When author Naomi McKay reached out to me about reading an advance copy of her latest book, Riding Danger, I really wanted to say no thank you—only because I’ve been trying (really hard!) not to accept ARCs I can’t keep up with. But then I read the synopsis… and I couldn’t pass it up.
I’ve been deep into serial killer romances going on two years now, and this one checked all the boxes. It’s the perfect blend of pulse-pounding thriller and emotional romance, and Riding Danger absolutely delivered.
Rockstar Ryder Hawkins falls in love with small-town girl Shiloh. They lose touch when he leaves for a tour, both convinced the other ghosted, only to discover ten years later that he has a son he never knew about.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this story.
First off, I loved that Shiloh is a cop. It’s such a refreshing shift from the usual marketing or teaching roles female leads often get slotted into. Her job added depth and made the thriller aspects of the plot feel even more grounded.
The secret baby trope? Surprisingly well done. I know it’s not always a fan favorite (and honestly, I usually find it a little unrealistic or selfish), but in this case, it worked. The characters were clearly deceived by external circumstances and people around them, and it felt authentic rather than forced.
And let’s talk about the serial killer thread. I was so well woven into the plot. It elevated the stakes without overshadowing the romance, creating a really compelling balance between suspense and emotion.
That said, there were a couple of things I wanted more of. Shiloh’s backstory as a cult survivor was fascinating—honestly, it could’ve been a book all on its own. I definitely found myself wishing we had more time to explore that.
Also, Ryder and Shiloh fall into a kind and respectful co-parenting routine pretty quickly. While I appreciated the lack of drawn-out drama, I did wonder if a more realistic approach might’ve included a bit more tension or hesitation around trust, especially after ten years apart. However, I understand why the story didn’t linger there for too long; it made room to focus on the escalating murder plot instead.
The ending tied things up enough to be satisfying while still delivering a solid cliffhanger, and now I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Thanks so much to Naomi McKay for sending me a digital copy of this book to read and review. As always, receiving an ARC does not affect my opinions.
Be sure to add Riding Danger to your Goodreads shelf!
HEY, I’M CYNTHIA…
Welcome to my personal book haven! I’m all about diving into stories and chatting with fellow bookworms.
I read pretty much anything and everything in the fiction world, except for horror (it’s just a little too spooky for me!). But give me a twisted psychological thriller, and I’m in.
I also love reading ARCs (advance reader copies), so you’ll often find my reviews up before or right on the book's publication day.
Happy reading, and let’s get lost in stories together!
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