Hard

Out for Justice

by Reese Knightley

Their story started with a glimpse, but it's not all sunshine.

It was the talk of the hotel.
The broken elevator doors.
Some said they were haunted and others said they were possessed.

The gossip only made Phoenix Operative Caleb Robertson shoot a knowing look at his husband. But, the elevator door was the least of their worries. Wolf had some explaining to do.

Former Special Forces Soldier Wolfgang Everett Brandt gave his husband a look that said to behave, but he knew without a doubt Caleb wouldn’t. So what if a bunch of romance writers wanted to embellish what really happened?

Wolf had more important things to do, like owning his part in their current disagreement.

*Please note, this Short Story was previously published as part of then Midnight in The Renaissance Elevator Anthology!

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Suspense

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about Wolf and Caleb

This is a short story that was originally part of an anthology. It’s a slice of life look at an argument between Wolf and Caleb over Wolf being overprotective. There’s a brief action scene at the end. A quick read that gives a bit more of a look into life in Phoenix.

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story about Wolf and Caleb - they have always been one of my favorite couples in Reese’s Series I’m glad to see that Caleb is still keeping Wolf on his toes! It was good to see the rest of the Phoenix boys as well!

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally written for an anthology based on a spooky elevator at an actual writer’s convention that seemed to have a mind of its own, Hard was Reese Knightley’s contribution featuring Wolfgang Brandt and Caleb Robertson from Bulletproof. Wolf rescued Caleb from traffickers when he was 18. Now married and working for Phoenix, Hard starts with an argument between Wolf and Caleb. Caleb may be younger and smaller than Wolf but he is very lethal, something that the overprotective Wolf seems to forget. When Caleb was sure Wolf was accepting another dangerous mission without him, he took one of his own. The argument in the elevator, which Wolf had pushed the stop button on, quickly escalated. Caleb slammed his surprised husband of six months into the elevator doors, causing them to buckle. Down on the ground floor, their argument carried out into the parking garage where Wolf gave in.
The Phoenix Team was here on a mission, and it needed all ten of them, Wolf included.
This is a short story that deals with not only a fictional overprotective husband but the real life seriousness of Human Trafficking in the US. These are the kinds of missions that the SecDef put Phoenix together for. And the kind of story Reese is so very good at writing

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going alone

A good short following a pairing from a previous book in the series as they work through some marital issues while doing their job. It shows not only some of the players in the series but also a little snapshot of what they do, all mixed in with some relationship work and sexy times. Good little short to get a feel for the series or revisit characters from it.

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short about Wolf and Caleb, i love these guys so much and the way that Caleb has Wolf wrapped around his finger is so funny even though they are husbands Caleb doesn't let Wolf get away with anything.

[Beatrice Zibell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story of Wolf and Caleb.
I loved reading about these two and diving back into the Phoenix world again. Wolf and Caleb are one of my favourite couples!
Also along for the ride are a few other beloved Phoenix members.
Just Enjoy!

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf and Caleb got together in Bulletproof and this is a great little snippet in their world six months after they got married. I love how Caleb keeps Wolf on his toes especially how overprotective Wolf is. I love this world and here is to many more books in these series.

[Nancy Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out for Justice short

This story underscores the fact that marriage/relationships requires work from both parties. The warrior-tracker can always find his man, but he still needs to remember that he cannot control life. Love seeing old friends from other stories.

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story of the characters in the other book with these characters...I forgot the name but in general all of this authors books should really be read in order but it would be so confusing unless you didn't.

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun visit with well known characters. I love when authors give us glimpses of their lives past the books!

[Jai Oni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[lori ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is short story but still great read. I highly recommend this book to read.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun short story

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Fix

Always up for glimpse of Phoenix, take no prisoners or excuses reunion of Out for Justice hotties at their bold, bossy best

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very good

I don't know why the author chose to use so many silly names for his characters

I thought they were distracting! The erotic parts were a surprise

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

[Martyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice short bonus to the whole series. Loved Caleb and Wolf even more if that is even possible lol.