This is a great example of a series that gets better and better. This is not a review for a plot synopsis (see the publisher's blurb and other reviews), and no spoilers, but the point is to describe the stronger (or not) points in case someone is wondering about jumping in and trying the books out.
Yes there is a bit of a 'formula' involved--the BOI series revolves around a group of guys--not exactly mercenaries, but 'black ops' types of former SEALS, Rangers, Force Recon, even CIA (and I'm sure I've left out somebody), who only contract with 'Uncle' to do the right thing for the right reasons etc. They are strong, hot, 'skilled', competent, moral etc. Each man has some kind of history that makes them a tad 'wounded', but when they find that extra special gal, they fall hard and fast and get to save the day. The author has been working her way through the group getting them to their happy endings. She uses a variety of female leads--reporter, blackjack dealer, teacher, doctor (a significant supporting character), intelligence agent etc who have varying levels of skills, but are ultimately brave and tough.
I really love how this author writes--she does her research and gets the details right (well, for some of it I'm guessing she is right--I really have no idea about the nuances of the various Glock models for example). She touches on real life horrors--Sierra Leone, human trafficking, guns, drugs. She doesn't make the characters perfect...they can be snarky, grumpy and yes, even have a few 'too stupid to live' moments. But, she does make you care about them without preaching or 'telling' you what they are--she shows what they are.
I also like how each story has building blocks found elsewhere in the series. The characters from the other books still play significant roles and you get to see them in action again. There is also an overriding theme that goes back to a mission-gone-wrong in Sierra Leone years before...every book has some reason to think about this and, going by the hints in this book and the preview for the next, it looks like there might be some final closure.
In other words, not just some fluffy romance reading (not that there's anything wrong with fluff of course!). This is the GOOD stuff for 'romantic suspense'.
Regarding this book in particular...Luke/"Doc" has been quite the supporting character in all the stories. He was badly injured in the previous book, and I love how this book shows how difficult it is to come to terms with something like that. He gets to meet a hot supermodel--and the only weakness I think in this book is that Valentina is perhaps not given enough backstory, she is a little less believable (supermodel with traumatic event in childhood, has her fears/insecurities etc, but I wonder how she avoided being totally spoiled).
Some don't like how she called her ex at one point in the book--however later we do find out why she does have some reason to think he'd be loyal (whether right or wrong, there is reason). In reality would you necessarily completely trust the stranger (who, granted did just do heroic things to save you, but really what do you know about him)? I think she was right not to want to fall too hard, too fast given her history of insecurities. This is now verging into spoiler territory and time to stop.
In any case, this is the next to last book in the BOI series and is well worth reading. If you have not read the prior books in the series though you could start here I do recommend you start at the beginning to avoid confusion and to understand the sub plots. Even the first book is one that had antecedents in her previous Bodyguards series--I felt 'Show No Mercy' was better having gone back to read the Bodyguards first. It's not necessary, but I do recommend reading them too. The series (with Kindle links because that is how I read them):
Black Ops Incorporated:
Show No Mercy (Gabe & Jenna)
Take No Prisoners (Sam & Abbey)
Whisper No Lies (Johnny & Crystal)
Feel the Heat (Black Ops, Inc.) (Raphael & BJ)
Risk No Secrets (Black Ops, Inc.) (Wyatt & Sophie)
Deadly Promises Anthology containing "Leave No Trace" (Cav & Carrie)
With No Remorse (Luke & Val)
The Bodyguards:
To the EdgeTo the Limit
To the Brink
Over the Line
Under the Wire
Into the Dark
(Amazon limits number of product links, but you get the idea)
In any case, I really like the Bodyguards, and I really love the BOI series. I think this book is a great addition and I highly recommend this book--and all the rest of them too.
JTG