Title: DARE
Series: Brothers of Ink and Steel #1
Author: Allie Juliette Mousseau
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Release Date: January 12, 2015
Josh North is UFC’s Light Heavyweight Champion—but he’s about to meet his match.
Sophie Garner is a single mom who’s been raising her daughter on her own, fighting for both of their lives ever since going into hiding to escape her abusive husband.
When Sophie gets offered the job of a lifetime as the exclusive massage therapist for Josh “The Jackhammer” North’s team, it’s difficult to say no to the outrageous salary—and the bet—that Josh proposes. But for Sophie it’s a risk that could cost a lot more than just her heart – if she’s found, it could cost her her life.
Should she dare?
Josh wants to break through Sophie’s fortified walls, but is unwilling to put the jackhammer to his own and reveal his secrets and the side of him few have ever known or seen. To do that, he’ll have to confront the darkness of his past.
Will he dare?
Six weeks until Christmas. I jab Ray, my sparring partner, in the eye. He staggers back a little before he shakes it off. I wonder if I could get Sophie to come with me to the party?
I send two fast fists into Ray’s ribcage. In two days we’ll all be flying to Denver for the rest of the week. I’ll be meeting Charlie for the first time. I block Ray’s grasp as he comes in and tries to take me to the floor. I land a kick in his well-padded sternum.
I know Denver. Sophie said she’d never been there before. I could set up an impromptu lunch or dinner with her and Charlie … that wouldn’t look like I was hitting on her. Right? Maybe I can even get Sophie to be my—hell, I don’t know what to call it … wingman? Co-pilot? Any term but “date”—for one of the sponsor events. There will be two of them over the weekend.
Ray gets around me and attempts a chokehold. I break free and throw him over my shoulder. His back slams against the mat. I hear the breath that’s forced from his lungs.
The team always sets me up with one or two women for the photo shoots, then for the promo galas, which usually consist of a benefit auction or fundraising dinner. Sophie might find it fun. If we go as friends, she won’t feel threatened, right? And she could learn more about the ins and outs of that side of the business. Oh, hell yeah! That sounds perfect!
Just then Sophie walks by the ring. Her face is freshly scrubbed and free of makeup. She possesses a natural beauty that’s breathtaking. Deep brown chestnut waves of hair cascade over the shoulders of her crisp, white blouse. She glances at me from under her lashes. It’s so subtle, if I wasn’t looking at her precisely at this moment I wouldn’t have noticed.
But I do.
Her cheeks blush with a surge of pink when our eyes meet.
I feel Ray’s legs wrap around mine as I hear his body slam to the mat and sense helplessly that he’s taking me down with him. Shit! Immediately, my hip and shoulder connects with the tough canvas.
Sophie keeps walking by, pretending as if she didn’t see anything, but I see the curve of her rose petal lips as they form a smile.
Allie Juliette Mousseau writes sexy, emotionally-charged New Adult and Adult Romance in a variety of genres and temperatures. She also creates captivating YA worlds through the magic of ink.
She can always be found writing, playing in puddles with her children, hiking with her husband, or adventuring somewhere in the world. Her favorite place to write on warm days is outdoors, but when the weather gets too cold, she'll be inside at her desk inspired by the mountain view from her home office in Montana where she lives with her loving husband, children, and golden retriever.
She loves to travel, and lived for three years in her RV with her family while visiting the national parks and forests of the U.S. and a couple Canadian provinces. Allie loves chatting to her readers through email and social media! Come visit her through any of her links below!
This book was such a huge surprise to me. I hadn't read anything from this author before, but I am glad I decided to delve into this one. What can I say about this book? It's simply amazing and beautiful. I love the way it was written. I loved the dual point of view while usually I am not a big fan of it.
The author really knows how to make her characters lovable, honest and realistic.
Our main protagonists, Sophie and Josh are the definition of what perfect characters must be. Perfect as in real, flawed people who can win you over in a matter of a few pages.
Sophie is running from her past and brings her little daughter with her. I simply loved her story. You could see how she evolved as a person and became this strong-willed, brave woman, fighting for the life of her little girl, Charlie. She is what a single mother should be. I loved her.
She is assigned as a massage therapist to Josh North, famous firefighter and MMA fighter/trainer. After being hurt at a fire, Josh requires assistance and meets Sophie at the hospital. Attraction blooms and Josh offers her a job in his team just so he can have her close.
Face to face with a financial/career offer she can't refuse, she agrees and our story kicks off as she becomes his private masseuse. Heat and passion bursts from the pages and our couple buckles on for a wild ride.
Sophie and Josh fight their own pasts and demons while they try to keep parts of their life hidden from each other out of fear. This book was an example of how love and trust can overcome human fears and conquer them. It is a book about how the right person can bring you a chance at happiness.It's a story about family values.
The writing was flawless and the characters some of the best I've read this year. The storyline kept you on your toes and the sensual scenes were beyond this world. Wow.
Reviewed by Lani
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Hi Lani!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this beautiful and poignant review! You're incredible <3 And I'm so happy you love Dare like I do.
Allie Juliette