Dare to Embrace

Maxwell #7

by S.B. Alexander

I have a decision to make—family or my career. The problem is I want both, and I don’t know how to choose.

Lacey

I promised Kade we would start a family when my baseball contract is up. But now a Triple-A ball club is interested in me. If I sign with them, getting pregnant is not an option.

The last thing I want to do is disappoint my husband, but moving up in the major leagues is vital to me.

I can’t give up what I worked so hard to achieve. But I can’t live without the man who is my everything, and if I do this, I know I risk losing him forever.

Kade

I hardly see Lacey during baseball season, but with the All-Star break in full swing, I have four blissful days to spend with my beautiful wife.

I have plans that will keep us locked away with no distractions. It will be her and me, our king size bed, and a chance to make up for lost time.

But when her agent calls, the four days turn into a shit storm.

Now, our future plans are in jeopardy. 

And our marriage is on the line.

This is book 4 in Kade and Lacey’s story and is a novella (35k words). Reading order for Kade and Lacey is Dare to Kiss, Dare to Dream, Dare to Breathe, and Dare to Embrace.

Intended for audiences 18+

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The Maxwell Series is about a group of brothers who are all about family, duty, honor, and will do anything to protect those they love. Be prepared for all the feels as Kade, Kelton, Kross, and Kody put their hearts on the line. 

Dare to Kiss – Kade and Lacey – Book 1 Dare to Dream – Kade and Lacey – Book 2 Dare to Love – Kelton Maxwell – Stand-alone novel Dare to Dance – Kross Maxwell – Stand-alone novel Dare to Live – Kody Maxwell – Stand-alone novel Dare to Breathe – Kade and Lacey – Book 3 Dare to Embrace - Kade and Lacey - Book 4

 

Genres: Sports

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2019

About the author

S.B. Alexander is an award-winning author of sports romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally rich, character-driven love stories featuring strong heroines, unforgettable heroes, and high-stakes journeys that blend passion, family dynamics, action, and intrigue—always leading to a hard-earned happily ever after.

Her paranormal romance novel The Hunted received a 2022 International Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, and her books are known for immersive worlds, long-form romantic arcs, and deeply rooted emotional stakes. Whether writing elite athletes, military heroes, or dangerous immortals, S.B. brings heart, heat, and authenticity to every story.

A U.S. Navy veteran, former high school teacher, and corporate sales executive, S.B. draws on her background to infuse her work with discipline, resilience, and realism. Military themes run through many of her stories and remain close to her heart, shaped by both her own service and that of her late husband.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys sports—especially baseball—and can often be found on the golf course chasing the elusive hole-in-one.

She lives by the motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”

Reviews

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reader fell in love with Lacey and Kade's story from the first book in the series and they will not disappointed with the direction of this book. S. B. Alexander once again fills her characters with raw emotions and their journey is filled with tough decisions and heartwarming endings. Lacey and Kade have overcome so much and there are not many road blocks that can stop them from moving forward. A wonderful addition to the series.

[Holly Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me feeling all the feels. I have been waiting for this storyline for Kade and Lacey since the beginning and I couldn’t have asked for a better and heartwarming ending. However I am hoping for more from the Maxwell family. Thanks so much Susan, keep the great stories coming.

[Kbsblogging and reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cant Express to you how much I love Susan and her books.
I've been a big fan of susan since her first Maxwell book dare to kiss was released.
Dare to embrace is the continues from dare to kiss, dare to dream, dare to breathe.
Kade and lacey are still together.
Lacey is struggling to deal with her baseball career and her personal life. Kade is so supportive of lacey and her baseball career.
I felt for him it felt like he was given up a piece of himself for lacey dream.

Susan as away of pulling you in from the very first page.
You feel so many feelings reading this book.
You have to read the other books before this one. It's not a standard alone.
Thanks for the fantastic book Susan.
I highly recommend this book.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Please excuse me while I wipe away my happy tears, because this book has made feel all the feelings.
If you love the Maxwells then this book is the perfect little treat to get you back into the lives of Kade and Lacey because let's face it we all want to know what's up.
If you don't know who the Maxwells are well, you should still buy this book but maybe read the series first because it is just awesome and this book is a satisfying cherry on top of the most delicious sundae.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I start?
I have loved Kade and Lacey's story right from the start they have been through so much together and this book just made the story even better. I just hope there is more, their story just has so much love and emotion in it you can not help but get sucked in. I personally can not wait to see what is next. I just love all of the Maxwell series.
You have out done yourself again Susan BRILLIANT and THANK YOU.

[Paula White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.

It was great to go back to the original couple and see how life was from their perspective as we had caught up with them in other books. I was frustrated by Lacey at the start as I thought was was being a tad selfish and putting her wants above everything, in the end it all came good. However, I did wonder what would have happened if she hadn't fell pregnant accidentally

We got an amazing HEA which this couple so deserved. I hope we will get to see more of them in the family saga books

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Alexander has created a place where the Maxwell family lives and loves. This novella explores the relationship between Lacey and Kade, pulling in other family members whom her readers have come to know and love. I truly enjoyed the story and read it all in three days, which is a record for me.
There were a lot of twists and turns as we discover both Lacey and Kade’s concerns about their young married life. As they thought about what they wanted and then tried to reconcile that with what their partner wanted, they found out that sometimes life takes matters into its own hands.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single minute of this book. I fell in love with Kade at the start of this series, and I love him even more now!! Watching this couple grow from book one to now has been truly heartwarming. The whole family are so close, and Kade loves his family. I look forward to reading more of the spin off series about his cousins. Kade has done so much for them, and I’m hoping for more glimpses of Kade through his cousins eyes. Thank you for this series, Susan!!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kade and Lacey are back! <3 It would be best if you read the other books about this couple before reading Dare to Embrace so you have the background information that is mentioned. If you haven’t read any of the Maxwell books you will still be able to enjoy this wonderful story about family and careers. Once again S.B. Alexander has knocked it out of the park with this book. I love that we were also able to get a peek at what is going on with some of Kade’s cousins and his brothers.

[Erin Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and I'm definitely going to give it!! To get the most out of this book, readers need to read the previous Maxwell books - at the very least, those relating specifically to Kade and Lacey. I've read many books by this author and Susan, once again, did not dissappoint. It's passionate and emotional, I started crying without actually realising! If you've read through their previous ups and downs, I'm sure you'll enjoy this read too!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an arc on this book and as usual I was not disappointed!! This is the first book I have read on the Maxwell boys. I absolutely love Kade and Lacey! They are a very strong, loving couple who love hot sex!! 🔥🔥. If you like a nice romance book with some angst and some feels then this is the book for you!! Pick it up right now and read it!! I also liked that we got to see a glimpse of maiken and Marcus!! Thank you so much for the arc I loved loved loved it! Susan you never disappoint me!!

[Melinda Benn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic, I have loved Kade and Lacey from their first book and truly enjoyed getting to go back into their world again. S. B. Alexander is an incredible writer and I love her work, Don't miss out on this book

[Kenzie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another amazing part to the Kade and Lacey story! It give you a great look at what the future holds for this amazing couple that we have all come to love! If you liked the first three books of their story, this one is a must read!!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.B. knocked it out of the park again.
I love the journey of kade and lacey. These two have been
through a lot together and now to have the journey end with
Their dreams and life together coalesce into such a wonderful
Ending made my day.

[Heidi Budd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give more than 5* I would. Talk about shock factor but in a good way, I didn't see that coming but so happy. You outdid yourself and I applaud you Susan on another one that rocks the damn house. Next! 🤪😜

[Alison Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the crap out of this book. I loved Kade from the beginning. I was a bit torn what I thought of Lacey in this book with her career/family dilemma as Kade was born to be a dad. Liked seeing Kody and Mailken in this book to can’t wait for the next one.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, loved this final instalment of the maxwell family story.. Have loved Kade and Lacey’s story from the start, definitely need to read the others before this one. I got so involved in this one and read it in one go. Think this was a perfect ending. Would definitely recommend

[Danielle Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit. I love Kade and Lacey. So glad to have a glimpse of their life. It is refreshing to be able to follow a couple past their happily ever after. Hope to see more of them and the rest of the Maxwell clan!

[Cherie Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was amazing. So much happened in this story that it left me wanting more. I just can't get enough of the Maxwell's

[Shelly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I couldn’t put the book down. Susan did another wonderful job. Love all the Maxwells!

[Stephanie Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Maxell series, and latest on Kade and Lacey is a fantastic read.

[Kayleigh henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book. I have loved jade and Lacey from book one and this book really doesn't disappoint. Susan Alexander you are an amazing writer and cant wait to read more.

[Wilmaris Lugo-santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG thank you S.B. Alexander for this great story love Kade and Lacey. All I can say is you gave this couple a great love from start to finish. I laughed so much near the end. Hopefully we get to see more of Kade and Lacey any their growing family in the next books from the Maxwells series.

[Hannah Nappi · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘚.𝘉. 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 ⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
Overall: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Steam: 3/5 💥💥💥⁣
Feels: 🥰😍😊🤭🥰⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
🔎𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒🔎⁣
Character age range: 20s ⁣
Leads: Kade and Lacey Maxwell ⁣
HEA: ✅ ⁣
Release Date: November 18th, 2019 ⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
📖 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎 📖 ⁣
Kindle Unlimited: ✅ ⁣
Audible: ❌⁣
Series: ✅ The Maxwell Series ⁣
Book 1: Dare to Kiss (Kade and Lacey) ⁣
Book 2: Dare to Dream (Kade and Lacey) ⁣
Book 3: Dare to Love (Kelton and Lizzie) ⁣
Book 4: Dare to Dance (Kross and Ruby) ⁣
Book 5: Dare to Live (Kody and Jessie) ⁣
Book 6: Dare to Breathe (Kade and Lacey) ⁣
▫️▫️Connected Series: A Maxwell Family Saga▫️▫️⁣
Book 1: My Heart to Touch (Maiken and Quinn) ⁣
Book 2: My Heart to Hold (Maiken and Quinn) ⁣
Book 3: My Heart to Give (Maiken and Quinn) ⁣
Book 4: COMING SOON⁣
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~⁣
📝𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝗪📝⁣
When we first met Lacey and Kade in Dare to Kiss I fell in love with them!! Throughout the whole series we have watched their relationship grow and overcome so many obstacles and this book is no different! Many difficult decisions are made and many changes occur in their life! ⁣
♦️⁣
I love how much we have seen Lacey and Kade grow as individuals! Lacey really has come so far from her PTSD! Kade has come far from that kid in high school.⁣
♦️⁣
With Lacey living in Portland playing baseball and Kade living at home and going back and forth to see her it definitely puts a strain on both of them that they have to overcome. ⁣
♦️⁣
Even though they don’t have any mobsters out to get them anymore doesn’t mean this book isn’t filled with great drama and excitement!! Everyone definitely needs to read about the next part of Lacey and Kade’s journey!! {𝘞𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸}

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many times an author writes a "story continuation" that just does not live up to the story where the characters were first introduced. That is not true for S.B. Alexander as she brings more to those of us who fell in love with the original story of Kade and Lacy. This story just gives us so much more as we get to pick up there story where Lacy is now living her dream of playing professional baseball. Kade is trying to be patient while he waits for the next stage in their married life, starting a family. We see struggles, pain, miscommunication and the story of what true love between two people who were destined to be together. Can their love survive the obstacles that keep popping up in their lives. Truly a beautifully written book that I was lucky enough to get to read. Keep the Maxwell Family stories coming!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up all night. I needed to know how it would end and wow! What an ending. Kade and Lacey are such incredible characters that by now, I feel like they are old friends. Kade is still managing the nightclub and Lacey is playing in the minor leagues as the first woman professional baseball player. But life has a way of circimventing the best laid plans. Kade and Lacey have to make life changing decisions. Will she continue to play baseball? Will she quit to start a family? Will Kade travel with her and leave the nightclub?
This author answers all these questions and ties up the story with a large (pink or blue?) bow. I can't wait to drop in and see how the other Maxwells are faring, especially Marcus!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

And The Maxwell Family are back. Omg this book was absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed reading it. Lacey and Kade are back and it seems like I have waited so long for this book and Susan definitely didn't disappoint her readers. Kade is ready for a family but it seems Lacey doesn't feel the same because of her career. Will they be able to agree together what they are going to do and how will this effect there marriage or will it tear them apart. I laughed and I cried while reading this book but I loved all the surprises that happened. Susan is an absolutely incredible author and talented writer and her books are amazing and addictive. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.

[Bksbloggingandreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cant Express to you how much I love Susan and her books.
I've been a big fan of susan since her first Maxwell book dare to kiss was released.
Dare to embrace is the continues from dare to kiss, dare to dream, dare to breathe.
Kade and lacey are still together.
Lacey is struggling to deal with her baseball career and her personal life. Kade is so supportive of lacey and her baseball career.
I felt for him it felt like he was given up a piece of himself for lacey dream.

Susan as away of pulling you in from the very first page.
You feel so many feelings reading this book.
You have to read the other books before this one. It's not a standard alone.
Thanks for the fantastic book Susan.
I highly recommend this book.
#bksbloggingandreviews

[Ashley Gosvener Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting what seems like forever to have another book about Kade and Lacey! In the previous books you hear about each of their issues, lives, the love they share for family and each other. You get to see them grow and evolve. In this book you get to see how their love for each other has grow and stayed strong. At the beginning I was a bit worried about their goals. Starting their family is very important to Kade and Lacey both BUT baseball is just as important to Lacey. She feels she has to choose between the two, starting a family or continue with baseball. In the end it all works out!! LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Susan is amazing!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

What a way to finish out the series. I absolutely loved this series, I could not put any of the book down. I finished them all within a week. This was the perfect way to finish Kade and Lacey's story. I was worried for a little there but knew they work through everything. Love and family come first. Never a truer motto spoken. And it's left open to a degree to keep it going if need be with the triplets and the friends they made along the way. I will read this over and over again and look forward to reading it again in the future! Highly recommended this whole series.