shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Alpha Male. Independent Female.
I love these kind of stories! I was recently given an ARC of "Dare to Take" and absolutely loved the book. When I saw it was apart of series I had to read the first book!
I loved the story between Ian and Riley. They both come with A LOT of baggage. Ian has trust and control issues from his fathers betrayal. Riley had a very rough childhood and learned not to depend on anyone and refuses to let anyone help her at any cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot!! I love when I'm reading about two characters and their connection doesn't feel forced. They took the time to get to know each other. They both let their walls down slowly and worked through there issues together. This couple pushed each other's button and brought out the best in each other. That's what a real relationship is about the good and bad. If you're looking for a book with a couple you can relate to this book is for you!
Alpha Male. Independent Female.
I love these kind of stories! I was recently given an ARC of "Dare to Take" and absolutely loved the book. When I saw it was apart of series I had to read the first book!
I loved the story between Ian and Riley. They both come with A LOT of baggage. Ian has trust and control issues from his fathers betrayal. Riley had a very rough childhood and learned not to depend on anyone and refuses to let anyone help her at any cost. The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot!! I love when I'm reading about two characters and their connection doesn't feel forced. They took the time to get to know each other. They both let their walls down slowly and worked through there issues together. This couple pushed each other's button and brought out the best in each other. That's what a real relationship is about the good and bad. If you're looking for a book with a couple you can relate to this book is for you!
antidietleah's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dgignac's review against another edition
4.0
A fast paced, easy to read Carly Phillips book. I loved reading Ian and Riley’s story.
ymalima's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
yeriwithaj_'s review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable
The story was a good one. Had a nice level of sexiness and angst without being overwhelming.
I feel the author could have gone a little deeper with each MC's issues but overall a good enjoyable read.
The story was a good one. Had a nice level of sexiness and angst without being overwhelming.
I feel the author could have gone a little deeper with each MC's issues but overall a good enjoyable read.
idgafsrsly's review against another edition
2.0
I just reread this (April 2023) and its ‼️‼️‼️‼️. Idk why I gave it four stars before.
elenajohansen's review against another edition
2.0
You can tell this is the start to a new family-based romance series, because there are a million siblings introduced as quickly as possible to establish the protagonists of future books in the series. I'm not opposed to this style of series at all, but I prefer the setups to be far less blatant, and also not to come at the cost of a good story at the outset. Most of these names being thrown around had very little to do with the plot, which focused on the hero's jealousy of and competition with his half-brother, who was the love interest's best friend.
There's a compelling story in there somewhere, or at least the potential for one. But I didn't read it here. The hero elevates "controlling" to its own art form and constantly put me off. (I'm not into the controlling type of man IRL, but I can often set that aside when I read, if there's redeeming qualities or underlying issues. If the dude's just a jerk, I won't like him.) The heroine was the typical "I'm strong and independent unless I'm in the same room as the hero then I'm overcome with lust" type. The half-brother/best friend is not interesting on his own, not a very good friend to the heroine in most cases, and generally just as much of a jerk as the hero.
I will give credit where it's due, despite this being centered around the themes of competition and jealousy, it's immediately clear that the love triangle only exists in the hero's head, not the heroine's or the best friend's. Which I do appreciate from a meta standpoint, though it led to the hero beating the dead horse of "But I don't believe neither of you has romantic feelings for the other." Because men and women can't be friends, obviously, a viewpoint which lowers the hero even further in my estimation, a feat I didn't realize was possible until it happened. I do not recommend this book to anyone, even if you like the controlling type of man, because there are much better examples to be found elsewhere.
There's a compelling story in there somewhere, or at least the potential for one. But I didn't read it here. The hero elevates "controlling" to its own art form and constantly put me off. (I'm not into the controlling type of man IRL, but I can often set that aside when I read, if there's redeeming qualities or underlying issues. If the dude's just a jerk, I won't like him.) The heroine was the typical "I'm strong and independent unless I'm in the same room as the hero then I'm overcome with lust" type. The half-brother/best friend is not interesting on his own, not a very good friend to the heroine in most cases, and generally just as much of a jerk as the hero.
I will give credit where it's due, despite this being centered around the themes of competition and jealousy, it's immediately clear that the love triangle only exists in the hero's head, not the heroine's or the best friend's. Which I do appreciate from a meta standpoint, though it led to the hero beating the dead horse of "But I don't believe neither of you has romantic feelings for the other." Because men and women can't be friends, obviously, a viewpoint which lowers the hero even further in my estimation, a feat I didn't realize was possible until it happened. I do not recommend this book to anyone, even if you like the controlling type of man, because there are much better examples to be found elsewhere.
mags_louise's review against another edition
4.0
A great start to this series, the story was hot, and enjoyable to read. Loved Riley from the start and how she stood her ground with Ian, especially considering Ian was so controlled in every area. I liked that as the relationship developed between them, they each started to compromise, and Ian especially learning about Riley's past. My only wish really was that the story was longer, so that I could of got sucked in more, and that's why I've not given this book 5* I certainly would recommend it to others though, :-)
themythicalbookshelf's review against another edition
Rating and review coming soon!