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Dare Valley #6
The Park of Sunset Dreams
Jane Wilcox has a secret. She's been the incognito poker scout to a rock star poker player dressed as a smoking hot poker babe. Now that role is over, and she's living in small town Dare Valley, working as a dog walker--or so everyone thinks. Without her Jimmy Choo heels and Prada gowns, she's trying to find her new sexy Inner Swan and a fairytale romance, but she's afraid she might have turned back into "Plain Jane" until she meets Matt Hale in the dog park.
The sexy lawyer has a rambunctious dog that needs her Dog Whisperer skills and slowly they move from friends to lovers. Matt is one of the good guys, a hero, totally boy-next-door material. He's returned to his hometown after experiencing a tragedy. He was unable to find justice for the woman in his last legal case, and now she's passed away and given him her dog. He's vowed to give Henry a good home and right the wrongs in the system, so he's running for mayor of Dare Valley.
Jane and Matt fall in love during sunset walks in the dog park, but soon Jane's secret past comes back to haunt her and harms Matt's bid for mayor. Can Jane and Matt's love survive the controversy?
The sexy lawyer has a rambunctious dog that needs her Dog Whisperer skills and slowly they move from friends to lovers. Matt is one of the good guys, a hero, totally boy-next-door material. He's returned to his hometown after experiencing a tragedy. He was unable to find justice for the woman in his last legal case, and now she's passed away and given him her dog. He's vowed to give Henry a good home and right the wrongs in the system, so he's running for mayor of Dare Valley.
Jane and Matt fall in love during sunset walks in the dog park, but soon Jane's secret past comes back to haunt her and harms Matt's bid for mayor. Can Jane and Matt's love survive the controversy?
387 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2014
1967 people are currently reading
1364 people want to read
About the author
Ava Miles
101 books1,143 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
February 24, 2021
Quick summary
Up until recently, Jane Wilcox was one of Rhett Blaylock's two "poker babes" who were disguised as sexy, flamboyant distractions. As Raven, she was actually a Harvard MBA-educated poker scout who, along with her partner Vixen, astutely measured the competition before and during tournaments. Jane's now retired, bearing no resemblance to her secret alter ego. Enter Matt Hale of the town's newspaper dynasty. He's a successful lawyer who's returned home to escape the rat race of big city living. He's also inherited dog Henry, an adorable but poorly behaved pooch that creates the opportunity for Jane and Matt to meet in the park.
The issues
Jane has many reasons for keeping her poker babe past a secret and it's not just her involvement at risk. She comes from a political family and vowed she'd never go down that path again. When Matt decides to run for town mayor, her resolve is tested on several fronts.
What I loved
Jane's relationship with Matt began with their meetings in the park when he observed her well behaved pooch, Annie. The romance develops so naturally with their pets an important part of the relationship, providing comic relief and precious moments. I loved them as a couple and both were well developed characters individually. Jane's secret past impacted many others so it wasn't a simple issue between the two of them. It was a complicated and thorny issue that didn't have easy answers, which put meat on the bones of the conflict.
Family plays a strong role in the story, both those biological and those borne from long term relationships. It's a theme of this series that is Miles' signature and it resonates throughout.
The bottom line
Two wonderfully crafted characters, a lovely adult romance, charming pooches and a small town with all the right dynamics make this another winning story in the series. I've yet to be disappointed and can't wait to devour the next one. I love Dare Valley and Ava Miles' stories. She can't write them fast enough for me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Up until recently, Jane Wilcox was one of Rhett Blaylock's two "poker babes" who were disguised as sexy, flamboyant distractions. As Raven, she was actually a Harvard MBA-educated poker scout who, along with her partner Vixen, astutely measured the competition before and during tournaments. Jane's now retired, bearing no resemblance to her secret alter ego. Enter Matt Hale of the town's newspaper dynasty. He's a successful lawyer who's returned home to escape the rat race of big city living. He's also inherited dog Henry, an adorable but poorly behaved pooch that creates the opportunity for Jane and Matt to meet in the park.
The issues
Jane has many reasons for keeping her poker babe past a secret and it's not just her involvement at risk. She comes from a political family and vowed she'd never go down that path again. When Matt decides to run for town mayor, her resolve is tested on several fronts.
What I loved
Jane's relationship with Matt began with their meetings in the park when he observed her well behaved pooch, Annie. The romance develops so naturally with their pets an important part of the relationship, providing comic relief and precious moments. I loved them as a couple and both were well developed characters individually. Jane's secret past impacted many others so it wasn't a simple issue between the two of them. It was a complicated and thorny issue that didn't have easy answers, which put meat on the bones of the conflict.
Family plays a strong role in the story, both those biological and those borne from long term relationships. It's a theme of this series that is Miles' signature and it resonates throughout.
The bottom line
Two wonderfully crafted characters, a lovely adult romance, charming pooches and a small town with all the right dynamics make this another winning story in the series. I've yet to be disappointed and can't wait to devour the next one. I love Dare Valley and Ava Miles' stories. She can't write them fast enough for me.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
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June 1, 2014
The Park of Sunset Dreams is book six in the Dare Valley series by Ava Miles. In this book we get to know some of the members of the extended family of the Hales. We are introduced to Arthur’s brother George’s family.
Matthew Hale was a big time lawyer in Denver. But he’s had it with the big city. He feels as though he failed his last client who lost her battle with cancer and he has lost faith in the system. He inherited his client’s dog, Henry, so Matt and Henry pack up and move back to the town he was raised in, Dare Valley. His Mother and brother Andrew are also there now. He has started a small practice and with the endorsement of his Great Uncle Arthur, his practice is flourishing. But his relationship with his newly acquired dog is not going so well. Henry will not behave. His chance encounter with the dog walker, Jane, at the park, though, is just what he and Henry need.
Rhett Blaylock is now a happily married man, so he had to give up the poker babes he used in his poker tournaments who were really incognito poker scouts. So his two poker babes had to give up their costumes and find another way to explain their presence with Rhett. So Jane Wilcox is now Rhett’s dog walker with his cute little Chinese Crested dog, Annie.
“Without her longtime alter ego, she was just plain Jane, Again.”
Jane has crazy dog whisperer abilities and when she sees Matt struggling in the park with his dog, Henry, she offers to help him find his inner alpha and control his dog.
“If you get Henry in shape, you’ll be a miracle worker.” Truth be told, if she could get Matt Hale to fall for her, she’d be a real miracle worker. But miracles had never run in her family.
Matt loves living back in Dare and he wants to give back, to make a difference. So he has decided to run for Mayor and if that race is successful, perhaps even go further into politics. He has fallen hard for Jane but she is obviously hiding something. She has secrets she is not willing to share. So how will she feel when he tells her he wants to run for office? Will she support him?
Jane loved all the years disguised as Rhett’s poker babe. It gave her the anonymity she craved. She grew up the daughter of a career politician and every second of her life was scripted to make her father look good. But her parents never showed her any kind of love. So after college when she and her best friend, Elizabeth, met Rhett, she had a new family. She has fallen in love, though, for the first time, with Matt. When she finds out he plans to run for office, she is horrified. And what if her secret got out? What would it do to Matt’s reputation as a candidate?
“The one thing she’d sworn never to do was fall in love with a man like her father, a man who wanted to be in the spotlight, a man who wanted to be in politics. And she’d done just that.”
This book was a fun look into the world of poker tournaments. I love that in each one of these books, we get plenty of the characters from the previous books, updates on their lives. And the family bond even between the extended families is so heartwarming. The Hales stick together and support each other, no matter what. And this is proven time and time again. Matt and Jane each have their burdens to bear and with the love and support of the Hales and for each other, hopefully they can put the past behind them and find a future together.
Matthew Hale was a big time lawyer in Denver. But he’s had it with the big city. He feels as though he failed his last client who lost her battle with cancer and he has lost faith in the system. He inherited his client’s dog, Henry, so Matt and Henry pack up and move back to the town he was raised in, Dare Valley. His Mother and brother Andrew are also there now. He has started a small practice and with the endorsement of his Great Uncle Arthur, his practice is flourishing. But his relationship with his newly acquired dog is not going so well. Henry will not behave. His chance encounter with the dog walker, Jane, at the park, though, is just what he and Henry need.
Rhett Blaylock is now a happily married man, so he had to give up the poker babes he used in his poker tournaments who were really incognito poker scouts. So his two poker babes had to give up their costumes and find another way to explain their presence with Rhett. So Jane Wilcox is now Rhett’s dog walker with his cute little Chinese Crested dog, Annie.
“Without her longtime alter ego, she was just plain Jane, Again.”
Jane has crazy dog whisperer abilities and when she sees Matt struggling in the park with his dog, Henry, she offers to help him find his inner alpha and control his dog.
“If you get Henry in shape, you’ll be a miracle worker.” Truth be told, if she could get Matt Hale to fall for her, she’d be a real miracle worker. But miracles had never run in her family.
Matt loves living back in Dare and he wants to give back, to make a difference. So he has decided to run for Mayor and if that race is successful, perhaps even go further into politics. He has fallen hard for Jane but she is obviously hiding something. She has secrets she is not willing to share. So how will she feel when he tells her he wants to run for office? Will she support him?
Jane loved all the years disguised as Rhett’s poker babe. It gave her the anonymity she craved. She grew up the daughter of a career politician and every second of her life was scripted to make her father look good. But her parents never showed her any kind of love. So after college when she and her best friend, Elizabeth, met Rhett, she had a new family. She has fallen in love, though, for the first time, with Matt. When she finds out he plans to run for office, she is horrified. And what if her secret got out? What would it do to Matt’s reputation as a candidate?
“The one thing she’d sworn never to do was fall in love with a man like her father, a man who wanted to be in the spotlight, a man who wanted to be in politics. And she’d done just that.”
This book was a fun look into the world of poker tournaments. I love that in each one of these books, we get plenty of the characters from the previous books, updates on their lives. And the family bond even between the extended families is so heartwarming. The Hales stick together and support each other, no matter what. And this is proven time and time again. Matt and Jane each have their burdens to bear and with the love and support of the Hales and for each other, hopefully they can put the past behind them and find a future together.
May 11, 2014
Is it something in the air around Dare Valley or is it the magic of Ava Miles’ pen and her love for creating beautiful, heartwarming tales that once again has me smiling, sighing, near tears and raging like a momma bear? The Park of Sunset Dreams is romantic, contemporary and simply magnetic!
Pretty and petite Jane Wilcox has a past that she would like to keep private, but Matt Hale, of THE Hales, a successful attorney who has just come home after years away, wants to know everything about this adorable woman. He knows she can tame even the rowdiest dog, but he’s finding she has tamed him with her sense of humor, sense of adventure and that special something that calls to him. Like two puzzle pieces meant to fit together, alone they are perfect, but when the world interferes Jane backs away. It isn’t that she doesn’t have feelings for Matt, but his possible future represents almost everything she has run from. But it’s her last secret that could ruin him and possibly destroy not only what they have, but her relationship with two of the most important people in her life. She will not allow it, no matter the cost to her.
Along with the charm and warmth of a small town there is sometimes another, darker side that occasionally rears its ugly head. Will Matt’s bid for mayor become a mudslinging event for his opponent’s overzealous mother? What if she gets wind of Jane’s secret? Will the power of love be strong enough to reign triumphant?
Ava Miles writes from the heart about living, loving and the joys and pain each can sometimes cause. Always blending humor, honor and a touch of small town gossip, Ms. Miles brings each of her stories to life with characters one can admire, sigh over and never forget as they become like family.
Three dogs, two people, one love, along with the magic of Dare Valley and Ava Miles equals warm romance that makes me smile and while craving more.
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley
Publication Date: may 20, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565088
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Pretty and petite Jane Wilcox has a past that she would like to keep private, but Matt Hale, of THE Hales, a successful attorney who has just come home after years away, wants to know everything about this adorable woman. He knows she can tame even the rowdiest dog, but he’s finding she has tamed him with her sense of humor, sense of adventure and that special something that calls to him. Like two puzzle pieces meant to fit together, alone they are perfect, but when the world interferes Jane backs away. It isn’t that she doesn’t have feelings for Matt, but his possible future represents almost everything she has run from. But it’s her last secret that could ruin him and possibly destroy not only what they have, but her relationship with two of the most important people in her life. She will not allow it, no matter the cost to her.
Along with the charm and warmth of a small town there is sometimes another, darker side that occasionally rears its ugly head. Will Matt’s bid for mayor become a mudslinging event for his opponent’s overzealous mother? What if she gets wind of Jane’s secret? Will the power of love be strong enough to reign triumphant?
Ava Miles writes from the heart about living, loving and the joys and pain each can sometimes cause. Always blending humor, honor and a touch of small town gossip, Ms. Miles brings each of her stories to life with characters one can admire, sigh over and never forget as they become like family.
Three dogs, two people, one love, along with the magic of Dare Valley and Ava Miles equals warm romance that makes me smile and while craving more.
I received an ARC edition from Aspendawn Books in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Dare Valley
Publication Date: may 20, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565088
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
May 13, 2014
Ava Miles once again has imagined a marvelous story of home, heart, family and romance. She has taking is back to Dare Valley to follow the budding romance of Jane Wilcox, successful investor, and Matt Hale, attorney and political hopeful.
It all seems like a perfectly budding romance till Jane's past threatens Matt's political aspirations. Matt must decide if Jane is worth the risk to his career while Jane struggles with past demons, she was raised as a part of a family that was purely a political machine.
This story is about family, born and or found in those around us. Even when life takes us in different directions, the bonds we create can become our deepest sanctuary in time of need. Those are the people we can rely on the most.
Miles has a way of bringing the everyday joys and sorrows of life into written words for us to enjoy. Magically transporting us to a beautiful town called Dare Valley and giving us a heartwarming tale that will stick long after you've finished reading.
I received this ARC copy of The Park of Sunset Dreams from Aspendawn Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 20, 2014.
Series: Dare Valley
Sequence in Series: 6
Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565088
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
It all seems like a perfectly budding romance till Jane's past threatens Matt's political aspirations. Matt must decide if Jane is worth the risk to his career while Jane struggles with past demons, she was raised as a part of a family that was purely a political machine.
This story is about family, born and or found in those around us. Even when life takes us in different directions, the bonds we create can become our deepest sanctuary in time of need. Those are the people we can rely on the most.
Miles has a way of bringing the everyday joys and sorrows of life into written words for us to enjoy. Magically transporting us to a beautiful town called Dare Valley and giving us a heartwarming tale that will stick long after you've finished reading.
I received this ARC copy of The Park of Sunset Dreams from Aspendawn Books in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 20, 2014.
Series: Dare Valley
Sequence in Series: 6
Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
ISBN: 9781940565088
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
June 7, 2015
I really like this series. M y next read is going to be the next one in the series "Perfect ingredient". I wish I had found Ava Miles sooner, but then I would have had to wait for each "next" book in the series to come out.
February 28, 2021
It was a relatively sweet story but holy slut shaming! I couldn't get past how awfully the author spoke about people who wear short dresses and high heels as if it's some moral failing. Also, the male character's low key sexism was painful to read (having his masculinity challenged by a small dog or a pink water gun, get over yourself).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
DNF at 80 percent. It was pretty good at first. But around 50 it felt like a hallmark movie and then started playing off stalking as romance. Around 80 they had made up after some rape culture comments and that was then end of the line for me. Gross.
October 9, 2023
3.25 stars. There is just so much OTT drama and implausibility in the plot that I just couldn't get behind this one. But I loved the build up for Elizabeth's story which I can't wait to read.
May 25, 2014
Author Ava Miles book “Park of Sunset Dreams” is a book that I didn’t want to set down and was the first book from her Dare Valley series that I have read. With its picturesque writing of the small town of Dare Valley, the dog park, the characters and the town’s people, it’s certainly to keeps ones interest. It’s a window into a small town with a small town atmosphere.
I enjoy reading Ava Miles’s latest book in the Dare Valley series. It had me laughing at some of Henry’s antics, hoping for a character to obtain or succeed with their dreams, reflecting of my own life that was similar to what the characters went through or was going through, rotting for certain characters to prevail, anticipating what was going to happen if X should happen or would happen, and felt the emotions of the key characters and what they were going through as I read the story.
If you like romance stories then this is a book for you! I would recommend it to my friends and family.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
I enjoy reading Ava Miles’s latest book in the Dare Valley series. It had me laughing at some of Henry’s antics, hoping for a character to obtain or succeed with their dreams, reflecting of my own life that was similar to what the characters went through or was going through, rotting for certain characters to prevail, anticipating what was going to happen if X should happen or would happen, and felt the emotions of the key characters and what they were going through as I read the story.
If you like romance stories then this is a book for you! I would recommend it to my friends and family.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
May 23, 2014
5 + stars!!
This is the first book that I have read by Ava Miles and it was wonderful.
I loved how the relationship built between Matt and Jane and that they both knew immediately that they didn't want to lose each other. Matt was trying to move forward in politics and Jane was to scared for her past to come out, because she knew that it would damage his campaign and that she could possibly lose him.
Neither wanted to lose what they had together, so in the end they faced everything head on and their relationship came out that must stronger.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by Ava Miles and it was wonderful.
I loved how the relationship built between Matt and Jane and that they both knew immediately that they didn't want to lose each other. Matt was trying to move forward in politics and Jane was to scared for her past to come out, because she knew that it would damage his campaign and that she could possibly lose him.
Neither wanted to lose what they had together, so in the end they faced everything head on and their relationship came out that must stronger.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
June 16, 2014
The Park of Sunset Dreams by Ava Miles is not to my taste. I did not like the way this book dwelt on the dogs so much, and also it was a huge deal in this book that both parties had money. They seemed like regular folks until they started comparing the prices of wine in each other's houses or the price of the houses they owned . I felt that it was not about building a relationship, but having sex with each other since they both found each other attractive. I feel that this book is not for me, but someone else may love this book so please enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
June 9, 2014
I really enjoyed the story of Jane and Matt. I always find myself rooting for the good guy and I am glad to see that Matt is one of them. ava tells a beautiful and heartfelt story of love . can wait to read more of her work. I think the scenes with Henry are great too.
March 23, 2016
I absolutely detested this book. The characters were ridiculously one-dimensional & the plot was all about slut shaming. Dare Valley: where women are reformed tramps & the men are manly men. Blech.
March 20, 2021
DNF
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one was just bad from the start. I really wanted to read and enjoy this one...unfortunately, I made it to 50% but when they declared love for each other after basically two conversations – mostly about Jane's horrible dog training advice - and one date where they just sit around thinking about having sex with each other? Give me a break. They're basically just tall teenagers who can't tell the difference between lust and love. That they exchanged "I love yous" without actually, you know, *knowing anything about each other* and then jumped into bed was bad enough, but knowing that Jane was lying non-stop to Matt made it even worse? I could not read that sex scene, I was out. She's a terrible person who lies, thinks she's better than everyone (but not as sexy), and acts as if Matt has trust issues when she's lying to him about everything. What kind of messed up logic is that? Matt was equally pathetic, getting in a macho panic because she dared give him a pink squirt gun and because she's a “better” dog trainer than he is (she isn't he just is that bad at controlling his dog)? His poor male ego was bruised repeatedly and I strained a muscle rolling my eyes. A real man would have taken the pink gun and not acted like a tool about it.
For what it's worth, Jane's dogs sounded like they were more terrified of her than well-behaved. I'm glad I didn't get to the part where she broke his dog's spirit. I shook my head every time one of her “pets” acted like a furry robot rather than an animal. I'm sure it was supposed to be cute when they didn't step a furry toe out of line, but I prefer pets who are allowed to have personalities rather than being (literal) set dressing. Annie's existence was pretty much to get Instagram likes, to offer comfort, and then to not be seen.
If you're looking for good books by this author, I recommend the first three Dare River books. (I haven't read the others because they're way too pricey for books that the quality of writing is hit or miss.)
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them, but this one was just bad from the start. I really wanted to read and enjoy this one...unfortunately, I made it to 50% but when they declared love for each other after basically two conversations – mostly about Jane's horrible dog training advice - and one date where they just sit around thinking about having sex with each other? Give me a break. They're basically just tall teenagers who can't tell the difference between lust and love. That they exchanged "I love yous" without actually, you know, *knowing anything about each other* and then jumped into bed was bad enough, but knowing that Jane was lying non-stop to Matt made it even worse? I could not read that sex scene, I was out. She's a terrible person who lies, thinks she's better than everyone (but not as sexy), and acts as if Matt has trust issues when she's lying to him about everything. What kind of messed up logic is that? Matt was equally pathetic, getting in a macho panic because she dared give him a pink squirt gun and because she's a “better” dog trainer than he is (she isn't he just is that bad at controlling his dog)? His poor male ego was bruised repeatedly and I strained a muscle rolling my eyes. A real man would have taken the pink gun and not acted like a tool about it.
For what it's worth, Jane's dogs sounded like they were more terrified of her than well-behaved. I'm glad I didn't get to the part where she broke his dog's spirit. I shook my head every time one of her “pets” acted like a furry robot rather than an animal. I'm sure it was supposed to be cute when they didn't step a furry toe out of line, but I prefer pets who are allowed to have personalities rather than being (literal) set dressing. Annie's existence was pretty much to get Instagram likes, to offer comfort, and then to not be seen.
If you're looking for good books by this author, I recommend the first three Dare River books. (I haven't read the others because they're way too pricey for books that the quality of writing is hit or miss.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
This is the story of Jane Wilcox, the former Raven, one of Rhett Butler Baylock's Poker Babes. Really, during the past seven years as dressing up as Raven, Jane has been acting as a poker scout for Rhett - doing things such as watching other poker players for tells, etc., but to many people she was a slut due to the way she and her fellow poker scout, Vixen dress. Of course the sexy clothing was meant to be a distraction.
But now Jane works for Rhett as his dog walker/care person. And she meets Matt Hale in the park while he is being walked by his dog. Due to her "dog whisperer" skills, Jane begins to help Matt train his out-of-control dog and they start to fall for each other. And then Matt decides to run for political office. Will Jane's secret life as Raven tank his political career? Should Jane even share this secret with Matt?
I liked the characters in this novel. I thought Jane was pretty realistic about her past life as Raven and the effect it would have on others' opinions of her.
But now Jane works for Rhett as his dog walker/care person. And she meets Matt Hale in the park while he is being walked by his dog. Due to her "dog whisperer" skills, Jane begins to help Matt train his out-of-control dog and they start to fall for each other. And then Matt decides to run for political office. Will Jane's secret life as Raven tank his political career? Should Jane even share this secret with Matt?
I liked the characters in this novel. I thought Jane was pretty realistic about her past life as Raven and the effect it would have on others' opinions of her.
November 2, 2021
I had a hard time getting into this one. Writing style was a bit clunky for me, backstory not clear (and too early in the story, but again, didn't flow). I really didn't care about the characters, Matt is good looking, moved back to his small town after a failed case and Jane has a lot of secrets she just can't tell anyone, but again, they're thrown in at odd times and not explained very well. There are A LOT of people in this book (probably because it's book 6 in a series) and although not hard to keep track of most of them, some of them are truly superfluous to the story. Standalone (part of a series). There IS a HEA, and it's pretty good.
August 11, 2020
3.5 stars. Overall, this is a good story, there were just a few things that didn't sit well with me. Just a bit too much about the dogs/dog feelings, the over-the-top wine selections/wine-snobbery (I couldn't pronounce any of them), the way Matt got mad about Jane wanting to retain his services, then goes straight to his family to dig up the dirt, and Elizabeth's 180-flip with her friendship with Jane. She was mad at Jane for so long that I was shocked when she approached Jane for forgiveness - had to read it twice..! Lol! Next up, Elizabeth's story!
February 27, 2021
I felt the story dragged on and I wasn't captivated. Not sure if it was the writing style or plot that didn't work for me. I thought the secrecy around the poker scout business was overdone. There was also plenty of slut shaming attached to the outfits or personas of the poker scouts. But Jane definitely wasn't a dumb bimbo since she was a Harvard genius. But if you wear similar oufits and happen to have a lower IQ then I guess you're a bimbo slut - at least that's what this story seemed to imply.
May 6, 2021
Good story, really long-winded though. There were places with too many unnecessary details about wine, poker, or even the specific decor in a room/house and other places I would’ve liked a little more detail or dialogue in pivotal conversations. I really didn’t see the need for any of Elizabeth’s POV, the first time it was actually extremely confusing so by the time I figured it out the chapter was almost over. I thought about reading another in the series but now that I finally finished this one I’m afraid to get into another and it be the same way.
September 2, 2018
I was drawn to this book because of the dog angle. They started out as an integral part of the story and then too soon became just a piece of set decoration. By the time I was 50% of the way through the book, I saw exactly where it was going. Seeing how much of the book was left I just didn’t want to go through *that much* angsty stuff. So I skipped to the last 4 chapters to enjoy the feel good ending.
July 21, 2020
Light read, but to me not as much fun as the previous books in this series and I blame the heroine. The hero was sweet, but the heroine is just too much, over the top good at everything she does. And did she really have to be an expert at wines too? And drink a 1000 dollar bottle just because she could?
I’m curious about the next book (which is a very well developed strength of this author), so I’m on to the next, LOL.
I’m curious about the next book (which is a very well developed strength of this author), so I’m on to the next, LOL.
December 11, 2022
Fantastic Read
Totally addictive! I absolutely loved this book. All the characters, the story line, the bantering, the joy and laughter, and the town itself makes me want to live there even. My heart is filled with love and joy as I hug this book. The author writes the best HEAs and sizzling love scenes. They are classy and very tastefully written. I look forward to reading the next book.
Totally addictive! I absolutely loved this book. All the characters, the story line, the bantering, the joy and laughter, and the town itself makes me want to live there even. My heart is filled with love and joy as I hug this book. The author writes the best HEAs and sizzling love scenes. They are classy and very tastefully written. I look forward to reading the next book.
March 16, 2025
I finally finished this very badly written book. I wrote a comment earlier that phrases like “the sunset crested over her creamy cheeks” is gag-worthy. Another…he had a voice “that sounded like sin chewing on marbles”. Ugh. The whole premise of the poker babes being such a terrible thing was overdone along with how many times “he cupped her cheek” and “Of course” were used. An all-time bad writing effort. Other reviewers seem to like her, but I will never read another of hers.
February 28, 2021
Very enjoyable
Another unique story by a wonderful author. I loved learning more about wine, politics, poker and dogs! Strong, vibrant characters throughout the story. A couple bad words but not offensive like the books that can't get through a paragraph without one. Ava Miles has become one of my favorite authors!
Another unique story by a wonderful author. I loved learning more about wine, politics, poker and dogs! Strong, vibrant characters throughout the story. A couple bad words but not offensive like the books that can't get through a paragraph without one. Ava Miles has become one of my favorite authors!
April 11, 2021
Easy
If you want a quick and easy read this is the series for you. It's comfortable and predictable. The characters are a bit flat but the plethora of family members and trying to keep track of who's who will keep your brain working. Great escape reading and cutesy world building.
If you want a quick and easy read this is the series for you. It's comfortable and predictable. The characters are a bit flat but the plethora of family members and trying to keep track of who's who will keep your brain working. Great escape reading and cutesy world building.
August 22, 2023
I have never been much of a reader but my husband gave me a kindle for Christmas last year and I am reading all the time. I found Ava’s Dare series and just love her stories. I am on book 7 of the series and when I finish number 12 I plan on another one of her sets. Thank you Ava for your wonderful story telling.
March 9, 2019
Wow
Fabulous I loved the way this book twisted and turned. Such courage from Jane she certainly is one heck of a lady and a force to be reckoned with. I'm sure Elizabeth book will help her with her fears and I am looking forward to reading her rise in Dare. Hugs Ava xx
Fabulous I loved the way this book twisted and turned. Such courage from Jane she certainly is one heck of a lady and a force to be reckoned with. I'm sure Elizabeth book will help her with her fears and I am looking forward to reading her rise in Dare. Hugs Ava xx
June 23, 2019
Excellent story line
As always, well written. On to the next in the series..... I also appreciate the way the writer hooks the reader into the story by setting up the next one (or two) storied.
As always, well written. On to the next in the series..... I also appreciate the way the writer hooks the reader into the story by setting up the next one (or two) storied.
May 12, 2020
I liked that Jane learned to like herself the lesson don t judge a book by its cover that Jane was willing to sacrifice her relenship with Matt to protect his run for mayor and how Matt was willing to resign his campan for Jane I loved the dogs
February 27, 2021
Dare Valley and Sunset Dreams
Dare Valley series so good. I felt like I was coming home to visit old friends. Jane and Matt's story amazing. Ava Miles thank you for this series! The series offers something for every reader!
Dare Valley series so good. I felt like I was coming home to visit old friends. Jane and Matt's story amazing. Ava Miles thank you for this series! The series offers something for every reader!
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