Protector's Instinct

Omega Sector: Under Siege #2

by Janie Crouch

He knows he failed her once before. This time he’s determined to protect her by any means necessary…Former police detective Zane Wales won’t let history repeat itself. He couldn’t save the woman he loved from a brutal assault, so he left the force—and Caroline Gill’s life. But now a psychopath has her in his vengeful sights. And the only way Zane can keep the strong-willed paramedic safe is to stay close 24/7—even as their reignited desire burns out of control.Caroline can finally face down her past by helping Zane catch this perp. And she’ll give Zane all the passionate healing he needs to show they have a future together. But a danger they never saw coming will turn their second chance into a lethal, inescapable trap…Omega Under Siege

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Second Chance, Harlequin, Ebooks, Suspense

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2017

About the author

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.

Check out Janie's updates and more on her website at http://www.janiecrouch.com

Reviews

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 3.5/5
Characterisation: 4.5/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoy it: 4/5

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane, a cop at the time, and Caroline, an EMT, knew each other for years, and though the attraction was always there, neither acted on it until returning home from college. What followed was a push/pull relationship, both fighting for the upper hand at every opportunity, and it worked for them. Until it didn't.

Zane, investigating a serial rapist, blames himself for Caroline's rape and beating. It was his turn to do the pull, and so he didn't show at her house as planned, so when she answered the door, believing it was him, and instead became a victim, Zane's guilt was endless.

Caroline didn't blame him, and was fighting for him to treat her as he did before, but he couldn't. He saw her as she was that night and it hurt his heart, and so, assuming he knew what was best for her, walked away from all they could become.

Eighteen months later, when their paths cross again, one of the few times they had since he distanced himself from her, his ingrained need to protect her, his never fading feelings for her, resurfaced, as did their always intense attraction.

When Zane learns he and Caroline are both potential targets for a madman of genius levels, he doesn't hesitate in getting to her. Though he denies his true reasons for joining her vacation from everything, he does eventually tell her, after soaking in the time he got to spend with her, shields down, as if time hadn't passed between them.

But as they begin spending more time together, they have a lot to work through, including what happened to Caroline and Zane's actions following it.

Can Zane and Caroline find their way back to each other? Or has too much time passed, the hurt from Zane leaving too painful to forget? Are Zane and Caroline safe? Will these two finally get their HEA?

One-click now and follow along as Zane and Caroline, their feelings for one another covering years, must decide if what they have is worth exploring and fighting for, or if it's time to admit they just aren't meant to be.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Paula Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I was heading towards a solid 3 stars for this story, possibly 4, depending on how things panned out. And then the second half happened. Janie Crouch's books all involve Omega Sector, a super duper multi-organisational law enforcement task force made up of the best agents the country has to offer. This mini-series involves some bloke by the name of Damien Friehof seeking revenge against the agency for the death of his wife during a raid. He wants to get at them by targeting non-agency people they care about. Or something. He's a master of disguise, and working with a mole within the agency.

In Damien's sights this time are Zane Wales and Caroline Gill. Their relationship fell apart because Zane started playing the martyr after he wasn't there to protect Caroline when a man burst into her home and brutally beat and raped her. He figured he was best off staying away from her. But after he's informed that he and Caroline are possible targets, he heads off to a national park where Caroline is hiking to make sure she's okay. Which is exactly when somebody starts taking shots at them!

This is where the book is quite exciting, building up the suspense as the two try to make it to safety despite a storm approaching. It even provides some much needed character growth for Zane, whose woe-is-me behaviour up to that point had been more than a bit insufferable. I was thinking, "Oh, good, this could be a winner." Unfortunately not. Once Zane and Caroline emerge from the national park with all their limbs intact, with lots of book pages left to read, the plot just veered off into the land of silliness.

I remember I marked down Fully Committed because of an asinine plan developed by Omega Sector to capture a killer that involved putting a bunch of civilians at risk, and then abandoning the plan because of too many variables. We get almost the exact same thing here! As the plot continued, these supposedly super duper task force agents who are supposedly the best the country has to offer, continued to make astonishingly rookie mistakes and oversights! Let me provide you with some evidence. MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW.

* Zane knows it would have taken two people to both shoot at him and Caroline in the national park, and also sabotage his plane.

* When Caroline is attacked (the villain having not been fooled by Omega Sector's sting operation), she sees another person other than the one attacking her.

* Yet when the attacker confesses to everything, everybody is all, "Yay, the case is solved. We can get back on with our lives, and send Caroline back to her job unprotected." Which she does.

* This is despite both Zane AND Caroline knowing that at least two people had to be involved in the plot against them! Caroline has even seen it with her own eyes!

* Zane discovers that Caroline's house where she was attacked is now being rented by none other than the rapist's sister. The reader has already known all along that the rapist's sister and brother are the ones after Zane and Caroline. Damien Friehof has convinced them that they were lying about the identity of the rapist. (There's also some other dude they paid to confess to everything.)

* Knowing (well, supposedly) that two people are after him and Caroline, does Zane do any checks into the rapist's past or family connections, now knowing the sister is holding Caroline hostage? Nope!

* So rapist's sister is sent off to jail. All is good with the world. Until the rapist's brother storms a wedding that Caroline and Zane are attending to finish off the job! Oh, no!

* This super duper task force never once checked to see if there were other family members out there, KNOWING that the first suspect in jail was paid by the rapist's sister to falsely confess?

* Rapist's brother somehow managed to infiltrate a wedding attended by what we are literally told is close to 100 Omega Sector agents?

The levels of stupidity that the book descended into unfortunately completely killed it for me. These agents need some refresher training, I think! It's a pity, because the first half had me. It was solidly suspenseful, and Zane actually demonstrated some character growth (although the sex scene was laughably out of place). Crouch also nicely avoided her tendency to bring in every previous Omega Sector character for a gratuitous cameo. But if you're going to make your characters this freaking stupid and unobservant, don't make them super duper detectives and task force agents!

[Books and Spoons · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of Janie Crouch's writing, I am so excited to say this - Protector's Instinct is my favorite book of hers! I absolutely loved the storyline, the intensity of the suspense and action was high, the emotions were raw and edgy. The whole story and the characters had depth and development that had me thrilled, the fervor of the feelings between Zane Wales and Caroline Gill took my breath away.
Of course, we met Zane and Caroline in Fully Committed, were the discord of their relationship was obvious. I have been waiting to read their story ever since, and this was even better than I hoped for.
Caroline is a kick-ass heroine. Oh, she is broken and devastated by the attack eighteen months ago, but she is tough, resilient, strong survivor that I admired immensely. The rape and its consequences were dealt in such real and raw yet respectful way. The angst and fear were palpable, as were the determination to overcome and heal from the past.
Zane Wales is a troubled hero with a hot temper yet there is kindness, consideration, generosity, and protectiveness that shines through. His feelings for Caroline are immensely deep, there is nothing he wouldn't do for her. Their always volatile and fragile relationship is filled with hot passion and sweet devotion.
With sharp and vivid images the author paints the story of fierce, energetic romance and brutal, savage action. The attacks against the Omega Sector and their loved ones are bold and enraged. It is obvious that no one is safe, that the culprit is craving for collateral damage. He is spreading his lies, and recruiting vulnerable, aggravated assistance for his vicious attacks.
Volatile action and heated, intense romance with tangible, luscious emotions delivers an alluring tale that was impossible to put down until the explosive yet satisfying ending. Loved it!
~ Five Spoons!

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane blames himself for what happened to Caroline. If he would have gone to her houses
she would be fine, but a monster was at her door when it should have been him.
Caroline is tying to get her life back in order. But when she sees Zane again things change.
There relationship if you could call it that is so strained. Now that a mad man is after them
Zane will not let anything happen to her. This time it will be different.

So good. Could not put it down.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It's a typical story by the author - lots of twists and unexpected turns which glue your to your device. Just amazing to read through the book - you know there's a HEA, but you just want to know what it takes for them to get there. Many Omega agents from prior books appear too, which is always a huge plus.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overall part of the series....but not my favorite

I would’ve given this at least 4 stars since I liked the story, but just like in other books in this and the critical response series, there are some discrepancies. Like in one book, Derek and Molly have a son, and then in another one, they have a daughter. Ages of the men are inconsistent as well. And in the book where we are first introduced to Zane and Caroline, Fully Committed, Jon and Sherry’s story, Zane is only 5’9”-5’10”. In this book, he is described as 6’2”. In this book, John refers to Zane’s temper being hot just like he remembered when they first met. But, in Fully Committed, Zane is actually pretty mild-mannered and plays the peace keeper. The discrepancies don’t take away from the story, especially if you haven’t read the previous books, but since I’ve read all the others, I notice and am not a huge fan of the obvious differences. I know I’ll keep reading the rest of the series, and any others that Janie comes out with (I love her writing!), but I’d suggest the editor do more proofing, and not just with the grammar and spelling and political correctness. Making sure the storyline is consistent throughout he series is also important!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me .. JC writes a good book.
The first half was especially intriguing.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent second chance story combined with riveting suspense. Eighteen months earlier Zane and Caroline had had a passionate and volatile relationship. Zane was a police detective, and Caroline was an EMT. Then Caroline was brutally assaulted, and in a fit of guilt, because he hadn't been there to prevent it, Zane quit the police force and his relationship with Caroline. Now she's in danger again and he'll do whatever he must not to fail her.

Caroline has worked hard to overcome the effects of her assault. She's back on the job and has taken steps to prevent becoming a victim again. Though she wants to think she has put Zane behind her also, seeing him again proves that her feelings for him are just as strong as they ever were. But, what happened that night has changed both of them.

I liked both Zane and Caroline from their first appearance in Fully Committed. Caroline is a lot stronger than she thinks she is. I loved the reality of seeing the ongoing effects of the assault, such as the fear of a knock on the door, or being reluctant to go home to an empty house. But she's also determined that it won't completely derail her life. I loved seeing her back doing the work she loved. I also understood her frustration with the way people still treated her with kid gloves when she wanted them to stop seeing her as a victim. Zane is a man who is haunted by what he sees as his failure. I ached for him as he gave up the work he loved because he'd lost confidence in his ability to do it. However, his innate protectiveness can't be denied, especially when it comes to Caroline. At the first hint of danger, he's right there with her.

I loved the rekindling of their relationship. Zane's determination to keep her safe makes him come on a little strong at first, which makes Caroline dig in her heels about the trip she has planned. Not to be dissuaded, Zane horns in on her camping trip. In addition to the protection, it gives Caroline a chance to confront Zane about what had happened after her attack. I loved her honesty as she explained to him exactly what she needed from him. I ached for Zane, who had allowed his guilty feelings to drive him away from Caroline. I loved that he understood her feelings when she explained them. It wasn't easy for him to let go of the guilt and give his feelings free rein. I loved seeing them grow closer as they fought the danger they were in. The passion is still there but without the volatility thanks to the maturing of the characters and the relationship. I loved the ending, especially the gift that Caroline had for Zane.

The suspense was fantastic. As was shown in the first book (Daddy Defender), the villain in this series has a very convoluted and devious mind. We know from the start that he has it in for Zane and Caroline, but you never know exactly how he will carry out his plans. The attack on the trail and subsequent sabotage of Zane's plane had me glued to the pages as they raced to stay ahead of their attacker. The attacks continued after they got home, increasing in intensity. I was on the edge of my seat through several twists and turns, as just when I thought they were safe, something else would happen. The final confrontations were amazing in their proof of the bad guy's twisted and manipulative ways.

[Miki · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as i loved all the rest from this author, this book wasn't a favourite at all....it's well written but i really couldn't see the characters as believable so while i really enjoyed the investigation, the action etc it took my pleasure down a little too much.

Zane is feeling guilty for not protecting Caroline, that i can easily understand and his reaction makes perfect sense. I liked how he tried to do what he thought the best . He is really a touching character.
It's Caroline behaviour that bothered me the most.....i liked the fact she was trying to go over the trauma she suffered and how the author showed the difficulty she still had and the frustration it caused. She doesn't want to be seen as the eternal victim she wants her life back...so far perfectly understandable and believable......the fact she would like to go with Zane again too iunderstand as they were a couple before so theere is a trust between them, a bond aleady forged that while it could have become a bit fragile still exist so far so good. The romance between them is kind of cute but i couldn't get into it because Caroline who was assaulted in such a shape she was in coma for a couple of days recover too quickly in my opinion. Really getting intimate with someone you know after such event isn't easy and that part the author really wrote well...but then saying she went with other less than 2y after the events....no believable i mean to get intimate with someone you need a minimum of trust, after such an event you don't trust that easily or quickly so for me Caroline lost any credit and i couldn't follow her adventures with as much interest as i would have loved.

However while the characters got just a 2/5 for me the story in itself is really good and well worth a 4. i loved the rythm and the twists and it was really great to have some infos on the rest of the omegateam or even get a glimpse of them. If we have read Daddy Defender the story take place just after s it's great but i really think that this book, for the main story, can be read as stand alone we get enough info about the main players and what happened to be immersed into the story even if it's better read in order as the red line in the series the big plot run for all the series not just this book ( when the team will discover the mole really!^^)

so it's a good romance suspense if you want to read one

[Kat Ryker · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I know I said I would never accept another "gifted" book unless it had been vetted well and I'd read all of the reviews. This was the exception to that rule since the person who sent it to me knew I enjoyed Janie Crouch's writing in the Linear Tactical series. I honestly didn't realize that this Harlequin book was the same author as the Linear Tactical series that I've been enjoying. May I be one to say, thank you for writing more 'adult' in the Linear series than is possible with Harlequin.

And before you think I'm dissing Harlequin, I'm not. I just want more action, more of the grittiness I've seen in Janie Crouch's writing, and more steam than Harlequin will ever allow someone to put in one of their books. Gasp! Heaven forbid!

I enjoyed this book, although I think I lost a lot by not knowing about the series before I began. It meant that all the characters were strangers, and usually that doesn't bother me. This time, I got the feeling, halfway through, that I should have grabbed the book before this in order to understand the interaction a bit better. And perhaps I'm wrong, when I read the first book, I might find that I didn't miss a thing. Time will tell.

And even though I did have problems with not knowing all the nuances of the story, I love Janie's writing enough that I enjoyed the book despite them. I can see from the other reviews that there might have been inconsistencies between the stories but I can only speak for the book I just finished, not others. I saw well developed and sympathetic characters - Zane and Caroline. Not only sympathetically written, but they were also perfect for the plot of the book with personalities that fit the circumstances and made them appear realistic.

Now I'm off to read some more. I would definitely recommend this book, but I think you should probably start with Book 1.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book with breathtaking suspense, action, and steamy romance. Caroline, and Zane had been a happy couple. Zane was the lead detective on a serial rape case, and Caroline was a EMT. Zane was suppose to meet Caroline at her house for dinner, but instead he had worked late. A call came in, and another person was attacked and raped. His stopped when he realized the address was Caroline’s. After the attack he stayed with her at the hospital, but afterwards he stayed away from her and quit the Police force, The guilt was eating him alive.
One evening he went to a bar and it seemed like the whole Police force was there, and Caroline. He found out she was going hiking on a vacation by herself. He actually told her she was stupid, or something like that. As you can imagine that didn’t end well. She got up and left the bar.
Zane latter found out both he and Caroline was targets. He had to go find her, and protect her. I loved it when found her in the middle of nowhere. It was like two friends catching up, that hadn’t seen each other in a while. He didn’t tell her why he was there. At the same time she had been spent so much time around him, she knew when he was holding back. She played it off until the next day while they were hiking. She said tell me the real reason why you are here? I know something is up, because we are being followed. She knew before he did. That is when the book heats up. I think if I tell you anything else I’ll spoil the whole book. This is a book worth reading. I loved it.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger strikes when they least expect it! With a riveting story line, Janie Crouch has us knee-deep in the next Omega Sector: Under Siege book. The characters have a past that make us want to keep turning page after page to see what led to their parting ... and then had us hoping against hope that they were going to manage to pull themselves back together again! We recognized a few key players from the Omega Sector world and watched as the story line played out. Great book!

Paramedic Caroline Gill suffered a brutal attack a year and a half ago, and she's still trying to find her new normal. She's working hard to move forward with the job that she loves, and keep her demons at bay. Her hard work to redefine herself feels tested when she comes into contact with her ex again ... he walked away from her when she needed him most, but she can't find it in herself to regret the time they had together ... or to stop wishing things were different!

Police detective Zane Wales felt like he failed the woman he loved when he couldn't keep her safe, so he walked away from her ... and the job that lived for. He couldn't face the fact that he wasn't there to protect her. Now he gets word that a psychopath has her in his sights again and rushes to her side ... no one is going to hurt her on his watch again!

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline thought she’d been through the worst when she was beaten and raped 18 months ago. But when she and Zane became targets of a madman trying to take down Omega Sector by targeting those they loved, she wasn’t so sure it had been the worst that could happen to her.

Leaving Caroline and the police force after Caroline’s attack was the hardest thing Zane ever did. He thought he should have been able to prevent her attack so he felt getting out of her life was best for her. Now that she was in danger again, he would do anything he could to keep her safe. As they spent time together, they quickly saw their feelings were just as strong as ever. But Zane had a lot of explaining to do. Why did he take off?

I enjoyed this book but I didn’t like the power struggle in Caroline’s and Zane’s relationship. It was a little too violent for my liking. But that is probably just me. Danger, intrigue, and forgiveness all make their way into this story, leading to plot twists and turns that keep you on your toes. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'm dying to know what happens next.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Protector's Instinct is the twelfth book in the Omega Sector Universe Series (Omega Sector: Under Siege Book #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…

Thank you, Janie Crouch!

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant

Loved loved loved

This tells the tale of zane and Caroline. Caroline was brutally raped, beaten and left for dead. This created the divide in their relationship. Caroline didn’t want to be seen as the “rape victim” and Zane didn’t know how to go back to what they once had. 18 months later a foe they didn’t know existed causes trouble and throws them back together. Can they make nice second time around.

Loved this second chance story and also love the story from perspective of why the trauma happened to. No one wants their whole life to revolve around what happened to them in the last. I genuinely felt pretty bad for Caroline never being able to properly move one because of other people - who thought they were doing the right thing. I loved that Caroline got to lay it out to Zane and they both realised they’d lost a lot of time they didn’t need to.
The camping/hiking action was tense, I loved it!!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane hung up his cream colored Cowboy hat and resigned from the force when he believed it was his fault the love of his life, Caroline Gill was brutally raped and beaten. Now, almost a year and a half later he finds that her life is in danger once again and he steps in to protect her. Caroline wants him and the entire town to stop treating her as a fragile victim and she wants Zane back and to resume their previous passionate but volatile relationship. Can he overcome the memories of her attack and treat her like she wants all the while trying to protect her from an unknown predator? This book is part of the Omega Sector Series but seems more an offshoot instead of a Book 2 but reading it has just peaked my interest in reading all the books having anything to do with the men and women of Omega.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "PROTECTORS INSTINCT" Zane Wales and Caroline Gill have a very emotional tragic past where Caroline had been beaten and raped 18 mos. ago and Zane blames himself for not being there to protect her so he left. When Zane and Caroline come together again it's a bit difficult this is truly an amazing read full of passion, intrigue, danger, suspense, a serial rapist, devotion, protection, it's a must read for sure. Will Zane and Caroline be able to put the past behind and have a HEA you have to get this book to find out its definitely a page turner you don't want to miss it has a great storyline and awsome characters it's very well written I highly recommend to read.

[Kelly A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much manipulation going on you are never sure what will happen next. Great ending, as usual. I think Janie Crouch has definitely promoted to my 2nd best author. I thought for sure we would be revisiting her former HEA couples, but the focus is on other characters introduced throughout the series allowing others to find their HEA's and also updating us on the lead characters in her previous Omega Sector books/series. This is a great read and discovery how we allow ourselves to guess what someone else is thinking or meant instead of clarifying it. A common mistake in a lot of relationships. Janie is very good at presenting this in so many different ways in her books. On to Book 3 of this fantastic series.

[Jess Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a visit with the Omega Sector family! Janie Crouch has fastly became one of my favorite authors. Zane and Caroline's story was perfect. The angst and heartache in this second chance romance is breath taking. Watching them fight back to the amazing couple the once could have been. They know each other's every move but let life's circumstances tare them apart.

The connection they share helps them in so many ways. The love of one look and can completely destroy angry words. This couple came through some seriously hard times. I loved the thrill of being chased through the rough terrain and surviving. Janie kept us on our toes.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about an EMT (Caroline) who was raped and almost murdered and has been struggling with losing her boyfriend (Zane) after the attack (who blames himself for not being there to protect her). Then starts a whole series of dangerous events for Caroline and Zane as psychotic men are after them for revenge. There are stalker-ish phone calls, shootings, chasing through the forest, a crash landing of their airplane, breaking and entering of their homes, bugging the house, and on and on with action and adventure as Caroline and Zane try to reach for their HEA. I highly recommend this book for its suspense and romance - all that a reader could ask for in this genre!

[Jo-Ann Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series.

This carries on from the ending of the first book where the overall crazy person is targeting certain people. This is the carryon from that.

In this book our hero and heroine had a relationship but it ended when our heroine was attacked. The heroine could barely function and the hero thought she didn’t want anything to do with him.

However, now there was a mad man after them. However, who was he getting to do his dirty work was the main question. They had a few starts and stops before finding out just how many he had doing his dirty work.

What also became clearer, was there was a mole some place but where?

[Marilyn Pottorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat book

Another exciting Janie Crouch book. I think it is the 12th one of hers that I have read and enjoyed in the last couple of months, but I am now ready to start. Eagle, the second book in another series of her books. The first one of this new series is Cyclone, a Linear Tactical Romance that kept me on the edge of my.seat. would you believe I am a confirmed FAN??? I love her stories. This lady has given me countless hours.of enjoyment, and I will keep looking for her name on every new book that comes out!!!!!

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protector’s Instinct is the second book in the Omega Sector: Under Siege series and revolves around Zane Wales and Caroline Gill (both have been mentioned in previous stories). Although this one was not at the top of my list for favorites of the series, I did still enjoy it as part of the continuing storyline arc of the entire series. There is plenty of action, suspense, drama, emotions, danger, and excitement with twists and turns to hold interest and a satisfactory HEA for the couple. I think what dampened the enjoyment for me some was the constant fighting between the couple. I did not really feel the connection with them as I did the others in the series and I struggled a bit with their relationship because of that. It felt as if they were more interested in playing games and getting the upper hand over the other. However, once they really opened up about the past and shared their feelings on everything that has happened you can finally feel their connection and you can see that their bond was there all along; with two fiery passionate people, sparks are definitely going to fly.

There is a tension that holds through the entire book but the excitement really kicks into gear when Zane rushes off to the National Park to check on Caroline after he gets word she is in danger. There is a storm approaching, sabotage, bullets flying, and unknown pursuers…lots of fun! Then once you think they are in the clear and all is good a couple more twists are thrown in for good measure and the suspense and danger ramp up again. Zane and Caroline have a lot to go through and a lot of emotional baggage to deal with before their HEA, but when they get there it is a great one.

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

it has great twists

Caroline and Zane are so much alike, both strong minded, strong willed and determined to win. They argue about anything but enjoy it. Making up is better. After 18 months apart they find their way back together. A second chance that is so worthwhile. They can figure out together who this bad guy is and why he targets them.
Reading this is an adrenaline rush that takes you into an evil brain. Brilliant dialogue and well rounded characters put the shine on a great story!

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

Wow, I couldn’t stop reading this book. Loved staying on edge. Loved feeling a bit heartbroken for Zane and Carolyn. They broke up after she was raped. But now there seems to be someone targeting both of them. Zane will do anything to keep Carolyn safe and I loved their second chance. Just how many people are after them? The story has many twists. I loved their happy ever after, it’s so heartwarming. I highly recommend this book.

[Felice Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story. I didn’t realize it wasn’t the first book in the series, so I’ll need to go back and read book 1, to really get some of the nuances of the characters.

Lots of action, which I love, and some light romance thrown in. I’m really interested in this Omega group so I will definitely be reading the entire series.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better

Zane & Caroline's story was so much better than the previous story. Their history is overwhelming painful. Now with the added danger Zane makes a move he might regret. For Caroline seeing Zane again hurts so much, he abandoned her! Maybe he wants to make things right....

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Police romantic suspense

Zane left law enforcement after the love of his life was attacked. Caroline was moving on with her life angry at Zane. Lots of drama, also intense action, suspense and terrifying moments. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books by Ms Crouch.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the story, if you like suspense and romance you will like the book and the series. if you like alpha males and strong women you will like the story. I have read several of the books in this series and others and love them.