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Hometown Heroes #3
Special Assignment
She’s trying to save her company. He’s trying to salvage his reputation. Only one of them can be right.
Vice president of operations Melissa Ellis might have met the first challenge she couldn’t overcome. Her company is hemorrhaging money, and her boss blames her. The deeper she digs, the more trouble she finds. She turns to the one person who can help: the confident and dangerously charming Scott Blake.
Naval aviator Scott “Superman” Blake is recovering from the accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Driven to salvage his reputation and regain his career, he must prove it wasn’t pilot error. When Melissa asks for his help, he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her and salvage his name. But if he’s right, he’ll take her company down.
When their investigation turns up a bigger problem than software glitches, Melissa is caught in the crosshairs of their unknown enemy. As they work together, their casual flirtation turns to something much deeper. Can they make a relationship work, or will it crash and burn?
As the stakes rise and the clock ticks, can they figure out who’s behind the danger before someone else dies. Or will they lose everything, including each other?
Special Assignment is book 3 in the Hometown Heroes series, but it can be read as a stand alone. If you like Christian romantic suspense and nail-biting page turners, you’ll love this journey of risk and trust. Buy Special Assignment and jump into the adventure today.
Vice president of operations Melissa Ellis might have met the first challenge she couldn’t overcome. Her company is hemorrhaging money, and her boss blames her. The deeper she digs, the more trouble she finds. She turns to the one person who can help: the confident and dangerously charming Scott Blake.
Naval aviator Scott “Superman” Blake is recovering from the accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Driven to salvage his reputation and regain his career, he must prove it wasn’t pilot error. When Melissa asks for his help, he jumps at the chance to spend more time with her and salvage his name. But if he’s right, he’ll take her company down.
When their investigation turns up a bigger problem than software glitches, Melissa is caught in the crosshairs of their unknown enemy. As they work together, their casual flirtation turns to something much deeper. Can they make a relationship work, or will it crash and burn?
As the stakes rise and the clock ticks, can they figure out who’s behind the danger before someone else dies. Or will they lose everything, including each other?
Special Assignment is book 3 in the Hometown Heroes series, but it can be read as a stand alone. If you like Christian romantic suspense and nail-biting page turners, you’ll love this journey of risk and trust. Buy Special Assignment and jump into the adventure today.
385 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2019
129 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 8, 2019
Superman or Who?
Melissa is a VP of a highly technical company which requires quite a high security clearance. But the model they sent out caused a man to die and another Navy pilot to be injured as well. Her team must figure out what is wrong with the program before they lose the military contract and their company goes belly up. But where should they even start. Then Jeremy, on her team, finds a major problem which a pilot wouldn't even be able to correct in the air. He wouldn't have any possible way to keep from crashing the aircraft. Someone has done this deliberately which means that the terrorists have gotten someone to sabotage the program for big money.
That's where Scott aka Superman comes into the story. Because of her group of friends, Melissa believes he is one person who can help her figure it all out. She has also some more problems with the financial report which has her name on it even though she never saw it before. She talked to her boss who became angry with her about it with everything else that is going on. Because of that, she calls a Board Member and asked to be on the agenda for the next meeting the following day. In the meantime, she receives a warning to keep it all under wraps. Her invoices disappear before the meeting, but she still brings the information to the board. They don't know that her secretary has it all on a flash drive. She turns the information over to Scott's close friend Kyle who is a policeman. After viewing it all, he contacts a friend with the FBI.
Scott still suffers a lot from the accident which killed his copilot and close friend. But just maybe he can help Melissa make something better in the future. However he can hardly wait to get back to the skies. Yet what if he isn't cleared to fly again? That is all he has ever wanted to do with his life.
of course,there is more. There is danger, romance and God's with them through it all. It is a good story for anyone who enjoys suspense with romance.
Melissa is a VP of a highly technical company which requires quite a high security clearance. But the model they sent out caused a man to die and another Navy pilot to be injured as well. Her team must figure out what is wrong with the program before they lose the military contract and their company goes belly up. But where should they even start. Then Jeremy, on her team, finds a major problem which a pilot wouldn't even be able to correct in the air. He wouldn't have any possible way to keep from crashing the aircraft. Someone has done this deliberately which means that the terrorists have gotten someone to sabotage the program for big money.
That's where Scott aka Superman comes into the story. Because of her group of friends, Melissa believes he is one person who can help her figure it all out. She has also some more problems with the financial report which has her name on it even though she never saw it before. She talked to her boss who became angry with her about it with everything else that is going on. Because of that, she calls a Board Member and asked to be on the agenda for the next meeting the following day. In the meantime, she receives a warning to keep it all under wraps. Her invoices disappear before the meeting, but she still brings the information to the board. They don't know that her secretary has it all on a flash drive. She turns the information over to Scott's close friend Kyle who is a policeman. After viewing it all, he contacts a friend with the FBI.
Scott still suffers a lot from the accident which killed his copilot and close friend. But just maybe he can help Melissa make something better in the future. However he can hardly wait to get back to the skies. Yet what if he isn't cleared to fly again? That is all he has ever wanted to do with his life.
of course,there is more. There is danger, romance and God's with them through it all. It is a good story for anyone who enjoys suspense with romance.
July 25, 2019
I stayed up all night last night to finish this book!!
A new to me author with her fabulous writing took me on an adventure I'll never forget!! With awesome characters like Melissa and Scott Joe, Kyle and Heather and a few other friends as well!!
Melissa with her vivacious spirit and love for her family and friends and I'd like to think her adventurous side along with Scott's side for fun and serious side.
I admire anyone who has the ability and talent for flying those kinds of planes.
When I was little, my grandmother and I would go to the Columbus Ohio airport and watch the planes come in and out.
Occasionally at the balloon rallies they'd have the pilots do an air show as well. We all enjoyed those.
This book has made me admire the pilots even more.
I think I would like to read more by this author. I love her talent for drawing me into a good book.
I strongly recommend this book. It will make you want to burn the midnight oil for sure!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own!
A new to me author with her fabulous writing took me on an adventure I'll never forget!! With awesome characters like Melissa and Scott Joe, Kyle and Heather and a few other friends as well!!
Melissa with her vivacious spirit and love for her family and friends and I'd like to think her adventurous side along with Scott's side for fun and serious side.
I admire anyone who has the ability and talent for flying those kinds of planes.
When I was little, my grandmother and I would go to the Columbus Ohio airport and watch the planes come in and out.
Occasionally at the balloon rallies they'd have the pilots do an air show as well. We all enjoyed those.
This book has made me admire the pilots even more.
I think I would like to read more by this author. I love her talent for drawing me into a good book.
I strongly recommend this book. It will make you want to burn the midnight oil for sure!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own!
August 5, 2019
Special Assignment truly conveys reliance on God for all things, unlike many "Christian" books that offhandedly mention God (you know what I am talking about?). I think Melissa and Scott's story is a very good mystery, with a hint of romance, and quite a dash of adventure. I give this story a five out of five stars for the unique story plot, the great mystery that kept me guessing, and the characters who were not wishy-washy but stood up for what they believed in. This is my first time reading a book by JL Crosswhite, it was well written, a joy to read and will definitely not be my last book by JL Crosswhite.
July 20, 2019
If you are looking for a clean Christian suspense romance, this one is the book for you. I have to add that it’s also the first book I read by this author, and I have to say I am hooked .
The story centers around Scott Blake and Melissa Ellis.
Scott is a Navy pilot, recently injured in an accident that caused the death of a friend, and has left him with a serious brain injury as well as questions about what caused the accident. Was is pilot error or computer malfunction?
Melissa is head of operations of the company that made the software for the jet. She is not only suspicious of it’s safety but also of money that’s disappearing in her company.
When Melissa asks Scott, an acquaintance, for help, it not only triggers Scott’s migraines, but it also starts a chain of events that endanger Melissa.
The plot is fast paced, filled with bad guys, strong women and of course , romance.
The only downside was that though it’s a stand alone , I felt I would have benefited in having read the previous stories in the series, since those characters have secondary parts in the book and though there were some comments about their stories, I felt I was in the dark. Still, a very good book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story centers around Scott Blake and Melissa Ellis.
Scott is a Navy pilot, recently injured in an accident that caused the death of a friend, and has left him with a serious brain injury as well as questions about what caused the accident. Was is pilot error or computer malfunction?
Melissa is head of operations of the company that made the software for the jet. She is not only suspicious of it’s safety but also of money that’s disappearing in her company.
When Melissa asks Scott, an acquaintance, for help, it not only triggers Scott’s migraines, but it also starts a chain of events that endanger Melissa.
The plot is fast paced, filled with bad guys, strong women and of course , romance.
The only downside was that though it’s a stand alone , I felt I would have benefited in having read the previous stories in the series, since those characters have secondary parts in the book and though there were some comments about their stories, I felt I was in the dark. Still, a very good book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 2, 2019
I very much enjoyed this clean romantic suspense, the characters were very likeable, and while it can be read as a stand alone, it was fun meeting up with old friends from the earlier books. I always love reading books that involve the military, and I really liked the personal perspective of the accident investigation given that Scott himself was the injured naval aviator which really made him personally invested in finding the answers to prove the accident wasn’t caused by pilot error. Add to that Melissa being in charge of the team which created the software that may have caused the accident, so she was determined to prove the accident wasn’t caused by the software - and then also add in a mutual attraction and some unexpected twists and turns with someone not wanting them to find answers, you get a book that is very hard to put down. Ultimately both wanted truth more than their own agendas and worked together to solve what happened making this a great read. (I am voluntarily reviewing an Advance Reader Copy of this book but all opinions are my own).
August 3, 2019
Scott is back home recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury when he ejected from his rogue fighter jet. Now he's worrying not only about his own recovery, but how to clear himself of pilot error that the Navy says caused the loss of the multimillion-dollar jet and the death of his EWO. He has time to reconnect to his childhood friends Joe and Kyle, a firefighter and a policeman, whose circle of church-going friends includes Melissa, COO of a defense contractor. Melissa has her own troubles at work: 1) her company is bleeding money on its way to collapse and the owner has told her to find the problem and 2) the avionics code they furnished the Navy likely is causing serious problems. How do you continue to believe God cares and rely on Him when you are about to lose your very identity? These two face danger and challenges, with grace! Recommended reading!
August 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It is complex enough, with multiple threads, to counter balance the angsty romance. The plot moves nicely along and there is enough detail about the main characters to make them feel like real people that you would like to know...and you feel that you do. Through out the story, bits and pieces of Melissa & Scott's early life are shared, helping you see how they became the people that they are. The suspense keeps you turning the pages as you wonder how everything will be resolved.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone...but I AM going back now and starting the series from the beginning because I want to know the stories of their friends.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was able to enjoy it as a stand alone...but I AM going back now and starting the series from the beginning because I want to know the stories of their friends.
August 1, 2019
Special Assignment is the third installment from J L Crosswhite’s series, Hometown Heroes. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed Melissa’s story. Especially, when she teams up with Scott. I loved those two together. I could not predict what would happen to them next.
I recommend Special Assignment for readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense. I am giving it four and a half stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I recommend Special Assignment for readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense. I am giving it four and a half stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
August 2, 2019
Special assignment
Melissa is trying to figure out what is going on at her office. She is finding out it is dangerous to do so.
The story has me interested from start to finish. Very suspenseful. Very entertaining. Loved the characters, especially Melissa and Scott. He is trying to recover from an injury. His accident is connected with the company she works at. Will she figure it out before it is too late.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This review is my own opinion.
Melissa is trying to figure out what is going on at her office. She is finding out it is dangerous to do so.
The story has me interested from start to finish. Very suspenseful. Very entertaining. Loved the characters, especially Melissa and Scott. He is trying to recover from an injury. His accident is connected with the company she works at. Will she figure it out before it is too late.
I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This review is my own opinion.
July 26, 2019
While Melissa tries to find out where the missing money is for her company, she uncovers some dirty dealings. She involves a grounded Air Force pilot and his brother to see what’s going on. Scott is blamed for the death of his friend because of pilot error. However, that may not be the case. Melissa is also investigating computer malfunctions that could have caused the crash.
Interesting storyline and interesting discovery of who is behind everything going on.
Interesting storyline and interesting discovery of who is behind everything going on.
July 31, 2019
WOW!! If you are looking for a well written christian romantic suspense book , this is the book for you. This is an awesome book, once you start reading it you can't stop! It is full of action, suspense and romance. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Even though this is book 3 of Hometown Heroes I had no problem knowing what was going on. But now I'm going to read the other two books in the series.
September 17, 2019
Ever read a book that pulls you in from the start and takes you on a thrilling adventure leaving you satisfied in the end? That's what Special Assignment did for me. With the perfect blend of suspense and romance, you're not disappointed. I enjoyed every part of the story and appreciated how the author was really descriptive without losing me or the story. Scott and Melinda too real, vulnerable characters wanting to find the as guys. I enjoyed their relationship.
A truly great book.
A truly great book.
July 18, 2019
I absolutely loved this romantic suspense. Well written plot and well developed characters. I was pulled immediately into the action and couldn’t put this book down. I highly recommend this book to suspense fans. My thanks to the author for my advance ebook. This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 9, 2020
This is my first foray into the writings of JL Crosswhite, and I am hooked. This book had all of my favorite things: mystery, military, romance, and Jesus. It did have some predictability, but I loved reading it. I struggled to put it down. After reading this, I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
I was given an ARC to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was given an ARC to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 1, 2019
I was given a copy of Special Assignment by JL Crosswhite, Having never read anything from her before I loved Special Assignment and had to get the other books in the series!! I urge you to check out all of JL Crosswhite's books you wont be disappointed!!
July 31, 2019
WOW - just WOW. What is happening with the company? Where is all the money going? Why is the owner not in the least concerned? What - if anything - can I do? Who can I turn to for help?? And oh my, this wonderful man who has come back into my life! Can he help me???
May 14, 2020
Great series...Great read!
Each book showed different facets of real life relationships and dependence on the Lord. I cant wait for the new series and continuance of old friend's and meeting new ones!
Each book showed different facets of real life relationships and dependence on the Lord. I cant wait for the new series and continuance of old friend's and meeting new ones!
July 31, 2019
Thriller. This book was full of a lot of suspense and mystery
August 1, 2019
I couldn't put this down!
This author wrote an amazing story with lots of emotions and twists and turns.
The characters were so engaging and the plot was well-written.
This a 5 star read.
This author wrote an amazing story with lots of emotions and twists and turns.
The characters were so engaging and the plot was well-written.
This a 5 star read.
August 28, 2019
WOW!!!!!
What a wonderful ending to this series. I really enjoy this author. I can't wait to read some more of her books. She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
What a wonderful ending to this series. I really enjoy this author. I can't wait to read some more of her books. She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
January 16, 2020
Really liked this one!
July 27, 2019
Wow! This book grabbed my attention and pulled me in. The main characters, Scott (a navy pilot) and Melissa (a vice president of operations at a defense contractor), are likable and very well-developed. Scott's close relationship with his childhood friends is one of loyalty and understanding. Scott's prayer--"God, why? Why haven't you healed me yet?...I just don't understand. I know you are good, but right now, I'm having a hard time seeing it." -- is one that most readers can easily relate to. I like that the character has an honest struggle between what he knows and how the situation appears.
I like JL Crosswhite's writing style and her sense of humor. When Scott, sweaty from exercise, has an unexpected meeting with Melissa, these are his thoughts: "Actually, she'd seen a lot of the bad already with his headaches and throwing up around her. So a little sweat might be a step up."
I'm not big on descriptions, but this author paints the scene for her readers well without slowing down the plot. For example, "They scrambled over some rocks to find a few flat ones that sat back a bit from a precipitous drop-off but overlooked a panoramic view of the desert."
I highly recommend this book to romantic suspense readers, clean and wholesome romance readers, and to readers of Christian fiction. You won't be disappointed!
I like JL Crosswhite's writing style and her sense of humor. When Scott, sweaty from exercise, has an unexpected meeting with Melissa, these are his thoughts: "Actually, she'd seen a lot of the bad already with his headaches and throwing up around her. So a little sweat might be a step up."
I'm not big on descriptions, but this author paints the scene for her readers well without slowing down the plot. For example, "They scrambled over some rocks to find a few flat ones that sat back a bit from a precipitous drop-off but overlooked a panoramic view of the desert."
I highly recommend this book to romantic suspense readers, clean and wholesome romance readers, and to readers of Christian fiction. You won't be disappointed!
August 4, 2019
Wow! This book grabbed my attention and pulled me in. The main characters, Scott (a navy pilot) and Melissa (a vice president of operations at a defense contractor), are likable and very well-developed. Scott's close relationship with his childhood friends is one of loyalty and understanding. Scott's prayer--"God, why? Why haven't you healed me yet?...I just don't understand. I know you are good, but right now, I'm having a hard time seeing it." -- is one that most readers can easily relate to. I like that the character has an honest struggle between what he knows and how the situation appears.
I like JL Crosswhite's writing style and her sense of humor. When Scott, sweaty from exercise, has an unexpected meeting with Melissa, these are his thoughts: Actually, she'd seen a lot of the bad already with his headaches and throwing up around her. So a little sweat might be a step up.
I'm not big on descriptions, but this author paints the scene for her readers well without slowing down the plot. For example, "They scrambled over some rocks to find a few flat ones that sat back a bit from a precipitous drop-off but overlooked a panoramic view of the desert."
I highly recommend this book to romantic suspense readers, clean and wholesome romance readers, and to readers of Christian fiction. You won't be disappointed!
I like JL Crosswhite's writing style and her sense of humor. When Scott, sweaty from exercise, has an unexpected meeting with Melissa, these are his thoughts: Actually, she'd seen a lot of the bad already with his headaches and throwing up around her. So a little sweat might be a step up.
I'm not big on descriptions, but this author paints the scene for her readers well without slowing down the plot. For example, "They scrambled over some rocks to find a few flat ones that sat back a bit from a precipitous drop-off but overlooked a panoramic view of the desert."
I highly recommend this book to romantic suspense readers, clean and wholesome romance readers, and to readers of Christian fiction. You won't be disappointed!
April 22, 2024
This story reminds me of a NCIS episode. Scott believes a computer program on his plane caused the crash that killed his partner and left him with a bad brain injury. Melissa is in charge of the team developing said computer program. They have to work together to discover the truth behind the accident. It's quite a battle as people in the firm are working equally hard to keep the truth a secret. An excellent mystery! I read this book as part of the set I purchased.
May 19, 2025
I loved all three of the books I’ve read in this series so far, but this one may have been my favorite. I was pulled into the mystery of what happened to Scott, and what was going on at Melissa’s job. I loved how they teamed up to try to figure things out and how their relationship grew as they came closer to the truth. This was another fast-paced read that kept me turning pages well into the night!
December 6, 2020
Better
This book was the best of the hometown heroes. More action and not as much romance. Just enough to keep it interesting. Looking forward to the next one.
This book was the best of the hometown heroes. More action and not as much romance. Just enough to keep it interesting. Looking forward to the next one.
February 3, 2024
I enjoyed reading Kyle, Joe and Scott’s stories.
June 30, 2024
Awesome read
December 30, 2024
Christian Standalone Romantic Suspense Interconnected Series HEA
Best if read in order but not required. He's only there to recover and get answers so he can clear his name and return to being a Navy pilot. She works at the company responsible for the code in his plane. When she finds some issues she reports it. Unfortunately that just puts a target on her back. Will they be able to prove what caused his accident? Who is behind everything?
Best if read in order but not required. He's only there to recover and get answers so he can clear his name and return to being a Navy pilot. She works at the company responsible for the code in his plane. When she finds some issues she reports it. Unfortunately that just puts a target on her back. Will they be able to prove what caused his accident? Who is behind everything?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews