Shelly Alexander has written a romance that will totally endear the characters to your heart. You will certainly laugh, possibly cry, but you will definitely love Trace and Lily.

Once bitten twice shy, Trace Remington is not willing to share his heart again with another woman. He has his son Ben to think of as well. However, all of that changes when Lily Barns arrives to manage The Remington, the family's resort.

Ever so slowly she warms Trace's heart, especially when she is interacting with his son. Even though Trace was originally against the idea of Lily being brought into help with the resort, he soon has to admit that she is perfect for the job. Once they both decide to acknowledge the affect they are having on each other, they decide not to pursue a relationship due to their employer/employee status. But how can you hold back love?

This was a wonderful read and I look forward to more in the Angel Fire Falls series.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

This is the first book in the series featuring a hot pilot and a young woman who is trying to start a new life incognito, a fun contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone.

Trace Remington is a single dad to eight year old Ben who has Asperger’s Syndrome. Trace is the eldest of three brothers who all came back to the island to help out their elderly father run their family holiday resort. With an ex wife who didn’t want anything to do with a special needs son, he had to make Ben his priority and give up his career as a pilot in LA and also try to rejuvenate the family business. He barely has time for himself let alone get involved with another woman, but when wilful and independent Lily arrives at Angel Fire Falls, everything changes.

Scarlett Devereaux escaped a family scandal and wanted to build a new life as Lily Barns. She arrives in the island to become the new hospitality manager of the Remington Resort; she’s good at her job, dedicated and focused, she sets things in motion. After being dumped by her fiancée and going incognito she vowed to steer clear of men, but a very interesting first meeting with Trace set her knickers and heart on fire.

This light-hearted romance is set in a picturesque town with lovable characters, cute animals and a smart and adorable eight year old boy. I liked the author’s narrative style: the scenic imagery, humorous situations, entertaining banter and the crackling chemistry between Trace and Lily. Although this story is light-hearted in tone, there is some drama involving the main characters’ families. The dialogue between Lily and her parents on the latter part of the book showed a different perspective to the family scandal. I must admit the minor characters made the whole plot more interesting and I am sure Trace’s younger brothers Elliot and Spence will have their own stories. Trace and Lily’s romance was fun to read, a feel good tale with a lot of heart and soul, you won’t be disappointed.

A single dad, a woman who is literally reinventing herself, and a flock of ducks make this a fun read and a great start to a new series.

Lily was such a great character. She’s determined to make it on her own, which sometimes gets her in to just a little bit of trouble – like that time she found herself the new mom to a flock of ducklings, but her intent is always good. She’s a problem solver who isn’t afraid to try new things and she really is good at her job. Trace was a bit gruff, but knowing his past and the challenges his family is facing with the resort, I totally get it. I loved seeing him with his son – he was such a great dad…but I also loved that his family was also quick to let him know that he owed it to himself to make time for himself and that it was ok to not be 100% focused on his son 100% of the time.

I did have a hard time at first with Lily and Trace being together. I loved the opening scene where he overhears her moaning at the airport masseuse, but I wasn’t all in at first when things started to heat up between the two. After Lily and Trace’s son forge their bond was when I really was able to buy in more to Lily and Trace’s relationship. They definitely had chemistry, but I did find some of the sexy scenes a bit awkward to read – probably just me, but some of the dialogue seemed a bit forced and/or awkward which broke the flow in of a couple of the scenes…not a big deal though.

I really loved the entire Remington family and loved watching them together. Trace calling his brothers Thing 1 and Thing 2 cracked me up, and I really loved their cousin Charley (Charlotte), but my favorite was Trace’s Dad, Lawrence. Having the story of Trace’s parents told throughout the book was one of my favorite parts of the book. I love when the family patriarch is underestimated by their children and you get to see just how insightful they are as things unfold…and the kids are always a bit surprised!

I enjoyed the writing and think that Angel Fire Falls is going to be a fun place for future stories. There’s a great cast of supporting characters and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

What a truly enjoyable book. I loved the Remingtons and the little resort island they run. The writing was very descriptive and made me want to schedule my next vacation there. The characters are amazing especially Trace Remington. He's such a devoted father and I don't think there is anything sexier than that. Lily Barns has just been hired as the resorts hospitality manager. The Remington's may not know exactly who she is and hopefully they'll never find out. She just needs a quiet place to lay low and let her father's scandal die down. Since she didn't lie about her experience she doesn't feel guilty about the deception. That is until she begins to grow closer to Trace and his son. Lily knows she needs to come clean but before she does her past catches up with her. Will this be the end of her and Trace?

This is definitely a book I would recommend to everyone.

4.5 Stars

Dare Me Once is the first book in Shelly’s new, Angel Fire Falls series. I loved her last two series’ so I just had to have this book. I love being introduced to new characters. It’s like finding new friends within the pages.

Lily needed a new start. Away from the drama her life had become. So, she found a job on the other side of the country where nobody would be looking for her. No, she wasn’t on the run from the law but she was tired of the people following her around in New Orleans. A small island of the West Coast was going to be her new home. If she could stay under the radar and work for family-run vacation resort that was where she was hoping for a new beginning. What she didn’t expect was Trace Remington. His son, Ben.

Trace’s top priority has and always will be his son. Just as it should be. He was a single dad to a special needs eight year old who attached quickly, loved fully, and had a difficult time with change. Trace didn’t date. He didn’t really even go out. He worked for his father’s resort as a float-boat pilot and raised his son. That’s all he needed. He didn’t need complications. He had enough in his past. That was until he saw her. Lily Barns. He didn’t know who she was at first but she drew him in with just one moan. Then he got to see her determined side and he was done. But, he had to stay away. He was her boss. They needed to keep things professional for both of their sakes and Ben’s. Who knew if she would stick around for the long haul. He didn’t want to hurt anyone. But, what happens when two people can’t stay away?

Everything.

Passion. Laughter. Fun. The problem is this though...what will happen when he finds out who she really is?

This was a cute story! I fell for the characters. Lily is one determined, supportive, fun-loving, and strong woman. Trace is one handsome, strong, and loving father. And Ben, I just loved him. He is freaking adorable, smart, and loving. Together, Lily and Trace made me laugh and swoon. I also loved the relationship between Ben and Lily. Their bond was fantastic and so sweet.

Overall...it was a wonderful start to a new series! The Remington Brothers sure are so kind of special. I can’t wait for Elliott and Spence’s stories. Yum!

P.S Quack, quack.

Quotes:

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.

“You seem like a decent person.” His piercing eyes licked over her face and down her neck. “I don’t mean to be rude.”
“Oh, but you’re so good at it.” She lifted her chin.

“You play dirty.” His voice was hoarse with desire. She shrugged.
“Maybe, but something tells me you won’t mind.”

If your looking for a love story that is truly about what really defines a family this is it. This was a real treat refreshing with well-developed characters. It has a lot going on but it flows. Soon you realize you don't want to stop reading, so you stay up till 3:00 am. I like that they also included an autistic child. Without just throwing it in for effect. Trust doesn't always mean people are what they say they are. Trust comes from actions, actions that speak to their true character.

A 5 Star life lesson.

Trace is a single dad to an 8-year old boy with Aspergers and 2 years ago he returned to the family resort so he could be a better dad to his son, Ben. Lily’s father is in jail for embezzlement while her mother lives in denial at the bottom of a bottle. After Lily gets fired from her job by her ex-fiancée, she decides to move as far away from her old life as possible. She gets a job at the Remington Resort on an island off the coast of Washington state. That is where Lily meets Trace and neither of their lives will be the same again.

This book was just a pure joy to read! At times I was laughing so hard there were tears falling and then the next minute the tears were for a very different reason. This book put me through an emotional minefield. Ben was such a little sweetie and it broke my heart that his own mother didn’t see the smart, kind little boy that he was. I couldn’t help but love Lily ... she was tough, sweet and had a knack for getting people to do things her way. And Trace ... even though he tried to stay away from Lily, he just couldn’t. I highly recommend this book, as all the characters were great. A great start to a new series ... I can’t wait for the next book.

I received an ARC courtesy of Montlake Romance through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Moving forward is never as easy as looking back. The key is to take the wisdom gained and use it to find what makes you happy. Dare Me Once, can be summed up in one sentence. Don't sweat the small stuff. In a world full of negativity, it's easy to forget to look on the bright side, but it's the memories we make and the people we hold dear that can brighten up the darkest day. Alexander uses a father's love and the innocence of a special child to remind us that the worst moment is just a stepping stone to guide us to our best ones. A sweet story about the power of love and the beauty of hope.
1 like

4.5☆
Enjoyed it
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Angel Fire Falls
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

This was not my cup of tea. Several times I put this book down without the intention of finishing it, but I did want to see how it played out, (just as I anticipated was the answer), so I persevered. Scarlet/Lily was just not a character I could connect to. She wasn't sassy, she wasn't fun, and quite frankly, besides her interactions with the son, she wasn't all that great. Her work ethic goes by the wayside as soon as she starts a relationship, and despite many opportunities to come clean she continues to lie to everyone around her. And the ending.....ugh. Felt totally manufactured. Beyond that this book was slow. And long. Some may enjoy this (as is obvious by the glowing reviews I read), but I wasn't a fan of this super sweet small town romance. Ben and the Ducks were by far the best part of this book!

A sexy and sweet read! Perfect for the beach!

She's on the run from the press and he's a struggling single dad. They have plenty of reasons not to get involved but can't overcome the passion between them. Throw in a great kid with Asperger's and 10 adorable ducklings and you've got the perfect beach read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.25⭐
This was a very enjoyable story. That pulled me in from the start. As not only were the characters extremely likable. But the romance was well developed, engaging and sweet.
Plus, there was plenty of sparks and heat. As well as an adorable eight year old with Aspergers, a horrible ex wife, secrets and ten adorable, abandoned ducklings. And altogether, it was a great start to the series. Which I'm really looking forward to reading more from, and I would happily recommend Dare Me Once to others.

This is book one in the Angel Fire Falls series. It's about Scarlett Devereaux (Lily) and Trace Remington. Lily has been hired as the hospitality manger at his family's resort. She has reinvented herself to try to get distance from things that her father has done. Going to an island and completely changing not only her life but her name is her version of a new start. Hopefully one for the better. Trace came home with his son who has Asperger’s because he knew he needed his family's help to make sure his son has the support he needs to grow up not only healthy but as well adjusted as possible. His brother's have also come home and goad him into making a dare. One that he kinda cheats to win. Neither one are expecting the other, or what they will come to mean to each other.

I absolutely loved this one!! Lily is sweet but snarky and has so much love in her heart for others. Especially a little boy who has issues. She is a strong woman who tries her hardest to stand up for what is right and is beyond willing to stick by her word no matter what. Trace has had a hard time since his ex is such a witch (we all know I wanted to say something else here!), but he is not only a stand up man but a great dad who loves his son no matter what. And Ben!! This boy! I don't care what kind of disability he has, this boy is beyond sweet and is super smart and I loved every bit of him in this story!And then you throw his family in there and there are parts that make you laugh and just make you want to hug them. Because no matter what, they are there for each other through thick and thin. Even when the worst happens, his father isn't afraid to sit his grown son down and have a real conversation with him. He is still willing to tell him his advice and show him you are never too old to need your parents or family. I loved it! I can't wait to read more in this series!!

Dare Me Once is such an amazing read and a fabulous start to the Angel Fire Falls series. Not only do you get brothers, you get a fantastic single dad of an awesome kid with Asperger’s. Lets not forget ducks too. You will fall in love with Trace and Ben. Those two will just make your heart all warm and fuzzy with their father/son relationship. I love Lily (AKA Scarlet). She is a wiz with the hotel hospitality. She may be running from her life but she really fits in with the Remington clan and hotel, along with the island of Angel Fire Falls. You can't help but be pulled in with Trace and Lily's chemistry. I know I didn't want to put this one down when it came to them. Ben and Lily form this amazing bound while caring for ducks. It is so heart warming to watch it. There even just might be a tad bit of baby mama drama too. I loved reading this one and watching Trace, Lily and Ben grow as a family. I can't wait for more of the Remington brothers.

Dare Me Once is my first book I have read by Shelly Alexander. I was in for a surprise. I did not expect to be falling for these characters hard. Granted at the beginning I had my reservations about Trace, but in the end, he turned my heart into mush. Lily was ready to start a new life. I believe things happened for a reason. And for that I knew Lily was at the right place at the right time! Dare Me Once was an enjoyable read. I laughed, I snorted, and had a hate/love relationship with the story line. In the end, because how I was left feeling, I could not sing enough praises for this book!

Great start to a new series. I really liked the story. Lily is hiding and what better place to escape her checkered past, through no fault of her own, than changing her name and moving to the Pacific Northwest. Moving to an island and using her skills in hotel management, bringing this family resort into this century should be an easy putt for her. Were in not for Trace the oldest of the Remington brothers and single dad to a young boy with Aspergers. Trace meets Lily in the airport although he doesn't realize it until they meet again on the island. He's a pilot and her ride to the island. Though they cross paths and Lily finds her own way, come heavy rainstorm on a three wheel bicycle or high water. Oh and hauling a motherless flock of newborn ducklings. Trace isn't happy about his father hiring someone to help bring the resort up to speed, he isn't happy about Lily or the ducks. Despite the fact that his son takes to her like glue and understands that the ducks are only temporary. Dealing with his lunatic ex wife who now wants custody of their son, for her new TV show, the woman who can't spend an hour with him, Trace is missing out on the simple things. But Lily picks up the slack. Lily keeps her past private, ashamed at what her father has done, while trying to field drunk calls from her mother who is enjoying her own pity party.
There are great characters in the story, starting with the Dad and the brothers along with Trace and his son. Shelly weaves a great story line here and I held my breath in a couple places waiting for things to come crashing down and what the fall out would be. This is a great read and I look forward to the next book!
4.5
**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review**

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.

Dare Me Once is the first book in the Angel Fire Falls and my first read by author Shelly Alexander. I enjoyed this story, Lily (aka Scarlett) is trying to separate herself from her past, Trace has his secrets as well but the chemistry between them is real but its their pasts that will threaten everything. I look forward to reading more by this author

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.

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.