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indeanna's review against another edition
5.0
Payton Ward grew up on the wrong side of town. She had to fight for everything growing up. She never felt wanted or seen. Cade O’Connor was the rich, popular kid in town. Everyone wanted him, wanted to know him. But when Cade met quiet, smart, beautiful Payton, he was in love. So he befriended her and kept her secrets and secretly loved her. But she was too young for him, so he kept his distance.
Payton was finally getting out! She was going to live her dream and go to London and learn movie production. But before she left, Cade came home. He told her he cared about her and they were together 1 night and he left to return to Nashville to become a big star.
I am not really a lover of second chance stories. I feel like there is always 1 of the couple who has to forgive and forget what the other did to hurt them. That is not the way this second chance went. I think Janie Crouch wrote it soo good! I was glad that Payton didn’t hold out and not tell Cade the truth for too long. (I hate when authors drag it out.) And I loved how Cade fought for her love. How he never really stopped loving her.
There was danger and intrigue in the story. I loved how even though Cade was famous, he still was a badass and knew how to protect himself and his family. Another great read!
Payton was finally getting out! She was going to live her dream and go to London and learn movie production. But before she left, Cade came home. He told her he cared about her and they were together 1 night and he left to return to Nashville to become a big star.
I am not really a lover of second chance stories. I feel like there is always 1 of the couple who has to forgive and forget what the other did to hurt them. That is not the way this second chance went. I think Janie Crouch wrote it soo good! I was glad that Payton didn’t hold out and not tell Cade the truth for too long. (I hate when authors drag it out.) And I loved how Cade fought for her love. How he never really stopped loving her.
There was danger and intrigue in the story. I loved how even though Cade was famous, he still was a badass and knew how to protect himself and his family. Another great read!
rowdyroo762's review against another edition
5.0
Peyton's story was epic. Finally getting to find out about the father and her life was wonderfully anticipated. Loved the angst. It was so believable. Lots of suspense happening with lots of suspects, good "who dun it" too. Thanks.
thecaffeinatedbookaholic's review against another edition
5.0
Cade & Peyton, my word. These two are meant to be. Peyton has been running herself ragged for years to take care of her daughter. When Cade’s back in town, they’re forced to face the pain of the past. In doing so, Cade learns how much he hurt Peyton without even knowing it. My heart broke for these two and everything they had been put through. When there’s suspense and danger coming at them from multiple directions, Cade makes it his mission to keep Peyton and her daughter safe. I will forever swoon over these protective men doing whatever they need to to keep their girls safe. And can we talk about how Jess is the most adorable four year old?! I love her and Ethan, and I cannot wait to watch them continue to grow together, and eventually get to their book!!
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
I loved this book. The series gets better with each installment. Peyton has been a character hovering in the background during the earlier books, with her adorable daughter Jess getting far more page time. I had a feeling that Peyton's story would be an interesting one when it was her turn, and I was right.
Peyton and Cade knew each other in high school when she was a freshman, and he was a senior. Both were involved in the high school's arts program, Cade on the music side, and Peyton on the film side. Peyton did her best to keep a low profile because she wasn't in that high school's district, and had pretty much lied her way in. She saw the arts program as her only way out of her abusive family life. Cade knew the truth but kept her secret. He graduated and went off to Nashville to pursue his singing career, while Peyton continued her efforts. By the time she graduated, she had won a full scholarship to a London film school. A few weeks after she graduated from high school, her car broke down, and she took refuge in Cade's lake cabin. He showed up and the attraction they'd fought for years became too much. There were consequences to that night together, but miscommunication and outside interference kept them apart, leaving each believing that the other had turned their back.
Five years later, Cade returns to Oak Grove for a visit and runs into Peyton, the woman he's never been able to forget. Something in that encounter seems off, and it takes some effort for him to track down Peyton and find out why. Peyton is terrified to see Cade, afraid of him finding out what she hid all these years. I was impressed by Cade's determination to get to the bottom of the mystery, and his patience and kindness as he tried to get through to Peyton. I ached for Peyton, who truly believed that he had turned his back on her when she needed him most. I loved that, once she understood what happened, she didn't keep the truth from him. Cade's reaction was priceless, and I loved seeing his joy in the news.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Peyton and Cade. There was no doubt that the attraction and feelings between them were just as strong as they'd been before. Cade is determined to show Peyton that she and Jess belong in his life. It was sweet to see how well he still understood her and the confidence he had in her. His insistence that she be in charge of his music video and documentary gave her confidence quite a boost, once she believed it was really happening. I loved watching her bloom, especially standing up to the guy who always put her down. I also adored the scene in the bar during the girls' night out, as he and the LT guys watched their ladies have fun, though it didn't take long for Cade to stake his claim. It was easy to see that Cade was all-in, but Peyton was still a bit wary. She wasn't sure if Cade wanted her, as well as Jess, and was hesitant to fully trust him with her heart. It took two brushes with death for her to finally accept the truth. The ending was fantastic.
Peyton's daughter Jess has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series, and I loved getting to know her even better. She is an adorable mixture of little girl and teenager/young adult. Her relationship with Peyton is fantastic, and the love they share leaps off the page. I loved her stated intention of becoming the "Empress of the Elementary School" and her apparent confidence in her ability to do so. I loved watching her wrap Cade around her little fingers, and laughed out loud at their bonding over bad choices. Her friendship with Finn's son Ethan is as strong as ever. I love Ethan's protectiveness toward Jess, even more so since the events in the previous book. Ethan totally stole my heart with his man-to-man talk with Cade at the end, and I loved how seriously Cade treated Ethan's concerns. I can't wait to see the two of them grow up.
This wouldn't be a Linear Tactical book without danger coming to the main characters. In this book, the threat comes from two directions. Cade has picked up a stalker, one that has escalated from nuisance attacks to something more dangerous. He and his security team have tried to find out who it is, but the stalker seems to stay one step ahead of them. It is disturbing to realize that the stalker seems to know far more of the inside workings of Cade's life than any of them are comfortable with. As the story went on, I had several suspects in mind, but it took me almost to the end to figure out who it was. The final confrontation was terrifying, as the stalker seemed utterly convinced of the necessity of his actions. The second danger focused on Peyton. Five years earlier, her stepfather had nearly killed her and went to prison. Unfortunately, she and her mother learn that Dennis will be released early from prison. Though there is a restraining order to keep him away from them, we all know how that usually works out. When Peyton is attacked, there are questions about whether it is Dennis. Peyton's mother, an alcoholic, believes it is, but there is no evidence. I was on the edge of my seat when Dennis made his move, as there were so many things that could go wrong. I loved Peyton's ability to keep a cool head, and Jess's quick thinking also helped. The deciding factor was the help from an unexpected source, which surprised both Peyton and me. Another surprise was the connection between the two dangers.
I always love the secondary characters. As always, the LT members wander in and out of the book as needed, and have our characters' backs in times of trouble. I liked seeing more of Baby in this book and loved the close friendship between him and Cade. I liked how he gave Cade a kick in the seat when he needed it. I enjoy his self-deprecating humor, his way with the ladies, and have the feeling that there is something important going on with him. I liked seeing more of Girl Riley and loved her support of Peyton. I liked the way she tore into Cade at the beginning. I can't wait for her story because I think she has some trouble ahead of her from a few hints that were dropped along the way. I liked Peyton's mother and felt terrible for her, as her fears of her ex created deeper problems with her alcoholism. I was impressed that she held it together as well as she did during the final confrontation. But it was Cade's Aunt Cecilia that had the most significant secondary role, in my opinion. I did not like her at all at the start of the book. She came across as a snob, cold, and without an ounce of human kindness in her soul. I hated the way she treated Peyton, even more so as her role in keeping Peyton and Cade apart was revealed. She grew on me a little during the scene at the gas station and redeemed herself at the end.
Peyton and Cade knew each other in high school when she was a freshman, and he was a senior. Both were involved in the high school's arts program, Cade on the music side, and Peyton on the film side. Peyton did her best to keep a low profile because she wasn't in that high school's district, and had pretty much lied her way in. She saw the arts program as her only way out of her abusive family life. Cade knew the truth but kept her secret. He graduated and went off to Nashville to pursue his singing career, while Peyton continued her efforts. By the time she graduated, she had won a full scholarship to a London film school. A few weeks after she graduated from high school, her car broke down, and she took refuge in Cade's lake cabin. He showed up and the attraction they'd fought for years became too much. There were consequences to that night together, but miscommunication and outside interference kept them apart, leaving each believing that the other had turned their back.
Five years later, Cade returns to Oak Grove for a visit and runs into Peyton, the woman he's never been able to forget. Something in that encounter seems off, and it takes some effort for him to track down Peyton and find out why. Peyton is terrified to see Cade, afraid of him finding out what she hid all these years. I was impressed by Cade's determination to get to the bottom of the mystery, and his patience and kindness as he tried to get through to Peyton. I ached for Peyton, who truly believed that he had turned his back on her when she needed him most. I loved that, once she understood what happened, she didn't keep the truth from him. Cade's reaction was priceless, and I loved seeing his joy in the news.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Peyton and Cade. There was no doubt that the attraction and feelings between them were just as strong as they'd been before. Cade is determined to show Peyton that she and Jess belong in his life. It was sweet to see how well he still understood her and the confidence he had in her. His insistence that she be in charge of his music video and documentary gave her confidence quite a boost, once she believed it was really happening. I loved watching her bloom, especially standing up to the guy who always put her down. I also adored the scene in the bar during the girls' night out, as he and the LT guys watched their ladies have fun, though it didn't take long for Cade to stake his claim. It was easy to see that Cade was all-in, but Peyton was still a bit wary. She wasn't sure if Cade wanted her, as well as Jess, and was hesitant to fully trust him with her heart. It took two brushes with death for her to finally accept the truth. The ending was fantastic.
Peyton's daughter Jess has been one of my favorite characters throughout the series, and I loved getting to know her even better. She is an adorable mixture of little girl and teenager/young adult. Her relationship with Peyton is fantastic, and the love they share leaps off the page. I loved her stated intention of becoming the "Empress of the Elementary School" and her apparent confidence in her ability to do so. I loved watching her wrap Cade around her little fingers, and laughed out loud at their bonding over bad choices. Her friendship with Finn's son Ethan is as strong as ever. I love Ethan's protectiveness toward Jess, even more so since the events in the previous book. Ethan totally stole my heart with his man-to-man talk with Cade at the end, and I loved how seriously Cade treated Ethan's concerns. I can't wait to see the two of them grow up.
This wouldn't be a Linear Tactical book without danger coming to the main characters. In this book, the threat comes from two directions. Cade has picked up a stalker, one that has escalated from nuisance attacks to something more dangerous. He and his security team have tried to find out who it is, but the stalker seems to stay one step ahead of them. It is disturbing to realize that the stalker seems to know far more of the inside workings of Cade's life than any of them are comfortable with. As the story went on, I had several suspects in mind, but it took me almost to the end to figure out who it was. The final confrontation was terrifying, as the stalker seemed utterly convinced of the necessity of his actions. The second danger focused on Peyton. Five years earlier, her stepfather had nearly killed her and went to prison. Unfortunately, she and her mother learn that Dennis will be released early from prison. Though there is a restraining order to keep him away from them, we all know how that usually works out. When Peyton is attacked, there are questions about whether it is Dennis. Peyton's mother, an alcoholic, believes it is, but there is no evidence. I was on the edge of my seat when Dennis made his move, as there were so many things that could go wrong. I loved Peyton's ability to keep a cool head, and Jess's quick thinking also helped. The deciding factor was the help from an unexpected source, which surprised both Peyton and me. Another surprise was the connection between the two dangers.
I always love the secondary characters. As always, the LT members wander in and out of the book as needed, and have our characters' backs in times of trouble. I liked seeing more of Baby in this book and loved the close friendship between him and Cade. I liked how he gave Cade a kick in the seat when he needed it. I enjoy his self-deprecating humor, his way with the ladies, and have the feeling that there is something important going on with him. I liked seeing more of Girl Riley and loved her support of Peyton. I liked the way she tore into Cade at the beginning. I can't wait for her story because I think she has some trouble ahead of her from a few hints that were dropped along the way. I liked Peyton's mother and felt terrible for her, as her fears of her ex created deeper problems with her alcoholism. I was impressed that she held it together as well as she did during the final confrontation. But it was Cade's Aunt Cecilia that had the most significant secondary role, in my opinion. I did not like her at all at the start of the book. She came across as a snob, cold, and without an ounce of human kindness in her soul. I hated the way she treated Peyton, even more so as her role in keeping Peyton and Cade apart was revealed. She grew on me a little during the scene at the gas station and redeemed herself at the end.
jensreads1983's review against another edition
4.0
Echo is a heartwarming addition to Janie Crouch's Linear Tacticle series. While not jam packed with action like some of the books in this series, this one capitalizes on emotion, suspense and romance. It's more emotional and raw. You read the history of the characters and what they felt about each other before they were separated so when they come together you totally understand what they mean to each other. I loved Peyton and Cade individually and as a couple.
Echo is a thrilling suspense read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.
Echo is a thrilling suspense read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Echo
4 Stars
Country singer, Cade Connor, may not be a Navy SEAL or a covert operative like the other members of Linear Tactical, but he has his share of protective instincts, especially when it comes to Peyton Ward, the only woman he had ever loved. But Peyton has her reasons for keeping her distance from Cade until she finds herself the focus of a dangerous enemy eager to remove her from the picture.
Peyton's quiet nature and the questions surrounding her past have been intriguing from the beginning of the series, and readers are finally rewarded for their patience. As is the case with Crouch's other heroines, Peyton has had to deal with numerous challenges and obstacles, but she does so with exceptional resilience and admirable strength of character.
While Cade isn't quite as alpha as the other heroes in the series, he has no problem going after what he wants. His obvious love for Peyton and Jess makes it easy to forgive his early obliviousness and self-interest, which caused so much hurt.
The suspense is comprised of two interlocking threads - the threat from Peyton's past and the danger from Cade's present. While both are well developed with some action-packed and exciting moments, Crouch's heavy-handed foreshadowing makes it easy to guess the culprits.
One minor issue concerns the change in characterization for Jess, Peyton's 4-year-old daughter, who is suddenly a child prodigy. Why turn the precocious cutie from previous books into a pseudo-adult?
Overall, another wonderful installment in the Linear Tactical series, and the hints at problems between the two Rileys make me eager to read their book next.
4 Stars
Country singer, Cade Connor, may not be a Navy SEAL or a covert operative like the other members of Linear Tactical, but he has his share of protective instincts, especially when it comes to Peyton Ward, the only woman he had ever loved. But Peyton has her reasons for keeping her distance from Cade until she finds herself the focus of a dangerous enemy eager to remove her from the picture.
Peyton's quiet nature and the questions surrounding her past have been intriguing from the beginning of the series, and readers are finally rewarded for their patience. As is the case with Crouch's other heroines, Peyton has had to deal with numerous challenges and obstacles, but she does so with exceptional resilience and admirable strength of character.
While Cade isn't quite as alpha as the other heroes in the series, he has no problem going after what he wants. His obvious love for Peyton and Jess makes it easy to forgive his early obliviousness and self-interest, which caused so much hurt.
The suspense is comprised of two interlocking threads - the threat from Peyton's past and the danger from Cade's present. While both are well developed with some action-packed and exciting moments, Crouch's heavy-handed foreshadowing makes it easy to guess the culprits.
One minor issue concerns the change in characterization for Jess, Peyton's 4-year-old daughter, who is suddenly a child prodigy. Why turn the precocious cutie from previous books into a pseudo-adult?
Overall, another wonderful installment in the Linear Tactical series, and the hints at problems between the two Rileys make me eager to read their book next.
inked_orca's review
4.0
Payton had a crush on Cade since high school, and she didn’t know that he liked her, too. Until one night when everything changed.
Payton’s dreams got crushed, but that didn’t stop her from raising her daughter to never want for anything. She’s got a mother who’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. But when the star singer comes back to town, every wall she built around her heart comes crashing down.
Cade didn’t know that Payton went to film school as she planned and he wants to know why. When all he could see in her eyes was disappointment and fear, all he could do was ask her what the hell was going on.
Questions, confusion and betrayal. When accident after accident keeps happening, the couple has to stay together and with the help of their friends, they might survive and have a chance at the happy ever after they wished for.
This is a romantic suspense story about two people who met at the wrong time but eventually found their way back to each other. It’s the seventh book in the Linear Tactical series featuring Cade Conner, Linear’s silent partner, country music superstar, and single mom Peyton Ward to the very sweet and smart Jess. This book mentions stalking, abuse, and violence.
Peyton was one of the characters I liked and wanted so badly to find out what her story will be like. Her daughter Jess added light to every book she appeared in. The way Cade loved Payton was heartwarming and his determination to fix everything was admirable. I loved seeing them work out their feelings for each other and try to have a future where they all are happy together.
What annoyed me about this book is the miscommunication. They both could’ve done things differently, but they decided to believe the worst about each other. Also, my being wary of “friendly” made me guess who the stalker was right away. Some hints explained the motives behind it too, before it all came to light.
This book was enjoyable and interesting. Even with the miscommunication, and the stalker being easy to identify. It’s a heartwarming story about two souls who found each other after years and decided to have a family and a future together.
mommasaystoread's review
5.0
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.
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.
lexee9's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this story!! We have seen Peyton from the beginning of this series. She has been somewhat on the fringes of Linear Tactical for years. Her daughter, Jess, is best friends with Ethan, who is Finn's son. Ethan and Jess are just absolutely precious together. Cade has been mentioned in previous books as well. This is a standalone read though. We get to know Peyton and Cade throughout this book and they are wonderful. Peyton has been working hard for years to give her daughter everything she could possibly need. She has avoided Cade when he has come back into town which hasn't been too hard to do. This time they run into each other and Cade has reached his breaking point. He has a ton of questions and wants answers as he always wanted Peyton. I loved watching these two figure things out together. They had some pretty big issues to work around and certain things that caused confusion and kept them apart. They didn't know that the other never stopped thinking and wanting them. This story was well written and I fell in love with these characters. There are a lot of sweet moments in this story along with the intrigue and action. Cade has been dealing with a stalker that is escalating. Overall, I just adored this story and I can't wait for more in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.