DARE ME by REBECCA SHEA

“Stay with me. I dare you.”

It all started with an innocent dare, or did it? The story of Saige Phillips and Holt Hamilton is a relatively low angst, romantic and sexy read that has some very emotional and harrowing moments. Whilst we didn’t feel this story brought anything new to the table insofar as it’s a popular theme, we did thoroughly enjoy it and were swept away in this well written story.

‘Sometimes in loving us, people hurt us, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love us. It’s rarely intentional but hurts like hell nonetheless.’

Our heroine, Saige has experienced extreme traumatic tragedy in her life which ultimately changed her path and broke her heart. No one should see what Saige saw at aged thirteen; no one should have to go through what she did. It was so incredibly sad and our hearts broke for her. One moment changed everything and had dire consequences on a family going through hard times.

‘She’s afraid to love. She’s afraid to get hurt.’

Fast forward ten years and this girl now has a successful and promising career ahead of her in Chicago, her hometown, working for a successful aviation company which is spearheaded by the enigmatic Holt Hamilton a.k.a one hell of a sexy mysterious alpha millionaire. Whilst Saige still struggles with her memories, she has a fabulous support network of friends to keep her up during the days. It’s at night her past rears its ugly head.

“To have no one know who you are. No one to see your scars or your flaws or your worries.”

“Is that what you want, Saige? Someone to hide all of who you really are from?”

“I don’t know.”

Holt Hamilton, be still our hearts, is the complete swoon-worthy package. He’s tall dark and handsome with the perfect balance of wickedness and a sweet and endearing vulnerability. One minute he shows his sexy commanding side whilst the next we see a soft almost lost boy side to him. Holt has secrets and personal reasons for his actions, however all is not smooth in the pursuit of love and understanding. To forgive and forget are two very difficult asks.

“You’re like this anomaly. You’re serious yet totally fun. You’re handsome yet boyishly cute. You’re controlling yet sweet.”

Because we got dual POV’s we understood what could have easily come across as a case of insta love stemming from a dare, but in this case it all came from a very special place. A big heart wanting to change the paths of others. Dare Me made for a fabulous Sunday afternoon read with a great balance of humour, emotion, passion and of course the gorgeous and intense Mr. Hamilton.

‘I want her to need me as much as I need her. I need her to want me as much as I want her. I want her to love me as much as I love her.’