What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Hot 1: Romantic Suspense Series
***** COMPLETE SERIES NOW AVAILABLE! NEW RELEASE PRICE FOR A LIMITED TIME! Cut and paste this link into your browser to get it www.amazon.com/dp/B01DX546EY *****
An injured fire fighter stranded in Mexico. An Embassy agent sent to save him on her first day on the job. The cartel hot on their trail... What could go wrong?
When San Diego firefighter Sandal Steeves goes to Mexico during a department-enforced vacation, all hell breaks loose.
Newly minted Embassy agent Emily Patrick is tasked with bringing him home … but the way back is more complicated than either of them could have imagined.
With their lives in danger, they have no one to count on but each other. Can two independent heroes, each used to saving the day on their own, learn to work together to save themselves? And will the love flaring between them matter if they can't make it home alive?
Don't miss this fast-paced romantic suspense new release set South of the Border with intriguing characters, witty dialogue, danger and plenty of twists and surprises.
Reviews
"I'm very impressed with the first book in the Red Hot Series. This was my first Kate Fargo book, and I am a fan!" - Anna Michrina
"Lots of energy, fast paced, exciting, good chemistry between characters." - addicted to books!
"As with all of Kate Fargo’s stories, this one will draw you in quickly and keep the pages turning with all the mystery, suspense, and action." - Redrabbitt
"This well written story captivated me right from the first page. The more you read, the more you want to know about these intriguing characters. The dialogue between Sandal and Emily at the hospital and the motel is hilarious. I can't wait for the next book." - C M D'Oliveira
** This is a Kindle Short Read (Two hours or more) **
This is a fast-paced action suspense story told in four parts with cliff-hangers.
Don't like cliffs? The complete series is now available in a Box Set. Cut and paste this link into your www.amazon.com/dp/B01DX546EY
An injured fire fighter stranded in Mexico. An Embassy agent sent to save him on her first day on the job. The cartel hot on their trail... What could go wrong?
When San Diego firefighter Sandal Steeves goes to Mexico during a department-enforced vacation, all hell breaks loose.
Newly minted Embassy agent Emily Patrick is tasked with bringing him home … but the way back is more complicated than either of them could have imagined.
With their lives in danger, they have no one to count on but each other. Can two independent heroes, each used to saving the day on their own, learn to work together to save themselves? And will the love flaring between them matter if they can't make it home alive?
Don't miss this fast-paced romantic suspense new release set South of the Border with intriguing characters, witty dialogue, danger and plenty of twists and surprises.
Reviews
"I'm very impressed with the first book in the Red Hot Series. This was my first Kate Fargo book, and I am a fan!" - Anna Michrina
"Lots of energy, fast paced, exciting, good chemistry between characters." - addicted to books!
"As with all of Kate Fargo’s stories, this one will draw you in quickly and keep the pages turning with all the mystery, suspense, and action." - Redrabbitt
"This well written story captivated me right from the first page. The more you read, the more you want to know about these intriguing characters. The dialogue between Sandal and Emily at the hospital and the motel is hilarious. I can't wait for the next book." - C M D'Oliveira
** This is a Kindle Short Read (Two hours or more) **
This is a fast-paced action suspense story told in four parts with cliff-hangers.
Don't like cliffs? The complete series is now available in a Box Set. Cut and paste this link into your www.amazon.com/dp/B01DX546EY
71 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2016
About the author
Kate Fargo
25 books19 followersKate Fargo loves creating stories with a touch of everything - romance, action, suspense - and hopes you'll have as much fun reading them as she does writing them.
An adventure junkie at heart, she enjoys travel and new experiences which she then weaves into her books. When she’s sitting still, you’ll find her with either a keyboard or a good book in front of her.
An adventure junkie at heart, she enjoys travel and new experiences which she then weaves into her books. When she’s sitting still, you’ll find her with either a keyboard or a good book in front of her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 3, 2026
4 stars
I am finally going through the books I have not left a review for and here is one for Red Hot.
Red Hot 1 throws you straight into the action, and honestly, it works. Dal gets himself tangled up in something he absolutely did not sign up for, and before he even knows what’s happening, Emily is being shipped in from the American embassy to drag him out of the mess. It’s her first day on the job, he’s injured and stranded in Mexico, and the cartel is basically breathing down their necks. So yeah—zero chill, maximum chaos.
The story moves fast, but it’s the kind of fast that keeps you flipping pages. Dal and Emily have great chemistry right from the start, and their banter gives the whole situation a fun edge even when things get dangerous. Watching them try to work together—two people who are very used to handling things on their own—adds a nice layer to the tension. They’re on the run, hiding, dodging danger, and trying not to get killed, but there’s still that spark between them that makes you root for them.
It is short, and you definitely feel that. Just when you’re fully invested, the story hits you with a cliffhanger and you’re left wanting more. Not in a bad way—more like, “Okay, where’s the next part because I’m not done with these two yet.”
Overall, it’s a quick, energetic romantic suspense with action, danger, and a couple you can’t help but like. Great setup, fun pacing, and enough twists to keep things interesting. I’m absolutely ready for the next one.
I am finally going through the books I have not left a review for and here is one for Red Hot.
Red Hot 1 throws you straight into the action, and honestly, it works. Dal gets himself tangled up in something he absolutely did not sign up for, and before he even knows what’s happening, Emily is being shipped in from the American embassy to drag him out of the mess. It’s her first day on the job, he’s injured and stranded in Mexico, and the cartel is basically breathing down their necks. So yeah—zero chill, maximum chaos.
The story moves fast, but it’s the kind of fast that keeps you flipping pages. Dal and Emily have great chemistry right from the start, and their banter gives the whole situation a fun edge even when things get dangerous. Watching them try to work together—two people who are very used to handling things on their own—adds a nice layer to the tension. They’re on the run, hiding, dodging danger, and trying not to get killed, but there’s still that spark between them that makes you root for them.
It is short, and you definitely feel that. Just when you’re fully invested, the story hits you with a cliffhanger and you’re left wanting more. Not in a bad way—more like, “Okay, where’s the next part because I’m not done with these two yet.”
Overall, it’s a quick, energetic romantic suspense with action, danger, and a couple you can’t help but like. Great setup, fun pacing, and enough twists to keep things interesting. I’m absolutely ready for the next one.
Read
April 19, 2022POINT ONE
Chapter one starts with “smaller man,” “bigger man,” and “Rico” doing some shit to a truck. It’s unclear if Rico is the “smaller” or “larger” man… or if he’s a third man.
Chapter two begins with who the blurb tells us is the MMC - Sandal Steeves - waiting for someone named Kris as he and some random dude he got off the bus with ( “the farmer”) see what we can assume is the same truck from chapter one crash, turning into a ball of fire. For some reason, the MMC refers to himself as “Dal” as he heads off to save “the driver” and “the passenger” from said truck. He pulls one of them from the truck, noticing the guy has a slit neck, before it explodes and knocks the MMC unconscious.
Chapter three awakens the MMC to a “disembodied voice” and “Beto” talking about the wreck, his state, and the urgency in leaving because this is all clearly cartel-related. 🫡. Even though no one is f’ing identified and poor Dal/Sandal Steeves is blind, his internal dialogue tells us these dudes must be EMTs.
^^^ Now, if you don’t see the mass confusion of BS, nonsense, and too many random people doing random shit here within TEN PAGES, then this may be the book for you.
POINT TWO
Dal squeezed his eyes shut, then open again. Couldn’t see a damn thing. He’d heard about this - how the flash of the blast could cause temporary blindness. It was temporary, right? He reached out a hand toward the arm that held him down. “I can’t see. It’s temporary, right?”
Writing style is horrible. The same thought is TOLD as internal dialogue before being voiced in spoken dialogue.
2) It’s nonsense. How would anyone there know if his blindness is temporary? As a “firefighter,” such a question is hardly voice-authentic. And the response of: “Uh, yeah.” The hesitant response didn’t comfort him. …. Again, hardly voice-authentic from a supposed “EMT.”
Anyhoo….
I want to scratch my eyeballs out before I’ve even read a dozen pages. No way in hell would I make it through four of these to complete the series. No. F’ing. Way.
I didn’t make it through the sample. This is just too hot mess for me to fumble through.
Not a fan of third person past, but this is particularly bad.
Chapter one starts with “smaller man,” “bigger man,” and “Rico” doing some shit to a truck. It’s unclear if Rico is the “smaller” or “larger” man… or if he’s a third man.
Chapter two begins with who the blurb tells us is the MMC - Sandal Steeves - waiting for someone named Kris as he and some random dude he got off the bus with ( “the farmer”) see what we can assume is the same truck from chapter one crash, turning into a ball of fire. For some reason, the MMC refers to himself as “Dal” as he heads off to save “the driver” and “the passenger” from said truck. He pulls one of them from the truck, noticing the guy has a slit neck, before it explodes and knocks the MMC unconscious.
Chapter three awakens the MMC to a “disembodied voice” and “Beto” talking about the wreck, his state, and the urgency in leaving because this is all clearly cartel-related. 🫡. Even though no one is f’ing identified and poor Dal/Sandal Steeves is blind, his internal dialogue tells us these dudes must be EMTs.
^^^ Now, if you don’t see the mass confusion of BS, nonsense, and too many random people doing random shit here within TEN PAGES, then this may be the book for you.
POINT TWO
Dal squeezed his eyes shut, then open again. Couldn’t see a damn thing. He’d heard about this - how the flash of the blast could cause temporary blindness. It was temporary, right? He reached out a hand toward the arm that held him down. “I can’t see. It’s temporary, right?”
Writing style is horrible. The same thought is TOLD as internal dialogue before being voiced in spoken dialogue.
2) It’s nonsense. How would anyone there know if his blindness is temporary? As a “firefighter,” such a question is hardly voice-authentic. And the response of: “Uh, yeah.” The hesitant response didn’t comfort him. …. Again, hardly voice-authentic from a supposed “EMT.”
Anyhoo….
I want to scratch my eyeballs out before I’ve even read a dozen pages. No way in hell would I make it through four of these to complete the series. No. F’ing. Way.
I didn’t make it through the sample. This is just too hot mess for me to fumble through.
Not a fan of third person past, but this is particularly bad.
Want to Read
December 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/28/2021)! 🎁
July 18, 2016
So far there's not much to complain about. It's part 1 of 4 parts.
Sandal (what a name, but he goes by Dal, even better) is a firefighter who goes on leave to Mexico where he's supposed to meet his good friend Kris. While there, he witnesses a truck careen over the side of the road, and as any good firefighter would, attempts to rescue both passengers in the vehicle and ends up going to the hospital with burn injuries.
Enter Emily Patrick, first day on the job at the Embassy and she is sent to check on Dal. Then finds out that they'r on the run from a Cartel, because it was a Cartel assassination attempt on the guys in the truck. They're now in a safe house in Mexico.
We're just learning back stories and there's some attraction between these two.... so who knows what's going on except to think that no one is who they say they are.
Sandal (what a name, but he goes by Dal, even better) is a firefighter who goes on leave to Mexico where he's supposed to meet his good friend Kris. While there, he witnesses a truck careen over the side of the road, and as any good firefighter would, attempts to rescue both passengers in the vehicle and ends up going to the hospital with burn injuries.
Enter Emily Patrick, first day on the job at the Embassy and she is sent to check on Dal. Then finds out that they'r on the run from a Cartel, because it was a Cartel assassination attempt on the guys in the truck. They're now in a safe house in Mexico.
We're just learning back stories and there's some attraction between these two.... so who knows what's going on except to think that no one is who they say they are.
Read
May 5, 2023First day at her Embassy job and Emily is sent across the Mexican border to retrieve what appears to be a calendar model from the hospital. But Dal isn’t just an innocent civilian. He’s a hero, a firefighter, and he accidentally just tried to save someone the cartel wanted dead. Adventure and suspense make this a fast-paced read.
August 26, 2022
DNF. I read almost exclusively romantic suspense. Rarely do I venture from that sub-genre. So I am very well versed in who does it well and when something feels off or…. amateur. This was one of those. I made it to the halfway point before I gave up.
September 8, 2016
Congratulations agent Emily Patrick on your appointment. Your first mission which you’re being assigned is to go down to Mexico and bring back San Diego firefighter Sandal Steeves who got injured while he was on vacation when he saw a car fire with people in the vehicle.
At first glance Emily thought it would be a do nothing assignment, go down, find him, make sure he’s okay and bring him home. Unfortunately when she finds him not only is he suffering from the burns he had received while he attempted his rescue, he’s ranting about the Mexican drug cartel and their involvement with the car fire.
This immediately brings much needed attention to this pair as the cartel is now after Sandal and Emily now as well. Can these two strong willed individuals put aside their life experiences, Sandal with his firefighting and Emily with her military as well as their individuality of going it alone long enough to work as a single team, and without letting the attraction they’re beginning to have for each other; turning Emily’s first assignment in a Mission Impossible.
Can these two individuals find a safe haven to wait for the State Department to send in the cavalry to rescue them? Will they be able to outrun the Mexican network of drug pushers, etc. to stay alive long enough to be rescued?
This is a fast action fast reading experience which unfortunately ends in a cliffhanger. Being a Book Reviewer I hate them since I don’t have the luxury of time to read on. Luckily for anyone reading my review it is a wonderful opportunity to consider reading the rest of this series by this gifted author of suspense-laden romance, which is why I’ve given this installment 5 STARS.
I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.
At first glance Emily thought it would be a do nothing assignment, go down, find him, make sure he’s okay and bring him home. Unfortunately when she finds him not only is he suffering from the burns he had received while he attempted his rescue, he’s ranting about the Mexican drug cartel and their involvement with the car fire.
This immediately brings much needed attention to this pair as the cartel is now after Sandal and Emily now as well. Can these two strong willed individuals put aside their life experiences, Sandal with his firefighting and Emily with her military as well as their individuality of going it alone long enough to work as a single team, and without letting the attraction they’re beginning to have for each other; turning Emily’s first assignment in a Mission Impossible.
Can these two individuals find a safe haven to wait for the State Department to send in the cavalry to rescue them? Will they be able to outrun the Mexican network of drug pushers, etc. to stay alive long enough to be rescued?
This is a fast action fast reading experience which unfortunately ends in a cliffhanger. Being a Book Reviewer I hate them since I don’t have the luxury of time to read on. Luckily for anyone reading my review it is a wonderful opportunity to consider reading the rest of this series by this gifted author of suspense-laden romance, which is why I’ve given this installment 5 STARS.
I read this book via an Amazon-US KINDLE Unlimited download.
April 4, 2016
NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED
As with all of Kate Fargo’s stories, this one will draw you in quickly and keep the pages turning with all the mystery, suspense, and action. The two main characters are extremely likable. Emily Patrick, former military, and now newly employed with the American Embassy is called out on an assignment to go to Las Flores, Mexico where an American citizen was injured and hospitalized. Finding Sandal Steeves, aka Dal, in the emergency room with flash burns and on morphine is not the problem, but when he starts talking loudly about the cartel, it becomes extremely dangerous. The plot keeps this story in constant suspense of danger, and life-and-death situations with Emily and Dal sent to a safe house. As in the true form of Ms. Fargo’s series books, we are left on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where book two will take us on this adventure! Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
As with all of Kate Fargo’s stories, this one will draw you in quickly and keep the pages turning with all the mystery, suspense, and action. The two main characters are extremely likable. Emily Patrick, former military, and now newly employed with the American Embassy is called out on an assignment to go to Las Flores, Mexico where an American citizen was injured and hospitalized. Finding Sandal Steeves, aka Dal, in the emergency room with flash burns and on morphine is not the problem, but when he starts talking loudly about the cartel, it becomes extremely dangerous. The plot keeps this story in constant suspense of danger, and life-and-death situations with Emily and Dal sent to a safe house. As in the true form of Ms. Fargo’s series books, we are left on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see where book two will take us on this adventure! Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
April 16, 2016
Red Hot 1 by kate Fargo
Sandal Steeves is on vacations in Mexico. While waiting for his buddy, Sandal is a witness to a car accident and he runs to the burning car to try to rescue the victims. He ends up in the hospital with flash burns.
Emily Patrick's first day on the job for the American Embassy and she is sent to Mexico to bring back an American that is in the hospital due to an accident. When she gets there she finds that Sandal might be in danger and she needs to get him to a safe place.
This well written story captivated me right from the first page. The more you read, the more you want to know about these intriguing characters. The dialogue between Sandal and Emily at the hospital and the motel is hilarious. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Clara DeOliveira
Sandal Steeves is on vacations in Mexico. While waiting for his buddy, Sandal is a witness to a car accident and he runs to the burning car to try to rescue the victims. He ends up in the hospital with flash burns.
Emily Patrick's first day on the job for the American Embassy and she is sent to Mexico to bring back an American that is in the hospital due to an accident. When she gets there she finds that Sandal might be in danger and she needs to get him to a safe place.
This well written story captivated me right from the first page. The more you read, the more you want to know about these intriguing characters. The dialogue between Sandal and Emily at the hospital and the motel is hilarious. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Clara DeOliveira
April 7, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for and honest review...
Sandal Steeves is on vacation in Mexico when he uses his firefighter training to try to save two men from a burning truck. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea. Now a Cartel wants him and his only hope is to somehow get safely back across the border.
It's Emily Patrick's first day on the job working for the US Embassy. Her first assignment? Rescue American Sandal Steeves and bring him back home safely, easy enough, that is until the guys looking for him contact Emily and start making threats. Now Emily and Sandal need to find somewhere safe until the Calvary can arrive and get them both back across the border in one piece.
This is a 4 part series so there is a cliffhanger so be warned...
Sandal Steeves is on vacation in Mexico when he uses his firefighter training to try to save two men from a burning truck. Turns out it wasn't such a good idea. Now a Cartel wants him and his only hope is to somehow get safely back across the border.
It's Emily Patrick's first day on the job working for the US Embassy. Her first assignment? Rescue American Sandal Steeves and bring him back home safely, easy enough, that is until the guys looking for him contact Emily and start making threats. Now Emily and Sandal need to find somewhere safe until the Calvary can arrive and get them both back across the border in one piece.
This is a 4 part series so there is a cliffhanger so be warned...
April 5, 2016
Red Hot fits the bill
This title fits the bill for this one. You'll understand. Emily is new at the Embassy and Dal is on forced vacation. The two collide after Dal is in an accident involving the cartel. Emily is charged with keeping him safe and bringing him back to the US. The story ends on a cliffhanger so if you're okay with that you'll enjoy this story. I enjoyed it enough to read her other work.
This title fits the bill for this one. You'll understand. Emily is new at the Embassy and Dal is on forced vacation. The two collide after Dal is in an accident involving the cartel. Emily is charged with keeping him safe and bringing him back to the US. The story ends on a cliffhanger so if you're okay with that you'll enjoy this story. I enjoyed it enough to read her other work.
April 7, 2016
This first part of a four part romantic suspense series is short and fast-paced with strong characters, action, danger and witty dialogue that hooked me immediately and kept me on the edge of my seat until it ended in a cliffhanger. I can hardly wait to see what happens next as Dal and Emily continue their adventure. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 25, 2016
There isn't any adventure in this kindle freebie after the first promising chapter. If you remove it, it's a romance book - plain amd simple. I know, my fault, probably I should have known, it can be a good book for girls that like this genre.
I can't be more specific because I didn't finish the book.
I can't be more specific because I didn't finish the book.
July 16, 2016
Could not put this book down. So much intrigue and danger...kept me on the edge of my seat. And seriously wanting more. The whole Red Hot series was worth the money spent! LOVED IT! You won't be disappointed in the set!
April 5, 2016
Great start. Lots of energy, fast paced, exciting, good chemistry between characters. I have lots of questions but no answers yet. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2016
Hmm
I'm still waiting on more about these two characters but so far they don't disappoint. What is the deal with Jack?
I'm still waiting on more about these two characters but so far they don't disappoint. What is the deal with Jack?
August 14, 2016
This was a short read, and I can't wait to read the others. Emily & Dal are both characters, and the chemistry is definitely there. Can't wait to see where this leads..
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews