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Operation XOXO
The killer he sought led him back to the woman he couldn't let go
FBI Agent Paul Fletcher spent years working on the Dakota Strangler case, only to have it end with the serial killer's presumed death. But when a threatening note surfaces, targeting past victim Elise Johnson and her new life, he's back on the case....
With all evidence leading to Elise's small Texas town, the only option to protect Elise and her boys is for the charming yet tough agent to move in. As he becomes a part of their lives, he discovers that he would sacrifice everything to keep this family safe. But tearing down the protective walls that Elise has built for herself may be just as hard as catching a killer - a killer who threatens to destroy the very home he's just found.
FBI Agent Paul Fletcher spent years working on the Dakota Strangler case, only to have it end with the serial killer's presumed death. But when a threatening note surfaces, targeting past victim Elise Johnson and her new life, he's back on the case....
With all evidence leading to Elise's small Texas town, the only option to protect Elise and her boys is for the charming yet tough agent to move in. As he becomes a part of their lives, he discovers that he would sacrifice everything to keep this family safe. But tearing down the protective walls that Elise has built for herself may be just as hard as catching a killer - a killer who threatens to destroy the very home he's just found.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Elle James
526 books1,090 followersAward-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.
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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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 10, 2020
Good romantic book with lots of intrigue.
October 4, 2015
Operation XOXO is a fast pace book that kept me going till the end. I did not want to put the book down even though I had to. I finished it in three days and wanted there to be more. I have to go back and read the first book now that I found out from another review that it existed.
Paul Fletcher is an FBI Special Agent who was recently promoted. He worked the case of the North Dakota Strangler along with his partner and friend Melissa Bradley. He Hadn’t seen or heard about the strangler’s wife since that frightful night. He couldn’t forget about her though he’d liked her even then, but it hadn’t been the right time.
Elise Johnson was running from her past as the North Dakota Strangler’s wife. She had thought he was dead and had been burned to death. She had lived with him for years and never known that he was capable of killing. He had been a very controlling husband and father. Elise thought that was behind her though she had even changed her name and her kids names to make sure nobody could find them.
Wanting to start fresh after two years living near her sister Brenna, they moved to Texas. She was now a history teacher and had some wonderful students, and a couple challenging ones. She should have been safe, but that thought was wrong. She was far from being safe now that either her ex husband was back from the dead or a copy cat was after her.
Paul had no jurisdiction on the case, but it wasn’t stopping him when he got word that Elise was in trouble. He did not know her new name until he was on his way to her house, he knew her as Alice Klaus. He dropped what he was doing and went to her rescue and she was more than thankful to have him there. Seeing him was like being safe again like he really could save her from whatever was happening.
Elise’s oldest son Brandon wasn’t up for sharing the house with Paul however and he was blaming him for what happened to his dad. Luke, his brother, was more than happy with Paul around especially with the mention of a puppy. Elise had to think up a reason for Paul being around, but when she did not even that did anything for eight year old Brandon.
There were hints through out the book on who the killer was, but not until the very end did it really put the clues together. It might keep some guessing, but I figured it out before the author gave the second clue. Elise keeps thinking she should just pack up and leave, but she never did because she realized it was not her fault. The twist to the end was even a shock to me and I hadn’t seen it coming.
The book became one of my favorites and the author is another favorite of mine now. She gave plenty of juice to the coupling of Paul and Elise. There was a wonderful love scene in the living room that I truly enjoyed because it really had been a long time coming. By the end Paul was going to be sticking around even if they didn’t end up together for good they’d be friends. However, I can picture them being together and maybe even their own kids.
Paul Fletcher is an FBI Special Agent who was recently promoted. He worked the case of the North Dakota Strangler along with his partner and friend Melissa Bradley. He Hadn’t seen or heard about the strangler’s wife since that frightful night. He couldn’t forget about her though he’d liked her even then, but it hadn’t been the right time.
Elise Johnson was running from her past as the North Dakota Strangler’s wife. She had thought he was dead and had been burned to death. She had lived with him for years and never known that he was capable of killing. He had been a very controlling husband and father. Elise thought that was behind her though she had even changed her name and her kids names to make sure nobody could find them.
Wanting to start fresh after two years living near her sister Brenna, they moved to Texas. She was now a history teacher and had some wonderful students, and a couple challenging ones. She should have been safe, but that thought was wrong. She was far from being safe now that either her ex husband was back from the dead or a copy cat was after her.
Paul had no jurisdiction on the case, but it wasn’t stopping him when he got word that Elise was in trouble. He did not know her new name until he was on his way to her house, he knew her as Alice Klaus. He dropped what he was doing and went to her rescue and she was more than thankful to have him there. Seeing him was like being safe again like he really could save her from whatever was happening.
Elise’s oldest son Brandon wasn’t up for sharing the house with Paul however and he was blaming him for what happened to his dad. Luke, his brother, was more than happy with Paul around especially with the mention of a puppy. Elise had to think up a reason for Paul being around, but when she did not even that did anything for eight year old Brandon.
There were hints through out the book on who the killer was, but not until the very end did it really put the clues together. It might keep some guessing, but I figured it out before the author gave the second clue. Elise keeps thinking she should just pack up and leave, but she never did because she realized it was not her fault. The twist to the end was even a shock to me and I hadn’t seen it coming.
The book became one of my favorites and the author is another favorite of mine now. She gave plenty of juice to the coupling of Paul and Elise. There was a wonderful love scene in the living room that I truly enjoyed because it really had been a long time coming. By the end Paul was going to be sticking around even if they didn’t end up together for good they’d be friends. However, I can picture them being together and maybe even their own kids.
October 29, 2012
3.0 stars.
Awe, what a nice read. Just loved Brandon so-much, in a I just need to hug him kind of way.
This book was just what I was looking for: a nice, peaceful, sit-back-in-your-favorite-chair-and-relax kind of book. The kind that, when it's over leaves you with fuzzy warm feelings, ya know. Such a nice book.
But I can't help thinking that I must have missed book 1, because this book gave me an empty feeling you know? Like a "you're missing something" kind of feeling?
Anyway, interesting for a quick read, it's rather nice for when you want a quick relaxing mystery/romance story, but not a "omg never expected that" kind of mystery.
Something very light and nice. It was a good read.
But if you are expecting big surprises, great/hot romance and a story a little more elaborated, you probably should stick to other books.
Awe, what a nice read. Just loved Brandon so-much, in a I just need to hug him kind of way.
This book was just what I was looking for: a nice, peaceful, sit-back-in-your-favorite-chair-and-relax kind of book. The kind that, when it's over leaves you with fuzzy warm feelings, ya know. Such a nice book.
But I can't help thinking that I must have missed book 1, because this book gave me an empty feeling you know? Like a "you're missing something" kind of feeling?
Anyway, interesting for a quick read, it's rather nice for when you want a quick relaxing mystery/romance story, but not a "omg never expected that" kind of mystery.
Something very light and nice. It was a good read.
But if you are expecting big surprises, great/hot romance and a story a little more elaborated, you probably should stick to other books.
November 15, 2011
Thumbs up for this book.I had doubts reading this book at first, it seemed a bit mature and dark so i thought maybe this book was all suspense and less of the romance.But i sure was wrong,the story had a great combination of romance and thrill.It was actually pretty good,also very interesting.I am looking forward to other intrigue books in the future.For those who love suspense and mystery rhis book will surely satisfy your craving :D
July 8, 2012
just silly. the mystery is obvious and not really solved by any of the characters. and considering it was a romance, the love story was terrible.
October 6, 2013
I actually only read this one to finish a book challenge. It was better than I thought it would be.
March 18, 2015
<---- SUCKER!!
Im such a sucker for romance with kids.
Im such a sucker for romance with kids.
September 13, 2012
I like theis book and used it as part of Alphabet Challenge.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews