Title: The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
A Sweet Mess Series
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
With witty characters and heartrending romance, Jayci Lee, author of A Sweet Mess, returns with The Dating Dare—where two people might just find out how hard it is to resist falling in love with the right person.
No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.
Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a fun little game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.
But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.
Review:
The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee is a steamy romance with a cute premise. Although this newest latest release is the second book in the A Sweet Mess series it can be read as a standalone.
Tara Park is the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding when she and the groom’s brother and best man Seth Kim decide to get to know each other better. Both are attracted to one another so a drunken game of truth or dare leads to an interesting proposition. Seth challenges Tara to four dates before he leaves for a new job in Paris. She agrees on the condition they keep things casual between them. As Tara and Seth grow closer, will they keep to their no strings agreement?
Seth and Tara’s dates are initially fun outings that are laced with sexual tension. Both have agreed to keep their dare a secret so they come up with interesting reasons to spend time together. Their plans are sometimes thwarted by circumstances out of their control. No matter how frustrated they are by the interruptions, these unexpected situations reveal endearing facets about their personalities. Seth has a surprisingly romantic streak that delights Tara. With Seth’s departure fast approaching, will they discuss their growing feelings for each other?
The Dating Dare is a light read with plenty of heat and low angst. Tara and Seth are interesting characters whose past relationships leave them with plenty of emotional baggage. While their outings are charming, the storyline is predictable. The secondary cast of characters is delightful and leave readers wanting to know more about them. The late in the story conflict that arises between Tara and Seth is not unexpected but it is still a little disappointing. Although their romance has an instalove vibe, it is easy to root for Seth and Tara to resolve their differences. Jayci Lee brings this engaging romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion.
