If You Dare (MacCarrick Brothers) [マスマーケット]

Kresley Cole has once again taken this reader on another romantic adventure romp with the first book in a new trilogy featuring the three MacCarrick brothers. Three adventuresome and darkly dangerous Scottish brothers who live life on the edge since believing an age-old family curse that predicts that the family line would end with them.

Setting the first book in the principality of Andorra, 1856, in a startling and attention grabbing opening, Courtland MacCarrick, youngest of the three brothers, was discovering that hiring himself out as a mercenary for the very evil despot General Reynaldo Pascal was not a good thing! As Pascal was about to have Court's heart carved out of his body, Court opted to propel his bound body into the water and take his chances with the raging torrent below him.

Days later, on her morning ride, Lady Annalia Tristan Llorente discovered the half dead beat up body of Court, and realizing by the remnants of plaid that remained on his body that he was one of the despised Scots barbarians that had been hired by Pascal to subjugate the surrounding villagers she fought her initial feelings to leave him rot on the banks of the river. In spite of the fact that he was an enemy, kindness won over her fear, and she dragged Court to her home setting his broken bones and caring for his wounds. When Court regained consciousness, the battle lines were drawn as Annalia's scorn set the tone of their relationship insisting he leave. The beautiful, fiery and tantalizing Castilian aroused feelings in Court he'd long since thought he'd conquered and her feelings of superiority also raised his hackles so the fur certainly did fly! When Courtland realized that she was about to sacrifice herself to marry, his enemy Pascal in order to save her brother, Court kidnapped her, if only to save her from herself - or so he thought! The journey along the way proved to be a rollicking sensual adventure that gives new meaning to the word `steamy'!.

*** I thought this was a deliciously entertaining read that kept the sexual tension high; the adventure exciting; and culminated with a fabulous love story. Annalia and Court were really great together providing entertainment both when battling and definitely when loving. Court thought Anna petulant and spoiled; she thought of him as an ungentlemanly barbarian; definitely the ingredients for a lively romance. When Court finally discovered that Anna, the petite dainty beauty had courage, strengths and a passionate nature it brought out both the best in him as well as bringing him to his knees. The lively mixture of secondary characters, from Court's brothers, his crew of comrades, and Pascal's daughter Olivia, were all well-defined adding additional layers of depth to this very sexy romance. The dialogs, not only between the main protagonists but also between the numerous secondary characters were wonderful adding one more layer to this superb read! The only thing I must say I don't like is having to wait another year for Hugh's story, which judging by the sneak peak at the back of the book looks to be another fabulous read and a worthy addition to this newest trilogy which is going to end up on my keeper shelf! --- Marilyn, for www.historicalromancewriters.com

This book has it all! It has a very likable Hero and Heroine, great secondary characters, a tightly woven adventure story that is very fast paced, and sizzling HOT HOT romance scenes that are very passionate. Even the ending was the most satisfying ending I've read in a romance in a long, long time. Wow, GREAT book!! "If You Dare" is a great adventure story that unites two very different people into a deeply passionate romance. Though the romance takes time to build, by the time it does it becomes sizzling. Court (our hero) is a solid HE-MAN. There is nothing soft or wimpy about this guy. Love him!! Though all romance novels have the predicable "happily ever after" ending, this one makes it really hard to guess HOW they are going to make it. The dilemma they face is based on their love for each other, which just tugs at the heart. I am very impressed with Kresley Cole's writing. I now have all her other books on rush order so I can start devouring them this weekend.

If You Dare was one of the best romances I've read in a long time. Court MacCarrick is sinfully sexy and Anna is not one of those nauseatingly perfect heroines I've been reading a lot lately. The sex scenes were sizzling!! Overall, I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next in the series.