Echo: Line: A Military Romantic Suspense

by Delta James

I was trained to profile killers.
Not fall for one.

When the Bureau assigned me to hunt Alex Mercer, a decorated soldier turned domestic terrorist—I expected a fanatic. Instead, I found a man bleeding out in a Wyoming safehouse… and saving my life when the hit team came for us both.

Now I’m on the run with the enemy.
Every file I trusted is a lie. Every badge I believed in has been weaponized. And the man I was ordered to arrest is the only one keeping me alive.

He’s dangerous. Controlled. Infuriatingly calm even with a gun in his hand and blood on his shirt.
But when his walls crack open, I see the scars no one else has touched, and the kind of loyalty that could burn the world down.

The Committee wants us silenced. The FBI wants me back in line.
But I’ve already crossed it… and the only person I trust on the other side is the man I was sent to destroy.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 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

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember Alex Mercer from Echo:Burn?
The team member captured by Kessler from the Committee?
Echo:Line tells his story,and it isn’t pretty…..in fact,he has to endure severe torture before he finds a way to escape!
Kessler’s goal is to get as much intel as possible,but Mercer isn’t coöperating…..not even when in agony.
Because he’s not only loyal to his team,his family,he also knows he’s dead the moment he talks.
And even though he hurts badly,even though the drugs they give him make him woozy,he still manages to find a weak spot in their security.
The moment he hears what Kessler plans next,he knows his time is up,and he needs to get out of there.
When he manages to find a nearby cabin,he tries to patch himself up enough to be able to survive.
The next thing he knows is that he’s got company….FBI profiler Delaney Ward found him!
She’s supposed to arrest him,and bring him in for questioning,at least that’s what her boss made her believe….
Truth is,she already had her doubts about the so-called terrorist state of Mercer,and it’s only confirmed when “operatives” try to kill not only Mercer,but her as well!
She doesn’t hesitate,and after the dust settles for a moment,she finds herself on the run with Alex Mercer.
From there,all they can do,is try to survive long enough to find Mercer’s team,and get the medical attention he needs.
And find a way into the headquarters of the Committee….because all the evidence is there,and the world needs to know what’s happening.

Alex is stubborn as hell,and even though he’s attracted to Delaney,he tries to convince her to allow Tommy to give her a new identity and start a life elsewhere.
Luckily,Delaney not only disagrees,she’s just as stubborn and won’t leave the man she not only admires,but also grew to care about.

The constant discussions they have about why she should leave or not were understandable at first,but grew a little old after a while,if i’m honest.
And it’s the reason this one doesn’t get the full 4,but still a decent 3,5 🌟from me.
The chemistry was there,she knew what she was getting into,but all he could think about was the risks.
Ok,she wasn’t experienced the way he was,but still….she could handle herself at the moments she needed to,she knew what she needed to do to survive,and did it.
Each and every time,over and over.
So his doubts got a little old,and instead of admitting his feelings,the fear of losing her,he kept at it.
But once he finally gave in,he was ALL IN,and she fully embraced that moment!

This was a full speed story with plenty of suspence.
It gave me a lot of feels,moments of fear,precious moments of tender care,and moments of souls connecting.
But even though the Committee has been exposed,it seems that Kessler is still in the wind….
So,Echo:Dark is coming up next,Dylan Rourke and journalist Reagan Mitchell’s story.
Wonder what will happen there…..

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Military Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Men of Echo Ridge series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I loved the craziness in this book and the non-stop action in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delta James does it again! She’s gifted us with another superb book filled with action, romance, and suspense—it’s just an incredible read! The storyline is amazing; the characters are so frigging hot; the plot twists and turns really keep you going; and the HEA… oh Lordy… be still my heart!! Don’t let this one get away..,grab your copy today! ❤️❤️

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! Loved every minute of this amazing story. relatable characters, a well written storyline. Lots of action packed scenes to keep me glued to the pages. Storyline moved at a good pace. banter between main characters was fantastic. Chemistry was off the charts good. Definitely recommend!!

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex has spent his entire life carrying the burden of a past that still haunts him. He's a man scarred both physically and emotionally, but he's found refuge in a new family a team that supports each other and provides him with a safe haven. However, his story hasn't been easy. He was torn from his team, taken to a place where he was tortured, but he never gave up. His strength kept him going until he managed to escape. That's when his path crosses with Delaney's.
Delaney has spent much of her life building rules and barriers to protect herself. She carries the weight of a painful past that forced her to prioritize reason over feelings. But everything changes when she meets Alex. He shows her a truth that challenges everything she thought she knew. From the first moment, Delaney felt that something didn't add up in what she'd been told about Alex. She soon discovers that it's all been a lie, that much deeper secrets exist, and she decides to believe him.
With the information Alex reveals to her, Delaney makes a courageous decision: to delve into his world to expose the Committee. But nothing will be easy. By helping him escape and reunite with his team, she becomes the target of accusations, and the world begins to see her as the villain. As the tension grows, so do the feelings between them. Alex can no longer deny what he feels. Against his own fears, he lets her into his life and his heart. The moments between them were filled with a multitude of emotions; the fire between them was intense, two hearts that found each other to be together.
He fought to keep her safe, but Delaney is determined and stubborn. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She wanted to fight by his side, and with him, she found strength, freedom, and peace. In the end, Delaney manages to clear her name and find a true family in Alex's team, who accept her as one of their own. They have achieved a great victory, but their story is far from over. And that final teaser was simply thrilling.
I loved this book from beginning to end. There were moments when I was really nervous, I admit. The way Alex opened up and fought alongside Delaney deeply moved me. He loved her unconditionally, and she accepted him wholeheartedly. I loved seeing how they both found in each other not only love, but also strength and a safe haven.
Discovering Delta has been one of the best things that has happened to me this year. Her stories are intense, passionate, and leave you wanting more. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MONSTERS DONT ALWAYS LOOK LIKE MONSTERS

Kane and Willa. Hes been to he!! and back and hes still there. Until her. Shes starting over running from promises long dead along with trust and love. A hard lesson learned. A marine for a father that taught her how to survive. Now in a vets office she saves a dog. A dog people want dead. A dog that puts her in their crosshairs. He and his brothers in arms keep a vigilant watch on the mountain. They meet when the monsters are trying to take her out and he saves her. This story is full of action and seeing beyond to ones heart. They learn to move as one. All of the team. What a crazy chaotic ride. An adrenaline fueled ride. The charecters are amazing. Its like watching a movie. It draws you in and holds on till the last page. Another Delta James amazing series.

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

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading book 1 first. It provides part of the backstory for this book. This book is a nonstop adrenaline rush from the beginning, suspense with a romance on the side. I thought the character development was well done and it was great seeing Alex let down his walls for Delaney. There was one thing in the plot line that didn’t make sense to me, which is why I gave a 4 star rating instead of 5. I don’t do spoilers, so I will be vague: the gas station surveillance footage, which was an important part of the later storyline, was never mentioned in the earlier storyline and I couldn’t see anywhere it might have happened off page. It bugged me because it didn’t make sense to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Echo Ridge series is so intense. I start reading and holding my breath waiting for what comes next. This book is full of action, danger, suspense. The conspiracy with the Committee also had me feeling like one of the characters wondering who could they trust? I have to keep reminding myself to breathe at certain parts of the story.

I liked the touch of romance between Alex and Delaney that was strong but didn't overwhelm the story or didn't have the fmc doing completely ridiculous things. Delaney more than held her own.

Each book seems to get better with each battle won. There is still that sense of hoping that Echo Ridge ultimately wins the war.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Linda Collister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex never thought he would allow anyone close to him again but when Delaney is sent to capture him something changed. When Delaney looks past the information she's been given, something doesn't add up. Forced to go with a gut feeling the two are fleeing a common enemy. They've both been burned by the same people they trusted. Now what will they do? Echo Ridge may be the only hope for Delaney and if Alex can trust her maybe something more can happen. I loved the characters and the story. It's a wild ride and it has you rooting for the "good" guys. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine being a dedicated FBI agent wanting to make amends for your father’s corruption only to be betrayed by those you trust the most. This is what happened to Delaney and she was sent to ‘interrogate’ Alex Mercer both of them would have then been killed. Their journey back to Echo Ridge is heart stopping and it is a miracle they made it. Taking down the Collective is now the focus and all the team welcome Delaney into the fold. My only concern is the repetition of Alex trying to send her away, it was too much, too often, but what the team accomplishes is miraculous and the ending is so lovely.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is in the clutches of Kessler who subjects him to torture, but his years of training kept him from breaking down. Almost fatally wounded when he escaped, his path crosses with FBI profiler Delaney Ward, send to capture and labeling him and the Echo Ridge team as terrorists. Years of profiling set alarm bells ringing and she ends up saving him and herself branded as a rogue agent on the wanted list. In between the deadly action, love blossoms. Excellent read and I'm excited to continue the trial and tribulations of the Echo Ridge team.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sooooo glad I didn’t give up after not liking the first book. Because this one I absolutely loved. This one to me felt more realistic. A more believable storyline. And Alex AB’s Delaney together were perfect. In glad she saw through the lie of him needing to be brought in. Just the fact that she believed him made this great. Because once the two of them went out to right the wrongs was when the real chaos began. Getting Alex back to his team, and exposing the lies they were told… this one was epic in that regard. The chaos and drama. The connection they made and the feelings they found for one another. This one was intense and I loved every minute of it.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Delaney is sent to arrest a terrorist, Alex, she knows deep down something is very wrong and when a kill team arrives to kill her and the Alex, she realises she was right.
Alex has been tortured for four days and managed to escape but is badly injured when Delaney arrives to arrest him. Delaney and Alex end up on the run together, trying to get home alive.
Alex and Delaney are fighting for their lives and the possibility of a lasting love; however, the committee wants them dead and quiet.
This is a fantastic story; Alex and Delaney are great characters, him stoic and protective and her strong and determined. The action keeps coming and so do the mercs, brilliant!
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

As two lives collide, the story picks up and is fast moving from that point on. Delaney is an FBI profiler sent to track down a domestic terrorist. Alex, a decorated soldier and now member of the rogue group Echo Ridge, has been captured and tortured by a sadistic member the Committee. Badly injured, Alex manages to escape and find refuge in a Wyoming cabin… the same cabin that Delaney has been "guided" to. It very quickly becomes apparent that Delaney was expendable along with Alex in order to move the Committee agenda forward. It becomes as game of cat and mouse as Alex and Delaney try to escape and reach safety. And during their run, their attraction boils over. As they work to bring down the Committee, will that attraction hold or will it fizzle out once the adrenaline of the hunt ends? I found this to be a story that I had to read in one sitting. I could not put it down. Well done.

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FBI brought her on board to bring him down.
But she saw something wrong and made the last minute decision to save his life instead.
He just managed to escape his torture when he came upon her,and she saved him from an ambush.
Now together, they fight to get back to his team where they fight even harder to clear her name and take down those that are trying to take down them.
Well worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This starts off with one of Echo Ridge's ex military men being kidnapped ,tortured for information on the team. Delaney is an FBI profiler being tasked with finding him. The Committee has their fingers in more than one pie. This is number two of this series and boy is it phenomenal. This is just the tip of what goes on in this story.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one picked up with Alex being pushed into the chopper and it just kept building and building in intensity. Delaney has no idea that the last 8 years have been a total lie and that she is being used to get rid of inconvenient agents and others The Committee have caught asking the wrong questions. Then she is handed her next assignment and all of it set her spidey senses off and then she started listening to the answers and now she is on the kill list just like the rest of the group.


I received this ARC for free from the author and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent suspense read. The characters were so very well written and complex and well matched. The plot was intriguing, exciting, suspenseful and fast paced. World building was excellent and impressive. All in all a great read. Highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

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

[GMW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is captured by "The Committee", then assaulted & tortured for information. He manages to resist and when he doesn't give them the information they want, they bring in FBI profiler Delaney Ward. But things aren't as they seem. While she is in the process of arresting him her team attacks them & now they are on the run. The Committee wants them both dead. Lots of twists & turns in this fast paced, action packed military romance.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Echo Line! It absolutely delivered. The story picks up perfectly from the first book and pulls you in with even more tension, emotion, and character growth.

I loved seeing the characters evolve — their relationships, their struggles, and the way they rise to the challenges around them. The stakes felt higher this time, and the world-building deepened, making the danger even more gripping. Each chapter had me eager to see what would happen next.

Overall, Echo Line is a fantastic follow-up that keeps the momentum going while adding new layers to the story—an excellent read for anyone invested in the series.

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

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men Of Echo Ridge story of Alex Mercer and Delaney. Wow talk about attention grabbing page turning incredible story with danger and drama. This story was so good I couldn’t stop reading and trying to figure out what would happen next.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took a little time building up to the
action drama suspense heat and romance but
once it took off it was one hell of a journey.
The interaction between the two main characters
is great.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via booksirens.

[Glenna Turney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Men of Echo Ridge books keep getting better and better.

Alex Mercer, is hunted and Delaney, FBI is the hunter.

But who is really the innocent?

The development of the characters in this book is great. You feel like you know them by the end.

Echo Line is a very exciting book to read with the twists and turns you are not quite expecting.

Can’t wait to read the next book!

*I received this ARC Kindle from BookSirens. Thank You!

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Alex’s story was SO good! I just love this plot line. The integration with all the others was so good too. Alex and Delaney were instantly connected. Great layout of their pasts throughout the book. Hot spice. Intricate plot and twists. Just awesome.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo ridge, former delta’s burned but they are fighting back. Very vividly written and in a fast paste. Alex and Delaney’s story is about surviving, fleeing and hiding and trusting. Who do you trust when you are burned.
It’s page turning and exciting. Hot scenes and narrow escapes. A must read

[beautiful A Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deltas done it again with a fabulous performance of characters !

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Alex and Delaney’s relationship. A dedicated FBI agent sent to arrest a”domestic terrorist” finds that not everything is as it appears. A gripping story follows… a good story, which made enjoyable reading.

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

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a romantic suspense especially from Queen Delta.

I absolutely love this one and these two characters are my new favorites in all of my delta reads. Seeing Sierra realize that the FBI isn’t necessarily all good and sticking up for herself was amazing. And I love her stubbornness and how she didn’t let Alex push her away when things started
getting good.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one, this one, for me, has a great ending that leads nicely into the next story.

Echo Ridge is the underground, secret headquarters of a team of dedicated, highly specialized operatives, operative who have one aim, to rid the US of people who inflict harm on others for their own gain, the Committee, powerful, with friends in high places and an army of well trained operatives, are their main antagonists.

Having been thwarted by the men of Echo Ridge, they have taken revenge, Alex Mercer has been captured.

Alex knew what was coming to him, he had been trained to withstand torcher without breaking but he knew that Kessler had an axe to grind, the interrogation would be brutal, he was going to die…….but not without a fight. Alex's body was battered and bleeding but his mind was still active, he still planned his escape.

Holed up in a deserted cabin with no means of contacting his leader, Alex knew that Kessler would use all the means at his disposal to find him.

FBI profiler, Delaney Ward had something to prove, her FBI agent father had been corrupt, she wouldn't be tarred with the same brush. Delaney had been trusted to bring in Alex Mercer, she had the backup of a highly skilled team, she wouldn't fail. Delaney was beginning to have her doubts, things didn't add up and when she came face to face with Alex and listened to his story, she knew that she must change sides.

This is the story of Delaney and Alex as they try to stay one step ahead of Kessler's army, using all Alex's skill and Delaney's determination, this story is action packed and suspense filled, it has likeable characters and of course a blossoming romance between Alex, who would rather have Delaney accept a new identity and stay safe, even if it meant him loosing her, and Delaney who, having been made public enemy number one, was determined to stay and fight. I now look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Mercer has been captured and tortured by the Committee and branded as a domestic terrorist by the FBI. We met him in Echo: Burn, but this time he’s wounded, hunted, and running for his life. After barely surviving Kessler’s brutal interrogation, Alex literally falls into the path of FBI profiler Delaney Ward… who’s supposed to haul him in for questioning. Instead, she very quickly realizes something about his case stinks. And then everything goes off the rails. When the bullets start flying, the only thing standing between Delaney and a body bag is the very man she’s been told to fear. It doesn’t take long for the truth to surface: both of them were meant to be expendable, a couple of loose ends the Committee intended to snip off without a second thought. Suddenly, Delaney and Alex are trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, racing to expose the Committee’s plans before they’re silenced for good. Their journey back to Echo Ridge is absolutely pulse-pounding. They survive on grit, luck, and sheer stubbornness, especially Alex, who’s so determined to ignore his feelings for Delaney that he practically tries to shove her into witness protection in every other chapter. But Delaney isn’t built for hiding. Survival isn’t living, and she’s determined to fight right by Alex’s side. And thank goodness for that, because she proves over and over that she’s every bit as capable as him. I loved how she slipped so seamlessly into the rest of Alex’s team and how she was readily accepted. And once Alex finally lets the walls come down, the love between them hits full force—fierce, unconditional, and hard-won. Watching them find not just romance but also safety, strength, and a sense of home in each other is incredibly satisfying. Packed with action, danger, suspense, and twist after twist, this installment is pure adrenaline and another standout win for Delta.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.