| Title | : | Feel the Heat (Black Ops Inc., #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1439153604 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781439153604 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 372 |
| Publication | : | First published September 8, 2009 |
A RACE FOR SURVIVAL...
Bold, blonde Defense Intelligence officer B.J. Chase isn't exactly thrilled when she's summoned from personal leave to investigate an alarming national security breach — until the suspicious death of a government official blows her covert mission sky-high.
TURNS INTO A PULSE-POUNDING ADVENTURE...
Gorgeous Black Ops bad boy, Raphael Mendoza, always feared his family's dark history would haunt him. But he never expected it might hold the key to dismantling a rogue weapons system. Now with cool B.J. Chase posing as his hot babe fiancée, he returns to his uncle in Colombia to convince him he can be trusted with the family's dirtiest business secrets.
...AND IGNITES A PASSIONATE FIRE.
Carrying out a deception among ruthless killers brings Rafe and B.J. too close to ignore the smoldering heat between them. Now, they must work together as the closest of partners as the countdown to international catastrophe closes in…
Feel the Heat (Black Ops Inc., #4) Reviews
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Opening line: "B.J Chase had worn her black tank top and khaki shorts for too many hours to count in the Venezuelan climate, where the heat and humidity were often measured in terms of ripe, riper and for God's sake, take a shower."
This is the forth instalment from Cindy Gerard’s fast paced and super-sexy Black-Ops series and fans won’t be disappointed. It's another great ride, filled with action, adventure, exotic locations, sweet lovin and top notch writing.
Even though I never felt as connected to B.J and Raphael as past couples I still enjoyed their story and with the entire wise-cracking team back for this particular mission (loved catching up with them) and a sweet secondary romance there was plenty going on here to hold my interest. My only gripe would be that about halfway in it all started to feel very familiar and I realized with disappointment that I had already read this exact plotline in
Killer Secrets one of Lora Leigh’s better Tempting Seals books. I still enjoyed Cindy’s version and she remains a definite auto-buy for me.
B.J Chase is a brash, somewhat emotionally cold Defence Intelligence Officer who first meets bad boy Raphael Mendoza while they’re both undercover in Venezuela. It’s not a great meeting for our future couple what with the guns they have pointed at each other but it does however leave a lasting impression.
Back in the States B.J is assigned to work with the Black Op’s and she’s not exactly thrilled, these boys are a very tight team who play by their own rules and B.J is used to working alone. Of course this book starts out with a bang and just keeps going, with multiple shoot outs, car chases and a general feeling of suspense. Gerard gives us a clever storyline, oozes the sexual tension and in the second half manages to put our couple in close quarters as they pose as a newly engaged couple and go deep undercover in Columbia.
This is where Rafe gets reacquainted with his long lost (drug cartel) family and in BJ’s case she takes on the hilarious alter ego of ‘Brittany.’ A fluffy, gum cracking, money digging, true blonde that Rafael can‘t keep his Latin lovin hands off (I actually preferred Brittany to B.J) Anyways, from here things really start to steam up and emotions neither of them expected come out to play. Along with some serious explosions, a runaway train and several more hair raising shootouts where BJ proves her worth to the team, they try to stop an armed submarine and Raphael finally learns what B.J (!) stands for.
All in all this is another great read, complete with Gerard’s signature ending and while it could be read as a stand alone I highly recommend the entire romantic-suspense filled series. Now the wait begins for the next instalment
Risk No Secrets. Cheers! -
DIA Agent B. J. Chase is licking the wounds to her professional ego after a botched mission in Caracas, confounded by the BOI team led by Rafe Mendoza. Her next assignment is her chance to erase that memory and she's teamed with NSA cryptanalyst Stephanie Tompkins for an undercover operation. While the operation is a success, it becomes extremely dangerous for Stephanie and you know what happens next...yes, enter the BOI team.
I continue to be impressed with this series. There was intelligent intrigue involving a unique threat that wasn't predictable. B. J. is an enigma, tough as nails and extraordinarily skilled but emotionally crippled. Matching her with the BOI team made things highly interesting and I loved her relationship development with Rafe. It felt authentic even when she was the most frustrating. I liked the balance of suspense and romance with the scales tipped heavily towards the action.
This was a really good story with lots of tense and scary moments. B. J. was a very well developed character that fit in nicely. It'll be interesting to see how she factors into future books. -
Another winner in Cindy Gerard's excellent, butt-kicking Black Ops series. I don't know how she does it, but CG manages to offer up a different action-packed story every time for each of her Black Ops characters, but always pairs them with a strong, capable, sexy woman who can hold their own with these charismatic alphas. This was handsome Latino Raphael("Choirboy") Mendoza's story, and it's a good one.
Rafe has a heartbreaking childhood which he manages to overcome by enlisting in the military, and CG takes him on a journey full circle and back to his Colombian roots where he finally faces his demons and dark family secrets. On the way he meets a prickly, defensive woman with giant walls around her heart (Defense Intelligence officer B.J. Chase) who has her own problems with an unhappy past, and is paired with her and his Black Op teammates on a mission to save the US from a terrorist plot that makes you stop, worry, and think "something like this could really happen".
I loved the pairing of Rafe and B.J. They started out not really liking each other, yet they were each physically attracted to the other. They were attracted, but didn't want to be. There was lots of verbal sparring that went on, but once they were forced to spend more time together and got to know one another better, the sparring turned into sexual tension. And oh boy, once that sexual tension exploded...some really hot things happened. I had to laugh when B.J. thought one time with Rafe would take care of the tension and that they then could get back to work. Ha! But, as Rafe was falling hard, B.J., who had so conditioned her heart not to count on anyone but herself, had a hard time believing in what could be for her and Rafe.
B.J. was not a character who was easy to like at first. She came off as rather cold and bitchy at the start, never needing anyone and not even having many friends. But as CG peeled away layer after layer and got to the reason behind her attitude, she became more and more likable. She was a bit like a wary animal who had never been shown love or affection--she had to learn to trust before she could open her heart to the possibility of love. I found the scenes where she had to interact with Rafe and his teammates (and their wives) while they planned their strategies very revealing. She wanted to like these people but she just didn't know how.
Rafe was just awesome. I loved this guy. Loved his ways with his teammates, who he considered his family, loved how he didn't give up on B.J., even when she was being bitchy. Loved how he dealt with his past, which must have been very difficult to face. Loved his sexy scenes with B.J., especially when he used those Spanish phrases...*sigh*. Loved how he was determined to find out what "B.J" was short for. Loved his intelligence and bravery too. Loved him so much that I even cried when B.J. hurt him near the end of the book. Stupid woman...
Once again I loved the pulse-pounding action and suspense in this one. The big scene (involving a train) at the end had me imagining it as a movie--boy can Gerard deliver the action! I will say though that this one didn't get off to the fastest start (a lot of confusing agencies and plot details to keep track off that made me feel like I should be taking notes), but once it settled into a groove and I finally understood where the plot was heading, I jumped on board and was ready for the ride. And then the book really took off!
So, if you like 'em hot and fast (the action and the romance), you won't want to miss this one. Cindy Gerard has some of the most consistently satisfying romantic suspenses out there. She doesn't skimp on anything either--not the plot, not the characterizations, not the romance, not the action. All are just perfectly blended. Oh yes, there's a sweet little epilogue too that had me sighing and smiling. This is just one terrific series. 4 1/2 stars -
After reading two books where everyone was "perfect" it's great to get back to the rough and tumble BOI boys. The action grabs you from the very beginning and had me reading way to long into the night. A sure sign of a great book.
B.J. is a DIA officer who met Rafe while she was on an op in Caracas. Rafe was on an op too and it turned out to be the same op - awkward. Rafe got the upper hand and B.J. got, well she didn't get a warm reception when she returned to DC after her failed op. Fast forward a few months and B.J. is undercover in the NSA and she and Stephanie Tompkins are trying to find who is messing with data and communications and trying to make certain things disappear and why. Stephanie presents a report and all hell breaks loose that puts Stephanie in danger. The BOI boys are in town and they ride to the rescue, but B.J. has already taken care of the matter. Coming face to face with Rafe brings out a lot of nasty feelings in B.J. but her boss tells her to play nice and that BOI is in charge.
B.J. has a heavy load of childhood problems and has decided that she is going to be an island so as not to be troubled with pesky emotions like caring and friendship. She is all about the job and she is really, really good at it. As the child of a career military father, whom she loved to distraction, she is not close to her wino mom who couldn't handle the military life and tries to make B.J. just as miserable as she is. B.J. is pretty miserable all on her own as her father is the only person she was ever close to and he died in action over 10 years ago. It is hard for me to have much sympathy as B.J. would rather turn her back on everyone and throw herself a continuous pity party.
Rafe has his own nasty childhood and not so nice relatives that he has to come to terms with as the current situation unfolds and they know they have a high ranking traitor in the government who has stolen plans for a E-bomb, a Russian connection with a Columbian drug lord, who in turn has connections to bin Laden. All this takes Rafe, B.J. and the BOI team to Columbia to spoil the E-bomb launch party. -
Nice continuation in this series, but I didn't care for the heroine, B.J. Chase. She was too cold-hearted for me and took too long to develop. Although, when she went undercover as a "dingbat blond" it helped me to like her a little more--most of the time. Her "afraid to get involved," and "can't believe in love," based on the bad relationship her parents had seemed silly. She kept herself closed off from establishing true friendships for various reasons that had me rolling my eyes. She was on the fast track to burning out/up and turning into her mother, a lush.
What was with all the mentions of the new car?
On the flip side was the hero, Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza, a character I found to be oo-la-la sexy, patient, and--unbelievably--ready to beat his spirit up with repeated attempts to win B.J.'s heart. I realize he studied B.J. when she wasn't watching. He watched how she interacted with others and decided she had a cold-heart, but a lot of potential to love. He even threatened to throw her off the team when it looked like she couldn't work with The BOIs. Only then did B.J. back down, eat crow, and play by the rules. But, I grew tired of their verbal skirmishes and became more interested in the secondary romance that popped in and out of this story.
The writing was A+, creative, and filled with what I've come to expect from this author. She can spin a good tale, fill it with action, romance, weave in past characters from the Bodyguard series (Amy and Dallas Garrett), and throw-in a sideline romance that had me wanting more. Whew!
On the down side, my least favorite plot is the Columbian Drug Lord theme. Felt the situation--tied into al-Qaeda and bin Laden--too far fetched, and the way Rafe and B.J. waltzed into "that" without back-up too unbelievable. They were incredibly lucky and felt a "don't try this at home" notice should be attached to the book. -
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Yet another solid addition to this series. It wasn't my favorite, but I liked it.
Series Note:
I recommend reading this series in order.
Summary:
After a run-in in Venezuela a few months back, DIA agent B.J. Chase hopes to never see black ops agent Raphael Mendoza ever again. But then disturbing news comes out that a traitor may be selling E-bomb technology to terrorists and B.J. is forced to work with Rafe in order to save the world.
In the process, Rafe must confront his past in Colombia...and the passion that flares between him and B.J. But B.J. wants no part of a relationship. She's learned to never trust people. This mission in Colombia, though, forces her to work together with a team, and to get to know a man who steals her heart.
Review:
If you've read any of the other Bodyguard/Black Ops books, this one is pretty typical of what you find in those. Terrorists, traitors, traveling to a foreign country, and romance. This book is definitely along the same vein as all the others. I did like that it didn't involve a kidnapping and trekking through the wilderness. I was a little tired of that theme. So bonus points for that.
The romance was a little flat for me. Or rather, it was B.J. that I never quite warmed up to. I didn't dislike her...she was a kickass kinda female who knew how to handle herself in a battle. But she was also a bit of a coldfish in many ways. She doesn't trust anyone, doesn't want to get close. And even though she gets close to Rafe and has a breakthrough at the end, I wasn't feeling it. The changes in her were to squished in at the end. I wanted someone more from her, character wise.
Rafe was a great character though, and the romance had some sexy moments, so at least there was that.
And I enjoyed the parts with Stephanie and Joe. I'm wonder what Gerard has planned for them. Whether they'll just pop up in other books, or whether she'll do a full book on them. Either way, I'd like to see more of them.
Glad to finally be caught up on this series, though. It was definitely worth making the time to catch up on. Good series and I look forward to future book. -
"Feel The Heat", Cindy Gerard's fourth book in her "Black Ops, Inc." series, unfortunately left me more lukewarm than hot. Pity, because I was so looking forward to Rafael "Choirboy" Mendoza'a story. But this one took a major detour from where I thought it was headed...
From hints in past books, I thought Rafe was finally going to tell Stephanie (his fallen comrade's sister) that he loved her...and I was really looking forward to it. But -- back-the-truck-up! -- he quickly changed his mind and, without a backwards glance or a second thought, decided he wanted DIA Officer B.J. Chase instead, thus clearing a path for "Mean" Joe Green to profess his out-of-the-blue like/lust/possible love for Stephanie. And the real bummer was that when Rafe and B.J. gave in to their attraction and went to bed together, I didn't really care all that much. It wasn't until the very end that I decided to root for them to be together.
And that wasn't the only problem I had with this book. Rafe's backstory was interesting but poorly written. It was revealed that Rafe had strongly suspected his Uncle Cesar in the death of his family, yet a few pages later he was shocked -- SHOCKED -- to learn that his uncle was indeed behind the murders. And the fact that Cesar's wife knew but still stayed with him for 15 years before finally getting angry about it and ultimately avenging her brother's death was utterly unbelievable.
The E-bomb plot was interesting and scary. Kudos for that. But the fact that the baddie -- who knew when and where it would be detonated -- didn't bother to get out of Dodge well ahead of time just left me scratching my head. In addition, the professional guns-for-hire seemed to vacillate between competent killers and stupid f-ups depending upon which way the wind blew.
All-in-all, I was kinda disappointed with this book. It had so much potential but there were too many leaps of logic and the Rafe/B.J. romance was just "meh". Three-and-a-half stars. -
Cindy Gerard has done it again
Every one of this series has been brilliant and by now I would have thought they would start getting a little repetative but no they haven't! They have all been great individual stories and the only things you will find repeated in every one is there is bad guys, sexy super alpha men and really strong independant women.
I was looking forward to reading Raphael's story - To be honest I have been looking forward to reading them all ☺. I wasn't too sure about BJ in the beginning - We knew that she was a strong woman but other than that it was a bit difficult to find reasons to like her but then we started to be given more information about her character and her background/up-bringing. We began to understand why she was like was and started to hope that she would open up to Rafe who was so obviously besotted with her.
I couldn't wait to get my teeth stuck into the next story and went on to start reading it straight away ☺ -
3.5 stars
Man, this book is so hard to rate. The writing was great, the suspense plot was tight and compelling, and the characterisations were good. But.....
This is Romantic Suspense, and the romance part of the story was a let-down. I just wasn't feeling it with Rafe and B.J. Sure, B.J. needed to get over herself in a major way, but I don't think that was the whole issue. For me, this was one of those books where you don't get to see the H/h fall in love, it just all of a sudden is.
Lucky for me, there was a secondary romance that was lovely. I kinda wish this book had been about them rather than Rafe and B.J. -
4 1/2 stars
This is the fourth in Gerard's Black Ops series.
Rafael "Choirboy" Mendoza meets B.J. Chase on an op in Venezuela when their missions cross paths. The sparks begin to heat up from their first touch, but anger keeps them separated.
Three months later their objectives cross paths again. Only this time they are on the same side. There is a traitor selling US secrets and they need to find out who and how to stop it.
Like all the other books in the series, this one gets into the action right from the very beginning. The story moves along quickly with no dragging in the plot.
B.J. concerned me at first because she was such a stiff, cold character. So many female characters who are written like this end up not being likable. No so with B.J. I actually liked her. She had a softer side and the history as to why she was so cold was well explained.
I also think that Rafe was a well developed character, though no as well as B.J. His family history played an important role in the story, but at the same time I didn't feel like I got into his head enough with it. I didn't sympathize with him as much as I did with B.J.
The romance blends well into the story and I didn't feel overwhelmed with too much of the push-pull of the romance. It fit well and made a great romantic suspense story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to more from the BOIs and also more from Stephanie. I'm hoping that is the next book...whatever it is, I am sure it will be an auto-buy for me! -
I am a SUCKER for a man with an accent. Being an Aussie - I'm not turned on by the slang of Australian males AT ALL, so hearing the soft, sweet words of a sexy Columbian vibrate through my mind just makes me growl.
Did I 'feel the heat'? Oh yeah! I felt the heat all the way to my bones.
This story was a little different from Cindy's other Black Op books. This novel wasn't entirely focused on the connection between B.J & Rafe - it also focused quite a bit on the growing sexual tension between Stephanie and Joe. And I am caught between a rock and a hard place with my thoughts about it. I wanted to read so much more about me sweet talking Columbian and the tough as nails B.J. The two of them had some scorching hot vibes and I would have loved them to have more of a story - but Stephanie and Joe were so damn good to hear about too.
Rafe was such a man but he also had a HUGE heart. He wasn't afraid to love and was confident in his sexuality - a DAMN FINE mix.
B.J was also a lovable character. Flawed emotionally, yet strong willed and loyal. They are a great couple and I am glad B.J. has now found a family to all her own.
Feel The Heat also took the pressure on the BOI's to a whole new level. If they failed this mission it didn't just mean the deaths of a few people - it meant the destruction of an entire nation. It was exciting. It was dramatic and it had me on the edge of my seat. -
I really liked Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza from the start but B.J. is the heroine I liked the least in the series. It took me until their undercover op in Venezuela to start to warm up to her. Once there, despite the dramatic circumstances and even though she still had difficulty to be a team player, she really cracked me up.
I also liked the subplot with Stephanie as well as the BOI participation. -
Me Likey! :)
-
BJ Chase tidak suka dipimpin, terutama oleh lelaki Latin seksi yg 3 bln sblmnya jg mempecundangi dirinya. Raphael Mendoza alias Rafe justru senang bertemu kembali dgn cewek pirang pemberani ini. Namun kesenangannya tidak berlangsung lama ketika mereka hrs menyamar sbg sepasang tunangan di Kolombia. Lagi-lagi Chase membandel dan tidak mematuhi Rafe. Tetapi selain ketidakpatuhan tsb, mrk tdk bisa memungkiri tumbuhnya benih-benih cinta dan reaksi kimiawi yg makin mengganas seiring dgn tenggang waktu yg minim dan ketegangan yg makin meningkat.
Saya suka karakter BJ Chase yg pemberani, kompeten, intuitif, suka melawan dominasi pria (jadi mengingatkan saya pd karakter Eve Dallas di In Death series nya JD Robb). Di samping itu, Chase pny luka batin dlm hal hubungan cinta (yg agak lemah argumennya ttg hal yg menjadikan dirinya sosok dingin namun seksi di mata pria). Sosok Rafe justru lebih spt pria yg mengemong dan melindungi Chase drpd spt bad boy Latino.
Mungkin krn author agak membagi bagian percintaan (Joe Green dan Stephanie Tompkins juga mulai menjalin hubungan cinta di buku ini), jadi saya merasa relationship antara Rafe dan Chase kurang fokus dan terkesan "terburu-buru" utk kematangan cinta mereka, selain nafsu birahi yg sdh menggebu-gebu sejak mereka tiba di Kolombia. Tapi bagian suspense-nya, author tetap paling ciamik dlm menampilkan ketegangan ala film action di bioskop. Setiap buku, selalu saja saya dibuat terpukau dgn laga-laga yg disajikan para anggota BOI. BRAVO!!! -
This was book 4 in the "Black Ops Inc."series. This was a good read with a lot of action. Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza is the playboy of the group. B.J. Chase is a shoot first ask questions later type of girl. B. J. isn't happy when she is called away from vacation to investigate a national security breach. When her cover is blown and a government official is killed. I liked both of these characters although it took me awhile to warm up to B.J. she was cold and guarded but she was a badass when it came to facing the bad guys. These too had some hot chemistry between them although she wasn't looking for love. I really liked Rafe he had a sad backstory. This book had a lot of action in it. I also liked the narration of this book. I am looking forward to listening to the next book in this series.
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3 1/2 stars
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Fourth in the Black Ops, Inc. romantic suspense series revolving around the BOIs and their futures. The primary couple focus is on Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza and B.J. Chase with a secondary focus on Stephanie Tompkins and Mean Joe Green.
My Take
This was cute. A totally reluctant woman pushing the hunky Rafe away. Guns and bombs? Bring it on. Possible relationship? Watch her run like hell! Then there's the treat of a pair of women foiling the bad guys and doing it well.
Too cute when Raphael meets up with B.J. again. B.J.'s trying to figure out why she didn't shoot him when she had the chance and he laughs that she can wound a man without firing a shot. The tension really ratchets up though when B.J. has to pose as Rafe's fiancée in front of the family he hasn't seen in fifteen years.
It's a nasty situation for B.J. Too much casual touching. Too much emotion and love going around. And, damn, this girl is just sooo defensive. Although, I'd'a thought the same as her when the BOIs start talking about eating and B.J. is just gearing up to tell them not to expect cooking from her! Talk about a surprise! Yet more surprises for our not-girly girl. Johnny Reed has lots more experience than B.J. does in dressing to look like a gold digger and our B.J. spends more time tugging at hems and necklines. But when the time comes, our girl mans up. It was embarrassing!
I do love the joking around and teasing these guys do. They so crack me up!
Whoa. We get a whole lotta background on Raphael's childhood and teen years. The whole time they spend in Colombia with Rafe's family reunion just had me on tenterhooks! And who knew that Stephanie could be so forward with Joe?
Awww, Sam can't stay to celebrate---Abbie's having the baby. Bryan Samuel Lang.
The Story
Rafe Mendoza just keeps getting in B.J. Chase's way, tripping her up work-wise and heart-wise. He never thought he could fall for a woman like her, but there's just something so hot about a woman like her.
The Characters
B.J. Chase is an agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) via the army and she can definitely handle herself. I'm wondering how long it takes before she gets co-opted into the BOIs. Janine Chase is her alcoholic mother who has been hating her father forever. Ever since Frank Chase was killed in action. Dale Sherwood is her immediate boss. Ben Brommel is a friend who works at the Pentagon.
Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza (Ranger) loves to sing and he loves the ladies. Until he meets B.J. And she just ain't his type. Cesar Munoz is Rafe's uncle and Emilio Garcia's banker. Munoz's sons, Felipe and Rodrigo, are both in the family business while his Tía Aliria has some unexpected depths.
Sam Lang (Delta) is still retired from Black Ops, Inc. and married to the pregnant-again Abbie. But Stephanie means too much to this former BOI and he steps up. It's pure luck that Ann and Robert Tompkins are hosting a pre-wedding party for Johnny Duane Reed and Crystal Debrowski or the BOIs wouldn't be so opportunely placed. The rest of the team includes Nathan Black, their CO; Gabe Jones with his journalist wife Jenna; Luke "Doc Holliday" Colter (SEAL and team medic); and, Wyatt "Papa Bear" Savage and Mean Joe Greene are both former CIA.
Stephanie Tompkins is the daughter of Ann and Robert Tompkins and Bryan's little sister. All grown up, she's now working at the National Security Agency (NSA) as a cryptanalyst. Alan Hendricks is her boss.
Zach Loeffler is an assassin who just received his orders. Alex Brady works for the same person on a more regular basis. Emilio Garcia is a Colombian drug lord working the middle between the traitor and the terrorist, Sheik Abdul Azeem.
The Cover
The cover is is an almost opaque red veiling a truly buff nude male torso. Don't look too close at his right forearm, though. It looks like he morphed BJ's body part on to replace his own…eeek.
The title is all about what BJ and Rafe experience between themselves. Oh, yeah, baby, they definitely Feel the Heat in this story! -
Too predictable. The conflicts worked out too easily and smoothly. Character combinations not different enough.
STORY BRIEF:
BJ has hurts from her past – mostly due to an alcoholic mother. She has no friends or love relationships, and she doesn’t want any. She is a field agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). There has been a leak inside the NSA. Stephanie works for the NSA as a cryptanalyst. BJ is assigned to work with Stephanie to help discover the source of the leak. Stephanie uncovers some information and her boss suppresses it. Her boss is killed and someone tries to kill Stephanie. BJ saves Stephanie from the killer. The Black Ops group helps BJ protect Stephanie and find the bad guys.
Rafe is a member of the Black Ops group. He came to the U.S. as a teenager when his family was killed in Columbia. The group learns that the bad guys are connected to the drug lord Emelio in Columbia. Rafe’s uncle is a banker who works with Emelio. Rafe and BJ go undercover to visit those two men. Rafe pretends to be a businessman wanting to expand. BJ pretends to be a stupid, gold-digging bimbo. She wears revealing clothes and flirts sexually with other men. She and Rafe are sexually attracted to each other and act on it while undercover. He is falling in love. She won’t let herself have an emotional relationship.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Readers hungry for romantic suspense will probably like it. There was a lot of action throughout. It was ok, but everything worked out too easily and predictably. I have no desire to reread it. This felt like a formula. It was good but nothing special or different. I want interesting characters or combinations of characters. These guys were like too many others. Rafe and BJ were both smart and skilled. They took risks, did smart things, scary things, and succeeded. I was pleased there was no heroine stupidity or vague communication between the couple. But too many things felt TVish – too smoothly sewn up.
The sex scenes were pretty good. But I didn’t feel much emotion in the relationship which I would have liked.
Some specific problems follow:
1. Stephanie is reading through hundreds of messages on the computer to decode them. She stays up late and falls asleep at the computer. Why didn’t they get other people to help her read through the messages? They have six days to discover what’s going on. You’d think they could get her some help.
2. Rafe and BJ believed there were cameras in the bedroom in the uncle’s home. Then BJ sneaks through the house, picks the lock on the uncle’s office, and goes through his desk. Did she think there were no cameras anywhere else? That didn’t make sense.
CAUTION SPOILER:
3. The good guys want to know who the U.S. traitor is. They shoot a bad guy, and just before he dies he tells them the name. That was convenient. What if the bad guy was lying and gave them the wrong name? There was no evidence proving who the traitor was. Ok, so maybe I’m being too picky. At least they got a name so they know where to start looking for evidence, but we didn’t get any of that. We just see the traitor getting arrested. This plot resolution was too easy.
OTHER BOOKS:
Bodyguard Series:
3 stars. To The Brink (#1)
4 stars. Under The Wire (#5)
Black Ops Series:
2 stars. Show No Mercy (#1)
4 stars. Take No Prisoners (#2)
3 stars. Feel The Heat (#4)
DATA:
Story length: 372 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 5. Total number of sex scene pages: 10. Setting: current day Venezuela, D.C., Virginia, and Columbia. Copyright: 2009. Genre: romantic suspense. -
I felt the heat! And the emotion. I'm really enjoying the Black Ops series by Cindy Gerard (thanks for the recommendation, Buggy!) Each setting and story is unique and compelling.
This time the main character is a woman (BJ) so hurt by the past that she's terrified of falling in love. Typically that's a role reserved for a man, and it was refreshing to read this gender twist. BJ works as a U.S. Defense Intelligence officer whose sting gets interrupted by a group of BOIs. Quite an auspicious meeting between BJ and the hero.
Of course the hero has his own issues (yay!) Raphael Mendoza, the Latin lover of the BOI bunch, has a mysterious family history in Columbia (which happens to come into play in the plot).
I was impressed by the realistic portrayal of dysfunction in BJ's alcoholic mother. What a bleak family story. Without parents who ever seemed to care for her, no wonder BJ feels like damaged goods.
BJ's character made me quite emotional. The countless number of times she rejects Raphael could totally frustrate the reader, but instead of frustration I felt sympathy for her. Here's a woman who has no problem gunning down the enemy, but put her in the arms of a man who loves her? The fight or flight syndrome kicks in big time.
As he wiped at the blood, she didn't say a word but she didn't pull away either. She just looked up at him with those big blue eyes full of something that could have been challenge, could have been annoyance...or, he realized, could have been bafflement over the fact that he was taking care of her.
That was it, he realized. She wasn't used to having anyone take care of her or sticking tight when she'd done her damndest to warn him away. He guessed he shouldn't have been surprised by that. This one would chew her own arm off before she'd ask anyone to help her out of a bear trap.
How incredibly sad!
Yet there's more to BJ than sadness. She's also competent at her job, like when she needs to play a blond floozy hanging off Rafe's arm when they go undercover in Columbia.
The Munozes tried to hide it, but they were clearly appalled by her brash manner.
"Why aren't they saying anything?" she added in a stage whisper that could have been heard in Cambodia.
I was also impressed by the terrorist plot to unleash a special bomb that would knock out a huge power grid and disable the American economy. Cindy Gerard spoke about her intricate research for these novels at the Romantic Times convention I attended, and I'm a believer!
The little character mysteries about BJ's name and Rafe's tattoo keep the story fun, as well as the insulting banter between the boys. I thought the side romance between Stephanie Thompkins and one of the BOI's was interesting but not as well-developed or emotional as it could have been.
I think I only have three more novels left in this series *cries* and I can't wait to read them! -
Overall this was a pretty good book. However, I didn't feel there was enough action. At times Feel the Heat was almost boring.
I also didn't connect with either of the main characters; I just didn't feel the love.
B.J. Chase: Some thought she was cold hearted, but I didn't think so. She built up a wall to protect herself and she had some trust issues. (Who doesn't?) Add that to the fact that she works in a mans world... Well she had to be he best that she could be. She also had a tough time growing up, so I can understand why she did what she did.
Raphael Mendoza aka Choirboy: Rafe has a past in Columbia. A past that only he knows about; but all that's about to change when a life or death Op presents itself. This Op concerns millions of people, not just the BOI's. -
Cindy Gerard never disappoints. This 4th Black Ops books is as clever and enthralling as its predecessors, and fits well within Ms. Gerard's normal worldbuilding. I had a bit of trouble liking her heroine, B.J., in the beginning (she's one of those uber-tough, let-no-one-in chicks) at first however its only took me about 5 seconds to fall for Rafe, the BOI she features in this adventure. The premise of this story has been done before, but I really like Cindy's version!
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A great, suspenseful read, but I really hoped I'd like B.J. a bit more. She was a tough chick, but the romance wasn't there. Can't put my finger on it, but the relationship between Rafe and B.J. just didn't do it for me. Still worth the read! And there is a side romance that just seemed to get in the way of the main storyline. I'm hoping it gets played out in another book, as it seems like an awfully important one to just gloss over. And when do we get more of Nate Black?!
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Con esta serie Gerard ha encontrado las medidas perfectas para prepar un coctel de acción, temperaturas elevadas y sentimientos que engullo encantada.
Si, algunos detalles claman al cielo (capo de cartel y banquero de dicho capo, sin contraseña en los portátiles donde tiene todos los datos importantes???? por mencionar lo más llamativo), pero es lo de menos, como las sombrillitas en los cócteles de playa, son superfluas y tontorronas pero vienen con lo que realmente interesa ;) -
Three-and-a-half stars.
The romance was a little flat for me. Or rather, it was B.J. I didn't dislike her but she was also a bit of a coldfish in many ways. I wanted someone more from her.
I was kinda disappointed with this book. It had so much potential but there were too many leaps of logic and I didn't feel much emotion in the relationship Rafe/B.J. However it still a good book. -
Cindy brought home a real winner with this one. I have loved all the books in the series, but I just really connected with BJ and Rafe. I thought they were hot together and the book really worked!
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3.5 Stars
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Posted on
Under the Covers
Cindy Gerard continues her stellar Black Ops series with Raphael Mendoza’s book, FEEL THE HEAT. Taking a different but still interesting route this time, the author sets the first part of the book in Washington, D.C. where B.J Chase, an Defense Intelligence officer gets caught up in case where a stolen E-bomb is floating around in the world. This E-bomb has the ability to take down all electronics in half the country permanently. No cars, internet, gas pumps ever again. There is a traitor amidst the NSA where this person sold out their country for some big bucks. Whoever this person is is now targeting Stephanie Tompkins, a familiar character whom we met in previous books. With a hit on her persons, B.J. must help Stephanie cover her six as they call in the BOIs for added assistance.
B.J. and Raphael have had a bit of a rough start. After being compromised in a previous assignment, both are still holding grudges against each other as they are now faced with working with one another. B.J. is a tough as nails chick who knows what she wants and how she wants it. She is a self-made woman who doesn’t need the help of a Latin charmer to run her life. In fact, B.J. is the most standoffish and toughest heroine we’ve seen in this series. So much so that at times, B.J. was kind of a bitch.
But as the story progressed and she fell prey to Raphael’s come-ons, we saw another side of B.J. that made me like and respect her. A wall guards her heart and in this book, Raphael tears down those walls and is the first to really show her that she can be loved. B.J. allows her past to rule her future to the point where she believes that love isn’t in her capacity. Raphael shows her that she is wrong, that loving someone isn’t easy but it’s worth it.
As all this emotional development happens, B.J. and Raphael go to Columbia to Rafe’s Uncle’s home, who has ties to a drug cartel to get much needed information. In order to slip in without raising suspicion, B.J. has the play the part of a dumb blonde. Her new name is ‘Brittany’ and she, um *smacks gum and twirls hair* likes to party! This part was highly entertaining and brought in some really great comic relief in dire times.
Though this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order. Not only would you get a richer experience but you would happy to note the different familiar faces we’ve encountered so far in the series.
Speaking of that, Stephanie, Bry’s younger sister makes up a huge part of this book. And with Stephanie, Mean Joe Green isn’t far behind. Their relationship really blossoms in this book and made me wish that we have Joe’s book sooner! He’s some hot stuff and I wouldn’t mind getting burned by him once or twice. -
Another exciting action filled addition to the Black Ops, Inc. series.
B.J. Chase: DIA officer who is bold and cold? I love Cindy Gerard for creating a series filled with strong females. Each woman is able to handle whatever is thrown at them but also show an emotional and weaker side when everything is done. B.J. grew up not having the love one would get in a loving family. Her dad was always gone on ops and her mom wasn't there emotionally for her. She saw her mother unhappy all the time leading her to not believe in love. Always by herself. Not needing anyone there for her.
Raphael "Choirboy" Mendoza: he has a dark family past that haunts him. He goes back home to get close to his uncle and into their family's dirty business. Raph is like most of the other men in BOI; troubled past, stubborn, knows what he wants and will do whatever to get it.
This pair is interesting in that they didn't like each other at all in the beginning. However this time, it is B.J. that needs convincing that there is something special between them. She is scared of love, and Raph is trying really hard to break down the concrete walls she has around her heart. I loved how Raph didn't give up on B.J. and was determined to figure out what "B.J." stood for. Once again, there was lots of action and romance.
We also get a glimpse of Stephanie Tompkins and Joe Green. I feel like Cindy Gerard does a great job weaving in different characters and getting readers hooked. Just like how I was hooked on Amy Walker and Dallas Garrett in
To the Brink before reading their full story in the final of The Bodyguards series,
Into the Dark. Can't wait for their story. -
First off, I'm in love with Rafe.
2nd, I'm beyond in love with B.J.
3rd, the opening is so kickass.
4th, I'm in love with this book. In fact, I'm still replaying some of the scenes in my head while I am typing this review.
So, where do I start...hmm..pace..as usual, it's perfect. It's fast engaging. The setting is exquisite. Caracas, Columbia...uhhh....
Then there's that hot Latino down the line. I mean seriously how can you not fall for Rafe, passionate, sensual, caring, steadfast and the list goes on.
B.J. can come off as bitchy...but heck if Crystal is badass, B.J. is badass x10. I like a girl who can carry her end of the deal and I like Ice Queens, the aloof, brooding females.
Rafe B.J. are opposites where Rafe is open passionate, B.J. is closed-off cold and theu actually balance each other out. I loke the fact how Rafe understands and supports B.J. and when she pushes him away he did not bedgrudge her for doing so.
In Gabe Jenna's story, it was Gabe who was scared to take risk with Jenna. In Rafe B.J. it was B.J. who was scared...it's gender role reversal...something I don't get to read often.
Yeah, and as I read through the book I actually felt their connection especially when undercover. The emotional is actually there.
The love scenes are not overwhelming. Not too many not to few and oh did I mention the Pissed-Off sex...it was so frickin' hot. I mean it wasn't detailed but heck..the way it was...it was hot.....as hot as the summer sun here in the Philippines. Gees!
Anyway, it's one of those books that I don't want to end. uhh...I want more of Rafe B.J... because really...they kick ass together.
Reread 9/14
oMG still my favorite ❤❤❤ -
Feel The Heat, Cindy Gerard's fourth book in the Black Ops Inc. series has a bit of a slow build, but once the plot and characters are in place, it really takes off and is probably one of the best books I've read in the series so far. We're introduced to B.J. Chase, an extremely capable DIA Agent, as she's working on bringing in an informant. When Raphael "Rafe" Mendoza and the BOI's also show up on the same operation, things go south in her world...fast.
The chemistry is intense and the sparks are just beginning to fly.
I really liked B.J., especially as while she was 'on duty' or 'undercover' in Columbia. It was clear she needed a change in her life. All she had was her job. Due to painful past experiences, she kept everyone at arms length, opting to be alone rather than risk being hurt by loss again. Gerard does a great job with that side of her personality, making it very believable and, at times, heart wrenching. Rafe was the perfect guy to kick down her walls!
Rafe and B.J.'s story is only a part of this book. Stephanie Tompkins is in the line of fire, which brings the majority of the BOI's (I think all of them) on board for the mission. The suspense is off the charts and I adored the quiet moments between Stephanie and Joe. I can't wait to read their story!
