Dare to Love

A Wonderful story, with complex, sexy, intelligent characters. They have great back stories and you really learn why they are the way they are. I loved the main characters and their families. You really want to see them break through their obstacles and make the relationship work. Carly Phillips does a phenomenal job explaining the struggles the characters are having in overcoming their hurts and learning to love, and in a realistic enough way too. Great read!

I switched between listening to the audio version and reading the ebook. The narrator was good. This story was a 3.5 star read for me. I like the characters and will continue with this series. What I loved about this book was the pace of the story line and the low angst level was perfect for me. I've read numerous books by Ms. Phillips and her ability to tell a good story that keeps me engaged is the reason I continue to buy her books.

Ian is a very serious and determined man. He carries anger from his father's actions so many years before and that has caused him to ignore his step-siblings all these years. Riley has been a part of the Dare family since becoming best friends with Ian's step brother. One kiss changes everything though. This story is about love and family; forgiveness and acceptance. It is steamy and sexy. This is a great start to the series. You will be hooked right away and wanting to stay awake reading this book all night.

Ian is dominating and controlling. When the past he has, you understand why he is this way. Sexy is an understatement. He is throw for a loop when just the sight of a woman get him tangles. Even with his controlling ways I liked him a lot.

Riley is a strong, independent and headstrong. Sassy and fun. She has a broken past and has faught every step of the way to be where she is now. She will stand up for herself even when asking for help or when a man is trying to dominate her.

Dare to Love is my first Carly Phillips book and will not be my last. I enjoyed everything from the concept of the stroy to the awesome characters she has written. A sexy and fast read, with a lot going on that will get the blood moving. When I first started reading I was not sure this would be the book. A few pages later, I was sucked in. Dare to Love is a great start to the series and I am looking forward to reading Alex’s book.

An e copy was provided for an honest review!

This was actually much better than I had expected. I needed some light entertainment after reading a lot of heavy stuff and this was perfect for that. It's a sweet, funny, sexy romance with a bit of drama thrown in. The narrator of the audiobook did a great job with the male and female voices. It reminded me of the "With me in Seattle" series by Kristen Proby. If you enjoyed that series, you will enjoy this one. I've gone straight on to listening to the second book in the series.

This a wonderful book! Ian and his half brother Alex don't get alone. Riley and Alex are best friends. Ian spots Riley from across the room and feels and instant connection. Riley notices him as well. Family dynamics from both of their families have resulted in lack of trust issues as well as Ian's need for control. This couple go through many ups and down but find a way to trust each other. Well written book and I love that there will be a book for each of the Dare family members. Once you start reading there is no way you want to put it down. I'm looking forward to all the other books! Carly Phillips is a great author love this new series and you will too!

The first book in the Dare to Love series introduces us to Ian Dare, the eldest brother of the legitimate Dare children. What more could you want than a HOT guy finding love with the twists and turns of family drama thrown in. Looking forward to reading about the other SEVEN, yes you heard me, SEVEN siblings, the five "legitimate" kids and the three from Robert Dare and Susannah's affair. Thank you Carly for the family tree, it cuts down on the confusion for sure.

Ian and Riley's story was fun and entertaining to say the least. I enjoyed the way the author told their story and brought the characters to life. It was an easy story to follow and get caught up in. Both having trust issues that plays a part in their currant relationship. Also the fact that Riley has a past to deal with makes the story that much better. It is a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next story in this series. Highly recommend.

I know Carly Phillips was creating a new series that was edgier and I wanted to find out what it was about. I blew through Dare to Love, but it left me uncomfortable. It has a similar vibe like the 50 Shades of Grey series. And I didn't care for that "vibe." For anyone who has experienced any type of abuse, be it verbal or physical or sexual, these types of books can awaken bad feelings.

I'm going to move on to book two because I love Carly's writing.

I have always been a great Carly Phillips fan. The Dare series does not disappoint. The powerful connection between the two main characters is wonderful and such a great story. I just couldn't put this book down. I also can not get the characters and family out of my head so now I must continue to read the series to see what happens! Super awesome read.

So sweet! Watching Ian and Riley(female) slowly find each other was beautiful! Ian had to give up some of his domineering ways and Riley had to let go of her fears for their relationship to work. 'Dare to Love: An Alpha Billionaire Sports Romance' is a great intro to a series about a family trying to come together after years of hurt and distrust. Already looking forward to the next installment!

I would definitely recommend the book. It's a quick read with some pretty hot sex. Fairly well written, which anyone can appreciate. Her father drama felt a little rushed, but still a healthy dose of the drama.
Not going to lie, I basically finished the book in one sitting.

Love Carly Phillips, so excited to read this new series of the dare family. This book is about the brother Ian, who wants no part of his half siblings. There is an instant attraction between Riley and Ian, that is sexual. One big hang up is that Riley is good friends with Ian's half brother, Adam.
This is hot, fast paced story that I could not put down. Now on to my next Dare family book.

A sexy, dramatic, emotional family drama, filled with lots of chemistry, love and engaging characters. It's well rounded and doesn't let you down. Ian and Riley are memorable characters. This is one of my favorite from this author.

I love Carly Phillps, ever since someone gave me a copy of the Bachelor and Heartbreaker almost 10 years ago. I will say that her writing has definitely gotten more risque and erotic over time but honestly, I will read just about anything she writes. Though I'm looking forward to a much longer story by her like some of her first books, as I feel like she was just brushing the surface with these characters and so much more could have been explored.

Absolutely amazing.......in true Phillips form. I stumbled on my first Carly Phillips book a few years ago at the [ublic library and have been hooked ever since. Her characters are so real it makes you feel like you've known them all your life. Like most of the finer things in life, she just gets better with age. if you've never read one of her books you're denying yourself one of life's greatest pleasures and if you have.....you know what I'm talking about.

Awesome read...totally not believable in the real world, but that's what romance is...totally not there in the real world...at least for the most part...well written with maybe a couple of grammatical errors but nothing too serious and I liked all the characters..

I loved reading this book. The story and the characters were beautifully written. The story was intriguing. Riley and Ian made a perfect couple. Their love for each other was beautiful. I could not put the book down. I recommend a very good read.

Great book- not quite ready to start with the rest of the series but this all good on its own - though it would be be nice to build on the danger- but then again it may be because I want it to continue on.

This was a pleasant erotic romance. It will invite mild comparisons with FSOG, as the hero is a sexual dominant with control issues, is given to saying "mine," etc. There's a generic quality to the story and characters, and there were a number of grammatical and continuity errors; those things keep this from being a memorable read. But, the author is talented and her writing held my interest to the end.

4.5 Steamy Stars
The author did a fantastic job with these characters. I found all of them to be very entertaining and balanced perfectly. Chemistry with the H/h was hot and not overly done as well. It was a quick sexy story that I would definitely recommend.

First reviewed at Red Hot Books [...]

This is the first in a new contemporary series by Carly Phillips, which features the Dare family. Phillips is a new author for me but has a large following, so I plunged in without reading any other reviews. I think, for most, this book will find readers on one side or another.

Ian Dare is an admitted control-freak and has been ever since he was required to step up for his mom and siblings after his father left them in the lurch for the other woman and kids he had on the side. After all these years, Ian never forgiven his father nor accepted his half siblings. Yet, it’s because of his love for his sisters, that he finds himself at a party for his father where he runs into the woman of his dreams, who just so happens to be on the arm of his half-brother, Alex.

Riley Taylor has been best friends with Alex Dare since childhood. In fact, he was the only one to support her when things got bad at home. Riley knows her attraction to Ian Dare is going to cause problems with her BFF, but she also can’t stop Ian’s enigmatic pull. After her experiences with her abusive father, Riley is stubbornly independent and refuses to rely on anyone for anything. However, when Ian takes control in the bedroom, Riley finds herself responding.

I’m not going to mince words. This is another wealthy dominant male story with very light BDSM overtones. Where this one differs, is the startling pace. It’s largely superficial, touching only briefly on any heavy topic. Don’t expect some in depth soul searching by the characters here. Situations arise and resolve in a page or two. Also, I feel like the dialogue managed to hit every romance cliché written.

The main characters were decent, even if sparsely drawn. Ian would overstep his bounds, but was quick to apologize. When Ian aggravated Riley, she didn’t hold a snit forever. Despite my issues, I liked Phillips writing. It was engaging and didn’t let the reader stop and think too much. I like to call these books cotton candy – not the kind I want often, but it certainly fills a slot when I need it.

Rating: C

Riley and Ian had such an instant chemistry. These two really lit up a room. Riley's best friend is Ian's half-brother, who he hates. This puts Riley in a bad spot, but the guys come together to help Riley. This was a really good story about overcoming the past and moving forward. I really liked this book and am looking forward to reading more of the series.

Absolutely loved this book! Carly Phillips doesn't disappoint with this new series. Once again I'm waiting impatiently for the next book. The introduction of the family tells me this will be happening with the sequels. Hot and use to getting his own way in everything ,Ian meets his match. Needing to get along with his half brother to capture the "one"makes for interesting family dynamics,the kind real people have makes this book hard to put down. Carly Phillips has once again set the bar high for other authors to reach. Must read

The protagonists start out in typical cliches: he's an arrogant womanizer and she desperate and distrustful. And then they begin to change. In short, they grow up and learn to compromise. Character development is sufficient to make the H and h believable. And the sex is nicely written, not so graphic that you feel like you could pass a gynecology exam afterward.

Two broken people, carrying package from their childhood, trying to find the way to love, trust, and happiness.
I found it easy to connect with the characters. Their emotional turmoil as well as the reasons for their actions and behavior was well described. You see the growth of the characters, the way their learn to compromise, trust each other, as their work through the problems, threads from the past.
I enjoyed the story.

I love Carly Phillips' books! She is a very interesting story teller. This book is well written. Love the characters. You will not be disappointed in this book. Can't wait to read more of her books!!!

Absolutely loved this book! Carly Phillips doesn't disappoint with this new series. Once again I'm waiting impatiently for the next book. The introduction of the family tells me this will be happening with the sequels. Hot and use to getting his own way in everything ,Ian meets his match. Needing to get along with his half brother to capture the "one"makes for interesting family dynamics,the kind real people have makes this book hard to put down. Carly Phillips has once again set the bar high for other authors to reach. Must read

The protagonists start out in typical cliches: he's an arrogant womanizer and she desperate and distrustful. And then they begin to change. In short, they grow up and learn to compromise. Character development is sufficient to make the H and h believable. And the sex is nicely written, not so graphic that you feel like you could pass a gynecology exam afterward.

Ian and Riley both have trust issues but once they learn to trust each other nothing can separate them... Oh, and control... Ian thinks he needs to control everything, silly man... Riley is willing to give him control in the bedroom but he has to remember she is an independent woman and he may have to give up some of that control once in a while. Can't wait to see where this new series takes us!

Two broken people, carrying package from their childhood, trying to find the way to love, trust, and happiness.
I found it easy to connect with the characters. Their emotional turmoil as well as the reasons for their actions and behavior was well described. You see the growth of the characters, the way their learn to compromise, trust each other, as their work through the problems, threads from the past.
I enjoyed the story.

I love Carly Phillips' books! She is a very interesting story teller. This book is well written. Love the characters. You will not be disappointed in this book. Can't wait to read more of her books!!!

I loved all the emotion and real life situations in this story. There is no story greater than two broken people finding solace and the ability to heal with he love of another person. The drama and angst in the book was just enough and not over the top; it was believable with believable reactions and consequences. The rivalry over Riley between Ian and Alex was cute.

This was a fantastic book. The story itself was one that many young people could relate to. It was very uplifting and I found myself up very late still reading. I didn't want to put it down!

It was wonderful to see the characters evolving. Great storyline and characters, definitely a great read! I highly recommend it.

Just right... Just the right amount of UST. Just the right amount of indecision. just the right amount of willingness to compromise. Just the right amount of steamy hot sex. Just the right amount of love.

Great story and I look forward to the rest of the Dare's finding love.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters engaged me in their stories from the very first scene and kept me interested to the end. Romance novels are my guilty pleasure - my treat when I hit the gym - and this one didn't disappoint. While the story was a little predictable, I didn't care. I wanted the best for all the characters. Can't wait to check out the next story for the Dare family.