Finding out the memories I once cherished were nothing more than a web of lies was like slamming into a brick wall without a helmet. Everyone around me fed me the same rehearsed lines and when the truth finally came out, I didn’t know who I was anymore. Maybe taking off without warning wasn’t the best idea, but crashing my car was an even worse one because it threw Hendrix Dare into my path. He was everything your mom warns you about and your dad hates. And I wanted all of him. Dad called it rebellion, I called it love, but he didn’t care what we defined it as long as it ended.
I knew it was all too good to be true, and after another obstacle that ended in tragedy, I’m left with the tattered pieces of my heart in my hands.
Tainted memories and broken dreams. All I wanted was a happy ending. Instead, I only got an ending.
Hendrix
When the universe dropped Dagen McCallan in my town, I thought she was nothing more than another spoiled rich girl living on mommy and daddy’s dime. Imagine my surprise when she became everything I never knew I wanted, but everything I needed. She was the light to my dark, the warm to my cold, and she made the bad memories fade away with each smile. I whispered words I never thought I’d say to anyone, and for the first time in my life I saw a future that I wanted to run towards.
I was determined to let nothing keep us apart and prove to everyone she was meant for me. I promised to fight off the world for her but sometimes in order to do the right thing, promises must be broken.
Holding Dagen in my arms was like catching a lightning bolt with your hands, it only happens once in a lifetime. And I’m the idiot who let her go.
*Note to This book contains sensitive subject matters including loss of a parent and loss of pregnancy. It also contains sexually explicit scenes and is intended for audiences 18 yrs +. Please review all trigger warnings before reading.
Ryan Marie is a big city girl living in a small town literary world. When she’s not busy being just mom, you can find her building the next Happily Ever After with diverse characters who are everyday people. She loves a good love story, but won’t hold back when adding some gut wrenching drama that will have readers in tears. But don’t worry…you’ll always get that HEA. Adopted by Texas, she’s a proud southerner and enjoys introducing readers to southern slang and all the bless your hearts you can handle.
Dagen and Hendrix are the PERFECT couple and I wish this book was longer just so I could keep reading about them.
What they went through just to be together and then what they endured once they finally were able to truly be together? 💔
We get to know so much about our both Dagen and Hendrix. There is so much depth to their characters and even our side characters. I cannot wait for the rest of this trilogy.
I devoured this book and you should too.
✨ age gap ✨ grumpy x sunshine ✨ accidental pregnancy ✨ found family ✨ biker boy
Thank you so much to Ryan Marie and Torch Lit Ink for the ARC ❤️
Day & Henny…. What can I say?!….. Except the fact that this was the PERFECT couple and the PERFECT first book in the Dare Bros Series that the Queen, Ryan Marie has delivered to us in a golden package!
I mean- it’s darker than any of her previous books or series! She has taken that leap into providing us some deliciousness with the morally grey characters and I AM HERE FOR IT!!!
As she says, “We ride at dawn!” And that’s exactly what I’m doing- I’m packing up & rolling with her down the highway with this EPIC MASTERPIECE she has created!!
Henny is the tatted up bad boy (with a beautiful soul) that had my p@n ties melting off!! And Day is the headstrong firecracker that makes you get a girl b0ner for!!
Their character development- purely perfect! The storyline- purely perfect! The plot twist- purely perfect! The book hangover- totally real!
The swooning, emotional ride and love put into the book!! Wow! Just wow! You are truly so great at this craft - Ryan!!! I cannot wait for the next book & for my heart to melt for the next motorcycle ridin’ darker bad boy🏍️
Thank you for allowing me to be a first reader of your words!! This is my honest review & I highly recommend 100% 🫶🏻
Dare You to Run by Ryan Marie is the first book in The Dare Bros Trilogy.
What can you expect? 🏡 Small-town romance ⏳💞 Age gap (8 years) 🏍️🔥 Biker boy ☁️✨ Grumpy-sunshine dynamic 🤰💥 Accidental pregnancy 🫂❤️ Found family 🐺💪 Alpha male main character 🛋️⚡ Forced proximity
4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5🌶
“You’re irreplaceable, Dagen McCallan. You’re the light in my dark world and without you I can’t see. It will only ever be you.”
My thoughts:
I devoured this book! I’ve been eagerly awaiting Dagen’s story since The Pieces Left Behind, and it did not disappoint. Hendrix Dare and his brothers are no strangers to hardship, having faced abandonment and building their lives from scratch. Meanwhile, Dagen’s world shatters when she learns a painful truth, prompting her to leave. On her way back, she crashes her car—and that’s when Hendrix enters her life.
Hendrix is the epitome of a grumpy, rugged biker: brooding, tattooed, and effortlessly captivating. From the moment Dagen sees him, she’s drawn to his dark, magnetic energy. Despite his cold exterior, which he uses to keep her at a distance, the chemistry between them is undeniable—especially when Dagen moves into the loft on his property.
Their relationship is as intense as it is complex. Despite their differences, Hendrix and Dagen share an understanding that runs deep. He awakens a side of her she didn’t know existed, and their chemistry practically leaps off the page. The spice in this book? Absolutely incredible. Hendrix’s primal side, his filthy mouth, and their steamy scenes had me hooked. If you love heat, you’ll eat this up! Their nicknames—him calling her “little mouse” and her calling him “Mr. Wolf”—added a playful yet intimate layer to their connection.
But it’s not just the spice that stands out; the romance is tender and heartfelt. Hendrix’s sweet gestures show a softer side that makes him so easy to love. Dagen, on the other hand, is a total force—strong, sassy, and unapologetically herself. She knows her worth and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she wants, even when her overprotective father, Vaughan, disapproves of her relationship with Hendrix.
The accidental pregnancy trope was executed beautifully. Watching Hendrix overcome his fears about fatherhood, despite lacking a role model, was both emotional and endearing. The moment he reached out to Vaughan for help with the pregnancy was so touching—it showed real growth on his part. I also appreciated that Dagen made him earn her forgiveness, adding authenticity to their love story.
Another highlight was seeing the characters from the Magnolia Creek series make appearances. Hendrix, who grew up with only his brothers, finds himself welcomed into Dagen’s family, which was such a heartwarming journey. Vaughan’s eventual acceptance of him was especially satisfying.
The side characters were fantastic too! Kinsley had me laughing with her witty remarks, and Malik brought lightness and humor to the story as the fun-loving brother. Danté, though harder to like at first, grew on me as his backstory unfolded, making his behavior more understandable.
Before diving into this book, be sure to check the trigger warnings. Overall, Dare You to Run was an amazing read, and I can’t wait to dive into Malik and Danté’s stories next!
Thank you Butterfly PR & Ryan Marie for the advance copy.
This book follows the story of Dagen & Hendrix! They've both been through so much.. I just love how they clicked. Also Mal & Danté ufff I feel like those 3 together are just TROUBLE waiting to happen. The story starts with Dagen getting into a car accident on her way back home & Hendrix is the one that brings the towtruck. Dagen is so far away from home & has to wait for the car to be fixed, she ends up staying with Hendrix. It was just a whirlwind romance, I loved how authentic the story felt. The dynamic with Hendrix and Vaughn (Dagen's dad) had me laughing & crying at the end, just loved it. I really can't wait to read about Mal & Danté
Firstly i want to thank the author and torchlitink for an advanced reader copy of this book.
Secondly im not sure where to start... I liked the premises of the story and the beginning was interesting! I also enjoyed the writing style of the author. The main character seemed nice and likable and I liked the guy gang and their dynamic. I think the girl side character was absolutely my favorite.
However, i must say that the nicknames/petnames were just a big no for me. And since they were used constantly I felt like i couldn't look over it. I must say that also some plot events towards the end of the book had me become a bit uninterested in the story unfortunately. However this is just a me issue and I can see how other readers might not feel the same way!
“Dare You to Run” by Ryan Marie is an excellent start to a series, with spicy romance, family and friendship. A potential cross into dark romance territory, this is a perfect choice for readers who want to dip their toes into a new subgenre.
Dagen Mcallan runs away from home to confront her grandparents, after finding out that her biological mother was not the amazing woman she was led to believe. On her return trip, she has a car crash and ends up meeting Hendrix Dare. What follows is a tumultuous journey of love and its healing powers.
Dagen has been through a lot. Between losing her biological mother and dealing with a new love, we see her maturing and dealing with grown up problems. She has lived a sheltered life, both financially and emotionally. The author has shown us how a young adult deals with big problems and she did so amazingly. Family is important and present throughout the story. She always has a support system back home, with understanding and loving parents. Her family is ideal.
Another major element in the book is how foster care shapes one's future. Hendrix and his two best friends are the lucky cases. They found each other and crated a bond stronger than blood. The difficulties they faced in the system pushed them to want more for themselves.
The last plot twist is also a sensitive subject that can ruin or make our couple stronger. Can't tell you more, but when you think it's finished, nope. It's not.
The FMC is the protected little lady. In her very early twenties, she starts dealing with life's important steps. While I appreciated she was never alone when facing challenges, I would have liked seeing her deal with some things on her own. Someone is always there, be that her family, Hendrix or her new best friend Kinsley. Somehow, she never left the cocoon, even after being through so much.
Hendrix, at 29, he's independent. Not having a loving family, he created one with his best friends, as soon as the law gave them permission. All he has now was earned. He has worked for everything in his life. He is strong, rough on the edges and dedicated to the important people in his life.
Malik and Dante are also great characters. With personalities that set them apart quickly, they complement the story in a beautiful way. While one brother is understanding, the other sees a threat in Dagen. Both reactions are natural, which makes the characters feel real.
This was a lengthy book. Did we really need this much? Yes and no. Some scenes felt unnecessary and others were moved along too fast. I would have wanted a stronger starting point, or I may not have related to it that well, in all honesty. It was not as important of an event from my perspective and I appreciated that the author didn’t make a big case out of it.
Hendrix is too often very cold and immediately becomes sweet and caring; I would have wanted the author to insist more on how he met the brothers or even on some of his thoughts. The constant mention of her other relatives may have burdened the narrative. While it's great to see links with the other series, it was a bit too much.
Probably my favorite thing from wiring perspective is the author's ability to change voices. Little Dagen felt real and that scene from the beginning was authentic and pure. Every character (main or otherwise) was distinct and with their unique personality.
The KU version has some small typos in the beginning, but nothing that we cannot move past.
This is a complete book, with a lot of elements, a lot of trials for the couple. From unexpected love, long distance, facing the family and the twist in the end, the story takes our main characters through so much. I do question if the dark romance elements were needed. To me, it makes some scenes weird. But if you're a reader that wants to try out dark romance, there are sections in the story that will give you a taste.
All in all, “Dare You to Run” captured the raw essence of love, loss and redemption. Ryan Marie masterfully creates a story that resonates with readers, highlighting the bittersweet realities of life's unexpected turns.
This author is an automatic yes please. Woman can't write a bad book. I remember reading the first book by Ryan Marie and it was Dagen parents story. I remember I cried so much reading Vaughan's and Cami's story. So I was so happy to hear Dagen getting her story. I felt sorry for her because of what her birth mother did. If you read the other story, you will know. Dagen is 21 and is ready for life adventure until her world shatters. This leads her to Hendrix. A car accident amd Hendrix is the one to fix her car. She was strong, sassy, sarcastic, so full of live and a little broken. Hendrix has had a bad childhood and it's hard for him to even see a HEA. He is successful, hot and loves his motor bike. Believe me, he is hot biker guy with some equally hot kinks. When he meets Dagen, he is immediately on the offense and is grumpy and mean. They both clash and Dagen retort to his taunts just as strongly. When she needs a place to stay he is persuaded to offer his place.. Close Proximity is enough to build on their sizzling chemistry. But he is 8 years older than her and that's enough to stay away. Until one of his Dare brothers decides to move on her. Dagen was exactly what Hendrix was missing. From going to a few weeks fling to full on falling hard. This book was a story about how two broke souls find love and try and find a balance in their lives. I loved the whole adopted Dare brothers, only Dante wasn't very pleasant at first. Ryan surely got him to redeem himself. Malik was my favourite, he is funny and so adorable. 3 broken boys found their own family. I absolutely adored Kinsley and her quirky jokes. She is a blast and the best friend everyone needs. I really hope Kinsley gets a HEA one day. I loved how a man so strong like Hendrix shows his soft side and the way he treats her is swoon worthy. He is one of my favourite book boyfriend now. I also enjoyed seeing Vaughan and Cami's and how they're doing now. Don't think their journey was an easy one because it wasn't. Their is loss, grieving, heartbreak, so please read triggers. I loved the dare games he played with her, you will need some ice to cool you down. 🥵. I'm excited to read rest of the brothers stories now.
There was so many quotes, I couldn't help myself hehe.
“I think you’ve found a side of me that was waiting for the right person to unlock it. And now I want more.”
“Open up and swallow it down, little mouse. This is what a man tastes like.”
“Run, little mouse. I dare you to run.”
“You want to touch the other side? Then open your eyes, little mouse. Stare at the evil that will take you there.”
“I wonder what daddy would say if he knew I f*cked his little girl on the hood of his car,”
“Because you were molded just for me. We fit together like a lock and key.”
"despite the black exterior he shows the world, inside he’s a bright light."
“It’s like I need you to live. I’m afraid if I don’t have you…I’ll die.”
“You are my light, Dagen. The only one I have in my life.”
First and foremost, please check the trigger warnings before diving into the book. There will be some topics that will be included and may be triggering for some. If needed, please check the author’s website for more information or DM me for more details and I am also happy to share some chapters that may be sensitive.
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To perfectly sum up Dare You to Run, I’d say it is a sexy and thrilling romance that will sweep you off your feet and make you long for a ridiculously handsome man riding a motorcycle of your own.
The first thing I want to talk about is the story, specifically Dagen’s. While I was intrigued with Hendrix and the rest of the Dare brothers’ story and the struggles they had endured to get where they are now, I was predominantly focused on Dagen’s character and wanted more of her story, especially with how the book began. And with a beginning like that, I seriously doubt there isn’t anyone who didn’t want more details and see how she copes with the aftermath of it.
Dagen is mature for her age, but in spite of that, she is still young and, with the added stress following the shocking reveal,she acts immature, albeit with an understandable reaction. What makes Dagen and her story worth reading is the character growth she undergoes and becomes an adult, accepting the truth of both her past and present. The best part about her is, even though she wants to run, she continuously faces against her past, her parents, the expectations that is expected of her with her wits and strong mind. Especially during the second major (?) major reveal (chapters 35-37).
Second, the romance. This is an age-gap romance where the two meet when they are of age, but Hendrix, for all his hard exterior, is a gentleman and at first rejects the idea of romancing her due to how young she was in compared to him. (And also to avoid a beating from her dad and his friends). But once he gave in, whew! The steam is off the charts!
(I also want to mention that there is a sexy vibe within the story and between the two main characters that seems to be in its own category, separate from all the other romance books like this. I still cannot find a way to describe it, just that this is really something else—in a good way.)
Thank you to both Ryan Marie and Torch Lit Link for gifting me an eARC copy! This review is completely written by me and is not influenced by any monetary exchange.
OMG!! This story was PHENOMENAL!!! The Dare Brother’s are here to sweep us off our feet and melt our panties off.
Right from the very dramatic beginning, my heart was in a chokehold over the heartbreaking revelations that Dagen unintentionally stumbles on. I could definitely sympathize with her over the way she reacted (I probably would have done the same thing). And unbeknownst to her, that instant reaction started a chain of events that would change her life and the lives of others forever.
Dagen is such a fierce little spitfire of a woman. She is headstrong and independent and loves her family with all her heart. But she is hurting right now and needs a moment to figure out how to deal with that hurt. When she accidentally crashes into Hendrix’s life, she had no idea how much this biker boy is going to change her.
Hendrix is Dagen’s opposite in every way. He’s grumpy, broody, dangerous and fiercely sexy with all of his tattoos and dark nature. But underneath all of that, Hendrix has a heart of gold and is fiercely protective of his found family. He has no idea that this little firecracker of a woman is going to melt his heart.
The back-and-forth banter was hilarious, intense and filled with so much sexual tension that it just oozed off the pages. All of the little looks, sexy spoken words and little touches lit my body on fire and I couldn’t wait until they gave into the incredible desire and lust wafting between them. IT WAS ABSOLUTE FIRE!!!!
All of the hurdles that both Hendrix and Dagen went through throughout the entirety of their story, forged such an incredible and unbreakable connection between them. These two brought a smile to my face, lit my panties on fire, and had me sobbing uncontrollably. What a mix of emotions!
“You’re irreplaceable, Dagen McCallan. You’re the light in my dark world and without you I can’t see. It will only ever be you.”
I can’t forget to mention that all the secondary characters, Kinsley, Malik and Dante, brought so much laughter, lightness and fun to the story. Kinsley especially with her weird and strange sayings, had me giggling like crazy!
This story was beautifully written. I devoured every wonderfully perfect moment of it. I could not get enough of these characters or the amazing storyline. It contained the right amount of emotional turmoil, angst, drama, spice, romance and love. And the ending – incredibly emotional but ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!
I just want to let you all know the Henny "Hendrix" Dare is my boyfriend and no one else can have him...
Now that that is taken care of.. I devoured this book in 1 day
Wow... Dare you to Run by Ryan Marie was amazing, heartbreaking, funny, and to top it off spicy!
This book starts off with little Dagen McCallen not understanding why her mom must leave. The heartbreak she will carry with her from losing her mom. She also does not fully realize that she was given a gift of having such a strong, caring, and loving father, someone willing to preserve all the good memories she has of her mother. Fast forward and you have 21-year-old Dagen overhearing the heartbreaking story of her mother and her mother’s parents (if you want the full tea on what happens read The Pieces Left Behind). Dagen breaks after hearing this and leaves for Florida to confront her grandparents. On her way home there is an accident in Cattywump Bay, Mississippi. She meets Kinsley (her cornbread sister) who helps her out by getting her a tow to the local mechanic shop. That’s when she meets Henny and her life changes from there. Dagen is such a strong woman, yes, she had an easy life with loving parents. She didn’t want for anything but she was not a spoiled brat, she helped out on her family’s ranch. So, she knows the definition of hard work. She has a found family full of Aunts and Uncles who would do anything for her (all her aunts and uncles’ stories can be found in the Magnolia Creek Series). Dagen does not back down from anyone and will stand up for herself.
Henny grew up in and out of foster homes, with parents who didn’t want him. A troubled child who just needed someone to love him. He found Malik and Dante who became the only family he needed. The Dare Brothers were formed and from there they all grew up to be well off men with troubled pasts. They did the most they could for the community that accepted them. Henny never wanted love, didn’t even know what love was.
Dagen and Henny had the hottest chemistry from the start. Both bickering back and forth with each other. Not wanting to admit that they wanted each other. But that all changed quickly, they fell for each other. The passion and the heat between these two had for each other was addictive.
When I thought I was ready, I wasn't, and was it better than expected, yes, yes it was!! This is a new series by Ryan Marie, and there are "cameos" from the original Mag Crew, and I am not mad about it!! IYKYK.
Dagen McCallen is all grown up, and the first chapter just kicks off by kicking you right in the heart, and no matter how much I was warned, those first few pages just hurt. Dagen finds herself in backwater of no where and in the sights of Hendrix Dare, and he suits his surname him and his band of dastardly brothers adopted when they became family. He owns a garage, but this is not garage you ever imagined. Initially the growly nature of our MMC thought he had Dagen all sown up in who and what she was, but feisty Dagen was not backwards in coming forward and put him in his place royally.
What was not meant to be, was a dare too good to pass up, especially with some hell of a hot attraction brewing between them and holy hell, it blew the top of everyone's spice-o-meter and I was not mad about it. Of course they both have trauma, and Hendrix believes he has darkness, but with his "Little Mouse" she is the light to his darkness, and helps show him what has always been dulled behind dark memories, dark clothes and some serious walls.
Thrown in some seriously hot motorbikes, backpacks, muscle cars and just a passion that I have come to love with Ryans writing and you have an amazing book 1 of this series. I am so excited to read the next two books to come in this series, which will see stories for Hendrix's (Henny) two brothers Malik and Dante. And when I say Dagen's siblings would melt any grump, OMG they absolutely can. Ryan, how is it possible that you just get better and better. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
This book earns its five stars, if there was more I would throw it down. This author crossed over from one side of the spectrum to the other and it was flawless. I had the privilege of reading her Magnolia Creek series before this. I have a love for interconnected stories, these worlds dont cross over like a standard IC series, you do get to see the characters in different parts of the story though. To have the backstory of who they are and how much they mean to Dagen just sets the story up so much more.
Dagen finds out something information she over heard from her parents, it sends her in a hussle out of the house and on a road trip to FLA., on the way back something happens and she ends up on the side of the road in Cattywump Bay. Enter Kinsley, I wont go into a lot on about her but she will having you laughing every time she enters the story line. Her one liners are top notch. Tow truck pulls up, and OH BOY, Hendrix enters the story and leaves it on fire.
From here, WOW! This story will have your feelings in a clutch the entire time. You feel the emotion that both of these two have for one another every step of the way. The Mouse, Run aspect of this story is definitely a chefs kiss in my book. He knows when to turn it off and on, his caring for Dagen will have you melt in more than one place. He does ride bikes along with two other guys, their brotherhood is a fantastic found family. They both have a family to bring to one another that gives them something to lean on. Even at the most pivotal moment, they could always find themselves back to each other. I wish I could talk more, just do yourself a favor and pick the story up.
📚📚📚 This book was absolutely AMAZING!! I did completely binge it and I’m just left so speechless. I know this trilogy is about to be a top favorite of mine! Hendrix is truly a TOP TIER MMC! Dagen i absolutely adored! The scenes with them riding were my fav!! I just adored how she was hooked from the first ride with Hendrix. These two go through so much just to be together and wow was it worth it. They are just perfect. 💗 Watching Hendrix overcome so many fears and watching Dagen finally find her voice and stand up to her overprotective father was so amazing. I totally shed some tears while reading also was kicking my feet and totally melting for the spicy scenes. Overall I think everyone needs to pick this book up asap!
I love that he calls her little mouse!! Omg I was melting on the inside every time I read it 🔥 Ryan Marie you truly amaze me more and more with every book you write! I’m obsessed with this one 🖤
📚📚📚 If you like to read: - Age gap - Grumpy x sunshine - Small town - Found family - Alpha MMC - Biker - Accidental pregnancy - Trigger warnings … You should definitely check this out
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Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
From the moment I picked up Dare You To Run, I couldn’t put it down—obsessed doesn't even begin to cover how I feel about this book! Hendrix was the perfect mix of sexy, brooding biker and protective heartthrob - my favorite type of MMC! Dagen is a fierce, independent woman who had me laughing out loud at times and fully supporting her from the moment she discovered her true past and upbringing - I was crying in the first chapter and the book had barely started! Stumbling upon Hendrix and their journey of discovering each other? SWOON. Watching Dagen slowly chip away at him and ease herself under his skin melted my heart!
The intensity between these two is done in such a Ryan Marie style - the cat and mouse chase, no pun intended, had me laughing one moment and fanning myself the next. When the two finally gave into each other I was happy dancing all over my room, the spice level between them was done in such a tasteful way that all I wanted was for them to have those intimate moments together all the time. And when I say hot, I mean HOT HOT.
I have never loved a biker romance like I did this one, and the scenes of them riding together were actually some of my favorite parts of the book. When this book ended I was heartbroken that it was over and I wanted so much more. I can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.
Ryan Marie, you’ve outdone yourself once again. I’m obsessed with this book, I’m obsessed with Hendrix, but most importantly I’m obsessed with you and everything you do and I am so honored to be a little part of it. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, what are you doing?! You won’t regret it!
This book is everything I didn’t know I needed! The push/pull, angst, laughs, tears…so many tears that I was NOT expecting, and such a beautiful connection between two INCREDIBLE characters. Ryan Marie’s writing is addicting, truly. I completely dour every single world written on these pages like they’re my last meal.
Hendrix Dare is quite the grumpy guy…at first. He is extremely closed off, what you see is what you get, grumpy tattooed dude. Him and his two brothers (from another mother) are living their lives unapologetically. They are ruthless! But what I did not expect was the emotions that Hendrix brought out in me. This man has been through some stuff, let me tell you. It was amazing watching him evolve into the man he became at the end of the book. Oh…did I mention he’s possessive?! “Run run run, Little Mouse.”
Dagen is a college student who comes from a pretty wealthy family. She’s stunningly beautiful and comes across as completely unaware of her beauty. In the sense that she’s very humble. When she gets into an accident, Hendrix owns the tow company/body shop who comes to her rescue. I mean…the set up in this story is literal PERFECTION. She is polished, he has dirty fingernails from grease and is rough around the edges. It’s a match made in heaven haha.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the Kinsley-isms! This girl cracked me UP! She’s one of my fav side characters I think I’ve read lol…not even joking.
Just a warning to wrap this up…grab your tissues. You don’t expect the devastation that happens in this book. Don’t worry, it ends on an HEA…but my heart was completely shattered there for a second.
Dare You to Run by Ryan Marie, is a strong start to this found family, biker romance trilogy. It has just enough world-building to set up the entire series, relatable characters, great pacing, and some amazing tension/spicy moments.
The beginning of this book is very heavy. Still, it serves the dual purpose of connecting the story to the earlier Magnolia Creek Series (also by Ryan Marie) and giving a backstory to the three leading men of this trilogy. It’s a short introduction, but powerful and truly sets up the relationship between Dagen and Hendrix along with the found family aspect of the three Dare brothers.
I loved all of the characters that were introduced in this story. The main characters, Dagen and Hendrix, are complex and perfectly imperfect. They make mistakes and have to account for them in real-world ways - which isn’t always the case in the romances I’ve read before. What stood out to me, however, was the side characters and the way they all came to life on the page. Special shout out to Kinsey (everyone’s favorite cornbread sister) and Camille (the mom I hope to be one day).
Although our characters fall in love quickly, it doesn’t feel like instant love! There is definite lust from the first meeting, but Dagen and Hendrix aren’t instantly in love and have some drastic highs and lows before they realize they are in love and even more after. Those highs and lows make for some amazing tension between the two and even better spicy scenes... once you get to them.
Thank you to Ryan Marie & Torch Lit Ink for the ARC of this book. Opinions are my own.
Gifted [Thank you to Ryan Marie and Torch Lit Ink for allowing me early access to this story!] ⭐️3.75 🌶️ 3.5 💀 2
Tropes/Themes: ✧ Age Gap ✧ Small Town ✧ Grumpy/Sunshine ✧ Alpha MMC ✧ Biker ✧ Surprise Pregnancy & (TW: Loss) ✧ Found Family (TW: Childhood trauma)
What it’s about: She’s just discovered a family secret, and she takes off to confront people she’s held dear her entire life. On the way home, she finds herself stranded in desperate need of car help and a helping hand. Enter from stage left a grumpy alpha MMC who think’s shes this spoiled daddy’s princess, but he can’t seem to help himself when he constantly goes out of his way to make her situation more comfortable.
My Review: I really didn’t know where this one was going. The beginning of the book had me questioning if this was something I was going to enjoy and then BANG! Wow, it really hooked me in. I really enjoyed watching these characters grow in not only their relationship with one another, but work through their own traumas to come out the other side stronger for one another. Well done!
Favorite Quote: “I’m like a skidmark on your underwear. You can try to wash it away, but it’s still there. It’s always there, just lingering around making your ass itch.”
Hope you get a chance to add this one to your TBR. ✨
An absolutely killer read that is literally the best mash up of everything you could ever want in a romance! Hendrix is a delicious snack of sexy biker bad boy, dark past and dirty mouth included, and with his penchant for letting Dagen wrap him around her little finger he’s got you all kinds of feral for him, and Dagen is a ray of spitfire sunshine that pulls no punches but is putty in Hendrix’s hands and you can’t help but adore her. The chemistry is blistering, the plot is insanely good and fully loaded giving you family drama, dark secrets, love that hits like a freight train with all the potential for destruction, a dad learning to let his little girl go, loss, and a whole lot of character growth and finding yourself. It’s a magnetic read with a perfect mix of dark and dirty, light and hope, fire and sweet, and it is word for word amazing! Definitely saying this is a must read. It’s that little bit of dark you need that gives you all the dirty hot spice, tight knit family that gives you that feeling of belonging, and that growth that gives you all the feels and all the hope of happily ever after. It’s well written, has a touch of humor, a little devastation, flows like a dream, totally captures you heart and soul, the characters, especially Hendrix are well developed with lots of depth, you get a few cameos from previous books and just enough of a taste of what’s to come that you’re already counting down the days, and it is just an incredibly satisfying read that I highly recommend checking out.
This book made me so mad. From the start, it felt like there was no editing done. And I don’t mean proofreading. I mean true editing. I tried to overlook it because I recognize the budget constraints of indies, but it was very distracting from the story, which I really wanted to like.
Dagen felt like a spoiled child who didn’t want to be seen as a spoiled the entire time. She’s young and I took that into consideration. However ***spoiler here: the fact that they had unprotected sex when she knew she didn’t have her pills, and her “only” worry was staying clean was just stupid. And yeah, Hendrix was a tool for asking if he really needed to wear a condom.***
Hendrix was such a mess. At first, I didn’t mind this about him. His background lent to not being stable or making solid choices. But he felt more and more like a wannabe bad boy without a backbone. His personality was all over and I didn’t feel like he had a true arc.
This felt like a ton of super popular tropes, phrases, and situations were thrown into characters where it didn’t fit them. It wasn’t quite dark romance and it wasn’t quite romcom.
There are a ton of characters in the second half. Granted, this is my first book by this author, and I think there’s some crossover but I got bored with all the names and people.
The medical inaccuracies were the worst. It pointed again to lacking a professional editor.
I’m not sure if I’ll read more by this author. I really, really wanted to like this and I think the potential is there. It just needed more cleaning up all the way around.
This book brought intensity, tension, chemistry and connection all wrapped up in a biker hottie with a side of primal play!
Dare You to Run took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions where I couldn’t help but feel what the characters were going through. There were laughs, smiles, anger and tears.
From his tough guy exterior to his biker side and sometimes sweetheart, Hendrix takes you on a ride (no pun intended) where you can’t help but feel for the guy and his brothers. Life has been pretty hard for him and it’s heartbreaking. All of that changes when he meets Dagen under the most random and unfortunate circumstances after she discovers a terrible secret.
Dagen, who’s a total daddy’s girl with a backbone, meet bad boy Hendrix and her world changes. She discovers who she is and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants.
Together, they bring they balance each other out and bring scorching hot chemistry.
After seeing a bit of the other Dare brothers, I’m excited to know their stories.
Bonus points for all the Kinsleyisms! I absolutely loved her character.
*I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings as this book covers difficult subjects.
I would like to thank Ryan Marie and Torch Lit Ink for the opportunity to read and review Dare You to Run.
Hendrix and Dagen could not have been more polar opposites. Hendrix was all tattoos and dark. Whereas Dagen was sweet and light. But they both made it work. Like always the grumpy x sunshine vibes work for couples.
Dagen gets some news she didn’t see coming and it sets her on a path she didn’t see coming but life has a funny way about it. Sets you out on a journey it knows you need to follow. I do gotta say this meet cute they have plus Kinsley’s bestie meet cute as well, was adorable. You get to see the feisty girl Dagen is and Hendrix well he is just your typical grumpy. Put these two together and it is fire.
I am excited to see more of the Dare brothers. They truly seem like they are going to make for a great series. I love reading their banter with each other. The tension with Hendrix and Dagen.
There is some heartbreak that happens in here, not going to say what but just be prepared. But I gotta say, I may not have liked how Hendrix handled it but I understand his reaction. What I loved was how he fixed it!
Bring me the rest of the Dare brothers! I cannot wait to read how hard they fall for their ladies! . . . 5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 10/10 recommendation‼️
This is one of my favorites for December, absolutely loved it 🤩. It’s a dark spicy romance with an age gap. Dagen and Hendrix’s story was just 🔥🔥🔥. They’re polar opposites but also similar in some ways. She’s the light in his darkness. Dagen is kind, caring person with a heart of gold. Hendrix is the typical biker guy who is possesive, acts all tough and dangerous but is only kind and caring for Dagen. Yes he makes some mistakes but we’re not perfect, we all do. He definitely works for it, to gain back her trust and love. They both knew they were it for each other, there was no one else.
Love their story and all the things they had to overcome in order to be together. They both grow as people and their relationship flourishes. There’s some unexpected twists and turns.
Loved the Dare brothers 🤩. They’re all trouble, and they found each other and created their own family.
Dagen finds the truth about her real mom and takes a long drive, which results in her meeting Hendrix. There’s a lot of tension between them too, it’s a will they, won’t they. They both feel a pull towards each other. They finally given but it’s not easy and there’s some bumps all they way. It has a happy ending.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I approached it with just a quick glance at the synopsis. I'm so glad I took the plunge! I couldn't put it down. The story kicks off with a strong emotional weight, and I loved how the characters and their backgrounds were intricately connected. It completely drew me in. This is the first installment of what promises to be an exciting trilogy, and I can't wait to dive into the next books.
Dagen and Hendrix are fantastic characters, each carrying their own traumas that make you empathize with them deeply. Hendrix is tough and fiercely protective, ready to fight for what matters to him. Dagen, on the other hand, is a true gem, navigating her own challenges. I really enjoyed the age difference between them. The themes of found family and unexpected pregnancy are woven in perfectly. The tension and chemistry between the characters is hot. The only minor qualm I had was the frequent use of a particular pet name, but it was easy to overlook. Overall, I'm completely obsessed with Hendrix and his "backpack," Dagen!
🏍️ Tropes: ✧ Age Gap ✧ Small Town ✧ Grumpy/Sunshine ✧ Alpha MMC ✧ Biker ✧ Surprise Pregnancy ✧ Found Family
Thank you so much @author.ryanmarie & @torchlitink for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Dare You to Run is a captivating romance that follows the sizzling connection between Dagen and Hendrix. Their paths cross when Dagen needs her car towed, and Hendrix, the broody bad-boy biker from a small town comes to her rescue. Their chemistry is undeniable from the moment they meet, leading to an intense, fiery relationship.
Dagen, a sassy and spirited young woman with a big, loving, and supportive family, contrasts beautifully with Hendrix, an alpha possessive caveman who hides his tenderness beneath a gruff exterior. While she is light and energy, he is dark and brooding, making their dynamic irresistible. Dagen awakens a side of Hendrix that he never knew existed he's caring, protective, and sweet, but only for her.
One of the highlights is Dagen's wholesome family. Camille, her stepmom, is especially endearing, always supporting Dagen and helping Vaughn, her father, understand her better. The warmth and humor that the big family brings add depth and fun to the story.
The story unfolds at a fast pace but doesn’t feel rushed, as the characters and their arcs are well-developed. The chemistry between the leads keeps the readers hooked, and the spice level is undeniably high—perfect for fans of steamy romances.
Thank you @author.ryanmarie and @torchlitink For the #gifted ebook.
TW: Death of Parent, Sexual Assault, Pregnancy loss, Degradation, Dominance
"When someone shines a light on the darkness you've been living, it helps you see truths you didn't realize we're waiting for you. Once you see them, it's impossible to go back living in a world of black."
" Who would have thought that the person to save me would be the man I thought wanted to destroy me."
Wow, this is my first book by Ryan Marie and I am hooked. Admittedly, it is spicier than my usual reads but the spice is appropriate for the story. Dagen comes from a loving family filled with siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. She receives shocking news that has her running. Hendrix lived his life in the foster system going from one home to another. He forms a brotherhood with Malik and Dante who were also raised in the foster system. They become the Dare brothers and have each other's backs. When Dagen and Hendrix meet, the sparks are immediate but neither will admit it. I loved the banter between them and Dagen knows how to get under Hendrix's skin. This story gave me all the feels and I loved how Dagen and Hendrix heal one another. This is the first book in a trilogy and I am looking forward to the next book.
Dare You to Run is a standalone story that has ties to the Magnolia Creek Series. You do not have to read that series in order to understand this book. There will be cameos from that series but again, you do not need to read it in order to understand this one. This is Daegan and Hendrix's Love story.
"Run Run Run, Little Mouse". - Hendrix, Dare you to Run
Ryan, Ryan, Ryan..... what you do to my heart. Let's just say that this book started with a box of tissues and ended with one as well. A complex story of Daegan and Hendrix. both run into each other by happenstance and end up starting a whirlwind of a relationship. Hendrix is a complicated soul who doesn't believe in love and Daegan believes in the happily ever after. Both so different yet they just make sense. Their chemistry is steaming and their playtime is scorching hot. Both Daegan and Hendrix's story is complicated and they are challenged at every corner. But their love is something that cannot be stopped...unless they allow it too.
Boy oh boy does Ryan get you in the feels with this book. The emotional turmoil is real but man it was so worth the tears. I found Ryan earlier his year and am so glad that I have read some of her books. She is so talented and I cannot wait to see what she has in store. for us.
Dagen learns devastating news about her family history, and in her running, ends up stranded in Mississippi. Henny Dare is a biker and successful entrepreneur, working alongside his brothers. He’s got miles of trauma and an attitude to match, but one look at Dagen’s green eyes may have him falling.
This was a wonderful ride of a story. Dagen is dealing with a crisis of identity and is adrift in her mind. She comes in like a hurricane to Henny’s life. Henny is gruff and stubborn, and quite frankly a bit of a d!ck. But it’s almost as if his brain recognizes that Dagen is the girl that could bring him to his knees. Their attraction is off-the-charts spicy, and he introduces her to more rough and primal ways to play. He has a lot to overcome mentally, especially to win over her family. He’s a flawed man, but one that is capable of growth and change, even if it’s hard. Dagen absolutely blossoms into her own woman, and I love how she takes no bs from anyone, including the man she loves. Their story has some truly heartbreaking moments, so trigger warnings are advised. If you like a bad boy on a bike, but one with a secret heart of gold, this story would worth reading.
Whoa this was a wild ride! I’m just going to say…it was also a blast! Be ready for some speed bikes and some kink. This is the first in the Dare Bros Trilogy and now I’m really interested in seeing who is next and what is going to happen to them. Hendrix, aka Henny (or to one little one Chicken), is one bad boy biker dude. However, there is much more to him than meets the eye when he drives up with his tow truck to tow Dagen’s injured car that kissed a light pole. Dagen is in the middle of a crisis, and I fully understand her being a hot mess. Henny is a man of few words and lots of angst. Together they are full of pent-up frustration and sexual tension. I want to give nothing away other than…READ IT! It’s a great biker, bad boy, romance. And I’m going to be honest this book has some of the best side characters. My favorite quote is from a side character: “Chicken. His name is Chicken, Momma,” said AJ. (This is a child in the book and the sister of Dagen and she is talking about Hendrix). You can’t help but laugh!
Wow, this book had me hooked from the first page! I couldn’t put it down and I devoured it! It was fun, hot, spicy, heartbreaking, romantic & funny.
The chemistry between Hendrix & Dagen was intense & amazing at the same time! Their chemistry was hot from the start. Especially since all they did at the beginning was bicker. I loved watching their story unfold & I fell in love with these 2! Hendrix is my new book boyfriend, tattoos and all! He’s addictive! Also loved his little nicknames for Dagen 😍 I loved the whole biker vibe & I totally dig it! I admire Hendrix’s back story & his success. This grumpy, bad guy, biker turned out to be a softy at heart. As for Dagens story is heartbreaking at first but she comes out on top & is very well loved by her family!
This was very well written and engaging! So much to take in and I loved it! If you’re looking for a fun, spicy, heartbreaking and romantic read.. & you love biker boys.. this is for you!