AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carly Phillips' DARE TO LOVE (Dare to Love Bk #1)

Title:  DARE TO LOVE
Series:  Dare to Love Bk 1
Author:  Carly Phillips
Narrator:  Sophie Eastlake
Release Date:  3/17/14
Price:  $19.95
Publisher:  Carly Phillips
Length:  7 hrs
Format:  Audible Edition
Purchase at Audible or Amazon



My Ratings

Plot:  4.5/5
Setting:  4/5
Writing:  5/5
Originality of Plot:  4/5
Characters Development:  4.5/5
Ending:  5/5
Heat Level: 4.5/5
Cover Art:  4/5
Narration:  5/5
Likelihood to Recommend:  5/5

Overall:  45.5/50 =  91% 

Synopsis

New York Times Best-selling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family…siblings shaped by a father's secrets and betrayal.

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her…and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men - until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she's stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything.

©2013 Karen Drogin (P)2014 Karen Drogin

Review

DARE TO LOVE isn't your standard fluffy shallow contemporary romance!  This storyline was filled with complex charters, unique plot twists, and great dialogue.  I really appreciated the familial connections woven within this story.  I enjoyed that it had a nice balance of heated sexual encounters and actual storyline.  For me, this was the hottest Carly Phillips book by far!  I felt the author did an amazing job squeezing so much storyline in such a short book.    

At it's core this is a story about strong characters overcoming great obstacles.  I absolutely adored Riley.  She's smart, driven, and full of heart.  With her tragic childhood full of abuse, I was so happy to see her find happiness as an adult.  And Ian is a swoon-worthy, Alpha male, with sensitivity just lying under the surface.  After learning about his history, I completely understood where he was coming from.  He was unwilling to lead the type of life that his father had.  Learning that made me love him even more.  I felt that their romance came on some what quickly,  but their connection was steamy from their first meeting.  I think that these two complemented each other very well, even though these two have such different backgrounds.  These two are quite a pair.  Ian would push Riley, and she would push right back at him. 
 
I also enjoyed getting to know Ian's family.  I can't wait until Alex gets his time in the spotlight.  There is nothing like a cocky, sexy athlete.  I love that this series centers around the Dare extended family.  These siblings might have come from broken homes, but I really enjoyed their journey in the book.  And how could you not love Ian's mother!  She is such a strong role model for her children.

As always, Sophie Eastlake really delivered in this book.  She has the perfect sultry voice to pull off this seductive audiobook.  There are a few female narrators out there that can do male voices, as well as Sophie.  I think she did a fantastic job with Ian.  She captured his sexy, authoritative tone exquisitely.  Her inflection and dictation are outstanding.  And she really brought the story to life for me.   

This book was a smart and sexy read.  I enjoyed the cleaver dialogue and extremely interesting characters.  It was a great audiobook to lose myself in for a couple hours.  DARE TO LOVE sets up the rest of the series very well.  I can't wait to read more about Ian's siblings and step-siblings!  This was a very quick read for me, and I can't wait to get my hands on DARE TO DESIRE.  This is a must read for those looking for a fast-paced, steamy romance!

***Audiobook was provided by the publisher in trade for a fair review***