I don't usually read any romance books with step-siblings just cause I feel extremely uncomfortable cause I have a buttload of them and could never see them as anything other than siblings. But I was provided with an ARC from the author and I wouldn't want to disappoint her (and I love her books). Well, I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up loving this book and fell hard for Sophie and Chase. Even with the emotional connection they tried to fight it, but I'm so happy they failed at something. This book was an emotional rollercoaster in all the right ways. I need more of these guys.

Thanks for the ARC, Lynn Raye Harris. ( )

HOT Protector by Lynn Raye Harris is a 2016 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It is only fitting that the tenth novel in the H.O.T series should get perfect ten score.

The step-brother trope is the hottest thing going right now, for those who enjoy that storyline, you will want to check this one out.

Chase “Fiddler” Daniels has his life disrupted in a most explosive manner when his step-sister, Sophie, shows up at his house in the wee hours of the morning bringing a world of trouble with her.

Apparently, Sophie got involved with the wrong man, and is now in serious danger. Chase’s experience as a member of H.O. T. is the only hope Sophie has, and so although he really, really, really, can’t stand his step-sister, he agrees to help her. But, in so doing, Chase’s life will never be the same, because for some reason, there is a deep connection between him and the girl he has harbored deep and intense resentment towards most of his life. But, before the couple can decipher their feelings they must discover what is on a certain flash drive that has made Sophie a target, and make it out alive in the process.

Although this adventure is not an official H.O.T assignment, this story still has the high octane action, explosions, and evil bad guys as all the other books in this series. Plus, there is still that secondary storyline going on with Mendez and Ian Black that is very, very interesting indeed.

But, the focus here is on Chase and Sophie, two wounded souls, who discover they have a thing or two in common after all and getting together, even under these conditions, gives them a chance to clear the air, commiserate with one another, and begin to heal past hurts, and it goes without saying the chemistry between them will boil steel. This couple has a sexy, and naughty banter between them that keeps the tension at a fever pitch.

Chase is a typical alpha, but is obviously sensitive, and I liked the way he took care of Sophie. On the surface, Sophie seemed to live a charmed life, but reality proves otherwise. The topic of body shaming and body image is addressed, and the way Chase boosted Sophie’s confidence was the first thing that won me over.

This story has a slightly different tone to it with a cloak and dagger style story involving a mysterious flash drive, with a little globetrotting added in. The attention the story called to crimes against women, something I feel should be thrust into the spotlight more often because it remains a very shadowy, underground topic, is another thing that makes this book such a good story.

As always, the story was very fast paced, filled with hot as fire sexy times and non-stop action and suspense.
If you like hot military heroes, and romantic suspense, this series is for you. ( )