When life gives you lemons… Throw them out. It’s too much damn work to make lemonade…
When a member must leave the Tri-State Federal Drug Task Force, Colin Crew, as leader, doesn’t get to pick a replacement. Instead, he’s assigned one. One he’s not happy about.
Not only because the woman only has a year on the job as a DEA agent, but she’s also younger than he’d like. Add in the fact he worked with her father in the past. A man who now holds a high-level position within the agency and, with one wrong move on his part, could easily crush Crew’s long-established career within his fist.
Even worse, she’s a challenge. With her smart mouth, she can give him a run for his money when it comes to busting balls.
He needs to tread lightly while still maintaining control of his team. Unfortunately, that’s difficult to do since Camila Cabrera is every man’s fantasy.
All right, maybe not everyone’s, but his for sure.
And that’s the biggest problem of all.
Note: Beyond the Badge: Crew is the fifth book in the Blue Avengers MC series. It’s HIGHLY recommended to read this six-book action/adventure series in order due to the continuing story arcs (subplots). However, each book focuses on a different couple who gets their HEA. This series has no cheating or relationship cliffhangers.
Tropes: MC, age gap, single father, workplace romance, interracial/multicultural, law enforcement
JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today and international bestselling romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She writes steamy contemporary M/F and M/M romance, as well as M/M/F ménages, and has published over 60 books (so far). She also writes M/M paranormal romance under the name: J.J. Masters. Some of her books have been translated into French, German, Italian and Portuguese.
Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK
This book really fell short for me due to the couple. I didn't buy into Crew and Cami as a couple. Part of it was him knowing her when she was 10 and he worked with her father. Part of it was due to how much guilt Crew was flipping on himself when he realized he was attracted to him. And part was due to Cami from the start flipping him shit about being old. That part was kinda funny, but she kept doing it when they started to dance around each other and even after they hooked up. Heck there were times they were naked and she flipped him shit about being old. I don't honestly know why this bothered me, it wouldn't have at all, had they not hooked up.
Other weird things, Crew and his vasectomy. I give him credit for saying he had one and that he did not want kids and how that would be a deal breaker for him. But Cami is 28, sure she says she wanted to focus on her career, but she also say maybe later, but knowing this was his line in the sand, she would be good with grandkids. She's 28 and talking grandkids, she even says that in the book, it was weird. Weirder was Cami's dad knowing about the vasectomy and talking to Crew about it when he realized the 2 were in a relationship and he wanted Crew to stop it. That whole conversation was odd. I get it man/man wise, a father looks out for his kids, but there was also a vibe of their jobs there and ultimately Cami's dad does have power over Crew's job. Again, very weird.
It looks like things ended good for these 2, good I guess. I'm glad we move on to a new couple with the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
They’re like fire and ice can’t get along for nothing she’s younger and constantly pushing
Crew’s buttons. The sexual tension I crazy. The whole time reading the book I’m like what is he going to do with her either she needs a reality check or spanking. She was a real strong heroine but didn’t listen to order. This story kept me reading until I finished in one day. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review
The topic was interesting but I didn’t like the execution. The book was very repetitive. The « old » jokes felt really flat after a while and the relationship between Cami and Crew felt unrealistic. From the start she was rude, obnoxious and insubordinate. It’s not believable in a law enforcement setting where hierarchies are important. Sleeping with a subordinate is also frown upon so her flippant attitude, for someone who is do career oriented, didn’t make sense. As for the case again it was so surface level with no resolution and big action scenes, it was boring.
Crew is the tough, smart assed leader of one of three task forces trying to bring down the Deadly Demons and La Costra Nosa. He is a divorced father of two who will do anything for his kids, even though he does not get to see them as much as he wants. Cami is the newest member of the task force and immediately challenges Crew. She is there to prove she can do the job, even though some may think she is too young and inexperienced. Crew's protective instincts kick into gear, and the last thing he wants Cami to do is go anywhere near the Deadly Demons. Cami knows she may have to disregard orders to show Crew and the rest of the task force that she is up for the job.
Even though Cami and Crew have a 15-year age gap, there is immediate chemistry between them. Cami is just the woman Crew needs, with her strong personality and sense of self, traits lacking in his first wife. This 5th book in the Blue Avengers series was not as emotionally draining as Decker and Rez but no less enjoyable. I am very much looking forward to Nox's story to see the Deadly Demon's finally get what is coming to them but to also see how Nox is able to overcome the grief of losing his wife and child.
Beyond the Badge: Crew Blue Avengers MC, Book 5 By: Jeanne St. James Narrated by: Ava Lucas, J.F. Harding
Age gap, alpha male, MC, romantic suspense? Yes please! Jeanne St James does it again as she pens her fifth story in the Blue Avengers series. I cannot get enough of her books. Her writing style is exactly what I love and each story, building on the last just gets better and better. This features Crew, head of the taskforce aimed at taking down a motorcycle club that is dealing drugs. When one of the team has to leave, a new person is installed and much to Crew's dislike, it's a young woman. Not only does she have a mouth on her, but she is the daughter of a man who he worked with and now is in a position of power and could end his career if he's not careful. Cami is a spitfire. Ready for action, she is not going to be put on the side and ignored. She will make her own success despite what Crew wants. Putting herself in danger? If it works, she is in. Now Crew has to deal with his team, the drugs and the protection of this woman he can't get off his mind. What is going happen when their attraction is given into? Will he be able to keep her safe? St James had me all in as Cami took charge. She is an incredible character with bravery and spunk! Crew is a bit hesitant, not only because of the age difference, but because of the stage of life they are each in. But does age really matter when it's love? Ask Cami's dad. Fun, exciting and I love the dog, this is a fantastic listen!
Top it all off with Ava Lucas as Cami and JF Harding as Crew and I was in heaven. Lucas comes in speaking perfect Spanish and adds that grit that makes Cami who she is. She is so good! Harding, what can I say about this man's voice? He is all alpha and grumpiness until he's not, and Harding nails it. This is the perfect casting for this story and now with that ending, I cannot wait for Nox!!
Crew most certainly met his match in Cami. She was not one to roll over dead. She gave Crew a run for his money, but what neither expected was to get tangled up in a relationship. Crew was divorced and his ex was toxic. She bad mouthed him to his kids and made it difficult for him. My heart went out to him the way his kids treated him. The man loved his kids and would never defend himself to them. He wasn't going to be like his ex. Crew was attracted to Cami from the start but he fought it tooth and nail. He knew her when she was ten years old, and he worked a mission with her father. That right there is enough to mess with your head add his ex-wife in the mix and he was so very relationship shy. Cami sure gave him mouth and teased him ruthlessly about him being old, and don't forget the attitude just what he needed. Some of the stuff that came out of her mouth had me laughing out loud. But in the end their attraction could not be denied even with a 15 year age difference. But ladies you have to admit that book cover of Crew was hot. Great book but now we have to wait until February to get Nox's story. They way Crew's ended Nox was riding with a female OMG I need his story now.
I have enjoyed so many reads from this talented and creative author, but this series is one of my favorites.
The men and women of this task force are addictive and entertaining. The connection between these characters makes me laugh, and I love that they work so well as a team.
It's easy to connect with the hardships these characters face, with the beurocratic procedures they need to follow - to build the best case against the DDMC... (frankly, this storyline was easier than working through Sadie's situation).
Crew definitely has a huge amount of stress in his life already, and the last thing he needs is more. But, more (not less) is exactly what he gets when he meets the new team member. Cami is more than capable of being an effective team player, if Crew would let her! Their chemistry and banter is deliciously engaging, and their connection is fantastic.
As with any from this author, be prepared to lose yourself in these pages, and lose track of time. I highly recommend this book, series, and author. I can not wait to see how Nox's future plays out.
There is major friction between Crew and Cami from the very beginning. Cami is sassy and has the attitude to prove she can be part of Crew's team whether he likes it or not. The things that came out of of her mouth would be funny and at times had Crew going crazy. He had a hard time coming to terms with the chemistry between them and his team members enjoyed watching their leader struggle with his attraction for Cami. The task force is getting closer to having enough evidence to take the Deadly Damon MC down.
Jeanne books are always exciting, intriguing and will keep interested from the first page to the last. Who doesn't like a strong women who can take care of herself. I found myself really feeling sorry for Crew for all that he had through and continued to live with. You I just loved Crew's story and look forward to Nox's! This has been another outstanding series. I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed; all opinions expressed are my own.
This is book five in the series for the BAMC. I was excited to read it because of the banter between the two main characters. Cami was so intelligent, fierce, and clever. She always thought first for any situation whether it be her job, undercover work, or that not so hidden relationship with Crew. Overall I enjoyed this book until the end when Crew advised that he had a vasectomy. This was a major bummer. Crew was so pushy in that conversation. Cami could only answer for that moment. I understand that he wanted to be upfront but what lousy timing for the vasectomy conversation. I realize the Crew is 43 with two children from his difficult divorce, but Cami is only 28 and a new academy graduate. She just started adulting and is working towards following in her father’s footsteps with the DEA. Cami comes from a big family and in about 5 years or so she is going to have thoughts about having children. I wished that Crew would have been better about this topic. Read On!
Love this author but what the heck has happened to this series?. Crew is the boss to the task force group yet the disrespect in the form of teasing or joking from his team seemed over the top. Equally he second guesses cami’s fathers position and what repercussions he might suffer if he treats her as she might tell her dad. What the heck.Add in Cami who has to be one of the worst female characters. She comes into the story bad mouthing her new boss and thinking she can handle him by putting him down. Then with little experience thinks she should immediately be put on major undercover work and puts herself into the demon mc club without permission. Big difference between being a strong woman who works with the team to someone who thinks they know it all and know how to stick it to folk. Didn’t like her character and then lost interest in crew.Disappointed and let down.
Just the sheer entertainment from them slinging smart comments to each other and with the guys on the task force, this is a five star read! I was laughing so much, every time he got so aggravated when she just kept zinging him! Add to that Crew is a hottie silver fox who can't seem to keep away from the new task force member. He didn't want to take her on but he had no choice. Camila is smart, capable and a true asset to the team. Too bad she is 15 years younger and completely off limits. The passion between them, the camaraderie of the task force, the tightening of the net around the Demons, all this had me on the edge of my seat and glued to my ereader. A purely sublime read from start to finish!!
I have been waiting FOREVER for Crew's book!! I have been so interested to find out about him. I was not disappointed! He's soooooo s*xy! He and Cami were wonderful together. (ok, in the very beginning she was really annoying and I kinda wanted to slap her--but I soon loved her). I love seeing Crew get his second chance at HEA, he deserves it. They are fun and feisty together! Cami took the bull by the horns in this book both professionally and personally. She is a smart, strong, determined woman - you go girl! Once Crew realized he had really come to care for her, he really went for it with her. I love them together! GREAT BOOK and GREAT COUPLE! I can't wait for Nox!
OH! MY! GOODNESS! Crew and Cami’s story is simply AMAZING!!!!! Jeanne St. James knows how to write phenomenal leading ladies - they are strong, funny, independent and true partners for the men in their lives. Although the title for the book is Crew - this is just as much Cami’s book. Crew is ridiculous in the best way possible. I laughed out loud at so many parts and it was all thanks to him and his antics. The storyline following the Blue Avengers MC and drug task force gets moved along by leaps and bounds in this book. Fantastic pace to this book, intriguing plot, even more insight into the characters and that epilogue!!!!!!! Oooooh….I cannot wait for the next one!
Age should never be a factor when it comes to love; unless it regards under age. Cami and Crew may be a few yrs apart but their interests and work bond makes it easier for them to love. There's understanding, appreciation, and respect which are impotant. Mutual agreement and let's not forget sex appeal also needs to be factors in the equation. And they have that in spades. There are HOT scenes to keep you reading on to keep you turning the pages. These books may need go be read in order as the story continues to evolve from book to book but it's worth the read. Looking forward to the next installment. The intrigue that Jeanne drops here and there leaves readers wanting and looking forward to the next book.
When I started this book I couldn’t stand Camilla. She was super annoying and I thought to myself “here we go”. Banter is great but it was borderline too much.
But it simmered down and I ended up really liking both characters. Live a good age gap and this one didn’t disappoint.
I liked the father and Crew chat too. Not overdone and made a big deal, just man to man. Her father could have made it hard but he didn’t. It’s be great to see a 10 years from now epilogue with these two.
The storyline didn’t move too far with this one. But it introduced a new location which I assume will appear in Nox story. With so few BAMC left it’s assumed the story will wrap up with Nox. I hope not but can’t see how else it will go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my gosh, this book is the best! I’ve been looking forward to Crew’s book and Ms. St. James did not disappoint. Crew is a total alpha male, obnoxiously so at times. He really needed to be taken down a few pegs and, my word, Cami is perfect for the job. She is an unwelcome, at least to Crew, addition to the task force. Her smart mouth and sass make her a hilarious addition. She definitely keeps Crew in his toes and proves her worth at the same time. I can’t say enough good about this book, you just need to read it for yourself. If you haven’t already, read the whole series, it’s worth your time. Bring on Nox, I have a feeling his story is going to gut me!
Crew knows what he would like to do with Cami, the newest member of the task force, however that isn’t what he believes that he should do. She manages to fascinate and infuriate him at the same time which only increases the feelings and attraction he has for her.
With the career she has chosen Cami has had to learn not to back down from anyone or anything and that includes Crew. She knows just what to do get a reaction from him and everything time they are together the sparks fly.
The chemistry between them is intense, the suspense continues, the interactions are entertaining and the camaraderie between the team only gets better as we get to know them more.
This series is absolutely amazing, and to say I have been eagerly waiting for Crew's story would be an understatement. I have loved him as a minor character, but to read him as the main character was amazing. The banter between himself and Cami was some of the best I have read, and their chemistry had me turning the pages rapidly. Cami was the absolute perfect heroine for him. She definitely gave back as good as she got and kept him on his toes. I adored her. The continuing storyline with the Deadly Demons MC is almost at the pointy end, and as much as I have loved the romance side of all the books, this part has been equally amazing
Age gap romance isn’t always my favorite but this one has broken the mold. I adore Crew and Cami. Crew has so much guilt over being older than Cami but she gives him so much grief about it that he can’t help but address it. Crew has a past that doesn’t allow him to trust too easily and he finds trusting Cami very difficult. His feelings morph into something he doesn’t recognize. I loved Cami and her ability to put anyone in their place. Her perception of situations is spot on. Her kid gloves with Crew allow him to discover what’s going on in his own time. Add in all the on going investigating and their relationship becomes super complicated. I cannot wait to see how all of that wraps up.
Working together to bring down a drug infested MC, Crew finds himself between a rock and a hard place when the newbie shows up to the team and her sass and spark bring him to his knees. But can he really work with Cami or will she be more of a distraction? Once again Jeanne St. James gives her readers exactly what they were looking for: A storyline that has more twists than a roller coaster, beloved characters and just enough angst and simmer to make the pages turn quickly. Another great addition to the series.
Colin Crew rides his sled to Pittsburg to find out he is not getting to choose the law enforcement officer to replace the man who had to withdraw from his Tri-State Federal Drug Task Force. No, a sassy young woman, daughter of the Principal Deputy Administrator of the whole DEA is assigned to him. Crew is sure she'll not only upset his apple cart but could ruin his whole career! Her father has told her all about him from years ago when they worked a case together. Camilla Cabrera, CC, was 10 years old then, 15 years younger than he. She makes trouble right away by speaking Spanish with other members when Crew can't understand. I have to admit Crew had all my sympathies, while I could not help but admire Cami's bravery, individuality, and ability to handle outlaw bikers and the Deadly Demons that the task force is gathering incriminating evidence against ever last one! This was a good read.
Crew & Cami is a fun, steamy read. The push & pull between the H & h kept you wanting to keep turning the pages to see what they’d say & do. As with all of Jeanne St. James stories, the plot was great which includes amazing steamy scenes between the main characters.
I really loved the strong heroine in this story. She gives Crew a run for his money & keeps him on his toes. She handled her assignment like the BA she is!
I highly recommend this book & it could be read as a stand-alone but you should definitely read the series because it’s amazing!
This series has always delivered an amazing story with each installment. This one is no different!! Our fearless task force leader has always had a wall around him and he got what he needed without investing his heart; until a smart mouth , Sassy, quirky and determined DEA agent gets assigned to the task force. I laughed so hard at so many spots in this book , I totally swooned and fell hard for this amazing book. Your heart will ache but oh it’s such a beautiful story. I can not wait until the next one!! As always, it was fantastic.
Wowzer!!! This was the most awesome book. It had me from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the end. I loved the banter between Crew and Cami. It was laugh out loud when Cami kept zinging Crew. She definitely knew how to push his buttons. But Crew couldn’t stay away from her. The steamy tension was out of this world. Loved it!! Cami and Crew were perfect for each other. Ms. St. James definitely didn’t disappoint with this one. It’s a definite must read. I’ve loved the whole series, which are must reads too. Looking forward to the next one.
Beyond the Badge: Crew is another action-packed ride for the Blue Avengers MC that I did not want to put down for a second! Cami is a fantastic new addition to Crew's unit of undercover law enforcement officers trying to take down the Deadly Demons MC. She may be young, but she doesn't take any guff from anybody, and Crew doesn't know how to handle his attraction to her. It's entertaining to watch him handle that and for her to enjoy messing with him. This entire series, including Crew, have been fast-paced and full of twists and turns. I can't wait for what comes next!
I love this authors work. I've read every single book she's published, and I will continue to do so. But this one took me a little bit to love. I've wanted Crew's story since the beginning and age gap is one of my favorite tropes. I had trouble, though, with the main female character. I'm sure its a personal thing, but I just wanted to slap her and tell her to shut up. Near the end I rounded the corner to acceptance, if not actual like because Jeanne St James can redeem any character flaw, she's just that good.
Another great addition to the series. Like all the others, this book is so well done. We get to see a different view this time with their age difference. Real concerns are written well and realistically with getting older and dealing with divorce, kids and a crazy mean ex. Something I love about Ms. St. James books is the detail without going into such overstuffed boring details that it takes you out of the story. Blending all the other characters without taking away from the main characters. Can’t wait for Nox!
There are many reasons why Crew and Cami don’t work. 1) Crew worked a case with Cami’s father 18years ago and her father is now his boss 2) Crew is Cami’s boss 3) the 15 year age gap…. But despite all these things, they are pulled together like magnets. My favorite part was all of their banter, it’s wasn’t until 1/2 way through the book when they were at the diner and Crew threw his sausage at Cami from across the table that I started finding their banter super amusing.
Crew was a confirmed divorcee bachelor. Cami was his new member of the task force Crew heads up. Their personalities clash immediately and Cami has a mind of her own so does what she thinks will work...undercover in the MC's bar. Crew is not happy but she disregards his instructions. In the meantime, regardless of their 15 year age difference, they start sleeping together.
LOVED Cami's take-charge personality and Crew's efforts to tame her. It doesn't work!
Jeanne St. James has totally outdone herself with cocky, arrogant Crew, who has certainly met his match with fiery and feisty Cami! The witty banter, steamy chemistry, loveable characters, and captivating storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The drama with the Deadly Demons is heating up, and although I do not want the series to end, I can’t wait to see what Nox’s book brings and for the conclusion to this series!