FBI Agent Paul Fletcher thought the Dakota Strangler case was closed, the notorious serial killer presumed dead. But when a chilling note surfaces, threatening survivor Elise Johnson and the new life she's built, Paul finds himself pulled back into a nightmare he thought was over.
With the danger closing in on Elise's quiet Texas town, Paul’s only option is to stay close—very close. Moving into her home to protect her and her two boys, the no-nonsense agent becomes a part of their world. As Paul fights to uncover the killer’s identity, he also battles Elise’s emotional walls, built high to guard her wounded heart.
But as their bond deepens, so does the killer’s deadly game. Paul must risk everything—not just his career, but his newfound hope for a future with Elise—to stop a murderer who’s determined to shatter the family Paul is desperate to protect.
This book was previously published as Operation XOXO and has been revised and improved with added content.
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Elise Johnson was once Alice Kraus, the wife of a serial killer. With the help of the witness protection program, Elise took her two boys, moved to Texas and started a new life teaching school.
Paul Fletcher had been an agent on the case involving Elise’s serial killer husband that everyone assumed was dead. Then one day Elise gets a letter at school calling her Alice and suddenly women start to disappear again and bodies add up. Paul and his friend and fellow FBI agent takes on the case and Paul tries to stay with Elise to keep her safe.
This was not as good as the first book in this series. The relationship between Paul and Elise seems forced and I guessed the serial killer well before I was halfway through the book. Three star romantic suspense with very little spice.
I am absolutely loving this new series by Elle James. It’s so compelling and addictive!!
This is the second book in the series, and is just as heart stoppingly beautiful as the first. I was whisked away from the first page and taken on an unforgettable rollercoaster ride that left me breathless and yearning for more.
I think the children, Brandon and Luke added an extra depth to the storyline. Their emotions so true and heartbreaking.
Watching Paul and Elise meet again, neither having forgotten the other was so heartwarming. Their bond instant and steadfast, add in the relationship dynamics with the children and you have one heck of a spectacular read.
Elle James did so well with the plot. I never figured out who the killer was, despite numerous tries. There are so many moving parts to this story, but they all align in beautiful synchronicity. The powerful storyline pulls you in and holds you as a willing hostage for an addictive and unforgettable ride.
Thankyou Elle James for this spellbinding story full of a maelstrom of emotion and a depth that left me breathless.
"Scorched" by Elle James is an absolute page-turner that masterfully blends romance and suspense. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the gripping storyline and the dynamic, well-developed characters. Elle James has a talent for crafting protagonists who are both relatable and compelling, making it impossible not to root for them.
The plot is intricately woven with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another surprise was thrown my way, which only added to the excitement. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding depth to the suspenseful narrative without overshadowing the thrilling elements.
If you’re a fan of romantic suspense novels that keep your heart racing and your mind engaged, "Scorched" is a must-read. Elle James has outdone herself with this one, and I can't recommend it highly enough!
Another great suspenseful mystery in this series. Elise had been married to a serial killer. She changed her name and moved with her two sons to Texas from North Dakota. She thought that she was finally free until she got a threatening note in her mailbox. How could this be? Her husband died, didn't he? Paul had helped with Elise's case before and is only too glad to help her this time. He doesn't do long-term relationships, but there is something about Elise and her boys that make him reconsider. So, if her husband is dead, who could be killing women who resemble Elise? It has to be a copycat. Can they find the killer before he comes after Elise?
Loved how Elle James continues, Book two in this Series is another captivating crime romance that features three characters from the previous book. A new Town, new and old characters where supposed to be a new start. Threats to Alice bring Paul back into their lives. This crime story is well written and the puzzle is not easily solved. Perfect combination of crime, romance and suspense. Looking forward to the next book.
Another gripping murder mystery. Good story. Took me longer to figure out 'who-done-it' than the last one in this series. Looking forward to the next one.
0 Stars. let me start by saying Elise is a weak character. All she did in the book was cry, get bullied by students and their parents, lean on Paul every chance she gets and remind Brandon that he's the man of the house. This last point just gave me weird feeling because burdening a child with that sentence is so bad for the kid. Saying that he's the man of the house puts so much pressure on a kid and it was clearly visible with Brandon. Also Caesar literally bullying and throwing brick on her car, which is totally attempted murder, is executed so badly. Like wtf. He's actin in a creepy way, touching Elise inappropriately, standing way too close to his teacher in a way he shouldn't plus saying all the vulgar things and Elise is just standing there .... Also when the brick incident happened, nobody went to doc or anything like bfr !
Paul was just there. Nothin interesting.
Also the serial killer part is done so bad in this one. It doesn't even make sense. Like what do I even say about it? Okay, Cain was mad about the promotion thing but why did he target Elise ? Paul and Elise became close after Cain started his stuff. They barely knew each other before. So Cain wanting Elise didnt make sense. No explanation of how he carried out all his plans, no nothing. It was just plain dumb.
Geesh, can't a women get a break....Isn't it bad enough you were married to a serial killer, had to move away so you and your kids could have a normal life...but only to have to face a horrible helicopter parent threatening you at your new teaching job....ahhhhhh...the horror. But seriously, our heroine has had it tough. Having moved away after the death of her killer husband in an effort to start a new life -things start turning deadly in her new town. Such as veiled threats to her, the possibility of her dead husband not being so dead, and the murder of local women in the town that have the same name/look as her. To the rescue is our hero, the same FBI agent who helped "solve" the case against her ex husband and who helped set up her new life. The plot thickens and they have to figure out who the killer is before he kills again and whether she brought the threat to her new town (her allegedly dead husband) or a copycat killer. Either way she is in grave danger. Fast paced, great twists and unexpected turns, and luckily a HEA. Can be read as a standalone, but benefits you to read book one to get the full history. A great story by a great author. I was happy to read and review.
The author delivers another thriller in this latest addition to the series. This one belongs to FBI Special Agent Paul Fletcher and single mom Elise Johnson. After a horrific experience in which she discovered her husband was the Dakota Strangler, a serial killer, Elise and her boys moved to Texas with a new identity. Life seemed to return to a relative normaliy until the unthinkable happens. It appears that either her husband is not dead or someone is copying his MO and threatening Elise , as well as her sweet kids, Brandon and Luke. Determined to keep Elise and her boys safe, Paul not only goes to Texas, but moves in with the little family, in order to keep them safe. Will he be able to not only do that , but also keep his heart safe? The plot has the readers guessing and on the edge of their seats, while the author manages to create likable main characters in Elise, and Paul. The kids, though minor characters , were well developed as well. Another winner in this thrilling series. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elise thought her serial killer husband was dead, she thought she had escaped. She has a new name, a new job and a new home, she finally has hope...until it begins again. I love seeing Elise finally get her HEA, she suffered so much in book one, but she has grown in the last two years and here we see just how strong and resilient she has become. Her heart wants Paul but her head is wary about allowing another man close, however Paul knows her history, her struggles and he cannot resist the chemistry that sparks between them. He knows he shouldn't make a move on her, especially when she is worried that her past has caught up to her, but I am so glad he does give into that chemistry and he shows her just how amazing he thinks she is. They really are perfect for each other and Paul doesn't hesitate to claim the boys too, again he knows he will have to earn their trust, but he is happy to do so. I did guess the perpetrator very early in the book, but I still enjoyed Elise and Paul's story. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Love the depth of this twisty thriller with suspense, steam, family and new opportunities. The action starts happening in the very beginning from bullying high school teens and more. In Scorched Elsie and her boys move to a small town in Texas after realizing her husband was a serial killer. The news and neighbors couldn't believe she didn't know. Paul who was an agent in the first one takes a promotion to the same small town in Texas, you know...feelings :) Loved the way Scorched was fleshed out with good teenagers and bad. Showing what bullying can look like and a teacher that still cares. Things escalate on the home front and dead bodies are appearing. That's all I will divulge, though I did know who the perp was and gave me food for thought in real life. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Scorched #AKillerSeriesBook #ElleJames #TwistedPagePress #Bookfunnel
Alice, who now goes by Elise has started a new life with her boys after the devastating discovery of her husband being a serial killer. No one knows who she is in the small town in Texas, until she gets a note addressed to her old name and a taunt. Her husband is presumed dead after a fire and flood but no body was ever found and when Elise calls her sister, Paul, one of the FBI agents who helped solve the case, comes to her aid. Notes, break ins, murders, are all too much for Elise and Paul vows to do whatever it takes to keep her and her sons safe….especially since the family has come to mean so much more to him. A great read with suspense, surprises, twists and turns, and great characters. I liked these two, Elise who is done being scared and meek shows her strength when it counts and Paul, kind, patient and willing to wait and not pressure Elise. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Paul and Alice/Elise. I liked the story and this world, but I really wish that the killer was not so blatantly obvious. Similar to the first book the killer is thrown at us with red flags and obvious hints almost from the beginning. Otherwise this is a great story with a family healing from the outcome of book one and a federal agent who helped them out then and now. The high school students were an interesting addition and I wish we saw more of Cesar and her two favorites. The ending was precious all around…the gate between yards for George and Luke, the two puppies and why one was a surprise, seeing Mel at home with the family and Paul, the big surprise and the ending dog pile …it was all wonderful. Another great couple and I hope Mel gets her story soon!
This is another fast and addictive read in this latest series from the very talented Elle James You basically know that if her name is on it it will be a great read and I wasn't disappointed at all.
Elise Johnson has taken her sons Brandon and Luke to Texas in an effort to rebuild their lives after her ex husband was found to be the Dakota Strangler, He is dead now so she is hoping that they can finally build a new life That is until a threatening note is found threatening Elise soon FBI Agent Paul Fletcher the man who worked the original case is back in their lives trying to find who is behind this latest threat The only thing is this is becoming personal as he falls for Elise and her sons Cn he keep them safe and can they build a future You will have to read to see
5 stars I received a free copy of the romantic suspense Chilled: A Small Town Killer Series by Elle James, and this review was given freely. Coincidence merges with spite, reuniting FBI Agent Paul Fletcher with single mother and Witness Protection client Elise “Alice Klaus” Johnson and her two sons in a fast-paced story of survivorship, murder, and love.
Two years after the fire meant to kill her sister, Texas high school History teacher Elise’s anxious days filled with teenage drama and escalating threats are intensified by a copycat killer simulating her ex’s style and by her attraction when reunited with FBI Agent Paul Fletcher. 18+ for violence and a steamy scene.
I think I liked this better than the first one. The suspense was wonderful, but I figured out who it was before I was told. I just didn't know why. Elise unknowingly married a serial killer leaving her in a town who didn't believe that she didn't know about it forcing her to move. when a letter shows up in her school mailbox she panics and believes that her husband didn't die in the fire. Agent Paul Fletcher who was involved when it was discovered who her husband was and what he was doing is there to help through this one too. Together they tackle her newest threat.
This was a great book. Although we met a lot of these characters in the first book in this series, this is a standalone. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this one. Paul and Elise are very likeable, but Brandon and Luke are great. Brandon is an 8-year-old and thinks of himself as “the man of the house”. He’s quiet and solemn. Luke is younger and full of energy and mischief. I received an ARC for an honest review, and I loved it. There’s lots of action, suspense, mystery, angst and romance. I highly recommend it.
Elise Johnson teacher in Breuer TX. Luke and Brandon are Elise’s sons. Brenna and Nick are Elise’s’ sister and brother-in- law. Paul works for FBI agent who worked the Dakota strangler Case.
Elise and Paul. Et previously, when she was rescued and put into Witness Protection Program. Their chemistry and attraction is slow burning to explosive. Can Paul find the stalker? Can he keep Elise safe and have a Happily Ever After?
I am enjoying the series very much.
G This book has suspense, danger action, twists and turns.
An awesome addition to the series. Elise and her two sons are starting over after her husband was found to be a serial killer. They have new names and a new life. Then threatening notes start showing up and is using her previous name and not her new identity. Is her husband still alive or is this a copy cat? FBI agent Paul believes that her husband is dead but who is responsible for the notes? He moves in with her and her boys to protect them. Can he protect them? Betrayal, suspense and romance I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
Fantastic story, I kept wondering who is was then had an inkling. Elise and her sons had started over in a new life after finding out her husband was a serial killer. New names and a new town and yet someone knew. Was the nightmare about to start over. FBI Agent Paul was back in their lives watching over them. Is the latest murderer her husband, after all his body is missing? Or someone tormenting her for what kind of revenge. I couldn't put this story down, poor woman just deserved a break. Great story, I loved it.
The book was okay. It was about the same as the first book in the series. Though I figured out who the bad guy was about 25% into the book.
When Elise's car windshield was smashed, it was state that she has tiny shards in her eyes. Windshields do not smash into tiny shards. They are treated to break into bigger pieces for safety. Paul said he was going to take her to the eye doctor. They never went. There was also no report to the police.
At the end, Paul said the "3 of us" would get married. Hello, there were 4 people, Paul, Elise, Brandon, and Luke.
This was an interesting and very good follow up to book 1 and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In a way it was a follow up to the first book in that all of the previous characters were in it (except the previous killer!). Alice is now Elise and in the witness protection program to get away from existing memories and small town gossips. There was a small chance her ex wasn’t dead. This book had another serial killer who wanted her and her sons dead but for a totally different reason.
There is a very happy ending which Elise well deserved!
Elise and the boys have moved to Texas with new names in hope of starting a new life. When she gets a letter addressed to Alice it brings back memories and the return of Paul and Mel who have started new jobs in Texas with the FBI. It breaks your heart to see the pain and trauma the boys have went thru in the past. Now an unknown killer is after Elise who is it and why? Great suspense, with danger and a start to a romance.
Scorched is book 2 in the Killer series by Elle James and another awesome read!
Up next is FBI agent Paul Fletcher and Elise Johnson (aka Alice Klaus who’s under witness protection from book 1) fast forward 2 years. This story takes you on a rollercoaster of twists, turns, ups, downs, emotional, bonding that began in the first book between the main characters, suspense, page turning and edge of your seat read!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book will have you on the edge of your seat and reading feverishly. Paul and Elise's take you on an intense and emotional ride as the storyline unfolds. I felt really bad for Elise and her kids and the whole situation had me asking myself some questions about what I would do if I was in their place. Thrilling and suspenseful and with heart and feels, this book kept me guessing and falling hard.
This story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well written with great characters. You find it you are married to a serial killer even tho he is supposed to be dead, you take your boys change your names and start over in a different state so no one knows you. After a couple years you get a message left at your job. And the questions and anxiety you have are racing Can you ever outrun your past. Definitely a must read. I was given a copy and I voluntarily leave this review.
This one had some good cliff hangers, with speculation and no clues until the end. But I guessed this guy again. The write-up of the bad guys, it might just be me, but I didn't like the way he was written up and turned out I was right! But it was still enjoyable to read. There was some sappy parts, but easy to get through. And a twist at the end. With enjoyable ending.
After narrowly escaping from her serial killer husband with the lives of her two sons, Elise is now being contacted from the grave. Her friends, FBI agents Mel and Paul are working on her case before the threats become reality. When danger closes in on this small family, Paul will stop at nothing to ensure she and the boys are safe.
When you need to join Witsec because of the atrocities that your husband committed in book one, and the need to keep your boys safe. To change your name, you should keep it close to your real one, so you don’t mess up when someone calls to you. I love this series, like this book it keeps you reading to see what happens next. I would recommend this book to everyone.