Book Review: Critical Error (Triumph Over Adversity #2) by Lynn Shannon

About the Book:

One decision changed his life. 

Nathan Hollister nearly died in a war zone and the experience made one thing crystal clear—breaking off his engagement was a terrible mistake. He arrives at his ex’s ranch to make amends, but gunfire erupts before he can. 

Someone wants her dead. 

Cassie Miles is used to being abandoned, first by her mother and then Nathan. But when an attempt is made on her life, she can’t protect herself and the horses she’s rehabilitating. Accepting Nathan’s help is the only answer.   

A hazardous mission. 

Nathan won’t let anyone harm Cassie. Convincing her to give him a second chance, however, is impossible. As the danger creeps closer, the risk heightens. One critical error could cost Nathan everything…again. 

| Goodreads |

My Review:

Critical Error by Lynn Shannon
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Pages: 196
Published: October 27, 2021
Series: Triumph Over Adversity

This is the second book I’ve ready by Lynn Shannon, and while I still don’t fully get the love for this series yet, I will say that I did find myself enjoying Nathan and Cassie’s story. I don’t know, but after hearing the love some of the people I follow have for this series, and Lynn Shannon’s books in general, I still feel that personally something is missing.

I enjoy Romantic Suspense, and at a basic level these have been fun reads with sweet romances and offer a steady dose of action and suspense, but I’ve yet to find whatever factor it is that makes me really connect with a book, character, or series so far.

There’s still hope, as I tend to enjoy a series more with each passing book, and I definitely found myself more engaged with this one. (Which I slightly hate, since I have no idea why I didn’t love Jason’s book more, and it makes me a little sad. I know everyone is different and all, but ‘on paper’ his book should have had the perfect combo to at least make for a fun read, but somehow while it was okay and a good story I wasn’t engaged…?)

I’m determined to keep reading to at least finish this series and give both the series and Lynn Shannon a fair chance. And I admit, after reading this one, I am looking forward to Tucker’s story at least, and the others have potential as well. I ended up liking Kyle and Nathan in Critical Risk, so there’s hope that I’ll find a book I love in this series yet!

(Please don’t take me wrong here, I mean nothing bad against the series or author at all! It’s definitely not her fault, and if I do find whatever it is that is the ‘missing’ element for me in these, I’ll happily update my reviews, since I’d love to know as well what it is that I’m struggling with here, but so far I’m finding these books to be quick reads that are fun while they last, but sadly forgettable. Which I know isn’t always the case with the genre…

So, I’m just writing down my thoughts and didn’t want to wait to long to get a review up, in part so that I can read the next book, and in part so I didn’t forget anything that I wanted to add. I would love to share more on this one, but I don’t want to risk spoilers as it’s late and this one needs a good dose of mystery and is definitely one I’d recommend going in ‘blind’ and with as little as possible knowledge about the book about book before reading. It’s one that is better to let the mystery unfold naturally while reading.)

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT…

I did share these thoughts on Goodreads, partly because I was trying to avoid spoilers and partly because I was trying to just make sure I got a timely review posted, and wasn’t sure if I should worry about adding my thoughts on this or not…. it’s not overly important, but might explain my thoughts on this book, and perhaps the series a bit more as well.

So, no names but I was born surprised and not really at the same time when the stalker’s identity is finally revealed. He was also a highly disturbing character (I mean, of course, stalkers are never ‘good’) but yeah, he was pretty messed up. I also struggle with all the red herrings in this series. I think that was part of why I didn’t love the first book… The annoying deputy was…super annoying and didn’t improve my feelings on the story any. Same here… There are a few suspects, all likely for various reasons, but I feel like the author pushes the ‘possibilities’ , instead of actually telling the story. So much time and attention of focused on bouncing between the potential culprits, that we lack any real detail or personality from the ‘good guys’ or even the main characters. Sure, it slips through from time to time, I loved the meal scene where they were joking with Cassie about how good her food is.

I also enjoyed meeting her grandfather, and Eric, Bonnie, meeting Tucker, and the diner scenes were fun. But these are often brief, and don’t make up for such large spans of the story being focused on who the criminals might be…and worrying about who they aren’t. The balance just feel off, and honestly grates on me a bit. So, while I love the ‘good’ scenes filled with friends, family, and even some of the romance scene with a dash of action and suspense as we see the characters learning to trust each other and work together to stay alive… Too little time is given to what matters, and too much on the stress of the ‘unknown’ that gets in the way of what could have otherwise been an amazing series. Will I keep reading? Yes, but no promises on this unexpectedly becoming a new favorite of mine. (Could it? Sure, but we’ll just have to see.)

Other books in the series:
(Below is a list of the other books I’ve read & reviewed for this series)