Review: Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris

When fire and ice collide, you get steam…

Grace Campbell leads a privileged life. The daughter of a United States senator, she moves within the social circles of the rich and famous. But Grace is also a scientist, and when someone learns she possesses the knowledge necessary to create a new super virus capable of destroying entire nations, she becomes a target for terror groups and foreign governments alike.

Garrett “Iceman” Spencer didn’t join the Army’s elite Hostile Operations Team to babysit a spoiled rich girl, but when his superiors insist on assigning him to a senator’s daughter as her security detail, he has no choice but to comply.

It’s a shock to find that beneath the glasses and serious scowl, Grace Campbell burns hot. And Garrett, who’s been burned before, suddenly wants to immerse himself in the flames.

Keeping Grace alive—and keeping his hands off her—is a full-time job for this HOT soldier. Failure is not an option…

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MY REVIEW

Hot Ice by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 misbehaving with the bodyguard STARS

“For a man with a dirty mouth, you sure are a poet sometimes.”“That's me. A frigging Shakespeare in camouflage.”...“Roses are red, violets are blue... this dress makes me horny, now let's get the fuck out of here and go do something porny...”

I've been a fan of Lynn Raye Harris' Hostile Operations Team Series for a while now, but I never reviewed the books. The thing is, they are my ultimate guilty pleasure quick reads I sneak in when I'm between books or find myself in a book funk. While Hot Ice is not necessarily my favourite in the series I really liked it and I thought I write down a few lines, just in case some of you might like to look into this series.

It's nothing world moving, but I do love a good military themed romance book every once in a while - and as far as that romance trope goes the execution is top notch. Honestly, they get it all. A hot alpha hero who saves the day, kick-ass female characters who are no damsels in distress by any means and a lot of mystery and action on top. What's not to like?

“You're a jerk.”...“Come on, honey. You can say it. You think I'm an asshole.”

So, what is the Hostile Operations Team, or H.O.T.?

A group of highly trained special forces soldiers tasked with keeping their county safe while flying completely under the radar. And they are damn good at their jobs, unless women are involved. In that case they loose their heads and things get out of control and religiously single guys end up hitched in a hot second. Each book revolves around another member of the team.

The books can technically be read as a standalone, since every 'relationship' gets wrapped up in a neat bow, but there are references to past events and a few reoccurring big-bads.

The seventh instalment tells Iceman's story. The stoic and very private teammate who only joined a year ago after one of the men was killed in action.

“You're a pain in the ass, you know that?” “And you're a filthy-mouthed nerdy girl I'd like to lick from head to toe the very next chance I get.”

Grace Campbell is a brilliant scientist who specialises in sensitive viral genetics research. She is also the daughter of the newly announced prime Candidate for the American Presidency, Senator Campbell. Unfortunately her father's political endeavours shine a light on her work and not only the media, but also a few unsavoury people found out about the possible dangerous implications of her findings. The good Doctor is in desperate need for protection.

Clue in her new soldier bodyguard...the one she really doesn't want. And especially not this arrogant, foul-mouthed prick who looks so god damn delicious in a tux.

“What am I gonna do? Every fucking thing I shouldn't, cupcake. Because I'm a man with a hard-on, and my give-a-shit factor is pretty low right now.”

Garrett “Iceman” Spencer has no need for a spoiled rich girl, and shadowing her 24/7 is the last thing he wants to do, but he is a good soldier and even better at following orders.
His cynical view on women on the other hand is shaped by his failed marriage and the bitch of an ex-wife, who tries everything in her power to keep his daughter from him and bad-mouth him whenever she can.

Naturally it doesn't take long for his prejudices to be refuted and there is an undeniable attraction between Grace and the Iceman, but that doesn't mean he can act on it...after all he is under orders to stay away. But can they keep their distance when lives are threatened and the two are forced to escape danger again and again?

“Part of him wanted to laugh--temptation? Since when had Grace Campbell gone from spoiled pain in the ass to temptation?”

I really enjoyed Garett's and Grace's relationship. They come from such different worlds and yet, they can find common ground. Grace is such a strong, but also sweet and caring person and she has no problem to melt his ice and get right into the Iceman's heart.

A fun read, well written and a worthy part of a fantastic series. My only objection would be the ending. It felt rushed and the reveal was a bit like a cop out, but oh well...you can't have it all.

Definitely looking forward to read Flash's book.