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.
more
Shelly Alexander just keeps getting better and better!!!
I read this book a few months ago and it still resonates with me. Lily and Trace are both two people who’d been through the wringer and still surviving–doing the best they can to make their life better. The setting was original, watching their stories unfold and their relationship grow was enjoyable and investing–it kept me awake at night and that is always my barometer for a good book. As a parent of a-functioning autistic child like Ben, I appreciate that Ben was a child first and his special needs weren’t “the story”. Ms. Alexander didn’t make him tragic. I hate that. Trace didn’t show him as burden or anything besides a boy who was endearing and wonderfully intuitive–if not amusing. How could Lily not adore both of them!
When I first grabbed this book, I expected to just read it and hustle along the the next book in the series, since I had an ARC for it. I’m actually really lucky that I read it before that ARC, because this was a story that shouldn’t be missed!
First and foremost, I was extremely impressed with the fact that the author decided to have Trace’s son be on the Autism Spectrum with his Asperger’s Syndrome. The son’s special needs status was handled very tastefully and was done in such a way as to teach readers that perhaps don’t have special needs children the day to day hardships that special needs parents face. That really resonated with me, because I’m a special needs parent myself, and it was great to see an author tackle that situation with such grace.
Looking beyond that, I loved watching the relationship between Trace and Lily build! It was so obvious that they were meant for each other by how quickly Trace’s son took to Lily! I loved how spunky Lily was and how much more relaxed Trace was around her. The only thing I really hated was Lily’s deception, especially since it almost ruined Trace’s ability to fight his ex-wife’s schemes.
All things considered, this was an engaging and engrossing read that I would definitely recommend to others!
I originally hesitated reading this book, not sure why I was hesitant or frankly why I had requested an ARC of this book but that was one big MISTAKE! This book is PHENOMENAL, Dare Me Once is the first book I have read by Shelly Alexander and I know it now won’t be my last. This book will tear at your heart strings one moment then be swoon-worthy the next is just one of the reasons this read is tremendous! The compassion & understanding written into Lily’s character when dealing with Trace’s son, as well as how Trace’s character deals with his son’s autism….well lets just say reading this book will definitely will help anyone who mildly understand autism, understand it just a little better! Kudos to you Ms Alexander for how you put spotlight on Trace’s son & autism in a positive manner! With that being said, the secondary characters most notably, Trace’s family add alot to the storyline. I wouldn’t describe this as a hot & steamy romance as there is not any overly described steamy encounters although Trace & Lily do have some hot chemistry but in a different way but for more, you will have to read the book! This book does have it all, sweet, sexy, romantic, life lessons, but what I took away from this one is there will be misunderstandings but what’s important is how they are handled and how Trace handles them make him swoon-worthy and the perfect A+ book boyfriend! I did end up staying up all night reading this book because I couldn’t put it down, YES this book is that amazing! Told from dual POVs, Dare Me Once is one book you don’t want to make the MISTAKE of missing it from your Kindle library, I dare you to one-click Dare Me Once!
By the way, I can’t wait to read book 2 in the Angel Fire Falls series, Dare Me Again.
This is my first read by this author – I know, Gasp! – but it certainly won’t be my last. Dare Me Once is wonderfully written and full of so many great moments. It’s funny, it’s emotional, it’s sweet, it’s sexy. It’s just a great story. The characters are rich and so real they practically leap off the page. And Ben! I have to say this one touched me on a personal level with Ben. As a parent of an autistic child, specifically asperger’s, I was thoroughly impressed with how well this character is done. The challenges, the triumphs, the innocence, all of it. For me, this little guy stole the show. Of course, Trace and Lily have their terrific moments too. They have great chemistry even when they’re both determined to remain professional, and the way they meet and then meet again (no spoilers here) had me laughing all the way through. Even the secondary characters are interesting, love them or hate them, they’re all interesting. And make no mistake, we do get a couple of those that we love to hate. I could go on and on about the characters, but when even the ducks are entertaining, you know you have a winner. The angst is low, the romance is swoon-worthy, and I couldn’t put it down.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read other books by Shelly Alexander and was eager to read this new series starter when I saw it on NetGalley.
I found it very hard to put this book down. I was eager to find out how the story was going to evolve with Trace and Lily. I also enjoyed reading about a child with high functioning autism since I am also a special education teacher. Megan got what she deserved by getting let go from the Autism council and she never should’ve come back expecting Ben to welcome her into his life. Lily was more like a mother than Megan ever could’ve tried to be.
This is a cute and easy to read single dad story. I’m a sucker for a single dad so that’s why I clicked on this one. I really liked Lily. I loved her problem solver/organization/planning skills for whipping the resort back into shape, she’s my kind of girl. Trace is a pilot and great dad to an 8 year old son who takes care of some ducks for a science project. Trace has 2 other brothers so I’d probably keep reading this series to see what happens next.
Fired and dumped by her fiance, who was her boss, Lily Barns was on a mission to build a new life for herself, and escape the fallout from her father’s swindling. She takes a job at a resort in Angel Fire Falls, a small town. Lily has secrets.
Trace Remington, is the oldest of three brothers, and a single father of eight year old Ben, who has special needs. Trace moved back to Angel Fire Falls to give his son a stable home environment. Along with his brothers and father, he helps run Remington resort, which is where Lily will be working as the new Hospitality Manager. Trace would rather the Remington remain the same.
Despite the obstacles in Lily’s way, she is bound and determined to give the Remington a new overhaul.
Lily has sworn off men. Trace has sworn off women. Little do they know, that a dare along with a chance encounter is about to throw them into a tailspin and might be just what they both need for a new life.
I loved this book! Literally so many laugh out loud moments while reading. One of my favorite phrases used was Motherducker! I, also, found it funny that Trace referred to his brothers as Thing One and Thing Two. Lily is spunky and Trace is a brooding hunk, the chemistry between them is great! I recommend this to anyone that wants a witty, fun read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley via the author in exchange for my honest review.
I am fairly new to this author, and when given the opportunity to read this book, I took it.
While it’s the story about the oldest Remington son, Trace and Lily (Scarlett) the new hire, it’s really much more than that.
It’s a story of how the actions of our parents, affect us. In this case, Lily, a talented hospitality manager has to escapes the sins of her father, and even change her name, in order to get a job as far away from home. Trace and his brothers have left their lucrative professions and come home, each with his own personal reasons. Trace, to give his son Ben , a boy with Asperger’s , a better life and one surrounded with love and support.
It’s also a story about how love can blossom when you least expect it. How a child like Ben ,is just as precious and wonderful as any child, just different. And aren’t we all just different?
You will fall in love with the Remingtons, the cousins and Angel Fire Falls. At times you will laugh out loud, at others cry and even want to get into the pages of the story to give them a hug.
Kudos to the author for writing that even though at times is heartbreaking, it’s also heartwarming. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store in her next book.
I was entrusted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I absolutely loved this book!
What a fabulous start to this new series.
It is a heartwarming, sexy, funny,
& emotional story. Lily Barnes is starting a new chapter in her life, in a small town, Angel Fire Falls. The only life she’s ever known has been turned completely upside down by a family scandal. Because of it, Lily is leaving everything behind. Avoiding the hate mail & death threats. Keeping her secrets to herself.
Trace Remington is not happy that his father has hired a new Hospitality manager to revamp their family’s resort.
His is devoted to his son Ben, who has Asperger’s. Trying to also save his family’s island resort. Trace is raising
Ben alone, with the help of the father
& two younger brothers.
Lily has one mishap after another
trying the get to the resort. Trace was sent
to pick her up. But, he’s busy having
a nice massage & secretly trying to get
a women’s number, to win a bet.
When Lily & Trace meet, their connection is undeniable. Any type of relationship
is out of the question. Trace is the boss
& Lily’s the employee.
Will Lily & Trace admit what they feel
& find their way to one another?
Or will life have other plans?
The emotions, the humor & their chemistry pulled me in, & kept me hooked.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Scarlett Lily Devereaux’s life is coming apart. Her father is in prison for bilking investors out of millions, her mother is in a drunken denial, the press is dogging her and her fiancé fires and dumps her since he only wanted to marry her because of her family’s reputation. She decides to to reinvent herself as Lily Barnes (her beloved grandmother’s name), and take a job as hospitality director at the Remington Angel Fire Island resort. Trace Remington and his brothers have all come home to help their family’s ailing resort. Trace is a single father with an eight year old son with Aspergers. This is a great beginning to a new series. The development and pacing of Trace and Lily’s romance is realistic. Lily’s secrets are always bubbling under the surface threatening the relationship. I cannot wait for the rest of the Remington family’s stories. I was provided an ARC by NetGalley for my honest review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
I enjoyed this excursion to Angel Fire Falls. It was everything I wanted in a book. A little mystery, an overprotective dad, and a resort that needs a lot of help to keep it afloat, it was a perfect Saturday afternoon read.
Lily is at the resort because she doesn’t think she get a better job – especially if she uses her real name. Changing her last name to Barns is her effort at starting over, to get away from the scandal that has rocked her family.
Trace doesn’t care who his father has hired to run the resort – he doesn’t believe some outsider knows what’s best for the hotel or his family. Surprisingly, his son takes to Lily and Trace has to re-evaluate his opinion about Lily.
I think the author did a wonderful job of telling a story about how a family learns to raise a child who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s – a form of autism. Trace’s devotion to his son is palpable and the way he explains it to Lily is something we can all take and use in our day-to-day lives.
Ruthie –
This is the first book in a new series, and I think it definitely promises some fun reads ahead. There is an element of world building, but in an organic and relaxed way.
Having worked in hospitality myself, I am always interested in how a hotel/resort is used in the furtherance of a romance. Here, Shelly Alexander does an excellent job of finding plenty of opportunities and fun events to weave into the story of Trace and Lily and very importantly, his son Ben. From the very first incognito meeting at the airport, to the mercy dash to the vets, we get a sense of the chemistry between these two characters, and it is delightful seeing how they cannot avoid succumbing to the pull. Both of them have issues which make them wary, and concerned for each other’s best interests, but luckily the attraction and a dose of honesty help resolve the issues eventually.
Mr. Remington Senior struck gold when he hired Lily, as she not only restores the resort to its former glory, but brings a new lease on life to his eldest son. Who will come along for his two other sons? I am guessing we will find out in future books!
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls #1) by Shelly Alexander to read and review.
This book had a interesting story line with characters that really make the book. I want to go to a place like Angel Fire Falls, it sounds absolutely beautiful there. The family dynamics was super entertaining. I loved Ben and the ducks. Lily formed such a wonderful bond with Ben that it warmed my heart. Loved the introduction that Lily and Trace had both times. They were both hilarious. The ex wife was such a witch but there isn’t a lot with her thank god.
Both of these characters have things that hold them back. Trace is worried about keeping his sound safe and happy and he doesn’t think getting involved with anyone would be wise. Lily was seriously burned by not only her ex but by so many. She wants to start fresh but in doing so she isn’t starting out on the honest path at Angel Fire Falls.
Will Trace and Lily be able to open themselves up and find happiness? Will the truth set them free or burn their bridges?
This was a great start to this series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
I give Dare Me Once by Shelly Alexander five stars. This is the first book of Shelly’s new series called Angel Fire Falls. This book was very well written and I found myself laughing out loud more than once! I instantly fell in love Scarlett and Trace they both had awesome personalities.
Scarlett Devereax has found herself in the middle of turmoil and in order to get away from it she decides to leave her old life behind and go by a new name, Lily Barns. In her new live she finds that she has to live on a very tight budget and in order to do this she needs to get a job. When she takes a job on the vacation island of Angel Fire Falls she didn’t realize how quickly her life would change.
Trace Remington find himself in a situation he never thought he would. Trace finds himself as a single dad to a son that has Asperger and he is totally devoted to him. Thanks to being able to fly he comes back home to fly his floatplane to help keep his family resort a float. His younger brothers came to the conclusion that he needs a little fun in his life so that made him make a bet that he could not get a lady’s number and make a date with her. In order to win this bet Trace ran into a sexy tourist and asked for her number later to realize that it is the new hospitality manager for his families’ resort.
As the two-start working with each other the harmless flirtation start to ignite into something much hotter. When their past start to surface and they have to admit secrets will tear them apart or will they work through it together? You will have to read it to find out!
There was no violence in this book and there was some sexual content. Shelly has an amazing writing style and I highly recommend this book, I could not put it down and finished it in a day even with working my full-time job lol.
Favorite Quote:
“It was the kind of face that made a girl look twice. Made a girl sigh all over. Made a girl want to do stupid things….. like search his body for tattoos, then outline them with her tongue”
Lily is attempting to regroup and rebuild her life by relocating to work at a family owned resort. Throughout the story she proves what a special, strong young lady she is.
Trace’s family owns the resort. He’s a pilot and also a single father and his number one priority is his son, Ben, who has Asperger’s. He wants no part of a relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The dynamics of all the characters was very well written. It made the story so ‘real’. I loved the banter between Lily and Trace. I laughed out loud several times. Ben holds a very special place in my heart. Shelly did an awesome job with the realities of Ben’s condition and the ways others treated him. The connection between Lily and Ben is so heartwarming.
I won’t give any spoilers but I will say that I was so involved in this story that at one point I felt devastated for Lily and then was dancing around when Trace went after her.
Any book written by Shelly Alexander is a must read for me.
It’s sweet, sexy and heartwarming. It will captivate you from the beginning as it takes you through an emotional ride with it’s heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. You will fall in love with the characters. I loved the connection and chemistry between the characters. I enjoyed reading about their journey as secrets are revealed. It’s an entertaining read and look forward to reading more.
Awesome story. A definite feel good read!
Shelly Alexander is a new to me author and I must say, I certainly wasn’t disappointed. This was a very enjoyable story that kept me engaged right from the start. I adored the connection between Lily and Ben. What a doll! Trace’s entire family was a hoot. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls Book 1) is a sweet read as it’s full of humor, love and of course passion.
I loved how Shelly Alexander brought these elements together in this story.
Lilly aka Scarlett Devereaux has taken a new job as a hospitality manager to leave her old life and identity behind her. While Trace is a single dad with an autistic child and has sworn off women to take care of his son.
A moan from a massage brings them together in an unusual way but each have no idea of who each of them are; however, once at the resort all is revealed.
My favorite part was how Shelly intertwined how a flock of little ducklings can bring love, joy and life skills to the story,
I wanted to kick butt on Trace’s ex, but in the end she learned her lesson the hard way.
Trace’s and Lilly’s journey in finding love, forgiveness and family was a wonderful read for anyone who loves HEAs. I can’t wait to see how the other brothers meet the love of their lives.
Series: Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls Book 1)
Characters: Strong single father who puts his son first and determined woman who works through her family’s tragic events.
Writing: Smooth, developed, keeps the reader’s emotions engaged with the story.
Storyline: Journey of love, passion and HEA.
Heat: Sizzling
5 Koala Paws
This book has some cussing (including a few f-bombs) and some sex, but neither thing is overwhelming or over-done, they fit perfectly into the flow of the story.
I have read every book that Shelly Alexander has written thus far and really enjoyed all of them, but this was my absolute favorite. I found myself struggling to put it down because I needed to know what happened with Trace and Lily and Ben – to the point where I took my Kindle with me when I was cooking dinner and when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about the characters. I love it when a book draws me in like that.
Trace was the epitome of a swoon-worthy single father. He loved Ben with all of his heart, and he did everything he could to keep him safe and happy. What’s not to love? Lily was also really amazing. I adored her determination and the way that she wasn’t willing to let anything beat her, no matter how ridiculous she looked in the process. I loved the fact that these two developed a real relationship before falling into bed together – that they had a foundation of friendship before jumping into sex makes me believe in their happily ever after. The humor that was weaved throughout this book was unbelievable. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and I highlighted dozens of moments that I wanted to be able to go back and re-read for a laugh. If this book doesn’t make you laugh, you should check your pulse.
*slight spoilers in this paragraph only* One of my favorite things about this book was the way Ms. Alexander dealt with Ben’s Asperger’s. As the aunt of a boy with high-functioning Asperger’s, I always grimace when it appears in books, but Ms. Alexander absolutely nailed it. Ben’s quirks and uniqueness were never bigger than his personality and his heart, and to me that’s how it should be.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really great romance story between two hilarious and likable characters, or if you enjoy a sweet, wonderful single dad romance story. I can’t wait for the second story in this series!