by Jen McLaughlin
Series: The Sons of Steel Row #1
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
Lucas Donahue is not ashamed of his criminal past, but after a brief stint in prison, he’s ready to go legit and live a normal life. The problem is, no one leaves the gang without permission—even if he is one of the boss’s top men. Plus someone’s placed a hit on him. And then there’s that feisty little bartender who’s going to cause him even more trouble. Heidi Greene knows to keep her distance from a ladies’ man like Lucas—even if she can’t keep her eyes off him. When he rescues her from an attack in the alley outside her bar, she’s forced to stay by his side for safety. But the longer she spends time with him, the greater her chances are for getting hurt in more ways than one
Jen McLaughlin sets Dare to Run, the first book in her new Sons of Steel Row series against the backdrop of Boston, Massachusetts. I was curious after reading the synopsis and the cover sealed the deal. Dare to Run was intense, dark, funny, and full of feels as we enter the world of the Boston criminal gangs and meet our dark hero Lucas Donahue.
Five Reasons to grab Dare to Run
- I love the Boston setting and McLaughlin takes us into the underbelly of the city and into the lives of its locals. The criminal gangs run deep in this story and their hands reach into the pockets of local law enforcement and its politicians. Lucas’s membership and ranking within the gang and its mentality added an edge to this romance. I favor romances where we get both perspectives and Dare To Run had alternating chapters between Lucas and Heidi.
- Lucas Donahue is sexy, intelligent and lethal. He entered the gang and moved up the ranks out of necessity. After his release, he struggles with breaking free and finding normal, but circumstances and family and making that difficult. McLaughlin peeled back his layers and made me fall for this bad boy. Being inside of his head was fantastic and his voice rang true. His inner dialogue was hilarious and made me sigh.
- Heidi Greene’s story may be just as tragic as Lucas’s but intervention from a stranger changed things for her, and she has done the same for another. Heidi has spunk and is loyal. She knows Lucas is all wrong for her, but when he steps in to help her, they find themselves together. The more she learns about the man, the more difficult it becomes to resist him. Her inner struggles felt real, and I quickly connected with her.
- The plot of Dare to Run was intense, action-packed and offered some edge of your seat suspense. A few twist will catch some readers by surprise. McLaughlin added subtle clues so I figured out aspects of it but this did not diminish my enjoyment of the story. The storyline was addictive and I kept reading late into the night. Secondary characters from bosses to Lucas’ brother and best friend Chris notched up the suspense and believability of the tale.
- The romance was sweet, heartbreaking and at times sizzling hot. I really connected with the couple emotionally and felt their feelings were genuine. Heidi is independent and Lucas’s inborn nature to protect and often created tension in the form of banter. These two had me laughing aloud.
Completely addictive Dare to Run, grabbed me from page one and never let go. Fans of an action-packed romantic suspense will enjoy their story. I am looking forward to the next novel in the Sons of Steel series.
Cyn
Glad to see you enjoyed this! I’ve been hearing lots of great things about it. Sometimes I just need a good romance suspense and Lucas sounds pretty awesome! Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it Cyn, I am excited for the next book.
Lorna
You have me intrigued I must admit. Although I am not a gang type of reader I am afraid. Glad this was such a great read for you though 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with it. It isn’t as dark as an MC type gang which I am not a fan of.
Shari
This one took me several times to get into the story. I kept putting it down and picking it back up. Really wasn’t into the dark under-belly of Boston. I liked the twist and how it ended, but that might be it for me with this series.
kimbacaffeinate
It happens, I enjoyed the darker aspects. Glad you liked the twist.
Melanie Simmons
I’m really starting to see a lot of Romantic Suspense books catching my eye. I barely read any last year and this year I’ve already wanted to add several to my list. So much for me finishing series and not starting new ones. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
I go through phases, but it is one of my favorite genres in romance
Samantha
Glad you liked this! I one clicked it on impulse yesterday so its nice to know I will enjoy it!
kimbacaffeinate
It was the cover that made you do it Samantha!!
ShootingStarsMag
Thanks for sharing! I don’t know the author, but this one sounds like a sure fire winner!
-Lauren
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun, she also writes as Diane Alberts- a name you might be more familiar with.
ailyn
the cover is very mesmerizing. hahaha, but the synopsis is nice.
kimbacaffeinate
*scrolls up and looks again* Yep..it sure is~!
Sophia Rose
Me, too! I took a bit for me to warm up to Heidi, but I did and then the story was riveting. I loved the hard situation and wondering how they were going to make it. And that twist! Gasp! Need the sequel.
kimbacaffeinate
I admired her because of her past and how she turned it around, but yeah I fell for him a lot faster.
Angela Adams
“The romance was sweet, heartbreaking and at times sizzling hot.” — I think that covers all the bases! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Hehehe..agreed. Thanks Angela. We only ended up getting about a foot of snow Tuesday. It was very heavy, wet snow though so all of my peeps either had off or worked from home.
The Bibliophile Babe
Mmmm, nice cover! Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Indeed 🙂 and you’re welcome
Michele
This looks AND sounds delish! Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with this one Michele
blodeuedd
The setting got me ;D
kimbacaffeinate
I love the setting too, and you can just hear their accents
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
The synopsis did nothing for me but then I saw “Boston” and “Donohue” and “spunky” and may have to reconsider….
kimbacaffeinate
Yes….all of those are superb reasons to read this
Aurian
Nice review Kimberly, but I don’t think this one is for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Aurian, I had fun with it 🙂
Lekeisha
Definitely my kind of read. Adding to my list!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee..I hope you love it Lekisha
Candace
I like when there’s humor added in. This one sounds pretty good!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Candace..banter always makes me smile
Heidi
I like the sound of this one. I want to read more in this genre this year for sure.
kimbacaffeinate
Romantic suspense is one of my favorites Heidi. I hope you give it a go
kindlemom1
So glad you are loving this genre so much right now Kim. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am, between this genre and thrillers I shall overcome.
AngelErin
Ooo this one looks really good. Bad boy + snarky = I’m in! Lol. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes….it was such fun 🙂 and suspenseful too
Jenny
Hello there hot cover! This sounds right up my alley Kim, I never tire of a good bad boy and a romance that sizzles, so count me in on this one. Banter is just icing on the cake! Can’t wait to read this:)
kimbacaffeinate
Don’t forget all of that is wrapped in a suspenseful storyline with a twist!
Angela
I’ve been hearing great things about this book. I cannot wait to read it. And I really like that it switches between Heidi and Lucas, it helps balance the book.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the pov’s Angela.
Kristin
It’s interesting that your review is so different than mine – we totally focused on different aspects of the story. OH, your review is soooo much better than mine, I think mine end up being a book club review. But it’s really cool to read yours and see all the things I plum forgot 😀
And I think I’m the only person who missed the clues about the twist!! Tee, hee!!!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I loved your review. I had my suspicions early on but I read a lot of mysteries and I think that had me at an advantage.
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I am just going to sit right here and stare at that cover for awhile. How did I not know about this book? OMG right up my alley (and not just because of the cover LOL)
kimbacaffeinate
Right…that is what drew me in first..if I am totally honest..Yum.
Bookworm Brandee
You have my curiosity piqued, for sure. I love that edge-of-your-seat suspense is combined with humor and I really want to know how Lucas and Heidi cross paths. And that cover…*sigh* Another one for my tbr, Kimberly! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..yes that cover is delicious 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim and really interesting premise featuring criminal gangs I also love alternating perspectives of a couple, I hate wondering why did he/she do/say that. 🙂
Thanks this is going on my wish list!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the dual perspectives..getting into their heads really helps me connect
Ramona
I like the sound of the romance – it’s so lovely when the author makes you feel for and with the characters. I also like the setting – gangs, danger and such. I think I’ll give this one a try, Kimba, thanks 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I worried since I am not a fan of criminal heroes..but his storyline grabbed me.
Mary Kirkland
Hadn’t heard about this one before but it sounds like one I’d probably like.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you grab it Mary. I would love to read your thoughts on it.
Melliane
oh gangs and all? I so love that! I didn’t know about this new series but it sounds like a good one!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you end up picking it up Melliane 🙂
Suze
This looks great, I’ll definitely check it out.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Suze!