Review: Love Me If You Dare by Toni Blake

Camille Thompson is the best at what she does—closing deals. That's why real estate developer Vanderhook has sent her to Coral Cove, Florida, where the stubborn owner of the Happy Crab Motel is refusing to sell. Camille's never had a problem turning a "no" into a "yes," but then she's never been so captivated by a man's sexy smile before.

Laidback Reece Donovan likes life simple. No amount of money—or any other temptation Camille can offer—will convince him to give up the one link to his past. Of course, it would be easier without the powerful chemistry raging between them.

As a fragile romance begins to grow, can Reece trust Camille with his secrets? And when promises are broken, along with hearts, can the charm of Coral Cove help bring them back together?

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Expected publication: December 30th 2014 by Avon 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts: 

I received an advanced readers copy from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This is the second book in the Coral Cove series but it can be read as a stand alone. I did not read the first book and it did not impact the story.

Camille goes to the town of Coral Cove to convince the owner of The Happy Crab to sell his motel to make room for a luxurious high rise resort. When she meets the owner Reece, she realises that it isn't going to be as easy as she thought and decides to stay at the motel to try and convince him. She doesn't want to ruin her perfect record with her employer and will do almost anything to get the sale to go through. One thing she wasn't counting on was the immediate sexual attraction she feels that she is pretty sure is mutual. A tentative truce, friendship and budding romance ensues but there are many obstacles in the way of their happily ever after.

This story follows the typical formula of a contemporary romance but is made more enjoyable by the setting of Coral Cove. It is as much a character in the book as Cami and Reece and is described beautifully. I could picture myself strolling along the beach, snorkeling in the ocean and hanging out with the large group of people that are introduced throughout it.

Both Reece and Camille were likeable characters but in much different ways. Camille hid behind her tough exterior but inside was just as vulnerable and unsure as the next girl. Coral Cove really brought out the best in her. Reece was about as yummy as they come with the personality to match. There are also some four legged creatures involved that I loved reading about.

I would have to say that this is one of the better romance novels that I have read in a while. I really enjoyed the story, the town and the people. Blake mentions enough about a few of the other characters to set up for book three in the series. I for one look forward to reading it regardless of which character it will focus on because they are all great.
 

About the Author

Toni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and she's also had more than forty short stories and articles published. Toni lives in the Midwest and enjoys traveling, genealogy, crafts, and snow skiing.

Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.

Connect with Toni

Website/Twitter/Goodreads