I have been waiting for Jodi’s, from the McKenzies of Ridge Trail series, story and Lori Foster did not disappoint! This is the start of another great series. Hunter is an all alpha male and Jodi is a strong independent woman. It’s amazing how Lori brings together these two strong characters. This story has suspense, humor and family love. I love how the McKenzie family make appearances throughout the book. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Way to go Lori!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED The Dangerous One!! Hunter and Jodi are two of my all-time favorite characters, and Turbo was the best. I can't wait to read Memphis's story, and I really hope Remmy gets his own story too!

THE DANGEROUS ONE offers readers romance, dialogue that is very realistic, a storyline that flows easily from page to page, characters you will love or utterly dislike, action, and danger. - In other words, this is Lori Foster at her very best.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review:https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=81325

Hunter Osborn has moved to Three Rivers to get away from people. He lives in a cabin in the woods with plenty of 'No Trespassing" signs and makes it clear to everyone in the nearest town that they don't come visit. There's another cabin nearby, but he doesn't think it's livable. Until Jody Bentley moves in. Like Hunter, Jodi has no interest in having people around. But the two develop an odd friendship, helped a lot by Hunter's dog Turbo, which slow burns into more. Both are keeping major secrets and know it, both think they are ok with that, but when trouble comes knocking, all cards have to go on the table.

I have to admit, it took awhile to remember Jodi from the Mackenzie family series. Fortunately, you don't have to have read that series (or remembered it) to get Jodi. Bad things have happened and she's learned from them. She's tough, takes no nonsense from anyone, and is trying to tone down her "shoot first ask questions later" instincts. She's trying to figure out what a normal life is like and is completely innocent in many ways, while being far too aware of life's dangers in other ways. It's a balance that Lori Foster makes work well in Jodi, and the character was appealing from the beginning. Hunter, likewise, for me was appealing. He took longer to open up about what his secrets were, but you knew from the beginning that he was also someone life had hurt, and he hadn't figured out how to come back from it. I liked how, through his brother Memphis, we see the change in Hunter that Jodi has caused, Hunter coming out of the shell he created for himself and becoming more the man his family knew before.

The relationship between Hunter and Jodi was the main focus of the book, with their growth and development both as individuals and as a couple. Their slow burn and eventual chemistry was great. That said, the pacing as a book was a little slow, and the danger/side plot they were meant to deal with didn't feel to me like a plot that could really hold up for an entire book. Which could be why it would disappear for large portions and then pop up to move things along a little before going away again. It felt like a slower read than most Lori Foster books, maybe because of this, and that, along with the weakness of the 'danger' plot, is why I'm giving it only 3.5 stars. For all characters and their full development though, Foster shines as always.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Dangerous One by Lori Foster
Osborn Brothers #1

A book I only put down due to electricity cut at midnight then picked up early the next morning after electricity returned. This was a great introduction to a new series or perhaps merely a duology since there seem to be only two Osborn brothers although there is another character introduced I would love to hear more about in the future.

What I Liked:
* Jodi Bentley: survivor, strong, capable, lethal, small but mighty, has a rather dark backstory, innocent while savvy, really liked her
* Hunter Osborn: ex Park Ranger, works with cars, dealing with aftermath of tough on-the-job experience, protective
* Turbo: canine extraordinaire, Hunter’s companion, sounds the alarm, sound judgement about humans
* Memphis Osborn: younger brother, tech savvy, wicked sense of humor, will make great hero for next book
* The tie-in to the MacKenzie family of a previous series
* The bad guy with a conscience that I would like to hear more about in the future
* The plot, pace, character development, writing, and the way it drew me in
* The communication and caring that was honest, open, and equal along with the respect Hunter and Jodi showed for one another

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how evil some people are and what they often get away with

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley, HQN, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

The Dangerous One is the first book of the new series, Osborn Brothers, by Ms. Foster. I am rating it 4.5 stars for the simple fact of it feeling a little too familiar in plot and execution.

Hunter Osborn wants to be left alone. He bought his private cabin, outside of Triple Creek, Colorado with that plan in mind. He doesn’t like to think about why he ran from his previous life, he just did. It’s been about 18 months and he is as lost as he was before. His rescue dog Turbo helps give him a focus again, and so does working on classic cars but that is all that he for distraction right now. That is until he gets a glimpse at the beauty wearing cut off shorts and work boots on a riding mower.

The main female character Jodi, we met in a previous series, McKenzies of Ridge Trail #2 Stronger Than You Know. She was held captive and met Kennedy and the other McKenzies who saved her from herself. She joined their business and family, and they’ve protected her ever since. She is now out on her own, just trying to start life as a normal girl, in a normal world. Unfortunately, trouble seems to find her wherever she goes. Right now the trouble in her face is Worth Linlow, sleezy businessman trying to scam her out of what’s owed her. Little does she know that Worth is the least of her problems in this sleepy mountain town.

Hunter and Jodi, find themselves more alike than either could ever anticipate. They both have secrets in their past, don’t trust easily and are skilled in survival. The storyline moves along at a swift pace with the types of secondary characters we’ve come to expect from the author. The love story builds up at a realistic albeit quick pace, with the final conflict over a little too quickly for my taste.

I loved the reality to which the author described Turbo, my mind’s eye could picture him and I laughed out loud quite a few times as I read the story. I also enjoyed meeting Memphis, Hunter’s younger brother, and can’t wait to see what is in store for him, and other secondary characters I have a feeling will be popping up in future novels. Catching up with the McKenzies was a nice treat too, it’s fun to go back and see what our favorite characters have up to.

Although it is part of a series, The Dangerous One can be read as a standalone. Very good start to a new series.

3.5* An enjoyable start to the Osborn Brothers series.
When Jodi first showed up on page it took a little bit for it to click that she was Kennedy's friend from The McKenzies of Ridge Trail series! I don't know if I just forgot she'd begetting her own book, but I'm glad she did!
Although I had read the McKenzies series and knew some of her background, I wish Ms. Foster had gone into it a little more in-depth here- I still feel like they're are things we're missing, when it comes to Jodi's past.
Hunter's the kind of hero I've come to expect from Ms. Foster- strong, dependable, caring, protective (at times overly so), and honorable. Hunter and Jodi are similar, in that they're both running/hiding/recovering from their pasts and aren't looking for any type of involvement. Hunter's determined makes it clear, at least to the reader, that he wants to be alone and isn't happy that Jodi's now basically living in his backyard. But, (and there's always a but!), that all quickly changes when they spend time together, and as they figure out Jodi might be in some trouble.

I always enjoy the mystery and suspense Ms. Foster adds in a lot of her books, but this one wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking. I would have liked if there had been more info on King- what he was involved in, and how/why things ended up at Jodi's. I feel like things with him weren't so clear.
I did love that the McKenzies played a small part in this book, it was fun to "see" them again.
And I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. There's a character we meet in this one, who isn't a brother, but I have to wonder if he'll one day get his own book- a bit of a redemption story.

The very first time Jodi was mentioned in one of Lori Foster's books, I fell in love. She was brave, real, and kind of a mess. Exactly my type of character. I even mentioned in the book's review ''Stronger than you know'' (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4222597732) that I wanted her story to be shared with us! Well, as always, Lori Foster gave us exactly what we needed.

This story is a jump a couple of months out, with some dive into the past. Lori gives us enough information to understand the differences in character, but also why Jodi ended up being this strong and brave woman.

Always up to a challenge, the author wrote a beautiful and vivid story. This was the best way to start a new series and discover a new family. I loved Hunter so much! A perfect combination of maculineness (is that a thing?) and sensitivity. The perfect match for one of my favorite characters.

I am excited to learn more about the other Osborn brother... I am all about this geek-hotness vibe. Let's all pray for a spicy happily ever after to come.

Special thank you to Lori Foster for, yet again, a book that I had to read in one seating.

Happy Reading xx

Hunter Osborn and Jodi Bentley are about to become neighbors, much to Hunter’s dismay. When Hunter rented his property, he made sure that he would have no neighbors. There was a small piece of land that did not look like it would ever be rented out, so he was quite happy with his choice of location. He soon learns that his new neighbor is a landscaper he just saw in town, Jodi Bentley. He saw her in an argument with someone that it takes strength to stand against. She definitely impressed him.

Meanwhile, Jodi has come from a tragic past and having just moved to a new town intends on starting over in her new job as a landscaper. With Jodi does not realize that someone has an eye on her cabin. She is about to face danger on more than one level, and a good thing for her is that she is not going to be alone in her new battles. Hunter plans on being there every step of the way. As independent and strong as Jodi is, she also gets help from a family that she has become a very important part of, the Mackenzie family.

This touching story has a very warm and intense romance that brews between Jodi and Hunter. Intrigue is also happening concerning the location where Jodi chooses to live. There is also the uncertain pasts that both Jodi and Hunter are working on overcoming. They are truly kindred spirits, and I love how their romance blossomed. In fact, this was one of the warmest and sweetest romances I have read in a very long time.

The Dangerous One is the first book in a new series that is a spin off of the Mackenzies of Ridge Trail trilogy. This compelling book does a fabulous job at beginning this new series, and at the end of the year at the next book will be out, The Fearless One, / where readers will get Memphis Osborn’s story. Memphis is Hunter’s brother, and the second book in the series should just be as intriguing and delightful as this one was.

Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/SudNFn86qZc

Yes! A new series that is a spin off of another with characters showing up throughout. Jodi turns up in this little town in Colorado and moves into a run-down shack in the middle of nowhere, living alone and running her own landscaping business. When she catches the eye of Hunter when she doesn't let the bully in town weasel out of paying her what he agreed to all bets are off, especially when he finds out she moved in next door. There goes his isolation. Hunter has been on a self-imposed isolation since something happened while he was working as a game warden and he has been living alone with his dog and now with Jodi living next door it looks like all sorts of changes are happening. Both of them are wary of getting too close to each other and when Hunter notices Jodi carries a firearm everywhere questions really start. Too soon, though, she has the attention of someone else in town who didn't want her to move into the run-down house and when he tries to scare her off, her "family" have her back. This was a great story and fun to watch Hunter and Jodi bring each other back to life and watching Jodi blossom was special. I cannot wait to see where this series head in the future.

You'll love this book from the first page when Hunter and Jodi meet. Both have strong personalities with a past they are trying to overcome. Hunter is dealing the a tragic incident in his prior job and has isolated himself from family and others. Jodi has overcome a past but has difficulty dealing with the protectiveness and the support from the Mackenzies as she wants to stand on her own. Both are very closed-off and do not want to depend or get involved with anyone. Close proximity as neighbors along with dealing with a threat to Jodi's safety, throw them together enough for them to realize they are stronger together.

A great start to the new series that has character cameos from The Mackenzie series and can't wait for next installment.

This is my honest review of the ARC received

This is a spin off from McKenzies of Ridge Trail series and I was absolutely thrilled with the connection.

There’s nothing better than a Lori Foster romantic suspense book. She is a leading voice in this genre and reading her books is like reconnecting with characters we have missed.

This is book one in the Osborn Brothers series…Hunter & Jodi’s book. I’m so looking forward to more in this series. I love a strong female heroine and a hero to match her!

First in a new series for Ms Foster. A well written story with great characters. Hunter uncovers a crime scene and is haunted by his discovery. He decides to relocate to an isolated area and keep people at a distance. Jodi, a person struggling with her own past, moves in next door and he knows he’s in trouble. When her life is threatened he has to try and help. This is a story of love and conquering your past.

Lori Foster has done it again! Foster weaves a tale of romance, mystery, and family in The Dangerous One. I love her main brooding, protective lead character that pulls out all the stops to protect his new neighbor.

If you are looking for an entertaining, romantic suspense novel, you can almost always count on Laurie Foster. It once again have a fantastic, romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end of the book. This book is set in the same world as McKenzies of Ridge trail. This is the start of a whole new series though.

Hunter is a former park ranger who is now living on his own in a cabin because of some thing that happened on his job. Jodi moves in to the event and cabin next-door to Hunter. These are both characters have to deal with things that have happened in their past before they can move on. at the same time Jodi still with the fact that someone is now after her because of what was stored at her cabin before she moved there

The romance between Jodi and Hunter is very believable, and they are both characters that you can route for. As always the suspense/mystery, adds to the story in a way that doesn’t take away from the romance, but yet keeps the book flowing at an excellent pace . I’m a really looking forward to the next book in the series.

A great Romantic Suspense I thoroughly enjoyed.
Both the mains, Hunter and Jodi, are suffering from the results of their pasts. There's sparks between them, and a kinship or recognition of each being a survivor. She's got sass a mile long along with hidden talents. Hunter also knows who she's dealing with right now and keeps a watch over her whether she likes it or not. What he doesn’t know is, who else is watching her.
A fantastic spin-off series with a lot of feels, danger, action, and heat!
I received an early reader's copy and am giving my own honest opinions on the story.

A great start to a new series by Lori Foster. It was good to see Parrish and the rest of the family interwoven into the story. Their support and acceptance of Jodi and Hunter made for a fun and suspenseful story.

Once the action started it was nonstop, keeping the reader guessing. You find yourself caught up in the story and cheering that Hunter and Jodi can overcome their past traumas to make a life together.

The addition of Remmy, who worked both sides kept the reader's interest. I can't wait for the next story and hopefully won't have to wait too long to read Memphis' story.

Although a free ARC eBook was provided to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love all of Lori’s books! This one, however, started a little slow for me. Then, I realized that it was more about Jodi and Hunter finding a way out of their self-imposed exile.
Their journey was to face their fears and learn to trust someone else enough to reveal your tragic past. To see how that past shaped you into the person you are today.
To learn that you can love despite what the world throws at you and that you don’t have to deal with it all alone. Redemption is a wonderful thing.
This book was well writing and the characters are deep and well developed.
Of course, you can’t help but love Turbo and I’m looking forward to seeing when Memphis gets his own story.
There is wonderful heat between Jodi and Hunter and a happily ever after.
I still want the McKenzie family to adopt me. Great read and I highly recommend it.
I was given an advanced readers copy, and this is my honest and unsolicited review.

THE DANGEROUS ONE – Lori Foster
The Osborn Brothers, Book 1
HQN
ISBN: 978-1-335-50637-5
February 21, 2023
Romantic Suspense

Triple Creek, Colorado – Present Day

After a traumatic experience that had him accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Hunter Osborn has built a fortress out in the woods and prefers to be alone except for his beloved dog. But one day, someone moves into the tiny rundown house not far from his. He goes to investigate and encounters Jodi Bentley, a woman who makes it clear that she is tough and doesn’t want to be bothered by people like Hunter. But he wants to be neighborly, plus he has to admit that he’s intrigued, and makes it a point to introduce himself. Turns out Jodi is new to town and owns a landscaping business. Jodi is cautious about what she tells Hunter, and he can’t help but notice her security needs upgrading. Jodi informs him that her security will be taken care of and that he doesn’t need to worry. But when strangers show up at her house while she’s not there and it appears they want something from inside her house, it is only fitting that Hunter helps her to find out why. After, what are neighbors for…

Hunter and Jodi both have reasons to be careful of people and the surroundings around them. Hunter used to be a park ranger but after an incident that left him falsely accused of murder and only freed after the witness finally woke up from her coma to tell authorities the truth, he was ready to leave the job. He has holed himself up on several acres outside Triple Creek, a small town seemingly insulated from crime. However, as Hunter and Jodi soon discover in THE DANGEROUS ONE, looks can be deceiving. Jodi doesn’t take flak from anyone, but after a man gives her trouble, she responds by dressing him down with her words—and the gun she always carries. She soon attracts the attention of a local by the name of Russell King. He uses another man, Remmy, to try and get her hired to take care of King’s massive estate. However, Hunter feels uneasy about the offer. Can he convince Jodi to tell the man, no?

Jodi is as tough as they come after rough teenage years spent being held by a sex trafficker against her will. She has seen just about everything , but at the same time, she has fought against the hell she experienced and started a new life. Living in Triple Creek was supposed to take her away from the danger, but maybe she has now walked right into another one. Especially since Russell King seems determined to have her work for him. Turns out, he wants what is in Jodi’s little cabin. He will have to go through her to get what he wants. Readers should be betting on Jodi and Hunter to win the battle.

Meanwhile, Jodi and Hunter work on getting to know each other. It’s going to be a bit of a slow process because they both have issues trusting people they barely know. But being neighborly and all, they soon are enjoying meals—and plenty of time—together. In THE DANGEROUS ONE, Hunter and Jodi will slowly begin to appreciate and trust each other. And when Russell King starts to make his move on Jodi, she knows that Hunter will be right beside her. There’s plenty of action and danger that comes for them, but they will meet it head-on.

An action-packed and suspenseful tale, readers will be wondering what Russell King is after in THE DANGEROUS ONE. But Jodi and Hunter plan to stop him before he gets what he wants—or before he kills another person. Don’t miss the scintillating drama—and even fun—in THE DANGEROUS ONE.

Patti Fischer

I really enjoyed this book. I love Parrish and his family and am glad to see them in this series. I, am looking forward to the next story. I hope Remit gets his own book.

I highly recommended this book and all of Lori Foster's book. She never disappoints.

Thank you Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.