She built her daughter a hero out of the one man she couldn’t have.

Kendall MacBride grew up on Jonathon Island, on her family’s lakeside resort, certain she’d spend her whole life there. Then the boy she loved broke her heart—and she ran. Twelve years and one little girl later, the resort is crumbling, her father’s medical bills are stacking up, and the resort calls her home.

The last person she expects to see is the one man who swore he’d never be back.

Mountain climber Brandon Kelley has been leaving places—and people—since he was eighteen. He’s home for eight weeks, tops, to get his mother back on her feet. And sure, while he’s here, he’ll fix up the lodge and even help with the Valentine’s fundraiser dance.

He doesn’t expect that to include the one girl he could never forget.

Brandon isn’t the restless boy Kendall remembers. He shows up early. He stays late. He’s steady and charming—and her daughter has started watching him like she’s seen him somewhere before.

She has. Laurel has a story about her father—a brave man who loved adventure. It’s a far better version than the truth. And every day he shows up with that slow, dangerous smile, Kendall’s heart betrays her all over again.

But Brandon took a secret off that last mountain. And when he’s offered the expedition of a lifetime, he’ll have to choose between the summit that might redeem him and the island girl asking him to stay.

Twelve years ago, at a street dance, she reached for his hand. He pulled away. Now—what adventure will he choose?

Dare Me to Dance launches Season Three of the beloved Jonathon Island series—small-town second chances, found family, and a deep faith. New to the island? Start here.