Jonny’s Redemption by Riley Edwards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can two lost souls find redemption or are some transgressions beyond forgiveness?

Lieutenant Jonny Spencer’s life is spiraling out of control. With no end in sight, he withdrawals. Giving in to the darkness is his only reprieve.

Roberta “Bobby” Layne knows what it means to live in the shadows. Her childhood was spent fading into obscurity—loneiless her only friend.

When Jonny’s latest case threatens to snap what’s left of his sanity, Bobby knows this is her last chance to pull him from the hell that awaits. But when her past comes to light, will she be strong enough to fight for the man she’s fallen in love with, or will she fall back into old habits and fade away?

Jonny’s Redemption

A Gritty Cop, a Hidden Past, and the Familiar Burn of Trauma

Riley Edwards delivers another solid installment in the Gemini Group series, blending military-grade suspense with steamy romance and emotional grit. This time, we follow Jonny—the town’s former cop who once cleaned house by purging a corrupt department, only to find himself adrift after walking away from the badge. His lifeline? A stake in the Gemini Group, offering purpose where there was once only stagnation.

Enter Bobby: personal assistant and fiercely loyal best friend to country music star Vivi. Bobby’s had quiet feelings for Jonny since the moment they arrived in town, but beneath her polished exterior lies a past steeped in Appalachian outlaw lore—moonshiners, thieves, and a stint behind bars after taking the fall for her brother. Her history is a secret she guards fiercely, and it adds a compelling layer to her character.

As with previous books in the series, Edwards leans heavily into the theme of fractured childhoods and emotional scars. While this throughline adds depth, it’s starting to feel a bit overplayed—especially if you’re binge-reading the series like I did. A little breathing room between books might’ve helped the emotional beats land with more impact.

Narration, however, remains a standout. Erin Mallon and Joe Arden return with their signature chemistry—Joe’s gravelly, magnetic delivery pairs beautifully with Erin’s soft, emotionally attuned voice. They breathe life into the dual POV format, elevating the story beyond the page.

Overall, while the emotional formula is beginning to show its seams, Jonny and Bobby’s story still delivers enough tension, heat, and heart to keep me invested. Just maybe next time, I’ll pace myself.

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