No Easy Dare
Dare Accepted, Heart Won
Redemption stories may be a dime a dozen, but the way Samantha Christy writes them, they're more like million dollar dreams. No Easy Dare may be the second book in her McQuaid Brothers series, book twenty-six in her library, but Hunter McQuaid is hands down top tier book boyfriend material and this book is easily my favorite of hers so far.
Dare is heavier emotionally than No Small Bet, book one in the McQuaid Brothers series, but lighter in other ways. The subject matter is heavy. The characters are lighter. Like his brothers, Hunter always came across as entitled, but not a complete asshole. He was "fun", a playboy, reckless with his cash but with a smaller chip on his shoulder than older brother Hawk. And being thrown into this situation was perfect. Because alphahole Hunter was really a cinnamon roll, and the protector in him was stronger than the jackass. He just needed the right motivation. And boy did that protector in him come roaring to glorious life when he found it.
Willow is just incredible. Vulnerable and flawed, but strong and determined and real. Christy does an exceptional job of taking very difficult subject matter and weaving in details and emotional depths that bring out a powerful "why" in Willow's story. She sets the perfect stage, igniting the flame and engaging the catalyst for Hunter and Willow to build a relationship on self and interreliance, strength, protection, and love.
At the heart of the story they’re both protectors. Guarding their hearts from each other becomes impossible as they guard what's most precious to each and both of them. And that makes Dare so much more than just a "fake relationship" trope.
Beyond two main characters who will absolutely own your heart, the community of supporting characters Christy develops are intense, and deep, and well-grounded, and absolutely essential to the storyline. From Tucker McQuaid’s commanding authority and seeming endless wisdom, to the adorable free-spirited but old-soul depth of little Izzy, to the seething evil lurking in Elias, and even the comforting presence of Willow’s friends, they will all leave a mark on your heart.
No Easy Dare is a stay-up-all-night-don’t-want-to-miss-anything page-turner. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will test and activate every emotion. It can be read as a standalone, but that extra insight if read after No Small Bet will be well worth it. Because these McQuaid boys are something, y’all. And watching them fall, and fall hard, is worth every freaking word.
