Dare to Run
Author: Jen McLaughlin
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: C+
What I’m Talking About:
Recently released from a two-year stint in prison, Lucas Donahue, a ranking member of the Sons of Steel Row gang, was attacked and nearly killed just before he got out. Now he’s back in Boston trying to determine if the attack was personal or business. Unfortunately, it looks like the hit came from within the Son of Steel Row gang, and his own baby brother, Scotty, is the top suspect.
Heidi Greene lives and works in Steel Row, Boston. After living through a rough childhood, Frankie, a father-figure, took in Heidi and looked out and cared for her. After his death, he left her his bar, the Patriot. Late one night when closing up, Heidi is attacked by a rival gang, and Lucas uncharacteristically jumps in to save her. Now all eyes are on the pair to see if they are for real or just a cover.
When I picked up Dare to Run, I didn’t realize it was a gang story, so I wasn’t certain if I’d like the book – I normally don’t do anti-hero romances. However, I ended up enjoying the title. The storyline was engaging from the start, and I found the mystery of who betrayed Lucas interesting and exciting. Lucas and Heidi have real chemistry and work well together. Although, I was not happy with Heidi’s quick-to-fall-in-love feelings.
Dare to Run is a mix of quality action and a storyline with a couple of great twists. However, the quick to “I love you” feelings and some stereotypical behaviors and emotions were annoying at times. Also, the story is shared in alternating first person POVs, which can be confusing. In the end, Dare to Run is a fun read with a decent story and a hot couple, but the cheese factor was a bit off-putting.
My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had issues
About the Book:
She knows what he’s like on Boston’s mean streets. Now she’s going to find out if he’s got some heart.
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.
Release Date: February 2,2016
Publisher: Signet
Series: Sons of Steen Row #1
ISBN: #978-0451477590
Genre: Contemporary Romance, gang romance
Format(s): paperback (384 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher
Purchase Info:
Dare to Run (Sons of Steel Row #1)
Ohh Boston, me likey
Yes! Although it’s the dark underbelly of Boston!
While I don’t mind anti-hero stories, I’ve never been a fan of gang stories for some reason. I do like the looks of the cover. Glad you were able to be engaged even if this wasn’t a typical read for you.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I have to say that there were enough twists in this one, and the fact that the hero is leery of his gang, that made it feel like more than a “gang story.” You may want to give it a try.
I have this one on my review list for this month (got behind because of the pup) but have heard so so things about it from a few of yall now. I’m not feeling in a huge rush at this point :/
It’s worth a try. My biggest beef is the quick to “I love you” scenario, which is a pet peeve of mine.
[…] in the Series: Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin (Sons of Steel Row #1) Dare to Stay by Jen McLaughlin (Sons of Steel Row […]