Having read two of George Hatcher’s prior books, Risky Business feels like a re-acquaintance with old friends. Several of the characters are familiar to me, with the exception of Melina. Melina is new in Mario’s life. She comes into his life at a most opportune time, when he’s at a low point in his life.

His best friend and lover, Tanis, is killed in front of him, and Mario is devastated, and out for blood. In his small community, blood pays for blood with blood. He knows the bullet that took Tanis away from him was meant for him. What he doesn’t know is who wants him dead. He didn’t want the police involved, so he sets out on a mission to solve Tanis' murder, all while hurting physically and emotionally. Throughout the time it takes to gather information, he keeps on with business as usual. That includes satisfying his enormous sexual appetite, oftentimes, with more than one woman at a time. Mario slows down a bit only when he meets Melina after she is involved in a car wreck. He tried to use Melina to replace Tanis, but once again, another attempt is made on his life. This one is eerily familiar, but it was only then that Mario finds out who wants him dead, and why.

The book has a nice pace and is written in a dialogue that’s easy to follow. It kept me rapidly turning the pages to find out who put the hit out on Mario. He seems to be liked by everyone, especially the women in his life. When it is finally revealed, I’m left speechless because the plot was kept tight until the very end. Great suspenseful read with lots of action and genuine love all around. Real hot page turner, new raunchy moralist on the block!