Dash of PerilAuthor: Lori Foster
Series: Love Undercover #4
Published by: Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: March 25, 2014
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
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.
This book was my ultimate goal after reading Run the Risk, the first book in the Love Undercover series. I had super high hopes for Dash of Peril. I expected it to be my favorite book of the four because I was drawn to Dash’s easygoing attitude, but it ended up taking second place. Sorry Dash, Rowdy beat you out! I still heart you, though.
I know each book in the Love Undercover series can be read as a standalone, but I had to read the books in order. I’m glad I did. In Dash of Peril we jump right. Foster does give some background info on what led up to their situation, but I enjoyed seeing the set up in the previous book. Not to mention getting to see glimpses of Dash’s obvious interest in Margo. I enjoyed the build-up.
Margo has been working undercover trying to catch some dirt bags who kidnap women and force them into porn. Some of the encounters turn deadly. She enlisted Dash to help her, to be there in case a situation does arise. Then the crap hits the fan and a dangerous game of cat and mouse pursues when they set their eyes on Margo. The situation isn’t all bad though, since it brings Dash and Margo a whole lot closer. Closer and hotter.
Dash was by far my favorite guy of the four when we were introduced in the first book. I love the guys who are calm and collected, with a great sense of humor, and Dash fit the bill. I’m not going to lie, as bad as I wanted to read this, I was very reluctant to be in his head. I was afraid I would see a part of him I didn’t want to and end up disliking him. I had a similar experience with Reese, although he got back in my good graces in this book. There were a couple of minor things that rubbed me the wrong way with Dash, like the hovering. Dude needs to chill sometimes and let his woman handle her business without breathing down her neck. Margo did seem to be mostly okay with this, but it’s not a trait I find appealing at all. I still love you, though, Mr. Dashiel Riske!
Margo was a character I was instantly drawn to in the first book, as well. She’s a no nonsense lieutenant who keeps a department full of men in check. Yeah, I kind of loved her. We get to see a different side to her, a side Dash brings out. The way she was talking in the beginning, and a certain question she asked Dash made me think their … ahem … activities were going to go a certain way; a little more on the kinky side. Ah, but there is so much more to Margo. Dash helps her awaken a whole other side she kept locked away, and it was nice seeing her like that. I especially liked that Dash appreciated both sides of her, finding her ball busting, take charge ways a turn on.
I was happy to see the other three guys so involved in this book. Like I mentioned earlier, Reese got back in my good graces here. I love his teasing and smartass banter – that’s what made me love him back in the first book. It was a lot of fun watching Logan struggle with the budding relationship of his lieutenant and baby brother. And of course, Mr. Rowdy Yates – his nonchalant, bad boy demeanor coupled with his huge caring heart was very much swoon worthy. The man always has to be in the thick of it when it comes to danger. So in the end, they’ve all cemented a place in my heart … Rowdy’s place is just bigger.
Overall, Dash of Peril was a great addition to the Love Undercover series. The very last scene in the book was the perfect way to end the series, it definitely had me laughing! I’m sad to say goodbye to these four couples, but I’m looking forward to Cannon’s book in a new series Foster is working on.
Love Undercover Series
Run the Risk (book #1): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Bare It All (book #2): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
Getting Rowdy (book #3): Review | Goodreads | Amazon
I totally skimmed your review with one eye shut. I am part of the tour and held off on reading this. One cause it is the last, even though we meet Cameron next it is a new series and two because of the Take Control Challenge. I plan to devour this tomorrow night or Tuesday so don’t bug me..bwahaha!
I guess that’s better than skimming it with both eyes shut. lol. I’ll miss these guys, but want Rowdy to get an entire series to himself. 😀
I am so glad that cool chick bought you book one when you were sick…hehehe
Yeah, I guess she’s alright. 😉
I never never read/listened to any of Lori Foster’s books before. I have to check this series out. I enjoy the build up too, I think you enjoy the books way more that way. This only the 4th book so is not too late to jump in.
Thanks Christy 🙂
There are only four books in this series, so this is the last one. Each book focuses on 4 different men who are introduced in the first book. I can’t imagine reading these out of order.
Awww, it’s so sad to say goodbye to a series but I am happy it’s a good goodbye. I always wanted to try out Foster.
This series was my first Foster experience. You should give her a try.
I totally skimmed after the “glad I read them in order” part, b/c I have not read these at all, but I know I have the first one on my wishlist, so it looks like I need to add 3 more 😉 I’m glad the series ended well for you!
I know a lot of people read these out of order because they can technically be read as a standalone, but I just can’t do that. Hope you get to read them soon.
I’m glad you stumbled upon a new series to obsessed over, Christy. I think I mentioned this on your review of the first book that I’d be interested in reading this as well. So happy you reminded me. 🙂
It was a fun series!
First, I have a complaint with this cover. He’s wearing a shirt. UNACCEPTABLE. Robbing us of all our fun 😉
Second, the hovering would be an issue with me as well. Lori writes really strong heroines I think, ones who don’t need a man to hover all the time, but I’m glad it didn’t detract too hugely from your overall enjoyment. So looking forward to getting caught up with these boys Christy!
Lol – agreed!
Yeah, Margo is definitely a strong heroine who doesn’t need hoovering. Darling Dash just can’t help himself, though. lol.
Ooo just skimming to see how it went. Eep! I have this one for review this next week and have been dying for this one since book one too 🙂
It’s definitely a great ending to the series.
I haven’t read this series yet, but they sound promising. I like the fact that the female is a strong character for a change and one of those weak drama queens. Looking forward to reading this soon 🙂
Weak she is not. All of the heroines in this series are pretty strong, which is why I like them.
Both you and Kim have me so curious about this series Christy. I know it will be another one I have to add to my TBR pile. Darn it, just when I think I am making progress on it you guys throw in more books for me to try.
It’s a vicious cycle. lol.
Well I am glad this series ended on a high note for you, I need to try it sometime 🙂
Ja, you do.
Awesome Review Christy! I read Rowdy’s story and fell in love! I get to read this story this week! I haven’t read the first two books in the series yet though. I love that Margo is a powerful, and strong woman who knows how to keep the guys in check! Dash sounds like such a great character, and I love that he ends up bringing out a different side in Margo. I love when there is build-up in a romance. I’m glad that we get more Rowdy, and the other guys in this story! I can’t wait to read it!!!
Rowdy was definitely my favorite! I was so glad that he had such a presence in all four books. You’ll have to go back and read the first two sometime.
I want to read this series. I enjoyed one of her other romantic suspense series. This one sounds so good. I always love her men, but not always the women in the story. So nice to hear that you enjoyed the female as well. Must meet all these men! 😀
that’s great you really enjoyed this one. I just read another review for this book that was also positive. 🙂
Dash was a hoverer! lol I think he might’ve actually been my favorite, but I do see your point. I did like DoP, despite my annoyance at Margp, and at the bad guys.
Excellent review!
I sooo need to try this series!!! Glad you loved it. 🙂
Yay! I’m glad you really enjoyed this, too! I know that fear of maybe not liking a character as much when they get their own, book, so happy that Dash is still awesome! I totally loved seeing the other guys in this, too. Lovely review!
Ps. Here’s my review if you’re interested (:
Yes, I will read these in order *bows head in submission* – I’m sad I can’t make her author party, it’s the same weekend as my girlfriend weekend in Chicago!! Maybe next year…
PERFECT review!!!
Girls weekend! I’m on my way!
I still need to start Run the Risk, but I’m definitely going to make my way through these guys…erm… I mean this series. Love that the end was so perfect!
*Fist Pump* I am glad Cannon is getting a book! I loved him in Rowdy’s story and wondered if he would!
I have this book, but haven’t found the time to slot it in. I didn’t read the first book, but have enjoyed the last two, so I am keen to read Dash’s book. I’m glad it is Margo too… those two have been amusing with the tension between them.
Great review Christy!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace