Heath Kavanaugh lost years of his life working for a covert agency that ended up being the enemy. Knowing they put something inside his head—constant, incomprehensible whispers—is driving him crazy.
He needs answers, but they’re nowhere to be found.
What he definitely doesn't need is to fall hard for his Linear teammate's younger sister, Jacquelyn—the adorable linguistics doctoral student who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Especially when Heath’s attention puts her directly in the path of a danger he thought was gone for good. To stop it, they’ll have to figure out what’s in his head. And hope it doesn’t destroy them all.
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.
This was an intense book full of action, humour, and danger.
Working undercover for the FBI, Heath Kavanaugh wanted to find out who was selling government secrets at Wyoming Commonwealth University. It wasn't a glamorous position but going undercover as a janitor would let him blend in so he could find the culprit and stop the sale. Doing this job while there was constant murmuring in his head wasn't easy, but he pushed through anyway. He'd been unsuccessful in getting answers about the head noises from the man running Project Crypt. He did find one good thing while at the university. Lyn Norris. She was an intelligent, shy woman who was working on her doctorate in linguistics. He had no idea she was his best friend's sister. Lyn liked being with Heath and that he didn't treat her like she might break, the way her father and brothers did. She was actually a very strong woman and wanted to prove it to them.
Heath knew this was a bad time to start a relationship but he couldn't let Lyn go. She was the first woman he'd ever connected with that way. For such a smart woman she wasn't very good at reading people. She didn't see herself as attractive or good enough for Heath. But he thought she was perfect. Even when he learned who she really was and knew his friend would not take this relationship well, he wouldn't let her go.
The ending was great! I loved how everything came together. There were plenty of secrets, action, twists, humour, and danger that will make you want to keep reading - well after bedtime.
I received an ARC of Shadow which I am voluntarily reviewing.
Heath was more down to earth then I was expecting! In previous stories, he flowed in and out of the shadows, utilizing his skills where best needed and came across as a machine. Here, he’s got heart, frustrations, and actually played emotional back-up to leading lady, Lyn, quite well! He was also smart enough to let Lyn stand up for herself and didn’t treat her like a fragile piece of glass.
I loved Lyn’s introverted personality, love of books, and her obsession for languages made her a book bestie! (And who knew cursing in so many languages could be that funny?!) Crouch made it easy to commiserate with Lyn’s struggle to have her own life by showcasing Lyn’s inner strength and driving need to succeed.
Lyn and Heath’s romance was great for me because the feelings felt so genuine! Instead of causing a barrier, Lyn’s insecurities and Heath’s secrets formed a connection between the two, leading to some steamy moments and much needed personal revelations.
I enjoy so many things about the Linear Tactical series and those common elements are present in each book, including Shadow! The family themed camaraderie and supportive friendships are wonderful and when paired with striking characters, sizzling romances, and excellent suspense elements?! Yes, please;)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from the author . All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Otra novela de Linear Tactical: rapidita, con romance y suspense, en una mezcla que no te deja respirar hasta el final. A Heath Kavanaugh lo vimos en entregas anteriores, un experto en seguridad con don de lenguas que oye unos obsesivos murmullos en su cabeza. Se infiltra en una universidad, y mientras investiga encubierto conoce a Lyn Norris, una estudiante de doctorado. ¿Problema? Que ella es de familia de hombres de la ley, sobreportectores con ella, por temas de salud. Heath es justo el tipo de hombre con el que se había jurado y perjurado que jamás acabaría. Reseña algo más extensa, en mi blog.
Just when you thought it was over, there's more to come. When you read an e-book you don't always know the ending is coming up. Holding a paperback, you can pretty well tell when the end is near. I was all ready for this book to end and it kept going. It is almost like you get a two-fer, but not quite. I never took much notice of Heath in the previous books, he certainly lived up to his code name "Shadow". I loved this book, everything about it from the plot to the romance and the action scenes, it all worked for me.
Heath Kavanaugh has been working overseas as the negotiator for the Linear Tactical team. He's stateside now and working on some personal issues left over from his time as a Crypt operative. But sometimes there just isn't any resolution or closure to be had. When FBI Agent Craig Franklin comes calling with an undercover job, Heath jumps at the chance to put his personal issues aside and help. His assignment is to find figure out who is selling a top secret biomedical microchip from and stop the sale. His cover - a janitor. Not quite what Heath envisioned when he took the assignment, but he is almost invisible to the facility and students at the university, and he has all the keys.
Jacquelyn Norris-Zimmerman has been hiding a lot from her over protective family. She has hidden her true major and her future plans. She is almost done with her doctorate, but in linguistics, not hospitability. She even goes by a different name, Lyn Norris. When a quirk of fate puts her in Heath's path, she is the only one who doesn't totally ignore him, and they become friends.
One of the most delicious things about this plot is that Lyn is the sister of Heath's best friend at Linear and would have been off limits if either had know. The reader has a front row seat to these two falling in love, Lyn being caught up in Heath's case, the danger and the explosion when the truth is reveled and there is still 25% of the book to go and it isn't all about how they patch things up.
Another fantastic book from one of my favorite series. Janie Crouch never fails to deliver thrilling, funny, amazing chemistry and suspenseful stories. Shadow was no exception.
Once again, there are some intense scenes and heartbreaking moments, but the strength of everyone involved was fantastic. It was so wonderful to see so many of the characters from the other books in the series and also the connection to Bree and Tanner!!
There are so many secrets and surprises in this story that it was impossible to put down. You just know a book is going to be great when the anticipation and suspense keeps you guessing to the very last page. And not forgetting the romance. Linear Tactical has been a fascinating series and I have enjoyed every single book. I’m excited to read more books in this series.
Action, danger, and threats, mind manipulations and international crimes, sweet yet passionate romance with your best friend's baby sister - Shadow have it all, and it is wrapped into an entertaining and fast-moving tale that holds your attention. The oldest and most ardent Crouch fans (waving my hand vigorously) might recognize some of the base storyline from a novella, Covert Intents, that she first published 2015. There was a scene that triggered the recognition for me, yet it just whet my appetite towards the story, to find out how the story was expanded, changed, and brought into the Linear Tactical setting, and into a full-length novel. Certainly, it didn't disappoint! The Linear Tactical series with its ardent stories that at the same time spooked you and enamored you have become one of my all-time favorite series that I can't get enough of. There is the tight brotherhood, the humor, and banter between them, the palpable love and loyalty they have for each other and their loved ones, and the passion they have towards everything they put their minds into, not the least to protect those in their circle of their 'family'. Yes, the stories can be read as standalone books, yet I would recommend to read them in order, as some of the plotlines do continue throughout the series, and you can get so much more out of the story knowing the background to the events and to the team members. Like, for example, the mind-manipulation to Heath Kavanaugh's brain. While I got a thrill out of the mysterious manipulation tactics (that started in Ghost) and finding out the reasons and culprits behind them, I am happy to see that the relief for those who suffered the consequences of the crimes is here, and the particular storyline seemed to be wrapped up in Shadow. Both Heath and Lyn were lovable characters, so effortless to connect with. I loved the way they saw each other, how they brought the best out of each other, and the protective yet understanding way Heath reacted to Lyn's health problems. I loved Lyn's sharp mind, both of their ability to get languages, and her strong will that she was finally able to express to her male-dominated family as well. Lyn and her personality, her drive for independence and acceptance from her family, reign the tale when it came to the protagonists, as Heath and the insights to his background were staying more in the shadows of the strong heroine. Intense situations, secrets, betrayals, menace, and peril are tangibly part of the tale that engaged, engrossed, and charmed my mind. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Former covert operative, Heath Kavanaugh is struggling to cope with the nonsensical gibberish implanted in his head, but agrees to go undercover for the FBI in a university lab suspected of selling biotech secrets. While there, Heath finds himself attracted to bookish and socially awkward, Lynn Norris, a language researcher at the same facility. When Lynn is targeted by unknown assailants, Heath is determined to protect her even at the cost of his sanity and his life.
After the disappointment of Ghost and Ray's book, which was a DNF for me, Heath and Lynn's story is delightful. Lynn is a particularly appealing heroine with her quiet yet determined demeanor and it is fun to see how quickly she ties the big and brawny Heath into knots.
The suspense plot is intriguing and the connection between Lynn's linguistic skills and Heath's affliction is integrated seamlessly within the storyline.
Overall, an excellent romance and an exciting story with plenty of action, twists and humor. Looking forward to the next installment.
Janie Crouch is back at it again with the next book in the Linear Tactical series. Shadow is book number six in what is becoming one of my all time favorite romantic suspense series to date. The guys who make up Linear Tactical are hot hot hot…..like melt worthy hot!
Heath Cavanaugh, code name Shadow, has been in the shadows for quite some time, often away and out of the country mainly helping with overseas negotiations and kidnap/ransom cases. Now, he is back in Oak Creek finally ready to get some answers. Heath, along with Dorian and Ray were all part of a covert US government agency known as Project Crypt and if you have been following along in the series, we all know how Project Crypt turned out. Ready for some answers, Heath is soon disappointed as the only lead he had is no longer a viable option.
Heath is next brought in to an undercover operation. Someone at Wyoming Commonwealth University is selling government secrets and it is Heath’s mission to go undercover as the janitor to stop the sale of an important microchip holding dangerous information if it were to get in the wrong hands. Here is where Heath meets Lyn Norris who is working on her doctorate in linguistics and philology. Sparks begin to fly between the both of them, but Lyn Norris isn’t exactly who Heath thinks she is and when the secret finally comes out Heath realizes he is going to be in a world of trouble. But, when Lyn is drawn in to the secret mission along with Heath her life becomes in danger and Heath will do everything in his power to make sure she stays safe.
There are just so many things to love about Shadow, but the main thing that has stayed consistent throughout the entire series is Janie Crouch’s insane talent to keep her readers hooked right from the first page. I always tend to like the first book in a series and then the next installments are usually very hit or miss with me, but the Linear Tactical series has kept its moment all throughout the six books. I actually stalk Crouch’s website to see when the next book is going to be released because I want my greedy little hands all over it. Patience is definitely not one of my strong suits!
Another thing that I absolutely love about Crouch’s writing is her ability to create characters who are relatable. Lyn Norris is a perfect example of this. Lyn is the nerdy bookworm type who is not quite comfortable with her weight or her desirability with the opposite sex. She is very unsure of herself especially around Heath who is the perfect man in her eyes. She is definitely not the standard cookie cutter heroine in most romance/romantic suspense books and to be honest it's quite refreshing to see someone so real even if its in a fictional story.
The story moves at a pretty fast pace and it is gripping and intense. It also delves a little deeper into Project Crypt and the issues Heath has been facing with the gibberish inside of his head. The romance aspect of the story weaves itself with the pages and neither the suspense nor the romance overshadow the other. It definitely is the perfect balance.
I would just love to add that I would really love if Jenna (although appearing briefly in this story) has her own story in the near future with one of our hunky Linear Tactical heroes. By now, it should be no secret that I am a huge fan of Janie Crouch and Shadow definitely lives up to all I have come to expect in the Linear Tactical series. I am really going to cry if and when this series ends (which I hope is never!)
I think what I liked most about this one was something that probably wasn't meant to amuse me as much as it did. But I really liked that Heath had no clue that Lyn was Jackie, the sister he was supposed to stay away from, the woman he was crushing on. I liked that as the reader we were in on that little secret pretty much from the start, yet when Heath found out it was at a horrible time, not giving him time to think. I loved that Lyn "worked" her father and the brothers because she wanted her freedom. And quite honestly they didn't need to know. Of course when Gavin did find out, it lead to all sorts of shenanigans.
The other drama in the book was fun to read about too and I liked how the action and the start connected to the action at the end and to what the Linear guys have been looking into for the last bit. I'm glad that it seems like they got to the bottom of things now. Hopefully that means they all can just be happy, living their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have been hooked on this series and the characters from the very first book!!
Heath and Lyn’s story was exactly what I was looking for when I started reading. It had intrigue, romance (of course), suspense and danger...so much danger!!!!
Yes, hi, where can I find my own Heath? Because I’m in love. The way he loves Lyn, the way he loves all of her and reassures her? SWOON. He stole my heart. And the way Lyn finds her voice and stands up for what she wants? Heck yes girlfriend!!! These two are the sweetest, and I’m so happy that not only does Lyn help quiet the voices in Heath’s head, but that she helps him figure out what the voice is. I swear, between Shadow and Ghost, I’ve got big beef with Project Crypt, good lord. The suspense kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of this best friend’s sister romance!!
Action Packed, Intriguing Story, But.... Why The Misleading Cover Photo?
Let me just begin by stating emphatically that I LOVE this installment in the Linear Tactical Romantic Suspense Series. ALL the books in the series are well written and recommended to readers of romantic suspense novels. It was refreshing to read about an intelligent, driven, female lead character with grit that wasn’t gifted with a model appearance. As far as I’m concerned there needs to be more “real” male and female characters in romance novels that aren’t initially described as drop dead gorgeous. Then why oh why is the woman on the cover pictured with an excessive amount of makeup, gorgeous features and very slender when Ms. Crouch made it a point to describe Lyn as understated and overweight. This really irritated me. It’s as if a picture of a far less glamorous woman wouldn’t sell the novel, which is far from the truth. Those of us that enjoy romance novels are turned on by the personalities of our characters probably more than the appearance. At least that’s the case for me and I’m certain for many others, too. There..... I got that off my chest!!!!
I loved the storyline. Ms. Crouch did an excellent job researching scientific information to present a very scary albeit believable scenario of what could happen when an evil generous, Professor Holloman, uses his talents in a nefarious way. Great action sequences!
The relationship between Heath and Lyn was a satisfying read. I loved Lyn’s personality and how she came into her own and learning to stand up for her convictions, fighting an uphill battle with her well meaning Alpha male family members. Her heart issues (WPW Syndrome) was also well researched and written into the storyline in a realistic manner. Heath’s ability to help Lyn see herself as a sensual woman was heartwarming and relatable.
The bro code trope between Heath and Gavin made me shake my head and roll my eyes, as it usually does for me, but it never seems to get old. Well written!
Readers are rewarded with the predictable HEA ending that will warm your heart and lift your spirits. An enjoyable read..... despite the cover issues!!
Shadow by Janie Crouch is Book 6 in Linear Tactical series. This book features Heath Kavanaugh aka Shadow and Jacquelyn (Lyn) Norris as the main characters. They were just phenomenal to read in this story. The plot was great and it was awesome to see other books/characters in the series make an appearance and also the connection to Bree and Tanner in this book. Without giving anything away, Heath and Lyn make a great couple. Their path to one another is paved with sinister conspiracies & precarious situations that are mixed with drama, angst, twists, turns, steamy moments, lots of feels and romantic moments that lead to a great ending. Phenomenal Read!!!
Heath is an important key to a secret project that turned out to be shady. Brainwashing and sleeper agents were the norm for Project Crypt. For Heath, it’s the gibberish they put inside his head that makes him hunt the man responsible for it.
When the answers to what’s inside his brain are lost, Heath takes on a mission to go undercover not expecting to meet a linguistics doctoral student who could silence the gibberish in his head for a while.
Jacquelyn, Lyn, wanted to do something different from what her family envisioned for her. Lying to her brothers and dad about her major put her in a direct line of fire. Not knowing the man she met is actually working undercover, who also knows one of her brothers.
When danger follows them, they need to figure out what’s happening and how to stop it before it’s too late.
Romance suspense with secret projects just hits different. This book has a best friend’s sister romance, a strong female who doesn’t let her disability stop her and an alpha male who’s looking for answers about his past. I couldn’t put it down once I opened it. It’s book six in the Linear Tactical series and I feel it couldn’t be read as a standalone because the plot is related to Ghost, book five of this series, as it talks about Project Crypt too and why Heath is after answers.
I loved seeing the other characters from the previous book. Reading about them in this book gave us more glimpses into how they are doing after their book is over. It’s like checking up on friends after a while. Each book I’ve read from this series seemed to have a teaser for the next one. You see scenes that make you curious to read the story behind it and what happened.
Having to read about a character whose heart is weak, but as you read on, you see that inner strength makes this inspirational. that’s why this book felt unique and original to me. Lyn’s heart couldn’t take the stress, but here she was handling it like a boss when all her family wanted to do was wrap her in cotton wool.
I hated nothing about this book. It hooked in its lines and left me wanting more of what Janie Crouch offers. Her way of writing simply makes you crave more. The characters felt real and their weakness made them even more likeable. I’m sure I’ll reread this book again. Once doesn’t feel enough.
I LOVED this book! It's one of my favorite Linear Tactical books so far. I think aside from Gabriel, Heath is my favorite Linear hero. He was alpha when necessary but so sweet, respectful and supportive to Lyn at all times. And he was protective and loyal to her against foes and her over protective family.
Lyn was a really great heroine too. She starts out being shy, insecure and introverted but she really opened up and became a brave, confidant, badass.
The continued Project Crypt storyline was so good. The was just enough about it in the last book to keep you dangling but not confused. Then it wraps up perfectly in this book.
This book isn't as heavy with the violence as the last couple. Don't get me wrong, it still has graphic, descriptions of violence, it's just a less amount of it. There's less foul language too.
There's two sex scenes. They're well written and detailed, medium in length. I actually could of gone for one more, but I get why there's only two.
I really liked the end and the way eventing wrapped up. And I loved the epilogue, seeing them happy, exactly where Lyn wanted to be with her job!
The only thing that I wish was different was the couple on the cover. That female model is definitely not a BBW (big, beautiful woman) and that male model is not the love child of Justin Timberlake and Robert Redford. That's how Heath is described in the book. The model should have blonde hair at least.
I don’t know what it is about Janie’s writing, but once you start reading, you can’t stop. The plot always sucks you in; the characters always grab you, and Shadow is no exception. Lyn is such a great heroine, with flaws she’s aware of and valiantly trying to overcome, and with some really likeable traits, too – loved the swearing in foreign languages! Heath is awesome as well, trying to deny the attraction for a woman who is “not his type” and then dealing with the aftermath. The plot is fantastic, and even when you think it’s over, it’s not. We finally get a conclusion to Project Crypt, get to see all our favourite characters from previous stories and meet a few new ones as well. Hoping to get Jenna’s story in the future. This is a fabulous read, and although it is a stand-alone, it’s better if you’ve read the whole series. Highly recommended.
e finalmente con la storia di hunter veniamo a capo di tutta la storia dei soldati dormienti e dell'operazione cripta la sorella di un altro componente della linear è qui la protagonista, una donna che lavora all'università lontana quindi dal mondo dei soldati anche se foglia e sorella di persone che difendono la loro patria (sentimento sempre molto forte in queste storie) e ha una patologia cardiaca molto importante e forse questo è l'aspetto che colpisce di più: di come hunter si innamori di lei prima di sapere tutto, che è la sorella di gavin, che è malata e di come senta il suo dolore due personaggi belli che non deludono anche qui la parte spy action è molto presente e anche dolorosa direi (mi piacerebbe leggere di più anche di Jenna)ma rientra anche appunto nel finale dell'operazione cripta non vedo l'ora di leggere di noah!!!!! quattro stelle e mezzo oneste
Heath Kavanaugh lost years of his life working for a covert agency that ended up being the enemy. Knowing they put something inside his head—constant, incomprehensible whispers—is driving him crazy.
He needs answers, but they’re nowhere to be found.
What he definitely doesn't need is to fall hard for his Linear teammate's younger sister, Jacquelyn—the adorable linguistics doctoral student who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Especially when Heath’s attention puts her directly in the path of a danger he thought was gone for good. To stop it, they’ll have to figure out what’s in his head. And hope it doesn’t destroy them all
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars—SHADOW is the sixth instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former Special Forces soldiers who own and operate Linear Tactical, an Oak Creek, Wyoming business specializing in survival skills, security and protection. This is Heath ‘Shadow’ Kavanaugh, and linguistics specialist Jacquelyn ‘Lyn Norris’ Zimmerman’s story line. SHADOW can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout. There is a slight cross-over with the inclusion of characters from the author’s BREE AND TANNER romantic suspense series.
Told from several third person perspectives including Lyn and Heath SHADOW follows the search for a mole in the biomedical engineering department at Wyoming Commonwealth University. Heath Kavanaugh’s latest assignment comes from the FBI as they hunt for the person(s) responsible for ‘selling’ secrets about the latest government projects but Heath finds himself attracted to PhD undergrad Lyn Norris who will find herself targeted for something she knows nothing about. What ensues is the building relationship between Shadow and Lyn, and the potential fall-out as secrets are revealed, the past comes full circle, and our heroine finds herself in a precarious position when her life hangs in the balance as she struggles to uncover a secret code known to very few.
Heath Kavanaugh was once a part of an unsanctioned government project that resulted in the death and destruction of people he knew. With the continuous messages filtering through his mind, Heath knows that whatever brainwashing experiment was used on his brain is about to come unglued with recent discoveries. Lyn Norris struggles with a life-threatening illness but that hasn’t stopped our heroine from going for what she wants. Battling issues of self-image and low self esteem, Lyn becomes suspicious when Heath begins a slow seduction in an effort to uncover the truth.
The relationship between Lyn and Heath is one of immediate attraction. Heath is unaware of Lyn’s true identity, and her relationship to people Heath already knows. Lyn finds herself on the outside looking in when Heath’s ‘cover’ is blown in an effort to protect Lyn from further harm. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples and Linear Tactical agents, as well as Tanner Dempsey from the author’s Bree and Tanner series.. We are introduced to Lyn’s University co-workers and fellow professors; the requisite evil has many faces.
SHADOW is an action -packed story of family, friendships, betrayal and love; a story of secrets and lies, power and control. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the characters are sassy and colorful; the romance is seductive and sexy. SHADOW is an energetic and fast paced story of romance and suspense.
Shadow doesn't feature prominently in some of the other stories and so going into this book he was somewhat of an enigma to me. Right from the beginning I started to fall in love with his character. He comes alive in this story. He is developed in such a way that he becomes almost real. Lyn is also a very dynamic character that leaps off the page. The best authors create characters that feel like friends and I think Janie Crouch did that with both Heath and Lyn.
Although all of these novels can be read as individual stories, I would recommend reading Ghost before this one just to gain some background as this is basically a continuation of the project Crypt storyline.
I really enjoyed this, and all the Linear Tactical Series, and I hope you do too.
Shadow is a blend of undercover ops, espionage, and treason. Heath once worked for a black ops arm of the US government-or so he thought. Turns out, it wasn't aboveboard at all and now he has a chip in his head. While the Linear Tactical guys are helping him figure out what to do, he takes an undercover mission for the FBI at a nearby college. His mission? Find out who is leaking biomedical tech info before its too late.
Lyn Norris is a PhD candidate in linguistics. She is a bookworm with a heart condition and I think readers, my self among them, will relate to her. She is a bit overweight, a lot self conscious, and frustrated with her over protective family (ok, I can't relate to that last one). Lyn's family think she is studying hospitality management; I'm not sure why she lied because how much danger could a linguist get into? But, she does keep her major hidden. She and Heath, aka Shadow, meet by chance and they enjoy each other's company. She figures out he isn't 'just' a janitor pretty quick. She is in danger though-someone broke into her office and her home and she can't figure out why. I liked the mystery aspect of Heath searching for the leak. Running parallel to this is the mystery of who is targeting Lyn and why-mistaken identity? Wrong office? Frame job? There were lots of questions throughout the story that keep you reading and I appreciate that!
Shadow has a brother's friend kind of vibe as well since Heath work's with Lyn's brother Gavin. However, Heath didn't know "Lyn" was Jackie, Gavin's sister. And Lyn didn't know Heath worked for Linear Tactical. So, Heath didn't know he was falling for his friend and coworkers sister (the sister said brother is SUPER protective of BTW).
Janie Crouch does a great job blending her characters together across series without making the reader feel lost. You don't have to have read the previous Linear Tactical books to enjoy Shadow, even though some of the characters are mentioned. You don't have to know that Noah is part of Crouch's Bree and Tanner thriller series to enjoy his cameo. But, for die hard fans of Crouch like myself, these gifts are gold!
Heath, a.k.a. Shadow, has been living with voices in his head since his recruitment by Project Crypt. Adept at languages and the ability to fade into the shadows during operations, he is an important asset to the clandestine program. With the project now defunct, Heath is left with the damage done to him during his time with the pseudo-governmental group.
Pulled into an FBI operation to protect important and potentially dangerous technology, Heath meets Lyn and, while she isn't his usual type, he is immediately drawn to the shy, bookish scholar. A doctoral student in linguistics, she sees herself as intelligent and hardworking but a bit plain and boring.
Lyn has always been coddled by her overprotective brothers and father. Born with a rare heart defect, they can't seem to realize that she is now an adult with the common sense to take care of herself. Although extremely intelligent and talented, she perceives herself as boring and physically average. She can't believe that the uber-hot Heath would really be interested in her. When danger comes and the FBI operation is exposed, Lyn believes that her insecurities are real and that Heath has only used her as a cover.
Both Heath and Lyn are a little bit broken, believing that their flaws outweigh what they might have to offer the other. They will have to learn to trust each other and see their own value to survive what is coming at them.
An exciting and fast-paced addition to the Linear Tactical series, with a gradual unravelling of a complex conspiracy plot, this story will keep the reader engaged with the mystery and enamored with the romance that is threaded throughout the story.
Four stars for this mystery/romance story.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
Let me start by saying I am a big Janie Crouch fan and have read all her books including the entire Linear Tactical series and the Risk Series. This is a standalone book and you do not need to read the others as the author does a great job giving you all the backgrounds as needed so it all makes sense. That being said reading the others not only gives you so much connections and history, but also is a ton of fun as the other books are all amazing. Ok, so that all being said, I really enjoyed this book for a lot of reason. Having read Ghost, the book in the series before Shadow, I was glad this book wasn't as heavy as Ghost was. The store certainly was filled with suspense but it was as emotionally deep which I was ok with. The romance between Heath and Lyn was great. The 2 separate yet intertwining mysteries were well thought out. What I really appreciated here was Lyn. I loved that the author created a "real" heroine. Not your typical tall, slender, gorgeous woman with long flowing hair - blah, blah, blah. Lyn was described in such way that I could identify with her as a normal person. Between her attitude, health issues, sass, intelligence, rounded curves, glasses, etc I felt like she was someone like me. So it was great to have your alpha hero see the real person inside not the picture perfect exterior. It was a great read. Now I am hoping the author does a book for Noah/Phoenix - I really want to read his story soon!
As with the other books in this series I received the ARC directly from the author. I am a huge fan of this author and the Linear Tactical Series. Each book looks at the individual members of the Linear “family”. This one focuses on Heath (codename Shadow), who like Dorian and Ray were part of Project Crypt. I really liked that this part of the story continues in Heath’s book. In this story, Heath is asked to take an assignment on the campus of Wyoming C University, where he goes undercover as a janitor to figure out who is trying to sell a microchip from the bio-engineering department. While working in this building, he meets Lyn, a linguistic PhD fellow. They click right away due to his aptitude for language and that common interest. There is so much action in this book that you are consistently trying to figure out how this is going to be resolved. There is the potential sale of this chip, but also who is the buyer and what are they going to do with it. This is so interesting and really draws out how Project Crypt was developed and how it affected the agents. Great book! Loved Heath and Lyn and their love of language. Their story seemed different from the other couples, but you will see that towards the end!!
This series keeps getting better and closer to answers about what was done to Ghost, Wraith and Shadow - Project Crypt. Heath (Shadow) is sent undercover at a university to stop the theft of some technology. He hits it off with Lyn not knowing she's his best friend's sister. A bit of stretch that he has no idea what she looks like only her name since her brother asked him to check up on her but a minor quibble. Lyn unknowingly ends up caught in the middle of his case by which time she's almost as deep in his heart. Her linguistics skills put her in further danger when the man behind Project Crypt kidnaps her. I loved this book because we get to see the whole Linear Tactical team in action and Wraith in particular comes to the rescue more than once despite her struggles. Heath and Lyn are good together and he manages to check most of his alpha tendencies unlike her father and brothers. Lyn has a serious heart problem but shows her intelligence throughout by managing it and acknowledging when she needs help. I love that Heath supports what she wants while still finding a way to protect her. Can't wait to read the next book. Like the prior books there is also plenty of sexy time for Lyn & Heath.
P.S. I wouldn't mind another book about Ghost and Wraith!
Shadow is book six in Janie Crouch's exciting Linear Tactical series. Center of this story is Heath, an operative we have met in past books and the little sister of one of his best friends and teammates.
Heath is a very interesting character. We go in knowing he's got issues in his head from programming that happened amidst a top-secret mission years ago, but we're unclear on how much danger is still flying around until he's knee deep into this mission.
Lyn sure doesn't need another overprotective man in her life, but watching the attraction burn between the two of them when they are clueless as to who the other one is was a lot of fun.
I enjoyed Heath and Lyn's story and recommend it to anyone looking for an action packed punch of intrigue with a strong group of background characters that play a large part in the story line. The entire series has been great, so you can't go wrong with any of the six books already out.