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Dare to Desire Hardcover – September 3, 2015

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,810 ratings

He knows how to score 
... on the field and in the bedroom. 

But Alex Dare isn't prepared for the injury that sidelines him into early retirement. Still, if it means working closely with the one woman who ever meant more to him than a one night stand, he's all on board. But there is no amount of wealth or charm that could persuade social worker, Madison Evans, back into Alex's bed. 

Good thing Alex loves a challenge. But soon seducing Madison becomes more than just a goal, it just might define his future.
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Dear Readers:
The DARE TO LOVE books consist of Miami siblings/halfsiblings and NY cousins (hotter books) and the books ran in consecutiveorder. It makes more sense for the books to be divided by family and so I have split up the series as follows - The Dare to Love Series (Miamisiblings) and the NY Dares (NY cousins). Please note ALL BOOKS CAN BE READ ALONE but if you enjoy your stories in order, below is the newseries order. I hope you enjoy!
Dare to Love Series1. Dare to Love2. Dare to Desire3. Dare to Touch4. Dare to Hold5. Dare to Rock6. Dare to Take - coming soon!
NY Dares1. Dare to Surrender2. Dare to Submit3. Dare to Seduce
All the best,Carly

About the Author

Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at carlyphillips.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ NLA Digital LLC (September 3, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1942288549
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1942288541
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.75 x 7.99 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,810 ratings

About the author

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Carly Phillips
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Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, visit Carly's website and sign up for her newsletter to receive two free books!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,810 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book and find it easy to read. They appreciate the relatable characters and their development. The emotional content is heartwarming, passionate, and moving. Readers enjoy the steamy moments and chemistry between the characters. Overall, they describe the book as a solid read with good pacing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

137 customers mention "Readability"137 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book and find it readable. They appreciate the series and find it enjoyable, with steamy scenes and witty characters. The book is part of the Dare series but can be read as a standalone.

"...The characters are witty and loving. They burn up the sheets...." Read more

"...All in all, a really enjoyable read that set up the next in the series nicely...." Read more

"...Bottom line - I am really enjoying this series, and I hope Olivia and Dylan are next up! Time and money well spent!" Read more

"This is book 2 in the Dare series, but can be read as a stand alone. Alex Dare is a star quarterback who doesn't do relationships...." Read more

113 customers mention "Romance"108 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the storyline engaging, with a good love story and plenty of steamy moments. The book has an exciting plot with a happy ending. Readers appreciate the business aspect of the story and the well-written romance.

"...Great story that takes you on a little adventure and shows us more into the Dare Family...." Read more

"...All in all, a really enjoyable read that set up the next in the series nicely...." Read more

"...This book is filled with family, love, pain, heartbreak, laughter, some unexpected moments, some you did not just do that moments, some do not make..." Read more

"I love this story line especially because it touches two important subjects kids who have been in foster care and the issues they have but also..." Read more

58 customers mention "Writing style"55 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book. They find the characters relatable and lovable. The story is well-written with beautiful descriptions of sex scenes. Readers appreciate the author's storytelling ability and the growth of the characters.

"...Really enjoyed reading this story!" Read more

"...have incited as intense a reaction as Dare to Love, but were infinitely relatable...." Read more

"...These two need each other more than life itself. Wonderful story, great characters." Read more

"Another great read from Carly Phillips! To me, Dare to Desire is about second chances...." Read more

48 customers mention "Character development"44 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the relatable characters and watching their growth. They appreciate the personalities and passion displayed in the sex scenes. The characters are described as emotionally fragile people who learn to live and trust with a great supporting cast. Customers laugh, cry, and hurt along with the characters as they face challenges and hurts from different but difficult childhoods.

"...The characters are witty and loving. They burn up the sheets...." Read more

"...I thought both characters showed good growth over the course of the book...." Read more

"...This book is filled with family, love, pain, heartbreak, laughter, some unexpected moments, some you did not just do that moments, some do not make..." Read more

"...These two need each other more than life itself. Wonderful story, great characters." Read more

22 customers mention "Emotional content"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and passionate. They find the characters relatable and not too messed up. The story keeps readers engaged and resonates with them. Readers appreciate the insight into what athletes go through and how to change their lifestyle for love.

"...This story is about trust and letting go of negative emotions. Trust is not built in a day and requires constancy...." Read more

"...about second chances at love and trusting and changing your lifestyle for someone you love...." Read more

"...Seeing his growth in the book was believable and heart-warming. Madison rocks this story...." Read more

"I resonated with this book. I think because I connected with it on a deeper level, it brought out all of my emotions...." Read more

21 customers mention "Steamy content"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content in the book. They find the chemistry between Madison and Alex undeniable, and the series romantic and exciting.

"...Hot, Sexy, Protective, Alpha dudes....works for me!!!!..." Read more

"I loved the undenialable hot chemistry between Madison and Alex, but there were some things that I had a little trouble with, like some of the dirty..." Read more

"...Alex and Madison is off the charts and their connection and hotness jumps off the pages...." Read more

"Dare To Desire by Carly Phillips is a steamy, hot read! Alex and Madison's story is an adventure in messed up relationships...." Read more

16 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's pacing good. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the solid read. The main characters are described as strong and sexy. Overall, readers praise the book for its well-rounded version of sports romance.

"...In spite of her abandonment and trust issues, Madison is a strong and independent young woman...." Read more

"...I really got into her character and admire her strength. Alex has a lot to make up for, and he has to fight Madison's ghosts...." Read more

"...they are both alpha males and very stubborn with hurt pride...." Read more

"...What woman couldn't love a Dare man, they are strong, dominant men who will protect who they love with everything they have...." Read more

12 customers mention "Love story"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the love story. They find Alex and Madison's relationship compelling, and appreciate Alex's positive attitude and determination. Readers also appreciate Ian and Riley's development.

"...It was great to see Ian and Riley. Ian seems to be so much more relaxed. *sigh* I loved Ian...." Read more

"...I love how Alex doesn't give up. The story flows and you don't want to put the book down. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger...." Read more

"...It is the love story of Alex, Ian Dares half brother, and Madison, best friend to Riley, Ian's wife...." Read more

"Alex was awesome. I loved his personality and he is just plain ole sexy...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2016
    Alex Dare was a football player on the fast track with as many women around him he wanted. He found the one woman that he knew was more and that scared him. He had a career ending accident on the field and not only lost the career he had been loving but he chased away the woman who cared for him the most... Madison Evans.

    Months later Madison Evans takes a job with Alex's older half brother Ian Dare and becomes close friends with Ian's wife Riley. Ian decides that Alex is the perfect man for the job with Madison, with some careful nudging from Riley. Madison sees Alex and all she sees is the man that destroyed her months ago; she wants nothing to with him . The sparks fly as Alex is determined to get Madison back but it may be too little too late. Can Madison resist the one man her heart and body are demanding?

    Wow another great book from Carly Phillips. I absolutely love this series but you can read each book as a stand alone as well too but it is better reading the series in order. This is book two in the series and I loved it. This book concentrates on Alex and Madison. Alex is the oldest born of the other half of the children of Robert Dare, the illegitimate side. The characters are witty and loving. They burn up the sheets. Alex is definitely as similar as his older brother Ian when it comes to domineering men. Great story that takes you on a little adventure and shows us more into the Dare Family. Would definitely recommend this book and this author as a must read.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2015
    Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career and his choice of willing women — until injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he callously hurt when she got too close for comfort.

    Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.

    But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. Can he convince Madison to take a risk and dare to love?

    We don’t see too much of Alex and Madison’s first relationship. They’re in the midst of it when Alex is hurt on the football field and he shuts Madison out completely. We pick back up six months later. Alex and Madison haven’t seen each other since he threw her out of his hospital room following his injury.

    Alex was told by his doctors that one more concussion could cause him problems up to and including permanent brain damage, memory loss, depression, loss of motor control or blindness. His football playing days are over. At twenty-six, Alex must retire from the only career he’s prepared for or is qualified for. I was expecting him to have a lot more problems adjusting to post-football life, but any problems he had must have happened in the six months we skipped over, because by the time we catch back up with him, he’s pretty well-adjusted. There are a few scenes involving him showing some real emotion over it, and those are mostly him not wanting others to see him as weak. His brother Ian asks him to come work for him on a new program he’s trying to institute with professional athletes, not telling him that Madison is already attached to the project and will be his closest co-worker. Alex is fine with this because he’s already decided he wants Madison back, but Madison needs a little more convincing.

    Madison has a lot of abandonment issues stemming from her childhood, most of which Alex triggered when he threw her out of his hospital room and refused to speak to her again. She has absolutely no interest in being one more in a string of Alex’s conquests. She’s furious when she realizes that Ian and his wife, Riley, Madison’s best friend, have gotten her to accept this job and get excited about it before telling her Alex would be involved. Because she is so excited about the job, she decides to stick it out with Alex, deciding that she’s a professional and she can make it work.

    There wasn’t a lot of drama or angst in this book. Alex tells her early on that he wants her back, and she agrees almost immediately to give it a chance, though she makes it clear that this is a probationary period. They date, they have a lot of really great sex, and they get to know each other as these new people that they’ve turned into. And Alex is definitely a different person after everything he’s gone through. He’s realized that a lot of the people he thought were his friends were not, they took off after he wasn’t playing football anymore and wasn’t living the same style of life they had grown accustomed to. He sold his house and downsized to an apartment because he realized he would have to get better at managing his money than he had been before. And I was really impressed with his decision to walk away from football. A lot of players of various sports would have gotten the diagnosis Alex did and found a way to keep playing because they didn’t know what else to do. Alex was able to make a rational, though difficult decision, and do what was best for his health and his future.

    “And you matter. I also know how to work for what I want. And Madison?” He looked directly into her eyes. “I want you.”

    Madison, for her part hasn’t really changed so much herself as she has realized that it’s not really fair for her to expect Alex to completely change everything about himself while she remains stagnant. Yes, there were things about Alex that she needed to be different in order to be comfortable with him (For example, in the past, when approached by female fans while he was with Madison, he would all but push her out of the way to flirt with the fans and sign whatever they wanted him to. Now when that situation arises, he keeps Madison at his side, making it clear that they’re together, and signs items for the fans, but doesn’t flirt with them.) There’s a definite sense this time around with Alex that he recognizes what he has with Madison and isn’t willing to risk it or throw it away like he was previously. As a result, when a situation arises toward the end of the book that could have caused a lot of drama and hurt feelings, Madison trusts Alex and recognizes the situation for what it is.

    I went 3.5 stars on this one because I thought Madison gave in to Alex a little too easily when he decided he wanted her back. He had said and done some terrible things and I thought he needed to grovel a little more. But that’s a personal preference. Also, I thought the sub-plot with Madison’s foster brother was a little unnecessary. Yes, it gave Alex another way to help Madison out and prove his commitment to her, but in the end it didn’t really go anywhere.

    All in all, a really enjoyable read that set up the next in the series nicely. Also, and this is just me, but I really like the heart Carly Phillips makes out of the C and the P in her name on the chapter headers. I don’t know why, I just think it’s really cute.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2014
    Now it is Alex Dare's turn. His initial romance with Madison has crashed and burned. It was all his fault and now he must live with it. Unfortunately, for the past 6 months, he has been unable to focus on anyone else but his memories of Madison.

    After the football accident that ended his career, he has been drifting along without purpose. It is high time he find a purpose in his life ... and a means to earn some income that will not embarrass him.

    Working alongside Madison and under his half-brother Ian is not a perfect solution. Communicating with Madison on a daily basis is a great opening for him to rebuild the relationship he threw away. He knows it and he is ready to grovel if need be.

    This story is about trust and letting go of negative emotions. Trust is not built in a day and requires constancy. How can you trust anyone who is not willing to let go of his harmful ways? Alex must convince Madison he has grown and changed. The limelight no longer lures him like before and he is willing to commit to a greater cause. Alex has his work cut out for him!

    Again we have here a story in Carly Phillips unique style that draws us in to the real problems our characters must face. Passion and lust is not enough. Our characters have to make real life decisions regarding the obstacles that face them. I love it when a flawed character recognizes the the need to work on his problems and grows during the course of the story. Both Alex and Madison face their problems and make the decisions they must in order to move on and grow. Really enjoyed reading this story!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • S. Holroyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars book 2 of the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2023
    Alex suffers a devastating injury and manages to lose his sort of girlfriend at the same time. Several. O this later he crosses paths with Maddison, the ex he wants back. Can he convince her to give him another chance? Maddison has some issues from her turbulent childhood but these two really belong together.

    The Dare siblings are great, complicated but engaging
  • vasu
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not booked
    Reviewed in India on March 14, 2019
    Not booked
  • Rainbowdragon86
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein tolles Buch über eine zweite Chance!
    Reviewed in Germany on August 12, 2017
    Carly Phillips hat es auch mit dem zweiten Teil wieder geschafft mich mitzureißen!
    Die Geschichte von dem Footballprofi Alex Dare und der Sozialarbeiterin Madison Evans (26 ist einfach spitze!
    Alex lernt Madiison durch seine Freundin Riley Taylor kennen. Die jetzt mit seinem Bruder Ian verheiratet ist.
    Nach einer Verletzung, kann er nicht mehr spielen. Und eines der ersten Taten ist das er Madison verletzt.
    Einige Zeit vergeht und beide müssen viele Vergangene Verletzungen verarbeiten um eine zweite Chance zu bekommen!
    Super geschrieben, sehr emotional! Einfach toll! Ich freue mich auf das nächste Buch!
  • Ewa B
    2.0 out of 5 stars Boring, slow, no chemistry between MC
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 21, 2016
    Madison, heroine was lame and did not make Alex to work hard to deserve her. She was doormat. Storyline without angst.
  • SamK
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hot read!!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 30, 2016
    Alex is definitely one of my favourite Dare men in Carly Phillips's Dare series! His alpha, take charge personality made me SWOOOON with delight! A fun read with plenty of SCORCHING moments!