Black List: A Black's Bandit's Novel (Book 1)

Action, adventure, mystery, and secrets. I couldn't get enough of Jace and Maddy. The way they meet is crazy, and then he's got to keep her safe because they find she's in danger. But he can't stay away from her, so things get really steamy- of course. There were a couple of bits that were difficult since I've had family members in the situation that Maddy has with her grandmother. I think that makes her a relatable character, because so many people will be able to relate. Jace can't help but give her his heart, even when he knows better because of who he really is. This is a great start to a new series by Lynn Raye Harris. And if you haven't read either of the other HOT series before this one, you may wonder about Ian Black, but you won't be totally lost. However, for long time readers of HOT you'll love the tidbits that we're given of who he is. He is still an enigma, but that just makes me want more of him.

Lynn Raye Harris - Black List (Black's Bandits - Book 1): HOT Heroes for Hire: Mercenaries Genre: Contemporary/Military Romance Heat Level: Hot Stars: 5 In Ms. Harris’s style, the first installment takes off at rocket speed and doesn’t let up until you close the book. Black’s Bandits is a spin-off of the Hostile Operations Team (H.O.T.) series and one I have been waiting for with great excitement and anticipation. Sprinkled throughout H.O.T., Ian Black has shown up at the right time for many of the HOT missions. Colonel John VIPER Mendez, H.O.T. leader, has stated that Black is a mystery and has wondered if he is the enemy, a disavowed CIA agent that isn’t disavowed at all, or maybe a mercenary for hire. Regardless, Ian Black has helped Mendez and his men on several occasions, so for now, Mendez will count him as one of the good guys. The first installment is about Jace Kaiser who Ian Black saved seven (7) years ago after his parents and sister were taken away by the Russians and killed. For 7 years Jace has traveled the world for Black Defense International doing whatever was required to take the bad guys down and make the world a little better place to live. Jace has no intention of ever settling down, He knows Russia has a target on his back and anyone that he cared for would become a target too. That was until he met Dr. Madeline Cole. Jace’s assignment was to take out an assassin, Calypso, and take her to HQ. The mission didn’t go as planned. Instead of taking Calypso, he kidnapped Dr. Madeline Cole. When it became clear that Madeline (Maddy) was targeted for elimination, Jace pledges to protect her with his life. As time continues, they grow closer, and Jace must pull away, for Maddy’s own good. He will walk away as soon as Maddy is safe. He can’t allow her to be on the run from the Russians too. Will Jace be able to walk away, will Maddy allow him to walk. Find out and start reading one of the best authors for military romance, mystery, covert thrillers you will find.

"Black List" is the first shot of Lynn Raye Harris' new spinoff series, and I absolutely LOVED it. The tone, the feel differs from the "H.O.T." books. The world of Black's Bandits is steeped in politics and blood, where the action quiet and cerebral until something explodes, and they're up to their eyes in hands-on, serious, "Spy Work." What's that saying about war consisting of long periods of intense boredom punctuated by short periods of intense fear? The same can be said of Cold Wars... America and Russia, they meet and clash again and again, publicly and in the shadows. The Cold War ended when The Wall fell, but today's headlines are full of stories that could have come straight out of the 1980's. "Black List" feels like it could be happening in a quiet Washington, DC suburb, right now. Jace and Maddy are interesting and flawed; her past is relatable and sympathetic, his the stuff of which Origin Stories are made. I love how deeply Jace feels, and Maddy's caring nature. They're a sweet couple that seem doomed from the start and it's interesting to see how things turn out, because it's certainly not a typical romance. And then there's Ian Black. Oh boy, my man, Ian! Finally, I get some real insight into the man who captured my attention way-back-when and wouldn't let go. The view through the window of Ian's mind is fascinating, and oh-so delicious! Knowing a bit about what he's thinking adds just the right flavor to Jace & Maddy's story. Indeed, we couldn't learn as much as we do without him. I'm camping out until Ian's book is ready - the line starts here!