Title: Dash of Peril by Lori Foster
Love Undercover Series Book Four
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic, Suspense
Length: 480 pages
Book Rating: C+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.
To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is six feet four inches of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own….
Beneath Margo’s tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he’ll have to prove he’s all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter….
The Review:
The fourth installment in the Love Undercover series, Dash of Peril by Lori Foster is a super sexy romance. This fast paced story is also action filled as lead protagonists Margo Peterson and Dash Riske investigate a porn ring. When Margo is injured following an attempt on her life, Dash eagerly volunteers to stay with her until she fully recovers from her injuries.
Following in her family’s law enforcement footsteps, Margo has quickly risen through the ranks to become the youngest lieutenant on the force. She is strong, independent and fearless when it comes to her job. No nonsense and fully in charge while on duty, off duty is a whole other story. When it comes to her love life, Margo yearns to cede control but trying to keep her tough as nails reputation intact leaves her few options to fully explore her yearnings.
Dash is laid back and easygoing most of the time but under the right set of circumstances, he is more than willing to give his dominant side free reign. He is also ultra protective of the people he cares about and he will go to any lengths to keep them safe. Dash has never had any interest in law enforcement but when Margo’s life is in danger, he does not hesitate to put the skills that he learned from his cop brother Logan to good use. And when Dash picks up on Margo’s carefully hidden submissive desires, he is more than happy to give her exactly what has been craving.
Dash and Margo are great characters and they perfectly complement one another. Dash’s feelings for Margo run deeper than desire but Margo has kept him at arms’ length for quite some time. Dash brings out a softer, more feminine side of Margo and he helps her accept all the different facets of her personality. The sexual attraction between them is quite strong and their sex scenes are a little playful and a whole lot sexy with a bit of a D/s element. However, the sexual aspect sometimes overpowers the rest of the storyline.
The other story arc dealing with the investigation into the porn ring is interesting, although somewhat predictable. The bad guys are detestable, but they feel one dimensional. There is some intrigue as to who might be after Margo and again, it was easy enough to figure out the who and the why.
The secondary characters are from past novels in the series and they play an integral role to the unfolding story. Logan and Reese work for Margo, they have the utmost respect for her and they always have her back. Rowdy is also on deck to lend a hand and give Margot some much needed love life advice. In addition, Cannon Colter has information that cracks the case wide open and the changes in his life set the stage for a forthcoming spin off series.
Dash of Peril is an outstanding conclusion to the Love Undercover series. It is another passion filled romance and fast paced mystery that is sure to delight old and new fans. All of the loose ends are nicely wrapped up and Lori Foster’s epilogue is an absolutely perfect ending to the novel!
