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Linear Tactical: Oak Creek #4
Hero's Heart
He was out of the game.
He should've stayed that way.
When a former FBI colleague asks Callum Webb to rescue the kidnapped daughter of an American bigwig in eastern Europe, Callum’s just got one word for him...
No.
Okay, actually two words: hell, no.
Callum is out of the international law enforcement game and has been for a long time. He’s happy in his role as gruff sheriff of the tiny town of Oak Creek, Wyoming. Even if the job doesn’t keep his nightmares at bay.
Plus, rescuing a spoiled heiress is not high on Callum’s bucket list.
When he ends up being the only viable option, Callum knows he’s not going to let a young woman die so he prepares for one last daring mission.
But nothing is what it seems, and this mission will change Callum’s life forever in more ways than one..
He should've stayed that way.
When a former FBI colleague asks Callum Webb to rescue the kidnapped daughter of an American bigwig in eastern Europe, Callum’s just got one word for him...
No.
Okay, actually two words: hell, no.
Callum is out of the international law enforcement game and has been for a long time. He’s happy in his role as gruff sheriff of the tiny town of Oak Creek, Wyoming. Even if the job doesn’t keep his nightmares at bay.
Plus, rescuing a spoiled heiress is not high on Callum’s bucket list.
When he ends up being the only viable option, Callum knows he’s not going to let a young woman die so he prepares for one last daring mission.
But nothing is what it seems, and this mission will change Callum’s life forever in more ways than one..
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2025
1141 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Janie Crouch
308 books2,038 followersUSA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense.
After a lifetime on the East Coast—and a six-year stint in Germany due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military—Janie has settled into her dream home in Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. She loves engaging in all sorts of adventures (triathlons! 200-mile relay races! mountain treks!), traveling, and surviving life with four kids.
Heroes exist. Let a Janie Crouch book prove it to you.
Check out Janie's updates and more on her website at http://www.janiecrouch.com
After a lifetime on the East Coast—and a six-year stint in Germany due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military—Janie has settled into her dream home in Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. She loves engaging in all sorts of adventures (triathlons! 200-mile relay races! mountain treks!), traveling, and surviving life with four kids.
Heroes exist. Let a Janie Crouch book prove it to you.
Check out Janie's updates and more on her website at http://www.janiecrouch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
March 29, 2025
I thought just good because I was expecting more from this story.
April 15, 2025
Well written adventure, suspense, romance with some steamy sex scenes. It was a fun ride.
Until this...
The author and her editor should have consulted an atlas when the H/h were escaping from Odesa, Ukraine. I'd love to know how an overnight high speed ferry could whisk them across the black sea, across mainland Turkey, then across the East Mediterranean to the Western Mediterranean and arrive in Barcelona in eighteen hours...
I couldn't get past this glitch. Sorry.
Until this...
The author and her editor should have consulted an atlas when the H/h were escaping from Odesa, Ukraine. I'd love to know how an overnight high speed ferry could whisk them across the black sea, across mainland Turkey, then across the East Mediterranean to the Western Mediterranean and arrive in Barcelona in eighteen hours...
I couldn't get past this glitch. Sorry.
February 2, 2025
"You make me feel seen"
Ah! We finally get Callum's book, we get his heartbreaking history, we understand why he is sometimes gruff and grumpy and we see him overwhelmed, terrified, excited and happy as he falls in love again. Sloane is an interesting mix of personalities, she is so strong, yet lacks any self belief, she is smart, compassionate and gracious. All of which are a miracle after her upbringing and the way her family treated her. She is repeatedly abused, lied to, betrayed, used and insulted by those who should love and protect her. She finds the love and family she craves in Oak Creek and we see her blossom as she relaxes and her confidence grows. It is lovely to see Callum find his second chance at happiness and love, and it is beautiful to see Sloane grow confident enough to sass Callum, accept Amelia and to truly make her home in Oak Creek.
I love the crossover with the original Linear Tactical guys and the second generation team, they are like family who welcome you with open arms every visit. Callum has always kept himself slightly apart from everyone, an outsider, he knows they accept and respect him and here he finally returns that acceptance as he fully immerses himself and Sloane in the Oak Creek Family.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Ah! We finally get Callum's book, we get his heartbreaking history, we understand why he is sometimes gruff and grumpy and we see him overwhelmed, terrified, excited and happy as he falls in love again. Sloane is an interesting mix of personalities, she is so strong, yet lacks any self belief, she is smart, compassionate and gracious. All of which are a miracle after her upbringing and the way her family treated her. She is repeatedly abused, lied to, betrayed, used and insulted by those who should love and protect her. She finds the love and family she craves in Oak Creek and we see her blossom as she relaxes and her confidence grows. It is lovely to see Callum find his second chance at happiness and love, and it is beautiful to see Sloane grow confident enough to sass Callum, accept Amelia and to truly make her home in Oak Creek.
I love the crossover with the original Linear Tactical guys and the second generation team, they are like family who welcome you with open arms every visit. Callum has always kept himself slightly apart from everyone, an outsider, he knows they accept and respect him and here he finally returns that acceptance as he fully immerses himself and Sloane in the Oak Creek Family.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
February 24, 2025
4 Stars
RTC
RTC
May 19, 2025
So this book reads like a first draft. Big chunks of the plot contradicted what happened before or were just plain stupid, the villains were one-dimensional caricatures, and the main characters had no real chemistry and quite frankly, were kind of unlikeable. Add in to that I hadn't realised this was an age-gap romance (which I generally hate) and the MMC was a widower - another trope I avoid - and this was never going to be a 5 star read from me.
But oh, the stupidity.
I don't expect or even want these types of books to be realistic. But I DO want and expect them to be logical. To make sense in the context of the story. I also expect that if characters are described one way, then their actions will support that description.
That's not the case in this book.
Sloane the 23 year old FMC is so passive and does NOTHING at any point to change her circumstances. She lives with her father, step mother and half sister as pretty much an indentured servant. Her family is laughably over the top cruel, and she puts up with it because for some reason she feels trapped in the situation. This reason is hinted at throughout the book and only finally revealed in the last quarter of the book. And spoiler alert - the reason is so incredibly stupid that it makes Sloane look absolutely idiotic.
When she's taken she does nothing to try to escape or assist in the rescue effort. She also constantly feels guilty for things that are completely out of her control, has little to no self-esteem, and acts like a doormat most of the time.
There is a line between sympathetic and pathetic and Sloane is way on the wrong side of it.
The infuriating part is that Callum, the MMC, continually describes her as 'strong' and is in awe of her strength. Strength we NEVER see.
Speaking of Callum, he's a 44 year old widower still grieving the loss of his wife. Until he meets Sloane and then he barely thinks of her again, except to reflect on how she would really like Sloane and be supportive of their relationship.
Sure.
I'm sure his dead wife would be thrilled that he shacked up with a girl young enough to be his daughter, after taking her virginity while still on the run from the people who abducted her and while she's still dealing with the trauma of it all. A girl who is so incredibly sheltered, having zero life experience (or basic common sense) at all.
What a peach.
He does have moments of self-reflection where he recognises that he's too old for her, that he is essentially taking advantage of her in a vulnerable situation - but hormones will be hormones and he completely ignores those moments of clarity.
Callum's elite training and skills are constantly referred to even though he does really stupid things seemingly all the time.
Our villains are first described as undisciplined and 'sloppy' before magically turning into a criminal powerhouse who have connections all throughout eastern Europe, before turning back into bumbling idiots again.
The only way I got through this book was to highlight all the parts that annoyed, irritated, or just didn't make sense to me. 243 notes and highlights - I think that's a personal record.
Oh and one final point - if you're going to include real world locations in your story then DO SOME FUCKING RESEARCH! An 18 hour Ferry from Odesa, Ukraine to Barcelona, Spain? WTF?
I would totally abandon this series and author at this point, but unfortunately I've already bought the next book in the series. I'll probably get around to reading it.
One day.
But oh, the stupidity.
I don't expect or even want these types of books to be realistic. But I DO want and expect them to be logical. To make sense in the context of the story. I also expect that if characters are described one way, then their actions will support that description.
That's not the case in this book.
Sloane the 23 year old FMC is so passive and does NOTHING at any point to change her circumstances. She lives with her father, step mother and half sister as pretty much an indentured servant. Her family is laughably over the top cruel, and she puts up with it because for some reason she feels trapped in the situation. This reason is hinted at throughout the book and only finally revealed in the last quarter of the book. And spoiler alert - the reason is so incredibly stupid that it makes Sloane look absolutely idiotic.
When she's taken she does nothing to try to escape or assist in the rescue effort. She also constantly feels guilty for things that are completely out of her control, has little to no self-esteem, and acts like a doormat most of the time.
There is a line between sympathetic and pathetic and Sloane is way on the wrong side of it.
The infuriating part is that Callum, the MMC, continually describes her as 'strong' and is in awe of her strength. Strength we NEVER see.
Speaking of Callum, he's a 44 year old widower still grieving the loss of his wife. Until he meets Sloane and then he barely thinks of her again, except to reflect on how she would really like Sloane and be supportive of their relationship.
Sure.
I'm sure his dead wife would be thrilled that he shacked up with a girl young enough to be his daughter, after taking her virginity while still on the run from the people who abducted her and while she's still dealing with the trauma of it all. A girl who is so incredibly sheltered, having zero life experience (or basic common sense) at all.
What a peach.
He does have moments of self-reflection where he recognises that he's too old for her, that he is essentially taking advantage of her in a vulnerable situation - but hormones will be hormones and he completely ignores those moments of clarity.
Callum's elite training and skills are constantly referred to even though he does really stupid things seemingly all the time.
Our villains are first described as undisciplined and 'sloppy' before magically turning into a criminal powerhouse who have connections all throughout eastern Europe, before turning back into bumbling idiots again.
The only way I got through this book was to highlight all the parts that annoyed, irritated, or just didn't make sense to me. 243 notes and highlights - I think that's a personal record.
Oh and one final point - if you're going to include real world locations in your story then DO SOME FUCKING RESEARCH! An 18 hour Ferry from Odesa, Ukraine to Barcelona, Spain? WTF?
I would totally abandon this series and author at this point, but unfortunately I've already bought the next book in the series. I'll probably get around to reading it.
One day.
February 2, 2025
4.25stars-HERO’S HEART is the fourth instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL : OAK CREEK erotic, romantic suspense series- a second-generation spin off from the author’s LINEAR TACTICAL series. This is twenty-three year old Sloane Miller, and forty-three year old, former FBI agent turned Oak Creek Sheriff Callum Webb’s story line. HERO’S HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Calum and Sloane) HERO’S HEART focuses on the rescue and protection of twenty-three year old Sloane Miller. Sloane Miller is the neglected and unwanted daughter of wealthy businessman William Getty, and as such has been tasked as the personal assistant to her twenty-two year old half-sister Marissa as she embarks on a summer vacation in Paris but within hours, Marissa and Sloane are abducted, and held for ransom. Owing a former military buddy a favor, Callum Webb reluctantly agrees to set up a rescue, only to discover his target is Marissa, and Sloane is to be left behind. Refusing to leave Sloane with the kidnappers, Callum becomes a one-man guardian and protector of our story line heroine, the young woman with whom Callum will fall in love. Upon there return, Callum and the Linear Tactical team will learn there is more to the story than meets the eye, and our heroine is a pawn in a much bigger game.
The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between Sloane and Callum: the ongoing attempts to kidnap our story line heroine; and the betrayals that set everything into motion.
The relationship between Sloane and Callum begins as a protection and rescue but Callum begins to suspect something else is going on. Days together in Europe, find our couple on the run as each safe-house is compromised and threatens their lives. Falling for Sloane is easy but Callum has loved and lost, and their return to America is only the beginning of another heart breaking betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters including the return of Theo and Eva (Hero Unbound), and Dr. Annie Mackay, as well as the introduction of Bear Bollinger (Finn’s Son-EAGLE), and Joy Davis. Joy and Bear’s story line is next.
HERO’S HEART is a story of secrets, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is passionate; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Calum and Sloane) HERO’S HEART focuses on the rescue and protection of twenty-three year old Sloane Miller. Sloane Miller is the neglected and unwanted daughter of wealthy businessman William Getty, and as such has been tasked as the personal assistant to her twenty-two year old half-sister Marissa as she embarks on a summer vacation in Paris but within hours, Marissa and Sloane are abducted, and held for ransom. Owing a former military buddy a favor, Callum Webb reluctantly agrees to set up a rescue, only to discover his target is Marissa, and Sloane is to be left behind. Refusing to leave Sloane with the kidnappers, Callum becomes a one-man guardian and protector of our story line heroine, the young woman with whom Callum will fall in love. Upon there return, Callum and the Linear Tactical team will learn there is more to the story than meets the eye, and our heroine is a pawn in a much bigger game.
The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between Sloane and Callum: the ongoing attempts to kidnap our story line heroine; and the betrayals that set everything into motion.
The relationship between Sloane and Callum begins as a protection and rescue but Callum begins to suspect something else is going on. Days together in Europe, find our couple on the run as each safe-house is compromised and threatens their lives. Falling for Sloane is easy but Callum has loved and lost, and their return to America is only the beginning of another heart breaking betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters including the return of Theo and Eva (Hero Unbound), and Dr. Annie Mackay, as well as the introduction of Bear Bollinger (Finn’s Son-EAGLE), and Joy Davis. Joy and Bear’s story line is next.
HERO’S HEART is a story of secrets, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, dysfunctional family dynamics, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and heart breaking; the romance is passionate; the characters are determined, dynamic and charismatic.
copy supplied for review
February 6, 2025
We finally get to read about sheriff Callum Webb's past!
He has been a fixture in the Linear Tactical stories, helping the team out however he can when trouble comes to Oak Creek. Wow! What a lot of baggage he carries around with him. Having suffered great personal loss and spending too many years chasing bad guys internationally in some of the most dangerous situations, he came to Oak Creek hoping for a quieter life where he could still be of service to his community. When a past colleague calls him in for one last high-stakes rescue mission, he can't say no. However, all is not what it seems.
Traveling to Moldova to retrieve an heiress from her kidnappers, Callum makes the decision to skip the ransom drop and attempt a preemptive rescue. When he arrives on scene, he finds not only the heiress but her half-sister/personal assistant, Sloane, as well. He goes to extreme lengths to rescue them both. Becoming separated from his team, he and Sloane sneak across borders over several days until they are finally safe. Spending days together under extreme conditions, the two become close.
Callum is shocked when Sloane arrives on his doorstep months later, malnourished and desperate. He won't let this second chance pass him by. His own strong moral center demands that he help Sloane. Beyond this moral imperative, the feelings that began to grow between them during their desperate escape return and intensify. When danger finds them once again, Callum will do everything in his power to protect this woman who has come to mean so much to him.
Callum has been suffering grief and loneliness for years. He believes that he is destined to be alone after having lost his first love. He struggles to let go of the past and allow himself to pursue happiness once again. Despite his past and self-doubt, he is a loving and protective man. He is willing to put himself at risk again and again to help others, especially Sloane. Sloane is a bit of a modern-day Cinderella, having been mistreated by her father and his new family for years. They were ready to abandon her to the kidnappers rather than negotiate for her release. Added to this, the family that is supposed to love her treats her like their slave, requiring her to do any and all tasks they request and preventing her from working toward her dreams of college and a career of her own. Despite this poor treatment, Sloane has a quiet strength to her. She is kind and tolerant at her core; qualities with which Callum becomes enamored. Together, Sloane and Callum make a great, mutually supportive couple. She reminds Callum of what it means to live and love again. He provides Sloane with the care, support and affection that she has been starving for.
As always, Ms. Crouch has created a suspenseful story with a complex plot. There is a lot of action and the story moves at a good pace. The main characters, Callum and Sloane, are unique and well-written with complicated pasts. This suspense-driven romance is an exciting and satisfying read.
Four stars.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
He has been a fixture in the Linear Tactical stories, helping the team out however he can when trouble comes to Oak Creek. Wow! What a lot of baggage he carries around with him. Having suffered great personal loss and spending too many years chasing bad guys internationally in some of the most dangerous situations, he came to Oak Creek hoping for a quieter life where he could still be of service to his community. When a past colleague calls him in for one last high-stakes rescue mission, he can't say no. However, all is not what it seems.
Traveling to Moldova to retrieve an heiress from her kidnappers, Callum makes the decision to skip the ransom drop and attempt a preemptive rescue. When he arrives on scene, he finds not only the heiress but her half-sister/personal assistant, Sloane, as well. He goes to extreme lengths to rescue them both. Becoming separated from his team, he and Sloane sneak across borders over several days until they are finally safe. Spending days together under extreme conditions, the two become close.
Callum is shocked when Sloane arrives on his doorstep months later, malnourished and desperate. He won't let this second chance pass him by. His own strong moral center demands that he help Sloane. Beyond this moral imperative, the feelings that began to grow between them during their desperate escape return and intensify. When danger finds them once again, Callum will do everything in his power to protect this woman who has come to mean so much to him.
Callum has been suffering grief and loneliness for years. He believes that he is destined to be alone after having lost his first love. He struggles to let go of the past and allow himself to pursue happiness once again. Despite his past and self-doubt, he is a loving and protective man. He is willing to put himself at risk again and again to help others, especially Sloane. Sloane is a bit of a modern-day Cinderella, having been mistreated by her father and his new family for years. They were ready to abandon her to the kidnappers rather than negotiate for her release. Added to this, the family that is supposed to love her treats her like their slave, requiring her to do any and all tasks they request and preventing her from working toward her dreams of college and a career of her own. Despite this poor treatment, Sloane has a quiet strength to her. She is kind and tolerant at her core; qualities with which Callum becomes enamored. Together, Sloane and Callum make a great, mutually supportive couple. She reminds Callum of what it means to live and love again. He provides Sloane with the care, support and affection that she has been starving for.
As always, Ms. Crouch has created a suspenseful story with a complex plot. There is a lot of action and the story moves at a good pace. The main characters, Callum and Sloane, are unique and well-written with complicated pasts. This suspense-driven romance is an exciting and satisfying read.
Four stars.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
February 4, 2025
Terrific book that, like the author's other books, hooked me from the first page. Callum is a former FBI (Omega Sector) agent who moved to Oak Creek after the death of his wife. He enjoys the calmer life of a small-town sheriff with the occasional assist to the Linear Tactical crew. A call from a former teammate interrupted that calm when he asked Callum to do an overseas ransom drop and kidnappee retrieval. Callum requests the help of two LT friends, Theo and Bear, to back him up. Plans change when Callum learns there are two women, not just the one he knew about.
Sloane is a modern-day Cinderella. Treated like dirt by her stepmother, half-sister, and father, Sloane's history is heartbreaking. Her sister, Marissa, is a spoiled, selfish, and manipulative piece of work. When Marissa goes to Paris, Sloane is sent as her "personal assistant, " where they are kidnapped and taken for ransom.
Callum's plans go sideways almost as soon as they are on the ground in Moldova. The action and suspense are intense and nonstop as Callum and Sloane become separated from Theo, Bear, and Marissa. I was glued to the pages as they went on the run, sometimes barely a step ahead of their pursuers. I loved how impressed Callum was by Sloane's ability to handle everything they faced. Callum and Sloane grow closer over the several days it takes them to make their way to safety. When they are separated after their escape, Callum wonders if he will ever see her again.
Callum is shocked when she appears at his cabin in Oak Creek two months later. She is in rough shape, malnourished and desperate, and hiding secrets. Callum won't blow this second chance and vows to care for her. I loved watching their relationship develop. Callum spent many years unable to let go of the past and risk his heart after the loss of his wife. I loved his protectiveness toward Sloane as he learned more about her life. That life with her family was miserable to begin with and got worse after her return. I loved her arrival in Oak Creek, Callum's care and support, and her happiness with her new life.
But danger strikes again, and it's up to Callum to save her. The intense final confrontation was a nail-biter with a revelation-filled twist that confirmed my suspicions about a couple of the characters. The epilogue was a great wrap-up, especially when it came to revealing consequences.
There were some fantastic scenes with characters from other LT books. Bear (Finn's son from EAGLE) and Theo (HERO UNBOUND) accompanied Callum on the mission to Moldova, with Lincoln providing intel support. Zac and Dr. Annie (CYCLONE) play significant roles, and Electric Smurfs also make an appearance.
Sloane is a modern-day Cinderella. Treated like dirt by her stepmother, half-sister, and father, Sloane's history is heartbreaking. Her sister, Marissa, is a spoiled, selfish, and manipulative piece of work. When Marissa goes to Paris, Sloane is sent as her "personal assistant, " where they are kidnapped and taken for ransom.
Callum's plans go sideways almost as soon as they are on the ground in Moldova. The action and suspense are intense and nonstop as Callum and Sloane become separated from Theo, Bear, and Marissa. I was glued to the pages as they went on the run, sometimes barely a step ahead of their pursuers. I loved how impressed Callum was by Sloane's ability to handle everything they faced. Callum and Sloane grow closer over the several days it takes them to make their way to safety. When they are separated after their escape, Callum wonders if he will ever see her again.
Callum is shocked when she appears at his cabin in Oak Creek two months later. She is in rough shape, malnourished and desperate, and hiding secrets. Callum won't blow this second chance and vows to care for her. I loved watching their relationship develop. Callum spent many years unable to let go of the past and risk his heart after the loss of his wife. I loved his protectiveness toward Sloane as he learned more about her life. That life with her family was miserable to begin with and got worse after her return. I loved her arrival in Oak Creek, Callum's care and support, and her happiness with her new life.
But danger strikes again, and it's up to Callum to save her. The intense final confrontation was a nail-biter with a revelation-filled twist that confirmed my suspicions about a couple of the characters. The epilogue was a great wrap-up, especially when it came to revealing consequences.
There were some fantastic scenes with characters from other LT books. Bear (Finn's son from EAGLE) and Theo (HERO UNBOUND) accompanied Callum on the mission to Moldova, with Lincoln providing intel support. Zac and Dr. Annie (CYCLONE) play significant roles, and Electric Smurfs also make an appearance.
February 2, 2025
Linear Tactical Heros of Oak Creek Second Generation Series:
Hero’s Heart Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m beyond in LOVE with any and all of Janie Crouch’s books. Linear Tactical has a very special place in my heart because it was the first series I read by her and was a fan since Cyclone. Now that the series has come back around and it’s the second generation I couldn’t be more excited. To finally have Callum Webb’s story is amazing, he’s been within this series since the original series and was featured within many of the stories. His character sits between the two generations which is such an interesting spot to be in. Callum traded his high stress, high stakes missions for being the sheriff of Oak Creek. It was the change he needed, or so he thought because being the sheriff of a small town was pretty quiet. Although the Linear Tactical guys sometimes made things interesting. Callum loves the quiet that Oak Creek offers although with all small towns people know everyone and everything. Sloane is this strong, quiet, beautiful, kind woman who hasn’t caught a single break in her young life. She wants to be seen and loved like everyone does however her family sees things differently. When a spur of the moment trip to Paris with her half sister turns into a traumatic disaster can Sloane find any chance of peace. Callum’s past appears out of the blue with a request for help with missions he used to do. Will the chance at some action be the shake up Callum needs? Once Sloane makes it back stateside can she really just move on with her life? Could Oak Creek be everything Sloane ever wanted and needed? Fate has a way of stepping in to shake up your world and see if you will flow with the changes. The question remains will Sloane go after what she wants and will Callum be ready for his greatest challenge of his life? Sloane and Callum both deserve to find peace and happiness in their lives, but will the evil in some people keep them from getting it? This story was captivating from the first page, Janie Crouch truly has a way of capturing her audiences attention and keeping it. I was laughing one moment, calling Callum some colorful names the next. Biting my nails from the action and suspense Janie brings into these series and absolutely loving the passion, heat and spice. I’m constantly telling people that they need to read Janie Crouch because they won’t be disappointed at all. I literally can’t wait for the next story because I just know it’s going to have me in my feels.
Hero’s Heart Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m beyond in LOVE with any and all of Janie Crouch’s books. Linear Tactical has a very special place in my heart because it was the first series I read by her and was a fan since Cyclone. Now that the series has come back around and it’s the second generation I couldn’t be more excited. To finally have Callum Webb’s story is amazing, he’s been within this series since the original series and was featured within many of the stories. His character sits between the two generations which is such an interesting spot to be in. Callum traded his high stress, high stakes missions for being the sheriff of Oak Creek. It was the change he needed, or so he thought because being the sheriff of a small town was pretty quiet. Although the Linear Tactical guys sometimes made things interesting. Callum loves the quiet that Oak Creek offers although with all small towns people know everyone and everything. Sloane is this strong, quiet, beautiful, kind woman who hasn’t caught a single break in her young life. She wants to be seen and loved like everyone does however her family sees things differently. When a spur of the moment trip to Paris with her half sister turns into a traumatic disaster can Sloane find any chance of peace. Callum’s past appears out of the blue with a request for help with missions he used to do. Will the chance at some action be the shake up Callum needs? Once Sloane makes it back stateside can she really just move on with her life? Could Oak Creek be everything Sloane ever wanted and needed? Fate has a way of stepping in to shake up your world and see if you will flow with the changes. The question remains will Sloane go after what she wants and will Callum be ready for his greatest challenge of his life? Sloane and Callum both deserve to find peace and happiness in their lives, but will the evil in some people keep them from getting it? This story was captivating from the first page, Janie Crouch truly has a way of capturing her audiences attention and keeping it. I was laughing one moment, calling Callum some colorful names the next. Biting my nails from the action and suspense Janie brings into these series and absolutely loving the passion, heat and spice. I’m constantly telling people that they need to read Janie Crouch because they won’t be disappointed at all. I literally can’t wait for the next story because I just know it’s going to have me in my feels.
February 7, 2025
Hero’s Heart finally gives us Callum’s story. After learning about his heartbreaking past it’s easy to understand why he comes off as grumpy and gruff at times. Callum decides to give up his FBI career after losing his wife, he takes a Sheriff position in Oak Creek. He’s happy with his new role and has no intentions of going back to his old life. That’s exactly what he tells his former colleague when they call out of the blue asking him to rescue a kidnapped heiress, Marissa Getty. It’s not something high on his bucket list. Once he realizes he’s the only viable option he decides to carry out the rescue. The mission does not go as planned. Once they reach the heiress, they realize she is not alone. Her half-sister/ personal assistant, Sloan, is also with her. They manage to free both woman, despite Marissa telling them to leave Sloan behind. This throws up major red flags with Callum, so when Sloan disappears during their escape he knows her sister had something to do with it. Callum calls his colleague to inform him he managed to get Marissa out but not Sloan. More red flags appear when his colleague tells him to leave Sloan and get Marissa to safety. Callum is not a man who would leave a woman behind in any situation, especially one who’s been kidnapped, so he sends Marissa ahead with Theo and Bear while he goes back for Sloan. Once he finds Sloan they make their way to the us embassy, but that plan implodes when they realize the Kozak’s have men waiting outside the gate for them. He decides they’ll cross the Ukraine border and take a ferry to Barcelona. During this time Callum and Sloan grow very close to one another, so close in fact he ask her to spend a few extra days with him in Spain. She loves this idea but unfortunately as soon as they dock her father is there to whisk her away. A couple of months go by without Callum hearing a word from Sloan, he believes their time together didn’t mean as much to her as it did him. So imagine his surprise when he catches her outside his house one night. He’s even more surprised by the state he finds her in l, malnourished and desperate. Callum will not let this second chance pass him up so he invites her to stay with him. He still has many unanswered questions about Sloans life. He can tell she’s running from something, but doesn’t push her to give him answers. He just knows that he’ll be there to protect her when the time comes. This was such a great book. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
February 7, 2025
another one hit out of the park…
HERO’S HEART JANIE CROUCH
Sloane Miller is the older half-sister to Marisa. Except for Sloane’s eyes being blue and Marisa’s being brown, they could be identical twins. And then there are their personalities. Sloane is the Cinderella to Marisa’ narcissistic, mean, nasty, sociopathic… readers will get the picture… everything which happens is Sloane’s fault. A promised trip to Paris, with Sloane as maid/servant turns into a nightmare. The girls are kidnapped or taken depending on your POV. Callum Webb is former special ops/FBI/Omega Security and retired to Oak Creek, Wyoming to serve as the town sheriff. He is beloved there having a history with the original Linear Tactical team, Ian deRose’s Zodiac team and now the next generation of Linear Tactical. A former colleague calls in a chip and asks Callum to put together a small team to travel to Moldova where Marisa is being held. An exchange of money for the girl. Only the team realizes that there are two!! The team is able to rescue Marisa while Callum tries to put distance between him and the kidnappers with an exhausted and abused Sloane as his #1 priority.
Once again Janie Crouch has written a page-turner. Callum and Sloane are rich characters and very sympathetic. As the story evolves, so do these 2 characters and truths reveal themselves. Questions will be answered and the ending had this reader cheering. Like Cinderella, Will Sloane and her Prince get their HEA? Will they get themselves out of Moldova/Ukraine/Spain without papers? Will the villains continue to track them down in the US and why? Like Cinderella, will Sloane and her Prince get their HEA? And like all of Ms Crouch’s books, the additional characters need books and adventures of their own. “Auntie Joy” and Bear come to mind. Why arent there more stars????
HERO’S HEART JANIE CROUCH
Sloane Miller is the older half-sister to Marisa. Except for Sloane’s eyes being blue and Marisa’s being brown, they could be identical twins. And then there are their personalities. Sloane is the Cinderella to Marisa’ narcissistic, mean, nasty, sociopathic… readers will get the picture… everything which happens is Sloane’s fault. A promised trip to Paris, with Sloane as maid/servant turns into a nightmare. The girls are kidnapped or taken depending on your POV. Callum Webb is former special ops/FBI/Omega Security and retired to Oak Creek, Wyoming to serve as the town sheriff. He is beloved there having a history with the original Linear Tactical team, Ian deRose’s Zodiac team and now the next generation of Linear Tactical. A former colleague calls in a chip and asks Callum to put together a small team to travel to Moldova where Marisa is being held. An exchange of money for the girl. Only the team realizes that there are two!! The team is able to rescue Marisa while Callum tries to put distance between him and the kidnappers with an exhausted and abused Sloane as his #1 priority.
Once again Janie Crouch has written a page-turner. Callum and Sloane are rich characters and very sympathetic. As the story evolves, so do these 2 characters and truths reveal themselves. Questions will be answered and the ending had this reader cheering. Like Cinderella, Will Sloane and her Prince get their HEA? Will they get themselves out of Moldova/Ukraine/Spain without papers? Will the villains continue to track them down in the US and why? Like Cinderella, will Sloane and her Prince get their HEA? And like all of Ms Crouch’s books, the additional characters need books and adventures of their own. “Auntie Joy” and Bear come to mind. Why arent there more stars????
February 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! Callum and Sloane were very engaging characters and this story was very well done! Sloane is not in a great situation and is just trying to survive. She is in a bit of a blackmail and abusive situation that she is trying to survive without giving up and trying to find a way out but not much hope at this point. She is sent on a trip to Paris with her younger step sister, as her assistant, which is where they are abducted and taken for ransom. Though her father isn't willing to pay hers. Callum is called in for the ransom exchange but he is only told about one daughter, not both. When new information comes in, Callum and two other colleagues he has with him decide on a rescue mission which is how they discover Sloane is there as well. Callum ends up separated and behind in order to save Sloane and they end up on the run together. Callum is beyond impressed with how Sloane handles what has been thrown at her and the entire situation that they are dealing with. She might not see herself as strong but he does. Then a few short months after rescue, she shows up in Oak Creek and Callum and Sloane get to start exploring what is between them. Though they have some communicating to do as well as figuring out some of the missing pieces in the kidnapping and ransom attempt. This story was well written and engaging the entire time. I loved watching Callum and Sloane come together and heal with what they have both been through. Neither have had an easy road but both find solace in each other. This was another great addition to the series and I loved seeing past characters from the original series and the second generation. Can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 3, 2025
Callum and Sloane
FMC: Sloane Miller
MMC: Callum Webb
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 321
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Age Gap, Protector Romance, Second Chance at Love, Small Town Romance
Setting: Oak Creek, Wyoming; Moldova
Thoughts: I have been waiting for Callum’s HEA since he was introduced into the Linear Tactical/Zodiac world and it was definitely worth the wait. He’d been through a lot in the time he’s been a secondary character and even had a whole career change. Now, as the sheriff of Oak Creek, he thinks he’s in the place where he can live out the rest of his life in some semblance of peace. But a phone call from an old colleague and a “simple” rescue mission later, his whole life is turned upside down again.
Callum never thought he’d open himself up to love after the sudden death of his wife, and he definitely didn’t see himself settling down with someone half his age, but Sloane blew into his life and changed everything. Their time in Moldova was high intensity and brought them quickly together. Sloane was wise beyond her years and had a heart of gold and Callum saw that pretty quickly. And Sloane felt safe and secure for the first time in her life with Callum.
Two months after their escape from Moldova, Sloane shows up in Oak Creek and she and Callum get a chance to fall for each other again. They had a lot to figure out and I loved how Callum fought for her. He made an emotional error and fought to earn Sloane’s trust again. The suspense at the end was everything I have come to expect from a Janie Crouch book and left me waiting impatiently for the next book in this series.
FMC: Sloane Miller
MMC: Callum Webb
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Pages: 321
Tropes: Romantic Suspense, Age Gap, Protector Romance, Second Chance at Love, Small Town Romance
Setting: Oak Creek, Wyoming; Moldova
Thoughts: I have been waiting for Callum’s HEA since he was introduced into the Linear Tactical/Zodiac world and it was definitely worth the wait. He’d been through a lot in the time he’s been a secondary character and even had a whole career change. Now, as the sheriff of Oak Creek, he thinks he’s in the place where he can live out the rest of his life in some semblance of peace. But a phone call from an old colleague and a “simple” rescue mission later, his whole life is turned upside down again.
Callum never thought he’d open himself up to love after the sudden death of his wife, and he definitely didn’t see himself settling down with someone half his age, but Sloane blew into his life and changed everything. Their time in Moldova was high intensity and brought them quickly together. Sloane was wise beyond her years and had a heart of gold and Callum saw that pretty quickly. And Sloane felt safe and secure for the first time in her life with Callum.
Two months after their escape from Moldova, Sloane shows up in Oak Creek and she and Callum get a chance to fall for each other again. They had a lot to figure out and I loved how Callum fought for her. He made an emotional error and fought to earn Sloane’s trust again. The suspense at the end was everything I have come to expect from a Janie Crouch book and left me waiting impatiently for the next book in this series.
February 8, 2025
Hero’s Heart is the fourth book in the Linear Tactical: Oak Creek series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest you read the previous three books before this one and if you have time, the entire Linear Tactical series (14 books total). They will help you understand the plot lines as well as get you acquainted with all the primary and secondary characters. For those who are new to the author and/or series, Linear Tactical: Oak Creek is the spin off series of Linear Tactical.
Hero’s Heart is the fast paced age gap romantic suspense with some twists. Oak Creek’s very own sheriff, Callum Webb, has been living in Oak Creek for the past 7 years and while he is loving the small town life, there is a part of him that is incomplete. Little did he didn’t even know it or how to fix it. Sloane Miller is living her life one day at a time in a horrible living situation and has been living her life by just scraping by. So young but yet she has lived far beyond her age of 22. An unexpected mission brings these two together and when everything is on the line, they band together to save themselves and more. And who they encounter along the way makes my crossover heart happy. 😍
Please note that some of the material in this book might be triggers for some and that you should read with caution.
Janie Crouch is one of my favorite authors and she has written Callum Webb’s story so so so well. I love how she wrote his story and how he finally found his forever after family. If you are looking for a book to get lost in, this is the book for you! Make sure you download it today! You won’t regret it!
Hero’s Heart is the fast paced age gap romantic suspense with some twists. Oak Creek’s very own sheriff, Callum Webb, has been living in Oak Creek for the past 7 years and while he is loving the small town life, there is a part of him that is incomplete. Little did he didn’t even know it or how to fix it. Sloane Miller is living her life one day at a time in a horrible living situation and has been living her life by just scraping by. So young but yet she has lived far beyond her age of 22. An unexpected mission brings these two together and when everything is on the line, they band together to save themselves and more. And who they encounter along the way makes my crossover heart happy. 😍
Please note that some of the material in this book might be triggers for some and that you should read with caution.
Janie Crouch is one of my favorite authors and she has written Callum Webb’s story so so so well. I love how she wrote his story and how he finally found his forever after family. If you are looking for a book to get lost in, this is the book for you! Make sure you download it today! You won’t regret it!
April 28, 2025
Another great addition to the Linear Tactical:Oak Creek series Sloane and Callum’s story has a tiny Cinderella overtone at the beginning and a thorough hero protector at it’s heart.
Callum Webb has been around for a while with appearances in various other books but this is his story. Neither of the first or second generation Linear Tactical he falls somewhere in between, he’s been the highly regarded Sheriff of Oak Creek for the last 7 years having parted company with the FBI after the tragic death of his wife. Callum is ok with his life accepting that with the loss of his wife love, family and soul deep happiness are not in his future.
Sloane Miller is living a life of servitude in her own family, she dreams of a future but can’t see a way out then she plunges into a nightmare.
Callum reluctantly agrees to do a former FBI colleague a favour by travelling to Moldova to deliver a ransom payment to secure the release of a kidnapped American heiress. The mission is soon full of holes and unwelcome surprises when Callum learns who the kidnappers are, their nasty reputation and that there are 2 victims not 1. Ransom delivery turns into rescue mission and Callum is plunged into Sloan’s nightmare.
On the run together quiet, innocent but inwardly strong Sloane and gruff, protective Callum are drawn to each other and soon enough the chemistry between them explodes into passion. There is intrigue, danger, twists and turns a plenty in this enthralling story, you will root for Callum and Sloane, their path isn’t easy, both still carry burdens from the past, they are very different yet so perfect for one another and they have a whole town on their side. Read and enjoy.
Callum Webb has been around for a while with appearances in various other books but this is his story. Neither of the first or second generation Linear Tactical he falls somewhere in between, he’s been the highly regarded Sheriff of Oak Creek for the last 7 years having parted company with the FBI after the tragic death of his wife. Callum is ok with his life accepting that with the loss of his wife love, family and soul deep happiness are not in his future.
Sloane Miller is living a life of servitude in her own family, she dreams of a future but can’t see a way out then she plunges into a nightmare.
Callum reluctantly agrees to do a former FBI colleague a favour by travelling to Moldova to deliver a ransom payment to secure the release of a kidnapped American heiress. The mission is soon full of holes and unwelcome surprises when Callum learns who the kidnappers are, their nasty reputation and that there are 2 victims not 1. Ransom delivery turns into rescue mission and Callum is plunged into Sloan’s nightmare.
On the run together quiet, innocent but inwardly strong Sloane and gruff, protective Callum are drawn to each other and soon enough the chemistry between them explodes into passion. There is intrigue, danger, twists and turns a plenty in this enthralling story, you will root for Callum and Sloane, their path isn’t easy, both still carry burdens from the past, they are very different yet so perfect for one another and they have a whole town on their side. Read and enjoy.
February 2, 2025
Whenever an opportunity to read a book by this author comes my way I drop everything and get started ASAP and I have never regretted it. This latest was definitely no different. Hero’s Heart is book 4 in the Linear Tactical: Oak Creek series which is the second generation to the amazing original Linear Tactical series. The hero is Callum Webb, the forty-three year old former FBI agent turned sheriff, and Sloane Miller a twenty-three year old daughter of a wealthy businessman who is highly neglected and made to feel so unwanted (its painful!).
The amount of emotional highs and lows I went through reading this book was huge. In all honesty that is not unusual reading a Janie Crouch book! Callum had been living a relatively calm life as the sheriff of Oak Creek, with an occasional call out from the Linear Tactical guys but that quiet was interrupted when an old debt was called in. With the help of two of the younger crew they go on what was supposed to be a simple ransom drop. What it ended up was a full blown cluster of betrayal, non-stop action, nail-biting suspense, but also so many sweet moments during all this chaos. The chemistry between Callum and Sloane was intense and I was rooting for them both all the way. Sloane’s life up to this point was heart-breaking and I wanted her to catch a break, I wanted her to find the love and family that she desperately wanted and needed. My heart was so full in the end when she finally did find all of that in Oak Creek!
Another 5-star must read! Highly recommended
The amount of emotional highs and lows I went through reading this book was huge. In all honesty that is not unusual reading a Janie Crouch book! Callum had been living a relatively calm life as the sheriff of Oak Creek, with an occasional call out from the Linear Tactical guys but that quiet was interrupted when an old debt was called in. With the help of two of the younger crew they go on what was supposed to be a simple ransom drop. What it ended up was a full blown cluster of betrayal, non-stop action, nail-biting suspense, but also so many sweet moments during all this chaos. The chemistry between Callum and Sloane was intense and I was rooting for them both all the way. Sloane’s life up to this point was heart-breaking and I wanted her to catch a break, I wanted her to find the love and family that she desperately wanted and needed. My heart was so full in the end when she finally did find all of that in Oak Creek!
Another 5-star must read! Highly recommended
February 7, 2025
So I have read every book in both Linear Tactical series and must admit I have been waiting and waiting for Callum's story! I'm so glad to finally have it. It was wonderful to read all about his background and why he is so grumpy. Knowing his background made me love him even more. I also loved how this book pretty much just dived head first into the action. Often in a romantic suspense the suspense builds up slowly until you get to the climatic end (not that there's anything wrong with that). But Nope - not with this story. You get your character intro, then right into the action, then back to our characters, then action again! It was terrific. I respected how Callum's feeling for his deceased wife was handled - it was very believable. Now with regard to Sloan - ugh my heart just about broke for her. Everything she went through with her family was just unbelievable. I wanted to punch everyone of them! She and Callum were a perfect match. Her quiet resilience alongside her joy and warmth. His stoic nature and strength alongside his protection/caring. They fit so well regardless of the age gap. I will say the only thing I was disappointed with is I wanted to really "see" the takedown of her family at the end, rather than just read about it happening outside the story. I mean we read all about all the horrible things they did - I wanted to read about them getting caught and enjoy it. Other than that very minor thing, i loved this book! I am hoping that Bear & Joy are next for a book!!!
April 28, 2025
We are back in Oak Creek, Wyoming, where the second generation of Linear Tactical are making their mark.
This time, the story belongs to one of their friends, Sheriff Callum Webb. Callum left the FBI shortly after the death of his wife, and for the last seven years, has been the town’s sheriff.
His life is quiet and he prefers being on his own. The death of his wife changed him and his life forever.
All that changes when a former colleague from the FBI contacts him. Though this man is not a friend, a debt is owned and Callum now finds himself on a mission to rescue the daughter of a wealthy American.
A mission that is filled with unwelcome surprises when in fact there are two daughters, not one. But it’s apparent that the one assigned to be rescued is a spoiled brat, while the other one is quiet and filled with inner strength.
When the entire mission goes haywire , Callum sends his friends back home with the spoiled heiress while he fights the kidnappers and finds himself and sweet Sloane running for their lives.
Little did they Sloane and Callum realize that theirs lives would never be the same, as not only the danger increases, but so do the feelings.
This action packed story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats as the main characters run for their lives. It’s also a story about second chances in life and love. It’s also a story about hope, new beginnings and redemption.
A wonderful addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own
This time, the story belongs to one of their friends, Sheriff Callum Webb. Callum left the FBI shortly after the death of his wife, and for the last seven years, has been the town’s sheriff.
His life is quiet and he prefers being on his own. The death of his wife changed him and his life forever.
All that changes when a former colleague from the FBI contacts him. Though this man is not a friend, a debt is owned and Callum now finds himself on a mission to rescue the daughter of a wealthy American.
A mission that is filled with unwelcome surprises when in fact there are two daughters, not one. But it’s apparent that the one assigned to be rescued is a spoiled brat, while the other one is quiet and filled with inner strength.
When the entire mission goes haywire , Callum sends his friends back home with the spoiled heiress while he fights the kidnappers and finds himself and sweet Sloane running for their lives.
Little did they Sloane and Callum realize that theirs lives would never be the same, as not only the danger increases, but so do the feelings.
This action packed story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats as the main characters run for their lives. It’s also a story about second chances in life and love. It’s also a story about hope, new beginnings and redemption.
A wonderful addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own
February 5, 2025
This is the fourth book in this series. They can be read as standalone books. Callum has been existing more than living. He likes his life here in Oak Creek but he has had a hard time moving on from losing his wife. He is approached by an old colleague about helping out with a mission. This changes everything. They are asked to help with a money drop for a hostage. Callum and the guys aren't told everything and when they see an opportunity to rescue the girl before the exchange they take it. Only to learn there is more than one hostage. Sloane is the outcast in her family. Always having to be there for her half-sister. Callum isn't going to leave this girl there just because they didn't know about her. Now he will need to figure out what is going on and why they weren't told about her. The pair have an instant connection. But will she want anything to do with him once they make it back? Sloane is still in a difficult place and will even more to answer for when she is home. Callum thinks there is more going on and when Sloane shows up on his door he is proven right. This book was a great read. There are lots of twists and turns. This is Callum's chance for a second chance at love. He is going to protect Sloane with everything he is. All of Oak Creek is there for them. I loved this book so much. I love getting to read about each character. I look forward to more in this series. Fantastic job Janie.
April 28, 2025
Hero’s Heart by Janie Crouch
Linear Tactical: Oak Creek #4
A bit of the wicked stepmother-stepsister vibe in this one with an equally evil father for poor Sloane ~ So glad she ran into Callum, Bear, and Theo when she did!
What I liked:
* Sloane Miller: strong, resilient, patient, calm, responsible, abuse survivor, difficult backstory, intriguing, falls hard for Callum
* Callum Webb: previous law enforcement special forces, Oak Creek Sheriff, widow, loner, protective, strong, lethal, rather taken with Sloane
* Watching the romance unfold between Sloane and Callum
* Lincoln Bollinger; IT guru, on the spectrum(?), always has ways to help out when asked, there for Callum and Sloane on the trek through Moldova
* Joy: waitress, outgoing, wants to open her own food truck, good friend to Sloane, strong, paid a price in this book
* Zac: good friend of Callum’s with good advice to share
* The positive small-town vibe of Oak Creek
* Being able to dislike the bad guys and wish karma upon them
* Knowing there is another book in the series to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The kidnapers and those in cahoots with them
* The twisted evil behavior of the Getty family and how they treated Sloane
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Linear Tactical: Oak Creek #4
A bit of the wicked stepmother-stepsister vibe in this one with an equally evil father for poor Sloane ~ So glad she ran into Callum, Bear, and Theo when she did!
What I liked:
* Sloane Miller: strong, resilient, patient, calm, responsible, abuse survivor, difficult backstory, intriguing, falls hard for Callum
* Callum Webb: previous law enforcement special forces, Oak Creek Sheriff, widow, loner, protective, strong, lethal, rather taken with Sloane
* Watching the romance unfold between Sloane and Callum
* Lincoln Bollinger; IT guru, on the spectrum(?), always has ways to help out when asked, there for Callum and Sloane on the trek through Moldova
* Joy: waitress, outgoing, wants to open her own food truck, good friend to Sloane, strong, paid a price in this book
* Zac: good friend of Callum’s with good advice to share
* The positive small-town vibe of Oak Creek
* Being able to dislike the bad guys and wish karma upon them
* Knowing there is another book in the series to look forward to
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The kidnapers and those in cahoots with them
* The twisted evil behavior of the Getty family and how they treated Sloane
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 2, 2025
Sheriff Callum Webb, former Special Forces, has settled into his life in Oak Creek, Wyoming and enjoys the time spent with the members of Linear Tactical who live in area. When he is asked to repay a debt to a former teammate, he agrees to go overseas and drop off payment to thugs who have kidnapped an American citizen. In and out is what he and his two friends, who accompany him, expect, but the trip turns out to be a rescue of not one woman, but two. Tracking down the second woman, he meets Sloane Miller. As they continuously evade capture, and most likely death, he is intrigued by Sloane, her quiet strength in the face of the peril they encounter. As they await rescue plans, the intimacy between them soon flares out of control. Once safe, Sloane is taken home by her father. Will he ever see her again? Months later she shows up on Oak Creek and he is shocked at how ill she appears. Slowly, she tells him of her life with her father, but there is other news that she must share with him. They survived the danger before, but has the danger followed them home? He and his Linear Tactical friends may have one more mission to complete! WOW, just WOW…non-stop action from beginning to the thrilling end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
February 10, 2025
I wasn't sure where this one was going at the start with Sloane. I felt sorry for her and how she was treated, but didn't see how it would connect to Oak Creek. It was only after the kidnapping and Callum was involved that things started to make sense.
It was a good thing that Callum was on the rescue team and that they made the choice that Sloane was worth saving too! And of course things didn't go as planned, but Callum and Sloane did great running to keep ahead of the bad guys and then finally get home. While the parting didn't go as planned, they did have some good times despite it all.
I guessed early on what was going to happen next, so watching it all unfold was fun! I loved that Sloane knew she would still have a safe place with Callum when she needed it and sought him out. Things looked like they would just be continuing for the two of them, which was great, it was something both of them needed. So it sucked when things were shared that shouldn't have been and Callum acted as an ass. Sucked even more that trouble followed them and almost caused more damage, but luckily their friends were there to help take out the trash. It made for a very sweet ending.
I will say, with the action that went on in this one, I'm very much looking forward to the next book with Bear and Joy, have a feeing it will be good as Joy's head is all messed up.
It was a good thing that Callum was on the rescue team and that they made the choice that Sloane was worth saving too! And of course things didn't go as planned, but Callum and Sloane did great running to keep ahead of the bad guys and then finally get home. While the parting didn't go as planned, they did have some good times despite it all.
I guessed early on what was going to happen next, so watching it all unfold was fun! I loved that Sloane knew she would still have a safe place with Callum when she needed it and sought him out. Things looked like they would just be continuing for the two of them, which was great, it was something both of them needed. So it sucked when things were shared that shouldn't have been and Callum acted as an ass. Sucked even more that trouble followed them and almost caused more damage, but luckily their friends were there to help take out the trash. It made for a very sweet ending.
I will say, with the action that went on in this one, I'm very much looking forward to the next book with Bear and Joy, have a feeing it will be good as Joy's head is all messed up.
April 15, 2025
Sloane is a modern day Cinderella. She sleeps in an attic and does chores for her ungrateful half sister. She gets flown to Paris so that she can basically carry her sisters shopping bags and her sister gets kidnapped because she’s on drugs and makes out with the wrong guy. They take both of them and post ransom. Her family is mega rich and so sends a tactical team to retrieve only the socialite sister but when they get there they obviously decide to get both sisters out. Callum, sad boy, Webb stays behind to rescue her and they trek on foot to a city but realize they are still being pursued by some surprisingly well connected Eastern European thugs. There’s lots of near misses and lots of only one bed we woke up entangled together moments. When they finally get back to the US he thinks she’s gonna forget all about him but she comes to find him in his small town. Things are coming up roses until she tells him she’s pregnant and he asks like a true asshole, which we are sort of lead to believe is due to the fact that his first wife died of cancer. No dice, my guy. You ruined all that good guy build up. Anyway, the pseudo-Bratva find her in small town America and try to exact their revenge for her explosive escape. Small town hicks save the day. There is not nearly enough grovelling. And they seem to only really connect when their lives are in mortal peril.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
Callum’s story has been a long time coming. We’ve seen him in several of the previous books participating in the various missions with the Linear Tactical and Zodiac teams. Now it was his turn to finally find happiness and peace.
Callum has found some semblance of calm while being the sheriff in Oak Creek. He keeps to himself most of the time in his cabin. An old colleague calls in a favor to rescue the daughter of an American bigwig. The last thing Callum wanted was to step back into that world but it seemed he was the only option. However, he had no way of knowing this mission would change his life forever.
I was so happy to step back into the town of Oak Creek. There’s something so special about the way this author writes that grabs me and doesn’t let go. Callum is the ultimate protective MMC with a soft heart. A hero’s heart. He’s been through so much with losing his first wife. Understandably, he’s closed himself off from getting close to anyone. Then, Sloane is kidnapped and suddenly here’s this beautiful woman with a quiet strength who completely enthralls him. She brought him back to life. Sloane has not had it easy. Her family is beyond awful but her heart is still so pure. Callum and Sloane were the perfect blend of characters. The suspense in this story (as always with this author) was amazing and kept me on edge. I loved everything about this story!
Callum has found some semblance of calm while being the sheriff in Oak Creek. He keeps to himself most of the time in his cabin. An old colleague calls in a favor to rescue the daughter of an American bigwig. The last thing Callum wanted was to step back into that world but it seemed he was the only option. However, he had no way of knowing this mission would change his life forever.
I was so happy to step back into the town of Oak Creek. There’s something so special about the way this author writes that grabs me and doesn’t let go. Callum is the ultimate protective MMC with a soft heart. A hero’s heart. He’s been through so much with losing his first wife. Understandably, he’s closed himself off from getting close to anyone. Then, Sloane is kidnapped and suddenly here’s this beautiful woman with a quiet strength who completely enthralls him. She brought him back to life. Sloane has not had it easy. Her family is beyond awful but her heart is still so pure. Callum and Sloane were the perfect blend of characters. The suspense in this story (as always with this author) was amazing and kept me on edge. I loved everything about this story!
February 6, 2026
Sloan Miller found herself broke, homeless and alone when her mom died. She went to her billionaire dad for money to bury her mom. Dad shifted his resentment of her mom to Sloan; everything he did for her he charged her for it and treated her worse than staff. The latest task was to accompany her cruel, younger half-sister to Paris and attend to her every need. At a nightclub, Sloane warns Marissa from a shady guy, Marissa ignores her and promptly gets kidnapped. Trying to stop it, Sloan gets captured too!
Oak Creek Sheriff Callum Webb’s answer was ready when an Omega teammate calls and blackmails him into agreeing to retrieve kidnapped heiress, Marissa. Reluctantly Callum agrees but brings Theo and Linc with him. He has the money to pay the kidnapper but learns the kidnappers are known for killing their captives. New plan, Callum decides to rescue Marissa and spots look-alike Sloane. Marissa ensures she gets rescued and Sloane is left behind. Callum can’t abide that and rescues Sloane.
Callum shares his backstory while getting Sloane to safety which meshes well with Sloane’s sad story he’s unaware of in this age gap outing and their feelings soften toward each other. Dad’s upset Callum returned the ransom money and that Sloan was also rescued. Months later the kidnappers sneak into Oak Creek and do some real damage!
Rating: 4.5stars
Oak Creek Sheriff Callum Webb’s answer was ready when an Omega teammate calls and blackmails him into agreeing to retrieve kidnapped heiress, Marissa. Reluctantly Callum agrees but brings Theo and Linc with him. He has the money to pay the kidnapper but learns the kidnappers are known for killing their captives. New plan, Callum decides to rescue Marissa and spots look-alike Sloane. Marissa ensures she gets rescued and Sloane is left behind. Callum can’t abide that and rescues Sloane.
Callum shares his backstory while getting Sloane to safety which meshes well with Sloane’s sad story he’s unaware of in this age gap outing and their feelings soften toward each other. Dad’s upset Callum returned the ransom money and that Sloan was also rescued. Months later the kidnappers sneak into Oak Creek and do some real damage!
Rating: 4.5stars
February 4, 2025
I have been reading Janie Crouch's books for a long time and Callum Webb has been a supporting character in many of them. He's been the sheriff of Oak Creek for quite awhile but he had a life before that ended in tragedy and led him to Oak Creek. Now he's being called back by one of his old acquaintances to help retrieve a kidnapped heiress from eastern Europe. Sloane Miller has been sent to Paris to help watch over her half sister. When both women are kidnapped, she fears the worst but prays for help to arrive. When Callum and his team show up, she feels that her prayers have been answered. Callum was told that one woman was kidnapped, but there's two? No matter the circumstances, he will get them both to safety. He and Sloane are against more obstacles that either one realizes and yet they will work together to get back to the US. Fate has more planned for Sloane and Callum. These two need each other not only to survive but to live. Hero's Heart stands alone in the Linear Tactical/Oak Creek series but is loaded with interconnected characters. The story was action filled with the right amount of angst, laughter, action and heat. It was told from dual POV and is a gem in the series that shouldn't be missed!
February 4, 2025
Callum, the gruff Sherrif of Oak Creek who falls in between the 1st generation and 2nd generation of Linear Tactical, gets a call to assist an acquaintance, make an exchange in Moldova to rescue a kidnapped woman, Marissa. Agreeing and bringing back up, Callum finds another way to rescue the woman and finds another surprise, another kidnapped woman, the half sister to Marissa, Sloane. Not willing to leave Sloane behind, Callum separates from his team and rescues her. The two trek across Moldova to get to safety but all is not what it seems, Sloane is hiding something but Callum sees the strong, kind, empathetic woman and the two become close. On the run, hiding out and evading the kidnappers is all about survival and when they get rescued and return to the U.S., will their connection last.
Soooo good that I devoured this read, flipping the pages with suspense, surprises, twists and turns, steam and amazing characters. Age gap, gruff older man who is a widow, a young woman who is strong and has morals even though she has been emotionally and mentally abused and used by her family. I loved these two, smoothed each others rough edges and fought for each other no matter the circumstances.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Soooo good that I devoured this read, flipping the pages with suspense, surprises, twists and turns, steam and amazing characters. Age gap, gruff older man who is a widow, a young woman who is strong and has morals even though she has been emotionally and mentally abused and used by her family. I loved these two, smoothed each others rough edges and fought for each other no matter the circumstances.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
March 22, 2025
“Their Hells Brought Them Their Heavens”
What a truly wonderful read!! I am such a long time fan of small town romance with hero alpha males. Janie Crouch serves up the best of best in this trope. This story can be summed up as Chicken Soup For The Romance Lover’s Soul. It wrapped itself around my heart and never let go until the very end….. maybe not even then.
So many issues were addressed; the older man younger woman relationship, living with a cruel, sadistic parent, abduction, honesty/deception, good/evil, wealth/poverty, resilience, friendship, loss of a spouse, and the stereotypical “warm fuzzies” of small town life.
Very well written story that keeps readers engaged throughout the book. A memorable book. Callum has been a favorite character of mine in past installments of the series. I would strongly suggest reading ALL the prior books before reading this installment. It’s worth your time. I’ve been privy to reading all the Linear Tactical Books and follow up Oak Creek books and Ms. Crouch doesn’t disappoint. The conclusion to this story rewards readers with a feel good, well deserved HEA. So looking forward to Bear and Joy’s story. Ms. Crouch, if you read this review please consider writing Lincoln’s story. Just love this guy!
What a truly wonderful read!! I am such a long time fan of small town romance with hero alpha males. Janie Crouch serves up the best of best in this trope. This story can be summed up as Chicken Soup For The Romance Lover’s Soul. It wrapped itself around my heart and never let go until the very end….. maybe not even then.
So many issues were addressed; the older man younger woman relationship, living with a cruel, sadistic parent, abduction, honesty/deception, good/evil, wealth/poverty, resilience, friendship, loss of a spouse, and the stereotypical “warm fuzzies” of small town life.
Very well written story that keeps readers engaged throughout the book. A memorable book. Callum has been a favorite character of mine in past installments of the series. I would strongly suggest reading ALL the prior books before reading this installment. It’s worth your time. I’ve been privy to reading all the Linear Tactical Books and follow up Oak Creek books and Ms. Crouch doesn’t disappoint. The conclusion to this story rewards readers with a feel good, well deserved HEA. So looking forward to Bear and Joy’s story. Ms. Crouch, if you read this review please consider writing Lincoln’s story. Just love this guy!
February 2, 2025
Callum is a small town sheriff but used to work with the Linear Tactical Agency. He is asked to go on a mission to rescue a kidnapped daughter and since he owes this guy he feels he has to say yes. Things get complicated right from the beginning for him and two of his friends who came alone to help. It turns out there are two daughters but one is treated so badly by the family that the family doesn't care enough about her getting rescued. Of course Callum will not stand for just rescuing one daughter and take care of the other but things get out of control they can only save one. Callum decides to go back and get Sloane from the kidnapper's. Sloane is the daughter the family used for whatever purpose they needed and really don't care if she ever comes back. The relationship builds between Sloane and Callum with them trying to stay alive and out of danger.
This story is so suspenseful, romantic and lots of action. There are several unexpected turns in this story and some a very surprising. This has been a wonderful series and I look forward to what be in store next.
I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This story is so suspenseful, romantic and lots of action. There are several unexpected turns in this story and some a very surprising. This has been a wonderful series and I look forward to what be in store next.
I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 4, 2025
A true Cinderella book. Sloane Miller wasn’t an heiress although her family had money. Her father, half sister, and stepmother were nothing but demeaning towards her. While in Paris a trip she thought would be great turned so ugly. She was
hurt, and her step sister too. Then along came Callum Webb saving her. He was from a small town called Oak Creek, Wyoming, and made it sound so amazing. He was the Sheriff there.
Callum Webb and some of his buddies that he trusted with his life all went on a mission that was dangerous to say the least, but something else came up they weren’t prepared for. It turned out to be two hostages not one as they were told. It didn’t end there. He was told something he couldn’t fathom.
Callum and Salone found something beautiful among all
the ugly that happened to her. He wasn’t about to leave her behind. When time went by and he hadn’t heard from her he guessed it was for the best. But a little of him broke until he saw her in Oak Creek at his home. Now he would take care of her. A lot of hidden secrets, but she would tell him in her own time.
It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. Loved it.
Can’t wait for more.
hurt, and her step sister too. Then along came Callum Webb saving her. He was from a small town called Oak Creek, Wyoming, and made it sound so amazing. He was the Sheriff there.
Callum Webb and some of his buddies that he trusted with his life all went on a mission that was dangerous to say the least, but something else came up they weren’t prepared for. It turned out to be two hostages not one as they were told. It didn’t end there. He was told something he couldn’t fathom.
Callum and Salone found something beautiful among all
the ugly that happened to her. He wasn’t about to leave her behind. When time went by and he hadn’t heard from her he guessed it was for the best. But a little of him broke until he saw her in Oak Creek at his home. Now he would take care of her. A lot of hidden secrets, but she would tell him in her own time.
It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. Loved it.
Can’t wait for more.
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