Dare to Love Again: A Novel (The Heart of San Francisco)

It is such a pleasure to review this book and an even BIGGER pleasure to read. I can't think of even ONE thing I didn't like so I will start by telling you the things I LOVED.

With each book I read there is always at least ONE character I completely adore. Right now I am finding it hard to pick only ONE. If I have to choose, it would be Allison McClare. She was such a little spitfire with Irish blood coursing through her veins. And I mean LITTLE, literally. She was tiny without her high heels but she could whip a full-grown, grouch of a man into submission in a single heartbeat (I admired the way she wielded her pointer). Especially, Nick Barone, who she dubbed as Mr. Ba-lon-ee, Mr, Ga-roan and Mr. Cranky Pants to name a few. She had show more been heartbroken on three previous occasions by men that only wanted her money and that left her leery of men in general and angry at them to boot. She had an independent spirit which led her to learn jiu jitsu for protection. But she also had a heart of gold, reaching out to others by teaching orphans and kids less fortunate in her mother's Hand of Hope school for girls. She was a woman of substance with a quick and charming wit that brought tears to my eyes more than once, by laughter and heartbreak. In short, Alli was completely adorable, from the top of her straw hat all the way down to the bottom of her three inch high-heeled shoes.

Nick Barone is a beloved character too. He's so angry and harsh with a real hate for rich people and with good reason given what happened in his past. He's constantly wearing a scowl and is often trying to put Alli in her place but to no avail. He soon learns there's no taming the independent Allison McClare. He reverts to calling her Miss McHigh-and-Mighty, Miss La-di-da and Allison "Whack 'em Till They Weep" McClare. Nick is a hard-nosed, grouchy policemen that trudges the streets of the Barbary Coast trying to rid it of lowlifes and lower the crime rate. Since no one can seem to get his name right, he is constantly informing them "It's Ba-ron-ee, long e". He has a pension for animal crackers (they soothe his ulcer) and always smells of Bay Rum. But let me tell you what endeared Nick to me. Nick rented a room at Mercy House Orphanage which was run by Mrs. Peel, included the cook, Mrs. Lemp, and housed several orphans, including Lottie, a six year-old little girl with copper curls. When Nick was with them he was a completely different man. Playing with the kids, reading them stories and tucking them in. And he loved Mrs. Peel like a grandmother, protecting her and the kids fiercely. Nick is an all around GREAT guy!

Another thing I love about this book and Miss Julie's style of writing is--she KNOWS how to write a love scene. She draws you into the scene until you almost feel like you're a PART of it. And, oh, do they SIZZLE! She knows how to write a love scene with just the right amount of heat without going beyond the barriers. They are PERFECT in every way.

I also love the humor aspect. I laughed through practically the whole first chapter. It didn't stop there either. Several times throughout the book I found myself laughing out loud, literally! The phrases she uses could make the guards at Buckingham Palace crack a smile. But it's not all fun and games. There are some very serious scenes that had me crying in my hankie. Trust me, you WILL need tissues.

The most important thing is the way she weaved God throughout the story. There was a lot of forgiveness taking place, a lot of prayer and a lot of recognition to the fact that, YES, God is taking care of us in EVERY way. I loved when Logan finally realized that what was holding him back from a full relationship with God was the fact that he KNEW God answered prayer but he just didn't believe God answered HIS prayers. Talk about a revelation!

I enjoyed this book so thoroughly and I can't wait for the next one because I definitely smell a romance brewing between two prominent characters and THAT'S one I DON'T want to miss! I think I can definitely relate to the next EXPECTED heroine. Although, I do have to say I am in love with ALL of the characters. Miss Penny brought back memories of my grandmother who I love dearly. Lottie or "La-di-da" just made me want to tuck her in my arms and squeeze the stuffing out of her. I loved when she took Nick's face in her tiny little hands and told him he was part of God's family. Caitlyn and Cassie are just to sweet and endearing for words. And, Jamie, Blake and Bram? Hilarious with their constant jabs at each other. This is just one reader's opinion, but I haven't enjoyed such a complete reading experience in a LONG time. If you like a book that completely satisfies a reader's cravings you've found it! I fell in love with the people of Nob Hill (and the Barbary Coast) and so will you. I SO HIGHLY recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone and the thoughts of only ONE reader. If I recommend a book you can believe it's because I enjoyed it. I received no monetary compensation for this review. show less

I loved the fearless and spunky character known as Allison McClare and the whole dialogue and interaction her and detective Nick Barone had in this story, which is book two in this delightful series. Allison wants her independence as a teacher to the less fortunate down in the Barbary Coast district of San Francisco. Nick Barone works in the district and knows how dangerous it is and the two have sparks flying whenever they seem to meet. As the back cover of the book puts it, "She's a sassy socialite burned by love. He's a jaded cop burned by the upper class. When sparks fly. . . will love catch fire again?" It was fun to watch these two come to care for each other and sad to see how their love for each other was almost torn apart show more before it truly began. A well written little twist of events there near the end of the story.

This is book two in this series and could be read as a stand alone but then you wouldn't fully get to know some of the other characters in this story unless you read them in order. And the author writes such interesting and engaging stories that I am never disappointed by reading her work. Looking forward to book three next, "Surprised by Love". show less

Julie Lessman is a master at romance! Her books are always filled with tension, intrigue and love stories that leave the reader wanting to read more. A reader can not help but be drawn into the story and feel as if they are almost there watching the action unfold, experiencing first hand each deep running emotion. This story is no different.

A wealthy lady with a tender heart feels that she must bridge the gap between the rich and the poor - a perilous and dangerous road to walk upon. Allison McClare steps from her upper society into the dark and stained streets of the Barbary Coast to discover that the world of poverty is unlike anything she could have ever dreamed. Every darkened corner and dirty street, every drafty window and show more falling down house had the possibility of danger. The presence of the enemy lurked in every shadowy corner. She soon found that she was no match for the things she would encounter as she tried to reach out and help those who were less fortunate than she was. Yet she needed this very thing to keep her mind busy while her heart healed from being broken by the one she had thought was her true love.

A brusque, hardened detective with walls as thick and high as Jericho is hired to guard her and to teach self-defense. His heart is walled up against love, his mind set on fending off any woman from the upper class. He does nothing to hide his disdain for the wealthy from Allsion and she in like does nothing to bridle her tongue when it comes to a sparring match. Both find that they have met their match, but neither is ready to fall in love again - or are they?

Action, suspense, danger and love. Healing in unexpected ways at unexpected time through unexpected people. This book is a page turner for sure!

Thanks to Revell for this review copy. show less

Ahh...a wonderful return visit with the McClure family. Reunited with the folks I have come to love and enjoy.
We walk through the city of San Francisco in the beginning of the early 1900's. A far cry from today, and in many way a good thing. Such a dangerous place to live, the Barbary Coast, and then China Town. We learn of such hardship there, can you imagine fencing off a part of a city...no supplies allowed in? That is what happen to China Town with the plague.
This is also about a young woman, Ali, and her choice in men, and how she has had her heart broken, way to many times.
We are also exposed to the mob...yes the Irish mob of Chicago. Oh what long hands crime has. Also people who are not who they propose to be, in the person of show more Nick Barone...that is with a long "e".
There is also a lot of banter in this story that is so cute, quite funny. You will have a hard time putting this book down, and if you have not read the first book, don't dispair, their is enough information give, that you will not be lost. Do yourself a favor, the first is as good as the second, and you will equally enjoy it!

I received this book from the publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

"Dare to Love Again" is the second novel in The Heart of San Francisco trilogy of the McClare family, from award-winning author, Julie Lessman. Socialite Allison McClare's goal to be an independent woman is met with opposition from Detective Nick Barone (long e), whose beat is the streets of the wild Barbary Coast, in which the Hand of Hope School for girls - where Allison is the new teacher of English and drama - is located. Nick's secrets from the past have left him with a grudge against the upper class - Allison's belief that all men are liars, frauds, or fortune hunters, stems from the pain caused by a broken relationship. The humorous barbs between Nick and Allison start on the first page and don't let up until the last page of show more this delightful novel. Nick and Allison are equally surprised when romantic sparks start to fly.

From Julie Lessman's description of a "lighter, shorter, less complicated series - with less romantic and spiritual passion" (as compared to her Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change trilogies), I wasn't sure what to expect with this series. What I DID expect was to be thoroughly entertained and inspired - as Julie is a masterful writer - and I wasn't disappointed!!

Julie's heart-warming characters are in abundance, as usual. The girls and staff of Mercy House Orphanage are a touching addition to the story - watch out for little Lottie, she'll "steal your heart"!! The "on-again, off-again" romantic relationship between Allison's mother, Caitlyn, and Caitlyn's deceased husband's brother, Logan, will have you cheering for, and sympathizing with, each of them before the story ends.

"Dare to Love Again" is chock-full of humor, suspense, passion, drama, secrets, romance, realistic characters, redemption, forgiveness, warm family setting, hope, regret, love, faith, and the ever-wonderful happy ending - it's a treat for ALL readers!! The McClare family is a delight - just as the O'Connor family was in Julie's two previous series!! I've loved each and every novel she's written, and I await - however impatiently - the October 2014 release of the final novel in the series, "Surprised By Love"!! show less

“Dare to Love Again” by Julie Lessman is a historical romance novel that takes place in San Francisco in the early 1900’s.

Caitlyn McClare and her daughter and niece have started a school for underprivileged girls on the edge of the Barbary Coast area of San Francisco. This area is not one in which genteel women should ever walk alone. Logan McClare, Caitlyn’s brother-in-law and Allison’s uncle, hires a policeman to be their bodyguard, unbeknownst to the women. Nick Barone is quite competent in that regard. Both he and Allison McClare are wounded souls who have been rejected by former loves and are determined not to become involved with anyone for a very long time. There are other problems that Nick is trying to overcome and show more these present a real danger to him and to Allison.

I liked this book, but I thought that it was a slow read for me. I just couldn’t get really involved with the characters, which is something that, for me, makes a great novel. There was quite a bit of dialogue between Nick and Alli that was very sarcastic. I skipped a few paragraphs that seemed to bog down with that dialogue. The dangerous and thrilling actions came towards the very end of the book. I wish that part could have been drawn out and more written about it. I think it would have added to the book.
I was sent a free print copy of this book by Revell Reads in return for my honest assessment of the book posted during the January 2014 Blog Tour.

You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-9D. show less

DARE TO LOVE AGAIN by Julie Lessman is another exciting inspirational Historical Romance set in San Francisco in 1903. #2 "The Heart of San Francisco" but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Love at any Cost". Once again, Ms. Lessman has created a story that is stunning, with memorable characters, and an intriguing storyline. The characters are witty, engaging, emotional, with longing, forgiveness, healing, deception, and the brilliance of love. A most interesting story with more than one twist and turn. Detective Nick Barone and Socialite Allison McClare, are sure to capture your heart. Second chances and the glamour of the Gilded Age of San Francisco makes this an entertaining story. A must read! Received for an honest review from the show more publisher.
*Coming from Revell Books in December*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More show less