Reviews

Code Name: Outlaw by Janie Crouch

p0laris's review

2.0

Really felt like I was missing a lot at the start of this story. While I expect some of that when I start in the middle of an interconnected standalones series (this is actually a crossover of two different series as well), I don't expect that to be the case for the main relationship. Sadly, the story begins after these two have already developed deep feelings for each other, giving us no lead up to the development of their relationship, it just happens pretty quickly into the story. I don't know why these two love each other after like 5 days together because we weren't shown that journey before those 5 days. However, it was really sweet to see how thoughtful and caring they were towards the issues they were each dealing with. 

Aside from that, the FMC is extremely smart and I loved watching her crack this case wide open. Sadly, most of the reasons behind her trauma and her reason for needing to undo damage she caused were told in quick paragraphs of internal monologue here and there so we don't even get most of the picture until well into the story, and even then we don't get the full picture at all. It was like coming into book two or three of a series instead of what was supposed to be an interconnected standalone.

marilanoire's review

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

4.5

I like the series, I like the characters and I enjoyed to read this story since I knew the characters already from previous books and the other series. The enemy side seemed somewhat overpowered at times and the take-down a bit anticlimactic, but the story was good. I’m looking forward to the next book. 

chaoticreader22's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

mommasaystoread's review

5.0

I have loved every couple in the Linear/Zodiac Tactical world. Maybe some more than others, but they all rank at the top of my favorite couples list. So, it was no surprise when Mark and Jenna brought the feels and had me white-knuckling my Kindle as things got increasingly dangerous, and all the while, I was swooning over how great they are together. The story has all the danger, excitement, and feels I've come to expect from Janie Crouch, which means one more book that I couldn't put down. I've learned to just grab my drink of choice (depending on the time of day) and settle in for the duration anytime I pick up this author's work, so that's what I did here as well. Things started getting intense pretty quickly, and before I knew it, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. And yes, I did talk to the characters or yell at them when they didn't listen. Janie always brings out that side of me. And without giving the book's secrets away, that's how I found myself with another favorite couple.
I knew from this book was bringing the series to an end, so it was kind of bittersweet. This found family has become like friends to me, friends I can turn to for a bit of escapism, so I really didn't want to see it end. Thankfully, this isn't really goodbye because I can pick up my Kindle and visit any time with any of the terrific couples in the series. So, Code Name: Outlaw is another in a long list of terrific characters, swoony romance, and intense suspense.

queenofthebookworms's review

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

highlandsbooks's review

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

mainlyamanda's review

adventurous challenging mysterious tense

3.0

lexee9's review

5.0

I absolutely loved and adored this story! It was soo good! We have seen Jenna before as she has helped out and know a little bit about her but it was great to finally really get to know her and what happened to her. I loved getting to know Mark better as well. Jenna does not realize how strong she truly is with everything she is having to battle on a daily basis. Her strength and resilience is amazing and I loved that Mark saw it and slowly works with Jenna for her to see it as well. This story pulled me in from beginning to end with both the characters and the plot/action. It looks like Jenna's work on gene editing and chemical subjectification is resurfacing and being used for nefarious purposes again and so she is pulled in to try and figure it out and how to stop it. Mark immediately steps in to help out and stick close with Jenna. I loved how supportive he was with whatever she needed and however he could help her and that he was also open with what was going on with him. Watching these two come together was amazing and I was not ready to leave them. I adored this book and loved that we got a little more in the Linear Tactical world. I have adored this series and am sad for it to be over but it was amazing and I will definitely be rereading this book and this series! Very well done!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

romecca's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0