Real Risk, West Coast Forensics, Book 3 By: Elle Keaton Narrated by: Michael Dean

Interesting and already somewhat older protagonists in a case of arson. Real Risk is fantastically narrated by Michael Dean.

From the blurb:

It's possible they're a match, but first the two men will have to survive trial by fire.

Chief Flynn is fighting smoke and flames, tirelessly protecting the lives and property of his fellow islanders from yet another spate of fires. Arson or accident? When injury puts him on the sidelines, West Coast Forensics Arson Investigator Kimball Frye offers his assistance. Frye is the most irritating man in the world, a condescending know-it-all who rubs Devon the wrong way. Or does he? Decades ago, an arsonist stole his family from him; since then, Frye has devoted his life to putting them behind bars. At 49, he doesn't believe in permanent relationships, instead preferring the company of interchangeable younger men. Is the arsonist trying to shift the blame onto Devon or trying to kill him? If it's the latter, it just might work. Feeling the pull of attraction to Devon as the firebug grows bolder is inconvenient. Will Kimball listen to his heart or his head? The younger men he's always preferred are nothing like the solid, stalwart fire chief. #SlowBurn #OppositesAttract #LoveLaterInLife #ProtectiveHeros #Bickering #SlowSlowSlowBurn Real Risk is the third in the West Coast Forensics series and can be listened to as a stand-alone but may be enjoyed more if you hear Real Trouble and Real Danger first. It is dual POV following Devon Flynn and Kimball Frye as they bicker and fumble their way to their happily ever after.

Lesetiger's Review:

I really like the "West Coast Forensics" series by Elle Keaton, so I was looking forward to this audiobook.

This time it's about Kimball Frye, a senior fire investigator and Devon Flynn, the Piedras Fire Chief. There is an arsonist on Piedras who is striking more and more often. The situation threatens to escalate, so Kimball Frye offers his services as an arson investigator. You can read Real Risk well as a standalone, but I think it's more fun if you already know the previous volumes.

I liked the chemistry between Kimball and Devon. They're both not the youngest and actually the tension between them is pretty explosive. So far, Kimbell has been avoiding relationships. But he seems to have more in common with Devon than friendship. Both Kimbell and Devon are very opinionated and neither can admit to having a crush on the other.

I found Kimball and Devon to be very likable. The story was exciting and entertaining. Can the arsonist be stopped in time? It's fast-paced, there's some action and drama, but there's also suspense and great emotions and likable secondary protagonists as well. Basically, it was fun to get on the trail of the arsonist, even if I had my suspicions pretty quickly. Michael Dean did a great job, as always. He portrayed the protagonists and their emotions well and he has a pleasant voice that I can listen to easily. He gives each character a unique voice and hits the tone perfectly. 🎧Audiobook Review🎧 Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️ Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ️️ Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Real Risk is available on Audible and is Whispersynced.