She thought she was finally safe, But her past won’t let her go. Sheriff’s deputy Tanner Dempsey is just doing his job when he stops a shoplifter trying to steal diapers and formula. But something about this frightened young woman makes him want to do more. Bree Daniels is grateful for Tanner’s help, but there’s so much she can never tell him… The truth is dangerous to everyone she lets into … everyone she lets into her life–and could be lethal to Tanner.
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Calculated Risk is the start of a new four-book series and if this book is anything to go by, this series is going to be off the charts amazing! This is a fast-paced read that sucks you in from the first page. There is plenty of excitement and a in this thrilling adventure. The characters are down to earth and likeable and Janie Crouch crafts a wonderful storyline. It is well-written with a continuous buildup of suspense and keeps you engaged until the end. I could not turn the pages fast enough in this story.
The dynamic between Tanner and Bree was wonderful. It doesn’t start off as an instant romance. Instead it starts with suspicion and distrust between the two of them that slowly grows into something akin to friendship. And when the ball drops and the cards need to be laid out on the table, it evolves into a hopeful potential for a future romance.
CALCULATED RISK is a story of suspense, intrigue, betrayal and power. The premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is subtle, and the characters are energetic and dynamic. A fantastic start to a new series!
This is a great start to this series. Bree and Tanner are good together. They are both leery of the other but know they need to work . if they want a future. Bree is running but she is also longing for the life that her friend has, so she does what only she can to get that life. Tanner needs her and he has to let her know. The ending was great and I am excited to read what comes next. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the first book of a new series but it is also a great stand alone. This story is set in current time and is very relevant to our time. The flow of this book is excellent. If I finish a book and feel like it was a long book that is not a good thing! I finished this book wanting more and the best part is that there are 3 more to come!! I love Bree and I loved how well she adapted to her unusual situation that was sprung on her unexpectedly! She handled her new responsibilities with grace and love. Tanner was the perfect fit for Bree. Tanner likes to take charge and fix things on his own but with Bree he was supportive and let her do her thing. That is something that is hard for a lot of powerful men but Tanner handles the situation perfectly. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and a little romance. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series.
I absolutely loved this story!!! It is written really well and drew me in from beginning to end. This book is romantic suspense, high on the suspense. I loved the characters. Tanner and Bree were fantastic. Bree has been in hiding since childhood/teen years from The Organization and has been on her own for years. She is thrust into a situation with twin infants and put on the run to stay away/ahead of The Organization. She ends up in a small town where Tanner is Sheriff. This story is fast paced and everything has that sense of urgency and danger, as every choice matters. Tanner knows something is not quite right with Bree. He wants to help but doesn’t know what is going on. He doesn’t know if Bree is good or bad, just that there is more going on than meets the eye. I loved the interactions between them. It takes time for them to build trust. This is not an insta-love story. Their romance/relationship takes time to build which stays true for Bree’s trust issues and the way she was raised. I’m super excited for the next books in this series. They continue to follow Bree and Tanner and I think this is really what works for this couple. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. This story does not have a cliffhanger. Things come to a head and are resolved with the action and crime aspect of things. This story is just weaved so well that I cannot wait for the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Very interesting going into this book knowing it’s a multi-book series with same characters. It was a really good book and I like knowing that more are following to continue the Bree and Tanner Thriller. Hopefully, I don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
Janie Crouch has outdone herself with her brand new series! Once you start the first few lines of this book, you have no hope of putting it down. It’s got non-stop intrigue, danger around every corner, adorable babies and good-hearted people that would do anything to help. With the first continuity of the same hero and heroine in Harlequin Intrigue’s line, we have three more books to look forward to that will portray Tanner and Bree, and I for one cannot wait! Loved everything about it!
When sheriff’s deputy Tanner Dempsey sees a young woman stealing diapers and formula, he knows immediately that he’s going to help her, but the skittish woman is quick to be on her way.
Bree Daniels thought she was finally free to live her life the way she wanted to, but life has caught up with her and she’s suddenly on the run with twin babies to care for and no way to do so. She’d love to take Tanner up on his offer of help, but she knows that doing so would put him in the cross hairs of the monsters on her tail!
I loved this book! The suspense had me on the edge of my seat but this story made me smile too.
Bree was brilliant when it came to computers. Even as a child she could write code better than just about anyone. But she didn’t want to do that for the Organization anymore so she ran away. Years later small-town sheriff, Tanner, caught her shoplifting. The attraction was immediate but both had reasons to not get involved with anyone. I liked this pair. Bree didn’t let her terror stop her from sticking up for herself or taking care of her friend’s twin babies. Tanner was the perfect small-town sheriff who felt it was his responsibility to look after everyone in town. If Bree was going to bring trouble to Risk Peak she had to go. I liked the way everyone in town liked Bree and loved the babies.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Not only is it a terrific romantic suspense but it is unique because it’s the first of 4 with the same couple and they are great characters. I am looking forward to hearing more about them.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of Calculated Risk which I am gladly reviewing.
(4.5) I personally feel this should have gone into a bigger book, not a harlequin intrigue, maybe there Mira where its a longer book, although this is book 1 in a series, yippie. This is non stop action and you need to start swimming from the word go. You get the information when Bree shares it. This makes me look at my phone with another set of eyes and even makes me investigate a little deeper what charities I give to. This is heavy on the action and a sweet romance. A nice change from some of the hot n heavy crammed into a thin book. I did figure out who the “helper” was of the organization before it was made known. (no spoilers) As always thank you Janie Crouch for an awesome read and I look forward to the rest of the series. Thank you for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.
A great twist of The Net
Bree, a secretive woman on the run, lands in Risk Peak where Tanner, the Captain of the county Sheriff’s department, runs into her at the local drugstore. As the story progresses secrets are slow to come out, trust is hard earned, and finding the right friends my be the only way out of danger. Janie Crouch’s Calculated Risk seems to be a twist on the movie The Net. Starring a rightfully paranoid, yet genius and reclusive computer hacker alongside a non-trusting law enforcement officer; this book twisted the reader in knots trying to figure out who is the enemy that got close. A great take on the movie and a wonderfully thrilling start to a promising new series.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
This story is a conspiracy theorist’s dream.
It is severely intense, from the very beginning it is spellbinding with its tension, riveting with the palpable fear, and the possibilities of the unimaginable terror that keeps constantly playing at the edge of the mind while reading… Oh my.
The tale has a smooth flow, it has chemistry, it has intriguing characters, plenty of action and suspense, the again — intensity, the power of this story is in its intensive and impressive fierceness.
And I like the small town vibe the story has, how they all stand together for one of their own.
As the story was unfolding I was fascinated to see how the organization and people behind it would give themselves out, how the plot would play out, what was going to happen, who was going to survive… The story took hold of me from the very first scene and kept it, and I’m looking forward to more in the next installment of this fiery series.
Would I have wished there was more romance — yes, but the story between Tanner Dempsey and Bree Daniels will continue to develop from here through the four books of the series. The only constant throughout the series is the couple, the trouble they face and the crimes they solve are new in each book, so no cliffhangers. The chemistry between them was hot, the connection was believable and the interest to learn more about their journey, and watch them grow in their relationship is definitely there, high, and arising.
For the first time, while reading a suspense story, I didn’t even stop to wonder if everything that was happening was believable or not. There was no need to, since the story was moving forward with such potent, compelling speed, that I didn’t care to wonder about anything, just holding on to my seat to stay on the wild ride.
It was fast, entertaining, edgy, and even a bit adorable and ardent, filled with twists, and the awareness level dial set to the maximum so that I might now be slightly paranoid myself, too.
Delightfully vigorous suspense and a marvelous start of an epic love story delivering pure unputdownable entertainment!
~ Five Spoons!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it was not as “steamy” as some of her other books, it was still a well developed story– full of suspense, and even has a surprise or two. I read Calculated Risk in one setting– and got none of my work done that day. I’m not sorry though; the read was worth it. You won’t regret it either. ALL of Janie Crouch’s books are winners!
I have adored Janie Crouch’s Linear Tactical series, so I was excited to try a new series by her. Especially a series where we’ll get to see the same characters book after book.
The plot follows a small town sheriff who runs into a down on her luck single mother. His Spidey senses tingle, in more than the romantic way, and Sheriff Dempsey finds himself in the middle of something far greater than his small town. The twists and turns the plot provides are amazing and keep the reader on their toes.
Bree is a bright and loyal woman hiding from a crazy past. She has so many secrets upon secrets to deal with it. Tanner is not only a good guy in a small town, he’s a family man with an amazing set of loyalty and morals. The characters in this story were so much more than just Bree and Tanner. The townspeople and town itself play such an important role to the story!
Tanner seems to fall for the shoplifting Bree right away. Bree has had less relationship experience, and her life has led her to not want any… But neither seems to be able to stay away from the other. And despite the crazy mystery and circumstances thrown in their way, they can’t stay away from each other. Their chemistry makes the romance part of this story work so well. It’s not forced, it fits in with the plot and adds to it well.
This was the perfect blend of romance and mystery. Just enough of both to keep the other in check. I read it quite quickly and was able to keep it all straight while reading. It was fun to see a few cameo’s by Linear Tactical characters.
I can’t wait to see what else these two have in store. Because I’m sure these two are the sort of people that have things happen to them without them meaning to. Though I hope we also get to read about a story about Noah soon!
Star Ratings:
Plot = 4/5 Characters = 4/5 Heat = 4/5 Writing Style = 4/5 Overall Rating = 4/5
A gripping suspenseful book. Bree Daniels, aka Bethany Malone, was in hiding. Tanner Dempsey knew there was more to Bree. The characters were well-developed. There were a few surprises in this story. A wonderful plot that flowed smoothly. I enjoyed this book and anything written by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book, in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The first in a new series that will feature the same couple in the four books. Bree and Tanner make an amazing couple, add in a pair of twins and what more could you hope for in a story. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and this book certainly didnt disappoint. It was very well written, great characters and I loved the town and its people. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
First in a new series staring the same couple, Calculated Risk hits the ground running. This is a definite page turner (I finished it in one sitting) with a great cast of characters and lots of action. Can’t wait to see where the author takes this series. Enjoy!
Bree has been running from her past for years. She left everything when she escaped. She has been changing locations in order to stay under the radar. When her cousin comes to her apartment, she is very vague. She tells Bree that she has to leave because “they” are close to finding her. When Bree goes to her car, she finds two babies, her cousin’s twins. Bree leaves town but doesn’t have enough money to keep her and the twins on the run for long. She is observed shoplifting by Tanner, the sheriff of the town she was passing through. Tanner doesn’t arrest her instead he offers her help. Bree refuses and tells him that she has to leave. He tells her to stop at the restaurant on her way out of town for something to eat. When she stops, the owners know that she needs help. They offer her a place to live and a job where she can keep the twins with her. As she waitresses, the owners and the local people take care of the babies, holding and loving them. As I learned more about Bree’s past, I found her to be a strong woman. She adjusted to providing for the twins and keeping them safe. Tanner knew there was more to Bree than she let others see. He was always watching out for Bree and trying to help her. When her past catches up with her. will she be able to escape with the twins? Will Tanner be able to protect her and the twins like he has promised? Will her cousin remain safe? Will she be able to stop the danger? I enjoyed this story and am anxiously waiting for the next book. I received an ARC for this book.
Bree Daniels, loner and genius computer hacker, has never been around children and now she is on the run…with two babies! She does not know how to take of babies, but she must learn and learn fast if she is to keep herself and her cousins’ twins safe. Bree fled from the “Organization” when she learned of their true purpose and she is almost out of money and the strength to continue. She finds herself hiding out in the small town of Risk Peak, Colorado, when Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Dempsey catches her shoplifting diapers and formula for the twins. Tanner and Risk Peak will be her saving grace as Tanner is immediately aware that Bree is in more trouble than she will admit. In Risk Peak, everyone knows everyone and Bree and the babies are soon enfolded in to the community as Bree continues to work to bring the Organization down. A brilliant and amazing story as we follow Bree’s efforts to survive while protecting the twins and Tanner’s continued efforts to protect her as danger draws near. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
this is a revitting story that is scary that this is going on and could get worse in the electronic monitoring of every one . Bree is on the run but has to take care of a set of twins who’s mother can not get away from the organization. but Bree cannot trust anyone, Tanner is a deputy and first sees Bree trying to stuff pampers and formula into the baby carriers and anywhere she can . he comes up to her and offer to help but she wants to leave. can he help her and will she let him, I was given a coy of the book but this is an honest review.
When I read a review for a “first in series” book I always want to know several things. First, did the characters grab your attention? Are they dynamic or a little flat? Second, is it a cliffhanger? And lastly, what were the reviewers overall impressions, including dislikes?
So for this book those are the questions i’m going to answer for you. I found the characters to be interesting. They behave in a manner that actual people would (which is a huge plus for me). They don’t seem flat or two dimensional at all. They express real emotions and they are able to make me feel for them. Not all authors can pull this off in my experience.
Cliffhanger…it is not. It leaves me wanting more but doesn’t stop in the middle of a scene.
My overall impression was very positive. I liked how the characters interacted with their environment, and each other. The side characters met all of my expectations. The action was realistic and well paced. I got a sense of how Bree was feeling throughout the book by her actions instead of always being told – I like that. I don’t really have any negative points about this book.
If you like romance coupled with action I think you will like this and all of the other Janie Crouch books I have read. Happy reading!
This is a book that will make you think twice about ever using your phone or computer again! With a thrilling, past-paced story that stops you from putting the book down, Janie Crouch has again written characters that come alive on the page, despite being slightly different than her usual characters. Bree is on the run, posed to flee at a second’s notice – until her sister gives her two items for safekeeping. Driving till she has nothing left, she finds herself in Risk Peak Colorado, and under the Tanner’s protection. There are twists and turns, a fabulous surprise at the end, and a building relationship. This is the first in a series – I cannot wait for the next one!