Close Up Look @ Mills & Boon Dare
It's finally here! As the much-talked-about new Mills & Boon DARE hits the shelves, Avril Tremayne takes a closer look at the books and what readers are saying about them.
It’s been almost a year since Harlequin announced the launch of DARE – a series that isn’t stepping in to fill the gap left by the demise of its steamy Blaze line so much as carving out a whole different niche for the publisher, pushing its boundaries to bring readers more explicit, sexually-charged stories than ever before.
Kathleen Scheibling, Senior Editor of the DARE series, said at the time: ‘It’s the searing sexual relationships between incredibly alluring characters that really set Harlequin Dare apart. The heroes are the ultimate embodiment of women’s sexual fantasies. There are bad boys and gritty antiheroes, as well as billionaires and other powerful men. The heroines are empowered, independent, fearless women who don’t need a man in their lives—but when they choose one, it’s on their own terms.’
Unsurprisingly, the buzz since then has been hot and heavy among reader of sexy contemporary romance – and why not, when they’re promising emotional stories featuring hot-as-hell sex set in glamorous cities and dream holiday destinations from all over the world? And now the wait is over. Whew! I am so excited to showcase the first four DARE novels, which are out now.
So, let's take a closer look at the first books in the series and what readers are saying...
A Week In The Wild by JC Harroway
JC says: ‘Writing for Harlequin Mills and Boon is a dream come true for me, who like many of us, began my obsession with romance by pilfering her Nana's always present paperbacks. So I was beyond excited to get the call from awesome senior editor, Flo Nicoll, at the London offices just over a year ago.'
About The Book:
A daring game of temptation
She’ll play his game-but only by her rules!
Alex Lancaster is an adrenaline junkie. He’s also a sexy British billionaire who should come with his own warning signs. When Libby insists she is done with men who live on the edge, Alex coaxes her out of her comfort zone-professionally and very, very personally. Libby’s taking a high-stakes gamble, but the pay-off could win her everything...
What Readers Are Saying:
BrizzleLass: 'OK…so…damn this book was steaming, like seriously, my paperback copy almost caught fire it was so hot. There is so much sexual tension between these two, even when they give in it’s still there afterwards. They are on fire. Halloway has managed to create a believable storyline with so much tension, passion, love and still a very good reason for pulling away and creating a will they/won’t they moment.'
RedsRomanceReviews: 'This was a first time read for me, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed what I found, the story line was highly engaging, the chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and the sexy times were wickedly hot!! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's sure to leave your fingertips scorched!!'
Splashes Into Books: 'This is a story of cracking through the facades people show to the world to get access to their heart and their true selves. It is a steamy read with a heart warming plot which deals with some real issues and really does ‘push the boundaries of sexual explicitness while keeping the focus on the developing romantic relationship’.'
Off Limits by Clare Connelly
Clare says: ‘Mills & Boon Dare is a scorching hot line of books, super-sexy but always with romance at their heart, with a guaranteed happily ever after. I fell in love with Jack & Gemma while I was writing Off Limits and I hope you love them just as much!’
About The Book:
“I want to taste you tonight.” With chemistry this hot, it’s worth getting burned… Billionaire Jack Grant is totally off-limits to Gemma Picton. He’s wild, deliciously dangerous…and her boss. When working late turns X-rated, it’s better than her wildest imaginings—and Gemma’s imagined a lot! But Jack has major emotional baggage, so when Gemma starts wanting to heal his heart as well as enjoy his body, she knows she’s in big trouble…
What Readers Are Saying:
Bloggers From Down Under: 'Guys what can I say other than you really need to read this. It's raw, confronting, powerful and all things sinful. It's heartbreaking and breathtaking. Personally it's everything I could have hoped for in a novel and so much more.'
Brutally Honest Reviews: 'Off Limits is a great example of an unconventional relationship portrayed the right way, with a happy ending that was totally believable for the two characters in question. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the DARE range! Five stars for a fantastic, super sexy read!'
Lovey Dovey Books: 'This quick-paced read is filled to the brim with sass and sophistication. Even though Gemma and Jack try to keep their hearts out of the equation, it is inevitable that they come together and give themselves to each other completely. Off Limits is a story made for hopeless romantics who believe in love despite the challenges to reach it.'
Ruled by Anne Marsh
Anne says: ‘‘Writing for Dare has been a chance for me to write more of the books I love to read. Give me a bad boy on a motorcycle any day.’’
About The Book:
“The Rebel vs. The Princess
Complete opposites who share the same burning passion!
Jaxon Brady of the Hard Riders MC has sworn to protect Evie Kent from a rival gang. His hard muscles and black leather motorcycle boots are a sharp contrast to the girly dresses Evie wears for her successful party-planning business. Their instant attraction is magnetic, and their lust keeps them glued to each other’s side…but is it a dangerous distraction?
What Readers Are Saying:
Kay@RaunchyReads: 'I love the chemistry right from the start between the two. This was a great romance story and just what you would expect from a MC Romance…a dirty-hot biker, a sexy girl that will put him in his place, and lots and lots of hot, steamy, sex scenes. What more could you ask for in a book?'
RedsRomanceReviews: 'Ruled is an erotic little page turner that is sure to captivate romance readers attention, and inspire many dirty little thoughts. With it's action packed story line, toe curling kinky moments, and a few delicate moments too, it's a can't miss read. I really enjoyed reading Evie and Jaxon's story, their chemistry was electric, at times you could literally feel the sparks of sexual tension between them leap off the pages!'
MysticDixie: 'Wow wow wow is all I can say. Rev and Eve are so hot and so explosive you won't be able to put this book down. It's a typical mc romance but it also is so much more. It's struggles with family, it's love, it's fun loving and it's dangerous - all the makings of a book deserving more than 5 stars'
Legal Seduction by Lisa Childs
Lisa says: ‘‘I am so happy to be writing for Harlequin's exciting new line DARE that features strong male and female characters who know what they want and aren't afraid to go after it.’’
About The Book:
“You are mine for the next two weeks.”
Resigning might be the sexiest thing she’s ever done…
Quitting her job puts executive assistant Bette Monroe in a very compromising position. She has ten days left, and powerhouse lawyer Simon Kramer is working her late into the night…and seducing her into oblivion! While he’s convinced she’s selling business secrets, the bombshell secret she’s keeping would shock him more. Does she bare all…or keep him guessing?
What Readers Are Saying:
Isha Coleman: 'Legal Seduction is a lesson in character building. He's the tough guy, with a good head on his shoulders, but a deeply guarded heart. She's the wallflower with big dreams and secret fantasies. Simon and Bette could be a perfect match, if they learn to trust each other. Lisa Childs scorches up the pages with her sensual tango of love lust and mistrust. Love is a risky business and Ms Child's makes the risk worthwhile.'
RedsRomanceReviews: 'Legal Seduction is a passionate office romance tale that is heavy on the heat, with touches of emotion mixed in here and there. This fast paced read will pull you in from the first page, and keep you captivated until the last, I wound up devouring it in one sitting!! Highly recommend this one, it's sure to have you blushing throughout!'
Geraldine Sadiku: 'Fast paced, hot sexy read. Simon Kramer believes that the reason his executive assistant is quiting her job is because she has been selling company secrets. Bette hands in her notice and Simon starts seducing her and what follows is a very hot passionate romance that is straight to the point but with a definite heart to the story. Loved it.'
Four 50,000 word Harlequin DARE titles will be published each month in print and ebook formats in the UK and Australia and digitally in North America.
For more information on Avril Tremayne, whose latest book is Kiss Don't Tell, check out her website, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
So have you read any of the new DARE books yet? Tell us what you thought in the comments or join the PHS discussion on Social Media!
