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707 Freedom #1
Free
He was my first love…
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.
Free is a steamy last chance at love military romance. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA. Over 18! Bad boy alpha military men use foul language and enjoy dirty talk.
For more information about Riley Edwards and to join the Riley's Rebels newsletter please visit www.RileyEdwardsRomance (dot) com.
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.
Free is a steamy last chance at love military romance. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA. Over 18! Bad boy alpha military men use foul language and enjoy dirty talk.
For more information about Riley Edwards and to join the Riley's Rebels newsletter please visit www.RileyEdwardsRomance (dot) com.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2017
About the author
Riley Edwards
73 books2,183 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
January 11, 2019
Spoiler Alert!
I really wanted to like this novel. It had great reviews and I loved the synopsis so I was excited. Plus, I’d never read anything of Riley Edwards. Unfortunately, I thought “Free” was one big hot mess with so many things that didn’t make sense to me. Right off the bat, I didn’t like any of the characters. I did like Lily at the beginning as I found her to be a smart and intelligent woman. Boy, did she ever prove me wrong. Stamp “TSTL” on her forehead, something I cannot stand in any female protagonist. As for Shane, he’s an idiot and the biggest man-whore I’ve come across.
“Do you know how many women I have fucked over the last decade? Hundreds, maybe thousands. I have a new woman in every country after every mission, sometimes more than one if the first didn’t burn through the frustration.”
Thousands of women? Get real. Saying that only makes you look like an idiot and a narcissistic ass. She knows he’s no virgin but is just saying this so she’ll leave and forget about him but still, thousands? So laughable. Regardless, I wouldn’t touch this man with a ten-foot pole. Lily should have walked away from him for good when he came back into her life. She certainly should have demanded he get tested for every imaginable virus and/or disease known to mankind before touching him. Gross.
She married Lucas only because her dad said “it’s good for business”, a business that I’m assuming would make millions for her dad and her husband, Lucas. Her prenup states that if her husband cheats (which he does thru there entire marriage), he owes her $100,000,000 and since they did divorce because of his cheating, he now owes her $100,000,000. But guess what? He couldn’t care less, that “he laughed in my face and told me it was money well spent”. So, how is this good for the business? One would assume that her father and husband’s goal is to make tons of money for their business. In fact, her husband wanted her to hand over the $50,000,000 from her trust account to invest in the business but she refused. So instead of getting her trust fund to invest with, he’s giving her $100,000,000 and he doesn’t care. Ummm…..this makes no sense whatsoever. Yeah, yeah, yeah - it’s fiction but still this doesn’t work.
I don’t know about you but I’m sick of reading protagonists having millions and millions in the bank whereby they can just up and leave their jobs to protect the other or even themselves, to relocate to figure out their lives and of course, have a happily ever after with so much money in the bank that they can do whatever or go wherever without worrying about money. Puh-lease!
Shane lied about his death to protect her, that no one would know she was associated to him. Did he not think she would have pictures of you at her home, at work and her computer? That she would never speak to all her friends about you? Twelve years have passed and you only check up on her when she visits your grave with you just twenty feet away in disguise?
You know you drank heavily one night with Roman (once a member of your team who betrayed you) and you told him your secrets about how you felt about Lily and what she meant to you. Whether or not you recall telling him nothing or everything, wouldn’t you want to go check on her just in case you had opened your big drunken mouth so nothing happens to her? I don't think once a year would suffice.
Lily never had the courage to tell Shane how much she loved him before he left. That being said, it doesn’t take but a few minutes when she sees that he’s alive to jump his bones and have sex right there in the car. You’re too stupid to figure out that it’s you he’s been in love with all this time? And you didn’t use a condom?
You spend a week screwing and then tell her you’ll never see her again and leave hoping she’ll forget about you. What a crock. If you couldn’t stop yourself from being at her graduation and her wedding (hidden of course), what makes you think you will this time, especially when you’ve been with her? To use her for sex and then leave telling her to forget you is so low.
By the way, when did she know she was pregnant? Did she suffer from morning sickness? Tender breasts? No period? The fact she screwed Shane every chance they had for one week without a condom, okay it’s possible to think that you may be pregnant but still, right away?? What’s stupid is sending Peter (a member of the team and who's looking after her) to get her a pregnancy test and hope no one finds out. Seriously? WTF is wrong with you?! Cue eyerolls. Talk about TSTL. Of course, Peter tells Jasper what he bought. No where does it say that Lily told Peter she was actually pregnant and he didn’t know the results of the test. Just because he bought the stupid thing doesn’t mean it’s true. Regardless, he still blabbed to Jasper and for her to think he wouldn’t say anything, well she’s just an idiot.
By the way, the villain or bad guy, Roman, certainly didn’t come across as one. The fact that the team cannot catch up to him, that he is always one step ahead of them for years is ridiculous. And if this is the case, why not figure out why this is happening? Perhaps check someone on your team that may have switched teams like Roman did.
The back-and-forth angst of I love you, I don’t love you, and on and on by both parties was really pathetic. By the time I got to the end I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room (but I didn't). “Free” is so ridiculous and so over the top about two people who went back and forth with their feelings for each other on the basis of protecting one another. They did a shit job. Total crap!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
This was an enjoyable read with lots of likeable characters. Adam and Antony were good fun, I hope we see a lot more of them in future books.
Shane, one of the main characters, did get on my nerves a bit. He breaks Lilys heart, then when they meet up again, he says he loves her, then he breaks her heart again, etc etc. I wanted to give them both a kick up the backside, and tell them to sort it out.
I'm looking forward to Jasper' s story, which is the next book in the series.
Shane, one of the main characters, did get on my nerves a bit. He breaks Lilys heart, then when they meet up again, he says he loves her, then he breaks her heart again, etc etc. I wanted to give them both a kick up the backside, and tell them to sort it out.
I'm looking forward to Jasper' s story, which is the next book in the series.
Shelved as 'fck-no'
October 7, 2021Let me keep this short for you by quoting what hero said :
“Do you know how many women I have fucked over the last decade? Hundreds, maybe thousands. I have a new woman in every country after every mission, sometimes more than one if the first didn’t burn through the frustration.”
WHAT A CHAD. SO HOT. SO DESIRABLE.
NOT :)
“Do you know how many women I have fucked over the last decade? Hundreds, maybe thousands. I have a new woman in every country after every mission, sometimes more than one if the first didn’t burn through the frustration.”
WHAT A CHAD. SO HOT. SO DESIRABLE.
NOT :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
What a wonderful story that is so heartbreaking and so beautiful at the same time. I would choke up when Lilly would visit Shane’s grave site every year and talk to him. She would pour her heart out to Shane and bring him up to date with everything that transpired over the year since she last visited. My heart hurt for her. She was so lost without her best friend. She would reminisce about their hopes and dreams that would never come true for Shane, but Lilly was bound and determined to realize Shane’s dream of starting a non-profit organization to help people in need. Lilly would notice the same people that would visit their loved ones when she would visit the cemetery. This includes a man with a beard and in a ball cap that sits on a bench in front of a woman’s grave. Lilly wondered what his story was and thought one day she would get the nerve to talk to him.
Shane and Lilly came from very cold wealthy families that did everything for themselves and excluded the children that they had. They were sent to the best schools, given trust funds, provided for, but there was no love. That is where Shane and Lilly connected. They were each other’s support. They were best friends, so when Shane could not stand to deal with his awful father, he joined the Army. On the night before Lilly went back home to California and he was leaving for deployment, Shane and Lilly had one night together to say goodbye, but what happened left Lilly speechless and made her regret not speaking up as Shane walked out of her life for the last time. Shane had taken Lilly in his arms, kissed her tenderly and told her he loved her. He then walked out of her life. Lilly’s biggest regret is that she didn’t tell him that she loved him too. That was their first and last kiss.
Fast forward twelve years later, Lilly finally meets the man that sat on the bench, he rescued Lilly against the men that were trying to kidnap her. His name was Carter Lenox, a special operator for the 707 Research and Development Group. I am not going to tell you any more about the story itself because you need to experience it for yourself.
The story is so well written that it grips you from the beginning and holds you until you turn that last page. What a ride! All the feelings I experienced along the way. The feelings of despair, betrayal, mystery and suspense, heartbreak, lust, love, a few laugh out loud moments and a deep abiding friendship and kinship with the men that Carter served with. Lilly and Carter were characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Their love and passion smoking hot! The secondary characters were fantastic and I loved each and every one of them, Jasper, Clark, Levi, Miss Milly, Adam and Anthony. I am hoping that this will become a series because there is so much that could be written about these people! The only thing that I would change would be to add an epilogue at the ending, as it felt a bit rushed, however selfishly I just wanted more.
If you love a second chance at love military romance, then give this book a chance. I promise you won’t regret it!
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
Shane and Lilly came from very cold wealthy families that did everything for themselves and excluded the children that they had. They were sent to the best schools, given trust funds, provided for, but there was no love. That is where Shane and Lilly connected. They were each other’s support. They were best friends, so when Shane could not stand to deal with his awful father, he joined the Army. On the night before Lilly went back home to California and he was leaving for deployment, Shane and Lilly had one night together to say goodbye, but what happened left Lilly speechless and made her regret not speaking up as Shane walked out of her life for the last time. Shane had taken Lilly in his arms, kissed her tenderly and told her he loved her. He then walked out of her life. Lilly’s biggest regret is that she didn’t tell him that she loved him too. That was their first and last kiss.
Fast forward twelve years later, Lilly finally meets the man that sat on the bench, he rescued Lilly against the men that were trying to kidnap her. His name was Carter Lenox, a special operator for the 707 Research and Development Group. I am not going to tell you any more about the story itself because you need to experience it for yourself.
The story is so well written that it grips you from the beginning and holds you until you turn that last page. What a ride! All the feelings I experienced along the way. The feelings of despair, betrayal, mystery and suspense, heartbreak, lust, love, a few laugh out loud moments and a deep abiding friendship and kinship with the men that Carter served with. Lilly and Carter were characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Their love and passion smoking hot! The secondary characters were fantastic and I loved each and every one of them, Jasper, Clark, Levi, Miss Milly, Adam and Anthony. I am hoping that this will become a series because there is so much that could be written about these people! The only thing that I would change would be to add an epilogue at the ending, as it felt a bit rushed, however selfishly I just wanted more.
If you love a second chance at love military romance, then give this book a chance. I promise you won’t regret it!
ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
November 11, 2018
Reel me in with a trope right up my alley then cut me loose with the hero telling us about the hundreds of women he's slept with over the past ten years. I'm no prude but that ain't healthy and it's extra skeezy to use one woman to pretend you're with someone else. Not just before the book either, we don't have to read the scene but he hooks up with someone brand new once the book was underway and that just doesn't work for me in a romance. Dnf by chapter five
August 16, 2017
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved reading military romances. When FREE fell on my lap, I knew I had to grab it and devour it. And I wasn’t disappointed. From start to finish, this Black Ops romance by Riley Edwards held my interest and captivated me.
Shane Owings died twelve years ago, and Lilian Nelson’s life had never been the same ever since. They were best friends, joined by the hip, defied their respective parents and had dreamed of a future free from the cruelties of the world. Until Shane was killed in combat and Lilian’s heart shattered like glass.
Year after year, Lilian visited Shane’s grave and narrated how her life has been since his untimely demise. Then two men in black pursued her and attempted to kill her, for reasons she didn’t know. Suddenly, Carter Lennox, her knight in shining armor came to her rescue. Who was this man and what did those men in suits wanted from her?
I tell you, this book is explosive. Carter Lennox is badass and cunning. His comrades, Clark, Levi and Jasper were a group of soldiers who would always protect Lennox no matter what. And Lillian, sweet, loving and confused, had the shock of her life and almost broke down. My heart went out for her and I was amazed at how strong she’d been all throughout the story.
Riley Edwards amazes me. She gives the readers a wonderful read about hot and gorgeous protective Alpha men and awesome kick-ass women. This may be my first Edwards book but it definitely won’t be the last!
Shane Owings died twelve years ago, and Lilian Nelson’s life had never been the same ever since. They were best friends, joined by the hip, defied their respective parents and had dreamed of a future free from the cruelties of the world. Until Shane was killed in combat and Lilian’s heart shattered like glass.
Year after year, Lilian visited Shane’s grave and narrated how her life has been since his untimely demise. Then two men in black pursued her and attempted to kill her, for reasons she didn’t know. Suddenly, Carter Lennox, her knight in shining armor came to her rescue. Who was this man and what did those men in suits wanted from her?
I tell you, this book is explosive. Carter Lennox is badass and cunning. His comrades, Clark, Levi and Jasper were a group of soldiers who would always protect Lennox no matter what. And Lillian, sweet, loving and confused, had the shock of her life and almost broke down. My heart went out for her and I was amazed at how strong she’d been all throughout the story.
Riley Edwards amazes me. She gives the readers a wonderful read about hot and gorgeous protective Alpha men and awesome kick-ass women. This may be my first Edwards book but it definitely won’t be the last!
August 7, 2017
WOWWW!!! How else do you describe a book that takes your heart and soul and shatters it and then puts it back together??! Okay, I am being slightly dramatic. It did have me ugly crying, then had to take some anxiety meds, and then it just made me smile. I promise you, this book will be hard AF for you to put down. I read it in basically one sitting and was addicted to the characters.
You have a girl, Lily and her best friend whom are always together and helps each other get through basically everything. They are raised with wealth in their blood due to whom their parents are. The pain and way that they are treated by their family are just heartbreaking. Shane decides that he just doesn't want to live his life with his father as he has. So he joins the service. It's that moment where he leaves Lily alone basically do him. The heartbreak and pain of losing her best friend are quadrupled. This book will definitely take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I have to stop there before I start dropping unknowing spoilers, lol!
This was the first book that I have read by Riley Edwards and I promise you I will be reading any and everything she has written because this book was that good!!! I can not wait until the next story!!! This better be a freaking series darnit! Riley officially has a stalker fan in me ;)
You have a girl, Lily and her best friend whom are always together and helps each other get through basically everything. They are raised with wealth in their blood due to whom their parents are. The pain and way that they are treated by their family are just heartbreaking. Shane decides that he just doesn't want to live his life with his father as he has. So he joins the service. It's that moment where he leaves Lily alone basically do him. The heartbreak and pain of losing her best friend are quadrupled. This book will definitely take you on an emotional rollercoaster. I have to stop there before I start dropping unknowing spoilers, lol!
This was the first book that I have read by Riley Edwards and I promise you I will be reading any and everything she has written because this book was that good!!! I can not wait until the next story!!! This better be a freaking series darnit! Riley officially has a stalker fan in me ;)
August 14, 2017
I have always been a fan of Edwards, but she really takes her writing to the next level in this book. These characters and their stories evoked so much emotion in me. I found that I was unable to put the book down, until I had read every last page of Lillian and Shane's story. This second chance at love tale broke my heart, took out the jagged pieces, put them back together and reinstalled a whole, unblemished heart. There were some really interesting characters other than Lillian and Shane, and I am hoping that their story will get told, as well. I am hungering for a series, here!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this story in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 20, 2020
This was actually a DNF from a few months ago. I was disappointed when I finally did finish it. The MCs were both OTT with their martyrdom and fuckery. I remember acting like this in middle school.
August 15, 2017
kfforever
Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KFF
This is a last chance at love military romance, my first book by the author. A story that gives you two young people who were best friends, realise that there is more to their friendship but that chance gets ripped away because he left and joined the military. Twelve years on and events occurred which altered the girl’s life. She gets a second go at love but things are a lot different now. Will she ever feel that connection with someone else or someone who’s different?
Lily and Shane are best friends. They both come from privileged backgrounds, rich and well connected but they want to live the ordinary life and far from the prying eyes of the public. Shane took the opportunity to get away by signing up with the military and he left Lily behind. She didn’t have a choice and was forced to live with her father and his rules.
Lily’s character is very likeable. She might be rich with a few millions worth of trust fund to her name but she used that money for a good cause and managed to get disowned by her father. When Shane chose to leave Lily and got deployed the way he treated her was unforgivable. After more than a decade and still mourning Shane, Lily gets to meet Lenox, darker and meaner but also very protective. There are times when she gets a glimpse of Shane in him.
What I like about this book is that it gives you romance, angst and a lot of action that you get caught up in a rollercoaster of emotions. A few parts were predictable but what makes this book a thoroughly enjoyable read are the secondary characters: Lenox’s team members from the 707 research and development unit, Jasper, Clark and Levi and Lily’s best friends Adam and Anthony. I enjoyed reading the banter between these men and I hope the author writes a series about them. Please give us Jasper’s story next! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to friends.
Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KFF
This is a last chance at love military romance, my first book by the author. A story that gives you two young people who were best friends, realise that there is more to their friendship but that chance gets ripped away because he left and joined the military. Twelve years on and events occurred which altered the girl’s life. She gets a second go at love but things are a lot different now. Will she ever feel that connection with someone else or someone who’s different?
Lily and Shane are best friends. They both come from privileged backgrounds, rich and well connected but they want to live the ordinary life and far from the prying eyes of the public. Shane took the opportunity to get away by signing up with the military and he left Lily behind. She didn’t have a choice and was forced to live with her father and his rules.
Lily’s character is very likeable. She might be rich with a few millions worth of trust fund to her name but she used that money for a good cause and managed to get disowned by her father. When Shane chose to leave Lily and got deployed the way he treated her was unforgivable. After more than a decade and still mourning Shane, Lily gets to meet Lenox, darker and meaner but also very protective. There are times when she gets a glimpse of Shane in him.
What I like about this book is that it gives you romance, angst and a lot of action that you get caught up in a rollercoaster of emotions. A few parts were predictable but what makes this book a thoroughly enjoyable read are the secondary characters: Lenox’s team members from the 707 research and development unit, Jasper, Clark and Levi and Lily’s best friends Adam and Anthony. I enjoyed reading the banter between these men and I hope the author writes a series about them. Please give us Jasper’s story next! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to friends.
Want to read
October 23, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (10/23/18)!💝
Blurb:
He was my first love…
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.
Blurb:
He was my first love…
I wanted him to follow his dreams. I wanted him to escape the life he hated. I thought I was doing the right thing by not telling him how I truly felt. Until it was too late, and my silence turned into my biggest regret.
Twelve years ago, Shane Owings died, taking my heart with him. I was left devastated and broken hearted. Time didn’t heal, as the years went on I only missed him more.
She was my best friend… the only woman I ever loved.
When I ran off to join the Army, I left behind everything I had ever loved. I thought I was doing the right thing, but my good intentions quickly turned into my biggest regret.
Every year on the anniversary of Shane’s death I watched as Lillian Nelson visited Shane’s grave and spilled her secrets to a dead man. Each year I hoped she wouldn’t be back, that her heart would finally heal and she would move on. But year after year she was back. So many times I wanted to reach out and comfort the beautiful woman, but I knew she would never forgive me. It was my fault Shane was dead.
Until… A terrorist shows up looking for revenge.
I had to come out of the shadows and protect the one woman I had no business falling in love with.
August 14, 2017
I love reading a love story that has a chance of love again especially when it involves sexy alpha men like Shane. Have to say Lilly might seem a little naïve about life around her but when it comes to Shane though she is one alert woman. The love she has for him has never left and now that there is a chance she is afraid. Their friendship and love is what got her through her life and knowing that everything she has gone through was a farce just pains her. Riley Edwards sure knows how to make everything you thought heartbreaking yet it is because of this that makes the love stronger than ever. Shane knows what he wants and Lilly is not just any woman for a good night of fun she is the forever he has secretly dreamed of having forever. Loved it and really hope there is more from the 707 agency especially Jasper. Loved it.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
August 14, 2017
Shane and Lily, a hot and sweet story. Friends forever but life doesn't always turn out the way we want it to, no matter our station in life we are raised in. A truly good story of life, lost love, love found. This book has it all the action, the angst, the love.
This book is a definite buy for fans and new to Riley Edwards soon to be fans. My only wish was for it to be a little longer, and we need Jasper's story next. So a solid 4 1/2 stars for me.
This book is a definite buy for fans and new to Riley Edwards soon to be fans. My only wish was for it to be a little longer, and we need Jasper's story next. So a solid 4 1/2 stars for me.
September 4, 2020
I enjoyed it but I would've liked a lot more groveling.
August 16, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of KFF
This is a last chance at love military romance, my first book by the author. A story that gives you two young people who were best friends, realise that there is more to their friendship but that chance gets ripped away because he left and joined the military. Twelve years on and events occurred which altered the girl’s life. She gets a second go at love but things are a lot different now. Will she ever feel that connection with someone else or someone who’s different?
Lily and Shane are best friends. They both come from privileged backgrounds, rich and well connected but they want to live the ordinary life and far from the prying eyes of the public. Shane took the opportunity to get away by signing up with the military and he left Lily behind. She didn’t have a choice and was forced to live with her father and his rules.
Lily’s character is very likeable. She might be rich with a few millions worth of trust fund to her name but she used that money for a good cause and managed to get disowned by her father. When Shane chose to leave Lily and got deployed the way he treated her was unforgivable. After more than a decade and still mourning Shane, Lily gets to meet Lenox, darker and meaner but also very protective. There are times when she gets a glimpse of Shane in him.
What I like about this book is that it gives you romance, angst and a lot of action that you get caught up in a rollercoaster of emotions. A few parts were predictable but what makes this book a thoroughly enjoyable read are the secondary characters: Lenox’s team members from the 707 research and development unit, Jasper, Clark and Levi and Lily’s best friends Adam and Anthony. I enjoyed reading the banter between these men and I hope the author writes a series about them. Please give us Jasper’s story next! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to friends.
This is a last chance at love military romance, my first book by the author. A story that gives you two young people who were best friends, realise that there is more to their friendship but that chance gets ripped away because he left and joined the military. Twelve years on and events occurred which altered the girl’s life. She gets a second go at love but things are a lot different now. Will she ever feel that connection with someone else or someone who’s different?
Lily and Shane are best friends. They both come from privileged backgrounds, rich and well connected but they want to live the ordinary life and far from the prying eyes of the public. Shane took the opportunity to get away by signing up with the military and he left Lily behind. She didn’t have a choice and was forced to live with her father and his rules.
Lily’s character is very likeable. She might be rich with a few millions worth of trust fund to her name but she used that money for a good cause and managed to get disowned by her father. When Shane chose to leave Lily and got deployed the way he treated her was unforgivable. After more than a decade and still mourning Shane, Lily gets to meet Lenox, darker and meaner but also very protective. There are times when she gets a glimpse of Shane in him.
What I like about this book is that it gives you romance, angst and a lot of action that you get caught up in a rollercoaster of emotions. A few parts were predictable but what makes this book a thoroughly enjoyable read are the secondary characters: Lenox’s team members from the 707 research and development unit, Jasper, Clark and Levi and Lily’s best friends Adam and Anthony. I enjoyed reading the banter between these men and I hope the author writes a series about them. Please give us Jasper’s story next! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to friends.
February 3, 2022
Lily Nelson is devastated when her best friend Shane McGrath Owings dies 2 months into deployment overseas and she never got a chance to tell him how she feels about him. Every year she visits his grave and tells him what is happening with her life. 10 years later her life is suddenly changed when she is almost grabbed at his graveside.
Carter Lenox works on a secret 707 elite team that works for the President on secret missions. Every year he watches Lily at Shane's graveside but must come out of the shadows to protect Lily.
Now Lily and Carter must discover who is watching Lily and why and who they are really after. But for Lily she is hurt and all of her feelings are completely conflicted. Can Carter keep Lily safe from the guys after her and from himself?
This book is the second I have read from this author and I loved it!
I loved the twist at the beginning of the book and I must admit that I didn't see it coming.
Lily is beginning her life over after a divorce and opens the McGrath Carter Center as a way of moving on and keeping Shane in her life. Yet she has no idea the trouble she is in due to the memory of Shane.
Carter Lenox was pure alpha male with one weakness that was exploited and somehow everything was put together by Roman (Calvin Kincaid). He must do what he can to save Lily but knows that he won't do anything to jeopardize his career therefore he puts up a wall around him when he knows everything is close to being done to scare Lily away.
I loved the end of the book and how how Carter's men came to help him see everything!
I hope the rest of the men in this group get a book of their own!!
Carter Lenox works on a secret 707 elite team that works for the President on secret missions. Every year he watches Lily at Shane's graveside but must come out of the shadows to protect Lily.
Now Lily and Carter must discover who is watching Lily and why and who they are really after. But for Lily she is hurt and all of her feelings are completely conflicted. Can Carter keep Lily safe from the guys after her and from himself?
This book is the second I have read from this author and I loved it!
I loved the twist at the beginning of the book and I must admit that I didn't see it coming.
Lily is beginning her life over after a divorce and opens the McGrath Carter Center as a way of moving on and keeping Shane in her life. Yet she has no idea the trouble she is in due to the memory of Shane.
Carter Lenox was pure alpha male with one weakness that was exploited and somehow everything was put together by Roman (Calvin Kincaid). He must do what he can to save Lily but knows that he won't do anything to jeopardize his career therefore he puts up a wall around him when he knows everything is close to being done to scare Lily away.
I loved the end of the book and how how Carter's men came to help him see everything!
I hope the rest of the men in this group get a book of their own!!
December 31, 2022
I actually picked this book up because of who the narrators were. It was my first time reading Riley Edwards and I enjoyed it. Will be listening to the rest of the series.
It was a little rushed but it worked!
It was a little rushed but it worked!
August 11, 2017
First off, this is the first book I have read by this author and after reading this please tell me this is going to be a series cause not only do you fall in love with Lillian and Shane, but you fall in love with those other HOT military men in the 707. This story is told from third person dual POV and allows your feelings to feel FREE after you wipe your eyes numerous times. Be still your heart reading this story and BRAVO to those spouse's and military men and women cause being in a relationship and on tour has got to be one of the hardest tasks to handle.
Lillian and Shane were in a society (rich) and they didn't belong in that world and had dreams of leaving that world behind. They were two BF who withheld their feelings for each other so that the other could explore their dream. This may become their BIGGEST regret ever.
Twelve years of heartache and torture is a long time to endure what occurred in this story. Reading the synopsis you are left wondering whose fault it was for Shane's death. Wow! Talk about a gasp worthy moment when that person has to unveil the shadow and protect her from what they were trying to protect her all along with. Holy smokes! I think I would faint, wake up and faint again.
Lillian made something of herself and created what would have been Shane's dream and that is so touching. The feelings that were left unspoken where spoken in her work. Add some twists in the society she tries to avoid at all costs and you are left hoping no one interrupts you, that for once you wish your train is delayed so you can keep reading to see what is going to happen. That was me, lol and it didn't, but that is OK cause I made sure to finish that book the same day. It hooks you from page one until the very end.
There's a BOOM moment that some may or may not agree with. This is all I will say about that, but I totally agree with it and it needed to be on their own terms even though it was kept quite for as long as possible. You are definitely on the edge of your seat reading this, wiping your eyes and then biting those nails. Oh my if you loved the 707 guys you will totally fall for the A's! Whose the A's? Read the book cause I think you will agree.
The only thing I found to be a little upsetting is the ending. It gave us what we needed and then The End. No epilogue or lead into another possible book. I am hoping that was intentional and while we know what will occur to a point it would be nice to hear about it. Thinking it was geared to be in another book, I hope whether it is on them or the crew. I'll take it!. This is a story about getting a chance at love being in the military. May this book set you Free after your heart heals. haha :)
Lillian and Shane were in a society (rich) and they didn't belong in that world and had dreams of leaving that world behind. They were two BF who withheld their feelings for each other so that the other could explore their dream. This may become their BIGGEST regret ever.
Twelve years of heartache and torture is a long time to endure what occurred in this story. Reading the synopsis you are left wondering whose fault it was for Shane's death. Wow! Talk about a gasp worthy moment when that person has to unveil the shadow and protect her from what they were trying to protect her all along with. Holy smokes! I think I would faint, wake up and faint again.
Lillian made something of herself and created what would have been Shane's dream and that is so touching. The feelings that were left unspoken where spoken in her work. Add some twists in the society she tries to avoid at all costs and you are left hoping no one interrupts you, that for once you wish your train is delayed so you can keep reading to see what is going to happen. That was me, lol and it didn't, but that is OK cause I made sure to finish that book the same day. It hooks you from page one until the very end.
There's a BOOM moment that some may or may not agree with. This is all I will say about that, but I totally agree with it and it needed to be on their own terms even though it was kept quite for as long as possible. You are definitely on the edge of your seat reading this, wiping your eyes and then biting those nails. Oh my if you loved the 707 guys you will totally fall for the A's! Whose the A's? Read the book cause I think you will agree.
The only thing I found to be a little upsetting is the ending. It gave us what we needed and then The End. No epilogue or lead into another possible book. I am hoping that was intentional and while we know what will occur to a point it would be nice to hear about it. Thinking it was geared to be in another book, I hope whether it is on them or the crew. I'll take it!. This is a story about getting a chance at love being in the military. May this book set you Free after your heart heals. haha :)
August 21, 2017
This is my first Riley Edwards read but definitely won't be my last!! I love when i find a new to me author and the first book i read grabs me in and holds me captive to the authors words.
Free is a book that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Giving us a second chance romance story of the life journey of Lily and Shane. Their story covers so many emotions of loss, grief, sadness, angst, and mystery but you also have strength, happiness, love and laughter.
Lilly has spent the last twelve years knowing her one true love was gone. Every year she spent one day at the cemetery grieving for a lost love and an empty life. Until one day, while at his grave her life and everything she thought she new is turned upside down and inside out. Leaving Lilly speechless, heart broken, angry but also feelings of home and safety something she hasn't felt for twelve long hard years.
Hope is something we all should have and this book is all about hope. It's a breathtaking read about two soul mates with great secondary characters that i'm hoping get their own stories told. And i'll be looking out for more Riley Edwards reads.
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August 11, 2017
Please tell me we get more Black Ops Romance by Riley as a series!!! I finished Free and see so much potential for more! I love the men of the 707 special unit. Shane swooped in and captures your heart at the age 16. Lily describes their friendship as pure. Untouched by the darkness until Shane enlists in the army. Then, for next 12 years, Lily's world is destroyed. Lenox comes in and steals the show. He crushed my heart, stomped on it, then little by little he pieced it back together. Did I say my heart, maybe I meant Lily's...who knows. I was that invested in this story.
I read one other book that was written by Riley and was hooked. Free was a whole different side that was unexpected. There are some authors that stick with a certain theme or genre in the Romance community when they write. Eventually, the lines start to blur and every story starts to sound the same. Not with Riley. I love the new and unexpected in her stories.
Free lives up to its name with these characters. The sexy side of this book brings on the heat. The emotions make you a mess. At the end I was happy how it all played out. But like I said before, I loved the whole team of 707. I want more. No, I need more and only hope that we will get it. Riley is an exceptional writer. So I am telling all the readers in the Romance Book World, Free brings it with the Military Romance that you will never see coming!
I read one other book that was written by Riley and was hooked. Free was a whole different side that was unexpected. There are some authors that stick with a certain theme or genre in the Romance community when they write. Eventually, the lines start to blur and every story starts to sound the same. Not with Riley. I love the new and unexpected in her stories.
Free lives up to its name with these characters. The sexy side of this book brings on the heat. The emotions make you a mess. At the end I was happy how it all played out. But like I said before, I loved the whole team of 707. I want more. No, I need more and only hope that we will get it. Riley is an exceptional writer. So I am telling all the readers in the Romance Book World, Free brings it with the Military Romance that you will never see coming!
August 13, 2017
Genre: Romance - Suspense, Second Chance, Last Chance, Military, Black ops, Friends to Lovers
Stand Alone: Yes
Part of a Series: No (well I don't think so but I would love to get a story for the other guys)
POV: Lily and Lenox
Steam Level: Toasty Warm
4/5
This is the first book I've read by Riley Edwards and it was really good. I whipped through it in less than a day. The suspense was intense with the tension and action ramping up. The guys and their interactions were funny and helped to cut some of the tensions to give the reader a small break before kicking up again. The violence was graphic (but not gratuitous). Overall a fantastic romantic suspense that keeps you reading way later than your bedtime. My only complaint is that there was no epilogue and i'd love to see what happens with Lily and Lenox. I really hope that this is only the first book in a series featuring each of the men Lenox's team.
I received read an advanced copy of this book the author/publisher (which means my complaint may be a nonissue). This is my honest and voluntary review.
Stand Alone: Yes
Part of a Series: No (well I don't think so but I would love to get a story for the other guys)
POV: Lily and Lenox
Steam Level: Toasty Warm
4/5
This is the first book I've read by Riley Edwards and it was really good. I whipped through it in less than a day. The suspense was intense with the tension and action ramping up. The guys and their interactions were funny and helped to cut some of the tensions to give the reader a small break before kicking up again. The violence was graphic (but not gratuitous). Overall a fantastic romantic suspense that keeps you reading way later than your bedtime. My only complaint is that there was no epilogue and i'd love to see what happens with Lily and Lenox. I really hope that this is only the first book in a series featuring each of the men Lenox's team.
I received read an advanced copy of this book the author/publisher (which means my complaint may be a nonissue). This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 19, 2023
This was book 1 in the
"The 707 Freedom"
series. Lily Nelson and Shane Owings grew up the best of friends, but that friendship was severely tested the day Shane left to join the military. Lily was devasted when he died two months later her world is turned upside down. She turns her life around and finds a way to honor him. Carter Lenox, he watches Lily each year as she visits Shane's gravesite. He listens to the stories that she tells, and experiences all her emotions, as she sits there sobbing her heart out. He never approaches her though, until the day her life is put in danger. This book had a lot of emotions in it there was also some action as Carter and the team went to work. I liked the secondary characters in this book. This was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I also listened to this book on audio. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 8, 2024
The book started off strong for me with the “long lost friend back from the dead” plot, but fell short as I continued. I felt like the book had a lot of potential; I liked the character’s backstories and how they came back together. However, Shane’s personality was just too unlikeable for me. I know he’s acting like a d*** on purpose as a means to an end but even that aside, he wasn’t a protagonist I attached to. Lily’s character had potential as well but was just unreasonable at times. The romance was frustrating and the end seemed abrupt and rushed compared to how slowly the relationship between them developed and how complicated their history is. There were some tropes that felt “plopped” into the book without buildup or enough link to the story.
I felt the book set up what could be an emotional, complex romance story but didn’t quite meet the mark.
I felt the book set up what could be an emotional, complex romance story but didn’t quite meet the mark.
August 22, 2018
OMG! WOW!
I couldn't put this book down when I started reading. You don't want to miss reading this book. It's absolutely fantastic book and I loved it. I was on nerves the whole time time reading this book. Free has everything to get your blood pumping and heart racing. I loved Shane and Lily's story and I hope there will more Black Ops story to come. Can't wait to read more of Riley Edwards books.
Belinda~~Book Haven Book Blog~~
I couldn't put this book down when I started reading. You don't want to miss reading this book. It's absolutely fantastic book and I loved it. I was on nerves the whole time time reading this book. Free has everything to get your blood pumping and heart racing. I loved Shane and Lily's story and I hope there will more Black Ops story to come. Can't wait to read more of Riley Edwards books.
Belinda~~Book Haven Book Blog~~
August 16, 2017
I received this for an honest review..
I have to say I just loved this story.. Lillian and Shane are perfect together.. I found that I just loved them...
This book really takes you on a journey and a beautiful one at that!!!
Riley is fast becoming one of my go to authors so my that I just love her work!!!V
I have to say I just loved this story.. Lillian and Shane are perfect together.. I found that I just loved them...
This book really takes you on a journey and a beautiful one at that!!!
Riley is fast becoming one of my go to authors so my that I just love her work!!!V
August 11, 2017
I love a good military romance book so I jumped on the chance to read and review Free. Riley Edwards is a new to me author and I was not dissapointed. This quick read was a fresh read after I felt like I had read the same story a million times. The characters were great and I hope that each of them gets a book because they would be a fun read.
This book is definitely worth a read and I for one can't wait to try some of Riley Edward's other books!
This book is definitely worth a read and I for one can't wait to try some of Riley Edward's other books!
Read
June 5, 2023Not rating because I didn’t get far. Come on…no one has a romantic relationship in high school that’s unrequited that either doesn’t move on. He is “dead” for 12 years before he meets back up with her to save her…I just couldn’t. Just too ludicrous.
December 5, 2023
Can I get an amen that homegirl took accountability!??? Ameeeeen. 🙌🏽🙌🏽💃🏾💃🏾
Cute and short. Not too original but every enjoyable. The growth in the end made up for the moment of eye rolls 🙄🙄 and left me ready for another book in this series. An epilogue would have been nice. 🤷🏽♀️
Cute and short. Not too original but every enjoyable. The growth in the end made up for the moment of eye rolls 🙄🙄 and left me ready for another book in this series. An epilogue would have been nice. 🤷🏽♀️
April 6, 2018
Shane and Lily's story had me riveted! It's an amazing story. I'll read the rest of this series.
June 3, 2020
I liked this book and I'm glad I discovered an author who writes exactly what I always enjoy reading: suspense and military romance.
4.5 stars is all what I can offer!
4.5 stars is all what I can offer!
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