Dare to Run Audiobook By Jen McLaughlin cover art

Dare to Run

Sons of Steel Row Series #1

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Dare to Run

By: Jen McLaughlin
Narrated by: Guy Locke, Monique Makena
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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' 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 of getting hurt in more ways than one.

©2016 Jen McLaughlin (P)2016 Tantor Contemporary Contemporary Romance Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense

Critic reviews

"A fast-paced, sexy read." (Erin McCarthy, author of Total Package)
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The narrators did a good job and I really liked the accent Guy Locke used. I liked Lucas and Heidi and the overall story but I started to get bored at the end and was ready for the book to be over.

Good Story

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Lucas is all kinds of bad... he's just been released from Prison and he's a high ranking member of Boston's infamous The Sons of Steel Row - a violent Gang of criminals who don't think twice about murder, they trade guns, women, drugs and launder money. But the handsome and toned bad boy Garage owner relies heavily on his instincts... and they're saying he needs to get out now before it's too late. Across from his Garage is a Bar but it's not the Bar or the drink that's intriguing him... no, it's the beautiful feisty bar owner Heidi who's caught his attention. However, despite their sizzling chemistry and friendly banter, he really doesn't want to drag her into his seedy dangerous underworld where you can't trust anyone..... but unfortunately fate had other plans.

Heidi inherited the Bar, she's efficient, capable and everything about Lucas intrigues her.... oh, she knows he's no good but a bit of flirting never hurt anybody - right?.... wrong. Because of it she's now attracted the attention of the rival Bitter Hill Gang members who lie in wait for her one night - a night that's going to change her life forever because it pulls her into the dark and dangerous world where Lucas resides. Lucas tries to protect Heidi from the rival Gang's retribution, from himself and from the mysterious person who's been trying to eliminate him - and unbelievably all the clues point to his younger brother Scott. So he's got his hands full protecting Heidi who he's claimed as his.... both in an out of the bedroom but his shield is safely in place guarding his heart from the potential threat of falling in love.... or so he thought. Because while she's been hiding out with him in his apartment a bond has very slowly been forming and the consequences will put their lives in even greater danger.

I don't know what makes us, the listeners, connect or not to characters and to be mentally transported or not into their lives - but for some reason this book just didn't really do it for me. As Lucas didn't know who to trust it was sadly obvious to me who the Puppet Master was behind the attempted murders. But there was a twist or two at the end that absolutely blindsided me and left me reeling from its impact on Lucas and Heidi's lives and where the plot will eventually lead to. There was sex, unrequited passion as Heidi tried to get closer to Lucas and everything came to a head when armed men overpowered the unsuspecting lovers and the Puppet Master had a very devious plan in mind.... a plan that sadly wouldn't have them walking away.

Because Lucas tried to remain unaffected by Heidi there was no blistering romance or passion - just no strings sex - until it was nearly too late for them. Heidi was stupidly mouthy to the bad guys and a bit of a doormat for Lucas as he continued to walk all over her feelings - ignoring his true feelings and sadly this didn't really work for me. A trusting ever hopeful Heroine who kept her love a secret and a Hero who oozed mixed messages with his protective, jealous and intense feelings one minute then followed by a cold heartless attitude towards her. I realize he was trying to keep his distance and push her away but it just didn't work for me or make for a particularly romantic listen. There was sex, suspense, drama, twists, mystery and a high body count when the two lovers eventually dared to run. Dual POV's, a nice Epilogue following a hard won HEA and the narration was ok.

Worth a credit? Just because this listen didn't rock my particular boat it certainly doesn't mean that it won't rock yours. It was a different type of listen than the ones I usually go for so sadly I don't think I'll be following this series - but nevertheless it was still creditworthy..... and the sexy yummy cover certainly deserves 5 stars.

3.5* MIXED FEELINGS AS NOT EXACTLY WHAT I'D HOPED FOR

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typical sassy girl with and alpha Male at her back. This story just adds all the action with it. the narration was not the best but, I finished the book.

Good story!

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Dare to Run is the first book in a promising series with suspense, intrigue and delicious sexiness. This couple gets their HEA but it wasn't until the very, very end when their relationship finally becomes more than sex. I missed the emotional component despite comprehending the purpose - Lucas protecting Heidi by keeping her at a distance. Seems like there just could've been more tender moments. While I didn't connect with these main characters, I was intrigued by a secondary character and fascinated by their world. The twists that included Lucas's brother made this book as it sets the stage for future books.

I plan to move on to book two and see where this is going.

Dare to Try It

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This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The narrators had horrible accents. It annoyed me listening to it. The story was ok. I think for the first in the series it sets a good tone.

What was most disappointing about Jen McLaughlin’s story?

She had Lucas talk to much...that's unrealistic.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Guy Locke and Monique Makena ?

People that were actually from Boston. I also wouldn't have Monique try to speak for Lucas.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Not a fan

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too many parts were unbelievable. the man reading for Lucas was almost monotone and barely changed his voice for different characters. it was evident he was reading. the female narrator was better.

out there

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