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Phantom Force #3
Front Line
Losing a fellow counterterrorism operator during a mission would be one thing—being the cause of it another.
When former Navy SEAL Nicholas “Colt” Colton promised his new partner he’d do whatever it takes to stop a terror attack, he had no idea that pledge would mean killing her in the process.
Phantom Force Tactical operator Nicholas “Colt” Colton and Task Force 2 agent Josephine “Joey” Summers both lost loved ones in terrorist attacks. Now they’re working against the clock to stop the same radical extremist from detonating a dirty bomb during a Monday night football game near Washington, DC.
Neither will be content until Alman Sassani is dead—and both of them will risk everything to make sure that happens. But even a former SEAL can’t foresee everything. And by the time Colt realizes the true extent of the danger, it may be too late.
Will the same terrorist leader who ripped his heart out be successful at doing it again?
Or be the one who renews his faith in love?
Excerpt:
Colt looked through the scope of his rifle and blinked away the sweat dripping into his eyes. The man in his ear was ordering him to pull the trigger, while the voice in his head was screaming not to. He knew his partner Josephine “Joey” Summers was in that vehicle, but so were a handful of really bad guys who were getting ready to do a lot of bad things to a large number of innocent people.
Seconds ticked by. The voice in his ear warned him that time was running out.
He had to kill so that others would live.
Taking a deep breath, Colt applied a little pressure to the trigger, and lined up the driver’s head in his sights. He knew it probably didn’t matter where the bullet hit. The vehicle was full of explosives and was going to blow sky-high.
Colt released his breath slowly as the vehicle came closer, and did what he’d promised he’d do.
He pulled the trigger.
When former Navy SEAL Nicholas “Colt” Colton promised his new partner he’d do whatever it takes to stop a terror attack, he had no idea that pledge would mean killing her in the process.
Phantom Force Tactical operator Nicholas “Colt” Colton and Task Force 2 agent Josephine “Joey” Summers both lost loved ones in terrorist attacks. Now they’re working against the clock to stop the same radical extremist from detonating a dirty bomb during a Monday night football game near Washington, DC.
Neither will be content until Alman Sassani is dead—and both of them will risk everything to make sure that happens. But even a former SEAL can’t foresee everything. And by the time Colt realizes the true extent of the danger, it may be too late.
Will the same terrorist leader who ripped his heart out be successful at doing it again?
Or be the one who renews his faith in love?
Excerpt:
Colt looked through the scope of his rifle and blinked away the sweat dripping into his eyes. The man in his ear was ordering him to pull the trigger, while the voice in his head was screaming not to. He knew his partner Josephine “Joey” Summers was in that vehicle, but so were a handful of really bad guys who were getting ready to do a lot of bad things to a large number of innocent people.
Seconds ticked by. The voice in his ear warned him that time was running out.
He had to kill so that others would live.
Taking a deep breath, Colt applied a little pressure to the trigger, and lined up the driver’s head in his sights. He knew it probably didn’t matter where the bullet hit. The vehicle was full of explosives and was going to blow sky-high.
Colt released his breath slowly as the vehicle came closer, and did what he’d promised he’d do.
He pulled the trigger.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2017
668 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Jessica James
28 books669 followersJessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day.
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.
Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.
James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.
AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.
Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.
James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.
AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 25, 2025
1.75 Stars
Where to begin? For the most part, Front Line had a decent plot, but, with 20 minutes left on my eReader, a problem emerged. Since the irritant concerns most of the climax of the novel, I'll cover it with a spoiler. To sum up the rest of the story, it was engaging though a little predictable. I will not be continuing with the series.
Where to begin? For the most part, Front Line had a decent plot, but, with 20 minutes left on my eReader, a problem emerged. Since the irritant concerns most of the climax of the novel, I'll cover it with a spoiler. To sum up the rest of the story, it was engaging though a little predictable. I will not be continuing with the series.
October 12, 2018
Enjoyable series. I hope there are more to come. Great suspense.
March 29, 2017
Excellent Adventure Novel
Jessica James does an excellent job in both the Fine Line and Front Line books. Heavy on the action and well balanced on the romance, the book was impossible to put down. Very good story line and some interesting twists here and there.
Jessica James does an excellent job in both the Fine Line and Front Line books. Heavy on the action and well balanced on the romance, the book was impossible to put down. Very good story line and some interesting twists here and there.
March 28, 2017
Front Line (Military Suspense Thriller) SEAL Counterterrorism Operators: Phantom Force Tactical Book 3 is the follow up entry in this great series by Jessica James. The books follow a group of former Navy Seals who now work for a private anti-terrorism firm who fight terrorism in the private sector. The book starts off with a great scene, with Nick "Colt" Colton and Josephine "Joey" Summers crossing paths, when both are on an elevator, and shots ring out. There is a lot going on in the plot of this book with the office of Homeland Security, drug cartels, murder and so on. Even a little slow burn romance is throw in for good measure. It is apparent that James has done her research well, as the story progresses nicely, capturing intense action and suspense along with a subtle romantic vibe as well. Very real, well described characters populate this story and give a sense of reality to this story line. A compelling, action-packed novel that will continue to entertain until the satisfying ending.
August 15, 2020
Misogyny
This was a pretty standard action novel. The two main characters were pretty formulaic. What really startled me was the way that the female main character was portrayed. Josephine is described as feminine...but strong. A woman, but surprisingly accomplished. Capable in spite of her gender. In fact, her role in the climax is determined by patriarchy.
I’ve never written a book, so props for the effort and achievement. I just wish that women were presented in a better light in this novel and I hope this observation can guide your future work.
This was a pretty standard action novel. The two main characters were pretty formulaic. What really startled me was the way that the female main character was portrayed. Josephine is described as feminine...but strong. A woman, but surprisingly accomplished. Capable in spite of her gender. In fact, her role in the climax is determined by patriarchy.
I’ve never written a book, so props for the effort and achievement. I just wish that women were presented in a better light in this novel and I hope this observation can guide your future work.
August 26, 2018
This book was so bad I couldn't finish it. Unfortunately I spent 2 hours reading it and it will be 2 hours or my life I will never get back.
February 28, 2024
I made it 35% and then just couldn't take the misogynistic undertones anymore. The author spent a lot of time stating the woman was strong.... but also feminine. Intelligent..... but also feminine. Etc, etc.
What finally did me in was a bit about shoes. The woman wore workboots and the author actually wrote something along the lines of "the fact that she would wear ugly shoes even though other women would ridicule her really says something about her character."
Now I'm offended on behalf of the ugly shoe wearer for judging her character based on her clothes AND all the other women who are judged to be so vapid they only think of fashion and would ridicule another woman for wearing boots on a horse farm.
Making the main female character an expert in terrorism does not mean the book has strong female characters, nor does it absolve the author for any of these hateful statements about women.
No idea how other women can read this and tolerate it. This author is going into my Do Not Read list.
What finally did me in was a bit about shoes. The woman wore workboots and the author actually wrote something along the lines of "the fact that she would wear ugly shoes even though other women would ridicule her really says something about her character."
Now I'm offended on behalf of the ugly shoe wearer for judging her character based on her clothes AND all the other women who are judged to be so vapid they only think of fashion and would ridicule another woman for wearing boots on a horse farm.
Making the main female character an expert in terrorism does not mean the book has strong female characters, nor does it absolve the author for any of these hateful statements about women.
No idea how other women can read this and tolerate it. This author is going into my Do Not Read list.
November 12, 2020
This is a stand-alone book, thankfully, because I didn't read the first two in the series. The author does a great job of explaining enough so I felt intrigued to read the others but not like I had to in order to understand this installment.
Yay! for characters that are in their forties, have some notches in their belts, and are independent. Yay! for characters who are smart, thoughtful, reasonable, and willing to wait. Yay! for a plot that makes sense, allows for lots of moving pieces, and is engaging.
I admit to staying awake waaaaay past my bedtime to keep reading.
One issue: in one of the Sunday chapters, there is a SNAFU with the day (it's stated in the text that it's Friday) and a few small details that go along with that (weekend travel, Friday traffic). Other than that, the book is fairly clean (only minor errors here and there).
I think you'll want to start from book one, but this is also a great place to start.
Yay! for characters that are in their forties, have some notches in their belts, and are independent. Yay! for characters who are smart, thoughtful, reasonable, and willing to wait. Yay! for a plot that makes sense, allows for lots of moving pieces, and is engaging.
I admit to staying awake waaaaay past my bedtime to keep reading.
One issue: in one of the Sunday chapters, there is a SNAFU with the day (it's stated in the text that it's Friday) and a few small details that go along with that (weekend travel, Friday traffic). Other than that, the book is fairly clean (only minor errors here and there).
I think you'll want to start from book one, but this is also a great place to start.
May 21, 2017
What a spectacular finale for the Phantom Force Tactical series. It is bittersweet to finish a novel like this one. The plot was action packed and the continuity between novels was top notch. I enjoyed the intensifying focus on the other male lead character while the lead from the first novel faded. Usually I do not enjoy multiple view points in a series. Now I understand and applaud the unique transition that occurred in the second novel and paid off in the third. Jessica James does not disappoint in her writing. Reading this series is better than watching an action film. Start from the first book, Deadline, follow with Fine Line, and end with Front Line. You won't be disappointed. Happy reading!
August 15, 2020
Every bit as good as the Hardy Boys
This book is so amateurish that I had to stop reading half way through. Indeed, it's right up there with the Hardy Boys in terms of quality literature. The writing is melodramatic , the plot overwrought, the dialogue reminiscent of a high school play and the characters as thin as paper cutouts. Oh, and let's mention repetitious; how many times do we have to hear that the guy is attracted to her "green eyes?" How does stuff like this get published time and time again much less "win awards?" Search "political conspiracy thriller" for just about anything better.
This book is so amateurish that I had to stop reading half way through. Indeed, it's right up there with the Hardy Boys in terms of quality literature. The writing is melodramatic , the plot overwrought, the dialogue reminiscent of a high school play and the characters as thin as paper cutouts. Oh, and let's mention repetitious; how many times do we have to hear that the guy is attracted to her "green eyes?" How does stuff like this get published time and time again much less "win awards?" Search "political conspiracy thriller" for just about anything better.
August 30, 2018
RIVETING!
A page Turner. 4 1/2 * You cAnnot put this book down. It is 3rd in a series so I must go back and read the first two. They can be read alone. This author writes great books. I just wish they were all on Kindle Unlimited; therefore I could read ALL her books. I gave it 4* because I wish the characters of the H/h had been more developed.
Many of her books are 5*
A page Turner. 4 1/2 * You cAnnot put this book down. It is 3rd in a series so I must go back and read the first two. They can be read alone. This author writes great books. I just wish they were all on Kindle Unlimited; therefore I could read ALL her books. I gave it 4* because I wish the characters of the H/h had been more developed.
Many of her books are 5*
June 3, 2017
The third book in the Phantom Force series, “Front Line” can be read as a stand-alone, but picks up right after the conclusion of the previous book.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 13, 2020
Domestic Terrorism Primer
This wholly entertaining read made me lose sleep! The action is continuous and believable. Our nation was formed by immigrants and the population continues to expand because of them. With our open policies we have to expect some bad apples. But at the higher levels of government can our society survive? Here is one alternative.
This wholly entertaining read made me lose sleep! The action is continuous and believable. Our nation was formed by immigrants and the population continues to expand because of them. With our open policies we have to expect some bad apples. But at the higher levels of government can our society survive? Here is one alternative.
May 20, 2022
I have found another great author in Jessica James. She writes with an engaging style that keeps you on the edge of your seat. What’s about to happen next, always wanting more. Nick Colton was a great character and then she has him team up with a surprise agent who catches his eye. Follow through and at the end they fall in love, excellent read. 5
August 9, 2017
Fantastic Novel
I love all of Jessica James novels. They are all action packed and beautifully written. Her storylines are well researched written with characters brought to life in great detail. I highly recommend reading all three of Jessica's Military Suspense Thrillers.
I love all of Jessica James novels. They are all action packed and beautifully written. Her storylines are well researched written with characters brought to life in great detail. I highly recommend reading all three of Jessica's Military Suspense Thrillers.
August 8, 2020
One of the Best Spy Terrorism Thrillers Ever!
This well crafted action-packed, nail-biting thriller will keep readers turning pages! Amazingly thought out plots, including high-up U.S. traitors are a bit scary and thought provoking!
This well crafted action-packed, nail-biting thriller will keep readers turning pages! Amazingly thought out plots, including high-up U.S. traitors are a bit scary and thought provoking!
August 20, 2018
Loved the book
Lots of action throughout the book. The plot was realistic and well thought out. Highly recommended reading. You'll stay awake for this.
Lots of action throughout the book. The plot was realistic and well thought out. Highly recommended reading. You'll stay awake for this.
August 26, 2018
Ripping good read
Fast paced, a topical subject makes for excellent story. Characters are well drawn. Hopefully such events as portrayed will remain works of fiction.
Fast paced, a topical subject makes for excellent story. Characters are well drawn. Hopefully such events as portrayed will remain works of fiction.
September 3, 2018
Great story
Well written and engaging. Fast-paced adventure and a hot guy. What more do you need? recommended by a retired Air Force nurse.
Well written and engaging. Fast-paced adventure and a hot guy. What more do you need? recommended by a retired Air Force nurse.
August 10, 2020
Entertaining thriller keeps you coming back for more
Fun to read, interesting plot, characters you want to read about again and clean reading. I recommend this series a lot.
Fun to read, interesting plot, characters you want to read about again and clean reading. I recommend this series a lot.
August 14, 2020
An easy and enjoyable read. Straightforward plot line with just enough twist to keep it interesting. Obviously part of a series, but works well as a stand alone, too.
September 12, 2020
This was the first "Colt' book I've come across. I enjoyed every page. Excellent story, full of action with great characters. I can't wait to read more.
September 19, 2020
Riveting
Grabs and holds your attention .First time reading this author but certainly not the last.Great characters and plot and on point with today's world.
Grabs and holds your attention .First time reading this author but certainly not the last.Great characters and plot and on point with today's world.
October 14, 2020
Superman meets Wonderwoman
This was a romance Nobel disguised as a action novel. The only thing missing was intrecourse before the main event.
This was a romance Nobel disguised as a action novel. The only thing missing was intrecourse before the main event.
October 19, 2021
Thrilling thriller
This thriller will keep your attention throughout the book. The characters are well planned and believable, as are the situations they find themselves in.
This thriller will keep your attention throughout the book. The characters are well planned and believable, as are the situations they find themselves in.
December 16, 2022
Part of a Exciting Series
This is the 3rd book in the Phantom Force Tactical series and I am hooked. Hope to read book 4 asap!
This is the 3rd book in the Phantom Force Tactical series and I am hooked. Hope to read book 4 asap!
December 25, 2023
Story line was good but the body of the book was a bit light duty. Needs to be fleshed out a bit more.
December 9, 2024
An exciting book dealing with private security firms working to stop a terrorist attack at a professional football game.
March 30, 2017
Front Line (Military Suspense Thriller) SEAL Counterterrorism Operators Phantom Force Tactical Book 3 by Jessica James is the third in the series but unlike some collections it can be read alone.
This was my first introduction to the author and a little concerned that I wouldn't understand but was drawn in from the first page.
This story is based around two members of a private anti-terrorism Company made up of former Navy SEALS whose aim is to prevent terror in the private sector. The reader meets Nick 'Colt' Colton and Josephine 'Joey' Summers, who come across one another as they try to stop terror attacks that could see thousands of lives lost.
The storyline involves a lot of high paced action including encounters with drug cartels, kidnappings, murder, smuggling and a little bit of romance. The way Jessica James has written her books allows both men and women to read them and both enjoy something from them. I'm not a big thriller fan but I did enjoy this and liked how it ended I look forward to trying other books she has written.
This was my first introduction to the author and a little concerned that I wouldn't understand but was drawn in from the first page.
This story is based around two members of a private anti-terrorism Company made up of former Navy SEALS whose aim is to prevent terror in the private sector. The reader meets Nick 'Colt' Colton and Josephine 'Joey' Summers, who come across one another as they try to stop terror attacks that could see thousands of lives lost.
The storyline involves a lot of high paced action including encounters with drug cartels, kidnappings, murder, smuggling and a little bit of romance. The way Jessica James has written her books allows both men and women to read them and both enjoy something from them. I'm not a big thriller fan but I did enjoy this and liked how it ended I look forward to trying other books she has written.
December 5, 2018
A meeting that Colt had didn’t take place. They were ambushed and lucky they all got out. She saved his life and all he knew was a name Josephine, the guys that rescued them said he was dreaming. Another security detail, and she is there and he brushes her off. A meeting with the president, and a card with the name for him to contact was a person he trusted, as he does Colt, it was Josephine. A dangerous mission, he wants stop. The threat is real and the corruptions runs deep.fast pace actions, that doesn’t stop.
The characters are good, like the tension and how it is played between Colt and Josephine. Great series to read.
The characters are good, like the tension and how it is played between Colt and Josephine. Great series to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews