Reviews

Critical Instinct by Janie Crouch

mommasaystoread's review

5.0

Critical Instinct is my first experience with this author, but it won't be my last. It's very well-written, the characters are developed, and the storyline draws a reader in quickly. This is more thriller than romance, but the relationship that develops between Brett and Paige was like an added bonus to a gripping suspense tale. I could almost feel the chemistry between this couple and the twisted thoughts of the killer were chilling. I was grabbed from the first page and couldn't put it down.

lexee9's review

5.0

I really enjoyed this story!!! It's really well written and drew me in from the very beginning. Paige was kidnapped and horribly beaten before being left in a burning building that she was able to escape. That was 2 years ago and ever since she has been drawing women that have been gruesomely murdered in her sleep. She doesn't know how she does it or why. She had actually drawn her own injuries from her attack weeks prior to it happening. The police think she's crazy or seeking attention and she has no idea how she's doing it. She has never shared about the other drawings. Brett has come back to town after having been away for 10 years and he has a thing for cold cases, so Paige's case is put on his desk to check into. When he talks to her, he remembers her from high school and doesn't treat her like she's crazy. They both have a connection to each other right away and are attracted to each other. Paige has had to deal with being scared since her attack and has had panic attacks and problems with people touch her. At least until Brett is around. this story has a lot of intrigue as Brett puts together that Paige's attack is connected to unsolved murders. Brett also has to come to grips with Paige's ability which isn't easy for his logical mind. The sex is explicit and fits the characters and the story. It is not at the forefront of this story. I loved how the action was blending with the relationship that Paige and Brett were building. I thought it was very well done. I was pulled in from the very beginning because of the characters and couldn't stop reading once I started it. I had to know what was going to happen next and how everything was going to be pulled together. The story flows really well and had great pacing. We get to see things develop and get to take our own guesses. I really loved this story and will definitely be checking out more Janie Crouch books!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

vickylou's review

2.0

An OK read... decent characters, decent storyline... just felt... 'shallow' to me. I wanted to learn more about everyone. Why didn't the villain go after his ex? That would've made sense... or at least, we could've been given an explanation as to why he didn't...

ashezbookz's review

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I just wish I had known it was a series before I had started reading it so I could have read the first book before I read this one, for my own reading OCD purposes, not because it's necessary for the story. It read completely fine as a stand alone and damn if I won't go and get the 1st and wait for the next one.

The concept of this book was just too interesting for me to pass up when I read the blurb and it did not disappoint, it was action packed and I'm going to say it was slightly paranormal in the way it was written, her abilities are just so cool to read about. I didn't want the book to end, but it ended so perfectly awesome. I loved each of the main characters they progressed well together. Overall an awesome read.

jksh5678's review

5.0

What a great romantic suspense book by Janie Crouch! This book definitely kept me on my toes. Paige Jeffries is a renowned artist and recluse after being assaulted and left for dead two years prior. She now also has the ability to draw gruesome life-like portraits. Brett Wagner has come back to his hometown and is hired on as the newest homicide detective. His reception is not the greatest with the captain so he is dumped with cold cases and one happens to be Paige’s case. Even though it is not a homicide case, he was asked to look into the matter. What ensues is a suspense thriller with a twist. Paige’s new ability is done in her sleep and are of women, some alive and some dead and they all are actually linked to some of the cases Brett was looking into. Brett also realizes that during Paige’s assault, she should have been dead and it may look like, based on her latest painting that she is back in danger. From here on out you are on the edge of your seat, wondering what is going to happen next. This definitely was an enjoyable albeit nail-biting read. Paige and Brett had great chemistry and to see their happily ever after was really sweet.