Book Review | HOT SEAL Rescue by Lynn Raye Harris

HOT SEAL Rescue by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are back in the action again! Cody, one of the HOT teams SEAL operators is kidnapped by a mysterious woman in Vegas. Curious, he lets her take him. They team up but things don't go exactly to plan, cut to a few weeks later and Miranda and Cody have to work together again with HOT and Ian Black to bring down Victor Conti. There's lots of action as they head overseas, this time to Jorwani. Some of my favourite characters from previous HOT books make an appearance, (Lucky, Victoria, Mendez, Black to name a couple). When reading series like this I enjoy it when the author gives you updates on past characters/couples. It really cements together the idea of HOT as a family. I love how the guys rib each other all the time. As always, this was a fast paced satisfying read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.


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Have you read any of the HOT series?  I'm a huge fan of romantic suspense and I'm loving the spin off series as well, if you've read them, let me know your favourite one. Do you have any other romantic suspense series you love?  Let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, happy reading :)

C.

Book Review | HOT SEAL Lover by Lynn Raye Harris

Hot SEAL Lover by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the spin off HOT SEAL Team series and as always, Harris delivers an action packed read. I like where the series is going (I know it's early days), but I feel like the parallels with multiple HOT teams that are in play in the original HOT Series are reflected in the spin off and it makes sense to explore those other teams.

We open with our hero & heroine at a BBQ with some of the HOT operators and their families. Christina Girard Scott (sister of Matt Girard the hero from the first book), is nursing a broken heart after her husband is caught cheating, she's lost confidence in herself and when she sees Remy Marchand she wants one night that will make her forget. Needless to say, there is one hot night in D.C and then she disappears from Remy's life. Fast forward and the action returns us to Qu'rim, where Christina has gone to broker an oil deal. The enemy are closing in a Remy is tasked with getting her to safety. There are sparks flying when they finally come face to face again.

One of the things I like about Remy is that he's an alpha but he's not a douchecanoe. A lot of the time alpha heroes are written the opposite way. So it's refreshing to see. And I seriously can't go past a boy with an accent, I could listen to that for hours. I liked that Christina could take care of herself, but she knew when to ask from help. I enjoyed the H&H opening up to each other, they're both dealing with damage from their past. And there are some sweet moments when they finally trust each other with their secrets and their hearts, (corny I know, but true!).

Probably the only thing I didn't enjoy was the story line with Ben, Christina's ex. I can't quite put my finger on why, I need to reread and think a little more on that.

Over all, this was ticking all the boxes. A likable Hero, a couple with hotter than hot chemistry. We got to revisit with Matt and Evie, which I always love doing with characters in ongoing series. I love the way Harris writes the banter between her male characters. A cracking read as always and another great installment in the HOT universe. I would definitely recommend reading this series. And as always - you don't have to read in series order, but why would you want to skip the hotboys.

Until next time, happy reading :)

C.

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Book Review | Hot SEAL by Lynn Raye Harris

Navy SEAL Dane “Viking” Erikson has sworn off women—or at least he’s sworn off one woman: DEA Agent Ivy McGill. His ex-wife. 

But when they’re forced to work together on a critical military mission, Dane can’t help but notice how the one woman he shouldn’t want is the only one he can’t stop thinking about. 

Ivy knows what it’s like to fall for a SEAL’s hard muscles and killer smile—and she knows what it’s like when everything falls apart. So why is she naked against a wall and begging Dane for more?

The 9th book in the Hostile Operations Team series and the 1st in the HOT SEAL series.  While this is a spin-off it opens up more avenues for the continuation of the series with both new and existing characters.  I'm excited to see where the addition of a SEAL team will take the series.  This novella is a perfect introduction for our new characters. 

You don't have to have read the other books in the series, but I do recommend that you don't start with this book, simply because it gives away the pairings of couples from earlier books and there are possible spoilers.  But I also think that because the series has a number of books (this will make 9), that it's more enjoyable and you get a better picture of the dynamics of the team, the over arching story line that is weaved throughout the books if you do read them in order.  Each book ends with a satisfying finish, but there is the 'Big Bad' which the members of HOT continue to fight.

I'm a sucker for second chances, I'm not quite sure what it is, (maybe I am a big softie at heart), but I like it.  Especially when you have characters that have had a relationship before and let's get real - I read romance - I'm a sucker for a HEA!!  The prologue starts five years ago and it sets Dane & Ivy up, just married, completely in love, blazin' up the sheets and VERY hot for each other.  I was looking forward to them meeting up again and I wasn't disappointed.  

From the first time Dane & Ivy reunited I was 'pass the popcorn, this is about to get good'.  I had a big dopey grin on my face and I just knew he was going to be a shit stirrer :) 

      "She didn't expect him to be looking at her, or maybe she did.  He didn't know, but he didn't look away.  Instead, he gave her a slow grin.  And then he winked."

They both have baggage to work through, their relationship didn't have closure and even though it'll make their mission messy, they can't stay away from each other.  What can I say - sexy complications are the best kind.  I'm pretty sure I say this in each of my HOT reviews, but I love that the heroines are strong, sassy and can get shit done.  Ivy is that in spades, she is a take no crap, get shit done DEA agent. She's proud of the work she does and I love that she isn't a damsel in distress.  And Dane...lord do I love a military hero.  He's alpha, but not overbearing and I love that even though they've both hurt each other, as soon as Ivy needs it, Dane is there to help.

I mentioned the team before and I loved revisiting them.  I get the sense that they are lots of fun, I think I could stand to spend some weekend BBQ time with them.

      "I know you will, you ornery Cajun motherfucker."  "Can't wait to see you."  "Easy does it sir.  I'm spoken for."

I love that with the spin-off series we are getting some new characters.  I'm interested to see more of Ace, Ivy's partner, and the rest of Dane's SEAL team.  The focus was on our H & H, but I'm sure we will see more of the team in the future.  And Mendez!!  Mendez is going to be the death of me when he finally gets his own story!!  I really hope it's soon.

I'd definitely recommend this series, it has fast become one of my favorite to read and if you love military romance, hotboys being sexy badass hotboys, with a side of snark & sass this is the book for you.

*** I received an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Until next time, happy reading :)

C.

Book Review | Hot & Bothered by Lynn Raye Harris

Hot and Bothered by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.  All the squees are my own.

Another great edition to HOT, for me this series just keeps delivering – both with the action and with the feels.  With the addition of Dane and his team (HOT SEAL – coming out in September), I like where the series is going.  And we are that much closer to Mendez’ story, which from what Harris is laying down in Hot & Bothered, it’s going to be HOT.

This time around our Hero & Heroine (Ryan & Emily) are dealing with forbidden attraction – he needs to stay away from her because of her past and his job. We first met Emily in HOT Rebel, (Nick & Victoria’s story), she is the sister that Victoria went rogue for and it’s not until now that we’re really getting to know her.  Since being back in the US, Ryan has been one person that Emily can really confide in, he is a big part of her coping with everything that’s happened since the desert, Bin Yusef  and her rescue.  But when Ian Black gives her a chance to clear her name and make things right, how can she say no?

In the previous books we’ve mostly seen Ryan as the joker, the class clown.  So it’s a little different to see him as both vulnerable and the big bad protector.  Although I admit it was nice to see beyond the surface.   Emily manages to get past that and in that sense they’re perfect for each other, they work through their problems together.  They’re both as stubborn as each other to begin with, so it’s fun to see the give and take in their relationship.

I like that Harris continues to write strong female characters, sure they can’t do everything on their own and I don’t expect them to, but they’re resourceful, strong and they kick arse – these characters feel real to me, they aren’t cookie cutter.  And that is why this series continues to be one of my favourites.

I know for the previous couple of stories in the series I’ve said the books can be read as stand-alones, but I think that it’s better to read them in order, there are tidbits of information that relate to previous stories and while they aren’t major spoilers it’s nice to start the series as Harris intended and let’s be honest why wouldn’t you want to read them all.


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Until next time, happy reading.

C.

Book Review | Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris

Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for review.  All thoughts and comments are my own.

Grace Campbell leads a privileged life. The daughter of a United States senator, she moves within the social circles of the rich and famous. But Grace is also a scientist, and when someone learns she possesses the knowledge necessary to create a new super virus capable of destroying entire nations, she becomes a target for terror groups and foreign governments alike.

Garrett “Iceman” Spencer didn’t join the Army’s elite Hostile Operations Team to babysit a spoiled rich girl, but when his superiors insist on assigning him to a senator’s daughter as her security detail, he has no choice but to comply.

It’s a shock to find that beneath the glasses and serious scowl, Grace Campbell burns hot. And Garrett, who’s been burned before, suddenly wants to immerse himself in the flames.

Keeping Grace alive—and keeping his hands off her—is a full-time job for this HOT soldier. Failure is not an option…(from Goodreads).

This is the 7th book in the Hostile Operations Team (HOT) series and for me it didn't disappoint.  Hot Ice is full of action, snark and sexy good times.  I would recommend reading at least the book directly before this one (Hot Rebel), as the end of the story is mentioned at the beginning of this one and there is follow through with another character in this title.

This is Garrett (Iceman) and Grace's story. He's cool, calm and collected, letting nothing phase him. He goes through life quite detached. Enter Grace, the scientist who is his next assignment. From the start they irritate each other. Garrett resents having to look after a 'princess' and Grace is frustrated that she's stuck having a strange man following her around.  They clash, they snarky spar - sparks fly. This was a fun read, I probably say this every time, but I love some sass to my heroines.  And when she's pushed, Grace delivers. I think my only grumble with this book is the Grace is so insecure and let's people around her walk over her.  I kept wanting to take her by the shoulders, give her a good shake and say " You're a kick arse scientist, you're awesome.  Embrace the awesome Grace, embrace the awesome!"

The other thing that I enjoyed while reading this was getting to see Garrett and Grace fall in love.  It's one of my favourite things when you can see them falling in love and the characters either haven't noticed yet or are too busy fighting it to realise.  It just gives my heart a happy.  And they both fall head over heels, at the beginning, Garrett is a 'one & done', which for him is perfect, there's no attachment and he can't get hurt again and Grace is still smarting from a failed relationship. But they find their way to each other.

Finishing this I am definitely ready for another book in the series, I can see two possible characters getting their own book, but I would love to see Mendez get his own book, when the time comes, he is going to fall and fall hard.

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Until next time, happy reading :)

C.

Book Review | Hot Rebel by Lynn Raye Harris

Hot Rebel by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A copy of this ebook was provided for me via Netgalley for review - in exchange for an honest review.

I loved that there was a lot more action in this book, plenty of suspense to keep the story moving.  The action is fast paced and having it set in Afghanistan (I want to say Afghanistan) makes it relevant to now.  I'm by no means an authority of women in the military, but it's always refreshing to see - even if Victoria is on the wrong side of it at the moment.  She's a kick arse character that can take care of bid'ness.  She's strong and I think Harris does well to portray that and her loyalty to family.  She'd do anything for her sister, even to the point that she puts her own life on hold.

Even though I liked Victoria and Nick together, and their scenes together were well done, I felt that the love side of things was quite rushed.  I would've been happy for a HEA without declarations of love, but that's just me.  I could quite possibly be become a cynical old biddy in my old age ;)

Nick was everything I like from my heroes - smart sexy and not too in your face alpha - he wants to take care of Victoria, but he also knows that she can take care of herself.  And I like how this seems to be a consistent character trait for Harris' heroes.

Overall, this was another fun foray into the world of HOT and I'm looking forward to reading more from the series in the future.  Again, this could be read as a standalone novel, but why would you want to miss out on the HOT fun!


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Until next time, happy reading :)

C.