Love is a risk worth taking in this sizzling romance about secrets and second chances… daring to reinvent herself.
Single dad Trace Remington is devoted first and foremost to raising his young son, who has Asperger’s. With flying his floatplane and salvaging his family’s island resort too, he has time for little else. His brothers think he needs a break from his all-work-no-play lifestyle, so they goad him into action. In response to their dare, Trace asks a sexy tourist for her number, only to discover afterward that she’s the resort’s brilliant new hospitality manager.
The sparks of flirtation soon ignite into a flame too hot to ignore. But Lily and Trace both have pasts that threaten to tear them apart. Now, they’ll need to admit their secrets to each other…or risk ending their relationship before it really begins.
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Loved this book… Can not wait for the 2nd in the series to come out Dare Me Again.
Lily has worked hard to get to where she is in her profession. She held a high power position in the hotel industry in the fast paced city of New Orleans. Due to an event out of her control she finds herself fired, no longer engaged, and being hounded by the media. She decides that a change of scenery is what she needs and somewhere far away from
New Orleans. This is how she finds herself in Angel Fire Falls a small town on an island off the West Coast of the United States.
Trace is the oldest of three sons. He is the single father of an 8-year-old boy named Ben who is special needs. He moves back home to Angel Fore Falls to have his Family suround him and Ben. His family helps with raising Ben. There is so much love I. This Family and it shows throughout the book.
Highly Recommeded<3
I loved this book. The chemistry between the two main characters Lily and Trace was great. I don’t usually like to read books with kids in them, (personal preference) but Traces son Ben is a fabulous part of this book. Shelly wrote this story with such depth and understanding that it was truly hard not too feel as though you are part of the book. I would recommend this book to everyone. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I hated that the book had to end but I am looking forward to the next story in this series.
First in Alexander’s Angle Fire Falls series, we get the story of Lily (formerly Scarlett) and Trace. Lilly is running from her past and decides to move clear across the country to start fresh. Trace is a sweet and swoony single-dad who is focused on his special-needs son’s life and keeping his family’s aging resort afloat.
The way that Lily and Trace first met and then eventually found out who each other was, was certainly unique and cute. The whole forbidden workplace romance added a certain level of sexual tension which is always fun. And I loved the fact that a flock of ducklings are secondary characters in themselves.
I also loved that although fate had truly dealt Lily a crappy hand, she wasn’t going to let that get in the way of her doing the absolutely best possible she could at her new job. There was a little bit of, “why me?” But it was certainly not a pity-party on her part. When Lily encountered an obstacle, she spent her time and energy figuring out how to move past it, not letting it stop her from moving forward. And what’s not to love about a devoted and caring father who puts his son’s needs above his own – that, to me, is the definition of “swoony”.
Readers also meet Trace’s brothers and his (female) cousin, who all appear likely to get their own books at some point. You don’t know why they all came home, but they all seem to have dealt with some kind of “situation” and came back to Angle Fire Falls to lick their wounds and recover. I’ll admit that I’m looking forward to what their books hold in store.
There’s just enough drama and angst to move the story along, but not too much that it drags you down. It was a perfect summer beach read for me.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Dare Me Once is book number one in the Angel Fire Falls series. This is Scarlett Devereaux’s “Lily Barns” and Trace Remington’s story.
Lily and Trace’s characters were funny, crazy, and amazing. They were so much fun! Lily was hired by Trace’s dad to put some life back into their resort. Trace and Lily’s first meetings will make you laugh and smile. The chemistry between them is off the charts. I can tell you this when I hear the words massage, ducks, kiddy swimming pool, tricycle, bicycle, planes, game of darts or pool I will remember this amazing, funny, and steamy story. You just have to read this book to understand.
Oh my! This book just hit the spot for me. It was funny, crazy, emotional, heartwarming, wonderful characters, and the chemistry was hot!
Ben, Trace’s young son, added so much to the story and so did Trace’s brothers. The interaction between the Remington brothers was just priceless. They sound like a fun group to be around. I cannot wait to read the other Remington brothers’ stories. The Remington family are ones that I would love call my friends. Looking forward to the next books in the Angel Fire Falls series.
FYI, contains mature content.
Wonderful writing, great characters and plenty of humor; one of my favorite reads of the year
This is only my second book by this author so I still wasn’t sure quite what to expect. The blurb hooked me with the part about a single dad, and I’m so glad I took the chance as this was just what I needed to get out of a book hangover, lol.
I loved both Lily and Trace: Lily for her cleverness and determination to do the best job she could, and Trace for his own determination and his protectiveness towards his son. Besides Trace’s son, Ben, there are several other great second characters, and I’m already intrigued by their stories.
Lily’s life lessons had me laughing from page one and helped set the tone for the story as there’s a lot of humor throughout. There are some touching moments, too, as both Lily and Trace struggle with some of the curves life throws at them, and some nice chemistry between two. I loved the clever way the author set up their initial meeting and the follow-ups; it gave me an early clue at just how well thought-out this story was.
I’m not always a fan of secret-keeping as part of the plot, but it was extraordinarily well done here. There were several storylines woven together, and the author kept things moving along so well, the secrets never bugged me like they usually do. That there were so many great characters was a huge plus as well.
With wonderful writing, great characters and plenty of humor, as well as a bit of angst and nice touches of heat, this was one of my favorite reads of the year. I missed following up on more from this author after my first read by her, but that’s a mistake I won’t be making again; I’ll definitely be reading the next books in the series. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
JoandIsalovebooks Life Lesson #1
Don’t think about reading this book just do it. You won’t regret it.
Lily Barns had many life lessons, I took this journey with Lily, Trace Remington and young Ben Remington. There is one word that instantly pops into my head while trying to sum up this beautiful story, heart-warming. It was quite simply a soul-stirring read.
Lily left her past behind to start a new life. A life that wouldn’t involve criminal Father’s, alcoholic Mothers, overbearing reporters, and unsupportive ex’s. Definitely not a list of people you’d want around you when trying to hide your true identity.
Lily might be hiding the truth, but she’s a good person with a big heart. She shouldn’t be held accountable for other peoples transgressions just because they are blood related.
Trace Remington, tasty little, okay big treat of a man who can send Lily’s pulse beating double time with just a look. He’s a single parent, if that was difficult enough, his son has Asperger’s. If you are unsure what this means, it’s a developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.
This story gave incredible insight into the life of someone not only dealing with Asperger’s, but also those who get affected by it. Some people can be terribly cruel, it’s usually the ones that actually don’t understand others that are different. For a Mother who is supposed to nurture her child, to love unconditionally it was emotional for me to comprehend how Ben’s mother wasn’t a part of his life.
Trace is one in a million. He’s the guy we all want our son’s to grow up to be. He’s the man you want by your side. I’m a little in love with Trace, and Ben. These men now own a piece of my heart.
Lily is completely driven to make a success of her new job. Nobody could ever say she didn’t try, but the hidden truths are weighing her down. Everyone knows the truth always comes out. Angel Fire Falls resort needs Lily as much as she needs to be surrounded by all the beautiful Remington family.
I want to hear each of their stories, this was an epic start to a new series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
A single dad, a woman who is literally reinventing herself, and a flock of ducks make this a fun read and a great start to a new series.
Lily was such a great character. She’s determined to make it on her own, which sometimes gets her in to just a little bit of trouble – like that time she found herself the new mom to a flock of ducklings, but her intent is always good. She’s a problem solver who isn’t afraid to try new things and she really is good at her job. Trace was a bit gruff, but knowing his past and the challenges his family is facing with the resort, I totally get it. I loved seeing him with his son – he was such a great dad…but I also loved that his family was also quick to let him know that he owed it to himself to make time for himself and that it was ok to not be 100% focused on his son 100% of the time.
I did have a hard time at first with Lily and Trace being together. I loved the opening scene where he overhears her moaning at the airport masseuse, but I wasn’t all in at first when things started to heat up between the two. After Lily and Trace’s son forge their bond was when I really was able to buy in more to Lily and Trace’s relationship. They definitely had chemistry, but I did find some of the sexy scenes a bit awkward to read – probably just me, but some of the dialogue seemed a bit forced and/or awkward which broke the flow in of a couple of the scenes…not a big deal though.
I really loved the entire Remington family and loved watching them together. Trace calling his brothers Thing 1 and Thing 2 cracked me up, and I really loved their cousin Charley (Charlotte), but my favorite was Trace’s Dad, Lawrence. Having the story of Trace’s parents told throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of the book. I love when the family patriarch is underestimated by their children and you get to see just how insightful they are as things unfold…and the kids are always a bit surprised!
I enjoyed the writing and think that Angel Fire Falls is going to be a fun place for future stories. There’s a great cast of supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from NetGalley.
I just adored this book. The storyline was funny, refreshing and exciting. The author took an everyday human issue (life with a special needs child) and put it with a romantic yet humorous storyline that will literally just melt your heart. I’d also like to say Kudo’s to the author for her portrayal of Ben. He is one fantastic kid that sees the world clearer that most adults I know.
Life is not easy, especially when you carry the load for your family, internal secrets or when your heart is torn between what you want to do and what you have to do for those you love. But those issues are just the case for Trace and Scarlett, the main two characters in Dare Me Once.
Scarlett has come to the resort island in an attempt to start over and hide from the scandal of her past. All she wants is to start her new job and do it so well that her “little white lies” won’t matter. However, she doesn’t count on 10 baby Ducks or an adorable young boy and his father messing with her plan. As for Trace, all he wants is to take care of his son Ben. Ben is autistic and the most important thing in his life no matter how lonely he is on the inside.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I laughed, smiled, worried and cheered throughout the book and I just know everyone who reads it will do the same. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 stars for a Must Read, Feel Good, RomCom that once you start it, you won’t be able to set it down.
First time reading this author and it wasn’t bad. This story had lots of feels and an adorable special needs 8 year old boy that will warm your heart.
Trace and Lilly story started out funny because of the way they met and the circumstances following that meeting. But then it turned into a story with lots of feels in a very good way. A strong, independent woman with the heart of gold, Lilly took life by the horns after a disastrous event back in her home. She didn’t let anyone get in her way until Trace and his adorable son Ben stepped into her life. Trace also didn’t have time for a relationship until Lilly captured both his and his son’s heart; along with the hearts of his cousin, brothers and father. They all held her on a pedestal.
There was a very minor twist that had similarities with Lilly but then it was resolved. This family is very close knit and Lilly was one of them. They were not letting anyone take advantage of her. Beautiful story and beautiful ending.
Moving forward is never as easy as looking back. The key is to take the wisdom gained and use it to find what makes you happy. Dare Me Once, can be summed up in one sentence. Don’t sweat the small stuff. In a world full of negativity, it’s easy to forget to look on the bright side, but it’s the memories we make and the people we hold dear that can brighten up the darkest day. Alexander uses a father’s love and the innocence of a special child to remind us that the worst moment is just a stepping stone to guide us to our best ones. A sweet story about the power of love and the beauty of hope.
She’s running from the press. No it isn’t her fault but you know he old guilt by association thing has her heading for some place far away and changing her name. He has an ex who has ran out on his and his son who has Asperger’s. He isn’t looking nor interested in love but there’s something about Lily. Some how she works her way under his skin and into his son Ben’s heart. This author gives us a great story with tons of passion and heat for these two. But secrets are never a good thing and Lily has secrets. When they threaten custody of Ben for Trace the gloves are off.
I haven’t read this author before but I did enjoy the read. If you want tons of passion with a good story to go with it this is your gal. The scenes are steamy and the plot is strong, a great combination of the two. With great characters you will absolutely love and characters that cross over into the other books in the series you will be set. These are standalone reads with carryover characters.