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Backing down is not in Creed’s nature.

Creed is a protective badass with a sensitive side and he will stop at nothing to defend those he loves. Kellum is elusive and Creed has his work cut out convincing the younger man that he can and will keep him safe while they navigate the fiery attraction between them.

Kellum has a lot of responsibilities going on right now plus he’s got some major trust issues. With lives on the line, Kellum isn’t sure about anything anymore except that he loves Creed more than he thought possible.

But NOW is NOT the time for romance… Is it?

Between murder and mayhem—and a few high powered politicians doing some shady shit—will these two Pegasus operatives have a chance to make a life together?

Come along as Reese Knightley takes you back into a world where the heroes save the day and the bad guys seldom win.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2023

102 people are currently reading
134 people want to read

About the author

Reese Knightley

55 books588 followers
Reese Knightley spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head. Her love of reading mystery, action and adventure, and fantasy books led to her love of writing. Reese works as a full time writer. She loves to hear from her readers.

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5 stars
398 (56%)
4 stars
204 (29%)
3 stars
85 (12%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,000 reviews438 followers
April 11, 2024
Head hopping drives me nuts

Gun smuggling, arms trafficking, illegal drugs distribution, money laundering, cybercrime...

Any one of these works as a plot for a suspense series with secret black ops teams.

But yet again, it must be at least the sixth or seventh time, we've got sexual assault and attempted rape, plus sex trafficking.

I don't get the fixation on this specific type of crime, with the on page references that occur each time, with no clear trigger warnings in the Blurb, with the same basic premise.

Anyway, that being said, I expected more for this book in regards to Creed and Kellum together. Their romance suffered because of the secondary plot, the increased focus on more of the Erebus guys and the head hopping between characters other than the main two.

For the final book in the Operation Justice Force series (so far at least), it left open ends all over the place.

Still, bonus points for two sweet kids who fitted in well without acting outside their age brackets or taking over the narrative.
Profile Image for Kelsey’s Kindle.
405 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2023
This is book seven of Operation Justice Force, we have met both Creed and Kellum in the previous books. There’s been attraction between the two since Kellum started working for Pegasus. There is a 14 year age gap between them but Creed can’t stay away. So when Kellum takes a 3 week leave and leaves his cell phone behind Creed starts to get concerned and goes in search of him. He runs into a mess that Kellum has been hiding from the rest of the team. He’s got to convince him that he can keep him and his siblings safe until they can take care of the threat that’s following them.
I love the found family in this book, the way the team operates when one of their own is under attack. I was not a fan of children or younger siblings when I read MF and Reese’s books were my first encounter in MM and she absolutely made me fall in love with the concept in MM. It’s just done so much better in MM. Creed might appear on the outside to be a hardened bada$$ but he’s a soft teddy bear when a certain little someone burrows his head into Creed’s chest. He fits so seamlessly into Kellums life. This was a fast paced read, I finished it in one day, you’ll fall in love with Creed and Kellum, this is a HEA.
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
877 reviews98 followers
dnf
December 4, 2023
DNF @52%
Not a fan.
The constant POV change mid chapters felt especially annoying. Multiple POVs - third person.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,587 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thought this was another good addition to the Operation Justice Force Series. I thought it was an enjoyable read. It’s Creed and Kellum’s turn to get their story told. I thought that they are great together, and their chemistry is completely off the charts as well as hot as hell. Creed and Kellum are teammates and it was obvious from the moment that they were introduced that they were attracted to each other. Kellum for some reason is keeping his distance. When Kellum takes 3 weeks off from work giving very little information and leaves his cellphone at work, Creed starts to worry and decides to track him down.

Wow, I never would’ve guessed what Kellum has gone through and then trying to keep his little brothers safe. I loved how much of a gentle giant Creed, is especially towards Kellum’s youngest brother. I’m looking forward to reading the next Operation Justice Force Series book when it’s released, which I’m guessing will be Owen & Jordan’s story. I wonder if Stone & Dave’s story will be part of the Operation Justice Force Series or part of Reese’s upcoming Assassins Series (about Erebus). It would be nice to finally know what happened between them since not even Creed, whose Stone’s cousin knows the full story. I’d also happily read any other books from this universe that Reese Knightley has created. I’d recommend this book, series, this universe and author to everyone.
163 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2023
Creed is a bad ass warrior who like many of his spec ops buddies has left the battlefield to work for the Sec Def. Originally one of the black ops assassins group Erubus, he has found peace and family in the arms of Pegasus. This group still reports to the SecDef but rights the wrongs law enforcement can’t on US soil and working for them lightens some of Creed’s darkness.
Kellum is their young communications specialist and he and Creed have danced around each other through several of the previous novels. When Kellum disappears and Creed tracks him down to find Kellum is in serious trouble, Creed’s protective streak jumps to the front and he pulls in all the resources he can from the SecDef to Erebus to Pegasus and their sister group Phoenix to save the brothers and make sure he and Kellum get their HEA. Since there is a large cast of characters a roster is located in the back of the book.
Better yet, this is book seven of Operation Justice Force Series and should be read in order for maximum enjoyment. All of Reese’s four worlds are interconnected, so start with Ricochet.
9 reviews
November 13, 2023
This marks the seventh installment in the Operation Justice Force series, where we've previously encountered both Creed and Kellum. Throughout the earlier books, a mutual attraction has simmered between them, despite a notable 14-year age gap. The tension escalates when Kellum, who has been working for Pegasus, takes a three-week leave, leaving behind his cell phone. Concerned, Creed embarks on a quest to locate him, only to stumble upon a predicament Kellum has concealed from the rest of the team. Creed must now persuade Kellum that he can ensure the safety of him and his siblings until they can neutralize the threat shadowing them.

What truly shines in this narrative is the theme of found family—the way the team rallies when one of their own is in peril. Despite not being a fan of children or younger siblings in the past, this book, with its exploration of the concept in a MM setting, won me over. Creed, despite his exterior toughness, transforms into a soft teddy bear, especially when a particular someone seeks refuge in his chest. He seamlessly integrates into Kellum's life, and the fast-paced narrative kept me engaged, prompting me to finish it in a single day. Prepare to be captivated by the love story of Creed and Kellum, as this tale culminates in a heartwarming happily ever after.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,930 reviews45 followers
January 30, 2025
Creed is a protective badass with a sensitive side and he will stop at nothing to defend those he loves. Kellum is elusive and Creed has his work cut out convincing the younger man that he can and will keep him safe while they navigate the fiery attraction between them. Kellum has a lot of responsibilities going on right now plus he’s got some major trust issues. With lives on the line, Kellum isn’t sure about anything anymore except that he loves Creed more than he thought possible. But NOW is NOT the time for romance. Is it? Between murder and mayhem - and a few high powered politicians doing some shady shit - will these two Pegasus operatives have a chance to make a life together?

I loved this story which had corruption, danger, drama and sizzling passion. Kellum was so strong and protective but did eventually let Creed in that then meant the whole team was engaged. Lots of danger, drama and passion. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
314 reviews
November 22, 2023
oh my goodness, another best seller.

I really like how she incorporate real life issues in her stories. She shows the love and caring of the men who secretly solve cases of human trafficking which is considered a billion dollar business. I like the men of Pegasus is constantly fighting for the love of others. I thoroughly enjoyed Reese Knightly books and can’t wait for the next one.

A young man Kellum had been abused by his so called uncle who was a city councilman. The three men in top positions were running a sex trafficking ring. Kellum and his brother were staying with the uncle but Kellum got them out.

Kellum mistake was no sharing what was happening to hi and his two brothers. But Creed found out and was in protective mood.

Creed is definitely a book you should. I give it 5 stars.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
November 9, 2023
Explosive

First, Kellum and his brothers are adorable. Second, I love a gentle protector, and Creed is definitely that. Third, and most of all, I will never get enough of this dangerously addictive found family. With every new book, I crave more and more.

“If it meant waiting for Kellum to love him.
He could wait the rest of his life.”

Gah, the feels with these two. I adore their connection, the way Creed and Kellum fit seamlessly, and I absolutely love how everything developed between them at their pace. Not to mention the ending had me cheering. It took me no time at all to fall for Creed and Kellum, and fall hard I did. I don’t know who’s next but I hope we’re not Stone-walled for long.
Profile Image for Beatrice Zibell.
50 reviews
November 16, 2023
Creed, former Erebus Assassin and badass with a soft heart and Kellum, Pegasus Operative. We have met both in previous books already and felt the instant attraction between the two.
Creed wants to get to know Kellum better and spend time with him but Kellum is skittish and keeps his distance.
When he takes a 3 weeks leave of absence and disappears, Creed starts to look for him.
Kellum has secret he's keeping and family he's trying to protect. Will he let Creed in and allow the help he offers? Because if one of their own is in trouble Pegasus will come out guns blazing!
This is book seven of Operation Justice Force Series and includes themes like found family, age gap, mention of abuse/sexual abuse.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,515 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2023
Another awesome read in this series and features Creed and Kellum. Kellum disappeared for three weeks and Creed has been trying to find him. They both have feelings for each other and Creed wants to let him know. Kellum has a tragic backstory and when Creed found out, watch out bad guys. Love these two together and with the help of their Pegasus team, they are willing and able to help. Love this world building and looking forward to reading the stories of some of the characters that appeared in this book.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,914 reviews26 followers
October 27, 2025
Quick read

So glad Creed gets his HEA in this one. Corrupt politicians, trafficking, abuse, are the crime portion of the story. Creed and Kellan are the couple. And the found family nature of Pegasus is once again a central element. We get a bit more sense of Dave in this one too and it feels like we may be moving close to getting his story. More of the Erebus assassins play a role here. I have already read the first two of those books so it was amusing for me to see them here pre HEA. I am really enjoying this binge read in universe order of all these series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
144 reviews
November 18, 2023
Love knows no bounds.

Creed is in love with his teammate Kellum. But Kellum has secrets that he must deal with before he can even think of things with Cred.

There is a lot of intrigue, suspense and knife fights before anything can be resolved between the two MCs.

Kellum finds out he doesn't have to handle things on his own. The men of Pegasus and Erebus are willing to help in anyway they can. Kellum is family, and family comes first.
429 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2023
Creed & Kellum, Aaron & Dylan


Creed has been wanting to date Kellum ever since Kellum started working at
Pegasus. When Kellum suddenly takes leave Creed is all over it looking for him.  
Then the action begins and doesn't slow down!  Protection is the only thing Creed thinks of with his new found family!
You will not want to miss this beautiful trip back to Pegasus and the boys!
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,245 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2025
Creed and Kellum!

Diving into this book was like coming home. I've re-listened to the first five books in this series so much that each character just stays with me so to see them get a happily ever after one at a time is awesome. While this was a short story it packed a punch in triggers and new characters. Definitely check the warnings before diving in but absolutely worth it.
917 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2023
I love all of her series and this one was another wonderful book. I love stories where strong men are such protectors and gentle with the abused and frightened men and children. I also love stories where the evil men get exactly what they deserved and fantasize about the real ones who need the same fate and wish these men really existed.
Profile Image for Cari.
563 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2023
First, let me say that I LOVE this author and her stories. But, we don't need to be reminded that everyone is an operative or assassin each time she describes a character. This one had very fast and sudden POV changes. One paragraph would be in one POV and the next in someone else's. It took a bit to get used to. Otherwise, another great book with a lot of pairs to look forward to.
Profile Image for AyoDollFace.
391 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2024
Not the same

I'm not sure if she is changing her writing style or someone else is writing her books but they're all over the place. The lady few books have the POVs jumping and changing mid paragraph and not even the main characters POV. Not sure if I want to continue with her books.
Profile Image for Jozey.
736 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2023
Contains: coworkers, age gap 14 yr, brothers, panic attack, camaraderie, awesome Team.

TW: SA attempt, mention of kids/human traffick!ng.

Omg! It was everything and more than I expected. One of the characters is fearful, with a serious problem that he hides from his colleagues, but Creed's crush on his young coworker leads him to discover the problem.

All it takes is one short moment for the fragile young man to rapidly increase his trust in his colleagues in order to save himself and his loved ones.

Research, plans, plans that went awry, violence and WHAT A FKG TWIST.... Jail really?!!!

Love it, all the actions, all the bløød, all the vengance, all of it. If you don't like bløød maybe it's not for you, but I enjoye the "realistic" of action plot, the fast flow, the camaraderie of the teams and their supports. Even their quarrel (*cough* Stone). Can't wait for the next one already. I know. But what can I say, I love this author books! She checks all my lists.

*This is my honest opinion. *
Profile Image for Karen Rich.
741 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2023
Another brilliant book in the Operation Justice Force Series and Creed and Kellum are everything I expected of them together. Creed insists on keeping tabs on Kellum after his Uncle threatens him and his brothers. I really enjoyed this book and series and I highly recommend this author.
Profile Image for AL.
1,724 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2023
Creed and Kellum make another great Reese Knightley couple!
The books are always intense and dynamic for this series, and this one fits the mould really well! It's a very entertaining and emotional story that hit all the right spots for me!
Profile Image for Kristie Cooper.
194 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
Another great book

Always love these books, and this one did not disappoint.
Creed is just gorgeous with Kell, Aaron, and Dylan.
Great story, great to catch up with old friends and meet newer ones.
Looking forward to Stones book
Profile Image for Angelica Holmes.
568 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2023
Enjoyable

This story was a good read. I enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it seemed a little rushed in places. I wish it was flushed out just a bit more. Overall, it's worth reading, though.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,474 reviews34 followers
December 3, 2023
Justice

He thought he could stop the abusive guy himself. But he finds himself with a guardian angel. Family is every thing and when your family risk all to save them. Suspense will keep you on edge
Profile Image for Merulus Valayil.
163 reviews
May 6, 2024
Super quick but fulfilling

I appreciated the plot. The romance felt rushed but I guess this couple hasn't been tip toeing around each other for long like some others. This one really made me want a stone and Dave hea.
Profile Image for Angie.
770 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2024
Concise & Quick Moving

Latest installment in the Pegasus crew is another fast paced chase. Creed is a family guy at heart, and he fines his home in Kellum. But Kell is being hunted and Pegasus isn’t having it.
Profile Image for lori ritter.
152 reviews
November 14, 2023
I love this book because of the storyline and the characters. I love all Reese Knightley books I highly recommend to read her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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