Cassie James is a midwest-adjacent romance author. Her love of happy endings is rivaled only by her obsession with pictures of cute dogs. She has two fluffy beasts of her own that she shares with her real life book boyfriend.
Well, the President hasn't stopped having a toddler meltdown on his Twitter timeline, but I might be here until January if I waited for that, so I'm just going to dive straight in.
Basically, almost everything about this book is kind of meh. This is HUGELY disappointing to me because I adored the first book and there was so much potential in this series. Let's take it point-by-point:
❌ My biggest issue is that I strongly dislike the third man to Natalie's harem, who was suddenly added just in this book (Nick). She has a strong, longstanding connection with Logan and Killian based in emotion, shared interests and a shared past; I did not feel like her connection with Nick was based in anything stronger than situational lust. I don't know anything about him - more to the point, Natalie barely knows anything about him - and he comes across as a very flat character. That Logan and Killian went from being super-territorial to accepting him rang false to me. Basically, any scene where Nick was in it, I immediately felt like skipping it. He didn't really belong in this book at all.
❌ The plot is confusing. I read this book like 2.5 days ago and I honestly cannot repeat to you one word of what happened. My whole brain, when I ask it to recall exactly what this book revolves around, just responds with '?????'.
❌ I feel like Killian in particular got a raw deal in this book. His scenes were way fewer/smaller than Logan or Nick, and he actually happens to be my favourite character so I'm not thrilled. The thing is, I started reading RH in the first play to get away from the awful angst of love triangles. Having a book where two of the three heroes are experiencing that same angst, because they don't want to actually share their heroine, leaves me feeling uncomfortable and sorry for them. Rather than a romance, I just end up thinking that Killian can do better than Natalie, even though I actually WANT them together.
❌ This whole book feels so rushed. It's not long, I finished it in a couple of hours, but there are sooooo many romantic/emotional loose ends which won't ever get tied up because it seems the next book is about Natalie's sister. I'm not exactly looking forward to her romance now either because the dynamic which is being hinted at (much older man) isn't one I really like.
Overall
The technical writing was still flawless, and I do want to see where this series goes next. But I feel very let down at how amazing Natalie/Logan/Killian could've been.
This book was such a disappointment. At the end of my review of Truth I mentioned that I often feel like RH series start off strong only to fizzle out at the end. That’s exactly what this one did. The story went nowhere, very little was resolved, and the romance was blah.
I should have known I was in trouble when it turned out Blake the camera guy was the person who showed up at the end of Truth. The plot did get interesting almost immediately though. Natalie’s uncle Murphy is shot in the middle of a crowded room at the wake. Then she learns that her mother is in town. Natalie’s mom is apparently a member of some clandestine organization called the Trojans, and she wants to take her daughter off to Switzerland where they’ll be safe. Natalie decides instead to check herself back into Banner-Hill. She says it’s because it’s the safest place she knows. Siobhan calls her out and suggests she’s really there to see the guys.
Natalie spends the rest of the book lost in her own thoughts as she tries to decide what she wants her future to look like. Does she want to get to the bottom of what her father and the Trojans are up to or just walk away? Does she want to try to make a relationship work with Nick, or does she want Killian or Logan, or maybe all three? Is walking away even an option or is her life in danger no matter what?
I thought the plot was the weakest part of Truth, and unfortunately it was even worse in this one. It’s all so vague and confusing. Natalie spends a big chunk of time trying to figure out who is on her side, but I was never sure what she even meant by that. Other than her battle with her father, it doesn’t seem like anyone is against her. Then there’s all the plotlines that are introduced, but they don’t go anywhere such as the Trojans, Natalie’s mom reappearing, and Murphy’s death. It’s all just background noise.
Natalie fascinated me in book one, but now she seems like a shadow of herself. Scared, depressed Natalie isn’t fun to read about. I miss the strong, independent woman who took no prisoners. I didn’t like the guys much either. Nick’s appeal (other than his looks) seems to be that he’s nice unlike the other men in her life. I thought he was boring. Killian was my favorite from the first book, but he’s barely in this one. Logan has a few decent moments, but he’s still a possessive jerk.
As for the romance, there are so many things about these relationships that bothered me. I think the worst is that none of them seem completely on board with the harem. The guys reluctantly accept each other because it’s what Natalie wants, but it never felt like Nick belonged. I’m also not sure I buy that Natalie moved past the trauma with Dash that easily, especially when she never really works through any of her past issues with Kilian and Logan. They just decide after barely any conversation at all that they’re going to live together.
It looks like the third book is going to focus on Madison, Natalie’s step-sister who she was never close to until she had a sudden change of heart. Maybe we’ll get answers about the Trojans, but the problem is I don’t really care. I’m disappointed enough that I have little interest in continuing this series.
WOWEE- we’re back into the twisting Scandals of Banner-Hill universe with all of the deceitful, conniving, and dark guiles. Like Natalie, we never fully know the truth- nothing is as it seems and twists disorient us. But, unlike the epic cliffhanger we ended on in book 1, Dare is going to give us the answers...the truths...but the path to get there, to uncover it all, is an arduous and circuitous game of chess with a board that is constantly changing, with Natalie and her allies ticking away at their opponents one calculated move at a time.
The combination of dynamic characters and a fast paced plot make for a real page turner. Truth be told (no pun intended), I am not super crazy about Nick- he just didn’t seem to belong in the way that Killian and Logan do, and not just because he’s a solidified harem member later. Plus, I just was thirsty for a smidge more Killian. That said, though, each character has opportunities to grow and evolve, and this game is really about Natalie. Natalie is the real star- she’s a survivor, a strong and resilient woman daring to face the truths of her reality, of her world. And the story starts at a breakneck pace and stays there- twist and revelations abounding, which makes for a quick and engaging read.
The glimmers of our next story have me super excited- especially if it plays out to be a trope I super adore. Either way, Cassie seems to be a fresh voice in a once-sparkly but now often repetitive genre (RH), so I’ll be checking out what’s next!
Another amazing book from Cassie James. I always know when I pick up one of her books I'm in for a great read and this book was no different. Its full of twists and turns, drama, and secrets we find answers to from the first book. I can't wait until the next book.
Nothing about Natalie Adams or her life is what it seems.
While book one in the Scandals of Banner-Hill duet, Truth, introduced us to Natalie and her reality-television world of scandals, lies, manipulation and self-destruction, Dare saw Natalie's eyes forced open to the dirty truth of her life - and the game she never dreamed was in play. Dare is book two, and much like Natalie discovers, nothing was what it appeared on the surface in Dare. Not the rules, the players - or the stakes.
How do you fight an enemy you didn't know you had? And how do you keep a secret when the whole world is watching? These are the looming questions Natalie, and the players on her side of the board, find themselves grappling with as they desperately try to unravel the clues they've amassed and survive the games already in play.
Dare washes away all the facades and knocks down all the walls Natalie has spent her life hiding behind, even from herself. It shows us the seedy underbelly of the rich and famous, and that sometimes, the stakes are too high to gamble blindly.
If you want a read that is unlike most books in the RH genre, and you love mystery, secrets and the dark side of high society, Dare is absolutely the book for you! I can't recommend this series enough and it stands alone in its genre as a fast paced and enthralling read with a twist you won't see coming.
What a great way to wrap up Scandals of Banner-Hill!! I was dying to get to the bottom of the mystery. After the things that happened in Truth, Natalie is understandably worried about giving her heart to anyone else. However, Logan, Killian and Nick continued to show her how to love again. And OMG, Killian!!!! I loved him so hard! He literally broke my heart every time he was on the page. Logan was the possessive one but so devoted. Not only to Natalie but to Killian which I thought was sweet. Nick was the kind one with a past and was easy to fall for.
This author does something different with her reverse harem stories than most of the other ones. The harem aren't all friends when you meet them. Most RH has a group of guys that have known each other for years and do everything together... Everything. Whereas MS. James usually brings in someone that isn't really liked by the other guys at first. Its just a nice change I think.
All of those things make for a fantastic story and Cassie James put them together perfectly! A MUST read!!
P.S. I cannot wait for Madison's story! P.S. I will read anything this author puts out. If you like Reverse Harems then read her book . Do NOT let the 25 men part scare you away! It is possibly the best RH book out there and I've read a lot! 💋
A very Soft Ending, with a Bit of RH to Try and Spice Things Up
This book continues the story of Natalie, reality TV star with a father involved in nefarious doings. However, in this book Nat, decides she can no longer deal with all the f’d up stuff happening to her alone. Now she has called everyone to arms
Killian Logan Nick Siobhan Sadie Otherwise known as ‘The Scooby Gang” are all called upon to contribute.
Well, ...when they’re not trying to resolve relationship issues and further family drama.
In the end this book was a little disappointing.
The plot involving the Trojan Horses kind of just dissipated. It became secondary to the crazy stalker and Natalie working out her relationship issues. Yeah, yeah...things went where I was hoping they WOULDN’T. SIGH.....reveres harem. OMG! These stories are a dime a dozen now. It’s MORE uncommon to read a story where a girl has a friendship/relationship with three guys that DOESN’T turn into RH territory. And! They always have the same dynamic, which makes them boring. So. Overall, I very disappointing read were Natalie was no longer the feisty girl from the first book, and turned into a Whiney, emotionally tried, simpleton. Nursing/balancing all the guys and getting lots of sex.
P.s. I liked Logan MEAN! Why did he have to have his epiphany moment....Boo
One of the things I love about this duet is that it is very unique. There is mystery, old love, new love, friendship, betrayals, and layers and layers of lies. It captivates you and sucks you in. You're always trying to guess what's going to happen next!
Dare picks right up where Truth left off and Cassie James does an amazing job sucking you right back in. Natalie is really struggling with her feelings and throughout the book she's trying to work on letting them out- putting a voice to her inner thoughts and emotions. She had some beautiful moments with the guys. Killian is just still so Killian and I want to wrap him up and keep him. Nick said it best that he will never understand how she can be so easy to hate and love at the same time. I love Natalie but there were definitely times I wanted to shake her. Then we have Logan- my headstrong alpha a-hole. I love him so much! I often felt bad for him like he was misunderstood.
Overall I loved it! I can't wait for Madison's story. I found Dare to be more of a happy for now than a HEA so I'm crossing my fingers we'll see more of Nat and the guys in the future!
““I don’t just have walls up, Nick, I have layers. Layers and layers of trauma. Everything that’s ever hurt me is wrapped so tightly around me that sometimes I can’t breathe. You’ve seen it. You’ve seen me at my worst and so you should already know. There’s no saving me, there’s only surviving.”” Natalie
Dare blew me away. I knew it was going to be good.. I saw so much growth from Natalie. I love Nick, Logan , and Killian . I love how they let her decide what she needed the most .
““I’ll never understand how you can be so easy to hate and love at the same time.”” Nick
I seriously didn’t want this book to end. I don’t want to give anything away but I definitely recommend you read truth first. This duet may have come to end but I know we will see them in Madison’s book. There’s a lot I can say about Dare but I don’t think I should, just know that it is action packed right from the start. You will get the answers you needed from Truth even if they aren’t what you wanted ..
Rating 3.5 stars because it’s a story you want to read until the last page.
This is the second book in a duet by this Author and you will need to read the first one as it follows on from that one. That said, there is a heck of a lot of twists and turns over both books, so don’t be surprised if you are at times wondering what exactly is going on. There is reality tv stars, rock stars, celebrities and pro athletes who have gone off the rails, gangsters, hit men, psychotic stalkers, gold diggers and secret societies. As I said there is a whole heap of stuff going on which makes it a compelling story to finish. Dash’s demise is revealed, which for one of the twists I honestly didn’t see it coming. Other secrets are revealed and the formation of the harem is developed as is the basis of the next book in this series.
To the characters: Natalie is a strong smart sassy character that is a survivor; Her BFFs Siobhan and Sadie are the true MVPs in this story. Not sure why they decided to be Natalie’s BFFs but she was lucky the day they did given because honestly without them and their help, Natalie would have been way over her head and up the creek without a paddle; Killian is the tragic ex who has been in love with her for years despite her being his best friend’s girlfriend and is a talented musician but is a drug addict; Logan has history with Nat. Essentially he is there because he keeps Killian in line and is loyal to him. The only things going for him are that he is a packaged deal to Killian, good looking, some good contacts and potentially has a trust fund coming. Otherwise he is really a likeable character; Nick is the well balanced guy in the harem who is there because you need someone emotionally secure and sane to balance out the other dudes in the harem; Madison is the step sister who seems like a sweet enough kid but the fact that she was raised by a gold digger and had some expectation to inheritance that had nothing to do with her, meant I wasn’t sold on the character entirely. Coupled that she has a controlling potentially dangerous older love interest attached to her, I’m hoping that she isn’t so helpless and reliant on others in the next book.
This book was an intriguing roller coaster. Part of the interest was to see where it went in terms of storyline. Potential triggers are dub/ non con.
Very interesting. I have to admit after getting hooked on the first book there was no way I was passing on reading this book but it was not everything I expected it to be. I have a open mind to go with the flow of the author and that's what I did here. Honestly even though it was not how I wanted it to be or thought it will be, it still kept me hooked and that's saying something. The writing of this author is definitely good enough that you dont feel like leaving the book the story even for a second. You keep wanting to know what is up with these characters and just wanting to go forward in the story seek the answers, seek the path the characters are taking. So yeah on that aspect this was good. However I'd like to say how I thought this is a RH i mean that's the path the story was going to go on and i was excited about how everyone will fit in this harem but this is more like a open relationship sort of book so that was something you could say I was bummed out about as I'm really into harem thing lol. Also I felt what our female character has with all the three males was not flushed out properly. Like feelings were complex but they were not talked enough I dont know it was lacking in the relationship part. Also the ending felt like a way to giving out the path to new characters which excited me but the story of Natalie, Logan, Killian and Nick seems unfinished so i will be bummed if we dont see more of them. That's the reason I took off one star. But hey its a Happy for now ending and was again a very addictive read just like the first book so give this book a try.
Dare was everything I hoped it would be! There was so much to unravel in this book I was worried that it wouldn’t be long enough to get everything out. There were so many players to consider and so much going on but Cassie James was able to unfold everything with perfect timing. The three guys in Natalie’s life were so different. Logan an insufferable a hole. Killian the artist who felt things so deeply. Nick the rock and nice guy. Natalie needed all three of them to put the relationship into perfect balance. I loved how much Natalie grew during dare. She allowed Logan to slap some sense into some of her emotional issues and open her eyes to things from the past. That along with the support and loyalty of nick, Killian, and Siobhan allowed her to open up and be more expressive of her feelings. There were so many raw emotions between nat and her guys. While Logan was a jerk it was pretty obvious to me that he was obsessed with her. Killian hit me right in the feels when he finally laid everything out to her. Nicks support and push towards the Rh was exactly what she needed. The book did end a little different that I had originally anticipated but I think it was perfect for Natalie and I think it really showed how much she grew from the start of truth. Truth and dare were amazing and I can’t wait to read Madison’s story.
Cassie James you did an AMAZING job with Dare! This book was epic and I was so happy to find out that it would continue!!
Natalie is such an amazing strong willed character that refuses to back down even when she is terrified out her mind. Even what is terrifying her is the possibility of putting her heart on the line for the first time ever. She learning that is possible to love more than one person at once. And as much as Killian and Logan infuriated on first time back to Banner Hill that might not be the true feelings. That maybe just maybe her rejection and running had turned them against her made them treat her differently. She has been more open to exploring her feelings for Logan, Killian and Nick. As long as they understand that there will be no choices and no favorites made. They all keep her grounded and she is falling for them all. She also learns more about her history and has to make some tough choices about whether to continue to search for info and endanger their lives or move on together and be happy as they all should. If you are looking for a book with lies, danger, betrayl, heart break, murder, games that just have no end, mystery and some saucy saucy scenes then this is the book for you!!
But please please read Truth first so that you get the full story about Nat's life!! This series is AMAZING! You will not be sorry!❤️
I really struggled with how to rate Dare. Because, while i liked the characters, i found this book to seriously be lacking. Like, i still don’t really understand the point of the story.... It just seems like this whole plot was because of some huge conspiracy issue with multiple variables and it was gonna be complex and super fucking interesting. but.....it wasn’t. I’m honestly just confused right now. Not because i don’t understand what happened. But why THATS what happened. Nat spent a majority of the book figuring out who was on her side of the chessboard... and I didn’t feel like anyone wasn’t on her side except her father. it was like grasping for straws.
I also am extremely disappointed that Killian was barely a character in this one. He was in it. But substantially less than he was in Truth, and he definitely was written less than Logan and Nick.
I am glad Nick finally got some spotlight though. I loved him in Truth.
I realllllllyyy wish i could give Dare a higher rating, but in order to do that I would need it to be rewritten. There were also spelling errors throughout the book which normally wouldn’t bother me, but did because how annoyed I was.
Oh Cassie James. What have you done! Dare was absolutely incredible. This conclusion to the duet was brilliant. It was so well written (one of the many things I ADORE by Cassie) and the mystery, intensity, angst, thrill, and emotion jam packed in this book was everything I wanted. Dare kept me wondering page after page. The twists and turns thrown at you are perfect. You think you are piecing this every revolving puzzle together then she gets ya and throws another piece in it. This duet was absolutely perfect. I can’t recommend this enough!
We pick up right where Truth left off (remember how off the wall crazy that book was? Yeah this one is even better!) We follow Nat around trying to figure out several mysteries. This girl has so much strength and courage. I adore a strong heroine and she’s exactly it. She’s feisty, smart, always thinking a plan ahead, and my favorite is she does not take crap from anyone. Natalie struggles a bit but never loses her balance. The way this book ends...WOW. I seriously can’t believe everything that happened and didn’t want it to end. If you have not had a chance to read Truth or Dare...I DARE you to do it, you won’t be disappointed!
““I don’t just have walls up, Nick, I have layers. Layers and layers of trauma. Everything that’s ever hurt me is wrapped so tightly around me that sometimes I can’t breathe. You’ve seen it. You’ve seen me at my worst and so you should already know. There’s no saving me, there’s only surviving.”” Natalie
Dare blew me away. I knew it was going to be good.. I saw so much growth from Natalie. I love Nick, Logan , and Killian . I love how they let her decide what she needed the most .
““I’ll never understand how you can be so easy to hate and love at the same time.”” Nick
I seriously didn’t want this book to end. I don’t want to give anything away but I definitely recommend you read truth first. This duet may have come to end but I know we will see them in Madison’s book. There’s a lot I can say about Dare but I don’t think I should, just know that it is action packed right from the start. You will get the answers you needed from Truth even if they aren’t what you wanted ..
‘Because hate and love - I don’t know which one is scarier.’
I really LOVED this book! Just as much as I loved the first one. I read it just as fast too! I literally spent an entire night reading this, staying up way into the AM, as I couldn’t put it down.
This book started where Truth left off and every twist and turn was perfect. Once again, Natalie as a fmc was exactly what I wanted her to be! Strong and feisty and fun. Her POV was enjoyable to read and I could connect with her
I said in my review for Truth that I’ve got a soft spot for Killian and that did not change throughout this book either. There’s just something about his brooding self that I find super attractive! Natalie’s relationships develop so much in this book and watching the journey unfold was so worth it.
The ending of this book was super satisfying and I just really did love it all. I am so excited to read Madison’s book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 of 4. So the first duet in this series is told with Natalie seemingly getting her HEA. I definitely enjoyed book 1 more as there was more suspense, scandal, tension and twists are we tried to take down Natalie's dad and uncover the secrets of the past. Book 2 felt to me like the family drama was a secondary story used merely to force the characters back in to the same space and there wasn't really the same level of intrigue. The dynamic between Natalie, Logan and Killian was interesting but (and it isn't often I would say this) I think the story would have worked better as a menage rather than being forced in to an RH. I thought Killian got overlooked whilst the newer relationship was developed, and although I liked Nick and his nice guy did provide a balance to the a-hole tendencies of Logan and Killian I didn't really feel it. The next duet picks up the story of little sister Madison.
Before I tell you all how I feel, let me tell you there is no cliff hangers, this book is a smooth finish but holy hell I need more! I need Caster and Madison because you know Cassie lined that up perfectly full of possibilities!!!!!!!
We pick up straight after book one where we had a cliffhanger that left us wondering who the hell Natalie was talking too, I was ready for a plot twist, thinking of all the possibilities just for it to be a no one lol but the story progresses smoothly and Natalie really finds herself throughout this book.
I admire how well Cassie explores the different struggles for each of her characters, they all have there elements that make them work well as a unit with enough of a "natural reaction" that you can relate to them individually.
A brilliant read and I cant wait for more because there better be more!!!!
A dark story of self discovery, and opening up to love.
As a second book in a duet, Dare takes the darkness from Truth and delves deeper to uncover more mysteries and danger. Natalie struggles to understand what new threat is out for her, and possibly those she cares about. While balancing outside danger, she also has to figure out what she wants from the players around her. How does she break through Killian’s pain? Logan’s defenses? Where does Nick fit in? The trials of navigating these relationship circles is entwining, and between the darkness of the unknown threat, and the instability of her status with the guys, Natalie combats her own self loathing and self worth. Only when she comes face to face with the past, does she fully come to an understanding, and can move forward.
Gah!!! I wasn’t ready for it to be over! I really wanted more story, though it wasn’t an incomplete story.
“I’m not saying I love you because that would be insane, but I am saying that there are feelings. Big, horribly complicated feelings.” — Dare (Scandals of Banner-Hill Book 2) by Cassie James
I really enjoyed this duet. There’s definitely room for more story with a new group to pick up and I’m here for it. Natalie and her guys, plus Sadie and Siobhan were such a great team. I loved watching Natalie learn to try to trust others.
Okay. So obviously I binge read this which speaks VOLUMES. That being said, this was a lot slower* paced that I personally felt about Truth.
I don't necessarily think slow is the right word but right now, I'm a bit at a loss. There were a lot of great, spicy scenes. A lot of intrigue. But I felt like there a lot of questions left unanswered and a lot within the harem that was brushed over or not addressed at all.
I know book three comes out soon and I know it will revolve around Madison and not Natalie but I just felt like this was an unfinished duet.
The book is well written and fast pasted. The story has tons of drama and steamy hot passion. The characters are vivid but I didn’t find any of them likable for most of the book. I don’t mind a book with tons of jerks but I like to have at least one character that I want to root for but I pretty much disliked them all.
Wow! This was non stop! It was a fantastic read! It was sexy and intriguing. I couldn’t wait to read what happened with Nat, Logan, Killian, and Nick! The emotions of this story really stuck out the most for me... you will feel it all! I need Madison’s story next.....
The concept was great but I feel it could have been so much more. Had a different take which I really enjoyed I just felt as it more could have been better, I didn’t really get any feelings towards A couple of the guys at all. For a RH the steam was really low which actually made a nice change where it wasn’t all about sex.
This book isn’t like other reverse harems which is good in some ways but I missed some of those steamy scenes. There’s mystery and suspense in this book along with Natalie getting what most would consider a HEA. I wish the book had the guys' POV. I always like to get their POV and it makes the reading more engaging.
This the best book series of her’s I have read! The story development was very believable, characters were real, and she did a good job of distraction so I didn’t get bored with predictability. It’s a bit slower paced, but not excruciatingly so.