THE DANGEROUS ONE (Osborn Brothers 1) by Lori Foster-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 21, 2023

Being alone is what he wanted… All he needed was her.
Hunter Osborn left his family, his friends and his job as a park ranger after uncovering a disturbing crime scene. Haunted by nightmares and harrowing memories, Hunter relocated to an isolated property near Triple Creek, Colorado, where he lives alone and keeps his interactions with people to a minimum.

Still, Hunter can spot trouble from a mile away, and when he encounters Jodi Bentley, he knows she’s trouble of the most tempting kind—even more tempting when she moves into the run-down cabin next door. Jodi is tough as nails, sexy as hell—and clearly struggles with her own traumatic past. Hunter tries to keep his distance, but when Jodi’s life is threatened, he can’t help being drawn out of his own darkness and into hers.

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REVIEW:THE DANGEROUS ONE is the first instalment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult OSBORN BROTHERS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s MACKENZIES OF RIDGE TRAIL series. This is former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn, and landscaper Jodi Bentley’s story line. Jodi Bentley was first introduced in the aforementioned series.

Told from third person perspective THE DANGEROUS ONE follows the building relationship between is former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn, and landscaper Jodi Bentley. Jodi Bentley has purchased the property and rundown house next door to former US Park Ranger Hunter Osborn. Hunter needs his privacy; the quiet of living in the country, as he continues to struggle with a devastating search and rescue, months before. Jodi Bentley’s move to Ridge Trail is predicated on her ability to protect and defend. Jodi knows that her own protection is a matter of security and the well place surveillance of family and friends but Jodi never expected to be targeted for taking possession of an abandoned cabin. With the help of Hunter Osborn, Jodi reluctantly accepts the direction of her new life going forward until a message warns Jodi that all is not well, and her life may be forfeit with a secret discovery. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jodi and Hunters, and the potential fall-out as Jodi finds herself hunted by a powerful man.

Jodi Bentley is a strong-willed, aggressive and determined heroine whose past life is dark, and has created the woman with whom Hunter will fall in love. Jodi had hoped for the peace and quiet of country living but from the outset Jodi discovers her ‘abrasive’ attitude has made a few enemies throughout the town. Hunter Osborn lives in seclusion, struggling in the wake of a heart breaking event. Meeting Jodi Bentley gives Hunter purpose, purpose that will pull together family and friends in an effort to save our heroine’s life.

The relationship between Hunter and Jodi begins as neighbors but Jodi’s first encounters with the locals finds our heroine battling with the misogynistic attitudes of the people in charge. Hunter is disheartened to discover someone has bought the place next door but is pulled into the aura that is Jodi Bentley. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous and colorful. We are introduced to Hunter’s brother Memphis; businessmen Worth Linlow, and Russ King, Danny Giggs, and Remmy Gardner, as well as the cameo (via phone) of Reyes McKenzie and Kennedy Brooks (Stronger Than you Know), and Reyes’ father Parrish McKenzie. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE DANGEROUS ONE is a story of secrets and lies, power, control and manipulation, security, protection, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and enthralling; the characters are energetic and determined; the romance is seductive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy