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Twenty years ago, badass military commander John “Viper” Mendez lost the love of his life. But fate brought them back together when he discovered she was still alive. Now they live a happily married life - and Kat’s pregnant. As Christmas approaches, they’re more in love than ever and looking forward to welcoming their new baby.

But old secrets begin to resurface and old enemies might be coming back to haunt them. The only way to know is to hire rogue mercenary Ian Black to do some dirty work while Mendez stays close to his wife and keeps her safe - and keeps the investigation a secret from her.

Christmas is a time of miracles. A season of snowy promises and gifts from the heart. When the holiday lights twinkle brightest, Mendez will either go on the offensive to save his family - or discover a truth that’ll change their lives forever.

**This story is a sequel to the events of HOT VALOR, Book 11 in the Hostile Operations Team Series. If you haven’t read that book, you’ll probably be lost. I highly recommend you read it before this Christmas story!

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

208 people are currently reading
342 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Raye Harris

348 books2,957 followers
Lynn 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 124 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn Raye Harris.
Author 348 books2,957 followers
Read
December 3, 2020
“This was a HOT Christmas story that I didn’t know I needed. I loved every minute of it. It made me so happy. I am seriously grinning like an idiot because it made me so happy.” - Jenny

Want some happiness in your life these days? Grab A HOT CHRISTMAS MIRACLE and prepare for holiday goodness and cheer! No sad stuff. No disappointments. Enjoy!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GKb6bo
Amazon Int: http://mybook.to/XmasMir
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3jdq5sO
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3icoVwo
BN Nook: https://bit.ly/36ldaS8
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3n6gYN6
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Jvvrmf

Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
November 21, 2020
ARC received for review from author

This is a standalone, but I think you would enjoy it much more if you first read Mendez and Kat's HEA in HOT Valor.

Mendez and Kat have their HEA and a bundle of joy on the way. Then the past comes back. Mendez, along with help from Ian Black investigate, and deliver a baby. Will this blast from the past be good or bad? I want to say so much, but no spoilers here. This book was ssooooo good, plus there was lots of Ian.
Profile Image for katharine.
363 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2021
Okay this was quite possibly the cutest story ever! This is a little short story about Mendez and Kat during Christmas. Kat is 9 months pregnant and literally about to give birth at any moment and Mendez freaks out at any little thing.

Getting this little short story of them married and expecting their “first” (iykyk) child together, was so freaking adorable and I absolutely loved reading some more of them as a happy couple.

Mendez has obviously never gotten the chance to be a father since their son “died” in a car accident before he could meet him. Even though he’s never met him or knew about him until a couple years after his death, Mendez still loves and mourns for him.

So what happens when Ian calls Mendez and tells him his son might be alive? Well a little flicker of hope, happiness and as usual, a huge thought that this is a setup and con to hurt Kat, which obviously scares Mendez.

So while Kat is happy and in her holiday spirits, Mendez is trying to figure out if their son is alive without letting her know so her hopes don’t give up.

All of their little morning and night moments were literally so freaking cute! Mendez gets up in the morning, makes coffee for Kat and then goes to shovel the driveway in case she goes into labor. Then he comes back in and eats breakfast with her. At night time (after they finally put up and decorate their tree), the snuggle together on the couch drinking hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies. Literally perfect if you ask me.

Christmas Day starts out wonderful and then suddenly Kat starts getting sharp contractions that aren’t Braxton Hicks. So her and Mendez start rushing to the hospital, but their baby girl (whose name is Elena Katharine and my mouth literally dropped when I read her middle name and then o got happy lol), decides she ready and she’s ready now. So long story short, Kat gives birth in the back of Mendez’ truck with his help.

A couple hours later and Kat and the baby are back home and Matt and Evie have come over to help, when Mendez gets a call from Ian. Of course he goes to his HQ and finds out his son is still alive and meets him in person. Obviously he brings him home and Kat sobs, but she’s so happy. And that’s pretty much a happy ever after if I’ve ever saw one.

Little update on Matt and Evie’s kid because we finally got one! They ended up having twin boys! So cute!! Okay this review, that ended up being more of a summary, is super long now and I’m sorry! On to the HOT Seals now!
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,124 reviews14 followers
December 5, 2020
A HOT Christmas

Holy Mendez!!! Can I rate this higher than 5 🌟 please?!?! Mendez and Kat have always been one of my favorite HOT couples and I was beyond excited that we were getting a little bit more of their story. And holy Mendez what a story it is! I can't believe the surprise that Lynn Raye Harris had in store for them...and us!! I won't spoil it even though I'm dying to. Just go read it. You will be glad that you did!!

This story is naturally safe. Mendez and Kat are already married and 1000% devoted to each other. No abuse or cheating. No ow/om drama. An even happier Happily Ever After than this power couple could ever imagined!
Profile Image for Patricia King.
767 reviews15 followers
April 13, 2022
A HOT Miracle
HOT series Team 1, Book 9.5
Lynn Raye Harris, author

Answers..... a wonderful Christmas miracle.

Valor and his wife are expecting their second child and an unexpected surprise is delivered to them, none other, than by Ian Black..

A beautiful quick read. Don't miss out on this one, I promise you'll love the ending.

I was gifted an audio version of the book by the author. I bought the book and highly recommend this novel. I leave this review voluntarily.
3,057 reviews17 followers
July 13, 2022
Second Chances and Miracles!!

John “Viper” Mendez is happily married and expecting a child with the woman he was told had died years ago. Kat is enjoying the decorating and the cookie baking, as this is her happiest Christmas ever.

A lovely vignette of the team enjoying the season, and the upcoming arrival. Still some intrigue and surprises to be found here.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
December 2, 2020
A HOT Christmas Miracle

This book had it all. Christmas miracles, love, birth and lots of HOT characters that I have grown to love.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
433 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2020
OMG, what a great Christmas story... I loved watching John aka Viper and Kat get their happy after.

I loved watching the love between them two. John is so loving and caring, Kat is so sweet. I love seeing John get so soft with Kat. You also will see him as a General now, that was cool on how he is handling that.... You can tell why the men, under him RESPECT him.....

You also get to see allot of Ian Black. I will not post any spoiler's, but you will enjoy a special present they get during Christmas. This book is so special and so sweet and heartfelt.... If you love John, Kat and Ian you will love this story.....

I did receive an early copy of this book from the author, I chose to review it. I also pre ordered my own copy....

Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
December 1, 2020
After all the time and distance between John and Kat we finally get to see them living the life they were destined to have. They are celebrating the holiday season and awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to their family.

We get to catch up with all the team members we know and love and no story in this series would be complete without Ian Black resurfacing and this time he has a surprise that is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 295 books368 followers
December 12, 2020
No surprises for me in this one. But it's always good to see my favorite HOT hero, General John Mendez. It was a quick, enjoyable treat to end my day. (and I love touching base with past and future HOT and Black's Bandits heroes!)
Profile Image for Jeanie.
387 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2022
This was a sweet Christmas follow up to Col. Mendez and Kat's story. Not a lot in the way of steamy scenes with a lot of details. This one is pretty PG-13 with barely even a 13 needed. However that did not detract from the story. I appreciated how Mendez remained true to his character in spite of his anxiety over the approaching birth of his daughter. He had a couple moments of near panic, but like the General he now is, he pulled himself together quickly and got things done that needed his attention with a cool head. Not every man totally freaks out when his wife/significant other goes into labor. That avenue is way overdone in my opinion, so I was happy to see it not happen here.

Not a lot I can say about this and avoid spoilers as it was a compact story. It was not a favorite, though I did enjoy the book. It just felt a bit lacking compared to other books in the series. It was almost too sweet for my liking, but it was still well written. I did laugh, smile, and cry with Kat. Ian was even on his best behavior. Probably because he didn't have to interact with other HOT members and he respects Mendez as his equal. I can't really put my finger on any one specific thing I didn't like. There were a couple areas I'd have liked to be fleshed out a bit more perhaps. Overall, it just felt off to me. Still, as stated, it was good. 3.5 stars from me personally. 4 stars from an objective viewpoint. Leaving off a star for the big reveal scene that seemed rushed and lacked the detail I'd have liked. The build up was great, then a flat reveal. Another half star down on my personal score because it just lacked the punch I've become used to in the series.
Profile Image for lily bookscation.
491 reviews
March 4, 2021
John and Kat found their HEA in HOT Valor. They deserve it after a long journey with a lot of lies, betrayal, and manipulation who separated them two decades ago.

In this novella, Kat is pregnant and ready to deliver their daughter. Although John is a General in HOT, he is a loving and caring husband at home. He helps Kat in every way, doing chores, protecting her and the baby.

One day, Ian Black came to him bringing troublesome news. Ian showed him a picture of a young man, a Russian Navy. It truly surprised John because he is looking at his younger self in that pic. Yes, it's Roman's pic. They don't 100% sure about that but there is a similarity between the boy and John. The age, the orphanage, the house, and the cemetery he visiting, all of that matches with Roman, the son he never met.

John wants to know the truth about this boy but he will do the investigation secretly, he doesn't want to make Kat stress about it.

After Elena, their daughter came into the world, John orders Ian to "kidnap" the boy and do the DNA test. It's a miracle. John and Kat welcome their daughter and they get more. The son who they thought was dead, is alive all this time.

John and Kat reunite with Roman. They deserve all that happiness.

There is so much more to tell about Roman. Can't wait to read his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
819 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2020
Twenty years ago, badass military commander John "Viper" Mendez thought he had lost the love of his life. Turns out it was all a lie. Now he and Kat are happily married and waiting for the birth of their daughter. It was wonderful watching this tough guy show a softer side.

But Ian Black will bring Mendez some shocking news that will change their life forever. But in order to confirm whether this news is legitimate Mendez will hire Ian for real proof before sharing any information with Kat. Mendez is anxious about Kat giving birth. So when she actually goes into labor it will be a sweet reward when John helps deliver his daughter. The icing on the cake will be their second surprise miracle!!
Profile Image for Busybeth76.
738 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
Sweet, funny and revealing

General Mendez is in the throes of becoming domesticated. He's married his true love Kat, they have a beautiful new home and they're expecting a sweet baby. All these things are way beyond anything John Mendez expected, but he's thrilled. When Ian Black drops a life changing situation on John the result can, again, make their life even more perfect, or miserable. A glorious, seasonal, loving novella. It is true to the sexy, humorous and engaging HOT novels and perfect for the Christmas season, or anytime you want to enjoy loving family times.
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
April 4, 2022
Colonel John Mendez and his wife, Kat, are expecting another child…if only it hadn’t taken two decades to get their HEA. If only lies hadn’t kept them apart, they would have shared the joy, then sorrow of losing their first child. Now celebrating their first Christmas together, everything is all sunshine and rainbows…or is it? Something is going to change their lives again! Although a novella, this story still packs the punch…and heat…that we expect from a HOT story! Love love love the ending!!
892 reviews
October 20, 2022
cute baby novella, I guess

I'm not a big fan of novellas centered just around just the birth of a baby and probably 90% of it was. And it was repetitive! The second smaller part was more interesting and I wish that would have taken a bigger stage. The ending was then rushed. I wished for a bit more of a combined HOT Christmas story - oh well.

I enjoyed the narration. Logan McAllister was excellent (5 stars). I loved Melissa Moran's reading voice but not the voice she gave Kat, it just didn't sound right (4 stars).
Profile Image for Jeriann Fisher.
773 reviews
December 2, 2020
A Miracle of Epic Proportions

General John Mendez & his former- mercenary wife, Kat, are in for a huge surprise this Christmas and not just the birth of their surprise baby. Fans of the Hostile Operations Team series (& spin offs) will really appreciate this story. Cameo appearance from Matt & Eve Gerard & super spy, Ian Black.

If you are new to the HOT team romances, you'll want to read HOT Valor first.

A great holiday treat.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,945 reviews63 followers
December 24, 2020
HOT Christmas Miracle🎄🎁

John and Kat are finally back together after years of being apart and have a baby on the way too🤩 As the time approaches for the baby to make an appearance, Ian Black approaches Mendez with potentially disturbing information from his and Kat’s past😱

This story was amazing and gave me all the feels❣️I can’t wait for more stories by Lynn and this one was absolutely perfect for the holidays😍
Profile Image for Debbie Collins.
801 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2020
"A HOT Christmas Miracle" finds John "Viper" Mendez and Kat living their best life. After all they have been through they deserve it. While awaiting the birth of their child, old secrets from the past begin to surface, but Viper refuses to let anything upset Kat.
This is a quick read, filled with love, passion, romance and Christmas miracles, don't miss it!!

This book will be more enjoyable if you read HOT Valor, book 11 in the Hostile Operations Team series.
Profile Image for Tracey Warren.
632 reviews
January 14, 2021
A great Christmas read

A trip into the world of the HOT team and their families, add in its Mendes badass leader, his wife, a birth, a surprise arrival and the whole Christmas 9 yards to make this a stunning read as usual. Love this series, love the team, your missing a great read BUT read the couple stories first, 1 because they are seriously good, but also this will mean so much more!!! Enjoy 😃
2,133 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2021
A HOT Christmas Miracle...

A Hostile Operations Team Holiday Story. Mendez who is a General now is having a baby with Kat the love of his life. But it gets crazy as the time gets near. Nothing Mendez can't handle except there are some twists in here that will send you reeling. But of course Mendez has back up. It's great to see other characters from other books. And yes Ian B!back is my EVERYTHING! Ian Black makes every book better. FANFREAKINGTASTIC read!!
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,375 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2023
Yes!

Mendez and Valentina are back with their lovely surprise from their last book, but Ian comes through with two more big assists! Roman reenters the picture, baby Elena arrives in a rush and they have a lovely Christmas with HOT family and as a new family! It was a sweet and great read. Some new characters were introduced via mention and I hope we see more of Ian, Ghost and others in future books!
Profile Image for Cecly Ann.
Author 21 books28 followers
December 2, 2020
Perfect for Christmas

This was the perfect Christmas gift for John and Kat. Unexpected but totally acceptable. I love how Ian Black is slowly becoming part of Mendez family group. His relationship with John and Kat reminds me of the ying and yang of life. I cannot wait to read more about Roman.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
864 reviews7 followers
December 6, 2020
Miracle

I love this book, OMG fantastic, Christmas miracle, Mendez needing to deliver his baby girl on Christmas, in a truck in the snow, to Kat and Mendez finding out the son they thought was dead to finding him alive and well, two more additions to the HOT family, thank you for a beautiful Christmas miracle, Dana Zamora
531 reviews
January 8, 2021
CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

Christmas is a time of miracles. John and Kat are blessed with two Christmas miracles, their life is full of family and love and all the things that could be finally are.
So many twists and surprises that kept this story interesting and made it well worth reading. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Christine Frieseke-Miller.
1,647 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2022
Revisiting Mendes and Cat and their family was so much fun! This was a short and sweet story that still had excitement. We also got to reconnect with this amazing couple and of course the rest of the HOT family. Ian was there to lend a hand, too. This was a great novella to put you in the holiday spirit!

The narrators did a great job.
Profile Image for Brenda Hojonski.
515 reviews35 followers
November 27, 2022
Heartwarming Christmas story with Mendez and Kat

This is a holiday story featuring Kat and John Mendez and the approaching birth of their daughter. As they settle into their first Christmas together, Ian Black shows Mendez a picture. Excellent story for the season with a few of the HOT members making an appearance.
Profile Image for Debra.
3,465 reviews13 followers
February 8, 2023
Last book in the series is a short update on John and Cat's life. She is about to give birth to their daughter and both are sad with memories of their son. Christmas miracles happen. Won't give the story line away, just to say that it does leave open for the set of books about dark op leader and his people. I enjoyed listening to this short story thru the duo narrators that have been heard here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews

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