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The Brothers of Calloway Creek: The McQuaids #2
No Easy Dare
Secret heir.
Pompous womanizer.
King of lies.
And my protector.
Hunter McQuaid is definitely a fish out of water. Or maybe a shark out of the tank.
He's a cocky, arrogant, playboy. Something he shouldn't be considering he can barely scrape together the rent for his craptastic apartment.
After an ill-advised one-nighter with him, I end up pregnant. Which puts me in a precarious position. I can't be pregnant and also protect my daughter. Because protecting her means risking my unborn child. There's no way to protect them both.
Until my cocky, arrogant, playboy baby daddy, who is SO not father material, comes up with a plan.
Hunter becomes my protector. My savior. My doting fiancé. The problem is, it's all fake. And if my father finds out about it, I may end up worse off than before.
Falling for my fake fiancé is not what I expected. I'm in deep. And I'm swimming with sharks.
But I'll do anything to protect my kids. Even if it means breaking my own heart.
No Easy Dare is a standalone novel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
There may be topics in this novel that would be upsetting or painful for some. For a full list of TWs see the author's website.
Pompous womanizer.
King of lies.
And my protector.
Hunter McQuaid is definitely a fish out of water. Or maybe a shark out of the tank.
He's a cocky, arrogant, playboy. Something he shouldn't be considering he can barely scrape together the rent for his craptastic apartment.
After an ill-advised one-nighter with him, I end up pregnant. Which puts me in a precarious position. I can't be pregnant and also protect my daughter. Because protecting her means risking my unborn child. There's no way to protect them both.
Until my cocky, arrogant, playboy baby daddy, who is SO not father material, comes up with a plan.
Hunter becomes my protector. My savior. My doting fiancé. The problem is, it's all fake. And if my father finds out about it, I may end up worse off than before.
Falling for my fake fiancé is not what I expected. I'm in deep. And I'm swimming with sharks.
But I'll do anything to protect my kids. Even if it means breaking my own heart.
No Easy Dare is a standalone novel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
There may be topics in this novel that would be upsetting or painful for some. For a full list of TWs see the author's website.
424 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2023
1146 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Christy
44 books3,551 followersDespite the fact that she is a romance writer, Samantha Christy's favorite television show of all time is The Walking Dead.
And contrary to the fact that her heroines drink things like wine and Cosmos, she prefers Bud Light.
She also loves fan mail and answers all of it.
She went to college and all that, getting a degree in something she never uses. She's also got a gaggle of kids (4) and a pretty decent husband.
And contrary to the fact that her heroines drink things like wine and Cosmos, she prefers Bud Light.
She also loves fan mail and answers all of it.
She went to college and all that, getting a degree in something she never uses. She's also got a gaggle of kids (4) and a pretty decent husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
July 4, 2023
When his grandfather Tucker threatens his inheritance if he cannot survive on his own for one year, Hunter McQuaid finds himself living in a cramped apartment building, with over-friendly neighbors including single mom Willow and her young daughter Izzy. After a one night stand ends in a surprise pregnancy, Hunter finds himself wanting to learn more about Willow, her family situation, and whether a life with her is even possible.
I am a long time Samantha Christy fan and always manage to binge her books in under a day. This series is no exception.
This is my first of her series set in the world of the 2nd generation of her characters (the adult kids of her early series) so I’m still making connections and figuring out who’s who within this warring community (think the Montages and the Capulets).
This is also a different vibe than I’ve read from her before. Much more romantic suspense/mild dark romance, the McQuaid Brothers series is a totally new type of read for me and it’s been fun to just go with it. I look forward to continuing on with the series and cannot wait to read what patriarch Tucker has in store for his third grandson, Hudson.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
•fake fiancé
•accidental pregnancy
•billionaire
•bad boy/good girl
•angst
•single parent
•romantic suspense
𝐓𝐖: Yes. Please DM me if you are sensitive to triggers.
Thank you {partner} Valentine PR for my gifted e-book.
I am a long time Samantha Christy fan and always manage to binge her books in under a day. This series is no exception.
This is my first of her series set in the world of the 2nd generation of her characters (the adult kids of her early series) so I’m still making connections and figuring out who’s who within this warring community (think the Montages and the Capulets).
This is also a different vibe than I’ve read from her before. Much more romantic suspense/mild dark romance, the McQuaid Brothers series is a totally new type of read for me and it’s been fun to just go with it. I look forward to continuing on with the series and cannot wait to read what patriarch Tucker has in store for his third grandson, Hudson.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
•fake fiancé
•accidental pregnancy
•billionaire
•bad boy/good girl
•angst
•single parent
•romantic suspense
𝐓𝐖: Yes. Please DM me if you are sensitive to triggers.
Thank you {partner} Valentine PR for my gifted e-book.
July 1, 2023
Samantha Christy has never been one to shy away from some tough topics and this book is no different.
We have come across Hunter McQuaid in previous books and he has come across arrogant and brash but in this book we see a completely different side to him once he meets Willow and her amazing daughter Izzy. Willow and Izzy have it really hard and deserve some good to come into their lives.
A one night stand which leads to a fake relationship.
Billionaire
Fake relationship
Surprise Pregnancy
Found Family
Please be advised of trigger warnings for this story.
Received as an ARC
We have come across Hunter McQuaid in previous books and he has come across arrogant and brash but in this book we see a completely different side to him once he meets Willow and her amazing daughter Izzy. Willow and Izzy have it really hard and deserve some good to come into their lives.
A one night stand which leads to a fake relationship.
Billionaire
Fake relationship
Surprise Pregnancy
Found Family
Please be advised of trigger warnings for this story.
Received as an ARC
June 21, 2023
In ‘No Easy Dare’ we meet Hunter McQuaid. Hunter is one of the McQuaid brothers, and has had a very easy life. He gambles on sports games, meets lots of women and he rarely has to do anything he doesn’t want. So when his grandfather forces him to life without his money for a year, he is horrified. How on earth can someone life like that? And not only does he not have any money, he now also has to life in this cheap apartment in the middle of New York.
But then Hunter meets Willow. Willow has a young daughter, and is determined to give her daughter the best life possible. Even if that means she has to endure horrible things herself. The one moment Willow chooses to do something a little bit ‘selfish’, like a one-night-stand with her new neighbor.. she ends up pregnant. And although Hunter seems to want to help, Willow knows it’s not a good idea to trust a guy she barely knows, and who seems to have a lot of secrets.
Samantha Christy has a way of writing romance stories that just pulls me in right from the start. And this one was no exception. From the moment I started reading I was hooked. Hunter McQuaid definitely sounded like this horrible guy, but there was something about him that I just loved from the start. And luckily enough, the further I read, the more I came to love it.
The romance between Hunter and Willow was unexpected, and really fun. I loved how easily Hunter fall for her, and how strong Willow was in keeping him away. It was refreshing and fun to read. Next to a great romance, we read some intense and suspenseful moment too. And those moments definitely made my skin crawl at times.
‘No Easy Dare’ was another great read in this series. And it makes me really excited to read the next book.
But then Hunter meets Willow. Willow has a young daughter, and is determined to give her daughter the best life possible. Even if that means she has to endure horrible things herself. The one moment Willow chooses to do something a little bit ‘selfish’, like a one-night-stand with her new neighbor.. she ends up pregnant. And although Hunter seems to want to help, Willow knows it’s not a good idea to trust a guy she barely knows, and who seems to have a lot of secrets.
Samantha Christy has a way of writing romance stories that just pulls me in right from the start. And this one was no exception. From the moment I started reading I was hooked. Hunter McQuaid definitely sounded like this horrible guy, but there was something about him that I just loved from the start. And luckily enough, the further I read, the more I came to love it.
The romance between Hunter and Willow was unexpected, and really fun. I loved how easily Hunter fall for her, and how strong Willow was in keeping him away. It was refreshing and fun to read. Next to a great romance, we read some intense and suspenseful moment too. And those moments definitely made my skin crawl at times.
‘No Easy Dare’ was another great read in this series. And it makes me really excited to read the next book.
September 19, 2023
4,5/5⭐️
So much better than the first one, thank god Hunter.
So much better than the first one, thank god Hunter.
June 20, 2023
“You do what you do to survive. You’re a survivor.”
Powerful and emotional read! It was easy to hate Hunter in the beginning but at the end you can’t help but love him! And Willow, so much strength in one character. Definitely has some twists and turns you don’t see coming but a whole lot of heart, love and you can’t forget the adorable little girl and her tiaras.
Powerful and emotional read! It was easy to hate Hunter in the beginning but at the end you can’t help but love him! And Willow, so much strength in one character. Definitely has some twists and turns you don’t see coming but a whole lot of heart, love and you can’t forget the adorable little girl and her tiaras.
September 28, 2023
An absolute epic read I could not put down!
Well I didn’t think anything could beat No Small Bet in this series but Hunter has gone and outdone is big brother. No Easy Dare was an absolutely fantastic read, I couldn’t put it down. Kept me up until the early hours….I feel a book hangover coming on.
Samantha has brought us an amazing story for Hunter and Willows! This one keeps you on your toes, it’s an “all the feels” read with plenty of emotions, heartbreak, elation, retribution! Lots of twists and turns along the way, keeping you on the edge.
I absolutely love Tucker McQuiad, he’s ruthless, he sets the rules and gives the ultimatums! You just don’t mess with him he holds all the cards and life lessons are his specialty.
We have some fantastic characters in this book, with Izzy standing out, she is amazing, she may only be seven but doesn’t miss a trick!
Bring on Hudson book, what will Tucker have in store for him! I can’t wait.
Well I didn’t think anything could beat No Small Bet in this series but Hunter has gone and outdone is big brother. No Easy Dare was an absolutely fantastic read, I couldn’t put it down. Kept me up until the early hours….I feel a book hangover coming on.
Samantha has brought us an amazing story for Hunter and Willows! This one keeps you on your toes, it’s an “all the feels” read with plenty of emotions, heartbreak, elation, retribution! Lots of twists and turns along the way, keeping you on the edge.
I absolutely love Tucker McQuiad, he’s ruthless, he sets the rules and gives the ultimatums! You just don’t mess with him he holds all the cards and life lessons are his specialty.
We have some fantastic characters in this book, with Izzy standing out, she is amazing, she may only be seven but doesn’t miss a trick!
Bring on Hudson book, what will Tucker have in store for him! I can’t wait.
July 27, 2023
DNF at chapter 7. The main character gets abused by her dad and immediately turns around with her co-workers as is like “y’all are right, maybe I do need to get laid because you think I’m uptight!” Like what??? I just got this oogey feeling from that and this depiction of Hunter that made me completely uninterested in reading further.
July 1, 2023
Emotional Journey
Hunter McQuaid is not one to back down from a dare. After hearing that his grandson bet an enormous amount of money on a frivolous game (as well as plenty of other sporting events) he decides to teach him a lesson. He presents it as a dare to save his inheritance. Give up all of your worldly possessions, credit cards, car, fancy apartment and live as a normal person with only the amount of money provided in an envelope for 1 year. He cannot accept any help from his family or tell anyone about their agreement. If he can make it and prove that he has changed his ways, his grandfather will double his inheritance. If he fails, he loses everything. His grandfather has eyes and ears everywhere so Hunter quickly learns this bet was harder than he imagined. In his new, run down apartment on the opposite side of town, his surly attitude is noticed by the inquisitive 7 year old named Izzy that is too grown for her age. Izzy is the daughter of single mother Willow who lives in the same building as Hunter. Willow has given up her dreams to help her father with his growing food delivery business. Unfortunately, Willow's father has quite the temper and takes out his frustrations with his fists. After another unfortunate incident at the business, Willow comes home with bruises that she needs to hide from Izzy. She has a chance encounter with Hunter and sparks (and clothing) fly. Surprise pregnancy! This was not in either of their plans but giving up a child is not an option for Willow. Hunter is in need of a job and learns about Willow's father's penchant for violence. He has to protect Willow, his unborn child and Izzy from harm so he starts working for Willow's father. He also comes up with a fake fiancee arrangement so it makes it easier to be around them at all costs. Willow knows that Hunter is keeping secrets, but she has secrets of her own. Their growing attraction to each other only further complicates things, but Willow knows it is only a matter of time before her father strikes again and she is terrified Izzy may become a target as well. Can Hunter prove to his grandfather that he will change and be able to get Willow and the children away from danger? Will he walk away from the new life he started and go back to his playboy ways? This book pulls at your heart strings. You immediately dislike Hunter for his stuck up, rich boy attitude. You fall in love with precocious Izzy who knows more than people give her credit for. Your heart aches for the curve balls that life has thrown Willow. You absolutely hate her father. This is the second novel of the McQuaid brothers and recommended more than I can express.
Hunter McQuaid is not one to back down from a dare. After hearing that his grandson bet an enormous amount of money on a frivolous game (as well as plenty of other sporting events) he decides to teach him a lesson. He presents it as a dare to save his inheritance. Give up all of your worldly possessions, credit cards, car, fancy apartment and live as a normal person with only the amount of money provided in an envelope for 1 year. He cannot accept any help from his family or tell anyone about their agreement. If he can make it and prove that he has changed his ways, his grandfather will double his inheritance. If he fails, he loses everything. His grandfather has eyes and ears everywhere so Hunter quickly learns this bet was harder than he imagined. In his new, run down apartment on the opposite side of town, his surly attitude is noticed by the inquisitive 7 year old named Izzy that is too grown for her age. Izzy is the daughter of single mother Willow who lives in the same building as Hunter. Willow has given up her dreams to help her father with his growing food delivery business. Unfortunately, Willow's father has quite the temper and takes out his frustrations with his fists. After another unfortunate incident at the business, Willow comes home with bruises that she needs to hide from Izzy. She has a chance encounter with Hunter and sparks (and clothing) fly. Surprise pregnancy! This was not in either of their plans but giving up a child is not an option for Willow. Hunter is in need of a job and learns about Willow's father's penchant for violence. He has to protect Willow, his unborn child and Izzy from harm so he starts working for Willow's father. He also comes up with a fake fiancee arrangement so it makes it easier to be around them at all costs. Willow knows that Hunter is keeping secrets, but she has secrets of her own. Their growing attraction to each other only further complicates things, but Willow knows it is only a matter of time before her father strikes again and she is terrified Izzy may become a target as well. Can Hunter prove to his grandfather that he will change and be able to get Willow and the children away from danger? Will he walk away from the new life he started and go back to his playboy ways? This book pulls at your heart strings. You immediately dislike Hunter for his stuck up, rich boy attitude. You fall in love with precocious Izzy who knows more than people give her credit for. Your heart aches for the curve balls that life has thrown Willow. You absolutely hate her father. This is the second novel of the McQuaid brothers and recommended more than I can express.
June 30, 2023
“No Easy Dare” McQuaid Brothers Book 2 by Samantha Christy
Ladies, if I could tell you in one word what I thought of the book, it would be “Monumental” I thought "No Easy Bet" was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but Samantha has once again outdone herself.
Hunter lives a life of luxury. Being the heir to his grandfather’s fortune is what life is all about. Gambling is what he does. Placing bets, winning, or losing is all he will ever need. The endless availability of willing women who will drop everything to just be with him....Magic.... Life is good, or so he thought…
His grandfather has other ideas and what a man he is. Straight to the point and everything he does, he does with good intentions.
Willow lives in fear every day. He is a monster, but leaving is not an option… not yet anyway. She lives for her daughter, and she will take it all just to keep Izzy safe. Will she ever be able to leave the hell hole she is in? She needs a miracle. Will she ever see the silver lining?
Hunter needs to learn to do it all on his own. The ultimatum he was given couldn't be so bad... right? He thinks it will be easy, but little does he know his life is about to be turned upside down.
He sees the bruises, and for the first time in his life, he feels protective of someone. What is it that makes her different? This feeling is so foreign to him. Will it all become too much?
Secrets are revealed, and truths are told. After everything they've been through... Will the truth be too much and finally tear them apart, or will it set them free?
This book had me in tears. I felt Willow’s pain. I felt her sorrow, and I felt her loss. The evilness can cripple a person literally and figuratively, but she won't let it defeat her.
Samantha, I am in awe of your talent. You capture the hearts of so many with your stories. I can't wait to see what comes next. The good Dr. needs a little reality check now. I know for sure he will rock our world's just as much.
There is so much story to read, but please be warned... you will not want to put this book down once you start.
#wildpassion #unconditionallove #epiclovestory #hotlovers #fromstrangerstolovers #happilyeverafter
5 ❤️'s
Ladies, if I could tell you in one word what I thought of the book, it would be “Monumental” I thought "No Easy Bet" was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but Samantha has once again outdone herself.
Hunter lives a life of luxury. Being the heir to his grandfather’s fortune is what life is all about. Gambling is what he does. Placing bets, winning, or losing is all he will ever need. The endless availability of willing women who will drop everything to just be with him....Magic.... Life is good, or so he thought…
His grandfather has other ideas and what a man he is. Straight to the point and everything he does, he does with good intentions.
Willow lives in fear every day. He is a monster, but leaving is not an option… not yet anyway. She lives for her daughter, and she will take it all just to keep Izzy safe. Will she ever be able to leave the hell hole she is in? She needs a miracle. Will she ever see the silver lining?
Hunter needs to learn to do it all on his own. The ultimatum he was given couldn't be so bad... right? He thinks it will be easy, but little does he know his life is about to be turned upside down.
He sees the bruises, and for the first time in his life, he feels protective of someone. What is it that makes her different? This feeling is so foreign to him. Will it all become too much?
Secrets are revealed, and truths are told. After everything they've been through... Will the truth be too much and finally tear them apart, or will it set them free?
This book had me in tears. I felt Willow’s pain. I felt her sorrow, and I felt her loss. The evilness can cripple a person literally and figuratively, but she won't let it defeat her.
Samantha, I am in awe of your talent. You capture the hearts of so many with your stories. I can't wait to see what comes next. The good Dr. needs a little reality check now. I know for sure he will rock our world's just as much.
There is so much story to read, but please be warned... you will not want to put this book down once you start.
#wildpassion #unconditionallove #epiclovestory #hotlovers #fromstrangerstolovers #happilyeverafter
5 ❤️'s
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
My first book by Samantha Christy, and I really enjoyed it. Although being a part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
Willow was a brave and strong woman who did everything she could to protect her child. She has had such terrible trauma in the past and is still affected by it today. I must say that at first, I felt nothing for Hunter, but as I watched him change from a spoiled, self-centered playboy to an empathetic, loving man who protects the vulnerable, defenceless family that was thrown into his life, I began to grow to like him.
They had amazing chemistry. And Izzy! She is bright, curious, and optimistic. Her character was excellently brought to life by the author.
Thank you Valentine PR and Samantha Christy for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Willow was a brave and strong woman who did everything she could to protect her child. She has had such terrible trauma in the past and is still affected by it today. I must say that at first, I felt nothing for Hunter, but as I watched him change from a spoiled, self-centered playboy to an empathetic, loving man who protects the vulnerable, defenceless family that was thrown into his life, I began to grow to like him.
They had amazing chemistry. And Izzy! She is bright, curious, and optimistic. Her character was excellently brought to life by the author.
Thank you Valentine PR and Samantha Christy for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2023
2.5⭐️ rounded up to 3.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Samantha Christy for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!
This was a solid book, but I had trouble connecting to the plot because it felt like almost too much was going on. This book contains a lot of triggers, and some of them seemingly come out of nowhere, so I felt a bit like I was being tossed around with the plot. I enjoyed the character development of both Hunter and Willow. Izzy was adorable and stole the show every time she was on the page. I did feel like it was a little much at time with how things got resolved or taken care of. The ending was sweet, but a little ridiculous for me. I really enjoyed the side characters, especially Joel and Holland! Overall, this was a solid read!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Samantha Christy for this ARC in exchange for a honest review!
This was a solid book, but I had trouble connecting to the plot because it felt like almost too much was going on. This book contains a lot of triggers, and some of them seemingly come out of nowhere, so I felt a bit like I was being tossed around with the plot. I enjoyed the character development of both Hunter and Willow. Izzy was adorable and stole the show every time she was on the page. I did feel like it was a little much at time with how things got resolved or taken care of. The ending was sweet, but a little ridiculous for me. I really enjoyed the side characters, especially Joel and Holland! Overall, this was a solid read!
June 22, 2023
This was a good book. I signed up for the ARC and somehow missed it was a part of a series. But each can be read as a standalone. There are some heavy discussions and instances of DV so be sure you read the triggers. All in all this story is about hope and growth. What really matters in life and the people you love. Samantha Christy does an excellent job of conveying that message and drawing the readers into the story. You find yourself cheering the FMC on and wanting to pat the MMC on the back for stepping up. I would whole heartedly recommend this book for your TBR.
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June 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this book so much, and I would recommend it over and over again. I'm a sucker for fake dating/engagements, and this book stole my heart. Willow and her daughter live in the same apartment building as Hunter. Willow and Hunter end up having a one night stand which results in Willow getting pregnant. They decided to become "engaged" to protect her and her daughter from her father. But Willow and Hunter end up catching real feelings for each other and watching them navigate those feelings and each other was so freaking incredible. I loved this book, the characters, and had a blast reading this. Go grab your copy asap!!!
July 2, 2023
I loved No Small Bet so I was super excited to get Hunter’s story. It was nice to know more about Hunter and see that there was more to him than just some grump. And of course Hunter is never one to turn down a dare. Willow and her daughter have been through quite a lot, so when they meet Hunter things take quite the turn as they learn more about each other and he learns what’s going on. What a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. I felt every emotion while reading this book it was such a good addition to the series for the brothers.
October 15, 2023
Fast paced, intriguing, romantic
I read NO EASY DARE from cover to cover. Each turn of the page had me wondering what could possibly happen next. The development of Hunter’s character guides the story. The community of residents in Willow’s apartment building was enviable. Willow’s entire situation kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the book!
I read NO EASY DARE from cover to cover. Each turn of the page had me wondering what could possibly happen next. The development of Hunter’s character guides the story. The community of residents in Willow’s apartment building was enviable. Willow’s entire situation kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the book!
August 1, 2023
4.5😍😢🤗😘
Check content warnings
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Trope: secret identity, fake engagement, found family
Enjoyment: 5 ⭐
Character development: 5 ⭐
Emotional: 4 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 3.5 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3 ⭐
Intrigue: 5 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 4 ⭐
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
Check content warnings
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Trope: secret identity, fake engagement, found family
Enjoyment: 5 ⭐
Character development: 5 ⭐
Emotional: 4 ⭐
Sweet: 4 ⭐
Romance: 3.5 ⭐
Heat\steam: 3 ⭐
Intrigue: 5 ⭐
Action: 1 ⭐
Violence: 4 ⭐
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
December 2, 2024
I need Hunter in my life
Swoon!
This story was fantastic from start to finish. I loved every word … every minute of the journey Samantha took me on.
Swoon!
This story was fantastic from start to finish. I loved every word … every minute of the journey Samantha took me on.
June 18, 2023
No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy @authorsamanthachristy is book 2 of the McQuaid Brothers trilogy. I received this as an #arcbook. I haven’t read a Samantha Christy book I haven’t liked. 💜 Hunter & Willow have sex & then she finds out she got pregnant! They pretend to be engaged to protect her from father & fall in love for real. This was a FANTASTIC book & I loved it so much!
July 1, 2023
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐'𝘮 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴."
I knew this was the second in a series but could be read as a stand-alone but after reading this one, I want to pick up the first book and will probably get the third when it releases. This was a story about personal growth but also a story of a woman who overcomes her past.
I hated Hunter at first. I feel bad saying that but he really was terrible lol. Willow though is a tough as nails woman in a horrible situation that was just doing her best to survive. I really liked her but Izzy is definitely my favorite. Just the smartest 7 year old.
"𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯."
I enjoyed this one enough to want to read about the rest of the McQuaid brothers. I found myself in tears a few times as the bachelor became a romantic family man.
I knew this was the second in a series but could be read as a stand-alone but after reading this one, I want to pick up the first book and will probably get the third when it releases. This was a story about personal growth but also a story of a woman who overcomes her past.
I hated Hunter at first. I feel bad saying that but he really was terrible lol. Willow though is a tough as nails woman in a horrible situation that was just doing her best to survive. I really liked her but Izzy is definitely my favorite. Just the smartest 7 year old.
"𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯."
I enjoyed this one enough to want to read about the rest of the McQuaid brothers. I found myself in tears a few times as the bachelor became a romantic family man.
July 4, 2023
stunned with this book
What a great book. This is an enthralling and emotional story. I was stunned and captivated with Hunter and Willow. I experienced several emotions from disgust and annoyance to happiness and excitement.
This author did a fantastic job executing this beautiful story of an abused single mom and a spoiled rich boy who needed humbling.
This is a must read.
What a great book. This is an enthralling and emotional story. I was stunned and captivated with Hunter and Willow. I experienced several emotions from disgust and annoyance to happiness and excitement.
This author did a fantastic job executing this beautiful story of an abused single mom and a spoiled rich boy who needed humbling.
This is a must read.
September 5, 2023
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅.”
Rating: ⭐️
Spice: 🔥
Relationship: MW
Tropes/content: One night stand, fake fiancé, relationship of convenience, accidental pregnancy, forced proximity, roommates, single mother, secret millionaire
Series: McQuaid Brothers #2
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Hunter McQuaid spends his time betting on sports and dating lots of women. His grandfather decides enough is enough. He dares Hunter to live a year without his trust fund. If Hunter can abide by his grandfather's rules, he will double his inheritance. Hunter agrees and moves into an apartment his grandfather picked out. It's there he meets Willow, his new neighbor, who is a hardworking single mother. They spend one night together to let off steam, but Willow ends up pregnant. She's terrified that she won't be able to protect her daughter or baby from her father. Hunter suggests they fake an engagement. But there's nothing fake about his feelings for her.
Buckle up kids because this review is going to be a doozy. To say I truly felt assaulted by this book is an understatement. Before we get into why I felt that way, I want to talk about what I liked. I thought Willow's daughter was adorable. I liked the found family within the apartment complex. I loved how Hunter took care of Willow and her daughter, as well as what they did at the end for the apartment complex.
Let's talk about what didn't work for me. The first thing that I will probably never forget, or forgive, is what Hunter called his genitals. He flirts with Willow and talks about their one-night stand. He recalls her on him as "boarding the hot beef bus". JAIL. IMMEDIATELY. I was truly in shock when I read that. I couldn't believe it. I reread it several times. I will never be the same after that.
The plot is wild, to say the least. A lot is going on to the point that it seems implausible. I can get on board with wild plots if the characters sell it or if the story isn't meant to be rooted in reality, but that's not the case here. There were a lot of heavy topics used throughout the plot that I started to feel assaulted by everything that was happening. It just felt like every other chapter I was hit with something new. I was honestly exhausted by the time I finished this book.
My other big issue is the lack of a trigger warning or mention of a trigger warning on the author's website. I believe that trigger warnings should always be provided to readers and they can choose to read them or not. I especially believe this to be true if a book has several heavy topics like this one. There was no trigger warning in the copy I got or in the one I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. I did find one on the author's website after digging for it, but it only mentioned two things when there are several more that should be mentioned. For me, I think it's irresponsible to talk about really heavy topics and not warn readers. I don't have triggers, so I was okay, but it was jarring at times.
I didn't really care for Hunter and Willow as a couple. They did have some cute moments, especially towards the end, but otherwise, I didn't feel their connection at all. They felt like friends more than anything else. I'm curious if they even would've fallen in love had she not gotten pregnant or been in a dangerous situation.
🚨The following section discusses antisemitism, homophobia, and ableism in the book🚨
I probably would've given this two stars because there were some things I liked. However, there were a few things that I found problematic and harmful, which is why I gave it one star.
There was ableist language used in chapter five when Hunter's grandfather asks if something is wrong with his legs because he took time to answer the door. His grandfather then jokes that Hunter's future sister in law moves faster than him and "she only has one good one", referring to the fact that she is an amputee. To me, this joke wasn't funny.
In the same chapter, a character is talking about another character that identifies as gay. The character talking about them refers to the other character as "a gay". For me, there's nothing wrong with mentioning their identity, but calling them "a gay" is not the correct way and is harmful.
In chapter forty-two, Willow's dad is talking about her ex-boyfriend and says, "He was a Jew for Christ sake." Her father is a terrible person, so I get the author was trying to make that clear to the reader, but using antisemitic rhetoric was unnecessary. It's harmful to the Jewish community and not necessary for the story.
Thank you to Samantha and Valentine PR for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
“𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅.”
Rating: ⭐️
Spice: 🔥
Relationship: MW
Tropes/content: One night stand, fake fiancé, relationship of convenience, accidental pregnancy, forced proximity, roommates, single mother, secret millionaire
Series: McQuaid Brothers #2
⚠️Check triggers⚠️
Hunter McQuaid spends his time betting on sports and dating lots of women. His grandfather decides enough is enough. He dares Hunter to live a year without his trust fund. If Hunter can abide by his grandfather's rules, he will double his inheritance. Hunter agrees and moves into an apartment his grandfather picked out. It's there he meets Willow, his new neighbor, who is a hardworking single mother. They spend one night together to let off steam, but Willow ends up pregnant. She's terrified that she won't be able to protect her daughter or baby from her father. Hunter suggests they fake an engagement. But there's nothing fake about his feelings for her.
Buckle up kids because this review is going to be a doozy. To say I truly felt assaulted by this book is an understatement. Before we get into why I felt that way, I want to talk about what I liked. I thought Willow's daughter was adorable. I liked the found family within the apartment complex. I loved how Hunter took care of Willow and her daughter, as well as what they did at the end for the apartment complex.
Let's talk about what didn't work for me. The first thing that I will probably never forget, or forgive, is what Hunter called his genitals. He flirts with Willow and talks about their one-night stand. He recalls her on him as "boarding the hot beef bus". JAIL. IMMEDIATELY. I was truly in shock when I read that. I couldn't believe it. I reread it several times. I will never be the same after that.
The plot is wild, to say the least. A lot is going on to the point that it seems implausible. I can get on board with wild plots if the characters sell it or if the story isn't meant to be rooted in reality, but that's not the case here. There were a lot of heavy topics used throughout the plot that I started to feel assaulted by everything that was happening. It just felt like every other chapter I was hit with something new. I was honestly exhausted by the time I finished this book.
My other big issue is the lack of a trigger warning or mention of a trigger warning on the author's website. I believe that trigger warnings should always be provided to readers and they can choose to read them or not. I especially believe this to be true if a book has several heavy topics like this one. There was no trigger warning in the copy I got or in the one I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. I did find one on the author's website after digging for it, but it only mentioned two things when there are several more that should be mentioned. For me, I think it's irresponsible to talk about really heavy topics and not warn readers. I don't have triggers, so I was okay, but it was jarring at times.
I didn't really care for Hunter and Willow as a couple. They did have some cute moments, especially towards the end, but otherwise, I didn't feel their connection at all. They felt like friends more than anything else. I'm curious if they even would've fallen in love had she not gotten pregnant or been in a dangerous situation.
🚨The following section discusses antisemitism, homophobia, and ableism in the book🚨
I probably would've given this two stars because there were some things I liked. However, there were a few things that I found problematic and harmful, which is why I gave it one star.
There was ableist language used in chapter five when Hunter's grandfather asks if something is wrong with his legs because he took time to answer the door. His grandfather then jokes that Hunter's future sister in law moves faster than him and "she only has one good one", referring to the fact that she is an amputee. To me, this joke wasn't funny.
In the same chapter, a character is talking about another character that identifies as gay. The character talking about them refers to the other character as "a gay". For me, there's nothing wrong with mentioning their identity, but calling them "a gay" is not the correct way and is harmful.
In chapter forty-two, Willow's dad is talking about her ex-boyfriend and says, "He was a Jew for Christ sake." Her father is a terrible person, so I get the author was trying to make that clear to the reader, but using antisemitic rhetoric was unnecessary. It's harmful to the Jewish community and not necessary for the story.
Thank you to Samantha and Valentine PR for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
OMG, I absolutely loved this book. Love Hunter and Willow’s romance story. Like Hawk, Hunter’s grandfather ended up manipulating Hunter into living off a wad of cash for a whole year in the city. Hunter ends up accepting the deal. He moves to the city where he lives in the same building as Willow and her daughter, Izzy. Willow and Hunter spend one night together where Willow ends up pregnant. To please Willow’s abusive father, Hunter and Willow end up engaged. Absolutely love how these two end up together. Worth the read
July 31, 2023
Could'nt get into this story!
September 6, 2023
Spoilers:⬇️⬇️
Spoilers:⬇️⬇️⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
I found Hunter impossible to like or root for, but he was the least horrific part of this book. Much of the story wasn't believable. A weird premise and so twisted and vile. .......
This is a hard review to leave because a TW would have prevented me from buying this. I had a queasy feeling for a majority of the book due to the insidious and constant physical abuse by the father of the FMC. It takes all the romance out of this as he is physically violent (including burns, hitting her, knocking her around) and demeaning her time after time. Her child was hurt by him, and her mother was abused before her death. This was a brutal listen for me.
There are many other problematic things in this book, but I won't go into more detail. It doesn't let up for 80% of the book. I feel sick.
⚠️ past and present parental abuse of their child - physical, emotional, sexual.
Spoilers:⬇️⬇️⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️
I found Hunter impossible to like or root for, but he was the least horrific part of this book. Much of the story wasn't believable. A weird premise and so twisted and vile. .......
This is a hard review to leave because a TW would have prevented me from buying this. I had a queasy feeling for a majority of the book due to the insidious and constant physical abuse by the father of the FMC. It takes all the romance out of this as he is physically violent (including burns, hitting her, knocking her around) and demeaning her time after time. Her child was hurt by him, and her mother was abused before her death. This was a brutal listen for me.
There are many other problematic things in this book, but I won't go into more detail. It doesn't let up for 80% of the book. I feel sick.
⚠️ past and present parental abuse of their child - physical, emotional, sexual.
September 4, 2023
4.5
This was REALLY good—even better that the first one. It’s definitely darker, I’m sure this book has trigger warnings. I wasn’t a huge fan of Hunter in the beginning, but boy did he redeem himself. I liked Willow (although sometimes I felt she was a little ungrateful to Hunter—especially towards the end when he comes clean about everything). The star of this book was Willow’s daughter Izzy. She was adorable and hilarious and I loved her so much.
This book was extremely suspenseful—I read it one day. After their initial hook up (which happens right away) it was a slow burn, but it was very well done. The sex scenes were emotional and intense. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book. The ending was so satisfying. I just have to say that I adore Tucker and I can’t wait for Hudson’s book!!!
This was REALLY good—even better that the first one. It’s definitely darker, I’m sure this book has trigger warnings. I wasn’t a huge fan of Hunter in the beginning, but boy did he redeem himself. I liked Willow (although sometimes I felt she was a little ungrateful to Hunter—especially towards the end when he comes clean about everything). The star of this book was Willow’s daughter Izzy. She was adorable and hilarious and I loved her so much.
This book was extremely suspenseful—I read it one day. After their initial hook up (which happens right away) it was a slow burn, but it was very well done. The sex scenes were emotional and intense. I was on the edge of my seat through this entire book. The ending was so satisfying. I just have to say that I adore Tucker and I can’t wait for Hudson’s book!!!
June 30, 2023
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide
The one time Willow decides to let loose and have some fun and she ends up with a permanent consequence! But look, her baby daddy seems to be stepping up and sticking around. Hopefully this means she can keep her secret and keep both her unborn baby and her daughter Izzy safe. She just has to make sure she doesn't start to think fake can ever become real, because a playboy like Hunter isn't ever going to commit, especially once the terms his grandfather set are met.
Hunter is only living in this awful apartment with no money because his grandfather intervened in his life and basically told him to get with the program or he'd never get his money back. He'd been living a shiftless life, betting on stupid things, spending money like it was going out of style, and not giving a care for anything else. Now he's in this awful building thinking of how he can get back to his real life when a beautiful woman comes roaring into his world, turning everything on its axis. Now he's going to be a dad and is forced to think of someone other than himself for once. Can he convince Willow he's all in, or will she believe that their fake relationship is just that - not real?
I love redemption arcs in fiction, especially when the character is truly awful in the beginning like Hunter was. He was really on the useless end of humanity until Tucker interfered in his life and he met Willow. He did redeem himself, though, and I was rooting him on once it became obvious he really was changing. He's very lucky he met an awesome woman like Willow because she, their soon to come baby, and her amazing daughter Izzy set him on the path to change. Honestly those two women are my favorite part of this story. Willow is such a strong survivor, her backstory with her horrible father made my heart hurt but reading how she didn't allow him to change her, just make her even stronger - she's amazing and so is her fabulous daughter.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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December 5, 2023
lido em 04/12/2023 - Hunter e Willow - O Hunter é um apostador compulsivo. E um vagabundo igual aos irmãos. Só vive da mesada do fundo de pensão e não faz nada de produtivo. Outro galinha. O avó Tucker ouve o Hunter falar para o Hudson e Hawk que perdeu 30.000 em aposta em um jogo. Ele marca de tomar café na casa do Hunter no dia seguinte. Ele chega lá e o Hunter está com gêmeas na cama. Ele dá um chumaço de $ para cada uma. O avó fala que o Hunter tem que morar um ano em um prédio em NY, com o $ que ele dá, sem qualquer ajuda financeira de conhecidos. Ele não pode falar para ninguém quem ele é, vai com um nome falso. Ele tem que dar a carteira, a chaves do carro e do apartamento e dos aneis que ele usa que custam uma fortuna. Se ele não passar no teste, ele perderá o fundo dele e se ele passar, receberá o dobro. Ele é totalmente materialista e superficial. Ele vai para a cidade, para em uma loja de penhor, compra dois novos aneis mais baratos e vai para o prédio. Lá ele conhece a Izzy (Isabelle), filha da Willow. O prédio em que ele vai morar tem 8 apartamentos e eles se tratam como família. A Wilow mora com a filha, o Joel (gay) com o filho, o Silas (que é o faz tudo), a Guen (administradora), uma prostituta e um morador novo. A Willow é mãe da Izzy, de 7 anos, e trabalha como entregadora no serviço de buffet frances do pai. O pai dela é abusivo e bate nela por qualquer coisa. E ela aguenta porque fala que não pode ir embora. Um dia, ela chega machucada, encontra com o Hunter na porta da casa dele e eles transam (sem camisinha) e falam que é uma coisa de ONS. Depois disso ela o ignora mas todo mundo no prédio é super amigável e o convida para o jantar que eles juntam as comidas todos os domingos. O Hunter não faz nada o dia inteiro, sabe que o $ que ele tem não vai dar para ficar um ano sem trabalhar mas continua sem fazer nada. A Willow descobre que está grávida, o Hunter fala que não quer ser pai mas ela fala que vai ter o bebê. Ele pensa que poderá pagar pensão depois de um ano, mas não quer nada a ver com a criança. Até que ele percebe que quem bate na Willow é o pai dela e ele se sente super protetor e começa a trabalhar lá. Ele finge que é machista e violento, como o pai, para evitar que o pai bata nela. Um dia, quando ela erra o pedido, ele fala que eles estão juntos e vão ter um filho. O pai dela dá um tempo de bater nela e super simpatiza com o Hunter. O pai dela dá umas incertas na casa dela e o Hunter muda para o apartamento para protegê-la e eles falam para todos que estão noivos. A Izzy fica super contente e pede para ele ser o pai dela mas ele fica enrolando porque ele sabe que não vai ficar. Eles são super duros e ela tem um sangramento e ele chama o irmão Hudson para cuidar dela, mas sem falar o sobrenome. Pelo menos esse livro é mais realista quando mostra que é só pesquisar no google para descobrir as mentiras que ele conta. Ela acha que ele é um enganador, mentiroso e não confia nele, mas ele a protege e ela se sente a salvo. Ela fica confusa com o comportamento dele e ele fica a distância porque não quer se envolver mais. Até que o pai aparece e bate nela e o Hunter não está perto. Ele fica desesperado para ajudar a Willow a fugir. Ela conta que foi abusada pelo pai e que a Izzy é filha do pai dela, por isso ela tem medo de fugir e ser encontrada e o pai vai tirar a filha dela. Ele vai atrás dos irmãos para pedir ajuda e a Willow acha que ele ficou com nojo dela. Ela foge com a Izzy e vai de ônibus para a Flórida. Quando elas chegam lá, o Hunter está esperando. O sonho da Izzy era conhecer o mar e ele lembra das conversas que teve com ela por isso as encontram. Ele conta toda a verdade para ela, que ele é rico mas que perdeu tudo porque ele pediu ajuda ao irmão. Que a ama e quer ter a família deles junto - ele, o filho, a Izzy e a Willow. Eles se acertam e resolvem voltar para a cidade dele e levar uma vida mais pobre mas estarão juntos. O avó os encontra no aeroporto e devolve o $ dele, mas ainda tem o risco o pai dela os encontrarem. Eles vão para a casa do Hunter e ela conhece a família inteira. Ele sai para comprar celulares novos para elas e ela sai com o avó dele, o Tucker. Eles vão atrás do pai dela, e fazem ele falar que matou a mãe e o namorado dela que era supostamente o pai da Izzy. O pai vai preso e ela vai até o apartamento ver os amigos. O Hunter fica desesperado e acaba encontrando com ela lá. O avó conta que tem um detetive cuidando do assunto e que descobriu que a Izzy não é filha do Pépé (Elias), ele é infértil. Eles fazem planos de comprar prédios antigos, reformar e alugar para pessoas carentes, como ela era e os amigos. Eles se casam, tem o filho e o Hunter encontra o verdadeiro pai dela. Foi um ex-ficante da mãe, antes de ficar com o pai, que não sabia que tinha uma filha. O Hunter se apaixonou de verdade, pela Willow, pela Izzy e pelo filho, mas continou bem materialista.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
No Easy Dare is a story of personal triumph, healing, growth, and, of course, romance. This book not only provides a beautiful love story, it also allows its leads room to evolve as individuals. This book is as much about their personal growth as it is their connection.
》The Leads《
Willow is the heart of the book for me. She has such a traumatic past, living present and past horrors daily. While we do see the impact of this trauma, the author does a great job of not letting Willow’s character simply be her trauma. She is more than that, and we see it in how loving she is as mother, a friend, a neighbor, and the person who Hunter strives to better himself for.
Willow is reluctant to allow Hunter into her and her daughter Izzy’s lives. But her due to her pregnant state she is at her most vulnerable and Hunter, while admittedly not happy to be an impending father, does step up to protect the girls and his baby. They tentatively come together as a family, even if at first it’s simply a guise. I loved how delicate that bond was but how they didn’t let go, even if reluctant to tie themselves to one another at the start.
I have to admit, I did not like Hunter at the start. Just did not like him. His dialogue was like that of a frat boy as his first house party, rather than of a 28 year old man. I do wish the book was longer, because I felt some development was lost between the Hunter who began the book versus the Hunter who ended it, but overall, I very much enjoyed his arc. He has terrific character growth and it was encouraging to see how he matured over the course of the book and how fiercely he took to protecting his fragile, vulnerable family that was unexpectedly thrust into his life, to its betterment.
》The Supporting Cast《
I enjoyed the vibrant supporting characters— specifically Willow’s neighbors. They each come to life in their own unique personality, but I loved the familial bond between them— and how they rose to the occasion to shelter and protect Willow and Izzy.
I adored Izzy! I just read a book where a five year old is said to talk like a thirty year old, and it doesn’t work because his dialogue isn’t even remotely like a child would speak in real life. Izzy has a similar moment, the seven year old who talks like she’s thirty. Unlike this other book where that comparison seems more like an excuse in not knowing how to write a child’s voice, in this book, that comparison makes sense. Izzy is written very much with a child-like voice. She’s imaginative, curious, hopeful…but she’s also seen the worst parts of the world. She’s known fear, darkness, and hurt. That, at times, makes her seem far older than her years when those hopeful eyes turn weary. The author did a wonderful job in bringing her voice onto the page.
Willow’s dad is truly villanious. A character you are meant to hate and fully do so. What he has done to Willow is a true horror. His presence, while one I hated (in the way it’s meant to be), does help to add a true sense of danger and suspense to the narrative. A character like his helps to move the plot forward.
》The Twists & Turns《
I will say the big twist— the secret Willow hides for the majority of the book— is one I saw coming (alongside the revelation related to that twist). I mean this in a good way! I don’t care when narratives subvert expectations and significant plot point reveals appear out of the blue. This twist is very much set up, it’s something that was inkling in my mind but also so horrific I wished it not to be true. All the foreshadowing was there and I massively appreciated that. For me, it adds to the book positively.
That said, I am not sure how I felt about two big reveals in the ending and epilogue. I don’t want to say it cheapened the narrative, in way, it’s a gift to our leads to provide an idyllic ending, but it also felt almost too iideal. While the characters deserve what is revealed, that first reveal is one that didn’t feel a proper build up to, and the epilogue reveal verged too much into a soap opera. I don’t think this should be considered a slight against the book, rather a matter of preference. While not for me, I absolutely see many readers reacted very positively to it. So I consider this a minor nitpick that speaks more of myself than the book.
》To Sum It Up《
I am so glad I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this one! I know the tropes involved may not be for everyone, but they are for me. If I could change anything is probably wishing the book was longer, to be able to spend more time with these wonderful leads. Nevertheless, I’m glad I got the time I did with them. 3.5✨
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
》The Leads《
Willow is the heart of the book for me. She has such a traumatic past, living present and past horrors daily. While we do see the impact of this trauma, the author does a great job of not letting Willow’s character simply be her trauma. She is more than that, and we see it in how loving she is as mother, a friend, a neighbor, and the person who Hunter strives to better himself for.
Willow is reluctant to allow Hunter into her and her daughter Izzy’s lives. But her due to her pregnant state she is at her most vulnerable and Hunter, while admittedly not happy to be an impending father, does step up to protect the girls and his baby. They tentatively come together as a family, even if at first it’s simply a guise. I loved how delicate that bond was but how they didn’t let go, even if reluctant to tie themselves to one another at the start.
I have to admit, I did not like Hunter at the start. Just did not like him. His dialogue was like that of a frat boy as his first house party, rather than of a 28 year old man. I do wish the book was longer, because I felt some development was lost between the Hunter who began the book versus the Hunter who ended it, but overall, I very much enjoyed his arc. He has terrific character growth and it was encouraging to see how he matured over the course of the book and how fiercely he took to protecting his fragile, vulnerable family that was unexpectedly thrust into his life, to its betterment.
》The Supporting Cast《
I enjoyed the vibrant supporting characters— specifically Willow’s neighbors. They each come to life in their own unique personality, but I loved the familial bond between them— and how they rose to the occasion to shelter and protect Willow and Izzy.
I adored Izzy! I just read a book where a five year old is said to talk like a thirty year old, and it doesn’t work because his dialogue isn’t even remotely like a child would speak in real life. Izzy has a similar moment, the seven year old who talks like she’s thirty. Unlike this other book where that comparison seems more like an excuse in not knowing how to write a child’s voice, in this book, that comparison makes sense. Izzy is written very much with a child-like voice. She’s imaginative, curious, hopeful…but she’s also seen the worst parts of the world. She’s known fear, darkness, and hurt. That, at times, makes her seem far older than her years when those hopeful eyes turn weary. The author did a wonderful job in bringing her voice onto the page.
Willow’s dad is truly villanious. A character you are meant to hate and fully do so. What he has done to Willow is a true horror. His presence, while one I hated (in the way it’s meant to be), does help to add a true sense of danger and suspense to the narrative. A character like his helps to move the plot forward.
》The Twists & Turns《
I will say the big twist— the secret Willow hides for the majority of the book— is one I saw coming (alongside the revelation related to that twist). I mean this in a good way! I don’t care when narratives subvert expectations and significant plot point reveals appear out of the blue. This twist is very much set up, it’s something that was inkling in my mind but also so horrific I wished it not to be true. All the foreshadowing was there and I massively appreciated that. For me, it adds to the book positively.
That said, I am not sure how I felt about two big reveals in the ending and epilogue. I don’t want to say it cheapened the narrative, in way, it’s a gift to our leads to provide an idyllic ending, but it also felt almost too iideal. While the characters deserve what is revealed, that first reveal is one that didn’t feel a proper build up to, and the epilogue reveal verged too much into a soap opera. I don’t think this should be considered a slight against the book, rather a matter of preference. While not for me, I absolutely see many readers reacted very positively to it. So I consider this a minor nitpick that speaks more of myself than the book.
》To Sum It Up《
I am so glad I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this one! I know the tropes involved may not be for everyone, but they are for me. If I could change anything is probably wishing the book was longer, to be able to spend more time with these wonderful leads. Nevertheless, I’m glad I got the time I did with them. 3.5✨
Thank you to Valentine PR for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2023
No Easy Dare by Samantha Christy, is the second book in the McQuaid Brothers Series, Hunter McQuaid is a cocky billionaire, playboy, who spends his time gambling and drinking, until his grandfather, just like with his older brother, has for him a proposition, although it's more of an order but he presents it to Hunter as a bet, where he must spend a year living only on what he will give him in an envelope, with certain conditions, if he doesn't comply with the deal he will lose all his money, but If, on the other hand, he succeeds, he will double his money, for which Hunter, as a good gambler, accepts, but everything will turn around when he arrives at the apartment where he must live and meets the tenants who live there, who are all like a big dysfunctional family, and among them Willow Dubois, this beautiful woman is a single mother of a seven-year-old girl, hard-working but hiding a big secret. In the midst of a somewhat crazy situation, they end up together at Hunter's apartment and spend an intimate moment, and although they swear to stay away, everything will change when Willow discovers that she is pregnant. All gets even more complicated when Hunter discovers that Willow's father beats her and mistreats her, and although he wants nothing to do with the baby, he vows to protect her and provide for the three of them, so they fake a relationship to prevent Willow's father keep mistreating her, but nothing will be easy, especially when Hunter discovers the secret that Willow keeps.
A fresh story, with some unexpected twists, intense, with moments of laughter but also tears, with friendships turned into family, family love, sweetness, passion and love. With this story you end up thinking and analyzing the number of people who still suffer physical and psychological abuse at the hands of those who are supposed to love them and this story puts the focus in a heartbreaking way on this issue. I fell in love with all the characters and I already want more of this series, a very real story with a happy ending. Highly recommended!!
*Thanks to Samantha Christy and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
No Easy Dare de Samantha Christy, es el segundo libro en la Serie McQuaid Brothers, Hunter McQuaid es un multimillonario engreído, playboy, que pasa su tiempo apostando y tomando, hasta que su abuelo, así como lo hizo con su hermano mayor, le tiene una proposición, aunque es más una orden pero se la presenta a Hunter como una apuesta, donde deberá pasar un año viviendo solo de lo que le dará en un sobre, con ciertas condiciones, si no cumple con el trato perderá todo su dinero, pero si en cambio lo logra le duplicara su dinero, por lo que Hunter, como buen aceptador acepta, pero todo va a dar una vuelta completa cuando llega al apartamento donde deberá vivir y conoce a los inquilinos que allí viven, quienes son todos como una gran familia disfuncional, y entre ellos a Willow Dubois, esta hermosa mujer es una madre soltera de una niña de siete años, trabajadora pero que esconde un gran secreto. En medio de una situación algo loca terminan juntos en el apartamento de Hunter y pasan un momento intimo, y aunque juran mantenerse alejados todo va a cambiar cuando Willow descubra que esta embarazada. Todo esto se complica cuando Hunter descubra que el padre de Willow la golpea y maltrata, y aunque el no quiere tener nada que ver con el bebe, jura protegerla y proveerle para los tres, por lo que se inventan una relación para evitar que el padre de Willow la siga maltratando, pero nada será sencillo, mas cuando descubra el secreto que guarda Willow.
Un historia fresca, con unos giros inesperados, intensa, con momentos de risa pero también de lagrimas, con unas amistades convertidas en familia, familias unidas, dulzura, pasión y amor. Con esta historia terminas pensando y analizando la cantidad de personas que aun sufren de abusos físicos y psicologicos a manos de quienes se suponen deben amarles y esta historia pone el foco de una manera desgarradora en este tema. Quede enamorada de todos los personajes y ya quiero más de esta serie, una historia muy real con un final feliz. Altamente Recomendada!!
*Gracias a Samantha Christy y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
A fresh story, with some unexpected twists, intense, with moments of laughter but also tears, with friendships turned into family, family love, sweetness, passion and love. With this story you end up thinking and analyzing the number of people who still suffer physical and psychological abuse at the hands of those who are supposed to love them and this story puts the focus in a heartbreaking way on this issue. I fell in love with all the characters and I already want more of this series, a very real story with a happy ending. Highly recommended!!
*Thanks to Samantha Christy and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*
No Easy Dare de Samantha Christy, es el segundo libro en la Serie McQuaid Brothers, Hunter McQuaid es un multimillonario engreído, playboy, que pasa su tiempo apostando y tomando, hasta que su abuelo, así como lo hizo con su hermano mayor, le tiene una proposición, aunque es más una orden pero se la presenta a Hunter como una apuesta, donde deberá pasar un año viviendo solo de lo que le dará en un sobre, con ciertas condiciones, si no cumple con el trato perderá todo su dinero, pero si en cambio lo logra le duplicara su dinero, por lo que Hunter, como buen aceptador acepta, pero todo va a dar una vuelta completa cuando llega al apartamento donde deberá vivir y conoce a los inquilinos que allí viven, quienes son todos como una gran familia disfuncional, y entre ellos a Willow Dubois, esta hermosa mujer es una madre soltera de una niña de siete años, trabajadora pero que esconde un gran secreto. En medio de una situación algo loca terminan juntos en el apartamento de Hunter y pasan un momento intimo, y aunque juran mantenerse alejados todo va a cambiar cuando Willow descubra que esta embarazada. Todo esto se complica cuando Hunter descubra que el padre de Willow la golpea y maltrata, y aunque el no quiere tener nada que ver con el bebe, jura protegerla y proveerle para los tres, por lo que se inventan una relación para evitar que el padre de Willow la siga maltratando, pero nada será sencillo, mas cuando descubra el secreto que guarda Willow.
Un historia fresca, con unos giros inesperados, intensa, con momentos de risa pero también de lagrimas, con unas amistades convertidas en familia, familias unidas, dulzura, pasión y amor. Con esta historia terminas pensando y analizando la cantidad de personas que aun sufren de abusos físicos y psicologicos a manos de quienes se suponen deben amarles y esta historia pone el foco de una manera desgarradora en este tema. Quede enamorada de todos los personajes y ya quiero más de esta serie, una historia muy real con un final feliz. Altamente Recomendada!!
*Gracias a Samantha Christy y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
July 5, 2023
𝟙𝟘+ 🌟𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥-𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕣... 𝕄𝕌𝕊𝕋 𝕄𝕌𝕊𝕋 ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻 ❤️❤️❤️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍😍
✔️ Fake/ Pretend Relationship
✔️ Surprise Pregnancy
✔️ She's a Single Mom
✔️ He's a don't-give-a-damn Wealthy guy
✔️ A Super Sweet and Smart seven year old darling Izzy
✔️ A ride that will liven you up and fill you with loads and loads of warm feelings and Smiles
✔️ Twists out of left field and Secrets 😯
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚? 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣—𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙬, 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬.”
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
I'M IN LOVE. WITH LITTLE IZZY. WITH WILLOW. WITH THE DASHING HUNTER MCQUAID.
Of course it didn't start off like that. Hunter in the beginning had me like, this guy might be wealthy but he's a big A-hole who doesn't care about anything. Women and Money are like tissue paper for him.
AND IMAGINE BY THE END I'M SO CRAZY ABOUT THE 180 HUNTER HAD DONE. He's the most amazing and wonderful man a woman could ever ask for. AHH.. 😍😍
So it all starts with a Deal or a Dare, if you may, when Hunter’s Grandpa propositions a deal that has Hunter leaving all his wealth behind and to fulfill the terms proposed to him. Post which if fulfilled Hunter will have total control over his wealth.
Only with an envelope full of cash to sustain him, Hunter thought he'll easily get by but he did not have even an inkling of how cheap things also make a dent when you have meager supplies.
Willow, that girl.. AHH.. She made me feel for her right from the start because of what she was enduring daily and yet she's such a strong woman for doing it all on her own and for raising her daughter single handedly and showing up every day.
Two poles apart people, never would have even come together in their Wildest dreams yet are thrown together by a twist of fate and things that line up in such a way that changes everything.
Willow and Hunter come together like flames bursting but choose to be close for obligation's sake. Yet what none of them saw coming was how Hunter, a man who didn't care at all, becomes their protector and their shield.
I can keep going on and on about how much this book has made me feel so deeply and yet I'm all smiles although mind you the journey was not at all easy and we have to work along with Hunter and Willow for them to trust and realise what they feel for each other.
Then there's my favorite, little Izzy. She's going to sneak in and win your hearts completely. She's such an adorable and amazing kid. I wanted to go inside the book and give her a tight hug.
Then there are the super awesome neighbors of Willow and Hunter. I loved how they all come together and become more than friends.
Also, Hunter’s family is super amazing for even though they are wealthy but they are caring and loving and not at all pretentious.
There's just something magical about the way this one is written that it had me connecting to each and every character (except Elias I hated him) in a passionate way that I was feeling everything they were. I was crying and smiling and laughing along with them.
Honesty, I so didn't want this book to end. It had me so engrossed and wanting to go on this ride and keep on loving alongside Hunter and Willow.
But there's Hudson's book coming next. YAY!!!!!!! I'M SO BECOME A HUGE FAN OF MS. CHRISTY'S WRITING AFTER THIS BOOK, THAT I'M SO NOT MISSING ANY OF HER BOOKS IN THE FUTURE.
10+ 🌟 for this smashing RIDE. Can't wait for more. 😍😍
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾: 😍😍
✔️ Fake/ Pretend Relationship
✔️ Surprise Pregnancy
✔️ She's a Single Mom
✔️ He's a don't-give-a-damn Wealthy guy
✔️ A Super Sweet and Smart seven year old darling Izzy
✔️ A ride that will liven you up and fill you with loads and loads of warm feelings and Smiles
✔️ Twists out of left field and Secrets 😯
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚? 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬. 𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣—𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙬, 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬.”
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
I'M IN LOVE. WITH LITTLE IZZY. WITH WILLOW. WITH THE DASHING HUNTER MCQUAID.
Of course it didn't start off like that. Hunter in the beginning had me like, this guy might be wealthy but he's a big A-hole who doesn't care about anything. Women and Money are like tissue paper for him.
AND IMAGINE BY THE END I'M SO CRAZY ABOUT THE 180 HUNTER HAD DONE. He's the most amazing and wonderful man a woman could ever ask for. AHH.. 😍😍
So it all starts with a Deal or a Dare, if you may, when Hunter’s Grandpa propositions a deal that has Hunter leaving all his wealth behind and to fulfill the terms proposed to him. Post which if fulfilled Hunter will have total control over his wealth.
Only with an envelope full of cash to sustain him, Hunter thought he'll easily get by but he did not have even an inkling of how cheap things also make a dent when you have meager supplies.
Willow, that girl.. AHH.. She made me feel for her right from the start because of what she was enduring daily and yet she's such a strong woman for doing it all on her own and for raising her daughter single handedly and showing up every day.
Two poles apart people, never would have even come together in their Wildest dreams yet are thrown together by a twist of fate and things that line up in such a way that changes everything.
Willow and Hunter come together like flames bursting but choose to be close for obligation's sake. Yet what none of them saw coming was how Hunter, a man who didn't care at all, becomes their protector and their shield.
I can keep going on and on about how much this book has made me feel so deeply and yet I'm all smiles although mind you the journey was not at all easy and we have to work along with Hunter and Willow for them to trust and realise what they feel for each other.
Then there's my favorite, little Izzy. She's going to sneak in and win your hearts completely. She's such an adorable and amazing kid. I wanted to go inside the book and give her a tight hug.
Then there are the super awesome neighbors of Willow and Hunter. I loved how they all come together and become more than friends.
Also, Hunter’s family is super amazing for even though they are wealthy but they are caring and loving and not at all pretentious.
There's just something magical about the way this one is written that it had me connecting to each and every character (except Elias I hated him) in a passionate way that I was feeling everything they were. I was crying and smiling and laughing along with them.
Honesty, I so didn't want this book to end. It had me so engrossed and wanting to go on this ride and keep on loving alongside Hunter and Willow.
But there's Hudson's book coming next. YAY!!!!!!! I'M SO BECOME A HUGE FAN OF MS. CHRISTY'S WRITING AFTER THIS BOOK, THAT I'M SO NOT MISSING ANY OF HER BOOKS IN THE FUTURE.
10+ 🌟 for this smashing RIDE. Can't wait for more. 😍😍
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS ONE. 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
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