Run the Risk by Lori Foster follows Pepper Yates, a woman living under an alias to evade a dangerous club owner, and Logan Riske, an undercover detective determined to use her to solve his best friend’s murder. While the premise promises tension, romance, and suspense, the execution falls short, resulting in a story that feels formulaic and emotionally shallow.

The novel’s central relationship—Pepper and Logan’s transition from neighbors to lovers- didn't feel compelling enough for me: Their connection is built largely on physical attraction, with the “friends with benefits” dynamic feeling contrived and overly predictable, I suppose? The emotional stakes are undermined by the rushed development of their feelings, which never quite ring true IMO. Pepper, while portrayed as strong and resourceful, often comes across as more of a plot device than a fully realized character. Logan, despite his protective and caring demeanor, feels like a stock romantic hero, lacking the complexity to make him memorable.

I ended up DNFing, but might give it a shot again in case this was just my hungry brain being overly critical of an otherwise well liked novel.

Amazing book with great charactization and a really amazing flow. Loved it and will certainly be reading more from this author

4 stars

Disappointing and dull. Could not connect with the characters. Hoped it would be similar to Foster's Men Who walk the Edges of Honor series but sadly it was not. DNF

Lori Foster has become one of my favorite writers because so far I can always plan on a story that is gritty and suspense-filled and laiden with characters who are one-of-a-kind. This is true of this story that is filled with individuals who are really different but who still speak to a reader with a message that is contemporary and important. Now don’t get me wrong: I don’t Ms Foster intended a “message” kind of novel. But any novel that is well written and filled with carefully crafted characters is going to get the message that we all carry around the residual of our past that keeps intruding on the present. That is certainly evident in the experience of Pepper and her often hidden brother, a duo that have had to depend solely on one another because there really wasn’t anyone else. These two care deeply for one another, and it is touching, time and again, to see how Pepper is protected and cared for even though the reader gets the idea that her brother is a loser. Not so, although they have both lived on the edge of legitimate society, yet both are skilled in remaining hidden in plain sight and who now know that staying that way is more important than ever.

It is also a love story that is very different–two people who really don’t want to love another person but whose attraction keeps putting them in each other’s paths. There’s the sweetness of sibling love here, of caring even when the lies of an undercover operation intrude, suspicion that threatens to undermine a very close friendship, and sickness of the soul and spirit that almost does them all in. It is a superb novel of suspense and romance, mystery and wondering who really are the bad guys. Readers may become impatient with Pepper because of her absolute commitment to not trusting Logan, but if one is under wraps as she must be, then I don’t really blame her for keeping him and everyone else at arms length.

This is a really good book and is one that both Foster fans and those who have never read one of her books will enjoy. It’s beautifully written and the author keeps the action lean and mean, the characters sharp and incisive, the sexual tension consistent, and surprises everyone before it’s all over. What’s not to like? I think this is a novel that deserves to be read and will be so very entertaining.

I give it a rating of 4.25 out of 5

I was unable to review books for quite a while and was unable to review these. I apologize for this and have only gotten back into reviewing again. I did enjoy the book though when I read it.

Didn’t get to read before it was archived. Thank you for allowing me access to the book.

I adore Lori Foster and this series is one of my favourites! Great characters, fabulous plot, and enough chemistry to scorch the pages. What more can you ask for?!

Sorry for the inconvenience in taking so long for my feedback, but I never finished this book and no longer have access to it.