Calculated Risk
2 Stars

Series note: The characters in this series appear in Crouch's Linear Tactical series (after book #8). That said, the plots are not linked, and each series can be read as a standalone. Crouch has a recommended reading order on her site for those who do want to read in order - https://www.janiecrouch.com/reading-order

Crouch's Linear Tactical series is excellent, especially her heroines, who never fail to evoke strong emotions. Unfortunately, this book does not quite live up to the expectations mainly due to the lack of balance between the romance and the suspense.

Perhaps it is the nature of Harlquin's Intrigue imprint, which is heavily skewed toward the mystery and suspense elements, but Tanner and Bree have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and the emotions that they do exhibit feel forced. Tanner claims to be attracted to Bree, but none of his words or actions reflect this ostensible attraction. Likewise, Bree supposedly has feelings for Tanner, but her social awkwardness makes it difficult for her to connect. It is possible that the romance will develop in future books.

The suspense plot revolving around a nefarious clandestine group called the Organization, which is trying to control the world, has potential. The idea of using a Trojan virus to control everyone's phones and thereby collect information is not outside the possibility and is actually truly scary in this day and age. That said, the villainous leader of the group is more smarmy than evil genius and is easily thwarted.

Overall, the characters are ok, but not sufficiently interesting to continue reading 3 more books. I will be sticking to Linear Tactical instead. ( )

This was an awesome read. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Onto the next book. ( )

Fantastic book with a frighteningly believable premise. Bree is a brilliant woman with a knack for computers. She has been in hiding for years after escaping from a terrorist organization that had been grooming her to work for them since she was a child. When she realized what they were doing, she destroyed what she could and ran. She keeps a low profile and moves often. But when a blast from her past arrives with a warning and a plea, Bree knows she has to run again. This time she has the added complication of her cousin's newborn twins whom she has to protect. Completely overwhelmed and out of her element, Bree eventually ends up in Risk Peak, where she is caught trying to steal diapers and formula.

Tanner is a law-and-order guy, but he can't bring himself to arrest the desperate looking young woman. He can tell she is running from trouble, something he doesn't want coming to his town, but he still wants to help her. I liked what he did for her, even though he hoped she would keep going on out of town.

There is an instant attraction between Bree and Tanner, but there is also suspicion and distrust. Bree hasn't trusted anyone in years, always aware that word of her whereabouts could get back to The Organization at any time. Bree is very self-contained, doesn't share her feelings with anyone, and keeps everyone at a distance. Tanner is suspicious of Bree from the moment they met, more so when she resists any attempt to unlock her secrets. As Bree is taken in by the town and given the help she needs but doesn't want to admit, Tanner realizes that Bree is more in trouble than trouble itself. He can't stop thinking about her and worrying about her, even while suspicious. He's determined to wait her out, using kindness and patience to work past her walls. I liked that Bree was able to trust Tanner enough to ask for help when she needed it. Working together allowed them to get to know more about each other and become friends. It's easy to see that there is the potential for more, but there is no rush to declare love. With a four book series with the same couple, there is a much more realistic feel to the progression of their feelings.

The suspense of the story is gripping and scarily believable. A terrorist organization has plans to dominate the world, and they are going to use people's cellphones to do it. As a child, Bree's computer brilliance was used to advance the software to do it, but when she eventually realized what they were doing, she took steps to stop them. However, they want her and her brilliant mind back in their clutches. Bree is determined to stop them, and the intensity of the story builds as she races against time to find a way to do so. I loved seeing how Tanner stepped up to help, also getting his Special Forces brother Noah to help. I liked the connections to both the Linear Tactical and Omega Sector books. There are some hair-raising twists and turns on the way to the final confrontation. I loved the brilliance and strength that Bree exhibited as she faced off against her nemesis. The ending was immensely satisfying and left me wanting to see more of Bree and Tanner.

I loved the small town of Risk Peak and the way that the people look out for each other. Tanner showed it by his determination to keep his town safe from trouble. I loved the café owners, Dan and Cheryl, and the way they took Bree and the twins in, no questions asked. It was fun to see how the townspeople would congregate in the café just to play with the twins. I laughed out loud at the hell they put Tanner through when they thought he ran Bree out of town. ( )