Holden’s Resurrection: Gemini Group, Book 6 by Riley Edwards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Former Navy SEAL Holden Stanford gave up the only woman he ever loved so she could have the family she wanted. And she’d found it – with one of his teammates. 

A betrayal that cut so deep that, years later, it still bled. But his sacrifice was all for naught – the one thing he never wanted for her happened – she lost her husband on the battlefield. Now she’s back. In his life, in his space, and opening old wounds. The mere sight of her destroyed him, but seeing her daughter – excruciating. The little girl was a living reminder of everything they lost. The one thing he could never get over.

Charleigh Towler understood how one decision could change the trajectory of life. One night, too much alcohol and overwhelming hurt led her to make a bad decision. One she couldn’t regret, because out of that she made her daughter. But it had forever altered her path. For years, she’d paid for her perceived mistake – until the man she’d never stopped loving was almost killed and she reevaluated her life. She was done allowing Holden Stanford to hide. Never one to dally, she packed up her life and moved to Maryland to do something she should’ve done years ago – fight for the man she loved.

Close to getting everything they should’ve always had, Charleigh’s life is thrown off its path again – only this time, it’s her daughter’s life that hangs in the balance.

Holden’s Resurrection

Holden & Charleigh’s Second-Chance Romance

I’m deep into this series and honestly? It’s hitting all the right emotional pressure points. Not in the mood for a full essay, but here’s the short version: these books are angsty, romantic, suspenseful, and just the right amount of steamy. The emotional fallout from toxic childhoods, the protective former SEALs with hearts wrapped in barbed wire, and the slow formation of a chosen family—all of it works. Especially the detail that these battle-scarred heroes are buying homes next to each other like it’s a trauma-healing cul-de-sac. I’m here for it.

This installment centers on Holden and Charleigh—his “Leighleigh”—and their second-chance romance is drenched in longing and regret. Years ago, Holden walked away after learning he couldn’t have children, convinced he was doing the noble thing. But fate had other plans: a drunken one-night stand between Charleigh and one of Holden’s teammates led to a pregnancy, a marriage, and then tragedy when her husband was killed in action.

Eight years later, Charleigh returns with her daughter, and the emotional tension between her and Holden is off the charts. He’s haunted by what he lost—and by the little girl who reminds him of everything he’ll never have. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s the emotional stakes that really land the punch.

There’s also a suspense subplot involving Charleigh’s late husband’s family trying to strong-arm her for the death benefit, which adds a layer of external pressure to an already emotionally fraught reunion.

Narration-wise, Erin Mallon and Joe Arden once again deliver. Their dual POV performance brings depth and texture to Holden and Charleigh’s story, capturing both the vulnerability and heat with finesse. It’s a seamless listen, and their voices elevate the emotional resonance beautifully.



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