Twilight Tactics

Soldiers in Shadows #1

by Lynette Eason

FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan--a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin's cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason presents an action-packed start to a new series with twists and turns readers will never see coming.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2026

About the author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

Series:
. Amazon Adventure
. High Stakes
. Women of Justice

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

3 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Romantic Suspense

About this book:

“FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan--a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin's cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.
Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Soldiers in Shadows” series.


Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted; Prayers & Thanking God and Jesus; A couple talks about God and His grace; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Ollie asks God why He hates her (because of her life), but isn’t sure He is real (nothing else is said about this or her having a change of thought about it); Mentions of God, Jesus, & trusting Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God and Jesus; A few mentions of God’s/divine intervention and peace; A couple mentions of believers; A mention of memorizing Bible verses; A mention of a godly man; A mention of a military chaplain (who is female);
*Note: Mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of someone driving like the “devil himself” was after him; A mention of aliens.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, two ‘idiot’s, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘shut up’s, four ‘wimp’s, and fourteen ‘stupid’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Car accidents and being ran off the road, Being shot at (also by drones and stun guns), Shooting at others, Being held at gun-point (multiple times), Gunfire, Explosions, Using a flash-bang, Stabbing someone, Being grabbed, Being attacked, Fighting in self-defense, Being chased, Being locked in a room (*Spoiler* and being “reeducation” in a cult which involves hearing people scream *End of Spoiler*), Being trapped in a partial cave-in, Being drugged, Injuries, Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Seeing someone shot (barely-above-not-detailed); Helping someone who has been shot (with medical terms and items used, twice; up to semi-detailed); Elena grew up in a compound of preppers (that some call a cult due to the controlling mindset of the leader who was called “Papa”; *Major Spoilers* Her mother got her out when she was around age fourteen, but because her sister didn’t say she wanted to leave, the mother had to leave her in the group; The sister was punished for Elena escaping and since then has risen to the top of the group’s leadership; Elena’s sister, Iris, wants to kidnap her to get revenge on Elena and make her suffer; At the end, Iris goes to shoot Elena, but their father shoots Iris first to protect Elena and Iris is arrested *End of Spoilers*); Many mentions of murders, a teen girl witnessing a murder, a mafia/mob, killers, & hit men (including hit men planning to kidnap a young teen and kill her; up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of attacks, threats (including of killing), & violence; Mentions of deaths (including from murder, cancer, and natural deaths) & grief (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of wars; Mentions of people disappearing in a cult and never being seen again (some believe the people were killed); Mentions of weapons, guns being aimed at people and used to threaten, bullets, being shot and shot at, shooters, bombs/explosives, & flash-bangs (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of car accidents & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of someone being drugged & knocked unconscious; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of a ruptured appendix & pain from it; Mentions of “reeducation” in a cult (which includes torture and brainwashing in a cult through being locked in a jail, exposed to loud music, fluctuating temperatures, and being told to submit to the leader); Mentions of criminals; Mentions of hostages, kidnappings, & someone being threatened with a loved one being killed; Mentions of stealing, stolen medication, & possible thieves; Mentions of jails/prisons & arrests; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of being trapped an avalanche (Book #0.5); A few mentions of drug addicts; A few mentions of parents fighting (verbally); A few mentions of hunting and skinning animals; A couple mentions of alcohol & drunks; A couple mentions of cigarettes; A mention of serial killers; A mention of domestic violence; A mention of a stalker; A mention of a man possibly being a psychopath; A mention of blackmail; A mention of rumors; A mention of a tattoo; A mention of throwing up;
*Note: Elena almost has a panic attack (barely-above-not-detailed); Ollie has been in and out of the foster care system her whole life and longs to belong somewhere and be loved (also a couple mentions of some foster parents using the government money for alcohol rather than taking care of her); Ollie has Addison’s disease and takes medications for it; A couple scenes of main characters trying not to be claustrophobic in tight spaces; Sully has learned that because bad guys ignore the rules, he sometimes has to do the same or at least bend the rules to catch them; Mentions of PTSD (including veterans facing it and going to counseling for it); Mentions of brand names & items (Jell-O, Gatorade, & iPads); Mentions of fictional characters (Spiderman & Wonder Woman); A few mentions of car brands; A few mentions of counseling after traumatic events; A couple mentions of someone who was kidnapped needing therapy after being traumatized; A couple mentions of apps/websites (Google & the Food Fleet app); A couple mentions of TV Shows (America’s Got Talent, The Andy Griffith Show); A mention of a store (Costco).


Sexual Content- Two head/forehead kisses, two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, two border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Flutters, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of kissing; A mention of a married couple sharing a kiss; A mention of mooning over someone; A mention of crush; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: When Elena is teaching Ollie self-defense, Ollie accidentally pulls Elena’s yoga pants down and it reveals that Elena is wearing Wonder Woman boy shorts underneath (this makes Ollie laugh; Sully sees a glimpse of Elena’s underwear and snickers, but it is not a sexual scene).

-Elena Thompson
-Collin “Sully” Sullivan, age 33
P.O.V. switches between them & Ollie
352 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

This was a different kind of romantic suspense! I’m not one for books featuring cults—they might not be serial killer creepy, but they’re creepy in other ways—so I was a little hesitant about this book when I found out the FMC had escaped from a cult upbringing. It definitely added a different dynamic to this book and the plot compared to most suspense books I’ve read. I can’t say I loved those parts or some of the ending regarding it (mainly about her sister) but it was still suspenseful and my heart was in my throat for most of the book anticipating the worst to come.

As far as things I liked:
- I really appreciate that both FMC and MMC had Christian faiths and it was naturally worked into the plot. Often times one character is mad at God and the other half of the main couple isn’t, so it was refreshing to have them both be believers. That said, I would have loved to see more discussions about their faiths with each other.
- The pacing was believable and well done with everything that was going on. I was shocked at how fast this book went by as I was reading it.
- The romance was on the lighter side—partially because the couple had previous met*. The main focus was keeping everyone safe and alive, not their feelings, which I appreciated.
- The scenes of FMC teaching self-defense to Ollie. There’s been too many female characters in romantic suspense books that don’t know about breaking out of someone’s grip via the break at the captor’s thumbs, so it was good to see it highlighted in this book for readers to learn.

As a strange note, there’s a scene where Ollie accidentally pulls down Elena's yoga pants when they are practicing self-defense and her Wonder Woman boy short underwear is shown. Sully sees a glimpse of this happening and it’s laughed off, but while isn’t not sexual, I did think it was strange to have in a Christian Fiction book.

*I didn’t know the novella by this author “Snowbound Secrets” (which was in the novella collection titled “Whiteout”) was a .5 for this series, so I wish I had read that story prior to picking up this book because it did feel a bit like I was missing certain information and backstories. Nothing too major, though, so I was able to follow along well enough. I assume that’s where Elena and Sully meet for the first time? Sparks have obviously flown prior to this book starting, which is a bit of a pro and con for me. Because of this, I felt more like I was jumping into the middle of a series than the first book.

This novel wasn’t super creepy or about a bunch of murders, so it’s one I think could work for older/High School aged teens interested in suspense books. It might have not been a new favorite, but I am interested in continuing the series as the books release.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[theliterateleprechaun]

This was refreshingly different!

Author Lynette Eason shows readers that life’s cracks have the potential to become gateways to our healing, renewal and even resilience.

She takes us to Broken Chains Ranch in Tennessee and introduces us to FBI Special Agent Collin ‘Sully’ Sullivan and his partner, Piper Whitaker, who are protecting Ollie Callahan, a fourteen-year-old murder witness. They soon discover the danger of a neighbouring prepper community and the ranch’s ties to this cult. It’s not just Ollie’s survival at risk and soon the ranch is besieged.

While I absolutely loved the pacing, the twists, and the pulse-pounding action, I also appreciated the focus on embracing brokenness. I liked that characters were able to find strength and wholeness in the midst of challenges. I’m still thinking about the grace extended and the transformation process for Eason’s characters. The thing that will stay with me the longest is the character who determined that her brokenness wasn’t defeat but simply an opportunity she was given to rebuild her future with intention. Her past didn’t need to destroy her if she chose to let it reshape her. I love that thought!

This is book one of the ‘Soldiers in Shadows’ series and I’m already excited about the next sequel!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Dana]

Twlight Tactics is a new series from Lynette Eason that starts with a bang with lots of action and danger all the way to the end. At the beginning I was not at all sure how this was gonna go. But I loved the fast-paced suspense with romance with twists and turns. We see someone who is targeting & after Ollie, an orphaned teenage girl who witnessed a crime and is under FBI agent Collin "Sully" Sullivan and his partner Piper Whitaker's protection and care. Also, someone is targeting Elena, a survivalist expert who left a preppers group possibly. This romantic suspense has a good faith element to it as well. Which I’ve always come to love about Mrs. Lynette’s books. She gives us a good suspense with right amount romance and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sophia]

👀🛠🏞👟⚖️

Witness protection in a remote Military Vet Retreat, surrounded by enemies, aided by a mysterious prepper for a rarin’ good read. Lynn Eason is an author I have longed to give a whirl and this first in the Soldiers in the Shadows series gave me the needed nudge.

🏞👟FBI agent, Collin “Sully Sullivan, suspects an info leak on his team meant to protect star witness against the mob, vulnerable teen, Ollie. After several near misses, he takes her to his cousin’s Montana wilderness retreat for veterans with PTSD and plans to await the trial hidden away.
👀🛠But they are discovered again. First its little things and then he and the others at the ranch find themselves in survival and defense mode.
🏞⚖️After Ollie arrives, former prepper and cult member, survival expert, Elena begins teaching Ollie skills for self-defense and surviving harsh situations. The high-tech assault teams surrounding the ranch have most people assuming its about Ollie, but Elena knows the secrets she holds make her a dangerous witness to her former cult. She, Sully, and the group at the ranch are relying on God and their veteran-hardened skills to hold out until the cavalry arrives.

Twilight Tactics launched at a heart-thumping pace and read so quickly as the suspense never let up. Harrowing near misses, particularly for gutsy, tender-hearted Elena, and ruthless enemies with lethal toys that keep them surrounded and trapped at the ranch. It was a large cast of characters, but Elena and Sully are the primaries. Their romantic interest was there and a lovely tender one, too, but took backseat to the suspense. Loved seeing Elena’s prepper/survivor skills, Sully’s tough protector role, and these wounded-in-spirit vets and Ollie get a chance to stand against the bad guys.

Looking forward to more of the series and definitely need to hit this author’s backlist.


I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley and a Print from Revell and Great Reads Book Promo to read in exchange for an honest review.

👀🛠👟⚖️


My full review will post at my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 8.7.26.

[Staci]

Good start to a new series!

The setting is a trauma recovery facility for veterans in Tennessee. FBI Agent "Sully" brings a teen to Broken Chains Ranch to hide. Ollie was a witness to a crime and the criminals are searching for her before she can testify at trial.

Along with this tension, staff employee Elena believes she saw her prepper sister in town.

Lots of action. It's unclear if Ollie or Elena is the target. I look forward to the next in the series.

My gratitude to Just Read Tours for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Rylie Wilson]

I’ll admit, romantic suspense isn’t typically my go-to genre, but Twilight Tactics surprised me in the best way. Lynette Eason pulled me in with a fast-moving plot, plenty of suspense, and twists that kept me guessing about who was really in danger. I especially enjoyed the unique setting of Broken Chains Ranch and the way the story blended the action with deeper themes of healing, faith, and finding strength after difficult experiences. The characters also added so much heart to the story, especially Ollie and Elena. I appreciated that the romance didn’t overpower the suspense, either. This was such an enjoyable read, and I’d definitely like to explore more of Lynette Eason’s books!

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy! 🫶🏻

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi]

“I love your strength. Your compassion. The way you see past people’s mistakes to their hearts. The way you make me want to be better than I am.”

This amazing book is filled with heart-pounding danger, amazing characters, and heartwarming faith. I especially loved the theme of God’s grace. This is my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I was hooked from the first action packed chapter to the very satisfying last sentence.

Sulley is intelligent, gentle, and protective. I loved his determination to keep Ollie safe. I loved his growth, especially his remembering God is in control. His battle to forgive and trust himself was intense. I loved how well he and Elena worked together and how quickly their friendship grew. His protectiveness of her was amazing. Elena is guarded, skilled, and caring. I loved how brave and determined she was. I loved the connection she had with Ollie. I loved how Sulley accepted her strengths, abilities, and help. I loved that even as the danger escalated Sulley and Elena kept their heads, accepted help, and depended on others to keep Ollie and Elena safe. I loved that they encouraged one another’s faith. Oh that last chapter! I might have melted into a puddle, so sweet and tender.

A few more quotes:
“Sully—” “Not now, kiddo. Get back down and stay there, okay?” She did as he said. “I’m scared.” “I am too, but we’re going to fight our way out of this and be just fine. Got it?” “Sure.”

“It means sometimes good people make terrible choices when someone they love is in danger.”

“What are you running toward?” “You. This place. A family that chooses to love each other instead of being forced together by fear.”

This complimentary copy was provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Melmo2610]

I really enjoyed this novel. Lynette is off to a fabulous start with this new series. I can already tell this is likely to be a favorite of her series for me. I really like the vibes of this series with the ranch setting and the cast of characters. It’s going to be a fun ride!

This story starts off strong and I was invested from the beginning. Ollie grabbed my attention from the opening pages and she was easily my favorite character. Elena and Sully were great as well and Lynette wrote their developing relationship well as the mystery was absolutely center stage and the romance while there did not overpower the mysteries. The danger elements were well placed and the resolution was not without a surprise or two. I’m here for the rest of this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion

[Carolyn Bryant]

This action-packed, intriguing read kicks off the Soldiers in Shadows series. It hits the ground running with a high-speed car chase as FBI agents Sully and Piper and fourteen-year-old mob hit witness Ollie, who is under their protection, are headed for the Broken Chains Ranch. The suspense and high stakes danger keeps building to the end with unexpected twists that kept me reading and guessing! The prepper cult connection to Elena, survival expert and instructor at the ranch, adds to the intrigue and complexity of the plot as does Sully and Elena's developing romantic relationship. I appreciate the gentle faith thread with reminders of God's grace and the importance of relying on Him no matter how dire the circumstances. I totally enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kaytlin Phillips]

4.5 Stars on this one, I loved most of it, but certain things fell short for me. XD

Characters:
Elena was an interesting character, definitely layered with a complex background and she was super sweet. But...that's about it. I loved all the little things she knew about survival and such, that was cool but I didn't feel super connected to her emotionally.
Sully was cool, again, didn't connect super deeply with him, but I did feel for him and understood where most of his motives were coming from.
Ollie...I loved this kid and honestly, wanted more of the story from her POV! She was so sweet, feisty, and just...yeah, I loved her!
Side characters were interesting...didn't know much about any of them, but this is the beginning of the series so I think as it progresses I'll come to care about the other characters more.

Language:
N/A

Romance:
This one was interesting because the characters didn't really know each other, didn't really seem super interested romantically, and then kind of seemed like the romance was rushed in at the end. I could have been fine with no romance. XD But you know, what was there just felt a bit muddled to me and also very speedy.

Violence/Gore:
Some car wrecks, gunshot wounds, drone attacks, shooting, chasing, mentions of murder, etc.

Overall:
I got confused at the end scene where people were running here and running there trying to find certain people...and then within 30 minutes everyone cleared off this one crime scene and I was confused by that...like...someone would have still been there in case they circled back. *shrugs* The distance between things and the time it took to get places wasn't working for me, maybe that was just a me thing though. XD It felt disjointed.
The suspense in this one didn't feel as high as some of her other books either, it meandered a bit more. Just my opinion again.
I did enjoy this read and I can't wait for the second book in the series because...dogs!

Recommend for ages 15+

[dianas_books_cars_coffee]

4.5 rounded up

This is the 1st book in the author's new Soliders in Shadow series. It was really good and I'm already excited to read book 2!

Broken Chains Ranch in Tennessee offers a sanctuary for veterans grappling with PTSD. However, for FBI Agent Collin Sullivan, also known as Sully, it's the ideal spot to hide Ollie Callahan, a 14-year-old sole witness to a mob hit, until the trial. The ranch, owned by his cousin Maya, seems to be the perfect location until its not. Elena Thompson, a wilderness skills instructor and survival expert at the ranch, quickly forms a bond with Ollie, teaching her self-defense. But Elena has a mysterious past filled with dark secrets. When the ranch comes under attack, Sully must protect both Ollie and Elena since he's not quite sure which one is the intended target.

Wow, this was definitely an intense read! I was literally on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. This book was gripping, fast-paced, and had tons of action. There was never a dull moment, and danger was around every corner. Elena's past was definitely an interesting one, and Sully had his own demons. Ollie just wanted to find a place where she belonged. There was such a great cast of characters. The setting of the rural TN mountains gave the book an atmospheric feel and the cultish vibes made it thrilling. If you're a Christian romantic suspense reader I HIGHLY recommend adding this one to your TBR!🩷

[Kari]

Twilight Tactics is the first book in the Soldiers in Shadows series. The book opens with a high speed chase and the action doesn't really die down from there. This book had me on the edged of my seat. If you are really into a lot of action, you will love this book. I really enjoyed this romantic suspense. It's full of twists and turns. I liked the chemistry between Sully and Elena. They both came with baggage, but were able to put that aside to open their hearts. Along with Elena and Sully, we get Ollie's point of view. I really liked that the author included her thoughts because much of the book is about her. I loved her ending. This was a great start to the series, and I look forward to the next book.

[ANNETTE]

A fast action book that starts off the new series.
A military retreat for Vets who need healing .
Sully & Elena are protecting "Ollie" a young girl who witnessed a murder.
I liked the chemistry between Sully & Elena .
There is lots of action packed with scents of criminals chasing.
Loved it!

[June Jacobs]

A high-voltage suspense novel featuring multi-dimensional characters, amazing action scenes, and some subtle humor to break the tension . . .

Lynette Eason is at the top of her game in this debut novel in her 'Soldiers in Shadows' series! I have read several of this author's books in the past few years, and I have always appreciated her inclusion of diverse characters and military veterans in her stories. Not only does this author know how to write gripping suspense scenes, she does an excellent job of creating a believable romance theme in a story.

Ollie Callahan, a highly-intelligent teen foster child, is on the run from a group of villains who want her dead—as soon as possible. Ollie was the only witness to a mob hit, and this group of armed attackers will stop at nothing to accomplish their mission so that Ollie cannot testify at the upcoming trial.

Sully Sullivan, an FBI agent, and his partner, Piper, are protecting Ollie. They have been forced to move from facility to facility because somehow the pursuers keep finding out where they are hiding Ollie. The trio ends up at Broken Chains Ranch which is owned and operated by Sully's first cousin, Maya, and her husband.

Elena Thompson is a survival expert whose best friend is Maya. Elena is also a member of the Broken Chains Ranch staff and works as a counselor. She has a somewhat secretive past that becomes a focal point of this story as the plot moves forward. Elena's close relationship with Ollie develops when the teen asks Elena to teach her how to protect herself.

This riveting plot completely captured my attention with the high-impact action scenes, relationship drama, the strong personalities of the lead characters, and the climactic resolution to the case.

This book is completely clean in language and content, and there is a well-defined faith thread.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

####################

[Cathy R Morgan]

Sully has lost people before, but he's determined it's not going to happen again with Ollie, teen witness to a murder. But the mob she can witness against are equally determined to take her out, and they've got even more to lose. His cousin's ranch seems the answer - until they're followed and surrounded. After escaping her childhood, Elena has found a safe haven and useful position at the ranch, but when Sully brings Ollie to stay, things are set in motion that will put them all in danger. But is Ollie the only target, or has Elena's past come back to haunt her? Is Ollie even a target at all? And if they survive, is the time spent together giving Sully and Elena a chance at a future?

A great read, with plenty of action, the mystery of who exactly is doing what and why, a satisfying romance growing along the way, and Ollie finally having a chance to develop relationships she'll learn she can rely on. I particularly appreciated having some chapters from Ollie's point of view rather than just Sully and Elena's (though I enjoyed them too). It's nice to see a couple who are attracted to each other before the book starts but have never seriously considered acting on it, finally spending the time together to realise that they want more and decide to go for it. The question of what exactly was going on with the various potential enemies kept me guessing throughout and the action was a good counterpoint to the down time in which they developed their relationships. All in all, a great read and I look forward to the rest of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Crystal]

Lynette Eason never disappoints. I can always count on a great suspense plot with a great romantic side story, and this one was no exception.

Elena and Sully are both such strong characters, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow as they learned to trust each other.

Elena’s past was really unique, and I loved how it gave her the strength and knowledge to help Ollie thrive. Sully had a more typical law enforcement background and blamed himself for some of the bad things that had happened, but watching him work through that and come out the other side with a renewed ability to trust himself was really nice to see.

The whole book is full of memorable characters that I genuinely liked, and I’m already looking forward to reading more about them.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jessica Dowling (jesslostinpages)]

Rating: 4.25 / 5 Stars

Twilight Tactics is the first book I’ve read by Lynette Eason, but it definitely won’t be my last! It is the gripping start to her new Soldiers in Shadows series, and it completely hooked me.

What It's About
The story follows FBI agent Sully Sullivan, a man haunted by his past, who is assigned to protect Ollie Callahan—a foster teen and the sole witness to a mob hit—until she can testify at trial. To keep Ollie safe, Sully and his partner take her to a ranch owned by his cousin.
There, Sully meets Elena Thompson, a wilderness survival instructor at the ranch. Elena’s impressive skill set stems from a harrowing past: she grew up among a group of preppers living in the nearby mountains until she managed to escape at age 14.

Peace at the ranch doesn't last long before absolute chaos breaks out. Threat after threat puts everyone on the ranch in danger, leaving Sully and Elena scrambling to figure out who the attackers are actually targeting—Ollie or Elena? Amidst the chaos, Sully makes it his personal mission to protect both of them. To complicate matters, the long-standing, mutual attraction between Sully and Elena starts coming to the surface.

My Thoughts
This book is packed with fast-paced action right from page one! The descriptive writing is so vivid that I could clearly picture every scene playing out like a movie. Danger seemed to lurk around every corner, constantly making me ask: Who can actually be trusted?

While the plot focuses heavily on heart-pounding suspense with a subtle romantic subplot, it also delivers a few great plot twists. I predicted a couple of them, but one truly caught me by surprise!

It was such an addictive read that I hated having to put it down when real life got in the way, and I was always eager to pick it back up. If you love fast-paced, action-packed romantic suspense, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lynette Eason, Revell Publishing, and JustRead Tours for providing a digital copy. This review reflects my honest opinion

[Helen]

Twilight Tactic, by Lynette Eason, is the first book in the Soldiers in Shadows series. This is a well written fast paced Christian romantic suspense story. The writing is so clear I could imagine the surroundings and the happening. This story has a lot of suspense that kept me reading just to see what would happen next.

Collin and his partner are assigned to keep a teen safe from a mob. There is suspense and mystery surrounding the teen Collin is protecting and the community near where she is held. I enjoyed how helpful Elena is with working with the teen and helping her to learn how to protect her. The men after her keep finding her. I was surprised by who was behind giving the men information about the teen and why. This story is so good, I look forward to reading the rest in the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Karen]

This is one of my go-to romantic suspense authors. This book has so many interesting aspects to it. It has the mob and preppers. A fourteen year old girl happened to see a mob hit and is being protected by two FBI agents while the main female character is possibly being targeted by the prepper group she left behind. I really enjoyed the interactions between the male and female main characters but I also really enjoyed the interactions between the fourteen year old and everyone she came across. She definitely came off as older. Her character was so well written. This novel had several twists and turns that I did not expect. They made the book even better. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Jennifer]

Such a great book! I couldn’t put it down!

[Leslie]

Keeping a witness safe is easier said than done when you have a preppers cult and a mole in your operation knocking at your door in Lynette Eason’s book titled Twilight Tactics, the first book in her Soldiers in Shadows series. FBI agents Sully and Piper are tasked with keeping a teenaged girl, Ollie, safe so that she can testify at an upcoming trial against the mob, but everywhere they turn the operation is being compromised. Running out of options, Sully takes Ollie and Piper to the only place he can think of: Broken Chains Ranch in the Smoky Mountains. Sully’s cousin Maya owns the Broken Chains Ranch after inheriting their grandparents’ land and converting it into a ranch for veterans to get therapy and help from the wounds of service. While at the Ranch, Sully is happy to see Elena and Elena is happy to see Sully. Elena was raised in a prepper cult community close by, until she and her mother escaped. Elena finished school and became a nurse for the military when Maya asked Elena to come work at the Ranch. Everyone at Broken Chains Ranch has fallen for Ollie and is amazed by the strength and level-headed nature she possesses at such a young age. Ollie has no parents and has been shuffled from foster home to foster home her entire life. When Ollie witnesses a murder, the FBI offer to care for her until the trial is over. Ironically, being cared for by the FBI and those at the Ranch has given Ollie the most stability she’s ever had in her entire life. When danger comes to Broken Chains Ranch, it’s hard to decipher if it’s the mob that’s after Ollie or Elena’s former cult that’s after Elena. Elena and Sully join forces to keep Ollie safe, Trusting God along the way, no matter the cost.

Lynette Eason has done it again with Twilight Tactics! The prepper cult community sounds like something that is currently being ripped from the headlines near where I live! (Especially with the setting of the Smoky Mountains!) I loved how Ms. Eason intertwined the prepper community with the mob, making the plot seem different and edgier than what I have read from Lynette Eason in the past. I loved the Broken Chains Ranch and its purpose and function in the book. I loved meeting the characters in Twilight Tactics! My favorites were Ollie and Elena. I loved the backstories Ms. Eason gave them, how what they were dealt in life, and how they were overcomers shined through the story. I loved the instinct that Ollie and Elena had about people and how they bonded in the book. I loved how protective Sully was of both Ollie and Elena. I became in awe of Elena throughout the book. I loved how cautious, but how optimistic Elena was depending on the situation, especially when it came to her family that was still in the cult. I marveled at how Elena was willing to do hard things, to do what was right, even if it meant going back to the cult. And through it all, Elena believed, trusted, and relied upon God! Reading about Elena and Ollie reminded me to be thankful for my life and blessings. The suspense in Twilight Tactics was nice, but it left me wanting more, despite enjoying the read. If you are looking for a great suspense with a wonderful Message, then I highly recommend Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason! I’m looking forward to the rest of the Soldiers in Shadows series by Ms. Eason!

Have you read Twilight Tactics? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher, NetGalley, and JustRead Publicity Tours for giving me a copy of Twilight Tactics to review, for letting me be a part of the Twilight Tactics JustRead Publicity Bookstagram and Review Tour, and for providing some of the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer)]

Wow. Just wow! Lynette Eason has done it again! Here's my review for Twilight Tactics.

From the second I started reading, I could not put this book down. The action starts immediately and doesn't let up for a single second. The story takes place at the remote Broken Chains Ranch; it's a healing retreat for veterans, many with PTSD. What is supposed to be a safe haven quickly turns into an intense, full-scale battleground when armed attackers surround the property. To make matters worse, they're not sure who's attacking them.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between the characters. FBI agent Sully Sullivan is trying to hide and protect Ollie, a 14-year-old foster teen who witnessed a mob hit. At the ranch, they team up with Elena, an amazing survival expert with a mysterious past of her own. The bond Elena builds with Ollie is so sweet, and the tension keeps you guessing the entire time: are the attackers after the young witness, or are they hunting Elena?

The tech-savvy villains and the eerie, dangerous cult and prepper elements made the stakes feel incredibly high. This book delivers everything a romantic suspense fan could want: a clean, meaningful romance, heart-stopping tension, and a beautiful message about healing and getting a fresh start. It is the perfect start to the new Soldiers in Shadows series, and I am already dying for the next book! This is going to be an amazing new series.

Highly, highly recommended by me!

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

[Marie Girulat]

Thank you to @lynetteeason @revellfiction and @greatreadsbookpromo for the #gifted book.

This gripping, suspenseful story draws you in from the very first page. As the debut of the Soldiers in Shadows series, it kicks off with intense action that refuses to slow down.

When FBI agent Sully is forced to escort a teenage witness, Ollie, to his cousin's expansive Broken Chains Ranch in Tennessee after a safety breach, the stakes are raised. The ranch serves as a refuge for veterans battling PTSD. It is also where Elena, a survivalist, works and harbors her own secret.

I was captivated by how Sully and Elena teamed up to protect Ollie. Sully’s protective instincts kicked into high gear, and I loved the chemistry that developed between him and Elena. The twists and intertwined storylines, revealing Elena’s past and her mysterious connection to the attack on Ollie, were skillfully crafted. The survivalist backstory was intriguing.

As the ranch came under attack, the suspense kept you guessing whether Ollie or Elena was the target. The tension was real. The vivid descriptions brought the ranch and dense surrounding forest to life in my mind. The ending was sweet and left me eager to learn more about the other characters on the ranch.

This book offered a refreshing change from my usual reads, and I enjoyed every moment. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series, scheduled for release in January 2027.

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland)]

I enjoyed this no spice Christian romantic suspense. While it’s the start to a new series, I wouldn’t be surprised if some main side characters were the MC love interests in a previous book.

We open with our MMC - an FBI agent - driving his teenage witness to a safe place. They are attacked and so begins our book of danger and high stakes. I loved Ollie (the 14-year-old) and her sharp as a tack brain and wit. Having a history as a foster child endeared her to me and our MCs. She has faced a lot in her young life. Our FMC is an Army veteran and counselor. She’s met our MMC Sully before, but it doesn’t seem like they’ve had much contact. Growing up in a prepper/cult community gives her another unique background and experiences. She has quite a few flashbacks to spending time with her sister growing up.

I enjoyed figuring out the pieces of this suspenseful web and determining what was going on and who was involved. The romance is more of a side thing to the suspense, but it is sweet and formed through their proximity in the short period of time this book encompasses. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level.

Content Warnings: Shooting, Injuries,
Glimpse of Underwear, Bombs, Past Loss of Parent

I received a complimentary copy of this book through a book tour and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kim English]

An FBI agent. An ex-prepper. An eye witness. And a ranch for broken people.
Mix them all together, add in danger and a smattering of romance, and you have this first book in a new series by Lynette Eason.
A fantastic story of having to go back before you can go forward along with a story of grace, this book was excellent
Fell in love with one of the main characters--Ollie-from page one. And wish I could be more like Elena.
*I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher with nore commitments. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

[Deena Peterson]

Another thrilling read from one of my favorite authors! Eason packs this one full to overflowing with intrigue, suspense, suspicion, and heart.

Two enemies are in play here: the pepper/militia group and the mob/criminal enterprise group. When they choose to join forces, watch out!

But what do they want? Is it a common goal, or two objectives? And who do they want? Who’s the target of their tactics?

It’s up to Sully and Elena to unravel the threads and watch each other’s six. Can they find the answers before the worst happens?

You’ll have to read it to find out! I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited.
Highly recommend!

[Maxine Burns]

This was the first in the “Soldiers in Shadows” series and it did not disappoint. There was action from the get-go and many twists and turns along the way right up to the end. A good story, great characters and clean romance with strong Christian themes.

[Billi (toevery_book_thereisaseason)]

💙📚Book Review📚💙
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Recommended Age: 16+
Series: Soldiers in Shadows 1

This is the first book in the Soldiers in Shadows series by Lynette Eason through Revell.

I believe this is the first book from Lynette Eason that I have read, and I am immediately taken by her writing style. She started this one straight with the action. This is the type of hook I love. I was invested in this story, and I was intrigued where she would take it. I had my own suspicions, and I was not pleased to be right. But there were some other twists that I did not see coming.

This was more plot and action based than romance. It did not need that much romance though. I am saying this as a girl who needs romance in a book. For Twilight Tactics I was so focused on the tasks that they were dealing with, I completely forgot about the romance. So props to Lynette Eason for writing an engaging mystery book that didn’t need romance. Though the romance that was present was greatly appreciated.

POV: Multi POV, third person, past tense
🚪: Clean
💋: Level 1
🤬: None
⚠️: car acc!dent, k!dnapping, sh00ting, murd€r (off-page)

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

3.5

a thrilling start to a new series from lynette eason!

the broken chains ranch should be a place of safety and security… but as soon as fbi agent collin “sully” sullivan arrives with ollie, the teenaged witness he’s trying to protect, danger seems to lurk at every turn. survival expert elena thompson is there to help, though her past does add some complications into the mix…

it’s action-packed from the start for sully, elena, and ollie, and they have figure not only who they can trust, but also who’s really the target and what’s really going on. there’s definitely a whole lot of suspense and intrigue, but it’s blended well with some nice friendship and romance moments, too.

i loved the connection to radon’s novella in whiteout and look forward to seeing what other side characters will have stories next.

all that to say: if you love romantic suspense, you definitely don’t want to skip twilight tactics. i had a lot of fun reading it, and i’m sure you will, too.

(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)

[Bookswithaudreyb]

This book grabbed my attention with having to deal with FBI agents and a sanctuary ranch. At the beginning, you’re hit with mystery and action. Wondering why agent Sully and Piper and their witness Ollie are getting chased by two mysterious cars on their way to Broken Chain Ranch. Also, what had Ollie seen to be getting chased down. Once the group gets to Broken Chain Ranch there is more danger, mystery and action that has everyone on high alert and wondering who is the actual target.

I really enjoyed this book I liked the suspense/ mystery aspect of the book and that there were two mysteries. The romance in the story was very light and only kisses. I do wish we could get more background details or flashbacks of when our two main characters met or over the time that they’ve “known” each other. There’s instant chemistry and sparks and it was like you were jumping into the middle of it. The faith themes were also on the lighter side.

This was my first book by this author and I’ll definitely continue this series and read other books by her as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.