Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When Dan and Evan were struggling with their issues, Dan came up with the suggestion that they go on a date. This is that date. This story is set just before the epilogue of Out of the Darkness. This is just - it's just schmoop, really. Sappy and silly and fun. If you miss the boys and want to check in on them, this is your story, but if you haven't read the series, this probably isn't a great place to start.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2011

3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

Kate Sherwood

70 books772 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
132 (24%)
4 stars
245 (45%)
3 stars
140 (26%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for It's just me Shelly B.
252 reviews294 followers
April 22, 2013
" I didn't know you were going to go shopping for the occasion." He smiles wickedly. "I'm flattered, really." He steps a little closer and sniffs the air. "Damn, is that cologne?" He reaches a hand out to Dan's face, laughing when Dan jerks back. "Dude, I don't even need to touch to see that you're fresh-shaved." His smirk is very self-satisfied. "You got all dressed up for me, Dan!"

Dan and Evan finally have their date and they don't fight....well barely;))))) Evan takes Dan to do something completely different, they go sailing one of Evan's favorite hobbies. There is a also a surprise for Dan in this novella...I'm going to tell you what it is though, you need to read the series to find out:)))))



This is a novella in the Dark Horse series...this one was short 32 pages....it was good though!!

Profile Image for Amina .
1,326 reviews40 followers
March 20, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰

​“​​Being around Evan is a lot easier than thinking about being around ​Evan. Once again, Dan's worst enemy is his own brain. ”


‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​You took the words right out of my mouth, Dan!! 😭 I always used to think I was a glutton for over-thinking, but by Jove, you've really beaten me to it. Strangely though, it's not like his thoughts are that off base - more like he's so quick to judge otherwise that he fails to see what's good right in front of him. 😮‍💨 And considering his heartbreak and heartache, I can't entirely fault him for feeling lesser than Evan, or wondering whether or not they're even compatible, considering their very distinctively different backgrounds.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Not to sound like a total grinch, but I get this feeling the author isn't all too keen on delving deeper into Evan and Dan's physical relationship. 😒​ Sure, it was a sweet date, but the surprise didn't really feel like it fit a day that should have been dedicated completely to them.​ Yes, it was very G-rated, but I think their steam level really is on the back burner as compared to Jeff and Dan; which is sad, because I feel like Evan really is putting his whole effort​. And Dan - well, Dan is more inclined to Jeff's more calm composure, so maybe it's just as best that we don't have them tangling in the sheets. As much as I think it would be really HAWT.​ 😏❤️‍🔥

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ So yeah, quick short story of the two spending time together sans Jeff, all hands On Deck in the day Evan had planned for him. ⛵ 🩵 Cute date, pleasant company, rich food, nice feelings all over, but ruined for me for me by the unplanned entry, which, of course, had Dan go into another one of his thinking tirades, and the lack of spice - or even detail into their makeouts! Is that too much for a a girl to ask for? 😭 But, it did end on a bittersweet note, where Dan does reflect on how much care and consideration Evan is trying with him. And well, we'll just have to see what happens from here on. I don't know why I feel so deprived of their sexy times, but it's making me wanna huff and puff. 😆
Profile Image for The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower.
809 reviews152 followers
December 13, 2016
4 stars!

On Deck is a short story in the Dark Horse universe and offered an insight in Dan and Evan’s date. When reading about their idea in Out of the darkness, I was really looking forward to seeing Dan and Evan going on a date to work on their relationship and I was so curious about it. No wonder I felt a little disappointed when I found out that it wasn’t a part of the book.

But finally this sort story satisfied my curiosity. Evan and Dan have a lot of work to do, but I’m positive that they will be able to overcome their problems. The dynamics between Jeff, Dan and Evan are so worth it!
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews601 followers
March 4, 2018
Dan and Evan's first real date. Their test run to see if they could manage each other without Jeff playing mediator.

Very sweet, very original and ending with a cute surprise.

Loved it!
5 stars!
Profile Image for Eva.
363 reviews178 followers
January 4, 2014
Another little novella from the Dark Horse series.



Evan and Dan goes on a date for them to get along better without Jeff... Evan takes Dan sailing ... with a surprise...



It was kind of cute and sweet.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,428 reviews127 followers
April 12, 2019
I'm delighted that Kate Sherwood decided to write 'On Deck', since it's the date night that Dan and Evan had to postpone in book two. Dan asked Evan out, as a way for just the two of them to spend some time together. I needed to see this, to see if the two of them could make it through an evening without arguing, or anyone getting hurt feelings. I mean, let's face it people, without Jeff around, Dan and Evan don't always do very well together, despite their best intentions.

The author said it best when she stated that this novella is schmoop. Sappy, silly, and fun. But I really needed to see that between these two guys. There hasn't been much of that in Dan's life, at all, and certainly in the first two books in the series, there's been little to none of it between Dan and Evan. So I needed it, and they really needed it. It was great to watch them tease and joke with each other, and share some private thoughts at the same time. I loved it that Dan was able to enjoy a hobby of Evan's which he learned from his mom. Evan took Dan sailing, which the other people in Evan's life, either get seasick or aren't interested, so it's something for these two to share.

The day concluded with an amazing dinner—it made me hungry reading about it—and a really great surprise. All in all, a sweet, loving date.
Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 91 books2,729 followers
December 22, 2011
I really liked getting this little glimpse of Dan and Evan together doing something other than having sex. If I had any concerns about the three-way relationship of the Dark Horse books it's whether Dan and Evan really have a relationship when Jeff is not there to be the glue in the middle. With this installment, you can see something more developing between these guys, even as they still are feeling out each other's quirks and needs.
Profile Image for Gina.
753 reviews112 followers
June 16, 2013


Dan and Evan go on their date.....And Evan gets a surprise! I loved this little story!!

 photo emot160wwwigizmoreunicc_zps8e5e9fa1.gif  photo emot160wwwigizmoreunicc_zps8e5e9fa1.gif

Profile Image for Christina.
837 reviews125 followers
April 10, 2013
3.5 stars

Finally we get some alone time with Dan and Evan. This story takes place right before the epilogue of Out of the Darkness. Evan and Dan found something they both can share together (other than sex) and I hope it continues to bring them closer. This was a start, but I would have liked more intimacy between them. I hope they can reach that level at some point.

Profile Image for Arch Bala.
Author 4 books41 followers
June 4, 2015
So the “date” finally happened and Dan’s being his usual self-centered, drama queen self. Ugh. He’s really such a piece of work yeah? I sometimes wish that his personality was replaced by Evan’s since he’s more mature than him despite all the crazy antics. Like seriously, Dan needs to grow up! Ugh.
Profile Image for DJO.
1,229 reviews18 followers
February 14, 2024
Cute and fun. Dan and Evan always find a way to butt heads, and it doesn't always make sense--like KS is just trying to find ways to drum up trouble--but I'm happy to go along with it.
Profile Image for Shadow Jubilee.
734 reviews46 followers
March 22, 2012
2.5 stars

This does not stand alone - and apparently falls chronologically before the end of the second book, Out of the Darkness (but I will have to double-check that). It was a sweet dating story between Evan and Dan. After I read it, I hoped to see Evan and Dan taking more time out for dating between those two alone. I think that they need this alone-time more than they need a threesome-time with Jeff as a way to remind themselves that they can get along with each other and that they do have feelings for each other. It was a bit disorienting to read the ending to this story because I wasn't exactly sure where it fell chronologically but I thought it would be after book 2.

Evan's sweetness really shines through here. Sometimes I wonder at Evan's and Jeff's tenacity in trying to keep this relationship going. Sometimes I just want to smack Dan - unfairly - for being what his background has made him. It's not fair to him, but it's so frustrating. But this is also what I appreciate about the series - that Dan is being true to his background. It is not the case of a background being superficially attached to a character. It's also great to see Dan trying to overcome this faults, knowing and understanding that Evan's trying. I hope that what they have learned from this date comes up again in the next book - and that they are able to spend more time together like this. It'd definitely be something they can talk about with each other, just like Dan and Jeff can talk about horses.
Profile Image for Katharina.
630 reviews24 followers
March 9, 2014
Very cute depiction of Evan and Dan's first twosome date that was hinted at in Out of the Darkness.

These two really need some more talking in their relationship, and it's great to see the real chemistry that they have - when they're not fighting, anyway ;-D

Loved it!
Profile Image for Monika .
2,341 reviews39 followers
May 1, 2016

Cute, sweet, romantic and kind of funny. A very quick read and holy crap! These guys actually got along with very little arguing and even a quick resolution. I see promise for an HEA ahead for these guys.....finally.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,841 reviews496 followers
February 15, 2014

This book is the date that Dan and Evan have, it shows us that they can be together without Jeff and it's a nice addition to the series.
The 3 stars isn't a negative, I love this book it's just that it's so short I didn't feel right giving it more.
Profile Image for Anna.
961 reviews17 followers
August 14, 2017
Short, so it only gets 4 stars. Glad they finally went on the date!
598 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2022
This is Dan’s and Evan’s fabled first date, shortly after Out of Darkness. It is supposed to be light and fun but it only demonstrates again why these 2 are not really compatible and hardly have anything in common despite the sailing. It almost ends with another fight for f*** sake!
Profile Image for Bijan.
85 reviews37 followers
August 7, 2017
Drama, Drama, and Drama ;)

You know, it's quite acceptable to be a bitch, after someone gave you all his love and care.

Totally acceptable :)
Profile Image for AnnaLund.
271 reviews54 followers
November 13, 2013
Goodreads TOS-compliant review: (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are).

"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”

For my honest and true view of the same book, please read …MORE

DISCLAIMER: As of today my reviews will all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind.
Profile Image for L-D.
1,478 reviews64 followers
August 21, 2012
Ah - if only this short were incorporated into the main book I would have a different feeling for Evan and Dan's relationship. Up until now I have been wondering why there isn't a stronger connection between Dan and Evan besides the pure physical connection that seems to be the perfect band-aid for any and all relationship woes. This short story finally affords me a glimpse to the way Dan and Evan can really be as a couple. And it's about damn time. I enjoyed this short and it was the first time I really believed in Dan and Evan.
135 reviews
Read
January 16, 2016

When Dan and Evan were struggling with their issues, Dan came up with the suggestion that they go on a date. This is that date. This story is set just before the epilogue of Out of the Darkness. This is just - it's just schmoop, really. Sappy and silly and fun. If you miss the boys and want to check in on them, this is your story, but if you haven't read the series, this probably isn't a great place to start.

Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,385 reviews156 followers
January 24, 2012
It was nice to see Dan and Evan out enjoying themselves on a "regular" date and that they are capable of having a bicker-free evening without Jeff there to keep the peace. I love Chris and am happy to see him again as well.

The only thing that bugged me was the overuse of the word "dude." Other than that, it was a nice addition to the series.
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,749 reviews113 followers
December 3, 2013
This short story is about Evan and Dan and Evan's surprises for Dan. First a sailboat ride, then a cozy dinner and finally, heading to the airport to pick up Chris, a complete surprise for Dan. He wasn't terribly happy about it but he realizes that Evan meant well and manages to forgive him quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.