Echo: Dark: A Military Romantic Suspense

by Delta James

The monster they sent to silence me… might be the only man who can save me.

I thought I was chasing the biggest story of my career; proof of a covert black-ops program called the Committee. Instead, I walked straight into their trap. One encrypted file, one analysis that got too close, and suddenly the Committee thinks I know where their enemies are hiding.
Echo Ridge.

Now every shadow operative I’ve been investigating is hunting me, because they believe I have coordinates to a compound that isn't supposed to exist.

Including the man who finds me first… Dylan Rourke.

He was the Committee's interrogator, the weapon they whispered about, the monster they built out of grief and violence. He should still be one of them. Instead, he was burned, chose to save one innocent life over following orders, and now he's the only thing standing between me and the people who trained him.

Working with Dylan is the last thing I want. Trusting him is the last thing I should do.
But he’s also the only person who can keep me alive long enough to finish what I started.

And the more I learn about him, the harder it becomes to see him as the monster everyone fears. Because beneath the darkness and the scars is a protector who would burn the world to defend what’s his.

The Committee is coming. Echo Ridge is preparing for war.
And the only way to survive is to trust the man I should run from…

Genres: Military Fiction, Romantic Suspense

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 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]

Delta James’ Men of Echo Ridge series has entered a new chapter,and it’s a chapter i like.
The story had it all,suspense,a team that works to eliminate evil,a traumatised teen working towards healing,and an investigative journalist giving them the tools they needed to do real damage.
It was fast-paced,and the romance built in a way that i agreed with.
Don’t think the series will be done for a bit,though….because it looks like the enemy is far from destroyed.

Dylan used to work for the Committee,even after his wife and daughter were murdered.
But finding the young Khalid still alive after a “chemical test” wiped out his entire village was the final drop,and now he’s working with the team at Echo Ridge to stop the Committee.
Reagan is the journalist he’s sent to intercept before she can do too much damage to Echo Ridge when the Committee gets their hands on her.
Because they believe she knows where their base is……which she doesn’t.
But what she dóes know will do serious damage to the Committee,and that’s exactly what Echo Ridge needs.
Reagan and Dylan get to know eachother a little during their time together,and they both need to re-assess their opinions of eachother…..in a good way.
Seeing Dylan with Khalid shows Reagan a softer,caring side…..and it shows his determination to keep everyone safe,even if it might cost him his life.
And seeing the determination and focus Reagan’s got on finding out more,even with her life on the line,shows Dylan she’s made of stronger stuff than he thought.

The war against the Committee turns a new page after Khalid,Reagan and Dylan share their experiences with a government committee,backed up by the evidence Reagan uncovered.
But it’s a page that will need a different way of fighting…..
And we’ll need to wait for Echo:Hold to hear more of how the team proceeds.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had moments of Echo Ridge life being both discouraging and hopeful. The Committee being the poster child of deceit, evil, danger, greed and destruction. Echo Ridge was fighting one battle at a time and this one featured Dylan and Reagan.

Their story left me on the edge of my seat. Who knew following Reagan tracking dark money and unsavory connections could be exciting? Let's not forget how protective she became of Khalid. Action, suspense, close calls, and danger keep Dylan, Reagan, Khalid, and Echo Ridge on their toes. I was really not expecting things to go international.

I think this series gets better with each book. I am looking forward to Kane's story.

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

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

This is a Military Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the Men of Echo Ridge series. I have read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. I do think this book can be read as a standalone, but it would be better if you read the first two before picking up this book. I think this book is my favorite of the series so far, but I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I really loved this book, and I could not put it down. This book is filled with suspense and action. I love the characters in this series. Great read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order since there is a continuing storyline over the course of the series. I liked Dylan and Reagan’s story. I think they pair well together and it was good to see Dylan and Khalid progress toward healing. The timeline didn’t make sense at the one spot and there were a few editing errors, but overall I thought it was a good book and kept me wrapped up in the story from beginning to end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game of cat and mouse. Who is the cat and who is the mouse changes as the book progresses. Reagan and Dylan make the most unlikely couple. Trust takes quite a while to gain both between them and between Reagan and the members of Echo Base. But beside trying to bring the Committee down while not dying, it is a story about the growth of an unlikely family that include Khalid. This is as much his story as it is Dylan and Reagan's. A very emotional story that luckily includes a small win for the team. But the battle is not over.

[Melanie]

Best of the series so far. The action never stops. The beginning kind of threw me I thought Reagan was getting picked up by the Committee. Dylan seems harder than the others and is always working to make himself feel like he is worthy. Khalid is so young but so far above that in experience he has had so much pain and suffering. He looks at Dylan like he is the savior of the world. Reagan comes along and already has so much intel and is in. I much danger the group jumps in to try and see if there is anyway they can either get her info or help her get is out. With Reagan it looks like the group will finally have an edge on the Committee.


I got this ARC from the author for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan is an investigative reporter and the story that she's been working on has taken a drastic turn. Who can she trust ? What should she do? These questions and more are running through her head . Dylan has been through the fire and survived but at a great cost. Ya'll this series is outstanding and all the players are committed to take down enemy number one. The Committee. WOWI received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did take me some time to read. It was overwhelming in parts and slow in others. The storyline is powerful and heartbreaking. Reagan and Dylan are an amazing team, their interactions with each other and Khalid is emotional and inspiring.

The strain that the whole team is put under is filled with action and suspense. The utter camaraderie that envelops each and every scenario is mind blowing. This impressive commanding group of individuals make up this amazing family unit.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men Of Echo Ridge story of Dylan Rourke and Reagan. This one got me hooked and I couldn’t stop, I almost cried when they described what happened to that small village and the person that survived. This one is emotional and will pull you in. But in the midst of the danger and violence there is love and compassion for this team and the couple in this story. This is an action adventure romance for sure.

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

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo: Dark Book 3 of the Men of Echo Ridge by Delta James is the best so far! It's full of drama, emotion, danger, intense action with strong characters, excellent worldbuilding it will pull you in and keep you at the edge of your seat until the end! A must read!

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

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isn’t Reagan lucky —— the team chose not to kill her on first contact.
In no time her and Dylan become more than guard and journalist.
This segment took us more inside Khalid and his traumas and dealing with it all.
We continue to deal with protecting the team and Echo base. Continuing to try to take down the nsa committee and its agents.
Always seems one step forward two back —-

[Christyn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! Dylan and Reagan have a connection. Both attacking a common enemy and letting their feelings grow at the same time. Such awesome story lines. Such intense and complex plot and twists. Such good spice. And I loved getting to know Khalid. So good!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan and Reagan seem to be an unlikeliest couple but they are perfect for each other. Their story is full of tension, excitement and really brings into focus the evil of some men. We knew the Committee were evil but this story shows just how evil. Khalid broke my heart and his story brought me to tears most than once. A powerful story that will grip your heart.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest news about to hit

Reagan thought she was getting the biggest scoop on a story, but she actually was putting a target on her back. When Dylan decided to go and save her butt. Reagan had no idea what she had and the bad guys was determined that she had the location the team was at. With lots of sweat and injuries it's time to show the bad guys that they can bleed too.

[beautiful A Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military suspense romance yes please , this is the 3rd book of the series and it was very cleverly written by delta , I enjoyed everything about it.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo dark is super suspenseful, trying to get to the one who is the leader of the committee. This story is heart stopping and has twists and turns. Trust is of importance. But is that possible? A race against time. Very well written and it makes you want to read faster to get to the end. Soo good.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

More in the series Echo. This is Reagan and Dylan's story.
Reagan an investigative journalist and Dylan part of the Echo team.
Full of action,drama and intrigue.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan ventured into a world that, according to her, held all the answers. However, what she found was constant danger. Investigating too much put her in the crosshairs. She's a woman who has made countless sacrifices to obtain the information she possesses, but that same truth now threatens her life. Faced with this situation, her only option for survival is to accept the deal Dylan offers her.

Dylan is a man scarred by pain. His past has led him to shut down emotionally and build walls to protect his heart. Accustomed to making decisions with his head and weighing every risk, Reagan becomes one of the greatest challenges of his life a woman capable of changing everything.
Both are forced to work together by circumstances, and the deal is clear protection in exchange for information. Watching them gradually begin to trust each other was truly beautiful. The tension between them grows naturally and steadily, while their relationship is built with care and depth. The pain Dylan carries is a true stab to the heart, and watching him slowly open up to Reagan completely captivated me. The way she accompanies him and helps him heal along the way is simply moving.

Nothing was easy for them; they had to face numerous obstacles, but each difficulty made them stronger. Dylan allowed himself to trust again, not only in a mission but also by giving his heart. Reagan, for her part, fought to earn the trust of Dylan and the entire team, until she found not only a safe place but also a family she knows will always have her back. Together, they built something beautiful, fighting side by side and dealing a significant blow to the committee. However, the fight is not over; they still have to cut off the snake's head once and for all.

One detail that broke my heart was Khalid, a sweet boy who has suffered so much, but in Reagan and Dylan, he found a family. I loved the relationship the three of them formed, that family that was born amidst chaos, and seeing how Khalid grows stronger so he can help is admirable. I only wish that he finds peace and justice after everything that's been done to him.

In short, I loved and deeply enjoyed this story. Delta left me with a huge curiosity and a strong desire to discover how everything will unfold in the next book. I'm eager to see how this story, which has already earned a special place in my heart, will continue to develop.

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

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

ECHO: DARK is the third instalment in Delta James’ contemporary adult MEN OF ECHO RIDGE erotic, military, romantic suspense series. This is former Delta Force soldier Dylan Rourke, and journalist Reagan Mitchell’s story line. ECHO: DARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.


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


Told from dual first person perspectives (Dylan and Reagan) with a final chapter by Kane, ECHO: DARK focuses on six months of information gathering that has placed journalist Reagan Mitchell in the direct line of fire. Reagan is determined to uncover the whereabouts of a Black Ops groups located near Echo Ridge Montana but Reagan’s investigation has uncovered a secret organization known as The Committee, and in doing so, has threatened not only her life but everyone involved with Echo Ridge. Assigned to bring in Reagan Mitchell, Dylan Rourke finds himself falling for a woman who could unwittingly destroy their lives. As Reagan continues to gather information, now with the help of the team at Echo Ridge, The Committee begins to amass, targeting everyone involved.


The world building focuses on the gathering of information as The Committee prepares for war. The team is once again, in the direct line of fire, but in an effort to deflect, Reagan and the team release a barrage of information in the hope of destroying the people trying to destroy their lives.

The relationship between Reagan and Dylan begins when Dylan is assigned to stop Reagan’s investigation, an in investigation that is about to reveal the team’s membership, location and military history. Reagan is determined to finish the story she began but will slowly discover not everything is as it appears to be. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


Once again, all of the original team members return : Kane and Willa, Alex and Delaney, Stryker, Sarah, Tommy, and Khalid. Stryker’s story line is next.


ECHO: DARK is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, military and hostility, friendships and acceptance. The premise is detailed, complex and captivating; the romance is seductive and energetic; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

coyp supplied for review

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and they just get better.
Reagan Mitchell is an award winning investigative journalist and she is on the verge of uncovering the most outrageous, unethical scandal of her career, a scandal with powerful, military connected leaders, a scandal that has put a target on her back.
"The Committee" are under the impression that Reagan has information that could blow their organization, information that could also put the lives of a small team of activists who are hell bent on bringing down the committee, at risk, this is definitely a David and Goliath story.
Dylan Rourke had lost everything that he cared for, he had worked for The Committee as an interrogator thinking that he was working for the good guys, that was until he met a very traumatised Khalid Hassan whose story of unspeakable cruelty to his family and his village was a lightbulb moment for Dylan, he rescued Khalid, took him under his wing and made himself an enemy of The Committee.
Reagan came onto the radar of the team at Echo Ridge, they needed to find her before The Committee did, they needed to halt her investigation before it puts their plans in jeopardy, do they kill her to stop The Committee interrogating her and uncovering the information that she has collected, do they take her into protective custody making her a virtual prisoner or do they use her knowledge to help them ?
This story has everything, fast action, nail biting suspense, deep emotion, a blossoming romance and an ending that leads nicely into the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan Mitchell, an investigative journalist, has been working a story about covert black operators who are either criminals or former military attempting to eliminate a dangerous criminal enterprise. The vicious and secretive group known as the Committee, has lost their leader and General Marcus Webb has taken his place. When she agrees to meet a source for confidential information, she is met by Dylan Rourke. Dylan is a member of Echo, a group dedicated to taking down the Committee. So far, they have protected their location, but they fear that Reagan’s search has made them vulnerable. Dylan is protecting young Khalid, a young Syrian boy that he saved when his entire family and village was destroyed. The Committee is searching for Reagan and she must prove to Dylan and the Echo team that she can be trusted, if not, she’ll be eliminated. Dylan hasn’t been interested in any woman since the death of his wife and child, but finds himself attracted to Reagan. He is fascinated by her attention to detail, her ability to pursue confidential information and as a strong woman helping them in their fight. As they face off against lethal operatives who are after them, can they stay one step ahead of the Committee and death? Absolutely thrilling from beginning to the very satisfying end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more suspenseful and strategic than the previous books in this series which I loved.

Reagan is an investigative journalist who has some serious courage and fortitude while in perilous situations. She willingly goes with Dylan when he contacts her in a dark park and tells her if she doesn’t come with him her investigation is going to have her dead with 48 hours. From there the story focuses on the evidence Reagan has obtained over the prior 6 months to expose the Committee.

In the previous books Dylan has been pretty emotionally detached from the team (understandably so given his backstory) except for Khalid, but Reagan’s presence has a grounding affect on him. I loved seeing this hardcore operative find someone who soothed his heart and moved him into wanting to live for something other than just surviving. Their relationship is less romantic and more a connection of two people who are attracted to each other and just get each other on a deep level. She sees past his past and focuses on what he’s trying to accomplish now and becomes his partner.

The Echo Ridge team fight back strategically in this book and the storyline is more focused on releasing damaging evidence against the Committee than firefights, though they are still danger in danger. I loved the more suspenseful storyline over the non-stop adrenaline fueled action of the earlier books.

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the series, Echo: Dark is full of action, drama, threats, intelligence and behind the scenes planning (strategy), trust development and relationship building. Reagan enters into this book not believing Echo Ridge to be the good guys. She and Dylan are wary of eachother from the outset, as they should be. To him, she has information that could potentially expose the heart of Echo Ridge to The Committee. To her, he is one of the shady figures she has been trying to gather Intel on. As the story plays on, her understanding of what's at play begins to alter, as does her view of Dylan. The hardened soldier does have a soft side, though it rarely comes out. Khalid is one of the few who receives it regularly. That young man may be young in years, but he's experiences have aged him beyond appearance.Reagan too feels a soft soft for him and all he's endured. Still, the matter at hand is contending with The Committee. It's a formidable opponent, and for once they may have the jump on them tanks to Reagan's intel. While one component of this book is concluded, there continues to be conflict with The Committee. To discover how that plot plays out, you'll need to continue with the series with book 4.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Investigative journalist Reagan Mitchell is following leads to break the biggest story of her career. A covert black-ops program known as the Committee. She thinks she is meeting her informant, instead Dylan Rourke, one of the men of Echo Ridge, tells her that she is now being hunted by the Committee and if she wants to live then she has to leave with him immediately or she will be eliminated. Dylan worked for the Committee for years as their chief interrogator, but when he found a young boy hiding in a well after an attack on his village by the Committee, he chose to be burned to save the life on that boy. Reagan, Dylan, and the rest of the Echo Ridge team will work together to see that Reagan's investigation gets released to every new outlet around the world to take down a shadowy government organization that does not hesitate to kill anyone who opposes their methods of operation.
Wow! This is an exciting and action-packed addition to a fantastic series. Plenty of steam, and surprising twists in the plot of this military suspense romance make this a must-read. The characters are all compelling with fascinating back stories that kept me engrossed from the first page. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a fantastic, on the edge of your seat read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this entire series! This is some of the best strategic, military like series that I have read. It is full of suspense, intrigue and full blown fighting for survival! I love reading about the thought process that the men and woman of Echo Ridge go through in their fight to expose and eliminate the evil that is the Committee. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Reagan is an investigative reporter who brings a whole new way for Echo Ridge to fight the Committee, that is if Dylan can keep her alive long enough. Dylan has a past that he continuously fights against. He is a very hard character to like in the beginning, but the more you learn about him, the more you like him. I completely understand why Reagan is drawn to him. The most emotional part of the story for me was when the Committee sent a kill squad to the hunting cabin to eliminate everyone. The emotions involved for Reagan and Khalid were so moving. My heart broke for everything Khalid endured and continues to struggle with. The steps that Reagan and Dylan are willing to do to protect Khalid. This is an amazing book! I highly recommend!

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in the Men of Echo Ridge series.
Fast paced and action packed is what you expect in this series as Kane and his team continue to fight for justice and bring "The Committee" to its knees.
This is Dylan Rourke, an ex Navy Seal and part of Kane's team and Raegan Mitchell, an investigative Journalist story . Raegan gets herself involved with The committee and soon becomes another of their targets as she gets too close to the truth.
Keeping her alive as she assists the Echo Ridge team in exposing Webb and his corrupt ways is the deciding factor for Dylan who soon begins to have feelings for the journalist.
Raegan, whilst trying to ensure Kane needs to find her useful and not a threat, also feels a draw to Dylan.
As romance blooms between them, they begin the fight for their lives as Webb continues to track them down and reveal Echo Ridges position and eliminate the remaining members of the team.
An overall exciting instalment in this series with a HFN for Raegan and Dylan as they pair up to continue the fight in bringing all the corrupt individuals to justice. The story continues in Book 4, Kane's story

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating read that will hold you attention from start to finish of the book
I love this the third book in the series it was simply wonderful, from start to finish the action and the adventure will hold you captivated, Reagan was to be picked up by the committee and Dylan seems harder than others but his motives are genuine and they will pick him if he proves that he is a worth every effort.
He looks at Dylan as though he is a saviour, Khalid is so young with a wonderful experience having gone through so much pain and suffering it is this that has given him such a wealth of actual life experiences.
Regan has been through so much and the danger that the group jumps in trying to see if there is any way they can get her information or help her get out, Reagan refuses to give too much info, she is determined to have an edge on the committee.
This is a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will be captivated by this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ‘Men of Echo Ridge’ series is fantastic. This is the third installment, and it starts off with high energy and that remains throughout the book. Reagan is an investigative reporter who is focusing on military corruption and that brings he closer to discovering the Committee (introduced in book 1 of the series). Dylan was a member of the corruption going on and was involved in a test involving a chemical that wiped out a Middle Eastern village, except for one boy, Khalid who saw everything happen. Dylan saved the boy and he is now part of Echo Ridge and an integral part of the story.

The Committee is after Reagan and Dylan with the intent to kill them and anyone else in the way. They find the hideaway and send mercenaries to try to murder Dylan and Reagan. It’s a fast-paced story of cat and mouse that kept me on the edge of my seat. Delta James has an amazing ability to craft stories that engage readers from the very beginning. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

High octane! Political intrigue. Reagan, an investigative journalist, finds herself suddenly in much deeper than she expected when she started looking into off-the-books military operations. She is in danger and has become a target. Dylan, a former Committee enforcer, having finally reached the breaking point of what he will do to fulfill a mission, rescues her. Both are dedicated to dismantling the Committee but it takes a while for Reagan to fully realize just how evil and cold-blooded the Committee is and how single-minded they are in eliminating anyone who poses a threat, focusing on her and the boy Dylan rescued. She is determined and smart and brave and she brings Dylan out of the dark and gives him something, someone, to live for. She helps him realize that caring and loving your found family are what makes facing the danger worthwhile.

I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this army suspense series. In my opinion. this is the best so far, although they all help built a very suspenseful story that has you compelled to finish each book. This time we meet Reagan and Dylan who have a fast paced dynamic, plus having Khalid's story added to theirs really does make this a book even more addictive. Knowing that Dylan was formerly part of the committee really should raise red flags. Although when he's sent to intercept the journalist who the committee thinks holds information about Echo Ridge. They both have differing opinions until they find common ground. Seeing how Dylan cares and helps Khalid makes Reagan reaccess her views on him. I can't believe how this series just draws you in and keeps giving you more with each book. I'm hoping that there's still a lot to come from this series