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Dare #1
Dare To
Licensed counselor, Dare Wilson, works with troubled kids, and that's how he meets Ryan Spencer's nephew. The kid is reeling from his mother's death, and Dare wants to help. He wants to help Ryan out, too. Their chemistry is immediate, but Dare knows he cares for Ryan, too. Dare thinks they'll fit right into his quiet life, but he should know better than to think everything will go smoothly.
Suddenly, Dare is involved in a violent domestic violence dispute, a life-threatening situation with a client, and terrible problems with an old employee. Add in a newspaper reporter who makes him headline news, and makes a big deal out of Dare being gay, and all of a sudden, Dare is the one who needs help. Can he and Ryan face all of their problems and make it through together?
Suddenly, Dare is involved in a violent domestic violence dispute, a life-threatening situation with a client, and terrible problems with an old employee. Add in a newspaper reporter who makes him headline news, and makes a big deal out of Dare being gay, and all of a sudden, Dare is the one who needs help. Can he and Ryan face all of their problems and make it through together?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 23, 2009
My first review got erased, but after I read this sweet romance, I knew I wanted to say a few things even if it means repeating myself!
Even though Dare and Ryan meet under unfortunate circumstances, they were able to turn their relationship into something beautiful and very sweet to read.
I loved the connection and chemistry they had between them! I can't wait to read more written by this author!
Even though Dare and Ryan meet under unfortunate circumstances, they were able to turn their relationship into something beautiful and very sweet to read.
I loved the connection and chemistry they had between them! I can't wait to read more written by this author!
Read
June 14, 2009***ducks flying produce***
This is the second AKM Miles book I have started and not finished. I know that is opposite of most of the other reviews and I realize many may not agree with me. This is an overly nice, non-angsty, unrealistic, boy meets boy, happy ending story, but it just doesn't ring true at all and I gave up.
Dare is a counselor that knows and says all the right things. Every time, all the time. Ryan is a responsible business owner that says and does all the right things. The kid says and does all the right heart tugging things.
The second conversation Dare and Ryan have basically sets them up as life partners instead of first daters. It is all just toooo perfect and unbelievable. The conversation they have about their expectations is so...well...unrealistic.
I am not invested in any of their problems or concerns because the rainbows and flowers that follow in front of and behind them and the birds landing on their fingers and the rabbits sitting at their feet (metaphorically speaking) are just too distracting for me to get to really know the characters. The drama with the next door neighbor's ex-husband (or whoever he was, I don't remember already) is not too concerning because I know nothing too bad is really going to happen in the world of Dare and Ryan.
This is the second AKM Miles book I have started and not finished. I know that is opposite of most of the other reviews and I realize many may not agree with me. This is an overly nice, non-angsty, unrealistic, boy meets boy, happy ending story, but it just doesn't ring true at all and I gave up.
Dare is a counselor that knows and says all the right things. Every time, all the time. Ryan is a responsible business owner that says and does all the right things. The kid says and does all the right heart tugging things.
The second conversation Dare and Ryan have basically sets them up as life partners instead of first daters. It is all just toooo perfect and unbelievable. The conversation they have about their expectations is so...well...unrealistic.
I am not invested in any of their problems or concerns because the rainbows and flowers that follow in front of and behind them and the birds landing on their fingers and the rabbits sitting at their feet (metaphorically speaking) are just too distracting for me to get to really know the characters. The drama with the next door neighbor's ex-husband (or whoever he was, I don't remember already) is not too concerning because I know nothing too bad is really going to happen in the world of Dare and Ryan.
December 24, 2010
MUSHY, romantic love story. If you're not in the mood for angst this is the book to read. These guys just give you the warm fuzzies.
April 28, 2009
Ryan Spencer, an up and coming contractor, finds himself the guardian to his four year old nephew after the death of his sister. When his nephew runs to a stranger for comfort, he finds himself not only breaking down in front of a total stranger, but finds instant attraction as well. Knowing a good thing when he feels it, he jumps right in and lays his cards on the table.
When Dare and Ryan decide to make their relationship exclusive, they didn’t anticipate they would not only have to battle the expected but also the unexpected in the shape of a nosy reporter and disgruntled co-worker.
Only AKM Miles knows how to turn practical into an erotic experience.
When the two men meet, in the most unlikeliest of places and in the most extraordinary circumstances, the sparks fly. Dare and Ryan are two strong personalities, and it shows in how they deal with JC’s reaction to his mother’s death, plus the challenges that follow Dare around.
Ryan knows exactly what Dare needs and when to give it, and although Dare has issues about taking too much from Ryan, he is intelligent enough to know that what Ryan is offering is exactly what he needs.
JC’s character brings high levels of hilarity to the book as well as that in-house cupid at work feel.
DARE TO is a very emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissue box - a time or two.
When Dare and Ryan decide to make their relationship exclusive, they didn’t anticipate they would not only have to battle the expected but also the unexpected in the shape of a nosy reporter and disgruntled co-worker.
Only AKM Miles knows how to turn practical into an erotic experience.
When the two men meet, in the most unlikeliest of places and in the most extraordinary circumstances, the sparks fly. Dare and Ryan are two strong personalities, and it shows in how they deal with JC’s reaction to his mother’s death, plus the challenges that follow Dare around.
Ryan knows exactly what Dare needs and when to give it, and although Dare has issues about taking too much from Ryan, he is intelligent enough to know that what Ryan is offering is exactly what he needs.
JC’s character brings high levels of hilarity to the book as well as that in-house cupid at work feel.
DARE TO is a very emotional read that will have you reaching for the tissue box - a time or two.
April 13, 2009
Another great read from AKM Miles. Perhaps not quite such a strong 'message' in this one as there have been in the others, but Oh, I did enjoy it. I thought from the blurb that it was going to be a lot more angsty than it was.
Dare is a youth counsellor, having arrived at that profession because he realised he could have done with one when his mother kicked him out at 18 for being gay.
Ryan has an earthmoving business. When they meet Ryan's sister has just died leaving him the guardian of her 4 yr old son.
Ryan's next door neighbour has a small boy also, and problems with her abusive ex.
Excitement ensues and Dare saves the day. The publicity that follows seems as though it might be damaging for his practice, but naturally it all pans out.
The chemistry between Ryan and Dare just makes me very very jealous and the sex is the best ever (except for Neon Sky which just has a dynamic all of it's own :-)) and a wonderful HEA.
Dare is a youth counsellor, having arrived at that profession because he realised he could have done with one when his mother kicked him out at 18 for being gay.
Ryan has an earthmoving business. When they meet Ryan's sister has just died leaving him the guardian of her 4 yr old son.
Ryan's next door neighbour has a small boy also, and problems with her abusive ex.
Excitement ensues and Dare saves the day. The publicity that follows seems as though it might be damaging for his practice, but naturally it all pans out.
The chemistry between Ryan and Dare just makes me very very jealous and the sex is the best ever (except for Neon Sky which just has a dynamic all of it's own :-)) and a wonderful HEA.
May 30, 2011
What can I say? I'm a sucker for a sweet HEA story, especially when there are kids included. That's exactly what this story is and I loved it. I'm writing this with a smile still on my face - a perfect remedy for those real-life blues! Its pure escapism as some things just go way too smoothly, so if you prefer a story that is gritty and true to life, then you won't find it here. AKM Miles seems to excel at writing these HEA/feel-good type stories, so if you've read/enjoyed Soldier, For Gom's Sake or any other of Miles' novels, you will be happy to read this one too.
May 7, 2015
It's hard to believe this book was written by AKM MILES. Gosh, this was a boring reading. I kinda enjoyed the premise but i hated the insta love lust in a hospital after a cancer news and a sister's death.
Also too many descriptions of sex scenes and little story development. At some point Dare seems to regret going to the job he claims to love to keep doing sex with his new bf.
I'd skipped a lot of pages cause i was tired of the never ending sex descriptions!!
As a positive note i can say i really liked Dare's job, the kids and the secondary small plots.
Also too many descriptions of sex scenes and little story development. At some point Dare seems to regret going to the job he claims to love to keep doing sex with his new bf.
I'd skipped a lot of pages cause i was tired of the never ending sex descriptions!!
As a positive note i can say i really liked Dare's job, the kids and the secondary small plots.
Did Not Finish
January 25, 2024Part of the Shelf-Sweep Challenge. Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.
Too much sex (gasp!), not enough story. Didn't care enough about the characters to continue.
Too much sex (gasp!), not enough story. Didn't care enough about the characters to continue.
November 16, 2017
Dare and Ryan meet under the worst possible circumstances. Dare is at the hospital to make amends with his dying mother whom he has been estranged from for eight years. Ryan is there due to the death of his sister. When his four year old nephew JC literally runs into Dare in the hallway, the youth counselor becomes entwined in the lives of both Ryan and JC.
The two men are instantly attracted to one another and although their lives keep them apart for a few weeks, they quickly become reacquainted. They acknowledge their similar feelings and begin a whirlwind of dates and kissing and, of course, hot sex. The men are moving fast but everything feels so right to both that they can’t deny their feelings or their desires. The men strive to be open and honest with one another, as they enjoy their whirlwind of a romance.
In another book this might signal the point of happily ever after, but this story is just getting started. Dare knows due to his job to “expect bumps in the road in any relationship.” He only hopes that when it happens to him and Ryan, they will be able to persevere. He thinks to himself, “It just couldn’t be this good, this quick, this easy.” He quickly learns the hard truth behind these words.
Dare is generous soul with an honest desire to help others in need. This has guided his life, leading him to become a licensed counselor to help children and teenagers in need of a sympathetic ear and gentle guidance. Unfortunately, it seems that whenever Dare tries to help he is plagued by frustrating and disheartening circumstances. Ryan becomes his rock, providing support and encouragement whenever he needs it most. At every turn, Ryan is there and helps Dare to deal with the aftermath of his good deeds when his confidence and livelihood are threatened.
Dare To is a fabulous story about love and hope and how those we love can help us to endure even the toughest situations. The relationship between Dare and Ryan is moving and riveting. They have an intense connection, both emotionally and physically. The men often get sidetracked from their intimate moments by events in their lives but when they do come together it is explosive. There is so much tenderness and romance, as well as hot, sweaty, no holds barred sex. Everything between these two is erotic and steamy, with raw emotions floating to the surface. One of my favorite lines is a simple example of the intensity of their pairing, even with just a kiss. “Ryan took his mouth, his breath, and his brain cells for the next several minutes and made mush of them.”
There are some especially excellent secondary characters in this book. I absolutely loved the character of JC. The little boy is so open with his feelings and adds a special lightness to the story. It is particularly touching to watch the relationship of Ryan and JC evolve from uncle and nephew to father and son. They obviously care very deeply for one another. JC has a sweet sincerity to his feelings for Ryan, and increasingly for Dare. His acceptance of the two men being together is touching and his encouragement of their relationship is adorable.
The character of Ben is a teenager that Dare counsels for a short time. Ben finds himself trapped by the expectations of his parents, who expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps. The young man has a very different idea of what he wants for his future and Dare helps him to see that he can pursue his dreams. Ben thanks Dare with a card which has a touching message inside which sums up so much of this book for me.
“There are all kinds of heroes, aren’t there? You’re one of mine. Now I have to Dare to be as brave as I think you are. Thanks.”
Dare To is filled with wonderful characters as well as a touching romance and passionate sex. I thoroughly enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Dare and Ryan and admired the characters for their bravery and self-awareness. This is a fabulous story that I highly recommend. This is my first introduction to Miles and I will most definitely be looking for other stories from this wonderful author!
The two men are instantly attracted to one another and although their lives keep them apart for a few weeks, they quickly become reacquainted. They acknowledge their similar feelings and begin a whirlwind of dates and kissing and, of course, hot sex. The men are moving fast but everything feels so right to both that they can’t deny their feelings or their desires. The men strive to be open and honest with one another, as they enjoy their whirlwind of a romance.
In another book this might signal the point of happily ever after, but this story is just getting started. Dare knows due to his job to “expect bumps in the road in any relationship.” He only hopes that when it happens to him and Ryan, they will be able to persevere. He thinks to himself, “It just couldn’t be this good, this quick, this easy.” He quickly learns the hard truth behind these words.
Dare is generous soul with an honest desire to help others in need. This has guided his life, leading him to become a licensed counselor to help children and teenagers in need of a sympathetic ear and gentle guidance. Unfortunately, it seems that whenever Dare tries to help he is plagued by frustrating and disheartening circumstances. Ryan becomes his rock, providing support and encouragement whenever he needs it most. At every turn, Ryan is there and helps Dare to deal with the aftermath of his good deeds when his confidence and livelihood are threatened.
Dare To is a fabulous story about love and hope and how those we love can help us to endure even the toughest situations. The relationship between Dare and Ryan is moving and riveting. They have an intense connection, both emotionally and physically. The men often get sidetracked from their intimate moments by events in their lives but when they do come together it is explosive. There is so much tenderness and romance, as well as hot, sweaty, no holds barred sex. Everything between these two is erotic and steamy, with raw emotions floating to the surface. One of my favorite lines is a simple example of the intensity of their pairing, even with just a kiss. “Ryan took his mouth, his breath, and his brain cells for the next several minutes and made mush of them.”
There are some especially excellent secondary characters in this book. I absolutely loved the character of JC. The little boy is so open with his feelings and adds a special lightness to the story. It is particularly touching to watch the relationship of Ryan and JC evolve from uncle and nephew to father and son. They obviously care very deeply for one another. JC has a sweet sincerity to his feelings for Ryan, and increasingly for Dare. His acceptance of the two men being together is touching and his encouragement of their relationship is adorable.
The character of Ben is a teenager that Dare counsels for a short time. Ben finds himself trapped by the expectations of his parents, who expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps. The young man has a very different idea of what he wants for his future and Dare helps him to see that he can pursue his dreams. Ben thanks Dare with a card which has a touching message inside which sums up so much of this book for me.
“There are all kinds of heroes, aren’t there? You’re one of mine. Now I have to Dare to be as brave as I think you are. Thanks.”
Dare To is filled with wonderful characters as well as a touching romance and passionate sex. I thoroughly enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Dare and Ryan and admired the characters for their bravery and self-awareness. This is a fabulous story that I highly recommend. This is my first introduction to Miles and I will most definitely be looking for other stories from this wonderful author!
August 11, 2014
I read Bashed by Rick Reed right before this one. I knew I needed something sugary sweet and AKM Miles seems to have that in spades.
This one though, this one kind of rubbed me wrong. Ryan's sister JUST dies and he sees Dare and immediately starts flirting with him? Ummm...
JC was cool, but I wanted to know how old he was. It never said. Also, the kid was always at the neighbors, why couldn't the neighbor have sleepovers with JC at his house? I kind of hated that JC was shipped off all the time.
Also, Ryan's speech towards the end was good, but I have no clue how Dare's work issues had anything to do with their relationship. Saying something about it would have rocked other people's foundation, but they have what it takes to get through. Umm...What? It's work. It shouldn't affect them.
Don't even get me started on the whole 'kisses' thing.
Overall, "just what I needed" after reading something dark :) She's definitely my go-to for sweet.
This one though, this one kind of rubbed me wrong. Ryan's sister JUST dies and he sees Dare and immediately starts flirting with him? Ummm...
JC was cool, but I wanted to know how old he was. It never said. Also, the kid was always at the neighbors, why couldn't the neighbor have sleepovers with JC at his house? I kind of hated that JC was shipped off all the time.
Also, Ryan's speech towards the end was good, but I have no clue how Dare's work issues had anything to do with their relationship. Saying something about it would have rocked other people's foundation, but they have what it takes to get through. Umm...What? It's work. It shouldn't affect them.
Don't even get me started on the whole 'kisses' thing.
Overall, "just what I needed" after reading something dark :) She's definitely my go-to for sweet.
October 3, 2009
I absolutely love the connection between Dare and Ryan... and JC is just too sweet for words. The emotional tugs in this story are wonderful; the love between Ryan and JC is beautiful and then JC wanting Dare to be part of their family... he loves that Dare is his daddy's boyfriend. I love that, no matter what happens, the love that Ryan and Dare have is strong enough to stand up to anything.
Dare is a fascinating character and I'm totally in awe of his work as a counsellor... he's fantastic!
Dare is a fascinating character and I'm totally in awe of his work as a counsellor... he's fantastic!
May 6, 2015
Ok, while I really enjoy the stories that AKM Miles writes, I find it really hard to get through them. There is a lot of repetitive stuff going on. The characters tend to say the same things over and over. The story repeats itself. Things that could have been summed up quickly take AGES to get through. I get it, you want the book to be long enough. But there are better ways. Don't get me wrong, I like the story and the characters, and for the most part the dialog. But sometimes having to read the same thing repeatedly really takes me out of it.
April 15, 2012
I love the way this author tells a story! Dare and Ryan meet during a difficult time for each of them but the attraction is instant. Dare starts spending a lot of time with Ryan and his nephew, JC. The relationship between the MCs is sweet and honest and I couldn't help but smile each time JC opened his mouth. A series of events result in Dare facing a difficult point in his career but every step of the way Ryan and JC are with him. This was a total comfort read for me.
November 27, 2014
Wow, what a busy month for Dare, poor bugger.
The thing I liked most in this I think is the growing friendship with Jackie next door... seems weird I know, but usually we go into these stories, witness the love grow and the friends are already there.
The thing I liked most in this I think is the growing friendship with Jackie next door... seems weird I know, but usually we go into these stories, witness the love grow and the friends are already there.
December 18, 2018
Lots going on this story and it flows really well. I found it to be very entertaining and the characters are so compelling. I'm glad there is short follow-up story "Dare's Christmas Gift" so I don't have to say goodbye yet! These 2 books have become a Holiday re-read.
April 30, 2015
Dare an counselor who helps teens and kids meets Ryan in a place of grieving mourning state for both them. Its just angst free no real drama for them expect they get into a few some situation if you like angst free this book is for you
April 13, 2011
Read as part of my April Category Challenge. I like AKM for love conquers all sweet reads. I am almost always guaranteed a happy ending and lots of sweet love in between - my secret weakness :)
April 21, 2011
I laughed, I cried, I highly recommend!
August 31, 2011
This was almost a 4 but there was just one too many save the day things.
November 7, 2011
I love AKM Miles Books.. They are safe reads.. I always go for safe reads!! Luv this book!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews