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A review by roksyreads
Searching for Risk by Tonya Burrows
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After a traumatic brain injury ended his military career, Donovan Scott returned to his home town where many but his closest friends still believe he’s involved in the unsolved disappearance of Darcy, his highschool girlfriend. His only solace is Spirit, his K9 partner at Redwood Coast Rescue, but Donovan’s always been a risk-taker at heart; when the rescue’s charity ball gives him a chance to sweep RWCR vet Sasha off her feet, he takes it. Sasha attended the ball planning to seduce the county sheriff, the best fit for her perfectly planned life, yet Donovan surprises her with his passion and his heart of gold. However, Donovan’s murky past is catching up to him. A serial arsonist is targeting the few people he loves and trusts, and a true crime podcast stirring new suspicions about his role in Darcy’s disappearance. Even at the risk of losing Sasha, Donovan must reveal his darkest secret to save her.
The second novel in the Redwood Coast Rescue series focuses on MMC Donovan and FMC Sasha. I connected with both characters and their experiences on an individual level and was thrilled to learn more about their pasts and them as people. Their developing relationship is framed as central to the plot and progression of the story, however was realistically secondary to the mystery plot, which was the most engaging aspect. I enjoyed following the investigation and felt a great deal of satisfaction upon the resolution, but the “podcast” element was a miss for me. Admittedly, I don’t listen to any true crime podcasts so maybe I simply don’t understand the genre, but Alexis and her podcast were oft-contradictory. She/her podcast seemed to exist only to force a third-act break-up moment between Donovan and Sasha that felt unrealistic and lessened the sincerity of their HEA.
The second novel in the Redwood Coast Rescue series focuses on MMC Donovan and FMC Sasha. I connected with both characters and their experiences on an individual level and was thrilled to learn more about their pasts and them as people. Their developing relationship is framed as central to the plot and progression of the story, however was realistically secondary to the mystery plot, which was the most engaging aspect. I enjoyed following the investigation and felt a great deal of satisfaction upon the resolution, but the “podcast” element was a miss for me. Admittedly, I don’t listen to any true crime podcasts so maybe I simply don’t understand the genre, but Alexis and her podcast were oft-contradictory. She/her podcast seemed to exist only to force a third-act break-up moment between Donovan and Sasha that felt unrealistic and lessened the sincerity of their HEA.