Book Review for SHADOW by Janie Crouch

Dragging an innocent into his war was never a part of the plan.


Heath Kavanaugh lost years of his life working for a covert agency that ended up being the enemy. Knowing they put something inside his head--constant, incomprehensible whispers--is driving him crazy.
He needs answers, but they're nowhere to be found.

What he definitely doesn't need is to fall hard for his Linear teammate's younger sister, Jacquelyn—the adorable linguistics doctoral student who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Especially when Heath's attention puts her directly in the path of a danger he thought was gone for good. To stop it, they'll have to figure out what's in his head. And hope it doesn't destroy them all.

Action, danger, and threats, mind manipulations and international crimes, sweet yet passionate romance with your best friend's baby sister - Shadow have it all, and it is wrapped into an entertaining and fast-moving tale that holds your attention. 
The oldest and most ardent Crouch fans (waving my hand vigorously) might recognize some of the base storyline from a novella, Covert Intents, that she first published 2015. There was a scene that triggered the recognition for me, yet it just whet my appetite towards the story, to find out how the story was expanded, changed, and brought into the Linear Tactical setting, and into a full-length novel. Certainly, it didn't disappoint! 
The Linear Tactical series with its ardent stories that at the same time spooked you and enamored you have become one of my all-time favorite series that I can't get enough of. There is the tight brotherhood, the humor, and banter between them, the palpable love and loyalty they have for each other and their loved ones, and the passion they have towards everything they put their minds into, not the least to protect those in their circle of their 'family'. Yes, the stories can be read as standalone books, yet I would recommend to read them in order, as some of the plotlines do continue throughout the series, and you can get so much more out of the story knowing the background to the events and to the team members. Like, for example, the mind-manipulation to Heath Kavanaugh's brain. 
While I got a thrill out of the mysterious manipulation tactics (that started in Ghost) and finding out the reasons and culprits behind them, I am happy to see that the relief for those who suffered the consequences of the crimes is here, and the particular storyline seemed to be wrapped up in Shadow. 
Both Heath and Lyn were lovable characters, so effortless to connect with. I loved the way they saw each other, how they brought the best out of each other, and the protective yet understanding way Heath reacted to Lyn's health problems. I loved Lyn's sharp mind, both of their ability to get languages, and her strong will that she was finally able to express to her male-dominated family as well. Lyn and her personality, her drive for independence and acceptance from her family, reign the tale when it came to the protagonists, as Heath and the insights to his background were staying more in the shadows of the strong heroine. 
Intense situations, secrets, betrayals, menace, and peril are tangibly part of the tale that engaged, engrossed, and charmed my mind.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the coveted RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie recently relocated with her husband and their four teenagers to Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military), after living in Virginia for nearly 20 years. When she's not listening to the voices in her head (and even when she is), she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.

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