Title: Dash of Peril (Love Undercover #4) 

Author: Lori Foster
Date of publication: 25 March 2014
Genre: Romantic suspense

Author's links:
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My rating: 4 stars

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.

Review 

This is my first book by Lori Foster and I really enjoyed it. It's the fourth book in the Love Undercover series and tells the story of Lieutenant Margaret Peterson and Dashiel Riske who is Logan's (Run the Risk) brother. The book can be read as a standalone as it focuses on the new couple though most of the characters from the previous books have significant roles here as well. 

The story has a strong suspense element which at times overtakes the romance completely. It worked well for me since it gave more background to the relationship between Dash and Margo. It showed their story as part of the bigger picture which is nice since often in romance novels the whole focus is on the couple and the characters are presented as living in their own bubble, detached from everybody and everything else. I'm really glad this was not the case here and we got much more than the love story of two complex and intriguing people.

The novel explores the journey of Margo to finding and accepting love in her life. She undergoes a gradual transition from the cold-hearted professional police officer everybody sees in her to embracing her softer feminine side. She had tried to hide it believing it was wrong to show weakness and the need for care and love. It was Dash's gentle, yet persistent loving and caring and supporting that made her feel comfortable enough with it to let herself show it more often.

Dash was the perfect man - caring and considerate, yet sure of himself, confident and determined in his desires. He knew from the start what his feelings for Margo were and what she needed from him. He was very open about his feeling and went after what he wanted with singular focus and determination. In a way he was just too perfect - always knew and did the right thing, never experienced any doubt and uncertainty. As attractive confidence was,  real people have their weak moments, they experience insecurities and indecision and he lacked any of it. 

For all her faults Margo felt so much more real. Her struggles with her desire, self-image, family expectations and upbringing were very realistic and they were convincingly portrayed. She was a complex character with strengths and weakness. She made mistakes but she had the strength to try and change things. Margo's family background and her professional standing made it difficult for her to find happiness or to be herself in her personal life.

I liked how patient Dash was with her. I loved that he respected her professionalism, and admired  her for it. She was feminine and gentle with him but she was strong and commanding as a lieutenant.

My main concern with this book was the Dom/sub element thrown in the story. It felt just like the words were spoken but the actions of the characters didn't really back them up. Both Margo and Dash enjoyed taking control and giving it up in their relationship. She liked to let him lead in the bedroom and he enjoyed being in control there. At times though, it was her who took the initiative and he relished all control to her.

The suspense/crime plot line was also well developed though it was a bit predictable. It was focused on the issue of violence against women and how it affects them. The supporting characters, Cannon and Yvette's family had a strong role there. 

I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense with strong complex characters. I hope that the next book will be about Cannon, whom I grew to like a lot and I'd love to read his story.