ARC Review: Just One Kiss (Dirty Dares #2)

Just One Kiss (The Kingston Family #6, Dirty Dares #2)

Carly Phillips

Blurb:

It was supposed to be one fun night of hot sex.

It turned into a second. Then a third.

Now Mother Nature is having the last word—with a secret baby surprise!

Jade Dare has done everything in her power to overcome her mother’s unstable influence. Changed her name. Became a success. Vowed never to risk passing on the potential for inherited pain. What has it gotten her? One fiancé who wanted her for money. A second who cheated on her with his brother’s wife.

Now she's sworn off men. Or at least off serious relationships. But when the chance to indulge in a one night stand with a man she’s secretly fantasized about arrives, she jumps in. Only to land heart-first into a case of the feels she can’t bring herself to trust.

Knox Sinclair always suspected he liked his brother’s fiancé a little too much, that’s why he kept his hands to himself. But with ties broken and Jade all too willing, a no-strings-attached night sounds like a damned good idea.

Except one night isn’t nearly enough. But while Knox is busy convincing Jade they have a chance at forever, the past is planning one last parting shot.

Themes:  Contemporary

Rating:  4.25 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

These Dares just get hotter and hotter and Carly doesn’t seem to be heading into a conclusion of this series any time soon—for which I am truly grateful. This story picks up pretty quickly after the end of Aurora and Nick’s story, bringing us the story of Nick’s little sister Jade and the man that really shouldn’t capture her interest much less her heart, but that she can’t seem to resist.  Jade has had a hard time with relationships, especially lately, and her new outlook is to just go it alone, but the heat between her and Knox, the brother of her ex-fiancé is off the charts.  When they are thrown together by his matchmaking little sister, Knox Sinclair knows he should resist the temptation Jade represents, but the woman is just too much for him to turn away, and really what could a no-strings night of passion hurt.  But one night isn’t enough and soon the pull between them leads them both into dangerous, and intense, territory that neither of them is sure they are ready for.  Can they both accept that love strikes in the most unusual of circumstances and they were perhaps meant to be together all along, or will a dangerous rival put a permanent end to their chances for a happily-ever-after?  I really cannot say enough about this book except that I loved every minute of Jade and Knox’s tear-filled and passionate story.  Jade has so many issues and so many pains in her past to work through before she can devote herself to a healthy relationship, but the emotion that Knox inspires finally gives her the impetus to put in the time and effort to heal herself.  The traumas of her past could have broken a lesser woman for sure, but with the support of her family and the love of her life, I can see she will be the best lover and wife to Knox.  She was sweet and sassy, but she definitely gave him a run for his money, making him work for her love and prove himself to her even as she had to come to terms with her own shortcomings.  I loved watching her finally heal and accept the pain she’d buried for decades in order to have a healthy and loving relationship, giving all off herself to her man.  Knox certainly has his own issues and hang-ups when it comes to love, and who could blame the guy, but he knows that what he feels for Jade is special and he is determined to show her they are meant to be together. His strength and appeal, combined with the consideration and loving nature he shares with those in his inner circle contrasts beautifully with his strong and determined personality making him the perfectly rounded warrior to prove to Jade they are perfect together. While he obviously has to work through his own stuff before he can promise forever to Jade, once he offers himself to her wholly he never backs away, even when he learns the secret she hid from him, devoting himself to making her happy and keeping her safe.  The heat and passion between these two is off the charts for sure, but the sweet and quiet moments are just as beautiful to watch as these two broken hearts find solace and healing in one another. I am dying to read the next story in this series and watch the next Dirty Dare fall in love.  Honestly this series just gets better with each story and I personally hope that the Dare family continues to expand with new branches on an endless family tree.  Keep the magic coming, Carly.

*eARC provided by author for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.