Love Me Dangerous

By: Dakota Davies

Narrated by: Robert Hatchet, Laura Horowitz

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a brand new small town suspense romance perfect for fans of western thriller dramas and big-city heat.

I came to Finn River to get away from trouble. But it found me–in the form of a forbidden kiss.

After a narrow escape from Alaska and months on the run, I take a security gig that doesn’t ask any questions about my past. But it didn’t take long before trouble came knocking—first, a dangerous rescue, second, sharing my secrets with the one girl I shouldn't trust.

I need to stay away from Sofie Whittaker. Not only are we from different worlds, with two very different futures, being with her puts us both at risk. But her bright blue eyes and rare smile haunt my days, her sassy mouth and tight curves consume my nights. The more I try to push her away, the more entwined our lives become, until the morning I find her in my bed, begging me to make her mine.

But it all comes crashing down the night my past catches up to me. No way am I letting Sofie go—but in fighting for her, will I break us for good?

Author's note: soulmates brought together by fate, a mountain town fighting change, and an addicting, unsolved mystery.

Love Me Dangerous is Zach and Sofie's story and book 1 in a new series of stand-alone romances featuring a different hero and heroine fighting for their HEA. Be there when these irresistible stories begin! Start listening to this epic love story today!

©2024 Dakota Davies (P)2024 Dakota Davies

Small Town Slow Burn

Audiobook Review

🧡 Small town
💛 On the run
🧡 Slow burn
💛 Found family
🧡 Suspense
💛 Independent FMC
🧡 Swoony MMC

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If small town, slow burn romance is your jam, then this book is for you! From the beginning, Dakota Davies pulls you in with an intriguing situation that only increases in its interest. I found myself taking my time listening to this book, soaking up every aspect. The cold mountain air, the sound of saddles creaking, and feeling the pull between the MCs. Combine that with the extreme talent of Rob Hatchet and Laura Horowitz, and this book will transport you to a place you won’t want to leave. As long as you’re able to handle that something fishy is happening in Finn River…

This book is a romance wrapped up in mystery. Zach is one of the most selfless MCs I’ve ever read. It’s intriguing what is going on in his life. It’s not something that is typical in romance books, usually it’s the other way around. ‘Damsel in distress’ and all that. But I like that part of this story. Sophie is fiercely independent, which I greatly appreciate. The dynamic and tension between these two was enjoyable. The thoughtfulness that each MC has towards each other and to those around them was sweet.

Whenever I read about a small town like Finn River, with people who help each other out of the kindness of their hearts, it makes me yearn for something like that. A time, or place, that actually exists where people have each other’s backs. Quite wholesome and I was here for it! The side characters are ones that I would like to know. Add in the sneaky deception that is happening, and you have a recipe for a solid romantic suspense novel.

I’ve known of Laura Horowitz for a while now, but this is my first time listening to her narrate. She shifts seamlessly between the characters, matching their vibes with ease. Horowitz added that “something extra” to her narration that elevated the performance. Plus she has a kickass male voice 😅. I thoroughly enjoyed her narration and will definitely be looking for more of her work to listen to!

Rob Hatchet is one of my favorite narrators of all time. Every word he voices is done so to perfection. His skill at enhancing the characters is incredible and one of the things that has me gravitating towards audiobooks he narrates. Hatchet is so soothing that hours pass and I don’t even realize it. I absolutely love listening to him which is why I tend to seek out his work.

I want to thank Dakota Davies and HomeCookedBooks for allowing me to review this ALC. It was one that I was at ease listening to, except for when it got to the more suspenseful parts, and then I was like “what!?” 😆 I like that when things “went down” it didn’t just conveniently happen and was over quickly. You could tell that Davies planned everything out and executed it with care. I hope that everyone gives this book a read/listen, it’s definitely worth it! 🧡


🏔️“It’s my job to take care of you Sophie.”
🏔️“Keep my heart safe.
🏔️“You’re the only dessert I want.”

I love a new series!!!

Love Me Dangerous is book #1 in the Love Me Dangerous series. This story picks up with the end of the Wild Hearts series (also phenomenal and a must read/listen) with Zach being on the run. He ends up in Finn River, Idaho and maybe sees a chance at a future there. Sofia is saved by Zach twice and shocked to see him living and working in her hometown. When his past raises its ugly head, Zach must begin to trust and fight instead of running. I am a big fan of Dakota Davies. She writes incredible romantic suspense that leaves you begging for more. The characters, the story, the description of the beautiful surroundings...amazing! This is definitely a binge-worthy listen. Don't miss the start of this new series!!

The narration is fabulous. Robert Hatchet and Laura Horowitz are phenomenal narrators that bring Zach and Sofia to life from the written page. All the emotion, all the passion, all the time with these two. 5/5 brilliant stars!

Sophie and Zach

My gosh, this is a wonderful book. I had the privilege of listening to this book and the narrators were fantastic. I felt as if I was in the midst of all the chaos. I did not want this book to end. It is full of suspense, emotional depth, angst and love. Sophie and Zach are two broken people just trying to live in a world that is full of turmoil. I love how they connect and the bond they build. Their journey has many bumps in the road but they come out on the other side stronger. I honestly really enjoyed this book and all the wonderful characters and highly recommend it.

I was sent a free audiobook from HCB and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Zach and Sofie

Zach and Sofie.

Narrators did a good job. I enjoyed listening to this story.
Zach is running away from his life in Alaska to keep him and his brother safe. Taking odd jobs to get money before he moves on. At one he finds himself coming to Sofie's defense. Then while hiding in a trailer a car goes crashing into a bank of water that has him rescuing the people in the car and Sofie happens to be one of them. Then he gets a job in the next state he stops at and runs into her. Seems fate keeps putting them together. Not only did I get to listen to the relationship unfold, but I also learned what happened in Alaska that had him running and what he got himself in the middle of something big and in the hairs of someone who knows the person who he hiding from in Alaska. I thought this was a suspenseful love story.

Finn River Small Town Brilliance!!

Exciting and tense story of Zack who must run from Alaska to escape his dangerous stepfather and protect his younger brother. After saving a few lives, he settles into Finn River. Having good folk open their homes and their hearts is new to him.

Hard working, on a special mission, he and local Sophie spark an attraction. But danger finds its way into this temporary refuge. A winter storm arrives just as events reach a climax. All the best aspects of romance, suspense and folks you’d like to be your neighbors.

I listened to the audio. The dual narration was exceptional!

Mystery filled and romantic

The title and synopsis of this book caught my attention and I was excited to start listening to a small town romantic suspense book. “Love Me Dangerous” is a mystery filled and romantic story that was a good start to a new series.

Ever since leaving Alaska, Zach has been living on the road and under the radar. He works odd jobs that pay cash so there’s no trail leading to him. But one day when he hitches a ride in a horse trailer and witnesses an accident, he immediately jumps into action. One of the people he saves is Sophie. Sophie has lived in Finn River her whole life and has been happy. But she’s captivated by the man who saved her and even though he shouldn’t, he starts to trust her. But as Zach spends more time in Finn River, something strange is happening that he can’t ignore.

Since this is the first book in the series, there’s a lot for the author to cover to set everything up. It started off a bit slow for me but once we got to Zach deciding to stay in Finn River, it really opened up and pulled me in and I needed to find out more about Zach and what he was running from. His past was twisted and he was doing what he needed to do to keep his brother safe. Sophie was the breath of fresh air he needed, especially when he thought he was destined to be alone for the foreseeable future. Sophie is caring, kind and wants the best for her family. I loved her need to be close to them and help them in any way she could. Zach and Sophie had a slow buildup to their relationship but once they were clear on their feelings, they were all in. The added suspense of someone coming after Zach had me listening to figure out what was happening in their small town. The ending was sweet, romantic and wrapped up their story perfectly.

Robert Hatchet and Laura Horowitz narrated as Zach and Sophie and I loved listening to them. Robert was great as Zach and he brought his protective side alive perfectly. I loved Laura as Sophie, her narration was vulnerable and caring like her.

Exciting start to a new series, loved it

What an exciting audiobook, start to finish, and a great start to a series I want to keep listening to. Narrators Laura Horowitz and Robert Hatchet are outstanding. You are drawn to Zach from the first word narrator Robert Hatchet utters. You hear a good man, who wants to avoid drawing attention to himself but is compelled to do the right thing and help the woman he suspects in in danger. There are hints about Alaska, a father who died, being on the run from a stepdad and not safe. Just enough info to ramp your interest up and keep you hooked. What happened? Zach cannot possibly be the bad guy. But people “back home” – wherever that is – are depending on him. He needs to keep running, but he also needs to listen to his moral compass and help where needed. A heroic lake rescue keeps him in Finn River. Good decision or bad decision? Guess we have to keep listening to find out.

Narrator Laura Horowitz’s Sophie has secrets, a past she’s trying to escape from and inner conflicts of her own, and the emotion narrator Horowitz puts into Sophie’s words and thoughts make them real. What has happened to Sophie in the past? She, too, has family depending on her. A life in Finn River with friend, but perhaps not all those friends are safe.

We are immediately drawn to these two characters who are immediately drawn to each other. Neither wants to be involved, Zach especially doesn’t want to share too much of himself, but it’s inevitable – and very, very sweet.

The story moves along at a measured pace, revealing some things and making some other things even more intriguing. Suspense ramps up. Sophie and Zach are surrounded by some really good people, but also some that are truly dangerous. They could have a good life together, with the hope of safely and securely reuniting with their families – if only the fates or that evil out there or whatever is going on will allow it. The more the storyline progresses the more we hope everything will be alright.

In addition to the riveting story, author Dakota Davies provides the most detailed, beautiful descriptions of Finn River, nature, animals and on-going conservation and preservation efforts. Fascinating, stunning and completely immersive. Totally satisfying listening experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed Love Me Dangerous and can’t wait to continue the series. I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review and was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own.

Engaging Romantic Story

I was entertained by this fast-paced. romantic suspense story. I thought the story jumped around a little as the author parceled out the things that happened in Zach's past a little dab at a time, plus she weaved in the details of Zach's and Sophie's present-day lives at the same time. Once I understood the flow of the plot, it was much easier to follow what was happening. I enjoyed Zach's and Sophie's fall into love. There were some steamy scenes. I thought Robert Hatchet's and Laura Horowitz's dual narrations added to the story's entertainment; their performances helped to give the characters' their own voices which reflected who the character was. I was given an advanced listening copy of the audiobook by Home Cooked Books. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.

Very good!

I read the reviews on this one before starting so I was prepared to be confused but I got a shock and surprise when I absolutely loved this one! It is twisty and has a load of suspense with dangerous times mixed in. I felt the story flowed well (no I have not read any books by this author) and the story is nicely done. It is easy to follow along and it kept me listening. The characters are well done and engaging to the reader/listener.

I listened to this on audio. Laura Horowitz and Robert Hatchett did a super job on the narration. They each did a wonderful job on all the characters they portrayed by speaking clearly and with emotion as needed. I look forward to more!

Intriguing story, swoony hero, sweet heroine...

Love Me Dangerous is Book 1 in Dakota Davies' newest small town romantic suspense series.

Zach Hayes is on the run from his past, taking evasive actions to protect himself, and more importantly, to protect a loved one in hiding. Far from home, he manages to fly under the radar, picking up event security jobs.

Enter Sofie Whittaker, a young woman who has taken on the role of caretaker for her own family members undergoing difficult circumstances.

At an outdoor event, Zach steps in as Sofie's protector, and then again as Sofie is imperiled in a near tragic accident. Zach himself is then given shelter and work by a local good Samaritan.

Thus begins the slow burn as their paths continue to cross. Zach confides in a kind and compassionate Sofie, but resists his attraction to her for fear of embroiling her in his drama. However, their friendship soon gives way to something more. They cannot deny their chemistry, even as they encounter mystery, danger, and nefarious bad actors involved in illegal activities. Soon, Zach's past rears its ugly head, endangering both of them.

This was my first Dakota Davies book. Because the book itself has not yet been released, and I had not read her prior Wild Hearts series (where Zach is first introduced and some hints of his past made known), I found it challenging to become fully invested in this story while keeping the *extensive* cast of characters, timelines, and plot twists straight. Much time is spent world building and on characters living everyday life.

The performances of both narrators were excellent. I love both Laura Horowitz and Robert Hatchet, they helped keep me engaged in the story. As mentioned above, the cast of characters is large, and both narrators gave their all in bringing life to Zach, Sofie, the residents of Finn River, and the antagonists.

If you enjoy lush, detailed description of people, places, and things; a slow burn; small town dynamics; mystery and suspense; action; and a swoony read with moderate steam, you will enjoy Davies new series.

For best enjoyment, I recommend an immersive listening/reading experience with both audiobook and book in hand.