Score: 4/5 Bookmarks

Steam Rating: 🍆🍆 /5

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm for gifting me a review audiobook copy of The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee. This is number two in the Sweet Mess series, and while I haven’t read the first one yet I thought this book worked well as a stand-alone. That being said, I enjoyed this one so much I’ll for sure be reading A Sweet Mess soon!

Tara Park helps run her family’s brewery, and after an emotionally abusive relationship, she doesn’t do ‘serious’ anymore. But a bit of fun with a hot guy just passing through town? That she’s up for.

Seth Kim is in town for his brother’s wedding and then sticks around to look after the newlywed’s house while they’re on their honeymoon. Next stop, Paris for a great new job he’s starting in a few weeks.

At the wedding the chemistry between Tara and Seth is unquestionable, and a drinking game leads to a round of truth or dare and them agreeing to go on four dates together. The catch is, neither of them is allowed to fall in love. They both think this part is hilarious because they certainly won’t be the one to break that part of the bargain.

Of course, the more time they spend together the more time they want to spend together. But despite their growing feelings, there is still an expiration date on their fling.

This book was filled with funny banter (always my favorite) and completely loveable characters that I felt I could have actually met in real life, they felt so alive. It was sweet, but still absolutely full of sexual tension. There was no shortage of hilarious little moments both on and off their dates as well.

Natalie Naudus’ narration of the audiobook is spot on and she brings the characters to life in such a delightful way. The audio is just under nine hours long and I flew through it. You might recognize Natalie’s voice from One Last Stop, Cool for the Summer, and obviously A Sweet Mess if you’ve already read the first book.

This is the perfect summer read, so grab the audiobook via the button below, or click here to get a physical copy.

Synopsis:

Tara Park doesn’t do serious relationships. Neither does she hop into bed with virtual strangers. Especially when that particular stranger is her best friend’s new brother-in-law. It isn’t an easy decision, though. Seth Kim is temptation personified. His unreasonably handsome looks and charming personality makes him easy on the eyes and good for her ego.

When a friendly game of Truth or Dare leads to an uncomplicated four-date arrangement with Seth, Tara can’t say she minds. But their dates, while sweet and sexy, have a tendency to hit roadblocks. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings get frequent and heated.

Seth is 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 soon Seth realizes that Tara Park doesn’t come in a “nice & little” package--she’s funny and bold, sweet and sexy, and everything he ever wanted and never expected to find. Neither of them are ready for something serious and both have past relationship baggage they’ve been ignoring, but with a shot at forever on the line will they follow their hearts and take a chance on happily-ever-after?