Even angels have their demons Jordan Reiss is well aware that if she was on fire the entire town of Oak Creek would probably go inside and make a sandwich. She can’t blame them. Her father scammed half the town out of their retirement funds, and then she… options and just wants to be left alone to live on the fierce Wyoming land she’s missed so much during her six years in prison.
Former Navy SEAL Gabriel Collingwood’s callsign may have been Angel, but he’ll be anything but to protect his sister. Especially from a pretty ex-con who has somehow weaseled her way into a job at his sister’s new bakery.
He doesn’t trust Jordan, even with her big gray eyes and quiet smile.
But when someone decides its time for Jordan to leave Oak Creek—preferably in a body bag—Gabe will have to put his distrust aside. Jordan needs her own guardian angel. And he happens to be one.
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ANGEL is a stand-alone steamy romantic suspense, set in the LINEAR TACTICAL series. Meet the former military men of Linear Tactical, and the women who bring them to their knees: The strongest fall the hardest.
A “less-steamy” version of this book (same great story but with toned down language and sensual scenes) is available on Janie’s website ~ If you like the heat level of Janie’s Harlequin Intrigue books, you’ll love the “less-steamy” version of the Linear Tactical series!
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I have been highly anticipating reading Jordan Reiss’ story after her brief appearances in the Linear Tactical series by Janie Crouch. In the last book, Shamrock, Jordan seemed to be getting closer to Violet’s brother, Gabriel. Even though it was more of a backstory, their scenes together were amazing and I could not wait to read more. Angel exceeded all of my expectations and is by far my favorite in the Linear Tactical series. If I could give this book a million stars I would. Yes, it is THAT good!
Jordan has a heartbreaking backstory. Her mom died when she was young and she was raised by a father that fleeced the residents of Oak Creek out of all of their savings. Needless to say, Jordan became the town’s most hated person. But, nothing could save Jordan when a tragedy happens and she winds up in prison. Now, that she is released and on parole, Jordan comes back to one place she loves most of all, her home in Oak Creek, Wyoming. All Jordan wants is to be accepted, but that is hard to do when the entire town hates her and makes her life miserable every chance they get. Her only saving grace is her friendship with Violet, our heroine from Shamrock. Only, Violet’s brother, Gabriel is none to happy with his sister being friendly with an ex-con.
Gabriel will do everything in his power to protect his sister, Violet. But, the closer he gets to Jordan, he begins to realize maybe she is not so bad afterall. Although he denies his attraction to Jordan, he can’t help be pulled to her. Gabriel’s protective nature kicks in and he vows to be her guardian angel. When Jordan’s life is in danger, Gabriel will do everything in his power to make sure she stays safe.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I LOVE Jordan and Gabriel. Jordan is so strong willed yet so vulnerable at the same time. She just wants to be accepted and tries to make things right with the people in town, but she is totally shut out, ostracized and bullied. Who can blame them with her past. But, Jordan refuses to be scared off the one place she considers home. Jordan’s story is so heartbreaking and emotional, but she perseveres through it all. She is a fighter and I loved this most of all. It was really hard to see how she was being treated by most of the town and my heart really broke for her. When Jordan meets Gabriel he tries to bribe her to stay away from his sister, but she refuses to be intimidated by him. Gabriel is attracted to Jordan, but tries to deny it at every turn. Their first kiss, though is explosive and the closer he gets to her, the more Gabriel tries to push her away. Gabriel totally makes a fool out of himself quite often says a lot of stupid things to Jordan. The more Gabriel starts to get to know Jordan, the more he can see Jordan is not what the town thinks of her and he begins to see her for who she truly is. Some of their scenes are so emotional and tear worthy.
I should have known better than to start reading Angel at midnight. I promised myself I would only read a few chapters and go to bed. I should have known better because once you start reading a book by Janie Crouch you will be drawn right in immediately. Crouch has such a way of keeping you glued to the pages and immersing you in her wonderfully written character driven stories. I am just totally in awe of her Crouch’s writing and she is definitely one of my favorite authors. The Linear Tactical series is one of my favorite series to date. Honestly, I am kinda hoping it never ends because I might cry! Not that I wasn’t already crying enough for this book. This book just had me all emotional!
If you enjoy a story that is full of heart and emotion and can bring you to tears, then you do not want to miss Angel by Janie Crouch. This is a standout story that absolutely captivated me right from the start. Angel is beautifully written and heartfelt. This is a story I will remember for a long time to come and definitely worthy of being on my keeper shelf.
Jordan Reiss and her destiny shattered my heart. Janie Crouch continues the Linear Tactical series with another strong female lead, Jordan, whom I admired while wanting to hug her, fight for her, defend her, and be her friend. Her life has never been easy, the obstacles and challenges on her way either accidents or fault of others, yet she takes the responsibility for them, makes the liability her own, the goal of her life to make restitution for those her father has wronged.
The way the townfolks treat Jordan had me in tears. All the feels come to the surface and the injustice towards Jordan made me want to take action. But through all the trouble, attacks, and aggression she experiences, she stands strong, tough, humble, and kindhearted.
I adored the joy Gabriel Collingwood brought to Jordan, all the firsts they experience together melted my heart. Their story is filled with passion, adoration, sweetness, and admiration.
Gabriel, the former Navy SEAL, is everything Jordan needs in her life, he is tough, protective, kind, caring, generous, and considerate. The only thing lacking is the one thing Jordan needs the most, being able to trust, blindly, at times. He’s in a crossroads in his life, wanting a new direction with the family company, and his own future career, after being ruthlessly betrayed by the people closest to him (read the previous book, Shamrock, in the series), and from that foundation, I could understand and even accept some of his actions and reactions towards the things happening around Jordan. I was able to relate to those deep wounds he has, the lack of faith in the fellow humans, after being so crossly embezzled. But his own experiences pale in the light of what Jordan faces next, and he can only hope they will be able to rescue her, even if she will never be able to forgive him.
When the fierce, detrimental, vehement action and suspense meets the fervent, heartfelt, adorable love story all the feels are in the play, the emotions run rapid, and the tears, laughs, sighs, and even good oldfashioned swooning happen. I loved every aspect of the story, it was easy to immerse into, the characters are likable, relatable, people I wanted to spend time with and invest my emotions in.
Jordan and Gabriel have to go through some rather deep and dark alleys to find the sunny, peaceful meadows in their lives, yet each moment of that journey is worth the growth and development their experience on the way.
A breathtakingly beautiful love story mixed with lethal suspense, a heartbreaking tale of new beginnings and forgiveness.
Linear Tactical is proving to be a must-read series, each installment as strong and powerful read as the last one.
~ Five Spoons
Oh My GOSH…my heart bled for Jordan and everything she has had to endure. This book has it all…more emotions than I could ever list and Jordan was the strongest person I have ever read about. Was Angel able to redeem himself and save Jordan from the evilness and from a broken heart?? Loved this one!!!
Heartwarming connections, sexy attractions and exciting turmoil! With the next book in her Linear Tactical series, Janie Crouch brings familiar characters back to help pave Jordan’s way back into town. Violet’s brother isn’t happy she’s working with this woman who seems to be a so unpopular around town, so he sets out to find out what she’s up to. He comes to learn that she’s been dealt a lot in her young life, and realizes she truly just wants to make amends … but people don’t seem ready to agree based on the continual threats and abuse she keeps facing. Really enjoyed their story!
Jordan Reiss has returned to Oak Creek, Wyoming after doing 6 years in prison for the horrible mistake she made. She knows the town hates her. Not only for her own doings, but also because her dad swindled so many of the townsfolk out of their life savings before he skipped town years ago. She doesn’t expect them to forgive her, but she hopes she can lay low enough to be able to peacefully co-exist because she’s really missed her home.
Former Navy SEAL Gabriel Collingwood isn’t sure what Jordan has done to swindle his sister Violet into hiring her to work at her bakery, but he’s going to make it good and clear that he has his eyes on her and isn’t going to let her get away with hurting his sister. Little does he now that he’s the least of her worries until he shows up time and time again to proof of how much she’s being put through by people around her. He doesn’t trust her, but he’s not going to let people continue to hurt her for something she wasn’t even responsible for. When the danger seems to step up, he makes it his duty to protect her … and as attraction continues to flare up between them, fighting it eventually feels futile.
Ah, Gabe. To say I wasn’t crazy about Gabe Collingwood in the last Linear Tactical book would be a fair statement, but he did show some redeeming qualities so I was excited to read his story. Gabe is all alpha male and fiercely protective, often to the point of saying and doing the completely wrong thing. At the same time, he loves with his whole heart and reacts without thinking when he thinks he’s been betrayed. Jordan is broken and full of self-doubt and recrimination. Life hasn’t been good to her, and she doesn’t expect anything better. This pair may not be perfect, but they are perfectly right for each other. Of course, it does take them some time to get there, and life throws them a few more curve balls along the way, but the Linear Tactical family protects their own like nobody’s business, and family by association is still family. Gabe and Jordan’s story is everything I expected and more. It’s emotional, steamy, and at times, heartwrenching. Add in the intrigue and action that this author does so well, and it’s a well-rounded, solid addition to this series. Angel is part of the Linear Tactical series and past characters do appear in each book, but can be read as a standalone. However, once you’ve met these wonderful characters, you’ll want more of them.
Wow! This book was one of the best. The story was good. I love the characters, even Gabriel when he was being an ass. Jordan is a strong character even when everything was falling around her. I loved them both. I got the less steamy version of the book, but there was still passion between the Gabriel and Jordan. If you have never read any of Janie Crouch’s books your missing out. She is one of the best writers on the market. I love all her books. And can’t wait for the next Linear Tactical book to come out.
Outstanding entry in Janie Crouch’s Linear Tactical Security series. These characters are so well written, rich and thee-dimensional. You can hear them in you mind, see their faces, and feel their hopes, dreams, and fears. Jordan and Gabriel have a wonderful chemistry that fairly sizzles on the page, and the story grabs you from the first page and never let’s go! I read an advanced copy of this book for the opportunity to leave an honest review. I’m so looking forward to more books in this thrilling series!
I think this is my favourite book of this series so far.
Jordan is so damaged, by her past, by her prison sentence, by what her family did and how the town blames her for it. Treated like a pariah by the entire town, her default is that people hate her and she is surprised when people don’t feel that way, particularly Zac whose wife and son she accidentally killed.
Gabe is suspicious of Jordan and protective of his sister, he distrusts Jordan but can’t help feel sorry for her, then he can’t help but feel for her.
Another exciting storyline and the slow build that we’ve had about Jordan comes to a head in a rush, with the book going at a fast pace to fit in all the twists and turns.
I loved how heartfelt Jordan was and how she just craved acceptance and normality whilst being fully accepting of why people treated her how they did, despite it being wrong.
I loved how Gabe protected her, and became her voice of reason, realising what was happening and shielding her as much as he could.
A rollercoaster of emotion in this book and both characters will make you laugh, cry and scream at them in turn, but in the end you will sigh in happiness at the end they find.
Excited for Dorians story next, a more mysterious man than I have ever met…
Jordan’s life has been turned upside down six ways to Sunday and yet she just keeps keeping on by putting one foot in front of the other despite the insults heaped upon her on a routine basis. Gabriel Collingwood is one of those guilty of suspecting Jordan at every turn and yet he’s also fascinated and drawn to her. As he gets to know her, he finally sees beyond all of her bad press to the hard working, selfless woman she is. He makes it his mission to make her life a bit easier. Unfortunately an old enemy surfaces that may undo all the trust these two have built between the rwo of them.
I forgot to write this review, which I never do. Ten lashes with a wet book cover for Kat.
This was the steamy version of Gabe and Jordan’s story. If I’m in for a penny, then I’m in for a pound. I don’t mind steam or language, as long as both fit the plot, and everything fit this plot just fine, thank you very much. And I believe there is a disclaimer in the blurb that points you to Janie Crouch’s website for a less steamy version.
Second, this story kept my interest throughout. The plot and the arc of the story were absolutely perfect for these characters. Jordan? I just loved her. She carried all that guilt and for whatever reason she spoke to me loud and clear. Gabe, as an ex Seal, friend of Linear Tactical, and a man (and a sexy one at that), was perfect.
Janie Crouch. I had never heard of this author until I came upon the first book in her Linear Tactical series. I picked it up because it sounded interesting. And here I am, still reading because her books are GOOD. That’s why we all read. We don’t read because we’re going to tear a book apart with a review. We don’t read because we don’t have anything better to do. We read because there ISN’T anything better to do. And frankly, if handed a Janie Crouch book vs a television show, the book wins hands down. Thank you Ms. Crouch for some very fine writing. But get your butt back into your writing cave, because I’m going to catch up to you soon! I swear my own personal motto for Janie Crouch is – She Hits What She Aims For.
Love this book so much that i read it a couple of times now. Just loving the characters and how their stories blend into the follow up books. This series won’t get old to me.
Poor Jordan. She has been getting dealt a crack hand time and time again. Loved the magnetic pull Gabriel (gabe/angel) and Jordan had to one another. He was hot and awesome with his fierce protection of her with the horrible things the town was doing. Until he was horrible himself because he thought she betrayed him. But his history with Edward and hurting violet it is a little understandable his trust issues especially with all the evidence that was stacked against her. Loved how sassy she was with him when she came out of her shell. Loved the ending.
I loved this book’s storyline. I loved the action in this story. Some parts of this story was heartbreaking . I loved the hot & steamy scenes. I loved Jordan’s character. My heart broke for Jordan. I loved Gabe’s character. I loved the ending. Awesome job Ms. Crouch.
When I got to the end of Shamrock, the previous book in the series, I was hoping Angel was going to be as exciting as it sounded. It definitely was. Jordan peeked my interest from the second she made an appearance. The fact that she was persecuted by the town the way she was just added to her strength. She accepted what she’d done, paid her due, and tried so hard to move on. Against the odds she won over Gabe and it was beautiful to see them come together. Janie seriously drew me in with this one and I couldn’t put it down!
Angel
Linear Tactical Series, Book 4
By: Janie Crouch
Narrated by: Tom Campbell
I thought Cyclone and Eagle were incredible when I listened to them, and so many times a series begins to lose steam, but not this one! Angel is the 4th book in the Linear Tactical series and it’s my favorite so far! Janie Crouch weaves a story around Jordan who we met in the earlier books. She knew it would be hard to start over in Oak Creek. After all, her father stole from so many, Jordan is going to take the brunt. But when things get tough, she just keeps going. When Jordan gets a job from Gabe’s sister, he is bound and determined to protect her from Jordan. Until he meets her. Now can her Angel, Gabriel protect her from the danger that is lurking? This is action packed, and so contemporary it’s easy to relate to. Jordan has been through a lot, and Crouch doesn’t give her an inch. She has made her strong and resilient. She is mature and able to handle so much, yet your heart will go out to her and want to help. Gabriel is every woman’s dream of the man you want to protect you. Smart, and never giving up, this man is the one you want on your team. I loved every minute of this one, it’s romance, it’s suspense and it’s amazing!
Tom Campbell brings it with his narration. I am loving his voices and his storytelling. He add so much to the book with the inflections and emotions just at the right time, and enough to give you the feelings each character is having. He is consistent between books too, with cameos by some we have already met previously. It’s a great listen!
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Jordan’s life was filled with tragedy. Her mother died when she was young, her dad left her when she was sixteen after he stole from the town. And to top off her tragedy, before she turned eighteen she fell asleep driving home and killed a woman and her baby. So she spent the last 6 years in prison.
Gabriel also had some tragedy in his life, his parents died and he had to leave the Navy SEALS and come home and run their company and take care of his little sister. He was her protector and as such he wanted Jordan away from her.
Jordan and Gabe’s story was filled with mistrust and pain. You felt for Jordan and wanted to fight for her when the town treated her bad. Gabe felt that way to and tried to be her protector and savior.
Through the twists and turns of this story, Jordan finally learned that she was worth fighting for and that she had friends that cared about her. Great addition to the Linear Tactical series!
I am voluntarily and most importantly happily leaving this review because I received an ARC. Angel is the 4th installment in the Linear Tactical Series and no less AMAZING!!!!!! I couldn’t wait to read his story after reading Shamrock, because I could feel the tension coming off the pages between Gabriel and Jordan. This story was fantastic from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down once I started just like with all of Janie Crouch’s Linear Tactical stories. Jordan is such a sweet, beautiful, kind soul who had a rough break from the very first book. She has lived with such tragedy surrounding her that she truly believes she’s not worth fighting for and that no one could love or care for her. Gabriel is a strong Alpha ex Navy Seal who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone when in reality he just continues to stick his foot in his mouth. Especially when it comes to Miss Jordan, she not only gives it right back to him she also takes his breath away. Will he be able to truly be her knight in shining armor like she needs and deserves. There is one in particular scene involving a box of tampons and disappearing for 36 hours that had me LAUGHING OUT LOUD!!! For that scene alone the book is worth reading. But I will tell you to be prepared for some times where you just want to scream and cry (both of which I did several times); even still you won’t be disappointed in this story and these characters. Janie Crouch is AWESOME and can’t wait to read her next installment with these fantastically wonderful characters.
This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It really pulled at the heartstrings.
Jordan has been through so much, and is still suffering. That is until Gabriel comes into her life. Could he be her guardian angel? Will she finally get a HEA?
When a guardian angel is sent, grab him by the arms and don’t let go.
Shunned by the town for committing a crime against one of their own. Having the bad luck of being the daughter of a man who scammed half of the residents out of their retirement funds. Jordan Reiss, with no other options, returns to Oak Creek after six years of incarceration.
Former Navy SEAL Gabriel Collingwood, aka Angel, does not trust Jordan, fearing that she weaseled her way into a job at his sister’s new bakery. One incident changes his views, and he becomes her “guardian angel.”
Whoever had the misfortune of being in Jordan’s shoes would know the feeling of unworthiness and despair that she felt, being blamed for something someone else did. Worse, for knowing that she was hated for causing a chain of events she had no control of.
No matter what you do, even if you strive hard to do the right thing, biases and misconceptions born of years of thinking they were right to shun you—everything seems so hopeless.
In today’s world where it is so easy to jump to conclusions; where hate, bigotry, and racism is at an all-time high; Janie Crouch reminds us to take a step back and say, enough is enough.
And what better way to do this, then, by looking at the world in the eyes of a child? Oh, you might argue, children don’t know anything, but that is just it! Children don’t know how to hate. They do not know how to look down on others. They do not look at the colour of their playmate’s skin. They will ask, yes, for they are, and should be curious about the world around them. Who are we really, to instill in them a fear of the unknown?
Like the song goes:
In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child
Jordan was a child when everything and everyone she knew she could count on turned her back on her.
LIke Gabe, we can help right the wrong that children see today. We can only be their guiding light. And, I hope, the light that we shine upon our kids is one that is filled with hope, joy and laughter because, the world we are in right now? We need our children’s light to glow for them to survive.
Just like the Archangel Gabriel is the guardian of truth and divine messenger, often depicted with a white lily in his hands, a symbol of purity and truth… The Archangel Gabriel is the one who helps us with tenderness and loving words to awaken our inner child.
Gabe brought the truth to light in Jordan’s case. Here’s hoping that Janie Crouch has, in her own way, given each and every one of us, her readers, hope that our guardian angel is walking among us. Or, maybe, it is her reminder that we can be the guardian angel to others.
4.5 Stars
Angel is the fourth title in the Linear Tactical series and features a pair of characters who appeared in the previous title Shamrock. The storyline of Angel, overlaps with several scenes from Shamrock, but is told from an alternative point of view.
Jordan Reiss has a heartbreaking past. She desperately wants to move on with her life, and to be accepted by the residents of Oak Creek. She’s incredibly intelligent, hardworking, strong, stubborn and resilient, but also incredibly vulnerable.
Gabriel is protective, especially when it comes to his younger sister Violet, and is determined to protect her even if he’s looking in the wrong direction. For such a sweet, sensitive, intelligent and observant man, he had a tendency to jump to conclusions.
Angel is a suspenseful and engaging story line with characters that are realistic, relatable and fallible.
I can’t wait to read Dorian’s story next with Ghost.