Dorian Lindstrom, codename Ghost, knows everyone breaks under torture. His five weeks in an enemy prison taught him that with unmerciful precision. He’s put his life back together as best he can with the help from his brothers at Linear Tactical.But he’s never gotten over his love for Grace Brandt, her part in his capture, or the fact that she died. But sometimes the dead don’t stay that way. … sometimes the dead don’t stay that way.
Grace knows her past can’t be forgiven. She’s stayed hidden as long as she could, but now the secrets slowly suffocating her won’t stay buried any longer.
And the man she helped break, the man she’s always loved, is the only one who can stop this nightmare.
She’ll need a Ghost to fight her demons, and he’s more than willing to prove she’s worth the fight.
The Ghost will rise.
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You know that feeling when you can’t wait to get your hands on a book and you have all this expectations but then you read the book and it’s even better than you hoped?? This was that kinda book for me.
I was drawn to Dorian since book one. His quite presence in the previous books had me sitting at the end of my seat bursting with need to see how his story plays out. And Ray was his perfect match. I loved her strength and how she fought to keep her demons at bay. They might had huge obstacles to overcome but at the end it was all worth it.
I’ve been a huge fan since book one and with each one just when you think the enemy is done for and you have everything figured out, a new one shows up to make things more interesting. This series just gets better and better with each book and I can’t wait to see how this tight group of friends battles the next enemie as a united front.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Fabulous rollercoaster of feelings, i couldn’t put it down.
I loved Dorian since the beginning of the story as he is the most damaged member of the team but still determined to be there for his friends and brothers. We learnt that he was tortured before in the story but in this book we get a deeper insight into what he was submitted to and i just admire him even more now as i’m sure few could do as well as he is doing and still believe in humanity after what he suffered.
Grace or Ray as she wants to be called now also suffered greatly even if she doesn’t realize it completely yet. As she discovered that they were lied to she tried to take measures, she loved Dorian and wanted to protect him for that she had to do things that put weight on her soul even if most of those were just and needed….She had to make people believe she was dead and given up on a lot more…she made some definitive sacrifice for her country, as she believed then. Now years later someone is killing their group and she takes new risks ….always for Ghost/ Dorian.
Both are deeply damaged and in a sense that’s why their are perfect for each other, as few could understand their reactions and switch in behaviour. Still we would love them to get a real HEA one day because they sure paid a big enough price as we discover along the pages. They have a family with the Linear tactical team , they deserve no less.
The story is wonderfully written and with a lot of twists; i did guess the reason of her nosebleeds but the author still managed to surprise me. The only disappointment: I felt as the villains got it too easy …comparing to what Dorian and other went through i wanted the bad ones to suffer and at this point i don’t consider it enough But it’s a kind of cliffhanger, they still need answers so these events are not completely finished yet so it could still happen ( sure hope so).
This is really an excellent military romance i recommend without hesitation ( but with some tissues for this one)
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This is another great story in the Linear Tactical series, it can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading the previous books first.
Dorian aka Ghost has plenty of reasons for his PTSD, but the death of Grace, the love of his life, haunts him more than when he was tortured. But now he’s sure that Wraith (Grace’s codename) is back.
There is plenty of action and intrigue, drama and sizzling steam. Loads of betrayal, hurt and anger. Really a good book, kept me interested throughout the story. I honestly can’t wait to read Shadow next…
This book has it all. A page turner to be sure. I love this series. Dorian aka Ghost, and Ray aka Wraith haven’t seen each other in 6 years. Ghost believes she’s dead. But he feels she’s not. Is he going crazy? Maybe so but he needs to find out. His friends who are
His and family mean everything to him. He will protect them at all costs.
Must buy. I couldn’t put it down. I finished in one sitting.
Love Dorian and Grace. When I was picturing someone for Dorian it was between someone like Grace or a sweet almost innocent woman. I am glad Janie went with Grace, hard around the edges but caring inside. Their story will bring tears to your eyes, make you curse, and totally fall in love with them. Ghost and Wraith are perfect and made for each other. Page turner to the end. Can’t wait for the next in series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.
With Ghost, Janie Crouch delivers again. I’ve read each book in her Linear Tactical series and each book is as good, if not better, than the previous. In fact, I can’t wait for the next one. Anyway, if you like a steamy, suspenseful read with well-developed characters and a HEA, then this book– and the entire series are for you. Go ahead; get it and read it. For sure, you’ll find yourself waiting anxiously for the next Janie Crouch book/series.
I have been looking forward to Dorian’s story since the first book, and I was not disappointed. I saved it to read on a transatlantic flight, and I have never had one go by so fast! Dorian intrigued me from the first book. He is an integral part of the Linear Tactical team, but he also holds himself a bit apart. He is always there when he is needed, but works quietly in the background. Bits and pieces of his story were revealed in earlier books. He is haunted by his past and suffers from severe PTSD that frequently sends him off into the woods alone. In this book, we finally learn that during a black ops mission in Afghanistan Dorian saw the woman he loved die in an explosion just before he was captured. He survived 41 days of torture before his teammates found and rescued him, leaving him broken in mind and body. It was the love and support of his LT teammates that brought him as far as he has come. But lately, he has wondered about his mental stability as he seems to feel Grace’s presence in the forest around him. He was somewhat relieved when there was evidence that she is alive and determined to get some answers.
Grace has remained “dead” for six years as a way to keep the man she loved alive. She discovered some horrifying information that threw everything they had done and endured into question. She made decisions and sacrifices that affected her to the point where she doubted her own humanity. When the members of their black ops unit started dying under suspicious circumstances, Dorian was the only one she trusted to help her find the killer. But there are things that he doesn’t know, and she was determined to protect him from them.
While this is one of the most heart-wrenchingly emotional books I’ve ever read, some moments serve to relieve the tension. One of those scenes is when Grace/Ray is watching Dorian as he teaches the teen boys their survival skills. She is convinced that he has lost his edge because he doesn’t appear to realize that she is out there watching him. I loved how intensely aware he actually was, and the confrontation between them when he caught up with her. It did go a little dark then, as his methods to get answers were a bit forceful. There are some intense, sometimes scary and sometimes amusing back and forth encounters before they finally reached the point where they could work together. One thing that hadn’t changed was the intense chemistry and depth of caring between them. I was moved to tears when Dorian had one of his PTSD episodes when he was alone with Ray, and the lengths she went to to help him. I ached for her and the torment she endured over the information she kept from him, and his reaction when he found out. At the same time, nothing could kill Dorian’s love for her, and the depth of that love was evident as Grace faced the greatest betrayal of her life. I loved the ending, and how the life they build together shows them as the soulmates they were always meant to be. “You and me. Always. Everything else is secondary.”
The suspense of the story was riveting. Ray’s belief in Dorian’s inability to be the killer, but with just a modicum of doubt, got the story off to a rip-roaring start. Each fact Ray revealed about Crypt and their missions was more horrifying than the last. The twists and turns as Dorian and Ray closed in on the killer kept me glued to the pages. The closer they came, the greater my suspicions were about who was involved. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with some fantastic action on the part of Dorian and others. Ray both blew me away and broke my heart with everything she experienced before it was all over. There are still unresolved problems, though, and I can’t wait for Shadow’s story to see what happens.
Once again, one of the most significant parts of the book is the tight bond between the men of Linear Tactical, which now includes the women they love. One of my favorite parts about this one is the support and understanding that Dorian gets from all of them. No one looks sideways at him or tells him to get over it when he has to retreat to the woods during his dark times. I adored the part when Dorian brought Grace to the bar, and the women went all protective on him until he made his feelings for Ray clear. Then she immediately became one of them. Even when the guys were suspicious of Ray’s actions and disappearance, they showed up when Dorian needed them most. “We’re family. Family fights, but we don’t turn our backs on each other when we’re needed.”
I thought Book 4, ‘Angel’ of the Linear Tactical Series was to the extreme on intensity and emotions but, Book 5, ‘Ghost’ takes it to another level. This is not just a romance between two people who are attracted to each other. No, this book goes beyond the emotions, passion, the building of a relationship, it brings external forces that create bumps in the relationship betweeen Dorian and Ray that are the size of Mount Everest. These characters are flawed and hurt for the things that they have done in their past but, you hold on to hope for them. You pray they survive and get a happy ending just like everyone else.
There are some twists, turns and surprises that you could puzzle out and then some of them that knock the breath right out of you. At one point, I could not figure out if it was possible for these two courageous and broken people manage a relationship because the events of the story are so heart wrenching and devastating that how could anyone love that much. It felt crazed and impossible to me for Dorian and Ray to get to a place of peace and togetherness but, wanted it all the same. Janie Crouch does not disappoint her readers with her amazing ability to weave powerful stories. This is definitely a book for those suspense romance junkies.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
This book outdoes any of the other Linear Tactical books, in my opinion. It turned out better than I could have imagined. Dorian and Grace were perfectly matched in every way and their personal journeys back to each other were both heart-breaking and heart-warming. There were so many warring emotions present in this read as well as many obstacles they had to overcome to find their way home but it was an amazing journey. The heat and passion of each character was deliciously wrapped within the tensions and dangers surrounding them and a disturbing truth that was brought forth. Everything expected from Crouch’s writing is delivered in this book and more from the romance, tight brotherly bonds, witty banter, funny moments, air of danger, constant suspense, underlying mystery, to the deeper connections forming between the whole gang, as well as an array of emotions to experience during this story. There was so much going on in this book, it was definitely a page turner beginning to end. Crouch pulls out all the stops on this one and the series just keeps getting better. I cannot wait to see what she has in store next for Shadow.
*I received an advanced copy of Ghost from the author. Under no obligation to read/review this story, I have voluntarily done so and I am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own. Thank you, Janie Crouch, for the fabulous read!
There is once again intrigue, suspense, romance, kick-ass characters, covert missions and surprising encounters (the list goes on) that will have fans/readers glued to the edge of their seats.
The two main characters in this heart wrenching story will have the readers not wanting to put down the book until THE END.
Ghost is the 5th story in the author’s Linear Tactical series.
Ghost is the code name for Dorian Lindstrom that was given him when he used to be in the Special Forces serving along with several of his present day team mates who started their business called Linear Tactical.
Dorian’s name has been mentioned throughout the Linear Tactical series.
As the story unfolds it is revealed Ghost/Dorian Lindstrom had a VERY close relationship with a female operative with the code name Wraith.
Grace Brandt/Ray is the actual name for Wraith.
Both operatives were on different “missions” when Ghost watched as a building Wraith was in exploded. Distracted by the explosion, Ghost was captured and taken to an Afghan prison and tortured for weeks before he was rescued by his Special Forces team mates he met while serving in the military.
The brutal tortures he suffered while being in prison continued to stay with him.
Throughout the years he starts sensing someone watching him.
Ghost finally captures the person watching him and realizes Wraith is still alive.
Interrogating Wraith for hours the past starts unravelling and reveals the reason why Wraith “died” years ago.
Wraith finally tells Ghost about some of the blackmail, the covert “missions”, the assassins, traitors and questionable/unexplainable behavior that was and is still ongoing.
She is determined, along with Dorian, to find out what went wrong and what is going on now.
I do not want to give away the story, but I promise you you will not be disappointed reading this book.
The incredible way this author weaves her stories hit me one night after reading Ghost. Her stories remind me of the storyteller in 1,001 nights Scheherazade—she too has the talent in writing her stories and leaving her readers waiting impatiently for the next story and there is no cliff hanger leaving you in the dark. Her characters do leap off the pages.
She is definitely hands down my favorite romance/suspense writer and I have enjoyed reading every one of her books.
After reading this book, why not look at the other books in her Linear Tactical series and then check out her Omega Sector series and her Instinct series and maybe they will keep busy until the author publishes another book
This is one of those books that deserve “10 AMAZING STARS” for the sheer writing genius alone. This is book 5 in the Linear Tactical series and it features Dorian/Ghost and Grace/Ray/Wraith. The plot, the action and the characters were FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! Grace was not how I pictured Dorian’s love interest to be and that’s probably what made her all the more real. The story played like a movie in my head. There was one moment that disappointment in a group of characters hit me hard. I couldn’t believe what happened had actually happened.
This book was not what I expected. It was so much better. A book written in a non-typical, special way, for a special character named Ghost.
BRAVO!
Awesome!!! I knew this book in the series would be great but it’s such an awesome story. This is a military romantic suspense. Ghost (Dorian) has severe PTSD due to being captured & tortured during his military service. Wraith (Grace/Ray) was his military equivalent and a ghost from his past. This book goes deep into some of what PTSD does to individuals but also mind control. The main characters and cross over ones from previous books development was fantastic and made them real. The story line was tough but keeps the reader turning pages. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Crouch especially in this series.
Dorian has not been right since he was held prisoner , but now he thinks his girlfriend , that died over there, is watching him. if you like stories that have alpha males and the strong women who love them, with suspense and steamy romance you have to read this story. I was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. this story goes into some scary things that go on but it is a great story
I have been intrigued by Dorian’s character since the first book of the Linear Tactical series and only grew to love him through the books. Janie did not disappoint with his book! Dorian and Ray are such awesome characters and, to me, the only ones for each other. Dorian (Ghost) was broken in an Afghani prison six years ago. He thought Grace (Wraith) was killed the day he was captured. After his rescue by his special forces team/brothers, they all wound up in Oak Creek and started Linear Tactical to teach self-defense and survival skills to civilians (and do a few government contracts). His brothers helped him heal physically and in some ways mentally. But now he’s seeing Grace. Only one problem, she’s dead.
Grace has been fighting forces that are now closing in on her and she has to turn to the only man she’s ever loved, Ghost. Her “death” helped break him. She knows he can never forgive her, but she also knows he’s the only one who can help her. Ray’s journey back to Dorian was emotional and heart-wrenching. You can read this books as standalone books, but they’re do much more enjoyable read as a series as the characters all interact with one another. This was such an incredible book and well worth the wait!! Janie, you nailed it!! Now the waiting for Shadow begins….
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author.
I don’t know that I even have the words to review this book. Ray/Wraith warned about the fire in Angel, and the reader finally meets her here. Dorian/Ghost has believed her dead since he was captured in Afghanistan, so assumes that his sensing her is another manifestation of his unstable mind. The sheer mental and emotional strength of Dorian and Ray is breathtaking – literally. Dorian withstood imprisonment and torture in an Afghani prison; the horrors Ray has experienced and been forced to commit are equally mentally destructive. This book abounds with surprises, suspense, and the evilness of those that don’t care who they destroy to achieve their aims. Almost anything about this book would be a spoiler, but this is a book I could not put down after starting it. It is not an easy read; it is gut-wrenching and heartsore, and it leaves you grateful not to have been put in the position of either of the protagonists. Once again, Janie Crouch has outdone herself. I have seldom recommended a book as unequivocally as this one.
I read an advance copy of this work, and the views are exclusively my own.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. So, when I read the first book by Janie a couple of years back, I was sure, the Instinct series is absolutely blowing-your-mind… And now Ghost, the 5th book in the Linear Tactic Series, I had very, very high expectations as you got to know him and his background a little more by each passing book. Well, thank you very much Janie for keeping me up all night and barely keeping up at work the following day due to lack of hours of needed sleep! Anyway, this book is absolutely brilliant. Never will you ever guess, how and what will happen and what decisions will have to be made to simply stay alive. Sure, both Grace and Dorian seem to be broken beyond repair, but that’s what makes them them and that’s just how the story goes. And they’ve got all the other guys having their backs. Amazing. Very well done Janie!
The Linear Tactical is a great series and the latest book, Ghost, was just fantastic. I have read every book in the series but was seriously looking forward to this one and it was SO worth the wait. Right from the start, Janie pulls you in with the action. Dorian went thru horrible imprisonment and is struggling daily. You can feel it within the pages. You root for him and then you start rooting for him and Ray to come out on the other end together. This book just sucked me in and couldn’t stop reading it. I had to finish it. I needed to know how it ended.
Just when I thought I couldn’t get better it does. With each book, I find a new favorite and GHOST is my new favorite in this series. This book took me on a serious emotional roller coaster that had me taking a break before finishing. GHOST and Ray are such great characters I was really pulling for them to get their HEA. Do they get it? You’ll have to read it to find out. Enjoy!
Dorian “Ghost” Lindstrom’s story is all that we were hoping for and more. Dorian was held captive and tortured for five weeks and is still dealing with many issues, but he has found a home and friends with his buddies at Linear Tactical. He still is not over the death of Grace “Wraith” Brandt from six years ago. When he thinks that she may be alive after one of her “calling cards” he is not sure if he is going crazy. Grace is alive and is now called Ray. She has stayed hidden as long as she could, but now she fears that a killer may be after Dorian and she needs to make sure that he is safe. She has learned dangerous information about the special ops program they were both involved in and now former agents are dying. She needs to alert Dorian as she searches for the killer…or killers. A wonderful fifth book in the Linear Tactical series, full of past characters, suspense, danger and romance. WOW! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
I needed a personal day after finishing this book to deal with my book hangover. Janie Crouch has given Dorian the story he so richly deserved, and done so with such vivid emotions and heartfelt emotions that the reader is left overwhelmed by the awesome power of this book. This is the fifth book in the Linear Tactical series. Technically, this book could be a stand alone; but don’t do the disservice of only reading Dorian’s story-read all of them!
I’m not sure how to categorize the plot…alpha male former military for sure, a bit of amnesia, second chance love maybe, redemption and/or revenge. Any way you try to label it, it’s a twisty turny, surprise around all the corners kind of plot that was so fun to read! Through it all, you were rooting for love to conquer all.
I adored these characters! Through the first four books we saw snippets of Dorian: a tortured protector who struggles with society due to some tragedy in his past. Despite that he’s a true and loyal friend who loves his “family” and would do whatever is needed to keep them safe. As soon as we were introduced to him, I knew he needed a story and love in his life, I just couldn’t imagine how it could be done to do his story honor and justice. Grace/Ray/Wraith is the perfect mate for Dorian! She’s the perfect amount of strong and weak. She’s got history with him, but not only that, she’s got info on his history and an understanding of what he’s dealt with. In their imperfect way, they’re perfect for each other. Both willing to sacrifice so much for the ones they love, but not understanding they are worthy of sacrifice and love themselves.
Dorian and Ray’s tortured past make it tough to see how they’ll have a romantic relationship, but their tragedy seems to draw them together. They had some sort of relationship before, and despite time and life passing, they are still attracted to each other and know what makes each other tick. For some of their chemistry it’s almost a love/hate feel, but I think that’s the alpha in both of them. It’s a tricky relationship, and tricky sense of chemistry and heat, but it’s actually just right for these two.
I knew I’d be sucked in quickly to this book and I wasn’t wrong. The pace and plot of this book keeps your heart racing and mind blown. I can only hope that the ideas presented are only the figment of a very imaginative writer. The plot is full of not only romance, but intrigue and mystery; a formidable combo!
This book gives Dorian the happily ever after he so deserves, but does a great job of introducing some new members of the team and family that we can only hope will get stories. Heath is going to need someone, and Gavin. And we’re going to need to see more of Charlotte and the rest of the team we’ve already seen get their one true love.
Favorite Quotes:
“You and me. Always. Everything else is secondary.”
“Not every forever included a white picket fence. But their forever included each other and that was all Dorian needed.”
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 5/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5