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Linear Tactical #1

Hometown Heroes: A Small Town Romantic Suspense Anthology

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High stakes in a small town bring out the best in these heart stopping heroes.

Nine full length stories where the only thing that will get your heart pumping harder than the romance is the suspense that will have you turning pages well into the night.

Cora Seton: Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL (Brides of Chance Creek #1) Going rogue on his last mission landed Navy SEAL Brian Lake on a fast track out of the Navy, so when Army general Augustus Reed steps in with an intriguing new mission--marry his daughter and earn a share of his Montana ranch--he can't say no.

But Brian's not the only one who wants Two Willows--or Cass.

Will falling in love be the most dangerous mission of all?

JH Croix: Take Me Home (Last Frontier Lodge #1) Marley moves back home to find security in the aftermath of a brutal robbery. She feels an instant connection with her new neighbor, a smoldering Navy SEAL.

The danger Marley is trying to escape is chasing her, and Gage finds he'll do anything to protect her. He never considered his own heart might be at risk. A first in series small town romance suspense story.

Lori Ryan: Love and Protect (Heroes of Evers, Texas #1) In serious danger and on the run in a desperate attempt to save her child, Laura seeks refuge at a Texas ranch. She finds an instant connection with gorgeous rancher Cade -- but there's no hiding from the past.

Her past will hunt her no matter where she goes. This pulse pounding romance is the first book in the Heroes of Evers, TX Series.

PJ Fiala: Ford: Finding His Fire (Big 3 Security #1) Ford Montgomery is on the trail of the arsonist who killed his parents. When that trail leads him to sexy waitress Megan Marshall, things take an unexpected turn.

Megan is being hunted by a deadly cartel, Ford is now in their sights, and the arsonist is still running free. Their only chance of survival is if Ford and Megan learn to trust each other quickly and walk into the fire together.

Kait Nolan: If I Didn't Care (Wishing for a Hero #1) Autumn and Judd are two friends bound by blood. When the nightmare from their past returns, will it rip them apart or cement the bonds forged years ago? A romance-heavy, small-town suspense that's first in a series.

Kelsey Browning: Going Hard (Steele Ridge #2) Wealthy sports agent Grif Steele returns to North Carolina when his hometown falls on hard times and needs his help.

When a stalker targets his ex-lover Carlie Beth Parrish, will Grif step in to protect her, or will the fourteen-year-old secret she's keeping tear them apart forever?

Valerie J. Clarizio: Taken by Surprise Police Chief Jack Ricco's heart is set ablaze when his teenage crush, Clare Ulster, returns to the remote, laid-back Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Unfortunately, Clare's big-city problems follow her creating chaos in the small town Jack has vowed to protect. Will Clare and Jack be able to survive the deceptively peaceful Iron City?

Janie Crouch: Cyclone (Linear Tactical #1) Zac Mackay. Military codename: CYCLONE. He's the town's returned hero--a man forged in battle, now working to help others be safe.

So why is Anne, the quiet doctor he never thought he'd see again, afraid of *him*?

Elle James: Soldier's Duty (Iron Horse Legacy #1) Home in Eagle Rock, Montana to search for his missing father, Delta Force soldier Angus McKinnon runs interference in murder attempts on his former flame whose secret could destroy them both.

*****

Nine full length standalone novels from NY Times and USA Today Bestselling and award-winning authors! Available for a limited time only. Grab them FREE before this deal is gone for good!

2256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2020

541 people are currently reading
320 people want to read

About the author

Lori Ryan

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5 stars
170 (58%)
4 stars
81 (27%)
3 stars
27 (9%)
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10 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews134 followers
Want to read
May 2, 2020
🎁 FREE PRE-ORDER on Amazon today (5/2/2020)! 🎁
83 reviews
Read
November 5, 2020
Great Reading

I loved each and every one of these books. Loved the settings, characters and story lines. The authors are awesome!!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,887 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2021
Collection of heroes

This is a collection of stories, each with a hero protecting a woman in some way. All are complete with a HEA, no cliffhangers. Most are a 4 or 5 star story. The heat level varies.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,685 reviews226 followers
Want to read
October 11, 2025
Every once in a while, Amazon offers up these Anthologies for really cheap. They are a great way to preview the work of some newbie authors or add a book by a author you are already familiar with. Unfortunately, for me, they tend to get lost in my Kindle as this one from 2020 did.

Cora Seaton Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL: 4-Stars
I really like Cora Seaton. Her books are romantic, funny and have a touch of mystery. This one has all the elements, but it is just too long. I liked it well enough and the paranormal touch was believable. Cora likes to force the issue in her books and here we have a General calling the shots and making his daughters and the servicemen under his direct control dance to his tune.

General Augustus Reed is a man on a mission - get his five daughters married off to the right men, and to the General that means military men. He has a group under his control at the moment and he is ready to start his campaign. First up is a Navy SEAL.

When Navy SEAL Brian Lake went against orders on his last mission, he knew he was in for some severe punishment, he just hoped it didn't mean the end of his career. He needed to continue as SEAL and was saving up to buy a ranch when his active duty time was over. Now, his only prayer is to impress the General. When the General lays out his mission, Brian isn't sure if this is a good idea, but he is out of options and accepts the challenge.

Cass Reed has been running the ranch and her four sisters since she was 15. There have been overseers and governesses, but Cass has been in charge and has always run them off with very little trouble. The General has been a distant part of their lives and now that the latest overseer was a liar and a thief she is determined to run Two Willows without anyone else trying to tell her what to do. When Brian shows up with orders from the General to fix up the house, Cass is determined to run him off too. But Brian has a vested interest in staying and Cass is no match for fate.

JH Croix: Take Me Home (Last Frontier Lodge #1)
Lori Ryan: Love and Protect (Heroes of Evers, Texas #1)
PJ Fiala: Ford: Finding His Fire (Big 3 Security #1)
Kait Nolan: If I Didn't Care (Wishing for a Hero #1)
Kelsey Browning: Going Hard (Steele Ridge #2)
Valerie J. Clarizio: Taken by Surprise
Janie Crouch: Cyclone (Linear Tactical #1)
Elle James: Soldier's Duty (Iron Horse Legacy #1)
Profile Image for Sue.
4,399 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2020
4 Authors in this box set I've already read, Cora Seton, PJ Fiala, Elle James and JH Croix. I just read Lori Ryan's story and loved the book. I can relate as my mother was abused by her husband as well. The book was well written and enjoyed her point of view. I've also read Janie Crouch's story before and here's the review from her book I read, This is about friends, Zac in love with Becky and anne was having problems at home with her parents so she spent most of her time at Becky's. But as the years went by and Zac lost Becky and Anne became a doctor things have changed. There is trouble brewing and Anne is in the center. Lots of action and secrets revealed. HEA. And finally Elle James book Soldier's Duty, love her series. Loved this story. Lost love, danger, life and death. Bree ran away when she thought she killed her step father and the love of her life joined the Army. Now he's home for good when his father went missing in the crazy mountains looking for a killer that had escaped. Between looking for his father, taking care of the ranch and his family they are all worried sick. Excellent book. Don't like cliffhangers. Now u have to buy the next book to find out what happened.

Profile Image for Annemieke Westerbeek.
895 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2020
1) Cora Seton, issued to the Bride,

This is a naval/ cowboy romance on a ranch. 3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

2) J.H. Croix. Take me Home, ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Romantic Alaskan winter story, Gage has inherited his Grams ski restaurant,/ wintersport resort and wants to restore and renew this place.Marley was born here but spread her wing in Seattle. After 10 years she is coming back to her home town due to circumstance. They meet and they hit is of from the start.
But it is not all happy and shiny. Loved it

3) Lori Ryan, love and protect.

4,5 star.
Wow, this is one book where the suspense is lingering in the background for the whole book. It keeps you on the edge of your chair. I love Cade for the man he is and for the love of animals. Laura is a strong woman and she is trying to find herself again and finding trust again. Love this book

4) P.J.Fiala, Ford, Finding his fire

I wonderful book full of suspense with wonderful characters. You’re on edge for the whole story. Megan is divorced and works in a Diner. Someone is stalking her. Ford is a Bounty hunter and his parents were murdered , he is trying to find the one who are responsible for that. By doing that he meets Megan. When trouble knocks on her door he helps her. Love this story


5) Kait Nolan. if I didn’t care

It took me a while before this book got to me, in the beginning I didn’t understand who was who and who was boyfriend girlfriend. But it got better and the suspense was great.



6) Kelsey Browning Going Hard
Dnf. too much going on around the story.

7) Valerie J. Clazario Taken by surprise

This is a romantic suspense book, and the first book I read from this author .
This story if keeping you on your toes and guessing who is doing what. Is has twists and turns and I loved it. The plot was amazing. Going to read more from this author.

8) Janie Crouch. Cyclone

Have already read this story

9) Elle James, Soldiers Duty

Already read this story.
151 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2021
Five out of nine stories that were worth reading, authors: JH Croix, Kait Nolan, Kelsey Browning, Janie Crouch & Elle James The best was "Going Hard" Kelsey Browning, the absolute worst was "Taken By Surprise" Valerie J. Clarizio - her heroine was annoying in the extreme, always in a crisis, w/a personality that would make any man w/a brain dump her after the first date! Unless this collection is free, or priced low enough to cover those five books, I would check these authors out individually, rather than purchase this collection. Because the bad ones were REALLY bad.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,313 reviews53 followers
October 15, 2020
Fantastic boxset….especially as a free download. 

* Issued to the Bride: One Navy SEAL    Cora Seton   * * * * 4 stars

This is a great start to the slightly crazy Issued to the Bride series, I love the outrageous General and the way he outsmarts the guys under his command and his stubborn daughters. Yes, I can see how people find him offensive and his tactics appalling but as the series continues we get to know him better, which makes his actions far clearer...not right but maybe understandable. This is Cass and Brian's book, a hilarious battle of wits, determination and surprises, a theme which continues throughout the series.

*Take Me Home         JH Croix          * * * * 4 stars

I loved joining Gage and Bree on their journey to HEA and for me the fact that they are both a little socially awkward and unsure of themselves outside of their work roles makes them more endearing. Again this is the first book of a series, I have read the full series and it gets better with each book, you are drawn into the family more with every visit to Last Frontier Lodge. 

*Love and Pritect      Lori Ryan      * * * * * 5 stars

For Laura hoping and dreaming has always ended in pain and fear, for Cade dreams are future goals and the love and support of your family is a given. Cade's biggest challenge will be showing Laura it is safe to hope, safe to trust and most of all safe to love. I have read all seven books in this series, all are fantastic!

*Ford: Finding His Fire     P.J. Fiala    * * * * * 5 stars

Ford has spent the last four years totally focused on revenge, only to have it snatched from his grasp at the last moment. Megan is his ticket back to that revenge...until he meets her, suddenly his priorities change and keeping Megan safe is more important.

He has spent the last 10 years just existing, but with Meg he sees a future and is determined to grab it with both hands.

The chemistry between Ford and Meg is palpable,  the crazy interfering family members are played perfectly - especially by Emmy! Finally, both exes, you can  feel the venom and hatred drip from the pages each and every time they open their mouths, which makes this a well written book with believable characters and a plot to keep you on your toes. Book one in a series (and spinoff series) that just keep getting better with each book.

*If I Didn't Care      Kait Nolan     * * * * * 5 stars

'It's the best kind of crazy' and this visit to Wishful really is! The sparks between Autumn and Judd literally jump off the page, with every look between them you get a complete firework display, add to this a plot with more twists than a corkscrew, danger, intrigue and lots of small town gossip and you have to have a hit. This is the first book I have read by this Author, but I will be reading more and visiting Wishful again.

*Going Hard        Kelsey Browning    * * * * * 5 stars

Slow, easy, sweet or fast, hard and dirty? Grif should know better than to think life with Carlie Beth could ever be easy...but being back home with her shows him just how empty his glamorous LA life actually is. Feisty and sassy as well as hot and steamy this is one couple who you cannot help but love. The first in a multi author series the Steele Brothers will steal your heart every time.

*Taken by Surprise     Valerie J. Clarizio     * * * * 4 stars 

A dark and twisted mind, the obsessive need for control and revenge puts everyone in danger. Clare is once again living in fear when she realises she is the target and Jack is terrified he is going to be too late.

*Cyclone      Janie Crouch      * * * * * 5 stars

Some things can never be fixed…

..but you damn well try anyway.Annie and Zac have a complicated and heartbreaking past but now they are both back home they cannot avoid each other any longer. Do they keep dancing around their past and the explosive attraction that still burns hot or do they face the past and try to move forward? 

Annie is a fantastic character and watching her grow in confidence and personality as this book progresses is a true gift, especially as this change continues throughout the series, resulting in a warm, confident, generous and occasionally sassy Anne who makes you want to cheer for her! Zac is a protector at heart and watching him nuture and encourage Annie's change whilst learning to forgive himself, shows just how strong he is.

There are bumps in the road, obstacles to avoid and lots of unseen dangers on their road to a HEA, but with the help of the residents of Oak Creek and the team at Linear Tactical they find their way, bumped, bruised and a little worse for wear...but ultimately happy. This first book in the Linear Tactical series will leave you hungry for more action with the team...thankfully they are all available on Kindle Unlimited!

*Soldier's Duty          Elle James      * * * *4 stars

Whilst I have read Elle James's Hellfire series, this is the first Iron Horse Legacy book I have read and what  dramatic start to the series. Their father goes missing during a man hunt and snowstorm, so all the McKinnon brothers return to join the hunt...I get the feeling this is going to be an ongoing plot that won't be resolved until we reach the final book….fortunately Angus and Bree manage to resolve their differences, but the unfinished puzzle will niggle until you download the next book.

1,161 reviews26 followers
May 18, 2020
If you love good romantic suspense romance with a backdrop of military heroes, these books are for you. They are each a first in a series and will make you want to get the next book to find out what happens next. Each book can be read as a stand alone but does introduce you to characters in future stories. Loved each of the books in this collection
1,347 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2020
5+ Star's

The hometown hero's anthology books are at times laugh out loud funny, hot and steamy, suspenseful, and all so romantic, with strong characters both male and female, with happily ever afters, except the last book " Soldiers Duty" didn't have a ending to tie up the story it continues for two more books .
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews102 followers
May 10, 2020
Great Small

Town stories. Each have you almost sitting on the edge of your seats wondering if the good guys are going to win in the end and the women will get their happily ever after.
756 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2020
Loved every one of these books

What an amazing grouping of books. Each one has suspense, some more than others. The heroes are true heroes that you would want to be fighting for you.
Profile Image for Misty Roule.
509 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2020
I couldn't have found a better romantic suspense set!!!

My heart pounded, my gut clenched, shivers ran down my spine, I laughed until my sides hurt, and my cheeks are sore from smiling... but it was worth all of it!!!
Happy reading : )
Profile Image for Sandra Sanders.
68 reviews
June 29, 2020
Fun to Read

I enjoyed this set of books for a quick read during the pandemic. Unfortunately, I get bored by many steamy sex scenes, so I scooted through them. Excellent plots and character development in most.
139 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
I love anthologies because they are books of a similar genre and I often find one by a new to me author. All of these books were great and I enjoyed every one of them. These are not clean reads, they are steamy. It’s great to not have to hunt up another book for a few days and just enjoy reading.
2 reviews
July 30, 2025
Great read!

I thoroughly enjoyed every book in this anthology to the point that I was staying up late at night to keep reading. As it is, I want to continue with the series for each of these books. Each of the books were very engaging that I just wanted to keep reading.
1,707 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2020
Brilliant

I loved everyone of these books couldn't put it down superb I will be checking out more from the authors
396 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2020
Fantastic rrads

I had already read Cora Seton's book but the rest of the books were great. They are all the first book in a series but are complete standalones no cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Andrea Akers.
1,037 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2020
Hometown Heroes

A wonderful collection of romantic suspense novels by excellent authors. All of these books are the first in a series but are standalone books.
108 reviews
June 8, 2020
Hometown Heroes

I enjoyed this series a lot.Reading stories by so many authors gives you a true chance to see which authors you want more of.
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,708 reviews15 followers
July 14, 2020
Enjoyable reading

Awesome collection of stories by a group of author's that I was surprised to see I knew all of.
Every story kept my interest.
Profile Image for Janet Swiftbird.
1,878 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2020
Always hope

A book for everything under the sun. Let hope, joy and love fill you up as you read each page
31 reviews
July 25, 2020
Great Read!!!

This is a very wonderful book! Very well written. It draws you in and entices you to continue reading to find out what happens next!!!
Profile Image for Gerri  Johnson.
547 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2020
This was an assortment of romantic suspense books that held my interest. The guys were all handsome and protective and the women were all lovely and smart. I really enjoyed all of these stories.
89 reviews
October 8, 2020
Great escape!

This collection of stories is a great way to lose a few days. Really enjoyed discovering some new authors to read.
78 reviews
November 11, 2020
Loved it.

Great writers. Wonderful and captivating. Couldn't put it down. Love putting all the writers together. Would love it repeated again.
2 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2020
Worth the read

Loved all the stories and can not wait to read the rest of all the series of all the books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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