Thursday, January 2, 2014

Dare to Love Again

GIVEAWAY

LESSMAN, JULIE
DARE TO LOVE AGAIN

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman, resorting to a mammoth hat pin for protection on her way to and from the school where she teaches. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast she quickly discovers she is no match for rum-soaked brute strength.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite jiu-jitsu, but it seems he has little choice in the matter. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But when Nick suddenly leaves town, Allison realizes he's a fraud just like all the rest of the men she's cared for. Does she dare love again?

The lushness of the glorious Gilded Age beautifully showcases Lessman's passion as a writer in this engaging love story written with humor and heart. From the glamour of San Francisco's Nob Hill to the seedy gambling dens of the Barbary Coast, Dare to Love Again is a journey to find a love that never fails. Fans will love revisiting the world of the cousins McClare, and new readers will seek more of Julie's passion-filled novels.

My Review:

Another blissful read from a favourite author. Lessman knows how to wrap her readers around her little finger and then makes them squirm! Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride from the volatile opening scene to the toe-curling conclusion. This author knows how to develop a romantic plot line with delicious detail but she is also adept at wrenching the rug out from under the young lovers just when the innocent reader thinks the happily ever after ending is imminent. I'm always a bit discombobulated after reaching the end of a Lessman novel. :-)

Loved the vibrant characters -- the McClare family is firmly planted in my heart and I'm anxious to read a multitude of happily ever afters in future novels. I'm hoping this is a long series! Allison is as infuriating as she is endearing. A hot-head tempered by a compassionate heart makes her an interesting mix of sweet and sassy. And Nick is such a complex hero, layers deep and mired by a turbulent past. Their attraction is palpable from their first meeting but riddled with complications. Lessman knows how to draw out her reader's anticipation to a near frenzy point but she always delivers an immensely satisfying romantic conclusion. Put this one on the very top of your TBR pile!

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Dare to Love Again please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 5 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

48 comments:

  1. Great book and I look forward to reading it!. Kav, check your rowanwood email. It is bouncing and I sent a Kindle book there.

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    1. Do you mean it's bouncing in a good way -- as in happily excited or in a bad way as in it's booting you out? Ack...I'll go check.

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  2. thanks for the chance to read Julie's latest novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  3. Awesome giveaway! I LOVE Julie's books, and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Dare to Love Again! Thanks for the chance to win. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I agree, Elyssa. Julie's books are the best! Good luck!

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  4. Thanks, Kav! You know, I have yet read anything by Julie. And I have heard nothing but great things about her books.
    Campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh mercy, Amy, you need to start reading!!!!! Good luck!

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  5. I have a signed copy of the first book in the series from Julie herself, would love to win a copy of book two!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Lucky you, Patty! Julie's books are awesome. Good luck!

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  6. I felt discombobulated after I finished one of her previous books too but not in a good way. I have heard soooo many good things about her books, I know I need to give them another try.
    garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  7. I am intrigued by this one. Keeping my fingers crossed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  8. I love your wonderful review and can't wait to read DARE TO LOVE AGAIN! Thank you for sharing this generous giveaway.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  9. I read my first Lessman novel and she has very compelling characters! Looking forward to reading more!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Those characters just leap off the page, don't they Heidi. Good luck!

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  10. This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
    tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net

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  11. Thanks for the wonderful review, Kav! Julie is my fav author - thanks for the opportunity to win "Dare To Love Again"!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Julie is a wonderful author, isn't she? Good luck Bonnie.

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  12. I've read all of Julie's books so am looking forward to this new one. Thanks for the chance to win Dare to Love Again.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  13. Sounds like a great book
    God bless all of you
    Chris Granville
    granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

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  14. Great review! This is the only book of hers I do not have yet and I'd love the chance to win!

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    1. You definitely need to keep that collection complete. :-) Good luck Abbi.

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  15. Love a chance to win. Thanks
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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  16. Welcome back Kav ... hope you had a wonderful Christmas. wouldn't mind reading this one. So add me to your list.
    rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Had a great break, Becky. Refreshed and ready to read my heart out in 2014! :-) Good luck.

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  17. I love this cover, thank you for the chance to win the book.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. It's a fun cover, isn't it, Wendy? Good luck!

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  18. I have not had an opportunity to read one of your books yet but my niece advised me it was well worth a read. Looking forward to reading your work.

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  19. Love this cover Kav, so good as Julie's other books are. I have 3 of her books and would love to win this one. Thanks for a chance to win it. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome, Maxie. Glad to see another Julie fan here. Good luck!

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  20. Would love to win :)
    ~ Micaela
    bookworm9404 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  21. Please don't enter me as I am reading this wonderful book now! I absolutely loved your review and just wanted to tell you so, Kav!

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    1. Thanks Diana! It's a great read, isn't it?

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  22. I can't wait to read this book!

    bookwormgal2011 at yahoo dot com

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  23. I would love to read Allison and Nick's story.
    Thanks for the great giveaway Kav!
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  24. Julie has me wrapped around her finger, for sure! Can't wait to read Dare to Love Again.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  25. KAV!!! You did it again, put a HUGE grin on my face, my friend -- I cannot thank you enough for your amazing support!! You always float my boat with a riptide of wonderful feelings, so BLESS YOU!!

    Hugs and more hugs!!
    Julie

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