Daring

Unleashed Romance #7

by Kylie Gilmore

Move in with him while I work on his home? In my best interests, of course. What?! Skylar The first time I met Gage Williams, I didn’t like him very much. Here’s why—he shot down my design idea while I was pitching to potential clients for work on an inn. I’m an interior designer. He’s the owner of the construction company in charge of renovations. After a few heated words between us, he had the audacity to call me Miss Perky. Grr…the world needs positive people! The second time we met, I still didn’t like him. No time for an alpha male with a ’tude when I’ve got a job to do. The third time, well, that’s when things went downhill fast, so I was shocked when he informed me my next job would be on his home, and I’d be moving in with him. What?! Just because I’m currently home displaced and broke. Ah, hell. Gage Skylar is chaos personified, and I bring order to chaos. Especially when a certain Miss Perky is under the delusion that sunny optimism will save the day. Nope. It’s me. You’re welcome. This romantic comedy stands alone with a swoonworthy happy-ever-after! No cliffhangers. Unleashed Romance Series Fetching (Book 1) Dashing (Book 2) Sporting (Book 3) Toying (Book 4) Blazing (Book 5) Chasing (Book 6) Daring (Book 7) Leading (Book 8) Racing (Book 9) Loving (Book 10)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Amazon, Rom Com

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

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***THE SEXY PART is out now!***

Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty humorous contemporary romances. Her series include Happy Endings in Clover Park, Unleashed Romance, the Rourkes, the Happy Endings Book Club, Clover Park, and Clover Park Charmers. With more than three million downloads of her books, readers all over the world love escaping into her hilarious feel-good romances featuring strong bonds with family, friends, and community.

Kylie lives in New York with her family, a demanding cat, and a nutso dog. When she's not writing, reading hot romance, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her happily crafting what will surely be future family heirlooms.

Join the Gilmore Goddesses Readers Group to chat about Kylie's books in a non-spoilerly way. Also, man candy. Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gilmo...

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KYLIE’S BOOKS

HAPPY ENDINGS IN CLOVER PARK
The Kissing Part (Book 1)
The Sexy Part (Book 2)

UNLEASHED ROMANCE
Fetching (Book 1)
Dashing (Book 2)
Sporting (Book 3)
Toying (Book 4)
Blazing (Book 5)
Chasing (Book 6)
Daring (Book 7)
Leading (Book 8)
Racing (Book 9)
Loving (Book 10)

THE ROURKES
Royal Catch (Book 1)
Royal Hottie (Book 2)
Royal Darling (Book 3)
Royal Charmer (Book 4)
Royal Player (Book 5)
Royal Shark (Book 6)
Rogue Prince (Book 7)
Rogue Gentleman (Book 8)
Rogue Rascal (Book 9)
Rogue Angel (Book 10)
Rogue Devil (Book 11)
Rogue Beast (Book 12)

HAPPY ENDINGS BOOK CLUB
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
An Inconvenient Plan (Book 10) 
A Happy Endings Wedding (Book 11)

CLOVER PARK SERIES
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride: Nico and Lily’s Wedding
A Valentine’s Day Gift (Book 11)
Maggie Meets Her Match (Book 12)

CLOVER PARK CHARMERS
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)

Reviews

[Jess Schagberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miscommunication tropes are the death of me as a communication major.

[Vfc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skylar is twenty-six to Gage’s twenty-eight. Her old boss, Tabitha ruined her reputation because her lecherous husband was handsy. Before she’d known that her ex-boss was besmirching her reputation and attempted to launch her solo career, she’d spent the money from her share of their beloved lake house on marketing materials, and one very expensive New York metro area commercial. Now all her money is depleted and she’s relying on the generosity of her brother, Max’s hospitality as she struggles to re-establish herself.

The commercial never stood a chance because her former boss, also an interior designer, destroyed her reputation in the wealthy community where she had established all her contacts. The entire area has luxury homes and they would’ve seen her commercial since it’s in the area. Anyway, her former boss was mad because her husband made a pass at Skylar.

He interpreted friendliness as interest.
“What happened after you turned him down?”
“He told me if I told his wife, she’d never believe me. It was my word against his. I was afraid this was going to be an ongoing problem, but then I found out I was getting a windfall of money from the sale of our lake house, so I decided I’d just go out on my own and never have to deal with Brett again. I never told my boss about him making a pass at me. I was scared to set Brett off, and I wasn’t sure she’d believe me. But that wasn’t the end of it.”
“After a very confusing time of dead-end marketing, I found out later that he saw the commercial and asked his wife if he could have me as a free pass for his fiftieth-birthday present.”
She confronted her and acted like she’d come on to him, encouraging him with this idea, so she told her the truth about how he’d made a pass, but she didn’t believe me because I’d waited so long to share. And now she’s blacklisted me, warning other wives—who are usually the ones who hire an interior designer—that I’m a threat to their marriages.

As many men of privilege and wealth, he never should’ve threatened much less made advances to her, and her boss should never have blacklisted her because he had the stupid idea to ask for her as a birthday present.

Skylar or Ms. Perky as Gage refers to her and Gage, Mr. Grumpy, has trust issues. He owns and operates his own business with rigid standards…until General Joan usurps his balance. Skylar’s third grade teacher stirs up emotions but he’s convinced himself that relationships are complications to his orderly life and Skylar is a complication he can do without.

His ex, Kate accused him of being the problem—too closed off for a relationship. They were together three months; she ended it and said the reason she had to break up with him was because he was closed off and she needed therapy (she needed constant reassurance).

Gage lives in NJ, but he’s in Summerdale working on a renovation project, attracted to the quirky community, having met so many unique personalities—a tamale-delivering postman, Santa (he really does look like Santa. Mrs. Ellis keeps interrupting him at the most in opportune times with personal questions as part of the welcoming committee—he can see how a free spirit as Skylar fits in perfectly.

About Mrs. Ellis or General Joan:::
“I swear this woman is into me. There’s a name for when an older woman goes for a much younger man—cougar. That’s what she is. Why else would she keep showing up when I’m around and ask me so many personal questions? I’ve never dated someone decades older before, and I don’t plan to now. No offense to eightyish women.”

General Joan begins conspiring.
“I think Levi is ready to settle down, just needed a little encouragement.”
“Excuse me,” I say and half jog, half walk over to the barn just as Skylar and Levi disappear into the storage area.
I swear I hear a cackle behind me. Almost sounded like an evil witch. My mind’s playing tricks on me.
Skylar appears from the storage area, carrying a large plastic container. I’m so relieved to see her by herself and not lip-locked with Levi, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “You don’t want to settle down with Levi.”
“What’re you talking about?”
“He’s got too many responsibilities, being mayor and stuff. Then you’d have to be, like, Mrs. Mayor or something and—”
“Mrs. Mayor?” she asks like I’m crazy.”

Receiving anonymous roses, she’s convinced they’re from her ex-boss’s lecherous husband and packs hastily (they’re from General Joan).
Gage invites her to decorate his house to sell.
“Why do you need an interior designer?” she asks.
“I don’t need you. You need me.”
“But it couldn’t hurt to have you work your magic to help sell the place. I want to flip it and look for my next house to fix up.”
She likes the compliment and she’s good at her job.

Gage doesn’t respond well to change or surprises, which explains his reaction to his sister Livie’s engagement, he could be overbearing and unrealistic. Gage went from barely tolerating Skylar to wanting her to move in.

I did not find much humour in this story and Gage could be completely irrational. She specifically asks him to not get involved and allow her to handle her professional life, instead he does the opposite …. feeling betrayed, she leaves. He eventually sees the error of his ways, however, he is oblivious in his belief that he must nurture the women in his life with or without their consent.

HEA. I struggled through this story, I am not this writer’s target audience.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring goes from a rough start to an irresistible finish. Prepare to be charmed. Gilmore brings a sense of humor, lovable characters as well as unpredictable romance and serves them up in a heartwarming buffet of delight. The tale of the flighty optimist and the gruff pessimist sets out to leave it's mark on the heart with successful results.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly so-so but the story got a bit over the top towards the end.

[Kylie Gilmore]

I can't wait to share the next book in the Unleashed Romance series, Daring, where Gage informs Skylar she’ll be moving in with him while she works on his home. In her best interests, of course!

[Lisa Broadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring is the new story in the Unleashed Series and is the story of Gage and Skyler. I absolutely LOVED this story and had a difficult time putting it down! We’ve met these characters in previous books and I wondered how it would work for them because there is a lot of animosity on Gage’s side and he can pull Skyler into a fight pretty easily. While they aren’t co-workers per say, they work alongside one another due to the fact that he is a contractor and she is an interior designer. Skyler is young and working hard to make her brand new business a success. She is creative and a free spirit which could look like she doesn’t have a plan or purpose but she does. She has a sunny personality and an optimist attitude and many are drawn to her because of it. Gage also has his own business that he has worked hard to build. He is very structured and rigid due to his need to build a schedule, stick to it and try to even come in early. He is a no nonsense and gruff guy with no room in his life for chaos. He is gruff and seems to be happy with folks staying away from him. That helps him keep to his schedules and order. He is both annoyed and drawn to Skyler’s sunny personality. Annoyed because her asking to make changes to his schedule which helps her achieve her decorating goal and drawn to because she is just so sweet and happy. He is pretty intuitive for a gruff guy and picks up on much of Skyler’s hidden thoughts. And while Gage is grumpy, Skyler sees a new side of him in an out of work event that unexplainably draws her to him. Once they put themselves in each other’s orbits, watch out!

Knowing Skyler’s business is struggling and she doesn’t have much money and doesn’t want her family to know, Gage invites her to move in with him and offers her a job to decorate his house. When they’re platonically living together they become closer and get to know each other better. He begins to realize how empty and quiet his life was before she lived with him and looks forward to seeing her and talking to her when he gets home. She stays focused on doing her job and trying to grow her business never knowing the difference that she is bringing to his life. There are bumps in the road because he is grumpy and doesn’t like change or messy situations but things work themselves out with a bit of help from an unexpected source. When they come together there is still a lot of sweetness but it is tempered by a lot of heat! These two are just so cute!

My absolute favorite part of this story (and several laugh out loud moments) is when General Joan gets involved. OMG she is hilarious. She’s been in many of the previous books and I kinda felt sorry for those who had to deal with her, but in this one she shows a serious personality which is charming and endearing and I genuinely liked her! She’s a hoot and I looked forward to reading more with her involved. SHE is the one who helps Gage figure things out! Seeing both her and his sweet sides was so heartwarming, I just loved it!

This is a super sweet and romantic story between two people who have no idea how much the other person will complete them. It is an easy read that I found difficult to put down. I am grateful that on a snowy weekend I had no where I needed to be and could read this in one sitting. This easily is my absolute favorite of the series so far. I grinned the whole way through - don’t miss it!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar and Gage’s love story in Daring: An Opposite Attracts Romantic Comedy by Kylie Gilmore, book seven in her Unleashed Romance series, is a super sweet and romantic story between two people who have no idea how much the other person will complete them.

Skylar Bellamy lost her home and job, after her boss destroyed her reputation and through it all she remains cheerful and optimistic. She is now back in Summerdale doing everything she can to restart her career as an interior designer. She is now designing the interior of a restaurant, which is no easy task with the stubborn contactor, 'Mr. Grumpy', who refuses to consider any of her ideas. Gage's awful childhood left him responsible for raising his younger sister and doing whatever it took to avoid chaos; he’s all about order and chaos. Skylar is a free spirit, creative and definitely so about changing and adapting. Working together is a constant battle as Gage loves to frustrate Skylar, ‘Ms. Perky’, after all, he's a stickler for keeping on schedule, and her ideas would throw him off that task. But there is something about her that makes him want to be there for her, but can he’s not sure he is capable of having a relationship. His last relationship didn't end well, and he blames himself, but hopefully, he can he try harder for Skylar. Their chemistry is amazing. The best part of this story, and several laugh out loud moments, is when General Joan gets involved, playing Cupid and helping Gage figure things out. Seeing both her and his sweet sides was heartwarming.

Ms. Gilmore wrote a wonderful and moving story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, fireworks, magnetic electricity, amusing banter, and charming secondary characters giving Skylar and Gage a chance at love, happiness, and the possibility of a forever together. I highly recommend Daring to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series. I am SO waiting for Audrey and Drew's story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the swoony feelings and all the healing love

I loved loved Skylar and Gage’s story - their emotions were so palpable, I was right there feeling all the things with them. I was sucked into and captivated by their story from the first word. Gage runs a successful construction business. He’s all about control and he’s kind of a grump. Skylar is an interior designer who recently started her own business. She is a happy perky sunshiny hippy girl. They are both hired together for three projects in the small town of Summerdale. Gage is not a fan of most of Skylar’s decorating ideas especially if they impact his carefully planned schedule. Despite this, she is ever optimistic. Both Skylar and Gage think getting involved with a business associate, based on past experiences, is a bad idea but their attraction is pretty hard to ignore. Especially once they become roommates while Skylar decorates Gage’s house. On their way to their HEA, they each must deal with their own issues and past pain in order to build a strong, healthy and respectful relationship with each other. This book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, fan your face steamy, a bit of hilarity, cute pets, family drama, swoony moments, painful pasts, and heart squeezing love all mixed with just a tiny bit of angst. I definitely was feeling all the things reading this book. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voto 3,5
.
Polvere D'arte - per RFS
.
Skylar è caos tutta disordine, sorrisi e arcobaleni, nonostante la vita l’abbia messa a dura prova, non ha mai rinunciato al suo ottimismo e alla sua allegria.

Gage è invece l’esatto opposto, dopo aver passato un’infanzia turbolenta, odia il caos, mette ordine dappertutto, è meticoloso, rispetta sempre i tempi al lavoro e odia chi gli fa cambiare o ritardare i programmi.

E quando queste due personalità diametralmente opposte si incontrano, che succede secondo voi? Esatto, ne combinano un bel po’; tra un battibecco e l’altro sembra che i sentimenti mutino da ambo i lati sebbene nessuno voglia fare il primo passo. In più metteteci un cupido ottantenne, soprannominato generale Joan, che è sì lungimirante, ma vuole formare coppie a destra e sinistra creando così situazioni non poco imbarazzanti!

Il romanzo ha qualche errore di battitura, è scorrevole con il punto di vista alternato e ci sono salti di qualche giorno tra alcuni capitoli o all’interno dello stesso.

I caratteri dei due personaggi sono delineati abbastanza bene a parte in una o due occasioni, in particolare per il personaggio femminile che sembra un po’ flebile: per esempio in un primo momento decide categoricamente che non avrebbe accettato una determinata cosa per ragioni morali, ma dopo accetta senza troppe remore.

Lo consiglio, è una lettura rilassante e divertente da leggere in spiaggia o mentre ci si rilassa da una giornata un po’ pesantuccia.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story Kylie wrote right here, each book in this series get's better and better! 5 amazing stars for this one!
Skylar walked away from her job as an interior designer and decided to strike out on her own, unfortunately, her old boss is bad mouthing her so it's not quite working out like she'd hope. She is designing the interior of the restaurant, but it's no easy task with Mr Grumpy, Gage shutting down everything she asks for without even listening to her. This is so frustrating to her, but she continues to try her best.
Gage loves to frustrate Skylar, after all, he's a stickler for keeping on schedule, and her ideas would throw him off that task. But there is something about her that makes him want to be there for her, but can he do a relationship? The last relationship he had didn't end so good, and he blames himself, but can he try harder for Skylar?
I loved this book, this is a must read! Make sure to grab your copy asap!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage doesn't like any changes to his renovation schedule when he meets Skylar. Gage thinks Skylar is too much of a free spirit. Skylar is tired of people thinking she is a push over and is there to prove she knows what she is doing. These two butt heads and when Skylar stands up for herself Gage starts to see her differently. Skylar is trying to move on after an incident at her old firm and start a business on her own. Gage realizes that Skylar isn't like he first thought and he makes her an offer to decorate his house. These two have a few bumps along the way, but with the help of General Joan Gage gets a push in the right direction. This was a really good book and I am enjoying this series!!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab this book and enjoy this fun opposites attract love story!! I really enjoyed the banter between Skylar and Gage and the sexual tension that simmered between the couple!! I enjoyed the journey to their HEA and enjoyed the small peek into the next book!! I love this town that Kylie Gilmore has created and all the town folk who make this town fun and interesting!! If you have not read this author before than you must go grab one of her books and dive into this fabulous world of characters that you can't help but fall in love with!!

[Conna N Condon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skylar might be a cheery interior designer, but that hides her shame from her last job. Gage might be the grumpy construction company owner, but they are still both hired by their mutual friends to do two jobs, 6 weeks apart. She has been hiding out in her bros backyard cottage, but can’t stay those 6 weeks. Gage offers her a place to stay between the jobs and their mutual animosity soon gives way to an undeniable attraction. It was an enjoyable read to move from animosity based upon past hurts to love and caring.

[Maria Cecília · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylie Gilmore never disappoints. This enemies to lovers is a great addition to her new series. Each book also includes a wonderful canine character who has its place on the story. Her books are a "can´t put down" book. So be prepared and enjoy this book and start waiting for the next in the series!!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the sweet and wonderful addition to this series. I'm constantly amazed at Kylie Gilmore's ingenious way of creating new and interesting stories to entertain us. And General Joan is there to stir this pot big time!
 
Skylar Bellamy lost her home and job, and then her boss destroyed her reputation. Through it all she remains cheerful and optimistic. Now she is in Summerdale doing everything she can to restart her career as an interior designer. But now she must work with the stubborn contactor, 'Mr. Grumpy', who refuses to consider any of her ideas.

Gage's hellish childhood left him responsible for raising his younger sister and doing whatever it took to avoid chaos. Now he strictly runs his business and if Ms. Perky doesn't like his attitude why should he care? Until he suddenly finds himself caring more than he should.

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story. It’s fun and absolutely heartwarming. This is Gage and Skylar’s story. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved the characters , the connection, the banter and flying sparks. It’s entertaining and not to be missed!

[Sharon Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely!

Gage always shoots down my ideas & he calls me Miss Perky & I call him Mr Grumpy. Skyla just want to be able to do her job!
This book is all about opposites, Skyla is light & rainbows & Gage is stuck in his ways.
Great story with a HEA at the end!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this opposites attract, laugh out loud and action packed adventure filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and emotional turns. An emotional roller coaster journey from beginning to end and so hard to put down.

[Tami Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

love , on lovers lane oh yeah

Fabulous series! I love how the other couples pop up and the town is so close. The fact that they all have issues but find away to love each other is everything! We are all human and worthy of love

[Candace Mantyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring is an opposites attract romance by Kylie Gilmore. This is book 7 in the Unleashed Series and it's the perfect addition. Gage and Skylar were introduced in previous books and now it's finally time for their story.

[Ramona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opposites

He's closed off and doesn't use his words. She's perky and positive. He's the contractor to her designer... like the characters, but didn't connect like I hoped. Still enjoyed Skylars personality, her determination and outspoken ways.

[Kim Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an opposites attract love story and nobody does it better than Kylie Gilmore! Get this newest addition to this great series today!

[M Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butting Heads

I liked the idea of two people who can appreciate the talent of of each other and also work together And give and take.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of Kylie Gilmore's books and I will be honest, this was not my favorite.

[Feija · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ I really liked this book!!

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and quirky romance that’s fun to read! Two very different characters collide in the workplace and fight for a chance to make a connection outside of work.

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring

This was a fun read, I loved the characters and the way they struggled to get to their happy ever after.

[POL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm…

I really wanted to love this book, especially after reading the reviews. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any chemistry between the main characters.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed pure escapism and this satisfied my need. Good light story line.