Tactical Force

Triumph Over Adversity #6

by Lynn Shannon

Some wounds never heal. 

As a former Navy SEAL, Walker Montgomery faces danger without flinching. But not even a combat zone halfway around the world was far enough to escape the trauma of his teen years. His younger sister was murdered and the killer never caught. Since returning home, he’s been quietly working the case, unable to move on with his life until justice is served. 

She’s a survivor. 

Hayley Barlow has her own tragic childhood. Abducted and held captive, she barely escaped the clutches of the same killer that murdered Walker’s sister. The invisible scars on her heart and the brand on her shoulder are souvenirs she can’t get rid of. When Hayley receives a taunting phone call from her attacker, she turns to Walker for help. 

A race to stop a killer. 

Walker is committed to safeguarding Hayley, but their closeness fractures the walls surrounding his heart. As the killer draws them into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, nothing is as it seems. Walker is used to taking the fight to the enemy, but this time, with Hayley’s life on the line, it may cost him more than he’s willing to lose. 

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction, Christian Romance, Romantic Suspense, Christian

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2023

About the author

Lynn Shannon is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romantic suspense.

After moving from Texas to Greece, Lynn turned her passion for reading into a love of writing. She lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a pair of chirpy lovebirds. Experiencing life in a new country has introduced her to delicious foods—like Yemista and Kourabiedes—which now share a place on her favorites list alongside pecans and Blue Bell ice cream. She also never passes up coffee, chocolate, or the chance to watch cute animal videos.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website at: www.lynnshannon.com

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I’ve found a new romantic suspense author to read! Tactical Force was a gripping story that I enjoyed from start to finish. It had the perfect balance of romance and suspense, along with a supportive friend group. It is book six in the Triumph Over Adversity series, but I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone. And, having read it and met the characters from the earlier books, I now want to read the other novels in the series.

I really enjoy second chance at love stories and that is what you have with Tactical Force. It was very clear that Hayley and Walker did not break up years earlier due to a lack of love. They broke up because of a horrific tragedy that ended up tearing them apart. I absolutely adored seeing their love begin to pull them toward each other again, even under such dangerous and disturbing conditions as they were in during the story.

The suspense aspect of Tactical Force was top notch, too. It had a creepy and deadly serial killer who managed to stay a step ahead of the investigation for much of the book. There were also a handful of potential suspects, making it even more suspenseful, as the bad guy was not immediately apparent.

If you enjoy the romantic suspense stories of Irene Hannon, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Lynette Eason, then Lynn Shannon’s novels are ones you should try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written romantic suspense with strong characters in Walker and Hayley. The author takes them on an adventurous journey filled with danger while dealing with a killer. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a fantastic addition to the series. Loved and recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in this series was amazing! Lynn Shannon wove a tale of terror, suspense and intrigue that kept me guessing.

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with most books in the Christian Suspense Romance genre, the story is a bit formulaic. But like a good Hallmark romance movie, the story was a light, fun ride. Lynn Shannon does a good job of driving the plot forward through action without sacrificing the underlying romance. I enjoyed Tactical Force and recommend it for readers looking for clean, contemporary romance suspense with Christian themes.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tactical Force by Lynne Shannon is book six in the Triumph Over Adversity series. This is also a great stand alone story. Having not read the rest of the series, I had no trouble reading this story. This story is a fast-paced story filled with action, suspense and mystery.

Hayley goes home for her mother's funeral and almost immediately the person who kidnapped her years earlier is back after her. She turns to her high school boyfriend, Walker, for help.

This is a great story to read. It kept me guessing as to who the abductor could be and why. I enjoyed reading how Hayley and Walker dealt with the abduction and murder of Walker's sister years earlier. It was easy to see they both still had feeling for each other and had to work through the past to move forward.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts off at a fast clip, with Hayley home for her mom's funeral and back in the crosshairs of a serial killer. I thought that the author did a fantastic job of keeping the story moving and introducing all the characters. The suspense was chilling and the twists and turns kept me reading until the final page. I will say, this book is part of a series and I feel like it would be the best enjoyed in order, since some of the previous main characters pop in and out of this story.

All in all, a wonderful read!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a suspenseful book! I have read this entire series and could not wait to read this one. I knew it was going to be amazing and I was not disappointed.

This series focuses on a group of men who have banded together in friendship and watch out for each other plus help each other when they’re in danger. Each man has needed the group to band together for him and this book focuses on the last man standing per se. He’s the only one who hasn’t needed their assistance and the only one who isn’t happily in love.

WALKER HAS SEEN A LOT.
He’s served as a SEAL. But really probably the worst was when his girlfriend and his little sister were kidnapped and his sister was killed. That changed the trajectory of his life. And he’s never forgotten. He’s always been looking and searching for the man who killed his sister.

When she was abducted and her boyfriend’s sister was killed, Hayley’s life changed forever. She thought her boyfriend and his family must hate her and they wouldn’t want her around so she left the area.

BUT NOW SHE’S BACK FOR HER MOM’S FUNERAL AND SOMEONE IS OUT TO GET HER.
How can she survive a second time? She’s stronger and she’s worked her whole life since to bring justice to other people. Can she trust Walker again? Will he want to help her? And can they have a second chance?

I really loved this book. I’ve been a fan of the entire series and have loved getting to see each of the men better and then meeting and getting to know their significant others. You’re going to love it too!

This book is full of suspense and mystery and will keep you guessing til the end!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you were kidnapped by a serial killer who killed your friend in front of you when you were still in high school? Well, you get trained in the Army and pursue a career in law enforcement. At least that is what Hayley Barlow did until a recent injury sidelined her. Now ten years later, coming back to her hometown had never been part of her plan, but her mother passed away and she has some personal matters to take care of. Little did she know that her coming back home would reawaken her abductor's appetite.

Walker's sister was murdered and his girlfriend, Hayley was kidnapped. Even though they broke up, Walker was not going to stop looking for the murderer. He does not believe the killer stopped, in fact he is convinced he has been abducting and killing women all this time. But how can he connect the dots? Also, he will do anything to keep Hayley safe as he still has very strong feelings for her. Can they reawaken their romance and dreams after Cassanova is brought to justice? Maybe if he survives. Hayley is not the only one Cassanova wants, he wants Walker to play his sick game too.

This was a riveting page turner that kept me up late into the night and I woke up early just to get back to the story. I did not figure out who Cassanova was, there were plenty of suspects to choose from. The first few opening pages was a bit creepy, but they really set the atmosphere for the life and death race Hayley and Walker find themselves in against this very obsessed killer. I wanted to keep the lights on! This is number six in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. This is also the first book I have read by author Shannon, and I will be taking a look at what I have been missing in this entire series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Christian Romance Suspense novels and also "new to me" authors. Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon fits both of those and I was really intrigued to read it. The book is Book 6 in the Triumph Over Adversity series. I have not read any of the other books in this series YET!

Walker Montgomery is a former Navy SEAL, so he faces danger with strength. He thought his time away in the service would help him overcome the trauma of his sister getting murdered when he was a Teenager. He is now home from the Service and is determined to find the Killer of his sister, as they have never been caught. Hayley Barlow was attacked by the same person who murdered Walker's sister and survived. She suffers from the Trauma of being held captive for so long and is trying to live her life. She receives a threatening call from her Abductor, she asks Walker, her former High School boyfriend, to help her and protect her. Walker is more than willing to protect Hayley. The Killer begins to play games with them and Walker wonders if can he truly protect both of them. His feelings for Hayley resurface as he begins spending more time with her. Will Walker and Hayley stay safe from the Killer? Will they get justice for Walker's Sister and for Hayley? Will they rekindle their relationship?

WOW, this book grabbed my attention from the very first page. The Suspense in this book is AMAZING! I really LOVE that Walker had the determination to find his Sister's Killer. He knew he had to do it not only for her but for himself. Hayley knew she needed help and I really LOVE that she had enough trust for Walker to call him for protection. Walker and Hayley are amazing together and I truly enjoyed their story. The book contains so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat as I was reading. A GREAT Second Chance Romance with Suspense BOOK! FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tactical Force
Triumph Over Adversity #6
By Lynn Shannon

While she was still in High School, Hayley Barlow was abducted and held by a killer until she escaped. After graduation, Hayley left town and never looked back. But the tragic death of her mother has brought her home, and her abductor knows she's back. Knowing she needs help if she is to survive, Hayley seeks out Walker Montgomery, her HS boyfriend.
Walker Montgomery never thought he'd see Hayley again. And he certainly never expected to hear that the man who abducted her and killed his sister was back. Not only back but toying with them, taunting them with another woman's life at stake.

Tactical Force is the sixth book in the Triumph Over Adversity series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title, which I might add, I did. The killer is obsessive, toying with them and taunting them all while seemingly fixating on Hayley, the one who got away.

There are many potential suspects but nothing concrete, and it remains this way up until the climax. This book has a bit more attention to descriptive detailing than the Love Inspired Suspense while still on the mild side of graphic detailing. Fans of Romantic Suspense and second chances will enjoy Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon. Just be prepared to lose sleep because you won't want to put this one down.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tactical Force is book number 6 in the Triumph Over Adversity series. The series is written by Lynn Shannon. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. I love how action packed and full of suspense this book is. Walker Montgomery is a former Navy Seal. He is used to dangerous missions - however when his sister's best friend, Hayley Barlow starts to receive threats he knows he has to help her. Even if it hurts. Hayley had previously been abducted and held captive, while she was able to escape, Walker's sister was not.

Walker and Hayley had dated back in the past and there is so much hurt and pain with both of them because of this abductor. When Hayley starts to get threats, Walker wants to find out who this person is once and for all and bring them to justice. However, the abductor wants to play games and both Hayley and Walker are hoping to survive it. Will old feelings resurface between them?

This book is action packed, full of suspense. I did not want to stop reading. The characters are well written, the book will pull you in within the first few pages. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Clarissa De Simoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the characters very much and the development of the story.
The love and friendship between the characters felt genuine and I admired their willingness to go above and beyond for one of their own.
The story development was full of twists and turns, it kept me hooked until the very end.
My two complaints are:
- the writing style wasn’t my favourite, even though I appreciated it more as I was going through the book. It felt distant because it was all in a past tense and it was narrated like a report.
- the fact that Casanova considered Hayley “soiled” because she kissed another person. It seemed like he viewed her as an object that Walker ruined, and I didn’t like it one bit. I know it’s a plausible thought process for a sociopath, but still, this idea of seeing women like these pure objects is (hopefully) obsolete.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from the Triumph Over Adversity series. This book can be read as a standalone book or as part of the series for better character development with repeating characters. I enjoyed getting to know Walker and his tactical team members including Jason, Kyle, Nathan, Logan.

Hayley returns to her childhood home after the death of her mother and runs into old friends and old memories. Walker and his team try to protect Hayley against the Casanova serial killer, who had attacked her 10 years prior and is now back for revenge.

This clean Christian fiction had lots of suspense and twists and turns. I really enjoyed the fast pace story line and characters. It was not graphic although the content is about a serial killer, kidnapping and murder.

I can’t wait to read more from this series!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Walker and Hayley had a passed but also hated what happened that made her leave, but now they have a second chance not only at love but bringing down the man "Casanova" who took someone special away from them both. There is loads of action and tension within this book with plenty of potential suspects to choose from as well but with all that going on Walker and Hayley get to spend time together to not only get to know each other again but also allow those old sparks to reignite. There were a couple of times I wanted to yell and cry at what was happening along with the twists and shocks that occur and the ending brought not only closure to the past but also a second chance to not only Walker and Hayley but also wee Sophie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

Tactical Force was an exciting finale as the last of the veterans of the Special Forces finally got hos happily ever after. Walker has been there for his brothers-in-arms many times before, and now it's their turn to help him protect his high school sweetheart. Hayley has had a harder life than most, growing up with an addict of a mother and then being abducted and held against her will by a murderer. And yet, through all her struggles, she still kept her faith.
I really enjoy these Lynn Shannon books, as they're clean, romantic suspense stories with elements of faith that don't knock you over the head. The stories are satisfying, and the kisses are still passionate. Another excellent story!!

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This is the finale and it delivers a punch. Walker has had a difficult time moving on since his sister's death. He retires form the military but still is unable to put what happened to his sister to rest. He begins his own investigation to discover his high school sweetheart was abducted by the same person but got away. Will he be able to protect her, find the killer, and keep his heart intact? Great story that will keep you reading to the last page unable to put it down. I love that it is faith based proving you don't need all the excess for the book to be wonderful. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting the suspense and horror of the situatuon that Hailey and Walker find themselves in, it certainly had me on the edge of my seat!!! I haven't read the rest of the series but this book worked fine as a standalone, there were references to other stories in the series and it made me intrigued to read them. Hailey and Walker are a lovely couple and from the start I was rooting for them to get together. A clean romance but way more horror than I expected! It was masterly written and I enjoyed it, I would recomend it if you like gorgeous cowboy heros and smart, strong heroines.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first ever book I have read by Lynn Shannon. I will definitely read her previous books. Hayley comes back to the town where she grew up and saw her friend murdered. Being back brings up all the memories, and she cannot wait to leave.
Someone has other plans for her.
She does goes to a past friend to warn him of a threat she feels they should all take seriously.
There is suspense, drama, love, and friendship abound in this book.
I enjoyed the story and questioned who could be the person behind the mask.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very realistic story. Action, suspense and romance.Walker is a former Navy Seal that hasn't got past the murder of his sister and is still trying to find her killer. Hayley escaped a madman that kidnapped her and killed her friend. Ten years later the killer leaves a present for her and calls her. She goes to her ex-boyfriend for help. Walker lets her know that the killer did not stop killing when she got away. She is devastated. Will they finally catch the killer or will the killer get Hayley? Must read to find out. Some action, a lot of suspense. I could not put the book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice -- or Another Murder ? . . .

This is a suspenseful, fast-action story that will hold the reader’s attention from start to finish. Walker Montgomery’s younger sister had been kidnapped and murdered. The killer was never captured. Walker plans to rectify that!

Hayley Barlow was also a victim of the same killer, but she managed to escape before he finished with her. Now she receives a threat from the killer and turns to Walker for help. Working together brings the two closer. But will they have a chance to fall in love when a determined killer is eager to finish what was started long ago?

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things that I liked most about this story was that no matter what happened in the past between Hayley and Walker, they respected each other still and thought about what was best for the other. Their shared past was painful and pulled them apart, but it was also what pulled them back together, along with their shared faith. Right from the start they stood together equal, they supported each other throughout and they trusted one another completely. I believed in their connection and chemistry, and in them as a couple. I enjoyed reading their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell]

This is a extremely well written suspense story that will have you thinking you have it all worked out and then questioning your decision as there are just so many people who could be the culprits. Wound through this is the story of Walker and Hayley both past victims off the man known as "Casanova" Hayley was one of his victims that escaped and Walker lost his sister to this killer. Now he is determined to track the killer down and get justice The only problem is that Hayley is once again in his crosshairs and Walker will do anything to keep her safe. Will they finally get answers and can they build a future together You will have to read to see

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. Hayley and her ex boyfriend's younger sister Lauren were abducted as teens 10 years ago. The kidnapper murdered Lauren but kept Hayley captive. Hayley escaped. Ten years later Hayley's kidnapper returns taunting her. She only knows him as Casanova as he wore a mask.
She goes to her ex boyfriend Walker for assistance. Walker has been investigating Lauren's death and Hayley's kidnapping, hoping to discover Casanova's identity.
This story was filled with non stop action as Walker and Hayley track down 2 women who have vanished and stop Casanova. I had a feeling who was Casanova, and I was right, but the author added some twists and turns to the story plot.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romantic suspense book is intense because both characters were impacted by a similar trauma - one directly and one indirectly. They need their faith as well as perseverance to finally find closure and justice. I enjoyed how the characters worked together. This was a creative one.

Because this is the last book (at least for now) of the series, many of the characters that have already been in this series make an appearance. I enjoyed that part, especially since we were given updates on how their lives have progressed. Overall I enjoyed all of the books - 4 to 5 star ratings on all of them.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a great series! This series was my first introduction to Lynn Shannon. She has a true gift in writing fast-paced action with romantic chemistry. Of course, nay-sayers will talk about the predictability of the romantic part of the story, but the suspense and what-ifs on the action side definitely kept me turning page after page. The characters were genuine and heart-warming, flawed and fragile. All of them over-comers. I said this in book one, the only disappointment with the series was that the books were short (under 300 pages), but the story wasn't hindered by length, it just kept the reader wanting more!

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

That's exactly what happened to Hayley. As a teenager she was kidnapped and her best friend was killed so she has spent her life since trying to fight for anyone else in same circumstances through her time in the military. Now 10 years later her assailant is back. Her ex Walker and also her best friends brother has spent his time after leaving the military, investigating the case as well. Will they figure out that they make a good team and together catch this killer together? The Special Forces join together to solve another mystery .

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker

Last book walker gets his story, kind of odd how they all meet and bonded over military and ended up in the same town with some of them having history in the town.
I did wonder about the three week old baby, no one said anything about why it was with them.
I enjoyed this small town ex military men series, a different storyline from ex military men becoming bodyguards of sort.This was different they are ex but local love interests have stalkers (popular in this town) so they team together to help,the local chief glad of there help started calling them special squad thought that was funny.
I'm off to read another series now from the same author.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon is a good, and enjoyable wholesome clean sweet romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line, and the story is a well written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This is Hailey and Walker's story. They are a very lovely couple. The suspense and horror of the situation that they found themselves in will certainly have you on the edge of your seat. This story is a real page turning read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

ghosts of the past overshadow the present, as well as any future that might once have been for families that get swept up in the wake of a serial kidnapper, rapist and murderer

can one couple move out of the shadows to save each other and help to find resolutions to the cases of the missing and the dead?

it takes all sorts of families to build possibilities for new and different futures

intriguing whodunnit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn Shannon has written a wonderful and moving story. Walker list his sister in a horrific way. He is still studying the case to finally solve it. Hayley barely made it always from her abductor but still bears reminders. When she gets taunts from her captor, she turns to Walker. He will do everything to protect Hayley and his future with her. It is a great read that captures your interest and holds it to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.