Wicked Reads Reviews – Dare to Love Series by Carly Phillips

Dare to Love

New York Times Bestselling 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.

Book 1
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Any story about two damaged souls, one a big Alpha male, which also has sports involved, is a winner for me! There was a good mix of plot, sweetness and heat. These are intelligent people who have made decisions based on their past, and find it difficult to adjust to a new reality. It is enjoyable watching them get there.

This is the first in a series, and as Ms. Phillips has given us a family of eight half siblings, there will be plenty of stories to tell!

Dare to Desire

Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all -- an all-star football career and his choice of willing women -- until injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he's intrigued, but there's a catch. He'll be working alongside the same woman he callously hurt when she got too close for comfort.

Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn't impressed by Alex Dare's wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it's to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love? (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, sports heroes, bad boys, billionaire)

Author's Note: Though DARE TO DESIRE can easily be read as a stand-alone story, you may enjoy it even more if you read the earlier Dare to Love books.

Book 2
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in a series, and deals with a member of the 'illegitimate' side of the Dare family. It was interesting after Ian's POV in Dare to Touch to get Alex's viewpoint of what their father did to his families. It again deals with an Alpha male, and damaged by life woman, who both recognise their chemistry, but have to get to see the new possibilities for their future. We get some of Ian and Riley's ongoing story in the book, and make better acquaintance of some future lead characters of upcoming installments.

Dare to Surrender

After ending a relationship to a cheating, domineering man, Isabelle Masters takes off in her leased Mercedes, only to be arrested for grand theft and hauled to a local police station. To her surprise, she is rescued by the most unlikely person possible, Gabriel Dare, a man she’s been attracted to for far too long. Gabe offers Isabelle freedom along with an invitation to Eden, an exclusive island resort where everything and anything is possible.

Although Gabe yearns to possess Isabelle, he knows all too well he must fight his primitive need to bind her to him, and instead help bring out the independent woman she yearns to become – or risk losing her for good.

A woman who needs to run her own life. A man who needs to exert control. Can she surrender to his erotic demands without losing her sense of self once more?

*Part of the Invitation to Eden multi-author series (stands alone for reading enjoyment)*

Book 3
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in the Dare to Love series as well as being part of the Invitation to Eden series. I have read the previous books in both, and I really enjoyed the interlinking of Eden and Dare. Frankly Eden has revealed some passionate romance and some exciting kink; an invitation would be welcome!

Ms. Phillips has cleverly introduced a new strain of the family, who have more kinky needs, and so raises the temperature even more in this book. I liked the lead characters, but also there were some great lines given to Gabe's brother and sister. I look forward to their stories! Again we are reminded just how easily the power dynamic can be abused, and the impact that can have on future relationships.

Dare to Submit

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Having just read Gabe's story in Dare to Surrender, it was fun to see his brother go through a very similar scenario. I liked that Amanda was torn between loyalty and love, and enjoyed watching it unravel and then be restored. It was hot, passionate and an entertaining reading. The opportunity to get snippets of the previous Dare family members who have found happiness is also gratifying. I'm very much looking forward to Olivia's story in the next book, as the Dare boys have been getting all the action!

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today's readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She's a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she's a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites.

Connect with Carly

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided free copies of Dare to Love, Dare to Desire, Dare to Surrender, and Dare to Submit by Carly Phillips to read and review.