Title: Best Man with Benefits

Author: Samanthe Beck

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: June 9, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 229 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Logan McCade & Sophie Brooks

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“…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!
” ~Becca

I didn’t want to read it! I wanted to soooo very badly…but I didn’t all at the same time! It’s just not fair I tell you! Seriously…this series just CANNOT be over! I am addicted! The Wedding Dare series was an absolute thrill to read and I am devastated that I don’t get to learn even more about these amazing characters. I am so not ready to say good-bye to them! I have been dying to read about the shy Sophie and sexy Logan ever since the first book..I’m pretty sure I even mentioned them in a review or two…this book just had soooo much to live up to! I mean come on…the last one in the series? Samanthe had her work cut out and a lot of expectations to live up to…no one can live up to all that right???

WRONG!

Samanthe Beck stood up and proved me wrong! This book was all I had hoped for and more! It left me laughing, crying, cringing, clapping and laughing! I have never felt more connected to a character in my life! I could totally relate to Sophie…never feeling good enough, always carrying around an extra 20 lbs no matter how much you have lost or how good everyone says you look, self-confidence is no where to be seen…there is just so much that is REAL about Sophie that it was impossible not to put myself in her shoes as I was reading.

Then there was Logan….wow…Logan…yeah just umm…ahh…what was I saying? Sorry I nodded off into dream land where sexy mountain climbing business owners with sexy ass six packs have a thing for the shy girl! (Yeah dream land right loL)

Poor Logan is in a place in his life that has to be difficult. His friends and family helped him financially start his business, now he feels like if he steps down from any of the duties of running the business (which is a lot bigger than it used to be) he will be letting them down. Little does he know that going to his friends wedding and agreeing to be best man will help him gain the outlook on life that he needs in order to be happy.

I bet when Colt asked Logan to watch after his baby sister he never once thought he would end up having this kind of a time! Sophie has had a crush on Logan for … well forever and sparks totally fly when the shy girl steps out of that shell for the man she wants! Goodness…that first morning scene…I don’t think I would have had the balls to do what she did! I can imagine that definitely helped change Logan’s perspective of her as the “baby sister” lol.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters (which we have gotten to know a little in the past few books) are well developed, the story and romance flow realistically, and it wasn’t so filled with drama that I felt like I was going to throw my precious Kindle at the wall. I will say that I was a bit worried about getting bored with the story, the best friends little sister story has been done…A LOT! Heck, it was even done in this series already! I was so wrong! The way that Samanthe pulled this one off is just precious and mind blowing! I mean who would have seen that Tie/belt scene coming???

OH my gosh! Speaking of that scene…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!

There were so many scenes in this book that just had my laughing and blushing right along side poor, shy Sophie! Those conference calls…wow…umm..best conference calls ever! I still can’t believe how she handled that second one! Goodness…that was just awesome!

Now…as for the ending of the book…yes, we all know it had to end somewhere and after reading the others in the series I had a feeling where things were headed (sooo didn’t ruin it for me though lol). I adore that all of the characters end up back together (although I have never seen a hospital that will allow quite that many people free range during the delivery but what ever! lol). It was an awesome way of giving quick final updates on each of the couples and I definitely found myself bawling like a baby! It was all just so sweet and perfect and well I loved it!

Overall the series has been wonderful and I adore the mind-blowing way these amazing ladies managed to pull together such an awesome story! I can’t get over how well they pulled it off! It is an unforgettable story that, having the chance to read from each and every character’s perspective, I feel like I was a part of and am very sad that I won’t be reading more from them. 

So, to put things simply… If you haven’t read this series yet…what on Earth are you waiting for?!? Hop on over to what ever place you buy your books and get to it! They aren’t expensive and they totally rock! No seriously…LIKE NOW … GO BUY THEM RIGHT NOW!!

Check out the other books in the series

Wine lover, sleep coveter, and USA Today bestselling author Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California with her husband, their son, Kitty the furry Ninja, and Bebe the trash talkin’ Chihuahua. When not writing fun, fan-your-cheeks sexy contemporary romances, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien.

Connect with Sam via Facebook, Twitter, or through her website!

Describe your book/series in 15 words or less!

Oooh, kicking things off with a toughie! This is a bit over the word count, (as I always am): Logan McCade agrees to expand his best man duties to include keeping an eye on the groom’s shy, adorable, strictly-off-limits little sister, Sophie Brooks, but soon realizes he wants to keep way more than his eye on her…

When did you start writing? How did you come up with your books name?

We started the Wedding Dare series in…gosh…last summer. (Time flies when you’re having fun. Or drinking. Or both). My working titles for my books usually don’t stick, but “Best Man with Benefits” was the original title for this story. I think my editor liked it better than my back-up title “Banging the Bridesmaid.”

We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

To outsiders looking in, Logan is Mr. Perfect. He’s smart, successful, good looking, and confident, but, inside he’s frustrated and frazzled. The business he founded and runs is sucking him dry, yet can’t bring himself to let go of any portion of his responsibilities. He’s his own worst enemy!

I wouldn’t say Logan had a real-life inspiration, but his passion, aside from Sophie, is rock climbing, and I did some pretty in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks.   

What is something about yourself that most of your readers don’t know?

I once waited in line at the ATM behind Julia Roberts. I couldn’t help thinking that although we got cash from the exact same ATM, we had vastly different experiences.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?

Drinking. Sleeping. Trying to convince my husband to go buy me wine while I take a nap. Playing Candy Crush with my five-year-old son.

What do you find most challenging about being an author?

All the in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks! Seriously, I’m not going to complain about any aspect of being an author. This shit is thoroughly good.

What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

Having a legitimate excuse to conduct in-depth research involving pictures of sweaty, shirtless, muscular guys hanging from rocks, (are we sensing a trend here)? Joking aside, I am always incredibly touched, grateful, rewarded when someone tells me they read and enjoyed something I wrote.

What book are you most proud of so far?

I can’t choose! I love them all for different reasons, (i.e. Tyler, Trevor, Ian, Michael, Logan…)

I so need to get my hands on more of your books! 

What are two of your favorite characters in your books/series written by other authors?

I can’t choose! I love them all for different reasons, (i.e. Tyler, Reed, Brock…)

Was there a music playlist for you while writing? If so can you share a few songs from it?

I was going through a Brandi Carlile stage—and if you haven’t, you really should—so I was listening to “The Story,” “Turpentine,” “That Wasn’t Me.” I don’t know that these songs particularly relate to Logan and Sophie, but I find her voice and the lyrics inspirational.

​What’s next for you?​

I think I’m headed back to Bluelick, KY for a couple follow-ons to my first Brazen, “Private Practice.

Now for the silly stuff!

Ask me one question…any question at all and I have to answer it no matter what!

You are trapped in an elevator with David Gandy, Ian Somerhalder and Gerard Butler. What do you do?

I LIKE how your mind works! Hahahahahahahahahaha ummm my first thought was so not PG!! Let’s see…what would I do…well I can think of 4 things really, the first of which may involve making sure that elevator stays broken for a VERY long time! 2-4 involve many different things…I may just like being the center of attention hahaha *Blushing now!* I’m not going to go into details here…but I’m sure your imagination can come up with a few ideas

If you could have any one toy what would it be? Why?

Probably Legos, because you can make a lot of different things. I can’t, but, you know, in theory…

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

The power to hypnotize hot men into doing anything I ask, because…well…do I really need to explain?

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

I don’t know, but now that you mention it, I am hungry. Hold on. Okay, I’m back. You would find a canister of Reddi-wip and a quarter of a bottle of BV Coastal Estates Pinot Noir.

Soo…I’ll be by your house soon for the wine! I may even bring some of my own!!

If your book/series was a dessert, what would it be and why?

The Wedding Dare series would be a box of chocolates, because there’s something there for everyone.

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

I contemplate the universals questions, such as Taco Bell or Jack n’ the Box?

What song best describes you? Why?

“Drunk in Love,” because I like to think of my husband, Charles, and I as the white, middle-aged Jay Z and Beyonce. We are so not, but it’s what I like to think.

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Title: Seducing the Bridesmaid

Author: Katee Robert

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: June 9, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 192 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Regan Wakefield & Brock McNeil

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“This book was amazingly humorous, filled with romance, and so easy to read and fall in love with!” ~Becca

Wow! This series just keeps getting better! I want to go back and read them all over again just to find little things that I missed the first go around!

Yet again, this was a first by this author for me! This series has definitely been eye opening author wise! I can’t wait to dig deeper and find other books to read!

Katee’s writing style is so natural and real. I honestly kept forgetting that I was reading a story, it just felt so real to me that I found myself imagining that I was a part of it.

Seducing the Bridesmaid totally lived up to my expectations when it comes to this series. After this many books that all cover the exact same week and have the same set of people…well let’s just say that I am a tad bit attached! I have always loved books that do a dual POV, I just feel that you get a better understanding of the characters and the situation when you can see it from both people’s perspective. That being said…you can probably imagine my IMMENSE JOY when reading these books… seriously…I get to see the same week played out by EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER?!? Oh my gosh I think I just peed a little from excitement!! Don’t judge me!

Okay so on to this particular book and my thoughts…

Regan is a strong, independent and yet surprisingly vulnerable woman. She stands up for what she believes in and hides it when something or someone takes a chunk out of her. This was a character I could totally relate to! Brock…mmm….yep…it’s another male character that just leaves me drooling and forgetting what I was supposed to be talking about! I mean come on! It’s a sexy as sin southern boy?!?

Oh yes m’am sign me up for that!

He is what you would expect from a well raised southern gentleman! He opens doors, says m’am and treats a woman with respect…he is there to save you when you don’t want him to and oh so much more! Southern boys are just great…right?!?

Sure, Brock has his issues and isn’t perfect…but who wants a perfect man? When these two characters get together saying that “sparks fly” is a major understatement! More like fireworks fly and buildings blow up! Their personalities are just so good for one another…it was tough to read when they were being silly..I just kept wanting to smack them!

I mean really, did Regan honestly believe she was meant for Logan? (Besides, I bet Logan isn’t as perfect as his polished exterior seems…hmm..next book here I come!) She would be bored with someone so much like herself! She needs someone that is going to spice things up…and Brock definitely fits that build!

This book was amazingly humorous, filled with romance, and so easy to read and fall in love with! The story line was epic and melded with the other books pretty well. There were a few differences in conversations but that could have just been times where the other person was focused on their relationship issues and not focused on the convo right?

There were moments in the book that I hated both Regan and Brock for their hard-headedness…but they quickly made up for it! I found their romance to be endearing and sweet where as a lot of the others in this series were rough and tumble type scenes. I loved that Regan and Brock did the sweet stuff…well except for that first time! Goodness gracious…bless their little hearts for that one! lol

I will say that I am a bit confused and upset by the lack of development with Regan’s woods fear. I felt like there has to be more to it than a dang book! It seemed like it was going to take off and be a way of bonding at one point…but then it was just dropped! Well until Brock made an ass of himself..anyways! I guess I was just hoping for a little more explanation than the blow off one she gave Logan during said “ass of himself” scene.

Overall, I adored this book! The ending was just perfection! I just can’t even put into words how I feel about how Katee chose to end her story. After all that both Regan and Brock have been through in their lives…this was just a sweet moment! If it gives you a better idea of how relatable her characters are…I literally CRIED (I mean real, big honking “bless your heart” tears) while reading it! Kinda glad the hubby didn’t walk in on that one! 

Check out the other books in the series

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Describe your book/series in 15 words or less!

That’s a tricky question, because it’s always changing. Each book challenges me and stretches my comfort zone.

What are two of your favorite characters in your books/series written by other authors?

This is one of those rare books that I didn’t have one. I did, however, have Vampire Diaries playing in the background. That counts, right?

 

​What’s next for you?​

 

I’m so glad you asked! Remember how Brock’s got issues with his older brother? Well, Caine gets a book. Regan may or may not send her matchmaking friend down to Tennessee to get him a wife. It’s part of Entangled’s new Lovestruck line and it’s releasing July 21st.

 

OMG I am so on it guys! I want this book…can I have it? PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP??? I mean seriously Katee, my birthday is on the 19th! Don’t you want to help me celebrate??? hehe

Now for the silly stuff!

Katee even sent us a “Silly Selfie”!

Ask me one question…any question at all and I have to answer it no matter what!

Because I’m mean…. Favorite book? [There can be only one!!! ;)]

 

Oh wow…you are E.V.I.L!! Umm…favorite book and I can only pick one?? Wow! Uhh…ahhh…ummm… *clears throat* I’m not going to take the easy answer and just say the Wedding Dare series as a whole (While I did adore it…that seems like I would be cheating!) If I had to choose right now, I think I would say 2B Or Not 2B? by Stephanie Witter. That book was amaze-balls and had me choked up from tears and laughter throughout! I will say that my favorite book changes almost weekly, I tend to read A LOT and I love them all so much for different reasons!

If you could have any one toy what would it be? Why?

Do cards count? I’m going to say they count. I’m a horrible card addict. I play all the time. And I have a badass card trick that no one can figure out! Yes, I’m proud of that LOL

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

I’d be telekinetic. Because I’m inherently lazy and being able to move stuff with my mind would be a great way to freak strangers out.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Leftover pizza and eggs. Because I’m a grownup!

If Seducing the Bridesmaid was a dessert, what would it be and why?

Lemon bar. A little tart, but overall pretty sweet.

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

“This song is so great! *sings* Man, GET IN YOUR OWN LANE! *shakes fist* OH! I love this song! *sings more*”

What song best describes you? Why?

 

Thank you so much for having us!

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Title: Baiting the Maid of Honor

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: June 9, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 150 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Reed Lawson & Julie

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“The dialog was addictive and humorous without taking away from the deep meaning and romance of the story.” ~Becca

After having read The Wedding Dare and Falling for the Groomsman, I was super excited to get started on Baiting the Maid of Honor! Let me start by saying that I was not disappointed!!

This was my first Tessa Bailey book and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The Wedding Dare series is an amazing continuity (I just learned this word hehe it means: stories by different authors that take place at the same time) that keeps the reader wanting to grab on to the next book and learn more! I know that these 3 books have me dying to get my hands on the last two! I am drooling at the mouth to find out what happens with Sophie!

I often found myself thinking “is this how it happened in the other book” when I came up to a scene where multiple characters are taking part. In all the cases that I took the time to check…it was pretty dang close to word for word! I am very surprised by the amount of skill these women show by taking the same scene and showing it from someone else’s perspective without messing up the scene in any way.

Okay, so on to this book!

Julie is am uptight southern belle that really needs to let loose. Reed…mmm…Reed…yes Reed…he is, well he is a sexy as sin SWAT commander that likes things a little rough. I definitely fell in love with Reed and Julie quickly. The mixture of Julie’s uptight good-two-shoe-ness and Reed’s tortured commanding way is just explosive!

The dialog was addictive and humorous without taking away from the deep meaning and romance of the story. I loved the back story that we get and learning what makes these two tick. It was interesting to watch as they let themselves show their true self to one another…even when they didn’t mean to.

The sex scenes in this book are to die for! Oh my gosh…let’s just say that Julie’s secret classes are paying off for sure! I adore the way that Tessa writes. It is so easy to fall in to and find myself obsessed with the characters and not able to put it down! I can’t think of one single thing that I didn’t love about this book! The characters are deep and relatable, the story line flows well and keeps you wanting more, the romance moved along in a realistic way and the chemistry and erotic scenes are just perfection!

Just like with the last two books in this series, this one left me excited and begging for more! Back to my quiet corner to read book 3!!

Check out the other books in the series

We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

Reed Lawson is a complicated guy. He’s had a rough past, growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in rural Tennessee. He is a former hell-raiser, but one eye-opening experience turned it all around for him. Now, he commands a SWAT team in Atlanta, but the remnants of the past have never loosened their hold on him. So when he meets Julie, a sunshiney people-pleaser, he wants to run in the opposite direction, but can’t. She hooks him from the second they meet. There is no real-life inspiration for Reed, though. He lives in a magical fantasy world in my head, populated by broody, sexy, mega-hotties.

Was there a music playlist for you while writing? If so can you share a few songs from it?

This time around, I listened to a lot of HAIM. There is one scene in the book where Julie performs a strip tease for Reed and the beat in “My Song 5” nails the mood I was going for.

What book are you most proud of so far?

I’m really proud of this continuity! For five incredibly busy women to put so much effort into a project, we had to be super meticulous and focused on the details. It took a lot of time and effort to match up everything in each book. If one person would have dropped the ball, it wouldn’t have turned out so well. Good thing that never happened once!

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

My super power would be to clean my house with the wave of a hand. Who has time to clean?? Also, I wouldn’t mind a super power that allowed me to see every man as their inner hunky cover model. Just walk down the street and be swimming in a sea of sexy I’d keep my husband the way he is, though. He’s perfect.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

My two biggest staples are peanut butter and hummus. If I don’t have both at all times, I consider my fridge empty. I eat a jar of peanut butter per week and go through withdrawals if I don’t have it.

If your book/series was a dessert, what would it be and why?

Red velvet cake, because it’s deliciously decadent!

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Title: Falling for the Groomsman

Author: Jen McLaughlin

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: June 9, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 225 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Christine Forsythe & Tyler Dresco

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“I couldn’t get enough of these two! Their chemistry is palpable and addicting!” ~Becca

Well, this was my first Diane Alberts/Jen McLaughlin book and was a bit nervous about whether it would stand up to my expectations after reading the amazing Dare to Resist.

The idea behind this series is just so spectacular and unique that it pulled me in from the moment I heard about it! This many different authors working together to create one series that ALL takes place at the same place and time! The amount of collaboration and work that it would take to make this good is incredible!

So, needless to say I was up in the air as I started reading this book! I just didn’t know what to think…

Let’s just say I sat down with this book this morning…and didn’t put it down until I was done! The story was so compelling and real that I was crying and screaming and wanting to hit things right along with Tyler and Christine the entire story! 

Their past experience was a toughie…I could tell right away that Tyler wasn’t a douche or an asshole, even if he did make a massive ass of himself that one day so long ago. I can totally understand why Christine is so upset and wants pay back…I also had a feeling that she didn’t seem the vindictive type and probably wouldn’t be able to follow through with it.

Needless to say, I couldn’t get enough of these two! Their chemistry is palpable and addicting! When you add in to the story all of the fighting and constant head butting…the clinging to one another just to back away…the fear and the excitement…the misunderstandings…the well…the just plain sexiness of their time together…you end up with a book that you can’t put down, but don’t want to end. It’s so hard when you have a book like this…where you are totally in love with the characters and the story and want to know what happens, all while never wanting it to end!

There were so many times during this book that my hubby walked into the room and just looked at me and my huge goofy grin…or god forbid he came in when we were all pissed of (yes…I’m weird…I said we…as in Tyler, Christine and I….don’t judge me!) and I was literally scowling at my Kindle!

Anyways…what you all want to know without me letting loose a ton of spoilers…do I recommend the book? Oh that is one BIG OL’ HELL YEAH!

No seriously…why are you still reading my reviews?? Get to it! Click the link and buy the dang book already!! 

I know I am about to go find a quiet corner and start reading the next one! Here’s to hoping this series keeps up the awesomeness that has begun!

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Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency. 

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website     Facebook     Twitter     GoodReads

Describe your book/series in 15 words or less!

–Falling for the Groomsman is a sexy, quirky second chance love story with two very stubborn individuals.

When did you start writing?

–Well, I wrote a book when I was a kid and it got put in my school library! That was my first taste of being an author, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. Then, later on in life, I finally wrote a whole book and started querying. After a long, lengthy, brutal journey…I got my first “yes” in 2011.

What is something about yourself that most of your readers don’t know?

–I’m very short. Everyone is always surprised by how little I am when they meet me. LOL

I’m only 5 feet tall…so I know what you mean!

How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?

–I spend my free time hanging with my kids and my hubby. 

What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

–The readers. I love having people who love my books, and when they write me to tell me they love them…it’s the best feeling EVER.

Now for a silly one

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

–Reading minds—because I’m nosey and want to know what people REALLY think!

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Title: Dare to Resist

Author: Laura Kaye

Series: The Wedding Dare

Published by: Entangled Brazen

Date published: May 12, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance & Humor

Book Length: 136 pages

Steam Rating: Risque

Main Characters: Kady Dresco and Colton Brooks

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 “Dare to Resist, was well “all that and a bag of chips” haha! I have read Laura Kaye books before and I always adore her writing style and the depth to which she takes her characters. When reading her books I can’t help but feel like apart of the story and Dare to Resist was no different.” ~Becca

When I heard about this series I was just super excited about the plot line and the idea of reading a series written by different authors was intriguing!

Dare to Resist, was well “all that and a bag of chips” haha! I have read Laura Kaye books before and I always adore her writing style and the depth to which she takes her characters. When reading her books I can’t help but feel like apart of the story and Dare to Resist was no different.

I’m not usually a fan of shorter stories, I prefer the long drawn out total eclipse of a story line. However, this book managed to get a full novel’s worth of story into a 150 pages without it feeling rushed or pushy. I felt like it flowed perfectly and kept me wanting to read more and more.

Before I was even done with the first few pages i was totally and 100% hooked into this story! The characters are just so relatable! Kady and Colton…just wow! They amount of tension between them that goes un-acknowledged for so long is just…well you can feel it! To make matters even better and more relatable, this is a story that plays out so many times. The little sister having a crush on big brother’s bestie? Come on…this has been played out and done way too many times! I know what you’re thinking…this book must be boring and predictable! But guess what?!? You are totally and 100% WRONG! What Laura Kaye pulls off in this book is just priceless and unforgettable! The romance is addictive and leaves the reader panting for more!

Don’t get me started on the sex scenes…OOOO….MMMM….GGGG!!! Like really! Just oh my gosh! Can you say HOT, HOT, HOT…and maybe just one more HOT for good measure?!?

I’m still a little ticked off at Colton for his reaction to finding the book…but he so made up for it rather quickly. Just…yeah…my mind is completely blown by that sex scene! It was hot and erotic and total BDSM without making me cringe, which is a fine line to balance with that area. You want to keep your readers engaged without the weirdness of falling into something depraved and so difficult to read that you end up skimming over the scene. Again, Laura Kaye managed to follow that line brilliantly! She balanced between the rough and tumble of a first time BDSM and a romance that was sweet and caring, it was, simply put, MAGNIFICENT!

Dare to Resist was the PERFECT start to a series that I was so looking forward to reading! I am excited to start the next book and can’t wait to see where it leads! If you haven’t read this yet and are thinking about it…trust me…just DO IT!

Check out the other books in the series

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day. 

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Describe your book in 15 words or less!

It’s a frenemies-to-lovers story where the couple gets trapped in a hotel together.

When did you start writing? How did you come up with your book’s name?

I began writing in 2008 after a traumatic brain injury left me with a new creative urge. I was first published in April 2011, and I now have 15 books available. Dare to Resist came from the dare theme of the series and the fact that Kady and Colton really can’t resist one another!

We all need a hero! Tell us about your protagonist(s)? Was there a real-life inspiration behind him or her?

Heroes are my favorite to write! Colton is an ex-military computer security guy with a kinky streak. And Kady is a sexy brainiac who is the best in the computer security field (she also has a kinky side!). No real-life inspiration, but I sure wouldn’t mind meeting Colton! *grins*

How do you spend your time when you aren’t writing?

There are writers who have time when they’re not writing??? *winks*

Haha, I often feel the same way, trying to balance my writing, my blog and my family time!

What do you find most challenging about being an author?

Balancing what could easily be a 24/7 job with family time, me time, and adequate sleep.

What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

Hands down: the readers.

What book are you most proud of so far?

Oh, I’m really proud of all of them for different reasons. But I’m really proud of the Hard Ink series in particular because I tried something a little different (romantic suspense) and I’m totally loving how it’s turning out!

What are two of your favorite characters in your books/series written by other authors?

Number 1 by a mile would be J.R. Ward’s Zsadist. After him, a lot of faves come to mind. Wrath and Rhage from that same series. Zarek from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters series. Any of Tessa Bailey’s dirty talkers…

I have to completely agree with you here! I adored Zsadist…his book was difficult to read at times, but so touching and wonderful at the same time! I adore that series! I will have to get my hands on the others you mentioned!

Was there a music playlist for you while writing? If so can you share a few songs from it?

I tend to write an entire book while listening to ONE SONG ON REPEAT. I pick a song that represents the mood of the story or the characters. For Dare to Resist, it was Dave Matthews’s Crash Into Me.

​What’s next for you?​

I’m finishing up the Hard Ink series this summer and am looking forward to my next release on August 14: Hard to Hold On To (Hard Ink #2.5)

Now for some silliness!

If you could have any one toy what would it be? Why?

Lite Brite, because you can make awesome glowing pictures!

If you could have one super power what would it be? Why?

Teleportation – you could go anywhere!

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Lots of fruits and veggies because I’ve been committed to being healthier since April 1 and I’ve lost 28 pounds so far!

WOW! You go girl! I know losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle isn’t always the easy choice…but you totally got this!

If your book/series was a dessert, what would it be and why?

Ooh, something sweet and spicy, like Mexican chocolate!

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

I usually sing – loudly.

Enter the giveaway and be sure to check out the rest of the books in this series!

The Wedding Dare Series

Authors: Laura Kaye, Jen McLaughlin, Tessa Bailey, Katee Robert and Samanthe Beck

Gere: Contemporary romance & Humor

Books currently in the series: 5

*WARNING 18+*

“These stories share a setting and characters, but can be read as stand-alones. But why would you want to miss a single minute of crazy sexy hotness? Get them all!” ~Laura Kaye

Title: Dare to Resist (Prequel)

 “Dare to Resist, was well “all that and a bag of chips” haha! I have read Laura Kaye books before and I always adore her writing style and the depth to which she takes her characters. When reading her books I can’t help but feel like apart of the story and Dare to Resist was no different.” ~Becca

Title: Falling for the Groomsman (Book 1 in the Wedding Dare series)

“I couldn’t get enough of these two! Their chemistry is palpable and addicting!” ~Becca

Title: Baiting the Maid of Honor (Book 2 in the Wedding Dare series)

“The dialog was addictive and humorous without taking away from the deep meaning and romance of the story.” ~Becca

Title: Seducing the Bridesmaid (Book 3 in the Wedding Dare series)

“This book was amazingly humorous, filled with romance, and so easy to read and fall in love with!” ~Becca

Title: Best Man with Benefits (Book 4 in the Wedding Dare series)

“…how sweet is Logan! Finding a way to help Sophie realize that she is beautiful! Just…AAAWWWEEE!! I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Logan at that exact moment!
” ~Becca

How did you guys meet?

Samanthe: I don’t want to spill too many details, but let’s just say, if you ever end up in a Turkish prison, there are no finer ladies to share a cell with than Diane, Katee, Laura and Tessa.

Diane: Yep, we all write for Entangled, and Laura I’ve known for even longer! Tessa lives close enough that we try to get together a few times a year, and the rest I see at conventions! After this year’s Romantic Times Convention in New Orleans, we all finally got to meet in person, and they’re all the best!

Laura: We’ve all written for Entangled for a while, so we were online friends first, and then got to meet each other at various conferences – which is one of my favorite things about writers’ conferences!

Katee: Laura and I interviewed each other way back in 2012 for books we had coming out with Entangled. I got to meet Diane and Sam in person in 2013, and had a blast with Tessa this year in NOLA. Thank God for writer’s conferences or I’d never get to meet anyone outside the internet!

Tessa: Apart from Diane, who I met one afternoon when she trekked down to NYC for a matinee of Phantom, I met all these lovely ladies for the first time in person at RT this year. Prior to that, our acquaintance had been online only.

How did you story board and manage to keep the plot line running so smoothly?

Samanthe: We used Google Docs, Excel and Jack Daniels Single Barrel (as needed) to keep all the characters and timelines straight.

Diane: Google Docs saves lives, people. Without that, it would have been impossible to keep it all straight. That, and wine. Lots of wine.

Laura: Since my story occurred before the other four, I had to do less plot planning. What they did to coordinate their concurrent stories was truly amazing, though! I mostly had to work on keeping backstories the same, etc.

Katee: Yeah, we used a truly intense amount of communication, and then all of us read through every book to check for facts. We didn’t really think about how much work it’d be when we got started, but it was totally worth it!

Tessa: Yes, lots of email threads, Google docs, Excel spreadsheets and prayers

How do you develop your plot and characters?

Samanthe: The Wedding Dare series was an unusual process for me, because the setting, time frame and a lot of the story events and logistics came as part of the overall concept. We outlined our characters’ main traits to be sure we presented distinct personalities in each story.

My hero, Logan, already existed as part of my McCade Brothers series, and he just kind of fit the bill, best man-wise. He’s the golden boy, (although he’s been stuck in an all-work-and-no-play rut for so long, he’s feeling like his life is missing some shine).

My heroine, Sophie, was a total construct of the continuity. She’s Colton’s, (the groom’s), shy, insecure little sis, and she’s also the outsider because the bride, Kady, and all the other bridesmaids were sorority sisters.

Me: OOOOO You have another series that involves Logan?!? I am so on this! hehe Goodreads y’all…Goodreads!

Diane: The editor of the series had a huge hand in giving us the characters she thought we’d do best with. For me, it was Tyler, the bride’s big brother, and her best friend, Christine. The fact that they had a past made my story all the much more fun to write, honestly. I loved their push and pull!

Laura: My hero and heroine already existed before I joined the project to write them (the bride and groom, Kady and Colton). Since I knew my story was a quick forced-proximity story (they get trapped sharing a hotel room during a storm), I had to create a backstory for them where they already knew and were attracted to one another. And find a fun catalyst that could lead to explosive smexy times fairly quickly. So much fun!

Katee: I was on the phone with our editor when the offer to do the continuity came in from Diane. She got excited and basically laid out the four main stories she wanted, and she already knew that she wanted Diane to write a certain one and Tessa to write a certain one. Sam and I cage-fought for the last two

Tessa: Our editor had a hand in divvying up the character types and I think she played to our strong suits as best as possible. Thus, I was given the broody, law enforcement officer, which is right up there with chocolate on my Favorite Things list. Conversely, I was given a sunshiney, people pleaser as a heroine, which was more of a challenge, but I ended up loving her to pieces.

Why did you choose to write this story?

Samanthe: I was definitely going to write Logan’s story in some form or another, and then Diane contacted me, and was like, “Katee, Tessa and I were wondering if you would—” and I was like, “YES!” Her question could have ended with, “walk our dogs.” I didn’t care. I was in for whatever these ladies wanted from me.  Then, just when I didn’t think it could get any better, Laura signed on to write the prequel!

Diane: This was my first reunited lovers/enemies to lovers story I’ve ever written, and it was so much fun to tackle. Too much fun!

Laura: I thought it would be fun to work with the other authors! Plus I love writing sexy contemporaries!

Katee: In a word — Regan. She’s a very polarizing heroine, but being able to take the gloves off, so to speak, and run with her was something that made me deliriously happy. Also Brock and his damn laugh lines. Basically the story was a playboy and a driven headhunter and I practically tackled the idea.

Tessa: I was thrilled to write an opposites attract story. I think they might be my favorite because finding common ground between two vastly different characters is a fun challenge.

Is it hard to write in a group? Would you do it again?

Samanthe: I was such a dumbass at the outset I didn’t appreciate how hard it would be. Working with Diane, Katee, Laura and Tessa was a pleasure, though. They never made me feel bad for lacking good writing processes, not keeping my timeline updated, not paying close enough attention to their timelines, hijacking their characters to be in my scenes when they were clearly committed to being somewhere else, (and effing up the Google docs several times…although I’m not sure they noticed because I tried really hard to eliminate the evidence of those mishaps).

I would totally do it again! (They will need convincing to take me on a second time).

Me: Haha, this all seems like my side of things! I effed up our Google Doc for this interview how many times?? I always try to be organized and have spreadsheets and plans…but sometime my excitement gets away from me and I totally forget about all of the places I’m supposed to write things down

Diane: With these ladies? Hell yeah! I did it before with two other friends of mine, too, and the key is working with people who are willing to work together and work hard. Without that, it would be a hot mess. Literally.

Laura: I’m co-authoring another project, so this is my second experience. Communication and flexibility are key, and as long as you know the folks you’re working with are EASY to work with, it can be a great deal of fun. I’d do it again.

Katee: I’d definitely do it again. I think we had an amazing group and everyone worked so freaking hard to make this series a success. It took a healthy dose of insanity to pull it off, but it was a ton of fun, too!

Me: After reading all of the books, I would definitely say that this series is a HUGE success! I highly recommend all of them to everyone…well everyone over 18! lol

Tessa: I would do it again, but only if these four ladies were involved. If they weren’t talented, hard-working and considerate, I think a project of this magnitude would have been very difficult. We made it as easy as possible for one another and I would absolutely do it again with them

Did you ever want to take the story in a different direction than the others? How did you make sure that the stories didn’t contradict each other?

Samanthe: We each wrote and shared a fairly detailed story synopsis before we got started, so we had the big picture ironed out ahead of time. There were little things like, “Um, Sam, in this scene you have my hero in the lobby talking to Sophie, but he is actually up in my heroine’s room, being used like a personal toy. Please don’t make him come down to hold Sophie’s hand. He will not be happy.” Honestly, everyone was really flexible and generous, and we got good about contacting each other ahead of time and asking, “How badly does it screw up your life if I…”? Laura maybe had the biggest challenge, even though her timeline didn’t overlap, because her existing deadlines dictated she write her story later, after four other authors had used her characters in whatever way we needed.

Me: Oh wow! It does sound as if Laura had her work cut out for her! Hehe, I totally know the scene you are talking about and yeah…I think he would have been slightly pissed if his “boy toy” status had been taken away at that moment! Hell, I would have been pissed! hehe

Diane: I think it went pretty smoothly because we had the timeline all worked out ahead of time. That’s the biggest factor in how easy the actual timeline went for us all, I think.

Laura: I had less of an issue with this, with one exception. My story was initially a lot hotter/darker/edgier. But there was a sense that in being that way it didn’t well set up the feel for the series as a whole, so I had to tone it down some.

Katee: We had things totally figured out beforehand with this massive Big Mama master timeline and detail synopsises. But there were still hilarious little snafus. Like both Sam’s heroine and mine were in the gym at the same time and we didn’t figure it out until the books were completely written. The scene we worked on together ended up being one of my favorites in the book.

Me: I know that scene! I actually caught myself looking back at the other book going…wait does this match up! Hehe, you guys did a great job!

Tessa: There were a few times I wanted to hop over and write Regan and Brock’s story! (from Seducing the Bridesmaid) LOL. Katee created some really rich, interesting characters that jumped off the page. Plus, I love a New Yorker with an attitude.

What was the hardest part of writing this book for you?

Samanthe: Sophie! She’s like so many of us. She looks in the mirror and sees ALL her flaws, and NONE of her assets. But she’s also a woman in the midst of a physical and emotional transformation, and I had so much fun making Logan an integral part of her journey to view herself in a more accurate and positive way. Still, I worried about her coming across too angsty and self-conscious. There’s a lot of Sam Beck on her worst day in Sophie. :}

Me: Out of all of the characters, I did find myself bonding and relating to Sophie the most. I feel like most women have the same thoughts and feelings and the way that Logan “helped” her realize her beauty was epic! Definitely a drool worthy moment!

Diane: Tyler. He came across kind of…asshole-ish/whiney at first. I kinda had to rewrite the whole story. LOL!

Laura: This one came out really fast for me. Sometimes they’re like that.

Katee: Regan. Always Regan. She’s so damn forceful, that I had to fight to rein her in even a little bit. The woman knew what she wanted and she could care less about being likeable.

Me: It sounds like you are a passenger in this book lol I know that in my book right now I am so not the driver! I will have a plan for a scene to go a certain way and then BAM…that’s just not happening anymore! lol

Tessa: The hardest part of writing this story was the dark moment. I wanted so badly for Reed to do the right thing when they had their blow up fight, but he wasn’t ready. He needed to see what it would be like without Julie before he groveled. God, I love a good grovel

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Samanthe: It’s hard to choose! Personally, I loved the scene where Sophie…ahem…disciplines Logan. She’s such a passive-leaning passive aggressive, and Logan’s so dominant, the incongruity of the interaction appealed to me. Plus the potential to write something funny, and hawt, and make it work while staying true to their characters. Does it work? You’ll have to be the judge.

Me: Oh it definitely worked! That scene was … just… MMMMM OH EMMM GGGEEE!! Lol I was drooling and in need of a cold shower after that one!

Diane: Hmm….maybe the forest scene? I don’t know!!! It might be when he dances with her, carrying her like a real hero.

Laura: My favorite part is what happens after Colton finds a book Kady brought with her… In particular, the conversation that follows is one of the hottest non-sex scenes I’ve ever written!

Katee: The scene in the bar where Brock buys Regan a drink. She’s so ready to dismiss him out of hand and it just rolls off him. Their banter was so much fun and that kind of conversational spark leads into the OTHER kind of spark wonderfully.

Tessa: Definitely the strip tease scene. Reed and Julie make a bet that ends with them in Reed’s hotel room and a slow removal of clothing. I think I wrote it with a fan blowing directly on my face.

Me: Girl, I can imagine! I needed a fan to read it! I haven’t written my first sex scene in my book yet…I’m a bit nervous about it’s arrival…I can feel that it is close and I just don’t know where it is going to lead! Again, I’m such a passenger to this story that until it is on paper I have not one single clue how it will end!

How did you decide who wrote what characters?

Samanthe: Jello wrestling. Or, um, I’m going to say our editor, Heather Howland, Diane and Katee came up with the archetypes. Logan fit the golden boy/best man type, and it made sense to pair this confident, outgoing guy up with his introverted, insecure opposite, because we all know, in fiction at least, opposites attract!

Diane: Yep, it was a joint effort. That was the first thing that was assigned, then we all took off from there!

Laura: In part, we all wrote to our character strengths, or certain authors wove in a character related to an existing series. I write military heroes, so Colton is ex-military.

Katee: The characters were all part of the initial planning when they were divvied out. Our editor had worked with all of us before and she had specific ideas over who she thought should write what.

Tessa: As Sam said, our editor, Katee and Diane mostly came up with the character types and definitely played to our strengths. We had to be excited to dive into a project this big and I think this helped a lot. Getting to sink our teeth into characters we loved.

Well, there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my interview with The Wedding Dare crew as much as I did!