Porter “Oz” Reed knew better than most how words could hurt just as much as a fist. He never planned on getting married or having kids, but all that changed when his nine-year-old nephew was dropped off on his doorstep.Riley Rogers is done with men. But her plan to stay single takes a hit when her tall, dark, and very handsome neighbor needs assistance with his nephew.The relationship-phobic pair … relationship-phobic pair team up to make sure Oz’s nephew feels safe in his new environment and to protect themselves from someone in the past who isn’t happy they seem to be hitting it off so well.
** Shielding Riley is the 4th book in the Delta Team Two Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
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At the end of Shielding Aspen we saw when Riley kicked out Miles and Child Protection Agency brought his nephew Logan to Oz’s door. Oz was making sure Riley was okay after Miles left, when his life changed forever.
It’s been hours and conversation with Logan was stilted and uncomfortable, but now the boy was sleeping and Oz is panicking. He has next to nothing in his pantry and definitely no breakfast foods. He hears the TV in Riley’s apartment and hopes she’ll have ideas as he leaves Logan’s bedroom door open and the apartment’s while he knocks on her door.
To say Oz was a bit overwhelmed at first is an understatement, but he quickly got it together and with Riley getting him off the bus and hanging with him after school things fell into an easy pattern.
We get to see even more how the guys on the team are more like family with gatherings and including Logan in things when they can. Trigger and Gillian readily agree to be part of his family care plan while deployed and guardian if something should happen to him. All the others agreed to be backup. That right there is awesome!
The first deployment was rough on all of them and Gillian actually brought Logan to Riley so he could stay at Oz’s. Logan’s having problems and he’s also got a secret he’s not sharing.
Of course you know Riley’s ex is gonna show up again, boy does he.
Riley and Oz have an unusual courtship but they truly bond as friends then into a sizzling relationship.
Laughter, oh so many tears, with surprises both good and bad that combine into this page-turning read.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Oz has had a thing for his pretty neighbor and is only to happy to make sure she’s ok when she finally kicks her verbally abusive, no good boyfriend to the curb. Just when this happens, he gets the surprise of his life when CPS delivers his 10 year old nephew into his custody—a nephew he didn’t know he had. Life is what happens when you’re planning other things, and this certainly becomes true for Oz. But all these changes aren’t the end of it just yet. Soooooo good! Funny, steamy, near wrenching—this has all the feels!
Omg I’m in love with this book and with Porter (‘oz’). He is amazing. He is the kick ass, sexy delta force operated. But he he also a gentleman, with a hint of dirty talk thrown in for all the steamy scenes. He is not afraid to show emotion and that really made me be endeared to him more. That when he is truly overcome with happiness of sadness because of how horrible people can be to others he doesn’t have a problem showing it. Riley is adorable and mint compared to the hugeness of Oz. And that just makes them all the more cute. Then his life is turned upside down by the appearance of a nephew he didn’t know about after learning his estranged sister had died. So much sadness. Poor Logan. Who is adorable and loved watching Oz be a perfect role model and human to try and get him to open up and trust him. And then a new bombshell!! Bria! Wow. Just wow. And Logan is amazing and such a big protective brother. Loved that. Can’t believe the conditions they found her in. And then after overcoming that. Something lurked in the shadows. Her ex is not going down without a fight. Ugh so disgusting. Have to say I’m happy how his story came to an end. Totally deserved. Can’t wait for Devyns book and can’t wait for Sierra. So far away!!!
This is book 5 but it can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I recommend all the other ones since they are great reads as well! In this one we get Porter “Oz” Reed and Riley Rogers story! Oz has no problem looking intimidating when his neighbor Riley kicks her boyfriend out for the last time. After listening to the things he has said to her, he wants to make sure he leaves without any issues. But he is in for the shock of his life when CPS shows up with a nephew he never knew about at that moment. Riley is ready for a break from men after dealing with her abusive ex. But when Oz comes knocking on her door completely panicked on what to do with his nephew, she knows she needs to help him. And after spending time with both of them, she feels a kinship with Logan that she wasn’t expecting. And while they make Logan feel comfortable with his new circumstances, they start falling for each other as well. But when a secret that Logan is keeping comes to light, it changes everything.
I absolutely loved this one!!! Riley and Oz are perfect for each other right from the start! She is steady and just this calm person who you can’t help but love. Her advice and how she handles Logan is beautiful! But knowing that she can get angry on behalf of the people she loves and cares about? That was awesome! Oz is this stand up man who even though this child was basically thrown at him, he never even hesitates to change everything in his life for him. He doesn’t even know this child, but he knows that is his family and he will do anything for his family. I loved him! The twist, oh man that almost broke my heart! I don’t want to say a lot because I feel like it’s better to read it, especially when it is such a big part of this child’s story. But bring some tissues for that part! And then the 2nd twist, then I was completely blown away and every single bad thing you can think of was going through my head! But these men and their women, they never hesitate. And it is absolutely beautiful to read about. I loved every single second of this story. But now, now I am impatient and absolutely need Sierra’s story after that epilogue!!!
Porter and Riley
Shielding Riley is finally here and it packs a punch in more than one way After witnessing Riley finally kicking out her abusive boyfriend, Porter finds himself a newly single dad to his nephew, one he never knew existed
Porter asks Riley for help finding himself out of his depth and this is the beginning of a relationship neither knew they were looking for Unfortunately, Logan – Porter’s nephew – has more secrets under his hat and Porter has to gain his trust for their revelations, which are BIG
A great story which I loved as well as the glimpses into what’s coming next….namely Devyn and Lucky and Sierra
Porter (aka Oz) & Riley’s relationship is pretty smooth sailing. They connect right away, have a lot of open communication, and as Riley helps Oz with his nephew, their relationship grows. Oz also helps Riley come out of her shell as he introduces her to his team. And I loved seeing both their relationships grow with Logan, as well – gaining his trust & becoming a family.
AND – this IS a Susan Stoker book, so there are some pretty amazing twists & the way they come about… WHEW!! What a ride! Grab some tissues, too, because there are a couple parts you might need them.
I love Porter’s attitude about the changes in his life, and Riley’s strength as she jumps right in to fall in love, as well.
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I absolutely loved this book. It might even be my new favorite of hers. I really enjoyed the twists and turns woven throughout the story. I definitely recommend.
Another fantastic book by Susan Stoker!!! She never disappoints.
In the story of Oz and Riley it is amazing to see the events unfold. Susan is a master story teller, and does not disappoint with this book. I love how you weave Riley and her character develops so well.
I had been waiting for Riley and Oz’s story since Susan left a teaser into in Aspen’s book.
Susan really brought the characters to life! I really enjoyed reading about Riley and Oz’s back story, how both had similarities and differences. Bringing in Logan, Oz’s nephew just added depth to both Riley and Oz.
It was heartwrenching to read about Oz’s sister and Logan and the circumstances how Oz became the guardian of Logan. And what Logan had to deal with growing up with a mother that is an addict. That really came through. The same with Riley and her story about her parents and in and out of Foster Care. I was so nervous about Logan’s secret that I almost had to put my kindle to sleep but I pushed through.
Oz was so awesome. It was great to see him go from total bachelor to doting dad/uncle so quickly and with Riley’s help, get through Logans barriers. Oz is a SUPER advocate for Logan. I was crying when I read Logans weariness to adults and how much they let him down, but loved seeing how much he grew to love his Uncle.
I cannot believe the evilness out there in this world and Susan brought this to light. There are truly evil people out there. I was so mad at those people!!!! (no spoilers!)
I loved reading about the rest of the team, what they were up to as well as Gillian, Kinley, Aspen and Devyn. Oh and to drop clues about Sierra.
While the team went out on missions, this AMAZING book focused more on Riley and Oz personal relationship with each other and Logan, than on going off continent
I would highly recommend this book.
This is the 5th book I read by Susan Stoker. I loved this book’s storyline. I loved the action in this in this story. I loved the hot & steamy scenes. I loved Oz’s character. I loved Riley’s character. I loved Logan. I loved Bria. I loved the ending. Awesome job Ms. Stoker.
3.5
In this book we get the story between Porter “Oz” Reed and Riley Rogers,who live for a while next to each other but haven’t shared more than a few words while passing each other in their apartment complex. Everything starts after Riley finally ditches her abusive ex from her apartment and Oz helps by standing by for moral support after hearing their last argument and how she was being verbally trashed by the other man. At the same time, Oz finds himself with a ten year old nephew in his door steps and having no clue of what to do to help him. Here comes his pretty neighbour to the rescue: Riley has been in a similar situation as Logan (Oz’s nephew) and helps them both navigate their paths in order to get to know each other. This, also, brings Oz and Riley closer.
But a secret kept by Logan can solidify that new family both Oz and Riley have formed or make it tumble to the ground.
I must say, some parts of the story make me tear up like a baby, others make me smile like a fool. I’ve really enjoyed reading this book, Susan has truly outdone herself and I can’t wait to read Lucky and Devlyn’s story next.
I cried just over halfway into this book and I cried again near the end. It was such an emotional chapter and read overall. Ms. Stoker gets you every time. Porter had to be stronger for just a bit longer as he had to say goodnight to Logan. Riley was there for him when he did and he took comfort in her arms. “Why are People so Mean?” Loved this next chapter in this Delta Team Two series. Always a One Click author for me. Highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
5 stars
Riley was in and out of foster homes growing up and is happy just staying home. She kicks her boyfriend out because he’s verbally abusive and lazy. Oz is a member of the Delta Force and is happy being single. He hears Riley and her ex arguing, so he stands in the doorway to make sure he leaves. While there, a woman comes with a little boy. He’s Oz’s nephew that he didn’t even know existed. His sister was murdered and there is no one else to take Logan. He and his sister had not talked in years because she was on drugs. He panics and goes to get help from Riley, his next door neighbor. Since Riley works from home, she helps with watching Logan while Oz is working. Logan is keeping a big secret and Oz has to get Logan to trust him.
This is such an awesome story. Towards the end, I would stop reading because I was afraid to see what happens next. You have sexy military men, a beautiful woman, and sex that’ll will set the pages on fire. Pulse pounding action.
Wow, Susan Stoker really knocked it out of the park with Shielding Riley! Oz is standing in the doorway of his apartment watching as Riley kicks her boyfriend out, breaking up with him. He’s yelling at her and being nasty, so Oz is kinda standing guard. Just as the creep leaves, CPS shows up dropping off 10-year old Logan, Oz’s nephew he didn’t know about, his recently deceased estranged sister’s son. Riley jumps in to help. While Oz tries to win over his nephew, Riley is still getting nasty texts from her ex. This IS a Susan Stoker book, so nothing is ever easy, but it’s an amazing book, and I love Oz and Riley!
This is book 5 in the Delta Team Two series. Riley and Oz/Porter are neighbors who’ve had limited interaction until one night when Riley breaks up with and kicks out her verbally abusive deadbeat boyfriend. The same night, at almost the same moment when Porter finds out his estranged drug addict sister is dead and he has a 10 year nephew that he’s now the guardian of. The upheaval in both of their lives is not the ideal starting point for a relationship but sometimes the things in our lives that first appear as disasters turn out to be unexpected blessings instead. Watching Riley and Porter navigate their fledgling relationship while Porter learns to be a single dad trying to support a nephew who has seen too much harshness in his young life all while still being a Delta Force operator is an engaging, emotional, heart breaking, uplifting, loving, heart pounding roller coaster ride of all the feelings. On their way to their HEA, Riley and Porter grow and strengthen beautifully as individuals, as a couple, and as parents. By the end of the story I wanted to be adopted into their family. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a Susan Stoker story – sweet moments, strong friendships, fan your face sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, and so much love. With Shielding Riley, Susan Stoker once again proves she’s the queen of military romance.