Review for Perilous Desire by H.L. Packer

Title: Perilous Desire

Author: H.L. Packer

Genre: Mafia Romance; New Adult Romance

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Cover Design: Lou Stock @ LJ Designs

Secrets don’t stay concealed for long in the criminal underbelly.

It’s been going on for longer than it should, but Ruby Sheridan has a night time caller, and now, he’s stalking her waking moments too.

Dex Raymond has never kept something for himself before, but as he watches the approaching danger draw ever nearer to the object of his obsession, he can’t walk away.

After all, Ruby doesn’t even realise that she’s in the crosshairs.

There are some truths that can’t be shared, and some lies that can’t remain hidden, especially when the truth begs to break free, but will they make it out alive if it does? And what will be left of their relationship at the end?

🚨 Perilous Desire is a New Adult standalone story with mafia underworld ties and stalker themes. This story contains situations of a violent and sexual nature and is suitable for readers 18 years+.

We adored Dex and Ruby as a couple, a perfect match. They had been playing a cat -and -mouse game for months, and Dex has finally reached his breaking point, consequences be damned.

The characters are intriguing, and discovering more about them was quite shocking. The dynamics of the games they play kept us engaged. We were introduced to some new characters., including Dex's mom, who is truly awesome. Ruby's growth in this storyline was captivating as she faced her latest challenge, but this time, she is not alone. Buried secrets are unearthed, revealing the lengths Dex is willing to go to protect the woman he loves.

. The chemistry between the characters adds a spark of opposites attracting, making the story even more engaging. The constant anticipation of the shoe dropping keeps the tension high throughout the plot.

The unexpected ending for Dex and Ruby took us by surprise, but we were pleased to see some of Ruby's wishes fulfilled. Leo, Ivy, and Scarlett played significant roles in the story, with Scarlett now deeply involved. Could her story be the focus next? Scarlett is a complex character, balancing societal expectations with her rebellious nature, keeping the narrative intriguing and unpredictable.

H.L Packer is, quite frankly, a busy bee.

An avid reader as a child, her love for all things written waned into adulthood, the excitement of real life things taking over. But when her life slowed down as she finished her office job for maternity leave, her husband purchased her an e-reader, and that obsession was rekindled.

Quickly she went from reader to reviewer, and then from reviewer to blogger; street teams and promo tours galore. When she began collating her own book boxes over at Romance Readers Book Box UK and had the opportunity to include her own words and worlds, the characters began talking.

Those cheeky characters quickly found themselves written down on the page, and her first series was in progress.

When she is not coordinating her worlds, you can find her running around after her free-spirited three children, and husband, or tending to the dogs, bearded dragons, and snakes that also reside with them.

A break can be found soaking in a bubble bath or enjoying a glass of wine, often still with a book in her hand.

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