Kody Maxwell’s life has been rooted in grief and death. He tasted love briefly until the girl he loved died suddenly. Determined not to experience that kind of pain again, Kody prefers being alone and writing music. His life goal is to sign with a big-name producer who will take his music to the next level. But lately, he’s been struggling with writer’s block until he encounters a beautiful nurse with the voice of an angel. She brings out feelings he hasn’t experienced in a long time, and that scares the crap out of him. Still, he knows he can’t let her get away. She may have just what he needs to get his juices flowing.
Motorcycle-riding Jessie Ryan loves the thrill of danger and the exhilarating desire for speed. She plays by her own set of rules. But when she discovers she carries the breast cancer gene on the same day she meets the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on, she isn’t prepared to face what the future may hold. As Jessie and Kody begin to form a bond, they learn things about each other and themselves they didn’t see coming. Will they dare to live when fear threatens to stop them?
Dare to Live can be read as a stand alone. Intended for adult audiences.
Navy veteran and bestselling author S.B. Alexander writes paranormal, new adult, and young adult romance. Her writing is emotional, angsty, and character-driven, and features hot heroes stealing hearts.
S.B. or Susan as she likes to be called is a navy veteran, former high school teacher, and former corporate sales executive. She’s a lover of sports, especially baseball, although nowadays you can find her on the golf course.
When she’s not writing, she’s a full-time caregiver to her soul mate of twenty-two years who got a bad deal in life when he was diagnosed with ALS. Her motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”
Dare to Live is the fifth book in S.B. Alexander's amazing Maxwell brothers series, and a book I was highly anticipating because Kody so needed his HEA!
Kody has featured as a side character in previous novels and he is the last of the triplets to tell his story. My heart was already broken for him, but even more so at the start of this novel at a very poignant scene in a graveyard. Mandy's death broke Kody, and six years later he is still struggling to get through each day. Until a certain feisty motorcycle-loving nurse crosses his path.
Kody and Jessie are pretty much smitten with one another when they first meet, but the timing isn't exactly right. Jessie has just received some devastating news and thoughts of guys should be at the back of her mind, but she can't forget the intense, handsome man or his cute niece.
This story has its fair share of angst and it will definitely tug your heartstrings. The irony of their pairing would be laughable, it it wasn't so sad, but it added a layer of authenticity to the story. I was rooting for this couple from the very start.
Heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and ultimately uplifting, Dare to Live is an emotional read which packs a powerful punch. I loved it! The underlying message is one of letting go of the past, conquering your fears, and learning to live in the moment. Highly recommended as are all the previous novels in this series.
I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary advance copy of this book but all the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
2.5 Stars Apparently I’m in the minority because I strongly disliked this book. I found Kody to be kind of a selfish asshole and where he still was a broody hot musician I just couldn’t like him. I get he’s suffering still from the loss of his sister, girlfriend and other high school experiences. He honestly has so much to deal with from his past that I can’t see him with anyone. Throw in the multitude of Jessie’s problems and it was all a bit too much. She cares for her brother in a wheel who had a horrible motorcycle accident. When we first meet her she’s found out she’s has the breast cancer gene and has to make the tough decision whether to remove her breasts or not. She lost her mom to cancer so she struggles hard with this. Throw in her sudden magical singing voice, in which she gets herself a contract to get them out of a hole and her motorcycle accident and it’s all too much. Honestly if I wasn’t enjoying this before, when he leaves her in the hospital and doesn’t even contact her for over a week after her accident and I’m like no bye. And lastly I’m not gonna lie I was so confused for half’s the book about the teacher he’d been having an affair with for a year as there was a character Mr. Robinson and in my head all I saw was Mrs.Robinson so I was doing a lot of double takes. Oh well it wasn’t for me and sadly it seemed my joy for these books really went down after book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a good read. Kody lost his best friend in a motorcycle accident and he's had a hard time getting over her. He meets a woman named Jessie. They fall for each other quickly but she has her own problems to get through. Luckily with the help of family and friends they are able to get their happy ending.
The anticipation of waiting on Kody's story is finally here! It was more than I hoped for plus more! I was praying he would finally get his HEA 💕I was in tears throughout the whole story. Beautifully written & fell in love with Jessie too. I would love for a spinoff series of the Maxwell series in the future.
Kody and Jessie have both suffered losses in the past. Kody's loss of the woman he loved years before, kept him from getting emotionally involved with any other woman. He dreams of writing songs and signing with a famous producer. Writing his songs has been his emotional outlet till he suffers writers block. A chance meeting with a beautiful nurse with an amazing voice gives him new inspiration and has him feeling emotions he thought he would never feel again.
Through her loss and struggles, Jessie seems to be living her living her life with a desire for happiness. She loves the freedom she feels while riding her motorcycle. She loves music and gets lost in the words. Discovering she carries the mutated breast cancer gene has her fearful of what her future holds and if there will ever be a man that could love her through her struggles, especially after meeting the gorgeous Kody Maxwell.
As Kody and Jessie begin to connect emotionally they share their pasts and fears with each other. Can they survive their struggles and fears? Can they move beyond the past? Will they "Dare to Live"?
I am a fan of the Maxwell Series and have been moved by every book. I feel S. B. Alexander has reached a new level in her writing in the telling of Kody and Jessie's story. "Dare to Live" is so vividly written it could be a real life trial and HEA. The emptiness and heartbreak of losing someone; the fear and challenges of a new relationship; and the strength and courage to move on is everyday life in motion.
Although, Dare to Live can be read as a standalone novel, I personally suggest reading the Maxwell Series in order. Happy reading!!
I voluntarily read a advanced review copy of this book! I knew going in that this was the last Maxwell brother to find his lifetime love. Kody loved and lost in the past and over the years he refused to get involved emotionally with another woman. Until Jessie, she is perfect for Kody. She has her own fears that she is dealing with and both are reluctant to get involved with each other. The heart wants what the heart wants. They couldn’t ignore it. I have loved every single book that S B Alexander has published and I must say that this is one of her best! Dare to Live, those words were a huge part of this story. The lyrics in the song in the book were beautiful.. I could just hear the melody in my head and the words got stuck in my head. Both Kody and Jessie had to learn the true meaning behind the words Dare to Live. It was a struggle for the both of them and they got through it together. I’m so glad that Kody found the peace and forgiveness from his past so that he can look to the future. Jessie struggled with the knowledge that she could end up just like her Mom. No spoilers so I’ll stop there. S B Alexander, you have written a beautiful love story with a huge touch of Maxwell hotness. You didn’t disappoint! ❤️📖
Prepare to get all get all the feels!!! Kody was worth the wait. The best book yet.
Kody has been a background character in all the Dare books. We have known his tragic story and have been waiting patiently for his story to unfold. His past is heartbreaking and he tries to hide himself in his music. If you have not fallen in love with his sexy and sensitive character yet you will by the end of chapter 1.
Jessie has just as much of a tearful past and and uncertain future. She is faced with some hard choices and music just maybe her salvation. She is a beautiful nurse who has the weight of the world on hee sholders.
These two characters have such beautifully broken souls. This is an emotional ride full of laughs and tears. Watching there relationship grow and develop is beautiful.
Having all the Dare boys back is great. This is an amazing 5 star read!!!
I loved this story! I love the whole Maxwell family! They love hard. Once you get their love you have it forever!
I’ve been looking forward to Kody’s book since I first read Dare to Kiss. Something about his story spoke to me. He was such a young kid with so much heartache. He was different than his brothers which made him stand out to me!!!
Kody has his faults and he did piss me off in this book. To the point where I wanted to jump into the book and shake the hell out of him. Though I do love who put him in his place better!!
Jessie is a strong, determined woman. She is dealt a crappy hand but to doesn’t let it get her down. She’s determined to do something to make it better. She’s afraid to fall so watching her open her heart is heartwarming!
This is another amazing story in the Maxwell Brothers series. I’m so sad that it’s the last one. But I’m hoping we get some spinoff stories. Especially Hunt, Roxanne, Lowell and Mack!!! Hopefully I’m not asking too much.
When you have already gone through a devastating loss of someone you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with, finding someone new is never important. But when Kody Maxwell comes across a crying nurse in the cafeteria of the hospital his life is forever changed. Will a new relationship built around strong feelings and the love of music be able to set his future in the music world or will the reason she is crying and the people from the past get in the way? With beautiful honest characters and a storyline that takes the reader on an emotional journey, this book is a must read. The Maxwell Family is a series I have always enjoyed and once again, S.B. Alexander does not disappoint.
One of my new favorite books! I love all the Maxwell books! Kade has allways been my favorite and I swore he couldn't be topped.... That was until I read Kody's book! WOW this is one amazing book! It pulls on your heartstrings! Kody has had a hard time since his first love died in a motorcycle accident and wasn't ready, or think he would find, love again. Jessie also has had a hard life. Her dad dies when she was little then her mom from breast cancer, leaving only her and her brother, who is paralysed and in a wheelchair from a motorcycle accident. Kody and Jessie's attraction to each other is off the charts. It was wonderful to get to read how their life changes and grows! An amazing wonderful heartfelt book. S.B. Alexander has definitely outdone herself once again!
OMG… where do I begin it is an honour to be on the ARC Team for Dare to live. This is book 5 in the Maxwell series… And after reading it all I can say is it is absolutely beautifully written just like the rest of the Maxwell series, I was so gripped from chapter 1 I didn’t want it to end, You get totally lost in the story, I said after reading Dare to Dance (book 4) that that was the best book so far but Susan and gone one better yet again, this book is defiantly a MUST read 5* all the way. I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you Susan reading is my way of escaping and I must say that from Dare to Kiss (book 1) to Dare to Live (book 5) they just keep getting better, they are phenomenal books. You can not help but love the each and every character. Thank you again.
I have read each of the Dare to books and I have always said that Dare to Kiss was my favorite. After reading Kody’s story in Dare to Live I have to change my response and say that Dare to Live is my absolute favorite. Kody’s story was an emotional one that I sort of wish didn’t have to end. I get like that when I read an excellent book that I have fallen in love with.
I thought this book was well written. Dare to Live had my emotions all over the place. I cried and was mad at times while reading! I give this book 5 gold stars. If I could give more I would. Thank you Susan for writing this book and giving life to Kody’s story. I truly enjoyed reading this book, as I have all the other books you have written.
I was super excited to be selected to be on the ARC team, thank you so much allowing me the honour. You know you have come across a special author when every single word, in every sentence, in every paragraph of every page in a book manages to touch you so deeply. I love the whole Maxwell series and let me tell you Dare to Live did not disappoint. The story is so beautifully written, there are smiles, tears (a while lot of them), laughter, fun and heartbreak, everything you would hope for in between the pages of any book. The chemistry between Kody and Jessie is hottttt right from the start. I love that the book covers a really important topic as well that so many women go through and I applaud Susan for bringing this to everyone’s attention through her writing. I cannot recommend this book enough; you will literally not be able to put it down.
Beautifully written and so heartwarming not to mention heart-wrenching. Dare to live was beyond what I expected it’s an emotional read and rollercoaster.
The story is so powerful and you see the characters go thru there struggles with the past, present and future as well as how to learn forgive, let go and love. I was crying at some places but also excited at others, the book is so well written I was hooked from chapter 1. Kody was my favourite triplet and Susan has made his story even though one of the last it was by far one of the best. If your a fan of the Maxwell series you definitely need to read this book.
I was gifted this book as a arc for a honest review
Well flappity-flippers Alexander knocked me on my butt with this book.
OK. Truth time. I haven't read any of other Maxwell books so I am doing the series back to front it seems but SB has written this so well as a standalone in the series that it does not matter that I haven't read the others.
On the flip side, there are lots of appearances by the other Maxwell brothers and family which will keep everyone happy. As usual with Alexander, this is a rollercoaster of emotions and at some points I just wanted to either throw my Kindle in frustration or anger at the stupidity of certain characters, and I definitely wanted to Gibbs head-slap Kody at certain points. However, (spoiler alert) they do finally get their HEA ending 😍
Starting this book was so conflicting for me. I was so excited to finally read Kody’s love story, yet so sad to start, knowing he was the last Maxwell brother to fall in love. S.B Alexander did not disappoint me like the previous 4 Maxwell books I was hooked from the start. She has a way with her writing that draws the reader in, you feel like you are walking the path of the characters. When they feel loss and hurt you as the read do too. I cried as Kody cried. It’s such a rare gift and I cherish each journey I am blessed to take as I start and finish her books.
Omg this book is so good couldn’t put it down. Jessie goes through a situation that a lot of women now and days go through and sometimes the guys don’t stand by their side!! in other hand Kody did he had he’s little demons he had to deal with but at the end he was there through an accident and a tough time. This book helps you understand what some women go through and what guys feel when they loose a loved one and it’s hard to fall in live again!!!
I absolutely loved this book! Kept me constantly wanting to read ahead . It pulls on your heart strings from the first chapter and doesn't let go until the end. Characters are well written and you can see them being your friends and sharing their lives with them. It would be a mistake not to add this to your collection and probably one of the best books I have read in a while. Worth it’s weight in gold!! 5 stars all the way !!!
Dare to live. It's more than just a title of a book. We've all been at a crossroads in our life where we could play it safe or...dare to live. This book is an emotional journey of two people who do just that. They must overcome their past to see how bright the future can be. Jessie is a health care professional who must make an impossible decision. Kody is a musician who struggles to forget the past. This book is gritty and raw. It has twists and turns you never see coming. Make sure you have a tissue ready when you read it. Trust me, you won't want the story to end!
The Maxwell's are a special group, loving deeply and honestly. We've met Kade, Kross, Kelton and Kody. The only one struggling with his past is Kody, he can't see beyond his girlfriend's death six years ago. Jessie is a tough cookie, dealing with medical issues and her disabled brother are taking a toll on her. Out of the entire series, as each of the boys had intense storylines, this one touched my heart the most. Jessie's concerns are relatable to most women and hopefully we can take her advice and be brave like her. Although a series, this one can be read separately from the others. I received a copy from the author and wrote my review voluntarily.
Susan never disappoints, this book has all the feel. You laugh, you cry, Kody is every bit as amazing as his brothers. From lying low and having a broken heart to being the man he always was. Kody and Jessie are amazing souls together, the love and heartache they share is every bit what life is about.
S.B. Alexander has done it again!!! I had the feels the whole way throughout reading this book! It will make you laugh, cry, be angry, and fill you with so much joy! I was given the opportunity to read an ARC copy of Dare To Live and I’m so grateful for it! I know that once I read this again it will feel as if I was reading it for the first time all over. All of her books make me feel like this!!! I am so more in love with Kody now that I know his full story!! You will just love it!!!
This book along with all others in the Maxwell series are amazing! Kody and Jessie are so wrong for each other but so right at the same time. I absolutely love how these characters met and how S.B. Alexander meshes all of these stories together. You will fall in love with the Maxwell boys who put loyalty and family above everything else. I want to be invited to Sunday dinner at the Maxwell’s.
Omg... I just love Kody he might be my favorite Maxwell brother. This is the fifth book in the series by they can all be read as standalones. My heart went out to Kody he is a really great guy but badly damaged after lots of loss the chemistry between him and Jessie was really strong but will it be enough to get him past his fears this was a great read and I really liked it
I love Kody story it was great I was so happy that kody has a second chance at love. I was cheer for him and I was crying with him too. Love all of the old and new Characters in this book. S.B. Alexander did it again a beautiful writing story and book.
I was very excited to became one of the few to read and review this book before it came out.I loved the story of Kody and Jesse.It was like I was right there with them in their story .I couldnt put it down till I finished.Well done Susan you are truly an amazing writer.
I love all the Maxwell boys and Kody was no exception. This story gave me all the feels. Ilaughed and i cried all while a truly sensitive and personal subject matter was expertly wove into a fantastic story. Well worth the read.
If you haven’t read the Maxwell brothers series then you need to. Book 5, Kodys story packs a real punch touching on real life issues . It’s heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. This author never disappoints and is a must read. So beautifully written, I just couldn’t put this book down!