Dare to Play

Light, fun and sexy
5 stars

This is the third book in Carly Philip’s Dare Nation series - a spin-off from previous Dare series. I mean, all these Dares are connected in some convoluted way. Who knows how Ms Philips keeps things straight in her head! But for readers, this book does have cameos from other characters from this series and beyond, but it stands completely alone and comes with its own HEA. Job’s a good ‘un.

This is the story of Jaxon and Macy; two characters who, on the surface, seem completely different from each other. Jaxon is a big-time baseball player, currently in a spot of bother due to some brawling and less than stellar choices of sexual partner. Macy, on the other hand, is raising her 15 year old sister and is show more pretty much all business and no pleasure. She even has a wicked stepmother to deal with - back to challenge Macy for custody of said sister.

Despite their differences, and their tentative connection (Macy is the best friend of Brianne - Jaxon’s sister), at a wedding, the pair connect and spend the night together. From there, an ill-timed paparazzi shot brings the elements of our story together - Jaxon’s reputation and Macy’s custody battle - culminating in the plan for a quickie, if fake, marriage. Hey - it’s not the craziest idea ever and it would solve both their problems.

But even before the wedding, Jaxon and Macy are continually shooting sparks. They can barely keep their hands off each other - and I felt it. The sexual chemistry between this pair was stomach clutchingly fantastic and they get it on pretty frequently throughout the book. Happy campers, all round.

We’ve obviously got a little conflict which keeps us wondering whether our couple will be able to make it through to their happily ever after. I mean, of course they will, but we still need things to be interesting. The conflict is mainly about whether Jaxon can move on from his past, and whether Macy can get the courage to go after what she wants. Nothing insurmountable but it worked nicely as a possible barrier.

I always enjoy a Carly Phillips novel and this one was up to her normally high standard. You will whizz through this book - the writing keeping you interested in the characters and their storylines. This book was exactly what I needed; Light, fun, sexy and something to get myself lost in for a couple of hours. Whether you’re reading through the Dare Nation series or not, you will not be disappointed with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 5 stars. show less

Loved this book, marriage of convenience, and best friend's brother, sport romance all in one story. Jaxon and Macy's story was a great one, she is a graphic designer and he is the pro baseball player, their story wasn't an easy one but their chemistry was off the charts, how Jaxon helped with Hannah. How they both helped each other grow and how their relationship was developed. I also love that I got to see other characters from the series and definitely looking forward to the next book.

Macy is trying her best to everything she can to help her sister and be the best person she can in her life, but her ex step mother is out to get her sister back in her custody even though she is not fit to be anyone’s mother. Macy never planned on being a guardian at her age with no life of her own but after her sister’s mother left them behind and their father passed away, she is doing her best but it’s not enough. Striking up a deal with the infamous playboy baseball player, Jaxson they embark on an adventure together in hopes it will help them both out of some serious situations. The chemistry and attraction are off the charts, but can they keep things simple knowing at some point their fake marriage has an end date? Or will show more feelings become too real and hard for them to sort out? I loved both the characters because Macy was sweet, kind, loyal and Jaxson was funny, sweet, a heart of gold that he was just too afraid of getting hurt again. show less