Today I am sharing reviews of At The Edge and Edge of Surrender the first two books in Laura Griffin’s new Alpha Crew series. Both books surround the same case and feature heroine Emma Wright and Ryan Owen a SEAL who is part of an élite group known as the Alpha Crew. While I had a terrific time with these novellas and couple, the story didn’t have the depth I have come to love in Griffin’s Tracer series.
by Laura Griffin
Series: Alpha Crew #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Dive into Part One of this heart-pounding romantic suspense story, which continues in Edge of Surrender: Alpha Crew Part Two!
When Emma Wright’s government plane goes down over the Philippine jungle, she’s forced to survive alone until an ultra-elite SEAL team goes in after her. As the leader of Alpha Crew, Ryan Owen is no stranger to challenges, but he’s never tackled anything quite like this sexy, smart, and resourceful woman. The mission is to get Emma home safely, but danger is everywhere, and Ryan’s unexpected desire for Emma could be a deadly distraction. Back home in California, Ryan’s mission is over—but Emma’s has just begun. She knows her plane crash was no accident, and she’s determined to uncover the truth about what happened—even if her quest for answers puts her at risk. Torn between duty and desire, Ryan searches for a way win Emma’s heart while protecting her from an invisible enemy who wants her dead.
Griffin quickly pulls the reader into At the Edge as our heroine crashes in the Philippine jungle. I love romances involving military men, and this élite group of SEALS has my attention. At the Edge will have you immediately reaching for Edge of Surrender the second book.
Emma Wright works with an Ambassador’s wife giving aid. They are just wrapping up a mission in the Philippines when their plane crashes. Her rescuer Ryan Owen is part of an élite SEAL team known as the Alpha Crew.
Emma and Ryan had an immediate attraction to each other that went beyond rescuer. He admires her fearlessness and quick thinking but she is the assignment and he quickly squashes thoughts of her naked and in his arms. The two share a heated kiss initiated by Emma before she is whisked away. We know their story is far from over and I was excited to see what developed next.
Now back in California Ryan is debriefed and despite thoughts of Emma, he is waiting for his next assignment. That is until Emma unexpectedly shows up. He knows something is not quite right and he soon finds himself protecting her once again.
When Emma hears the preliminary investigation is focusing on pilot error, she begins making callings. These calls unknowingly placed her in danger. I cannot stop the niggling feeling that there is a lot more to Emma then we know. Filled with twists and turns Griffin pulled me into this edgy suspense. We know very little, and what we do know makes us begin to question everything. Who is in on it? What does Emma know?
The romance at this point is strictly physical as Ryan tried not to cross a professional line but Emma is having none of that. The chemistry felt genuine and both characters are strong, confident, and intelligent which causes some bickering and differences of opinion. Ryan thinks like a SEAL and this take-charge mentality clashes with Emma’s. I am looking forward to seeing them connect more and develop a real relationship.
At the Edge was a fast-paced novella and I had a great time with it, but would have appreciated the depth a full-length novel would bring even if the story spanned several books. The cliffhanger had me immediately diving into Edge of Surrender.
The tale picks up right where the At the Edge ended with just a brief recap. Intense and sexy I enjoyed spending time with Emma and Ryan but ultimately wanted more.
We are immediately thrust into danger as Emma and Ryan try to decide who they can trust. Griffin did a great job of providing answers, but again the tale was hurt by the lack of pages. Progression happened to rapidly for me. The story was good, tight-knit and well paced but it lacked the depth and detail that I find in the Tracers series.
Ryan and Emma spend more time naked, but also developed trust and opened up about themselves. I had suspected that Emma was more, and would have loved it if Griffin had gone that route. I wanted her to be part of a secret group or CIA. However, Emma is a strong, clever character and I was pleased to learn about her plans.
There is no doubt Griffin is an excellent storyteller and the mystery which wrapped up much too quickly for my taste did have me flipping the pages and consuming this in one sitting. Amazon has the page count at hundred and fourteen pages but Edge of Surrender ended at the 90% mark. The novella includes a sneak peek of one of Griffin’s Tracer books. The ending while very open-ended and abrupt left us in a good place. Questions regarding the suspense aspect were answered but unfortunately a lot of it was tell not show.
While I enjoyed At the Edge and Edge of Surrender ultimately I was left craving more. Fans of light romantic suspense will find the first two books in the Alpha Crew to be sexy and entertaining. I am hoping the next book in this series is full length and delivers more of what I expect from Griffin. I love the concept of the Alpha Crew and look forward to learning more about Jake the rest of the crew.
Caffeinated reviews Alpha Crew series At the Edge & Edge of Surrender by Laura Griffin Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Melanie Simmons
I’ve not heard of Laura Griffin before. I do like a good romantic suspense. I’ll have to see if I can find time to give her a try. It does look like the books are pretty short. I do with that Kindles would give us percentages based on the actual book. I’ve had so many that ended early because of teasers or novellas or something at the end.
kimbacaffeinate
I love her Tracer series. If you like romantic suspense you need to try her!
Bookworm Brandee
Both these novellas sound pretty exciting, Kim, but I understand what you’re saying about wanting more. Sometimes novellas just can’t give us *all* we want, can they? And it begs the question of why the author writes only a novella rather than a full length novel when the latter would be so much more satisfying. I’m glad you enjoyed Emma and Ryan even if you’d have liked to have more. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am thinking this was a marketing thing, but I love the author and hope the next book is stronger 🙂
Kristin
I wonder if Laura was going in a more “romantic” direction with her story to pull in new readers or something? Hence the serial format, too?
I really wish authors would stop writing serials.
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t know, this is the only book that is part one and two.
Melliane
It sounds like a nice read even if not that awesome. I haven’t tried this author yet but heard a lot about her I confess.
kimbacaffeinate
I adore this author, this just wasn’t a personal favorite
Kathy
I also read these for May and it was ok for me too. I liked the action and romance but it was too short. And I didn’t like how it ended. Hopefully she’ll write another book for the series.
kimbacaffeinate
The next up should be full length. *fingers crossed*
The Bibliophile Babe
I’ve seen good things about the two of these!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear that 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I love the first one and you and I are in agreement with the second one. I wanted more time with the villains, it told more than showed. Oh well, here’s to hoping the next one is smoother
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you. I am glad it wasn’t just me. I am hoping the same!
Angela Adams
Sounds like a good concept for a series. Thanks for the posts.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Angela!
Lekeisha
I love romantic suspense, but I don’t think this series is for me. I’ll have to check out her other series. Great reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
Try her Tracers series, they all work as standalone!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Only thing I hate more than a cliffie is an abrupt ending. UGH. Is this more a serial done in novellas? That would make more sense with the ending, but also why I refuse to read them until they are all out. 😀
Hope you are having a good Memorial day!
kimbacaffeinate
No the first book was split into two novellas, the next book will be full-length. Marketing gimmick I guess
Kristin
These sounded so good but it definitely seems like they are lacking the depth and complexity to make them amazing. Hopefully the next one is a bit longer and delivers.
kimbacaffeinate
These are light and fun Kristin
Jennifer
With them being labeled Part 1 and Part 2 it makes me think they are really one book but released in parts. Yeah I would have wanted to read them back to back.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes they are. I would think total they are about 200 pages.
Genesis
I actually haven’t read anything by this author but I gotta love military men stories! And both of these sound hot *fans face* Like you, I would like to have the complete full-length story since it help in finding a connection with the characters and also, the romance and the characters themselves could be explored more. Still, both sound amazing. Great reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks. I love her Tracers series and the fact that all of them work as standalone. I will be anxious to see if the next full-length packs the punch I am hoping for 🙂
Leona
I’m sometimes left with the same feeling of wanting more when I read stories similiar to these two or are of the same length. Great review, nice job pulling out what might fascinate other readers 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Leona 🙂
Katherine
I just read my first Laura Griffin and really enjoyed it so I’m intrigued by this one. I love a military romance too. It’s too bad these leave you wanting a little more. I think I’ll catch up on her Tracers series and wait for something full length in this series before I jump in. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am anxious to see if the next book delivers for me. Love her Tracer series.
Debbie Haupt
I loved the concept and the story too Kim and I’m excited to read the next in the series.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear it Debbie!
Nick
I was just looking at these books the other day on GR and it sounds like a lot of fun for sure, but hmm overall it does seem a bit underwhelming.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was lighter and different than I expected but I have high hopes for the next book
kindlemom1
Even though these were good, sorry they didn’t quite have the depth you were hoping they would have. Wonderful reviews Kim and Happy Memorial Day, I hope it is a good one for you and your’s!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ali. I layed in bed all day and read. between naps!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
Although it has its flaws, this sounds like a perfect series for a rainy weekend when I just want to let go and relax. I’m a sucker for military men so I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes it would be Maja…and I too am a sucker for them!
blodeuedd
That guy is hoooooooot
kimbacaffeinate
*nods* He really is!
Angela
I’ve heard these were a bit different from her other series. I’ve been a bit apprehensive about starting them. Now since I know what to expect, I should probably start them soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I am really hoping the next full length book delivers more of what I expected.
Sophia Rose
Hmmm, so expect a different tone and feel from her other series. I’ll keep that in mind so my expectations are set accordingly. Like the way you kept the surprise element intact- I know that’s hard to do reviewing cliffie books into their sequels. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I try never to reveal more than the synopsis. I want everyone to enjoy discovering it for themselves.
Mary Kirkland
The first book sounded really good until the dreaded word…cliffhanger. I can see reading the 2nd book when you really liked the previous one. Sounds like a good series and I like the covers.
kimbacaffeinate
For some reason they split this book in two and released them close together.