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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Angel by Janie Crouch is book 4 in the Linear Tactical series. This is Jordan Reiss and Gabriel Collingwood’s story. Jordan has been a recurring character from the beginning. Her past has been tragic and my heart hurt for her. She got a really raw deal yet in her book, we see she is ready to take a stand and make a change in her life. In book 3, you could see Gabriel and Jordan were getting a bit close to one another. In book 4, this story overlaps on Shamrock’s timeline. Which enriches the story and adds another layer of excitement and steam.
Jordan is bullied by the townspeople and done wrong in so many ways. I wanted to throw my kindle many times because of how she was treated. Gabriel did at times factor in with stupid treatment towards Jordan because he couldn’t or wouldn’t face his true feelings towards Jordan. He is in love with her but doesn’t know if she is a good person when deep down he knows she is. It all goes back to what Jordan’s dad did. There are many secrets, many twists, turns, action, passion , heartbreak and romance. This read has it all. Jordan and Gabriel’ romance had me hooked- when I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The ending was phenomenal and has me psyched for the next book in this exciting series!!!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars ****
Angel was a wonderful edition to the Linear Tactical series. I had gotten a glimpse of both Gabe and Jordan in the previous story in the series, Shamrock and was eagerly anticipating their story. The author did not disappoint! The chemistry between Gabe and Jordan was intense and, although Gabe was a natural protector, Jordan could—and did—handle herself so they were well-matched as a couple.
Angel is a standalone story but as someone who’s been reading the series as they come out, I enjoyed getting to see characters from previous stories.
Looking forward to the next story in the series! It just keeps getting better and better.
A wonderful romantic suspense tale
Jordan, all around helper and ex-con, butts heads with Gabriel, tech company CEO and former Navy SEAL, when he makes assumptions and nasty remarks about her working in his sister’s bakery. As the story progresses the hits keep coming at Jordan, Gabriel starts to see her in a new light, and a blast from the past may just derail everything she is working towards. Janie Crouch weaves a wonderful romantic suspense tale in each of her Linear Tactical books and Angel is no different.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
ANGEL is the fourth instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult LINEAR TACTICAL romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former Special Forces soldiers who own and operate Linear Tactical, an Oak Creek, Wyoming business specializing in survival skills, security and protection. This is twenty-three year old Jordan Reiss, and thirty-two year old former Navy SEAL and owner of Collingwood Technology Gabriel ‘Angel’ Collingwood’s story line. ANGEL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
NOTE: Some of the events in ANGEL run parallel to, and cross over with some of the events in book three-SHAMROCK.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jordan and Gabriel) ANGEL follows the acrimonious relationship between twenty-three year old Jordan Reiss, and thirty-two year old former Navy SEAL and owner of Collingwood Technology Gabriel ‘Angel’ Collingwood. Eight years earlier Jordan’s world imploded when her sole surviving parent, Michael Reiss, scammed the town of Oak Creek Wyoming out of their retirement savings. Two years later, working several jobs to stay afloat our heroine is sentenced to six years for the death of a mother and child caused when she fell asleep at the wheel of her car. Fast forward to present day wherein Jordan returns to Oak Creek, Wyoming in an attempt to start over. Jordan, now persona non grata and the town pariah becomes the target of many twisted and unforgiving minds including former Navy SEAL Gabriel Collingwood, who is desperate to protect his sister, the woman who hired Jordan at the local bakery shop. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Jordan and Gabriel, and the fall-out as issues of trust, betrayal, lies and secrets continue to send Jordan’s life spiralling out of control.
All Jordan Reiss wants is to be left alone; to earn a little money to clothe and feed herself but the town of Oak Creek, Wyoming refuses to leave our heroine alone. From her father’s illegal scams that destroyed the small town, to the accident that killed a mother and child, Jordan is unable to forgive herself, or forget about the past. Falling for Gabriel Collingwood gave Jordan a hope for the future but like most of the townsfolk Gabriel struggles to look beyond the past.
The relationship between Gabriel and Jordan struggles in the face of preconceived notions, and Jordan’s history in Oak Creek, Wyoming. No longer a prisoner, yet still a prisoner, none the less, Jordan hides in plain sight as she continues to be the target of people looking for revenge, as well as the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Aiden Teague and Violet Collingwood (Shamrock #3), Finn Bollinger and Charlie Devereaux (Eagle #2), Zac Mackay and Anne Griffin (Cyclone #1); Linear Tactical warrior Dorian Lindstrom; Sheriff Curtis Nelson; as well as a number of business owners and townsfolk desperate to right a wrong brought upon Oak Creek by Jordan’s father Michael Reiss.
ANGEL is a story of betrayal, forgiveness, greed and love. The premise is heart breaking and powerful; the characters are energetic and dynamic but flawed; the romance is gritty and raw. ANGEL is an impassioned story of one woman’s struggle to move on from the past.
loved this book/series. highly recommended. Gabriel and Jordan are great for each other. It was great seeing Jordan get her happy ending after everything that she had been though. it was a page turner I couldn’t put it down.
This book has a rollercoaster of emotions. Jordan tries to live at her home even though the whole town hates her. Gabe wants to be her guardian angel and protector. Trust is hard for both of them, but they have an attraction that conquers all. The plot is filled with suspense. I highly recommend this book, along with the other Linear Tactical books.
This story was rough and I knew it was going to be. Gabriel is very hard to like. I wanted to, but words matter and he messed up, in big ways, one too many times for me. The story is excellent, but sad.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Jordan Reiss was a seventeen-year old, working two jobs and going to school, who fell asleep at the wheel and caused a horrible accident. Instead of being sentenced as a minor, she was sentenced to six years in prison and has finally returned home. She has no other place to live and must remain in the state during her parole. As if the tragedy was not enough, her father convinced people to invest with him and left town with their money. Jordan is working in a bakery and just trying to make it day by day. Although most of the town has turned against her, she does her best to stay under the radar, but becomes the target of vandalism at her home. Gabriel Collingwood, former SEAL (code name Angel), is concerned about Jordan’s presence in town as she is working for his sister, Violet. When trying to buy her off doesn’t work, he slowly becomes interested in and attracted to her. When an unforeseen danger threatens Jordan, Gabe and his friends will need to protect her and each other. An emotional story and amazing characters are what I have come to expect from Ms. Crouch and I am never disappointed. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
Angel is the fourth book in the Linear Tactical Romantic Suspense series, but each book can be read as a stand alone. Jordan tries her hardest to not stand out, to give the town space, and she just wants to be alone on her land that she loves. Gabe is her boss’ brother, retired military man, extra smart with technology, and a man she wants to both strangle and love. When Jordan is threatened, when her friends are threatened, who will she be able to turn to, lean on, and can she keep this budding love safe?
Oh. My. Goodness! I have been waiting for Jordan’s book since I first started in this series and I just absolutely loved it! Gabe and Jordan made me cry, laugh, and totally captured my heart and kept it safe! Jordan has this quiet strength, where yes, she’s scared and knows her limits, but she’s able to rebound from terrible situations and can find the total joy of life. Gabe has been betrayed before, but tries to still trust, and is so protective of those he loves. While he can be quick to jump to conclusions, he’s also quick to apologize when he needs to. I absolutely loved Jordan and Gabe together because they complimented each other, he gave her strength when needed, and she helped open his eyes to those simple joys in life. There is a lot that happens in this book, some of which overlap with Shamrock, the previous book in the series, but you might want to bring some tissues with you when you sit down to read this book because wow! The emotions that Jordan goes through, the events that they need to conquer together, oh they’ll pull at your heart! This series has completely won me over, I anxiously wait for the next books to come out, this is a series that I often reread, and I love, love, LOVED this book!
Oh. My. Goodness. Great book! I cried with heartbreak and I cried with happiness for Jordan and Gabriel. Wonderful characters, interesting plot, realistic dialogue and lovely romance. One of Janie Crouch’s best ever!
I have been looking forward to Jordan’s story and this is an outstanding one. Jordan has had a very hard life and most of the people in town hate her because of her father. Gabe (Angel) comes to town to check on his sister and finds out Jordan is working for her. He finds out about Jordan’s past and does not like that she could be a problem for his sister. Jordan’s problems only get worse and Gabe is surprised to find himself wanting to help her.
My heart went out to Jordan for the way she was treated and for all the problems she had to constantly overcome. There were things that happened to her that brought a few tears to my eyes. I loved how protective Gabe was towards Jordan and he did not ignore the attraction he felt for her. This is a fascinating story full of suspence, mystery and romance. This has been great a series; I have enjoyed everyone of them and look forward to the next one. I can’t for Dorian’s story.
I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
We’ve been waiting for Jordan’s story since we first met her, and it is heartwarming and hopeful, and sexy, and sad, and wonderful. A social pariah in Oak Creek, she has been demonized by most of the townsfolk, except those whose lives she herself actually affected. Gabe meets her when he tries to protect his sister who has hired her, and the sparks are not all bad. Jordan’s back story is devastating, and her courage is overwhelming. There would be no story if all ran smoothly – so there are bumps, fires, bottle bombs, and arrows along the way, but there’s also a great revisiting of the other Linear Tactical team members.
And next up is Ghost – yay!
Jordan Reiss hasn’t had much good in her life, and she finds it difficult to believe she deserves the kindness of others. Although he’s not sure he can trust her, Gabriel Collingwood is drawn to Jordan and is intrigued to uncover the person she really is. When her past returns to threaten those she loves, Jordan is faced with challenges she’s forced to meet in order to keep her friends safe, and Gabe’s faith in her will be tested to its limits, possibly costing them everything.
This is a gripping, suspenseful tale, full of emotions, intrigue and drama. There are moments that may just break your heart and moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Jordan and Gabe’s love story is a roller coaster ride that will grab you at the start, tug at your heartstrings with its twists and turns, and keep your interest until the very end. I love the way all the Linear Tactical characters are integrated throughout the whole series. I highly recommend this very engaging and entertaining story and series!
This is the fourth book in the Linear Tactical series and it just keeps getting better. This book is Jordan and Gabriel’s story which is a crazy ride for the whole town of Oak Creek. Jordan Reiss is somehow surviving as peacefully as possible in her home town but the people literally hate and shun her at every turn. She lost her mother at age 10, her father at age 16 – he split after he robbed the town of their savings and she was imprisoned for vehicular manslaughter a couple months short of her 18th birthday. Now six years later, she is released and returned to her family’s home just outside of town as she has no where else to go and no family or friends to contact. Jordan has one goal in mind, make and repay the $622,000 that her Dad stole from this town so she can truly live in peace and have her own cybersecurity business. Thus is no easy task since everyone is out to make her life more difficult until one day she is hired at Fancy Pants bakery for kitchen only work. Violet is not from Oak Creek and doesn’t know or understand that hiring Jordan could kill her business but it is the start that Jordan needs. It is also the introduction to Gabriel, who is Violet’s brother, that does not go well at all. This was another great story that as always unravels much about the small town and its occupants. I am anxiously awaiting for the next book in this series and the mysteries it will both create and solve for this amazing group of characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC.
Jordan and Gabriel are one of Janie’s most memorable couples. Jordan’s struggle to redeem herself in the eyes of the people in her hometown becomes an emotional journey of self discovery. She took the lives of a mother and child in a tragic accident and then carried the burden of her fathers crimes against the towns people. She kept her head down and accepted thier negative opinion of her with stoic grace. Jordan is a character that the reader becomes invested in, almost fiercely protective of. The catalyst for her working through her guilt and lack of self worth is her romantic relationship with Gabriel. Gabriel can be difficult for the reader to like at times. His inability to trust others leads him to make numerous mistakes with Jordan. Its her faith in him that leads him to become a better version of himself. While there is an element of danger, this story is not as action packed as the others in the Linear Tactical series. Instead, the he focus is really on Jordan and Gabriel finding thier way to each other.
The fourth book in the Linear Tactical series does not disappoint. My new favorite book from Janie Crouch. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
Jordan Reiss hasn’t had it easy since her mother died. Her father skipped out on her after stealing money form many of the towns people. She then goes to prison, with a harsh term because of her fathers’ actions, for an accident she will have to live with for the rest of her life. Coming home to the only place she knows is lonely and the town in unforgiving. Her mothers’ home is the only thing she has left. Trying to rebuild her life and gain the forgiveness of the towns people, she finds herself befriending, to her disbelief, the women affiliated with Linear Tactical.
After being injured in a planned attack on her boss Violet, she finds herself in the hospital and under the watchful eye of Gabriel Collingwood (call sign Angel). Gabriel doesn’t like Jordan’s involvement with his sister Violet’s business and doesn’t fully trust Jordan because of the reputation surrounding her father. Gabriel slowly finds himself trusting and falling for Jordan. So much so he gives her access to his business computers.
After a series of unexpected events in a short amount of time, Gabriel places blame on Jordan and doesn’t trust her explanation. He realizes his mistake and rushes to try to save Jordan hoping it is not too late to save her and beg for forgiveness.
Sorrow, love, friendship and suspense join forces to bring you a book you won’t want to put down. All your favorite characters from the series make an appearance keeping you connected to their stories and wanting to know what happens next.
I did not want this book to end! I kept swiping in hopes that there’d be more, a bonus scene, an epilogue, something!! I just loved this couple and their story, I wanted more time with them.
It was interesting how this story overlaps Shamrock’s timeline. It gave me a better understanding of what was happening with these characters then. Jordan was broken and vulnerable but so incredibly strong. I loved getting a look into her mind and watching as she grew and changed. Her relationship with Gabriel was captivating. Often I was left breathless or full of butterflies. I don’t know what it was about them but I was just so wrapped up in them.
There was a minute when I had to put my phone down, I was a bit frustrated and needed to take a little break…that lasted about thirty seconds and then I had to dive back in. Nothing could keep me from finding out what would happen next. This story didn’t have the same level of action the others did but that doesn’t mean it was any less riveting. Crouch, once again, combines a mesmerizing romance, with deep characters, an intriguing mystery, and some exciting action scenes. This is my favorite of the series and I can’t wait for Ghost!
This story grabbed me by the heart strings and never let go. The Linear Tactical Series is an auto-buy for me, and Angel kept me reading long after I should have been asleep.
Jordan Reiss has lived in Oak Grove her whole life, that is except for the six years she spent in prison for a terrible teenage mistake. Her Mom passed away, although she wasn’t much of a Mom and her Dad, after embezzling thousands of dollars from town people, disappeared. She is finally free and enjoying every breath of fresh air, has a job at the local bakery with Violet Collingwood, and trying to face the town hatred with a wall around her heart. She is working towards her “PLAN” and won’t be swayed. What she doesn’t need is Violet’s former SEAL brother Gabriel trying to buy her out of a job. Violet was a victim of human trafficking and nearly died. Gabriel doesn’t trust Jordan, but admires her backbone.
Gabriel, owner of a very successful Tech company is not going to let anyone hurt Violet. He had worked with Linear Tactical when she was kidnapped, and now counts them as friends. As he gets to know Jordan, he realizes what a miserable life she had even before prison. He starts to feel very protective of her, which turns into more. Jordan is afraid to let her guard down, but Gabe is causing her walls to crumble. Suddenly, danger is surrounding them and it will take Gabe and a few more friends from Linear Tactical to figure it out.
This can be read as a stand alone, but reading Shamrock will help understand the characters a little better. It’s a sexy romance, suspenseful, and keep some tissues handy!
Thank you to the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review this fascinating novel.
Pat Fordyce
Love, love, loved this book. I was so happy when Jordan was getting a story. What a wonderful character who was put through so much!! I was so glad she got an HEA. Of course the story had lots of twists as it progressed and some action. Gabriel was also a great character and was interesting in how he developed a relationship with Jordan. It was great to have characters from previous books making appearances. Loved it!!
I don’t have enough stars to rate this book or this series. I’ve been hooked since I read the first one and with each book it just gets better and better.
I was really looking forward to seeing how will Jordan find peace and happiness. That girl has been through so much and my heart was breaking each time something happened to her. That’s why I loved Gabriel so much. Even when he was being an asshole he still cared and loved her. She needed someone to look after her and he was just the right man for the job. I loved how he made her come out of her shell. And when the town finally came to it’s senses I was crying happy tears.
Janie Crouch has quickly became one of my favorite authors. I’m so happy after finishing this and I can’t wait to see who’s going after Dorian aka Ghost
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***