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Jack “Crusher” Bailey doesn’t need guns when his hands are deadlier than most arsenals. But even he isn’t prepared for what he finds when sent to infiltrate a bioterror compound—Dr. Marta Hale, bruised, brilliant, and refusing to be the key to the plague her captors want her to finish.
With the cartel hunting them across continents, Crusher must protect the woman whose intellect could wipe out millions—or save them. Forced into close quarters and tighter-than-safe proximity, their escape becomes a race against time, betrayal, and a viral clock that’s already begun to tick.
With the cartel hunting them across continents, Crusher must protect the woman whose intellect could wipe out millions—or save them. Forced into close quarters and tighter-than-safe proximity, their escape becomes a race against time, betrayal, and a viral clock that’s already begun to tick.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Elle James
601 books1,237 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 24, 2026
Elle James once again delivers a thrilling and unforgettable addition to the Brotherhood Protectors World with Crusher. Her ability to extend this universe continues to captivate readers, and this book is no exception. From the very first page, the action-packed plot grabs hold and refuses to let go, making it impossible to put the book down.
The characters are fully developed and memorable, each one carrying the weight of their own stories. Even as familiar faces cross between books and series, Elle James has a talent for making them instantly recognizable by name alone, which adds a rich continuity for longtime fans.
Of course, the romance woven into the story adds the perfect touch of heart and intensity. It enhances the suspense and reminds readers that, no matter the odds, the good guys always win. Crusher is a perfect blend of action, romance, and heroism that will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next adventure in this stunning series.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves romantic suspense with unforgettable characters!
The characters are fully developed and memorable, each one carrying the weight of their own stories. Even as familiar faces cross between books and series, Elle James has a talent for making them instantly recognizable by name alone, which adds a rich continuity for longtime fans.
Of course, the romance woven into the story adds the perfect touch of heart and intensity. It enhances the suspense and reminds readers that, no matter the odds, the good guys always win. Crusher is a perfect blend of action, romance, and heroism that will leave fans eagerly awaiting the next adventure in this stunning series.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves romantic suspense with unforgettable characters!
June 23, 2026
Yet another wonderful read by Elle James. Once again she brings us pages packed to the rim with emotion and depth that will keep you hooked from the very first page.
I absolutely love the cameo appearances of past characters. It’s heart warming to see how far their brotherhood reaches and how their lives have progressed. Like catching up with old friends.
Crusher and Marta’s book starts off fast paced and doesn’t let up throughout. You go through a myriad of emotions as you traverse their rollercoaster journey to their HEA.
I loved Crusher. A man who is adamant that love isn’t for him is so fun to watch when he gets smacked over the head with the two by four love bug. Crusher is a strong alpha man whose ethos is to protect the innocent. He has such a strong moral compass, pair that with his unconscious need to protect Marta at all costs, makes him such a delicious character, you can’t help but fall for him.
Marta is such a strong and independent woman. I found it fascinating how she sees the world through facts and science. Love is something that can’t be described that way, so to watch her make sense of her feelings was fascinating.
Watching Crusher and Marta traverse the dangers facing them was so riveting. I couldn’t put this book down and am so looking forward to Draco and Cate’s story next!!!!
Absolutely addictive and compelling read. I loved it!!!
I absolutely love the cameo appearances of past characters. It’s heart warming to see how far their brotherhood reaches and how their lives have progressed. Like catching up with old friends.
Crusher and Marta’s book starts off fast paced and doesn’t let up throughout. You go through a myriad of emotions as you traverse their rollercoaster journey to their HEA.
I loved Crusher. A man who is adamant that love isn’t for him is so fun to watch when he gets smacked over the head with the two by four love bug. Crusher is a strong alpha man whose ethos is to protect the innocent. He has such a strong moral compass, pair that with his unconscious need to protect Marta at all costs, makes him such a delicious character, you can’t help but fall for him.
Marta is such a strong and independent woman. I found it fascinating how she sees the world through facts and science. Love is something that can’t be described that way, so to watch her make sense of her feelings was fascinating.
Watching Crusher and Marta traverse the dangers facing them was so riveting. I couldn’t put this book down and am so looking forward to Draco and Cate’s story next!!!!
Absolutely addictive and compelling read. I loved it!!!
July 28, 2026
Elle James does not bother with warm‑ups — this book jumps right into danger and intrigue like it’s double‑parked and running late. Jack “Crusher” Bailey is every inch the strong, silent, mission‑first MMC, but don’t let the stoic exterior fool you. Underneath is a man who will bulldoze through a cartel compound, a kidnapping ring, or a brick wall if it means protecting the people he cares about.
Enter Dr. Marta Hale, who is not just strong — she’s stronger. Smart, capable, unflinching, and absolutely unwilling to be treated like a fragile damsel. She and Crusher clash in the best way: two forces of nature who keep trying to out‑stubborn each other while the world around them explodes. Their chemistry is sharp, grown‑up, and grounded in mutual respect — the kind of pairing that makes you root for them from page one.
The action is nonstop: danger, pursuit, medical stakes, cartel threats — Elle James keeps the tension tight and the pace fast. And just when you think you’re catching your breath, she slides in that segue straight into the next book, Draco, like a perfectly placed teaser designed to make you click “Buy Now” before you even finish the epilogue.
A strong MMC, an even stronger MFC, danger from the jump, and a seamless setup for the next installment — Crusher hits every Brotherhood Protector beat with precision.
Enter Dr. Marta Hale, who is not just strong — she’s stronger. Smart, capable, unflinching, and absolutely unwilling to be treated like a fragile damsel. She and Crusher clash in the best way: two forces of nature who keep trying to out‑stubborn each other while the world around them explodes. Their chemistry is sharp, grown‑up, and grounded in mutual respect — the kind of pairing that makes you root for them from page one.
The action is nonstop: danger, pursuit, medical stakes, cartel threats — Elle James keeps the tension tight and the pace fast. And just when you think you’re catching your breath, she slides in that segue straight into the next book, Draco, like a perfectly placed teaser designed to make you click “Buy Now” before you even finish the epilogue.
A strong MMC, an even stronger MFC, danger from the jump, and a seamless setup for the next installment — Crusher hits every Brotherhood Protector beat with precision.
June 24, 2026
=This talented author delivers another winner in the series. This time it belongs to Jack/Crusher Bailey, former Special Ops whose hands and knives are his weapons of choice.
When a special request from a member of the State Department comes to SOS, it’s Crusher who is assigned to rescue Dr . Marta Hale who has been kidnapped by the cartel and is in Colombia.
Marta is a virologist who has been taken by the Cartel to create an antivirus for the deadly virus being held for the intend of killing innocents.
From the moment Crusher finds Marta, the action is non-stop. Traveling through the jungles of Colombia against time and the cartel, and later through Panama, these two seem to come against a multitude of obstacles.
In the midst of it all, Crusher, a man who believes love is not for me, and Marta’s scientific views of love , neither expected that feelings will develop.
When a second abduction occurs, the stakes become even higher.
Will Crusher and the SOS team be able to rescue Marta, and safe humanity?
Be ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and action.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
When a special request from a member of the State Department comes to SOS, it’s Crusher who is assigned to rescue Dr . Marta Hale who has been kidnapped by the cartel and is in Colombia.
Marta is a virologist who has been taken by the Cartel to create an antivirus for the deadly virus being held for the intend of killing innocents.
From the moment Crusher finds Marta, the action is non-stop. Traveling through the jungles of Colombia against time and the cartel, and later through Panama, these two seem to come against a multitude of obstacles.
In the midst of it all, Crusher, a man who believes love is not for me, and Marta’s scientific views of love , neither expected that feelings will develop.
When a second abduction occurs, the stakes become even higher.
Will Crusher and the SOS team be able to rescue Marta, and safe humanity?
Be ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and action.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 23, 2026
Move over Bond, Crusher is in the house:) What’s not to love about our deadly but lovable super hero Jack aka “Crusher”. Book 3 -Crusher (Stealth Specialists) – introduces you to the behind the scenes deadly men who can not only bare-handedly save the world, but also do it with a smile and charm…sometimes. But in this case, our hero meets his match in his latest rescue victim, Marta. He thaws a little bit when faced with her intelligence, strength and character. Our heroine is no shrinking violet. She was originally kidnapped and forced to create a deadly virus. But with her *spoiler* 1st rescue, she jumps at a chance to stop the virus’ release and also creates a “cure” just in case. And what better way to give a little shove to falling in love – the threat of a possible immediate and horrible death can be a great catalyst. The two of them never stood a chance. Live hard and love hard. This book is a very fast paced, sometimes overly dramatic, Bond-like, but super fun read that gives a satisfying HEA-for the good guys at least. It was a pleasure to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the third book in the Stealth Operations Specialist division of the Brotherhood Protectors. I have loved each one and am surprised that each book keeps getting better. I love getting to see characters from previous books, but each book is a standalone. They do not have to be read in order. This book tells us about Crusher and Marta. Marta is a virologist and was kidnapped by a drug lord in Columbia. Crusher was sent in to rescue her and, of course, Plan A goes wrong, so they have to go with Plan B, which puts them crossing a Columbian jungle. This book starts off with action, suspense, danger, intrigue, and strategy, and it goes on throughout the entire book. I received an ARC for an honest review, and I loved it. Crusher and Marta are both very likeable characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. I’ve loved every one of the books and highly recommend them.
June 28, 2026
Jack aka Crusher is assigned to rescue Marta, a brilliant virologist, who was kidnapped by a cartel wanting her to make a bio weapon. He finds her bruised and chained but she is not beaten, she has no choice but to trust Jack to get her out. The two are now on the run with the cartel right behind them, they need to get out of Colombia to get to safety….not an easy task but the two rely on each other and soon, Marta feels more than just an asset he was sent to rescue. Their trek is danger filled and with the help of BH they just might make it out…but will they be safe.
Another page turner with fast paced action and suspense as Jack and Marta race through Colombia. The story flowed with great characters, twists and turns, some surprises and with the steam between Jack and Marta, kept me flipping.
Another page turner with fast paced action and suspense as Jack and Marta race through Colombia. The story flowed with great characters, twists and turns, some surprises and with the steam between Jack and Marta, kept me flipping.
June 23, 2026
This series gets better with every book
I am continually amazed at how each book in the Stealth Operations Specialist division manages to be better than the last! Marta and Crusher’s story grips you from the very first page and doesn't let up. When a high-stakes rescue mission in Colombia goes sideways, they are forced into a brutal, dangerous trek through the jungle that is packed with non-stop action, suspense, and incredible strategy.
Both Crusher and Marta are deeply likable, resilient characters with fantastic chemistry. While it's great catching up with familiar faces from the Brotherhood Protectors world, this works perfectly as a standalone novel. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to any fan of military romance!
I am continually amazed at how each book in the Stealth Operations Specialist division manages to be better than the last! Marta and Crusher’s story grips you from the very first page and doesn't let up. When a high-stakes rescue mission in Colombia goes sideways, they are forced into a brutal, dangerous trek through the jungle that is packed with non-stop action, suspense, and incredible strategy.
Both Crusher and Marta are deeply likable, resilient characters with fantastic chemistry. While it's great catching up with familiar faces from the Brotherhood Protectors world, this works perfectly as a standalone novel. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to any fan of military romance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crusher is a fast, adrenaline-fueled action romance that has you turning pages. What starts as a rescue mission quickly goes haywire and messes with the emotions of Jack and Marta in ways neither of them expected.
The pace is relentless, and the non-stop action keeps you constantly on edge. You can't help but root for these two to finally cross that line, and when they do, things definitely heat up.
Now all they have to do is own it before they lose their lives to a virus and not just one, but two madmen. Piece of cake for Jack, especially with the Brotherhood Protectors at his back.
Exciting, fun, and nerve-racking.
The pace is relentless, and the non-stop action keeps you constantly on edge. You can't help but root for these two to finally cross that line, and when they do, things definitely heat up.
Now all they have to do is own it before they lose their lives to a virus and not just one, but two madmen. Piece of cake for Jack, especially with the Brotherhood Protectors at his back.
Exciting, fun, and nerve-racking.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fast paced page turner with nonstop action. Crusher from the SOS team is rescuing Marta, a Dr who is a virologist from the cartel in Columbia. Things do not go as plan and they are running through Columbia trying to get back to the states. There are twists, turns and surprises. Having the SOS group, the Brotherhood Orig and International makes it a family affair. Great series. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Crusher #StealthOperationsSpecialists #ElleJames #TwistedPagePress # Book Funnel
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jack “Crusher” Bailey is a Stealth Operator.
Dr Marta Hale is Virologist and former worked for the CDC.
Crusher and Marta met , when he was sent to rescue her from a Cartel leader Vasquez.
The rescue goes FUBAR and they are on their own to get away.
Can they solve their dilemma ?
Can they solve the chaos happening with preventing the spread of a major virus at the Summit Conference?
Can they have a Happily Ever After?
This book has non stop action packed, suspense, danger, twists and turns.
Great Job Elle James !!!!!!
Dr Marta Hale is Virologist and former worked for the CDC.
Crusher and Marta met , when he was sent to rescue her from a Cartel leader Vasquez.
The rescue goes FUBAR and they are on their own to get away.
Can they solve their dilemma ?
Can they solve the chaos happening with preventing the spread of a major virus at the Summit Conference?
Can they have a Happily Ever After?
This book has non stop action packed, suspense, danger, twists and turns.
Great Job Elle James !!!!!!
June 24, 2026
Crusher is one of the Stealth Operations Specialists with the Brotherhood Protectors sent to bring Dr. Marta Hale home after she is kidnapped and forced to work on a virus meant to kill millions. Dr. Hale is a strong, determined woman, and Crusher is very good at his job. This mission has action, twists, and turns, and a romantic connection neither of them saw coming. It will take Crusher and Marta working with both the international and USA-based Brotherhood Protectors to bring a climactic conclusion to this story.
June 24, 2026
Elle James delivers with Crusher, a story straight from news headlines. From the jungles in Columbia to a Global Health Security Summit in Vienna, Dr. Marta Hale, a highly regarded virologist finds herself rescued from the Columbia Cartel only to be taken a second time from a man determined to reduce the world's population. Both men are determined to use her skills for biological warfare. SOS rescuer Jack ‘Crusher’ Bailey and his team are determined it’s not happening. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The review is my own.
June 24, 2026
Crusher is book 3 in the Stealth Operations Specialists series by Elle James and what read!
Crusher is sent to the Colombian jungle to rescue De Marta Hale, a former CDC and virologist employee from a cartel leader. What happens next is an edge of your seat, action packed, help from friends from other series in the Brotherhood Protectors, twists, turns, destroying a deadly virus, surviving her kidnapping and finding a love worth all the danger they endured.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Crusher is sent to the Colombian jungle to rescue De Marta Hale, a former CDC and virologist employee from a cartel leader. What happens next is an edge of your seat, action packed, help from friends from other series in the Brotherhood Protectors, twists, turns, destroying a deadly virus, surviving her kidnapping and finding a love worth all the danger they endured.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2026
Jack “Crusher” Bailey is part of the SOS group. His mission is to rescue a virologist, she's being forced to create a virus for the cartel.
I was hooked from the very start of this book. On the run these two went from one dangerous event to the other. Just when they are back on home soil things can change in an instant. Someone is determined to have this virus to wipe out over population in countries.
So much danger and excitement in this story, the characters were great and I loved every moment.
I was hooked from the very start of this book. On the run these two went from one dangerous event to the other. Just when they are back on home soil things can change in an instant. Someone is determined to have this virus to wipe out over population in countries.
So much danger and excitement in this story, the characters were great and I loved every moment.
June 23, 2026
Crusher is tasked with the job of finding and rescuing Marta from the cartel who have kidnapped her to make a virus that will kill millions of people. As they race thru the jungle to get back to the states the tension is high. When they finally get back and think Marta is safe, she's taken again by a mad man who wants to thin the population. This book will have your heart racing with all the action, suspense, danger that goes on the entire book.
July 1, 2026
I am the odd person out here. I did not like the book. I kept checking to see how many more pages there were left to read. It was just too long.
The author had Interpol agents arresting the bad guys. Interpol agents cannot arrest people as they have no legal authority to do so.
Several people commented on the book being a standalone. It had a cliff hangar for the next book with Drago and Cate. I don't consider the book standalone with the cliff hangar.
The book was boring to me.
The author had Interpol agents arresting the bad guys. Interpol agents cannot arrest people as they have no legal authority to do so.
Several people commented on the book being a standalone. It had a cliff hangar for the next book with Drago and Cate. I don't consider the book standalone with the cliff hangar.
The book was boring to me.
June 23, 2026
"It’s a high stakes romantic suspense.”
Jack "Crusher” Bailey is an SOS Brotherhood protector sent on a mission to rescue Doctor Marta Hale a Virologist being held by a drug lord in Columbia. But plans change when the mission goes south.
Plenty of action, suspense, danger and love along this bumpy journey to stop a deadly virus.
"Thank you for writing this story.”
Jack "Crusher” Bailey is an SOS Brotherhood protector sent on a mission to rescue Doctor Marta Hale a Virologist being held by a drug lord in Columbia. But plans change when the mission goes south.
Plenty of action, suspense, danger and love along this bumpy journey to stop a deadly virus.
"Thank you for writing this story.”
June 23, 2026
An awesome action packed story. Suspense and action. Crusher works for Stealth Operators and is sent to rescue Dr Marta Hale from the cartel. Marta is a virologist and was kidnapped to produce a bio weapon. The rescue goes FUBAR and now they are running for their lives. Can they stop the cartel? ARC
June 24, 2026
What I love about this series is how up to date the plots are. This one makes many references to the firing of many scientists from the CDC. It talks about the fact that without those people we're not getting the alerts that something is wrong. People are not aware of vaccines that could keep them safe from disease. It's an eye opening story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can’t imagine getting kidnapped and forced to make a virus that can kill millions of people, being rescued and then kidnapped again, the terror that you would feel while still trying to come up with a way out. This book kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy
A virologist gone missing, deadly virus in the making. Bad guys left and right. Trying to prevent another outbreak Crusher and Martha have to get all the help they can get to get where they need to be.
Action packed, realistic and scary.
Action packed, realistic and scary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Packed with intensity, action and twists, this book grabs hold hard and holds on tightly. I thought Crusher and Marta's story was a definite pulse pounder that I hated having to put down for any reason.
June 24, 2026
Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. This Awsome adventure as jack (crusher) Bailey goes to save Dr. Marta hale a virologist who was kidnapped . I liked these characters and this storyline . your going to enjoy reading what these two go through and their relationship.
June 27, 2026
CRUSHER
STEALTH OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS
BOOK THREE
ELLE JAMES
When you start reading this series, you realize that you are in for an intense ride! From when Crusher goes into save the scientist to the happy ending, you are drawn into a world of intrigue. A great addition to the SOS series.
STEALTH OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS
BOOK THREE
ELLE JAMES
When you start reading this series, you realize that you are in for an intense ride! From when Crusher goes into save the scientist to the happy ending, you are drawn into a world of intrigue. A great addition to the SOS series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Constant danger, starting with Crusher saving thd asset, a doctor who is working on a virus vaccine from Columbia and all that entails. Hang on for a wild ride. HEA.
June 24, 2026
Evil forces are waiting to unleash a deadly virus. Marta is a virologist who is kidnapped and Crusher is tasked with rescuing her. Great addition to the Stealth Operations Specialist series.
June 26, 2026
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
June 27, 2026
Totally crushed it!!!!
Elle James, you're amazing and crushed Marta's and Crusher's story. This book is high-stakes, high-emotion, and totally the SOS/BP way, a must-read!
Elle James, you're amazing and crushed Marta's and Crusher's story. This book is high-stakes, high-emotion, and totally the SOS/BP way, a must-read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews