Dare To Love Again By Julie Lessman Book Review

/ / Dare To Love Again / /

/ / A Novel / /

{Review Written By Madi}

 

Book Title: Dare To Love Again

Author: Julie Lessman

Source: Revell

Number Of Pages: 410

ISBN: 978-0-8007-2166-4

Publisher: Revell

Year Of Publication: 2014

Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars

 

/ / Book Description / /

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?

 

/ / Book Review / /

 BEST. BOOK. EVER. Like, this is seriously the best book that I have read this year. Julie Lessman, to me, seems like a mixture between Mary Connealy and Julie Klassen (two of my favorite authors). Her story contained the humor that I usually associate with Mary Connealy's writing, and the historical setting and writing style reminded me of Julie Klassen. A wonderful mixture, I assure you! I was reading late one night (I just couldn't put it down! Sleep wasn't a priority at this point), and my little brother stuck his head in my room and said, "What's so flippin' funny?! I'm trying to sleep!". Who said that reading was a quiet hobby? ;) Allison was such a crack up. I love it when the lead character is a spitfire, it makes them easy for me to relate to. All of these "perfect" girls in novels nowadays make me sick. Allison McClare is an independent woman that knows what she wants, and no one (not even a hunky pain-in-the-butt police officer) can change her mind. I love Allison's relationship with Detective Nick Barone (long e). All of the best book couples start off hating each other. For example: Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe (a personal favorite), Ms. Bennet and Mr. Darcy,  Jo March and Theodore Laurence - AKA "Laurie"- (I still think that they should have ended up together. Louisa May Alcott is a dream crusher, but a wonderful author all the same), just to name a few! I like how Allison has this huge dude trained quicker than he can get through their jiu-jitsu lessons. That boy practically worshiped the ground that she walked on by the time she was finished with him. I also loved the sub-story. The long ago romance of Caitlin McClare and Logan McClare was a great way to tie things together. I just loved EVERYTHING about this book. I wouldn't change a thing. I can't recommend this book enough. I should have known it was gonna be good when Tamera Alexander's praise was on the back cover. I can't wait to read more by Julie Lessman!

 

~The Literary Maidens

 

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book by Revell Buzz in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not further reimbursed to review this product, and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.