HERO’S PRIZE (Linear Tactical:Oak Creek 3) by Janie Crouch-review

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Sandy

HERO’S PRIZE (Linear Tactical: Oak Creek 3) by Janie Crouch-review

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2024

When a deadly accident leaves extreme sport superstar Colton Harrison questioning what his future holds, he decides to take a timeout in his hometown of Oak Creek.

He knows the mountains and wildness of Wyoming will help him heal.

But he has no idea how he’s known sweet Ella O’Conner all his life but is somehow only really seeing her for the first time now.

People in his world may say she doesn’t measure up, but this woman—and all her sexy curves—is downright beautiful to Colton.

Ella is who he wants. Who he needs. Who he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

Although convincing her of that will be tricky. All she’s ever wanted was a quiet existence, and life in the public eye can be brutal—no matter how much Colton vows to protect her.

Especially when a stalker is willing to do anything to keep Colton for themself.

•••••

REVIEW: HERO’S PRIZE is the third instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL; OAK CREEK romantic suspense series, a second-generation spin off from the author’s LINEAR TACTICAL series. This is thirty-two year old, extreme sports star Colton Harrison, and bakery owner Ella O’Conner’s story line. HERO’S PRIZE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Colton and Ella) HERO’S PRIZE follows the friends to to lovers relationship between our story line couple. Colton Harrison has returned to his home town of Oak Creek, to film his latest extreme sport adventure. A friend’s wedding brings Colton up close and personal with Ella O’Conner where he will discover that Ella has crushed after our story line hero for as long as she could remember but one night together ends when Ella ghosts Colton the next morning, ghosting that left Colton wondering what happened or why but Colton’s adventure doesn’t go according to plan, and weeks will pass before our couple come face to face, again. Colton has a stalker; someone who is amping up the apparent ‘threats’ but our heroine is about to pay the price for Colton’s star power and popularity.

The world building focuses on Colton’s career; a possible career ending injury; the back and forth relationship between Colton and Ella, and the threats against our story line couple.

The relationship between Colton and Ella is a friends to lovers. Everyone in Oak Creek is aware of Ella’s attraction to our story line hero but Colton himself. Having followed Colton’s career, the town of Oak Creek will have to come together to protect one of their own. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and charismatic secondary and supporting characters from both the Linear Tactical and the second generation Oak Creek series. We are introduced to videographer Rick, and Colton’s assistant Tony.

HERO’S PRIZE is a story of betrayal, obsession and jealousy; family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is fated and heart breaking; the characters are strong-willed, struggling and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Hero Unbound
Hero’s Flight

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.

Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband’s job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she’s not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

Hero’s Flight (Linear Tactical:Oak Creek 2)by Janie Crouch-review

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Sandy

Hero’s Flight (Linear Tactical:Oak Creek 2)by Janie Crouch-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2023

Air Force Combat Controller Derek Bollinger knows what it is to feel that every breath might be his last. Enduring hell in an enemy prison for five weeks taught him that.

The only thing that got him through it was the thought of his family, his hometown of Oak Creek, Wyoming, and especially of Becky Mackay.

He survived, but with blood on his hands. His own. His friends’ who died beside him. His enemies’.

And then…Becky’s.

A night that should’ve been perfect for them both turned into a nightmare Derek can never wake up from, leaving him with only one option: staying the hell away.

But Becky has almost lost the man she loves too many times—first to that prison camp, then to his own demons.

She’s not going to lose him again.

Yes, that night between them changed everything. Changed her. But change isn’t always a bad thing. And it’s time for them to stand together to face his PTSD and their future.

Especially when an unexpected danger comes after them both. Together will be the only way to survive.

••••••••••

REVIEW:HERO’S FLIGHT is the second instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary adult LINEAR TACTICAL: OAK CREEK romantic suspense series-a second generation spin off set in the author’s LINEAR TACTICAL world. This is Air Force Combat Controller Derek Bollinger (son of Finn and Charlotte ), and veterinarian Dr. Becky Mackay’s (daughter of Zac and Anne) story line. HERO’S FLIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line and series is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Derek and Becky) HERO’S FLIGHT focuses on the rebuilding relationship between our story line couple. Years earlier Derek Bollinger suffered abuse at the hands of his captors in Afghanistan but upon his return, Derek struggled with issues of PTSD and guilt but as he continued to battle with his demons, he pushed his childhood best friend and the woman he loved, Becky Mackay, out of his life, leaving a trail of heart break and pain in his wake. Fast forward to present day, following eighteen months without communication, Derek will return to Oak Creek wherein he will come face to face with the woman he has never stopped loving but all is not well between our story line couple, and matters go from bad to worse when a series of questionable accidents befall our story line heroine. As Derek battles between head and heart with his need for the woman he almost destroyed, someone else is taking aim at Becky Mackay.

The world building focuses on Derek’s struggled with PTSD, and Becky’s need to forgive the man she will always love. As a pilot for a local search and rescue operation, Derek knows firsts hand the dangers of flight but never suspected he and Becky may be the next victims of a devious mind.

The relationship between Becky and Derek is a best friends to lovers, second chances relationship. Derek’s battle with his PTSD is threatening his relationship with the woman he loves but more so his own ability to forgive himself for what happened and why. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large and familiar cast of dynamic secondary and supporting characters including many of the original Linear Tactical couples including Finn and Charlotte Bollinger (EAGLE), and Zac and Anne Mackay (CYCLONE), Riley, Dorian, as well as a number of the now adult children Colton, and Lincoln Bollinger.

HERO’S FLIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder, second chances, forgiveness and love. The premise is emotional and dramatic; the romance struggles in the face of self destruction and doubt; the characters are broken but determined and healing.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HERO UNBOUND

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Holiday Heroes by Janie Crouch / Regan Black-review

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Sandy

Holiday Heroes (Never Too Late for Love) by Janie Crouch / Regan Black-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2023

These heroes will protect their women from danger and won’t let them spend the holidays alone…

Includes two full books for one great price!

A Fairytale Hero — Jackson Prince thought love was done for him when his wife died five years ago. But the shy girl he never forgot from high school saving his life on Christmas Eve proves him wrong. Now they’ll both learn it’s never too late for love.

A Hero in Paradise – The holidays lost their shine for Will Frasier after his wife passed. Bucking traditions, he’s headed for Key West to do a friend a favor. One that brings him face to face with a woman who still believes in miracles… and that it’s never too late for love.

•••••

REVIEW: A FAIRYTALE HERO by Janie Crouch is the introductory novella in Josie Jade’s contemporary adult, romantic suspense PRINCES OF FAIRYTALE, COLORADO series focusing on the Prince family. This is fifty-four year old widower, former US Army Ranger and patriarch of the Prince family Jackson Prince, and fifty-one year old divorcee, and cafe owner Chandra Priestly’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jackson and Chandra) A FAIRYTALE HERO follows the Chandra and Jackson, on the run, from the men targeting our story line hero. Jackson Prince has been working undercover with his son, Fairytale’s Sheriff Beau Prince, and Jackson has witnessed something that placed him in the direct line of fire. With three men looking for Jackson, our hero seeks refuge on Christmas Eve with the local cafe owner, a woman he once knew, years before. Enter Fairytale Colorado cafe owner Chandra Priestly, and the woman who would lay claim to his heart as our couple struggle to stay one step ahead of the men taking aim at our story line hero.

A FAIRYTALE HERO is a story of power and control, family and relationships, friendships and acceptance. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance has only started and mostly implied; the characters are charismatic and charming.

__________

REVIEW: A HERO IN PARADISE by Regan Black is a contemporary, adult stand alone, romantic suspense story line in the Never Too Late for Love multi-authored series. This is widower/father/police officer/security specialist Will Frasier, and single mother/bar owner Maureen Lassiter’s story line. A HERO IN PARADISE is loosely connected to the author’s Brotherhood Protectors World/The Guardian Agency series.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Will and Maureen) HOLIDAY HEROES picks up two days before Christmas wherein our heroine is a partial witness to a murder behind the Key West Beachcomber bar of which she owns. Calling in protection from the Guardian Agency, Maureen will be up close and personal with police officer Will Frasier, the man with whom Maureen will fall in love. The local police and Will believe Maureen has become a target for what she saw, and with the help of Will, and his sons David, Eli and Lance, Maureen’s life will be saved several times. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between our story line couple, and the potential fall-out as Will begins to suspect something darker behind the scenes.

The relationship between Will and Maureen begins as an assignment but quickly grows into something more as our couple are pushed together by circumstance and chance.Someone has targeted our story line heroine, and Will is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are all implied.

The world building reveals Will and Maureen’s histories: their lives and loves, their losses and family, including marriage and children.

We are introduced to Will’s sons David, Eli and Lance, as well as local police officer Jenkins, and Maureen’s son Tim.

A HERO IN PARADISE is a story of betrayal and power, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic yet endearing; the romance is subtle; the characters are dynamic and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Code Name: Gemini by Janie Crouch & Danielle M Haas-review

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Sandy

Code Name: Gemini (Zodiac Tactical/Injured Heroes) by Janie Crouch & Danielle M Haas-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 9, 2023

Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.

Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she’s ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha’s vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn’t.

•••••

REVIEW:CODE NAME: GEMINI is the sixth instalment in the contemporary adult ZODIAC TACTICAL romantic suspense series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Danielle M. Haas. This is yoga instructor Tasha Volkov, and Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman’s story line. CODE NAME: GEMINI can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CODE NAME: GEMINI by Janie Crouch’s blends the author’s Zodiac Tactical series, and Danielle M Haas’ Injured Heroes series.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Tasha and Andrew) CODE NAME: GEMINI focuses on the take down of the man who destroyed Andrew Zimmerman’s life. Approximately three years earlier, while working undercover for the Volkov Bratva, Andrew and his family would become the targets of the man in charge, leaving Andrew a widow, raising two children on his own. Fast forward to present day wherein Zodiac Tactical believes the Volkov Bratva has returned to their old ways, and someone else may be along for the ride. Hoping to end the Volkov reign of terror, Zodiac Tactical sets their sights on Tasha Volkov, and Andrew Zimmerman is determined to destroy the woman before she destroys anyone else. What ensues is the building but struggling relationship between Tasha and Andrew, and the potential fall-out as the past returns taking aim at our story line couple.

The world building focuses on Andrew’s need for revenge. Three years earlier the Bratva destroyed his family, leaving Andrew a shell of his former self but our hero never expected to discover a ghost from the past, living and working with the people he knew. Determined to have his revenge, Andrew ‘volunteers’ to go under cover in an effort to ferret out the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Andrew and Tasha is predicated upon a lie. Andrew is hoping Tasha knows more than she is willing to reveal, and Tasha suspects Andrew may be the beginning of the end of her peace and well-being. As the relationship develops, the assignment begins to darken, forcing Tasha to run, to save her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters from ZODIAC TACTICAL and INJURED HEROES bringing familiarity and cohesion between both series.

CODE NAME: GEMINI is a story of betrayal and revenge, power and control, obsession and madness, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating, edgy and dramatic; the romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are broken, desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

WYOMING COWBOYS by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Sandy

WYOMING COWBOYS (Never Too Late For Love) by Janie Crouch and Regan Black -reviews

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 13, 2023

Three full later-in-life romantic suspense books…

Starts with: MARIA’S COWBOY

Maria Boyne feels like she’s living inside a country song, and not in a good way.

Everything that could possibly go wrong has… from a husband who died and left her with major debt on her tiny ranch, to a horse that’s gone missing, to feeling like she’s being watched.

At 50, she never thought this was the life she’d be living: alone, broke, and scared.

Cowboy Huck Samuels came to Sweet Pine, Wyoming to work on a friend’s ranch and start a new life. Most people assume his scars and limp are from his rodeo days.

That’s better than them knowing the truth.

When the gentle beauty at the neighboring ranch needs help with her horses, one of the few things Huck’s ever been good at, he’s more than happy to volunteer.

It doesn’t take him long to realize Maria’s string of bad luck is actually something much more sinister. And that, despite his injuries, he’s not going to let her face them alone.

It’s not too late for him to be the man he once was.

And it’s never too late for love.

••••••••

MARIA’S COWBOY

REVIEW: MARIA’S COWBOY is a contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story focusing on fifty year old, widow and rancher Maria Boyne, and former rodeo rider turned ranch foreman Huck Samuels.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Huck and Maria) MARIA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Huck and Maria. Five years earlier Maria’s husband died, leaving Maria deeply in debt. Having sold off the cattle and half of the land to a real estate developer, Maria finds herself at a crossroads when she is unable to get a loan to cover the rest of the costs. Meeting her neighbor’s new ranch foreman Huck Samuels gave Maria thoughts for a future but at fifty years old, Maria struggles to begin her personal life anew but all was not well when everything begins to go wrong, and Huck suspects the woman with whom he is falling in love has been targeted by someone close.

The relationship between Huck and Maria is one of immediate attraction but Huck is new in town, and Maria hasn’t dated since she lost her husband . With the ranch struggling to stay afloat, Maria battles between head and heart but the attacks against the ranch are fast and furious. There are no $ex scenes.

The secondary and supporting characters include fellow ranchers Cole and Harvey, as well as cafe owner Lovey, and ranch hands Jed and Tyler.

WYOMING COWBOYS is a quick read; a fast paced story of intrigue and mystery. The premise is engaging and interesting; the characters are expressive; the romance is mostly implied.

•••••••

TERESA’S COWBOY (book 2)

REVIEW: TERESA’S COWBOY is the second story in the WYOMING COWBOYS anthology co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black focusing on rancher Cole, and barista Teresa.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives TERESA’S COWBOY follows the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa. Teresa is on the run, having heard the suspected murder of someone she loves. Arriving in Sweet Pines, Wyoming Teresa never expected to settle down but an offer of a job, and the acceptance of local rancher Cole, gave Teresa a hope for a safe and happy future. When Teresa’s past comes looking for our story line heroine, the town of Sweet Pines protects one of their own but they couldn’t be everywhere all at once. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cole and Teresa, and the potential fall-out as the threats to her life and safety come to fruition.

The relationship between Cole and Teresa covers approximately a year in the life from start to the end of their story. Cole’s attraction to Teresa is immediate but Teresa doesn’t have plans to stay for long in Sweet Pines. There are no $ex scenes.

Huck and Maria return, as well as coffee shop owner Lovey Jones, and rancher Harvey, who helps in the rescue of our story line heroine.

TERESA’S COWBOY is another quick read; fast paced story of betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is exciting; the romance is subtle; the characters are desperate.

•••••

CALLIE’S COWBOY (book 3)

REVIEW: CALLIE’S COWBOY is the third story line in the contemporary, adult WYOMING COWBOYS romance series co-authored by Janie Crouch and Regan Black. This is former rodeo rider turned rancher / trail guide Harvey, and registered nurse Callie.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Harvey and Callie) CALLIE’S COWBOY follows another woman, on the run, from an abusive ex. Callie’s arrival in Sweet Pines, Wyoming coincides with a tour group about to set off on horseback for a five day trip. An injury will force someone else to step aside, wherein Callie will take her place, including her identity, but the trip through the mountains is about to spiral out of control, leaving Callie and Harvey separated from the group, fearing for their lives. Once Harvey discovers Callie’s true identity, Callie’s past descends upon our couple, threatening to destroy Callie, once and for all.

The relationship between Callie and Harvey is one of immediate attraction but one predicated upon several lies. A series of accidents and encounters are about to overrun the group, as Callie must confess the truth as to why she is on the run. There are no $ex scenes.

WYOMING COWBOYS is an anthology trio wherein three former rodeo riders from Sweet Pines, Wyoming all find love with women who have been threatened or left struggling by the men in their lives. All three stories are similar in concept and premise, focusing on the insta-love relationships between the hero and heroine. A nice, sweet set of stories with limited passion, limited romance, but high on suspense and worry.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Texas Bodyguard: Chance (San Antonio Security 4) by Janie Crouch

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Sandy

Texas Bodyguard: Chance (San Antonio Security 4) by Janie Crouch-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2023

She has secrets she prefers to keep hidden.
Too bad he’s so good at getting to the truth.

When a violent attack puts Maci Ford in the hospital, security expert Chance Patterson learns that she’s carrying his baby. Even though she ended their relationship, he’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect her and their child. But, as her stalker’s behavior escalates, Chance can’t shake the feeling that Maci is still hiding something from him…

••••

REVIEW:TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE is the fourth and final instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult SAN ANTONIO SECURITY romantic, suspense series focusing on the Patterson brothers: Luke, Brax, Weston and Chance. This is security specialist Chance Patterson, and PA Maci Ford’s story line. TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chance and Maci) TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE follows in the weeks after a one-night stand between our story line couple. For months Chance Patterson and Maci Ford, San Antonio Security’s receptionist and PA, have been dancing around one another but a one night stand ended when Maci ghosted our story line hero, without explanation or good bye. Fast forward to present day, the team has been hired to find the person stalking a social media influencer but all does not go according to plan when the stalker turns their attention to our story line heroine. With the discovery that Maci was now carrying Chance’s child, Chance becomes guardian and protector of the mother o this child, a woman who is about to come face to face with a serial killer. What ensues is the building relationship based in forced proximity and unexpected pregnancy, and the potential fall-out as Maci may be the killer’s next victim.

The world building continues to focus on the Patterson brothers-4 young boys who met and were adopted from the child welfare system, adopted by a loving couple with no children of their own. As each brother met and fell in love with their future bride, while on the job, Chance would discover his future was within arm’s reach all of the time.

The relationship between Chance and Maci begins as employee and boss. Maci and Chance have been dancing around one another for a very long time but Maci’s past refused to let, and if discovered, Maci believed Chance and the Patterson family would want nothing to do with our story line heroine. There are no $ex scenes or implications of such.

All of the previous story line couples including Clint and Stella Patterson return, as well as the introduction of Maci’s mother Stella, and a small group of security meant to protect the social media influencer.

TEXAS BODYGUARD: CHANCE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the characters are energetic and determined; romance is implied.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Texas Bodyguard: Luke
Texas Bodyguard: Brax
Texas Bodygyuard:Weston

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211574.Janie_Crouch
Website: http://www.janiecrouch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janiecrouch/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pmEH1X
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janiecrouch

HERO UNBOUND (Linear Tactical:Oak Creek 1) by Janie Crouch-review

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Sandy

HERO UNBOUND (Linear Tactical: Oak Creek 1) by Janie Crouch-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N paper/ Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3qAu23b

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date August 1, 2023

Eva Dempsey is out of options.

She’s made it to Oak Creek, Wyoming with two traumatized dogs, twenty dollars, and a fear of damned near everything.

Things that didn’t make it with her? Her self-esteem, confidence, or any way of supporting herself.

Theo Lindstrom knows how to survive. He proved it as a child when he had to keep himself and sister alive in the wilderness. Now he runs Linear Tactical, the company his adoptive father helped create, and teaches survival skills to others.

So he recognizes the desperation in the eyes of the petite beauty who’s pulled into town, and knows there’s more to her story than she’s letting on.

He normally keeps to himself—for very good reasons—but he can’t this time. Something about Eva draws him in a way he can’t resist, even knowing she’s got secrets. The deadly kind.

When the danger she’s running from shows up, Theo’s not going to let her fight it alone.

This is his town.
This is his woman.

And he’ll protect both to his last breath.

••••••

REVIEW: HERO UNBOUND is the first instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL: OAK CREEK romantic suspense series-a second generation spin off from the author’s LINEAR TACTICAL series. This is vet tech Eve Dempsey (daughter of Noah and Marilyn: STORM #10), and Theo Lindstrom (son of Dorian and Grace : GHOST #5). HERO UNBOUND can be read as a stand alone, you do not have to have read the original series to understand or enjoy.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Eve and Theo) HERO UNBOUND follows in the wake of the arrival of our story line heroine to Oak Creek, Wyoming. Eve is on the run: broke, broken, with little money and only her two dogs to keep her safe but Eve is desperate and comes full circle working as a vet tech at Linear Tactical’s training farm but all is not well in Eve Dempsey’s life, and the demons from her past have followed her to Oak Creek, Wyoming. Theo Lindstrom is hoping to get up close and personal with our story line heroine but Theo suspects Eve may be lying, and her secrets are about to threaten the people she has grown to love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eve and Theo, and the potential fall-out as the past returns, claiming Eve as his own.

The world building focuses on Eve’s struggles to prove she is worthy of trust and love but at every move something goes wrong, and her already low self-esteem is about to get lower when she is suspected of lying and making things worse. Working with the animals at Linear Tactical places Eve in the direct line of fire as her past threatens to destroy everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

The relationship between Eve and Theo begins as a prior friendship but Theo suspects something is wrong. Eve has missing memories, and black holes where she is unable to remember, and as such she is beginning to suspect that everything she had been told, to be true. As Eve and Theo’s relationship turns into something more, Eve continues to mistrust her own instincts, and falters at every step of the way. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The familiar secondary and supporting characters include several characters introduced in the original LINEAR TACTICAL series. We are introduced to Eve’s brother Sam Dempsey, Derek Bollinger, and Becky McKay.

HERO UNBOUND is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mental illness and abuse, obsession and love. The premise is edgy, dramatic, captivating and heart breaking; the romance is subtle and tender; the characters are desperate, broken, spirited and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON (San Antonio Security 3) by Janie Crouch- review

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Sandy

TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON (San Antonio Security 3) by Janie Crouch

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

A determined bodyguard. A fierce heiress.
And death is just a shot away…

Silent, stealthy and professional, Weston Patterson is always two steps ahead of trouble—until he’s hired to bodyguard a woman he never expected to see again. Someone won’t stop until Kayleigh Delacruz is dead. But the feisty heiress is challenging Weston to keep her close as well as safe. Will the suspicions between their different worlds lock them in an endgame impossible to survive?

••••

REVIEW: TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON is the third instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult SAN ANTONIO SECURITY romantic, suspense series focusing on the Patterson brothers: Luke, Brax, Weston and Chance. This is security specialist Weston Patterson, and heiress / photographer Kayleigh Delacruz’s story line. TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Weston and Kayleigh) TEXAS BODYGUARD: WESTON follows in the wake of threats against out story line heroine. Kayleigh Delacruz and Weston were childhood friends but Weston grew up in the child welfare system, and was sent to another foster home without any notice. Fast forward to present day, billionaire investor Leo Delacruz is desperate to more protection for his only daughter, and contracts with San Antonio Security but more specifically his daughter’s friend Weston Patterson. Kayleigh Delacruz is unaware of Weston’s involvement but lies by omission threaten their rebuilding friendship but at every turn, Kayleigh is pushing for her continued independence, an independence that is threatened by the target on her back. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and love between Weston and Kayleigh, and the potential fall-out as the threats against Kayleigh may come from someone she knows.

The world building continues to focus on the backstory and history of the Patterson siblings-four non-blood brothers adopted by the Patterson family, four brothers who grew up to protect the people they love. When Weston is tagged to protect our story line heroine, Weston is hoping for a second chance, a second chance at the woman he has never forgotten.

The relationship between Weston and Kayleigh is one of second chances: a rekindling friendship that was broken when Weston was sent to another foster home. Like his ‘brothers’, Weston’s earlier life was one of sorrow and pain, and the only happiness was the summer he spent with out story line heroine. There are no $ex scenes -everything is implied.

Once again, we are reintroduced to Weston’s brothers: Luke (Claire), Brax (Tessa) and Chance, as well as their parents Clinton and Sheila Patterson; Kayleigh’s father Joe Delacruz, and a host of assistants and security. The requisite evil has many faces.

TEXAS BODYGUARD : WESTON is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, second chances and love. The character driven premise is entertaining and dramatic; the romance is passionate but subtle; the character are desperate and determined.

Reading Order and previous Reviews

Texas Bodyguard: Luke
Texas Bodyguard: Brax

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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