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Mission: Six #5

Five Ways to Surrender

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His life is dedicated to the SEALs.

His heart is dedicated to her.

Their mission was clear: do not engage! But when his SEAL team is ambushed, “Big Jake” Schuler sacrifices his safety to draw the terrorists away from his unit. When village missionary teacher Alexandria Parker runs right into Jake’s arms, they must hide together in the wild hills of Niger, causing Jake to discover that Alex is as tough as she is beautiful. This mission he’ll engage with feelings he thought he buried a lifetime ago.

Mission: Six

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 15, 2018

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About the author

Elle James

526 books1,090 followers
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

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5 stars
108 (53%)
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61 (30%)
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27 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Anita.
2,297 reviews185 followers
December 10, 2018
I love Elle James and have enjoyed most everything she has written. The short form novel is her forte and she does it better than just about anyone. Great formula: hot romance, relatable hero and heroine and a mystery/suspense to solve. This latest series is set in Africa and has been wonderful to read not only as romantic-suspense but from the research she has done about a part of the world I know very little about. With this book, she has all the elements, but is isn't quite pulled together as well as other books and the TSTL heroine and hero made it tough.

On a routine mission to gather information the team is attacked by ISIS militants in an area where they have not been known to operate. Surprise! There was no question of fighting, they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned so the beat a hasty retreat with “Big Jake” Schuler laying down cover and misdirection. In his retreat he comes upon missionary teacher Alexandria Parker and together they hide in the hills outside the village. Alex proves herself to be just as tough as she is beautiful and she wants to return to the village to save the older missionary and his wife who were left behind. Jake has his hands full keeping her contained and alive, and keeping his hands off of her. 3 1/2-Stars
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
2,610 reviews395 followers
December 25, 2018
Five Ways to Surrender by Elle James

From the Mission: Six series, this active SEAL story has Jake rescuing teacher Alexandria from ISIS in a small village in Africa.
Military action and fighting are the majority of the story with an underlying romance. Because it’s Harlequin I really expected more romance than active hiding, search and rescue. It moved fast and compelling but the heroine made a stupid move putting herself in danger. Maybe re than once. Yes, she was aggressive in fighting back. But the SEAL team or Jake had to follow after her. All for the cause of good of course.
I like this author a lot but this series focus is on active duty SEALs which means fighting, killing and ugly intentions.
So I’m giving it 4 stars for the writing, action, and intentions but know that the romance, heat and attraction level I want from a Harlequin would put it only at 3 stars at the most.
Profile Image for Paula Brandon.
1,134 reviews31 followers
January 14, 2020
After the deadly dull fourth book in the series, this mini-series gets back on track with this highly enjoyable romantic thriller once again set in Africa. This time it's "Big Jake" Schuler as the hero. When an intel mission results in an ISIS ambush, Jake stays behind to keep his team safe. Meanwhile, teacher Alex Parker risks her life during the ambush to rescue the missionaries she works with, which brings her into contact with Jake. They must make a desperate dash through the country of Niger to stay safe from ISIS.

I really liked this. The first half is tense and suspenseful as Jake and Alex trek through Niger to elude ISIS, but also manages to give them enough time together to have proper conversations with each other to convince me that they are well matched. The second half reunites Jake with his team, and introduces the element of the American mining operation Jake and Alex witnessed during their run to safety, and how this might actually be connected to the ISIS raid on the village at the beginning of the story.

Suspense and action is maintained from start to finish. Like some of the other better entries in this mini-series, I could see this playing out as a B-grade action movie! (And that's not an insult. I love a B-grade anything movie.) I'm very pleased that Elle James is making all these books standalones, as she tends to suck if she tries to carry a plot across numerous books! Lots and action and suspense, and everything wraps up satisfactorily by the end.

I liked the characters. Alex, in particular, is a strong and capable heroine. While you could possibly level TSTL (too stupid to live) accusations against her, her actions are those of somebody who is acting selflessly, not those of somebody just doing something stupid for shits and giggles. Her overriding thoughts are those of somebody who puts others before themselves. Also, she has a nifty sense of humour, and I found her very relatable. How could I not love her? Jake managed to make me swoon, especially when he's ripping off his shirt to provide it to Alex.

The only area where this book stumbles is, once again, when all six heroes from the mini-series are together. I honestly can't tell any of them apart. By himself, Jake is an exemplary hero, but surrounded by five others who are exactly like him, his impact is lessened. But at least there was the first half of the book that allowed him plenty of alone time with Alex and convinced me of their connection.

Not sure of the relevance of the book's title, but it's not something you should worry about! This had plenty of action and suspense to keep me hooked, and the romance was better than average too!
Profile Image for Margie.
1,716 reviews24 followers
November 10, 2018
I love when a romance author writes a strong heroine. That's exactly what Elle James has done in Five Ways to Surrender, the latest in her Mission: Six series. Alexandria "Alex" Parker is a teacher living with a missionary couple in a volatile area in Niger. When ISIS invades her village Alex escapes to the hills with her class of orphans. This is the first of many dangers Alex faces. I admire how well she holds herself together and faces danger with bravery, toughness and determination.

The hero in this story is Navy SEAL Big Jake Schuler who runs into Alex as she tries to sneak back into her village. Big Jake has managed to lead the ISIS terrorists away from the rest of his SEAL team after they have been ambushed. They were greatly outnumbered and this was just supposed to be a reconnaissance mission. He knows they will come back for him after they replenish ammo and report the incident. Jake and Alex together make a strong team as they face many dangers.

There's lots of action in this story as well as a surprise twist. It was great getting to see all the SEALs from the previous Mission: Six books. Any reader who likes great romance along with lots of action will enjoy this book.
242 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2018
Full of action from the beginning. Big Jake, Navy Seal and his team, Diesel, Buck, Pit bull, Harm and T-Mac, are in Niger on a mission when things go very wrong. Unknowingly ISSI is in the town they are going into. Jake gets stranded in the town. While hiding in a hut ,from ISSI, he's surprised by Alex, a teacher in the small village who's also hiding. They literally run into the hills trying to evade African wildlife and from ISSI. Along with the comradery of Jake's Seal Team and their growing attraction things continue to heighten with suspense. You'll learn the conditions of the poor people of Niger. An exciting read to the end.
34 reviews
November 14, 2018
I really love Elle James books but, I must admit this is the first story of this series I have read. I can’t wait to read the others! This book brought you into the world of Niger and ISIS and showed you the effect on the villagers who live amongst this-war-and how they survive. It also brought home the evil that penetrates through the illegal mining industry. Wrap that up with a sexy Seal (Jake) and a strong teacher ( Alex) helping orphans and living with missionaries and you have a great story!
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 24 books80 followers
August 4, 2019
A Mission Six tale in which SEAL Team member Jake Schuler comes upon missionary teacher Alex Parker when ISIS insurgents in Niger are about to invade the village where she teaches.

They escape and begin several subsequent adventures to save other innocents before they declare their love for each other.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
560 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2018
"Big Jake" and his Seal team are on a reconnaissance mission. They are to gather information as to the whereabouts of an ISIS leader and are ordered to NOT engage. Instead, their team is ambushed. In order to ensure his team's safety, Jake puts his life at risk distracting the enemy. With ISIS on his back, he wonders into a village and stumbles across an American-Alex. Realizing he can't leave her for ISIS, they flee the village for the hills. As they trek across the mountains, with ISIS not far behind, they come across an illegal mining operation. Jake takes puctures so that he can pass the information on to those in charge. They finally arrive to the market where Jake is able to contact his team. While Jake and his team work to figure out the connection between the mining operation and ISIS, Alex worries about her missionary friends-vowing to return and rescue them....

Excellent story! Very well written with exciting plot twists and romance to be had! The action had me hooked from the first page. While I've only read two of the novels in this series, this novel is definitely my favorite! I can't wait to read the next Seal story! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Wanting to get out and experience the world, Alex leaves her home and fiancé to become an English teacher to a small village in Niger. One day, during the lesson, ISIS storms the village. Alex assists in getting the children safely to the hills, but goes back to assist the missionaries to safety. Instead, she stumbles into Jake.
Profile Image for Rose .
75 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2020
This book is a military romance. Always liked Ms. James' romantic suspense books. She can blend romance and action and make it into an exciting read. I respected the strong women in this series thus far. And until way over the halfway mark I liked the kind-hearted heroine who was brave and resourceful in a frightening situation. She was a teacher in an orphanage, in a small village in Africa. She cleverly escapes the ISIS militants who raid the village, saving the orphans from them. While trying to go back to save a missionary couple who remained behind, she meets the H Jake who is on a reconnaissance mission there and they escape together. Only problem is that the h left behind the missionary couple and wants to rescue them all by herself instead of depending on the well trained SEALs. What a fool thing to do! She evades the man guarding her and goes off half-cocked to save the old couple. By this time she already knows that the team went to rescue them. I don't know what she was thinking she could do against the ISIS contingent. Instead she is abducted by the bad guys and is held, so that the H and his team had to go rescue the fool woman from torture and death. But atleast she proves herself later when she tries to save herself instead of waiting to be rescued.
Well, apart from that part of the story, I really liked this book. The action and romance were well paced. Even though the ending was predictable, the story was engaging until the end. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in a quick read, packed with action and romance.
Profile Image for Marcia.
1,749 reviews28 followers
November 14, 2018
Another full action, page turning adventure of the SEAL team (6?). This time they are sent to Niger for a recon mission, after intel that ISIS is in the area. But their contact is in league with ISIS, and the team gets separated, Big Jake Schuler, laying fire so the rest of the team could escape.

Alexandria Parker wanted to travel and see the world and realized just days before her wedding, that she was about to marry the wrong man. She left the safety of Virginia to teach in a missionary school in Niger. She falls in love with the people and their culture.

Running into the village, Jake ends up in the same hut as Alex, who was trying to find the elderly missionary couple. He convinces her that she needs to leave, as she will do them no good if she is captured. For two grueling days they elude the terrorists, but when they finally make it to the American Embassy, Alex manages to turn victory into defeat. While Alex starts out being feisty, she becomes reckless with delusions of grandeur, putting herself and therefore the entire SEAL team in danger.

I like reading about SEALS and other first responders. Each book in this series is very exciting, skillfully written with well developed characters. The CAST OF CHARACTERS at the begining of each book is very helpful. I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the author. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,085 reviews48 followers
November 16, 2018
Big Jake has found himself in a spot of bother...of the ISIS variety! He ensures his team escapes and attempts to make his way towards their base. Along the way he hides out in a small village. But never expected to find another American taking refuge there.

Alexandria aka Alex left her boring, staid fiancé behind in the USA and fled to Africa looking for an adventure. She may, however, have bitten off more than she can chew. Her little village is attacked and she flees with a small group of villagers into the caves nearby. But Alex can't leave behind her missionary mentors and returns to lend what aid she can. That's when she meets tall, deadly and charming Jake. He ticks all her adventure boxes but romance shouldn't be on her mind when she is fleeing terrorists!

On their way across country they meet allies and finally meet up with the rest of the team. But not before they discover that there may be more to the insurgent activity than they thought.

Lots of twists and turns and weighing of character! Jake and the boys scrub up nicely and it was lovely to get a little update on how they are faring now that some are now happily coupled up!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,201 reviews39 followers
December 30, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!

A chance meeting turns into forever! With the continued story of a SEAL team in the heart of Africa, we get to watch Jake fall hook, line and sinker for the pretty American teacher. This entire series has brought a great picture of the African's countryside and attention grabbing intrigue. Loving it!

Navy SEAL Jake "Big Jake" Schuler knows his orders are not to engage, but when his team walks into an ambush because a local informant double crosses them, they have to do what they can to survive. Big Jake orders his team to safety while he diverts the rebel forces away from them. He's finding his ways through the hills to a meet point to reconnect when a woman walks straight into his arms!

American missionary teacher Alexandria Parker gets a warning that a dangerous man is coming to their village and is instructed to get the children to safety. She scrambles through the hills until she has them safely stowed in a cave, but when she tries to return to attempt to get the elderly Reverend and his wife out, she's runs into danger ... and then smack dab into the arms of safety!
769 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2018
Jake, puts his life on the line, making sure his fellow SEAL team members get out safely, when they are ambushed in Niger. When leaving, he literally runs into Alex, a missionary teacher who is determined to return to the village and rescue the two oldest missionaries who insisted on staying.
Jake is determined to get Alex to safety, while Alex is equally determined to rescue her friends. The argument follows the hills, caves, creeks and cliffs throughout Niger, while they both try to keep ISIS off their backs. Once they finally catch up with Jake's team, he decides to go on his own to rescue Alex's friends. Alex is, of course, not about to let that happen. The extreme heat between these two is off the charts and, just makes it harder to do what has to be done.
This story is one that you can't stop reading until the end because, it is just that fascinating!
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,095 reviews28 followers
December 2, 2018
Heart stopping action!

I love books by Elle James but for some reason this is the first one of the Mission Six series that I've read; now I must read the others!

Alex is working with missionaries in Niger when the village is attacked by ISIS soldiers. She escapes with the help of Navy SEAL Big Jake, who was separated from the rest of his team when their mission went sideways. Alex wants to go back and rescue the missionary couple before something awful happens to them.

Five Ways to Surrender is an action-packed story with a strong female lead and a dedicated SEAL who's not afraid to go rogue to help protect her when she gets into trouble.

Another suspenseful, sexy book from Ell James!

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
2,090 reviews17 followers
December 7, 2018
Another amazing read by this author that has action, suspense, twists and turns with a couple of surprises, a hot hero and strong heroine. I enjoyed Jake & Alex and their dangerous rough journey, running away from terrorists. I also loved the no drama between them and how strong Alex was, keeping up with Jake as they race for their lives. There were times when Alex was a bit too stubborn for me and risking herself unnecessarily but then again it showed her strength and selflessness, wanting to help and save others as much as she could. Their attraction was steamy and sent sparks flying and I loved how they didn’t shy away or deny their feelings. The only thing missing for me was an epilogue as I would have loved to have read where they both ended up and how they worked out all the logistics in their relationship.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,537 reviews18 followers
November 14, 2018
I think this one is my favorite out of the series. Once again Elle brings to our attention ongoing situations in the world with a light touch as our hero Big Jake and heroine (Alex) are running from ISIS in Niger. Alex is a strong willed, determined, giving women who volunteered to help teach children in Niger. Their village is attacked and after getting the children to the mountains she goes back to check on the missionary couple she was helping. There is where Big Jake finds her. The story takes off from there and takes you on a suspenseful ride. Great Read! Thank you for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
1,905 reviews18 followers
December 3, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Five Ways to Surrender is book 6 in Mission Six series by Elle James and what a gtreat book filled with suspense, action, twists, turns, danger, seeing old friends from the previous books, keeps you turning the pages to find out what mayhem happens next!

Big Jack Schuler gets separated from his Seal team after an ambush by ISIS at the village where Alexandria a missionary teacher has just escaped with the children to the mountains but she is now returning to the village to help rescue her mentors except she runs into Jake and they end up again on the run from ISIS. Can Big Jake keep her safe and get back to his team or will ISIS catch them?
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
942 reviews46 followers
December 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this story by Elle James! Five Ways to Surrender is the fifth book in her Mission:Six series and just as good as the other books.
When Jake and his team go into a village just to gather intel they are ambushed and Jake makes the decision to draw the terrorists away from his unit so they all can get out safely. The last thing he expects is to have a woman run straight into his arms, but he soon learns that Alexandria Parker is tough and she will do anything to protect her students and friends.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Linda George.
594 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2022
This entry in the Mission:Six takes place in Niger. They are scouting for ISIS terrorists in the region and are ambushed. Big Jake drops behind and diverst the attention of the attackers from his teammates. During his escape, he comes across American teacherAlesandria Parker who is trying to rescue an elderly couple who are missionaries. Runnning away to find help forces them to rely on each other and builds rapid trust. Reunited with the rest of the team, they report on a mining operation headed by Americans that should not exist. There are a number of twists and turns in this page turner of a story.
518 reviews34 followers
November 18, 2018
I enjoyed reading Five Ways to Surrender. Jake is a Navy Seal who has gotten separated from his unit when they were ambushed. Alexandria is a missionary who's village has been attacked by terrorist rebels. When these two meet in the village while under terrorist fire they find themselves working together to reach the rest of Jakes team. The tension levels remain constant as they work to evade the terrorist, but what they find along the way may have them running into more danger just when they thought they were safe.
Great romantic suspense read!
Profile Image for Sherry.
991 reviews70 followers
November 22, 2018
Action, suspense, danger, and romance keeps you turning the pages of Five Ways To Surrender. Jake and Alex don't meet under the best of circumstances, but are instantly attracted to each other. Alex is a strong, determined woman and Jake is a hot, alpha Navy SEAL and they are both very loyal to the people they care about and will do anything to help someone in trouble. Jake thinks being a SEAL makes a relationship impossible, but Alex quickly changes his mind. A great cast of characters and story line makes this an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,180 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2020
The Mission Six saga continues, this time with Big Jakes taking the lead. When a recon mission goes sideways, he meets American teacher Alex, who volunteered to come to Africa to work in Niger. She is beautiful and stubborn and Jake finds her beautiful. When dirty deeds become obvious, and an ISIS faction is uncovered, the SEALS are not supposed to intervene, but things change rapidly and they need to surveill some high-ranking officials. There is a tangle of information and of people, but the SEAL team eventually prevails. There's a happily ever after for Jake and Alex, too.
Profile Image for Beth Cotter.
341 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2018
I enjoyed the action in this one. The connection between Jake and Alex is captivating. She holds up under pressure escaping ISIS in a small African village, while he does what he can to get them to safety. When she took off I wanted to shoot her lol, why, why, why would she allow him to help her only to take off to save her friends when he was on his way there, instead of trusting him to get the job done. Anyways, I enjoyed reading this story, Elle keeps you on your seat,
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.1k reviews138 followers
November 29, 2018
This is a very entertaining read. An exciting, dramatic and action-packed story provides an excellent backdrop for the romance between Jake and Alex. These two were both great characters. They are both strong, capable, smart and devoted; in short they are perfect match. In short this is a really good read with a solid plot and a wonderful cast of characters. I am by my own accord posting a forthright review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
620 reviews
February 11, 2019
Elle James’ Five Ways to Surrender is full of plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Thrilling action scenes, steamy romantic scenarios and fluent, fast-paced writing make this story come alive. Jake and Alexandria are likable characters who cross paths due to dangerous circumstances. Their fight for justice brings them close but will it be able to keep them together?

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Nancy Luebke.
1,433 reviews57 followers
July 4, 2022
I enjoyed this intriguing romance. I bought this at the local library book sale and I voluntarily chose to review this story. This book pulled me in almost from the first and kept my attention. There is a lot of action and violence. This is not for the under 18 readers because of violence and sexual content. Meeting in unusual circumstances was a nice twist, sort of and the story continues from there. This is centered in a Africa country during unrest. Lots of different issues in this story.
Profile Image for karen.
1,528 reviews
January 22, 2024
Lot of action, traitors, Isis, a teacher who would give her life for others, a brotherhood who gas each other’s back, a commander who gets it. When Jake’s team is ambushed and he diverts the enemy so tge team can get away and he saves Alex, a teacher. They are in a run for their lives. There mission sends them to the Niger embassy, a kidnapping, a cover up and big fireworks. Jake and Alex are truly soul mates. Definitely not a dull moment
Profile Image for Simera.
1,607 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2018
I enjoyed Alex and Jake and the spark between them. This story has it all action, drama, falling in live and of course kidnapping and a rescue.
Alex is a teacher who finds herself in trouble when ISIS invades the village she is working at. Jake being a Navy Seal is just doing his job and that is trying to keep her safe.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.
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