alec is the kind of man who walks away from corruption, even when it costs him everything. A former Navy SEAL turned Homeland Security agent, he left the job when backdoor deals and compromised raids started costing lives. Disillusioned but not defeated, Alec joins The Gemini Group—a private security firm run by his former SEAL brothers—just in time for a life-altering surprise: a one-night stand from months ago has passed away, leaving behind a three-month-old daughter… and naming Alec as the father. Cue emotional whiplash.
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine: Macy
Macy is the director of a local daycare and a single mom of two—twelve-year-old Caleb and six-year-old Aurora. Her past is bruised but not broken; she stayed too long in a toxic marriage with a compulsive gambler and serial cheater, clinging to hope until it nearly drowned her. Now, three years post-divorce, she’s still dodging her ex’s manipulative custody games and verbal harassment. Small-town gossip hasn’t been kind, but Macy’s resilience quietly roars.
🔥 Plot Snapshot
Alec’s transformation into a devoted father is tender and believable, helped along by his found family at Gemini Group. His daily daycare drop-offs bring him face-to-face with Macy, whose quiet strength and bruised vulnerability catch his attention. When her ex shows up at the daycare and verbally attacks her, Alec’s protective instincts ignite. What begins as a desire to shield Macy soon deepens into something far more intimate—and dangerous, as a suspenseful side plot ramps up the stakes.
❤️🔥 What Hit Home
• Macy’s ex-husband storyline felt painfully real. His weaponization of custody and post-divorce harassment mirrored my own experience, and Alec’s unwavering support was cathartic. Every time he stood up for Macy, I felt seen.
• Macy’s guilt for staying too long in her marriage was raw and honest. Her internalized shame—especially in a town that watched her suffer—was heartbreaking and beautifully handled.
• The romantic suspense was top tier. This series consistently delivers high-stakes action, emotional depth, and just the right amount of steam. Alec and Macy’s slow-burn chemistry was worth every page.
🤨 Room to Grow
• Macy’s low self-esteem made sense given her history, but after three years of solo parenting and professional success, I wanted to see more self-recognition. She’s earned her confidence—now let her wear it.
🎧 Narration Vibes
Dual POV narration by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon? Yes, please. These two are voice-acting royalty.
• Erin Mallon brings emotional nuance and character distinction with effortless grace. Her voice is warm, expressive, and deeply immersive.
• Joe Arden’s gravelly timbre is pure hero material—commanding, sexy, and emotionally grounded. Together, they elevate the story from compelling to unforgettable.
📝 Final Thoughts
This installment of the Gemini Group series blends heart-pounding suspense with emotional healing and found family. Alec’s journey into fatherhood and Macy’s fight to reclaim her worth are beautifully
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March 5, 2020
Okay
They story was alright, but I found the female mc to be extremely annoying. I didn’t really understand or like her. She was an idiot.
They story was alright, but I found the female mc to be extremely annoying. I didn’t really understand or like her. She was an idiot.
January 11, 2023
Alec’s Dream was a good addition to the series,and i enjoyed reading it.
Even if it’s not as spicy as i’m used to,this still was a good story.
In this one,there are 3 children added to the mix,1 that’s Alec’s,and 2 that are Macy’s.
How he ended up with a child is a story that has him doubting himself,up to the point he feels guilty.
Not because he left the mother,but because the only reason she’s with him,is that her mother died.
Otherwise,he’d probably never have found out he was a father…..and that in itself is f**ked up.
Macy is divorced,but allows her ex to see the children,even if he is a total a**hole.
Until things go bad,or better said,even worse than they were,and she and the kids are in danger.
Luckily,Alec,who’s daughter goes to the daycare she works at,already noticed Macy.
And he already decided she was the one for him.
So,like the other men of Gemini,he makes sure Macy,Caleb and Aurora are safe.
Those kids added another layer to the story.
One where Alec was not only a man that wants a woman,but he’s careful to include her,and his,children.
To pay attention to them,to care for them,to show them they’re loved.
He did this well,even for a man that didn’t know what to do with a baby when he got Jocelyn.
Macy may have been trying to do the right thing for her children by allowing their father to see them,but once he put them in danger,she was done.
And when Alec showed her time and time again he was véry different,that he was the right man for them,she couldn’t do anything else,but start to fall for him.
A good story,even though it’s not as spicy as i’m used to,and i’m glad i read it.
Even if it’s not as spicy as i’m used to,this still was a good story.
In this one,there are 3 children added to the mix,1 that’s Alec’s,and 2 that are Macy’s.
How he ended up with a child is a story that has him doubting himself,up to the point he feels guilty.
Not because he left the mother,but because the only reason she’s with him,is that her mother died.
Otherwise,he’d probably never have found out he was a father…..and that in itself is f**ked up.
Macy is divorced,but allows her ex to see the children,even if he is a total a**hole.
Until things go bad,or better said,even worse than they were,and she and the kids are in danger.
Luckily,Alec,who’s daughter goes to the daycare she works at,already noticed Macy.
And he already decided she was the one for him.
So,like the other men of Gemini,he makes sure Macy,Caleb and Aurora are safe.
Those kids added another layer to the story.
One where Alec was not only a man that wants a woman,but he’s careful to include her,and his,children.
To pay attention to them,to care for them,to show them they’re loved.
He did this well,even for a man that didn’t know what to do with a baby when he got Jocelyn.
Macy may have been trying to do the right thing for her children by allowing their father to see them,but once he put them in danger,she was done.
And when Alec showed her time and time again he was véry different,that he was the right man for them,she couldn’t do anything else,but start to fall for him.
A good story,even though it’s not as spicy as i’m used to,and i’m glad i read it.
December 21, 2021
3.25 Stars
I thought I would love this book but Macy was the absolute WORST. She pushed back just for push back sake, it got to be absolutely exhausting. I liked Alec and at one point I was like, “just give up, she’s not worth the drama” lol.
6/10 not likely to recommend
I thought I would love this book but Macy was the absolute WORST. She pushed back just for push back sake, it got to be absolutely exhausting. I liked Alec and at one point I was like, “just give up, she’s not worth the drama” lol.
6/10 not likely to recommend
February 19, 2020
I really really hate it when I have spent a bunch of time typing a review that was concise, cute, funny in places, and sincere, and the website signs me out, and I lose all that work. If you allow us to sign in with Facebook, let's be sure it works, 'kay? This is why I could not be an author. If I was on the inspiration train and pouring my soul into characters and lost work, I would lose my mind. Now it's just trying to recreate my masterpiece review. Sigh.
So, I'm reading Alec's Dream, and I think this guy is so noble, he's so good, he's like a knight in shining armor. Wait. What's another word for a knight? So I head to synonym.com (yeah, I do nerdy stuff like that. I want to know all the words) and find the word paladin. A paladin was noble - check Alec is noble. Champion of a cause - check - that cause here has a name, Macy. He's heroic, yes definitely. And chivalrous, he's so very gallant and brave. Now, I will interject he's not perfect. The honest introspection of his past behavior and the repercussions of that behavior are impressively genuine. Our actions have a ripple effect.
Alec's Dream is Riley Edwards' fourth installment in the Gemini Group series, and while I have enjoyed all her heroes, I do believe Alec is my favorite. We have Nixon, the hero who has returned home to find his match in McKenna. There's Jameson, our dark, broody guy with a heart of gold who finds his light in Kennedy. Super duper nice guy Weston who finds the buried treasure in Silver. (yeah I did that play on words) Now we have Alec, and he is just a hero. He's a hero to the family that needs him. He's a hero to a little girl he didn't even know existed. He's a dream come true to Macy. Yeah, he's a paladin. Please give him a steed and some armor; he's that guy.
Every time I read one of Riley's novels, I think, wow, she's done it to me again. She writes emotions (deep emotions) that make your heart twist without leaving you in the land of angst. That is a delicate balance, and this book was no different. The feels were real. I so enjoyed this installment in the series and can't wait until we get the next story. I doubt he will be a paladin of Alec's caliber, but I'm sure Riley will create a uniquely swoon-worthy character for me to enjoy.
So, I'm reading Alec's Dream, and I think this guy is so noble, he's so good, he's like a knight in shining armor. Wait. What's another word for a knight? So I head to synonym.com (yeah, I do nerdy stuff like that. I want to know all the words) and find the word paladin. A paladin was noble - check Alec is noble. Champion of a cause - check - that cause here has a name, Macy. He's heroic, yes definitely. And chivalrous, he's so very gallant and brave. Now, I will interject he's not perfect. The honest introspection of his past behavior and the repercussions of that behavior are impressively genuine. Our actions have a ripple effect.
Alec's Dream is Riley Edwards' fourth installment in the Gemini Group series, and while I have enjoyed all her heroes, I do believe Alec is my favorite. We have Nixon, the hero who has returned home to find his match in McKenna. There's Jameson, our dark, broody guy with a heart of gold who finds his light in Kennedy. Super duper nice guy Weston who finds the buried treasure in Silver. (yeah I did that play on words) Now we have Alec, and he is just a hero. He's a hero to the family that needs him. He's a hero to a little girl he didn't even know existed. He's a dream come true to Macy. Yeah, he's a paladin. Please give him a steed and some armor; he's that guy.
Every time I read one of Riley's novels, I think, wow, she's done it to me again. She writes emotions (deep emotions) that make your heart twist without leaving you in the land of angst. That is a delicate balance, and this book was no different. The feels were real. I so enjoyed this installment in the series and can't wait until we get the next story. I doubt he will be a paladin of Alec's caliber, but I'm sure Riley will create a uniquely swoon-worthy character for me to enjoy.
February 24, 2020
Alec received a shocking news back in Weston's Treasure (Book 3) that he is a daddy to a babygirl from a one night's stand. Alec's Dream is the continuation of the Gemini Group series and once again, I enjoyed reading it.
Now I might be a minority and I struggled with this for many days before writing my review. Eventhough I received this ARC, I'm adamant about being honest on my thoughts on this book. As I said, I'm in the minority where most reviewers seemed to love Macy, I don't quite like her character for about 80% of the book. I find her to be such a doormat for others, especially her ex-husband but when it comes to Alec who was trying his best to protect her, suddenly she developed a backbone and became all fiesty! Perhaps I'm being harsh and perhaps I should be more understanding of her plight but I seriously wanted to slap some sense into her. A couple of times I found myself putting down my kindle and I had to go do something else to calm myself down. I think that's why it took me longer to finish this book where I usually am able to finish Riley Edwards book in one sitting.
Alec on the other hand is a DREAM! I adore him and he made such a great daddy! Oh he struggled initially and he had his doubts, he also abhorred resentment towards his baby's mother. Had she not passed away, Alec would never had known about his baby. He struggled with his thoughts but that doesn't deter him from trying to be the best daddy for his little girl.
Alec's Dream is filled with cute daddy/daughter moments which made me go "Awww" and also it has suspense with of course, really sexy times. This book can be read on its own but I do highly recommend reading them in order.
Now I might be a minority and I struggled with this for many days before writing my review. Eventhough I received this ARC, I'm adamant about being honest on my thoughts on this book. As I said, I'm in the minority where most reviewers seemed to love Macy, I don't quite like her character for about 80% of the book. I find her to be such a doormat for others, especially her ex-husband but when it comes to Alec who was trying his best to protect her, suddenly she developed a backbone and became all fiesty! Perhaps I'm being harsh and perhaps I should be more understanding of her plight but I seriously wanted to slap some sense into her. A couple of times I found myself putting down my kindle and I had to go do something else to calm myself down. I think that's why it took me longer to finish this book where I usually am able to finish Riley Edwards book in one sitting.
Alec on the other hand is a DREAM! I adore him and he made such a great daddy! Oh he struggled initially and he had his doubts, he also abhorred resentment towards his baby's mother. Had she not passed away, Alec would never had known about his baby. He struggled with his thoughts but that doesn't deter him from trying to be the best daddy for his little girl.
Alec's Dream is filled with cute daddy/daughter moments which made me go "Awww" and also it has suspense with of course, really sexy times. This book can be read on its own but I do highly recommend reading them in order.
February 16, 2020
Let me just put it out there front and center...I absolutely adore Alec Hall. He may have just become my second all time favorite male character. He's brash, dirty talking, honest to a fault, loyal, protective, pulls no punches and is hot as sin. Riley Edwards creates memorable characters and she hit a grand slam with Alec. That being said, I was equally captivated by Macy Spencer. She's one helluva woman whose life has been in turmoil since the day she chose the wrong man to marry and got in so deep that getting out almost became impossible. Yet, she did it. But, staying out has put her almost to the end of her tether. Years of emotional, mental and psychological abuse heaped upon her by ex-husband have, taken their toll. She struggles to believe that she deserves to be protected and loved by a man like Alec. Fortunately Alec is up to the challenge and with his steely resolve he slowly breaks down the walls that Macy has erected.
Finally getting what they've only dare to dream about, Alec and Macy slowly form their family. It's not all sunshine and roses though. Her ex is playing a deadly game. Macy, Alec and their children are caught in the crossfire, literally. Now it's up to the Gemini Group, with Alec leading the charge, to put a stop to the danger permanently.
Finally getting what they've only dare to dream about, Alec and Macy slowly form their family. It's not all sunshine and roses though. Her ex is playing a deadly game. Macy, Alec and their children are caught in the crossfire, literally. Now it's up to the Gemini Group, with Alec leading the charge, to put a stop to the danger permanently.
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May 13, 2023
This was an okay read for me. It took me some time to like the hero, his bulldozing ways irritated the heck out of me at the beginning. Him barging in the heroine's life ticked me off. I know he was an alpha character but there are some ways how he can be helpful without being an annoying domineering asshat.
But I liked the heroine even from the start, she was a strong, brave, and protective mother. The fact that she rejected Alec's overbearing attitude made me like her even more. She has been through hell because of her piece of crap ex-husband but it doesn't make her a spineless character. She knows when to hold her ground and when to put the hero in his place.
I liked the family dynamics presented in this book. Alec was a good father and he was a really good role model for Macy's children. I loved the way he was with them and the protectiveness he has shown all throughout the book. Macy's relationship with Alex's daughter was adorable to read too, it was very genuine and full of love.
Macy's ex-husband did a number on her, and it was rage-inducing how she lost herself being married to him. Even after the divorce he was still a wrecking presence she couldn't get away from. Thankfully, Alec helped her with her healing and self-acceptance journey. It was good reading them together when they finally decided to see the future they could've. It was sure as crap not full of sunshine but they faced all those problems together and as a family, and that was something truly endearing to read.
Overall, this was an okay read. There's something missing though in the story that made me rate this as a 3 star read. I'm perplexed why I can't pinpoint that missing factor, but maybe it's a "me" thing. Alec and Macy's story didn't just pique my interest that much, but I still enjoyed it.
PS. A lot of cursing happened here and some typos too. If that's something a reader can ignore in their book, then those concerns shouldn't be a problem.
But I liked the heroine even from the start, she was a strong, brave, and protective mother. The fact that she rejected Alec's overbearing attitude made me like her even more. She has been through hell because of her piece of crap ex-husband but it doesn't make her a spineless character. She knows when to hold her ground and when to put the hero in his place.
I liked the family dynamics presented in this book. Alec was a good father and he was a really good role model for Macy's children. I loved the way he was with them and the protectiveness he has shown all throughout the book. Macy's relationship with Alex's daughter was adorable to read too, it was very genuine and full of love.
Macy's ex-husband did a number on her, and it was rage-inducing how she lost herself being married to him. Even after the divorce he was still a wrecking presence she couldn't get away from. Thankfully, Alec helped her with her healing and self-acceptance journey. It was good reading them together when they finally decided to see the future they could've. It was sure as crap not full of sunshine but they faced all those problems together and as a family, and that was something truly endearing to read.
Overall, this was an okay read. There's something missing though in the story that made me rate this as a 3 star read. I'm perplexed why I can't pinpoint that missing factor, but maybe it's a "me" thing. Alec and Macy's story didn't just pique my interest that much, but I still enjoyed it.
PS. A lot of cursing happened here and some typos too. If that's something a reader can ignore in their book, then those concerns shouldn't be a problem.
May 14, 2022
**I read this as part of the Gemini Group Boxset
4.5 stars
From the beginning, it was apparent that this book was moving at a different pace than other books by this author. Sure, it still had the OTT intense alpha man and strong woman needing protection in some manner or another. However, this story built on the relationship and connection first and then added the romance to it. I found that I really liked that. For Alec and Macy, I think, it was the best way to go for their story. I liked that the first thought was how to get Macy away from her ex. Granted in Macy's way of thinking she thought she would be doing it herself, whereas, Alec would be helping whether she was in agreement or not. I loved, loved, LOVED the kids in this book. They added so much to the story and strengthened the relationship that much more.
Were there a couple of areas that I wished had been expanded on? Yet, it didn't diminish how much I enjoyed myself watching these characters traverse that crazy little thing like love. Up to this point, the Triple Canopy series was my favorite from this author. I loved it so much that even though I knew that this series was not part of KU, I would be investing in it anyway. For that I am glad. This boxset was amazing. I then went on to purchase the last books in the series. I cannot recommend this series, these characters, and this author enough. With every book that I read it gets better and better.
4.5 stars
From the beginning, it was apparent that this book was moving at a different pace than other books by this author. Sure, it still had the OTT intense alpha man and strong woman needing protection in some manner or another. However, this story built on the relationship and connection first and then added the romance to it. I found that I really liked that. For Alec and Macy, I think, it was the best way to go for their story. I liked that the first thought was how to get Macy away from her ex. Granted in Macy's way of thinking she thought she would be doing it herself, whereas, Alec would be helping whether she was in agreement or not. I loved, loved, LOVED the kids in this book. They added so much to the story and strengthened the relationship that much more.
Were there a couple of areas that I wished had been expanded on? Yet, it didn't diminish how much I enjoyed myself watching these characters traverse that crazy little thing like love. Up to this point, the Triple Canopy series was my favorite from this author. I loved it so much that even though I knew that this series was not part of KU, I would be investing in it anyway. For that I am glad. This boxset was amazing. I then went on to purchase the last books in the series. I cannot recommend this series, these characters, and this author enough. With every book that I read it gets better and better.
February 19, 2020
Kids...you don't mess with the kids or their momma. Alec has been trying his hardest to adjust to life raising his baby girl he had no idea he had until her mother was killed in an accident. In comes Macy, the beautiful divorced mom of 2 that works at the day care center he takes his baby Joss to. When her ex-husband, the abusive loser, shows up and Alec witnesses what he has done to her and her children, Alec is done for. You don't mess with a momma and her kids and live to tell about it. They both have walls that need knocked down. Alec is just the knight in shining armor that Macy needs to bring her trust back...but are the walls around her heart and her kids too tough for him to break? Is the evil that Macys ex brings to her doorstep end in tragedy? Can he overcome his own guilt ridden conscience to become the dad he needs to be?
Riley seriously cannot write a bad book. I know I say that in all of my reviews BUT ITS TRUE!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars!!
Riley seriously cannot write a bad book. I know I say that in all of my reviews BUT ITS TRUE!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars!!
July 26, 2021
A really good story
I absolutely loved this story! I only gave it 3 stars though because I found the constant blasphemy absolutely sickening.
In addition, the occasional coarse language really spoilt a story that has so much merit. Abusive marriages are a sad reality, which affect the victims so very seriously. This damage was briliantly portrayed, probably based on first-hand exposure to domestic violence.
The difference a manly, loving, protective man makes, providing children with essential security, a healthy role model and the chance to relax and enjoy their childhoods, was equally brilliantly described. His value cannot be under-estimated. I was not able to stop reading until 3am, and was thrilled to find I had only managed to read 67% of this long very satisfying story. I did not find the moral example to my liking, and would have preferred the two main characters to have their own high standards, but their behaviour was very human and typical of how people give in to temptation so easily. I also found the last chapter almost totally unrelated to the rest of the story, with an uncharacteristic weak link involving 6-year old Rory regularly phoning various adult members of Alex's security company, which helped her recover from the trauma inflicted by her biological dad. He had shot and killed his adopted dad, Rory's grandfather, right in front of his little girl. I found it highly unlikely that such a small girl would reach out to all the adults who saved her from her dad after he had threatened to kill her too, just to deprive her mother of their daughter. It was, to my mind, a cheap shot entice readers to buy the next book.
To my mind, if the very offensive blasphemy could be removed from future stories, as well as the filthy language, and cheap attempts to promote follow-up stories, Riley Edwards can become an exceptional author I would love to follow.
I absolutely loved this story! I only gave it 3 stars though because I found the constant blasphemy absolutely sickening.
In addition, the occasional coarse language really spoilt a story that has so much merit. Abusive marriages are a sad reality, which affect the victims so very seriously. This damage was briliantly portrayed, probably based on first-hand exposure to domestic violence.
The difference a manly, loving, protective man makes, providing children with essential security, a healthy role model and the chance to relax and enjoy their childhoods, was equally brilliantly described. His value cannot be under-estimated. I was not able to stop reading until 3am, and was thrilled to find I had only managed to read 67% of this long very satisfying story. I did not find the moral example to my liking, and would have preferred the two main characters to have their own high standards, but their behaviour was very human and typical of how people give in to temptation so easily. I also found the last chapter almost totally unrelated to the rest of the story, with an uncharacteristic weak link involving 6-year old Rory regularly phoning various adult members of Alex's security company, which helped her recover from the trauma inflicted by her biological dad. He had shot and killed his adopted dad, Rory's grandfather, right in front of his little girl. I found it highly unlikely that such a small girl would reach out to all the adults who saved her from her dad after he had threatened to kill her too, just to deprive her mother of their daughter. It was, to my mind, a cheap shot entice readers to buy the next book.
To my mind, if the very offensive blasphemy could be removed from future stories, as well as the filthy language, and cheap attempts to promote follow-up stories, Riley Edwards can become an exceptional author I would love to follow.
February 16, 2020
This book is amazing. It has all the feels. Alec is raising his surprise daughter Jocelyn, aka Jossy, and rambling around his huge house. When Macy, the director at Jossy’s daycare, has problems with her ex Alec gets all up in her business. She is feisty and he has had his eye on her and his daughter loves her and even calls her Mama. Macy is over men running her life. She is mother to a precious 6 year old daughter and grown up too soon son and trying to protect them from their gambling, cheating, no good father who sees the when he feels like messing with her and doesn’t pay support at all. Yeah, total scumbag. Things get worse when her ex can’t pay his gambling debts and the bookie starts coming after her. Alec goes all Alpha and so does all of the Gemini men. This book will have you laughing and crying and saying awe and thinking oh wow during some of those hot steamy moments. This is a great addition to the Gemini Group Series.
April 11, 2020
There is a lot of suspense in this story, Alec is like a knight in shining armor, we all need one of those, but Macy was very reluctant. The kids are wonderful and all the Gemini characters are great. This was a very slow growing love story, and my only complaint was Macy’s kind of back and forth for too long. I understand her need for independence, but if she needed to be strong, Alec was going to let her.
The action keeps up to the very end, and it looks like Chasin’s story is next. Looking forward to it.
The action keeps up to the very end, and it looks like Chasin’s story is next. Looking forward to it.
August 4, 2021
Didn’t really care for the language … I get he’s macho and all but … meh
July 26, 2021
It’s a good story. Good characters. The language is pretty bad. The use of foul words is over the top. If you can look past it, you might like this love story. It jolts me. Especially when the hero uses derogatory words for the heroine's anatomy and to describe her ex-husband. You don’t cuss like that in front of your mother, your CO, or the woman you love.
February 25, 2020
Oh Boy !!! This author does it again and smashes it out of the ballpark with Alec and Macy’s story. Alec has just found out he is a dad to a baby daughter and is now raising her on his own with the help of his friends and of course the women in the group. He knows Macy from the day care he sends his daughter Jocelyn to and witnesses an uncomfortable situation with her ex. Macy is getting by, barely, raising two kids with no help from her ex and trying to raise her kids right. Macy left her ex when she finally found the courage to leave his abusive ways and is trying to teach her children that kindness is the way and in doing so may be showing them the wrong thing especially where her ex is involved. Alec is attracted to the woman and bids his time but when she is attacked...all bets are off and Alec will do whatever it takes to keep her and her kids safe...will Macy finally let the past go and move forward with Alec.
What a read with plenty of emotions jumping off the pages including heartache and heartbreak. These two lit up the pages and even though Macy was Alec’s dream...Alec was the dream in this read. He was adorable with his daughter and Macy’s kids as well as protective and patient with them all. I LOVED that there was no OW drama, no over the top drama between them and how their relationship evolved throughout the read.
An amazing read with steam...ahem...steam...suspense, action, love, heartbreak, vulnerability and some laughter that had the story flowing beautifully and had me glued to the pages from beginning to end...warning...once you start you won’t be able to stop till you get to the end...and what an ending !!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
What a read with plenty of emotions jumping off the pages including heartache and heartbreak. These two lit up the pages and even though Macy was Alec’s dream...Alec was the dream in this read. He was adorable with his daughter and Macy’s kids as well as protective and patient with them all. I LOVED that there was no OW drama, no over the top drama between them and how their relationship evolved throughout the read.
An amazing read with steam...ahem...steam...suspense, action, love, heartbreak, vulnerability and some laughter that had the story flowing beautifully and had me glued to the pages from beginning to end...warning...once you start you won’t be able to stop till you get to the end...and what an ending !!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
April 3, 2024
This book gets three stars because Alec is amazing. Macy on the other hand….ugh. She is annoying. She is a pushover. She is a doormat and spineless. Most of the book is spent with her “being the bigger person” by repeatedly exposing her children to her toxic abusive ex because she doesn’t “want to take their dad from them”, never mind that their dad is a criminal, gambling addict, and the cause of her getting beaten in front of one of said children. Nothing irritates me more than a weak FMC and Macy is weak. Worse though…she knows she’s weak. Admits it throughout the book in the chapters that are her POV, but does nothing to change it. Oh poor me, I’m a punching bag with a crappy life. But does NOTHING to try and improve it, or stop being a punching bag. She just takes it. It’s INFURIATING.
Her character growth is decent but not enough. If I hadn’t loved the rest of the books in this series so much, I wouldn’t read another. If this was the first book I had picked up by this author, I wouldn’t read another by her. The FMCs in previous books have been amazing, flawed, and strong. Macy is flawed and a pushover.
Her character growth is decent but not enough. If I hadn’t loved the rest of the books in this series so much, I wouldn’t read another. If this was the first book I had picked up by this author, I wouldn’t read another by her. The FMCs in previous books have been amazing, flawed, and strong. Macy is flawed and a pushover.
June 3, 2020
Alec gets to live his Dream❤️
At the end of book 3, Alec finds out some surprising information and this is how he meets Macy. Macy is the director of a child care centre but unfortunately she comes with baggage in the form of two kids, an emotionally abusive ex and heaps of insecurities due to that relationship😢
When Alec overhears her ex yelling at Macy, he decides to step up and help her out and finally make the move towards claiming her as his. Eventually leading to Alec living his Dream😍
A wonderful story, I absolutely loved Macy and her kids and the. With Alec and Joss and I’m looking forward to Chasin’s story next❣️
At the end of book 3, Alec finds out some surprising information and this is how he meets Macy. Macy is the director of a child care centre but unfortunately she comes with baggage in the form of two kids, an emotionally abusive ex and heaps of insecurities due to that relationship😢
When Alec overhears her ex yelling at Macy, he decides to step up and help her out and finally make the move towards claiming her as his. Eventually leading to Alec living his Dream😍
A wonderful story, I absolutely loved Macy and her kids and the. With Alec and Joss and I’m looking forward to Chasin’s story next❣️
March 23, 2020
Wonderful
I've never read a Riley Edwards book I didn't absolutely love. This is no exception and I can't wait for the next one!!
I've never read a Riley Edwards book I didn't absolutely love. This is no exception and I can't wait for the next one!!
February 23, 2023
Not Wild About Beginning; Loved Middle & End
Audiobook Review:
This is now the fourth book in this author's Gemini group series I've listened to. I had a few issues with this book at the beginning, but the middle and end are solid and certainly bring the feels. I initially wasn't wild about how the hero treats the heroine in the first part of the book. He wasn't bad to her in any way. Rather, he acted as if he assumed they would have a relationship before she was on board with eve getting to know him, going so far as to call her “babe” nearly from the get-go. Like his former SEAL Gemini Group buddies, Alec is an assertive, protective, and loyal guy makes promises and delivers on them...honestly the perfect kind of man this heroine needs. Out of all the books of the series I've listened to so far, she has the most tragic backstory. She's a victim of verbal abuse and infidelity at the hands of her ex-husband, who is still making her life a living hell. She's strong and doing as much as she can to protect her children, but even Alec fears she might be sending her young son and even younger daughter the wrong messages about what a healthy adult relationship should look like. As you might imagine, this emotionally battered—and eventually physically battered—woman struggles with how to deal with a man like Alec.
Alec has his own struggles, as he is learning how to be a single father after child welfare literally brought his formerly unknown 3-month-old daughter to his doorstep after her mother’s death. Even though Alec grated on my nerves sometimes as much as he did on Macy's, our heroine, he really delivered the goods at the middle and end of the book. Their only scene of intimate consummation ended beautifully with this incredible mirror scene that I will let you discover for yourself if you choose this book. But any woman who's ever been belittled by a man for how she looks physically or how she acts, or ever thought that she wasn't pretty or beautiful because of her supposed flaws will love this scene!
The end of this book, like others in this series, has a thriller aspect as the villain becomes most villainous, and the Gemini Group does what’s needed to keep everyone safe and bring the bad guy to justice. I loved how Alec and Macy created their own family cocoon of themselves and their kids as they faced challenges.
There's one peculiar thing about this series of audiobooks I'm not wild about, and I'm not sure how it translates into actual ebooks or physical books. Every single audiobook in this series ends with a final chapter that essentially kickstarts the next book. Only one of them so far has had that kickstart chapter as the actual beginning of the next book. Frankly, the author should not assume that every person will read or listen to every book in the series in order. This “end of the book” kickstarter to the next really should be the start of the next one so you can understand the background of the story better. For instance, at the end of Weston's book, the previous book in this series, we actually see the scene where Alec finds out he has a daughter, and she is given over into his custody. This is a pivotal moment for Alec, and I actually would have loved to have seen that chapter here in this book, as well as one or two scenes about how he adjusted to fatherhood. Instead, we just hear about some of what happened in those nine months when he thinks about it and later tells Macy about it.
By the way, the book has a lot of profanity, of which I'm not a fan. I strongly believe that authors should warn readers about excessive profanity in books in the book’s blurb. Unfortunately, authors seem to assume that all readers of contemporary Romance know that there can be multiple cuss words and will be fine with that.
The book has only one intimate consummation scene, and it's a little rough for my liking, but others may enjoy that kind of writing more than I do. The book certainly brought the feels, and I believe I was in tears for almost the entire last 2 hours of the book. But I actually love books that do that to me, so that made it a good listen for me.
TRIGGERS: Emotional spousal abuse, threats of harm to a woman and children, physical battery, child kidnapping, on-page death.
4.5 stars rounded down to 4
Audiobook Review:
This is now the fourth book in this author's Gemini group series I've listened to. I had a few issues with this book at the beginning, but the middle and end are solid and certainly bring the feels. I initially wasn't wild about how the hero treats the heroine in the first part of the book. He wasn't bad to her in any way. Rather, he acted as if he assumed they would have a relationship before she was on board with eve getting to know him, going so far as to call her “babe” nearly from the get-go. Like his former SEAL Gemini Group buddies, Alec is an assertive, protective, and loyal guy makes promises and delivers on them...honestly the perfect kind of man this heroine needs. Out of all the books of the series I've listened to so far, she has the most tragic backstory. She's a victim of verbal abuse and infidelity at the hands of her ex-husband, who is still making her life a living hell. She's strong and doing as much as she can to protect her children, but even Alec fears she might be sending her young son and even younger daughter the wrong messages about what a healthy adult relationship should look like. As you might imagine, this emotionally battered—and eventually physically battered—woman struggles with how to deal with a man like Alec.
Alec has his own struggles, as he is learning how to be a single father after child welfare literally brought his formerly unknown 3-month-old daughter to his doorstep after her mother’s death. Even though Alec grated on my nerves sometimes as much as he did on Macy's, our heroine, he really delivered the goods at the middle and end of the book. Their only scene of intimate consummation ended beautifully with this incredible mirror scene that I will let you discover for yourself if you choose this book. But any woman who's ever been belittled by a man for how she looks physically or how she acts, or ever thought that she wasn't pretty or beautiful because of her supposed flaws will love this scene!
The end of this book, like others in this series, has a thriller aspect as the villain becomes most villainous, and the Gemini Group does what’s needed to keep everyone safe and bring the bad guy to justice. I loved how Alec and Macy created their own family cocoon of themselves and their kids as they faced challenges.
There's one peculiar thing about this series of audiobooks I'm not wild about, and I'm not sure how it translates into actual ebooks or physical books. Every single audiobook in this series ends with a final chapter that essentially kickstarts the next book. Only one of them so far has had that kickstart chapter as the actual beginning of the next book. Frankly, the author should not assume that every person will read or listen to every book in the series in order. This “end of the book” kickstarter to the next really should be the start of the next one so you can understand the background of the story better. For instance, at the end of Weston's book, the previous book in this series, we actually see the scene where Alec finds out he has a daughter, and she is given over into his custody. This is a pivotal moment for Alec, and I actually would have loved to have seen that chapter here in this book, as well as one or two scenes about how he adjusted to fatherhood. Instead, we just hear about some of what happened in those nine months when he thinks about it and later tells Macy about it.
By the way, the book has a lot of profanity, of which I'm not a fan. I strongly believe that authors should warn readers about excessive profanity in books in the book’s blurb. Unfortunately, authors seem to assume that all readers of contemporary Romance know that there can be multiple cuss words and will be fine with that.
The book has only one intimate consummation scene, and it's a little rough for my liking, but others may enjoy that kind of writing more than I do. The book certainly brought the feels, and I believe I was in tears for almost the entire last 2 hours of the book. But I actually love books that do that to me, so that made it a good listen for me.
TRIGGERS: Emotional spousal abuse, threats of harm to a woman and children, physical battery, child kidnapping, on-page death.
4.5 stars rounded down to 4
November 10, 2022
Amazing Story & Narration🎧 Riveting & Heartfelt!
Alec’s Dream
Gemini Group, Book 4
By: Riley Edwards
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Erin Mallon
Riley Edwards pens another brilliant novel set in her “Gemini Group”, I am loving this series and the amazing characters and storylines she created. She makes it so easy to fall in love with these characters, has you completely engrossed in their stories, rooting for them and their love interests from start to end. Each book in the series features a different member of the Gemini Group as the lead character, though the other members of the group do crossover into each other’s books, and with every book I have new favorite characters and for this book it is Alec Hall and Macy Spencer. Alec, a former Navy Seal, and a newly single dad of an adorable baby girl, with help from his team and their women he is holding his own though he does not have a minute to spare. When he sees the woman who runs his daughter’s daycare in trouble he is all in and there is something about that her draws him to her and he vows to do what he can to protect her. Macy Spencer got out of a bad marriage with the clothes on her back and the two most precious gifts in her life, her son and daughter. Despite barely making ends meet she would not have changed her past because if she did she would not have her children. Her ex-husband has been a thorn in her side since the divorce but they share custody so she has to play nice despite him trying to turn their children against her. But here son Caleb is too smart and sees what he is doing, he took it upon himself to protect his little sister too. And when her ex brings trouble to her door, Alec jumps in to help, she does not want his help but he reminds her how the situation appears in the eyes of her children. Macy does not want to let anyone in to her life or near her heart ever again, but Alec does not give up on her and his daughter just steals her heart. But she continues to push him away and then the situation with her husband and the trouble he is in causes trouble for her he jumps back in and does things his way. This story not only captivated my attention the entire time but it tugged on my heartstrings too. It is a wonderfully plotted story with plenty of drama, angst, action, thrilling suspense, mystery, heartfelt emotions and romance. Riley Edwards, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden exceptional performance continues, they have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that suits that character’s persona and are believable in every role they play. Their character voices have been consistent throughout the series and the quality of the audio is top-notch. These entertaining storytellers are versatile voice artists and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.
Alec’s Dream
Gemini Group, Book 4
By: Riley Edwards
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Erin Mallon
Riley Edwards pens another brilliant novel set in her “Gemini Group”, I am loving this series and the amazing characters and storylines she created. She makes it so easy to fall in love with these characters, has you completely engrossed in their stories, rooting for them and their love interests from start to end. Each book in the series features a different member of the Gemini Group as the lead character, though the other members of the group do crossover into each other’s books, and with every book I have new favorite characters and for this book it is Alec Hall and Macy Spencer. Alec, a former Navy Seal, and a newly single dad of an adorable baby girl, with help from his team and their women he is holding his own though he does not have a minute to spare. When he sees the woman who runs his daughter’s daycare in trouble he is all in and there is something about that her draws him to her and he vows to do what he can to protect her. Macy Spencer got out of a bad marriage with the clothes on her back and the two most precious gifts in her life, her son and daughter. Despite barely making ends meet she would not have changed her past because if she did she would not have her children. Her ex-husband has been a thorn in her side since the divorce but they share custody so she has to play nice despite him trying to turn their children against her. But here son Caleb is too smart and sees what he is doing, he took it upon himself to protect his little sister too. And when her ex brings trouble to her door, Alec jumps in to help, she does not want his help but he reminds her how the situation appears in the eyes of her children. Macy does not want to let anyone in to her life or near her heart ever again, but Alec does not give up on her and his daughter just steals her heart. But she continues to push him away and then the situation with her husband and the trouble he is in causes trouble for her he jumps back in and does things his way. This story not only captivated my attention the entire time but it tugged on my heartstrings too. It is a wonderfully plotted story with plenty of drama, angst, action, thrilling suspense, mystery, heartfelt emotions and romance. Riley Edwards, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden exceptional performance continues, they have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, giving each a voice that suits that character’s persona and are believable in every role they play. Their character voices have been consistent throughout the series and the quality of the audio is top-notch. These entertaining storytellers are versatile voice artists and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another amazing listen.
February 21, 2020
This book has all the feels and is completely amazing! Each of Riley’s books has drawn me in in their own special way but this book, Alec’s Dream, there is just something extra special about it that had me feeling a little bereft when I had to say goodbye to Alec, Macy and their children. I definitely could have gone for more of this bunch. These characters fought hard and truly deserved their happy ending and their story is an expressive display of perseverance, dedication, surrender, acceptance, forgiveness, and profound love.
The best reading experience for this book is a quiet place where you can sink into a comfy chair and become absorbed in this wonderful read until you reach the last page; believe me, you will have a hard time stopping once you become engrossed with Alec and Macy and their sweet children. Or you can do like me and start reading late at night and fight to keep your eyes pried open and scramble for eye drops the next day for the red eyes, lol! You will also need tissues on hand for the emotional journey these two characters will travel including the hard truths they will share, the internal struggles they will endure, and the love they will ultimately find. At the start of the book the battle lines are drawn and it is a clash of wills to find a balance of compromise, trust, understanding, and acceptance for these two strong-willed, determined characters.
I absolutely loved Alec! At the end of book three, Weston’s Treasure, the readers are given a glimpse of what lies ahead for Alec and it was most definitely shocking and I could not wait to get my hands on his story…and oh, boy what a story! Alec’s life has completely upended and he is still trying to catch up. The scenes with him and his baby daughter, Joss, are totally precious and the scenes with him and Macy’s children, especially Caleb, are so well done (tears here) and then Rory’s hilarious trivia conversations from school (laugh out loud funny). It all just blends beautifully into a wonderful read. When he and Macy clash, the air sparks, and the heat rises in a delicious way that will keep you anxiously holding out for their mutual surrender.
This read is an edge-of-your-seat, gripping, passionate tale with charming characters and an engaging storyline filled with laughter, sadness, drama, suspense, danger, action, and romance. I definitely had a battle with my kindle over this one – from laughing to crying to yelling to gushing over the sweetness, this story is amazing! The children in the story are skillfully crafted to blend into the storyline and pertinent situations perfectly.
Thank you, Riley Edwards, for the arc of this book and for the wonderful story you have written. I loved every bit of it!
The best reading experience for this book is a quiet place where you can sink into a comfy chair and become absorbed in this wonderful read until you reach the last page; believe me, you will have a hard time stopping once you become engrossed with Alec and Macy and their sweet children. Or you can do like me and start reading late at night and fight to keep your eyes pried open and scramble for eye drops the next day for the red eyes, lol! You will also need tissues on hand for the emotional journey these two characters will travel including the hard truths they will share, the internal struggles they will endure, and the love they will ultimately find. At the start of the book the battle lines are drawn and it is a clash of wills to find a balance of compromise, trust, understanding, and acceptance for these two strong-willed, determined characters.
I absolutely loved Alec! At the end of book three, Weston’s Treasure, the readers are given a glimpse of what lies ahead for Alec and it was most definitely shocking and I could not wait to get my hands on his story…and oh, boy what a story! Alec’s life has completely upended and he is still trying to catch up. The scenes with him and his baby daughter, Joss, are totally precious and the scenes with him and Macy’s children, especially Caleb, are so well done (tears here) and then Rory’s hilarious trivia conversations from school (laugh out loud funny). It all just blends beautifully into a wonderful read. When he and Macy clash, the air sparks, and the heat rises in a delicious way that will keep you anxiously holding out for their mutual surrender.
This read is an edge-of-your-seat, gripping, passionate tale with charming characters and an engaging storyline filled with laughter, sadness, drama, suspense, danger, action, and romance. I definitely had a battle with my kindle over this one – from laughing to crying to yelling to gushing over the sweetness, this story is amazing! The children in the story are skillfully crafted to blend into the storyline and pertinent situations perfectly.
Thank you, Riley Edwards, for the arc of this book and for the wonderful story you have written. I loved every bit of it!
March 2, 2020
Alec's Dream by Riley Edwards is a heartfelt emotional story about Alec Hale who finds he is a single parent when he is left a newborn daughter after a one night stand who's mother happens to be deceased.. Alec is just trying to get his life back after leaving his government job and joining his brothers as part of the Gemini Group, finds caring for a baby is not his in plans. Does he have what it takes to be a father? With the help from his brothers and their women, they show him that love is all that is needed to give this baby a loving home. All the regrets and doubts he has vanishes as this little girl has stolen his heart and he will do all he can to make sure she is a happy baby. Macy Spencer newly divorced mother of two is doing all she can to support her children working at a day care center is having a hard time supporting her children. Her ex left her with nothing due to his gambling debts and she finds she is unable to give her children the life she wants for them even especially having to deal with her ex who is using aggressive pressure to intimidate her regarding his children. Mary will soon find out he has motives that will eventually harm her and her children.
When Alec and Mary meet one night with their children, these two become attracted to each other as Alec realizes she works at the center that he takes his daughter to each day. One look at Mary he can tell that this a broken beautiful woman seems to be having a time and Alec can't seem to help becoming drawn to her, wanting to see if he can help her. Mary gives him a hard time as she doesn't have the time for a relationship with all she is dealing with and feels Alec is out of her league. Alec is determined to have her and he keeps pursuing her as his daughter is becoming attached to her. Now these two will begin a relationship due to Mary being harassed by her ex and when the men he owes money to attacks and beats her, Alec is out for blood as all he can think of is protecting this woman and her children. When these two give into their desire the passion between them is electrifying and full of steam, can Alec convince Mary that they are meant to be a family? Will Mary finally give into Alec and open her heart and admit she wants him? Things are about to change when a threat is put into place. Will Alec and the team be able to protect Mary when lives are in danger especially when Mary's daughter ends up missing? Now the men from the Gemini Group rally together to stop this threat and help the woman that Alec loves. You will fall in love with this beautiful written story about Alec and Mary and the love they have found together. This story is must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Alec and Mary meet one night with their children, these two become attracted to each other as Alec realizes she works at the center that he takes his daughter to each day. One look at Mary he can tell that this a broken beautiful woman seems to be having a time and Alec can't seem to help becoming drawn to her, wanting to see if he can help her. Mary gives him a hard time as she doesn't have the time for a relationship with all she is dealing with and feels Alec is out of her league. Alec is determined to have her and he keeps pursuing her as his daughter is becoming attached to her. Now these two will begin a relationship due to Mary being harassed by her ex and when the men he owes money to attacks and beats her, Alec is out for blood as all he can think of is protecting this woman and her children. When these two give into their desire the passion between them is electrifying and full of steam, can Alec convince Mary that they are meant to be a family? Will Mary finally give into Alec and open her heart and admit she wants him? Things are about to change when a threat is put into place. Will Alec and the team be able to protect Mary when lives are in danger especially when Mary's daughter ends up missing? Now the men from the Gemini Group rally together to stop this threat and help the woman that Alec loves. You will fall in love with this beautiful written story about Alec and Mary and the love they have found together. This story is must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2020
This is book 4 in the Gemini Group series and while it can be read as a stand alone, I recommend that you read the other books in the series first so that you can understand all the different relationships and connections to each other. In this one we get Alec Hall and Macy Spencer's story. Macy hit rock bottom and is trying to dig her way out of the hole that her ex-husband dragged her and her kids into with him for the last few years. She works hard and does her best for her kids but her ex keeps dragging them into his problems. And now his bookie has come knocking and wants his money or else. Alec's whole world changed when he found out he had a daughter and that he was now responsible for her. But he steps up and loves more than anything else. And when he finds out that the woman who is in charge of his daughter's daycare is in trouble, he steps up and vows to protect not only her but her children as well. Neither of them realize just how hard they had been fighting an attraction to each other or how much they would come to mean to each other.
I absolutely loved this one! Macy has been through literal hell and still manages to be have this beautiful soul that tries her best to make sure her babies are happy and healthy. Even to the extent of her own happiness. She is sweet and loving but has this hidden spine of steel and I loved her! Alec is this strong, protective, alpha male with a heart of gold. Yes he has his own battles he faces but he also knows in his heart what is right and wrong. And that he is allowed to feel the way he does, which I love. I love how he is with his daughter and Macy's kids and that he never differentiates between any of them. He just loves and protects them all, no matter what. They are his just as much as his biological child. And speaking as someone who has a step-parent, that is a rare and beautiful thing! This whole story sucked me in from the beginning and I didn't want it to end! Now I just need a story for Johnny because let me tell you-my heart broke for him!!!!
I absolutely loved this one! Macy has been through literal hell and still manages to be have this beautiful soul that tries her best to make sure her babies are happy and healthy. Even to the extent of her own happiness. She is sweet and loving but has this hidden spine of steel and I loved her! Alec is this strong, protective, alpha male with a heart of gold. Yes he has his own battles he faces but he also knows in his heart what is right and wrong. And that he is allowed to feel the way he does, which I love. I love how he is with his daughter and Macy's kids and that he never differentiates between any of them. He just loves and protects them all, no matter what. They are his just as much as his biological child. And speaking as someone who has a step-parent, that is a rare and beautiful thing! This whole story sucked me in from the beginning and I didn't want it to end! Now I just need a story for Johnny because let me tell you-my heart broke for him!!!!
March 4, 2020
Hard as steel Alec recently learned he’s father to a sweet baby girl named Jocelyn. Jocelyn‘s mother kept her a secret from Alec until she passed away, leaving Alec a note telling him that Jocelyn was his. Alec never imagined he would or even could be a father and have a family. It was just work all the time leaving no time for commitments. When the former member of Homeland Alec meets sweet & loving Macy, his daughter’s favorite childcare worker, he’s blown away by her beauty & adoration for his baby girl. So when she’s threatened by Doug, her no-good ex-husband, at the childcare center in front of Alec, he feels a fierce protectiveness overcome him unlike anything else he’s ever felt before and goes out of his way to make sure she’s safe.
Alec starts to pursue Macy, but as they begin to explore their relationship, the danger mounts as threats of harm are issued toward Macy’s family unless she rights Doug’s gambling debts to local loan sharks. When her home becomes the scene of a drive-by shooting, Alec brings Macy and her children to live with him and Jocelyn. After a few bumps in the road, all seems to be going well again, but Alec can’t shake the feeling in his gut that something bad will happen.
When the unthinkable does happen, the men of the Gemini group rally around their fellow brother - prepared to fight at all costs. Will Alec be able to keep his promise to Macy and her children? Or has he risked losing her and the children he’s come to love as his own forever? And can Macy put aside her fears and trust Alec with every part of her - mind, body & soul?
Only after they walk through fire together will they ever be able to fully give themselves to each other with both love and trust in one another.
Special thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly & voluntarily. I will be purchasing a copy of this book as part of my forever collection as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alec starts to pursue Macy, but as they begin to explore their relationship, the danger mounts as threats of harm are issued toward Macy’s family unless she rights Doug’s gambling debts to local loan sharks. When her home becomes the scene of a drive-by shooting, Alec brings Macy and her children to live with him and Jocelyn. After a few bumps in the road, all seems to be going well again, but Alec can’t shake the feeling in his gut that something bad will happen.
When the unthinkable does happen, the men of the Gemini group rally around their fellow brother - prepared to fight at all costs. Will Alec be able to keep his promise to Macy and her children? Or has he risked losing her and the children he’s come to love as his own forever? And can Macy put aside her fears and trust Alec with every part of her - mind, body & soul?
Only after they walk through fire together will they ever be able to fully give themselves to each other with both love and trust in one another.
Special thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly & voluntarily. I will be purchasing a copy of this book as part of my forever collection as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2022
I'll start right away with Macy, the heroine with two kids and an ex-husband with a gambling debt that's giving her problems. She was, like the other people in the books thought of her, a pushover. Kind to the deepest that can be but without realizing it, her kindness has crossed into being a doormat. I'll spoil and say that it took bullets shattering windows and endangering lives for her to actually get her head out of her ass because before, she was trying to keep the bad things a secret and from escalating to worse... when they were already obvious and pretty damn bad.
Alec, the badass he is, has got Jocelyn, his almost one-year-old now daughter to think about and he doesn't regret that one-night-stand a bit because he's completely in love with her. Still, he's determined to help a woman who's deep in trouble but refuses any help. And she really needs it. At first, she lacks the fight that her kids need to learn. Despite being a very caring and loving mother, Alec's got it right - she's teaching them not to fight for themselves by giving them the example of a mother who's keeping issues on the down low, instead of dealing with them.
For that reason, it was hard to read this book for me. It pissed me off, this woman needed a wake-up and all the truth bombs and more that Alec served. It's one thing wanting your kids to have a relationship with their dad, a good relationship, to think of him good... but damn it, he wasn't. She was messing with their heads and putting them in potential danger by painting her ex in rainbows and candy and whatnot. Fortunately, the older kid has his own brain and he uses it, he sure seemed wiser than his mother a lot of the times.
In the end, though I clearly carry a grudge against the early-book-Macy, it was a story focused on family and I loved that. Two separate families with issues coming together, fighting together (eventually) and witnessing some gruesome things, especially kids but getting their HEA anyway and hopefully, living their best lives.
Alec, the badass he is, has got Jocelyn, his almost one-year-old now daughter to think about and he doesn't regret that one-night-stand a bit because he's completely in love with her. Still, he's determined to help a woman who's deep in trouble but refuses any help. And she really needs it. At first, she lacks the fight that her kids need to learn. Despite being a very caring and loving mother, Alec's got it right - she's teaching them not to fight for themselves by giving them the example of a mother who's keeping issues on the down low, instead of dealing with them.
For that reason, it was hard to read this book for me. It pissed me off, this woman needed a wake-up and all the truth bombs and more that Alec served. It's one thing wanting your kids to have a relationship with their dad, a good relationship, to think of him good... but damn it, he wasn't. She was messing with their heads and putting them in potential danger by painting her ex in rainbows and candy and whatnot. Fortunately, the older kid has his own brain and he uses it, he sure seemed wiser than his mother a lot of the times.
In the end, though I clearly carry a grudge against the early-book-Macy, it was a story focused on family and I loved that. Two separate families with issues coming together, fighting together (eventually) and witnessing some gruesome things, especially kids but getting their HEA anyway and hopefully, living their best lives.
January 25, 2025
I found this book by chance and as it intrigued me, I had to give it a go.
I will admit I really struggled with Alec as a romantic interest. Macy was a woman struggling with an abusive relationship and was trying to get back control, and Alec quite literally forces himself in her home and her life. He invites people she doesn't know to her home. He tells her to stand up for herself and when she does he overrules her decisions. He interrupts her. The worst conversation was about the dog. He knew she was struggling for money, so in a room of people tells her it's not expensive to rehome a dog, forcing her to admit why she disappoints her son because she can't afford it. And who apologises for that conversation? Macy. Not Alec. Even when she tells him he's hurting her, he dismissed it.
I understand what the author was trying to do. Macy had built strong walls and he had to knock them down. Many will love this, and if they do then that is fair enough. I just think he could have been a bit more compassionate and slow.
Saying this, as a hero, he does save her and keep her and the children safe. He is awesome with the kids. They truly felt protected with him. They open up to him.
I love Macy. Yes she left Doug in their life for far too long, but she is human and makes mistakes. She hopes for the best, wanting to love her children and do what she thinks is best. She is protective and loving, she put her children first. I enjoyed seeing her become stronger.
The concept and the story was interesting. Focusing on gambling and consequences and who it can affect.
Overall, it was not a bad book or badly written, I think a few small changes to Alec would really make me love it. This is simply my preference, and still think it is worth a read if you are considering it.
I will admit I really struggled with Alec as a romantic interest. Macy was a woman struggling with an abusive relationship and was trying to get back control, and Alec quite literally forces himself in her home and her life. He invites people she doesn't know to her home. He tells her to stand up for herself and when she does he overrules her decisions. He interrupts her. The worst conversation was about the dog. He knew she was struggling for money, so in a room of people tells her it's not expensive to rehome a dog, forcing her to admit why she disappoints her son because she can't afford it. And who apologises for that conversation? Macy. Not Alec. Even when she tells him he's hurting her, he dismissed it.
I understand what the author was trying to do. Macy had built strong walls and he had to knock them down. Many will love this, and if they do then that is fair enough. I just think he could have been a bit more compassionate and slow.
Saying this, as a hero, he does save her and keep her and the children safe. He is awesome with the kids. They truly felt protected with him. They open up to him.
I love Macy. Yes she left Doug in their life for far too long, but she is human and makes mistakes. She hopes for the best, wanting to love her children and do what she thinks is best. She is protective and loving, she put her children first. I enjoyed seeing her become stronger.
The concept and the story was interesting. Focusing on gambling and consequences and who it can affect.
Overall, it was not a bad book or badly written, I think a few small changes to Alec would really make me love it. This is simply my preference, and still think it is worth a read if you are considering it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2022
Alec and Macy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book starts a few months after the shocking revelation at the end of Book 3. Alec has a daughter he didn’t know about from a one-night-stand. He’s still struggling with his feelings about his dead baby momma when he finds himself unable to walk away from Macy.
Macy has been trying to give her kids the best life she can. Her abusive ex cheated on her their entire marriage and gambled away everything. Now that she’s finally gotten back on her feet life seems to be playing a sick joke on her. She doesn’t think she deserves a man like Alec and does her best to push him away. But when she’s beaten and her kids are almost killed in a drive by shooting at her house, she can’t deny her need for Alec any longer.
Alec really stepped up in this book. So much has changed for him and he took it in stride. His relationship with Caleb and Rory, Macy’s kids, really showed his heart. He was willing to put in the work to gain Macy, Caleb and Rory’s trust. He kept his promises, he took an interest in the kids’ activities and he respected Macy. I loved that when he discussed getting involved with Macy, it was always to help heal her and not fix her. It was an important distinction for this book and it was well played.
I love a good single parent romance and this one was perfect. It had the right amount of steam and interaction with the kids. And it had the perfect amount of suspense. It was one of those books where you know something is going to happen and the pressure is almost unbearable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This book starts a few months after the shocking revelation at the end of Book 3. Alec has a daughter he didn’t know about from a one-night-stand. He’s still struggling with his feelings about his dead baby momma when he finds himself unable to walk away from Macy.
Macy has been trying to give her kids the best life she can. Her abusive ex cheated on her their entire marriage and gambled away everything. Now that she’s finally gotten back on her feet life seems to be playing a sick joke on her. She doesn’t think she deserves a man like Alec and does her best to push him away. But when she’s beaten and her kids are almost killed in a drive by shooting at her house, she can’t deny her need for Alec any longer.
Alec really stepped up in this book. So much has changed for him and he took it in stride. His relationship with Caleb and Rory, Macy’s kids, really showed his heart. He was willing to put in the work to gain Macy, Caleb and Rory’s trust. He kept his promises, he took an interest in the kids’ activities and he respected Macy. I loved that when he discussed getting involved with Macy, it was always to help heal her and not fix her. It was an important distinction for this book and it was well played.
I love a good single parent romance and this one was perfect. It had the right amount of steam and interaction with the kids. And it had the perfect amount of suspense. It was one of those books where you know something is going to happen and the pressure is almost unbearable.
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