Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Review - Dare Me Once by Shelly Alexander




Dare Me Once
by Shelly Alexander
Series: Angel Fire Falls, #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 17, 2018





Love is a risk worth taking in this sizzling romance about secrets and second chances…

Scarlett Devereaux’s life on the Gulf Coast went from riches to rags so scandalously fast that she barely had time to kiss her Jimmy Choos goodbye. Now, with a new alias (Lily Barns), a new budget (tighter than a pair of Spanx), and a new job on the vacation island of Angel Fire Falls, she’s daring to reinvent herself.

Single dad Trace Remington is devoted first and foremost to raising his young son, who has Asperger’s. With flying his floatplane and salvaging his family’s island resort too, he has time for little else. His brothers think he needs a break from his all-work-no-play lifestyle, so they goad him into action. In response to their dare, Trace asks a sexy tourist for her number, only to discover afterward that she’s the resort’s brilliant new hospitality manager.

The sparks of flirtation soon ignite into a flame too hot to ignore. But Lily and Trace both have pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Now, they’ll need to admit their secrets to each other…or risk ending their relationship before it really begins.






A single dad, a woman who is literally reinventing herself, and a flock of ducks make this a fun read and a great start to a new series.

Lily was such a great character. She’s determined to make it on her own, which sometimes gets her in to just a little bit of trouble – like that time she found herself the new mom to a flock of ducklings, but her intent is always good. She’s a problem solver who isn’t afraid to try new things and she really is good at her job. Trace was a bit gruff, but knowing his past and the challenges his family is facing with the resort, I totally get it. I loved seeing him with his son – he was such a great dad…but I also loved that his family was also quick to let him know that he owed it to himself to make time for himself and that it was ok to not be 100% focused on his son 100% of the time.

I did have a hard time at first with Lily and Trace being together. I loved the opening scene where he overhears her moaning at the airport masseuse, but I wasn’t all in at first when things started to heat up between the two. After Lily and Trace’s son forge their bond was when I really was able to buy in more to Lily and Trace’s relationship. They definitely had chemistry, but I did find some of the sexy scenes a bit awkward to read – probably just me, but some of the dialogue seemed a bit forced and/or awkward which broke the flow in of a couple of the scenes…not a big deal though.

I really loved the entire Remington family and loved watching them together. Trace calling his brothers Thing 1 and Thing 2 cracked me up, and I really loved their cousin Charley (Charlotte), but my favorite was Trace’s Dad, Lawrence. Having the story of Trace’s parents told throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of the book. I love when the family patriarch is underestimated by their children and you get to see just how insightful they are as things unfold…and the kids are always a bit surprised!

I enjoyed the writing and think that Angel Fire Falls is going to be a fun place for future stories. There’s a great cast of supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from NetGalley.





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