Calculated Risk

I could not read this book fast enough. I was instantly captivated and needed to know the rest of the story NOW. Bree’s guarded because that’s the only way she’s ever known how to live her life, and it’s made her so strong and independent. Tanner embodies all the best noble characteristics the words “cop” and “cowboy” conjure up. It feels a little like maybe this story borrowed from the script pages of Live Free or Die Hard and Eagle Eye, though without all the explosions and most of the dying. I’m even audacious enough to suggests that there’s hints of Showtime in here. I like to hope that if you’ve seen the movie, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. I can’t wait to read more of this series. Once these two learn to fully trust one another they’re going to make a formidable team.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

CALCULATED RISK is the first instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult BREE AND TANNER THRILLER romantic, suspense series focusing on thirty-three year old, sheriff’s deputy captain Tanner Dempsey, and twenty-four year old, computer genius Bree Daniels aka Bethany Malone. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s Linear Tactical series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bree and Tanner) CALCULATED RISK follows Bree Daniels, a young woman on the run, but a woman whose life is about to become more complicated. A secret message begging for help finds Bree in possession of her cousin Melissa Weathers’ twins, as she struggles to find food and shelter before it’s too late. Enter Risk Peak, Colorado’s sheriff’s deputy Tanner Dempsey, and the man with whom Bree will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Bree and Tanner, and the potential fall-out as Bree’s past demands payment and more.

Bree Daniels’ has never known peace and quiet. A child genius and prodigy Bree would become the pawn for a terrorist ‘Organization’ determined to control the world by funnelling information to radical groups and revolutionary governments. When Melissa begs for help, Bree knows her whereabouts and safety have been compromised again. Tanner Dempsey knows Bree is lying about the who, how and why of her current circumstance but the people of Risk Peak take Bree under their wing in an attempt to protect a young woman who would become their own.

The relationship between Bree and Tanner is one of immediate attraction but Bree is in no place to start a relationship or fall in love. Tanner wants nothing more than to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love but a woman whose secrets are about to come crashing into the town of Risk Peak, Colorado. There are no $ex scenes-at this point their relationship is only beginning.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters: Bree’s cousin Melissa Weathers, and her twins Christian and Beth; Tanner’s brother former Special Forces soldier Noah Dempsey; Linear tactical security specilists Zac Mackay, and Gavin Zimmerman; sheriff’s deputy Ronnie Kitchens ; sheriff’s inter-county task force on communications member Scott Watson ; construction worker Bill Steele; owners of the Sunset Diner Cheryl and Dan Andrews; Organization head Michael Jeter.

CALCULATED RISK is a story of suspense, intrigue, betrayal and power. The premise is captivating and compelling; the romance is subtle; the characters are energetic and dynamic. CALCULATED RISK is a fantastic start to a new series.