Code Name: Ghost

by Delta James, Annie Carlisle

I thought my divorce would set me free. Instead, it put a target on my back.

My ex-husband, a high-level administrator with Interpol, is tangled in a dangerous web of arms deals and criminal alliances. When I uncover his secret, I become a liability—and hunted. Desperate and out of options, I make one last call for help to Cerberus, and land in the arms of the man I thought died a decade ago.

Nick Ryeland. Ghost. The one man I never stopped loving.

He’s not the soldier I remember. He’s darker now, both in secrets and desires, with scars that run deep and a protective streak that borders on possessive. Nick is part of Cerberus, a private security firm with ties to a discreet lifestyle club where trust, control, and connection are everything. It’s there, hidden behind locked doors and luxury, that I’m told I’ll be safe.

But danger is never far behind and neither is the heat between us. As we run from the enemies closing in, every moment together unearths feelings I tried to bury. Nick says he’ll protect me. That I belong to him.

I want to believe him.
I just hope trusting him won’t get us both killed.

Welcome to Club Opus Noir. Where shadows conceal secrets, passion blurs the lines of control, and love can be the most dangerous risk of all. Dive into this pulse-pounding romantic suspense series featuring elite Cerberus operatives, high-stakes missions, and unforgettable second chances.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

About the author

As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.

After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.

Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....

Reviews

[wendy Langston · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that is repetitive and explains nothing and says the same things over and over. This is your book. This is about Nick and Cherise. Nick is Seal special forces and he is captured his whole team is wiped out and Cerberus comes in and saves him but he has to be “dead” and not let his fiancée know. His fiancé Cherise is devastated and tries to move on but ends up marrying and emotionally abusive husband and is with him for 8 years when she runs into some to help a female named JJ who is connected with Cerberus.. Cherise divorces her husband and she goes back to get her passports out of her ex’s safe. This makes no sense whatsoever seeing how does he still have them wouldn’t you need documentation in order to get the divorce? But I digress… while getting passports she steals incriminating evidence against her ex which puts her in danger. She then is saved by none other than her dead husband she’s furious rightfully so. He takes her Cerberus which is part of Sex Club and he’s DOM at this club. So let’s clear this up he fakes his death to be able to keep her safe and go after the bad guys oh and he’s been training to be DOM the whole 10 years while going after the bad guys. Hi honey I’m alive oh and btw I’m now DOM.. do they discuss how he became DOM ? No. Do they discuss how he lied to her for his own selfish reasons wanting to get his revenge and how he chose revenge over her Again not really other than keep her safe. The D/s aspect is not well researched at all. This book is more about a mission they keep saying over and over how dangerous it is. It’s written by 2 separate authors and you feel it was written by 2 different people. The D/s scenes are awkward. He keeps saying he’s in control and she keeps saying she an asset. I’m understanding she is civilian but at one point with no reference whatsoever she is now a hacker.. not one time do the have discussion about their relationship or that he’s been a DOM for last 10 years..

[Krissy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. With the way the book started, my expectations were at an all time high but sadly it lost momentum along the way. It was the little things that got in the way and pulled me out of the story and had me a little confused and unsatisfied. I assumed Cherise is a civilian (unless I missed the mention of her training) so how she suddenly becomes an operative with coding skills baffled me. Honestly I couldn't see how Ceberus would take the risk with an untrained personnel but she is somehow in the thick of it. The BDSM plot felt a little forced and I was uncomfortable with how Cherise was expected to follow without question if she trusted Nick, especially after so many years have passed and they have unresolved issues - pretty sure D/s shouldn't work this way since trust and open communication is key and having difficult conversation whilst tied up and vulnerable was just wrong. The author repetitively stating that Nick was always in control and needed the control became tiring after the 3rd time; Would have been better if the reader is given the opportunity to experience his story and come to a conclusion of why he behaves in such a manner rather than to be told in no uncertain terms he had to behave in this way because he is in control… felt very robotic. Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the story and the suspenseful plot but the execution was disappointing, especially since I've always enjoyed Ms Delta's stories.

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherie and Ryeland’s story is a tearjerker with teeth ! He’s a Navy SEAL that “dies” after being kidnapped and tortured by Somali pirates, but there’s more going on than anyone knows! He fakes his death to go to work for my favorite company Cerberus to dismantle the people who want him dead as well as work as human traffickers, gun runners and espionage. Cherie marries a man trying to get over Ryeland’s death, little does she know he’s part of the men who wanted Ryeland’s dead and is using her. This storyline is awesome ! Full of so much pain, adversity and angst. The fact that they make it back to each other 10 years later is a testament to true love. The characters are amazing in that there are basically 6-8 in this book with only 4 being the main part of the story. The heat level between Cherie and Ryeland’s is off the charts hot ! I can’t wait to read more books in this off shoot of Cerberus in Monaco ! 5✨’s. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick was Navy SEAL, who was kidnapped by Somalian pirates, who wanted to know his mission. He was pulled out of the dangerous situation by Cerberus operatives, but his identity compromised. He had to become a ghost, was declared dead by Navy, who told his fiancée Cherise he was deceased… She moved on, marrying another man she met in France. Ten years later, Cherise asked Cerberus for help getting her out of gun-running, now former husband's clutches… with Nick sent to retrieve her bringing them back to each other, but can they trust each other after all they went through???… spicy second chance read. I voluntarily read this book though an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series that’s a spinoff from the Mercenary Masters and Club Southside series. Club Opus Noir is a BDSM club that’s also a front for the newest branch of Cerberus, so there is spice and suspense like you expect from Cerberus stories. Nick and Cherise’s story is a good second chance romantic suspense. There is a lot of action which really kept me wrapped up in the story. I like the way everything came together. I also liked the side character of Logan and I am looking forward to his story which is next in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

CODE NAME: GHOST is the first instalment contemporary adult CLUB OPUS NOIR erotic, romantic suspense series co-authored by Delta James and Annie Carlisle, set in Delta James’ CLUB SOUTHSIDE/ CERBERUS worlds. This is former US Navy SEAL turned Cerberus operative Nick Ryeland, and Cherise Pardo’s story line.


NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including Dom/sub scenarios, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual first person perspectives(Cherise and Ryeland) CODE NAME: GHOST focuses on the search and take down of international criminals and smugglers. Approximately ten years earlier, Nick Ryeland and his team of US Navy SEALs were captured, tortured and killed leaving only our hero to survive but upon his rescue, Nick would be approached by Robert ‘Fitz’ Fitzwallace, the CEO and owner of CERBERUS SECURITY, and for all intents and purposes would become a ghost. Everyone he knew in his former life believed Nick Ryeland did not survive but a call from his former fiance, finds our hero guardian and protector of the woman he left behind. After the death of her fiance, Cherise Pardo fell in love and married high ranking Interpol agent Hector Pardo but life as she knew it would never be the same. Ten years would pass since the death of Nick Ryeland, ten years in which she never stopped loving the man who once ruled her heart but Hector Pardo was not the man she believed him to be, and information would come to light that threatened the life and safety of our story line heroine. Desperate for help, Cherise would contact the team at Cerberus Security, and come face to face with her past, the man she long thought buried and gone. Working together with Cerberus agent Logan Radcliffe, Cherise and Nick would set into motion a plan to take down and destroy the international crime ring that is connected to our couple’s past.


The world building is intricate and detailed as Cherise will lay out ten years of betrayal in an effort to escape the man who destroyed her life. Nick is determined to prove Cherise is the only woman he has ever loved but Cherise continues to struggle with issues of trust, forcing Nick to question his better judgement.


The relationship between Cherise and Nick is one of second chances. Nick’s proposal ten years earlier was followed by his SEAL deployment, and proclamation of death, in which Cherise found herself spiraling without the man whom she loved. Nick had never stopped loving our story line heroine but Cherise’s safety, and the take down of her former husband is paramount. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense with some D/s scenarios.




The secondary and supporting characters include Cherise’s husband and Interpol agent Hector Pardo, international smuggler Rene Vallois , as well as the return of Cerberus Agent Logan Radcliffe, and owners Fitz and JJ Fitzwallace. Logan’s story line is next.


CODE NAME: GHOST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, friendships and relationships, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic.


Copy supplied for review

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELCOME TO THE GAME, CHERISE.

The story is another spin-off from the various Cerberus offices and lifestyle clubs, with this one opening in Monte Carlo. It will have life and death danger, mystery, suspense, and romance—along with the good, the bad, and the evil of humans.

San Diego, California, Nick Ryeland and Cherise were a couple, engaged to marry—until his SEAL team went under fire, killing everyone but him. He was beaten, tortured, but the one thing Lieutenant Commander Nick Ryeland didn’t do was break. He found the perfect opportunity to take down his guards and escape, and was eventually rescued by none other than Robert ‘Fitz’ Fitzwallace. Not only that, but they helped him depart the Navy, be listed as ‘deceased’ with his comrades, and resurrect to a new life, leaving everything and everyone behind to keep them safe. Cherise will be told that he died.

Cherise will start over if France and meet a savvy businessman, Hector Pardo, who treated her well, until after the vows were said, then she was just a decoration that he belittled. No physical scars, but plenty of mental abuse. At a gala, she will come face to face with Jordan ‘JJ’ James-Fitzwallace, who sees Cherise and recognizes a woman needing rescued, and gives her a card with her number to call whenever she is ready to get out.

I will say that this is a very intense and fascinating story created by these two authors. It has moments of heart-stopping drama that unfold, and then there is the romantic suspense between the past and the present when they collide. Ten years change people, add to dissolution, regret, and fear of letting go and trusting again.

I like Cherise, she is a survivor, and rather than crawl under a rock and hide, she walks into the lion’s den and takes more than she was after—and that will lead to her being hunted. Trusting JJ to help, she makes the call, and they provide her with an escape. What a shock when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past.

“You want answers? You want my help? You want to be more to me than just another assignment? If you want that—if you are staying, you’ll act as my new sub.”

The story kept me on edge from the beginning to the end, and watching those who have committed crimes and evil get their comeuppance is always a plus. Seeing Nick and Cherise becoming reacquainted, learning to trust one another, and for her to step into a world of Dominance and submission, espionage, and helping destroy the world Hector and his cronies had controlled. She gained not only her freedom, but also took control of her life and choices. Trusting Nick and submitting to him—him trusting her with helping uncover intel and going on missions was a win-win.

Nick: You destroy me.
Cherise: You put me back together.

“What we do tonight isn’t just justice—it’s truth dragged into the light, and I want her to witness it. To know that when the ghosts come calling, they don’t leave shadows behind. Only silence.”

“My ghost from years ago came back to life.”

The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but instead a segue into the next book in the series that will involve Logan—who is a key player in this story.

[Louise Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story packed a punch. It wasn't all sunshine and roses but a gritty, steamy tale filled with danger, drama, suspense, and angst. The writing was powerful, smooth, detailed, and intense. It highlights right and wrong and good and evil in people. This story begins in Africa, where Nick Ryeland was the only Navy SEAL in his team who survived the Somali pirates. Rescued by Fitzwallace and the Cerberus Security Group, Nick must leave his past behind and become a ghost to protect his fiancê, Cherise. Now working for Cerberus, Nick seeks revenge with his brand of justice. Cherise was a character worth noting. You experience her struggles and heartbreak while waiting for justice to be served. Cherise went from an emotionally damaged character frightened by her shadow to a woman in charge of her destiny. She was courageous, strong, loyal, and determined. I was surprised by the turnaround I saw in her since she had no training for the skills required to work beside Nick and bring down an entire operation that included her ex-husband.

Cherise went from one nightmare to another. After the loss of Nick, Cherise married Hector Pardo, a man who she thought offered her love and protection. Big mistake!!! Hector was responsible for money laundering, weapons dealing, and treason. The main reason for marrying Cherise was to draw out Nick. A chance meeting with JJ Fitzwallace gave Cherise the courage to escape Hector, which brought her back to Nick.

I initially disliked Nick's character, but I admired and respected him. The glimpses you get from his past explain his reaction towards Cherise. He didn't choose to leave her ten years ago to put her in danger once again, but her escape from her husband set the ball in motion. He was a man with no past and no future, but happiness was at his fingertips
if he was willing to grab it. Nick was a changed man. He was harsher and more dominant. He needs control in and out of the bedroom. I did admire how Nick led Cherise through submission until she gained trust.

This story didn't shy away from painting a grim picture of crime and its effect on individuals and society. There was a whirlwind of emotions from fear to calmness. From heartbreak to elation and from rejection to acceptance.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Club Opus Noir book one. Well, I finished the book and had to step away. The book was ok. A rolling coaster on timing. The story took off quickly, then drugged, was repetitive, and at times unbelievable - Cherise being able to act as an asset without training and speak the lingo. It had some good parts that would have benefitted from expansion, i.e. Logan calling Cherise on the carpet. At times it was difficult to see how unobservant Nik was and how blind Cherise had been willing to be. She's not JJ but they liked to act like it. I gave it a four because the arc was interesting and seem to be able to carry throughout the series.

All in all, it was a decent book. I just felt like something was bothering me, so I looked back on her other series, and it came to me. The characters have become the same and the series are a one and done. What drew me to the author was the characters would appear in other stories, and they would intertwine. The story arc would continue and characters such as brothers & new sisters wouldn't just disappear. The reader felt like a series had a beginning, middle and end. Now it's shorter stories - Club Tales & Alaskan Tales - where some were good, and some would have benefitted from a longer length but seems she's sticking to a word count. That I could understand. The starting of series and then dropping it isn't working - Carriage House, Winged Warriors, Grimm Files, etc. I'm really not wanting this to be negative because I love the older books & wish she's return to that form. Trying new things is good and helps but more Mafia Masters series were old and new characters interact please. More finishing the unfinished series where they can give new series a boost. Less number of new series that just don't hit the mark and more fleshing out of the series and characters. The number of new series leaves things falling through the cracks. I received an advance review copy from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHE SEES A GHOST

Nick and Cherise. They are lovers. Hes in the Navy. Hes been capturered and his team eliminated. Cerberus rescues him. He was thought dead with his brothers and now he is. She never stopped loving him but tried to move on. Now shes in danger. JJ from Cerberus, who rescues women sees her and gives her her card telling her call when she needs her. Her husband Hector is an evil traitor. She calls. JJ gets her out. Shes met by a Cerberus oprative. Its him, a ghost. Hes different but then so is she. Instead of soft and yielding shes hard and in survival mode. They spend time in his club and he knows he doesnt want to let her go. Now at the safe house they are teaming to get intel on Hector and Rene. They return to Opus Noir. He pulls away more and puts a stop to whats happening between them. They return to the safe house. The cat and mouse game at survelance is edge of your seat anxious. The fear that keeps them moving through the danger. The silence is like teeth that gnaws on you biting down hard. Their stings, ops keep getting physical. They keep telling each other its only for show. Now the game begins. Give Hecter and Rene what they want. Bring them to Nick . OMG what a story. Cant get enough of the Cerberus team.

Their chemistry is filled with static electricity. The action, danger and adrinaline only add to it. The way he whispers in her ear sends shivers down your spine. The dream she had..oh my. The more Nick pushes her away the hotter they get and ready to explode.

ok I just have to say this is a new club, Opus Noir, in Monte Carlo. A front for Cerberus. If you have'nt read the other Cerberus books at other clubs you are missing out. There are charecters in this book from the beginning books. I cant say enough about these books. You have to read them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a ARC

Ok, so I’m a fan of suspense, thriller, horror, dark romance, action (as books, tv shows, movies) so this book seemed like it would be a good fit.

It started out as interesting. I liked the idea of the story. You have Nick who is a SEAL and fakes his death in order to keep his finance Cherise safe. Ok. So far I’m on board. It unfolds as most stories do. Surprise, hi honey I’m alive. Ok. As expected. Still on board.

Cherise has married some Interpol ass and is basically in a domestic violence sort of situation. She gets help and leaves and finds out the organization helping her employs her ex-finance. Sure. She’s pissed. He’s pissed. I get it. Still on board.

I got a little lost when the MMC is now a DOM in a sex club and Cherise must be his SUB in order to survive? Umm. Ok. I can do S&M (it’s Dom/sub light for those of you who like dark romance or don’t like Dom/sub stuff). Still on board. I think. I keep going.

Their relationship is a little strange for me. She gives him instant trust. He kind of does the same. They have been apart for 10 years. I think it’s the part where we have worked in the DOM sub plot over a story that is like a typical secret government agency type story line taking down international criminals.

I don’t feel the chemistry between the MCs at all. It seems very forced. I also don’t understand how the FMC goes from housewife of some international baddie to a savant hacker who is immediately on board with military ops (like she walks the walk and talks the talk almost right away like she was in the military once before?)

For me, personally, I didn’t love this one, and I’m not saying that it isn’t well written, because it is. It just wasn’t my thing I think.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start by saying this, the beginning broke my heart, seeing Nick's pain, reading how the 10 years went by and finding out that Cherise suffered was another blow that broke my heart, but every cloud has a silver lining and thanks to that she was able to reunite with her beloved, the man she thought was dead, now even though she was scared she was also too strong to face everything that was coming, they both changed over time but that time but what always remained was that great love that united them at the beginning, and that's where she was able to become stronger to protect herself and also be side by side in the fight with Nick, the road was difficult but they managed to overcome each of the challenges and needless to say, the scenes at the club were a masterpiece in all its splendor, seeing Cherise become another force in the operation was gratifying, seeing Nick supporting her when he realized that fire that Cherise had was another gratifying moment, when the time came Acting and finishing off all the enemies was an extraordinary event and I swear because it almost gave me a heart attack, and finally, everything that happened was worth it because both of them were able to get to know each other again and make the love that united them grow even more. I can only say that I loved this book from beginning to end and that it is undoubtedly a 5-star. Now I'm dying to know Logan and Vivian's story. There are many doubts that aroused regarding them and I will wait until it comes out to satisfy my curiosity❤️❤️❤️.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, fast-paced second chance with her ghost SEAL
This book begins with immediate action and never lets up. And, I promise the ending will have you holding your breath without even knowing it! Oh. My. Word. Another series I’ll have to read from start to finish if this one is any indication. These authors launch a new world for Cerberus devotees: their new cover is the lifestyle club Opus Noir, located in Monte Carlo, Monaco and where Nick Ryeland, Ghost, now works for Cerberus and resides.
Nick became a ghost. He was tortured as a Navy SEAL but never broke. Cerberus rescued him by accident apparently on another mission but suggested he come work for them and find the bas***ds who nearly killed him. One problem: he will have to be dead to protect the woman he loves, Cherise. Hard choice but safest one. While he is looking for the bad guys, Cherise is enduring a marriage that is breaking her. Can she get the help she needs? Will that help come in the form of a ghost from her past?
Wow! This story kept me entranced from start to finish. There were only a very few slow parts, but did not detract from the overall story. Looking forward to the next book in this series which will be about Logan. We meet him in this book. One character that I loved who was only tangentially involved was JJ. Her character appeared in previous Cerberus Club Southside books. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens. Pssst…love the cover too.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating start to this series, Navy Seal that’s been through hell now working with Cerberus
Cherie and Ryeland’s story is a real heartbreaker and I have to say that it is impossible not to feel the hell that he was put through when he was taken captive by Somali pirates, he was tortured horribly and this is something that has left him scarred and also haunted.
He has started working for Cerberus in an effort to bring the human traffickers and gun runners to pay the piper for the terrible things he had inflicted to him and knows what horrors they have inflicted on others world wide and will do anything to bring justice to them.
This was a fabulous read and Nick and Cherise are absolutely wonderful together and he has had to let her believe that she he is dead and it has hurt him every single day, there is so much pain on both sides and the pain that has been caused is heart breaking.
I will not spoil the plot for other readers but will say that you will be completely rooted to the page as you see the determination to bring those that have been damaged by these evil individuals. The fact that he allowed Cherise to believe him dead whilst he tries to gain justice for others that have lost family members or have been left damaged by their cruelty.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute rush of danger, suspense and hot romance from beginning to the thrilling end! Cherise had lost the love of her life, Navy SEAL Nick Ryeland, when he was killed during a mission. She would never love again, but hoped her life with Hector Pardo, an administrator with Interpol, would be enough…until it wasn’t. Now in danger, Cherise contacts JJ, at Cerberus, asking for help. She flees their home with her passports and a flash drive that may be of benefit to Cerberus. Barely making it to the meeting place, she never believed that this would lead her to a ghost, Nick, who had been declared dead ten years ago. Nick had known that staying dead was the only way that he could protect her. Once they realize what her ex and his cohorts are involved in, they move to the Cerberus command post. There is much they have to talk about as Nick is no longer the man she once loved. He has become hardened and is known at Club Opus Noir which is known for its discreet, dominant lifestyle. He insists if she is to be involved in the take down that she must trust him, must do as he says if they are to survive. She will do what she must to help bring down the entire illegal organization and reclaim who she was before her ex tried to destroy her. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick is a SEAL who is captured and tortured for intel he refuses to give. Cerberus rescues him, but he is still a marked man and has to turn his back on his old life and become a ghost. This means giving up the love of his life - Cherise. She is told that he is dead, lost in an op gone wrong. She doesn't forget but she moves on. Ten years later she has found herself in a dangerous situation. She divorced her controlling husband, but when she sneaks in to retrieve her passports, she finds information in his safe that ties Hector to money laundering and arms sales. Now she is on the run from not only her ex, but his associates. She contacts JJ and Cerberus gives her an escape route - one that leads her right to a man that she had been mourning for ten years.

The premise of this story is a good one, though familar. It kind of loses its way a few times with intense over-descriptive paragraphs that get tiresome. The investigation is also complicated and didn't always make sense to me. The BDSM angle also falls a bit flat in my opinion. The really eyebrow raising part is when Cherise suddenly becomes a whiz at coding and undercover operations. I thought she might be joining Cerberus as an operative for a minute there.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the introduction to the Club Opus Noir extention of Cerberus in Monte Carlo. As customary, it was full of subtrafuge, action, conspiracy, and tension. Nick and Cherise, the main characters, have a long and complicated history that is muddled by mixed and conflicting emotions. However, in order to keep her safe and alive, Nick must compartmentalize and focus on the mission, hoping there's something left to salvage once all the dust settles. Cherise, though, may not be quite as willing to just sit back and observe as he would like. She's definately not the woman he remembers, nor is he the same man. These two have quite the obsticle in front of them, tackling her ex, a corrupt official, and the weapons trafficking operation (among others) he's facilitating. Join the hunt as these two jump through Europe gathering Intel in hopes of getting ahead.

This was one of the best collaborations I have read in quite some time. Delta James and Annie Carlile crafted an engrossing and gripping romantic suspence with superbly developed characters. Here's hopin' they do this type of thing again in the future! I an greatful to have received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to do when "the Ghost" is a ghost so to speak. Nick and Cherise had planned a life together, but it all fell apart. Nick, believing Cherise would be in danger if he was alive, decided it was best that he "die". That way she would be safe from his enemies. Fast forward to today and I think we can all safely assume, that when Cherise in the process of disappearing from her ex, comes face to face with the ghost of her past, who is to protect her. Well, as you can imagine, that first meeting did not go well. But it soon becomes apart that the love they shared before Nick "died" was still there. The challenge is, if Cherise can forgive him, for a happy ever after future.

As these two dance around their still hot attraction to each other, there is a job to be done and that is to stop an international back market arms organization that involves Cherise's ex husband. This is a very fast paced hunt that involves a lot of people - both good and bad and they will need to do everything they can to stay alive until they can end this organization.

Cerberus operatives and and their lifestyle club - Opus Noir in Monaco, set the stage for this fast paced, dangerous mission that is fill of betrayal, mystery, intrigue and a love that 10 years apart could not erase.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick is a former SEAL with a painful history and a member of Cerberus. Ten years ago, his SEAL team was attacked, and he was the only captured survivor. Cerberus rescued him and to protect him from his enemies, he was declared dead. He became a ghost, including to his fiancé at the time, Cherise.

As time passed, Cherise eventually married someone who turned out to be a monster. She overheard a conversation he was having regarding illegal activities, and she divorced him. She now has a target on her back.

She contacted Cerberus to protect her and the person that they sent, unbeknownst to neither Nick nor Cherise. They were both shocked when they saw each other, especially because, for the past 10 years, Cherise thought he was dead.

It’s a very interesting story of intrigue, danger, betrayal, and second chances. There were several inconsistencies that occasionally got in the way. With that said, they seemed to have their HEA, but I would have liked it if it had more “flesh” to it. Perhaps an extra chapter would have helped. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, this book was amazing to read, these two authors pulled out all the stops for this story, the characters were great. This story was about Nick Ryeland, and his team worked for the Navy Seals when they were sent on a mission, they were set up all his men died, Nick was classed as dead. Cerberus was on a mission when they rescued Nick now known as Ghost to keep his identity a secret. They went to Cerberus headquarters and the owner Fitzwallace propositioned Ghost to run a Cerberus in a new club they had purchased that no-one knows about in Monte Carlo, Monaco where the lifestyle the club "Opus Noir" where the secrets lie. Cherise Married Hector, he was a caring, beautiful, loving person and then he became dangerous, ruthless, manipulative, psychotic, cruel person. They had a deal, he would divorce her and give her her own place but when he needs her she has be by his side at a function. When she was able to escape she had help from Fitzwallace and his wife J.J. she never expected to be greeted by that person. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Club Opus Noir series co-authored by Delta James and Annie Carlisle and this is Nick Ryeland (Ex US Navy SEAL/Cerberus operative) and Cherise Pardo’s story. They were engaged to marry—until his SEAL team went under fire, killing all but him. He was tortured and abused but was never broken. He escaped and was eventually rescued by Robert ‘Fitz’ Fitzwallace. Fitz also helped him depart the Navy and basically become a Ghost! He had to build a new life, leaving everything and everyone behind to keep them safe. Cherise was told he died. She goes to France to begin a new life, here's where Hector Pardo, who treated her well, until he didn't. This is when she was just a decoration that he belittled. She meets Jordan ‘JJ’ James-Fitzwallace at a gala, who sees Cherise and recognizes her as woman who needs rescuing and gives her a card with her number to call whenever she is ready to get out. Their story really begins here! So, sit back and read all the twist and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a fantastic series starter. Club Opus Noir is a front for another branch of Cerberus, and Cherise has no idea of its connection to her past until she comes face to face with Nick Ryeland her supposedly deceased fiancé. To say nick is shocked when he comes to the rescue of a woman with a target placed on her back by her former husband and finds Cheriese is a huge understatement. But the bigger question is, with he be able to let her go again after he takes down her crooked ex? I'm already looking forward to the next book in this exciting, action packed, steamy, and suspenseful series. There are some elements of BDSM play, so some readers might be triggered by certain scenes. Wonderfully realistic characters kept me glued to the pages and plenty of surprising twists made it impossible to put this book down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received from Book Sirens.

[Harper’s Home · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have Nick a former navy seal, that’s been captured, tortured and the only member of his team that survives. Rescued by Cerberus, barely alive. His heart broken, his spirit broken and his body in need of rest. He agrees to join their ranks.

Cherise, was married to Hector an arms dealer, who abuse berated, insulted, threatened, belittled, dismissed her and told her she was replaceable.

Nick and Cherise share a sad past and literally bump into each other while she’s running for her life. Cerberus sent Nick on an assignment to secure Cherise and keep her safe. Problem is she believed him to be dead.

There’s mystery, adventure and two lives than begin to heal after 10 years. And, a whole lot of bad guys, who work for government agencies. It’s a wild ride.

Happy Reading🌻

I received an advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest unbiased review.

[Avis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this author. Excellent suspense, mystery /drama. But I had a hard time liking Nick. The story is well written. There is suspense and steam to the eventual romance. But it took a long time into the story for his actions to be redeemed. He says Cherise is his, and to a point he confirms this in various ways. His D/s I think is what bothers me the most. Welcome to my world. He expects her to obey without question. He humiliates her during the mission. It isn't until towards the end of the story that I could connect with him.

Cherise has been manipulated, with her ex husband and then in a way by Nick. I like the way we find out why Hector married her.

There is a nice HEA for them.

The backstory is getting closer to an end I think.

Logan is the next story. Should be interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in James / Carlisle's new spin off series Club Opus Noir which is a BDSM club that’s also a front for the newest branch of Cerberus. I am so hooked! We have all the steam and chemistry of a BDSM romance as well as the action, danger and mystery that comes from a Cerberus read. Our main characters are Nick and Cherise who were once engaged but while Nick was on assignment he was compromised and declared a ghost and family and friends told of his death. Cherise eventually married and now 10 years later Cherise is asking for help from Cerberus to flee her ex-husband and the danger that brings with him. A wonderfully well written steamy second chance romance that was everything I could have wanted it to be! I can't wait for more in this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherise was Ghost's fiancé. He was on military man who was lost to her and the world. Ten years have past and Cherise had seen to much and was finally able to divorce her husband. He was not the man she really loved. She removed some important items and is now on the run. After escaping his past, Nick thoughts were always of her and from his PTSD the need to be in control. There are plenty of secrets they both have. Their foundation is weak but must be solid for her to get to the other side of the tunnel and maybe with Nick. Cerebrum is an underlying story that irritates and makes things questionable in how things Cherise is to trust. Intense scenes. There can only be instinct and chaos and mayhem to make the OTT story work. Loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Name: Ghost kicks off another spin-off series in the Cerberus world. Club Noir is located in Monaco and accordingly, Chase aka Ghost and Cherise's story is set in France and Monaco. As with most of Delta's books, the feeling of danger and suspense is so intense that my pulse was racing from the first to the last page, making up for my frustration with the inconsistencies, repetitions and loose ends that a good round of editing could have prevented. The chemistry between them is sizzling, too, but the sexy times are less kinky than I'd expected. There is a sort-of happy ending for the couple and a mini-teaser of what's to come next and I'm looking forward to it! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story of two lovers torn apart. She thinks he is dead. He lets her think he is dead to protect her. They both try to move on, but circumstances fling them together.

Former Navy Seal Nick Ryeland works for Cerberus now. He was declared dead after being captured and tortured by pirates. He is sent to protect his former girlfriend Cherise when she escapes from her former husband Hector who is a traitor working for Interpol. Hector is out to kill Cherise, but Nick will protect her with his life.

This story is full of action, bullets flying, almost being killed, finding love again and going after the baddies.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started out really intense and was quite the page turner. The storyline was a bit monotonous at times. You have the female lead who is out of her depth and in walks Cerberus. A ghost from her past. The plot continues to spiral down. The whole premise of this book was to lure a dead man 🤔.

The story did have some good parts. Logan called Cherise out a time or two. I get that she had a volatile relationship with her ex but falling into a sub role and becoming a participating member of their team. I find that questionable at best. She was a medical professional.

I do love a good ending though and this had it in spades. Sailing off into the sunset is poetic justice. Now they wait for their next assignment 😍

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read books by both of these authors and, frankly, I wouldn't have thought they could blend their styles, but they did well with this book. Cerberus is a well-developed world of BDSM and intrigue from Delta James. The characters could have been hers, but there's a romance among them that clearly comes from Annie Carlisle. The combination is a great read. Nice character development, but I was rather surprised by Cherise's spy craft. She was far too brilliant to have felt controlled by her ex and there was a gap between the abused wife and what we saw in Cerberus. It was glossed over a bit. But you just can't explain everything in a single novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.