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Dare Me

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Five coworkers. Four drinks. Three glances. Two fleeting smiles. One dare. A dare that will change my life. That’s all it takes to send me plummeting into the arms of the mysterious Holt Hamilton. Behind his crystal blue eyes is a secret, one that screams danger but calls to me anyway. My name is Saige Phillips. I never walk away from a dare.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2016

233 people are currently reading
2215 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Shea

23 books2,694 followers
I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and currently reside in Phoenix, AZ with my family.

Aside from reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, watching my boys play football, my daughter dance, and baking (not cooking...those are two very different things!)

I am obsessed with margarita's, coffee, and diet coke and can't live without my iPad.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
Profile Image for Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads.
689 reviews13.8k followers
March 29, 2016
****** 4.5 Stars *******

Rebecca Shea’s Dare Me was not what I was expecting at ALL. For some insane reason when I originally read the blurb I was thinking dark, illicit, scandalous, dirty... I even thought there might be cheating? I don’t know where I got that idea because when I finished reading the book, I actually went back to read the blurb and I was like, “Huh! I read way more into that than I should have.” ***cue laughing***

So yeah… this was not that kind of read at all.

It was FANTASTIC . It was sweet and steamy and intense! It most definitely had heart wrenching moments, angst, but it was also fun, and the romance between Holt and Saige was downright decadent. Dreamy. My first thought upon finishing was, “Can I rewind the day and read this again.” I LOVED it. From the heart pounding prologue to the incredible Epilogue, I was stolen by these characters.

Holt was demanding and controlling, yet maintained this perfect air of vulnerability that made my thighs quiver and turned my heart into a puddle of mush. He was an incredible person. He wanted so much good for Saige. I loved the purity in his intentions. He wasn't an asshole. He wasn't over the top. He was, simply put, perfection. From the moment I read his first scene, I wanted him on EVERY PAGE. I longed for him. I was hooked, easily owned by that dirty talking, sexy, sweet, alpha.

So #HowHotIsHolt, ladies?
He is HOTTTTTTTTTT! HOTTTTTTTTTT!

Here's a little example of his hotness....

“Do you see that “Do you see that conference room table?” he breathes into my ear. I nod and look at the smooth wood table behind him. “You’re going to find out what it’s like to be fucked on that table.” I swallow hard and inhale sharply. “And my desk,” he says, turning me gently by my chin to look at his large executive desk. “You’re going to be bent over the edge of that desk with your perfect ass in the air, trying to not scream my name.” His blue eyes darken as he speaks.
“Holt,” my voice hitches, and I have to hold on to his biceps to keep my unstable legs from giving out.
“Wait, I’m not done yet.” He presses a gentle kiss to my lips before he turns and looks out his office wall of windows. “And then I want you naked . . . against that wall of glass, overlooking all of Chicago while I’m inside of you. I want your perfect tits pressed against that cold glass while I fuck you.”
<<----- Mmm hmmm... yep. There is a lot of super sexy talk in this book!

But there is also sweetness. There is indescribable sweetness. Again his feelings for Saige were so beautiful. And the chemistry between them was exhilarating. I just kept swooning and swooning and swooning as I read. I loved the way he loved this woman.

"I look at this beautiful woman.... and I feel weak. Anything she asks of me, I’d do it. Anything she wants, it’s hers. Never have I been so powerless in all my life." <<---See? Gah. LOVED!!!!

And Saige... she is such a sweetheart. The girl is struggling with something really traumatizing from her past. It's shaped her as a person. She's back in Chicago, perusing her dream. She's working for Holt's company--Jackson Hamilton--and loving it.

I loved her friendships with her coworkers.
I loved the dynamic of the boss/employee relationship she had going on with Holt.
I loved her with her roommate.
I loved her mom and her uncle.
I just loved her.
And I sobbed for her several times. The feels in this book were real. They were intense. They were tangible.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with Dare Me. I was so happy I got swept up in the pages. It felt good. It felt easy. I had just come off another book that blew me out of the water and I was worried I would have a hard time getting into something new. But that was NOT the case! Rebecca's sharp writing, her personable and strong characters, her addicting romance, her intense plot line, all drew me in and kept me utterly invested. I felt incredible when it ended. I felt fulfilled in every single way! And that is the BEST feeling to have when finishing a novel.
Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
1,018 reviews1,186 followers
June 2, 2016
★★★★4 Stars★★★★

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Saige Phillips hasn't had the best childhood. On her thirteenth birthday, life as she knew it was going to change drastically and heartache along with despair will soon become a well known aquaintance. Fast forward ten years later and she's now a twenty three year old who works for one of the most prestigous aviation companies in Chicago.She loves the city but it also has some bittersweet memories that brings her nightmares but with the help of her loving friends and coworkers, she knows she can get through it.

One Dare.

One offer.

One lifechanging moment.

"Anything she asks of me, I'd do it. Anything she wants, it's hers. Never have I been so powerless in all my life.

Holt Hamilton has it all. Money,power,women and a loving family. He's immediately drawn to Paige and wants nothing more than to have her beside him. He finally gets his chance one night all because of a dare. But who is Holt Hamilton? Does he have secrets? And when it comes to Paige,is there really such a thing called coincidence?These two characters will embark on an all out journey that is filled with lies,deception,passion and love. Holt will make you fall in love with him while questioning the true motive of things.

"I want to fuck away all the fucked up images she'll never get out of her head, but mostly, I want to fuck away all of her pain. I want her to need me as much as I need her.

I really liked that this story was different from my normal reads. I loved the "Truth or Dare" game in the begining and how Paige was a strong heroine. Holt was a very different hero in this story and I found it refreshing. He was sweet and caring but he knew when to assert his power and get his point across. What I didn't like was the instalust. I think that everything happened way too fast for them in the begining and it made me question a lot of things. Aside from that,this was an enjoyable read with great side characters that I adored.Who doesn't love a man that has his own hashtag.

*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,009 reviews799 followers
May 11, 2019
My #1 favorite thing in a book is when the guy chases the girl. Call me old fashioned but I want my Hero's so enamored with the heroine that the pursue them relentlessly. Nothing makes me happier! I also loved the mystery as the story unfolded. Holt knew more about Saige than what he was letting on and I wanted to know the secret he was keeping. The only thing that kept this book from being perfect for me was Saige's constant pushing Holt away, but then it also showed how much Holt was willing to do to make her his. I really enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Sybil aka Lala.
478 reviews231 followers
March 29, 2016
Sometimes you just want to sit back and lose yourself in a cheesy office romance featuring the surly boss and the quirky yet sassy assistant. You want to snortle into your glass of wine as they traverse the world of office politics and chemistry that both are trying their best to deny. You want to unwind and mindlessly follow along with the feel-good yet predictable plot. Welp, this is not that book.

Saige used to have a pretty good life but that all changed when she was thirteen and a tragedy forced her life off course. Now, ten years later she has managed to carve a pretty decent life for herself and even landed herself a dream job. As an added bonus, the job comes with Holt Hamilton – owner of the company she works for and all-around eye candy in a tailored suit. She can’t deny that sparks fly whenever they are close and so when her colleagues dare her to ask him out after a round or two too many drinks, she’s all over it.



Holt has been watching Saige (and her gorgeous legs) ever since the day he hired her so when the ballsy girl asks him out for drinks he says yes. He knows he shouldn’t get close to Saige, it will all end in disaster– and not only because she’s an employee. Nope, Holt has something he’s not saying and if Saige ever finds out… well… disaster.



This was such a refreshing read. Holt is the anti-surly overbearing boss with his sweetness and readiness to dive into a relationship with Saige. The plot was anything but your run-of-the-mill office romance but also because this book was surprisingly emotional. From the prologue the author dealt with such heavy situations and from that created a perfectly laid out plot that kept my interest right until the last page. The relationship between the characters was a little insta-love but there was so much else going on behind the scenes that it provided plenty of angst.



All in all, this was a great read and if you’re looking for an office romance with a little meat on its bones – DARE ME is the book for you.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,415 followers
March 24, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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So I have to confess something before I begin this review, I have never read a Rebecca Shea book before till now. I know, I know, you must all be scolding me as to why I have never read her books before. Well, fret not because I took the dare to read my first Rebecca Shea book and I can happily say it definitely won’t be my last.

One heartbreaking prologue was all it took for me to get hooked with this story. No dare was needed as I was consumed with Rebecca Shea’s gorgeous prose. You could say that she took me down the proverbial rabbit hole where I was lost in her words, raw characters, and one beautiful love story. In this heartfelt and emotionally consuming love affair, Ms. Shea paints a literary romance of two hearts finding healing, closure, absolution, forgiveness and love.

 photo 5c9df7048d47636dacc49bdae1cd6e_zps6fwajs7b.gif “I dare you, Saige. Stay with me.”

Since I love The Dare, I honestly don’t want to say much since the story of Saige Phillips and Holt Hamilton is a story that must be experienced. Readers should tag along the journey of their whirlwind palpable romance that is layered with sex, heart, steam, and raw emotions. What started off as dare soon led Saige and Holt to discover that some risks are worth taking. And just maybe a dare might be the happily ever after that Saige and Holt has been searching for.

Rebecca Shea truly outdid herself in The Dare as she took her readers on an unforgettable and palpable love story that all began of course with a dare. A heated glance. Four drinks. One dare. One date. One unforgettable whirlwind romance. And the rest is history. So are you ready to take the dare...the dare to fall in love with what I like to call a modern day fairy tale that is sexy, sweet, beautiful and emotionally charged. There is no prince in this story but who needs a prince when you have Holt Hamilton as he will sweep you away with his undying love and devotion. All there is left to say.. I dare you to read this book.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Rebecca Shea
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,681 followers
dnf
January 25, 2018
DNF at %25

I am bored... No other reason.

This is what happens in the first %25:

They are attracted to each other, they go on a date after a bet, they spend the night in his house, they become lovey-dovey lovers. He wants to spend all nights with her and carries some of her stuff to his house. Although she thinks it is going too fast, she cannot resist him.

I don't know what to expect from the rest of the book. I am really bored.
Profile Image for Michelle.
944 reviews219 followers
Read
March 30, 2016
I dare you to ask your boss out for drinks. He says yes. They go out the next night. They go back to his place after drinks and have sweet sex. She's ready to go afterwards. He dares her to stay the night. The next day she's ready to go again. He takes her home and packs her bag so she can stay the night again. I can't take it any more...insta love is not for me. It's a wrap at 30%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,388 reviews262 followers
November 22, 2016
4 daring stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful mixture of sweetness, hotness and emotion.
I do have to admit that the storyline was always a little bit predictable for me though. I was waiting for that moment when Saige would discover the big secret that Holt was keeping from her and ultimately how much the knowledge of it would devastate her. Never the less this story was told so well and I found it so entertaining to read that the predictability never bothered me.
Overall the fun and romance between Holt and Saige was just right. It was sweet and dreamy and this balanced out all the angst and heartbreak of this novel.
My first book by Rebecca Shea and I will definitely be looking out for others.
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,908 reviews2,054 followers
April 29, 2016
description

3.5 #hotforholt stars

"Stay with me. I dare you.”


It all started with an innocent dare, or did it? The story of Saige Phillips and Holt Hamilton is a relatively low angst, romantic and sexy read that has some very emotional and harrowing moments. Whilst we didn’t feel this story brought anything new to the table insofar as it’s a popular theme, we did thoroughly enjoy it and were swept away in this well written story.

‘Sometimes in loving us, people hurt us, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love us. It’s rarely intentional but hurts like hell nonetheless.’

Our heroine, Saige has experienced extreme traumatic tragedy in her life which ultimately changed her path and broke her heart. No one should see what Saige saw at aged thirteen; no one should have to go through what she did. It was so incredibly sad and our hearts broke for her. One moment changed everything and had dire consequences on a family going through hard times.

‘She’s afraid to love. She’s afraid to get hurt.’

Fast forward ten years and this girl now has a successful and promising career ahead of her in Chicago, her hometown, working for a successful aviation company which is spearheaded by the enigmatic Holt Hamilton a.k.a one hell of a sexy mysterious alpha millionaire. Whilst Saige still struggles with her memories, she has a fabulous support network of friends to keep her up during the days. It’s at night her past rears its ugly head.

“To have no one know who you are. No one to see your scars or your flaws or your worries.”

“Is that what you want, Saige? Someone to hide all of who you really are from?”

“I don’t know.”


Holt Hamilton, be still our hearts, is the complete swoon-worthy package. He’s tall dark and handsome with the perfect balance of wickedness and a sweet and endearing vulnerability. One minute he shows his sexy commanding side whilst the next we see a soft almost lost boy side to him. Holt has secrets and personal reasons for his actions, however all is not smooth in the pursuit of love and understanding. To forgive and forget are two very difficult asks.

“You’re like this anomaly. You’re serious yet totally fun. You’re handsome yet boyishly cute. You’re controlling yet sweet.”

Because we got dual POV’s we understood what could have easily come across as a case of insta love stemming from a dare, but in this case it all came from a very special place. A big heart wanting to change the paths of others. Dare Me made for a fabulous Sunday afternoon read with a great balance of humour, emotion, passion and of course the gorgeous and intense Mr. Hamilton.

‘I want her to need me as much as I need her. I need her to want me as much as I want her. I want her to love me as much as I love her.’

description

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Profile Image for Alyse.
318 reviews26 followers
March 29, 2016
Dare Me is the first book in Rebecca Shea's new series and also the first book I've ever read by this author. I really enjoyed this author's writing and the way she SURPRISED me with this story. This blurb doesn't seem to do this story justice and it was so much MORE than I thought it was going to be. I really, really enjoyed this one. And look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Saige Phillips didn't have an easy life growing up. Right before Saige thirteen her whole world changed when her family lost everything and had to move from Chicago back to for mother's family farm. And on her thirteenth birthday, she lost her father. That loss changed her forever and stayed with her, never really able to move past it.

Fast forward ten years later, Saige is back in Chicago working at one of the most respected aviation companies in the country. She loves her job and the new friends she is making. But with her new life, her nightmares remain. But with one dare, her life (again) changes forever. That one dare leads to a night with her boss, Holt Hamilton, that leads to a relationship that either one expected.

Holt has secrets of his own, ones that could destroy the relationship with the one woman that has come to mean more to him than anything and everything else.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

**I received an ARC from InkSlinger in exchange for a honest review.**


OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Blog: http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/alyseypoo21
Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/alyseypoo21
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AlyseNovak
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/alyseypoo21
Profile Image for Beneath The Covers Blog.
1,512 reviews502 followers
March 20, 2016
*I received an ARC for my honest review*

Saige Phillips didn't have the easiest life. After tragedy struck her on a day she should have been celebrating nightmares plagued her in her sleep. Years later, one night after drinks with coworkers things got interesting on a game of truth or dare, when she was dared to ask her boss out for drinks. Will she go through with it or will she chicken out?

My heart broke for Saige, but she's a smart determined woman who was going to make her way in Chicago. Holt Hamilton, sexy, successful businessman and did I mention partal own of the company Saige works for. He doesn't do relationships, but that could all change when he meets Saige.

This was a good read for me, I felt as though in some aspects roles were reversed. In so many books the women always fall first and they are chasing the man, so I appreciate that this book was not like that. I loved their relationship and when things got rocky I was rooting for them the whole time.

~Alison
Profile Image for Ari .
933 reviews299 followers
May 31, 2016
"You. You are home."

Saige Phillips has returned to Chicago to start a new job at an aviation company. Still struggling with demons from the past, Saige hopes to finally move on from the nightmares that have plagued her since she was thirteen. But being back in Chicago just reminds her of everything she has already lost. Hoping to get her out of her head, her new co-workers invite her out for a night of fun and one little dare changes her life forever.

Dare me is a standalone novel told from duals POVs of our two MCs, Saige Phillips and Holt Hamilton. The tears were already flowing after just finishing the prologue and I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoyed Saige's character. Despite having faced a heartbreaking loss, she's still pushes forward to achieve her goals. I also love how she called bullshit on "insta-love" and didn't fall "head-over-heels" in love with Holt the moment she laid eyes on him. The romance was sweet and steamy. Holt and Saige have great chemistry and I loved the vibe between these two.

But overall, I felt that this was just a okay novel. This was a case of "it's me, not you", because I figured out the plot twist quite easily so I wasn't really surprised by anything. I was just waiting to see when shit was going to hit the fan. I also couldn't connect with Holt. His chapters were lacking and I really don't know who he is as a character because all his thoughts were centered around Saige. Everything he did was for Saige...IT WAS A BIT OBSESSIVE. At one point, I even thought that this book would've worked better if we did away with Holt's POV completely. I probably wouldn't have figure out plot twist so soon if it wasn't for his chapters XD!

The ending was sweet, but again, I was not surprised. Although I didn't completely love Dare Me, it kept me entertained for a few hours, so if your looking for a quick, easy read, I would recommend checking this book out.

description
Profile Image for talon smith.
710 reviews127 followers
March 1, 2016
Every once in a while I like to indulge myself in some good ole fashioned romance novels. Okay, so I do that all of the time BUT the problem with that is, most of the stories and the story lines are the same. They run together. Most of the characters are the same. And you ALWAYS know what is going to happen one way or another. Well, with Dare Me, you don’t have any of those problems.

Oh Holt. Holt, Holt, Holt. Thank you for not being the typical, cliché, hero that most books contain. I mean, this guy actually had a sense of humor. He is still brooding and temperamental, don’t get me wrong but his character was also a very dynamic character. I was also very pleased with Saige. Given her circumstances, she didn’t let them defy her like most heroines in books do. She wasn’t what most would consider a “weak heroine”. She was quirky and fun and I enjoyed her all around throughout the whole book.


Secondary characters. Remember: secondary characters are so huge to me! Huge. So with that being said, I think Rebecca did a fantastic job at creating secondary characters that are so diverse from the main characters themselves. And some of them are also very surprising. They brought so much to the book and to the hero/heroine.
In conclusion, this story definitely differed from most of the romances that are out now. I’m not saying there aren’t some hot sex scenes in here (duh, there are some smoking hot sex scenes in here) but that is not what it is all about. And it’s just enough sexiness that you actually look forward to it. There’s still a plot. There’s still lessons that are learned and secrets and closure and growth in characters which to me, is a huge accomplishment.


Dare Me releases in a couple of weeks so I hope you are ready to meet Holt ;)
Profile Image for Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri .
1,335 reviews1,087 followers
March 18, 2016
Review to follow.

4.5 - 5.0 stars
Title: Dare Me
Author: Rebecca Shea
Release Date: March 28, 2016
Standalone/No cliffhanger

I DARE you not to get this book :)

A workplace game of “I Dare You” between Saige and her co-workers turns into an explosive night of toe-curling sex with her boss. Saige, a beautiful interior designer, is emotionally detached after violently witnessing a family member's death. She tries to leave it all behind and returns to her old hometown of Chicago. She suffers from PTSD-like symptoms and won’t let herself invest in a relationship where she thinks will end up disappointed. She pushes away Holt, her hot airline company owner/boss.

Can Holt tear down the walls Saige has put around her heart? Will Holt’s secret past destroy his chances for a future with the high-flying airline designer?

Dare Me was unputdownable, and I binge read this book. I needed to know what Holt's secret was. The writer could have taken this book in many different angsty directions and left us with a cliffhanger (I'm so glad she didn't). I like the way this book ended. Dare Me is a solid, sexy, well written fast read. Go one click this one!

This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Greta.
467 reviews
March 19, 2022
Troppo melodrammatico, troppo prevedibile, troppo tutto.

Saige ha perso il padre quando era piccola a seguito di un suicidio. La ragazza non si è mai data pace, ha sempre incubi nel periodo dell'anniversario di morte ma decide di trasferirsi a Chicago per lavoro e li conosce il suo capo, Holt Hamilton.

Ho storto il naso subito, dal momento che si capisce immediatamente che lui si innamora di lei appena la vede, quindi non mi ha trasmesso nulla per tutta la lettura. In più, il segreto che nasconde si capisce nel primo capitolo dal suo punto di vista. Il segreto ovviamente è legato a Saige e al padre.

Saige non l'ho goduta neanche per una pagina, insopportabile e smorfiosa. Holt aveva delle leggere riprese ma tornava sempre nella spirale da insta-love che mi faceva buttare gli occhi al cielo. Se ci mettiamo anche i tantissimi clichè (tipo lui ricco sfondato) è stata una lettura che non mi ha trasmesso proprio niente.
Profile Image for We like it big book blog.
969 reviews44 followers
March 18, 2016
Melanie's Review

Wow. I believe I’ve found myself a new favorite Rebecca Shea book. As some of you may know, I’m a huge proponent of this author and I’ve followed her from the very beginning. Her past books have always been awesome, never has this author yet to let me down but this book definitely had the “it” factor. There is something for everyone in this book. It’s the kind that I know I’ll be reaching for time and time again for re-reads. There aren’t too many books out there that I’m able to say that about. Dare Me, is a book worth starting because I guarantee, once you’ve started, there is no stopping. Addictive and provocative, Rebecca Shea shines impressively bright in this book shelf worthy book.

How Hot Is Holt? SWELTERING, BLISTERING, SEARING. HOT. Everything about this guy was absolute perfection and I’ve just become a Holt addict for life. FOR LIFE (yes, it absolutely deserves repeating in all caps). I’m sorry, Landon Christiansen for I have strayed but I hope you understand just how difficult it is to resist perfection and I’m on bended knee proposing marriage to Holt Hamilton. To have and to hold—forever and ever. OMG. I’ve seriously lost it. That’s what this guy has done to me. I was taken off guard by how much of an alpha-male he is. I live and breathe, alpha-males done right and Holt Hamilton was constructed with absolute perfection. He had such an air of confidence. Successful, powerful, and decisive yet he made me so weak in the knees with how caring and gentle he was towards Saige. There were so many moments, if not, all throughout the book that I wish I could pluck Saige out of the pages and somehow plop myself in as her understudy instead just so I can get in on the HH action. Holt Hamilton, without question is a top contender in the world of fictional book boyfriends/husbands. I AM WILD for you HOLT HAMILTON!!!

I always love Rebecca’s heroines. They are strong individuals whom you know would be able to navigate through life on their own just fine. I appreciate that she puts intelligence in the forefront when it comes to her female protagonists as well. Saige Phillips is just that. Hard working, talented, and intelligent to add on to her mile long legs, sparkling green eyes, and svelte physique. I mean, no wonder why someone like Holt would find it hard to resist her. Damn, I found it hard to resist her—les-be-honest. She has a strong sense of self even with her demons constantly haunting her. Ugh. The prologue. What a way to introduce Saige to us all. My eyes misty and my heart aching, I knew that her journey throughout this book would be emotional.

Not only has this book become my favorite, but Holt and Saige have also officially become my favorite of Ms. Shea’s fictional couples as well. The force between these two is strong. The connection that binds them together is profound and I swear, I basked in every afterglow alongside these characters. The mix of clawing desperation and the calmness that they could only find with one another drove me crazy. I love that Holt fights to hold on to Saige, love that he was so accepting of her flaws, and even more so, I loved that he saw her flaws as part of who she is. Plain and simple, I loved every moment I spent with them. I couldn’t get enough of what Rebecca Shea threw at me.

The foreboding of when the proverbial “other shoe” would drop, it’s like you can see the train wreck that’s about to take place and yet you still wince and groan in pain when it finally smacks you right in the face and you just have to hold on tight and pray that the author somehow turns it all around and give these characters a happy ending they so deserve. Because that is what these two so greatly deserve. Whether they do or not, well, that’s something you’ll need to find out for yourselves.

Dare Me is one that I genuinely believe will hit the best sellers list because this book deserves it as equally as the happily ever after Holt and Saige deserve. With an “it” factor that I know the masses will love, Rebecca Shea really hit this one out of the park. Keeping her signature fresh style, she has added somewhat of a “people friendly” element to this book. I dare you, to one-click this book today. I promise, that you will be left with not only a new book boyfriend to swoon over, but also with a book hang over that is so well worth it.

PS. I will be the first (and if I’m not, I’d like to think I am) to BEG for a second book because I just can’t let Saige and Holt go just yet.

Rebecca Shea
Profile Image for J.
247 reviews17 followers
April 1, 2016
Five coworkers.
Four drinks.
Three glances.
Two fleeting smiles.
One dare.



And I DARE you not to fall in love with this book!!
Naaaaah I know you cant

4.5 "New Beginning" Stars
This was my first book by Rebecca Shea, and I'm impressed. I went into reading this not having any clue what it was about, and truth must be said I was surprised. I enjoyed is sooo much. From the 'Prologue' till the 'Epilogue' your hooked, this little book had me wrapped around its pages and I'm pleased to say that I LOVED IT.

The story of Holt and Saige began started with a dare. Yup a dare at a bar from her friends.

"You are going to go ask Holt Hamilton out for a drink."
Her boss, the guy that brought butterflies to her stomach and goosebumps to her body. She was asking the owner of the F*cking company out for a drink!

And that dare sure did turn her life upside down.

“I dare you. Those three fucking words will get me every time.”

This story is told from dual POV, it was a rocket ship that sent me off to "DARE LAND" and I didnt want to come back. I just couldnt get enough of Holt and Saige. They intimacy, their love, their 20 question games, the way they comforted each other, and their funny yet out of their comfort zone actions.


"If you’re looking for a girlfriend that turns into a fiancée that turns into a wife, we’d best just end this here, because that’s not me. I’m not that girl.”
"We'll see about that."


description

Holt Hamilton wanted to right the wrongs, a sexy as hell successful man that is wealthy yet doesnt let the money he owns control his life. He's serious yet totally fun, handsome yet boyishly cute, and controlling yet sweet. A WALKING CONTRADICTION! Holt believes that what he has accomplished is due to his best working team ever. Tell me that guy isnt worth drooling over

Saige Phillips an interior design majored woman who has moved to Chicago after accepting a job offer from Jackson-Hamilton Aviation. She is afraid to fall in love and has nightmares of her dead father's incident. She's sweet and her smile is contagious. She pushes anyone who tries to show her a glimpse of emotions. Keeping a distance is what she knows best, building a wall and guarding her heart from all the agony and pain.



But Holt is hiding something, and from the beginning I knew there was something fishy about him.
Can Holt help Saige break down the guard she has? Would the secret he hides break them?

"Because I find your flaws and your scars beautiful, and whatever worries you have, I’d like to put them to rest.”

Dare Me was an interesting story, it was full of dares, truths, love, heartbreaks, adventures and so much fun swooning moments.
I loved how Holt and Saige's relationship went fast yet no too fast ( I Know I dont make sense but you'll know what I mean when you read this). I like how this book she light on the meaning of friendship and Saige's friends' affection towards her whether from Evelyn her roommate

“If you hurt her, I’ll fucking dis-ball you with a dull razor blade. Did you forget I’m a nurse? I’ve seen the injuries a dull razor blade can inflict.”


or her groupie at work (I loved Rowan the most and his hilarious mouth,& caring heart)

“You said you were going to look out for me,” I mumble and narrow my eyes at him. He grins at me.
“Oh, sweet girl, I’ll make sure you get home okay.” Then everyone laughs.


What got me hooked on this book was how Holt fell in love with Saige from the beginning when she first walked up to him at the bar. Usually its the woman that falls first for the man and confesses her love, but not in Dare Me! He wanted her, needed her, and HAD to protect her from everything past, present and future.

"I want her to need me as much as I need her. I need her to want me as much as I want her. I want her to love me as much as I love her."



description



"Holt may have hurt me, but in doing so, he also set me free. He taught me to love again. This man with his lies brought me back to life. This man opened up my heart and dared me to love again."
Profile Image for Heather C.
691 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2016
I was so excited to read Dare Me. I have liked everything that Rebecca Shea has written. From the blurb, I thought this was going to be light hearted and fun. And then she hits us with the Prologue. Right out of the gate and I was hooked.

Saige Phillips has something tragic happen to her on her 13th birthday. It shaped who she was and who she would become. The story jumps 10 years later to her living in Chicago and recently starting as designer for one of the most prestigious aviation companies in the world. One day, she plays Truth or Dare with her co-workers at a local bar and she is dared to ask out her boss. The handsome Holt Hamilton.

That one dare changes everything.

I first want to start off with how much I love the office group dynamic. They are so eclectic and work perfectly. They constantly had me laughing with their banter. There is a little bit of character from each of them where someone will absolutely connect with them. For me, it's Rowan. I just love him to pieces and need him in my life. ASAP.

Saige is sassy, flirty and witty. There's something about Holt that just brings all of that out in her. Yet, her past leaves her a little bit jaded and a lot guarded. She is extremely relatable and very easy to connect to. I followed her journey and experienced her fun, pain and love with her.

Holt Hamilton. *Sigh* There's so much more to him than you would expect. He isn't just your typical alpha billionaire. He is an alpha in the bedroom and he is rich but he's also kind, passionate and loving.

"Anything she asks of me, I'd do it. Anything she wants, it's hers. Never have I been so powerless in all my life. She's different. I don't know what is is about her, but I'm utterly obsessed with her."

Unfortunately, his past comes back to haunt him and could potentially damage his relationship with Saige. There are some twists and turns to this story that really take you on a journey.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next book that Rebecca puts out.


*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
March 21, 2016
OMG! OMG! I hardly got ANY sleep last night thanks to this OUTSTANDING read! DARE ME was my first read from Rebecca Shea and I fell in love instantly. I'm pretty sure I held my breath the entire time. The prologue absolutely gutted me. The characters stole my heart. Their story shattered my soul. But in the end, the author gave us a happily ever after that was so worth the tons and tons of tears I shed. So, as I sit and write this review, completely surrounded by tissues, with red puffy eyes an achy heart, I can't help but have a huge smile on my face. Saige and Holt were AMAZING characters that I can't get out of my head or my heart. The way their lives were entangled in such a poetic way was just beautiful. I'm so incredibly happy I found this author because I adore her writing and the way she strips her characters bare. The emotion and feels jump off of the pages with each turn. I just couldn't get enough. DARE ME took my breath away! What an outstanding introduction for me from this author. Needless to say, I WILL be reading more from Shea as soon as I get my greedy little hands on them.

Young couple in bed together

*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,856 reviews81 followers
March 29, 2016
Be prepared!

*Warning:

Holt Hamilton is undeniably sexy. He is wealthy. He is commanding.
Holt is her boss. He is sweet. He is comforting. He has his own hashtag...#HowHotIsHolt

Saige is excited to be back in Chicago. She wants to make an impression on that city that has always held a part of her. She has a job she loves, her best friend as a roommate, and fun coworkers who know how to make your day. She isn't looking for anything more.

One night out and everything changes...
One dare and everything changes...

Now things aren't so simple and Saige isn't so sure about where her life is going.

One man changed everything, but Saige isn't aware how much will change when she finds out the truth!

*Warning:

Rebecca Shea's goal may not have been to leave you an emotional mess, but she succeeded. She may or may not have wanted you heartbroken like Saige, but well, she succeeded. I am also of the impression that she intentionally turned the heartache up, on purpose mind you, to make you more vulnerable...I mean Saige, to make Saige more vulnerable. She succeeded.

Congrats on a heartbreaking then warming book and stealing another piece of my heart. Sometimes when you read a book, you can tell that anything the author writes after that will probably effect you the same way...I now have a special place on my TBR for the rest of Rebecca Shea's books.

reviewed for Reviews from the Heart
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,979 reviews208 followers
March 31, 2016
When I started reading Dare Me, I had expected this to be a witty read with a touch of some sort of angst in it. What I didn’t expect was the emotions I would feel when everything I wasn’t expecting came to fruition.

“I dare you. Those three fucking words will get me every time.”

Dare Me has a little bit of everything mixed together. It’s witty and humorous, suspenseful and angst. I loved the characters – both main and secondary. I loved how Rebecca wrote this story and let it play out. It’s a slow build and then everything unfolds and you are left going through every emotion.

“Use your wings —soar. Embrace your life.”

The story is told from both Holt and Saige’s POV. Can I just point out that not only do I love the characters, but I freaking love their names! Anyway – the camaraderie between Saige and her coworkers and roommate is just amazing – so natural and real. The connection between Holt and Saige is sorta insta-love but neither admit it. But at the same time, they build upon it til they can’t lie to themselves or each other.

“What’re you doing to me? The same thing you’re doing to me.”

Another hit for Rebecca Shea. I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s got a lot of humor in it which keeps things light. Yet it doesn’t take away from the emotion where it’s needed. Overall, it’s a well rounded story that Rebecca wrote extremely well.
Profile Image for Luiza.
223 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2016
Delícia de livro....
4.5 - 5 estrelas

Depois de passar pelo menos 15 dias num bloqueio chato demais...
Nada agradava, nada era legal, e de repente surge um livro pra aliviar todas as tensões e trazer a alegria de conseguir ler de volta!
Isso é priceless!!! hahahhaha

O livro começa bem fofo, numa interação Pai-filha bem legal, e logo em seguida, já solta o primeiro WOW.... EPA... CALMA LÁ....
Fiquei até pensando q seria um super dark devido aos fatos, mas não....

Esse é mais um livro onde amar o mocinho é a coisa mais fácil do mundo!
Nada de frescuras, sabe o q quer, e encara!
Já a Saige - detalhe para o nome MARAVILHOSO - é daquelas mais machucadinhas, q as vezes tem mto nhenhenhe, perdidissima dentro dela mesma e dos próprios sentimentos... mas ela é fofa, ela tem um coração enorme e me conquistou sim!

A jogada das apostas é bem divertida, o q muda um pouco a dinâmica do livro... gostei e mto!
Se alguém achar um Holt sobrando ae, manda pra cá! =D
Profile Image for Abby O’Shea.
263 reviews59 followers
March 6, 2016
4.5 stars!!!!
My eyes are leaking, and they've been doing that pretty steadily for the last 30 minutes or so of this book. I LOVED IT!!! I fell hard & fast for these characters. Holt is hot! He's strong and commanding, sexy and broody, but he's not the typical alpha as*hole we are so used to seeing in contemporary romances. He's refreshing and totally swoon-worthy! I also loved Saige. She has a ton of email all scars, and lots of baggage, but she doesn't come off as weak or whiney. She's still fierce and funny, despite her horrific past. I really enjoyed the supporting characters too. The best friend is often my favorite character in a book. In Dare Me, Saige has a group of friends who are all unique and diverse, and I loved them all!
This book hooked me instantly, and kept me interested throughout. I didn't want to put it down! Another winner from Rebecca Shea!!
Profile Image for Marieke ~ Marieke's Books.
454 reviews25 followers
March 28, 2016
“It’s me,” I whisper, wanting him to know he’s not hallucinating. I’m here. And I’m not leaving him again. Ever. He swallows hard and clears his throat. “I know. Don’t you ever leave me again.”

Saige Phillips has just start working after finishing school. She has landed herself a job as an interior designer at one of the nation’s leading aviation companies, not because of her looks but because she has excellent qualifications. She is good at her job, and enjoys working with her colleagues and living in Chicago with her friend. Ten years ago Saige’s world was shattered when her father killed himself, and to this day she’s suffering from the loss, doesn’t do romantic relationships. When her co-workers dare her during some after work drinks, it doesn’t take long before sparks start to fly between Saige and their boss. Sparks Saige doesn’t want or need.
“I take note of how he’s rolled up the sleeves of his blue dress shirt, and his tie is loosened and hanging from underneath his pressed collar. I like—wait, no—I love casual Holt. I take a deep breath and will myself not to faint. “Ms. Phillips,” he says as I finally reach his table. “Mr. Hamilton.”

Holt Hamilton is a self-made man with a successful business, but he acknowledges he did so with the help of his hardworking employees and the right investors. At age 19 his father’s wrongdoings rocked his world, and to this day Holt is making amends for his father’s mistakes. He doesn’t have to do so, but he feels morally obliged to repair all damage done. Just like in his business, Holt knows what he wants in his personal life, and since he has met Saige in person she’s all he wants.
“Saige.” I turn and address her, keeping it together on the outside while my insides thrum wildly at the sight of her. “Mr. Hamilton.” She smiles warmly at me. “Holt,” I correct her. “Holt,” she acknowledges.”

From the moment Holt and Saige met at the office, there is an attraction between them, but it takes a silly dare to actual start talking. Both have lived lives before they’ve met, and both know what they want and like; inside and outside the bedroom. The developing feelings between them is what makes it different from all previous relationships. But where Holt embraces the developing relation, due to her believes and insecurities Saige fights him at every corner. It takes a lot of patience from Holt and hard work from Saige before the couple has a chance at an Happily Ever After.

Dare Me is my first read by Rebecca Shea, and she has pleasantly surprised me. I enjoy her writing style and the realistic way she portrays her characters. The story is told in a double POV, therefor you get to understand the thoughts and motives of both Saige and Hold. Besides the main characters I like the secondary characters, they are supportive of the couple and are not the cause for extra drama. I also like that for once there aren’t crazy and jealous ex-partners in the mix, everything that does happen is fitting for the story.
“I knew you’d use those words against me someday.” She laughs as more tears spill from her eyes. I’ll never forget her spitting out those words on my patio… that she’d never be my girlfriend turned fiancée turned wife. I made it my mission to prove her wrong and, proudly, she’s mine. My fiancée.”

I love Dare Me, and I will definitely pick up the other books by this author. I give the story of Holt and Saige 4.5 stars.


~~ Dare Me was provided in exchange for an honest review ~~


Check out my blog: www.mariekesbooks.com
Profile Image for Jackie (Jackie's Book World) .
929 reviews60 followers
March 30, 2016
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

Dare Me is the first book in the Dare Me Series, and the first book I've read by the author as well which did not disappoint. At the beginning of the book we get to meet Saige Phillips who happens to work at an aviation company in Chicago. After losing her dad at such a young age, she has worked hard to be able to do something for herself and show her family that she can get out of the farm and be successful. So when she got the job to work at one of the most prominent aviation companies in the country, she immediately accepted the offer not knowing that her life was about to change forever.

As soon as she started working for Holt Hamilton, Saige started to develop a crush on him, and that soon plays a role on the next thing that happens to her. When her coworkers take her out for drinks, they see Holt at the bar and dare Saige to ask him to go out with her for drinks. Being Saige, she wasn't about to run away from a dare, and that is when she asked Holt out right on the spot and soon their relationship starts to grow. As the two start to spend more time together, they begin to trust in each other more. Secrets starts to reveal themselves and their relationship is put in jeopardy.

Holt has found success and wealth, but not even money could ever begin to change his past. After the events that he saw as a child, he always wanted to be better and make a new for himself. Now that he has exactly what he wanted, his life suddenly changes when Saige gets into his life. Now he has to convince her that they are good together before everything falls apart. I loved the characters in the book, the two want to better themselves and move on from their pasts, but it is because of their pasts that they are not fully there yet. The synopsis didn't reveal what the whole book was going to be about, and that made it that much more intriguing to read. With all the twists and turns in the story, I found myself unable to stop reading the book. I enjoyed reading the ending, and I can't wait to read more form the author. Overall, if you're looking for a romantic read that will has twists and tuns throughout the story then I would highly recommend reading this book, it will not disappoint. :)

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
March 28, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

There was something very different about Rebecca Shea's Dare Me and while at times the stubbornness of the heroine grew tiresome and the instalove was really unbelievable and the fact that the hero lied by omission about something we all knew as going to come back and bite him on the a$$, I still enjoyed this book very much. This was a different love story; the two main characters are connected in a couple of different ways which sets up a very interesting dynamic. It was intriguing, it was outrageous and it was sexy and all in all it was a book that makes me want to read this author again.

For the last ten years Saige Phillips has tried to move past an event that changed her life forever, now back in Chicago, a city that holds good memories for her, she loves her job and her co-workers.

A happy hour game of truth or dare has her confronting Holt Hamilton, her boss and one of the owners of the company she works for, and asking him out for a drink. A drink that turns into dinner that turns in to so much more than she bargained for.

I admired Saige a lot for everything she's overcome and the life she has built for herself. While it bothered me that she refused to adequately deal with her past, I could also understand why she was reluctant to do so and I also understood why she refused to believe in what Holt was offering and while she held herself back.

I liked Holt a great deal; I understood his motivation and I even understood his lies by omission (although to be honest I felt that whole part of the story was way too predictable). I felt throughout it all his heart was in the right place and he had the very best of intentions.

I loved that they were both very intelligent people; that they went in knowing their personal relationship might impact their professional one no matter how hard they tried to not let it and I loved the need they both had for each other. Their physical relationship turned very quickly into more than that despite Saige demanding that's all it could be.

This was a fast paced, sexy, incredibly well written story and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Hooker Heels Book Blog.
389 reviews46 followers
March 29, 2016
I FLOVED this book! It was humorous, emotional, passionate and oh so damn hot!

I know I say every book by Rebecca is my favorite, but this lady just keeps blowing me away with these wonderful stories and extraordinary characters. This book honest to goodness, truly has all the makings of a perfect novel and then some.

I know a book is great when I catch myself actually checking to see how much is left, because I do not want it to end. Well I continuously did so with Dare Me and I was so caught up that when I read the words The End, I begged the author to give me more.

The hashtag #HowHotIsHolt certainly isn’t for hits and giggles. Holt was one sexy, domineering, dirty talking bad boy executive earned that earned that hashtag in spades. The thing that captivated me the most with him was his vulnerability and persistence when it came to Saige. This guy is certainly not your classic bad boy CEO that you have seen in other stories. This one is special ladies.

Saige was a really remarkable character. Her dynamic was so ardently compelling, that I could literally feel my own heart breaking right along with hers in some scenes. Doing her best to hide her pain, the struggle to balance tragedy, career and relationships in her life, showed an amount of strength that was phenomenal and she was the perfect match for Holt.

Holt and Saige were a force to be reckoned with and had one of the most amazing chemistries of any couple that I have ever read. Their story is one that makes you fall in love with romance all over again and it is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
Profile Image for Michelle.
572 reviews121 followers
November 22, 2016
Who is Holt Hamilton? This is the big question when reading this story. He obviously knows all about Saige's life and her father's tragic death but what secret is he hiding and why? I loved trying to figure this out. He is one hot mystery that I couldn't wait to solve. Because the synopsis is so vague I really didn't know what was going to happen. I love Saige and seeing how she deals with her past trauma and how much she works to try to keep herself together when she really needs is to move forward which is much easier said than done. Her character is really realistic in dealing with her past and striving for a new future. I like seeing Holt really push for their relationship. He really fights and is determined to make her happy even though he is keeping a secret. It took me quite a while to realize what his secret is and it is definitely something that could break his relationship with Saige. There are old memories to work through, new exciting things to discover, lives to live and new love in store for these characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, I shed some tears and I will look into reading another Rebecca Shea book.

I received this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nikki.
397 reviews
April 1, 2016
Rebecca Shea is a favorite author of mine. I was excited for this new book from her. From the blurb, I didn't really know what to expect. The story was great, the writing excellent. I LOVE office romances (even though this book is much more than JUST that). I also love male leads that work to right wrongs - Oh Holt!
Saige is a believable female lead - she's good at her job, smart, but is dealing with some history (no spoilers!) On a dare from her co-workers, she asks the owner Holt out for a drink. He says yes and the fun starts.
Written in dual POV perfectly. I love when an author gets the male POV so right.
Another great one from Rebecca Shea!
Profile Image for Vicky Sp.
1,816 reviews130 followers
March 8, 2019
Mi è piaciuto molto Holt, il personaggio maschile. Propositivo e dai tratti forti ma sempre ben dosato, nonostante il fardello che si porta dietro.
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