REVIEW: Dash of Peril by Lori Foster

In Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4) by Lori Foster, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson is known for playing by the rules and being a hardass when it comes to her detectives. Her five-foot-four stature may not look intimidating, but no one messes with her on the job. Knee deep into an investigation where young women are being brutalized, Margo becomes the target and ends up with a bounty on her head. Injury leads to her teaming up with an unlikely candidate, Dash Riske, detective Logan’s laid-back brother. Their fierce chemistry is evident to everyone around them but Margo doesn’t want to risk both Dash’s safety and her reputation as a tough lieutenant by giving in to their desires. Somehow, though, Dash understands exactly what she needs to feel both feminine and in control, to bring the two parts of her life together so she can focus on her case. But will he just prove to be a distraction that could lead to disaster both personally and professionally?

‘He was alpha with a capital A, a natural-born leader. What had started out purely sexual had become so much more because of the threats against her. Without those threats, would they have had a blazing affair…and then ended things?’

Dashiel “Dash” Riske has been waiting for the chance to make Margo his own for quite a while. He’s helped her and his brother out a bit with an investigation, acting interested in her at a local bar while she offered herself up as bait for local thugs. Dash knows Margo has to realize he’s truly interested in pursuing her. And how difficult it is to watch her put herself in danger. Unfortunately, trouble finds her one cold, stormy night and Dash is relieved to be there to help Margo. Figuring this is his chance to take care of her and show her how much she means to him, he offers to take care of her and assist with the investigation. Along the way, Dash learns just how well matched they are both in and out of the bedroom. He just needs to find a way to make Margo understand how serious he really is about building a relationship.

“You want balance in your life? Start with me. You can be both a woman and a cop. Let me show you that one doesn’t detract from the other.”

Dash of Peril, Lori Foster’s fourth and reportedly final (*sniff*) novel in the Love Undercover series does not disappoint in the least. Full of intense action scenes, sexy banter, and two people tailor made for each other, I hated to see the story end!

Dash cupped her face. “It doesn’t matter if you’re being the badass lieutenant, the independent daughter, or the submissive woman, I love you so much you’re going to drown in it.”

So, let me sing the praises of both Margo and Dash. I LOVE how tough Margo is. She can make detectives and perps alike quake in their shoes. You have to admire that. But…I also loved her feminine side. She cares about the well-being and safety of her co-workers and friends. Plus, seeing her affection toward Oliver, her puppy-cat, was so sweet. (I really, really liked Oliver who was blind but still so brave and loving…sigh.) And don’t get me started on Dash. Whew. He was quintessentially alpha male. Dominant. But so freaking sweet and tender at just the right times, it melted my heart. After everything Margo had been through in her life, Dash was her perfect prince charming. Who just so happened to also have a very dirty mouth. 😉

Of course, Reese, Logan, Rowdy and the gang all are involved in the plot as well this time. We get to catch glimpses of what is currently happening in their lives throughout the story while they play integral parts in the action as it all unfolds. Cannon Colter, an MMA fighter-in-training, makes a big appearance here, too. He works at Rowdy’s bar and watches out over the neighborhood and the local kids by running a rec center. He’s yet another sexy alpha with a big heart who will be getting his own novel, but in Lori’s new Ultimate series. Expect to see him in the prequel novella Hard Knocks and then in his full length novel No Limits, both toward the end of this summer 2014. Can’t wait!!

I think fans of steamy, suspenseful romance will thoroughly enjoy Dash of Peril. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you falling in love with the characters in no time.

Book Info:

Published March 25th 2014 by HQN | Love Undercover #4

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 6’4″ 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.