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Hotshot Heroes #8

Hotshot Hero in Disguise

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New York Times Bestselling Author

His carefully crafted identity…

Is about to go up in flames!

After an attempt on his life, Jonathan Canterbury IV chose to let the world believe he was dead. Then Tammy Ingles discovers that the firefighter she knows as Ethan Sommerly is really the heir to an epic fortune. He doesn’t know what scares him more: the fact that his new lover can expose his secret, or the intensity of his need for her…

From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Hotshot Heroes series:

Book 1: Red Hot
Book 2: Hot Attraction
Book 3: Hot Seduction
Book 4: Hot Pursuit
Book 5: Hotshot Hero Under Fire
Book 6: Hotshot Hero on the Edge
Book 7: Hotshot Heroes Under Threat
Book 8: Hotshot Hero in Disguise

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2023

6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Childs

409 books990 followers
Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.

Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.

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5 stars
26 (44%)
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22 (37%)
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9 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,474 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2024
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 8th book in the Hotshot Heroes series. I have read and reviewed a few other books in this series. I am thinking that I may go back and read the first book in this series then read all the book in order. I really enjoyed the storyline in this book, and the characters are so great. This book's suspense was so great. I really enjoyed reading this book. I really want to have the big mystery that this going on in this series come to an end because I really want to know who is behind all the stuff that is happening to the hotshots. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) or author (Lisa Childs) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Elaine .
1,040 reviews64 followers
March 23, 2023
Hot shot hero in Disguise.
Book 8 .
By Lisa Childs.

Romance suspense.

I've read other books in this series and I have enjoyed each one. And I enjoyed this one also. Definitely good stories all the hot shot firefighters are amazing guys.. And a few Gals.

This was the perfect story line. Well I thought it was I enjoyed everything about this book. The beginning of the story was perfect .

jonathan being Someone else. Well thing is I don't want to give anything away in this story. But I just will say this was a wonderful read for me. However I am a fan of lisa childs.. I have read several of her books and I truly enjoy each one.
But these hot shot Heros storys Are fabulous and keep you glued to the Pages Till the very end..


One of my favorite lines in this book was.
Did you have tea with the mad Hatter too.

I also really liked Tammy the salon owner. She was a strong woman and she played an awesome part in this story..

Thank you lisa childs for another awesome book...
Looking forward to your new release on the twenty eighth of this month....
Profile Image for Becky.
3,431 reviews142 followers
December 28, 2022
This was...just ok. Marginally better than the few before it, but the number/methods of attempts on the hero's life stretched credulity, and the story-specific antagonist is, as usual, pretty cartoonish. The heroine was way too eager to put herself down and decide without consulting the hero that he was too good for her, which was annoying. These characters really need to spend less time in their own heads and more time talking. To. Each. Other.

(It would make the story far more interesting to read, too.)

We still don't know who is sabotaging the team and why or who on the team isn't who they appear to be (I still don't understand why grown men are giving such credence to a single unsigned note that was given to them with zero evidence attached, but ok?), which I guess is our built in reason to keep reading. So...I suppose I'll keep reading.

Sigh.

Rating: 3 stars / C+
Profile Image for Susan.
4,808 reviews126 followers
February 23, 2023
Very good mix of romance and suspense. The story opened with a bang, as the firehouse stove exploded when Ethan turned it on. He is injured and taken to the hospital, where he finds out that his long hair and bushy beard have protected his face from severe burns. However, the flames have destroyed said hair and beard and need to be trimmed/shaved. Ethan only trusts one person to do it.

Tammy owns the only salon in town. She isn't surprised when Ethan shows up to have his hair and beard taken care of, and she doesn't expect to recognize the face under all that hair. Why is the heir to billions hiding out in the backwoods of Michigan and using someone else's name?

I liked Ethan and Tammy. Ethan has been the quiet one in the previous books in the series. He works as a forest ranger in the deep woods when he isn't fighting fires. When unexplained accidents happen to the hotshots, Ethan wonders if the team is the target or if someone has figured out who he is. We learn that Ethan walked away from a plane crash that killed other hotshots and used the chance to make the world believe he was dead. He'd had several close calls in suspicious accidents and thought someone was trying to kill him. If he can remain undercover for a few more weeks, his family can declare him dead, and he will be clear to live on his terms. But when a journalist in town recognizes him and publishes his picture, Ethan's life becomes much more complicated.

Tammy is a popular and vivacious woman with a reputation as a flirt. After years of bullying at school because of her looks, she took control and is now happy with who she is. She flirts because it's fun, but she has no interest in any relationships, preferring to protect her heart. Ethan is one of her favorite targets because he plays along. Tammy refuses to admit that she has had a crush on him for years, insisting they are just friends. But her heart feels otherwise when she hears of his injuries.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Ethan and Tammy. Discovering his true identity threw her for a loop and made her question his motives. When Ethan discovers she knows who he is, he fears that she will expose him. Instead, the sparks of attraction that have simmered under their flirting burst into flame. But there are obstacles to any chance of a future for them. Now that she knows who he is, Tammy feels that he's way out of her league. Ethan fears that being around him puts Tammy in danger. But both feel stronger when they are together than when they are apart. Matters become even more complicated when Ethan's family shows up in town. I fully understood why Ethan put distance between them and himself. There were some interesting interactions, many of which fed the idea that one of them was behind the attacks on him. I liked that Tammy had an outsider's perspective and helped Ethan look at them differently. I was pleasantly surprised by the scene with Ethan's mom and Tammy and laughed out loud at their antics.

As the attacks on Ethan escalated, Tammy could no longer deny her feelings for him, but she still believed nothing could come of them. I wanted to shake her when she tried to push him away, hoping to protect her heart and his life. Ethan worried that being around him was dangerous for her, but he couldn't stop wanting to protect her. I ached for his hurt when she tried to send him away and was glad that he didn't give up on her. When everything was over, Ethan had to decide whether to stick with what and who he loved or return to his old life. It was no surprise to see which one he chose.

The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The stove explosion was one more unexplained accident in the litany that has plagued the hotshots for months. After an anonymous note claimed that one of them "wasn't who you think they are," hotshot captain Braden worries that the saboteur is one of them. But when Ethan's identity emerges, the attacks are suddenly more focused. One episode after another makes it clear that Ethan's life is in danger, but who is behind it? There are several prime candidates, and the tension ramps up as Ethan and the others try to figure it out.

The final confrontation comes when the bad guy abducts Tammy as bait to finish Ethan off for good. I cheered as Tammy didn't wait around for rescue and took things into her own hands. The resolution was well done and solved the mystery of the attacks on Ethan. However, the problems plaguing the hotshots are still unsolved, and the crew is left waiting for the next shoe to drop. I can't wait for the next book to see if the mystery is finally solved.

I'm intrigued by the tv reporter whose arrival in town kicked off Ethan's troubles. She did not make a very good first impression with her pushiness. Someone has been feeding her information about the attacks, and she is determined to learn more. However, as the book went on, her attitude softened a little. Her support of Tammy surprised me and earned a little respect. She plays a vital role in resolving the attacks on Ethan, but the initial story has her staying around. She has an unexpected connection to the hotshots outside whoever her source is, and it will be interesting to see what comes of that.

I loved the closeness of the hotshot team. Because of the danger of their work, there is a special feeling of family among them. I loved the teasing that goes on between the various members. The revelation of Ethan's deception could have torn them apart, but they had his back instead. But they are all on edge because of the sabotage and wondering who it could be.

#netgalley
Profile Image for Vickie.
2,239 reviews74 followers
February 21, 2023
The story of Ethan Sommerly who is a wealthy millionaire hiding from someone who wants him dead befuddled me at first. But the more I got into the story and learned his background, the better I liked it! In fact, I think this quickly became my favorite Hotshot Hero book so far. I like that although the books are in a series, there is sufficient information given in each book that each can be read as a standalone. Ethan’s story is on fire from the beginning, with an explosion and an injury followed by a steamy bedroom scene. The action continues at a fast pace throughout the book and I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out who was targeting Ethan and whether it had to do with his past or his position with the hotshots. The characters were lively and ready for the big screen with cheerful banter, sage advice for each other and somber reminders of the danger that they faced. I enjoyed my visit to Northern Lakes again, especially trying to guess the bad guy and being fooled by the author’s red herrings. Fans of quick reads with quick action with love this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Jason Wrench.
Author 29 books34 followers
February 6, 2023
I want to thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to review Lisa Childs' Hotshot Hero in Disguise (Hotshot Heroes, #8) prior to publication. I am always thankful for the opportunity to read advanced review copies, but the following review is not impacted by their generosity.

Hotshot Hero in Disguise is the eighth book in Lisa Childs' series. This story starts with a bang... literally. There's an explosion in the kitchen and Ethan Sommerly is injured an taken to the hospital. The local entrepreneur and salon owner, Tammy Ingles, has a crush on Ethan, but she has pretty much sworn of romantic entanglements. After Ethan gets out of the emergency room, he heads to Tammy's salon because his his hair was pretty badly singed. Unfortunately, Tammy can't save his beard. After giving Ethan a quick shave, Tammy recognizes Ethan and quickly puts it together that Ethan is actually a billionaire playboy, Jonathan Canterbury IV, who was presumed dead for almost five years after a tragic plane accident. Of course, if Tammy can put two and two together, it's not long before a journalist does too and Jonathan Canterbury IV has magically risen from the grave. Unfortunately, Jonathan has a target on his back because someone isn't too keen on the idea of Jonathan back from the grave and able to claim his inheritance.

As a whole, I really enjoyed this book. I found this book highly enjoyable. There were a few places where the jumping between character viewpoints was a bit confusing, but this wasn't horribly distracting.

A final note, I must admit that this was my first time reading a book from Harlequin. As an MM romance author myself, Harlequin has generally not been a go-to publisher. However, I know that Harlequin has been expanding into MM romance, so I really wanted to check out one of their top-tier novelists.
424 reviews22 followers
February 18, 2023
Ethan Somesbys true identity is revealed after Tammy cuts his hair and shaves his beard from fire damage. Afterwards attempts are made on his life and Tammy's and Ethan tries to stay away from Tammy as he fears his presence is putting her in danger.The story has many twists and turns and keeps you on edge.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,523 reviews46 followers
February 1, 2023
4 1/2 STARS!

Intense drama and danger around every corner! The eighth book in Lisa Childs' Hotshot Heroes series was my first in the series and I had no problems following along with the character list of past couples in the series and picking up on what has been going on in Northern Lakes. The danger is still lurking, but a new discovery has thrown them all for a loop. I enjoyed Ethan and Tammy's story!

Ethan is hardworking and sincere, but his past life is coming back to bite him as his secrets unravel and danger comes knocking!

Tammy is loved by all and watching her crush on Ethan come to fruition with some drama behind it is rewarding.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery with a brotherhood of friendship rallying around as one team member after another finds love.
2,023 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2023
Hotshot Hero in Disguise is an entertaining and well written romance. The plot and characters are well developed and believable. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,210 reviews51 followers
June 18, 2023
Jonathan Canterbury IV family is a big deal but when an accident occurs he assumes the identity, Ethan, after someone he knew and leaves other to presume he's dead. Now he's living the life he always wanted to live as a Hotshot Firefighter. After a explosive incident now he's questioning if something is going on. Tammy is a hair stylist who figures out Jonathans identity and now theres an issue of his identity being shared that could lead to someone making another attempt at his life.

This was a pretty enjoyable read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing why Jonathan was going by Ethan at the restart of his life. Jonathan was worried about a family curse but it might just be more then that when its revealed who he was and someone clearly wants to take him down. It was interesting seeing how the person would strike out at him and others around him. Then there was the question of if what was happening to him because of this curse/person after him or was there something larger at hand. I liked the connection between Jonathan and Tammy, it felt rushed but I still enjoyed it just the same. Overall really good book if you like mystery suspense type of books you'll enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Monae Doyle.
1,487 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2023
This book is another part of the Hotshot Heroes series. This story centered around a guy named Jonathan Canterbury IV (Ethan Sommerly).

After an attempt was made on his life Jonathan Canterbury IV chose to let the world believe that he was dead. Then he meets a woman named Tammy Ingles. She works in a hair salon. She discovers that the firefighter she knows as Ethan Sommerly is really the heir to an epic fortune. He doesn’t know what scares him more the fact that the woman he is attracted to can expose his secret or what he feels for her. This story was spicy in the beginning when Ethan and Tammy are in the salon together and she has to shave 🪒 him after he got injured. The other half of the book wasn’t spicy at all which I would have wanted it to be. I wanted more spicy times between Ethan and Tammy. The book also ended in sort of a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
423 reviews55 followers
March 26, 2023
Hotshot Hero in Disguise
By Lisa Childs

Ethan Sommerly was a man in Disguise. Kept his real identity a secret because of a curse he thought was causing things happening to him and the Hotshot team.
Tammy Ingles had found his secret identity when she shave his beard and hair. She was a flirt with all the Hotshots flirted with her especially Ethan.
Tammy had her own salon and was happy single and wanted to stay that way. Ethan had fallen in love with her and wanted to be with her.
Ethan did his best to stay away from Tammy so she wouldn't get hurt.

Lisa had characters fit together perfectly.
It was intriguing and I couldn't put the book down. She is a fabulous writer and I love all her books.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
February 2, 2023
Hotshot Hero in Disguise (Hotshot Heroes, #8) by Lisa Childs
I gave this book 5 stars - even though I haven't read the earlier books. (Which I plan to do.)
This is Ethan aka Jonathan Canterbury IV and Tammy Ingles' story. There is plenty of drama from the earlier books, murder, deception, wonderful friends, enemies, a saboteur, some laughs, tears, love and plenty of steam to get to their HEA. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Witty Haunting Wonderful Characters Page-turner Happily Ever After Romantic Informative Steamy Entertaining Action-packed Unpredictable Tragic Tear-jerker Easy-to-read Scary.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
February 2, 2023
Hotshot Hero in Disguise (Hotshot Heroes, #8) by Lisa Childs
I gave this book 5 stars - even though I haven't read the earlier books. (Which I plan to do.)
This is Ethan aka Jonathan Canterbury IV and Tammy Ingles' story. There is plenty of drama from the earlier books, murder, deception, wonderful friends, enemies, a saboteur, some laughs, tears, love and plenty of steam to get to their HEA. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Witty Haunting Wonderful Characters Page-turner Happily Ever After Romantic Informative Steamy Entertaining Action-packed Unpredictable Tragic Tear-jerker Easy-to-read Scary.
Profile Image for Donita Jones.
1,313 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2023
HOT SHOT HERO IN DISGUISE Hot Shot Heroes Book #8 by Lisa Childs
This story gets going when firefighter Ethan Sommerly goes to start the stove in the firehouse and the stove blows up. Tammy is the local hairdresser who has been flirting back and forth with him. She has had a crush on him. After his injury, he has to cut his hair and beard that he grew as a disguise since he is actually Jonathon Canterbury IV, a millionaire in hiding. He had been convinced he was cursed and had been targeted by someone who was trying to kill him in the past, and the person is still trying to. This story has plenty of suspense, drama, deception, intrigue, twists and turns. I give this 4 stars.
Profile Image for Heidi.
165 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2023
I have to admit Lisa Childs has me not really sure what to review. The story is ok. The characters are ok. The story is what you expect from Harlequinn Suspense series. All in All Hotshot Hero in Disguise is a ok read. If you need something to read while waiting for a doctors appt, flight, or like me waiting for my kids be done with many different activities they are in. This book works.

Thank you to Netgalley for advance copy of Hotshot Hero in Disguise by Lisa Childs.
3 1\2
Profile Image for Beatrice Followill.
1,623 reviews41 followers
March 18, 2023
Ethan and Tammy's turn in this Hot shot series, Ethan is a target , but is it the same person out to get his team or is it someone out to get him for the secret he is about to reveal .Action packed, kept you in the edge of your seat til the very end .
Profile Image for MK.
1,629 reviews22 followers
August 22, 2024
A must read. I haven’t read all of these books but they are fantastic. Edge of your seat.
As things are happening to the Hotshot team no one knows who the sabotaging there team.
Too many. It’s hard for them to trust there own team. The one thing they are holding info from Trooper Wells.
Profile Image for Kim Schellin-Rog.
426 reviews
August 11, 2023
Not bad. A little repetitive with the secret/stolen identity piece. Dragged a little in places. It being a book about firefighters there was not really any firefighting scenes in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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