Title: Dare to Touch
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

I like that in Dare to Desire, there were hints about the beginnings of a relationship between Olivia and Dylan. However, unlike some romances, I wasn’t immediately invested in the idea of them. And, even after reading their novel, I still wasn’t quite invested in their relationship. I mean, I really hoped for their happily ever after. And I was invested enough that I wanted to finish the rest of their tale, but I also didn’t feel the need to greedily gobble up every word.

Olivia’s background is kind of sad as its slowly revealed. At the beginning of this story, you kind of think that she’s a bit of an ice queen and it’s a little bit difficult to understand just why. But, as the truth unfolds, you do begin to understand her behaviour a bit better. What I liked more about her history though is the fact that Dylan completely calls her out on her behaviour. I mean, yeah, she has a pretty sad back story. But basing all of her decisions on the fears of a teenager and hiding in on herself for something that happened a long time ago? Definitely needed to be called on that.

Marcus “Big”’s story is kind of annoying to read. Because he is so obviously being taken for a ride. And you know that it is going to end in some kind of dangerous altercation. But it’s also understandable – I mean, my goodness its hard to believe that some people are that naïve, but I’ve also met people who are like that, so its frustratingly real. You also know that it’s going to end badly for everyone involved. And that it will put Olivia in some kind of danger. Danger that then makes her face up to the ways in which she is running scared.

Whilst this wasn’t’ my favourite ever contemporary romance, it was a good and enjoyable one. and, although I wasn’t necessarily heavily invested into this, I still read it cover to cover. A perfect way to distract myself and fly away in storyland for an hour or two.

Image source: Kobo

Title: Dare to Desire
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

I immediately wanted to know more about Alex once I read Dare to Love. I mean, he’s the half-brother of Ian and the best friend of Riley… it’s a complex little mess that is going on in this story, I must say. And although Alex doesn’t necessarily come across too badly, you could tell he was going to be a moron who almost lost himself a very good woman. The fact that that woman was obviously going to be Madison… like I said, I was pretty keen to jump right in.

Turns out that I was right to be so excited and keen. This was a fun adventure from beginning to end. Alex was predictably a bit of a moron. But not enough that he wasn’t loveable. In fact, he’s so aware of his nonsense that I liked him even more. Alex spends the whole story trying to make up for his stupidity and mistakes.

Madison’s trials in this story, outside of trusting Alex were kind of heartbreaking. I was expecting a happy ending for her. But there really wasn’t one in this. However, it did make it far more real to life. And made me want a happily ever after all that much more.

This was a very light and easy read. It was a great journey. Just enough emotion to keep you attached and hooked. But not enough that it was too overwhelming. I definitely look forward to reading Olivia’s story next…

Image source: Carly Phillips

Title: Dare to Love
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

There is a really fine line when writing romances with a dominant male – they have to be a little toe curling with their orders. But they also can’t be too overbearing. I’ve read some romances which the line between dominant and abusive feels seriously blurred and flirted with. Phillips doesn’t even come close to that line and discomfort. She is able to write Ian as an incredibly domineering and controlling man, but one that you really want to have in your life. One you want to reach out to and hug.

I also really enjoyed the fact that alongside this level of controlling, Riley also questions the dominant side of Ian. She even goes so far as to really delve into whether her submissions to him are dangerous to her independence, or just something enjoyable between two consenting adults. As I’ve said, some of the bodice rippers that I’ve read don’t really go near this line very well, and Phillips is completely able to do so. Which just made me love both Riley and Ian even more.

Ian’s history with his father and the existence of the “two families” is so tragic and difficult to comprehend. I can completely understand why the man has some pretty big baggage, particularly with his counterpoint in the other family. I like that as Riley and Ian are getting to know one another, Ian is forced to not only confront his own past, but also the family that he never really wanted to know. Now I can’t wait to see how Alex experienced this and what scars he’s been left with. Riley also has some serious trust issues that she spends most of the book working through. She might think that her childhood hasn’t scarred her like, but like everyone else, our childhood’s can influence who we are today and the way we maintain our relationships.

I love that both Riley and Ian have to confront their past and figure out how to trust one another in this story. it’s a great novel, and I do love a bit of the domineering sexuality that comes out. But it was the emotional turmoil and bonding that truly made me not want to put this book down. And, in fact, I pretty much didn’t – reading this all in one day.

Image source: Carly Phillips