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Agent Pepper James #1
Hot As Habanero
Maddox Wade is a man used to getting what he wants. Raised on the wrong side of the tracks, what he wanted most in life was to never be poor again. Now with billions at his disposal, his only wish is to free his sister from killers. What he didn’t count on is the one-night-stand that he can’t stop obsessing over. A woman who could prove to be his downfall.
FBI Special Agent, Pepper James, has it all — a stellar career, friends she loves, a doting father. Only Mr. Right is missing from the picture, and when he shows up in the form of a handsome, mysterious billionaire, Pepper doesn’t hesitate to embrace the romance, or the heat.
But when intel on her new case suggests her mystery man is guilty of human trafficking, Pepper must ignore her heart and do her job. Or risk compromising the career she’s worked so hard to build.
FBI Special Agent, Pepper James, has it all — a stellar career, friends she loves, a doting father. Only Mr. Right is missing from the picture, and when he shows up in the form of a handsome, mysterious billionaire, Pepper doesn’t hesitate to embrace the romance, or the heat.
But when intel on her new case suggests her mystery man is guilty of human trafficking, Pepper must ignore her heart and do her job. Or risk compromising the career she’s worked so hard to build.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
About the author
Lashell Collins
65 books176 followersLashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, contemporary and paranormal romance. She spent the last twenty years of her life working in veterinary clinics and garden centers in her home state of Ohio, and is now living her dream of writing full-time. When she's not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband's Harley-Davidson.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2024
I ENJOYED THIS BUT I WISH IT HAD REALLY ENDED, ENDED I HATE INCOMPLETE ENDINGS (cliffhangers) FOR THAT I KNOCKED OFF A STAR. I DID FIGURE OUT THINGS WAY BEFORE PEPPER DID AND I THINK I KNOW WHO THE MIDDLEMAN IS, IT HAS TO BE . . . . . . . . . . .? ;D
March 26, 2024
Hot As Habanero - Lashell Collins posted 3/26/24 5 stars
Pepper & Maddox
She turned thirty and her fellow-female agents were taking her out to celebrate. They decided she should not only drink but to find a guy. She didn't do one-night stands but when the hot, well-dressed guy bought them all drinks she accepted her friends' dare to go talk to him.
The closer she got the more she realized his suit and shoes cost a fortune. Who was he? It was the beginning for them. She didn't plan to get involved.
He loved her personality, humor, her looks, and fashion statement. He didn't plan for more than maybe tonight but he couldn't get her out of his mind.
She was FBI and her new case involved trafficking. Working her case and a new relationship fills her life. She didn't know he was a billionaire. Which was a big draw for him. There is more she doesn't know and finding out could ruin them.
I enjoyed the new series and can't wait for more. Secrets. Steam. Could those ruin their relationship?
Pepper & Maddox
She turned thirty and her fellow-female agents were taking her out to celebrate. They decided she should not only drink but to find a guy. She didn't do one-night stands but when the hot, well-dressed guy bought them all drinks she accepted her friends' dare to go talk to him.
The closer she got the more she realized his suit and shoes cost a fortune. Who was he? It was the beginning for them. She didn't plan to get involved.
He loved her personality, humor, her looks, and fashion statement. He didn't plan for more than maybe tonight but he couldn't get her out of his mind.
She was FBI and her new case involved trafficking. Working her case and a new relationship fills her life. She didn't know he was a billionaire. Which was a big draw for him. There is more she doesn't know and finding out could ruin them.
I enjoyed the new series and can't wait for more. Secrets. Steam. Could those ruin their relationship?
July 28, 2024
Enjoyable
Oh My! What a awesome story and one that I really enjoyed. This is a must reads by this author. This story has strong and brave women and men who will fight for what they consider is theirs. And of course their steamy connections. There are interesting twists along with lots of excitement in the story and it's a fast paced. WOW this isn't the first time I have read one of this author stories and it's always great and I'm happy that I enjoy reading this author she is great I'm a fan. I can say that this book is truly intriguing with captivating characters and I happy to read another one of her books. The story is full of their sizzling hot passions which will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoyed every moment of this couple's relationship it's made so that I can't put my reader down but I must warn you there is a cliffhanger but you will enjoy this story anyway because this is definitely a excellent romance that's full of suspense!!.
Oh My! What a awesome story and one that I really enjoyed. This is a must reads by this author. This story has strong and brave women and men who will fight for what they consider is theirs. And of course their steamy connections. There are interesting twists along with lots of excitement in the story and it's a fast paced. WOW this isn't the first time I have read one of this author stories and it's always great and I'm happy that I enjoy reading this author she is great I'm a fan. I can say that this book is truly intriguing with captivating characters and I happy to read another one of her books. The story is full of their sizzling hot passions which will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoyed every moment of this couple's relationship it's made so that I can't put my reader down but I must warn you there is a cliffhanger but you will enjoy this story anyway because this is definitely a excellent romance that's full of suspense!!.
June 23, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would and it was a fairly quick read as well. I'd say its 50/50 with the suspense/action & romance.
Pepper meets Maddox when she's out with the girls at a bar for her birthday. They end up hitting it off at the bar and then things get heated after that.
After they hook up, Pepper can't stop thinking about him and she doesn't know why because other hook-ups don't make her feel like this.
Maddox ends up becoming enamored with Pepper and she ends up seeing him way more than she expected to and she might be falling for him.
Unfortunately, Pepper gets Intel about the case she's working on for the FBI and it turns out that Maddox may not be the innocent, sweet man we think he is.
Between their romance and the case that Pepper is working on, a lot goes on and it keeps your attention. I think I'll be checking out the next book in the series!
Pepper meets Maddox when she's out with the girls at a bar for her birthday. They end up hitting it off at the bar and then things get heated after that.
After they hook up, Pepper can't stop thinking about him and she doesn't know why because other hook-ups don't make her feel like this.
Maddox ends up becoming enamored with Pepper and she ends up seeing him way more than she expected to and she might be falling for him.
Unfortunately, Pepper gets Intel about the case she's working on for the FBI and it turns out that Maddox may not be the innocent, sweet man we think he is.
Between their romance and the case that Pepper is working on, a lot goes on and it keeps your attention. I think I'll be checking out the next book in the series!
February 22, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant!!
FBI special Agent Pepper James, is as hot and feisty as her name. A series of missing girls, turns out to be much more as details are learned and the search expanded.
A birthday drink from a handsome mystery man fills a need in her personal life. He claims he only needs the answer to three questions to know whether things will “work” between them (must read to learn them).
A perfect blend of career and personal, with clever repartee and sizzling interactions. When personal and the case overlap, can the man who makes sprinkle pancakes be involved in a slavery ring?
An intriguing new series with an exceptional new cast of characters. Totally captivating!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
FBI special Agent Pepper James, is as hot and feisty as her name. A series of missing girls, turns out to be much more as details are learned and the search expanded.
A birthday drink from a handsome mystery man fills a need in her personal life. He claims he only needs the answer to three questions to know whether things will “work” between them (must read to learn them).
A perfect blend of career and personal, with clever repartee and sizzling interactions. When personal and the case overlap, can the man who makes sprinkle pancakes be involved in a slavery ring?
An intriguing new series with an exceptional new cast of characters. Totally captivating!!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
February 28, 2024
OMG...🔥🔥🔥...HOT As Habanero...(Pepper 🌶️ James Series
This definitely was worth the wait and the money. I am thoroughly invested in this series. Don't get me wrong I still love my Issac Taylor Mysteries but I have fallen in love with Agent Pepper James 🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥 and CEO Maddox Wade. I can't wait to see where their relationship leads. Agent Pepper is going to be 🔥 to handle both by her friend, so far, Maddox and her boss Donald Carpenter. I loved knowing that her father was a legend with the FBI so we know that she will have some one to look up and live up to. I am interested in her friends Renee, Lori and Daphne. Then there's her partner in this case Agent Fisk. This story was so, so good. I highly recommend this book 📚📖.
This definitely was worth the wait and the money. I am thoroughly invested in this series. Don't get me wrong I still love my Issac Taylor Mysteries but I have fallen in love with Agent Pepper James 🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥 and CEO Maddox Wade. I can't wait to see where their relationship leads. Agent Pepper is going to be 🔥 to handle both by her friend, so far, Maddox and her boss Donald Carpenter. I loved knowing that her father was a legend with the FBI so we know that she will have some one to look up and live up to. I am interested in her friends Renee, Lori and Daphne. Then there's her partner in this case Agent Fisk. This story was so, so good. I highly recommend this book 📚📖.
July 14, 2024
Outstanding
This book has everything, excitement, dynamic friendships, off the charts love making and suspense. It is fast moving and keep you involved in seeking an outcome that is good. The bad guys are found out and taken down. It is great to have strong, brave and beautiful females as the leaders calling the shorts. Look forward to the next book in this series. I love this author. She is talented and creative.
This book has everything, excitement, dynamic friendships, off the charts love making and suspense. It is fast moving and keep you involved in seeking an outcome that is good. The bad guys are found out and taken down. It is great to have strong, brave and beautiful females as the leaders calling the shorts. Look forward to the next book in this series. I love this author. She is talented and creative.
May 19, 2024
hard read
Normally, I cannot put this author‘s book’s down. But this new series agent Pepper James drags you lose focus as you read it. I kept waiting for it to pick up speed. It was really hard to finish this book. I couldn’t wait for it to beover.I usually can finish a book within a couple hours. I’ve been trying to work on this book for three weeks.
Normally, I cannot put this author‘s book’s down. But this new series agent Pepper James drags you lose focus as you read it. I kept waiting for it to pick up speed. It was really hard to finish this book. I couldn’t wait for it to beover.I usually can finish a book within a couple hours. I’ve been trying to work on this book for three weeks.
August 30, 2024
Mot a Habanero,Ghost pepper
Pepper James is hotshot hot looking FBI AGENT, for those who want it there’s plenty of hot and for those looking for a quick moving LEO procedural with enough mystery to keep you turning the page Collins gives a reader plenty. My only beef is I’ll have to wait at least 4 months before the case is resolved.
Pepper James is hotshot hot looking FBI AGENT, for those who want it there’s plenty of hot and for those looking for a quick moving LEO procedural with enough mystery to keep you turning the page Collins gives a reader plenty. My only beef is I’ll have to wait at least 4 months before the case is resolved.
October 23, 2024
Maddox and Pepper
I really enjoyed this book. Maddox was about his business and didn’t play with those he loved. They had fallen for each other instantly and you knew love was on the horizon. This felt like love + law and order = soulmates. Definitely end on a cliffhanger and I’m not a fan of cliffhangers. But it is a good read and definitely worth reading the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. Maddox was about his business and didn’t play with those he loved. They had fallen for each other instantly and you knew love was on the horizon. This felt like love + law and order = soulmates. Definitely end on a cliffhanger and I’m not a fan of cliffhangers. But it is a good read and definitely worth reading the next book.
January 26, 2025
Excellent
I love this authors writing. It is an enjoyable tour de France, not just a romance but a suspense with more twists and turns phew. Great storytelling with full enjoyable characters, it will have you laughing out loud in parts. I am so behind the curve only just discovering her work, but more fun for me getting to read all her work 😊.
I love this authors writing. It is an enjoyable tour de France, not just a romance but a suspense with more twists and turns phew. Great storytelling with full enjoyable characters, it will have you laughing out loud in parts. I am so behind the curve only just discovering her work, but more fun for me getting to read all her work 😊.
September 16, 2024
Such a good book!! I loved the chemistry between the characters and the plot twist. I’m furious about the cliffhanger ending though..
March 28, 2024
I’m annoyed that life got in the way of me being able to read and review this quickly, however, that didn’t take anything away from it. I really enjoyed the romance, the representation of interracial/black couples, the mystery and suspense, plus the friendships and complex parent relationships. I love that Pepper and her friends prayed for each other and how Maddox suggested a mental health day too! To me the action/mystery was the main story, with the romance weaved in to it, taking up the right amount of space. At first I did find the beginning of the story confusing, as I wasn’t expecting all the different POVs and characters, but once I understood who was who, I really got in to it! I’m a fan of mysteries, so having ideas about who certain people may secretly be was fun. Even though I knew where the investigation side of things was going, I wasn’t expecting the ending!! That cliff hanger got me and I’m ready for book 2!
I definitely plan to pick up another one of Lashell’s books in the meantime!
Hot as Habanero is out in ebook and paperback everywhere! 🌶️
Thank you to @jbauthorcon for the arc!
Update 25/12/24: Reread in December 2024 in anticipation of the sequel. It was just as good as the first read!
I definitely plan to pick up another one of Lashell’s books in the meantime!
Hot as Habanero is out in ebook and paperback everywhere! 🌶️
Thank you to @jbauthorcon for the arc!
Update 25/12/24: Reread in December 2024 in anticipation of the sequel. It was just as good as the first read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews