A Dare Without Regret by Wendy S Marcus
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.
http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/02/review-carolina-dreaming-by-virginia.html
Two endearing characters get a shot at happiness they never thought they’d have in Carolina Dreaming. In this fifth Dare Island novel, Virginia Kantra manages to deliver a romance that’s incredibly sweet, but never edges into saccharine territory.
Gabe Murphy is a hero who has been through hell – an abusive home, war, and then jail. Despite all this, Gabe has never broken. He arrives on Dare Island because it’s the home of his best friend and he has nowhere else to go as he tries to put his life back together. Dare Island is like a dream come true for Gabe. Though people are wary of him, they give him a shot to prove himself, which is more than Gabe expects from anyone. Gabe’s past and the way he’s been treated broke my heart, but I loved watching him find a life and a home for the very first time. Best of all, Gabe finds love with bakery owner Jane Clark. Jane’s life hasn’t exactly been easy either. She escaped an abusive marriage and is now a single mom working hard to make a life for herself and her son. Jane has a huge heart and is a soft touch, but she’ll go to the mat to defend those she loves, which makes her a great heroine. She and Gabe just click right off the bat, and it’s easy to be swept away by their romance, which is by turns sensual and sweet.
I have a weakness for small town romances and Carolina Dreaming is a lovely one. Ms. Kantra’s writing style is so smooth that you slip right into the story without noticing, which made the story all the more enjoyable. Dare Island isn’t an idyllic small town (that kind of perfection would be boring), but it’s close enough that you wish it were real so you could move down there. Fans of series will love revisiting some of their favorite characters, but for readers like me who haven’t read the first four Dare Island novels, you needn’t fear – this book can easily be read as a standalone. Of course, I was so hooked by Gabe and Jane’s story that I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy quietly romantic stories with genuinely kind characters, you won’t want to miss Carolina Dreaming.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After escaping a disastrous marriage, bakery owner Jane Clark has convinced herself that she has everything she needs—her precious son, a thriving business, and a roof over her head. But the arrival of a handsome stranger on the island shows her exactly what she’s been missing...
The only home Gabe Murphy ever had was the Marine Corps. He's working hard to rebuild his life. It will take a special place, and a special woman, to make him want to stay.
Now Gabe is determined to prove that he's worthy of Jane’s trust—and her love. But when her past reappears, that trust will be tested, and Jane and Gabe will have to fight hard to hold onto their love and make their dreams a reality..
My Review:
I thought the book was sweet, I liked the characters and I enjoyed the happy ending, but I'm kind of burnt out on return home military hero romances like this.
My Rating:
4 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley