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He carries the burden of his mistakes. The wounds on Jason Gonzalez’s body are nothing compared to the ones on his heart. The former Marine avoids getting close to anyone new, especially his gorgeous next-door neighbor. Until he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night. Her enemies are too numerous to count. Addison Foster escaped an abusive marriage and has become an advocate for others. When an intruder breaks into her home and nearly kills her, Addison is rescued by an unlikely protector. But the threats against her aren’t over and she needs help. Danger around every corner. Jason makes it his mission to keep Addison safe, but keeping her out of his heart proves impossible. As the threats increase, there’s no room for mistakes. Will his calculated risk pay off or will it end in tragedy? ★ Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. ★ The Triumph Over Adversity

198 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2021

1420 people are currently reading
874 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Shannon

57 books363 followers
Lynn Shannon is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romantic suspense.

After moving from Texas to Greece, Lynn turned her passion for reading into a love of writing. She lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a pair of chirpy lovebirds. Experiencing life in a new country has introduced her to delicious foods—like Yemista and Kourabiedes—which now share a place on her favorites list alongside pecans and Blue Bell ice cream. She also never passes up coffee, chocolate, or the chance to watch cute animal videos.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website at: www.lynnshannon.com

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5 stars
2,428 (61%)
4 stars
1,011 (25%)
3 stars
382 (9%)
2 stars
75 (1%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 57 books1,813 followers
April 24, 2021
My first Lynn Shannon book and it won't be my last. This book kept me turning the pages because I had to know how it would end. Loved the romance and loved the suspense.
Profile Image for Stacy Wilson .
311 reviews173 followers
July 16, 2024
Christian contemporary romance featuring a Marine (my favorite). Likable characters, and fast-paced. I really liked the romance and loved the dog!
Profile Image for Eleanore June.
683 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2024
Ok, I must not be the target audience. This has such a high rating, but man this was not for me.

1) How can a book with so much happening still come off as boring? Probably because there were SO MANY attempts on her life that it just became repetitive. There was never any breathing room. Just crisis after after crisis to the point it became white noise.

2) The romance had zero chemistry for me. It felt all Tell and no Show. Also, there were so many men that more than once I wasn't sure who the romanctic lead was.

3) This was a church book. Which is fine, but I wasn't prepared for all the god-talk.

It just wasn't for me. I want real character development more than constant action scenes and confusion about who the hero is.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,484 reviews
April 17, 2021
4.5 stars.

This is book one in the Triumph over Adversity series and if the rest of the series is as good as this, then it's going to be a really good series indeed. The plot is well thought out with twists and turns to hold your interest, it had me guessing and second guessing in places. I loved the relationships between Addy, Jason and their pets, the friendships shown in this and the way that their faith was simple a part of them. They both had pasts that shaped who they were but were brave enough to trust in God and to form good, strong relationships with good and strong people.

I liked seeing Addy and Jason's relationship develop and grow, I liked seeing the faith, trust and strength they had in each other, a foundation to build a good, strong and loving relationship on. When I got to the end I wanted to spend more time with them and see what happens next, I hope I get to see some of this in the rest of the series. I am very much looking forward to reading book two now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,375 reviews138 followers
April 16, 2021
This is a well written action packed story with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author pulled me in right from the start and had me glued to the pages up to the last page with all the twists and steamy romance. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive writing painting her scenes perfectly. I enjoyed reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Ashley Jolly Vater.
388 reviews15 followers
July 26, 2021
This had the potential to be really good, but after the 3rd attempt on her life I was a little over it. Yes, it's romantic suspense, however a little overboard. I felt it was like the fast and furious version of a book. A bunch a ridiculous stunts/events to create chaos.
Profile Image for Kristi.
729 reviews
July 20, 2023
I enjoyed the slow burn of the relationship between Jason and Addison. It was refreshing to see two characters actually communicate with each other and not get lost in him/her not saying something when it most definitely should have been said.

I enjoyed Connor (the German Shephard) and Addison's cat (can't remember its name at this time). It was nice to see the animals included in the story. This is Christian suspense with some action and a little bit of clean romance thrown in. This is a first-time author for me and I really enjoyed her writing.

I wasn't surprised at the reveal toward the end. I don't think the main characters were either. I did find the life threats toward Addison a bit much. Especially when they happened back-to-back the way they did.

Rating: PG-13 -physical abuse, life threats, weapons
Language: I think there might have been some implied swearing (nothing actually spoken), a clean read
Recommend: yes
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,083 reviews44 followers
March 21, 2023
Lynn Shannon is a new-to-me author, and I thoroughly enjoyed Calculated Risk. Jason rescues his neighbor Addison after she is attacked and protects her as the attacks continue. They bond over their pets and common interests. Both had painful pasts. Jason, a former Marine, has PTSD. Addison got out of an abusive marriage and is a family law attorney for others in similar situations.
The storyline drew me straight in from chapter 1 and was filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing and second guessing as to who was behind Addison's attacks. The characters were wonderful, and I can't wait to read Nathan's and Kyle's stories.
Profile Image for Jean.
799 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
I just couldn’t get into this book. Tried on several occasions but just couldn’t finish.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
744 reviews19 followers
September 18, 2025
4.25 Stars
Completed: Sep. 12/25

Series: Triumph Over Adversity, #1
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Stacey Glemboski -- always so good

Book #118 of 2025: This is a new-to-me author and I quite enjoyed this novel!

There are various layers to this story with backgrounds, experiences, etc. For example, I appreciate the military aspect, the MMC's artwork, tackling tough topics like abuse, etc. The reader will question and wonder about who is behind it all. The romance is also good! I will definitely be continuing this series and reading more by this author as a fan of romantic suspense.
742 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2021
A True 3* Book

The story of Addy and Jason is a long drawn out one — so many inconsistencies, inept behavior and spelling errors. Not hard to figure out who the villain was. Too much cliche in a very formula-following book.
Profile Image for Stephanie - Books Less Travelled.
197 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2024
I've had this one, well this series actually, on my TBR for a few months, and have seen it around for a while before that. I've enjoyed the genre enough to be interested, but I've also found Romantic Suspense can easily go either way for me. Some I've loved, others not so much.

There were some things I really loved about this one. One of those was Jason's hobby! I loved that he used art as a positive coping skill. I thought it was an interesting concept, and one I've heard of in psychological settings and medical research type topics, but not so much in fiction. It felt right here, and made me enjoy getting to know Jason all the more.

I also loved his K-9 partner, Conner! I have seen an uptick of military and police dogs in fiction, and with anything they can really add to a story, but can also feel cliché and over-done if they are simply added to check off a box, but lack any real purpose or character. Conner was a fun addition in this one, and I loved how he always found a way to Addison's side, regardless of the situation!

I also enjoyed some of the side-characters and the overall story, but was a bit underwhelmed too. It was a good story, a fun read, and an interesting plot, but it lacked that 'extra'. It's not the more memorable story, I'm not eagerly counting the days until I'm able to read the next book, and I'm not partial to any one character.

Did I like them? Yes. Did I enjoy Jason and Addison's story? Again, yes. But overall I felt like something was missing. I'm not really sure what, but I ended up giving it a 3.5 star rating because it didn't really jump out and pull me in as I'd hoped it might. The following books may make this a series I'm eager to recommend, and I do recommend it to Christian Romantic Suspense fans, but it just didn't really stand out as one of the best I've read in the genre.

I enjoyed it, and ended on a positive note. I just wish I would more excited to keep reading these, and since that didn't happen, I'm not really in a rush to read the sequels. They are shorter, and I flew through this one, so they are definitely good as a quite weekend or 'while I wait' type read, like at a doctor's office or while I wait for a class to start though!

(These reviews are always some of the hardest to write! Feeling neutral about something is difficult to explain. I'm sorry about the less than review. It is good! Just probably one of the more forgettable reads I'll likely read this year, which I hate since it was an entertaining story, but if I'm being honest, I've already forgotten parts of it...And I feel horrible even admitting that...)
3,845 reviews1,759 followers
July 26, 2023
I can’t believe I totally missed this series a couple of years back! In fact, Lynn Shannon has a number of indie books published that I need to catch up on…starting with this series!

‘Calculated Risk’ is the first book in the ‘Triumph Over Adversity’ series and it’s a fantastic introduction. The books are loosely connected through ex-military friends who bonded in the V A hospital and are now easing into civilian life. Love the camaraderie of this brotherhood and the way they support and encourage one another. Makes a great foundation for the series. Though each book can be read as a standalone, I’m happy that I started with this one and loved it so much I’ve already purchased book two.

Jason is the perfect alpha hero — and that comes with some introspective brooding and feelings of inadequacy due to some life-altering injuries sustained in combat. He’s not about to become involved with any woman, especially his next-door neighbour, despite the fact that his retired K-9 is already a goner for Addison. I do so love a matchmaking critter. 🙂

Love that these two have known each other for six months, both quietly attracted to the other, but relationship wary for various reasons. Until danger stalks Addison and Jason comes to the rescue. Whew — intense opening scene! And the tension amps up from there. A well-paced plot balances, romance, suspense and the guys’ friendship and made this book unputdownable.

Or I should say unstoppable because I listened to the audio edition (thank you Chirp sale!) expertly narrated by Stacey Glemboski. Finished it in a day and getting reading for another listening marathon with book two, Critical Error.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/07/26/c...
866 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2025
A Real Who-Done-It

If you like action, and lots of it, suspense that keeps you turning the pages and a love story with twists and turns, then you won’t go wrong with this book. I loved that the storyline and plot were gritty and raw while being clean and wholesome.

Both lead characters had real life problems to overcome. Jason, a disabled Vet whose body was riddled with wounds from a bomb exploding in war torn Afghanistan, suffered from physical PTSD

Addison had her share of problems too. Someone wanted her dead, but who? Was it her ex’s family who blamed her for her abusive husband’s death? Or since she was a sharp witted attorney who fought tooth and nail for clients needing to get away from an abusive spouse… maybe, just maybe the abuser didn’t like losing. Or could it be a jealous man thinking if he can’t have her, no one else will either?

Well, whoever it is pulls every trick out of the bag to end her life. Ahhh, but they didn’t count on a disabled vet willing to put his life on the line to guard and protect the woman he’s falling for…and who just happens to have a couple other disabled vet friends.

🤔 OBSERVATIONS

✒︎ Not at all preachy but gets the point across that if God be for us, who can be against us?

✒︎ Would have liked to ‘hear’ some of the trial arguments for and against the ‘culprit’.

✒︎ Loved Conner, the military trained German shepherd who was every bit a warrior in his own right.

This is the first time reading a book written by this author... I really enjoyed it and added her to my 'favorite' list.
Profile Image for Kara.
806 reviews
February 18, 2025
Found this little gem in my kindle library and just wow, what a great story! Recommend this page-turner for those who love reading Sharee Stover and Connie Queen, you get to love the main characters IMMEDIATELY and have to see them get their happy ending. Did I mention there's also a MWD (dog soldier) in this? Um yeah, cherry topping right there.

There were two scenes that had me utterly concerned, thought for sure someone good was killed and braced myself for it and the other was...well you have to read it to find out, but I was mentally asking Shannon the Author to PLEASE not do the story that way while mentally cringing! It all worked out, but both Stover and Queen are known for doing that as well before getting you to the happy ending. I wish life could be the way these ladies write books, it looks harrowing but 20 pages later you can breathe calmly again and are grateful.

One scene illustrates PTSD perfectly yet respectfully. Main characters get threatened or in danger more than once, but all at a PG level (seriously there are TV shows we watch that are much more intense and less edifying and Netflix calls them binge-worthy). A cop and veteran are injured and bloody briefly (disliked that also but no one dies). The lady defends abused wives and helps victims start over. The friendship between Jason and his veteran buddies was lovely to read about.

Didn't see any misspellings in this book.

Definitely want to read more of Shannon now, it's rare that a story blesses me this much :)
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 73 books458 followers
April 26, 2023
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
He carries the burden of his mistakes.
The wounds on Jason Gonzalez’s body are nothing compared to the ones on his heart. The former Marine avoids getting close to anyone new, especially his gorgeous next-door neighbor. Until he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night.

Her enemies are too numerous to count.
Addison Foster escaped an abusive marriage and has become an advocate for others. When an intruder breaks into her home and nearly kills her, Addison is rescued by an unlikely protector. But the threats against her aren’t over and she needs help.

Danger around every corner.
Jason makes it his mission to keep Addison safe, but keeping her out of his heart proves impossible. As the threats increase, there’s no room for mistakes. Will his calculated risk pay off or will it end in tragedy?

MY TAKE
There's nothing like a life-threatening situation (or situations in this case) to help put your priorities into perspective. This is definitely the case for Addison and Jason. In the beginning, they both have reasons not to pursue anything more than friendship. And they are both kind of broken. But someone taking a great effort to kill her pushes them together.

Lovely romantic suspense with a lot scary situations to get through.
135 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2023
Excellent book! It exceeded my expectations given that it's billed as "Christian romantic suspense". It was refreshing to find characters who act like I would - no insta-love, no roll in the hay with your attractive neighbor after you get attacked, no F-bombs every third sentence. I adore 3rd person POV writing and didn't realize just how much until I was faced with book after book in alternating 1st person POV that not only confused me but left me bogged down by characters who spend far too much time in their own heads.

Characters are authentic - Addison, a female attorney defending abused women, & Jason, a former Marine struggling with various after-effects of war. Secondary characters are also solid - Chloe (Addison's client), Kyle & Nathan (Jason's friends from the VA). Town is relatable. Conflict is genuine with no foolish misunderstanding and no TSTL (too stupid to live) actions by the heroine. Although, the fall from the window ledge was a bit contrived. Ending was a surprize & not the character I thought it would be.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
890 reviews
January 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this story about Addison and Jason. Addison is a lawyer helping abused women get away from their captors. She was in an abusive marriage she was able to get out of. Her current case has her a bit nervous as the husband is a billionaire and can pretty much buy his way out of things. He is livid at Addison for putting him in court. She is attacked that evening and almost killed, but Cameron (the best dog ever, maybe), woke Jason up to let him know something was wrong. Cameron is a dog taught to hunt in war. He is trained to the hilt and a great dog. (OK I am biased...I fell in love with him.). Anyhow, he woke Jason and Jason and Cameron are totally intune to each other. Jason followed him and they found the attacker on Addison trying to strangle her to death. They were able to get him away. Throughout this book daily something occurs to Addison and Jason to harm them. Jason is the stud Army guy and wanted to be a police officer, but the IED explosion he was in, in Iraq changed all of that for him. His leg is injured, PTSD. So he paints. And does beautiful work. I will stop...I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,669 reviews9 followers
April 15, 2021
After downloading this book to my kindle, I realized the author tagged it as an inspirational romance. Being an atheist, I debated what to do and decided to give it a try anyway because how bad could it be. The story does have the characters praying and looking to a god for answers. That being said, those small parts were easy to skip over as the author doesn't try to convert anyone with in your face preaching. Religion aside, the book still rates four stars with plenty of action and suspense.

Addy was once a victim of domestic violence and now is an attorney helping others in a similar situation. The author doesn't hide why she is being targeted, but does give the reader pause as to how and who is actually carrying out the continued assaults. Jason has designated himself as her protector, but is dealing with his own history of violence in the form of PTSD. Both characters are strong for each other and the suspense keeps the story moving at a fast pace to their HEA.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,092 reviews
April 10, 2021
Sweet yet suspenseful:
The mystery and suspense drew me in from the very beginning and I was kept engaged by the many twists and turns. Danger abounded and there was quite a lot of violence, yet it was told in such a way that this still felt like a sweet, happy book.
Both Jason and Addison were likeable characters and my heart went out to them as they had suffered much in their lives. I was so happy to see them find healing and restoration.
I liked the message about trusting God and leaning on Him during the healing process and being willing to open oneself up to what He may have in store for you. Overall this was a fabulous book and I look forward to reading upcoming books in this new and exciting series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,499 reviews27 followers
April 21, 2021
What happens when you throw two damaged people together in a situation where they have to rely on one another That is what happens to Jason Gonzalez and Addison Foster are thrown together These two are neighbours who really haven't had that much to do with in another He is a marine veteran who is licking his wounds in both a real and figurative sense She is a lawyer who works on behalf of abused woman after escaping her own nightmare marriage. This has put her in the cross hairs of men who want to stop her and when she is attacked in her own home Jason comes to her rescue Can two damaged people find a connection with one anther and will this Marine be able to keep the woman he is growing to love safe Throw in a absolutely delightful K9 named Connor and this book has everything you could possible want
2,555 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2024
A great suspense filled book

Oh my goodness what can you say about this book....I loved it. It kept me in suspense, what's going to happen next! Addy and Jason were so good together. Both fearless at times together or separately but together nonetheless. Someone was trying to kill Addy, she's a lawyer working on a domestic violence background case. Plus she is a survivor of domestic violence. She has the support and protection of three ex service members plus a police friend. Oh, I forgot Jason's dog, such a good boy. Along the way Addy and Jason fall in love but the possibility of death follows them and their friends. It's action packed and really good. I have to say, I watch a lot of cop shows and I had the bad guy picked out right away. Again.. A really good book!..Written by Cindy :)
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,675 reviews25 followers
April 23, 2021
Jason and Addison both have pasts that haunt them and staying as distant neighbors seems to the be the best option no matter what potential attraction they feel, all that changes when Connor alerts Jason something isn't right one night. Now Jason and Addy can't help but be close to each other as they try and work out who is after her and why and good luck fighting the attraction that intensifies. This has the perfect mix of some light hearted moments, danger, learning to let people in as well as twists and mystery which has you turning the page to find the answers and see if Addy and Jason can have a happy ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
4,963 reviews52 followers
April 14, 2021
Triumph over adversity

Addy is so strong, she has clawed her way back from the scared, abused woman she was and she is determined to help others escape that same abuse ...but what will it cost her?
Jason is a warrior, he may be a little battered and bruised but he will do everything in his power to keep Addy safe, as will Connor. But whilst he doesn't hesitate to put his life on the line to protect Addy, is he brave enough to put his scarred heart and soul at risk too?
With a break in, a bombing, a hit and run and a shootout there is plenty of action and suspense in this first book of the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
432 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2021
Jason, is a Marine veteran with a combat injury... He is a sweet guy, very protective and his K9 Conner will melt your heart... Addy comes from a abusive marriage, she is a lawyer. Someone threats her and attacks her and you will see just what a Marine is able to do to protect her... I loved seeing the attraction between them. They each have their own scars but true love always finds away.... We also see Jason's friends Nate and Kyle all military veterans and another great group of guys... I loved Conner, the loyal, smart, loveable K9.... I loved reading this book, it was so good... Romance, action, HOT Marine HERO plus, he loyal k9 oh Yeah. Great book! Get it today!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.6k reviews357 followers
April 18, 2021
Jason Gonzalez is a Marine with PTSD. He’s a good person and very protective of others. Addison Foster is no stranger to abuse and cruelty, as her husband was abusive throughout their married. Now Addison, a lawyer, does what she can help other victims of abuse. When he hears a scream coming from her house in the middle of the night, he must respond before the vicious attack kills her.

The two of them become attracted to each other. They have scars, but healing comes from within as they build a relationship of trust. Even the dog, Connor, is a hero. With the threats escalating, can Jason keep Addison safe? Grab your copy and find out how they will deal with the danger!
2,522 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2021
Jason and his K9 partner Connor are retired from military life. Addison is the next door neighbor who fights for women. Jason and Connor come to Addison's aid late one night. Jason becomes her protector when her life is being threatened by an unknown person. Along the way, Jason and Addison are attracted to each other but don't try to make a move for different reasons. Both have emotional baggage from the past and does not want the other saddle with it. It is a well written story with well developed characters. You will be disappointed with the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Author 7 books6 followers
April 21, 2021
Fantastic!!

That was such a spectacular book! I was hooked from the first couple pages, and it kept bringing me deeper into the story. I loved being right alongside the main characters, trying to figure out exactly who was behind the attacks on Addy. It kept my guessing right up until the end. I'm a romance fan at heart, and this book hit all the right notes for me. Addy and Jason are so... so... RIGHT for each other. I don't know how else to describe it. They had built up a friendship beforehand, a d it was so natural to progress to a relationship. I've loved all of Lynn Shannon's Ranger books, and now after this book, I'm excited to read the rest of this new series.
47 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2023
Heartwarming and suspenseful

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started this but it kept me on the edge of my seat! Full of a slow burn romance with intriguing characters full of conviction, inner strength and above all faith. Addison is a pilar of strength despite what she’s been through, and the budding friendship with hunky neighbour Jason starts heating up as danger is presented at every turn. Just as you start to think the bad guy responsible has been named….things take a drastic turn and everything you think you know is turned upside down. Great read and can’t wait to start the next story!
1 review
May 19, 2024
Well-written, clean, not preachy

Suspenseful story that brushes up against the subjects of PTSD and domestic violence, but not in any graphic manner or description. Those are topics important to the story, but without great detail. Christian themes are obvious: characters attend church, brief prayers are said, etc, but there is zero preachiness. Faith is an active element in the lives of the main characters and Christian themes are presented in a "matter-of-fact" way. The main and main supporting characters are honorable, likable, and overcomers. Overall, a good "clean" romance.
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