Dare to Take a Chance

Dare Brothers #1

by Nordika Night

Laken Chance

Bored with her monotonous life, outdoor enthusiast Laken decides to set out on an adventure, ready to carve up the trails on her snowboard and dirt bike in the Alaskan backcountry. On a whim, Laken books a month-long stay at the Dare Resort where she meets an unexpected new friend and all ten of the Dare brothers—a group of foul-mouthed, rowdy boys. When one brother in particular catches her attention, can she resist his bad boy charm, or will he take her on an adventure of his own?

Jed Dare

Breezing through life by a set of his own rules, Jed knows he’s the type of cocky bad boy that fantasies are made of. Notorious for his one-night stands, Jed promises nothing but a night of fun until his mind gets snagged on a sexy blonde staying at the Dare Resort. She’s clouding his thoughts, driving him wild, and changing his game without permission. Can he make his single night with her count, or will he go against everything he knows and take a chance?

He's a player.
She’s a bad*ss.
Is their connection purely sexual?


* Dare to Take a Chance is book one in the Dare Brothers series. The series pushes the boundaries of some societal norms. Each book is a standalone but must be read in order. *

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Fiction, Adult, Forced Proximity

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2022

About the author

Openness. Acceptance. Tolerance. Respect.

Nordika is a coffee-addicted Canadian with a love of the outdoors and the fictional worlds inside books.

Reading is a joy, writing is an adventure, and together, they are an addiction.

Writing mostly MM romance with all the banter, bullish!t and boys!

Working in multiple genres and tropes, Nordika has lots more to come.

Follow on IG: nordikanightauthor

Reviews

[Grace Btrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute, refreshing, and quick. That's it.
It's character driven romance, and it was rather about seeing their relationship growth rather than anything else.
I think I'll read the Dare family books every once in a while when I feel I want a quick read.

[Vishous · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am actually really glad that I read Garron Park before this book. I didn't click with this one and found their family dinamic and relationship with their parents so OTT and just weird. Which is funny because if Garron Park is anything it is the definition of OTT.

[Lb [worlds longest slump] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Nordika’s recent work so I wanted to like this more than I did. But this book was pretty meh for me if I’m being honest. It had really good bones and the potential was there but the execution and finer details just fell a bit flat for me. For instance:

- the writing is a bit repetitive in that it actually repeats a few of the same buzzwords over and over and over again. The one I hated the most was ‘warrior’ 🤢 but it happened a bunch of other times too. There were also moments where it was needlessly descriptive and long winded.

- at times the characters motivations stopped making sense/pissed me off.

- Laken came across as a typical ‘not like other girls’ and ‘one of the boys’ heroine which I’m not fond of. There is sooooo much dialogue about how “tiny” she is (can’t stand this), how much food she eats, how much she likes swearing, how she’s not girly, how much whiskey she drinks (booooooring), how other women always perceive her as a threat etc etc etc. it was all a bit exhausting and I just thought yeah okay we get it you’re DiFfEreNt 🤪✌🏼

- I know that (peeking ahead) we’re setting up for some sort of ménage situation involving Kade but his involvement and commentary towards Laken irked me. All the other brothers seemed to understand that if one of them was serious about a potential partner all the others backed off, and while Kade doesn’t technically make a go for Laken, he certainly makes plenty of comments about it. Towards the end he’s openly commenting on how sexy she is and how lucky Jed is and I was like OKAY ENOUGH DUDE like have some fucking respect for her and your brother pls my god

- it’s also super heavy on the sports involved - motor cross and snowboarding etc. I don’t mind that so much in general but I found it to be a bit boring here. Maybe just because I’m not particularly invested in either sport tho idk

I would like to see how the series progresses because I’m fairly sure it’s still currently being written but I just don’t know if I can get into it. The brothers do it for me but I couldn’t stand another pick me girl I really couldn’t 🥲

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm, sama nie wiem, jak ocenić tę książkę. Dobrze mi się ją czytało, ogromnie polubiłam bohaterów i jestem ciekawa, jak potoczą się losy Laken i Jeda w czwartym tomie.

Ale mam kilka zastrzeżeń:

- rozumiem, że autorka chciała pokazać wspierające się kobiety, ale i tak udało się jej sprawić, że Laken była taka INNA niż reszta dziewczyn. Pełna cudowności, niezależnie za co się zabrała.
- fabuła, ach ta fabuła... Znali się trzy dni i już ich światopogląd zaczął się zmieniać. Chyba dzięki tym głęboki rozmowom w trakcie scen, bo w pewnym momencie nic innego nie robili.
- powtarzalność - ile można czytać o tym, jacy oni są piękni, młodzi i cudowni. Zapychanie liczby stron zbędnymi zdaniami.

Nie żałuję czasu poświęconego na lekturę (zwłaszcza że w 15%, kupiłam pozostałe tomy ^^') i z chęcią poznam resztę serii.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read but very few books hit “that” spot for me- the one where you’re 100% satisfied afterward and maybe even feel like crying BECAUSE it’s over. THIS BOOK (series) DID THAT! God do I envy the folks that get to read it for the first time, definitely can’t stop thinking about it 😍🔥❤️ thank you Nordika for writing it❣️

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two hold a special place in my heart, their independence, their need to be them, yet so loving and accepting! I always say they fight hard but love harder! Love the dare brothers! Written to perfection with the perfect amount of ups downs sex scenes and of course the whisky filled porch chats! 🥰

[H.D. Bergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laken: badass, survivor, openminded.

Jed: bad boy attitude, loyal brother.

Together they are fucking fireworks.
Laken goes on vacation to Alaska and meets Jed at the Dare resort. They both play by their own rules, but will they break them to give in to each other?

This first book in series puts the foundation in openness, respect, all the fuck's and mama Dare's wisdom. It's a read you will not be able to put down. Nordika's way of writing the characters and relationships is addicting.

[Danielle Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to round up to 4 even though it was more of a 3.5 for me. I actually really enjoyed the dynamic between Jed and Laken. I love that Laken really tried to break the stereotype mold of what girls can and can’t do. I love that she didn’t let her SA past define her or stop her from finding intimacy. Actually, she seemed to have more issues admitting to feelings than she did being intimate, but I think that was mainly because it was with Jed. I also didn’t mind the dynamic between the family, with 10 boys!?!? I can only imagine how vulgar and chaotic things got, I appreciate that the author kept that truthful and portrayed it the way they did. This was a fun book with lots and lots of spice and two people who have to admit they fell when they weren’t expecting it.

The big issues for me were the constant focuses on her appearance and body. It was the whole, entire, story. Jed just constantly talking about his type and then finding out she was SA’d because she’s blonde and tiny. It just seemed like overkill.

Their relationship is 90% sex which in some cases I don’t mind but I do think I would’ve liked to see them do more things together just them two. Anytime they did anything it was with a group, and it took away from the romantic aspect of it. Don’t get me wrong, the spicy scenes were amazing and I loved them together in that way, but it just lacks depth when you don’t get anythingggg other than sex.

I didn’t mind the two months apart because honestly they only spent 10 days together and Jed needed to grow up, I could’ve done without him trying to hookup the whole entire time, but at least he goes and finds her. I also REALLY could’ve done without her being assaulted again in the end. It seemed like an unnecessary plot point and Jed isn’t even the one that saves her? Again, just weird placement and seemed to only be added to provide shock factor but it really wasn’t necessary.

Overall it was a good book and I definitely would’ve been excited to continue the series but after finding out what happens with Laken, Kade and Jed I think I’m going to call it a day and pretend they live happily ever after in their cabin in the woods!

[Carol Jines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely implore you to take a chance on Author Nordika Night. This was the first book I have read from this Author and I can confidently say I'm hooked.

This book pushes the boundaries of what society deems "normal" in the most perfectly written way. You can't help but fall in love with Jed Dare and the entire crude Dare family.

Enter Laken Chance and you'll find yourself with a girl crush. She's an absolute badass who has survived so much to become the perfect match for Jedrek Dare.

The Author takes you on an amazing adventures with Jed and Laken throughout the beauty that is Alaska. All the while following along as Jed struggles with these "feelings" that overwhelm him, for Laken.

Laken finds herself falling for the bad boy and all the antics the rowdy Dare boys get into at the Dare resort. The Author gives the reader amazing steam, heat and emotion mixed in with humor and suspense.

A fucking masterpiece by Nordika Night that I can't recommend enough. Read it now and get ready for the ride that is the Dare Brothers series.

[die.reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say this once and stand by it. I read this book when it was on inkitt, but with the editing process it felt like re discovering it. (I might be biased cause I love the author)
On this you will find a crazy family, and everyone that read about them want to be part of it. They're shameless and open about everything.
Our female lead is a kick ass boss, she's a survivor. She knows what she wants and it's not afraid of going for it. Laken is the kind of character you wish it was real so you can meet and hang out. Together with Jed, they'll discover feelings that they thought they couldn't have. And the sexy scenes?? Hoooot, but also real and relatable.
What I like most about this author is how she can write such heavy topics without being extra, it's light and easy and the resolution of the problems comes in a natural way.
If you are in a book slump, this will get you out of it! So go read it, like now!
Can't wait for the rest of the series to be out!!!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love how the "bad boy" ends up realizing that he isn't what he thought he was.. and that the girl that looks like a prissy b!tch is actually a sweetheart, with a bad ass attitude.

[Gem Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some pretty mixed feelings about Dare To Take A Chance, and this review will contain some spoilers. I’ll start off by saying that this post is a bit of a moan. I really enjoyed the authors writing, and I was loving the book until the last 30% - I’m just mad about where it went from there.

I was pleasantly surprised by the book in the beginning - I wasn’t sure whether it would be my kind of thing but it was really fun. There’s a lot of pretty cringey family moments, but they all added to the charm of the Dare household as a whole.

However when looking at the MMC, Jedrek, as an individual, it starts to fall a little flat. There was no depth to his character. No personality behind I’m a player who cannot process my emotions in a healthy way. Mama Dare had so many children and didn’t notice the fact her boys have some pretty significant emotional issues. However I did warm to him as the book went on, I loved how he treated Laken when he found her scars. But he never should have told anyone about her SA.

The book lost me when it hit 70% though with an appalling third act break up. I’m not against the trope, it just has to make sense and this was all because the MMC can’t talk about his feelings 😂. Grow up. I also get the guy is supposed to be an MMA fighter, but they make such a point of saying he’s actually a really good dude…but then have him punch random innocent people because he doesn’t like what’s happening.

I really liked Laken but this is one of the most extreme examples of a Mary Sue that I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed her chapters and was gutted Laken was left with that ending. I’d have loved to read more of her adventures.

Overall I enjoyed this till the third act break up that only held back the plot instead of driving it forward. I will definitely read more of the series!

[Mu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm definitely a fan of Nordika Night's MM stuff. I didn't dislike this one but I think it just didn't hit the same. Some of their books can be hit or miss for me especially since there's always an emphasis on internal dialogue.
This one follows a similar structure to their existing MM stuff.

So my biggest thing is that there's not too much that actually happens with these books. There's a lot of relationship moments and learning about back stories. If you were to tell a timeline of events that happened a lot of it can be summed up as they're eye fucking each other and then actually fucking each other.

I like the themes about it though. I like the concept of the Dare family. I love that Jed is constantly trying to build Laken up. For their chemistry in general...it's a bit harder for me to see.
Again, so much of it seems to be they love the concept of each other or how they look. Even after they get to know each other, I felt like it just kept repeating how Jed felt how strong Laken is.
He's not wrong because SA is a serious topic. I'd mark that as a spoiler but I think it's important to know what triggers you might encounter going into the book. It's just that it didn't need to be said even time Laken was talked about.

Although the scene where Laken's dad punches Jed thinking that he was her assailant was really funny. Anyway, I'm not really looking forward to the next book but I do intend to read it.
I think if you're feeling meh about the synopsis, I'd just move onto some of Nordika's other series. Maybe I'll change my mind down the line in this series.

[Alex's Books and Brews · Rating 4 out of 5]

ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
🏍𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝔸 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖🏂
ℕ𝕠𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕜𝕒 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥
ᴅᴀʀᴇ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴏɴᴇ

𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℙ𝕝𝕠𝕥 📚📚📚📚
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Nordika Night is a favorite author of mine, and while "Dare to Take a Chance" is an enjoyable read, it's clear she's evolved significantly as a writer. This earlier work follows the familiar trope of the rebellious bad boy finding redemption and love with a strong, independent woman.

The story itself is engaging, and the characters are likable. However, compared to her later novels, the plot feels somewhat predictable and the writing style less refined.

𝑰’𝒎 𝑱𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒆. 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒄@𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.

Despite this, I enjoyed Jed's raw personality. While he initially comes across as rebellious and rough around the edges, his underlying respect for Laken is truly admirable. Lakens friendship with Gar was written very well, and it was evident how much she valued him as a friend.

The Dare family dynamics are a standout feature of the book. Their open communication and genuine affection for one another provide a heartwarming counterpoint to the usual dysfunctional family portrayals in romance novels. This healthy family representation is a refreshing and positive aspect of the story.

[Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy 5⭐️’s 🏂 What can I say? Laken is such a badass adrenaline junkie daredevil from Canada, what a strong little package wrapped up in bravery! Jed being the local Alaskan bad boy “player” but actually is a sweet & loyal golden boy. A solid match. They didn’t try to change each other at all and it was refreshing! They complimented one another & supported each other in areas where they would lack. They ultimately brought out the best in one another.

The entire DARE FAMILY…. SIGN ME UP! This whole read being set in Alaska at their family resort was chefs kiss for me and once I got into the first couple of pages, I couldn’t put it down! The amount of pages was just the right amount for me and I can’t wait to get into the entire series!

PS. I wanna be apart of the DARE FAMILY so bad! 🥹 FOUL MOUTHS. THE FAMILY TIES/RELATIONSHIPS. THE OPENNESS. THE WAY THEY ARE ALL ABLE TO SHOWCASE THAT SELF EXPRESSION IN A HEALTHY WAY AND GROW FROM IT IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL!

ANDDDDDDDDDDDD MAMA DARE IS SUCH A BADDIE! ❄️
HIGHLY RECOMMEND, you definitely won’t regret starting this series & giving it a chance!

[Debs O Osin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3. 8 stars
It's a good book, mostly. But some things felt out of place for me.
1} 10 children? Really? It felt exhausting reading about it as a book. It was frustrating keeping up with the names. At the end of the day I had totally forgotten about a lot of characters. Their existence neither added nor took away. It seemed like the author wanted to write about a large family and threw in that feature. “Yeah, why not just add a bunch of kids?”
2} The love between the ML and FL felt a bit rushed. Although, It worked out at the end.
3} Urghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. The FL was written to be a tomboy. I really hate tomboy female characters. Because the authors never ever nail it. It was as though because she could handle curse words, ride a dirt bike, wear black and handle the cold she was a badass female. Very different from the females around and of course, he fell in love with that. It really irked me.
Anywhooo, overall it's a good book. Also funny occasionally.

[Brittany Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dare you not to love it.

I have a girl crush, and her name is Laken!
This girl is a goddess and I'm head over heals for her! She is a survivor, a warrior, and I have so much respect for her.

This book was my first introduction to Nordika Night and I'm officially hooked!

The story itself great fun and sucked me in from the get go! The characters are fun and cheeky, and you won't be able to help falling in love with them.

There are some hard hitting and tough to read events in this book, but Jed handled them beautifully. The care and compassion he shows Lake has easily earned himself an ultimate book boyfriend title!

The Dare family have the most amazing family dynamic. The back and forth banter was beautifully executed and I couldn't help but want a dare brother all to myself!

I can't wait to dive into book 2 and see what Kade gets up to 😉

Please tell me each if the dare boys will be getting their own story?

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

After reading my first book (Little Demon in the Details) by Nordika Night, which I really enjoyed. I decided to check out more of her books and I’m really glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought it was a good start to the Dare Brothers Series. Man, it was heartbreaking what Laken has been through, but she’s a strong, resilient bad a*se. I thought Jed and Laken were great together and their chemistry was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. Jed struggles with his feelings for Laken as he’s used to one night stands but something hits him hard when he first meets her, and keeps hitting him the longer they spend together. I just love the Dares, especially Mama Dare and her porch talks. I’m looking forward to getting more of them as the series continues. I’m also looking forward to reading more books by Nordika Night in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

I learning I love this authors writing style and can relate the characters and worlds she creates. This was great! I love the H and the Dare family and can't wait to read more. Two things brought it to a 4 star read. One, the last luster ending. It was not to par with the start of the book. Two, I wasn't allowed to get to know the h. I liked her but characters didn't seem to go beyond surface. It was duel perspective but could have been easily been single and not changed the story or what I got from it. Now, ready for the rest.

[Ivy Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say I really enjoyed the interesting, somewhat strange dynamic of the dare family and of course don’t forget their foul mouths. Jed and Laken where very well matched. I loved how much of a badass Laken was!! It had everything, good plot with great spice. The relationship felt really real and honest. All the dirt biking/snow boarding/climbing added extra fun to the story, damn I wish the dare ranch was a real place I know I would be on my way right now if it was 😂 I can’t wait to read the next in this series and immerse myself in the dare brothers world again!

[Jescie Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything! It doesn't take long to become obsessed with the connection between Laken and Jed. Their chemistry was off the charts and the way he didn't let her past affect their intimacy was everything. And don't even get me started on the Dare family. They are so open and honest and so entirely raw when it comes to expressing emotions. I want his mom to adopt me. What a phenomenal read from a phenomenal author. Great work, Nordika!

[shreadingbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book. Chemistry to die for and the best adventure!

Laken is badass woman and she proves it at every turn.
Jed set his eyes on her since the first moment he have met her. Not knowing he may have met his match. She can read him like she can ride her snowboard and dirt bike. This little feisty woman is making him second guess everything he thought he wanted.

So what do we have:
✅A resort vacation with extreme sports
✅Awesome family consisting 10🥵brothers
✅Instant chemistry, respect and trust
✅Friends with benefits no string attached with expiration date kind of relationship
✅Grown-up conversations and their attitude is 🔥
✅Spice

The characters are relatable.
I love the scenery, the family, friendship with everyone and the overall adventure.

[Ella S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read!

I love a romance story with a strong female lead and Laken is the absolute reigning queen when it comes to strong female characters. A complete badass who stays true to herself, loves fiercely, and doesn’t let her past define her future she is the perfect match for cocky, playboy Jed. The character growth they both go through as their relationship blossoms is perfection. A must read for sure!

[Plakshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

after reading garron park (which btw is AMAZINGGGG), i wanted to check out some more books by this author but this one was kind of a meh for me. it was cute and, overall, had a nice plotline but it had no spark. i finished it in a couple of hours which is saying something 'cause usually when i love a book, i take my time with it, scream occasionally and sometimes after reading certain things (iykyk) close the book and question my existence, none of which happened here. sad.

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to Take a Chance

Laken and Jed

I loved Laken! She was like the perfect fmc. Strong and resilient in all the right ways. Super nice and sweet, just an overall girl crush. I loved the entire Dare family, especially Momma Dare, lol. Tons of great characters. Definitely a good read.

[Lindsay Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured all of the Dare books when they were on Inkitt and love that Nordika has been releasing them to Amazon!!! I will definitely own the whole series! 5/5 on the 🌶️ but the family dynamics and love is love themes in these books will have you laughing out loud and then swooning on the next page!

[Nano · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s been a while.

This author can write about anything and I will read it! I have read her MM books and there are super hot. It’s been a while since I’ve read an MF book, they have been all sappy. This book has a strong female MC which I loved, she is strong outside and inside the bedroom. Loved the whole Dare family, and would definitely read more.

[Lauri MissDysfunktion]

I really wanted to give the other books in the series a go before Nordika releases Zahn’s book. But the jam isn’t jamming for me.

The writing is there. But I can’t vibe. It’s definitely me and not the book though.

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book. I have re read it twice. Once you start, you just can't put the book down or, in my case, it was on my phone!

[auds thoughts {hiatus} · Rating 5 out of 5]

love!!

Originally read these on Wattpad! Still one of my favs! Ready for the others to be out, especially book 4!!