Making dreams come true is a red-hot challenge for two stubborn hearts risking it all on a second chance… hitch: teaming up with his ex, who vanished on him ten years ago with nothing more than a kiss-off note.
As fiery as her hair and as stubborn as her name, Rebel Tate did what she had to do—for Elliott’s sake and her own. A dog whisperer with a keen sense of survival, she’s lived a tough life. Here she is, back in Angel Fire Falls, doing what she loves, next to a man she’s never forgotten. While the flame between them still smolders, neither is ready to get burned.
For Elliott, trusting Rebel is a gamble. For Rebel, sharing the secrets that sent her running is a risk. Now, while finishing a job that could define both their futures, two hearts are about to collide—and a second chance at true romance could be the greatest dare of all.
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OK call me a sucka but come on how can you turn away from a book where there are vets being helped, dogs being rescued, a kid with whose special in his own right getting his merit badge and a second chance romance from two that deserve it more than most. Both running from a past and both with secrets, both stuck somewhere they don’t want to be by the circumstances of their past. These two can’t be more the same and both different but what matters most is a love that’s deep and true. Well deep and true when they both tend to run and hide instead of face things but trust me this time no running is allowed. Great read, the brothers don’t disappoint, neither do their women and of course we gotta include the author. I love the direction of her reads, the intensity and yes the emotion (the vets and dogs got to me in a powerful way). And that’s it go read it.
She did it again! Excellent feel good, easy read book.
Dare Me Again is Book 2 in Shelly Alexander’s Angel Fire Falls series. It could certainly be read as a standalone but Book 1 is great and the characters do appear this time around as well so I do recommend giving it a try as well.
The sparks flew off the pages between Rebel and Elliott. Oh my! Friends and lovers until Rebel leaves town and Elliot with only a brief note explaining. I enjoyed watching the story unfold between these two as they learned to trust each other and build their relationship again. I was also a sucker for all the dogs!!!
Another Remington, another dare, and a second chance romance. This time around, we get Elliott, dear grumpy, broken Elliott. He and Rebel are so good together even when they’re at each other’s throats. The story does have its share of humor, especially when the brothers get together, but it’s also emotional as both Elliott and Rebel deal with secrets and past hurt. Then we have some sentiment as lovable service dogs find their humans. All of that makes for a great story, but one of my favorite things about this series is this family. Whether related by blood or life on the island, they’re family, and it shines through in the story. Shelly’s done it again and given me not just great characters, but friends that I’ll definitely revisit from time to time.
This is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting with the first book. Once you’ve met these terrific characters, you’ll want more.
This book has cursing (including a scant handful of f-bombs) and some on-page sex but neither of these things overwhelm the story. Although this is book two of the series, this book stands alone and you don’t have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. You really should, though, because that book is also fantastic.
I have read everything that Shelly Alexander has ever written and although I’ve enjoyed them all, this series is my favorite of hers (and that’s saying something) and this book is my all-time favorite of hers so far. This series is full of Shelly’s giggle-worthy sense of humor, a ton of heart, a little spice, and some drama that fits the story but is not at all over the top or cheesy. If you like to laugh while reading a really well-written story, you’re going to love this one.
Rebel and Elliott’s story is an excellent take on the second chance romance trope. I loved Rebel’s job and her *reasoning* for doing the job – he fact that she was so focused on giving back and doing good made me adore her from the start, but the more we got to know about her, the more I liked her. And Elliott, despite his flaws, was hilarious and swoon-worthy and surprisingly vulnerable.
If you enjoy a really well-written and heartfelt second chance romance between two lovable characters, you will love this story.
I liked the fact that it didn’t take very long into the first chapter that I could see where the title for the book came in.
I liked that the book was full of emotion, some hidden secrets and good main characters. The Remington family were also a really good supporting cast as well. I got a giggle out of the fact that the “boys” had developed their own secret code as a way to communicate. There were also other people who were secondary to the story as well.
The service dog angle was a really good one and I enjoyed that part of the story as well. Rebel had her own emotional support dog and as the story goes on picks up a three legged stray as well. The relationship that developed between those two dogs was sweet to see as well.
One problem after another arose keeping things hopping. It kind of makes up for a part of the middle of the story which I felt started to drag going over and over the M.C.’s regrets.
I was happy how things work out and was satisfied with the ending and the fact that there was an Epilogue.
And how about that cover? I felt that it was attention getting in a sweet way.
I voluntarily read a Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Netgalley and these were my honest opinions about it.
A great balance of humor, heat, sweetness and that touch of angst even rom-coms need
Book 2 in the Angel Fire Falls series, I feel you could easily read and enjoy this book as standalone, though of course reading the first book in the series will help give some background on the situation and characters here.
I’ve read a handful of books by this author at this point: I’ve enjoyed every one enough to make her an auto 1-click author for me, and this latest book is no exception. I loved how much Elliot and Rebel had in common, both with painful secrets, both willing to sacrifice to protect the people they love and both needing to learn to trust the other as they’re forced to rebuild their relationship to further their common goals. Plenty of great secondary characters here as well and I’ve already got my eye on two other potential couples whose stories I can’t wait to get my hands on.
I loved the setup here: as a dog lover, any story with dogs gets my immediate attention, but matching service dogs with the veterans who need them? Cue the heartstrings being pulled. The time deadlines also add some nice tension to the plot and helped keep me turning those pages.
The author does a great job of balancing humor, heat, sweetness and that touch of angst even rom-coms need to keep everything grounded along with creating wonderful characters that you’re happy to cheer for. 5 stars
B2B Kelly
Shelly really delivered with Dare Me Again. I was absolutely hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved Elliott and Rebel’s story. Both are harboring secrets and guilt from the past.
Rebel made a choice years ago to protect someone and had to leave the one she loved. She never wanted to hold Elliott back and she knew that is what she would be doing. Elliott wants to believe that he has moved on and gotten over the hurt Rebel caused but once he hears her voice again it all comes barreling back. Not only is he fighting the hurt and the feelings she is bringing to the surface, he is dealing with the guilt towards his family.
Both of these characters are so filled with so much guilt and pain from the past. Will they open up to each other? Will the secrets they have be too much? Is it too late? What happens when the camp is over and they have to chose if they are going to go back to their normal lives in separate states.
I am loving these Remington brothers and can’t wait for more!! Shelly always gets me hooked to her books and loving her characters and story lines. I can count on her to deliver a book that I won’t be able to put down.
Second in the Angel Fire Falls series, this can easily be read as a standalone, although you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the first (but it’s certainly not necessary to have done so). It’s a mildly-angsty second chance romance that touches on some important issues such as alcoholism, homelessness and PTSD (but not in an overly dwelling, preachy manner so don’t let that scare you off).
I enjoyed this story as much as I did the first book. Alexander does a good job in (re)developing the relationship between Elliot and Rebel and the chemistry between the two is great. The secondary characters play a role in the story and it’s becoming clear where the next couple books are going to focus. I’m looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
*copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
Elliot Remington has returned home, but not to stay. He will help his family at the Remington Resort then return to San Francisco. He left Angel Fire Falls when his first love, Rebel Tate, left the area with no explanation, just a note. The resort is promoting a Service Dog Camp for veterans that will help put them back on a firmer financial footing. Unbeknownst to Elliot, the dog whisper trainer who will be leading the camp is none other than Rebel Tate. Rebel is returning to Angel Fire Falls hoping that she will not have to interact with Elliot, but that is before she finds out that he will be her contact person for the camp. She left town after her mother was involved in a tragic event and to allow Elliot to pursue his dream. She needs this job…needs to get her life back on track. Can she work with Elliot knowing how deeply she hurt him? Will Elliot be able to forgive her for leaving him and try to heal the past? Will there be a second chance at love for them? This is a very fine sequel to book number one, Dare Me Once. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I’m a real sucker for a good second chance romance and this is definitely a great one. Rebel and Elliott teaming up for a service dog boot camp at Elliott’s family resort come with a ton of fire and tension. It’s been ten years since Rebel walked out on Elliott for reasons that have always been unclear. When the truth comes out will he finally forgive her? Their story is full of passion, determination, and hope with sizzling chemistry driving them both. Loved these characters and I hope you do too. I highly recommend this one.
Dare Me Again is the second book in the Angel Fire Falls series By Shelly Alexander. You can read it as a standalone but I do recommend reading Dare Me since it was just as fun, sexy, and heartwarming. It was where Elliott’s brother, Trace fell in love and now it was his turn.
Elliott never backed down from a dare. Never. His brothers would never let him live it down. So he agreed to their latest one. He would be the family face for the service dog training for veterans. A training that will be held on their property. The Remington. It wouldn’t be such a big deal except dogs hated him. He really thought that would be the only challenge to the bet. Nope. The dog whisperer in charge would take the number one spot. His ex-girlfriend. The one who disappeared, leaving only a Dear, John letter behind.
Rebel couldn’t believe she was doing this. Going back to the island where she grew up. Where she left the only man she ever loved behind. For his own good she believed. But, that was ten years ago. It was time to deal with her past so she could move forward. And she needed the paycheck so she could do just that. Back in Portland. Five weeks. She could survive five weeks then get back on that ferry to get off the island for good. Except, she didn’t expect what would happen when she saw him again.
Elliott and Rebel’s relationship was different now. They had jobs to do. Important ones. Ones that would get them to where they want to be. Him in San Francisco and her in Portland. Two completely different worlds. His in finance. Hers with dogs. Can they put their past behind them to get to the end goal? Will being in the same room bring back memories that we’re hiding away so they wouldn’t be in pain? Can they find a way to have a second chance? A one month fling? Anything? Can he even trust her not to run away again?
Aw! I loved this one. When there are animals involved it’s always an added bonus. It makes me want to cuddle with my own pets. Anyway, I enjoyed Elliott and Rebel’s story. They both have secrets and pasts to work through. Rebel is definitely a badass who has made mistakes but trying to give back in any way she can. Elliott is the serious brother but he has a big heart. Together, I loved their banter, chemistry, and laughter.
Overall…it’s a great story full of inspiration, love, heat, and fun. I am excited for the next book. I think I know who is up next
Quotes:
“Those vets survived war,” Spence said. “You can survive an old girlfriend for five weeks.”
“That’s low, even for you two idiots,” Elliott huffed.
“My tone is authoritative,” he said.
“You just keep telling yourself that,” she countered, forcing her thoughts back to the dog.
“I see your ego has surpassed your massive IQ.”
Dare Me Again (Angel Fire Falls, #2) by Shelly Alexander …WOW… thank you Shelly for a great read..and thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. I’m in love with all the Remingtons and Angel Fire Falls… Elliot and Rebel are both hurting from 10 years ago and are both hiding something that has ruled their lives. She is a trainer of support dogs..he is home helping the family and the resort but plans to go back to his high paid, high stress financial job. This books pull at all the strings of your heart. Vets who need support dogs, dogs that need to be needed, Autism, love and forgiveness. Lets not forget Rem and Bogart. I laughed, cried (ugly), enjoyed the story and the feels and steamy sex all on the way to a very HEA. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. All the stuff with the service dogs about training and pairing them was wonderful. Rebel and Elliott are great characters and I’m glad they worked everything out and unloaded years worth of guilt. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series!
I received a free, advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Rebel has been through so much in her 28 years. When she decides to return to Angel Fire Falls to head up a boot camp for service dogs and wounded vets, she has to face the ones she left behind. She has a lot of explaining to do to Elliott, but once she decides to stop running away and use her words to communicate, she realizes that the Remington’s are the only family she needs! Great book with lots of ‘feels’!
I read the first book in this series previously and I definitely think that it helped me understand several scenes in the second book.
So this is how a heart breaks. With the best of intentions. Dare Me Again is the perfect example of why Shelly Alexander is one of my favorite authors. She’s not afraid to look beyond the fantasy and magnify the heartache of reality. Elliott and Rebel’s biggest flaw is that they are afraid to human. Not sure how to be vulnerable and prone to make mistakes. Those are emotions we all can relate to. Between the lines of despair exist a message of survival that is courageously captivating. We all have secrets that are painful, but the key to healing is allowing others in to help us weather the storm.
Elliott Remington, the middle of three brothers, affectionately referred to as Thing One by his older brother, Trace. The resort is run by the brothers, and just received a lucrative contract for a dog boot camp, that will pair service dogs with veterans. The sponsor wants a family member to be involved. Elliott is the only one available, but doesn’t want no part in working with the trainer. Elliott’s brothers dare him to take the leadership role and work with the dog trainer. A dog trainer, who will step out of his past, and make Elliott rethink the dare while pulling up images of: Old wrinkly guys in Speedos!
Rebel Tate, left Angel Fire Falls in a rush with her alcoholic mother to Portland. Believing she was doing what was best for everyone, she left Elliott a Dear John letter to be handed to him. She’s now heading back to the place she ran from. The contract, she was hired to fulfill will give her a chance to fill her dream, just as long as she keeps telling herself: Payday and remembering not to call her dog by his real name.
This is an enjoyable read with amusing laugh out loud moments! After reading the first book in the series, I couldn’t wait to read this! I love how this book brings attention to veterans and how service dogs can be so beneficial to them.
I received a free ARC through NetGalley via the author in exchange for my honest review.
I truly loved this book!
It’s another compelling story in the
Angel Fire Falls series.
This is an emotional & heartfelt book.
It is a beautifully written story.
Elliott returned home to help Remington’s,
his family’s resort. One way to help,
is a boot camp, with service dogs
to help veterans. Until he learns
who the trainer is. Ten years ago, Rebel,
left Angel Fire Falls, only leaving Elliott
a note. When they see each other again, Elliott’s furious & Rebel is anxious.
Elliott wants her gone.
But Rebel needs this job.
Can Elliott & Rebel work past all this
hurt feelings? It will steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
Recommended Read!!!
The author takes us back to Angel Fire Falls and the Remington, a family owned resort. A family that has had its trials and tribulations. When the patriarch needs help to stay afloat, his three sons come to help.
Elliott Remington, a successful finance guy living in San Francisco, reluctantly goes to help even though his memories there have left him heartbroken. But he plans to leave after helping , so he can continue his lucrative career and stay away from his memories.
Rebel Tate, his HS sweetheart left the island 10 years ago with no explanations, leaving Elliott shocked and hurt. Now she has been hired as a dog trainer for dogs to be assigned to military veterans. Her life has been tough, and only because of her determination has she risen from the ashes. Needless that at first, Elliot, nor the Remingtons are too happy to see her, after having broken Elliott’s heart.
It’s a story about second chances . About overcoming enormous obstacles both physical and emotional. It’s also a story about family, hope, and love. Lastly, but also as important, it’s a story about the need for our country to take care of the returning men and women who put their lives in danger to keep us safe.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
3.75stars
This is a second chance romance between Eliot and Rebel. Their second chance begins where it all ends on the small island. Eliot is here to help his family with resort and Rebel is the new dog trainer of resort big event. There are a lot of unsaid things between old lovers and a lot of hurts, resentment but also still a lot of spark and attraction. Eliot is at first determined not to cooperate with Rebel and he tries everything that someone else overtakes his assignment. in the end he demands to stay and of course a lot of things go wrong. Rebel and Eliot also make amends, share their soul and reignite their spark. They don’t talk about future together and when the things with camp go really south Rebel does the thing she is the best at- runs. It is an emotional story we see that both Rebel and Eliot live with the burden from the past that is keeping them from being happy. They are well developed and keep us surprising, especially Eliot. There are a lot of dares in the story do you dare to read it?
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly