Once you read a Casey Hagen story, it's hard to forget. She writes about real life issues that are not always pretty by giving them her special touch of empathy with a hint of comic relief. That keeps the story grounded in humanity. Her editions to Kindle Worlds prove how much of a chameleon she really is. She blends in with her ability to conquer a setting and add her voice to an already popular series and get herself heard. Seth and Emberly are different on the surface but share similarities underneath. Both have struggled with feelings of insecurity. Emberly has chosen to face hers head on by helping others with self esteem issues. Seth inside still feels like that scared little boy who wasn't good enough despite the success he has. A Daring Proposition is a feast for the senses with it's sensuality and emotional overload. A powerful message in a tiny package delivers the best kind of surprise.

The one constant in life is change. Playing On a Dare takes that adage and runs with it. Never one for sitting on the sidelines, Stacy has turn her dreams into reality. But the career that once brought her joy has started to lack the appeal it once had. That's when the self-doubt and worry kicks in. Can she cut it outside of the water? Enter Danny, successful hockey player searching for a life outside of the arena. Ms. Carr used the contrast between these two characters beautifully. To open their mind and heart to more than what they believed themselves to be and show them what taking a risk could give them. Playing on a Dare is a smartly written romance with an air for the dramatic but a knack for fun.

Daring to Begin Again was overwhelming for me. Marshall and Renee dealing with devastating losses in their lives, particularly Marshall's struck a nerve. So relate-able for me because I've been through the heartbreak of dealing with Alzheimer's. Both of my grandmothers struggled with the disease. The pain of watching someone you love go through the symptoms is hard to remember even now. Ms. Clark brought awareness to a subject that is dear to my heart while crafting a poignant story about the true meaning of love. Daring to Begin Again is two love stories: the bond between a father and son and the connection between two lonely hearts in one powerful read.

If there was a Hockey Hall of Fame for Hockey Romance Authors, Catherine Gayle would certainly be inducted.  Dreaming Up a Dare is another amazing book that I did not want to end.  Hockey defenseman Jackson Maddox and ex-gymnast Pepper Wilson had been best friends since they were kids.  Both are attracted to the other but neither ever make a move for fear of jeopardizing their friendship.  After a few too many drinks they play a game of Truth or Dare, and feelings for each other are revealed.  This contemporary sports romance takes place in Miami, Florida.  It is suitable for new adult and adult audiences. 

 

I love the easy-going relationship Maddox and Pepper have.  It is obvious they have been friends forever.  The two are complete opposites.  He is huge, an extrovert, and dark haired. She is tiny, introverted, and blond.  They know how to egg each other on and challenge each other.  I loved both characters.  I know this book is a part of the Dare to Love – Kindle Worlds Series, but I wouldn’t mind if Maddox was traded to either the Portland Storm or Tulsa Thunderbirds, so we would continue to see their characters there. 

 

I appreciated how Maddox was looking out for Pepper and introducing her to people that could help her form a new career.  I like how Alex Dare was worked into the story.  This is the first book that I have read in the Dare to Love Series.  I am curious to read a few more after being exposed to this world. 

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Dare to Love Series: Do You Dare (Kindle... A masquerade that spirals out of control could end up costing a man who has it all, something more vital than possessions. I love Ms. Keniston's brand of narrative. Her surroundings are descriptive, her characters are written from the heart and her stories are full of scenarios that are enlightening but sweet. Never would I have pictured Chirs Keniston writing a story for Carly Phillips's seductive Dare to Love line but she surprised me and held her own creating a story that is as tempting as the beautiful backgrounds she used for the plot. Do You Dare is a story about discovering life's surprises and what is truly important. It reads like a fairy tale.