The Hot Shots (The Scotland Yard Exchange Program, #2)

by Stephanie Queen

[Lindsey Gray]

This is the follow up to Queen’s first novel in The Scotland Yard Exchange Program, “The Throwbacks”. We do read a bit of our favorite couple from the first novel, David and Grace, but this thrill-ride is centered around Grace’s friend and fellow decorator, Sophia, and the newest implant from Scotland Yard to Boston, Chauncey. The action begins right from the start as the clandestine couple meet and do end up having to jump off a boat to avoid a terrorist who wants Chauncey eliminated.

As I was reading at first, I was putting myself in Sophia’s shoes. I kept thinking, “I would never do that! Is she out of her mind?” Some of . . . well, most of the choices Sophia makes early on in the novel were mostly her being uncooperative and jeopardizing her safety. Once I put the book down for a minute and let myself think why Queen had Sophia making the decisions she was, I was able to move on with the read. I came to the conclusion that Sophia is very goal oriented and could be considered to have blinders on as she was so extremely focused on her career. Those traits caused many difficulties between Chauncey and Sophia, but as their story developed and the threats escalated, the pair stuck together.

Without giving too much away, I can tell you "The Hot Shots" has suspense and mystery galore with a heaping teaspoon full of comedy and that splash of romance most of us crave. A great read!