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Omega Sector #2
Covert
She's the key to stopping a cyberterrorist.
Dr. Megan Fuller is used to being the smartest person in the room, as well as the most socially awkward. But in this case she's the only one who can neutralize a dangerous weapon that has fallen into the wrong hands.
If she can stay alive long enough to do so.
He's a covert agency's charming bad boy.
Omega Sector agent Sawyer Branson crossed his boss and now he's paying the price. He's been assigned the worst--yawn--possible task: babysitting a Dr. Fuller, some sort of genius computer scientist, from a possible threat.
But Dr. Megan Fuller isn't anything like what Sawyer expects. And he soon finds that discovering the real woman underneath the boxy lab coat and pinned-back hair is a mission he won't turn away from.
But when the terrorists chasing Megan up the stakes, Sawyer will have to prove he's willing to protect his beautiful doctor at any cost. Even his own life.
***
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch brings you this reader-favorite, originally published in 2015 as Countermeasures. If you're looking for a charming alpha hero who knows what he wants, and a vulnerable heroine who finds her strength, you've got it in COVERT. Omega Sector... believe in heroes.
Dr. Megan Fuller is used to being the smartest person in the room, as well as the most socially awkward. But in this case she's the only one who can neutralize a dangerous weapon that has fallen into the wrong hands.
If she can stay alive long enough to do so.
He's a covert agency's charming bad boy.
Omega Sector agent Sawyer Branson crossed his boss and now he's paying the price. He's been assigned the worst--yawn--possible task: babysitting a Dr. Fuller, some sort of genius computer scientist, from a possible threat.
But Dr. Megan Fuller isn't anything like what Sawyer expects. And he soon finds that discovering the real woman underneath the boxy lab coat and pinned-back hair is a mission he won't turn away from.
But when the terrorists chasing Megan up the stakes, Sawyer will have to prove he's willing to protect his beautiful doctor at any cost. Even his own life.
***
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch brings you this reader-favorite, originally published in 2015 as Countermeasures. If you're looking for a charming alpha hero who knows what he wants, and a vulnerable heroine who finds her strength, you've got it in COVERT. Omega Sector... believe in heroes.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
146 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Janie Crouch
281 books2,036 followersUSA 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 12, 2022
Second book about a computer system that would make it possible for first responders to effectively communicate with each other. But in the hands of terrorists could just as effectively be used against them. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make sure the countermeasure to this device is finished and safe from the terrorists.
Dr. Megan Fuller is one smart computer geek and, quite possibly, the smartest person in any room, and her life is in danger. As the big brain behind Ghost Box and the development of the countermeasure, she is on the terrorists list as a person to control or eliminate. A charming, handsome protector is not what she bargained for, but the brawn could definitely come in handy, in more ways than one.
Omega Sector agent Sawyer Branson decked his boss and is in Agency Purgatory - a babysitting assignment with an old, boring, genius, computer scientist. Sawyer is a man of action, and he will need all the skills his reputation as the Branson brothers most personable, charming sibling to pull this assignment off. Megan was so not what he was expecting and that's good, right? But beauty and brains are a lethal combination to poor old Sawyer.
Dr. Megan Fuller is one smart computer geek and, quite possibly, the smartest person in any room, and her life is in danger. As the big brain behind Ghost Box and the development of the countermeasure, she is on the terrorists list as a person to control or eliminate. A charming, handsome protector is not what she bargained for, but the brawn could definitely come in handy, in more ways than one.
Omega Sector agent Sawyer Branson decked his boss and is in Agency Purgatory - a babysitting assignment with an old, boring, genius, computer scientist. Sawyer is a man of action, and he will need all the skills his reputation as the Branson brothers most personable, charming sibling to pull this assignment off. Megan was so not what he was expecting and that's good, right? But beauty and brains are a lethal combination to poor old Sawyer.
January 13, 2015
Very good book with some intense action along with a fun romance. Sawyer is an agent with Omega and is used to assignments with a bit more importance than watching over some scientist. But he ticked off his boss (see the end of Infiltration) and this is his punishment. But far from being some absent minded professor type, Megan is young and beautiful, and gives Sawyer a whole new outlook on his assignment. Things get far from boring when Megan is attacked and it becomes obvious that someone doesn't want her to finish her project.
I really liked Megan and Sawyer together. He gets off to a rough start with her when he mistakes her for the receptionist, but it doesn't help that she's so flustered by him that she can barely speak. There are some sparks flying as Sawyer explains the urgency of the need for her countermeasure, but they subdue them in favor of keeping on task. When Megan is attacked, Sawyer finds that his need to protect her goes far deeper than just business. I loved seeing the two of them getting to know each other. especially Sawyer's appreciation of Megan's "giant brain". The attraction burns hotter, thanks to the intensity of all they are going through, and both begins to realize that there's more to what they feel, if they can just stay alive to pursue it.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that both Sawyer and Megan feel like real people. She's scary smart, but has insecurities also. She is also physically affected by the stress of what is happening, just like any normal person. Her moments of weakness are natural, and I loved seeing Sawyer's tender side come out as he takes care of her. I loved seeing Sawyer kind of blindsided by his developing feelings for Megan, especially after the way he had been making fun of Cameron. I also liked the reality of the injuries he received at the end. He went through a lot and it would have been strange to see him come out with just a few bruises. It also set up the ending quite nicely. He was pretty amusing in his desperation, and I loved seeing the part his family played in it. I wasn't surprised by her solution, but loved how it played out.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. I felt the premise was quite realistic and was completely riveted as I read, waiting to see how it would turn out. There was a good mix of both physical and mental action. I admit that I had the inside person figured out, though I did have a couple moments of doubt about one of the other characters. The final confrontation was really intense and could have gone in several directions, especially as there are more books in the series. I liked the way this one turned out and am looking forward to the next one. I just wish I didn't have to wait until June!
I really liked Megan and Sawyer together. He gets off to a rough start with her when he mistakes her for the receptionist, but it doesn't help that she's so flustered by him that she can barely speak. There are some sparks flying as Sawyer explains the urgency of the need for her countermeasure, but they subdue them in favor of keeping on task. When Megan is attacked, Sawyer finds that his need to protect her goes far deeper than just business. I loved seeing the two of them getting to know each other. especially Sawyer's appreciation of Megan's "giant brain". The attraction burns hotter, thanks to the intensity of all they are going through, and both begins to realize that there's more to what they feel, if they can just stay alive to pursue it.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that both Sawyer and Megan feel like real people. She's scary smart, but has insecurities also. She is also physically affected by the stress of what is happening, just like any normal person. Her moments of weakness are natural, and I loved seeing Sawyer's tender side come out as he takes care of her. I loved seeing Sawyer kind of blindsided by his developing feelings for Megan, especially after the way he had been making fun of Cameron. I also liked the reality of the injuries he received at the end. He went through a lot and it would have been strange to see him come out with just a few bruises. It also set up the ending quite nicely. He was pretty amusing in his desperation, and I loved seeing the part his family played in it. I wasn't surprised by her solution, but loved how it played out.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. I felt the premise was quite realistic and was completely riveted as I read, waiting to see how it would turn out. There was a good mix of both physical and mental action. I admit that I had the inside person figured out, though I did have a couple moments of doubt about one of the other characters. The final confrontation was really intense and could have gone in several directions, especially as there are more books in the series. I liked the way this one turned out and am looking forward to the next one. I just wish I didn't have to wait until June!
June 7, 2020
I loved this book; i'm still missing a few fro:m the omega series so i can say that it's easy to read them out of order but i still recommend you if you can to follow up the order as it's simply so much better.
Sawyer has a lot to do while trying to stay alive and protect the scientist he got the mission to look after...only she was not what he expected and the mission is far from simple babysitting mission....
Megan is a genius in her domain but that's certainly not the social skills...however she is courageous, determined and know what is important .When she realized her work could become dangerous she contacted FBI so her values are right.....being with Sawyer simply make her lost all her mind..when time is important.
I really loved the investigation and how the characters get to trusts each other step by step , it was fast action, humour, romance and even if i guessed the traitor right away i loved this book and can't wait to jump back in this series sooner this time
Sawyer has a lot to do while trying to stay alive and protect the scientist he got the mission to look after...only she was not what he expected and the mission is far from simple babysitting mission....
Megan is a genius in her domain but that's certainly not the social skills...however she is courageous, determined and know what is important .When she realized her work could become dangerous she contacted FBI so her values are right.....being with Sawyer simply make her lost all her mind..when time is important.
I really loved the investigation and how the characters get to trusts each other step by step , it was fast action, humour, romance and even if i guessed the traitor right away i loved this book and can't wait to jump back in this series sooner this time
November 3, 2020
I loved this book; i'm still missing a few fro:m the omega series so i can say that it's easy to read them out of order but i still recommend you if you can to follow up the order as it's simply so much better.
Sawyer has a lot to do while trying to stay alive and protect the scientist he got the mission to look after...only she was not what he expected and the mission is far from simple babysitting mission....
Megan is a genius in her domain but that's certainly not the social skills...however she is courageous, determined and know what is important .When she realized her work could become dangerous she contacted FBI so her values are right.....being with Sawyer simply make her lost all her mind..when time is important.
I really loved the investigation and how the characters get to trusts each other step by step , it was fast action, humour, romance and even if i guessed the traitor right away i loved this book and can't wait to jump back in this series sooner this time
Sawyer has a lot to do while trying to stay alive and protect the scientist he got the mission to look after...only she was not what he expected and the mission is far from simple babysitting mission....
Megan is a genius in her domain but that's certainly not the social skills...however she is courageous, determined and know what is important .When she realized her work could become dangerous she contacted FBI so her values are right.....being with Sawyer simply make her lost all her mind..when time is important.
I really loved the investigation and how the characters get to trusts each other step by step , it was fast action, humour, romance and even if i guessed the traitor right away i loved this book and can't wait to jump back in this series sooner this time
November 10, 2020
Originally published in booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog
The intensity of the power of ten, mixed with a steamy, yet tender and sweet romance.
The humorous, fun, charming Sawyer is easy to like. Megan is a bit shy and a mess in the social settings, as well as so smart, she is able to create something that could destroy the world as we know it.
The way their attraction is described, slowly growing and intensifying, is alluring. Yes, there is hot passion, but mostly it is the tender caring that melts your heart, so sweet you can't help but smile. They are super adorable together. They make every moment together swoon-worthy, and when Megan says, after yet another attack on them 'I think I might be broken' my heart totally went for her, and the devastation and defeat she must be feeling.
The suspense is intense, in a typical Crouch way. The evil plan of DS 13 and the possible help from someone in Omega, is coming to the light. Life-threatening situation after another, the tension builds, it's tangible.
I absolutely enjoy reading a story, where I feel I am right there in the scene, feeling what the characters are feeling, seeing what is happening, as the case is here. All the suspicion, deception, desperation, defeat, fear, and anxiety in the air kept the hold on me.
Fantastic continues in the Omega Sector series where the war on terror continues, and the Branson siblings keep falling in love.
Even though this story continues from where Infiltration, Omega #1 left, it is a stand-alone novel. But the reader will get more out of the story, having that in the background.
The intensity of the power of ten, mixed with a steamy, yet tender and sweet romance.
The humorous, fun, charming Sawyer is easy to like. Megan is a bit shy and a mess in the social settings, as well as so smart, she is able to create something that could destroy the world as we know it.
The way their attraction is described, slowly growing and intensifying, is alluring. Yes, there is hot passion, but mostly it is the tender caring that melts your heart, so sweet you can't help but smile. They are super adorable together. They make every moment together swoon-worthy, and when Megan says, after yet another attack on them 'I think I might be broken' my heart totally went for her, and the devastation and defeat she must be feeling.
The suspense is intense, in a typical Crouch way. The evil plan of DS 13 and the possible help from someone in Omega, is coming to the light. Life-threatening situation after another, the tension builds, it's tangible.
I absolutely enjoy reading a story, where I feel I am right there in the scene, feeling what the characters are feeling, seeing what is happening, as the case is here. All the suspicion, deception, desperation, defeat, fear, and anxiety in the air kept the hold on me.
Fantastic continues in the Omega Sector series where the war on terror continues, and the Branson siblings keep falling in love.
Even though this story continues from where Infiltration, Omega #1 left, it is a stand-alone novel. But the reader will get more out of the story, having that in the background.
January 23, 2015
As this continues with a story arc from the first book in the series I would recommend reading that one first.
Sawyer Branson knocked his boss out in the previous book to save his brother’s love interest. That got him two week suspension and now what he considers a boring babysitting job but at least he is not stuck behind a desk. Turns out there were two Ghost Machines (software program) made and the second one is in the hands of a traitorous FBI agent who is working with a bad group called DS-13 who wants to sell it to the highest bidders.
Megan Fuller was part of the team that created Ghost Machine which was supposed to be used for good but when she saw that it could also be used as a weapon if it fell in to the wrong hands – like terrorist – she decided to turn it over to the FBI for safe keeping not knowing the FBI agent she trusted also worked for the bad guys.
So Sawyer’s boss sends him to Megan to ask her to finish something she and her team started but never finished. They need them to create the countermeasure to Ghost Shell to bring it down should DS-13 ever get the 2nd one up and running. Neither Sawyer nor Megan had any idea that DS-13 was aware of this and that they would go to any lengths to stop it from happening which means killing Megan.
The romance between these two was slow building. There was instant attraction but with Megan being a child prodigy she doesn’t have much experience in that department and Sawyer likes his life of being the flirt and has no intention of settling down like he watched his brother do in the previous book. Well fate has a different plans for them.
Sawyer Branson knocked his boss out in the previous book to save his brother’s love interest. That got him two week suspension and now what he considers a boring babysitting job but at least he is not stuck behind a desk. Turns out there were two Ghost Machines (software program) made and the second one is in the hands of a traitorous FBI agent who is working with a bad group called DS-13 who wants to sell it to the highest bidders.
Megan Fuller was part of the team that created Ghost Machine which was supposed to be used for good but when she saw that it could also be used as a weapon if it fell in to the wrong hands – like terrorist – she decided to turn it over to the FBI for safe keeping not knowing the FBI agent she trusted also worked for the bad guys.
So Sawyer’s boss sends him to Megan to ask her to finish something she and her team started but never finished. They need them to create the countermeasure to Ghost Shell to bring it down should DS-13 ever get the 2nd one up and running. Neither Sawyer nor Megan had any idea that DS-13 was aware of this and that they would go to any lengths to stop it from happening which means killing Megan.
The romance between these two was slow building. There was instant attraction but with Megan being a child prodigy she doesn’t have much experience in that department and Sawyer likes his life of being the flirt and has no intention of settling down like he watched his brother do in the previous book. Well fate has a different plans for them.
December 27, 2020
This is book two so I would suggest starting with book one, Stealth, as there is some crossover in the storyline. However, I do not believe you would be lost I'd you picked this one up without having read book one.
I liked the characters in this story. Sawyer is smooth and in control, until he isn't. I love how his mindset shifts so easily. It reminds me of a real person who simply doesn't know how to proceed in certain situations. Megan reminds me a lot of someone I know and so I can easily relate to her. She is more real because of that. I would have loved for there to have been an epilogue so we could have a glimpse into their future. Maybe we will be able to see what happens with them when the other siblings get a chance at love.
Happy reading!
I liked the characters in this story. Sawyer is smooth and in control, until he isn't. I love how his mindset shifts so easily. It reminds me of a real person who simply doesn't know how to proceed in certain situations. Megan reminds me a lot of someone I know and so I can easily relate to her. She is more real because of that. I would have loved for there to have been an epilogue so we could have a glimpse into their future. Maybe we will be able to see what happens with them when the other siblings get a chance at love.
Happy reading!
August 22, 2022
What a dick. What an absolute dick. And her? Arggh. After what he said to her? Arggh.
And I really hate the 'omg... he is just so gorgeous every woman wants him' trope. Borriinnng.
However, I do like a suspense style read. Just wish there was a little more jeopardy and some more background knowledge on the villains of the piece.
22/08/22 Wow... I obviously felt very strongly about this on that read. Pretty much feel the same... maybe not quite as passionately...
And I really hate the 'omg... he is just so gorgeous every woman wants him' trope. Borriinnng.
However, I do like a suspense style read. Just wish there was a little more jeopardy and some more background knowledge on the villains of the piece.
22/08/22 Wow... I obviously felt very strongly about this on that read. Pretty much feel the same... maybe not quite as passionately...
Read
January 12, 2016"With suspenseful drama, fast-paced action and a sensual romance, Crouch’s latest has all the necessary ingredients of a satisfying read. This series looks to have loads of promise" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).
Miniseries: Omega Sector
Miniseries: Omega Sector
November 12, 2020
Sawyer was introduced in Stealth not only as Cam’s younger brother and fellow coworker at Omega Sector, but also the guy who punched their boss to help rescue Cam’s love interest. Sawyer is now having to face his punishment for the gallant gesture, but babysitting a scientist is definitely NOT what he wants to do, especially when he could be in the field! However, nothing could prepare the silver tongued devil for Dr. Megan Fuller.
Megan is super brainy, like prodigy level, socially awkward and really very sweet. She lives in her own world of computers and code. Dealing with Sawyer isn’t the highlight of her day when the charming agent makes her forget her own name, but she’ll do her best if it means bring down terrorists.
Janie’s fantastic touch at suspense keeps my mind working overtime and ramps anticipation high! I figured out the baddie early on, but then kept waffling between a few other options because the clues kept me chasing leads. And the romance?! Even with the behind closed door romantic scenes, there’s no doubting the chemistry between Sawyer and Megan. Those two just fit like two peas in a pod.
Sawyer’s sister, Juliet has also got my curiosity going! So many tantalizing clues to piece together!
Covert was previously released as Countermeasures with Harlequin Intrigue.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Megan is super brainy, like prodigy level, socially awkward and really very sweet. She lives in her own world of computers and code. Dealing with Sawyer isn’t the highlight of her day when the charming agent makes her forget her own name, but she’ll do her best if it means bring down terrorists.
Janie’s fantastic touch at suspense keeps my mind working overtime and ramps anticipation high! I figured out the baddie early on, but then kept waffling between a few other options because the clues kept me chasing leads. And the romance?! Even with the behind closed door romantic scenes, there’s no doubting the chemistry between Sawyer and Megan. Those two just fit like two peas in a pod.
Sawyer’s sister, Juliet has also got my curiosity going! So many tantalizing clues to piece together!
Covert was previously released as Countermeasures with Harlequin Intrigue.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review.
November 20, 2020
I love Janie Crouch, and I have read some of her Omega sector books and loved them. Covert is another WONDERFUL addition. I loved the characters, the plot is quick, the danger is realistic, and the love story is compelling. These stories are quicker reads and great for a weekend or afternoon binge read!
March 11, 2017
Omega Sector agent Sawyer Branson must babysit Dr. Megan Fuller, who is working on a reverse engineering device (countermeasure) for a weapon that has gotten into the hands of an outfit who want to sell it to the highest bidder. Obviously, they don't want software out there that would undervalue their sale, so they set out to get rid of Megan!
I was worried that the last Intrigue book I read The Cattleman was a sign I was tiring of romantic suspense, since I disliked it so much, but thankfully that's not the case! Countermeasures is very typical Intrigue material, but done well. The pace is consistent throughout, and the sequence at the safe house is genuinely suspenseful! This is number two in a series, but can be read as a standalone without any confusion.
Some cliches bothered me - once again, Sawyer is part of a large family who all work in high-stakes vocations (two brothers and a sister), to account for the fact this is part of a series. Also, even though Sawyer is convinced that Megan isn't a traitor, he sleeps with her and then asks her if she's a traitor! There is absolutely no reason for him to do this other than to generate some tension in their developing relationship. It was out of character for him, and too manufactured.
Other than that, this is the sort of simple, fast-paced entertainment I expect from an Intrigue book!
I was worried that the last Intrigue book I read The Cattleman was a sign I was tiring of romantic suspense, since I disliked it so much, but thankfully that's not the case! Countermeasures is very typical Intrigue material, but done well. The pace is consistent throughout, and the sequence at the safe house is genuinely suspenseful! This is number two in a series, but can be read as a standalone without any confusion.
Some cliches bothered me - once again, Sawyer is part of a large family who all work in high-stakes vocations (two brothers and a sister), to account for the fact this is part of a series. Also, even though Sawyer is convinced that Megan isn't a traitor, he sleeps with her and then asks her if she's a traitor! There is absolutely no reason for him to do this other than to generate some tension in their developing relationship. It was out of character for him, and too manufactured.
Other than that, this is the sort of simple, fast-paced entertainment I expect from an Intrigue book!
January 21, 2015
I really liked this second book in Janie Crouch's Omega Sector series published by Harlequin's Intrigue line. The first book (INFILTRATION) deals with the operative Cameron Branson, and (as I really hoped) this book deals with another of his siblings who are involved with Omega -- Sawyer Branson.
Sawyer's assignment is to protect the computer scientist who is working on a countermeasure for Ghost Shell after realizing it could be used as a weapon in the wrong hands. It turns out that the wrong hands are trying to gain access to all of Dr. Fuller's work, with no compunction about destroying human lives to get to it.
Sawyer thinks that his assignment is a glorified babysitting job. He is very wrong in all his assumptions about both the who and the what of this job, and he soon finds himself working very hard to keep himself and Dr Fuller alive.
Megan Fuller was one of those brainy kids who went to college when she was fourteen, then earned several postgraduate degrees, and who is now in her late twenties -- relentless and unmatched in the laboratory -- but who has lost her composure when handsome and charming Sawyer Branson walks into her lab and life.
There is already awareness that a corrupt FBI agent is part of the criminal group DS-13. What is not known is how many people from Cyberdyne (the tech company where Megan works), or elsewhere, might have been bought out to aid DS-13 and to work against Dr Fuller.
Danger lurks at the beginning but intensifies as attacks against Megan (and then Sawyer also) seem to strike everywhere. Is there a corrupt agent also at Omega who is somehow guiding things to a gruesome climax?
This story is one where I found myself holding my breath and rooting for our hero's efforts to protect Megan. The suspense does mount, as does the dangerous search for who else is involved in the criminal activities. The reader is introduced to Sawyer's sister a little bit more (a teaser, I hope, for a future book in this series).
There is a crimp in the romance that develops between Sawyer and Megan. She may have lost her composure around him, but he's also not as cool and collected as he projects. But this is a Romantic Suspense, so the reader waits for the resolution, all the while trying to figure out the who and the how of the betrayal. I suspected one person of villainy very early in the story, but I couldn't figure out how the villainy played out.
Actually I'm not much of a tech person, so I woke up this morning still thinking about what I missed in the story :) How could this have happened? Was it hands on or remote? Well, maybe you'll figure it out better than I did.
=====
The only slight reading problems I had were two: (1) when Dr. Fuller seemed more like a teen with her first crush than I would have expected, but I imagine such a reaction could have occurred, after all; and (2) the ending was a bit too abrupt for me. I would have liked about two more paragraphs of build up, or one less of Sawyer's non-stop talking, at the very end. Minor hiccups for me as reader, no more....
=====
I recommend that any readers of the Romantic Suspense genre pick up both books in the Omega Sector series by Janie Crouch. You will not be disappointed.
I myself will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the Omega Sector series!
Sawyer's assignment is to protect the computer scientist who is working on a countermeasure for Ghost Shell after realizing it could be used as a weapon in the wrong hands. It turns out that the wrong hands are trying to gain access to all of Dr. Fuller's work, with no compunction about destroying human lives to get to it.
Sawyer thinks that his assignment is a glorified babysitting job. He is very wrong in all his assumptions about both the who and the what of this job, and he soon finds himself working very hard to keep himself and Dr Fuller alive.
Megan Fuller was one of those brainy kids who went to college when she was fourteen, then earned several postgraduate degrees, and who is now in her late twenties -- relentless and unmatched in the laboratory -- but who has lost her composure when handsome and charming Sawyer Branson walks into her lab and life.
There is already awareness that a corrupt FBI agent is part of the criminal group DS-13. What is not known is how many people from Cyberdyne (the tech company where Megan works), or elsewhere, might have been bought out to aid DS-13 and to work against Dr Fuller.
Danger lurks at the beginning but intensifies as attacks against Megan (and then Sawyer also) seem to strike everywhere. Is there a corrupt agent also at Omega who is somehow guiding things to a gruesome climax?
This story is one where I found myself holding my breath and rooting for our hero's efforts to protect Megan. The suspense does mount, as does the dangerous search for who else is involved in the criminal activities. The reader is introduced to Sawyer's sister a little bit more (a teaser, I hope, for a future book in this series).
There is a crimp in the romance that develops between Sawyer and Megan. She may have lost her composure around him, but he's also not as cool and collected as he projects. But this is a Romantic Suspense, so the reader waits for the resolution, all the while trying to figure out the who and the how of the betrayal. I suspected one person of villainy very early in the story, but I couldn't figure out how the villainy played out.
Actually I'm not much of a tech person, so I woke up this morning still thinking about what I missed in the story :) How could this have happened? Was it hands on or remote? Well, maybe you'll figure it out better than I did.
=====
The only slight reading problems I had were two: (1) when Dr. Fuller seemed more like a teen with her first crush than I would have expected, but I imagine such a reaction could have occurred, after all; and (2) the ending was a bit too abrupt for me. I would have liked about two more paragraphs of build up, or one less of Sawyer's non-stop talking, at the very end. Minor hiccups for me as reader, no more....
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I recommend that any readers of the Romantic Suspense genre pick up both books in the Omega Sector series by Janie Crouch. You will not be disappointed.
I myself will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the Omega Sector series!
February 4, 2015
Sawyer Branson accidentally tripped and punched his boss, or at least, that's how the official line goes. The punishment befits the crime and he's sent to babysit a computer scientist who's suddenly at risk because of her ability to develop a countermeasure for a piece of equipment that can potentially ruin the entirety of law enforcement. It's all a hack job that's way below of his abilities...until he meets Dr. Zane Megan Fuller, whom he mistakes as a receptionist. The stakes have never been higher when Megan suddenly finds herself the target of several attacks and amidst the escalating violence she and Sawyer get a lot closer than they had ever anticipated.
I definitely liked the second parter in what should be called the Branson series a lot better and Megan is a great heroine (an alluring mix of geek, uncertainty and bravery) as well as a good complement to the charming playboy whose charms just can't quite function normally with her. My only complaint is the abrupt end and the sudden jump from attraction to love that leaves me rather unconvinced about them not quite having yet worked out their issues about trust.
I definitely liked the second parter in what should be called the Branson series a lot better and Megan is a great heroine (an alluring mix of geek, uncertainty and bravery) as well as a good complement to the charming playboy whose charms just can't quite function normally with her. My only complaint is the abrupt end and the sudden jump from attraction to love that leaves me rather unconvinced about them not quite having yet worked out their issues about trust.
December 28, 2016
I enjoyed this romantic suspense novel. I particularly liked the chemistry between Megan and Sawyer. They were aggravated with each other most of the time and each had such a hard head
Megan’s company had created a weapon that some bad dudes wanted access to. It was actually created to be a weapon but it could be used that way. She was a bit gun shy working with the government since the FBI guy who had been assigned to work with her in the beginning ended up stealing this weapon from under the nose of the government. Megan’s company had been working on a countermeasure to combat the effects of it but stopped working on it when the government took the original copy and then lost it. Now the government is back and wants Megan to continue working on this countermeasure. But first they have to recreate it. They luckily had a prototype available with which to work. Sawyer is there to protect Megan and the countermeasure but someone wants it before they had it back over to the government. The suspense was great and it made me want to search out other Janie Crouch books.
I paid for this book with my own money.
Megan’s company had created a weapon that some bad dudes wanted access to. It was actually created to be a weapon but it could be used that way. She was a bit gun shy working with the government since the FBI guy who had been assigned to work with her in the beginning ended up stealing this weapon from under the nose of the government. Megan’s company had been working on a countermeasure to combat the effects of it but stopped working on it when the government took the original copy and then lost it. Now the government is back and wants Megan to continue working on this countermeasure. But first they have to recreate it. They luckily had a prototype available with which to work. Sawyer is there to protect Megan and the countermeasure but someone wants it before they had it back over to the government. The suspense was great and it made me want to search out other Janie Crouch books.
I paid for this book with my own money.
February 25, 2015
The plot was great. Very believable, gave enough time between action scenes for romance, but I’m really just tired of the mousy girl getting the Alpha hero trope. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect with the characters and I honestly didn’t realize that’s what this book boiled down to. The romance itself was very believable. However, there is no mention of birth control or protection during the two love scenes found in the book like you’d normally want to see.
I loved the action scenes. Not too over-the-top or unbelievable (like mine currently are) and they really moved the plot forward. I was surprised to find a torture scene of the hero considering many romance readers and editors consider those triggers, but I didn’t mind it in the least.
Even though it took me a while to get through, partly because of my lack of free time and partly because I couldn’t connect with the characters, I enjoyed it enough to give this book four stars. Fast-paced and intriguing.
I loved the action scenes. Not too over-the-top or unbelievable (like mine currently are) and they really moved the plot forward. I was surprised to find a torture scene of the hero considering many romance readers and editors consider those triggers, but I didn’t mind it in the least.
Even though it took me a while to get through, partly because of my lack of free time and partly because I couldn’t connect with the characters, I enjoyed it enough to give this book four stars. Fast-paced and intriguing.
January 20, 2015
Loved this book. Janie Crouch weaves a story of danger, intrigue, and emotion that kept me turning the page late into the night. It was fun to watch the characters interaction and attraction grow as they were put into situations where saving the world could cost them their lives. Who can you trust when you know there is a traitor among those pretending to be on your side and always seem to be one step ahead of you?
The heroine, Dr. Megan Fuller, is brilliant when it comes to her work, but when the hero, undercover agent Sawyer Branson gets close all thoughts of work disappear. And Sawyer soon discovers that what he first thought was a simple babysitting job, protecting Megan so she can finish her work, may be the most import thing he has ever done....both professionally and personally.
I can't wait to read Janie Crouch's next Harlequin Intrigue!
The heroine, Dr. Megan Fuller, is brilliant when it comes to her work, but when the hero, undercover agent Sawyer Branson gets close all thoughts of work disappear. And Sawyer soon discovers that what he first thought was a simple babysitting job, protecting Megan so she can finish her work, may be the most import thing he has ever done....both professionally and personally.
I can't wait to read Janie Crouch's next Harlequin Intrigue!
February 16, 2015
Well Janie Crouch does it again with her new book Countermeasures. The second book in her Omega Series. I enjoyed reading this one just as much as the first one although it was a quick read. Nontheless, it was still entertaining. Sawyer Branson's usually charming personality bungles a little in the presence of the beautiful Dr. Fuller. His protection instincts kick in full force when Megan is in danger. And the beautiful Dr. Fuller who is a genius can't even find her tongue when Sawyer is nearby she gets so rattled. The romance develops on a steady course between the two as the danger melds them together. Can't wait to see what the next book brings in the form of a Branson sibling.
June 22, 2016
I loved this book. Sawyer and Megan are perfect for each other. I was so enthralled I kept reading until I realized it was two o'clock in the morning, then I had to force myself to stop and to go to bed. It's the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and suspense. I can't wait for the next two books in this series. Janie, as always, thank you for a great book. You are an automatic buy for me and I have never been disappointed by any of your books.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
February 3, 2015
Countermeasures, the second book in Janie Crouch's Omega Sector series, continues the story begun in Infiltration. We follow the progress of Sawyer Branson after he is assigned to protect Dr. Zane Megan Fuller as she rebuilds one of the surviving Ghost Shell programs. They are immediately in danger, and they try to find a safe house. There is also another mole to be uncovered, and the ending is a real nail biter, as Sawyer is incapacitated and Megan comes to his rescue.
January 31, 2015
This book was an excellent addition to the series!! I loved the first book but the second one was even better. I can't wait for the next book to see what will happen next. I felt like I knew Megan. She is a smart,young, introvert, and a pretty girl that has to hide her good looks behind a professional face for the world. Sawyer's good looks and charm make him someone that you want to know better. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure.
January 4, 2015
I really liked this book and can't wait for the next one!
January 22, 2015
Brilliant! I absolutely fell in love with Megan and Sawyer. This was such a thrilling ride. Sawyer thinks he is in for a boring assignment , boy was he wrong!
Read
January 12, 2016received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Omega Sector
Miniseries: Omega Sector
May 13, 2016
4.5 stars
November 6, 2020
I received a free copy for an honest and voluntary review. This book is has been rebranded and retitled "Covert" So for those of us that may have purchased a book from your local retailer a few years back and you're thinking you read this book, you probably did. Im finding 2 things, 1) Harlequin didn't have some books as Ebook options when they came out and have no released them with a new copywrite date or the author has obtained the rights back to the book from a publisher, but has to make some changes to the book in order to be able to get the royalties that they well deserve. In this case Harlequin is holding the reins and decided to recover and re-release
This series the Omega Sector, is what launched Ms. Crouch's career, and reading this book its easy to see why I crave her new releases. She has a way to drawing the reader into the plot, which is always fast paced and you never know what's around the next corner.
While a stand alone book, reading the first book gives you a few more clues about what is going on in this book. It picks up essentially where Stealth leaves off. Younger brother Sawyer Branson has to answer for his insubordination in the previous book of "accidentally" knocking his boss unconscious. He's being sent to protect a computer scientist with 2 PHDs. In his mind he's expecting some old stuffy nerdy guy. After all what would one expect with the name Dr. Zane Fuller. He quickly finds out very differently. Dr. Zane Megan Fuller is very attractive and a genius at only 29. It's a race against time to get the countermeasure to Ghost Shell up and running before the technology is sold the highest bidder and can cripple communications. But there is a mole in the midst. Is it at Cyberdyne, Megan's company or is it at Omega or one of the Alphabets. You are kept guessing until the very end.
This series the Omega Sector, is what launched Ms. Crouch's career, and reading this book its easy to see why I crave her new releases. She has a way to drawing the reader into the plot, which is always fast paced and you never know what's around the next corner.
While a stand alone book, reading the first book gives you a few more clues about what is going on in this book. It picks up essentially where Stealth leaves off. Younger brother Sawyer Branson has to answer for his insubordination in the previous book of "accidentally" knocking his boss unconscious. He's being sent to protect a computer scientist with 2 PHDs. In his mind he's expecting some old stuffy nerdy guy. After all what would one expect with the name Dr. Zane Fuller. He quickly finds out very differently. Dr. Zane Megan Fuller is very attractive and a genius at only 29. It's a race against time to get the countermeasure to Ghost Shell up and running before the technology is sold the highest bidder and can cripple communications. But there is a mole in the midst. Is it at Cyberdyne, Megan's company or is it at Omega or one of the Alphabets. You are kept guessing until the very end.
November 16, 2020
Covert is the second book in the Omega Sector series. The romance is a stand alone, but it is part of an overarching storyline. After punching his boss in the face, Sawyer is now on babysitting duty. But Dr. Fuller is not who he was expecting. Megan knows way more about computers than people, but when her work gets her caught in a terrorist cell’s grasp, will Sawyer be there to protect her body and heart?
Oh my, what another exciting, action packed romance that had me on the edge of my seat! Sawyer and Megan’s story completely captivated me. I loved how rocky their professional relationship started and how Megan wouldn’t take Sawyer’s charm. I loved watching them learn to trust one another and fall for the other, too! Megan is no where near an agent, but she held herself together through some incredibly stressful moments, and I kept cheering her on! Girl power, not only because she’s a computer genius, but because she was just so strong internally! Sawyer is used to being in the middle of the action, so I loved how he was so disappointed in his mission at first, but how quickly the danger found them. I loved how his smarts were used in a different capacity with Megan and he continued to rise to the challenges she gave him, as well as the terrorist group. While I did guess some of the twists, I did not expect others, and it was so fun when I was kept guessing. There’s so much action and danger in these pages, but the focus is also on the romance as well! I loved this book! I love how the terrorist cell from the first book continues through here, and I’m excited to see what the next book will bring, too!
Oh my, what another exciting, action packed romance that had me on the edge of my seat! Sawyer and Megan’s story completely captivated me. I loved how rocky their professional relationship started and how Megan wouldn’t take Sawyer’s charm. I loved watching them learn to trust one another and fall for the other, too! Megan is no where near an agent, but she held herself together through some incredibly stressful moments, and I kept cheering her on! Girl power, not only because she’s a computer genius, but because she was just so strong internally! Sawyer is used to being in the middle of the action, so I loved how he was so disappointed in his mission at first, but how quickly the danger found them. I loved how his smarts were used in a different capacity with Megan and he continued to rise to the challenges she gave him, as well as the terrorist group. While I did guess some of the twists, I did not expect others, and it was so fun when I was kept guessing. There’s so much action and danger in these pages, but the focus is also on the romance as well! I loved this book! I love how the terrorist cell from the first book continues through here, and I’m excited to see what the next book will bring, too!
November 7, 2020
Next in line in the Omega series is Sawyer, the youngest charismatic brother who has an easy smile and charming personality. After getting in trouble for “tripping” and laying out his boss to help his brother, he is sent to babysit (as punishment) a genius Dr, who can thwart the plans of an evil syndicate whose intent is to sell a computer program that would jeopardize millions of lives. Dr. Zane is not what he expected and Megan surprises him at every turn, making it difficult for him to resist her. When her life is clearly in jeopardy, Sawyer will do everything and anything to keep her safe so she can finish the counter measures but also to keep the woman he is falling for free from harm.
Oh boy this read had me flipping the pages with the action, suspense, amazing characters and the sparks between these two. No steamy scenes needed as the steam between them was clear and sizzling with many innuendos that were hot. I loved these two and their connection, the no drama between them and the ending with Sawyer laying it all out on the line for Megan....swoon sigh swoon.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Oh boy this read had me flipping the pages with the action, suspense, amazing characters and the sparks between these two. No steamy scenes needed as the steam between them was clear and sizzling with many innuendos that were hot. I loved these two and their connection, the no drama between them and the ending with Sawyer laying it all out on the line for Megan....swoon sigh swoon.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
November 14, 2020
With a dangerous piece of software in the hands of a crime syndicate, Omega Sector sends Sawyer Branson to babysit the one computer scientist that can produce a countermeasure that will prevent 'Ghost Shell' from being used to disrupt government communication systems. He's shocked to find that the person he is to protect isn't a graying older male scientist. Megan is instead young and beautiful, if a bit unique - oh, and female.
Megan has worked hard for her position as the head of R&D for a computer software company. She's a bit introverted and extremely brilliant. She steps up to do what she knows is the right thing by creating a countermeasure that will stop the wrong people from using 'Ghost Shell' for illicit purposes. Little does she know what it will cost her.
The story moves at a rapid pace, with healthy doses of espionage and action. Woven throughout the intrigue is the simmering romance between Megan and Sawyer that is just waiting to combust.
Janie Crouch has again created a wonderful book boyfriend - Sawyer is charming, handsome, caring and loyal. Most importantly, he is good at his core and willing to lay down his life, if necessary, to protect Megan. Megan is a bit quirky, but highly intelligent and possesses a strong moral compass. An engrossing intrigue romance read, I finished this book in one sitting and am looking forward to the next story in the series.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
Megan has worked hard for her position as the head of R&D for a computer software company. She's a bit introverted and extremely brilliant. She steps up to do what she knows is the right thing by creating a countermeasure that will stop the wrong people from using 'Ghost Shell' for illicit purposes. Little does she know what it will cost her.
The story moves at a rapid pace, with healthy doses of espionage and action. Woven throughout the intrigue is the simmering romance between Megan and Sawyer that is just waiting to combust.
Janie Crouch has again created a wonderful book boyfriend - Sawyer is charming, handsome, caring and loyal. Most importantly, he is good at his core and willing to lay down his life, if necessary, to protect Megan. Megan is a bit quirky, but highly intelligent and possesses a strong moral compass. An engrossing intrigue romance read, I finished this book in one sitting and am looking forward to the next story in the series.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
November 11, 2020
I received a free copy for an honest and voluntary review. This book is has been re branded and re titled from CountermeasuresSo for those of us that may have purchased a book from your local retailer a few years back and you're thinking you read this book, you probably did. Im finding 2 things, 1) Harlequin didn't have some books as Ebook options when they came out and have no released them with a new copy write date or the author has obtained the rights back to the book from a publisher, but has to make some changes to the book in order to be able to get the royalties that they well deserve. In this case Harlequin is holding the reins and decided to recover and re-release
This series the Omega Sector, is what launched Ms. Crouch's career, and reading this book its easy to see why I crave her new releases. She has a way to drawing the reader into the plot, which is always fast paced and you never know what's around the next corner.
While a stand alone book, reading the first book gives you a few more clues about what is going on in this book. It picks up essentially where Stealth leaves off. Younger brother Sawyer Branson has to answer for his insubordination in the previous book of "accidentally" knocking his boss unconscious. He's being sent to protect a computer scientist with 2 PHDs. In his mind he's expecting some old stuffy nerdy guy. After all what would one expect with the name Dr. Zane Fuller. He quickly finds out very differently. Dr. Zane Megan Fuller is very attractive and a genius at only 29. It's a race against time to get the countermeasure to Ghost Shell up and running before the technology is sold the highest bidder and can cripple communications. But there is a mole in the midst. Is it at Cyberdyne, Megan's company or is it at Omega or one of the Alphabets. You are kept guessing until the very end.
This series the Omega Sector, is what launched Ms. Crouch's career, and reading this book its easy to see why I crave her new releases. She has a way to drawing the reader into the plot, which is always fast paced and you never know what's around the next corner.
While a stand alone book, reading the first book gives you a few more clues about what is going on in this book. It picks up essentially where Stealth leaves off. Younger brother Sawyer Branson has to answer for his insubordination in the previous book of "accidentally" knocking his boss unconscious. He's being sent to protect a computer scientist with 2 PHDs. In his mind he's expecting some old stuffy nerdy guy. After all what would one expect with the name Dr. Zane Fuller. He quickly finds out very differently. Dr. Zane Megan Fuller is very attractive and a genius at only 29. It's a race against time to get the countermeasure to Ghost Shell up and running before the technology is sold the highest bidder and can cripple communications. But there is a mole in the midst. Is it at Cyberdyne, Megan's company or is it at Omega or one of the Alphabets. You are kept guessing until the very end.
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