Daring Her Love

The Bradens Novellas #2

by Melissa Foster

This BRADEN novella features Kat Martin, Brianna Heart's best friend from HEARTS AT PLAY (The Bradens, #6) with appearances from the hot, wealthy, and wickedly naughty Bradens you know and love.

In DARING HER LOVE…

Kat Martin knows what she wants in a man—someone stable and adoring, definitely not the type of guy who sleeps around. After all, Kat rarely does the wrong thing—until she meets seductively enticing Eric James, and suddenly wrong has never felt so right.

When it comes to his career, race-car driver Eric James is intense, obsessive, and passionate, but when it comes to sex, there’s only one kind—daring, unbridled, and no-strings-attached.

One stormy night, a delayed flight and the dangerous allure of the unknown leads Kat to throw caution to the wind, and she indulges in a rendezvous that she vows to immediately forget—but the secret tryst stirs something possessive in Eric, and forgetting is not an option.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Audiobook

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2015

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daring Her Love is an enjoyable quick read that will appeal to fans of well-written, consistently-paced, steamy contemporary romance.

While I haven't read any of the Braden novels, it didn't matter in the slightest as the story still stands on its own. That said, I'm intrigued to discover more about Hugh and Brianna's story and I will most definitely be grabbing a copy of that book in the near future.

While I felt the plot was fairly predictable, and a tad cliche and cheesy at times, it was still a good read. This was largely due to the romance and sexy times; the chemistry between Kat and Eric was scorching, and while it was a case of insta-lust/love, it felt believable in a head-over-heels once-in-a-lifetime type way. I enjoyed the witty banter between our couple and how they were both open and honest with each other despite mutual vulnerability.

As it's a novella, it's hard to delve deep into the characters psyche (this is where reading the other books in the series would be advantageous) but I felt the author achieved as much as she could, and I had a decent enough grasp of both personalities.

I was excited to read a book about race-car drivers as my dad was involved in that scene for years in Ireland, and my early childhood weekends were spent at a race track. We didn't really get to see much of it (again, constraints of a novella) but what we did see was exciting all the same. This is another reason why I want to check out Hugh and Brianna's book.

I enjoyed Melissa's writing style and the words glided effortlessly across the page.

All in all, a great read and one I'd recommend.

Thanks to the publisher and Inkslinger PR for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will be posted to my blog in early December. http://myyanabookobsession.com

[Sybil aka Lala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat is on a mission. After years of questionable choices and Mr-Right-now’s left her with no joy, she’s cleaning up her life. Quitting her long-time job as a waitress and starting a PR company for non-profits and determined to remain celibate until Mr Right comes along, she’s all set to keep her mind open and her legs closed. That is, until she meets Eric at an airport. I want to do dirty things to you and protect you at the same time.



When hormones start to stir at the sight of this gorgeous man, his boyish good looks and sinful smile, she decides that Eric will be her last hoorah before she sets off to spend a weekend with her best friend and her husband. After a hot encounter she firmly informs him that she wants nothing more to do with him and she intends to forget everything about him. But Eric has other ideas and refuses to take no for an answer. A situation made easier for him when they realise they’re both off to visit the same set of friends.



What follows is an adorable romance littered with steamy moments as Eric tries to prove to Kat that he is most definitely the right guy for her. Eric was just amazing! I loved his sheer determination and his filthy words. The way he immediately decided that Kat would be his and wouldn’t take no for an answer was incredibly sexy. Kat had a lot of fears to overcome and Eric set out to patiently take her through each one.



I highly recommend this short novella

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Kat and Eric's story.

Daring Her Love was so freaking short. I get it, I get it - novellas man! BUT sometimes I seriously get hooked and then end up wanting more from that one book. Who knows when I will see these characters again.. unless I actually decide to dive into all of the series for them. Which is a lot of books for one little person to read.

Other than that, Kat and Eric were adorable. It all starts with an airport bar and she's drinking before a flight (which heyyy - sounds fun). Things heat up rather quickly between them after a drink (or two) and I was all game for it. Ugh, they had amazing chemistry and I'm so sad that it's over. I want more of these two stat!

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧ALC REVIEW🎧

Lucky for me, this is a Melissa Foster story that I had yet to “go back to” when I discovered her word wizardry what seems like a million years ago! This new and improved version still tells the same story, but I term it “improved” because the audiobook is in dual-style narration by two extremely talented narrators, Andi Arndt & Aiden Snow! #swoon

This was a pretty quick sexy read. From one-night stand to “more” happens in about 4 hours of listening time so things progress rather quick. It’s hard to get “deep and meaningful” in this amount of time but somehow Melissa managed just fine with Kat & Eric!

🎙️Andi & Aiden are such talented narrators that I honestly didn’t even realize the hours had passed before it was the end. They captured this sexy, sexually driven story perfectly!

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Sweet, lovable and steamy romance novella that I really loved.

Opening Sentence: It was his eyes.

The Review:

Daring Her Love is a wonderful novella that was full of love, warmth and adventure. This was a fun and steamy story that I really loved.Daring Her Love is set in the Love in Bloom series with the Braden family. You could feel the love of the entire Braden family and how that love includes their close friends. The love this family radiates is almost too sickly sweet but it was nice to read an uplifting story about love and getting over one’s difficulties.

Kat Martin is ready to change up her life. She doesn’t want to be the girl who has one nighters with guys anymore. She wants a stable relationship with a good guy. She has already quit her job deciding on doing what she’s always dreamed. On the day that she vows to change herself, she ends up in the airport bathroom having a quickie with a really good looking man. After the encounter, which she’s decided to forget, she runs back into the man on her flight to Colorado where coincidentally they are both going.

Eric James is a race car driver who is no stranger to hooking up with random women in bathrooms but there is something about Kat that he just can’t get enough of. He doesn’t want their relationship to just be an encounter, he ends up wanting more with Kat. He just has to show her that she wants to be a part of the relationship too. Because of this incredible pull he feels towards Kat, he decides to help her push past her boundaries and overcome some of her fears. He doesn’t quite dare her into doing her fears but he gives her the opportunity to work through experiences that help her overcome her fears. One example is she is scared of fast driving, so he takes her out on a race track and allows her to drive until she feels comfortable.

In this novella, the events only take place over the course of a weekend. The story was fast-paced, steamy and over way too quickly. This story does play as kind of a lust at first sight but develops into a deeper, meaningful love pretty quickly.

I absolutely loved both of these characters. Eric just has the weekend to try and win over Kat’s heart completely. They end up having a deeper pull towards each other than just simple attraction. It’s something that is a little far-fetched but it was still enjoyable.

Overall, I loved this story after it was over but I really wanted their story to keep going. There wasn’t so much a conflict in this story just a revelation. The entire story and cast of characters intrigued me so much that I am going to have to check the rest of this series out. It was a fun, great read.

Notable Scene:

“You’re capable of anything, Kat. There’s nothing you can’t do.”

She swam over to him and wrapped her arms and legs around him. “There is one thing I can’t do.”

“I don’t believe that for a second.”

She sealed her lips over his in a mind-numbing kiss. “I can’t carry you out of the water and have my way with you.”

He scooped her up into his arms again and carried her from the water, their bodies dripping wet, their lips locked in a searing-hot kiss. He laid her on the blanket and reached for his wallet. A minute later he was sheathed and perched above her, silently noting the burgeoning emotions filling his chest.

As he came down over her and their bodies joined together, she reached up and touched his cheek.

“What have you done to me, Eric James?”

“Whatever it is, it’s not enough. One night is not enough. Nothing will ever be enough. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all my life. Promise me one more night, Kat.”

“Just one?”

He lowered his lips to hers, and beneath the moon and the stars, as Hope stood sentinel, their bodies fell into sync, and Eric found the only thing that had ever felt like home—and she was right there in his arms.

FTC Advisory: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc./InkSlinger PR provided me with a copy of Daring Her Love. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to say that I loved the preface to this novella. It compares the author to Scheherazade of the Myth of the Arabian Nights who to stay alive must continue to tell stories to the King so that she won't be beheaded like the 1000 virgin brides before her! You really have to read it to see what I mean! Melissa Foster could certainly be a reincarnation of Scheherazade with all the books she has written that never fail to keep the reader reading way into the night.

Do you believe in fate? After reading this novella you just might. Twenty years prior to this story--oops--can't give that away!
Kat Martin is attempting to change who she is and has quit her job and is going to see her best friend Brianna to get some photos for her new PR company--the flight is delayed and from the second Eric James sees Kat across the room he knows he has to meet her. Of course Kat sees him for what he is--a player--but decides to have one last fling. Imagine her chagrin when she realizes that they are both headed for the same town and to visit the same people. The chemistry is there--big time-but Kat fights a good battle. Eric James has decided that Kat is the woman he must have for life and goes about wooing her in ways that you might think a bit strange-but he is determined to make sure he never hurts this woman and to help her discover that she is who she is and that is just fine with him!!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

After working as a waitress and bartender for far too long, Kat was ready for a change. Not only was she leaving her old job behind, but also her poor choices in men. She’s determined to make it in the PR world and find a tough alpha male who’s also loving, monogamous, and romantic.

While at an airport bar waiting for her flight, she spies a man walking in who oozes sexuality and everything she’s trying to leave in her past. As he saunters over and sits down next to her, everything about him screams player. But with every word he speaks, the way he looks at her and his flirtatious touches, she knows she’s a goner. Knowing she’ll never see him again, she figures … what’s one last fling?

It isn’t until she’s on her flight that she realizes that Mr. One-Last-Fling is sitting right next to her! And if that isn’t enough to get her britches in a bunch, he’s heading to the exact same place she is. Can she ward off his advances long enough to get through their time together and stick with her plan of finding Mr. Right? Or will she be putty in his hands?

Leave it to Melissa Foster to write book after book full of irresistible characters and love scenes that will make you hotter than the Southern Florida sun. If you’re looking to turn up the heat in your reading, grab a cold drink, a fan (trust me, you will need them) and dive into this naughty pleasure. You can thank me later!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and Eric meet at an airport bar and quickly hook up, thinking they'd never see each other again. Only it turns out that both of them are going to see their mutual friends, Hugh and Brianna Braden.

With novellas it's often hard to really build up a chemistry between the characters, but Melissa did a great job. There was an instant connection between the pair which had them quickly moving from just having sex to getting to know one another. Eric was determined to convince Kat to give him a chance, and it was nice to see him slowly break down her walls and change her thinking about relationships.

I did feel that we didn't really get to know Kat as much as we did Eric. We get more of a background about him than we do her. I also felt the story ended a little abruptly, but hopefully we'll get to see more of the couple again in future stories. Speaking of seeing characters again, it was great catching up with Hugh, Brianna, Hal, Rex, and Jade again.

Melissa Foster has created a great addition to the Braden's part of the Love in Bloom series. Considering Kat and Eric weren't major characters in the other books, this can easily be read as a stand alone but I do recommend reading them all because they're well-written books.

**An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Short, sweet, and hella sexy, this author once again gives us a masterpiece in this series. While I have not read every book in this series, each time I pick one up to read, I am reminded why I keep coming back to Melissa. This book was an amazing addition to the brilliant 1001 Dark Nights Series.

This book right here was so so good. One tryst changes everything... and for Kat and Eric it will forever change their lives. This book will push your boundaries and make your kindle steam. Whew. Panties are optional with this book and definitely keep you BOB near by... or your spouse.

This is Kat and Eric's story. After a steamy quick tryst at the airport, Kate went running, leaving Eric. Now they have a second chance and Eric plans to take it. And when they cross paths again... wait for it... on the same flight, next to each other, and headed for the same destination, is it fate stepping in?

Eric wants more from Kate. They both want what the Bradens have slowly found. And Kate... she doesn't realize that Eric is everything she wants. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their passion is intense. The sparks are zinging all over the place. Will these two be able to find a happy ending?

I highly recommend this book.

Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2015...

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book in an exchange for my honest opinion of Kat and Eric's story.

WOW!! Another amazing book written by the talented Melissa Foster!! Daring Her Love had me hooked from the very first page till the last page. I could not put it down until I finished it.

It starts with Kat Martin enjoying a drink at the airport bar while she waits for her flight to Weston, CO, where she is visiting her friends Brianna and Hugh Braden. As she is enjoying her drink, she notices this sexy, good-looking guy checking her out. He walks over to her, buys her a drink and they start talking, with sexy innuendos going back and forth between them. He follows her into the bathroom and they end up hooking up and having sex in the airport bathroom. Not thinking that she will see him again, Kat is shocked to see Eric on the same flight as her and also staying at the Braden ranch for the weekend. She also finds out his full name is Eric James, famous racecar driver who is friends with Hugh Braden. What is going to happen between those two when the sparks fly?? Can they keep their hands to themselves?? Or are they going to let fate take over?? You need read this book to find out what happens.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars!

“One night is not enough. Nothing will ever be enough. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you all my life. Promise me more than one night, Kat.”

Daring Her Love was such a fun, sexy read. Yes, it is short at only 120 pages, but let me tell you, this story certainly packs a punch!

I have to say that this is my first Melissa Foster book and it will without a doubt, not be my last. So, even though this is my first read by this author, I want you to know that I did not feel lost at all. This book can totally stand by itself and if anything, it has me excited to go back and read the other books.

Since this is a novella, I can’t say too much. I really don’t want to spoil anything for you. Here is what I can tell you: This book gave me everything from intriguing characters, to scorching chemistry and almost no drama. This was just an overall, fun book. If you are looking for a quick, sexy read with hardly any drama, then I would definitely recommend giving this book a try.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via InkSlinger PR, in exchange for an honest review*

[Ishabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's release day promotions.

I love Melissa Foster, and I love 1001 Dark Nights. When I saw this combination in the Daring Her Love novella, I knew I just had to read it. I mean, I've read so many 1001 Dark Nights books this year, that this installment is something I just couldn't miss.

I love this novella's hero. I mean, there's just something dangerous and daring about him. I understand comepletely why the heroine just fell for him. I mean, Ms. Foster's heroes have always been the irresistible ones. I've read enough books from her to know that her heroes are one of the best things in her stories.

Daring Her Love is a quick, short read. The plot is not something you've never read before. However, there is something about Ms. Foster's writing style that always makes her books seem fresh and always entertaining. Now, I am a fan of hers, so I may be biased. However, I am sure that anyone who's ever read anything from her knows that she's just one of the trustworthy names when it comes to the contemporary romance genre.

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat is at the airport waiting for her flight. Whilst enjoying a drink at the bar she notices a sexy guy giving her the eye. She is leaving for a new life so thinks 'why not have some fun before I depart'...and after a drink and some sexy chatter they end up having sex in an airport toilet. Kat thinks she won't ever see him again...but when she boards her plane, guess who ends up sitting right next to her? Yup, Mr Sexy himself!
What can I say about Eric?... *swoon* *fans self* he is gorgeous. He is a race car driver and friend of Hugh Braden...that's all I'm gonna say. But you really need to read this sexy steamy book and ensure you have a fan and cold drinks at the ready...you're gonna need a cold shower by the time Eric has finished with you!! ;)
Loved this book. <3 Eric

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Even though it got off to a rough start because the book began with two of my romance novel pet peeves, the author quickly made up for it in many ways. The characters are likable, even when the main male character is throwing out awful one liners! He comes off as cute instead of a negative alternative. I couldn't help but grin at his cockiness. I smiled and giggled a lot over the banter between the main characters and the chemistry is scorching! I liked seeing them grow out of their vulnerabilities as they began to heal each other.

It was also great getting to visit with characters from previous books. I loved geeting a glimpse into Brianna and Hugh's life.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa foster is one hell of a romance writer!! This book is kat and Eric's story. Eric is a hot race car driver who has charisma and a hot sexy body and a mouth that is good at so many things!!! Kat has been trying to keep away from the bad boys and sending more time looking for Mr right,but that all changes when she meets up with dirty talking hot as hell Eric, and all her good intentions go up in flames with some very hot bathroom sex!!! I love how this chance meeting went for these two likeable characters, I was rooting for them from the beginning.If you love happy endings with great sex,pick up a Melissa foster book. The lady doesn't disappoint!! 5wet panty stars!

[Amy Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance encounter at an airport bar with professional race car driver Eric James, changes everything for Kat. Heading to Colorado to visit her best friend Brianna, Kat has no idea the man she spent a few sexy moments with in an airport bar, is Brianna's husband Hugh's good friend. While in Weston, Eric is determined to spend more time with Kat. There's something familiar about Kat and as he gets to know her more, realizes she's the young girl he help when he was a kid. The more they learn about each other, the closer they get to their HEA.

A wonderful short novella. Great narration!

[Jackie King]

a novella from the.bradens series in which we find kat and eric (hugh and briannas friends from hearts at play). they meet while on their.way to the braden ranch altgough they.dont know it when they meet and get together at the airport. i love how eric.helps kat overcome her.fears especially her fear of water and it so sweet when he.asks hugh if he can ask kat out...loved it from start to.finish. it.seems everything melissa writes turns to.gold.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable romance story. Famous race car driver Eric meets long time bartender Kat. A quick hookup in the airport bathroom was supposed to end right there. Same plane...same destination? I loved the little twists and turns in this story and hearing from old characters. I loved the characters honest communication and the somewhat sappy moments that makes for a happily ever after.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kat Martin is through with the wrong type of man. She's looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now, and she'll most definitely find him…after she has this one teensy weensie last hookup with the hot guy at the airport bar. Eric James was enthralled with Kat the second he saw her across the bar, and after a fast and furious fuck in an airport bathroom, he's thrilled to find out that she's not only on his flight, but headed the same place he is.

Mutual friends have invited them both to Colorado, where Kat plans to kickstart her career and Eric gets a much needed break from professional auto racing. As hard as Kat tries to resist the sexiness that is Eric James, she knows that she's a lost cause.

DARING HER LOVE is a novella in the Bradens series, and also a stand-alone addition to the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring sensual and erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.

This is the first Bradens story I've read, and I wouldn't mind checking out more. Ms. Foster did one hell of a job making the chemistry between Kat and Eric explosive (the airport hookup?? Soooo erotic). But as the story wore on, it became pretty dry. It was perfectly romantic and sticky sweet, which was great, just very unexciting.

- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Daring Her Love (Love in Bloom Book #29.5) by Melissa Foster.
The Love in Bloom series proved to be a heartwarming journey through love, family, and personal growth. Spanning multiple interconnected series/stories, it offers a wonderful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth that kept me reading the whole way through.
Ms. Foster crafted fully developed, relatable, and multidimensional characters who added an extra element of emotion and interest to my overall reading experience. The heroes are fiercely loyal and endearing, while the heroines are smart, empowered, and refreshingly ‘real’. Each character feels like someone you could know in real life, making their struggles and triumphs, high and lows, all the more impactful.
The stories have a perfect balance of steamy romance mixed with heartfelt moments. But that doesn’t mean that Ms. Foster shies away from exploring deeper themes like forgiveness, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships – adding dynamic layers to the storyline/s. But, despite the emotional depth, the series still maintains more of a lighthearted charm, sprinkled with humor and tender family connections.
While each novel can be read as a standalone, there is an interconnectedness with the recurring characters and overlapping storylines - which help create a sense of community that feels warm and inviting. It’s like being welcomed into a big, loving family where everyone has a worthwhile story to tell.
‘Within the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection you'll find fiercely loyal heroes and smart, empowered women on their search for true love. They're flawed, funny, and easy to relate to. Characters from each series appear in future Love in Bloom books…’
If you are a fan of contemporary romance or simply looking for a feel-good series to escape into, this series is a worthwhile binge read…
Love in Bloom is made up of the following series:
- Snow Sisters
- The Bradens (Weston, CO)
- The Remingtons
- The Bradens (Trusty, CO)
- The Bradens Novellas Collection
- The Bradens (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
- Seaside Summers
- Bayside Summers
- The Ryders
- The Steeles at Silver Island
- The Silvers at Silver Island
- Wild Boys After Dark
- Bad Boys After Dark
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor
- The Bradens & Montgomerys, Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls
- The Bradens at Ridgeport
- The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside
- The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Redemption Ranch
- Romantic Comedy Series Collection
- Sugar Lake
- Harmony Pointe
- Harborside Nights
- Nice Girls After Dark
- The Steeles
- The Stones
- Blazing Summer
- The Brays

Happy Reading…

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏎️ DARING HER LOVE: A High-Octane Braden Masterclass in Chemistry!

Good morning! It’s great to dive back into the Love in Bloom world with you. Melissa Foster proves once again why the Bradens are romance royalty with this novella. Originally a part of the 1001 Dark Nights collection, Daring Her Love is a fun, sexy, and incredibly intense addition to the series that would have been a tragedy to keep from the masses!

⛈️ One Stormy Night and a Dangerous Allure
Kat Martin is a woman of "right choices"—she wants stability, adoration, and a man who takes his time. Then she meets Eric James, a race-car driver who is as intense and obsessive in the bedroom as he is on the track. When a delayed flight strands them together on a stormy night, Kat throws her rulebook out the window for a rendezvous she never intended to remember.

But Eric isn't a man who forgets. What was supposed to be a "no-strings" pit stop turns into something much deeper. Eric is relentless in his pursuit, determined to show Kat that "wrong" has never felt so right.

🎙️ Audio Perfection: Arndt & Snow
The narration for this novella is a total dream team. Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow bring an "exceptional" energy to Kat and Eric’s connection:

Aiden Snow (Panty Melting): His voice is pure, concentrated heat. Like you said, Aiden Snow could warm you up if you were stranded in an ice storm for hours! He perfectly captures Eric’s daring, unbridled passion.

Andi Arndt (Amazing as always): Andi nails Kat’s transition from a cautious, stable woman to someone who is willing to take a high-speed risk on love.

✨ Why This Story is a Must-Listen:
Instant Intensity: Their first meeting is packed with a "panty-melting" intensity that sets the tone for the entire book.

The Braden Family Connection: It was wonderful to see the "old characters" again, especially Papa Braden. His brand of love and acceptance remains the heart of this entire series.

Standalone Speed: Even though it’s book #10 in the Braden lineup, it works perfectly as a sexy standalone for anyone needing a quick, high-heat fix.

Relentless Romance: Eric’s refusal to let Kat go after their "secret tryst" makes for a romantic and deeply satisfying payoff.

My Final Verdict
Daring Her Love is a super sexy, high-speed journey into the heart of the Braden world. The chemistry is so "amazing" that it’s clearly seen by everyone around them. Between the high-stakes world of racing and the top-tier narration, this is an exceptional five-star listen that you’ll want to put on repeat! 🏎️🔥🏁

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Family Community Connections Steamy Page-turner Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Entertaining

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have been reading the books, mostly novellas, that I previously missed in the Love in Bloom series. While it’s been almost nine years since I read Hearts at Play, the book where Kat is first introduced, I found it didn’t matter. This book reads well as a standalone.

When Kat and Eric first meet at the airport, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get behind him as a hero. This story wasn’t published that long ago, but a lot has happened in the world since 2015 and it’s definitely changed how I view certain depictions of “flirting”. It turns out Eric is truly a wonderful person, but his method of picking up a one-night stand in the beginning leaves much to be desired. It gave me a squiggy, uncomfortable feeling until he took the step to ask for outright consent. There is a certain type of book I expect and enjoy pushing boundaries, this is not that type of book so it was out of place and could very well ruin the whole book for some people.

That being said, Kat and Eric are wonderful together. Once we get past their initial hook-up, he’s very caring and quite the gentleman. Kat has some misconceptions about how to go about finding her HEA. She sees her best friend in this wonderful relationship and tries to emulate what was done to get to that point. But, to her credit, her friend Brianna tells Kat that she’s trying to be something she’s not and she should be proud of who she is, not changing who she is.

This is a short story so the love comes quickly. It’s a lot of fun, though. I enjoyed seeing these two deserving people find their forever mates.

**Note: If you’re curious as to where this book falls in the overall Love in Bloom series, it’s smack dab in the middle of the Wild Boys After Dark series, after Logan and Heath but before Jackson and Cooper. As for the main books in the series, it’s tucked in after Seized by Love (The Ryders #1) and before Surrender My Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor #2).

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.

[Tkmla · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Liebe ungebremst“ von Melissa Foster ist ein Kurzroman aus ihrer Reihe über die Bradens in Weston.
Auf dem Weg zu ihrer besten Freundin trifft Kat Martin am Flughafen auf einen heißen Kerl. Eigentlich hatte sie unverbindlichen Abenteuern komplett abgeschworen, aber dem charmanten Eric James kann sie nicht widerstehen. Eric liebt es als Rennfahrer eigentlich genauso unverbindlich, aber als Kat ihm nach ihrer leidenschaftlichen Begegnung eine klare Abfuhr für einen weiteren Kontakt erteilt, will er sich nicht damit abfinden. Auf der Ranch ihrer Freunde, auf der auch Eric zu Gast ist, tut er alles dafür, Kat zu beweisen, dass er durchaus Fester-Freund-Potenzial hat. Kann Kat ihre ernsten Zweifel überwinden und gibt sie Eric eine Chance?

Für Fans der Autorin ist dieser kurze Roman ein absolutes Muss, denn die süße Lovestory vereint alle wichtigen Erfolgszutaten ihrer Bücher. Melissa Foster überzeugt auch auf wenigen Seiten und lässt die Emotionen ihrer sympathischen Charaktere hochkochen.
Kat kennt man vielleicht als beste Freundin von Brianna Heart, aber man schließt sie auch ohne Vorkenntnisse schnell in sein Herz. Ihre inneren Konflikte zwischen Engelchen und Teufelchen sind sehr amüsant, aber auch glaubhaft.
Eric punktet mit seiner ungefilterten und ehrlichen Art, auch wenn ihm Kat dies zunächst als Aufreißer-Masche auslegt. Er ist selbst überwältigt von seinem Wunsch, Kat nicht loszulassen, und zudem enthüllt sich nach und nach noch eine herzzerreißende Hintergrundstory zu den beiden.
Die humorvolle und gleichzeitig gefühlvolle Erzählweise macht einfach Spaß und es ist schön, Kat und Eric bei ihrer Annäherung zuzusehen. Die Romantikherzchen fliegen in die Höhe und man darf dem Happy End entgegenfiebern, welches bei Melissa Foster immer garantiert ist.

Mein Fazit:
Eine kurze, aber wunderschöne Lovestory, die von mir sehr gern eine klare Leseempfehlung erhält!

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an audio book junky. Listening to books on Audible is a de-stressor for me. I lose myself in the narrator’s voice, the authors words, and the characters story. This is the first book that I have listened to that Natalie Ross has narrated and I am now a fan of hers. She uses the tone of her voice, the cadence of the words and makes the story come to life. I can hear the excitement, the worry, and the flirtiness of the characters.


This is a short story about characters that have become my book friends. I am always anxious to catch up with the Braden family and see what they are up to. I am also excited to learn more about their friends and hear about them getting their happy ever afters.

Kat is a fun girl. She’s played around, partied hard, and lived life on the wild side. It was time for her to settle down but I didn’t want her to lose her fun side. When Eric came into her world I could see that he could keep challenging her and pushing her to experience more of life.

Eric was not looking for a relationship. I love how he did not just accept that this was a hook-up. He pursued her but did not become that pushy obnoxious guy. He cared about what she wanted and actually gave her the room to be herself. He is truly a good guy.


Only Melissa Foster can write a book that has so many amazing characters, some new and some familiar. The scenes went from sweet and loving to hot and steamy within the same paragraph. The best part is that this is a stand-a-lone story. You can check out the entire series (which I recommend) or just pick up this book and still get a ton of enjoyment from the reading.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring Her Love by Melissa Foster is a short and sweet novella in The Bradens series and I recommend reading it after Book #6 (Hearts at Play), though it could be read as a standalone if you wanted. Hearts at Play is the story of Hugh and Brianna and this novella is about Kat and Eric. Kat is Brianna’s best friend and Eric is a race car driver, the same as Hugh, who has known the Bradens for years.
Kat has turned over a new leaf and looking for a fresh start, new career, new outlook on life, etc. She’s flying out to Colorado to see Brianna and work on her new career/business and is immediately attracted to a stranger at the airport. One quick fling later in the airport restroom, they both go their separate ways thinking they’ll never see each other again.
Turns out, they are both wrong and they eventually learn they are on the same plane and then heading to the same destination. Once happens next is when the fun really begins. Neither have any intention of getting into a relationship but neither can ignore the chemistry they have. Kat is beautiful and headstrong, and Eric is smoking hot and a smooth talker. An incredibly unlikely couple who soon discover that beyond their instant lust is so much more and once they both let down their walls and see where this relationship could possibly go – the magic happens! I’ve read this book and also listened to the audio version, and the audio version adds another layer to this story with perfect narrators for both Kat and Eric!

[Nicole Aufderheide · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Liebe ungebremst" ist ein Kurzroman der zu der Reihe "Die Bradens in Weston, CO11) gehört. Jeder Teil kann unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden, jedes Buch ist abgeschlossen. Aber wie es bei einer so großen Familie und ihren Freunden so ist, es gibt immer ein Wiedersehen.



Für mich war es tatsächlich erst der erste Teil dieser Reihe, den ich gelesen habe. Aber da ich einige Bradens hier kennenlernen durfte, möchte ich deren ganze Geschichte auch so schnell wir Möglich lesen. Ich habe sie alle jetzt schon in mein Herz geschlossen.



Wie ich es von der Autorin nicht anders erwartet hatte, war ich von der ersten Sekunde an das Buch gefesselt. Ich konnte es kaum wieder aus der Hand legen. Da ich es an meinem freien Tag gelesen habe, habe ich auch in einen Rutsch geschafft es zu lesen. Schade das es "nur" eine Kurzgeschichte war. Wegen mir hätte es gerne ein ganzes Buch sein dürfen, auch wenn sich hier "nur" um Freunde der Familie Braden handelt. Hach, ja, das Setting sowieso, aber auch die Protagonisten haben mich ungebremst erobert.



Der Schreibstil ist wieder wie ich ihn kenne und so sehr liebe, einfach wundervoll. Er ist flüssig, leicht und einfach nur mitreißend. Dankeschön das ich es lesen durfte.



Kat weiß genau was sie nicht mehr möchte, an den falschen Mann geraten. Auf einem verspäteten Flug zu ihrer Freundin lernst sie Eric kennen, der Ihre Bedenken sehr schnell über Bord fallen lässt...

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daring Her Love is a fun, fast-paced novella set in the familiar world of the Braden Family. A storm and delayed flight push Kat Martin into an impulsive fling with racing driver Eric James, an encounter she almost immediately regrets. Eric is everything Kat claims she doesn’t want, he’s too bold, too daring, and too dangerous – basically too much of everything and the complete opposite of the kind of man she’s looking for. Unfortunately for Kat, Eric isn’t ready to walk away after just one taste, and he’s determined to pursue her.

Overall, Daring Her Love is a sweet, steamy, and satisfying novella. Kat and Eric’s relationship definitely begins with a strong case of instalust, and plenty of sizzling chemistry and sharp, playful banter between them. While their romance unfolds quickly, it was still an engaging and enjoyable read, even if it feels a bit short-lived, I would love to see it extended to a full-length novel but as it’s perfect for readers looking for a quick romantic escape.

Outstanding narration from the dream team of audiobooks, Andi Arndt and Aidan Snow, brought the characters and their chemistry to life. Both delivered strong performances that make this a smooth and entertaining listening experience.

[Judy Barmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daring Her Love#10 06/12/2023

Kat is delayed in the airport waiting for another flight to Weston Colorado to see her best friend Brianna Braden when this really hot guy walks in but she doesn’t do that any more she’s trying to change. Dang! Eric seems this s king hot women and he just has to meet her. There is something just drawing him in, kat goes to the ladies room to try to get her self together and get a pre talk from her friend. Coming out of the ladies bathroom she runs right into Eric and she has decided to go for it. After have hot sex in the men’s room she thinks she’ll never see him again until he seats next to her on the plain. Eric seen her come on the plain so he switches seats with the guy that was seating next to her. After a discussion they find they are going to the same place to see the same people. Boy that attraction is just getting stronger. So enjoy another great read!!

[Jenny Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audio book copy with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Kat Martin & Eric James. When this book opens we find that Kat has been stuck on her way to her best friend due to a weather delay. So she goes to the bar just to pass the time until she can get on the next open flight. Eric is trying to get to his best friend place as when he sees a gorgeous woman at the bar. He figures he has time to get to know her a little better before his flight. When they both learn they are not only on the same flight but also going to the same place Kat isn't sure how to feel about it. She is trying to turn over a new leaf and a flashy fast talking good looking man isn't in her new life plan. Can these two find a HEA or will it just be something to pass the time before their flight?

Another amazing hit by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Tonya Nanzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden Snow as racecar driver Eric James is definetly music to my ears! He and Andi Arndt as Kat Martin make a fantastic duo to listen too. I have read this novella previously, and to listen to it was a real pleasure. Kat and Eric hook up in the airport while traveling to visit their respective friends. Not knowing that their individual friends are actually married to each other and they are going to the same place! Eric feels as though Kat is very familiar and can't place why, it finally dawns on him they met when they were 9 and 6 years old! Eric and Kat have an instant connection, but Eric has a reputation as a bit of a playboy. and Kat is trying to revamp her life, new career, new start. Can they both let their walls down enough to let the love they both feel come through? I love that we get to get a peek into the lives of some of our favorite Bradens in Colorado and their families! Melissa Foster never lets us down!