My goal for the next few years is to tackle my TBR. It’s gotten out of hand in the last several years, and it’s time for me to tackle it somehow, finally. Dare to Run by Jen McLaughlin is one of those books I meant to read back in 2016. The cover alone intrigued me to pick up this book, but then I read the synopsis and knew I had to make time for it finally.

Storyline/My Thoughts: Dare to Run is not an MC Romance. It’s a Bad Boy/Organized Crime Romance. It introduces Lucas Donahue and Heidi Greene. Lucas Donahue just got out of prison, and he wants to live a normal life. Unfortunately, he will never have a normal life due to being a part of the Sons of Steel Row. He can never leave the life, and now he has someone out there that wants him dead. He also has a cute bartender, Heidi Greene, who he saves one night from another gang. Now, he’s in a fake relationship with her to protect her. He’s going to realize he’s met his match when it comes to Heidi Greene.

Heidi has had a rough life, but now she’s making something of herself. She loves her life as a bartender. She went through a lot as a kid in foster care and then being homeless. All it took was someone taking her in and taking care of her. She never expects she would be almost assaulted one night for sticking up for herself in her bar. Now, she’s forced to be with Lucas, who is hot and cold with his feelings towards saving her.

My thoughts on the first book in the Sons of Steel Row are that I enjoyed the storyline. It had great pacing to it, and it kept me turning the pages. I also enjoyed the constant banter with Lucas and Heidi. They were supposed to be in a fake relationship, but the angst between these two was inevitable. The romance between these two when they do get together is very steamy.

I also enjoyed how both characters had similarities to each other. Heidi grew up in challenging situations and survived everything thrown at her. She was a fighter and survivor. I also loved how Lucas had his own life outside of the gang that he enjoyed doing, such as working on cars.
Some things did drive me crazy. Heidi always managed to put herself in danger. Unfortunately, she didn’t listen and ended up putting herself or him in harm’s way. There was also the issue of Lucas staying in this gang that supposedly looked out for each other. It didn’t feel like it, especially after he finds out who wants him dead.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It receives 3.5 stars from me. The ending is what left me wanting to read the next book. If Jen McLaughlin can write a twist like that one that shocked me, then I can definitely pick up the next book(s). Holy moly! I was not expecting that ending.

Trigger Warning(s): Violence and almost sexual assault attack on the female protagonist; gun violence; criminal gang activity (gun smuggling); and murder/death

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Sons of Steel Row series, but each can be read as a standalone.

HEA: Yes

Steaminess: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

Trope/Elements: Fake/Pretend Relationship; Bad Boy Romance; Organized Crime

Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy Contemporary Romance with Bad Boy and Organized Crime elements in it, you’ll enjoy this book/series.

I'm going to start by stating: what a perfect title for Lucas' book. He's our hero, a member of a gang (Sons of Steel Row) who fights for what he wants. We get his backstory from the start, which I truly appreciate. We understand other's roles in his life and the importance he places on these relationships. Then we meet Heidi, our heroine. She's tough, independent, a fighter, and she's more than just talk. We also get Heidi's background story upon meeting her. This helped me to connect with the leading characters and understand their perspective. This is a lifestyle I've never read about. Gang life. It was intriguing, but I had to remind myself several times I wasn't reading about a motorcycle club (even though their are no motorcycles). There's guns and liquor and men fighting over positions. Jen gives us an experience of high tension, of the sexual and mysterious natures. There's shock and awe, and also joy and tears. I have hopes of who the next installment will be about...and I can't wait to find out! I would've read Dare to Run in one sitting, but work. I dare you to read this book in one sitting. You can.

I thought that the premise of the first book in a brand new series by Jen McLaughlin was intriguing - how a dangerous, not-so-reformed ex-con was given a chance at fall in love. And while the first 30% was terrific it fell flat for me the rest of the way. The "should I stay or should I go" became a bit repetitive. And I struggled finding a connection between the couple.

I did, however, love the twists at the end. Jen McLaughlin set the stage beautifully for the next book and despite my disappointment with this book I can not wait to dive in and learn more about Chris and eventually Scott.