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A new standalone romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Lynn Raye Harris. Sexy, action-packed, and thrilling!
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez searches for a ghost from his past... and when he finds her, nothing will be the same!
They told him she was dead. They lied...
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez is having the second-worst day of his life. Accused of using the Hostile Operations Team to assassinate a foreign official, he's gone from being a respected military black-ops commander to a fugitive in the space of an hour. On the run, hunted, and stripped of his honor, Mendez has nowhere to go--and few people he can trust.
Russian spy Ekaterina "Kat" Kasharin is a carbon copy of the woman Mendez once loved. Twenty-one years ago, Valentina vanished from his life. Kat claims to be her twin--but Kat's lying. Ordered by her superiors in Russian Intelligence to abandon the man she loved--or watch him die--Kat had no choice but to obey.
But twenty-one years is a long time to love a man from afar, and Kat won't stand by as a traitor plans his death--even if it means risking her heart and her life to save him. She can never reveal her true identity--or the secrets she keeps locked away. Secrets he would hate her for. Working with him is strictly business, and she won't let emotions get in the way. But the attraction between them is smoking hot--and it's not long before they're burning up the sheets.
When the truth comes out, the mission implodes. Everything Mendez thought he knew was a lie. He'll have to pull it together though before a deadly foe succeeds in taking away all he loves. By the time he realizes Kat might be most important of all? It could be too late to save her...
The Hostile Operations Team is a covert military Black Ops unit. Their motto is Where None Dare. H.O.T. operators come from all branches of the military. The only criteria for membership: they must be the best of the best!
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez searches for a ghost from his past... and when he finds her, nothing will be the same!
They told him she was dead. They lied...
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez is having the second-worst day of his life. Accused of using the Hostile Operations Team to assassinate a foreign official, he's gone from being a respected military black-ops commander to a fugitive in the space of an hour. On the run, hunted, and stripped of his honor, Mendez has nowhere to go--and few people he can trust.
Russian spy Ekaterina "Kat" Kasharin is a carbon copy of the woman Mendez once loved. Twenty-one years ago, Valentina vanished from his life. Kat claims to be her twin--but Kat's lying. Ordered by her superiors in Russian Intelligence to abandon the man she loved--or watch him die--Kat had no choice but to obey.
But twenty-one years is a long time to love a man from afar, and Kat won't stand by as a traitor plans his death--even if it means risking her heart and her life to save him. She can never reveal her true identity--or the secrets she keeps locked away. Secrets he would hate her for. Working with him is strictly business, and she won't let emotions get in the way. But the attraction between them is smoking hot--and it's not long before they're burning up the sheets.
When the truth comes out, the mission implodes. Everything Mendez thought he knew was a lie. He'll have to pull it together though before a deadly foe succeeds in taking away all he loves. By the time he realizes Kat might be most important of all? It could be too late to save her...
The Hostile Operations Team is a covert military Black Ops unit. Their motto is Where None Dare. H.O.T. operators come from all branches of the military. The only criteria for membership: they must be the best of the best!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2017
360 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Raye Harris
356 books2,967 followersLynn Raye Harris is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sizzling military romantic suspense novels and contemporary romance novels. She lives in Alabama with her husband (former military), her cat, and her American Saddlebred horse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 18, 2017
5 STARS
This. Book. GAH! It was worth every single second of the wait. Mendez was everything. EVERYTHING.
Harris can write a hot military hero like no one else. Is it any wonder why I'm addicted to this series. It's become my crack. Pure and simple.
Lies, scandals, secrets, and espionage. All of it explodes in this incredibly powerful second chance romance. It was a heart pounding, action packed, sizzling story of love lost and found. I don't even have words for how much I loved it, but I'm going to try.
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez has always been the man behind the scenes. The commander of HOT that always set their missions in motion and oversaw things from his desk. But his time in his position earned him a number of enemies and they're ready to collect. When he gets set up to make it seem like he was using the Hostile Operations Team to assassinate a foreign official, all bets are off. Mendez is not a man that runs from his responsibilities, but he can't catch the ones responsible from his jail cell. With the help of an slinkily ally, Ian Black, Mendez gets a blast from his past he never expected.
Twenty one years ago he fell hard and fast for a beautiful Russian spy, only to lose her and never recover from her death. Valentina is the one woman that he will never forget or get over, so when he meets her carbon copy claiming to be her twin sister, Kat, sent to assist him on his mission, it's like getting hit by a two by four of memories he can't hide from.
Not all is as it seems with Kat. Twenty one years ago she was forced to give up the man she loved or watch him die, she made a choice that she never quite recovered from. She's hardened, jaded, and even more deadly than the woman that Mendez knew as Valentina. Now she's Kat and she'll protect the man she never stopped loving even at the cost of her own life, but her identity is a secret that she'll take with her to her grave.
I love a second chance romance. But when that second chance romance is between a special ops commander and a Russian spy he believed dead for 21 years? Holy mother of everything! It's utterly delicious. Mendez struggles with his instant connection to Kat. He can't understand if it's something beyond her uncanny resemblance to the woman he loved, or Kat is keeping something from him. Theirs is a relationship that's based on secrets and mistrust, and yet it crackles with enough chemistry to spark an explosion. I absolutely loved the two of them together. And as you get more and more of Kat's past and the reasons why she did what she did along with what she's been through for the past years, it becomes harder to stay angry at her. This is an incredibly strong woman that's been through so much.
As for the story? HOT Valor was absolutely explosive! It was the perfect blend of action, suspense, and sizzling hot romance. It was delicious. Addicting. A non-stop action packed ride from beginning to finish. If you've been eager for more of Ian Black, you'll be salivating with this book because the mystery finally gets revealed and it's a doozy! I think I'll go insane waiting for his book.
In the meantime, we get a sneak peek into the next couple and I'm already itching for their story.
If you're a fan of this series, you simply cannot miss this book. It's an absolute must read. Mendez lives up to every single promise and then some.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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She was an itch beneath his skin. A mosquito buzzing in his ear. A compulsion that threatened to tip across the line into addiction.
This. Book. GAH! It was worth every single second of the wait. Mendez was everything. EVERYTHING.
Harris can write a hot military hero like no one else. Is it any wonder why I'm addicted to this series. It's become my crack. Pure and simple.
Lies, scandals, secrets, and espionage. All of it explodes in this incredibly powerful second chance romance. It was a heart pounding, action packed, sizzling story of love lost and found. I don't even have words for how much I loved it, but I'm going to try.
Colonel John "Viper" Mendez has always been the man behind the scenes. The commander of HOT that always set their missions in motion and oversaw things from his desk. But his time in his position earned him a number of enemies and they're ready to collect. When he gets set up to make it seem like he was using the Hostile Operations Team to assassinate a foreign official, all bets are off. Mendez is not a man that runs from his responsibilities, but he can't catch the ones responsible from his jail cell. With the help of an slinkily ally, Ian Black, Mendez gets a blast from his past he never expected.
Twenty one years ago he fell hard and fast for a beautiful Russian spy, only to lose her and never recover from her death. Valentina is the one woman that he will never forget or get over, so when he meets her carbon copy claiming to be her twin sister, Kat, sent to assist him on his mission, it's like getting hit by a two by four of memories he can't hide from.
Not all is as it seems with Kat. Twenty one years ago she was forced to give up the man she loved or watch him die, she made a choice that she never quite recovered from. She's hardened, jaded, and even more deadly than the woman that Mendez knew as Valentina. Now she's Kat and she'll protect the man she never stopped loving even at the cost of her own life, but her identity is a secret that she'll take with her to her grave.
I love a second chance romance. But when that second chance romance is between a special ops commander and a Russian spy he believed dead for 21 years? Holy mother of everything! It's utterly delicious. Mendez struggles with his instant connection to Kat. He can't understand if it's something beyond her uncanny resemblance to the woman he loved, or Kat is keeping something from him. Theirs is a relationship that's based on secrets and mistrust, and yet it crackles with enough chemistry to spark an explosion. I absolutely loved the two of them together. And as you get more and more of Kat's past and the reasons why she did what she did along with what she's been through for the past years, it becomes harder to stay angry at her. This is an incredibly strong woman that's been through so much.
As for the story? HOT Valor was absolutely explosive! It was the perfect blend of action, suspense, and sizzling hot romance. It was delicious. Addicting. A non-stop action packed ride from beginning to finish. If you've been eager for more of Ian Black, you'll be salivating with this book because the mystery finally gets revealed and it's a doozy! I think I'll go insane waiting for his book.
In the meantime, we get a sneak peek into the next couple and I'm already itching for their story.
If you're a fan of this series, you simply cannot miss this book. It's an absolute must read. Mendez lives up to every single promise and then some.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 11, 2017
ARC received from author
Mendez/Viper was so worth the wait and all the begging I did for his book. There was plenty of action, drama, angst, sexy times, and even some tears. And those weren't just from the characters...I shed some too. Kat was just so perfect for him. I so didn't see that person as the Phoenix...nor do I want them to get a HEA. I'm fine with Ms. Harris killing them off, but slowly and painfully.
So Cade is up next with I'm guessing Brooke (from Hot Ice). She deserves a HEA after the drama in that book.
Now how much am I going to have to bug and beg for Ian Black's book.
Mendez/Viper was so worth the wait and all the begging I did for his book. There was plenty of action, drama, angst, sexy times, and even some tears. And those weren't just from the characters...I shed some too. Kat was just so perfect for him. I so didn't see that person as the Phoenix...nor do I want them to get a HEA. I'm fine with Ms. Harris killing them off, but slowly and painfully.
So Cade is up next with I'm guessing Brooke (from Hot Ice). She deserves a HEA after the drama in that book.
Now how much am I going to have to bug and beg for Ian Black's book.
Read
January 28, 2024It wasn't bad exactly, but I wasn't drawn in reading the sample. Plus it costs $$. SKIP.
May 8, 2021
4.5 stars. Its the 11 book in the series but it worked jumping into the series head first. Colonel John "Viper" Mendez don't have the best of times, on the run and striped of his honer but he's dead set on uncover the truth. 20 years ago he lost his beloved Russian spy Ekatarina "Kat" Kasharin. But this time his not gonna lose her again. With her help they are trying to clear up his name. This was so much fun to listen to. Sweet and romantic but also suspensful and exciting. I need to look the other books in the series up as I enjoyed this a lot.
November 9, 2018
This, the 11th novel of the Hostile Operations Team was about the commanding officer Colonel John Mendez, AKA, Viper.
Please allow me to praise, Ms. Harris for an outstanding job, of creating a dynamic and complex character line in the life of John Mendez. This tough, brilliant, alpha warrior's softer, more gentle side was revealed in this story. Like all her characters, each of the men on the H.O.T. team have a history that drives them, in their desire, to rescue Americans from the bowels of the terrorists that are threatening them.
Accused of treason against the United States, the Vice-President has ordered Colonel John Mendez arrested. Determined to prove his innocence, the Colonel has no other option then to AWOL from his post. The Colonel had received a call earlier that day from mercenary, Ian Black of his impended arrest. Hence, Black indicated to Mendez that he wanted to help him and instructed him to meet Ekaterina Kasharin, twin sister of Mendez's beloved Valentina Rostov, in New Orleans. Following his gut instincts, Mendez decides to meet Ekaterina. She informs him she is there to protect him from being murdered. He, on the other hand is focused only on one thing, finding out who is framing him. From this point, both Mendez and Ekaterina travel to Russia. In the pursuit of proving his theory of who is collaborating with the Russian Mafia to destroy him, Mendez finds his heart again. In lies one of the most tragic, yet beautiful, steamy, and gut wrenching love stories I've read in quite a while. I highly recommend this novel.
Please allow me to praise, Ms. Harris for an outstanding job, of creating a dynamic and complex character line in the life of John Mendez. This tough, brilliant, alpha warrior's softer, more gentle side was revealed in this story. Like all her characters, each of the men on the H.O.T. team have a history that drives them, in their desire, to rescue Americans from the bowels of the terrorists that are threatening them.
Accused of treason against the United States, the Vice-President has ordered Colonel John Mendez arrested. Determined to prove his innocence, the Colonel has no other option then to AWOL from his post. The Colonel had received a call earlier that day from mercenary, Ian Black of his impended arrest. Hence, Black indicated to Mendez that he wanted to help him and instructed him to meet Ekaterina Kasharin, twin sister of Mendez's beloved Valentina Rostov, in New Orleans. Following his gut instincts, Mendez decides to meet Ekaterina. She informs him she is there to protect him from being murdered. He, on the other hand is focused only on one thing, finding out who is framing him. From this point, both Mendez and Ekaterina travel to Russia. In the pursuit of proving his theory of who is collaborating with the Russian Mafia to destroy him, Mendez finds his heart again. In lies one of the most tragic, yet beautiful, steamy, and gut wrenching love stories I've read in quite a while. I highly recommend this novel.
January 5, 2020
I have been waiting to read Col. Mendez's story, and this one did not disappoint!
I'm a big fan of Ms. Harris's HOT series, and it's about time the boss got his own story. This is a story of reunited lovers (or is it?) who come together on a mission to save the colonel's job, reputation, and probably his life. But is the Russian spy who's come to help him really the twin sister of the woman he loved and lost 21 years ago? Lots of twisty mysteries and action and steamy sex in this one.
I loved seeing a real, fleshed out love story between two mature characters. I will say this one had a little more cursing than some of the other HOT books, but it did seem to fit the tenseness of the life and death situations, and the revelation of some deep, dark secrets. Probably my only negative is that the ending felt a little rushed after all the grand and glorious set-up. But the romance and suspense were both resolved in a satisfying way.
I can't wait to dive into the next HOT book on my Kindle.
I'm a big fan of Ms. Harris's HOT series, and it's about time the boss got his own story. This is a story of reunited lovers (or is it?) who come together on a mission to save the colonel's job, reputation, and probably his life. But is the Russian spy who's come to help him really the twin sister of the woman he loved and lost 21 years ago? Lots of twisty mysteries and action and steamy sex in this one.
I loved seeing a real, fleshed out love story between two mature characters. I will say this one had a little more cursing than some of the other HOT books, but it did seem to fit the tenseness of the life and death situations, and the revelation of some deep, dark secrets. Probably my only negative is that the ending felt a little rushed after all the grand and glorious set-up. But the romance and suspense were both resolved in a satisfying way.
I can't wait to dive into the next HOT book on my Kindle.
July 10, 2017
Johnny, oh Johnny! I just loved getting a whole story on our HOT commander Mendez. He stole my heart books ago with the peeks we got of his character and I have been impatiently waiting for the history on what made him tick. This book is action from the beginning and in true HOT fashion you will see plenty more as the story goes, some truly steamy moments between the leads, a few tugs on the ole heart strings, and glimpses of our favorite former HOT leads...plus more tantalizing tidbits on future stories(can we pleaseeeee get Ian Black soon, he's not even HOT but I need his story!).
If you are in the market for a addicting action packed, HOT and steamy read this is it, but I do wholly recommend going back and reading all the stories before this one for the backstory on characters you'll see mentioned here. It's not totally necessary as the author gives you enough to not be confused but you won't regret starting with Matt and Evie and working your way to Viper.
This was a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
If you are in the market for a addicting action packed, HOT and steamy read this is it, but I do wholly recommend going back and reading all the stories before this one for the backstory on characters you'll see mentioned here. It's not totally necessary as the author gives you enough to not be confused but you won't regret starting with Matt and Evie and working your way to Viper.
This was a complimentary advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
July 12, 2017
Wow!! Just Wow!! For 10 books we have watched Colonel John "Viper" Mendez lead the men of HOT on mission after mission. One by one he watched his men fall in love with their women and move on to happily married lives. Ever stoic and always all business, Mendez led with military precision. Now, we finally get Johnny's story. And what a story it is! Action and tension from page one!! He's in trouble and on the run. HOT has been called back and told to stand down. But can they stand idly by while Viper is in trouble? Deceipt, heartbreak, suspense, twists, and of course those steamy scenes. I have loved this series from book 1. I gobbled up every book since then and am looking forward to the next!! Lynn Rae Harris is an amazing author and I just love her!! You will too!!
July 13, 2017
I have been patiently waiting for this story about the fearless leader of H.O.T. Colonel Mendez has always been a true blue alpha male and kick ass special operations leader. His no-holds-bar attitude and fearlessness are what made me fall in love with this character from the start. HOT Valor was action packed from the beginning to end and filled with a lot of twists and turns along the way.
It was refreshing to see the vulnerability and caring nature of Mendez especially when it came to the revelation about his long lost love Kat. I loved the dynamic of this couple and the fact that they were simply meant to be together despite the adversity and well-kept secrets. I love the fact that his special operations teams were at the ready and had his six regardless of the deceitful shenanigans of the Vice President, his minion and their puppeteers across the water. Also, it was great to find out a little more about Ian Black - can't wait for his story to be shared.
I highly recommend reading not only this book but also the entire H.O.T. series. You will not be disappointed. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review. Happy Reading!
It was refreshing to see the vulnerability and caring nature of Mendez especially when it came to the revelation about his long lost love Kat. I loved the dynamic of this couple and the fact that they were simply meant to be together despite the adversity and well-kept secrets. I love the fact that his special operations teams were at the ready and had his six regardless of the deceitful shenanigans of the Vice President, his minion and their puppeteers across the water. Also, it was great to find out a little more about Ian Black - can't wait for his story to be shared.
I highly recommend reading not only this book but also the entire H.O.T. series. You will not be disappointed. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review. Happy Reading!
July 18, 2017
I've been eager to read Mendez's story since I first read the first few books in the HOT series. I was lucky enough to get an ARC for an honest review.
This story is everything I've been anticipating and then some. The story could technically be read as a standalone; however, the reader would be missing out on the subtle nuances the author weaves into the story. Starting with the first book and reading them ALL in order is very highly recommended. By reading the series in its (to date) entirety will give the reader a tremendous payoff with Mendez's story. In this book Mendez is out in the field with surprising support from Ian Black, a past protagonist and somewhat murky character. To see Mendez defending his reputation by kicking butt was awesome.
Mendez hasn't lost a step by managing his teams from behind a desk the last several years. He definitely has what it takes to still kick ass in the field. The relationship he has with Kat is fun to watch evolve, especially getting the POV of both characters. We see his emotions and desire for what he wants and thought he lost years ago, and her heartbreak for the years they've been apart. Some cool twists keep the readers attention to the very last word!
To say I loved this book in a dynamite series is an understatement. This is the best book yet, but each new book Lynn releases just tops the last one. Grab this book and plan to dive in and not quit until you are done.
This story is everything I've been anticipating and then some. The story could technically be read as a standalone; however, the reader would be missing out on the subtle nuances the author weaves into the story. Starting with the first book and reading them ALL in order is very highly recommended. By reading the series in its (to date) entirety will give the reader a tremendous payoff with Mendez's story. In this book Mendez is out in the field with surprising support from Ian Black, a past protagonist and somewhat murky character. To see Mendez defending his reputation by kicking butt was awesome.
Mendez hasn't lost a step by managing his teams from behind a desk the last several years. He definitely has what it takes to still kick ass in the field. The relationship he has with Kat is fun to watch evolve, especially getting the POV of both characters. We see his emotions and desire for what he wants and thought he lost years ago, and her heartbreak for the years they've been apart. Some cool twists keep the readers attention to the very last word!
To say I loved this book in a dynamite series is an understatement. This is the best book yet, but each new book Lynn releases just tops the last one. Grab this book and plan to dive in and not quit until you are done.
July 17, 2017
This is the penultimate book we've been waiting for and had no idea. I don't think I'm the only one who started this series and didn't really see Col. Mendez with his own book. Then it snuck up on me over the last few with brief scenes and teasers from his POV. He evolved with depth and his own mysterious backstory. Gah, he even took over my life's crusade for Ian to get his own story! What I've loved most about the series is how we still see previous characters with pivotal roles in the overall plot. This one took steroids and made me a very happy reader. Not only do we see the different teams, but we get a peek into future storylines. I also had a very satisfactory Ian fix to keep me patient a little while longer.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review and IT IS WORTH THE WAIT! (Now, Ian... And I'm still wondering about Gina's sister...)
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review and IT IS WORTH THE WAIT! (Now, Ian... And I'm still wondering about Gina's sister...)
December 7, 2019
Ten books into the Hostile Operations Team series has led to this: Colonel John Mendez's chance at a HEA. His men were falling like flies to love while he was steadily steering the ship with the numerous operations around the world. There were a number of characters I had to jog my memory for and all of their significant others. There was the usual element of espionage, lies, secrets, chases and political drama underlying the love element. Mendez finds himself a rogue agent when he is falsely accused of killing the Russian Ambassador. The elusive Ian Black (I desperately want to read his story!) helps him out by pairing up with one of his Bandits, Kat. But Kat is keeping a terrible secret, and as they make their way from the US to Russia, Mendez starts questioning everything.
Mendez was everything we have come to know of him. Fearless. Honorable. Loyal. Kat was portrayed as this tough "agent" who was there to help Mendez, but I didn't see her like that. Far too emotional and more of a hindrance than a helper. But I guess in the matters of the heart its to be expected.
It was great to touch base with other characters, and get a little taste of future characters. Here's hoping Black and Bishop get their stories soon...
Mendez was everything we have come to know of him. Fearless. Honorable. Loyal. Kat was portrayed as this tough "agent" who was there to help Mendez, but I didn't see her like that. Far too emotional and more of a hindrance than a helper. But I guess in the matters of the heart its to be expected.
It was great to touch base with other characters, and get a little taste of future characters. Here's hoping Black and Bishop get their stories soon...
July 23, 2017
Mendez... your men are HOT but you are SMOKING HOT
The build up to Colonel John 'Viper' Mendez's book has been some ride and I wasn't dissapointed!
I've cried with him, I've cried for him, I've broke my heart for Kat -- who I loved the moment she hit the page! I freaking fell head over heels for Johnny. I love him angry, I love his as a lover, I love him as the head of HOT yes I just LOVE him.
Ian Black I'm well crushing on too and more of him is going to be needed. Question... will the Phoenix rise from the flames????
Another brilliant instalment with the octane storytelling that Ms Harris always delivers. The team all popping up as this perilous journey takes us on one helluva ride.
The build up to Colonel John 'Viper' Mendez's book has been some ride and I wasn't dissapointed!
I've cried with him, I've cried for him, I've broke my heart for Kat -- who I loved the moment she hit the page! I freaking fell head over heels for Johnny. I love him angry, I love his as a lover, I love him as the head of HOT yes I just LOVE him.
Ian Black I'm well crushing on too and more of him is going to be needed. Question... will the Phoenix rise from the flames????
Another brilliant instalment with the octane storytelling that Ms Harris always delivers. The team all popping up as this perilous journey takes us on one helluva ride.
January 11, 2020
Simply the best!
July 18, 2017
Now then, just spank me silly. Who knew Mendez had it in him?
‘Hot Valor’ is one of the better HOT books I’ve read by Lynn Raye Harris in a long while.
John Mendez has been the grumpy, terse guy in charge since the beginning and I’ve never had any inclination to read his story (if he even had one) but Harris has made him grow as a compelling character as time went by. ‘Hot Valor’ is simply the culmination of all those glimpses that we’ve had of him throughout, unveiling the layers of Mendez and I loved that he was paired with a ghost from his past—a woman as deadly and competent as he is, but with the calmness and toughness of an operative worthy of HOT. I hadn’t an inkling of what would happen in this installment but the ride was a good one nonetheless, with an uneasy nod to the politics of Russian meddling taking the headlines these days.
But ‘Hot Valor’ stands out mostly because it defies the majority of the books that have 20- or 30-something heroes/heroines by putting a silver fox and a woman in her forties at the forefront. It's also a story of 2 people who have fallen down a long time ago, gotten up, dusted themselves off and learned the meaning of carrying on.
And maybe that’s where the prickly issue of age might come in for some people, but having an older pairing here simply showed the finer points of romantic suspense with a distinct lack of TSTL moments and hormonal tantrums. Both Mendez and Kat should be over the hill, but they aren’t and as Harris shows in such a brassy fashion, competence and coolness—acquired only through pain and tragedy—are actually sexier than the typical hot-headed traits that seem imbued in the romance genre’s many alpha men (and women).
Mendez and Kat do have an intriguing history that I knew I wanted uncovered immediately and it was frankly, easier to sympathise with the both of them and what they’d gone through in their private lives. Kat/Valentina hadn’t disappeared from Mendez’s life on a whim because she had personal issues; she’d left only because there was a danger to Mendez and her dedication to someone who hadn’t been a part of her life for 2 decades in the way she rushed to keep him alive was top class. That Mendez could, by the end, get over it enough to get his own HEA was probably icing on the cake.
I had hell of a time, to say the least, drawn in as I was to the romance as well as the intrigue and the politics of the HOT universe. ‘Hot Valor’ did make my day and while Harris’s books are typically a hit or miss for me, I’m actually quite grateful to say that this made me one happy girl.
‘Hot Valor’ is one of the better HOT books I’ve read by Lynn Raye Harris in a long while.
John Mendez has been the grumpy, terse guy in charge since the beginning and I’ve never had any inclination to read his story (if he even had one) but Harris has made him grow as a compelling character as time went by. ‘Hot Valor’ is simply the culmination of all those glimpses that we’ve had of him throughout, unveiling the layers of Mendez and I loved that he was paired with a ghost from his past—a woman as deadly and competent as he is, but with the calmness and toughness of an operative worthy of HOT. I hadn’t an inkling of what would happen in this installment but the ride was a good one nonetheless, with an uneasy nod to the politics of Russian meddling taking the headlines these days.
But ‘Hot Valor’ stands out mostly because it defies the majority of the books that have 20- or 30-something heroes/heroines by putting a silver fox and a woman in her forties at the forefront. It's also a story of 2 people who have fallen down a long time ago, gotten up, dusted themselves off and learned the meaning of carrying on.
And maybe that’s where the prickly issue of age might come in for some people, but having an older pairing here simply showed the finer points of romantic suspense with a distinct lack of TSTL moments and hormonal tantrums. Both Mendez and Kat should be over the hill, but they aren’t and as Harris shows in such a brassy fashion, competence and coolness—acquired only through pain and tragedy—are actually sexier than the typical hot-headed traits that seem imbued in the romance genre’s many alpha men (and women).
Mendez and Kat do have an intriguing history that I knew I wanted uncovered immediately and it was frankly, easier to sympathise with the both of them and what they’d gone through in their private lives. Kat/Valentina hadn’t disappeared from Mendez’s life on a whim because she had personal issues; she’d left only because there was a danger to Mendez and her dedication to someone who hadn’t been a part of her life for 2 decades in the way she rushed to keep him alive was top class. That Mendez could, by the end, get over it enough to get his own HEA was probably icing on the cake.
I had hell of a time, to say the least, drawn in as I was to the romance as well as the intrigue and the politics of the HOT universe. ‘Hot Valor’ did make my day and while Harris’s books are typically a hit or miss for me, I’m actually quite grateful to say that this made me one happy girl.
August 19, 2021
Um wow…I’m really not sure what to say about this book. This book was fantastic and that’s such an understatement. I’ve been so excited to read Mendez’s story and it really did not disappoint. Like wow.
Mendez is a character that we’ve slowly learned more about throughout the series, and only more recently in the past couple of books have we gotten some chapters from his perspective. But none of that could of prepared me for the man Mendez is.
Mendez, the commander of HOT, is a well respected colonel who his team admires. Just shy of 50, he’s nothing short of a badA who can still out push-up his operators. A year after Dex’s story, Mendez suddenly gets a call from Ian Black telling him he’s about to be arrested and removed from his position. Why? Because he ordered the assassination of the Russian president and used his hot squad to do it, obviously. Except he didn’t, and now he’s being framed for it.
Mendez is now suddenly a rogue colonel on the run trying to clear his name. So what happens when he runs into a woman he used to love, but thought was dead? Well some confusion and of course sparks fly, but he doesn’t actually know it’s her. Valentina aka Kat, supposedly died 21 years ago in Russia and now Kat, her “twin” sister is here to help Mendez clear his name.
This story is literally everything. There’s so much passion and romance and action. Just literally everything you could want.
We do get some updates on the team and get introduced to some new team members as well. Ryan and Emily have had their baby and while it wasn’t confirmed or talked about in this book, I’m assuming Matt and Evie have also had their baby since it’s been a year. We also find out who Ian’s handler is, which just makes me so excited to read his story!
But I’m def excited to read Cade and Brooke’s story!
Mendez is a character that we’ve slowly learned more about throughout the series, and only more recently in the past couple of books have we gotten some chapters from his perspective. But none of that could of prepared me for the man Mendez is.
Mendez, the commander of HOT, is a well respected colonel who his team admires. Just shy of 50, he’s nothing short of a badA who can still out push-up his operators. A year after Dex’s story, Mendez suddenly gets a call from Ian Black telling him he’s about to be arrested and removed from his position. Why? Because he ordered the assassination of the Russian president and used his hot squad to do it, obviously. Except he didn’t, and now he’s being framed for it.
Mendez is now suddenly a rogue colonel on the run trying to clear his name. So what happens when he runs into a woman he used to love, but thought was dead? Well some confusion and of course sparks fly, but he doesn’t actually know it’s her. Valentina aka Kat, supposedly died 21 years ago in Russia and now Kat, her “twin” sister is here to help Mendez clear his name.
This story is literally everything. There’s so much passion and romance and action. Just literally everything you could want.
We do get some updates on the team and get introduced to some new team members as well. Ryan and Emily have had their baby and while it wasn’t confirmed or talked about in this book, I’m assuming Matt and Evie have also had their baby since it’s been a year. We also find out who Ian’s handler is, which just makes me so excited to read his story!
But I’m def excited to read Cade and Brooke’s story!
July 22, 2017
This is the book I have waited for and it did not disappoint at all. I loved how we got a "older" hero and heroine and they were just as HOT or maybe for me even HOTTER than their younger counterparts......
Col John "Viper" Mendez's is being set up and in order to save his career and the HOT teams he needs to go on the run to clear his name. He teams up with Kat, who works for the infamous Ian Black. Kat is the "twin" sister of the women who he loved 21 years ago. He has never gotten over her death and has never loved anyone since then either. However he cant help but notice how many similarities their are between Kat and his long last love.
The books is action packed from start to finish with lots of intense feelings in between as our Hero and Heroine come to terms with what they mean to each other now. As I said I loved that our main characters were slightly older, and still had a very hot attraction to each other..... there is something to be said about a sliver fox!!!! :)
Looking forward to the next installment of one of my favorite series out there!!! And just saying I really hope we dont have to wait too long for Ian Blacks story.......:)
July 17, 2017
***ARC Provided by The Next Step PR***
John and Val/Kat were together 21 years ago, and their relationship ended with what he thought was her death. Well, she is not dead and the reader learns this immediately, and honestly, so does John although he spends a lot of time in the book fighting not only the attraction he feels to her, but also the fact that deep down he knows exactly who she is.
I liked the push and pull that was created, the attraction, and the reason they both had to question it and to fight it made sense.
As always, these books went from the action of the central couple to the Hostile Operations Team, and in this case, the leader was the one being hunted. I found the action fairly well balanced. Toward the end, the focus on the suspense/action subplot made sense, and the more romantic focus in the middle also made sense.
I can't decide if I feel that John was able to get over Val/Kat being alive too easily or not, but I think it worked, partly as he really doubted who Kat was from the beginning, and so I think the confirmation of that worked.
I enjoyed this title, I was happy to see them get their HEA and I am looking forward to the next one.
John and Val/Kat were together 21 years ago, and their relationship ended with what he thought was her death. Well, she is not dead and the reader learns this immediately, and honestly, so does John although he spends a lot of time in the book fighting not only the attraction he feels to her, but also the fact that deep down he knows exactly who she is.
I liked the push and pull that was created, the attraction, and the reason they both had to question it and to fight it made sense.
As always, these books went from the action of the central couple to the Hostile Operations Team, and in this case, the leader was the one being hunted. I found the action fairly well balanced. Toward the end, the focus on the suspense/action subplot made sense, and the more romantic focus in the middle also made sense.
I can't decide if I feel that John was able to get over Val/Kat being alive too easily or not, but I think it worked, partly as he really doubted who Kat was from the beginning, and so I think the confirmation of that worked.
I enjoyed this title, I was happy to see them get their HEA and I am looking forward to the next one.
Want to read
July 9, 2017
July 11, 2017
Finally, Mendez! The leader of HOT has had us squirming with questions about his personal life. Now we have answers. A couple decades ago, when Mendez was on a mission in Russia, he found love. Circumstances beyond their control separated them forever, or did it? Kat has many secrets, some easier to hide while others will leave more scars if told. She's a tough lady, been to hell and back, and pops up for more. If any woman out there could be Viper's equal it's Kat. You are in for a wild ride while Mendez works to save his men and deal with a crooked politician. The adventure is non-stop, heart pounding, edge of your seat stuff. Hopefully you've read the other books as you'll recognize many players but also have the desire to understand Mendez. Each book is different but still strongly connected. My copy was given by the author and my review written voluntarily.
March 9, 2020
This is my first Lynn Raye Harris book and I am over the moon I've found another author with strong gutsy male and female leads. This is book 11 in the series, I picked it up first because it has older leads, John (Viper) Mendez is 49 and Kat is 43.
This story has everything, espionage, action, a great team of military buddies that would die for each other and secrets, so many secrets... I loved it, loved Johnny and loved the audio too!
I'm about to go back to book one and read the whole series, as I should have :)
This story has everything, espionage, action, a great team of military buddies that would die for each other and secrets, so many secrets... I loved it, loved Johnny and loved the audio too!
I'm about to go back to book one and read the whole series, as I should have :)
July 21, 2017
never thought one of hostile operations team book would make me cry !
July 18, 2017
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Hot Pursuit (Hostile Operations Team, #1)
Hot Mess (Hostile Operations Team, #2)
Hot Package (Hostile Operations Team, #3)
Dangerously Hot (Hostile Operations Team, #4)
Hot Shot (Hostile Operations Team, #5)
Hot Rebel (Hostile Operations Team, #6)
Hot Ice (Hostile Operations Team, #7)
Hot & Bothered (Hostile Operations Team #8)
Hot Seal
Hot Protector (Hostile Operations Team #9)
Hot Witness (Hostile Operations Team #9.5)
HOT Addiction (Hostile Operations Team #10)
This is Valentina and John "Viper" Mendez’s story. Years ago, Valentina vanished from John’s life. He was told she was dead. Now John is on the run as he was accused of using the HOT team to assassinate a foreign official. Someone is out to get him and he needs to figure out who it is before he loses everything that matters. Kat who is a Russian spy and the spitting image of Valentina is long lost woman is trying to help him but he knows she is lying and keeping secrets. Now they must get over the secrets and lies and work together to figure out the danger before he loses his woman again. But in the end who can he trust? Will the secrets and lies just be too much to deal with?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Hot Pursuit (Hostile Operations Team, #1)
Hot Mess (Hostile Operations Team, #2)
Hot Package (Hostile Operations Team, #3)
Dangerously Hot (Hostile Operations Team, #4)
Hot Shot (Hostile Operations Team, #5)
Hot Rebel (Hostile Operations Team, #6)
Hot Ice (Hostile Operations Team, #7)
Hot & Bothered (Hostile Operations Team #8)
Hot Seal
Hot Protector (Hostile Operations Team #9)
Hot Witness (Hostile Operations Team #9.5)
HOT Addiction (Hostile Operations Team #10)
This is Valentina and John "Viper" Mendez’s story. Years ago, Valentina vanished from John’s life. He was told she was dead. Now John is on the run as he was accused of using the HOT team to assassinate a foreign official. Someone is out to get him and he needs to figure out who it is before he loses everything that matters. Kat who is a Russian spy and the spitting image of Valentina is long lost woman is trying to help him but he knows she is lying and keeping secrets. Now they must get over the secrets and lies and work together to figure out the danger before he loses his woman again. But in the end who can he trust? Will the secrets and lies just be too much to deal with?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
July 19, 2017
HOT Valor is the story so many have been waiting for and with all the passion, suspense, and drama we have come to expect from a Harris novel, the core of this story is about two people that have been lonely and lost for two decades and finally find a way to share their hearts and lives fully. The messy details of their pasts certainly will continue to affect them, but the love and light they bring to one another shows that Mendez and Kat will find a way to move forward in their lives despite their pasts. Mendez is a sexy, alpha operator to the core, though we have gotten used to seeing him in the role of leader and coordinator, and seeing him in the field as he works to clear his name shows that he hasn’t lost any of the skills that allowed him to be in command of such a volatile group of men and women. I enjoyed finally getting to know the story of Mendez’s past and the tragedies that shaped him into the man he is, but I also mourned with him as he relived those horrors and finally came to terms with everything. Kat was almost as heartbreaking as she shared her past with Mendez and was forced to relive it all again and again. Kat is the kind of woman that would not be wrongly described as a willow tree--she bends and bends, but nothing breaks her spirit as long as she knows her Johnny is out there somewhere in the world making it a better place. While there was certainly the expected suspense and drama, the emotional roller-coasters these two find themselves leading us down will have you in tears, laughing, and wondering how they could ever get past the heartaches they carry. Their strength and the love that brings them together in the end is undeniable and as bright as a solar flare, making it almost dangerous to look at. I enjoyed every moment of this story and found myself unable to put it down if only to carry it with me just in case there was a minute to read a few more pages. I feel like Mendez’s book was a turning point in the HOT world, not an ending just a new beginning, and I cannot wait to see where we go next and who will find their mate. Lynn's writing, as always, keeps me on the edge of my seat and dying to know what happens next, but the true skill that makes Lynn Raye Harris an author to watch is the way she can lead her couples through some of the most dangerous situations while still building relationships that last forever and allowing her characters to grow and change. Another masterpiece worthy of a place of honor on any bookshelf, be it digital or print.
For the full review see my blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
For the full review see my blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
July 18, 2017
You know you really love a book when you need to write a review and it takes you days and days and DAYS to unscramble the pleasure center of your brain and be able to do it. I always look forward to a new Lynn Raye Harris, “HOT” novel, but I’ll admit that like most fans of the series, I was more excited than usual for “HOT Valor”. COL Mendez is a character we’ve all been interested in for a really long time – if you haven’t read the other books, for goodness sake, you need to go do that, and then come back! I mean it, this book is amazing, and you could certainly enjoy it without reading the others first, but you really won’t get as much out of it. So trust me on this; practice a little delayed gratification. Read the rest of the series, and notice all the times COL Mendez pops up in the books. THEN read, “HOT Valor.”
Oh yeah, Honey. You will enjoy it sooo much more.
You’re welcome.
Getting back to brass tacks… we’ve all been waiting for this story. What’s up with the cool, calm, controlled COL Mendez? What’s his story? Who lights his fire? We’ve been getting glimpses here and there; little appetizers, if you will, that only made us hungry for more. “HOT Valor” is the full-on, four-course meal, complete with dessert.
All “HOT” novels have action, romance, suspense, even a touch of clandestine black ops spy stuff here and there, but “Valor” is a cut above. Picture golden era double-oh-seven cold war AWESOME with a heaping helping of modern-day, panty-melting alpha bad*ss meets the toughest, hard-as-nails female operative with a heart of gold this side of the Bolshoi, and you’ve got COL John “Viper” Mendez and Ekaterina "Kat" Kasharin.
You can NOT get more explosive chemistry than that, my friends. Put them together in an action picture road trip from DC to The Big Easy, to Atlanta, to Russia and back, complete with assassins, fake identities, a plot to bring down the POTUS, safe houses, stolen cars, shady arms dealers, rogue CIA agents, the Russian mafia, trains, planes, helicopters, deception, betrayal, love and loss… and you’ve got a blockbuster of EPIC proportions on your hands.
Pop some popcorn, grab a soda and a candy bar, and send the spouse and kids somewhere because you will NOT want any interruptions! This is one of those reads that you simply cannot put down. By the end, you’re totally spent and just might want a cigarette as you relax and enjoy the afterglow… before you go right back to page one and start all over again.
Oh yeah, Honey. You will enjoy it sooo much more.
You’re welcome.
Getting back to brass tacks… we’ve all been waiting for this story. What’s up with the cool, calm, controlled COL Mendez? What’s his story? Who lights his fire? We’ve been getting glimpses here and there; little appetizers, if you will, that only made us hungry for more. “HOT Valor” is the full-on, four-course meal, complete with dessert.
All “HOT” novels have action, romance, suspense, even a touch of clandestine black ops spy stuff here and there, but “Valor” is a cut above. Picture golden era double-oh-seven cold war AWESOME with a heaping helping of modern-day, panty-melting alpha bad*ss meets the toughest, hard-as-nails female operative with a heart of gold this side of the Bolshoi, and you’ve got COL John “Viper” Mendez and Ekaterina "Kat" Kasharin.
You can NOT get more explosive chemistry than that, my friends. Put them together in an action picture road trip from DC to The Big Easy, to Atlanta, to Russia and back, complete with assassins, fake identities, a plot to bring down the POTUS, safe houses, stolen cars, shady arms dealers, rogue CIA agents, the Russian mafia, trains, planes, helicopters, deception, betrayal, love and loss… and you’ve got a blockbuster of EPIC proportions on your hands.
Pop some popcorn, grab a soda and a candy bar, and send the spouse and kids somewhere because you will NOT want any interruptions! This is one of those reads that you simply cannot put down. By the end, you’re totally spent and just might want a cigarette as you relax and enjoy the afterglow… before you go right back to page one and start all over again.
March 2, 2021
This is what I'm looking for. A badass operator vs tough villain. I just realised that some of romance suspense series that I read, have some similarity (coincidentally). Each team always has a leader or commander. And the leader's story always the best among others.
Morgan in the Killer Instinct by Elle Kennedy, Angus in the Deep Ops by Rebecca Zanetti and this one.
I may have not read all of the books in HOT series yet but I have some "complaints" because some of the villains are too weak compared to the badass HOT operators. I'm glad that the commander's story are beyond my expectation.
The corrupt Vice President of USA along with the Russian mafia boss tried to bring Johnny Mendez down. They want to be the leader of USA and Russia through treachery, violent and manipulation and they need a scapegoat. It had to be Mendez and his HOT team.
Mendez won't stay still and watch his team to be sacrificed for their greed. Ian Black send him Kat to help him clear his name. Unbeknownst to Johnny, Kat is his long true love, Valentina. Their love story is like a Romeo and Juliet. He is an American soldier and she is a Russian spy.
Her handler forced her to leave Johnny in the name of duty and country. Kat agreed because she care about Johnny's career too.
They lost each other for the last 21 years. And they lost their son too. The 12 years old boy was killed by the same mafia boss who take Kate as a "prisoner". Johnny never knew he had a son.
Johnny with the help of Kat, Ian and HOT team successfully save the Delta team an stopping the Vice President and the mafia boss. It was nice to see all of the HOT operators working together to help their commander.
The combination of a badass commander, a badass heroine and a tough violent packed with full action and heart warming and heart breaking love story, make this book one of my favourite.
P.S : imagine Johnny in his 30s. Definitely irresistible
Morgan in the Killer Instinct by Elle Kennedy, Angus in the Deep Ops by Rebecca Zanetti and this one.
I may have not read all of the books in HOT series yet but I have some "complaints" because some of the villains are too weak compared to the badass HOT operators. I'm glad that the commander's story are beyond my expectation.
The corrupt Vice President of USA along with the Russian mafia boss tried to bring Johnny Mendez down. They want to be the leader of USA and Russia through treachery, violent and manipulation and they need a scapegoat. It had to be Mendez and his HOT team.
Mendez won't stay still and watch his team to be sacrificed for their greed. Ian Black send him Kat to help him clear his name. Unbeknownst to Johnny, Kat is his long true love, Valentina. Their love story is like a Romeo and Juliet. He is an American soldier and she is a Russian spy.
Her handler forced her to leave Johnny in the name of duty and country. Kat agreed because she care about Johnny's career too.
They lost each other for the last 21 years. And they lost their son too. The 12 years old boy was killed by the same mafia boss who take Kate as a "prisoner". Johnny never knew he had a son.
Johnny with the help of Kat, Ian and HOT team successfully save the Delta team an stopping the Vice President and the mafia boss. It was nice to see all of the HOT operators working together to help their commander.
The combination of a badass commander, a badass heroine and a tough violent packed with full action and heart warming and heart breaking love story, make this book one of my favourite.
P.S : imagine Johnny in his 30s. Definitely irresistible
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
What a Wild, Rollicking Ride
This book is a full throttle, action packed adventure of impressive power. John "Viper" Mendez, Colonel in charge of the Hostile Operation Teams, is a man on the run from the first chapter. And Viper going rouge gives us full out testosterone driven excitement. John is the ultimate manly specimen, tall, handsome and intelligent. The consummate special forces black ops warrior, he has valor and integrity flowing through his veins. For years he has lived only for HOT. Now all that is in jeopardy. His reputation, operation and men are at the mercy of unscrupulous greedy power mongers. They are determined to ruin Mendez and all he has striven to protect. His HOT operatives are still supporting him, but they've got to work around their stand down orders. John's journey to stop the evil begins with an unlikely source and continues with an even more mysterious partner. Ekaterina Kasharin is the spitting image of Valentina the love of John's life, whose been dead 21 years now. Purporting to be Val's twin sister, Kat is also the mercenary sent by Ian Black to help Mendez. Turns out they make a great special ops team, as well as a sensual & sexy one. A successful mission to clear his name, protect his men and save his country borders on the impossible. It's a good thing John Mendez is a hero among men. His persistance, contacts, experience and unwavering bravery, paired with a strong, well trained and equally brave woman provides the strength to hopefully pursue success in what looks to be a suicide mission. Through the dangerous, convoluted and traitorous journey John & Kat prove their ability to work, and love together. Even with constant set backs and with the bad guys one step ahead throughout the harrowing and deadly experiences our two heroes confront, they prove up to the task. Taking the ride with them is spectacular, don't miss it!
This book is a full throttle, action packed adventure of impressive power. John "Viper" Mendez, Colonel in charge of the Hostile Operation Teams, is a man on the run from the first chapter. And Viper going rouge gives us full out testosterone driven excitement. John is the ultimate manly specimen, tall, handsome and intelligent. The consummate special forces black ops warrior, he has valor and integrity flowing through his veins. For years he has lived only for HOT. Now all that is in jeopardy. His reputation, operation and men are at the mercy of unscrupulous greedy power mongers. They are determined to ruin Mendez and all he has striven to protect. His HOT operatives are still supporting him, but they've got to work around their stand down orders. John's journey to stop the evil begins with an unlikely source and continues with an even more mysterious partner. Ekaterina Kasharin is the spitting image of Valentina the love of John's life, whose been dead 21 years now. Purporting to be Val's twin sister, Kat is also the mercenary sent by Ian Black to help Mendez. Turns out they make a great special ops team, as well as a sensual & sexy one. A successful mission to clear his name, protect his men and save his country borders on the impossible. It's a good thing John Mendez is a hero among men. His persistance, contacts, experience and unwavering bravery, paired with a strong, well trained and equally brave woman provides the strength to hopefully pursue success in what looks to be a suicide mission. Through the dangerous, convoluted and traitorous journey John & Kat prove their ability to work, and love together. Even with constant set backs and with the bad guys one step ahead throughout the harrowing and deadly experiences our two heroes confront, they prove up to the task. Taking the ride with them is spectacular, don't miss it!
July 22, 2017
For fans of Lynn Raye Harris's Hostile Operation's Team, this is the book we have been waiting for!! Colonal John 'Viper' Mendez, the man - no the legend - behind H.O.T, finally has his story told, and holy hotness was it worth the wait!
Twenty one years ago, while on a mission in Russia, Mendez fell hard and fast for Valentina, but there was no HEA for the couple because Valentina was killed. For the passed two decades Mendez has carried around a locket belonging to Valentina and has never moved on from loving her.
When delectable Ian Black calls Mendez to warn of a plot against him, Mendez is left with no choice but to go rogue. But when Black sends Valentina's 'identical twin' Kat to help him, Mendez does not know who to trust anymore. Mendez is completely thrown by Kat's presence, he knows he doesn't, and shouldn't trust her, but is confused because she reminds him so much of Val and because he wants her badly.
Kat/Val has never stopped loving Mendez, and she only came out of hiding when Black told her false accusations were being made against him and his life was in danger. But Kat has some painful secrets that she is desperate to keep hidden and has been living with heartbreak for twenty one years.
Mendez and Kat have explosive chemistry from the start, the sexual tension between them is immeasurable. Their story is one of second chances, and is the perfect blend of action, suspense and sizzling hot romance, what more could you ask for?! I loved it and could not put it down. Hot Valor is a great book for fans of Ian Black too and questions are answered about him and his allegiances..
There is also a sneak peek of the next couple, and as always, I can't wait!
I received an ARC of Hot Valor courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty one years ago, while on a mission in Russia, Mendez fell hard and fast for Valentina, but there was no HEA for the couple because Valentina was killed. For the passed two decades Mendez has carried around a locket belonging to Valentina and has never moved on from loving her.
When delectable Ian Black calls Mendez to warn of a plot against him, Mendez is left with no choice but to go rogue. But when Black sends Valentina's 'identical twin' Kat to help him, Mendez does not know who to trust anymore. Mendez is completely thrown by Kat's presence, he knows he doesn't, and shouldn't trust her, but is confused because she reminds him so much of Val and because he wants her badly.
Kat/Val has never stopped loving Mendez, and she only came out of hiding when Black told her false accusations were being made against him and his life was in danger. But Kat has some painful secrets that she is desperate to keep hidden and has been living with heartbreak for twenty one years.
Mendez and Kat have explosive chemistry from the start, the sexual tension between them is immeasurable. Their story is one of second chances, and is the perfect blend of action, suspense and sizzling hot romance, what more could you ask for?! I loved it and could not put it down. Hot Valor is a great book for fans of Ian Black too and questions are answered about him and his allegiances..
There is also a sneak peek of the next couple, and as always, I can't wait!
I received an ARC of Hot Valor courtesy of the author, in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
I have enjoyed this whole series so far, but my favorite has always been the first book, Hot Pursuit. Something about that story always comes back to me and almost haunts me, making me want to come back to it. I know that will happen with this one. It already has. There is a lot going on in Hot Valor. To start off with, technically this can be read as a stand along. I'm sure you would be able to follow along and enjoy it just fine if you had never read any of the previous books in this series. However you'll only get about twenty percent of the potential enjoyment of the book if you do. The main character, Colonel John Mendez, has been a large part of ever book in the series so far. He is a character we've come to know well and have looked forward to getting to know better for quite some time. I wasn't disappointed in the least. He may be a bit older than the typical hero in these books, but he isn't old by any stretch of the imagination, and he still brings the sexy in a big way. Kat is the perfect match for him and their relationship throughout the book is truly electrifying.
But wait, there is more. This book felt like it was truly a gift to the readers of this series because we are able to learn so much more information about several characters who have been reoccurring throughout. I have secretly had a bit of a book crush on sometimes villain, sometimes friend of the team Ian Black, and he plays a huge role in this book. I only hope this is the beginning of what we learn about him.
Bottom line, if you are a fan of the HOT series, this is a must read. If you love strong alpha male military types, but have never read the HOT books before, start at the beginning of the series and you'll thank me when you catch-up.
July 18, 2017
"You could run from your past. You could put years and distance between you and the things that haunted you. But you never got over them. You never got free." Hot Valor, Lynn Raye Harris (HOT Book 11)
When "former" CIA-agent-turned-mercenary Ian Black calls, John "Viper" Mendez knows that the proverbial you-know-what is about to hit the fan.
Faced with a change in leadership at the White House (including the snake-like new VP DeWitt) and slapped with the false accusation he ordered the elite Delta Squad to assassinate the Russian Ambassador, the Colonel is left to flee and try to get to the bottom of who is trying to frame his Hostile Operations Team.
As usual, Mendez doesn't know which side Ian Black is actually on, although he still suspects he is deep cover, rather than rogue. When Black sends the identical twin of his Russian first love to help him evade, Johnny isn't sure who - if anyone - he can trust. That is especially true for the strikingly beautiful "Kat," whose half-lies and partial-truths leave him distrusting and mega-lusting.
Kat's had nearly a lifetime since Valentina died leaving her heartbroken and always on the looking over her shoulder.
Their combustion for each other is smoking HOT and once that passion is ignited, Kat knows that Johnny has aged better than a fine whiskey and she knows that he will never trust her, despite her convincing lies. Because the secret that is buried deep in her soul haunts her every day, and she knows he must never find out the truth of who she really is or what took Valentina's life all those years ago.
I don't know about the rest of the H.O.T.ties, but I have been WAITING for Col. Mendez's story for so long I was almost afraid to start it.
But Lynn Raye Harris, as usual, did NOT disappoint and Hot Valor may be among the HOTtest of them all!
When "former" CIA-agent-turned-mercenary Ian Black calls, John "Viper" Mendez knows that the proverbial you-know-what is about to hit the fan.
Faced with a change in leadership at the White House (including the snake-like new VP DeWitt) and slapped with the false accusation he ordered the elite Delta Squad to assassinate the Russian Ambassador, the Colonel is left to flee and try to get to the bottom of who is trying to frame his Hostile Operations Team.
As usual, Mendez doesn't know which side Ian Black is actually on, although he still suspects he is deep cover, rather than rogue. When Black sends the identical twin of his Russian first love to help him evade, Johnny isn't sure who - if anyone - he can trust. That is especially true for the strikingly beautiful "Kat," whose half-lies and partial-truths leave him distrusting and mega-lusting.
Kat's had nearly a lifetime since Valentina died leaving her heartbroken and always on the looking over her shoulder.
Their combustion for each other is smoking HOT and once that passion is ignited, Kat knows that Johnny has aged better than a fine whiskey and she knows that he will never trust her, despite her convincing lies. Because the secret that is buried deep in her soul haunts her every day, and she knows he must never find out the truth of who she really is or what took Valentina's life all those years ago.
I don't know about the rest of the H.O.T.ties, but I have been WAITING for Col. Mendez's story for so long I was almost afraid to start it.
But Lynn Raye Harris, as usual, did NOT disappoint and Hot Valor may be among the HOTtest of them all!
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