Coming Soon: “Dare to Surrender,” Book Two in the Award-Winning Dare Series!
Surrendering may just be their most irresistible—and dangerous—choice of all.
A Quick Synopsis
Jessica Eriksson doesn’t lose control—ever.
Protecting herself from a demanding mother taught her the importance of guarding her emotions. Now in her thirties, the feisty exotic beauty has built a safe and predictable life as a successful CPA, surrounded by loyal girlfriends, and dating only on her terms. Nothing shakes her until…him.
Aiden Jackson moved to Buffalo, NY to escape heartbreak. After a broken engagement, he vowed never to fall in love again. But his fiery new colleague makes him burn, and breaking his own rules just might be the only way to quench the ardent desire that’s been smoldering between them since the day they met.
“Dare To Surrender,” Book Two in the award-winning Dare Series, is an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, high-heat contemporary romance.
It took a lot for Jessica to be at a loss for words. But despite being well-known for her sharp tongue and talent for delivering a sharp quip, the sight of the Adonis of a man standing before her rendered her speechless. He was definitely…a lot. Jessica had to look up to meet his piercing chocolate brown eyes that matched the color of his skin. There was nothing cliche about her, but she could not describe him as anything other than tall, dark, and handsome.
No, “handsome” didn’t do him justice, Jessica mused. He is breathtakingly gorgeous.
Taking a step backward, she put distance between them and allowed her gaze to trail down his wide, sculpted nose to his full mouth, framed by a perfectly trimmed mustache and goatee on his angular jaw. She glanced up, meeting his stare. The sunlight reflected off the diamond stud in his left ear, adding to his rugged sex appeal. Jessica generally did not find bald men sexy—until now.
Sneak Peak
What happens when accepting a DARE changes everything?
Tessa Martin vowed she would never fall in love. At 21, after the tragic deaths of parents, she locked away her heart, filling the void by raising her kid sister and building her career.
After Tessa accepts a dare on the night of her 40th birthday, she comes face to face with a temptation from the past that threatens to undo her safe existence….
Billionaire Colin Alexander has desired Tessa, his friend’s older sister, since he first laid eyes on her a decade ago. When fate steps in years later and their paths cross again, he dares to search for the key that will unlock her heart.
“Do You Dare?” is an enemies-to-lovers, older woman-younger man, high-heat contemporary romance.
The Reviews of “Do You DARE?” are in!
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, what a story.
I loved it right from page one (1) and all the way to the ending. I recommend this book highly.
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2025
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Bold and the Beautiful
Great debut! I’m not normally fond to older women/younger men stories, but this one drew me in! I can relate to Tessa, and Colin was a doll. Sorta alpha, sorta sweet. Swoony chemistry abounded!
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
Kay Dee
4.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Piece of Chocolate Cake
The perfect piece of chocolate cake is both sweet and savory with a perfect texture.
That is this book. Let me go from simple to complex.
This book is impeccably edited. There isn’t a misused or misspelled word anywhere in this text. As someone who reads a lot of BWWM/ BWAM romances, I am thrilled that this text was put through the paces so that the reader has a flawless and breathtaking experience with Tessa and Colin.
The story is tight, well-organized , and logical. Every setting in this book is intentional: Tessa’s office, her condo, the Alexander estate, the cottage, Colin’s loft and even the setting in the ending. They were as much as a part of the story as the three-dimensional characters. The places where our two wonderfully matched pair get to their HEA speak to what is happening between them. I could go deeper, but I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone else. (It’s a whole book club discussion.)
Let me get into these characters. Bravo to our author for writing Tessa as a Black woman with short hair and curves. We don’t see enough of this in writing and I am thrilled that someone is doing it. Often the strong curvy Black woman is written off as a sassy sidekick, but in this book we see the journey of a woman trying to figure out if she can love, despite the heartache of her family’s past and her constant flight from vulnerability. The Princess Squad? Am I permitted to declare my love ten toes down for Jessica? Her one-liners and zingers made me chuckle, but her commitment to being Tessa’s “Mickey” (Rocky character) was endearing and precious. Sweet little sister Mia demonstrated again and again that having an open heart is the beginning of wisdom. And Isabella is kind and mischievous.
Colin is the classic book boyfriend. If more Colins existed…sigh. He may not be a real person, but the way his character jumped of the pages made it seem so. The WAY he loves, figuratively and physically, is a model or healthy love, even as he must stand up to those in his social circle. Luis, we see you. You are the best friend and confidant, but we know he carries book boyfriend energy too. I love how he shows up and coaches Colin back into sense. How can he and Colin be best friends if they are not aligned?
Tessa and Colin’s love faces the slings and arrows of class, race, ageism, and old heartbreak, and anxiety. However, these two (with the help of some great friends) consistently get back on their feet to fight for what feels right between them. What a love lesson for all of us!
This is a polished and perfect book nook read with enough spice to have you punching the air and biting your bottom lip.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Ms. Wooley, I am absolutely waiting for more. Bravo!
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2025
Leslie J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
This was a great romance story of Tessa and Colin. I enjoyed reading Tessa working through her fears of falling in love.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025
Dorathy Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Female friendship drew me in
Romance is not my normal genre of choice. But, I can’t resist a book with well-crafted female characters. Tessa and her friends felt like a breath of fresh air, something light and fun to brighten up the darkness of winter.
Tamani Wooley created her female protagonists with loving care, and it shows through all their interactions and how they take care of one another. In fact, I kind of feel like they’re my friends, and I am thrilled to know I’ll see them again as Tamani continues with her series.
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
S Lj
5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy, sizzling, steamy – you get the idea!
Tamani is a gifted storyteller who delights in introducing you to the “magical” world of Tessa and Colin. She has put her own sexy spin on the classic and much loved “older woman/younger man” narrative. Her novel has very good character development, with interesting and likeable main characters. Tessa and her friends have an enviable relationship, and their banter is very real and quite amusing. Tamani also sprinkles many “wise sayings” throughout her tale, along with very enticing and mouthwatering descriptions of food (and other things!) I was sorry to come to the end of this romance and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Better yet, it would be nice to see this story turned into a movie!
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
Judy Mason
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
This turned out to be a good read. I just really liked the emotion behind all the actions and motives of Colin and Tessa. They each had to do some reevaluating of themselves and the other on the way to a real, lasting and committed relationship. I was invested.
The supporting characters added context and authenticity to Colin and Tessa as a whole.
Pleasant read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
LJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Female friendship drew me in
Romance is not my normal genre of choice. But, I can’t resist a book with well-crafted female characters. Tessa and her friends felt like a breath of fresh air, something light and fun to brighten up the darkness of winter.
Tamani Wooley created her female protagonists with loving care, and it shows through all their interactions and how they take care of one another. In fact, I kind of feel like they’re my friends, and I am thrilled to know I’ll see them again as Tamani continues with her series.
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
S Lj
5.0 out of 5 stars Start a series you aren’t going to want to put down!
I think Tamani Wooley is off to a good start with this first book of her Dare series. These are characters I want to know more about and want to see her continue to develop over time. This is a romance that touches upon the fear and doubt we all have when opening up to love. The will they won’t they love affair keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2025
Christine Souza
5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy, sizzling, steamy – you get the idea!
Tamani is a gifted storyteller who delights in introducing you to the “magical” world of Tessa and Colin. She has put her own sexy spin on the classic and much loved “older woman/younger man” narrative. Her novel has very good character development, with interesting and likeable main characters. Tessa and her friends have an enviable relationship, and their banter is very real and quite amusing. Tamani also sprinkles many “wise sayings” throughout her tale, along with very enticing and mouthwatering descriptions of food (and other things!) I was sorry to come to the end of this romance and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Better yet, it would be nice to see this story turned into a movie!
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
Judy Mason
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
This turned out to be a good read. I just really liked the emotion behind all the actions and motives of Colin and Tessa. They each had to do some reevaluating of themselves and the other on the way to a real, lasting and committed relationship. I was invested.
The supporting characters added context and authenticity to Colin and Tessa as a whole.
Pleasant read.
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
LJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
The book was very good. Pulled me in and I fell in love with the characters! Excited for the next book. On top of the book being amazing, so is the author. Extremely sweet and kind queen!
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
Tanya
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, spicy, sexy and more!
Such a great book. The story about a strong woman is empowering. The man who wants her is what everyone hopes for and the romance is great. It’s a fun and easy read with lots of $ex.
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
Dee
5.0 out of 5 stars Throughly enjoyed this book!
This book was not at all Illusive. I loved the characters and understood the references. I appreciate an extremely well written love story set in New York but not in NYC (like every other romance novel). The tone and pace were good and the story was relatable, nothing over done or too dramatic but it still kept my attention (I would read during my lunch and breaks at work). It was appropriately spicy but that was not what drove the story nor was it abused to where I was rolling my eyes thinking ‘not again’. I was already a fan of this author and now I’m a fan of her writing (IYKYK)! Can’t wait for Jessica’s story. My husband is the best
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
M. Polite
5.0 out of 5 stars Navigating Life with your Squad a little (steamy) romance.
What a debut novel from Ms. Wooley! Her knack for storytelling is inevitable as she unfolds the story of Colin and Tessa. At the heart of this story is Tessa’s internal struggle to accept love and open her heart ,especially to someone like Colin. On the surface , they do not fit together being different ages , races , and in different social circles, but as with any good story, love conquers all. This book focuses on so much more than their steamy romance, but of course that is fun too. Hats off to Wooley for a captivating debut novel!
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
Caterina Pullen
5.0 out of 5 stars More than just Romance
While not my typical read, I picked up a copy at an author signing event and Tamani was so excited and vibrant, I bought another one for my bestie to read. I thoroughly enjoy the Princess Squad and how they literally get this party started. Very real emotions due to life’s circumstances can be seen in all the characters and its a playful, insightful read in many respects.
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
Melpomene’s Kith
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
My wife could not put the book down. Tamani is now one of her favorite authors. My wife said the story was engaging and fast paced.
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
Mike Magin
5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series!
Such a fun, well-written, contemporary romance with plenty of steam! There’s a variety of tropes, all handled with a light enough touch to be comfortingly familiar while avoiding feeling overdone. I loved Tessa and Colin’s story, and I enjoyed the friendship between the members of the Princess Squad almost as much! Very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
Jessica Chanese
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A Bit About Me
I’m Tamani Wooley, Foster MOMprenuer and now contemporary romance author who enjoys writing steamy romances that color outside the lines. Oh and I’m a bona fide foodie who makes the best chocolate chip cookies on the planet! (Seriously—just stop by my table at an appearance and find out!)
I love bringing high-heat, multicultural stories to life that feature strong, sassy heroines and the alpha males who are up for the challenge ❤️. As a teenager, I fell in love with romance novels, often sneaking into my mother’s Harlequin romance book collection and reading them late at night. Don’t judge me because you probably did too 😉.
I’m so excited to be sharing the Dare Series with you! I hope you love reading it as much as I loved writing it. XO
© 2025 Tamani Wooley Media
Intended for Mature Readers 18+.
Contact: info@tamaniwooleyromance.com