Exhale

Operation Justice Force #8

by Reese Knightley

Exhale the past lest it suffocates…

Former US Army soldier Owen Gray thought he had life all mapped out with a man of his dreams, but Jordan Thomas had other ideas. After a botched attempt at a pass in their friend’s swimming pool, Jordan put on the brakes to anything remotely romantic.

Owen was out of patience. Now, he was going after Jordan with everything he had to offer. He knows some about Jordan’s past, maybe not all the details, but he knows enough. And it doesn’t matter…what he wants is for Jordan to give them a shot.

All set to have a show down, Owen gets some distressing news that throws his life into a tailspin.

Former Phoenix techie Jordan Thomas now works for Pegasus and that presents a whole lot of trouble in the form of one big sexy former soldier. He knows he has been stalling about anything close to romantic with Owen and time is running out. If he doesn’t take the plunge soon, he might lose Owen for good.

And that’s something Jordan can’t live with. Ready to set aside his misgivings, Jordan decides to take the dive but then Owen gets some troubling news. News that comes out of left field. Jordan knows one thing is for certain; he will stay by Owen’s side as the man navigates unchartered waters.

Tension is high and things get dicey, but one thing remains clear…
Mess with one and you mess with them all, Pegasus will do whatever it takes to protect their own.

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 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

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Messy plot jumps and a narrative that couldn't make up its mind

There's always the bones of a great story in these interconnected series' but it doesn't always make it into the actual book.

Here it's that way unfortunately. There's far too many time jumps, references to things happening off page and information that miraculously appears out of nowhere.

Owen and Jordan's romance is inoffensive but that's about as much as I can say for it because there's zero build up, there's no on page discussion about what's gone on in the past, just more exposition to inform the reader after the fact.

The 'bad guy' manages to escape the people looking for him repeatedly even though there's at least eight different supposedly uber ex-forces and black ops assassin groups out there.

The secondary plot concerning the former Sec of Defense comes out of nowhere and then conveniently ties all the loose ends up while also giving a link to the newest secret military assassins group.

This is the end of the Operation Justice Force series, so it'll be interesting to see how many of them carry on showing up in the Genesis one.

Dave and Stone are up next and I'm crossing everything that can be crossed that it's not disappointing.

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting to see where Jordan’s story would go when Phoenix rescued him all that time ago. It was great to see how much he’s grown and evolved and changed and to see his happily ever after. I loved seeing all of the of previous characters threaded into this one some, I’m sad to see this series come to an end but excited to see where things are headed with the tidbit dropped in this one. I want to thank Reese for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love most about Reese Knightley’s books are the found family and how everyone supports each other. It doesn’t matter what’s going on, if one is trouble they all are.

Jordan, our illustrious hacker, and Owen, are a match for the ages.

“Gently, Owen brushed a kiss against his lips, and his whole world rocked.
Jordan wanted to scream. The kiss was light and nothing like he wanted. It was a taste, a tease, a promise…”

Always with the danger and suspense, not to be outdone with the love and touches-him-and-suffer vibes. The hints in this are fire and I can’t get my hands on the next soon enough. Love these interconnected series and love all these people.

[Karen Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Owen and Jordon's story and it was amazing . I loved how the tropes rally around when Owen is facing a situation of his own and the introduction of new guys is exciting. I highly recommend this series and any other books from Reese Knightley.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I thought this was a good conclusion to the Operation Justice Force Series but it’s definitely not the last we’ve seen from this universe. I thought it was an enjoyable read. It’s Jordan and Owen’s turn to get their story told, as there has been hints of their budding romantic relationship throughout this series, and it was totally worth the wait. I thought that they are great together, and their chemistry is completely off the charts as well as hot as hell. Man, Jordan has come such a long way when he was first introduced when he was rescued by some of the Phoenix operatives while he was living on the streets. He’s now one of the best hackers in the western hemisphere. Owen doesn’t know the full extent of Jordan’s past and that’s pretty much the reason why he backed away Owen when he tried to kiss him awhile back.

Owen & Jordan are about to be paired together on an upcoming op when Owen gets a call from a detective telling him that his ex-wife Ginny has died. Owen heads to Phoenix to see what happened to Ginny, Jordan of course goes with him. During the investigation into Ginny’s death not only do Owen & Jordan finally get together but Owen gets some shocking but totally welcome news, Jordan is by his side through it all. I’ve pre-ordered the next Genesis - Savage Warriors Series book, Gravity which I’m really looking forward to reading when it’s released, and finally seeing Dave & Stone get their happily ever after, as well as reading more books from Reese Knightley in the future especially if they’re from this thrilling universe that Reese has created. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, this universe and author to everyone.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen year old Jordan Thomas had been running drugs and turning tricks to stay alive from the homeless camp he lived in when he was rescued by operatives of the Phoenix Organization. Wicked smart and a computer prodigy they brought him into their office to put his computer skills to good use. Eight years later he was working for sister organization Pegasus, still helping out Phoenix and was probably the best hacker in the western hemisphere all the while working on his Phd in computer science. Jordan had everything he ever wanted except Owen Grey, the ex US Army soldier he worked with.
Now the powers that be had decided to get him out from behind the computer and into the field and paired with Owen so the two could quit mooning over each other and get some work done. Jordan was a natural, had expert marksman skills and knew how to protect a partner in dicey situations. And Owen was ready to get him out of his head and into his arms. Until Owen gets some bad news and Jordin insists on going with him to sort things out. The personal issue soon pulls in the team and it’s all action from there.
I love this book and when its all hands on deck for a nationwide manhunt SecDef Dave pulls in all of his resources including the many teams he runs including some we have not heard about yet, past military and law enforcement acquaintances. With 36 books in five crossover series already in this universe and another one already on book 2, we have a lot more to look forward to.

[Martyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Jordan in Phoenix's series, I was patiently waiting and praying for his book to come. Finally, my prayers paid off (lol)!!!

From the snippets in previous books, I knew that Owen and Jordan's story will be interesting. And interesting it was, I totally didn't expect The Thing. Their romance/attraction was already kinda built in the previous book, so here we get to have an extended version of what happened and added the situation in the present. Some tropes weren't as developed/discovered as I hoped but everything went smoothly.

The action was very fast-paced, the joint operation was fun, although I wish we got more descriptions and on-screen collaboration between all the teams.

I was wondering if we'll get a book about Black and Micah? so the author's note at the end that we will indeed read about him in the nearest future someday as a part of the Genesis series I was kind of calmed. Now I'm waiting for Dave and Stone's book to come out as I already read the one about Azrael and Real.


Final pairing ranking:
1. Dalton & Adam
2. Ace & Jacob
3. Gage & Mason
4. Seven & Hunter
5. Jordan & Owen
6. Link & Eagle
7. Oliver & Parker
7. Creed & Kellum

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Owen Gray, a former soldier, and Jordan Thomas, a former techie, who are on the verge of starting a relationship when a crisis strikes. Owen has been trying to pursue Jordan for a while, but Jordan has been hesitant. Owen is determined to finally get Jordan to commit, believing he can handle whatever is in Jordan's past. Jordan, working for a company called Pegasus, has also realized he needs to act before he loses Owen. Just as they are both about to make their move, Owen receives some devastating news that throws his life into chaos.

I loved this story where Jordan's love for Owen is tested, and their fledgling relationship is forced to survive through a crisis. I loved the way that everything and everyone came together for their own and that Owen and Jordan were able to support and help each other through the crisis. Lots of danger and drama as they worked together as well as emotions and feelings as their relationship solidified. I'm sad that this series has ended but am looking forward to the new related series. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s works and this one didn’t disappoint. Jordan is very tech savvy and Owen was a former U.S. military. The story starts with a prologue that has some running with 2 boys to get away from a baddie. Fast forward a few days and Owen gets a phone call saying his ex-wife was killed. The story starts from there with Owen and Jordan trying to find out what happened. I loved the progression of their relationship with Jordan slowly filling in Owen with what happened when he was younger. We get to meet a few new people as well and see some old friends from previous books. Lots of action as they get more details of what has been happening. I love this world and cannot wait to read the next book.

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story to bring one series to a close. Owen and Jordan have been circling each other throughout the series and finally they got their story. Two men coming from different worlds find a way to make things work. As so often happens the two are pulled together on a mutual case. They must work together to bring home two traumatized and missing boys. There is plenty of heart stopping action with a side of steam and a beautiful story of falling in love. New characters are introduced and many favorites make significant appearances throughout the story. One of the best things about these stories is they are woven into multiple series so we keep in touch with favorite couples and characters. I’m intrigued with the coming newest spinoff series.

[Cassity Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what an emotional roller coaster this story sent me on. I’ve waited a long time for Jordan to get his happy ending and Reese did not disappoint. What I didn’t expect was how this story made me nervous at one point and crying in the next. I felt like I was a part of this story cheering them on as they went and biting my nails when the whole team was fighting to save Owen’s family.

I started this story and read it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I won’t go into a lot of detail because I want you to experience it as I did. This is probably one of the best stories I’ve read in a long time and I can’t wait for her next book.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

👎🏻 I've been waiting a long time for this story, but in the end I was disappointed. The narrative pace is really too rushed...there are too many "after two days" and "after a week" moments...important moments are described poorly, if at all, and skipped altogether. The chemistry between the two protagonists leaves much to be desired; it feels more like an insta-love story. The last part of the book was almost written just to set the stage for the next series.

[read b00ks · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5✩

Overall this was pretty good. This author is so hit or miss for me even though the foundation is always there. The characters, the world, even the individual plot for each book is always clear. It’s the execution that is lacking almost every time. It’s never properly fleshed out and developed which makes the depth lacking and the story seemed rushed every single time, even though it seems like the author has the knowledge of the characters to do it justice.

[Beatrice Zibell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhale is the 8th and last book in the Operation Justice Force Series.
For everyone waiting for Jordan and Owen's story this is it.
Owen and Jordan's attraction goes way back but so far Jordan evaded all attemps made by Owen. But Owen is persistent whenever he can get Jordan to be in his vicinity. Jordan still has lingering trauma from his childhood.
Follow their story and meet new and old characters along the way. I already can't wait to read more about the new characters introduced :D

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan and Owen were quite a surprise for me - the book was not at all what I expected, but in all the good ways! I really liked how the author shaped the progress of their relationship and how it was woven into the overall story.
Reese Knightley is great at combining action packed plot with romance and this book definitely delivers on both fronts! 100% recommend.

[JoAnn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an AH-MAZING end to a brilliant series!! Jordan and Owen had a slow burn going on and this book didn't disappoint. I blew thru this book in one sitting. Once again we get to see our favorites from the past while we watch two strong characters find a way to make things work. We also get to meet new characters as is Reese's way. This will definitely be a book I reread.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent ending for Operation Justice Force

One is hoping to move forward from a past no kid should have to shoulder. The other finding twins sons he never knew about. While kidnapping, assassinations, and human trafficking go on around them. A strong couple and a strong plot. I enjoyed it.

[Lyndsay TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen and Jordan the last couple of the series! I'm going to miss these men and their stories and the love they found. Owen and Jordan were a sweet way to end the series as well as introduce more characters for other spin-off series. There was a lot going on in this book to wrap up this storyline but I loved every minute of it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Jordan's story was exceedingly intense from the jump.
Definitely a 2-hanky read. Everything we've come to expect from a Justice Force book and more.
Almost put me into secrets revealed overload!

[Angelica Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I enjoyed the book quite a bit. It did however get kinda cluttered at the end. I realize the author was setting up future things but it made it hard keep up with so much going on so quickly.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhale is the eighth and finale book in the Operation Justice Force series and it should be read in order. As always, I loved these guys and the story. I'm going to miss this series, but I'm sure we'll keep seeing these guys elsewhere.

[lori ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Reese Knightley books. I love all her characters and storylines. I highly recommend all of her books. I love this book

[Jai Oni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Reva Coomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end

I didn't that coming, but it was a nice surprise. A good ending to this series. A very short quick read.

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book don't get me wrong. I just expected more angst but overall it's a true love and action packed romance!!