Sometimes the deepest scars are the ones that can’t be seen. Single mom Peyton Ward works three jobs to make ends meet. At Linear Tactical she’s surrounded by heroes on a regular basis…but none of them are hers. She thought she’d found one in Linear’s silent partner, and country music superstar, Cade Conner. She was wrong. Unintended wounds still cut as deep. Cade may not work day to day … deep.
Cade may not work day to day operations at Linear, but he takes the mission of the company he helped create—teaching survival intelligence and self-defense skills to the people who need them most—seriously. And finding out he’s wounded Peyton in the worst way possible weighs on him.
So when danger on two separate fronts closes in on her, he will damn well be by her side. Making sure they survive so he can right his personal wrongs.
He might not have been a Special Forces soldier, but Cade Conner knows how to fight. And Peyton is a woman worth fighting for.
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ECHO is the seventh 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-six year old, Nashville superstar and silent partner in Linear Tactical Cade Conner, and twenty-three year old, single mother Peyton Ward’s story line. ECHO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is reveal where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Cade and Peyton) ECHO follows the second chance romance between twenty-six year old, Nashville superstar and silent partner in Linear Tactical Cade Conner, and twenty-three year old, single mother Peyton Ward. Five years earlier Cade Conner had hit it big with he release of his new single, but falling for home-town girl Peyton found Cade struggling between his head and heart. With Peyton about to head to London, England to start film school, Cade headed to Nashville where he would become one of the biggest stars in the music industry. Fast forward five years wherein Cade returns to his home town of Oak Creek, Wyoming where he will come face to face with his past, a past with whom and what he struggles to come to terms. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Cade and Peyton, and the potential fall-out as Peyton’s past is hoping to end her life, and a betrayal forces Cade to take stock of his future.
Peyton Ward works three jobs in an effort to take care of the child she loves but coming face to face with her past brought with it too many memories of what was and what was never to be. Cade Conner had no idea the h*ll of which Peyton Ward endured within weeks of him leaving Oak Creek, Wyoming. Hoping to make things right, Cade Conner begins a slow seduction of his muse but with a stalker intent on destroying his life, Cade’s first priority is to protect the woman he loves and everything she has to offer.
The relationship between Cade and Peyton is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by circumstance, betrayal, secrets and lies. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We get reacquainted with the Linear Tactical team: Zac Mackay and Anne Griffin (Cyclone #1); Finn Bollinger and Charlie Devereaux (Eagle #2); Aiden Teague and Violet Collingwood (Shamrock #3); Jordan Reiss and Gabriel Collingwood (Angel #4): Dorian and Ray (Ghost); Heath and Lyn (Shadow). The reader is introduced to Cade’s Aunt Cecelia, as well as members of his security team: Mark Outlawson, writing partner Everett Templeton, best friend Blake ‘Baby’ Bollinger (Finn’s brother); Sheriff Curtis Nelson; and Peyton’s daughter Jess; her mother Renee, and her step-father Dennis.
ECHO is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and lies; a story of vengeance and retribution; second chances and love. The premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are colorful and energetic. ECHO is a fascinating and exciting addition to the author’s LINEAR TACTICAL series.
I loved the story. A strong plot line with wonderful characters. A book that grabs you from the beginning and holds you to the end
Janie did it again with such a great story. I absolutely love this series. I love little jess she is so adorable. cant wait to see what happens next.
This is an amazing series. I would say that this is my favorite and it is an amazing story but, I love all of them. It was a fast-paced, suspenseful story with wonderful characters. Cade and Peyton were endearing characters with great chemistry. There were misunderstandings but, underneath it all was a love that was undeniable. This is another amazing story and I would definitely recommend it and this amazing series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This is a wonderful addition to the A Linear Tactical series, it’s a standalone story. This book is well-written and fast-paced, there is plenty of drama and emotion throughout the story, Payton and Cade have a complicated history to deal with as well as loads of betrayal and hurt. I absolutely loved little Jess she was delightful. Loved this book and the series.
An ardent and adorable love story, with a touch a danger and violence that within an eyeblink sends chills down your spine… The story swept me away with the potent feels, it had me smiling and in tears, its focus is on the endearing second chance romance, that hit all the spots of young love between a rich boy and a poor, abused girl that ends with misunderstandings, a secret baby, and meddling family… After a detailed, long prologue by both of the main characters’ points of view, the story starts to flow effortlessly and smoothly, telling the tale of heartbreak, healing, and redemption, mixed with danger, abuse, and betrayal.
The Linear Tactical series has deservedly gotten a lot of praise from me, the characters and the situations they end up in are engrossing, entertaining, and gripping. Peyton Ward’s little daughter, Jess, and Finn’s son Ethan has won over the hearts of all the readers of the series. Jess and Ethan have often been the little light, heartening touch of innocence to balance all the darkness Linear Tactical guys face in their jobs. I love that smart little genius and the relationship she has with her mother as well as with Ethan. I loved seeing Jess interact with Cade Conner, and I loved that the parents were able to be mature about things and not keep long, unnecessary secrets to create more drama.
The relationship with Cade and Payton had honesty and realness in it, mix with the magic of falling in love. The connection between them was true and tight, able to withhold the test of time and circumstances. I believed in the connected, as I believed in them and cheered on to find the HEA they both so well deserved.
Each of the Linear Tactical stories stands on their own, yet are connected as series, and as one of my favorites, I do recommend to read all of them, in order if possible, to get the most of the developing relationships and storylines.
A fantastic addition to the series; to get the bright, light and love-filled future Payton and Jess have always deserved, they have to face deep, dark moments of utter fear, anxiety and threats, even deadly danger.
~ Four Spoons with a Teaspoon on the side
Two young lovers separated by people and things out of control. Peyton has to give up her dreams to work three jobs to support her and her daughter Jess.
Five years have gone by, and Peyton still has the same feelings for the man who disappeared. But anger, exhaustion and counting every penny hardens her. Cade O’Connor is a popular singer/songwriter that had despaired of ever finding Peyton. Then suddenly, back in their home town, there she is. They both have a lot of secrets and lies to work through, not to mention the danger that seems to be coming at them. But the one strength they have is love.
Echo by Janie Crouch is 7th book in the Linear Tactical series, which gives the readers the 2nd chance romance story of country superstar Cade and single mother Peyton.
Peyton has been featured throughout the series working 3 jobs to take care of her 5 year old cutie, Jess. She’s part of the LT family and Finn’s son, Ethan, and her daughter , Jess are the best of friends. Peyton has a past with Cade..one that is 5 years old. She has a violent dislike for Cade due to their history- a history that Cade may not even be aware of and due to that, she does everything she can to avoid him. She doesn’t know that besides him being a superstar country singer, and a multimillionaire that he’s also a silent partner in LT.
Theirs is a complex, complicated and intense relationship. Cade and Peyton are made for one another. Someone wants to prevent her/them from being together by any means possible. This is the heartbreaking part of the story. When you read this/these parts, you’ll understand. Ms. Crouch really expressed the characters feelings and emotions quite well. I felt like I was right there in the middle of it all. There was tons of drama, angst, twists, danger, action-adventure, suspense, intrigue, passion, excitement, longing, heat, joy, forgivness and true love.
This was such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read the next book in this exciting series.
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
Get ready to feel all the emotions from happy, angry, love, disappointment and so much more. This book has it all. Be prepared to not want to put it down once you start. A part of the Linear Tactical series, Echo holds its own, but is great if read in order as it references other members of the series. Jamie Crouch weaves an amazing story in this second chance romance including a happy ending. Misunderstanding and assumptions get tangled in jealousy as a stalker tries to frighten Cade and steer his career decisions. Peyton and her daughter are in the way of the stalkers agenda and are thrust into the chaos. A must read! (Arch Review)
Echo by Janie Crouch
I don’t like to give stories away with the reviews that I write but let me just tell you how amazing this story is! There are some parts in this book that I can’t stop thinking about. When a book moves you to think about family members or friends in a new or different way it has done a wonderful thing.
Peyton Ward is from the wrong side of the tracks but has aspirations for great things. She fakes her address as a teenager going into high school by using her work address to go to the advanced arts high school that is out of her district. The gas station where she works to escape her horrible home life. She also falls for the handsome senior who was a football star and had the most beautiful baritone singing voice. One night her car breaks down and she is close to Cade’s family’s lake cabin. Cade is there and they spend a special Ishtar together.
Peyton finds herself in an awkward situation. She is supposed to go London Film Centre to further her studies in film but she is pregnant with Cade’s baby after just one night! Her life takes on a completely different direction then she planned.
Cade had the best night ever with Peyton but after their one night together she never contacts him again. He thought they were so good together. He buries himself in his music to get over her. Why didn’t she ever call him? He gave her every way to get in contact with him and she never did.
This story takes you for a ride that you will not forget. Hold on tight because this story will rock your world. Love, loss, sadness, loneliness, friendships, twists,turns and action packed doesn’t even begin to describe what you will experience with this story! This is a truly 5 star read!
Another winner in this Linear Tactical series. I couldn’t put it down. Love Peyton. She’s a single mother and working hard to provide for her daughter.
When she sees Cade after all these years it’s not easy.
Cade can’t believe Peyton is working at his aunts house, his as well.
See what happens next. You will laugh and be at the edge of your seat…A must read book.
Another hit for Janie Crouch’s “Linear Tactical” series.
This is Cade & Peyton’s story.
He is home in Wyoming to bury his father.
He & Peyton get together for one night comfort and passion.
She has a chance to attend film school in London. But an unexpected pregnancy cancels her plans. No way to let him know he is a father, since his aunt blocks any attempts.
Cade’s working on a music career in Nashville.
He comes home several years later only to find her cleaning his aunt’s house.
Not necessary to read to series, but I like it better that way, so reoccurring characters are familiar.
Peyton and her daughter Jess have been regulars throughout this entire series and now we finally get her story and what a heart wrenching story it is. No one has ever knows who Jess’s father was but finally the truth comes out it is the silent partner of Linear Tactical and country singing star Cade Connor (O’Connor). When Cade finally discovers the truth he is determined to get back the only woman he has ever loved but with danger circling and Jess getting caught up in the stalker that Cade has acquired you just know that Linear Tactical will need to help What they don’t know is that the danger is much closer than any of them realise. Will Peyton forgive Cade will he forgive his family and can they have a future together. Once again this is a book that draws you in from the very first page and keeps you engaged I always know that when I pick up one of Janie’s books I am in for a very late night because I can never stop reading until I tuen the last page but I have to say my local take away loves it.
Holy smokes this author does it again with another page turning read that had me glued to the seat. Peyton is a single mom and works for Linear, cleaning their offices part time. Her four year old daughter Jess, has captured the hearts of everyone at Linear and is one smart cookie. She doesn’t know her dad and Peyton doesn’t want her dad, Cade, to know about her. Cade a country singing star and has returned home after many years and actually runs into Peyton, the only woman he has ever loved but he doesn’t understand why she looks like she’s afraid of him and runs away….and their story begins and it’s not to be missed.
I LOVED these two and how devoted Cade was to Peyton and what he does to show her that yes, he has thought of her over the years….melted into a puddle. Not only that but Peyton, a strong woman who will do anything for her precious daughter. Can’t forget Jess, what an adorable little girl who steals the scene more than once but not to be undone by Ethan, her eight year protector and that scene with him and Cade….WOW.
This story has it all, steam, suspense, amazing characters, twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Once again the story flows beautifully and doesn’t miss a beat but I shouldn’t be surprised since this author is one of my go to’s when I want a read that is filled with the above and no over the top drama.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Surprised! I know I should never be surprised with Janie Crouch great writing, but I was with this book. I am not a fan of second chances. This one was not the usual ongoing of miscues, mistakes, etc. They are there of course, but deftly done and definite part of the plot. Thrilled with the pov from their High School days. Fell in love with Cade myself. Peyton is one strong single mom specially with her background. I loved the Jess interaction with adults and Ethan’s with Cade. I have to admit I knew from the get go who the culprit was with the danger, but even that had a twist. This can be read as a stand alone, it tugs on heartstrings, makes you laugh, and makes your heart thump. Thank you Janie Crouch for the arc, for taking the repetition of second chances and shaking it up, making me smile along the way. I freely volunteer to share my thoughts and opinions. Nothing was requested or required.
I love this series and this book, Echo, is a great addition. Cade never forgot his first love. Peyton never forgot Cade but can never forgive him.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This is a second chance romance. I really enjoyed Payton, Jess and Cade’s story. I thought it had just the right amount of angst, drama and suspense. I loved watching how all the pieces were falling into place and seeing if my guesses were correct. I really hope that Baby gets a story too. I can’t wait to see what Janie writes next. Happy Reading
Peyton’s is the story I think I’ve been dying for since the beginning. Cade is just pretty much perfect, even though he’s not a hero in uniform, which was a bit of a departure for the series. Also different in this book, is that the intrigue and danger are more secondary to the story of Peyton and Cade finding their way back together after so many miscommunications and misunderstandings. Somehow, as much as I loved Peyton in all those previous books, in her own she frustrated the living daylights out of me. I loved seeing how much she accomplished by herself, how fierce and independent she was. But she used that independence as a shield to keep her from accepting help and to punish Cade long after he’d atoned for the sins that were his own. Almost more than seeing Peyton’s happy ever after, I was in this one for the kids. Jess is just a precocious ball of sweetness and light. Giving a story filled with lots of big emotions, as well as action and suspense, some much appreciated comic relief. And Ethan, who only plays a very minor role in this book, gets the best scene of all. I was very nearly in tears for how extraordinarily special it is. I don’t know who’s up next to find their forever, but I can’t wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
Every time I think I have a favorite couple in this series, Janie Crouch gives me another to rival the last. So, I’m just going to say that I love all the couples in the Linear Tactical series, this one included. Cade and Peyton have history, maybe even more history than Cade’s aware of. As I read Cade and Peyton’s story, one phrase kept coming to mind – star crossed lovers. Of course, I won’t go into how far the whole star crossed thing may have gone (no spoilers here). As for the romance, Cade and Peyton are good together, and they both tug at the heartstrings, together and separately. Cade is an absolute sweetheart, and Peyton is such a strong character even when she doesn’t seem so. And when you find out her whole story, she only earns that much more respect. Then we have the scene-stealer! Little Jess is a hoot. She’s full of spunk and vinegar, and she’s larger than life with her impromptu conversations. As much as I love all the characters in this series, Jess is hands down, the one who stands out, the one you can never get enough of.
Then we come to the suspense part of this romantic suspense, and the author gives us a double whammy, so this couple is hit from both sides. We have a fair amount of red herrings, each one pretty equal as far as plausibility, and I did guess at least part of it. However, there’s an excellent twist thrown in that I did not see coming.
When you put it all together, what it all boils down to is another thoroughly engaging romance with terrific characters, suspense, edge of your seat danger, and we even get to catch up with past favorites in the series while Echo still stands on its own. We do get a little bit of a hint about what’s next in the series, so I’ll be anxiously waiting to see where the next addition to the series takes us.
Echo starts at 100 miles an hour and doesn’t let up until the final page. Crouch is at the top of her game with this installment of the Linear Tactical series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.