Now Phoenix will do anything to silence her for good.
Dr. Eliza Wren thought her cipher research was historical. Ancient. Safe.
She was wrong.
Three colleagues dead in two weeks. Same pattern. Same encrypted signature hidden in her linguistic data—financial secrets worth billions, protected by contractors who kill without hesitation.
Now Phoenix operatives hunt her through Georgetown's halls, her FBI handler is dead, and the encrypted files on her laptop hold the key to a conspiracy that could fund global chaos.
One desperate call brings Cooper "Whisper" McKenzie out of the shadows. Former military sniper. Current surveillance ghost. A man who operates in absolute silence and speaks through precision, not words.
Eliza processes everything out loud—every thought, every fear, every brilliant deduction tumbling from her lips as they race through D.C.'s forgotten tunnels.
She talks when she's nervous. He needs silence to survive.
She connects through words. He communicates through action.
She solves problems by thinking aloud. He eliminates threats without a sound.
But her chaotic brilliance cracks codes his methodical mind can't reach. And his deadly precision keeps her alive long enough to decode the Phoenix's Ashfall Protocol. A financial reset funding an AI system with unlimited resources and zero conscience.
In abandoned NSA facilities and beneath the streets of Washington, two opposites discover that survival requires more than their training. Trust builds in the spaces between words. Heat ignites without sound.
When Phoenix teams close in and Phase Two activation looms, Whisper must break his silence. And Eliza must learn that the most important communications happen without words at all.
Perfect for readers who love high-stakes romantic suspense, opposites-attract chemistry, and deadly conspiracies. If you enjoyed Sandra Brown's thrillers or Julie Garwood's protective heroes, you'll devour WHISPER.
Scroll up and click to discover what happens when silence meets brilliance—before Phoenix silences them both.
Ellie Masters is a USA Today Bestselling author and Amazon Top 15 Author.
In addition, she's a wife, military mom, doctor, and retired Colonel.
She writes romantic suspense filled with all your sexy, swoon-worthy alpha men. Her writing will tug at your heartstrings and leave your heart racing.
Born in the South, raised under the Hawaiian sun, Ellie has traveled the globe while in service to her country. The love of her life, her amazing husband, is her number one fan and biggest supporter. And yes! He's read every word she's written.
I cannot begin to say how good this book was! I kept trying to put it down to get to sleep…nope I lay there for 3 minutes and I just had to pick it up again. As Eliza discovers her associates were murdered for what they discovered hidden in ancient texts they were studying she realizes she is now a target herself. She contacts a friend who contacts Cerberus and Whisper is sent to keep her alive. As a linguist and expert in ancient cultures she discovers a modern language hidden in the ancient language and being used to communicate to a widespread secondary entity. It turns out to be Phoenix, an AI entity able to predict steps ahead of humans and their next move. I cannot begin to describe the apprehension this entity generates even though it is not real (for now). The attraction between Eliza and Cooper (Whisper) grows as they try to stay 2 steps ahead of Phoenix and its human minions. This story and series is amazing and gets more hair raising with each new title…it is the best series Ellie Masters has written to date and I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out!
Whisper by Ellie Masters had me on the edge of my seat from chapter one. When Eliza stumbles on a secret code embedded in her work, the chase is on, and she is unknowingly running for her life.
Cooper silently comes to her rescue and guides her to safety while running from Phoenix.
The suspense is non-stop and pulls you into the next chapter like a siren calling out your name. Their connection works perfectly. Eliza's inability to stay silent and how it irked Cooper made me chuckle every time.
Whisper is a standalone story, but the plot continues from the previous books in the Cerberus Security series, making this book best read in order. You'll appreciate and understand how Phoenix works and continues to learn more every day. It's a little scary to realize that someone is always watching.
This book also has character connections to the author's Guardian Series. Both organizations are working towards saving the world, one bad guy at a time, and I'm in love with all of her heroes.
Whisper is tasked with protecting a linguistics professor who has no clue as to what she has stumbled into. Eliza Wren is a linguistics professor in Washington D.C. She is reeling from the deaths of 2 of her colleagues. They apparently saw something they shouldn't. She is working on solving the puzzle when Whisper grabs her and they are running literally for their lives. Phoenix is after them and it takes no prisoners. They desperately need to stay a few steps ahead of them. Along the way, Eliza and Whisper learn how to be tolerant of each other's different wtays of dealing with stressful situations. Seemingly out of nowhere, feelings develop between them. Will the Cerberus team get to them before it's too late for Whisper and Eliza to get the HEA they deserve? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.
Oh wow... I am absolutely loving the stories in the Cerberus Security Series. Cooper and Eliza's story was thrilling from start to finish! Cooper managed to get there in time to rescue Eliza from something that could have turned out very differently! On the run, trying to shake off their pursuers, who are always one step ahead of the game, Cooper and Eliza battle to survive whilst waiting for extraction. Can they make it before being caught? Brilliant storyline with fantastic characters and loved the HEA. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Ellie has done it again! I swear I have no idea how she comes up with all the technical things and if you have any imagination at all you can picture it .
Eliza is a smart independent woman and Whisper is just what you need when you’re out of your depth and being hunted. The chemistry is almost instant and Whisper falls hard .
So many twists and turns and heart stopping escapes and an assist from our favorite Guardians. A protector who refuses to let someone else die on his watch and a woman who won’t give up on her fantasy or him.
One of my favorite stories by Ellie and I can’t wait for me .
This is book 3 in the Cerberus Personnel security series and it’s another winner!
Fast paced, thrilling and intense this installment hooked me in from beginning to end. Another rescue mission faces challenges and our main characters Eliza and Cooper do not disappoint. Between the story line of a rescue gone wrong, to the chemistry and passion between them, this read was unputdownable! They are as opposites as opposites go, yet the importance for the rescue and their mutual respect made these characters and their story so much fun to read! 4.5 stars!
Eliza is cipher researcher. Cooper “Whisper” works for Cerberus a sniper . These two clash because each deals of processing information differently. Eliza talks things out. Cooper is a sniper and processes things quietly. Do they make it out safely? Do they have A Happily Ever After? You will have to read the book!
This book is non-stop action, edge of your seat suspense, danger, twists and turns and the Connection to Guardian HRS series.
Mind boggling scary with some hotness along the way
Good gosh, I was on pins and needles through that whole chase! This is some scary stuff, makes one think about the future. Cooper and Eliza are on fire!
Ellie Masters has done it again, standing ovation required! Love how this storyline integrates characters from the Guardian series. Whisper has so many twists & turns all with adrenaline filled action and hot, steamy scenes. This is a must read and can’t wait for the next book!
Okay, I have to say it. Eliza has a habit of filling the silence, talking to process, whatever you want to call it. When initially describing it, I thought, "oh wow, that's weird her significant others broke up because of this." OMG - She drove me crazy and she was just a character in a book. I seriously wanted to B!#%^ slap her. Thankfully, the author backed off on the intensity of this characteristic, because this book very well might have been a DNF for me. Now to the actual review, Eliza has uncovered nefarious work by Phoenix and she's now firmly in sights of the evil AI. Enter Cooper, AKA Whisper, who's been sent in to extract and protector her. But things don't exactly go to plan and they are forced to go on the run. I love a forced proximity story, so that worked well for me. So did all the D/s stuff. Was it fast? Absolutely, this is fiction so I was okay with that. And the big arc storyline is super interesting so that kept me engaged. This was a HFN ending, but both MCs declared their love for each other.
Whisper is a heart-pounding thrill ride. Eliza and Cooper's connection is instant and intense - think sparks flying, people! Hahaha The story's got it all: danger, intrigue, and passion that'll leave you breathless. Masters' attention to detail is impressive, making the world of Cerberus Security come alive. 🤓
Ellie Masters has done it again with Whisper, 3rd book in the Cerberus Personal Security series. Whisper is a fast paced, action packed, adrenaline heavy thriller with a strong emotional core and an opposites attract dynamic.
Dr. Eliza Wren is a linguist and cipher expert who whilst doing research on ancient texts, accidentally uncovers modern encrypted financial secrets worth billions. Three of her colleagues have already been murdered, now she is in Phoenix’s crosshairs. Cooper “Whisper” McKenzie is a former military sniper and surveillance specialist; part of Cerberus Personal Security arrives to get her out of harm’s way. Two so very different characters, Eliza is brilliant, anxious, talkative, and constantly processing out loud. Her mind is her weapon and Whisper who operates in near total silence. He’s methodical, lethal, and emotionally contained, everything Eliza is not.
Now, they must “run” but with Pheonix and it’s sophisticated AI tracking them, the chase is on, avoiding detection takes some serious diversion tactics as they go through D.C.’s tunnels, abandoned NSA facilities, and hidden corridors. To survive Eliza and Whisper must work together, Eliza cracking the codes whilst Whisper’s precision and calm keep her alive long enough to solve them. Their trust builds in the quiet moments between danger, and their attraction grows in the spaces where words fail. The romance is slow-burn but intense, more tension than spice, but the spice is next level when it does combust.
Eliza and Whispers journey takes on both a thrilling and intimate ride. A conspiracy with real-world stakes and the discovery of a bone chilling concept, the “Ashfall Protocol” a financial reset designed to fund an AI system with unlimited resources and zero conscience. Yet in true Ellie Masters style it is an emotionally rewarding romantic suspense novel, which perfectly blends danger, intellect, and desire. I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next book in the series.
Wow, fast-paced, intense, full of suspense and the chemistry between Cooper, "Whisper", and Eliza, is off the charts. A linguist and Cipher, Eliza has found something that three of her colleagues discovered and are now dead. Sent to extract Eliza, Cooper is determined to get her to safety and stay professional around her, but finds that to be impossible. Battling an enemy that is evolving faster than they can move, it takes the knowledge that he has of D.C. to send them into the tunnels beneath in an attempt to keep Eliza safe, a woman who is more than capable of not only standing up to him, but also keeping him alive. Action-packed, full of suspense, drama and steam, I am loving this series of Cerberus and also how it intertwines with Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialist as well. With great characters and a cracking storyline, this is another book that just showcases what a talented author Ellie Masters is.
Whisper/Cooper and Elise. Fiercely brilliant Elise uncovers code that is vital to the AI Phoenix. Whisper gets to her first and their path to a HEA and safety starts off quickly. The urban warfare component was intriguing especially with all the vivid imagery of DC and the tunnels. Well developed and articulate social commentary about the good in mankind, academic assumptions, ethics, etc are interspersed throughout and add to the storyline and characters personalities. The romance is the dom/submissive angle. The ending involved the Guardians and a combined effort to safe this couple and figure out next steps. Sci fi fans will love the take on AI and its potential use of bad and good. A great and easy read!
Using ancient texts as camouflage for modern communications, Eliza has recently lost three colleagues, and now she knows why. They look like accidents, but she is not buying it within a two week period. Terrifyingly, an AI targeting system. If you use electronics or are sighted by a camera, facial recognition will find you. Or predict your next move.
Cooper is from Cerebus Security. Former Delta Force. Eliza is a linguist, and processes through conversation - lots of it. They need each other to survive and get this information to the team. Intense, gritty, clever and full of chemistry. Will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Cooper and Eliza ignite the pages with raw desire and barely contained control. Their contrasts clash and spark—Eliza, all sass and sharp wit, unraveling under Cooper’s commanding presence in the most delicious ways. Cooper is strength and silence personified, and when he softens for Eliza, it’s breathtaking.
Danger stalks them at every turn, keeping your pulse racing and your anticipation sharp as each twist lands. Emotionally intense, scorchingly steamy, and utterly addictive, their journey devastates and satisfies in equal measure. And the team—fierce warriors bound by loyalty and unshakeable camaraderie—elevates every moment.
This book was awesome. I really like all the tech speak that just goes to show the research and efforts this author puts into her books.
This was about linguist and Cipher tech Eliza who was being targeted and Cooper aka Whisper was sent in to get her to safety.
The attraction was hot from the start with these two. Being both focused on their jobs, it was a source of real respect for them. But that steam and romance came quickly.
A fantastic book. Both enjoyable and easy read. Beautifully written, well thought out with great characters as well. Plus the team in there as well. Can't wait for more.
Whisper is about as tension filled, dangerous, suspenseful, dramatic and action packed as you can get. It's definitely edge of your seat reading and you keep turning pages to find out what happens next. Eliza lives her life by thinking out loud as in nonstop commentary. Cooper speaks in one or two word sentences, usually in the form of a command. He is the epitome of her every private fantasy. She worms her way under his skin and into his heart. Something he'd never thought would happen. On the run from Phoenix, they are dogged every step of the way. Although they start out at odds, they become a team dependent on each other. This book is a must read and utterly amazing.
Wow! This Cerberus series is oh so good. Non stop action and suspense. I absolutely loved Cooper. He was literally at deaths door and still trying to help Eliza. Eliza was an academic type and processed things by talking them out. Cooper, on the other hand, is a sniper and used to be stealthy quiet. I found myself laughing out loud in the beginning when they clashed. This book was an easy five star read for me as you could easily root for both characters. The suspense will make you want to read this in one sitting! I really enjoy how she ties in the Guardian series with this one!
Eliza went from being an academic studying ancient scripts to a Cerberus agent decoding AI. Eliza was a chatterbox but also submissive and when Whisper told her to be quiet she obeyed. Whisper was sent to extract her and as they were escaping the Phoenix agents he was badly injured Eliza never lost her cool and trusted a homeless woman to help. Their journey was fraught with danger but neither of them gave up and their feelings exploded in passion that turned into love. I love that Skye, Mitzi and the Guardians are involved and included in every story. Cerberus is one step closer to exposing Phoenix but dealing with AI is so complicated.
Cerberus Security Series by Ellie Masters keeps getting better and better!
Cooper and Eliza’s story will keep you glued to the book from start to finish! Eliza is outspoken about everything and with everything where Cooper is the opposite. She cracks a code she should not have and now finds herself in danger. Cooper is here to keep her safe, but can he get her to be quiet long enough to get them both to safety?
If you have read Ellie Masters books in the past, then you know just how intense this book is going to be. New to her, oh please check it out! You don’t have to read in order, but you will want to after this!
HIGH INTENSITY best describes Cooper and Eliza in their race to safety. But how do you fight the enemy when you don't know who's pulling the strings? This author's description of their surroundings had me squirming a few times, forgetting my own surroundings when I was in deep hiding with Cooper and. Eliza. I love how their story brings in the help of familiar faces, if you're up-to-date in the world of Ellie Masters. The content of this story can instill a bit of fear if you're aware of current questions and concerns in real life. Definitely a thought provoking story. Where do we fit in?
What an interesting and incredible book. Phoenix is still the main threat in this series, and it just keeps getting bigger and more complex with every chapter. I love the commanding character of Cooper, and the acceptance of Eliza. It was a journey of discovery for her. Ms. Master's stories are always filled with intrigue and fly by the seat of your pants suspense. Throw in two main characters that you learn about and feel their emotions and thoughts in each chapter and you have one hell of a ride.
This series has been interesting to me. I am still interested in the big plot, but this one just didn't leave me falling in love for a couple reasons, I think. One being most of the MMC are dominant alpha types who enjoying being in charge with their women, but this one was a little more gladiator/prize play that just didn't light my world on fire. Is that a problem, no, not really. I just think that if you enjoy more of that type of dynamic in your books then you'll enjoy it more. I think it just left me wanting to know more about catching the bad guys rather than this couples "alone" time.
Eliza has lost 3 colleagues in the last week and has just discovered what they had uncovered that got them killed. Now she's in dire trouble and has been sent a Cerebus operator to get her to safety. Cooper is all Alpha and something about her makes him think of something that he never thought was possible. Keeping them alive is first priority. Getting closer to taking down Phoenix. I love these series and how intense they get . I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Eliza is a brilliant linguist who is deciphering ancient Roman battle language when she discovers something she shouldn't have, which has caused the death of three colleagues and threatened her life as well. Whisper has been sent from Cerebus to protect her and deliver her safely. What a heart pounding advantage, always pursued, always at death's door. Even bullets can't deter Whisper from his mission. Phoenix seems all-powerful and unstoppable. Great tale, scary artificial intelligence danger. Looking forward to more!
Wow! Wow! Wow! The story is good. However, the most exciting thing is the AI conspiracy! This story line is brilliant, exciting and frightening if it were real. This book would make a blockbuster movie!!! It would be devastating to mankind! The most original story I have ever read. The author took her time getting to Phoenix. I didn't care much for the love life of a dominant male or the submission of his lover. However the story about Phoenix has the real potential for other authors to explore AI and it's frightening possibilities.