Dare to Surrender (Dare to Love Book 8)

Carly Phillips continues to entertain in this third installment in her Dare to Love series. From its likable main couple, to its vividly depicted locations, to the pleasant narative flow that easily brings readers into the seductive world Ms. Phillips has crafted this is a delectable read from start to finish.Isabelle's feeling adrift after dumping her cheating, dominant, and manipulative boyfriend. After going from her parent's home to her ex's home she's never been on her own and isn't sure how to be on her own. With no money, no home, and no phone ending up at the police department is the final straw. Luckily for her a man who runs in the same circles as her ex, and who's fascinated her each time she's seen him in the past, comes to her rescue by offering her a place to stay. Though she's attracted to him she doesn't want to jump right back in to a bad relationship. Theirs is a relationship that progresses slowly to allow her time to gain inner-strength and become her own person. From the uncertainty she displayed while in New York to the self-assuredness gained once she got to the exotic island of Eden to do a decorating job, hers was an inspirational journey to becoming her own woman. Though her wishy-washy nature when first with Gabe frustrated me there was still much to like about her.Gabe is decadently delightful from the very start. While he too is a dominant man he tempers it with compassion and understanding. He's been drawn to Izi from the moment he first saw her but knows that to truly have her he'll have to let her be on her own for awhile. He's the kind of man who can't help but protect, so bringing her home was an easy decision but knowing he wants more and that he'll have to wait to get it frustrated him. All he wants though is what's best for Izi, to make her dreams come true is what propels him. It's not until they get to the erotic environs of Eden though that he finally gets to have her in the way he's always wanted and boy, does it lead to some scorching encounters! His dominance is finally on full display in their sexually-charged interludes as well as in his naughty talk that left me blushing. These scenes were well worth the wait and were nicely balanced with Izi's coming into her own and Gabe's dealing with his own painful past.This book is actually part of two series but can be read on its own as there's only a bit of interaction with previously seen characters. Those brief glimpses though show the Dare family as supportive, caring, and not shy in maneuvering things to their best advantage. This story overall gives readers erotic encounters, vivid scenery to provide a romantic background, and a delectable hero and admirable heroine. It's another delightfully written and carefree read from Ms. Phillips and I look forward to meeting another member of the Dare family soon.

I like Carly. She writes well and does characters with decent structure. This is well written crap. The whole little girl lost thing isn't my favorite trope. Then add in the dom leanings and kink and you get a poor version of Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. In real life, he'd eat her alive. He's just too much and she's not enough. I think a lack of understanding in Dom/Sub relationships and the fundamental idea that there has to be something wrong with the women who enjoy domination has created an unpleasant reading experience. Subs both male and female are usually powerful men and women in real life. When you are in charge all day everyday then being able to relax just feel when it comes to sex is a gift. For me, I'm in my head 24/7 not even relaxing when sleeping. To be in a place where I can just trust and not have to worry is a blessing. And I'm sorry that people think subs are messed up in the head--but newsflash every single person on Earth has issues.

I’m biased. Carly Phillips could probably just write the alphabet or the phone book and I would read it. Period.Dare to Surrender is the third in her Dare series. Gabriel Dare is the cousin to Alex and Ian Dare and their siblings whom we’ve met in the previous two installments. Gabe’s got power, influence and money and girls willing to be with him but one eludes him. He sees her attached to her husband at social functions as they run in the same circles and she intrigues him. But all is not what it seems.Isabelle Masters thought she was marrying someone who loved her. She learned quickly that he was a lying, cheating scumbag and after she discovers his cheating ways, she doesn’t let him talk her back into staying to be his wife and house maid. She gets in her car and drives off.Getting arrested was not her plan, but as she sits in the police station, handcuffed to the chair, Gabriel comes to her rescue. Her arresting officer is his brother.Gabe convinces her to let him take her to his place as she has no place else to go. Their coupling is quick and intense and too intense for Isabelle at first. She needs to know she can stand on her own again so she leaves to do just that.She is an interior designer… Queue three months later and Gabe’s sister has asked for Isabelle to help design the newest nightclub her brother owns. It’s on an Island near the Bermuda Triangle.Isabelle has missed Gabriel and doesn’t realize just how much until the moment she hears his voice upon arriving on the Island.Will her insecurities about their relationship and what he wants from her as well as his dominating ways tear them apart for good this time?This book can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the others in this series. This book is also a little shorter than the others and is part of a series of books supposedly centered around an Island called Eden.I’ve enjoyed the Dare series and hope everyone else does as well.

I had thought this might have been a 4/5* read as it started out really hot and exciting; it grabbed me from its 'blurb', which is transfused with delicious excitement. Unfortunately, it started to drag around 20%, and intermittently thereafter. It was funny, sexy and sassy to begin with, but then for me, it became too much; too ‘sweet’; too ‘sickly sweet’ - afterwards. I got the impression the story did not quite know what to do with itself, at times; it meandered a lot. The female main character kept doing silly things, and it became a bit of a pantomime. If I was the Alpha, Gabe, I’d have run a mile from this woman; she is a bit of an ‘airhead’.‘Isabelle’ arrives on a mysterious island to do some work for Gabe’s latest Club venture, and is met by a man, whose face was covered in a cape (??); he was the ‘Master’, she said. That’s about all we get of the ‘Master’; it gave a false impression that we were going to be treated to some BDSM, or even more exciting, the Alpha ‘Gabe’, would turn out to be the Master. Nothing happened; it went nowhere, so why introduce the ‘Master’? It was such a brief introduction, it might never have happened at all; a total red herring. To me it was a really bad missed opportunity. There are others too, as with her former flame, Lance. More could have been done with him, but he just popped up at weird intervals, talking BS.The two main protagonists, Isabelle and Gabe, are introduced to us at the very beginning of the story, and there is this wonderful frisson of danger between them. It got me at the edge of my seat, and I was enjoying the H and the h. The author was not only writing hot stuff, but it was cute and sassy; very tongue in cheek. The writing was initially pretty clever, making me think, but then it didn’t; it changed. I was really enjoying it until this point. I determined to stick with it, as it did have some ‘moments’ but eventually, I was skipping bits trying to find something to hold my attention.Gabe is the brother of a cop; the cop pulls Isabelle over, and arrests her. The Alpha is a millionaire owner of Hotels and Clubs: “You know, I thought it would take me longer to get you in cuffs.” I thought at the beginning that the H. was a cop too. Not everything is clear in this story, and it takes a bit of figuring out occasionally."Gabe looked at the other man with a disappointed expression. “Bro, didn’t anyone tell you you’re supposed to handcuff a lady to the headboard, not a desk?” He folded his arms across his broad chest. “It’s no wonder you can’t get any action.”There are ‘moments’ that are pretty good but overall it’s not a book I would recommend to friends. It’s just not gritty enough for me. There are some romantic scenes, but towards the end, they seemed somewhat ‘rushed’ and unfinished. I like to be surprised, shock’s good too, but both were lacking in this story. It’s light and fluffy, and if that’s what you like, you might like this.2.5*

A brilliantly written story that captivated me right from the start till the end of the book. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of her work.

I liked this book, it was very romantic, a true love story. Believable characters who showed their strengths and vulnerabilities and were very real and honest in their interactions with each other. Nice people with good hearts. It was well written and I want to read the rest of the series.

How nice to read a book that is so romantic and very sexy as well..I finish this book in two days .

I loved these 2,Gabe and Issy. both strong but vulnerable, all they want is someone to accept and love them as they are. both have been hurt and let down, Issy especially has been abused. this series is interesting, well written and great reading.

Parts of this story were okay but I didn't find it to be the page turner I normally expect from this writer. I thought he was going to be dominant and demanding but it didn't work. A bit disappointed.

Another good read in this series. I haven't read them in any order and it hasn't really mattered, but I think the series would make more sense if read in order.

What a great series this is, I think the women need to tell there stories as well so fingers crossed for that. Loved this book, bit similar to the other's but you can't help getting hooked on them.

I'm a new fan and this is the first book I've read by this author. Sensual and hot....Luv the Dares looking forward to reading the next book .

Just ok for me. Started ok in the beginning but the chapters seemed rushed and I think the author could have taken the issues a little deeper.

Third in this series - was good to see a character realising they needed time away and getting it. Light and easy read. I enjoyed it.

Isabelle and Gabriel – what a combination – a great story. Need to read the others now!

An easy contemporary romance for a Sunday afternoon.

A beautifully written book with charismatic characters.

My wife said it was good.