Christmas with the Heroes - Janie Crouch, Josie Jade, Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - Dec 2025)

Series: Linear Tactical: Oak Creek, Resting Warrior Ranch, Citadel Solutions

Read December 30
 
A Very Linear Tactical Christmas by Janie Crouch
Approx. 90 pages
 
One Christmas gathering. Two generations. Secrets revealed, threats handled, family strengthened.
 
This was a fantastic peek at the lives of the original Linear Tactical crew and their offspring, the current leadership of Linear Tactical. They are together, celebrating Christmas Adam (the day before Christmas Eve ❤ )
 
The story mainly focuses on Lincoln Bollinger, the brilliant though socially awkward son of Baby and Quinn Bollinger. It opens with an online conversation between Lincoln and a computer friend known as Mercury. I loved their interactions and how they understand each other. It serves as an interesting introduction to the next Linear Tactical: Oak Creek book, Hero's Touch, about Lincoln and Mercury.
 
The story continues with scenes from the party, many of which involve various characters making observations about Lincoln. I loved the scene where Lincoln and three-year-old Marie organize the dessert table. Their observations are spot on, and other people's reactions are hilarious. I also enjoyed the discussions between the senior members, like Dorian, and the younger ones, like Derek, about past and present fears.
 
The evening becomes complicated by an unexpected intrusion. The old guard sensed it: "They'd all felt it. Old warriors, same radar." I laughed out loud when they were ready to handle the threat, only to realize that the younger generation had beaten them to it. "But the next generation hadn't waited for them. The kids had mobilized faster, moved smoother, fallen into roles like they'd been doing this their whole lives. Because they had." I loved their reactions, their pride in the kids, and watching them deal with the transition.
 
I enjoyed the tension of the intrusion and the surprise of its revelation. Reactions were typical of their characters, and I loved the chaos that ensued. Scenes of the party winding down, with commentary on various events, came full circle with an unplanned conversation between Lincoln and Mercury. I can't wait to read Hero's Touch.
 
 
 
Montana Whiteout by Josie Jade
Approx. 40 pages

 
They went into the storm knowing someone might not come back.
 
Christmas Eve "family" dinner at Resting Warrior Ranch. Laughter and chaos with kids running around and adults telling stories on each other. Loved the bit about Jude, the Friendly Giant. The evening becomes complicated when a blizzard hits, and Beckett and Audra hear about a dog abandoned in the snow. Along with Cooper, they brave whiteout conditions to find the animal. The tension is palpable as the weather worsens, and they barely see the dog in time, shocked to discover she has four puppies.
 
I loved how Cooper took custody of the dogs and felt the intensity of trying to find shelter from the blizzard. I laughed out loud when he showed up on Travis's doorstep. Their interactions with each other and the puppies were fun. There are flashbacks to Cooper's past that serve as a poignant lead-in to his story, due out soon.
 
The story continues in the next chapter as Beckett and Audra arrive at Pawsitive Connections, where they are caring for the animals while the owner is out of town. Their mission becomes complicated when one of the animals, Al Pacacino, has escaped into the storm. The very real danger of whiteout conditions keeps the tension high as they search for the missing alpaca. I loved the ending.
 
 
Operation Dark Tidings by Dominic Pierce
Approx. 20 pages
 
Weapons loaded. Comms tight. Target acquired. Christmas was never supposed to be the mission.
 
This is sort of a bonus epilogue to the book Duty Devoted, in which the Citadel crew rescued an American doctor from a Central American drug cartel. Here, the crew bands together to deliver Christmas to the locals she had to leave behind. I loved the crew's determination to get it right without putting the villagers in danger. The intensity kept me hooked from start to finish as I saw them carry out their mission.

 

Duty Compromised - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 3)
 
Ty Hughes handles the most dangerous protection assignments on the planet—it's what Citadel Solutions is built for. So babysitting some old computer scientist for a few weeks?
 
Boring as hell, but no problem.
 
Until he meets Dr. Charlotte Gifford.
 
She's not the gray-haired researcher Tyler expected—she's young, brilliant, and gets adorably flustered every time he looks at her. When her quantum-encrypted signal research is stolen by terrorists, someone wants her dead before she can rebuild what they need.
 
Charlotte has spent her whole life in labs, more comfortable with code than people. She eats lunch alone, speaks in programming logic when nervous, and definitely doesn't know what to do with a bodyguard who makes her forget her own name.
 
Now they're on the run with assassins on their trail and a traitor somewhere in her inner circle. Charlotte can reconstruct the tech that could save thousands—if Tyler can keep her alive long enough.
 
She's a genius with code, not running from terrorists.
He's trained for warfare, not falling for the woman he's protecting.
 
But when every ally becomes suspect and death waits around each corner, breaking all the rules might be their only chance at survival.
 
Another fantastic book in the Citadel Solutions series, and this may be the best one yet. The action was fast-paced, the suspense was intense, and the romance was adorable. The story is told from the dual first-person perspectives of Ty and Charlotte. The action scenes are especially vivid and made me feel as though I was right in the middle of it.
 
Recovering from injuries received on his last mission (Duty Devoted), Ty is on forced medical leave and going stir crazy. When an FBI friend asks him to watch over a scientist for a couple of weeks, he jumps at the chance. Hanging out in a lab should be an easy way to keep busy. The job turns complicated when the scientist becomes the target of terrorists who want to weaponize her work.
 
Charlotte is the picture of the absent-minded scientist. She is brilliant, having earned two doctorates by the time she was twenty. She gets so immersed in her work that the world around her disappears. She is uncomfortable around people, slips into scientific speech when nervous, and avoids social situations like the plague.
 
I loved the first meeting between Charlotte and Ty. He mistakes her for a receptionist, and he so discombobulates her that she comes across as a total ditz. Ty expected an older researcher, not a beautiful young woman he finds intriguing and adorable. The attraction between them is evident from the beginning, but Charlotte is unsure how to handle it, and Ty struggles to maintain a professional demeanor.
 
When word comes that her stolen program is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Charlotte has days to come up with a program that will neutralize the threat. Ty's job is to keep her safe while she does it. That isn't easy, as the other side is determined to keep her from succeeding, and their efforts become increasingly dangerous. While struggling to stay one step ahead of the terrorists, Ty realizes that someone on the inside is working against them. I was glued to the pages as they raced toward a stunning climax. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.
 
I loved watching Ty and Charlotte's relationship develop. They are so different that it seems impossible for them to work as a couple. Ty is protective, and his observational skills enable him to adapt to their constantly changing circumstances. Charlotte is brilliant at what she does, but needs Ty to keep her safe. I loved watching Ty see past Charlotte's outer scientist to the vulnerable woman inside. His methods of caring for her were sweet and demonstrated his understanding of her. He's a little freaked out by his growing feelings for her because of his insecurities about his education.
 
Meanwhile, Charlotte finally identifies the feelings Ty stirs in her. She has trouble believing that a man like him is interested in her awkward self. I loved how they saw the best in each other. Charlotte is in awe of Ty's people skills, which she has never possessed, while Ty is blown away by Charlotte's intelligence and resilience. Together they make an unbeatable team. I loved the ending, and the epilogue was fantastic. I loved seeing the changes that being together brought to both of them.
 
I enjoyed seeing more of the Citadel Solutions gang. There isn't much at the beginning, as Ty took the bodyguard job without telling his boss (Ethan) and the others about it. Eventually, he realizes that he needs help. I laughed out loud at what happened when he finally got the courage to call. I loved seeing everyone jump in to help, and how each person's specialty played a role in the final takedown. I enjoyed meeting Ty's brother, Donovan, and look forward to getting to know him better in future books. 

 
 
 
 

Duty Devoted - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - July 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 2)
 
She saves lives with steady hands. He takes them with deadly precision.
 
In the war-torn jungles of Corazón, Dr. Lauren Valentino runs a field hospital under siege—treating the wounded, protecting the innocent, and risking everything to hold the line. Knowing the danger is getting critical, Lauren's family sends Citadel Solutions security expert Logan Kane to get her out.
 
One doctor should be no problem for a battle-hardened Marine who specializes in impossible missions—even when the mission doesn't want to be rescued and a hurricane is closing in.
 
They clash instantly.
The heat between them? Instant too.
 
When communication is cut off and killers close in, Lauren and Logan are forced into the jungle. The storm's not the only thing hunting them. Survival means moving fast and finding some way of trusting each other.
 
In a world where death is always only one step behind, love might be the risk that breaks them both.
 
Or saves them.
 
Terrific second book in this series. The action and tension started on the first page and kept me turning the pages to the end. From the action to the setting, the descriptions are so vivid I felt almost as if I were there. Dual first-person POV from Lauren and Logan gives insight into their actions and feelings.
 
Doctor Lauren Valentino works for a medical outreach program, currently in the jungle of Corazón. She is highly skilled, works exceptionally well under the most challenging circumstances, and cares deeply for her patients. The story opened with an example of the conditions she works under, and I couldn't help but root for a successful outcome. We also learn that political unrest and expanding cartel activities are making conditions more dangerous. Lauren's wealthy parents pester her frequently to return to Chicago, where she "belongs."
 
Former Marine Logan is the second-in-command at Citadel Solutions. He is professional, protective, and experienced. When Lauren's parents hire Citadel Solutions to extract Lauren and her team from danger, he prepares for the worst.
 
When Logan and his team arrive, disguised as a weather research team, Lauren immediately takes exception to the plan. Logan wants to leave within a week, while she insists it will take at least a month to safeguard her patients. Matters become complicated when the cartel leader's son becomes obsessed with Lauren. She thinks politely telling him "not interested" will be the end of it, while Logan sees the danger. When the cartel leader gets involved, Lauren finally realizes the peril of her situation. Their departure suddenly becomes critical.
 
I was glued to the pages as Logan and Lauren fight for their lives. Lauren's refusal to desert a patient in need leaves her and Logan on their own to escape the cartel. Not only must they evade those out to stop them, they must also fight Mother Nature, as a hurricane makes landfall. They must learn to trust each other if they are going to escape. I enjoyed watching their connection grow as they relied on each other. I loved seeing how Logan appreciated Lauren's strength and resilience, which only added to his attraction for her. Lauren's understanding of Logan's PTSD is something he doesn't expect.
 
Just when I thought everything would work out for them, Logan allows his fears to push Lauren away. I ached for Lauren because it brought back her insecurities. Each runs from the memories of what they had as they try to convince themselves that the other is better off without them. I loved seeing Logan's friends attempt to get through to him. However, it is an unexpected twist that reveals to each of them what they almost threw away. The conclusion was an intense, nail-biting event. The teamwork was outstanding, and I loved Lauren's actions. The two epilogues were fantastic, especially seeing what is in store for their future.
 
The secondary characters were terrific. I loved the chance to get to know the team members, Tyler and Jace. Their respect for each other is evident in every interaction, while light-hearted teasing does a great job of breaking the tension. My favorite was young Elena, one of the villagers. Her presence of mind and determination to help Lauren were incredible.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Duty Unbound - Dominic Pierce (Calamitte Jane Pub - June 2025)

Series: Citadel Solutions (Book 1)
 
Duty was supposed to be simple -- until she walked into his mission.
 
Ethan Cross doesn't get emotionally involved. As the head of Citadel Solutions, he handles high-stakes security with military precision and zero distractions. Protecting international pop star Nova Rivers from a dangerous stalker? Just another job.
 
Until he meets her sister.
 
Melanie Rivers is the quiet force behind Nova's chaotic empire -- efficient, invisible, and utterly selfless. She's spent her life in the shadows, sacrificing her dreams to hold her family together.
 
But Ethan notices what no one else does -- the way she shoulders everyone's burdens without complaint, the quiet fire burning beneath her calm exterior. She's not the client. She's not part of the mission. Yet the longer he's near her, the harder it gets to remember the lines he swore he'd never cross.
 
But in an industry full of secrets, danger lurks closer than anyone suspects. And one wrong move could cost them everything.
 
He was hired to keep one woman safe… but the one he can't stop thinking about might be the one who brings him to his knees.
 
When two of my favorite romantic suspense authors recommend a brand-new author, it is definitely motivation to try them. I was not disappointed, as this book reminded me of Janie Crouch's Linear Tactical books and Josie Jade's Resting Warrior Ranch series. The characters were complex, and the action scenes kept me glued to the pages.
 
Ethan is the founder and head of Citadel Solutions, the elite security firm he started after he left the military. He has a reputation for being cool under fire and impossible to distract. If he's haunted by the things he experienced, well, staying busy keeps the ghosts at bay. Being hired to protect pop star and diva Nova Rivers is just another day at the office.
 
Nova's sister, Mel, has devoted her life to making Nova's dreams come true. She's quiet, blends into the background, and puts everyone else's needs before her own.
 
Ethan's first meeting with Nova and Mel doesn't go well. Nova laughs off the idea of a dangerous stalker, resists any notion of restricting her activities, and generally behaves like a spoiled brat. Mel's business-focused attitude rubs Ethan the wrong way because she reminds him of his ex-fiancée. He turns down the job initially, but reconsiders when the stalker strikes again.
 
The mix of suspense and romance was very well done. Ethan and his team settle in to protect Nova and Mel while investigating the stalking situation. As he spends more time with them, Ethan begins to see them differently. He is drawn unwillingly to Mel, seeing past her professional façade to her warm, caring nature. Mel doesn't know what to think about Ethan. He's the first person to see her, from her growing exhaustion and burnout to the dreams of home and family portrayed in her paintings. At the same time, Mel sees past Ethan's control to the memories that haunt him. I liked seeing how happy he was when he was with her.
 
The suspense builds as they prepare for Nova's multi-city tour. Each city brings new challenges and escalating threats. Each one added more intensity to the team's determination to identify and stop whoever is behind them. Just as I thought I had it figured out, an unexpected twist threw my theory out the window. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me glued to the pages to the end.
 
Once the danger is past, Ethan and Mel will have to decide if their burgeoning relationship has a future. I liked their honesty with each other and seeing how they worked things out. The epilogue was terrific and I can't wait to see them in future books.