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The Westmorelands #2
A Little Dare
Everyone deserves a second chance…
When Shelly Brockman walks into his office, Sheriff Dare Westmoreland can’t believe his eyes… or the way his body responds. It’s been over a decade since Shelly walked away, and he’s never stopped regretting that it was all his fault. But things are about to get a lot more complicated, because she’s here to pick up the troublemaking teenager he’s just arrested… a teen who isn’t only her son, but his as well.
When Shelly’s son starts getting into trouble, she knows change is needed. Whisking him away from L.A. and back to her hometown isn’t making him happy… and the gorgeous, all-too-familiar sheriff is in for a rude awakening as well. Despite his fury over her secrets, she knows he’ll help their son, but how can she convince this Westmoreland lawman that she deserves a second chance, too?
Originally published in 2003.
When Shelly Brockman walks into his office, Sheriff Dare Westmoreland can’t believe his eyes… or the way his body responds. It’s been over a decade since Shelly walked away, and he’s never stopped regretting that it was all his fault. But things are about to get a lot more complicated, because she’s here to pick up the troublemaking teenager he’s just arrested… a teen who isn’t only her son, but his as well.
When Shelly’s son starts getting into trouble, she knows change is needed. Whisking him away from L.A. and back to her hometown isn’t making him happy… and the gorgeous, all-too-familiar sheriff is in for a rude awakening as well. Despite his fury over her secrets, she knows he’ll help their son, but how can she convince this Westmoreland lawman that she deserves a second chance, too?
Originally published in 2003.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2003
151 people are currently reading
1593 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,592 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 15, 2022
A Little Dare is my first book in the Westmoreland Series. And I was hooked. I loved it, and I can't wait to read more.
Shelly Brockman was pregnant when she left town ten years ago, and now she's back and planning to let Dare know about AJ and let him be a part of their son's life. Dare is now the town sheriff, and before she can tell him the truth, Alisdare Julian, or AJ (named after his father), winds up in Dare's police station. Shelly went to the police station to bail out her son and didn't have a choice but to tell Dare that he was a father.
Dare Westmoreland regretted his decision to end his relationship with Shelly for the past ten years. And now that she was back, he realized that he still wanted Shelly more than ever. Then he learned the reason why she came back. He was shocked, angry, and more determined to make things right and be a part of his son's life.
Shelly is a wonderful heroine. It was never her intention to keep her pregnancy a secret, and I couldn't blame Shelly for keeping it a secret instead. She loved him too much to stand between him and his dream. And I'm glad that she told Dare. Better late than never. And she realized her mistake about her decision, unselfish as it had been, still cost her son the chance to know his father and Dare the opportunity to be with his son. But no matter what, Shelly's still a wonderful mom. She'd always told AJ that she'd know where his father was, and if he ever wanted to contact him, he'd have to say it to her. And my heart melted when AJ told her the reason why he never asked.
Dare. Dare. Dare. Why do I love Dare? Well, aside from the fact that he's a wonderful man, well, except for the time he ended things with Shelly and broke her heart. When he learned that AJ was his son, he got angry with Shelly for keeping his son from him, but then he realized that he was just as much to blame as Shelly. Now, the most crucial mission of his life is to win not only his son's heart but Shelly's as well.
I can't express how much I enjoyed it, how much I loved it. I loved both Dare and Shelly. They were very compelling characters. And the chemistry between them was off the charts. It was hot and explosive. Yet at the same time it was sweet and tender. And another thing that I loved in this book was the secondary characters; Dare's family, especially his brothers, and the townspeople. I loved how protective the Westmoreland brothers were of Shelly. Even the townspeople were upset with Dare when he broke things off with Shelly. I laughed out loud when they met at the restaurant, and most of the townspeople were also there, bringing up the past and ganging up on him. Haha! And from the way everyone was looking at Dare, the last thing they wanted was for her to become involved with him again. Serves you right! And I also loved that it is told from Shelly and Dare's points of view. This will make you understand them both and feel their emotions. They seem very real.
Overall, A Little Dare was such a sweet, delightful, and wonderful book about a second chance. And good proof that first love never dies. THIS IS A LOVE STORY WORTH READING! The ending in this left me with a big smile on my face. I can't wait to meet the rest of the Westmoreland men.
Shelly Brockman was pregnant when she left town ten years ago, and now she's back and planning to let Dare know about AJ and let him be a part of their son's life. Dare is now the town sheriff, and before she can tell him the truth, Alisdare Julian, or AJ (named after his father), winds up in Dare's police station. Shelly went to the police station to bail out her son and didn't have a choice but to tell Dare that he was a father.
Dare Westmoreland regretted his decision to end his relationship with Shelly for the past ten years. And now that she was back, he realized that he still wanted Shelly more than ever. Then he learned the reason why she came back. He was shocked, angry, and more determined to make things right and be a part of his son's life.
Shelly is a wonderful heroine. It was never her intention to keep her pregnancy a secret, and I couldn't blame Shelly for keeping it a secret instead. She loved him too much to stand between him and his dream. And I'm glad that she told Dare. Better late than never. And she realized her mistake about her decision, unselfish as it had been, still cost her son the chance to know his father and Dare the opportunity to be with his son. But no matter what, Shelly's still a wonderful mom. She'd always told AJ that she'd know where his father was, and if he ever wanted to contact him, he'd have to say it to her. And my heart melted when AJ told her the reason why he never asked.
Dare. Dare. Dare. Why do I love Dare? Well, aside from the fact that he's a wonderful man, well, except for the time he ended things with Shelly and broke her heart. When he learned that AJ was his son, he got angry with Shelly for keeping his son from him, but then he realized that he was just as much to blame as Shelly. Now, the most crucial mission of his life is to win not only his son's heart but Shelly's as well.
I can't express how much I enjoyed it, how much I loved it. I loved both Dare and Shelly. They were very compelling characters. And the chemistry between them was off the charts. It was hot and explosive. Yet at the same time it was sweet and tender. And another thing that I loved in this book was the secondary characters; Dare's family, especially his brothers, and the townspeople. I loved how protective the Westmoreland brothers were of Shelly. Even the townspeople were upset with Dare when he broke things off with Shelly. I laughed out loud when they met at the restaurant, and most of the townspeople were also there, bringing up the past and ganging up on him. Haha! And from the way everyone was looking at Dare, the last thing they wanted was for her to become involved with him again. Serves you right! And I also loved that it is told from Shelly and Dare's points of view. This will make you understand them both and feel their emotions. They seem very real.
Overall, A Little Dare was such a sweet, delightful, and wonderful book about a second chance. And good proof that first love never dies. THIS IS A LOVE STORY WORTH READING! The ending in this left me with a big smile on my face. I can't wait to meet the rest of the Westmoreland men.
November 1, 2024
I absolutely love this book! 10 years later these characters still make me smile!
10 years ago Shelly left Georgia because Dare Westmoreland wanted to be an FBI agent more than he wanted a girlfriend.
But Shelly had a secret. Now 10 years later she's back home. Surprise! The 10 year old boy Dare arrested this morning is the son he never knew he had. And Brother Man is furious!!!!!
I liked the way Shelly and Dare handled how they explained to AJ his lineage. Will Shelly and Dare be able to forgive one another and finally get their HEA?
e-book
10 years ago Shelly left Georgia because Dare Westmoreland wanted to be an FBI agent more than he wanted a girlfriend.
But Shelly had a secret. Now 10 years later she's back home. Surprise! The 10 year old boy Dare arrested this morning is the son he never knew he had. And Brother Man is furious!!!!!
I liked the way Shelly and Dare handled how they explained to AJ his lineage. Will Shelly and Dare be able to forgive one another and finally get their HEA?
e-book
March 20, 2019
I am still quite not sure if I read this series between 2006-10 when I basically only glommed on HPs and Silhouette but since I couldn't find them on my horribly hand-written diary (which has some 3k unadded books), I read it during my lunch break. And man what a train-wreck which was kind of funny. H/h were together for SIX years (ever since h was 16), when hero broke up with her saying he wanted the FBI more than her. Our h who was 2 months preggers was heart-broken but wanted the man she loved to have her dream. 10 years later she returns coz her son is getting in trouble. Of course dear old heroine has been celibate since H. Once again we have aching and betraying loins and so much of oversexing that it honestly made me laugh. I mean if the hero had loved the h so much why did he never think of tracking her down? I wished she would have come back married.
February 7, 2017
Another sweet story in the Westmoreland series.
When Shelly and her son AJ move back to town, its not just to rediscover old roots- but also to rekindle old connections.
10 years ago when Dare Westmoreland chose FBI career over love, it forced his then two month pregnant girlfriend Shelly to hide the conception and leave in order to avoid making the love of her life make a decision he would one day regret.
As her son grows and gets mixed with the wrong crowd, she decides to bring him back and meet his father.
I liked everything about the book. The chemisty between h and H was there, but both were cautious. The family bonds were strong- and I loved how Dare connected with AJ.
The love scenes were well written and the rest of the characters leave us intrigued for the coming books in the series. The sense of nostalgia was high between the couple and it added to their intimacy.
Not safe technically
4/5
When Shelly and her son AJ move back to town, its not just to rediscover old roots- but also to rekindle old connections.
10 years ago when Dare Westmoreland chose FBI career over love, it forced his then two month pregnant girlfriend Shelly to hide the conception and leave in order to avoid making the love of her life make a decision he would one day regret.
As her son grows and gets mixed with the wrong crowd, she decides to bring him back and meet his father.
I liked everything about the book. The chemisty between h and H was there, but both were cautious. The family bonds were strong- and I loved how Dare connected with AJ.
The love scenes were well written and the rest of the characters leave us intrigued for the coming books in the series. The sense of nostalgia was high between the couple and it added to their intimacy.
Not safe technically
4/5
November 17, 2019
My first read by Brenda, Ms. Jackson if ya nasty. 😂👅 I thought AJ was gonna be a headache in the beginning, glad I was wrong.
Shelly and Dare were hot together, and although Thorn was mentioned several times it was Storm that piqued my interest. Looking forward to his story.
Shelly and Dare were hot together, and although Thorn was mentioned several times it was Storm that piqued my interest. Looking forward to his story.
December 17, 2019
I love the way Brenda Jackson writes romance and I really enjoyed this one.
June 16, 2019
This was much better than the first one in the series. Dare breaks up with Shelly to start a career in the FBI, so Shelly leaves town 2 months pregnant. Fast forward 10 years, and she is having problems with her son getting into trouble and feels that the time has come to introduce him to his dad, so that he can help her with AJ. She moves back home and finds that Dare is now the sheriff and no longer in the FBI. She admits that AJ is his son and wanted to introduce them so that he can help her. I like the fact that he calls her out on it, stating that the only reason she wants him involved is because he is causing trouble. Not that she wanted AJ to have a father, even though she always professed that she wanted them to know each other. The other thing I like is that they let AJ decide when to acknowledge Dare as his dad, rather than just thrusting the idea on him and expecting him to accept it. It was done with the child in mind, not the parents or their past relationship.
November 8, 2018
4 stars. Loved this one so much more than the first book. I hadn't really paid much thought to Dare in book one because I was all about Thorn but wow did his character make me swoon. I fell completely in love with him by like chapter 2 or 3.
This has the whole 'secret child' trope which I can take or leave but I think it was done really well here. Dare bonding and breaking down that tough barrier of his son AJ was my absolute favorite part of this book. AJ comes across very realistic and I just wanted to give him a big hug. Him bonding with the Westmoreland family just made me feel all sappy.
Dare and Shelly were great. I like the way they handled telling AJ about Dare being his father and how they were mature about the entire thing. They talked it out so there never was any unnecessary drama. They had fantastic chemistry and loved that Dare courted her. It was all just really romantic.
I'm so glad I started reading this series. So far they have been a lot of fun and I get through them in about an hour or so. Next book is about Thorn and I'm so excited to read more about him.
This has the whole 'secret child' trope which I can take or leave but I think it was done really well here. Dare bonding and breaking down that tough barrier of his son AJ was my absolute favorite part of this book. AJ comes across very realistic and I just wanted to give him a big hug. Him bonding with the Westmoreland family just made me feel all sappy.
Dare and Shelly were great. I like the way they handled telling AJ about Dare being his father and how they were mature about the entire thing. They talked it out so there never was any unnecessary drama. They had fantastic chemistry and loved that Dare courted her. It was all just really romantic.
I'm so glad I started reading this series. So far they have been a lot of fun and I get through them in about an hour or so. Next book is about Thorn and I'm so excited to read more about him.
September 27, 2009
My first book by Brenda Jackson and definitely won't be the last. I've already ordered some of her others and can't wait to read them. She knows how to write an ALPHA hero!!!
December 20, 2011
WOW love the Westmoreland family now I'm moving from Dare to Thorn. A book a day
March 13, 2025
I love a good secret baby. This book was brought to my attention on an episode of The League of extraordinary readers. This is my first Brenda Jackson book, I'm ashamed to really say that. It was as if I could fell every word that she put on the page. Now let's get into it, Little AJ was on his good bullshit in the beginning of this book and Shelly needed to get a backbone. She was really soft on AJ, I'm glad that Dare could see it in the beginning. Now...The pillow tied to the tree was wild shit lmao. Dare came prepared because who??? Then also, you would think the plan that they devised to let AJ be the one to tell Dare that he was his father would make Shelly look bad. Like she was allowing them to hang out and be around his family and still hasn't told him that it was his son. It was a weird agreement to me. In the end it all worked out. I loved how the family all came together and welcomed him with open arms, and I love how he did the work to win Shelly back. All together good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2017
Another great read 📙😊📗.
April 12, 2013
Dare to have a second chance
My April Review
Alisdare(Dare)Westmoreland and Shelly Brockman have been dating since she was in high school and proceeded thru college, everyone in town thought that they were the perfect couple and would get married in the future, but Dare decided that he wanted a career with the FBI and there wasn't room for Shelly in his life so he broke her heart by calling off the wedding. After 10 years shelly resurfaces back to where it started, with more than a broken heart.
This was the first book that I read by Brenda Jackson, and I enjoyed every page from beginning to end, I love the way she brought Dare and Shelly back together after being apart for so many years. The chartacters were described well and the story was easy to follow. Brenda didn't miss a Beat
If you are looking for a Great Love Story This Is It.
I will be reading more from this author for sure.
My April Review
Alisdare(Dare)Westmoreland and Shelly Brockman have been dating since she was in high school and proceeded thru college, everyone in town thought that they were the perfect couple and would get married in the future, but Dare decided that he wanted a career with the FBI and there wasn't room for Shelly in his life so he broke her heart by calling off the wedding. After 10 years shelly resurfaces back to where it started, with more than a broken heart.
This was the first book that I read by Brenda Jackson, and I enjoyed every page from beginning to end, I love the way she brought Dare and Shelly back together after being apart for so many years. The chartacters were described well and the story was easy to follow. Brenda didn't miss a Beat
If you are looking for a Great Love Story This Is It.
I will be reading more from this author for sure.
September 29, 2015
I didn't know how I was going to feel reading this book, but since I liked the first book from the Westmoreland series "Delaney Desert Sheik" so much I decided to give this series and therefore this book a try. Boy am I glad that I did!! I liked this book so much that I finished it in a day!
This book could have gone down a very angst road with both Dare and Shelly blaming each other for the decisions that they made in the past. Yet they moved on quickly and put there sons interest first which made this book a very short and very enjoyable read.
Brenda Jackson knows a thing or two about writing emotions in such a life like way. For the first time reading a book I fell in love with the male protagonist more than I did with the female. I loved Dare!! To me he was the best thing about this book. From his interaction with his son, Shelly, or his brothers I loved it all. This was a great continuation of the Westmoreland series and I can't wait to start Thorn's Challenge.
This book could have gone down a very angst road with both Dare and Shelly blaming each other for the decisions that they made in the past. Yet they moved on quickly and put there sons interest first which made this book a very short and very enjoyable read.
Brenda Jackson knows a thing or two about writing emotions in such a life like way. For the first time reading a book I fell in love with the male protagonist more than I did with the female. I loved Dare!! To me he was the best thing about this book. From his interaction with his son, Shelly, or his brothers I loved it all. This was a great continuation of the Westmoreland series and I can't wait to start Thorn's Challenge.
March 2, 2014
Finished it on a midnight.
I hate the fact that Shelly never gave a fight with his attraction with Dare.
She just gave in with it,I would really be happy to see Dare grovel but Shelly didnt gave me that.
I did cry on the beginning especially when it was reveleaved that Dare broke up with her to follow his dream.He is such a jerk.
Imagine this guy you thought who love you and will dump you just after everything.What a tragedy.
Dare deserved the pain upon knowing he had a son and never knew it until after 10yrs.Call me vindictive but I savour that moment.
The true struggle in here is with his son,which end up great.
So, to wrap it up its officially one of my favorites.
Great job Brenda Jackson :)
I hate the fact that Shelly never gave a fight with his attraction with Dare.
She just gave in with it,I would really be happy to see Dare grovel but Shelly didnt gave me that.
I did cry on the beginning especially when it was reveleaved that Dare broke up with her to follow his dream.He is such a jerk.
Imagine this guy you thought who love you and will dump you just after everything.What a tragedy.
Dare deserved the pain upon knowing he had a son and never knew it until after 10yrs.Call me vindictive but I savour that moment.
The true struggle in here is with his son,which end up great.
So, to wrap it up its officially one of my favorites.
Great job Brenda Jackson :)
October 17, 2014
Seconds
This author has said she likes happy endings. I do too and while one can look forward to the happy ending, the journey there is as exciting as ever. The Westmorelands is a group to be reckoned with. Everything about the women and men, especially the men, is a healing balm to people of color whose image has been tainted by worn out stereotypes from long ago. For those who want to know, this is real. I have only just begun this series but I know it will only get better. If you take this series in order there are four more brothers to become acquainted with. For me there are three and I want to read about them all. These are stand alone books but you won't stop at one!
This author has said she likes happy endings. I do too and while one can look forward to the happy ending, the journey there is as exciting as ever. The Westmorelands is a group to be reckoned with. Everything about the women and men, especially the men, is a healing balm to people of color whose image has been tainted by worn out stereotypes from long ago. For those who want to know, this is real. I have only just begun this series but I know it will only get better. If you take this series in order there are four more brothers to become acquainted with. For me there are three and I want to read about them all. These are stand alone books but you won't stop at one!
July 19, 2007
If You Dare?!!!
I enjoyed the second novel about the Westmoreland family. Although the story was about Dare, Shelly and AJ, it definitely gave you more insight into the tight bond of the Westmoreland family. It kept me interested in the story from beginning to end. It also gave hints to what the next story would be about. The sexual scenes were definitely STEAMY. Over all I thought it was a great story about second chances and the ties that bind. I enjoyed when Dare decided go old school and 'woo' Shelly, to help her realize that he still loved her and he wanted them to be a family.
I enjoyed the second novel about the Westmoreland family. Although the story was about Dare, Shelly and AJ, it definitely gave you more insight into the tight bond of the Westmoreland family. It kept me interested in the story from beginning to end. It also gave hints to what the next story would be about. The sexual scenes were definitely STEAMY. Over all I thought it was a great story about second chances and the ties that bind. I enjoyed when Dare decided go old school and 'woo' Shelly, to help her realize that he still loved her and he wanted them to be a family.
July 3, 2012
Book two in the Westmoreland series features the oldest brother and sheriff of College Park, Georgia, Dare Westmoreland. Dare has a history with returning hometown girl Shelly Brockman. The history includes a ten year old son with behavior problems that can easily be corrected. Before either Dare or his son can be made aware of each other, they meet when Dare is arresting him.
The "hows" and "whys" are what make for an excellent romance and what keeps the reader fascinated with this particular Westmoreland tale.
The "hows" and "whys" are what make for an excellent romance and what keeps the reader fascinated with this particular Westmoreland tale.
February 6, 2011
I must say that this was a very good sequel to DELANEY'S DESERT SHEIK. i wasn't really looking forward to buying it because i was waiting on her other brother's story (THORN).my husband force me to buy this book because he knows i love reading romance novels and i'm glad i bought this book it was very good...A+... for me..get it you won't be disappointed...
July 26, 2014
This is the 5th book I read by Brenda Jackson. I really loved how Shelly & Dare's love for each other was still there after 10 years. I really enjoyed how Dare & Aj got to know each other. I think this book is worth every penny.
October 6, 2013
I love how Sheriff Dare Westmoreland fought for the love of his one and only true love Shelley Brockman and for the son that he did not know existed. He planned on a way to earn his troubled son's love, then he planned on claiming his woman after ten years, hurt, and pain. Awesome story!
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June 17, 2014Love it
I am loving this Westmoreland family. Dare was super sexy and charming. I liked the relationship between Dare and AJ. The steamy love between Shelly and Dare was hot. Great job Brenda Jackson. I would highly recommend this book.
I am loving this Westmoreland family. Dare was super sexy and charming. I liked the relationship between Dare and AJ. The steamy love between Shelly and Dare was hot. Great job Brenda Jackson. I would highly recommend this book.
March 15, 2015
A little dare by Brenda Jackson I thought this book gave me a lot to feels The storyline was right on point The characters were wonderful I gave it five out of five stars and I highly recommend this book
November 23, 2022
I should stop playing and rate all of Brenda's books with 5 stars!
I am re-reading all of the Westmoreland series getting ready for Bane, yes I know Bailey is coming first, but I have waited for Bane story for YEARS!
I am re-reading all of the Westmoreland series getting ready for Bane, yes I know Bailey is coming first, but I have waited for Bane story for YEARS!
September 22, 2015
3.75
Este me ha gustado MUCHO más que el primero, se lee rápido y los protas me han gustao
aunque su historia es un poco película americana típica y tiene cierto toque un tanto exasperante, pero a la vez también es comprensible...
lo disfruté :)
Este me ha gustado MUCHO más que el primero, se lee rápido y los protas me han gustao
aunque su historia es un poco película americana típica y tiene cierto toque un tanto exasperante, pero a la vez también es comprensible...
lo disfruté :)
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November 13, 2010iloved this book because it was based out of georgia and i loved shelly dare and aj .i just love the whole westmoreland clan it is a family that sticks together no matter what the stiuation is .
February 6, 2011
Backyard scene AWESOME!!!!!
July 21, 2011
This is the best story in the set
January 23, 2012
A reread for me. It still resonated with me. Loved it.
February 7, 2014
This story is tantalizing, sensual, and downright seductive. Shelly and Dare give the true meaning of fire and desire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews