Hot Pursuit Lynn Raye Harris

The last man she ever wanted to see…
Might be the only one who can save her…
Things are about to get HOT in the bayou!
Evie Baker’s luck just ran out. Thanks to an ex-partner with organized crime ties, she’s lost her restaurant, her money, and nearly all her self-respect. Forced to return to her hometown and work as a shampoo girl in her mother’s salon, she doesn’t think her luck can get any worse.
But then someone starts shooting at her, her sullen baby sister is suddenly missing, and the high school heartthrob who stole her heart—and her virginity—is the only man big enough and bad enough to help.
Captain Matt “Richie Rich” Girard can’t afford to get involved. He’s already on the verge of a court-martial after a Top Secret op gone wrong, and he’s been ordered to stay out of trouble while he’s home for his sister’s wedding.
But when Evie’s ex-partner turns up dead, staying out of trouble is the last thing on Matt’s mind. He failed Evie once before; he can’t fail her again. If he’s going to protect her from a killer, and find her sister before time runs out, he’ll have to risk his entire future—and both their lives—to do it.

I read all the critical reviews before downloading this book, but I decided to give it a try anyway. And I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it.
The suspense is constant, tension building up with the wait game the villains are playing. Odd, unexpected factors playing into the plot on every turn. Hot military guys coming into rescue, while desperate chef is trying to help -- it wasn't only 'OMG what is happening' suspense, it made some comical situations. And the fact that Evie, the chef, was baking in the midst of it all, too funny, since I'm a chef and that's what I do when I have too much on my mind and life seems out of control...
The romance was a roll-a-coaster. Matt and Evie's childhood friendship, high school drama, small town living, were all playing parts that while brought them together, also held them apart. Both of them were at the crossroads with the professions, and future together seems unattainable. The attraction between them was electric. dynamic, rousing. But at the same time there was something so sweet, adorable in their love to each other.
Yes, at some points the story could have been a bit more 'packed' together and there was some repetition. But over all I enjoyed the story. Four spoons for this book one in the series!!
I can't wait to get to know thee other team members of the HOT better, and read about their adventures and HEA.

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Hot Pursuit (A Hostile Operations Team Novel)(#1)