Destruction

Out for Justice #4

by Reese Knightley

Who is the boy in the cage? What secret has Lash been keeping? Why can’t Fear keep his distance? Join Phoenix in the next explosive action packed book.

Micah Robertson, code named Lash, has always loved Alex from the first moment their eyes met. He thought they’d be together forever and it tears him apart when he and Alex split after a life-altering tragedy. So, teaming up with Alex one more time doesn’t seem like the best plan. Yet, Micah can’t say no because Alex is in his blood.

Alexander Hendrix, code named Fear, met the love of his life when he ran into Micah at a medal ceremony. Only one thing has ever brought him to his knees, and that was when Micah walked away. Approached by Phoenix to help with one special case, Alex says yes because staying away from Micah is not an option.

It’s not always roses between these two powerful men. Lash struggles to trust others and Fear needs to control the world around him. They have enough problems without the devastating actions of a psychopath. Can these two lovers learn to navigate their new painful reality and reclaim a life together or will they let their own actions keep them apart?
From the cities of Colorado to the wilds of Alaska, Phoenix chases an old adversary and a new elusive foe as they race against time hunting a madman bent on leaving a trail of destruction.

This book is NOT a standalone. Please read the books in order in the series. Ricochet, Collide, and Rampage.

Trigger warning: Human trafficking, kidnapping, some graphic violence.

Genres: M M Romance, Military Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Crime, Suspense

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2019

About the author

Reese Knightley spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head. Her love of reading mystery, action and adventure, and fantasy books led to her love of writing. Reese works as a full time writer. She loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 2.5 stars **

First 35% of the book I was trying to figure out who was who, frankly speaking. It would have been nice if the book contained a glossary in the beginning since this is a continuing series with many recurring characters who all have nicknames. The book was a tad repetitive - grab gear and go out on a mission, come back and recuperate, repeat that again. I didn't get invested into Alex and Micah's relationship at all. There were a couple of angsty moments between them, but then one would turn into a complete SOB and the other would be walking out on him a lot. I really didn't like both men. And the way the story unfolded even with flashbacks didn't explain much about both men or the why of their current situation. After 50% I was basically scrolling. I only wanted to find out if they rescued Micah's brother Caleb, and the way he was found right at the end was way too convenient. I didn't really make sense why it happened that way. This book was a miss for me.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a series - this is high paced and action is constant. I adore the love and friendship between Phoenix and like having the same characters as key elements in each book. Enjoyed Micah & Alex and was glad they reconnected. Can’t wait for Caleb & Wolf ... a great story to come !

[Ronie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's one way to clean house

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly better with the storytelling

3.5*

Still, the annoying time jumps, but less irritating because they're all focused on a singular journey in this particular book - getting closer to the baddie and finding Lash's missing brother Caleb.

Of course, there's the usual utterly bonkers indiscriminate killing, which, apparently, the alphabet agencies and local law enforcement are happy to clean up after Phoenix has waged a war through a different state!

The romance is slightly more front and centre with this one too as it involves Lash and Fear, aka Micah and Alex, who were together until shortly before Caleb got snatched.

There's a boatload of disconnect between them bit, thankfully, there's no dumb misunderstandings, they try to talk about what went wrong but the situation they're still in makes it hard to move forward.

The body count of bad guys they wanted to catch but who got 'accidentally deaded' is pretty high too. It feels more like a means of slowing down the chase than something that would be likely to happen.

Still, as I've said with the other books in the series they're still compelling to read.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of wish we got some insight into Alex and Micah's relationship. They seemed like they hated each other for most of this book and then all of a sudden they were together. It was really weird. But, I liked the story, just not the romance part. I didn't believe it.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was more my speed. An already established couple angsting over their problems and each other but still loving each other dearly.

[SC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve struggled with this series a bit. A problem with the way a plot runs through the book, or feeling like the author has a vision but can’t quite get it right. Like something is missing. That thing that would make this a fantastic series, because it does have potential. I’d be disappointed if what came across on those pages is exactly what she wanted it to be.

That being said, I skipped the book before this one, but really wanted to read this one. I have questions still. I mean, I get that Micah is very private, but to the point where he had lived with Alex for YEARS and no one even knew he was dating someone? That just knocked a star from my rating. It felt like this Phoenix group was basically using I don’t know, state funding perhaps, to search for Caleb, and that the bad guys they took care off where just a byproduct, as opposed to the actual mission. I couldn’t get around that bit. Then there’s the need to flip flop between nicknames and real names from one sentence to another. That was unnecessary.

However, I really did still like the book, in spite of the large amount of secrecy that had no place. I mean, what could it hurt for the team to know about Alex and his relationship with Caleb and Micah ? Anyways, it wasn’t as terrible as the other books, and I’m actually kind of looking forward to Caleb’s book next.

*ETA - decided to do a quick re read, mostly skimming it, in preparation for Caleb's book and you know what I noticed this time? THE MAN . Every time Micah and Alex are together, in any way shape or form, we get the man. Things like - he ran his hand over the man's ... or he touched the man's .... he liked the man's .....

I was terribly curious after I spotted it, so I actually took the time to count how many times that phrase was used LOL get this, 28 times in just the prologue and chapter one. 46 by the end of chapter 2. REALLY??? There wasn't another phrase that could have been used instead, in the entirety of the English vocabulary? Another way of writing that would be conducive to not overusing it ? Jesus. I can't even begin to imagine how many times it's actually repeated it through the entire book. Where is the alpha/beta reading and editing in this ? I can't imagine no one made an effort to fix such a glaringly obvious writing mishap.

[Amanda Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll give this one a 3.5 star rounded up because again, no half stars. I liked this installment of the Out For Justice series but I didn’t LOVE it.

Alex and Micah, aka Fear and Lash, are probably the most elusive and secretive of the bunch. We haven’t really gotten a whole lot from them in the previous books. I think that’s why I was just okay with this one. We get snippets of their past together but not enough IMO to really connect with them as a couple.

The whole Phoenix team is looking for Caleb, Micah’s brother who was taken and used as bargaining chip about a year ago by their enemy. Most of the book is them raiding and missions, or Micah and Alex fighting. I know I sound like I’m bitching about that a little bit I did love the little memories we get of their past, and when the come together it’s fantastic.

I cannot wait for Caleb’s story. And maybe a little Wolf thrown in 😉🤞🏻

[Melissa Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one, though I found the emotional back and forth of both Micah and Alex to be a little annoying. It felt like they both had the "this is what I want and I'm going to change" moment too many times. I get that changing your ways is hard, it just had a very boy-who-cried-wolf feel to it. And the end kind of annoyed me. I mean, we're getting the story behind it in the next book (I've already started reading it) so that's good, but it made the climax feel.. cheap? I dunno.

[Anna Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really smoking hot!!!

Wow! I think Lash and Fear are two of those people who are too beautiful to behold! I guess the right phrase here would be, “HOT DAMN!”

Micah and Alex, two of the most mysterious and most lethal members of Phoenix! And I think of all the books in this series, theirs is the most angsty! These guys have been holding back. They have been holding back and keeping a lot of secrets from each other and from the team. And they are hurting really bad. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! This is the most action-packed book in this series, and it is just amazing!

Ms. Reese Knightley, this surpassed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️for me, I never thought these guys would bring forth all kinds of feelings from me, and it is my favorite book in the series thus far, but also I can’t wait for Caleb and Wolf’s story! Congratulations!

[Jonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was thinking I would quit the series after book 3 because I don't like the author's writing style. However, I wanted to know more about Caleb and his situation. Unfortunately, this book didn't resolve anything.

The prologue was weak and the SecDef dialogue was inane. There were mindless phrases like “trench coat and combat boots” and operators wearing black in an Alaskan landscape. Not to mention they were building fires while they are supposed to be covert and stealthy. And what’s with ending sentences in a preposition intentionally? “I’ll go with.” It’s either I’ll go too or I’ll go with you.

Being generous at 2 stars. Good concept but less than stellar delivery. Sadly, the writing has not improved as the series has progressed. This is the weakest one so far. It needed a lot more editing.

[keren davidi cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 fan-fucking -tastic stars
This book is about Alex and Micah aka , Fear and Lash
who are searching together after Micha's brother - Caleb
however You really need to read the previous books in order, before reading this book if you want to fully be able to understand and enjoy what is happening in this book.
The plot in the book is excellent and I devoured every word I could not put it down
You can feel the strong and deep connection between the MC even if they are not always together
the Author does an excellent job in this series
And I definitely recommend this book- and the all series

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really should have read these books in order before starting her other series but I didn't. My bad. These books are all in chronological order and build upon each other so they are not stand alone stories. Thankfully, I remembered what I needed to so I could continue without being too confused but I will admit I forgot how action packed these suckers are. My god, people are killing, stabbing, chasing things constantly. Trying to picture the fights scenes in my head just doesn't compute. Too. Much. Information. That said, if you like action packed badass books where the romance in kind of secondary then these are for you. Can't wait to read Seth's story.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like this book was way more action packed then romance which is great if your following the series it feels like another episode in a like a season, i guess because lash and fear have been small characters their story was a little spotty for me however it was well written i did struggle at times to remember whose chapter i was in and alot of it seemed like they just were very toxic but had a deep love for one another i think thats why im giving it a lose 4 stars cant wait to read calebs story

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loving this series. Special Ops at its best.
It’s a long way home for Micah (Lash) & Alex (Fear) - 2 over protective, stubborn, extremely skilled warriors; frustrated and broken hearted,a mission that neither will let go.

For me the narration didn’t do this series justice. Not to say the narrator was lacking, there’s a lot of characters, too many for one narrator. In particular didn’t care for the take on Storm’s character, when there’s a group conversation, or what’s supposed to be a lust drunk voice that was waaayyyy to squeaky

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah Robertson, code named Lash, has always loved Alex from the first moment their eyes met. He thought they’d be together forever and it tears him apart when he and Alex split after a life-altering tragedy. So, teaming up with Alex one more time doesn’t seem like the best plan. Yet, Micah can’t say no because Alex is in his blood. Alexander Hendrix, code named Fear, met the love of his life when he ran into Micah at a medal ceremony. Only one thing has ever brought him to his knees, and that was when Micah walked away. Approached by Phoenix to help with one special case, Alex says yes because staying away from Micah is not an option. It’s not always roses between these two powerful men. Lash struggles to trust others and Fear needs to control the world around him. They have enough problems without the devastating actions of a psychopath. Can these two lovers learn to navigate their new painful reality and reclaim a life together or will they let their own actions keep them apart? From the cities of Colorado to the wilds of Alaska, Phoenix chases an old adversary and a new elusive foe as they race against time hunting a madman bent on leaving a trail of destruction.

I loved this story of the two men reconnecting as the team worked together to stop the madman. Lots of danger, drama, emotions and feelings in this story which were easy to feel, feel and understand. A very addictive story. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lash and Fear. Aka Alex and Micah.

Oh what a story. Gah she gets me every time, assuming Reese Knohhtly even is a she. She might not be so there's that.

So this story is another amazing love story by this author.

First of all, if you're anything like me, you will get frustrated at this authors books due to how much she DRAGS the damn story for so many unnecessary pages it's not even funny. She goes on and on and on and on about the dumb mission that's the "plot" of the book in this case it's a missing brother.

The issue is, she writes the best passionate angst scenes that keep me hooked but then only gives us a glimmer of that.

Dear author, I promise you, you CAN and SHOULD write more love scenes.

Read this series in order because you literally have to. This isn't a standalone series that will make sense unless you read it in order.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in Out for Justice Series. This was emotional roller ride for Micah in this book. He blames himself for Caleb being kidnapped. When it comes up to year anniversary things have to change and maybe with phoenix having the full knowledge of why Lash disappears . We hear the horrors that some of these kids go through that just pulls on your heart strings. Fear and Lash both want to protect each other, but with all the secrets and no trust their relationship has hit a cliff. Wolf is the mystery of all and hope to see more of him and his big secret that he bringing to phoenix. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat with the suspense get them today and do read them in order to understand Phoenix and their prey
#BRVL GIVES 💥💥💥💥💥 5STARS

[Annie Elm · Rating 5 out of 5]

When love isn't the problem

Another great book in this series.
The Phoenix team are still after the ring of human traffickers and it's revealed that they have Caleb who's Lash's little brother.
Micah (Lash) and Alex (Fear ) are ex lovers that was ripped apart when their already rocky relationship exploded when Caleb dissappear. But nothing can change the fact that they still love each other, there's just trust issues based on child expenses and a need to protect that gets in the way.

I loved Alex and Micah together and I'm happy that they finally found their way back to each other,.
I also love that all the men in the team are all badass operatives, but they're not afraid of showing emotions.

[Akame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na początku książki trochę się zagubiłam w akcji, ale szybko wróciłam na prostą :) Ta część naprawdę m się podobała. Nawet kiedy Lash irytował wszystkich działając na własną rękę i zostawiał Alexa bez słowa. Po porwaniu młodszego brata Lasha, przez handlarzy żywym towarem, jego świat się zawalił, tak, jak i jego związek z Alexem. Miał tylko jeden cel, odnaleźć brata. Był członkiem Fenixa, drużyny agentów przeszkolonych w każdym przypadku, a tak jakby zapominał o tym, że ma przyjaciół i chłopaka, którzy sami w sobie są śmiercionośną bronią i mogą mu pomóc. Było dużo akcji, w tle rozgrywał się dramat związku Lasha z Alexem i to wszystko fajnie się równoważyło. Super :)

[Tina Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Good book in a series I enjoy. This one was dark, hard angst. I actually did not think that there would be a HEA, but was not worried because I knew the next book was out. Alex, Fear and Micah, Lash were frustrating in how they loved one another, but pushed each other away, then pined for one another. This was because of how they were both reacting to the kidnapping of Micah's brother, the mysterious boy in the cage that we saw in the last book. This is one of the longest unresolved story arcs in the series. I am excited to get Caleb's story in the next.

[Shelly F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was so much better than the previous book because the writer stayed focused on the original story and just included the main characters love life. This is what amazing stories and writers do, don't get caught up in the characters, but the story. And I love that she's able to write about the characters lives but stay focused on the story. That way it keeps you invested and you're hungry for every book in the series. Every moment you get your head is in the books because you can't put them down. Amazing job with this book, I couldn't put this book down.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent, but could have been better.

The author made a choice to write this the way she did. It really was an excellent book. But it would have landed on my all time favorites list if she’d had a bit more of a “revelation” of the two MCs history and if the ending had been different. It was a little bit popped ballon for me instead. The book is filled with amazing action, but the reader is deprived of the scenes I think we all want most. It built and built and built, with no outlet.

[Wendy Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A frustrating read

I like this series but this book, not so much. The team spends a lot of time running around without actually getting anywhere. Micah is very annoying constantly running off on his own and not sharing information. He gets yelled at for it but does it again and again. Not much to any romance they spend almost the entire book either avoiding each other or fighting. Micah is not very nice to Alex but Alex just keeps coming back for more. This book became a skimmer for me.

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Let Go

The next book in this riveting series stars Micah Robertson, code named Lash and Alexander Hendrix, code named Fear. The book gives us their heart wrenching back story. And we finally find out who the boy in the cage is. This is an excruciating tale of love and loss and it doesn't conclude in this book. For anyone new to this series I recommend starting from the beginning to understand all the threads and get acquainted with the cast of outstanding characters. .

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart aching, thrilling, heart breaking. A love story that starts as a breakup. A tragic occurrence has come between two of the men of Phoenix.
In this, we find out who Fear is, why Lash went off the radar, the secret Rossi and Lash share and so much more.
All the wonderful Phoenix family are there with new members added and the warmth of their relationships within the group make this, at times, extremely violent book, as always, a worthwhile read.
Now, where is book 5?

[joani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever faithful Fear

I love Alex aka Fear!! He is so patient and loving to Micah aka Lash and of everyone around him. Micah needs Alex to keep him safe because as much as he is trained in combat he is letting anger and remorse consume him and control him. The team is looking for Micah's brother Caleb who went missing over a year ago but with no a but we don't know either what became of the young man but thankfully this story continues in book 5 which I'm going to read now!

[Debbora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an on going series with a lot of moving parts, to get the best of this storyline it needs to be read in order back to back. To me this book was more of a filler for the next book which is Wolf and Caleb story. I enjoyed Micah and Alex unfortunately so much centered on finding Caleb that their reconnecting was really just a blip in the story. However, I love this series as a whole. Heat level is 2 out of 5. Action and drama is 4.5 stars. I’m looking forward to Caleb’s story.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EPIC read of 6 books in this series BUT there are actually 4 series with 19 books out so far (more to come). All the MC's are interconnected within their series and they all get their HEA. There are pop-up appearances of the MC's from the other series regularly. They could probably be read as stand-alone, you would just miss a lot of the nuances of the secondary characters, who have had their own story or will have their own story. I love them all!

I read this series first, then Code Of Honor series. Next is the Cobalt series, then Operation Justice Force. So many books, so many great MC's and so many entertaining stories.