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Cider Cove #4
A Very Disastrous Dare
Sometimes a person speaks before thinking...
She's just bought the flower shop and he's taken over the hardware store for his dad. Sounds peachy, right? Sure, until they both want an assistance grant from the city...and now Emma and Aaron are rivals and neighbors.
I’ve always believed that flowers can brighten any occasion and make anyone's day, but nothing seems to cheer up my handsome-but-grumpy neighbor, Aaron Stansfield.
Owning a flower shop next to his hardware store means our paths cross all the time, and it’s usually just a conversation about how hard it is to run a small business in a small Southern town.
Which it is. I'm barely keeping my head above water and he has a family legacy to uphold. But it would be nice to talk about something besides work, especially after our flirt-fest at Halloween last year.
People do that, right?
Apparently not us, because the city of Cider Cove is holding a community project where participating small businesses have the opportunity to win a significant grant.
And I need that money.
Aaron wants it too, and when I see him at the information meeting, I can't control myself. I sit next to him and tell him I'm going to take the prize. After all, park rebuild + flowers = winning combo.
So when he issues a dare—that we submit one application and work together to ensure the win—my stupid crush kicks in and takes him up on it.
So now we're working together on the community project, and I start seeing a different side of Aaron—the side that’s kind, thoughtful, hardworking and frustratingly...sweet.
He may be grumpy, but he’s also the one who’s always there when I need him.
As our rivalry turns into something more, I can't help Could this very disastrous dare be the start of something wildly wonderful?
She's just bought the flower shop and he's taken over the hardware store for his dad. Sounds peachy, right? Sure, until they both want an assistance grant from the city...and now Emma and Aaron are rivals and neighbors.
I’ve always believed that flowers can brighten any occasion and make anyone's day, but nothing seems to cheer up my handsome-but-grumpy neighbor, Aaron Stansfield.
Owning a flower shop next to his hardware store means our paths cross all the time, and it’s usually just a conversation about how hard it is to run a small business in a small Southern town.
Which it is. I'm barely keeping my head above water and he has a family legacy to uphold. But it would be nice to talk about something besides work, especially after our flirt-fest at Halloween last year.
People do that, right?
Apparently not us, because the city of Cider Cove is holding a community project where participating small businesses have the opportunity to win a significant grant.
And I need that money.
Aaron wants it too, and when I see him at the information meeting, I can't control myself. I sit next to him and tell him I'm going to take the prize. After all, park rebuild + flowers = winning combo.
So when he issues a dare—that we submit one application and work together to ensure the win—my stupid crush kicks in and takes him up on it.
So now we're working together on the community project, and I start seeing a different side of Aaron—the side that’s kind, thoughtful, hardworking and frustratingly...sweet.
He may be grumpy, but he’s also the one who’s always there when I need him.
As our rivalry turns into something more, I can't help Could this very disastrous dare be the start of something wildly wonderful?
- GenresClean RomanceRomance
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
95 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,078 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 4, 2025
I absolutely adore Aaron & Emma's feisty, heartbreaking, sweet, caring, loving, swoony happily ever after!!
February 4, 2025
4/5
Genre: Sweet Rom Com
🚨TW: parents’ abandonment, feeling of being not good enough, ADHD
🚨CW: mild curses
Read it if you like
🌱Dual POV
🌱 Grumpy X Sunshine
🌱 Pretend Bad boy
🌱 Friends to Lovers
🌱 One fake Kiss
🌱 He Falls First
Favourite Moments
🌱 In her shop (read then you will know)
🌱 Preparing the flowers for the Spring Fling Festival
🌱 Working together to make the prettiest park
🌱 They opened up to each other
🌱 Their friends and family helping them (can’t spoil it)
🌱 Their dates and them meeting each other’s family.
Swoony Moments
🌱 He falls first
🌱 He offered to work together for the park project
🌱 He showed his vulnerable side.
🌱 He cares and protects her.
Synopsis
Emma
A florist who is a perfectionist. Her parents abandoned her but her grandmother step in to take care of her.
Aaron
A handyman/fixer. He has ADHD and also felt that he is not good enough to be loved by someone.
Both have their insecurities and one fake kiss changes everything. And working together as a team for the Spring Fling Festival and also the designing a park together? Will they be able to get together and also never be afraid of love? Read A Very Disastrous Dare to find out!!
Review:
These two are just so cute together. Love that they work together to design a park and also help out in the Spring Fling Festival though they did fight a little and also, they were showing their vulnerable side to each other too. They also have cute flirty dares and also banters with each other. Her grandmother and his family just adored them both so much. As they spend more time together their feelings develop more and more. Both of them have their insecurities but they have their friends and family to help them to realised that they don't have to be afraid and never think that they are not good enough to be loved. This book made me smile, laugh, swoon and Emma made me want to be a florist as I had always love flowers.
This is the 4th book of Cider Cove Sweet Southern Series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, Elana Johnson for the ARC!
Can’t wait for the 5th book it will be Lizzie and Matt’s story.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Sweet Rom Com
🚨TW: parents’ abandonment, feeling of being not good enough, ADHD
🚨CW: mild curses
Read it if you like
🌱Dual POV
🌱 Grumpy X Sunshine
🌱 Pretend Bad boy
🌱 Friends to Lovers
🌱 One fake Kiss
🌱 He Falls First
Favourite Moments
🌱 In her shop (read then you will know)
🌱 Preparing the flowers for the Spring Fling Festival
🌱 Working together to make the prettiest park
🌱 They opened up to each other
🌱 Their friends and family helping them (can’t spoil it)
🌱 Their dates and them meeting each other’s family.
Swoony Moments
🌱 He falls first
🌱 He offered to work together for the park project
🌱 He showed his vulnerable side.
🌱 He cares and protects her.
Synopsis
Emma
A florist who is a perfectionist. Her parents abandoned her but her grandmother step in to take care of her.
Aaron
A handyman/fixer. He has ADHD and also felt that he is not good enough to be loved by someone.
Both have their insecurities and one fake kiss changes everything. And working together as a team for the Spring Fling Festival and also the designing a park together? Will they be able to get together and also never be afraid of love? Read A Very Disastrous Dare to find out!!
Review:
These two are just so cute together. Love that they work together to design a park and also help out in the Spring Fling Festival though they did fight a little and also, they were showing their vulnerable side to each other too. They also have cute flirty dares and also banters with each other. Her grandmother and his family just adored them both so much. As they spend more time together their feelings develop more and more. Both of them have their insecurities but they have their friends and family to help them to realised that they don't have to be afraid and never think that they are not good enough to be loved. This book made me smile, laugh, swoon and Emma made me want to be a florist as I had always love flowers.
This is the 4th book of Cider Cove Sweet Southern Series.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thank you, Elana Johnson for the ARC!
Can’t wait for the 5th book it will be Lizzie and Matt’s story.
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
December 29, 2024
The Disastrous Dare is a fun and sweet addition to the Cedar Cove Rom Coms series! There are 4 in the series so far, and I've read 2 of them. This one, and the Christmas one that released before it. Sweet, sweet stories!
Emma and Aaron’s story has everything you want in a small-town romance: funny banter, flirty dares, and a rivalry that slowly turns into love. And did I mention so AMAZING kisses! Their chemistry is so adorable, and watching them go from “rivals” to something more was the sweetest thing.
Emma is bubbly and optimistic, while Aaron is the grumpy (but actually sweet) guy, who falls first. Their "opposites attract" vibe works perfectly, especially when they’re forced to work together on a community project in hopes of winning money for their businesses. The way their relationship grows feels so natural and heartwarming, it’s the kind of romance that makes you smile, and just feels right. But that's the thing with opposites attracting.... Sometimes being so different makes for the perfect dance... other times, it is all stepping on toes. And Emma and Aaron are going to have to learn this truth and how to balance it, before it threatens their relationship!
I loved seeing familiar faces from earlier in the series! It was great catching up with past characters and feeling like part of the Cedar Cove community again. Which makes waiting on Matt and Lizzie's story, SO exciting!
It did take a little while for the story to fully grab me, it wasn't quite the storyline I was expecting... but once it did, I was ready to see how it all came together. I’d rate this one 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for the tears that were shed in the end! LOL! If you love small-town romance with a side of grumpy vs. sunshine, you’ll adore this one!
What to expect:
🌸 Rivals to Friends to More
😘 One fake kiss
🛠️ Pretend bad boy
☀️ Grumpy vs. sunshine
💘 He falls first
🔥 Slow burn
🌷 She plants
🔨 He builds
***I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Emma and Aaron’s story has everything you want in a small-town romance: funny banter, flirty dares, and a rivalry that slowly turns into love. And did I mention so AMAZING kisses! Their chemistry is so adorable, and watching them go from “rivals” to something more was the sweetest thing.
Emma is bubbly and optimistic, while Aaron is the grumpy (but actually sweet) guy, who falls first. Their "opposites attract" vibe works perfectly, especially when they’re forced to work together on a community project in hopes of winning money for their businesses. The way their relationship grows feels so natural and heartwarming, it’s the kind of romance that makes you smile, and just feels right. But that's the thing with opposites attracting.... Sometimes being so different makes for the perfect dance... other times, it is all stepping on toes. And Emma and Aaron are going to have to learn this truth and how to balance it, before it threatens their relationship!
I loved seeing familiar faces from earlier in the series! It was great catching up with past characters and feeling like part of the Cedar Cove community again. Which makes waiting on Matt and Lizzie's story, SO exciting!
It did take a little while for the story to fully grab me, it wasn't quite the storyline I was expecting... but once it did, I was ready to see how it all came together. I’d rate this one 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for the tears that were shed in the end! LOL! If you love small-town romance with a side of grumpy vs. sunshine, you’ll adore this one!
What to expect:
🌸 Rivals to Friends to More
😘 One fake kiss
🛠️ Pretend bad boy
☀️ Grumpy vs. sunshine
💘 He falls first
🔥 Slow burn
🌷 She plants
🔨 He builds
***I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
January 28, 2025
3.5 stars
I was looking forward to this story mainly because of Aaron's character, and he didn't disappoint. He was a very kind and upstanding character, and I found it easy to root for him.
I liked Emma too, the main female character, though she did some things towards the end that I did not care for. Actually, let me rephrase that; her attitude towards the end was a bit hard to deal with.
Before that change, I liked her character plenty well, and she and Aaron had good banter and an easy friendship-turned-relationship. I think for the most part they complimented each other, and I definitely wanted to see them make it as a couple.
What bothered me about Emma's attitude towards the end of the book was how she snapped and got angry at Aaron several times, and instead of taking responsibility for her actions, she justified them and somehow Aaron was the one in the wrong and he apologized. Now, she did at one point apologize,but it was always followed quickly with self-justification that "well, she was just angry for a couple minutes". And I'm actually okay when a character lashes out in anger because we are all human.But it's what's done afterwards that matters, and she repeatedly justified her anger and made it no big deal that Aaron didn't actually do something wrong; he was struggling with something of his own. But it was portrayed that he was the one who did wholly wrong and he apologized profusely. I just don't like when characters don't treat each other equally well and with respect.
That aside, I did enjoy the majority of the book, and it was fun seeing the familiar characters that we've gotten to know in the previous books. All the weddings were pretty fun too. :) I am definitely a sucker for happily-ever-afters!
I received a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I was looking forward to this story mainly because of Aaron's character, and he didn't disappoint. He was a very kind and upstanding character, and I found it easy to root for him.
I liked Emma too, the main female character, though she did some things towards the end that I did not care for. Actually, let me rephrase that; her attitude towards the end was a bit hard to deal with.
Before that change, I liked her character plenty well, and she and Aaron had good banter and an easy friendship-turned-relationship. I think for the most part they complimented each other, and I definitely wanted to see them make it as a couple.
What bothered me about Emma's attitude towards the end of the book was how she snapped and got angry at Aaron several times, and instead of taking responsibility for her actions, she justified them and somehow Aaron was the one in the wrong and he apologized. Now, she did at one point apologize,but it was always followed quickly with self-justification that "well, she was just angry for a couple minutes". And I'm actually okay when a character lashes out in anger because we are all human.But it's what's done afterwards that matters, and she repeatedly justified her anger and made it no big deal that Aaron didn't actually do something wrong; he was struggling with something of his own. But it was portrayed that he was the one who did wholly wrong and he apologized profusely. I just don't like when characters don't treat each other equally well and with respect.
That aside, I did enjoy the majority of the book, and it was fun seeing the familiar characters that we've gotten to know in the previous books. All the weddings were pretty fun too. :) I am definitely a sucker for happily-ever-afters!
I received a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 4, 2025
This has been a fun series about a group of roommates who have lived together and become close friends through the years. This book focuses on Emma, a talented florist owner and sweet but somewhat bossy woman, who shares a mutual crush with Aaron, owner of the nearby hardware store, who is a bit of a grump with a heart of gold and some ADHD tendencies that make him a bit disorganized but highly productive in his side hustle as a builder. Their love story revolves around a joint project that they are working on in hopes of winning a competition sponsored by their town to design a community space. Their different styles and backgrounds are highlighted as they work and it is questionable whether or not they will be able to find enough common ground to stay together. I loved the way the characters in this story felt so real—even the side characters such as the members of Aaron’s family made for a feeling of authenticity. One of my favorite scenes in the book was when the roommates gathered for a meal and time to share their lives with one another. They had made a pretend microphone out of a tennis ball and an empty paper towel roll all spray-painted pink. Each roommate had to take a turn with the “microphone” where all the others gave them their full attention as they filled everyone in on the joys and struggles they were experiencing in their life—everyone had to take a turn and there was no hiding. How wonderful it would be to have friends who prioritize growing their friendships and who truly know you and support you like that even when it’s hard to open up to one another. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommend! I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 15, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told mainly from Emma & Aaron’s points of view (with 4 chapters total told from other characters’ points of view – two of those chapters from the next book’s female main character)
-a character’s parents abandoned them with their grandmother when they were 15
Review:
This book was more like a 4.5 for me as (at least in the beginning of the book) Aaron was a little too hot & cold for me in how he acted. I kinda understand why he was that way, but it threw me off a bit on liking him for Emma when he swapped to his (as Emma put it) Doberman personality/attitude. But it thankfully did get better as the story progressed!
As for the rest of the story, I enjoyed it! I liked that both characters were in over their heads a little bit with the various events coming up in their personal lives and in their work lives. I loved seeing both of them struggle with parts of their relationship (mainly within themselves) and that they talked some of it out with their close friends. I loved when the two of them finally got together. And I loved seeing the other couples/ladies of the big house again!
I can’t wait for the next book!
Summary:
Emma is learning what it’s like to be a small business owner now that she owns the flower shop. It’s a lot of late nights in getting help from friends when it’s hard to keep her head above water on her own and small business meetings. But it certainly has its perks. Especially since one of them is getting to see her business neighbor Aaron every day as he goes into his family’s hardware shop. If only he’d make it clear where they stand. Emma enjoyed their flirting around the holidays, but hasn’t been able to discover if he likes her as more than a friend or not. Things get even more complicated for her when her ex comes into the shop unannounced & Aaron plays along with Emma’s ruse that he’s her boyfriend to get said ex off her back…
Aaron has no idea if Emma likes him the way he likes her and being his nice guy self hasn’t made much headway in that discovery. So maybe he needs to take a different approach. Luckily there is a small business contest in the form of a community project with prize money that both he and Emma could use for their shops. And somehow Aaron convinced Emma that they could work well together to beat out everyone else…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told mainly from Emma & Aaron’s points of view (with 4 chapters total told from other characters’ points of view – two of those chapters from the next book’s female main character)
-a character’s parents abandoned them with their grandmother when they were 15
Review:
This book was more like a 4.5 for me as (at least in the beginning of the book) Aaron was a little too hot & cold for me in how he acted. I kinda understand why he was that way, but it threw me off a bit on liking him for Emma when he swapped to his (as Emma put it) Doberman personality/attitude. But it thankfully did get better as the story progressed!
As for the rest of the story, I enjoyed it! I liked that both characters were in over their heads a little bit with the various events coming up in their personal lives and in their work lives. I loved seeing both of them struggle with parts of their relationship (mainly within themselves) and that they talked some of it out with their close friends. I loved when the two of them finally got together. And I loved seeing the other couples/ladies of the big house again!
I can’t wait for the next book!
Summary:
Emma is learning what it’s like to be a small business owner now that she owns the flower shop. It’s a lot of late nights in getting help from friends when it’s hard to keep her head above water on her own and small business meetings. But it certainly has its perks. Especially since one of them is getting to see her business neighbor Aaron every day as he goes into his family’s hardware shop. If only he’d make it clear where they stand. Emma enjoyed their flirting around the holidays, but hasn’t been able to discover if he likes her as more than a friend or not. Things get even more complicated for her when her ex comes into the shop unannounced & Aaron plays along with Emma’s ruse that he’s her boyfriend to get said ex off her back…
Aaron has no idea if Emma likes him the way he likes her and being his nice guy self hasn’t made much headway in that discovery. So maybe he needs to take a different approach. Luckily there is a small business contest in the form of a community project with prize money that both he and Emma could use for their shops. And somehow Aaron convinced Emma that they could work well together to beat out everyone else…
February 4, 2025
Emma is an optimistic ray of sunshine. She owns a floral shop and has the best names for her flower arrangements. She is kind, hardworking, and has a way with people. While she is usually upbeat, she deals with abandonment issues and self doubt.
Aaron is a grumpy handyman (contractor) with heart who is selfless and a gentleman. He likes to keep to himself and deals with ADHD.
A Very Disastrous Dare is a delightful story where the main characters start as rivals (kind of), become friends, and than more. I adored the interactions between Emma and Aaron. I enjoyed the natural way their relationship grew and changed throughout the story. The dares between the two of them were creative and so much fun. I loved all the 80s song references and how Emma's roomies would have a commentary on what Aaron was wearing.
A Very Disastrous Dare is a heartwarming story where real issues are handled with care, and you root for the main characters throughout. And as all romcoms should, it has very sweet kisses and a happily ever after ending!
- Small-town romcom
- Grumpy and sweet MMC
- Sunshine and optimistic FMC
- Rivals to more
- Forced to work together
- He falls first
- Witty banter
- Loyal roomies
- Supportive family
- Sweet and clean
- Dual POV
Happy reading!
Aaron is a grumpy handyman (contractor) with heart who is selfless and a gentleman. He likes to keep to himself and deals with ADHD.
A Very Disastrous Dare is a delightful story where the main characters start as rivals (kind of), become friends, and than more. I adored the interactions between Emma and Aaron. I enjoyed the natural way their relationship grew and changed throughout the story. The dares between the two of them were creative and so much fun. I loved all the 80s song references and how Emma's roomies would have a commentary on what Aaron was wearing.
A Very Disastrous Dare is a heartwarming story where real issues are handled with care, and you root for the main characters throughout. And as all romcoms should, it has very sweet kisses and a happily ever after ending!
- Small-town romcom
- Grumpy and sweet MMC
- Sunshine and optimistic FMC
- Rivals to more
- Forced to work together
- He falls first
- Witty banter
- Loyal roomies
- Supportive family
- Sweet and clean
- Dual POV
Happy reading!
February 12, 2025
I have been loving Elana Johnson’s Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romcom series, so I was excited to read the latest release in the series. A Very Disastrous Dare is the fourth book, and I adored it as much as the other books. It was such a fun read.
The story focuses on Emma, a flower shop owner, and Aaron, the owner of the hardware store next door to Emma’s store. When the city of Cider Cove announces a special community improvement project that offers small business owners the opportunity to win a significant grant, Emma reluctantly decides to take Aaron up on his offer of joining forces to win the grant. As Emma and Aaron work together on the project, their relationship changes from friends and neighbors to more.
Aaron and Emma were so cute together. I loved how their friendship and romance developed, especially how well they communicated and accepted each other. Both Aaron and Emma had some issues to work through personally and together. Their character arcs were so well done.
I loved seeing all the girls from the Big House make their mark on Emma’s romance. It was so fun to see Hillary, Ryanne, Claudia, Lizzie, and Tahlia, especially when they tease Emma and Aaron.
This story is full of humor, banter, swoony kisses, romance, and real love. It is the perfect addition to the series.
The story focuses on Emma, a flower shop owner, and Aaron, the owner of the hardware store next door to Emma’s store. When the city of Cider Cove announces a special community improvement project that offers small business owners the opportunity to win a significant grant, Emma reluctantly decides to take Aaron up on his offer of joining forces to win the grant. As Emma and Aaron work together on the project, their relationship changes from friends and neighbors to more.
Aaron and Emma were so cute together. I loved how their friendship and romance developed, especially how well they communicated and accepted each other. Both Aaron and Emma had some issues to work through personally and together. Their character arcs were so well done.
I loved seeing all the girls from the Big House make their mark on Emma’s romance. It was so fun to see Hillary, Ryanne, Claudia, Lizzie, and Tahlia, especially when they tease Emma and Aaron.
This story is full of humor, banter, swoony kisses, romance, and real love. It is the perfect addition to the series.
February 9, 2025
I give this 4 1/2 Stars!!
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this for my honest opinion. This is the fourth book in this series but the first one I have read and it did not disappoint. Some of the tropes in this book rivals to friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and one fake kiss. Those are some amazing tropes and of course friends to lovers is my favorite. Aaron has taken over the hardware store for his dad. Emma owns a flower shop next to the hardware store. They start as rivals but eventually become more. The city is giving out a grant and both Aaron and Emma want to win it as they both need the money for their stores. They end up working together to try and win the grant. Will they be able to work together without butting heads? Will they end up realizing they want to be more than rivals and friends while working together? I loved the banter between them and thought they were perfect for each other. Of course with this being a romcom there were some funny moments in this book. The side characters were also amazing. Even though this book is part of a series I think it can be read as a standalone as this is the first one I read and didn’t feel lost. Elana Johnson is truly an amazing author. Now I need to read the other books in this series when I get a chance.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this for my honest opinion. This is the fourth book in this series but the first one I have read and it did not disappoint. Some of the tropes in this book rivals to friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, and one fake kiss. Those are some amazing tropes and of course friends to lovers is my favorite. Aaron has taken over the hardware store for his dad. Emma owns a flower shop next to the hardware store. They start as rivals but eventually become more. The city is giving out a grant and both Aaron and Emma want to win it as they both need the money for their stores. They end up working together to try and win the grant. Will they be able to work together without butting heads? Will they end up realizing they want to be more than rivals and friends while working together? I loved the banter between them and thought they were perfect for each other. Of course with this being a romcom there were some funny moments in this book. The side characters were also amazing. Even though this book is part of a series I think it can be read as a standalone as this is the first one I read and didn’t feel lost. Elana Johnson is truly an amazing author. Now I need to read the other books in this series when I get a chance.
February 17, 2025
I was so happy to be back in Cider Cove! I loved Emma and Aaron in this story. Emma is so great with the flower shop and getting things up and running with her new shop. Aaron has taken over his dad’s hardware and wants to continue to build things with his hands and work on his own home. He is such an adorable, hardworking, cinnamon roll. He also has the cutest crush on Emma and tries to be the bad boy.
“It's like watching a golden retriever try to be a Doberman.”
Because of a dare, these two end up working together to win a city grant to “pretty up” a public space. Their banter and relationship is really adorable and I love how Emma can see right through Aaron and to all his good sides. In return, I love that Aaron gets Emma and all her quirkiness.
“You can cry about this – about anything – anytime you want.”
Things I loved:
Sir Chills a lot
The kisses
Big House girls/couples
Aaron’s family
Halloween costumes
Flower curses
Fake dating ish
How she names her flower arrangements
All the weddings
Aaron trying to be a bad boy
Heavenly Color 💙
Grams
Park Renovation Announcement- squeal
“You are more than enough…. I care about you. All of you. The good, the bad, the messy.”
Thank you Elana for the review copy, all opinions are my own!
“It's like watching a golden retriever try to be a Doberman.”
Because of a dare, these two end up working together to win a city grant to “pretty up” a public space. Their banter and relationship is really adorable and I love how Emma can see right through Aaron and to all his good sides. In return, I love that Aaron gets Emma and all her quirkiness.
“You can cry about this – about anything – anytime you want.”
Things I loved:
Sir Chills a lot
The kisses
Big House girls/couples
Aaron’s family
Halloween costumes
Flower curses
Fake dating ish
How she names her flower arrangements
All the weddings
Aaron trying to be a bad boy
Heavenly Color 💙
Grams
Park Renovation Announcement- squeal
“You are more than enough…. I care about you. All of you. The good, the bad, the messy.”
Thank you Elana for the review copy, all opinions are my own!
February 20, 2025
Another visit to Cider Cove is complete!
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of both these characters. I love how Elana portrayed Emma's forgetfulness and Aaron's ADHD. It felt very real and relatable and instead of it being a weakness...I think Elana did a great job showing how both of these could be a strength. Even better how the two of them compliment each other because of their differences.
And besides, there's just something about imperfect characters that make a story more loveable!
I also LOVED that we got some updates on our past couples (ESPECIALLY MY FAVORITES!!!! ELLIOTT AND RY!) I honestly wish there was someone like Tahlia where I live, taking in roommates in their ginormous house! I would LOVE to move in.
The friendships between the girls and between the guys they have/are falling in love with are honestly the best part of this series. I love how all of the girls, even after they have their happy endings, continue to show up for each other. It truly is a beautiful story of friendship!
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of both these characters. I love how Elana portrayed Emma's forgetfulness and Aaron's ADHD. It felt very real and relatable and instead of it being a weakness...I think Elana did a great job showing how both of these could be a strength. Even better how the two of them compliment each other because of their differences.
And besides, there's just something about imperfect characters that make a story more loveable!
I also LOVED that we got some updates on our past couples (ESPECIALLY MY FAVORITES!!!! ELLIOTT AND RY!) I honestly wish there was someone like Tahlia where I live, taking in roommates in their ginormous house! I would LOVE to move in.
The friendships between the girls and between the guys they have/are falling in love with are honestly the best part of this series. I love how all of the girls, even after they have their happy endings, continue to show up for each other. It truly is a beautiful story of friendship!
February 3, 2025
4.5 stars
This sweet rivals to more romcom was a fun addition to this series.
The romance between Aaron and Emma is fun and feisty and sweet. Watching them try to find their footing as they navigate through the different stages of their relationship was pure entertainment. The friendship/relationship between these two is so sweet. They both had things to work through and some growth that needed to happen, but the way they support each other is beautiful. When one of them is struggling, whether emotionally or physically, the other steps in to help carry the burden and vice versa.
I love that each of the books in this series can be read as a stand alone. However, one of my favorite parts of this series are the friendships at the Big House that are woven throughout, which is more enjoyable if you read them in order. As a bonus in this book, we get to witness all three of the weddings of the couples from the previous books.
This sweet rivals to more romcom was a fun addition to this series.
The romance between Aaron and Emma is fun and feisty and sweet. Watching them try to find their footing as they navigate through the different stages of their relationship was pure entertainment. The friendship/relationship between these two is so sweet. They both had things to work through and some growth that needed to happen, but the way they support each other is beautiful. When one of them is struggling, whether emotionally or physically, the other steps in to help carry the burden and vice versa.
I love that each of the books in this series can be read as a stand alone. However, one of my favorite parts of this series are the friendships at the Big House that are woven throughout, which is more enjoyable if you read them in order. As a bonus in this book, we get to witness all three of the weddings of the couples from the previous books.
March 14, 2025
The Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romcoms series has been so much fun! I loved the way the reader sees several of the characters weddings mixed into this story. It made it that much more fun!
I loved Emma and Aaron. These two are friends and their businesses are close together. They worked together so well. Until they didn't. But... you'll have to figure out what happened for yourself.
Emma is a florist. I loved the way she talked to her flower refrigerator. She was just so cute. The start of the story has her wishing she had someone to love. Emma has dated plenty. Her last ex shows up and he's kind of a jerk to her.
I loved how Aaron showed up just when she needed him most. And he was always there when she needed him. Aaron is such a great guy. I loved that neither of these two was perfect. It made them seem so real. Like they could walk down the street at any time.
I'm really hoping there are more books in this series! I love it so much!
I loved Emma and Aaron. These two are friends and their businesses are close together. They worked together so well. Until they didn't. But... you'll have to figure out what happened for yourself.
Emma is a florist. I loved the way she talked to her flower refrigerator. She was just so cute. The start of the story has her wishing she had someone to love. Emma has dated plenty. Her last ex shows up and he's kind of a jerk to her.
I loved how Aaron showed up just when she needed him most. And he was always there when she needed him. Aaron is such a great guy. I loved that neither of these two was perfect. It made them seem so real. Like they could walk down the street at any time.
I'm really hoping there are more books in this series! I love it so much!
March 23, 2025
Do you read Kindle books?📚
I do but I use the app on my iPad! If you enjoy a cute and sweet romcom, you’re gonna love A Very Disastrous Dare by Elana Johnson!
This is the fourth book in the Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romcoms series! And it’s on Kindle Unlimited!
Emma and Aaron team up on a community project, she owns the local flower shop, and he owns the local hardware store. He tends to be grumpy, but there’s also something sweet about him..
I always adore an enemies to lovers trope, so I was sold from the start! This is a quick and enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the last book in the series!
Thank you @elanaromcomvibes for this gifted copy!
A Very Disastrous Dare published on 2/4/25, is available on Kindle Unlimited and you can find this on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
I do but I use the app on my iPad! If you enjoy a cute and sweet romcom, you’re gonna love A Very Disastrous Dare by Elana Johnson!
This is the fourth book in the Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romcoms series! And it’s on Kindle Unlimited!
Emma and Aaron team up on a community project, she owns the local flower shop, and he owns the local hardware store. He tends to be grumpy, but there’s also something sweet about him..
I always adore an enemies to lovers trope, so I was sold from the start! This is a quick and enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the last book in the series!
Thank you @elanaromcomvibes for this gifted copy!
A Very Disastrous Dare published on 2/4/25, is available on Kindle Unlimited and you can find this on our Amazon storefront!🧜🏼♀️🌺
December 27, 2024
I loved this story! All the friends from the big house are well written characters, you feel like you personally know each one. The friends contribute so much to the story. Such a great plot! I laughed so many times reading this fun book that I want to binge read more like it. Feeling disappointed that I’m finished but looking forward to Lizzie’s story. This is my absolute favorite series out of all the ones I’ve read by other Rom Com authors. Some of my favorite scenes are the footwear emergency, Tucker at the flower shop, the dares and so much more! The romance is fun and so sweet that you will find yourself rooting for Emma and Aaron.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
I have enjoyed following the friends in the big house. This story we follow Emma and Aaron. While this story can be read as a stand alone previous novels have given us peeks into this story. In this story we also get a peek into Lizzie’s upcoming story. Sweet Emma has had a rough family life but I loved seeing her relationship with her grandma and how she slowly began to accept Aaron in all his imperfect glory. I loved that both of these two had quirks that they accepted about each other and how they moved forward even with those. Aaron has a great relationship with his family and friends and I’m glad to see him find someone so perfect for him.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel.
December 31, 2024
A Very Disastrous Dare by Elana Johnson
A cute friends to lovers rom com. Emma and Aaron have been good friends but could they be more? When they both have an opportunity win a significant grant, he issues a dare that they work together and submit one application. I love Emma and Aaron’s relationship. You can tell they really care for each other.
I loved how easy and quick this was to read. Clean and closed door rom coms are my favorite. I loved the story! It was so sweet and fun! If you are looking for a cute rom com, definitely check out A Very Disastrous Dare! Thank you so much Elana for the E-ARC!
Publication: February 4th 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
A cute friends to lovers rom com. Emma and Aaron have been good friends but could they be more? When they both have an opportunity win a significant grant, he issues a dare that they work together and submit one application. I love Emma and Aaron’s relationship. You can tell they really care for each other.
I loved how easy and quick this was to read. Clean and closed door rom coms are my favorite. I loved the story! It was so sweet and fun! If you are looking for a cute rom com, definitely check out A Very Disastrous Dare! Thank you so much Elana for the E-ARC!
Publication: February 4th 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
January 18, 2025
This is the second book in the series that I have read and had no problem keeping up.with the story. It can easily.be read as a standalone. If it is the first book a reader picks up in the series, I can see them becoming invested in the other couples.
A sweet romance situated in the small town of Cider Cove. If you love small town romances, you should definitely enjoy this one. Friendship, family, and falling in love. There is a touch of angst that is resolved fairly quickly, and leads to Aaron and Emma's HEA. Rating: 3.5 Stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
A sweet romance situated in the small town of Cider Cove. If you love small town romances, you should definitely enjoy this one. Friendship, family, and falling in love. There is a touch of angst that is resolved fairly quickly, and leads to Aaron and Emma's HEA. Rating: 3.5 Stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 17, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Aaron Stansfield owns the hardware store next to Emma Newberry’s floral shop. They are friends and rivals, but each secretly wants to be more. They decide to work together to enter the town competition to redesign the Cider Cove’s park into a better used space. During the competition there is a misunderstanding between them, and each wants to apologize but neither does right away. This book is a great addition to this series, and features themes of working together, and overcoming past prejudices.
February 18, 2025
Handling Issues
With love comes issues, and Aaron and Emma have them like everyone else. I love how Aaron loves everything about Emma, but that same love tongue ties him. Emma has a history of falling too fast, being left by ones she cares about and not trusting. I love all the dynamics of the women who live in the Big House and their ability to care about and communicate with each other. Everyone would be blessed to have friends like that. The whole book just feels good, especially the ending
With love comes issues, and Aaron and Emma have them like everyone else. I love how Aaron loves everything about Emma, but that same love tongue ties him. Emma has a history of falling too fast, being left by ones she cares about and not trusting. I love all the dynamics of the women who live in the Big House and their ability to care about and communicate with each other. Everyone would be blessed to have friends like that. The whole book just feels good, especially the ending
January 4, 2025
I absolutely love this cute friends to more rom-com, it had me laughing out loud from the beginning. I didn’t want to put the book down. I love Emma and Aaron and their fun, feisty, sweet, caring relationship is so great. I love all the friends in the Big House, all the characters are so well developed and add so much to the story. The banter, the swoony kisses and sweet romance makes for a fun story. I love this series and can’t wait for Lizzie’s story
January 18, 2025
Goodness how I loved Emma’s and Aaron’s story! There have been underlying feelings between the two of them for quite some time, but neither of them has spoken them out loud until the presence of Emma’s old boyfriend causes things to change.
I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but chapter 8 detailing Aaron picking up Emma for her first date, and his interactions with her roommates – pure genius! This was one of many times that I truly laughed out loud.
Really fun read!!!
I’m trying to avoid spoilers, but chapter 8 detailing Aaron picking up Emma for her first date, and his interactions with her roommates – pure genius! This was one of many times that I truly laughed out loud.
Really fun read!!!
February 3, 2025
I love the way Emma and the other roommates interact, and I am invested in their friendships, which made this an auto-read for me. I've been looking forward to Emma and Aaron because I anticipated their banter with each other would be fun. It was!
I read an early version of the book from the author, these are my own opinions. Check this book out for some fun rivals to more with the addition of some quirky dares!
I read an early version of the book from the author, these are my own opinions. Check this book out for some fun rivals to more with the addition of some quirky dares!
February 4, 2025
A Very Disastrous Dare
Emma and Aaron are partnered up for a park plot presentation. They strike a compromise and work well together. They both can get hot-heated and emotionally overreact.
There are no swears, some alcohol, and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.
Emma Newbury is a florist, and Aaron Stansfield owns and operates the hardware store next door to Emma's flower shop. He also does handyman jobs on the side.
Emma and Aaron are partnered up for a park plot presentation. They strike a compromise and work well together. They both can get hot-heated and emotionally overreact.
There are no swears, some alcohol, and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.
Emma Newbury is a florist, and Aaron Stansfield owns and operates the hardware store next door to Emma's flower shop. He also does handyman jobs on the side.
February 4, 2025
Love this series
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters of the Big House. These women have all become sisters who are there for each other no matter what. This book is Emma and Aaron's story and it is so good. They start out as friends but quickly become more. Their relationship thrives over dares but it takes them a bit to figure things out. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down.
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters of the Big House. These women have all become sisters who are there for each other no matter what. This book is Emma and Aaron's story and it is so good. They start out as friends but quickly become more. Their relationship thrives over dares but it takes them a bit to figure things out. It all makes for a captivating read that I didn't want to put down.
February 4, 2025
This is such a sweet read. Set in a wonderful small town of Cider Cove, this a lovely cute romance between florist Emma and hardware store owner Aaron as rivals that become so much more. It’s fun, it’s lighthearted, there’s banter and a little angst but it’s a great read that leaves you with a smile and a happy heart.
Read
December 24, 2025I love this series! Each book in the series book focuses on one of the six roommates. This book is about sweet Emma.
Emma and Aaron are such a great couple! I loved getting to know them better in this book. I love the friends to lovers trope and this story was great! Definitely recommend this book and series!
Emma and Aaron are such a great couple! I loved getting to know them better in this book. I love the friends to lovers trope and this story was great! Definitely recommend this book and series!
January 28, 2025
A cute Southern rivals to lovers romcom. I really enjoy the friend dynamic woven throughout this series! I love the dares between Aaron and Emma. Excited to see what comes next!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
February 5, 2025
Loved this one so much! I adored Emma & Aaron together! Refreshing to read about a couple with great communication. I loved how they balanced each other. Great updates on the Big House friend group too!
February 8, 2025
Another wonderful romcom read from Elana Johnson! Witty, clever, fun and sweet, and lots of sweet romance as the relationship between the sunny flower shop owner and the grumpy guy from the hardware store next door unfolds. Loved it and can’t wait for the next installment in this series!
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