Hot SEAL Devotion

I’ve been reading Lynn Raye Harris’ books for a long time, so they’re always a one-click for me. I was excited for this one, because like most long-time readers, I’d been waiting for Neo’s story. He’s the kind of Hero I can identify with – a fellow Introvert who sometimes craves company. Alone time is critical for me but sooner or later, I start to crave a little company.  Not that I’m exactly sure what to do about that though.  Seriously, most people are annoying and oh-so determined to engage in that most dreaded of topics: Small Talk. <shudder>  The struggle is real, y’all!

I loved how sweet Neo is with Kayla and her baby, Ana. This is a man who sees companionship, love, and family all around and he craves it. The HOT SEAL Team is a found family, but Neo’s got nothing to come home to. He and Kayla sort of circled each other for a while and when they finally come together, the connection is just right.

It’s satisfying to watch Kayla’s drawn-out tale finally resolve in a Happy Ending, and for Neo to get everything he’s ever wanted. It’s also satisfying to see that Neo understands that marriage takes more than just passion – it takes work, and he’s willing to put in the time and effort with Kayla, because she’s worth it.  She hasn’t exactly had great relationship role models, so Neo definitely has to prove himself. Kayla’s sister is happily married, as are other Team members she knows, but Kayla wasn’t around to see how they came together, how they function as couples.

“Yeah, I know they’re all madly in love with each other – but love isn’t all it takes to make a successful marriage.”

Ms. Harris’ books have a lot of action and fast pacing, and there’s certainly a direct threat to Kayla – and while this is a suspenseful plot, Devotion is character-driven.  It’s about the development of Neo and Kayla’s relationship. Devotion also wraps up a thread within a longer plotline begun in a previous book, tying it up neatly.

Not every Romantic Suspense has to be full of non-stop explosions to be effective or satisfying. The “HOT” books are always about the characters, and that’s why I adore them.