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Off the Grid: FBI #7

Critical Doubt

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The Off The FBI Series continues with Savannah's story in Critical Doubt. Romance, suspense, adventure await from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy. Also Available in the FBI Perilous Trust #1 Reckless Whisper #2 Desperate Play #3 Elusive Promise #4 Dangerous Choice #5 Ruthless Cross #6 Critical Doubt #7 What the readers are saying about the FBI Series... "Barbara Freethy writes a beautiful, edge of the seat story, full of intrigue, mystery and romance. This is my favorite FBI series! Can’t wait to read the next book!" Christine "PERILOUS TRUST is a non-stop thriller that seamlessly melds jaw-dropping suspense with sizzling romance, and I was riveted from the first page to the last…Readers will be breathless in anticipation as this fast-paced and enthralling love story evolves and goes in unforeseeable directions." USA Today HEA Blog "I adore Barbara Freethy’s style of writing....her characters are always so well developed and her stories have so many twists and turns that by the time you have finished reading, you are mentally and emotionally exhausted." Booklovers Anonymous "Dangerous Choice is a clever blend of mind games and breathtaking emotion. I felt the story come alive and twist my stomach into knots, but never did I even think about walking away." Isha

302 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2020

1286 people are currently reading
575 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Freethy

153 books2,691 followers
Barbara's love of writing developed out of a love of reading. Growing up in an all-boy neighborhood, she spent quite a bit of time reading through her mother's large library, many of which were romantic novels. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, she went into Public Relations, but soon discovered that writing was her true passion.

Barbara was traditionally published for many years, then formed her own publishing company FOG CITY PUBLISHING in 2011 and has since sold over 10 million books! She has published 75 novels ranging from mystery thrillers to romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Her book SUMMER SECRETS was a #1 New York Times bestseller! And twenty-five other novels have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists. She is currently writing two ongoing series, a contemporary romance series set in Whisper Lake and a romantic suspense series: Off The Grid: FBI Series. She is also known for her bestselling Callaway Family Series, which offers up fourteen books and two novellas.

When Barbara isn't writing or publishing, which isn't very often these days, she is playing tennis, hanging out with friends and family in beautiful Lake Tahoe or reading books!

For a complete list of her books, visit her website!

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5 stars
1,187 (58%)
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616 (30%)
3 stars
184 (9%)
2 stars
19 (<1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
308 reviews112 followers
February 11, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love this series and this new installment did not disappoint.

Ryker and Savannah are reunited at a friend's funeral. They had an incredible one night stand five years ago and each thought they would never see one another again. Like a typical Freethy novel, the story comes out gate after the first chapter. One of their friends has an accident that feels suspicious and too coincidental with the death of their friend. Ryker and Savannah follow leads that takes them on a journey that opens old wounds for Tyler when he was an Army Ranger. He is struggling with PTSD and Savannah feels helpless because he refuses help and she doesn't want him to suffer. The clues reveal a huge cover-up that blindsides Ryker. He and Savannah know the truth and find their lives are in danger.

I was moved by the detail of Rykers daily challenges with his PTSD. Savannah's memory of Ryker from their first meeting is one of a very confident man, but his time in combat breaks him and he feels lost. Leave it to this author to weave a tale of despair and hope and love. I hope there are more stories in this series.
Profile Image for Stacey.
434 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2020
Critical Doubt is the seventh book in the Off The Grid series, and the series just gets better and better.

Savannah is a compassionate friend, and a determined, independent FBI Agent. I liked how she didn’t put up with anyone’s nonsense, including her own father’s poor and dismissive attitude towards her and her job. She’s great with Ryker and sympathetic to the symptoms he had been experiencing after the ambush on his unit, and, unlike everyone else, she doesn’t question him when he’s insistent that incidents others brush off as accidents or suicides are, in fact, something more.

This book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Action packed and filled with mystery, Critical Doubt is a treat for readers both new and old to the series.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy**
Profile Image for Brandy.
1,261 reviews56 followers
February 16, 2020
Oh. My. Goodness. This book didn't go ANYWHERE I was expecting it to go! It was engaging and fascinating and I loved Savannah and Ryker. They were wonderful characters, even though Ryker was terribly damaged from his time in the army. An goodness knows Savannah needed to work through a lot of her history with her father...
Profile Image for Marti.
3,296 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2020
Critical Doubt by Barbara Freethy is the seventh book in the Off the Grid: FBI #7. This series focuses on FBI agents who end up going off the grid to solve a murder while they are in danger. The series always seems to find the point where danger, murders, mystery and a love interest can all coincide and keep your interest high!

Critical Doubt brings up FBI Agent Savannah Kane and ex soldier Ryker Stone. Both had a one night stand years ago and ran into each other again at a mutual friend’s funeral. Suspicious Funeral with other friends acting suspicious. Then a friend disappears and things get even creepier. Savannah and Ryker stick together trying to track down clues while they are being sought after by unknown bad guys. On top of everything Savannah and Ryker are seriously drawn to each other.

Once again Barbara Freethy has written another great romantic thriller. She balances the danger with the hot factor just perfectly. I have enjoyed this series and I understand in July the next book will be released in the series. Critical Doubt by Barbara Freethy was a hot fun read!
Profile Image for Danielle.
298 reviews38 followers
March 24, 2020
This series just gets better and better!! Keep them coming Barbara!
Profile Image for Twobchelm.
992 reviews19 followers
November 4, 2021
Another intriguing situation that the team comes together on and another steaming romance. Loved how strong and capable Savannah was, Ryker wasn’t bad either!
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,538 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Critical Doubt is book 7 in Off The Grid: FBI series by Barbara Freethy and another awesome read in this series!!

5 years ago....Ryker Stone on leave overseas mistakes Savannah Kane as a cheerleader that’s been entertaining the troops and they have a one night fling, sharing no information except a hot steamy night!

Fast forward 5 years later,they meet again at the funeral of Ryker’s teammate and Savannah’s best friend’s husband...

What happens next takes you on a roller coaster ride of suspense, secrets, faking death, twists, turns and more questions than answers but oh what an ending!!
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,204 reviews18 followers
February 9, 2020
f you like exciting, edge of your seat books with suspense and romance then you will love this book. This book keeps you guessing throughout the story. There are so many twists, turns and shocks in this book.

Savannah is an FBI agent going back to her home town where her best friends’ husband is being buried. Savannah is a strong willed, excellent agent as well as a loving, and supportive friend. Savannah runs into Ryker, who she had a fling with five years ago, at the funeral. Ryker was the leader of the Rangers unit her friends’ husband was in. Ryker has kept a low profile as he has problems with hearing bells in his head at times and gets lost with what he is doing. There is another death of one of the team members right after the funeral. Everyone is devastated. Savannah and Ryker team up together to see if someone is trying to take out the whole team. I loved how Savannah and Ryker are able to back each other up. The trust they build is great for their relationship. This is the start of a scary adventure where Savannah and Ryker are getting shot at, blown up and so much more. I was surprised at the end. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
February 12, 2020
Wow what a ride! This latest addition to the FBI series is every bit as suspenseful and gripping as the rest and I just couldn't put it down and read it in just one sitting! From the very start the storyline grabs you and reels you in and you find yourself on the edge of your seat the whole time! With a fantastic plot there were twists and turns I definitely did not see coming, there’s action, betrayal, heartbreak, some steamy romance and a big shock at the end! I love this series and I loved reading about Savannah and Ryker and got so lost in their story and I totally recommend you read all seven books!
769 reviews17 followers
February 11, 2020
Savannah and Ryker had a one night stand five years ago , no names, no strings, no expectations. She was gone by morning ... that night changed the course of her life.
Five years later , while at her best friends husbands funeral, she runs into Ryker.
Ryker is now dark and disconnected, and broken.
There seems to be something happening to the members of his army team and it doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon.
Savannah is now an FBI agent , having been tired of living the life everyone else wanted her to live.
This is part of the FBI series , off the grid , but can be read as a stand-alone.
Another fantastic, adrenaline filled, page turning book written as only Barbara Freethy can write.
242 reviews11 followers
February 10, 2020
Grabbed me right away. Ryker and Savannah take you through a story that keeps you turning the page. Suspense and romance that blend just right. Thank you Barbara Freethy for another great read.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
189 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2020
Ryker and Savannah go together to try to find out if two of Ryker’s friends who served with him in Afghanistan committed suicide or were murdered.They survive a home being bombed and someone trying to run them over in a car.A very exciting book.
755 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2020
Wow! Barbara Freethy has once again delivered an incredible romantic thriller with Critical Doubt. Each book in Barbara Freethy's Off the Grid: FBI series gets better and better, and I think that Critical Doubt is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved Critical Doubt, the seventh book in her Off the Grid: FBI series. Critical Doubt had me guessing throughout the story what was really going with the former Army Rangers and the other thrilling events. I could not put it down. I loved every page. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Barbara Freethy has once again proven that she is a master storyteller. Critical Doubt is the story of Ryker Stone, former Army Ranger and Chesapeake Bay fishing charters boat owner and Savannah Kane, an undercover FBI agent, former beauty queen, former Army Intelligence officer and daughter of Army Colonel Henry Kane. Ryker and Savannah meet again when they both head to Dobbs, Georgia for the funeral of Paul Hawkins, husband of Savannah’s childhood best friend, Abby and Ryker’s Army Ranger team member. Savannah and Ryker had originally met five years ago in a bar in a war zone and had a one-night stand with no names. Savannah discovered Ryker’s identity several years ago, when see saw a picture of Paul’s Army Ranger team at Abby’s home. After Paul’s funeral, another team member is involved in an accident, Ryker jumps in the river to save him. After multiple attempts on their lives, the relationship between Ryker and Savannah changes. Neither is sure if their relationship is just fueled by the adrenaline from the chase. I loved the relationship between Ryker and Savannah. Savannah reaches out to her team for help when things got complicated. I love how Savannah helps Ryker with the debilitating ringing bells that he suffers with. Eventually all clues lead them to what really is going on with Ryker’s former Army Ranger team member, I did not see that happening. That was such a surprise twist for me. I really enjoy the poignant and bittersweet moments, the plot twists and the surprises that I have come to love and expect in Barbara Freethy's books and Critical Doubt did not disappoint. One of my favorite parts of the story are the poignant moments that Savannah has during conversations with her father, who she has been estranged with since the death of her mother when she was thirteen years old. I loved all the secrets that Ryker and Savannah shared with one another. I love that Ryker realizes Savannah’s vulnerabilities. I love that Ryker agrees to relocate to be closer to Savannah. I love that all the characters from the previous books were included in Critical Doubt. It felt like a family reunion and I loved catching up with the other characters from the series. I love how all Barbara Freethy's epilogues, wrap up the ending of the story and are always my favorite part of her books. I love how all the loose ends got tied up. I love all the characters and the way Barbara describes the locations in and around Dobbs, Georgia, Washington, DC, Baltimore and Los Angeles. It was really an incredible story and I loved every page.
2,522 reviews
January 15, 2024
free ebook
i like this series

he was the leader in the war, bad intel and a lot of his team was killed or hurt. he has constant bell ringing in his head

he met a girl who he thought was a dancer and they had a one night stand

when one of his team fell off the roof of a friends house while drunk, died and he went to the funeral he met the girl again years later. she was friends with his friends wife

the man his friend was staying with was also part of the team. after the funeral his car went into the river and he disappeared

he stayed the night at his friends house and someone put a bomb in there. he and the girl both got out before the house exploded and caught fire

the girl is now fbi. they are both looking into what is going on, they think their friend may not have fallen off the roof, he was killed. they think the other friend was killed as well

they are trying to figure out who is doing this to his team members and warning the other 2 left

but there was a plot to steal and sell arms. some of them thought it was just going back to the co but it was going to arms dealers. they faked their deaths

they were all arrested

he moved to ca to be with the fbi girl
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,123 reviews
December 7, 2022
excellent

Savannah met a handsome stranger on the other side of the world and had a one night stand. She was army intelligence and was deciding what to do with her life. After her night with the stranger, she leaves the army and joins the FBI. Five years later, she goes to Georgia because her best friends husband has fallen off a roof and died. While there, she runs into the man she thought she’d never see again.
Ryker is former Army Ranger when his team was ambushed and two were killed and several were injured. He now is a fisherman and lives at Chesapeake Bay because of his injuries. His fellow teammate is the man who fell off the roof and then another teammate wrecks his car into the River but isn’t in the car.
Ryker and Savannah start to investigate the wreck, thinking that maybe they both committed suicide but as more accidents occur, they realize maybe someone is killing off Ryker’s team and he may be next. Can they find out what’s going on before he is next.

First time reading this author and I loved this story. Plenty of action. Suspense. And ‘ holy cow’ moments. This is a story that you will not be able to put down.
Profile Image for Debbi.
853 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2020
This is the seventh book in the Off The Grid:FBI series. This series by Barbara Freethy is phenomenal. It just keeps getting better. It is so very well written. Full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, a plot loaded with twists and this time the story revolves around Samantha Kane, who goes home to support her best friend Abby during her husband’s funeral. While there she runs into Ryker Stone, whom she hadn’t seen in five years. But things begin to happen as another member of the former Army Rangers team ends up dead. Again I was so caught up in reading this book, that I couldn’t wait to finish it. Well done Barabara! You definitely know how to weave a tale of mystery and suspense, along with some wonderful romance. Now I’m curious and looking forward to reading Jax’s story in Fearless Pursuit.
Profile Image for lily bookscation.
491 reviews
March 2, 2022
This is my first read from Ms. Freethy. The gorgeous book covers had drawn me in.
I pick the one with the badass heroine first.

Savannah is an FBI agent. She is brave, smart, and loyal. But IMO that personalities are enough to make her an interesting character to read without adding that she was a beauty queen or can sing, etc. I know there are a lot of multitalented people, but it's more relatable if a character has flaws.

My favorite part of this story is the bond between Ryker and his team. They are not just a team, they are brothers in arm. But unfortunately, greed and betrayal destroy it all.

What happened to the ex-soldier and the families of the fallen soldiers is a real-life phenomenon. They need a support system to guide them. A war will tear people's minds and change them forever.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,374 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2023
Details

Ryker and Savannah. A one night stand turns into a second chance. The FBI component is there with Savannah, but more so the military and after effects of war lead the story…and a dose of greed/evil. The ending surprised me which I appreciated. The blend of romance and action was perfect and I appreciated the realistic conversations of distance, PTSD, and family dynamics. A great read and addition to the series. The final scene was a great one as it showed the HEA and many of our favorite characters!
207 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2024
Everything is not as it seems

Barbara Freethy once again did not disappoint.
Ryker was a Ranger. Injured on his last mission. Being the leader of his team he feels bad and responsible.
In steps the woman of his dreams. They met one night five years ago and he has never forgotten her.
Once his team starts having problems Ryker and Savannah work together to get answers.
Mystery, intrigue, and trying to stay one step ahead, stay alive and figure out their relationship this is a definite page turner.
56 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
As usual a great clean story

I can always count on this author to write a fast pace d gripping story that keeps you guessing to the end. She handles any intimate scenes without going into graphic detail. The language is also clean. I've read a lot of n this author's books and all are good but my favorites are the TWO series of which this is one. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I recommend any book by Barbara Freethy. They don't disappoint.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,637 reviews
February 10, 2023
Another great FBI book with twists and turns that only Barbara Freethy can write about. After meeting five years before and neither one knowing the other’s name, FBI Agent Savannah Kane and Ryker Stone meet again at a funeral for Savannah’s best friend’s husband who was also in Ryker’s former military unit. Secrets and complications are abundant in this great suspense story that I really enjoyed. Great book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
437 reviews12 followers
January 31, 2021
Savannah and Ryker are a very good match. They met fives years ago and had a one night stand that neither could forget!
Five years later, Savannah is an FBI agent and Ryker has left the Army Rangers with his team mates some were killed in their last mission.

Page turner, sexy, mystery has to what happened to Ryker team mates!
1,432 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2022
The leader of a unit in Afghanistan should always be respected even after a failed mission . In this case , this didn’t happen as the hero was left out of the loop while these former soldiers had decided to rob a gun shipment and throw the others under the bus . Savanna was an FBI agent falling for the damaged ranger
16 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2020
One of my favorite authors is Barbara Freethy! I just love this FBI series. These are a great read. Love the characters and I am always waiting for the next book in the series to come out so I can catch up with them. Definitely a must read series!
Profile Image for Mary Russo.
29 reviews
November 1, 2020
Great story

Another exciting, captivating and riveting Barbara Freethy story. Critical Doubt will pull you in and on the edge of your seat to find out the truth and what happens with the enduring passion between the main characters. Loved it!
881 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2021
Wow

Barbara has written an outstanding tale of part romance, part thriller and action aplenty.

Thought provoking about the hurdles injured soldiers face coping with huge ongoing medical bills once Uncle Sam has done with them. A must read.
Profile Image for Bet Lantaff.
182 reviews17 followers
January 15, 2021
This was my first by this author and I'll be reading more. The H and h had chemistry, there was suspense and surprises, the secondary characters held their own without me wondering why they were involved and even tho this is a series it felt like a stand- alone book. I recommend this good read.
2,509 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2021
Great book

Wow that was an awesome book. The story was so ingenious I didn’t see anything like that coming. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Can’t wait to read the next book now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews

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