Dare to Love

Dare to Love, Book 1

By: Carly Phillips

Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's Summary

New York Times Best-selling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family…siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her…and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she's stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything.

©2013 Karen Drogin (P)2014 Karen Drogin

Past experience colours future actions

Would you try another book from Carly Phillips and/or Sophie Eastlake?

With Sophie as narrator, I would definitely try another another book with her as narrator. Her impressive vocal talent is really remarkable and it totally made the book that much more enjoyable. You go girl!

Would you be willing to try another book from Carly Phillips? Why or why not?

I may, but the overly hot sex scenes are really not my forte. But I will see how the next one goes.

Which character – as performed by Sophie Eastlake – was your favorite?

Ian is my favourite character in the book but I loved the depiction of Riley's persona by Sophie. Her dramatics were so evocative and really well done. All in all, it's difficult to choose between them as they are both favorites.

Any additional comments?

This is a really compelling story about two people who are bound by past experiences, and find the comfort and strength in each other, to move forward. To be free of everything that has held them back.

I'm not in to very graphic sexual content, so it was off putting, to some extent. However it was a great listening experience as Sophie Eastlake is a great narrator. Thanks for your vibrant story telling as the story line was very insightful of the nuances of past experiences that colour and form present behaviour patterns.

Looking forward to your other books.

A very average listen

Any additional comments?

Ian is a dirty man. He likes control and he likes to play with Riley. He is also possessive of her time and attention and demands everything from her. He wants her to rely on him instead of her best friend Alex, Ian's half brother, and this is the biggest source of their trouble. Riley comes from an abusive background and Alex has proven himself to be the one she can trust. If Riley can’t find a way to trust Ian the way she does with Alex then their relationship isn't going to go far.

As a couple, they were well matched in stubbornness and complexity but this was a very average listen for me. It just didn't have that special Vroooom, that heart pulling feeling that a lot of these heavy sexy romance books have. I just couldn't connect with this book and won't bother with the rest of this series.

Sweet and sexy with a little bit of drama

This was actually much better than I had expected. I needed some light entertainment after reading a lot of heavy stuff and this audiobook was perfect for that. It's a sweet, funny, sexy romance with a bit of angst and drama thrown in.
The narrator did a great job, especially with the male voices.
It reminded me of the "With me in Seattle" series by Kristen Proby. If you enjoyed those, you'll like this series.
I've gone straight on to listening to the second book in the series.

Very enjoyable

I got this book for a very good price using whispersync. I must say that I got my money's worth. The book would have been worth my credit as well. I am looking forward to book #2

Wonderful story

Wonderful story. Can't wait to start the next story. This author will hold your attention very well written a must read

Dare To Love

What made the experience of listening to Dare to Love the most enjoyable?

What mad this book Dare To Love enjoyable is that I got to read and listen to the audio and her how the narrator was telling the story.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. I love every minute of it. And I couldn't get enough. And I was on the end of my seat when I was reading Dare To Love.

What does Sophie Eastlake bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sophie Eastlake bring out the best when I was going along with her narrating the Dare To Love book by Carly Phillips. And I never got lost.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

What the book said hehehe Dare To Love duh. I would nit change a thing.

Any additional comments?

Just see what you like about this book. And enjoy reading Dare To Love like I did.

Average - Is It Me? Has This Genre Run Its Course?

What did you like best about Dare to Love? What did you like least?

*

It may just be me, but this is another run-of-the-mill rich man meets poor woman – everybody has issues. No one trusts each other, but what does it matter? Everything is kinky in the bedroom.

The only difference with this book is that the father of the adult children had two families at the same time and chose one over the other. The un-chosen families son is bitter about that.

I cannot add to the description so I encourage you to read the publishers summary because
it does more than I can to describe the book.

Publisher Summary:

New York Times Best-selling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family…siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her…and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she's stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything.

Any additional comments?

The one bright spot is the narrator, who does a fantastic job with the characters in spite of being another, rather boring books in this genre.

Notes: Mature themes and strong language

Credit worthy/$: Neither, in my opinion, I am burned out in this category but if that's what you will enjoy - you may like it

If you found this review helpful please select yes below. Thank you

Good One!

Really well written, great sex scenes, great characters and character development too! Loved it! Can't wait to listen to the rest in the series.

Enjoyable

Absolutely loved Ian & Riley! Loved how Riley has been best friends with Ian’s half-brother since childhood and Ian/Alex happen to have a rivalry going on. It kept things interesting. I read the series before, glad that I decided to buy the first audiobook, on to the rest! Narrator did a great job as well.

Good, believable story

First time with this author, and I will probably try her again. The storyline was strong, and I felt like the character development was good. The romantic parts were not too over the top, but there were too many scenes in my opinion. I enjoyed it.