Dare to Lie by Jen McLaughlin

Dare to Lie (Sons of Steel Row, #3)

by Jen McLaughlin

The third thrill-a-minute novel in the gritty contemporary Sons of Steel Row romance series from the author of Dare to Run and Dare to Stay.
 
As an undercover DEA agent in the most powerful gang in Boston, Scott Donahue accepts the risks of living a double life. But when Tate Donovan, leader of the Sons of Steel Row, assigns Scotty to take his place in a bachelor’s auction sponsored by his sister’s sorority, he’s exposed to a whole new level of danger. Even though Tate makes it very clear—Skylar is off limits—the second Scotty sees her, he’s a goner. But how does he tell Sky she’s falling for a man who doesn’t exist?
 
Sky can’t resist Scotty’s cool confidence or the raw, edgy power oozing from his perfect body. She’s always been the good girl, but he brings out the bad in her. And even though she knows so little about who he really is, Sky’s willing to take the biggest risk of all. But putting her heart on the line is no guarantee that Scotty won’t slip through her fingers...

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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I loved the set up for DARE TO LIE. Tate, the leader of the Son of Steels, assigns Scotty to guard his sisters. The first assignment involves a bachelor auction at Skylar's sorority. Getting involved with the leader's sister is an executable offense, and I loved seeing it all unfold. Skylar is pretty sheltered and isn't privy to her brother's business practices. Most of the men she has dated have been boring suits or "Tate approved." For Skylar, this equates to "boring." Scotty is none of those things.

The romance started with insta-lust and frankly had me rolling my eyes at Skylar. It quickly moved to something more and I ended up loving their chemistry. The heat was electric and their chemistry felt genuine. I just wish this forbidden romance had begun more slowly.

Scotty's involvement with the gang and his position working for the DEA made for some serious tension. It provided plenty of life and death moments giving the suspense thread of DARE TO ME depth. It also caused some relationship problems and awkward moments when Tate was present. The overall ARC of the series involving the Sons of Steel, DEA, and AFC make this a series to read/listen to from the beginning. It helps to understand the players and know the battles Scotty and the Sons of Steel face with the Bitter Hill Gang. I appreciated the way in which McLaughlin has taken us into the gangs and government agencies involved. She showcases Scotty's struggle with loyalty and his dealings with law enforcement. Scotty is a standup guy and ultimately wants to protect and save his hometown. All of this gives the story some serious heart. Despite the darker aspects of Scotty and other members of the gang, the author made me understand them, and it was only inevitable that I fell for them too.

Eric London and Caitlin Elizabeth narrated giving us both Scotty and Skylar's voices. I loved this dual point of view and felt the narrators did an excellent job of capturing their voices and emotions. The Sons of Steel series works well on audio bringing the tension, romance, and characters to life.

DARE TO LIE was another addictive edition in the Sons of Steel Rows. Now, I need Tate Donovan's story. Pretty please.

Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 February, 2017: Finished reading
  • 27 February, 2017: Reviewed