She’s damaged…Brooke Sullivan’s carefully ordered existence is spiraling out of control. Two years ago, she was violently abducted by a terrorist group and nearly killed. She’s worked hard to get her life back on track–moving to a new house, changing careers, going on a couple of dates. When she witnesses a murder, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. And as the past threatens to repeat itself, … repeat itself, she’s not sure she’ll survive this time.
He’s ruthless…
Cade “Saint” Rodgers never forgot the beautiful girl he talked to at the wedding of his commanding officer. Now she’s in trouble, and he’s the one tasked with protecting her. Brooke is terrified of men like him–a Black Ops soldier for whom violence is a way of life–which makes falling for her a terrible idea. But that won’t stop Cade from using every sensual trick he’s got to make her believe anything is possible if only she wants it badly enough.
Together, they’re combustible…
As danger draws closer, it’ll take all of Cade’s strength–and all of Brooke’s determination–to learn how to let go of the past and trust each other. But it might not be enough. To keep her safe, he may have to let her go forever…
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Another wonderful installment in Ms. Harris’s HOT series of romantic suspense novels. This one featuring Cade “Saint” Rodgers and former kidnapping victim Brooke Sullivan. To be honest, this one felt a little light on the suspense to me (although it was certainly there, including a very satisfying climactic battle), but I LOVED the romance in this one.
Brooke Sullivan has survived, and little more, following a harrowing kidnapping experience that left her emotionally scarred, hesitant to trust, and uncomfortable around big, strong, alpha men–especially ones who wear guns and know violence firsthand–like all the HOT heroes of Echo & Alpha squads. But Cade is an exceptional hero–yes, he’s all big and badass and protective when he needs to be, but he also is a quiet, patient man. He’s drawn to Brooke, but respects her need for distance and patience because of her PTSD. I loved watching how they became friends, then sexting buddies, then the real deal at the pace Brooke needed. She had all the feels and sexual attraction, just like Cade, but had a lot of emotional baggage to overcome in order to risk a real relationship. But he was with her every step of the way.
When her neighbor is murdered, and a string of dangerous events starts unfolding around her, Brooke turns to her friend for help and to regain her precarious sense of security. The standard bad guys being bad, and calling in the team for backup, etc. ensues. Once they come together, it’s clear Cade and Brooke are meant for each other–she just needs to heal enough to risk giving her heart to the kind of man who scares her most.
Plus, there’s a wonderful dog in the story. How can you go wrong? 😉
I love how this Author writes with such clarity and knowledge of firearms and tackle means. The written word paints vivid pictures of people, places and things. The story line and the Characters are so believable. This book is #12 of a series that just gets more amazing
Love all her books
I enjoy these series – all the offshoots!!
I love this series by Lynn raye Harris . I have all of them and looking forward to more.
I’ve been a fan of Lynn Raye Harris’s HOT series books since 2013. I followed the series avidly (possibly rabidly??) until I fell into the world of book blogs and reviewers. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of great books out there, I’ve managed to read some here and there because she cemented herself early on in my discovery of ebooks as a romantic suspense author who I really enjoyed her writing style and voice. So when I randomly came upon an announcement for this option as part of the release celebration for HOT Storm, I was a bit beside myself with excitement (read: fangirl down!).
Enough gushing. On with the review. Let me start by saying I’m not a fan of insta-love books, and some have labeled this one as such. I disagree. It’s been a slow burn for a while between our hero and heroine long before the book’s opening scene (inferred from a previous story). The connection between the hero and heroine makes more sense when viewed from this lens, but some reviewers seem to have missed that from the backstory woven throughout the plot.
Lynn Raye Harris consistently delivers characters with depth, bravery, loyalty, and heart. Some of the heroes are more alpha than others, but mostly they are a good blend of leaders and caring men. And Cade Rodgers is my favorite to date. While Brooke feels like she’s broken, she’s more of a survivor and braver than she realizes. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the text messages had me truly laughing out loud. If you enjoy military romantic suspense books, this is one you’ll want to read. It’s fun, sassy, sexy, and funny, yet full of suspense. Honestly, you could pick any of her books and not be disappointed. She’s at the top of my list for a reason and has been there for many years now.
NICUnurse’s Rating:
Cade/Saint & Brooke/Angel
She’d been kidnapped and assaulted two years earlier. Her bestie is married to a Hot Team member where she meets Cade. Even though she’s been afraid of men since her experience there is something about Cade that gets past her fears–at least a little.
He’s never been a one-woman man. Yet, there was something about this woman. He knew she wasn’t ready for a normal or especially a brief relationship but he was ready for something and willing to take the time and effort to see where this could go. Before they could do much about their feelings she witnesses a murder and he becomes her protector.
The murder turns into … you’ll have to read to find out.
Their relationship creates enough steam to run NY city. The HOT guys are the best of the best and hot in every way. They are loyal, brave, fearless, and way dangerous. While she can’t deal with all of these big men she sure can handle Cade and does as often as possible.
Such a good love story, with lots of emotions, the best characters–makes me ready for more
The latest instalment in the HOT series definitely does not disappoint.
Great dialogue, awesome character development plus getting a check in from some characters from the other books just adds to the story.
I loved this book. Cannot wait for the next story.
The adventures of the HOT Operations team continues with Cade “Saint” Rodgers. As with all the previous stories in this series, this book focuses on one member of the team who meets his match with a love interest and they fall in love while a sub plot of danger and international intrigue intertwines with the love story. Cade and Brooke Sullivan’s story feels a bit different. Brooke was first introduced earlier as Grace Campbell’s best friend. She was kidnapped two years ago as a diversion to get to Grace. Cade was one the guys to rescue Brooke during that mission. Fast forward and Brooke is still having a hard time moving on from the trauma of the kidnapping. She’s afraid of her own shadow and even more frightened of the intimidating men of HOT. Cade slowly helps her get over her fears while also helping her feel like an attractive woman again. I really liked the evolution of their relationship. It starts with texting and then moves to sexting with funny emojis until Brooke feels comfortable talking to Cade one to one. He is very patient with Brooke and she reveals details of her kidnapping never before exposed. He helps her heal and come out of her shell. Their attraction to one another is totally believable, but my favorite aspect was their witty banter and their private jokes. A real relationship has this and I could totally relate. Cade is truly a saint to his angel Brooke. Terrific book!
This book was just perfect to read on my daily commute. The story was interesting, filled with very relatable issues and people. Fun to read how everyone worked through there problems. I believe you would enjoy this story. Try it
I really like the Hot series.
Brooke was traumatized by a kidnapping in Hot Ice, when the bad guys used her to try and get to her best friend. Since then she has a hard time being around men who are big and bada**. Cade is a member of HOT, and he realizes pretty quickly that Brooke has some serious hang ups. He is very patient when dealing with her because he wants to get to know her and not scare her away. When Brooke witnesses a murder Cade will do anything to protect her from the danger that comes calling once again. Will Brooke be able to get past what bothers her about Cade’s job to give them a chance or will this new danger send her running as far away from him as possible? This was another great read from this author.
great
Closer to 2.5 stars as the main characters are likeable and the plot fairly good. But other than the sex scenes, this author is largely about telling rather than showing. For instance, you learn that a character was traumatized from a simple retelling of the event, not through a prologue, a flashback, or even a dream. That, I’m sorry to say, makes for boring reading. I don’t expect to read more in this series.
Two years ago Brooke was kidnapped and assaulted. After she was rescued, she moved, closed her bakery, and got a big dog. She has been dating a little but hasn’t felt a connection with anyone. Until she meets Cade who is a HOT agent and really big. They start texting first because Brooke is still weary of men. When she comes home and her neighbor has been shot, she’s the only one who saw the killer. Then she kidnapped again in exchange for weapons. Can she come out of this or will it push back her recovery? Great story with action and sex. Could not put it down. A little humor, some smoking hot sex scenes and a big, beautiful dog.
“I feel like I’m on a train that’s speeding toward a cliff. And I can’t jump off.”
“So, we’ll go over the edge together. We’ll sail over the side of the cliff and find out if we crash and burn – or whether we fly.”
HOT HOT HOT!! And I don’t just mean Hostile Operations Team! I think Cade is my favorite, but then I say that about each of the HOT members!
Cade “Saint” Rodgers wasn’t on the rescue mission when HOT saved Brooke Sullivan. He only knows a little about what she went through. But he wants to get to know her. He knows he scares her – all of the HOT team members scare her. Who could blame her after being kidnapped and threatened? If all she’s able to do is talk to him via text messages, then that’s what he’ll do. As her walls start to come down, danger finds her once again. Can he protect her from having to endure another traumatic event? Will the walls he’s been slowly breaking down be built back up – this time will they impenetrable? Not on his watch.
Brooke Sullivan has spent the last two years just trying to hold it together. Men like Cade Rodgers frighten her. She doesn’t like guns or the life he leads. But she’s drawn to him. Starting with text messages is the only way she knows to explore what she’s feeling. He’s becoming the only man she even remotely trusts. When she finds herself the only witness to a murder, and there’s a target on her back, she knows the only man that can help her is Cade. When her past seems to be repeating itself, and she once again finds her very life in danger, will she be able to get through it intact, or will this finally push her to the point of no return?
Love, love, love the HOT series. The men are all deliciously alpha and sweet all at the same time.
I know at some point this series will come to an end, but please not yet!!
I have several go to authors and Lynn Raye Harris is one of the top 5. Lynn never disappoints and this book was another of her greats.
I absolutely loved the sexting between Brooke and Cade and rooted for them all the way. These next 2 notations are my some of favorites from this book. To me they speak volumes about how these 2 feel about each other.
“No, I don’t think that at all. You’re a saint because you have patience and understanding, Cade. That’s what I see. That’s what you’ve shown me.”
Brooke was his. And he planned to tell her about it just as soon as he got a chance. (SWOON)
This book captured my attention and held it through all the action packed pages. It’s filled with mystery, adventure, action and sizzling chemistry between Cade and Brooke.
I love how the characters flow from one book to the next and even get better introductions into the lives of the characters to be featured in the next book of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.