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The Kingston Family #5
Un azzardo e niente più? (La Famiglia Kingston Vol. 6)
Un’avventura di una notte senza scambiarsi i nomi.
Sei anni dopo, lei si ritrova di nuovo faccia a faccia col padre di sua figlia.
Aurora Michaels non è più la stessa ragazza di quella notte primaverile. Non vive più nel retrobottega della tavola calda dove lavorava, senza un vero posto da poter chiamare ora fa parte della ricca famiglia Kingston. Ha una figlia, una carriera e oramai si è adattata alla nuova normalità.
Il miliardario Nick Dare è un uomo abituato a prendere il comando. Gestisce il ramo alberghiero dell’impero di la sua vita ruota intorno agli affari e ai viaggi. Tuttavia, una breve sosta alla prima del film del fratello gli riserva una sorpresa inaspettata.
La donna che perseguita i suoi sogni è lì. Nick si rende conto di avere una seconda possibilità ed è determinato a sfruttarla al massimo.
Quando viene a sapere di avere una figlia, lui si trasforma. Aurora e la bambina sono per dimostrarlo, dovrà prima abbattere i muri emotivi della ragazza.
Sei anni dopo, lei si ritrova di nuovo faccia a faccia col padre di sua figlia.
Aurora Michaels non è più la stessa ragazza di quella notte primaverile. Non vive più nel retrobottega della tavola calda dove lavorava, senza un vero posto da poter chiamare ora fa parte della ricca famiglia Kingston. Ha una figlia, una carriera e oramai si è adattata alla nuova normalità.
Il miliardario Nick Dare è un uomo abituato a prendere il comando. Gestisce il ramo alberghiero dell’impero di la sua vita ruota intorno agli affari e ai viaggi. Tuttavia, una breve sosta alla prima del film del fratello gli riserva una sorpresa inaspettata.
La donna che perseguita i suoi sogni è lì. Nick si rende conto di avere una seconda possibilità ed è determinato a sfruttarla al massimo.
Quando viene a sapere di avere una figlia, lui si trasforma. Aurora e la bambina sono per dimostrarlo, dovrà prima abbattere i muri emotivi della ragazza.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
758 people are currently reading
4504 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
398 books9,778 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
April 20, 2022
4.5 stars
I have waited for Aurora’s story for what feels like forever. And it definitely was worth the wait. Aurora has come a long way from being homeless and pregnant at eighteen. She has been accepted by her siblings that she never knew she had, she has money, her daughter, a home and has setup a charity to help people who find themselves in similar situations. Feeling settled, the last thing she expects is to run in to her daughter’s father at an event with her siblings. Nick Dare is absolutely shocked to see the girl he has never forgotten at his brothers movie premiere. They agree to talk, and when Nick unexpectedly shows up at her house, there is some explaining to be done. What follows is these two finding their way in this new dynamic and working to make a family unit, while rediscovering the things that drew them together the first time. I loved Nick and Aurora! Their story was everything I wanted it to be. I am really looking forward to reading about the other Dirty Dares.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I have waited for Aurora’s story for what feels like forever. And it definitely was worth the wait. Aurora has come a long way from being homeless and pregnant at eighteen. She has been accepted by her siblings that she never knew she had, she has money, her daughter, a home and has setup a charity to help people who find themselves in similar situations. Feeling settled, the last thing she expects is to run in to her daughter’s father at an event with her siblings. Nick Dare is absolutely shocked to see the girl he has never forgotten at his brothers movie premiere. They agree to talk, and when Nick unexpectedly shows up at her house, there is some explaining to be done. What follows is these two finding their way in this new dynamic and working to make a family unit, while rediscovering the things that drew them together the first time. I loved Nick and Aurora! Their story was everything I wanted it to be. I am really looking forward to reading about the other Dirty Dares.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
April 19, 2022
Just One Dare is a fabulous addition to the Kingston family saga. Aurora Michaels, who is now a Kingston, was once alone, homeless and finding herself. One night with a handsome stranger 6 years ago changed her life unlike she could have ever dreamed.
Billionaire Nick Dare still remembers the one that got away. It has been 6 years since he looked for her after their one night but with only a first name, he didn't have much to go on.
A chance meeting at a movie premier and they find themselves face to face, but Aurora isn't the same single woman that she once was. It is now time to make up for lost time, but Aurora has made a life of her own with her daughter. It is time for Nick to woo this lovely woman and finally get to know the daughter that they created!
I fell in love with this couple and loved watching them navigate their new lives while managing family, friends, work, a beautiful little girl and new love.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Billionaire Nick Dare still remembers the one that got away. It has been 6 years since he looked for her after their one night but with only a first name, he didn't have much to go on.
A chance meeting at a movie premier and they find themselves face to face, but Aurora isn't the same single woman that she once was. It is now time to make up for lost time, but Aurora has made a life of her own with her daughter. It is time for Nick to woo this lovely woman and finally get to know the daughter that they created!
I fell in love with this couple and loved watching them navigate their new lives while managing family, friends, work, a beautiful little girl and new love.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
April 20, 2022
Second chance.
One night no name so secret baby, heroine was unable to contact him as she had no information.
Both have tragic back stories.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine hasn't been with anyone since the Hero.
He had a three date rule, so although no details he's dated and assumedly been intimate with others.
He only did three dates so as not to string anyone along there was no future with.
Cute kid.
Serious lack of concern over contraception considering the heroine is concerned about abandonment, condoms used but not consistently.
HEA.
One night no name so secret baby, heroine was unable to contact him as she had no information.
Both have tragic back stories.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine hasn't been with anyone since the Hero.
He had a three date rule, so although no details he's dated and assumedly been intimate with others.
He only did three dates so as not to string anyone along there was no future with.
Cute kid.
Serious lack of concern over contraception considering the heroine is concerned about abandonment, condoms used but not consistently.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 15, 2022Heartwarming and romantic, with all the feels, Just One Dare will suck you in and not let you go. This surprise baby romance will keep you up way past your bedtime and have you rooting for the characters from the moment they reconnect. My new favorite Carly Phillips story!
Read
July 9, 2023Cute book for a horrendous cover.
May 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I love this series and I love a second chance story and this one is so sweet. This book is Aurora’s story and the last of the Kingston siblings and starts on the New York Dares. We’ve been introduced to Harrison Dare (the actor) as he’s a business partner with Sasha and the writer brother (I can’t think of his name). This proves the point these books are good but probably not super memorable. At lease for me. They’re kind of like junk food. The audiobook is good although I like the male narrator a lot more.
I love this series and I love a second chance story and this one is so sweet. This book is Aurora’s story and the last of the Kingston siblings and starts on the New York Dares. We’ve been introduced to Harrison Dare (the actor) as he’s a business partner with Sasha and the writer brother (I can’t think of his name). This proves the point these books are good but probably not super memorable. At lease for me. They’re kind of like junk food. The audiobook is good although I like the male narrator a lot more.
April 18, 2022
Kindle / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google Play / Amazon Print
Aurora has finally found a family with the Kingstons. But though she knows she's family, she still keeps herself at a slight distance, the damage done from a childhood in foster care having left her with more distrust issues than the average person. She and the love of her life, her daughter Leah, are surrounded by love, and life is good. But there's one little thing niggling in the back of her mind - the man who fathered Leah, though unknowingly. She knows she'll never see him again and it's mostly OK. Then he walks back in her life and she's...flustered to say the least. Will she let Nick back into her life, into her heart? Will he be all in with Leah and Aurora? Or does he just want to be there for his newfound daughter?
Nick has never forgotten his time with Aurora. But they didn't give each other last names when they were together, and he's never been able to find her since. Now years later when he sees her again, it's as if no time has passed and his feelings and attraction have only gotten stronger. But time has passed - he's got a daughter he didn't know existed, and he's determined to have both of them in his life. He'll just have to woo her delicately in order to scale those stronger than Fort Knox walls she's got around her heart.
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Another sweet, emotionally heartfelt, and sexy Dare story and I loved it. Nick is one sweetheart of a guy, just looking for a life with his daughter and the one woman he's never forgotten. Aurora - I felt so for her because of her childhood and the scars it left on her heart, but thank God she found her family and Nick came along and gently found his way into hers and Leah's hearts.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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April 19, 2022
Cute!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Super sweet story that is well written and moves quickly. Heroine has deep seeded abandonment issues she needs to face in order to accept her chance at happiness.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: secret baby
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Super sweet story that is well written and moves quickly. Heroine has deep seeded abandonment issues she needs to face in order to accept her chance at happiness.
April 13, 2022
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout
Just One Dare: The Dirty Dares is book 5 in the Kingston Family series by Carly Phillips and wow just wow! Ms Phillips sure does know how to make it pull at your heartstrings!
What happens when a one night stand turns your world upside down?
This is Aurora Michaels now Kingston’s Cinderella story come to life. We read about Aurora in the prior books and now 6 yrs later she see the man she has never forgotten and the father of her daughter.
Nick Dare’s attending a movie premiere for his brother and across the room he locks eyes with a woman from his past and someone he has never forgotten..
Secrets, insecurities, trust issues, second chances, strength and so much more tells the story of finding a love everlasting. Can’t wait for more of these amazing stories!
Just One Dare: The Dirty Dares is book 5 in the Kingston Family series by Carly Phillips and wow just wow! Ms Phillips sure does know how to make it pull at your heartstrings!
What happens when a one night stand turns your world upside down?
This is Aurora Michaels now Kingston’s Cinderella story come to life. We read about Aurora in the prior books and now 6 yrs later she see the man she has never forgotten and the father of her daughter.
Nick Dare’s attending a movie premiere for his brother and across the room he locks eyes with a woman from his past and someone he has never forgotten..
Secrets, insecurities, trust issues, second chances, strength and so much more tells the story of finding a love everlasting. Can’t wait for more of these amazing stories!
April 9, 2022
This will be big on child abandonment both physical and mental so if that's a trigger for you be warned.
Signed up for this because it had second chance romance and secret baby which I love but jokes on me for not reading the fine print this is like book 5 in a series i havent read before so it took a bit to get into because of such a big family dynamic and lots of names aside from that it was fast paced the child in the book was so adorable. Didn't really love or hate the MC's. It was an okayish meh read first time reading from this author.
ARC provided for free in exchange for a honest review all opinions are my own.
Signed up for this because it had second chance romance and secret baby which I love but jokes on me for not reading the fine print this is like book 5 in a series i havent read before so it took a bit to get into because of such a big family dynamic and lots of names aside from that it was fast paced the child in the book was so adorable. Didn't really love or hate the MC's. It was an okayish meh read first time reading from this author.
ARC provided for free in exchange for a honest review all opinions are my own.
August 30, 2024
Captivating!
I have been reading this series for a long time and absolutely love the Dare and Kingston families! I remember when Linc found about Aurora, and went to bring her home, to the family she always wished for, but never knew she had.
Both Aurora and Leah deserve a HEA and Nick is just the guy to give it to them!
I have been reading this series for a long time and absolutely love the Dare and Kingston families! I remember when Linc found about Aurora, and went to bring her home, to the family she always wished for, but never knew she had.
Both Aurora and Leah deserve a HEA and Nick is just the guy to give it to them!
April 18, 2022
What’s better than getting more of a favorite fictional world? When two of those favorite worlds collide and we get reacquainted with all the characters we love wile watching another couple find love.
And Aurora Kingston's story is a doozy! She was a secret child of the Kingston patriarch, only discovered after his death. Aurora may be part of the big, loving, affluent Kingston family now, but the childhood she spent being unwanted, drifting from one foster home to the next is now deeply rooted in her psyche. A virtually anonymous one-night stand at age eighteen may have made Aurora a single mother, but she's determined her daughter, Leah, will always have what Aurora never had – the security of knowing every day how much she is wanted and loved.
Nick Dare has done his own drifting, from one woman to the next, and none for more than three dates. He's never forgotten the girl he spent one amazing night with while on spring break. When he sees Aurora again, he’s eager for a second chance. And when he takes one look at little Leah and sees his own eyes reflected back, no force on earth can keep him away from his child and her mother.
As only this talented wordsmith can do, she gives us characters who steal our hearts and touch our souls with a poignant, moving, deeply emotional storyline. Her concise narrative keeps the story moving and her authentic, endearing characters make me eager to follow them on their road to forever.
Prepare to lose your heart multiple times. You'll lose it to Nick because, hello, he’s the swoony, heart-of-gold Nick Dare. Next will be to little Leah as her adorable relationship with Mr. Nick as it blossoms and grows. And finally, as you watch Aurora learn to believe in herself let go of the past and look forward to an amazing future. Charmingly sweet, touchingly romantic, and absolutely bursting with heart, run to the 1-Click a start reading this masterful, mesmerizing, amazing read today!
And Aurora Kingston's story is a doozy! She was a secret child of the Kingston patriarch, only discovered after his death. Aurora may be part of the big, loving, affluent Kingston family now, but the childhood she spent being unwanted, drifting from one foster home to the next is now deeply rooted in her psyche. A virtually anonymous one-night stand at age eighteen may have made Aurora a single mother, but she's determined her daughter, Leah, will always have what Aurora never had – the security of knowing every day how much she is wanted and loved.
Nick Dare has done his own drifting, from one woman to the next, and none for more than three dates. He's never forgotten the girl he spent one amazing night with while on spring break. When he sees Aurora again, he’s eager for a second chance. And when he takes one look at little Leah and sees his own eyes reflected back, no force on earth can keep him away from his child and her mother.
As only this talented wordsmith can do, she gives us characters who steal our hearts and touch our souls with a poignant, moving, deeply emotional storyline. Her concise narrative keeps the story moving and her authentic, endearing characters make me eager to follow them on their road to forever.
Prepare to lose your heart multiple times. You'll lose it to Nick because, hello, he’s the swoony, heart-of-gold Nick Dare. Next will be to little Leah as her adorable relationship with Mr. Nick as it blossoms and grows. And finally, as you watch Aurora learn to believe in herself let go of the past and look forward to an amazing future. Charmingly sweet, touchingly romantic, and absolutely bursting with heart, run to the 1-Click a start reading this masterful, mesmerizing, amazing read today!
April 19, 2022
Feels 0
Storyline 4
Steam 3.5
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This is Aurora's story who we've met in previous books. She is poor and working and living at a diner. One night she has an affair with one of the most gorgeous men she has ever seen. However, neither of them know each others last names or how to contact each other. Fast forward six years and Aurora has found out that she is part of a family that is filthy rich. She has made quite a nice life for her and her daughter. Yes...daughter. That one amazing night with the handsome stranger left her with a surprise nine months later. There was no way to track him down to tell him because they never exchanged numbers or last names! These two have their paths cross again and what a shock it is to both of them once they find out each other's identities. Nick is also from a very affluent family and has close ties with the family Aurora now belongs to. Not only that but the shock when Nick finds out he has a child! This was a sweet, heartfelt story about second chance love. It could have used few more steamy scenes. It was on the rated PG-13 side for me and a little short, but all in all, it was a cute book.
Storyline 4
Steam 3.5
Overall Rating 4
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
This is Aurora's story who we've met in previous books. She is poor and working and living at a diner. One night she has an affair with one of the most gorgeous men she has ever seen. However, neither of them know each others last names or how to contact each other. Fast forward six years and Aurora has found out that she is part of a family that is filthy rich. She has made quite a nice life for her and her daughter. Yes...daughter. That one amazing night with the handsome stranger left her with a surprise nine months later. There was no way to track him down to tell him because they never exchanged numbers or last names! These two have their paths cross again and what a shock it is to both of them once they find out each other's identities. Nick is also from a very affluent family and has close ties with the family Aurora now belongs to. Not only that but the shock when Nick finds out he has a child! This was a sweet, heartfelt story about second chance love. It could have used few more steamy scenes. It was on the rated PG-13 side for me and a little short, but all in all, it was a cute book.
April 4, 2022
Cinderella steps off the page and into your heart. Just One Dare is my favorite Carly Phillips novel and I've read quite a few. Aurora has lived in my head since her introduction in Dare to Tease. Well the fragile teenager has become a woman of strength. Her journey has had many twist and turns, but the surprise of lifetime has her rethinking everything. When a long held secret is revealed it's anybody's guess how her journey will end. Phillips continues to cast her spell with tempting stories of love, heartache and hope that stay on your mind and in your heart long after the last page ends.
April 7, 2022
5 Star review of Just One Dare (The Kingston Family #5) by Carly Phillips
I am loving the Kingston family and it was so great to be back with the, Just One Dare is the fifth book in the series and was as entertaining as all the previous books.
Being welcomed into the Kingston family single mother Aurora Michaels and her daughter Leah do not want for love. They have been accepted into the fold and have a happy life. Imagine Aurora’s shock when attending a premiere she comes face to face with her one night stand Nick, the father of Leah.
Seeing Aurora again and learning that he is a father to a five year Nick is determined to stay in their lives and establish a relationship. Being brought up in the foster care system, Aurora has a great deal off baggage and Nick struggles to convince her to take a chance.
Can Nick convince Aurora that they could have a wonderful life together and be the family that all three of them deserve? Just One Dare is a well written second chance at love story that will get to you on a number of levels.
I am loving the Kingston family and it was so great to be back with the, Just One Dare is the fifth book in the series and was as entertaining as all the previous books.
Being welcomed into the Kingston family single mother Aurora Michaels and her daughter Leah do not want for love. They have been accepted into the fold and have a happy life. Imagine Aurora’s shock when attending a premiere she comes face to face with her one night stand Nick, the father of Leah.
Seeing Aurora again and learning that he is a father to a five year Nick is determined to stay in their lives and establish a relationship. Being brought up in the foster care system, Aurora has a great deal off baggage and Nick struggles to convince her to take a chance.
Can Nick convince Aurora that they could have a wonderful life together and be the family that all three of them deserve? Just One Dare is a well written second chance at love story that will get to you on a number of levels.
January 31, 2024
Loved Auroa and Nick!
May 9, 2022
Mulai baca lagi akhirnya ahahaha…. Gw nungguin bgt ini Aurora dr awal bukunya Linc, penasaran siapa sih bapaknya Leah, abis Aurora gak mau cerita ahahhahahaha
Novel series ini jalan hidupnya mulus, ngalahin jalan tol Jakarta apalagi Cipali kekwkkwkw
((Gw males bikin review))
Novel series ini jalan hidupnya mulus, ngalahin jalan tol Jakarta apalagi Cipali kekwkkwkw
((Gw males bikin review))
April 19, 2022
I have been highly anticipating Aurora's story since she was taken into Kingston's family. I've been wondering just who the father of her baby is and now we get the answer. I read this in just one sitting, I devoured it. I loved just how Nick accepts and takes his role as a father almost immediately and he doesn't fault Aurora for not telling him. He was really understanding about it. And yes, Aurora is wary about him as she is very protective of Leah and herself. She has her own issues to work through first. However, I loved how they manage around it and Aurora's really mature about it. I think that's why Aurora is a really strong woman and mother. I absolutely loved their story.
November 14, 2023
A sexy, fun, second chance romance
✅ A single mum
✅ A swoonworthy Businessman
✅ Chemistry & heat
✅ Second chance at love
Finally, the story I've been waiting for since first meeting Aurora (Michaels) Kingston. JUST ONE DARE is book #5 in The Kingston Family series and brings together two of my favourite families from Carly's book worlds, the Kingstons and the Dares.
"Nick ... was here. And her entire life was about to change. Again."
Aurora Kingston had a rough beginning to life, the illegitimate child of Kenneth Kingston and his secretary, she spent fifteen years living in foster care moving from family to family. Aurora grew up not knowing what it was to be loved, and with fears of being constantly abandoned. On her eighteenth birthday she was removed from the system and told she was on her own. As it was her birthday she decided to celebrate and have some fun, she met a guy and ended up engaged in a one-night stand with him, no last names were exchanged and soon she found herself pregnant. Fate steps in and she is welcomed into the Kingston family by the siblings she never knew she had. They ensure she is made to feel like a part of the family, yet she still feels like an outsider, someone who will eventually be told she's not wanted. A night out with her family has her seeing a man she has always thought of but didn't think she would ever see again.
"Aurora ... had gotten away from him once before. He wasn't about to let it happen again."
Nick Dare is a man who has grown up with a wealth of riches and with a loving family. He's also an extremely busy businessman with no place to call home. Nick has a 'three date rule', if he can't see a future with a woman after three dates, then he lets them go. None of the women measure up to the girl he met six years earlier, he has never forgotten her, even though she was just meant to be a one-night stand. Attending the premiere of his brother's new movie brings more than he could ever expect. Across the room Nick sees Aurora, he can't believe his eyes, however she runs away. The chase is on, not knowing his life is about to change forever.
"She parted her lips to speak, but before she could utter a word, he captured her mouth with his. ... God, the man was potent."
WOW!! Talk about chemistry, Aurora and Nick are awash with it!! Six years have passed and the attraction and heat between them hasn't disappeared. What will happen when Nick learns of the daughter he never knew about? True, it wasn't the fault of either of them, but can Leah bring them together and have them become the family they always should have been? Or will Aurora's fear of abandonment have her pushing Nick away? What I loved most about the building of Aurora and Nick's relationship was they took it slowly and got to know each other, the person they had become. I adored Nick's interaction with Leah, he worked on becoming her friend before becoming her daddy. His care, concern, and protective instincts were highlighted numerous times, especially when Aurora began to let her fear take over. Numerous times she put up walls so she wouldn't be hurt, yet Nick was determined and persevered until he made them all crumble down. He knew, as did both their families, that he and Aurora belonged together, he just had to convince Aurora.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "Not when my family is here."
I adored Nick and Aurora's story. There was no over-the-top drama, just fun, friendship, understanding, support and a lot of love. Little Leah certainly knew how to steal the spotlight - she was just gorgeous. It was fun catching up with the Kingstons and meeting the members of Nick's family. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to more of Nick's family.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENJOYABLE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
✅ A single mum
✅ A swoonworthy Businessman
✅ Chemistry & heat
✅ Second chance at love
Finally, the story I've been waiting for since first meeting Aurora (Michaels) Kingston. JUST ONE DARE is book #5 in The Kingston Family series and brings together two of my favourite families from Carly's book worlds, the Kingstons and the Dares.
"Nick ... was here. And her entire life was about to change. Again."
Aurora Kingston had a rough beginning to life, the illegitimate child of Kenneth Kingston and his secretary, she spent fifteen years living in foster care moving from family to family. Aurora grew up not knowing what it was to be loved, and with fears of being constantly abandoned. On her eighteenth birthday she was removed from the system and told she was on her own. As it was her birthday she decided to celebrate and have some fun, she met a guy and ended up engaged in a one-night stand with him, no last names were exchanged and soon she found herself pregnant. Fate steps in and she is welcomed into the Kingston family by the siblings she never knew she had. They ensure she is made to feel like a part of the family, yet she still feels like an outsider, someone who will eventually be told she's not wanted. A night out with her family has her seeing a man she has always thought of but didn't think she would ever see again.
"Aurora ... had gotten away from him once before. He wasn't about to let it happen again."
Nick Dare is a man who has grown up with a wealth of riches and with a loving family. He's also an extremely busy businessman with no place to call home. Nick has a 'three date rule', if he can't see a future with a woman after three dates, then he lets them go. None of the women measure up to the girl he met six years earlier, he has never forgotten her, even though she was just meant to be a one-night stand. Attending the premiere of his brother's new movie brings more than he could ever expect. Across the room Nick sees Aurora, he can't believe his eyes, however she runs away. The chase is on, not knowing his life is about to change forever.
"She parted her lips to speak, but before she could utter a word, he captured her mouth with his. ... God, the man was potent."
WOW!! Talk about chemistry, Aurora and Nick are awash with it!! Six years have passed and the attraction and heat between them hasn't disappeared. What will happen when Nick learns of the daughter he never knew about? True, it wasn't the fault of either of them, but can Leah bring them together and have them become the family they always should have been? Or will Aurora's fear of abandonment have her pushing Nick away? What I loved most about the building of Aurora and Nick's relationship was they took it slowly and got to know each other, the person they had become. I adored Nick's interaction with Leah, he worked on becoming her friend before becoming her daddy. His care, concern, and protective instincts were highlighted numerous times, especially when Aurora began to let her fear take over. Numerous times she put up walls so she wouldn't be hurt, yet Nick was determined and persevered until he made them all crumble down. He knew, as did both their families, that he and Aurora belonged together, he just had to convince Aurora.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said. "Not when my family is here."
I adored Nick and Aurora's story. There was no over-the-top drama, just fun, friendship, understanding, support and a lot of love. Little Leah certainly knew how to steal the spotlight - she was just gorgeous. It was fun catching up with the Kingstons and meeting the members of Nick's family. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to more of Nick's family.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENJOYABLE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
April 19, 2022
Just One Dare is my favorite of the series! I'd been waiting for Aurora's story since the beginning and it definitely didn't disappoint. Aurora spent most of her life in foster care and only joined the Kingston family when her oldest half-brother discovered her existence and tracked her down, pulling her into the folds of the family. At that time she was alone and pregnant, having met someone she connected with during a difficult time in her life, had a special night together, but not exchanging last names, only to later find herself pregnant without a way to contact him and tell him.
It's six years later and at a movie premiere with her family, there he is, Nick Dare. This story about Aurora and Nick reconnecting and moving forward together. Nick has always had a three date rule, and been on the move with work so much so that he doesn't even have a place to call home. Aurora has a lifetime of abandonment issues from her parents to contend with so open up and trusting someone else is not the easiest.
I love the way Carly Phillips tackled these heavy topics. This so easily could have been all about push and pull and recriminations, but it's not. It's a sweet, touching romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm fairly new to Carly Phillips books, so I need to look and see if there are books featuring Nick's siblings, and if not I hope they are in the works. Can't wait now for the next installment to The Kingston Family series!
It's six years later and at a movie premiere with her family, there he is, Nick Dare. This story about Aurora and Nick reconnecting and moving forward together. Nick has always had a three date rule, and been on the move with work so much so that he doesn't even have a place to call home. Aurora has a lifetime of abandonment issues from her parents to contend with so open up and trusting someone else is not the easiest.
I love the way Carly Phillips tackled these heavy topics. This so easily could have been all about push and pull and recriminations, but it's not. It's a sweet, touching romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm fairly new to Carly Phillips books, so I need to look and see if there are books featuring Nick's siblings, and if not I hope they are in the works. Can't wait now for the next installment to The Kingston Family series!
December 16, 2023
Hate when the h is celibate for 6 years and the H sleeps around. Hate when authors do this like be for real make it fair and not sexist
April 19, 2022
Check out our full post for JUST ONE DARE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Second-Chance Romance
If you're not familiar with this series, I suggest you start at the beginning. This story can be read alone, but the characters are seen throughout the series and their relationships are much stronger if you start at the beginning.
Aurora can finally breathe a little. After having a horrible childhood and aging out of the foster care system, she knew that life was going to be hard. Then finding out she was pregnant and having no way to contact the father, Aurora really didn't know what she was going to do. But now having been found and being part of her family again, Aurora can concentrate on her foundation and her daughter.
Nick has always been a serial dater. Never to stay with a woman very long, he's known in his family as the one who dates for three dates and that's it. Now his job is to fly around the country and make sure that his family's empire is running smoothly. He's never really wanted a home base before and his brothers, despite their happiness, seem okay to let him continue his life the way it is.
I love that Aurora is strong, but shows her vulnerable side. She wants to be able to trust people, but her past has been so unkind that she can throw a wall up in two-point-five seconds and it can only be crumbled by a very specific carpenter. When Nick and Aurora have a chance encounter years later, it's fun to see them navigate their new normal. Both of their families want them to figure out their lives together. Everyone can see how much Nick and Aurora still love each other.
While there isn't a huge dramatic or angsty story, you get to see the world through the eyes of someone who grew up with a lot and from someone who had almost nothing. The contrasting ideals are refreshing. It was a fun story and while the kiddo is the highlight, second-chance romances are super fun too. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series and really, I think you should read them in order to get the full magnitude of this story, but it would be a good read even as a standalone. We first met Aurora when she was brought into the family fold, as a very young, pregnant, and very much alone in the world teen. Ties with the Kingston clan and financial independence has ensured that she has developed into a strong woman and a great mum.
There has always been the lingering sadness for Aurora that she knows no more than her baby daddy's first name, and as Leah gets older, she also understands she has no daddy. So it is really no surprise that seeing him, after six years, at a film premiere, she is discombobulated. However, and here the author is inspired, once she and Nick are over the initial shock, the path they take is fabulously sane and healthy. I really enjoyed the lack of unnecessary drama, in a situation which was entirely blameless on them both.
I loved watching them rethink their futures now that they had found each other, and whilst it was not smooth, it was sincere and done in good faith. It made both of them have to reflect on their past, and their present, and healed them of things they almost didn't realise they were carrying.
Alongside the heavy stuff, this is a really fun and sexy read, which had me smiling and wishing them on from the very beginning. Highly recommended!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 11, 2022
"Just One Dare" is a charming second chance story for Aurora Kingston and Nick Dare. They spent one night together, no last names, but changed each other's lives. Nick unconsciously compares every date since then to Aurora and they fall short. Aurora has had a traumatic start to life, and was facing being a single mother on top of it, when she became part of the Kingston family. Now Nick and Aurora meet again, the chemistry is as magnetic as ever, and this second chance is one Nick has no intention of messing up.
One thing I really liked here was that neither Aurora nor Nick try and play blame games- both accept that they made decisions the first time they met, there were consequences, and the reality was they had no way of getting in touch again. They move on. Nick also doesn't freak and question that Aurora's child is his, he accepts Leah and figures out what needs to change in his life. He's human enough to panic a little (who wouldn't?) but he steps up and knows right away he wants both Aurora and Leah in his life. Nick is the opposite of the father Aurora had, and it is heartbreaking to see how deeply scarred she is from her abandonment by her parents and the failure of the foster system in her case. I loved seeing Nick and her Kingston family surround her and try to break through her emotional walls. Nobody does family emotional support like Carly Phillips.
You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but I think I enjoyed it more having read the series and seeing Aurora's journey into the woman who was ready to take on sexy Nick Dare. I loved Nick and his patience, his determination, and can't wait to read the rest of the "Dirty Dare" stories!
I read "Just One Dare" is a charming second chance story for Aurora Kingston and Nick Dare. They spent one night together, no last names, but changed each other's lives. Nick unconsciously compares every date since then to Aurora and they fall short. Aurora has had a traumatic start to life, and was facing being a single mother on top of it, when she became part of the Kingston family. Now Nick and Aurora meet again, the chemistry is as magnetic as ever, and this second chance is one Nick has no intention of messing up.
One thing I really liked here was that neither Aurora nor Nick try and play blame games- both accept that they made decisions the first time they met, there were consequences, and the reality was they had no way of getting in touch again. They move on. Nick also doesn't freak and question that Aurora's child is his, he accepts Leah and figures out what needs to change in his life. He's human enough to panic a little (who wouldn't?) but he steps up and knows right away he wants both Aurora and Leah in his life. Nick is the opposite of the father Aurora had, and it is heartbreaking to see how deeply scarred she is from her abandonment by her parents and the failure of the foster system in her case. I loved seeing Nick and her Kingston family surround her and try to break through her emotional walls. Nobody does family emotional support like Carly Phillips.
You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but I think I enjoyed it more having read the series and seeing Aurora's journey into the woman who was ready to take on sexy Nick Dare. I loved Nick and his patience, his determination, and can't wait to read the rest of the "Dirty Dare" stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One thing I really liked here was that neither Aurora nor Nick try and play blame games- both accept that they made decisions the first time they met, there were consequences, and the reality was they had no way of getting in touch again. They move on. Nick also doesn't freak and question that Aurora's child is his, he accepts Leah and figures out what needs to change in his life. He's human enough to panic a little (who wouldn't?) but he steps up and knows right away he wants both Aurora and Leah in his life. Nick is the opposite of the father Aurora had, and it is heartbreaking to see how deeply scarred she is from her abandonment by her parents and the failure of the foster system in her case. I loved seeing Nick and her Kingston family surround her and try to break through her emotional walls. Nobody does family emotional support like Carly Phillips.
You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but I think I enjoyed it more having read the series and seeing Aurora's journey into the woman who was ready to take on sexy Nick Dare. I loved Nick and his patience, his determination, and can't wait to read the rest of the "Dirty Dare" stories!
I read "Just One Dare" is a charming second chance story for Aurora Kingston and Nick Dare. They spent one night together, no last names, but changed each other's lives. Nick unconsciously compares every date since then to Aurora and they fall short. Aurora has had a traumatic start to life, and was facing being a single mother on top of it, when she became part of the Kingston family. Now Nick and Aurora meet again, the chemistry is as magnetic as ever, and this second chance is one Nick has no intention of messing up.
One thing I really liked here was that neither Aurora nor Nick try and play blame games- both accept that they made decisions the first time they met, there were consequences, and the reality was they had no way of getting in touch again. They move on. Nick also doesn't freak and question that Aurora's child is his, he accepts Leah and figures out what needs to change in his life. He's human enough to panic a little (who wouldn't?) but he steps up and knows right away he wants both Aurora and Leah in his life. Nick is the opposite of the father Aurora had, and it is heartbreaking to see how deeply scarred she is from her abandonment by her parents and the failure of the foster system in her case. I loved seeing Nick and her Kingston family surround her and try to break through her emotional walls. Nobody does family emotional support like Carly Phillips.
You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book, but I think I enjoyed it more having read the series and seeing Aurora's journey into the woman who was ready to take on sexy Nick Dare. I loved Nick and his patience, his determination, and can't wait to read the rest of the "Dirty Dare" stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
This book was a DELIGHT! I loved finally getting Aurora's story, after first meeting her way back in Dare To Stay (Dare Nation Book #4)!!
Aurora Kingston is a wealthy single mom of a 5-year-old daughter, and she runs her own charity. But, her life wasn't always so peachy. She grew up in foster care, always feeling unwanted. Then she got pregnant, after losing her virginity to a one night stand, whose last name she didn't know. Then, when she had no idea what she was going to do, she received a helping hand while living in Miami, which ultimately allowed her half-brother, Linc Kingston to find her. She had no idea she had any family, and she's so happy to be in their lives now, and that her daughter Leah gets to be part of a big, loving family.
Nick Dare helps run his family's empire, by dealing with all their hotels. So, he's constantly traveling, and doesn't have a home base. His family teases him about only allowing 3 dates with a woman before he bows out, but he finds it an efficient way to date, as he always knows by then if it has a possibility of going further. It never does. But then, at a film premiere, he spies the woman he met when he was on vacation in Miami 6 years earlier, and had a perfect night with. She seems shocked, and maybe unhappy, to see him, which surprises him. But then he discovers why, when he meets her daughter, and realizes that the girl is his daughter too!
Nick and Aurora still had SMOKING HOT chemistry, even after not seeing each other for 6 years. Things moved more slowly, because Aurora had to be concerned with her daughter's comfort first, before she could worry about what she might want for herself. I really related to the panic Aurora felt at first, not knowing how Nick might react to Leah, or if he might try to fight her for custody or make their lives difficult in some other way. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and watching Nick bond with Leah. It made the payoff when they finally got together again that much better.
The Kingston family, and the Dare family, all make for epically wonderful side characters, and I always love seeing them again in future books. The siblings especially have close relationships, and seem so relatable, even though they're all super rich, and many of them are famous. I also really loved the relationship between Aurora and the Kingston matriarch. Aurora was a child born out of her husband's affair with his assistant, and yet she was never anything but kind and welcoming to Aurora, and treats Leah like a granddaughter. It was so nice to see their true love and care for each other.
I just LOVED this book from start to finish. It was exactly what I wanted for Aurora, who has been such a sweet and steady side character throughout this series. Nick was the perfect man for her, and their connection with their daughter just completed it all wonderfully. I highly recommend this story, especially to those who've loved this series so far!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Aurora Kingston is a wealthy single mom of a 5-year-old daughter, and she runs her own charity. But, her life wasn't always so peachy. She grew up in foster care, always feeling unwanted. Then she got pregnant, after losing her virginity to a one night stand, whose last name she didn't know. Then, when she had no idea what she was going to do, she received a helping hand while living in Miami, which ultimately allowed her half-brother, Linc Kingston to find her. She had no idea she had any family, and she's so happy to be in their lives now, and that her daughter Leah gets to be part of a big, loving family.
Nick Dare helps run his family's empire, by dealing with all their hotels. So, he's constantly traveling, and doesn't have a home base. His family teases him about only allowing 3 dates with a woman before he bows out, but he finds it an efficient way to date, as he always knows by then if it has a possibility of going further. It never does. But then, at a film premiere, he spies the woman he met when he was on vacation in Miami 6 years earlier, and had a perfect night with. She seems shocked, and maybe unhappy, to see him, which surprises him. But then he discovers why, when he meets her daughter, and realizes that the girl is his daughter too!
Nick and Aurora still had SMOKING HOT chemistry, even after not seeing each other for 6 years. Things moved more slowly, because Aurora had to be concerned with her daughter's comfort first, before she could worry about what she might want for herself. I really related to the panic Aurora felt at first, not knowing how Nick might react to Leah, or if he might try to fight her for custody or make their lives difficult in some other way. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and watching Nick bond with Leah. It made the payoff when they finally got together again that much better.
The Kingston family, and the Dare family, all make for epically wonderful side characters, and I always love seeing them again in future books. The siblings especially have close relationships, and seem so relatable, even though they're all super rich, and many of them are famous. I also really loved the relationship between Aurora and the Kingston matriarch. Aurora was a child born out of her husband's affair with his assistant, and yet she was never anything but kind and welcoming to Aurora, and treats Leah like a granddaughter. It was so nice to see their true love and care for each other.
I just LOVED this book from start to finish. It was exactly what I wanted for Aurora, who has been such a sweet and steady side character throughout this series. Nick was the perfect man for her, and their connection with their daughter just completed it all wonderfully. I highly recommend this story, especially to those who've loved this series so far!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
April 18, 2022
Worth the wait
5 stars
Ever since Aurora appeared - then kept popping up - in earlier Carly Phillips novels, I’ve been looking forward to reading her story. Her rags to riches back story - a homeless, aged-out foster kid who suddenly finds herself part of a close-knit, rich family - is told in prior books, but it’s retold in detail in this story. So you can be a Carly Phillips virgin and still completely understand this tale. But if you have read previous books, you aren’t bogged down in detail either. So long story short - this is a standalone with it’s own HEA.
Nick and Aurora met once, years before when they were both young adults. They had an instant connection, one night together with no last names, and then lost touch. When they run across each other 6 years later, that connection flares back to life. It’s palpable and I got giddy just reading it and wondering what was to come!
Our heroine is Aurora - a single mum with a difficult childhood. She’s understandably got trust and abandonment issues but she’s managed to make a great life for herself and her daughter. She’s got high emotional walls and is smart and strong but Nick still manages to get past her defences. A strong, capable woman who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is and protects herself - I just loved her. So happy that she was getting her HEA.
Nick was a force of nature. He was all in with Aurora and all in with Leah. He was gorgeous and sexy, obviously, but he was also a good man and determined to do right by his new found family. I loved that he was out of his comfort zone with Leah but always tried his best. And he was so kind, caring and understanding of Aurora and her issues - but also not above using his natural charm and their connection to win her over. Basically, he was the perfect book boyfriend.
Like I said, Nick and Aurora together have such a connection. It’s not all about sex - although that is definitely smoking. The small touches, kisses, caresses and lingering, longing looks and thoughts make things seem very real and very delicious!
I’m not usually one for kids in my romances but I loved 5 year old Leah. She was a little bit sassy and a whole lot of fun. In fact, all the secondary characters were great to hear about. There were a lot of name checks of past and future couples, as well as some cameos. It was nice to hear about couples from earlier books but even better to be teased about which family members will soon get their own stories. One of the things I really love about Carly Phillips’ books is that great connection between family. These big, quirky, crazy families are so fun to read about and wish were your own.
This was a wonderful story about a deep connection between two really deserving and likeable characters. I had been really excited for this story and had high expectations - I’m so happy that they were not only met but exceeded. Definitely another 5 star read for me and very highly recommended.
April 19, 2022
4.25 stars-- JUST ONE DARE is the first instalment in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult THE KINGSTON FAMILY erotic, romance series, a series interconnected with the author’s Dirty Dare /Dare Nation series. This is twenty-four year old, single mother Aurora Michaels, and billionaire Nick Dare’s story line. JUST ONE DARE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading book one JUST ONE NIGHT.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Aurora and Nick) JUST ONE DARE follows the second chance romance and relationship between twenty-four year old, single mother Aurora Michaels, and billionaire Nick Dare. Approximately six years previous, Aurora Michaels had a one-night stand with a man named Nick, and several weeks later discovered she was homeless and pregnant with Nick’s child. A few months would pass before Aurora was discovered by the family she never knew, a family of billionaires and businessman into which our heroine was immediately accepted. Fast forward to present day wherein Aurora, now a part of the Dare family, comes face to face with her past, a past that never knew what happened to the one that got away. Enter hotel magnate Nick Dare, and the man with whom Aurora will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aurora and Nick, and the potential fall-out as Aurora struggles with issues of trust having watched everyone she knows walk out of her life.
Nick Dare never knew the last name of the woman that had stolen his heart but a movie premiere would bring Nick face to face with Aurora Michaels, the half-sister to the Kingston siblings, and the woman who had given birth to the daughter he never knew. Hoping to reconnect and become a part of his daughter’s life, Nick begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, the woman with whom Nick will fall in love.
The relationship between Nick and Aurora began as a one night stand in which neither knew the last name of one another; a secret baby relationship such that Nick wanted to be more than a father but the man with whom Aurora would fall in love but as the man in charge of the chain of Dare hotels, Nick was constantly called away for emergencies and meeting, emergencies that threatened Aurora’s tenuous trust of our story line hero. The $ex scenes are passionate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters from both the KINGSTON FAMILY, DARE TO LOVE, DARE NATION and the NY DARES series. The reconnection between Aurora and Nick looks back on the history of two families almost destroyed by betrayal, secrets and lies.
JUST ONE DARE is a story of family, friendships and relationships, love and acceptance, second chances and happily ever after. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Aurora and Nick) JUST ONE DARE follows the second chance romance and relationship between twenty-four year old, single mother Aurora Michaels, and billionaire Nick Dare. Approximately six years previous, Aurora Michaels had a one-night stand with a man named Nick, and several weeks later discovered she was homeless and pregnant with Nick’s child. A few months would pass before Aurora was discovered by the family she never knew, a family of billionaires and businessman into which our heroine was immediately accepted. Fast forward to present day wherein Aurora, now a part of the Dare family, comes face to face with her past, a past that never knew what happened to the one that got away. Enter hotel magnate Nick Dare, and the man with whom Aurora will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Aurora and Nick, and the potential fall-out as Aurora struggles with issues of trust having watched everyone she knows walk out of her life.
Nick Dare never knew the last name of the woman that had stolen his heart but a movie premiere would bring Nick face to face with Aurora Michaels, the half-sister to the Kingston siblings, and the woman who had given birth to the daughter he never knew. Hoping to reconnect and become a part of his daughter’s life, Nick begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine, the woman with whom Nick will fall in love.
The relationship between Nick and Aurora began as a one night stand in which neither knew the last name of one another; a secret baby relationship such that Nick wanted to be more than a father but the man with whom Aurora would fall in love but as the man in charge of the chain of Dare hotels, Nick was constantly called away for emergencies and meeting, emergencies that threatened Aurora’s tenuous trust of our story line hero. The $ex scenes are passionate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters from both the KINGSTON FAMILY, DARE TO LOVE, DARE NATION and the NY DARES series. The reconnection between Aurora and Nick looks back on the history of two families almost destroyed by betrayal, secrets and lies.
JUST ONE DARE is a story of family, friendships and relationships, love and acceptance, second chances and happily ever after. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic and dynamic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 7, 2022
Love, love, love! I think this is my favorite in the Kingston Family series! Aurora Kingston assists to the premiere of Sasha Keaton’s (Xander’s wife) and Harrison Dare’s new movie, produced by Cassidy Kingston (Dash’s wife), and surprise! Finds herself face to face with her baby daddy, the guy with whom she had a one-night stand six years ago that produced her baby girl Leah.
Second chance and surprise baby is one of my favorite tropes and Carly Phillips did a spectacular job with this one. There is no enmity or anger because it was perfectly understood, there was no way Aurora could have found Nick Dare to let him know she was pregnant. It was a special night, she turned eighteen on that day and wanted to feel good. She met Nick at the diner she worked at, they connected and had a special night. Both understood it was just the one night, so they only exchanged first names. Little did they know that a precious baby girl would come out of that night.
Aurora didn’t have a good childhood. Rejected by her parents, she went into the foster care system when her grandmother died. When she found herself pregnant, the diner owner let her stay in an apartment at the back. She had a couple of lucky breaks that allowed Link Kingston to find her, and she learned she had a family that wanted her. We learn all this story from the previous books in the Kingston Family series, and I was waiting for Aurora’s turn. This was made even better when the author connected this series with the Dirty Dares and made Nick Dare the baby daddy.
Nick lives quite the nomad life. In charge of troubleshooting problems in the Dare hotel empire, he travels all over the US, fixing problems, not ever having a home base. Likewise, with romantic entanglements, he was famous for his “three dates and I’m out” style of romancing, or should I say, evading romantic entanglements. Until he saw Aurora again, and met his daughter! His life turned a complete one eighty and he found he was ready for it!
I loved this story and how Nick had to work for Aurora. With her abandonment issues, she had walls around her heart sky high. When Nick thought he had gained some terrain, something happened and the walls went up again. I had a great time reading their love story and seeing how Leah captured the heart of the whole Dare family.
Excellent writing, excellent pace, brilliant writing and wonderful family! This story had everything I love, second chance, family love, a precious child, and a very romantic story! Totally recommend!
Second chance and surprise baby is one of my favorite tropes and Carly Phillips did a spectacular job with this one. There is no enmity or anger because it was perfectly understood, there was no way Aurora could have found Nick Dare to let him know she was pregnant. It was a special night, she turned eighteen on that day and wanted to feel good. She met Nick at the diner she worked at, they connected and had a special night. Both understood it was just the one night, so they only exchanged first names. Little did they know that a precious baby girl would come out of that night.
Aurora didn’t have a good childhood. Rejected by her parents, she went into the foster care system when her grandmother died. When she found herself pregnant, the diner owner let her stay in an apartment at the back. She had a couple of lucky breaks that allowed Link Kingston to find her, and she learned she had a family that wanted her. We learn all this story from the previous books in the Kingston Family series, and I was waiting for Aurora’s turn. This was made even better when the author connected this series with the Dirty Dares and made Nick Dare the baby daddy.
Nick lives quite the nomad life. In charge of troubleshooting problems in the Dare hotel empire, he travels all over the US, fixing problems, not ever having a home base. Likewise, with romantic entanglements, he was famous for his “three dates and I’m out” style of romancing, or should I say, evading romantic entanglements. Until he saw Aurora again, and met his daughter! His life turned a complete one eighty and he found he was ready for it!
I loved this story and how Nick had to work for Aurora. With her abandonment issues, she had walls around her heart sky high. When Nick thought he had gained some terrain, something happened and the walls went up again. I had a great time reading their love story and seeing how Leah captured the heart of the whole Dare family.
Excellent writing, excellent pace, brilliant writing and wonderful family! This story had everything I love, second chance, family love, a precious child, and a very romantic story! Totally recommend!
April 9, 2022
Just One Dare (The Kingston Family #5) by Carly Phillips
4 stars
M/F Second chance romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads. I assume any typos are corrected before the final version is released.
If you're not familiar with this series, I suggest you start at the beginning. This story can be read alone, but the characters are seen throughout the series and their relationships are much stronger if you start at the beginning.
Aurora can finally breathe a little. After having a horrible childhood and aging out of the foster care system, she knew that life was going to be hard. Then, finding out she was pregnant and having no way to contact the father, Aurora really didn't know what she was going to do. But, now having been found and being part of her family again, Aurora can concentrate on her foundation and her daughter.
Nick has always been a serial dater. Never to stay with a woman very long, he's known in his family as the one who dates for 3 dates and that's it. Now, his job is to fly around the country and make sure that his family's empire is running smoothly. He's never really wanted a home base before and his brothers, despite their happiness, seem Ok to let him continue his life the way it is.
I love that Aurora is strong, but shows her vulnerable side. She wants to be able to trust people, but her past has been so unkind that she can throw a wall up in 2.5 seconds and it can only be crumbled by a very specific carpenter. When Nick and Aurora have a chance encounter years later, it's fun to see them navigate their new normal. Both of their families want them to figure out their lives together. Everyone can see how much Nick and Aurora still love each other.
While there isn't a huge dramatic or angsty story, you get to see the world through the eyes of someone who grew up with a lot and from someone who had almost nothing. The contrasting ideals is refreshing. It was a fun story and while the kiddo is the highlight, second chance romances are super fun too. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
M/F Second chance romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads. I assume any typos are corrected before the final version is released.
If you're not familiar with this series, I suggest you start at the beginning. This story can be read alone, but the characters are seen throughout the series and their relationships are much stronger if you start at the beginning.
Aurora can finally breathe a little. After having a horrible childhood and aging out of the foster care system, she knew that life was going to be hard. Then, finding out she was pregnant and having no way to contact the father, Aurora really didn't know what she was going to do. But, now having been found and being part of her family again, Aurora can concentrate on her foundation and her daughter.
Nick has always been a serial dater. Never to stay with a woman very long, he's known in his family as the one who dates for 3 dates and that's it. Now, his job is to fly around the country and make sure that his family's empire is running smoothly. He's never really wanted a home base before and his brothers, despite their happiness, seem Ok to let him continue his life the way it is.
I love that Aurora is strong, but shows her vulnerable side. She wants to be able to trust people, but her past has been so unkind that she can throw a wall up in 2.5 seconds and it can only be crumbled by a very specific carpenter. When Nick and Aurora have a chance encounter years later, it's fun to see them navigate their new normal. Both of their families want them to figure out their lives together. Everyone can see how much Nick and Aurora still love each other.
While there isn't a huge dramatic or angsty story, you get to see the world through the eyes of someone who grew up with a lot and from someone who had almost nothing. The contrasting ideals is refreshing. It was a fun story and while the kiddo is the highlight, second chance romances are super fun too. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the next one!
April 14, 2022
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the fifth book in the series, and really I think you should read them in order to get the full magnitude of this story, but it would be a good read even as a standalone. We first met Aurora when she was brought into the family fold, as a very young, pregnant and very much alone in the world teen. Tie with the Kingston clan, and financial independence has ensured that she has developed into a strong woman and a great Mum.
There has always been the lingering sadness for Aurora that she knows no more than her baby daddy's first name, and as Leah gets older she also understands she has no daddy. So it is really no surprise that seeing him after 6 years at a film premiere, she is discombobulated. However, and here the author is inspired, once she and Nick are over the initial shock, the path they take is fabulously sane and healthy. I really enjoyed the lack of unnecessary drama, in a situation which was entirely blameless on them both.
I loved watching them rethink their futures now that they had found each other, and whilst it was not smooth, it was sincere and done in good faith. It made both of them have to reflect on their past, and their present, and healed them of things they almost didn't realise they were carrying.
Alongside the heavy stuff, this is a really fun, and sexy read, which had me smiling and wishing them on from the very beginning. Highly recommended!
This is the fifth book in the series, and really I think you should read them in order to get the full magnitude of this story, but it would be a good read even as a standalone. We first met Aurora when she was brought into the family fold, as a very young, pregnant and very much alone in the world teen. Tie with the Kingston clan, and financial independence has ensured that she has developed into a strong woman and a great Mum.
There has always been the lingering sadness for Aurora that she knows no more than her baby daddy's first name, and as Leah gets older she also understands she has no daddy. So it is really no surprise that seeing him after 6 years at a film premiere, she is discombobulated. However, and here the author is inspired, once she and Nick are over the initial shock, the path they take is fabulously sane and healthy. I really enjoyed the lack of unnecessary drama, in a situation which was entirely blameless on them both.
I loved watching them rethink their futures now that they had found each other, and whilst it was not smooth, it was sincere and done in good faith. It made both of them have to reflect on their past, and their present, and healed them of things they almost didn't realise they were carrying.
Alongside the heavy stuff, this is a really fun, and sexy read, which had me smiling and wishing them on from the very beginning. Highly recommended!
April 19, 2022
***5 Stars***
Ever since meeting Aurora in Dare to Stay I was crossing my toes that she’d get her own HEA one day, so when Just One Dare was announced I was all in and this baby did not disappoint in any way. It was a fun, quick read, filled with lots of laughs, heart and heat and made my bookish heart all kinds of happy.
I adored Aurora and Nick. Ok, I’ve always liked Aurora. She’s been through a lot in her young life and through some amazing luck has had a huge life shift that she appreciates, but doesn’t take for granted. Nick is just a good guy. He may have certain rules that make others' eyebrows raise, but I found them to be straightforward and honest.
Their journey to their HEA could have gone in so many directions, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the path they took. It wasn’t too angsty or OTT, it was just two people who had one night, no expectations who collide again and hey, there is not a kid in the mix, a very cute and precocious kid. I just really liked how Aurora and Nick handled everything that was thrown their way. The chemistry was there, the bantering was a lot of fun and I liked how everything worked out for them.
This was a great addition to the series. As I’ve already stated, it wasn’t filled with a whole bunch of angst or anything too over the top plot wise and the little drama that was there only served to help the story along. I loved catching up with the Kingston’s and how they all rallied around Aurora and Leah. Nick’s family was also great, and I really need a visual family tree for the Dare clan because WOW, and since there are a few single people amongst his siblings, I’m sure we’ll be getting stories on them at some point in the future.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
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