This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
A funny, sexy, and emotionally riveting standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. RUNNING ON DIESEL is the perfect love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, strong family bonds, bikers, babies, and more! USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller.
Desmond “Diesel” Black is a Nomad with the Dark Knights motorcycle club. He protects others with his life and always rides alone. Tracey Kline left the only family she had for a man who broke more than her spirit, leaving her untrusting and on her own. When a twist of fate reveals pieces of the other no one else sees, will they be able to help each other mend their past hurts and learn to trust the chemistry and connection that’s too strong to deny?
“I know you have demons, and you don’t have to share them with me,” she said softly. “But don’t lock us in a dungeon with them. We’ll never survive. I had to trust you to let you touch me. Maybe you can try to trust me, and we can move past your demons together.”
My Review
First Impressions
Running on Diesel is the last book in the series and what a story this one turned out to be. I had such a blast with this one here. I wasn’t sure how this one could beat the previous books in the series but I will admit it might be my favorite of the series even more than Dixie’s story and I just adored her book. There was something so raw and vibrating about Diesel’s book. From the first few pages I was so wrapped up in this romance and the angst and the sexual tension that was built was palpable and felt so real. The bantering between Diesel and Tracey is some of the best that I have read in a LONG long while. I was so hooked on their engaging dialogue back and forth and seeing their relationship just build. Of course we have seen these two just dance around each other and I was so happy to get their story and see these both tortured souls find their happy ending. I can guarantee this story is one you won’t regret grabbing up.
He lifted her to her feet, and the truth came tumbling out. “You destroy me, baby girl.” “I don’t want to destroy you,” she said softly. “I want to make you whole.”
Summary
Tracey Kline has spent the last two years recovering from being in a long-term abusive relationship. She lost the only family she had, and found refuge in this small town and most especially among the Whiskey’s who took her in, gave her shelter and comfort, and a place to call home even if that meant putting up with brooding overprotective bodyguard in Diesel. At the time of recovering from her abusive relationship, she needed that steady protection but now Tracey is ready to spread her wings and Diesel is in the way of her finding her own love match. She wants to live her life and isn’t too happy with Diesel being so protective she can’t even garner a date. Diesel is a loner, and has been most of his life. While he has two families that he can call his own, his soul yearns for the road. But for the first time in his life, he is conflicted with what he should do here. He doesn’t know how to handle Tracey, he has this strong urge to protect her but also wants to see her fly. Tracey is the only woman who has ever seen the soul of Diesel but when the past comes back to both Tracey and Diesel, the solace they find in each other’s arms will bring them to accepting a beautiful love worth fighting for.
“Don’t beat yourself up for past mistakes. Keep your eyes on the road ahead.”
What I Loved
Running On Diesel was such an emotionally impactful story that won my heart so quickly. From the first chapter, I was so drawn into this story and I just wanted more and more of it. I couldn’t contain my excitement in the reading of this one here. I just wanted to see where this story would go. The depths of growth that we see in these characters was so overpowering at times and I just embraced that feelin’ because we see how much these two are meant for each other. I wasn’t sure where Melissa Foster would take the story, but *sigh* she delivered it like she always does. I can’t believe that I have been so remiss over the years is not taking advantage of her books. Because her writing just works for me in so many ways and I loved the journey she takes us on with this one here. Diesel was such a closed-off hero, he is so broody and a lone wolf, but seeing how Tracey gets under his skin and that he wants her even if he won’t admit it right away was delightful. Tracey was such a vibrant heroine and I fell in love with her so quickly. I loved seeing her growth and seeing her overcome her painful past and turn into a fierce fighter who was willing to do what it took to shape her own future. The romance that builds between Diesel and Tracey was fiery hot but had such balance to it once they worked out all that sexual tension kinks. There is a deeper understanding that has been growing between them and once they are solid in their relationship, that depth of their bond just builds into a crescendo. The family bonds that we see among the families here was delectable and just warms the heart. This is the type of story that will keep you up all night reading, with bring comfort and feels and splendid smexy times that is the icing on th cake. A true winner has been cultivated there.
When you made your way here after your mama died, you’d changed. You’d lost a big piece of yourself, and rightly so. Every time after that, when you’d ride into town, I’d pray you’d found peace. Then I’d see you, and that emptiness was still there. But when Tracey came into the bar, that spark in your eyes reappeared as big and bright as when you were younger, like magic.”
What I Struggled With
NOTHING ….it was PERFECTION!!
Overall View
Running On Diesel was a romance that personified all the delights that is guaranteed to satisfy any romance reader. It’s a story of sacrifice, fighting for what matters, strong familial ties, and finding home when it’s least expected. Be prepared to lose your heart to Diesel and Tracey. A PHENOMENAL READ WORTHY OF A SWOON
I love you, Tracey Kline, and I will love you until I’ve got no more breath to give.
Title: Running on Diesel
Author: Melissa Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Length: 302 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Goodreads| LibraryThing| StoryGraph| Literal Club
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 5
Story Itself: 5
Character Development: 5
Writing Style: 5
World Building 4.5
Feels + The Romantic Heart 5
Pacing 5
Plot 5
Cover Art 5
Ending 5
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
Tru Blue-Pub 2016 #1 in the Series
Truly, Madly, Whiskey-Pub 2017 #2 in the Series
Driving Whiskey Wild-Pub 2018 #3 in the Series
Wicked Whiskey Love-Pub 2018 #4 in the Series
Mad About Moon-Pub 2019 #5 in the Series
Taming My Whiskey-Pub 2019 #6 in the Series
The Gritty Truth-Pub 2020 #7 in the Series
In for a Penny-Pub 2020 #7.5 in the Series
Running on Diesel-Pub 2021 #8 in the Series
About The Author
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com
Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.
Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Definitely a five star read.
Melissa Foster always has such sexy/swoony covers. Funnily enough, Tru Blue is actually on my TBR for February! It’s been on my TBR for ages and over the weekend I was going through it and choosing books that have been there for a long time that I still really want to read. And True Blue was one of those. Your review makes me even more excited to start it!
I happened to have finished the book yesterday, when I saw the review..I LOVED IT, in addition to the full series. I have written to Melissa, previously, and she responded. I wanted to know if yellow was her favorite color? Because if you pay attention you will notice one or more of her characters is always wearing an item of clothing that is yellow. I live just outside of Chicago, and seldom see anyone wearing yellow. Despite Yellow, I do love her stories, Thanks, Melissa!