Very pleasantly surprised by this romantic suspense novel that I've had on my TBR for a while. I haven't read any of the other series so I came to this basically with no expectations. I'm not even sure why I purchased it in the first place.

So any way I found it very well written. The action sequences were tense and believable. The romantic relationship between the two leads was very well done. The attraction and sexual tension was believable and progressed at a beleivable rate considering the story line. Characterization was wonderful. The hero was a recent widower when they met and you could really see where he was coming from. I was happy here that it didn't turn out that he had never really loved his first wife as soon often happens in romance novels. The heroine was a rock star, not usually one of the tropes I enjoy but it was well done here. They had a lot of stuff going against their relationship but a lot of honest feeling to hold things together so their HEA was ultimately believable.

Gotta read the rest of the series now. ( )

Really LOVED it!!! ( )

"I love you. Whether you like it or not, now you know." - Gina Domenico

Well, no one said you have to like all the guys in a series, right? And while I don't get this not-exactly-hatred feeling often, it still was loud and clear in this book.

Jack "Hawk" Hunter never expected to fall in love again after his wife's untimely death. But three years after rescuing a popular pop idol, Gina Domenico, he finds out the woman gave birth to his son - a son that was created during some passionate moments while the pair waited for Jack's team to come get them. Now said son is kidnapped, and someone is sending Gina threatening messages. Can Jack finally get over his dead wife in order to embrace a future with a new family in it? And if so, will he make it in time to save both his son, and the woman that has started meaning much more than he first thought for him?

Ok, so Jack wasn't my favourite character in the series - or the book. He was hot, and lethal, and a complete Alpha male, delicious and all - but he grated on my nerves a little too much. I understand he had already lost a woman precious to him, and that he hated how Gina had lied to him, but, as the pop star herself said, it's not like she had much of a choice! She was protecting not only his reputation by not telling him anything, but also his heart, because she knew he wouldn't want her the same way she wanted him. What's a girl supposed to do when a guy deals her such cards, huh?

So, yeah, I didn't exactly feel for him. I didn't hate him, either, by the way. It's just that, compared to the rest of the H.O.T. guys, Jack wasn't one I would fangirl over...

Gina, on the other hand, was amazing! I loved her humor, her motherly streaks, and most of all, her sass. Whenever Jack was cranky and at his worst behavior towards her - which was the majority of the first half of the book - she pulled on her big girl panties and gave as good as she got! She didn't mind admitting her feelings and she didn't give a rat's butt what he thought - she knew she had every right to feel and talk as she liked, and she kept doing it like a boss! Ans she knew that a man may be worth the effort, but not your life when you have started from zero and reached the top with your own sweat and tears. She was a good mother despite her career, and she didn't allow anyone to tell her to stop doing what she was so good at - performing - just because it was inconvenient. I admit I may have cringed a little with that "bodyguard" suggestion to Jack, but I guess she was entitled after all the crap he put her through.

Now, while Jack may not be my favourite guy, his book sure had the best plot in the series - hence the five stars. It was fast-paced, packed in action and suspense, and the plot twists made the ride with Jack's moods worthwhile. The guys as a team are really funny and well-matched, and now, with Lucky in the mix, it's even better and more fun!

I can't wait to see what Harris has in store for the rest of the H.O.T. hotties!!!

"I love you. Even if you lose all your money and grow a wart on your nose, I love you." - Jack 'Hawk' Hunter

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

I've been following this series from the beginning and I gotta say that these books just keep getting better and better. All the guys in HOT are total alpha-take-no-shit guys and I love every one of them.

Jack was sent to eliminate a known arms dealer and comes back from that mission with not only another kill to add to his total, but three days with a woman that changed something in him. He's thrown off by the depth of feelings that Gina has stirred up in him after only having been a widow for a short eight months.

Gina came back from that island and those three days with Jack with a huge secret that changes everything. Jack's son. Now she needs his help to save their child from some really bad people.

The two take on the task of saving their son and figure out what is important to each of them along the way.

I loved these two together. I can definitely understand both side of their argument about Eli, their son, and think that it all worked out perfectly in the end. can't wait to watch more of these guys fall into love with some even more amazing women.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. ( )