Don't miss OMEGA SECTOR: CRITICAL RESPONSE, the most highly-awarded Intrigue series of 2017 that readers call "binge-worthy" and "un-putdownable." These ain't your mama's Harlequins, baby. Get all six now!
FULLY COMMITTED Omega Sector: Critical Response agent Jon Hatton is running out of options. If he doesn't get a decent lead soon, a serial rapist will strike again. His best chances lie with the intuitive skills of forensic artist Sherry Mitchell, a beautiful woman struggling with PTSD.
In exchange for her help, Jon teaches Sherry to manage her symptoms, and soon they are unable to resist their Texas-hot attraction. With Jon as her lifeline, Sherry uncovers clues that prompt a frightening message from the attacker. Jon knows Sherry's determined to help catch this criminal, but keeping her safe is his top priority. Followed by making her his bride.
The OMEGA SECTOR: CRITICAL RESPONSE series books were winner of the National Readers Choice Award and finalists for the Daphne Award for Excellence in Romantic Suspense and the Romance Writers of America RITA Award (highest honor a romance book can receive). A series not to be missed!
*****
All the OMEGA SECTOR: CRITICAL RESPONSE books are stand-alone, but were published in the following order: 1. Special Forces Savior 2. Fully Committed 3. Armored Attraction 4. Man of Action 5. Overwhelming Force 6. Battle Tested
USA 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.
Jon Hatton is an agent assisting the local law authorities in Texas with a serial rapist case. Their forensic artist is insensitive with victims, so when Jon learns from his sources that another one is available nearby, he hunts her down. But this forensic artist is Sherry Mitchell, who is now suffering PTSD as a result of helping too many victims through their harrowing ordeals. Or something. She's reluctant to get involved, but Jon is very supportive, giving her the strength to get through it. Once she's involved, of course, the rapist delivers her a personal threat to stay out of his business!
I enjoyed reading this, but it fell somewhat short for me. Firstly, Sherry is just a bit too fragile for my liking. While I appreciate the book was doing a respectful job of portraying someone suffering this condition, it annoyed me that other characters who had suffered much worse atrocities than Sherry (actual rape, for instance) were much stronger in tackling their issues head on. It sounds insensitive, but Sherry occasionally came across as a bit of a precious petal!
Then we Sherry being a bit of a martyr about her PTSD and thinking Jon wouldn't want to "saddle" himself with a woman with such an affliction. Instead of talking with him about it like a rational adult, she creates distance between them. It was irritating. It kind of made me feel as if she would actually be a bit of high maintenance, always needing to be reassured by Jon that he still found her attractive and sexy.
I did like that both characters were compassionate people, and Crouch did a good job showing this, and not just telling us. All that "I'm here for you 100%" and "baby steps" talk got a little tiresome and repetitive, however.
Things were going along swimmingly until two of Jon's Omega Sector pals, Liam Goetz and Brandon Han, showed up. It was pure sequel/franchise bait. They weren't needed! This is a real pet peeve of mine in category romance. In particular, Liam's behaviour is borderline sexual harassment, but everybody just shakes it off, because they can apparently just instantly tell he's a good guy. Whatever. I wanted to smack him! His dialogue exchange with Sherry at the supermarket about Jon's feelings for her was just downright CRINGEWORTHY.
Faults aside, it was an entertaining read. The chapters were a decent length, so I was always telling myself "just one more chapter", which resulted me reading it all in one go. Generally, that's a good sign!
Everything happens for a reason. Always look for the silver lining. Yes, I know these are cliches, but cliches are cliches for a reason...they mean something.
These cliches are definitely in action in this book. Jon and Sherry ended up in the same place, at the same time, due to different circumstances, yet the acts of one person, a stranger, brought them together. Unfortunately, those acts were very bad, but you get my point.
Jon, a behavior analyst and crisis management special agent for Omega Sector: Critical Response, is sent to Corpus Christi to help the local police department determine who is brutally assaulting women. Of course, he wasn't expecting a welcome wagon from them, but some kind of teamwork would've been nice. Thankfully, he eventually gets some help from Zane, a local detective, who just wants to catch the guy.
Sherry, a forensic artist suffering with PTSD, unbeknownst to her, is in Corpus Christi visiting a friend and taking a much needed break from her job. She is quite literally burnt out from all she's done for her job that she can't even draw anymore and even the thought of it causes her stress. That's really not good when your job is to draw.
So how do these two meet? Their first meeting is purely coincidental as Sherry is meeting her friend, Caroline, a paramedic at the hospital, after her shift. Caroline and her partner, Michael, have called Jon regarding a possible victim.
While the local forensic artist, Spangler, is with the victim, Jon and Sherry meet and you can see the air sizzle around them. I swear I saw smoking rising from my Kindle due to these two. *wink* However, Spangler's atrocious bedside manner puts a stop to the conversation as he essentially verbally berates the victim. Great guy, right? This idiot is just skating by until his retirement kicks in within the next few months.
Now how are Jon and the police supposed to question the victim when she refuses to talk to their trained artist? *whistles innocently* Oh Sherry. (I know I'm showing my age here, but I can't help but think of the Steve Perry song of the same name. LOL)
Sherry's identity is quickly blown as a licensed forensic artist and Jon is asking for her help. You just can't hide anything from Omega. But how does Sherry explain that the thought of drawing terrifies her? While she wants to help Jon and to find justice for these women, she's understandably hesitant because she knows she might not be able to do anything and she's trying to protect herself, her sanity, as well. That is a tough decision to make, yet I think we'd all want to help stop the bad guy. Of course, Sherry does the right thing and Jon offers to help Sherry with her PTSD if she'll at least try to work with the victims to come up with a composite sketch. Psst...Sherry is a natural at making the women feel comfortable with her and easing them into remembering the tragedy they experienced. She's able to call forth memories from these women, things they never realized they knew, in a way no one else can, and piece them together into a whole picture to help the police find the criminal. I'm thinking Omega could use someone with her set of skills. Hmmm...interesting little thought there. *blink blink*
While Jon and Sherry draw closer every day, the serial rapist now has his eye on Sherry as her position within the investigation is revealed. But it seems no one is safe as Caroline, Sherry's friend and a local paramedic, is attacked. Will that attack be the slap upside the head Zane needs to admit his feelings for Caroline? *I fully admit I wanted to shake some sense into Zane regarding his up and down relationship with Caroline. Ugh, oblivious man.*
Can Jon keep Sherry safe? Have Jon and Sherry found a once in a lifetime love with each other? Will they catch the rapist before he hurts anyone else? What happens when the investigation is over and they have to go their separate ways? Or do they? I'm not telling you any of these answers. I'm not a cheater. LOL Trust me, you'll want to get the book and read it.
I highly recommend this book and I do suggest you read Special Forces Savior, book one in this series first, as references are made to previous and future characters in it. Plus, it's a great book as well and I feel everyone needs to read this author. She's one of my favorites for a reason.
On a side note, Janie, I'm really hoping we see more of Zane and Caroline. I would love to know if Zane finally mans up and either admits he's the man for Caroline or if he let's her go so she can find the one who is. You know what, after writing this review, I really want to reread this book now. Later.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Critical Response Agent Jon Hatton is in Corpus Christi, TX to aid the local police department in catching a serial rapist. He is meeting with considerable resistance to his presence and a decided lack of cooperation. But Jon is not with out resources and keeps himself in the loop using other means. When one of the local detectives, also a forensic artist, interviews a victim with very little sensitivity, Jon resolves to find a replacement. That replacement turns out to be Sherry Mitchell who is in Corpus Christi on vacation. What he does not know is that she is suffering from PTSD. Jon knows he can help her and offers that help in exchange for her assistance on the case. But her assistance comes with a price - Sherry herself may have become a target when she uncovers critical clues.
Janie Crouch has done it again with Fully Committed. The pages are filled with suspense and surprises. Jon is an incredible hero. He turned out to be sensitive and caring and very, very capable. Sherry was having a hard time but wanted to help in spite of the cost to her. It was Jon that lowered that cost. Non-stop action, surprise twists and a great romance - everything you want in an Intrigue. Add Fully Committed to your list now.
Fantastic book with a very intense storyline. Sherry is a forensic artist visiting a friend on vacation. The stresses of her job have gotten to the point where she is having trouble drawing. She is also always cold. Jon is a federal agent assigned to the Corpus Christi police department to help them find a serial rapist. He's used to resistance from local cops when it comes to the feds, but it's worse than usual.
Jon and Sherry meet at the hospital where a new victim has been taken. Jon is there for his job, while Sherry is there waiting for her friend Caroline, an EMT. Both of them witness the poor behavior of one of the police detectives toward the victim, and are horrified by it. Sherry can see what should be done, but her PTSD has her shivering in her shoes. Jon is determined to find someone else to help question the victims, and his resources at Omega send him to Sherry.
That meeting doesn't go well at first, as Jon is unaware of her problem and thinks she's being uncaring and selfish. Once he understands the problem, he offers to help her if she'll help him. Sherry really does want to help but is afraid that she won't be of any use. Once she makes the decision to work with him, she is all in. Jon's awareness of her problem enables him to show her how to deal with the stress so that it doesn't overwhelm her.
I loved seeing their relationship develop. There was an intense attraction from the beginning. I loved the way that he was so sensitive to her problem and determined to help her. It was sweet to see how he tried to keep their date free of any influence of their work. He's also very protective of her, especially after the message from the rapist. It was really fun to see his reaction when his two Omega friends/coworkers came to help and were making eyes at Sherry. His friend Liam also saw the truth of Jon's feelings before he did. Sherry was just as attracted to Jon. She had some trouble believing that he could really be interested in her with all her problems. I loved seeing how just being close to him drove away the coldness she felt, and how she began to understand what having him in her life meant to her. I loved seeing them get to know each other when they weren't working and how it helped them when they were. The ending was great. Jon's surprise for her was wonderful and it was fun to see him tell her all about his determination to convince her of his feelings and vision of their future, and Sherry's reaction to it.
The suspense of this story was fantastic. It kept me completely hooked and up well past my bedtime reading it. The frustration of Jon and the police department over the lack of leads was easily felt. Jon's disgust with the attitudes of the cops was understandable, especially when he witnessed the questioning of the one victim. The detailed descriptions of what Sherry did when she was working with the victims added another layer to the depth of the story. Her success at drawing obscure details from the victims made her a target. Things got really scary when Caroline became one of the victims and the cops finally got a lead. The final confrontation was intense with a twist that I didn't see coming.
I read the whole book at once, and didn't even figure out that time flew by. I inhaled it in. So much so, that I took a second look at it after a while.
I am in awe a bit here, mainly because it is so different from the author's previous books, and really showing how versatile she is with her writing. There's humor mixed with intense situations, and suspense, but it is a different kind of atmosphere we have here completely. The humor is subtle, the situation the law enforcement is facing is one of the worst you can think of, women are being raped by such a clever monster, that there's no evidence left behind. Creepy.
Sherry, is burned out, because of all the pain, evil, and horror, she had had to endure in her line of work. It gave the story a certain dark feeling from the get go, and the story itself just built upon it. The frustration and devastation Jon is feeling with each new victim is palpable. The co-operation with the police is not going smoothly, hindering his work somewhat, and taking too much unnecessary energy from him. It was so easy to set myself into the story, to see the scenes unfolding in front of me. Even though the evidence is minimal, next to nothing, the constant presence of the evil, lurking just around the corner is evident, giving the story an eerie feeling, knowing the menace is close by, and escalating in his behavior.
The first kiss between Sherry and Jon, was just another level of hotness. I loved those two together, how they are with each other. So brutally honest, and real, while at the same time fun, and yet so incredibly sweet, affectionate, and tender. They are supportive, caring towards each other, and how Jon offers to be her lifeline while she is working, just melted me inside. So many swoon worthy moments between those two, Jon just turned out to be the perfect man, for Sherry. And also the perfect man to keep the Texas town calm, while facing the string of brutal crimes. There were so many times I wanted to stand up and cheer for Jon's patience, and calm while dealing with difficult situations, like the perpetual childishness at the police department.
There's more suspense in the story, than actual action. I for one, am thankful for that, considering it is a rape case we are dealing here with. I didn't miss the action, the investigation was intriguing, the lack of clues frustrating, and the reality of solving the case with so little to go on, fascinating. And the curve ball at the end, just took me by surprise.
I have enjoyed Janie Crouch's Omega Sector books and finally am getting back to finish the rest of the Critical Response Series.
Jon Hatton is a member of the Omega Sector Critical Response team from Colorado. He arrives in Corpus Christi to aid the CCPD with finding a serial rapist. His contact Caroline, an EMT, is the only way that Jon is receiving information about the rapes, as the CCPD is keeping him on the outside of their investigation.
Sherry is a friend of Caroline from College, arrives in town for vacation from work as a forensic artist and she's currently suffering from PTSD from her cases she's worked over the past two years.
Caroline introduces Jon to Sherry as they are all in the waiting area of the latest victims room. Jon immediately knows he wants to get to know Sherry better wanting to ask her out, but to also get her take on the crimes. But as the main detective on the case/CCPD's only forensic artist, starts to be belligerent fool to the victim, acting as if it's her fault that she doesn't remember anything. Sherry's PTSD starts to act up, and Jon thinks she's being selfish, when she says she is unable to help them at that time. Eventually, Jon finds Sherry and demands to know why she is being so selfish. But seeing her wrapped up in long pants and long sleeve shirt, he can see something's not right. After she agrees to dinner, and they are able to talk, they both realize they really like one another. Sherry agrees to help with the investigation, if Jon will help her deal with her PTSD.
I loved this book because you can see that Jon really cares about Sherry, though he wants her, he holds out until she is ready as he doesn't want her to think it's case related.
In some books, the back and forth of "I want you, but can't have you" can go on forever. In Fully Committed, it was great to see their relationship start from almost the beginning. They begin to care for one another and maintain a relationship despite everything that is going on.
It's a fast-paced book, with romance weaved throughout the action-packed story. I was able to narrow down to the perp, but it kept me second guessing myself throughout. Some parts of the story made me very sad, yet I was glad to see that perhaps Caroline would be able to find love at some point with the man she's always seem to like. But that was my take away from it.
This is a story you will want to read again and again, or at least I want to!
Fully Committed Omega Sector: Critical Response by Janie Crouch
Once again here is a suspenseful journey by Janie Crouch. Her skill with words, scenes, emotions draw you into a story of intrigue and suspense that you can’t put down.
She takes you into the lives of a Forensic artist who has developed PTSD and is having a hard time doing her job. Enter a serial rapist and a strong willed federal agent who wants to help catch the rapist, but more importantly help Sherry Mitchell deal with her PTSD.
Anger towards Jon Hatton, the Omega Sector: Critical Response agent, from the local police department puts up many roadblocks in the investigation. Will this keep them from solving the cases and bringing the rapist to justice?
Another great addition to the Omega Sector: Critical Response series that will keep you on your toes as you read and become engrossed with this story.
Many twists and turns that leaves with a surprise at the end as to who the rapist is.
Another exciting addition to the Omega Sector series! You're in suspense the majority of the book to see who the guilty party is. Great characters!
Jon Hatton is an Omega Sector: Critical Response agent sent to Texas to aid the local police with a serial rapist case. He's running on empty for clues on who this guy is and the victims just keep coming.
Sherry Mitchell is a forensic artist with the FBI and she's currently on vacation in the area to deal with some PTSD issues she's trying to deal with from the things she's seen in her couple of years on the job.
Jon finds out that Sherry is in the area and wants her to help them on the case. She's hesitant, but eventually she agrees to try. Will they be able to track down this monster before he rapes again? And as Jon and Sherry spend hours on end with each other every day, will they decide to act on the attraction they both feel when the other is near?
I liked the twist of this story. It’s not so much physical suspense, but mental and emotional. The villain was obvious about halfway in, but the story was so involved with everything else going on it was a blip on my radar. Jon and Sherry were okay in the chemistry department, but the nuances in storyline made up for the shortage on romance.
Since I’ve read the entire Omega Sector: Critical Response series, I can say that this was my second favorite. My first favorite is the first of the series, Special Forces Savior, but this is a close second.
Jon, a top agent with Omega Sector, is assigned to assist local PD in Corpus Christi in solving a serial rapist case. He is not accepted with open arms, but it doesn’t stop him from doing his job. Sherry, a forensic artist for the FBI, is on vacation in Corpus Christi. She is taking a well earned and needed break since she is suffering from a form of PTSD caused by dealing with the horrors and ugliness of her job. She is unable to draw because of her condition. In the meantime, Jon and the police are making no progress on the case. When Jon learns that Sherry is a certified highly-skilled forensic artist, he jumps on her to assist with the case. When she declines to help, Jon gets angry and misjudges her, unaware of her PTSD. Jon is ultimately able to coax her into talking with the latest victim, and it is after that when he sees Sherry and witnesses her body’s response that he gets concerned; Sherry explains what is happening with her. After this, Jon gets into the awesome sexy protective alpha mode. My favorite. :) Sherry continues to help Jon with the case, but with Jon aware of what Sherry is going through and actually caring about her, she is able to handle it. Their love story obviously unfolds. But even with Sherry being able to work in-spite of her PTSD, will they be able to catch the genius psycho? Will Sherry remain safe?
This is the second installment in the Omega Sector: Critical Response series and I loved the characters. This story takes place in a city that I love and lived there during the summer times when I was in high school. The city is beautiful but yes it is very very hot. The humidity is brutal. But let's get back to the story and the storyline. This was a very emotional read rape is something that happens everywhere and it sickens me that it does. When a man decides that they want to take what they want when they want it even though the person receiving it fights them. Jon and Sherry are going to have a difficult road ahead of them in trying to figure out who is hurting these women. Sherry is also trying to figure out what is happening with herself and Jon is able to open up her eyes to the possibility that she has a form of PTSD. But together Jon and Sherry will be able to overcome not only her PTSD but together they will be able to figure out who this rapist is but not before someone very dear is hurt.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!! Ms. Crouch's writing style is focused and detailed. These characters were perfect for each other.
Fully Committed is the sixth book in the Omega Sector Universe Series (Omega Sector: Critical Response #2) by Janie Crouch. I am reviewing The Omega Sector Universe series, which is made up of 16 engrossing reads and comprises of three connected series. Omega Sector Omega Sector: Critical Response Omega Sector: Under Siege This is a compelling collection of romantic suspense novels that blends high-stakes action with emotionally engaging storylines. The series focuses on a team of elite operatives who face dangerous missions while navigating complex personal relationships- resulting in a dynamic and immersive reading experience. Each book in the series offers a unique storyline while maintaining a connection to the overarching universe. The characters are well-developed, with their personal struggles, highs and lows, adding depth to the storylines. The balance between suspenseful plot twists and heartfelt romance ensured an engaging read throughout. Happy Reading…
Sherry needs to take some time off in her job as a forensic artist. Spending time listening to victims horrific experiences has taken its toll and has caused her a form of PTSD. Jon come into the local town trying to nab a serial rapist and needs Sherry’s help. Even at first thinking she was spoiled and didn’t want to get her vacation ruined, he soon realises the toll the job has taken on her. The Bureau has given her no support when she’s needed it. When she agrees to help him he makes it his mission to make sure that doesn’t happen again. But when the rapist comes knocking on her door while he be able to save her.
Totally loved the dynamic between these two. I love how we realise that’s first impressions aren’t always correct and should give the benefit of the doubt. I live Sherry’s determination, even when she’s putting her own mental health at risk she trusts that Jon won’t let her down.
It was the kind of case that frustrated crisis management expert Jon Hatton, he couldn’t fathom anyone enjoying except a misogynist or the culprit. It didn’t help that the LEO’s were convinced he was there to show them up. When friendly faced EMT, Caroline stopped at the latest victim’s room, with her friend, visiting forensic artist Sherry Mitchell, Jon was smitten. Sherry noticed him, too, but left quickly.
Sherry’s exhaustion and unacknowledged trauma demanded a break; unaware of Sherry’s issue, Jon presumed the worst and he didn’t make a good impression. After a shaky start, Sherry began working with Jon to help victims recall their trauma as she gathered information much to the irritation of a blustery cop fanning his coworkers into a frenzy and the culprit who didn’t want her involved. Things escalate as Sherry becomes a target kicking Jon’s overprotectiveness into overdrive. Rating: 4.5stars
This is the next book of the series. The good thing is this is a stand alone book to the others as it does say a bit about the others books but it fills in the gaps so they don't really matter.
In this one we have a heroine who's going through issues due to overwork and he's on vacation. The hero is sent to help with a serial criminal. The because of how the police artist has treated one of the victims, they opt for bringing in a new person which is our heroine.
Together they go over the past cases and work to put the baddie away.
Good plot and I knew who the killer is before the plot gets there which is typical for me. The characters are likable and interesting. I'd recommend this one.
This book is about a federal agent (Jon) and a forensic artist (Sherry) who are trying to catch a serial rapist, then find themselves greatly attracted to each other. Sherry struggles with the emotional impact of listening to victims describe the crimes, then trying to draw the criminal from their descriptions. The book is full of suspense as the rapist escapes them during one rape after another, and then the rapist comes after Sherry and those close to her in order to keep her from continuing her attempts to identify him. In all the mess of the rapist's actions, can Jon and Sherry find true love and have an HEA? I highly recommend this book to those who love romantic suspense like I do!
Another edge of your seat book Ms. Crouch. John Hatton from the Omega Sector Critical Response goes to Texas to help with a serial rapist. When he meets Sherry Mitchell. His boss informs him that she’s a very talented Forensic artist. But when he meets her in the hospital as he’s there to see a witness who got away she doesn’t offer to help. That’s when he finds more about her. He needs her help.
Sherry is on a break from what she has been doing. But now Jon needs her help. She do any know what she can do. He doesn’t know what she’s dealing with. The problem lies with, because she hasn’t been able to draw for awhile. He helps her get through it.
Jon and Sherry were such great characters. You actually got to know them as real people, that's very hard to do from a writer's point of view. This book also gives you a good look at what our service men and women love with all for the sake of keeping the public safe. I don't know if I could deal with PTSD ,the it's not exactly something that you can just take an antibiotic for and be all better in a few days. My heart totally went out to Sherry, but I was so proud of the way she made a come back. BRAVO 👏👏
I love all of Janie's books and this one was no different! I was able to predict who the rapist was, but the climax was unpredictable and exciting. Jon is a great character and Sherry's battle with PTSD was realistic and not over-dramatised. The other characters who appear in the book were great too! I will read Liam's story next (he made me laugh so much in this book!) and I look forward to reading Brandon's story as well (we don't get main men with Asian heritage often, and since I'm married to a Korean, I'm pretty excited to see that!).
It was a very interesting angle to show what working in the field of law enforcement can do to someone mentally if they don't have someone to ground them or distract them when they are away from working. How fragile the mind can be and how it protects itself to help us survive another day. This was a great read and a tumultuous journey for Sherry and Jon. It was an adrenaline rush at the end but a very sweet final end of the book. How mighty they may be, but how quickly they fall.
I loved this book. I felt for Sherry as she’s dealing with p.t.s.d., and loved how well Jon helped her. But he needs help and she’s really great at her job. They are searching for a serial rapist and I loved staying on edge. Was really shocked at who it was. Even cried. Loved being so absorbed into this book. I highly recommend this book.
Looks like all these Omega guys are the Alpha kind. Strong possessive and bossy. He will save Sherry from her trauma and give her her life back and save her life in the process.
Good story. Both Jon and Sherry make incorrect assumptions about the other when they meet. Attraction leads to so much more. Danger surrounds the women of the town when a serial rapist eludes law enforcement. Very unexpected villain!