Review: ‘Dare to Love’ by Carly Phillips
Dare to Love
by Carly PhillipsSeries: Dare to Love #1
Published by CP Publishing on January 10, 2014
SubGenres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook
Pages: 257
Source: Kobo Plus
Audience: 18+/Adult
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She arouses his dominant and protective instincts And he will do anything to possess her … And does.
When billionaire Ian Dare gets one glimpse of the sensual and irresistible Riley Taylor, he knows that he must have her. But any future he might have with Riley means he'll have to confront his past — a past he'd rather forget. And that's something this NFL team owner won't dare to do — not even for love.
Dare to Love is the first book in Carly Phillips’s Dare to Love series. I first read this book back in 2014, and I had a hard time putting it down. Now, upon rereading it, I find myself feeling the same way. I tend to reread books, especially since I realized I hadn’t read the later installments in the series. I’m currently refreshing my memory by rereading the earlier books before diving into the ones I missed. After all, why wouldn’t I want to revisit these stories when Carly Phillips writes them? She crafts fast-paced romance tales with engaging storylines and amazing characters that you can’t help but root for as they seek their happily ever after.
Dare to Love follows the story of Ian Dare and Riley Taylor as they pursue their happy ending. When Ian and Riley first meet, they share an instant chemistry, but both have issues to resolve before they fully commit to each other. One of the main challenges is that Riley is the best friend of Ian’s half-brother, Alex Dare. Ian knows that Alex won’t approve of his interest in Riley, especially given Ian’s reputation as a player.
However, Ian is determined to win Riley over, especially after he realizes that he may have inadvertently affected her job. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make amends and get to know her better. On the other hand, Riley is aware that Ian is in trouble, yet she feels an undeniable attraction to him. Despite knowing that a relationship with Ian could upset her best friend, Alex, she can’t resist the desire to be with him.
I loved Riley and admired her independence, especially after learning about her background and upbringing. She faced significant challenges but was fortunate to have a wonderful best friend, Alex, and his supportive family by her side through everything. While I could understand her trust issues, she really should have trusted Ian and Alex regarding the threats she faced. Unfortunately, she made some frustrating choices at the end of the book that were upsetting, even for this reader, but she redeemed herself after she realized what she did wrong.
I loved Ian because he embodies the alpha type, being very protective not only of Riley in the book but also of his family members. Given what his father did to their family, he has every right to be protective. It’s no surprise that he struggles with his father and some of his half-siblings, whom readers will meet throughout the story. I also appreciated that Ian is a dirty-talker and takes charge in the bedroom. Riley was taken by surprise during their first intimate encounter, especially when he ensured that she experienced pleasure before him. I really enjoy male main characters (MMCs) who prioritize the female main character’s (FMC) pleasure in romance novels.
I enjoyed getting to know Ian and Riley and reading their happily ever after (HEA). They truly deserve to find each other at the family party at the beginning of the book. Although they faced some obstacles, they managed to overcome them. Carly writes relatable characters, making it easy to empathize with their stories. This is why I loved rereading Ian and Riley’s book. I also appreciated how Carly introduced the rest of the Dare family members; it hints that their stories are on the way. I can’t wait to revisit the ones I’ve already read and to finish the ones I haven’t yet explored.
I give this book four stars and look forward to reading the rest of the Dare to Love series soon.
Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s an interconnected standalone in the Dare to Love series.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I highly recommend this book series to readers who love billionaire romance stories with happy endings. You’ll get hooked on this book and everything Carly writes. I certainly have!
What to Expect:
💜Billionaire Romance
💜Instant Love
💜Grumpy vs. Sunshine
💜Workplace Romance
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About Carly Phillips
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers.
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