Tara Park doesn’t do relationships but she isn’t opposed to the occasional fling, it’s an arrangement that’s worked well for her over the years - allowing her to keep her heart intact and giving her time to pursue her career aspirations building up her family’s brewery. So when her best friend’s new brother-in-law, Seth Kim, proposes a dating dare during a friendly game of truth or dare, Tara thinks it’s the perfect arrangement. They agree to four dates before Seth leaves for a new job in Paris with the caveat that they can’t fall in love with one another. As irresistible as Seth is, Tara still thinks the dare will be easy peasy. Will either of them be willing to bend the rules, though, after spending all this time together causes real feelings to start to develop?

I hadn’t read the previous book in this series but this book reads just fine as a standalone. It took me a few chapters to get into it but I ended up enjoying it and found myself rooting for Seth and Tara to figure out a way for things to work out between them. Both Tara and Seth had baggage from previous relationships, causing them to each swear off relationships. This was fine but it was a little repetitive getting this from both sides early in the book. But once things got going, it turned out to be a very sweet story. Some of it may have been a little over the top, but I didn’t mind. Sometimes, that’s just what you need. Seth was a really great guy and turned out to be such a romantic. Tara was a harder sell and while overall I liked her, there were moments where she annoyed me. The biggest gripe was their lack of communication skills, a lot of problems could have been avoided had they actually opened up but that’s neither here nor there. All in all, this was a lovely little rom-com and was an enjoyable summer read.

This was a fun romance! I thought the conceit of the "Dating Dare" was an interesting way to both bring the characters together and give structure to the conflict between them. I really liked both Tara and Seth and found myself rooting for them. Of course, there's the requisite frustration with characters who could have solved their problems earlier with some internal work. There's a moderate amount of heat and lots of delightfully named beer.

TW: discussions of previous emotional abuse
I received an egalley in exchange for an honest review

I've had The Dating Dare in my kindle for the lonest time. For some reason, I kept pushing it back, and now I'm reprimanding myself for doing so! Jayci Lee wrote an innovative take on "dating with an end date", and I was surprised by all the turns the story took!

STORY
Tara and Seth met at her bff's wedding. Tara had some words with Seth after she found him ogling her. Fast-forward the night and you'll find them drinking and playing truth or dare, which soon turns into a dating dare including four dates before Seth leaves for Paris in a month. The catch? They can't fall in love. For both of them, who've been badly hurt in the past, it seems easy-peasy, which makes this story all the more enchanting!

The author has such a delightful way of writing that latched onto me from the very first page. I actually read this one in a day! I literally couldn't stop myself from reading.

CHARACTERS
What a wonderful set of characters! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with one of them, but I was surprised to find out they are all genuinely wonderful and down-to-earth.

Tara: What I loved most about Tara was how she continued forward with Seth. By this I mean, when she realized she wanted to spend time with him, she was vocal about it and would go out of her way to spend time with him in their "non-dates". Tara brings a baggage from her previous relationship that helped me relate to her in such a deep level.

Seth: Seth Kim... My heart beats for this character. I just want to wrap him up in hugs. He's such an endearing character. I was glad the author wrote this story in third POV, because I enjoyed my moments being inside his head to the point I wanted more from him. His attention to detail when it comes to Tara is unmatchable. His devotion and care go above and beyond.

Aubrey & Landon: These characters had their own story in A Sweet Mess, but meeting them in this sequel for the first time didn't confuse me at all. I loved their integration into the story, especially the friendship between Aubrey and Tara. While this couple was mostly present towards the end, they both made a beautiful impact.

Tara's family: I admit, I was scared of her family. Tara mentions her family, especially her brothers, are very overprotective. Thankfully, it seems they know when to back away and let Tara be her own person and make her own decisions. They even help her with a major moment in the story. I'm definitely interested in finding more about them, as it was hinted that there could be a romance between one of Tara's brothers' and another character!

ROMANCE
The chemistry was strong with this couple! Right from the start, you could feel they were into each other. I'm surprised my kindle didn't burst into flames. Throughout the story, we see Tara and Seth embark on some wonderful dates and non-dates that were oh-so-sweet! I loved how the author focused much more on their emotional connection. Sure, the physical connection is there and it's great! But it was refreshing to see Tara and Seth explore other aspects of their lives that didn't involve just dating for fun. They discussed some serious topics, and both were extremely mature about everything.

I think I've gotten so used to read books with explicit sexual content that I was surprised this book, while it did have some of it, it was minor in the details, which I actually appreciated for this couple!

OVERALL
The Dating Dare is a charming and delightful romance filled with surprising and adventurous dares and dates you won't want to miss. (And may even want to recreate some for yourself!)

First of all, let me state that I am not a huge fan of rom-coms but I tried this one when the publisher offered me a copy to review. Still not a huge fan, but this book was light romance and mildly entertaining, so I would give it a 3.5 stars. After Tara and Seth play “Truth and Dare” and agree to four dates, the real action started, laced with humor that made me smile more than once and even chuckle occasionally. The romance scenes developed as their relationship blossomed and became steamy and intimate, with fade outs at the right moment to keep from having an X-rating. Set in a small town, my favorite kind of setting, this book was a quick read but not totally satisfying since it seemed sappy at times and tried too hard to be cutesy. The couple’s communication problem complicated the development of their relationship, so that element did add to the simplistic plot. I thought that the characters were somewhat flat with some “drop the mic” moments when there seemed to be a lull in what should have been a fast-moving conversation between the two. Enjoyable but not engrossing.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I have been a fan of Jayci since A Sweet Mess. I have read every book that has come afterwards. This newest book is no exception I really had an enjoyable time reading this book. It is so great to have authors like Jayci representing the Asian community as well as women. Treat yourself to this book if you dare. You will not be disappointed and that is the truth.

While, I did like A Sweet Mess; this book I liked a little more. This is because the witty banter appeared sooner in the story and kept continuing on through the whole story. Tara would say some things to get a reaction from Seth. They would come out of nowhere and surprise me and him. The next moment I would find myself laughing. I am looking forward to reading the next book by Jayci.

Tara Park goes drinking with Seth, who is her best friend's new brother-in-law where a game of Truth or Dare leads to a 4 date challenge. The dare is that Tara not to fall for him in 4 dates. Tara thinks this is a piece of cake as she doesn't do serious relationships and Seth will be gone in a month to Paris. It doesn't hurt that Seth is good looking. She of course agree. What could go wrong? While Seth doesn't get attached to people either but there seems to be something different with Tara. He just wanted to have fun before he left for Paris but he got more than he bargained for. What happens when two people who have been hurt in the past and closed of their hearts do when someone slips thru the cracks and into their hearts? You will have to read the book to find out.

A cute and romantic book. If ever your heart has been broken this book shows you what happens when you hold on to that pain and what you can potential lose by closing yourself off. I recommend this book if you want something fun to read.

Tara and Seth have an undeniable chemistry. They bond over an epic night filled with Truth or Dare, probing questions and sexually charged banter. But he's leaving for a job abroad in a month, and she doesn't do "the relationship thing."

They agree to a series of dates, with the caveat that they will not fall in love with one another. But the kisses are incinerating, the sex is the best Tara has ever had, and they have an easy camaraderie.

What they don't have is the courage to leave behind their emotional baggage and give their relationship a chance. And their time together has an expiration date.

I loved this sweet and steamy story. It's about finding love when you least expect it, and finding the courage to welcome it and fight for it despite the demons of your past.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had fun in reading this cute and sweet romance even if I'm not a fan of insta-love.
i liked the humour, the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This cute rom-com is the second book in the series. I did not read the first one and it took me well into the book before I figured out all the relationships, but it is a fun read.

This book begins at the wedding of Aubrey and Landon, who I assume were the couple in the first book. Tara Park is Aubrey's best friend and maid of honor and Seth Kim is Landon's brother and best man. Both Tara and Seth had been hurt by abusive people, people who they believed loved them. The pain drove them off their dream path and they have each committed to never love again, so they can never feel that pain again. After the wedding, they go to the brewery that Tara's family owns to get a drink and play a game of Truth or Dare, which ends up with the Dating Dare, that Tara can not go on 4 dates with Seth without falling in love with him. Seth is a successful photographer and in 4 weeks is heading to Paris for his dream job, so what is there to lose?

A lot can happen in 4 weeks. Will fear keep them apart or will they overcome it? The characters are well developed and appealing and there is lots of playful banter. I personally connected with the story, because like Seth, my oldest son can touch his nose with the tip of his tongue (here I thought my son was special) and another of my sons is a Brew Master.

I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

I live for these stories that give the representation and learning experiences I enjoy in romance! Asian and Asian American cultures and family dynamics are some of the golden nuggets you can expect in this book.

Tara and Seth are adorable perfection. This is the type of summer romance read that even non-romance readers will enjoy.

Although they are in different stages in their lives, Seth and Tara feel a strong connection they both try to deny and ignore.

Thinking that several dates should be enough to deal with their budding attraction, Seth proposed this dating daring. Famous last words, right?

There's no denying these two belong to each other, no matter how much they fight against it (and how much crazy stuff happens to them 🤣)

Steam 🔥 level: This is low steam, fade to black romance.

This light, fun, summer read is bound to be a favorite for many readers across genres.

I struggled to finish this book. I didn't like it from chapter 1 and had varying feelings of 'this is ok' and 'ugh, I can't'.. I haven't enjoyed Jayci since her first book and I think I am going to give it a break and let her voice develop. I can't hang with this romcom vein- I just don't enjoy them.
I am first turned off by women that assume men want to sleep with them, so the first chapter of the book was rough, but I decided to power through. I did catch the conflict of the MCs falling for each other even though one of them was leaving. What could have been a fun series of dates and then oh nooo we really like each other, whatever will we doooo, there was a confession that simply comes entirely too early with nothing to back it and a mean conversation that I just don't think would ever happen. And then the ending grand gestures are more over the top than I can really take in a book.
This isn't a *terrible* book. It is a cute read, humorous, light, swoony. It was more awkward and clunky and at certain points uninteresting than fits my taste.
I listened to the audiobook version and it was well-performed.

I loved The Dating Dare, book 2 in Jayci Lee’s A Sweet Mess series, with my whole romance-loving heart. The Dating Dare is a sweet, sexy, emotional, funny, and romantic read with flirty and snarky banter, excellent character development and growth, and sizzling chemistry and attraction between two people who believe they are too smart to fall for each other. After a game of Truth and Dare over drinks, they agree to four dates that become a no-strings, short-term fling, which of course may lead to somebody catching feelings because, as always, the best-laid plans don’t take into consideration the heart and what it wants.

Tara Park avoids serious relationships, preferring uncomplicated hookups with out-of-town friends/acquaintances because they won’t make her safe, orderly life messy. Her best friend Aubrey’s new brother-in-law Seth Kim has complicated written all over him. He’s leaving the country to start a new job in Paris in a month, but he’s connected with family. So, as tempting as he is, she must resist him. Seth, however, is determined to convince her to say yes to a no-strings fling with him while he’s in town. But he quickly realizes that she’s found her way around his barriers into his heart and has also helped him find himself again.

She is intelligent, beautiful, funny, sexy, confident, sweet, and bold, always ready to put Seth in his place. Charming, smooth, handsome, sexy, with a more than healthy ego, Seth is different than Tara believes him to be once she gets to know him. He’s kind, supportive, sweet, and generous. Interestingly enough, they are similar, both had to work hard to become secure and confident, but they still bear the scars and emotional baggage of the past. Seth’s and Tara’s sexy interactions and banter are so engaging. They won me over from the first scene. It’s clear instantly how drawn they are to each other. While Seth’s a little more honest with himself about it, Tara’s committed to taking that denial cruise straight down the Amazon. Their interactions are funny, sweet, sexy, heat-filled, brimming with so much pining, and layered with hidden depths of emotion that they try so hard to keep contained. Once again, Lee deftly develops and explores the intimate, emotional, and sexual connection between the hero and heroine with dialogue and love scenes that are not explicit but are still just as sexy. She also brilliantly balances moments of emotional intensity with lighter moments of humor and sweetness.

The Dating Dare is a charming, sweet, funny, sexy, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying follow up to A Sweet Mess that readers interested in contemporary romances with Korean American characters won’t want to miss.

The thing about romance novels is we pretty much know how things are going to end up but it is always interesting to see how the characters get to that point.

Tara is maid of honor at her best friend's wedding and is flirting with Seth, her new brother-in-law. Seth is moving to Paris in a month and during a game of truth or dare he dare's Tara to go on four dates with him and not fall in love. Both have been hurt by relationships in college so a no-strings-attached arrangement suits them both.

At times the dialog felt silly and forced. Of course Tara is a brewer and dreams of winning a world cup and he is a well known fashion photographer. Her best friend and her husband have a bakery and a fabulous new restaurant. It all seemed a bit cliché but I did like the characters.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book.

A fun read, with a brewery I'd like to visit if it existed in real life. It's nice to have a story of a female brewer; it's seen as such a man's world, when it really isn't. The food descriptions are also great.

This wonderful read immediately captivated me and kept me entertained and engaged from start to finish with well-developed characters, laugh out loud moments, and raw emotions that pulled at my heart. I loved the undeniable attraction and off the charts chemistry between Tara Park and Seth Kim. If you enjoy well-crafted contemporary romance with all the feels, you will love "The Dating Dare". I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Tara and Seth meet at a wedding, her best friend got married to his brother, and the attraction between them is instant. Though Tara doesn’t do serious, she says yes to Seths dare of 4 dates ,with him leaving for Paris in a month, it seems harmless enough.
This was a very cute read. I enjoyed the fact that they got to know each other before falling in bed. And their attempts to meet each other coincidentally were too cute and funny. They are falling for each other but before they can move ahead they need to let go off their pasts, which might not be so easy.

The sexy chemistry between Tara and Seth was evident right from the first chapter of the book and it had me hooked. I adored both their characters and was rooting for them through the entire book. If you are looking for a feel-good romance, that makes your heart happy, then this is the book for you. This is the second book that I have read from this author. The first one was a predecessor to this book, "A Sweet Mess". Both books could be read as stand-alone but I would definitely recommend reading Aubrey and Landon's story as they are absolutely adorable.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

We first met Tara in A Sweet Mess, her friend Aubrey’s (and Landon’s) story. I liked what I learned of Tara there and was looking forward to this, well, stubborn lady’s own happy ending romance. And she did get that… eventually. First Tara and Landon’s brother, Seth needs to get through a game of Truth or Dare – almost drunk Truth or Dare for Tara and she’s about to agree to 4 dates, perhaps a short sizzling fling all in secret… but, of course, nothing ever turns out as expected.

The Dating Dare brings us two people who aren’t exactly the persona they project to others. Especially Seth who has quite the player reputation, although the truth is far from that, still that persona works, most times so he doesn’t really spend much time correcting other’s opinions. Seth is enjoying his brother’s wedding and planning a trip to Paris at the end of the month for work and pleasure. He didn’t expect to be attracted to the bride’s best friend or to end up in a game of Truth or Dare that he fully intends to win. Four dates with a sexy lady, a chance for a no emotions involved fling before leaving town… sure, count him in. The problem with that plan turned out to be a funny, sexy, likable Tara and the unusual desire for something “more” than 4 dates.

I liked that, for once, we didn’t get all the background baggage that each brought to this temporary relationship. Slowly, we get to see what is behind the choices really are and that simply made this couple more realistic. Sure, there are definitely cheesy moments here, but that’s intended, and expected. There were moments when I laughed out loud and times when they each deserved to be sat down for a stern conversation. I think there are readers who will adore this couple and others who might not “get” them… no two people ever read the same book. I had fun here, and if you’ve enjoyed A Sweet Mess then you’ll want to find out what happened next.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

3.5 stars Tara and Seth's mutual attraction becomes even more obvious at the wedding of her best friend and his older brother. They end up making a "dating dare" - 4 dates before he leaves in a month, and neither of them will fall in love.
I enjoyed the real-life aspects of this book. They are both cautious because of past hurts and their highly involved families. Both of them have work - Tara is a brewer, and Seth is a photographer and artist. There were humorous moments and lots is sweet ones, and it was nice to see their mutual feelings develop.

Cute, fun, summertime easy read. Meeting at a wedding was the meet cute for our characters, Seth and Tara. Neither are looking for long term relationships, however life and love have other plans for these two. Sometimes a Truth or Dare game can open unexpected doors.
It has some cheese factor with a bit of predictability sprinkled in, but it was just the easy Hallmark like read I was looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.