Dare Me to Love

by Calliope Daniels

Losing her job and trying to stabilize a bumpy marriage had Ana Miller heading toward a massive breakdown. And it might have happened if businessman Damian Kline had never crashed into her vacation at a resort in Greece. One comical dare from her best friends led to a game-winning alliance and unlikely friendship, cementing the charismatic man into her life.

Damian remained at her side a week later to lend support when she discovered her husband in bed with her former boss. While going through his own breakup, he helped Ana find the strength to move forward and reinvent her life. But as quickly as Damian burst into her world, he was gone again.

Six months later, Ana finds herself newly single, launching an exciting career, and still thinking about the man who’d rescued her. Damian reappears after purchasing her new firm and invites her on a global work trip. Traveling the world with the star of her recent fantasies, the undeniable chemistry blossoms. As attraction kindles the flames between them, they finally accept that a silly dare wasn’t the only thing that started that fateful day in Greece.

Genres: Romance

284 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

Calliope is an award winning author, world traveler, emo nerd, and baker of all the sweet things in life.

Reviews

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, fun and swoony-worthy.

An unexpected meet cute while on a girls vacation in Greece has Ana enjoying the time of her life with her besties. Unfortunately, on the way home she sees her husband show up on their home security cameras kissing her ex-boss at their house. Damian decides to go with her to confront her husband and catching him in the act so that she has some support.

6 months later they meet up at a restaurant after he just bought the company she works for and he offers her a promotion which includes traveling to the company's locations all over the world but, he would come with her.

It's funny, heart breaking and adventurous. The characters are just so loveable and never a dull moment, it's a must read in my opinion. Nelson is the bestest!!!

[Raquel (BookishRaquel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Book: Dare Me to Love
Author: Calliope Daniels
Publication Date: Jan. 8, 2024

My Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
My Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Favorite Character: Damien

Dare Me to Love is a cute, fun, and fast-paced read!

Ana, the FMC, unexpectedly meets Damian (MMC) while on a much-needed girls' trip in Greece with her two best friends April and Karissa. Ana hopes the vacation will help clear her head and formulate a plan to get her struggling marriage and life back where they need to be. Unfortunately, Ana returns home to find her husband, Christian, has been having an affair. With Damien's support, Ana navigates the hurt, pain, and uncertainty of her situation. Ana and Damien develop a friendship, however they must part ways.

Six months later Ana and Damien meet up again to discuss a work opportunity that allows them to travel together. While traveling, they explore the undeniable connection they have with each other.

This entertaining story contains fun, adventure, and heartbreak. There is just the right amount of spice and drama. The main characters are believable and relatable. The secondary characters are fun and truly enhance the reading experience. The chemistry between the FMC and MMC is perfect. There is a good mix of witty banter, flirtation, and tension.

What you'll find:
💡forced proximity
💡one bed
💡friends to lovers
💡meet cute
💡slow burn
💡single POV
💡rich vs. poor
💡billionaire boss
💡HEA

Thank you to Romance Me With Books and Calliope Daniels for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[M.E. Carter]

I'm so proud to say I read this book in it's infancy and I'm so excited to see it in real life now. It's such a fun book. And for a debut? Fantastic!

[Noemi Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.3/5 stars!

This was one of the first bestfriends to lovers I've read and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it! It did have the super cliche "wife finds husband cheating and MMC is there to comfort her" plot, but there was so much more to the story! It had a beautiful trio of bestfriends who quite literally were the cutest group of girls whose lives have been way too busy for each other so they dedicated themselves to going on vacation without their men (love that.) And obviously a handsome stranger met on vacation (Damian a dreammm.)

What I loved most about this book is the use of banter and the wildest game of Dare used throughout. I found myself giggling, physically chuckling, face-palming my forehead, etc. Was definitely a couldn't-put-down read!

I was extremely glad for the time frame of the two MC's love story; it wasn't rushed and was written at the best pace. I would have been super upset had they gotten together straight after the Ana and her ex-husband called it quits. Damien gave her the time she needed to heal and knew he deserved someone who wanted to work on themselves and I LOVE THAT.

All in all, loved. The side characters were honestly so entertaining and supportive and everyone just loved each other so well and I was a mushy ball of warmth.

[Megan Herrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ It was really nice to take a step away from my usual fantasy, intense, suspenseful, and tragic novels and get this lighthearted and entertaining romance
~ the MFC was extremely likeable, with a good head on her shoulders. Yes, she made some mistakes and made me as a reader go “bleh”, but that made her even more human. And when those mistakes were recognized, they were appropriately and maturely addressed. Loved the progression of the story
~ I have been so used to an enemies to lovers trope that I completely forgot how much I loved just a general, witty, flirty and tension-filled slow-burn.
~ I loved visiting all of the exotic places the characters went, and it didn’t seem so out of the realm of extravagant possibilities. The situations these characters find themselves led to amusing ways for their relationships to build.
~ while the plot was somewhat predictable, what romance isn’t. It was still thoroughly enjoyable
~ I love Nelson. No notes. I want more of him.

[Tiffany W · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first got ready to read this I didn’t know what to expect. This is a debut book for this author and she delivered!!

On a girls trip with her friends Ana stumbles into Damien and little does she now, tripping over a couch or maybe a shoe( depending on who you believe) was the best thing that couldn’t happen to her.

I love a book with friendships between girls are front and centered.. I loved how April, Karrisa and Ana loved and was there for each other, but who I really need more of is Nelson!

this wasn’t your normal friends to lovers story.. Ana and Daniam went from being complete stranger, to cultivating a real friendship. Went their separate ways and started to rebuild their lives then after both dealt with horrible relationship issues separately, reconnected and built on their actual friend before becoming more. The way Damian took care of her after she from Christian omggg it didn’t matter if Ana fell in love with him because I did lol.

The author also did a great job with showing the real emotions you have after ending a relationship both with Ana walking in on Christian and with Damien leaving her on the sidewalk outside the brewery..

Lastly when Ana got to NYE I swear I was omg a big dramatic I’m sorry scene feels so icky.. so when that changed I was so happy!!!

[Mimi Schweid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun debut novel! I enjoyed the shenanigans that was Ana and Damian's relation. Truly a very fun billionaire kinda romance. I'm excited for whatever Calliope does next!

[Harmony Kemp (Mistress Jade) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and so am choosing to leave this honest and voluntary review.

📚✨ ARC Book Review ✨📚

Title: Dare Me To Love
Author: Calliope Daniels

🌶 Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶, 4/5
⭐ Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 5/5

"Dare me." "Dare you?" he repeats. "To what?" Rolling back a lump in my throat, I close my eyes enough to speak the words I've been wanting to tell him over and over again. "To love you."

🩸📢 Trigger Warnings 🛑🚨

🩸 Depression
📢 S.uic.Id3/ S.uic.Id@L id3ati0n
🛑 Cheating
🚨 Traum@ response

🌹😻 Kinks & Tropes💄👠

🌹 -Friends to Lovers
😻 -Billionaire CEO
💄 -One Bed
👠 -Forced Proximity


This was my first read from this indie author and I was not disappointed at all.

Every now and then, I need something like this read to keep me humming along - especially when after reading a darker themed novel! I cried my lil heart out during one point of this read and I ain't ashamed to be vulnerable about that. It moved me so, that I felt compelled to sit in my emotions that had come up.

Dare Me To Love has all the HEA vibes, despite all of the hard things the main characters, Ana and Damian, go through. It was written so well, character driven and storyline has great focus.

Although their love story is a slow burn, in my opinion is well worth the read. A little light on the smut - but the passion, the steam, the erotica and the intimacy is present throughout.
Five stars all around because this book made me feel emotional and some type of way.

I am excited to see what else is to come from this new indie author. So grateful to be apart of your team.

P.s; keep your toys charged!
Mistress Jade 💋 xoxo

#mistressjadereads #MistressJade #bookreviews #DareMeToLove #CalliopeDaniels #AnaandDamian #HEAvibes #romancereviews #romancereads #romance

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ❄❄❄❄
Spice: 🌶
Release date: January 8, 2024

Rapid Review Up Front (RRUF): Cute, comforting, quick, and hard to put down! 😍

Synopsis: Three married besties (Ana, Karissa, and April) take annual-ish girls trips ✈ full of wine, relaxation, and truth or dare that often lead to shenanigans worthy of the Hangover franchise. This year's trip to Greece (swoon) lands the trio crashing the family vacation of Damian, his sister and brother-in-law, and momma Merle. "The Dare" makes fast friends of Ana and Damian for the week that winds up full of group adventures until it's time to return to Seattle (Ana) and NYC (Damian). Real life hits both Ana and Damian hard and low, testing the strength of their fledgling friendship. Now fast forward a few months after Ana has picked herself up by her bootstraps and put her back in the path of Damian whom she lost touch with. Their friendship is tested once again during an international business trip. Can it survive or will it evolve?

My thoughts: This was a really cute read. The writing was smooth, the banter was pretty good, and the story was ultimately really sweet. Full disclosure, in the first two chapters, I was steeling myself for a trope I wouldn't be able to tolerate as I tried to reconcile what I knew the book to generally be about and the information I was given. I am really glad I stuck it out and was able to see it develop much differently than I was predicting. The bestie group reminds me of my crew - not together often, but we show up when we need it, take trips when we can, and speak the hard truths to each other. All we are missing is a plastic surgeon funding 💰 our vacays and we will be set! Ana and Damian are adorable and so down to earth. Damian losing his mind in Thailand was one of my favorite scenes to imagine playing out. I could not stop smirking through it. This was a fun, comforting rom-com with a wide range of human emotions packed into a small package.

What to expect:
✨Romantic Comedy
✨Found Family
✨Forced Proximity
✨One Bed
✨He Falls First
✨Billionaire MMC
✨HEA

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Calliope Daniels and Romance Me with Books for the opportunity to be on your ARC team!

[SmuttyVanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I receive this ARC I geared up for a nice read, seeing as this is Daniels debut novel. What I got was a book full of real life struggles, love, friendship, very funny and of course HEA. I loved it I can't believe this is her debut novel. It so beautifully written. Everything was written so well from the friendship between the girls, to how Ana and Daniam meet and cultivated a real friendship first, (by the way I fell in love with Damian first). Also Ana's stuggle and with mental health was put into the story so well, the way Daniels put in the novel how Ana and others in the novel dealed with their mental health struggles really resonated with me and i could relate. And all the supporting characters, although their parts were small but so well done that I get to know them all intimately. Both main characters journey to where they are in life was integrated very well and incorporated into the story in a way that main sense with both the FMC and MMC current struggles and journey toward each others life.
The slow burn between Ana and Damian was just delicious I couldn't wait til they ignited and they sure did 😊. Their sexual tension throughout and then their sexual chemistry once they come together, chef kiss 💋. I can't wait to see more from Calliope Daniels.

[Varsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with strong, well-written characters and a substantial plot.

The story, though predictable, is paced just right. Even though it's a billionaire romance, the 'romance' parts within reason and sometimes even relatable.

The FMC's struggle with Depression is handled with apt gravitas. The fact that Ana gives her girl friends the credit for keeping her from sinking too low is beautiful. We love a story with strong, uplifting, near-insane female friendships.

The MMC's reactions to finding out about FMC's cheating spouse is equal parts endearing and 'man-written-by-a-woman'. So many of Damian's responses are a little on the too-good-to-be-true side, but his explanation of his past in the end justifies it all.

The eccentricity of both Nelson's and Damian's mom's characters are memorable. For a book of this length, the story does justice to every character that graces its pages.

Damian frustrations at Ana's reaction to her recurring-Ex problem is fully relatable; Ana's willingness to open dialogue with her ex almost soured the whole experience for me, but the ending redeemed it, nonetheless.

Overall, it's a considerably short, entertaining read.

---
Voluntarily reviewed after reading a free ARC.
---

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit it that I judged this book by it’s cover before reading because travel is my guiltiest of pleasures and if I cannot hop on a plane, reading books set in exotic locations is the next best thing. Dare Me to Live delivers beautiful settings from the blue waters of the Mediterranean to the islands of Seattle. As Ana struggles with her marriage and life in general, she and her besties escape on one of their girls’ trips to Greece 🇬🇷, where a truth or dare game introduces them to Damian. An epiphany on the plane trip home hits Ana, “If Greece taught me anything, it’s that I need to open myself up more to people and not be afraid to put myself out there.” And all of this right before her world crashes down around her when she returns home to find her husband cheating on her with her former boss. Ana embarks on a journey of healing that pushes her to new limits. Dare Me to Love is a fun, quick-paced story about adventure, travel, friendship, love and loss, and learning to open your heart and trust.

[Katelyn Glembot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana, our female main character, is on vacation with her trouble-making girlfriends trying to snap out of a bought of depression. Her husband, Christian, is at home having an affair when Ana runs into Damian and develops a friendship.

Christian and Damian develop to fulfill the romance genre's stereotype dynamics suggested by their names. Damian has secret wealth and the reader gets to follow through the rich man, poor woman trope to the friends to lovers act after both characters mourn the end of long term relationships and Ana gets back on her feet professionally. Damian's assistant and Ana's friends work to set up and repair the happy couple's relationship throughout the novel, pushing them together when they have been apart. Love redeems in this novel by Calliope Daniels and our main characters have a happy ending.

I appreciate the opportunity to receive an ecopy of this book through the Goodreads' giveway! It was a cute read.

[AnnaRobyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Swoon 🫦🫦
Tears 🥹🥹🥹
LMAO 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Banter 😉😉😉😉😉

Friends to Lovers / Travel / Meet Cute / Single POV / HEA

This was such a fun read, I loved all the characters (Nelson is a hoot). I wanted so much to hear the MMC’s inner voice, but I was not disappointed in how well this writer expressed his feelings. The chemistry between Damian and Ana was wonderful. They were perfect for each other and the balance of playful to serious was spot on.

I was gifted this ARC for an honest review.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Iove how this book starts off with a cute fun girls trip, everyone needs something like this. I feel terrible for Ana coming back and having to deal with all this. I’m glad Damian was there to console her in time of need, she needed a friend. I loved seeing Ana’s growth through the book and reading about her finding love again. This book definitely hits home with a long term relationship ending in divorce. It should that there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just need to keep pushing forward and looking for the happiness.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a quick, fun, loving read!

There are so many tropes present that I absolutely love. A CEO Billionaire and a damsel in distress, who she ends up working for after a loving meet cute on a Greece vacation girls trip. Ana the FMC finds herself traveling with her boss Damien the MMC, just for their to be .. one bed! (My fav trope). I absolutely enjoyed reading these characters find themselves more and fall more in love.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the romance that I didn’t know I needed to start the new year off right. The character seemed like they could have been my friends or even me.

I’m so happy the author brought to light Ana’s struggles with anxiety and depression. There needs to be more books that bring those struggles to the surface. I also appreciate that Damian also had issues and was very open about going to therapy to work through them. There needs to be more stories like this.

[Courtney Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Such a beautiful story of friends to lovers. I loved seeing the character development and growth. I also loved the friendship between Ana, Karissa, and April and how pure it was. The story felt so real - like it could happen to me. Plus, it was written beautifully!

[Mary Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripping over love

This was an eventful contemporary romance. They met when she tripped then became friends. When disaster struck her marriage he was there to help her. Love dared to bloom. It was a bit fearful but a great sexy read.

[Wookie Bookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved ALL of this! Characters had me laughing out loud while others had me clutching my pearls! Highly recommend!

[Lisa Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance. Highly recommend.

[Darla Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, romance and the beauty of the Mediterranean... who wouldn't fall in love? Perfect escape romance novel with lots of heart!

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana and Daniel meet in a rather unconventional way on their vacations in Greece. They become friends and Daniel helps Ana as her world falls apart. This book is about transformation of self and unfolding love and the humor behind it and it is amazing!!! I laughed so much and I was so moved by the storyline as well. The supporting characters, they are tremendous! Nelson - oh my heavens!! I just adore him!!! Praise be to Dolly!!

[Aurélie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I’ve read this book 3 times now

Dare Me to Love by Calliope Daniels is an absolute gem of a romance novel that sweeps you off your feet and keeps you turning the pages well into the night. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the story of Ana Miller, a woman facing the kind of challenges that would break many. Losing her job, struggling in a turbulent marriage, and nearly reaching a breaking point, Ana’s character felt so authentic and relatable, and I was drawn into her journey instantly.

Daniels skillfully blends humor, heartbreak, and healing into a story that captures the complexity of rebuilding oneself after betrayal and loss. When businessman Damian Kline enters the picture, it’s not the typical love-at-first-sight scenario but rather a beautifully developed friendship that evolves into something deeper. Their initial meeting in Greece—brought about by a fun dare from Ana's friends—is the perfect setup for what becomes a heartfelt, slow-burn romance. Damian is charming and supportive without being overbearing, and his presence in Ana's life provides her with the grounding she desperately needs. The chemistry between them is palpable, yet it’s the friendship and respect they build that make their connection feel so genuine and lasting.

What really sets *Dare Me to Love* apart is the way Daniels develops both Ana and Damian’s characters independently before diving fully into their romance. Ana’s journey from a broken marriage to self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring, and Damian's own struggles and heartbreak add a layer of depth to his character that goes beyond being a simple love interest. Their separate growth arcs make their eventual partnership all the more meaningful and satisfying to read.

The turning point where Ana finds her husband cheating and Damian stands by her is heartbreaking, but it also becomes a moment of profound transformation for her. Watching her rebuild her life from scratch, find a new career, and ultimately realize her self-worth was incredibly uplifting. And just when you think Ana has moved on, Damian reappears, taking their connection to a whole new level by inviting her on a global work trip. Traveling together not only brings them closer but also allows them both to face the lingering feelings and unresolved tensions between them. The travel scenes are described so vividly that I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing the beauty of new places and the thrill of rediscovering love.

The romance itself is beautifully balanced—it's passionate and tender, filled with moments that make your heart race and others that simply make you smile. Their banter is delightful, and the way they challenge and support each other makes this relationship feel grounded and real. As they embark on their adventure together, it’s impossible not to root for them, hoping they’ll finally admit their feelings and acknowledge the undeniable chemistry that’s been simmering since that fateful day in Greece.

In *Dare Me to Love*, Daniels creates a story that is both a romance and an inspiring tale of self-reinvention. Ana’s growth from a vulnerable woman trying to pick up the pieces of her life into a strong, independent individual is as satisfying as the romance itself. And the resolution is perfect—sweet, heartwarming, and deeply satisfying. This isn’t just a story about finding love; it’s about finding oneself and embracing the courage to love again after being hurt.

If you're looking for a book that delivers both heart and heat, *Dare Me to Love* is an absolute must-read. It's a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, reminding you that sometimes, even the hardest moments can lead to the most beautiful new beginnings.