Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Angel Fire Falls #2

Dare Me Again

Rate this book

Making dreams come true is a red-hot challenge for two stubborn hearts risking it all on a second chance…

Hot-wired and restless, financial wizard Elliott Remington doesn’t turn down a dare. This time it’s to coordinate a service-dog boot camp for veterans at his family’s resort. Success means a one-way ticket to the West Coast to pursue his dream career. But it comes with a hitch: teaming up with his ex, who vanished on him ten years ago with nothing more than a kiss-off note.

As fiery as her hair and as stubborn as her name, Rebel Tate did what she had to do—for Elliott’s sake and her own. A dog whisperer with a keen sense of survival, she’s lived a tough life. Here she is, back in Angel Fire Falls, doing what she loves, next to a man she’s never forgotten. While the flame between them still smolders, neither is ready to get burned.

For Elliott, trusting Rebel is a gamble. For Rebel, sharing the secrets that sent her running is a risk. Now, while finishing a job that could define both their futures, two hearts are about to collide—and a second chance at true romance could be the greatest dare of all.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2019

571 people are currently reading
891 people want to read

About the author

Shelly Alexander

19 books373 followers
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).

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
517 (49%)
4 stars
371 (35%)
3 stars
139 (13%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Carol.
1,390 reviews265 followers
February 16, 2019
4 stars.
Really sweet and cutesy small town romance.
This is book two in the Angel Fire Falls series and having previously read the first one I am pleased to say that I am really enjoying these books.
Such a delightful read for all animal lovers like myself.
Rebel's backstory really touched my heart as the young girl that had barely survived an alcoholic mother. All alone and homeless on the streets of Portland she found solace and comfort with a stray dog which gave her the motivation to keep it together and push on to become the kind and caring young woman and dog trainer that makes this story so adorable and enjoyable to read. The fact that she is committed to helping veterans and individuals with traumatic brain injuries makes her such a sweet heroine and was also a big plus for me. 💕💖💕
This is in fact a second chance romance and also of the type that I simply love to read (i.e. the unselfish type). Rebel is young and faced with an extremely tough decision when she runs away and abandons Elliott- she really believes that it is in his best interests.

Shelly Alexander always seems to deliver a good story with plenty of interest, not overly angsty but also one that is very pleasurable to read.
Her and Miranda Liasson are my go to authors for these type of small town reads.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
January 22, 2019
I like everything about this book. There's so many things to love in Angel Fire Falls, and falling for The Remingtons is just scratching the surface.

I can’t get Elliott out of my mind. He’s got a strong hold to his family even if he wasn’t planning on staying long in Angel Fire Falls. Seeing again and spending more time with the woman who’ve hurt him in the past wasn’t part of his plans, but this diversion sure did open a big hole in his heart.

Rebel Tate needed to come back to her roots to be able to start her business involving service dogs. This woman’s selflessness and compassion inspired me to give more attention and love to my four-legged furbabies. But being with the man she’d escaped from ten years ago sure got her anxiety spiked up a bit more. Could she really work with the Remington without dredging up their past?

I don’t know about you, but this book by Shelly Alexander worked like a charm. I got so busy with work and kids this past few weeks that, for the first time in my history, I wasn’t able to read a book in one week. Didn’t pick up my Kindle, didn’t get a book out of my book case, didn’t access epubs on my laptop. Nada.

Then one day, I decided to read Dare Me Again and it got me out of my reading slump. Elliott Remington’s charming disposition had me falling head over heels in love with him. Rebel Tate’s soft heart and doggie buddies won me over. Bogart and Rem we’re adorably cute and all the Remingtons are a solid, rare bunch.

Like I said, I like, I mean I love everything about this story. I loved the first in the series ,Dare Me Once but I loved this second book even more. If you want to feel good about finding love the second time around, I dare you to read this book!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,013 reviews173 followers
December 11, 2018
So this is how a heart breaks. With the best of intentions. Dare Me Again is the perfect example of why Shelly Alexander is one of my favorite authors. She's not afraid to look beyond the fantasy and magnify the heartache of reality. Elliott and Rebel's biggest flaw is that they are afraid to human. Not sure how to be vulnerable and prone to make mistakes. Those are emotions we all can relate to. Between the lines of despair exist a message of survival that is courageously captivating. We all have secrets that are painful, but the key to healing is allowing others in to help us weather the storm.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,344 reviews17 followers
January 23, 2019
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY AND INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I read this directly on the heels of the preceding book in the series, and I think the read was better for it. However, this wasn't quite as good as that first book in the series.

While both Rebel and Elliott had tragedy in their pasts, I found I had a hard time connecting with them both individually and as a couple. I hated Rebel's secrecy, and she just came across as too closed off to be heroine material. Elliott, likewise, came off as too bitter and consumed with returning to his life in San Francisco to recognize that everything he needed was right in front of him. I had a hard time believing in their second chance romance because I didn't have an emotional connection with them.

What I did love about this story was seeing the progression that had been done with the resort and the relationship established in the previous book. It was the supporting cast that shone in this book, not the main characters, and it was what kept me reading it. My favorites among those were the dogs themselves and Trace's son. The other thing that really stood out to me was the outreach that the author seemed to do with the topics of homelessness and the service dogs for vets. I really loved the fact that the book was trying to raise awareness for these topics and the topic of special needs kids in the book before it. I'm eager to see what she has in store for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
January 14, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them in order - that said, this is a really strong story in its own right, and could be enjoyed as a standalone - I think you would miss some of the references, but could always go back, if you really want to start here!

This is the ultimate second chance kind of romance, and one with lots of difficult truths that need to be faced, although really nothing to do with the love that still lives in both of them. Both Rebel and Elliot have a long way to travel to clear their conscience and allow themselves a second chance, and Shelly Alexander does an amazing job of leading them to wonderful and believable HEA.

The inclusion of dogs and their sensitivities and skills is inspired in this book, and as we hear how Rem (Rebel's dog) moves between Rebel and Elliot and we get to learn why, it tells us all we need to know about these two lost lovers. It also makes the solution to the family dynamics all the sweeter at the end.

We also get to catch up with the rest of the Remington clan that we met in book 1 and Ben's progress is a pleasure to see, as his relationship with his duck! Add in the donuts and coffee which left me wishing I were there just for them, and this is a truly lovely read.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books159 followers
January 15, 2019
This is the second book in the Angel Falls series. I read the Dare Me Once and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I eagerly looked forward to reading Dare Me Again. Thanks goes the publisher, via Net Galley, for the opportunity to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The premise for this book is very interesting, and I enjoyed the characters a great deal. Ms. Alexander did a great job giving enough detail regarding the dog training without becoming too technical. The pacing is good, and the dialogue is realistic and flows well.

Rebel Tate is an intriguing character, and I liked her a lot. She had a rough start in life, but her perseverance has carried her through. Her love for rescue animals is commendable and came through loud and clear. Although she left Angel Falls on bad terms, she is brave enough to return and try to make it right.

Elliott Remington is a drool-worthy hero, and while he’s driven, he’s open minded and is willing to reveal his secrets to Rebel as she opens up to her. Theirs is a give and take relationship, and I enjoyed it tremendously.

The romance between Rebel and Elliott is great with plenty of sparks flying in all directions from their first meeting. The chemistry is strong, and the love scenes are satisfying. I really wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with engaging characters and an interesting plot, along with a bit of humor, then you will enjoy Dare Me Again. I look forward to the next book in this great series. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Mary.
1,051 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2019
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is a second chance at romance book. What sets this book apart from the norm is the circumstances that led Rebel to leave the island of Angel Fire Falls. Aside from being from the wrong side of the tracks, Rebel had to deal with her mother's alcoholism as well. Rebel found sanctuary in the arms of Elliot Remington as well as love. When her mother's situation grew dire, she knew that in order to keep Elliot from drowning in her problems, she would have to leave the island.

Elliot never forgave Rebel for leaving the way she did, and even looked for her for a while. He threw himself into making lots of money in the financial investments arena and never looked back. Until his family called him home to help turn the their family's resort around. Chomping at the bit, he's ready to return to San Francisco and his life, but knows he can't until he can repay his family for all that he's took from them.

Now that Rebel is back, both Elliot and Rebel must come to terms with their past, this mistakes and their future.

I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,496 reviews18 followers
March 21, 2019

This was an amazing read. I loved catching up with all the Remingtons again.
This story was moving in many ways and pulled me in from the start.
I loved that Rebel was a strong lead character and Elliott looked to her for strength and inspiration. I loved all the interactions with the dogs Rem was a true star.
Profile Image for Liz Sergent.
1,360 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2020
Elliott a financial wizard is coordinating a service dog boot camp at his family's resort. The dog whisperer Rebal has a history with Elliott and it is hard for him to trust her again. Throw in all of his family and a duck and you have an enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Jenna Hastwell.
755 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2025
Good series. Just enough spice with some deep topics in the plot.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,081 reviews56 followers
December 22, 2018
I have a couple of this authors books on my kindle but this is the first one I have read and I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed Rebel and Elliott's story. It's quite an emotional read about discovering the real truths and finding your way back to your one true love.

When Rebel was younger she had it rough growing up an an alcoholic mom but the one constant in her life was Elliott. Elliott's upbringing was very different to Rebels but he and his family loved her. Then one day without a word Rebel and her mum up and left leaving Elliott with nothing but a broken heart and a "Dear John" letter. Now years later and Elliott's family are hosting an event at their resort and who should arrive to help co-ordinate but non other then Rebel. Will Elliott be happy to see her again and will all those feelings bubble back up to the surface once all their secrets are laid bare, can Rebel and Elliott find their HEA? Well you'll have to read Dare Me Again to find out!!!

A fantastic read from Shelly Alexander and I can't wait to jump into more of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Susan McClintock.
895 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2018
This is the second in Shelly Alexander’s Angel Fall Series that centers around the Remington family and their resort. This book features middle brother Elliot and his second chance with High school love Rebel Tate. Rebel dumped Elliot via a “Dear Elliot” letter and left town without a trace. Ten years later, she shows back up at the Remington resort to work as their dog whisperer for a service dog Boot Camp. Elliot and Rebel have to work together on the Boot Camp, and this forces them to get over past guilt issues to move on with life and each other. This is a nice continuation of the series. I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
December 30, 2018
Oh what did I just read? Shelly does it again in book two in this series! Incredible story and so hard to put down. Elliot has come home to the family resort to help out his brothers and Dad. He's got a great job in San Fran and a partnership waiting for him. Something he values above all else, but he hasn't told his family he has no plans to stay on the island.
There resort is hosting a service dog workshop pairing dogs with Veterans who have a variety of problems. The event is being sponsored by a large corporation and when the original dog trainer drops out, Lily finds a replacement. A dog whisperer, in the form of Rebel Tate. Rebel once lived on the island and left 10 years ago without a word and hasn't been back. Rebel and Elliot were a couple, they had plans and Rebel vanishes with a goodbye note. What a rough life this young girl had, she finds her calling or maybe her calling finds her, but she's now a sought after dog trainer. Her heart lies with working with service animals and people who need them. There's a reason for that.
No one else in the family is available to assist Rebel and part of the deal for the event was that a family member take part. Elliot is it. His distaste, distrust and flat out meanness for Rebel make him a hard man to warm up to. Elliot's hiding his own secrets and constantly calls Rebel out on hers.
I loved Rebel and both her strengths and weaknesses. Shelly had written an honest human character.
It takes Elliot most of the book for him to suss out Rebel's story after the 10 years that have passed since they last saw each other. His anger still boils over. Pressured by his job waiting for him, dealing with Rebel and his brothers, he's torn I think but you don't get that impression in the book. You get a selfish man who's going to leave his family again, who's willing to lose the event despite it already being in progress, all because of his selfishness. It was sad watching him at times, another thing he did which grate on me was that Rebel went to a shelter over on the mainland and got a young man who had experience with dogs because the trainers didn't show with the dogs. It was hard to ascertain whether the guy was on the high end of the spectrum or not but clearly he just took simple direction and was a champ with the dogs and helped Rebel immensely. Elliot always had a mumbled commentary about whatever he said or did. That irritated the nuts out of me. He finally stopped doing it. This was such a great story and a tad tidy at the end, but nonetheless I loved it and can't wait for the next one. It's got everything you want in a story. I also loved the service dogs aspect.
It's a must read. Absolutely.
More than 5 stars.

arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,082 reviews53 followers
January 11, 2019
Dare Me Again is the second book in the Angel Fire Falls series By Shelly Alexander. You can read it as a standalone but I do recommend reading Dare Me since it was just as fun, sexy, and heartwarming. It was where Elliott’s brother, Trace fell in love and now it was his turn.

Elliott never backed down from a dare. Never. His brothers would never let him live it down. So he agreed to their latest one. He would be the family face for the service dog training for veterans. A training that will be held on their property. The Remington. It wouldn’t be such a big deal except dogs hated him. He really thought that would be the only challenge to the bet. Nope. The dog whisperer in charge would take the number one spot. His ex-girlfriend. The one who disappeared, leaving only a Dear, John letter behind.

Rebel couldn’t believe she was doing this. Going back to the island where she grew up. Where she left the only man she ever loved behind. For his own good she believed. But, that was ten years ago. It was time to deal with her past so she could move forward. And she needed the paycheck so she could do just that. Back in Portland. Five weeks. She could survive five weeks then get back on that ferry to get off the island for good. Except, she didn’t expect what would happen when she saw him again.

Elliott and Rebel’s relationship was different now. They had jobs to do. Important ones. Ones that would get them to where they want to be. Him in San Francisco and her in Portland. Two completely different worlds. His in finance. Hers with dogs. Can they put their past behind them to get to the end goal? Will being in the same room bring back memories that we’re hiding away so they wouldn’t be in pain? Can they find a way to have a second chance? A one month fling? Anything? Can he even trust her not to run away again?

Aw! I loved this one. When there are animals involved it’s always an added bonus. It makes me want to cuddle with my own pets. Anyway, I enjoyed Elliott and Rebel’s story. They both have secrets and pasts to work through. Rebel is definitely a badass who has made mistakes but trying to give back in any way she can. Elliott is the serious brother but he has a big heart. Together, I loved their banter, chemistry, and laughter.

Overall...it’s a great story full of inspiration, love, heat, and fun. I am excited for the next book. I think I know who is up next 😉

Quotes:

“Those vets survived war,” Spence said. “You can survive an old girlfriend for five weeks.”
“That’s low, even for you two idiots,” Elliott huffed.

“My tone is authoritative,” he said.
“You just keep telling yourself that,” she countered, forcing her thoughts back to the dog.

“I see your ego has surpassed your massive IQ.”





Profile Image for KFForever.
1,053 reviews32 followers
January 14, 2019
kfforever

Reviewed by Anna Green on behalf of KindleFriendsForever

This is the second book in the Angel Fire Falls series and features the middle son Elliott and can be read as a standalone. I was really looking forward to Elliott’s story and I was not disappointed at all, it went beyond my expectations actually. If you haven’t read the first book Dare Me Once featuring Trace’s story I highly recommend it too.

Elliott, as we knew from the first book Dare Me Once, is a financial whiz and is a top earner in his company back in San Francisco; he took an emergency leave and went back to the island to join his brothers and help out with the flagging family business. He has no plans of staying for long but when his ex-girlfriend who left him a Dear John letter almost ten years ago comes back, will he change his mind and abandon his successful career? There are a few hard-line choices to make and some secrets that need to come out.

Rebel used to live on the island with her alcoholic mother; she was forced to be the adult in the family and grew up too fast. Elliott was her first love but something happened and she upped and left when he was away in college. She is now a dog whisperer and has come back to the island to work temporarily at the Remington Resort. There are so many secrets that lay hidden in the past and is now about to resurface, her biggest fear is that the Remington family may not be able to forgive her, especially Elliott.

Written in dual points of view, this is an epic romance with a lot of heart. The author weaves into Elliott and Rebel’s story, the process of training service dogs with disabled veterans that makes this book truly unique and inspiring. Both are lovable fiery characters and their passion for each other can’t be denied. They have a history and this unplanned reunion is their second chance at love. Rebel and Elliott’s heart-warming romance ticks all the right boxes: great storyline, witty dialogue, a three-legged dog named Bogart, a service dog named Rem/Buddy, Jax and his dragonfly and a wonky-waddling duck all endearing characters that will warm your heart. I couldn’t put this book down and was sad when it ended but I am definitely looking forward to reading about Spence, the youngest Remington brother. I am sure this author has got something wonderful up her sleeve and I cannot wait. This book is a must read!
Profile Image for Anna Green.
353 reviews
January 14, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of KindleFriendsForever

This is the second book in the Angel Fire Falls series and features the middle son Elliott and can be read as a standalone. I was really looking forward to Elliott’s story and I was not disappointed at all, it went beyond my expectations actually. If you haven’t read the first book Dare Me Once featuring Trace’s story I highly recommend it too.

Elliott, as we knew from the first book Dare Me Once, is a financial whiz and is a top earner in his company back in San Francisco; he took an emergency leave and went back to the island to join his brothers and help out with the flagging family business. He has no plans of staying for long but when his ex-girlfriend who left him a Dear John letter almost ten years ago comes back, will he change his mind and abandon his successful career? There are a few hard-line choices to make and some secrets that need to come out.

Rebel used to live on the island with her alcoholic mother; she was forced to be the adult in the family and grew up too fast. Elliott was her first love but something happened and she upped and left when he was away in college. She is now a dog whisperer and has come back to the island to work temporarily at the Remington Resort. There are so many secrets that lay hidden in the past and is now about to resurface, her biggest fear is that the Remington family may not be able to forgive her, especially Elliott.

Written in dual points of view, this is an epic romance with a lot of heart. The author weaves into Elliott and Rebel’s story, the process of training service dogs with disabled veterans that makes this book truly unique and inspiring. Both are lovable fiery characters and their passion for each other can’t be denied. They have a history and this unplanned reunion is their second chance at love. Rebel and Elliott’s heart-warming romance ticks all the right boxes: great storyline, witty dialogue, a three-legged dog named Bogart, a service dog named Rem/Buddy, Jax and his dragonfly and a wonky-waddling duck all endearing characters that will warm your heart. I couldn’t put this book down and was sad when it ended but I am definitely looking forward to reading about Spence, the youngest Remington brother. I am sure this author has got something wonderful up her sleeve and I cannot wait. This book is a must read!
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,253 reviews12 followers
December 3, 2018
This is book 2 of the Angel Fire Falls series and it can be read as a stand alone but the first book is great and I recommend that one as well! This one is about middle brother Elliott Remington and Rebel Tate. Elliot has been back home helping his family turn around their resort but he hasn't told anyone that he isn't planning to stay. It has always been his plan to go back to his job and life on the west coast. Now he has been pushed into coordinating a dog boot camp for veterans to get service animals, not knowing that his ex would be the trainer involved. The ex he hasn't seen in over 10 years after she left him a note telling him she was leaving. Rebel knew she did what she had to do in order for Elliot to have the life he had dreamed of. Now she is working towards having her own dream, she just didn't realize that it would put her directly in his path again. Or that the flame that had been between them as teenagers would burn just as strongly as adults. But they both have to work through things from their pasts in order to move on into the future. And figure out whether the risk is worth the potential for heartache.

As much as I loved the first one, I think I loved this one even more!! As the daughter of an alcoholic-I can identify with every single thing Rebel had to feel growing up! And knowing the heartache she put herself through is entirely accurate made this book just resonate with me. I loved her and how strong of a person she really is in order to move on from her childhood and make a better life for herself! To have that strength of character is awe inspiring. And Elliot may seem like a jerk at the beginning but when you realize how much he was truly hurt by not only the circumstances of their break up but by things that happened in his own childhood-you can't help but be understanding and fall in love with him as well. I love the fact that they both stick up for each other even when they can be arguing and not getting along. It shows just how much they truly care about each other and have each other's back no matter what may be happening to them personally. I loved every minute of it! Now I am sitting over thinking, how long do I have to wait for Spence's story and Charlie's!! I need one for their cousin as well!
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,673 reviews51 followers
January 18, 2019
Second chance romance ... with a twist

Shelly Alexander has done it again, she has written a wonderful story that I found very hard to put down. Rebel Tate and Elliot Remington were in love, or so Elliot thought. But that all changed when he was away and received a note from Rebel saying she was leaving town, no reason just that she was leaving. Unknown to Elliot, family circumstances made her leave, her reasoning ... she was saving Elliot from being dragged down with her problems.

It is now ten years later and both Elliot and Rebel are back in Angel Falls. He to help his brothers at their family property, and she to be the "Dog Whisperer" for a Service Dog Boot Camp. A camp that was being held on the Remington family property. What will happen when Elliot realises that he will be working with Rebel for five weeks? Will they be able to put the past behind them and act as adults? Or will the ugliness of the past encroach on their present?

Told in dual POVs, Rebel and Elliot's story will play with your emotions. They both have flaws but this only makes them more realistic ... more human ... more relatable. At first Elliot comes across as a complete jerk, but as the story progresses and the reader gains a better understanding of him, his actions can be forgiven. Rebel and Elliot have a lot of hurdles to get over before they can attain the relationship that they both so obviously desire. Even though there is animosity between them, it is obvious that they both still care deeply for each other. Can they forgive and forget the past to move on with the future?

Ms Alexander relates this story through the use of angst, love, twists, sweetness and some very hot and sensual scenes. She pulls her reader into her character's world and easily enables them to experience all that her characters do. I laughed, shed a few tears and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of Rebel and Elliot's story.

I can't wait to read more from Ms Alexander regarding this family. Dare me Again is definitely a recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction.

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
January 20, 2019
“Stubborn hearts” didn’t even begin to describe these two – and boy, did they ever have to work hard to get their second chance! Of course, this makes their happy ever after that much sweeter, one in which Shelly Alexander delivers an emotional read that will leave your heart happy at the end.

Between Rebel’s guilt for the sins of her mother, Elliott’s need to escape from Angel Fire Falls because of events from his past, and their shared history that had an abrupt end when Rebel ran out on Elliott without a word, these two had all sorts of things they needed to deal with from their past. Add in the tension between the two as they both fight the attraction that still simmers between them and the need they both have to protect themselves from being hurt again, and this story had lots of emotion that led to both the sexy times as well as both Elliott and Rebel finding peace with their pasts and a future with each other.

I really loved how the author weaved the animals into the story. Rebel’s pup Rem, the little stray named Bogart, and everything about the service dog boot camp helped tell Elliott and Rebel’s story and added a nice layer to the emotion in the story. Even Ben’s duck (from book #1) had a feature, and for me, the animals played a huge part into the success of the story.

Catching up with the rest of the Remington family and some of the residents of Angel Fire Falls was also fun. I love small town romances that feature a tight knit family, and the Remington’s are certainly that. From offering support to all their shenanigans and antics, the Remington brothers bring a real life feel to this story.

A great second book in this series that left me anxious to see what will be next – one that any contemporary romance fan should love!

I read this book with Kindle Unlimited and also received an advance copy on NetGalley.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
January 25, 2019
This book is full of some explosive chemistry between Rebel and Elliott. They have a past that isn’t resolved and there are questions to be answered and pain to let go so love can flourish but in this book this isn’t going to happen easily.
Elliot has left his heart in Angel Falls. He went on to his career hoping that he could forget. Forget his guilt and broken heart. He came back to try to help himself ease the guilt over his family and never expected to have to confront all of his past. The man is sex on a stick but grumpy at times. You can tell he has a heart of gold and loves his family but he is also hiding his true self in order to preserve himself I believe. His loyalty and love for family you can see in all his actions. Especially with how he is with his nephew. But there is a wrinkle in his world and that is the woman named Rebel. The woman who ripped him apart and left him feeling like he wasn’t worth much in terms of love.

Now Rebel and Elliott are working together to help Vets. One so he can get back to his life in San Fran and the other to achieve her dream. Neither expected to see the other or still have that explosive feeling towards each other. There are miscommunications and words that hurt between them but you can feel that sizzle from the attraction.

With Elliott you see the kind sweet man he is coming out more. You see his indecision about leaving and him starting to feel at home again. With Rebel she is still cagey but her heart is proudly displayed. These two have to navigate alot to be together and learn to trust once more. They need to let go of pain of the past and support one another. The story is one filled with family, love and laughter. One of joys and sorrow, letting go and allowing love to take a place in your heart and to take a chance on one another once more.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,181 reviews35 followers
January 18, 2019
Dare Me Again is the second in the Angel Fire Falls series but the first book I've read of Ms. Alexander's. After finishing, I can assure you it won't be the last. While I enjoyed the book immensely on it's own, the relationships would've been enhanced by reading the books in order. I will be returning to read book one in short order.

I love when authors tackle real life issues and make their characters feel like people you actually know. Poor decision making being the hallmark of childhood, Elliott Remington and Rebel Tate both carry a mountain of grief and regret, a burden neither was meant to carry. Now ten years later, they are back in each other's orbit and try as they might, they can't run from the lingering feelings from their young love. Rebel is back on the island running a service dog training boot camp, doing incredible work of matching veterans with shelter dogs. She's gifted at healing the wounds of others but even better at ignoring her own. Elliott should be used to Rebel running from her problems after she left him with no explanation all those years ago. It seems to be her M.O. but he's got no room to talk since he's been on the run for just about as long. Can these two wounded characters help each other heal and find their way back into each other's arms?

Fantastic book about second chances and recognizing our gifts. Really enjoyed the veteran and service dog angle. I'm a firm believer that service animals should be available to ALL vets and that shelter dogs are the best dogs! I'm not ashamed to admit I bawled like a baby during the matching scenes. Beautiful book and powerful message!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,700 reviews99 followers
January 20, 2019
4.5 stars

Dare Me Again is the second in the Angel Fire Falls series but the first book I've read of Ms. Alexander's. After finishing, I can assure you it won't be the last. While I enjoyed the book immensely on it's own, the relationships would've been enhanced by reading the books in order. I will be returning to read book one in short order.

I love when authors tackle real life issues and make their characters feel like people you actually know. Poor decision making being the hallmark of childhood, Elliott Remington and Rebel Tate both carry a mountain of grief and regret, a burden neither was meant to carry. Now ten years later, they are back in each other's orbit and try as they might, they can't run from the lingering feelings from their young love. Rebel is back on the island running a service dog training boot camp, doing incredible work of matching veterans with shelter dogs. She's gifted at healing the wounds of others but even better at ignoring her own. Elliott should be used to Rebel running from her problems after she left him with no explanation all those years ago. It seems to be her M.O. but he's got no room to talk since he's been on the run for just about as long. Can these two wounded characters help each other heal and find their way back into each other's arms?

Fantastic book about second chances and recognizing our gifts. Really enjoyed the veteran and service dog angle. I'm a firm believer that service animals should be available to ALL vets and that shelter dogs are the best dogs! I'm not ashamed to admit I bawled like a baby during the matching scenes. Beautiful book and powerful message!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
15 reviews
February 7, 2019
Second chance love ....has potential

I listened to the audio version of this book so keep that in mind with this review. Overall, the story was good and written well. I wanted to like Rebel more. She’d been through a lot and come through it despite her upbringing. However, the amounting of self loathing she had was a bit much for me. Now the fact that I didn’t care for her personality in that regard could be contributed to a well written character. It can go either way. The book didn’t feel balanced when it came to both Rebel and Elliott dealing with emotions from their individual pasts.
Now there are intimidate scenes in this book, it is a love story after all. The amount of detail in those scenes didn’t really add anything for me. I’m no prude, I’ve read books with a range of love scenes. Some more graphically detailed love scenes and equally others that are less detailed love scenes. Those scenes fit with the characters and the story. These scenes felt a bit disjointed for me. Again I listened to the book so maybe I didn’t vibe with the narrator. Either way I skipped through those scenes as I felt they didn’t fit with the characters in the story.
POSSIBLE SPOILER:
I am not a fan of how the relationship was resolved. Rebel came off as selfish and insecure in the relationship. I don’t agree her decisions were made out of love for Elliott but rather fear and her own insecurities. She didn’t resolve that instead it fell in Elliott. Which was total bs to me. The first book I agreed with the resolution to the relationship but this book was a bit of a let down. She should’ve been the one making that effort not him.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,851 reviews22 followers
October 10, 2025
Elliott and Rebel’s second chance romance reunites a highly successful money manager on leave from his high pressure finance job and a dog whisperer who walked away from him 10 years ago when she had no choice but to break both of their hearts. Months earlier Elliott’s family’s island resort was in trouble so he took a leave of absence that has to end very soon or he’ll lose his life savings. He has no intention of staying on the island where his own painful memories haunt him every day. When his family agrees to host a service dog matching camp for disabled veterans he has no idea he’ll be forced to work alongside the woman who shattered him 10 years ago. I had great empathy for both characters as Elliott’s hostility makes working together a lesson in frustration as Rebel willingly accepts the blame for circumstances that were beyond her control. It’s a combative and heart wrenching stalemate in a compelling story of sacrifice and forgiveness that kept me engaged from start to finish as Rebel’s insecurities and secrets are slowly revealed and Elliott’s misconceptions slowly lead to understanding and a rekindled love. With her career on the line and the resort’s reputation at stake from a surly sponsor who makes Rebel’s life miserable both characters will have to work together to avoid disaster both professionally and personally. It’s an engaging, yet heart wrenching, story of shattered trust that must be rebuilt between the hero and heroine, the disabled vets and their rescue dogs, and a family unit that was rocked by tragedy many years ago. I highly recommend the story, the series, and the excellent narration performance delivered by Vanessa Edwin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
January 15, 2019
Dare Me Again is the second book in the Angel Fire Falls series, and I loved it as much as the first book, Dare Me Once. Elliot Remington is financial guru, who has come home to help with the family resort since it's been struggling, but while he would do anything for his family, he still can't wait to get back to his job in San Francisco. However, it's not going to be quite that easy, especially when the girl who broke his heart is back. Rebel used to live on the Island with her mother, who had a drinking problem, so obviously, her childhood sucked since she had to grow up too quickly. Elliot was her first love, until something happened to make her disappear, but now she's back at the Remington Resort working, and all of those secrets are about to come to light. Shelly Alexander has a special way of writing stories about flawed people which make them realistic, and that's the draw for me. Elliot & Rebel have all kinds of issues to overcome, so the journey wasn't easy, they definitely had a lot of bumps in the road, and at times, boy was I mad about things, so the story was very emotional. However, there was also the cast of secondaries made up of family which was heartwarming, and also made for some hilarious moments between both the human & animal variety. Obviously with the secrets I mentioned above, it made for some twists to set the f-bombs on to drop, while chemistry swirled around Elliot & Rebel's head. I LOVED this second chance story, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Marilyn Rondeau.
122 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2019
Brilliant and restless, financial wizard Elliott Remington doesn’t turn down a dare - anything to help out his family. This time it’s to coordinate a service-dog boot camp for veterans at his family’s resort. Success with this event will cement the resorts future meaning a one-way ticket to the West Coast to continue his dream career. But it comes with a hitch: teaming up with his ex, who vanished on him ten years ago with nothing more than a kiss-off note.

*** Loving Elliott with all she had, Rebel Tate did what she had to do—for both their sakes when she left. As a dog whisperer with a keen sense of survival, she’s struggled and lived a tough life. This is Rebel’s last ditch effort to establish herself and fulfill her dream right back in Angel Fire Falls, doing what she loves, next to a man she’s never forgotten. The passion between them still smolders, with ignition just around the corner but neither is ready to get burned.

Both were stubborn and both had secrets too terrible that kept them from forgiving themselves for reasons only they understood. Neither had ever told the other what they were, and both had reasons to not reveal them. However, TRUST and taking a chance would be the one thing that could free them to love completely again. While training dogs - a big part of training required trust and acceptance. With a bit of luck, maybe they could take their cues from the rules governing the training of dogs to learn to trust themselves!

Marilyn Rondeau
Profile Image for Kelly.
660 reviews15 followers
January 15, 2019
A great balance of humor, heat, sweetness and that touch of angst even rom-coms need

Book 2 in the Angel Fire Falls series, I feel you could easily read and enjoy this book as standalone, though of course reading the first book in the series will help give some background on the situation and characters here.

I’ve read a handful of books by this author at this point: I’ve enjoyed every one enough to make her an auto 1-click author for me, and this latest book is no exception. I loved how much Elliot and Rebel had in common, both with painful secrets, both willing to sacrifice to protect the people they love and both needing to learn to trust the other as they’re forced to rebuild their relationship to further their common goals. Plenty of great secondary characters here as well and I’ve already got my eye on two other potential couples whose stories I can’t wait to get my hands on.

I loved the setup here: as a dog lover, any story with dogs gets my immediate attention, but matching service dogs with the veterans who need them? Cue the heartstrings being pulled. The time deadlines also add some nice tension to the plot and helped keep me turning those pages.

The author does a great job of balancing humor, heat, sweetness and that touch of angst even rom-coms need to keep everything grounded along with creating wonderful characters that you’re happy to cheer for. 5 stars

B2B Kelly
3,571 reviews40 followers
November 18, 2018

The author takes us back to Angel Fire Falls and the Remington, a family owned resort. A family that has had its trials and tribulations. When the patriarch needs help to stay afloat, his three sons come to help.
Elliott Remington, a successful finance guy living in San Francisco, reluctantly goes to help even though his memories there have left him heartbroken. But he plans to leave after helping , so he can continue his lucrative career and stay away from his memories.
Rebel Tate, his HS sweetheart left the island 10 years ago with no explanations, leaving Elliott shocked and hurt. Now she has been hired as a dog trainer for dogs to be assigned to military veterans. Her life has been tough, and only because of her determination has she risen from the ashes. Needless that at first, Elliot, nor the Remingtons are too happy to see her, after having broken Elliott’s heart.
It’s a story about second chances . About overcoming enormous obstacles both physical and emotional. It’s also a story about family, hope, and love. Lastly, but also as important, it’s a story about the need for our country to take care of the returning men and women who put their lives in danger to keep us safe.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
November 29, 2018
Elliott Remington, the middle of three brothers, affectionately referred to as Thing One by his older brother, Trace. The resort is run by the brothers, and just received a lucrative contract for a dog boot camp, that will pair service dogs with veterans. The sponsor wants a family member to be involved. Elliott is the only one available, but doesn't want no part in working with the trainer. Elliott's brothers dare him to take the leadership role and work with the dog trainer. A dog trainer, who will step out of his past, and make Elliott rethink the dare while pulling up images of: Old wrinkly guys in Speedos!

Rebel Tate, left Angel Fire Falls in a rush with her alcoholic mother to Portland. Believing she was doing what was best for everyone, she left Elliott a Dear John letter to be handed to him. She's now heading back to the place she ran from. The contract, she was hired to fulfill will give her a chance to fill her dream, just as long as she keeps telling herself: Payday and remembering not to call her dog by his real name.

This is an enjoyable read with amusing laugh out loud moments! After reading the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read this! I love how this book brings attention to veterans and how service dogs can be so beneficial to them.

I received a free ARC through NetGalley via the author in exchange for my honest review.
2,534 reviews41 followers
January 15, 2019
Elliot Remington has returned home, but not to stay. He will help his family at the Remington Resort then return to San Francisco. He left Angel Fire Falls when his first love, Rebel Tate, left the area with no explanation, just a note. The resort is promoting a Service Dog Camp for veterans that will help put them back on a firmer financial footing. Unbeknownst to Elliot, the dog whisper trainer who will be leading the camp is none other than Rebel Tate. Rebel is returning to Angel Fire Falls hoping that she will not have to interact with Elliot, but that is before she finds out that he will be her contact person for the camp. She left town after her mother was involved in a tragic event and to allow Elliot to pursue his dream. She needs this job…needs to get her life back on track. Can she work with Elliot knowing how deeply she hurt him? Will Elliot be able to forgive her for leaving him and try to heal the past? Will there be a second chance at love for them? This is a very fine sequel to book number one, Dare Me Once. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.