I can't say enough how much I LOVED LOVED this book! I laughed out loud while reading. Doesn't happen often. I loved all the characters we got to meet in this story and I can't wait for the next in the series to come out.

Lily is in the hotel business in the fast paced New Orleans. She has worked hard to get to where she is today. Then something happens to change all this in her life that is out of her control.She ends up fired and her Fiance who is her boss breaks up with her all at the same time. She finds she needs a new change of scenery and ends up in Angel Fire Falls on an island off the West Cost of the Unite States. As far as she could get from New Orleans. Lily is running away from the crazy to try and find some normal again.

Trace is a single father who has moved back home to Angel Fire Falls to help run the family Inn. He moved here for the support and love of his family while he raises his special needs son Ben. This story line is written so beautifully. He is the oldest of three sons. The Dynamic of his family is wonderful and fun to watch.

This story is beautifully written and highly recommended. There is so much love, laughter and chemistry between Lily and Trace. 5 stars all the way! Can't wait to read Dare Me Again.... The next book in the series.... It is painful for me to wait.....

I just adored this book. The storyline was funny, refreshing and exciting. The author took an everyday human issue (life with a special needs child) and put it with a romantic yet humorous storyline that will literally just melt your heart. I’d also like to say Kudos to the author for her portrayal of Ben. He is one fantastic kid that sees the world clearer that most adults I know.

Life is not easy, especially when you carry the load for your family, internal secrets or when your heart is torn between what you want to do and what you have to do for those you love. But those issues are just the case for Trace and Scarlett, the main two characters in Dare Me Once.

Scarlett has come to the resort island in an attempt to start over and hide from the scandal of her past. All she wants is to start her new job and do it so well that her “little white lies” won’t matter. However, she doesn’t count on 10 baby Ducks or an adorable young boy and his father messing with her plan. As for Trace, all he wants is to take care of his son Ben. Ben is autistic and the most important thing in his life no matter how lonely he is on the inside.

I can’t recommend this book enough. I laughed, smiled, worried and cheered throughout the book and I just know everyone who reads it will do the same. 2 Thumbs Up and 5 stars for a Must Read, Feel Good, RomCom that once you start it, you won’t be able to set it down.

This contemporary romance is funny, sexy and heartwarming at the same time. It’s the first in a series and what a way to start.

The Remington brothers, Trace, Spence and Elliott had all grown up in Angel Fire Falls, a beautiful island in the northwest. Their family owned The Remington, a vacation retreat and resort. After living solo lives they all returned to the family business, Trace brought along a son, Ben, whose Mom left Trace and Ben for better opportunities. Ben has Asberger Syndrome, but is very high functioning. The Remington is falling in disrepair and needs a facelift among other things. Lawrence the owner and father has begun plans to change that by hiring a Hospitality Manager.

Lilly Barnes is that person. She has changed her appearance and name to disappear for a while to recover from a broken engagement and her father being jailed for embezzlement. She’s looking forward to the peace and quiet of the small Island and doing the work she loves. She misses her connection, so arrives on the island with no one knowing she’s there. Bound and determined to fix this on her own, she borrows and adult tricycle to get her and her luggage to the Remington. But, she wasn’t counting on a huge storm getting in her way, not to mention the orphaned ducks she has to save. She is rescued by Trace in a Jeep, and has to do some convincing about the ducks. Trace is admiring how Lilly looks with her clothes plastered to her skin.

The characters are delightful. Charlie, the baker, is a cousin, and becomes a great friend to Lilly. The whole atmosphere is friendly and very family oriented, and the building relationship between Trace and Lilly is very sexy. Ben becomes immediately comfortable with Lilly and she values his feelings. They work together to keep the ducks safe and happy!

This is such a fun read, and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
I would like to thank Montlake Romance and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I like this new series of Shelly Alexander's. I wasn't sure what to think because of the book cover. But, I was pleasantly surprised and loved the story about Trace's son, Ben. Being a mom with a high functioning special needs kid, I could really relate to Trace's overprotectiveness and the way he felt about life around him because of it. I wish we could all find a Lily to walk along side of us like that!

Amazing little summery romance novel, perfect for a day by the pool. The chemistry between Lily and Trace is literary jumping off the pages from the first chapter.
I love that this novel touches onto subjects like single dads and asbergers, which are normally not subjects that scream romance novel. I was pleasantly surprised how well the aspect of Ben's (Trace's son) asbergers was weaved into the story.
The characters are all well rounded and very likable...I can't wait for some more installments from the Remington brothers because Trace got 2 very hot single brother who should defo find love soon ;)

This is a feel goods book with everything I expect to find in a romance novel.
It tells the story of a strong woman who in the realm of family trouble she gets her way out of it. She finds herself in a new job and gains not only a new life but a new family. Trace is one of the sons of her boss and he has an autistic son. He puts nothing before his son butLily is going to give him a run for his money.
this book had me laughing out loud and crying as well. It is a great strong story.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

This is the first book in this series by this author. This is a beautiful heart warming story. You will fall in love with the characters as you read. This book will hook you from the first page till the very last one. This is a sweet story about love and family. I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author in the future.



Highly recommended

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

Shelly Alexander is the queen of swoon-worthy, but also grounded and believable, interconnected standalones. I loved her Red River Valley series, so I had high expectations for Dare Me Once and the world I knew she'd be creating.

Lily, a capable hospitality manager, takes a job at the Remington in Angel Fire Falls in order to escape her old life. Trace is a devoted single dad and Lily's new boss. Lily and Trace both have baggage and neither is looking for love, so of course sparks fly between the two of them. They are easy to root for from the beginning. Single dad romance isn't usually my go-to, but Trace's son, Ben, really helps make this story! Not only do we get to watch Lily and Trace grow together, but we get to see Lily and Ben forge a strong relationship, too. I can't wait for more Angel Fire Falls!

After reading Shelly Alexander’s Red River Valley series, I was really lookng forward to her new series. I was not disappointed! This series is clearly all about family and I truly appreciated the way the author handled Ben’s Asperger’s.

This was a great start to the series and I look forward to the next one.

Scarlett Devereaux needs to escape from her life. Her father has just been convicted of embezzelment and her mother is in complete denial by drinking and shopping. Scarlett is tired of the media hounding her. Oh, and she was just fired and dumped by the same man--her boss was her fiance. When the scandal broke about her father he dumped and fired her faster than you can say creole. What's a girl to do? She applies for a job at a small resort that doesn't require a background check--her lovely ex made sure that she was blacklisted. Oh, and she changed her name to Lily Barnes--her grandmother's name and her middle name.

Lily (Scarlett) is determined to start over at the Remington Resort on a small island off the coast of Washington State. Nothing has went right. While waiting at the airport for her last plane ride to the island, Lily gets a chair massage. This is where she meets "the Voice." He sounds sexy, and muscular ...she should not be thinking about men. She almost wrote them off since the two most important men in her life disappointed her.


Trace Remington is a family man. He returned home to help his father with the Remington Resort six years ago after an issue with a nanny and his ex-wife. Trace quit his high powered pilot job and returned home to help his father and raise his autistic son, Ben. Trace flies the resorts' clients to and from the resort on his floatplane. Trace's brother's Spence and Elliot dares Trace to get a phone number of a woman. Trace has to call her in front of his brothers to prove that the number is legit. The two brothers are just looking out for their up tight older brother who takes life too seriously.


The problem is the number is from the sexy moaning woman at the chair masseuse, she is the perfect target with her Jimmy Choo shoes and high fashion clothes--she's definitely a tourist. No worry about being turned down cause there's no way that anything will happen. Too bad the moaning tourist is the new hospitality manager their father hired for the resort. She's kind to Ben and befriends his cousin the resident baker. Oh and Lily saves a flock of ducks that Ben loves. Very few people understand Ben, including his ex-wife Ben's mother Megan.

A chance to rebuild her life after the mishap that had happened to her, that was Scarlett Devereaux’s new mission in hopes of a better future. Now called Lily Barns, she found solace in one remote place, wishing for anonymity, safety and solitude. With ducks and wheel cycles, a charming smile and charismatic attitude, Lily’s life became so much better.

Especially after meeting and dealing with Trace Remington and his son with special needs, Ben. OMG.. Trace is soooo swoon-worthy! I don’t know about you, but the last three books I’ve read always had me sighing and rooting for the male characters. But this time, I’ll stick to Daddy Trace, whose main priority is his child (who has Asperger’s syndrome). Lily was so adorably compassionate with everything, too, most especially to Ben, and I couldn’t really find fault about their relationship, if not for the secrets that Lily had buried deep inside her. (Something about her felonious father, drunk mom and ridiculous ex-lovers).

Dare Me Once is a beautiful read, filled with familial love, hope, dedication, acceptance and forgiveness. Love love love Trace Remington and his son Ben.. Love love love Lily Barns aka Scarlett Devereaux, too! A beautiful read with many life’s lessons, one that include this tip: Never date a man who can’t make you moan louder than your masseuse can….O. M. G. I definitely want to meet Yin, Lily’s personal masseuse and experience all that wonderful, exhilarating and sigh-inducing relaxing retreat.
I think this is my first book by Shelly Alexander and I am now a big fan! I need to check out and read her other stories and next books soon!!

Sexy humorous romance

This is the first book in Shelly Alexander's Angel Fire series and it was very entertaining. I loved Lily's strength and Trace's heart and fatherly determination and love. I think the instant chemistry between the hero and heroine was very sexy.
The story was very realistic and heartwarming. Ben, Trace's son added many interesting layers to the story.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

4.5 Stars!

Dare Me Once, is the first book from Shelly Alexander's brand new series Angel Fire Falls. It is a wonderful and sexy story with two main characters that are genuine and addicting. This book may be enjoyed as a standalone.

New Orleans native Scarlett Devereaux, aka Lily Barns, had a lot going for her until her father was jailed for embezzlement. To the world, Lily is guilty by association, which results in the loss of her executive hotel position, her so-called friends and her fiance. The press is always hanging around and she needs a fresh start. Luckily, she finds a position as the new hospitality manager for a family-owned resort in Angel Fire Falls, a small island off the coast of Washington State. Overtime, her very fulfilling job evolves into a new home, a loving relationship and ready-made family.

Trace Remington's life is anything but boring. As a single dad to his eight-year-old son with Asperger's, and a float-plane pilot for his family's resort, he has very little time for himself. The resort is struggling to remain competitive and he and his two brothers want it to be a success. Trace is more than pleasantly surprised when Lily's plans and changes actually make things better for himself, his son and the resort. Lily is like a breath of fresh air, and he can't get enough of her.

This is an absorbing and well-written novel. Lily and Trace share an amazing chemistry, and Ms. Alexander does an excellent job of creating sexual tension, longing, and steam. Considering the roller coaster ride that Lily escaped from, her gumption and ability to love is truly remarkable. Trace is an all around good guy, and the love he has for his son and family is heartfelt. In addition, the strength of the secondary characters adds an extra believable, quality to the story.

Don't pass up the opportunity to spend some time in Angel Fire Falls. Overall, this is a captivating read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Shelly Alexander is a new to me author and I must say, I certainly wasn't disappointed. This was a very enjoyable story that kept me engaged right from the start. I adored the connection between Lily and Ben. What a doll! Trace's entire family was a hoot. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls Book 1) is a sweet read as it’s full of humor, love and of course passion.
I loved how Shelly Alexander brought these elements together in this story.

Lilly aka Scarlett Devereaux has taken a new job as a hospitality manager to leave her old life and identity behind her. While Trace is a single dad with an autistic child and has sworn off women to take care of his son.

A moan from a massage brings them together in an unusual way but each have no idea of who each of them are; however, once at the resort all is revealed.

My favorite part was how Shelly intertwined how a flock of little ducklings can bring love, joy and life skills to the story,

I wanted to kick butt on Trace’s ex, but in the end she learned her lesson the hard way.

Trace’s and Lilly’s journey in finding love, forgiveness and family was a wonderful read for anyone who loves HEAs. I can’t wait to see how the other brothers meet the love of their lives.

Series: Dare Me Once (Angel Fire Falls Book 1)

Characters: Strong single father who puts his son first and determined woman who works through her family’s tragic events.

Writing: Smooth, developed, keeps the reader’s emotions engaged with the story.

Storyline: Journey of love, passion and HEA.

Heat: Sizzling

5 Koala Paws

This book has some cussing (including a few f-bombs) and some sex, but neither thing is overwhelming or over-done, they fit perfectly into the flow of the story.

I have read every book that Shelly Alexander has written thus far and really enjoyed all of them, but this was my absolute favorite. I found myself struggling to put it down because I needed to know what happened with Trace and Lily and Ben – to the point where I took my Kindle with me when I was cooking dinner and when I wasn't reading I was thinking about the characters. I love it when a book draws me in like that.

Trace was the epitome of a swoon-worthy single father. He loved Ben with all of his heart, and he did everything he could to keep him safe and happy. What's not to love? Lily was also really amazing. I adored her determination and the way that she wasn't willing to let anything beat her, no matter how ridiculous she looked in the process. I loved the fact that these two developed a real relationship before falling into bed together – that they had a foundation of friendship before jumping into sex makes me believe in their happily ever after. The humor that was weaved throughout this book was unbelievable. I found myself laughing out loud more than once, and I highlighted dozens of moments that I wanted to be able to go back and re-read for a laugh. If this book doesn't make you laugh, you should check your pulse.

*slight spoilers in this paragraph only* One of my favorite things about this book was the way Ms. Alexander dealt with Ben's Asperger's. As the aunt of a boy with high-functioning Asperger's, I always grimace when it appears in books, but Ms. Alexander absolutely nailed it. Ben's quirks and uniqueness were never bigger than his personality and his heart, and to me that's how it should be.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really great romance story between two hilarious and likable characters, or if you enjoy a sweet, wonderful single dad romance story. I can't wait for the second story in this series!

Fired and dumped by her fiance, who was her boss, Lily Barns was on a mission to build a new life for herself, and escape the fallout from her father's swindling. She takes a job at a resort in Angel Fire Falls, a small town. Lily has secrets.

Trace Remington, is the oldest of three brothers, and a single father of eight year old Ben, who has special needs. Trace moved back to Angel Fire Falls to give his son a stable home environment. Along with his brothers and father, he helps run Remington resort, which is where Lily will be working as the new Hospitality Manager. Trace would rather the Remington remain the same.

Despite the obstacles in Lily's way, she is bound and determined to give the Remington a new overhaul.

Lily has sworn off men. Trace has sworn off women. Little do they know, that a dare along with a chance encounter is about to throw them into a tailspin and might be just what they both need for a new life.

I loved this book! Literally so many laugh out loud moments while reading. One of my favorite phrases used was Motherducker! I, also, found it funny that Trace referred to his brothers as Thing One and Thing Two. Lily is spunky and Trace is a brooding hunk, the chemistry between them is great! I recommend this to anyone that wants a witty, fun read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley via the author in exchange for my honest review.

First in Alexander's Angle Fire Falls series, we get the story of Lily (formerly Scarlett) and Trace. Lilly is running from her past and decides to move clear across the country to start fresh. Trace is a sweet and swoony single-dad who is focused on his special-needs son's life and keeping his family's aging resort afloat.

The way that Lily and Trace first met and then eventually found out who each other was, was certainly unique and cute. The whole forbidden workplace romance added a certain level of sexual tension which is always fun. And I loved the fact that a flock of ducklings are secondary characters in themselves.

I also loved that although fate had truly dealt Lily a crappy hand, she wasn't going to let that get in the way of her doing the absolutely best possible she could at her new job. There was a little bit of, "why me?" But it was certainly not a pity-party on her part. When Lily encountered an obstacle, she spent her time and energy figuring out how to move past it, not letting it stop her from moving forward. And what's not to love about a devoted and caring father who puts his son's needs above his own – that, to me, is the definition of "swoony".

Readers also meet Trace's brothers and his (female) cousin, who all appear likely to get their own books at some point. You don't know why they all came home, but they all seem to have dealt with some kind of "situation" and came back to Angle Fire Falls to lick their wounds and recover. I'll admit that I'm looking forward to what their books hold in store.

There's just enough drama and angst to move the story along, but not too much that it drags you down. It was a perfect summer beach read for me.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Dare Me Once is book number one in the Angel Fire Falls series. This is Scarlett Devereaux's "Lily Barns" and Trace Remington's story.

Lily and Trace's characters were funny, crazy, and amazing. They were so much fun! Lily was hired by Trace's dad to put some life back into their resort. Trace and Lily's first meetings will make you laugh and smile. The chemistry between them is off the charts. I can tell you this when I hear the words massage, ducks, kiddy swimming pool, tricycle, bicycle, planes, game of darts or pool I will remember this amazing, funny, and steamy story. You just have to read this book to understand.

Oh my! This book just hit the spot for me. It was funny, crazy, emotional, heartwarming, wonderful characters, and the chemistry was hot!

Ben, Trace's young son, added so much to the story and so did Trace's brothers. The interaction between the Remington brothers was just priceless. They sound like a fun group to be around. I cannot wait to read the other Remington brothers' stories. The Remington family are ones that I would love call my friends. Looking forward to the next books in the Angel Fire Falls series.

FYI, contains mature content.

This is my first read by this author - I know, Gasp! - but it certainly won't be my last. Dare Me Once is wonderfully written and full of so many great moments. It's funny, it's emotional, it's sweet, it's sexy. It's just a great story. The characters are rich and so real they practically leap off the page. And Ben! I have to say this one touched me on a personal level with Ben. As a parent of an autistic child, specifically asperger's, I was thoroughly impressed with how well this character is done. The challenges, the triumphs, the innocence, all of it. For me, this little guy stole the show. Of course, Trace and Lily have their terrific moments too. They have great chemistry even when they're both determined to remain professional, and the way they meet and then meet again (no spoilers here) had me laughing all the way through. Even the secondary characters are interesting, love them or hate them, they're all interesting. And make no mistake, we do get a couple of those that we love to hate. I could go on and on about the characters, but when even the ducks are entertaining, you know you have a winner. The angst is low, the romance is swoon-worthy, and I couldn't put it down.