An all new suspense romance from USA Today bestselling author Dakota Davies featuring a woman in hiding and the small town cop who breaks all the rules to protect her.
It’s been a year since a serial killer put my small town on the map. A year of chasing my tail in an investigation of dead ends and false leads while the families wait for justice. When the killer strikes again, I’m drawn into a desperate race against time to stop him once and for all.
It's hard enough balancing being a single dad with running a high-stakes murder case without adding the distraction that is Vivian Reece. I only meant to help her get to safety during a freak blizzard, but the temptation to find out more about her won’t let me rest. Maybe it’s her lightning-bolt smile and how beautifully she cares for her son, or maybe it’s her quiet strength. Or maybe I’m just drawn to problems I can’t fix. Because it quickly becomes clear that Vivian is keeping secrets, the kind I've sworn to avoid.
But secrets have a way of breaking to the surface, and just as my investigation takes a shocking turn, bringing me closer to the truth, Vivian’s past returns, threatening not just her safety, but the fragile trust we’re building.
Protecting her will mean breaking all the rules. Will we survive unscathed?
Love Me Fierce is a standalone small town romantic suspense novel and book 4 in the unforgettable Love Me Dangerous series.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, her books reflect her love for mountains and wild places.
After a career in teaching and outdoor education, she reconnected with her passion for storytelling, and is now the author of several beloved romance series.
When not writing, she’s either speed-reading small town suspense romance stories, adventuring in the mountains, or enjoying time with her family. Dakota loves hearing from readers!
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4⭐️ | 2🌶 This turned out so good. I was emotional throughout the last 12 minutes. I had a hard time figuring out a rating before setting on this one. Matty and Logan were my favourites. Their bond is so sweet and what Logan did for Mateo at the end had me sobbing! Excited for book 5. Thank you to Grey's Promotions for this arc.
I have had the bestromantic suspense experience with Dakota Davies and this series. It’s the only experience I have with her as an author, but I know that no matter what I read by her in the future, it’s gonna be my thing. I just love how she manages to snare my attention every single time. Like I know, when I begin one of her books, it’s gonna be a one-time listen/read, so I don’t start till I’m ready! LOL Obviously, when it comes to audiobooks, it’s really hard for a literal one-sit but it is definitely a start one day and immediately begin anew the next! And she has done this for me on every one of these stories and I love it!
Before I go into all the good stuff on this story and narration, I’d like everyone to take a moment and really look at this cover. THIS is how you #coverwin! That couple, in that pose, they scream “love” and “fierce” to me, and there’s nothing this reading/listening junkie loves more than a cover that doesn’t just speak to the genre, but it also matches the story inside! #WINNING *heart eyes*
THIS.STORY! It grabbed me by the throat from the moment it began and didn’t really let go until the very end. The story was in constant motion, and I think that’s partly to do with the murder mystery aspect but also, I think it had a lot to do with who our MCs were. She being a woman “on the run” (for lack of a better term) and he being a cop trying to catch a murderer. Their relationship journey sparked just as much as the suspense did in the story and truth be told, I was anxious for most of it! Not because I was apprehensive about them, but those murders sure made me twitchy! And that’s what you want out of a romantic suspense! You want to be twitchy and apprehensive and really not knowing what’s what and be kept “guessing”, so well done! I mean this story was all up in the suspense. It made the time I listened to it pass like nothing!
🎧Now, about this performance by 🎙️Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith🎙️ … I could listen to Jill Smith narrate all day every day and be the happiest audio junkie that lived! She has a great voice for narration and she does really well with other voices! LOVE HER! Gregory Salinas is also a very good narrator and I love that his voice is “deep but not gritty” because it matched really well for Everett!
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS AUDIO EXPERIENCE! Thank you, Home Cooked Books, for not just providing this ALC but also introducing me to Dakota Davies!!
Love Me Fierce is an intriguing, enjoyable read that raises the stakes of a love story with well paced suspense that will keep you on your toes.
Vivian is on the run from a life that put her and her son at risk thanks to her crooked cop ex husband, she longs to start fresh with her boy. And in doing so crosses paths with Everett. Where Vivian is running, Everett is chasing— looking to hunt down a leads related to an investigation starring a serial killer. But once he meets Vivian, it won’t just a killer he’ll be chasing— suddenly his own heart is on the run.
While the romance sets a much faster pace than I tend to prefer, I ultimately believed in the love and trust between our leads Vivian and Everett. It was touching to see Vivian open her heart and learn to trust again, not only for herself but for her son. It was heartwarming to witness Everett and his son fully embrace Vivian and her son, and vice versa. The found family that forms between the leads and their sons is so lovely. I do very much wish there had been more bonding between opposite parent and son, but I still found much to smile about watching the family form!
This book brought the action and thrills, and the a heartwarming, sweet love story.
Thank you Valentine PR for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honesty review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️/5 📚 4th book in an interconnected series. Because the sub plot starts in book #3, I recommend at least reading book #3 before starting this one. The others are not necessary to read in order and can be read as standalones.
I didn't think that I could like a guy more than I liked Hutch from "Love Me Fearless", but that was until I met Everett and got to know his and Vivians story. Everett is the strong silent type, a little grumpy too but thats to be expected since life as a single Dad hasnt been all sunshine and rainbows for him. He's got a strong village but the weight of parenthood and worrying about how Logan is coping has him in a constant funk. Add on top of that a few open murder cases and he's a delight to deal with.
Vivian is a strong independent woman who packed up her entire life and moved herself and her son Mateo a couple states away from her dirty cop LAPD vice ex husband. So to say shes got baggage is a bit of an understatement. I understood where Vivian was coming from when she wanted to keep herself and Matty [Mateo] secluded so that they didnt need to rely on anyone, but it was a major flaw of hers that eventually got on my nerves. She was making stupid choices just because she was trying to exert her independence.
When Everett and Vivian finally got their heads out of their asses and saw that they could rely on each other, and Vivian could rely on her co workers and Everetts parents, she became more likable as a person and they as a couple made a lot of sense. I really liked the bond that Logan and Mateo formed, and it was so good to see them become "brothers" even before they become a "family".
There were two sub plots in this book. The first being the serial killer that killed 6 women, two of which were from Finn River [Starts in Love Me Fearless], and the second being a mystery on who is trying to scare Vivian. Both really help to move the narrative forward and they do overlap a bit. The conclusion for the serial killer plot was not one that I saw coming so that was a nice surprise.
Overall solidly written book, that wraps up the sub plot that was started in book #3 nicely. If you like: Grumpy x Grumpy Single Dad x Single Mom Cop x Nurse Fiercely Independent FMC Overly Protective MMC Then this is the book for you!
Edge of your seat This series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery that started in “Love Me Fearless” continues in this story, so I recommend reading it first to get the full effect. This is fast paced and full of mystery, suspense and danger. It has secrets, chemistry, new starts, drama, romance, steam and emotion. I loved the children, they’re interactions are adorable and sweet. Vivian and Everett are beautifully written, complex and realistic. Both have relationships reservations but neither can deny the pull between them. I was on the edge of my seat with the mystery side of this story and hanging off every word with the building romance. A cleverly woven story that had me glued to the pages.
This is the fourth book in this amazing series and this is Everett and Vivian’s story. Everett is a single dad and small town cop who is working on a high priority murder case with a serial killer involved. Vivian is a single mom who has trust issues due to her past, but when it comes back to haunt her, Everett will protect her by any means. This is a well written story which is a fast paced, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, trust, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, small town romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Another page turner from Dakota Davies! I recommend the previous book, “Love Me Fearless” as this story has a thread of mystery that starts there.
This series is just getting better with every book, action, mystery, danger, suspense, secrets, and a stalker are just part of the complicated story.
Everett has been a quiet, low key character until now. We find out he has many layers to him, his best is dad. Vivian is a single mom, a mama bear when it comes to protecting her son, and burdened with secrets, not sure who she can trust.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
tropes: • slow burn • single dad • LEO MMC • black cat FMC • small town • found family
This is the first book in the series I have read and now I absolutely cannot wait to go back and read books 1-3. This pulled together all my favorite pieces of my favorite tropes to tell the story of Vivian and Everett. This isn’t all romance though! Some small town whodunnit is sprinkled in to cater to us true crime girlies.
Love Me Fierce had me feeling all the emotions! From swooning over Everett, to sympathizing for Vivian, to trying to figure out secrets, a m*rder mystery AND a crazy stalker. I had such a good time reading this one. Every time I thought I had things figured out… nope 🤣 I love how the romance evolved and wasn’t rushed or forced. Definitely read if you want a mix of romance + mystery!
Thank you, Dakota and Grey’s Promotion for this advanced reader’s copy! 💓
Another action packed and swoony addition to the series. “Love Me Fierce” is a romantic, emotional and thrilling small town romantic suspense that was a great addition to the series.
Vivian has moved to Finn River from California for a fresh start for her and her son, Mateo. On her way into town, she stops to help a man who got into an accident. And that’s when she first meets Everett, he works for the local police department but she has sworn off anyone in law enforcement. But these two are constantly in each other’s lives and when Everett thinks Vivian’s past comes back to find her in Finn River, he goes into protective mode. Everett has been trying to find a serial killer for the last year while being a single father. This isn’t the best time for a relationship but they can’t stay away from each other.
I have been loving this series and the action packed storylines in each book. Vivian is someone who I liked from the beginning and her bravery in moving to Finn River for a fresh start from her previous life. She’s smart, strong and a great mom. Everett is a swoony man in law enforcement and his need to protect his town and family is one of the best things about him. He’s also a single Dad and is raising a great son. They met under weird circumstances but I loved how life kept bringing them back into each other’s lives. The connection they had started out small and simmered to the top as they got to know each other. The action of trying to find the serial killer had me listening non stop because I had to know if Everett got the guy. And once we found out who it was, I didn’t see it coming and loved that plot twist. I loved Everett’s family and how they were with each other. The ending was so sweet.
Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith narrated this audio and they did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Gregory’s narration was protective and growly, the perfect choice for Everett. I loved listening to Jill as Vivian. Her narration was genuine and kind just like Vivian.
•single parents •he’s a police officer she’s a nurse •small town •found family
I knew this town and the name Hutch sounded familiar… hehe it’s because I read the arc for Love Me Fearless in January and my dory brain forgot. This is book 4 in an interconnected series, so I do recommend reading at least book 3 first to get the scheme of the missing persons plot. There is two mysteries happening: who is the serial k*ller, who has taken 6 women is and who has it out for Vivian. They move the plot forward without it getting confusing and make for a really interesting read I needed to solve immediately and couldn’t put down. I did figure out who it was, that’s what makes a 5/5 book you’re able to tell with the crumbs the author leaves who it is before it’s revealed.
The relationship was so good from the beginning, Viv really didn’t want anything to do with Everett since she was previously hurt by her police officer husband so while her walls went up Everett slowly broke them down with the interactions he had with the boys, how different he was with his loved ones and the fierce protectiveness he’d shown over Matty and Viv.
THE BOND BETWEEN MATEO AND LOGAN *sobbing* it was so stinkin adorable. The way they just took to each other and were always playing and Logan always involved Matty. He was looking forward to being a big brother 🥺
I’m gonna need Lindens book immediately. This series has been so good so far, I’m excited to continue!
Thank you to greys greys promotions and Dakota Davies for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Dakota Davies has written another story that I was so invested in, and I didn't want it to end.. The way that she weaves a story with suspense, love, and friendships is something to enjoy.
When I saw this was going to be Everette's story, I was so excited! I love getting a story of the man who is quiet and keeps to himself. Plus, add in a man in uniform, and I am all in! He is kind and has so many layers to him. The best part is the way he is with his son Logan! I swear their moments melted my heart. Vivian is a single mom with secrets. The way she will do anything to protect her son shows the strength and kind of woman she is.
These two have a story you will love and enjoy from the first page until the last. I was so in love with the kids in the story and the sweetness of them.
The audio was a great listen and thorough enjoyed from start to finish. Gregory Salinas has a voice that is perfect for Everette! He has this way of making the story flow seamlessly. I always enjoy his voice when he changes it for the kids in the story. Jill Smith is a new to me narrator, and I am so glad I got a chance to listen to her. Jill has a voice that I thought fit Vivian the best. She has a way of making her voice fit the storyline.
If you could listen to this book, I would recommend it! It can be read as a standalone.
This is my first Dakota Davies book and i absolutely loved it! I was invested from Chapter 1! Love Me Fierce is a romantic suspense, single parent small town romance with a lot of angst and suspense.
Everette- the small town cop is a single dad and is trying to find a serial killer that has put their small town on the map. He is so kind and has many layers. From being a single dad to his son Logan and a great one at that, but also a cop and also trying to help Vivian.. the single mom, who is keeping a lot of secrets and hiding from her past. Everette will do anything to protect her. He is a swoony MMC! I loved his & Logan‘s moments. Everette had his hands full with all the responsibilites. Vivian is hiding & secretive cause of her past and tries to do everything for her son, so she also has a lot of layers and walls up that take time breaking down. Their love story with everything that is at stake is a great suspensful read and finding out the secrets that threaten to destroy their relationship and seeing them as single parents was enjoyable to read
Vivian is new to the small town and during a snow storm she witnesses a truck upside down. Since she’s a nurse she feels obligated to stop and help. After calling 911 she assists the truck and when help arrives she’s relieved. Until she gets questioned by the cop. She doesn’t feel safe around cops due to her toxic ex husband who was a corrupted LAPD officer. Moving on from her ex, she plans to live in a mobile home with her son and work hard to grow to a bigger home.
Everett is a grumpy dad but loves hard for his family. He’s also the town cop and is in the middle of an unsolved murder case. When meeting Vivian, he was intrigued by her and what her story is.
Issues start to arise and they center around Vivian. I thought I figured out who was causing issues but I was wrong. I loved how there were two story suspense going on in this book!
Listening to this book was like watching a movie. The narrator’s made you feel their pain, their happiness, their irritation and also their sense of family. Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith rocked this book and sold their characters easily!
Tropes: Grumpy/Grumpy Cop/Nurse Single Mom Single Dad Found Family Romantic Suspense
Love Me Fierce, is my first read by Dakota Davies & she did not disappoint. I was so invested in this story from start to finish. I could not put this down. I loved the plot of this story & it had me hooked. It had action, suspense, twists & turns. Add in heart, love, small town romance & family .. and you got a story that just flowed so nicely. Dakota truly knows how to write an amazing story.
I loved Everett’s character.. give me a man in a uniform & you have me sold. He is a Dad, kind, hot, sweet, protective & has a huge heart. Vivian is a single Mom who adores her son & will do anything for him. She’s a nurse, independent, strong, fierce & protective. Her son Mateo was so cute & sweet. Everett & Vivian are perfect for each other. The attraction & chemistry was always there from the start. They just fit so well together. Dakota, thank you for an amazing story!
Vivian Reece is moving to Finn River to escape a bad marriage with her seven-year-old son Mateo. She has a new job at Finn River Pediatrics. Everett is a county deputy raising his son Logan, who is now in sixth grade. Everett is working an important murder case, determined it does not go cold.
Vivian’s ex husband is a cop, a bad one. So she shies away from any interaction with Everett, until her home being trashed brings them into the same sphere.
Complex set of circumstances, interwoven relationships, found family, puppies, horses, kindness, additional murders, sizzling interactions and all those ingredients which result in an amazing story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Vivian has moved herself and her son from California to Finn River for a new start. But her past doesn’t stay behind her, and her leeriness about cops drives an initial wedge between herself and Deputy Everett Rumsby. I was so deeply engaged in this book - I loved the strength of these characters (it’s not easy being a single parent and both manage to do it) and the way that Vivian’s walls fell slowly but eventually. Add in the suspense (a serial killer case, plus attacks on Vivian) and I never wanted to put it down! Jill Smith and Gregory Salinas did an amazing job bringing this story to life, bringing a real depth and spark to all the characters. A fantastic listen.
Oh... wow, what a thrilling story this book is! Everett and Vivian's story is book 5 in the Love Me Dangerous series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was gripped by the exciting storyline from the very beginning! Being a single parent, both Everett and Vivian find it difficult to trust anyone with their heart, but although they didn't get off to the best start, feelings soon develope when they see a different side to each other.... Superb storyline with wonderful characters and absolutely loved the HEA. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
✨ Review ✨ *** Love me Fierce was so good!! I loved Everett. He was so sweet and protective. Vivian was perfect for him. I loved her personality and Mateo was the sweetest. The writing was so good and easy to read. I loved the storyline. The action, suspense, and twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. I loved all the romance and the spice. The ending was the sweetest and I cannot wait for more for more from this series. *** Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷 Spice: 🔥🔥🔥 ***
I LOVED THIS! I haven't read a suspenseful book like this i don't think ever but this one i totally enjoyed and cant wait to read the rest of the series! This is also the first one in the series that I've read i will be reading the first couple in the series! The next ones cannot come out fast enough! The love story attached to the mystery had me on my toes. this is a must read!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️/5 • Small Town Romance • Protective Romance • Single Dad Romance • Single Mom Romance • Western Romance • Enemies to Lovers This book was SO good. I love Everett. I love a protective man. I love single dad romance/single mom romance. The kids were sooo cute. This is my first book to read by Dakota Davies and I cannot wait to read more. Thank you to Greys Promotion and to Dakota Davies for the ARC!!
Book four in the Love Me Dangerous series. Vivian loves her son so much she will do anything for him. Even run away from her ex husband. She’s older don’t trust easy. When she moves his this small town everything changes for her. Everett is a cop trying to solve a case of a serial killer. She can’t trust anyone but he makes it so hard with his kindness and patience he has with her kid. Both have a past they are trying to run from. They meet each other half way through. Best decision they make. Small town love with a sprinkle of suspense.
It was so good it a suspense romance 🤍 I love Everett so much he was everything and more 🤍 my favorite trope is “who did this to you?” And it didn’t disappoint!!! Vivian is so strong and such an incredible character I love her so much she deserves the world and I’m so glad she has Everett because he treats her with so much love and kindness 🤍
Outstanding story! Vivian has travelled to Finn River from SoCal to make a fresh start away from her husband - a vice cop. Heavy snow on her arrival has her stopping to assist at an accident and she first meets Everett; that he's a policeman puts her on high alert. Their paths continue to cross, and the attraction between them grows, but there are other impediments aside from her reluctance; both are single parents, (he to wonderful Logan, she to sweet Mateo) she is short of money and trying to find extra work, while he is trying to hunt a murderer. When two incidents involving Vivien mean that she has to lean on him for help, it makes her uneasy to lose her independence. Wow. Davies has not only done it again, but she has outshone herself. The thriller side of this romance is nail biting, and I am glad to see that the danger faced by the heroine does not have her immediately falling into bed with the hero - something that bothers me in this trope (I mean would you?). But, of course, when they do 'get it on', the chemistry between Vivian and Everett is amazing. There is an honesty to their relationship, an authenticity to the way it develops. As usual, the other characters - some of whom we already know and love - are well-drawn and endearing, and the whole society which Dakota Davies has created is attractive, despite a serial killer on the loose. People who care just because, who are there for you, neighbourly. It is to be expected, given the author, that even though there isn't a specific outdoorsy feel to this novel, nature is there in all its beauty, from the view outside of the window, to the horseback ride across Everett's parents spread. A wonderful thriller, and an amazing romance. All the stars!
Review: I have been thrilled by this captivating series! With each new installment, my excitement only deepens! This particular book was yet another exceptional read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook and was utterly captivated throughout! Vivian emerges as a remarkable character—a strong, independent, and dedicated single mother. A single father, Everett is fiercely committed to solving a complex murder case, but the moment he sees Vivienne, he is entirely captivated. This book promises to enthrall you, keeping your attention until the very last page! I was utterly enamored with both the characters and the vibrant town setting. Be prepared to swoon, encounter unexpected twists, and enjoy a delightful conclusion! This story is terrific, and I cherish every moment of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as well as the entire series! “Love Me Fierce” is the fourth installment in the “Love Me Dangerous” series.
I was genuinely captivated by the outstanding narration provided by Jill Smith and Gregory Salinas. Their voices created a delightful tapestry that engaged me from beginning to end. Each inflection and subtle tone beautifully expressed the complex emotions of Everett and Vivian’s journey, expertly exploring the intricacies of mystery and the tender nature of trust. Their dynamic partnership enriched the storytelling, fully immersing me in the rich layers of the characters’ experiences and drawing me closer to their intertwined destinies. It was a truly remarkable listening experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Terrific Story & Narration🎧Captivating & Suspenseful!
Love Me Fierce Love Me Dangerous Series, Book 4 By: Dakota Davies Narrated by: Gregory Salinas, Jill Smith
“Love Me Fierce” is another exciting novel set in the “Love Me Dangerous” series, a small town romantic suspense that grabs your attention right from the start and holds it captive the entire time. Dakota Davies created something special when she created this series, with interesting characters that are realistic and relatable and intriguing storylines with mystery and suspense that keep you thinking and guessing. Nope, there is never a dull moment in Finn River, the small town where it all takes place and just beyond. This fourth book is Everett Rumsey and Vivian Reece’s story, and they meet on the road just outside Finn River during a snowstorm. Vivian stopped to help the driver, who was in an accident, and Everett was on duty responding to her 911 call. She does not have a pleasant history with cops since her ex was one, so she is hesitant talking to Everett, which he senses. Sure enough, they’d see each other again, small town and all, but the two have more in common than they realize, with both being single parents and juggling careers, except he had a better support system than her, his family and they help with his son, Logan. Vivian left California for good reason, needing to get away from her ex, who was not a good man or cop, taking their son, Mateo, with her, but when things happen around her, she wonders if he followed her to Finn River. Everett in wondering what she is hiding and whether someone is targeting her, he is also following leads to a still unsolved murder case, involving a serial killer and an ongoing investigation with the feds. Everett has a soft spot for Vivian, but it took her longer to warm up to him because of her trust issues, but there was an undeniable chemistry between them and she could only deny it and them for so long. I loved all the layers of this story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, crime mystery, thrilling and suspenseful moments, some heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn but so worth the wait romance. Dakota Davies, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith were fantastic voicing the characters and delivering a spot on portrayal of each and were believable in every role. Salinas nailed it as Everett, grasping every aspect of his personality and demeanor from his grumpy and always so serious side to his caring side and how warm he was with his son and Mateo, too. Smith was just as great and did the same in Vivian’s role, showcasing her personality and demeanor, from her insecurities to her strength, determination, and fierceness. Both were fantastic performing the roles of the side/secondary characters, including the children’s voices too. Their pacing and tone were perfect for the story and they captured all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the excellent audio version of this book.
Having devoured the first three books in the Love Me Dangerous Series I was excited to be able to listen to the fourth book in this interconnected series. The books each highlight different couples and are complete stories though they all take place in Fin River.
I would encourage you to listen to or read the books in the correct order but if you don't want to do that you need to be aware that the subplot in this book (the hunt for a serial killer) first appears in Love Me Fearless so I think you need to read or listen to that one before starting this one.
I fell a little in love with Hutch from "Love Me Fearless" and didn't think Dakota could give us a better leading man, but that was before she introduced me to Everett. He's the strong silent type, a single dad who has been let down by the women he's had relationships with but despite that, he's a wonderful father to Logan the son he didn't know existed until he was six months old. He's a cop, who has a few open murder cases to deal with and attempts on the life of the new nurse in town Vivian. A woman he's drawn to despite his record with women.
Vivian's a strong independent woman, making a fresh start in Finn River with her son Mateo, she's packed up and moved away from LA and her ex-husband a dirty vice cop in the LAPD. So when she met Everett for the first time she was distrustful of him and was determined to keep her distance from not only him but everyone else too! But the mutual attraction Everett and Vivian shared did win out in the end. They make a wonderful couple who share a palpable chemistry and whose lives intertwine so well.
Everett and Vivian eventually realised that they could rely on each other, Vivian finally let down her guard with her co-workers and Everett's parents, who were all there for her when she needed them. The bond that Logan and Mateo formed, was the icing on the cake for me, I loved how they became "brothers" even before the four of them became a "family".
There were two subplots in this book. The first is the serial killer who has murdered six women, two of whom were from Finn River and the second is a mystery of who is trying to scare or maybe kill Vivian. Both move the narrative along, they do overlap and bring out the protective streak in Everett.
This is a well-written book, that concludes the subplot started in the third book, the characters are very well-drawn, and the story is fast-paced, tense, intriguing and at times hot! The chemistry shared by Vivian and Everett is palpable and undeniable. The narration is provided by Jill Smith and Gregory Salinas who both do a wonderful job of bringing the characters and their story to life and every emotion to the fore.
To sum up fans of:-
Single Parent, Police and Nurse, Independent FMC, Overly Protective MMC, Two wonderful children, Family ties. Then this is the book for you!
Book 4 of this series delivered! Dakota Davies continues to captivate us with this small town of Finn River, Idaho. Vivian, with her son Mateo, is starting over after leaving her dirty vice cop ex-husband. On her way into town, she stops to help at an accident scene and has her first run in with Everett, a local cop. Understandably, she wants nothing to do with the police and avoids Everett going forward. It’s a small town so they continue to cross paths without incident until Vivian comes into trouble and possible threats from her past. Not only do they have an undeniable attraction to each other, but when forced to spend time together, they realize they are both struggling with the same single parent issues and begin to find support in each other. As this happens, Everett is still pursuing a serial killer before the trail gets too cold. Are these two things related? Dakota will keep you guessing until the end. I also enjoyed seeing characters like Zach, Hutch and Ava from the other books and FBI agent Luke Ballard (please tell me we get his story one day).
Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith were terrific narrating this story. Gregory has been in my ears a lot lately and I couldn’t be happier. He portrayed all facets of Everett. His grumpy, serious demeanor when tracking a serial killer. His protective nature, his vulnerability as he worries about doing right by his son and Vivian to his utter sweetness dealing with Mateo. Jill Smith is new to me, and she was perfect as Vivian. She showed Vivian’s strength and her absolute ability to remain calm under the extreme pressures she had to endure, all while doting on her son and her hesitancy to trust in another man.
Overall, I was riveted from start to finish. While this is the 4th book of the interconnected series and can be enjoyed as a standalone, I would recommend enjoying book 3 first to appreciate the full story line that starts there. We are left with hints to book 5 and the final installment and I can’t wait.
Dakota Davies's Love Me Fierce (Love Me Dangerous Book 4) is an all-consuming suspense romance that grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. Narrated flawlessly by Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith, this audiobook is as compelling to listen to as it is to read, bringing every intense moment and heartfelt emotion to life.
The story centers on Everett, a small-town cop and single dad, who's been tirelessly chasing a serial killer plaguing his community for a year. Just as the killer strikes again, a freak blizzard brings Vivian Walsh into his life. He only means to help her to safety, but Vivian, with her "lightning-bolt smile" and quiet strength, becomes an irresistible distraction. There's an immediate pull, a natural chemistry that makes you believe these two are truly fated, despite the overwhelming circumstances.
Vivian, however, is clearly on the run and keeping deep secrets – the kind that an experienced cop like Everett knows to avoid. But as his murder investigation takes a shocking turn, Vivian's past erupts, threatening not just her safety but the fragile trust they're desperately trying to build. Everett finds himself in a desperate race against time, forced to break all his rules to protect the woman and child who have unexpectedly stolen his heart.
Davies is a master storyteller, expertly weaving together the threads of a high-stakes murder mystery with a sizzling, tender romance. The narrators, Gregory Salinas and Jill Smith, are exceptional, truly embodying Everett and Vivian with living, breathing color. Their performances elevate the suspense and the emotional depth, keeping you on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart.
Love Me Fierce is a fantastic continuation of the Love Me Dangerous series. It’s packed with action, suspense, and a beautifully unfolding romance between two compelling characters who refuse to let their pasts dictate their future. Whether you prefer reading or listening, you absolutely can’t go wrong with this captivating story. I'm already eager for more from Dakota Davies!