Dare Me

I loved this book. Don’t miss it!

A gripping love story that captivated me from the very beginning and never let go. A devastatingly beautiful romance that is powerfully inspiring, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. An unforgettable masterpiece with so much heart and soul that that I fell deeper in love with the characters and their epic love story with each turn of the page. Two broken souls who find the missing piece that makes them feel whole again. A beautiful, strong, and resilient heroine and a complex, fiercely protective and determined hero. Their chemistry is magnetic and undeniable. Their exchanges are witty and they spar so well with one another. The storyline is incredibly well-written and flowed seamlessly with twists and turns that are a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Their journey together was so beautifully written and I felt every emotion– they radiated from the pages. I laughed, cried so many tears (happy and sad), felt the butterflies, the heart palpitations, the pure joy and every ounce of pain. The heartfelt moments stole my breath and the heartbreaking ones shattered my heart. Their relationship is tested and how they fight for one another was breathtaking. The wisdom interlaced throughout was inspiring. A powerful story of love, faith and forgiveness that left a mark on my heart and soul. I highly recommend reading this incredible love story!

My #1 favorite thing in a book is when the guy chases the girl. Call me old fashioned but I want my Hero’s so enamored with the heroine that the pursue them relentlessly. Nothing makes me happier! I also loved the mystery as the story unfolded. Holt knew more about Saige than what he was letting on and I wanted to know the secret he was keeping. The only thing that kept this book from being perfect for me was Saige’s constant pushing Holt away, but then it also showed how much Holt was willing to do to make her his. I really enjoyed this.

This one was a little difficult to read at times. The things that our main character, Saige, has to live with and go through are more than horrendous. While it was sad to see her struggle with things in her life, it was also interesting to watch her try to pick herself back up.

I think that’s one of the things that I love about reading … you get this opportunity to live through someone else for a short time period and see how they would handle things. It may not be something that you’ll ever go through in your lifetime but it is always food for thought.

Until this book, I had never read anything by Rebecca Shea before. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started delving into the pages but it was a really pleasant surprise to find an author who so completely created characters. There was nothing missing – I never had to sit and wonder why a character was behaving the way that they were or why they thought the things that they did because Shea laid the groundwork out for her audience and fleshed these characters out. By the time I reached the last page, I felt like I knew these characters better than I do some of my friends. Which is good … and sad …

The book moves along at a great pace and the story flows from one plot point to the next without any hiccups or slow-downs. Because of that, it was a fast read and one that took me just a short while to finish. And can I say how very much I liked Holt. Dude. Well, he was a bit of an a-hole. Speaking of a-holes, cats do this thing where they’re rubbing on your hand and then they will bite the shit out of you and then lick the spot where they bit you – my reading relationship with Holt is like that … I really liked him and then I hated him but then quickly the hate dissipated and I loved him again.

Anyway, great plot and character development. Shea set it up to where any of the secondary characters could be the main focus in the next book and I can’t wait to see who it will be about!

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
While this book would be considered a romance, and touches on the effects of a lie-of-omission to a relationship, for me it is more about what effects a family member’s suicide has on others. I personally have been affected by a suicide. And while (unlike Saige) I was not there to witness it, nor there right after, I knew the struggle of trying to understand what drove my younger brother to do this. I am affected every year on the anniversary of that day, every holiday, and, most especially, his birthday. And, while I do not have the nightmares that Saige has, there are undoubtedly many people around the world who have experienced what Saige did.
My hope is that anyone who reads this story, and/or knows someone who has experienced what Saige did, can now understand (even if just a little bit) that sometimes the past isn’t as nice for some as it is for others. And that sometimes, when someone has an off day, there may be more to it than what you are lead to believe.

I was introduced to this author’s work by way of the awesome A.L. Jackson. I know, nuff said, right? *shrugs* Btw, have you read Amy and Rebecca’s Hollywood Chronicles series? (don’t make me come after you *wags finger*)

Dare Me broke me – well, the prologue did. I was sobbing my little heart out. Especially as this hit a particularly raw nerve with me as my father did the very same thing. But this story had me by the short & curlies (metaphorically speaking, of course *snorts*) and I was hooked.

Holt Hamilton is one of those BBFs who will stay with you wayyy after the story has ended. The man has it all; a smokin’ hot bod, brains and a heart as big as the world. Plus *coughs*, just between you and me (promise it won’t go any further?), he most definitely knows how to use that body. Skills! #ovariesgovaboom

Note to self: I really need to get out more *sighs*…

Outwardly, Saige Phillips looks like she has it all. Recently graduated from college, she has secured a much-coveted position pursuing the career she loves. Her heart is another matter entirely. Crippled emotionally by events from the past, she finds it hard to let anyone in. All that is about to change thanks to one little dare.

“Love finds us at the most unexpected times in our lives.”

I have to be honest and say that I figured out the twist in the tale early on, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story one iota. In fact, it only added to it as I was on pins and needles wondering when the poop would hit the fan.

Me? Emotionally involved? Pfft, wherever do you get these ideas from? *smirks*

This is a six chocolate digestives and copious cups of tea kinda book. Whaaa, lol? I regret nothing.

Every word, every tear, every laugh and every skipped heartbeat was so worth it.

So, when can we do this again? *winks*

“It’s me,” I whisper, wanting him to know he’s not hallucinating. I’m here. And I’m not leaving him again. Ever. He swallows hard and clears his throat. “I know. Don’t you ever leave me again.”

Saige Phillips has just start working after finishing school. She has landed herself a job as an interior designer at one of the nation’s leading aviation companies, not because of her looks but because she has excellent qualifications. She is good at her job, and enjoys working with her colleagues and living in Chicago with her friend. Ten years ago Saige’s world was shattered when her father killed himself, and to this day she’s suffering from the loss, doesn’t do romantic relationships. When her co-workers dare her during some after work drinks, it doesn’t take long before sparks start to fly between Saige and their boss. Sparks Saige doesn’t want or need.

“I take note of how he’s rolled up the sleeves of his blue dress shirt, and his tie is loosened and hanging from underneath his pressed collar. I like—wait, no—I love casual Holt. I take a deep breath and will myself not to faint. “Ms. Phillips,” he says as I finally reach his table. “Mr. Hamilton.”

Holt Hamilton is a self-made man with a successful business, but he acknowledges he did so with the help of his hardworking employees and the right investors. At age 19 his father’s wrongdoings rocked his world, and to this day Holt is making amends for his father’s mistakes. He doesn’t have to do so, but he feels morally obliged to repair all damage done. Just like in his business, Holt knows what he wants in his personal life, and since he has met Saige in person she’s all he wants.

“Saige.” I turn and address her, keeping it together on the outside while my insides thrum wildly at the sight of her. “Mr. Hamilton.” She smiles warmly at me. “Holt,” I correct her. “Holt,” she acknowledges.”

From the moment Holt and Saige met at the office, there is an attraction between them, but it takes a silly dare to actual start talking. Both have lived lives before they’ve met, and both know what they want and like; inside and outside the bedroom. The developing feelings between them is what makes it different from all previous relationships. But where Holt embraces the developing relation, due to her believes and insecurities Saige fights him at every corner. It takes a lot of patience from Holt and hard work from Saige before the couple has a chance at an Happily Ever After.

Dare Me is my first read by Rebecca Shea, and she has pleasantly surprised me. I enjoy her writing style and the realistic way she portrays her characters. The story is told in a double POV, therefor you get to understand the thoughts and motives of both Saige and Hold. Besides the main characters I like the secondary characters, they are supportive of the couple and are not the cause for extra drama. I also like that for once there aren’t crazy and jealous ex-partners in the mix, everything that does happen is fitting for the story.

“I knew you’d use those words against me someday.” She laughs as more tears spill from her eyes. I’ll never forget her spitting out those words on my patio… that she’d never be my girlfriend turned fiancée turned wife. I made it my mission to prove her wrong and, proudly, she’s mine. My fiancée.”

I love Dare Me, and I will definitely pick up the other books by this author. I give the story of Holt and Saige 4.5 stars.

Dare Me by Rebecca Shea was sexy, steamy and emotional. Saige Phillips knows heartache and tragedy. Her life has not been an easy one, but as an adult she has managed to move forward. She enjoys her job and watching her sexy as sin boss, Holt Hamilton. Holt is wealthy, handsome, and a very determined man.

After a night out with friends, some drinks and one dare, Saige finds herself in the arms of Holt. Though both of them have been attracted to each other, now there is so much more at stake. I loved the connection they shared, but is all as it appears to be? What is Holt hiding and if his secrets are revealed, will they destroy everything?

Dare Me by Rebecca Shea was an office romance that was steamy and emotional. I loved Saige and Holt’s journey. Saige was strong and determined, even after all life has thrown her way. Holt was all kinds of sexy and powerful but could also be sweet and caring.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Be prepared!

*Warning:

Holt Hamilton is undeniably sexy. He is wealthy. He is commanding.
Holt is her boss. He is sweet. He is comforting. He has his own hashtag…#HowHotIsHolt

Saige is excited to be back in Chicago. She wants to make an impression on that city that has always held a part of her. She has a job she loves, her best friend as a roommate, and fun coworkers who know how to make your day. She isn’t looking for anything more.

One night out and everything changes…
One dare and everything changes…

Now things aren’t so simple and Saige isn’t so sure about where her life is going.

One man changed everything, but Saige isn’t aware how much will change when she finds out the truth!

*Warning:

Rebecca Shea’s goal may not have been to leave you an emotional mess, but she succeeded. She may or may not have wanted you heartbroken like Saige, but well, she succeeded. I am also of the impression that she intentionally turned the heartache up, on purpose mind you, to make you more vulnerable…I mean Saige, to make Saige more vulnerable. She succeeded.

Congrats on a heartbreaking then warming book and stealing another piece of my heart. Sometimes when you read a book, you can tell that anything the author writes after that will probably effect you the same way…I now have a special place on my TBR for the rest of Rebecca Shea’s books.