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The Love Dare
Can a bet made at Notting Hill Carnival turn into true love? He’s All That meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in this trope-filled sizzling summer romance , perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Lynn Painter.
Clumsy but popular Eva Ojo is used to men falling for her without her trying. So when her best friend dares her to talk to a guy at Notting Hill Carnival , she meets Saint.
Comic obsessed Saint Rowe-Falade connects with Eva and agrees to attend her upcoming birthday party, but it’s soon clear he’s not interested in her in that way.
When Eva’s friends set her the ultimate bet to get Saint to fall in love with her, Eva makes it her mission to find out all of Saint’s interests and even get a job at the comic book shop he works at. But just as Saint starts to warm to Eva, and her own feelings towards him develop, Saint finds out about the bet. Can Eva pull out the big guns and convince Saint she’s into him, or is it too late to fix the damage that’s been done?
PRAISE FOR ABIOLA BELLO'S LOVE IN WINTER
‘A screen-worthy holiday romance.’ Joya Goffney , author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
‘Gorgeous writing, witty dialogue, a magical setting and two characters you'll fall head over heels for.’ Jennifer Niven , author of All the Bright Places
‘I devoured this delicious YA rom-com. A treat to read any time of year.’ Katherine Webber , author of Twin Crowns
‘A wonderfully warm love story.’ Candice Brathwaite , author of Cuts Both Ways
‘A warm and cosy read that pulls you into the perfect winter romance. Abiola has given us all a gift to swoon over.’ Benjamin Dean , author of The King is Dead
Clumsy but popular Eva Ojo is used to men falling for her without her trying. So when her best friend dares her to talk to a guy at Notting Hill Carnival , she meets Saint.
Comic obsessed Saint Rowe-Falade connects with Eva and agrees to attend her upcoming birthday party, but it’s soon clear he’s not interested in her in that way.
When Eva’s friends set her the ultimate bet to get Saint to fall in love with her, Eva makes it her mission to find out all of Saint’s interests and even get a job at the comic book shop he works at. But just as Saint starts to warm to Eva, and her own feelings towards him develop, Saint finds out about the bet. Can Eva pull out the big guns and convince Saint she’s into him, or is it too late to fix the damage that’s been done?
PRAISE FOR ABIOLA BELLO'S LOVE IN WINTER
‘A screen-worthy holiday romance.’ Joya Goffney , author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
‘Gorgeous writing, witty dialogue, a magical setting and two characters you'll fall head over heels for.’ Jennifer Niven , author of All the Bright Places
‘I devoured this delicious YA rom-com. A treat to read any time of year.’ Katherine Webber , author of Twin Crowns
‘A wonderfully warm love story.’ Candice Brathwaite , author of Cuts Both Ways
‘A warm and cosy read that pulls you into the perfect winter romance. Abiola has given us all a gift to swoon over.’ Benjamin Dean , author of The King is Dead
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2024
14 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Abiola Bello
23 books409 followersAbiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning children’s/YA author who was born and raised in London. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and experienced her first taste of ‘being published’ after winning a school poetry competition at the age of 12.
Abiola is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. She’s the author of the award-winning fantasy series EMILY KNIGHT (EMILY KNIGHT I AM, EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED and EMILY KNIGHT I AM BECOMING). EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED was nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, won London’s BIG Read 2019, and was a finalist for the People’s Book Prize Best Children’s Book.
Abiola contributed to THE VERY MERRY MURDER CLUB, a collection of new mystery fiction from thirteen exciting and diverse children’s writers which published in October 2021 (Farshore/HarperCollins). It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month, Amazon Number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller One To Watch, The Guardian's Children's & Teens Best New Novels.
Her debut YA, LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND, published Winter 2022 (Simon & Schuster UK). It was an Amazon Number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller One To Watch, Amazon Editor's Choice for Black History Month 2022, featured in The Guardian Children's & Teens Best New Novels and was on an Amazon Billboard for Black History Month in Leicester Square. LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND was sold to the US, Germany and Poland. The US edition is a Junior Library Guild Pick and the German edition was shortlisted for Best YA and Best Cover for the Lovely Books Community Award 2023.
Abiola's latest book ONLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS published Autumn 2023 (Simon & Schuster UK). It was The Bookseller One To Watch, one of Waterstones Best Paperbacks of 2023 and featured in The Guardian Children's & Teens Best New Novels.
Abiola won The Black British Business Awards - Arts and Media 2023, The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co-founder of Hashtag Press, Hashtag BLAK, The Diverse Book Awards and ink!
Abiola has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Female First Magazine, The Mirror, BBC1XTRA to name a few. As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She has performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler’s Wells, Hammersmith Apollo, Unicorn Theatre. Abiola has also appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice, “Got To Dance” and Street Dance AllStars The Movie.
Abiola is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. She’s the author of the award-winning fantasy series EMILY KNIGHT (EMILY KNIGHT I AM, EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED and EMILY KNIGHT I AM BECOMING). EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED was nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, won London’s BIG Read 2019, and was a finalist for the People’s Book Prize Best Children’s Book.
Abiola contributed to THE VERY MERRY MURDER CLUB, a collection of new mystery fiction from thirteen exciting and diverse children’s writers which published in October 2021 (Farshore/HarperCollins). It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month, Amazon Number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller One To Watch, The Guardian's Children's & Teens Best New Novels.
Her debut YA, LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND, published Winter 2022 (Simon & Schuster UK). It was an Amazon Number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller One To Watch, Amazon Editor's Choice for Black History Month 2022, featured in The Guardian Children's & Teens Best New Novels and was on an Amazon Billboard for Black History Month in Leicester Square. LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND was sold to the US, Germany and Poland. The US edition is a Junior Library Guild Pick and the German edition was shortlisted for Best YA and Best Cover for the Lovely Books Community Award 2023.
Abiola's latest book ONLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS published Autumn 2023 (Simon & Schuster UK). It was The Bookseller One To Watch, one of Waterstones Best Paperbacks of 2023 and featured in The Guardian Children's & Teens Best New Novels.
Abiola won The Black British Business Awards - Arts and Media 2023, The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co-founder of Hashtag Press, Hashtag BLAK, The Diverse Book Awards and ink!
Abiola has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Female First Magazine, The Mirror, BBC1XTRA to name a few. As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She has performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler’s Wells, Hammersmith Apollo, Unicorn Theatre. Abiola has also appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice, “Got To Dance” and Street Dance AllStars The Movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 7, 2025
AAAHH such a cute and wholesome YA romance 🥰
July 21, 2024
5 ✨
Something about young adult romance just resets my brain in the best way. My first time reading a book by Abiola Bello, and it was truly funny and sassy while being warm and fluffy all at once. It had the right amount of drama, friendship, black girlhood, teen troubles, and romance crammed into 7 hours of listening enjoyment. Another book I need more people to know about. If you are an avid audiobook listener l, the narrator does not disappoint.
Something about young adult romance just resets my brain in the best way. My first time reading a book by Abiola Bello, and it was truly funny and sassy while being warm and fluffy all at once. It had the right amount of drama, friendship, black girlhood, teen troubles, and romance crammed into 7 hours of listening enjoyment. Another book I need more people to know about. If you are an avid audiobook listener l, the narrator does not disappoint.
February 26, 2025
Obsessed Forreal. The Sweetest Pair I've Ever Come Across. Enjoyed Every Moment 🥺🤍
September 5, 2025
me 🤝🏾 finding perfect YA black romances
GUYSSS THIS WAS PERFECT. Relatable black characters with genuine personalities and interests. How many time do we get black characters and then black characters with interest in anime and cosplay??? can you name one? I loved Eva character i loved that she was a sweet pretty girl who has had a slight people pleasing habit (relatable) and she met Saint who seems a polar opposite but he actually gets her to be more herself and be more open to things. That is what YA means to me!!! I need development personally and romantically obviiiii. Nah Saint was such a gentleman and smoothhhh Eva kept saying originally he does not have the swag but girl i was giggling at almost everything he said when i knew he was flirting. Saint was genuinely the Goat. A thoughtful, confident and christian man I KNOW DAS RIGHT. This author has reeled me in deffo gonna try her other books.
GUYSSS THIS WAS PERFECT. Relatable black characters with genuine personalities and interests. How many time do we get black characters and then black characters with interest in anime and cosplay??? can you name one? I loved Eva character i loved that she was a sweet pretty girl who has had a slight people pleasing habit (relatable) and she met Saint who seems a polar opposite but he actually gets her to be more herself and be more open to things. That is what YA means to me!!! I need development personally and romantically obviiiii. Nah Saint was such a gentleman and smoothhhh Eva kept saying originally he does not have the swag but girl i was giggling at almost everything he said when i knew he was flirting. Saint was genuinely the Goat. A thoughtful, confident and christian man I KNOW DAS RIGHT. This author has reeled me in deffo gonna try her other books.
September 12, 2024
Loved loved loved!
This is my second book from this author and I really enjoy her work. There are times when I need a break from the dark stuff that I enjoy and just want some cookie cutter, give you diabetes type stuff and this is one of those books.
I adored this for the relatability and nostalgia. Much like my recent read Twelfth Knight, there was a lot of love given to pop culture and 90s/00s media which I was lapping up like a dog! hahaha
Eva and Saint were just the cutest and while Eva was a lovely FMC, Saint really stole my heart with his easy going attitude and how comfortable he was with himself. He helped Eva grow and it was so cute to witness. I loved how grounded her was and self assured while still having moments of vulnerability.
I liked Eva's dynamic as well and even though I knew it was part of her arc, I didnt love how dependent she was at first. All of her friends seemed to have something going for them and she kind of felt like the one that gets away with everything just because she's pretty. She was obviously against this which made her likeable but it didnt show how much of a passenger princess she was, which im not a super fan of.
I liked her friends, even Oyin by the end even though we all have or have had a hateful frenemy like her in our lives lol i did like how she turned out to have demons of her own that made her less mean. some people have to learn the hard way i guess. i despised jayden and logan haha simply because ive known Jayden and Logan's in this life who are all shameless little bastards who just need a kick haha
I loved this a lot a am happy to add this to my list of cutesie YA that i can read whenever I need a pick me up!
This is my second book from this author and I really enjoy her work. There are times when I need a break from the dark stuff that I enjoy and just want some cookie cutter, give you diabetes type stuff and this is one of those books.
I adored this for the relatability and nostalgia. Much like my recent read Twelfth Knight, there was a lot of love given to pop culture and 90s/00s media which I was lapping up like a dog! hahaha
Eva and Saint were just the cutest and while Eva was a lovely FMC, Saint really stole my heart with his easy going attitude and how comfortable he was with himself. He helped Eva grow and it was so cute to witness. I loved how grounded her was and self assured while still having moments of vulnerability.
I liked Eva's dynamic as well and even though I knew it was part of her arc, I didnt love how dependent she was at first. All of her friends seemed to have something going for them and she kind of felt like the one that gets away with everything just because she's pretty. She was obviously against this which made her likeable but it didnt show how much of a passenger princess she was, which im not a super fan of.
I liked her friends, even Oyin by the end even though we all have or have had a hateful frenemy like her in our lives lol i did like how she turned out to have demons of her own that made her less mean. some people have to learn the hard way i guess. i despised jayden and logan haha simply because ive known Jayden and Logan's in this life who are all shameless little bastards who just need a kick haha
I loved this a lot a am happy to add this to my list of cutesie YA that i can read whenever I need a pick me up!
June 12, 2025
2.75⭐️
So I was actually enjoying this book, okay??
Even though the plot was super predictable (which honestly doesn’t bother me), it finally picked up around the 70% mark, and I was hooked. But now I’ve just finished and tell me why the author decided to leave me hanging??
This cannot be the end.
Where is the closure? You’re telling me nobody punched Jayden and Logan in the face? We don’t get even a crumb of lovey-dovey Saint and Eva? Nothing?? It just… ends? At the very least, give me an epilogue or something to wrap things up!
I would’ve rated this 2.5 stars cos at a point i really wanted the book to end, but the middle really pulled me in, so I’m settling at 2.75 ⭐️.
So I was actually enjoying this book, okay??
Even though the plot was super predictable (which honestly doesn’t bother me), it finally picked up around the 70% mark, and I was hooked. But now I’ve just finished and tell me why the author decided to leave me hanging??
This cannot be the end.
Where is the closure? You’re telling me nobody punched Jayden and Logan in the face? We don’t get even a crumb of lovey-dovey Saint and Eva? Nothing?? It just… ends? At the very least, give me an epilogue or something to wrap things up!
I would’ve rated this 2.5 stars cos at a point i really wanted the book to end, but the middle really pulled me in, so I’m settling at 2.75 ⭐️.
June 27, 2024
Abiola Bello has done it again! The Love Dare is a YA romance that is full of fierce friendships, super cute pairings, and modern humour. If you haven't read one of her books yet, what are you waiting for??
Eva is in her final summer before entering uni, and her band of girlfriends have decided to try to do all the things they wanted to do but never got around to, starting with a communal dare to dance in the Notting Hill Carnival parade. Then she meets Saint, the slightly geeky boy with a love for anime and spoken word...
What starts as a lighthearted summer of fun quickly takes a turn, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I was tense for the majority of this book while I waited for the date dare to slip out. Eva's feelings for Saint are so sweet, and I was so anxious waiting to see what would happen. After the perfection that was the Street Fighter II arcade scene I needed them to work out!
When I got to the ending, I'll admit I was a little disappointed as it was so abrupt. That's the one weakness with these books I've noticed - the build up is incredible, but there is no time for closure or to enjoy the relationship. (Can we please get a book that just catches up with the couples from each story so far? Pleeease??)
Despite this, I still love Bello's writing. Her style is so fresh, honest, and funny. I also love how she turns things that many people find superfluous or dull (like books or retro games) into something really fun and to be proud of. The Love Dare is about embracing what you want, being true to yourself, and not letting others pressure you into something that's not right for you, and I think that's such an important message.
I've had this book on pre-order since finishing her other two novels, and I'm so happy to have been able to read the ARC early. If you enjoy opposites attract or betting tropes, this is one to check out!
Eva is in her final summer before entering uni, and her band of girlfriends have decided to try to do all the things they wanted to do but never got around to, starting with a communal dare to dance in the Notting Hill Carnival parade. Then she meets Saint, the slightly geeky boy with a love for anime and spoken word...
What starts as a lighthearted summer of fun quickly takes a turn, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I was tense for the majority of this book while I waited for the date dare to slip out. Eva's feelings for Saint are so sweet, and I was so anxious waiting to see what would happen. After the perfection that was the Street Fighter II arcade scene I needed them to work out!
When I got to the ending, I'll admit I was a little disappointed as it was so abrupt. That's the one weakness with these books I've noticed - the build up is incredible, but there is no time for closure or to enjoy the relationship. (Can we please get a book that just catches up with the couples from each story so far? Pleeease??)
Despite this, I still love Bello's writing. Her style is so fresh, honest, and funny. I also love how she turns things that many people find superfluous or dull (like books or retro games) into something really fun and to be proud of. The Love Dare is about embracing what you want, being true to yourself, and not letting others pressure you into something that's not right for you, and I think that's such an important message.
I've had this book on pre-order since finishing her other two novels, and I'm so happy to have been able to read the ARC early. If you enjoy opposites attract or betting tropes, this is one to check out!
August 3, 2024
Awwww yes that was LOVELY and the narrator REALLY brought the whole thing to life.
August 18, 2024
How can I be so done with YA in general, but absolutely love Abiola Bello's book. I love it so much ❤️❤️
August 25, 2024
This was such a cute bingeable read! I bought it for the cutest cover ever and devoured it in 2 days. If you need a cute YA romance and coming of age vibe this is it
October 14, 2024
The angst and the drama. Typical teenage drama but lovely and sweet summer book.
January 3, 2025
i listened to this on audiobook and rawr i love her writing so much she’s so underrated
March 3, 2025
Needed a YA book to cleanse my palette but this was was a tad too YA for me. It was extremely predictable but still cute in a way
September 20, 2025
This was extremely fun to binge, especially as an audiobook! We get:
• Pretty girl gets dared to flirt with geeky guy obsessed with comics and anime.
• Messy teenage friendships and heartwarming moments of Black girlhood.
• Modern writing with humor that feels current and relatable without bordering on cringe.
• People-pleasing girlie finally learning to choose herself and her own happiness.
• Well-loved tropes delivered masterfully and in the cutest way.
Feet-kicking-in-the-air adorable! Highly recommended.
• Pretty girl gets dared to flirt with geeky guy obsessed with comics and anime.
• Messy teenage friendships and heartwarming moments of Black girlhood.
• Modern writing with humor that feels current and relatable without bordering on cringe.
• People-pleasing girlie finally learning to choose herself and her own happiness.
• Well-loved tropes delivered masterfully and in the cutest way.
Feet-kicking-in-the-air adorable! Highly recommended.
July 22, 2024
Eva and Saint meet at Notting Hill Carnival when Eva is dared by her friends to dance with him. But this isn’t the only dare involving Eva and Saint. At Eva’s birthday party her dad’s car is damaged and she is dared to go on a date with Saint in exchange for help to repair the car. Will Eva go through with the dare when she starts to have feelings for Saint?
I loved the story and would describe it as a classic YA romance. It had everything that I wanted in a book including friendship and romance. I really liked the start of the book especially because it is set at Notting Hill Carnival. I've always wanted to go to Notting Hill Carnival and the way the scenes were written I felt like I was there with the characters.
The first meeting between Eva and Saint was certainly a memorable one because it was cute but at the same time a little awkward. Especially because Saint is a little taken aback by Eva’s attention. Eva is very confident and Saint is what I would describe as quite shy. I thought the dynamic between them was interesting especially because they're very different. Eva is on a mission to win the dare and get a date with Saint because there's a lot riding on this dare because she needs to fix her dad’s car before her parents return from Nigeria which is fast approaching. Saint is a little bit shy and socially awkward and he doesn't quite understand why Eva is showing such an interest in him. Normally boys show an interest in Eva quickly but Saint is the exception to the rule. Instead of showing a romantic interest he reaches out to her as a friend.
It is during their friendship that something more develops between them. But as Eva starts to realise that she’s having feelings for Saint things become complicated because it’s not just a dare anymore as she truly cares for Saint and someone other than her friends knows about the dare. In the back of her mind Eva worries about what will happen if Saint finds out the truth which could destroy anything between them.
I really liked all of the scenes that Eva and Saint shared. But my favourites were definitely when they play videos games together and when Eva starts helping out at the comic book shop. When Eva and Saint spend together they bring out the best in each other. Eva is someone who you wouldn’t think liked video games or manga but the more time she spends with Saint she starts to realise she has a real interest in things that she’s never thought about before or given a chance to. Due to Eva’s influence Saint starts to come out of his shell a little bit more and he sees Eva as more than a pretty face. Not only is Eva dealing with how she feels about Saint and trying to trying to repair her dad's car but she’s also under a lot of pressure to go to university and study law, which is something that doesn’t interest her. Part of the storyline is about Eva deciding what she wants to do in the future and making a decision which could disappoint her parents.
A brilliant read set against the Notting Hill Carnival where two people meet and change their lives forever.
I loved the story and would describe it as a classic YA romance. It had everything that I wanted in a book including friendship and romance. I really liked the start of the book especially because it is set at Notting Hill Carnival. I've always wanted to go to Notting Hill Carnival and the way the scenes were written I felt like I was there with the characters.
The first meeting between Eva and Saint was certainly a memorable one because it was cute but at the same time a little awkward. Especially because Saint is a little taken aback by Eva’s attention. Eva is very confident and Saint is what I would describe as quite shy. I thought the dynamic between them was interesting especially because they're very different. Eva is on a mission to win the dare and get a date with Saint because there's a lot riding on this dare because she needs to fix her dad’s car before her parents return from Nigeria which is fast approaching. Saint is a little bit shy and socially awkward and he doesn't quite understand why Eva is showing such an interest in him. Normally boys show an interest in Eva quickly but Saint is the exception to the rule. Instead of showing a romantic interest he reaches out to her as a friend.
It is during their friendship that something more develops between them. But as Eva starts to realise that she’s having feelings for Saint things become complicated because it’s not just a dare anymore as she truly cares for Saint and someone other than her friends knows about the dare. In the back of her mind Eva worries about what will happen if Saint finds out the truth which could destroy anything between them.
I really liked all of the scenes that Eva and Saint shared. But my favourites were definitely when they play videos games together and when Eva starts helping out at the comic book shop. When Eva and Saint spend together they bring out the best in each other. Eva is someone who you wouldn’t think liked video games or manga but the more time she spends with Saint she starts to realise she has a real interest in things that she’s never thought about before or given a chance to. Due to Eva’s influence Saint starts to come out of his shell a little bit more and he sees Eva as more than a pretty face. Not only is Eva dealing with how she feels about Saint and trying to trying to repair her dad's car but she’s also under a lot of pressure to go to university and study law, which is something that doesn’t interest her. Part of the storyline is about Eva deciding what she wants to do in the future and making a decision which could disappoint her parents.
A brilliant read set against the Notting Hill Carnival where two people meet and change their lives forever.
July 16, 2024
I sped through this book in one sitting. Such a fun summer read that begins at Notting Hill Carnival, so richly described and atmospheric I could feel the vibes coming from the pages and it made me want to go again this year!
We follow Eva, who is just about to venture off to university to follow her parents wishes to get a law degree, as she grapples with the difficult decisions she faces in not wanting to disappoint her loved ones but also wanting to follow her own dreams and goals. Eva is lost, and this is something I think we can all relate to - however she starts taking steps to begin the journey of self discovery to identify who she truly is and what it is she wants for herself and not to please others.
The friendship and family dynamics within this book are heartwarming, witty, and a little frustrating at times. Grandma, Dami, Amara, Sharisha, Fatima and Sansa are all brilliant characters each with their own distinct personalities but who show up in spades for our girl when she is in need - and Oyin too in the end 😉
The betting trope, friends to lovers and opposites attract done right! Saint is utterly swoon-worthy, comfortable in his own skin, knows who is is, emotionally mature and respectful and I was so here for it! Jayden however is a big ol' red flag 🚩
I also loved the throwback nostalgia with the nineties and noughties references from my teen years. I always used to choose Chun-Li on Street Fighter too!
A vibrant, humorous, love story and a fabulous representation of Black British London that we must see more of. Perfect for YA (and older audiences) who enjoy brilliantly written, perfectly paced, summer romances with substance!
My first book by Abiola, but I will be sure to read both Christmas YA books as I enjoyed this one so much.
Thank you @literallypr @simonkidsuk for having me on the tour. Please check out all the other book tour participants brilliant posts 💛
We follow Eva, who is just about to venture off to university to follow her parents wishes to get a law degree, as she grapples with the difficult decisions she faces in not wanting to disappoint her loved ones but also wanting to follow her own dreams and goals. Eva is lost, and this is something I think we can all relate to - however she starts taking steps to begin the journey of self discovery to identify who she truly is and what it is she wants for herself and not to please others.
The friendship and family dynamics within this book are heartwarming, witty, and a little frustrating at times. Grandma, Dami, Amara, Sharisha, Fatima and Sansa are all brilliant characters each with their own distinct personalities but who show up in spades for our girl when she is in need - and Oyin too in the end 😉
The betting trope, friends to lovers and opposites attract done right! Saint is utterly swoon-worthy, comfortable in his own skin, knows who is is, emotionally mature and respectful and I was so here for it! Jayden however is a big ol' red flag 🚩
I also loved the throwback nostalgia with the nineties and noughties references from my teen years. I always used to choose Chun-Li on Street Fighter too!
A vibrant, humorous, love story and a fabulous representation of Black British London that we must see more of. Perfect for YA (and older audiences) who enjoy brilliantly written, perfectly paced, summer romances with substance!
My first book by Abiola, but I will be sure to read both Christmas YA books as I enjoyed this one so much.
Thank you @literallypr @simonkidsuk for having me on the tour. Please check out all the other book tour participants brilliant posts 💛
August 22, 2024
This book was an easy 3.5 star read... and I'll definitely be reading more from Abiola Bello! It was so refreshing to read a romance focused on UK teenagers, two year thirteens on the brink of adulthood... and I had such a fun time reading it.
TLD is a fun, quick romance, set in London during the holidays. It follows Eva, a pretty average teenage girl with a group of smart, cliquey, girly friends... she's on the brink of a relationship with cool boy Jayden, and planning on heading off to university to study law in Nottingham, away from her life and friends.
But as the book progresses, we see Eva open up to new relationships, ideas, hobbies... she makes mistakes - sometimes rather drastic mistakes - and tries her hardest to make those around her happy, not always choosing the right thing to do. I did like Eva as a character, but I just couldn't connect to her as an eighteen-year-old... it was very clear that she had a lot of growing up to do, and I couldn't personally relate to her on a lot of levels.
The writing style is another reason I rated the book slightly lower - I got absolutely hooked and can tell Bello has a real talent for telling stories, but I personally found some of the prose clunky and a little simplistic, which works for a lot of readers, just not for me!
There were so many important messages throughout the books... messages I'm sure a lot of teenagers will benefit from hearing. I hardly read anything at that age about being in your late teenage years - picking a degree, choosing a uni, thinking about what you want from life - and I really do think it would have helped me to decide what I wanted. I loved hearing Abiola Bello's own experience in the note at the back - it was clearly written from the heart.
I'm really excited to read more of Bello's work!
TLD is a fun, quick romance, set in London during the holidays. It follows Eva, a pretty average teenage girl with a group of smart, cliquey, girly friends... she's on the brink of a relationship with cool boy Jayden, and planning on heading off to university to study law in Nottingham, away from her life and friends.
But as the book progresses, we see Eva open up to new relationships, ideas, hobbies... she makes mistakes - sometimes rather drastic mistakes - and tries her hardest to make those around her happy, not always choosing the right thing to do. I did like Eva as a character, but I just couldn't connect to her as an eighteen-year-old... it was very clear that she had a lot of growing up to do, and I couldn't personally relate to her on a lot of levels.
The writing style is another reason I rated the book slightly lower - I got absolutely hooked and can tell Bello has a real talent for telling stories, but I personally found some of the prose clunky and a little simplistic, which works for a lot of readers, just not for me!
There were so many important messages throughout the books... messages I'm sure a lot of teenagers will benefit from hearing. I hardly read anything at that age about being in your late teenage years - picking a degree, choosing a uni, thinking about what you want from life - and I really do think it would have helped me to decide what I wanted. I loved hearing Abiola Bello's own experience in the note at the back - it was clearly written from the heart.
I'm really excited to read more of Bello's work!
February 6, 2025
100 ⭐️ !!
the way i just devoured this book 😭😍
the first thing i heard about this book was 'if you love he's all that and how to lose a guy in 10 days, you'll love this book' and sis was SOLD. i haven't read a ya book in forever, and i'm so thankful this book has gotten me back into my ya era <33
now, these characters. i wasn't entirely sure in the beginning, but as we started to peel back the layers of saint, they just stole my heart! the chemistry between saint and eva is 😮💨🤌🏽 i will admit, initially i didn't really see it bc sis was obsessed with jayden - and i might've been all for it... but then the idiot fully revealed himself at the end of the book. the mans fumbled, and then had the audacity to get mad when his cousin got the girl.. boy bye! i was pleasantly surprised by saint and eva's chemistry along the course of this book tho. i'm telling you, it's always the quiet ones that surprise you, and eva was definitely surprised by saint. their banter was so cute, and i loved when they were together and just had genuine fun (DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THEIR ARCADE DATE/NOT-DATE UGHHHHH), love them baddd!
this book has exceeded my expectations, and that's saying a lot bc this was near the top of my 2025 priority tbr! i loved everything about this book, from the super relatable characters and storyline to the hilarious pop culture references in between.
this book honestly deserves more hype, i wish i could read this book for the first time again 🥺❤️🩹
the way i just devoured this book 😭😍
the first thing i heard about this book was 'if you love he's all that and how to lose a guy in 10 days, you'll love this book' and sis was SOLD. i haven't read a ya book in forever, and i'm so thankful this book has gotten me back into my ya era <33
now, these characters. i wasn't entirely sure in the beginning, but as we started to peel back the layers of saint, they just stole my heart! the chemistry between saint and eva is 😮💨🤌🏽 i will admit, initially i didn't really see it bc sis was obsessed with jayden - and i might've been all for it... but then the idiot fully revealed himself at the end of the book. the mans fumbled, and then had the audacity to get mad when his cousin got the girl.. boy bye! i was pleasantly surprised by saint and eva's chemistry along the course of this book tho. i'm telling you, it's always the quiet ones that surprise you, and eva was definitely surprised by saint. their banter was so cute, and i loved when they were together and just had genuine fun (DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THEIR ARCADE DATE/NOT-DATE UGHHHHH), love them baddd!
this book has exceeded my expectations, and that's saying a lot bc this was near the top of my 2025 priority tbr! i loved everything about this book, from the super relatable characters and storyline to the hilarious pop culture references in between.
this book honestly deserves more hype, i wish i could read this book for the first time again 🥺❤️🩹
July 3, 2024
Get ready for an incredible journey through the pages of this book! Join three amazing friends as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime during their final summer before pursuing their dreams. Eva, on the brink of starting university, and her dynamic group of girlfriends are determined to check off their bucket list. I'm thrilled to introduce you to this irresistible story. Along the way, Eva crosses paths with Saint, a captivating and charming young man with a deep love for anime and the spoken word. The references to Attack on Titan and its compelling characters add an enchanting layer to the narrative. When Eva, a popular girl accustomed to effortless admiration, meets the introverted comic book enthusiast Saint Rowe-Falade, sparks fly in the most unexpected and delightful ways. Their blossoming relationship, intertwined with a dare to repair Eva's father's damaged car, is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and genuine warmth. Despite a few moments of predictability, the story keeps you hooked with its engaging plot twists and thoroughly developed characters. This heartwarming and gradual romance is a must-read for anyone who craves stories about authentic connections and the rollercoaster of young love. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure filled with endless possibilities!
#TheLoveDare #AbiolaBello #SimonandSchuster #YoungLove #Friendship #ComingOfAge #AnimeLove #Bookworms #SummerAdventure #EmotionalJourney.
#TheLoveDare #AbiolaBello #SimonandSchuster #YoungLove #Friendship #ComingOfAge #AnimeLove #Bookworms #SummerAdventure #EmotionalJourney.
July 17, 2024
Abiola has done it again! Written THE perfect romance story.
The Love Dare is a brilliantly thought out, plotted, and written romance. Perfect for a long, hot summer.
The story follows Eva as she prepares to spend her last summer at home before embarking on her first solo journey away from home, studying law at university.
With a long, hot, parent free summer of fun mapped out. A big birthday celebration in the pipeline. A carnival to attend and a potential romance bubbling away in the background. Eva is ready to jump in head first to try and run from the niggling doubts that she has about her future and the expectations, hopes and dreams that are placed on her by those around her.
But as is always the case, things barely ever go to plan.
Throw in an unexpected and expensive accident. The ultimate dare, support, and friendship from an unlikely source, and a budding romance with her total opposite can Eva seek the courage she needs in order to speak her truth and take control of her future?
I really love Abiola's writing style, which is full of emotion, realism, and relatability from start to finish. Making it easy to become totally invested in Eva and Saint's story.
It's an inspiring, feel-good, emotional story of love, hope, authentic connections, coming of age, staying true to yourself, and always reacing for your dreams. And one that I would recommend to romance readers across the board. Not just young adults.
The Love Dare is a brilliantly thought out, plotted, and written romance. Perfect for a long, hot summer.
The story follows Eva as she prepares to spend her last summer at home before embarking on her first solo journey away from home, studying law at university.
With a long, hot, parent free summer of fun mapped out. A big birthday celebration in the pipeline. A carnival to attend and a potential romance bubbling away in the background. Eva is ready to jump in head first to try and run from the niggling doubts that she has about her future and the expectations, hopes and dreams that are placed on her by those around her.
But as is always the case, things barely ever go to plan.
Throw in an unexpected and expensive accident. The ultimate dare, support, and friendship from an unlikely source, and a budding romance with her total opposite can Eva seek the courage she needs in order to speak her truth and take control of her future?
I really love Abiola's writing style, which is full of emotion, realism, and relatability from start to finish. Making it easy to become totally invested in Eva and Saint's story.
It's an inspiring, feel-good, emotional story of love, hope, authentic connections, coming of age, staying true to yourself, and always reacing for your dreams. And one that I would recommend to romance readers across the board. Not just young adults.
June 25, 2024
📚BOOK REVIEW📚The Love Dare by Abiola Bello💕
This is my second book of Aboila's and it was just as beautiful as the first one I read of hers.
In this book we follow Eva , who after having quite a crazy birthday party, is needing to fix her dad's smashed car window and accepts her friends dare of trying to get Saint to ask her out on a date in excha for the money to fix it.
I loved how unique Saint was in this book because I've never read any books before where the main male leads hobbies are video gaming, comic books and poetry. You could see nearly straight from beginning that Eva found Saint really intriguing and ,like most books, there is usually an inevitable bump in the road which I knew was going to happen but ah, it made me angry at some of the other characters!
The whole vibe of this book was giving summer party vibes which is what we totally want right now and I couldn't believe how easily I flew through this book. I love how the author describes the romance in this book using their emotions and feelings and not just the physical side of it.
I absolutely adored this warm, cosy and cute romance between Eva and Saint! The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and what a gorgeous story!
This is my second book of Aboila's and it was just as beautiful as the first one I read of hers.
In this book we follow Eva , who after having quite a crazy birthday party, is needing to fix her dad's smashed car window and accepts her friends dare of trying to get Saint to ask her out on a date in excha for the money to fix it.
I loved how unique Saint was in this book because I've never read any books before where the main male leads hobbies are video gaming, comic books and poetry. You could see nearly straight from beginning that Eva found Saint really intriguing and ,like most books, there is usually an inevitable bump in the road which I knew was going to happen but ah, it made me angry at some of the other characters!
The whole vibe of this book was giving summer party vibes which is what we totally want right now and I couldn't believe how easily I flew through this book. I love how the author describes the romance in this book using their emotions and feelings and not just the physical side of it.
I absolutely adored this warm, cosy and cute romance between Eva and Saint! The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and what a gorgeous story!
July 6, 2024
I always prepare for a good time when I read a book by this author. This was such a fun read.
✅ Fun, quirky, relatable characters
✅ Entertaining & memorable supporting characters (I love the friendship group and family in this story)
✅ Drama (inviting lots of out-loud commentary from me)
✅ Fast paced plot (enjoyed the ride and the story was over before I knew it)
✅ A book I would happily read multiple times
✅ A book I'm excited to pass on to the teens in my life
With Bello's first two YA books being set at Christmas time, I love that we now have a summer sizzler with The Love Dare.
Kicking things off at Nottinghill Carnival really helps create the summertime vibe. I loved that the our main characters' - Eva & Saint - first encounter is through a carnival whine! Watching things unfold between them from that point was both very cute and stressful. I felt for Eva as she battled between her head and heart. Saint is a sweetheart (Bello writes great male characters) and it's a high stakes dare that's thrust upon Eva by her questionable friend. This is all going down at a stage in her life where she has to make important decisions about her future, so you really want her to pay attention to some of the wiser people she has around her.
Definitely check this one out 😊
✅ Fun, quirky, relatable characters
✅ Entertaining & memorable supporting characters (I love the friendship group and family in this story)
✅ Drama (inviting lots of out-loud commentary from me)
✅ Fast paced plot (enjoyed the ride and the story was over before I knew it)
✅ A book I would happily read multiple times
✅ A book I'm excited to pass on to the teens in my life
With Bello's first two YA books being set at Christmas time, I love that we now have a summer sizzler with The Love Dare.
Kicking things off at Nottinghill Carnival really helps create the summertime vibe. I loved that the our main characters' - Eva & Saint - first encounter is through a carnival whine! Watching things unfold between them from that point was both very cute and stressful. I felt for Eva as she battled between her head and heart. Saint is a sweetheart (Bello writes great male characters) and it's a high stakes dare that's thrust upon Eva by her questionable friend. This is all going down at a stage in her life where she has to make important decisions about her future, so you really want her to pay attention to some of the wiser people she has around her.
Definitely check this one out 😊
September 9, 2024
The love that dare not speak its name: when a middle-aged adult enjoys a good YA novel. This one took a plot that has been done in several other books and films but is somehow fresh because of the specific characters and settings. 18-year-old Eva lives in London but is from a rather strict Nigerian family; the cultural expectations for her and her brother and some of their friends make this story a little bit more "innocent" than some others aimed at the same age group. Instead of rushing into sex, Eva is waiting for the right moment to have a first kiss that really means something. She thinks she fancies cocky, fashionable Jayden, but his quiet and creative cousin, Saint, is by far the more interesting character. As they get to know each other better, the attraction between them is obvious, but the sticking point is that Eva is only pursuing him because of a silly dare from her friends. Will anyone spill the beans and what will happen if they do? You can probably guess the answer already, but because this book takes you to unusual locations like the Notting Hill Carnival and the world of comic conventions and gaming tournaments, you'll have fun finding out. One unexpected female friendship also stood out for me as being satisfying and empowering.
August 15, 2024
C’était mignon, et en même temps c’était assez boring.
J’ai trouvé la plume pas très jolie, mais ça doit notamment être dû au fait que c’était à la première personne, et je n’aime pas trop ça. J’ai juste trouvé que l’intrigue était un peu bateau, ainsi que la façon d’Eva de tout gérer.
Ce qui était vraiment chouette en revanche, c’était sa relation avec le groupe des filles que j’ai trouvé vraument chouette. On voit rarement une protagoniste avec un vrai groupe d’amies solide, qui ne se détestent pas en secret (minus Oyin lol)
Saint était vraiment mignon, et en vrai le fait que ce soit le nerd et la belle qui s’aiment et se choisissent c’est mimi, et en même temps je n’ai pas été transportée transportée par l’histoire d’amour.
Étant moi même partisane des animés, c’était marrant de les voir cités dans le roman, et elle qui est duper, mais j’aurais presque voulu plus d’interactions, plus de profondeur… je sais pas.
La relation avec le frère était pas mal, celle avec la grand mère était bien, mais c’est pareil il manquait un truc.
Bref c’était simple et c’était cute, mais ça ne va pas rester dans mes annales.
Note : 14/20
J’ai trouvé la plume pas très jolie, mais ça doit notamment être dû au fait que c’était à la première personne, et je n’aime pas trop ça. J’ai juste trouvé que l’intrigue était un peu bateau, ainsi que la façon d’Eva de tout gérer.
Ce qui était vraiment chouette en revanche, c’était sa relation avec le groupe des filles que j’ai trouvé vraument chouette. On voit rarement une protagoniste avec un vrai groupe d’amies solide, qui ne se détestent pas en secret (minus Oyin lol)
Saint était vraiment mignon, et en vrai le fait que ce soit le nerd et la belle qui s’aiment et se choisissent c’est mimi, et en même temps je n’ai pas été transportée transportée par l’histoire d’amour.
Étant moi même partisane des animés, c’était marrant de les voir cités dans le roman, et elle qui est duper, mais j’aurais presque voulu plus d’interactions, plus de profondeur… je sais pas.
La relation avec le frère était pas mal, celle avec la grand mère était bien, mais c’est pareil il manquait un truc.
Bref c’était simple et c’était cute, mais ça ne va pas rester dans mes annales.
Note : 14/20
June 24, 2024
4.5 stars
An adorable ode to retro gaming, comic books, and friendship.
According to her friends, Eva could get any guy she wants. Then her friend dares her to score a date with introverted and nerdy Saint. What Eva didn't expect was to fall for him.
As a gamer, I appreciated the way Saint treated Eva playing. I loved the references to games, comics, and Game of Thrones. Eva was a bit shallow, but I appreciated her character growth. I wish this would have been dual POV to get Saint's perspective. I also really liked all the references Bello's previous book as I adored that one.
If you want a lighthearted read with plenty of retro references, look no further!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
An adorable ode to retro gaming, comic books, and friendship.
According to her friends, Eva could get any guy she wants. Then her friend dares her to score a date with introverted and nerdy Saint. What Eva didn't expect was to fall for him.
As a gamer, I appreciated the way Saint treated Eva playing. I loved the references to games, comics, and Game of Thrones. Eva was a bit shallow, but I appreciated her character growth. I wish this would have been dual POV to get Saint's perspective. I also really liked all the references Bello's previous book as I adored that one.
If you want a lighthearted read with plenty of retro references, look no further!
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
March 8, 2025
🧡 The Love Dare—aka the book that raised my blood pressure for FREE! 🫠💊
Y’all, I lost count of how many times I wanted to shake this girl and yell, “USE YOUR WORDS!”
The secondhand stress was real, but so was my obsession. 🫠🤭
🌻 BOOK REVIEW TIME! 🌻
Saint had me at gamer and anime lover—sir, please take my heart and my crunchyroll password. 🤭🎮
This is hands-down one of the cutest YA books I’ve read in ages. 🌻👍🏾
Eve? A certified girls’ girl. 🤗
The friendships? Chef’s kiss. 😘😗 Abiola Bello? You snapped with this one! 🤌🏾
Have y’all read The Love Dare yet? 🤔👀
Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️
#Bookstagram #YABooks #TheLoveDare #AbiolaBello #BookishCommunity #YAReads #BookLover #BookishBesties #ReadersUnite #RomanceReaders #BooksAndCoffee #Amoodreadersnook
Y’all, I lost count of how many times I wanted to shake this girl and yell, “USE YOUR WORDS!”
The secondhand stress was real, but so was my obsession. 🫠🤭
🌻 BOOK REVIEW TIME! 🌻
Saint had me at gamer and anime lover—sir, please take my heart and my crunchyroll password. 🤭🎮
This is hands-down one of the cutest YA books I’ve read in ages. 🌻👍🏾
Eve? A certified girls’ girl. 🤗
The friendships? Chef’s kiss. 😘😗 Abiola Bello? You snapped with this one! 🤌🏾
Have y’all read The Love Dare yet? 🤔👀
Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️
#Bookstagram #YABooks #TheLoveDare #AbiolaBello #BookishCommunity #YAReads #BookLover #BookishBesties #ReadersUnite #RomanceReaders #BooksAndCoffee #Amoodreadersnook
December 21, 2025
Reading The Love Dare in December was such a good pick the story opening during Carnival immediately sets a fun, lively atmosphere. From the start, it felt cozy and charming, making it an easy romance to fall into. The story itself is really cute and lighthearted, perfect if you’re in the mood for a feel-good read.
I especially liked the pop-culture references, from DBZ to anime (even though I’m not into those things). At its heart, this is a classic high school romance with a bit of drama, misunderstandings, and emotional moments.
The two main characters are genuinely sweet together, and watching their relationship develop was enjoyable and satisfying. My only wish is that the ending had been a little longer I would’ve loved more time with the characters.
I especially liked the pop-culture references, from DBZ to anime (even though I’m not into those things). At its heart, this is a classic high school romance with a bit of drama, misunderstandings, and emotional moments.
The two main characters are genuinely sweet together, and watching their relationship develop was enjoyable and satisfying. My only wish is that the ending had been a little longer I would’ve loved more time with the characters.
June 2, 2024
I discovered Abiola's work late last year and I am so glad. I was desperate to find books by Black British authors just so I could relate more to their experiences, even though she is British African and I am British Caribbean there are still some similarities and overlaps in terms of culture. I loved her first two books and was so excited when she announced her third. The Love Dare was entertaining, romantic and had such likeable and relatable characters. I enjoyed it from start to finish and I love the references to characters from other books - she's created her own little verse and I am here for it! So grateful I got to read this early - loved all the tropes. Will definitely reread!
July 4, 2024
==============ARC Review===========
The prefect YA Summer read!
We follow Eva and her group friends of 3.
They are preparing to go to university but before they go, they want to enjoy their summer together. So, they get the opportunity to be in the famous Noting hill Carnival where they start of a series of Dare’s.
Eva has always had a crush on Jayden but when she meets his cousin Saint, she is intrigued.
Her friends notice this and turn up the heat on the dare’s. the dare given to Eva will not only affect her chances with Jayden but equally destroy the relationship between cousins. Their love triangle took me back to my school days. The story is so realistic but fun at the same time.
A must read!
The prefect YA Summer read!
We follow Eva and her group friends of 3.
They are preparing to go to university but before they go, they want to enjoy their summer together. So, they get the opportunity to be in the famous Noting hill Carnival where they start of a series of Dare’s.
Eva has always had a crush on Jayden but when she meets his cousin Saint, she is intrigued.
Her friends notice this and turn up the heat on the dare’s. the dare given to Eva will not only affect her chances with Jayden but equally destroy the relationship between cousins. Their love triangle took me back to my school days. The story is so realistic but fun at the same time.
A must read!
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