What do you think?
Rate this book
Dare to Love #1
Dare to Love
New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal.
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
256 pages, Nook
First published November 13, 2013
2200 people are currently reading
10850 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
400 books9,777 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 917 reviews
March 19, 2019
Kindle Freebie for 3/18/19!!! - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G...
Oh, so sweet! Oh, soooo sexy! Oh, soooooooo good!
Full review now posted...unless I come up with more ways to torture our hero's father. In fact, if you, or someone you love if you don't have your own, is fond of their dangling man bits, you might want to skip this review...
Dare to Love is the first book in Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love series, and it’s also her first book as an Indie author. I haven’t read any of her work before, so I have no way to know if she's better as an IA, but I have to say, I truly enjoyed her way of telling this story!
The Cover Blurb
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
My Rambling, Ranting (but spoiler free) Review
Wow, well… I have to say, I found this storyline very compelling. In the beginning, my feelings for Ian were mixed – hated him one minute, loved him the next, type thing. I had a tough time imagining what it was like for him to learn that his father, his role model, the man he loved and wanted to be like, had another family on the side. And worse, when that family came to light, Robert Dare chose them over Ian’s mother and siblings. Honestly, when I was finally able to wrap my head around that, I wanted to weep. No wonder Ian is so controlling. No wonder he holds himself back and doesn’t get involved in “relationships” that might lead to him being abandoned by someone else he loves. No wonder he hates his half-siblings and wants nothing to do with them. No. Freaking. Wonder. If I were Ian, I'd have hated them, too! But one uttered word brought it all into perspective - and no! I won't tell you what that word is, but it tore out my heart and made me love both sets of Dare children, equally.
Riley Taylor had Ian’s absolute attention from the moment he first laid eyes on her, and it had nothing to do with the fact that she had entered the room on the arm of Ian’s step brother, Alex Dare – okay, maybe that had something to do with it. Knowing Ian's and Alex's history, their deeply rooted, consuming animosity for one another, I was worried that there’d be a lot of angst and drama, but thanks to Riley’s compassion and maturity, thankfully there was not. And I loved her for that. Seriously, had there been, it could have easily ruined the story for me, but this was handled by Riley early on, and handled well.
I’ve been wavering between 4 and 5 stars, and as I’m sitting here thinking about it, I’ve decided to go with 4 because there was something huge left unresolved, in my opinion, and it was Ian's father, Robert Dare’s remorse for what he’d done, or lack thereof. Granted, years had passed and he was probably tired of the rift his cheating ways had caused between his two sets of children, but SON-OF-A-BITCH! I have personal experience with the heartbreaking aftermath of infidelity, so in order for me to really be okay with the way his ex-wife, current wife, and most of his kids accepted his cheating ass and moved on, I needed some serious on-his-knees groveling. Some truly compelling reason for why he did what he did, and not the kissy-face reason we got. Or hell, just TRUE remorse!!! Sweet baby geebus! You might be wondering if I'm upset! Well, lemme just say that someone needs to meet the old, spineless, limp dick asshole in a dark alley, remove his balls with a spoon and make him watch while they’re fed to sewer rats. Better yet, spread peanut butter on his balls, while they're still dangling from between his legs, and make him watch while the sewer rats eat them! Now YOU decide how upset I am. Fecking fooker!
**takes a deep breath**
Alrighty, then...
Because I've Been Asked
No, this book is really not just like Fifty Shades or its clones. Yes, the two leads are wealthy, but not once was the word "millionaire" or "billionaire" mentioned, and trust me, I did a search! Gotta love ebooks!
Also, I do have Ian shelved as a "dominant male", but this really is not a BDSM story.
The bottom line
Dare to Love is at times funny, at times poignant, and at times very sexy! I’m thrilled to have finally read Carly Phillips writing, and yeah, this was my first read by this talented author, but it most certainly will not be my last! In fact, Alex’s story is up next and you couldn’t keep me from it if you tried!
My thanks to Chasity Jenkins for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review! It truly was a pleasure – despite what my outburst indicates.
Oh, so sweet! Oh, soooo sexy! Oh, soooooooo good!
Full review now posted...unless I come up with more ways to torture our hero's father. In fact, if you, or someone you love if you don't have your own, is fond of their dangling man bits, you might want to skip this review...
Dare to Love is the first book in Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love series, and it’s also her first book as an Indie author. I haven’t read any of her work before, so I have no way to know if she's better as an IA, but I have to say, I truly enjoyed her way of telling this story!
The Cover Blurb
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
My Rambling, Ranting (but spoiler free) Review
Wow, well… I have to say, I found this storyline very compelling. In the beginning, my feelings for Ian were mixed – hated him one minute, loved him the next, type thing. I had a tough time imagining what it was like for him to learn that his father, his role model, the man he loved and wanted to be like, had another family on the side. And worse, when that family came to light, Robert Dare chose them over Ian’s mother and siblings. Honestly, when I was finally able to wrap my head around that, I wanted to weep. No wonder Ian is so controlling. No wonder he holds himself back and doesn’t get involved in “relationships” that might lead to him being abandoned by someone else he loves. No wonder he hates his half-siblings and wants nothing to do with them. No. Freaking. Wonder. If I were Ian, I'd have hated them, too! But one uttered word brought it all into perspective - and no! I won't tell you what that word is, but it tore out my heart and made me love both sets of Dare children, equally.
Riley Taylor had Ian’s absolute attention from the moment he first laid eyes on her, and it had nothing to do with the fact that she had entered the room on the arm of Ian’s step brother, Alex Dare – okay, maybe that had something to do with it. Knowing Ian's and Alex's history, their deeply rooted, consuming animosity for one another, I was worried that there’d be a lot of angst and drama, but thanks to Riley’s compassion and maturity, thankfully there was not. And I loved her for that. Seriously, had there been, it could have easily ruined the story for me, but this was handled by Riley early on, and handled well.
I’ve been wavering between 4 and 5 stars, and as I’m sitting here thinking about it, I’ve decided to go with 4 because there was something huge left unresolved, in my opinion, and it was Ian's father, Robert Dare’s remorse for what he’d done, or lack thereof. Granted, years had passed and he was probably tired of the rift his cheating ways had caused between his two sets of children, but SON-OF-A-BITCH! I have personal experience with the heartbreaking aftermath of infidelity, so in order for me to really be okay with the way his ex-wife, current wife, and most of his kids accepted his cheating ass and moved on, I needed some serious on-his-knees groveling. Some truly compelling reason for why he did what he did, and not the kissy-face reason we got. Or hell, just TRUE remorse!!! Sweet baby geebus! You might be wondering if I'm upset! Well, lemme just say that someone needs to meet the old, spineless, limp dick asshole in a dark alley, remove his balls with a spoon and make him watch while they’re fed to sewer rats. Better yet, spread peanut butter on his balls, while they're still dangling from between his legs, and make him watch while the sewer rats eat them! Now YOU decide how upset I am. Fecking fooker!
**takes a deep breath**
Alrighty, then...
Because I've Been Asked
No, this book is really not just like Fifty Shades or its clones. Yes, the two leads are wealthy, but not once was the word "millionaire" or "billionaire" mentioned, and trust me, I did a search! Gotta love ebooks!
Also, I do have Ian shelved as a "dominant male", but this really is not a BDSM story.
The bottom line
Dare to Love is at times funny, at times poignant, and at times very sexy! I’m thrilled to have finally read Carly Phillips writing, and yeah, this was my first read by this talented author, but it most certainly will not be my last! In fact, Alex’s story is up next and you couldn’t keep me from it if you tried!
My thanks to Chasity Jenkins for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review! It truly was a pleasure – despite what my outburst indicates.
Want to read
April 6, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (4/5/2016)
Stand-alone book 1.
BLURB:
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Carly...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
November 19, 2013
3.5 Stars! Good start to the series, but I would have liked more!
What worked:
I never expected to be reading such an in depth, complex book. Initially I thought that the sex would overrun the story, but I was surprised at how unique the plot was, and found myself anxious to learn about the family connection that tied all these siblings together.
What didn’t work:
Insta' love, sometimes it works, I didn't feel it here. I wish Ian and Riley would have gotten to know each other first, before diving into that first kiss, the intimacy came on rather quickly. I think the author missed the mark a on the couple chemistry, and maybe that was because....
The story was a little too short for all the stuff going on, and while I enjoyed the detail that was there, it felt squashed into the pages. It needed more time and space for the reader to appreciate the complexity of this family dynamic and the relationship between Ian and Riley.
Best scene(s):
The times Ian spent with his mother and her motherly advice to him. Also, when she gave him the bottom line on what happened between her and Ian's father, and in her own way accepted the circumstances of their marriage and his betrayal. She had her regrets, but not when it came to the children she had as result of their union...I loved that!!
Favorite character(s):
Alex. Yes, he could be an ass, but his heart was in the right place, and he actually endeared himself more to me than Ian did. Seeing them both come to terms with their sibling connection, albeit a most unconventional one, was interesting and eventually they were able to put aside their differences for Riley and her welfare.
Overall Thoughts:
Going into this and after the first few pages, I wasn't sure if it would work for me, I like relationships to build slowly and this all happened very fast. Then once I got to know the characters better and read about the odd circumstances of the two families, what tied them together, who accepted it and who didn't, and why, I was engaged. However, I still would have liked more Ian and Riley time, connecting on a fundamental level, as opposed to Ian and Riley having sex. What I was really happy about though, was that Ian and Riley's story came to a conclusive happy ending and won't be dragged on from book to book, and all too common occurrence in on-going series these days. It seems that each sibling will be featured, a total of 8 altogether, and Alex, who was particularly intriguing, will be featured next, and we already know who is love interest will be. Should prove to be fun!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
![Profile Image for Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700331868i%2F85343546._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 17, 2023
RATING: 3 stars to Dare to Love ★ ★ ★
“She was like all his favorite vices in one delectable package. Best of all, she kissed him back, every inch a willing, giving partner. He was a man who dominated and took, but from the minute he tasted her, he gave as well.”
‘But she was also realizing that relying on others didn’t make her weak . . . it made her human’
A marriage of convenience precipitates a roll of the die because this story really starts many years ago when the father of dominos fell, leaving a trail of mini catastrophes in its wake, catastrophes that are all bound together by the name Dare. Siblings and half siblings that all live in the shadow of their father Robert Dare’s biggest mistake, and this story capitalises on said mistake because In the current, present day life of Ian Dare, this misdemeanor still carries a wealth of weighty pain. As first in this series, this is his story.
Dare to Love begins with an incoming of insta lust when Riley Taylor and Ian Dare cross the same path. Riley is careful with her choices in men, selectively avoiding dominant personalities because she’s been on the receiving end of baneful dominance. If her past could talk, it would tell her to keep a wide berth, and like a mini counsellor on her shoulder it does just that when Ian accosts her life with his own very controlling form of dictatorial allure. She’s worried that Ian’s governing personality will emulate a history that she’s purposefully put out of mind, not after how far she’s come..but soon learns that not every brand of dominance is as fatal as her past would have her believe.
All isn’t as it looks on the outside however, because control is a certain, set-in-stone statement for Ian. He’s a man who feel safely stellar as long as control is in his possession. He’s grown up with a second best hang up after he was left behind by a man who was the spearhead of the family, soon a role Ian would wear when a shade of life-changing drama entered his home. A huge part of him doesn’t live in the present and he’s carried the burden of insecurity into adulthood. The question for him is whether he can leave the past at its source - the only problem is it’s too big to forget and he suffers the tainted consequence of his father’s mistakes. Damn you Daddy Dare!
If there’s anything I love to read about more than romantic bonds, it’s sibling/family relationships! I think this unique plot has to be a favourite because what regroups this story is the potential for Ian to challenge his rejection complex and his inability to sufficiently trust by growing some olive branches and extending them to the half siblings he’s neglected for so long. Being with Riley is a part of taking a salve to those insecurities, but I think making more headway with his half siblings would have gone a long way in that too. The romance is front and centre, but we have some interesting and impellingly necessary familial side conflicts that held onto a good portion of my need to read, and that made me wonder how and when these two parts of the current Dare generation would come together.
Ian and his half-brother Alex are separated by their a shared history, now split by evolving rivalry and a woman that sits squarely between them - Riley. She’s best friend to Alex and something more to Ian. Now, I understand that the hostility that Alex and Ian share isn’t something that’s going to mend overnight, but we don’t really see a lot of progression on the sibling front. This is one of the biggest challenges in the book, alongside Ian and Riley’s trustful anxiety, but I was a bit disappointed because I think this story could have pushed harder on family element. Ian and Alex do kind of mildly band together at one point but I wanted to see a reunion of some kind, hesitant as it might have been. Or even a real talk exchange of fragile feelings. Something of a more intimate unloading.
As far as the romance, while everything does initially happen a bit too fast for my personal taste as the insta-lust frames a set up that has the relationship unfolding at a far-too-hurried gait, I’m a fan of the way Carly Phillips navigates the connective relationship between Ian and Riley. She both focuses and plays on their very real hang ups while they both grow, merge and change together, meeting in the middle while Ian finds a way to harbour his control and Riley understanding that isolated independence isn’t always the best way to live.
Both scathed by history, this is a well-inscribed story of the unforgettable past and a present that dares to love. Attractive and well worth a read!
Trigger Warning: Adult sexual situations, minimal swearing and past mentions of domestic and physical abuse.
Something i didn't like:
------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
------------------------------------------
F A V O U R I T E_Q U O T E S:
“She was like all his favorite vices in one delectable package. Best of all, she kissed him back, every inch a willing, giving partner. He was a man who dominated and took, but from the minute he tasted her, he gave as well.”
‘But she was also realizing that relying on others didn’t make her weak . . . it made her human’
A marriage of convenience precipitates a roll of the die because this story really starts many years ago when the father of dominos fell, leaving a trail of mini catastrophes in its wake, catastrophes that are all bound together by the name Dare. Siblings and half siblings that all live in the shadow of their father Robert Dare’s biggest mistake, and this story capitalises on said mistake because In the current, present day life of Ian Dare, this misdemeanor still carries a wealth of weighty pain. As first in this series, this is his story.
Dare to Love begins with an incoming of insta lust when Riley Taylor and Ian Dare cross the same path. Riley is careful with her choices in men, selectively avoiding dominant personalities because she’s been on the receiving end of baneful dominance. If her past could talk, it would tell her to keep a wide berth, and like a mini counsellor on her shoulder it does just that when Ian accosts her life with his own very controlling form of dictatorial allure. She’s worried that Ian’s governing personality will emulate a history that she’s purposefully put out of mind, not after how far she’s come..but soon learns that not every brand of dominance is as fatal as her past would have her believe.
All isn’t as it looks on the outside however, because control is a certain, set-in-stone statement for Ian. He’s a man who feel safely stellar as long as control is in his possession. He’s grown up with a second best hang up after he was left behind by a man who was the spearhead of the family, soon a role Ian would wear when a shade of life-changing drama entered his home. A huge part of him doesn’t live in the present and he’s carried the burden of insecurity into adulthood. The question for him is whether he can leave the past at its source - the only problem is it’s too big to forget and he suffers the tainted consequence of his father’s mistakes. Damn you Daddy Dare!
If there’s anything I love to read about more than romantic bonds, it’s sibling/family relationships! I think this unique plot has to be a favourite because what regroups this story is the potential for Ian to challenge his rejection complex and his inability to sufficiently trust by growing some olive branches and extending them to the half siblings he’s neglected for so long. Being with Riley is a part of taking a salve to those insecurities, but I think making more headway with his half siblings would have gone a long way in that too. The romance is front and centre, but we have some interesting and impellingly necessary familial side conflicts that held onto a good portion of my need to read, and that made me wonder how and when these two parts of the current Dare generation would come together.
Ian and his half-brother Alex are separated by their a shared history, now split by evolving rivalry and a woman that sits squarely between them - Riley. She’s best friend to Alex and something more to Ian. Now, I understand that the hostility that Alex and Ian share isn’t something that’s going to mend overnight, but we don’t really see a lot of progression on the sibling front. This is one of the biggest challenges in the book, alongside Ian and Riley’s trustful anxiety, but I was a bit disappointed because I think this story could have pushed harder on family element. Ian and Alex do kind of mildly band together at one point but I wanted to see a reunion of some kind, hesitant as it might have been. Or even a real talk exchange of fragile feelings. Something of a more intimate unloading.
As far as the romance, while everything does initially happen a bit too fast for my personal taste as the insta-lust frames a set up that has the relationship unfolding at a far-too-hurried gait, I’m a fan of the way Carly Phillips navigates the connective relationship between Ian and Riley. She both focuses and plays on their very real hang ups while they both grow, merge and change together, meeting in the middle while Ian finds a way to harbour his control and Riley understanding that isolated independence isn’t always the best way to live.
Both scathed by history, this is a well-inscribed story of the unforgettable past and a present that dares to love. Attractive and well worth a read!
Trigger Warning: Adult sexual situations, minimal swearing and past mentions of domestic and physical abuse.
Something i didn't like:
------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
------------------------------------------
F A V O U R I T E_Q U O T E S:
December 11, 2013
Not good for me. I did not smile.
This feels like: read a hundred romance novels, pull out bunches of good things, and arrange them into this book. I did not find interesting or intriguing characters. I wanted something different, special, or humorous, but I didn’t find it. But, I think many romance readers are less picky than I and will be happy reading it.
The guy is the rich dominating corporate guy who sees her, has to have her, gives her a great job, and buys her great things to wear. It’s kind of wishful thinking for females.
I was frustrated with the heroine’s STUPIDITY causing the big breakup.
There were seven sex scenes, some several pages long. I skimmed some of them. I was not emotionally pulled in. The author was using grandiose phrases, which meant the characters were having great sex, but I wasn’t. I did not feel anything. Some of the phrases were: he came harder than ever before, the best orgasm of her life, the biggest tidal wave of heat and sensation he’d ever experienced.
Immediately after reading this book, I read Valiant by L Dohnner. The first sex scene in that book was sooo hot, I was fanning my face going “whew.” It was really well done. I only mention it as a comparison, because I felt nothing like that in Dare to Love.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 2,801, 257 pages. Swearing language: strong words used, but not often. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 7. Setting: current day mostly Florida. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance, football.
This feels like: read a hundred romance novels, pull out bunches of good things, and arrange them into this book. I did not find interesting or intriguing characters. I wanted something different, special, or humorous, but I didn’t find it. But, I think many romance readers are less picky than I and will be happy reading it.
The guy is the rich dominating corporate guy who sees her, has to have her, gives her a great job, and buys her great things to wear. It’s kind of wishful thinking for females.
I was frustrated with the heroine’s STUPIDITY causing the big breakup.
There were seven sex scenes, some several pages long. I skimmed some of them. I was not emotionally pulled in. The author was using grandiose phrases, which meant the characters were having great sex, but I wasn’t. I did not feel anything. Some of the phrases were: he came harder than ever before, the best orgasm of her life, the biggest tidal wave of heat and sensation he’d ever experienced.
Immediately after reading this book, I read Valiant by L Dohnner. The first sex scene in that book was sooo hot, I was fanning my face going “whew.” It was really well done. I only mention it as a comparison, because I felt nothing like that in Dare to Love.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 2,801, 257 pages. Swearing language: strong words used, but not often. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 7. Setting: current day mostly Florida. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance, football.
March 1, 2015
"Dare To Love" is the first book in what promises to be a sizzling series featuring The Dare Family! Carly Phillips is an author whom I have read her stories for years, and enjoyed them. Her past stories were what I always felt to be on the tamer side of some of the Romance genre. I am pleased to say that I was extremely surprised when I picked up this book and found out it has a much wilder flavor in the bedroom! I am aware that this series is Ms. Phillips attempt to go Indie, and I will gladly shout out that this was an excellant idea on her part; and I feel a move in the right direction for her career! It is nice when an author can keep up with the changing market, and in my humble opinion...a very smart move. "Dare to Love" is currently free on Amazon, and I highly recommend giving this series a try. I am certainly glad that I did, and my only regret is that I didn't pick it up sooner! It is a bonus though, that I have several books in the series that are ready and waiting for me to crack open!
Book one is about Ian Dare and Riley Taylor. They are both similar in the way that they like to have a certain amount of control in their lives, and this would be due to the fact that both have been extremely let down by the people that are supposed to love them most. Ian comes from a family where his father was found out that he was cheating on Ian's mother. As if that wasn't bad enough; Ian's Dad had a whole other family behind his "origional" families back. Needless to say, Ian had major issues with not only his father; but with the half siblings as well. All together, there are nine Dare children, and they are far from united as one big happy family.
Then there is Riley, she was neighbors with Ian's step brother Alex since she was very young. Alex and her have major history together, especially because Riley's home life was not a nice one, and Alex helped her through that and tried to make her life better. Her abusive father left a major mark on her and she does not trust people at all.
When Ian and Riley get together one night, their lives will change in a big way. Will they be able to give up their control to one another. OR at least find a compromise? Or will their walls continue to be in the way of both of their happiness? There are a ton of hurdles for them to get through; but one thing is for sure....In the bedroom...these two are smoking hot! I can tell you that Riley has no problem giving her control up there!!! And whew!!! Ian totally knows what he is doing, and he does it WELL! LOL
This is a must read series, especially for readers who love an extra bit of spice to their stories. Carly Phillips has always been a brilliant writer...now she has kicked it up another notch, and is in a league all of her own!
Book one is about Ian Dare and Riley Taylor. They are both similar in the way that they like to have a certain amount of control in their lives, and this would be due to the fact that both have been extremely let down by the people that are supposed to love them most. Ian comes from a family where his father was found out that he was cheating on Ian's mother. As if that wasn't bad enough; Ian's Dad had a whole other family behind his "origional" families back. Needless to say, Ian had major issues with not only his father; but with the half siblings as well. All together, there are nine Dare children, and they are far from united as one big happy family.
Then there is Riley, she was neighbors with Ian's step brother Alex since she was very young. Alex and her have major history together, especially because Riley's home life was not a nice one, and Alex helped her through that and tried to make her life better. Her abusive father left a major mark on her and she does not trust people at all.
When Ian and Riley get together one night, their lives will change in a big way. Will they be able to give up their control to one another. OR at least find a compromise? Or will their walls continue to be in the way of both of their happiness? There are a ton of hurdles for them to get through; but one thing is for sure....In the bedroom...these two are smoking hot! I can tell you that Riley has no problem giving her control up there!!! And whew!!! Ian totally knows what he is doing, and he does it WELL! LOL
This is a must read series, especially for readers who love an extra bit of spice to their stories. Carly Phillips has always been a brilliant writer...now she has kicked it up another notch, and is in a league all of her own!
October 13, 2018
O carte frumoasă, plină de emoție, fierbinte. O poveste de dragoste care te cucerește. Doua personaje cu un trecut dureros in apare, care încearcă sa depășească aceste dureri și sa își Creeze un viitor împreuna! O carte extraordinara!
March 8, 2015
Ugh, ugh, ugh...I usually like Carly Phillips but this book, just...ugh. This is the fourth book in a row where the male lead is just a flat out a-hole. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about a lead with tons of confidence and even a little cocky, but why are all these authors intent on making the men so over-bearing and obnoxious to the point I'm constantly finding myself rooting AGAINST the leads getting together? And don't get me started on these weak-willed women who like to be bossed around and told what to do as though they're stupid children. Do any of these women have any pride or do these authors think women LIKE to be pushed around?
I blame 50 Shades of Crap for this new trend. Dear authors, despite the success of that book, please note that most women actually DON'T like being controlled, and in fact find it extremely creepy. Any guy who after 5 seconds of meeting me thought and said the things Ian did would immediately be written off as a complete creeper and douchebag. It is almost just a total lack of respect for women and it's not a turn-on. This guy was the ultimate - laughably so - douche. The fact that he is rich and really good looking makes him doubly so as these guys are usually the worst. It's like suddenly we're supposed to believe the Spencer Pratts of the world are real catches????
As to the actually story itself, it was way too rushed to believe it was anything but lust. While the author kept telling us how independent, strong and prideful Riley was, she did nothing to show us. In fact, it often seemed the opposite. Just telling us a character is a certain way isn't enough, they actually have to be that way.
Ok, rant over, I wouldn't recommend his book unless for some odd reason, you're someone who finds creeps attractive.
Ugh.
I blame 50 Shades of Crap for this new trend. Dear authors, despite the success of that book, please note that most women actually DON'T like being controlled, and in fact find it extremely creepy. Any guy who after 5 seconds of meeting me thought and said the things Ian did would immediately be written off as a complete creeper and douchebag. It is almost just a total lack of respect for women and it's not a turn-on. This guy was the ultimate - laughably so - douche. The fact that he is rich and really good looking makes him doubly so as these guys are usually the worst. It's like suddenly we're supposed to believe the Spencer Pratts of the world are real catches????
As to the actually story itself, it was way too rushed to believe it was anything but lust. While the author kept telling us how independent, strong and prideful Riley was, she did nothing to show us. In fact, it often seemed the opposite. Just telling us a character is a certain way isn't enough, they actually have to be that way.
Ok, rant over, I wouldn't recommend his book unless for some odd reason, you're someone who finds creeps attractive.
Ugh.
March 6, 2015
I'm not sure why this one is coming up as not finished? I thought I wrote my review on this book awhile back?? Anyway, this was an excellent start to what promises to be a great series! I can't wait to continue on and find out what more is to come! I have always loved Carly Phillips, and this series is a lot hotter than her other books. She knows how to do HOT as well as a loving romance! Definitely worth checking out!
September 19, 2020
This was simply okay for me. It was a fast read which was nice. I just didn't love the characters as much as I usually do when I'm reading a new book. This was the first time I've read a Carly Phillips novel. I might try her again just so I can learn more about the Dare brothers!
October 13, 2018
Dare to Love was the first book in Carly Phillips Dare to Love series. It was also my first book by the author.
Ian Dare was the oldest of the Dare siblings. He had two sisters and two brothers as well as some half siblings that he wasn’t aware until he was eighteen. His father had a double life and Ian had major trust issues as a result.
Riley Taylor was the best friend to Alex Dare, one of Ian’s half siblings. Alex and Ian despised each other. Riley and Ian met through her association with Alex. She too had baggage from her childhood that resulted in trust issues.
The storyline was multi-faceted. It was the relationship development between Ian and Riley; which involved accepting the past and moving towards the future with forgiveness, healing and hope. It also set the stage for the series focusing on the dynamics within the Dare families.
It was a fast paced read with a dual POV and written well. Additionally Phillips added some twists to add dimension. With that said, I still felt it was a little too quick. I was craving more depth into the Dare family saga. Alex is up next in Dare to Desire and I look forward to a deeper dive.
Ian Dare was the oldest of the Dare siblings. He had two sisters and two brothers as well as some half siblings that he wasn’t aware until he was eighteen. His father had a double life and Ian had major trust issues as a result.
Riley Taylor was the best friend to Alex Dare, one of Ian’s half siblings. Alex and Ian despised each other. Riley and Ian met through her association with Alex. She too had baggage from her childhood that resulted in trust issues.
The storyline was multi-faceted. It was the relationship development between Ian and Riley; which involved accepting the past and moving towards the future with forgiveness, healing and hope. It also set the stage for the series focusing on the dynamics within the Dare families.
It was a fast paced read with a dual POV and written well. Additionally Phillips added some twists to add dimension. With that said, I still felt it was a little too quick. I was craving more depth into the Dare family saga. Alex is up next in Dare to Desire and I look forward to a deeper dive.
May 21, 2014
Sexy, steamy, and seriously fun. I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for Alex's book!
January 23, 2015
3 1/2 Stars–Contemporary/Erotic Romance.
December 20, 2013
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog
I can't believe I haven't read Carly Phillips before. Actually, I think in the past 20 years I must have, I'm just not sure which books. I had high expectations going into this because while I couldn't place what I had read, I knew her name. After 20 years traditionally published, Carly Phillips has gone Indie. From such an experienced author, I expected a lot, and I'm thrilled to say Carly Phillips delivered.
Ian Dare is the first in the Dare family to get his own book, and I think this series will just get better as it goes along. It's a large family...if you can call it that. You see, Ian's father left his family when he was young, to go live with his other family. Yup...all those times he was on a business trip, he had a whole other family. Ian couldn't help but resent and hate the other kids, they took his father from him. But his sisters have made peace, and they have Ian wrapped around their fingers. So for them, Ian attends his father's birthday gala. As he is about to leave, the half brother he hates, Alex, comes in, and his plans changed.
Riley came to the party with her best friend since childhood, Alex Dare, a pro football player. But she felt the hot eyes of Ian watching her all night. When they met over a spilled drink, the sexual pull was immediate, and within minutes they were making out on the patio. But they both knew that consorting with the enemy can only lead to problems, so they part ways.
Until Riley loses her job and accepts a position for the Miami football team that Ian runs.
As much as they try to keep it professional, it wasn't from day one. Luckily, Riley never reported directly to Ian, and she never would. She is fiercely independent, and because of the way she grew up, plans to stay that way. But Ian is a dominant personality, used to getting his own way. Something Riley responds to, but wishes she didn't. There was instant chemistry, but I was pleased the love wasn't instant. It was quick, but they had dinner together every night and seemed to really get to know each other, which was a nice and rare thing to read about. But believe me...the tension was building up, big time.
Riley is so torn between loving and hating his dominant nature. She doesn't like the bossiness outside the bedroom (though it turns her on) but inside the bedroom is a whole different story.
Uummm....yes please! But Riley is not used to giving up her secrets and control.
Dare to Love was a story about love, about compromise, about trust, about family, about finding a happy medium, and it was filled romance and some very hot and sexy scenes
Likes:
•They actually got along and talked and got to know each other from the beginning.
•Ian's dominant, possessive personality. Pure alpha.
•Takes place in South Florida, my home.
•Hot, sexy banter.
•Great, HOT sex scenes, with a little edge.
•A lot of story.
•Well written with no issues following the story line of POV changes.
•A nice epilogue.
•Great set-up for a series. I look forward to Max's and Olivia's books.
Dislikes:
•Third Person.
•A few incidences of coming on command, and too many orgasms...can anyone come THAT much?
•Ends at 91%. I hate the fake out.
Rating: 4 stars 4.75 Heat
I enjoyed this very sexy read very much. I did feel like there was something missing, and I couldn't put my finger on it. I think what held me back from giving it a higher rating was the third person POV, I never seem to connect as deep as I wish I did. There was a lot of story, and maybe had it been a bit longer, that would have helped a bit Even so, I very much recommend the book. I think it will be a great start to the series, and I can't wait for Alex's book, Dare to Desire.
Purchase Dare to Love by Carly Phillips
Dare to Love" target="_blank">Amazon US | Amazon.ca | Amazon.UK | BN.com
Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and join my page on Facebook
I can't believe I haven't read Carly Phillips before. Actually, I think in the past 20 years I must have, I'm just not sure which books. I had high expectations going into this because while I couldn't place what I had read, I knew her name. After 20 years traditionally published, Carly Phillips has gone Indie. From such an experienced author, I expected a lot, and I'm thrilled to say Carly Phillips delivered.
Ian Dare is the first in the Dare family to get his own book, and I think this series will just get better as it goes along. It's a large family...if you can call it that. You see, Ian's father left his family when he was young, to go live with his other family. Yup...all those times he was on a business trip, he had a whole other family. Ian couldn't help but resent and hate the other kids, they took his father from him. But his sisters have made peace, and they have Ian wrapped around their fingers. So for them, Ian attends his father's birthday gala. As he is about to leave, the half brother he hates, Alex, comes in, and his plans changed.
"Because of her."
"Some people had presence; others merely wished they possessed that magic something. In her bold, red dress and fuck-me heels, she owned the room. And he wanted to own her. Petite and curvy, with long, chocolate-brown hair that fell down her back in wild curls, she was the antithesis of every too-thin female he’d dated and kept at arm’s length. But she was with his half brother, which meant he had to steer clear."
Riley came to the party with her best friend since childhood, Alex Dare, a pro football player. But she felt the hot eyes of Ian watching her all night. When they met over a spilled drink, the sexual pull was immediate, and within minutes they were making out on the patio. But they both knew that consorting with the enemy can only lead to problems, so they part ways.
Until Riley loses her job and accepts a position for the Miami football team that Ian runs.
"I've dreamed about the way you might taste. Are you sweet, Riley?" he asked, his voice gruff and sexy.
As much as they try to keep it professional, it wasn't from day one. Luckily, Riley never reported directly to Ian, and she never would. She is fiercely independent, and because of the way she grew up, plans to stay that way. But Ian is a dominant personality, used to getting his own way. Something Riley responds to, but wishes she didn't. There was instant chemistry, but I was pleased the love wasn't instant. It was quick, but they had dinner together every night and seemed to really get to know each other, which was a nice and rare thing to read about. But believe me...the tension was building up, big time.
"I want you Riley. I want to feel myself hard and hot inside you," he said, nipping her lower lip.
Riley is so torn between loving and hating his dominant nature. She doesn't like the bossiness outside the bedroom (though it turns her on) but inside the bedroom is a whole different story.
"I expect you to give yourself over to me completely in bed. To do as I say without hesitation or question. I promise you won't be disappointed"
Uummm....yes please! But Riley is not used to giving up her secrets and control.
"You either trust me or you don't. You either instinctively come to me first or there is no us. On that, I can't compromise."
Dare to Love was a story about love, about compromise, about trust, about family, about finding a happy medium, and it was filled romance and some very hot and sexy scenes
"She reached out a hesitant hand, placing her palm over his heart. In that instant, he accepted that she owned him."
Likes:
•They actually got along and talked and got to know each other from the beginning.
•Ian's dominant, possessive personality. Pure alpha.
•Takes place in South Florida, my home.
•Hot, sexy banter.
•Great, HOT sex scenes, with a little edge.
•A lot of story.
•Well written with no issues following the story line of POV changes.
•A nice epilogue.
•Great set-up for a series. I look forward to Max's and Olivia's books.
Dislikes:
•Third Person.
•A few incidences of coming on command, and too many orgasms...can anyone come THAT much?
•Ends at 91%. I hate the fake out.
Rating: 4 stars 4.75 Heat
I enjoyed this very sexy read very much. I did feel like there was something missing, and I couldn't put my finger on it. I think what held me back from giving it a higher rating was the third person POV, I never seem to connect as deep as I wish I did. There was a lot of story, and maybe had it been a bit longer, that would have helped a bit Even so, I very much recommend the book. I think it will be a great start to the series, and I can't wait for Alex's book, Dare to Desire.
Purchase Dare to Love by Carly Phillips
Dare to Love" target="_blank">Amazon US | Amazon.ca | Amazon.UK | BN.com
Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and join my page on Facebook
July 5, 2018
I love Carly Phillips. She writes romance with a light, often funny touch. That touch is not so evident in this book as in past books I've read. What we get in "Dare to Love" is a hot, almost erotic, sexual attraction between two people with deep, deep trust issues. At first I thought it was "Fifty Shades" ala Carly Phillips, but this book turned out to be so much more.
The insta-lust was off the charts when Ian Dare saw Riley Taylor on the arm of his half-brother, Alex. But that just put her in the off-limits category. Knowing Riley has any relationship at all with his half-brother made any relationship with her impossible for him. He wasn't going to compete for her affection the way he had for compete for his father's. Just. Not. Going. To. Happen. Until his wallow in whatever causes Riley to loose her job and he knows that the electric attraction between them is not going to go away.
Riley Taylor is fiercely independent and when Ian's sister offers her a job, she is determined to make sure she has earned that job and it is not just because Ian is president of the company. Ian pulls out all the stops in his pursuit and the overwhelming hot flash between these two makes sparks fly off the page. But, when it comes to trust, that is just something only two people in Riley's life have from her, with good reason. For Ian, it's all or nothing.
The insta-lust was off the charts when Ian Dare saw Riley Taylor on the arm of his half-brother, Alex. But that just put her in the off-limits category. Knowing Riley has any relationship at all with his half-brother made any relationship with her impossible for him. He wasn't going to compete for her affection the way he had for compete for his father's. Just. Not. Going. To. Happen. Until his wallow in whatever causes Riley to loose her job and he knows that the electric attraction between them is not going to go away.
Riley Taylor is fiercely independent and when Ian's sister offers her a job, she is determined to make sure she has earned that job and it is not just because Ian is president of the company. Ian pulls out all the stops in his pursuit and the overwhelming hot flash between these two makes sparks fly off the page. But, when it comes to trust, that is just something only two people in Riley's life have from her, with good reason. For Ian, it's all or nothing.
April 14, 2018
This goes on the apparently never-ending list of books that confuses a dominant personality with an abusive one. I was feeling pretty squeamish about him literally not taking no for an answer to force her to dinner with him, even telling her a near stranger to leave her car despite her protests and ride with him. Then he snapped at a waiter. How a person treats wait staff tells you everything you need to know about them. I had never used that in the fiction world, and maybe I was already looking for an excuse to quit this but I didn't find this hero at all appealing
August 24, 2014
Dare to Love by Carly Phillips is a 2014 CP publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
All I can say right now is I had to take a cold shower after reading this one. It is hot, hot, hot!!
Riley and Alex Dare are good friends. When she meets Alex's half brother, Ian ,at a family gathering, the two of them make an all consuming instant connection. But... that doesn't make theirs a match made in heaven.
Riley is fiercely independent after seeing her mother go through an abusive marriage. Ian is dominating and protective. When he gives a command you obey... period. Ian's controlling nature stems partly from his resentfulness of the his father's second marriage and family. Bitter and determined to never be like his father, Ian stays in firm control of everything he can and that includes Riley. While Ian's demands are helping Riley let go of her inhibitions in the bedroom, it causes many problems for them in most other areas.
As Ian's feelings for Riley deepen, his controlling personality threatens to smother her. For Ian, it's all about gaining Riley's trust. For Riley it is all about learning to trust , and we all know how hard gaining trust can be and how hard giving it can be. So, is there anyway these two can learn to compromise?
I was really into this book. Ian's family background makes for some really interesting reading. His father keeping a secret family hit Ian hard, harder than it did his mother or his other siblings who have all moved on and even forged relationships with their half- siblings.
Riley's life is complicated. She has job problems, she has a dark background that threatens to shatter any contentment she might gain, and of course she wants to trust Ian but she's afraid of his power over her. The romance is scorching. These two have chemistry and then some. They can not stay away from each other and barely come up for air sometimes. If like your romance hot, leaning toward the Erotica side a little, you will not want to miss this one.
The secondary characters are also well developed and I can not wait to read Alex's story. Over all this series looks very promising. I recommend this one to contemporary romance lovers who can handle high heat and mild erotica. 4.5 rounded to 5
All I can say right now is I had to take a cold shower after reading this one. It is hot, hot, hot!!
Riley and Alex Dare are good friends. When she meets Alex's half brother, Ian ,at a family gathering, the two of them make an all consuming instant connection. But... that doesn't make theirs a match made in heaven.
Riley is fiercely independent after seeing her mother go through an abusive marriage. Ian is dominating and protective. When he gives a command you obey... period. Ian's controlling nature stems partly from his resentfulness of the his father's second marriage and family. Bitter and determined to never be like his father, Ian stays in firm control of everything he can and that includes Riley. While Ian's demands are helping Riley let go of her inhibitions in the bedroom, it causes many problems for them in most other areas.
As Ian's feelings for Riley deepen, his controlling personality threatens to smother her. For Ian, it's all about gaining Riley's trust. For Riley it is all about learning to trust , and we all know how hard gaining trust can be and how hard giving it can be. So, is there anyway these two can learn to compromise?
I was really into this book. Ian's family background makes for some really interesting reading. His father keeping a secret family hit Ian hard, harder than it did his mother or his other siblings who have all moved on and even forged relationships with their half- siblings.
Riley's life is complicated. She has job problems, she has a dark background that threatens to shatter any contentment she might gain, and of course she wants to trust Ian but she's afraid of his power over her. The romance is scorching. These two have chemistry and then some. They can not stay away from each other and barely come up for air sometimes. If like your romance hot, leaning toward the Erotica side a little, you will not want to miss this one.
The secondary characters are also well developed and I can not wait to read Alex's story. Over all this series looks very promising. I recommend this one to contemporary romance lovers who can handle high heat and mild erotica. 4.5 rounded to 5
November 25, 2013
Shey‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
Dare To Love is the first book in Carly Phillips The Dare to Love series and OMG Carly where have you been hiding this one!! I am such a fan, that’s no secret, but Ms. Phillips going out on her own and self-publishing has let a beast out of the box with the start of this new series showing her talent for the more steamy side. Dare To love is so different than the other books she has written, more dominate, more alpha, she has shown that her writing style, still flawless, that there is no level out of this amazing authors reach.
Ian Dare, what can I say except from the first moment you will want him; he is the ultimate Alpha that many of us look for when reading. The sexy dirty talk, his control and possessiveness are just some of the traits that make you fall hard for him yet he shows that caring, gentle side that comes with a dominate man even with the trust issues he has you can’t help but just fall a little more for him page by page.
When Riley Taylor enters the picture Ian knows the walls he’s built are going to be tested. Riley is a strong woman, fiercely independent yet battling her own demons. Always there for her, Alex Dare is Riley’s best friend and Ian’s half-brother and as much as the brothers share DNA that is all they share. This is something both brothers must try and come to terms with. Yet, it’s a test of trust for both Riley and Ian and if you don’t have that what do you have?
Carly Phillips has given us the Dare family, they are complicated and I what I can only describe as a “hot mess” she has developed a family that even with all their dysfunction you see the love, the protectiveness they have for one another as they try to overcome the past. Ms. Phillips knows how to draw you into every world she creates and this one is absolutely no different. You can’t help but immerse yourself and become a part of it.
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
Dare To Love is the first book in Carly Phillips The Dare to Love series and OMG Carly where have you been hiding this one!! I am such a fan, that’s no secret, but Ms. Phillips going out on her own and self-publishing has let a beast out of the box with the start of this new series showing her talent for the more steamy side. Dare To love is so different than the other books she has written, more dominate, more alpha, she has shown that her writing style, still flawless, that there is no level out of this amazing authors reach.
Ian Dare, what can I say except from the first moment you will want him; he is the ultimate Alpha that many of us look for when reading. The sexy dirty talk, his control and possessiveness are just some of the traits that make you fall hard for him yet he shows that caring, gentle side that comes with a dominate man even with the trust issues he has you can’t help but just fall a little more for him page by page.
When Riley Taylor enters the picture Ian knows the walls he’s built are going to be tested. Riley is a strong woman, fiercely independent yet battling her own demons. Always there for her, Alex Dare is Riley’s best friend and Ian’s half-brother and as much as the brothers share DNA that is all they share. This is something both brothers must try and come to terms with. Yet, it’s a test of trust for both Riley and Ian and if you don’t have that what do you have?
Carly Phillips has given us the Dare family, they are complicated and I what I can only describe as a “hot mess” she has developed a family that even with all their dysfunction you see the love, the protectiveness they have for one another as they try to overcome the past. Ms. Phillips knows how to draw you into every world she creates and this one is absolutely no different. You can’t help but immerse yourself and become a part of it.
February 26, 2016
3.5 stars
ARC Review
Dare to Love is an over-the-top, erotic, romance story. It starts with an attraction between Ian and Riley that is so intense that it is almost an interstellar black hole, "...the minute he caught sight of her alone at the bar, he'd gone after her, compelled by a force beyond his understanding." Admittedly, I was a smidge annoyed at the blatant insta-love but when I decided to read this book as pure escapist fare, I could suspend my cynicism and enjoy the read.
There are pockets of goodness in this narrative including the relationship between Ian and his estranged father. His father and mother married out of obligation. Consequently, his father has a long-running affair with his true love that results in a second family. Ultimately, Ian's father leaves Ian's mother which results in Ian's major trust issues. Currently, Ian despises his father for leaving and giving more to his second family, but the author leaves room for the possibility of a relationship and that is appealing.
Riley comes from an abusive household where her father consistently and cruelly dominated her mother. From that she has an aversion to controlling men which then extends to a desire to avoid most relationships.
Their relationship is very monochromatic - black or white. They are all-in or all-out. Lines get drawn and, at first, there is no give. "...You either trust me or you don't. You either instinctively come to me first or there is no us. On that, I can't compromise." It is difficult to sustain such a high standard and,as you can imagine, there is bound to be conflict. Which is what makes forgiveness all the more sweet.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Highly entertaining, if a little implausible, this book is a nice way to lose yourself for a few hours. Consider it a good summer read by the pool or for a rainy day.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
ARC Review
Dare to Love is an over-the-top, erotic, romance story. It starts with an attraction between Ian and Riley that is so intense that it is almost an interstellar black hole, "...the minute he caught sight of her alone at the bar, he'd gone after her, compelled by a force beyond his understanding." Admittedly, I was a smidge annoyed at the blatant insta-love but when I decided to read this book as pure escapist fare, I could suspend my cynicism and enjoy the read.
There are pockets of goodness in this narrative including the relationship between Ian and his estranged father. His father and mother married out of obligation. Consequently, his father has a long-running affair with his true love that results in a second family. Ultimately, Ian's father leaves Ian's mother which results in Ian's major trust issues. Currently, Ian despises his father for leaving and giving more to his second family, but the author leaves room for the possibility of a relationship and that is appealing.
Riley comes from an abusive household where her father consistently and cruelly dominated her mother. From that she has an aversion to controlling men which then extends to a desire to avoid most relationships.
Their relationship is very monochromatic - black or white. They are all-in or all-out. Lines get drawn and, at first, there is no give. "...You either trust me or you don't. You either instinctively come to me first or there is no us. On that, I can't compromise." It is difficult to sustain such a high standard and,as you can imagine, there is bound to be conflict. Which is what makes forgiveness all the more sweet.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Highly entertaining, if a little implausible, this book is a nice way to lose yourself for a few hours. Consider it a good summer read by the pool or for a rainy day.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2018
I'm reading them all backwards but still they are so good :)
November 18, 2013
Dare To Love, Book Review (Published 2013)
By Carly Phillips
LP's Rating : 5/5 Stars
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Basic Overview:
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
My Review.
This to me was one of Carly's best novels. I wasn't convinced I'd fall in love with Ian and Riley, but I did. Let me explain. I initially got hooked on Carly's books when I picked up one of The Hot Zone series books. I LOVED IT and demolished the series in a matter of days. As I continued reading more of her books and different series, I liked them, but they didn't leave me with any lasting impressions. HOWEVER...Dare To Love is a book I won't soon forget. It's one of those rare romances that has a little bit of everything I love in a book.
What I liked.
The Characters. Ian and Riley are real to me. Their dynamic is clever and complex and beautifully written. Their tormented and haunted pasts come to life for me because they're believable. These characters are realistic and relateable, and they're...human.
Riley. She's what you like to see in a female lead. She's compassionate, emotional, hard working, driven, both strong and vulnerable...everything that makes for an endearing leading lady. There were of course times when I wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to swallow her pride and think with her head, but of course the more involved you want to get, the better and more riveting the story.
Ian. He's a man's man and he's not ashamed of it. He's a perfect match for Riley, even though he doesn't know it because they're both scarred, they're both scared, and they're both as vulnerable as they are strong. Their compatibility and lack of awareness that they're perfect for one another is what makes them so interesting to read.
The Romance. This book's got the romance (oh boy does it have some romance, more than I was expecting even). Even though I was initially taken aback by the amount and explicitness, it worked for Ian and Riley, and I got sucked in. Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy an erotica story just like most romance readers, but I was just surprised by how raw and gritty their story way. Pleasantly surprised, I'll add.
What I didn't like.
If there was anything that rubbed me the wrong way (aside from the amount of explicit sex that was a surprise to me), none of it bothered me enough to recall or mention.
My Recommendation.
If you love Carly Phillips and enjoy a lot of sex in your contemporary romances, this is the book for you. If you like complexity and intricate story arcs, then you'll love this. If you don't appreciate erotica and romance novels are borderline too much for you, this is NOT the book for you. However, I personally have a great feeling about this Dare series and can't wait to see which characters Carly allows us to follow and how different her writing is going to be now that she's gone Indie. It's SOOOO exciting! Welcome to the "dark" side, Carly. We're so lucky to have you!
By Carly Phillips
LP's Rating : 5/5 Stars
Genre: Romance/Erotica
Basic Overview:
Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.
Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.
My Review.
This to me was one of Carly's best novels. I wasn't convinced I'd fall in love with Ian and Riley, but I did. Let me explain. I initially got hooked on Carly's books when I picked up one of The Hot Zone series books. I LOVED IT and demolished the series in a matter of days. As I continued reading more of her books and different series, I liked them, but they didn't leave me with any lasting impressions. HOWEVER...Dare To Love is a book I won't soon forget. It's one of those rare romances that has a little bit of everything I love in a book.
What I liked.
The Characters. Ian and Riley are real to me. Their dynamic is clever and complex and beautifully written. Their tormented and haunted pasts come to life for me because they're believable. These characters are realistic and relateable, and they're...human.
Riley. She's what you like to see in a female lead. She's compassionate, emotional, hard working, driven, both strong and vulnerable...everything that makes for an endearing leading lady. There were of course times when I wanted to smack her upside the head and tell her to swallow her pride and think with her head, but of course the more involved you want to get, the better and more riveting the story.
Ian. He's a man's man and he's not ashamed of it. He's a perfect match for Riley, even though he doesn't know it because they're both scarred, they're both scared, and they're both as vulnerable as they are strong. Their compatibility and lack of awareness that they're perfect for one another is what makes them so interesting to read.
The Romance. This book's got the romance (oh boy does it have some romance, more than I was expecting even). Even though I was initially taken aback by the amount and explicitness, it worked for Ian and Riley, and I got sucked in. Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy an erotica story just like most romance readers, but I was just surprised by how raw and gritty their story way. Pleasantly surprised, I'll add.
What I didn't like.
If there was anything that rubbed me the wrong way (aside from the amount of explicit sex that was a surprise to me), none of it bothered me enough to recall or mention.
My Recommendation.
If you love Carly Phillips and enjoy a lot of sex in your contemporary romances, this is the book for you. If you like complexity and intricate story arcs, then you'll love this. If you don't appreciate erotica and romance novels are borderline too much for you, this is NOT the book for you. However, I personally have a great feeling about this Dare series and can't wait to see which characters Carly allows us to follow and how different her writing is going to be now that she's gone Indie. It's SOOOO exciting! Welcome to the "dark" side, Carly. We're so lucky to have you!
November 22, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/11/19/...
I have been a long time fangirl of Carly Phillips, and when I heard she was going to be doing her next series as self-published books, I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with. This book was a little more sexy than her other books, and who doesn’t love that?
Ian Dare loves his mother and sisters more than anything. But his father and his second family? Ian could do without. The last person he ever expects to find himself lusting after is the best friend of his half-brother and rival, Alex. But something about Riley is captivating to Ian, and he can’t seem to stay away.
Riley has not had an easy life, but her best friend Alex has always been there for her. But the moment she feels herself falling for his half-brother Ian, Riley knows trouble is coming. The two brothers can’t stand each other, and Riley and Ian’s relationship makes everything worse. The only thing that seems to be able to bring these two together is a dark memory from Riley’s past that she would rather forget than deal with.
I loved the set up of this book. The animosity between Ian and his father, as well as his half-siblings was so well done. I can’t imagine finding out your father, that you look up to and adore, has been living this whole double life for years. The ages of all his children span over many, many years, and the only reason his father came clean is because of an illness from one of his daughters. Oh man, the feels associated with this whole situation are off the charts, and Phillips nailed it.
The romance was both awesome, and a little much for me. It seemed like both Ian and Riley fell in love VERY quickly, which surprised me given the way Ian felt toward Riley and her association with Alex in the beginning. It felt as if he went from mild curiosity to lust to hatred to full on “I love you” in the span of two weeks. Their relationship moved a little quick for me on the emotions front, but by-oh-boy were the sex scenes smokin’! Phillips took a new direction in this book. I was a little hesitant because so many mainstream authors are doing the BDSM thing, but I found that Phillips toned-down version worked for me. Phillips didn’t go too over the top, and I felt like there was a good mix of kinky and sweet.
I can’t wait to find out where Phillips takes the family dynamics in this series. It seemed as if Ian and Alex were able to find some common ground, especially when it came to Riley. I hope that we get to see a lot more play out between not only these two, but also the other brothers and sisters. I love watching these messed up family dynamics at work! :)
The secondary plot with Riley and her past worked well for me. I thought Phillips did a wonderful job of bringing out Riley’s pain and anguish with her past, and resolving it in a way that worked for everyone. I would love to see Phillips write a romantic suspense book some day, because I think she did a great job incorporating some aspects of RS I love into this story!
All in all I enjoyed Phillips first self published novel. I felt as if the book moved much quicker than her other novels, but it was a good, fast read. I really loved the interplay between the half siblings, and can’t wait to see more of that in future books. The romance between Riley and Ian had a few troublesome spots for me, but overall I really liked them both.
I give Dare to Love a B.
I have been a long time fangirl of Carly Phillips, and when I heard she was going to be doing her next series as self-published books, I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with. This book was a little more sexy than her other books, and who doesn’t love that?
Ian Dare loves his mother and sisters more than anything. But his father and his second family? Ian could do without. The last person he ever expects to find himself lusting after is the best friend of his half-brother and rival, Alex. But something about Riley is captivating to Ian, and he can’t seem to stay away.
Riley has not had an easy life, but her best friend Alex has always been there for her. But the moment she feels herself falling for his half-brother Ian, Riley knows trouble is coming. The two brothers can’t stand each other, and Riley and Ian’s relationship makes everything worse. The only thing that seems to be able to bring these two together is a dark memory from Riley’s past that she would rather forget than deal with.
I loved the set up of this book. The animosity between Ian and his father, as well as his half-siblings was so well done. I can’t imagine finding out your father, that you look up to and adore, has been living this whole double life for years. The ages of all his children span over many, many years, and the only reason his father came clean is because of an illness from one of his daughters. Oh man, the feels associated with this whole situation are off the charts, and Phillips nailed it.
The romance was both awesome, and a little much for me. It seemed like both Ian and Riley fell in love VERY quickly, which surprised me given the way Ian felt toward Riley and her association with Alex in the beginning. It felt as if he went from mild curiosity to lust to hatred to full on “I love you” in the span of two weeks. Their relationship moved a little quick for me on the emotions front, but by-oh-boy were the sex scenes smokin’! Phillips took a new direction in this book. I was a little hesitant because so many mainstream authors are doing the BDSM thing, but I found that Phillips toned-down version worked for me. Phillips didn’t go too over the top, and I felt like there was a good mix of kinky and sweet.
I can’t wait to find out where Phillips takes the family dynamics in this series. It seemed as if Ian and Alex were able to find some common ground, especially when it came to Riley. I hope that we get to see a lot more play out between not only these two, but also the other brothers and sisters. I love watching these messed up family dynamics at work! :)
The secondary plot with Riley and her past worked well for me. I thought Phillips did a wonderful job of bringing out Riley’s pain and anguish with her past, and resolving it in a way that worked for everyone. I would love to see Phillips write a romantic suspense book some day, because I think she did a great job incorporating some aspects of RS I love into this story!
All in all I enjoyed Phillips first self published novel. I felt as if the book moved much quicker than her other novels, but it was a good, fast read. I really loved the interplay between the half siblings, and can’t wait to see more of that in future books. The romance between Riley and Ian had a few troublesome spots for me, but overall I really liked them both.
I give Dare to Love a B.
November 30, 2013
Carly Phillips has eliminated the middle man in publishing and it looks like her creative muscle is flexing freely, too! Dare to Love the first book in the Dare to Love Series is a powerful , contemporary romance with no holds barred. Broken, dysfunctional families, strained relationships, and years of building walls to hide the scars and pain come crashing down for two people who could give to each other what no one else could, unconditional love and trust.
With “Melt my Kindle” steam and heat, Carly Phillips can write an “intimate moment” that fits perfectly into her story of Ian, a classic Type A personality who has learned to hide his feelings, guard his emotions, and always stay in control of the moment, until he lays his eyes on Riley. Riley has her own baggage from the past, and her best friend is Ian’s half-brother, Alex, another Alpha personality who will stop at nothing to protect Riley from the likes of Ian. Of course his opinion of Ian is clouded by years of bitterness and rejection, their only connection being their father, a man who deceived and destroyed Ian’s family when he unveiled his second family, Alex’s.
Talk about the webs we weave, tension runs throughout as the reasons for Ian’s cold heart are revealed and for him to reach out to Riley becomes even more emotionally moving. Riley needs Ian’s strength to stand up to her own twisted past. Carly Phillips has spun an intricate tale of the redemptive qualities of love in with her uniquely styled writing that promises to get better with each addition to this series!
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare to Love, Book 1
Publication Date: November 13, 2013 (Paperback)
Publisher: CP Publishing
ISBN-10: 0989311287
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Carly's Website
Available to Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
With “Melt my Kindle” steam and heat, Carly Phillips can write an “intimate moment” that fits perfectly into her story of Ian, a classic Type A personality who has learned to hide his feelings, guard his emotions, and always stay in control of the moment, until he lays his eyes on Riley. Riley has her own baggage from the past, and her best friend is Ian’s half-brother, Alex, another Alpha personality who will stop at nothing to protect Riley from the likes of Ian. Of course his opinion of Ian is clouded by years of bitterness and rejection, their only connection being their father, a man who deceived and destroyed Ian’s family when he unveiled his second family, Alex’s.
Talk about the webs we weave, tension runs throughout as the reasons for Ian’s cold heart are revealed and for him to reach out to Riley becomes even more emotionally moving. Riley needs Ian’s strength to stand up to her own twisted past. Carly Phillips has spun an intricate tale of the redemptive qualities of love in with her uniquely styled writing that promises to get better with each addition to this series!
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare to Love, Book 1
Publication Date: November 13, 2013 (Paperback)
Publisher: CP Publishing
ISBN-10: 0989311287
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Carly's Website
Available to Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
August 29, 2014
This book was such a pleasant surprise. And now I'm hooked on the series and need more ASAP!!
Ian Dare most definitely didn't have an easy childhood. At the age of 18, he, his other 4 siblings, and their mother found out that their father/husband had been hiding a major secret from them for years. Not only had he been cheating on their mother, he also had been hiding a whole other family from them that he had been ditching Ian's family for for years. Ian now has minimal dealings with them and the situation has left him with major trust issues. I mean, if his father would do that to him and his family, why wouldn't anyone else do the same.
Riley hasn't had an easy childhood either. Even though their childhoods differ drastically they still both have for sure suffered. Riley grew up with an abusive father and a mother who wouldn't stick up for herself, much less Riley. This leaves Riley keeping everyone at arms length except her step-mother and her best friend Alex, who just happens to be Ian's half brother.
At a chance interaction at a family get together that Ian is just about to leave they meet, and right away they feel this pull toward each other. They share quiet an intense kiss but when Alex walks in on them breaking it up, then warns her to stay away from his playboy brother, Riley moves on and forgets about it. Ian's upset that Riley chose Alex over him so easily, and swears it's for the best, to bad he can't forget how she felt kissing him.
I really, really enjoyed this story. Ian was smoking hot, and I loved him and Riley together. There was suspense, and passion, and a great storyline and characters. Riley and Ian both wanted to be together so bad, but with the pasts they had overcome, it didn't make it an easy task. I normally get annoyed with books that the characters have so much trust issues that they just keeping fighting it out, but with Ian and Riley, they worked their issues out mostly and both parties were working on it together as a couple, and individually as well. I love seeing them grow. COMMUNICATION is always the key, and even though they sometimes forgot that, they always came back around to it.
I'm assuming that this series is going to stay with all the siblings. I'm really excited to continue on with it too!!
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review. :)
Ian Dare most definitely didn't have an easy childhood. At the age of 18, he, his other 4 siblings, and their mother found out that their father/husband had been hiding a major secret from them for years. Not only had he been cheating on their mother, he also had been hiding a whole other family from them that he had been ditching Ian's family for for years. Ian now has minimal dealings with them and the situation has left him with major trust issues. I mean, if his father would do that to him and his family, why wouldn't anyone else do the same.
Riley hasn't had an easy childhood either. Even though their childhoods differ drastically they still both have for sure suffered. Riley grew up with an abusive father and a mother who wouldn't stick up for herself, much less Riley. This leaves Riley keeping everyone at arms length except her step-mother and her best friend Alex, who just happens to be Ian's half brother.
At a chance interaction at a family get together that Ian is just about to leave they meet, and right away they feel this pull toward each other. They share quiet an intense kiss but when Alex walks in on them breaking it up, then warns her to stay away from his playboy brother, Riley moves on and forgets about it. Ian's upset that Riley chose Alex over him so easily, and swears it's for the best, to bad he can't forget how she felt kissing him.
I really, really enjoyed this story. Ian was smoking hot, and I loved him and Riley together. There was suspense, and passion, and a great storyline and characters. Riley and Ian both wanted to be together so bad, but with the pasts they had overcome, it didn't make it an easy task. I normally get annoyed with books that the characters have so much trust issues that they just keeping fighting it out, but with Ian and Riley, they worked their issues out mostly and both parties were working on it together as a couple, and individually as well. I love seeing them grow. COMMUNICATION is always the key, and even though they sometimes forgot that, they always came back around to it.
I'm assuming that this series is going to stay with all the siblings. I'm really excited to continue on with it too!!
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review. :)
April 30, 2016
3.5
Alpha Male. Independent Female.
I love these kind of stories! I was recently given an ARC of "Dare to Take" and absolutely loved the book. When I saw it was apart of series I had to read the first book!
I loved the story between Ian and Riley. They both come with A LOT of baggage. Ian has trust and control issues from his fathers betrayal. Riley had a very rough childhood and learned not to depend on anyone and refuses to let anyone help her at any cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot!! I love when I'm reading about two characters and their connection doesn't feel forced. They took the time to get to know each other. They both let their walls down slowly and worked through there issues together. This couple pushed each other's button and brought out the best in each other. That's what a real relationship is about the good and bad. If you're looking for a book with a couple you can relate to this book is for you!
Alpha Male. Independent Female.
I love these kind of stories! I was recently given an ARC of "Dare to Take" and absolutely loved the book. When I saw it was apart of series I had to read the first book!
I loved the story between Ian and Riley. They both come with A LOT of baggage. Ian has trust and control issues from his fathers betrayal. Riley had a very rough childhood and learned not to depend on anyone and refuses to let anyone help her at any cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot!! I love when I'm reading about two characters and their connection doesn't feel forced. They took the time to get to know each other. They both let their walls down slowly and worked through there issues together. This couple pushed each other's button and brought out the best in each other. That's what a real relationship is about the good and bad. If you're looking for a book with a couple you can relate to this book is for you!
February 9, 2021
3.75 Stars!
I’m not opposed to insta-love but it needs to be believable and I will say at the beginning of this it just wasn’t believable. I wasn’t sure because of that if I was going to end up liking this book, but I have been wanting to read more from this author.
Once I got past the first few chapters I decided it would be okay. I seem to be on a roll with books that have controlling alpha males as one of the main characters and Ian is the quintessential bossy alpha male!
Even though it started out a bit shaky for me it did end up being a rather heartfelt complex storyline. It is very sexy but still had a really interesting and different storyline so the sex didn’t over-power the story.
I am excited to read about Alex since he was a great and loyal character in this book.
I’m not opposed to insta-love but it needs to be believable and I will say at the beginning of this it just wasn’t believable. I wasn’t sure because of that if I was going to end up liking this book, but I have been wanting to read more from this author.
Once I got past the first few chapters I decided it would be okay. I seem to be on a roll with books that have controlling alpha males as one of the main characters and Ian is the quintessential bossy alpha male!
Even though it started out a bit shaky for me it did end up being a rather heartfelt complex storyline. It is very sexy but still had a really interesting and different storyline so the sex didn’t over-power the story.
I am excited to read about Alex since he was a great and loyal character in this book.
August 4, 2018
I can't remember if I'd read anything of this author prior to reading this book or not, but I wasn't that impressed with this story.
It's definitely a quick little read, but Ian is such an arrogant and condescending jerk! I found him unlikable for most of the book, especially after what he did to Riley when they first met. Riley was a decent enough heroine, but she had some doormat tendencies that I didn't care for much. I can see potential in the writing, but it wasn't quite there for me, so I will likely hesitate before picking up more of the series.
It's definitely a quick little read, but Ian is such an arrogant and condescending jerk! I found him unlikable for most of the book, especially after what he did to Riley when they first met. Riley was a decent enough heroine, but she had some doormat tendencies that I didn't care for much. I can see potential in the writing, but it wasn't quite there for me, so I will likely hesitate before picking up more of the series.
January 9, 2016
I sooo love when a book is honest with me. And this one is. What you expect - based on the cover, on the blurb - is exactly what you get. So, despite the insta-love and the few chapters purely describing the intimate action between the MC's, it was really enjoyable, very well written,with that CP style that everybody who likes her expects to get.
It's a relatively short story , 15 chapters, well paced - you can easily read it in one sit (like I did). Recommend it.
It's a relatively short story , 15 chapters, well paced - you can easily read it in one sit (like I did). Recommend it.
December 20, 2014
You can always depend on Carly Phillips to bring on the steam and sizzle -- and in the first book of her new "Dare to Love Series," she does just that and oh so much more. Fantastic romance in a captivating storyline, charming and well-drawn characters, and enough family dynamics and interaction to make any reader sit up and take notice and beg for more.
I'm hooked and ready for Book Two!
I'm hooked and ready for Book Two!
November 5, 2013
Ian and Riley
Super sexy and great start to a new series. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Super sexy and great start to a new series. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 917 reviews