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The Donovans #1
Dare Me
One year ago, Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson met on a dare and spent a perfect 24 together before going their separate ways. She thought they would stay in touch, but he disappeared without a word.
Arianna thought she’d moved on. But when Will shows up at a family dinner with her older—and very protective—brother, she’s angry and confused. How could he possibly forget to mention that he was friends with her brother? No one knows about their past and Arianna wants to keep things that way. No matter how tempting Will is.
When he walked away a year ago, Will thought it was for the best. Staying away from Arianna was the smart thing to do, especially with how protective her older brother—his friend and fellow soldier—can be. Time and distance will work wonders when you’re trying to stay away from someone. Now that he’s seen her again, he forgets all about doing the smart thing. He’ll just have to first convince her to let go of her anger and give him another chance.
Will isn’t above playing the nostalgia card, and when he challenges Arianna to a sexy game of truth or dare, she can’t resist. Neither one is ready to tell the world what they’re doing, but how long can they possibly keep things a secret when there are Donovans ready to meddle around every corner?
Arianna thought she’d moved on. But when Will shows up at a family dinner with her older—and very protective—brother, she’s angry and confused. How could he possibly forget to mention that he was friends with her brother? No one knows about their past and Arianna wants to keep things that way. No matter how tempting Will is.
When he walked away a year ago, Will thought it was for the best. Staying away from Arianna was the smart thing to do, especially with how protective her older brother—his friend and fellow soldier—can be. Time and distance will work wonders when you’re trying to stay away from someone. Now that he’s seen her again, he forgets all about doing the smart thing. He’ll just have to first convince her to let go of her anger and give him another chance.
Will isn’t above playing the nostalgia card, and when he challenges Arianna to a sexy game of truth or dare, she can’t resist. Neither one is ready to tell the world what they’re doing, but how long can they possibly keep things a secret when there are Donovans ready to meddle around every corner?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
238 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,357 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
April 24, 2023
4.35⭐ rounded up.
Book 1 in a new series following the Donovans.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, baby of the family, meddling parents & brothers, forbidden love, age gap (23 & 32), returning to hometown, small town, military men, secret relationship, fade to black, no steamage
Arianna & Will meet while in California and spend only one day together exploring the town before they head back to their lives. They want to make long distance work, but for certain reasons it just does not.
Flash forward a year later and Arianna's brother, Liam, is home from his tour with the Marines and he brings a surprise guest with him, Will. And it looks like Will is sticking around since they're going into business together. With a super protective older brother and meddling parents, how can they make it work?...by sneaking around of course.
They were so cute together and I enjoyed watching their love blossom. Will was such a sweet guy and never acted all military tough.
One thing I have to say ~ Arianna made a big stink that she was all grown up now and how her family needs to take her seriously, but then in other chapters she's whining and stomping her feet about something ~ a bit counterproductive there. It took a while, but I'm glad she finally stood up for herself.
I feel invested in the Donovan clan and will for sure need to read the rest of the series.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Book 1 in a new series following the Donovans.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, baby of the family, meddling parents & brothers, forbidden love, age gap (23 & 32), returning to hometown, small town, military men, secret relationship, fade to black, no steamage
Arianna & Will meet while in California and spend only one day together exploring the town before they head back to their lives. They want to make long distance work, but for certain reasons it just does not.
Flash forward a year later and Arianna's brother, Liam, is home from his tour with the Marines and he brings a surprise guest with him, Will. And it looks like Will is sticking around since they're going into business together. With a super protective older brother and meddling parents, how can they make it work?...by sneaking around of course.
They were so cute together and I enjoyed watching their love blossom. Will was such a sweet guy and never acted all military tough.
One thing I have to say ~ Arianna made a big stink that she was all grown up now and how her family needs to take her seriously, but then in other chapters she's whining and stomping her feet about something ~ a bit counterproductive there. It took a while, but I'm glad she finally stood up for herself.
I feel invested in the Donovan clan and will for sure need to read the rest of the series.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 23, 2023
I've really enjoyed some of the author's past contemporary romances, but this one just didn't work for me, undoubtedly because it featured some tropes I detest, including the "I can't date her because she's my best friend's little sister," and fake dating, and an annoying interfering family.
Arianna Donovan, our heroine, met Will Jamieson on the last day she was doing an internship in San Francisco. They spent a spectacular day together, thought they'd never see each other again, and then ended up on the same flight to Atlanta. Arianna thought they had agreed to trying the long distance romance, but Will never contacted her again. Fast forward a year, and Will has just arrived in Arianna's small home town. Turns out he's her brother's best friend, and they've served in the military for quite a few years. Will still feels everything he felt for Arianna. She still feels everything she felt for him, but what are they to do?
So we have all kinds of obstacles set up in their path. Arianna's ten year's younger than Will and her family thinks of her as the "Baby girl." So, once they start a relationship, they keep it hidden. There were parts of the story I liked, but for the most part I just tolerated it. This probably would've been a DNF for me if I hadn't enjoyed so many of the author's other books. I just wanted Arianna to stand up to her family much earlier, stop sneaking around, and get on with her life.
Arianna Donovan, our heroine, met Will Jamieson on the last day she was doing an internship in San Francisco. They spent a spectacular day together, thought they'd never see each other again, and then ended up on the same flight to Atlanta. Arianna thought they had agreed to trying the long distance romance, but Will never contacted her again. Fast forward a year, and Will has just arrived in Arianna's small home town. Turns out he's her brother's best friend, and they've served in the military for quite a few years. Will still feels everything he felt for Arianna. She still feels everything she felt for him, but what are they to do?
So we have all kinds of obstacles set up in their path. Arianna's ten year's younger than Will and her family thinks of her as the "Baby girl." So, once they start a relationship, they keep it hidden. There were parts of the story I liked, but for the most part I just tolerated it. This probably would've been a DNF for me if I hadn't enjoyed so many of the author's other books. I just wanted Arianna to stand up to her family much earlier, stop sneaking around, and get on with her life.
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May 13, 2023New series kicking off October 4th - THE DONOVANS!!
DARE ME is book one and I cannot WAIT for you to read it!!
Pre-order NOW!
Amazon https://geni.us/DareMe-Kindle
Apple https://geni.us/DareMe-Apple
Barnes & Noble https://geni.us/DareMe-Nook
Kobo https://geni.us/DareMe-Kobo
DARE ME is book one and I cannot WAIT for you to read it!!
Pre-order NOW!
Amazon https://geni.us/DareMe-Kindle
Apple https://geni.us/DareMe-Apple
Barnes & Noble https://geni.us/DareMe-Nook
Kobo https://geni.us/DareMe-Kobo
September 15, 2022
A new series from Samatha Chase. The Donovan’s have five grown children and own a pub in Laurel Bay, NC. The family is fun loving, traditional and over the top in each others business. Arianna is the youngest at 23. After graduating college and finishing an internship she has one perfect day (no sex) with the perfect man. But they head in different directions and he ghosts her. A year later he walks through the door with her brother, both having gotten out of the Marines. They are starting a new business together. Will is still yummy, kind and handsome. Turns out he didn’t contact her when he realized she was the sister of his best Marine buddy.
The title of the book ties into Arianna asking truth or dare questions of Will. Often asking about feelings or daring him to kiss her. It is cute and playful as is the whole book. There is something almost cartoonish in how overbearing the family behaves. Mom wants the daughters married and settled. Everyone thinks Will would be perfect for Arianna’s older, more age appropriate, sister. Ryleigh (the sister) knows of the past and present romance and lets the family think she’s dating Will to keep the them off all their backs. Of course it's going to blow up eventually when the family learns the truth.
The story is light with no big angst. These two get intimate fairly fast as they’ve been pining for each other for a year. But this author doesn’t share graphic details. I actually like this balance showing naked conversations and time in bed without being part of the act. But I wish occasionally Chase would mention a condom or something promoting safety.
The focus is on the characters and the family interactions. There isn’t a lot of depth or detail to anyone. For example Arianna graduates at the top of her class in something related to medical field but no specifics on her job she loves. And I had a big question why the brother who was in the marines kept an apartment in town. It didn’t make sense as he is all about saving money for his future business. That question gets answered in the preview chapter for the next book which is going to be his romance.
If you want fun, escapism romance and don’t mind it being light on details, this is a great way to spend a few hours. I will look forward to the next in the series. Thank you to Valentine PR & Literary Management , Samantha Chase and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The title of the book ties into Arianna asking truth or dare questions of Will. Often asking about feelings or daring him to kiss her. It is cute and playful as is the whole book. There is something almost cartoonish in how overbearing the family behaves. Mom wants the daughters married and settled. Everyone thinks Will would be perfect for Arianna’s older, more age appropriate, sister. Ryleigh (the sister) knows of the past and present romance and lets the family think she’s dating Will to keep the them off all their backs. Of course it's going to blow up eventually when the family learns the truth.
The story is light with no big angst. These two get intimate fairly fast as they’ve been pining for each other for a year. But this author doesn’t share graphic details. I actually like this balance showing naked conversations and time in bed without being part of the act. But I wish occasionally Chase would mention a condom or something promoting safety.
The focus is on the characters and the family interactions. There isn’t a lot of depth or detail to anyone. For example Arianna graduates at the top of her class in something related to medical field but no specifics on her job she loves. And I had a big question why the brother who was in the marines kept an apartment in town. It didn’t make sense as he is all about saving money for his future business. That question gets answered in the preview chapter for the next book which is going to be his romance.
If you want fun, escapism romance and don’t mind it being light on details, this is a great way to spend a few hours. I will look forward to the next in the series. Thank you to Valentine PR & Literary Management , Samantha Chase and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2022
4star Review Dare Me (The Donovans #1) by Samantha Chase
All it takes is one night to chance a persons life. For Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson they met on a dare and after one night went their separate ways. Now one year later they meet again at a family dinner.
I love small town romance and Samantha Chase is one of my go to authors in this genre. Arianna was hurt when Will left and made no attempt to contact her but for Will, he felt it was best to make a clean break, after all as a Marine he never knew what would happen.
Now he is back and wants a second chance. Can Arianna move past the anger and hurt she feels and give him another chance?.Complicating matters is the Donovan family who are always in one another’s business.
This was a well written, witty, romantic story that ticked a number of boxes for me. I look forward to more adventures with the Donovan's from Laurel Bay.
All it takes is one night to chance a persons life. For Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson they met on a dare and after one night went their separate ways. Now one year later they meet again at a family dinner.
I love small town romance and Samantha Chase is one of my go to authors in this genre. Arianna was hurt when Will left and made no attempt to contact her but for Will, he felt it was best to make a clean break, after all as a Marine he never knew what would happen.
Now he is back and wants a second chance. Can Arianna move past the anger and hurt she feels and give him another chance?.Complicating matters is the Donovan family who are always in one another’s business.
This was a well written, witty, romantic story that ticked a number of boxes for me. I look forward to more adventures with the Donovan's from Laurel Bay.
September 26, 2022
A year ago, Arianna Donovan and Will Jameson met on a “dare” from her friends the day before she traveled home. It was their most memorable day ever and a twenty four hours they would always remember. “Fate” happen again, but was quickly lost and their connection disappeared. Arianna thought after a year had passed that she had moved on. When “fate” occurred again and she reconnected with Will and her oldest brother at a family dinner, their connection started to “sizzle” once again. Family interference, overprotective older brothers, a mother who constantly infers she knows “best”, makes Arianna and Will’s life miserable. The challenges and secrets keep increasing, the meddling doesn’t stop, plus emotions run high. It’s a wonderful story and an enjoyable book to start the new series. The book can be read as a standalone. Loved it!
July 15, 2023
Small town, age gap, brother's best friend. While these may be well liked tropes, this book felt very unoriginal and stale. The Donovan family is at the center of the story. Supposedly, a close and loving family, they were unbelievably annoying. The parents and older siblings behaved disrespectfully, everyone thrived on conflict , and there was lots of crazy.
December 20, 2024
This features some tropes that are my least favorite: can’t-date-my-brother’s-best-friend, fake dating, sneaking around, interfering family, sex at the beginning of a relationship.
I usually like the age gap trope, tho.
He ghosts her for a year, and she forgives him super fast- like jump in bed with him fast. They have no commitment and hardly know each other, so I was blindsighted and disappointed by the sexy times.
Now they’re keeping it secret bc the FMC’s older brother is a weirdo and freaks if she dates anyone (she is 23 years old for heaven’s sake).
And to keep their relationship under wraps so her parents and brothers don’t find out, her sister is going to pretend to date him. I’m sorry, whaaa?
The reasoning is flimsy. These are adults but they aren’t acting like it.
DNF @ almost half done
No swearing but some spice
I usually like the age gap trope, tho.
He ghosts her for a year, and she forgives him super fast- like jump in bed with him fast. They have no commitment and hardly know each other, so I was blindsighted and disappointed by the sexy times.
Now they’re keeping it secret bc the FMC’s older brother is a weirdo and freaks if she dates anyone (she is 23 years old for heaven’s sake).
And to keep their relationship under wraps so her parents and brothers don’t find out, her sister is going to pretend to date him. I’m sorry, whaaa?
The reasoning is flimsy. These are adults but they aren’t acting like it.
DNF @ almost half done
No swearing but some spice
July 11, 2023
Age gap: 9 yrs (32H/23h)
Small Town
Second Chnace
Brother's Best Friend
Ex-Military
Nurse
Fake date one sister to Secretly date the other sister (sister's idea)
This one was cute and I will be reading the next in the series 🥰
Small Town
Second Chnace
Brother's Best Friend
Ex-Military
Nurse
Fake date one sister to Secretly date the other sister (sister's idea)
This one was cute and I will be reading the next in the series 🥰
October 6, 2022
Samantha Chase’s Dare Me has the best meet cute!
One year ago, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson on a dare. The couple spent a perfect day sightseeing in San Francisco and ended their romantic date watching the sun rise. Ari hoped to convince Will to try a long distance relationship-but-he ghosted her! Imagine her surprise when her brother Liam brought Will to family dinner! Best scene ever!
Ari graduated from college and completed an internship in California before returning home to Laurel Bay. She enjoys her independence and has a great job as a radiologist. Her parents and brothers view her as the “baby sister” they do not understand that she is an intelligent woman with a challenging career. She’s tired of her parents trying to control her and wants to put miles between herself and her overbearing family.
Will’s family life is the total opposite from Ari’s. Raised by his Mom who recently passed—he has no one to go home to. He is looking to put down roots after completing his last tour for the Marine Corps. His dream is to design affordable housing for single parent families. Will and Liam decide to develop a piece of property and he begins to settle into his apartment.
Love the Truth or Dare game that the author weaves through the novel. The game adds so much humor and fun as the questions are asked, answered, feelings are revealed and the chemistry sizzles. The answers quickly move Ari and Will’s story from friends to lovers. I loved Ari’s sassy independent nature and that Samantha Chase allowed both Will and Ari to grow during the novel. Ari became such a relatable, dynamic character with each chapter and watching Will fall head over heels in love with Ari was swoon worthy.
Dare Me is the first book in Samantha Chase’s Donovan series. I adored Ari and Will’s sexy truth or dare romance. The characters are appealing, the romance sizzles and the connection between Ari and Will is genuine. Looking forward to the next book in the series—Tempt Me.
If you are looking for a fun, flirty, heartfelt read treat yourself to Samantha Chase’s Dare Me! I highly recommend it!
One year ago, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson on a dare. The couple spent a perfect day sightseeing in San Francisco and ended their romantic date watching the sun rise. Ari hoped to convince Will to try a long distance relationship-but-he ghosted her! Imagine her surprise when her brother Liam brought Will to family dinner! Best scene ever!
Ari graduated from college and completed an internship in California before returning home to Laurel Bay. She enjoys her independence and has a great job as a radiologist. Her parents and brothers view her as the “baby sister” they do not understand that she is an intelligent woman with a challenging career. She’s tired of her parents trying to control her and wants to put miles between herself and her overbearing family.
Will’s family life is the total opposite from Ari’s. Raised by his Mom who recently passed—he has no one to go home to. He is looking to put down roots after completing his last tour for the Marine Corps. His dream is to design affordable housing for single parent families. Will and Liam decide to develop a piece of property and he begins to settle into his apartment.
Love the Truth or Dare game that the author weaves through the novel. The game adds so much humor and fun as the questions are asked, answered, feelings are revealed and the chemistry sizzles. The answers quickly move Ari and Will’s story from friends to lovers. I loved Ari’s sassy independent nature and that Samantha Chase allowed both Will and Ari to grow during the novel. Ari became such a relatable, dynamic character with each chapter and watching Will fall head over heels in love with Ari was swoon worthy.
Dare Me is the first book in Samantha Chase’s Donovan series. I adored Ari and Will’s sexy truth or dare romance. The characters are appealing, the romance sizzles and the connection between Ari and Will is genuine. Looking forward to the next book in the series—Tempt Me.
If you are looking for a fun, flirty, heartfelt read treat yourself to Samantha Chase’s Dare Me! I highly recommend it!
October 5, 2022
Being from a BIG Irish Catholic Family you almost have to expect to be watched by every member of you family especially your mother and father from time to time. Hopefully your siblings will stick up for you and have your back, and that is exactly what happens in the Donovan Family !!
Arianna came from one of those families but she being the youngest was watched more than her older siblings especially since she is a girl, went to college across the country and never really had a serious boyfriend. Until this one night when her friends DARED her to go up to a stranger in a bar and ask him out. It turned out not only to be the BEST dare she had ever done BUT the BEST Day/Night/Flight she has ever had …. Can this be the one on a dare ??
Will Jameson comes from a very, very small family with no siblings so when he meets Arianna and figures out who she really is on there flight he knows the feelings he has for her .. which is crazy for just meeting .. he knows he has to back off. Will he ever see her again really anyway ?? Ummm YES, YES he will and oh boy she isn’t happy being ghosted for an entire year when she knows and still feels the lighting strikes between them.
Can he get over his fear of her big family and his best friend being her brother and can she ever forgive him on ghosting her OR will they DARE each other till no end ?? But sometimes the TRUTH’s are the BEST !!
LOVED THIS NEW SERIES !! Can’t wait for more Donovan’s !!
Arianna came from one of those families but she being the youngest was watched more than her older siblings especially since she is a girl, went to college across the country and never really had a serious boyfriend. Until this one night when her friends DARED her to go up to a stranger in a bar and ask him out. It turned out not only to be the BEST dare she had ever done BUT the BEST Day/Night/Flight she has ever had …. Can this be the one on a dare ??
Will Jameson comes from a very, very small family with no siblings so when he meets Arianna and figures out who she really is on there flight he knows the feelings he has for her .. which is crazy for just meeting .. he knows he has to back off. Will he ever see her again really anyway ?? Ummm YES, YES he will and oh boy she isn’t happy being ghosted for an entire year when she knows and still feels the lighting strikes between them.
Can he get over his fear of her big family and his best friend being her brother and can she ever forgive him on ghosting her OR will they DARE each other till no end ?? But sometimes the TRUTH’s are the BEST !!
LOVED THIS NEW SERIES !! Can’t wait for more Donovan’s !!
September 24, 2022
In this new series from Samantha Chase we're introduced to the boisterous Donovan family who have five grown children and own a pub in Laurel Bay NC. The Donovan's are a fun,traditional who love hard they create drama and they know what everyone's doing. Arianna is the baby of the family at 23 she's graduated from college and she has just finished an internship in San Francisco when by a daring twist of fate she meets Will who she totally clicks with. Will and Arianna spend the perfect day together only to then go their separate ways. Arianna makes plans for them to keep in touch they even exchange numbers but he just ghosts her. Unbeknownst to Arianna her and Will share a link that will explain why things ended the way that they did. When an unexpected reunion brings Will and Arianna face to face for the first time in over a year they have to decide if they're going to fight for their relationship or are they going to leave the past in the past? You really need to read this engaging story and meet this wonderful boisterous family.I would definitely recommend reading this engaging story you'll be glad that you did. I am really looking forward to reading Liam's story next and meeting the woman who brings him to his knees. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
September 13, 2022
Quick Summary: A love at first sight romance
My Review: Dare Me by Samantha Chase was a mixture of love at first sight, forbidden romance, and forever love all rolled into one.
When Will and Arianna first met, they clicked. They connected in a way that was unlike anything either had ever experienced. Circumstances, however, brought a strange twist of fate. This couple who met by chance shared a link. A link that would cause their whole world to tilt off its axis. When an unplanned reunion brings them back together, they must decide if what they had is worth taking a chance on or if what they have should just be a beautiful memory best left in the past.
My Final Say: This was a solid read. It introduced a new setting (Laurel Bay) that has the potential to be a place where hearts are healed and loves are brought together. It also introduced a rambunctious family (The Donovans). They were wild, crazy, and loads of fun. It's worth a read. Bring on the next book!
Rating: 3.5./5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Thanks to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
My Review: Dare Me by Samantha Chase was a mixture of love at first sight, forbidden romance, and forever love all rolled into one.
When Will and Arianna first met, they clicked. They connected in a way that was unlike anything either had ever experienced. Circumstances, however, brought a strange twist of fate. This couple who met by chance shared a link. A link that would cause their whole world to tilt off its axis. When an unplanned reunion brings them back together, they must decide if what they had is worth taking a chance on or if what they have should just be a beautiful memory best left in the past.
My Final Say: This was a solid read. It introduced a new setting (Laurel Bay) that has the potential to be a place where hearts are healed and loves are brought together. It also introduced a rambunctious family (The Donovans). They were wild, crazy, and loads of fun. It's worth a read. Bring on the next book!
Rating: 3.5./5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Thanks to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
October 3, 2022
What a start to a new series featuring the Donavan family. Arianna is the youngest of five, and the family owns a pub in Laurel Bay, NC. I love a big noisy, and nosy family, and the Donovan’s fit this mold. From Mom and her matchmaking ways, brothers whom I will enjoy watching them fall, and we start with Ari the rebel.
Wanting to spread her wings and get away from the family fold, Arianna went away to college and then accepted an internship in San Francisco. On her last day in San Francisco, she had the best day with a man she had just met. From here, a string of events keeps them in the same orbit, even though mistakes are made. Will was returning to his unit as a Marine the day after he spent with Ari, only to find her on his flight. Despite their connection, he decides not to contact her, yet a year later, she is working in Laurel Bay, and Will is moving there.
This series looks to be another winner from this author, and I am looking forward to which Donovan falls next.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Wanting to spread her wings and get away from the family fold, Arianna went away to college and then accepted an internship in San Francisco. On her last day in San Francisco, she had the best day with a man she had just met. From here, a string of events keeps them in the same orbit, even though mistakes are made. Will was returning to his unit as a Marine the day after he spent with Ari, only to find her on his flight. Despite their connection, he decides not to contact her, yet a year later, she is working in Laurel Bay, and Will is moving there.
This series looks to be another winner from this author, and I am looking forward to which Donovan falls next.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 28, 2022
Arianna and Will meet on a dare. Arianna’s friends give her the nudge to go talk to the handsome guy they saw in a restaurant. After the best day ever and fate steps in Arianna thinks she has found the “one”.
However, she couldn't have been more wrong when Will broke his promise about reaching out. A year later fate intervened again and Arianna and Will come face to face. When Arianna realizes Will is her “much” older brothers best friend she immediately puts up her defenses.
Will tries it all to win her heart back and break down those defensive walls Arianna has put up. Whoever, Will the VERY over protective, interfering, nosey, Donegan family keep these two love birds from being together? One could only know!
Samantha Chase wrote this sweet love story. It had funny, spicy and romantic parts! This book kept me interested and wanting to know what would happen at the end!! Definitely a page turner!
However, she couldn't have been more wrong when Will broke his promise about reaching out. A year later fate intervened again and Arianna and Will come face to face. When Arianna realizes Will is her “much” older brothers best friend she immediately puts up her defenses.
Will tries it all to win her heart back and break down those defensive walls Arianna has put up. Whoever, Will the VERY over protective, interfering, nosey, Donegan family keep these two love birds from being together? One could only know!
Samantha Chase wrote this sweet love story. It had funny, spicy and romantic parts! This book kept me interested and wanting to know what would happen at the end!! Definitely a page turner!
September 26, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Samantha Chase for an Arc copy of this book.
This was a super cute second chance romance and brothers' best friend story. I fell in love with the character of Arianna from the very beginning. Her and Will were very well written and balanced characters that had depth to them. I could easily see how each of them was feeling about the situation and relate to them.
I could not stand Arianna's family. Any time there was a scene with her parents or brothers, I almost stopped reading the book because I hated them for how they treated the two girls in the family.
The only thing I felt it was lacking, was that I wish we got more of their story of that one day they spent together.
This was a super cute second chance romance and brothers' best friend story. I fell in love with the character of Arianna from the very beginning. Her and Will were very well written and balanced characters that had depth to them. I could easily see how each of them was feeling about the situation and relate to them.
I could not stand Arianna's family. Any time there was a scene with her parents or brothers, I almost stopped reading the book because I hated them for how they treated the two girls in the family.
The only thing I felt it was lacking, was that I wish we got more of their story of that one day they spent together.
October 6, 2022
Arianna is the youngest of five children. Arianna is a friendly, out going and daring. Her family the Donovan's are still treating her like a child. She loves her family she also wants their respect. The Donovan's thrive on interfering and issues. Will and Arianna had a past. Will comes to Laurel Bay to start a project with her older brother. Arianna wants Will in her life. I love the brothers and sisters dynamics to this story. Samantha always brings the locations and family to life in her series. Banter in this book is adorable. Arianna proves to her family she is independent and they can trust her choices. This is charming and light hearted story. And a wonderful start to the this series.
December 16, 2022
Living life on a dare, you meet the other part of your soul only to have them ghost you until they end up sitting across from you at your very loud, obnoxious, overly involved family dinner table. With everyone trying to tell you how to live, where to live, what to do and when to do it life can become a bit much. Of course, there's always plotting your revenge to keep you sane! A fun rom com with a lot of frustration to amp up the chemistry to keep you entertained for hours. The narration is great so definitely consider the audiobook!
September 15, 2022
The queen of truth or dare meets the marine on his last year in the military. Arianna and Will have one perfect day together in San Francisco before they head home, but when Will figures out that she is his best friend’s little sister, he ghosts her thinking he was protecting her from family disapproval. One year passes and when Will goes home with Liam, the sparks fly again. I loved reading how these two navigate the family to get together in the end.
September 25, 2022
First one in new series.
Arianna and Will meet prior, one year earlier in San Francisco, but he never called her or texted. So imagine her surprise, when she finally sees him during family dinner. He is best friend to her oldest brother, overprotective brother. Her overprotective family is, more than that. I really enjoyed storyline and all characters, even thou, they were pia.
Samantha created another wonderful story.
LOVE IT
Arianna and Will meet prior, one year earlier in San Francisco, but he never called her or texted. So imagine her surprise, when she finally sees him during family dinner. He is best friend to her oldest brother, overprotective brother. Her overprotective family is, more than that. I really enjoyed storyline and all characters, even thou, they were pia.
Samantha created another wonderful story.
LOVE IT
October 4, 2022
Love a new series, automatically pre-order anything from this author, so you know reader friends she's good! Samantha Chase with this new series doesn't disappoint. Will and Ariannas story, love at first sight, one-time meeting, when fate steps in and well I'm not going to spoil the rest but if you love great characters, a warming love story, family drama, and a HEA this is for you - Oh and exceptionally well written. You'll love it!
September 28, 2022
Dare Me is a great second chance and brothers best friends romance. Arianna and Will meet on a dare and have one perfect day. Will finds out that Arianna is his best friends sister and never calls her. A year later and Will heads back to his home town and sees Arianna....sparks fly. They have some obstacles to over come, but finally end up together.
September 19, 2023
3.5 but I rounded up because I did like it.
October 7, 2022
3.5stars—DARE ME is the first instalment in Samantha Chase’s contemporary, adult THE DONOVANS romance series. This is twenty-three year old, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan, and thirty-two year old architect Will Jameson’s story line.
Told from dual third person perspectives DARE ME follows the second chance relationship, of a sorts, between twenty-three year old, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan, and thirty-two year old architect Will Jameson. Approximately one year earlier, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson in San Francisco, twenty-four hours before returning home to Laurel Bay, North Carolina. Believing she had found her soul mate, Arianna tried desperately to convince Will they were meant to be, with the hopes of a long distance relationship in their future but Arianna had no idea that Will knew exactly who she was, and he wasn’t willing to cross the line with his ‘best friend’s’ little sister. Fast forward to present day wherein Arianna is considering leaving Laurel Bay, in search of her own independence away from her suffocating family but Arianna is blindsided when the man she has never forgotten has taken a job working for her brother Liam. All does not go well as Arianna’s family sets a plan into motion to set up Will with Arianna’s older sister Ryleigh, a plan that forces Will into a fake relationship with someone he doesn’t want. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship but secret relationship between Will and Arianna, and the potential fall out when the Donovan family uncover the truth.
The relationship between Arianna and Will is a rekindling relationship that struggles in the face of secrets and lies, and the ongoing interference from the Donovan clan. The Donovan family is controlling and obnoxious, constantly getting involved in one another’s lives, involvement that is pushing away their youngest daughter. The parents try to control their daughters’s lives; the brothers are a constant source of heart ache and intrusion. The family tries desperately to keep the siblings under control but everyone refuses to help our story line heroine when she first returned to Laurel Bay. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.
We are introduced to the over protective, over bearing and often irritating Donovan siblings: Liam, Patrick, Ryleigh and Jamie; their unpleasant parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan.
DARE ME is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is entertaining but I struggled with the Donovan family dynamic and their overwhelming need to interfere and control which made my reading experience difficult and anxiety-filled affecting the overall enjoyment. DARE ME is a well written story line but the character's attitudes, personalities and presentation were problematic for this reader.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives DARE ME follows the second chance relationship, of a sorts, between twenty-three year old, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan, and thirty-two year old architect Will Jameson. Approximately one year earlier, Arianna Donovan met Will Jameson in San Francisco, twenty-four hours before returning home to Laurel Bay, North Carolina. Believing she had found her soul mate, Arianna tried desperately to convince Will they were meant to be, with the hopes of a long distance relationship in their future but Arianna had no idea that Will knew exactly who she was, and he wasn’t willing to cross the line with his ‘best friend’s’ little sister. Fast forward to present day wherein Arianna is considering leaving Laurel Bay, in search of her own independence away from her suffocating family but Arianna is blindsided when the man she has never forgotten has taken a job working for her brother Liam. All does not go well as Arianna’s family sets a plan into motion to set up Will with Arianna’s older sister Ryleigh, a plan that forces Will into a fake relationship with someone he doesn’t want. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship but secret relationship between Will and Arianna, and the potential fall out when the Donovan family uncover the truth.
The relationship between Arianna and Will is a rekindling relationship that struggles in the face of secrets and lies, and the ongoing interference from the Donovan clan. The Donovan family is controlling and obnoxious, constantly getting involved in one another’s lives, involvement that is pushing away their youngest daughter. The parents try to control their daughters’s lives; the brothers are a constant source of heart ache and intrusion. The family tries desperately to keep the siblings under control but everyone refuses to help our story line heroine when she first returned to Laurel Bay. There are no $ex scenes-everything is implied.
We are introduced to the over protective, over bearing and often irritating Donovan siblings: Liam, Patrick, Ryleigh and Jamie; their unpleasant parents Kate and Shane Donovan, and uncle Ronan.
DARE ME is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. The premise is entertaining but I struggled with the Donovan family dynamic and their overwhelming need to interfere and control which made my reading experience difficult and anxiety-filled affecting the overall enjoyment. DARE ME is a well written story line but the character's attitudes, personalities and presentation were problematic for this reader.
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 11, 2022
After finishing an internship at a local hospital, radiation therapist Arianna Donovan is enjoying her last day in San Francisco with friends. When they see a handsome man sitting alone at brunch, her friends dare her to introduce herself to him. She does, and they spend a magical day together exploring the city. The next morning, Arianna is surprised but pleased to encounter Will Jameson a second time when they're booked on the same flight. She hopes that they can pursue a long-distance relationship, but instead he ghosts her after they get off the plane, and she's heartbroken. A year later, her oldest brother Liam returns home after being discharged from the Marines with his best friend and future business partner, Will, in tow. Knowing how protective Liam is of his younger sisters, Will chose not to pursue Arianna when he learned of their connection. Even though he'd never want to come between her and her brother, or risk losing his best friend, he's never forgotten her, and he can't help hoping that she might give him another chance. But the bigger challenge will be convincing Liam and the rest of the Donovans that he's the right man for Arianna when they decide to try setting him up with her older sister Ryleigh instead.
This fast-paced, funny, and sweet story was the perfect start to Chase's new series. Will and Arianna had fantastic chemistry and even though their relationship moved relatively quickly, I believed in the strength of their feelings for each other. Arianna's family was definitely overprotective and I totally understood why she and her sister Ryleigh were so often frustrated with their behavior. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and none of what they did was coming from a bad place, but even so, it was time for them to take a step back and allow their adult daughters and sisters to make decisions for themselves. I wanted to cheer when Arianna (and Ryleigh) stood up to her parents and brothers in the end. I don't think the family dynamic will change overnight, but they did seem willing to make the effort, and that meant a lot.
I highly recommend "Dare Me" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
This fast-paced, funny, and sweet story was the perfect start to Chase's new series. Will and Arianna had fantastic chemistry and even though their relationship moved relatively quickly, I believed in the strength of their feelings for each other. Arianna's family was definitely overprotective and I totally understood why she and her sister Ryleigh were so often frustrated with their behavior. It was obvious how much they loved each other, and none of what they did was coming from a bad place, but even so, it was time for them to take a step back and allow their adult daughters and sisters to make decisions for themselves. I wanted to cheer when Arianna (and Ryleigh) stood up to her parents and brothers in the end. I don't think the family dynamic will change overnight, but they did seem willing to make the effort, and that meant a lot.
I highly recommend "Dare Me" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 1, 2022
Okay, the first thing you need to know about this new series is that the Donovan family is completely nuts. Berserk, bonkers, batty, loony tunes, wacko and off their rockers. But bear with them. They really do come from a place of love, and while their methods are questionable at best, they really, truly care about each other. And if you can get them to sit still and be quiet for five minutes, you may be able to get them to see reason.
Arianna is the baby of five siblings, and at twenty-three-years old, she's still treated like that little kid with pigtails and braces. She has a tough time convincing her family she's an independent adult, but her years away at college are a reprieve from their continual helicoptering. Just before she returns home, she meets a great guy and spends the perfect day with him. She thought they would stay in touch once he returned to his military commitments, but she never heard a word from him.
That is, until the oldest Donovan leaves his military career, returns home, and brings a friend with him. And this is where things get really interesting. Arianna’s matchmaking mother has plans for Will, and they don’t include Arianna. And this Donovan mom? Well I thought Georgia Bishop from Magnolia Sound was a piece of work, but holy mother of all mothers, Kate Donovan is a lot. Which actually makes for more humor as Arianna skirts her mother’s matchmaking plans, and immensely rewarding when she stand up for herself.
So Will and Arianna have some challenges on their road to forever, between the family thinking they know best, the brother's best friend thing, and just relationship stuff in general. But thank goodness for romance, because true love prevails and the journey is humorous, heartfelt, and epically entertaining. It's the perfect fun, laid-back reading escape, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Arianna is the baby of five siblings, and at twenty-three-years old, she's still treated like that little kid with pigtails and braces. She has a tough time convincing her family she's an independent adult, but her years away at college are a reprieve from their continual helicoptering. Just before she returns home, she meets a great guy and spends the perfect day with him. She thought they would stay in touch once he returned to his military commitments, but she never heard a word from him.
That is, until the oldest Donovan leaves his military career, returns home, and brings a friend with him. And this is where things get really interesting. Arianna’s matchmaking mother has plans for Will, and they don’t include Arianna. And this Donovan mom? Well I thought Georgia Bishop from Magnolia Sound was a piece of work, but holy mother of all mothers, Kate Donovan is a lot. Which actually makes for more humor as Arianna skirts her mother’s matchmaking plans, and immensely rewarding when she stand up for herself.
So Will and Arianna have some challenges on their road to forever, between the family thinking they know best, the brother's best friend thing, and just relationship stuff in general. But thank goodness for romance, because true love prevails and the journey is humorous, heartfelt, and epically entertaining. It's the perfect fun, laid-back reading escape, so make sure you don’t miss it.
May 10, 2023
I have some mixed feelings about this book. It was decent for a quick easy read, however I more than likely won’t continue with the series unless I’m stuck for something else to read.
The premise of the truth or dares got overused very quickly and I didn’t see the need for how long the love story was. Besides a little sneaking around there are no real issues the main couple face. Instead they just seem to already know everything they need to about each other. There’s also just always them going to the bedroom when you think there might be something to move the plot forward, but no.
With so many Donovan siblings it also can be hard to feel a great connection to any of the characters. And the communication between the family gets very grating at times and doesn’t seem realistic at all. Both main characters also come off as extremely immature at times. The plot of the book could have honestly been solved with one sit down conversation, however that is addressed multiple times so I wouldn’t exactly write it off for that reason.
The entire time I was reading the book it kept reminding me of a different series of books I had started but not continued. It turns out that it is the same author. The premise seemed very much a copy of each other once I put that together. Very much the same book with different characters, and I preferred the other book to be frank.
Over all despite the above mentioned it was absolutely what I expected going in to the book and I wasn’t disappointed. It is by no means a bad read. Will comes off as a stand up guy and I genuinely liked his character. Arianna was okay, more the childish one, but tolerable for a quick read.
The premise of the truth or dares got overused very quickly and I didn’t see the need for how long the love story was. Besides a little sneaking around there are no real issues the main couple face. Instead they just seem to already know everything they need to about each other. There’s also just always them going to the bedroom when you think there might be something to move the plot forward, but no.
With so many Donovan siblings it also can be hard to feel a great connection to any of the characters. And the communication between the family gets very grating at times and doesn’t seem realistic at all. Both main characters also come off as extremely immature at times. The plot of the book could have honestly been solved with one sit down conversation, however that is addressed multiple times so I wouldn’t exactly write it off for that reason.
The entire time I was reading the book it kept reminding me of a different series of books I had started but not continued. It turns out that it is the same author. The premise seemed very much a copy of each other once I put that together. Very much the same book with different characters, and I preferred the other book to be frank.
Over all despite the above mentioned it was absolutely what I expected going in to the book and I wasn’t disappointed. It is by no means a bad read. Will comes off as a stand up guy and I genuinely liked his character. Arianna was okay, more the childish one, but tolerable for a quick read.
September 15, 2022
Samantha Chase is one of my favourite authors. Her novels are always fast and enjoyable reads. However, I found this one fell a bit short. The premise was great. Boy meets girl, become fast friends/love at first sight, a year goes by, then they meet again, chaos ensues. Loved the idea.
However, the characters were really annoying. Arianna was pretty much a spoiled brat the entire book. I get it, she's 25, but she acts like a child, It's no wonder her parents treat her like one. It's sad though, because she had so much potential to be a strong female character. Well educated, great job, found a great apartment, obviously financially well off/independent. Just WHINY. When she couldn't get her way, she had a fit and whined. It was really distracting.
Will was a slightly better character but he seemed to lack any sort of backbone.
The book was fairly enjoyable to read, but the characters were hard to get past. Like I said, great story, annoying characters.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!
However, the characters were really annoying. Arianna was pretty much a spoiled brat the entire book. I get it, she's 25, but she acts like a child, It's no wonder her parents treat her like one. It's sad though, because she had so much potential to be a strong female character. Well educated, great job, found a great apartment, obviously financially well off/independent. Just WHINY. When she couldn't get her way, she had a fit and whined. It was really distracting.
Will was a slightly better character but he seemed to lack any sort of backbone.
The book was fairly enjoyable to read, but the characters were hard to get past. Like I said, great story, annoying characters.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!
September 9, 2022
Samantha Chase once again gives her reader the beginnings of a family drama that locks us in and wil not let us go. The Donovan clan have 5 children and each and every one will hopefully get their own story as I did not want this one to end. Will and Arianna had a cute beginning as part of a novella and I had hoped we would get more of them. While their first 24 hours were an instant connection over a year has past and nothing ever came of it until Will comes home with his marine buddy who just happen to be Arianna's brother. Faced with feelings from the past and parents who are trying to se t up Will with her sister, Arianna finds herself struggling with her feelings for Will and her connection to her family. With every turn of the page the romance flourishes and the climax of the situation will make you laugh out loud and sigh with happiness. A simple game of truth or dare will never be the same. Definitely a must read.
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