Love is a risk worth taking in this sizzling romance about secrets and second chances…
Scarlett Devereaux’s life on the Gulf Coast went from riches to rags so scandalously fast that she barely had time to kiss her Jimmy Choos goodbye. Now, with a new alias (Lily Barns), a new budget (tighter than a pair of Spanx), and a new job on the vacation island of Angel Fire Falls, she’s daring to reinvent herself.
Single dad Trace Remington is devoted first and foremost to raising his young son, who has Asperger’s. With flying his floatplane and salvaging his family’s island resort too, he has time for little else. His brothers think he needs a break from his all-work-no-play lifestyle, so they goad him into action. In response to their dare, Trace asks a sexy tourist for her number, only to discover afterward that she’s the resort’s brilliant new hospitality manager.
The sparks of flirtation soon ignite into a flame too hot to ignore. But Lily and Trace both have pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Now, they’ll need to admit their secrets to each other…or risk ending their relationship before it really begins.
Shelly Alexander was a 2014 Golden Heart® finalist, a 2019 RITA® finalist, and an Amazon #1 Bestseller in several categories.
Shelly grew up traveling the world, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and worked in the business world for twenty-five years. With four older brothers, she watched every Star Trek episode ever made, joined the softball team instead of ballet class, and played with G.I. Joes while the Barbie Corvette stayed tucked in the closet. When she had three sons of her own, she decided to escape her male-dominated world by reading romance novels and has been hooked ever since. Now, she spends her days writing steamy contemporary romances while tending to, two tiny toy poodles named Mozart and Midge (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
Ahhh, the webs we weave because of the sins of our father, because when the truth comes out, it can be heartbreaking…Scarlett has packed her Gucci bags, created a new identity and taken a job far from the nightmares of her past. Maybe she can rebuild her life on the small island of Angel Fire Falls at a family-run resort getaway. Lily Barns is born, determined, talented, and with a heart of gold.
Trace has a full plate, no time for the frivolities of love or romance. A single dad raising a young son with Asperger’s, a hands-on businessman trying to breathe new life into the family resort, there is no time to chase skirts or just have fun.
Shelly Alexander’s DARE ME ONCE is “that” romance that makes you laugh, want to cry and wish to Cupid that, for once, two people will take a chance on trusting another just enough to be honest about who they are, what makes them tick and what dark secrets hide in their pasts! And maybe they could be a little more accepting, too, hmmm, Trace?!
From page one, I adored Lily! The meeting between her, Trace and some little ducklings was priceless! Watching Lily interact with Trace’s young son was so heartwarming. Trace, now here is a man was many moods, many faces and often, a little too much starch in his shorts. He took brooding to a whole new level.
Ms. Alexander spices things up with an attraction that sizzles, turmoil that boils over and ghosts from the past that come back with a vengeance. Fabulous family dynamics abound, but the tsunami of conflict created could sink the Titanic and even Cupid will have his work cut out for him. A quick and fun read that had me hoping that love COULD conquer all!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Montlake Romance!
Series: Angel Fire Falls - Book 1 Publisher: Montlake Romance (July 17, 2018) Publication Date: July 17, 2018 Genre: Contemporary Romance Print Length: 284 pages Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Dare Me Once is the first of a series by Shelly Alexander. The author is new to me but I enjoyed her at writing style and loved her take on this single dad romance. She was able to bring reality and romance to the tiny little town. I'm excited to see what else she has in store for the Remington men.
Trace and his brothers have returned home, one by one, to lick their wounds and start anew. They have slowly been take over the family resort from their dad but they all realize that they need a little help. I liked the dynamic between the brothers, their father and especially Trace's son. The strong family bond that was created between the characters made it hard to set the book down.
Lily was a breath of fresh air. I loved the different sides of her. She was smart, funny, caring and determined to make her new job a success. I found myself wondering what she was going to do to make a difference and become successful in her new roll. I loved her transformation from her Jimmy Choo's to the hiking boots.
Trace and Lily had immediate chemistry. The moments they shared while parenting and also behind closed doors were realistic and made the book more enjoyable.
3.75 stars.🌟🌟🌟 Nice and also kind of cutesy small town romance. Well written and easy-flowing read. I really liked Lily, a strong heroine and no pushover. She really did have a good moral compass, acting with integrity- even though she has this really big secret that she feels compelled to hide from everybody in Angel Fire Falls. Trace was fine as the single father managing a kid with Asperger's but somehow his personality never really came across that much in reading this book for me unlike Lily or Ben( Trace's son). Absolutely adored the ducks ( yes- there really is a family of motherless ducklings included). Trace's ex however, was definitely more than a little crazy and also an extremely pathetic excuse for a mother but fortunately she only features fairly minimally in this story. Overall I found this to be a really fun and entertaining read by Shelly Alexander.
ARC received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A nice light read, with good strong main characters, whose chemistry is clear. Lily has integrity and strength. Trace was good as a character, and is a single dad to a child of Aspergers, but I did feel he could have been given more layers.
Trace's son Ben was a lovely addition to the story, as were the ducks!
We also have a horrid ex-wife/mother in the form of Ben's mum.
Cada um passa a pandemia como pode, certo? Eu tenho feito uso pesado de literatura erótica. Ajuda, mas ainda não acertei a dose, demais nunca faz o que promete. E por isso peguei Dare me Once, da americana Shelly Alexander.
Pensa num romance erótico com um monte de gente bonita e legal, sem grandes conflitos, ou pelo menos conflitos fáceis de resolver... e você tem Dare me Once! O livro traz a história de Lily, que está fugindo de um escândalo familiar, e Trace, um pai divorciado que luta para cuidar sozinho do filho com síndrome de Asperger.
Confesso que não conheço o suficiente da síndrome de Asperger para avaliar o livro nesse aspecto. Mas fiquei com a sensação que Trace também não conhece bem o assunto, apesar da boa intenção com relação ao filho. Lily coitada, foi quase que bode expiatório do escândalo familiar, então ela é uma boa pessoa, excelente profissional, que foi queimada a toa.
Os dois personagens são jovens, bonitos e têm uma química excelente. Logo, a leitura no quesito pimenta é muito boa, e a autora não perde oportunidades e sabe escrever boas cenas de sexo. Excelente leitura leve para quem gosta de literatura erótica. Não chega a ter nada muito exótico nesse âmbito, sendo leve nesse sentido também, mas a autora sabe o que está fazendo.
Ótima sugestão de leitura para aqueles momentos em que você precisa simplesmente descansar o cérebro e não se irritar.
I loved a flirty Trace, "he followed her into the bathroom, where she swiped on mascara. He placed a hand on her hip. “Yes, I’ve seen every inch of you, and I gotta say . . . you’ve got some prime real estate under that towel.” Sometimes Lily has to get a little physical, "he nipped at her bottom lip. “Those shorts are very persuasive.” She pinched him. “Ouch.” He flinched. She pinched him again. “Ouch.” He laughed. “I take it back.” I liked this book, I fell in love with Trace.
Great start to a new series. I really liked the story. Lily is hiding and what better place to escape her checkered past, through no fault of her own, than changing her name and moving to the Pacific Northwest. Moving to an island and using her skills in hotel management, bringing this family resort into this century should be an easy putt for her. Were in not for Trace the oldest of the Remington brothers and single dad to a young boy with Aspergers. Trace meets Lily in the airport although he doesn't realize it until they meet again on the island. He's a pilot and her ride to the island. Though they cross paths and Lily finds her own way, come heavy rainstorm on a three wheel bicycle or high water. Oh and hauling a motherless flock of newborn ducklings. Trace isn't happy about his father hiring someone to help bring the resort up to speed, he isn't happy about Lily or the ducks. Despite the fact that his son takes to her like glue and understands that the ducks are only temporary. Dealing with his lunatic ex wife who now wants custody of their son, for her new TV show, the woman who can't spend an hour with him, Trace is missing out on the simple things. But Lily picks up the slack. Lily keeps her past private, ashamed at what her father has done, while trying to field drunk calls from her mother who is enjoying her own pity party. There are great characters in the story, starting with the Dad and the brothers along with Trace and his son. Shelly weaves a great story line here and I held my breath in a couple places waiting for things to come crashing down and what the fall out would be. This is a great read and I look forward to the next book! 4.5 **arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review**
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first book in a new series, and I think it definitely promises some fun reads ahead. There is an element of world building, but in an organic and relaxed way.
Having worked in hospitality myself I am always interested in how a hotel/resort is used in the furtherance of a romance. Here Shelly Alexander does an excellent job of finding plenty of opportunities and fun events to weave into the story of Trace and Lily, and very importantly his son Ben. From the very first incognito meeting at the airport, to the mercy dash to the vets, we get a sense of the chemistry between these two characters, and it is delightful seeing how they cannot avoid succumb to the pull. Both of them have issues which make them wary, and concerned for each other's best interests, but luckily the attraction and a dose of honesty help resolve the issues eventually.
Mr Remington senior struck gold when he hired Lily, as she not only restores the resort to its former glory, but brings a new lease of life to his eldest son. Who will come along for his two other sons? I am guessing we will find out in future books!
I am fairly new to this author, and when given the opportunity to read this book, I took it. While it’s the story about the oldest Remington son, Trace and Lily (Scarlett) the new hire, it’s really much more than that. It’s a story of how the actions of our parents, affect us. In this case, Lily, a talented hospitality manager has to escapes the sins of her father, and even change her name, in order to get a job as far away from home. Trace and his brothers have left their lucrative professions and come home, each with his own personal reasons. Trace, to give his son Ben , a boy with Asperger’s , a better life and one surrounded with love and support. It’s also a story about how love can blossom when you least expect it. How a child like Ben ,is just as precious and wonderful as any child, just different. And aren’t we all just different? You will fall in love with the Remingtons, the cousins and Angel Fire Falls. At times you will laugh out loud, at others cry and even want to get into the pages of the story to give them a hug. Kudos to the author for writing that even though at times is heartbreaking, it’s also heartwarming. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store in her next book. I was entrusted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Moving forward is never as easy as looking back. The key is to take the wisdom gained and use it to find what makes you happy. Dare Me Once, can be summed up in one sentence. Don't sweat the small stuff. In a world full of negativity, it's easy to forget to look on the bright side, but it's the memories we make and the people we hold dear that can brighten up the darkest day. Alexander uses a father's love and the innocence of a special child to remind us that the worst moment is just a stepping stone to guide us to our best ones. A sweet story about the power of love and the beauty of hope.
Her life fell apart quickly and in a harsh way leaving her no choice but to take her profession, change her name and leave her home for a small island resort in the hopes of rebuilding her life, at least until the sins of her father would die down and not effect her anymore. With that, Lily Barnes was born and Scarlett Devereaux was placed in a box and pushed to the back of her mind. The place was remote and with any luck, her past would not find her at Angel Fire Falls.
This is a wonderfully written book with a storyline that will not only grab you and bring you through her journey, but it will also entertain you, make you smile, sigh, and hope with all you have that Trace and Lily will be able to make things work between the two of them. Oh, there are a few bumps in the road for them, but when the secret comes out, will love be enough to hold their love for each other together or will a past that was not her making ruin her life for good?
The characters are well written and so very likeable that you wish you were a part of their lives. The entire family are wonderful and people that you would love to know. Trace is a single father with a little boy who is Autistic, on the higher side of the spectrum, and is just a delightful little boy. Trace is handsome, built and has a wonderful heart. But his heart belongs to his son until he gets to know the enchanting Lily, who has come to work for the resort to help get it back to the way it was years before, to bring the vacationers back. She's smart, inventive and has a way of getting people to do what she needs them to do for her ideas to work. And she manages to get Trace's attention, not only by her looks, but also by the way she deals with his little boy. He has never had someone to treat his son the way she does for being someone that isn't family. Their relationship builds even though they decide not to pursue it because she is his employee and she's been there and done that..it didn't end well. Their rule soon crumbles to the ground as their feelings get the best of them. But you know, things don't always run smoothly in these things and Trace has to deal with his ex-wife who is now wanting to take Ben (his son) from him.
This is a wonderful book, a wonderful love story and one that I highly recommend.
I quite enjoyed this book about Lily (real name Scarlett), whose life has taken a turn for the worst after her father is jailed for fraud and her fiance dumps and fires her. She lies on her application at The Remington, a resort on a secluded island, and gets the job as the new Hospitality Manager.
The Remington is owned by the Remington family and Trace is one of the brothers who have returned home to help their father with the resort. He is a pilot, but after his now 8 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger and his wife left, he came back to the island. When Lily and Trace meet... a romance is in the works. But Lily must still tell Trace about her past and the lie she told to get the job.
I loved the family dynamics and Trace's son (the ducks... awww). The only reason I did not rate higher is because it had nothing quite new for me. Plus I don't really like ex-wife drama (this was kept to a minimum). The writing is good though and if you love family stories this is for you. It's the first in a series about these hot brothers on the island :-)
I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Scarlett Lily Devereaux’s life is coming apart. Her father is in prison for bilking investors out of millions, her mother is in a drunken denial, the press is dogging her and her fiancé fires and dumps her since he only wanted to marry her because of her family’s reputation. She decides to to reinvent herself as Lily Barnes (her beloved grandmother’s name), and take a job as hospitality director at the Remington Angel Fire Island resort. Trace Remington and his brothers have all come home to help their family’s ailing resort. Trace is a single father with an eight year old son with Aspergers. This is a great beginning to a new series. The development and pacing of Trace and Lily’s romance is realistic. Lily’s secrets are always bubbling under the surface threatening the relationship. I cannot wait for the rest of the Remington family’s stories. I was provided an ARC by NetGalley for my honest review.
Dare Me Once is the first book in Shelly’s new, Angel Fire Falls series. I loved her last two series’ so I just had to have this book. I love being introduced to new characters. It’s like finding new friends within the pages.
Lily needed a new start. Away from the drama her life had become. So, she found a job on the other side of the country where nobody would be looking for her. No, she wasn’t on the run from the law but she was tired of the people following her around in New Orleans. A small island of the West Coast was going to be her new home. If she could stay under the radar and work for family-run vacation resort that was where she was hoping for a new beginning. What she didn’t expect was Trace Remington. His son, Ben.
Trace’s top priority has and always will be his son. Just as it should be. He was a single dad to a special needs eight year old who attached quickly, loved fully, and had a difficult time with change. Trace didn’t date. He didn’t really even go out. He worked for his father’s resort as a float-boat pilot and raised his son. That’s all he needed. He didn’t need complications. He had enough in his past. That was until he saw her. Lily Barns. He didn’t know who she was at first but she drew him in with just one moan. Then he got to see her determined side and he was done. But, he had to stay away. He was her boss. They needed to keep things professional for both of their sakes and Ben’s. Who knew if she would stick around for the long haul. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. But, what happens when two people can’t stay away?
Everything.
Passion. Laughter. Fun. The problem is this though...what will happen when he finds out who she really is?
This was a cute story! I fell for the characters. Lily is one determined, supportive, fun-loving, and strong woman. Trace is one handsome, strong, and loving father. And Ben, I just loved him. He is freaking adorable, smart, and loving. Together, Lily and Trace made me laugh and swoon. I also loved the relationship between Ben and Lily. Their bond was fantastic and so sweet.
Overall...it was a wonderful start to a new series! The Remington Brothers sure are so kind of special. I can’t wait for Elliott and Spence’s stories. Yum!
P.S Quack, quack.
Quotes:
It was the kind of face that made a girl look twice. Made a girl sigh all over. Made a girl want to do stupid things . . . like search his body for tattoos, then outline them with her tongue.
“You seem like a decent person.” His piercing eyes licked over her face and down her neck. “I don’t mean to be rude.” “Oh, but you’re so good at it.” She lifted her chin.
“You play dirty.” His voice was hoarse with desire. She shrugged. “Maybe, but something tells me you won’t mind.”
JoandIsalovebooks Life Lesson #1 Don’t think about reading this book just do it. You won’t regret it.
Lily Barns had many life lessons, I took this journey with Lily, Trace Remington and young Ben Remington. There is one word that instantly pops into my head while trying to sum up this beautiful story, heart-warming. It was quite simply a soul-stirring read.
Lily left her past behind to start a new life. A life that wouldn’t involve criminal Father’s, alcoholic Mothers, overbearing reporters, and unsupportive ex’s. Definitely not a list of people you’d want around you when trying to hide your true identity.
Lily might be hiding the truth, but she’s a good person with a big heart. She shouldn’t be held accountable for other peoples transgressions just because they are blood related.
Trace Remington, tasty little, okay big treat of a man who can send Lily’s pulse beating double time with just a look. He’s a single parent, if that was difficult enough, his son has Asperger’s. If you are unsure what this means, it’s a developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.
This story gave incredible insight into the life of someone not only dealing with Asperger’s, but also those who get affected by it. Some people can be terribly cruel, it’s usually the ones that actually don’t understand others that are different. For a Mother who is supposed to nurture her child, to love unconditionally it was emotional for me to comprehend how Ben’s mother wasn’t a part of his life.
Trace is one in a million. He’s the guy we all want our son’s to grow up to be. He’s the man you want by your side. I’m a little in love with Trace, and Ben. These men now own a piece of my heart.
Lily is completely driven to make a success of her new job. Nobody could ever say she didn’t try, but the hidden truths are weighing her down. Everyone knows the truth always comes out. Angel Fire Falls resort needs Lily as much as she needs to be surrounded by all the beautiful Remington family. I want to hear each of their stories, this was an epic start to a new series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This is the first book in the series featuring a hot pilot and a young woman who is trying to start a new life incognito, a fun contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone.
Trace Remington is a single dad to eight year old Ben who has Asperger’s Syndrome. Trace is the eldest of three brothers who all came back to the island to help out their elderly father run their family holiday resort. With an ex wife who didn’t want anything to do with a special needs son, he had to make Ben his priority and give up his career as a pilot in LA and also try to rejuvenate the family business. He barely has time for himself let alone get involved with another woman, but when wilful and independent Lily arrives at Angel Fire Falls, everything changes.
Scarlett Devereaux escaped a family scandal and wanted to build a new life as Lily Barns. She arrives in the island to become the new hospitality manager of the Remington Resort; she’s good at her job, dedicated and focused, she sets things in motion. After being dumped by her fiancée and going incognito she vowed to steer clear of men, but a very interesting first meeting with Trace set her knickers and heart on fire.
This light-hearted romance is set in a picturesque town with lovable characters, cute animals and a smart and adorable eight year old boy. I liked the author’s narrative style: the scenic imagery, humorous situations, entertaining banter and the crackling chemistry between Trace and Lily. Although this story is light-hearted in tone, there is some drama involving the main characters’ families. The dialogue between Lily and her parents on the latter part of the book showed a different perspective to the family scandal. I must admit the minor characters made the whole plot more interesting and I am sure Trace’s younger brothers Elliot and Spence will have their own stories. Trace and Lily’s romance was fun to read, a feel good tale with a lot of heart and soul, you won’t be disappointed.
When I first grabbed this book, I expected to just read it and hustle along the the next book in the series, since I had an ARC for it. I'm actually really lucky that I read it before that ARC, because this was a story that shouldn't be missed!
First and foremost, I was extremely impressed with the fact that the author decided to have Trace's son be on the Autism Spectrum with his Asperger's Syndrome. The son's special needs status was handled very tastefully and was done in such a way as to teach readers that perhaps don't have special needs children the day to day hardships that special needs parents face. That really resonated with me, because I'm a special needs parent myself, and it was great to see an author tackle that situation with such grace.
Looking beyond that, I loved watching the relationship between Trace and Lily build! It was so obvious that they were meant for each other by how quickly Trace's son took to Lily! I loved how spunky Lily was and how much more relaxed Trace was around her. The only thing I really hated was Lily's deception, especially since it almost ruined Trace's ability to fight his ex-wife's schemes.
All things considered, this was an engaging and engrossing read that I would definitely recommend to others!
What a truly enjoyable book. I loved the Remingtons and the little resort island they run. The writing was very descriptive and made me want to schedule my next vacation there. The characters are amazing especially Trace Remington. He's such a devoted father and I don't think there is anything sexier than that. Lily Barns has just been hired as the resorts hospitality manager. The Remington's may not know exactly who she is and hopefully they'll never find out. She just needs a quiet place to lay low and let her father's scandal die down. Since she didn't lie about her experience she doesn't feel guilty about the deception. That is until she begins to grow closer to Trace and his son. Lily knows she needs to come clean but before she does her past catches up with her. Will this be the end of her and Trace?
This is definitely a book I would recommend to everyone.
A chance to rebuild her life after the mishap that had happened to her, that was Scarlett Devereaux's new mission in hopes of a better future. Now called Lily Barns, she found solace in one remote place, wishing for anonymity, safety and solitude. With ducks and wheel cycles, a charming smile and charismatic attitude, Lily's life became so much better.
Especially after meeting and dealing with Trace Remington and his son with special needs, Ben. OMG.. Trace is soooo swoon-worthy! I don't know about you, but the last three books I've read always had me sighing and rooting for the male characters. But this time, I'll stick to Daddy Trace, whose main priority is his child (who has Asperger's syndrome). Lily was so adorably compassionate with everything, too, most especially to Ben, and I couldn't really find fault about their relationship, if not for the secrets that Lily had buried deep inside her. (Something about her felonious father, drunk mom and ridiculous ex-lovers).
Dare Me Once is a beautiful read, filled with familial love, hope, dedication, acceptance and forgiveness. A beautiful read with many life's lessons, one that include this tip: Never date a man who can’t make you moan louder than your masseuse can....O. M. G. I definitely want to meet Yin, Lily's personal masseuse and experience all that wonderful, relaxing and sigh-inducing retreat.
I think this is my first book by Shelly Alexander and I am now a big fan! I need to check out and read her other stories and next books soon!!
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read other books by Shelly Alexander and was eager to read this new series starter when I saw it on NetGalley.
I found it very hard to put this book down. I was eager to find out how the story was going to evolve with Trace and Lily. I also enjoyed reading about a child with high functioning autism since I am also a special education teacher. Megan got what she deserved by getting let go from the Autism council and she never should’ve come back expecting Ben to welcome her into his life. Lily was more like a mother than Megan ever could’ve tried to be.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I enjoyed this excursion to Angel Fire Falls. It was everything I wanted in a book. A little mystery, an over protective dad and resort that needs a lot of help to keep it afloat, it was a perfect Saturday afternoon read.
Lily is at the resort because she doesn't think she get a better job - especially if she uses her real name. Changing her last name to Barns is her effort at starting over, to get away from the scandal that has rocked her family.
Trace doesn't care who his father has hired to run the resort - he doesn't believe some outsider knows what's best for the hotel or his family. Surprisingly, his son takes to Lily and Trace has to re-evaluate his opinion about Lily.
I think the author did a wonderful job of telling a story about how a family learns to raise a child who has been diagnosed with Asperger's - a form of autism. Trace's devotion to his son is palpable and the way he explains it to Lily is something we can all take and use in our day to day lives.
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end and am impressed with the world the author built. I know that lots of people don't like the evil-ex being a part of the storyline but it was done in a minimal way and did not bury the story. The only thing I took 0.5 stars away from my rating is that the 'lie' went on too long; however, even that was handled well.
I already have the second book queued up to listen to and will start it now.
This was a cute story about finding love when you are at your lowest point. Scarlett Devereaux is starting over. New job, new place to live, new everything.
There she meets single dad, Trace Remington. His family owns the hotel she is working for. He is devoted to his son and isn't looking for romance. She has been burned by loved and family, she is looking to start over.
This was a sweet story about love, family and an adorable son who stole my heart! Oh and those ducks!!
I loved this book. The chemistry between the two main characters Lily and Trace was great. I don't usually like to read books with kids in them, (personal preference) but Traces son Ben is a fabulous part of this book. Shelly wrote this story with such depth and understanding that it was truly hard not too feel as though you are part of the book. I would recommend this book to everyone. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I hated that the book had to end but I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book via Netgalley
Nice story. I give it 3,75 stars. It was well written but I didn't have good connection with MCs. I didn't feel it at all. I liked the heroine, she was strong and had her own mind, wasn't a doormat. The H was meh, normal I think. He wasn't man ho, he had a kid with Asperger and he was trying to give him better life. No cheating, no OP scenes. Crazy ex though.
I absolutely loved this book! What a fabulous start to this new series. It is a heartwarming, sexy, funny, & emotional story. Lily Barnes is starting a new chapter in her life, in a small town, Angel Fire Falls. The only life she's ever known has been turned completely upside down by a family scandal. Because of it, Lily is leaving everything behind. Avoiding the hate mail & death threats. Keeping her secrets to herself. Trace Remington is not happy that his father has hired a new Hospitality manager to revamp their family's resort. His is devoted to his son Ben, who has Asperger's. Trying to also save his family's island resort. Trace is raising Ben alone, with the help of the father & two younger brothers. Lily has one mishap after another trying the get to the resort. Trace was sent to pick her up. But, he's busy having a nice massage & secretly trying to get a women's number, to win a bet. When Lily & Trace meet, their connection is undeniable. Any type of relationship is out of the question. Trace is the boss & Lily's the employee. Will Lily & Trace admit what they feel & find their way to one another? Or will life have other plans? The emotions, the humor & their chemistry pulled me in, & kept me hooked. A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Great kick of to a series I am looking forward to!
When Scarlett Devereaux’s life completely falls apart thanks to dear old dad she assumes a new name and heads to the opposite coast. Lily Barns is ready to reinvent herself on Angel Fire Falls as a hospitality manager at a resort, but she wasn't planning on running into the son she is competing with for the cash scrapped funds the resort needs to expand and grow.
Trace Remington has his hands full with a special needs son, a crazy ex, and a business he is trying to expand to help his father with his struggling resort. Finding out that the money he needs is going to a new hiree doesn't sit well with him and he begins his relationship with Lily Barners already on the wrong note.
Lily and Travis are obviously made for one another with their flirty and fabulous chemistry. She is an amazing woman and wonderful with his son. The problem is they both have so many secrets that exposing them to one another is a risk they aren't willing to take.
This story has so many heartwarming elements that you instantly fall in love with this family and this resort. Ben steals the show with his sweet and loving personality. The crazy islanders make for great entertainment. I loved the writing not just for the romance but for drawing you in to wanting to see how this family and this resort grows in future books. Loved it
Fired and dumped by her fiance, who was her boss, Lily Barns was on a mission to build a new life for herself, and escape the fallout from her father's swindling. She takes a job at a resort in Angel Fire Falls, a small town. Lily has secrets.
Trace Remington, is the oldest of three brothers, and a single father of eight year old Ben, who has special needs. Trace moved back to Angel Fire Falls to give his son a stable home environment. Along with his brothers and father, he helps run Remington resort, which is where Lily will be working as the new Hospitality Manager. Trace would rather the Remington remain the same.
Despite the obstacles in Lily's way, she is bound and determined to give the Remington a new overhaul.
Lily has sworn off men. Trace has sworn off women. Little do they know, that a dare along with a chance encounter is about to throw them into a tailspin and might be just what they both need for a new life.
I loved this book! Literally so many laugh out loud moments while reading. One of my favorite phrases used was Motherducker! I, also, found it funny that Trace referred to his brothers as Thing One and Thing Two. Lily is spunky and Trace is a brooding hunk, the chemistry between them is great! I recommend this to anyone that wants a witty, fun read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via the author in exchange for my honest review.
Dare Me Once is my first book I have read by Shelly Alexander. I was in for a surprise. I did not expect to be falling for these characters hard. Granted at the beginning I had my reservations about Trace, but in the end, he turned my heart into mush. Lily was ready to start a new life. I believe things happened for a reason. And for that I knew Lily was at the right place at the right time! Dare Me Once was an enjoyable read. I laughed, I snorted, and had a hate/love relationship with the story line. In the end, because how I was left feeling, I could not sing enough praises for this book!