Once Upon a Dare

Risky Business #1

by Jennifer Bonds

The first night was a dare. The second night was trouble...
Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play. But on the eve of earning her dream promotion, her best friend dares her to drop her ice-queen façade for one night and seduce a sexy stranger. Olivia's worked her ass off to get where she is - why the hell not?

Cole Bennett never thought he'd run into his feisty one-night stand at the office, furious that he stole her promotion. No matter how hard she tries to ice him out, they can't seem to keep their hands to themselves...or their clothes on.

Olivia's talented - maybe even more than Cole - so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he's ready to celebrate...until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Audiobook, Erotica, Enemies To Lovers

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2015

About the author

Jennifer Bonds is the USA Today bestselling author of sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real-life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

You can also connect with Jen @jbondswrites

https://www.tiktok.com/jbondswrites
https://www.instagram.com/jbondswrites
http://www.facebook.com/jbondswrites

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I kind of hate you sometimes."
"If that's code for 'I want to fuck you until I can't walk straight', then I kind of hate you, too."

If you're looking for a light and easy read with a super sexy office romance, looks like you've found your next book. What a fantastic debut novel from Jennifer Bonds. I never know what I'm going into with a new to me author, but in the case here I was very pleasantly surprised.

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play.

Ain't that the truth. The woman is as straitlaced as they come. The previous pageant queen has spent her entire career proving her worth and that it's not her looks that got her the job. She lives and breathes her job. Known in the office as the ice queen, she doesn't have time for the distractions of the male variety. But a girl's got needs. So when her best friend issues her a dare to sleep with a stranger from the bar, she decides to go for it. Specifically since the super sexy stranger at the bar has been eyeing her.

Cole Bennett is back in New York for a new job. But when a blonde beauty that he's had his eyes on approaches him with an enticing offer, who is he to resist? He's only a man.

When I see something I want, I find a way to make it mine. And I'll be damned if I'm going to share.

Unfortunately, what starts and supposed to end as just a sizzling one night stand, turns into something more. When Olivia sneaks out of Cole's hotel room at night only to bump into him at her office the next day, she's shocked. She's even more shocked when she realizes that he also got the promotion that she's been fighting to prove herself for months for. Now they have fireworks between them of the not so sexual variety. But that's not to say that the super hot chemistry they seem to share disappears. If anything it just burns even hotter.

A fucking dare, huh?
Sweetheart, it may have started that way, but in case you haven't noticed, we can't be in the same room without ripping each other's clothes off, so why keep fighting it?"

Jennifer Bonds certainly knows how to write one smoking hot sex scenes. Cole and Olivia definitely burn up the pages together. They have this hate-lust thing going on and it's absolutely delicious.

She was smart and sexy, the kind of woman you couldn't let go of once you'd had a taste. He was only human, for fuck's sake, and they had unfinished business.

Olivia is sassy and even a bit of a ball-buster, which I liked. She definitely gives as good as she gets. Though at certain parts I found her to be a little exasperating with how hard she was on Cole.

This was a quick and steamy afternoon read that I highly enjoyed. The ending was a little cheesetastic, but fitting for the story. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author.

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

For more reviews visit

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars!!



Olivia is a 28 years old professional career woman who tried to prove all her life that she’s more than a pretty face. She’s hard working, putting work first before anything else, even her personal life. Known as “Ice Queen” around the office, Olivia is determined to become partner before her thirtieth birthday. Needless to say she’s not interested in dating. All she wants is to reach her goal. But one night, her friend Chloe trying to make Olivia to loosen up a little dares her to pick up a stranger in a bar and to have an one-night-stand with him.

Cole is back in New York for a new job. It’s his first night in the big city so he’s determined to be on his best behavior. But when he sees the gorgeous blonde woman at the bar all he wants is to get her into his bed. Burned in the past, he doesn’t fantasizes about a happily-ever-after, only wanting one hot night.

“When I see something I want, I find a way to make it mine. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to share.”

For Olivia is lust at first sight. From the moments her eyes laid on Cole she knew he's the guy for her. The man is gorgeous and he’s perfect for what she needs.



What was supposed to be a hot one night stand becomes more the next Monday when Olivia and Cole meet again. Unfortunately for Olivia, Cole is the new partner at the firm. Obviously she’s shocked and all she wants now is to stay away from him. Too bad Cole has other plans. He wants more hot nights with Olivia and if he’s lucky enough some hot days as well.

Olivia and Cole try in vain to stay away from each other, trying to deny the sizzling chemistry between them. But when the attraction between them is off the charts they don’t stand a chance.

“A fucking dare, huh?” The smile that twisted his lips was anything but pleased. “Sweetheart, it may have started that way, but in case you haven’t noticed, we can’t be in the same room without ripping each other’s clothes off, so why keep fighting it?”

If you’re looking for a light and easy to read novel, “Once Upon a Dare” might be what you’re looking for. The story was good enough for me, but nothing was spectacular. This was my third or fourth book with an office romance so I knew what to expect. I’m not really a fan of them , since I find them very predictable. Unfortunately this one was exactly that. Anyway...It was what I wanted, something sexy, smutty and easy to read.

Both main characters were just ok for me. Nothing remarkable. While I really liked Cole, I found Olivia’s character exasperating. She’s one of the most annoying heroine ever. I swear! My problem with her character is the fact that she's too defensive for my liking. She accuses Cole stealing her job, when the poor man didn’t have any idea she wanted his job. Duhh! I lost count how many times i wanted to slap her. She's 28 years old, but many times acted like she's 16. I love an independent woman, but she was way too feminist for me. The only thing I liked about her is the fact she’s determined and hardworking.

I enjoyed the bickering between Olivia and Cole and I found the sexual tension and the chemistry between them well done. The ending was nice enough, but very, very cheesy.

Overall, a nice read!

“You know...“I kind of hate you sometimes.”
“If that’s code for ‘I want to fuck you until I can’t walk straight’, then I kind of hate you, too.”

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "I knew you'd be a screamer." Stars!

I really enjoyed this easy going, entertaining romance from Jennifer Bonds. Set in the world of advertising the author offered a refreshing take on the romance genre. The first novel in the Risky Business series, and the first book I have read by this author ticked most of the boxes in relation to my sexy romance requirements.

She knew what she was doing in the boardroom and the bedroom.

I loved the premise of this one, a dare that results in a one night stand that turns into Olivia Masterson’s worst nightmare. Cole was the perfect guy for her on every level, in the bedroom, on the boardroom table, and especially in the office environment once he joins Pritchard and Associates, and essentially takes the partnership she was expecting for herself.



The strength of character that they both displayed through the story gave really great push and pull between them, Olivia was confident without being cocky, and Cole was cocky without being arrogant. The sexy times were hot, original and well spaced through the book; they kept the pace steady and the story moving.

A great start, I am looking forward to seeing where Jennifer takes the Risky Business series going forward, if the Once Upon a Dare is anything to go by, future books are likely to be well worth the wait!

”I. Dare. You.”

ARC generously provided via Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I know I've got a good book when I tried to fit in a few pages here and there around RL. While I did enjoy the banter and hot sex I didn't think either MCs stood out as memorable. Also the end: cringeworthy!

Following so many unfinished books lately this was perfect for me. It was fun sexy and for a debut the writing was engaging. Recommend if you are looking for a quick smuty brazen title with office romance.

ARC provided by the Publisher
Release date: 7th April 2015

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It is a romance novel written to perfection, all other romances could be held to the standards of this one. It's my first book by Jennifer Bonds but it won't be the last.
Olivia is a professional, career-driven woman who puts work first and is so serious all the time that she's known around the office as an Ice Queen. Her friend Chloe tries to get her to loosen up by daring her to pick up a handsome stranger at a bar for some no strings attached, one night stand action. Olivia doesn't want to fail the dare so she does.
Cole has an extensive history of one night flings and is more than willing to spend that night having crazy sex with Olivia, who he finds extraordinarily beautiful.
They have an amazing night of primal and intense sex and the whole time they both notice that there's something between them. They have a chemistry that can't be ignored. Even so, Olivia knows that she can't invest anything more than this one night with him. She'll enjoy this night, then she has to prepare to dedicate herself even more to her work because of a huge promotion. to partner that she's certain will be announced on Monday.
Cole, on the other hand, is thinking that he might want to get her number and hook up again. The sexual attraction is too much to forget about and he wants to experience this again. He wakes up disappointed to find out that Olivia left before he woke without leaving so much as a goodbye note.
Monday morning all hell breaks loose inside the minds of them both when it becomes apparent that not only did Olivia not get the anticipated promotion, but Cole had been hired specifically for that partnership instead!
So begins an office battle of the ages between these two, fueled by the lust and passion they can't deny for one another no matter how hard they may try.
I won't spoil the story, read it yourself and enjoy the witty and humorous banter between them as well as all the steamy scenes when they just can't hold in their carnal attraction to one another.
No matter how much neither one of them want feelings to get involved, it's inevitable that they will. Feelings cause complications and make a person vulnerable to being hurt. Their relationship is a roller coaster of awesome purely physical times rushing down to the realization that it isn't just sex anymore, which leads to hiding their feelings from one another in order to not give that other person power.
Their journey is rough but love really does win out in the end. It touched my heart towards the very end when Cole thought to himself, "This was what it was all about- the quiet moments with the one you loved. It had taken him a while, thirty-four years to be exact, but he finally understood." That line made all the angst and hurt throughout the book worth it.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re partial to an easy-read steamy office romance Once Upon a Dare is that.

When Olivia Masterson’s best-friend dares her to have some fun before she gets her big promotion the following day, she does exactly that and proceeds to have a one-night-sex-filled-stand with Cole Bennett. He’s not particularly happy when he wakes up to find she’s fled, but then again she’s not particularly happy when she discovers he’s the new partner for the company she works for… and her new boss.



Jennifer Bonds has brought her readers a couple with a scorching chemistry. And despite Olivia’s reticence to replay their night of sexy shenanigans, her resistance is futile because Cole has a bit of a dirty mouth and they can’t keep their hands off one another. Both likeable, he’s sexy and a sweetheart and she’s a strong, sassy lady and with an engaging story accompanying the hotter content, it brought banter, humour and fight and was an enjoyable read.

“…I still intend to be very hands-on.”
“Yes. I believe we already established that fact.”

Whilst the ending was a little cheesy for my liking, I am looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Bonds and seeing where she takes this series. 3.5 stars.

Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't a huge fan of the hero in this one. He came across condescending. Review to come

[Franzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! The romance was really sweet and while the hero made some stupid mistakes that led to drama, you could tell he really didn't have any malignant ideas. Excited for a fun series!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love coming across debut authors and when they can tell a story like they've been writing for years? Even better! And let me tell you, Jennifer Bonds did not disappoint with her Brazen debut. Once Upon a Dare is quick, steamy, and has everything a forbidden office romance should have.

Olivia has been working really hard to get promoted to partner and hasn't had a date in years so when her BFF dares her to let go of the Ice Queen facade for one night and have smoking hot sex with a stranger, she begrudgingly accepts the challenge.

The last thing Cole expects on his first night in New York is to be seduced by the sexiest woman in the bar... But what guy would turn that offer down, am I right?! Surprisingly she bolts during the middle of the night and he's upset that he didn't get her number.

Well imagine both of their surprises when they show up for work and find out that Cole was given the promotion that Olivia worked so hard for. What follows is tons of bickering, sexual tension, and forbidden kisses in the office.

Once Upon a Dare would have easily been a five star read for me if not for the fact that Olivia's immaturity tended to get on my nerves. She was such a bitch to Cole most of the time, and while some of it was warranted, it definitely didn't endear her to me. Cole, on the other hand, was absolutely perfect!

Overall, it a was a great read that held my attention and left me wanting to read future books by Jennifer Bonds (perhaps Chloe will find her HEA?). If you're looking for a steamy forbidden office romance then you should definitely check out Once Upon a Dare.

*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Michaelson thinks she's getting a promotion at her ad agency, and goes out for a drink with her bestie Chloe to celebrate. While there, Chloe dares Olivia to hit on a man, and have her first one night stand evah...

Cole Bennett has just returned to NYC to take a partnership at an ad agency. He's out for a drink, and captivated by the blonde goddess at a nearby table, and he's not averse to flirting when she approaches him. Nor is he going to turn down her very forward request...

Cue the hot sex, and early Saturday walk of shame.
Then, cue the Monday morning meeting where Olivia meets the newest partner in her firm, Cole Bennett.

To say Olivia is shattered would be accurate. She's always kept pleasure FAR away from business, and she's just banged her new boss...

Okay, it's awkward, but hot. Olivia and Cole just fit each other sexually. Working together poses the expected difficulties, especially because Olivia is determined to make partner on her merit, not her back.

Cole and Olivia are assigned a joint project to land a multi-million dollar project, and the chemistry between them cannot be contained. They adopt a "no-strings" strategy, which goes to heck the second Cole catches Olivia out on a blind date....

The tension is great, and the resolution is HEA, but the middle is a break-up-to-make-up, which was well done. This is an entertaining, sexy, quick read. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

[CL · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC received from: Netgalley

Rating: 1.5*

Cover: Yay

Chemistry Rating: Damp squid

POV: 3rd Person

One-Sentence Summary: Olivia's one-night stand turns out to be her new boss

Positives: This book started off well ...

Negatives: ... but as soon as the office romance came into play, it lost me. Olivia think that Cole has essentially stolen her promotion and the next thing they're making out in her office? Olivia says hands down that there will be no more kissing etc. and the next thing they're at it again? I lost respect for both of the characters pretty early on.

[Nine Cats · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book with sex at work. Always risky because in normal organizations there's something like ethics code and only a moron doesn't understand how dangerous is to sleep with one's boss / direct subordinate. Apparently both hero and heroine are morons. Especially him, seeing nothing wrong with having sex with Olivia if it's kept a secret. Besides it is said that he's successful businessman and manager but his second day in PBA he behaved like a complete amateur. And couldn't he drink himself to oblivion with something better than Black Johnnie Walker?

[Emily Zuidema · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggle with Enemies to Lovers when the MMC is an asshole but he has a magic penis so the FMC can't help sleeping with him instead of standing up for herself and having a shred of self-respect when he's being misogynistic or disrespectful. It's not cute.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sexy office romance is the story of Olivia and Cole. Following a friend's dare, Olivia discovers that the man who rocked her world one night is the same man she's going to be working with at her advertising agency. In fact, he got the position she had been expecting to be promoted to! There's no doubt there is chemistry between them but Olivia doesn't want to compromise her hard earned position by fooling around with the boss. Can they find a way to be together against the odds?

I really liked how this story started. I felt that the chemistry between Olivia and Cole was sizzling and there is no doubt that their scenes together are steamy and well written. I enjoyed the advertising agency plot and the way that unfolded. What I felt was lacking was a build up of sexual tension. There's lots of sex, and it's good sex, but the story would have been better for me if there had been (and I can't believe I'm going to say this) less sex and more teasing/tension to build up to their scenes. Olivia's character was interesting as a woman who has worked hard to get to the upper echelon's of the advertising business and it's understandable that she's upset with Cole getting the position she's worked for and expected. Sometimes I felt that she was overly emotional and her reactions somewhat extreme (particularly near the end) but having never been in that position I don't know how I would have reacted. Cole is strong, charismatic and good at his job, something Olivia eventually respects and appreciates. They play off each other well in the boardroom and the bedroom and felt like an equal match.

Overall I enjoyed the story and found it to be an entertaining read. I look forward to more from this author. 3.5 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
by Kim

For the past five years, Olivia Masterson has been working her butt off at Pritchard and Associates. She has been so focused on proving that she's more than just a pretty face that she has gained the reputation of being the “Ice Queen”. Rumor has it that Olivia is finally going to make partner. In order to celebrate the upcoming event, she and her friend Chloe go out to celebrate. Chloe ends up daring Olivia to pick up a guy in the bar and have a sexual escapade with him. After a wonderful mind blowing night, Olivia sneaks out, never to see the guy again.

To her surprise, not only does Olivia not get the job, but she loses it to Cole Bennett, the man she had the one night stand with. Now to be fair, the two had never met each other and Cole had no idea Olivia even wanted the job. But Olivia blamed him all the same for taking her job.

Set in the competitive world of advertising with the forbidden office romance as the trope, Once Upon a Dare was a hot and fun read. I really liked Jennifer Bonds' writing style. There’s no question I will read her again. I wanted to turn the page to see what was going to happen next. Olivia was so hot and cold. “I want you. I don't want you.” The back and forth was really irritating. Once Olivia got herself together, the book got better for me. Cole is actually the kind of guy I usually fall for, but surprisingly, I didn’t fall in love with him. He’s been hurt by love before and has his sweet, tender moments, with a little cockiness included in the mix. The two actually are really good together. I’m looking forward to seeing what Jennifer has in store for this series.

**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.**

Rating: 3.5

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review

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Once Upon A Dare by Jennifer Bonds was a quick, steamy and entertaining read. What started as a dare for Olivia Masterson to break her ice queen facade soon turned into a one night of unadulterated hot steamy sex with Cole Bennett. For one night, Olivia let her guard down and sexual inhibitions. And why not since she wasn't planning to start a relationship and what are the odds of running into him again..Well that all changed, when Cole Bennett was the new partner in the ad agency that she works for. And so begins one hell of a sexual tension and chemistry between Olivia and Cole in and outside of the bedroom.

This was definitely one of the steamy reads that will keep any readers entertained. The sexual banter between Olivia and Cole was sexy and fun. Ms. Bonds did a terrific job integrating sass, steam, power, sexual tension, and romance. Overall, if you are looking for a steamy office romance then I highly suggest you read Once Upon A Dare. I look forward to reading future works from Jennifer Bonds.

Jennifer Bonds

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

[Janey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review..

3.5 I don't get out much stars

Crowned Ice Queen of Pritchard and Associates ad agency, Olivia Masterson finds herself in a NY bar contemplating her imminent promotion to partner. She’s destined to get it, she’s worked her arse off to get it, she is that archetypal dull girl after all.

So in complete contrast to her usual behaviour, she is challenged by her BF to launch her inhibitions and enjoy a one night stand.

Cole Bennett was fresh home from a stint in London, and about to walk into a prized position. Contemplating his new adventure in a bar, he spots Olivia across his martini and commences an eyeball conversation.

Needless to say, Dirty Martini’s were the order of the day, and the two commence the one night two step.

What neither of them expected was to see each other at their workplace the next morning. What Olivia didn’t expect, was to be pipped at the post for her Partner status by one carnal Cole.

This was my first read by this author, and I can say she certainly conjured up a great start to this new series. I certainly engaged with the characters, whilst they romped their way through this story.

Olivia was able to relax and let herself go with Cole, having been a stalwart throughout her working life. But she didn’t expect any hand outs, or leg ups, and was constantly concerned about her perception of her colleagues.

Cole was smitten, having been an illusive hustler in the relationship department. He had been blindsided by Olivia, and it was great to watch him melt….until the end…which was a tad gooey for my palate.

[Rummy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contrived and unbelievable

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Really easy to read I got hooked straight away but about 80% in really started loose interested as the heroine was getting on my nerves.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!! This was a cute book. Lucy is the ex-employee of Miles, the ex-boss and billionaire because there must be tons of mega hot, washboard abs, single billionaires running around. Most billionaires are more Bill Gates than Hollywood heartthrob. Anyway, Miles seemed like a real ‘Richard’ at the beginning but kinda grew as a caring human being. Lucy didn’t change much from what I could tell but she did become more sassy. This really was cute story but it did have a few fever inducing ‘sexy times’ added in to spice it up.
Lucy wanted to make it as a travel influencer - yeah, who doesn’t?, but she really only becomes popular when Miles is in the pictures? Also how could someone smart enough to become a billionaire not realize how great Lucy is? Although I’ll give him a pass, he is a man after all. (No offense.) Anyway, good book, not great but good enough. Lots of adventure, witty banter, plenty of ‘sexy times’, strong main female, clueless sexy billionaire, and a hamster in an RV.(not a partridge in a pear tree though. Ha!)
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, sexy and sweet. Once Upon a Dare is a fantastic read. Sometimes dares are worth taking. Olivia is a lovely strong woman who doesn't want a mans help to get ahead. Cole is strong headed and goes after what he wants. Even when Cole comes off a bit strong he is so totally swoon worthy. Olivia knows how to stand her ground. I really loved the love/hate relationship Cole and Olivia have. There is a strong fire between them that just burns off the pages and leaves all hot and bothered. I love when one night stands turns into something else. This was an amazing read and I'm looking forward to reading more in the Risky Business series.

[Pretty Sassy Cool · Rating 4 out of 5]

x stars.

This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.

Ad exec Olivia Masterson is out with her happy-go-lucky BFF Chloe, preemptively celebrating Olivia's impending promotion. Chloe challenges Olivia to let loose and hook up with a guy, and despite Olivia's best intentions, she sees just the man to make her change her mind.

Olivia had never been a believer in lust at first sight, but apparently her body hadn't gotten the message.

Sparks fly as soon as she talks to Cole Bennett. He can't wait to take things up a notch.

"There's nothing sexier in the world than a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it," he murmured, cupping her chin and raising her lips to his. He stopped just short of kissing her. "Do you know what you want, Olivia?"

Hotness ensues, and while both Cole and Olivia wish it could be more than just one night, they're both satisfied and know that's all it can ever be.



Imagine their shock the next day when they meet again at Olivia's office, where Cole has just been taken on as a partner. Meaning, Olivia is not getting the promotion, and they'll have to see each other every day at work. You know what happens, of course. They can't keep their hands off each other, despite her best protests. And it's hot.

"It doesn't matter. It's over now. It has to be. Do you have any idea what they say about women who get caught screwing the boss?"

"Sweetheart," he drawled, trailing a hand seductively down her arm, "what we do behind closed doors is no one else's business but ours."

"You know," she stammered, resenting the way her body reacted to his touch with fireworks and songbirds, "I kind of hate you sometimes."

"If that's code for 'I want to fuck you until I can't walk straight', then I kind of hate you, too."

I really liked this story. You might know that office romances are some of my favorites. I especially loved Cole. He was sexy and strong and sweet when he needed to be. I loved his relationship with his sister. Olivia was sassy and though she went overboard, I wasn't surprised by that. And I loved the ending. Really, this book had me grinning pretty much from start to finish.

Once Upon a Dare is a fast, steamy read with likable characters and a fun storyline. You can't go wrong with this story.

--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book, a dare, a one night stand between two feisty people who don't yet realise they are work colleagues and the resulting fallout when they realise they are.

Olivia was career driven, always needing to prove her ability to make it on her own merits. She gets the job done with good old fashioned hard work, never relying on her looks or gender to further her career. On the eve of a meeting with her boss where his is expected to offer her a partnership in the advertising firm she works for, she is nervous and excited. Her whole focus has been on work and achieving partnership has been her only goal. When her friend dares her to let loose for just one night and enjoy herself with a one night stand, she takes the leap and falls into bed with new-in-town Cole, both unaware that they are working for the same firm. After one night of incredible, delicious, panty-melting hot sex, they go their separate ways. Never in a million years did Olivia think that she would see Cole again, but when she walks into her bosses office on the premise of being offered the partnership, her dreams come crashing down as she is told that Cole is now the new partner and her new work colleague.

Cole has just moved from London, buying a share in the business and has unwittingly taken Olivia's place as partner. He is just as shocked as Olivia, but he is also pleased as the night they shared left an indelible impression on him and he is only too happy to have another opportunity to reignite their obvious connection. When he meets with her resistance, he is unperturbed and is determined to have her in his bed again. When he realises the cause of her resistance and cold shoulder attitude towards him, he goes out of his way to try to make things right, albeit clumsily. He has his heart in the right place and I loved the way he pushed Olivia to admit to the undeniable attraction they had between them.

I loved both of the these characters. I loved Olivia's sassiness, the way she pushed back, giving as good as she got and I really enjoyed the playful banter and dialogue they shared. They were both strong characters and personalities and the suited each other perfectly. I loved Cole and his bigheartedness, he was only trying to do the right thing and I enjoyed how he chased Olivia and opened her heart for love. I thought the progression of the relationship was well developed, past the sizzling hot chemistry in the bedroom into more intimate experiences, illustrating a deeper connection.

Overall this was a fun, quick read, well paced and enjoyable. Both characters were easy to connect to and I felt their connection to each other. I look forward to reading more by this author.

copy kindly provided by the author/publisher and Netgalley

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Cole Bennett and Olivia Masterson starts with a simple dare from a friend who think Olivia should get out more. Cole and Olivia meet at a bar near their work and the sparks were flying before they even said the first hello.

Cole has come to be a partner at the company they both work for. A position, that really should have been offered to Olivia. Now, with the heat coming off both of them when they hare a room, Olivia "Liv" and Cole have to learn to work around it. Since office rumors spread faster than wildfires. Liv does not want to tarnish her ice queen reputation by having an office romance make her look bad.

Cole does not understand at first why Live is so put off by the idea of them together in private. Who has to know? Aren't they both adults who can choose for themselves? Liv is furious that Cole thinks he can have the partnership and her too.

Live has worked hard to get where she is and should have gotten an offer for partnership. Now a big account is at stake and Live and Cole must work together to get a chance at earning it.

Live and Cole work for weeks together on this hopeful account. In between sparks that fly on their own, and more work and less sleep than either can really handle - Live and Cole decide to be together and hide it.

Once the account was a sure thing - Liv is surprised when finally getting the offer for partner. Until she finds out why.... and what finally got her boss to offer..... Cole. How could he not see she wants to earn her own way? Can they meet in the middle or will this heat turn cold?

Such an amazing chemistry between these characters and the live wire is so loud you can hear it crackling amongst the pages as you read. They are so meant to be together. They just need to learn how to rely on one another and not just themselves. Being hurt before makes most people gun shy and these two are no different. The ending surprise was so good - prepare yourself with some tissues!!



***This ARC copy was given FREE from Netgalley.com and the publisher. My honest and mostly humble opinion does not reflect Netgalley, nor its affiliates.

[LJT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love romances that take place in a corporate environment with a smart and hard-working heroine establishing herself in a dog-eat-dog world. So when I read the synopsis of Once Upon a Dare by Jennifer Bonds, I just had to add it to my TBR list. What a great read! The story is a little far-fetched in a couple of spots, but that is what makes it even more entertaining.

Advertising executive Olivia Masterson loves her job and is considered to be an expert in her field. She never does anything adventurous or out of the ordinary, she just works, works, and works. She believes her due diligence is finally about to pay off with an offer of partnership in the very near future. Chloe, Olivia's best friend, coaxes her into celebrating her "almost partnership" at the local bar. On this night she accepts Chloe's dare of hooking-up with a random guy. She ends up having the most passionate night of her life with Cole Bennett, a gorgeous man who truly knows his way around a woman's body. Unbeknownst to Olivia, Cole is the new partner in Olivia's firm and her new boss as well.

Olivia and Cole have to find a way to work together without jumping each others bones in the process. In addition, Cole may be very good at his job, but he lacks common sense where Olivia's career is concerned.

Wow, what a scorcher! This is both a hot and sexy love story with some corporate politicking thrown into the mix. Olivia and Cole have amazing chemistry and Ms. Bonds evolves their relationship with a unique combination of lust, discovery and forgiveness. They are well-defined characters, and I immediately connected with them as individuals and as a couple. I found the balance of plot and sexy times to be perfectly executed. Overall, this is a terrific book with a happy ending that will leave a smile on your face.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

 
 
 
Once Upon a Dare, Jennifer Bonds
Genre:  Romance
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
This was a well written book, but the story just didn’t grab me. I’ve read books based around the same situation as this that have been fantastic, and was hoping for much from this one. I liked the characters but didn’t love them, didn’t really see why Olivia went off at the deep end when Cole did what he did – sure he was wrong, but I just felt her reaction OTT and childish. The sex between them was hot, but a book needs more than that for me. Though they did work things out in the end I didn’t really feel the romance between them, its tough when its all hidden, no dates or anything, just a few hot and sensual interludes. I needed more of a connection between them, more romancing, more story all round, and as I wasn’t feeling the love so to speak, when things went wrong it didn’t really affect me emotionally. I need to get invested in the characters and their story, to want things to work out for them but here...well, it all seemed a bit bland for me. It’s a good book, but for me not a great one. As ever though that’s just my view and others will love this novel – it’d be a dull world if everyone wanted the same story.
Stars: Three, a good novel just not a great one for me.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Once Upon a Dare was a fun, steamy and entertaining read.

The writing is well done and the chemistry between the characters is smoking!
Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Bonds in the near future.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Brazen for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read. One word I can say for this book... PREDICTABLE.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I know this audiobook came out in 2019, but this cannot actually be Samantha Brentmoor. Why doesn’t she sound like this anymore?! How did she go from clear, crisp speaking in this to what I have now referred to in multiple reviews as “singsongy mumbling”? There are no similarities between her voice acting then and now, and that’s a shame. Sure, her voice is very distinctive now and instantly recognizable, but I much prefer the version of her in this.

This also had a baby Connor Crais. I mean that literally. The persona Connor Crais was probably days old. He definitely sounded more nasally and not as deep as his voice is in his books now, and he speaks considerably slower now. But it was adorable to hear his early work, and if I hadn’t already listened to dozens of his audiobooks at this point, I never would have known this book was his romance audio equivalent of walking like a newborn fawn. It’s like he was born on third base, romance audiobook-wise. (Not to discount the work he put in before becoming a romance narrator.)

I’m guessing this book is seeing a sudden influx of readers/listeners now that it’s in the audible plus catalog. Connor Crais stuff is rarely available without an audible credit, so enjoy, ladies.


This book was written in the third person but with chapters from one character’s perspective or the other. If you’re going to still have chapters from each main character’s pseudo-POV anyway, just make it first person. It would take away some of the confusion about which he or she is being referred to when two people of the same gender were in the scene.

I don’t love books that champion casual sex and one night stands, but I knew that was a focus of this one going into it. I’ve read books before where the one night stand turns out to be the person’s boss, but what really bothered me was Cole’s reaction to the news that he was Olivia’s superior — immediately going to her office, pushing her against a window, and pawing at her. Sir, that is immediate grounds for a lawsuit. And he never seemed to have any issue with jumping on her in the office. Just go home if you’re going to do that. As Olivia pointed out, people eat lunch on that conference table. Actually, these two were always going at it in public, despite Olivia always being afraid of getting caught. A boardroom, the office, a pantry at a party, a limo… And who gets an erection at a PARADE?!

And Olivia… she stewed about Cole being hours late for a meeting but didn’t bother to check her messages? Good grief. And she was totally oblivious to the fact that Cole clearly wanted more from her.

I found myself annoyed with the grand gesture(s), too. How could they both be in love? They either argued or fucked throughout the book. There was no in between. There were no get-to-know-you conversations. And why did every grand declaration require hijacking another event and a giant audience?

This book was fine but predictable. I’m sure plenty of people looking for a light read will enjoy it. I think I just needed more substance.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Once Upon a Dare" is a quick read that follows Olivia Masterson and Cole Bennett. Olivia works unbelievably hard at her job for an advertising agency- so hard that she has no personal life. Her hard work is about to be recognized, because her boss suggested that she would be made partner if she closed this case, which she did with aplomb. She is out with her only friend (because she works so much she can't maintain friendships) to celebrate. Her boss scheduled an unlikely meeting on Monday, so Olivia is pretty sure the news will be good.

Her friend dares her to let loose and have a one night stand. Although not usually Olivia's style and the fact that she hasn't even had a date in a few years, Olivia decides to go for it with the handsome stranger at the bar, Cole. Olivia sneaks out in the morning, seemingly never to hear from him again- it is New York City afterall. That is, until Monday morning's meeting when he is named the new partner and Olivia is supposed to show him the ropes (talk about the glass ceiling!!!).

Cole has been working in London for the last several years and has never mixed business and pleasure. However, he can't get that one night with Olivia out of his head and might be breaking his own rules. He has come to NYC with lots of money to buy his way into partner, but he didn't know he'd be taking the job from Olivia (who, based on Cole's descriptions, may just be a pair of legs?).

Anyway, my main issues with the book were Cole's perspectives. He seems shallow and misogynistic- and he is intent on pursuing Olivia, primarily based on her appearance. I get the lust thing, and I am OK with it to a point, but I would have liked a little more personality from the main characters early on to understand why they wanted to pursue the relationship. Also, Olivia is a really talented and hard worker whose efforts seem to be mostly ignored. This does get better, but it is a bit rough at places, especially early on. I guess I was hoping for a little more substance or something extra (beyond the physical), particularly on Cole's end.

Overall, it was fast-paced and a quick/light read. I think this definitely has a good standing for audiences who are looking for steamy romances stemming from lust with a workplace addition. I am not sure how much I liked it due to the above.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.