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Maxwell #3
Dare to Love
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
Women want him. Guys want to be him.
Women want him. Guys want to be him.
Sexy, confident, college playboy, Kelton Maxwell has his future right in the palm of his hands. He’s got one foot in the door at Harvard Law. All he needs now is one prestigious internship at a highfalutin law firm to seal the deal. Nothing can stand in his way.
Until...
A blast from the past smacks him right in the face, bringing back memories he tried to forget. Kelton swore he’d never go back--never put himself through that again. He’d rather pledge his allegiance to the devil himself before he drops to his knees to worship a woman--especially her.
He won’t dare to get close.
Won’t dare to let her in.
Can’t dare to love.
Intended for audiences 18 and older.
Dare to Love is book 3 in the Maxwell Series and may be read as a stand-alone. However, for a richer character experience it is recommended to read the series in order.256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
385 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Alexander
44 books1,019 followersNavy veteran and bestselling author S.B. Alexander writes paranormal, new adult, and young adult romance. Her writing is emotional, angsty, and character-driven, and features hot heroes stealing hearts.
S.B. or Susan as she likes to be called is a navy veteran, former high school teacher, and former corporate sales executive. She’s a lover of sports, especially baseball, although nowadays you can find her on the golf course.
When she’s not writing, she’s a full-time caregiver to her soul mate of twenty-two years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS. Her motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”
S.B. or Susan as she likes to be called is a navy veteran, former high school teacher, and former corporate sales executive. She’s a lover of sports, especially baseball, although nowadays you can find her on the golf course.
When she’s not writing, she’s a full-time caregiver to her soul mate of twenty-two years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS. Her motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 16, 2016
Holy shit. What was THAT?!
Is it a knight in shining armor? Is it Prince Charming? Is it Superman?
No. It’s Kelton Frikken Maxwell! Taker of hearts and destroyer of ovaries. Aspiring lawyer and college playboy. He loves life. He’s sexy and confident and rich. His life is all about getting a sought after internship in order to get him into Harvard Law and one step closer to his life’s dream. The one thing he will not do is fall in love. He’s seen first-hand what kind of devastation loving someone can bring and he refuses to be another victim. That is, until Lizzie Reardon explodes back into his life.
The Reardon’s and Maxwell’s have bad history and the young love that bloomed between Lizzie and Kelton was destroyed in the crossfire. After years of absence, she’s suddenly back but her reasons for coming back to the place she only remembers with pain may prove to be dangerous to both of them. And Kelton is having a hard time staying away.
This is my first read from S.B. Alexander and seriously; what have I been doing with my life? This book was such a wonderful surprise. I can’t even begin to describe all the things I felt while reading this story. I absolutely adored every single aspect of this book. The characters were all wonderful. The twists took me by surprise time and again. The humour and banter between characters had me chuckling throughout and the action was fully loaded. But the number one star in this book filled with nefarious characters, mafia men, gambling rings and secrets is without a doubt Kelton.
The man is impossibly sexy, cocky and charming but his inner monologue and thoughts about Lizzie is what kept squeezing my heart. Often hilarious, he is prone to going off on a tangent and losing every bit of concentration around her but his protectiveness and loyalty towards her was nothing but endearing. The sexual tension between them was there right from the start and with the added twists from the plot and the bad history between the families their relationship sparked with some delicious angst and it made their chemistry was made that much more exciting.
Absolutely adored this novel. This can be read as a standalone but after I read this one, I need the rest of the Maxwell brothers in my life. If you like New Adult Romance to the tone of books like Beautiful Disaster that delivers on the heat, action and suspense – then this one comes HIGHLY recommended.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Is it a knight in shining armor? Is it Prince Charming? Is it Superman?
No. It’s Kelton Frikken Maxwell! Taker of hearts and destroyer of ovaries. Aspiring lawyer and college playboy. He loves life. He’s sexy and confident and rich. His life is all about getting a sought after internship in order to get him into Harvard Law and one step closer to his life’s dream. The one thing he will not do is fall in love. He’s seen first-hand what kind of devastation loving someone can bring and he refuses to be another victim. That is, until Lizzie Reardon explodes back into his life.
The Reardon’s and Maxwell’s have bad history and the young love that bloomed between Lizzie and Kelton was destroyed in the crossfire. After years of absence, she’s suddenly back but her reasons for coming back to the place she only remembers with pain may prove to be dangerous to both of them. And Kelton is having a hard time staying away.
This is my first read from S.B. Alexander and seriously; what have I been doing with my life? This book was such a wonderful surprise. I can’t even begin to describe all the things I felt while reading this story. I absolutely adored every single aspect of this book. The characters were all wonderful. The twists took me by surprise time and again. The humour and banter between characters had me chuckling throughout and the action was fully loaded. But the number one star in this book filled with nefarious characters, mafia men, gambling rings and secrets is without a doubt Kelton.
The man is impossibly sexy, cocky and charming but his inner monologue and thoughts about Lizzie is what kept squeezing my heart. Often hilarious, he is prone to going off on a tangent and losing every bit of concentration around her but his protectiveness and loyalty towards her was nothing but endearing. The sexual tension between them was there right from the start and with the added twists from the plot and the bad history between the families their relationship sparked with some delicious angst and it made their chemistry was made that much more exciting.
Absolutely adored this novel. This can be read as a standalone but after I read this one, I need the rest of the Maxwell brothers in my life. If you like New Adult Romance to the tone of books like Beautiful Disaster that delivers on the heat, action and suspense – then this one comes HIGHLY recommended.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
February 16, 2016
5 The More You Fight Love the Harder You Will Fall Stars
Kelton Maxwell is strong, independant, cocky and down right sexy. He is one of the 4 brothers in the Maxwell family. Oh did I mention he also a triplet, yes there are 2 other these gorgeous guys Kross & Kody as well and an older brother Kade. He is the only brother currently enrolled in college. Kelton knows what he wants and currently all he wants is an internship to a prestigious law firm so he can get in to Harvard Law School. If a woman wants a night of crazy wild passion who was he to deny them. Women were a dime a dozen as far as Kelton believed. His previous girlfriend was dumped faster than cold fries when she told him she loved him and wanted more. Ladies please do not kid yourselves Kelton does not do Love or so he says!
Elizabeth (Lizzie, Lizard) Reardon is a determined you woman. She is out for blood and will not let anyone stand in her way. She is out to find the man who stole her inheritance and her chance at college. She will stop at nothing to find this man and get her money back legally or not!!
7 years prior
A young Lizzie and Kelton two best friends who ran all day together in the hot Texas day. They were each others best friend and first crushes.
Fast forward 7 years to the present and thousands of miles away from Texas, a fluke of a chance meeting have these two thrown back into each the other lives.
Kelton never forgot his one first true love! The tomboy who stole his half of his heart. Is this really her and is she really here. Why is she back?
Lizzie never forgot her best friend and first kiss. Of all the place in all the US she hard to run into him again! She will not let him back into her life and distract her from the task at hand.
Time is of the essence plans are in place but that arrogant man while not go away.
Will Lizzie be able to shake this man that so rocks her to her core? Will Kelton figure out who the new strange girl on campus is? What is it about this woman that will not let him focus and be the player that he so well has played.
The closer Kelton digs into this familiar looking woman, the more hurt he thought he buried many years ago begins to surface. As the layers are exposed so are the raw emotions that Kelton and his family as well as Lizzie had so long tried to forget.
Can Love Prevail? Can old wounds heal and complete what was once lost?
Remember the harder you try to deny Love, the faster it will sneak up on you and knock your on your ass.
I abolsutley loved this book. It was such a completely different story from the first 2 books in this series. The beauty of this book is that it is a stand alone and you do not have to have read books 1& 2 to read this. Kelton's book is so different from Kade and Lacy's story. Kade is the strong silent type. Both Kelton and Kade are strong alpha men that put family and friends first. Yet they are so different yet strong individuals who love so much they hurt and hide the pain in the name of family and protection.
Susan Alexander has done a wonderful job of showing the emotional side of Kelton without allowing him to losing his strength. She makes the reader fall in love with these men. The readers embrace these characters, yearn for them to take a leap of faith and find what they never new was missing yet never knew they needed either.
August 11, 2019
This was a good read. Kelton and Lizzie used to be best friends when they were younger. Then tragedy happened and everything changed. Years later they run into each other. Luckily this time around they got their HEA.
February 3, 2016
I just knew Kelton would be the one to steal my heart. A broken heart and love lost has ruined him from opening his heart. He hides behind his cocky attitude to keep from showing his real self.
"I knew when we were together the world around us didn’t exist. I knew without a doubt that the minute she drove away, the minute I didn’t get to talk to her, the minute I didn’t get to touch her, was the minute I would die inside."
Set 3 years after Dare to Dream ends, Kelton is in college, on track for fulfilling his dream career when his past comes back into his life like a whirlwind and he is stunned to find the girl who once owned his heart. There's no denying the bond these two have always had and that they're the missing link in each other's lives. Their story is one of friendship, second chances, a little mystery and unbreakable forever love.
"I knew when we were together the world around us didn’t exist. I knew without a doubt that the minute she drove away, the minute I didn’t get to talk to her, the minute I didn’t get to touch her, was the minute I would die inside."
Set 3 years after Dare to Dream ends, Kelton is in college, on track for fulfilling his dream career when his past comes back into his life like a whirlwind and he is stunned to find the girl who once owned his heart. There's no denying the bond these two have always had and that they're the missing link in each other's lives. Their story is one of friendship, second chances, a little mystery and unbreakable forever love.
February 16, 2016
4 Kelton Loving Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Author and JKS Communications
There's just something about these Maxwell boys that you can't help but fall for them. I don't know if it's the height, dark hair and blue eyes. Or their loyalty and love to their family and each other or the combination of both. I'm so excited that we finally got Kelton's story. I was so hoping that book 2 of this series was going to be his story so when it didn't happen I was bummed. But thankfully it's come full circle and we get to find out more behind this living in the moment, fun loving but never falling in love Kelton is all about.
~ I'd protected my heart for so long. Maybe it was time to let fate take control.~
Kelton Maxwell's motto in life is enjoy each day but he doesn't do love. The minute a girl falls for him, he's out of there. What we didn't know was why Kelton had built such a wall around his heart. Here we get to find out that when Kelton was a young boy he fell in love with his best friend, Lizzie Reardon. Lizzie also was the sister to the girl who accidentally killed Karen, the Maxwell's little sister.
With this tragedy the Reardon's moved from Texas and the Maxwell family. However, that didn't mean that Kelton ever got over his first love. Now many years later and both are still dealing with the aftermath. For Kelton, he and his family are still walking on eggshells around their mom. As well as he sees what love can do, so he chooses to stay away from that potential pain. While Lizzie has so much more loss from than that fateful day. She's now in Boston to get back what is rightfully hers but didn't expect to run into Kelton and the Maxwells since she last saw them in Texas.
Lizzie has a chip on her shoulder and the both are protecting themselves, which cause a bit of a love hate reunion. Lizzie has a plan to get back what she lost but doesn't know where Kelton fits into that plan. She may have lost her blood family but this new development in her life causes her to gain a new extended family as well as reconnect with the Maxwells.
I so liked this story but I have an aversion to heroines to run and yep, you guessed it Lacey was an extreme runner, which made it hard for me to like her at times. Thankfully Kelton and the other Maxwell's made up for all her running.
"Are you running? Is that your MO these days?"
Don't get me wrong Kelton wasn't always the best at communicator as well, but the constant running away. Argh! I prefer characters that man or woman up and deal with their problems head on.
"I want to talk to you without you running away,"
Once they both start to let each other in, I fell more and more for these two and was rooting for them to find love. It wasn't an easy journey because 1) they both aren't the best communicators and 2) there were are lot more variables to contend with.
"You love seeing me act like a guy who just downed a bottle of estrogen, don't you?"
I absolutely love the Maxwell's and can't wait for Kross's and Kody's stories. I think by the end of the series its going to be tough to pick a favorite Maxwell as they are all awesome on their own, but together they are fantastic.
August 12, 2019
3.5 Stars
So this was a good weekend read. I remember loving the first two in the series and while I did enjoy this one I think it was too bland for me. The first book was more than just the growth of two characters, there was intrigue, mystery, romance and a badass hero. This time around sure there was romance and some character development but the rest of the plot wasn’t as exciting. Kelton our hero is also a dirty dog and isn’t lucky he lives near Boston because this man needs variety. He’s cocky, often rude, selfish and determined to never let his heart be broken. Lizzie the heroine and he were middle school sweethearts until Lizzie and her parents moved across the globe. This story is them coming together after seven long years. The two also have more of a history than just romantic, as Lizzie’s family and Keltons’ share a dark connection that binds them forever. There are so many hurdles for them to overcome and I guess I just wasn’t feeling the real lasting quality of a relationship here. They don’t really get together until the very end and constantly since they meet again are mostly just in discussion about what brings her to Boston. Lizzie often came off as immature and headstrong. Both kind of blame one another for losing touch and yet as adult so neither actively sought the other out. I really hated how much Keltons sexual status played a role, hell the first night seeing her again has him looking for a chick, luckily he doesn’t add another woman to the mix once she’s back on his radar but it’s made apparent the man cannot function without a new girl every night. It really sucks that he had to have a reality check to see the error of his ways. I think I’m just so over the manwhore mentality that combined with the lack of relationship between the two and Lizzie’s behavior I didn’t enjoy the story as much as I could have. I am looking forward to more about the Maxwell brothers so maybe I’ll feel better about Lizzie and Kelton in future stories once the two actually get time and a chance to b together.
So this was a good weekend read. I remember loving the first two in the series and while I did enjoy this one I think it was too bland for me. The first book was more than just the growth of two characters, there was intrigue, mystery, romance and a badass hero. This time around sure there was romance and some character development but the rest of the plot wasn’t as exciting. Kelton our hero is also a dirty dog and isn’t lucky he lives near Boston because this man needs variety. He’s cocky, often rude, selfish and determined to never let his heart be broken. Lizzie the heroine and he were middle school sweethearts until Lizzie and her parents moved across the globe. This story is them coming together after seven long years. The two also have more of a history than just romantic, as Lizzie’s family and Keltons’ share a dark connection that binds them forever. There are so many hurdles for them to overcome and I guess I just wasn’t feeling the real lasting quality of a relationship here. They don’t really get together until the very end and constantly since they meet again are mostly just in discussion about what brings her to Boston. Lizzie often came off as immature and headstrong. Both kind of blame one another for losing touch and yet as adult so neither actively sought the other out. I really hated how much Keltons sexual status played a role, hell the first night seeing her again has him looking for a chick, luckily he doesn’t add another woman to the mix once she’s back on his radar but it’s made apparent the man cannot function without a new girl every night. It really sucks that he had to have a reality check to see the error of his ways. I think I’m just so over the manwhore mentality that combined with the lack of relationship between the two and Lizzie’s behavior I didn’t enjoy the story as much as I could have. I am looking forward to more about the Maxwell brothers so maybe I’ll feel better about Lizzie and Kelton in future stories once the two actually get time and a chance to b together.
Want to read
February 17, 2016
Sexy, confident, college playboy, Kelton Maxwell has his future right in the palm of his hands. Women want him. Guys want to be him. And he’s got one foot in the door at Harvard Law. All he needs now is just one prestigious internship at a highfalutin law firm to seal the deal. Nothing can stand in his way.
Until…
A blast from the past smacks him right in the face, bringing back memories he tried to forget. Kelton swore he’d never go back--never put himself through that again. He’d rather pledge his allegiance to the devil himself before he drops to his knees to worship a woman—especially her.
He won’t dare to get close.
Won’t dare to let her in.
Can’t dare to love.
Excerpt:
I jogged into the classroom. A myriad of perfumes bombarded me. The scent of lilacs, lilies, clean rain, and jasmine seeped into my nostrils. The last one almost made me stumble. That scent was imbedded in my memory and took me to a place I wanted to forget, yet remember, but didn’t dare. I rubbed my nose lightly as I blew out some air, trying to rid my senses of a girl with dark hair, blue-gray eyes, and lips I could kiss all day long.
Fuck.
“You’re late,” Mr. Brewer said as he tried to quiet the whispers filling the room. “Undress and get on the platform.”
The whispers all but died when he said to undress. Thankful for the undivided attention, I grinned as I scanned the room. Four men sat among the sea of women whose gazes were riveted on me. Some women shied away when I set my eyes on them. Others stuck out their chins, while others licked their lips. I’d bet my life half the women in the room weren’t even artists. They were horny twenty-year-olds attending a class to get a glimpse of Kelton Maxwell. It always amazed me how women reacted to the male species. Maybe that was the reason I took the job. Maybe I should have majored in psychology rather than math. But I dumped that thought. I wasn’t there to analyze anyone. I was there for the adrenaline rush. I was there because I loved the attention. My brothers thought I was way beyond crazy. But I was never the cautious brother. Fuck caution. “You’re hiding behind something,” my old man, the psychiatrist, had once told me.
Maybe so, but posing and showing the world the physical side of Kelton Maxwell was a high like bungee jumping, and I needed that rush like a junkie needed his next fix. Because I sure as hell wasn’t about to reveal my fears or secrets.
I sauntered over to the makeshift dressing area in the corner of the room. Once behind the wooden wardrobe panel, I toed off my boots then peeled off my clothing right down to nothing. The room was warm, and my body began to thaw. Mr. Brewer always kept the temperature high. He’d mentioned something about the warmth keeping the body at its natural state and coloring.
As I wrapped a large terrycloth towel around my waist, Mr. Brewer doled out instructions to the class then added, “Since a couple of you are new in here, I also want to point out that we’re all adults. The human body is a beautiful specimen. I’m certain that most of you ladies have seen a naked man before. Therefore, refrain from giggling and talking and concentrate on the model.”
Dare to Kiss – Book 1 Links:
AMAZON http://amzn.com/B00MSEVKQY
ITUNES https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dare...
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dare-...
KOBO https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
Dare to Kiss Trailer https://youtu.be/bUjx-3krlGw
February 13, 2016
So, late last year, I was casually minding my own business, reading books I love, by authors I stalk/fangirl, when one of my book friends writes to me and says
"Yo Shem, have you read any books by S.B Alexander?"
I look at my kindle, type the name, come up blank, reply to my friend, "No! Tell me more!"
To which she does...which leads to me...sitting up all night reading the first two books to what has become one of my FAVOURITE SERIES EVER!
And then... the wait for book three. Which had me questioning my own sanity on a number of occasions. The reasoning behind this was my extremely unhealthy obsession with the to be lead male of book three.
Like, maybe these books should come with a female health warning stamped on the front. Something along the lines of:
"WARNING-THESE GUYS WILL STEAL YOUR HEART, SOUL AND OVARIES"
Anyway, back to book three, so it lands on my kindle, I sit up all night reading it and MARY, MOTHER OF THE LORD! I knew this book would own me. Why is that you ask? Because this book belongs to the love of my life, KELTON MAXWELL. Now I know your next question. Is that another dibs by Shem? YOU BET YOUR ASS IT IS ANOTHER DIBS, and I will fight HARD for him.
During the first two books of the series, we get a feel for Kelton. We get his cocky, HILARIOUS, heartfelt, sexy, and loyal ass blossoming to life. But I just knew that he would have a story that captures my heart and soul because those cocky SOB's always own me.
Kelton is now at college and wants to be a lawyer. Hoping to get into Harvard Law, he seems to be 'existing' and not really 'living'. He has ZERO interest in love. Girls want him and think they can change his opinion, he is a 'wam bam thank you ma'am' kinda guy, the one who is not afraid to throw himself balls deep into chicks because no one will sway his decision, simply because they are not HER, the one who got away.
The journey the author has taken his character on is full of feels that I crave as a reader. I laughed hard at Kelton's words and his inner monologue, my heart was in my throat so many times I lost count, the chemistry was OUT OF THIS FREAKING WORLD and I absolutely devoured every single word. I didn't think it was possible to fall for Kelton harder, but sweet baby Jesus, I was so freaking wrong.
Kelton's baby doll is EVERYTHING I wanted for him and so much more. She is tough, full of sass, and I felt everything that the author brought to her character. She gave the pages of this book so much emotion and I am sporting one huge gigantic girl crush, seriously. I knew it would take someone special to tame Kelton, but this book exceeded any expectations I had.
I'm not going to go into too much detail about HER because it would be a freaking disaster to spoil this story. Every reader needs to read this for themselves and fall in love with the beauty the author has created.
I also want to mention both previous and the new supporting characters. THEY WERE AMAZING. It's not very often that I can read a book and like/love every character who is involved with the story, but oh my goodness, Dare To Love is full of so many intriguing characters, each one makes you feel something.
S.B. Alexander is sitting up there with all of my top favourite authors. Her writing is outstanding, her characters are unforgettable, her stories are those forever kind of reads that you know you will return to time and time again.
Readers, Bookies, EVERYONE, stop what you are doing and purchase the AMAZING "Dare To Love" by
S.B. Alexander, you will not be disappointed.
5 STARS
(Read and Reviewed on behalf of FMR Book Grind)
February 15, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Dare to Love is the third book in The Maxwell Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have been following the Maxwell brothers from the very beginning. The first two books were about Kade and Lacey and this one is about Kelton, one of the sexy triplets and younger brother of Kade.
One thing I can safely say is that although this may be the third book in the series it is far from losing steam. Alexander has a way of keeping each book fresh and entertaining without getting monotonous. There is no guessing when it comes to her stories. You never know how the outcome will be reached and it keeps you on your toes and turning the pages.
Kelton is a ladies man and that is just the way he likes it. He doesn't do commitment and he doesn't do love. First love at the tender age of thirteen ripped his heart out and he vowed never to let that happen again. When the one that got away suddenly appears in his life again it knocks him on his very well described behind. Lizzie is a mystery to Kelton and he can't help but wonder why she is being so secretive and he can't seem to stay away. For reasons beyond Kelton's control he has to fight the attraction and try his best to stay away.
This book digs deeper into the Maxwell family history and the circumstances surrounding the death of their youngest sibling, Karen. It is highly emotional and deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. I was riding an emotional roller coaster the entire time. Not only did I feel deeply what the family was going through but I could feel the chemistry and attraction between Kelton and Lizzie as they tried to deny it. It was literally oozing off the pages.
What I enjoy about Alexander's writing and this series is that it is not just a love story. There is also a bit of a mystery to the plot that is driving the characters which separates it from other love stories. I also love the strong sense of family that is so prominent in this series. It makes the Maxwell brothers even more attractive than described if that is even possible.
So far I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I can't wait to read more. With two more Maxwell brothers it looks like I'll get at least two more book boyfriends to add to my ever growing list!
** I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
Dare to Love is the third book in The Maxwell Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have been following the Maxwell brothers from the very beginning. The first two books were about Kade and Lacey and this one is about Kelton, one of the sexy triplets and younger brother of Kade.
One thing I can safely say is that although this may be the third book in the series it is far from losing steam. Alexander has a way of keeping each book fresh and entertaining without getting monotonous. There is no guessing when it comes to her stories. You never know how the outcome will be reached and it keeps you on your toes and turning the pages.
Kelton is a ladies man and that is just the way he likes it. He doesn't do commitment and he doesn't do love. First love at the tender age of thirteen ripped his heart out and he vowed never to let that happen again. When the one that got away suddenly appears in his life again it knocks him on his very well described behind. Lizzie is a mystery to Kelton and he can't help but wonder why she is being so secretive and he can't seem to stay away. For reasons beyond Kelton's control he has to fight the attraction and try his best to stay away.
This book digs deeper into the Maxwell family history and the circumstances surrounding the death of their youngest sibling, Karen. It is highly emotional and deals with some pretty heavy subject matter. I was riding an emotional roller coaster the entire time. Not only did I feel deeply what the family was going through but I could feel the chemistry and attraction between Kelton and Lizzie as they tried to deny it. It was literally oozing off the pages.
What I enjoy about Alexander's writing and this series is that it is not just a love story. There is also a bit of a mystery to the plot that is driving the characters which separates it from other love stories. I also love the strong sense of family that is so prominent in this series. It makes the Maxwell brothers even more attractive than described if that is even possible.
So far I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I can't wait to read more. With two more Maxwell brothers it looks like I'll get at least two more book boyfriends to add to my ever growing list!
February 16, 2016
"I couldn’t risk my own heart. I couldn’t risk getting hurt. I couldn’t risk taking that chance of falling for someone, especially her. She was my forbidden fruit."
I just knew that Kelton Maxwell's story was going to be amazing when he was first introduced in Dare to Kiss, but Kel's story was better than I could have imagined.
An old flame comes back into the life of our favorite Maxwell triplet, and with her comes an entirely new set of issues. Can Kel open his heart for this girl? Does he even want to? The girl of Kelton's dreams is everything he might need, but how will she fit into his perfectly crafted shallow life? Could this girl be the one to knock down his walls, or could she be the one to finally scare him off of relationships for good?
Kelton is so much more than the 'cocky triplet'. It's all a show, all that bravado is there to mask how guarded and insecure he really is. The reasons behind his facade are both heart wrenching and intense, and so special to read. Because really, who wouldn't want to climb inside the head of the boldest Maxwell triplet and find out what makes him tick? Here's a clue, it's shockingly not wit and women!
Our leading lady is a strong independent girl on a mission. She’s dead set on following through on her journey that has brought her to Boston. Nothing will come between this raven haired beauty and what rightfully belongs to her, especially not Kelton Maxwell. The problem is, he begins to haunt her thoughts and the pain that she has carried with her for years has come barreling back with a vengeance. The hurt she still feels is threatening to suffocate her under the weight of things left unsaid. Will reconnecting with Kelton help heal her or end up causing her even more heartache?
I knew that I was going to love Kelton, but I never could have fathomed just how much. In my opinion, this book is the best in the series... so far. Susan truly outdid herself this time, pouring so much heart and mystery into each piece of the puzzle that is Kelton Maxwell. I could t have asked for a better story and partner for Kel, and I can't wait to see what Susan comes up with next.
I just knew that Kelton Maxwell's story was going to be amazing when he was first introduced in Dare to Kiss, but Kel's story was better than I could have imagined.
An old flame comes back into the life of our favorite Maxwell triplet, and with her comes an entirely new set of issues. Can Kel open his heart for this girl? Does he even want to? The girl of Kelton's dreams is everything he might need, but how will she fit into his perfectly crafted shallow life? Could this girl be the one to knock down his walls, or could she be the one to finally scare him off of relationships for good?
Kelton is so much more than the 'cocky triplet'. It's all a show, all that bravado is there to mask how guarded and insecure he really is. The reasons behind his facade are both heart wrenching and intense, and so special to read. Because really, who wouldn't want to climb inside the head of the boldest Maxwell triplet and find out what makes him tick? Here's a clue, it's shockingly not wit and women!
Our leading lady is a strong independent girl on a mission. She’s dead set on following through on her journey that has brought her to Boston. Nothing will come between this raven haired beauty and what rightfully belongs to her, especially not Kelton Maxwell. The problem is, he begins to haunt her thoughts and the pain that she has carried with her for years has come barreling back with a vengeance. The hurt she still feels is threatening to suffocate her under the weight of things left unsaid. Will reconnecting with Kelton help heal her or end up causing her even more heartache?
I knew that I was going to love Kelton, but I never could have fathomed just how much. In my opinion, this book is the best in the series... so far. Susan truly outdid herself this time, pouring so much heart and mystery into each piece of the puzzle that is Kelton Maxwell. I could t have asked for a better story and partner for Kel, and I can't wait to see what Susan comes up with next.
February 9, 2016
Dare to Love is the third book in this series and I still don't know which way is up until the end of the book. She isn't a "formula" writer. This book stands out and is definitely her best writing yet.
Kelton. Oh lordy he is one of the most lovable "butts" I have ever read. I think most have been fooled by his jokes and outward personality from the first two books. Not anymore. Seeing the full 360 degrees of Kelton was series altering. He is much more than the cocky one with the hot bod.
"She was my forbidden fruit..." Hmmm...I don't think Kelton could have anyone but sweet with a kick and his little forbidden fruit does just that. She is tough, on a mission, and has the sharpest of tongues. No surprise with the tongue as she must keep up with Kelton.
This book will pull at your heart strings only to make it beat harder and make you root for love in the end. This book dives so far into the Maxwell Family that your perception of everyone involved will change. This book is about first love, lost loves, and everlasting loves.
Kelton. Oh lordy he is one of the most lovable "butts" I have ever read. I think most have been fooled by his jokes and outward personality from the first two books. Not anymore. Seeing the full 360 degrees of Kelton was series altering. He is much more than the cocky one with the hot bod.
"She was my forbidden fruit..." Hmmm...I don't think Kelton could have anyone but sweet with a kick and his little forbidden fruit does just that. She is tough, on a mission, and has the sharpest of tongues. No surprise with the tongue as she must keep up with Kelton.
This book will pull at your heart strings only to make it beat harder and make you root for love in the end. This book dives so far into the Maxwell Family that your perception of everyone involved will change. This book is about first love, lost loves, and everlasting loves.
February 17, 2016
Love the series. Can't wait til the next book!!
December 6, 2016
To read more of my reviews visit www.babsbookclub.com
Oh Kelton my Kelton.
When I first started reading this series last year I knew that Kelton was my favorite. Something about lovable assholes... hehe. In my previous reviews I remember asking Ms. Alexander to write a book for him and like the awesome author she is, she granted me my wish... (she probably had it down the pipeline already, but I'm just going to pretended she did it solely for me.)
What I didn't expect was a book woven so beautifully and rich with the series history.
Before I keep going, I suggest you read books 1 and 2 before you start Kelton's story. Yes they are separate from book 3 by way of POV but I feel that you wouldn't get the full effect of this books significance without knowing the full backstory. My reviews for Dare to Kiss (Maxwell #1) and Dare to Dream (Maxwell #2) can be found here and here.
Kelton Maxwell doesn't do love. He see's his other brothers struggle with their relationships and has decided that it is not worth the drama. He's completely fine with the stream of women vying for his attention. Then one day, completely naked save for a cowboy hat.. all of that changed.
Lizzie Reardon is pissed. SUPER PISSED. She has some major issues that law enforcement isn't helping with, and now she has no choice but to take it into her own hands. She never thought that in the process her paths would cross with a significant person from her past.
I did not expect this book to be intense, then again with Maxwell 1 and 2 it was stupid of me to think Alexander would go mellow on Kelton of all characters. This story tackles some deep issues. It describes a different perspective from the main storyline that runs through the entire series. It pushes emotions to the edge for all characters (yes, even the secondary ones). It was a rush to read this book. I tried to read it slowly, to milk it for all its worth, but I couldn't put it down.
Kelton is the biggest goof of the Maxwell brothers. He's the fun loving, sometimes crude one, but also fierce when it comes to defending his family. Alexander taps into why he acts the way he does. You will see there is so much more to him than the secondary character he was in Maxwell 1 and 2. I didn't think I could love him more than I already do.
Lizzie is a breath of fresh air. She's going through some shit yes, but her unwavering determination is refreshing. She needs to do what she needs to do and she isn't thinking a whole lot about the consequences. She has gone to great lengths so far to get what she needs. She is sassy, sarcastic and temperamental. All things I love in a lead female because they are also usually the most vulnerable.
The writing was fantastic. Their "voices" were very unique. I hate when I read a book and I can't tell which character is which because they all sound the same. Alexander has a very strong grasp of each of her characters and has them laid out individually.
As usual I'm trying to stay vague because I want your journey with the Maxwells to be your own. You will enjoy them!!!
Sidenote: I am really hoping the books venture outside of just the Maxwells and into some of the secondary characters. I am quite intrigued by one Dillon Hart and his little posse.
This is a top book to read for 2016 for me. You will not be disappointed. Pick it up now!!
"You're still a douche. Age hasn't changed you one bit."
Fuck, I hope not. " Why would I change? What you see is what you get. Unlike you. What are you hiding from?"
Author
S. B. Alexander’s passion for writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining. Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat down and wrote her first novel. Her books are targeted toward the young adult and new adult markets. Her young adult series, Vampire SEALS, includes three books, On the Edge of Humanity, On the Edge of Eternity, and On the Edge of Destiny, which have garnered high praise from readers.
Dare to Kiss, the first book in the Maxwell Series claimed the #1 bestseller spot in Amazon UK’s sports fiction category. The follow up, Dare to Dream, will be released on July 17, 2015.
Alexander’s career has been colorful—a former navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox, white powdered donuts, and handbags. Her husband calls her the bag lady. She enjoys playing golf, is moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help people.
She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Oh Kelton my Kelton.
When I first started reading this series last year I knew that Kelton was my favorite. Something about lovable assholes... hehe. In my previous reviews I remember asking Ms. Alexander to write a book for him and like the awesome author she is, she granted me my wish... (she probably had it down the pipeline already, but I'm just going to pretended she did it solely for me.)
What I didn't expect was a book woven so beautifully and rich with the series history.
Before I keep going, I suggest you read books 1 and 2 before you start Kelton's story. Yes they are separate from book 3 by way of POV but I feel that you wouldn't get the full effect of this books significance without knowing the full backstory. My reviews for Dare to Kiss (Maxwell #1) and Dare to Dream (Maxwell #2) can be found here and here.
Kelton Maxwell doesn't do love. He see's his other brothers struggle with their relationships and has decided that it is not worth the drama. He's completely fine with the stream of women vying for his attention. Then one day, completely naked save for a cowboy hat.. all of that changed.
Lizzie Reardon is pissed. SUPER PISSED. She has some major issues that law enforcement isn't helping with, and now she has no choice but to take it into her own hands. She never thought that in the process her paths would cross with a significant person from her past.
I did not expect this book to be intense, then again with Maxwell 1 and 2 it was stupid of me to think Alexander would go mellow on Kelton of all characters. This story tackles some deep issues. It describes a different perspective from the main storyline that runs through the entire series. It pushes emotions to the edge for all characters (yes, even the secondary ones). It was a rush to read this book. I tried to read it slowly, to milk it for all its worth, but I couldn't put it down.
Kelton is the biggest goof of the Maxwell brothers. He's the fun loving, sometimes crude one, but also fierce when it comes to defending his family. Alexander taps into why he acts the way he does. You will see there is so much more to him than the secondary character he was in Maxwell 1 and 2. I didn't think I could love him more than I already do.
Lizzie is a breath of fresh air. She's going through some shit yes, but her unwavering determination is refreshing. She needs to do what she needs to do and she isn't thinking a whole lot about the consequences. She has gone to great lengths so far to get what she needs. She is sassy, sarcastic and temperamental. All things I love in a lead female because they are also usually the most vulnerable.
The writing was fantastic. Their "voices" were very unique. I hate when I read a book and I can't tell which character is which because they all sound the same. Alexander has a very strong grasp of each of her characters and has them laid out individually.
As usual I'm trying to stay vague because I want your journey with the Maxwells to be your own. You will enjoy them!!!
Sidenote: I am really hoping the books venture outside of just the Maxwells and into some of the secondary characters. I am quite intrigued by one Dillon Hart and his little posse.
This is a top book to read for 2016 for me. You will not be disappointed. Pick it up now!!
"You're still a douche. Age hasn't changed you one bit."
Fuck, I hope not. " Why would I change? What you see is what you get. Unlike you. What are you hiding from?"
Author
S. B. Alexander’s passion for writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining. Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat down and wrote her first novel. Her books are targeted toward the young adult and new adult markets. Her young adult series, Vampire SEALS, includes three books, On the Edge of Humanity, On the Edge of Eternity, and On the Edge of Destiny, which have garnered high praise from readers.
Dare to Kiss, the first book in the Maxwell Series claimed the #1 bestseller spot in Amazon UK’s sports fiction category. The follow up, Dare to Dream, will be released on July 17, 2015.
Alexander’s career has been colorful—a former navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox, white powdered donuts, and handbags. Her husband calls her the bag lady. She enjoys playing golf, is moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help people.
She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.
(Author biography pulled from GoodReads)
Author
Read
February 16, 2016The much anticipated third book in The Maxwell series is here, and it's as amazing as you thought it would be. Kelton and his witty banter and cocky attitude are here in full force, ready to undress you with his eyes and make your knees weak in anticipation. So strap on your big girl panties and get ready for one crazy roller coaster ride, because SB Alexander delivers.
"Fear is good, it gets the blood pumping. Rising above your deepest fears makes you a better person.”
Two people thrown together in an unlikely situation. One boy who refuses to open up his heart to anyone, and one girl who is desperate to put her life back together. Two broken people set the stage for one heck of a story. Love, lust, hurt, denial, jealousy, anger and confusion. Can these two come together and help one another overcome their tainted pasts? Or will the secrets and hurt tear them both apart?
"At every blink, breath, and tear, all I could think about was the good times we’d had, the feelings we’d shared, and the dream of him and me forever."
This book did the unthinkable, it made me angry with Kade for brief moments in time. Something I swore would never happen since he's typically so lovable (and I absolutely adore him). But I'll be damned if I wasn't pulling for the younger and more rambunctious of the Maxwell crew throughout this entire book. It's just that Kelton is so easy to fall for. He's hurt and confused and hiding in plain sight. It's fascinating and so intriguing, and it makes you wonder how many good looking dudes who have chips on their shoulders are secretly falling apart. All that talk and false bravado, and he's really still that same scared 13 year old boy at heart. It's like his life paused when tragedy struck his family, and he could never bring himself to move on. The guilt and what if's eat away at who he is on a daily basis. Don't we all have skeletons in our closest that we want to keep hidden?
"She was my forbidden fruit. One touch, one taste and I’d never be the same."
Our leading lady, she's got all the same gumption and spirit that our girl Lacey had but she's significantly more alone and lost. I feel her pain, I want her vengeance. She pretends to be so strong, and yet she is heartbreakingly broken on the inside. All it takes is one glance at Kelton Maxwell to send her plans spiraling sideways and her to make her buried feelings tornado through her closed off life. I love her. Lacey made me hope, she gave me aspirations and urged me to embrace female power... but this new girl? She's the epitome of strength. She's a pillar. She has nothing in her life, and yet she's inevitably brave enough to put her heart on the table. She's all in, and I adore her spark.
"I knew I should create some distance between us, but the spell he had me under was strong."
I need to take a second to talk about Dillon, because I love him so very much and I can't help but hope and pray that he will get his own story. Susan does a fantastic job of building up the secondary characters (again) and now I'm itching for more than just the Maxwell continuation. Give me more of my lovely dark knight in shining armor! But first, Kody. Because Kody owns my heart, he's mine. I'm sorry, ladies.
"We stared at one another, trying to figure out words, life, what was going through each other’s minds in that moment."
This story isn't normal or typical, it's extraordinary. These two are fighting a losing battle with a thousand obstacles in their way, and it's excruciatingly sad at times. There is so much hurt and longing, and even though it's highly unlikely that you have ever experienced anything quite like their story in your own life... it's just so darn relatable that you are reeling right along with the characters. I suppose that I expected this book to be full of sexy times and not a lot of personal growth, and I was so so wrong. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Kel and his leading lady are both on soul searching paths and though they sizzle together, that's not what their story is about. This isn't a fluff story, you will feel. You will smile and laugh and get choked up because Susan Alexander will remind you that life is far from being fair. Trust me, you don't want to miss this tantalizing tale and you definitely want to get to know this troublesome triplet. Grab your copy today!
➡️ http://amzn.com/B01BQX5OM8
"Fear is good, it gets the blood pumping. Rising above your deepest fears makes you a better person.”
Two people thrown together in an unlikely situation. One boy who refuses to open up his heart to anyone, and one girl who is desperate to put her life back together. Two broken people set the stage for one heck of a story. Love, lust, hurt, denial, jealousy, anger and confusion. Can these two come together and help one another overcome their tainted pasts? Or will the secrets and hurt tear them both apart?
"At every blink, breath, and tear, all I could think about was the good times we’d had, the feelings we’d shared, and the dream of him and me forever."
This book did the unthinkable, it made me angry with Kade for brief moments in time. Something I swore would never happen since he's typically so lovable (and I absolutely adore him). But I'll be damned if I wasn't pulling for the younger and more rambunctious of the Maxwell crew throughout this entire book. It's just that Kelton is so easy to fall for. He's hurt and confused and hiding in plain sight. It's fascinating and so intriguing, and it makes you wonder how many good looking dudes who have chips on their shoulders are secretly falling apart. All that talk and false bravado, and he's really still that same scared 13 year old boy at heart. It's like his life paused when tragedy struck his family, and he could never bring himself to move on. The guilt and what if's eat away at who he is on a daily basis. Don't we all have skeletons in our closest that we want to keep hidden?
"She was my forbidden fruit. One touch, one taste and I’d never be the same."
Our leading lady, she's got all the same gumption and spirit that our girl Lacey had but she's significantly more alone and lost. I feel her pain, I want her vengeance. She pretends to be so strong, and yet she is heartbreakingly broken on the inside. All it takes is one glance at Kelton Maxwell to send her plans spiraling sideways and her to make her buried feelings tornado through her closed off life. I love her. Lacey made me hope, she gave me aspirations and urged me to embrace female power... but this new girl? She's the epitome of strength. She's a pillar. She has nothing in her life, and yet she's inevitably brave enough to put her heart on the table. She's all in, and I adore her spark.
"I knew I should create some distance between us, but the spell he had me under was strong."
I need to take a second to talk about Dillon, because I love him so very much and I can't help but hope and pray that he will get his own story. Susan does a fantastic job of building up the secondary characters (again) and now I'm itching for more than just the Maxwell continuation. Give me more of my lovely dark knight in shining armor! But first, Kody. Because Kody owns my heart, he's mine. I'm sorry, ladies.
"We stared at one another, trying to figure out words, life, what was going through each other’s minds in that moment."
This story isn't normal or typical, it's extraordinary. These two are fighting a losing battle with a thousand obstacles in their way, and it's excruciatingly sad at times. There is so much hurt and longing, and even though it's highly unlikely that you have ever experienced anything quite like their story in your own life... it's just so darn relatable that you are reeling right along with the characters. I suppose that I expected this book to be full of sexy times and not a lot of personal growth, and I was so so wrong. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Kel and his leading lady are both on soul searching paths and though they sizzle together, that's not what their story is about. This isn't a fluff story, you will feel. You will smile and laugh and get choked up because Susan Alexander will remind you that life is far from being fair. Trust me, you don't want to miss this tantalizing tale and you definitely want to get to know this troublesome triplet. Grab your copy today!
➡️ http://amzn.com/B01BQX5OM8
February 27, 2016
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now, with that being what l should also state is that I have not read either the first or second book in the Maxwell series yet. This book is about a different member of the Maxwell family and although it does reference quite a few things that obviously occurred in the first two books and those characters do appear in this one but this book is very much it's own story.
Kenton Maxwell is a college student looking to graduate and follow his dream of becoming a lawyer by attending Harvard law school. He's a self confessed player and with looks like his how could he not be. When his ex girlfriend confessed her love he knew it was time to move on as he just doesn't do love, well not since his best friend left him.
Lizzie is alone and trying to track down the man who has taken everything from her. In pursuit of this man she is forced into dealing with her past and some faces she never thought she'd come across again. One person in particular has meant more to Lizzie than anyone else since or will ever again and she struggles being close to Kelton again and with the good and bad memories that surface because of it.
Kelton Maxwell has only loved one person and was crushed when she left, having her back in his life causes him all sorts of problems but he just doesn't want her leave again although he also doesn't want her to get too close either.
I loved this book and quite honestly couldn't put it down. The writing is so well done that it just flows so easily and you are swept along with it. There are some difficult issues that come up but are dealt with well and you truly feel for those involved. The characters surrounding Kelton and Lizzie are great and you want to know so much more about them too and I will happily read each individual story but I truly hope that Dillon gets his own story. Even though I knew Kelton and Lizzie we're fated to be together I still felt that Dillon would make a wonderful boyfriend too.
As I said I've not read book one or two and the only positive about that is that I am away to read them now and am excited to get started. Obviously I know a few things that happen so I think the books should be read in order to avoid any spoilers and I think it would provide more of a back story to how difficult it is for these two to be together because of how it effects others too. However Kelton and Lizzie's story is one I loved and there was enough in this book to keep me invested in it. Looking forward to reading about the other Maxwell brothers.
Now, with that being what l should also state is that I have not read either the first or second book in the Maxwell series yet. This book is about a different member of the Maxwell family and although it does reference quite a few things that obviously occurred in the first two books and those characters do appear in this one but this book is very much it's own story.
Kenton Maxwell is a college student looking to graduate and follow his dream of becoming a lawyer by attending Harvard law school. He's a self confessed player and with looks like his how could he not be. When his ex girlfriend confessed her love he knew it was time to move on as he just doesn't do love, well not since his best friend left him.
Lizzie is alone and trying to track down the man who has taken everything from her. In pursuit of this man she is forced into dealing with her past and some faces she never thought she'd come across again. One person in particular has meant more to Lizzie than anyone else since or will ever again and she struggles being close to Kelton again and with the good and bad memories that surface because of it.
Kelton Maxwell has only loved one person and was crushed when she left, having her back in his life causes him all sorts of problems but he just doesn't want her leave again although he also doesn't want her to get too close either.
I loved this book and quite honestly couldn't put it down. The writing is so well done that it just flows so easily and you are swept along with it. There are some difficult issues that come up but are dealt with well and you truly feel for those involved. The characters surrounding Kelton and Lizzie are great and you want to know so much more about them too and I will happily read each individual story but I truly hope that Dillon gets his own story. Even though I knew Kelton and Lizzie we're fated to be together I still felt that Dillon would make a wonderful boyfriend too.
As I said I've not read book one or two and the only positive about that is that I am away to read them now and am excited to get started. Obviously I know a few things that happen so I think the books should be read in order to avoid any spoilers and I think it would provide more of a back story to how difficult it is for these two to be together because of how it effects others too. However Kelton and Lizzie's story is one I loved and there was enough in this book to keep me invested in it. Looking forward to reading about the other Maxwell brothers.
February 16, 2016
Dare To Love is a thrilling read with a main purpose but that gets interrupted by love. Love gets in the way in this book and that's exactly what I was looking for. S.B. Alexander writes about two beautiful souls that are scare to love, but ultimately it is what they both need to find forgiveness, acceptance, and a brighter future. A brighter future together.
In the previous books, Dare To Kiss and Dare To Dream, we saw Kelton's brother, Kade, fall in love and find his strong woman. In Dare To Love we see the cocky playboy brother, Kelton find his journey towards love. In this book we see a depth to Kelton that was lacking in the previous books. He has a deep soul that wants to help people in need. In this book I found out that Kelton wants to be a lawyer. He wants to be proud of his career and being a lawyer allows him to help those who most need it.
Kelton's college life is fast-paced. In the past book we saw that he had a girlfriend, Chloe, but she would never be more than that. He has also been with a lot of girls but they do not mean anything to him and they never would. When he happens to run into Lizzie everything changes. Lizzie has had a hard life. Her and Kelton have a past. A difficult one. They have shared love before. So when they end up in the same city, their journey back to love starts all over again. This is a chance of as second chance romance but are they both willing to take it?
First of all, Kelton made me swoon. He is protective of his family but he was just as good at protecting Lizzie. He was chasing after Lizzie in a sexy way and his encounters with her had just the right amount of attraction and heat to draw the reader in. What I am really happy about is all the new characters that were introduced! I fell in love with them. They were the perfect addition to the crew. It flowed perfectly.
Lizzie was a strong, dedicated, and upfront woman. I loved that about her and I knew she would be able to handle Kelton just fine. She had the perfect amount of kick to her. This was due to her hard past but that is what made her a better character. She has struggles and that is what I look for in a book. Although my heart hurt for her I am glad that she ended up where she did. Kelton is the perfect man to help her heal.
I am so happy with Dare To Love and I am extremely excited to see what S. B. Alexander throws at us next! She knows how to write with brilliance and a great path. It is exciting!
In the previous books, Dare To Kiss and Dare To Dream, we saw Kelton's brother, Kade, fall in love and find his strong woman. In Dare To Love we see the cocky playboy brother, Kelton find his journey towards love. In this book we see a depth to Kelton that was lacking in the previous books. He has a deep soul that wants to help people in need. In this book I found out that Kelton wants to be a lawyer. He wants to be proud of his career and being a lawyer allows him to help those who most need it.
Kelton's college life is fast-paced. In the past book we saw that he had a girlfriend, Chloe, but she would never be more than that. He has also been with a lot of girls but they do not mean anything to him and they never would. When he happens to run into Lizzie everything changes. Lizzie has had a hard life. Her and Kelton have a past. A difficult one. They have shared love before. So when they end up in the same city, their journey back to love starts all over again. This is a chance of as second chance romance but are they both willing to take it?
First of all, Kelton made me swoon. He is protective of his family but he was just as good at protecting Lizzie. He was chasing after Lizzie in a sexy way and his encounters with her had just the right amount of attraction and heat to draw the reader in. What I am really happy about is all the new characters that were introduced! I fell in love with them. They were the perfect addition to the crew. It flowed perfectly.
Lizzie was a strong, dedicated, and upfront woman. I loved that about her and I knew she would be able to handle Kelton just fine. She had the perfect amount of kick to her. This was due to her hard past but that is what made her a better character. She has struggles and that is what I look for in a book. Although my heart hurt for her I am glad that she ended up where she did. Kelton is the perfect man to help her heal.
I am so happy with Dare To Love and I am extremely excited to see what S. B. Alexander throws at us next! She knows how to write with brilliance and a great path. It is exciting!
February 16, 2016
Summary:
Sexy, confident, college playboy, Kelton Maxwell has his future right in the palm of his hands. Women want him. Guys want to be him. And he’s got one foot in the door at Harvard Law. All he needs now is just one prestigious internship at a highfalutin law firm to seal the deal. Nothing can stand in his way.
Until…
A blast from the past smacks him right in the face, bringing back memories he tried to forget. Kelton swore he’d never go back--never put himself through that again. He’d rather pledge his allegiance to the devil himself before he drops to his knees to worship a woman—especially her.
He won’t dare to get close
Won’t dare to let her in.
Can’t dare to love.
What I loved:
I am the biggest sucker for second chance romance. This was that on steroids. But the best thing about this story was, Lizzie was as sassy and quick-witted as Kelton was. It wasn’t insta-reconnection either. There was a shared past, one full of heartbreak, sadness, and anger. Their families shared in that past, making it even harder to break through it and heal all the breaches that have taken place.
As ever, the characters are so real, taking your heart through the conveyor belt of emotions, and teaching us that, love can heal and life leads us to exactly where and who we are supposed to be. I love when characters circumstances can help them dig deep for strength and Lizzie shows that.
What I didn’t love:
………….It ended…………..
Overall:
SB Alexander has an incredible ability to draw out emotions even when you vow that no tears with be shed (Yes, I have said that with each book in this series). There are so many different types of people in the world and so many paths we cross, it is so amazing and sometimes shocking that they can become so real when reading about them. SB takes you there and allows you the closure you need to know that these friends you have made in the story are going to have their happy endings and be alright.
Such an immense talent here and in Poet Wendy Kupinewicz. The poems we have seen in each book are so in tune with the story and add so much more than you would think. It is a beautiful addition to this series.
Sexy, confident, college playboy, Kelton Maxwell has his future right in the palm of his hands. Women want him. Guys want to be him. And he’s got one foot in the door at Harvard Law. All he needs now is just one prestigious internship at a highfalutin law firm to seal the deal. Nothing can stand in his way.
Until…
A blast from the past smacks him right in the face, bringing back memories he tried to forget. Kelton swore he’d never go back--never put himself through that again. He’d rather pledge his allegiance to the devil himself before he drops to his knees to worship a woman—especially her.
He won’t dare to get close
Won’t dare to let her in.
Can’t dare to love.
What I loved:
I am the biggest sucker for second chance romance. This was that on steroids. But the best thing about this story was, Lizzie was as sassy and quick-witted as Kelton was. It wasn’t insta-reconnection either. There was a shared past, one full of heartbreak, sadness, and anger. Their families shared in that past, making it even harder to break through it and heal all the breaches that have taken place.
As ever, the characters are so real, taking your heart through the conveyor belt of emotions, and teaching us that, love can heal and life leads us to exactly where and who we are supposed to be. I love when characters circumstances can help them dig deep for strength and Lizzie shows that.
What I didn’t love:
………….It ended…………..
Overall:
SB Alexander has an incredible ability to draw out emotions even when you vow that no tears with be shed (Yes, I have said that with each book in this series). There are so many different types of people in the world and so many paths we cross, it is so amazing and sometimes shocking that they can become so real when reading about them. SB takes you there and allows you the closure you need to know that these friends you have made in the story are going to have their happy endings and be alright.
Such an immense talent here and in Poet Wendy Kupinewicz. The poems we have seen in each book are so in tune with the story and add so much more than you would think. It is a beautiful addition to this series.
February 16, 2016
All four of the Maxwell brothers have strong personalities and a huge sense of family. At one point the boys had a sister, Karen, but tragedy struck. Hopefully that wasn't a spoiler, since you have probably read the first two books and know all about the boys. Kade is the oldest and is continuing his relationship with Lacey, the awesome female pitcher. We got their story in the first two books. The triplets are up next and currently we have Kelton. When the triplets were about 13 they had a neighbor, the Reardon family, with two girls. Kelton and Lizzie fell pretty hard for each other and then their worlds changed rapidly. We arrive in their story about seven years later when they unexpectedly meet up. This isn't just a simple "Hey remember me? You're first love? Let's go out." They have serious family history that is very intense and stressful. Lizzie also has a serious ax to grind with the man controlling her family's money. With all the stress of reacquainting themselves Lizzie and Kelton are trying to right a tremendous wrong done to Lizzie. We have mobsters, illegal gambling, bad ass Dillon with a heart for charity, and naked models in art class. Dare to Love is just as fabulous and exciting as the first two but has its own style and speed. I was not expecting the suspenseful story line but just a lovely steamy second chance romance for young lovers. You really don't need to read the first two but since family is heavy throughout the story it would be best to read them to grasp the Maxwell family dynamic. I received an early reviewer copy for my honest review.
March 8, 2016
"He was looking at me the same way he had when we were thirteen – with love stamped in his eyes.”
Such a great story!
Kelton and Lizzie were childhood friends and sweethearts. A tragic accident destroyed their friendship and the love between their two families. Lizzie moved away and they lost contact for seven long years.
In the present day, Kelton is studying to be a lawyer and he’s a part-time nude model. A new girl turns up in his art class – someone who smells of jasmine and reminds him of his childhood love, but her hair and eye colour are all wrong.
Lizzie is in town to hunt down the man who’s stolen her inheritance. Her cause brings her into contact with Kelton.
“I’m afraid of falling and hitting the ground so f@@king hard my heart will explode. I’m afraid of you. "
Both Kelton and Lizzie are guarded. Scared to love. Scared to risk their hearts. They’ve always loved the other – even through the years of separation. However, can they overcome the tragedy in their past and their current issues to live happily ever after?
This story was exciting and sexy. The love and compulsion Kelton had towards Lizzie made my heart thump. He was a mess when she left and he knows that he’d never come back from a second parting. Lizzie loses everyone she loves and is scared to have her heart broken again. A fantastic second chance novel about passionate, enduring love and taking risks.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Such a great story!
Kelton and Lizzie were childhood friends and sweethearts. A tragic accident destroyed their friendship and the love between their two families. Lizzie moved away and they lost contact for seven long years.
In the present day, Kelton is studying to be a lawyer and he’s a part-time nude model. A new girl turns up in his art class – someone who smells of jasmine and reminds him of his childhood love, but her hair and eye colour are all wrong.
Lizzie is in town to hunt down the man who’s stolen her inheritance. Her cause brings her into contact with Kelton.
“I’m afraid of falling and hitting the ground so f@@king hard my heart will explode. I’m afraid of you. "
Both Kelton and Lizzie are guarded. Scared to love. Scared to risk their hearts. They’ve always loved the other – even through the years of separation. However, can they overcome the tragedy in their past and their current issues to live happily ever after?
This story was exciting and sexy. The love and compulsion Kelton had towards Lizzie made my heart thump. He was a mess when she left and he knows that he’d never come back from a second parting. Lizzie loses everyone she loves and is scared to have her heart broken again. A fantastic second chance novel about passionate, enduring love and taking risks.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
February 14, 2016
This was the first book I've read from S.B. Alexander, and I will look forward to more especially from this series.
I'm a sucker for lost loves and getting another chance at love no matter the length of time apart. From Texas to Massachusetts The Maxwell family to get away from a very horrible accident where their daughter Karen was killed by a gun that her best friend Gracie held. Gracie is the younger sister of Elizabeth aka Lizzy, and after that day her family will move away to another country. Lizzy was the only girl that Kalton ever loved and killed him when she moved away.
Seven years later, Lizzy is in Massachusetts from Florida to find the man that stolen her parents money that was to pay until she graduated college but now she is on the run wondering how to grab the man and thinking of using to man's son. Art class was to get to the son but she never thought that her childhood love will be in front of the class nude save for a cowboy hat covering a certain part. In seven years have changed each other but their love for the other is still there and their hearts will get through many obstacles to be together as one heart.
~~~~~~~~~ARC was given for a honest review~~~~~~~~~
I'm a sucker for lost loves and getting another chance at love no matter the length of time apart. From Texas to Massachusetts The Maxwell family to get away from a very horrible accident where their daughter Karen was killed by a gun that her best friend Gracie held. Gracie is the younger sister of Elizabeth aka Lizzy, and after that day her family will move away to another country. Lizzy was the only girl that Kalton ever loved and killed him when she moved away.
Seven years later, Lizzy is in Massachusetts from Florida to find the man that stolen her parents money that was to pay until she graduated college but now she is on the run wondering how to grab the man and thinking of using to man's son. Art class was to get to the son but she never thought that her childhood love will be in front of the class nude save for a cowboy hat covering a certain part. In seven years have changed each other but their love for the other is still there and their hearts will get through many obstacles to be together as one heart.
~~~~~~~~~ARC was given for a honest review~~~~~~~~~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2016
This book was phenomenal. I haven't read the other books in the series, and it's not necessary to understand this book; However, I'm reading them immediately.. This book was that awesome.
This is truly about finding your first love and having a second chance, but that's not really how it started.. It happened by chance. Kel and Lizzie had such a strong and heartbreaking past, that I'm not sure how anyone could get through that.. However you could tell they really never stopped loving each other.
This book had everything. Suspense, mysteries, hate, love, anger, forgiveness.. It was so powerful that I wasn't really sure how it would end. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I couldn't put this book down. If you love a book that encompasses everything, but is so well written, you'll adore this one. I'm forever a fan of this author
I received an ARC for an honest review. I don't give out great reviews unless they are earned. This one deserves every bit of praise. BRAVO.
This is truly about finding your first love and having a second chance, but that's not really how it started.. It happened by chance. Kel and Lizzie had such a strong and heartbreaking past, that I'm not sure how anyone could get through that.. However you could tell they really never stopped loving each other.
This book had everything. Suspense, mysteries, hate, love, anger, forgiveness.. It was so powerful that I wasn't really sure how it would end. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I couldn't put this book down. If you love a book that encompasses everything, but is so well written, you'll adore this one. I'm forever a fan of this author
I received an ARC for an honest review. I don't give out great reviews unless they are earned. This one deserves every bit of praise. BRAVO.
February 16, 2016
4.5 stars
Kelton was a mystery before this book. Based off how he cared for his family you knew he could love you just didn't know why he chose not to. Getting all the details and background to it in this book really opened my eyes and allowed me to see him in a while other light.
Elizabeth was one of those characters you hope you'll get. She was strong, self-assured, badass, and sassy. But she had a softer side to her that she reserved for those who meant something to her. Her story wasn't full of rainbows and butterflies she lived a hard life but she was able to find the beauty in it.
This story was full of love and healing old wounds. Seeing the past try to tear people a part but instead hold them together and make them stronger was beautiful. This was an amazing story of love, loss, and living your life anyway.
Reviewed advanced copy.
Kelton was a mystery before this book. Based off how he cared for his family you knew he could love you just didn't know why he chose not to. Getting all the details and background to it in this book really opened my eyes and allowed me to see him in a while other light.
Elizabeth was one of those characters you hope you'll get. She was strong, self-assured, badass, and sassy. But she had a softer side to her that she reserved for those who meant something to her. Her story wasn't full of rainbows and butterflies she lived a hard life but she was able to find the beauty in it.
This story was full of love and healing old wounds. Seeing the past try to tear people a part but instead hold them together and make them stronger was beautiful. This was an amazing story of love, loss, and living your life anyway.
Reviewed advanced copy.
March 3, 2016
I loved this book. This is one of my favorite series. I love that it doesn't take place in high school like the first two books did! Kade and Lacey make an appearance in this book!!!
Lizzie is back in Boston for one reason and one reason only, to find the man who is stealing from her. She never expected to run into Kelton. But he turns he life upside down.
Kelton is content with keeping up with his playboy ways. Every since his heart was broken when he was younger, watching his brother suffer the death of his girlfriend and watching his father suffer has made him never want love. He is so closed off that he doesn't let himself feel. Once he sees Lizzy things begin to change. Can he open his heart to live even with the possibility he can get hurt?
I loved watching Kelton grow into the man he is. He is amazing and I can't wait to read more about the Maxwell men!!!
Lizzie is back in Boston for one reason and one reason only, to find the man who is stealing from her. She never expected to run into Kelton. But he turns he life upside down.
Kelton is content with keeping up with his playboy ways. Every since his heart was broken when he was younger, watching his brother suffer the death of his girlfriend and watching his father suffer has made him never want love. He is so closed off that he doesn't let himself feel. Once he sees Lizzy things begin to change. Can he open his heart to live even with the possibility he can get hurt?
I loved watching Kelton grow into the man he is. He is amazing and I can't wait to read more about the Maxwell men!!!
February 17, 2019
Dare to Love drew me, chewed me up and spit me out and I loved every second of it. I ended up reading in twice in as many days because I just could not get enough of Kelton. There was a scene where I just had to put my book down and just cry. And while I do have ugly cries with my books, it’s extremely rare when I actually have to physically take a break from it. I had to with Dare to Love.
Afraid to risk his heart, Kelton puts it all on the line when the one that got away comes back. She’s sassy, sweet and I adore her badassery. She’s the perfect yin to his yang. S.B. Alexander once again created characters that we can get to know, love and grow with. Kelton completely stole my heart with this one. I cannot wait for Kross and Kody’s books.
Afraid to risk his heart, Kelton puts it all on the line when the one that got away comes back. She’s sassy, sweet and I adore her badassery. She’s the perfect yin to his yang. S.B. Alexander once again created characters that we can get to know, love and grow with. Kelton completely stole my heart with this one. I cannot wait for Kross and Kody’s books.
February 18, 2016
Kenton and lizzie=love
The story was just as fantastic as kade and lacy
I really enjoyed getting to know the real Melton and what made him the way he was and the way he thought of the world and then watching him grow and reevaluate what he thought he wanted things to be like to what was important and needful in his life.
Going thru his journey with liaise was at times heartbreaking and humerus at times. Liaise was quite strong figure yet had her issues like Melton and to go through all of the problems and issues with them growing to where they needed to be was heartwarming.
S.b. writes very strong characters in her male, female characters that I enjoy reading about.
Keep up the great stories, can't wait for crosses story.
The story was just as fantastic as kade and lacy
I really enjoyed getting to know the real Melton and what made him the way he was and the way he thought of the world and then watching him grow and reevaluate what he thought he wanted things to be like to what was important and needful in his life.
Going thru his journey with liaise was at times heartbreaking and humerus at times. Liaise was quite strong figure yet had her issues like Melton and to go through all of the problems and issues with them growing to where they needed to be was heartwarming.
S.b. writes very strong characters in her male, female characters that I enjoy reading about.
Keep up the great stories, can't wait for crosses story.
February 18, 2016
This is the first book I've read in the series, I had no trouble with the characters and storyline. It truly can be read as a stand alone. Kelton and Liz grew up together. Just as their hormones are exploding and they are exploring first love, a horrible accident devastates both their families. Her parents move her family away, and Kelton is crushed. Seven years later, they meet again. He's modeling nude for her art class and she's in disguise. Alone in the world, she's fighting a huge battle, and Kelton is doing his thing, making sure no one gets too close. The ensuing story is sweet, romantic, a tad agntsy, and very entertaining. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I have a request for the author...give me some more Dillon!!!!
February 22, 2016
This was a heart warming love story. Kelton is the cocky alpha that we all fall in love with. He is the strong willed man that can only be brought to his knees by the one woman who owed his heart. Lizzie is a strong willed woman that has only ever loved Kelton. Her life has been turned upside down and she needs answers that may just cost her the one man she wants most. Thrown back into the tornado of their love the one question is can they survive? Lies, deceit and the mafia get thrown into the mix and it makes you guessing on the outcome. This is the first book by S.B. that I have read and I can honestly say that I was drawn in by the first chapter. I love her writing style and the pace of the character development. I highly suggest you read this book you will not be disappointed.
February 27, 2016
Kelton Maxwell is Prince charming on steed or so he like to think, HeiN be your superhero or your Angel from above but he won't ever be your ever after cause he doesn't do love. Doesn't really matter how you put it he won't make the commitment, so with that come no promises but a whole lot of sarcasm and smart mouthing, his family is his main and only focus.
He has Senn his older brother fall and become a victim to ramance, the girl he has is a real keeper but he won't take that chance in open up and falling in love....until a girl from his past comes blasting quietly and practically smacking him in the face bring back old hurtful feelings from a young tender age, he has always tried with all his might to forget and never wanted to put himself through that kind of pain again.
He has Senn his older brother fall and become a victim to ramance, the girl he has is a real keeper but he won't take that chance in open up and falling in love....until a girl from his past comes blasting quietly and practically smacking him in the face bring back old hurtful feelings from a young tender age, he has always tried with all his might to forget and never wanted to put himself through that kind of pain again.
February 27, 2016
** I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! **
Dare to Love chewed me up and spit me out . It is the third book in the Maxwell Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read any other pieces by S.B. Alexander but I'm on my way to purchasing them!!
Afraid to risk his heart, Kelton puts it all on the line when the one girl that got away comes back. Both Kelton and Lizzie are guarded , Scared to love , but can they overcome the tragedies from their past and their current issues to live happily ever after?
Kelton completely stole my heart. I cannot wait for Kross and Kody’s books.
Dare to Love chewed me up and spit me out . It is the third book in the Maxwell Series but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read any other pieces by S.B. Alexander but I'm on my way to purchasing them!!
Afraid to risk his heart, Kelton puts it all on the line when the one girl that got away comes back. Both Kelton and Lizzie are guarded , Scared to love , but can they overcome the tragedies from their past and their current issues to live happily ever after?
Kelton completely stole my heart. I cannot wait for Kross and Kody’s books.
February 18, 2016
An absolutely fabulous story from Sue has been the reward for waiting for this book. As a big fan of the Maxwell bros I've been patiently waiting for its release and now it's here and read I can't recommend this book highly enough. Fluently written the story line has third party interests for our Lizzie, dangers and problems round corners and a fight to get the man she loves and her inheritance. Extremely entertaining, steamy in places but not overdone and quite funny haha as well. Very highly recommended read
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