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Dare to Love #2
Dare to Desire
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women -- until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
230 pages, ebook
First published March 28, 2014
855 people are currently reading
4854 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
404 books9,782 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
January 30, 2015
4 ½ Awesome Stars
I'm not in the mood to write a review so I'll just say...
I loved this book!
I'm not in the mood to write a review so I'll just say...
I loved this book!
August 24, 2015
This was a sweet feel good romance with low drama. After a lot of darker reads for me this was just what the doctor ordered! Carly Phillips writes great romances and this series is a little heavier on the heat than her regular books! The Dare family has a lot of hot men in it and each book is about one of the brothers. The next book though is about Alex's cousin, Gabe!
Want to read
May 10, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (5/9/2015)
Stand-alones.
BLURB:
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career and his choice of willing women -- until injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he's intrigued, but there's a catch. He'll be working alongside the same woman he callously hurt when she got too close for comfort.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare's wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it's to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love? (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)
DARE TO LOVE Series Reading Order:
Dare to Love Series Reading Order
Book 1: Dare to Love (Ian & Riley)
Book 2: Dare to Desire (Alex & Madison)
Book 3: Dare to Surrender (Gabe & Isabelle)
Book 4: Dare to Submit (Decklan & Amanda)
Book 5: Dare to Touch (Olivia & Dylan)
Book 6: Dare to Hold (Scott & Meg) 4/14/15 - Available for preorder
Book 7: Dare to Rock (Avery & Grey) 8/4/15 - Available for preorder
http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Desire-Lov...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 400 books)
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November 20, 2018
O poveste impresionanta, doua personaje puternice deși rănite de viața însăși, o carte care pe prinde încă de la prima pagină!
March 18, 2022
“I’m here. I’m all in.”
- Who is the Hero? Alex Dare, Age: 26, Occupation: former NFL quarterback
~ Alex took one too many hits on the field over the course of his career and was told he had to stop playing or he could suffer major brain injury. He never expected for his career to be cut short and now he he is feeling a bit lost with no plan what to do next.
- Who is the Heroine? Madison Evans, Age: 26, Occupation: has a Masters in Social Work
~ Madison was abandoned by her parents and raised in foster care. Her final foster home was with loving parents, but the father died and the mother now suffers from Alzheimer’s. Her foster brother is a selfish, money hungry prick.
She’s working with the Miami Thunder football team implementing a new program:
~ “We’ll be the first football team to institute mandatory postcareer education. The Thunder will make sure its players are capable of a successful physical, psychological, and social transition into the real world when their careers end.”
Plot overview:
~ Alex and Madison met in the previous book. I didn’t read it, but this is the catch-up from page 2:
~ “She’d met Alex when Riley had been brought to the hospital a few months ago, but she’d ignored the quarterback with the playboy reputation in favor of the patient she’d been assigned to treat as the social worker on call. She’d seen him again at Riley and Ian’s engagement party, where he’d turned on the charm and begun an all-out sensual assault. Despite her attempts to keep her distance, she’d broken down, given in, and ended up in his bed that same night. He didn’t do relationships, and she’d steeled herself for the inevitable quick end, which hadn’t happened.”
This book starts out with these two already sleeping together. So clearly something happened between then and now.
When Alex gets injured he lashes out and throws Madison out of his hospital room, effectively ending their little affair.
Fast forward a few months and Ian tells Madison he would like Alex to work with her on a new athlete education program.
~ “He’s lost without football. He needs direction. And he’s in a unique position to bring perspective to the players you’ll be trying to reach. He’d be the perfect person to talk to the league when we’re ready to try to convince them to make this type of program mandatory for all teams.”
She’s not to happy about it, but Alex insists he has changed and he wants another chance. Reluctantly Madison admits there are benefits of having him on board.
With these two working so closely, it’s only a matter of time before their attraction takes center stage again.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * the couple meeting and relationship buildup didn’t happen in this book. Therefore, I felt like I started this book in the middle of their story
* * the reason for these two getting together was to start this post-pro-career program for the athletes, but it really took a back seat. I thought this couple needed more “outside of the bedroom” chemistry and this project would have been a good opportunity to help build that type of chemistry (working together side by side and collaborating and coming up with ideas). I think it would have helped forge a new type of relationship / dynamic for this couple, but that didn’t happen. They met on the project and more often than not ended up just having sex.
* * The foster parent / nasty foster sibling drama just didn’t resolve well. It was hinted at what could happen in the future, but no real good resolution on this. It was a major aspect in Madison’s life, so it needed something more in the way of a conclusion. And honestly, the high priced attorney’s lack of defending his client and the judge’s ruling just really ticked me off.
* * I can’t relate to abandonment issues, but I kind of got tired of Madison saying the same thing over and over and over. Finally at the end of the book she was beginning to accept Alex wouldn’t leave. But, it was like she was in a wash / rinse / repeat cycle for all of the book and then - bam - she gets it at the end. No gradual growth or development.
* * does it make sense to switch a career from hospital social work to helping pro athletes figure out what to do after their career ends? Not sure if I really bought into why Madison would make that type of career move
* * So, Alex changed somewhere between his injury (page 6) and taking the job with Madison (page 23) . Hmmmm. It would have been nice to take that journey with him so that I could appreciate how he acted or thought differently. Instead, this is what I got:
~ “Six months with nothing to do but live in his own head had brought changes she knew nothing about.”
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: h has abandonment issues thanks to her parents.
- Setting: mostly Miami, Florida
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think so. I didn’t read book 1, but apparently this is some of the backstory I missed by not reading that book.
>Riley and Ian are the couple from book one
>Alex (H in this book) and Riley have been best friends since childhood.
>Ian and Alex are half brothers and can’t stand each other. Ian’s father had an affair and kept a “secret” family on the side. Ian came from their father’s “legitimate” family. Alex and his siblings were the man’s illegitimate secrets.
>Alex was the quarterback for the Tampa Breakers. Ian was the president of the Miami Thunder. These are rival teams which adds another layer to why they don’t get along
>Riley and Madison are best friends. Therefore, Madison and Alex are around each other quite a bit lately.
Whew - that’s probably just scratching the surface. So as you can tell, the previous book has some critical backstory for this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: sports
- Hero likeable? In the beginning, it was made clear Alex was a man-whore (this might have happened in a previous book). This is not my favorite type of male lead. Fortunately his injury (which happened right away) had him reevaluating things in his life and his man-whore ways were not present in this book at all
- heroine likeable? she was ok, but her “everyone leaves me” attitude became a bit repetitive and annoying
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 19%
- First time they sleep together: 40%
- Safe sex? Not the first time. They were overcome with passion and forgot. They used condoms later on
- First time they say I Love You 90%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? their chemistry was slightly lacking for me. Maybe that’s because this book skipped their initial buildup. All those “firsts” were not experienced
- OW/OM drama? Not really.
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? After the injury, they were apart for a couple months
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really. Alex was determined to prove he had changed, but he didn’t blow me away with any specific swoony gestures
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Four months later
- Recommend? it was ok.
Quotes:
“I think the plan was to throw us in here like gladiators and see who survived.”
“I can’t live waiting to be miserable.”
“When you trust and it works out, the payoff is more than worth the potential pain.”
“You can’t keep running from love just because you’re afraid of being left behind.”
- Who is the Hero? Alex Dare, Age: 26, Occupation: former NFL quarterback
~ Alex took one too many hits on the field over the course of his career and was told he had to stop playing or he could suffer major brain injury. He never expected for his career to be cut short and now he he is feeling a bit lost with no plan what to do next.
- Who is the Heroine? Madison Evans, Age: 26, Occupation: has a Masters in Social Work
~ Madison was abandoned by her parents and raised in foster care. Her final foster home was with loving parents, but the father died and the mother now suffers from Alzheimer’s. Her foster brother is a selfish, money hungry prick.
She’s working with the Miami Thunder football team implementing a new program:
~ “We’ll be the first football team to institute mandatory postcareer education. The Thunder will make sure its players are capable of a successful physical, psychological, and social transition into the real world when their careers end.”
Plot overview:
~ Alex and Madison met in the previous book. I didn’t read it, but this is the catch-up from page 2:
~ “She’d met Alex when Riley had been brought to the hospital a few months ago, but she’d ignored the quarterback with the playboy reputation in favor of the patient she’d been assigned to treat as the social worker on call. She’d seen him again at Riley and Ian’s engagement party, where he’d turned on the charm and begun an all-out sensual assault. Despite her attempts to keep her distance, she’d broken down, given in, and ended up in his bed that same night. He didn’t do relationships, and she’d steeled herself for the inevitable quick end, which hadn’t happened.”
This book starts out with these two already sleeping together. So clearly something happened between then and now.
When Alex gets injured he lashes out and throws Madison out of his hospital room, effectively ending their little affair.
Fast forward a few months and Ian tells Madison he would like Alex to work with her on a new athlete education program.
~ “He’s lost without football. He needs direction. And he’s in a unique position to bring perspective to the players you’ll be trying to reach. He’d be the perfect person to talk to the league when we’re ready to try to convince them to make this type of program mandatory for all teams.”
She’s not to happy about it, but Alex insists he has changed and he wants another chance. Reluctantly Madison admits there are benefits of having him on board.
With these two working so closely, it’s only a matter of time before their attraction takes center stage again.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * the couple meeting and relationship buildup didn’t happen in this book. Therefore, I felt like I started this book in the middle of their story
* * the reason for these two getting together was to start this post-pro-career program for the athletes, but it really took a back seat. I thought this couple needed more “outside of the bedroom” chemistry and this project would have been a good opportunity to help build that type of chemistry (working together side by side and collaborating and coming up with ideas). I think it would have helped forge a new type of relationship / dynamic for this couple, but that didn’t happen. They met on the project and more often than not ended up just having sex.
* * The foster parent / nasty foster sibling drama just didn’t resolve well. It was hinted at what could happen in the future, but no real good resolution on this. It was a major aspect in Madison’s life, so it needed something more in the way of a conclusion. And honestly, the high priced attorney’s lack of defending his client and the judge’s ruling just really ticked me off.
* * I can’t relate to abandonment issues, but I kind of got tired of Madison saying the same thing over and over and over. Finally at the end of the book she was beginning to accept Alex wouldn’t leave. But, it was like she was in a wash / rinse / repeat cycle for all of the book and then - bam - she gets it at the end. No gradual growth or development.
* * does it make sense to switch a career from hospital social work to helping pro athletes figure out what to do after their career ends? Not sure if I really bought into why Madison would make that type of career move
* * So, Alex changed somewhere between his injury (page 6) and taking the job with Madison (page 23) . Hmmmm. It would have been nice to take that journey with him so that I could appreciate how he acted or thought differently. Instead, this is what I got:
~ “Six months with nothing to do but live in his own head had brought changes she knew nothing about.”
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: h has abandonment issues thanks to her parents.
- Setting: mostly Miami, Florida
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I think so. I didn’t read book 1, but apparently this is some of the backstory I missed by not reading that book.
>Riley and Ian are the couple from book one
>Alex (H in this book) and Riley have been best friends since childhood.
>Ian and Alex are half brothers and can’t stand each other. Ian’s father had an affair and kept a “secret” family on the side. Ian came from their father’s “legitimate” family. Alex and his siblings were the man’s illegitimate secrets.
>Alex was the quarterback for the Tampa Breakers. Ian was the president of the Miami Thunder. These are rival teams which adds another layer to why they don’t get along
>Riley and Madison are best friends. Therefore, Madison and Alex are around each other quite a bit lately.
Whew - that’s probably just scratching the surface. So as you can tell, the previous book has some critical backstory for this one.
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: sports
- Hero likeable? In the beginning, it was made clear Alex was a man-whore (this might have happened in a previous book). This is not my favorite type of male lead. Fortunately his injury (which happened right away) had him reevaluating things in his life and his man-whore ways were not present in this book at all
- heroine likeable? she was ok, but her “everyone leaves me” attitude became a bit repetitive and annoying
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 19%
- First time they sleep together: 40%
- Safe sex? Not the first time. They were overcome with passion and forgot. They used condoms later on
- First time they say I Love You 90%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? their chemistry was slightly lacking for me. Maybe that’s because this book skipped their initial buildup. All those “firsts” were not experienced
- OW/OM drama? Not really.
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? After the injury, they were apart for a couple months
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? No
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Not really. Alex was determined to prove he had changed, but he didn’t blow me away with any specific swoony gestures
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Four months later
- Recommend? it was ok.
Quotes:
“I think the plan was to throw us in here like gladiators and see who survived.”
“I can’t live waiting to be miserable.”
“When you trust and it works out, the payoff is more than worth the potential pain.”
“You can’t keep running from love just because you’re afraid of being left behind.”
February 22, 2021
Alex is the epitome of a man-whore in the first book where his quarterback status gets him a lot of women and not quality women either. In this book a career changing injury ends up effecting all aspects of his life.
He met Madison in the first book but at the time she did not give him the time of day but after several other chance meetings he ended up getting her attention. After his accident his mood/personality changed. He was a complete ass to Madison and other folks and succeeded in pushing many people away.
Riley is Alex’s best friend and she is now with his half-brother Ian. Riley has a brilliant idea for Ian to employ Alex in a new position. The only problem is he will have to work closely with Madison and his boss will be his half-brother and he has a bad relationship with both of them
Alex realizes rather quickly that he made a huge mistake with Madison and now has to convince her to give him another chance.
This story had more to it than I thought it would since it isn’t just about Alex & Madison but also gives more insight to Alex and Ian’s dad and the relationship between Alex and Ian.
He met Madison in the first book but at the time she did not give him the time of day but after several other chance meetings he ended up getting her attention. After his accident his mood/personality changed. He was a complete ass to Madison and other folks and succeeded in pushing many people away.
Riley is Alex’s best friend and she is now with his half-brother Ian. Riley has a brilliant idea for Ian to employ Alex in a new position. The only problem is he will have to work closely with Madison and his boss will be his half-brother and he has a bad relationship with both of them
Alex realizes rather quickly that he made a huge mistake with Madison and now has to convince her to give him another chance.
This story had more to it than I thought it would since it isn’t just about Alex & Madison but also gives more insight to Alex and Ian’s dad and the relationship between Alex and Ian.
July 21, 2016
3.5-4 daring stars!!
Dare to Desire was a sweet and steamy romance.
After a career ending injury, notorious playboy, Alex Dare’s football dream was put to an end.
Now faced with having to rebuild, he gets offered an opportunity to work for the rival team only…he’d have to work closely with the woman he nearly had fallen for and broken her heart right after.
Enter Madison.
Madison Evans knows what it’s like to come from nothing. Abandoned by her parents when she was young and living from foster home to foster home, Madison feels the all too familiar burn of rejection after being dumped by Alex.
When fate brings them together again and she is forced to work alongside with him and old feelings resurface, she decides to close off all feelings and emotions for him. But Alex isn’t having it. He wants Madison and wants to make things right between them. Determined to win her trust again, he tries endlessly to prove that he is not the man that he once was.
Sounds simple right? Not!
What will happen when an opportunity of a lifetime endangers everything that they’ve built? And when a trying upheaval threatens to tear apart every bit of thread of family that Madison has ever had, will she be succumbed to another heartbreak?
Will Alex break through Madison’s defenses and break her out of her fears to be open to love? Or, will is their love just not meant to be?
My thoughts: Over all, a fast and easy read. There were times where I thought “meh..” but in the grand scheme it was enjoyable.
I will admit that I have not read book one, Dare to Love , since I thought that these two books would not intermingle but I was wrong. They do. You don’t absolutely have to read book one to dive into book two though. It can be read as a standalone. But it’s just better that you do since Ian and Riley do make appearances in Dare to Desire. After all, Ian is Alex’s half brother.
I really can’t wait for the next book in the series due out in July, Dare to Surrender , which focuses on Alex’s cousin, Gabe!
Originally, I had been hoping for book three to be on Alex and Ian's half brother, Jason, but there's always book four!
And well, by the snippet given in Dare to Desire about Dare to Surrender it has already intrigued my interest. Hehe.
But for now, anyway, I’m probably going to backtrack and read Dare to Love since I’m now curious as to how Riley and Ian’s relationship started out! Hehe.
A lovely read!
*I was provided with an ARC by Rockstar PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Dare to Desire was a sweet and steamy romance.
After a career ending injury, notorious playboy, Alex Dare’s football dream was put to an end.
Now faced with having to rebuild, he gets offered an opportunity to work for the rival team only…he’d have to work closely with the woman he nearly had fallen for and broken her heart right after.
Enter Madison.
Madison Evans knows what it’s like to come from nothing. Abandoned by her parents when she was young and living from foster home to foster home, Madison feels the all too familiar burn of rejection after being dumped by Alex.
When fate brings them together again and she is forced to work alongside with him and old feelings resurface, she decides to close off all feelings and emotions for him. But Alex isn’t having it. He wants Madison and wants to make things right between them. Determined to win her trust again, he tries endlessly to prove that he is not the man that he once was.
Sounds simple right? Not!
What will happen when an opportunity of a lifetime endangers everything that they’ve built? And when a trying upheaval threatens to tear apart every bit of thread of family that Madison has ever had, will she be succumbed to another heartbreak?
Will Alex break through Madison’s defenses and break her out of her fears to be open to love? Or, will is their love just not meant to be?
My thoughts: Over all, a fast and easy read. There were times where I thought “meh..” but in the grand scheme it was enjoyable.
I will admit that I have not read book one, Dare to Love , since I thought that these two books would not intermingle but I was wrong. They do. You don’t absolutely have to read book one to dive into book two though. It can be read as a standalone. But it’s just better that you do since Ian and Riley do make appearances in Dare to Desire. After all, Ian is Alex’s half brother.
I really can’t wait for the next book in the series due out in July, Dare to Surrender , which focuses on Alex’s cousin, Gabe!
Originally, I had been hoping for book three to be on Alex and Ian's half brother, Jason, but there's always book four!
And well, by the snippet given in Dare to Desire about Dare to Surrender it has already intrigued my interest. Hehe.
But for now, anyway, I’m probably going to backtrack and read Dare to Love since I’m now curious as to how Riley and Ian’s relationship started out! Hehe.
A lovely read!
*I was provided with an ARC by Rockstar PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
April 27, 2014
4.5 Stars! Terrific second installment in this series!
While I enjoyed Dare to Love, the first book in the series, I really, really liked Dare to Desire. As a whole, it was more of what I look for in a romance book; not just sex, good character development and an intensity to the overall plot. Not only did Carly Phillips draw on the physical attraction between Alex and Madison , she delved into the issue of sports figures and what happens to their lives once they are out of the limelight. It added something extra and real to the read.
I enjoyed seeing Alex and Madison build their renewed relationship on trust, respect and compromise. Even though they worked together, they tried to keep their personal lives separate. They became friends first and then once they decided to give a real relationship a go, they didn’t really waver from that commitment. Alex set out to prove to Madison that he was in it for the long haul and he did exactly that. He wasn't all words, he was a man of his word...very honorable! I liked his character in the first book, but I fell in love with him in Dare to Desire.
Madison was a great heroine, so kind and understanding. She has some family issues of her own, and Alex was there to help her. She was hesitant to try again with Alex, but for some reason she trusts him. She has every reason to be angry with him, yet she forgives him, because she sees the good in him. I think considering the circumstances of their last involvement and the situation he ended up in, injured and bitter, she cuts him some slack. Alex wants her, not just sex, he wants all of her, including her heart and trust. He knows she's his forever girl, regrets the pain and humiliation he caused her, and I didn't just read it, I felt it. The author did a great job relaying the emotions of the characters to the reader.
There was a scene where Alex is placed in a compromising position and Madison didn’t go crazy when she saw what happened. She trusted Alex enough to know that it wasn’t as it seemed, and told him so before he could explain himself. The author scored points with me on that one. She didn't bring in unnecessary drama for the sake of shock value. They remained solid as a couple and I loved that!
Also, this wasn't just about Alex mending his relationship with Madison, it was about Alex and Ian finding some balance in their lives too. The brother he idolized who initially rejected him, wanted nothing to do with him, is now his boss and well on his way to becoming his good friend. It's an unusual family dynamic; one father, two families, one borne of love, the other out of duty. Makes for some interesting reading.
The ending was really charming and it ended on such a high note. Gave me goose bumps. I fell in love with Alex even more, which I didn't think was possible!
Dare to Desire is big on story and has something for everyone; romance, steamy sex, lots of sweet, a unique family dynamic, and a hero and heroine that will find their way into your heart.
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 29, 2014
I really want to just to skip this review and just scream “BUY THE BOOK, TRUST ME” but I know all you readers probably need more to go on right? I mean if you insist I will ramble on for a couple of paragraphs about how awesome this book and series is…you know, just to end up back at “BUY THE BOOK, TRUST ME”….but here is goes…
Alex hit rock bottom and he could really care less. After a career ending injury cut his football days short, he tossed out his girlfriend, Madison and holed up in his house to piss away his life. Yet when his half brother offers him an opportunity to come work with him behind the scenes and start an education program for athletes in the same situation as himself he can’t refuse. The only catch? The ex he tossed out in a fit of self pity is his new partner and she’s not going to be happy to see him again. That’s fine with Alex, because he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her back and make her his again.
Trusting is not something Madison does easily. After the heartbreak Alex caused the first time around she’s less than enthused to open herself up to that hurt again. Vowing to stay on track and develop this program into something phenomenal she tries her best to keep things professional yet her blood still heats at every look he casts her way. Soon she finds herself back in his arms and against all logic he’s back in her heart.
I LOVED this book! Carly Phillips gets hotter with each self pub that by book three it may be too hot to touch!
Alex Dare is so smoking hot that my Kindle is permanently singed! I absolutely adore a hero who isn’t afraid to admit his mistakes and do whatever it takes to rectify them. Where Madison is concerned Alex is willing to do anything…everything and that made him even sexier. Alex seduces Madison at every turn until she’s once again sagging into his arms in a puddle of lust…kinda like the puddle of lust I was sitting on my couch while reading it…
Of course there has to be some drama, because I enjoy some plot with my sex and Phillips gives me both with her exceptional writing. Madison’s trust issues come back again and again, for good reasons but it just makes Alex more determined to prove to her that he’s no longer the playboy athlete he once was. When Alex is offered a more high profile job that will take him back into the public eye Madison finds the option hard to embrace and it causes a rift between them that may just be insurmountable…
Along with the re connection aspect the familial bonds that are continuing to strengthen between the half siblings is simply great reading. I love how Ian (from book one) and Alex are learning how to co-exist and even talk on occasion. Alex’s friendship with Ian’s wife Riley certainly helps the men have common ground but it was heartwarming to see them getting along much better than in book one. All the secondary characters are just so lush and full that I want a story for them all!
So here we are….I’ve talked for a few paragraphs and I only have one more thing to say…..”BUY THE BOOK, TRUST ME!”
I give Dare To Desire by Carly Phillips 5 stars!
Alex hit rock bottom and he could really care less. After a career ending injury cut his football days short, he tossed out his girlfriend, Madison and holed up in his house to piss away his life. Yet when his half brother offers him an opportunity to come work with him behind the scenes and start an education program for athletes in the same situation as himself he can’t refuse. The only catch? The ex he tossed out in a fit of self pity is his new partner and she’s not going to be happy to see him again. That’s fine with Alex, because he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her back and make her his again.
Trusting is not something Madison does easily. After the heartbreak Alex caused the first time around she’s less than enthused to open herself up to that hurt again. Vowing to stay on track and develop this program into something phenomenal she tries her best to keep things professional yet her blood still heats at every look he casts her way. Soon she finds herself back in his arms and against all logic he’s back in her heart.
I LOVED this book! Carly Phillips gets hotter with each self pub that by book three it may be too hot to touch!
Alex Dare is so smoking hot that my Kindle is permanently singed! I absolutely adore a hero who isn’t afraid to admit his mistakes and do whatever it takes to rectify them. Where Madison is concerned Alex is willing to do anything…everything and that made him even sexier. Alex seduces Madison at every turn until she’s once again sagging into his arms in a puddle of lust…kinda like the puddle of lust I was sitting on my couch while reading it…
Of course there has to be some drama, because I enjoy some plot with my sex and Phillips gives me both with her exceptional writing. Madison’s trust issues come back again and again, for good reasons but it just makes Alex more determined to prove to her that he’s no longer the playboy athlete he once was. When Alex is offered a more high profile job that will take him back into the public eye Madison finds the option hard to embrace and it causes a rift between them that may just be insurmountable…
Along with the re connection aspect the familial bonds that are continuing to strengthen between the half siblings is simply great reading. I love how Ian (from book one) and Alex are learning how to co-exist and even talk on occasion. Alex’s friendship with Ian’s wife Riley certainly helps the men have common ground but it was heartwarming to see them getting along much better than in book one. All the secondary characters are just so lush and full that I want a story for them all!
So here we are….I’ve talked for a few paragraphs and I only have one more thing to say…..”BUY THE BOOK, TRUST ME!”
I give Dare To Desire by Carly Phillips 5 stars!
December 21, 2014
I love these Dare brothers!!!
They all start out so cocky and hard to get to know, almost unreachable. Then they find the right one, and they completely change, becoming the ideal perfect guy, supportive, attentive, and willing to fight for that one woman no matter how much she fights them.
Alex was no exception. He and Madison had been together before. But it was in his prime football career. He had warned her ahead of time that he didn't do relationships, she thought she had heeded to his warning but when he got hurt and she came to check on him, he took all of his frustrations out on her and broke her heart. Madison has since stayed away from him, but when a job opportunity places them together six months later, she discovers she's not completely over him, and Alex, well he discovers things about himself and Madison that he wasn't ever ready to admit to himself, but is determined now he wants her, and he will be as patient as humanly possible to not only win her back, but to prove to her he's changed as well.
Poor Madison had had such a hard life. In and out of foster care homes, not to mention what her parents had put her through. You couldn't help but want to hug her. She put on a brave face, but inside was fighting so many issues. Alex though, swoon, Alex was amazing!! Patience of a saint, and once he decided he wanted Madison, wow!!! She really made him have to prove himself, and no matter what he never did anything but.
The story seemed more of one of those sweet, swoony stories. Yes, there is some conflicts, but everything seemed to resolve pretty quick and it was back to sexy times. :) I loved getting to see more of Ian and Riley from book one, and how Ian and Alex's relationship kept growing stronger. I can't wait to read more from this series, Gabe is up next and something about him just makes me think he's going to be amazing!!!
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
They all start out so cocky and hard to get to know, almost unreachable. Then they find the right one, and they completely change, becoming the ideal perfect guy, supportive, attentive, and willing to fight for that one woman no matter how much she fights them.
Alex was no exception. He and Madison had been together before. But it was in his prime football career. He had warned her ahead of time that he didn't do relationships, she thought she had heeded to his warning but when he got hurt and she came to check on him, he took all of his frustrations out on her and broke her heart. Madison has since stayed away from him, but when a job opportunity places them together six months later, she discovers she's not completely over him, and Alex, well he discovers things about himself and Madison that he wasn't ever ready to admit to himself, but is determined now he wants her, and he will be as patient as humanly possible to not only win her back, but to prove to her he's changed as well.
Poor Madison had had such a hard life. In and out of foster care homes, not to mention what her parents had put her through. You couldn't help but want to hug her. She put on a brave face, but inside was fighting so many issues. Alex though, swoon, Alex was amazing!! Patience of a saint, and once he decided he wanted Madison, wow!!! She really made him have to prove himself, and no matter what he never did anything but.
The story seemed more of one of those sweet, swoony stories. Yes, there is some conflicts, but everything seemed to resolve pretty quick and it was back to sexy times. :) I loved getting to see more of Ian and Riley from book one, and how Ian and Alex's relationship kept growing stronger. I can't wait to read more from this series, Gabe is up next and something about him just makes me think he's going to be amazing!!!
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
I love Carly Phillips. I don't think I have ever read a bad book by her. Her light, funny touch, present in a lot of her previous books, is absent here. Instead we get a hero and heroine with serious issues and have a lot to work out before they can get the the HEA.
Alex Dare and Madison Evans were having a wonderful relationship. He was a pro football player at the top of his career and she was a social worker with a fulfilling career all her own. Then - Alex suffers a career ending injury. He goes from being the darling of the fans and media to a nobody. To say he reacted badly to all this is putting it mildly. He was a total ass to his family and Madison, who he basically told to get lost.
Madison was no stranger to rejection, having grown up in a series of foster homes. She always knew that her time with golden boy Alex was limited, but to be rejected by him so callously, well, it really, really hurt. But, nothing to do except pick herself up and move on, life always, and never repeat the mistake again.
What Riley didn't tell Madison was that she would be working with Alex. That came close to being a deal breaker. Been there, done that, have the broken heart to prove it. But, after one meeting, Madison can see that the playboy professional athletic has changed. Given her track record of being abandoned, Madison is more than leery of giving Alex another chance to hurt her. Still, our guy has also changed, and grown and is all in for Madison. He just has to make her believe that.
Alex Dare and Madison Evans were having a wonderful relationship. He was a pro football player at the top of his career and she was a social worker with a fulfilling career all her own. Then - Alex suffers a career ending injury. He goes from being the darling of the fans and media to a nobody. To say he reacted badly to all this is putting it mildly. He was a total ass to his family and Madison, who he basically told to get lost.
Madison was no stranger to rejection, having grown up in a series of foster homes. She always knew that her time with golden boy Alex was limited, but to be rejected by him so callously, well, it really, really hurt. But, nothing to do except pick herself up and move on, life always, and never repeat the mistake again.
What Riley didn't tell Madison was that she would be working with Alex. That came close to being a deal breaker. Been there, done that, have the broken heart to prove it. But, after one meeting, Madison can see that the playboy professional athletic has changed. Given her track record of being abandoned, Madison is more than leery of giving Alex another chance to hurt her. Still, our guy has also changed, and grown and is all in for Madison. He just has to make her believe that.
January 3, 2015
3 stars – Contemporary Romance
Want to read
June 17, 2015Kindle Freebie!!! 6/16/15
http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Desire-Lov...
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March 23, 2017
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
Want to read
May 20, 2015
June 16, 2018
BOOKS IN THIS SERIES NEEDS TO BE READ IN ORDER!
Okay before i start this review let me say this: I really like Carly Phillips and her writing style -normally.
I read more than a handful of her books including the first in this series and they all are just want i look for in a romance of this type. Easy, slightly over the top romance that you can fly through and enjoy yourself.
But this book was just not at all her typical writing style in my option!
This book lacked a lot of things for me.
For one i didn't like that we didn't really get any actual character introduction (non at all) or development (very late into the book), so if you don't read the first boo in this series you have NO idea who anyone is.
I did read the first book but still i think there needs to be a bit of a reminder who everyone is and why they behave as they do ant not 70% into the book but at the beginning! Not every reader will read the entire series one after the other or remember every character and detail of this type of book!
So that bothered me.
I also HATED how overly extreme "I am here and in CHARGE!" Alex was in this book which i honestly found very out of character for him after the introduction we had gotten of him in the first book. He was very different in that book at least i thought he was.
He was unbearably overstepping in this book in my option.
I also didn't enjoy how the apparently very strong Madison just let herself be pushed around by basically everyone.
I hated how they behaved at work.
Because just NO!
I don't mind a work-romance!
Why not?
But there can't be a constant "Lets blow this off and do each other instead!" or not do work while at work... just NO!
Be realistic about it!
If you are passionate about your work its important to you. So you WORK at work and do other things when that is done.
But once those two got together it was just all about that an while other things were mentioned and dramatised, it all fated as soon as sex was involved or thought about. Or dreamed about. Or you know the two of them saw each other.
I also really didn't like the foster-parent/sibling drama that was added into this.
Not because i don't think that this sadly actually exists. I am sure it does and its horrible.
But because i felt like that was only added into this book so that it can't be said that its just sex without any plot at all.
So there was this plot element shoved into the book to say, "No look there is plot, the entire stuff with Madisons past and her foster mother is going on, clearly there is plot and not just sex!"
It read that way at least to me.
So all in all?
sorry but this didn't do anything to me.
As much as i enjoyed the first book of this since it was just fun and easy to read.
This was utterly frustrating.
Not sure if its just the characters, or if the author didn't know where to take those two, or the whole series yet.
No idea.
But this book was a mess in my option and not anything like the first one was.
I am not sure yet when i will continue on and if i would be one of those people that could just give up on series this would defiantly be one i wouldn't continue on with.
But i can't do that so i know i will read the next one someday, and just hope that it will be worlds better than this one!
Okay before i start this review let me say this: I really like Carly Phillips and her writing style -normally.
I read more than a handful of her books including the first in this series and they all are just want i look for in a romance of this type. Easy, slightly over the top romance that you can fly through and enjoy yourself.
But this book was just not at all her typical writing style in my option!
This book lacked a lot of things for me.
For one i didn't like that we didn't really get any actual character introduction (non at all) or development (very late into the book), so if you don't read the first boo in this series you have NO idea who anyone is.
I did read the first book but still i think there needs to be a bit of a reminder who everyone is and why they behave as they do ant not 70% into the book but at the beginning! Not every reader will read the entire series one after the other or remember every character and detail of this type of book!
So that bothered me.
I also HATED how overly extreme "I am here and in CHARGE!" Alex was in this book which i honestly found very out of character for him after the introduction we had gotten of him in the first book. He was very different in that book at least i thought he was.
He was unbearably overstepping in this book in my option.
I also didn't enjoy how the apparently very strong Madison just let herself be pushed around by basically everyone.
I hated how they behaved at work.
Because just NO!
I don't mind a work-romance!
Why not?
But there can't be a constant "Lets blow this off and do each other instead!" or not do work while at work... just NO!
Be realistic about it!
If you are passionate about your work its important to you. So you WORK at work and do other things when that is done.
But once those two got together it was just all about that an while other things were mentioned and dramatised, it all fated as soon as sex was involved or thought about. Or dreamed about. Or you know the two of them saw each other.
I also really didn't like the foster-parent/sibling drama that was added into this.
Not because i don't think that this sadly actually exists. I am sure it does and its horrible.
But because i felt like that was only added into this book so that it can't be said that its just sex without any plot at all.
So there was this plot element shoved into the book to say, "No look there is plot, the entire stuff with Madisons past and her foster mother is going on, clearly there is plot and not just sex!"
It read that way at least to me.
So all in all?
sorry but this didn't do anything to me.
As much as i enjoyed the first book of this since it was just fun and easy to read.
This was utterly frustrating.
Not sure if its just the characters, or if the author didn't know where to take those two, or the whole series yet.
No idea.
But this book was a mess in my option and not anything like the first one was.
I am not sure yet when i will continue on and if i would be one of those people that could just give up on series this would defiantly be one i wouldn't continue on with.
But i can't do that so i know i will read the next one someday, and just hope that it will be worlds better than this one!
August 25, 2014
Dare to Desire by Carly Phillips is a 2014 CP publication. I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Alex is the star quarterback for the Tampa Breakers. He's popular, good looking, and financially comfortable. He has been dating Madison Evans, a social worker he met when his best friend, and now his sister-in-law, Riley was going through hard times. So, life was good until.... Alex experiences an athlete's worst nightmare, a career ending injury. Madison wanted to be there for Alex but he pushed her away. Now, Madison is working on a program that helps athletes adjust to life after sports. Ian hooks Alex up with a job working in the program, but the hitch is he will have to work side by side with Madison who is still very angry with Alex about the way he treated her. Can Alex rise to the occasion and show Madison the kind of man he really is? Will Madison ever be able to trust him again?
Madison his having a really hard time with her family and as Alex learns more about her past the more determined he is to prove to her he has changed. But, Madison is just as determined to protect her heart.
Madison's abandonment issues will be a major hurdle for her to overcome. Alex still has a marketable face and is getting offers that could put him back in the spotlight. But, Madison's insecurities may make it impossible for her to deal with that.
I felt that of the two main characters in this story, Madison was the the bravest. She had a truly horrific childhood experience and now she is losing the foster family that has meant the world to her. Taking a second chance with Alex could be her undoing, but she works really hard to overcome her fears and work on her personal demons.
Alex also went through something that could have derailed him on so many levels but he has a good support system and decides to make the most of his life after football.
There were many heavy issues addressed in this story that sadly happen everyday in families, blood related or not. The decisions concerning the health and care of our parents is also so heartbreaking. While this book is very spicy and sensual, and romantic, I loved the mature nature of Madison and Alex's relationship as they did the right things by others and themselves.
Another solid installment in the Dare Brothers series. Next up Gabriel's story- stay tuned!
4 stars
Alex is the star quarterback for the Tampa Breakers. He's popular, good looking, and financially comfortable. He has been dating Madison Evans, a social worker he met when his best friend, and now his sister-in-law, Riley was going through hard times. So, life was good until.... Alex experiences an athlete's worst nightmare, a career ending injury. Madison wanted to be there for Alex but he pushed her away. Now, Madison is working on a program that helps athletes adjust to life after sports. Ian hooks Alex up with a job working in the program, but the hitch is he will have to work side by side with Madison who is still very angry with Alex about the way he treated her. Can Alex rise to the occasion and show Madison the kind of man he really is? Will Madison ever be able to trust him again?
Madison his having a really hard time with her family and as Alex learns more about her past the more determined he is to prove to her he has changed. But, Madison is just as determined to protect her heart.
Madison's abandonment issues will be a major hurdle for her to overcome. Alex still has a marketable face and is getting offers that could put him back in the spotlight. But, Madison's insecurities may make it impossible for her to deal with that.
I felt that of the two main characters in this story, Madison was the the bravest. She had a truly horrific childhood experience and now she is losing the foster family that has meant the world to her. Taking a second chance with Alex could be her undoing, but she works really hard to overcome her fears and work on her personal demons.
Alex also went through something that could have derailed him on so many levels but he has a good support system and decides to make the most of his life after football.
There were many heavy issues addressed in this story that sadly happen everyday in families, blood related or not. The decisions concerning the health and care of our parents is also so heartbreaking. While this book is very spicy and sensual, and romantic, I loved the mature nature of Madison and Alex's relationship as they did the right things by others and themselves.
Another solid installment in the Dare Brothers series. Next up Gabriel's story- stay tuned!
4 stars
November 23, 2014
This is my second Carly Phillips book and I listened to the audio (which was good).
Overall DtD was ok, I didn't hate it though I was dubious I would like Alex after he as a bit of an ass in book 1. I like stories where the hero stuffs up and has to work hard to win the heroine over, and in the beginning of DtD Alex had done that with him and Madison already having history. My problem is that I never really bought in that he was working hard. He screwed up many more times because he was just thinking of himself (especially when Madison had a lot to deal with, with her foster mother etc) and while he is only human, it just came across that Madison gave in. Another thing I didn't like is the lack of detail with Madison's past. Her mother went to work one day and never came home. It was implied she deserted her family but did anyone think to ring the police to report her missing? I'm pretty sure if I went to work and never came home my husband would NOT assume that I just decided "nah, this sucks, I'm outta here". Then Madison's father abandoned her at a shopping mall which is a terrible experience but the POLICE would have been called etc...and he would have been charged with abandonment at the very least. Madison was old enough to know this but it was all brushed over. It was these sort of details (or lack thereof) that let the story down and turned it from a great emotional read to something more light with less emotional substance. The ending, though there is a "3 months later" scene left me wanting more (again - it was the same in book 1) and that's frustrating. I can understand the high ratings and why people enjoy the series but I'm not sure this series, or CP's writing is my cup of tea.
Overall DtD was ok, I didn't hate it though I was dubious I would like Alex after he as a bit of an ass in book 1. I like stories where the hero stuffs up and has to work hard to win the heroine over, and in the beginning of DtD Alex had done that with him and Madison already having history. My problem is that I never really bought in that he was working hard. He screwed up many more times because he was just thinking of himself (especially when Madison had a lot to deal with, with her foster mother etc) and while he is only human, it just came across that Madison gave in. Another thing I didn't like is the lack of detail with Madison's past. Her mother went to work one day and never came home. It was implied she deserted her family but did anyone think to ring the police to report her missing? I'm pretty sure if I went to work and never came home my husband would NOT assume that I just decided "nah, this sucks, I'm outta here". Then Madison's father abandoned her at a shopping mall which is a terrible experience but the POLICE would have been called etc...and he would have been charged with abandonment at the very least. Madison was old enough to know this but it was all brushed over. It was these sort of details (or lack thereof) that let the story down and turned it from a great emotional read to something more light with less emotional substance. The ending, though there is a "3 months later" scene left me wanting more (again - it was the same in book 1) and that's frustrating. I can understand the high ratings and why people enjoy the series but I'm not sure this series, or CP's writing is my cup of tea.
June 2, 2023
3.5 Stars I'm rounding up on this one as there isn't really anything about it that wasn't good or that I didn't like, it just didn't sing for me either. Alex and Madison are really sweet together as Alex works to win back Madison's trust, determined to prove he's a changed man. He was the playboy NFL quarterback, but his injury changed him and he knows he was wrong with how he ended things between them. His brother's job offer and the opportunity to work with Madison are too important to pass up.
Madison has her own trust issues to work through and they were compounded by the way Alex handled things when he was injured. But, it was very clear that he was determined to work hard to earn her trust again. I liked that it wasn't easy, but he stuck to his guns and really didn't waver in his commitment to her even when they weren't sure exactly what the future was going to look like.
I read the first book in this series so long ago I barely remember it. But this was enjoyable and does have me wondering about re-reading the first and continuing on with the series.
Madison has her own trust issues to work through and they were compounded by the way Alex handled things when he was injured. But, it was very clear that he was determined to work hard to earn her trust again. I liked that it wasn't easy, but he stuck to his guns and really didn't waver in his commitment to her even when they weren't sure exactly what the future was going to look like.
I read the first book in this series so long ago I barely remember it. But this was enjoyable and does have me wondering about re-reading the first and continuing on with the series.
April 9, 2014
A copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review at The Romance Evangelist.
Although I’m familiar enough with Carly Phillips to have several of her earlier books on my To Be Read list, DARE TO DESIRE is the first book I’ve read from her. In this second book of her new self-published Dare To Love series about the children of a man who had a second family while still married to his first wife, the hero is the oldest son of the woman his father took first as mistress, then as wife once their relationship was publicly exposed.
At the beginning of DARE TO DESIRE, Alex Dare is still dealing with the fallout of being one of the previously “secret” Dare siblings while continuing to excel in his successful career as a NFL quarterback. He’s even snagged a lovely lady to share his public and private time, although her friendship with his half siblings could be a liability if he ever tired of her company. Overall, things are going along pretty well for Alex, until that fateful Thanksgiving Day game when he ended up at the bottom of a dogpile on the field. It was bad enough being in the hospital and finding out that his risk of permanent injury would force an early retirement. But then he had to go and kick Madison out of his room and life when all she had done was stop by to see if he was okay. Now it’s six months later and after pushing nearly everyone else out of his life, Alex gets a call from Ian, his oldest half sibling, with an opportunity that could not only get him back in the NFL, but also back in with Madison, the woman he should have never let get away.
Madison Evans knew all too well that most people couldn’t be trusted to stick around, especially the people who claimed to love you. As a social worker, she’s made it her life’s work to help kids with the same problems she’d had in her own childhood, and won’t have her head turned by money or influence. Yet she couldn’t resist when Alex turns on his considerable charm, and had only herself to blame when it was all suddenly over after his career-ending injury. Now that the husband of her good friend Riley has offered her the chance to set up a new mandatory post-career education program for his NFL team, Madison is excited about being able to change lives outside the narrow confines of social work. But when her new boss Ian Dare sets her up to work with Alex, Madison has to decide if she can handle working directly with the man who broke her heart, and if he’s really changed enough to earn her trust a second time.
One of the things I especially enjoyed about DARE TO DESIRE was how I was able to work my way through all the intricate relationships between the two Dare families and their associated friends, even though this was the second book and my first read in the series. The fact that Alex was childhood friends with Riley, Ian’s wife, has helped smooth the way between the two men somewhat, but it will still take time for them to get past all the hard feelings stirred up when their father divorced Ian’s mother to marry Alex’s mother.
As a new reader to the series, I hadn’t seen Alex in action as his earlier self-centered manwhore self, other than in the brief prologue when he dumped Madison while still in his hospital bed. But it was apparent from her memories that at least from her perspective, he’d only been a nominally good boyfriend before their breakup. Sure, the sex had been frequent and amazing, but he hadn’t been particularly considerate whenever he was approached by strange women any time he and Madison had been out in public together. So just because the two of them still find each other irresistible shouldn’t and doesn’t mean all is forgiven on her part.
In DARE TO DESIRE, Alex is fortunate to have multiple chances to show Madison he’s changed by how he treats her while working on their new shared project and how he helps her out with the court case being brought against her by her foster brother. And as Madison slowly warms to the idea of reuniting the man she still loves back in her life for good, the ties between Alex and his family of half siblings are also strengthened, extending the joy of the story’s happy ending beyond Madison and Alex to their shared loved ones as well. The richness of its family background is what elevated DARE TO DESIRE beyond a basic romance for me and it’s why I’ll be reading the first book and all the other ones to come.
Although I’m familiar enough with Carly Phillips to have several of her earlier books on my To Be Read list, DARE TO DESIRE is the first book I’ve read from her. In this second book of her new self-published Dare To Love series about the children of a man who had a second family while still married to his first wife, the hero is the oldest son of the woman his father took first as mistress, then as wife once their relationship was publicly exposed.
At the beginning of DARE TO DESIRE, Alex Dare is still dealing with the fallout of being one of the previously “secret” Dare siblings while continuing to excel in his successful career as a NFL quarterback. He’s even snagged a lovely lady to share his public and private time, although her friendship with his half siblings could be a liability if he ever tired of her company. Overall, things are going along pretty well for Alex, until that fateful Thanksgiving Day game when he ended up at the bottom of a dogpile on the field. It was bad enough being in the hospital and finding out that his risk of permanent injury would force an early retirement. But then he had to go and kick Madison out of his room and life when all she had done was stop by to see if he was okay. Now it’s six months later and after pushing nearly everyone else out of his life, Alex gets a call from Ian, his oldest half sibling, with an opportunity that could not only get him back in the NFL, but also back in with Madison, the woman he should have never let get away.
Madison Evans knew all too well that most people couldn’t be trusted to stick around, especially the people who claimed to love you. As a social worker, she’s made it her life’s work to help kids with the same problems she’d had in her own childhood, and won’t have her head turned by money or influence. Yet she couldn’t resist when Alex turns on his considerable charm, and had only herself to blame when it was all suddenly over after his career-ending injury. Now that the husband of her good friend Riley has offered her the chance to set up a new mandatory post-career education program for his NFL team, Madison is excited about being able to change lives outside the narrow confines of social work. But when her new boss Ian Dare sets her up to work with Alex, Madison has to decide if she can handle working directly with the man who broke her heart, and if he’s really changed enough to earn her trust a second time.
One of the things I especially enjoyed about DARE TO DESIRE was how I was able to work my way through all the intricate relationships between the two Dare families and their associated friends, even though this was the second book and my first read in the series. The fact that Alex was childhood friends with Riley, Ian’s wife, has helped smooth the way between the two men somewhat, but it will still take time for them to get past all the hard feelings stirred up when their father divorced Ian’s mother to marry Alex’s mother.
As a new reader to the series, I hadn’t seen Alex in action as his earlier self-centered manwhore self, other than in the brief prologue when he dumped Madison while still in his hospital bed. But it was apparent from her memories that at least from her perspective, he’d only been a nominally good boyfriend before their breakup. Sure, the sex had been frequent and amazing, but he hadn’t been particularly considerate whenever he was approached by strange women any time he and Madison had been out in public together. So just because the two of them still find each other irresistible shouldn’t and doesn’t mean all is forgiven on her part.
In DARE TO DESIRE, Alex is fortunate to have multiple chances to show Madison he’s changed by how he treats her while working on their new shared project and how he helps her out with the court case being brought against her by her foster brother. And as Madison slowly warms to the idea of reuniting the man she still loves back in her life for good, the ties between Alex and his family of half siblings are also strengthened, extending the joy of the story’s happy ending beyond Madison and Alex to their shared loved ones as well. The richness of its family background is what elevated DARE TO DESIRE beyond a basic romance for me and it’s why I’ll be reading the first book and all the other ones to come.
March 6, 2017
I didn't like this book either but it was a step up from the first. This one was still quick in the beginning but midway slowed down and not as rushed as book one felt the entire time. Some disappointing things from the beginning though. Madison changed careers at the drop of a hat for the author's convenience of getting her and Alex working together. It's hard to believe that she'd just make a sudden major career change especially one that puts her in close proximity to the family of a man that hurt her, not to mention how close she'd apparently gotten to Riley who was her client is just questionable in the first place. Furthermore, Riley and Ian (because of Riley) are overstepping their boundaries in professionalism and the workplace. Pretty much forcing them to work together when it should be Madison's decision on if she can work with Alex since he's the one who pursued her and kicked her to the curb. If she's being put in charge, she needs to be comfortable with her co-workers and employees because she was there first, not Alex.
Madison disappointed me. She gave in physically way too easily for someone who was so hurt. I guess she wasn't really that affected by him if all it took was a kiss she initially didn't want and being backed up against her car. Her trust issues fluctuate which gets a little repetitive. I prefer characters to be legit all or nothing with one big change in the end but Madison was hot and cold, yes and no, do and don't throughout the book which made me dislike her. Her actions didn't add up to what her mouth preached and that bothered me.
Alex's second opportunity for fame and spotlight put him in a tight spot and while I can respect his decision, he did make one statement that hit a nerve and made me question his priorities if it came down to choosing what matters most to him.
"He loved the work they were doing with the organization, and if he could manage to do both things, he’d stay on here. But he was honest enough to admit that the thought of returning to football in some sort of public capacity appealed to him. He couldn’t give that up, even for Madison. He had to believe that wasn’t what she’d want him to do either.
He knew he was a different man now, and no amount of time in front of the camera would change that. It was her turn to change, he thought, with no small amount of frustration.
But he didn’t know if she could alter a lifetime of ingrained negative expectations. And he didn’t know where that would leave them if she couldn’t.”
A job is a job. Some people have great jobs and others have crappy ones but what it comes down to, is what you come home to. When your job is done for the day, you either come home to your family/spouse/kids or an empty house. Which is the happier one? Having a dream job isn't going to keep you happy at home if you have no one to share it with. Alex made it clear to me with that excerpt that if Madison couldn't get over her fear he'd revert back to the person he used to be or if she couldn't handle him being away for long periods of time that he would dump her for fame and move on the same way he did the first time. Because he didn't go looking for her either, she was just in the right place at the right time and because they were set up to work together. I didn't believe in their HEA because after that inner monologue he had, I couldn't stop thinking if Madison had asked him not to take it, if he'd choose the job over her. The misunderstanding I was able to get over even though it was dumb on his part because he left her when she needed him most but when it comes to his prioritizing, I don't trust that he'd put Madison before his career.
Last thing was the sex scenes. There was just too many that I skipped through them like the last book because I didn't connect with them enough to wanna read their intimate scenes but also because they all seemed like the same scene to where it got boring. I'd rather have buildup to one hot amazing scene that stands out and you'll remember because it's unique rather than 5 same dialogue different location sex scenes. Overall, it's an improvement from the first in the series but in no way great.
Madison disappointed me. She gave in physically way too easily for someone who was so hurt. I guess she wasn't really that affected by him if all it took was a kiss she initially didn't want and being backed up against her car. Her trust issues fluctuate which gets a little repetitive. I prefer characters to be legit all or nothing with one big change in the end but Madison was hot and cold, yes and no, do and don't throughout the book which made me dislike her. Her actions didn't add up to what her mouth preached and that bothered me.
Alex's second opportunity for fame and spotlight put him in a tight spot and while I can respect his decision, he did make one statement that hit a nerve and made me question his priorities if it came down to choosing what matters most to him.
"He loved the work they were doing with the organization, and if he could manage to do both things, he’d stay on here. But he was honest enough to admit that the thought of returning to football in some sort of public capacity appealed to him. He couldn’t give that up, even for Madison. He had to believe that wasn’t what she’d want him to do either.
He knew he was a different man now, and no amount of time in front of the camera would change that. It was her turn to change, he thought, with no small amount of frustration.
But he didn’t know if she could alter a lifetime of ingrained negative expectations. And he didn’t know where that would leave them if she couldn’t.”
A job is a job. Some people have great jobs and others have crappy ones but what it comes down to, is what you come home to. When your job is done for the day, you either come home to your family/spouse/kids or an empty house. Which is the happier one? Having a dream job isn't going to keep you happy at home if you have no one to share it with. Alex made it clear to me with that excerpt that if Madison couldn't get over her fear he'd revert back to the person he used to be or if she couldn't handle him being away for long periods of time that he would dump her for fame and move on the same way he did the first time. Because he didn't go looking for her either, she was just in the right place at the right time and because they were set up to work together. I didn't believe in their HEA because after that inner monologue he had, I couldn't stop thinking if Madison had asked him not to take it, if he'd choose the job over her. The misunderstanding I was able to get over even though it was dumb on his part because he left her when she needed him most but when it comes to his prioritizing, I don't trust that he'd put Madison before his career.
Last thing was the sex scenes. There was just too many that I skipped through them like the last book because I didn't connect with them enough to wanna read their intimate scenes but also because they all seemed like the same scene to where it got boring. I'd rather have buildup to one hot amazing scene that stands out and you'll remember because it's unique rather than 5 same dialogue different location sex scenes. Overall, it's an improvement from the first in the series but in no way great.
June 9, 2015
3.75 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: April 10, 2014
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women -- until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
••••••••••
NOTE: DARE TO DESIRE can be found in the LOVE, LAUGHTER AND STEAM EVER AFTERS anthology release May 2015
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--DARE TO DESIRE is the second installment in Carly Phillips adult, contemporary Dare to Love romance series focusing on the Dare family of siblings and half siblings. This is quarterback Alex Dare, and social worker Madison Evans’s storyline. DARE TO DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.
Some background: Family patriarch Robert Dare kept secret a second family from his first wife and children. Each storyline will focus on one of the Dare half-siblings or cousins; the relationship between the two families of adult children; and a father’s weak attempts to amend for the sins of the past. Alex Dare is one of the children in Robert’s second family.
Told from alternating third person perspectives DARE TO DESIRE focuses on a second chance relationship between Alex Dare and Madison Evans. Alex is a professional football player whose career has come to a grinding halt following the latest concussion that left our hero unconscious and without any memory of what happened on the field. Angry at life and everyone in general, Alex proceeded to destroy every relationship including the one with Madison Evans. Fast forward six months, and Alex is offered a position, by his half brother Ian (Dare to Love #1) with a rival football team that Ian owns. The catch? Alex will be partnered with Madison Evans-the woman whose heart he broke months before.
Alex must atone for his sins and is slowly trying to gain forgiveness from those he pushed away, including family, friends, business associates and Madison Evans. Working together reminds Alex of everything he has lost and in this, Alex will begin a slow seduction of the woman he wants back in his life which isn’t too difficult considering Madison was still in love with the former football star. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
The secondary and supporting characters include Ian and Riley (Dare to Love #1) as well as a number of Dare siblings, half siblings and cousin including Gabriel Dare whose story will be told in DARE TO SURRENDER (Book 3) found in the Invitation to Eden serial. Gabriel is a hotel and night club owner, and Madison and Alex partake of the amenities.
DARE TO DESIRE and the Dare to Love series focuses on family, betrayal and love. The characters are colorful, charismatic and engaging; the world building continues to follow the Dare family, their connections to one another, and the developing friendships between half siblings and Robert Dare’s two families. Carly Phillip’s DARE TO LOVE series is a must read and go to every time.
ABOUT THE BOOK: April 10, 2014
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women -- until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
••••••••••
NOTE: DARE TO DESIRE can be found in the LOVE, LAUGHTER AND STEAM EVER AFTERS anthology release May 2015
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--DARE TO DESIRE is the second installment in Carly Phillips adult, contemporary Dare to Love romance series focusing on the Dare family of siblings and half siblings. This is quarterback Alex Dare, and social worker Madison Evans’s storyline. DARE TO DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.
Some background: Family patriarch Robert Dare kept secret a second family from his first wife and children. Each storyline will focus on one of the Dare half-siblings or cousins; the relationship between the two families of adult children; and a father’s weak attempts to amend for the sins of the past. Alex Dare is one of the children in Robert’s second family.
Told from alternating third person perspectives DARE TO DESIRE focuses on a second chance relationship between Alex Dare and Madison Evans. Alex is a professional football player whose career has come to a grinding halt following the latest concussion that left our hero unconscious and without any memory of what happened on the field. Angry at life and everyone in general, Alex proceeded to destroy every relationship including the one with Madison Evans. Fast forward six months, and Alex is offered a position, by his half brother Ian (Dare to Love #1) with a rival football team that Ian owns. The catch? Alex will be partnered with Madison Evans-the woman whose heart he broke months before.
Alex must atone for his sins and is slowly trying to gain forgiveness from those he pushed away, including family, friends, business associates and Madison Evans. Working together reminds Alex of everything he has lost and in this, Alex will begin a slow seduction of the woman he wants back in his life which isn’t too difficult considering Madison was still in love with the former football star. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.
The secondary and supporting characters include Ian and Riley (Dare to Love #1) as well as a number of Dare siblings, half siblings and cousin including Gabriel Dare whose story will be told in DARE TO SURRENDER (Book 3) found in the Invitation to Eden serial. Gabriel is a hotel and night club owner, and Madison and Alex partake of the amenities.
DARE TO DESIRE and the Dare to Love series focuses on family, betrayal and love. The characters are colorful, charismatic and engaging; the world building continues to follow the Dare family, their connections to one another, and the developing friendships between half siblings and Robert Dare’s two families. Carly Phillip’s DARE TO LOVE series is a must read and go to every time.
July 30, 2015
The thing that I'm coming to love about Carly Phillips' Dare to Love series is the distinct lack of angsty drama. Don't get me wrong - super angst has its place. But, a lot of times - most of the time - I prefer a little bit of drama mixed with a whole lot of romance, and that's exactly what this series delivers.
Dare to Desire was a fantastic second chance love story. In most of these types of stories, years pass between interactions between the MCs. In Alex and Madison's case, it's only six months. But, it was a significant six months.
Alex's whole life was playing football, so he floundered a bit when an injury prematurely ended his career. At first, he was an outright asshole, which was when he permanently drove Madison away when she wanted to help. Six months later, Ian pairs the two of them together on a new program designed to help injured athletes. Once they're forced to work together, Alex is also forced to deal with how poorly he treated Madison and the fact that he might have driven her away for good.
I had mixed feelings about Alex in book 1, but I felt much better about him in Dare to Desire. He was man enough to know he let a good thing go when he drove Madison away. And he was man enough to admit it out loud.
To her credit, Madison didn't make it too easy on him, and thank goodness for that. He needed to squirm a bit. But, thankfully, it didn't go on too long, and we finally got to the sexy times. And there were lots of those. Madison and Alex had tons of chemistry and they used it well.
Madison was very much on edge the whole time she was with Alex. Her whole life, she's been made to believe that people leave her. Her parents left her, and her foster mother now has Alzheimer's. That broke my heart - the scenes with her foster mother. Now, her foster brother is taking Madison to court over his mother's decision to make Madison her power of attorney. Everyone Madison knows has turned away from her - Alex eventually will too, right? Especially if he has the opportunity to return to the limelight.
For a change, this couple actually communicates, and it was so refreshing. Madison was very forthcoming about her doubts and fears. When Alex had an opportunity to return to TV in some capacity, she told him she didn't think she could stay with him if he did it. It was so nice that secrets weren't a part of their relationship.
These Dare siblings are bound together by an awful family secret, and the more I read about them, the more I love them.
Dare to Desire was a fantastic second chance love story. In most of these types of stories, years pass between interactions between the MCs. In Alex and Madison's case, it's only six months. But, it was a significant six months.
Alex's whole life was playing football, so he floundered a bit when an injury prematurely ended his career. At first, he was an outright asshole, which was when he permanently drove Madison away when she wanted to help. Six months later, Ian pairs the two of them together on a new program designed to help injured athletes. Once they're forced to work together, Alex is also forced to deal with how poorly he treated Madison and the fact that he might have driven her away for good.
I had mixed feelings about Alex in book 1, but I felt much better about him in Dare to Desire. He was man enough to know he let a good thing go when he drove Madison away. And he was man enough to admit it out loud.
To her credit, Madison didn't make it too easy on him, and thank goodness for that. He needed to squirm a bit. But, thankfully, it didn't go on too long, and we finally got to the sexy times. And there were lots of those. Madison and Alex had tons of chemistry and they used it well.
Madison was very much on edge the whole time she was with Alex. Her whole life, she's been made to believe that people leave her. Her parents left her, and her foster mother now has Alzheimer's. That broke my heart - the scenes with her foster mother. Now, her foster brother is taking Madison to court over his mother's decision to make Madison her power of attorney. Everyone Madison knows has turned away from her - Alex eventually will too, right? Especially if he has the opportunity to return to the limelight.
For a change, this couple actually communicates, and it was so refreshing. Madison was very forthcoming about her doubts and fears. When Alex had an opportunity to return to TV in some capacity, she told him she didn't think she could stay with him if he did it. It was so nice that secrets weren't a part of their relationship.
These Dare siblings are bound together by an awful family secret, and the more I read about them, the more I love them.
April 8, 2014
Cheyenne‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
When we first meet Alex in Dare to Love, you automatically know he is the typical athlete man whore. Different girl every day of the week, loves the attention he gets and has no plans to ever settle down. That is, until he meets Madison who wouldn’t give him the time of day. He knows that he can get her in his bed, it is just a matter of when. Fast forward to Dare to Desire.
Alex is a leopard who is actually changing his spots. He knows he screwed up with Madison. He has been dealing with his injury and the realization that he will no longer be playing football, and he pushed a lot of people away. Including the one who didn’t deserve it, Madison.
He has been given an opportunity to make a difference, but it is working for not just with a rival team, but with the one woman who he can’t get out of his head, Madison. He was finally seeing that he didn’t need all the fame to be happy, just the right woman by his side and the love and support of his family. His relationship with his brother Ian strengthened and we learned more about his feelings regarding the situation with his father.
Madison has some serious issues and who can blame her. She was abandoned by her parents as a child, bounced around from foster home to foster home. Never having a real family. When her last foster family actually made her feel welcome even after she had grown up, problems with her foster brother just added to her not wanting anyone close. Then when Alex was a total douche to her, I can understand why now she wanted to keep him at arms length, but only to a certain point. At times she acted so annoying and immature that I really wished she would either just walk away completely or accept that Alex wanted her, no one else. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Alex hadn’t walked away from her for good with how she would act.
I enjoyed Dare to Desire, this series is growing on me. Not only are there family issues that are being mended with each book, we see how love and support can be the perfect medicine when our lives get sidetracked from of dreams or goals beyond our control. I have always been a fan of Carly Phillips, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the rest of the Dare family.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
When we first meet Alex in Dare to Love, you automatically know he is the typical athlete man whore. Different girl every day of the week, loves the attention he gets and has no plans to ever settle down. That is, until he meets Madison who wouldn’t give him the time of day. He knows that he can get her in his bed, it is just a matter of when. Fast forward to Dare to Desire.
Alex is a leopard who is actually changing his spots. He knows he screwed up with Madison. He has been dealing with his injury and the realization that he will no longer be playing football, and he pushed a lot of people away. Including the one who didn’t deserve it, Madison.
He has been given an opportunity to make a difference, but it is working for not just with a rival team, but with the one woman who he can’t get out of his head, Madison. He was finally seeing that he didn’t need all the fame to be happy, just the right woman by his side and the love and support of his family. His relationship with his brother Ian strengthened and we learned more about his feelings regarding the situation with his father.
Madison has some serious issues and who can blame her. She was abandoned by her parents as a child, bounced around from foster home to foster home. Never having a real family. When her last foster family actually made her feel welcome even after she had grown up, problems with her foster brother just added to her not wanting anyone close. Then when Alex was a total douche to her, I can understand why now she wanted to keep him at arms length, but only to a certain point. At times she acted so annoying and immature that I really wished she would either just walk away completely or accept that Alex wanted her, no one else. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Alex hadn’t walked away from her for good with how she would act.
I enjoyed Dare to Desire, this series is growing on me. Not only are there family issues that are being mended with each book, we see how love and support can be the perfect medicine when our lives get sidetracked from of dreams or goals beyond our control. I have always been a fan of Carly Phillips, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the rest of the Dare family.
April 10, 2014
Alex Dare is a star qurterback in the NFL who had his career cut short by injury. He is offered a great job working on a project for a rival team, and he finds that he will be working alongside a woman he has treated badly in the past. He has missed her, but knows that he probably ruined his chances.
Madison Evans is a social worker who is excited about a really great project she is working on that will help provide employment, financial, and psychological resources to NLF players after they retire, or if they are forced into early retirement due to injury. She is unhappy when she finds out she will be working with Alex Dare, who she had a short but intense relationship with and hasn't been able to forget. Madison grew up in foster care, and has a lot of issues trusting people. Even though she sees that Alex has changed, she doesn't want to put herself in a position to get hurt again.
This is one of those books that is just a good classic romance. There are little bits of tension here and there and a couple conflicts, but nothing major. The characters obviously have tons of sexual chemistry and care about one another a lot. I liked that there were times when things could have gone in bad directions, but the characters used their support systems and tried to work things out in a healthy way. I truly wanted Alex and Madison to figure things out and find their way to the relationship they both deserved. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice romantic story with some good steam.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Madison Evans is a social worker who is excited about a really great project she is working on that will help provide employment, financial, and psychological resources to NLF players after they retire, or if they are forced into early retirement due to injury. She is unhappy when she finds out she will be working with Alex Dare, who she had a short but intense relationship with and hasn't been able to forget. Madison grew up in foster care, and has a lot of issues trusting people. Even though she sees that Alex has changed, she doesn't want to put herself in a position to get hurt again.
This is one of those books that is just a good classic romance. There are little bits of tension here and there and a couple conflicts, but nothing major. The characters obviously have tons of sexual chemistry and care about one another a lot. I liked that there were times when things could have gone in bad directions, but the characters used their support systems and tried to work things out in a healthy way. I truly wanted Alex and Madison to figure things out and find their way to the relationship they both deserved. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice romantic story with some good steam.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
January 25, 2015
I enjoyed this book, but didn't feel like "I can't put this down, must finish today". I read the 1st and will read the rest, as they are good stories. I wonder how many damaged people are out there. Father has 2 families, abandoned girl, non trusting women, etc. But I will say, after reading this and "Orphan Train" I wish I would have been a foster mother, to help these damaged kids.
Carly is doing a good job with making her readers realize there are damaged people, but they can learn to love.
Carly is doing a good job with making her readers realize there are damaged people, but they can learn to love.
May 24, 2015
I have to agree with some of the lower-rated reviews. This one was disappointing. There was something missing in the story and in the character development. I just couldn't connect. I expected much more from Phillips. Won't re-read and nothing memorable. 2 stars.
August 19, 2016
3.75 Second Chances for Love... and for Life Stars * * * 3/4 review coming
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