I desperately need a good rom-com. This one made me laugh and it made all warm and fuzzy. It doesn’t get any better than that. This is great if you want a light, fun and easy read.

Romance is in the air this month even though it's not February. Jayci Lee has a different kind of writing style that can take you aback.. The story is lighthearted, sexy, and most of all funny. Although it can get cheesy at times, but it's the good kind. The chemistry between the two lead characters is off the charts. Even though this book is a stand alone I would recommend reading Jayci Lee's "A Sweet Mess" to enjoy this book much better.

This book gets a 👍 and 4 stars. This is one of the good books I've read this year and I would line this up my shelf together with my other favorite books/authors like Christina Lauren's "The Unhoneymooners" and Sally Thorne's "The Hating Game".

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the Author for the for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

The Dating Dare is the second book in a series. I hadn't read the first one but I don't think that left anything out for me in this one.  This book focuses on Tara and Seth.  Tara's best friend had just married Seth's brother.  The two connect at the wedding and end up playing a game of truth or dare which ends up in them agreeing to have 4 dates with each other before Seth moves to Paris for a photography job and the rules are they won't fall in love.  I'm sure you can guess what happens 😏.   


I loved both of these characters and the banter they had. They came up with a scheme that Tara was helping Seth make a website for her friend while she was away on her honeymoon so that no one would catch on that they were seeing each other.  Of course as expected they both start to fall for each other and that is what causes a conflict between them.  I won't say too much else for fear of giving it away, but this was a really cute love story that I really enjoyed reading because I loved seeing their date ideas and how they'd interact with each other. 

I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

One Dare. Four Dates. Two people who don’t want anything serious.....except....maybe? Tara Parks has one rule: no serious relationships. After a previous relationship gone very wrong she has sworn off anything close to serious and has been just focusing on her business: Weldon Brewery. Seth Kim is a photographer and has sworn off serious relationships ever since his heart was broken. But for some reason he can’t keep away from Tara and after one night of drinks.. he offers her a dare. He dares her to go on four dates with him and not fall in love. He only has one month left before he has to move to Paris for his job and spending it with Tara is the kind of fling he is looking forward to. Now for a month of secret dates behind their friends backs, filled with sexy, funny, and sweet moments.. now Seth and Tara will have to figure out what happens next when feelings start to appear...

This was a pleasantly surprisingly book. It features characters from her previous work A Sweet Mess, but I have to say this book worked so much more for me. i really had a fun time and seeing how much chemistry Tara and Seth had was great. Their love story was adorable and I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet romance read.

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

ANOTHER BOOK THAT I READ IN ONE DAY!!

I adored this book. The relationship between the characters was perfect. The tension and the angst was off the charts. The chemistry was there from the very beginning. The writing was beautiful and raw. I haven't read the first book in the 'series' but it definitely wasn't necessary. Just know that there are some spoilers. After reading this one, I'm dying to pick up the first.

The dual perspective was a little confusing, maybe it was just the format that I read it on, but I often didn't realize that the perspective had shifted and was confused for a couple paragraphs. That's the only critique that I can think of though.

The smut was like a 5/10. It's there but it's not too specific to the point where I couldn't stand it. Honestly, most of the smut came from the dialogue which was oddly refreshing.

Overall, HIGHLY recommend. Want more. Can't wait to read more from this author.

The Dating Dare is about Tara and Seth, two people in their late twenties who live no-strings-attached lives. Tara only does fuck buddies, Seth only does one night stands... it's a match made in heaven. So when attending the wedding of Tara's best friend and Seth's older brother, the two of them get a little drunk and make a dare. Four dates, no one can fall in love, and it's for the month that Seth has left in America before he moves to Paris. They're both more than willing to participate in this dare if it means they get to tear each other's clothes off, and who's to say how long that will take?

I found this book charming at times, and frustrating at other times. At first, Tara and Seth were fine, completely normal and logical behavior, thoughts, and feelings, but then as the book continued on... it changed. It's not insta-love, but they caught feelings pretty hard early on. Not saying that can't happen, but these are two people who don't believe in relationships, love, dating, etc so the fact that they're mooning over each other a third of the way in? I'm not so sure. I loved the dates they went on and the scenes in between where they made excuses to be with each other more. I loved the make out scenes, hot damn. But I noticed at about 50-60 percent of the way in, that things were being set up for the third act break up. Tara suddenly gets this random, intense jealousy that makes absolutely no sense. There's a moment where Seth is making eggs and says he's had a lot of practice making them since college, and she takes that to mean that he's been with so many girls that that's why he's made so many eggs. Girl. It's called breakfast. He eats it everyday and it's apparently the only thing that he knows how to cook. So yeah, he's has a lot of practice in the last ten years. Like, what? Anyway....

The other thing about this book that might rub some romance readers the wrong way is that this is fade-to-black. We get incredible make out scenes that are full of passion (although the way French kissing is described... hmm) and steam, but then when it's time to continue on, nothing. It was a little disappointing considering how well the before stuff was written. It was kind of lame having the lead up to sex and the next paragraph saying how amazing it had been. Like OK, could I have seen how amazing that was? So much connection was happening between them during those moments and we had to get the reflective cliff notes instead of the in the moment realizations. It made these really important moments for them into tells not shows.

I really liked Tara's family and the other friends that she had. Her brothers were amazing and wonderful and I'm sure that one of them is going to be the hero of the next book in the series. They were funny, caring, and protective of Tara, but not in the hyper toxic masculinity way which was refreshing. Her mom was also great. She was warm and understanding and clearly cared for Tara. It really felt like Seth and Tara were surrounded by a lot of people who cared about them and wanted the best for them. It was nice seeing such a close knit community in a romance.

I will say the ending felt a bit extreme compared to the rest of the story, and I felt like it didn't build naturally to that final resolution. Although I do see how it was attempted and it isn't awful. The third act breakup was annoying as it is, but in this case it was like completely opposite to everything that they character was saying/thinking/acting and it felt so forced and contrived. I don't know man, maybe my dislike for the third act breakup is clouding my judgment, but it didn't work for me.

Overall this was a good romance and I think that a lot of people are going to like it. It's fun, funny, fresh, exciting and has a lot of heart. There are moments where it takes your breath away with how sweet and cute it is. I thinking if you're a romcom lover, this will really appeal to you and if you prefer to not have sex scenes in your romances, then I think this will be right up your alley.

Cute and fluffy romance. Seth and Tara meet while at a wedding. There is instant physical attraction between the two (although I didn't enjoy Seth's cockiness). Seth is staying in Tara's small California town until he leaves for Paris in a month for a new job. He dares her into going on four dates in the time they have together. Their dates don't start smoothly but they are awfully cute together.

I like that this is an own voice and Lee includes simple Korean words and cultural references seamlessly into the story. I also think the cover is adorable and I know exactly which scene from the book is being illustrated. So many times covers don't reflect what is inside the pages. The dates do allow for them to learn about each other before more moving onto more. Also while they talk often how hot they are for each other, actual intimacy is mostly left off the page. The drama moment comes and goes pretty quickly and you know you're in for a happy ending with three scoops of ice-cream on top. (3.5 stars)

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

This was a cute summer read. I Honestly got a little bored with it and thought it drug on. It's a great book to read in summer or if you just want something like and fluffy, however I just wanted a little more from it.

I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was adorable. I loved the easiness of the two characters following through on their dating dare. The single beat quote I have found lately comes from this book, “Whenever I see an ad about maxi pads with wings, I always imagine them flying around the living room,” he said with a light laugh. “Like the Hogwarts acceptance letters in Harry Potter.” I really enjoyed The Dating Dare. It was east and a quick read with entertaining characters.

I appreciate the publisher giving me a copy to read.
It was an interesting story between the hero and heroine, but a lot of sexual undertones made it difficult for me to get through. I'm a sweet romance reader, and this IS DEFINITELY NOT sweet romance.
There were clever conversations and some likeable characters throughout the story. However, due to the heat level, I found it took away from the story more than added to it. Then again, I'm a reader who likes to read about the growing relationship, overcoming obstacles and NOT jumping into bed with whomever.
But, if you're a reader who likes a bit of heat in your romance, The Dating Dare is worth a try.
I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really appreciated the premise of this and was super excited to read it, but I will say it fell a little flat. I think some of the plot developments were steeped in somewhat predictable tropes, and I had a little trouble staying engaged in the dialogue and character arcs. I was happy I finished it and it’s totally possible that some folks will fall in love with the characters and storyline, I just had a bit of a hard time with it!

I see so many mixed reviews, and I am here wondering why. And I think I understand why, this book as a standalone can be very confusing, because in book one there was a lot of character building, and I loved Tara in book one and in this book as well, she is a no nonsense type of woman and she makes sure that her new love interest Seth knows that she plays NO GAMES!!!!! Well sort of, because their dating dare started as a stupid truth or dare game.

This book gave me everything I love in a rom-com, romance and comedy, DUH!!! I think reading this book alone can be confusing for others but please read book one it will be worth it. This book is such a cozy read and it moves very fast, before you know it the story and over. I cant wait to see what happens with Seth and Tara, I hope there is a book 3, because I felt a little connection between a two people that might blossom soon..... Wink Wink....

Thanks Netgalley and the Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is a great poolside or beach read. It is lighthearted and fun.
While I would like to see some more depth from these characters it is enviable that things will work out for them in the end.
The game of Truth or Dare is one way to get you to expose your secrets, but this game has a way of knocking down their walls and letting the other person in.
If you are looking for a fun and romantic read then this is the perfect mix of sweet, sassy and kind of badassy book to read.

This book was enjoyable. The characters were likable (especially Seth, I adored his cockiness and confidence) and the banter was fun. However, I couldn’t connect with them in a deeper level after she got drunk during the wedding and I didn’t really feel the connection between Tara and Seth.

Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for gifting me an early copy of this book.

A romance with the good old friends with benefits twist. One turn off was that the plot seemed a little cheesy and there wasn't much going on outside of the romance, but it didn't stop me from reading.

Tara loves her job brewing beer with her family in Weldon. When playboy Seth Kim makes a truth or dare and created a Dating Dare... go out on 4 dates in one month....but don’t don’t fall in love.
Easy enough- right?
Tara isn’t immediately tempted by Seth’s charms, but with each date- Tara and Seth get more and more wrapped up with one another. Seth is due to leave for Paris for a new job- can he leave Tara? Or can he chalk it up to the dating dare feelings?

I have to start this review by saying a big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher’s over at St. Martin’s Griffin for letting me read an early copy of this one in exchange for an honest review. In The Dating Dare, Tara and Seth play a game of Truth, Dare, or Drink following their friends’ wedding. In an attempt to distract himself, Seth dares Tara to go on four dates with him....and not fall in love with him. This won’t be hard for her given her penchant for Friends with Benefits arrangements and unwillingness to open her heart in the romance department. But, as the dates keep getting ruined, they find themselves falling deeper and deeper in love. This one comes out on August 3 and is available for pre-order now.

I had such a fun time with this one! The characters were all very relatable and so down to Earth. I enjoyed Tara’s silliness that felt genuine and not over the top so that she’ll stand out for being “not like other girls.” We had someone being themselves and it was good to see that the romance genre is moving away from that trope. I thought it was a great idea to have the main character working with her family at a brewery. It was such a fun part of the story and I loved her older brothers. I would love to see a romance story for one of them. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Tara and Seth. I feel like you can tell right away that they have a history of friendship between them. And it was fun seeing how these dates were getting ruined by wayward children in the park or a skiing accident, but how-in true rom-com style--they both are able to roll with the punches. And I also enjoyed how the steaminess of the romance didn’t overpower the novel. I read a romance like that recently that put a bad taste in my mouth so it was great to read a romance that felt like a good balance.

I think the thing that I struggled with when it comes to this novel is that there were a lot of these internal monologue moments that as the reader I had to watch them untangle their feelings and emotions and it felt...stiff? Or just sort of unnatural. I think it would have worked better if they had been able to be more open about their dare and budding relationship so that they could work these things out with friends or family. I know their friends who just got married were gone on their honeymoon, but texting still exists...right?

Overall, I think this is a cute and fun contemporary romance. I think it’s perfect as a palate cleanser or if you’re really in the mood for a friends to lovers style romance.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Dating Dare was all kinds of cute. In it, you will meet Seth and Tara. Of course things start off with a dare between these two. Since Seth is going to leave for Paris soon, him and Tara agree to do a couple of dates for the dare. They also have one big rule that they need to follow: Don't fall in love.

Which, yes, I most definitely laughed about because whenever that is mentioned the two people who are seeing one another develop feelings faster than you can say yippee ki-yay! Throughout the book, these two were just really cute. I liked how they both changed their majors while in college and fell in love with what they ended up doing. It just made them more relatable and realistic because that happens all the time when kids go off to college. Heck, I changed my majors like 2-3 times because I just didn't know what I wanted to do.

Other than that, the romance was pretty cute and all kinds of cheesy. The drama was bound to happen and once it came I just knew what was going to come next - the happy freaking ending. Oh man, it was really cute and I'm glad that these two reconnected, apologized for what was said, and decided that they were worth it.

In the end, I'm so happy that I got the chance to dive into this one. It was very cute and a quick read. Also, I really need to go back to Paris because this just brought back all those happy memories!

So cute! The Dating Dare is a delightful chick-lit for contemporary readers. It's thoughtful and sweet and fully and light.

She runs Waldon brewery with her brothers, and he is moving to Paris in 4 weeks. What could possibly happen, especially when the rules explicitly state 'no falling in love'?

It's a quick read that is fun and light. Tara doesn't give up on her dreams or turn one-dimensional and predictable when there's a guy involved. Seth is now her best friend's brother-in-law and he's a romantic at heart.

Great summer read or for those that love rom-coms.

DNF

Thanks so much to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book for review, as always, all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish this book. I had a hard time getting into the storyline and while I was looking forward to the book based on the synopsis, it just didn’t end up going the way I wanted it to.